All About Women May 2015

All About

WOMEN M ay 2 0 1 5

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Jenny Bryk Staying strong through the storms Karen Bounds Adorning the future

Gayle Norman From broken dreams

Margaret Watson Devoted to others

Laine Isaacs I held a baby

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writers Emily Apple Heather Brandon Jesse Campbell Sharon Carlton Bonnie Church Yozette “Yogi” Collins Marion Edwards Erika Giovanetti Hollie Greene James Howell Laine Isaacs Heather Jordan Mary McKinney Noelle Miller Sue Spirit

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contents women in the news laine isaacs beauty at every level you go girl karen bounds living well living with the pain raising lyme disease awareness beauty fashion jenny bryk mom’s world young at heart summer theatre margaret watson high country courtesies burma, part 3 gayle norman marriage and family corner by the book great friends to families

jenny bryk

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laine isaacs

karen bounds

margaret watson

gayle norman

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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editor’s note

I have been without my mother for nearly 26 years.

I became a mother two months after her death — and in just two months, I am due to welcome my first grandchild into the world.

I was fortunate to have inherited a few of my mother’s traits, but I’ll be the first to admit that I will never be the woman she was.

She was gentle, sweet and kind — always. She was forgiving to a fault, if that’s possible, and never saw wrong in anyone.

She dealt with and overcame adversity on a daily basis, and despite physical impairments that prevented her from working a public job (near blindness due to albinism), she was constantly doing something for her family and others, usually at a sacrifice.

She was stronger in her faith than anyone I have ever known and she tried hard to teach her children the way in which we should go.

In my mind’s eye, I can still see the worn linoleum behind the bathroom door, where she knelt many times a day in prayer.

I’m sure she spent countless hours there on my behalf.

I can also see her walking to church every time the door was open, her angelic white hair as a halo upon her head, a little powder on her face, a dab of pink upon her lips; her purplish eyes covered with glasses much too large for her face, but she never complained. They were the best she could afford.

I can still hear her heels from the second-hand store clicking on the pavement, her pocketbook, usually empty but for a few tissues and a dollar or two, over her forearm – and her Bible in her hand.

I can still see her at the kitchen table, trying to balance the checkbook, hoping to “make ends meet,” when there seemed to be no end.

She raised her five children and her first two grandchildren — the only two she got to meet.

My dad was there, too, but it was my precious mother whose loving hand and compassionate heart left the positive marks on our lives.

Even in her death, she taught us to live.

Any good that is in me today, I owe to my mother — and I hope that some day, I can be half the woman she was.

As yet another Mother’s Day rolls around, I send my gratitude to heaven, because I know that’s where she is.

Another message of thanks goes to my daughter-in-love, Sara, for the gift that she is preparing to bring into our world which will make her a mother — and yes, me, a grandmother.

Happy Mother’s Day. Nana ready,

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WOMENINTHENEWS

Ashe County Teacher, Keana Triplett, Named 2015 NC Teacher of the Year

Ashe County High School English teacher Keana Triplett has been named the 2015 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year.

According to State Superintendent June Atkinson, Triplett finds her teaching rewards in the success of her students.

“Keana wants to be the catalyst for her students’ success in life,” Atkinson says. “By getting to know her students individually, she is able to meet them where they are and lead them to where they want to go.”

Todd Holden, Superintendent of Ashe County Schools, says of Keana, “She is not only an outstanding teacher, but also an amazing person. Every day, she puts the needs of her students above everything else and inspires them to reach for the stars. Keana molds her students to believe in themselves, dare to dream, and gives them the tools needed to make those dreams come true.”

Keana’s greatest contribution as an educator is to show students they are loved, valued and worthy.

“Outstanding teachers know their students,” she says. “They understand how each student learns and responds appropriately. They set high expectations then provide challenging, rigorous and relevant learning activities so students are engaged learners – not apathetic learners.”

Keana has spent her entire teaching career at Ashe County High School.

Since 2005, she has taught 9th, 10th and 12th grade English. She chairs Ashe County High School’s Writing Committee and is a member of the school’s Literacy Committee. She also is a senior conference presenter for the Appalachian Community of Educators Society, a Teaching Fellows Advisory Council member for Appalachian Educators and a cooperating teacher for Appalachian State University student teachers.

She is the North Carolina Region 7 Teacher of the Year for 2014-15, and Ashe County Schools’ Teacher of the Year, as well as Ashe County High School Teacher of the Year for 2014-15. She is a two-time grant recipient, having received the Ashe County Schools’ Endowment Grant in 2010 and the Blue Ridge Electric Bright Ideas Grant in 2009.

A North Carolina Teaching Fellows graduate, Keana earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education in 2005 and a master’s degree in educational technology in December 2012, both from Appalachian State University. In 2014, she achieved National Board Certification in English/Language Arts.

As Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Keana will spend the next school year traveling the state as an ambassador for the teaching profession.

She will receive the use of a state vehicle for one year, a one-year leased vehicle from Flow Automotive, LLC, the op-

portunity to attend a seminar at the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching, a mobile device from Lenovo valued at approximately $1,600, an engraved vase, a one-time cash award of $7,500, a trip to the National Teacher of the Year Conference and International Space Camp, the opportunity to travel abroad through an endowment through the N.C. Center for International Understanding, and a technology package valued at more than $11,000 from SMART Technologies.

She also will serve as an advisor to the state board of education for two years and as a board member for the N.C. Public School Forum for one year. In addition, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction will sponsor her enrollment and completion of the Education Policy Fellowship Program.

North Carolina has recognized outstanding teachers through its Teacher of the Year program since 1970. This is Ashe County High School’s second N.C. Teacher of the Year recipient.

For more information on North Carolina’s Teacher of the Year recognition program, visit www.ncpublicschools.org/ recruitment/recognition/toy/.

Follow the N.C. Teacher of the Year finalists on Twitter at #NCTOYPOY.

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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WOMENINTHENEWS

Mat Monsters’ coach Alex Wray demonstrates a wrestling move on area resident Cassie Lewis, left, as Missy Parker watches.

Photo by James Howell

Moms raise $1,200 for wrestling program Local moms wrestled each other to raise money for local AAU wrestling team, the Mat Monsters, during the “Monster Mommy Mash” on Sunday, March 22 at Ashe County’s Family Central.

According to Mat Monster’s coach Alex Wray, the Monster Mommy Mash raised $1,200 for his wrestling team. The money will be used to help purchase wrestling gear for the economically disadvantaged wrestlers on the team.

Following the event, Alex thanked the crowd of about 175 people for their attendance and announced that the Monster Mommy Mash would become an annual event.

This fundraiser was the idea of Mat Monster mom Melissa Spurlin.

“I’ve always thought this would be a great way to raise money,” she says. “I just didn’t know what I was getting myself into. Alex does a great job with the kids, and he does it for the right reasons.”

Melissa has two sons involved in the Mat Monsters wrestling program. She wrestled another Mat Monster mom,

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MAY 2015 | AAWMAG.COM

Heather Spencer, in a match during the event.

“It definitely gives you a better perspective,” Heather says. “Usually, we’re the ones in the stands cheering for our boys, and not the other way around.”

In all, five matches were scheduled for the moms, while six matches scheduled between the Mat Monster’s wrestlers.

Because these were exhibition matches, the moms wrestled a couple additional matches to entertain the crowd.

Not all of the moms had sons on the Mat Monsters. One of the female competitors, Micaela Formwalt, wanted to participate to help get the word out about the Mat Monsters’ program and help their fundraising efforts.

“First of all, they (the Mat Monsters) don’t really have any funding, so this helps with that,” Micaela says. “That’s why I’m out here wrestling other moms, even though I don’t really know how to wrestle.”

To help prepare for the matches on Sunday, Coach Wray held special

wrestling practices for the moms between March 16 and March 19. He demonstrated a few takedowns, escapes and other exercises for the moms, with a big concentration on safety.

Following the Monster Mommy Mash, he said the exhibition was so popular among the crowd, wrestling coaches in other districts will consider holding similar events.

He also said he’s already looking forward to next year’s show.

“It’s an excellent program for the youth,” she says. “It also develops their self-esteem, focus and maturity. It develops them into strong young men.”

The event also featured state champion youth wrestlers facing off against each other to spread awareness about amateur wrestling in the community.

“Nobody’s ever done anything like this in this area,” Alex says, “It’s never been done.”

- James Howell

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MAY 2015 | AAWMAG.COM

Tonight, I held a baby Tonight, I held a baby. Big news, right?

But really, tonight I held a baby. I held a baby without thinking about the fact that I can’t have one.

I felt her tiny form against mine, heard her precious coos and grunts, watched her little nose wrinkle and her eyes light up when I talked to her.

I thought about her sweet mama, what a friend she is to me and how I can’t wait to watch her child grow up. I didn’t mourn the child of mine who will never be there beside her, playing in the yard on the afternoons and evenings we will spend together. I didn’t picture that child, wondering what he or she would look like.

I didn’t question God, demanding to know where my baby is, screaming at the top of my lungs, because, once again, cancer has robbed me of something I desired. I didn’t plead with Him, or wonder what I did wrong to cause this.

I didn’t bargain with Him, foolishly hoping to change His mind. Not tonight.

Tonight, I held a baby.

As she curled up on my chest, I didn’t wonder how my life will be different without a baby. I didn’t think about what it will feel like when other people’s children will bring me drawings and I will put them on my refrigerator. I didn’t remind myself that being loved by a child, anyone’s child, is one of the best things that can happen to a person. No, I didn’t dwell on any of that like I have so many times before.

I didn’t feel empty. I didn’t feel useless. I didn’t feel like I had failed to do what women do. I was just me, holding a baby.

I didn’t wonder what others would think of me later, wondering why I didn’t have what they have. I didn’t think about the pity I will see in their eyes when they learn that I can’t have a child, and why. I didn’t dread their sympathy.

No, not tonight. Tonight, I held a baby. I held her, and I kissed her, and I prayed over her, and I handed her to her mother.

And I felt fine.

Laine Isaacs Laine Isaacs is a Watauga County native and freelance writer. Her favorite things include traveling, dancing, making people laugh, and beating her family at Scrabble.

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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Sponsored Content

Beauty at every level with Cathy Symonovicz Cathy Symonovicz is pictured in her spa with the Beautiful Image microcurrent machine.

Photo by Yogi Collins

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MAY 2015 | AAWMAG.COM

As a teenager, Cathy Symonovicz couldn’t understand her mother’s insistence that she begin seriously caring for and protecting her skin at a young age.

Now, at 60, she appreciates it. Still, a few years ago, Cathy noticed age-related sagging that no cleanser or creams helped, so she decided to try a procedure called a microcurrent facial. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a spa in the High Country that offered the service.

“I would go once a week to Charlotte to have my facials done,” Cathy explains.

“I was so determined to do it because it’s such a great way to keep you looking younger. At that time, I was 56 and I knew I needed to do something because everything was sagging, no matter what cleanser or cream I used. Those work, but they don’t address the droopiness.”

The results she saw in her skin from microcurrent facials impressed Cathy so much that she decided to bring high tech skincare to the High Country last May and opened Beautiful Image of Boone.

While many High Country spas offer great facials, a microcurrent facial is vastly different. As its name suggests, tiny electrical currents are sent to the 32 facial muscles to stimulate and tone them.

“Unlike a normal facial that addresses issues of the skin, we work the muscles so it’s like going to the gym,” Cathy says.

“Over the years, our muscles start to sag and lose their tone and the collagen has nothing to stick to. So, by tightening the muscles, you’re tightening the skin.”

Referred to as a “Lunch Time Facelift,” microcurrent facials take about an hour to complete and, despite the electrical element, there is no pain or redness.

Though a series is recommended to achieve the most noticeable results, I was treated to a facial and noticed a visible “freshness” and a firmer feel to my skin —

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before

after

Elizabeth, who suffered from adult acne, has maintained no breakouts after her series of 12 LED light treatments at Beautiful Image of Boone. Photos submitted

after only one treatment. It makes sense that a series would make a huge difference, especially when you consider the working-out-at-the-gym comparison.

Not only that, but microcurrent facials stimulate collagen production, and what woman over 35 doesn’t want that? “You can put things on the surface of the skin and it will only go so deep,” explains Cathy, “but the stimulation of the electrical current, with micro current, reaches the collagen at the cellular level and gets the cells to start producing again.”

Born in Iran, Cathy grew up in Kuwait, moving to the United States with her family while she was in college. After she and Phillipe, her husband of 36 years, had their son, they decided they wanted to raise him in a small town. Having visited this area previously — which reminded them of England where they met — they relocated and have been here for 17 years.

Opening her business is personally rewarding for Cathy as she witnesses the confidence that awakens within her clients as they begin to look more youth-

ful. “I have some ladies who feel so young again,” says Cathy, “they’ve decided to grow their short hair out. It gives me a huge sense of satisfaction that that they feel good about themselves.”

And she likes that, although there are very positive results, there’s no danger or pain like exist with Botox or a surgical procedure. The fact that it’s completely safe, with no medications or antibiotics needed, is also why Cathy is also thrilled to offer LED light treatment, which uses infrared light to zap age spots and kill bacteria under the skin that causes acne.

“LED light therapy is an amazing thing for young kids who suffer from acne and whose parents don’t want to put them on a serious medication like Accutane,” explains Cathy. “I feel there’s no reason for young kids to be on medication when they can do the LED light therapy and begin to see good results right away.”

And Cathy is all about results. In fact, it’s the reason she doesn’t have a waiting room filled with a product line to sell to clients. When asked about that, Cathy

explains, “I can’t have one product that will work for everybody because we all have different skin types. I don’t want you to come here and someone push product on you. I want you to come here because you are focused on your needs for your face. I want results with what we do here.

We are a high tech skincare treatment center. When you come here, you will get results for what you need because we are addressing the issue.”

That sounds beautiful.

Beautiful Image of Boone is located at 1064 Meadowview Drive, Unit 1. For appointments or more information on microcurrent facials, LED treatments, or 99 percent organic spray tanning, call Beautiful Image at (828) 355-9957 or log onto www.beautifulimageofboone.com.

Yozette ‘Yogi’ Collins Mom, television producer/writer, and obsessive internet researcher. Though her name suggests otherwise, she is not (yet) an actual yogi.

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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YouGoGirl

Journeya to the Dominican life-changing experience Photos submitted

Five weeks in the Dominican Republic recently proved to be a life-changing experience for high school senior Sarah Gailes, pictured here with some of her young friends in an impoverished village where she served.

Five weeks in the Dominican Republic recently proved to be a life-changing experience for high school senior Sarah Gailes.

Sarah, at 17, knew in advance that her journey would require immense courage and strength. To spend time in another country, practically isolated and with very few people who spoke English, would be challenging enough, but she also knew that she would have no access to hot water, electrical power, family or friends.

She knew all this, but it made her even more determined to go.

Plus, she completed her senior year in high school in December to make the February trip possible.

At the same time serving as children’s ministry intern at BR Refuge church in Blowing Rock, where she leads children’s church and activities, Sarah readily admits

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Sarah Gailes, pictured at right, was happy to welcome her mother, Rhonda Gailes, at left, for a week’s visit during her five weeks of mission work in the Dominican Republic. Together, they reached out to the less-fortunate villagers, and especially enjoyed spending time with the young people.

her passion for children, family, church — and her walk with God. Personally organizing her mission trip with a pastor friend, Elson Jones, who serves in the Dominican Republic, Sarah stayed with the Jones family during her mission trip, through which her daily activities and outreach opportunities were planned.

Sarah and her family met Elson six years ago when they took their first mission trip with an organization called Christian Outreach International.

Sarah arrived in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on February 10, and traveled an hour to the Jones residence in the city of San Pedro De Marcoris.

During her five-week stay there, she enjoyed the opportunities to work as a teacher’s assistant in two village schools, volunteer in an orphanage for special

needs children, help feed hungry children and families in several villages, and attend Dominican worship services three times a week.

“As a teacher’s assistant I spent my mornings at the Ebenezer School in the Haitian village of Sante Fe,” Sarah says, “a school filled with 170 students, 3 years of age to high school, with only four teachers, most of which do not get paid because there is not enough money to do so.”

The school, she says, is led by a local Haitain pastor and his family, “who simply have a heart to see that children have the opportunity to learn.”

Sarah described the third world village as “very poor,” in which scrap metal and concrete are the materials used to build houses, all of which have one or two rooms for an entire family, no electricity, no indoor plumbing and no clean water.

“The children are only fed one small meal of rice or other nutrients each day,” she says, “while they spend much of their time looking for work to help their families survive.”

The physical scenery is so sad, she says. “Watching children scrounge for food, have very little materials for their education and always seeking a better life — only to find disappointment — can often be overwhelming.”

However, she adds, “The personal scenery was amazing.”

Sarah has never been around such happy people, she says. “ They have absolutely nothing and yet they have a happiness that I have never seen before.”

She describes how the children laugh and play, “they share and they have thankful hearts,” she adds.

“Each day, I brought balloons, bubbles and lollipops to the school to share with the children,” she says. “You should have seen the excitement on their faces. They take nothing for granted and are thankful for everything they get. They share, they protect and they care for each other. “ Sarah’s afternoons were spent working in a Compassion International school program, playing with the children, teaching them about God’s love and helping with necessary administrative duties.

“This center is offered to children whose families make no more than 100 American dollars each month,” she says.

“Can you imagine living off that amount per month?”

According to Sarah, Compassion International provides a place for these children to have a meal, get an education and learn about Jesus.

“Each child has an American sponsor, just like the program you see on TV or in flyers,” she says. “Compassion International really does make a difference in the lives of these children, so I encourage anyone who can, or has ever thought about it, to sponsor a child. It really does make a difference.”

Two of the school’s teachers Sarah worked with were once sponsored children and now have grown into adult teachers, she says, “It was a special blessing to spend time at that center with all of them.”

On three separate occasions, Sarah volunteered at an orphanage for children with special needs — “which I found both heart breaking and rewarding at the same time,” she says. “This orphanage was

developed by a pastor and his wife who continually found unwanted special needs infants and children at their front door.

With the help of the government they built a center, but are left to depend on individuals and charities to provide their needs.”

Currently there are about 20 children in the center, she says, with as many on the waiting list at any given time. But, sadly, she says, “There are not enough diapers and food to provide for everyone.”

It was “heartbreaking that they have such few supplies,” she says, “But it was extremely encouraging to watch their faith as they depend on God to see them through and provide for their needs.”

Evenings for Sarah were spent in church. “Not like American church where we get in and out in an hour,” she describes. “In Dominican church, we were there for two to four hours, just seeking God and His face.”

During most of the church service, Sarah was unable to understand what was being said, “But the music, the worship and the spirit was something I definitely understood. People came in and fell on their knees in prayer, they raised their hands, they danced during the offering — and they never looked at their watches.”

Sarah says she has never been in a place “where faith abounded so richly, where dependence on God was so prevalent and the presence of God was so satisfying.”

When not otherwise occupied in aforementioned events, Sarah was either in another village making sandwiches to share, working with other groups from the United States or spending time with her host family.

“The language barrier was a difficult challenge, but the blessings — despite the barrier — were greater than anything I could have ever imagined,” she says.

“Truly, it was the best five weeks of my life and I learned so much.”

Among those “lessons,” Sarah said, was that many of us take the small luxuries in life for granted — such as clean water, hot showers and food in our refrigerators.

“I learned that love, God and worship cross all cultures and boundaries,” she says. “I learned that if we are willing to step out in faith — and out of our comfort zone — God will use us in ways we never thought imaginable.”

Mostly, though, Sara says, she learned

that happiness is not in what we have, but in belief, faith and trust in God. “Dominicans spend their time being thankful for what they have, while we Americans spend most of our time complaining about what we don’t have.”

Sarah’s mission journey changed her perspectives, she says.

“I have decided to worry less, pray more, complain less and praise more,” she adds.

“Dios te bendiga, which means God bless you, is the greeting that Dominicans use as their hello and their goodbye to one another,” Sara says. “Imagine what America would be like if we used the same salutations.”

What she learned more vividly, Sara says, is that a simple blessing can change the whole course of a person’s day.

“We Americans may have a lot of stuff, but what we need is more gratitude,” she adds.

Sara was joined for a week by her mother, local pastor, Rhonda Gailes, who helped her in the villages by preparing meals, distributing supplies to the orphanage and playing with the children. It was Rhonda’s fifth visit there — a place dear to her heart, she says.

Sarah wishes to express her thanks to Blowing Rock Refuge for helping to make her mission trip possible.

“They prayed for me, supported me financially and sent me as their first missionary,” she says. “I went to the Dominican to make a difference in the world, but came back transformed in ways I can’t explain. I received more from this experience than I could ever give.”

Sarah will receive her high school diploma from Watauga High in June as she returns to walk with her class on graduation day.

Recently awarded the $10,000 yearly Blowing Rock Community Foundation Scholarship, Sarah will be attending Wingate University in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing with the hopes of becoming a pediatric nurse for children with terminal diseases.

She is currently employed at Shoppes on the Parkway and will be working as a full time nanny this summer. sherrie norris Editor, All About Women

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

15

Karen Bounds Adorning the Future Photos by Hollie Greene

The day after Thanksgiving in 1985 was a momentous day for Karen and Tim Bounds. Following their late summer wedding and preceding their December graduation from Appalachian State University, Karen, Tim, and their families spent most of Thanksgiving Day working tirelessly to be ready for the following day, their first day of business and, likewise, for Newland to welcome its first jewelry shop.

Successful in both ventures, Karen and Tim will celebrate 30 years of marriage, as well as 30 years of Mountain Jewelers, in the latter part of 2015.

With the same enthusiasm that heralded its opening in 1985, Karen describes her life in 2015 with an equal measure of passion and excitement.

Selling the “basics” in the store’s beginnings — earrings, necklaces, and rings — the store’s inventory has expanded and includes a variety of styles and designs, as well as a collection of watches.

Similarly, Karen and Tim’s family has grown to include their daughter, Brandi, who is currently pursuing her masters degree at App State and their son, Morgan, who attends North Carolina State University.

Born in Florida, Karen moved with her family to the Linville Falls area in the early 1970s. Karen and her two siblings enjoyed roaming through the woods and discovering the natural wonders found in this region of Western North Carolina.

Karen says “my father had chosen this as the best place to raise a family, and he was right.”

A management and marketing major at ASU, Karen decided to take a year off from her studies, and moved off the

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Karen Bounds is passionate about taking care of her customers at Mountain Jewelers in Newland.

mountain for a year to work in her uncle’s jewelry story in South Carolina.

Coming back to ASU for her senior year, she and her roommate lived in an apartment just off campus. Boys lived on the top floor of this complex, and Karen describes, with a smile, “This is where I found Tim.” During a car wash just outside the apartments, Karen first met Tim when she poured a bucket of water on him as he exited the building.

Later in the fall, he retaliated and managed to get her drenched during a whitewater rafting trip.

“Water has played a large role in our lives,” Karen says.

Karen and Tim dated the remainder of their senior year and were engaged in the late spring. They spent the summer of their engagement hand-digging the

septic system for the house they would live in once they were married.

Karen remembers her father saying, “If the two of you can survive this, your marriage will be a success.”

As both their graduation and nuptials approached, Karen and Tim realized that to make the most of their management and finance degrees, they would have to move to a larger city.

As both enjoyed the beauty and quiet of this area, they considered another plan.

They began to discuss the idea of opening a jewelry story in Newland, as residents had to travel quite a distance to purchase quality jewelry.

“We were used to living on a shoe string,” says Karen, and knew that this was the time to try a new business.”

They agreed that if their business were to fail, they had years to recover and

try again.

During the summer of 1985, they attended a jewelry repair school in Alabama to assess their aptitude in caring for and reconstructing jewelry. Tim’s dexterity proved very useful in this school and reaffirmed their decision to try their hand as entrepreneurs.

In the beginning years, Karen describes they “started very lean.”

The jewelry shows they attended in Charlotte and other cities were “mind boggling.”

Soon, however, Karen and Tim began to “learn from what our customers wanted,” she says, and they became known as “very picky” in their selections.

As a result, their customers have grown to rely on the “classy, enduring, elegant, well-made quality” for which Mountain Jewelers is known.

Their local customers, as well as their seasonal patrons, continue to be receptive, happy, and supportive, Karen says.

Karen and Tim have continued to learn lessons about owning a business and the importance of community.

Their selection process includes their mantra : “All jewelry is not created equally,” Karen explains. “I’d rather find the problem before you get it.”

Their selection and maintenance process includes determining a style, checking the appearance of the stones, “getting out our loops — or magnification,” and ensuring that their service and warrantees match the integrity they have embedded in their 30 year business venture.

Consideration of their customers is equally as important as choosing the best quality in jewelry, Karen says. “My passion is for taking care of the customers — they matter.”

Their continued goal is to take care of people to the best of their ability, Karen adds. “We’re a community. If we don’t support each other, we have nothing.”

Outside the jewelry shop, Karen enjoys time with her family, working in her yard and flowers, reading, and projects.

She says, “we always have a project going around the house.”

Moreover, she explains that her perfect day would involve her family. “It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, as long as we’re together.”

Case in point is a day when she, Tim and their children enjoyed a visit to the

Virginia Creeper Trail.

“It was a monsoon,” she says. “We were covered in mud, but at the end, we had a dirty legs contest!”

Just as Karen has nurtured the bond within her family, she treats her customers with the same care. “Part of this business is sharing the important moments in people’s lives,” she says. ‘ In helping patrons select the perfect piece of jewelry for specific occasions, Karen explains, “I love knowing that the pieces we sell will be passed down in the family. They are heirlooms. In that way, we have a hand in adorning the future.”

Thirty years ago, Karen and Tim Bounds took a risk and opened Newland’s first jewelry store. Sharing in the important moments in their customers’ lives, commemorating important events and exercising their “desire to be our customers’ advocate,” Karen says, continues to bring an elegance and quality to our area that begins with a small green box with Mountain Jewelers written in gold — and a customer’s rush of pleasure.

“I want that feeling to last,” Karen says.

If the first 30 years of business are any indication, Karen and Tim will continue to enjoy their role of bringing quality craftsmanship to the High Country.

Caring for a loved one?

Let us be that helping hand.

828.963.8233 www.apphomecare.com

®

Tim and Karen Bounds share a goal of caring for their community.

Happy Mothers Day from the Chick-fil-A Team

Hollie Greene Hollie Greene is an English teacher who loves stories, words and the mountains of North Carolina.

828-264-4660 2082 Blowing Rock Rd • Boone, NC 28607 www.cfarestaurant.com/boone/home AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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LivingWell

Confidence Hacks Most of us face situations in which we need to make a positive impression, but in the moment feel like running for cover. Cultivating charisma can help you rise to the occasion, whether you feel like it or not.

Charisma is defined as “compelling attractiveness that inspires admiration from others.” It is not dependent on being the most beautiful person in the room or naturally outgoing. Although some seem to come by it naturally, charisma can be learned.

A confidencestoking action plan Eat well. For optimal focus and energy, graze on vegetables, lean proteins and fruit throughout the day. Avoid sugary, processed foods. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water.

Start your day with a two- minute wonder woman pose. Research suggests that confident people tend to have higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of cortisol. Higher levels of testosterone (in both men and women) increase feelings of confidence. Lower levels of cortisol decrease anxiety.

Social psychologist, Amy Cuddy, has identified a technique that has been shown to bring the hormones of confidence into balance. It’s called the “Won-

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der Woman Pose.” Simply stand tall with your chest out, your feet firmly planted and your hands on your hips. Breathe in a slow and relaxed manner. Practice this pose for two minutes to optimize your testosterone and cortisol levels.

Speak positive affirmations. Words have power. You are continually carrying on conversations with yourself. If the conversation is empowering, it will stoke your confidence. Speak affirmations like, “I am fired up, focused and fearless,” during the ‘Wonder Woman pose” to increase its effectiveness.

Dress attractively. Clothes influence both the wearer and the observer. Appropriate, attractive clothing improves the first impression made on others. Equally important, dressing well provides you with an instant confidence boost.

Let your eyes speak. Maintain eye contact with someone when you are talking to them; not a cold, steely stare, a doeeyed blankness or an anxious pleading.

Maintain a warm, relaxed gaze. This kind of eye contact triggers the release of the ‘hormones of affection’ in the person you are looking at. It will instantly increase interest in who you are and what you have to say.

Control your body language.

Be aware of non-verbal communica-

tion. Aim to make people feel comfortable. Own your space by standing with shoulders back and head up. Respect the personal space. If someone backs off from you or seems uncomfortable, you might be too close. Be responsive, but avoid excessive head nodding and verbal assurances (Uh huh. Yes. Uh huh) when people are talking.

Control your voice. Raising your pitch at the end of sentence, cutting people off or diving in immediately after someone has finished talking communicates anxiety. Instead, pause two seconds before responding. Lower the intonation of your voice at the end of your sentences.

This communicates, “I have heard you. I truly care about what you have to say.”

These behaviors take mindful practice in real life settings, but most of us have plenty of opportunities to do so.

In time, they will become habits. The charisma habit will help you create the relationships and connections you need to accomplish the things you desire to accomplish.

Recommended reading: “The Charisma Myth,” by Olivia Fox Cabane. bonnie church Certified Life and Wellness Coach Author, columist, motivational speaker and certified trainer for TLS Weight Loss Solution

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia

living with the pain May 12th International Awareness Day Clarissa Shepherd does not have to be reminded every year that May 12 is a national awareness day for chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. In fact, she cannot escape the constant reminders that she, like countless other women, have little choice but to endure an often overlooked and misunderstood physical condition.

Referring to her chronic illness as “a daily grind,” Clarissa has written and spoken about CFS and fibromyalgia to anyone who will read and listen, she says, in an effort to educate the public on what she, and others like her, consider one of life’s mysteries.

Clarissa lives near Boone and is the author of “Find Your Way: A Guide to Healing While Living With Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.”

“Each of us with CFS or fibromyalgia understand how it feels to live one day after the other with chronic illness,” Clarissa says. “It seems like we’re trapped in a loop that repeats itself day after day. It’s also like a dripping faucet, which requires constant maintenance. One day, it might drip less, but it never stops completely.”

There are days, she says, when less maintenance is needed and everything seems OK — for a short while.

“Then,” she adds, “there are days in which there is no relief and we can’t feel better, regardless of the approach we take.

All we can do is try to manage it, slow the drip and maintain as best we can.”

Living with the conditions require courage, Clarissa says, and innovation, as those diagnosed with either illness strive to discover new ways to deal —and ultimately heal — and enjoy an improved quality of life.

“We must rethink what being productive means,” she says. “We’ve been programed to think that it’s staying busy and keeping up with everything around

Clarissa Shepherd cannot escape the constant reminders that she, like countless other women, have little choice but to endure an often overlooked and misunderstood physical condition.

Photo submitted

us. This illness changes our perspective on just what productive means.”

It often requires learning to do things in a simpler way and adapting to a different way of life, Clarissa says, which often results in depression and a feeling of failure.

“But, it should not be that way,” she adds. “We have to adapt and adjust — it’s not that we are giving in or giving up.”

According to Clarissa, other symptoms and side effects include sleeplessness, chronic vertigo, dizziness, difficulty balancing, memory loss, brain fog, tremors, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes — “and that’s just he beginning,” she says. “There are also various stomach issues, allergies, sore skin, muscle pain and weakness, muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing, chronic migraines and exhaustion beyond description, low grade fever and sensitivity to light, sound, movement, odors and heat.

It’s like living with the flu 24/7, 365 days a year.”

In encouraging others dealing with fibromyalgia and its related conditions, Clarissa says it is important that individuals don’t blame themselves for something they cannot help.

“Allow yourself to grieve the losses (of independence and energy, and freedom from pain) and realize that your future with fibromyalgia may not be as active as your past, but it still can be meaningful,” she says.

“Living with chronic illness can allow us to make new discoveries about who we are and new things we might like to do,

which doesn’t consume our energy,” she says. “It may be drawing, writing or crafting. It may simply be phoning someone else who’s in need or not feeling well, or otherwise trying to cheer someone up, as a way to take our minds off of ourselves.”

Still, with more encouragement for her peers, Clarissa says, “Know that you’re strong, even when you don’t feel strong.

Know that you’re courageous, even when you don’t feel brave. Know that you’re loved, even when you don’t feel loved.

Most importantly, know you’re worthy of finding happiness again, even if you don’t feel valued.”

These illnesses may be a thief of dreams, leaving their victims bedridden or housebound, Clarissa says, “But it doesn’t have to steal your thunder. Living with chronic illness, each moment of every day, is prof of your strength. Believe in yourself and move forward.”

Clarissa says it’s often difficult to get a proper diagnosis from a physician “unless he or she specializes in the illness,” and while CFS and fibromyalgia share similar symptoms, each one varies in degrees of severity.

As one who has battled fibromyalgia for a number of years, Clarissa adds, “During this time of awareness, I encourage those of you, who know someone living with one of these illnesses, to reach out in kindness — call or send a card. Words of kindness are powerful and take little effort, yet can mean so much, to those (of us) living in isolation.”

“Find Your Way: A Guide to Healing While Living With Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome and Fibromyalgia,” is available through Amazon. sherrie norris Editor, All About Women

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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Kaye Hall with her husband, Barry, who has been supportive during her battle with Lyme disease.

Photo submitted

Raising Lyme disease awareness Local nurse, Lyme disease patient speaks on her chronic illness When combated with years of migraines, joint pain and fatigue, local nurse Kaye Hall decided to go on a vegan diet with her husband, Barry.

“I felt the best I have ever felt,” Kaye says. “It allowed my immune system to fight for itself.”

However, when a foot surgery forced Kaye off of her diet, her baffling symptoms returned full force. Even working in a hospital, it didn’t occur to Kaye or her doctors that her symptoms were the longterm result of contracting Lyme disease.

It wasn’t until April 6, 2014 that Kaye’s symptoms developed into something much more grave.

“I was driving home alone and the left side of my face was going numb, so I called my husband and told him I was having a stroke,” Kaye says. “Within 24 hours, most of my symptoms had gone away and I was just left in a brain fog.”

Because of her speedy recovery, it became clear that Kaye hadn’t had a stroke.

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When she returned to work at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation a week later, she had another stroke-like experience as the other side of her face went numb.

Lyme disease, which is, on the whole, unexplained, leaves the patient with many symptoms that mimic other conditions. For instance, Kaye thought she had a brain tumor, and decided to seek specialized care.

Upon hearing about Kaye’s symptoms, a woman in the community, who also suffers with chronic Lyme disease, told her to get tested for the condition.

“I was blessed that she called me because it could’ve taken a very long time before we figured out what it was,” Kaye says.

Finally, after weeks of testing for diseases and conditions Kaye didn’t have, doctors discovered on April 29 of last year that Kaye had Lyme disease.

“I’m very blessed in the fact that I had a severe symptom that started the ball rolling in terms of diagnosis,” Kaye says.

General symptoms of long-term Lyme disease, or as the Center for Disease Control calls it Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), include severe brain fog, intense headaches, joint pain, stomach pain, fatigue and fever.

“It’s like the worst possible flu you could imagine,” Kaye says. “It’s good for the community to know about Lyme disease because it mimics so many other diseases.”

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, making it a good time to spread the word through the community about this disease. According to Kaye, there are 300,000 cases of Lyme disease annually.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which scientists believe is transmitted by a deer tick.

“If you look at the size of a deer tick compared with a dog tick, I can’t imagine ever seeing it,” Kaye said. “You have to be alert to your body for any kind of rash.”

A Lyme disease rash is a circular, red rash that expands with another ring

outside of it.

If treated within a few weeks, Lyme disease will subside with a regular course of antibiotics. However, many people, like Kay, don’t even realize that Lyme disease is in their system. If untreated, the disease develops into PTLDS, or chronic Lyme disease, which is much harder to combat.

Upon her diagnosis, Kaye started seeing a chronic Lyme disease specialist located in Washington, D.C. who placed her on a routine of long-term antibiotics and herbs. Kaye has been on the treatment since June and has been steadily improving ever since.

Shockingly, Kaye’s doctor predicted that she had carried Lyme disease for over 10 years.

However, there is some controversy in the medical world facing chronic Lyme disease, Kaye said. Some doctors don’t even believe that PTLDS is a credible condition, while other doctors argue that treating Lyme disease with long-term antibiotics will increase antibiotic resistance, and therefore, the effectiveness of antibiotic medicines.

“The treatment is controversial, but I don’t want to wait 10 years to find the answer to this,” Kaye says. “It’s very much a political battle between the doctors and the CDC.” Evidently, chronic Lyme disease is prominent in the High Country. Kaye knows of four women locally who also carry the disease.

“The hardest thing about Lyme disease in talking to these ladies is that it’s a very lonely disease,” Kaye says. “We look healthy, we can smile and when people ask how we’re doing, they’ll believe that we’re OK.” Kaye was happy to have the support of her husband, Barry, ladies from her Sunday School class at Mount Vernon Baptist Church and her fellow “Lymies” in the community during her battle with Lyme disease.

To learn more about Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, visit www.cdc. gov/lyme/postlds.

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Erika Giovanetti Erika Giovanetti is an ASU graduate and a reporter for the Mountain Times, Watauga Democrat and All About Women Magazine who enjoys reading, hiking and traveling to new places.

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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BEAUTY

50-plus, Fit and Fabulous—Bring It!

Have you ever had occasion to meet an older woman who just exuded self-confidence while thinking to yourself, “How does she do it?”

The years have flown by, you’re a lot older and suddenly, you realize that woman is you. Now, you also realize that maturity doesn’t mean you know everything. I have a friend who says, “Maturity comes at age 56 and it only lasts for 30 minutes.”

Maturity simply means you’ve been around long enough to experience enough in your life and realize the adage is true — that which does not kill you makes you stronger.

You begin to understand that many of your emerging life situations are not so new and frightening. The difficulties are actually re-runs and you can make informed decisions based on past experiences.

Do you notice that when someone tells you about an experience they’ve had, you realize that you have had that same experience, too? It’s because you’ve been around the block a few times.

I firmly believe we can help other women by sharing our experiences. It’s a great feeling to be able to give back.

I am coming up on 73 years in a few weeks and believe me, this lifelong pursuit of discovering God’s plan for me is quite a wonderful trip — and the older I get, the more interesting and wonderful it becomes.

The good news about growing older is that there is no longer any reason to strive to alter your image to match that of someone else.

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Don’t try to live up to someone else’s perception of beauty; create your own, because at this stage of the game, people already know you beyond your face — so, go ahead, express your hard-earned selfesteem to demonstrate your individual beauty and to cherish yourself more than ever before.

I have prefaced my beauty tips with the above because I want you to know and realize just how amazing you are.

Of course, skin care is going to be of upmost importance, but let’s focus on makeup this time around: The make-up bag for grownups: 1. Primer: Yes ma’am you need it. It can head off a meltdown and it gives your skin a smooth surface and helps your makeup stay in place. Most women omit this very important step.

2. Moisturizing foundation: Unless you are blessed with flawless, even-toned skin, or have just had a laser procedure to even out tones, you, like the rest of us over 50, need some foundation. Remember less is more: Nothing cakey, or matty, or you will look “casket ready.”

3. Concealer: A must-have. Apply a sheer layer as it is much more flattering to your skin and will not sink down into lines. You can add a little eye cream if needed.

4. Brows: It’s OK to use a pencil or powder. When aging causes the brows to sag, the right brow shape will automatically open up the eyes.

5. Eyeliner: Pencils are softer. Make a thin line; a thick line can make eyes heavy and tired. Line bottoms with a soft taupe shade. Do not “close in” the eyes, it will

only make them appear smaller.

6. Mascara: Apply inward toward nose. Lashes naturally grow in the opposite direction, so this makes them stand up and appear fuller.

7. Matte shadow: Most makeup artists agree that matte colors are most flattering on aging eyes. Leave the shiny for the younger gals and use a little shimmer only in corners, near the nose, to subtly brighten.

8. Blush: On very mature skin, I prefer using a sheer cream blush on top of the cheek apples. Powder is fine, too, just make sure it’s well blended and not streaky. Keep the shades peppy, either rosy or melon.

9. Lips: Biggest challenge will be feathering. To prevent that from happening, use a pencil lip liner all over the lips, in the same color as your lipstick, then fill in with a long-staying lip color. Make sure it is not drying to the lips. Use your choice of color, keeping it on the light, happy side. Dark colors minimize and can be unflattering unless your lips are plump and full. Tip: simply changing your lip color can give you a fashion boost.

Character contributes to beauty and it fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful.

Be beautiful!

Marion Edwards Marion Edwards is a Licensed Esthetician, Professional Makeup Artist and Certified Trainer for Motives Cosmetics. She can be contacted at 828.262.5954.

Accessorizing Your Year We women love accessories.

Whether we’re talking about necklaces, rings, earrings or bracelets, the right “bling bling” can easily transform a plain dress into a showstopper. In fact, when selecting accessories, women should pay close attention to detail. It’s important to learn how to balance an outfit with the right shoes and jewelry pieces. Always remember the golden rule of high fashion — less is more.

“Statement accessories” have penetrated the fashion industry through the years and has set a trend that doesn’t fade away easily. Case in point: the little black dress. Every woman should have a few statement pieces in her collection, wether it be the dress, a standout necklace, a bracelet or a ring.

Braided necklaces, for example, are in high demand right now. They’re available in many different styles and colors and they usually feature additional materials including steel, leather straps and more.

As for those statement pieces for a party, opt for items that are shiny, but classy. It’s vital to invest in quality metals, but if you can’t afford gold or platinum, you can always go for silver or stainless steel.

Your wardrobe can easily transform your outfits. Pairing a basic T-shirt with a glitzy statement necklace can do wonders, and easily transition your outfit from day to night.

When a top or dress has a V-neckline, try throwing on a statement necklace, especially one with a tiered structure that follows the shape of the shirt. It adds more dimensions to the outfit and fills in some of that empty space that may seem bland.

Sound too specific? No worries — most bib necklaces follow the V-neckline.

Coordinating your clothes with a statement necklace is an easy way to take your clothing to the next level. If you have a certain color scheme, try choosing a necklace that matches the color palette.

Who says you can’t wear more than one necklace? Try layering a couple of necklaces together to make an even bigger statement and interchange several to see which ones work best together.

Pair a smaller necklace with a statement piece to give some balance — or layer two chunky necklaces to draw even more attention.

The 70s trend is back. Accessories are now more colorful than ever, and they’re

mostly crafted from unconventional materials. The “new retro” and boho-chic tendencies, in terms of accessories, have persuaded women to be bold and daring.

The necklaces are chunky and streamlined, and the bracelets are mostly worn in sets – the more the merrier.

Add innovation to your “hippie” accessories by complimenting them with cool outfits. A really tight red dress on a super skinny body can appear “cheap;” however, if you opt for flats instead of heels, a super cool summer hat and a multi-colored leather necklace, you’ll instantly make it interesting, “hippie” and classy.

This year, the newest accessories are bold and beautiful. Statement pieces are innovative ways of converting a simple blouse or dress into a striking outfit. Use your imagination, don’t be afraid to combine colors and allow yourself to stand out. The right accessories will make a great impression.

Emily apple Emily Apple is an Appalachian State graduate with a degree in fashion design and merchandising.

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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Photo by Sherrie Norris

Jenny Bryk Staying Strong Through the Storms On Feb. 11, 2014, Jenny Bryk, a busy wife and mother of three, learned that her oldest daughter, Cora, age 4, had leukemia; her chemotherapy treatments started the next day, followed by months of medical visits and consults.

In the meantime, the Bryks learned that another little girl was expected to join the family in June 2015, joyful news, they all agree.

One year after Cora’s diagnosis, on Feb. 22, Jenny and her family were at church on a cold Sunday morning when they were told that the home they were renting was on fire. By the time they were able to return to the site off Deerfield Road, it was fully engulfed. The despair of watching one’s home and belongings go up in smoke, Jenny says, was very painful.

Apparently, in a rush to get out of the house that morning, a bucket of ashes had not been properly disposed of; it was a rarity, for sure, she says, as her husband, Cory, always makes sure to leave everything in perfect order.

Through it all, however, Jenny says, she has learned that her family is a gift and the relationship she has with them is to be treasured. “We never know what another day will bring,” she says. “I didn’t

realize what a privilege it is to raise, teach, train and love my children, until Cora was diagnosed with leukemia, a year ago.

It’s all been a bit overwhelming, Jenny reluctantly admits. “We lost just about everything in the fire. Cora’s most recent chemo treatment was in April, she has another in July, and our newest baby daughter is due in two months.”

Jenny’s strength and endurance have been nothing short of amazing to those who know her, as well as to those watching from a distance.

But, she says, it is only through her faith in God, through Jesus Christ, that she has been able to weather the storms of life.

“It is only through God’s grace that I am able to experience the peace, joy and strength that I have,” she says. “I am blessed beyond measure to be able to (help) raise our three children — Cora, 5, Adah, 4, and Michael, 3, and to stay at home with them full time.”

Looking back Jenny was born and raised Watauga County and graduated from Watauga High School in 2002; she received her

bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2006 from UNC-Wilmington.

Following college, she spent a year in Thailand, where she served at Home of the Open Heart in Chang Rai, a women’s Christian-based respite home and orphanage.

“The women were in their last stages of HIV,” Jenny says; “their children were transitioning into the orphanage. It was not easy living in the villages, just watching people suffer every day.”

But, the experience prepared her for serving as a mother, she says. “It was physically exhausting, but sweet, at the same time. The children and the simplicity of their lifestyles were very appealing to me — as were the joy and the smiles they had every day, despite their circumstances. They were determined, and it showed, as I watched their joy and strength through their suffering.”

That simple life, Jenny says, impacted her deeply and helped her realize that, while worldly desires and comforts are not bad, it’s people and relationships that are most important.

Within a month of returning home, Jenny says, she met Cory, a native of upstate New York, through mutual friends at a wedding in Wilmington.

“He was in the United States Marine Corps and stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville; we had been in the same community, but had never crossed paths,” she says.

They met in May and were married the next year, in June.

In the meantime, Jenny took a job with OASIS, serving as assistant shelter manager for almost two years.

“It further confirmed my calling,” she says, “to work with women and children, especially the afflicted and the abandoned.”

OASIS was a wonderful place to serve “with wonderful clients and staff,” she says.

Upon discharge from the USMC, Cory moved to Boone, a place Jenny describes as “healing,” after his two “intense” deployments to Iraq and Haiti.

“The small community atmosphere and the opportunity to pursue his bachelor’s degree in sustainable development and agriculture at Appalachian State University were very beneficial for him,” she adds.

After they married, the couple started a small-scale garden and soon, a family.

By his fourth year of school, they had three children.

Cory developed a sincere love for gardening, she says. “He had such a passion to eat local and real, clean food and decided it was cheaper to raise our own food, so each year, we continued to build on to our garden.”

By the time he graduated, Jenny says, Cory knew he wanted to go into farming full time.

“He felt that farming was his way to still serve the community in a less invasive way, while at the same time, providing our family — and the community — with the freshest possible food we could raise and grow,” she adds.

Today, with no other family members in the business, Cory is proud to call himself a first-generation farmer, and in his fourth year of farming fulltime, is making a living off the land, raising pigs, chicken, turkeys, ducks and organic produce.

The animals are pasture-raised and fed organic, non GMO grains.

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Up until this year, the couple has always leased property, but hopes to soon own a 39-acre farm in Caldwell County, about 30 minutes from Boone.

It is their goal to continue to provide a locally-based source of meats and produce year round on their own farm, which, with longer growing seasons and heated hoop houses, can provide goods through the winter as part of Community Supported Agriculture, more commonly known as CSA. Furthermore, Jenny says, their vision — “my husband’s heart” — is to give veterans and their families an opportunity to serve and work on the farm.

It is Cory’s desire to use the farm as a place of ministry and healing for veterans and anyone else in the community who might want to learn how to grow their own food or consumption.

Currently, May – November, the family sells goods at the Watauga County Farmers Market and out of their home to local restaurants.

“We are able to provide a wide range of vegetables, pork and chicken, as well as duck eggs, which are a rarity here,” Jenny says.

The homeschool concept is one that is already working well for Jenny and her family, she says, and something she plans to continue.

“Our children are already gaining a lot of knowledge through hands-on participation,” she says. “As soon as they start walking, we have incorporated them into the farm and are educating them on operating a home business.”

Jenny conducts “a very structured preschool and homeschool” environment in the mornings with afternoons left open to help on the farm and play.

Life interrupted On Monday February 11, 2014, Cora was diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, which has “pretty high cure rates,” Jenny says. “There is no research stating the cause and it’s not tied to genetics, family history or environmental exposure at all.”

Cora receives daily oral chemotherapy and is scheduled, every three months, for chemo through a spinal tap and an IV push at Brenner’s Children’s Hospital in Winston Salem.

She is scheduled to finish her treatments in April 2016.

In March, the family was given a much-needed break when Cora’s wish to swim with the dolphins was made possible through the Make-A-Wish foundation and a four-night, five-day trip to the Bahamas.

Jenny describes their stay at the Altantis Resort as “a fun, sweet and refreshing time together.”

“We are so thankful for this opportunity, as a family, and for all the donors around the United States that helped make Cora’s trip possible,” she adds.

The timing was bittersweet, as the trip was scheduled one week after their house fire, on Feb. 22.

“We lost just about everything in our home, except some clothes in the dressers, some pictures in damaged photo albums, kitchen dishes and equipment, and three small pieces of damaged furniture,” Jenny says.

Once again, their family, friends, their church, (Highland Christian Fellowship) and the community, in general, have rallied around them and “helped us to get back on our feet,” Jenny says. “We have our immediate needs and a handful of longer term needs taken care of, and all is well. We have learned again, through our sufferings, that God is in control, He is our true home, resting place and shelter.

The family has been staying in a neighbor’s basement apartment since the fire.

Despite feeling “overwhelmed” by all that is required to salvage, network and communicate with others in the recovery process, Jenny says, she would be remiss not to express their gratitude. “Everything that has been done, small or large, has made a big difference in our lives.

There is no way to thank everyone for all of the kindness that has been shown to us.”

Jenny is quick to say how the family’s (former) landlords, Charles and Diane

Cory and Jenny Bryk, pictured with their children, from left: Adah, Michael and Cora, have learned what really matters in life. Photo by April Green

Ford, “have loved us through this and have offered so much grace and understanding. They were more concerned for our safety than they were for their property. Their reaction has been such a testimony to their faith.”

Jenny’s children have been “so resilient,” through the tragedy, she says.

“They miss their stuffed animals that they slept with every night, but have since then found replacements. The kids have continued to smile, play, laugh and notice the robins outside — even after the loss of their home.”

“We are learning slowly the same truth the Apostle Paul spoke of in Philippians 3:8, and we are learning to give thanks in all circumstances — knowing that through them, God will use them for His glory and our good to draw our hearts closer to Him. God is so good, faithful, and true to His promises.”

Cora received her most recent chemo treatments in early April at Brenner’s outpatient clinic in Winston.

“She did so well and has become very comfortable with all the procedures,

which helps to make the day go smoothly,” said Jenny.

She is scheduled for her next treatment in July, and in the meantime, will return to Winston Salem monthly for a check-up and blood work, take her nightly oral chemo and go to the local pediatrician’s office for blood work.

Cora experienced a few side effects from her treatments, but Jenny says, “All is well. We are thankful, indeed, to have such wonderful medical care and have our friends and family supporting us as they walk with us through this trial.”

Through her daughter’s illness and the house fire, Jenny says, “ I am really grasping that God, the Sovereign Almighty, is truly in the details of this life. He is in the grand and the seemingly insignificant, the merry and the mournful, all working to continually draw us nearer to Him. In his presence there is true peace, rest and hope. For now, I continue to praise God for HIS goodness and faithfulness as we learn to rest in His presence as we face each day.”

All About Women has learned that friends of Jenny’s family have established a fund through which the community can help with Cora’s medical expenses. Checks may be made to Jenny Bryk or Cora Lynn Bryk and mailed or delivered to:

Cora Lynn Bryk Fund Yadkin Valley Bank 2111 Blowing Rock Road Boone, NC 28607.

sherrie norris Editor, All About Women

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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mom’sworld

Lessons Learned

As the beautiful spring sun shows her face, families like my own jump to the outdoors, eager to experience this wonderful environment in which we live.

The bikes come out, as well as baseball gloves and scooters. Our dress becomes, well, shall I say optimistic, since the chill of winter has not completely left our side.

We hope and anticipate that warmer weather is taking over and the snow boots and corduroys can be packed away again.

Just when we think we’re in the clear from ice and snow and cold, we get flurries and the ground is white again.

Living in these mountains should teach us all something about disappointment and patience, but we don’t always get the message.

Recently, my children have had to learn the hard way about how things can seem to be a “done deal” and then take a turn in the opposite direction, leaving heartbreak and frustration behind.

Our most recent experience had to do with our family’s winter preoccupation — wrestling.

As much as it creates anxiety and tension in watching such an intense and personal sport, I have to admit, we get caught up in the excitement and I have yet to dread going to a tournament, even when I know it means long hours on the bleachers or stadium chairs waiting for the next bout (i.e. wrestling match) for one of my kids.

In this recent incident, there had been

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quite an emotional build-up to a national level tournament for my middle son. He had gone last year, wrestled hard, but was unable to pick up a win, despite nail-biting last seconds where he almost won at the end of his matches.

He handled it well and this year looked to return to the tournament, hoping for some redemption. His record had been fantastic all year, and he felt ready.

Expectations by his coach and those around him were that he had an excellent chance at placing.

The day before the tournament, my husband drove him and our other son to weigh in. After some initial difficulty in showing all the required documentation at the check-in, Joe went to weigh in and the official believed he detected a contagious skin condition.

My medical opinion aside — since I had looked at this particular spot previously — my husband did not have in his possession at that time a doctor’s note.

Decision was made, then and there, that he could not weigh-in, nor could he wrestle. There was no flexibility for getting a doctor’s note later that evening or the next morning before he hit the mat.

My husband said my son’s hands went up and he crumpled to the ground in tears. He did not wrestle, although my youngest son did the next day.

To say we were disappointed was an understatement for all involved, but these events led to much reflection on how to not be in this situation in the future.

We all had to take a step back and realize that it was not the end of the world and that other opportunities existed. We also had to look at why it was so heart breaking.

Namely, it was the fact that he did not even have the opportunity to try, even if he had failed or fell short of his or others’ expectations.

Part of the sport is training hard and then at match time putting your entire heart, soul and body into that match against your opponent. Ultimately, if you lose, but you wrestled to your best ability, you got mat time and got better by learning something about yourself and the sport.

Such sentiments are a good perspective to have on life. One’s character is just as much built on successes as it is on failures and how we come to cope with our disappointments.

So, as spring sends a smirky “psyche” into our mountainous world with these last few wintery mixes and snow flurries lasting into April, I hope that I can remember that patience will bring back the sunshine and that a cold spring day gives time for thought, growth and new perspectives.

I’m checking the weather forecast and planning a sundress for tomorrow. heather jordan, CNM, MSN Comments or questions?

828.737.7711, ext. 253 landh@localnet.com

youngatheart

Aging

Gracefully I am all for graceful. Graceful is lovely and classic, effortless and chic.

Graceful is prima ballerinas in pink tulle tutus, long strands of white pearls and the leading ladies of old Hollywood.

I am less enthusiastic about aging.

Well, to be honest, I am not opposed to the maturing part of aging. Maturing is learning and growing, loving and knowing. Maturing is both failing and succeeding; it is remembering the past while embracing the future.

Maturing is a good and necessary thing, but I am less than thrilled about what it, and therefore, aging implies: growing old.

Old is . . .

“What is old?” I wonder aloud.

I picture dentures and Depends, hip replacements and hearing aids. But, also, Maxine cards with their delightfully blunt character. Does getting old mean that, like dear Maxine, I get a free pass to say whatever I am really thinking?

As appealing as the idea of unfiltered commentary may be, I am in no hurry to get to the age when this is acceptable.

And yet, the conundrum is that I do want to reach said age eventually, but can I skip the getting old part?

So, what is old? Is it a number? Does Father Time activate the old switch at a particular birthday? If so, which one?

Because I cannot deny that another birthday is upon me; I turn 38 years old this month.

My first introduction to Father Time was the summer of 2013. During Appalachian State University’s freshmen orientation, I was calmly helping a group of incoming students. After realizing that

these youths were born the year I graduated high school, I stopped cold, staring panic-striken at the wall. There is nothing like the astonishing knowledge that you are technically old enough to be the mother of a college student to bring on a dry mouth, cold sweats and an involuntary shudder.

Two years later, and I have days when I feel old – my body makes an ever-increasing assortment of new and exciting pops, creeks and various other sound effects. I have recently discovered that violent sneezes can result in unexpected, simultaneous release. Not to mention the sudden appearance of fine lines on my neck and a bit of a double chin.

My mother has said for years, “You’re only as old as you act.”

“Yay!” says my sarcastic inner voice, “I’ll act 22!”

While I appreciate the wisdom in this statement, I see the danger in taking it too literally. I have friends of all ages, so I understand that she is suggesting that “old” is a mindset, rather than a number. However, I think the key to aging gracefully means accepting your age with dignity and the aforementioned grace.

I highly doubt that I would be fooling anyone if I began dressing and acting like I did at 22.

That being said, I do sometimes wonder what it would be like to have the chance to go back and do it all over again, like Tom Hanks in “Big.” Assuming that I could make different choices without disrupting the space/ time continuum and/or destroying the universe, would I? I feel confident that my major choices would remain the same.

Those chosen paths and experiences made me who I am today and led to a wonderful husband, great friends and to my All About Women column.

And yet, I would have a few words of advice to share with my younger self:

• Do not get perms. It never ends well.

• If you decide to go blonde, consult a professional. Orange is not a good hair color for you. Neither is black.

• Yes, you love high heels; however, there is room in your life for cute sneakers and flats. Wear what is appropriate to the weather and the situation.

• You will eventually learn to effectively pack a suitcase. It would be great if you could learn that sooner.

• Coffee is delicious, but so is water.

Drink some water. No, it does not count that coffee is made with water. I repeat, drink some water. You will thank me later.

• Try as many cuisines and foods as possible. Also, mom was wrong about eggplant. It is delicious.

• Wear sunscreen.

Yes, every day. Yes,

even if it is cloudy.

Nothing earth-shattering here, I know.

But, if I had known then what I know now, I might have already mastered this aging gracefully thing. heather brandon Considers life to be one big anthropological field experience. She observes and reports.

She enjoys travel, food and wine and adventures with her husband, Roger.

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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The women behind the scenes at Lees McRae’s Summer Theatre, left to right: Mindi Bishop, Janet Speer, Danielle Curtis, Pam Joslin and Erin Wallace. Photo by Hollie Greene

Summer Theatre

The women behind the curtain It is not by chance that audiences of Lees McRae Summer Theatre have enjoyed 30 years of quality performances.

Likewise, it is not by chance that, year after year, both locals and tourists anticipate the summer’s selection and line up at the door to share in the production of another series of shows.

The passion, dedication and aptitude that supersedes each proffering of creativity begins a year in advance and requires a multi-talented and cohesive work force.

Spear-headed by Janet Speer, the pro30

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gram’s founder and artistic director, it is a team of five women who work tirelessly from varying angles to produce the level of artistic acumen and nuance for which Lees McRae Summer Theatre is known.

With pride, Janet says the theatre has always been run primarily by women, and that LMC, in general, has a strong history of women in leadership.

Having an integral part of the choice in shows, choreography and music, Janet’s 30-year-history of work in the theatre “keeps me creatively alive,” she says.

She begins each season with a deeply

personal and reflective question: “What can I bring to this series of performances?

What can I offer that will continue to enhance and benefit this pocket of creativity?”

Known in circles large and small, LMC’s Summer Theatre is considered “theater savvy” and continues to entertain many of the same patrons, year after year.

Saying that she loves being creative in Banner Elk, Janet’s enthusiasm for both the place and her life’s work is evidenced in the theatre’s on-going success — and in the positive, efficient work environment

Working alongside Erin are Marion and Roy Krege, who help with publicity and also serve as greeters and seating hosts.

Costume shop supervisor, Mindi Bishop, has worked for the theatre for eight years. The creativity of her work, including transforming a sheet of fabric into something gorgeous on the set, continues to be her passion.

The varying ways costumes establish characters and evoke the essence of their personalities challenge and gratify both Mindi’s organizational and creative skills.

She loves to watch colors at work — and to capture the limitless possibilities embedded in their hues.

This creative powerhouse began work on the 2015 season in July, 2014 and will present “Oliver!”, “Lend Me a Tenor” and “The Denim King” in Hayes Auditorium in the Broyhill Theatre, beginning in late June.

Since its opening in 1985, Janet explains, “Summer theatre has been a huge success as a result of patrons, grants, sponsorships and support of local businesses. It’s future looks as auspicious as does its history.

From lighting to publicity to costumes, the women who bring vibrance to each season of Lees McRae’s Summer Theatre explain that because their troupe is small, they have to do it all. By all appearances, they do it all very well.

On-line ticket sales for these performances begin on April 20.

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she maintains.

Pam Joslin, operations manager, has enjoyed working with the theatre for 11 years. Her job includes anything from “ticket stock to 2x4s,” she says, and is something that never gets boring.

In charge of all print materials and ads, as well as budget management, box office, ticket sales, royalties and credit requirements, Pam’s favorite part of the season is opening day of the third show, she adds, at which time, the theatre gets to celebrate the success of another season and she can take a deep sigh of relief.

Danielle Curtis, head scenic artist, has been a part of the theatre for 10 years. She also serves as the internship coordinator, working closely with a variety of students in both management and technical fields.

She embodies and promotes the maxim that “just because you’re a girl doesn’t mean you can’t get dirty.”

She hopes to present her work on sets, creating worlds from blank canvases, as a way to “empower girls to get dirty and learn a skill,” she says.

Recognizing that “light bulb moment” the students experience only fuels her passion for scenic design, she adds.

In charge of the actors, hiring technicians, housing, contracts, paychecks, front of the house — and as an expert in handling the “problem de jour,” Erin Wallace is the managing director of the theatre.

Working in this capacity for nine years, Erin says she enjoys a challenge.

Much like Danielle, Erin finds great pleasure in working with student interns and passing on techniques and skills to the future of theatrical production. She works with about 100 employees each season and thrives in such an interactive environment.

HOURS Mon - Sat 10a-9p | Sun 12:30p-5:30p LOCATION 1180 Blowing Rock Rd | Boone, NC PHONE (828) 264-7286

Gift Certificates are available for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduation, Birthdays and other occasions.

Great gift idea for

Mother’s Day!

Hollie Greene Hollie Greene is an English teacher who loves stories, words and the mountains of North Carolina.

More about the 2015 season of Lees McRae’s Summer Theatre “Oliver!” a must see for children and adults, is a musical based on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Lees McRae’s performance of this classic will include several area children.

“Lend Me a Tenor” is a comedy that will keep audiences of all ages laughing, as the main character experiences a series of amusing mishaps.

“The Denim King,” written by Janet Speer, is a musical based on the Moses Cone story. First produced at the Blowing Rock Stage Company, Lees McRae is proud to partner with Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and Well Spring Retirement Community to produce this show.

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Charla Rae Armitage (336) 877-4988 c: (336) 977-2178 spinn@skybest.com spinn@skybest.co Located in Frency’s Gallery of Fine Art Downtown West Jefferson Corner of 2nd St. & Jefferson Ave. AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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Margaret Watson A Heart Devoted to Others

Margaret Watson’s volunteer efforts over the years have touched numerous lives throughout her community.

The name Margaret Watson may be familiar to residents of Ashe County. With her dedication to the Ashe Memorial Hospital for 27 years, Margaret contributed to the welfare of this community in ways others may never know.

But although much can be said about her work with the hospital, her volunteer efforts and heart for people expand even farther than her time with the hospital.

Before moving to North Carolina, Margaret was involved with an organization called the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Hampton, Va. Muscular Dystrophy is a hereditary condition marked by progressive weakening and wasting of muscles.

As secretary of the organization in the 1970s, Margaret often had the opportunity to help people, mostly children, diagnosed with MD. “I really enjoyed the work” Margaret says. “You came in close contact with patients.”

One of Margaret’s jobs with MDA was to help coordinate summer camps that children with MD would attend. It was her responsibility to make sure each child attending had a volunteer with them at all times.

“There could not be a group of five kids and one volunteer,” Margaret says.

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“Each child had to have someone accompany them the whole time.”

Margaret also coordinated a special party for the children during the Christmas season and gathered donations and gifts from local merchants in order to have a gift for each and every child.

Although Margaret enjoyed this part of her volunteer work, looking back over her entire experience, the memory which stands out as her favorite is “working the telephone.”

Her experience as a telephone operator at the Warwick Hotel in Newport News, and the Chamberlain Hotel in Hampton, assisted her tremendously — especially when it came to MDA’s telethons.

“I coordinated the whole thing,” Margaret says.

Her job was to make sure 15 phones were managed during the duration of the telethon and when a phone was empty, Margaret stepped in and answered calls.

“We had to have someone around the clock for two days,” she says.

Margaret enjoyed her time with the MDA, but her volunteer efforts did not end there.

In 1985, Margaret and her husband, Charles moved to Ashe County, his hometown. However six months later, Charles was diagnosed with lung cancer and died shortly thereafter.

Left with no family and in a strange

place, Margaret began “searching for something to do.”

It was during this time that she began volunteering at the hospital, as well as with the Ashe Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, soon becoming a key member of the organization.

“She coordinated all the auxiliary fundraisers,” says Connie, Margaret’s daughter-in-law.

Among the fundraisers which Margaret helped coordinate were uniform, book, and jewelry sales.

She was also in charge of the promotional aspects, taking fliers to area businesses and offices within the county, as well as recording messages for the radio.

Another special opportunity Margaret was involved in with the auxiliary is called the Love Light.

She explains that during Christmas time, people donate $5 in “honor or in memory” of someone special whose name is then placed on a board which is displayed year round.

Margaret’s hard work and eagerness to help over the years resulted in her being asked to become president of the hospital’s auxiliary in 2000.

Part of her responsibilities was to present a check, consisting of the annual proceeds collected, to Ashe Memorial Hospitals’ Foundation president.

“This money was used to buy equip-

to see that much time has church, she attributes her growth in the been dedicated to helping Lord to her son, Allen. those in and around her “A lot of the way I study now is due to community. him,” she says, “He had so much faith and Although her volunteer I had to have it, as well.” efforts may have slowed Margaret says his faith made her down, Margaret surely hasn’t. desire to know the Lord stronger and it As she approaches her is this faith that has helped her over the 90th birthday, she continyears. ues to stay busy and enjoys “I never get lonely because I just talk many activities and hobbies, to God,” she says. “Prayer is a comforting among which is her yard feeling.” work.

Her memories and good times she had “In the summer time, I while volunteering are still very much a part of Margaret’s life and bring a smile to Margaret enjoys spending time with her daughter-in-law, Connie and her am outside all day,” she says.

“She is out there from the her face when she mentions them. granddaughter, Amanda. Photos submitted. time the snow gets off the While it was good for her, Margaret ment, remodel, or anything else that ground until it comes again,” Connie adds. may never know the impact that her genneeded to be done,” Margaret says. “Each Margaret’s yard chores include planterosity of time and talent has had on the year the hospital had something specific ing and growing beautiful flowers, mowpeople in her community. they would do with the money.” ing her lawn with a push mower, weeding Touching lives and bringing hope In the 27 years that Margaret volunand, of course, using her chainsaw to cut and healing to countless members of her teered at the hospital (14 of which she also down small trees blocking her view. community are among those things she served as president of the auxiliary), it is Margaret also enjoys traveling, readdoes best. estimated that she donated approximately ing and spending time with her family.

5,000 hours to her volunteer efforts.

And, she always takes time to talk with Noelle Miller In 2014, Margaret decided it was time God. A freelance writer who enjoys writing to move on, and although it was difficult, “When I don’t have my devotion time, human interest, persuasive and creative/ she says it worked out for the best.

I feel lost,” she says. descriptive works. She is also a public speaker, communications assistant, and “God had a reason for me to leave,” she Although Margaret grew up in the active member of Generation Excellent. says.

She now has time to be part of a Bible study called “Looms” which meets at the Ashe Baptist Associational Office every Thursday.

“It was God’s blessing which allowed me to go,” she says, describing the study.

Although her volunteer work with the hospital has ended, Margaret has not stopped touching lives around her, specifiThe high-end sewing and cally through crocheting prayer shawls. quilting machine.

“I do it in memory of my son, Allen,” she says, recalling that when Allen, her elEnjoy sewing, quilting and dest son, was sick with cancer, he received a prayer shawl from Shelly Campbell, one endless possibilities. of his Sunday school students at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Boone, and used it often.

“She was touched by the fact that someone made that for him,” says Connie, Allen’s widow.

Comfortable sewing and After Allen’s passing in 2008, Margaret embellishing of the finest fabrics. decided to use the experience she gained through her former business, “Margaret’s The ideal sewing embroidery Custom Crochet,” to make prayer shawls for people going through difficult times. machine for fashion designers.

As of today, she has given away 18 m adee too create prayer shawls and mailed four. She hopes these shawls will bring people the same comfort that Allen found in his.

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AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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highcountrycourtesies

Teaching Good Manners to 4-and 5-year olds The Call to Good Manners Challenge Part two “Good manners are a lot like chocolate chip cookies: you can live without them, but they sure make life better.”

(Unknown)

Does the simple gesture of having a door held for you by an observant stranger brighten your day? Do the words “Yes, ma’am, you are welcome,” bring a smile to your face? Do you not greatly appreciate others coughing or sneezing into the crook of their elbows with their faces turned away from yours, rather than just letting their germs fly?

Simple gestures of courtesy do,

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indeed, brighten life. In last month’s column I issued a challenge for readers to intentionally model and teach social skills within their spheres of influence. By consistently being the change we wish to see in the world, we can, indeed, make a positive difference in daily interactions and relationships, brightening daily encounters for all around us. Although good manners don’t just happen, good social skills can be “taught and caught.”

Pre-K Precepts: Four and 5-year-olds

are gradually absorbing the world around them and deciphering their roles and relationships to others. By introducing the concept that good manners are “social rules” we follow to be kind and show respect to others, we can then point out when others are considerate, or inconsiderate, to the child. Instruction is best absorbed by this age group in small doses. With consistent gentle reminders – not nagging – pre-K children can make steady progress in reaching goals

of incorporating social skills.

Developmentally, 4- and 5-year-olds generally enjoy being recognized for their good manners and actions, but in pressure situations they cannot be expected to always perform new skills perfectly.

Consider preparing children for new experiences by explaining who they may see and what they will be doing, along with role-playing with them.

Building upon the toddler skills introduced last month, following are suggestions for modeling, instructing and reinforcing several categories of ageappropriate manners to 4 and 5-year old preschoolers.

Greetings: Four and 5-year-olds can master introducing themselves to an adult or new friend (“Hello, my name is Emma”) and making a polite comment (“It is nice to meet you”).

To encourage shy youngsters to look adults in the eyes when they are talking, ask children to find out what color eyes the adult has, then tell you later.

Set the stage for future formal handshakes by modeling and asking children to stand and smile when meeting others.

Empathetic interaction: Making sincere apologies for hurting someone requires a defined sense of empathy. Use life experiences to reflect true apologies.

To succeed in pre-school, kindergarten and life beyond, patience must be mastered: Wait your turn to play with the special toy; raise your hand and wait to speak; wait, rather than interrupt, when mom is on the phone. Beyond the basic modeling, asking and instructing children and praising them for successes, playing games like “Duck, Duck, Goose” and “Red Light, Green Light” can reinforce selfregulation.

Our naturally impatient 4- and 5-yearolds should also be learning to ask before taking something that does not belong to them, to share and to take turns. Roleplaying games of holding a favored toy or possession then passing it around the group and returning it to the owner can teach that sharing is safe. This is a perfect developmental phase for children to begin to respect the privacy of others by learning to knock on closed doors before entering.

Learning when they can interrupt and when they cannot interrupt is a challenge for patience-challenged preschoolers. One

physical tool is showing children they can gently place a hand on your arm when they desire your attention. Then, you can signal your recognition of their request to speak to you by covering their hand with yours, letting them know you will address them as soon as you can. The phrase, “excuse me,” gently spoken can be taught for critical situations requiring immediate response. Respond with appreciation and positive attention when children use these tools.

Common Courtesies: Using “please,” whenever asking for something, and “thank you,” whenever receiving something in the home, makes the use of these simple courtesies a habit that will be long appreciated.

Challenge 4- and 5-year-olds to watch for ways they can help others. Holding doors for people who come behind them, or who have full hands, is a good beginner skill for this age group.

Learning to cover one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing is a forever life courtesy that will benefit family, friend and foe. Demonstrate how coughing or sneezing into the crook of one’s elbow with your face toward the ground “shoots” those rotten germs to the ground where they cannot spread.

Table Manners: Set expectations and gradually extend time 4 and 5-year-olds are asked to sit at the family table.

Taking small bites, chewing with their mouths closed, sitting up straight at the table and asking to be excused from the table, are appropriate preschooler table manners goals.

Practice properly using basic silverware at tea parties in preparation for family or formal meals.

Expressing gratitude: Verbally expressing thankfulness is never out of style. Preschoolers can add the niceties of saying, “You are welcome,” when they are thanked.

Responding with thank you notes is a perfect skill for 4 and 5-year olds.

Although their skills will range from the abilities to draw a picture for use as a thank you note to dictating a thank you note scribed by an adult, to possibly filling in the blanks of a form note, children can participate with assistance.

MAP the Way — Model, Ask and Praise: The best way to teach good manners is to respectfully, consistently model good manners and kindness as a lifestyle.

When asking children to step up their behavior, be prepared with reasons why this request is beneficial — in their terms.

Set goals for them with rewards for using these new skills and praise, praise, praise their successes. Sticker charts or reward jars (with appropriate treats or prizes) may prove motivational.

Enthusiastically appreciate their attempts and gently remind them when they do not succeed. Offer opportunities for them to demonstrate their good manners as they master new sets of social skills.

As children gradually master and integrate good manners into their lives, they will become more confident in interacting with others and better equipped for all their life journeys encompass; that is the best reward.

Sharon Carlton Sharon Carlton ©2014 Sharon Carlton writes and speaks on modern etiquette and life skill topics. She conducts High Country Courtesies Dining Etiquette and Customer Service Workshops. Contact her at sharoncarlton@charter.net

Thank You Mom! AVERY At Boone Rent- All & Parties Too and Avery Rent- All we take this opportunity to honor the mothers of Boone Rent-All & Parties Too and Avery Rent-All. They are Kim Aldridge, Shelly Campbell, Tammy Clark, Sheila Greene, Missy Harmon, Treva Jones, Debbie Matheson, Tonya McKinney, Maria Norris, Hope Presnell, Hollie Stanbery, Leslie Sullivan, Holly Townsend, Linda Willis and Chasity Wilson.

Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her.

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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MBURMESE outhwatering FOOD; A LASTING MEMORY Part III of Burma experience My desire to learn more about the remote and, until recently, inaccessible country of Burma and her indomitable, peace-loving native daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi, led me to book a trip with Grand Circle Travel on a tiny teakwood boat, the R.V. Paukan, on the Irawaddy River.

One fascinating aspect of the trip was becoming acquainted with Burmese food, which is influenced by the cuisine of its neighbors Thailand, India and China, but with its own unique and piquant personality.

During a three-day stopover in Thailand, before arriving in Burma, we had a fairyland experience, an after-dark dinner on a 100-yearold wooden rice barge on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.

Each table on deck was decorated lavishly with fresh orchids. The proud owner-chef, whose ancestors had owned and managed the boat, brought me vegetarian delicacies: a very spicy dish of tofu and vegetables and some cute short spring rolls. Our table shared a beautiful fruit plate creation as we floated past lighted pagodas, temples and palaces.

After arriving in Yangon, Burma, one afternoon we took an overloaded ferry to a very poor island suburb, where we climbed into bicycle sidecars for a ride around town.

Residents lived crowded in small shacks with no running water or toilets. Monsoon season found the whole area under water. Because of flooding and poor soil, the land is not good for gardens. This was the worst poverty I had seen since my years in Haiti.

After our return ferry ride, packed with sad-eyed people, we went to Emerald, a lovely restaurant, for dinner. It was hard to think of the people we had just seen who had barely enough to eat. Potato curry, green tomato and peanut salad with shallots, sautéed watercress

Mohinga, the Burmese breakfast soup.

Min Mim making Burmese fish curry in Yandabo village. Photos submitted.

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MOHINGA: Burmese Breakfast Soup Cook and stir for 5 minutes: 1 Tbs. vegetable oil 2 chile peppers, finely chopped 1 tsp. turmeric 2 lemongrass stalks, whites only 1 onion, sliced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 bunch coriander 2 Tbs. ngapi (shrimp paste) Add to combine: 1 Tbs. tamarind pulp ¼ cup chickpea flour Add and simmer 5 minutes: ½ cup crushed chickpeas 3 cups vegetable stock 2 cups vermicelli rice noodles, soaked for 5 minutes 1½ cup chopped whitefish (or sauteed tofu) 2 tomatoes, chopped Salt and pepper to taste and mohinga soup with chickpeas and vegetables were the delicious Burmese delicacies we enjoyed.

Life aboard the M.V. Paukan was a gourmet’s paradise. An appetizer bar in the corner of the dining room produced a new taste treat each day: tempura vegetables, vegetable wontons, individuallyconcocted noodle soups and enchanting little “couple cakes,” silver-dollar-sized circles made from chickpea flour and sprinkled with various spicy sauces.

Savory salads were plentiful: cabbage/ green mango, glass noodle, watercress fried with mushroom, and pennywoot, a green salad with peanuts.

Mohinga, Burma’s traditional breakfast soup (see above), served at every small sidewalk café, was always available. Since it had fish sauce, Thant, the head of the dining room, surprised me with a special vegetarian mohinga one morning.

One fine day our boat landed on the shore of Yandabo village, the premier spot in all of Burma for the crafting of huge clay pots used throughout the country to hold cold drinking water.

We strolled from dwelling to dwelling.

Each was the location for a different step in the process. At our first stop, clay was dragged up from the riverbank and barefoot men worked it with their feet. Near the last stop, women did the final smooth-

At a Burmese home-hosted meal. Ney, host, is seated right; Sue Spirit is standing, second from right.

ing of the pots, making them ready for firing.

Our stroll ended at a campfire. Min Min, our leader, squatted beside a clay grate, also made in the village, that held a cooking pot. Step by step, he showed us how to make Burmese fish curry. Since I am vegetarian, I did not get to sample the curry, but I imagined making it with tofu instead of river fish. Thant, seeing my predicament, ran off to a nearby open-air tea shop and came back with tasty samosas for the whole group.

One evening, for our home-hosted meal, our group was divided into four cadres of five persons each. We boarded a tuk-tuk, an open-air truck with parallel seating boards, and were driven off to the family home of Ney, a young electronics shop owner, his mother, two older sisters and a brother. I had been chosen for Ney’s home because he is a vegetarian.

We had a wonderful time chatting with the whole family over soft drinks, peanuts and chips. Dinner consisted of fava beans,

pumpkin, rice, chicken and tomato sauce.

The most intriguing offering was mashed gooseberries topped with crushed coriander, kind of a sour taste.

We were all sad when it was time to go. We presented the family with jars of Smucker’s sauces, and they gave us each a bag of Burmese peanut brittle.

As I ponder all the wonders of Burma: a horse-drawn carriage ride among the 2,000 brick pagodas of ancient Bagan, the magnificent gold-encrusted Shwegadon Pagoda, young child monks and nuns going out with their begging bowls to collect rice — the memories that come back most readily are those of the best food I have ever eaten, the mouthwatering meals with friendly Thai and Burmese people.

sue spirit Writes poetry and essays about nature, spirituality, writing, and travel. She has a little cabin in the mountains. degreesoffreedom@frontier.com

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37

Gayle Norman considers herself truly blessed to have her son, Neil, husband, Don, and daughter Jessica, as part of her life.

Gayle Norman From broken dreams to something beautiful Photos submitted

Looking around Gayle Norman’s house, it is evident how much she treasures her children. A refrigerator full of snapshot memories, a bedroom wall displaying portraits taken over the years and Gayle’s beaming face portrays only a small portion of her joy.

While many parents enjoy talking about their children, Gayle takes special joy in talking about Neil and Jessica. For her, they are a reminder of God’s blessings and how He turned her sorrow into joy.

During her early life, Gayle had one dream.

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“All I wanted was to be a wife and mother,” Gayle says, “I always had a dream of them bringing me the baby after it had been born.”

But sadly, after eight years of marriage, Gayle’s dreams of having a family were shattered as health complications resulted in a hysterectomy.

During the months following, Gayle says she became rather bitter and endured bouts of depression, knowing she could never have children.

“I will say though, this is when I became closer to the Lord,” Gayle adds. “I took my troubles to Him.”

It was also during this time that Gayle began wrestling with the idea of adoption, however, fears concerning the process often pushed the thought away.

She recalls thinking of the pain she would have felt if, one day, the real parent came to her front door and wanted to take her child away.

Although Gayle’s husband, Don, was dearly devoted to Gayle and never made her feel bad for their situation, she says, he left the decision to adopt entirely in Gayle’s hands.

“I was, in a sense, going through a grieving process,” she says.

Don was understanding and wanted Gayle to make the decision to adopt — if and when she was ready.

In the 18 months following her surgery, Gayle continued to grieve, contemplate and grow closer to the Lord. Then one Saturday morning in 1976, the name Jessica came unexpectedly to Gayle’s mind.

“I thought, when I have a girl, I’ll name her . . . then I stopped and told myself, ‘Gayle, when are going to finally accept that you can never have a child?’”

Then, Gayle says, it was in this moment that God spoke to her.

“I heard him say, ‘You can’t create a life, but you can help a life.’”

Immediately, Gayle announced to Don that she was starting the adoption process the following Monday.

“Go for it, Sport,” was his response, she recalls with a laugh.

Thus began the process which Gayle said was marked with anxious moments.

She recalls one of these moments when Don was asked to relocate to Deep Gap and how worried she was that the adoption service would make them start over again, once they settled into their new home.

But, that was not the case.

In 1977, seven months after starting the process, Don and Gayle were approved for an adoption. But the journey to holding their first child had only begun.

“Sharon, our caseworker, told me that just because we were approved didn’t mean we would ever be picked,” she recalls.

Apparently, the adoption association had numerous couples already on the list; they did not simply put children into a family, but rather attempted to fit each child into a family based upon similar familial backgrounds.

Gayle was not worried, but rather began preparing for her baby’s arrival by buying bottles and other supplies.

“That was my act of faith,” she says.

Gayle and Don continued to wait patiently and on Dec 15, 1978, she received the call they had been anxiously awaiting.

She was at work when she got the call, telling her that a 5-month-old baby boy was ready for placement.

“I was so excited,” she says. “I was beside myself and couldn’t stop smiling.”

The Normans were supposed to meet

The smiles upon the faces of these two youngsters, Neil and Jessica, even years ago, portray the joy and love they have always had for their parents, Don and Gayle.

the baby on December 23; however, due to additional medical testing which the baby required, their first meeting was postponed until December 27.

Gayle still remembers that day vividly.

“They brought him out and placed him in my arms,” she says. “I remember I was wearing a leather jacket and as soon as they handed him to me, he spit up on my jacket. When I tell that story today, my son says, ‘Mama, I just wanted to make sure you wanted me!’”

Gayle could never express how much she wanted that little boy. It took all of her power to leave him overnight as part of the precautionary procedure.

“Couples had been known to change their minds after meeting the child,” she says.

Nevertheless, on December 28, 1978 the Normans welcomed Nathaniel Don Norman, who became known as Neil, into their home.

The excitement Gayle expresses while talking about this time truly shows the love she has for Neil. After waiting so many years for a child, God had finally provided.

However, that was just the beginning.

As Neil neared his second birthday, the Normans contemplated another adoption.

“We didn’t want Neil to be an only child,” Gayle says.

It was during this time that Gayle began praying again for “Jessica,” the name

God had given her several years earlier.

The second adoption process was not as complicated as the first, but it, too, was marked with anxiousness and waiting.

This time, the call came about a little girl who was a “risk case.” Anna, the caseworker told them that the foster parents wanted the child, but there were complications. Although Gayle wanted the little girl, she relied on her husband’s wise decision to wait until another one came along.

She explains that Don did not want to bring a little girl into Neil’s life only to have her taken away if the foster parents ended up adopting.

Although this was hard, God rewarded their decision and a few months later a little 5-week-old girl was brought to the couple’s attention.

“Anna told us that this little girl had been picked for us ever since she was born!” Gayle says.

So, in October of 1981, Jessica became the newest member of the Norman family.

Gayle’s deep love for Jessica could not be any stronger than if she had been her biological daughter, she says. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect.”

Today, Neil, who is 37, is pursuing an advanced degree in English at the University of Tennessee and has two beautiful children of his own. Jessica, who is 33, works as a 911 dispatcher and is preparing for her wedding in June.

Gayle couldn’t be more proud.

“I am complete,” she says with a smile.

“I have total peace. If I could go back and have biological children, but not have Neil and Jessica, I wouldn’t do it.”

Throughout her life, Gayle’s children have shown her the beauty and wonder of God’s grace, she says. Every time her kids hug her, call upon her for comfort, or simply talk to her as friend, Gayle is reminded of one important lesson that will stay with her forever: “God can take your broken dreams and turn them into something beautiful — if you let Him.”

Noelle Miller A freelance writer who enjoys writing human interest, persuasive and creative/ descriptive works. She is also a public speaker, communications assistant, and active member of Generation Excellent.

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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marriageandFamilyCorner

A labor

l ve of

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C

hildbirth has

been used often as a metaphor for transformative experiences — it is often said that labor pains are forgotten after a baby is brought into the world. Being one of the lucky women whose labors resulted in new lives, I can attest that I remember the pain clearly and that “labor” is an appropriate word for it.

Even so, I recall the first sights of my perfect daughters far more vividly and far more often than I remember the pain and fear. Giving birth changed me. I gained a new understanding of the difference between pain and suffering, as well as of my ability to deal with it and grow from it.

During the birth of my second child, my fear escalated as the intense contractions continued. A gruff nurse told me to calm down to handle the pain. I don’t remember her exact words now, but, her message was very clear and I followed the orders she barked.

To my amazement, when I purposefully calmed, my pain became tolerable. I was grateful to that nurse, because relaxing with the pain worked so much better than the “white knuckle” approach I had been trying.

It would be nice to say that I have never had to relearn that lesson, but it would be far from true. Instead, it is a lesson with many levels — and one I have learned many times.

Every woman’s experience of childbirth and the way it changes her is unique.

Likewise, every person experiences pain, navigates it and is changed by it in different ways.

Sometimes pain is so great that it seems intolerable and becomes suffering.

Other times, it doesn’t.

The content and timing of the “lessons” in this navigation of pain are also personal. However, there does seem to be some universality to the idea that when pain is avoided, through denial or resistance, it heightens suffering.

Alternatively, when it is dealt with more readily and in a more accepting manner, often, the suffering can be lessened.

Many religions include some form of this thinking. They also inform practices that can help in dealing with pain.

Regardless of personal belief, an

When suffering, making changes in our thoughts and choices can be the gateway to compassion. Compassion can lead to a different meaning and may stop, or decrease, suffering, even when pain continues.

- Mary Mckinney

understanding of the commonalities between many major religions can be useful.

For example, Christians are urged to turn worries and fears into prayers and praise. Buddhists are asked to understand and deal with suffering, including that notion that compassion (for others and for self) brings awakening.

Many leaders in mental health and other fields have written also about this concept. One of my favorite quotes is from Haruki Murakami, in “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running:” He wrote, “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” With this mindset, the definition of suffering includes the pain about feeling pain and the sense that it cannot be managed.

Viktor Frankl, a neurologist and psychiatrist, was the founder of logotherapy, which is a form of existential analysis. He asserted that our primary motivation in life is to have meaning.

In “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Frankl described his experiences during the Holocaust, including the deaths of his wife and parents. In this book, he wrote, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

Through such a change, he included, it is possible that in some ways, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it

finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.

The Buddhist idea that suffering is a “gateway” to compassion, for oneself and for others, highlights the thread that runs through these ideas.

When suffering, making changes in our thoughts and choices can be the gateway to compassion. Compassion can lead to a different meaning and may stop, or decrease, suffering, even when pain continues.

Compassionate response to suffering is transformative. So, comparing childbirth to other transformations, through suffering, holds true. In that way, we have all “given birth” to a heightened sense of meaning for our lives, including meaning for the pain.

Happy Mother’s Day to all who have labored to bring transformation into our own lives — and into the lives of other people. May we all celebrate new life and compassion.

For more information on available services or to discuss information in this column, contact:

MARY MCKINNEY, MA, LMFT McKinney Marriage and Family Therapy 828.268.0155 For urgent matters and first-time callers: 828.773.5463 www.mckinneymft.com mary@mckinneymft.com

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

41

Danielle Bussone: 'Time for Change: Whole Foods for Whole Health!'

A combination of personal testimony, thorough research, and careful instruction, Danielle Bussone’s new book surpasses the “lastest craze” mentality prevalent in most discussions of diet. Her passion for a vegan, or plantbased lifestyle, encourages readers to recognize the direct correlation between what we put into our bodies and how our bodies respond and function.

Introducing these concepts with her own story, Danielle describes the extreme health issues she has faced during the past decade.

Due to a series of complicated surgeries, mishaps in diagnosis and frequent miscommunication in regard to her medicinal and essential needs, Danielle suffered constant digestive trauma, headaches and a future prognosis that involved a growing number of medicines and their serious side effects.

In an All About Women interview, Danielle explains that, prior to her medical issues, she “felt healthy,” even though she was overweight, and she “didn’t connect her health” with the food she ate.

Always adventurous in the kitchen, she was willing to try new recipes and was very receptive to changes in diet that she hoped would impact her overall health, although mostly, she enjoyed a diet of rich foods.

However, her deteriorating health and the bleak outlook for her future prompted Danielle to begin a vegan lifestyle.

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Within 24 hours, her headaches were gone and many of her other symptoms begin to dissipate.

As a result, Danielle’s health and energy levels have only continued to improve. Her book is a testament to this. She explains, “This book isn’t about weight loss. It’s about feeling well, being energetic and enjoying your life in this body with which you’ve been entrusted. We are what we eat. If you eat foods that are fresh and alive, you feel fresh and alive.”

Undergirding this concept with a description of various types of vegetarianism, as well as a discussion of Americans’ current misconception of the amount and type of protein required for overall health, Danielle carefully explains the process involved in choosing a plant-based lifestyle.

She delicately tackles the history of the Standard American Diet and its adverse affects on both physical and mental health as she describes the positive affects of a nutrient-rich approach to food.

Experiencing such positive personal changes — paired with the number of times Danielle has been approached to share both her story and her vegan recipes — fueled her desire to write about her discoveries.

“People have no idea where to start,” she says. “They don’t realize how delicious vegetarian food can be. It isn’t all about tofu and wheatgrass. I haven’t missed animal products at all. I’ve been introduced to a new world of fresh, clean

Kaye’s Kitchen Café & Catering

About flavors. I love teasing out wonderful combinations of flavors from a handful of raw ingredients and a few spices.”

She further maintains, “Discovering wellness through healthy eating has made the difference for me in whether I live my life in pain and discomfort or with energy and vitality. I am determined to give my body the nutritional support it needs to keep me functioning at the highest level possible.”

Danielle’s book includes a list and description of kitchen equipment needed to create certain foods, as well as a glossary of foods and spices that readers may not recognize.

She also shares a variety of recipes to promote her belief that “all the side effects of a plant-based diet are positive.”

the

Author

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Danielle suggests that food should be approached with two questions: 1) Is this good for me?

2) Does this sound good? Will it satisfy both my nutritional needs as well as my need for pleasure?”

Readers of Danielle Bussone’s “Time for Change” will find themselves checking labels, reconsidering their menus, and embracing the paradigm shift inherent in this book: If we want to live well and feel well, we have to eat well. We have to give our bodies the right fuel. We have to think of food as fuel.

Hollie Greene Hollie Greene is an English teacher who loves stories, words and the mountains of North Carolina.

Danielle Bussone is a writer, a certified wellness coach and an adventurous cook. She has completed Cornell University’s certification program in plant-based nutrition.

She and her husband, Rich, cofounded “Veggin’ Out and About!,” a food and travel blog for plantbased diners.

Danielle travels to a series of vegetarian festivals to promote the choice of a plant-based lifestyle and to give cooking demonstrations.

She is currently creating cookbooks that focus on varying ethnicities, including Indian, Asian and Ethopian food. She has recently, after two years of practice, perfected the Ethopian “pancake.”

Danielle and Rich divide their time between Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee.

For more information about this author, visit her website at www.vegginoutandabout.com.

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43

Local women named 2015

Great Friends to Families On Saturday, March 21,

Representing those who help families through their careers, Delores Wilder, far right, is named The Children’s Playhouse Great Friend to Families in the Helping Hands category.

She shares a special moment with friends, Lisa Townsend and Jana Duke.

Longtime Girl Scout leader Katherine Hicks receives her award as Great Friend to Families in the Helping Hearts category. She is pictured with two of her Girl Scouts, Tilli Maxwell and Hailey Marshall.

Willow Dillon, at right, celebrates being named the first youngster to win the Young Hearts/Great Friend to Families Award, presented by The Children’s Playhouse of Boone. She is congratulated by Virginia Falck, who serves on the board of directors for the playhouse. Photos submitted.

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18 local individuals, the majority of which were women, were honored at a luncheon for the impact they have on children and families in the High Country.

Of those 18, three (women) were singled out as winners in their categories of service.

It’s part of the annual recognition known as “Great Friends to Families,” sponsored by The Children’s Playhouse in Boone and presented at a luncheon.

Now in its seventh year, the recognition pays tribute to “hometown heroes,” those individuals who go above and beyond to make life better for others, especially families with children, says Playhouse director, Kathy Parham.

Local educator Delores Wilder was named winner in the Helping Hands division, those who help families through their careers.

Others recognized in that category included: Colleen Bare, Stephanie Bunch, Sonya Hamby, Allison Jennings, Christelle Marsh, Angela McMann, Hollie Storie Wilcox, Jennifer Warren and Jessica Winebarger.

Katherine Hicks, longtime Girl Scout troop leader, received top honors in the Helping Hearts division — those who help through philanthropy or volunteerism.

Other nominees included: William “Butch” Butler and Pat Morgan.

Willow Dillon was the first to capture the title in this year’s new division, Young Hearts, those youngsters up to age 17 who have already made significant efforts outside their own family to help children and families in the High Country.

Others nominated for the title were: Deja Lynn Bowen, Ketchel Carey, Summer Lewis and D’Artagnan McCoy.

Presiding over the awards luncheon were Kathy Parham and Rhonda Russell, president of the organization’s board of directors; past award winner, Kaaren Hayes, assisted with the awards presentations.

Kathy says it was a delight for her agency “to be able to shine a light on these unsung heroes,” adding, “What unites us all is a love for children and families and a spirit of service.”

Prior to 2015, one overall winner was chosen as the Great Friend to Families, but a decision was made earlier this year to choose a winner from three categories.

More about the Great Friends to Families “In our community, there are many people who personally and professionally want to make a difference for those struggling to get back on their feet from unfortunate circumstances,” says Rhonda Russell.

Whenever anyone thinks of someone who has faithfully and consistently served preschool children and their families in Watauga County, Rhonda says, they immediately think of Delores Wilder.

Delores Wilder According to information received through the awards nomination process, Delores grew the Exceptional Children’s Preschool Program as the sole teacher in the 1980s and has led the program to what it is today.

“Delores has made a huge difference in the lives of children and families by exhibiting her passion and love for improving the lives of young children with disabilities and their families,” says Rhonda Russell.

Delores has been employed by Watauga County Schools since 1986 as a Special Education teacher for Preschoolers, she has served as a

volunteer for several non-profit agencies in Watauga County, including as a member of Board of Directors for the Watauga County Children’s Council and on the Local Inter-agency Children’s Council. In the 1980s, she served young mothers in the area as a La Leche League volunteer and consultant.

She began her work with Watauga County Schools as a part time (Gifted Education) teacher and part time teacher of preschool handicapped children, the latter of which transitioned to Exceptional Children’s Preschool Teacher, a role in which she continues today.

Calling her one who has made “a huge difference in the lives of children with developmental delays and their families in the High Country,” Delores’s nominator and fellow teacher, Jana Duke, says she has served as an “interface” between families and other service providers.

“She has worked with families to navigate the intervention system and has worked to coordinate communication between all service providers,” Jana says. “In addition, Delores has been responsible for providing direct services for children with a wide variety of developmental delays.

She has provided services in different settings including preschool classrooms, home and center-based programs. She has demonstrated excellence in providing developmental and educational experiences for children to improve sensory and physical ability, cognitive development and emotional stability.”

One reason for Delores’ success as a special education preschool teacher, Jana adds, is her obvious love for working with people.

“She has an innate desire to improve the lives of others and that desire is obvious,” Jana describes. “She is passionate about helping young children with disabilities and she enjoys working with young children and their families.”

While teaching in the field of Special Education is not easy, Jana says, “Delores has displayed a patient and positive attitude throughout her career. She has demonstrated flexibility, is empathetic, upbeat and cheerful. She works on keeping children and their families motivated and engaged in the treatment process.

She demonstrates calmness and compassion when children have outbursts or are unable to tolerate frustration when learning certain skills.”

According to Jana, Delores is creative

in her work. “She works to keep abreast of her field. She spends long hours coming up with creative and exciting ways to keep young children engaged. She differentiates her plans for each child in order to meet their individual needs.”

Delores and her husband, Shelton, have been sponsors and organizers of Empty Bowls, a fundraiser for hunger relief, for many years.

Delores has plans to retire at the end of this school year.

Katherine Hicks Katherine Hicks, who has been a leader of the Girl Scout Troop 10289 for nearly 30 years, was nominated for her award by Jennifer Maxwell, who says, “She is an amazing role model to all the girls in her troop, as well as other troops in this county.”

“Ms. Katherine not only leads a multiage troop, but they all meet in her home that she so graciously shares with her Girl Scout family,” Jennifer says. “ Yes, I said family because Ms. Katherine is like a mother to these girls. She has lesson plans ready to go for each age group and enlists the help of her parent volunteers, taking us under her wing, as well.”

Jennifer says Katherine “has a knack for pushing each girl (and mom) to their greatest potential,” and that she works hard to provide opportunities for the girls to go to museums, national parks, camps and many other great learning events.

“She ties lessons to many other opportunities, such as gathering books for children, collecting hygiene products for the homeless and even creating a peace pole to place in one of our local parks,” Jennifer says. “The time and effort that Ms. Katherine gives is immeasurable and we don’t want it to go un-noticed. She is so deserving of the Helping Hearts award of 2015.

Willow Dillion As the youngest winner in the awards history, Willow Dillion was recognized for her volunteer work at the Jones House Cultural and Community Center, where she has made a big impact on children and families of the High Country.

She was nominated by Mark Freed who describes her as “having a big heart.”

Willow first entered the music lessons program as a student five years ago, Mark adds, and quickly became one of his most enthusiastic students.

She quickly progressed beyond beginner levels in fiddle, banjo and mandolin, Mark says, and was enlisted to lead a small group of young fiddlers for about 10 weeks.

“With her usual enthusiasm and care, Willow dove in to her first teaching experience,” he says. “She put forth as much effort, and sometimes more, than did my paid instructors.”

When scheduling the next session, Mark assigned Willow as an assistant to a lead instructor, a role in which she has been serving, as a volunteer, ever since.

“Willow always puts a lot of care and patience into her teaching,” he says. “She gets to know the kids and always shows up to the program fully prepared. The kids in her classes respond well to her, and she has developed good bonds with the students.”

Willow also gives of her time and talent to other good community deeds, Mark says, including playing (music) at area retirement and rest homes, volunteering at the Lees McRae Wildlife Center. She also staged her own marathon session, playing for four hours straight, to raise money for a nonprofit organization.

“Willow is a kind young person in our community, who has spent a good amount of time thinking about and helping others,” Mark says, “She always has a good attitude and is ready to help and pitch in to make her community a better place.”

Past winners Also recognized at the awards luncheon were former winners of the Great Friend to Families Awards, which include Kaaren Hayes, Judith Winecoff, Pat Morgan, Dick and Joan Hearn, Trish Lanier and Jim Atkinson.

Judges for the 2015 competition were Watauga County Schools Superintendent Scott Elliott, and community and family activists, Mary Moretz and Kaaren Hayes.

Sponsors for the event were Over Yonder, Mast General Store, Boone Drug and an anonymous donor, with additional support from Blue Ridge Electric Membership Cooperative and Susan and John Stanton. sherrie norris Editor, All About Women

AAWMAG.COM | MAY 2015

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Photo by Leda Winebarger, Thru Leda’s Lens

‘Little girls with dreams become women with vision.’

- Unknown 46

MAY 2015 | AAWMAG.COM

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