A AW M A G .C O M
october 2013 FREE
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Chastity Lesesne
CATHERINE TURBYFILL Respecting her Profession
LENORE DEPREE Long Journey Home
SHARON KELLAM Preserving History
NICOLE SHOMAKE Community Service with Heart
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contents news bits from our readers catherine turbyfill lenore depree sharon kellam nicole shoemake debbie isaacs kelly glenn widows luncheon breast cancer awareness donna nicastro chastity lesesne home décor and more alpacas and sew original by the book young at heart healthy lady sailing on the danube high country courtesies mom’s world buttermilk biscuits fall 2013 fashion round-up halloween safety spooktacular treats
chastity lesesne
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catherine turbyfill
lenore depree
sharon kellam
nicole shoemake
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editor’s note
Memories, Creamed Corn and Quilts Labor Day was not a holiday for me this year. It was labor-inten-
Sherrie Norris and her aunt, Sylvia Biggerstaff.
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sive as I worked hard to hold back the tears as we said our final goodbyes to my aunt, Sylvia Pritchard Biggerstaff. Her life ended three days after her 100th birthday. I’ve written about numerous centenarians through the years, but she’s the first I’ve ever known in my family. That’s a milestone, for sure, and one that snuck up on all of us, because she just never got old. There was so much more to her than one making a notch in her family tree. She made life worth living, not only for her four generations of descendants, but for those of us, her nieces and nephews, who were fortunate enough to spend a week or two with her in the summers of our youth. And, then on that Monday, we met dozens of others who were not related by blood, but who still had similar memories of her selfless giving, her deep-rooted faith, her incomparable wisdom and impeccable skills — and her love for everyone. I was jealous just for a few minutes as I heard others speak of their relationship with “my” Aunt Sylvia. I always thought I was her favorite; everyone else thought they were her favorites, too. That’s just the way it was. She made us all feel special. Well, nobody else could love her creamed corn any better than I did, right? No, I was wrong again. I learned on Mon-
day that I wasn’t the only one who waited with watchful eye for her red insulated thermos to make its way to the family reunion every year. What about her dumplings? They weren’t fluffy like I make. They were flat. But, oh, my goodness, how good they tasted. Hearing her grandson recant during her funeral how she was a professional at “wringing a chicken’s neck” made me realize just why her dumplings tasted so good. She didn’t shred a rotisserie chicken from the super market deli, like I’ve been known to do. She did it the old-fashioned way – just like she did everything. Thousands of hours to piece a quilt? Milk the cows before daylight, plant, tend and harvest large gardens in the hot summers and preserve hundreds of jars filled with their goods each fall? Yeah, I can see me doing that. Up all night before Christmas to cook dinner for her family – on the wood cook stove and the electric stove, combined? Yep, that was “my” Aunt Sylvia. Speak evil of no one and wish everyone the best? Right. Tuck away my last dollars to help pave the driveway to the church graveyard? Yeah. And the list goes on of this amazing woman’s traits. All five-feet two inches of her were filled with goodness. I would love to think that at the end of my journey, my legacy would be just a smidgen of what “my” Aunt Sylvia left behind.
women in the news Rebecca Johnson Running For Life Rebecca Johnson, a junior studying exercise science at Appalachian State University, has been running long distance for about five years and has participated in numerous 5Ks. To challenge herself, she says, Rebecca began running half marathons earlier this year, including the annual event at Disney World and the Mountain Man Memorial March that honors gold star families who have lost their loved ones in the war. Up for another challenge, she discovered “team in training” through The Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, in which anyone can compete in any type of race and raise money toward cancer research. It “hit home,” Rebecca says, since her family has been affected by various blood cancers. Her grandfather died from Lymphopasmacytic lymphoma; her great aunt is currently “fighting strong,” she says, with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Taking the challenge for something near and dear to her heart, Rebecca will be running the Nike Women’s Race in San Francisco, Calif., on Oct. 20. She has a goal of $3,800 that she hopes to raise before the race. “I strongly believe that with the help of your readers, I will be able to raise this money and help continue with the research in finding a cure,” she says. Donations to help Rebecca meet her goal may be made online at http://pages.teamintraining.org/nc/ nikesf13/helpmerun or by check, payable to LLS, with note in memo section to read: Rebecca Johnson, Nike Women, Marathon, North Carolina. Checks should be mailed to Rebecca Johnson, ASU BOX 8365 Boone, N.C. 28608 by Oct. 10. For more information, email Rebecca at Johnsonr1@appstate. edu, or call (813) 503-6213.
Local Women Recognized by High Country Council of Governments Banner Elk Mayor Brenda Lyerly, Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson and senior advocate Pat Coley were among local elected officials, government employees and advisory committee members recognized for exemplary leadership and service at the 39th Annual Banquet of the High Country Council of Governments (Region D) on Sept. 6. The High Country COG’s executive Brenda Lyerly board chose Loretta Clawson as its Outstanding Executive Board Member, an award that honors service and effort in promoting cooperation among local governments in the region and the state. Loretta has served on the executive board for eight years and has demonstrated her support of regional cooperation through service to several boards and committees. The board is proud of her representation on The Forum – the representative body of North Carolina’s Association of Regional Councils of Government. This is Loretta’s eighth year as mayor and she has served on Boone’s Town Council since 1997 – with six of those years as mayor pro-tem. Loretta was also chosen by her fellow committee members as Outstanding Rural Transportation Advisory Committee Member, for her contribution to the region as a whole and her knowledge of the region’s transportation needs. She has served the Rural Transportation Advisory Committee for seven years and is actively engaged in the planning process.
Brenda Lyerly was recognized by elected officials as Outstanding Local Government Elected Official in the High Country region. Brenda’s leadership style has been characterized as “graceful and caring.” She has served on several boards and committees for both local government and charitable causes. First elected as mayor in 2011, with prior service as a council member, Brenda is a proven leader and servant to Banner Elk and the region. Watauga County resident Pat Coley was also honored by her fellow committee members as this year’s Outstanding North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature / Advisory Committee on Aging Member for the High Country region. She has represented Watauga County on the STHL since 2006. Pat also serves on the Watauga County Home and Community Block Grant Advisory Committee, the Watauga County Project on Aging Advisory Committee and assists the Area Agency on Aging Loretta Clawson in monitoring services provided by the Watauga County Project on Aging. She has also served as chair of both the NC League of Women Voters and the Watauga County Council on the Status of Women, the AppalCART Board and the WAMY Community Action Board. For the last seven years, Pat has worked tirelessly for older persons living in our region and has traveled to Raleigh many times, working with the NC Senior Tar Heels to advocate on their behalf before the NC Legislature.
OCTOBER 2013 | AAWMAG.COM
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women in the news New Director at Senior Center Jennifer Teague was recently named new director at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in Boone, replacing long-time leader Tabitha Thomas, whose family recently relocated. “We are excited to have Jen here and believe that she is a good fit for our agency,” says Angie Boitnotte, director of Watauga County Project on Aging. “Jenn,” as she is commonly known, enjoys working with the senior population and has always wanted to be at a senior center. “I feel like this is where I am meant to be and look forward to what the future holds for me and our wonderful clients,” she says. Most recently, she coordinated marketing and admissions at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living and previously worked for High Country Health System Hospice as a bereavement coordinator. A Wilkes County native, Jenn came to Boone 12 years ago as a student at Appalachian State University, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in community counseling. She lives in Boone with her husband and their two dogs and is actively involved in the community. She currently serves on the board of the Watauga County Arts Council.
Jennifer Teague is the new director of the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in Boone. Photo by Sherrie Norris
newsbits&clips Caring for Cannon Women from all over North Carolina come to Cannon Memorial Hospital for mental and behavioral health treatment. Many of them arrive for an extended stay with only a hospital gown! Appalachian Women’s Fund is teaming up with Anna Banana's Fine Consignment Shop to help these women on their path to recovery by providing simple, but necessary, items like bras, underwear, t-shirts, and sweat pants. It's a small gesture that means a lot for women who have no other personal items during their stay. Can you help by donating new or gently used clothing? Keep in mind that the Behavioral Health Unit cannot allow anything that could be used to hurt oneself or others (like metal underwire in a bra, or drawstrings from sweat pants). Here's what we need: Bras (no underwire)
Underwear (no used undies, please) T-shirts Jackets Sweat pants/ yoga pants Women of all sizes come to the hospital, but there is often a particular need for large and x-large sizes (and some XXLs). You may also donate toiletries (sealed, with no alcohol listed in the ingredients) as well as board games. Drop off your donation at Anna Banana's in downtown Boone (641 W. King St.). Please put everything in a bag or box marked "CANNON" so it doesn't get confused with regular consignment items. If you have questions, call (828) 264-4002. Thank you for supporting women in need! Visit www.AppalachianWomensFund.org for more information.
OCTOBER Medical Listings
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newsbits&clips 800 walk in silence to promote awareness of sexual violence by Sarah Ann Schultz Appalachian State University hosted the 24th annual Walk for Awareness on Monday, Sept. 10, dedicated to the memory of Leigh Cooper Wallace, who died suddenly in December. An estimated 800-plus people attended the event, according to ASU’s Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. The walk was preceded by a showing of the film, "Why We Walk: A Survivor's Story," in the Plemmons Student Union. Chancellor Kenneth Peacock and Vice Chancellor for Student Development Cindy Wallace opened the event on Sanford Mall. The crowd proceeded to walk from Sanford Mall to the Holmes Convocation Center in total silence. "It is our hope that each year the walk reaffirms our commitment to both individual and community responsibility for the safety of our campus and our town," Wallace said. In 1989, Leigh Cooper Wallace was raped by a man who was later convicted in the kidnapping and murder of ASU employee Jeni Gray. Leigh, a Watauga High School coach, became a spokes-
woman for victims of sexual violence. Several members of her family attended the event, including her son, Jake Wallace; her parents, Louise and Claude Cooper; her sisters, Julie Hodge and Holley Quick; and her nieces, Riley and Regan Hodge. Jake Wallace read his mother's speech from the 20th annual Walk for Awareness before the walk began. "That moment has defined my life, not as a victim, but as a survivor," he read. The event was designed to promote awareness of sexual violence and to commemorate lives lost to violence in the Boone community. "I believe that by raising awareness, by facing and reporting these incidents, we do lessen violence on the campus of Appalachian and in the Boone community," Peacock said. "Oh, how I wish it would eliminate violence in the wonderful community of Boone," he said.
from our readers. Thank you so much for including an article about Dr. Goldman in the recent edition of All About Women! One of our patients called to tell us about the article as soon as she saw it. During his recent surgery day, Dr. Goldman said that the Watauga Medical Center was buzzing about the article. Thanks again!
- Jenn Office manager
The greatest accomplishment in my career in the trucking industry was being recognized and featured in the September issue of All About Women. It has reached people not only in my hometown of Watauga County and surrounding areas, but also the whole nation and all the way to England. My deepest appreciation goes to Sherrie for how it has reached deep inside of me and for the way I’ve been able to see others come together through my story. Thank you All About Women for the blessings it has brought to me — and for touching me, believing in me and giving so much to us all. God bless!
- Ingrid Brown let us hear from you We care about what you, our readers, think about the job we are doing. We would also like to know if any particular feature or column has made a difference in your life. Feel free to share your thoughts with us at sherrie@aawmag.com or send them to AAW, 474 Industrial Park Dr., Boone, NC 28607 OCTOBER 2013 | AAWMAG.COM
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Catherine Turbyfill
Photo by Sherrie Norris
Respecting her Profession
A new nurse who respected her profession from the beginning.
OCTOBER 2013 | AAWMAG.COM
appreciation for not only a lifetime spent caring for others, but also for the way she respected her profession as a registered nurse. “Catherine was the epitome of what a nurse should be, what she should know, how she should conduct herself and how she should look,” says Brenda Hoss, longtime administrative assistant at Cannon Memorial Hospital. “She always wore Aline collared button-up uniforms with long sleeves that required cuff links, starched and ironed in such a manner that they could have easily stood in the corner — and that was at the end of the day!” “It was the same for her nursing cap with its thin black velvet stripe indicating she was indeed a registered nurse,” Brenda says. “I met this fine lady when I began working at Cannon Hospital in Banner Elk in 1965. Her tough outer, starched self protected the soft heart within. She cared for her patients as if they were family.” Nearing the age of 87, Catherine has put her uniform to rest, but her devotion to nursing has had a lingering effect through several generations. Making her home in the Cranberry community, Catherine retired in 1987 following a 45-year career at Cannon Memorial Hospital, where she served as director of nursing and floor supervisor, as well as that of the emergency room and operating room. “I did a little bit of everything,” she says, “and worked wherever I was needed.” Among her career highlights, she says,
Catherine and her long time friend, Nell Walls Draughon. Photos provided by Linda Brown
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When the name Catherine Turbyfill is mentioned in Avery County, it is with utmost respect and
“was working with three generations of the Tate doctors — W.C., Lawson and Bill.” It all started in 1943, when as a high school senior in Newton, Catherine and her close friend Nell Walls (Draughon), saw an ad in their hometown newspaper about Grace Hospital’s School of Nursing in Banner Elk. The girls rode a bus up the mountain to visit the school and apply for training. Nell was accepted, but Catherine, only 17 at the time, was turned down — at first, anyway — and told she had to wait another year. “I cried all day when I got the news,” she says. “I wasn’t about to take no for an answer, so I wrote to the hospital and told them that I had dreamed of becoming a nurse all my life, and I knew they had been begging for nurses. I told them that I was one of 10 kids and that I had helped take care of most of them and I was more mature than a lot of others my age.” No one has ever been able to say “no” to Catherine and make it stick. On Dec. 1, 1943, Catherine and Nell once again made their way up the mountain on a Queen’s City Bus, with a few of their personal belongings in tow. For the next three years, the duo worked hard to complete their training through the government-funded Cadet Nurse Corp Program and graduated with the class of 1946. “The government paid our tuition and bought our uniforms and shoes,” Catherine says, “and gave us a little stipend once a month for our personal needs.” The only “condition” was that the young women had to agree to active mili-
tary service, if needed, after completing their training. And, they were expected to do a wide range of work in the hospital, from patient care to housekeeping, Catherine says. After graduation, Catherine returned to Newton, where she worked for a very short time at Catawba General Hospital. But her heart was in the mountains, literally, and claimed by a young Bynum Hodge Turbyfill. “Hodge got sick soon after I came back to Banner Elk,” she says. “He had TB and was at the Veterans Hospital in Oteen for 10 months. I didn’t want to be too far from him, so I went to work at a hospital in Asheville, and we got married while he was at the V.A.” A year later, the couple moved to Elizabethton, Tenn., where Hodge entered Steed’s College of Commerce and they welcomed their first child, Linda. Hodge’s continued health concerns brought the family back to Avery County, where he took ownership of a grocery store, and Catherine returned to Grace Hospital. When their son, David, was born a few years later, Catherine stayed at home for nearly three years before nursing beckoned her back to the hospital once again — this time to stay. Catherine wore her uniform and cap every day. “I worked hard to earn the right to wear it, and I was determined to wear it with pride,” she says. She has seen “about everything you can imagine” in the medical world, she says. “I’ve been there when babies entered the world, and I’ve been there when they
Catherine Turbyfill, second from left, with some of her early colleagues.
Catherine always took great pride in wearing her uniform during her nursing career.
left it and went through everything in between.” The hardest part of her career, she admits, was seeing people die — “especially the young ones;” losing her husband to cancer in 1989 was “the worst thing I’ve ever been through,” she says. Caring for others is never far from her mind. “She still talks about how much she misses going to work everyday,” says her daughter. “Even if she is about to turn 87 this month, she still wishes she could go back to nursing.” Catherine spends most of her time at home, watching television and working word search puzzles. Her daughter Linda and husband, Fred, live next door and have three adult sons, who each have two children. Her son, David and his wife, Rethia, live in Gastonia. He has one daughter, Kately, and a stepson, Dustin, who has two children. Catherine Turbyfill is among a vanishing breed and is one who has upheld her career with dignity. Known for speaking her mind, Catherine has one message for younger nurses: “You worked hard to become a nurse. You need to respect your role and carry yourself in a way that demands respect from others. Your uniform is part of your success and lets your patients know who you are.”
sherrie norris Editor, All About Women
A fun night at a fundraiser with ralph smith and hospital co-workers.
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DePree’s new book tells of her
‘Long Journey Home’
Well-known Ashe County resident and artist, Lenore DePree, has copies of her newest book, “47 Houses On the Long Journey Home,” available at Originals Only gallery in downtown West Jefferson. Photos submitted
Lenore DePree has spent her life on various journeys that have taken her from Chicago to Kentucky to Saudi Arabia, to Hong Kong and finally, to the northwestern mountains of North Carolina. She attributes the life she has lived to the power of “yes” and has defined most of her adult life in her newest book, “47 Houses On the Long Journey Home.” Lenore calls the book a “story of love and adventure spanning decades and continents.” The book is her eighth published work and picks up the story of her life where “Ninety Brothers and Sisters” stopped.
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Copies of Lenore DePree’s newest book, ‘47 Houses On the Long Journey Home,’ are available at Originals Only gallery in downtown West Jefferson.
It centered upon her life in Corbin, Ky., where her parents ran a home for children. It shares her life story until about age 21, she says, and after hearing from many people “curious about the rest of the story,” she decided to share it as well. “I had a big birthday this summer, and I thought I really need to get this all down,” she says. “I started taking notes and decided this was the time to write the book. I wanted to record all these exciting, mindboggling things that happened, so people can share these experiences and see what happens when we dare to say ‘yes’ to life.” In “47 Houses,” Lenore says, she deals with flashbacks from events that hap-
pened in “Ninety Brothers and Sisters” with “lots of really interesting undercurrents,” as well as adventures. “47 Houses” begins with just Lenore and her husband, Gordon, but continues as they have four children born along the way. The duo set out on a search that takes them from America’s Midwest to Hong Kong’s Suzy Wong area, from life as sheltered ex-pats to living in an old fishing village on the South China Sea and aboard an ocean-going junk in a typhoon shelter, speaking Chinese. Why? Not even they seem to know. Deeper than the apparent reasons,
there is a keen longing to delve into life, Lenore says, to find that basic root of what it means to be human. The DePrees and their four children always plan to come back to a little town in the United States; and after 20 years in Hong Kong and 10 years in the Middle East, while gaining new understandings of culture, religion and art, they finally make it. On a chance trip to the mountains of North Carolina, they fall in love with a big blue mountain, a cabin by a creek and a whole community of artists, singers and warm-hearted people — and house No. 47, which finally becomes home, Lenore said. “It’s a big adventure story with lots of challenges, about learning new things and saying yes to everything as long as we didn’t hurt anyone,” Lenore says. “Half the journey was discovering the tremendous power of yes.” Lenore says before she and Gordon made decisions, they would ask themselves, “Is this going to hurt me, my partner or my children? If not, take the yes road.” In doing so, she says, “a whole new ho-
rizon opens to you. You never know where that road is going to take you.” Lenore chose to leave out photographs from the book in favor of allowing the readers to create their own images. “I didn’t want to tell a family photo album story,” she says. “It’s a totally true story, but it could be a novel. People have great imaginations, and I want them to form their own idea of what it looked like.” Lenore also believes the book shows what it means to be a citizen of the world and that it shows “others have as much to teach us as we have to teach them,” she says. “The first book I wrote was a rather difficult subject, but this book is probably on a much happier theme of family adventure. A lot of people will enjoy it,” she adds. In this most recent publication, Lenore was involved in the entire creative process, from the cover and title to marketing and what stayed in the book. It is available at Originals Only Gallery in downtown West Jefferson, which Lenore operates with Gordon, and friends, Michael and Joannie Bell. Paperback copies of “47 Houses” are
available for $15 and hardback copies with dust jackets are $25. Individuals who would like to read “90 Brothers and Sisters” can pick up a copy at the gallery for $15 or on www.amazon.com. More about Lenore Lenore DePree is a well-known artist who has been painting for the majority of her life and is a member of the Ashe County arts community. Her works have been purchased by the royal family in Saudi Arabia and are also included in private collections. Some of her largest public works can be seen at Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church and at the Ashe County Courthouse. Her art can be found at Originals Only and on her website. For more information, visit the gallery at 3B North Jefferson Avenue in West Jefferson, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, visit www.lenoredepree. com or call (336) 846-1636. HEATHER SAMUDIO heather@mountaintimes.com
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Sharon Kellam, who wrote several definitive books on shape-note singing, is seen here leading others in her her beloved style of music. Photos submitted
Preserving history while she still can
Sharon Kellam has lived a full life, with music and writing as a top priority, along with her family and friends. In addition to being a mother, a sister and a grandmother, Sharon is a musician, storyteller, historian, shape-note singer and music teacher. Many people in the area know her through the shape-note singing meetings and the various instruments she has taught in and around Ashe County. She also operated a sewing shop on King Street in Boone for a year and was a member of the quilt guild in Watauga County for many years. She also worked part-time at the Watauga campus of Caldwell Community College in Boone, where she created classes for the program. “Sharon is a multi-talented person who has accomplished many different things during her lifetime,” says Mary Kay Forbes, who attended Greensboro College with Sharon in the early 1960s. Sharon was born June 26, 1942, and raised in North Carolina. The High Country has been her home for more than 25 years. She is focused on preserving the history she knows and has conducted research
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for many years, keeping alive the memory Among the six books she has written of the people, the music and the school are those on the shape-note style, the docshe fondly called home. umented history on Salemburg, “We Were “It is my hope that her love and pasSandspurs. Within the Dash, 1874-1974,” sion for the mountain lore and tradition and two companion books to “Sandspurs.” she describes in her books and CDs will Sharon graduated from Greensboro not be lost to the generations yet to come,” High School, earned a degree in music says Mary Kay. “She is one who from Greensboro College and Greensboro College can be imlater, a master’s degree in mumensely proud to claim.” sic from the University of North Her third bout with cancer Carolina at Greensboro. has placed urgency on her goal She majored in voice and pito put together a documentary ano with a minor in viola; howon Salemburg, where her beever, during the last two years loved school, Pineland College of her education, she switched and Edwards Military Institute, to an education major, which was located. qualified her to teach music. Sharon Kellam desires The school was where Sha- to preserve history in the That decision resulted in ron says her love of music grew. hope that people won’t the opportunity to create music forget what life was like, She was first introduced to and how people used to study courses and a career that music on “a remote little farm treat each other. spanned nearly 50 years. in Virginia,” with her adoptedDuring her life, she learned granddaddy who sang in the traditional to play 60 different instruments, all of shape-note style. which she has owned. “This was the layperson’s music and Sadly, due to medical expenses and the music of the people,” she says, addthe costs of researching and writing her ing that the style is Celtic and predates books, she has sold all but two of her inChristianity. “It is the music the pilgrims struments. brought to the new world.” She is able to recall each instrument
and expresses pleasure that each one went to people with a music appreciation and the ability to play them. In addition to her writing and music, Sharon has worked in fabric arts — creating quilts, crocheting and knitting hats, scarves and clothes. Through each of her interests, her goal of preserving and remembering history has been interwoven through teaching, writing and singing. “As a dedicated musician, storyteller, author, gifted vocalist and creative seamstress, Sharon’s numerous talents have been shared throughout our state,” says Mary Kay. “I feel fortunate to know her. She has a wealth of knowledge about the people who inhabit our mountain region and has led, taught and inspired spiritual music with her vast talents.” As she currently receives chemotherapy for stage-four liver cancer, Sharon has been told by her doctors to measure her life in months — not in years. “The chemo makes me so sick,” she says. “They can’t operate. They can only pump this chemo, this poison, into me. It might buy me another year or two, but what quality, what kind of life will it be? At some point, I’ll just say, ‘that’s it. I just can’t take it anymore,’ and stop taking the chemo.” Sharon says she is running out of time to get everything she wants done. “It’s all about history and preserving it,” she says. “And, I’ve always been eaten up by history.” In her life journey, she has learned a lot and paid it forward through teaching, and she continues to “fit in” as much as she can, she says, in the time she has left. She is passionate in advising others — “You need to reach out and help other people; don’t just text them. We need to have community back. We’re pack animals. We don’t do well isolated and not helping each other,” she says. “We also need to pass on kindness and goodwill. We need to remember who we are and where we came from. We need to honor history and people.” To learn more about Salemburg, Pineland or shape-note singing, visit www. sharonkellam.com, call (336) 385-1299 or email sharonkellam@gmail.com. HEATHER SAMUDIO
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Nicole Shoemake
Community Service Heart with a
When previous owners of The Country Corner in Foscoe
offered Nicole Shoemake a job working for them 13 years ago, Nicole asked, “Where’s Foscoe?” She was Nicole Greene at the time, a Hudson native attending Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and working two jobs to pay her rent and
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stay in school. She had plans to enter the medical field and wanted to work with oncology patients. As it turned out, she was fine with the initial studies, but as the clinical work began, she had a difficult time when patients passed away. Nicole had worked in convenience stores since she was 13, so being offered
by Catherine Bare
the Foscoe job offered little challenge, especially when her roommate and close friend Rebecca (Becca) Hailey was offered a job there, too. Nicole quickly became fond of the local folks who stopped in the store every day and soon considered them family. Four years passed and by the time the owners decided to sell, Nicole was mar-
ried to Billy Shoemake. The couple decided to take a major step and purchase the business. Billy was not familiar with many of the local people at first and didn’t understand Nicole’s attachment to them. That didn’t last long, they both agree. The Shoemakes have become a fixture in the little valley nestled at the foot of Grandfather Mountain, and local residents can’t remember a time when one or both of the Shoemakes were not at the store and in their lives. The couple and their daughters, Jada, 8, and Bralee, 4, have become family to most Foscoe folks. And like family, they are among the first to offer assistance when needed. One resident recently commented, “Whenever there is a need in the community, Billy and Nicole are the first to set a donation jar on the counter or organize a raffle.” A good example is how they came to the aid of recent stroke victim, Earl Johnson, and his family, who benefited from ongoing raffles held by the Shoemakes. Nicole organized weekly meals for the family, providing the entrée herself. She lined up local women to supply side dishes to round out the meal each week, saying, “One meal the family doesn’t have to think about preparing gives them a little break one night a week.” The Shoemakes then organized what they called “Earl J. Day,” on Aug. 25, when their store’s parking lot and adjoining grounds were filled beyond capactity. Along with family members and volunteers, the couple cooked fish, chicken and side dishes, serving more than 500 people on a donation basis while local musicians provided entertainment and the locals enjoyed a great afternoon of visiting and helping out the deserving family. Even before that event, Billy and Nicole were honored in June by the Foscoe Ruritan Club for their selfless community involvement, with a crowd coming together for a surprise tribute, presented by Thad Taylor, Ruritan president. “It is a blessed community that has loving and caring people,” said Taylor. “Time after time the Shoemakes have used their efforts and talent to help those in need here in our community, unsolicited and with loving care.” Surprised and humbled by the recognition, both Billy and Nicole expressed their appreciation for the honor and then
quietly went back to The Shoemakes have deep. their “shift change” When asked what become a fixture duties. Nicole comes she does for herself, in first thing in the or for fun, Nicole in the little valley looks puzzled, then morning and works until Billy relieves her nestled at the foot grins and responds, for the evening shift. “I keep up with the of Grandfather Managing a busy kids. I like to visit my convenience store grandmother in Hudand keeping its doors Mountain and local son. I like to watch open 15 hours a day after my nephews.” residents can’t has not come without (Two 3 year-olds who remember a time sacrifice to the young are actually not relafamily. tives, but children of For several years, when one or both of friends.) the store was open the Shoemakes were Keeping up with seven days a week her kids is job enough with one or the other not at the store and as Jada and Bralee there at all times. participate in gymin their lives. With little family time nastics. Jada plays available, they decided, a few years ago, to soccer and softball, cheers and is in the close on Sundays. children’s choir at church. Despite some concern about reducing Nicole says her dreams for her girls are store hours, they believed that God would that they will grow up to be independent, provide. And He has, Nicole says. kind-hearted and giving. She hopes their Their business is thriving, and so is future will lead them to do whatever they their family. The girls say it is fun getting love. to hang out at the store and see everyone. On no-school days, Jada is out of bed And they realize they are lucky to have at 5:15 a.m. getting ready to go to the more “granddads” and “uncles” than other store. She helps wrap sandwiches, “spice little girls have. the ribs” and keeps condiment containers Sometimes their family is enlarged as filled — and the customers love her, just a result of their generosity and love for like they do her parents. others. One gentleman enjoyed being a Nicole has some advice for other part of the Shoemake’s Christmas celebrayoung girls and women: tion for four years, even during a severe “Learn how to operate a stick shift,” she ice storm one day, when the family drove says with a grin. “You may need to drive several miles in treacherous weather to it sometime when that’s the only vehicle bring him to their home. available. “ Sadly, this cherished friend is now “Respect your elders. Listen to them deceased. He was one of the first two because they have a lot to teach you, no people Nicole met when she took the job. matter how much difference there is beIn his memory, she keeps a worn deck of tween generations.” cards tucked under the counter. “He and And, even if people call you naïve, she I played cards on many slow, winter aftersays, it is always good to give people the noons,” she says. No one plays with those benefit of the doubt, until they prove you cards anymore. wrong. Observing Nicole’s interaction with There is good in everyone — “somewhere,” she says. customers is heartwarming. Her delightNicole Shoemake knows where Foscoe ful smile greets everyone as they come is, and all who know her in Foscoe are glad through the doors and within a few secshe found her way up the mountain to stay. onds, she can detect the kind of day they And, she also knows how to be a friend. are having. It’s not unusual for her to come Through many life changes, she and Becaround the counter to share a hug, especa, with whom she came to work, remain cially with the elderly or someone facing close after all these years, and Becca often illness or hard times. volunteers to help at the store. And, in those cases, she usually has a tear in her eye, as her compassion runs OCTOBER 2013 | AAWMAG.COM
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Angels in Our Midst Debbie Isaacs has been hesittant to tell “her story,” believing
He Was Th ere All the Time
By Debbie Isaacs
Early one morning, m y whole w Before my orld change feet hit th d e floor, my w I went run hole world ning for M rearranged omma, but A whirlwin . she was alr d of pain ea dy gone. had entere d our hom e. It wasn’t ti ll years la ter I ran to With my gr my Lord ief and my pain; my fa I cried, Fa ce to the fl ther, where oor. were you in He took m all of my e on a jou pain? rney to th e cross as he hang. He said, I was there all the tim And I carr e while they ied your pa were beatin in with me I held you g me, to the tree close to my . heart whil I was ther e they were e all the ti nailing me. me, but you couldn’t se e. If you won der where God is in Just run to the midst the cross w of your pa here His b in, There He lood once st laid down ained. His life fo And carrie r all the si d our burd nners like ens to Calv me ary.
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th in her honesty, other people might that, th she’s “crazy,” but, she’s not so worried think a about it anymore. About five years ago, Debbie was tired o of living. A self-described “born-again C Christian,” she had absorbed years of p pain since her childhood when her mom ccommitted suicide. “I was just tired and b burned out,” she says. “I was pretty much ti tired of everything and had decided I was ju just done. I’ve been through a lot in my li life, and I had a lot of hurt.” Feeling “far from OK,” she says, Debb bie was determined to pretend that everyth thing was fine on a pre-planned trip with h her husband. Sitting in her seat toward the back of th the plane, Debbie watched passengers as th they boarded and noticed, in particular, a b beautiful black woman. “I just loved her immediately in a spiritu tual way, and I prayed, ‘Lord, I hope she ccomes and sits down beside me, because I w want to know this person.’” Sure enough, Debbie says, the woman cclaimed the seat at her side. “We started talking about the Lord and aabout books we’ve read. My husband was g getting tired of the chatter, so he turned aand went to sleep, and as soon as he went to sleep, the woman turned to me and said, ‘T ‘The Lord sent me here today for you.’ She sa said, ‘You’ve been ready to quit, but the L Lord told me to tell you not to give up. H He has plans for you. You’re going to help
people. Girl, you’ve been to hell and back, and that has made you a better person, and God is not going to waste any of that. He’s going to use it to his glory.’” Isaacs couldn’t believe what she heard, knowing she hadn’t relayed any hints of her internal pain to this woman. Still, it wasn’t until later, as she recounted the story to a friend, that she believed this woman, whose name sounded like “Hoowe-lah,” was an angel. “But, even if she wasn’t, she was a beautiful lady and her words kept me from falling.” But, that wasn’t all. “The woman told me I was going to write songs,” Debbie says. “I thought that was hilarious because I’ve always wanted to play an instrument, but I’ve never been able to. She told me, “You’re going to hear the songs. They’re going to come to you and you’ll hear them. You may wake up one morning and hear a song. You get up and write it down immediately.’” Not long after Isaacs returned from the trip, her son Ben brought home an old guitar she had forgotten that he had borrowed. When she told him she couldn’t play, he explained that the guitar was too big for her hands and convinced her to try again with a smaller one. So, she did, and this time she managed well enough and was encouraged to keep trying. Then, one morning, it happened. “I was lying in the bed and I heard it,” Debbie says. “I heard the music, the melody — and I heard the words, just as the woman on the plane had foretold. I ran and got my guitar and picked the chords out, and I started writing songs. I would hear them and then write them — and now, I‘ve got 60-something songs.” Not only is she writing down the songs God gives her, but she performs her songs with a group at churches. “It’s weird anybody even invites me, because, honestly, I’m not that great of a singer,” she says with a laugh. “I think more than anything, it’s my testimony about things in my life and what has happened to me. I’m going to use my testimony as an encouragement to people to believe in God, because He’s something else. He’s the best friend I’ve ever had.” Yozette ‘Yogi’ Collins Mom, television producer/writer, and obsessive Internet researcher. Though her name suggests otherwise, she is not (yet) an actual yogi.
Debbie Isaacs, a hairdresser and co-owner of Serendipity Salon, not only began writing songs after meeting her "angel," but she also began painting,too. This is just a sample of her many works of art.
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YouGoGirl
With strength and optimism, local teen still fighting for life While her peers were anticipating their first day of a new school year in August, 15-year-old Kelly Glenn of Vilas was recovering from her second open-heart surgery. She might have missed the first two weeks of her sophomore year, but thanks to homebound instruction provided by Watauga County Schools, Kelly was soon “caught up and back on track,” she says. Returning to school following Labor Day was exciting for Kelly, who, just a week from her 16th birthday, was thinking less of the scar on her chest than she did about her upcoming “paradise birthday party” and of course, the ultimate rite-ofpassage: her license to drive. She wanted to go to the beach for her birthday, “But they brought the beach to me,” she says. “It was so much fun.” Fun is not something she’s had a lot of lately — and even since being born with a congenital heart defect, Kelly has had to limit her physical activity. “I took gymnastics when I was young-
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Kelly Glenn has endured a lifetime of heart-related medical concerns, but has not allowed her condition to steal her joy. Photo by Sherrie Norris
er, but I couldn’t do anything strenuous,” “We were told that Kelly would require she says. “And, I have always wanted to a pulmonary valve between the ages of 14 be a cheerleader, but I couldn’t do that, and 20,” Margaret says. In the meantime, either.” she received a “patch” during her first However, Kelly has amazing stamina open heart surgery to help the blood flow and inner strength, a great attitude and in her pulmonary valve. has been fighting for life since birth, said Fast forward — through multiple comher mother, Margaret Glenn. “She has alplications and hospitalizations. ways made the best of everything and has According to Margaret, “some conbeen a delight to everyone around her.” cerns” began in late 2012, and an MRI reKelly arrived six weeks earlier than exvealed that Kelly’s heart was “getting enpected, via emergency caesarean section larged,” which, as predicted, would require on Sept. 14, 1997, weighing four pounds valve replacement. and six ounces. On July 31, 2013, Kelly underwent her Two months later, her pediatricians second open-heart surgery, a seven-hour thought the heart murmur they detected procedure requiring intensive care and a at birth “was getting louder,” says Margafour-day hospitalization. ret. Pediatric cardiologists at Brenner’s One week following her surgery, Kelly Children’s Hospital in Winston Salam orbegan running a fever. dered an ultrasound of her heart, which reThrough a chest x-ray, her cardiologist vealed the diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot. discovered that fluid was accumulating “It meant that she actually had four dearound her right lung. Kelly’s symptoms fects, says Margaret — a large hole in the continued to worsen. On Aug. 9, she was heart, an abnormal blood flow related to readmitted to Brenner’s where she remuscles around the ceived a chest tube arteries, an enlarged to drain almost two right ventricle liters of fluid from and no pulmonary her right lung. valve.” Five days later, A catheterization with chest tube in further revealed the place, she returned severity of her conhome. dition. “The hole in Three weeks lather heart was very er, Kelly was back in large; she needed school, planning her surgery to keep her birthday party and blood from leaking looking forward to into her lungs,” her driving. mother recalls. “Despite what At 3 months of she’ s been through, age, Kelly under- Kelly Glenn as an infant, with her father, Eric Glenn, fol- she is one of the lowing her first open heart surgery. Photo submitted went her first heart sweetest and stronsurgery on Dec. 22, 1997. Three weeks gest teenagers you will ever meet.” says later, a 10-hour open-heart procedure was her aunt, Michelle Underwood. performed to repair her defects, with the In addition to her cardiac concerns, exception of the pulmonary valve. Kelly has also suffered from severe miShe was on a ventilator for five days graine headaches since she was 7. and in intensive care for seven. “I can remember many times when she Kelly did well for about a year. Around had special events planned, like school 18 months of age, she began experiencing field trips or her first school dance, her multiple ear and throat infections. days started with a bad migraine and By her 11th birthday, Kelly had enI wanted her to stay at home,” says her dured 11 sets of ear tubes, her left eardrum mother, “but she always reassured me that burst twice and her tonsils and adenoids she would be OK. She wanted to be like were removed. everyone else, so she would go and have For two years, Kelly required hearing as much fun as she could. I had to pick her aids, but the damage to her eardrums up early, at times, but, no matter what, she eventually healed. always tried.”
Kelly, along with her parents, Eric and Margaret Glenn, say they are humbled and “so thankful” for the prayers and all the support they have received from the Watauga County community, especially since Kelly’s recent surgery. “God and his people have been so good to us,” says Margaret. “This was one of the hardest things we have been through, and it’s only through the grace of God and the help of so many people, even people we don’t know, that we have made it.” Eric’s coworkers at Harris Teeter have been helpful, Margaret says, “And my coworkers at Watauga Medical Center donated their vacation time for me to be off for a month.” Margaret is convinced that God has great plans for her daughter. “Most of the time, children look up to their parents for strength,” she says, “but, many times, I look to Kelly for my strength. I could not have gone through all she has and handled it the way she does. Even our pastor comments on how she’s always smiling, no matter what.” When Kelly was little, her parents found themselves asking “Why?” “But we know that she has touched many people through this ordeal,” says Margaret. “She has strengthened us all.” Kelly can’t climb stairs or participate in PE classes, and she can’t carry more than 10 pounds, she said. But, she loves to be outside, to swim, watch movies and go to church. And, don’t forget her cowgirl boots and country music. “It’s pretty hard to be limited, but I don’t feel like I’ve missed out on a lot,” Kelly says, “I am fine with it. We can’t change the fact that it happened.” Her faith and the love of her family and friends have kept Kelly strong, she says, especially that of her parents and her older brother, Cody. Her future plans? “I want to be a culinary chef,” she says, “Or maybe a lawyer, but that will take longer.” To follow Kelly’s story on Facebook, look for Kelly’s Heart Strings.
sherrie norris Editor, All About Women
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Widows Honored, Friendships Formed When I woke on the first Saturday morning in August, I knew the day would be good — mainly because the rain had finally stopped after several days of downpours. My main plan for the day was to attend a special event at a local church and report upon it for this magazine. As I arrived at Mabel Baptist Church in Zionville, where members of the Women’s Missionary Union were planning to honor the widows of their church, I sat in my car for a few moments listening to the rushing water from the creek that flows nearby and to the birds singing in the sunshine. Everything seemed in one accord for a special day, and it was was even more obvious as I entered the church fellowship hall. It was plain to see that the hostesses had worked hard to make the event one to remember, with tables beautifully decorated with flowers, candles and food. A banner with the words, “Welcome to the Widow’s Luncheon,” had been placed at the entrance, and Amanda Oliver made
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the welcome official. Following a brief devotion, the guests of honor were told that the luncheon had been planned as a way for the W.M.U. members to express their love and appreciation to them, most of whom had been mentors to some of the younger women through the years. Furthermore, it was announced that each member had “adopted” one of the guests and would be doing special deeds for her in the coming year. It was an emotionally-charged event, and yes, the tears were flowing, as each hostess took a turn sharing how her “adopted” widow had impacted her life, either from childhood and/or as a Godly example in later years, through the church and community. The luncheon theme “His Grace is Enough” was made even more clear by plaques with scripture verses referring to widows and God’s command regarding same, e.g.,“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this — to visit the fatherless and widows in their afflic-
tion to keep himself unspotted from the world,”James1:27. The lives of 10 women, ages 63 to 94, were deeply impacted that day, not only by the material gifts they received, but also by the love and attention showered upon them by 12 W.M.U. members and two young girls who came to help. To be among those women, to see evidence of long-term friendships and others much newer, was heart-warming, indeed. It reminded me that we women need each other — and it’s especially true for widows. Note: I had come to write this story, but to my surprise, as a widow, I was also honored and left with a deep sense of gratitude.
sherry boone Local writer who shares her personal stories with others in hopes that they, too, will be comforted by some of life’s sweet memories.
Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to reminding women about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, celebrating the lives of the many women who survived and remembering those lost to the disease. Breast screenings check a woman’s breasts for cancer before noticeable signs or symptoms are present. The three main tests used to screen for breast cancer are: Breast self-exam — checking your own breasts for lumps, swelling, changes in size or shape of the breast, and any other changes in the breast or underarm. Clinical breast exam — a breast exam by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or her hands to carefully feel for lumps or other changes in the entire breast area. Mammogram — an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause other symptoms. If you haven’t already had your annual breast exam, don’t delay. Make an appointment with your medical practitioner today.
Put on your pink & join Appalachian Regional Healthcare System for
Pink Day Wednesday, October 16 Cannon Memorial Hospital Lobby • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Watauga Medical Center Auditorium • 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Food • Prizes • Valuable Information
OCTOBER 2013 | AAWMAG.COM
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Boone Business Woman
Taking Invention to The Next Level Local inventor Donna Nicastro hopes to have her exercise machine, the Ab Twist, on the shelves of Walmart through its “Get On The Shelves” competition. Photo by Jeff Eason
In the coming weeks, as we barrel non-stop toward elections in November, there will be no shortage of folks asking for your vote. There is one local person, however, who has depended on votes for another reason, and hopefully, she’s a “winner.” We just don’t have the results in yet from the competition that ended Sept. 1. Donna Nicastro, a local restaurateur who co-owns the Boone Bagelry with her husband Tony, has invented an exercise machine called the Ab Twist and has been trying to get it on the shelves of Walmart through its program to promote American made products called “Get On The Shelf.” As this magazine headed to the printers, Donna was among the top 300 of 15,000 entries and was waiting to hear final results. “In order to go forward, they were doing an online voting thing to see if people like your product, then you can go on to the next round,” she says. Donna and her Ab Twist video for the “Get On The Shelf” competition have been viewed at https://getontheshelf.walmart. com/product/1804/Ab-Twist. 24
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From Donna’s first vision of the Ab Twist to her being on the verge of seeing it on the shelves of the world’s largest retailer is a story of inventiveness and persistence. “I’ve been working on it for six years,” Donna says. “I’m very proud of it. It is totally made in America. I use five local businesses to manufacture it. If I could get my product in Walmart, it would help out all of these local businesses.” An avid tennis player, golfer and horseback rider, Donna first thought of building the Ab Twist after being dissatisfied with other home workout equipment she had purchased. “I live in Zionville and I am too busy to go to the gym. So I would buy things and they would break,” she says. Donna tried to come up with her own piece of exercise equipment, one that would concentrate on the “core” muscles of the abdomen and hips, without putting undue stress on the back. “It took me a year to come up with a prototype,” says Donna. “I used it for a year and I realized that it really worked.” The key to the Ab Twist is that the per-
son exercising stands up straight, holding their arms out at a 90-degree angle. While standing on a swivel tray, similar to a lazy Susan, the workout is created by swiveling back and forth as if you were dancing the twist. After using it for a while, Donna discovered that her back pain had disappeared, along with her love handles. “I took it to my chiropractor, and he told me that after you turn 20, the lubrication in your (spinal) discs diminishes. But when you twist, you lubricate your discs,” she says. “It also takes away love handles, which we all hate.” Six years after developing the idea for the Ab Twist, Donna is now producing her sixth prototype. It weighs about 25 pounds and can be folded for efficient storage. “Triplett and Coffey Welding helped me from the very beginning,” she says. “Now it’s totally where it should be. I’ve been using the same machine for two years and I use it every day. Just 10 minutes a day has really improved my health.” Previous to submitting the Ab Twist to Walmart’s “Get On The Shelf” competition, Donna auditioned it for the inves-
tors-meet-inventors reality TV show “The Shark Tank.” “I drove up to Chicago by myself when I heard they had open auditions,” says Donna. “It was intense. They really liked it, and I was there for quite some time. They liked my product, but the bottom line wasn’t good enough for them. They said, ‘We have a manufacturer in China that can make it more inexpensively.’ And I said I’m not interested in that.” Part of Donna’s insistence on making her product in America was for quality reasons and part of it was due to her belief that our country’s manufacturing industry is on the decline. “I want to make money. I am a business person, but that’s not really what it’s all about for me,” she says. “I truly believe that we need to have things made here.” She also believes that a lot of retailers demand too much profit for their products, compared to people like her who utilize a small profit margin to offer a quality product at affordable prices. “Why does everyone have to make so much money? Why do you have to make 300 percent or 400 percent profit? I’d be willing to make very little, like five percent,” she says. To date, Donna has sold more than 100 Ab Twists, which now go for $189 per unit. Local companies Triplett and Coffey and Charleston Forge are subcontracted by Nicastro for the welding, powder coating and assembly, while Omega Screen Printing handles the Ab Twist logo on the locally made wooden foot stand. “Every part on it is American,” says Donna. “It took me a year to find all the parts. “Right now I sell it for $189, and I don’t make much. But it’s a quality piece of product. I could take it to Asia and then I could probably sell it for $129, but if it’s made with cheaper materials, it’s not going to last. I wish people would realize that. You might spend $60 more, but it’s going to last. I feel that if you buy this, you won’t have to replace it.” For more information on Donna Nicastro’s invention the Ab Twist, visit www. twistforhealth.com.
JeFF EASON
Rehabilitation Services Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies Long-Term Nursing Care Respite & Hospice Care 211 Milton Brown Heirs Road • Boone 828 264 6720 • www.Glenbridge.org
Editor, The Blowing Rocket
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Chastity Lesesne’s recipe for community ministry 26
OCTOBER 2013 | AAWMAG.COM
Come. Eat. Enjoy.
Gathering ingredients Chastity’s preparation for her ministry began in childhood as she witnessed her parents’ hospitality and generosity. Raised in the parsonage across the street from the church her father pastored, Chastity grew up with a constant flow of visitors and individuals (in need) passing through their home. Her mother, the late Lynn Rumley, embraced and fed all who visited, consistently modeling Christian hospitality with grace and ease. During her junior year at Appalachian State University, Chastity declared her major in business management, with a minor in hospitality. After honing her organization and hospitality skills, she graduated and worked at the Charlotte Marriott City Center in the catering department. On the first day of her freshman year, Chastity met Hal Lesesne while moving into the dormitory. The two became best friends and remained so through college. After they graduated, Chastity
says, “When reflecting on our parents’ strong marriages, we realized we, too, had similar traits in our own relationship.” During their first year of marriage, Chastity joined Hal in Boone, where she started a gift basket business. Year two welcomed their firstborn son, Roby, as the couple launched a web-hosting business that allowed Chastity to be a stay-at-home mom. Several years later, after the birth of daughter Laurel, the logistics of connecting with other mothers became more complicated. Feeling the need for fellowship, Chastity decided to bloom where she was planted. Using her own set of hospitality skills, she opened her home to other women for evening dinners and Bible studies. While the prospect of having groups of 20-30 women in one’s home for dinner on a weekly basis seems daunting to many, welcoming others to her home was a natural progression for Chastity. “Breaking bread and studying God's word with others is my favorite type of fellowship,” she says. “Cooking, feeding and serving people feels very natural to me. This is what God has given me to do, what he’s equipped me to do. Don’t ask me to sew a button on a shirt, but this, I can do!” Home schooling their children led to additional opportunities for the Lesesnes to open their home for activities and classes. “Home schooling has been a huge blessing for us, a refining tool in our lives,” says Chastity. “It allows us to teach more throughout the daily avenues of life.” From teaching their children, to leading Bible studies with other children, to teaching home economics classes, Chastity continues to use her gifts and knowledge and to share her home with others, as did her parents. “I am who I am because of God and His gift of my parents,” she says.
Photo by Karen Lehmann
With this simple invitation, Chastity Lesesne welcomes the community to the table. Each Thursday, her local nonprofit organization known as Green Street Catering serves 400500 hot, home-cooked meals — free of charge— to anyone, no questions asked. Regardless of means or circumstances, individuals, families and groups in the High Country are welcomed to eat, or to take out meals for themselves or for others. The “recipe” for Green Street Catering began simply with the ingredients of a heart to help others in our community, the gift of hospitality, food service skills, inspiration from a similar program and a team of volunteers. From the kitchen of Alliance Bible Fellowship in Boone, the GSC team of friends and dynamic volunteers has served more than 40,000 meals since 2010. The ministry that began by serving 40 meals with help from family and friends now encompasses businesses, churches, organizations, groups, social workers and a fleet of volunteers. Acknowledging reasons for the growth, “No amount of preparation or organizing or even thinking ahead could make what happens each week successful,” Chastity says. “Only God is capable of knowing who will come to get meals, how many we will need and how we will acquire the resources to meet that need each week. No one person can do this, no matter how great of an organizer or cook he or she is — it takes a community coming together and working as a team with grace and love for others.”
Adding to the mix While on a family mission trip to Mexico in 2006, the Lesesnes were presented with an opportunity to lead a ministry. After much prayer, they sold their household possessions and moved to Mexico. They spent the next two years hosting a center for training Mayan pastors, for medical and dental missions, and for conferences — arranging logistics for missions teams to travel to remote villages, transporting teams, translating for groups, distributing 20,000 Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes, and feeding the many groups that passed through their doors. In 2008, the Lesesne family returned to Boone and soon afterward, baby Grace was born. Recognizing that Grace's birth would require surgery confirmed God's perfect provision in bringing them back "home" to Boone.
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On a recent Thursday, volunteers David Desjardins, Teresa Church, Sheila Temple and Scott Haynes join Chastity in the Alliance Bible Fellowship kitchen to prepare and serve more than 400 meals. Photo submitted
Stirring After resettling into life with their family of five, Chastity learned through close friend Sheila Temple of a food ministry in Valdese, that serves 300 meals once a week. Knowing the tremendous need in Watauga County, where 26 percent of the population was living below the poverty line, Chastity began to pray, research and formulate a plan. Three years ago, while taking a beach vacation, Chastity approached Hal with the idea of serving a free community meal once a week. “He smiled and took a deep breath,” she says. “He led us to pray as I continued to tell him how the idea was developing. Then, he looked at me and said, ‘That is something we can do together as a family.’” The entire Lesesne family has been, and continues to be, involved. Son Roby,
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a 15-year-old sophomore at Watauga High School, loads and unloads food donations before school each week, serves at events, babysits and generally steps up and helps wherever needed. Sixth-grader Laurel shares her compassionate, animal-loving heart by preparing food, cleaning and babysitting. Gracie, 5, applies her vivacious energy and personality by making cards and helping wash vegetables. The youngest, 2-year-old Joshua, enjoys “pretending” to serve food with his older sister on paper plates and cups while his mother, Chastity, prepares meals. While Hal is a web programmer for Samaritan's Purse, a global ministry, he also proudly supports all details of the GSC local ministry with his time, energy and resources.
Baking After developing her plan, recruiting local businesses to donate food and financial resources along with organizing numerous small details, Chastity met with the elders of her church at Alliance Bible Fellowship to ask for their wisdom as well as the use of their kitchen and cafeteria each week. With the church's enthusiastic support, Green Street Catering served its first Thursday evening community meal on Oct. 21, 2010. Since that time, Chastity has continued to build the ministry into a community resource. Networking with local businesses, churches and services — while committing all concerns and needs to prayer — GSC has continued to expand its impact. Chastity emphasizes the need for uniting efforts. “Living in our small communi-
ty, we have limited resources, so we need to work together to reach the most people,” she says. “I absolutely love gathering resources, and our local businesses make it super easy because of their generosity. While I gather and cook, churches, organizations and other groups do the connecting. By providing the tool of meals for any church or community project, program or ministry, we help them focus their energy and budget on the other parts of ministry.” One of the local ministries utilizing the offer of meals is Laurel Springs Baptist Church. Every other Thursday, GSC provides 50 meals for “Food for the Soul.” Speaking for Laurel Springs, John Patterson shares, “When we began our partnership with Green Street, it was as if the missing piece to the puzzle had been found and put into place to complete the picture. We have been able to see the Lord at work first hand.” Patterson describes the opportunity as “truly a blessing,” which allows his church to pick up children, bring them to the church for devotion, food, fellowship and homework help, deliver meals and visit shut-ins, “all while not having to gather and prepare the food ourselves.” He adds, “Green Street is a fantastic resource in this community for those who want to serve, but don't know where to start." GSC provides 50 meals each week to the Junaluska Mennonite Church, which,
Chastity says, supports the efforts of two ladies in the church who provide meals for neighborhood shut-ins or others needing help. “It also allows the church to offer a meal where people gather together in the name of Jesus Christ,” she says. Perkinsville Baptist Church delivers 80 GSC meals to another local neighborhood each week, a helpful way for the church to connect with neighborhood families, invite people to services and to recognize and meet other needs. As more people learn about GSC, more are being served, Chastity says. “We have the privilege to serve our elderly, persons returning home from the hospital, folks who are struggling financially and families with new babies. It is such an honor to work with the caring people of our community as they reach out to assist others and to live and serve here.” She is quick to say that the success of the ministry would not be possible without the support of local businesses, as well, which not only provides food and cooking equipment, but also corporate sponsorships.
team. Assistance retrieving donations five times each week, financial contributions and resources — from cups to coolers — is also appreciated. Chastity says, “It is amazing how this comes together each week. Just like loaves and fishes, I have seen our resources multiplied to cover the needs.” Individuals and groups can also get involved through the upcoming annual GSC Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. Last year 400 food baskets were distributed with almost double that amount expected this year. (See below.) “I am so thankful that God has allowed Green Street Catering to go move beyond what little I can do as an individual,” Chastity says. “Not only does our community have the privilege of watching God do what only He can do, but so has my little family seen its territory increased. For that gift to my children, I am eternally grateful. Our entire family is committed each week to do this for God, for others and for our special community.” To learn more about Green Street Catering, email greenstreetcatering@gmail. com.
Serving In addition to material resources, the ministry requires volunteers to prepare, serve and deliver meals each Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Loyal “regulars” like Sheila Temple, Teresa Church and Jamie Moul welcome others to join their
Sharon Carlton Sharon Carlton, High Country Courtesies ©2013 As founder of High Country Courtesies, Sharon Carlton writes and speaks on modern etiquette and life skill topics. She is Director of High Country Cotillion, a social education program for youth and conducts High Country Courtesies customer service workshops. Contact her at sharoncarlton@charter.net.
Join. Serve. Make a difference. Help Sponsor Holiday Baskets
During Thanksgiving and Christmas, Green Street Catering will prepare food baskets for families in the High Country who might not otherwise enjoy a holiday meal. Your gift of money, food items, time and/or service will be greatly appreciated. You may sponsor a basket through a suggested donation of $75 to cover the estimated cost, or shop for needed items and deliver them to Alliance Bible Fellowship. Each basket must include the following: Ham, at least 10 lbs. (2) boxes/bags stuffing
(2) cans corn (2) cans green beans (2) cans cranberry sauce (2) boxes instant mashed potatoes (2) boxes macaroni and cheese (2) jars turkey gravy 10-12 bakery rolls (2) pies – pumpkin, pecan or apple Non-perishable items for Thanksgiving baskets may be delivered to ABF, labeled Green Street Catering, by Nov. 10; Dec. 8 is the deadline for Christmas Baskets. Special arrangements for perishable items, including turkeys, rolls or pies, may be made through contacting GSC.
For more information on providing food boxes or to organize a food drive for the specific boxed and canned items listed above, email greenstreetcatering@gmail.com. Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to Green Street Catering at 200 Sierra Vista, Boone, NC 28607. All money received beyond what is needed for the food baskets goes directly into the ministry’s general operating budget to supply free community meals each week.
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homedÉcorandmore
“Her” Bathroom
Before
“Her” Bathroom
After
Modern Updates for a Vintage Home Many vintage homes are out there just waiting to be discovered. Don and Susan Schweiger are a perfect example of having found their jewel tucked away in the quaint town of Blowing Rock — love at first sight, they said, as they drove by it a few years ago and quickly claimed it as their own. Their vintage home had experienced many updates already, but the his-andher bathrooms were in need of improvement. I was thrilled to be able to help them with the project. Without removing walls or changing the floor plan, we looked for ways to make the most impact with the limited amount of space we had. As most decorators know, when planning a new design, it’s important to take a close look at your room and decide upon your point of focus — whether it be a special piece of furniture, art, or, as in Susan’s bathroom, the tiles surrounding the tub/ shower. We chose small, 2-by-6-inch glass tiles in copper, cream and gold as the focal 30
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point; after their installation came a beautiful, glass door with a brushed bronze finish. Replacing the old chrome fixtures in the tub/shower and sink were new ones laced by brushed bronze; the wallpaper, a soft shade of champagne, added an elegant touch. The new bronze leaf wall sconces were hung with amber shades, and to finish it off, the molding and ceiling were painted in a soft cream to bring warmth to the room. The old tiles in “his” bathroom tub/ shower were replaced with 12-by-24-inch tiles in chocolate, giving the illusion of leather, bordered above and below with a marble pencil that matched one of the marble ovals in the border. The border is a combination of smoke, marble and clear brown glass. The hues of brown give wonderful character to this masculine bathroom. The ceiling and trim were painted in the same soft cream, and the shower/tub
and sink fixtures were replaced with dark bronze finishes. His wall sconces were removed, and a three-light, bronze fixture was placed above the mirror, leaving more space for wall décor. The final touch to his bathroom was a gorgeous, textured herringbone wallpaper to complement the tiles. The change was dramatic and brought the room to life. The shower curtain was replaced with another all-glass door and the window was dressed with two-inch wood blinds. The transformation of the bathrooms resulted in the feel of a warm spa retreat and added just a little more shine on this hidden jewel in the woods of Blowing Rock.
Linda Killian Cabin Design Interior Decorating Killiancabin@aol.com
Will and Lee Rankin, left, with three of their alpacas, and Melinda Rose, co-owner of Sew Original in Boone, celebrate a new partnership during last month’s grand reopening celebration of the sewing shop. Photo by Sherrie Norris
Alpacas Help Knit ‘Original’ Partnership in Boone When Shirley Bailey and Melinda Rose decided to move their Sew Original shop down a few doors at the Gateway Shopping Center in Boone last month, they knew the additional corner space would allow them to expand upon the services and products they already offered. As a full service Bernina dealership and quilt shop stocked with a wide selection of fabrics, patterns, accessories and more, Sew Original celebrated its grand reopening in late August with free classes, demonstrations, door prizes, trunk shows — and special guests. The introduction of a new fiber line provided for a unique attraction on Aug. 19, as some of those special guests — a trio of alpacas — came to town for the party. Appearing undaunted in the side parking lot of Sew Original by all the fanfare their appearance was making, the alpacas from Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk and their owners, Lee and Will Rankin, joined the shop’s co-owner Melinda Rose in the official announcement that Sew Original is now a dealer for the Apple Hill Farm alpaca fiber. “We are so excited about all this,” Melinda says, “and our customers are loving
the soft, lighter wool that comes in so many wonderful colors.” Alpaca fleece has been used for centuries in clothing items for royalty. According to Melinda, the fiber is as soft as cashmere, but lighter and warmer than sheep’s wool — and anyone even working with the fiber feels like a queen. Native to Peru, Bolivia and Chile, popularity of alpacas began spreading throughout the United States more than two decades ago. They are raised for their beautiful fiber and their market value as breeding livestock. For the last decade, a few of the lucky animals have found a home in the High Country, where they have been lovingly cared for by the Rankins on a mountain-top oasis overlooking Valle Crucis and Banner Elk. Currently, there are 22 alpacas on the farm, with 16 of those considered High Country natives, having been born on the farm. It’s where animals talk and people listen, says Lee, whose farm was once a large apple orchard. The alpacas share space with other farm animals, including horses, donkeys, llamas and goats, to name a few. Providing 22 different natural fiber colors, from black, to grey, to white and all shades of brown, Lee says, alpacas pro-
duce the most natural colors of any animal used for fiber. Sheared once a year, alpacas produce about five to eight pounds of fiber per animal. “The fibers are soft and have a hollow core,” Lee says. “When spun and knit into sweaters, scarves or socks, the fibers provide insulation without being hot and do not hold moisture or odor. On top of that, they have a luxurious softness. Alpaca fiber is also considered to be hypoallergenic because it does not contain lanolin (found in wool) or other allergens.” It’s just one more “hometown” resource now available for local crafters who know and appreciate the beauty and luxury of fine fiber. Sew Original is located at 1542-G U.S. 421 S. in the Gateway Shopping Center in Boone. For more information, call (828) 264-1049 or visit www.seworiginal.org. To learn more about Apple Hill Farm and the alpacas, call (828) 963-1662, visit www.applehillfarmnc.com or 400 Apple Hill Road in Banner Elk. sherrie norris Editor, All About Women
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‘Celtic Curse,’ A New Travel Mystery by Wendy Dingwall Fiona Batson’s 18-year-old older brother, Duncan, mysteriously disappeared on the day he and his family were to emigrate to the United States from their home in Peebles, Scotland. There was no evidence of a crime. No body was ever found. The last anyone claimed to have seen him was when he picked up his final paycheck from Peebles Woolen Mill where he worked. Some of the locals concluded he left for Australia, leaving his fiancée, Darleen, and his family in the dark as to his whereabouts. Fiona’s mother remained behind to search for Duncan. Fiona moved to Chicago with her now overprotective father, where his new job and new life awaited them. Thirty-nine years have passed, and the mystery of Duncan’s disappearance has yet to be solved. At 55 years old, her parents now deceased, Fiona is finally in a financial position to return to Scotland. She enlists the help of Yvonne Suarez, a travel agent and amateur sleuth, to help uncover the secrets behind Duncan’s disappearance. Yvonne has her own problems. She is recently divorced from physically and emotionally abusive Gino. Their young daughter, Christy, must stay with her father while Yvonne goes to Scotland, ostensibly to familiarize herself with the area. She has arranged this “fam-trip” to scout
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potential destiny locations for her employer while also helping Fiona discover the truth about what happened to her brother. Will Christy be safe with Gino while Yvonne is out of the country? The court has awarded Gino this time with Christy, so Yvonne has no choice but to leave her with him. She is filled with guilt and worry as she makes her plans. Yvonne’s love interest, David, is concerned about the risks she may be taking in becoming involved with a possible murder investigation. Yvonne and Fiona arrive in Scotland to a chilly reception from the locals, who are not interested in dredging up the past. An uncooperative cast of surly characters reveal themselves upon their arrival. The town’s law enforcement officer, Constable Munro; Duncan’s ex-girlfriend, Darleen; her husband, Keith, who was one of Duncan’s best friends; and Randy Ferguson, the foreman of Peebles Woolen Mill at the time of Duncan’s disappearance, are quick to tell Yvonne she is wasting her time and theirs. Yet, the MacIntyres, owners of the mill and Darleen’s parents, are a little too cooperative. What does this all mean? Has too much time elapsed to make sense of it all now? When Randy is found murdered, Yvonne and Fiona know they are getting close to uncovering the truth. When anonymous threats are made, Yvonne realizes their own lives may well be at risk. Phone calls to Christy contribute to
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the drama. Gino will only let her speak to her daughter for seconds. This is not long enough to gauge the interaction between the two. Is he being cruel to their daughter? Is his animosity towards her affecting her child? Should she abort her trip and return home before learning the truth about Duncan? Former travel agent and author Wendy Dingwall takes the reader on an invigorating journey throughout a provincial area of Scotland. She breathes life into the tale not only through the travails of her characters but in the observation of the minutest details of daily life in the region. She recounts historical features of the areas her characters frequent, making you feel as if you are there marveling at the architectural wonders the locale affords. You feel as though you can taste the Shepherd’s Pie and sticky toffee pudding. You feel your-
self dab the froth of ale from the corner of your mouth with an embroidered linen napkin. You luxuriate in the softness of tartan scarves died in the various plaids of Scottish clans as they glide silkily through your open fingers. “Celtic Curse” by Wendy Dingwall is the second novel in the Yvonne Suarez travel mystery series. As the summer season concludes and the season for curling up with a good “whodunit” is upon us, “Celtic Curse” is the book to reach for when searching for a satisfying mystery to read.
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1180 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607 Danielle Bussone Danielle Bussone is a writer, an artist and a wellness coach. Visit her blog at www.vegginoutandabout.com.
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About the Author Former travel agency owner and former sales and operations manager for a regional publishing house, Dingwall opened her own publishing company, Canterbury House Publishing, in July 2009. She is a past president and active member of the High Country Writers since 2002. Her first travel mystery, “Hera’s Revenge,” released in April 2011, was touted as “a welcome distraction for an armchair traveler and a series to watch” by Library Journal. “Celtic Curse,” set in Scotland, is her second novel in the Yvonne Suarez travel mystery series. Dingwall recently moved from her 50-acre farm in the mountains of northwest North Carolina to Sarasota, Fla. with her husband, Walter, to be closer to family and to return to her native Floridian roots.
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Winter is Coming 34
OCTOBER 2013 | AAWMAG.COM
The girl walked down the bright path and like a lizard lounging on a sun-warmed rock, she relished the heat on her skin. Drifting down from the sky, a red leaf landed before her sandaled feet. A voice in the breeze whispered, “Winter is coming.” The girl stopped and, transported in that moment, vividly recalled the past winter. Snow and ice covered the barren land with a blanket of misery and despair. The pregnant, ashen sky, devoid of any cheerfulness, cast the same sickly pallor on all who ventured out of doors. Electric bills soared and no amount of sweaters could combat the frigid temperatures. Her delicate hands ached with the memory of shoveling endless piles of snow; her knees buckled at the recollection of fighting to stay grounded while struggling to walk through hurricane-strength winds. Visions of burdensome coats, scarves and gloves swirled through her mind. But, the image of one item caught the girl’s attention — her snow boots. Like a harbinger of doom and gloom, the apparition of her snow boots silently mocked the girl from the shadows of her subconscious. The girl had, at first, been delighted by her snow boots. Purchased during the first chilly days that year, they were a cheery red and lined with cozy fleece. By that time, Old Man Winter was in the throes of his death rattle, however, and the en-
chantment was broken. She felt an intense loathing each and every time she put them on her frozen feet. A hatred that the girl reserved for only the most abhorrent of things — cream of mushroom soup, itchy fabrics and Ben Stiller movies. Shaking off the portent and the sudden chill that had raised goose flesh on her exposed arms, the girl continued on her way. The girl adored summer; she was not ready to bid farewell and face another winter. She treasured the long days and the season’s warm caress. She felt light and carefree, a feeling that was reflected in her wardrobe of airy skirts and dresses, crisp shorts and cropped pants. She delighted in the rainbow of colors painted on the landscape — in flowers and trees, sky and seas. She savored the abundance of fruits and vegetables. And, recalling the aroma of charcoal smoke, the girl wiped away a bit of drool and hungered for the savory flavor of food fresh from the grill. The fine weather lingered and the girl pushed from her mind the inevitable change of seasons. The shift was so grad-
ual that she did not initially notice. The days grew shorter. When she arose each morning, she was greeted, not with the bright promise of the new dawn, but with the harrowing blackness of night. “Winter is coming,” murmured the voice. Mornings grew colder; the girl began to layer cardigans and coats over summery clothing. Tights covered previously bare legs and boots replaced sandals, concealing prettily pedicured toes. “Winter is coming,” declared the voice, becoming more insistent with each forewarning. The emerald trees of summer soon blazed with the fiery hues of fall. The girl’s solitary red leaf was joined by multitudes as the formerly lush hillsides were replaced with barren, gnarled branches that cast gruesome shadows in the waning light. “Winter is coming,” insisted the vociferous voice. One somber evening, the girl felt Old Man Winter’s familiar frosty embrace. She shivered and fled beneath the warm coverlets of her bed, closing her eyes to the encroaching chill that spread like a fog
through the house. During the night, she dreamed of being trapped in a furious blizzard with swirling snow and ice-laden trees. She tossed and turned as if attempting to escape the dungeon of her nightmare. Waking to the wail of her alarm and reeling from her fretful slumber, the girl felt a disquieting trepidation. With matted hair and crusty eyes, she anxiously walked to the window in slippered feet. Hoping to banish the strange sense of overwhelming dread, the girl flipped on a light. She gasped and stared at the horrific tableau, now bathed in an eerie yellow glow. The motionless land was covered in white, suffocated by a blanket of snow. The silence pierced by the girl’s anguished scream. “Winter is here!”
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.
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Starting to feel SAD? There’s
Help Hope and
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Fall comes and Sarah slumps. She gets grumpy, moody and anxious. She loses interest in hobbies and social events. Her cravings for comfort food increase. If she could, she would curl up in a ball and stay in bed all day. Sarah has seasonal affective disorder, or more commonly known as SAD. It is a type of depression that affects a person during the same season each year. If you get depressed in the winter, but feel much better in spring and summer, you could have SAD. SAD is more common among women, but men definitely suffer from it, as well. There is a genetic link, so if dad or mom had SAD, you are more likely to have it, too. Symptoms come and go at about the same time each year and are generally triggered in September, peak in January, and dissipate in May. This disorder is thought to be triggered by the lack of light, which could disrupt the brain chemicals that affect mood, such as serotonin and dopamine. Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression, aggression and suicidal tendencies. Low levels of dopamine are linked to depression, weight gain and lack of motor control, or clumsiness.
Is there a way to shake the winter blues? VITAMIN D Reduced sunlight causes Vitamin D deficiencies. Whether this contributes to SAD or not, the jury is still out. Although the link is not clear, it certainly is a good idea to make sure you are getting adequate vitamin D as the days shorten. Many Americans are deficient. Lack of Vitamin D is not only associated with depression but more serious conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
OMEGA 3 Studies have long linked deficiencies of Omega-3 fatty acids to depression, and SAD specifically. Researchers note that cell membranes are partly made up of Omega-3 fats. Higher Omega-3 levels may make it easier for the “feel good” hormones to pass through cell membranes. Some results suggest that SAD is less common in those who consume more Omega-3 fatty acids, a potent source for which is derived from purified fish oil. One of the largest studies ever conducted assessing Omega-3’s effectiveness
in treating major depression was published in 2010 in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry and included 432 people with major depression. Half the participants took a high-concentration fish oil. The other half took a similar-looking placebo. The researchers found the Omega-3 supplements to be effective in treating depression. The results were comparable to conventional antidepressants. Although this study looked at depression in general and not specifically at patients whose depression is caused by SAD, its strong results are encouraging.
LIGHT THERAPY Doctors often prescribe light therapy to treat SAD. There are two types of light therapy: Bright light treatment: Sit in front of a “light box” for half an hour or longer, usually in the morning. Dawn simulation: A dim light goes on in the morning while you sleep, and it gets brighter over time, like a sunrise. Light therapy works well for most people with SAD, and it is easy to use. You need to stick with it and use it every day until the season changes. If you don’t, your depression could come back. Of course, talk with your doctor about treatments if you’re dealing with any kind of depression.
bonnie church Certified Life and Wellness Coach Author/ columist, motivational speaker Certified Trainer for TLS Weight Loss Solution
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Sue Spirit with a whimsical sculpture in Salzburg, Austria. Photos submitted
Sailing on the Danube: From Misery to Ecstasy
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“Stay behind, don’t go,” my friend Reene Ann urged, genuinely worried about my upcoming trip on Overseas Adventure Travel’s ship, the M.S. Aria, on the Danube River. Weak as a noodle, I was recovering from a serious bacterial infection. “I’ll be better,” I promised. “I think I can go.” But, I had no energy, and truly wanted nothing more than to stay at home and to sleep in my own cozy bed. Soon after we boarded the ship, I developed a bad cough. The days wore on. I was unable to sleep and had no appetite for the mouthwatering food that was served. I stayed holed up in my stateroom reading and journaling, wondering, “Why did I come? I should have listened to Reene Ann. And why me, anyway? Why does everything happen to me?” Hungary, where our ship was docked for three days, was just the place to match my mood. Helga, our leader, told us, “The Hungarian people are a dark, moody people, pessimistic and difficult.” The Hungarian language, in which I was genuinely interested, is a language family completely unlike any other, deemed almost impossible for an outsider to learn. I barely managed to learn “Good morning,” in Hungarian: “Yolregret Kivanok.” Perhaps that was an omen of darker things to come. We visited the spot where the 1956 revolution began, and heard the sad stories of the resistance of the Hungarian people to Communism. Helga made me get off the tour bus every morning and walk with the group for what seemed like miles, even though I begged to be allowed to stay onboard. When our ship finally left Budapest and continued on the river through Slovakia, Austria, and part of the Czech Republic, we traveled mostly by night, missing what I imagined to be all the glorious sights along the way. As the ship part of our journey neared an end, I was invited, in honor of my 11 previous trips with Overseas Adventure Travel, to sit at the captain’s table for the last-night banquet. Dismayed, I wondered how I would ever stop coughing. I asked our waiter to keep bringing me hot tea. Somehow, I got through the meal, although I still had no appetite. Prague, touted to be a sparkling bohemian city, turned out to be a dark, dreary place with dirty gray buildings that added
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to my despair. I was still getting no more than an hour’s sleep a night. Even our opulent hotel failed to cheer me up. If I ever get through this journey, I thought, I will never go on a trip again! I forced myself to write in my journal, trying to think of interesting things to say to describe this journey from hell. But nothing came. Finally, our last night arrived. Whew — the trip was almost over. Thank God! Our farewell banquet was at hand. Wearily, I dragged myself onto the bus taking us to dinner. We got out, and suddenly we were in a wonderland of white twinkling lights, the Prague square. A trio of musicians playing recorders was rendering “Greensleeves.” My mood began to lift. We wandered to a tiny restaurant on a side street, “The Two Camels,” which had been opened that night especially for our group. A feast fit for the gods — indeed the heavenly banquet — awaited us. In the window were two handsome leather camels, sentinels of our celebratory evening. Suddenly, I was hungry. A sparkling strawberry drink, gnocchi with broccoli sauce, heavenly rolls and cheesecake were set before us. Pleasant conversation ensued, suitable for such a dreamy space. Later as we left The Two Camels, the proprietor was setting off fireworks in the street. Maybe I was in the right place, after all. 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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highcountrycourtesies
‘One can do without people, but one has need of friends.’
Walking With Friends Through Mental Illness Our brains are amazingly complex. Resilient, yet delicate. Head injury, exposure to drugs or elements, traumatic experiences and genetic disposition can all affect change - or “disease”- in our brains. Through no fault or choice of our own, these types of disruptions can result in neuro-biologically based “mental illness.” When mental illness disrupts one person’s life, family, spouses and friends of that person are also affected. Acclimating to new medications (with their potential
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side-effects), learning new boundaries of what is possible — or not, and learning to cope with the changes can be a confusing, grieving, challenging time for all involved. While individuals with the diagnoses and their families are adjusting and adapting to their new “normal,” they especially need the support of family and friends. Because of the stigma mental illness carries and the lack of understanding about the causes, effects and prognoses for these different disorders, we may be unsure about how we can best support
others dealing with the complexity of life with mental illness. Here are a few suggestions offered by individuals with diagnoses, along with family members and spouses of those with diagnoses, that may inspire us all to better support them on their journeys. First of all, the closer we are to the ones affected, the more we need to do. Do not hesitate to be with them and present the opportunity for them to talk about what they are experiencing. Be real. Take them to dinner. Go for a walk with them.
Do something fun together that you both enjoy. Know they may be reeling, feeling devastated or isolated as they cope and need to have a moment of relief from their heartache. Do for them what you would do for a friend who has received a diagnosis of cancer. Secondly, stay in touch. Commit to connecting on a regular basis and follow through. Visit, call, send cards or emails. All gestures of kindness are appreciated. Knowing others care is powerful medicine. Faithfully offer words of encouragement. Understand they may need to talk or vent sometimes, but at other times, individuals and family members may need to not talk about the illness’s effects, choosing to “normalize” and speak about other aspects of life. Start conversations about other topics, but don’t hesitate to ask, “How are things?” We can pray specifically for their needs and regularly check with them regarding answers to prayer requests. Celebrate small steps of progress. We can listen with compassion and unconditional regard for the experiences of the individual and family members. By acknowledging how difficult this situation must be, we can validate their fears, grief and struggles. We should be sensitive that everyone may not know about the illness and not ask about how they are doing regarding the illness in the presence of others. We can read a book or research the illnesses via other avenues to better understand their experiences and to better offer encouragement to individuals and family members. Specifically for the individual with the diagnosis, we can address and treat him or her with respect, as an adult. We should treat individuals as we did before they became ill, no matter how odd their behavior may be. We can keep open minds and not judge. We cannot imagine what individuals may be experiencing, nor how we would respond in the same situation. We can assist in empowering the person. One individual suggested helping her find tools to help herself. Having the tools she needs helps her feel competent and confident. We can remind the person of the bigger picture and her value. Help individuals recognize their contributions
to others. Remind them of their talents and what they do well. Encourage individuals to express themselves through whatever medium they are comfortable: writing, painting, crafts, etc. Help them make a list of things to accomplish, then help them start. Encourage them to use a planner and to set little goals. Cheer their successes; let them know we are proud of them. Support them in finding a community where they can participate and connect with others. We can tell our friends if we feel overwhelmed and need to take a break. Reassure them that we will be back then stick to our word. Keep them aware of resources. No one counselor nor program nor medication regime fits everyone. Persuade them to pursue the options that best fit them and allow them to function at their optimal level. By consistently connecting, listening, trying to understand, respecting and encouraging our friends as they walk through the devastating detours of mental illness, we communicate their value to us. Through our efforts we can foster their hope and reduce the stigma of these physically based “mental illnesses.” Note from author: As the sister and the mother of two precious family members with diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorders, I have walked this journey myself. Along the way, I have sought comfort and advice from counselors and those farther along the path than I was, at the time. While at a training session where I was certified as a family-to-family instructor with NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness), I sought advice from others, also being certified, for recommendations and suggestions to share, based on what proved beneficial (or not) with their loved ones with related diagnoses. The aforementioned suggestions come from those individuals and from members of NAMI High Country Board of Directors, with confirmation from two local practicing counselors, Joey Dickson, of 180 Behavioral Healthcare, and Ashley McKinney.
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mom’sworld
Exercise Therapy Many people would agree with the concept of exercise as good therapy for the mind, body and soul. But sometimes, it is hard to know if our approach to exercise is such a good thing and truly, if you can have too much of the good thing. In my own world, I have struggled with being so caught up with my running schedule, that I have run on sore, tired legs that have become less and less forgiving the older that I get. Slowly, I am learning what it is to honor my body and revel in the bliss of natural endorphins and a sunny mountain day. I am also learning the pain and potential long-term effects of ignoring sharp signals in my body, sleepless nights and a lack of hydration or healthy dietary intake. Life brings us some lessons quietly — over and over again — and, when we don’t get it, slaps us in the face with a reality. Recently, my exercise became more therapy and less good as I battled a case of plantar fasciitis (a painful foot condition) while trying to prepare for the Blue Ridge Relay, a 208-mile relay race to which I had committed in mind a year ago and with registration in the last couple of months. I helped form a team and was ecstatic. It was a mental, physical and financial commitment to run. Then, after a beach trip and some poor decisions to run — when rest would have been a better idea — the pain became so severe that the goal that I had held all summer to accomplish seemed to be a disappointment waiting to happen. Physical therapy, pool running (in the deep end), ice, stretching, arch supports, night splints, and way too much reading on the Internet, intensified as I tried to “speed” a process that should have occurred over two to three months with the severity of the condition. Two days before race day, I made the decision that I was “good enough” to run, based on the fact that the pain was tolerable and not unbearable, albeit fairly constant. Race day came, and our team assem-
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bled. We had a great group of people: Kate C., Mike, Carl, Carmen, Carrie, Clay, my dear friend Emily, Kate G., my son Will, Jess, Tom and myself. Our group, the High Country Healers, was comprised of nurses, doctors, caseworkers, students, administrators, a youth minister and myself, a nurse-midwife. We were a team committed to cheering each other on and finishing the race that begins in Grayson Highlands, Va., and takes a meandering path to Asheville. We wanted to run to the best of our collective abilities in a spectacularly beautiful setting and hopefully without any new injuries. The support I received from this group of people was phenomenal. Everyone knew I was nursing an injury and helped keep my spirits high. I wavered between my desire to run and my desire to not hurt myself more. I thrived on watching everyone come into each exchange zone, as the next runner left. I loved watching my son, Will, run and marveled at his ability to power up hills and down, as well as Emily’s enthusiasm, passion and love of the sport. And, I was buoyed up by the runners on my team
who cheered me on when I ran, certainly not gracefully. My first “leg,” a nine-mile stretch on the Blue Ridge Parkway outside of Blowing Rock, initially fueled some self-doubt because of the pain and intensity of the run; however, as I proceeded, things got easier and the beauty of the run prevailed. My second “leg” was a short, fast run down foggy roads into Bakersville, during which my enjoyment of the brisk downhill, solitude of the night at 3 a.m., and brief ability to pretend that my foot wasn’t “that bad” enabled me to pick up the pace. My third and final leg was the last going into Asheville and the hardest. Finishing a relay like this means someone on the team is running 24/7 until the race is done. No one gets much sleep, if any, and everyone is pretty well exhausted. But the camaraderie and scenery maintained me, and I think everyone else in the van. We were part of something bigger and better than ourselves, and we knew it. As I pounded down the final stretch of the mountain, foot smacking hard, sweat pouring in 75 degree heat, and my head running through all the mental games to
keep running (“1-2-3-A, 1-2-3-B, 1-2-3-C, etc), other vehicles continued down the road after their final runners. Teams such as “Road Kilt” and the “Hot Ultra Mommas” rolled by in their vans, yelling out the window at me “Go, Runner!” When I finished, the entire team ran in with me, and my husband and other sons were there in support, as well. It was a wonderful feeling, tempered only by the acknowledgement to myself as I crossed that finish line that I had to now follow my physical therapist’s advice and rest that darn foot. So, as I said, I’m on the slow learning curve of getting older and bending the rigidity of my mind and body in the process. The race, as Tom would put it to his wife, was part fun and part misery, but mostly something really neat to be a part of. It was the perfect exercise therapy for me. And I would do it again. heather jordan, CNM, MSN Comments or questions? 828.737.7711, ext. 253 landh@localnet.com
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Made by hand and by heart Buttermilk Restaurant honored in Paula Deen magazine
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Doris Buchanan makes every batch of biscuits by hand
There are plenty of biscuit spots that claim to be the best, but Avery County’s Buttermilk Restaurant has the credentials to prove it. The restaurant was chosen from more than 4,000 entries as one of the “Top 10 biscuits in the South.” The recognition was followed by a feature in the September/October issue of “Cooking with Paula Deen” magazine, which included a picture of Buttermilk Restaurant’s famous cinnamon biscuits prepared in a cast iron skillet. When Buttermilk Restaurant owner Doris Buchanan got the call that she was a finalist, she was skeptical. “Paula Deen asked for people on Facebook to give suggestions on what their favorite biscuit place is,” Doris says. Their name came up enough for the magazine to take notice. “When they contacted us they told us about the contest and that there were over 4,000 entries. We were thinking, is this a hoax? One day we just came in and baked our biscuits and said, ‘Oh well, if it’s a hoax it’s a hoax. We don’t lose anything by do-
ing it.’ So we went ahead and submitted pictures of our biscuits and of me making them,” Doris says. What followed next was another call that, of those 4,000 entries, they were one of the 10 chosen. The restaurant has seen more interest and business from far and wide since the feature. “We’ve been getting calls from people saying they saw us in the magazine,” Doris says. To top it off, the restaurant has only been open since November. Buttermilk Restaurant is located in what was formerly the Spear Grill. Buchanan and family knew that the Spear community wanted an expanded restaurant there, with more seating, so that is exactly what they did. A traditional family biscuit recipe is the backbone of the menu, with no need to measure out the ingredients. “It’s just handed down from grandma to mama to me,” Doris says. “I started baking biscuits when I was in elementary school, because Daddy had to have breakfast every morning and mama had gone to work early. So before we went to school, my sister and I made breakfast in the
morning. My biscuits got better throughout the years. They’re better now than they were back then.” Doris starts every day with a pan of biscuits, which are served with homemade strawberry preserves. Cheddar biscuits, cinnamon biscuits and biscuits with chocolate gravy are also menu favorites. Doris serves up some of the best biscuits in the South seven days a week at Buttermilk Restaurant, located in the Spear community at 5810 South U.S. 19E in Newland. For more information, visit www.buttermilkrestaurant.webs.com, call (828) 765-2200, or email Buttermilkrestaurant@ gmail.com.
CAROLINE HARRIS caroline.harris@averyjournal.com
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Fall 2013 Fashion Round-up
Although summer weather was in short supply in the High Country this year, many readers are already eager for the transition to fall clothing. We are hearing this month from women with local ties — many who are in the fashion business and others whose style easily catches an eye regularly — helpful tips to enhance your style and stretch your fashion budget this fall.
What advice can you share for stretching your clothing budget as we transition into Fall 2013? “I love layering my summer tops with fall jackets and scarves and wearing dresses with leggings.” - Lynn Windmeyer, clothing designer “One of my favorite ways to transition into fall and stretch my fashion dollars is by simply layering. A great way to do this is to pair a lightweight cardigan with a summer dress and add either flats or boots. It’s a fun, simple, and comfortable way to rewear what’s already in your closet!” - Hannah Seneff, personal stylist “I pair lighter weight shirts with a few nice top pieces like coats or jackets.” - Jen, working mother of two
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What colors are grabbing your attention this fall?
What’s one of your signature fall staples?
“My top three items for this fall are a great pair of cheetah flats, a fun infinity scarf and a military green field jacket.” - Hannah Seneff, personal stylist
“Neutrals paired with rich pastels like mint and coral.” - Angie Eisman, designer and business owner
“My wish list for fall includes a leather jacket, lace up boots and oversize sweaters.” - Lydia Gregory, student
“I’m definitely attracted to jewel tones for the fall.” - Lydia Gregory, student
“I love vests. I like the pockets in Patagonia vests. I also have a puffy Roxy Brand vest that I love too. Vests pull together an outfit, keep you warm on chilly mornings, and cover up bulges and bumps. I wear vests all seasons.” - Mamie Morton, busy mom of two
“Heeled and flat ankle booties in suede or leather. They are a must-have this season!” - Jennele Vaquera, boutique owner, downtown Boone
“I love bold red for fall!” - Jennele Vaquera, boutique owner, downtown Boone
What are your must-have items for Fall 2013?
“I’m into leggings and scarves, especially infinity scarves this fall.” - Jen, working mom of two
“My favorite staples: A simple, classic nude color flat, a fabulous striped shirt and a great scarf. These things can take you anywhere!” - Hannah Seneff, personal stylist
“Anything in emerald! A bag would be fun.” - Lynn Windmeyer, clothing designer
“I would like to find a really great denim shirt to wear over another shirt or as a jacket. Also, I would love to find a great cape, maybe a plaid one!” - Mamie Morton, busy mother of two “As soon as a chill hits the air, I find myself drawn to earthy, organic materials, like wooden earrings. Maybe it reminds me of the falling leaves and hayrides?” - Kacy Krieg, jewelry designer “I finally invested in some functional and fashionable snow boots. I wear them a lot, so it was worth spending a little more.” - LeAnn Gregory, working mother of three
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As Halloween draws near, we need to be mindful of a few simple safety precautions that will help our kids have a fun, safe, and not too scary evening of tricking and treating. When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long, trailing fabric. If you are making their costumes, choose material that won’t easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eyeholes are large enough so they can see out. Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting, or glow sticks as part of their costume. Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candles in a Jack-o-lantern. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside Jacko-lanterns, use long fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards. If you choose to use candle decorations, make sure to keep them well attended at all times. Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
Keeping the
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Tell children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.) Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting. If your children are going to Halloween parties at others’ homes, have them look for ways out of the home and plan how they would get out in an emergency. Children should always go trick-or-treating with a responsible adult. Remind children to stay together as a group and walk from house to house. Review how to cross a street with your child. Look left, right and left again to be sure no cars are approaching before crossing the street. Make a rule that children will not eat any treat until it has been brought home and examined by a grown-up. Tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association
SPOOKTACULAR
TREATS Chocolate Spiders
Popcorn JackO-Lanterns
Frozen Witches’ Heads
¼ cup butter or margarine
½ stick butter or margarine
3 whole graham crackers
1 (12-oz.) pkg. semisweet chocolate chips
10½ oz. bag miniature marshmallows
6 scoops mint-flavored ice cream
4 oz. pkg. orange-flavored Jell-O
6 chocolate-flavored ice cream cones
1 cup butterscotch-flavored chips
12 cups popped popcorn
Red string licorice
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
Green gumdrop spearmint leaves, cut in half
Small round candies
4 cups crisp rice cereal Chow mein noodles, assorted candies for decorations
Tube of chocolate decorator’s frosting with small writing tip
Cover baking sheet with waxed paper.
In microwave, cook margarine and marshmallows in a large, microwave-safe bowl on high for 1½ -2 minutes, or until marshmallows are puffy. Stir in Jell-O and mix well.
Break graham crackers crosswise in half. Place 1 scoop ice cream on center of each cracker; top with upside-down ice cream cone for witch’s hat. Cut licorice into 1½ -inch lengths; place next to cone for hair. Add candies for eyes and candy corn for noses. Freeze 4-6 hours or until firm. Serve immediately after removing from freezer.
Combine butter, chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in large saucepan; stir over medium heat until chips are melted and mixture is well blended. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter and mix well. Add cereal, stir to coat evenly. Drop mixture, by tablespoon, onto prepared baking sheet; insert chow mein noodles for legs and add candies for eyes.
Spider Pretzels
Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn in large bowl. Mix lightly until well coated. Shape into 12 balls with lightly greased or wet hands. Top with spearmint leaves to create stems. Decorate with chocolate to make jack-o-lantern faces. Makes 12 popcorn balls.
Candy corn
sherrie norris Editor, All About Women
2 teaspoons smooth peanut butter 2 round crackers 8 small pretzel sticks 2 raisins With the peanut butter and crackers, make a “sandwich;” insert eight pretzel “legs” into the filling. With a dab of peanut butter, set two raisin eyes on top of the cracker. Makes one serving; repeat process to make as many as you need.
OCTOBER 2013 | AAWMAG.COM
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– Oprah Winfrey
Photo by Sherrie Norris
'Forget about the fast lane. If you really want to y, just harness your power to your passion.'
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