All About Women - June 2009

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Facing Horizons With A Positive Attitude Featuring Jeanne Tygielski Page 24

Amazing Women Behind Horn in the West and Watauga Relay for Life

Introducing

And Readers’ Forum

JUNE 2009

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New Horizons contents In every issue 6 Readers’ Forum 8 Women In Education 14 Food & Entertainment 16 It’s A Woman’s Job 20 All About Crafts 24 Cover Feature: Jeanne

Tygielski

26 Minding Her Own Business 38 High Country Courtesies 40 Heartfelt 42 Pet Page 48 Mom’s World 50 Your Home 52 Cents & $ensibility 53 Get Moving 54 Young At Heart 55 You Go, Girl!

56 Healthy Lady 57 June Calendar 4

JUNE 2009

PUBLISHER Nancy Morrison nancy.morrison@averyjournal.com 828-733-2448 editor Sherrie Norris sherrie@aawmag.com 828-264-3612 ext. 251 MARKETING CONSULTANTs Bryan McGuire, Sue Moore, Crystal Owens, Sandy Russell, Sara Sellers, Amanda Swartz

Graphic Designer Dan Johnston

Contributing writers

PROFILES / FEATURES 7 DAR Presents Award 10 Rainbow After the Storms 12 Not About Culture 17 Hartley Heritage Continues 18 Bridal Guide Features Local Photographer 22 EMPOWER U Women’s Conference 36 Women of Horn In The West 41 Songwriter Hits The Big Time 43 Chemist By Day, Author By Night 44 Community Clinic 45 Dream Come True 46 A Playhouse From Daddy 47 “Mrytle” Continues To Bloom 49 Relay For Life 57 Senior Adult Expo ALL ABOUT MEN IN OUR LIVES 27 Introduction 28 Princess Date Night 30 Among The Extraordinary 33 Any Woman Should Be So Lucky

Corrinne Loucks Assad, Genevieve Austin, Sharon Carlton, Bonnie Church, Yozette “Yogi” Collins, Heather W. Jordan, Vicki Randolph, Leslie Shavell, Susan Tumbleston, Ann Castor Wayne, Teri Wiggans, Heather Young

PHOTOGRAPHER Mark Mitchell Copy editing Danica Goodman

For advertising CALL 828-264-3612 Ask for Your Marketing Consultant Cover photo by Mark Mitchell Contents page photo by Sherrie Norris Any reproduction of news articles, photographs, or advertising artwork is strictly prohibited without permission from management. ©Copyright 2009 A Mountain Times Publication

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Nancy’s note...

We are excited about our section, “All About Men In Our Lives” that you will find in the center of this month’s magazine.

June celebrates the wonderful men in our lives, the fathers.

Father’s Day is a special time set aside to show the fathers, the husbands, the grandfathers, and other important men in our lives that they are loved and appreciated. We felt the Nancy Morrison timing was just right to honor several very neat men who Publisher have enriched our lives here in the High Country. Sherrie and I would love to hear your comments and how you feel about including some “Men In Our Lives.”

I guess I might as well tell you readers that I like men! I’ve always liked them. I grew up with my brother and four male first cousins who were more like additional brothers as we didn’t really care which parents we went home with.

Any of them would do! But I was the only female and, of course, I thought I had to do everything they did and better in most cases! If they rode sapling pine trees bending them close to the ground, I had to bend mine nearly to breaking! If they climbed to the top of the 50-ft. maple in the yard, I had to climb to the top and go out on a limb (sometimes I think I’ve been there ever since!). Not even in my imagination could I be a girly-girl.

I’ve always had great guy friends. The guys I dated where there was just no chemistry ended up being Best Friends Forever. Of course, sometimes I didn’t really understand the complicated thought patterns of my own sex. Guys cut straight to the chase and I still tend to do that, sometimes to the consternation of my very kind husband who thinks I should be a lot more tactful. Oh well.

I’m sure another very good reason why I like men is the special man I had for a father. Many people in Avery County remember Odes Stroupe as a strong man, opinionated and firm, with unyielding principles. He was that, and much more. He was kind, smart, loved his friends and family, lived for sports both as a participant and a spectator, and enjoyed getting together with his brothers and sisters and their families more than anything else in the world.

He was a great father and, to my mother, a loving companion and a wonderful husband. He adored my mother.

In 1992, my mother died suddenly. My father cried for a week and had a stroke that paralyzed him for the remaining six years of his life. For a year or more, he lost the will to live. His care fell to me and I kept him with me in Charlotte. When he wanted to return to his beloved Crossnore, we moved back – my father, my 12-year-old daughter Danica, and me.

He never got over the loss of my mother, but he finally coped, helped by the fact that he absolutely adored Danica. He was so proud of her accomplishments.

When she got her driver’s license, he gave her his Mercury Sable he could no longer drive. He was a truly stellar granddad.

For many years I had said that, if I ended up having to care for one of my parents, I hoped it would be my mother as we were such good friends. That wasn’t to be – and rightly so. My mother and I had no issues left hanging, nothing to resolve.

My father and I, although we loved each other dearly, were just too much alike. (Read that stubborn, opinionated, etc.!) Through the years we had argued with each other, usually heading down different paths. There was one time we didn’t speak to each other for the better part of a year. (It was Dad’s way or the highway and I chose the highway!)

During the years I took care of him, we became the best of friends. We worked through all our differences. We shared, we cried over my mother, we enjoyed my daughter, and we rebuilt our relationship into a much stronger and more fulfilling one. He mellowed so much. We spent hours in long, fun discussions. The biggest thing was – we liked each other!

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When he died in 1998, I was not ready to let him go. He sat on my deck a month before he died and told me good-bye. He said he didn’t want to leave Danica and me, but God had been whispering in his ear that he’d better get ready, it was almost time to go.

“Don’t tell anyone this because they’ll think I’m crazy,” he said. “Your mother has been with me almost constantly lately. Then, when someone comes in the room and I turn to introduce them to her, she isn’t there.”

A month later, I had to let him go, but I felt better about it. He went to be with the person he loved best, as it should be. I tell him a lot how much I love him. I hope he hears.

Be sure to tell that special man in your life how much he is loved and appreciated and do something really nice for him on his day, June 21.

Happy Father’s Day!

Sherrie’s note...

If searching for the definition of “horizon” in the dictionary, you will find it initially to mean “the line in the farthest distance where the land or sea seems to meet the sky.”

If you aren’t completely satisfied with that particular explanation, as I wasn’t, then keep looking and you will see that it also refers to “the range or limits of somebody’s interests, knowledge, or experience.”

Now we’re talking, girlfriends, except for one little detail Sherrie Norris –there is no range or limit for most of us women. Our Editor scopes are endless; our hopes, dreams and visions are as wide and deep as the ocean, as far-reaching as the sky!

What better time to reflect on new horizons than in the month of June, when grasping a new handle on life seems a little easier for some reason, and vast opportunities and adventures seem to abound for most. Women of all ages are walking across stages with diplomas and degrees in hand. Others are preparing to return to school for one more chance. Still others are beginning a new phase of life as traditional June brides, and countless women are reaching for higher planes, literally and figuratively, in ways too numerous to mention.

Many of us are working our gardens, planning much-needed vacations and loving the sun. And, right in the middle of the month, we celebrate fathers.

With that in mind, we’re also launching yet another of our visions that has everything to do with these great men. So far, you seem to love what we’re doing and we want to keep you coming back for more. Look for our special section, “All About Men In Our Lives,” in the center of this magazine. Please tell us what you think of it.

So, let’s get started on discovering our new horizons and making this journey together as we reach for greater heights.

Saying it well are the words on a coffee cup recently given to me by my coworker and friend, Fredda Blalock, “It’s surprising what you can reach when you stand on your tippiest toes.”

Believing all things are possible,

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

JUNE 2009 5

Readers’ Forum Dear AAW,

I thoroughly enjoy your magazine. I learn about organizations and services that are offered in our area that I was not aware of and I always enjoy the articles involving local residents. Sometimes an article will create an idea for a missions project. Thanks for sharing this publication with Watauga County.

Sharon Greer Deep Gap

eight children who survived to adulthood, seven of them went on to get further education, which speaks well of the education they received at The Crossnore School.

In 1920, Grandfather and my uncles built a house in the village right behind Crossnore School’s athletic field and moved into the village. I remember visiting Grandfather in 1948 when the school had “Mayday” celebration at the athletic field. What fun! I like the connection to Crossnore in “All About Women.”

June W. Bare Boone

The May issue of “All About Women” described some spectacular mothers in our community. I was particularly interested in the article, “Mothering from the Heart,” about the Crossnore School house parents. My mother, Blanche Johnson Windle, along with her brothers and sister, was one of the first children to go to Crossnore School when it opened in 1913, and she graduated from there in 1920.

Up until the time Crossnore School opened, my grandfather, Preston Johnson, taught not only his own children, but also children from some of the local families. Although he only had a 4th-grade education, education was important to him. Of his

Summer Stollen

I wanted to commend you for the Suzanne Lawrence article in your May issue of the Magazine.

I know the subject of abortion is touchy, but she had the courage to tell it and you had the courage to print it.

I just wanted you to know I will continue to support the magazine and its advertisers. Thank you for printing and telling stories that make a difference in the lives of readers.

Linda Killian Fleetwood

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Anne Van Noppen Millsaps, longtime member and leader in the Daniel Boone Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), was recently presented the organization’s coveted Community Service Award, which recognizes worthy people from a variety of walks of life for outstanding achievements in educational, humanitarian, patriotic, historical/citizenship endeavors, or environmental conservation.

The recipient is always one who has contributed to his or her community in an outstanding voluntary, heroic, civic or benevolent manner, or participated in or organized community activities – but not for their DAR-related activities.

Rarely does one meet every criteria, but Millsaps certainly comes close, says Jackie Adams of Boone, who presented the award to Millsaps during the DAR’s recent gathering at Golden Corral, “on behalf of her sisters in the Daniel Boone Chapter.”

Adams added that it was her pleasure to make the presentation to one who has contributed countless volunteer efforts within the community.

“She is not only active in the leadership and ongoing success of the DAR, Anne is also active in the Eastern Star, First Presbyterian Church and many other organizations. She works tirelessly to help people in the community in many educational, historical and citizenship endeavors. She gives of herself to the organizations to which she belongs and is always willing to help anyone who needs assistance in her areas of expertise or will find someone else who can be of assistance.”

JUNE 2009 7

Women in Education|BY HEATHER YOUNG and cultures have eliminated any boundaries she may have seen in the world. She views the world as a community, with shared problems and solutions, evidenced by her willingness to tackle those problems as part of large international investigative teams.

Ellen’s specialty is glacial sedimentology. Her most recent project took her to Antarctica for three months.

Research in polar climates has unique challenges because of the isolated location and extreme weather. Today, Ellen is a well-respected researcher who has learned to work in these conditions, but her journey has been difficult.

Ellen is often the only woman on the teams.

Early in her career, she had to overcome others’ assumptions that she was not physically capable of working in polar climates. Ellen was very aware of the perception that she might not be strong enough to pull her weight, therefore, she became concerned with improving her fitness during graduate school. Although she has since proven herself, Ellen continues to stay in shape with daily aerobic workouts, which are important for her body and soul.

She recalls one particular incident where her physical endurance was nearly pushed to its limit. While working in Alaska as a graduate student, her hands suffered from exposure and were so swollen that she could barely use them. She considered leaving the project but pushed through, knowing that if she left, she would never get a second chance.

After completing her project in Alaska, Ellen received her Ph.D. in geology in 1988 from Northern Illinois University and accepted a teaching position that same year at Appalachian State University.

During her time at ASU, she has inspired countless students. (The writer had the privilege of taking her geomorphology class as part of her program of study.) Ellen has been recognized by ASU for her commitment to teaching excellence by being elected to the College of Arts and Sciences Academy of Outstanding Teachers in 1994. She was also the recipient of the Donald W. Sink Outstand Scholar Award for the College of Arts and Sciences in 1999.

In addition to teaching, Ellen has continued her work in glacial sedimentology. She has published numerous articles and has received funding for her research from the National Science Foundation and the Joint Oceanographic Institutions, Inc. She

The Many Horizons of

Ellen Cowan

Ellen Cowan, professor of geology at Appalachian State University, is as complex and layered as the stratigraphic profiles she studies.

She has faced hardships, not only by being a woman in a field dominated by men, but also in the extreme polar climates where she conducts her research. Furthermore, by adopting two children from China, Ellen took on the added responsibility of maintaining a connection to the girls’ cultural heritage, while raising them with the values she learned as a child. Ellen refuses to accept boundaries while she embraces new challenges and reaches for the horizon.

Ellen lights up when she speaks about her early interest in geology, which began with a National Geographic book about our national parks, a gift from her aunt and uncle. The photographs and illustrations in the book sparked her interest in geology and travel to geologically significant locations. Her experience with travel had been limited to yearly trips to summer camp, and the images in the book captured her imagination. Although Ellen enjoyed her time at summer camp because the experience taught her to live away from home, cooperate with other people, and adapt to her surroundings, she longed to visit the parks in her treasured book. During college, she began to do just that.

Ellen since has traveled both professionally and personally, managing to do what few people can do – setting foot on every continent. She believes that her interactions with other groups 8 JUNE 2009

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has been a member of several international collaborations, most recently working on the ANDRILL (ANtarctic geological DRILLing) project investigating the effects of climate change at the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. This research, with conclusions recently published in Nature, examined the consequences of continued increases in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, the prime contributor to global warming. By studying sediment profiles from glacial cores, scientists like Dr. Cowan can improve our understanding of climate change and the environmental effects. She hopes her work will help educate governments about the importance of taking steps to reduce carbon emissions before dramatic environmental changes occur.

Ellen’s view of the world as a community and her unwillingness to accept boundaries also play a large role in her personal life. In 1997, Ellen and her husband Keith made their first trip to China with a group of other parents to adopt their daughter Alison. They returned the next year to adopt a second daughter, Mary. Ellen recalls that she and Keith, both geologists, saw the real China because they “roamed the streets with maps to see as much daily life as possible.” They sought to understand Chinese culture, because they wanted to raise Alison and Mary with an awareness of their heritage.

International adoption was established after a need was recognized at end of the Korean War, thanks to the efforts of Holt International Children’s Services, the agency Ellen and Keith used to adopt Alison. Although international adoption is fairly common today, problems persist: bureaucratic red tape, multiple screenings and long delays. Ellen remembers that the difficulties they faced during the adoptions were “challenging but predictable.”

Ellen and Keith have worked hard to teach their daughters about their Chinese heritage. They maintain contact with the other families that traveled with them to China, meeting regularly for reunions. Ellen believes that it is important to stay in touch with these other families, not only because they share a moment of time in common, but also because it is helpful to see how these other children are growing up in the United States. Alison and Mary have learned that many other children share their story.

Ellen and Keith have continued to teach the girls about the Chinese culture by enrolling the entire family in Chinese lessons, participating in international events and sharing a love of Chinese cuisine. (The writer first met Ellen and her family when she worked at Hunan Chinese Restaurant.) The Cowans found at Hunan a place where the girls could enjoy their favorite food, steamed pork dumplings, and where they could gather with the other local adoptive families for special holidays.

As Alison and Mary mature and develop their own identities and interests, Ellen realizes that it will be difficult to continue the various Chinese lessons, but feels that she and Keith have laid a foundation that will serve the girls well. She has even taken a page from her own childhood by sending the girls to camp each summer so they will learn the same lessons of self-reliance, team work and adaptation.

Ellen has faced adversities that many of us can only imagine, yet her enthusiasm never wanes. She has learned that there are usually two ways to do a task – the smart way and the brute force way – and she has trained herself to stop, think and discover the smart way. She accepts challenges knowing that with each success, she adds another layer to her horizon.

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JUNE 2009 9

Rainbow After The Storms

BY SHERRIE NORRIS Karen (Watson) Norris was a senior in high school when her father, through the things they have had to endure – the death of their the legendary Merle Watson, died in a tractor accident at the age father, the way he died, and growing up with a single parent.” of 36 on October 23, 1985.

Karen acknowledges that she could not have accomplished “We had been planning for me to go away to college at UNC- what she has without the support of her children and other family G for a nursing degree, following in the footsteps of my mother, members, especially their grandparents, who rallied around them. who is an LPN. After Dad died, I just couldn’t leave, so I stayed at Channing is graduating from WHS this month with honors and home and attended Caldwell Community College and Technical three certificates from Caldwell Community College before he Institute and received my diploma in nursing. Losing my dad was even officially starts college. the hardest thing I had ever gone through up to that point in my “He takes pride in everything he does and hopes to become an life.” electrical engineer,” his mother shares. “His dream is to graduate Karen became employed from NC State. He has been as a Licensed Practical Nurse accepted at several schools, at Watauga Medical Center including ASU, where he will in 1988, though she had probably enroll initially, taking worked there earlier as a his general classes in physics, certified nursing assistant chemistry and English. If he’s while still in school. able to live at home a little While she was working as while longer, it will help with an LPN, Karen began dating money, plus we’re hoping for Michael Norris. At the same scholarships!” time, she was doing private

At the same time, duty nursing at night with his Karen has applied to earn a aunt who had cancer. master’s degree at UNC-G, “Michael and I had where she first dreamed of attended Parkway Elementary going many years ago.

School together, so we were

“It just seems like not strangers. We dated for the right thing to do, now,” two years and were married she says. “By completing it in 1990. Our son Channing as an online program, I will came along the next year not have to be away from Channing, Karen, Chelsea and Sara Beth Norris enjoy a special family and I felt like my life had the girls. I believe it’s very moment. Photo submitted. just begun. Our daughter important for me to be as Chelsea arrived two years involved as possible in their later, followed by Sarah Beth lives during these teenage in ‘96. They were the most wonderful things to ever happen to years. Chelsea is a junior at WHS and works at Chick-fil-A, which me.” has been great for her. Not having a father is particularly hard for In 1997, Karen returned to school and received her associate’s a teenage girl. I try very hard to give them everything they need.” degree in nursing, graduating with honors in 1999.

Channing has been the rock in the family, Karen says.

In 2002, Karen and Michael were separated when he was “I feel guilty at times because he takes on responsibilities that killed in what she describes as “a horrific death.” The couple had a teenage boy should not have to, like helping me and his sisters, not divorced, she says, “because I still had hopes that we would be fixing things around the house, which he is really good at doing! I able to work things out. I wanted my children to have their father in know it has been hard for him as well, not growing up with a father. their lives.”

I always kept Channing involved in soccer and I truly believe that His tragic death was the hardest thing for all of them, she says. it has helped him in a lot of ways, particularly working with Coach “I hurt for my loss, but also for what I knew too well – what my Doug Kidd at WHS. Channing was the defensive captain for the children were going through and would have to face the rest of varsity team and made all-conference and all-regional his senior their lives.” year. I have been so proud of him and his accomplishments.”

In 2004, Karen returned to school at Lees-McRae College and “Sarah Beth,” she says, “is in seventh grade now and is earned her bachelor’s degree, once again with honors. growing into a beautiful young lady. She has a particular interest “My dream has always been nursing. I thought someday I in animals, which, I believe, someday she would do great working would teach nursing and share my many experiences in med-surg with them.” with student nurses. At the same time, I wanted to provide for my Chelsea is considering following her mother’s footsteps in children, make them proud and be able to give them the same nursing. opportunities other kids have.”

“She is also showing an interest in marketing. She gets to do a Karen speaks with great pride in regards to her family. “My kids lot of things at Chick-fil-A that she really enjoys for their promotional are great. I am so proud of them and who they have become, even activities and works really well with the public.”

10 JUNE 2009

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While at the same time serving as the family’s breadwinner, Karen has worked part-time at CCC & TI for 1½ years, teaching nursing clinicals at Watauga Medical Center.

“I love doing this. I just love nursing, it is my second nature.”

After she earns her master’s, it is her hope to teach fulltime in the classroom.

“I have worked at the hospital for 21 years and I still love taking care of my patients as much as I did when I started, probably even more. My mom has been a great inspiration for me as a nurse and a mother.”

Karen Watson Norris set her eyes on the horizon many years ago, always looking to the future for better things to come. She has not simply sat back and waited for good things to come along, but amid life’s storms, she’s never stopped looking for her rainbow.

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It’s Not About Culture, But Rather Cleanliness

BY SHERRIE NORRIS WITH MARINA BATCHELOR

Marina Batchelor, wife of Boone chiropractor, Dr. Brad Batchelor, is a native of the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia, a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multilingual society with a strong Malayo-Polynesian influence. Her homeland is steeped in rich family culture, traditional clothing, spicy foods and a lot of coconut milk.

“Malaysia,” Marina says, “is widely known as a famous tourist attraction in Asia, and especially for its multi-flavored food and its beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by tall coconut trees.” Marina misses her homeland, but enjoys annual visits from her family.

At age 36, Marina has adjusted well to the American lifestyle, having graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Missouri in Kansas City. She recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Asha Marina Batchelor, and currently assists her husband with his upcoming independent movie called “Against The Wind.”

The American penchant for wearing shoes in the house, she says, is one of difficulty for her. While it is common in Malaysia to be shoeless inside, she emphasizes, “It is not Asian culture. It is just a hygienic and healthy way of living for all of us, regardless of our size, race, religion, culture, ethnicity and country. It is all about health,” she says.

“Cleanliness begins at home,” says Marina, who practices healthy living. “The first time I told someone in Boone to kindly take off his shoes before entering my house, he said, ‘Ah, it is in your culture.’”

Since coming to Boone, Marina has observed that many people here are concerned about their health and some would do anything to have a healthy lifestyle.

“Organic stores were established to promote healthy food without any pesticides, natural laundry detergents, clean water, vitamins and supplements, gymnasiums were set up to promote exercise. Farmer’s markets are there for good fresh fruits, vegetables and even homemade pies, cakes and breads, but does healthy living not include a clean personal living space?” she asks.

What about cleanliness in the house? The place all of us call our sanctuary, the place where we breathe, eat, sleep, shower, and play. We clean our kitchen counter after we cook, our bathrooms all the time, and we change our bed sheets and pillow covers regularly. We vacuum our carpet constantly. If you wear shoes in the house, no matter how well you vacuum your carpet or floor, the bacteria from outside will still be there transferred to the carpet and your flooring,” she says. “While walking, you might not realize you’ve stepped into dog urine 12 JUNE 2009

Marina Batchelor in national Malaysian dress. Photo submitted.

or dried up cat poop. When entering a house, you drag in all the bacteria stuck to your shoes. Wiping your shoes before entering it will not eliminate all the contaminants.”

Marina implores us to consider how, during hospital visits, washing hands and wearing masks are often advised. “What about the dirt and bacteria carried into a patient’s room on your shoes? Hospitals should provide a shoebox where visitors can put their shoes at the door before entering the room and provide visitors with disposable slippers in the patient’s room.

I have seen this practice in some hospitals and private clinics outside America. It is not difficult. The patient’s health should be a priority, not discomfort of taking off your shoes.”

She contends, “Many argue that they are uncomfortable going shoeless in the house, but are comfortable shoeless on the beach. Make in-house or disposable slippers available.”

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Quite a few spas insist that you take off your shoes upon entering the facial/massage room and slippers are made available for you in the room. Marina suggests we do the same in our very own sanctuary “The bright side of taking your shoes off can also encourage everyone to take good care of their nails and toes!”

Marina will always remain shoeless in her own home, she says, while wearing in-house slippers and providing the same for her guests who wish to take off their shoes. “Some people are very uncomfortable when displaying their bare feet or socks.

It might be too troublesome for some who wear shoes or boots with laces to take off and put on again, but think cleanliness!”

It’s especially important to families with small children and babies who play on the floor, she adds. “Sometimes I do insist that guests of mine kindly take off their shoes when entering my house but, when there are too many people around, it can be a hassle to ask all of them to do so. I personally do not like offending everyone so, when they leave my home, I will immediately vacuum my floor and mop my house. When visiting a person’s house, I prefer to take off my shoes, but many times the host insists that I leave them on. I do not want to offend them but feel that it is wrong to bring grime from other areas into another house.”

Living on a farm with her husband and baby girl, Marina says, causes her added concern. “God knows what sort of dirt he would drag in with him from the farm and expose my baby to on the floor as she crawls if he had his shoes on in the house.”

In Science Daily, Marina read of a government-funded study showing that weed killers and other pesticides applied to lawns can be tracked into homes by people and pets up to a week after treatment, causing unnecessary exposure, especially to children.

“Dirt and bacteria brought into the house from shoes can also include lead from soil. According to US Environmental Protection Agency, “lead poisoning can cause kidney damage, learning disabilities, poor muscle coordination, speech problems, hearing damage and decrease muscle and bone growth.”

Marina says, “I remember hearing a person once say that not wearing shoes in the house is uncivilized! It can be seen as uncivilized if you do not wear any shoes outside your house, but not in your own house! That is called unhealthy and unhygienic.

Imagine entering a public place, like a coffee shop. Would you lie down or sit down on the floor in the shop or let our children play on the floor of the shop? I don’t think so, but again, how different is the coffee shop from your house if everyone that enters your house wears shoes in the house?“ “There was a segment on Oprah Winfrey’s show where Dr. Oz was talking about reversing aging and ways of staying young. One of the lifestyle recommended by Dr. Oz is that everyone should take off their shoes when entering their house so that pesticides, chemicals, bacteria or any other toxic substance from the outside is not tracked out to home floors or carpets. I might add that it should not be just your home, it should be anyone’s home that you are entering.”

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828.268.0082 JUNE 2009 13

Food & Entertainment|BY SHERRIE NORRIS

Talking Family Business With Anita Greene

Former mechanical engineer Anita Greene never imagined being in the restaurant business. As a young adult she learned the functions of a business and the beauty of relationships in life. As a child of business owners, she says, this was accomplished by working dayto-day in the business.

“Working in a family business taught me a lot about hard work and relationships with all types of people.”

While she was working in a Charlotte manufacturing facility as an engineering maintenance manager, Anita met Avery County’s chef extraordinaire, Bill Greene, who later became her husband.

“Bill and I were raised with the same principles, to strive for excellence via hard work. The first time Bill cooked for me, I knew there was some serious talent there.”

Bill had ambition and a great work ethic that was hard to deny.

After a few more years of working in Charlotte, the couple decided to open a restaurant of their own.

Bill and Anita found the perfect spot back home in the Banner Elk area near Bill’s family. A few months later, the doors of Artisanal Restaurant were open.

While Anita’s expertise is working front of the house Former mechanical engineer Anita Greene never imagined being in the restaurant and managing the business, that’s not to say she cannot business. Photo Submitted. talk food and her love for it.

After the restaurant became well established and after she “My strongest asset to the restaurant is my managerial/people skills and the high expectations that Bill and had some time to acclimate to the High Country, Anita decided I both have for ourselves and our employees,” she says. “Also, I to pursue her other passion of real estate, which, combined with feel years in engineering taught me to be a problem solver and to her love for people, is another perfect mix. Anita recently opened be organized and efficient, to lay out everything that needs to be her own firm, Insignia Properties.

“I love the restaurant and what I do there, but real estate is my done ‘lean,’ as we called it in manufacturing.”

Anita has learned a lot about great food and wine from her other love. It’s important for me to be able to relate well to others, no matter what I’m doing, or where. ” husband.

“It is amazing how broad it is. Being around someone who After almost three years growing their business, the Greenes understands how flavors and textures go together, one is bound welcomed the newest member of their family with the birth of to learn a lot about the senses you use even before you put a Alexander Ty Greene on December 1, 2008. fork in your mouth. I have learned that there is a big difference “He is the best thing that ever happened to us,” Anita shares. between good food and great food. That comes from being in a “I realize it’s hard to understand this feeling until a woman holds marriage with a chef and traveling to some amazing restaurants her first child for the first time. Giving birth is so surreal. You just wait for that child to cry. We waited and planned all those months to eat and enjoy great wine.”

Anita considers it a great joy to work with their staff and dining to have him in the off season so we could spend those precious first months with him. Building up to that moment, waiting for that guests.

“My number one goal is for our guests to leave happy. Bill and first cry was worth it all.”

I strive to do everything to reach that end result. It’s so important However, life hasn’t slowed down for Anita as she entered the to hire the right staff, one that gels, which is not always easy to real estate business, became a mother and now prepares to help do. I am very proud of our staff. They care. I am also happy that open yet another restaurant, or at least a very successful existing we can provide jobs, especially in tough economic times such as restaurant in a brand new location.

“We’re taking Artisanal to its new location at 1200 Dobbins these.”

Anita and Bill expect a lot from their employees but ask them Road right now. The place is amazing. There is no other word to to do no more than they do themselves, such as being early for describe the beauty of the setting and the barn-like building and the serenity of the creek side terrace dining, along with the inside work, working hard while there, and to care.

“People who prefer a structured work environment tend to warmth and elegance it affords. We call it ‘Rustic Elegance’ and stay with the restaurant. They realize the skills and work ethic they look forward to many happy years there serving our wonderful guests who come in search of an amazing dining experience.” acquire now will last a lifetime.”

14 JUNE 2009

www.aawmag.com

Anita applies the same hard work ethic to her real estate business as she does the restaurant.

“Customers who dine in our restaurant expect a certain elevated level of service,” the same of which is paralleled in the real estate business. “Anyone who knows the restaurant knows that we have a disciplined and service-driven staff. It is not okay to be mediocre and there are no second chances.”

Anita knows that hard work is key to a successful life and prides herself on ensuring that every customer, every client, receives knowledgeable, courteous and prompt service.

As one who does very well juggling her dual business role as well as that of wife and mother, Anita has little time for hobbies.

“If I had extra time, I would work in my garden and spend it with my child.”

For more information about Anita and her family businesses, visit www.artisanalnc.com or www.insigniapropertiesnc.com

MUSHROOM LOBSTER RAGU WITH PAPPARDELLE Ingredients:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 cups sliced red onion

3/4 cup diced celery

3/4 cup diced carrot

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup tasso

1 1/2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms

1 1/2 cups sliced portabella mushrooms

1 1/2 cups sliced button mushrooms

2 tablespoons chopped oregano leaves

2 tablespoons chopped thyme leaves

2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup red wine, divided

1 quart beef stock

1 1/2 pounds pappardelle

2 (1 1/4-pound) cooked lobsters

1/4 cup chopped basil leaves Directions: In a heavy pot over medium high heat, add olive oil. Add onion, celery, and carrot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 3 minutes. Add tasso and sauté for 1 minute. Add all mushrooms and cook until all the liquid is rendered out. Add all the chopped herbs to the pot. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze with 1/2 cup of red wine and reduce by half. Add beef stock and the rest of the red wine. Simmer for 20 minutes and reduce until thickened.

In a pasta pot, add pappardelle to salted, boiling water.

Cook about 12 minutes or until al dente. Toss into the mushroom mixture.

Remove the meat from the lobster shells and chop into large pieces.

Add lobster meat to the pasta and ragu sauce. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped basil. www.aawmag.com

JUNE 2009 15

It’s A Woman’s Job|BY LESLIE SHAVELL

At The Hunger And Health Coalition, It Really Is All About Women

It is incredible that the entire staff of the Hunger and Health Coalition guidelines, but also maintains and promotes an atmosphere of respect is made up of women. These are dedicated women helping to provide and compassion for all the people they serve. Kathy says, “I feel fortunate food and medicine to the needy in our area. to serve the people of Watauga County. Working at the Hunger and This paid staff of women is supported by a huge group of volunteers, Health Coalition has enriched my life.” men and women, who give unselfishly of their time to make the Hunger The Hunger and Health Coalition not only provides food to the needy, and Health Coalition run smoothly. All of the staff say that they could not but also free prescriptions. So many times people in crisis situations have do what they do without the support of dedicated volunteers. to choose between food and medicine. It is truly a lifesaver for these The Executive Director, Compton Fortuna, began volunteering in clients to be able to get their medicines free.

1997 and, after pursuing her master’s degree in business administration, Linda Liesegang, Registered Pharmacist, oversees the pharmacy came back in 2004 to serve as executive director. operations. She dispenses medicine according to set guidelines and She says, “The Hunger and Health Coalition has given me answers any questions clients may have. She does this in a professional the opportunity to utilize my and caring manner and shows educational background in a the clients the greatest respect. way that helps strengthen the As Linda says of her career, “I community. It is a privilege to was one of six women in a class work in a community that is this of 105 pharmacy students. How passionately committed to helping far we have come since those people in need.” days. I feel blessed to have been Her genuine compassion called to work at the Hunger and for the people she helps and Health Coalition. My position the dedication that she shows gives me the opportunity to give to her staff make her very back to the community.” special. Not only does she run

Beth Rodriquez, the organization and is the the Prescription Assistant spokesperson in the community, Coordinator, is a compassionate but she takes many of her and responsible person. If the weekends to assist in fundraisers pharmacy does not have what and programs. Because the true a client needs, Beth assists them victims of the economic crisis are in obtaining the medications children, she has begun a new through programs that are initiative called “End Childhood offered by pharmaceutical Left to right: Back Row: Compton Fortuna, Crystal Winebarger, Linda Hunger in Appalachia.” Many companies. She states, “I like of our fundraisers, including the Liesegang, Beth Rodriguez. Front row: Kim Winebarger, Kathy Brown, helping people. Working at Jaclyn Corrigan. Photo by Leslie Shavell.

“Christmas in the Mountains” HHC gives me the chance to volume 3 CD project, will go to help many people in different this project. ways.” She is an invaluable asset to the pharmacy operations.

Crystal Winebarger, Director of Operations, is a certified pharmacy Jaclyn Corrigan is the Pharmacy Services Coordinator. She is in technician. However, you see Crystal involved in all aspects of the Hunger her last year of college with a major in psychology and plans to get a and Health Coalition. She is responsible for the planning and oversight master’s in social work. She is the youngest member of the staff, but her of daily operations, which encompasses all aspects of the Coalition. She responsibilities are numerous. Monday through Friday she goes through is committed to making sure there is enough food at the right price to the application process with new clients, maintains the computer system feed their clients. It is refreshing to see the respect and empathy that for all prescriptions and donations, as well as dispensing non-prescription she shows to the staff and clients and her willingness to help anywhere items. Jaclyn is an asset to the pharmacy and she says, “I love the cordial she is needed. When asked how she feels about her job, she says, “I atmosphere at Hunger and Health Coalition, and am so proud to be feel honored to be part of this team. I believe we make an immediate able to help the clients.” difference in the lives of those we serve.”

This team is a winner. Each woman has a specific job and puts her Kim Winebarger serves as Program and Services Coordinator. heart into all she does. These are not just jobs, they are passions. The It is a huge job because she qualifies new clients for food assistance, team members work together as a driving force to ease the pain of so coordinates the volunteers, and recently has been chosen to lead the many people in our community. That is what makes this organization so Connections Initiative for single mothers, funded by a grant from the extraordinary.

Appalachian Women’s Fund. Kim says about the program, “Women However, they cannot do it by themselves. They need financial living in a constant state of crisis lack the perspective to resolve problems. help, food donations, volunteers, and support for the “Christmas in By supporting these women, we devise a plan and help them move the Mountains Volume 3” CD project to make the Hunger and Health forward to a more stable life. Many of the women have already met Coalition even stronger. Please call (828) 262-1628 and find out how their goals.” you can help.

Kathy Brown, Food Assistance Services Coordinator, began in 2007 (Leslie Shavell is a member of the Board of Directors for the Hunger and has made a tremendous difference in the organization of the food and Health Coalition, serves as the Fund Raising Chairman and distribution. She not only coordinates the Food Pantry, Food Recovery coordinates the “Christmas in the Mountains” CD project.) and Market programs by distributing food according to the approved

16 JUNE 2009

www.aawmag.com

The Hartley Hertiage Continues On Grandfather Mountain Few mountain traditions are older than that of neighbors coming together to give thanks, and the “Singing on the Mountain” at Grandfather Mountain is one of the oldest such gatherings in the southern Appalachians. Founded in 1924 by Joseph Larkin Hartley as the Hartley family reunion, the “Singing” is an authentic mix of camp meeting, family reunion, Sunday school picnic, and church bazaar.

The Hartley family legacy continues this summer when the Rev. Freida Hartley Hobson, granddaughter of the This year, Rev. Freida Hartley Hobson Singing’s founder, becomes the first woman ever to preach becomes the first woman at Singing On The Mountain. ever to preach the sermon Photo submitted. at this old-time gospel convention.

“I vividly remember cooking for hours with my mother in preparation for the Singing, red gingham table cloths laden with food, meeting inspirational heroes of the Christian faith and, of course as a child, the Shetland pony ride,” says Rev. Hobson. She considers preaching at the 85th Singing to be a true privilege as well as a chance to honor her grandfather’s memory.

Many of Hobson’s younger years were spent on her grandfather’s farm in Linville. She remembers her grandfather as a “gruff, but fun man.”

“I remember following my grandfather through a cow pasture, trying to step exactly where he had stepped,” she said. “One time he pretended to place his foot in a cow patty, and before his foot landed, he looked back and grinned playfully at me.”

Hobson entered the ministry 14 years ago and has served several churches in North Carolina. Currently she and her husband David serve as a clergy couple at Forrest Hill United Methodist Church in Concord. The Hobsons have two children and two grandchildren of whom they are very proud. The family is definitely looking forward to this summer’s event.

Rev. Hobson says that what she enjoys the most is, “seeing the joy in Christian faces as they worship, visiting with my family, listening to beautiful gospel music surrounded by the majesty of God’s creation in those mountains, from whence my help comes.”

For hints as to what she will include in her sermon, Rev. Hobson says, “Our grandparents and parents left our generation a glorious legacy in this faith, which we carry. Our world today is in dire straits and, as Christians, we must begin to share our faith stories, revealing what the Lord has done in our own lives. I hope to encourage Christians to share their faith.”

The Singing on the Mountain is a day-long gospel gathering held in MacRae Meadows at the base of 6,000-foot Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina. Music begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day, with a break at midday for the sermon. Families bring lawn chairs and picnics and make a day of seeing old friends and enjoying performances by top southern gospel groups.

Admission to the Singing is free and camping (without hookups) is available on a first come basis. The Singing Grounds (MacRae Meadows) are located on US Highway 221, two miles north of Linville and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more information, phone 800-4687325 or visit on the Web at www.grandfather.com. www.aawmag.com

JUNE 2009 17

Local Photographer’s “Natural Inspiration” Featured in Bridal Guide Magazine The country is zooming in on Blowing Rock photographer, Emily Angle, as her work is showcased in the May/June 2009 issue of nationally published Bridal Guide magazine. Emily’s breathtaking photography is spread throughout a four - page layout featuring a Linville mountain wedding of Florida couple, Alexia and Blaine Mays, who chose the grounds of Eseeola Lodge’s camp area, “a breath-taking venue,” as the location for their wedding. Emily’s captivating photos lend a unique touch to the Bridal Guide’s feature, called “Natural Inspiration.”

“Their wedding was set by a lake with a beautiful background view of Grandfather Mountain. Throughout the entire wedding day – complete with fireworks – everyone was very laid back. I kept hearing the wedding party and guests talk about how beautiful it was here. It made me feel very lucky to be able to live here,” Emily says. “The bride’s father and his side of the family all reside in France and ‘ooh’s and ahh’s’ could be heard from them, as well!”

All eyes are upon photographer Emily Angle and her work featured in the current issue of Bridal Guide Magazine. Photo submitted.

Emily Angle’s captivating photos of a Linville wedding set the scene for “Natural Inspiration,” a four-page spread in the current nationally acclaimed Bridal Guide.

18 JUNE 2009

Emily, a graduate of Indiana University, concentrated in photojournalism “way back before Photoshop or the digital age arrived,” she explains. “Photography has been the one constant passion in my life. My camera is my canvas and my computer is my paint.”

She has been a professional photographer for over 25 years with her first studio in Greensboro, followed by Ocala, Florida before moving home to Boone/Blowing Rock with her husband, local attorney Rob Angle, seven years ago.

Emily loves the energy, spontaneity, romance and fun of weddings. “Every wedding is so different and I just love meeting families and being allowed to share in their special day.”

She also takes time to photograph families, children, and scenic beauty. She has been painting digitally for two years and has commissioned several portraits.

“Turning a photograph I have taken into a unique painting challenges me in new ways and has opened new doors for my creativity. It is very relaxing – quite the opposite of a wedding!”

Owner of Angle Photography, Emily is an active member of Professional Photographers of NC and took third place in the people – group category at the South Eastern Professional Photographers Association last year with a photograph of a wedding party jumping at sunset. The print may be viewed with other selections of her work at her Web site at www.anglephotography.com. She works from her studio and can be contacted at (828) 263-8850. www.aawmag.com

Walker & DiVenere AT T O R N E Y S

AT

L AW

With offices in Boone, North Carolina, Attorneys Jeffrey J. Walker and Tamara C. DiVenere practice in the areas of real estate, construction, contracts, personal injury/wrongful death and insurance disputes, as well as all family law matters including prenuptial agreements, divorce, child custody, wills and trusts.

Mr. Walker is also licensed to practice in Tennessee and has an office in Mountain City. He has been licensed to practice in Florida since 1980 and is Board Certified in Civil Law there. Ms. DiVenere is a graduate of Duke University (cum laude) and University of North Carolina School of Law (high honors).

828-268-9640

www.lawyernorthcarolina.com Fax: 828-262-3699 · Toll free: 800-451-4299 jwalker@jjwpa.com 783 W. King Street tdivenere@jjwpa.com Boone, NC 28607

Memories To Last A Lifetime...

Have Your Wedding at Our Place!

828-295-7111 Highway 321 South Blowing Rock, NC 28605

North Carolina’s Oldest Travel Attraction Since 1933 www.aawmag.com

JUNE 2009 19

All About Crafts| BY NANCY MORRISON Send your friends and family members cards that are cheerful, fun, easy to make and very special because you made them yourself!

Cheerful Embossed Cards Are Fun To Make Needed: Cards and envelopes or cardstock paper Your choice of rubber stamps Embossing ink pads in assorted colors Embossing powder in assorted colors Colored pens Embossing heat tool

A Directions: Embossed designs on cards can be colored with colored pens or watercolor markers or can be left with just the shiny embossing for a classic look. The possibilities are endless. Stamps come in almost unlimited designs and you don’t have to draw to come up with wonderful pictures for your cards.

So, grab the rubber stamps of your choice and let’s stamp!

For ink, I’d recommend the embossing ink pads. These inks dry slower. Cover the stamp thoroughly with the ink. Center your design on the card and press gently. Be sure not to rock the stamp as that will result in blurring (see figure A). Experiment with colors of ink and embossing powders, too. You can get a colorless ink, which will work well with any color of embossing powder.

Immediately after you have stamped your design, sprinkle your choice of embossing powder over the design, covering it completely. (For these projects, Stamp-n Stuff embossing powder 20 JUNE 2009

available at Michael’s was used.) Holding the card over a sheet of paper, gently shake off the excess powder so all that is left is that which stuck to the design. (The sheet of paper can be creased down the middle to easily pour the excess powder back into the jar.)

With an embossing heat tool (inexpensive and can be purchased at almost any craft store), heat the design until the embossing powder has melted and formed a smooth, shiny surface (see figure B). This process takes only a few seconds.

Your design can be used as is, especially if you have used silver or gold embossing powder, or it can be colored. Designs embossed in gold and silver are beautiful for more formal notes or seasonal cards. All the designs on this page have been colored. Le Plume pens work well as do watercolor pens. Permanent markers also work, but the lighter shades are best.

I love to watch the powder melt into a shiny coating when I turn on the heat tool. An ordinary design is suddenly transformed into a very extraordinary creation. Happy stamping! www.aawmag.com

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JUNE 2009 21

Women Empowered Through Mayland Conference

Joey Laughridge was just one of many women in attendance for the EMPOWER U conference.

Women from Avery, Mitchell, Watauga and Yancey counties shared a day of celebration, motivation and inspiration in late April at the inaugural EMPOWER U: A Conference for Women

by Women, sponsored by the Mayland Community College Foundation on its main campus in Spruce Pine.

“Our first women’s conference gave women in the area a chance to enjoy themselves and recharge their batteries,” said Laura Laughridge, executive director of the Mayland Community College Foundation. “We were impressed with attendance from the community at large, and we are grateful to our exhibitors, presenters and volunteers. This was a great day for women in our region, and the Foundation plans to make this an annual event.”

Elizabeth Westall, Yancey County native, career educator and local entertainer, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on her life and opportunities as a woman and sharing part of her compelling one-woman show, Nance Dude. As a school teacher who in her 27-year career taught approximately 5,000 children, Westall described her career as “fulfilling,” and emphasized “the most exciting thing about teaching was seeing young people open up like flowers.”

“Women are survivors because they had to be,” said Dr. Suzanne Owens, president of Mayland Community College, in her opening remarks to nearly 80 women in attendance.

“Women have always been able to balance family and work.

Women approach leadership roles with strength, resilience, and compassion.”

22 JUNE 2009

Another highlight of the conference was the fashion show presented by Mitchell County SafePlace’s Touch of Class.

Twelve volunteers modeled outfits from the resale store.

Volunteers Darrell Nanney and Sylvia Dellinger provided hairstyling and makeup for the models.

Cheech Stewart, manager of Touch of Class and The Attic, received the first EMPOWER U Outstanding Woman Award for her contributions to the empowerment of women.

After lunch, participants attended break-out sessions on a variety of topics from mentoring and couponing to employment in the economic downturn and self-defense.

“The topics presented were very timely,” said Karen Magner, who led a session on women’s health.

“The Mayland Community College Foundation thanks the volunteers who not only made EMPOWER U possible, but a tremendous success,” Laughridge said.

Loaves and Fishes of Crossnore catered lunch; decorations were provided by Spruce Pine Florist. Others helping to make the day a success included ACADA, Alta Ridge Foot Specialists, Premier Designs Jewelry, Aurora Behavioral

Sheila Bauer, representing YMCA of Avery, receives Avon tips from Sheila Laws, longtime Avon representative from the Ingalls community.

Interventions, Crossnore Weavers, Curves of Spruce Pine, Girl Scouts of Western North Carolina, All About Women of the High Country, Mars Hill College, Mayland Community College’s Admissions, Cosmetology and Global Education Departments, Mitchell County SafePlace, My Message of Faith www.aawmag.com

Anita Herbert from Elk Park and Debbie Stafford, Plumtree, both employees of Mayland Community College, “needed a day for ourselves,” they said.

Jewelry, Pyradym, ReJeanna Trice with Mary Kay Cosmetics, Shelia Laws with Avon, and YMCA of Avery County.

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

Avery County’s Laura Crowe, owner of My Message of Faith Jewelry, is assisted at her booth by good friend, Lisa Daniels.

and assisting with capital improvements are some of the Foundation’s roles.

For more information about the Foundation or upcoming events, visit www.mayland.edu/foundation or call (800) 6429526 or (828) 765-7351, extension 209 or 310.

Photos by Sherrie Norris.

www.aawmag.com

JUNE 2009 23

Jeanne Tygielski

Faces Horizon With A “Be Positive” Attitude

BY VICKI RANDOLPH

We all know a super mom – the one who does it all: the dishes what Jeanne considered to be big city! It didn’t take her long, and the laundry, has a public job, saves the world and raises though, to acclimate. children, too. Some of those super moms are super heroes as She began getting used to the idea and slowly but surely she, too, fell in love with the well. Jeanne Tygielski is one mountains. “Gerry had to of those women and has an drag me up here,” she says, inspirational story that speaks “but now he couldn’t drag volumes. me away!”

Jeanne has had to face new horizons at many junctures

She is here to stay; the one-time big city girl is along the route of her life’s now a mountain girl through journey, and she’s done it with and through. Not long after courage every step of the way. their big move, she found Jeanne is a native of south Florida, but it seems a position with Samaritan’s like a lifetime since she called Purse, and has been there it home. After leaving the ever since. comfort of her parents’ nest,

She and her family also eventually moved away she went to college, first at from town and are now living Auburn University in Alabama in the beautiful Ashe County and finished at the University countryside. Their home is of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. off-grid, which means they She stayed in Georgia after she produce their own electricity. graduated with a bachelor’s It is an eco-home for which degree and later earned a her husband used green master’s degree in social work. techniques and recycled It took a lot of courage to move out on her own where materials to build. she knew no one, then make

The Tygielskis have worked hard on their new a life for herself that involved homestead and are very helping others. proud to share it with others.

While living in Atlanta, she met and married the love of her They have had thousands of life. Since their 1986 wedding, students visit their eco-home, she and Gerry have been and many volunteers have through a lot. helped implement green Jeanne was quite content to features of every kind. There live in the big city, and enjoyed are solar panels, aluminum The Tygielski family does not take quality time for granted. Photo by all of the amenities therein. As shingles and countless other Kristin Espinosa for Elias Photography. far as she was concerned, they components that make their were happily raising their two home a healthier place to young daughters to be city girls, as well. That is, until her husband live that treads more lightly on the planet. announced he wanted the family to move to the mountains! The Soon after moving into the home they had worked so hard plan was to escape the rat race, build their own home and live for years to build, lightning hit their storage building causing a fire. Jeanne and her family lost many of their valued possessions, life more simply as part of a smaller community.

The whole family moved to the High Country during the fall including such things as their family’s heirloom Christmas of 1998. Much to her dismay, the big city of Boone wasn’t exactly ornament collection. It wasn’t just objects of affection that were 24 JUNE 2009

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lost; much of the equipment used to keep them functioning offgrid was also destroyed in the fire.

For a long time, the Tygielskis all had to work around not having electricity. Gerry worked out a way to run a generator long enough for them to take showers and enjoy some of the luxuries of temporary electricity, but they still had to do without refrigeration or hot water and lights on demand. They were very grateful to friends who provided them with meals throughout their dark days!

As if all of this weren’t enough to keep Jeanne on her toes, she had an even bigger adventure to deal with in 2005.

While still building their dream home in the early spring of that year, she started to lose her balance — walking into doorways, dropping things and tripping. Eventually she saw a neurologist who fairly bluntly informed her she had a brain tumor. Her world was suddenly about to change drastically.

She had been suffering from a meningioma, a slow-growing tumor that attaches to the brain, in Jeanne’s case, the brain stem.

Her neurosurgeon told her she might have been walking around with it for the previous 10 to 20 years. One thing they knew for sure, though – she had to get rid of it.

Jeanne also knew she had great friends, family and coworkers, but she’d never have guessed before just how wonderful they could be. From the time she was diagnosed to the time she returned home after surgery, her husband Gerry never left her side. The surgery went well, but her recovery was much longer than anyone expected. Her friends and family took care of her, their two daughters, and everything else, while she was on the mend.

The way the tumor had wrapped around her nerves resulted in a lot of nerve damage from having it removed. She ended up being on a respirator for much longer than expected. She went from intensive care unit to hospital bed to rehab unit to home over a four-week period, but it wasn’t easy. There were many side effects from the surgery.

She was unable to breath on her own for a while and had a paralyzed vocal chord. She couldn’t swallow and couldn’t eat for a long time. She ended up with a tracheotomy for a few months and was on a feeding tube for six months. During rehab, she had to regain strength and balance in order to walk. For several weeks, her small white board and dry erase markers were her means of communication with hospital staff, family and friends.

She also still suffers from hearing loss in one ear.

A few years and a ton of physical therapy later, she is back into a semi-normal lifestyle. She still lives with a green guru and occasionally without electricity, but she is just like anyone else who goes to work, does too much and is a worrisome parent with both of her daughters away at college.

Her oldest daughter, Katie, attends Harvard University and travels around the globe with the adventurous spirit and servant’s heart of her mom. Last summer she volunteered at an orphanage for the deaf in India, (see You, Go Girl! story in the April issue of All About Women of the High Country). Her younger daughter, Elizabeth, just finished her first year at High Point University in North Carolina. Both girls are the pride of their parents and are an exceptional tribute to the super mom abilities of Jeanne www.aawmag.com

Tygielski.

Besides working for Samaritan’s Purse (a phenomenal Christian global ministry), raising amazing daughters, keeping her husband Gerry in line, and recovering from a brain tumor, Jeanne does so much more. She has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for nearly two decades. Since moving to the High Country, she has worked tirelessly with Habitat in Watauga and Ashe counties and was recently able to help start a local affiliate.

After much hard work by a local steering committee, Ashe County Habitat for Humanity was organized. Jeanne is the president of the board of directors.

All of the Ashe Habitat houses are going to be green houses.

Each structure will be built using alternative energy systems, recycled materials and having a small carbon footprint. All of the Ashe houses will be a testament to the Tygielskis’ commitment to try to make the world a better place, not only for the families who will be living in the new houses, but also for everyone else sharing the planet we call home.

It’s a wonder Jeanne has time to do anything else, but she is also currently in training to participate in a very special walk later this year. The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a 60-mile walk in which thousands of people participate to help fight and find a cure for breast cancer. She has a team comprised of family and friends that she will be leading at the Atlanta event this October. In the meantime, she’s putting a lot of miles on her sneakers to work up to the task.

When asked how she’s handled the challenges that have come her way, her answer is clear: faith.

“The day I was told I had the tumor, I called Gerry on my cell phone after the appointment. I cried and then I went back to work. I can tell you right where I was on the sidewalk outside my office building at Samaritan’s Purse when this incredible feeling came over me that I was going to be okay. It wasn’t that I believed at that moment that I wouldn’t suffer or anything like that, but that whatever happened, I was going to be able to handle it with God’s help. That feeling never left me in the challenging months that followed,” says Jeanne. “I definitely continued to experience the peace that passes all understanding.

“Gerry, the girls and I decided early on that we would remain positive throughout the adventure, as we came to call it. We consciously decided that we would have positive attitudes, and we would try to be kind to the nurses, doctors, and everyone,” she continues. “About two weeks before my surgery, I had to go to a blood bank to give blood to myself in case I needed a transfusion (which I did), and while there, we realized that my blood type was B+, so that became our motto: Be Positive!”

That wasn’t just her motto for the surgery experience; it’s basically the motto she lives by. Jeanne Regan Tygielski is an extraordinary woman and all who know her feel honored to be considered one of her friends. Her husband sums it all up in this one statement, “She is a saint!” Most people who know her would surely agree with him. Whether it’s a life-threatening condition or simply the light of a new day, Jeanne delivers sunshine with each new horizon.

JUNE 2009 25

Minding Her Own Business| BY SHERRIE NORRIS

Nothing Like A Summer Breeze For

Cynthia Henderson

Retirement from nearly three decades of public school teaching gave Cynthia Henderson time to focus not only on her family but also on her other passion – daylilies. What started with a few backyard bloomers became an obsession for this revered Avery County educator, and eventually evolved into Summer Breeze Daylily Farm. Today, Cynthia’s

Nothing is more refreshing and peaceful for Cynthia Henderson than walking among 15,000 blooming daylilies. She is pictured here with grandson, Chase. Photo submitted. family-operated business grows over 2,300 different kinds of daylilies and has over 15,000 plants.

“We have shipped to over 23 states and have had visitors from almost every state,” she shares.

Prior to her retirement, she was already hooked and had been hosting open garden sales during summer break since 1998. Folks tell her she inherited her love of plants from her late grandmother, Maxine Banner.

“My mother, Connie Braswell, also loves her flowers and has been my right hand from the beginning. She is at the garden every day during bloom season, greeting visitors and helping them choose that special plant. She walks to and from my house every day and, even after a 12plus hour day, refuses a ride home. She also helps me with our Adopt-AHighway Program, picking up litter in the warmer months.”

For several years, Cynthia’s daughter Carrie took her vacation during bloom season and came home to help with the business.

“It was a three - generation farm for a while,” Cynthia says. “Now, with two small children, Carrie cannot help as much.”

Cynthia’s husband, Tim, whose career has been spent at Grandfather Mountain, is always working with the daylilies, too, in the afternoon and on the weekends.

“I am truly thankful for being blessed and privileged to have had the experiences I did with my students and to be a wife, mother and grandmother. Many people worry about turning 50. For me, it was one of the best years of my life! I was ready and able to move from one area of my life to another. Life is good!”

Cynthia’s summer season, May through September, basically is 26 JUNE 2009

consumed with the daylilies, sometimes 15 hours a day.

“Winter is spent making my catalog for the daylily farm, doing inventory, etc., preparing for another year.”

She enjoys gardening, canning and freezing, and admits to loving all other flowers, not just daylilies. She enjoys reading when she finds time, as well as deer hunting with Tim, music, church, traveling, going to the YMCA and spending time with her family.

Cynthia’s goal early in life was to teach children with special needs, which she accomplished well after graduating from Avery High and completing her education at UNC-G and ASU. The summer before her junior year, the Henderson family, with a handsome young son named Tim, moved next door to the Braswells.

Cynthia and Tim were married five months later and will soon celebrate 33 years together. She married the “boy next door” and moved only a quarter mile from where she was reared.

It was during Easter break of her student teaching, that she and Tim welcomed a beautiful little girl to their family. Carrie actually began school when she was seven days old by going to school in a wicker basket with her mama for six weeks so that Cynthia could complete student teaching at Crossnore Center for Exceptional Children without missing a day!

Two years later, their son Adam made his entrance during summer vacation. Cynthia’s dream came true in 1978, when she began teaching at Newland Elementary with multi-handicapped children. After a couple of years, she moved to Avery High where she taught grades 9-12 exceptional needs students. During the next 26 years, she made many lifelong friends with her co-workers, students and their parents, while

teaching nearly every subject – all four years of English, competency math, reading and writing, basic math to algebra 1, geography, history, civics, biology, health, etc., to special needs students.

“This was very rewarding to see progress made and goals achieved with some of the best students ever,” she states. “I began to lose my enthusiasm as the extreme amount of paperwork and required testing took away the time I wanted to be helping the students with individual needs and problems that did not always fall in an academic area. In 2003, I pursued and obtained National Board Certification in Exceptional Children. This enabled me to retire at 28 years with full benefits. Since retirement, I often run into some of my former students and for a while I miss teaching, but I knew it was time for me to focus on other things.”

Continued on page 35.

www.aawmag.com

Featuring Extraordinary Doctor,

Charlie Baker

Dads and their Princesses

www.aawmag.com

Doting Husband, Dad, and Granddad, Dan Meyer JUNE 2009 27

For Dads and Their Princesses Third Annual Date Night Is One To Remember

Jeremy Hughes with daughter, Kama Hughes, 11.

“It was a great success,” says Holly Naumowich with the YMCA of Avery County, when speaking of the third annual YMCA Princess Date Night for girls ages 5 and older, and their fathers, grandfathers and father figures.

“We had close to 150 in attendance and everyone had a wonderful time! It was a very special occasion for dads to spend with their daughters. It was a sweet and loving evening for everyone.”

The formal “date night” was hosted by Margaret and Ed Powe and held at Grandfather Golf & Country Club in Linville on Saturday, May 2. The festive evening began with hors d’oeuvres at 6:00 p.m. and dinner and dance following at 6:30 p.m. Door prizes and more dancing, with music provided by Sound Technique, ended the fairytale evening as the princesses were escorted home by their knights in shining armor. Everyone looked lovely or handsome in their finest formal attire while memories were made to last a lifetime.

“I hope everyone puts it on their calendar for next year,” Holly says. While a definite date has not been set for the 2010 event, it will be held in May. For more information, call (828) 737-5500.

Lt. Col. Gary Smith, USAF, with daughter, Allison Smith, 5.

Left to right Brooke Jones, 9 with father David Jones, Abbigail Yates, 10, and father Daniel Yates.

28 JUNE 2009

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Brett Watkinson with daughters, Shelby Maly, 9 and Chelsea Maly, 6.

Chris Daniels with daughter, Madison Daniels, 10.

Connery Floyd with daughter, Anastasia Thompson, 9.

Marc Naumowich with daughter, Josie Naumowich, 5. www.aawmag.com

JUNE 2009 29

Dr. Charlie Baker Among the Extraordinary

BY HEATHER W. JORDAN, CNM, MSN

So much depends upon a red wheelbarrow glazed with rainwater beside the white chickens –William Carlos Williams Sometimes within the ordinary, we find the extraordinary. When likely major in one of the hard sciences, but wound up in pretaken in the context of the medical profession, sometimes it is med. During his senior year he explored literary classes, such as romantic poetry and modern drama, started writing, and found that those classes really changed the way he thought.

Studying the works of poet physician William Carlos Williams, a general practitioner who worked for 40 years in New Jersey, Charlie related to this poet’s theme of his work fueling his art, “not just giving him stuff to write about, but that it put him where the important stuff was happening. I thought, now that’s cool,” says Charlie. “In a way, that was really good, because it gave me some other motivation [for being a doctor], because I didn’t know any other doctors. There were none in my family growing up.”

After graduating from Davidson College, Charlie entered medical school at UNC - Chapel Hill. Initially, he questioned whether he had chosen the right path. The standard educational model of cramming to memorize, only to forget again, did not sit well with him. At that time, all testing was at the end of the school year in the form of a two-day comprehensive exam. He started Ann and Charlie Baker auditing classes in the creative writing department and leaning toward a literary career. He spoke to the dean of the school about within the common, everyday ailments that we learn something taking a break from medical school and working, until he learned about people, their existence, and ourselves. I suppose you could that there would be no professional deferments for Vietnam. He say that Dr. Charlie Baker is part of considered going to language my ordinary life; but the more I learn school, but ultimately, with of him as a colleague, a professional just three weeks until the and a human being, the more I exam, he was encouraged become quite convinced that he is an to study to try to continue on extraordinary person with a generosity with his med school class. The of spirit, a genuineness in the way in dean helped this decision by which he relates to others, and a depth getting him into some clinical of knowledge of the human condition experiences of going to a few in all its facets that is both inspiring and births. evocative.

“It [medicine] started sounding kind of interesting, Charlie Baker was born in Atlanta, but grew up in Charlotte when it was still so I took all my textbooks and a farm town. He was an “outdoorsy” kid got under a big old oak tree – a boy scout – and ran a paper route and started cramming and for many years. He was disciplined went and took the exams and enough to not only get up daily at 4 finished in the top third of the a.m. to deliver the Charlotte Observer, class.”

Daniel and Charlie but also to save his earnings over many

He was progressively drawn in by the clinical aspect years to pay for his first car, a lemon and never looked back. Reflecting on the learning process, he yellow Buick Opal, for which he paid $1500.

Upon entering Davidson College, Charlie thought he would says, “When people are dependent on you being knowledgeable, 30 JUNE 2009

www.aawmag.com

then what you’re learning you tend to retain better. When I read about health information with one of my patients, it stays with me because I attach that information to somebody.”

As a third year medical student, Charlie met Ann, now his wife of 37 years. He fondly recalls how, at first, they were dating each other’s roommates.

“One night I called her apartment to talk to her roommate who wasn’t there, and so I wound up talking to Ann. The next thing I knew, we were having a beer up on Franklin Street. We’ve been together ever since, which is probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me. She’s been great for me.

You know, you’ve gotta be a Alice and Charlie Type A to do this job, but she’s balanced me down to maybe an A-minus.”

During his fourth year of medical school, he and Ann traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland – she to study tapestry and weaving, while he went on a travel scholarship for his medical studies. They wound up marrying in Scotland and returning to the states where he started his internship at the University of Vermont, followed by a year of pediatrics residency at Charlotte.

Feeling somewhat burned out after the first year, he moved on to work on the Sioux Indian reservation in South Dakota, where their firstborn, Daniel, arrived.

After a year, they moved to Pittsburgh. With Ann working on her master’s degree, Charlie, who was working a nine-to-five job at an inner city clinic, had a lot of one-on-one time with Daniel.

Charlie completed his pediatric residency the following year and moved to Crossnore and Sloop Memorial Hospital in 1979 to open his practice as a board-certified pediatrician/family physician.

Daughter Alice was born a few years later, followed in five more years by daughter Kate.

Currently, Daniel works for the Peace Corps as a program director in Costa Rica. Alice is a large animal veterinarian in the Research Triangle. Kate is finishing her junior year as a political science major at her dad’s alma mater, Davidson College.

Charlie and Kate It is clear how much Dr. Baker values his relationships with each of his children. “We work to have family time as the priority, but failing that, we work to have individual time.”

Traveling, camping, and hiking in the outdoors are often part www.aawmag.com

of his quality family time. It is obvious that he finds these times particularly rewarding, describing his kids as “funny and lively and stimulating . . . well-read with great senses of humor, so they teach you stuff. It’s really cool. I look forward to every minute.”

And, of course, while he enjoys solo time getting out and cycling, he and Ann spend time together as well, traveling, attending operas and musical events like MerleFest, and simply enjoying their home in Crossnore.

Every Thursday morning and every weekend day, they get up and get out in their hot tub where there’s “thirty minutes when you’re just there in front of each other, catching up.”

This “family first” philosophy certainly spills over into the way he runs his practice. He was quick to inform me of that philosophy when I first joined the practice. Dr. Baker has his second family at his office and he cares for the staff accordingly. With his staff and patients, there is a comfort level that he evokes not only because of the respectful, down-to-earth way that he talks to people, but also by his broad experience, knowledge base, and clinical skills. He has long served as a preceptor for UNC third-year medical students and is extremely well liked by his students.

Commenting on his work, Dr. Baker is enthusiastic when he says, “I love going to work every morning. I wake up and I’m happy to go, and I just think that I get paid to spend all day talking to my friends.” He adds, “The other thing that’s cool in our office is that on any given day in June or July you could have one of the wealthiest people in the country sitting in our waiting room with one of the poorest people, and they all wait their turn. There are no VIPs; they all get care. I’m proud of our office for that.”

When asked if there was anything else to add, he brought up a comment he had heard that someone had made about him – that his manner was “more like that of a midwife than any other doctor that they had ever seen.” He followed this remark by saying with a smile, “I took that as just a supreme compliment.” Midwives would be complimented by this comparison too.

After thirty years in practice, Dr. Charlie Baker has certainly been where important stuff is happening.

William Carlos Williams would have been impressed.

JUNE 2009 31

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Dan Meyer’s Wife Says, “Any Woman Should Be So Lucky”

BY SHERRIE NORRIS Since he is always interested in how people act and interact, If a “Mr. Boone” title existed, Dan Meyer would wear it well.

Having called Boone home for 18 years, Dan has one of the most his background in psychology/family relations has served him well. recognizable names and faces around. He served for his first 15 He has run the gamut from residential treatment of emotionally years here as executive director of Appalachian/Brian Estates, a disturbed children to community mental health, private practice, premiere rental retirement community. public workshops/seminars to corporate counsel/employee

In 2004, after being affiliated with the local chamber assistance and retirement housing service/administration. of commerce and serving in a variety of committee positions After coming to Boone in 1989 to run Appalachian Brian including board chair, he made a career change and became the Estates, Dan immediately got involved with High Country Senior president/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The Games and the Chamber. He has served on the Chamber board Chamber’s offices are in downtown Boone, which mandates a since 1994, chaired the Business Affairs Committee before commitment to be involved in the development and enhancement becoming Board chair in 1999 and again in 2004. of the downtown area. Dan serves on the board of the Carolinas Desiring to become more involved in what he calls “the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the NC fabric and future” of the High Country, Dan sought the Chamber Chamber Federation. presidency and assumed that position in September, 2004. “It’s

In addition to his hard to believe that’s been fulltime responsibilities, Dan almost 5 years ago!” is an adjunct instructor at

Serving on numerous ASU, teaching classes each community boards – civic, semester in the sociology/ business, charitable and nonsocial work and family profit – Dan is always the and consumer science first to be called for advice, departments. Dan chairs support and especially when the Kraut Creek Committee an informative, entertaining and serves on the boards master of ceremonies is of the Watauga County needed for any occasion.

Economic Development

Serving in a Commission, the Watauga vital public relations Committee of 100, Watauga role while successfully Opportunities, the Watauga leading a 950–member Affordable Housing business organization, Dan Taskforce, Downtown Boone understands the importance Development Association, of networking with community High Country Host and other and university agencies, civic organizations. As a departments, administrations Gretchen and Tami with their dad Dan. member at Mount Vernon and constituencies, and does Baptist Church, he has it well. served as a teacher, deacon and a longtime favorite vocalist.

However, when asked to help launch this new men’s section

He has also been instrumental in the NC Agriculture of the magazine as a tribute to fatherhood, Dan’s countenance Extension, serving as chairman of Community Advisory Council took on an entirely different look. and Farm/City Committee, Appalachian State University’s Parent “Fatherhood! Wow! The greatest privilege and challenge of Association and Student Life Task Force, as well as the Centennial a lifetime, the most work and greatest blessing!”

Committee and Kiwanis Club of Boone, 1992 and 1998 as Calling it interesting that his doctoral dissertation was on the president. role of the father and his influence on his children, Dan says, “

Dan holds bachelor, master’s and doctoral degrees in the I had two wonderful [brief] opportunities to be a stay-at-homefield of psychology, marriage and family relations. dad. What a tremendous experience for a dad to really get to

He was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American know his daughters, their interests, their struggles, their friends Colleges and Universities in 1967, Outstanding Young Men of and become a confidant. I credit those early opportunities to be America, nominated by Asbury College, 1974 and Who’s Who with my girls for [what resulted in] a lasting, open relationship with Among Young American Professionals in 1991. them now.”

His wife Pam recently retired from teaching. They have two Dan adds, “Dad involvement is critical to developing a good married daughters and four grandchildren. relationship with kids, both quantity and quality of time. It’s the www.aawmag.com

JUNE 2009 33

same with marriage. I’m very proud to be ‘Dad’ to Tami and Calvary Baptist Church, where he was on staff as Director of Gretchen and just hope they are as proud of me.”

Family Life and Counseling. He is a gifted teacher and has taught

The proof is in the pudding. Dan shares, “It’s great to see Sunday school for 30 years. how they [the girls and their husbands] invest themselves in the “I can’t tell you all the boards he has served on and community grandkids. I refer to Jim and Jimmy as ‘my boys’ and I’m glad I service projects he has done,” says Pam, “but I can tell you that got them without having to pay their college tuitions!” he has never let a hobby or a meeting come before his family. He

As far as their dad goes, both Tami and Gretchen agree that always made sure that the needs of his wife and children were met he always made room for family time with regular family nights first.” and dates nights with each daughter.

In his early days, Dan did family life seminars with Gary

“He was willing Chapman, author of to do what we were The Five Languages of interested in. He and Love and was the front Mom went as far as to man for well-known take dance roller skating author/speaker, Tim lessons with us. Because Lahaye, who wrote the Mom and Dad were Left Behind series. always considered so Pam accompanies cool by our friends and Dan to a class at the end took great interest in our of each semester that he friends and activities, teaches Marriage and our house was often the Family classes at ASU. “I gathering place. allow the students to ask

“One of Dad’s most me anything they want to memorable comments know about Dan or our to us as we left the marriage. Many have house without him was, not known a marriage ‘Remember who you that has lasted so long. are and whose you are.’

They love looking This is a phrase we find through our wedding ourselves using with our album and snickering at kids now. Dad always the ‘60s look.”

As the “breakfast made us feel secure, Doting Granddad, Dan Meyer, enjoys quality time with the little ones. no matter what was man” at the Meyer happening with his job. home, Dan wakes early Even when he was out of work, he’d take us to Bojangles with his and starts the coffee, then fixes breakfast “with a little help from coupon book and to the breakfast bar at Shoney’s, which would me,” Pam says. Describing her husband as quite the romantic, last us two meals.

Pam says Dan enjoys traveling and loves surprising her with little

“His most important gifts were his love for the Lord that he getaways. shared with us, instilling a strong work ethic in us, and teaching us “He’ll say, ‘Pack a suitcase and be ready to leave.’” levelheaded decision-making. Even when we went off to college She had it from a good source, that a “staycation” to Chetola it was not uncommon to receive ‘Epistles from Dad’ containing was being planned. words of wisdom. Dad has always been a very wise and loving “It has been my privilege to live with a loving husband, man and always sure to put his faith and family first.” wonderful father and doting grandfather,” says Pam. “Any woman

His wife Pam, who perhaps knows him best of all from 42 should be so lucky!” years of marriage, says they actually were born in the same hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

“Our parents had mutual friends, but did not know each other. His family moved to Greensboro when he was a young teen. My father and his folks were from West Jefferson, but moved to Columbus for work. Dan and I met at Asbury College, a small Christian school in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dan was the big man on campus, president of his senior class, and a star on the soccer team. We were married the summer after he graduated. He went to the University of Kentucky for a master’s in counseling and on to Ohio State to work on his doctorate degree. He ended up finishing his degree at Luther Rice Seminary.”

Dan is an avid reader with a home library with a collection of every book James Michener wrote. He has enjoyed many sports in the past from swimming, running, and biking to golf.

Pam adds, “Dan has a beautiful singing voice and taped many specials from Tanglewood Park that were aired on TV by 34 JUNE 2009

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As the 2006 school year ended, Cynthia bid farewell to her classroom and began focusing on her hobby. The family farm on Sugar Mountain #1 near Newland was the perfect place to grow just about anything. She and her family had started planting daylilies around the house and just could not stop. By 1998, they had enough planted to open the business to the public.

Cynthia takes pride in her fields of flowers, keeping them immaculate during the season and replenishing the beds during the off-season. She looks at her new venture much the same as she did teaching. Both are hard work and both are rewarding. At the end of a hard day, she says, “I know one feels closer to God’s heart in a garden than any place else on earth.”

Cynthia is grateful for her good health and two fulfilling career opportunities. None of this would be possible, she says, without her strong faith, determination to make dreams happen, and the help of a wonderful family.

Her daughter, Carrie, now a busy wife and mother of two young

boys, is a RN at Missions Hospitals in Asheville. Adam is a busy transportation supervisor with Avery County DOT. “Keeping my grandsons a couple of days each week helps fill the empty nest.”

When things get stressful, exhausting, or life throws a challenge, Cynthia says there is nothing as refreshing and peaceful as walking through 15,000 blooming daylilies to put things in perspective.

“As you walk in the garden and enjoy the splendor and peace among the beauty of the daylilies, you can hear the still voice of God.” To find Cynthia Henderson and her daylily farm, travel to the Montezuma community between Newland and Linville, turning onto Sugar Mtn. # 1 Road.

Travel approximately 1 mile. You can’t miss the hundreds of daylilies awaiting you. Sales are currently in progress with regular business hours (Mon. - Sat. 10 to 6 and Sundays 1-5) beginning in mid-June. For more information, call (828) 733-5295 or e-mail summerbreeze@goboone. net.

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Horn In The West: Behind the Scenes

BY YOZETTE “YOGI” COLLINS

Dr. Joyce Brothers once said, “Being taken for granted can be a “The story was originally written in 1952 and a lot of the compliment. It means that you’ve become a comfortable, trusted language dates it. We’re trying to update the language a little bit while remaining authentic to the period.” element in another person’s life.”

Five years ago, residents of the High Country were apparently Richardson, who, as a child watched the show while her quite comfortable with its only outdoor drama, Horn in the West, mother volunteered at the gift shop, is directing the show for because low attendance and a general lack of interest threatened her second year and is one of only a handful of outdoor drama the drama’s existence. Thanks to a succession of women (and directors who are women. some vital men), this local gem is now regaining its luster.

“You have to have a passion and a love for it [outdoor drama] in order to want to be part of While Freda Greene of Boone kept the “little drama it. Females have not been as that could” chugging along prominent in it until the last as board chair during the five or six years,” Richardson drama’s down days, the says. past two years have been

Kay Gibson, Horn administrative assistant, under the leadership of adds, “When I first came here board chair Nancy Spann, and saw this place, I was in who has brought a new feel awe and fell in love with it. of professionalism to the (Now,) I always come to the theater. concentrated first night of the season and “I’ve more on the governance last year, I couldn’t believe it, and organization – getting but I had tears. And I work the board meetings here! Julie did a great job.” women all together, getting organized

The suggest that visiting the onabout what needs to site Hickory Ridge Homestead happen and speaking to the before the show enhances Town Council and making L to R: Freda Greene, Julie Richardson, Nancy Spann, Kay Gibson, Virginia Roseman.

Not pictured: Board Member, Shawn Banks. the experience. requests for money,” Spann Photo by Yozette “Yogi” Collins.

Says Spann, “I see says. it as a complement to the Besides the historical importance of Horn in the theater because it shows the West, the drama brings tourists and their dollars to the High way the characters on the stage really lived.”

Country.

The characters on stage are drawing and impressing “We did an audience survey last summer and we have audiences of all ages from year to year, Roseman says. In fact, she approximately a $1.3 million economic impact on this area,” adds, “When we were raising funds for the organization, this little Spann says. “Also, while we have wonderful support from the local girl came running up to me holding all these dimes and quarters community, we have a lot of visitors who come from outside the and dollar bills and she said, ‘Is this enough to save the Horn so I High Country and outside North Carolina.” can come back next year?’ I looked at her and said, ‘Because of June 19th marks the opening of Horn in the West and is you, we will be here next year.’ That was the most precious thing. the start of Watauga County Weekend when Watauga County That means the show gave her inspiration and pride.” residents can buy an unlimited number of tickets for only $6 per Horn in the West is open June 19 – August 15 every day except Monday. Tickets may be purchased at www.horninthewest. person.

Says PR Director Virginia Roseman, “This is where we tell the com or by calling the ticket office at (828) 264-2120. Discounts community, ‘Thank you for supporting us; thank you for believing are available when you call. in us.’”

Meals from the Dan’l Boone Inn are available for purchase In its 58th season, the show has undergone some updates but Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and must be reserved by 2 p.m. remains true to its roots, says director Julie Richardson. the day of the performance.

36 JUNE 2009

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Don’t Miss July’s Freedom Issue JUNE 2009 37

High Country Courtesies| BY Sharon carlton

The Gracious Wedding Guest

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part. --Book of Common Prayer A wedding invitation is an honor. A couple who values your company wants you to share one of the most important milestones of their lives. To be a guest whose presence is appreciated, it is important to be considerate of the bride and groom and their families as they orchestrate the myriad of details and navigate the emotions surrounding the wedding.

When you receive an invitation, respond as soon as possible.

The term RSVP, which stands for repondez s’il vous plait, is indeed a request for a timely response. By returning response cards promptly, you allow the couple to plan for an accurate number of guests.

Most caterers require a guest count weeks before the event. Meals and amenities are usually pre-paid. If guests appear without having replied, the bride and groom may not be prepared to accommodate them. Likewise, a no-show guest presents an unnecessary expense and disrupts seating arrangements for a seated dinner. Your swift notification of your intention to attend, or regrets that you cannot attend, will be greatly appreciated. When you are unable to attend, a brief message expressing your regrets is appropriate. If you must cancel after you have accepted, respond immediately.

Wedding invitations are usually very specific as to who is invited.

Unless a person’s name is on the invitation envelope, or “and guest” is written, do not assume that a date, visiting relative, or your children are invited or welcome. Remember that the venue and/or the couple’s budget may not accommodate an unlimited number of guests.

Arrive at the ceremony at least 20 minutes early to allow time to be seated and settled before the processional. If you are late, wait for a cue from the wedding coordinator. She will direct you to be seated at an appropriate time and place.

Do remember to turn off cell phones, beepers, and any other technological devices that could possibly disrupt the sanctity of the service. Unless you have made prior arrangements to take pictures during the ceremony, refrain from doing so. Your flash may impede the wedding party’s photographer or video recorder. The professional photographer will know the rules of the venue that may not be obvious to others.

If you are bringing children, you are responsible for keeping them under control at all times. Prior to the wedding, explain to them what they can expect, and what your expectations for them are. If they are disruptive during the ceremony, swiftly remove them. The wedding coordinator may direct you to a safe, quiet area.

The officiating religious leaders or wedding programs will generally explain to the congregation any action required of them during the ceremony. At most ceremonies the guests stand as the 38 JUNE 2009

bride enters and remain standing until the officiant directs guests to be seated. When unsure, follow the actions of those around you. If you do not want to participate in specific ceremonial rituals, or if you are physically unable to participate, sit respectfully as others observe the rites. Remember that you are there to support and encourage the couple.

Guests should remain seated unless otherwise directed. After the ceremony, guests exit after the wedding party and the families of the bride and groom have exited.

Dressing up emphasizes the celebratory meaning of the occasion.

Historically neither black nor white were considered appropriate colors to wear for a wedding. Currently, black and ivory are considered acceptable, while an all-white outfit is acceptable as long as it does not upstage the bride. At formal religious ceremonies bare shoulders should be covered, and a woman wearing a sleeveless outfit should wear or carry a wrap. Wedding ceremonies after 6:30 p.m. are traditionally formal or black tie, with women dressing in long skirts and gowns, and men wearing tuxedos or suits. Unless noted with the invitation, casual dress should be avoided for weddings. In general, it is better to overdress than to under dress for weddings.

When selecting a gift, first consider the couple’s registry, which will include gifts that they need or would like to have. If you are unable to attend, it is customary – though not totally necessary – to send a gift, especially if it involves a close friend or family member.

It is best not to give gifts at the ceremony when presents must be gathered and sent home by parents or friends. Traditionally, you have up to one year to send wedding gifts, although it is best to send gifts around time of the wedding.

At the reception, be courteous and thoughtful by engaging other guests at your table in conversation. As you leave, express your sincere best wishes to the new couple.

Weddings can be emotionally powerful occasions that affirm what is important in life. Enjoy the privilege to witness the formation of new families as couples commit themselves to each other. Your respectful consideration of the bride and groom and their families will contribute to a joyous occasion for all.

Sharon Carlton, High Country Courtesies © 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 www.aawmag.com

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JUNE 2009 39

Heartfelt| BY TERI WIGGANS

A Unique Adventure

“Only when we are able to grow into fullness through our own seasons are we in harmony with our environment.”

– Stephen Foster I would like to share a unique kind of adventure with you. This adventure can provide an opportunity to reflect on who we are and how we relate to the world.

I have often thought about going on a vision quest not even knowing exactly what that entails. I’ve read about the different cultures that integrate vision quests, such as Native American, African, and the Australian Aboriginal, as a rite of passage from one stage of life into another. A time is set aside for individuals to go into a place of isolation in the mountains, desert, or into a jungle, become still, face their own fears and learn about their own power, identity, purpose and connection with nature, the world, and the universe. A symbolic death of one stage occurs, then a letting go process of the old life and a birth into the next stage. Examples of this death/rebirth cycle occur in nature as the daily setting and rising of the sun and the changing seasons.

A friend of mine, Pam Noble, recently returned from an adapted form of vision quest in Arizona where she had the opportunity to reflect on each of the four stages of life represented by the Four Directions. The theme of the experience was “Forgiveness and Reconciliation in the Life Lodge.”

The first day she began this adventure in the south by exploring the emotions of a childhood wound. She experienced her feelings of hurt and grief being mirrored by the natural world and found deeper forgiveness and insight about what had happened to her. She saw her wound in a twisted tree, uprooted by spring floods, and realized the tree was still blooming.

She continued over the next three days, experiencing an assignment each day from the seasons of life: the identity tasks of adolescence in the west, the responsibilities of community and adulthood/elderhood in the north, and the illumination of the mystic and the spirit world in the east.

In the west, she walked in the shoes of someone she had hurt, feeling that person’s pain and asking for forgiveness. She stumbled over the jagged landscape of pain she had caused and experienced peace as she reached a flowing stream at the bottom of a canyon.

In the north, she revisited commitment and the necessity of showing up fully in relationships and she witnessed how each plant and tree and animal existed in perfect relationship to each other.

On the last day, she rose to greet the rising sun, a symbolic gesture of receiving and integrating the healing she had experienced. She thanked the earth and its gifts of healing and returned to North Carolina with an intention to integrate and incorporate her new knowledge so that she can share it with others.

At each step of this adventure, Pam discovered in nature a perfect mirror of her feelings, which in turn led to her healing. Such is the nature of vision quests. Each stage provides the vision-seeker with an opportunity to find in nature a reflection of what is occurring as thoughts and feelings within, and inspires the healing that is needed.

As my friend completed each cycle, she allowed her feelings of hurt and anger and fear she had been carrying to die within, creating new space for lightness and love and gladness, a new and more expansive place from which to love.

Her enthusiasm for this process is expressed in her sharing these concepts with others in our area. She is currently co-leading WomanQuest, an introductory five-day vision quest for women, June 37, 2009, thirty minutes from Boone at Abundance Summit Retreat Center.

You can learn more about this vision quest at www.abundancesummit.

40 JUNE 2009

org/woman.html and about additional offerings at Turtle Island Preserve by e-mailing: info@womanquest.net.

I am choosing to attend this quest, my very first vision quest, and I am excited about seeing what new worlds open up for me. I am drawn to participate for several reasons. First, I am witness to Pam’s extraordinary transformation upon return from her vision quest. She is lighter in spirit, accepting of self in a new way and full of passion and joy for life.

Secondly, a few years ago I read The Healing Wisdom of Africa, Finding Life Purpose through Nature, Ritual, and Community, by Malidoma Patrice Somé from West Africa. He came to the Asheville area to share his wisdom. I learned about the importance of ritual and experiencing nature fully in forming a community of love and support.

Malidoma states that through community one can be recognized for one’s gifts and also have the opportunity to contribute, thereby feeling acknowledged and confirmed.

Thirdly, it provides me with an opportunity to grow. I intend to finetune my purpose in life being open to new horizons. I want to release any stuff that is weighing me down and not allowing me to participate in life wholly and completely with joy. I know from my heart that I will feel the presence of God more fully through this experience. I believe to have the support of wise leaders, a committed community of other participants and the healing power of nature is an opportunity I am ready for.

I thought I would be traveling to Arizona or Ecuador for my first vision quest. Who would have thought it was available in our own beautiful backyard? I look forward to sharing more about my new horizons.

www.aawmag.com

Jean Canter - Local Songwriter “Hits” the Big Time!

BY CORRINNE LOUCKS ASSAD It was standing room only at Atlanta’s First Baptist Church in again and told Jean that famous songwriter Phil Cross would like February when crowds flocked to honor songwriters of their to speak to her. She called Phil to hear the news that she was to favorite hits at the Song of a Lifetime Tour debut. The idea for be honored at the Songs of a Lifetime event for “Marriage Supper this event came to Phil Cross, gospel songwriter of songs such of the Lamb.” Friends Connie and Gary Knight accompanied as “Champion of Love” and “Miracle in Me,” over a year ago. Jean to Atlanta. Lovely in a floor-length skirt and fancy “do,” He wanted to showcase the writers, emphasizing that they are the Jean introduced her song and told her story of how she was given ones who know the truth behind their lyrics. With the support of Dr. the words and what they meant to her. Then, she introduced the Charles Stanley, syndicated Hoppers who performed her Christian radio Bible teacher song for the audience that and pastor of Atlanta’s First night. Jean describes the Baptist Church, and their evening as one of the best worship pastor, Rodney times of her life, “The entire Brooks, the two-hour Song evening was so anointed. of a Lifetime event came Everybody there just loved to fruition. Only eight everybody and was so songwriters were chosen for supportive of each other.” this honor, one of them being Supper

“Marriage our very own Jean Canter of of The Lamb” wasn’t Jean’s Boone! first hit. Years ago, friend

Many of us know Jean as Jeannie Cameron took a sweet lady who has worked Jean’s demo to Nashville at Cornerstone Bookstore for with her. One of the songs, about eight years. However, “I Know What Lies Ahead,” her family and a few lifelong became her first big hit and friends have long known has been recorded by many about her celebrity status as top groups, hitting Top 10 on the southern gospel charts a songwriter and that she numerous times. It was first has never allowed fame to Award - winning songwriter Jean Canter was recently honored during the Song of a Lifetime event in Atlanta. Photo by Corrinne Loucks Assad. recorded by Chosen and change who she is.

Jean describes a day, later by groups including over two decades ago, when she was waiting for the service at the Tallys, the Greenes, the Hoppers and Charlie Johnson and Westview Baptist Church to start and was lead to read Psalm the Revivers. Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys heard the song 63:1: “Oh God, you are my God . . . in this dry and thirsty land . in 2001 and was inspired to get the lyrics and music from Charlie . .” She thought about how our souls long for a cool drink of His Johnson and several years later, the Oak Ridge Boys recorded water and the words to her song “Marriage Supper of the Lamb” Jean’s song on their gospel CD, “From the Heart.” started to flow.

Jean is also a singer and performed for years in a band called

The song became a big hit when the Hoppers, southern Sonny’s New Harmony with her daughter, Lori, and son-in-law, gospel’s 10-time winner of Favorite Mixed Group Award, and Dave Brainard. Living in Ohio at the time, Jean got tired of living Kim Hopper, 12-time Singing News Soprano Award winner, on the road and returned to her hometown of Boone. She says recorded “Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” Kim Hopper also she is “very blessed by God” for her songwriting ability. When not attended Westview Baptist. Jean said she could just hear them writing, Jean can be found in the music section of Cornerstone singing it as she wrote. She took the song and six more to the Bookstore. She loved shopping at Cornerstone so she applied for [Singing] Greenes’ local recording studio to cut a demo sung a job and is now the Queen of the southern gospel music section! by her friend and well-known recording artist, Jeannie Cameron. (Well, that may not be her official title…)

The Hoppers heard the song, added a hallelujah chorus, recorded In addition to the many albums on which Jean’s songs can it and opened their live shows with it for several years! be found, her songs also are performed live on “Bill Gaither’s

One evening at the beginning of this year, Jean returned 20 All-Time Favorite Homecoming Songs and Performances” and home from work to a message on her answering machine from “Let Freedom Ring: Live from Carnegie Hall.”

Dean Hopper of the Hoppers, saying, “I have some exciting news, Next time you go to Cornerstone, ask Jean where to find a please call me back.” She returned the call the next morning and copy of one of her songs! left him a message. What felt like a lifetime later, Dean called her www.aawmag.com

JUNE 2009 41

Pet Page| BY GENEVIEVE AUSTIN

Creating Harmony Through Simplicity At Little

Horse Creek Farm

Earle Quy is a woman of vision, inspiration, determination and simplicity.

She is married to John Quy, the renowned dog trainer of Little Horse Creek Farm. That fortunate fact benefits dog owners, dog enthusiasts and dog lovers throughout the High Country. Though Earle modestly says most people know her as “the voice on the phone,” it is Earle’s vision, determination and tenacious approach through simplicity that brought Little Horse Creek Farm, LLC to fruition.

Earle and John met in Asheville.

Earle was John’s boss when they worked as professional photographers. John did dog training on the side. Since childhood, when John didn’t even own a dog, he would train neighbors’ dogs. When Earle and John dated, on occasion she’d notice a daydreaming look on John’s face. She’d ask, “What are you thinking?” The thought occasionally ran through her mind that he could be pondering her or the two of them together. His consistent reply was, “Dogs.”

Thoughts about dogs, dreams about dogs, an innate affinity for dogs, Earle realized, impassioned John.

Earle is a gifted photographer and was one of three women in her college class at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. When a college friend offered her a job about which most photographers could only dream – a studio in New York City – she realized that a future with John was what she wanted more.

The two of them moved to Ely, Minnesota along the Boundary Waters where they met Will Steger, the renowned arctic explorer. Through this connection, they both worked as mushers, leading dog sled groups on dog sledding ventures. Earle and John guided clients into the wilderness with two sled teams. John had the lead team, or A team, consisting of four dogs. Earle had the B team, consisting of three dogs.

Earle laughs as she explains, “The B team had the advantage of the chase factor. The dogs are so motivated to chase the first group that it [the B team] needs fewer dogs.”

A professional dog trainer from Chicago visited them and talked extensively with John about dogs. She then pulled Earle aside and told her, “He’s wasted here.” She encouraged them to move to Chicago, but Earle felt it would be too metropolitan for them. It was evident that John should attend Cornell University’s behaviour consultant training. Though John was hesitant, he ultimately agreed. By this time, the couple’s dogcentric existence meant that their home included a pack of dogs. After John received behaviour consultant training from Cornell, the couple traveled the country with their dogs, exploring and researching the best location to settle with their canine brood.

Earle says that she’d frequently stay with the dogs while John checked out properties. She went with him when he deemed one as having potential. She knew the perfect place would have to be one in 42 JUNE 2009

which she would be able to leave her own dog if she had to take a trip. They found the property in Ashe County and though Earle had not personally set foot on it, through the photographs John shared with her, she knew this was the ideal spot.

While the evolution of Little Horse Creek Farm has been a stepby-step journey, Earle says that the “KISS” concept she learned in photography school translates into her successes in life. “My professor told us to ‘Keep It Simple, Stupid,’ in reference to taking excellent photographs.”

Though it applies to photography, that message remains a guiding light in Earle’s business decisions. Each step of their business growth has come from small, simple steps. Earle uses simplicity as her gauge for making decisions.

“If a decision becomes too complicated, that is an indicator that we need to step back and reconsider it.”

They realize that dog training has to be simple. It’s foreign to many people, Earle says. She and John know that if it isn’t fun, it’s not something people will continue.

While it’s a lot of fun, John’s training is non-threatening. For years, they taught a training method called “Click and Treat.”

Earle says one of her musher friends used click and treat on herself.

“She hated preparing taxes. So she gave herself goals and as she reached a goal along the path to preparing her taxes, she picked up the clicker, clicked it and gave herself a handful of M & Ms.” More than 75 percent of their clients are women. They have created a newer version of training stemming from “Click and Treat” called “Soft Touch.” Earle is a savvy businesswoman who utilizes her own soft touch of simplicity and determination to keep this business thriving.

“Small businesses must stay nimble,” John adds. They embody simplicity and fun at Little Horse Creek Farm, LLC.

Earle definitively states, “The bottom line is that you get up in the morning, you do the best you can. You may make mistakes and wish you’d done something differently. But when you go to sleep at night, you can know that at least you have made a difference in the world.”

“We are dog advocates,” they agree. Advocating for dogs makes them people advocates, as well. Harmony in living defines success in this business. Dogs offer humanity so much. To understand how best to honor this relationship, the Quys are the best allies one can find.

Passionate about dogs, both Earle and John find joy and laughter in building their world around these magnificent creatures. If a dog doesn’t stay in its original home, Earle feels that represents a level of failure on their part. A slogan they’ve posted near their phone reads, “Make ‘em laugh. Make ‘em laugh.” Love your dog and join the fun. http://www. littlehorsecreekfarm.com/about.html www.aawmag.com

Chemist By Day, Author

By Night

BY SHERRIE NORRIS Suzan Tanner McCoury spends her days as a chemist at Unimin Corporation near the Avery-Mitchell County line, her nights writing at her home located near the Plumtree community.

As the author of two children’s books, Suzan is an artist at heart, having learned only recently that writing is simply an extension of her creative expression.

“I started out painting and decided to try my hand at writing.

One thing led to another,” she states.

In fact, the combination works well for this Avery County wife and mother whose compelling illustrations are found on the cover of her first book, an animal adventure called, The Most Unusual Adventures of Black Shadow Smokey and The Blue Streak, published by AuthorHouse in 2003. This book, Suzan says, is for children ages 7 to 12 and is both an adventure and a mystery about adopted animals. The book is based upon her love for animals and two of her own that were rescued from a shelter.

Her second book, The Crystal Swan, targeted toward more of Avery County’s own Suzan Tanner McCoury, arttst-turned-author, has an adolescent audience, was just released in March, published by published two children’s books with another on the way.

Grateful Steps in Asheville (www.gratefulsteps.com).

Photo by Sherrie Norris.

Suzan explains, “The book is a mystery about a 13-year-old girl who receives an unusual gift that changes her life.” The basis for the book, she says, came from her own daughter’s visits to her paternal grandmother in a local nursing care facility.

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“Her visits there were not always pleasant but through this selection of book, I believe, she and others like her might find those things small furry pets easier in the future.” and all the

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“It’s a little bit mystery and a little bit adventure,” Suzan Ask about our describes.

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Suzan is a member of the Mayland Writer’s Group that meets frequent buyer once a month in Spruce Pine.

“I have received a lot of good advice from members in that program and group, especially Jack Pyle and Taylor Reese. They inspired me to our loyal give my second book a shot and gave me some good pointers customer card. that really helped me.” She is also involved with the Society of Children’s Book Writers.

Suzan has resided in Avery County for most of her life. She is a graduate of Harris High School in Spruce Pine, received her The High Country’s undergraduate degree in biology from UNC-Greensboro, and a master’s from Appalachian State University. She is married to Complete Source Dickie McCoury and has been employed at Unimin for 26 years.

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JUNE 2009 43

A Caring Community And Its Clinic

BY YOZETTE “YOGI” COLLINS

It is no secret that medical costs in the United States make arranged reading materials and functional furniture. The clinic, treatment prohibitive for many people, especially those who with five exam rooms (including one decorated with kid-appeal), are uninsured. In North Carolina, Watauga County boasts the an in-house lab and a counseling room, seems well equipped to highest level of uninsured residents at a staggering 31percent. help patients. The clinic can also handle needed CT scans and The problem affects everyone. When an uninsured resident goes X-rays, according to Mary Moretz, CCC board chair, “Watauga to the emergency room, the ER becomes crowded, ER doctors are Medical Center has been very supportive and has allocated a overworked and the hospital must significant amount of free testing absorb the cost. Their cost is then when referrals are made [by the recovered via higher insurance CCC].” premiums, co-pays or deductibles.

Open Wednesday nights from Still, everyone needs access to 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., providers quality healthcare, right? treat an average of 35 patients

Yes, say the people involved for medical, counseling and with the Community Care Clinic acupuncture needs each week.

(CCC) in Boone. The vision of Appointments fill up two months Marian Peters, PA-C and Dr. in advance, making the case that John Whitlock, the CCC offers the clinic needs to be open more low-income members of Avery often than three hours a week. and Watauga counties access to According to volunteer primary healthcare providers and coordinator Jennifer Von Egidy, mental health services. the clinic’s volunteer waiting list

“We’re not a band-aid; we’re would allow more operating people’s doctor and we take it hours, but volunteer providers – seriously,” says Peters. doctors and nurses – are needed

In its fourth year of operation, first. the clinic is utilized by the precise “We’ve had the same five audience Peters and Whitlock providers at the clinic since I originally hoped to help, despite started in January 2008. We naysayers who expected local L - R, back row: Valarie Boughman, Betsy Harris, Nancy Haas, Stuart desperately need more providers residents might take advantage of Kaplan, Mary Reichle; 2nd row: Shirlee Edwards, Mary Moretz, to be able to see the amount of Linda Lopez; Front row: Rebecca Moore, Marian Peters, Diane patients [we have],” Von Egidy the free care.

“With healthcare,” Peters Price. Not pictured:Teri Cleavinger, Libby Keller, Leeann McCall, John says. says, “it’s hard to know where to Whitlock. Photo by Yogi Collins.

Dr. Anita Henderson, a family draw the line. If you earn 200 physician in Boone, volunteers percent below the poverty level, does that mean you can now regularly at the clinic and adds, “A lot of people are unaware the afford to go to the doctor? Do we feel anyone is coming who Community Care Clinic exists and are unaware of the need. We’d could afford a doctor? No. If you have money, you are not going love to have enough [medical] providers so we could cycle in one to choose to go to a clinic.” night a month with staff doing follow-up with tests.”

Though, you certainly could do worse. Stepping inside the Volunteer Karen Williams, RN enjoys the rewarding work. “I CCC reveals a clean, professional waiting room with carefully love the patients and the staff. My favorite part of my work is the time I spend counseling patients on health management including nutrition, exercise and developing healthy habits. Our clients are treated with respect and true concern. There is little bureaucracy and our efforts can be geared toward patient care.”

With any charity, donations are vital and the CCC wants the community to know that while they rent space from (and share a building with) the Hunger Coalition, they are not related.

Donations meant for the Community Care Clinic must be sent directly to the CCC. It is a problem the clinic has encountered before.

Says Peters, “I love the Hunger Coalition and their pharmacy is wonderful, but we are not a part of them. They’ll do good things with it [any donation], but it just isn’t money that helps us.”

For more information on donating time or money to the Community Care Clinic, please leave a message at (828) 2658591 and someone will return your call.

44 JUNE 2009

www.aawmag.com

Ann Castor Wayne spends a reflective moment on the front porch of her mountain cabin, a place to rest and just be still.

Photo by Shannon Josey.

A Dream Come True

BY ANN CASTOR WAYNE Childhood memories of sleeping in bunk beds in a rustic log cabin engraved fond memories in my heart when I was a young girl. Sitting around the fireplace, singing and playing games made an impression that would last a lifetime. The setting was Camp Greer in Old Fort, NC in the early ‘70s. These memories impacted my life more profoundly than I ever realized until my dream turned into a vision. Hearing the older folks share stories and ringing the dinner bell at the dining hall began a dream that, 30 years later, turned into a reality.

I’m a Cabarrus County native, but have always found solace in the mountains.

So I began pondering the idea of finding a log cabin where people could come for restoration and serenity.

Many visits to my aunt and uncle’s mountain home confirmed that the rolling hills would be the perfect place for such a retreat – a smaller version of my experience in Old Fort. My Aunt Faye, a native of Watauga County, and my late uncle, Rev. David L. Castor, had purchased a second home in Boone, adjoining some of the land that Faye’s family had owned for years.

Uncle David rode around with me all day long and showed me land and put in his ten cents’ worth of advice on different areas while Aunt Faye was hard at work in the kitchen preserving the fruits of their labor from their garden. She always had a home-cooked meal on the table when we finished our journey for the day.

It was during this time that I became familiar with the mountain region from West Jefferson to Banner Elk.

After many visits and working with a realtor in Boone, I found just the right cabin. One step into the front door of this custom-crafted home and I knew that it would be the one. It soon became a host cabin for retreats for small groups from various churches, writers’ groups and families. Resting on a hillside near the historic Todd General Store, it is surrounded by trees in a peaceful wooded setting up a winding gravel road. Looking out the bay window early in the morning, one sees nature at its best as birds chirp in their own language in the spring and snowflakes blanket the ground in the winter.

A steppingstone sits on an easel in the bay window of the dining room, its message very clear: “Be still and know that I am God” - Psalm 46:10. This reminds visitors that they need to slow down and have some quiet time. Each bedroom and bathroom hosts a lodge theme with bears, deer, moose, canoes and anything rustic to set the mood for the outdoors. www.aawmag.com

The large kitchen on the main floor is perfect for feeding a large group as they share stories of the day or get acquainted with a new face from another region.

Some of the writers’ retreats draw in women from several states.

Today, as the owner of the Cabin Cove in the historic community of Todd, nestled between Boone and West Jefferson, my goal is helping families and small groups make memories in the mountains, just as I experienced many years ago.

Many families have found restoration and reconciliation at the Cabin Cove already, playing games at night or singing along to a strumming guitar. Television and electronic games take a back seat to quality time and bonding. Even relaxing in the loft proves to be the perfect getaway with a favorite book.

I believe that the Cabin Cove will be a place of restoration and healing for a long time to come, a place to rest and just be still. It is my deepest desire that lives will be touched in a very special way when visitors stay at the cabin and that each one who enters will be richly blessed.

For more information, check out the cabin Web site at www.thecabincove. com or reach Ann at (704) 305-3304.

JUNE 2009 45

A Playhouse From Daddy

The Gift That Just Keeps On Giving Cathy Jones of Blowing Rock, Director of Development at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System in Boone, spent many days of her childhood playing with her sister Lisa in the little playhouse their father built for them in 1963.

“Our friends always congregated at our house in Greenville, SC because of our playhouse,” Cathy says.

The girls’ father, B.H. Jones, built the house from wood salvaged from a high school that burned in Greenville in the 1960s. The structure is 12’ x 8’ with hardwood floors, a tongue and groove ceiling and is wired for electricity.

In 2003, Cathy, an avid gardener, mentioned to her mother that she was looking through books for plans to build a potting shed. Her mother suggested she move the playhouse from her home in Greenville to Charlotte where Cathy lived at the time.

They called a wrecker service to move the house and, within a week, the playhouse was on its way to Charlotte and a new life.

Cathy enlisted the help of Burl Webb, a well-known stonemason in Charlotte. With a picture she had saved from a Southern Accents article on stone potting sheds from years earlier, they began transforming her childhood playhouse into a potting shed. Cathy Jones and her playhouse - turned - potting - shed in its Blowing Burl stoned it halfway Rock location. up and his nephew Tony renovated the before it was even set in its new Blowing Rock location.

“My mom and dad had moved the house twice from the original inside, removing the site where my father built it to two other homes they owned over the tongue and groove ceiling to add height years. The fact that it has now been moved four times and is still in and re-using it to box great shape is a testament to the quality of its construction. Daddy did everything first in a sink and cabinet. was so class. He loved “Tony meticulous about building things and reusing everything had a great eye for to preserve Daddy’s detail.”

Cathy’s father original creation,” Cathy Jones spent many days of her Cathy says. “He even passed away in made a display, which 1990. childhood playing with her sister Lisa in the “My friends I have mounted to little playhouse their father built for them ask me if my father the wall, showing in 1963. Cathy, Lisa and their dad are would be proud the different nails my pictured below. father used throughout of the fact that the the building of the little house means so much to me. I know house.”

When Cathy moved he would be, but he from Charlotte to was also raised in Blowing Rock in 2005, the Depression and she couldn’t bear to was very frugal. He probably leave her little potting would think I was crazy shed behind, so she to have spent the had the house moved money I have to once again.

Burl An inside shot of Cathy’s tastefully decorated removed the stone move it two times. potting shed. for the move and But since he did the re-stoned the house same thing, it just again after it arrived proves how special it also was to him.”

at its new site.

Cathy’s sister and All Photos are submitted. brother-in-law, horticulturists in the plant propagation business in Seneca, SC, helped plant the garden around the potting shed 46 JUNE 2009

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Sherry Boone And “Mrytle” Continue To Blossom

BY SHERRIE NORRIS When she moved to the High Country 33 years ago and started a My stories were aired for three months each Sunday afternoon, right country café business with her husband Sam, Sherry Boone thought before ‘All Things Considered.’”

Sherry also read her stories for local radio stations, WECR and she had reached the peak.

“I was almost 40 years old and we were so happy to be here. WATA, and was a big hit with each of her listening audiences.

We had new careers in a new location and the opportunity to meet so The Ashe County Mountain Times featured “Letters from Myrtle” many people.” for several years, as well; its sister paper, The Watauga Democrat, has

Never did she dream that writing would become a big part of her published many of her columns through the years. life, she says. “I wasn’t prepared in any way to be a writer. I hadn’t even In 2004, Sherry’s book A Bloomin’ Bouquet, was released and graduated from high school when Sam and I eloped.” became an overnight local success, published by Parkway Publishers.

Since coming to Watauga The 119-page compilation County, Sherry has found of Myrtle’s letters contains her niche as a writer, having entertaining, heartwarming discovered and developed a stories that still easily captivate talent that has blossomed into its readers today. something quite unexpected

Radio host at the time, and beautiful. It all surfaced Bill Fisher, shared comments with a Christmas play, she on the book cover: “Myrtle’s recalls, a blessing of such humorous and touching magnitude that she could barely outlook on life shines comprehend. “Without my high through in each letter, both school diploma, I didn’t feel entertaining the listener and that I could be a good writer.” providing a reminder of the

With that on her mind truly triumphant things in life.” almost constantly, however, she fellow

Boone’s began to dream, literally, that storyteller, Dianne Hackworth she was in school again with said, “The beauty of the the same friends she knew in mountain area and its people high school. shine through each scene as

“Only in those dreams, these stories from her heart I was never wearing shoes. celebrate the joy, wisdom, and I’d try to hide my feet so that foolishness she finds sparkling my friends couldn’t see them. Sherry Boone, author of A Blooming Bouquet, became well-known in in everyday mountain life.”

This dream really bothered me

“Myrtle” is a loveable the High Country for her “Letters From Myrtle,” which continue to inspire because it occurred so often. and adventurous gal who sees The last time I dreamed of my audiences today. Photo by Mark Mitchell. life as a glass half full. Many bare feet was the night before I of the escapades she and her called Caldwell Community College to see what I needed to do to get husband Barney experience together are based on factual accounts my diploma.” of those Sherry shared with her beloved late husband, Sam. Without

Sherry was 50 years old with five grandchildren when she crossed Sam, Sherry shared, “I would have had very little inspiration. He gave the stage at Caldwell Community College to receive her GED. An me love, many laughs and heart tickles.

English 101 class through CCC and then a two-year course through Written with a few special friends and relatives in mind, Sherry Christian Writers’ Guild helped pave the way. says her “Letters,” are important for several reasons.

“God was preparing me little by little to write and gave me “I feel people lose so much joy in this life by not cherishing wonderful opportunities to meet people who encouraged me daily. friendships old and new. I encourage everyone to share their hopes Friends came in the restaurant, and later our hardware store, and and dreams with each other, as well as the heartaches and pain that asked to read my essays. I wasn’t sure I could write in a way that could bond us together.” be understood well. But the more I wrote, the more I shared. Many From Myrtle’s letters evolved actual storytelling as Sherry became a highly requested presence at local venues. Her sometimes happy, friends went along with me on this ride.”

Realizing some of her best writing was of an encouraging nature, sometimes sad life experiences and adventures spoke to audiences of Sherry’s popular “Letters from Myrtle” took root. “I already had many all ages, and still do as she prepares for the summer storytellers’ series stories that came from real-life experiences with our business. Some at Todd General Store. were humorous, others more serious. But, I decided to let ‘Myrtle’ write Since her talent surfaced at Christmas, Sherry says, she has written the letters since she’s a little more southern and feisty than I am!” eight Christmas stories, each one read during the holiday season at her

Sherry began making cassettes at home and giving them to shut- church where it all began. She believes in the passage, “To every thing ins and family and friends. there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

One day, her friend, Alice Naylor, called and said, “Sherry, you “I have so much for which to be thankful and the added blessing need to let more people hear your stories,” to which Sherry replied, of writing, a gift for which I waited 50 years, was certainly worth the “How can I do that?” wait.”

Acting on Alice’s suggestions, Sherry contacted the NPR studio at Beginning in July, Sherry Boone will be joining the writers’ pool ETSU in Johnson City, TN. of this publication. Don’t miss her touching memoirs and interesting

“They wanted to hear my cassette and then wanted me to come features that will be appearing here each month. over and record my stories. I couldn’t believe what was happening!

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JUNE 2009 47

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

“No matter where you go, there you are.”

Sometimes change comes like the ocean lapping at your toes as you contemplate going for a swim – gradual and enticing.

There is no rush to your adaptation: it’s not going anywhere.

Other times, it startles you from behind, the wave that was off the horizon that looked manageable, like you could bob through it with your sunglasses staying on, but suddenly rises up formidable and impressive. You see it and in half a second have to either dive through the middle, letting its ripples roll over your back, or risk being sucked under its powerful force. Changes coming at you like that give little warning or time, but still can be good changes that move us forward on our journey.

Recently, I found myself thinking a lot about change. Two years ago when circumstances were changing quickly and dramatically where I worked previously, I found myself calm and expectant as to how the future would unfold. For some reason, panic was not really on my radar. My dear friend and employer, Dr. Sabine Maas, was worried that I have a place to be, a place to continue my work as a midwife when her life took her in a different direction. She approached Dr. Charlie Baker; he and I met, and within a matter of a couple hours, I was thrilled to have found a new home where my practice could continue rather seamlessly. No doubt, the change was dramatic and represented a major shift in my life, but I certainly could not have asked for the way in which this change was accomplished to be any more loving or invigorating. I am grateful for where I started, but also for where I am.

Confucius wrote (and Buckaroo Banzai later spoke), “No matter where you go, there you are.” I find some Zen truth and comfort in that statement, I suppose because it is an acknowledgment of the fact that we will find ourselves, in every sense, wherever life takes us.

Now despite the fact that my change of workplace happened rather quickly and seamlessly, other changes can be more of an exhausting process. Process in the sense of working through glitches, riding the roller coaster of emotions, and trying to keep in the foreground the end goal even when there are times when you want to opt out of the game you are in. What amazes me is that sometimes even in the monotony of methodology, we find the wonder of the unexpected.

At my church, I have been involved in the selection process of a new minister. As is true of any position of authority, everyone had an idea of who could fill the empty shoes. Some had preconceptions as to whether this person would be male or female, traditional or progressive, local or from abroad. There was a multitude of candidates, all with talents, reputable backgrounds, and fine educations. But when the decision came to be made, the committee was moved by someone who was not one others may have expected. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her vision far-reaching, and her compassion great. When the process was 48 JUNE 2009

over, I was relieved, excited, and thankful, not just for who is on the horizon, but for the fact that, well, the process was over.

“Growing pains,” some would say. Some change is both a leap of faith and the plunge through the wave of doubt and fear.

A good friend recently journeyed through the process of pregnancy, labor, and birth. I was talking with her about just what a process it all is. Babies have a way of working their way through, figuratively and literally. This woman’s pregnancy was completely unlike her prior pregnancy. Severe nausea wreaked havoc on her mind and body early on. The strain of an unexpected pregnancy brought the roller coaster ride into her relationships. Even as her pregnancy wound down, her body struggled with itself and when this baby would come. Contractions were frequent, but hard to interpret. The sense of coming was definite, the timing elusive.

There was anticipation and hope along with uncertainties and fears. When labor started, I thought of her last labor and birth, which rushed in with a crescendo – barely enough time for her body to adjust – and told her to head in to the hospital, as she lived a distance away. Once there, she was relieved that there was time to prepare and settle in. She was in early labor. There was time to walk and move and breathe. Exhaustion crept in, but she maintained her focus. At times, her labor stalled briefly with interruptions, but soon would kick back in as she pulled back and centered. Outside, the weather patterns, like her labor, swirled in uncertainty – rain, fog, sunshine, clouds again, then sun. Then, the moment of arrival came. Beautifully. Definitively. She was here. She was here. I told my friend that her labor had to be the process that it was because of her pregnancy, her relationship, her life – it had brought her through it in the way that she needed to come through it, and, in the end, she had plunged through the wave to come out on the other side.

Now she has met the new horizon of this new life with herself as a new woman, with her partner and love as a new parent, with her body as the vessel through which it all came. Certainly there will be more change to come, as all mothers know, to follow this lovely and evocative birth. There will be more struggle, more anticipation, and more challenges as this beautiful baby girl grows and develops. But our children somehow do bring us through all this – sometimes with gray hairs, sometimes with tears, sometimes with joy. And once we move through, once we plunge through that wave of birth and life, there we are.

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

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Watauga County Relay For Life Show Us Your Hope

BY SHERRIE NORRIS It’s no coincidence that Watauga County Relay for Life has occupied a coveted spot in the top ten in the U.S. for the past 10 years or, in particular, that for five years in a row it was #1 in the nation in its population group. For the last four years, it has received the coveted Power of Hope Award for most survivor participation in the country, with 652 in 2008. Also, last year, Watauga received the Outstanding Mission Award for the South Atlantic Division and the Therese Lasser Award for Reach to Recovery was presented to Sue Tilson, Watauga’s first chair of Relay.

Nor is it by chance that a team of hard-working women, including Tilson – and a handful of very special men – have been behind the ongoing success of Watauga County’s Relay for Life since the beginning.

As founder of Watauga Relay, Tilson, joined by her husband Hugh every step of the way, passed the torch to another dynamic duo a decade ago. Since then, Glenda Hodges and daughter-in-law Sharon Trivette, have led Relay to victory in more ways than one, keeping Tilson’s vision alive as she stepped into other vital roles, including team recruiter.

Other women in local Relay leadership with significant impact include Sheila Pait, “our wonderful ACS staff person also in charge of the Relays at ASU and Lees McRae,” says Trivette. “She lives in Hickory and is here several times a week.”

Gail Gross, cancer survivor, luminaria committee member, team member, and member of the Cancer Resource Alliance at Watauga Medical Center, was responsible for the survivor cookbook that CRA produced last year as a fundraiser. She volunteers countless hours a week in the Cancer Center. Trivette says, “Gail is an inspiration in her dedication as a volunteer, all the while still dealing with problems from her lymphedema.”

Also, luminaria chairperson Kathy Idol was recipient of the 2008 Alma Harmon Heart of Relay Award. Trivette says, “We created this www.aawmag.com

award several years ago in memory of Alma Harmon, a fantastic team captain who lost her fight against cancer. Past recipients of the award, which recognizes exceptional work by a team captain, have been Faye Foley, Della Presnell, and Betty Hayes. Kathy joined the Relay team at her church (Laurel Springs) and then became the captain of that team, one of our top ten fundraisers. She took over the luminaria chair when Gail Fox stepped down after the 2007 Relay and, like Gail, does a fantastic job. She made our luminaria ceremony last year one of the most memorable ever and also did a beautiful luminaria service at our Survivor Dinner last year.“ Among other great female team captains – “ just to name a few,” Trivette adds – is Della Presnell, who works for the cause year-round in memory of her son, Ted. “Della has been our top individual fundraiser for the past 5 years, her team of one has been top fundraising team for the past 3 years. Betty Hayes is putting on her 8th annual bowling tournament this year.”

Other top Relay captains who go the extra mile include Deborah Kirksey, Kathy Moorman, Cindy Wallace, Sheryl Blevins, Wendy May, Mary Ruble, Jill Storelli – all of whom have been captains since the first Watauga Relay 15 years ago. Sharon says, “These are just a few, off the top of my head, who stand out in their contributions to Relay – there are certainly many others.”

Trivette and her mother-in-law, Glenda Hodges, are two of Relay’s most dedicated champions ever, but always take a backseat to the spotlight, despite their success in leading their teams to the top, time after time.

Top “guys” without whose help Relay would not be possible, include Roachel Laney and Hugh Tilson, logistics chairs for 15 years. “I don’t even worry [about logistics] because these guys know what they are doing. We have other great men who have been helping for a long time, too.”

In 2008, Watauga Relay raised a total of $251,555.01 with the help of ASU Relay.

It all started in 1995 with 20 teams raising $26,000, with gradual climbs each year before reaching #1 top spot in the nation in 2001 with 91 teams raising $353,222.07. Watauga Relay held the top spot in 2002 with 99 teams bringing in $383,437.68 – the most ever raised in Watauga County. It remained #1 until dropping to #2 in 2006. Totals were still impressive in 2008, despite its slip to #6 in the nation with 77 teams bringing in $251,555.01. This year, the only way is up!

Now in 20 countries around the world, Relay For Life is the single largest community fundraising event in the world and nowhere is the spirit more alive than in the High Country.

Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that, one day, cancer will be eliminated.

For more information, visit www.cancer.org, or call 1-800-ACS2345 Mark your calendars now for Relay for Life in the High Country: Watauga County, June 19-20 at Watauga High School in Boone.

Ashe County, Ashe County High School in Jefferson: July 17 – 18; Avery County, August 7 -8, Avery High School in Newland.

JUNE 2009 49

Your Home|BY CORRINNE LOUCKS ASSAD

Should You Rent or Buy in Today’s Market?

Interest rates are low, housing prices are low and there are many, many houses to choose from in every price range so now must be the time to buy, right?

Well, that depends on your situation.

First, ask yourself if you are going to stay in the house for at least two years. It rarely makes sense to purchase a home that you’ll live in for less time. You must first take into account the costs associated with selling. Assuming the home will appreciate in value over the next two years, it will probably not increase enough to pay your down payment and closing costs on the next home, in addition to the sales commissions to the real estate professionals involved in the sale. In addition, any money you make (basically, the difference between your purchase price and your selling price, minus the costs associated with selling), will be taxed as income or gain.

Buying a home when you expect to move soon is rarely a money–making venture in any type of market.

In many cases, however, it makes more sense to buy than to rent. You’ve heard it said that renting is just throwing your money away, yet this is only somewhat true. Besides giving your money to your landlord at the first of every month, you’re also missing out on the reduction in taxes that your landlord receives from deducting mortgage interest, property taxes and upkeep of the property. However, while you are purchasing shelter by paying rent, your landlord is paying property taxes and mortgage interest that you don’t have to pay. A smart renter will take that money and invest it elsewhere. If you’re not one of them, however, then buying a home is probably a good investment for you.

One great reason to purchase a home now is today’s low, low interest rates. Rates are expected to be higher by the end of the year (we’ve seen them creep up a little during this calendar year, already), and could continue in this pattern. Of course, there is no way to predict what the rates will do in the future, but there is way more room for them to go up than down. If you do get a mortgage loan this year, be careful to reap the benefits of a fixed rate mortgage now to avoid an increase in your payment later. You may be able to get into a mortgage payment that is lower than what you’re paying in rent.

Home ownership has proven to be a wealth accumulation tool for many. Three out of four people have more equity built up 50 JUNE 2009

in their homes than they do in stocks, mutual funds, retirement plans or savings accounts. Historically, real estate is an investment that will go up over time. Prior to our current housing situation, real estate went up across the country an average of ten percent a year for the five years up to 2007, a little over the historical average of 8 percent over five-year periods. Some areas fared better or worse than others. As a highly sought-after resort and retirement area, the High Country generally experienced a healthy appreciation rate relative to most of the country, making it a great place to buy or invest.

There is some talk in the housing market of buyers waiting until the market bottoms out.

Though a plausible idea, there is no way to predict when this will happen. There are many sellers out there right now and many homes from which to choose, making this a buyer’s market.

This is a fantastic time to buy with many deals to be made. Buyers can now ask for incentives such as having their closing costs paid for or asking the seller to buy down interest rates through the lender.

In addition, if you are a first-time homebuyer, you may qualify for up to an $8,000 tax deduction on a home purchased by December 1, 2009. Hint: This deduction is also available to buyers who have not owned a home three years prior to this purchase.

There are also many desirable rentals on the market today.

Owners of second homes or vacation homes are now finding it necessary to rent out those homes for additional income. And owners who have always rented are lowering the rent to compete with the oversupply. Should you decide to rent a little longer, you should have no trouble finding a desirable home that meets your budget. You may even be able to negotiate a lower rent than what you’ve been paying.

Whichever you decide, renting or purchasing, several areas must be considered: how long you’re going to stay in the home, whether or not the tax breaks will benefit you and your income situation, whether real estate is your best investment vehicle, or if you can fare better investing elsewhere, etc. To get started, talk to at least one lender to compare rates and find out how much you are willing and able to pay for a home. Use these facts, along with one of the many online “Buy vs. Rent” calculators to determine the best use of your money. www.aawmag.com

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JUNE 2009 51

Cents and $ensibility|

BY corrinne loucks ASSAD

Save Your Planet One Dollar at a Time!

One degree warmer in the summer: save $150. Five extra inches of insulation: save $200. Doing your part to help the environment: priceless.

We hear a lot these days about “going green” – a term used to describe the many ways to reduce our harmful impact on the environment. Global climate changes and issues have prompted many people to be aware of how their choices are changing the environment. Today’s conscious consumers are looking for ways to not only make earth-friendly choices, but to manage their money and finances with cost–cutting steps that will also have a positive impact on the environment.

Would you like to be part of the “green” movement? Whether or not environmental consciousness is on your radar, you will find that some eco-friendly choices can also help aid a busy lifestyle and manage a tight budget.

Start by switching things off in your home. Turn off electrical items and appliances when you’re not using them. This includes appliances, DVD players, televisions, lights, computers and even the monitors after the computer has been shut down. Close to 75 percent of energy used by appliances is used when they are plugged in, but not being used.

Get in the habit of turning them off when not in use. An easy way to do this is to connect them to power strips or surge protectors that can be turned off with the flip of a switch.

When it’s time to change out appliances, look for those with an Energy Star rating. Also check with your electric company to find out if they will chip in toward your purchase of an energy efficient model, a common practice among electrical providers these days. Find other types of energy saving incentives at www.dsireusa.org.

Change the bulbs. An ENERGY STAR qualified compact

fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. Florescent bulbs cost a little more, but use nearly 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than regular light bulbs. That adds up to about $30 of savings over the life of each bulb.

Adjust the temperature in your home. Each degree lower in 52 JUNE 2009

the winter or higher in the summer can save 1percent or more on your heating and cooling costs. A good idea is to install an adjustable thermostat that can be programmed to heat or cool at different temperatures at different times of the day. When you’re not at home or while sleeping, adjust the temperatures accordingly. This trick can save you over $150 per year, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Close the air vents in rooms that are not in use. In addition, keeping your water heater at 120 degrees or below will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and lower your utility bills.

Think of different ways to save water and electricity, especially hot water. Wait to run your washing machine or dishwasher until you have full loads. Use cold or cooler water whenever possible. Shave a few minutes off your shower time, which accounts for over 2/3 of all water and water heating costs, and save up to $100 per year combined with a low flow showerhead, also reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by 376 pounds. Make your own low-flush toilet by placing a full plastic water bottle into the back of the toilet, reducing water flow by 40 percent while still providing ample water pressure.

Energy Star, a joint project between the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA, says that closing off drafts and increasing insulation in our homes can reduce heating and cooling bills by up to 20 percent. Caulk, weather strip and plug any draft site in your home, including doors, windows, electric and cable sockets. Wrap your hot water heater in an insulating blanket. Double-paned windows increase energy by one third over single-paned. Consider changing them out one at a time in the draftiest areas of your home, as this can be expensive.

Going green will not only help the planet, but can help your wallet, as well. There are many Web sites offering tips on going green and saving. Try www.greenmywallet.com, www.wisebread. com or www.thedailygreen.com. You’ll find it really is that easy being green.

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Get Moving| By Susan Tumbleston, Be Active-Appalachian Partnership

Outside The Box For A Healthier You Are you in a physical activity rut? Do you: • Plan your physical activities in the same way, over and over again?

• Walk the same trail?

• Give the same excuses for not being more physically active?

• Go to the same place at the same time to work out?

• Attend the same fitness classes?

• Share your physical activity time with the same people?

Though familiarity may seem to simplify your life, you need to get moving out of the routine and into some new and exciting ways to be physically active.

metabolic rate will increase as much as 15 percent. After strength-training activities are completed, you burn fat for hours. Following aerobic activity, your metabolism slows almost immediately.

• To increase the ability of your joints to move through a range of motion, be sure to include flexibility exercises in your fitness activities. A lack of flexibility makes it harder to be physically active or even do regular day-to-day activities.

New Action Think outside the box and consider activities that, in an earlier day, you might have labeled “extreme.” These are often easy for Barriers even a beginner to do and some even include each component What are the reasons you give yourself for not including of physical activity. regular physical activity as part of your life? In a 2006 study • Get out on the trail! Go hiking. The mountains are at your about physical activity behaviors in western North Carolina, the door, so get out there and enjoy them on foot. main barriers determined were: If you want to move a little faster, try trail running. It’s more * Lack of time challenging than running on a track or treadmill, and the ever* Lack of facilities changing scenery will make the time fly by. If you enjoy more * Lack of money extreme activities, mountain biking might be a fun activity for * Lack of motivation you.

• Hit the water! Canoeing, paddle boating, swimming, and New Action white water rafting are all family-friendly, accessible, and To address the barriers in your life, create a chart, listing inexpensive. the three main ones that block your becoming physically active.

If you have the opportunity, try out a sport like water skiing, Beside each barrier, list at least one action you can take to wake boarding, or knee boarding. Knee boarding is especially overcome the barrier. good for beginners because it’s easy to pick up on, and you For example, if your primary barrier is lack of time, how can don’t have to stand up. you find time in your day to include physical activity? As you • Rock climbing is a great family activity for moms, dads, and consider strategies you might use, be sure to include some of kids of almost all ages. You can climb in a controlled area, your physical activity with something else you are doing: such as a wall with supervision, but if you want to get out and • Hula hoop from one TV commercial to another try it for free, try bouldering but stay low on the rock face and • Do one set of resistance band work between times you check climb across, rather than upward. It’s a great way to feel out the dinner in the oven sport on your own and challenge yourself!

• Park at least 15 spaces from the door of any building you Very few things expand your horizons as much as being active enter and fit. From allowing you to go about your busy day with less • Always take the stairs instead of the elevator fatigue to playing with your children, once you get moving, you’ll stay moving and have a whole new perspective on life!

Three Components of Physical Activity For additional information, contact Susan Tumbleston at the To ensure your overall fitness, it is important to include three Be Active-Appalachian Partnership (828) 262-7693 or beactive@ components to your physical activity regimen: aerobic, strength appstate.edu. Go to www.parentingforhealth.org for more ideas training, and flexibility exercises. about non-traditional and family-friendly ways to get moving.

• Aerobic activities improve your cardiovascular health, require large amounts of energy to perform, and burn more Susan Tumbleston is the director of the Be Active-Appalachian calories than other type of activities. Included in this category Partnership, housed in ASU’s Institute for Health and Human are walking, hiking, running, riding a bike, swimming, and Services. The Partnership is supported by a five-year grant from dancing.

BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina.

• Regular strength-training activities help maintain and build Marianne Hedrick is the Program Manager for Parenting for muscle tissue. As the amount of muscle increases, your basal Health, Be Active North Carolina.

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JUNE 2009 53

Young at Heart| BY Heather Young

Seven Layer Dip: The Flavors Of Life

I have recently celebrated another birthday. Rather than regret the passage of time, I have been examining what I have learned and accomplished during the past year. I started a new job, visited new places, made new friends and tasted new culinary delights. There have been good times and bad times, joys and sorrows. All of these experiences have added new layers to my person and, just as the distinct flavors in each horizon of a seven layer dip combine to make a more interesting bite, each passing year’s encounters make for a more interesting me.

I do realize that it is dangerous to use food analogies lest I promptly send my readers off in search of a snack, but I think this food analogy is apropo.

We, as humans, are layered, beginning with the foundation our parents lay, to our education, hobbies, friends, jobs, travels and loves. As each layer builds on top of those below, we continue to grow and become well rounded (metaphorically, not physically, I hope). I like to think that the extra years have made me a better colleague, friend, and lover, because I am better able to draw on my experiences to help me understand those of others. Personally, I would rather be a combination of many flavors, than a single note.

gain with regard to problem solving, interactions with others and belief in your own abilities. Your education prepares you to face challenges and find solutions. Furthermore, if you choose to continue your education, you will keep learning new things that may help you somewhere down the road.

Salsa Salsa is our loves – past, present and perhaps, future. Some were hot, some mild, but each one lingered as memory. Because of our past relationships, when we find our perfect match, we will know. I am fortunate to have found what I was looking for, but for those of you who have not, there are lots of salsas for you to sample.

Guacamole Guacamole is our travels – exciting on its own, but even better when allowed to mingle with your other layers. Everywhere I visit, I take a bit of that place home with me. I study about the local culture, sample local cuisines and experience the local activities. Each trip makes me eager to try new things and adds to my understanding of the world and my place in it.

Refried Beans Refried beans are the things we learn from our parents – our foundation. Our parents lay the groundwork for the adults we will eventually become. They train us to watch, listen and learn; they teach us to speak, play and eat. Our parents help develop our personalities, our independence, sense of humor, likes and dislikes. Although we may later become very different from our parents, without this layer we would have nothing to build upon.

Black Olives Black olives are our hobbies and interests; they round out our personalities, help us relate to others and help stifle boredom.

Life would be rather dull if we were unable to fill the hours with things we love to do. I imagine we would resemble mindless zombies wandering the streets with blank expressions and no clear destination. The only problem with hobbies is finding the time for them all. I love to write, cook, read, exercise, watch movies, visit museums, travel, shop…

Cheese Cheese is our friends – the individuals who help us hold it all together. Some people make lifelong friends as children, others have friends who come and go with each stage of life. They are our support network, providing comfort when things are bad and jubilation when times are good. Friends are important for when we need someone to listen or laugh or to help us see the world and ourselves through different eyes.

Tomatoes Tomatoes are our jobs – some are sweet, some sour, but without any we would be missing an essential ingredient. Work, while perhaps not our first choice of how to spend our days, teaches us be to be reliable, to work as a team and to have goals. I have been privileged to have had unique jobs where I have learned skills that continue to serve me well. And, I have learned more about my strengths and weaknesses by being part of a team.

My recipe may differ from yours, but I hope we can all agree that these layers, when built one upon another, make for a complex, flavorful individual. I’m sure you want to dig in and learn more.

Sour Cream Sour cream is our education. The things we have learned, in school or out, keep us cool when things get hot. It’s not about being a math geek or science nerd, but rather about what you 54 JUNE 2009

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YOU GO, GIRL!| BY YOZETTE “YOGI” COLLINS

Lydia Sherwood

Lydia Sherwood is beautiful and spunky enough to be a pageant girl, but her passion lies elsewhere. That is interesting because as Watauga High School’s 2008 Homecoming Queen, she placed eighth in the state in the America’s Homecoming Queen Pageant.

“I’d never done a pageant before so it was really awkward. I made it to the top eight and got a scholarship for community service. We had to dress up and wear our school’s banner, go through an interview process and do our little walks and turns. That’s just so not me.”

What she is, though, is a young woman who grew up in the small community of Bethel who realizes that while Bethel students are teased about their small school in the rural western Watauga County, its students can succeed and thrive in high school.

“I like setting an example for the kids at Bethel because people make fun of us who come from here,” she says.

On paper, Lydia’s high school years seem stereotypical of a popular student: on Student Council all four years, active in volleyball, basketball and soccer, host to a German exchange student and, of course, Homecoming Queen – but Lydia just sees her experience as a natural result of her love for people.

“I’ve always been an outgoing person and [I] love people and love being active,” she says.

Her involvement in sports allowed her to experience something else she loves – travel.

“I went to Holland my sophomore year as a sports www.aawmag.com

ambassador in volleyball. It was my first time out of the country and I didn’t know anybody [on my team].

We played volleyball against teams from Holland and Germany. It was really cool,” Lydia says.

Now Lydia is looking forward to attending East Tennessee State University where she plans to study nursing or physical therapy this fall. Though sad about leaving her mom, Lydia recognizes the change as a step in her personal development.

“I think to really grow up and find out who you are, you need to move away from where you’ve been your whole life. That’s why I really wanted to go to ETSU to meet new people and to be on my own for a while and see how it goes.”

Asked if there is anything she wants people know about her, Lydia’s sense of humor slips out as she says dryly – and with a grin, “Just that I’m awesome!” As if that’s something we don’t already know!

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Healthy Lady| BY BONNIE CHURCH, CNC, WELLNESS COACH

Overcoming Mindless Munching

Does this describe you?

• You get an ice cream cone and before you realize it, all you are holding is a sticky napkin.

• You open a bag of chips before a TV show and the next thing you know, you are rummaging for the broken chips at the bottom of the bag.

• That bag of Hershey Kisses you hid in your desk drawer is empty and you just opened it a few hours ago.

• You are generally the first one finished eating at a meal with friends.

• At social functions, you gravitate to a position as close to the finger foods as possible.

If so, you might be a mindless muncher.

Mindless munching is destructive for several reasons: • Eating snack foods through the day keeps your blood sugar elevated, raising your insulin levels. This sets in motion cravings and fat storage.

• Eating fast can prevent you from getting the full nutritional value of your food. Research indicates that when your mind is tuned out during mealtime, the digestive process may be up to 40 percent less effective. This can contribute to digestive distress, such as gas, bloating and bowel irregularities.

• When you munch mindlessly, you eat more. There is a reason for that. Disappearance of hunger happens shortly after you start eating, but it takes some time before you have the experience of fullness.The less you eat during the time that it takes the stomach to notify your brain that it is full, the less you will overeat.

The good news! Unlike other bad habits that are overcome through agonizing deprivation, overcoming mindless munching actually increases the joy of eating. To cure mindless munching, simply slow down and savor your food.

TIPS TO HELP YOU STOP: • Restrict your eating to the kitchen table or the lounge at work.

Don’t sit in front of the TV or computer with food. Once eating is under way, the brain has a key role to send out a signal when fullness is approaching. If the mind is “multi-tasking” during eating, critical signals that regulate food intake may not be received by the brain. If the brain does not receive certain messages that occur during eating, such as sensation of taste, it may fail to register the event as eating. This scenario can lead 56 JUNE 2009

to the brain continuing to send out additional signals of hunger, increasing the risk of overeating.

• Stop starving yourself of calories and food groups in an effort to suddenly lose weight. Extreme dieting leads to rebound eating and weight gain. You should eat healthy foods from all food groups in moderate amounts. Cultivate serenity in your life. The hormones of stress trigger food cravings.

Exercise tranquility.

This simple breathing exercise can be done almost anywhere.

It takes no equipment and little time, but it can dramatically reduce your stress levels. It is a natural tranquilizer.

Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise.

• Exhale completely through your mouth as though you are squeezing out the last bit of toothpaste from the tube.

• Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose, filling your abdomen and upper chest.

• Hold your breath for a count of seven.

• Exhale completely through your mouth.

• This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

Do this at least 3 times a day. You cannot do it too frequently.

Use it whenever anything upsetting happens - before you react.

Use it whenever you are aware of internal tension. Use it to help you fall asleep.

Savor your food.

• Divide your food in half. Eat half of what is on your plate and wait 5 minutes before you eat the other half. This will give your body an opportunity to feel full. Once finished, do not eat any more food for at least 10 minutes.

• Lay down your eating utensil between bites and chew your food slowly. Try eating with chopsticks or the non-dominant hand.

• Don’t dive in. When your food is brought to the table, look at your plate. Note the colors, textures and fragrance.

• Sensually savor the first bite of food. Chew it slowly and completely. Think about the flavor and texture. Observe how it feels in your mouth. Starting slowly will help set the pace for the entire meal.

Suggested resource to help you overcome your munchingMindless Eating, Why We Eat More Than We Think by Brian Wansink Ph.D.

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JUNE:

2 - 3 Masquerade $5 Jewelry Sale Tuesday 7 am - 5 pm, Wednesday 7 am - 4 pm Watauga Medical Center Auditorium. Proceeds benefit the volunteer program.

3 - July 4 Shadow of the Hills Art Exhibit. Annual exhibit by the Blue Ridge Art Clan at Ashe Arts Center. Opening reception 5-8 p.m., Friday, June 13. (336) 846-2787 jlashearts@skybest.com 6 Shriners Parade 1 p.m., Main Street Blowing Rock 10-28 Shear Madness, Hayes Performing Arts Center, Blowing Rock.

Uproarious comedy – “whodunit” – audience solves the crime. (828) 295-9627.

Leahy in Concert, 8 p.m., Farthing Auditorium, Boone; Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. (800) 841-2787.

28 85th Annual Singing on the Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, MacRae Meadows. All day gospel sing, church bazaar, and dinner on the grounds begins at 8:30 a.m.

30 Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Pops - An Appalachian Summer Festival 8 p.m. Farthing Auditorium, ASU Campus, Boone. (828) 2624046

Do you have a special upcoming event?

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

11-14 Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, Tate Show Grounds.

(828) 295-4700 for details.

12 Elk Park Street Fair, 8 a.m. Historic site of Cranberry High School. Call (828) 737-9070.

13 Gallery Crawl, Downtown West Jefferson. Galleries and studios. 5 to 8 p.m. Free. Call (336) 846-ARTS 47th Annual Art in the Park, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Downtown Blowing Rock, American Legion Grounds. Juried art and fine handcraft shows, over 100 exhibitors at each show.

Call (800) 295-7851.

14 Coffee House West Jefferson United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall Summertime fun with stories, song and music. 7:30 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 for adults. Call (336) 246-5292 15 Monday Night Concert Series, 7 p.m.

Broyhill Park, Blowing Rock. Free concert on the lawn by Broyhill Lake.

Rain location: American Legion Building on Park Ave. (828) 295-5222 16 The Marlins, Hayes Auditorium, Lees-McRae Campus, Banner Elk; A variety show offering anything from classical, foot-tappin’ ragtime, down-home bluegrass, to smooth pop.

Call (828) 898-8709.

19-20 High Country Hospice Bazaar, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at National Guard Armory. All proceeds will go to Hospice patient care. For information or to donate items, call Candice Cook at (828) 265-9443.

25 2009 Appalachian Women’s Fund Award Luncheon and Silent Auction, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Blowing Rock Country Club.

Ticket information: (828) 264-4002; info@appalachianwomensfund.org

26-28, Trade Days: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Trade, TN, (state line on Hwy. 421 North, 15 min. from Boone).

Native American dance and powwow, craft and food vendors, pioneer America reenactment. Admission.

27 Blood Sweat and Gears, a demanding cycling fundraiser benefits Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Call (828) 2648226. www.bloodsweatandgears.org.

Boone Home and Garden Tour 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Go at your own pace; box lunches included with ticket; $25 in advance; $30 on tour day. Tickets at Appalachian Antique Mall, Boone and at Watauga County Farmers Market every Saturday through June 20. Contact jww@boone.net or call (828) 262-9955.

Call 828-262-9955 for details. www.aawmag.com

Recipients of the Celebration of Living Awards with Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson. Photo by Mark Mitchell

High Country Seniors Honored At Expo

Several High Country residents – the majority of whom were women – were honored recently during the Seventh Annual Adult Services Expo at Boone Mall.

Sponsored by the Adult Services Coalition of Watauga County and the High Country Caregiver’s Foundation, the Expo is made up of public, private, nonprofit and for-profit agencies offering services to assist older adults in the county.

A spokesperson shared, “The purpose of this event is to help educate the community of available services; to identify and address needed unavailable services; as well as to develop a networking system for citizens and agencies in the community.”

Highlights of this year’s Expo included live demonstrations of Project Lifesaver, a recently implemented local program to protect and locate missing persons due to wandering as a result of Alzheimer’s, autism and other developmental disorders.

At noon, Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson presented the “Celebration of Living” awards, which included Caregiver of the Year – J.W. “Bill” Stanberry; Centenarian of the Year – Pauline Coffey; Facility Resident of the Year – Lezett Greer; Individual with Disabilities of the Year – Marion Jackson; and Volunteer of the Year – Budget Box Ladies from Blowing Rock.

Entertainment was provided by Sue Johnson, Laura Kaufman, Danny Whittington, Kung Fu Masters and others.

JUNE 2009 57

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