COMPLIMENTARY
JULY 2019 | VOL. 10, ISSUE 7
Adventure&Outdoors ISSUE THE
FEATURING: Adventures in Summer Cocktails
Nature DeďŹ cit Disorder
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features CONTENTS
44 30
50
32
54
38
58
ONC BOOK CLUB: A River Runs Through It and Other Stories ADVENTURE ABOUNDS: The Appalachian Trail K2 SOLUTIONS, INC: World Class Dog Training
44
FIVE SIMPLE SUMMER COCKTAILS: Back Porch Sitting, Sunset Surfing
4
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58 CAROLINA CONVERSATIONS: Mary Lou Allen, Skydiving into Her Golden Years INTIMATIONS OF IMMORTALITY: How Spending Time in Nature Seems to Matter
PHOTO ESSAY: Lynette’s Bakery and Cafe
CANCER MADE ME STRONGER.
With a team of accredited medical experts, nurse navigators and endless support services behind her, Michelle realized she wasn’t facing cancer alone. She discovered her own resilience and strength and refused to let cancer get the best of her. To watch Michelle’s story, visit
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CONTENTS
departments 12
10 12 14
ASK THE EXPERT: Multiple Sclerosis Amy Natt, MS, CMC, CSA BRAIN HEALTH: Effects of Nature on the Brain Maryanne Edmundson, PhD, LP CAREGIVER SUPPORT: Value of Support Systems Latorius Adams, MS
16
CAROLINA CURIOSITIES: Cattle Auctions Ray Linville
18 19
BODY HEALTH: Beware of Ticks Gretchen Arnoczy, MD
SCAM ALERT: Reverse Mortgage Scams Patty LePage
20
LAW REVIEW: Costly Mistakes in Estate Planning Margaret (Mia) Lorenz, Attorney
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18
22 26 28
HEALTH COACHING: Maintaining Healthy Weight Marcy Simpson, LCSW EYE HEALTH: Don’t Forget the Sunglasses! Daniel K. Messner, MD
62 64 66
VETERANS CORNER: Making a Claim Jim Pedersen GREY MATTER PUZZLES Crossword, Word Search, Sudoku OVER MY SHOULDER: Adventure is What You Make It Ann Robson GENERATIONS QUESTION: If you could go on any adventure, and money was no object, where would you go and why?
t r a e h s e r u t a N o t y e a s w o l a c r p e a e e l K c b k m i a e l r c b d d n a an k e e l i e h w w a a d n n i e p s once r o n i a t n s u d o o o m w a in the rit clean i p s r u o y h s a W
John Muir JULY 2019 |
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“What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing?– it’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”
from the editor
8
It’s July – we’re in the thick of it now. The air is beginning to really cling, no? There is something about a Carolina summer that is unique, the blend of all that mugginess with the scent of pine and the way the hot air shimmers just above a set of worn railroad tracks. This is just the moment when ice cream begins to melt faster than we can eat it, when porch sitting becomes a workout in itself and when the consumption of liquids is literally lifesaving. That’s what I like to remind myself when I have a Pimm’s cup in hand, that delicious cocktail chockfull of freshly sliced cucumber and strawberries, making it not only hydrating but basically a salad in a glass. I know. I am nothing if not focused on my health. This month we’re all about Adventure and the Outdoors, which comes right when the days are long, the nights are hot and the trails are begging to be explored. We talk with one Robeson County woman who, at the tender age of 75, began jumping out of airplanes, hunting deer and, if she gets her wish, will one day drive a race car (p 50). We explore Nature Deficit Disorder and the impact of so much urbanization on our brains, which is actually a thing (p 54).
OutreachNC.com | JULY 2019
The elite trainers of K2’s canine program give us a glimpse into their own world of training and adventure, providing life lessons we can all use on the daily (p 38). If adventure is calling, and you’ve finally got the time to tackle a major trail, we look at what it takes to plan for and complete the famed Appalachian Trail, which runs right through our beloved state (p 32). And as a special treat (seriously), we head over to Aberdeen to Lynette’s Bakery and Cafe for Cuban-inspired baked goods, sandwiches and coffee, which I won’t lie... knocked my socks off. Who knew coffee could be served in a shot glass, be sweet without being cloying and make a girl feel like she might be walking in a pair of espadrilles through an ancient town square in Havana (p 58)? Though I’m not a die-hard fan of the Beatniks, I have to admit Kerouac may have been on to something when he wrote in On the Road, “What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? – it’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.” Here’s to the next crazy venture....
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Ad Designers Stephanie Budd, Cyndi Fifield, Sarah McElroy Proofreader Kate Pomplun Photography Morgan Masson, Diana Matthews Contributors Latorius Adams, Gretchen Arnoczy, Maryanne Edmundson, Madison H.V. Hall, Patty LePage, Ray Linville, Margaret (Mia) Lorenz, Daniel K. Messner, Amy Natt, Crissy Neville, Robin Nutting, Jim Pedersen, Amy Phariss, Ann Robson, Jonathan Scott, Marcy Simpson Publisher Amy Natt | AmyN@AgingOutreachServices.com Marketing & Public Relations Director Susan McKenzie | SusanM@AgingOutreachServices.com Circulation 910-692-0683 | info@OutreachNC.com OutreachNC PO Box 2478 | 676 NW Broad Street Southern Pines, NC 28388 910-692-9609 Office | 910-695-0766 Fax info@OutreachNC.com | www.OutreachNC.com OutreachNC is a publication of The entire contents of OutreachNC are copyrighted by Aging Outreach Services. Reproduction or use without permission of editorial, photographic or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. OutreachNC is published monthly on the first of each month.
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advice
Our Aging Life Care ProfessionalsTM will answer any aging questions you may have.
Email us your questions! info@OutreachNC.com
ASK THE EXPERT
Multiple Sclerosis by Amy Natt, MS, CMC, CSA My sister is in her early 50s; she has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and has experienced several recent falls. She lives alone, works and is still very independent so doesn’t like to talk about it or ask for help. How can I provide more support for her? It is very difficult to accept a new diagnosis, especially if there is no known cure. The fact that your sister is younger, still working and does not have a significant other at home for support, can make it even more difficult to accept. While she may be able to lead a relatively normal life right now, it is a progressive disease and starting a conversation will help her take steps to put a plan in place for the future. Remember that what you see as resistance is probably fear. Educate yourself as much as possible, so that as changes occur you will have a basic understanding of the disease. Some of the early symptoms she may experience include:
• vision problems • tingling and numbness • pains and spasms • weakness or fatigue • balance problems or dizziness • bladder issues • sexual dysfunction • cognitive problems
Balance, weakness and spasms can often lead to falls, which is a primary risk to maintaining independence. If your sister is willing to talk to you about her diagnosis, you can emphasize that you want to help her manage any symptoms, minimize the risk of getting hurt and maximize her ability to remain at home safely. Offer to attend medical appointments, just to listen and take notes. If she allows this, help her write out questions ahead of time, but be sure you don’t take over the appointment or you may not be invited back.
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Because she lives alone it is important that she have some type of medical alert pendent. If she has a fall and is unable to reach her phone, she needs a way to call for help. There are several systems on the market. Some work within a certain radius of a base unit, while others have GPS functionality and can be used almost anywhere. Provide her with information on these systems and offer to be her emergency contact. Safety is a big issue; you can also offer to help her arrange her home environment to minimize things that might create fall risks, like throw rugs, clutter or cords. Adding things like grab bars and hand rails can be helpful as well. Minimizing the risk for falls can be a very important step to maintaining independence.
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Information is power. The National MS Society has a variety of educational resources and ways they can offer support. You or she would start by calling and asking to speak to the MS Navigator. They can help assess the situation and offer recommendations and resources. They may be aware of local support groups she could attend. Let them become a partner in her care and be utilized at different points along this journey. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ National Multiple Sclerosis Society Phone: 781-693-5155 / 800-344-4867 Your sister is dealing with uncertainty. Keep showing up and offering to help. Be patient and a good listener and as opportunities present, offer to provide support and resources. Provide her with information and allow time for her to digest it. If she is resistant, be ready when the crisis hits to help her take the appropriate next steps. Work with her medical providers and significant people in her life to create a plan together.
If you’re looking for a way to simplify your life and retire in ease, an apartment at Scotia Village Retirement Community is the perfect choice. With floorplans ranging from 400 to 1,450 square feet, Scotia Village apartments combine convenience with comfort, offering the room you need and the uncluttered lifestyle you want. Best of all, you’ll be part of a community with plenty of things to do and new friends to make. We invite you to see our newly designed studio apartment, staged by Parker Furniture. To arrange a visit, call us at 910-266-5024.
Readers may send questions to Amy Natt, an Aging Life Care ProfessionalTM, certified senior advisor and CEO of Aging Outreach Services. She can be reached at amyn@agingoutreachservices.com .
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health
B R A I N H E A LT H
Effects of Nature on the Brain by Maryanne Edmundson, Ph. D., L.P.
Mental health professionals have recently become interested in the effects of humans’ increasing separation from the natural world, including potential effects on cognition. Although research in this area is relatively new, some studies have shown that increasing our exposure to nature may be beneficial to our brains through complex mechanisms. Thus far, studies have linked nature exposure to improvements in attention, memory, and spatial perception. For example, studies comparing cognitive performances of individuals asked to spend time in natural environments (i.e., forests, parks) vs. people who spent time in urban settings (e.g., a city block without much natural scenery) have found that, for those who spent time in nature, children with ADHD performed better on attention tasks and people with depression performed better on memory tasks. Among children in similar socioeconomic situations, those with more access to green spaces have better impulse control, less hyperactivity, more creative play, more emotional resilience, and better social interactions. Adults with greater nature accessibility also tend to demonstrate lower impulsive decision-making and expanded space perception (i.e., better perception of larger visual areas). Additionally, a study of older adults showed that those who did not go outdoors regularly tended to have faster declines in daily functioning and intellectual activities over a 9-month span than those who regularly went outdoors. Attentional benefits are notably better for real-world nature exposure (e.g., walking in a forest) than simulation (e.g., watching a nature film), though both show some attention boosts. Some researchers have posited that this restorative effect of nature exposure relates to the reduced demand on executive functioning-based attention (i.e., giving a break to our highestlevel ability to selectively focus our attention). Others hypothesize that nature’s brain boost occurs specifically through mood control, given that individuals with greater exposure to nature have generally been found to have less depression, anxiety, and stress, be more socially active, and have a greater sense of wellbeing, relaxation, and feelings of self-efficacy – however, sometimes nature’s boost to memory performance has been found even when mood does not improve, suggesting there is more to the story than just emotional effects. 12
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Many studies show health benefits of exposure to nature that have implications for brain health. Exposure to natural spaces has been linked to activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, the body system that helps us to physically relax and rejuvenate, and lowered activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which gives us our “fight or flight” response to stress and danger – thus, our bodies may be literally less stressed when in nature. Nature therapies, or intentional exposure to nature for health promotion, have shown results of reduced blood glucose in people with diabetes, cortisol levels (a stress hormone), heart rate variability, blood pressure, and pulse rate, shorter surgical recovery times, and boosts to certain immune functions in individuals with weakened immune systems and those undergoing cancer treatments. Improvements in cardiovascular and immune health are protective factors against the development of cognitive disorders, such as some dementias, and may improve overall disease course in certain neurological autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. Additionally, exposure to sunlight contributes to greater vitamin D production (a vitamin necessary for brain health) and regulation of the sleep-wake cycle (which helps our brains to rejuvenate more efficiently during sleep). A new area of interest is the gastrointestinal microbiome, the unique collection of helpful microbes living in our guts. Studies suggest that early exposure to microbe-rich environments (e.g., growing up on a traditional farm with microbially diverse soil) may increase microbiome diversity which may in turn protect against the development of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions and improve brain cell communication in the hippocampus (the brain’s learning center). Thus, cognitive boosts from nature exposure may occur by improving health factors that affect brain performance. Before you embark on a new nature trip, discuss any risks with your primary doctor (e.g., allergies and other health factors) to ensure you have the best possible nature experience. If you have additional questions about cognitive functioning and nature exposure, consult with your local neuropsychologist. Dr. Maryanne Edmundson is a clinical neuropsychologist at Pinehurst Neuropsychology Brain & Memory Clinic. She can be reached at 910-4208041 or through the website at www. pinehurstneuropsychology.com.
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JULY 2019 | OutreachNC.com 13 ASSI STED L I VI NG • MEMORY CARE • RESPITE/SHORT-T ERM STAYS ©2018 Five Star Senior Living
advice
CAREGIVER SUPPORT
The Value of Caregiver Support Services by Latorius Adams, MS
Caregivers come in all sizes, shapes, genders and ethnicities. However, they do have one thing in common. Caregivers are usually not prepared for their new role. There is no question that caregivers need support. Caregiving is hard and often leads to burnout or stress. If a Caregiver is caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia, or other mental issues, it can be especially difficult. Because it often arrives unexpectedly, caretaking may become a full-time job, affecting free time and causing feelings of alienation because of the lack of support from friends and family members. Caregivers are silent heroes due to their devotion, commitment and self-sacrifice. Caregiving is a tough and isolating experience. Fortunately, there are caregiving support groups that can help. Caregiver support groups are filled with people in similar situations. Finally! People who actually get what you are going through! It is important for the caregiver to determine if a support group is appropriate for them. The best way to know is to attend a meeting and assess the dynamics of the group and the quality of the leadership. Caretakers can gain valuable information about resources from other caretakers in similar situations. Sharing stories and experiences is a great way to learn from others. Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. The common experience among members of a support group often means they have similar feelings, worries, everyday problems, and experiences. Participating in a group provides you with an opportunity to be with people who are likely to have a common purpose and likely to understand one another. Benefits of participating in a support group may include: • Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged • Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue • Talking openly and honestly about your feelings • Improving skills to cope with challenges • Staying motivated to manage chronic conditions or stick to treatment plans 14
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• Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope • Improving understanding of a disease and your own experience with it • Getting practical feedback about treatment options • Learning about health, economic or social resources
Taking care of someone can be a joy, but it can be difficult, even when it is someone you love. Most people who need care rely on family and friends for their support. Caregivers are present in approximately one out of every five households. Caregivers devote a large amount of time, energy, focus, and financial resources in providing care for their loved ones. This includes unpaid persons such as family members, friends, and neighbors of all ages who are providing care. Family caregivers serve as a critical component in providing the long-term care for older adults. The Harnett County Division on Aging offers a Family Caregiver Support Program. This national program was established in November 2000 under the Older Americans Act of 1965, to help support family members caring for an aging loved one. The Harnett County Family Caregiver Support Program provides information about available services, assistance gaining access to services, caregiver trainings, respite care, and supplemental services. For more information about the Family Caregiver Program, or the support groups, contact Latorius Adams, Family Caregiver Support Program Coordinator at 910-814-6075 or log onto the Division on Aging website at www.harnett. org/aging.
Latorius Adams, MS Family Caregiver Support Program Specialist / Medicare Counselor Harnett County Government Complex 309 W. Cornelius Harnett Blvd. Lillington, NC 27546 910-814-6075
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Dr. Lamphier treats a wide range of digestive diseases and conditions including: • • • • •
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Dr. Lamphier also provides colon cancer screenings.
JULY 2019 |
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life
CAROLINA CURIOSITIES
Cattle Auctions Offer Glimpses in Agricultural Heritage by Ray Linville
When is the last time you attended a cattle auction? Never? But if no cattle auctions were held, your prime rib, flank steak, and hamburger would likely be in short supply. Curious about the journey ahead for the cattle that you recently passed while traveling on a two-lane road in our area? Your chance to learn about American agriculture and appreciate the work of cattle farmers begins in nearby Chatham County, the home of Carolina Stockyards Company, one of about a dozen stockyards in our state. Although Siler City is known much more for chicken production at the Mountaire Farms plant downtown that at full capacity can process 1.4 million chickens a week, Carolina Stockyards is the place to take grandkids (and adults) to watch old-fashioned livestock auctions. About a mile west of Siler City off U.S. Hwy 64, it holds auctions twice a week. Monday sales start at 1:30 p.m., and Friday sales begin at 10:30 a.m. It has 14 full-time employees but as many as 35 work on auction days. Jennifer Thomas, office manager, says that auctions are observed frequently by members of Future Farmers of America and regional high school students who are planning agricultural careers. When you visit, you’ll be surprised how quickly a sale starts and ends. A helper brings in a steer and an auction begins immediately with its statistics displayed on a digital screen.
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The auctioneer’s voice booms over the loud speaker. Very soon “going, going, gone” ends the sale, and the next one begins. The tiered seating area that surrounds the auction floor is often crowded. As you watch, keep your hands down and be careful not to scratch an ear, adjust your glasses, or jiggle a hand. The auctioneer might interpret such motions as meaning that you’re placing a bid. For sure, don’t hold up a sheet of paper that is another signal you’re bidding. The early days of Carolina Stockyards began in 1950 when brothers Harry Lee and Howard Horney, who were operating Horney Livestock, bought Siler City Livestock Company with auctioneer John Brewer. They gave the business, located south of the city, a new name: Carolina Stockyards. As the business thrived in the 1970s, it outgrew its facilities, and a new livestock market was built in 1972 west of Siler City where the business grew rapidly. It quickly became the largest stockyard in the state. By the mid-1980s, it was the largest livestock auction market east of the Mississippi River. In 2004, the stockyard was sold to Robert Crabb Jr., his father Ray, and several other investors. In recognition of its contribution to the area’s economic growth, the stockyard received the Agriculture Hall of Fame Award from the Chatham County Board of Commissioners in 2010, the first year of the award program. At the time of the award,
Commissioner Vice Chair George Lucier said that the stockyard means “so much to our agricultural excellence.” Carolina Stockyards sells more than 80,000 head of cattle a year. On the last Friday in April, more than 1,000 head of cattle were sold (as well as 101 goats and 62 sheep). Weights ranged from slightly more than 200 to 1,800 pounds. The highest price range was $150-$186 per head. Prices paid here still set the market price statewide. Kevin Gray, owner and operator of Hickory Creek Farm, reflects, “I grew up going to the stockyards every Friday selling cows with my dad. Now 30 years later I’m taking my boys on Friday nights and hardly anything has changed.” Don’t be surprised if you hear someone playing “International Harvester” by Craig Morgan, who sings, “I’m the son of a third-generation farmer. I’ve been married ten years to the farmer’s daughter. I got two boys in the county 4-H.” People – sellers, buyers, spectators, farmers, friends – come and go throughout the day as auctions continue until all livestock are sold. When anyone is hungry, they walk to the on-site restaurant. Because auctions take up most of the day, having a place to eat is important. Needless to say, farmers can be hungry for beef: rib-eye, T-bone, and sirloin steaks are often featured at the casual restaurant. Although Chick-fil-A cows want us to “eat more chicken,” poultry alone does not always make farmers and their families happy. More than for steaks, the restaurant is known for its succulent hamburgers, made from beef sold at auction and processed next door. The “lil” cowpattie burger is only $2.50, and a double cheeseburger is $6.25.
with young visitors. “It’s a chocolate cake with caramel cream inside and frozen whipped topping and Heath pieces on top,” says Sherry Duncan, who started selling the dessert on the first day that she began as restaurant owner more than four years ago. For some, like Michelle Hatley of nearby Saxapahaw, it’s a place to have lunch and reunite “with high school buddies.” The restaurant at Carolina Stockyards is open on auction days: Monday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday (the only day breakfast is served) from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. It’s also open on Tuesday but a visit is better on auction days to observe the hustle and bustle of cattle sales. The address is 260 Stockyard Rd., Siler City. The phone number of the office, open every day but Sunday, is 919-742-5665. The restaurant phone is 919663-6032.
Editor’s Note: OutreachNC Magazine continues a bimonthly feature to explore places in our area that would pique our curiosity if we knew more about them.
Ray Linville writes about local connections to Southern food, history and culture. He can be reached at linville910@gmail.com.
Desserts are enticing: strawberry, apple, or peach cobbler is often available. A “holy cow” is popular
JULY 2019 |
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health
B O D Y H E A LT H
Beware of What You Might Bring In from The Great Outdoors by Gretchen Arnoczy, M.D.
Planning on hiking, camping or gardening this summer? If so, be careful of ticks and your risk for tick-borne diseases.
Spotted Fever are often negative early in the disease but treatment is lifesaving.”
Tick-borne diseases are especially common in the summer.
The good news is that treatments are very effective when started early. The treatment of choice is doxycycline, a prescription drug taken by mouth.
These diseases can progress very quickly. They can become serious, even life-threatening, say physicians at FirstHealth of the Carolinas. But, you can take steps to help prevent these illnesses. “It’s important to check for ticks after spending time outdoors hiking or gardening,” says Gretchen Arnoczy, M.D., infectious disease specialist at FirstHealth of the Carolinas. “In both the summer and fall, ticks are something we should pay a lot of attention to as tick-borne diseases are very prevalent in the Sandhills.” According to Dr. Arnoczy, the two most common tickborne diseases in the Sandhills are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichia. “Lyme disease can be found in North Carolina, but it is more common in the Northeast U.S.,” she adds. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is named for the spotted rash that can appear after the bite of an infected tick. Despite the name, it doesn’t always have a rash. It almost always has a fever. “Ehrlichia is sometimes called “Rocky Mountain spotless fever, because it does not cause that rash,” says Dr. Arnoczy. “Both can cause headache and fever. Ehrlichia can also cause fatigue.” The Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever rash does not always appear and early symptoms can be subtle. “So if you’ve had tick exposure and you get a fever and headache you should see your doctor to see if you should start treatment,” she says. “Blood tests in Rocky Mountain 18
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If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers. “Try to grasp it at the head, but do not squeeze the contents back into your skin,” says Dr. Arnoczy. “If a little of the head remains, the body will usually react to work it out over a few days.” Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to clean the area of the bite and your hands well. To prevent tick bites, Dr. Arnoczy recommends checking yourself once a day. “Nymph ticks are baby ticks, and they are more common in the spring and early summer,” she adds. “They are so small you might miss them.” Common tick hiding places are under the arms and behind the knees, in and around the ears, in the belly button, between the legs, around the waist, and on the hairline and scalp. It can also be helpful to shower after being outdoors. “The most important thing is to find and remove ticks as soon as possible,” says Dr. Arnoczy. Dr. Arnoczy deals with a variety of infectious diseases – from annual outbreaks of flu to HIV/AIDS, and the threat of exotic conditions that make the news, like Ebola and Zika. She joined Moore Regional Hospital’s medical staff in 2010. For more information, visit www. firsthealth.org/infectiousdiseases.
SCAM ALERT
advice
Beware of Homeowners Reverse Mortgage Scams by Patty LePage
Reverse mortgages were created to help seniors gain access to the equity in their homes, through a cash payout, without selling their property. Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners aged 62 and older. The money is usually tax-free and doesn’t affect Social Security or Medicare benefits, making it a great option for seniors. In addition, the loan only comes due if you sell the home, move out, or die. Unfortunately, reverse mortgages have become an avenue for several scams geared toward seniors. These scams are generally carried out in different ways, some subtler than others. The result remains the same: a homeowner loses home equity to a scammer. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), scammers often focus on trying to steal home equity from seniors using foreclosed properties they have purchased. This type of equity theft scam occurs when individuals buy one of these homes from the scammers. The homeowner is then encouraged to take out a reverse mortgage after occupying the property for 60 days. Once the loan is processed, the scammers steal the proceeds of the loan. Scammers will also seek out seniors who are at risk of losing their homes due to foreclosure. The scammers convince the homeowner that a reverse mortgage will save their property only to then say they do not qualify. The scammer then gets the homeowner to take on a traditional mortgage, financed by the scammer, in order to save their property. Already in financial trouble, the homeowner ends up losing their home and equity to the scammer when they foreclose on the property. Sometimes, reverse mortgage fraud scams are more subtle. A lender or financial advisor encourages the homeowner to take out a reverse mortgage knowing that it’s either not the best option or that it’s an unsuitable product. These are
some of the worst types of scammers, using their influence as a professional, to con seniors out of their hard-earned money. Scammers use high pressure sales techniques, urging the homeowner to act quickly, to push the reverse mortgage. The homeowner, reacting to the pressure, acts without weighing the facts and their options. A reverse mortgage can be an alluring idea that promises to increase your income and ensure a comfortable retirement. However, while a reverse mortgage may increase your monthly income, it could put your entire retirement security at risk. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), many advertisements contain inaccurate information or are misleading. Scammers often use direct mailings offering government-backed reverse mortgages in order to trick homeowners into trusting the product offering. They use fine print to mislead the homeowner. If you are considering a reverse mortgage, make sure you understand the facts and reach out to a well-known, reputable mortgage lender or financial advisor who will guide you to a product that meets your long-term needs. Take your time in making any mortgage decisions and ask your attorney to review any documents before you sign them. You can also contact the CFPB with questions about reverse mortgages online at www.consumerfinance.gov, by phone at 1-855-411-CFPB or TTY/TDD (855) 729- 2372, or by mail. Patty holds a Bachelor of Science from UMUC, a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and is pursuing her Doctorate in Business Administration at UMUC. She also holds an executive certificate in the Principles of Leading Transformational Nonprofits from the University of Notre Dame.
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advice
L AW R E V I E W
Identify, Avoid & Prepare: Costly Mistakes in Estate Planning by Margaret (Mia) Lorenz, Attorney
In my 26 years of practicing law in the area of estate planning (helping people with their last will and testament and powers of attorney) and estate administration (helping people when a loved one dies), I have seen the costly effect of a person’s failure to plan. There are some mistakes that “top the list” of biggest failures; perhaps you have a loved one who needs to consider avoiding some of these Three Common Costly Mistakes In Estate Planning: 1. Procrastination – or unwillingness to consider planning – failure to execute a Last Will and Testament and failure to consider and/or execute powers of attorney. Benjamin Franklin said that there are two things certain in life: death and taxes. We will all die. Failure to execute a valid Last Will and Testament has the potential to leave chaos in your wake. There are commercials that promise easy documents that allow you to tackle your Last Will and Testament in “zoom” time. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If you truly do not know “how to start,” call your attorney, schedule a conference time, and ask about how to “start” thinking about constructing your Will. We are counselors who do not expect you to have all the answers. Your attorney will help you create a Last Will and Testament that reflects your wishes and leaves orderly instructions upon your passing. Some people procrastinate, thinking: if I become too ill to handle things for myself, my spouse/trusted child will be able to “step into my shoes” and handle things for me, right? Unfortunately the answers is NO; not without a valid power of attorney. You must be conscious, able to communicate and coherent to execute a power of attorney. If you are unconscious, unable to communicate, and/or mentally incoherent, and/or incompetent, it is too late for you to execute powers of attorney. In such a circumstance of inability, your loved ones must resort to a costly court process to gain legal authority to handle your financial and medical affairs. The court process oftentimes brings out the “worst” in a family, and this courthouse drama is 20
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an emotional drain on a family already suffering. If you want to name WHO is to help you if you are incapacitated (instead of the court); if you do not want your entire financial portfolio published at the courthouse (available for the general public to review); if you do not want to suffer the indignity of being adjudicated incompetent; and you want to spare your loved ones the cumbersome and expensive court process called guardianship, then call your attorney, schedule a conference time and ask about powers of attorney. Your attorney will advise you on what all is involved and ask you questions to determine whether having these documents in order is good for you. 2. Failure to consider that beneficiary designations are as important as your Last Will and Testament. Sometimes your largest asset is an IRA, life insurance, or an investment account. Ten plus years ago, when you established the IRA or life insurance or investment account, you named a beneficiary to receive this asset upon your death. Do you remember who is named? Is it your ex-spouse? Is it your deceased mother? Is it your minor child? Is it anyone at all? Beneficiary designations are as important to have “straight” as your Will. In NC, divorce does not automatically sever an ex-spouse’s right to receive via beneficiary designations. In NC, a minor child cannot “receive” an inheritance. If you have NO beneficiary to your IRA, then the entire IRA will pay to your “estate” and avoidable taxes will be paid. Coordination of your beneficiary designation in light of your plan upon your passing is often times overlooked with serious, costly consequences. Your attorney can assist in making sure your beneficiary designations are synchronized with your estate plan. 3. Naming a healthy and trusted individual outright as beneficiary in a Will – or IRA – or investment – with the idea that this individual will oversee the benefit paid on your death for an unhealthy or irresponsible or troubled child.
Sometimes you have a child, named Pat (as an example), who receives Medicaid and/or SSI (supplemental security income) and you know Pat’s receipt of property upon your passing would disrupt Pat’s important government benefit flow. Other times, you know Pat is going through – or will be going through – a divorce, and you want to protect Pat’s inheritance. Even more often (these days), Pat is an addict and you know that receipt by Pat of property upon your death will result in irresponsible and destructive use. You decide that instead of naming Pat in your Will, or Pat as your beneficiary, you omit Pat from your Will and name your other child, Sam, to take all. Sam agrees to use Pat’s “half ” to take care of Pat always. What if you die in a car accident and Sam is in the car with you, and Sam also dies? What if you die in a car accident; Sam is in the car with you; and Sam is permanently relegated to a nursing home as a result of the accident? What if you die; Sam receives all; and Sam takes off for “parts unknown” never to be heard of or seen again? In all of the aforesaid scenarios, Pat is truly “out” and what you intended will not occur. Your attorney can offer ways to avoid this unintended result. Rely on your attorney as your counselor to figure out the best way to include Pat in your estate plan. We are all very busy. It is common to have a full day with many activities on the agenda with “real time” information regularly barraging our senses. On a day that is not-so-busy, it is nice to relax, take a nap and disengage from heavy thoughts. It is hard to think about our mortality and the possibility of becoming ill. However, what you do not think about today, may cost you dearly tomorrow. I am not speaking of pure financial cost – although that is part of it. In the event you are incapacitated, you can retain dignity and control through powers of attorney. When you die, you can avoid causing chaos and turmoil through a Last Will and Testament and up-to-date beneficiary designations that truly reflect your wishes and direction. Do you know someone who needs to avoid costly mistakes?
2019
2019-2020
Sept. 23.
Ryley Osentoski, at 919-708-1639
The Right Care, Right at Home®
We Provide Services Margaret (Mia) Lorenz is an attorney in Southern Pines at Lorenz and Creed Law Firm PLLC, where she helps people with many legal needs such as preparing their wills and/ or trusts, helping when a loved one dies, and helping purchase or sell real estate. She has been assisting people with their legal needs for 26 years. In addition to her husband, John, to whom she has been married for 27 years, she has two children (Matthew and Nicole); three furry children (Brandy (basset beagle hound mix), Mickey and Minnie (cats); and is grandmother to two furry grandchildren (Clif the dog and Aurora, the cat).
Light Housekeeping Bathing Assistance Daily Health Reminders Transportation/Errands Post Surgery/Rehab Care Ambulation Assistance Meal Preparation Laundry
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health
H E A LT H C O A C H I N G
How Behavior Affects Maintaining Healthy Weight
by Marcy Simpson, LCSW Have you ever felt discouraged because despite your best body and where you will carry it. Race and ethnicity also efforts, losing weight has felt impossible for you? Have you contribute to obesity rates. In America, African American ever been frustrated because no matter how many raw adults, both male and female, have the highest obesity rates. veggies you munch or healthy low-fat, low-sugar smoothies They are followed by Hispanics/Latinos, then Caucasians you sip, the number on the scale seems frozen? And figuring (NIH 2018.) Our sex can also be a determinant with regards out time to exercise with all you have going on only adds to weight. Additional fat stored up around the abdomen can to your frustration. Multiple factors affect our weight and put men at risk of health problems including cardiovascular health, and gaining a better understanding of our behavior disease, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, even if they can contribute to how we make better choices resulting in are at a normal weight. Certain medical conditions and improved overall health and wellness. medications can also lead to weight gain. Why maintain a healthy weight? If we view our bodies as machines we want operating at optimal capacity (like our cars, for example), then we can consider how regular, preventative maintenance benefits functioning in the long run. Too often we focus on the shortterm gain of enjoying special events such as vacations and weddings with all of the additional opportunities to eat and drink that accompany these functions, and lose sight of how this impacts our physical health, especially weight. Keeping our weight in a healthy range will help prevent and control conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems such as sleep apnea and asthma, and certain types of cancers. What factors influence weight? Many of us feel frustration when we can’t seem to control our weight, body shape, or ethnicity, but we can change our behavior to help tip the scales in our favor. Since overweight and obesity can tend to run in families, genes are one factor that may contribute to how much fat you store in your
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How can we learn to maintain a healthy weight? While it’s true that some factors can be challenging with regards to supporting healthy weight, we have much more control over this issue than we think. Our behaviors directly impact our health. Just accepting that we can influence our health by incorporating small habits daily will combat the myth that gaining weight is a normal result of aging. Becoming aware of how we act is the first step to change. The following are different ways to alter our responses to certain changes – our behavior – in order to positively affect our weight. · Perspective – Our view of health determines our approach. If we think we have to give up all the foods that we love in order to maintain a healthy weight, then we will be resistant to making changes. When we view doing things differently as an opportunity to learn new hacks, we feel less constricted and more confident in our ability to maintain healthy habits.
· Goals – How many times do we find ourselves setting
unrealistic goals? If our expectations are too high, we may find ourselves disappointed. If this happens too many times, we may give up. Set small, measurable goals that make sense and adjust if you need to. That way you can build on your successes. · Habits – The definition of habit is a settled or regular way of doing things. This applies to exercise and eating routines. How frequently do we move our bodies in our day-to-day activities? How many times are we mindlessly nibbling on snacks? Transitioning to retirement, making a move, or recovering from an injury all affect activity level and eating patterns. Challenge yourself to change one aspect of your daily routine and pay attention to the impact. Ask for feedback from someone you trust. · Culture – The customs of our particular ethnic, religious, or social group can contribute to weight management issues. Do we find ourselves eating and drinking too much at social functions on a regular basis? There is often an expectation present that is difficult to overcome based on the generally widely acceptable practices of the group. Consider how you can limit intake of foods that are less than healthy, even if it means fielding comments from others. · Access – Where we live, work, and participate in leisure activities can make a difference in maintaining a healthy weight. Living near open, outdoor “green spaces” may encourage us to get outside and increase our physical activity. Finding others who share similar interests can be a motivator to move more. On the flip side, fast food and “party food” can be tempting and make it easier to eat processed foods with higher fat, sugar and salt contents. Consider packing healthy snacks or taking your own healthy dishes to share at events laden with unhealthy options.
· Sleep – This behavior is so basic that it is often overlooked. However, studies show that people who don’t get enough sleep may consume more calories. Adults ages 65 and older need 7-8 hours of sleep daily (NIH 2018). Again, this is a factor that we can control. Pay attention to your sleep
patterns and reach out to your doctor or health coach if you are having trouble regulating this important function. · Margin – Building a cushion, or margin into your day is essential in managing stress. Chronic stress can affect your weight due to the hormone cortisol, which is released when the fight or flight response is triggered. This hormone results in higher insulin levels and the body craves foods that are high in sugar and fat. Eating comfort foods or emotional eating can results in weight gain. Schedule regular time for self-care to combat daily stressors. · Keeping it Real – When it comes to most behaviors, we can justify our actions, even if these justifications aren’t necessarily true. This can get us into trouble if we do it on a regular basis. The broken cookies or chips in the bottom of the bag still have calories that can show up on our waistline. If there are barriers to maintaining a healthy weight, accept the issues and work on developing an action plan to address them. Making small, sustainable changes in our daily habits and behaviors can yield substantial improvements in our overall health, including our weight and predisposition or vulnerability to illness. By changing our behaviors and embracing healthier choices, we can actually spend more time doing the activities we enjoy with the people we love, feeling our best along the way. Factors Affecting Weight and Health. (February 2018). Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/healthinformation/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity/ factors-affecting-weight-health
Marcy Simpson, LCSW, is a Health Coach at Pinehurst Medical Clinic in Pinehurst and Sanford. She can be reached at 910-235-3347 or msimpson@pinehurstmedical.com. Serving residents of Scotland, Robeson, Richmond and Hoke counties in North Carolina, as well as Marlboro, Dillon and Chesterfield counties in South Carolina.
www.ScotlandHospice.org JULY 2019 |
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Facts about Independence Day Signers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson who both later served as President, died on July 4, 1826 within hours of each other.
Only John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, all others signed later on August 2. Overall 56 men and 13 colonies signed the Declaration.
Also, 5th President James Monroe died on July 4, 1831.
July 3, 1781 - Massachusetts was the first state to recognized the Fourth of July as an official holiday.
July 8, 1776 The first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia, PA where Liberty Bell was rung to summon the people to hear the reading of the Declaration.
July 4, 1801 - The first Independence Day celebration at the White House was held. 1870 - Congress officially made July 4th an unpaid holiday for federal employees
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Every 4 of July the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped (not actually rung) thirteen times in honor of the original thirteen colonies.
1938 - Congress changed July 4th to a paid holiday
The U.S. imported $227.3 million worth of fireworks from China in 2012. U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $11.7 million in 2012, with Israel purchasing more than any other country ($2.5 million).
circle of stars on the original 24The OutreachNC.com | JULY 2019American
flag were so all the Colonies would appear equal.
Traditions place the origins of “Yankee Doodle” as a pre-Revolutionary War song originally sung by British military officers to mock the disheveled, disorganized colonial “Yankees” with whom they served in the French and Indian War. The tune of the National Anthem was originally used by an English drinking song called “to Anacreon in Heaven.”
Barbecue is also big on Independence Day. Approximately 150 million hot dogs and 700 million pounds of chicken are consumed on this day. The tradition of eating salmon on the Fourth of July began in New England.
A Nation’s Strength William Ralph Emerson
What makes a nation’s pillars high And its foundations strong? What makes it mighty to defy The foes that round it throng? It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand Go down in battle shock; Its shafts are laid on sinking sand, Not on abiding rock. Is it the sword? Ask the red dust Of empires passed away; The blood has turned their stones to rust, Their glory to decay. And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown Has seemed to nations sweet; But God has struck its luster down In ashes at his feet. Not gold but only men can make A people great and strong; Men who for truth and honor’s sake Stand fast and suffer long. Brave men who work while others sleep, Who dare while others fly... They build a nation’s pillars deep And lift them to the sky. JULY 2019 |
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health
E Y E H E A LT H
Enjoy the summer sun – but don’t forget the sunglasses! by: Daniel K. Messner, M.D., Glaucoma Treatment & Cataract Surgery, Carolina Eye Associates Sunglasses are more than a bold fashion statement; they are a smart health choice. Most know the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays are bad for the skin. But did you know that too much sun on unprotected eyes increases the risk of eye disease? UV-A and UV-B radiation can have long- and shortterm negative effects on the eyes and vision. In fact, 3.2 million people every year go blind from eye conditions caused in part by prolonged exposure to UV rays. There are two types of UV rays: UV-A and UV-B. UV-A can hurt your central vision. It can damage the macula, a part of the retina at the back of your eye. The front part of your eye (the cornea and the lens) absorbs most UV-B rays, these rays may cause even more damage to your eyes than UV-A rays. This includes: • Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, the part of the eye that focuses the light we see • Macular degeneration (a leading cause of vision loss for older Americans) happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged • Growths on the eye • Ocular melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer Even short-term exposure can damage the eyes. Photokeratitis, also known as ultraviolet keratitis, a painful eye condition, can be caused by sun reflection from sand, water, ice and snow as well as man-made sources of UV light, including tanning lamps and tanning beds. It is like having a sunburned eye, as exposure to UV rays temporarily damage the cornea (the clear portion of the eye in front of the pupil) and the conjunctiva (a layer of cells covering the inside of the eyelid and the whites of the eye). The good news is that prevention is simple! Always wear good-quality sunglasses when you are outdoors. When purchasing sunglasses, choose substance over style, and consider these tips:
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1. Wear sunglasses that block or absorb 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. Be sure to look for a label, sticker or tag showing they block these harmful rays. 2. Don’t be fooled by color. The amount of UV protection sunglasses provide is unrelated to the color and darkness of the lenses. 3. Go big. The more coverage from sunglasses, the less sun damage inflicted on the eyes. To protect as much of the delicate skin around your eyes as possible, try at least one pair of sunglasses with large lenses or a close-fitting wraparound style. 4. Consider polarized lenses. Polarization reduces glare coming off reflective surfaces like water or pavement. This does not offer more protection from the sun but can make activities like driving or being on the water safer or more enjoyable. If you have dark skin and eyes, you still need to wear sunglasses. Although dark skin color may give you a lower risk of skin cancer from UV radiation, there is still risk of eye damage from UV rays. Sunglasses don’t have to cost a lot of money to provide adequate eye protection. Less expensive pairs marked as 99 to 100 percent UV-blocking can be just as effective as pricier options. And remember – harmful UV rays are present even on cloudy days. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat also cuts down on exposure. And don’t forget babies and kids. They also need to wear hats and sunglasses.
Daniel K. Messner, M.D. is a specialist in glaucoma treatment and cataract surgery. He has been providing care to patients for more than 30 years. For more information on glaucoma and other services offered by Carolina Eye, call (800) 733-5357 or visit www. carolinaeye.com
Maintain Your Independence... Together, we can navigate your chronic care medical issues. Our Professional Aging Life Care™ Managers: •Make home visits to monitor results and coach clients on how to reach their goals •Manage medications for compliance •Provide support for doctor appointments •Provide information and referral services •Serve as a liaison for out-of-town family members •Provide support during a crisis
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advice
VETERANS CORNER
Making a Claim
by Jim Pedersen, VSO & Director of Moore County Veterans Service Office The importance of providing the VA with the factual and appropriate information it needs to decide your disability claim cannot be overestimated. While there is no guarantee that a claim will be approved or that the process will go forward without glitches, providing correct and complete records and information at the beginning can help to avoid some unnecessary delays and denials. One essential piece of the claims process is a service connection. A veteran must be able to show that the health condition for which they are receiving ongoing treatment is clearly connected to their military service or the VA will deny the claim. There are several ways to establish a service connection: direct, secondary, presumptive and aggravated. As the name implies, a Direct Service Connection refers to an ongoing medical condition that resulted from an injury that occurred during active military service. A soldier who injures his back during a training exercise may be entitled to compensation if that injury continues to cause medical problems that require ongoing care after the veteran leaves the service. Service medical and treatment records, along with post-service medical records that document the persistence of the injury can be used to prove the direct service connection. A Secondary Service Connection occurs when a serviceconnected condition aggravates or causes another health issue. For example, a veteran who suffered a serviceconnected back injury may develop neuropathy in his feet. The neuropathy may be considered a secondary condition if it manifested as a result of the original injury. A veteran may qualify to receive compensation as an Aggravated Service Connection if he can show that a condition he had before enlistment was aggravated by military service. A physician’s opinion is usually needed to establish that the disability is truly an aggravated preexisting condition and not the natural progression of the disease or medical issue in question.
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A Presumptive Service Connection occurs when a disease manifests within a certain time period after the veteran has left active duty. For instance, certain diseases and conditions in Vietnam Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange are considered to be presumptive. They did not occur because of a specific injury during service but developed later in life and are presumed to be the result of exposure to this toxic herbicide. Currently the VA recognizes 41 presumptive diseases/conditions. Vietnam and Persian Gulf War veterans may qualify for benefits for additional presumptive conditions that are specific to their period of service and where they were stationed. Finally, disabilities or injuries that were the direct result of VA health care may also be claimed as service connected if the veteran can positively prove that the condition developed because of VA negligence. Veterans can file their own VA claims or they may retain the services of a trained advocate. Because the paperwork is cumbersome and must be completed correctly, it is a good idea to get assistance from an advocate such as a Veterans Service Officer. Veterans Service Officers complete extensive training in VA procedures and requirements and are well-versed in how to prepare and submit a complete and accurate claim. Their job is to advocate for veterans and they do not charge for their services. In fact, the United States Code prohibits VSOs and other agents from charging a fee to prepare and file a disability claim. Anyone convicted of violating this law may face fines and up to a year in prison. If you would like assistance filing a claim for VA disability, contact the Moore County Veterans Service Office. One of the county’s three accredited VSOs will help you prepare your claim, file it and guide you through the process from start to finish. Appointments are necessary and may be made by calling the office at 910-947-3257 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In the Outreach NC service area, veterans who desire information or help filing their VA disability claim may visit the Veterans Service Office in their county: Cumberland County 301 E. Russell St., Fayetteville, NC 28301 910-677-2970 Harnett County 817 South Eighth Street, Lillington, 27546 910-893-7574 Hoke County 129 W. Elwood Ave., Raeford, NC 28376 910-875-2147 Lee County 1615 S. Third St., Sanford, NC 27330 919-776-0501 Montgomery County 219 S. Main St., Troy, NC 27371 910-576-4711 Moore County 707 Pinehurst Ave., Carthage, NC 28327 910-947-3257 Richmond County 125 S. Hancock St., Rockingham, NC 28380 910-997-8232 Robeson County 113 W. Eight St., Lumberton, NC 28358 910- 671-3071 Scotland County 507 W. Covington St., Laurinburg, NC 28352 910-277-2597
Assignment OutreachNC
Interview a Veteran! Open to all students between the ages of 5 and 18. Interview a Veteran about his/her thoughts, experiences and service. Students come up with their own questions and let the interviews meander as they will, naturally as the Veteran’s story unfolds. Rules: Maximum of 1200 words in length Writer should open with: • A description of the Veteran • Writer’s Relationship with Veteran • The primary theme of the interview, giving readers a window into the Veteran’s world prior to beginning the interview.
Prizes:
1 Place $150 | 2 Place $75 | 3rd Place $50 st
VSO Jim Pedersen, right, is the director of the Moore County Veterans Service Office. Experienced nationally-certified VSOs Kelly Greene, and Robert “Bob” Hall, a Vietnam-era veteran who retired from the Army after 30 years of service, assist Moore County veterans with their disability claims.
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The winning interview/essay will be included in the November ONC issue, in honor of Veteran’s Day. 2nd and 3rd Place essays will be published online.
September 1, 2019 is the deadline for submissions, so don’t wait! Interviews should be emailed to: Amy Phariss, Editor in Chief OutreachNC Magazine JULY 2019 | OutreachNC.com editor@outreachnc.com
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OutreachNC’s 2019
Book Club
This month, as we head outdoors and embark on adventures, we’re reading A River Runs Through It and Other Stories by Norman Maclean. We were excited about this choice because we (Amy 2 in particular) love Hemingway and Thoreau, and the cover of this copy has a quote from the Chicago Tribune noting, “As beautiful as anything in Thoreau or Hemingway.” That’s a statement, and we were excited (though skeptical) that a book could live up to that praise. Readers: it did. Maclean’s writing is tight, simple and creates the kind of meandering tension that sneaks up on you, even if you’ve had hints of it all along. Though he writes of fly fishing in detail, the story (and the images culled from the fishing life) is about people, which some of us feel are the best stories of all. The other two stories are about Montana and men and how we all (even women) somehow make sense of the world in our own minds. They are beautiful. Lest I ramble on longer, here are
10 Thoughts on
A River Runs Through It and Other Stories 1. You will, undoubtedly, begin reading the story “A River Runs Through It” with images of Brad Pitt floating through your head. There are worse things in life. 2. Maclean wrote his first book of fiction AFTER his retirement from his post as an English professor at the University of Chicago. He was in his 70s at the time, and the story was met with wide acclaim. 3. Our copies of A River Runs Through It and Other Stories are dog-eared, marking our favorite quotes and passages. Page 85 has a particular gem: “I still didn’t know what Scottish women look like when they struggle to keep their pride and haven’t much reason left to keep it. In case you have any doubt, they keep it.” 4. The title story will resonate with all of us who have loved people we don’t know how to help and, through watching their mistakes, have learned more about ourselves than we thought possible. 5. Maclean’s writing definitely harkens Hemingway, perhaps because both men were rugged outdoorsmen exposed to so many various settings in which men must work hard and struggle to survive. Page 122 provides an example: “I estimated he weighed 185 to 190 pounds and so was at least 35 pounds heavier than I was, but I figured I had been better taught and could reduce him to size if I could last the first ten minutes. I also figured that probably I could not last the first ten minutes.” 6. According to Travel + Leisure’s website, the best months to visit Montana are July and August. June presents the potential for rain, and September apparently threatens snow. But July and August are said to be lovely weather and aren’t overly run amuck with tourists (because the rest of us, those of us who have read fly fishing stories, are travelers, not tourists).
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7. The most famous quote from this collection is one you may have heard before: “Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.” 8. The film and the story differ, of course. According to The New York Times, “Mr. Redford’s film is more a homage to its source material than a work of comparable emotion or breadth. Mr. Maclean’s idiosyncratic storytelling followed no linear pattern, but the film (with a screenplay by Richard Friedenberg) has rearranged scenes in chronological order and thus lost some of the magic right away.” There is magic, indeed, in this story. 9. This book makes us wonder if life wasn’t simpler when men could reduce a disagreement to a fistfight and be done with it. 10. Jeeves gives this book 4.5 stars. We know – we were shocked, too. Jeeves is nothing but discerning, yet even he knows beauty and restraint when he reads it.
That’s it for us this month. We’re looking forward to Elizabeth Alexander’s memoir entitled The Light of the World: a Memoir. Alexander writes about the existential crisis she endured after the unexpected death of her husband, which left her with two sons to care for in the wake of such tragedy. We are excited, as we’ve heard the book is beautiful and full of grace. We are always on the look out for grace. We love sharing books with everyone and anyone who’s got a review, comment, thought, critique or favorite quote to send along. Feel free to write to us at editor@ outreachnc.com and let us know your thoughts on Maclean’s stories of men, fishing and Montana.
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Adventure Abounds:
THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL by Madison H.V. Hall
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Are you looking for an outsized, physically demanding adventure that will forever mark you as an intrepid soul? Hiking the Appalachian Trail will qualify. You can plan a day hike, multi-day or section-hike over the 2,190-mile trail, or even embrace it as a “thru-hike,” completing the entire trail at one go. Those who hike the trail in smaller sections often plan to complete their journey in time frames spanning the course of months or years.
The lure of hiking the Appalachian Trail never fades. For many who choose this challenge in retirement, a lifelong desire may now be fulfilled after long delay by the responsibilities of careers and family. Some may have hiked a section in their youth and longed to return and experience the entire trail. For others, a growing awareness surrounding environmental issues is the driver to immerse oneself in a rugged wilderness experience. Still others seek physical challenges in spectacular natural settings. Retirement can create the time and resources to dedicate to such an endeavor, where passion drives you to explore new horizons while testing your mental and physical limits. Stretching from Maine to Georgia, including 14 States, hiking the Appalachian Trail will grant you membership into an esteemed group of people with the desire to challenge themselves, explore deeper into the quintessential American wilderness and test their own mental and physical mettle.
Those who embrace this journey share a love of the natural world and a passion to experience it in the raw, up close and personal, while respecting and preserving it. HISTORY The famed Appalachian Trail, or A.T., claims an important place in American and conservation history. In 1921, Benton MacKaye presented his proposal for “An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning.” The idea gained support and by 1937 a footpath from Maine to Georgia was complete. Later would come the famed trailside shelters. In 1968, seeking to protect the A.T. for future generations, President Johnson signed the National Trails System Act, integrating the A.T. into the National Park System. Land was acquired for the A.T. and in 1978 Congress provided critical funding. Finally, in 1984, the National Park Service gave authority for managing the trail corridor lands to the Appalachian Trial Conservancy. The last major stretch of land was acquired as recently as 2014, illustrating the strength of vision and commitment to see the A.T. realized over the course of a century.
PLANNING YOUR HIKE To begin, a careful plan must be initially researched and extensively prepared. Will you begin your hike at the Northern or Southern Appalachian Trail terminus or somewhere in-between? What are the seasonal and physical demands of the trail? Typically, late Spring is the beginning of hiking season on the A.T., but be aware of weather in your area, from heat to cold and storm systems. In the South, extreme heat can make hiking hazardous. Heat becomes less of an issue the further North you focus your hikes, where hikers must prepare for colder exposures and even snow. Ask yourself if your hike will be relatively close to home or in a far-flung section of trail? It’s all in the extensive preparation and planning every hiker must undertake to meet the extreme challenges of the A.T. Other considerations are your own physical capacity to take on a wilderness hike, requiring you to rigorously train for the challenges in a local environment where you can break in your equipment and learn your limits. Final shakedown training should consist of multi day outings, with your gear, lasting a few nights on a trail, with rugged, mountainous conditions similar to those you expect to find on the A.T. Set a conservative goal of eight miles per day in the beginning and keep in mind that painful, stress-induced injuries like shin splints can end your hike ahead of schedule. Should you become injured or ill, you can be a long way from a quick exit once on the A.T. That being said, understanding basic first aid is important for dealing with emergencies enroute, so brushing up on your first aid knowledge can only add a level of safety. Any medications you currently take will travel with you out on the trail, so have a full understanding of how your body will perform under the stress of hiking. Given the rigors of the A.T., those formulating a hiking plan may want to consult their physician as they create a training program pre-hike. Your hike will require serious planning, clothing, equipment, food, camping skills and familiarity with trail regulations in the area in which you hike. Each piece of your gear must be assessed for utility, each meal pre-planned and carried in your pack (there are areas to resupply food and replace some gear along the A.T.). Indeed, everything you require will be in your backpack, which may quickly seem heavily laden. The only way to avoid a fully loaded backpack is to focus on day hikes where you’ll still take a pack of trail essentials, but you won’t require all the gear of a multi-day hike. There are private shuttles and taxis operating the length of the A.T., with whom you can make advance reservations. JULY 2019 OutreachNC.com 33 Additionally, local towns usually have| some local and
regional bus transit, which can help hikers move from town to town near the A.T.
· June 21-23 (Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, VA, (Course full; wait-list only)
APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY
· July 19-21 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, (Course full; wait-list only)
Fortunately for those considering a hike of the A.T., the primary source for information should be the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) (http://www.appalachiantrail. org/). Here you will find everything you need to successfully plan your hike. From within the site you can also click on the “shop” tab which will bring you to the selection of books and maps you’ll require for reference and planning. GUIDES & MAPS www.atctrailstore.org. Click on “Guides & Maps” to explore the many resources available. Resource for Finding a Day Hike (Moderate to Strenuous) www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/findinggreat-day-hikes Publications Recommended for Planning: · Appalachian Trail Data Book (2019) · Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Planner · Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion (2019) · The Appalachian Trail Day Hikers’ Guide: Downhill to Fine Wine and Accommodations (Ga., N.C. & Tenn.) · Long-Distance Hiking on the A.T. for the Older Adventurer · Guidebooks and Maps: Set 10 and set 11 both detail the A.T. in parts of North Carolina. · Guidebooks and Maps Sets are available for the entire Appalachian Trail The Appalachian Trail Conservancy also offers backpacking courses for novice hikers in preparation for long distance hikes, with the 2019 schedule below: appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/how-to-hikethe-a-t The 2019 schedule includes seven 3-day/2-night courses:
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· August 23-25 (Pisgah National Forest, NC) · September 20-22 (Great Smoky Mountains National Forest, TN) · October 18-20 (Nantahala National Forest, NC) · November 8-10 (Pisgah National Forest, NC) APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY COMMUNITIES Appalachian Trail Conservancy Communities are communities along the A.T. formally recognized by the ATC. In these unique locales, the town has created an embracing and supportive atmosphere for hikers with many services. This connection between the trail, the hikers and the local community enriches everyone in the process, raising environmental awareness and creating lasting bonds for those who visit. Here may be found lodging, a hiking welcome center, post office (you can have packages mailed to general delivery for you to pick up along your hike), resupply, an outfitter, transportation and other valuable resources for the A.T. hikers. To get an idea of what these areas are like, YouTube.com has many videos uploaded by hikers covering different sections of the A.T., the local towns and hiker resources, creating a colorful and original commentary. North Carolina has three A.T. Communities: · Fontana Dam, NC · Franklin, NC · Hot Springs, NC INN TO INN HIKING Inn to Inn hiking is available in limited areas of the A.T. and are by reservation only. Two are listed below. Others may be located at http://appalachiantrail.org/home/ explore-the-trail/planning-a-day-hike
The Shenandoah National Park in north/central Virginia offers four days of hiking, with lodging along the A.T. For more information and reservations www.goshenandoah.com (800) 778-2851. The Appalachian Mountain Club in New Hampshire runs an Inn to Inn program in the White Mountains. The hiking is strenuous and requires excellent physical condition and agility. Advance reservations required. For additional information on lodging visit the AMC website at www. outdoors.org Additionally, many hotels may be utilized along the A.T. with some preplanning, reservations and mapping ingenuity to create multiple day trips while returning to the hotel as basecamp each day. Armchair travelers need not feel left out, as the A.T., in all its wild splendor, is a fully mapped and documented adventure. Indeed, so much research must go into any planned hike, that every hiker by default, until the hike itself, must live vicariously through books, maps, photos and videos detailing the experience.
To learn about the A.T. is to understand the passion for the protection of wild spaces, while embracing a journey which enlightens, challenges and builds character through exposure and stewardship in pristine wilderness areas. It’s easy to support the critical ongoing conservation work of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), and the A.T.’s wilderness filled with rich ecosystems, wildlife and natural beauty. Environmental awareness and conservation of wild spaces is foundational to the entire A.T. Indeed, with thousands of species of flora and fauna making up the trail’s ecosystem biomes, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has a tremendous responsibility to uphold conservation ethics and stewardship. Even so, with the preservation of biodiversity lies humanity’s salvation from extinction. Thoreau, in a timeless quote from 1862, perfectly understood humanity’s destiny as being inextricably intertwined with biodiversity, when he wrote “in wildness is the preservation of the world.” Let us embrace this vision and ensuing conservation stewardship of the Appalachian Trail, today and for generations to come, as we prepare for each new wilderness adventure.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL FACTS • The oldest hiker to complete the entire A.T. was 82 years old. • A.T. hikers range in age from 5 to 86, some with disabilities. • Calories burned per day on the trail: 4,000-6,000. • Fastest self supported Northbound thruhike took 45 days and 12 hours. • Typical thru-hike takes 5-7 months. • 1 in 4 thru-hikers completes the entire trail. • Average hiking pace is 3 mph. • Most people hike in the direction of Georgia to Maine, taking advantage of seasonal changes as they head North. • The A.T. stretches 2,190 miles, between Mount Katahdin in Maine and Springer Mountain in Georgia. • The 14 states which connect the A.T. are: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. • The A.T. is maintained by 31 trail clubs which are usually state specific. These are overseen by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. • Costs: $1,000+ month/per person at a minimum. 5-7 months on the trail can bring the total for a thru-hike to $7,000+. • Gear Costs ahead of time: $1,200-2,000+ • A Great Smoky Mountains National Park A.T. backcountry permit ($20) must be obtained before leaving home. • Advance reservations are required at some campsites along the A.T. so plan ahead. • · The “Triple Crown of Hiking” in the USA includes the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. JULY 2019 | OutreachNC.com 35
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Back to Basics:
Life Lessons From K2 Solution’s Elite Canine Training Program by Amy Phariss
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Down a country road in Richmond County, after several left turns and a dog that runs after your car barking furiously, a person might find (if she’s been told where to go) one of the country’s elite dog training facilities, tucked neatly into the woods, eerily quiet and staffed by some of the top dog trainers and former military specialists in the world. On a brisk day last spring, I drove down that country road, was accosted by the barking dog and found the training facility for K2 Solutions tucked neatly in the woods. Greeted by K2’s Senior Instructor, Tom Hardee, I was given inside-access to where our military, government and private companies turn for dogs trained to hunt, track and protect everything from diplomats to drugs to enemy combatants. Prepared for the kind of training I might see on a daytime cable TV show, I was instead given a proper education in just how intensive, focused and disciplined the art of dog training is and what it means to breed, train, love and guide animals to serve and protect, often sacrificing their own lives in the process.
Nobody is trying to reason with the dog or explain things to the dog. The dog is consistently given the same feedback for the same performance (see above). Imagine if we applied this to life. What if we all quieted down a little bit, stopped the incessant explanations and got real consistent with punishment and reward? What if... we kept it simple? What if we spent all the time we currently spend explaining, negotiating and ruminating on building our skills, getting clear on our goals and executing our plans? It might be entirely possible if we kept it simple. And if that’s not simple enough, when asked how to care for a dog, Hardee says it’s equally basic here too. “Feed him and love him. That’s all he needs.” Indeed. 2. Be Consistent.
The obvious follow-up to keeping it simple is being consistent. The dogs trained at K2 are rewarded or corrected consistently, so they know what to expect. The dogs get trained “Timing is the key daily, on schedule, with the same to training. It’s more trainer. There is consistency and important than consistency repetition required for properly because you can be training a dog, and keeping it simple consistent about the allows this consistency to play out. As wrong stuff. You’ve got to Hardee notes, “Dogs can’t interpret get the timing right to be what you want but they’re masters of repetition.” Consistency is the yin to effective.” repetition’s yang.
Tom Hardee took me on two lengthy tours of K2’s facility, introducing me to rambunctious puppies, veterinarians, fierce German shepherds and some equally badass trainers and handlers. Along the way, as we tromped through the woods and stopped to watch a seasoned dog sniff for drugs, I learned lessons that apply not only to dog training but, surprisingly, to everyday life, to the way we all live, interact and thrive as the human counterparts to these amazing animals. Hardee’s evaluations and K2’s approach to dog training left me with lingering thoughts about people in general and whether or not the tools of training the world’s A-list canines apply to how we humans go about our own lives. Here are 10 Lessons Learned from Inside America’s Elite Dog Training World: 1. Keep It Simple. In dog training, it’s simple. The dog is given a command, and one of two things happens: A command + completion of the task = reward. A command – completion of the task = punishment. Period.
Have you ever noticed the same applies for our own lives? Diets are never magic pills or silver bullets. Healthy living requires, you guessed it, consistency. We must consistently eat well, sleep well and live well. We must be consistent in our love, our praise, our expectations and our behaviors if we have any hope in meeting those goals, whether it’s in a relationship (imagine inconsistent love and attention) or at work (imagine only working every now and then). 3. Timing is Everything Hardee is very clear about timing. “Timing is the key to training. It’s more important than consistency because you can be consistent about the wrong stuff. You’ve got to get the timing right to be effective.” This means rewarding a dog immediately after the command has been given and the task completed. This means punishing a dog in the same way.
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This means no lingering, no waiting, no meandering through the training process. Timing is the key to making simplicity and consistency work together. In our own lives, timing is often the over-looked and under-appreciated difference between success and failure, between excellence and lackluster results. We fail to appreciate the timing of our rewards (an I love you, a pat on the back or a well-timed thank you) and consequences (standing up for ourselves, explaining our expectations or getting crystal clear on why no means no). Timing means taking action, pausing at the right moment and deciding if this really is the hill I want to die on....in the moment rather than two weeks later. 4. Recovery is Key.
foundation of trust. As Hardee says, “You put 100% trust into a living, breathing animal that can make decisions for itself.” Part of working with a living, breathing animal is that there is inherent risk involved in doing that. Hardee says, “One day, after years of training, a dog might go off task.” But there are risks in everything in life, in every relationship, in every situation. The key is being able to trust, even with the natural risks that make up every day life. The handlers trust their dogs, knowing the dogs might one day go off task, get frightened or even develop PTSD. And the dogs trust their handlers, human beings who inevitably make mistakes. The key isn’t perfection but trusting in the hardest thing to pin down: the unknown.
In our own lives, earning and developing trust with the people we depend upon is much like the process involved with dogs and handlers: it takes time, effort and At K2, staff doesn’t expect their dogs to never startle or consistency. And it takes desire to work together. If we to never be scared. Dogs are living, engaged in building these foundations breathing, feeling creatures. What within our own communities and K2 trainers and handlers look for K2 trainers argue with each then trusted each other, even with are dogs’ ability to recover. If the dog other but, in the end, learn our inevitable flaws and missteps, gets scared but can recover, that’s from each other, and that I wonder what our communities a trainable dog. If the dog remains knowledge is what makes might look like and how we might scared and cannot recover, that dog it possible to train a dog come together, from the one-on-one isn’t going to make the cut. to jump through an open relationships we have to the larger groups so key to connection. Recovery is the same for people. It’s window on a moonless not that we won’t fail, get scared, feel 6. Diversify night in a war zone. less-than or question ourselves, but K2 Solutions doesn’t hire professional our ability to go forward, to recover, is dog trainers or military canine what sets the dreamers apart from the specialists; they hire both. K2 trainers come from the doers. Once we recognize that fear is inevitable and failure world of professional hunting and dog training as well is part of the process, we can recover more quickly and as men and women with military backgrounds, many move on. Without recovery, we stay stuck in the quicksand of whom worked with canines during their service. The of doubt and fear, which are neighborhoods in which we combination of both perspectives creates a unique training don’t want to linger. environment, one that Tom Hardee notes can lead to 5. You’ve Got to Trust some heated (but ultimately productive) meetings. “Friday meetings can get a little tense,” Hardee says, “But in the The handlers who ultimately work with K2’s dogs are end, we use those perspectives to build the best program often soldiers and security detail in some of the world’s possible.” K2 trainers argue with each other but, in the most dangerous places. Handlers and the people who end, learn from each other, and that knowledge is what interact with these dogs must place a great deal of trust and confidence in the animals trained to help them engage makes it possible to train a dog to jump through an open window on a moonless night in a war zone. in dangerous, unknown, vague tasks in equally hazardous locations. From airports to diplomatic missions to search There is a human temptation to seek out like-minded and rescue operations in war zones, handlers and dogs individuals with whom to engage, whether it’s at work must work together, which can only happen with a solid or socially. There’s an ease in doing this, far less tension
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and disagreement. But what are we missing when we only see perspectives similar to our own? There is a certain texture that comes when we diversify, explore issues from other perspectives and listen to the experiences of people who may view life through a different lens. Though, like Hardee says, that can make for some tense moments and Friday meetings, in the end, we’re all better when we broaden our perspectives and widen our own lens. 7. Start at the Beginning K2 often breeds and begins training puppies. In fact, one aspect of K2’s training that sets the organization apart from other canine training operations is K2’s Puppy Program. I know. It sounds cute, but there is a serious method to all the adorable madness when K2 trainers start working with puppies. Puppies begin conditioning that includes time to be a dog, exploring outside and romping through the North Carolina woods, all the while guided by trainers who are teaching the puppies how to learn and not to quit, two of the important foundational lessons from which to scaffold more complicated training down the road. Puppies aren’t thrown into the proverbial deep end of the pool but eased into the life of a working canine with plenty of time to just be dogs. Humans could take a cue from this playbook. How often are we impatient to learn something new in record time? How often do we want to see big changes and great leaps in a matter of days or weeks, failing to appreciate the time and focus it takes to fully absorb new skills and lessons? While most of us aren’t in the puppy phase any longer in terms of actual age, we are often in the puppy phase of a new experience, and we would do well to remember that learning takes time, that play has its own lessons and that light switches and over-night success are rare. 8. Healthy Bodies and Minds Matter One of the biggest misconceptions about canines, according to Hardee, is that they’re mean. Hardee says, “This is not the case. In the older days, law enforcement and military canines were nonsocial and in some cases downright mean. The industry these days does not look for canines like that. We have learned that a clear-headed, social and stable canine is not only safer and easier to handle but also easier to train. We get much more out of a dog with this temperament.” In terms of physical fitness, Hardee isn’t afraid to talk weight and exercise. “One of the biggest issues I see within the personal canine community, and in some cases the working canine community, is the canine’s physical conditioning and weight. The canine’s ability to be healthy, happy, have a good bond with JULY 2019 |
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the handler, and just generally have good behavior in most cases can be tagged by the amount of physical activity a canine has.” Hardee explains that canines do not carry weight vertically, as humans do, which means the smallest amount of weight fluctuation can affect the dog’s health and performance. Finally, working dogs physically isn’t just about exercising the canines but is also used by trainers and handlers to build relationships and bonds with the canines. It’s so true with humans, too. When we’re social, stable and clear-headed, we work better, bond better and just enjoy life more, and one of the keys to all of that stability and clear-headed thinking is a healthy amount of physical activity. When we get outside, move our bodies and engage with each other, we build our own bonds, strengthen our bodies and minds and clear our minds of the hamsterwheel thinking that often exists in modern life. 9. You Get What You Deserve Stagnation. It’s a dirty word in a business based on excellence, and at K2, Hardee tells me stagnation is avoided at all cost. “If you get stagnate,” Hardee says, “you’ll get the dogs you deserve.” The dogs you deserve. Hardee says every trainer has the dog he deserves. That canine is a reflection of the trainer’s focus, hard work, attention to detail, consistency, patience and willingness to push the dog, applying pressure and never letting the dog linger. What if we all have the lives we deserve? What if we didn’t linger, applied pressure, and refused to stagnate? Would those aspects of our lives that seem less-than become greater? Would we, simply by applying pressure, move beyond tedium and frustration and into progress? We get what we deserve, which means we get what we’re willing to work for. 10. FREB Of all the comments, quips, anecdotes and data provided by Tom Hardee during our interviews and exploration of K2’s facility and training programs, one comment, one statement stands out. It’s so powerful, in fact, that a good number of the people in my life are now using it, from 42
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boxing lessons to child rearing to business principles, it’s all about FREB: Flawless Repetitive Execution of the Basics According to Hardee, this is what makes a trainer or handler elite. It isn’t the latest training techniques or newfangled devices; it’s going back to the basics every day, with every lesson, with every dog and in every situation. Training a dog is a constant manifestation of FREB: flawlessly and repetitively executing the basics. When training begins to go sideways, Hardee says they always go back to the basics, back to the flawless execution of the foundation. Life isn’t much different. What if we flawlessly and repetitively executed the basics? With our health and well-being? Could it be as simple as sleeping well, eating well and moving well? What about relationships? Could we go back to basic kindness and respect? What about business or school or parenting? What are the basics, and what would happen if, instead of looking for the latest gadget, diet plan or parenting philosophy, we simply went back to basics? I suspect we’d circle right back to the first lessonslearned from Hardee and the K2 crew: keep it simple and consistent. If ever there was a goal worthy of pursuing and entirely possible to achieve, FREB is it. Flawless Repetitive Execution of the Basics. Dog training isn’t all that different from life training, as I learned during my time at K2. There are lessons to be learned, tips to be shared and perspectives from which to view everything from a different lens. Watching the consistency, patience, focus and attention applies to training canines at K2 left me shaking my head as I drove back down those country roads, past the barking dog and back into town. Maybe it’s all simpler, though not necessarily easier, than we think.
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e l p m i S e v i F er tails k m c m o C Su
by Amy Phariss | Photography by Morgan Masson Sometimes the greatest adventure we can have happens right on our back porch, with a dog flopped at our feet or a group of friends sharing stories, commiserating or celebrating one of life’s inevitable ups...or downs. Nothing pairs better with these moments than a tray of food and a glass, preferably sweating from ice and refills at the ready. To that end, Amy 1 and Amy 2 ventured into the world of cocktail making and shaking in anticipation of just these moments, straw hats, summer dresses and said dogs in tow. 44
Here are 5 Simple Summer Cocktails for Back Porch Sitting, Sunset Surfing and Conversation Soothing.... OutreachNC.com | JULY 2019
Espresso Martini
This one was a surprise for both Amy 1 and Amy 2. We were surprised it existed, that we hadn’t before tasted one and that we both agreed on its fabulousness. We drank this down in no-time flat, like an iced coffee on the run, in all the right ways. Post consumption, Amy 1 named it her favorite among our batch. INGREDIENTS • 2 oz. vodka (go for the good stuff here because, you know, you can taste it) • ½ oz. coffee liquor (we used Kahlúa) • 1 oz. freshly brewed espresso • Coffee beans DIRECTIONS
Place the vodka, coffee liquor and espresso into a shaker filled with ice. Put the top on that shaker, lest you sling coffee cocktail across your kitchen (which Amy 2 definitely did). Shake with confidence and aplomb. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass, garnish it with 3 espresso beans (assuming you’ve got a steady 2019 | OutreachNC.com enough hand JULY to make it look good) and serve. 45
Pimm's Cup
This is Amy 2’s favorite cocktail because it looks like a civilized, grown-up iced tea but has the kick of Pimm’s for those extra special conversations that need just the right head-tilt and heartfelt commiseration. This recipe is loosey-goosey, which is how we like it, and it serves 4 respectable friends or 2 naughty ones (the best kind). INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups Pimm’s No. 1 • 1 ½ cups ginger ale or lemonade • 1 lemon, sliced • 1 cucumber, sliced, lengthwise if you want to get fancy DIRECTIONS
• • • •
1 handful fresh, juicy strawberries, sliced lengthwise 1 naval orange, sliced Ice Mint leaves
In a large pitcher, combine the Pimm’s No. 1 with the orange and lemon slices and chill in the fridge for 10 minutes. Then, stir in the ginger ale. Fill an iced tea or 1-pint glass with ice, place a few wedges of cucumber and slices of strawberry and fill the glass with the Pimm’s mixture. Add in more lemon and orange slices if there’s room, cramming it altogether into one lovely concoction. Some people add mint leaves. Amy 2 does not because she once had the unfortunate experience of having mint stuck in her teeth whilst talking to a charming man in a linen suit and was, understandably, horrified for days. Days. When the glass gets low but a friend is neck-deep in a juicy story about the woman down the street everyone has been wondering about, feel free to eat the cucumber, soaked as it is in Pimm’s, and feel good about yourself for adding to your daily vegetable count.
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Wine Spritzer
The wine spritzer may harken memories of the 1980s, when women could be found in lawn chair sipping said beverage with over-sized hair and clip-on earrings of the same caliber. Much like high-waisted jeans, the wine spritzer is back but slightly grown-up and with just a touch more couth. The best part? It’s a great way to enjoy a chilled cocktail with fewer calories, so you get your wine and you get to drink it, too. The best rule-of-thumb we’ve seen, if you want to free-style the simplest of cocktails, is 3 parts wine to 1 part club soda. Add in an herbal sprig (rosemary or thyme) or a strategically peeled citrus sliver, and you take the wine spritzer into Dynasty territory – where clip-on earrings and polyester wrap dresses are always in style. Ingredients • 3 oz. white wine (something sweet works well, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Reisling) • 1 oz. club soda • Garnish (aforementioned sprigs and slivers) Directions Pour wine into a glass filled with ice (perhaps the only time I will ever type these words). Top with club soda and stick in an appealing garnish. Serve after you’ve removed the hot rollers from your hair and brushed the curls into oblivion.
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St. Germaine & Tonic
This cocktail is a twist on the classic (and beloved) gin & tonic. While we adore the simplicity of a regular ol’ gin & tonic, the St. Germaine takes it next level, where all solid cocktails should reside. We’d also like to note that a side benefit of having St. Germaine around is the elegant bottle, in which it’s housed. As if that’s not enough, St. Germaine is made, according to the website, from “fresh, ephemeral elderflowers harvested by hand once a year.” Ephemeral? Yes. Yes. Ingredients • • • •
1 ½ oz. gin ¾ oz. St. Germaine Tonic water Lime
Directions Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour the St. Germaine and follow that up with the gin. Top it all off with some tonic water, and add a slice or two of lime. Serve with the wry smile of a hostess who knows there is a little something extra in the glass.
Lillet Cocktail
The addition of the French aperitif Lillet makes this simple summer cocktail chic and civilized. Lillet, a combination of wines and fruit macerations, is sweet enough to be cloying, so we pair it with tonic water to tone it down and dress it up. A sleek bob hair cut and French striped t-shirt wouldn’t hurt, if you can manage either. Just saying. Ingredients • 1 1/2 oz. Lillet or Lillet Rose • 3 oz. Champagne or Prosecco • Citrus slices/twists Directions Combine 1 1/2 ounces of Lillet Rose and 3 ounces of Champagne. Give a quick stir and garnish with a lemon peel or sliver of orange for a bit of je ne sais quoi. Voila. Simple summer perfection in a stemmed glass. 48
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Mary Lou Allen on Skydiving, Dear Hunting and Race Car Driving into Her Golden Years 50
by Crissy Neville | Photography by Morgan Masson OutreachNC.com | JULY 2019
The soft-spoken grandmother of four is known for her fried chicken and coconut cakes. Having raised three daughters on country garden vegetables, hard work and the Christian faith, Mary Lou Allen of Lumberton, at first glance, seems the epitome of the traditional southern woman. Putting Sunday dinners on the table, caring for sick loved ones, and working on the family farm alongside her husband of 55 years, Allen has inspired many in the family and community in her 89 years. But it’s the second look that raises eyebrows. Allen, with her gentle manners, southern drawl, and humble demeanor, is a lot more than meets the eye. She has, she admits, with a twinkle in her eye, an adventurous side. And according to daughters Wanda Walters and Pam Townsend, it is one that would make Allen’s late husband, Harvey Charles, shake his head in disbelief. “Daddy would be shocked,” Walters quipped. “Oh, Harvey would have never let me do it,” Allen agreed, speaking of her decision to go skydiving at the age of 75, and then again at 80. “He would have said why would you want to go and do something like jump out of a perfectly good plane? But it is just one thing I always wanted to do.” One might say that is surprising given the fact Allen had only been in an airplane once prior to her skydives, that being a jaunt up to New York City for a ladies’ shopping one-day trip in the 1980s. She shared her husband would have had the same sentiments towards her more recent interest in hunting and fishing. “But back when Harvey was living,” she continued, “there was always work on the farm to do, and the children to raise. There just wasn’t time.” These days, Allen strikes a balance between home and hobbies, scoffing at the idea that she is unique or special for her out-of-door, age-defying pursuits. OutreachNC’s Crissy Neville visited with Allen and her family in her Robeson County home recently to share pictures and tales of her trips into the wide, blue yonder, and beyond. Crissy Neville: You were celebrating your 75th birthday the first time you went skydiving. The local newspaper dubbed you The Skydiving Senior. Can you tell me about that experience? Mary Lou Allen: Well, the first time we went to a place called Skydive Parkton and it was July 11, 2004. That place is closed
now. Yes, it was my 75th birthday. I told my daughters that was what I wanted for my birthday and of course, they said, “What? No, really, mama what do you want?” But I told them I was serious. They couldn’t believe it but they arranged everything and paid for it all. CN: Did they try to talk you out of it? Did anyone? MLA: No, they did not really try to talk me out of it but they worried plenty. They told all the family and our church about it so on the day of my jump about 50 people came out to watch. My daughter Pam said I was a hot item on the Zions Tabernacle Baptist Church’s prayer chain. Even my pastor came out to pray, and watch. CN: Tell me about the jump. Were you scared? MLA: It was a tandem jump. I was hooked into my instructor and we shared a parachute. We went up 14,000 feet. There were others in the plane jumping too, and the instructor told us all not to touch the sides of the plane or anything like that.
If you were having second thoughts they wouldn’t let you go. But I jumped out when it was my turn without any problems. We were just falling and falling and then suddenly, the chute opened with a jerk, and then we floated on down, and actually slid in. I was surprised at how cool it was up there.
I wasn’t nervous or scared; I was excited to get to do something just for me. It was a lot of fun. CN: Did you feel like there were many years you did not get to do things just for yourself? MLA: I wouldn’t trade the years for the world but in earlier years, I was always taking care of my family and the farm. I was the bookkeeper for the farm and the cook. We had 175 acres of tobacco, corn, and beans and we farmed it ourselves. I was also raising my girls. I had my two oldest daughters that you’ve met today, Wanda and Pam, but I also had my youngest daughter, Charlene, who was born with Down’s syndrome. She died at age 31 in 1995. I was always needed at home to look after her. And then like I said before, my husband would not have liked it. We did other things together with our friends and family, like travel and go to church. I’m also an avid reader; I read the Bible to Charlene every day. CN: So would you say skydiving was the most fun thing you ever did? JULY 2019 |
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No Buy In Fee!
MLA: It was the most spectacular but deer hunting is actually the most fun to me. Skydiving was exhilarating, like driving in a fast car. I’d like to drive a race car one day, too. I did like it (skydiving) enough to do it again when I was 80, that time in Raeford. It was exciting when we came in for a landing on that second time because we landed so close to where the family was standing. They all just started running towards me and cheering.
I knew I was in good hands because my instructor, Michael Elliott, was the same tandem instructor for President George Bush who also jumped at age 80. I asked Mr. Elliott if I had done just as good as the President and he said, “Better!” Now I know he was only joking! CN: You are incredible! That is an amazing story! Now tell me about your deer hunting hobby. That is certainly a novelty, too.
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MLA: I started deer hunting about 2007 and have gotten 10 deer to date. Wanda’s husband Bruce started hunting and we decided we would too. Me and my niece Dianne, that is. She has lived with me ever since Harvey’s passing.
I have my own deer stand in our woods and my own .243 rifle. Dr. Bruce Walters- Can I insert a story here? Let me tell you about a morning I will never forget. One morning I got a call from Mary Lou and she said are you up? I said no, and she said, well get up and come help me load these three deer I just got.
She shot and killed three deer that morning before 8 am. Who does that? (laughing) MLA: I was lucky but also am a pretty good shot too, I guess. But we eat it, that’s for sure. I like to clean and cook the deer meat; we love deer hash, venison steak and gravy, all of it. We put it up in the freezer and share it. CN: You are certainly an outdoor person. Did you have other adventurous people in your family that you perhaps took after?
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MLA: My daddy was a big hunter. I did not hunt with him but I learned an appreciation for it from him. I like to shoot, too, and I got my conceal and carry license about 7 years ago. My daddy also liked to go fishing. I now fish with Bruce and Dianne for bass, crappie, and brim. Then we have big fish fries afterward and invite family and friends to come. I did fish with my dad some too right before he died. I have some good memories of doing that with him. My biggest catch I had mounted and it was a 7 ¾ lb. bass. CN: I understand you were also a big gardener, cook and baker. MLA: Yes, I always had a big garden. We all had full freezers. We ate from that garden and gave it to friends. We grew peas, potatoes, string beans, corn, and tomatoes, all of it. Wanda Walters: Let me jump in here. Mama would work your socks off. She put us girls down lots of gardening days. We’d start at 6 in the morning and finish up about 6 in the evening, but by noon, Pam and I would be stretched out on the floor somewhere and she would say, now ya’ll go lay down, I will finish all of this. She would say that while she was also fixing us a sandwich to eat. (laughing)
CN: You sure were a hard worker, Mrs. Allen, and you still are. Did you love to cook that bounty too? What were your favorite recipes? MLA: Fried chicken, fresh butterbeans, fresh corn, fried cabbage, fried squash the family liked it all. There was always chicken and pastry, and dressing too. I also love to bake cakes and take them to people in the community.
I make a lot of fresh coconut cakes, red velvet, and pound cakes. I still love to do this though I have slowed down for sure.
Let Us Bring Things
Back Into Focus
CN: Have you slowed down enough to say you are through with the skydiving? Will there be more adventures for The Skydiving Senior? MLA: Well, I will tell you like I tell everyone else, I will go again when I turn 100, so stay tuned. (smiling)
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Int
o m r m t I ali f o ty s n : o i t a How Spending Time In Nature Seems To Matter by Jonathan Scott
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W
hen archeologists dug through the ancient debris of the lost city of Pompeii, they found evidence that potted plants had been used by some of the residents to decorate and enliven the interior of their homes. Nearly 2,000 years after Pompeii had been destroyed by a volcano, the famous psychologist, Eric Fromme, pondering the reasons why humans seem to be compelled to surround themselves with plants, coined the word ‘Biophilia’ (bio=life, philia=to love), to refer to our common and persistent attraction to all that is vital and alive. Twelve years later, in 1986, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and eminent Harvard professor, Edward O. Wilson, wrote an autobiography using Fromme’s term as the title. Trying to explain Biophilia, he wrote, “To an extent still undervalued in philosophy and religion, our existence depends on this propensity, our spirit is woven from it, hopes rise on its currents.”
Since then, an idea has been growing in the health sciences that, despite the largely artificial world into which we are now born and live, there’s something deep within our consciousness and even our physiology that craves nature. One of the largest and most high-profile movements in this field began with a question over a restaurant table. Ten-year old Matthew Louv had been listening to his father reminisce about how he used to catch crawdads in a creek. “Dad,” Matthew asked, “how come it was more fun when you were a kid?” The question landed with a punch to Matthew’s father, journalist and author Richard Louv. His first reaction was to blame himself for over-romanticizing his own childhood, but then realized his son was serious. Matthew was feeling he was missing something in his young life. That incident led Louv to think about the all the possible benefits of spending time in nature. Eventually he compiled the contemporary research, as well as his own thoughts, into a book, Last Child in the Woods. On publication in 2005, the book started a national conversation with teachers, health-care professionals, parents and even city planners. Its subtitle, Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, introduced a new term into the modern American lexicon. Louv says his term nature-deficit disorder is meant, “as a way to describe the psychological, physical and cognitive costs of human alienation from nature.” He offers a disclaimer. “It is not meant to be a medical diagnosis”, but then adds in parenthesis, “although perhaps it should be” Louv followed up this landmark book with The Nature Principle in 2011. In it he expanded the concept, which had originally meant a condition suffered by children, to include adults.
Not only does it make intuitive sense that what’s harmful to children may be harmful to adults, but there are some indications that time in nature may be more important to seniors than kids.
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Nature-deficit disorder might not have yet found its way into a diagnostic manual, but it has been taken seriously. Hard-nosed research and evidence-based conclusions are challenging to obtain, given the sometimes intangible benefits reported, the endless varieties of nature, and the differences in each of our prior experiences. Yet successful research has been done in this area. Some of it has been very recent. And some of the results have been compelling. We can take, almost at random, one such study published in Current Epidemiology Reports in June 2015. The article, titled “A review of the health benefits of greenness,” includes research specifically exploring mental health and concludes that adults who had more access to natural spaces had “reduced risk of stress, psychological distress, prevalence of depression, depressive symptoms, and clinical anxiety.” The data were even clearer for adults than they were for children. If you want to read more about the current scientific research into the health benefits of nature, check out Dr. Maryanne Edmundson’s article, “Effects of Nature on the Brain,” on page 12 of this issue of OutreachNC. Even with the results of different studies from different cultures starting to pile up, it’s still mostly a guessing game why exposure to nature seems to be so beneficial. The most common reasons ascribed to this effect say it’s a result of more exercise, sunshine, better air, and even the socialization that often is part of a walk in the park. One intriguing theory that may be difficult to prove claims the benefit of nature is the result of our brains and senses having evolved in a natural world over hundreds of thousands of years. This theory postulates that even our eyesight is designed to look at nature. This may be why studies show patients in hospitals recover faster if they have a window overlooking a pleasant scene.
It’s as if our very subconscious minds are somehow attuned to nature and we feel more “at home” there in a vague, fundamental way. But, considering that many of us grew up in urban environments, is this enough of an explanation? It might be more productive to leave science for a moment and turn to literature.
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One morning, as spring was returning to England’s Lake District in the late nineteenth century, the poet William Wordsworth sat beside a window sharing breakfast with his sister. The change of seasons was making the middleaged poet nostalgic. Just as Richard Louv would do with his own son two hundred years later, Wordsworth began reminiscing about the days he played in nature as a child— days where felt close to what he described as “an immortal presence.” The memories compelled him to write down a few lines, which would become one of his most well-known poems. It describes Wordworth’s yearning to re-experience the elusive joy of being in nature as a child. Its full title is “Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood.” And O, ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and Groves, Forebode not any severing of our loves! Yet in my heart of hearts I feel your might; I only have relinquish’d one delight To live beneath your more habitual sway; I love the brooks which down their channels fret Even more than when I tripp’d lightly as they; The innocent brightness of a new-born day Is lovely yet; What’s most crucial to come from the discussions of biophila and nature-deficit disorder may not be found in the psychological or medical literature. When all is said and done, it might be the actual experiences of each of us, individually, spending a little time in a natural environment—being aware of how these experiences affect us, touch us, or even better, allow us to feel a little more like who we really are.
Feeling A Little Nature-Deficient?
Fortunately, we live in a part of the world where we have relatively easy access to beautiful, natural areas. All except one are totally free, and all make easy day trip destinations. This is by no means a complete list, so please explore more.
Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a natural beauty situated on an impressive 80 acres nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek just two miles from downtown Fayetteville. 536 N. Eastern Blvd.# Fayetteville, NC 28301 (Admission Fees) Hinson Lake is located within the city limits of Rockingham with almost 3 miles of walking trails looping around the lake underneath a shady canopy of trees with numerous wooden bridges.152 Hinson Lake Rd. Rockingham, NC 28379 Hoke Community Forest is the first community forest in the Southeastern United States. There are several trails ranging from less than half a mile to almost four miles, some wind along creeks that offer a dynamic view of the longleaf pine ecosystem. 1758 Vass Rd, Raeford, NC 28376 Lumber River State Park is a 11,064-acre green space with diverse plant and animal life, plus a scenic river for boating. 819 Princess Ann Rd, Orrum, NC 28369 Lumber River State Park Chalk Banks has easy access to boating and a trail that meanders along the river’s edge, by a wetlands habitat, and a mixed pine and hardwoods forest. 26040 Raeford Road, Wagram, NC 28396
Raven Rock State Park invites you to visit the ageless landmark from which it gets its name. Along the trails, hikers and walkers will experience steep terrain, mountain laurel and rhododendron thickets and tumbling creeks. 3009 Raven Rock Road, Lillington, NC 27546 Sandhills Horticultural Gardens features collections of plants both familiar and unusual, all presented in 12 specially designed landscapes. On the campus of Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 San-Lee Park is over 17 acres, and provides boat rentals, campgrounds, fishing, hiking and a nature center. 760 Pumping Station Rd, Sanford, NC 27330 Uwharrie National Forest offers camping, hiking, climbing, biking and other outdoor activities on 51,000 acres of public forest lands. JULY 2019 |
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Lynette’s Bakery & Cafe:
Fusing Cuban Flavor, American Baking and Strong Coffee I’d heard about a new bakery coming to Aberdeen. There were whispers the owner was quite a good baker and that she had Cuban heritage, making the whole thing a little mysterious and very exciting. I had my hopes up, somewhat cautiously, and emailed with Lynette for several months before I finally ventured to her newlyminted bakery and walked right inside, looking at two women and making the ultimate mistake: I thought the older of the two must be Lynette, the bakery owner, and the younger of the two must be the hired help. I was wrong on all counts.
The young woman is Lynette, 27-years old and owner of her very own bakery and cafe.
The older woman is her mother, Maralene, who teared up when I asked how it felt to see her daughter open her own business and who told me it’s all amazing but no surprise, really. “She started baking when she was able to touch the stove. Actually, she couldn’t touch it yet. She had to use a stool. I would wake up and see her in there, in the kitchen, making herself food.”
Lynette’s is a hidden gem, tucked away just off Highway 5 in a bright, airy space full of plants, aluminum tables and chairs and the scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries pulled from the oven. I eyed the bakery case with hesitation, as I am sensitive to gluten and eat pastries with all sorts of turmoil, but right there on the top shelf were trays of gluten-free cupcakes, so I ordered the guava-flavored one and braced myself for what is so often the case with gluten-free baked goods: serious dryness and crumble. Imagine my surprise when I bit into a delicate, moist cupcake topped with frosting and a tiny sliver of guava. I managed to eat that little delicacy in two fell swoops, closing my eyes (I’m not kidding) and savoring the final crumbs. The staff back at the ONC cottage actually wrote me emails declaring
the cupcakes ‘the best’ they’ve ever had, the Cuban coffee flavored ones (Cafecito) emerging as the favorite. I brought my children Guava and Cheese Pastelitos, which are pastry filled with guava and cream cheese. Those were snatched up and eaten in a hot second by kids who often scoff at something that includes exotic things like guava.
Lyenette’s doesn’t only serve baked goods and sweet treats, however. The cafe serves breakfast until 11 a.m. including avocado toast on freshly baked bagels and biscuits stuffed with ham and cheese (my husband is a fan). Lunch options include a variety of sandwiches including the Pan con Lechon, a roasted pork sandwich with mojo sauce served on freshly baked Cuban bread. In terms of coffee, it’s excellent. Lynette’s serves a special blend created by Cactus Creek Coffee named the Havana 1957. I tried it, and it’s smooth and strong, just the way a solid cup of coffee should be. Then, just when I thought the coffee couldn’t get better, Lynette offered to brew me a Colada, which is 4 shots of espresso sweetened with espumita sugar and served in shot cups. Shot cups! It was heaven.
Finally, don’t leave without trying the flan. It is the best flan I’ve ever tasted, and it met rave reviews from every one with whom I shared. Lynette uses her grandmother’s recipe, thus giving it the appropriate name: Abuela’s Traditional Cuban Flan. You won’t be disappointed.
I asked Lynette her philosophy about food and baking. She thought for a moment and said, “You have to bake with love. What’s the point without it?” Indeed.
Lynette’s Bakery & Cafe is located at 3060 NC-5, Aberdeen, NC 28315. The website, with a full menu, can be viewed at www. LynettesBakeryCafe.com, and the phone number is 910-420-8226. Lynette’s is open Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and closed Sunday.
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“She started baking when she was able to touch the stove.”
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“You have to bake with love. What’s the point without it?”
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ADAPTATION ANCHOR BAIT BEDDING BIVOUAC BLAZE BOAT BOW
GREY MATTER See Grey Matter Puzzle Answers on Page 64
Puzzle 19 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.55)
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14. Mounted soldier 15. Theron movie “__ Flux” 1. Oliver __, author 6. Neuromuscular disorder 16. Greek portico 17. Buffaloes (abbr.) 18. Ribosomal ribonucleic 9. Ed Sheeran song acid 13. Flows in Greek Gods’ 19. Types 62 OutreachNC.com | JULY 2019 of bonds veins
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29. __ percha, trees 31. Expression of sorrow or pity 33. Kids play here 36. Fakes 38. Scottish Gaelic for John 39. Blocks 41. Split 44. DC Comics hero 45. Wrap 46. Cool! 48. Hengyang Nanyue Airport 49. Biblical Sumerian city 51. Radio direction finder (abbr.) 52. Gulf in the Aegean Sea 54. Actress Lathan 56. Class 59. Copyread 60. Blocks 61. Whale ship captain 63. Make angry 64. They product honey 65. One seeded fruit 66. Helios 67. Soviet Socialist Republic 68. Accepted practice
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8. Autonomic nervous system 9. Spider 10. Flavoring 11. Colonized by Ancient Greeks 12. “Thundercats” character 14. Protestant 17. Not straightened 20. Outdoor retailer 21. Brazilian lagoon 23. Expression of bafflement 25. Male parent 26. Brews 27. Gadoid fishes 29. Gives 30. Hindu calendar month 32. Breaks up 34. Take in solid food 35. Abba __, Israeli politician 37. A breed of goat 40. It’s above us 42. British Air Aces 43. Challenges 47. He’s a bounty hunter 49. Exploiters 50. Plays music 52. Cavalry sword 53. Drenches 55. Will not (obsolete) 56. Signals 57. Carla from “Cheers” 58. Other side of yin 60. Ed Murrow’s home 62. Satirist Samantha 65. Golda
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OVER MY SHOULDER
Adventure is what you make it. by Ann Robson
Adventures are all around us every day. Sometimes we don’t recognize them. While climbing Mt. Everest would surely be an adventure, we don’t have to go to extremes to have adventure. There are those who would say going to the grocery store is an adventure, and for some it is.
a train station and thought it would lead me in. Next clue was “midstadt,” which meant city center and I followed this until I could see the spires of the cathedral and just followed them. In those days, parking was allowed in the city center, and I parked close to the cathedral.
An adventure is something that is specific to the person. In general, it’s something you do for the first time on a whim or for the twentieth time because you enjoy it. Some of us seek adventure and some of us have adventures just happen to us. Some of us see adventure in small things and others find it in major events.
The trip was so worth it. A bonus was a visiting choir performing. I get goosebumps remembering how magnificent it felt, sitting in a pew listening to choral music in such a fabulous setting.
A major adventure that I remember was driving alone on the Autobahn in Germany. My husband was there on business and I tagged along for my first European trip together. While he was working I usually tried to sightsee, often driving a rental car. The Autobahn route has everything you need in an adventure --- I was all alone in a gorgeous Audi heading for Cologne to see the cathedral. This was before GPS and cell phones. I had a map and a desire to see that cathedral. It looked like an easy thing to do; after all it was less than 50 miles, so what could go wrong? The car was a standard shift, which I did know how to handle, so off I went. Getting on to this world famous road where speed was the name of the game, I decided to stay in the right lane and let everyone pass me, but it seemed that lane was reserved for big trucks. After getting several blasts from a truck horn, I moved over one lane until he passed, then moved back to the right. Another truck, another blast, another lane shift. Tried one more time to stay in the right but after the third truck’s blast, I moved over. I was driving reasonably fast but it was as if I were just dawdling along. When I saw a large, overhead sign for Koln I exited the road and found myself, not in Cologne but in its far outskirts. I saw a sign for “banhof,” which I knew to be
GREY MATTER ANSWERS
CROSSWORD
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Then, I had to manage how to get back to where we were staying. There was an American Express office close by, and they gave me excellent directions that made for a more peaceful round trip. Puzzle 13 (Medium, difficulty rating It seems that most of my adventures involve driving --- a0.45) 6 1 9 7 5 8 3 blizzard in northern New York state, a tropical storm in4 2 5 a8winding 3 4 6 road 2 1with 7 9 Kentucky, the hills of West Virginia, 7 4 2 3 9 1 6 5 no guard rails up to the continental divide in Colorado in 8 9 where 7 4 5you 8 drive 3 2 on 6 the 1 an RV, roads in England and Ireland 3 5 1 6 2 9 7 8 4 other side, going around a small traffic circle in the middle of 2 6 1 4 7 5 9 3 England not sure which exit to take8 nor how to safely exit.
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Now that I prefer to let a bus driver4 or3 tour 5 8guide 1 6do9 the 2 7 driving, I realize that my guardian 2angel must 6 7 9 3have 4 had 8 1 5 apoplexy when I was younger and ready for anything. I haven’t lost the spirit of an adventure but I now recognize there are Puzzle 16 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.50) limits to what one can do….. well,5 maybe. 8 4 3 9 1 7 6 2 9
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Ann Robson is the author 7 1 9of “Over 4 6 8My2 3 5 Shoulder: Tales of Life 2 and 3 8 Death 5 1 and 7 6 4 9 Everything In Between.” She can be reached 4 6 2 8 3 5 9 1 7 at overmyshoulder@charter.net . 3 8
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FEATURED THIS FALL
September
October
Advocacy & Volunteering
Food & Drink
Itʼs that time of year again! WIOZ-550 AM & Sandhills Community College present a series of outdoor concerts performed by the Jazz Band.
2019
Free and open to the public! June 10 | July 8 | August 12 Starts at 6:30 pm
Food is served at 5:00 pm for $8.00 per plate HELD RAIN OR SHINE! (Moves inside on campus if thereʼs rain)
JULY 2019 |
OutreachNC.com 65
Generations
OutreachNC asked adults and children our July question. Share your answer on our Facebook page.
What adventure would you go on if money were no object?
I’d go to a fabulous and outrageously expensive resort tucked into the mountains of the Utah desert. I’d dip into my personal pool and lounge around in a caftan after a morning hike. Something about the desert is so calming. – Amy, 43 To Spain to watch a soccer match. – Bobby, 12 A glamorous African photo safari with every possible amenity in the field. The N. Italian Alps. Back to Antarctica. Hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro with porters. So many choices. – Madison, 60 Bora Bora. Enough said. – Ashley, 37 Dinosaur Valley State Park. It’s in Texas and you can dig for real fossils. Like, real ones. – Sara, 9 Italy. Wine country. – Michael, 57 To Afghanistan to see my dad. – Peter, 11 I’d hike the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. The mountain scenery is supposed to be beautiful, and I want to do it before my knees give out. – John, 76 Hogwarts. – Kylee, 9
When I was a young man, I always wanted to ride the Trans-Siberian Railway. I don’t know why. I guess it was just this thing all the young men were talking about back then, riding along in the cheap cars, drinking vodka, playing cards. Now, I think about it and it doesn’t sound so romantic. But you know, it lingers. It still sits in my mind. So maybe that. – Gene, 67 I would take my family to Ireland, England and Scotland to visit historic sites for a month vacation. – Sherri, 56 To Alaska. I’d bring tools so I could live off the land, like a knife to skin animals and some other tools like an ax. I’d have a snowmobile for winter and a boat. I’d be a mountain man. – Timmy, 9 I go on an adventure every day, walking my dog through the neighborhood. We look at the flowers and listen to the birds. It’s nice to have adventure at my doorstep. – Alice, 72 Great Wolf Lodge. I have wanted to go since I was little but it’s expensive. But I want to go. I want to ride on the water slides. – Jason, 8 66
OutreachNC.com | JULY 2019
Scotland – a month-long trip to play the courses and see the sites. – David, 64 Somewhere with my mom. Maybe McDonalds. She’s fun. – Julia, 4
Adult Day Health and Day Care Center
Everyday Enrichment for Older Adults “My vision for The Retreat is to provide families with a viable alternative to in-home care or institutionalization. We offer food, fitness, and fun with the ultimate goal of aging in place at home.” Kathryn Doddridge, M.A. Executive Director
MEMBERSHIP AT THE RETREAT
ensures exceptional adult day and therapeutic services to seniors and their families. Fill your day with companionship, activities, and health support.
Schedule a Visit TODAY!
Hours of Operation: 7:45 am - 5:15 pm Monday through Friday
165 Shepherd Trail|Aberdeen OutreachNC.com 67 910.722.1035 | www.SandhillsAdultDay.com JULY 2019 |
Spring Into New Adventures At
190 Fox Hollow Road Pinehurst, NC 28374
910-695-0011
Join us for a tour at Fox Hollow Senior Living and discover a full schedule of Lifestyle360 activities, chef-prepared meals offering flavor and flexibility, and exceptional senior living experiences. At Five Star, the possibilities are endless.
CALL TO SEE HOW YOU CAN BLOSSOM THIS SPRING. www.FoxHollowSeniorLiving.com 68
ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE • RESPITE/SHORT-TERM STAYS
OutreachNC.com | JULY 2019
©2019 Five Star Senior Living
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