2 DECEMBER 2010
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DECEMBER 2010 3
Brew me a cup for a winter’s night. For the wind howls loud and the furies fight; Spice it with love and stir it with care, And I’ll toast our bright eyes, my sweetheart fair. – Minna Thomas Antrim
all about
editor Sherrie Norris sherrie@aawmag.com 828-264-3612 ext. 251
MARKETING CONSULTANT Stacey Gibson
PRODUCTION / LAYOUT ARTIST Robert Moore
Graphic DesignerS Robert Moore, Jennifer Canosa, Robert Hampton, Meleah Petty
Contributing writers Corrinne Loucks Assad, Genevieve Austin, June W. Bare, Sherry Boone, Heather Young Brandon, Sharon Carlton, Bonnie Church, Wendy Dingwall, Naomi Faw, Danica Goodman, Heather W. Jordan, Kelly Penick, Molly Price,Vicki Randolph, Teri Wiggans.
Copy editing Tom Mayer
For advertising CALL 828-264-3612
Cover photo by Sanders Gibson Feature photo by Robert Moore Any reproduction of news articles, photographs, or advertising artwork is strictly prohibited without permission from management. ©Copyright 2010 A Mountain Times Publication
4 DECEMBER 2010
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Cay Harkins: page
The Star Still Shines
A Visit to LynLynn’s Christmas Trees
page
Lyn-Lynn
Ruth Etkin
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Chanukah Miracle of Lights
Features
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Jennifer Houck Spink “Cresent Cook” in Pillsbury Bake Off
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Reflect, Reframe, Resolve............pg 12 Local Attorney..............................pg 22 Scrapbooking.................................pg 24
Oh Christmas Tree......................pg 26 Organic Hair Design....................pg 36 All About Men: Ken Kirksey.......pg 37 Providing New Beginnings..........pg 46
Columns
Sections
Mom’s World................................. pg 7 Justice for All................................. pg 20 All About Authors........................ pg 42 The Pet Page................................. pg 40 High Country Courtesies........... pg 45 Young @ Heart............................. pg 50 Bloom Where You’re Planted......pg 51
News Bits.........................................pg 8 Cents & Sensibility..........................pg 34 Real Estate & Home......................pg 38 Ats & Entertainment.....................pg 44 Beauty & Style.................................pg 48 Health & Fitness.............................pg 52 Food & Drink..................................pg 55 DECEMBER 2010 5
Editor’s Note My Favorite Time
of the Year
W
Visit aawmag.com to find links and resources for all stories mentioned in this issue.
elcome to my favorite time of the year! If Christmas were 365 days long, I’d love every second of it! It just seems like most everyone becomes a bit more humble, a little more giving and forgiving and a lot more compassionate between Thanksgiving and the New Year. People in general seem to be in the “spirit” more as Christmas approaches. You see it at the post office as doors are opened wide and on the street corners where dollars are tossed into the red kettles without a second thought. You feel it in the air as people are smiling as they pass by and even in the little ones who are making an extra effort to be their best. I love Christmas Day. The weeks prior usually wear me down but I still have that benevolent feeling inside that I just can’t do enough. Even those who don’t celebrate Christmas for what it is intended seem to know there’s something special about it all. While this season always gives me “warm fuzzies” there’s also a sentiment attached that makes me hurt for those who are missing out on the true celebration honoring the birth of Christ. I also hurt for those who are experiencing their first major holiday without a loved one – whether separated through death, divorce or some other type of alienation beyond their control. I hurt for those individuals and their families dealing with addiction, incarceration, abuse, homelessness, terminal illness, loneliness, unemployment and hunger. Please join me this Christmas season and reach out to someone who isn’t having it so easy. We are all dealing with our own struggles, but giving just a little bit of ourselves takes our focus off of ourselves for a short while and by doing so – we might realize we don’t have it so bad, after all. Every single time in my life that I’ve set out to be a blessing to someone by doing a little something special, I end up being the one truly blessed. Try it if you really want to experience Christmas this year. If you don’t have the time, spend a little money on someone who has none. If you don’t have money, spend a little time with someone who’s all alone. You will be amazed in the end. In the meantime, I wish you much peace, love and joy. Merry Christmas!
Sherrie Norris, Editor sherrie@aawmag.com
6 DECEMBER 2010
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MOMs’ World
Catching Our Breath
By Heather W. Jordan, CNM, MSN
I
was sighing to myself recently, thinking about how in April I looked forward to a nice, long stretch of summer and fall. I blinked, and the fall colors burst into view, leaves fell to the ground, and certainly the winter winds are starting to blow. The climate change not only makes one consider hunkering down for the winter, but also drawing in a nice long breath and pondering the past year. Sometimes it seems that each year that passes begins with this deep breath and then we exhale through the seasons, as if the calendar year served only to propel us to the endpoint of yet another December. I suppose as I get older, I can’t help but contemplate years going by quite differently from my children. They will reference their current life to a specific age, such as, “I remember liking that when I was four” or drawing attention to quirky facts — such as the fact that, right now, Ben is half of Joseph’s age which is half of Will’s age. Joseph will still say, “At my Scooby Doo party when I turned six,” and he will scoff at my feeble attempts to recall when he wore a cowboy shirt, correcting me with, “I haven’t worn that one since I was 5.” I tend to conceptualize time now
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in chapters and seasons. If I were subtitling my life as a book, there would be the “Me and Heather” years to represent the immense creativity that I shared with my dear childhood friend whose presence in my life greatly shaped me as a person. Then perhaps the “Weird Haircut/Salvation Army wardrobe” years, during which time my own mom took great long breaths herself as I experimented with funky haircuts, trench coats, rhinestone jewelry, and all things non-cookie-cutter. College brought, “Love and India” as I met my now-husband and became infatuated with life, spirituality, and culture. I thrived on the privilege of reading great literature, mused on feminist thought and theory — and started the midwifery quest. If someone had talked to me at age 22, I would have sworn that surely I had journeyed far and wide figuratively and literally. I was well-seasoned, I felt. But now, looking back, I have to admit that all of the above chapters really just got me as far as Spring, even when I moved to the Great Northwest for the “Seattle Years” where days were short and
gray clouds hovered like a thick coat that you keep hoping to shed but can’t because the cold still has enough bite to chill you. Summer seems to encompass my current chapters, as my kids propel me into the sometimes non-stop amusement ride that is life as a parent. We play, seesaw, dance, make sand forts, battle, retreat in defeat, make peace, rebuild, repeat. There are blueberry pies, lots of airplanes, and play dough. When the sun is shining on our life together, there is nothing sweeter. When the thunderstorms hit, there is nothing as destructive. My husband and I have moved through “Diaper Graduation” and are rapidly approaching “Life with a Teenager.” I watch my kids grow and continuously find myself in amazement at the quick passage of time. It was just April I think, until a mental pause makes the reality that our life is shock me into the present. I don’t know yet what is my autumn, nor am I truly ready for winter. But it wouldn’t surprise me if 20 years from now I pause and decide that now is only May and the summer solstice has yet to pass.
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.
DECEMBER 2010 7
&Clips
News Bits
Volunteer Opportunity for Cancer Survivors
Y
ou made it through cancer. Now reach out to someone who is up against it. “Connections” is a volunteer peer support program where cancer survivors (and their caregivers) who completed treatment at least a
year ago are trained to become telephone guides or mentors for more newly diagnosed survivors and their families in similar situations to yours. Guides receive training, support, and resources. For more information and to apply, call Melanie
Childers at (828) 266-1178. “Connections” is sponsored by the Cancer Resource Alliance of Watauga Medical Center.
Holiday Happenings In The High Country Just a few of many opportunities in the area: 372-4454 or Sarah McMillan, (336) 359-2285. Refreshments included. 2010 Holiday Market hosted by Boone Service League: December 4 at Watauga High School at 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Features local crafters as well as well-known vendors. Christmas gift-wrapping: The Boone Service League will also be providing its annual Christmas gift-wrapping service at Boone Mall this month, a major fundraising project of the organization and a great service to the community. West Jefferson Holiday Open House and Saturday with Santa: December 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Ashe Arts Center, 303 School Ave., West Jefferson, NC Holiday Tour of Homes: The Piney Creek Dirty Fingers Garden Club Tour of Homes on Sunday, December 5 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Event begins at River Country Estates. For tickets ($15) call Carole Conrad at (336)
Newland Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 11, at 5:30 p.m. Lineup for the parade b e g i n s a t 4 : 3 0 p. m . a t N ew l a n d To w n Square. Sponsored by the Newland Business Association. For more information, click to www.newlandbusiness.org. or call Bill Close at (828) 260-3205. Downtown Boone Christmas Parade: December 11, 11am on King St.; line-up begins at 9 a.m. at Horn in the West. Holiday Sing-Along: December 11, 6 pm, at the Hayes Performing Arts Center, Blowing Rock. A FREE family-style celebration! Call 828-295-9627 for details. Holiday Fresh Market: Dec 16, from 3 - 6 p.m. Event held at the American Legion Building, Blowing Rock, N.C. (828) 295-7851. Farm fresh meats, produce, cheese, baked goods and greenery.
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ake a contribution to the Hunger & Health Coalition – serving Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties – to honor or remember family and friends. The HHC will send an acknowledgement card to notify the family or friends of your gift. For more information, call (828) 262-1628.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT WATAUGA HUMANE SOCIETY SHELTER
T
he annual Holiday Open House at the Watauga Humane Society Shelter has been scheduled for Saturday, December 11, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. This is an opportunity for shelter staff and humane society board members to say “Thank You” to their many loyal supporters. Seasonal refreshments will be served, and the lobby will be festively decorated. Care to leave a gift under the tree? Here are a few suggestions: Cat and Dog toys & treats Rawhide chips 6 ft. leashes 4 walkie-talkies Color laser printer
8 DECEMBER 2010
Undoubtedly, the very best gift of all is providing a home and family for one of the shelter animals. Perhaps you know someone who has been considering adding a pet to their household? Please invite them to attend the Open House to explore the possibilities! It is the goal of the humane society for each and every shelter animal to find a loving home for the holidays. The Watauga Humane Society Shelter and Adoption Center is located at 200 Casey Lane, at the end of the Greenway Trail in Perkinsville. For further information, please phone (828) 264-7865, or visit the website at www. WataugaHumaneSociety.org. www.aawmag.com
“Cooking For The Kids Cookbook” – A Perfect Gift for a Good Cause
Carrie Phillips with her copy of the perfect Christmas gift. Photo submitted.
By Sherrie Norris Employees of Boone Drugs, Inc., – specifically the March of Dimes’ team called Boone Drug Civilians for Action – is pleased to announce that their “Cooking for the Kids” cookbook is now available. What some are calling “the perfect Christmas gift,” the cookbook contains a unique collection of tried-and-true recipes from company employees, customers, friends and families. And it’s all for a good cause as funds raised from the cookbook sales will benefit the March of Dimes. “We had been thinking, for quite a while, what to do as team and came up with the idea for a cookbook,” said team captain and project coordinator, Carrie Phillips. “We thought it would be a great idea for Christmas presents and a good way to raise money for our team,” Phillips said it’s important to her team to do all it can to help, “Because we want all babies to be born healthy and have a chance at life.” Phillips expressed appreciation to WJ Office and Staples for donating printing materials. “We did it all in-house, so all the money we make goes straight to the March of Dimes.” “Cooking for the Kids” is now available for $12 each at all locations of Boone Drugs, Inc.
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DECEMBER 2010 9
s e e r T s a m t s i Chr
s ’ n n y L n y A Visit to L
Linda is originally from Avery County but calls Ashe County home. Photos submitted
By Vicki Randolph
Y
ou may just be going by to pick up a Christmas tree, but you’ll soon feel as if you’re on a visit to Grandma’s house. Greeted by the joyful sounds of Christmas music, the fresh smell of Frasier firs, and a sip of hot apple cider, a visit to Lyn-Lynn’s Tree Lot will soon have you feeling like family. Linda and Sam Shumate have been growing Christmas trees since 1976. Their’s is a small operation and their trees are grown naturally and environmentally friendly.When you purchase one of Lyn-Lynn’s trees you can be sure it really is fresh cut. As a matter of fact, you can choose and cut your own tree right out behind her house! Visiting Linda’s Christmas Cottage offers an added treat where guests can find a wide variety of her handcrafted items for sale. She gets pretty creative and has a unique collection of ornaments and decorations — including gourds of different shapes and sizes, which take on their very own personality as Linda paints them. Never seen a Santa bowling pin? You will at Lyn-Lynn’s — along with many other original items. She crafts tree ornaments, creates table top decorations, paints old church windows, builds wren houses out of old license plates, plus has a lot of other inventive ideas. Of the many visitors the Shumates welcome to their homestead during December, most flock 10 DECEMBER 2010
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to Lyn-Lynn’s for their holiday wreaths. She has a few crafty ladies helping her each year, beginning in November. They work together in the fragrant shop filled with fir, wire and colorful ribbons to make wreaths of all sizes — from small to gigantic. The Shumates have customers all over the United States who depend on Lyn-Lynn’s beautiful wreaths as part of their Christmas tradition — probably because she makes and ships them with love. Many of the people who visit them over the holiday season are repeat customers, too.Year after year, parents bring their kids to take Christmas card photos inside the giant wreath. It’s obvious that Christmas is Linda’s favorite time of year, but rumor has it that she goes “all out” for every season. She and her husband Sam also have a reputation for being very proud grandparents, spending much of their time with their four grandchildren. They also like to travel to new places, when they’re not gardening or tending to their trees. Both are retired from the local school system: Linda as the school counselor and Sam as the principal at Northwest Ashe. Both joke that trees are sometimes easier to handle. Sam says,“Trees don’t fuss at you or talk back to you!” Linda is originally from Avery County, but was swept off her feet by an Ashe boy nearly fifty years ago. Sam’s roots are buried deep within Ashe County soil: Their home was built by his grandparents in 1912. He’s even written a book The Bridge Crew about the adventures of growing up in the High Country. Between the two of them, Linda and Sam have
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plenty of stories to tell. So stop by their place in Warrensville for some hot cider (made with apples grown on their own trees) and a cup of Christmas cheer.While you’re there, you can pick
up a beautiful Christmas tree as well as novel gifts to go under it! Or to order wreaths by mail, call Lyn-Lynn at (336) 384-2451.
DECEMBER 2010 11
Reflect, Reframe, Resolve High Country Represented at N.C. Governor’s Conference for Women
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our High Countr y women were among a sell-out crowd of 1,500 women at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh on Nov. 9 for the NC Governor’s Conference for Women. Sherrie Norris, editor of All About Women Magazine, joined Alice Salthouse, Candy Jones and Kitty Lumpkin, representatives of Appalachian Regional Healthcare Systems for the informative, entertaining, motivating and awe-inspiring high-energy affair, in which women of all ages and walks of life united for 12 DECEMBER 2010
the history-making event. Celebrating its fourth successful year, this was the first as a signature event of Gov. Beverly Perdue. Nationally recognized film stars, entertainers, corporate executives, political advisors, philanthropists, journalists and many other successful women were among those leading the conference and multiple breakout sessions on a wide range of topics. They included career empowerment, health and well-being, money/taking control of
finances, women’s issues/policies and finding our political voice, volunteerism/philanthropy, leaving a legacy, rediscovering/reinventing life on the inside and out, viewing our world — and much more. Five amazing women — all from the piedmont and Triangle area — were inducted into the N.C. Women’s Hall of Fame. More than 70 businesses and nonprofit organizations were spotlighted in the exhibit hall.
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Governor Beverly Perdue
Governor Beverly Perdue took time out during conference breaks to welcome NC women. In her welcoming remarks, NC’s first woman governor spoke of her involvement with and excitement over the conference, and the event theme: Reflect. Reframe. Resolve. “Together, we can think back and reflect on where we are and what we are doing. Then, by interacting face-to-face with a diversity of women from all over North Carolina, we can think about issues in new ways to reframe our assumptions. With these fresh perspectives, we can then find new solutions to resolve issues – and our differences – and face the future with renewed hope.”
Scenes from 2010 N.C. Governor’s Conference for Women Photos By Sherrie Norris
Representing the High Country Women Alice Salthouse and Sherrie Norris, standing, Kitty Lumpkin and Candy Jones, seated, represent High Country at the 2010 Governor’s Conference for Women. Photo Submitted
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DECEMBER 2010 13
Ronald Cotton and Jennifer Thompson-Cannino
Reflect, Reframe, Resolve
Sharing their compelling story, Ronald Cotton, left, with Jennifer Thompson-Cannino, wrote the New York Times bestselling memoir, “Picking Cotton.” The co-authors share an unlikely friendship, as Cotton was wrongly convicted and later exonerated for allegedly raping and burglarizing Thompson-Cannino. Cotton spent more than 10 years in prison before his persistent proclaiming of his innocence and the development of sophisticated DNA tests led to his freedom. Together, they have successfully lobbied state legislators to change compensation laws for the wrongly convicted.
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Andie MacDowell Accomplished actress Andie MacDowell, SC native living in Asheville, began her career as a model and is celebrating 25 years as international spokesperson for L’Oréal. The award-winning actress is known for her breakthrough role in ‘Sex, Lies, and Videotape,’ followed by ‘Groundhog Day’ and ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ among others. We will be seeing her in the remake of “Footloose,” as well as in an independent film, “Mighty Fine,” which also features one of her daughters. McDowell spoke of support for Dress for Success, of which three NC affiliates (Charlotte, Triangle and Winston Salem chapters) were chosen as this year’s charity of the conference.
Gabourey ‘Gabby’ Sidibe Gabourey ‘Gabby’ Sidibe, award-winning actress, was a student pursuing a degree in psychology when cast in the lead role of Precious, based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire. Among other accolades, she was given the Breakthrough Performance Award, and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival honored her with the Vanguard Award for “taking artistic risks and making a significant and unique contribution to film.” In addition, she was awarded The Film Independent Spirit Award and the NAACP Image Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. She can currently be seen in the new Showtime comedic series ‘The Big C’ opposite Laura Linney.
Francine Ward Francine Ward, attorney, author, marathon runner, and self-esteem coach. Her life reads like a great American novel: Raised in poverty; formerly addicted to heroin; Vegas call girl; hit by a car at 26 and told she’d never walk again. Her life proves that success is not just about how you think & feel, it’s about what you do. Ward is the author of “Esteemable Acts: 10 Actions for Building Real SelfEsteem,” “52 Weeks of Esteemable Acts: A Guide to Right Living,” and “The Staying Legal Guide to Copyright & Trademark Protection.”
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Melody Barnes Melody Barnes is President Obama’s domestic policy advisor and the director of the Domestic Policy Council, which coordinates the domestic policy-making process in the White House. Her accomplishments are many including extensive work on civil rights and voting rights, women’s health, religious liberties and commercial law. She received her law degree from the University of Michigan and her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she graduated with honors in History in 1986.
Sheryl WuDunn Among the conference’s keynote speakers, Sheryl WuDunn, first Asian-American to win a Pulitzer Prize as journalist and foreign correspondent for The New York Times, has reported from inside some of the toughest regimes in the world. She and her husband cowrote a novel, “Half the Sky: From Oppression to Opportunity for Women Worldwide,” illuminating the stories of women who have suffered under their society’s feudal attitudes toward women and how those women overcame these problems. She led a conference break-out session called “Investing in Women and Girls” that honed in on the issues impacting the women of North Carolina and discussed ways to change the status quo, as well as women in transition, sexual exploitation, women’s health and micro-loans. www.aawmag.com
DECEMBER 2010 15
Walking the Driveway
Snowy Evening on a
By Molly Price
T
he black sky seemed to be the farthest and yet the closest I had ever seen it. The icy wind splintered through my exposed skin as I briefly looked up to see the sky. Tree branches swayed threateningly over my head as I was forced to squint against the oncoming darts of snow. I had known it was going to be the worst cold my South Carolinian body had ever experienced, but I hadn’t expected that, despite the frozen environment, I would experience one of the warmest moments in my life. When my father suggested that our family venture on an evening walk down the driveway, I wasn’t enticed by the idea. Our gravel driveway was almost half a mile long, and it was after 9 p.m. in the middle of December. But, being my first Christmas in our new house, in a new town, and in a new state, I thought I should oblige my lonely family.We pulled layers upon layers onto ourselves, leashed the dog, and set out. As we rounded the first bend in the driveway, I
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noticed that the gravel was completely frozen. Our only source of light was my father’s worn flashlight, and as it swung back and forth across the road, the gravel threw off unexpected glints of light. Occasionally I would encounter a particularly thick patch of ice and lose my balance. As I desperately clung to my sister with my double-gloved hands, my family laughed at me. “Not used to this weather yet, are you,” Dad yelled across the wind, as the dog turned around to pant and roll his tongue at the action. We came to the second bend, and I began to hobble across the gravel on my own ability. The gray, brittle barn emerged from the sheets of snow and darkness. Its blue shutters barely clung to their hinges through the wind.The trees surrounding the barn had learned to protect it from the elements. If the trees hadn’t bent over it, creating an awning, I’m sure the barn would have been a pile of wood perfect for summer bonfires. The third crook in the road brought us to a dark
stretch of the driveway. On either side massive dark green leaves stretched toward us. Somehow, these plants had discovered how to survive such winters.The snow wasn’t as blinding in this section of the driveway due to the thickness of the foliage. I peered through the velvet green-blackness and saw that the small streams that usually chased each other through the fallen leaves had frozen solid. This length of the driveway always mystified me. During the summer, it looked and sounded like a jungle. Curious birds inhabited the enormous wild shrubbery. Small creatures would rustle through the undergrowth, and I could usually only catch a glance at their tails. The smell of this place was sweet, but heavy and dark. Even in the summer, it was dark. Now, I was experiencing it in the winter. It was still heavy and dark, but the smell was gone, replaced with a bleak, cold smell of ice. We neared the final sharpest turn in the driveway.The turn curved up a small, steep hill and around a thin, ancient tree. Beyond the hill was a www.aawmag.com
str and the the ho the wa sha edg sur the F of bei wa tre and upt kep to mo wh fath the atm wa her tw eye aro A mu tur and sno of sky upo mo eas dar W me of dir abl thr hur my to bla
“
The only other sound’s the sweep / Of easy wind and downy flake / The woods are lovely, dark, and deep.
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straight line of gravel that led to the main highway and then to our mailbox. As I slipped my way up the curve, I turned to look at the sign nailed to the tree. It was a small, orange octagon with a horse and buggy painted in white. Underneath the carriage, it read, “Whoa” in white letters, warning those unfamiliar to the driveway of the sharp, hilled curve we were currently walking.The edges of the sign looked filed down, surely having survived thousands of howling, wintry nights like the one my family and I were trekking. Finally reaching the straight and even portion of the road, I was able to relax my footing slightly, being more sure of the path. With the easier walking, however, came more harsh weather. The trees weren’t as thick, and the wind hit us harder and sharper. I buried my cheeks down into the upturned collar of my coarse black peacoat and kept walking. As the shards of ice were beginning to collect onto the scarf wrapped around my mouth, I looked at my parents and wondered when we would turn back to the house. My father was struggling against both the wind and the dog, who by this time wasn’t enjoying the atmosphere as much as when we first began our walk. My mother had her arms wrapped around her, her face completely wrapped in scarves and two sets of ear muffs. I could barely make out her eyes shifting over to my dad as the wind whipped around us. At last, dad motioned our family to turn back, much to the delight of our dog and myself. As we turned around, however, I fell behind my family and squinted up at the black sky, alive with ice, snow, and branches. I couldn’t hear the shuffling of my family. All I could see and feel and hear was sky, with its ice, wind, and snow beating down upon me. Frost’s words seemed to capture this moment: “The only other sound’s the sweep / Of easy wind and downy flake / The woods are lovely, dark, and deep.” With these words circling in the snow around me, I looked at my family, now several yards ahead of me. As the wind changed its gusts to another direction and the snow churned with it, I was able to see the soft glow of our lighted windows through the stark trees. Despite the overwhelming hurt of the cold, I felt a warmth rush through my chest. “I have promises to keep,” I thought to myself, and hurried to reach the other four black bundles. www.aawmag.com
DECEMBER 2010 17
A Special Holiday Story to Warm Your Heart
I Brought You Children By Sherry Boone
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he young mountain woman, Elizabeth Rose McFadden, shook snow from the pine boughs, took them inside the cabin and placed them on the hearth to dry. She had worked all day cleaning the cabin. Now, it was time to decorate for Christmas before her husband, John, a logger, came home from work. Baskets of holly sat on the bare floor. A tiny bird’s nest, filled with red berries, was nestled in her favorite basket. She picked it up, placed it in the center of a table, and tied a red bow on the handle. The scent of pine drifted through the room as Elizabeth Rose added greenery with the holly. She hummed softly as she worked. She wanted to be excited about Christmas. This had always been her favorite time of year. But, no matter how hard she tried she could not forget her unanswered
“
prayers for a baby. John said he wanted a family someday. The cradle his father had made for him when he was born was up in the loft. But, he wasn’t as anxious to have a child as Elizabeth Rose, and she knew it. “In God’s own time,” he’d say. “Count your blessings, Elizabeth Rose.” John was a patient man. A good man and he certainly loved his wife of four years with all his heart. When satisfied that the room looked festive enough, she tied the unused pine with the last of the red ribbon, secured it on the porch post and busied herself cooking supper. “Tomorrow I’ll make chicken and dumplings and fried apple pies. I’ll make more than usual in case we should have visitors,” she thought.
The weather was bad and she didn’t expect visitors, but she liked to be prepared. A pot of soup simmered on the old cook stove and a cake of cornbread, browned to perfection, awaited John when he came in from work. He was chilled to the bone and dead tired. As he pulled off his coat and sat down at the table, he said, “Elizabeth Rose, a man can’t ask for more than this — a warm cabin, a hot supper and a wife like you.” Before she realized what she was saying Elizabeth Rose blurted, “He could ask for a child, John. You’re the reason I’m not a mother this Christmas.You don’t want children. Admit it.” She saw the hurt in his eyes and was sorry for what she had said but it was too late.The damage was done.
For years, she and John sought out children in need of love and a place to stay. They always had room in their “inns,” especially on Christmas Eve.
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John got up from the table, put his coat back on and left without saying a word. Never had this man left the cabin without an affectionate goodbye. Elizabeth Rose felt sick and frightened as she sat alone on Christmas Eve. The wind pushed the door open. She got up, put a log on the fire and looked out hoping to see John before she shut the door. He was nowhere in sight.The snow was falling but she could see his footprints in the snow leading away. “Where did he go?” she wondered.“I’ve ruined his Christmas. I should have kept my mind on the Christ Child — the reason for Christmas.” Three hours had passed when someone walked up on the porch and kicked the door. “Open the door, Elizabeth Rose,” John called out. “Thank God, he’s back,” she said, as she ran to open the door. There he stood, his blond hair covered with snow, and in his arms, wrapped in a blanket, was a baby girl about one year old. Beside him stood a little girl holding on to his arm with both hands. Her coat was barely big enough to cover her frail body.” “John, where did you get these children?” “You wanted children. I’ve brought you children. Merry Christmas, Elizabeth Rose.” “This here’s Sara,” he said, as he handed the baby to his wife. “And this here’s Mae,” pointing to the little girl. “She’s nine years old.” John helped Mae take her coat off and said,“She didn’t want to come with me but her mama and daddy wouldn’t let me bring the baby without her.” Again Elizabeth Rose asked John, “Who are these children?” as she sat down by the fire to warm the baby. “They belong to the new man at the sawmill. I told you about him. Remember? His wife is bad sick and has been since summer. I got to thinking about Ben when I was out walking and wondered what kind of Christmas Eve he was having so I went to his cabin. He needs help with his wife and these little girls. I offered to bring the children home with me. They deserve a good Christmas dinner, Elizabeth Rose.” John climbed up to the loft to get the cradle. “Mae, I’ll warm some milk for you and Sara when John comes down. He can hold the baby for me,” Elizabeth Rose said. “I can hold her,” Mae said. “I take care of her all the time. My mama calls me ‘little mother.’” Tears filled Elizabeth Rose’s eyes. She had not yet paid that much attention to Mae. Dark curls framed her solemn face. Here was a little girl accepting responsibility beyond her years and without complaint. “Is my mama gonna die?” the little girl asked. By now, John was back in the room. Elizabeth Rose looked at him and said, “Is she, John?” John put the cradle down, looked at Mae, and said, “ Little, we’re going to do everything we can to get your mama well.” “Mae, how would you like some cornbread and syrup before you go to sleep?” Elizabeth Rose asked, wanting to change the subject. The expression on Mae’s face broke her heart. “I’d love some, ma’am,” Mae answered. www.aawmag.com
After the children had settled down for the night, John handed a tiny box to his wife. “I thought I should give you this present now since we don’t have gifts for the girls.” His wife opened the box and saw a beautiful glass necklace and said, ‘Oh, John, I don’t deserve this.” “Don’t say that”, he replied. “You deserve this and more.” “I’m so sorry I accused you of not wanting a baby. That wasn’t fair.” Then, she walked over and pulled a box out from under their bed, being careful not to awaken Mae, who was asleep on a pallet. The box contained little gowns and a sock doll that Elizabeth Rose had secretly made for the baby in her unanswered prayers. Some of the bigger gowns will fit Sara,” she said, as she placed the sock doll in the cradle by the baby. “What about Mae? What can we give her?” John asked. “Go on to bed, John. I’ll try to find something for her,” Elizabeth Rose answered. The next morning, when Mae spotted the doll, she said,“Look, Sara, you got a doll for Christmas.” Mae didn’t say a word when she didn’t see a gift for her. Elizabeth Rose saw John’s questioning eyes, and said, “John, wasn’t that little bird’s nest in the basket last night when you went to bed?” “I think it was. Oh, yes, it was filled with red berries.What’s it doing over on the hearth? Who put it there?”
“Look, Mae.The red berries are gone,” Elizabeth Roe said. Mae slowly walked over to the hearth, reached in the nest and picked up a small bracelet made of glass beads — just the right size for a little girl’s wrist. Never in her life had she seen anything so pretty. “I hope you don’t mind, John,” his wife whispered. “I have enough beads left to make a shorter necklace for me.” “I don’t mind at all, Elizabeth Rose. You’re an angel,” he whispered. After dinner, his wife wrapped fried apple pies in a clean cloth while John filled crocks with soup and chicken and dumplings. “I’d better go now so I can get back before dark,” he said as he buttoned his coat. “Ma’am, are we gonna go home now?” Mae asked. “Mr. McFadden is taking food to your folks, child, and will see how your mama is today.The snow is too deep for us to go.” The children stayed with the McFadden’s until spring. Elizabeth Rose never mentioned having her own baby again. The love she had been saving for that child was given away over and over. For years, she and John sought out children in need of love and a place to stay. They always had room in their “inn” especially on Christmas Eve.
DECEMBER 2010 19
Justice for ALL
WHAT IS AN
“advance directive?” – and why should I care?
A
s the end of the year approaches and we enter the busy holiday season, most of us will reflect back on some important issue that we want to resolve next year. Often those matters don’t get resolved and we find ourselves procrastinating another year. One matter than many people put off is estate planning. Ask most people about “estate planning” and they will say that it is important for everyone to have a legal will. While that’s certainly true, a will is just one part of estate planning. A will is a legal document that governs how your property will be distributed after your death. From a lawyer’s perspective, having a will is far less important than planning for potential incapacity. The two other major components of a basic estate plan are a power of attorney for financial matters and a health care power of attorney for making medical decisions. A power of attorney is one of the most important tools for protecting your financial interests if you become unable to handle those matters on your own. If you don’t have a power of attorney, then you risk having your affairs managed by a court-appointed guardian, possibly by a person you neither know nor trust. The person who executes a power of attorney (called the “principal”) appoints another person
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(called the “attorney-in-fact” or “agent”) to manage the principal’s affairs. The agent could be your spouse, a child, a sibling, or someone else. You are free to appoint whoever you wish to act as your agent. You are also free to give the agent as much power or as little power as you like.Your agent can pay your bills, handle bank transactions, or even file your tax returns for you.A well-drafted power of attorney will specify all of the powers that you want to give to your agent.A well-drafted power of attorney may also contain limitations on the agent’s power, perhaps by requiring that the agent consult with other family members before taking certain kinds of action. Historically, powers of attorney were automatically revoked when the principal became disabled. The thought was that the principal was no longer able to give his or her blessing to the actions taken by an agent. Obviously, this limited the usefulness of a power of attorney. Over time, the law recognized the need for a power of attorney that could be used to manage an incapacitated principal’s affairs. Thus, the law has evolved and today we have a “durable” power of attorney that remains in full force and effect even after the principal becomes disabled. Similarly, a health care power of attorney is important for handling medical decisions in the event that you become incapacitated.A health care
power of attorney appoints someone you trust to make medical decisions when you are unable to do so on your own. If you don’t have a health care power of attorney, these decisions would generally be made by your “attending physician.” While many of us might have a good relationship with our primary care or family doctor, it is important to understand that your “attending physician” could be a person you’ve never met, particularly if you are transferred to a distant acute-care facility. As does the durable power of attorney, a health care power of attorney gives your agent as much or as little power as you choose. Among the most important powers that you might authorize is the decision of whether to use artificial hydration or nutrition (for example, feeding tubes) if you suffer certain kinds of terminal illness or a permanent coma. Once you appoint an attorney-in-fact, that person may serve unless and until the power of attorney is revoked. A revocation occurs when the principal informs the attorney-in-fact that he or she is no longer authorized to act in that role, and the principal then destroys the power of attorney document. If the power of attorney was recorded as a public record at the Register of Deeds office, a written and notarized revocation must also be recorded. In general, advance directives can offer peace of mind to the principal and his or her family members.
“Justice For All” is a new column provided by Legal Aid of North Carolina 171 Grand Blvd. Boone, NC 28607. (828) 264-5640 ext. 1105
A power of attorney is one of the most important tools for protecting your financial interests if you become unable to handle those matters on your own.
20 DECEMBER 2010
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d s v a i a e n e WThrou g Thr munityof Hope By Vicki Randolph
T
gh m o the C
here is a place in Ashe County to do your Christmas shopping this year where you can be confident that your purchase is helping to make a positive difference. Threads of Hope, located in Jefferson, is a favorite thrift store among locals and visitors alike The store was opened in 2006 as a source of funding for A Safe Home for Everyone, which operates a shelter for families in crisis in Ashe County and works closely with related agencies helping families and children. The shop carries clothing for men, women and children — including maternity clothing — coats, formal dresses and even an occasional wedding dress; accessories, household items, small appliances and furniture — new or in like-new condition. “We only carry quality items.We want to be an upscale thrift store — more like a boutique than your average thrift store,” says store manager Helemarie Reavis.“We accept gently used clothes which we wash, dry and steam. We also get a lot of new clothes donated that still have the tags on them.” Shoppers will find something for everyone on their list at Threads of Hope. In addition to clothing and accessories, shoppers will find videos, DVDs, CDs, LPs, games, decorative items, sporting goods and a variety of other unique miscellaneous items. Gifts from Threads of Hope will be originals - no duplicates under the tree! Shopping at Threads of Hope is also a great way to go “green” this holiday season: re-gifting at its finest. Are you afraid that re-gifting is a faux pas in your circle of friends and family? Simply include the “You Made a Difference” card that is given with every purchase at the store.
Tonya Roark, seated, and Helemarie Reavis welcome holiday shoppers to Threads of Hope and a hot cup of apple cider. Photo by Vicki Randolph
encouragement for all children and families of Ashe County to be healthy, educated, and self reliant.”
Ashe County Partnership for Children is now in its 15th year of service to the community, “Creating Hope. Together,” as its logo says. But the agency can’t do it without the help of many volunteers and supporters. Donations to the thrift shop are always welcome; providing the myriad of services they do is not without hefty costs. Donations of time are always needed and appreciated. It’s fun for friends or ladies groups to volunteer together — sorting and displaying donations at the store. A.S.H.E. also works with the community to provide services such as case management, a 24-hour crisis hotline, court advocacy, counseling and many other forms of assistance. For more information about how you can help support A.S.H.E. this holiday season or in the New Year, call Tonya Roark at (336) 982-4588, ext. 223, or e-mail to tonyar@ashechildren.org.
More Than A Job “This is not just a job, this is a ministry,” says Tonya Roark, finance director of Ashe County Partnership for Children. “We don’t just sell clothes. We are an outreach. We provide awareness and prevention of domestic and sexual violence and we share information with our customers and donors as we talk to them.” A.S.H.E. is just one aspect of the Ashe County Partnership for Children whose mission is “to nurture an active, supportive community that provides choices, opportunities and www.aawmag.com
DECEMBER 2010 21
Local Attorney’s Roots
Run Deep By Corrinne Loucks Assad
W
ith roots running deep into High Country soil, it’s no wonder — but a blessing — that Anne’ Wright has once again established herself in the heart of Boone. Anne’s grandparents were area natives; her grandfather attended Lees McRae College. “Some of my family members, the Deals and the Morrows, can still be found in the hollars,” Anne’ said with a smile. While growing up, Anne’ and her family moved around quite a bit, following her dad’s military career. They spent the longest time in and around Fort Bragg and in small town, St. Pauls. “Picture Boone without a college and with more pigs and chickens,” she described. She and her husband were high school sweethearts and, upon graduation, he went into the Army for five years and Anne’ headed off to college on a theater scholarship. When her best friend, three years older, attended Appalachian State University, Anne’ came for visits and her heart warmed to the area once again. It was an easy decision to attend ASU, following high school graduation; she earned her undergraduate degree with a double major in English and Interdisciplinary Studies, with a concentration in Women’s Studies and Library Science. Various aspects of these studies gave her a ‘legHaving been tied to the High Country through her ancestors, Attorney Anne’ Wright Is happy to be “home.” Photo by Stacey Gibson
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I’m here to make sure that they aren’t taken advantage of. Attorney Anne’ Wright
22 DECEMBER 2010
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p
up’ on law school, Anne’ described. “I spent a lot of time researching, writing and practicing literary criticism,” she explained, “all of which helps me prepare cases and impose rules.” Prior to Anne’s college years, her mother was a journalist and encouraged her to write — even the obituaries and a “Yesteryear” column for publication. Anne’ pointed out that her extensive research capabilities enable her to find the best ways to save her clients money. Nearing the end of his duty, Anne’s husband was convinced that they should settle them in Boone. When he returned home, that’s exactly what they did. He attended ASU, earning a degree in elementary education but shortly thereafter they moved to the Durham area where Anne’ went on to law school at N.C. Central and he taught kindergarten. “He’s always been very supportive,” Anne’ said of her husband in regards to their move. She also described what a great teacher he is and the positive impact that he has on children. “They still write him letters. He’s terrific with children and having a male teacher really made a big difference in the lives of many children,” she said. Her husband is still making a difference as a teacher in Avery County. As an upper graduate, Anne’ was the editor of the Law Review and wrote its “Notes and Comments” section. During her first summer of law school, she interned in the Attorney General’s office working in the areas of Consumer Protection and Education. In 2009 she did her summer internship with Walker and DiVenere here in Boone. “I was so excited that they chose me to intern here that summer,” she said. “I wrote them a letter, interviewed and I guess it worked.” It was through her internships that Anne’ developed her interest in Elder Law. “Elder law encompasses all aspects of endof-life planning and then some,” Anne’ said. “It covers trusts, estates, social security, wills, life insurance, estate planning and even nursing home abuse and other forms of elder abuse and fraud.” Anne’s heart for the elderly population was evident and she admitted to being touched by clients’ stories, prompting her to fight on their behalf. “The elderly make up a vulnerable segment of the population as our cognitive skills are affected as we age,” she said.“I’m here to make sure that they aren’t taken advantage of.” Anne’ was quick to point out that Walker, DiVenere and, now, Wright is a full service Law Office, covering every area of general litigation including accidents, contracts and real estate closings, to name just a few. In her first year with the firm, Anne’ also helps the other two attorneys with their cases and considers it an honor to be mentored by them. “I am so grateful and happy to be here,” she said. “They (Jeffrey Walker and Tamara DiVenere) are great to work with and together we have a very well rounded team.” Having been tied to the High Country through her ancestors, and since 1996 herself, Anne’ is happy to call the area home. www.aawmag.com
DECEMBER 2010 23
SCRAPBOOKING
Tak e s O n N ew Loo k By Sherrie Norris
Scrapbooking takes on a new meaning for Paula Domermuth, as evidenced by her family’s latest treasure. Photos Submitted
B
usy wife mother and local “scrapbooking queen” Paula Domermuth introduced Creative Memories to the area more than a decade ago and soon afterward, scrapbooking spread quickly around the High Country. Most of us were thrilled to discover that we could finally do something constructive — and creative — with all those photographs we had thrown into dozens of shoeboxes. Today, most women in the High Country have Creative Memory treasures on their shelves while some of the rest of us have, well a couple of treasures and still dozens of shoeboxes filled with photos. Paula began scrapbooking as a customer when her middle child was a baby in 1990. She quickly became the expert, teaching others how to preserve their memories. Since becoming a Creative Memories consultant in 1997 and starting a successful home-based business, Paula has taught hundreds of people about preserving, displaying, and organizing their pictures through home events, classes, workshops,
24 DECEMBER 2010
and retreats. But, like most everything else, Paula says things are changing in her business. Creative Memories pioneered the scrapbooking industry in 1987 as a way to help people display their pictures in scrapbook-style albums that could hold not only pictures, but also memorabilia and journaling. “Once upon a time,” Paula states, “the term scrapbooking meant printing pictures, organizing, cropping, adhering, journaling, and decorating. About 15 percent of the general population had time to follow all these steps. Almost 100 percent of the population realized they still liked the end product, but never seemed to get around to finishing an album.” Once digital cameras became commonplace, Paula says, Creative Memories realized they needed to change their approach from “traditional” scrapbooking and embarked on “digital” scrapbooking. Creative Memories invented state-of-the-art scrapbooking software called “Storybook Creator Plus,” which has won numerous awards and has
unlimited creative potential, she said. “Digital scrapbooking combines digital photos with Creative Memories’ artwork to produce durable, high quality photo books. In contrast to on-line digital programs, “Storybook Creator Plus” allows the user to design her own pages, make pictures any size she desires, crop pictures, and add unlimited journaling anywhere, to name just a few advantages. Online programs can be very frustrating and limiting because the user must put pictures in a predesigned slot, and oftentimes the pictures just won’t fit.” “The biggest advantage with digital scrapbooking is that one no longer has to print pictures; thus a digital scrapbook is a much better financial investment than a traditional one. Other advantages include less shelf space, on-line backup, reusable paper and embellishments and the ability to order multiple copies. Paula has embraced this new technique and now does all her albums digitally. She teaches digital classes and helps customers learn to use “Storybook Creator Plus” in a one-on-one setting. She still www.aawmag.com
No scissors required as Paula Domermuth works on her latest scrapbooking technique.
teaches traditional scrapbooking, but has definitely expanded her business to focus on digital. Paula has also begun making albums for customers. “Digital scrapbooking makes it very easy,” she says. “All a customer has to do is organize her pictures and give me an idea of how she would like the book to look. The customer can see the progress of the book online and give feedback.” Paula just finished an album for a customer of her son’s life from birth to 40 years old. What could possibly be a better Christmas present — one from the heart that will never be returned, exchanged, or re-gifted? This album-making service that Paula now offers is a most welcome one for those who have always wanted to make albums but never seem to find the time. A printed book with pictures conveys a message of self worth and love that can never be found with a CD, Facebook album, or computer images. One of Paula’s customers lamented, “My daughter recently said,‘Too bad we don’t have any photos of me when I was little.’ Gulp. The older kids have albums. She has jpegs ... somewhere.” If you’re confident that your photos are fine because they’re on your hard drive or burned onto CDs or uploaded and stored on a website, stop and think. Think about the folks whose childhood photos are lined up in boxes of slides. Or think about the folks whose wedding video memories are captured on crisp, clear Betamax. Keep in mind that technology changes. Nothing beats a printed hard copy for sharing and enjoying. It’s never too late to make an album for a loved one. For more info on Paula’s album making business, or to learn more about digital scrapbooking for yourself, please contact Paula at (828) 262-3788, or visit her website at www. mycmsite.com/pauladomermuth. www.aawmag.com
DECEMBER 2010 25
Oh Christmas Tree, O
Photo by Rob Moore
By June W. Bare
E
very year, between 25-30 million American households erect a Christmas tree. Whether a fresh-cut tree, a balled tree to be replanted, or an artificial tree, the Christmas tree seems to be central to the enjoyment of the holiday. Although it is a family affair, the woman of the house tends to be the one who orchestrates the project. Children like the idea of a trip to the tree farm to choose their special tree. Dad either supervises the cut or does it himself and erects it 26 DECEMBER 2010
after it is brought home. He might condescend to string the lights, but once up, the young’uns are off to play, and Dad enjoys his football game. Mom is left in the middle of a pile of ornaments. Christmas trees have been popular for centuries. Sacred groves and trees appear in remote human history. In the Old Testament oaks were pagan symbols to be shunned by the Hebrews, but the practice existed and spread throughout the known world. In pre-Christian Europe, the sacred oaks were seen as a symbol of the Norse god Thor. www.aawmag.com
d to off m is
ies. man gan the wn aks hor.
Oh Christmas Tree… “
It was more than 700 years after Boniface, however, when the custom became more common to erect a tree at Christmas time in guildhalls and public squares. In 723 A.D., as the story goes, St. Boniface, a Christian missionary, cut down the “Donar Oak,” pagan symbol of Thor. His purpose was to show the people their Oak had no power. Legend says the tree toppled with one mere blow of the ax. When the people saw their tree was not what they had been taught to believe, they became Christians. From the center of the tree grew a fir tree. Boniface said,“Let Christ be at the center of your households.” The fir tree became a symbol of Christianity among his converts. In the Middle Ages, it was common to decorate a tree at the Advent season to represent the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. It was more than 700 years after Boniface, however, when the custom became more common to erect a tree at Christmas time in guildhalls and public squares. It took Martin Luther to establish the tradition as a Protestant alternative to the Roman Catholic crèches. Christmas trees were decorated with apples, roses, gilded candles and colored paper. By the 17th century, this German tradition began to spread all over Europe. The first Christmas tree known in America was not until 1777, when imprisoned Hessian soldiers put up a Christmas tree. Charles Follen, a German immigrant to Boston introduced the custom of decorating a Christmas tree, and by the middle of the 19th, century it was common practice in America. In 1847 August Imgard, another German immigrant in Wooster, Ohio, decorated his tree with white candy canes. The idea took hold, and today red and white striped candy canes are a common sight on our Christmas trees. In the North Carolina High Country, the “Choose and Cut Capital,” many farmers are dedicated Christmas tree growers. Truckloads of Christmas trees go well beyond the High Country. But the vision of neat rows of Fraser firs in snowy fields and the scent of pungent evergreen is “Christmas” for some families. The laughter of children as they choose their special tree for the family celebration adds to the excitement of the season. Families often return to the same farm every year. There they might ride a four-wheeler into the tree fields, have cookies and cocoa, and be able to buy wreaths, roping, and holiday gifts, www.aawmag.com
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as well as their special tree. Once the gifts are opened, and the holiday is done, again it is often Mom’s task to put the ornaments away. There is an old tradition in the Appalachians called, “Breaking up Christmas.” Neighbors get together in one another’s homes and make music until no one can stay awake. It is a generational celebration and a wonderful way for friends to come together at the end of the holiday season.
If Christmas is a family affair for you, perhaps this year the history of the Christmas tree might be an incentive for everyone to share in his or her own family’s “Breaking up Christmas” celebration. To locate a “Choose and Cut” farm, see www. wataugachristmastrees.org/choose_cut.htm
Sources:
www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html www.wataugachristmastrees.org/choose_cut.htm
DECEMBER 2010 27
Chanukah
Miracle of
Lights Ruth Etkin, local teacher of Hebrew and Religious Studies, with the Chanukah songbook she wrote.
By June W. Bare
It
is sundown December 1, and as you drive down the street, you see neighbors have begun to put up lights and decorations. Some already have a tree decorated in the front window, but at one house there is a ninecandle candelabrum with a single candle lit on the right side and one burns in the center. Strange, you think. What’s this about? This is a Jewish home, and this is their part of Chanukah celebration. Inside the home both children and adults play a game with a tiny spinning top called a dreidel, while the Chanukah candles burn for about an hour and a half. Dreidel is a Yiddish word and means “spinning top” ... in Hebrew,
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Sivivon, “to turn.” Each side of the top bears a Hebrew letter which forms the acronym for, “A great miracle happened there.” If the dreidel was purchased in Israel, the last letter is different, and changes “there” to “here.” This is a game of chance where participants each contribute gelt ... a penny ... to the pot - or perhaps a peanut or raisin. The player spins the top. If it lands on the first letter, it means naught. He receives nothing and the next person spins; if it lands on the second, it means all, and he takes it all; the third side means half, and the player takes half; the fourth side means put, and this tells the player to put a piece of gelt into the pot. The eight candles on the chanukiya or
Chanukah menorah are lit, one additionally each night from the server candle in the center. This begins at sundown the evening before the first of the eight days of celebration. What does this mean? Chanukah goes back to the year 163 B.C., or in the Hebrew calendar 3596 (give or take 10 to 18 years), when the Greek/Syrian military leader, Antiochus Epiphanes attempted to destroy the Jewish people and their religion. Judah the “Maccabee” (Hammer) led a Jewish army to victory against the Greek, but not before Antiochus Epiphanes had desecrated the most holy place in Israel – the Temple. He sacrificed a pig on the altar and poured pig broth even on the sacred scrolls. The entire www.aawmag.com
s
Temple, even the very stones of the altar, had to be cleansed and the holy ar ticles had to be rededicated. The light from the Menorah was to be perpetual in the holy place and had to have oil to make the light. According to the apocr yphal book, “Maccabee I, and Josephus Antiquities of the Jews,” the lamp remained lit for eight days. Tradition tells us there was only enough consecrated oil to last for one day, and only by a miracle did the light remain for eight days. The Real Miracle? Religious Freedom Ruth Etkin, local teacher of Hebrew and Religious Studies, explains the real miracle is religious freedom. If Judah, the Maccabee, had not been victorious, there would be no Judaism, no Christianity and no Islam. Since Chanukah is close in time to other winter holidays when gifts are expected, are there gifts for this holiday? Gift giving on the scale we know it today was unknown until the 1950s. Ruth recalls her childhood gift of 18 cents each Chanukah. Why 18 cents? Everything has meaning. The letters of the Hebrew alphabet have numerical equivalents.
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The eight candles on the Chanukah menorah are lit, one additionally each night from the server candle in the center, beginning at sundown the evening before the first of the eight days of celebration.
The letters for the 8th and 10th letters, cheit and yod, spell the word for “life”. Added together the sum is 18. Today children are often given chocolate in the shape of coins, wrapped in gold foil. Ruth says that today a child receives a gift each day of Chanukah, but she jokes: “One good prize ... the rest school supplies.” Another Tradition - The Food Another tradition of Chanukah is the food. Most Jewish households in America serve potato pancakes, or Latkes. This tradition stems from Eastern Europe. Others may serve donuts. The common thread: both are fried in oil, symbolic of the miracle of the oil. Chanukah is not a religious holiday, because it was not mandated in the Law of Moses. It is celebrated in the home, and yes, children go to school and parents go to work. During the eight-day celebration, Ruth Etkin relates, “There are special prayers included in the daily and Sabbath services, along with other readings thanking God for His miracles ‘then’ and “now.”
Potato Latkes • 2 cups peeled and shredded potatoes • 1 tablespoon grated onion • 3 eggs, beaten • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt • 1/2 cup peanut oil for frying
Place the potatoes in a cheesecloth and wring, extracting as much moisture as possible; in a medium bowl stir the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour and salt together; in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over mediumhigh heat, heat the oil until hot; place large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, pressing down on them to form 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick patties; brown on one side, turn and brown on the other; let drain on paper towels; serve hot!
DECEMBER 2010 29
are loved and important and that they can do whatever they set their minds to.
The Star Still Shines By Sherrie Norris
30 DECEMBER 2010
www.aawmag.com
he little ones see her as a princess, a shining star — and the older ones agree. There seems to be something magical in the way her eyes light up, and the way her smile reaches to the depths of one’s soul. She knows how to reach people and to make them feel special, regardless of their age, social status, or ability. Cay Harkins is an exceptional woman — a loving wife and mother who puts others before herself and who definitely has her priorities in line. Cay deserves her moment in the spotlight, just as she is quick to make sure that others have their chance to shine.
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Cay speaks of her family with deep devotion, as well as those she deals with through her role as owner and instructor of a local dance studio. She is more than a teacher; she is an encourager and friend, one who goes the extra mile on a daily basis. While her name may not top the list of every civic and community group in town, she reluctantly acknowledges that she does try to make a difference where God places her and to make herself available where needed. “Not everyone has been given the same talent, or the same gifts,” she says, but she does believe in using her gifts to help others.
Photos by Sanders Gibson
C Ha rkins T y
It’s not a job to me, it’s a way of pulling ‘ people together and letting them know they
Regardless of how busy she is — and especially at this time each year as she orchestrates another successful production of “The Nutcracker” — Cay always has time for her family. As a business woman who has the support (and active participation) of her husband and daughters in everything she does, Cay also finds time to be involved in their lives, as well: school events, class parties and working with the WHS Pacers dance team. Anyone who knows Cay, realizes that her outreach has impacted countless lives. Continued On Page 33 DECEMBER 2010 31
(above) Cay works with students in her studio during a class. (inset) She fixes one of the costumes for the ‘The Nutcracker’ which will feature her students at Farthing Auditorium in December. Photos Sanders Gibson
Cay Harkins Continued From Page 31 Growing up in Charlotte, Cay’s dream was to become a professional ballerina. “I guess my love for dance began with my mom who rolled up the rug in the family room, put a Glenn Miller record on the record machine, then led me by the hand onto our makeshift family room stage,” she said. Cay studied tap, ballet, jazz, modern and ballroom dancing. “My formal dance education gave me the opportunity to perform, study and instruct under many ballet companies and theater productions. I am still constantly learning through our incredible dance teachers at Studio K,” Cay said. Her love for dance and the theatre led her at an early age to the mountains, where she became Dorothy at the once famous Land of Oz theme park on Beech Mountain. Ironically, she says, the tin man, aka, Andy Harkins, literally became 32 DECEMBER 2010
her knight in shining armor, a role in which he continues to star today. The journey down the yellow brick road eventually led to a stroll down the altar, and the last 31 years have indeed been “happily ever after.” It has been a real-life fairy tale, she says. While the dream of becoming a professional ballerina took a detour, it led her in the right direction after all. “Love got in the way,” she says. She came to ASU, majored in commercial design, with a minor in dance, and married Andy Harkins. Shortly thereafter, she opened Studio K Dance Workshop, which now, 31 years later, thrives beyond her wildest imagination: “It’s not a job to me, it’s a way of pulling people together and letting them know they are loved and important and that they can do whatever they set their minds to.” A dancer rarely, if ever, leaves the studio without a hug and a reminder of her love, and it’s not only her students who benefit from her instruction, “the parents do, too,” one of
her dancers says. “I like how the studio gets families involved — it’s neat to see how the families gel, ‘Cay say. ‘It was designed to be a happy place.”
C
ay’s students are involved in at least two performances a year, the largest one being an event to remember for everyone. “The Nutcracker,” staged at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium each December, is her signature event and is open to the entire community of 350 cast members who begin convening in early autumn every year in preparation for the production. Cay’s eyes grow even brighter as she talks about this, her 14th year of giving her time and talent as director of the all-time holiday favorite. “I started doing this as a way to give children an opportunity to shine,” she says. “Even a little mouse is important on that stage … it gives everyone a chance. Most little girls want to be www.aawmag.com
Life At Studio K
S
tudio K Dance Workshop in Boone was founded by Cay Harkins in 1979. It is the High Country’s oldest and largest dance studio, offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and contemporary with a specialty in building confidence through a love for dance. Since its beginning, the studio has doubled and doubled again both in size and numbers.“We are a family (some of us biologically) of people who share a love for each other as well as a love for dance,” Cay states. As owner, director, teacher and performer, Cay says, “God has blessed me with supportive loving parents, the perfect husband, four fairy tale daughters and the gifts and talents to teach dance. He has blessed Studio K with a great staff of passionate dance instructors that includes Gayle Anderson, Lauren Greene, Shellie Karaus, Catharine Harkins Milner, Lindsey Harkins Ray, Anna Reichard and Haley Walton.” “They have all been dancing at Studio K since their youth and the majority are still performing in leading roles with the studio,” Cay says. Studio K offers a wide variety of opportunities, including the following class descriptions: Preschool: Ballet/tap/creative movement combination
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class 45 minutes once weekly. Preschool age children will develop motor skills, learn basic French terms and have a lot of fun! Elementary: Ballet/tap/jazz combination class 45 minutes once weekly. Modern/lyrical ballet class 45 minutes once weekly. Ballet technique class 30 minutes once weekly At the elementary age, children learn technique, dance terms, and routines. Middle School: Classes are offered in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and modern/lyrical at the middle school level. High School/College: Intermediate classes are offered in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and modern/lyrical. Advanced classes in ballet are offered by invitation only. Adult: Classes for adults include beginner ballet and tap. Classes are available for dancers ages 2
and older. Parents are welcome to stay in the lobby during classes. Young dancers need to be told that parents will not be inside the studio during classes except on special scheduled “Watch-Days.” All other classes are exclusively for students and teachers, conducive a better learning environment with fewer distractions. Performances: It is a long-held tradition of Studio K to present its annual performance of “The Nutcracker” on the second weekend of December each year — usually to an audience of 1,000-plus, in addition to a spring ballet performance in early May. All shows are performed at Farthing Auditorium on the campus of ASU. For more information, call or visit Studio K at (828) 265-4111, 289 Daniel Boone Drive Ext. in Boone. Website: www.studiokdance.net. What? The Nutcracker Ballet When? 8 p.m. Friday December 10; 7 p.m. Saturday, December 11; 3 p.m. Sunday, December 12. Location: Farthing Auditorium, ASU campus in Boone Cost: $11 adults/$8 students and children
Everyone is equal and has time on stage ... no one is left out.
a mommy, a ballerina or a nurse when they grow up, and I wanted them to see that whatever they set their minds to, they can do.” Many adults, as well, are also involved. “We could bring in a lot of professional theatres to do Nutcracker, but why not utilize the talents we already have?” It’s a team effort, she says, where everyone comes together in one accord, turning the performers into family. “I try to trade out the roles from year to year as much as possible, where even the best dancer on stage is no better or no more important that the little child standing there with a lollipop in her mouth,” Cay says.“Everyone is equal and has time on the stage … no one is left out.” She refers to this performance as, “our Christmas present to the audience.” One mother, whose two daughters have been Cay’s dance students for many years, describes her as “incredible,” “Even in the middle of a big production, she never seems stressed out and always makes sure everyone feels special. Every child is precious to her — she’s always calm and never loses her cool. There are always kids racing around right before they’re to go on stage, their shoes aren’t tied or they need to go to the bathroom, but it’s never a big deal to Cay. Whatever the kids need, she’s there to provide … everything else can wait.” Testimonies like these are there for the asking — everyone has something good to say about Cay Harkins. Cay and her family are active in the community. She and her daughters have modeled for the Boone Service League Spring Benefit/Fashion Show; she and her husband, Andy, have provide lively entertainment during two major local fundraisers each year — including Celebrity www.aawmag.com
Adults in “Beauty and the Beast.” Photo by Sherrie Norris
Serve and the Hospitality House Fundraising Ball. She has also appeared on the local game show, “Scrambled Squares.” Cay has received numerous accolades, which she prefers not to talk about, but includes being named Watauga County’s Woman of the Month in 2000. She and her family have been active members of Boone United Methodist Church for the past 20 years, where Cay has worked with the children’s worship ministry. The love for humanity that Cay and her family possess goes far beyond the borders of Watauga County, as those close to them can attest. Two years after the arrival of their little Emma, a precious girl born in Vietnam, the family returned to her native land to work for two weeks in an orphanage. There, they helped care for children whose families could not. “We couldn’t speak a word of their language and those we were there to help could not speak English, but we learned body language and that a smile (and a frown!) went a long way,” Cay says. The experience was
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something they will never forget, although Cay says it would not have been possible without the help of the community. “Doctors, churches, businesses and individuals, our students and their families, all came together to help provide needed supplies and money for us to take,” she says. “We were able to buy a washing machine for the orphanage once we got there. Can you imagine what that meant to them? If you ever have the opportunity to do something like that, it will change your life.You think you’re doing something for someone else, but after it’s all over, God says, ‘Guess what? I did it for you.’” With their three older children (Catharine, Lindsey and Ashley) “born at Watauga Medical Center,” and Emma, born across the ocean, Cay describes them as “the most incredible children in the world.They are awesome!” And she tells us her “tin man” is still her best friend, “a wonderful husband and father.” We were so thrilled when God placed Emma into our lives.We always knew there was another child somewhere out there for us and God found a way to pull us all together.” The more recent “wonderful additions” to the family, Cay describes, are her two sons-in-law: “James Milner married Catharine in December of 2006 and Jacob Ray married Lindsey in September of 2010.” Cay gives all the credit for her success, her talents and abilities to God. “He gives it to us and he can take it away. It’s our job to use what he gives us for others. Describing her life as “the cherry on top of the parfait,” Cay Harkins says she is “so blessed. Everything I ever need or want is right here before me.” But she is quick to add, “It’s not about me … you have to get to that point in life to realize what it’s really all about.” DECEMBER 2010 33
Cents
& Sensibility
GIFT YOURSELF WITH SAVINGS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
By Corrinne Loucks Assad
W
ith the economic condition as it is, analysts are predicting that consumers will spend less during this holiday season than before. This can only mean that retailers will be trying even harder to entice us with the best deals possible. Hopefully, these tips will help you have a “Holly Jolly” while scaling back on your spending: Planning to Spend Requires a ‘Plan’ Put together a gift list and a spending budget before you shop. For each person, write down ideas for gifts — and a dollar limit. Commit to not overspend. Mapping out your shopping and sticking to your plan can save you a bundle in the long run. Nothing’s Too Good to Pass Up When we see “70 percent off the already 50 percent off sale” signs, we may buy simply because it’s a bargain. Just because it’s a good deal doesn’t
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mean that it’s something you need or something that someone on your list will want.You’ll still buy something you know they want and will end up spending more than you would have with a closet (or basement, attic, or storage unit) full of cheap, unnecessary items. Spend Only What You Can Afford People shopping on credit this holiday season will spend about 30 percent more than those purchasing with cash. If you have to sign up for the store’s great credit card offers or put the items on credit, you can’t afford it. Pay cash and you will be far more aware of what you spend and when it’s gone, it’s gone. Those great bargains will end up costing you more than original price once the interest accrues. Consumer Reports says that more than 12 million Americans are still paying off last year’s holiday bills. Ouch. Resist ‘Over’ Giving It’s wonderful to give, but not at the risk of overspending or creating more debt. Stick to family and close friends and consider drawing names within your circles this year. No, you don’t have to spend the same amount on each person. Give them a thoughtful gift or something from their wish list and price does not matter. Resist the urge to overspend to impress and don’t give in to thinking you have to repay every unexpected gift you receive. Simply thank them and consider yourself blessed.
also shops EBay in its price searches. Both Pronto and PriceGrabber.com allow you to sign up for email alerts when a better price is found for your product choice. A few sites exclusively for coupons: RetailMeNot.com and CoupnWinner.com. DealNews.com gives you the best deals of the day on thousands of items — in case you don’t know what to get that special someone. Keep Your Receipts Start shopping early and if your item goes on sale, bring your receipt for a refund of the difference. You’ll also need those receipts in case your loved ones need to exchange for a different size or simply a different item. Teenagers. Need I say more? Without a receipt, your best case is a store credit or your return may be denied altogether.
shipping, entertaining and travel. Your household gas and electric bills will also be higher. Consider all of this when budgeting for gifts. Buy Early Shopping at the last minute may cause you to spend more. Plan to have your gift shopping done by early December so you’re not rushing and your online purchases won’t need expedited shipping. If anything goes on sale after that, you’ve got your receipt for a refund. Planning your holiday spending will save you time, effort and money this year. An added bonus is that you’ll get your shopping done early and have more time to enjoy family, friends and to exalt the reason for the season.
Consider Other Holiday Spending Gifts aren’t the only area of extra spending over the next couple of months.You also must consider the extra expense of greeting cards, postage,
Resist ‘Token’ Giving Don’t waste your money on a bad gift just for the sake of giving. You’ll just be throwing your money away and the receiver will see it for what it is. Some items to avoid include tacky holiday apparel and stuffed animals, desk clutter like paperweights and Zen gardens — gadgets they’ll never use — and especially those requiring batteries, overly personal items or thoughtless items like cookies for a diabetic or alcohol for a non-drinker, snow globes, coffee mugs, ties and the proverbial fruitcakes. Do Your Homework Look for the best deals online and search for retailer or online coupons. While online, also read the customer reviews for the products you’re considering buying. Sometimes cheap is just cheap. Some of the best websites for your holiday shopping research: Delio.com compares over 30 million products with pricing, reviews and coupon and promos. Pronto.com covers even more and www.aawmag.com
DECEMBER 2010 35
Business
2 Feature
Organic Hair DESIGN Comes To Banner Elk
Vesta Burnett, founder of Organic Hair Design, brings a new concept to Banner Elk. Photo by JLH Photography.
By Vicki Randolph
D
id you know that your skin absorbs approximately 60 percent of everything that it comes in contact with? It makes sense that we become aware of the chemicals that the beauty industry uses in cosmetics, hair care and personal care items. Many of these chemicals have been termed “mutagenic” (having the ability to damage the genes and chromosomes). Research shows an almost 4 percent increased risk for birth defects in children of pregnant women exposed to conventional hair care products. Vesta Burnett, Founder of Organic Hair Design, began her career as a hair designer in Atlanta in 1986 and has interned with well-known names in the beauty industry from Atlanta, Ga. to Beverly Hills. She has also crafted special effects hair and makeup on films and theatre in Atlanta, and Nova Scotia, Canada. Beginning December 1, she now brings Organic Hair Design from Alaska to downtown Banner Elk. Vesta says,“20 years ago, I trained as a professional hair colorist and chemical technician with edgy salons that are world renowned in the field. I was
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in a creative field that I loved and helping others to feel good about themselves was a great feeling! However, as I apprenticed, my hands became chapped and burned from chemical contact. I lost sense of smell and taste from ammonia from hair color and perms.” In 2000, she graduated from further university studies and spent six years in the medical field. “I then discovered parallel adverse and toxic connections between the medical field and the beauty industry,” she states. “Chemicals entering our waterways from personal care items are now equivalent to pharmaceuticals. These endocrine disruptors and carcinogens are not only killing aquatic life and causing abnormalities to marine life, but also come back to us in our drinking water.” Many popular companies that claim to be organic or natural still use chemicals in their ingredients, Vesta adds.” Truths are hidden in clever advertising. Some natural beauty lines are owned by the same corporations that disregard any responsibility towards our health and the environment, as well as needless animal testing.”
Vesta states, “There are no FDA regulations on natural or organic cosmetics or personal care items. In fact, many harmful chemicals found in such products are not noticed by consumers simply because they are labeled as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’.” “If we, in the beauty industry truly educate ourselves and our clients about the health dynamics of what we impose on ourselves and our clients, I believe that we can help to change the industry in a positive way,” she says. “Make it a mission to learn about the lack of FDA laws and chemicals in your personal care items. Remember, you vote with your dollar. Know about the companies that you support with your money. Discuss these issues with your friends and find true organic, natural and chemical-free products that work for you. ‘Eco’ literally means ‘consequence.’ So let’s be consequence-friendly. Together, we can create a better world.” For more information, contact Vesta at (828)-898-8111 or visit www.OrganicHairDesign.com.
www.aawmag.com
All About Men
A New Day For
Kenneth Kirksey By Bill F. Hensley
“W
hen someone asks me what I do, I tell them that I help businesses and individuals be successful,” said Kenneth Kirksey, president of Kirksey Consulting, a new consulting firm here in the High Country. “Whether it’s helping them choose the right computer system, giving them computer training and support, helping them manage their time better, or getting their homes and offices organized, my goal is to help them get control of their lives, have less stress, and be happier and more productive.” Kenneth moved to the High Country in 1992 after earning his degree in computer engineering from Auburn University to assume the position of information technology manager at Singing News magazine. He later moved up to operations manager of the magazine, and served in that position until June of this year. “It was a surprise, but not really a surprise when management informed us they were closing the Boone office,” Kirksey stated. “Singing News had been privately owned since my father co-founded it in 1969 in Pensacola, Fla. Maurice Templeton, a Boone native, purchased the magazine in 1985, and moved operations to Boone in 1987. In 2006, Maurice sold the Singing News to Salem Communications, a Christian media company. The Boone office duplicated many functions that already existed in their Nashville publishing office, so it made sense they would want to merge the two operations.” Leaving the High Country was never an option Kenneth Kirksey’s goal in his new consulting firm is to help others gain control – personally and for him, Kirksey said, “I’ve put down roots here. professionally. Photo Submitted This is my home. My wife, Deborah, is from Newland. Most of her family lives here, and so does mine.” Outside of work, Kirksey enjoys spending one of two students in the Computer Engineering In talking with friends and colleagues about department at Auburn when I was there.The Mac time with his wife, Deborah, and his two cats. what he should do, a common theme came up. had only been around for a few years, and Windows His favorite pastimes are reading, cooking, and “Everyone I talked to said I should start my own 3.0, the first really usable version of Windows, photography. “Photography is my main creative consulting company. Executives was a couple of years away. I liked outlet,” he said.“I’ve had a photo in the Appalachian at a couple of companies I had the idea of a computer anyone Mountain Photography Competition, and some My goal is worked with a lot in the past of my prints have been displayed in the cancer could use.” were especially encouraging.They simple: to help Kirksey also developed his center here in Boone.” (You can see some of his said that with my experience with and organizational photographs at his photography website www. people have the management computers, technology, media, and skills in his time as operations kennethphoto.com). management, I could be of service Kirksey said some of his most valuable manager for Singing News. “When to many companies and individuals happiest and best you work for a small company experience was gained outside the office: “One instead of just one company. So I work and home like Singing News, you wind up of my best learning experiences was teaching an took their advice.” wearing a lot of hats,” he says. adult Sunday School class and training classes at lives possible. To decide what services his “I had my hand in every aspect church. Nothing helps you learn like teaching, and new company would offer, Kirksey of the business: management, human resources, I learned how to share what I’ve learned. That’s says he sat down and made a list of the skills and pre-press and printing, IT, budgeting, you name it. a skill I try to apply in work and life. My goal is experience he’d gained over the years. At the top Having so many responsibilities required me to simple: to help people have the happiest and best of his list was 23 years experience using, supporting really hone my time management and organization work and home lives possible, and to help them and programming Macintosh computers. “I was (and me) have fun doing it.” skills as well.”
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DECEMBER 2010 37
Real Estate
&Home
HAVE YOURSELF A
STRESS-FREE
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
by Corrinne Loucks Assad
Do the holidays find you all wrapped up in ribbons, tags, packages, boxes and bags? Many people spend so much time in elaborate decorations and yard ornamentation that little time is left to enjoy them or the reason behind the season. If even the thought of getting down all of those boxes of lights and baubles is bringing out the Grinch in you, consider restoring peace to your own “Whoville” with some of these easy decorating ideas: When it comes to the outdoors, less can be so much more. Consider one wreath at the peak of your home and a matching one on the door with a spotlight on each. Or, if you have a fence across the front, hang a simple wreath with a red bow every few feet even or a single garland. Wrap a garland or a red ribbon around your mailbox, a lamppost or a big tree in the front yard. No big trees? Use what you have — birdbath, wishing well or even a bush. Fill birdbath or fountain with candles, pinecones and fresh greenery for a beautiful display.You may choose to concentrate on just the front door. Flank your door with two lit rosemary bushes or lean a sled with red bow next to the entrance.Again, utilize what you have.An angel statue can be highlighted or a small table can hold a basket of ornaments or cones. Forget spending days stringing lights on every bush, tree and eave. Save time and money: minimize your efforts by putting lights only on the arbor, archway or entrance to your 38 DECEMBER 2010
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home. Light just the left and right hedges with net lights that require simply throwing them on and plugging them in. A beautiful and easy way to enhance your front yard is to shine a floodlight on just one tree or decoration. Choose a colorful bulb that enhances the festivity. Or choose a decoration that lights itself, like one of the wicker reindeer. Make the most of your home’s interior by keeping it simple. One or more of these ideas is enough to pull off elegant holiday ambiance: Designers recommend tying together your tree, mantelpiece and wreath for the most impact with the least effort. To tie them together, use the same accessories on each. For example, if your wreath has a red velvet bow, use the same on your tree and mantle. If you choose a theme, stick to just one. White and gold angels make elegant accessories or nutcrackers may be your style. Whatever you choose, stick with just one theme. One way to create a beautiful display is by keeping it natural. A white and gold holiday theme evokes images of snowflakes and angels. You may choose to use real garland with just a few white touches like berries or white flowers. A display of three cream poinsettia pots wrapped and adorned with white and gold ribbon makes a dramatic impact. You may glitter pinecones with silver and gold and display them in a wicker basket or bowl. Another way to bring nature in is by adding fruits, pinecones or herbs to your wreaths and other holiday decorations. A bowl of natural items adorned with just two or three of your favorite ornaments makes a beautiful display. Or, fill a tabletop bowl with adorned fruit; roll apples, lemons, limes, pears or plums in egg whites and then granulated sugar and display in a bowl with fresh evergreen, holly branches or pinecones for a luxurious table centerpiece. To keep your table simple and free for food, swag greenery on the chandelier and hang a few ornaments from the swag, in line with the chosen theme. Just a few simple candles adorned with holly sprigs, pinecones or evergreen also make a dramatic impact. Set the candle display on a mirrored tray and you’ll fill the room with a warm glow. Play some soft background holiday music to enhance the effect.
for everyone to enjoy. Display holiday cookies, breads and cakes in a way that makes them do double duty as festive décor. The possibilities for easy holiday decorating are endless. Remember that using what you already have will save you time and money. Stick to one theme to ensure an elegant and cohesive display. Using natural items makes for easy and beautiful decorating. If you make sure to choose just one or a few of these ideas, your home will have every “Who” down in “Whoville,” the tall and the small, singing a happy holiday tune!
For the simplest holiday décor, use what you have right in front of you. Rather than them taking up extra space, what could be easier than utilizing your gifts as decorations? Stacking beautifully wrapped boxes together in a prominent place will not only give the room flair but will have everyone guessing until opening day. As your holiday cards arrive in the mail, string them on a hanging ribbon or put them in a pretty straw basket or bowl www.aawmag.com
DECEMBER 2010 39
the Pet Page
“ Animals find a haven in her care.
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‘It’s peaceful. It’s quiet. The animals don’t ask you to do anything but love ‘em and invite ‘em in to lunch.’ 40 DECEMBER 2010
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, t c e f r e P Just Move On
If You’re
By Genevieve Austin
W
hen it comes to animals, Jane Trivette’s heart is about as big as it gets. How the animal world “spreads the word” remains mysterious but word about life on the Trivette farm does get around. The “buzz” is that Jane keeps the radio on (to keep coyotes at bay), the barn bustling and hay well stocked. Animals find her. An amazing woman, Jane stays on the go from sunup ‘til sundown. Her hours are spent tending grandchildren, family and farm animals (considered family), repairing injured bodies, broken pipes and broken spirits. She and her husband, Allen, raised three children. She said the animals are “for the children” but she tends to their needs and loves them. Her grandchildren and lucky neighbors reap the rewards by visiting and petting all of their animal friends. Jane’s typical day begins at 4 a.m. Two cats greet her in the house. At 20 years old, Odie and Apples are slowing down a bit but they have the option to relax in the warm house while Jane sets her bustling pace. In the barn, the music of those eager to see her awaits — welcoming her with their “symphony,” of animal sounds. The Trivette menagerie consists of three miniature donkeys, one mule, five miniature horses, three pygmy goats, banty chickens, two dogs and cattle. Whinnies and morning gestures abound from Opie, Jasper,
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Jazzy, Moon, Lulu, Chester, Rhett, Scarlett, Otis, Sam and more. Otis, the family pit bull, and Henry (his dachshund friend) accompany her throughout her tasks. Jane never intended to own a pit bull. Otis was found by a trash pick-up man hearing a whimpering sound inside a trash bag. He opened it to find a two-week old Pit bull puppy. He knew Jane would — and could — save the puppy. Defying the odds of an animal’s prognosis is an experience she knows well. Jane has been told by vets (more than once) that the ailing animals she’s tending will more than likely die. Being so accustomed to rescue animals, she has a saying, “Perfect doesn’t work at my house. If you’re perfect, just move on.” Injured, malnourished or poorly treated animals heal and thrive in her arms. Animals find a haven in her care. One of the goats came from a nearby farm and took up residence at Jane’s place. Goats — Gracie, Sassy and Goatie — ceaselessly entertain. Jane strives to be a devoted steward. On sunny days, the donkeys and miniature horses enjoy warm water baths. Of land, she says, “Land is not property.We are entrusted with it while we’re here. God entrusts us with it and we are to be good stewards.With parenthood and animal care, too, it is our responsibility to be
good stewards.” She hopes to instill a love of the land in her grandchildren. She feels strongly that tending this farm and these animals is what she was put here on earth to do. “It’s peaceful. It’s quiet. The animals don’t ask you to do anything but love ‘em and invite ‘em in to lunch,” she says.
DECEMBER 2010 41
All About Authors
Beverly PINSKE By Wendy Dingwall, Guest Columnist
B
everly Pinske formulated the idea for her suspense novel “Pawns of Deception” five years ago, before the technology became a real possibility. Meticulously paced from beginning to end, Pinske writes what American freedom offers as collateral and how it is any one of us might be forfeited in a deadly ruse. At the center of this fast-moving thriller is Lisa Wood, a former NSA agent who would rather put her work for the Agency behind her. But when an old colleague tracks her down at home in the middle of the night, she feels she has no choice. When the associate dies in her arms, she is determined to get to the bottom of it. Paired with the small town’s sheriff, set in Brookville, N.C., with striking similarities to Boone, Lisa joins a dark game more insidious than anyone might expect — and one in which the entire world might pay, if lost. Forced to maneuver
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through the murky dealings of a drug pusher, a computer genius, and a secret society, the unwitting duo realize that nothing will ever be the same and that there is very little that stands in the way of chaos-inducing sleeper cells being activated. Down rooks, royalty, knights, and bishops, it’s a pawn’s game. As the unlikely pair fights the good fight, checkmate is a matter of uncovering the truth so that American freedom can ring. When asked why she felt compelled to write such a novel, Pinske says,“Every day we see in the news, stories about those who seek money and power at all costs, and the harm they cause to our society. “Pawns of Deception” reflects the deadly consequences of those who might ignore the dangers of giving
u p individual rights, or worse yet buy into the idea of one governing body that controls all.” Pinske’s debut novel is the culmination of a creative personality and a diverse background. As a graduate of clothing design school, Beverly created custom patterns and offered image consulting to her clients. Later, she took up painting, both oil and watercolors. While viewing these artistic pursuits as hobbies she spent 20 years as a counselor for a church under the direction of a professional psychiatrist. Armed with character assessment skills that were second
nature to her as a counselor, she began writing her novel. Beverly Pinske resides in the mountains of North Carolina with her son Perry and across the lane from her daughter Pam and son-in-law Eric. She continues enjoying oil and watercolor painting, playing with her dogs, and living the mountain life. Pawns of Deception can be purchased online at CreateSpace. com, Amazon.com, and locally at Black Bear Books. For more information visit: www. beverlypinske .com or www. pawnsofdeception.com.
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Santa is a Texan By Naomi Faw
S
anta is a Texan. I wasn’t convinced at first but now I am. Actually, it didn’t cross my mind except for the hair. I met him the first week of December at an elevation of 3,500 feet in a 100 year-old inn, experiencing one week of quiet retreat. Who can blame him? I know the Christmas madness has already begun and is going to continue on a momentum of its own. I don’t have nearly the responsibility he carries and I still tire of trying to make everyone’s wish come true. I have to hand it to him taking a week off in December is quite confident of him. He either is a hands off manager, 100 percent confident in his crew of elves, perhaps diligently ahead of schedule, planning to rely on some magic or just plain tired of Christmas. The child in me suspected he was just checking up on me. Perhaps, Christmas by way of Santa may not come this year. Christmas may not come in the usual way this year because Santa had been on a silent contemplative retreat. He has been preparing for Advent and the coming of the baby Christ. I am not kidding you about Santa being real and this is how I know. I met Santa on November 30 and last saw him on December 6.With a twinge of childhood memories, I noticed his white-grayish loose soft curls of hair. He announced he was a Texan here in the mountains by way of Blowing Rock. He had that nice booming Texan voice, a bit of a weathered face and not a thick rimmed and not quiet wire rimmed glasses. He usually wore blue jeans and cowboy boots. It is my understanding that Santa is a member of AA and maybe a closet smoker. He seemed to think of a silent retreat as something akin to spiritual work at gunpoint: Mrs. Claus sent him. This news did not shock me but stirred my curiosity. Maybe all the infinite past Christmas demands had worn him down. I imagine he had self-medicated as people do, a little smoking for nervousness and a little toddy. (To celebrate the end of the madness for a season and to forget it was circling back around again). Who could blame him, really who would want his job in the mass-media marketed world? This is about all I determined before we went into contemplative silence for the week. Nearing the end of the week, Santa had my attention. Every night after bedtime prayers, he would come in, sit by the fire for a short time and turn in early.The old inn’s living room had a giant green fir tree filling the corner, simply decorated in white lights and red bows, and at least a halfdozen rocking chairs. The walls were old dark plank boards and one wall contained a massive rock fireplace. The heat from it was delicious.
One evening he was bringing in chopped firewood. He asked me to hold the door for him. My test to make his good list? Just in case, the next time I saw him struggling with the door I helped. He gave me a thumbsup. It was his last trip for the
Under the guise of a Texan, a reformed alcoholic, a closet smoker and a man sincerely seeking to connect with God, was Santa Claus.
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evening. He had an in charge disposition, probably acquired from working with elves. With the gravelly voice Santa just might have, he would say, “I’m making one more trip” or “I think this is the last trip, thank you.” His whisper was a small yet audible boom in the silence. One night I made two trips outside in the dark after bedtime prayers and I know he saw me leave. After the first trip, I came back, warmed by the fire and left again. The lights of the inn were on and people were up. A second time I left and returned. If he was watching me, checking his list, well, I was not getting high marks. I was breaking the rules of silence and going to another building to call home. My second time back to the inn, I entered the side door off the porch looking down the long dark hallway. All the lights were off and the fireplace was open. Humph, I grumped. How many nights had I been the last one up and closed the fireplace to keep the twenty people including myself safe? I could not believe the lights were off. I was indignantly grumpy. I came down the hall and there by the glow of the fire and Christmas tree lights he sat. He
sat in a rocking chair pulled up center front to the fireplace in the dark. No one all week had taken time to sit in the dark with a fire and the Christmas tree lights. How delightful, what a wonderful idea. I sat down in a rocker to his left and a little behind him. He put on his red jacket and went out on the porch. Where did he go? Maybe to practice closet smoking, to look for his reindeer, to enjoy the brisk night air and the owl I had just heard. When he came in he said good night and closed the fireplace up for me and I turned out the tree. We parted ways, he went up one set of creaky wooden steps and I up the opposite set of steps. The next day it struck me, Santa had waited up for me, for me! Under the guise of a Texan, a reformed alcoholic, a closet smoker and a man sincerely seeking to connect with God, was Santa Claus. What a gift on that cold winter night in a 100-year-old inn. If you are still skeptical, I have further proof. After returning home from the retreat, I received an e-mail. It read,“Please evaluate the retreat and we will provide a list of attendees and contact information. However, does anyone have the man’s (who I believe was Santa) e-mail address? Even the innkeeper doesn’t have it.” So there you go; he went as mysteriously as he came.
DECEMBER 2010 43
Arts
& Entertainment
HOSTING
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PARTY
Set The Date, Invite Your Guests Hopefully, by now, you’ve already set the date for your party and delivered your invitations. Sticking a stamp on the envelope and sending it through the US Postal Service is still considered the most socially accepted method, but for some — depending on the relationship you have with your intended guests — e-mail and phone calls will suffice. Don’t forget to include the “rsvp” so you can adequately plan.
Plan The Menu Plan your menu several days in advance. Are you going to have a formal sit down meal or a more relaxed buffet? Write a shopping list and stick to it. Prepare as much as you can the day before the party, avoiding any last minute panics. Keep things simple and easy — the last thing you will want to be doing is slaving away in the kitchen while you’re guests are having a good time Make sure your guests have plenty to drink and a wide assortment of beverages.
Prepare Party Area Make sure your central party area is clean and neat. Remove any treasured items that could get broken.
Provide adequate seating and tables. A festive atmosphere can be easily and quickly created with a few strings of tiny lights and multiple candles and mirrors. Bowls of pinecones, nuts, oranges and brightly colored ornaments also add a special touch. A warm glow from the fireplace never fails to enhance the ambiance.
Welcome your guest Greet your guests at the door. Take their coats and guide them to the party area. Make introductions if your guests are not acquainted with each other and jumpstart the conversation.
Move to the Music This is essential in setting the mood. Have a few appropriate CDs playing softly in the background. Encourage dancing if room permits. Sing-alongs are always a great hit at holiday parties.
Play The Games Card games and charades or other lively interactive games are usually popular at most gatherings. Make sure the competition and excitement do not get out of hand!
Have fun As the “hostess with the mostess,” your mood is of utmost importance. If you seem stressed, your guests won’t be able to relax. Likewise, if you are in a relaxed mood with a smile on your face and every hair in place, everyone will feel more at ease. Even if it means hiring someone to help with last-minute 44 DECEMBER 2010
details, make sure you have at least an hour to yourself before the party begins.
Most of all, make it merry for yourself and your guests! www.aawmag.com
High Country Courtesies
Travel
& Leisure
Holiday Highway Hints by Sharon Carlton
‘Tis
the season for celebrating with family and friends. For those whose holiday gatherings include automobile travel of distance, here are recommendations for safe, enjoyable journeys. BEFORE the trip, check tires for proper pressure and condition. Adequate air pressure improves steering control, especially in wet conditions. Check, then refill or replace oil, washer fluid, lights and windshield washers, as needed. Pack maps, GPS or driving directions and a flashlight with extra batteries. Don’t forget readi ng glasses for maps, if needed, and sunglasses for sunny days. Confirm that auto registration and insurance information are in the glove compartment and all potential drivers have licenses handy. When headed where wintry weather is possible, pack an ice scraper and brush for snow removal and a bag of sand or kitty litter for traction. During cold weather, engines require more power to start. Check battery, starter and generator before a trip, and carry jumper cables. Pack water, food, tissues and blankets (just in case!). ON THE ROAD buckle up — every person, every time. Dress comfortably; wear layers that can easily be removed or added as needed. Stop at regular intervals to stretch and refresh for focused driving. When drivers get drowsy, rest off the road at a safe location; a nap can provide needed respite. Save indulging in alcohol for non-driving occasions. Alcohol slows response time for braking and impairs judgment. (Drunk driving is indicated in one-third of all U.S. traffic fatalities.) Drive at, or below, the speed limit. Fudging an extra 5-10 miles per hour may translate to arriving a few minutes earlier; however, every 5 miles per hour over the speed limit increases chances of accidents by 17 percent. Allow extra time for delays to assure stress-free arrivals. Maintain proper space between cars in both slow and brisk traffic by using the “three second plus” rule. As the vehicle in front of you passes a stationery object, count to three seconds. When your car passes the object in less than three seconds, you are following too closely. When driving in intense weather, heavy traffic, poor lighting or hazardous road conditions, www.aawmag.com
add a second for each uncontrollable situation. When roads are wet or covered with snow or ice, slower speeds and adequate spacing between cars is imperative. Stopping on slippery surfaces requires up to nine times more distance than on dry roads. Avoid using cruise control when conditions are wet or snowy. Be aware of surrounding cars by consistently monitoring side and rear view mirrors. Should a quick lane change be necessary, knowing whether the adjacent lane is occupied or not can prevent an accident. Stay to the right to allow faster traffic to flow around you as much as possible. Stay away from disgruntled drivers. Anger, like alcohol, dims judgment. When a car crowds your vehicle or flashes its bright lights, pull to the side to allow it to go on its way — far away. Attempts to “police” poor behavior or engage misbehaving drivers increases risk of accidents. Forgive and forget annoying drivers, and move along. BREAKDOWNS are most commonly results of flat tires and dead batteries. When a tire goes flat or a car malfunctions, turn on hazard lights and slowly pull off the highway as far as safety conditions allow. Use cell phones, when possible, to call for assistance, noting mile markers and location indicators. While waiting for help, set out reflectors or flares for visibility. If a vehicle cannot be moved off the road, remove vehicle occupants to a safe location, away from traffic. When a flat occurs in a dangerous setting (for example, a female driving alone at night, far from a community), and a call is not possible, keep driving slowly (10-15 mph) until either phone service is available, or you reach a gas station for assistance, even though the tire may shred. DISTRACTIONS cause 80 percent of all accidents. Be attuned to surroundings, never allowing music or conversation volume to block potential sirens or car horn signals. Cell phones should not be used while driving. Although hands-free cell phone technology allows fewer distractions, making a call and conversing still lessen a driver’s focus on driving. Last year, cell phone usage while driving, was indicated in 28 percent of all accidents – nearly as many accidents as drunk driving. At any one time, 11 percent of all American drivers are using cell phones. Studies have shown that texting while driving may increase chances of a crash by eight times.Texting drivers reacted 18 percent slower to brake lights.
Be aware that eight states have banned the use of cell phones by all drivers; 28 states have banned juvenile drivers from using cell phones. Thirty states have banned texting by all drivers. Anything drawing eyes, hands, or attention from the road is a dangerous distraction. Driving safely requires 100 percent dedicated attention. Every driver has the responsibility to be the driver with whom they want to share the highway: attentive, safe, courteous and respectful. Do not think risks for unsafe driving relate only to others; no one can escape the risks of speeding, driving while intoxicated, or distractions long-term. Enjoy holiday adventure and for the new year, consider a resolution to put down the cell phone when behind the wheel. Be the safest, most courteous driver on the road. Happy Holidays! Sharon Carlton, High Country Courtesies ©2010. 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 sacarlton@skybest.com
DECEMBER 2010 45
Providing
NEW BEGINNINGS
S
a l l
y e a r
everal special women in the High Country are among those really making a difference this Christmas: They will continue to provide a new start for dozens of Ashe County children into the New Year. Volunteers for New Beginnings have been working hard for more than a decade to help Ashe kids in need. This holiday season is no exception. New Beginnings is a nonprofit organization with a mission to enhance the lives of Ashe County children in foster care or in crisis situations. All members are volunteers, and all income is derived directly from individual donations and fundraisers from their craft sales. Children who are coming out of dangerous home situations — whether being abused by family members or whose parents are arrested for drug manufacturing, etc. — need a safe haven and supplies immediately when they get there. New Beginnings is always available to help with the transitions. As Department of Social Services staff members make their way to help a child in crisis, they often make a stop first at New Beginnings to grab pre-packed, ageappropriate duffel bags filled with diapers, clothes, toiletries, toys or other things the kids need to get off to a fresh start. The children don’t just get the basic necessities from this caring group of women volunteers, but also items to help them h av e a s n o r m a l and healthy a life as possible. From new school clothes each September to Easter baskets in the spring, these children are showered with love throughout the year. There are Halloween treats, birthday gifts,Valentine’s and other surprises all year long. If a kid needs a haircut, New Beginnings provides it. If a student needs sports equipment, they’ll take care of that, too. A prom dress? You bet! . Although it’s a year-‘round ministry, Christmas is a special time. New Beginnings volunteers go the extra mile. This year, due to the struggling economy, more kids than ever need help. In turn, the ministry’s needs are greater and increased donations will be required to meet the demands. An Angel Tree will be set up at Lowe’s Foods in West Jefferson through which shoppers can help provide gifts for the kids. Funds will also be raised through the sale of hand-made Christmas ornaments, created by volunteers and available
46 DECEMBER 2010
l o n g
“
at Ashe County Arts Council. This December, many of Ashe County’s kids will have a happier holiday thanks to New Beginnings. Volunteer opportunities are available; donations of money, new clothing, school supplies, blankets, diapers and/or craft supplies are always appreciated. C r af t e r s w i sh i n g to share their talents may donate their time as well. The Monday morning craft team is always looking for more hands. Not only is it a great cause, but it’s also a lot of fun getting together with other women to help make a difference. To learn more about New Beginnings or to make a donation, call (336) 982-5406 or send to P.O Box 381, West Jefferson, NC 28694.
The children don’t just get the basic necessities from this caring group of women volunteers, but also items to help them have as normal and healthy a life as possible.
” www.aawmag.com
your feelings. If they knew him or her, consider asking them to share some memories of times they shared with your loved one. If you live within driving distance of the cemetery, decorate the memorial site with a holiday theme. This could include flowers, garlands, ribbons, bows, evergreen-branches, packages, pinecones or a miniature Christmas tree. Decorating the site yourself can be helpful in remembering and celebrating your loved one’s life during the holidays, and may free you to cherish the present holiday with your remaining family. Play music that is comforting and meaningful to you. Take a few moments to close your eyes and feel the music within the center of your being. Give money you would have spent for gifts for your absent loved one to a charity in your family member’s name. Consider donating money to the public library to buy a particular book. Have the book dedicated to your loved one’s memory. Buy a present for a child who would not otherwise have a gift during the holiday season. Read a book or article on grief. Some suggestions are:“Don’t Take My Grief Away From Me,” by Doug Manning; “The Comfort Book For Those Who Mourn,” compiled by Anna Trimiew; and “A Grief Observed” by C. S. Lewis. Remember the reality that the anticipation of the holidays without your family member is often harder than the actual holidays themselves. (Adapted from Ten Ways to Cope with Holiday Grief By L. B. Schultz, Carmel, Indiana.)
COPING WITH
HOLIDAY GRIEF
D
uring the holidays, many people are holidays, signifying the light of the love that lives dealing with loss and are often caught in a on in your heart. Give yourself permission to express your dilemma between the need to grieve and the pressure to get into the spirit of the season. feelings. If you feel an urge to cry, let the tears Holidays or not, it is important for the bereaved to flow. Tears are healing. Scientists have found that certain brain chemicals in our tears find ways to take care of themselves. are natural pain relievers. The following guidelines may be Play music that Shakespeare once said, “Give helpful: words.” Write an “unis comforting and sorrow sent letter” to your loved one, Plan ahead as to where and how you will spend your time during the meaningful to expressing what you are honestly feeling toward him or her at this holidays. Let yourself scale back on you. moment. After you compose the activities if you want to. Redefine letter, you may decide to place it your holiday expectations. This can be a transition year to begin new traditions and in a book, album or drawer in your home, leave it at a memorial site, throw it away, or even burn it let others go. Select a candle in your loved one’s favorite color and let the ashes rise symbolically. When you are especially missing your loved and scent. Place it in a special area of your home and light it at a significant time throughout the one, call family members or dear friends and share
“
”
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DECEMBER 2010 47
& Style
Beauty
Outshine THE CHRISTMAS Don’t
TREE
Holiday Fashion Mistakes To Avoid It’s no secret that the holidays are meant to be festive, but take care to leave the majority of the sparkle on the tree and not on your face or body. The holiday season is prime time for fashion disasters but with a little planning, we can look our best without going overboard. Don’t over-do the makeup. Keep it subtle without a lot of sparkling eye shadows unless you are young enough to wear it. But a nice red lipstick rarely fails during the holiday. Most women love to add a little bling to their outfit for the office party or church social. But, too much can be overwhelming. Your jewelry and accessories can be simple though elegant at the same time. Thigh-high miniskir ts and (too) low-cut dresses may look great on the runway, but leaving something to the imagination will work in your favor: a lace trimmed camisole under a blazer hints at great cleavage, a small slit on a skirt gives a glimpse at gorgeous legs, a halter dress shows off toned arms. Keep a few dressy basics in your closet for last-minute invitations.You can even wear the same things more than once but with a totally different look simply by choosing from an assortment of accessories. The proverbial “little black dress” is a must-have and works for most any occasion. Just add the right accessories — wrap, hosiery and shoes and you’re good to go. How embarrassing to show up in jeans and everyone else is decked out in velvet; or you arrive in formal dress and others are casually attired. Make sure you clarify ahead of time what to expect. Sources: About Women’s Fashions
48 DECEMBER 2010
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A
& Style
Beauty
• Focus on areas where there is more congestion of the hair follicles due to oiliness and where make-up is routinely applied. • Work the ingredients into the follicles, using upward strokes of the hands, which lifts the hair and delivers the ingredients into the follicle and better dissolves the debris. • Wet the hands in order to further work in the active surface ingredients of the cleanser, and hopefully allow for the product to further absorb into the skin. • Thoroughly rinse the skin with warm water.
A Clean Face – Don’t Take it for Granted
Proper cleansing of the face is simply the foundation to healthy, glowing skin. No matter how fast-paced our lifestyles might become, taking time to properly care for ourselves now is time well spent toward healthier skin for the future. Kelly Penick is an independent licensed esthetician who may be reached at (828) 773-3587.
By Kelly Penick
P
roper cleansing is vital if we desire to maintain healthy and vibrant skin. Don’t take it for granted. Skin care regimen is of vital importance. It is paramount to healthy, glowing skin to be properly educated on the cleansing of the skin and which products are appropriate for maximum success. When it comes to cleansing our faces, give special consideration to how often and how thorough the process. Studies from The International Dermal Institute have revealed that women, when washing their faces in the morning, sometimes spend fewer than 20 seconds on the procedure. Thorough cleansing of the face needs to take place both morning and evening. Most women usually take more time in the evening since they
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have makeup to remove. Among common trends in the skin care market today are the use of water-resistant make-ups and oil-based moisturizers that are not always adequately removed with water-based cleansers. A woman needs to realize that if she does use a water-based cleanser, it is recommended to give the face a second cleansing to best remove oils from the skin. Even so, there is no guarantee that all oil substances will be removed. For proper cleansing: • First apply a water-soluble, oil-soluble cleanser to the skin while it is still dry.
DECEMBER 2010 49
Young at Heart
The Joy of Winter By Heather (Young) Brandon
As
winter officially arrives this month, I find myself fully aware of all the reasons that I detest this season and would be happy to skip it altogether. I recognize that detest is a strong word, feel free to substitute dislike, despise, loathe or abhor. And, I would wager that many of you agree, especially after last year’s reminder that Mother Nature can be, to put it nicely, a bit temperamental. What specifically do I detest … shrinking hours of daylight, freezing temperatures, hurricane-strength wind gusts, hazardous road conditions, power outages, icy sidewalks that have not been treated with salt, having to wash that same salt off your car regularly and having to wear socks — and sometimes multiple pairs! Those readers who do enjoy the winter months are sure to disagree with my appraisal of said season. I can hear the counter arguments now:
3. But snow is so pretty. Sure, if you are talking about a snow globe, photographs or watching it on television. I do not find it nearly so attractive when I have to drive in it, wade through it or shovel it on a regular basis. So, you get the picture. Winter and I are not the best of friends. We grudgingly accept
1. But winter sports are fun. You may enjoy skiing and sledding, but I prefer to avoid sports that often result in numb fingers and toes, piles of that white stuff in your boots and/ or pants and trips to the emergency room. Ice skating is out due to my lack of grace and my fear of the damage I could do with the sharp blades that would be strapped to my feet. Snowboarding looks exciting, but I know that it is much harder than the pros make it look. Curling, I just don’t understand. 2. But the Christmas holidays are in December. Yes they are, but the retail industry does not seem to know that. I enjoy the holidays for the family time and the food, and I even like to wrap gifts. But, because holiday decorations, sales and music arrives in the stores sometime around midsummer, by winter I have just about overdosed on holiday spirit. Fresh from the ovens of Stick Boy Bread Company in Boone – a seasonal delicacy that makes winter easier to bear. Photo compliments of Stick Boy Bread Company
50 DECEMBER 2010
each other and try to be civil, but personally, I would prefer to see a bit less of her. That is not to say that this unfortunate season has no redeeming qualities. I do enjoy some winter clothing — cozy sweaters, swingy wool coats, tights and knee-high boots. And, winter cuisine can be quite enjoyable — hot chocolate, homemade soups and anything with pumpkin or cranberries. There is one thing, however, that I most look forward to each and every winter … one mouth-watering goody that makes me long for the return of December — fresh baked gingerbread cookies from Stick Boy Bread Company. If you have never experienced the joy that is a Stick Boy gingerbread cookie, then I suggest you drop whatever you are doing and go get one. Each week I scan the Stick Boy email newsletter, eagerly awaiting the news that this spicy, sweet, buttery treat is back for a limited time. The first cookie is always the best and is best savored slowly. While these delectable treats are available, I make numerous trips to pick up orders to share with family, friends and colleagues. Apparently, I cannot resist the urge to force something that I find delicious on others who may or may not be quite as enthusiastic. I give them as gifts, I bring them to parties and they grace the table at family gatherings. I simply cannot imagine winter without Stick Boy gingerbread cookies (And I better never have to!). During what is my least favorite time of year, these delights brighten my day and make the lack of daylight, freezing temperatures, hurricane-strength wind gusts, hazardous road conditions, power outages, icy sidewalks, regular trips to the carwash and having to wear socks a little more tolerable. It’s probably a good thing that Stick Boy only makes these cookies seasonally; winter needs a little bit of joy.
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C
Bloom Where You’re Planted
Christmas Memories By Sherry Boone
E
very family has Christmas memories. Some are very happy and some are sad, depending on circumstances past and present. The memories always surface with the season. One of my favorite happy memories takes me back years ago when my husband and I went back to Florida to visit our children during Christmas. My daughter Karen and I had been busy and had not had much private motherdaughter time so we decided to get up very early on Christmas morning, drink our coffee and get a head start preparing dinner. About 5 a.m., Karen came in our bedroom and whispered, “Wake up, Mom. Merr y Christmas.” I eased out of bed, slipped on my robe and headed for the kitchen. Both my girls and I enjoyed cooking together when they were young, but Karen and I sometimes played a game that may sound crazy but was so much fun. Sometimes we’d pretend that one of us was Julia Child on her television cooking show — accent and all. Karen was “Julia” this time and had her accent down pat. This may be a, “you’d have to be there” story, but I’m telling it anyway. She was showing “the television audience” and me just how to get a big turkey ready for the oven. “Oh, this is a fine bird. I’ve washed him, patted him dry and now, I’ll grease him well with margarine,” which she proceeded to do.
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“Now, let’s move him to the roasting pan.” “Julia” turned to put “Big Bird” in the roasting pan and that turkey slipped out of her hands, hit the terrazzo floor and slid across the kitchen! I thought I’d fall in the floor laughing. I can’t describe the look of shock on “Julia’s” face. Here “Ms. Knows All” is trying to pick up the turkey but can’t get a good hold because her hands are just as greasy as he is and she is laughing just as hard as I am! We were on the verge of being hysterical when one of my grandsons called out, “Mom. did you drop the turkey?” Now, we did not want the boys up that early so Karen regained her composure long enough to say, “Go back to sleep, sweetheart. It’s too
early to get up. The turkey’s fine.” “Big Bird” got another bath and was finally ready for the oven again. We were exhausted but managed to prepare most of our Christmas dinner before the rest of the family woke up. When we had dinner that evening, we didn’t mention the incident. But Karen’s youngest son said, “Boy, this turkey’s tender. It almost falls off the bone.” “Thank you, son,” his mom said. I thought to myself, “That poor turkey probably had every bone in his body fractured.” I dared not make eye contact with his mother either. May you and your family make special memories this Christmas that will last a lifetime.
DECEMBER 2010 51
&Fitness
Health
Healthy Lady
Holidays
Be Well Through the By Bonnie Church CNC, Wellness Coach
T
is the season of handshakes, kisses and hugs, sniffles, coughs and sneezes. Sadly, the only way to avoid colds during the holiday season is to stay away from people who have one. If you touch a surface contaminated by a carrier of the cold virus, that virus is easily transferred into your body.There is no safe place.These hearty viruses can live for hours on door knobs, pencils, phones, skin, forks and spoons. Holiday tip No. 1: Avoid people If that is unlikely, there are some other things you can do to prevent colds.
PURIFY Wash your hands: Germs are easily spread on shopping carts, door handles and money. Being close to others when they 52 DECEMBER 2010
are sniffling and sneezing provides an ideal opportunity to pick up their germs and innocently touching your face offers them a free ride into your body, Wash your hands with soap and water and keep a sanitizer in your purse for those times when you can’t wash your hands. Kick the bad habit: Tobacco and alcohol negatively impact your immune system Disinfect your environment: Wipe down appliances such as telephones and remote controls to avoid infecting others and re-infecting yourself. Change the bed linens and bath towels frequently and use disposable towels in shared bathrooms and in the kitchen. Use a humidifier: Viruses spread more efficiently in dry, heated air. Reduce their transport by keeping the air humidified.
SIMPLIFY Get your rest: The immune system requires energy to fight back against bugs and bacteria. Take naps and go to bed at a decent hour. Cultivate Serenity: Stress inhibits the ability of lymphocytes, key immune cells, to proliferate or divide in response to foreign antigens such as viruses; It also squelches the activity of natural killer cells.
FORTIFY Drink Water ( 2 quarts of water a day): This helps to improve the function of white blood cells and prevents the membranes of the respiratory tract from dehydrating. Try herb teas and/or hot water with some lemon www.aawmag.com
“ Citrus is a good source of vitamin C.” glucans activate production of T-cells and NK (natural killer) cells.
juice and a slice or two of ginger. This is great for a sore throat and ginger contains the immune-boosting mineral zinc, while lemons are rich in vitamin C.
These are the cells that fight viral and bacterial infection.
Increase Vegetables: They are packed with vitamins and minerals that help support the immune system, providing antioxidants and vitamin C.
Eat Lean Protein: protein is vital for optimal immune function. Eliminate simple sugars: Sugar can inhibit the ability of phagocytes, or white blood cells, to pursue and devour foreign antigens such as viruses and bacteria.
Eat Citrus fruits: Citrus is a good source of vitamin C. If you consume your fruit in juice form, make sure it does not have sugar added, and use in moderation so as not to elevate sugar levels. Elevated sugar levels negatively impact the immune system.
Avoid dairy and bread: They tend to worsen the congestion during a cold. Supplement Sensibly: In addition to a good multivitamin and omega 3 supplement; suck on sugar-free zinc lozenges. They might reduce the severity and duration of a cold. Also inquire at your local health food store about herbs that help boost the immune system and alleviate symptoms.
Eat Garlic: Aim for at least a clove a day. Garlic has anti-bacterial properties and helps the body to ward off viruses To keep from warding off your loved one too – chew on some fresh parsley to freshen the breath. Eat your Mushrooms [or take a mushroom supplement]: Mushrooms contain compounds known as alpha and beta glucans. Lab studies are finding that the beta-
But of course, always check with your health care professional before making diet and lifestyle changes.
By Bonnie Church, CNC, wellness coach
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DECEMBER 2010 53
HEALTH BENEFITS
of
INDIGO FRUITS & VEGETABLES Grapes are an excellent source of manganese and a good source of vitamins C, B1, B6 and potassium. Their beneficial compounds also include flavonoids, which also give them their purple color. Two of these flavonoids, quercetin and resveratol, appear to decrease the risk of heart disease by reducing platelet clumping and protecting bad cholesterol from free radical damage, which initiates artery-damaging actions. Grapes contain anti-microbial and anti-viral properties, and the anti-inflammatory effects of resveratol may help lower cancer risks.
BY DANICA S. GOODM AN
Eggplants are a very good source of fiber, manganese, copper, B vitamins, and potassium. Also, it is a good source of folate, magnesium, and tryptophan. Eggplants have been found to contain phenolic compounds – especially chlorogenic acid – another antioxidant which has shown to be beneficial for its anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-LDL and antiviral activities.
Blueberries contain the highest antioxidant content among fruits. They have anthocyanins, ellagic acid, vitamin C, B complex and vitamin E. Blueberries help promote urinary tract health, protect against age-related eye problems, help keep memory sharp, and, being rich in fiber, they also are beneficial for constipation and digestion. They have been shown to aid in reducing belly fat, promote a healthy heart, and reduce cancer risks.
Blackberries are packed with polyphenols and anthocyanins and help prevent cancer and heart disease. Blackberries contain ellagic acid – an antioxidant that protects the skin from ultraviolet damage. Its phytoestrogens help relieve bloating, food cravings, and hot flashes. Phytoestrogens contribute to brain and immune functioning and heart health. Its fiber aids in weightloss and weight management. It promotes healthy digestion and lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Blackberries offer a good amount of vitamin K, which is used by the body for the normal clotting of blood and to aid the absorption of calcium.
Black currants are renowned for their high content of Vitamin C, potassium, and Gamma-Linoleic Acid – a very rare Omega-6 essential fatty acid. Black currants contain around 300 anthocyanins, which are very potent antioxidant compounds that are responsible for their color. Anthocyanins inhibit the enzymes Cyclooxygenase 1 and 2, and reduce inflammation and the effects of arthritis in the body, with an effect similar to aspirin or ibuprofen.
Plums are a very good source of vitamin C – an antioxidant which aids in wound healing, prevents periodontal disease, and maintains collagen and connective tissue in the body. Plums are rich in vitamin B2, fiber and potassium, and two unique phytonutrients known as neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid, which appear to regulate the release of glucose in the bloodstream after a meal. These may have favorable effects on blood sugar levels.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are our body’s ally for healthy living. Their color indicates the health benefits they offer. Their nutritional punch helps protect and combat disease and conditions. The blue/purple hues in foods are due primarily to their anthocyanin content. The darker the blue hue, the higher the phytochemical concentration. Other examples are purple cabbage and purple onions. 54 DECEMBER 2010
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Spink
Food
&Drink
“Cresent Cook” in Pillsbury Bake Off
J
ennifer Houck Spink, who called Deep Gap her home before her recent move to Cary, is among four runners-up in a nationwide cooking contest. Passionate cook, busy working mother of two children and active blogger, Jennifer Houck Spink is one of four extraordinary women who have won the prestigious title of “Crescent Cook” thanks to her passion for Pillsbury Crescents and her creative knack for using them to create mouthwatering meals. Selected from 3,600 Crescent enthusiasts, Jennifer Houck-Spink has already had her recipes featured nationally in Every Day with Rachael Ray and Taste of Home magazines and will now be put to the final challenge of competing by national vote to be named the public’s favorite Crescent Cook, and win a cash prize of $5,000. “It is an honor to be asked to be a Crescent Cook and share easy and delicious recipes with busy moms. Pillsbury Crescents add a unique twist to countless meal favorites and are always a family go-to dinner option and party pleaser,” Jennifer states. Whether she’s making bite-sized hors d’oeuvres for her finest cocktail party, or a delectable dinner for her family of four, imaginative Crescent Cook Jennifer has mastered the versatility of Crescents and how they can be incorporated into a myriad of recipes from family favorites to party pleasers. As a working mother of two daughters and active blogger, Jennifer enjoys helping other mothers realize that cooking dinner doesn’t have to be an all-night commitment. Jennifer is a self-taught home cook whose family and friends love to come to her house to sample her newest creations. She loves how Crescents let her be creative in the kitchen without spending a lot of time there. Whether it’s modifying an existing recipe or creating a new one, she swears by Crescents to help her easily put a balanced meal on the table for her family. One of only four contestants, Jennifer has created a signature “Easy Meal Recipe” and “Holiday Entertaining Recipe” and will be put to the test by discerning voters will have the opportunity to vote for her — up to once a day through December 31 at www.MyCrescentWow. com. Voters will be entered to win their own cash prize of $5,000 in the “My Crescent Wow” Sweepstakes and a chance to showcase their creativity by uploading videos of how they use Pillsbury® Crescents in their signature recipes. The winner of the “My Crescent Wow” Video Upload Contest will not only have Crescent Cook bragging rights, but will also walk away with a
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Jennifer Houck Spink in her kitchen recently preparing her Sweet Cheese Delights. $1,000 cash prize. For more information about Jennifer HouckSpink, her Pillsbury® Crescents recipes and to vote, please visit: MyCrescentWow.com. L e a r n m o re a b o u t Je n n i fe r a t w w w. onemomsworld.com. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/onemomsworld, or become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/onemomsworld.
Jennifer’s Winning
and cinnamon. Sprinkle half the pecan mixture over the cream cheese layer. On lightly floured surface, press or roll out remaining dough into 13×9-inch rectangle. Place over filling. Sprinkle remaining pecan mixture over top. Bake at 375 degrees (F) 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly on cooling rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.
‘Sweet Cheese Delights’
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 1 egg yolk 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls 1 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Powdered sugar, if desired In large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy.Add egg yolk and vanilla; beat on low speed until blended. Unroll 1 can of dough into 1 large rectangle; press seams and perforations to seal. Press onto bottom of ungreased 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Spread with cream cheese mixture. In small bowl, mix pecans, brown sugar, butter
Jennifer’s Chicken Pot Pie
1 bag (16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables 2 cups cubed cooked chicken 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed reduced-fat reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed reduced-fat reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls In large bowl, mix vegetables, chicken and soups. Pour into greased or sprayed 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Unroll dough into 2 long rectangles; press perforations to seal. Place rectangles over chicken mixture; pinch center edges to seal. Press outside edges of dough to edges of baking dish. Bake at 350°F 25 to 30 minutes or until top is golden brown. DECEMBER 2010 55
56 DECEMBER 2010
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Food
&Drink
Favorite Holiday Recipes By Sherrie Norris
Here’s wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas as you try some of these yummy holiday favorites with family and friends!
Miniature Ham Balls 3 cups Bisquick 1½ cups finely chopped cooked ham 4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 Tablespoons parsley flakes 2 teaspoons spicy mustard 2/3 cup milk Heat oven to 350-degrees. Lightly grease jelly roll pan. Mix all ingredients well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place about 2 inches apart on pan. Bake 20-25 minutes or until brown. Remove from pan and serve warm. Makes about 7 dozen.
No Sugar Christmas Cookies 1 cup raisins ½ cup chopped dates ½ cup chopped apples 1 cup water ½ cup margarine
1 cup plain flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup quick cooking oats 2 eggs, beaten ¾ cup chopped nuts
Cook first 4 ingredients for 3 minutes on low heat. Add margarine; cool slightly. Add remaining ingredients, mix well and refrigerate overnight. Drop by spoonful on greased baking sheet and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Delicious for dieters and diabetics! May also add 1 packet of Sweet ‘N Low per taste.
Christmas Candied Walnuts 2 cups brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla 6 cups walnut halves Mix sugars into saucepan; add sour cream. Stir while cooking to the soft ball stage. Add vanilla and stir until fairly thick. Add walnuts and stir until evenly coated.Turn out on a cookie sheet covered with waxed paper. Sprinkle with powdered sugar while hot. Let nuts cool and break apart.
Extra Moist Coconut Cake 1 box white cake mix 1 teaspoon coconut flavoring 1 cup sugar 1 medium size container whipped topping 1 small package coconut 1 cup evaporated milk Prepare cake according to the package directions; bake in 9 x 13 inch pan. Cool 20 minutes and remove from pan onto large platter or jelly roll pan. www.aawmag.com
With toothpick make holes in cake at 1-inch intervals. Heat evaporated milk, sugar and flavoring and pour carefully over cake, allowing mixture to seep into holes. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator overnight so that cake will completely absorb mixture. The next day spread whipped topping over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle on coconut. Refrigerate until ready to serve. May be served as is or topped with garnishes as desired.
Spinach Artichoke Party Dip 1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 can (about 14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped 1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed to drain ½ cup chopped red bell pepper ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese (1 oz.) Toasted baguette slices or assorted crackers, if desired Heat oven to 350ºF. Mix mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. Stir in artichokes, spinach and bell pepper. Spoon mixture into 1-quart casserole. Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese. Cover and bake about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve warm with baguette slices.
Reindeer Chow (Easy one for the kids!) 1 stick butter 1 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup peanut butter 7 cups Rice Chex cereal 2 cups powdered sugar Melt the butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter in large pan; mix. Add cereal and coat well. Put the powdered sugar into a bowl. Add coated cereal and cover with sugar. Dry on waxed paper.
Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms 36 large fresh mushrooms (about 2 lb) 1 lb. bulk pork sausage ¼ cup freeze-dried chopped chives 2 tablespoons chopped onion 1 clove garlic, finely chopped ¾ cup Original Bisquick mix ¼ cup Italian-style dry bread crumbs ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Heat oven to 350°F. Remove stems from mushrooms; finely chop stems. In 10-inch skillet, cook sausage, chopped mushroom stems, chives, onion and garlic until sausage is no longer pink; drain, reserving drippings. Stir Bisquick mix and bread crumbs into sausage mixture until mixture holds together. (If mixture is dry, add 1 to 2 Tbsp. reserved drippings.) Spoon about 1 rounded Tbsp. mixture into each mushroom cap. In ungreased 15x10x1-inch pan, place filled mushrooms; sprinkle with cheese. Bake about 15 minutes or until hot. Serve immediately. DECEMBER 2010 57
Photo by Rob Moore
Parting Shot
Morning Frost
58 DECEMBER 2010
The frost performs its secret ministry, Unhelped by any wind. – Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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