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We are
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All About Spring and Summer
Tell Our Advertisers That You Saw Their Ad In All About Women
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Purple Irises
PUBLISHER Nancy Morrison nancy.morrison@averyjournal.com 828-733-2448 EDITOR Sherrie Norris sherrie@aawmag.com 828-264-3612 ext. 251 MARKETING CONSULTANTS Jon Davis, Renae Jones, Lewis McNeil, Sue Moore, Crystal Owens, Sandy Russell, Amanda Swartz
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Jennifer Canosa, Robert Hampton, Meleah Petty, Marianne Koch, Robert Moore
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Corrinne Loucks Assad, Genevieve Austin, June W. Bare, Maggie Bishop, Sharyn McCrumb, Sharon Carlton, Sunny Townes, Bonnie Church, Jenny Church, Danica Goodman, Heather W. Jordan, Catherine Bare, Kelly Penick, Sue Spirit, Meredith Sutphin, Teri Wiggans, Anne Marie Yates, Heather Young
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Dr. Suzanne
Remembering Granny...................pg 10
Features
36
Life on the Ratline
Profiles
56
page
Food & Entertainment.................pg 14
Arts
page
Betty Pitts
page
Stitching for Shelter 12
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page
OWENS
Melanie Bullard.............................. pg 20
All About Authors.................. ......pg 23
Mother-Daughter Duo Works
A Tribute to Aunt Jack ................. pg 32
Fashion and Fads...........................pg 26
To Save the Horses ......................pg 16
Blue Star Mothers Unite............. pg 41
The Pet Page..................................pg 44
Living the American Dream........pg 18
Suddenly Showing......................... pg 49
All About Men: Jeff Smith... .........pg 28 www.aawmag.com
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Publisher’s Note My Favorite Time of the Year Ahhhhhh! Feel the breeze! Smell the perfume of gloriously-scented flowers! It is my favorite time of the year. This year, we actually had a spring. I had blossoms on plants and bushes that had not bloomed in ages. The transition into summer is not happening so abruptly as it usually does. And I love every minute of it! May and June in the High Country are not to be missed. We welcome our summer residents and the visitors who come here from many other parts of the country. I’ve always been amazed at how many summer visitors come here, fall in love with the climate and the people, and decide to stay here year-round. When I was a child, the school year was endless. The long, dreary months dragged on and on and I thought summer would never arrive. In my eagerness to experience all that spring and summer could offer, I pushed all the limits. I curled my toes into the soft new grass in my yard just as soon as my mother would let me leave my shoes in the house. I soared as high into the sky on my swing as my feet and legs could push me. I dreamed of my future and the heights I was sure I would attain. Yes, spring and summer were magic. Of course, I remember the day the magic died. Perhaps I was eight or nine. I was sitting in the clover on a warm summer day, just enjoying being alive and being who I was. I was playing my favorite game – dreaming of things I would wish for if my fairy godmother came with her magic wand to do my bidding. Suddenly, in one of those moments of crystalline clarity, I realized there was no such thing as a fairy godmother and she would never come and make my wishes come true. I actually remember the brilliant colors of the gorgeous summer day turning dull and faded. My dreams shattered; my life stretched out before me more tedious now than exciting. In my thoughts forevermore, that day became “The Day The Magic Died.” It took me years to understand that the magic really didn’t die. It merely changed to another form. Every now and then, I would get a feeling of empowerment, a feeling that I was so wealthy in terms of the creativity, the ideas, etc., that seemed to just pop fully formed into my mind almost any time I needed them. At those times, I would wonder if I were receiving ideas for projects or paintings from some great universal source of endless creation, mine for the taking. Eventually I realized that, in large part, our thoughts create our future, our words shape our lives, and the universe works very hard to verify our beliefs. When I finally was able to experience firsthand all these concepts I believe to be true, the color came back into the world and the summer days became joyful again and have remained so. So go enjoy your spring and summer days, feel the grass on your bare feet, and soar to heights you have never dreamed of before. Life truly is limitless and we have only just begun to explore.
Nancy Morrison, Publisher nancy.morrison@averyjournal.com
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Irises in watercolor and pen & ink by Nancy Stroupe Morrison www.aawmag.com
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Editor’s Note
On The Journey
Visit aawmag.com to find links and resources for all stories mentioned in this issue.
You know you’re getting old when you’re standing at your office door with key fob in hand, and despite clicking the button, your door won’t unlock. If I had been near my vehicle, chances are good that the lock would’ve released without a problem. It was a real eye-opener since I was still in the midst of a virtual two-week celebration honoring my 50th birthday in March. Then, just a few days later, the doctor orders lab work so we can see just where I am in this mid-life journey. Oh, I know where I am, all right: somewhere in the middle of trying to maintain my youthful approach to life and realizing that normal people do not wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of a frigid winter’s night! I can’t help but remember an old tale that’s been told for years about the country gal who went to see her doctor as her body began to experience changes. When asked if she was going through menopause, she replied, “Why, honey, I don’t think so. I don’t get out much and ain’t even been through the Smoky Mountains yet.” Wherever we are in life, the main thing is that we try to enjoy the journey and make every minute count. And ironically, as I write this (I’m laughing!), my family is heading to the Smokies for a long weekend to celebrate several birthdays. It’s all I wanted, to be with the people I love the most. How blessed we are to celebrate – whether a birthday, graduation, marriage or some other special occasion that brings people together. And then there’s Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and so on. I’ve said before that Mother’s Day is one of the hardest of all days for me to get through. To strive to be like my precious mother, who, deceased for nearly 21 years now, is all I ever really need to do for success. If I could only be as faithful, as gentle, as patient and kind as she. If I could only talk as softly, trust as deeply and love as completely, then I would be a better mother, wife, sibling, friend and person, in general. Before she was 50, she was almost finished raising her five children and first two grandchildren, and had faced her first frightening diagnosis with cancer – all in a less than a perfect home life setting. She struggled, she sacrificed, she endured abuse, pain and sadness, yet she was able to laugh through her tears and find courage through her fears. Through her death, she taught me how to live; it was an agonizing, but very necessary, lesson. Today, anything good that I am, I owe to my mother. If you have a mother, let her know you love her. If you are a mother, treasure the title. Joining you in the journey,
Sherrie Norris, Editor Sherrie@aawmag.com 8
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Stitching a Life of Love
Remembering
Hannah Malinda “Granny” Presnell By Catherine Bare
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ome people are simply born into certain lives. Some are born politicians, others are born movie stars and still others are born to preach the word of God. Hannah Malinda Presnell was born with a capacity for love, compassion and forgiveness that would cultivate a life meant for motherhood. Hannah, whom an entire community would come to know as “Granny,” was one of eight children born into her family on old Beech Mountain. Like most folks around the High Country in those days, they were poor. For a good portion of her young life she stayed with relatives, working in the fields, doing laundry or whatever she could to earn her keep. It was during those young years that her natural affinity toward caring for others became prevalent. Her younger brothers, Larry and Olen, still recount how she’d sling them up on her hips and carry them wherever she was headed, just to keep them from crying. Granny’s caring nature was only blossoming then. Many years later when Granny was 70, diagnosed with untreatable liver cancer, and still working in her garden, a distraught daughter-in-law, Amanda Crump Presnell, arrived at her home. Amanda, a young wife and mother struggling with a career and all the concerns that accompany those roles, had just returned from a bowhunting trip with her husband, Rob. She was 10 MAY • JUNE 2010
angry with herself for accidentally shooting her arrow through an expensive ground blind. She was hurt about having made the mistake, and worried about the cost of replacing the equipment. Granny, a skilled seamstress, surveyed the damage and soothed her concerns with
Back Left to Right: Rob Presnell, James Presnell, Donna Gallo, Jeannie Kahle, Phil Presnell, Wayne Presnell. Front: “Granny”
a few reassuring words, “Why, honey, we can fix this in no time!” She then labored hours into the night, repairing the damage that had left Amanda feeling defeated only a short time before. Many years earlier, when Hannah was rearing five children, she was driving home after picking up her daughters from the baby sitter. Her three-year-old, Donna, had been given her first balloon – a red one at
a birthday party – just before her mother gathered her and her younger sister to take them home. Donna was fascinated, and as all children do given the chance, held the balloon outside the car window to watch it bounce and fly as her mom drove. Inevitably, the ribbon holding the balloon was torn from her hands by the pull of the wind. She screamed as she watched it bounce down the road behind the car. Hannah stopped by the roadside, told her little girls to stay put, and chased after the balloon. Exhausted after a day in a manufacturing plant and still facing a long evening of work at home, the mother dashed down the road to recapture the toy. Just as she stretched her hand to grab it, the sharp gravel popped the balloon and it disappeared before the children’s hopeful eyes. Daughter Donna Gallo recounts that when her mother returned to the car, they hugged one another tearlessly and never said a word. Hannah Malinda Presnell had already instilled an understanding in these young daughters of her love for them. They knew she had just done all she could for their happiness, as she would continue to do every day of her life. Granny attended school only through eighth grade but Donna, reflecting on how www.aawmag.com
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“ ” You were given the least with which to raise us, and still you gave us the most.
her mother helped her with homework, said, “You never would have guessed it.” Granny had married young and, over a period of 32 years, reared six children with little help or support from their father. Her husband was often absent from the farm where she labored in tobacco fields trying to protect her children from the backbreaking work. Surely God directed strength to her while she did all she could to feed and clothe her children, from factory work to gathering leaves for making witch hazel, and climbing tall trees to gather pine tips for roping at Christmas time. She toiled in her summer gardens and canned hundreds of jars of fruits and vegetables every year. She cooked, washed clothes in a wringer www.aawmag.com
washer on the front porch and cared for her children in a thousand other ways. “And the rest of the time, she sewed,” said Donna. Over the years, her talents brought in money for her children and never anything for herself. Even when stitches weren’t required, Granny often tried to help fix things. Daughter Jeannie Kahle recalled a time near the end of Granny’s life when she was weak from her struggle with liver cancer. One of Jeannie’s friends was looking for a husband, but the right guy just hadn’t appeared. Jeannie said her mom stated with great resolve, “If I had myself a computer, I bet I could find her a husband…” Pat Paal, an owner of the Dan’l Boone Inn, said often when she visited Granny,
she spoke of sewing and of making things. Granny had made dresses worn by the servers at the Inn for years and even as she became weaker she longed to stitch up a few more, saying sewing helped take her mind off things. This amazing woman delivered 18 dresses to the Inn only two days before her death on December 13, 2009. Sons James, Phil, Wayne and Rob, and daughters Donna and Jeannie, all remember her for too many acts of love to count. Perhaps Donna summed up Granny’s life best in a letter written upon her college graduation: “You were given the least with which to raise us, and still you gave us the most.” MAY • JUNE 2010
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By Catherine Bare
Stitching For Shelter By Sherrie Norris
Local Women Participate in One Million Pillowcase Challenge A recent daylong gathering at Sew Original in Boone proved to be a successful thread in the nationwide One Million Pillowcase Challenge, sponsored by American Patchwork and Quilting. Dozens of seamstresses of varying degrees of skill – from first-time stitchers to needled veterans – volunteered their time to sew pillowcases for the Hospitality House, which was chosen as the area’s first beneficiary of the yearlong challenge. “We are thrilled to have been chosen as the recipient of the pillowcases,” stated Jillian Kuykendall, Director of Development for Hospitality House of the Boone Area, Inc., which serves a seven-county region. “Something as simple as linens can comfort residents in their time of crisis. Most residents come to the Hospitality House with little more than the clothes on their back. We know that receiving a handmade pillowcase will certainly offer some comfort. It also shows the care and concern of community members and that has a big impact,” she said. Through The One Million Pillowcase Challenge, American 12 MAY • JUNE 2010
Patchwork & Quilting is challenging businesses such as Sew Original to help in reaching its goal of donating one million pillowcases to local charities during 2010. A spokesperson for the AP&Q stated, “Many [charities] can benefit from the donation of a pillowcase and the project gives everyone the opportunity to donate and make a difference in their community.” Earlier this year, Sew Original signed on and began receiving promotional materials such as posters, buttons, counter cards, and window clings, to help build interest among its customers. Once the big day arrived, shop coowner Melinda Rose was ecstatic about the turnout. “We ran out of machines,” she said,“and someone had to go home to get hers so she could work! This is wonderful! We’re having so much fun!” Snacks and lunch were served (compliments of the shop) amid cutting and surging, ironing and folding, but one thing was for sure www.aawmag.com
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– everyone was having a great time! Rose and her business partner, Shirley Bailey, are always eager to make their community contributions. They were thrilled to be the only local retail shop among the hundreds across the country participating in the Challenge. By the end of the day, 175 pillowcases had been sewn and presented, on behalf of Hospitality House, to Kuykendall who, along with her assistant/ASU intern Perry Loser, were among those busy seamstresses stitching their way through the crowded room last week. “Even before we gathered here,” Kuykendall said, “around thirty pillowcases had already been brought in.” Rose clarified that Jane Crandall from Hickory had driven to Boone the day before, just to bring thirty-four pillowcases for the project. Of the 175 pillowcases, Kuykendall said, “We’ll use up to sixty-two for the new shelter, one for each bed in our new facility. Beyond that, we plan to offer them to current residents who are moving into permanent housing. Again,many times when folks move on, they need necessities such as linens for their new home,” Kuykendall said. “We are currently permitted to sleep thirty-five clients and we stay at capacity, going over a few nights this winter. The need continues to be great in our area. We are also seeing an increased demand for crisis assistance through the WeCAN program. “With WeCAN, community members can request help with critical bills such as rent, electric and heating fuel. Often, this assistance prevents families and individuals from becoming homeless.” Suggested pillowcase patterns and three-piece kits were made available to the seamstresses, though individual creativity was encouraged. The One Million Pillowcase promotion will continue throughout 2010 with a day set aside each month at Sew Original for the project. The next dates will be April 16 and May 11. Sew Original is a full service Bernina dealership and quilt shop, with locations in Boone and Winston Salem. For more information, call (828) 2641049 or visit www.seworiginal.org To learn more about the Hospitality House, call (828) 262-3461 or visit www. hospitalityhouseofboone.org Click on to www.allpeoplequilt.com/ millionpillowcases/to keep track of the pillowcase challenge. www.aawmag.com
(Above) Dozens of seamstresses are volunteering their time and talent each month this year at Sew Original of Boone to stitch pillowcases in the nationwide One Million Pillowcase Challenge. (Far left image) Jill Kuykendall, (right) Director of Development for Hospitality House, along with her assistant/ASU intern Perry Loser, at left, were among the busy seamstresses stitching their way through 175 pillowcases for the Hospitality House. Photo by Sherrie Norris
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IN MAMA JOE’S SHADOW
Cooking with Adele’s Best Recipes By Sherrie Norris
“Gramma said when you come onto something good, first thing to do is to share it with whoever you can find; that way the good spreads out where no telling it will go, which is right.”- Forrest ‘Carter in The Education of Little Tree, copyright 1976.’
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dele Daniels Forbes was grew up in the Avery County home of her maternal grandmother, Effie Susan Wright, from whom Adele inherited an extensive recipe collection, which she describes as being filled with words of wit and wisdom. “She was the greatest woman I have ever known,” Adele says. Effie was the first of ten children, and should’ve been a boy, according to her father, Joe. She became his namesake, in a sense, and grew up being called “Joe.” Later, her grandchildren, including Adele who is the youngest, affectionately called her “Mama Joe.” “To Mama Joe, the world of food was a world of friendship,” Adele shares. “She knew which dishes would console a grieving family and which would be the most requested recipes at church suppers.” Today, Adele describes her most prized possessions as those recipes that Mama Joe had written on paper bags, old stationary and greeting cards, the backs of envelopes, and in old-timey lined notebooks. “One such notebook dates back to 1916 when she was a student at LeesMcRae College in Banner Elk. Cooking was her passion even before she had a family of her own,” Adele says. “In one of her cookbooks passed down to me, The White House Cookbook, copyright 1924, she even listed the birth of each calf that she owned, beginning with Blue, born March 29, 1928 – and on and on. She loved each and every one of them and often talked about them through the years.” Mama Joe wrote special little notes on most of her recipes, particularly her favorite ones such as “This is Buddy’s favorite,” or she would list who gave her the recipe and the date. “These recipes and their edible counterparts were communications between people, friendships shared and remembered.” Adele admits, “I realize now that it was not the ingredients or instructions that were ultimately important, but
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the lessons of love and friendship that she wanted to be passed along.” Adele produced her first cookbook 13 years ago and presented it to her daughter for a wedding gift.Word began to circulate about the timeless treasure and soon Adele began getting requests from other family members and friends for their copy of In Mama Joe’s Shadow, Cooking with Adele’s Best Recipes. Since then, she has handwritten 12 other cookbooks for friends and family, each one tailored to the individual recipient. She has written food-related columns for three newspapers and two magazines. Adele has plans to produce volume two of In Mama Joe’s Shadow, which many people have requested. Adele is a busy, fun-loving, adventurous woman whose talents and skills are many. She and her husband, Larry, have two children and four grandchildren – and many relatives and friends - with whom they enjoy spending their free time. Everyone knows they will not be disappointed when invited to share a meal prepared by this cook extraordinaire.The same can be said for the Stuart Dickson family of Charlotte and Linville who are fortunate to have employed Adele as their in-house personal cook since the early ‘80s. As such, Adele prepares all meals that are served in the Dickson home, which includes helping plan the dishes, shopping, prepping, cooking, serving and cleaning up afterward. “I love my job. They are the finest people I have ever known in my life. He is the retired C.E.O of the Ruddick Corporation, which owns Harris-Teeter Supermarkets.” To keep up with Adele, join her recipe group on Facebook and follow her food blog at www.inmamajoesshadow.blogspot.com For more information about her cookbook, available for $20 each, e-mail: cookingwithadele@gmail.com. Some of her favorite recipes are included here:
MISSISSIPPI SIN I am not sure how this recipe came about its name but I know that it’s one of my most requested appetizers. Be sure and use the round loaf of Hawaiian bread, which is usually in the deli section of the supermarkets. 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened 1½ cups sour cream ½ cup chopped cooked ham 1/3 cup chopped green chiles 1/3 cup chopped green onions ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 (1 lb.) loaf round Hawaiian bread
Combine first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring well and set aside. Cut a thin slice from top of loaf and set aside. Using a gently sawing motion, cut vertically to, but not through, bottom of loaf, 1 inch from edge. Lift out center of loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes, and set aside. Fill hollowed loaf with dip and cover with reserved top slice of bread loaf. Wrap with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serve with reserved bread cubes, crackers or chips. Serves 10 to 12
MAMA JOE’S CINNAMON CAKE I remember, as child, stepping off of the school bus at the end of my day and rushing to the front door of Mama Joe and Buddy’s (my grandfather, Paul Madison Vance) house. Even before the door was opened, the smell of cinnamon drifted through the cracks and around my brain. I knew that her cinnamon cake had just come out of the old wood stove. Cinnamon will always be my favorite spice and this delectable cake remains my favorite as well. 2 cups plain flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons cinnamon ½ stick butter ¼ cup shortening 1¼ cups light brown sugar, firmly packed 2 big eggs 1 cup buttermilk Sift the flour, measure and resift three times with soda, salt and cinnamon. Combine butter and shortening and cream thoroughly. Gradually blend in the sugar, then add eggs and beat vigorously until mixture is light and fluffy. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately in 3 or 4 portions, beginning and ending with flour, beating well after each addition. Turn batter into two 8-inch layer cake tins, which have been lined with waxed paper. Bake at 325 degrees for about 25 minutes or until springy when lightly pressed with fingertips. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Turn out on a wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. If desired, place a doily on top to make a pretty pattern, then sprinkle the sugar. Serves 8
Food & Entertainment MASHED POTATO CASSEROLE 4 medium baking potatoes ½ stick butter 1 medium onion, chopped 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste ½ cup hot milk ½ cup sour cream Melted butter Paprika
Peel and cut potatoes in large pieces and boil. Saute onions in butter until yellow. Add drained mushrooms (reserve liquid) and cook about 2 minutes. Remove onions and mushrooms, leaving butter. When potatoes are completely cooked, drain and whip lightly with mixer. Add mushroom juice, butter left in skillet, and enough hot milk to make the right consistency of mashed potatoes. Season to taste. In a shallow 10 x 6 buttered casserole, spread a thin layer of potatoes, cover with a thin layer of onion and mushrooms, and a layer of sour cream. Repeat. End with layer of potatoes. Brush top with melted butter. Sprinkle with paprika. May be made ahead. Can be frozen before cooking. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Serves 6 to 8
MARINATED CUCUMBERS & ONIONS I love to cook with tarragon vinegar and use it in a lot of dishes from my coleslaw to these marinated cucumbers and onions. It delivers a tangy flavor that is hard to resist in this savory picnic dish. 7 cups thinly sliced cucumbers 1 large onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings 1½ cups water 1½ cups tarragon vinegar 1½ cups sugar ¾ teaspoon celery seed ½ teaspoon garlic salt ½ teaspoon onion salt ½ teaspoon celery salt Layer sliced cucumber and onion in a large bowl. Combine remaining ingredients and blend thoroughly. Pour over cucumbers and onion. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Use slotted spoon to serve. Serves 8 to 10 MAY • JUNE 2010
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I t ’ s A Wo m a n ’ s J o b
Mother-Daughter Duo Works To
Save The Horses
By Sunny Townes
While continuing to rescue dogs in emergency situations, they now focus primarily on equines. Since February of 2009, their five-acreWisteria Farm in Zionville has been the home of Horse Helpers, a non-profit organization founded in 2004 to, as their mission states, “give sick, abused and unwanted horses a second chance.” While rescued horses live at their farm, Amy and Megan work with them on everything from socialization and manners to ground exercises and saddle training. Horses that come to them have often been horribly neglected and even physically abused, and they have to learn to trust and respect the humans with whom they interact. While some help comes from volunteers, Amy and Megan shoulder most of the work – and it’s a lot of work. They feed the horses twice a day, muck stalls, refill water buckets, mend fences, pick hooves, clean tack, lug hay bales, and any number of other tasks that need to be done in order to keep the farm in working order. Because her mother is a lecturer in the history department at Appalachian, Megan does the feeding on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.The rest of the week she takes the morning shift. She serves on the board of directors and is currently the volunteer coordinator, all while keeping up with her school work. According to her mother, she has also developed a talent for getting horses to respond to groundwork. On a recent visit to the farm, I watched mother and daughter working with Chief, a tall Paint mix, one of four horses seized in November from property in Tennessee. Megan was encouraging her mother to not give in to the horse’s stubbornness. “Make him come to you,” she said. As a long-time friend witnessing this exchange, I was amazed by their partnership and mutual respect. Amy says her daughter’s efforts go beyond what one would expect from a typical teenager. n the ten years that I have known Horse Helpers president, “I couldn’t do it without her,” she says. “I am really grateful Amy Hudnall, and her 17-year-old daughter, Megan Miller, they that she is even willing to be a partner in all of this. It takes a lot of have been rescuing four-legged creatures. commitment and caring, something that one doesn’t always find in I first met the mother-daughter duo during my first semester in people her age, or in general.” graduate school. Amy and I were classmates, The ultimate goal of Horse Helpers is and one evening she told me about her efforts “I couldn’t do it without her,” to rehabilitate the animals so that they can be to adopt a retired Australian Shepherd show adopted. Since taking over leadership of the dog. Shortly thereafter, she called to say that Amy says. “I am really grateful organization, Amy and Megan have rescued she had brought her new dog home, along that she is even willing to be 12 horses. One was returned to its original with a skittish female who was too old to be a partner in all of this.” owners, after Horse Helpers representatives useful to the breeders. Over the years, Amy determined that they were not aware of the and Megan found homes for four more adult neglect that took place, and they received education on proper Aussies, including an old, arthritic, nearly blind, retired stud named horse care and treatment.Two others were in such poor condition Rooster, who lived out his final months happy, comfortable, and when they arrived that they eventually had to be humanely loved. euthanized. Since then, they have devoted their lives to rescuing animals in “Euthanizing is always a painful decision and one we don’t make need of loving families.They have found homes for dozens of dogs. lightly,” Amy says. “If they had received the care they should have
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had all along, the horses would be able to live longer lives. This isn’t just about being nice, but being moral. If we can’t even care for our animals kindly and respectfully, how can we begin to learn how to deal with each other respectfully?” The work that Horse Helpers does is admirable, but it is also expensive. Because the rescued horses are often on the brink of starvation, they have to be fed high-quality hay and feed so that they can return to a healthy weight. This, along with treatments for lice, vaccinations, neglected hooves, and other problems equals added expenses. “This winter we went through about a thousand bales of hay,” Amy says. “That was $8,000 just to get through the winter. Then there’s the farrier, the vet, the trainer. It takes a lot.” She estimates the annual cost for maintaining the rescue organization to be around $25,000. In other words, as she says, “We need money.”
Amy Hudnall (left) and her daughter Megan are shown working with Chief, a tall Paint mix, rescued in November. Photo by Sunny Townes
For more information on Horse Helpers, visit their Web site (http://horsehelpersnc. org). Donations can be made via PayPal or checks can be sent to: Horse Helpers, 1199 Odes Wilson Road, Zionville, NC 28698. Equipment and volunteers would also be greatly appreciated. Because Horse Helpers is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax deductable. www.aawmag.com
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“God had other plans for me. I never took my Spanish speaking ability for granted, and really didn’t care anything about using it.”
Maria Aldridge knows she’s right where she needs to be. Photo by Dennis Aldridge
American DREAM Living The
By Sherrie Norris
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aria (Rodriguez) Aldridge and her family came to the U.S. from their homeland of Cuba in August of 1961 as political refugees. As one of four daughters of a minister, she remembers that few people in Statesville, North Carolina, where they first settled, spoke Spanish. Little did she know that, years later, she would be a minister’s wife in the mountains of North Carolina, using her 18 MAY • JUNE 2010
native language to help others acclimate to the American way of life. Today, Maria is living the American dream as a community outreach worker with the Farmworker Health Program. While under the auspices of Appalachian Regional Health System, the program is funded by grants through the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Maria is one of three employees of the
local Farmworker Health Program, which is housed in the Community Outreach offices shared with The Appalachian Healthcare Project and Watauga County Healthy Carolinians. “We all work together to help area residents who have difficulty finding health care,” Maria states. She works closely with FHP coordinator Allison Lipscomb and Chelly Richards. “Both are committed to this work,” she adds, “and I am learning many things from them. I admire them very much for their deep interest in serving the farm workers in our area.” Maria takes great pleasure in the opportunity to use her Spanish language skills to help many of the migrant farm workers and their families. “It’s amazing that I know a number of the families, and/or their children from my past experiences interpreting for Spanish clients at the Avery County Health Department, then working with the ESL students (English as a Second Language) in the Avery County Schools.” She says that so many things have worked together in recent years to prepare her for her current perfect job. “Life is so amazing,” she says. “For years I took my Spanish speaking ability for granted, and really didn’t care anything about using it. It was second nature, no big deal.” Maria wanted to do other things, she says, something really important. “God had other plans for me. I never thought that my Spanish language would be useful in Avery County when I first came here 36 years ago!” She finds it interesting to see how the Hispanic population has grown in the area and the similarities between Newland and Havana, Cuba. She also finds it interesting to see black beans, plantains, and other Hispanic foods in the local grocery stores! “We didn’t even have a Lowe’s Foods or Ingles Market 35 years ago in Avery County when Dennis and I were first married.” After coming to America, her father’s ministerial profession periodically relocated the family to various towns in the NC piedmont, including Stoneville, where Maria graduated from high school. www.aawmag.com
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Following three years of college at different schools, Maria had difficulty choosing a major. “Too many things interested me,” she says. After her father was assigned to the Avery United Parish, Maria came to visit and met Dennis Aldridge. She moved to Avery County soon afterward and worked as a houseparent at Grandfather Home for Children. She and Dennis were married in December of 1975 with her father helping officiate the ceremony. “We had three ministers marry us. Some people have said we wanted to make sure it was done correctly!” Job opportunities took the couple to Shelby, Miami, and Tulsa before Dennis was ordained into the ministry in 1989, and they settled back in Avery County a decade later. During their time in Tulsa, they worked as volunteer missionaries at a shelter for homeless and battered women. “Since returning to Avery County after being away approximately 20 years, I have come to feel this is truly home,” Maria says. “It’s totally opposite of what I felt during my first time here. I now know this is where I need to be.” Maria attends Aaron Baptist Church in Montezuma, where Dennis has pastored since 2001 and full-time since 2003. She serves as organist and leads children’s story time during Sunday morning services. She considers the church family as an extension of her own since her three sisters live far away. “My dad lives at a United Methodist Retirement Center in Asheville and recently celebrated his 94th birthday. My mom passed away in 1998.” While admitting to experiencing ups and downs in life as do all the other people she knows, Maria says she has had a good life. “I am so thankful for the many opportunities to meet so many interesting people, and see interesting places. God is so good!” In her free time, Maria enjoys reading, needlework, crafts, flowers and gardening. For more information about the NC Farmworker Health Program for which Maria works, visit www.ncfhp.org.
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Melanie with WEF president Jay Fenwick counting money after a successful Celebrity Serve. (Below) Melanie and her husband, Randy Waters, helping backstage at Shooting Stars 2010. Photos by Alison Idol
Melanie Bullard
BRINGS EXPERIENCE, ENERGY AND EXCITEMENT TO EDUCATION FOUNDATION
By Sherrie Norris
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elanie Bullard has lived in these mountains for three short years, but she fell in love with the area much earlier when, as a child, she spent time at Chimney Rock, the Land of Oz and, especially, Camp Linn Haven in Linville. “It was there that I first connected with the clean, earthiness of the mountains, the way the forest floor smoldered after the daily summer showers and how everything felt better closer to the sky.” As current executive director of the Watauga Education Foundation, Melanie moved here with her husband and two children in 2007, settling into what she describes as the most gracious Valle Crucis community. While there have been unexpected challenges, she adds, “We have not regretted our decision to leave the city life behind.” Melanie was born in Charlotte and as a child, moved with her family to Knoxville, visiting one part of the Smokies or the Blue Ridge every year throughout her life. “It was 2006, when my husband and I brought our children to visit the Ghost Train at Tweetsie and hike the Blue Ridge, that we made our leap of faith to live in this last bastion of peace,” she states. As proud University of Tennessee Volunteers, Melanie and her husband, Randy, met in 1979 and became college sweethearts. “But it took us nearly 20 years to marry,” she states. She describes their relationship as electrifying.
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“When we were in college, we disagreed all the time. We still do, but now we understand that our differences are what make us such a good mix. We are both passionate people. Plus, he’s strikingly handsome to me!” The couple has two children – Olivia Waters, 11, and Mac Waters, 9. “They are the lights of our life. Being able to be with them more is one of the main reasons we came to the mountains. I couldn’t parent like I wanted in corporate America.” She adds with a chuckle, “Now I have more time, if less money.” Melanie brings much excitement and energy to her role as an advocate for the local education system. Her resume is quite impressive and includes working as an Emmy Award-winning journalist from1980 to 1995. “I worked radio and television for 15 years, starting out as a weekend radio anchor in Sevierville, TN and ending up as an evening television anchor in Louisville, KY, until the business became so sales driven that it lost its altruistic appeal for me.” Since 1995, she has worked in public relations and communications with a focus on corporate video production. She has worked for many Fortune 500 companies and smaller organizations helping them craft their message and disseminate it to the world. She also worked in-house for Yum Brands, the world’s largest restaurant corporation and parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s and A&W. www.aawmag.com
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“I worked with some of the world’s most talented public relations and marketing people, learned a lot and, especially, learned that I am not interested in climbing the corporate ladder.” Today, Melanie works through MIB Communications, LLC, which provides public relations, crisis communications and team building workshops for businesses and organizations that want to stand out from the ordinary and grow their market share and develop the skills of their employees. “My biggest client is the Watauga Education Foundation, where I serve as the executive director. I work for the board of directors, a visionary group of men and women who believe in a community where all students achieve their highest potential and have a great time learning, where teachers have access to the resources they need to execute their innovative ideas, and where the everyone makes education a priority. It’s a wonderful challenge!” Melanie stresses, “We are constantly searching for ways to bring the world to the children of Watauga County, whether through the books of Imagination Library, or the Global Learning Community, which is the WCS initiative that is changing how our students will learn. Our signature classroom grants, continuing scholarships for teachers and college scholarships for WCS students round out the picture.The more funds we raise, the more it [the money] goes right back into educating the children of this community.” Melanie readily admits that she is direct, opinionated, softhearted, hardheaded and open-minded – all necessary traits to lead the foundation in the direction it needs to go. “I love the life I have been given and the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children. I wish I were independently wealthy and could give it all to those who want to learn. I wish I could open the eyes of all children to how wonderful learning is and keep it from ever becoming a chore where they are all made to fit into the same mold.” Of herself, Melanie says, “I am a woman of faith, if not organized religion. I wish I could keep a positive attitude more often than not and I am truly thankful for all of the blessings that fate has sent my way. I have a loving family, two hysterical dogs, deep and genuine friendships, and my health. I’m a lucky girl!” And Watauga County is lucky indeed to have her in our midst, making a different, one child at a time. www.aawmag.com
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Boone Service League Hosts Annual Fashion Show
The most successful annual fundraiser of the Boone Service League will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. It’s the Silent Auction and Fashion Show, one of the area’s most anticipated events of the year. Models will be stunning in the latest fashions from the local Belk, Doncaster Outlet, Footsloggers, Mast General Store and South’s stores. A spokesperson for the BSL promises a wonderful afternoon of fashion, food, fun and great prizes! Tickets at $35 each are limited this year and are sure to sell out quickly. They are available from any Boone Service League member. As of April 1, 2010, the Gold level sponsors for the event are: Allen Wealth Management, ASU Athletics, Belk, Carroll Leather Goods, Debbie DeVita Photography, Deer Valley, and Wachovia. Silver sponsors include: Appalachian Ski Mountain, ASU Arts and Cultural Programming, The Best Cellar, Best Western Blue Ridge Plaza, Boone Dermatology, The Dandelion, David Yates, Echota, Emily Angle Photography, Hawksnest, Inn at Ragged Gardens, Jonathan Burton Photography, RBC Bank, and Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. Established in 1957 as an auxiliary women’s organization to the Boone Jaycees, the Boone Service League has grown to be one of the High Country’s largest women’s service groups. The money it raises helps to provide thousands of dollars of grants to other local non-profit organizations, scholarships to local high-school students and many other causes. “Because we are not affiliated with a national organization,” the spokesperson said, “all of our funds directly assist people in our community.”
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For additional questions about the fashion show or purchasing a ticket, please contact Jackie Dyer at jackiedyer@charter.net. Donations are still being accepted. Please contact Anu Green at anubgreen@ hotmail.com if interested in becoming a sponsor or making a contribution.
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All About Authors BY MAGGIE BISHOP
Chatting With Award-winning Author
Sharyn McCrumb How did you decide to write your first co-authored novel? Co-author a novel with a NASCAR driver? I wasn’t sure if it could be done, but it sounded like an adventure. I met race car driver Adam Edwards, my Faster Pastor coauthor, at a Bristol event, when he bought a copy of St. Dale, my NASCAR homage to The Canterbury Tales, and offered to give me technical advice on any future projects. Adam became my crew chief for Once Around the Track in which he is character Tony Lafon. He gave me my first ride-along in a race car at Lowe’s Motor Speedway: 170 mph, with me in a fire suit and helmet watching the wall come up in front of us only inches away. Trusting him to that extent required only a little less faith than committing to co-author, which I had never done before. Adam did some public appearances with me for Once Around the Track, and he had written impressive drafts of action scenes, so one day I suggested that we try to coauthor a novel. I had an idea that involved www.aawmag.com
his field of expertise: teaching middleaged guys how to drive a race car. “I’ll write the first thousand words, and e -mail it to you, and you write the next thousand,” he said. I thought, if he doesn’t write his thousand words, we’ll just forget the whole thing. But he did it! We wrote Faster Pastor in ten months, placed it with Ingalls Publishing Group, and now the real adventure begins.
Why did you go back to the Ballad series? Truly creative people – those who practice their craft with artistic vision instead of to make a fast buck – occasionally leave the safe, well-worn path that made them famous to try some new endeavor, just to keep their talent fresh or to explore new possibilities.
I did that in 2002. Instead of the expected Ballad novel, I wrote St. Dale, a modern version of The Canterbury Tales set in NASCAR. It won a Library of Virginia award and the Best Appalachian Novel Award, got me invited to the White House, and gave me wonderful adventures and the best friends I’ve ever had. With The Devil Amongst the Lawyers, Lawyers set at a trial in the Virginia Blue Ridge in 1935, I returned to the Ballad novels, because I wanted to talk about what happens when the media stereotypes a culture in order to sensationalize a story and thus to sell newspapers. I write about what interests me, when I find I have something worth saying. I am pleased and grateful that there is so much interest in my Ballad novels. I hope that, besides telling a good story in those works, I can shed light upon some of the cultural issues that concern me. In The Devil Amongst the Lawyers, I found a story I wanted to tell. MAY • JUNE 2010
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A Novelist
Looks at the Land By Sharyn McCrumb
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he strongest element in fiction set in the mountain south is a sense of place. That connection to the land is the key to understanding the people who settled here, those who are drawn to live here now, and those who cannot leave. In my Ballad novels, I try both to celebrate the land, and to understand its power over those who have become a part of it. The first member of my family to settle in America was my five-times great-grandfather, Malcolm McCourry, a Scotsman who left a law practice in New Jersey in 1790, took a new young wife, raised a second family and homesteaded in a log cabin in the wildwood until his death in 1829 – a sojourn in the wilderness lasting longer than his tenure as a lawyer on the eastern seaboard. He must have felt at home in the mountain fastness of western North Carolina. What he never knew was that, in a geologic sense, he was back home. In The Songcatcher, my novel based on Malcolm McCourry’s life, the central theme was provided by a scholarly publication on Appalachian geology. In Traces on the Appalachians: A History of Serpentine in America (Rutgers University Press, 1988), geologist Kevin Dann writes 24 MAY • JUNE 2010
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that the first Appalachian journey was the one made by the mountains themselves. The proof of this can be found in a vein of a green mineral called serpentine, which forms its own subterranean “Appalachian Trail” along America’s eastern mountains, stretching from north Georgia to the hills of Nova Scotia, where it seems to stop. This same vein of serpentine can be found in the mountains of western Ireland, where it again stretches north into Cornwall, Wales, Scotland, and the Orkneys, finally ending in the Arctic Circle. More than two hundred and fifty million years ago (before even fish existed), the mountains of Appalachia and the mountains of Great Britain fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Continental drift pulled them apart, at the same time it formed the Atlantic Ocean. The mountains’ family connection to Britain reinforced what I had felt about the migration patterns of the early settlers, people forced to leave a land they loved to come to America. Hating the flat, crowded eastern seaboard, they headed westward on the Wilderness Road until they reached the wall of mountains. They followed the valleys south-southwest down through Pennsylvania, and finally found a place where the ridges rose, where one could see vistas of mountains across the valley. The Scots, the Irish, the Welsh, the Cornishmen – all those who had lived along the other end of the serpentine chain – this place must have looked right to them. It must have felt right, like home; they were right back in the same mountains they had left behind in Britain. Perhaps it isn’t a unique experience in nature, this yearning for a place to which one is somehow connected. After years
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in the vast ocean, salmon return to spawn in the same small stream from whence they and their forebears came. Monarch butterflies make the journey from the eastern seaboard to the same field in Mexico that had been the birthplace of the previous generation. The journey there and back again is unchanging, but each generation travels only one way. Is it really so strange that humans might feel some of this magnetism toward the land itself? If one looks for the serpentine chain in Britain, the best place to find it is on the Lizard, a peninsula in Cornwall between Falmouth and Penzance that is the southernmost tip of England. There at Kynance Cove, one can see the cliffs of magnesiumrich serpentine, and the chain of rocks in the bay that marks the path to Ireland’s link on the great geologic chain. The other end of the serpentine chain follows the Appalachian Mountains from Alabama to the tip of New Brunswick. How wonderful, I think, that the people who loved those mountains in Britain found them again when they came to settle in this country. My office sits perched on the edge of the ridge so that from my window I can see green meadows far below and folds of multi-colored hills stretching away to the clouds in the distance. It could be any century at all in that vista, which is just the view one needs to write novels set in other times. I tell myself I don’t want to live anywhere else, but every year or two, I make my way back to Britain, and I spend a few weeks wandering around the west of Ireland, or the coves of Cornwall, or the cliffs of Scotland – an ocean away from home, but still connected by the serpentine chain.
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Fashion and
Fads BY JENNY CHURCH
Cool Picks For Warm Weather Attire
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pring is in and winter clothing has been moved to the back of the closet. If you’re curious about what else is in, read on for the season’s top fashion trends: The one-shoulder top is still hot. If you haven’t already invested in one, now is the time. The nice thing about these tops is that they look great on almost everyone. A woman’s
attractive shoulders and collar areas often miss the exposure they deserve. Another trend on the rise is one-piece clothing – essentially a jump suit. Sound dated? Don’t worry; it might have a lot to offer. Whether flowing and frilly or sporty, the one-piece outfit works well for most any occasion. It’s especially attractive for pearshaped women or those with a little curve in their frame.
Pants with patterns are big this season. The nonchalant look they offer provides a casual and confident appearance at the same time. Be bold, go for it! Despite these trends, make sure you’re doing all you can to compliment your shape. If you do not want to draw attention to your bottom half, resist the skinny legs looks when wearing pants with patterns. Loud pants will call attention to the lower half of the body, so present it in the best way possible. Some essential accessories: Headbands are back, especially those with bows on top. This trend is for younger women, but headbands, in general, work well for all ages. Throwing on a headband works well for those of us who don’t want our hair pulled back into a ponytail, but need it out of our face. Bulky metallic jewelry is in too, but be careful not to overdo it. Drop the purse and get a clutch. It’s smaller and more efficient. It is also one of the latest trends, so you’ll look up-to-date and have less to carry! The colors of spring: Purple is the color of the season, so find the best shade of purple for you and incorporate it into your wardrobe this spring. Another color that is going to be big is beige, but wear it sparingly. Too much beige makes for a drab wardrobe. Regardless of what you’re wearing, put a little “spring” into your step and walk out into the world with confidence!
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Your Home BY CORRINNE LOUCKS ASSAD
MULTIGENERATIONAL h o u s e h o l d s
Partly driven by the economy, more families are bringing multiple generations into their households. Many of the young adults (boomerangs) are moving back home due to limited job prospects and the housing crunch. Older adults are helping to care for grandchildren and now the baby boomers have become caretakers for aging parents and grandparents. Extended life spans and increased options in home health and outpatient care – over nursing homes – have also played a role. So has the wave of immigration of Hispanics and Asians, who are more likely to live with extended family. A multigenerational household is one in which more than two generations live, such as grandparents, parents and children. It can also include adult children, aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members. The U.S. Census reports that there were nearly 5.5 million multigenerational households in America last year. In households with parents and their kids, nearly 2 million households also included both grandparents. Another 2.8 million included a grandmother and another 655,000 included a grandfather. This is an increase of over 30 percent since 2000. When “multigenerational” is more broadly defined to include at least two adult generations, a record 49 million – or one in six people – live in such households, according to a study released March 25, 2010, by the Pew Research Center. Other findings from Pew and AARP studies show: · The most common multigenerational family is an older homeowner parent, living with an adult child and grandchild. · Older women are more likely than older men to live in a multigenerational household.
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· While multigenerational families are increasing, the number of adults 65 and older who live alone is slightly lower, from 28.8 percent in 1990 to 27.4 percent in 2008. In the 1900s, over 50 percent of seniors lived in an extended family situation. That number slowly decreased until recently. To have grandma and grandpa living with and caring for their grandchildren can be an enriching experience for everyone. It offers an environment in which younger generations can learn about their ancestry, family history and to reincorporate long lost family traditions. Besides saving on the cost of assisted living or nursing homes, there’s also the emotional benefit of not sending older relatives off to some strange place to live. In today’s economy, those options are becoming less viable. The number one reason multiple generations cohabitate today is still economically-driven. Sharing the mortgage with adult children helping pay makes housing more affordable. Not to mention sharing other household costs like insurance, taxes, maintenance, groceries, etc. Thirty-seven percent of young Americans, 18 through 29, were either unemployed or out of work in 2008, Pew said. That’s the highest percentage in nearly 40 years. Younger people also are waiting much longer to marry, thereby staying home longer. Multi-generational living may also allow families to consolidate childcare, providing more flexibility for working parents. Families can share household responsibilities and decrease car and energy usage. American families tend to come together in tough times. As our economic status weakens, it appears that family bonds are growing stronger.
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All About Men
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I wake up every morning knowing in whom I have my trust and faith.
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BUILDING On Faith And Hope By Sherrie Norris
born in Jeff Smith was Columbus,
Georgia and, like many southern families, his has experienced some tough times requiring relocating to find work. “My father always taught me the value of a strong work ethic,” he says, “and how to persevere through tough times and enjoy life regardless of circumstances. He always stressed the value of commitment and the importance of getting up every morning and giving your best effort at whatever task was in front of you.” Today,in a struggling economy,especially for young business owners like himself, Jeff realizes the truth in those important life lessons he learned years ago. He obtained his degree in construction technology at ASU in the spring of 2006 and began his journey as a business owner in his last semester of school. At the time, construction in the High Country seemed to be the ideal career choice. He formed J.S. Construction Co., LLC and became licensed as a general contractor. Jeff first came to the area at the age of 28 MAY • JUNE 2010
13, when his family moved to Sparta. “I immediately realized the mountains was where I was meant to be,” he says. “With our family having moved frequently, my parents decided it would be best to home school my sister and me to avoid taking us in and out of school. I was in heaven. Each day was an adventure. All I needed was a pocketknife and a stream to fish in. My mom still remembers those tall tales I brought home from a day spent in the woods!” Jeff ended up attending Allegheny High School, enjoyed playing football and spent summers working for a local veterinarian and helping local cattle farmers. “I loved to work hard with my hands. I can remember getting my first taste of building while helping my boss build a few barns and buildings on his property.” At 17, his father’s job took them away from the mountains, but Jeff adjusted well in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he finished www.aawmag.com
high school and decided to go to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. “From the day I left North Carolina, there was a longing in my heart to come back and make a life here.” In his search for direction, he even studied international business and German. “As many young college students do, I found it hard to find what suited me.” During a trip to visit a friend in Boone in the fall of 2000, Jeff decided to take a step closer to his dream. “I went back to Knoxville knowing what I had to do. I packed up my truck, went online and withdrew from my classes, called my father, who was not too happy with my decision, and was on my way to start my life.” He remembers the day well. “It was pure freedom. I had made a decision. I had control of the reins. And then, I suddenly realized the weight of responsibility I had just undertaken. I was on my own, but I was going home in my heart, prepared to do whatever it took to build a life for myself,” Jeff states. “I went to work for a local tree farmer who got me involved in his church and led me to realize the importance of my relationship with God. I remember the day I prayed and asked God to place people in my path who would help strengthen me spiritually and mentor me into finding the right path for my life.” Soon afterward, Jeff volunteered for an overseas mission trip to help remodel an international church in Paris, France. “At this point, my building experience was limited to small jobs around the farm.” The trip was a success for Jeff, who was asked by a family to return to France that summer and remodel their home. “I had found my knack. I jumped at the opportunity and spent the summer of 2003 remodeling an 800-year-old home on the outskirts of Paris, France.” Jeff returned to the states with a plan. “I knew with all my heart I was going to be a contractor. However, if I was going to do it, I was going to do it the right way with no compromise.” Jeff enrolled in junior college to finish his core credits and later transferred to ASU where he entered the Construction Tech/Management program. “In 2004 I had an opportunity www.aawmag.com
to take an internship with a local development, helping with designs and project management. It gave me excellent experience in the construction of 38 homes to strengthen my ability to fulfill my dream of becoming a general contractor.” Realizing the importance of experience, Jeff extended his internship into a full-time job for almost two years before he knew it was time to go back and finish his degree. The rest is history – at least in the making. “Just like my dad had taught me, my effort and commitment had paid off. It has not been easy, as nothing in life worthwhile ever is.”
Jeff gives much credit to his parents and to other special individuals in this community who were placed in his path as mentors and who have shared their wisdom with a young man ready to listen. “I started my business on the brink of an economic disaster, which has been devastating to say the least,” Jeff describes. “However, I wake up every morning knowing in whom I have my trust and faith. I work each day to the best of my ability to establish a business on sound principles, desiring to serve others with honesty and integrity in all aspects.” Jeff takes great pride in the fact that he’s been fortunate to be able to build some beautiful homes in the area, and looks forward to many more years of the same. The work of JS Construction is representative of his commitment to excellence, he states, and of its uncompromising integrity in managing its projects. To contact Jeff, call (828) 719-5724.
Valle Crucis • Boone • Waynesville • Asheville • Hendersonville, NC Greenville, SC • Knoxville, TN • MastGeneralStore.com • 1- 866 -FOR- MAST MAY • JUNE 2010
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Photo by Marilyn Ball
Dr. Suzanne
OWENS
A new vision on her horizon! By Nancy Morrison hen Mayland Community College opens for its fall semester this year, one very familiar face may be missing. Dr. Suzanne Owens, Mayland’s fifth president, announced earlier this year she would be retiring in the fall. The actual date she will leave has not yet been determined, but Suzanne expects it will be in the next several months as the search has begun for her replacement. Suzanne, whose warm demeanor, bubbly personality, and strong advocacy for students have endeared her to both students and community members alike in the three counties (Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey) served by the college, has worked at Mayland for 22 years. She is the second female president to serve the college and was vice president in charge of student development prior to being named president. Suzanne says she has thoroughly enjoyed her years at Mayland and had difficulty arriving at the decision to retire. “My husband retired last year and has been patiently waiting for me to retire so we can spend more family time together.” She adds, “I have accomplished many of my goals for the college and will continue to work on others in the time remaining.” When asked about her accomplishments during her tenure as president of Mayland, Suzanne says, “I am very, very proud of the cultural climate at Mayland and the advanced technology for students. Neither of these is a result of my presidency, but they represent a twenty-year cultural movement of openness, acceptance of all people, a welcoming attitude, warmth in our encounters with others, and a belief that all people deserve to discover the best life possible for themselves. “Students feel safe and secure while learning and growing at Mayland. Students also learn to accept, semester by semester, greater responsibility for their own success. “Technology has also been a focus for twenty years and now we have data to demonstrate an amazing 45,000 electronic class connections between 900 students and 85 faculty and staff members in any given week!” she says proudly. “These numbers are truly startling, but they represent how all learning activities, whether through distance education or within seated classes, are geared to technology as a routine expectation. Mayland is on the
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cutting edge of a perfect learning environment, which includes a very positive human environment meshed with pod-casts, youtube, class assignments, class chats and grade checks all available daily online.” Suzanne is the only child of Joe and Nell Young of Bakersville. Although she has lived in a number of states, she was glad her career has allowed her to be close to her roots for the last 20 years. She is married to Jake Owens and they live in Avery County. Suzanne has a son, Joe, who lives in Alabama and a daughter, Jennifer, who lives in Bakersville. She also has a grandson, Todd, who lives in Alabama. Suzanne started working at Mayland Community College in January, 1988, after, as she says, “Mayland president Dr. Virginia Fox heard I was home and came and found me.” After working for years in various positions at Mayland from college planner and program evaluator to director of institutional effectiveness and vice president of research and development, Suzanne was named Mayland president in December, 2005. When asked about her personal plans after she retires, Suzanne says she and Jake have a camper and want to take some trips. She wants to travel out west and spend at least part of the winters in warmer climates. They have a trip to Cancun planned for October. She also enjoys helping her husband with his projects. “Jake is the landscaper,” she says. “I love working with him.” She also plans to get involved with some local group that helps women. “I don’t know which one yet; it needs to be a good fit.” She says she has seen people volunteer so much that they have no free time and, consequently, don’t enjoy their retirement as much as they could. She says she has really enjoyed her career and her life up to this point and now hopes to have more time to enjoy her church and her community and to entertain her friends and relatives. “I believe that over the past twenty years, Mayland Community College has become a true change agent for hundreds of the citizens from Mitchell, Avery and Yancey counties!” Suzanne says. “I am very blessed to have had the opportunity to serve as the president of this important institution!”
I am very, very proud of the cultural climate at Mayland and the advanced technology for students.
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A Loving Tribute to “Aunt Jack” By Kathy Howell
Kathy Howell and Aunt Jack with the lap quilt she made to keep Kathy warm on the job. Photo Submitted
Jessie Jonas, better known to her loved ones as “Aunt Jack,”is an inspiration to all who know her and is always helping others. She is not really my aunt by blood, but my aunt by heart, now and for always. I met Aunt Jack in 1973 when I was in the 10th grade at North Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem. I had earlier met my future husband on the school bus and later, as I was introduced to his family members, Aunt Jack became one of my favorites; she treated me like I was her daughter. I moved from West Jefferson to Boone in 1987 when my husband and I went our separate ways. I really needed Aunt Jack’s moral support during my time of transition and she never let me down. I can’t imagine how I would have made it without her through those difficult years. She has been a solid rock for me to lean on. I love and respect her very much. 32 MAY • JUNE 2010
She was always just a phone call away when I needed to talk and she always helped me buy school clothes for my kids. As a single mom, I barely had enough money to pay the bills, much less buy school supplies and new clothes. Aunt Jack has always been solid as a rock and words cannot express how much I appreciate all that she has done for my children and me. Aunt Jack is now 80 years old and still busy making quilts and always offering a helping hand. A native of West Jefferson, she has spent most of her adult life in Winston-Salem, moving there as a young woman right after high school graduation. She lived in a boarding house and took a job at Western Electric and worked there for 40 years. She enjoys sewing and doing all kinds of crafts; she is a great cook and is known for dessert specialties like chocolate pie, rum cake and orange blossoms.
In fact, her compassion never ends. At my job on the ASU campus, I recently moved to a different location––in a drafty foyer. In no time at all, she went to work to make a very special black and gold lap quilt with the ASU logo on it, to keep me warm. This is just a prime example of Aunt Jack’s love and of one woman helping another. She knew for over 20 years that I was struggling as a single mom and she did all she could to lighten my load. She still reaches out in her special way, just like during my recent visit to her when she wouldn’t let me leave until she gave me some homemade soup and strawberry pound cake! Aunt Jack is one special lady who deserves her moment in the spotlight––and so much more. Thank you, Aunt Jack for making a difference in my life. www.aawmag.com
Local Event
HIGH COUNTRY WOMEN’S FUND Hosts the Power of the Purse Luncheon July 20th
BY SHARON CARLTON
“The POP Luncheon is a great setting to learn about concrete ways to be involved.”
H
ave you ever wondered how you, as an individual, could help women in need who are trying to make better lives for themselves and their families? The High Country Women’s Fund wants you to find out how easily you can do just that. Members of HCWF invite you to join their efforts as they work to affect positive change for women and their families in Avery and Watauga counties. On Tuesday, July 20, the High Country Women’s Fund will host its fourth Power of the Purse Luncheon. The luncheon’s theme, “Give Simply So That Others May Simply Live,” reflects the HCWF’s focus of caring women empowering others on their way to becoming selfsufficient. The luncheon will feature news of upcoming events and will highlight success stories from women who have benefited from HCWF programs, service projects, and mentoring. “The POP Luncheon is a great setting to learn about concrete ways to be involved,” said Mary Jo Grubbs, Community Outreach Chair of the HCWF. “High Country Women’s Fund enables women to share their time, talents and treasures to whatever degree they choose. Whether women can help for one hour or ten hours on a service project, provide snacks, host a get-together or donate financially, HCWF offers a variety of venues for participation.” Last year, HCWF distributed $61,000
in funds to assist High Country women and their families. Thirty-six percent of the funds were used for housing, keeping women and children in their homes by assisting with rent and utility payments, and helping women transition from living in shelters to living in their own homes, by providing utility and rental deposits. Thirty percent of the funds were dedicated to personal empowerment through the LIFT (Leadership Ini-
tiatives for Female Teens) program, 4-H lead program Science Camp, the Summer Empowerment Program, HCWF’s unique “Believing Is Seeing” workshop, and other programs geared toward moving forward. Nineteen percent of HCWF funds were spent on prevention and eight percent on childcare, enabling mothers to complete their education. Seven percent was spent towards education. The Mothers’ Day POP Shop, scheduled for Saturday, May 8th, at the Unique Boutique, is one of four annual HCWF service projects where volunteers may serve. Mothers who are recommended by local agencies will be treated to a “Dress For Success” outfit and “goodie bag.” While mothers are shopping, their children are
invited to make crafts and to choose a Mother’s Day gift for their moms. High Country Women’s Fund works to foster an awareness of the depth of local need and to create an environment for dialogue and collaboration on ways to support women and families with its neighborhood POP Parties and POP After Hours events throughout the year. “Our members are the best at brainstorming little ways to move women ahead,” shared Mary Jo. “Currently, we are seeing a real increase in the number of situations where families have lost jobs and homes, many of whom have been forced to live at shelters. The need in our community is great,” said HCWF Coordinator Lindsay Miller. “ HCWF is an organization connecting women in need with local resources and a community of caring women. We try to fill in the gaps that agency guidelines can’t fill as we come alongside women overcoming life’s setbacks. HCWF continues to evolve as the needs of our community evolve. Last year, over 400 women and children were served through HCWF funding and service projects, provided by a community of 350 participants and donors.” In addition to the program, the Power of the Purse Luncheon will feature a raffle of themed gift baskets and a limited silent auction of distinctive gifts. The POP Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, July 20th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Blowing Rock Country Club. Tickets are $50 per person.
For more information about tickets or sponsorship for the POP luncheon, or for further information about the High Country Women’s Fund, please contact HCWF Coordinator Lindsay Miller at (828) 264-4007, or visit www.highcountrywomensfund.org
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MAY • JUNE 2010
33
of HEALTH BENEFITS
RED FRUITS & VEGETABLES BY DANICA GOODMAN
Apples are good sources of vitamin C and fiber. Vitamin C keeps the capillaries and blood vessels healthy, aids in the absorption of iron and protects the body’s cells from damage. Fiber prevents constipation, aids in weight loss and lowers the risk of digestive conditions. One medium apple has about 4.4 g of fiber.
Regular consumption of raspberries is beneficial in inflammation, pain, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, allergies and age-related macular degeneration. They are highest in antioxidants and excellent sources of vitamin C and manganese and are one among fruits with the highest fiber content.
Strawberries are excellent sources of vitamin C and manganese. Manganese acts as a coenzyme to assist metabolic progression in the body. It is also involved in forming connective tissues, calcium absorption, proper function of the thyroid, and regulates blood sugar level. Strawberries also are high in fiber, iodine, potassium, folate, vitamin K and magnesium.
Red bell pepper is packed with two powerful antioxidants—vitamins A and C. A cup contains 5244 IU of vitamin A. It is also an excellent source of vitamin B6, an essential nutrient for normal brain development and function, and helps the body make the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine (which influence the mood) and melatonin (which helps regulate the body clock). Red bell peppers also contain lycopene, lutein and zeanthin.
Cherries are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are low in calories and low in fat. This is one of the few food sources which contain a significant amount of melatonin, an antioxidant which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag and prevent memory loss. Cherries were found to contain the phytochemical anthocyanin, which helps ease the pain of arthritis and gout. Tomatoes are loaded with more than 20 vital nutrients. Lycopene from tomatoes may be beneficial against a growing list of cancers including: colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung and pancreatic cancers. Tomatoes are also very good sources of vitamin B2 and chromium. Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin has shown to be beneficial in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks, and chromium has been found to help keep the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients under control.
34 MAY • JUNE 2010
Aside from its cancer-fighting lycopene, watermelon is also a good source of potassium, folic acid and vitamins B1 and B6. B vitamins have been found to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. This ultra-low calorie filling fruit is one of the rare food sources of citrulline, an amino acid found to have Viagra-like effects to the blood vessels of the body. A cup of watermelon contains 176 mg of potassium.
The red color in fruits and vegetables shouts phytonutrients such as lycopene, ellagic acid, quercetin and hesperidin. Their phytochemical properties may be beneficial in regulating blood pressure levels, reduce tumor growth, lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Two powerful antioxidants, vitamins A and C may aid in preventing heart disease and are beneficial for various ailments.
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Travel B Y A N N E - M A R I E YAT E S
Planning The Perfect Vacation So many places to see, so many things to do. What’s a woman to do? Planning the perfect summer vacation is a challenge in these economic times, but you can plan a special vacation to build memories for a lifetime. POLL SHOWS MOMS WILL SACRIFICE FOR A FAMILY VACATION. In a national survey of moms planning 2010 vacations, 80 percent will make a sacrifice to guarantee their family vacation this year. Most moms have determined their vacation schedules. Some 57 percent plan summer break vacations. This poll was conducted by Nashville-based WhyMomsRule.com, a blog that tracks trends affecting moms and their buying habits. Mexico is a great value for your family. With the help of an agent, you can choose from a plethora of resorts geared to families with water sports and access to other activities. Trek through the countryside from Cancun to the Mayan ruins. Play golf or parasail – readily available to you and the family. You can also find variety on a cruise while sailing to many exciting destinations. A cruise is the best value for your vacation dollars. You get onboard activities and all www.aawmag.com
your accommodations and meals for one low price. Are you tired of the same beach trip year after year? “Go west young man” is as true today as ever. In Arizona there is history, hiking, biking, riding, fun and sun. The Sedona area is a great jump- off point for the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, cliff dwellings, even Las Vegas. Rafting down the Colorado strikes fear in the heart of some, but you can raft with a professional guide down the gentle waters through the Glen Canyon, surrounded by 1700-ft. walls dressed with petroglyphs and cool waters. Maybe you need to bring out the inner “cowpoke” in your family. Guest ranches of the west offer riding at every level, High country fishing, campfires and family atmosphere unmatched. These are but a few of the many ideas for your family’s
summer vacation. A professional travel agent can lead you to many ideas you may never have considered. Europe is always a dream for many families and young people looking to get away during the summer. While this is high season for travel, great deals are still available. As with the US, there are numerous places to explore. The key to cost savings is finding a great deal on your air transportation. Lower costs can be found through alternative points of origin. Europe is so well connected via train that any start point will be a beginning to your vacation. No matter what your destination, the insight from a professional when planning a detailed trip is an invaluable tool to make your trip a success. It’s a big world out there, so go explore it!
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Betty Pitts:
The Matriarch of Blowing Rock
W
“
By Corrinne Loucks Assad
ant to know what’s going on in Blowing Rock? Call Betty. Need a hostess for the Holy Week Church lunch? Call Betty. Need prayer for a loved one in need? Call Betty. Need a chairperson, chaplain, organizer, writer, president, volunteer, etc., etc.? You got it! A native of Watauga, Betty Pitts was born in the middle of what is now Devil’s Lake on top of Seven Devils. Betty married her husband, Hayden Pitts, when she was 15 1⁄2 years old and he was 21.They had seven children and took in at least 28 foster children during the course of their marriage. “I never knew who Hayden was going to bring home,” Betty explained with a smile. Hayden owned the old gas station before the Blowing Rock Market took its place, and many needy travelers stopped in sharing their woes. People sometimes were brought home for dinner and wound up living with the Pitts family until they were back on their feet. “I learned a servant spirit from Momma,” expressed Betty’s daughter, Lynn Lawrence.“When we were small children, Momma had my sister and me going door to door collecting for the March of Dimes.” In the 1960s, Betty was chairman of the March of Dimes, a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. In March of 1967, the Pitts family lost their three-yearold daughter to cerebral palsy. Only several months later, their son Mikey was born. Mikey was born with autism. As a boy, he spent eight years at the Western Carolina Center in Morganton. The family was very involved at the center and also funded a new chapel there, earning Betty the Parent of the Year award. In the early days of their marriage, Betty and Hayden had a friend who had to be rushed to a hospital. There were no ambulances in the area at that time, and no rescue squad to perform the task, so they took it upon themselves to create one. First, they took their courses and became Emergency Medical Te c h n i c i a n s . Then Hayden Pitts and Carl Underwood got together the funding for the area’s
Momma is the go to person in town,” Lynn described. “She’s the person who’ll do anything you ask.
36 MAY • JUNE 2010
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first ambulance. Their home was the emergency dispatch and, when someone called in with an emergency, Hayden would take the ambulance out while Betty “dispatched” other volunteers to the scene. “One time,” Betty chuckled,“Hayden was out in the ambulance and called me saying he needed me to bring over the second ambulance.Well, I got behind the wheel and flew down the street to the accident. I swung around the curve and there it was. I’d just flown past it! So, I hit the brakes, spun around, and the back of the ambulance landed right in front of the awaiting gurney! Haywood yelled, ‘Dad-gum it, Betty!’” This was the beginning of Betty’s reputation as the crazy ambulance driver! Another time she had a doctor in tow on the way to the scene and he was “white-knuckling” it all the way. On the way back, she asked him if he wanted to drive and he said,“You’re darned right I do!” The next Sunday in church this doctor interrupted the pastor during the offering, told the story and suggested that the church take up an offering for Betty Pitts because “she’s scared the devil out of far more people than any church has!” Betty was also the chaplain while on the rescue squad for 20 years. She is a past president of the Hilltop Association, and was the very first president of the Blowing Rock Ruritan Auxiliary in the 1960s. She said the men would all be out in the meeting hall, while the women met in a side room and did all the work! Well, it couldn’t have been all of the work, as her husband served as the Blowing Rock town mayor for fourteen years and on the town council for seven! Betty has been president of the Blowing Rock Hospital Auxiliary and she started the Budget Box at the hospital. She still meets every Wednesday to volunteer with Budget Box, a group that raises money to aid hospital causes. Betty’s ties to the hospital go on and on, as she was responsible for organizing the first chapel there and has also been on the hospital’s board of directors. www.aawmag.com
Betty served as chaplain of the Blowing Rock Resue Squad for 20 years. Photos Submitted
Betty chaired the local March of Dimes Chapter in the 1960s.
Betty as a young girl growing up in Watauga County.
Through the years, Betty has been a Hospice volunteer (with Ray Hicks, which may explain her flair for telling a tale!), a former president of the Community Club, Blowing Rock’s Woman of the Year, and Citizen of the Year of the Rotary Club. She has been involved with the Blowing Rock Fashion Show for years. She has also served on the Blue Ridge Electric Advisory Board and on a human rights board for RHA – a special needs home. With too many more accomplishments to list, Betty, who is very humble, laughed,“It’s a sorry frog that won’t croak about his own pond!” Betty is very involved in her church, First Baptist of Blowing Rock, and has been president of the Western Missionary Union. She’s taught Sunday school classes, led prayer groups and is a deacon in the church. Betty holds a weekly prayer group in her home for anyone who needs prayer. Her home is known by locals as a warm, inviting place to visit. When the Appalachian Woman’s Fund hosted Liz Murray from New York, she went to Betty’s home to rest and commented,“ I could curl up on the couch and stay forever,” a sentiment shared by anyone who knows Betty and has visited her home. “Momma is the go to person in town,” Lynn described. “She’s the person who’ll do anything you ask.” Not wanting accolades for herself, Betty replied, “But I’d rather you’d ask me to clean the Johnny!” Betty said her greatest joy is having all of her kids and their families together for holidays. All accomplished in their own rights, her seven children, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren all come together at her house. You can currently read what’s on Betty’s mind every week in her column, “The Quiet Corner” in the Blowing Rocket. Here Betty contemplates what she’s been thinking about all week and puts in a prayer request or two for people in need. At 81 years of age, Betty is still as busy as ever, and claims,” If it’s not fun, we’re not doing it!” MAY • JUNE 2010
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Photo by Rob Moore
Volunteers Beautify Community Gardens “Just tell me where I’m supposed to be, and I’ll be there.” This sentiment of selfless volunteerism was often spoken by the late Verna Wilcox, first president and charter member of the Rhododendron Garden Club. Chloe Coleman, current president of the club, says Ms. Wilcox’s involvement was a real lifeline to her until she passed away in 2008. The dozens of local women – and even a few men – who belong to the present four garden clubs in the area seem to feel a similar attachment. Vivien Reynolds was an active member of the Blue Ridge Garden Club for many years; at a young 99 years of age, she is still an honorary member. Mrs. Reynolds was known all around Boone for her roses. She and her husband, Lee, established the Greenway walking trail. Lila Petersen has been a member of the Gardenerettes Club for over 30 years and is the immediate past-president of the state organization, Garden Clubs of NC, Inc. As in many organizations, serving as president requires a considerable commitment. In rising to that position, most have served in a local club and at the district level. Past presidents and charter members, Mary Graham and Minnie Snead of the Colonial Garden Club, continue to be very involved in club activities. Minnie is well known for her exquisite floral
arrangements seen around town through the years. All local clubs are under the umbrella of the Watauga Council of Garden Clubs. Marie Schaedler, president of the council, says the council coordinates efforts of the individual clubs and shares information from the state and district levels. The group is also a part of the National Garden Club and, as such, follows the national guidelines. The council and several of the individual clubs are celebrating important anniversaries this year.Watauga Council of Garden Clubs, formed in 1960, celebrates 50 years, as does the Rhododendron Club. The Colonial Club, organized in 1965, celebrates 45 years. Blue Ridge celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, and the Gardenerettes have been organized since 1952. Daniel Boone Native Gardens is sponsored by the state garden club, but is supported by all of the local organizations. While each group has projects and community gardens for which they are responsible, they all volunteer to help with this four-acre native garden site, including weeding and upkeep, and acting as docents to visitors. Indeed, the High Country has a large and devoted group of members who enjoy the beauty of plants. Nine of the 15 board members for the Daniel Boone Native Gardens are local women. And for the past 30 years, the chairman of the state board
By Catherine Bare has come from this area. Kit Olson-Fisher, current chairman of Daniel Boone Native Gardens, says the gardens, like other areas of the High Country, suffered a lot of ice damage during the recent winter. The Town of Boone has been very supportive and is assisting with removal of the hazardous trees. Following that effort, a great many locals have volunteered to help with additional clean up in preparation for the “Early Bird Wildflower Walk & Plant Sale” scheduled for Saturday, April 24th, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The gardens officially open on May 1, 2010. Olson-Fisher says,“The Native Gardens is a super place to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown traffic for a quiet lunch or to see native plants without having to hike two or three miles into the woods.” Olson-Fisher expresses admiration for the founders of the various garden clubs. “So much work has been done by these incredible women who don’t often get recognized.There are plaques to several of them throughout the Native Gardens.” The Council and combined groups will hold a Celebration of the Garden Clubs at the Jones House on May 18th with a reception from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. for all past and present garden club members. June 6 - 12, 2010, has been designated as National Garden Week by National Garden Clubs, Inc.
For more information about the work of local clubs or to become a garden club member, you may contact Marie Schaedler at (828) 265-2467, or visit danielboonegardens.org. 38 MARCH • APRIL 2010
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“Feel Like A Woman” And Join The Fun The Appalachian Women’s Fund will be hosting its annual awards luncheon on Thursday, June 24th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Blowing Rock Country Club. As always, the highlight of the gala event will be the presentation of the Woman of Vision, a coveted award that celebrates the accomplishments of a local woman, who has dedicated her career to a non-profit organization instrumental in the care of women and young girls. “Feel Like A Woman” is the theme for this year’s silent auction, which will feature items such as elaborately decorated themed baskets like the “Death By Chocolate” from Kilwin’s, among others that were so popular last year. Included in this year’s program will be the introduction of the recently formed ASU Chapter of AWF by student coordinators Lucy Binning and/or Hannah Copeland. For the first time ever, a table will be reserved for a group of “Enlightened Men,” which will include – but is not limited to – men who bravely jumped in the Winterfest Polar Plunge at Chetola earlier this year. Prior to the main event, Bistro Roca will host the Patrons Party on Tuesday, June 22nd for sponsors and donors of substantial gifts. Tickets for the awards luncheon are $50 each and will disappear quickly as seating is limited to 200. Tickets may be purchased via the Web site at www.appalachianwomensfund.org, by calling the AWF office at (828) 264-4002 or by sending a check to P.O. Box 1838 Boone, NC 28707. www.aawmag.com
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Ageless Acne Myths
Clear Them Up Now! by Kelly Penick
D
espite so many skin care products on the market today, there is still a lot of misinformation regarding proper skin care. Hopefully, the following information will help clear up some common myths regarding skin, especially acne-prone skin, and whether or not certain conditions, techniques or products influence the skin.
Fact or Myth?
with starting and ending any type of hormonal therapy and synthetics such as birth control pills or even gynecological illnesses. Sometimes, topical esthetic care can help. A dermatology consultation might be necessary as well as that of an endocrinologist, which can prove pivotal when treatment requires diagnosis and treatment of hormonal imbalances.
Sun exposure is a good treatment for acne. (Fact) The sun can help to dry up acne. The sun’s ultraviolet rays help kill the acne bacteria. When the skin tans, the pigmentation helps reduce redness of the skin due to acne. But, caution is required! Too much exposure can cause inflammation and long-term damage of the skin that can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.
Fact or Myth?
Fact or Myth?
Fact or Myth?
Eating greasy foods causes acne. (Myth) Eating greasy foods does not automatically mean that acne flare-ups are on the way.There is no scientific proof that an unhealthy, nutritiondeficient diet inclusive of greasy foods causes acne. However, those working in certain environments, like a fast food restaurant, have more exposure to airborne grease that may cause or worsen acne.
Fact or Myth?
Acne breakouts specific to certain areas of the face can be an indication of underlying medical issues. (Fact) Acne breakouts on the chin and along the jaw line are likely caused by hormonal fluctuations or imbalances. Flare-ups could be associated
Using 100 percent all-natural products guarantees that the products are chemical free. (Myth) Most products contain some type of chemical. In fact, at least one-third of all prescription drugs are made from plant extracts that contain chemicals. Facials cause acne breakouts as the skin purges itself of toxins. (Myth) Acne flare-ups that occasionally occur following a facial is actually an inflammation of the skin most likely caused by the products used or because of skin type. The inflammation starts in the hair follicle and swells in the follicle walls, which impairs oxygen from reaching the follicle at its root. An acne bacterium thrives without oxygen in the environment because it is anaerobic. To avoid breakouts, correct techniques are recommended. The use of fragrant products, as well as aggressive or excessive massaging of acne-prone skin, is discouraged.
Kelly Penick - Independent Licensed Esthetician - 828-773-3587 40 MAY • JUNE 2010
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m
Blue Star Mothers Unite A local chapter of the National Blue Star Mothers organization was recently formed and officially chartered. According to chapter president, Debbie Branch, Blue Star Mothers of the High Country is a non-profit service organization that provides support for military moms and their families while promoting patriotism. Mothers of military sons and/or daughters serving in any branch of service who live in Watauga, Ashe, or Avery County are encouraged to get involved and support each other and their loved ones who serve our country with honor and pride. The organization not only provides support for active duty service personnel, it also promotes patriotism, assists veterans organizations, and is available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong. Every chapter of Blue Star Mothers is a sisterhood that thrives on fellowship, companionship, camaraderie and showing support to their military children. The membership consists of strong women who have all raised warriors - a commonality that serves as a bond. The Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is a nonpartisan, non-political organization started in 1942 with chapters quickly forming throughout the country. The blue star flag, created in 1917 that hung in windows to denote that a member of the family was serving in the armed forces, eventually became the symbol to parents with a child in service. Also during World War I, the blue star became gold if a service member was killed or died on active duty. From this group evolved The Gold Star Mothers of America, Inc. whose children were killed or listed as missing. Blue Star Mothers were the “lucky” ones to have their children return home safely from war. A spokesperson for the national group stated, “I think this legacy has been stored and almost forgotten over the years. Many of our military sons and daughters
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don’t know about the significance of the stars -- the blue for hope and pride, the gold for sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom. Serving in the armed forces is an honor to our country, to our principles and to our faith. “The original goals of Blue Star Mothers were to bring their children home, to ensure they received the benefits they deserved, to help service members’ families, to help each other and to be there if something happened. “Over the years, the goals have broadened to include rehabilitation; hospital work; children’s welfare; civil defense; and help with medical supplies, transportation, food, clothing and friendship, gratitude and love.” “We show our children and America’s sons and daughters that we appreciate them and their service.” A major way to show that love is through care packages, which the local chapter has already begun processing. In their efforts to raise money to send packages to their deployed children, these moms are seeking the assistance of the community, a spokesperson shared.“ We are hoping that area restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to our organization from meals served on Mother’s Day, May 9. We believe this would demonstrate support for our area’s military family members who serve our nation so valiantly and with honor. This is one of the many fundraisers we have planned that will help to cover the costs involved in mailing letters, cards and packages to our active military members. We anticipate that this will become an annual event, and will be advertising it in press releases sent to all area media outlets.” The group meets at 2:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of every month at the NC National Guard Armory in Boone, 274 Hunting Hills Lane, off State Farm Road near the hospital. For further information, call Debbie Branch (828) 264-1840, or Peri Moretz (828) 264-0397.
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Heartfelt BY TERI WIGGANS
Ode of Joy Joy is delicious, scrumptious and delightful bringing a glow into my heart, a smile upon my lips. Joy connects me to heaven and earth and all that is in between allowing me to enter a space of beauty, love and compassion.
W
e’ve had a winter of true hibernation. The weather created a space for us to be inside our homes, to rest, read and reflect more than we probably allow ourselves to do much of the time. I have counted my blessings of having a warm house, food, and support of community during this icy, snowy, cold season. Now with the temperatures soaring up to 70 degrees and higher, my heart is bursting with the joy of spring in the air. I’ve opened my windows to hear the birds singing. A female cardinal has gotten my attention as she sits on a branch outside my window seemingly staring in at me. She has come so frequently that I looked up “cardinal” in Animal Speak by Ted Andrews. He writes that the cardinal reminds us that we always have an opportunity to renew our own vitality and recognize the importance of who we are and what we have to contribute. I’ve been reflecting on what brings
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me joy, which in turn renews my vitality. What makes my heart sing or brings a bubbly, warm feeling to my chest area and how can I sustain it? Can I hold on to joy even though I am frustrated and can’t do what I normally do because of the snow and ice? I know we often count on something outside of ourselves to bring us joy such as feeling the vitality of spring or smiling with an infant.What if we don’t always have something from the outside to count on? One way to feel joy from the inside out is to fill your heart space with joy, feeling it and re-experiencing it from a previous moment. Reflect on the sun brilliantly rising from the mountain top, the hawk gliding effortlessly through the sky or that warm and loving hug you received from a friend.The more you practice this, the more it will be a part of you.As I write this, I am listening to my own words. I believe in the importance of this and yet I do not always choose to do it. I believe it’s because I get lazy and perhaps I do not always believe in my own power of making a difference in this world. I do know that if I am in a space of joy, it radiates out and others have the opportunity to feel it. What if we all radiated joy? We’d have that warm, bubbly feeling in our chest, and our body, mind and spirit would be in harmony.We would enjoy life from the inside out.We do have the power to create joy, be joy and radiate joy. Let our hearts sing.
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woman
dRIveR
“Go on! Pass him!”
“He’s going the speed limit, and so am I. Why should I pass him?” “do it now while you have a chance. You’ll get behind him on the next hill and you’ll have to poke around who knows how long. Might be miles till you’ll have another chance to pass.” I passed. (Sound of siren.) “Ma’am, did you realize you were speeding?” “Yes, sir.You can give the ticket to him. He made me do it.” The term “woman driver” is not supposed to be a complimentary one. If my own driving record could typify women drivers, perhaps it is a legitimate slur. I have the exaggerated reputation of knowing every ditch in Watauga County. That had something to do with sliding into the ditch three times in one day during a snow event. I’ve lost count of how many fender benders I’ve had in the last 45 years of driving. My neighbors used to pull off the road when they saw me coming. Really. I’ve improved. What I’ve learned includes:
By June W. Bare
Speed isn’t as important as brake maintenance. It’s not my moral obligation to pass other vehicles. The worse thing about being late is being late. It is not necessary to zip out in front of oncoming traffic. But should the label “woman driver” suggest men are better drivers than women? does it mean women are not generally safe drivers? What are the statistics? The Web site, www.crashstuff.com indicates that twice as many men die in car crashes as women. Although women drive fewer miles, take fewer and shorter trips than men, and drive 35 - 40 percent less than men, men have a 70 percent chance of being in a more serious vehicle accident than women. Geoff Hughes, spokesman for AAMI Insurance, says, “Our claims data shows that men’s crashes tend to be more serious than women’s; they are more likely to be involved in head-on collisions, roll-overs and loss-of-control crashes, as well as crashes involving pedestrians, cyclists and animals.”
Hughes’ company did a recent telephone survey of more than 2,000 drivers. (See statistics below) Percentage of men and women who admit that they:
Men
Women
drink and drive
55%
30%
Gesture rudely to other drivers
47%
38%
Have crashed their vehicle
84%
77%
Have been distracted by billboards while driving
51%
40%
verbally abuse another driver
46%
36%
Use of mobile phones without hands-free accessories while driving.
22%
15%
The auto insurance industry experts say that men – especially young men – tend to drive more assertively than women, display their hostility directly rather than indirectly, are more likely than women to break the law, and tend to take more risks. The month of June is National Safety Month, and this includes driving safety. Schools will be out and with vacations, more drivers on the road, and greater chances for accidents. don’t be a statistic. “Stay Alive – Think and drive.” www.aawmag.com
Tips for safe driving: •Buckle up, including children. •If children fight or climb around in the car, pull over and settle them. •Limit use of media (radio, music Cds). •do not use your cell phone while driving; if you must, pull over. •don’t drive when you are sleepy; beware of medications that cause drowsiness. •Be cautious when changing lanes. Signal. don’t be annoyed by slow drivers in your lane and don’t cut in front of another vehicle. •Speed limits are set for safe driving on dry road; drive slower on wet, icy, or snowy roads; take special care at intersections,shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses. •Plan ahead: Give yourself reasonable time to arrive at your destination; check with dOT for road conditions. •Keep your eyes on the road and on your rearview mirrors. http://writeathome.wordpress.com/ 2008/05/20/safety-slogans-for-jen/ MAY • JUNE 2010
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The Pet Page BY GENEVIEVE AUSTIN
n e t t Smi
Kathy Copley is smitten by kittens! While they are cuddly and cute, Kathy says that without loving foster care, many abandoned kittens would not make it to the cuddly stage. Kittens are abandoned for multiple reasons – mother cats pass away, they get separated from a litter, or just mysteriously disappear. Did you know that kitten season is officially here and that a cat’s reproductive life mimics nature’s extended daylight hours? This fascinating fact, Kathy says, makes kitten season predictable. But sadly, she adds, “There just aren’t enough homes for all the kittens that will be born this year.” The Watauga Humane Society seeks to make all kittens and puppies wanted and loved, Kathy says. To pursue that mission, the shelter staff works tirelessly to make spaying and neutering affordable and easily accessible.The benefits of spaying and neutering are countless. “Fixed (spayed or neutered) pets live longer, happier lives. They are healthier, better behaved, spray less and are less likely to stray,” she says. Today, for every cat and dog in the United States of America to have a home, every person would need to own six dogs and nine cats. “If one unfixed female cat reproduces and if its unfixed offspring reproduce, that cat and its descendants can add 420,000 cats to the world in seven
by Kittens 44 MAY • JUNE 2010
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years,” Kathy says. “A cat as young as five months old can have kittens. A kitten born in March or April could have a litter of its own kittens that same year.” Kathy has fostered more than 400 kittens; she fostered 125 of those kittens last year. She loves fostering kittens because it is truly saving lives.To be the tool to aid in their well-being, healing and development (both physically and socially) is rewarding. Kathy states, “I see my role as helping this little life get to the point that it can find the home and family that will love it forever.” It is a lifesaving gift for the animal and very rewarding to help it prepare for its forever family. Kathy reminds us that Watauga Humane Society is always looking for foster families.The society provides all the training one needs. Foster volunteers must be at least 21 years of age. The animals that one fosters come from Watauga Humane Society and will return to the Humane Society when they are ready to find their loving, lifelong home. Kathy applies for grant money to provide additional discounts from the already low-cost spay/neuter program. She asks the public to spread the word that spaying and neutering are affordable, available and accessible. “Watauga Humane Society offers low rates for these services, but if you live in Watauga County and the cost is still prohibitive, call the shelter staff and tell them, ‘I hear you have grant money.’ They will work with you to make it possible to spay or neuter your pets, strays and/or barn cats.” Contact Watauga Humane Society at (828) 264-7865 and ask about foster care, spaying/neutering, community pet food pantry, behavioral training programs and the monthly microchip program. http://www. wataugahumanesociety.org/whs/ www.aawmag.com
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Mom’s World: Paying It Forward | By Heather W. Jordan, CNM, MSN “I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be a grown-up.”
46 MAY • JUNE 2010
I
t can’t all be an age thing. We all know kids mature beyond their years and adults who amaze us if they can fix themselves breakfast and get both shoes on the right feet. Somewhere in my head, I created the belief that when you’re a grown-up and have your own family, it is as if you are existing independent of all other life. Perhaps it’s like being on some island that no one else has visited. Or maybe forging your way through some uncharted pathway in the Amazon jungle. Either way, there is a sense that to be in that category of “grown-up,” you cast aside the comfort level in accepting generosity in both words and actions to help you chart the course. There is this innate pressure that whatever plight you are facing is only your own, and you certainly would be stepping backward to accept advice or help out of that plight, for fear of seeming less grown-up. This is not to say that I have lacked reminders in my life of the universality of experience and the karmic approach of many people who empathize with the challenges that most parents face as they raise their children and try to make ends meet. But sometimes I let myself forget. When I was growing up, I remember very little about my parents needing help. Everything seemed under control and unfolding the way it was meant to do. Occasionally, I can remember my parents being stressed, but these moments seemed so fleeting that they hardly made an impression on me. In hindsight, I think they worked very hard to not deflect their stress onto us kids, in part because they wanted our life to be good and in part because they knew that they would somehow work it all out. Swiss FamilyWagner was the joke name that an ex-boyfriend had for our family, and I have to admit there was some truth to it. Even so, conversations with my mom and dad over time have shown me, despite my memories and my odd perception of being a grown-up, that they faced many of the same challenges that my husband and I now face, and those that many of my friends and their families face. Some of these challenges are emotional in coping with kids’ behavior issues, dividing up time between children, and meeting each child where he or she www.aawmag.com
is in their development. Some challenges are financial, with balancing home budgets amidst rising food costs, extra-curricular activities, housing expenses, or the strain of the current economy. It is a reality that many families are only getting by with the support (emotional and sometimes financial) of their extended family and friends who help to fix their cars, contribute food or gas, pitch in with childcare, or provide work. When you start to really talk to other couples beyond the chitchat of baseball and haircuts and who had the last bruise, many people will let you know right away that you are not floating on that island by yourself. In fact, most couples and families have at some point found that they were existing paycheck to paycheck or that their patience with their kids or spouse seemed less than in the past. Additionally, it seems universal that the hot water heater must fail at the same time as the well pump, or both cars break down at the same time, or the spring runs dry when you bring a newborn home from the hospital, or the winter is so cold that, while you’re dealing with any or all of the above, you are also buying $300 worth of oil every three weeks to stay warm. People whom you encounter in your life who are beyond the immediate stresses of these events are nonetheless acutely aware of the mental meltdowns that accompany such events, and they are there for you, which makes all the difference. Guilt weighs heavily when you’re a grown-up; my gut instinct is usually to reject kind offerings of a date night out, or money to help with the car, etc. But I see my mom smiling across the table or hear the empathetic voice of my dad on the other end of the phone as I catch my breath from unloading the latest “and then this happened and then this and then . . .” and I choke back tears because the generosity is firm and insistent. “We remember what it was like,” she’ll say, or “Let us help because we can.” Instantly, I am pulled off that floating island into the community of people who have walked in almost my same shoes and don’t want me to feel alone. And I am still a grown-up. I sigh and hope to myself that one day, I am the one smiling across the table from my son with the perspective and power of time paying it forward. Comments or questions? 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. www.aawmag.com
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The Joys of New Motherhood
M
otherhood can be a challenging time. Every mother at some point is a mother for the first time. And though there are more resources for new and expectant mothers than before – like educational DVDs, audio books, advice literature, and motherhood magazines – you never quite know what to expect until your little one arrives. And though the challenges and frustrations can be many, motherhood offers some of the best perks in the world. Being able to watch your child grow and explore the world is a wondrous thing. In fact, one of the best remedies for postpartum depression and stress is soaking up the beauty of bringing a new life into this world. New mothers must take time to enjoy their babies and understand that the pros far outweigh the cons. Here are a few helpful things to remember that can help you overcome the stress that comes with a new baby:
· Have fun! Take the time to savor the quiet moments along with your little one.
The joys of new motherhood are hidden around every corner. The light in your child’s eyes as he or she watches bath bubbles float into the air can be heart-warming. Remember to live in the moment and hold on to the special moments, because these are what will get you through the more challenging times.
· Take time for yourself.
Though time to yourself is not abundant as a new mom, do look for ways throughout the day to treat yourself and take care of your physical and emotional needs. Whether you have a best 48 MAY • JUNE 2010
friend you can talk to or a social outlet like church, remember to get some adult time in. There are new mother groups that have regular meetings and offer support to new mothers.Whether it’s at your local library or community college, reach out and take the time to look after your own needs. The Internet is also a great way to reach out without having to leave your house. Start connecting with other new mothers online and share the joys and challenges of your new life with your little one.
· Remember that time flies.
Although dealing with the needs of an infant or toddler can be overwhelming, keep in mind that time certainly does fly. Potty training and teething may seem to make the clock stand still, but soon enough your baby will grow up and it will all seem like it’s over in a flash. When you find yourself getting frustrated, imagine the future and how you will look back with fond memories. Take a moment and approach these challenges with a dose of humor and a little extra patience.
· Grow along with your child.
One of the most precious things about raising a child is that you get to grow along with your little one. You may find playful qualities in yourself that you hadn’t explored since your own childhood. Play along with your child and grow with them. This not only will strengthen the bond with your child, but it helps alleviate the pressures of motherhood by allowing yourself to let go and have fun, and look at the world a different way. www.aawmag.com
m
Minding Her Own Business
Suddenly Showing Grows and Delivers Three years after opening the area’s first maternity shop, Casey Gragg has expanded her business in a big way. As Suddenly Showing began to burst at the seams through a growing demand for maternity-related clothing and products, Casey was determined to meet the increasing needs of her customers. Little by little, she began to offer new items, which in turn began attracting more customers. Soon, she realized the need for more space. On Saturday, April 11, the all-new Suddenly Showing and Growing Maternity and Children’s Boutique held its grand opening and open house in its new location in the Dogwood Plaza on Highway 105 in Boone. A large crowd was on hand to take advantage of the great deals – including the popular “draw your own discount.” The shop delivers on its reputation of offering the High Country a unique shopping opportunity for new mothers and others. Items for which expectant mothers once had to drive off the mountain are now available right here in the area. Not only does Casey continue to provide the usual maternity and nursing items, like Medela brand breast pumps and Bum Genius cloth diapers, she has added a new children’s clothing line: seasonal outfits for boys and girls, and brand name clothes (Le Top, Rabbit Moon, and Zutano, to name a few) at reasonable prices, in addition to her ever-popular maternity fashions. Casey is happy to announce that her sister-in-law, Jodi Gragg Stines, will be coming on board soon as her new business partner. Stop in at Suddenly Showing today and welcome the newest addition to the High Country’s great places to shop. The shop is located at 2743 Highway 105 South in Boone. For more information, visit www. suddenlyshowing.com or call (828) 265-6500.
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Casey Gragg (right) welcomes her sister-in-law Jodi Gragg Stines (left) as her business partner at Suddenly Showing. Photo by Aimee Hicks MAY • JUNE 2010
49
High Country Courtesies
GRADUATION
gift graces and guidance “Gifts should be received with a grateful attitude.Whether the gift is a hit or miss, focus on the intention of the giver.”
G
raduation is a rite of passage from one world to another and worthy of celebration. Marking the momentous milestone of graduation from high school or college expresses an appreciation for the graduate’s accomplishments and years of hard work. Honoring graduates also shows support and encouragement as they embark upon a new, unknown season of their lives. When invited to a ceremony or graduation party, adults and families should plan to bring or send a gift that reflects their affection and best wishes for the graduate. A graduation announcement does not necessitate a gift, however an acknowledgement is appropriate.A note of congratulations, a personal phone call, a congratulatory e-mail or a gift is an acceptable acknowledgement. Although close friends or classmates may choose to exchange gifts, generally students do not need to bring a gift to a graduation party. Cards with photos or messages of special memories and good wishes are terrific remembrances, as are flowers. In general, graduation gifts are given to family members, children of close friends, your children’s close friends or graduates whose ceremonies or parties you attend. There are two general rules for amounts to spend on gifts. First, the better you know the graduate, the more you do for them. Second, give reasonably and appropriately, based on your finances. A card with a handwritten message acknowledging the student’s achievements, and offering advice and encouragement, can make the graduate feel truly valued. Traditionally, a graduation gift should be useful for the graduate’s next level of study or career. For high school graduates, gift cards for restaurants or stores where they will be living are appreciated. For students who are headed to college, items they
may use in a dormitory are desirable: towels, linens, a coffeemaker, a laundry basket with laundry detergent and quarters, stationery, an “Itty Bitty Book Light,” or a small refrigerator.T-shirts, clothing, or paraphernalia from the college are good choices. An inspirational or devotional book, a CD, a phone, a camera or a photo album to chronicle their adventures are popular gifts. More expensive technology gifts include iPods, calculators, Blackberries and Palm Pilots. For college graduates, career or home gifts are beneficial. Gift certificates from houseware stores, towel sets, cookware, glassware, dishes or a set of tools are generally appreciated. For those entering the workforce, a gift certificate to a clothing store, a wallet or money clip, a professional date book, a briefcase or a pen set may be useful. Enclosing a gift receipt is a thoughtful way to allow graduates to easily exchange a gift should they need or want to exchange it. Money is appreciated by all age groups. Cash and checks allow the graduates the option to purchase what they want and can be easily delivered in a graduation card. Any amount that you can afford is appropriate. On the other hand, graduates should greet and thank all their ceremony or party guests for attending. Gifts should be received with a grateful attitude.Whether the gift is a hit or miss, focus on the intention of the giver. A handwritten thank you note is the appropriate response for every graduation gift.Write promptly. (However, later is better than never.) As you celebrate the graduates’ past accomplishments and transition into the unknown, remember to encourage them. Let them know that you value them and believe in them. Your thoughtfulness and kindness in celebrating their graduation and move into a new season of their lives will be treasured.
Sharon Carlton, High Country Courtesies ©2009. Sharon Carlton conducts High Country Courtesies customer service workshops and is Director of High Country Cotillion, a social education program for youth. She writes and speaks on modern etiquette and life skill topics. Contact her at sacarlton@skybest.com 50 MAY • JUNE 2010
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Don’t Miss Midnight at the OASIS!
It’s time for the Eighth Annual “Midnight at the OASIS,” a favorite local fundraising event for OASIS, Inc. (Opposing Abuse with Services, Information, and Shelter). This year’s gala affair will be held on Friday, May 7 from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock, where participants will have the chance to dance the night away to the sounds of the everpopular and formerly local band, Laditude, now based in Asheville. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be included and a cash bar will be available. Those in attendance will hear firsthand success stories of those who are living violencefree after working with OASIS. At the top of every hour, free belly-dancing lessons will be offered by the Lost Jewels of Ghawazee. For 32 years, OASIS has served Watauga County well in its efforts to end domestic violence and sexual assault. Not only does the agency provide comprehensive emergency services, but it also offers transitional support, and a safe environment for survivors as they explore options for a violence-free life. Additionally, OASIS provides education and skill development to encourage local families to create and maintain healthy relationships that are based on respect and equality. It also supports survivors through advocacy and education. “OASIS holds the annual event to raise funds, raise awareness, and invite community members to celebrate the organization’s important work in the High Country,” agency spokesperson Rebecca Gummere said. “Last year OASIS provided direct services to more than 260 clients and approximately 240 client children, and responded to more than 800 crisis and information calls,” she said. All services offered through OASIS are free and confidential, including shelter, advocacy, support groups, case management, referrals, as well as outreach and prevention education. OASIS invites the local community to join its longtime friends and supporters for the upcoming Midnight at the Oasis. Corporate sponsorships begin at $250 and go a long way toward decreasing domestic violence and sexual assault in Watauga County. Tickets for Midnight at the OASIS are $30 each and may be purchased through the OASIS website (www.oasisinc.org) or by calling the office at (828) 264-1532. For more information, call Rebecca Gummere, (828) 264-1532 or e-mail rgummere@gmail.com
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Healthy Lady BY BONNIE CHURCH, CNC, WELLNESS COACH
SPRING CLEANING THE BODY
What is it about spring that makes us want to clean our homes? We open the windows to waft away the stale air, and roll up our sleeves to scrub away the dirt of winter. Spring is a great time to do some tuning up on the body’s unsung cleaning service: the liver. The liver is the largest organ in the body. It looks like a big kidney bean and weighs in at about 3 lbs. It performs hundreds of little tasks every day of the week.
Some of its functions include: o
o
Removing toxins from the blood: All of the blood in the body will eventually pass through the liver. During the blood’s passage through the liver, it will be cleansed of potential toxins like antibiotics, ibuprofen, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol and the pesticides and petroleum products in our food supply. Processing nutrients from food: When you eat, your digestive system breaks down
your food into microscopic pieces. Once these pieces enter the liver, the toxins are filtered and the food is transformed into useful nutrients. Carbohydrates will be stored as energy. Proteins and fats will be converted to substances the body can use to build and repair.
o
Making antibodies to keep you disease resistant.
o
Acting as a safety valve for the heart. A sudden surge of blood could smother your heart. The liver acts a sponge soaking up excess blood, thus protecting the heart.
o
Manufacturing the vitamins that help you with night vision.
o
Providing clotting factors that keep you from bleeding to death when you cut your finger.
If the liver gets sick, the whole body suffers and perhaps prematurely dies. Fortunately, this vital organ is extremely resilient and can even regenerate itself if properly cared for.
Some important ways to keep you liver healthy include: o o o o o o o
Get regular health check ups, including liver function tests. Avoid or limit consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs. Avoid toxic substances such as pesticides, solvents and paint thinners. Take no more than the recommended doses of medications. Get regular, moderate exercise. Drink plenty of water. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Some particularly helpful foods include: ARTICHOKES: Artichokes contains plant compounds known as caffeoylquinic acids, which increase the flow of bile and help to digest fats.
PROTEIN: Protein is required by the liver for the detoxification process. Some good liver supporting options include: beans, nuts, seeds, and quinoa.
BROCCOLI: Broccoli and other members of the brassica family (cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi) support the liver’s detoxification enzymes.
ONIONS & GARLIC: These foods are rich in sulfurcontaining compounds that detoxify the body from environmental chemicals, drugs, food additives and harmful heavy metals.
BEETS: Beets contain betaine, which promotes the regeneration of liver cells and the flow of bile. It also has a beneficial effect on fat metabolism.
As you clean out your closets this spring, think of your liver. If you conscientiously take care of it, it will take care of you.
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Cents & $ensibility BY CORRINNE LOUCKS ASSAD
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Money: The Tie That Binds (Or Not!)
ith bank loans more difficult to come by these days, many people are turning to family and friends for financial help. While this may seem to be the next best place to go, care needs to be taken to protect the relationship. While failing to pay bank loans can lead to legal ramifications, failure to pay back a friend or family member can lead not only to legal problems, but also to the end of a relationship. One should consider all options before approaching a close personal associate for a loan. Just because one bank denies a loan doesn’t mean the next bank or credit union will do the same. After describing exactly what the loan is for (paying the mortgage is one thing, paying for a vacation is another), borrowing from a friend or relative is best if the terms of the loan are agreed upon in writing. While the lender may expect to get paid back in a short amount of time, the borrower may think there is no time limit. Putting the terms in writing helps prevent this potential conflict. A promissory note between the two parties should describe the amount of the loan, terms of repayment (when, how, with interest, etc.) and be signed by both parties, with each one keeping a copy. Consider it a business arrangement and put personal feelings aside. Once an agreement has been made in writing, stick to the deal. While a promissory note is great for clarifying the terms of the loan payments, it doesn’t help prevent actual payment problems. Be realistic when loaning or borrowing money and know the borrower’s ability to actually pay back the loan. If a potential lender suspects that a loved one won’t be able to repay the loan, an offer instead could be given to help them create a budget. If the borrower is not sure he or she can repay a loan, friends or family members might be good resources for ideas about creative ways to make extra money. Avoid appearing wasteful if you have an outstanding loan. Rather than splurging on a new TV, even if current with payments, any
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extra money could and should be applied to the loan. Anything else sends a message that debt is not taken seriously. If a borrower discovers later that he or she is unable to make a payment, quick and honest communication with the lender is the best tactic. Explaining circumstances and plans
to make up missed payments, while difficult to do sometimes, will help to preserve a special relationship. The best rule of thumb when borrowing money from friends or family members? Don’t.
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Young At Heart |
By Heather Young
Tasting New York
I
love New York City – the lights, sights, sounds and most importantly, the smells – the enticing aromas of the world’s restaurants! As I prepare to spend a few days in the city, I cannot help but reminiscence about my last trip to the food capital of the world. It was with much excitement that Roger and I planned our first trip together to NYC. And, by planned, I mean selected where we would eat each day.To my food-obsessed mind, each meal had to be planned out with meticulous care. I spent numerous hours perusing New York restaurant guides, reading reviews and mapping interesting places I had discovered. When the day of departure finally arrived, I felt prepared to do some serious eating. Armed with our Internet research and a Zagat guide, Roger and I 54 MAY • JUNE 2010
scheduled each day’s activities, carefully noting which neighborhoods we would visit and where we might eat. Our only rule being that we would not repeat cuisines or restaurants. The days that followed were the things that culinary dreams are made of. I was in heaven. We visited some well-known NYC eateries. At Wichcraft, the local sandwich chain co-owned by Tom Colicchio of Top Chef fame, we noshed on fresh sammies made with local ingredients. At Barney Greengrass, a well-established Jewish deli on the Upper West Side, I savored the lox, onions and eggs, while Roger went with the waiter’s recommendation: corned beef on rye. And, at Morimoto, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s restaurant, we finished our meal with a dessert that so was memorable, it inspired Roger to announce, “I think I can now die happy.” www.aawmag.com
in-the-wall Hungarian place, thanks to the recommendation of a helpful local. Finally, there was our most memorable restaurant, Bar Stuzzichini, where we dined on the most authentic Italian food either of us had ever tasted. The homemade gnocchi was marvelous and the fettuccine in pistachio sauce made me seriously consider licking the bowl. It was so scrumptious we broke our rule and went back a second time. Although I have no complaints about my New York City eating excursion, the feeling that there were more foods to enjoy nags at the back of my mind. I never did sample
something from one of the Middle Eastern food carts that are scattered throughout the city. I did not find the fresh sesame balls I longed for in Chinatown, and – not a single slice of authentic New York pizza. The day of departure came too quickly. “Look,” Roger exclaimed as the cab took us through back streets on our way to the airport, “There’s a Tibetan restaurant. And, an Afghani restaurant. Why didn’t we try one of those?” I had no answer to that question. However, there is always next time!
And, we stumbled upon hidden jewels. Bao Noodles, a small Vietnamese restaurant, served up melt-in-your-mouth salt and pepper calamari. It was so delectable that the only time I acknowledged Roger’s existence was when I knocked away his chopsticks when he tried to steal a bite. I still salivate at the thought of that meal! Chennai Garden, an Indian restaurant around the corner from where we were staying, had a vegetarian sampler platter bursting with flavor and quite possibly the world’s creamiest rice pudding. And, when we found ourselves on the Upper East Side after a day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art without a clear dinner plan, we stumbled upon Andre’s Café, a little holewww.aawmag.com
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by Meredith Sutphin
LIFE ON THE
Ratline: M
Kimberley Gragg’s first year at Virginia Military Institute
any Avery County High School graduates make their families and communities proud by going on to college, but one ACHS student has made a commitment to discipline that few other students nationwide have made. Kimberley Gragg, daughter of Robert and Melissa Gragg, and granddaughter of Bob and Frances Faye Gragg, recently finished her first semester as one of 50 young women accepted into this year’s new class at the Virginia Military Institute and made the dean’s list this fall. Kimberley’s p e r fo r m a n c e i n h i g h school earned her a basketball scholarship to Methodist University, but she didn’t feel comfortable there. “There were great people there, but I just felt that the school was not for me. After visiting my brother, Bobby (currently a 3rd classman at VMI), and seeing him in the Ratline, I vowed to never volunteer to be treated as he was,” Kimberley said.“However, after watching the Corps do a parade and seeing them march in formation, I was in awe of the discipline and professionalism that VMI instilled in its cadets. I realized that I wanted to be a part of something so respected, despite the fact that I had no previous military knowledge at all. Soon after visiting my brother, I applied to VMI and was accepted.” 56 MAY • JUNE 2010
Now Kimberley attends VMI on an Air Force scholarship. VMI has an enrollment of 1,500 cadets and is the nation’s oldest state-supported military college. U.S. News and Wo r l d R e p o r t h a s ranked it among the top three publicly supported liberal arts colleges in the nation for the last seven years. “I wanted to attend VMI because I really want to achieve something in the world and I felt VMI could help me do that. I love my hometown and the small community that it has, yet I wanted to branch out of the usual system of things and do something different. I felt that VMI could lead me to a world of opportunities, some of which I have already taken advantage, such as joining the United States Air Force,” Kimberley said. Kimberly also has earned a unique distinction among her female peers in her class; she is the only female cadet who has not been on the injured list during her first semester on the Ratline. First-year cadets are all part of the Ratline, which teaches military bearing and discipline, self-control, and respect for authority. New cadets must follow rigid routines during their days, and they are required to pay extreme attention to detail in everything, from their personal grooming to the way they sit during meals. Being on the Ratline as a female cadet poses
added challenges. “ I k n ew s o m e o f t h e challenges of the Ratline from what my brother shared with me; however, he shared very little in comparison to what was in store. He, of course, could not know the different challenges that a female has in the Ratline and attending a military school. I will admit that it has been difficult, but the satisfaction of enduring these hardships gives us females the motivation to keep going. My support system of family and close friends are a huge reason why I remained at VMI, and I am extremely grateful to my parents for not letting me ‘outprocess’ when things seemed unbearable,” Kimberley said. Kimberley’s dreams of being a part of a respected tradition have paid off, even though she has had difficult days, and she has learned much more than the typical college student learns in her first year at VMI. “A VMI alum once said, ‘If you love
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VMI, it only gets better. If you hate VMI, it only gets worse.’ I will admit that, on a few occasions, I would have rather been back at Methodist University, but now I understand the concepts behind the structure and traditions of this school and I appreciate everything that VMI has taught me thus far in my cadetship. I have definitely learned that all things worth having must be worked for, even if it is just the simple privilege to eat like a regular person. Brigadier General Hyatt, who recently spoke to the Air Force cadets, said that although he may not love every day at his job, he still loves his job. I have reached the same conclusion about VMI,” Kimberley said. “Although I may not love every day here (and I assure you I have not), I still love this school.” A picture of Kimberley sitting at attention while eating breakfast was
featured with an article about VMI’s changing traditions in the October 15 edition of The Post. VMI was the Washington Post last all-male public college in the nation, and it began admitting women in 1997. The picture of a table of freshman cadets eating breakfast gives only a glimpse of life on the Ratline. “I probably have more stories to tell from my experiences in the Ratline than I have from all of my previous years in school. Although these experiences may have seemed harsh at the time, they are quite humorous in retrospect and are surely experiences that I will never forget,” Kimberley said. “VMI has taught me that you can do so much more than you think you are capable. Even when you want to quit what you are doing because life seems ruthless and cruel, things could always be worse, and it will be worth it in the end.”
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Round Bald Epiphany
By Sue Spirit
“
I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life.
”
Sue Spirit on top of Round Bald, Appalachian Trail. Photo by Marcia Hickman
H
igh above us tiny black figures, people and dogs, snake up perfect moment in a lonely place that can be reached only on foot. Quaking a little in our light spring jackets we pitch on, working the steep, snowy trail toward Round Bald. It looks like a pilgrimage. It beckons. We are ready to join. Without any up enough of a sweat to carry us through. Noses running, feet aching deliberation, we look at each other, grab our hiking sticks from the from slipping, breathing more heavily now, we near the top of Round car, and shove our feet into hiking boots. It’s the Sunday before Bald at 5,850 feet. Just a few more feet and we are on the summit, with an amazingly-clear, almost-360-degree view of the surrounding Easter, and the mountainsides are thick with frozen waterfalls. mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, We enter the Appalachian Trail at and Virginia. Dark, foreboding, mysterious the Carver’s Gap barrier, a post-and-rail Roan Mountain nearby, at 6,250 feet, is the fence, gaining free admission to a climb to only thing that impedes our view. paradise. Surrounded by icicles, we slog “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful up and through melting snow patches and in my life!” I declare, my eyes resting on precarious ice slicks, boots slipping and the panorama. We sit on scratchy tufts hiking sticks stabbing the ground to gain us of grass and gaze, take pictures, build an a precious foothold.We take deep breaths imaginary cabin, and marvel that our legs of the clear mountain air and inhale the have taken us here. We can easily imagine dank aroma of mud. Nothing matters ourselves with backpacks, continuing on but the exhilaration of the journey, the to Jane Bald, Grassy Ridge, Little Hump foretaste of the unknown. Hickman and views of NC, TN, and VA from top Mountain, Doll Flats, and all the way to At one turn in the trail, a solitary man Marcia of Round Bald. Photo by Sue Spirit Route 19E, the most spectacular (and in sits ensconced, perfectly still, in rough, dun-colored grass, gazing out at the far mountains of Tennessee, June rhododendron-clad) 13 miles of the whole Appalachian Trail. But we don’t have backpacks – and dusk and chill are filtering in. alone with his thoughts. At another bend, a woman in a bright turban stands transfixed, focusing her camera on the Virginia We have to turn back, and fast. Slipping and sliding, we head down horizon. Still higher up, we’re greeted by a young couple with their the trail toward the warmth and safety of our car, narrowly missing scared, shivering dog. They are looking through binoculars at the falling at several dicey spots. But we leave our hearts at the top of North Carolina mountain landscape.We sigh and exchange glances, Round Bald, a pledge toward the day when we’ll be back to finish toasting our luck. These solitary souls are icons of what we seek: a the journey.
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