All About Women Magazine - November 2009

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A Veteran’s Day Tribute: Sides Sisters Serve Page 16

Lt. Cmdr. Issa Saylors (Ret.) Remembers Page 24

Don’t Miss

Page 31

Avery’s Hometown Hero Col. Sam Ray, Jr. (Ret.) Page 32

November 2009

2 NOVEMBER 2009

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Table of

Contents

PROFILES / FEATURES 6 Keeping Tradition Alive 10 Always Behind the Scenes 11 Christmas CD to Help Fight Hunger 18 Women: All About Choose & Cut 19 Beauty Mark: the Movie 20 VFW Ladies Auxillary 28 Edy’s Gift 34 World’s Largest Christmas Project 36 Nurse On Two Wheels 43 Fashion Show Review 48 Women of WAMY ALL ABOUT MEN IN OUR LIVES 31 Moonshiners and Revenuers 32 Sam Ray

All About Beauty Heartfelt Pet Page Mom’s World High Country Courtesies Cents & $ensibility Young At Heart Your Home Healthy Lady November Calendar

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24

r l Flowe Officia s ’ r e b Novem m nthemu Chrysa

Mark Mitchell

37 42 44 46 47 50 51 52 53 54

32 Nancy Morrison

In every issue 8 You Go, Girl 12 Parenting Page 14 Food & Entertainment 16 It’s A Women’s Job 17 Fashion and Fads 23 All About Authors 24 Cover Feature: Issa Saylors Remembers 26 Minding Her Own Busines 30 Bloom Where You’re Planted

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NOVEMBER 2009 3

PUBLISHER Nancy Morrison nancy.morrison@averyjournal.com 828-733-2448 editor Sherrie Norris sherrie@aawmag.com 828-264-3612 ext. 251 MARKETING CONSULTANTs Jennifer Walker Jon Davis, Renae Jones, Lewis McNeil, Sue Moore, Crystal Owens, Sandy Russell, Amanda Swartz

Graphic Designer Dan Johnston

Contributing Designer Amber Allen

Contributing writers Corrinne Loucks Assad, Genevieve Austin, Cathering Bare, Christin Bland, Maggie Bishop, Sherry Boone, Sharon Carlton, Bonnie Church, Jenny Church, Lisa Crawford, Catherine Durgin, Bill F. Hensley, Heather W. Jordan, Kelly Penick, Teri Wiggans, Heather Young

PHOTOGRAPHER Mark Mitchell Copy editing Danica Goodman

For advertising CALL 828-264-3612 Ask for Your Marketing Consultant Cover page photo by Mark Mitchell

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

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NOVEMBER 2009

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Nancy’s note...

November. The month always brings to my mind cold days, bare trees, warm fires in the fireplace, good food, and wonderful times spent with friends and family.

November is the beginning of the holidays and, although I dread the cold mornings and the necessary layers of clothing, I always look forward to the warm Nancy Morrison spirit that most of us exhibit during this special time of Publisher year. I certainly wish we could bottle it and dole it out during the rest of the year!

In some ways, Thanksgiving is an easier holiday than Christmas. The big deal is the meal – and the cooking. For Christmas, all that shopping is added to the mix.

But there must be more to November than Thanksgiving. I got curious and checked. Sure enough, lots of things have happened in November through the years. Here are just a few things that were online: 79 Pompei is buried by Mt. Vesuvius.

1307 William Tell shoots apple off his son’s head.

1620 41 pilgrims land in Massachusetts, sign Mayflower Compact for just and equal laws.

1679 Great panic occurs in Europe over close approach of a comet.

1762 Spain acquires Louisiana.

1789 Benjamin Franklin writes, “Nothing . . . is certain but death and taxes.”

1793 The Louvre in Paris opens.

1811 Earthquake in Missouri causes the Mississippi River to flow backwards.

1864 Sherman burns Atlanta.

1869 Suez Canal opens.

1871 Susan B. Anthony arrested for trying to vote.

1908 First Gideon Bible put in a hotel room.

1913 Panama Canal opens; the United States introduces an income tax; first modern elastic brassiere patented by Mary Phelps Jacob.

1914 Federal Reserve System formally opens.

1925 Grand Ole Opry premieres as WSM Barn Dance on WSM radio Nashville.

1929 Large quake in Atlantic breaks transatlantic cable in 28 places.

1936 RCA displays TV for press and Life magazine hits newsstands.

1939 Kate Smith first sings “God Bless America.”

1940 Lucille Ball weds Desi Arnaz.

1940 Walt Disney begins serving as an informer for the Los Angeles office of the FBI. His job was to report information on Hollywood subversives.

1947 Howard Hughes flies the Spruce Goose wooden airplane.

1952 False fingernails first sold.

1956 Elvis Presley’s first film, “Love Me Tender,” premieres.

1959 Ford cancels the Edsel.

1962 Nixon tells press he won’t be available to kick around anymore.

1983 President Reagan establishes Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

1989 East Berlin opens its borders.

1990 The World Wide Web first began.

How’s that for some trivia to keep you occupied looking up the “rest of the story” on these cold November nights? But don’t get too settled in.

Remember, you’ve still got your Christmas shopping to do!

In the meantime, have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving filled with an endless variety of goodies and the love of family and friends.

WELCOME www.aawmag.com

Sherrie’s note...

As we are nearing another year’s end, I have to pause and ask myself, “How did it happen so quickly?”

I’ve always heard that the older one gets, the faster time flies, but folks, I’m still four months from 50 and I feel as if everything around me is spinning way too rapidly! I just want life to slow down a bit.

Sherrie Norris My husband didn’t think I was serious recently Editor when I told him my wish for the coming winter was to get snowed in (at home with my family!) for one week during which we couldn’t even dig our way out of our peaceful little valley.

I added that I wouldn’t even care if we didn’t have electricity for a few days – no computer, no television, no distractions and nothing to do but talk to my family face-to-face, read by candlelight and cook on an open fire, or at least the outside grill. Sounds good to me!

That scenario simply prompted my better half to say, “Well, I guess I better get that generator fired up and make sure it works.” And then, trying to humor me further, he added, “Are you sure you don’t want snowed in for a month?” He really didn’t take me seriously!

I must admit, once I thought long and hard and realized the repercussions it would have on others who tend the roads and power lines and those who have no choice but to get out, I felt a bit guilty for my selfish dream.

All I meant was I just want life to be a little simpler, even if for a brief interlude.

Something about the coming holidays offers a glimpse of calm, but just trying to get there steals so much of the intended serenity that we’re often too tired to enjoy it when it comes. Does anyone hear me? I just want to slow down and smell the wood smoke – I’m not even asking for roses!

Hopefully, as you read this, my family will have just returned from a combined mission trip/vacation with friends to Arizona, where our main agenda will have been to perform some community outreach work with a new church in the desert. I hope that I will be able to say I had my moments of calm as I stood on the south rim of the Grand Canyon and looked out over one of the world’s great wonders. I hope that I will say I was able to slow down and that I took a deep breath and lost myself in the moment.

Because I know as soon as I return, I’ll be focused on the calendar and how many special events I can pencil in for the holidays.

Let’s see, we’ve got to first decide what we’ll do for Thanksgiving – and that’s the easy part. Already, we have three invitations for the first Saturday in December; every weekend thereafter through New Year’s Day has a special event we need to attend related to church, family and civic organizations to which we belong. It’s tiring just to think about it, but I can’t wait!

Festive gatherings with family and friends are what I enjoy most, unless you count those stolen, quiet moments by the fire at day’s end when one can stop long enough to consider the blessings of life and what the season is all about.

I overheard a conversation in my office recently in which two young men were discussing how all the holidays seem to run together. One said to the other, I’ve just decided to wish everyone a “Merry Thanksgivoween.”

It almost works for me.

For now, Happy Veteran’s Day, Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy whatever-you-choose-to-celebrate during this coming season!

With a thankful heart,

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

NOVEMBER 2009 5

Keeping The Tradition Alive, One Turn At A Time Jennifer’s father also made wooden toys, like cradles and twinebottomed rocking chairs, with which she and her two sisters, Tina and Polly, often helped.

“I also enjoyed my time with Granny. She made homemade quilts for a living, and did it all from piecing them together to the finished product.”

Jennifer says she tried to learn all she could by just soaking it all in.

“Granny made the best biscuits in the world, and they both welcomed many people from around the world to eat at their table.”

Both Willard and Ora made a name for themselves in and beyond these mountains. Even today, several of their handmade items remain on display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. “I always wanted to try to make something out of wood, but just could never quite figure out what to do or how to get started,” Jennifer says. “I went to the NC State Fair in Raleigh for a week with Grandpaw and Daddy Jennifer Bryan’s lifelong desire to turn something on a lathe became a reality when I was 13. They used to set up a booth every year in the Village of this year and one that is quickly gaining attention around the High Country. Yesteryear where they sold the toys they made. I spent a lot of my time Photos by Anthony Bryan. that week watching a friend [Max Woody] of Grandpaw and Daddy turn rocking chair pieces on his homemade lathe. I have always been fascinated

BY SHERRIE NORRIS at how anyone can take a set of tools and make something on a lathe that was turning so fast! I always thought I would like to try it.”

Jennifer Bryan is a person who stands out in the crowd without even

One year melted into another as Jennifer grew into a beautiful young realizing the impact she has on those around her. Her sweet smile, glowing woman, worked hard, married and became a mother. eyes, and kind, soft-spoken words draw people to her like a magnet. Not

Today, she makes her home in the Meat Camp community with only does she open her heart to others, but also her home, which is always Anthony Bryan, her husband of almost 20 years, and their two sons, John a warm and safe refuge for youngsters who feel welcome at any hour. and Josh.

It’s not unusual for friends of her two teenage sons to converge upon her

“Anthony makes wooden bowls on the turning lathe, and I expressed home for days at a time where they know they will be accepted, loved, fed to him many times how I would love to turn wooden pens. I was just uneasy – and entertained. There’s rarely a dull moment there when music, fun and about using the tools. He took me with him several times to the woodworkers’ laughter do not rule the day. show in Charlotte, where I watched in amazement at the crafters at work

Jennifer is a genuine mountain girl with multiple talents and skills and no – some were making pens and other small items on a turning lathe. pretense. Born the youngest of three daughters to Sid and Reba Watson of

“We went again this past March and I met a man in his late 70s who Deep Gap, she spent most of her afternoons and summers during childhood reminded me a lot of Grandpaw Willard. As I stood watching him teach a at the home of her paternal grandparents, the legendary Willard and Ora small child how to turn a pen, he motioned to me and said, ‘You’re next!’

Watson.

I kinda shook my head and told him I was a little too shaky for that. He

“When I wasn’t out in the backyard singing, I was in the workshop with assured me I would do just fine, and 30 minutes later, I had made my first Grandpaw Willard or in the quiltin’ room with Granny. Grandpaw made pen – on the turning lathe – from purple heartwood. Needless to say, I was wooden toys for a living and I’m sure many remember his peckin’ chickens, hooked!” dancin’ dolls, covered wagons, stagecoaches, and baby doll beds. He used a

A few minutes later, Jennifer and Anthony began looking at small pen turning lathe to make the bedposts for the baby doll beds, and he also turned lathes. “With advice from my pen instructor, and Anthony’s money, I came dough rollers. I was amazed at all he could do – from the time I was little until home with my turning lathe and a set of chisels. The extra bonus in having the Lord called him home.” my pen shop is getting to share what I learned with my sons, John and Josh,

6 NOVEMBER 2009

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and several of their friends (Josh Mac, Garrett, and Tom), whom I love just like my own.”

Jennifer feels fortunate to be able to display and sell some of her pens at Boone Drug Downtown, where they disappear rapidly. “I hope to display them in several of the other locations in the near future, as well.”

Jennifer is a well-loved and highly respected employee of the Boone Drug chain, and one who loves her job and is known far and wide for her compassion and willingness to always go the extra mile for others.

“When I’m not working, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my family and friends with whom God has blessed me.”

Jennifer says she’s also been blessed with the ability to play the piano and sing, which she does not take lightly. “I give God the praise and glory for it. I want my life and my testimony to reflect everything about him, because without God, I would be nothing.”

For her memories, too, she is grateful, “Each and every time I step inside my pen shop and smell the shavings, my mind wanders back to my childhood in my Grandpaw’s shop, and I just can’t seem to thank God enough.”

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You Go, Girl!

Scouting Takes Boone Girl On

Alaskan Adventure

By Lisa Crawford

Kathryn Wheeler says she came back ready to fight to preserve the beauty of Alaska.

Kathryn Wheeler of Boone, a member of the Girl Scout Council of the Catawba Valley Area, recently returned from a Girl Scout Destinations adventure – Alaska Explorer – where she discovered the Copper River Delta, the ancestral home of the Eyak people, and explored Cordova, Alaska. The educational experience offered her an active adventure filled with the wonders of natural history and cultural awareness.

Kathryn explored the Copper River Delta and experienced the balanced relationship of plants and animals with their physical and biological environment. She joined 13 other Girl Scouts from all over the country to participate in a program designed to challenge perceptions of self and the world surrounding her while learning new skills. She received a grant from Girl Scouts of the USA to help cover expenses and she sold more than 600 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to earn money for her trip.

After visiting a wildlife refuge center and learning about bears and about orca whales on the ferry, Kathryn’s adventure began. Following check-in at Orca Lodge, the next day presented with a “physically challenging” seven-mile educational hike through one of the largest temperate rainforests.

8 NOVEMBER 2009

“We dissected a log while observing factors that caused its decomposition; we learned about a coniferous plant – Sun Dew – and met a toad, one of Alaska’s scarce amphibians. Upon arrival at the top of the trail, we enjoyed a snow fight – in the summer! We climbed to the mountaintop and were greeted by breathtaking views. The hike was one of my favorite activities.”

“Once-in-a-lifetime memories with everything new and exciting,” is how Kathryn describes her trip. “We rode in the lodge’s fishing boat among hundreds of species of wildlife: sea otters, seals, kitty wigs, eagles, and jellies. After lunch on the beach, we flew in a fourpassenger plane over the Copper River Delta and the Sheridan Glacier. We kayaked on the Prince William Sound and discovered several salmon babies in a nearby river and learned to identify the different stages of salmon development.”

Next was a visit to the Child’s Glacier – a “calving glacier” from which huge chunks of ice regularly break loose that Kathryn witnessed during lunch.

“Next, we rafted down a river created by melting glaciers, learning that the blue icebergs were denser than the whiter ones.” www.aawmag.com

Tearful goodbyes followed as the group members went their separate ways after flying from the small Cordova airport to Anchorage.

Kathryn says, “I went to Alaska a common girl from a small town, but I came back a young woman ready to fight for the beauty of the marvelous state I had just visited. I hope one day I’ll go back there – I fell in love with Cordova, Alaska!”

Without Girl Scouts, this experience could not have been possible, she admits. “It has allowed me to see a small Alaskan town and to experience a small portion of the wonders it holds!”

A Girl Scout since the age of 5, Kathryn is a member of Troop 514, led by Lynn Patterson.

A recipient of the Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards, Kathryn is a sophomore honors student at Watauga High School, where she is active in Mountain Alliance and co-president of the Environmental club.

She is the daughter of Dale and Marilou Wheeler and sister to Karl and Rose.

The Girl Scout Council of the Catawba Valley Area serves nearly 4,800 girls and 1,700 adults of all ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and abilities in seven counties—Alexander, Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell, and Watauga.

Lisa Crawford is vice president of marketing, Girl Scout Council of the Catawba Valley Area.

More About Kathryn

Kathryn Wheeler is very active in her Girl Scout troop. She has been involved as counselor-in-training and helped three years during her council’s spring camp, Camp Sunshine, an all-girl planned and run weekend camp for girls in need of a positive Girl Scout event. She plans to participate again this year.

She also has attended a previous Destination Go Global in Atlanta, GA in 2008, at which girls gathered to discuss issues of importance to them: recycling, teenage pregnancies, water conservation, self-esteem, etc.

Kathryn turned the opportunity into the basis of her Silver Award by presenting a program on global warming and recycling to other teenage girls.

While planning her Gold Award, Kathryn was involved in recycling in the community. As co-president of the Environmental Club at school, she has helped significantly to revitalize the club.

As an excellent math student, last year Kathryn earned third place in the Algebra I portion of a math competition and as a graduating 8th grader at Hardin Park, won the top math award.

During a recent spring break, she volunteered her time with Mountain Alliance to do ongoing Katrina clean-up work in New Orleans.

Kathryn has future plans to work in the environmental field, hopefully for the EPA.

Since fifth grade she has played violin and is in the WHS orchestra. She also enjoys making jewelry out of clay and paper. She studies Mandarin Chinese and hopes to visit China one day to study environmental problems.

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NOVEMBER 2009 9

Always Behind The Scenes For A Good Cause

BY SHERRIE NORRIS

Leslie Shavell is one of those women who is always behind the scenes making good things happen for other people. She seems to draw from an endless well of energy, enthusiasm, and compassion for others.

She and her husband, Morton, have been part of the High Country for the last eight years. From the beginning, Leslie has made a tremendous impact on the lives of many individuals, but many never know who she is or why she cares so much. Fortunately, Morton is always there to help with her long list of projects.

“I could not do all I do if it were not for his love and constant support,” she says. native Texan, A Leslie spent 25 years as a stockbroker in Florida.

After retiring, she became a fulltime artist and a “professional” volunteer.

As the Merrill Lynch television analyst in Ft. Lauderdale, Leslie developed the confidence she needed for public speaking and has used that training to promote the charity fundraising that she loves.

While she was devoting most of her business career to the role of a retirement planning specialist, she was able to see how important Leslie Shavell, surrounded by her works of Photo by Sherrie Norris. it was to help people be comfortable in their later years. However, she also worked with The Daily Bread Food Bank in Ft. Lauderdale, raising funds for an entirely different segment of the population.

“I helped these people just survive day to day,” she recalls.

Leslie created, and was president of, the first Advisory Board of the Daily Bread Food Bank, and ran its fundraisers.

“The needs of children,” she says, “have always been important in my charity work.”

She was involved with Jack and Jill Children’s Center, heading up fundraisers and community awareness programs, but perhaps most importantly was being involved with the children on a personal basis.

She credits those years as a good foundation for the work she now does in Boone.

Leslie is one of the founding members of the Appalachian Women’s Fund in Boone, a non-profit that provides grants to organizations helping women.

“These funds give women a chance to change their lives and feel good about being productive members of society,” she says. “If we 10 NOVEMBER 2009

can lift them up, they will break this chain of poverty and give their children a chance that they did not have. It is such a rewarding feeling to help.”

Her other love is animals and she helps every year with the Watauga Humane Society Fur Ball.

“I applaud all those people who work in the shelter and take care of the animals. I want to raise as much money as I can to help make the job of these dedicated volunteers who take care of these sweet animals a little easier.”

Her main nonprofit work now is with the Hunger and Health Coalition in Boone. As the fundraising chairperson, Leslie takes the lead in coordinating all the special projects that are done for the agency. Her pride and joy, she says without hesitation, is the Christmas in the Mountains CD she’s helped produce now for three years.

“Crae Morton brought the idea to us to make a Christmas CD of all local talent. Since then, we have raised so much money to art at Glidewells in Blowing Rock. provide food and medicine for the needy in our area.”

Not only has the project generated needed funds, she says, but it has also provided much joy to, and involvement by, the whole community.

Once again, the annual CD is now being offered in over 72 locations for $10.

“There have been so many generous folks who have donated their time and talents to make this possible. It just gets better every year.”

Leslie says because she has a special spot in her heart for the needs of children, she began a new initiative at the Hunger and Health Coalition called, “End Childhood Hunger in the High Country.” Realizing the true victims of the horrible economic crisis are the children, the Board of Directors decided that all the proceeds of this year’s CD will go toward the new initiative.

“We hope to be able to alleviate some of this devastating hunger that children are experiencing through no fault of their own or their parents.”

Leslie offers a plea for the community’s help with this seasonal, but life-changing opportunity – “Please visit one of the many locations and buy the CD for yourself, for gifts and stocking stuffers, or for your www.aawmag.com

employees as a little thank you gift.”

When asked about her drive to help others, Leslie’s reply is simple. “I became involved early in life in charity work. My love for and desire to help others came, I am sure, from my parents. Although they both worked and were just able to make ends meet, my mom always sent, as she called it, a little check to a number of charities. For example, she always gave a check to the Disabled Veterans because Daddy came back from World War II uninjured, but so many did not. It could have been Daddy who was hurt so she wanted to help those brave men who were.”

Although she remembers that her family could barely spare it, her mother always sent cans of food to the food drive at school when she was a kid, and clothing to the needy in their area.

“I guess there have always been those less fortunate than we are, and I am glad that the love of helping people was instilled in me at such an early age. I get such joy out of knowing that whatever I do for people through my fundraising efforts makes their lives a little bit easier.”

In her free time (whenever that is!), Leslie finds her art to be a great escape and just one more way to express her love for life and others.

“As far back as I can remember, I have been involved in some type of art. When I retired, I set up a Web site (leslieshavell.com) and began selling my artwork. Animals have always been my love because I could paint their eyes first and see into their little souls. I then put their personality on canvas.”

Because of the generous support of the Glidewells, Leslie is able to show and sell her work at their restaurant in Blowing Rock. The proprietors have designated a middle dining area as “The Shavell Room,” and one in which the already fabulous dining experience takes on an exotic feel, surrounded by her inspiring prints of the wild and wonderful.

For more information about the Hunger and Health Coalition and how you can help Leslie and others like her make a difference, please call (828) 262-1628 for more information.

“Christmas in the Mountains” Vol. 3 CD Released Proceeds Aimed Toward Helping End Childhood Hunger In The High Country Trying to decide what holiday gift to give your boss, friend and/or cousin who already has everything? Look no further. “Christmas in the Mountains” CD, Vol. 3, to benefit the Hunger and Health Coalition, is now available at 72 locations in the area and is disappearing fast.

All proceeds will go to a new initiative called, “End Childhood Hunger in the High Country,” said Leslie Shavell, project coordinator. “Our goal this year is to raise $35,000. In this kind of economy, I know that is an ambitious number. However, so much more is needed to help those folks who used to be working and were productive citizens, and now cannot even afford to buy food and medicine.”

She related that the true victims of this economy are the children – through no fault of their own or their parents. In response to the current economic situation, the Board of Directors of the Hunger and Health Coalition has allocated funds to double the food provided to families with children under 18.

Compton Fortuna, executive director, said, “The number of clients we are working with is unprecedented. One in seven children in North Carolina goes hungry every day. The effects of childhood hunger are immediate and long term.”

The Hunger and Health Coalition has started another related program to provide things to mothers who cannot afford to take care of their children.

Products that will be made available to them are baby food, formula, children’s vitamins, and OTC medicines made just for children. Any one in the community who knows sources for these items should call (828) 2621628.

Shavell said, “This community has been so supportive of the CD project the last two years and people are again stepping up to the plate to help. The Hunger and Health Coalition has raised over $11, 000 just from donations before the CD was even released!” She continued, “Musicians have donated their talents and time to make this year’s CD very special. Moreover, it has taken many volunteer hours to bring this to the High Country.” www.aawmag.com

Shavell wishes to thank those who made the CD possible, including the following artists you will hear on the project: Amantha Mill, Todd Wright, Jeff Little and friends, Diana and Sarvis Ridge, Strictly Clean and Decent, Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church Choir, Bob and Ellie, Sharon Mitchell, Ruth and Steve Smith, Helen White, Joe Shannon, The Kingston Trio, and Jessica Presnell.

“We could not have such a successful project without the support of the retailers in our area. We appreciate so much that they have given us precious selling space to offer the CD,” Shavell said.

Christmas may be far away but people need food and medicine today.

You can help support the “End Childhood Hunger in the High Country” by purchasing a CD for yourself, all your friends, and family, or for your employees as a little gift of appreciation.

Send all donations to: Hunger and Health Coalition, P.O. 1837, Boone, NC 28607. Please write “Christmas CD” in the memo of your check.

Call (828) 262-1628 to find out ways you can help the Hunger and Health Coalition “End Childhood Hunger in the High Country.”

NOVEMBER 2009 11

e g a P g Compliments of Watauga County Children’s Council n i t n e r

Pa

Holiday Rituals, Celebrations and Routines

Rituals are traditions that families inherit or create from their personal

Here are some ideas that may work for you:

beliefs. Often parents will blend customs from their own childhoods with new traditions. These will provide memories for children to take

• Ask family members to bring food that represents their ethnicity

into adulthood. Although many rituals are created to celebrate holidays,

to family gatherings.

others may celebrate family togetherness, seasons, charitable giving

• Have every person share what it is they are thankful for around

or community events.

the table at mealtime or during a holiday.

Rituals and routines provide children with a sense of identity,

• Consider having a breakfast treat, a note in your child’s lunchbox,

stability and consistency that is a cornerstone to growing up. Traditions

and comparing photos and stories of past birthdays to make your

have always been important in how we function as families. As families

child’s birthday special all day long.

grow and change, so do their rituals.

• Gather friends and family together for a celebration.

• Keep at least some time each week for just immediate family. This

A good starting point is to think through the rituals of your own

childhood. You may also want to talk to friends about their family

may mean saying no to some invitations or other activities.

traditions. If you are a two-parent family, discuss your beliefs and

• Participate in a charitable giving activity as a family.

compare them with those of your partner. Together you will create a blend of rituals that reflect who you are and what delights your family.

You will probably be enhancing some rituals, displacing others, and

can be a wonderful ritual for everyone to participate in. Here

No matter the age of your child, volunteering as a family

creating entirely new traditions for your family. These may continue to

are a few suggestions to get you started:

change over the years as you create new, thoughtful rituals that bring • Create a double dinner by making twice as much as your family

your family together.

needs and take it to a homeless shelter or a house-bound senior citizen.

• Help serve a meal at a soup kitchen. Call ahead to find out when

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you might be most needed.

• Shop for some toys or books with your child on his or her birthday

S P E C I A LT Y C L O T H I E R S

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• Invite someone who lives alone (such as a senior citizen or a college student who can’t get home) to your house for a meal or a holiday.

• Create a holiday food gift basket for a family in need.

• Recycle your bottles and cans and donate the money to your favorite charity.

Reprinted with permission from The Daily Parent, a newsletter

for parents funded by the Citi Foundation and produced by NACCRRA. Copyright 2009, NACCRRA, Arlington, VA. All rights reserved.

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Mon - Sat 9 - 6 NOVEMBER 2009 13

Food & Enterainment

By Bill F. Hensley

Lynn Rollins And Her Yum Yum Fabulous Foods To Go

As a child, Lynn Rollins enjoyed making elaborate mud pies in the backyard of her Chapel Hill home and giving them gourmet food names, and her favorite television program was not what the average child watched but one that featured famed chef Julia Child.

By the time she was 12, she was preparing French cuisine, and in high school she began a successful catering service. It was obvious by then that she was meant to be a chef.

Her formal education was at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a BA degree in education. Early on she taught the first and second grades but her love for gourmet cooking won out, and she headed for London and the prestigious Cordon Bleu where she became a certified chef.

list of esteemed clients.

Lynn returned to her hometown of Chapel Hill in 1983 to assume the position of head chef at A Southern Season. Later she opened her own catering business, called The Lane, and has never looked back as the business grew and prospered from the start.

She purchased a home in Blowing Rock in 2006 and began spending more of her time in the mountains. “I love it here,” she remarked, “and realized that this where I wanted to be. I soon found out that there was a need for my cuisine services, so I opened a catering business so people could pick up fresh, homemade foods to make their lives a little easier.”

Yum Yum opened in July of 2008 and is located on Highway 105, in Foscoe, in the Grandfather View Village shopping center.

“It has been successful from the start,” she said proudly, “thanks to the excellent word of mouth advertising I have received.”

Using only fresh vegetable and fruits that come from her own Yum Gardens, the fine food service has become a beehive of activity as customers flock to the store for such sumptuous dishes as chicken tetrazzini, beef bourguignon, tomato pie, spaghetti sauce, gazpacho, ham rolls, four types of pimiento cheese, brownies, amaretto bread pudding and others.

And there are always new dishes being added to the menu such as doo dah dates (cheddar wafers with dates and pecans) and bee bah berries (blue cheese wafers with cranberries and walnuts).

“Most of my recipes are original,” she said, “yet Lynn Rollins is a dynamo of energy with a winning personality that attracts her customers often give me cookbooks from their hometowns clients. Photo by Gaye Luaces. and mark their favorite recipes. They are generous gifts where I find new recipes I incorporate into my repertoire.”

After receiving her distinguished credentials, Lynn became a “During the winter,” she continued, “I concentrate on warming chef at Gourmet Delights, a takeout shop and catering company in dishes such as soups, shepherd’s pie, pumpkin cheesecake in a Richmond, VA. She spent five years in the Virginia city and was also gingersnap crust, and heartier things that go well during snowy the head chef at The Catlin Abbott House and The Carrington Row weather.”

Inn. She also did private catering for the Virginia Museum and for a 14 NOVEMBER 2009

www.aawmag.com

In addition to fine food, the catering service also offers a variety of gifts such as hand-blown glassware, NC pottery, antiques, quilts, hooked rugs and an art show each month featuring NC artists.

“I have done some interior design work over the years,” Lynn explained, “so the shop combines my three loves: art, food and beautiful home accessories.”

On a recent visit, a customer was filling her car’s trunk with dozens of frozen food items. “I’m going to the beach for a few weeks,” she said, “and I certainly don’t want to do any cooking while I’m there.”

“That happens often,” Lynn said. “A lot of customers come to the mountains for fun and relaxation and don’t want to be burdened with cooking. And when they have a party, they ask me to cater it from start to finish. That’s my role and I cherish it.”

Creative and innovative at 50, Lynn is a dynamo of energy and has a winning personality that attracts clients. When she is not cooking, she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as flyfishing, hiking, biking, shopping for antiques, renovating houses and attending UNC football and basketball games. “I am a die hard Tar Heel,” she smiled.

Does she cook at home after a busy day behind the stove at work? “You bet,” she answered. “That’s the first thing I do when I get home at night.”

Yum Yum is open all year. Summer hours: Monday – Friday 11am-5pm. Winter hours: Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located across from Mountain Lumber on 105 South (828) 9636100.

Favorite recipes from Lynn’s collection: Crab cakes “People rave about my crab cakes. I’m flattered, but guess what?

It’s not the crab cakes. It’s the quality of the crab. Only buy jumbo lump. That’s the secret. Don’t buy special or backfin, only jumbo lump. Anything you make, use the best ingredients available.

That’s what makes food taste great, not taking shortcuts.”

1 pound jumbo lump crab 2 slices Pepperidge Farm Original White Bread 2 tablespoons Duke’s mayonnaise 2 tablespoons finely diced red bell pepper 1 tablespoon finely sliced scallions 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 beaten egg dash of Worcestershire additional breadcrumbs for coating butter

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NOVEMBER 2009 15

It’s A Woman’s Job

SIDE by SIDE

By Sherrie Norris

From a young age, sisters Hannah and Sarah Sides shared an interest in the military and a respect for those who served therein, says their mother Diane.

Today the siblings, who were born and reared in Watauga

County, have risen through the ranks and, as lieutenants, both serve in strategic positions in different branches of the military.

Regardless of their separation, they remain close in heart.

In her second tour of duty, Hannah is a Marine currently

stationed in Afghanistan. She was first deployed with a Marine

First Lieutenant Hannah Sides and her sister, First Lieutenant Sarah Sides Williams, share a special moment prior to their promotions.

combat logistics battalion from Camp Lejeune in 2008 to Both attended Lucy Brock Child Development Center, the Early

Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Transportation Support Company Commander, running convoys to re-supply infantry units. She is

Learning Center at ASU, Hardin Park Elementary and graduated from

currently deployed with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, also based at

Watauga High School (Hannah in 2000 and Sarah in 2003). Hannah

Camp Lejeune, to Operation Enduring Freedom. She is the Battalion

graduated from ASU in 2003 with a degree in criminal justice and a

Logistics officer and team leader for the Female Engagement Team.

minor in photography. She was commissioned as a first lieutenant in

As such, she has been able to meet with and talk to the Iraqi females

the US Marine Corps in 2005 at Quantico, Virginia.

one-on-one, apart from men, to discuss a variety of topics – from any

assistance they may need, to how the American military has helped

American relations and a minor in Spanish, with studies in military

them make a better way of life.

science. She received her commission in the Air Force as first

In her spare time, Hannah is a photographer and has documented

Sarah graduated from NC State in 2006 with a major in Latin

lieutenant in 2006 in Raleigh.

“Their decisions to join the military were based on their unflagging

much of her deployment experience.

As an Air Force lieutenant, Sarah is currently stationed at Creech

belief in the system of the United States and their desire to maintain

Air Force Base in Las Vegas, after assignments to various bases around

it for future generations,” their mother adds. “It’s important to them

the United States. In her spare time, Sarah is a dog rescuer and enjoys

that they help keep America free and healthy for democracy and all

making pottery and sewing.

the freedoms that many of us take for granted.”

The duo, daughters of Fred and Diane Sides, grew up in Boone

Describing her daughters as “dyed-in-the-wool Watauga girls who

with their older sister, Jessica.

loved growing up here in these mountains,” she says they return

home as often as possible, which – their parents admit – is not often

“They had strong influences in their lives and a very strong love

and respect from family members and close family friends,” their

enough.

mother shares. “Among those who played an important role in their

lives were the late Ruth Petrey (Watauga Children’s Council), Mary

their second favorite place in the world!”

Greene (with music), Dottie Sykes (Presbyterian/Methodist Children’s

Choir), Billy Arnette (Taekwondo Works), and their father, as coach of

well-grounded young women; their parents could not be more proud

many Odyssey of the Mind teams, in addition to many other incredible

of them. All who know them agree if the world could clone the two,

teachers along the way.”

this would be a much better world.

They both speak Spanish and have traveled to use their second language.

16 NOVEMBER 2009

“When they can, they hop between here and Holden Beach Those who know the Sides sisters know them as well-rounded and

They are the granddaughters of Bill and Betty Sides (deceased) of

Granite Falls and Garland and Mae Watson of Lexington. www.aawmag.com

Fashion and Fads With Jenny Church

All About Scarves and How To Wear Them

We all probably know by now that scarves are back. They are the accessory to have as fall, summer, spring, and winter wear. While scarves may transcend the seasonal barrier, scarves are over worn and worn incorrectly all the time!

Scarves are great (I love them), but if you happen to overdo your scarf wearing, don’t worry – help is on the way! Perfect scarf weather is upon us and we all need a fashion survival guide on how to wear them: • Be wary of texture.

Velvet is out. Yes, I have that cute velvet jacket, too, but it stopped being cool the same time Melrose Place went off the air. A few designers tried to make a surprise comeback with velvet in 2008 and some again in 2009, but it’s not going to happen right away, if ever.

How does this play in? Do not wear a scarf with anything velvet. It just doesn’t look right, and it never will. Corduroy is another fabric to be careful with when wearing a scarf. It can work, but typically only with long hanging scarves and a lot of bold colors.

Why? It’s like wearing a black dress every day – people notice and it’s not always appropriate. It can be done on a regular basis, but keep it down to once or twice a week. Most importantly, no matter how eager you are to wear a scarf (especially if it’s new), do not force it. If it doesn’t match the shirt or the weather outside, don’t wear it. There will be a perfect opportunity soon enough.

• The bottom line?

The outfit should rarely be about the scarf. No matter what day it is – or how you look at it – a scarf is an accessory and should always be treated as such. Do not over-accessorize. It’s no secret that scarves are bulky; they’re just made that way. Do not wear a necklace with a scarf unless you plan to take the scarf off. What about wearing some eye-catching earrings to draw some attention back to your face?

Basically, scarves are a great way to accent a fall or winter look, so find the style that’s just right for you!

• Know when to take it off.

Some outfits were made for scarves, and some of us try to make scarves fit our outfits. If you are wearing a scarf with a jacket that is clearly meant for outside purposes, then don’t keep the jacket on inside. Simply plan on wearing that scarf with what you have on underneath, as well. Some scarves are strictly meant for outdoor purposes and are not meant to be worn with a sweater or a longsleeved tee. Make sure you know the difference between these two styles.

• Patterns or Solids?

One of the best things about wearing a scarf is its ability to make any outfit more chic. If you are wearing a solid top, then wear a scarf with a pattern. In the fall and winter months, steer clear of floral patterns, but stripes, polka dots, plaid, and most anything else will make the look livelier. For tops with patterns, solid scarves are usually a safe bet. On occasion you will find a top that needs another pattern on top of it to set it off, or the same pattern with reversed colors to calm it down.

• Be picky.

I am guilty of getting a new top to match a particular scarf I have.

Or I will get a new scarf, and I am so excited about wearing it that I wear it immediately and with anything. Pick and choose when to pull out the scarf look. It’s not something you can or should do every day.

Even when it is cold outside and you want something around your neck, wear it with the jacket and take it off, or wear a turtleneck.

www.aawmag.com

NOVEMBER 2009 17

Women Are All About Choose & Cut

While the Christmas tree industry might be considered “all about men” in some parts of the country, that’s not exactly the case in the High Country.

Not only has the Boone-based NC Christmas Tree Growers Association long been led by women, many of the local farms have women who either partner with their husbands for family success, or are sole proprietors of their own businesses.

As thousands of visitors converge upon the area beginning this month in search of the perfect Christmas tree, many will be greeted by numerous women behind the scenes of a relatively new coined term we know as Choose & Cut –a phenomenon that has taken the area by storm in recent years.

It has become a family tradition for countless families throughout the southeast to make their trek to the High Country this time every year to select the tree that will inevitably adorn their home during the holidays. It’s a simple process, really: Gather the husband and kids, head to the hills, follow the signs to a local tree farm (or return to the one that previously held your senses captive!) and head into the heart of the field for the hunt.

An hour or so later – and in many cases, after your troops have consumed hot chocolate and cookies – the farm hosts will have cut your chosen tree, baled and secured it to the top of your vehicle and sent you on your way with a smile.

The North Carolina Christmas tree industry is ranked second in the nation in number of trees harvested. It’s no secret that the majority of those come from the northwest corner that we call home.

In NC alone, approximately 1,600 growers produce an estimated 50 million Fraser fir Christmas trees growing on over 25,000 acres, Fraser fir trees represent over 90 percent of all species grown in NC. When searching for your perfect tree, chances are you will run into some of the key women in the local Choose & Cut industry: Diane Deal (see her ad for Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm); Kirby Maram at What Fir! Tree Farm; Peggy Austin from Bill & Peggy Austin Choose & Cut; Kathy Clawson, Clawson’s Choose & Cut; Dorothy Bryan, J & D Tree Farm; Eleanor Lieberman, Swinging Bridge Farm; Nona Lawrence, Tom Lawrence Farm; Brenda Payne, Cross Ridge Christmas Tree & Horse Farm; Nadine White, A White Christmas Tree Farm; Kathy Blackburn at Reindeer Crossing Choose & Cut; Linda Shumate, Buffalo Fir Co.; Debbie Fishel, Grouse Ridge Christmas Tree Farms; Della Deal, Lil’ Grandfather Choose & Cut Tree Farm; Barbara Lawrence, Mountain Memories Christmas Trees; Pamela Miller, Sam & Edna Miller Trees; and Helen Pitts, Sugar Plum Farm.

We feel sure there are women whose names are not listed here who work hard in the Christmas tree industry. We apologize for any who were not included in the list provided to our office.

For complete listing of Choose and Cut Farms, their contact information and location, please refer to the NC Christmas Tree Association’s Web site at www.ncchristmastrees.com 18 NOVEMBER 2009

Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm Choose & Cut Since 1993

Fraser firs up to 12 feet tall

wreaths • pottery • jewelry • hayrides • refreshments Nov. 27, 28, 29

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Dec. 4, 5, 6

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Other times by appointment

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For more infomation please contact Diane Cornett Deal

828-964-6322

cdtreefarm@skybest.com

Growing Christmas Trees: Not For Men Only When Diane Deal got into the Fraser fir Christmas tree business in 1986, her father was already growing Fraser fir trees for the wholesale market.

“He had some extra transplants the year I bought my farm, which he offered to me. That was the beginning of my involvement in the industry. Around 1993, my late husband and I opened our farm for Choose & Cut when the concept was just getting started in Watauga County. There were about nine farms participating those first couple of years and now we have 25 farms that are actively promoting their Christmas tree farms as Choose & Cut farms. I have often said that by being a Choose & Cut farmer, I get to celebrate Christmas with many families and friends whom I’ve met from all over the country who come here every year.”

As a member of the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association, Diane has been involved in the development and promotion of the Choose & Cut part of the industry.

“I have also worked to protect our farmlands by using integrated pest management practices on my farm. I work with Soil and Water Conservation programs and am also involved with our local Farm Bureau.”

www.aawmag.com

We Can Be Beautiful Only By Being Ourselves A Review of Beauty Mark: the Movie

BY CATHERINE DURGIN The auditorium was filled with hushed female voices. There was a sense of wonderment in the air, a feeling of calm swept across the room. All of the women gathered already knew one important thing – we are empowered by one another. Then the film began.

There were moments of sobs when the audience learned that the main character’s life was marked by rape at the age of 13, she has a mentally challenged brother who was tossed to the side, and has dealt with exercise-induced anorexia most of her life.

“Beauty Mark: Body Image and the Race for Perfection” aired free of charge Sept. 24 in Farthing Auditorium on the ASU campus in Boone. The film is based on the life of Diane Israel, a former marathon and triathlon champion turned psychologist. Israel felt the film was a vital part of her life, because it made her look at herself and her own body image in a new light.

However, the film also focused on lifting up women with negative body images. In “Beauty Mark,” Israel speaks with Eve Ensler, the creator of the “Vagina Monologues,” who shares how she is so deeply against the media’s image of the female figure.

“The craziest thing that our culture does is think that we could be beautiful trying to look like someone else,” Ensler said. “We can be beautiful only by being ourselves.”

After recognizing that there is an image in the world that is unattainable and that a great deal of young women struggle with body issues, Israel addressed ways to cope with this unhealthy image and better oneself.

She pointed out a somewhat easy way to get away from a negative image of oneself and that is simply by not focusing on ourselves so much. She stated – first of all – we need to be more involved with our families. Secondly, we need to find a way to do some type of service for others. That is most important, she emphasized, because it will help us take our minds off of ourselves 24/7. Thirdly, we need to become a part of the community – we all need each other. Lastly, we need to be able to find our own identities instead of trying to be like something or someone that the media defines as “hot.”

Ensler also had ideas about how we can get off of our own backs.

“We’re all messes,” she said. “We’re all wrecks, and so what? It doesn’t mean we can’t go out and help change the world for the better.”

It was an intense evening that not only addressed certain body issues from which women often hide, but the film and the question and answer session afterward made sure that women – young and old alike – knew what to do when they or a friend felt extremely bad about themselves.

The film might have been even more effective if it had been shown in its shorter version that cut out large chunks of Israel’s personal life with her own family issues. Even though these sections gave insight into how Israel grew up, they sometimes overwhelmed the message of obtaining a positive body image. Nevertheless, the film’s ideas and message had a positive central theme towards the self-betterment of women. Overall, Israel did a favor to every woman who came to watch “Beauty Mark.” www.aawmag.com

“Beauty Mark” is for anyone who has ever felt invisible because they didn’t conform to our culture’s impossible, unhealthy, abnormal beauty standards.

This courageous film examines popular culture’s toxic emphasis on weight and looks through the eyes of Boulder-based psychotherapist and former worldclass triathlete Diane Israel – who tells her own story while interviewing other champion athletes, body builders, fashion models and inner-city teens about their experiences relating to self-image.

This deeply personal and funny film asks some tough questions: How do our families influence our relationships with our own bodies? How do popular culture standards get inside of our hearts and heads? In what ways can sports actually make us sicker instead of healthier? Former champion athletes, including David Scott, Ellen Hart Pena and Brenda Maller, share their stories while notable luminaries such as playwright Eve Ensler, author Paul Campos and cultural critic Naomi Wolf, provide their insights.

An elite runner and triathlete until age 28, Diane won the Pikes Peak Marathon and several other major races after settling in Colorado in the early 1980s. She retired from competition after collapsing from anorexia (sometimes called “athletic bulimia,” a disorder many athletes suffer from, but which few experts knew anything about at that time). Diane went back to school to become a psychotherapist and is now a professor of human development at Naropa University, a counselor and the co-owner of a women’s fitness center.

She continues to run, but strives to live her life at a less frantic pace.

Her recent visit to Boone was just one of many stops along the way in her effort to bring light to a dark world for women trying to obtain the “perfect” body image.

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Members of the Ladies Auxiliary to Boone’s VFW Post # 7031, pictured here with veterans during a recent visit to the Veterans’ Hospital in Asheville.

VFW Ladies Auxiliary: “Honor The Dead By Helping The Living”

BY SHERRIE NORRIS Members of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars live by the motto: “Honor The Dead By Helping The Living.”

Established 1914, the organization serves veterans of our country and communities as a testament to the sacrifices and commitment of every man and woman who has served in uniform.

Jan Tittle, the organization’s national president, says it well. “If ever there were a time to stand up and remind this country who the real heroes of our nation are, it is now. Let us not be blinded by other messages proclaiming politicians, sports stars and celebrities are the stuff of legends. Let us announce to all who will listen that the men and women who wear our country’s uniform are the ones to earn our respect.”

Closer to home, Spruce Pine’s Janet Colvin, community college biology instructor, is president of Ladies Auxiliary VFW District 15, which includes auxiliaries in Spruce Pine, Newland, Boone, Jefferson, Sparta, North Wilkesboro and Lenoir.

20 NOVEMBER 2009

The hometown focus and commitment is strong, she says. “This [LAVFW] is the only organization in the US, to my knowledge, whose sole purpose is to serve our veterans, active duty personnel, and their families. The Ladies Auxiliaries in our district are busy in their communities, as well as being involved in state and national programs.

They also work with youth to promote patriotism and love of country.

We serve the living in order to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our country’s freedoms. I am honored to serve among these ladies.”

Colvin is also president of her local auxiliary. “My eligibility for membership is through both my father, who served in Europe in WWII, and my husband, who served in Vietnam. My father was an active VFW member during my youth, holding several offices in the local post and at state level in MS. I joined the LAVFW after the death of my husband as my way of remembering the two important men in my life. I have held offices in my local auxiliary and at the district level www.aawmag.com

since shortly after joining and have actively worked to support the programs of the LAVFW. Our veterans and active duty personnel need our support.”

Many local posts will be involved in Veterans Day celebrations, Colvin states, including the one she is organizing for the third year at Mayland Community College (main campus), where she teaches.

“We invite the public to join us on Thursday, November 12, at 2:00 p.m. Participants will include VFW posts from Spruce Pine and Newland, as well as the JROTC from Avery and Yancey counties. “ Cynthia Dean, auxiliary president at Pat Ray Post in Newland, is proud to serve her community and lead her 34 members – 12 of which are most active – in service to others. The group recently hosted another successful Halloween function for local children – just one of many annual events the women coordinate and sponsor for families.

Any woman interested in joining her local auxiliary may contact a member or the president of her local auxiliary (see sidebar).

Eligibility for membership is based on the military service of a close family member, overseas during times of war, or other military conflicts. Women who have served in the military may be eligible for membership in both the VFW and LAVFW.

Local Presidents of VFW Ladies Auxiliary: Boone – Mariann Clawson, (828) 295-3906 Jefferson – Josepehine Starling, (336) 246-2091 Newland – Cynthia Dean (828) 406-3584 North Wilkesboro – Pat Brooks, (336) 667-1716 Sparta – Sandy Kent, (336) 363-3099 Spruce Pine – Janet Colvin

Going the Extra Mile The Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 7031 in Boone is currently 45 members strong and includes several Gold Mothers (those who lost their sons or daughters in war).

“Very active in our community,” is how president Mariann Clawson describes her organization, which meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the VFW building in Boone. Every third Tuesday of each month, the auxiliary sponsors a delicious homecooked meal for $7 that always is served with a smile.

“On special days, such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day and POW/MIA Day, we participate with the VFW members in honoring and celebrating our living and deceased veterans in our community.” says Clawson. “We also promote the Buddy Poppy program (which for more than 75 years has raised millions of dollars in support of veterans’ welfare and the well being of their dependents).

“At Christmas, we visit local nursing homes and present our veterans with handmade afghans made by one of our special ladies, Mary Hoyle. We also send small American flags and money to the Asheville VA hospital to help buy gifts and visit during the year. We participate in the Memorial Day celebration at Boone Mall and place a wreath at Mount Lawn Cemetery to honor the memory of our veterans.

“We have participated in local Christmas and Fourth of July parades, where we handed out candy and flags.

“We invite local students (6-8th grade) to enter our annual Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest; this year’s theme is When Is The Right Time to Honor Our Military Heroes?

“We sponsor an oral essay contest for high school students. This year’s theme is: Does America Still Have Heroes?” (Contact your child’s school for more information.)

This auxiliary, Clawson says, is honored to have among its members the 2008 - 2009 NC Auxiliary State President, Nadine White of Boone.

“Please join us in continuing our efforts to help all veterans – here at home and far away.”

For more information, call (828) 295-3906 or 964-6439. www.aawmag.com

NOVEMBER 2009 21

“Strong Woman” Helps Make Women And Families Stronger

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BY SHERRIE NORRIS Hopefully, you read about Ashe County artist Edy Gilreath, and her painting, “Strong Woman,” in the July issue of this magazine.

Sharing that the captivating piece “represents all women who rise after a fall and find a way to soar with their heart in hand to rise and rejoice with life,” Edy decided to use proceeds of the painting’s sale to help women in their time of transformation.

Having told us earlier how her paintings come from the heart, her inspiration appearing in many forms – beauty, emotions, a moment in time, she added, “Each one, when caught at that special moment, is a true joy.”

Certainly, “Strong Woman” was caught in that moment and will be an ongoing joy for many as the compassionate artist has chosen to share proceeds from the sale of her work to help others. From the proceeds of the 22 NOVEMBER 2009 Continued on page 28

The Secret is out.

“Honor,” the latest work of local artist Edy Gilreath.

“Thru each world you are honored with ribbons and feathers, metals and boldness.

You go where angels fear to tread.

You are honored and now it’s calm.

You see it as an abstract in your mind.

We honor you.”

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All About Authors

Judith Geary – Author, Editor and Educator – Making Her Mark INTERVIEWED BY MAGGIE BISHOP at the national conference of the American Association of School Librarians.

Judith Geary Judith Geary is an author, editor and educator. Her first novel, Getorix: The Eagle and The Bull, is a young adult historical adventure sent in ancient Rome. The novel is an Accelerated Reader book and, with the related curriculum co-authored with Sandra Horton, is recommended for classroom use by the NC Dept. of Public Instruction and the Southern Regional Education Board. It was also a finalist in ForeWord magazine’s Book of the Year Awards for adult historical fiction.

MB: How does gratitude relate to the plot of your novel?

JG: The title character, Getorix, is a Celtic captive spared from execution to be a slave in a Roman household. Of course the young man who spares his life expects gratitude.

Instead, Getorix would literally rather die than serve the Romans – especially since he believes an heroic death will win him passage to the Celtic Otherworld as a hero. So the relationship might be considered ironic.

As the author, however, I’m extremely grateful for the reception that I, and the book, have received. Coming up in November, I have invitations to present and to sign books

www.aawmag.com

MB: Tell us about your current projects.

Is there a sequel in the works?

JG: The second book in the series, Getorix: Games of the Underworld is just finished and will be published in 2010 by Ingalls Publishing Group, publisher of the first novel.

In it, Lucius, a Roman youth, is kidnapped by Cimbri – Celtic terrorists. Getorix and other characters from the first novel, including Senius, an old druid, Keltus, the bodyguard in the Roman household. Brosch, a Celtic slave girl, and Sicarius, the leader of a street gang, work together to rescue him. In the process, they become involved with political radicals planning rebellion from within the Roman system.

MB: These books are called “historical fiction.” Does that mean they’re based on fact?

JG: They are based on historical records.

The main characters and their adventures are fiction, but the world they inhabit, Rome of the first century BCE, with its political intrigue and social turmoil, is historical. It’s portrayed as accurately as lots of reading, Internet research and trips to Rome can make it. For the historical characters that form the context, I’ve gone back to sources written at the time to get the characters right. I’ve also researched the daily lives – foods, clothing, fabrics, furniture, bathroom habits – to get the real sense of their experience. My goal is to take readers by the hand and lead them into the world of the story.

Communication, have put me in daily contact with bright young minds.

As an editor, I work with other authors to bring the child of their heart, their manuscript, to life as a book. I can only imagine the experience is similar to those who work in medicine to bring our physical children into the world. Speaking to writing groups, people who understand and appreciate the same things I do, is a great experience.

As an author, I work with editors, media specialists and other educators. The educators I’m privileged to work with are the ones who take the trouble to seek out the extra enrichment for their students. They’re an inspiration to me as much as they are to the children they work with.

MB: So, if anyone is interested in attending a presentation, or scheduling a speaking engagement, what should they do?

JG: My Web site has information about the novel, curriculum and me as a speaker: www.judithgeary.com Maggie Bishop lives in Watauga County, the setting for her mystery and romance novels. Regional books are available at Todd General Store, Tuckers on Main in Blowing Rock and in Boone at ArtWalk, Black Bear Books and Antiques on Howard. http://maggiebishop1.tripod. com.

MB: Any final words?

As an author, an editor and an educator, I’m most grateful for the people with whom these roles have given me the opportunity to work.

As an educator, I present at professional conferences for media specialists, middle school teachers, gifted educators and writers.

My classes at Appalachian State during the 22 years I’ve taught in the Department of NOVEMBER 2009 23

A Veteran’s Day Tribute Retired Lt. Cmdr. Saylors: “I Would Go Back In A Minute”

BY SHERRIE NORRIS Issa Saylors’ first love has always been the Navy.

“I’d go back in a minute if they would have me.”

At a young 75 years of age, Issa reflects upon her decade as a registered nurse in the US Navy, departing as Lt. Commander only when she became pregnant.

“In the ‘dark ages,’ pregnant women were not allowed to serve in the military, regardless if we were married or not, and I was. Things sure have changed!”

Issa came to Boone 39 years ago. She worked part-time at Watauga Medical Center before beginning 25 years at ASU’s Infirmary. After retiring as evening charge nurse from ASU in 1998, she filled in as needed until her own health issues surfaced.

A native of Puerto Rico, Issa had wanted to be a teacher, but saw how that career consumed her older sister. Their father was determined that his children would make something of themselves, As another Veteran’s Day rolls around, it is with a deep sense of pride that Issa Saylors so prior to high school graduation, he challenged remembers her military service. Photo by Mark Mitchell. her to “think fast” and make a decision regarding her future. Her mother wanted at least one of her In September, 1957, Issa was commissioned as Ensign, and sent nine daughters to be in a nursing uniform. Issa told her, “Anything but to St. Albans, NY for 40 days of indoctrination – “learning the rules that.” She eventually gave in and entered St. Luke’s Hospital School and regulations.” She says most everyone else was transferred to of Nursing. other stations, “But I was stuck there for three years, working SOQ “I didn’t like it and quit three times. My father kept taking me (Sick Officers’ Quarters). back.”

She spent the next three years in Portsmouth, VA and then After enrolling at Presbyterian Hospital’s School of Nursing in to Cherry Point Naval Air Station in NC, where she met her (late) San Juan, she graduated with a nursing degree. husband, Wes. Her adventurous spirit led her to the Navy. “I always loved the “We had a military wedding on base in ’64. Then he was shipped Navy uniform, but I had never been out of Puerto Rico. My father was out for his second tour of duty in Vietnam.” so upset and told me I could stay for two years, but I had to promise After nine years of stateside assignments, Issa became discouraged him I would come back. I cried for months, but I was determined to because she had never received her requested transfer for overseas stick it out. My father died a year after I went in.” duty. She went to the Bureau of Medicine in Washington, DC, to Signing on was the easy part. The authorities weren’t convinced explain her situation and her desire to serve elsewhere. that she was Navy material. “I was so small. During my first physical, “It was during the war. Wes had discouraged me from taking I only weighed 85 pounds; the requirement was at least 100. I never assignments in places like Vietnam or Saigon. I was offered a transfer weighed that much in my life! Six months later, after stuffing myself, to Taipei, Taiwan, and I took it.”

I went for my second physical and tipped the scales at ninety-two Soon afterward, Issa began to experience medical problems. She pounds. Because I was otherwise healthy, they decided to give me a was airlifted to Japan, where she had surgery. waiver and let me in.”

“By that time, we had been married for three years and my husband 24 NOVEMBER 2009

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s

was given a 30- day leave. We had been told that that we would not be That was in 1971. “Now, I love it – even if the road construction able to have children, but during that time I became pregnant. There is taking part of my yard. I don’t want to be anywhere but Boone!” went my career – Navy nurses could not have dependents under the A surprise encounter with another Navy nurse with whom she age of eighteen!” had served in New York in 1957, proved to be a big influence in her Upon revealing her news, Issa had to fly to Oakland, CA, to be adjustment to the area.

“We were in Lowes Hardware, our three babies in the cart, buying processed out of the Navy.

“I had to offer my resignation. It broke my heart.” After two weeks material to remodel the first old house we bought. I noticed a woman of civilian life, Issa flew home to Puerto Rico to await her husband’s kept looking at me and finally, she asked, “Do you have a sister named Issa?” I told her I was Issa, and immediately recognized her as return from Vietnam, about one month later.

“I was starting to get big very early and did not understand why.” Joan Kiziol, one of my best friends from St. Albans. We both started hugging and jumping up and Issa had no idea that she was down! We had been so close but carrying twins. Only after joining as time passed, we lost contact. her husband at his next station Her husband was a professor at at Camp Pendleton, CA, did she ASU. We became best friends all learn the truth – not a minute too over again and raised our children soon. together. She moved back to her “I told Wes as soon as we got home town in Nebraska several there that he had to make me an years later, but we stay in touch.” appointment to see a doctor. I The two try to meet for the couldn’t walk, stand or do much of anything. On the day we went Navy Nurse Corp. Association’s looking for a house, I thought I was reunion every two years at various going to have the baby. He got me locations and spent a week to a doctor who said he could hear together recently in Boone. a heartbeat and that I measured Issa describes her military full term. I was hospitalized that service as “the best ever” and same day. Only after x-rays, did misses it “every day of my life.” we know there were twins!”

She has no real war stories, and For seven weeks, Issa was was not in direct line of battle.

However, she cared for many of on strict bedrest, and, at eight those wounded in the Vietnamese months, the babies – son Wes and War, “saw a lot of bad things and daughter Valerie – were delivered heard a lot of sad stories.”

by Caesarian section.

As a female officer, she felt Six months later, Reserve Officer, Major Wes Saylors of the respected and considered it quite US Marine Corp, received orders an amazing adventure. However, to transfer to Camp Lejeune, so she didn’t mind trading her career the Saylors headed east. for that of mother to her three “Can you believe that?” great kids and civilian nursing.

Just over two years later, the “It was like Santa Claus coming Saylors welcomed Marta, their to visit” when she first landed third and final child. A short the job at ASU. However, it did Issa Saylors was forced to relinquish her Navy career when she time later, she says, “The Nixon require adjustment and took her became pregnant. administration got rid of the almost ten years to stop using reserves, so we were out.”

Navy lingo.

Dealing with the disappointment of his military career change, “Proud to be an American” is how Issa describes herself. Despite Wes, Sr., son of a US Army Colonel, decided to pursue his master’s being in the US for 52 years, she still speaks with a distinct accent. “I degree while looking for a suitable place to raise a family. hate it, but it’s a part of who I am.” She has returned to Puerto Rico “He told me he had found the perfect place. Knowing he had occasionally, where five of her siblings still live. “I have to go there for grown up in Germany, spoke German fluently and loved to travel, some of that good food!”

I was sure he said we were moving to Bonn. What he meant was Issa enjoys cooking, reading and listening to music. She likes to Boone! I had never heard of such a place! When we got here, I was entertain friends, is a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church and sure we had come to the end of the world.” has tutored students in Spanish.

The “big city girl” told her husband, “You can stay here and come Despite a legal divorce, Issa and Wes remained living like husband visit me – I’m going back to Jacksonville! There were only six doctors and wife until his death. “I took care of him before he died.” here at the time and no pediatricians!” www.aawmag.com

NOVEMBER 2009 25

Minding Her Own Business

In Ashe County, It’s All About Lovely Ladies

Beth Asafaylo opened her Lovely Ladies shop in downtown West Jefferson on September 24, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

She was assisted by dignitaries and surrounded by a host of other community members, family and friends, who welcomed the town’s newest business and enjoyed refreshments she provided.

Her store is “literally brand new,” Beth says, with recent remodeling, beautiful ceramic tile in place and newly painted walls.

“I just had to have my husband build dressing rooms and a sales counter. I knew that I wanted to use mirrors to decorate, and my best friend, Angela Hendry, had the eye for that.” Beth’s display windows were beautifully hand-painted by local artist, Cheryl Baker.

“I really want to give the local businesses credit for their handy work in helping me. Danny at the Hobby Barn did the lettering on the windows, and Pollard’s Glass and Mirror cut the specially designed mirrors. And I must give my awesome husband thanks for his support and hard work, along with my family and friends, who Beth Asafaylo, left, and her “right-hand woman,” Angela Hendry, welcome shoppers to West Jefferson’s newest store for women. Photo by Kim Hadley. helped with opening the store on time.”

Lovely Ladies provides the community with a much-needed Beth is a faculty member at Caldwell Community College’s apparel specialty: plus sizes with style. Although the store carries Watauga Campus where she teaches developmental English. She trendy items for small to medium sizes and locally handmade leather spends about 30 hours a week teaching and grading papers in Boone, purses, jewelry, lingerie, and scarves for every age, size and shape, it another 30 in the store, saying, “This is the one time that being an caters to the plus-size woman – sizes 18 to a 56, 1X to 3X. insomniac pays off.”

For any need, Beth says, “If you can’t find it, I’ll either order Beth enjoys wearing dress shoes, and professional and stylish it or make it.” As a seamstress, she provides customers with free clothing when she teaches. “That’s where the sophisticated and stylish alterations for purchased items (on the spot, if needed) as well as come in!” She often wears fishnet stockings and shows a tattoo or two alterations for the entire family. that match her “sassy” red hair. Having voluptuous curves – as all plus “Brides can design their own wedding dresses and I’ll make them,” size women have – and loving to wear the “sexy” lingerie just polishes she says. “I’ll also work with the bride to make her bridesmaids’ off the description of Lovely Ladies and its owner. dresses, if she desires.”

She and her husband Steve moved to the West Jefferson Beth has dozens of patterns. “I can take something from several community in March 2002. patterns to make a one-of-a-kind dress for weddings, proms, or any “We absolutely love it here and plan on staying here for the rest of special occasion.” our lives. We are members of Pine Swamp Baptist Church, and love Beth realizes that heavier women often have difficulty finding a to sing in the choir.” dress that fits well. “Regular department stores have clothes that fit Steve is the general manager of Food Lion in Banner Elk. “People like tents or lack taste and color. That is why I try to have styles that from his store want him to save his hour’s drive and move there, flatter us. Clothes with empire waists, belts, princess-cuts, straight but Steve says nothing but the will of God will move us from this lines, and layering help define our voluptuous curves.” community. It’s where we belong.”

So, just what can a woman find at Lovely Ladies? Blouses, tops, Stop by Lovely Ladies today. Regular hours are 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 jeans, pants, skirts, jackets, hosiery, winter coats, lingerie, purses, p.m. Monday – Saturday. Extra holiday hours are possible, as her sign jewelry, and scarves. “To open the store, I wanted a lot of separates, so reflects: “If the lights are on, just knock, and we’ll let you in to shop.” women could make several outfits from just a few pieces.” Her future After the holidays, the shop will close on Mondays. plans include a line of clothing that she has designed and made.

Lovely Ladies is located in downtown West Jefferson, 111A “And all in lots of color,” Beth says. “Being heavy does not mean North Jefferson Avenue. The phone number is (336) 846-LADY wearing black. Color adds ‘pop’ to any outfit” and that’s what she’s (5239). all about. The wording on her door says it all: Sophisticated, Stylish, Sassy, and Sexy.

26 NOVEMBER 2009

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Continued from page 22 painting, she presented a $500 donation to A.S.H.E. (A Safe Home For Everyone), which provides services and support for victims of family violence and sexual assault.

“It is my plan to continue with this donation for an indefinite period of time – or as long as “Strong Woman” stays strong! I can’t explain how wonderful it feels to be able to do this!”

It was only because of a promise made to a dear friend prior to that friend’s recent death that Edy even began showing some of her paintings, which have been well received while on display at Ashe Framing in downtown West Jefferson.

Her most recent work – an abstract called “Honor” (a tribute to her son, a decorated

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Artist Edy Gilreath (center) presents a generous gift of $500 to A.S.H.E. program director Sarah Terry (left), while Sarah Wolf, executive director for Ashe County Partnership for Children, displays “Strong Woman.” military senior chief) – was finished at an appropriate time as we prepare to honor our veterans.

“As a mother who is so very proud of her son, I would like to say a huge ‘Thank you’ to all the men and women who have put their lives on the line. Those of you who came home are our greatest joy and those who did not, our deepest sorrow. With each stroke of my painting, I wanted to find a way to honor each and every one.”

When painting “Honor,” Edy says, “My thoughts went to gold bars of honor, ribbons of honor, a feather in your hat.

However, nothing will ever say enough or be enough, but in the only human way we know, we express our appreciation for the freedom your hard work has given us. We honor each of you today, tomorrow and always. Thank you.”

It is Edy’s hope as well to share the proceeds of “Honor” with servicemen and women in some capacity. “I haven’t identified the organization/recipients as yet for that gift.”

Edy may be reached at her home studio in Fleetwood at (336) 877-3452 or by e-mail at artist@edyart.net. Visit her Web site at edyart.net

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www.turtleoldman.com NOVEMBER 2009 29

Bloom Where You’re Planted

Elizabeth Rose’s Dishes

By Sherry Boone

Sherry Boone has her own ideas of what Elizabeth Rose would have done with her dishes, as evidenced by Sherry’s personal collection.

Our move to the mountains thirty-three years ago introduced my late

beverages served to her guests. Both will go well with the delicate

husband Sam and me to a new form of entertainment called country

pies.

auctions.

beautiful pink roses scattered down one side and into the bottom; this

My weakness is old dishes. I’d rather buy a few old dishes that

She will not serve anything in the large scallop-rimmed bowl with

have been around forever than a set of new dishes, brand new, for the gorgeous bowl is her very favorite of all her dishes. same amount of money. I don’t know why, but it’s true. It could be that

there is just no history, no intrigue, associated with the new ones.

deeper appreciation for its beauty. I think the bowl was a gift from her

She will use it for show and tell so the preacher’s wife will have a

I get so excited when an old dish is held up for bid. Dearest to my beloved husband.

heart are platters and bowls. When I spot them, my imagination kicks

Pretty Elizabeth Rose

in and the fun begins . . .

Back in Time

She’s such a pretty lady. Her dark hair is braided and pinned

securely in back. Her pale blue dress is partially covered with a fresh

My mind goes back in time to a bright, crisp November morning white apron. She’ll wear that to church. I don’t remember who, but

where I see a young mountain woman cooking dinner (what we know someone told me that it was once a common practice. around here as the noon meal) on a wood stove.

grandmother, and answers to both names. It has a nice ring, don’t you

It’s Sunday and she’s up bright and early. The preacher and his

Her name is Elizabeth Rose. She was named for her mother and

wife are coming home after church with her family. Dinner will be think? ready before she leaves home.

My mind stops drifting. I must get ready to bid. I don’t need the

She’ll serve fried chicken on the platter with tiny pink roses and dishes, Lord knows. I could have my own auction with the dishes I’ve

daisies sprinkled around the edge. Stewed potatoes will fill a faded bought over the years, but these dishes are different. They’ve endured beige bowl, but the orange poppies along the rim will still be visible. so much.

She’s glad of that. This is one of her favorite bowls.

Dishwater spray will never touch them. They’ll be safe with me. I’ll

A huge white platter with age cracks will hold the flaky biscuits use them on special occasions and will tell my guests what the woman

she’s made; milk gravy, destined to smother some of the biscuits, will was like who first owned them. be served in the dark blue bowl. Her fried apple pies will taste as good

Elizabeth Rose would have been a friend of mine.

as they look in a smaller platter. Cold milk and hot coffee will be the 30 NOVEMBER 2009

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Scenes from Purlear

Inaugural Moonshiners Revenuers Reunion

&

PHOTOS BY SHERRIE NORRIS AND JENNIFER WALKER

The wail of the lonesome siren piercing through the backwoods of western Wilkes County was reminiscent of days gone by to several of those gathered recently for the inaugural Moonshiners and Revenuers Reunion hosted by Terri Parsons, Clay Call, and Junior Johnson.

The guest list to the private event – numbering around 200 – included local officials, regional dignitaries and NASCAR celebrities.

Seated in rocking chairs on a platform facing their guests on hay-bales, some of the area’s most notorious moonshiners from days gone by and the revenuers who knew them well, shared memories with motor sports’ well known broadcasters Eli Gold, Barney Hall, (MRN), Allen Bestwick, (ESPN) and their audeince. www.aawmag.com

NOVEMBER 2009 31

Sam Ray, Jr. – A True Hero In Any Sense Of The Word Longevity Medal, Air Defense Command Medal, Combat Readiness Ribbon, Korean Medal, Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Award with 5 battle stars, and too many others to mention.

So, just how did Sam get his fighter jet named after his hometown of Newland? When Sam was flying an F-102 fighter – interceptor with the 482nd Air Defense Squadron stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB, 27 North Carolina towns were honored by having planes in the squadron named after them. “Operation Tar Heel,” as the project was called, was designed to stimulate better military and community relations throughout the state and also to give civilian officials a chance to better understand the mission of the squadron charged with guarding the Carolina skies. There was a day of celebration at Seymour Johnson where officials from each honored town were invited to help christen the “Tar Heel Squadron.” While most of the towns honored had populations of over 12,000, an exception was made in the case of Newland because Sam, already a hometown hero, was the pilot of one of these jets and his plane officially became the “Town of Newland.”

The people of Newland love Sam and many love to tell the tale of Sam’s “buzzing” Newland in his jet during the late ‘70s. Sam, a bit of

Sam Ray, Jr. of Newland is a man of many facets.

BY NANCY MORRISON Not many people can say they flew a jet fighter named for their hometown. But then Newland’s Col. Sam Ray, Jr. (ret.) is no ordinary man. The distinguished-looking, highly decorated former Air Force Colonel has accomplished more in his 79 years than most folks even dream about.

Sam says he came from humble beginnings, but his parents, Cooge and Verdie Ray of Avery County, proprietors of the Bear Trail Drugstore, had a vision for their son. They sent him off to Riverside Military School when he was 13 years old. Later he entered the Citadel at Charleston where he worked to turn his dream of being a pilot into a reality. He entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant in 1952 and went to flight school, eventually flying 125 missions during the Vietnamese War in his F-105 fighter jet.

Although Sam worked at the Pentagon for four years, he remembers his time in Vietnam as the most exciting period in his life. He was awarded numerous military decorations including The Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Legion of Merit, Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, 32 NOVEMBER 2009

Sam with granddaughter Christy Ray. www.aawmag.com

apple of her grandfather’s eye. Christy’s brother, Justin, lives with his family in the eastern part of the state.

When Sam retired and came home to live in Newland, he says he played golf for several years and then realized that just wasn’t enough to do. He needed to be of service to his community just as he had been for so long to his country. So he got involved – and how!

At one point, he took on the position of county manager. “That’s a really hard job,” he says. “Robert Wiseman [the present county manager] is an excellent person for that job.”

Sam resigned when his mother became ill and he needed to help with her care and with the running of the Shady Lawn Motel, a family business his parents had started when they left the drugstore.

Sam also served as an Avery County Commissioner and has been on the board of directors for organizations from Region D Council of Governments to the Avery County Airport Authority. A board that he has served on for many years and is dear to his heart is Mayland Community College where he has used his broad knowledge to guide that institution into a strong role in the area.

Has Sam ever been scared in his long and illustrious military career? Yes, he says, on two occasions.

“One time in Vietnam, I was flying a mission on a very stormy night and I was running low on fuel. I had to refuel in the air and it was very hard to hold the plane steady.

I was scared then. But I was fine as soon as my plane was refueled.

“The other time was also in Vietnam when I was flying another mission and I had taken some rocket fire. I managed to get back to a field and land the plane, but the moment I landed, the cockpit filled with smoke and I scrambled to get out. Thank goodness I had landed by the time that happened!

“As for other instances, I was scared occasionally, but those were the two times I felt I was in mortal danger.”

Sam, who will be 80 years old next year on Ground Hog Day, is quite content to be living in his favorite place in the world – his hometown of Newland – playing golf, enjoying his family and his many friends, and helping his community wherever he sees a need.

Sam in his fighter – interceptor “Town of Newland.” a daredevil, took any opportunity he could to fly very low over the town, causing schoolchildren to rush outside to wave at Sam. His big jet flying so close to the treetops was a sight to behold!

He also did some acrobatics over the town, flying straight up, stalling, and diving. We won’t mention names, but one time when he buzzed the golf course, one of Sam’s friends supposedly dove into the river! Sam stopped his flyovers of Newland when a friend told him, “Sam, you’ve got to stop. If you don’t, your mother is going to have a heart attack!” Sam says if he could repeat anything he’s ever done, it would be to “buzz” Newland again!

Sam and his late wife Patsy had two children, Sam Ray III, who lives with his family in California and the late Rebecca Ray, whose daughter Christy lives in Newland and is undeniably the www.aawmag.com

Sam with President Bush.

NOVEMBER 2009 33

World’s Largest Christmas Project Begins In Boone National Collection Week Nov 16 - 23

BY CHRISTIN BLAND

From the Andes Mountains to Cambodian slums, young faces light up with joy when given a brightly wrapped shoebox gift. Last year, nearly eight million children in over 100 countries around the world were given gift-filled shoeboxes through Operation Christmas Child (OCC). Filled with new crayons, stickers, socks, hats, toothbrushes, soccer balls, and stuffed toys, they are often the only gifts that many children have ever received.

OCC is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, a Boone-based Christian international relief organization that provides physical and spiritual aid to victims of war, poverty, disease, and famine in dozens of countries around the world.

The project began in 1990 when two truckloads of boxes were delivered to children living in the squalor of Romanian orphanages. Since then, OCC has grown exponentially. More than 69 million shoe boxes have been distributed, making it world’s largest Christmas project.

An important aspect of this large-scale project is that it begins and ends on a community level. In quiet towns and bustling cities across the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland, and Australia, people – young and old – have wrapped, packed, and sent shoeboxes to designated collection centers. From these locations, the boxes are shipped to processing centers where they are inspected, boxed, and shipped to their destination countries.

Once they arrive, the shoeboxes are sent by boat, train, truck, helicopter, canoe, camel, and even dog sled to reach children in the farthest corners of the globe. Local volunteers work year-round with local church and ministry partners to coordinate logistics and to distribute the gifts to needy children in villages, churches, schools, and orphanages.

OCC is based upon the power of a simple gift. The unmerited compassion of a stranger has the power to touch the life of a child living thousands of miles away. A cardboard box, brightly wrapped and filled with small items, has the power to point children to God, no matter where they live.

This project provides an opportunity for kids to reach out to other kids whose parents can’t afford to buy them gifts. It is an opportunity for parents to teach their children the joy of giving and the importance of thankfulness. As the holiday season approaches, everyone can all use a reminder that it is better to give than to receive.

Here are some ways you and your family can be involved: Shoebox Select an empty shoebox (standard size) or a small plastic container with a lid. You can wrap the box – lid separately – but it is not required.

Boy Or Girl?

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 59, or 10-14. Cut out the appropriate label, tape it on the top of your box, and mark the correct For many children, a shoe box gift from Operation age category. Labels can be found on OCC brochures or at www.samaritanspurse.org.

Christmas Child is the first present they have ever

received.

Choose Your Gifts Fill the box with a variety of gifts specific to the gender and age of the child. You can use the list below if you need some ideas. (Please also note the items that should not be included.) You may also choose to enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. It is possible that you will receive a letter in return if you include your name and address.

Include Your Donation Please donate $7 or more for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. Write a check to Samaritan’s Purse 34 NOVEMBER 2009

www.aawmag.com

(note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you and your family are preparing more than one shoebox, please make one combined donation. You may choose instead to give online using our EZ give option, which allows you to track your shoebox to its destination country.

Drop It Off Place a rubber band around each closed shoebox and drop off at the Collection Center nearest you during our collection week November 16 - 23. For locations and hours of collection, visit our “Drop-Off Locations” page where you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP Code, or you can call 1-800-353-5949.

Samaritan’s Purse campus at 801 Bamboo Road in Boone accepts shoeboxes year-round, so if you miss collection week, you can drop off your box in person or send it by mail.

Suggested Gifts: Toys – Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), etc.

School Supplies – Pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

Hygiene Items – Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

Other – Hard candy (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, Tshirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries).

DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items or glass containers; aerosol cans.

For additional information, please contact Samaritan’s Purse at 800-528-1980 or info@samaritan.org.

A Shoebox Goes A Long Way A little girl in Mexico experienced the love of a stranger through Operation Christmas Child at a time when she and her family desperately needed it.

Cecilia was very sick with a malignant tumor in one of her eyes.

When she heard about a shoebox distribution nearby, she escaped from her house to go to the event a few blocks away. She received a shoebox, and after opening it and seeing the contents, she declared that it was the most wonderful day of her life.

The next day, Cecilia’s sickness worsened. She asked her parents

to have the teddy bear and dolls from her box placed beside her so she could go with them to heaven. Soon after her request, Cecilia took her last breath. It was of great comfort to her family to know that before she died, Cecilia had experienced such joy. www.aawmag.com

Walker & DiVenere AT T O R N E Y S

AT

L AW

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

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

828-268-9640

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

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Offering You Quality, Value And Personal Service 1098 Main Street, Blowing Rock • The Martin House, Beside the Park 828.295.7700/www.gemsbygemini.com NOVEMBER 2009 35

Nurse On Two Wheels – She’s The People’s Choice

Melanie’s mot

orcycle tag leav

es no room fo

r guessing.

d motorcycles.

tween nursing an

nnection be ere is a direct co th es ov pr r la ol H Melanie

BY SHERRIE NORRIS

What do nursing and motorcycles have in common? Boone’s own Melanie Hollar, with an alphabet soup of credentials lining up after her name, is a certified oncology nurse who not only ministers to her patients at Forsyth Regional Cancer Center in Winston-Salem, but also to those in need as a leader of the first aid ministry team in the local Christian Motorcyclists Association.

“I never thought about nursing as a career until after I cared for my first husband, Greg Edmisten, who died at the age of 35 after a four-year battle with colorectal cancer,” she says.

Melanie attributes her nursing career to the Hospice nurses and other compassionate nurses who made a big impression upon her during Greg’s illness.

“We were blessed with caring nurses. It helped me decide that I wanted to give back by helping others going through the same thing we did.”

She became a registered nurse in 2005 and now, four years later, Melanie is certified as both an oncology and chemotherapy nurse.

She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Appalachian State University in 2008. She is presently working on her master’s degree and is a clinical instructor with nursing students at Forsyth Technical Community College. She also has volunteered at Forsyth and has worked there as a hospice and palliative care nurse. Another strong desire and goal she is pursuing is becoming a Hospice and Palliative Care Certified Nurse.

Even though Melanie is not employed in her hometown, she was still won the designation of #1 Nurse in Watauga County in the 2009 36 NOVEMBER 2009

People’s Choice Awards, a Mountain Times Publications survey.

Plain and simple, Melanie loves being a nurse, regardless of location. Her initial goal when becoming a nurse – and one that she holds close even today, she says, “is to work at the Seby B. Jones Cancer Center here in Watauga County to care for and serve those oncology patients in my community.” Unfortunately, she adds, that particular door has not been opened for her yet, but she delights in the many opportunities she has had to grow in her profession at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

“I am always looking for new ways to improve as a nurse and I love learning new things. Nursing is challenging, but very rewarding. I know, as a Christian, when God closes one door, he opens another. I love serving God first with my life, career and skills because no trial is in vain. We become stronger, humbled and His servants through trials and tribulations.”

Melanie expresses deep gratitude to her husband, LaBaron, for his support through her time in nursing school “and more school!”

The couple shares a mission of serving God and others through church, community and their motorcycle ministry. Last March, they participated in their first disaster relief trip to Kentucky after the ice storm. Melanie loves riding her own Harley Davidson motorcycle and uses her first aid skills to help others while attending rallies and motorcycling events. Additionally, spending time with her four-legged best friends, dogs Cisco and Happy Jack, is among her favorite things to do. www.aawmag.com

All About Beauty

by Kelly

Contrasting In The Shadows With the endless choices of eye shadows on the market today, thinking about just the right shadow might be overwhelming for many of us.

Knowing how to match complementary shadows to eye color is important in accentuating the natural beauty of our eyes.

Many beauty experts encourage us to go for a different nighttime look from what we choose for daytime. There’s much to keep in mind as we decide what works best.

One strong recommendation is not to try matching eye shadow to eye color. Think contrast. Keep in mind also your skin levels – light, medium or dark – as well as skin undertones such as warm, cool or neutral. It’s important to know the difference between warm and cool colors.

Warm colors have a yellow undertone, ranging from yellow and gold to the oranges, the red-oranges, most reds, and even yellow-greens.

Cool colors are blues, greens, violets, and blue-reds.

For the perfect contrast: Complementary colors for those with blue eyes: Orange complements blue. It contains both yellow and red, and shadows with these colors will make the blue in your eyes more vibrant. Color choices to consider: peach, copper, gold, mauves, plum, and neutrals such as camel or taupe.

To complement those green eyes, think red. To be on the safe side, however, steer clear of orange and red tones in eye shadows because they can make the eyes look tired.

Brown-based reds are recommended, like red-orange, red-violet, and violet. You can’t lose by implementing coppers, rusts, plums, pinks, mauves, and purples.

Lucky for those brown – eyed girls: Most any shadow works well. Greens, blues, and silver hues are among the most favored.

After determining your perfect eye shadows, keep some of the same determining factors in mind when selecting blush and lip color. For example, if you choose a warm palette of colors for your eyes, make sure to continue that trend. If you are unsure about coordinating eye color with cheeks and lips, you can always turn to your neutrals since they contain both elements of cool and warm.

It is not recommended to use both warm and cool on your face at the same time. This is basically putting the two colors at war and will leave your makeup not as balanced or coordinated.

Be aware that some trends for the fall include base shadows of brown, green, and gray with lids brightened by pinkish-reds and deeper purples.

Liners with deep shades of blue and indigo are taking front seat to your basic black liner. The deep blue, applied to the inside eye rim, is quite illuminating and gives your eyes a wide-open effect.

If you prefer a darker, smokier look, go for the eye shadows that include a sheer pink, a taupe (nude shade), and a smoky, metallic gray – coppers, silvers, bronzes, and golds work well. Use a fine-tipped brush and wet it to create a liner out of the same shadow you just used on your eyes. www.aawmag.com

Kelly Penick Lavender Fields Day Spa 820-C State Farm Road Boone, NC 28607 828-773-3587 NOVEMBER 2009 37

Downtown Boone

Holiday Shopping Guide 116 W. King Street Boone, NC

Green Gifts for Everyone

Eco - Friendly • Local • Fair - Trade

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e s a e Pl 38 NOVEMBER 2009

support our advertisers and let them know that you saw their ad in

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Check out our gift ideas and remember that wine makes a great gift!

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Casual Food & Atmosphere Explore New Possibilities Meet New Friends

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NOVEMBER 2009 39

The Village Of

Blowing Rock

Holiday Shopping Guide Blue Ridge Needleart 133 Morris St, Ste 6 • 828-295-8007 • T-S 11-6 Sun 1-4 Handpainted and Preworked Needlepoint Canvases and Kits

We have everything you need, including:

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Newly Added: Jewelry • Scarves • Purses Village Shoppes on Main • Blowing Rock, NC

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40 NOVEMBER 2009

Give them a Gift Certificate to Glidewells

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Need the per fect gift for your family, friends, and co-workers?

Claude’s Antiques

7537 Valley Blvd. • Blowing Rock, NC (Food Lion Shopping Center) www.aawmag.com

Jefferson/West Jefferson

Holiday Shopping Guide

Sweet Aromas Bakery & Café We have the perfect additions to your Holiday meal.

We cater and have Gift Certificates!

Breads • Desserts • Muffins and other baked goods www.sweetaromasbakerycafe.com

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to our advertisers for supporting

NOVEMBER 2009 41

Heartfelt

Spirit Warrior

By Teri Wiggans

Spirit Warrior Chant

(for strength and courage against dark forces) Anasazi Tribe

By Mary Summer Rain Oh Great One Above, bring strength to me and keep my power strong. Dark ones keep from us. Shield us from their face. I am not afraid to fight. Oh Great One Above. I am Spirit Warrior of the People. I guard my people from the dark ones. I will protect with my life. Oh Great One Above. I am Spirit Warrior. I will shield with The One’s Light. I am not afraid to fight.

Approximately five and a half years ago, I participated in a workshop in Cozumel, Mexico. Cozumel is a beautiful island off the coast of the Yucatan, well known internationally as one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive. What was more interesting to me, a non-diver, were the stories of the ancient Mayan Indians. When I visited the ancient Mayan ruins, the guide shared that the Indians traveled by canoe from the mainland to the island to be blessed by the Goddess Ishmaels, goddess of fertility, relationship and marriage.

I share this history about the Mayans because we had a Mexican workshop participant who was of Mayan descent. She had a vast knowledge of the Mayan calendar. I gave her my birth date and she gave me my “destiny” from a Mayan perspective. I am a “Yellow Spectral Warrior.” I really had no idea what spectral meant, but I did know my interpretation of warrior. Warrior means a person who goes to war to fight and I knew I did not want anything to do with this.

I was raised in the Lutheran Church from toddler through college, however, I seemed to identify more strongly with Quaker theology where the focus is on non-violence. My best friend since eighth grade is Quaker and her father was a Quaker minister. I grew up in Richmond, Indiana, home of Earlham College of Quaker origin. When my great aunt Helen did our genealogy chart, she discovered that we had Quaker roots with ancestors who originally came from Asheboro, North Carolina and migrated near Richmond, Indiana. I was always so very grateful that I was born a female so that I was not drafted into the Vietnam War to become a warrior.

It’s taken me a few years to understand a broader meaning of “spectral warrior.” As per the Mayan perspective, it is about trust in Spirit to provide all I need, and trust that what is given will serve my highest and best interests. It is also trust in my inner voice, my feelings and my moment-by-moment guidance from God. Spectral Warrior is to use the power of love like an electrical current to serve the light, being open fully to feel and receive it.

Even with my full intention of staying in the light, it seems that there can still be some dark moments. I recently had a dark moment: I was preparing for a presentation on vaccinations, particularly the swine flu (also known as H1N1) vaccine. During my research, I read about how the Massachusetts’ Legislature passed a mandate that all citizens in Massachusetts become vaccinated with the H1N1 vaccine.

I became irate. First of all, there have not been any studies of the side effects of this vaccine. Vaccines contain such toxic elements as formaldehyde, thimersol and mercury. Flu comes every year. On average, 36,000 people worldwide die annually of flu. Only 1,000 have died from swine flu. It is not an epidemic, let alone a pandemic. Why is there a mandate?

I choose to keep my immune system strong through decreasing my stress and focusing on love and gratitude. I also choose to protect and boost my immune system with homeopathic remedies, which have no side effects. The point is, I am the one choosing. With a mandate, there is no longer freedom to choose.

That thought created so much disharmony and angst in my system as I was filled with rage. I actually spoke the words, “I would rather die than be vaccinated against my will with an untested, unwarranted swine flu vaccination.” That was such a strong statement which came out of rage. Rage, by the way is not part of the light. Rage comes from a fear of darkness. After I slept on it and listened to who I truly am, a child of God, I realized I’d made an error. I had a heart-to-heart conversation with God restating my commitment to life.

I know my destiny is to be a “light bearer,” a “spiritual warrior,” if you will. With God’s guidance, I am choosing to be a beacon of light that transforms the darkness so that we can see each other as brothers and sisters rather than enemies or foes.

Terri Wiggans, RN, BSN, is currently a health practitioner at the Heartfelt Healing Center (828) 264-4443.

42 NOVEMBER 2009

www.aawmag.com

Estée Lauder & Belk’s

Fashion Show

Jennifer Walker and Melanie Marshall

Co

Representative from Estée Lauder applies Melanie Marshall’s makeup.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

See What’s Ne

w!

me

Do All of Your Holiday Shopping at Boone Mall

Amy’s Hallmark AT&T Bath & Body Works Belk Belk Home Store Blue Ridge Vision Claire’s Cookies & Cream Dollar General Final Touches GNC GameStop JC Penney Le’s Nails Maurice’s Old Navy Panera Bread Primo's Pizza Pasta Subs • Radio Shack • Redline Graphic Design Kiosk • Regis Hairstyles • Rue 21 • Sagesport • Saslow’s Jewelers • Sears

• • • •

Sharpcuts South’s Clothiers Sports Fanatic The Shoe Depart.

Encore • Tazmaraz Handbag / Jewelry Kiosk • T.J.Maxx • Tucker’s Cafe • Waldenbooks

Mall Hours: Mon - Sat 10am to 9pm Sunday 12:30pm to 5:30pm Karen Petrey www.aawmag.com

Karsyn Lee

1180 Blowing Rock Rd. 828.264.7286 NOVEMBER 2009 43

The Pet Page

Leo the Lion: The Unexpected Pet

By Genevieve Austin

“Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks.” Samuel Johnson

Out of nowhere he came and out of nowhere he pounces.

His name is Leo – Leo-Kid-e. While pets find their way into our lives in countless ways, sometimes it is the most unexpected of life’s experiences that delight the most. Such is the case with our cat, the illustrious Leo Kid-e. Samuel Johnson’s quote epitomizes Leo’s life story and personality.

Leo’s arrival into our lives began in a torrential rainstorm, his meowing from behind an old bar competing with the sound of the storm. Following the sounds, my brother found a tiny kitten, gray, drenched, abandoned and crying. My brother comforted the kitten and took it home where it was welcomed by his daughter, Noelle. She patiently bathed it – numeorus times – after which she discovered that the layers of dirt hid not a gray kitten but a white one soiled so badly it looked gray. Appearing as a fireball Siamese cat with white fur and orange tips, he became the family cat.

My brother travels to and from Colorado and my niece began college so the kitten needed a new home. We had no plans to acquire a new pet, but he became our unexpected spark. Like a Native American name one earns, this cat immediately became known as “Leo.” For the first two days he cowered behind a chaise. Once comfortable, he embraced not only our home but a highly dramatic personality.

He adopted the name Leo Kid-e because this cat seems to believe he is a lion. James Bond could compete with the drama and action-packed adventure that Leo seems to live daily. It’s hard to believe he isn’t performing for comedic purposes!

Our 11-year-old gentle, giant Labrador retriever, Sunny, is 44 NOVEMBER 2009

accustomed to other animals. Sunny moves slowly but still loves a daily walk to and from a nearby bridge. As on one particular day, we are walking at a leisurely pace when suddenly, out of a nearby brush, Leo appears. His white body and his startlingly blue eyes very noticeable, his arrival dramatic. He flares up the hair on his back, arches his back and jumps like a kangaroo. He looks very much like the symbolic Halloween “black cat hissing” on a fencepost. However, instead of hissing, he is bouncing on all four feet. Back arched, face intent and determined, he is focused on his target – focused and appears like he’s dancing up a storm.

Leo is creamy white and, despite his drama, Sunny doesn’t notice him. But Sunny happens to be his target as we walk. Undaunted, Leo leaps across Sunny’s path. Sunny just meanders along. Leo boldly pounces on Sunny, throwing his body with paws spread upon Sunny’s right shoulder. Sunny pauses enough to avoid stepping all over this creature, glances at him and keeps on going. Leo races to the bridge to beat us there. Again, back arched, he dances around the bridge.

Just as suddenly, his fluffiness melts and I reach down to gently rub his head. He swirls his tail and walks next to Sunny.

Another time, my mother witnessed three deer in the meadow next to our house watching something in the grassy area with great intent. The deer advanced upon whatever it was, edging close to the grass and jumping backward. She observed them follow and jump back from “whatever it was” for minutes. Then, she saw that the www.aawmag.com

“something” in the grass happened to be Leo. James Bond of cats was “on the scene.” It was both funny and concerning to us as we were afraid that he would one day meet his match.

That “one day” arrived when I heard a cat brawl. A feral-looking cat and Leo met and clashed. I ran outside to break it up. The scramble in the bramble ended immediately. As if thrown from a car, Leo flew from the bush. Looking like a puffer fish he was as puffed up as he can be. Leo’s white fur with orange tips made him look more like a semi-roasted marshmallow in feline form. He had the most astonished look.

The “unexpected” seems to affect every one of us. Some surprises hurt and some surprises delight. Leo, the lion, has finetuned his persona to be more like the cub than the lion. We make sure our domesticated lion is inside when the sun sets and the wild comes prowling. Leo is the brightest blaze of gladness in our days who came to us from the most unexpected spark. Embrace the unexpected!

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www.aawmag.com

NOVEMBER 2009 45

Mom’s World

Mendel’s Squares

By Heather Jordan, CNM, MSN

I can still remember being in high school and learning Mendel’s square of genetics, where you figure out how two brown-eyed people can have a blue-eyed child or the countless possibilities with fruit flies. Genetics are a wondrous thing and the advances in this field of science certainly have allowed us to test for risk of breast cancer or risk of Alzheimer’s or risk of Cystic Fibrosis, among many other diseases and disorders.

When you have children, it is natural to ponder genetics and think from what part of your family tree did those eyes or baby toes or red hair arise. In my family, relatives were quick to note who had the “two bump” Czech nose. Pictures get pulled out and everyone has an opinion about who your child does (or doesn’t) resemble.

Sometimes, people comment on medical ailments that show themselves generation after generation. A friend and patient recently spoke of how she had inherited her grandfather’s migraines, which seemed to always inconveniently be at their worst when good things were happening, such as vacations to the beach or birthday parties. Over time, the comparisons become less distinctly physical and, well, more descriptive in nature. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles start to see that the expressions of your children resemble that of their ancestors. And then, over more time, suddenly you start to observe the behaviors, which have unmistakably come from your partner or yourself.

My logical mind struggles with such similarities, as it does not make sense to me how you inherit behavior. The timeless puzzle of “nature versus nurture” is a familiar quandary. It is understandable that we would consciously try to teach our children how to succeed in school, or do well in sports, or how to treat their friends. But we all know of behaviors that are unhealthy, unattractive, or even harmful that we would in no way make an effort to pass on to our sons and daughters. Does it just take us that long to understand how the behavior that we model is going to stare us back in the face once our kids hit school age, or is there really something in the DNA that can be passed on that is not part of our phenotype or appearance? Certainly, it gives pause when we see the behaviors that are undoubtedly our own that we do not wish to rush up and claim.

My youngest son, Ben, has a talent, which my father would recognize as unequivocally inherited from me, in his fine ability to pout. The lower lip goes out, head drops down, and the hands rest either on the hips or drop dramatically down by his sides. It is quite a show, and I know for a fact that I did not spend any time teaching this fine art to him, but can recognize its origins.

I am grateful that my son Joseph did not inherit my poor handeye coordination, but he does share my unnatural love of sweets, my appreciation of drama (theater, ballet, musicals like “Grease,” and those good and bad behaviors which create dramatic flare), not to mention the gnawing pit-in-your-stomach type of nervousness with new people and 46 NOVEMBER 2009

situations that probably has roots in both sides of our family.

And then I consider Will, my eleven-year-old. I can remember my own dad talking endlessly to me about being able to receive constructive criticism without falling apart. I was such a perfectionist in school that I found even one red mark or negative comment on a paper to be devastating. My grades were always good enough for my parents, but received in-depth critiquing from my own eyes. Will’s focus on continuing to push harder for the higher points and grades is painfully familiar. I have pride in his ambition, but also flinch a little at the recognizable self-instilled pressure.

Even with exercise, he is fiercely competitive and becomes disappointed easily if his performance does not meet his own expectations. Relax, I want to say, don’t be so hard on yourself. I find myself being extra careful with how I phrase any suggestions on his work or his play, not wanting to feed the pressure or self-scrutiny any further. You are doing just fine.

I look over his schoolwork and re-live for a moment sitting back in high school. Mendel’s squares reappear in my mind and I start wondering if there was ever a square for “pouting lower lip” versus “non-pouting lower lip” or “dramatic air-guitar-playing five-year-old” versus “non-dramatic five-year-old” or “constructive criticism taker” versus “non-constructive criticism taker.”

I suppose we don’t get to choose those physical or behavioral traits that our children inherit, but I do have faith that we have some choice in how we teach our children to respond to them. Maybe one day, high schoolers will move beyond the fruit fly and work out how we can lose those traits that we would rather have left behind and out of the gene pool.

Until then, I suppose I’ll take a deep breath and try to stop Ben from rolling his eyes when he turns thirteen, Joseph from getting a stomachache every time he has a test, and Will from sweating the A minuses.

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

High Country Courtesies

Table Time Tips

By Sharon Carlton

For Toddlers

To help the next generation successfully navigate life,

brings compliments and praise. Affirm their successes with loving

we need to teach children the importance of acceptable,

comments and celebration.

desirable behavior. Good manners are learned and assimilated into daily life over time.

For older tots:

With the goal of well-mannered individuals in mind,

• Rewards! Around 18 months of age, stickers can be exciting

you can start teaching mealtime etiquette concepts as soon

incentives for children. As they get older, set a reachable goal with

as children can sit in highchairs. Decide what manners are

an additional reward for their good table manners (“When you get

important to your family, then be proactive! Model manners

four stickers, we will go to the park!”).

that are advanced for their current capabilities; it is much

• Use tea parties to introduce and practice manners in a play

easier to teach a behavior than to correct it.

situation. Special dishes and imagination create a fun environment

to introduce new skills.

As the holidays approach, try implementing these

tips for teaching tots manners that will impress all your relatives and

• Engage them with choices as you introduce the concepts of

help children be welcomed guests at the dinner table.

sharing or fairness. (“I’ll cut the cookie into two parts, then you can choose which piece you want so you’ll know that we are being

Starting in the highchair:

fair.”)

• Teach children to hold their hands to the side or to hold a specific

• Correct gently and discreetly.

item so they do not interfere with the person who is feeding them.

• Remember your example is worth a thousand lectures! Do you

• Use basic sign language to help tots communicate their

chew with your mouth closed? Do YOU say please and thank you

desires. Before children can physically speak clearly, their hand-

to THEM regularly? Your example is your most powerful asset while

eye coordination develops. Sign language is a valuable tool that

your toddler wants to please you and to be just like you!

enables them to express their needs (“drink,” “eat,” “more”). Sign

• Role-play before going to someone’s home or a restaurant.

language can also be used to introduce more abstract concepts to

Explain what you expect from them. Set a reward for their good

them (“please,” “thank you,” “all done”). There are Web sites and

behavior. Take along toys to entertain children that are restaurant

books available to assist you. (The book Babywise II by Gary and

friendly – coloring books, action figures, books, cars, building toys,

Anne Marie Ezzo or an Internet search of “benefits of teaching sign

etc.

language to babies” are good starting places.)

Make using good manners at mealtime a fun time rather than

• Talk children through what you are doing, explaining why it is the

right thing to do. (“Let’s wash our hands so they are clean of dirt

a stringent time of following “have to” and “must not” behaviors.

and germs before we eat.”)

Laugh about mistakes. Talk about how their conduct appears to other

• Model now what you want them to do in the future. If you want

people; good conduct attracts others but poor conduct pushes others

them to stay seated during the meal, you need to model that for

away.

them and explain what you are doing. Let the answering machine

answer the phone. Limit distractions as much as possible. Use

learned behaviors. When children are required to behave considerately

pleasant tones of voice.

at home, they will carry that behavior with them wherever they go. It

• Songs and rhymes are great reminders. Sing any phrases that

is never too early to start training them and preparing them for terrific

you find yourself repeating constantly. Singing sounds much more

futures—and holiday dinners!

Children are not born with good or bad manners. All manners are

appealing and less nagging! Make up a tune or set it to a familiar song. Rhymes are memorable ways to instruct little ones. (“Sadie, Sadie, strong and able, Keep your elbows off the table!”) After the

Sharon Carlton, High Country Courtesies ©2009

rhymes are familiar, a cue word or phrase from the rhyme may be

Sharon Carlton conducts High Country Courtesies customer

a sufficient reminder to correct an inappropriate behavior. (“Sadie

service workshops and is Director of High Country Cotillion, a

strong and able.”)

social education program for youth. She writes and speaks on

• Praise, praise, praise! Toddlers want to repeat behavior that

modern etiquette and life skill topics. Contact her at sacarlton@ skybest.com

www.aawmag.com

NOVEMBER 2009 47

Women Play Integral Role At WAMY

BY CATHERINE BARE

Angela Miller, Executive Director, heads up a group of women and men whose combined service with WAMY exceeds 100 years.

“In the business of caring, since 1964.” That is the message on the answering machine at the main office of W.A.M.Y. Community Action, Inc. in Boone.

W.A.M.Y. was chartered in 1964 through the Economic Opportunity Act in conjunction with President Johnson’s War on Poverty. Community Action agencies work to eliminate the causes and effects of poverty. WAMY’s mission is “to provide services, awareness, solutions and empowerment of individuals and families from disadvantaged circumstances in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties.”

“

helped me to get my son through college. He was only two when I started working with WAMY and was the first one in my family to go to college.”

Pauline adds that programs like the nutrition centers and transportation departments, eventually taken over by the counties, were a real aid to rural people at that time.

Barbara Buchanan, current director of the Mitchell County Public Transportation Department, began working as a teacher’s aid in a summer program with WAMY. She became a van driver with WAMY’s Mitchell County transportation division through an on-the-job-training program; when the county assumed the system in 1986, she became assistant director and was promoted to director when Pauline Jenkins retired in 1999. Barbara says, “WAMY is responsible for where I am today.”

In 1966, community centers were developed as an offshoot from Friendly Home Visitors, allowing individuals to gather and socialize, fostering community collaboration to alleviate poverty conditions.

The first one, organized by Betty Whitson and True Elliott, was in the basement of the vacated Yancey County jail.

Blue Ridge Hearthside Crafts Cooperative encouraged local cottage industries and provided an outlet for sales of items produced locally. Some items even sold through the Smithsonian Institution.

With time, area needs have changed; some programs have phased out or spun off into other self-sustaining programs. For example, the early transportation service is now known throughout the High Country as Appalcart.

New programs have developed to fill new needs: Total Family

Women and children are the most affected by poverty no matter where you go. They are always the poorest of the poor.

”

WAMY has come a long way since its first programs in the mid60s, including Friendly Home Visitors, Head Start and the first rural cooperative transportation system (Green Eagle Rural Transportation).

Pauline Jenkins, former director of the transportation system in Mitchell County, says it was the best because of its “work run” from Beuladean to Spruce Pine. The vans ran three times daily to serve three work shifts at Henredon and Ellen’s Knitting Mill, enabling women who had never worked on a public job to do so. Soon, the women began getting their driver’s licenses and buying their own cars.

“WAMY was a lot of help to a lot of people,” says Pauline. “They 48 NOVEMBER 2009

Christina Criminger, left, works part-time for WAMY while pursing a degree in physical therapy. Lisa Redman, right, knows WAMY well – from client, to employee and volunteer – receiving her undergraduate degree from ASU while working as intern and then employee. www.aawmag.com

disadvantaged circumstances that we serve. We promote our agency as a means to self-sufficiency, not offering a handout, but rather a pathway to success.”

Data for the 2007-08 fiscal year indicates that WAMY served 714 families, which translated into more than 1,600 individuals through the various self-sufficiency programs currently in place.

W.A.M.Y. Community Action, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, program and lender. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

For more information about any of the programs offered by WAMY Community Action, Inc., or to find out about volunteer opportunities, call (828) 264-2421 or visit the Web site: wamycommunityaction.org.

Avery County’s Madgie Carpenter, who loves to garden, pictured here with her son Vernon, participates in WAMY’s Garden Voucher program.

Development, a self-sufficiency program, assists low-income families by helping them achieve educational and employment-related goals.

The Micro Enterprise Program provides small loans and business assistance to entrepreneurs who cannot obtain funding from traditional lending sources. A spinoff of this program, currently in development, will assist residents with credit building.

Weatherization, an extremely popular program, provides home insulation, air sealing and other conservation measures to reduce the energy burden of low-income residents. A similar program, HARRP (Heating and Air Repair and Replacement Program) helps low-income residents repair or replace old heating systems.

The Supportive Housing Program assists the chronically homeless, the disabled and victims of domestic violence.

Avery Amigos helps bridge the gap for the Latino community in Avery County, providing translation and interpretation services along with ongoing emotional support for Latino families.

A consortium of after-school programs for Avery County youth called Avery Youth Opportunities (Avery YO!) provides services to “at-risk” students in grades K-8, offering comprehensive activities for students – including academic support, social growth, physical fitness and nutrition activities.

The Unique Boutique sells low-cost clothing and household items, its profits helping support the work of WAMY in all four counties.

A gardening program provides vouchers to purchase gardening supplies for home and community gardens in an effort to alleviate hunger and its negative effects.

The Wastewater Discharge Elimination Program provides funding to eliminate straight piping and damaged septic systems from emptying into rivers and streams.

Executive director Angela Miller says, “Over the course of its 45year history, WAMY has served many thousands of people through a grassroots and collaborative approach to identifying and solving poverty-related issues like hunger, joblessness, poor health and lack of education.”

She adds, “Being a community agency allows us to change our program focus readily, based upon the needs of the community. WAMY has always taken a leadership role in giving a voice to the citizens from www.aawmag.com

“

In all of WAMY’s programs, women are the most vulnerable and also the most likely to reach out for help from outside the home. So it is important that we address the issues that impact women.

Women And WAMY

”

An Ashe County native, Angela Miller graduated from Gardner Webb College and ASU (with an MBA). She has worked with WAMY for ten years, four as the finance officer and six as the executive director.

Angela heads up a group of women and men whose combined service with WAMY exceeds 100 years. Whether full or part-time employees, or volunteers, those who choose to serve local residents through WAMY are dedicated to the services they provide.

Lisa Redman knows WAMY well, having first participated as a client, then as a part-time employee from 2006 to 2009, and most recently as a volunteer fundraiser. Lisa received her undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University in Community and Regional Planning while working as an intern and then employee. She did planning, fundraising, community outreach, meeting facilitation and also served as the development director. Through her work at ASU, she generated a research-based study on the relation between gender and poverty. She says, “Women and children are the most affected by poverty no matter where you go. They are always the poorest of the poor.”

Using data from 2006 – 2008, her study examined the connection between gender and consumption of household energy. The results of her study have been important in WAMY’s Weatherization Program.

Since women are the primary caretakers of the home, they are also the primary users of energy. Over 70 percent of WAMY’s weatherization clientele are women.

Lisa says, “In all of WAMY’s programs, women are the most vulnerable and also the most likely to reach out for help from outside the home. So it is important that we address the issues that impact women. Community action agencies like WAMY are important because they address the root causes and effects of poverty.” Lisa is currently working toward completion of a graduate degree in geography and continues to assist WAMY on a volunteer basis.

NOVEMBER 2009 49

y t i l i b i s & $en

CentBys Corrinne Loucks Assad

LOWER YOUR TAXES BY THE END OF THE YEAR!

While forms, figures and faxes related to the IRS can often confuse and frustrate us, the one thing about it all that we dread most is the thought of paying taxes. The good news is, the more deductions we can take, the less tax we pay. There’s still time to accelerate certain expenses for more deductions before December 31, 2009. If you use Schedule A to itemize deductions, you can use the following few tips to lower your tax liability – maybe even increase your refund check.

Charitable contributions are not only good for the community, but they’re also good for your bottom line on taxes.

Donations of cash, such as those made to a favorite charity or church, are deductible. Other tax deductible contributions include those of personal property (clothing, furniture, household items or vehicles, etc.) given to non-profits such as Good Will or the Salvation Army. When trading out summer for winter items in your basement or storage unit, make a goal of donating unused items. You may deduct fair market value or the price you could get if you sold the items. Even mileage to and from your volunteer time is deductible at 14 cents per mile. Maximize your efforts in these areas by the end of the year for maximum tax breaks.

Another way to increase deductions is to pay your January 2010 mortgage payment by December 31. As long as your payment is mailed in during 2009, the mortgage interest is tax deductible. In many cases, this can result in hundreds of dollars tax return in your pocket! You can also reap benefits in making your property tax payments before the end of the year. Even if it’s not due until February or March, paying ahead of time will get you a larger deduction.

Gas prices continue to fluctuate and operating a vehicle can be expensive. If you use your car at all for business purposes, some of those costs can be tax deductible. Mileage for business use can be tallied at 55 cents per mile in addition to any parking, tolls, or other related fees. The easiest way to take this deduction is to keep track of miles driven for business purposes on your vehicle. If tracking mileage is not for you, however, you can keep receipts of oil changes, repairs, etc.

Using this actual cost method, you can also deduct the depreciation on your vehicle.

If medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of your annual adjusted gross income, you may accelerate 2009 payments for additional deductions. For example, someone with an income of $50,000 can deduct expenses of $3,750. Prepay your doctor, dentist, or even insurance premium in December, even though it isn’t due until early January, and you will reap the benefits of additional deductions. In addition to doctors’ visits and prescriptions, you may also deduct any treatments or special equipment for which you pay. For example, if a sauna or whirlpool helps your medical condition, you may deduct the expenses related to utilizing those services. Medical treatments can count even if they’re performed by someone other than a doctor. For example, if your doctor recommends massage or acupuncture, those treatments are deductible if you get a doctor’s note prescribing them for you. In addition, you may deduct the expense of mileage – 24 cents per mile – to and from the doctor’s office or the medical treatments.

If you haven’t made the maximum contribution to your retirement plan, consider doing so by the end of the year, if possible. You may contribute up to $4500 if you are over 50 and up to $4000 per year if you’re under 50. Your company may match additional contributions for an added benefit if you are in a company sponsored 401K plan. If you don’t think you can afford the additional contribution, do the math! The reduction in your taxable income may turn out to be more than the additional money contributed.

These additional accelerated expenses made before the year’s end can add thousands of dollars to your refund check from the IRS – incentive to get those taxes done early! Of course, for all of these items and more, consult your tax professional or the IRS’s Web site at www.irs.gov for more information or details.

50 NOVEMBER 2009

www.aawmag.com

Young at Heart

Great Moments Of Stupidity

By Heather Young

“Guess what the best part was?” said my friend Holly at water aerobics on Wednesday night as she described her daughter’s recent wedding.

“I don’t know,” I respond, expecting a sappy, wedding-related story.

Much to my surprise and amusement, Holly went on to share her experience of walking into a glass door, which resulted in two black eyes, a possibly-fractured nose and a $50 make-up consultation before the wedding.

After spitting out the pool water I had almost swallowed due to my inability to tread water while laughing, I was pleased to see that Holly was laughing with me. I was very impressed with Holly’s willingness to find humor in a situation that was embarrassing and painful.

Not wanting Holly to think that she alone had past history with mysteriously-appearing doors, I recounted my own door-related experience.

“I’ve done that, too!” I announced, remembering back to the day of my childhood when I literally made an impression.

In my case, it was a screen door, and I would have sworn that it was not there. Instead of bouncing off, as Holly did, I left an outline of myself in the screen, probably because I was running rather than walking. I remember being very dazed, stumbling around and hearing the not-so-comforting sound of snickering. Luckily, I did not have the added embarrassment of black eyes as the door took the brunt of the damage.

At the time, I was not amused; I was horrified. If I had not been so shaken, I am sure I would have tried to do or say something to make the others think that I had run into the screen door on purpose.

Perhaps I was testing the strength of the screen or considering whether the pattern of squares imprinted on my skin from hitting the screen at full force was a good look. Better yet, I would have preferred that no one had been around to witness this awkward moment. Had that been the case, I could have disavowed all knowledge of how an impression of someone with my height and build had magically appeared in the screen door.

Maybe you have never walked into a door, but I would wager that you have tripped over your own feet in public, quickly catching yourself while looking around to see if anyone noticed. Or, maybe you have fallen over while attempting a new yoga pose, knocking over the person next to you and beginning a domino effect around the room. Then again, maybe you have started coughing uncontrollably, attracting the attention of everyone within a 15-foot radius, because you breathed wrong. What can one really do in these situations but laugh?

There was a time when I took myself very seriously, and the mere

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thought of laughing at myself would have sent me into something resembling a fit of pure rage. Now that I have reached the wise age of 32, I have learned to not only appreciate my great moments of stupidity, but also to share them with friends, family and random strangers on the street.

That same night, I went to dinner at Hunan with friends after finishing my workout. At the conclusion of the meal, we passed around the fortune cookies. Victoria, the daughter of my friends, Julie and Dave, struggled with the cookie wrapper until it suddenly exploded, showering me with bits of cookie. Surprise gave way to the realization that the table had erupted into hoots and giggles (and that I would be picking cookie fragments out of my hair for quite some time). I could have run madly for the ladies’ room to fix my tresses, but instead, I joined in, chuckled and enjoyed what is sure to become a moment that we will recollect often.

It is a gift to be able to laugh at oneself, and I am grateful that I have learned to do so! After all, it would be a shame if I were the only one who didn’t get the joke!

NOVEMBER 2009 51

Your Home

Looking Forward

By Corrinne Loucks Assad

To Winter!

Fall is quickly leading us into winter and time to get our homes ready for the cold. Don’t wait to hang storm windows in 20-degree weather!

Even worse would be failing to drain water lines or cover outside faucets and having the pipes burst! As temperatures fall in the High Country, it’s important to get our homes in good shape.

The first and most obvious way to “winterize” your home is to check for leaks in pipes as well as for cracks in doors, windows, etc., through which cold air can enter. (An easy way to do this? Hold a candle or incense stick to drafty areas such as recessed lighting, electrical outlets and window and doorframes.) It’s also time to replace or repair weatherstripping around doors and to re-caulk windows where necessary. Make sure any entry pipes are sealed; repair or replace cracked windows. Cover basement windows well with plastic to keep air out and replace screens with storm windows. Wrap water heater with an insulating blanket and make sure your home, in general, has plenty of insulation. While 12” is the rule, if you can see the ceiling joists in your attic, you could use more.

Have your furnace checked and cleaned annually. If you don’t have one already, consider switching out thermostat for a programmable one.

Turn thermostat to 80 degrees and make sure it comes on and blows warm air, then turn it back to its normal setting. If you use fuel or propane-driven heat, make sure to top off your tank. During the winter, change the filter once a month. A dirty filter hinders airflow, reduces efficiency and could even start a fire. Check ducts to make sure they’re clean. This is easiest in basements, crawl spaces and attics. Make sure furnace’s fuel pipe has no leaks and remove all flammable material from the area surrounding it.

Reverse ceiling fan direction (clockwise during winter!) to keep warm air on lower level. This is also the time to cover your air conditioning unit with a breathable, waterproof cover, which will extend its life.

Clean out gutters and make sure they are easily draining water away from the house. Frozen, clogged gutters can cause ice dams and eventually lead to water seepage into the house. Check flashing around the house and replace any shingles or roofing materials that need attention. Trim all tree limbs or bushes above or near the house to prevent damage or additional water damage.

Now is the time to clean and service your chimney and fireplace.

Call a chimney sweep, if necessary, to remove soot and debris before starting a fire. Chimneys should be cleaned once a year, wood stoves more often, to prevent ash build up which creates lye and can corrode chimney walls. Inspect the brick in the fireplace. Any open mortar joints should be repaired immediately. A fire can spread into the stud wall behind the masonry firebrick through open joints. Cap the chimney to prevent entry of birds or animals and make sure the damper properly opens and closes.

Water can cause problems during the winter – frozen water, that is.

Inspect all pipes, remove garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets with insulators. Shut off valves that lead to outdoor faucets. If faucet handles 52 NOVEMBER 2009

freeze, and then the pipes, this could cause big problems when you turn the water on for the first time in the spring. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to turn off the water main in case of emergency.

Wrap or insulate all exposed pipes, such as in basements and crawl spaces, with pipe insulators or heat tape. When leaving for vacation, keep heat on at least 55 degrees to prevent plumbing freezes.

It’s great to be prepared for winter emergencies. Keep matches and candles handy and have phone numbers to your utility companies readily available. Make sure smoke alarms are working and their batteries fresh.

Detectors for carbon monoxide leaks are also recommended. Bags of ice melt and sand are good to have at home and in each vehicle’s trunk for sidewalks or vehicle slides. Keep battery back-ups on hand for computers and radios. Don’t forget to keep available warm blankets, non-perishable food, plenty of water and strong flashlights in case of extended blackouts or emergencies.

Winter in the High Country is stunning and exciting. Be sure to handle these items before winter so you can enjoy the snow without worrying about your home!

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Healthy Lady

Six Tips To Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

By Bonnie Church, CNC, Wellness Church

Warning! You are entering the “high risk” holiday season.

Thanksgiving Day launches the season’s run of culinary temptation: finger foods, appetizers and alcohol. Stress and the tendency to cocoon in cold weather also pack on that holiday pudge.

What could this mean for you? On January 2nd, those same jeans that fit beautifully in October now require a girdle to get into. That’s depressing.

Good news! You don’t have to face the New Year with regret.

It’s your choice. The first step in avoiding weight gain is to make the decision now to modify your traditional holiday behavior. Some simple modifications can help you, at the very least, to maintain your weight. If you really pay attention, you might actually even lose a pound or two.

TIP ONE: Get a good night’s sleep

Yes, there will be some nights of celebration that might last ‘til the early morning hours.

Make that the exception. Research shows when you lose sleep the munchies are awakened. You will have more cravings and less sense of fullness during the day if you don’t get enough sleep. A good rule of thumb is to get to bed before midnight and sleep at least six hours.

TIP TWO: Eat a balanced breakfast

Breakfast eaters weigh less than breakfast skippers. After a long night of sleep, your blood sugar level is low. If you go too long without eating, you will slow your metabolism and trigger cravings.

Eating a balanced breakfast can calibrate your body to burn fat, rather then pack it on during the day. It is important to choose breakfast foods that won’t suddenly spike your blood sugar. A sudden spike sets in motion a cycle of fat storage and sugar cravings.

A couple of ideas for your blood sugar-balancing breakfast: Grab and Go A hard – boiled egg A piece of fruit Or A Sunrise Smoothie ¾ cup nonfat or lowfat plain yogurt 1 cup fresh or frozen fruit ¼ cup orange juice 2 ice cubes 1 heaping tablespoon flax meal, oat bran, rice bran, or toasted wheat germ Optional: Slightly sweeten with agave, Splenda or stevia Place all the ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.

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TIP THREE: Drink at least 2 quarts of water a day.

Sometimes our brain registers hunger pangs when our body is really crying out for water. Holiday coffee and alcohol can actually dehydrate your body on a cellular level, so make sure you are sipping on pure water consistently through the day.

TIP FOUR: Increase your fiber.

According to the American Dietetic Association, we get about half the recommended amount of fiber each day. Fiber is vital for weight management. It balances our blood sugar and increases our sense of fullness. Consider adding a daily fiber supplement during the holidays. Be sure to follow label instructions and check with your health professional if you are being treated for a medical condition.

TIP FIVE: Move and mingle.

Movement is movement – whether you are on a treadmill at the gym or helping to clear the table after a Thanksgiving meal. Look for opportunities to move during the holiday. Walk around at office parties and talk to friends. Take the stairs rather than the elevator.

Help the hostess. Park as far from the door as you can. Take an after dinner walk. Move and mingle at every opportunity.

TIP SIX: Put the brakes on overeating at special events.

• Change your perspective. Instead of viewing each event as food – centered, think of it as people – centered. The most important part of it is not to taste the dainties, but to enjoy the fellowship.

• Don’t arrive hungry. Eat a healthy snack and drink some water before you go. This will take the edge off the compulsion to go straight to the food table.

• Put smaller pieces and portions of finger foods on your plate.

Wait at least 10 minutes before going back for more. This gives your brain time to register a sense of fullness. The mere act of having to go back for more will reduce the tendency to overeat.

• Eat fiber – rich vegetables first. There are generally vegetable plates at holiday events. These foods will help put the brakes on the sugar spike, if you choose to sample the sugary foods.

• Balance your dinner plate. Eyeball your plate and approximate ¼ lean protein, ¾ fiber - rich veggies – with a fistful of starch (breads, potatoes, pastas and rice). Balancing your plate with the right choices will not only help you maintain your weight, but will keep your energy stable and prevent that “sugar coma.”

• Choose the sparkling water instead of the alcohol. This is a great idea for maintaining not only your weight, but also your dignity.

There is nothing more empowering then being the sober one at the office party.

• Savor your food one bite at a time. Chew until every last morsel is gone. Mindless eating causes overeating and diminishes the pleasure of eating.

Remember to live well every day – especially during the holiday season!

NOVEMBER 2009 53

NOVEMBER: November Choose And Cut Festival begins at various farms throughout the High Country. Hike through rows of perfect Fraser firs to find your favorite holiday specimen. Package deals with select hotels. Holiday events at local restaurants and shops.

6 Downtown Boone Art Crawl, begins 5 p.m. Celebrate art and community along with refreshments and music.

7 WNC’s Bridesmaids Ball, 7 p.m. Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock. Enjoy all the fun of a wedding (without the rehearsal), featuring live entertainment, food and dancing. And you may just win the Worst Dress or Tackiest Tuxedo contest. The event raises funds for ALFA, the only HIV/AIDS organization serving Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Lincoln, Watauga, and Wilkes counties.

Sponsored by WNC magazine. Information: www.wncmagazine. com/bridesmaidball 10 Public screening of HBO’s documentary, The Alzheimer’s Project, new location of High Country Council of Government’s offices (468 New Market Blvd.) Seating limited to first 50 registrants.

Call Brenda B. Reece, Family Caregiver Support Specialist, High Country AAA, (828) 265-5434.

12 Heritage Craft Fair, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Watauga Agricultural Center off Poplar Grove Road in Boone. Sponsored by Watauga County Extension/Community Association. Demonstrations by local crafters. Great time to begin your Christmas shopping! $3 buys soup and cornbread for lunch! (828-264-3061) 14 Musicians Perform For Ashe County Free Medical Clinic.

Jeff Little, Wayne Henderson, Steve Lewis and Jerrell Little will be performing a toe-tapping medley of fan favorites on Saturday, November 14, 7:30 p.m. at the Ashe County High School auditorium.

Proceeds benefit Ashe County Free Medical Clinic, which provides healthcare for the county’s uninsured residents. Tickets to the benefit concert are only $15 available at Ashe County Arts Council (336) 846-ARTS and Bluemoon Guitars & Music (336) 246-3275 in West Jefferson.

18 – 19 Christmas Craft Sale at L.E. Harrill Senior Center in Boone. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Crafts handmade by local seniors. Call (828) 265-8090 for more information.

19 MOMIX, 8 p.m., Farthing Auditorium, Rivers St., Boone.

Presented by ASU Performing Arts Series. Company of dancer – illusionists led by Moses Pendleton, one of America’s most innovative and widely performed choreographers and directors for over 30 years.

MOMIX conjures up a world of surrealistic images using props, light, shadow, humor and the human body. Same performances have been seen throughout North America, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and Australia. Call 800-841-ARTS for details.

21 West Jefferson Holiday Parade 2 p.m.; Annual event featuring Santa Claus and plenty of hometown, homemade floats through downtown. Call (336) 846-9550 for details.

54 NOVEMBER 2009

West Jefferson Holiday Market 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Downtown West Jefferson. Ashe County Farmers Market reopens just in time for the holidays! Local produce, greenery, plants and arts and crafts plus homemade treats. Call (336) 846-9550 for details.

Tellabration Storytelling Celebration, Watauga County Library, Queen St., Boone. An international weekend celebration of storytelling. Local storytellers of national acclaim will tell stories suitable for people of all ages (mid-afternoon). Sponsored by Watauga Arts Council. Call (828) 264-1789 for details.

27 Blowing Rock Christmas in the Park, Downtown Blowing Rock. Visits with Santa, caroling in the park, hot chocolate, and ceremonial Lighting of the Town.

Chetola Resort’s Festival of Lights begins at Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock. Spectacular illumination of over 50,000 holiday lights around Chetola Lake. Glittering depictions of ice skaters, trains, Rudolph, swans & much more! Complimentary hot apple cider.

27 – 29 Christmas Art and Craft Show. Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Sunday 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Boone Mall.

28 15th Annual Thanksgiving Wood Kiln Opening. Blackberry Road, Blowing Rock. 9:00 a.m. wood kiln unloaded – gift selections include work from Bolick’s and Traditions Pottery. Food will be served. Free admission.

Blowing Rock Christmas Parade, 2 p.m. Main Street Blowing Rock. Call (828) 295-5222 for details.

West Jefferson Holiday Market. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Downtown West Jefferson. Ashe County Farmers Market reopens just in time for the holidays! Local produce, greenery, plants and arts and crafts plus homemade treats. Call (336) 846-9550 for details. www.aawmag.com

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Photo by Mark Mitchell

Jerry Cook is All About Women

NOVEMBER 2009 55

COMFORTABLE JUST GOT AFFORDABLE.

Up to $1,000 Rebate OR Great Financing Options PLUS Up to $1,500 Tax Credit!* While you can’t control the elements outside your home, inside the control is yours. Make your indoor environment perfect with Trane heating, cooling and beyond. And when you purchase a qualifying Trane system, you can get one of THREE great offers! 3.9% APR OR, 15 Months Same As Cash OR up to $1,000 rebate*. Just purchase a qualifying system, and get Trane reliability, Trane energy efficiency, Trane air quality, and be rewarded with a Trane rebate.

Call now for a free home comfort consultation.

Mountaineer Heating and Cooling PO Box 1905 • 828-264-6625 www.mountaineerheatcool.com *Up to $1,000 mail in rebate offer OR financing offers available on qualifying systems only. Available through participating independent Trane dealers. All sales must be to homeowners in the contiguous United States. Void where prohibited. Systems must be purchased between September 1, 2009 and October 31, 2009. See your participating independent Trane dealer or visit Trane.com for complete program eligibility, details and restrictions.