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www.yanceycountynews.com vTo be a voice, and to allow the voices of our community to be heard.v Feb. 14, 2013 W Vol. 3, No. 7 v Recipient of the 2011 E.W. Scripps Award for Distinguished Service to the First Amendment v
Three saved from fiery wreck
48-year-old perishes in burning county van
By Jonathan Austin Yancey County News The driver of a county transportation van and a passerby pulled three young children from a burning county van Tuesday after it wrecked east of Micaville on U.S. 19, but
neither were able to save 48-year-old passenger Billy Grindstaff. “We’ve never had an accident of this nature,” said County Manager Nathan Bennett, who rushed to the wreck scene on the heels of firefighters and first responders. Officials said Grindstaff, a frequent rider of county transportation, was in the front seat as the van ran off the right side of the highway, straddled a guardrail, then slid down an embankment and burst into flames. Many
theorized that the guardrail punctured the gas tank, helping set the blaze in motion. Passersby called 911 to report the burning van, and one stopped to help driver Nora Boyer pull three pre-schoolers out of the van as it began to burn. Transportation director Lynn Austin said her drivers train regularly on extracating passengers from vehicles, and that may have helped save the three children. Continued on page 5
Photos by Jonathan Austin/Yancey County News
Left, firefighters and first responders prepare to remove the body of Billy Grindstaff after the fiery wreck of a county transportation van east of Burnsville. Above, Transportation Director Lynn Austin is comforted by County Commission Chairman Johnny Riddle at the wreck scene.
Rick Tipton named region’s top principal By Jonathan Austin Yancey County News Rick Tipton, the principal at East Yancey Middle School, has been honored as Western Regional Principal of the Year and will advance in competition for N.C. Principal of the Year. Tipton was named regional principal of the year from among principals from 16 western counties, and is one of eight to be considered for the state principal of the year. Word of the honor was withheld until We d n e s d a y w h e n
representatives of the Western Regional Education Center and school administrators came to East Yancey Middle School to surprise Tipton with word of his selection. In his nomination for county principal of the year, staff said Tipton “holds high expectations for himself, his teachers, and his students. An administrator’s best gift to others is to believe in them and motivate them to perform at the best of their abilities. Teachers know Mr. See Page 11
Sheriff shifts funds to add school patrols
Yancey County Schools Superintendent Tony Tipton, left, and Western Region Principal of the Year Rick Tipton, who is principal at East Yancey Middle School.
By Jonathan Austin Yancey County News Ya n c e y S h e r i ff Gary Banks appeared before the county commission this week to ask them to approve a “cost-effective” way for him to increase deputy presence at Ya n c e y C o u n t y Schools. “I know the Yancey County budget can’t afford seven fulltime officers for our schools,” he said in response to some public calls for armed officers in each school every day in the wake of the killing of 26 people at a Connecticut
elementary school in December. But he said an analysis of payroll expenses so far this fiscal year suggested he could add hours for two part time positions to increase officer presence at the county schools. The “primary responsibility would be to spend as much time (as possible) in the schools.” See page 5
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2 feb. 14, 2013
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• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS
Recipient of the 2012 Ancil Payne Award for Ethics in Journalism and the Tom and Pat Gish Award for courage, integrity and tenacity in rural journalism v
Opinion/Outlooks
Stay aware of TRAC hosts Valentine’s workshop credit card fees
Merchants pay credit card companies like VISA and MasterCard a processing fee each time a customer uses a credit card. Historically, credit card companies and large banks that issue cards prohibited merchants from passing that cost directly on to customers in a fee. But retailers took the card companies to court and under a settlement agreement, credit card companies can no longer prevent retailers from adding a surcharge The added charge is supposed to represent the merchant’s cost to accept the card, and it can be anywhere from 1.5% to 4% of purchase price, not including the sales tax. Merchants are allowed to charge the fee but they aren’t required to do so, and so far most merchants don’t appear to be rushing to impose it. But if a merchant is going to charge you this extra fee, they have to tell you. They are required to post a notice at the entrance to the store and at the checkout register, and print it on your receipt. They also have to notify you before you make a credit card purchase online. (The settlement agreement didn’t apply to debit cards, nor did it impact American Express cards.) The attorney general says that residents who believe they’ve been charged this fee without being notified about it, or have been charged the fee on the entire amount rather than just the retail price, should let his office know. Contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or file a complaint online at www.ncdoj.gov.
Baseball & softball sign-up Yancey County Youth League will be holding baseball and softball signups for ages 4–12 year old boys and girls on Monday, February 18 and February 25 from 6-8 p.m. at East Yancey Middle School gym, and on February 23 and March 2 from 9-noon at East Yancey Middle School gym. Cost is $35 for tee-ball and $50 for ages 6-12.
WHO WE ARE
The Yancey County News is the only independent newspaper in Yancey County. It is owned, operated and published by
Susan Austin ........ Advertising/Publisher Jonathan Austin ........... Editor/Publisher who are the sole participants and members of
Yancey County News LLC 132 W. Main Street Burnsville, NC 28714 828-678-3900 jonathan@yanceycountynews.com susan@yanceycountynews.com The Yancey County News (USPS publication No. 3528) is published weekly - every Thursday - for $25 per year in Yancey County, $35 per year out of county. Published by Yancey County News LLC, Periodicals postage paid at Burnsville, NC. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Yancey County News, 132 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714 Printed in Boone by the Watauga Democrat on recycled paper.
To be a voice, and to allow the voices of our community to be heard.
Ava, daughter of Chris and Van Mcclintick, works on her valentine of many colors.
In festive preparation for Valentine’s Day, potter and mixed media artist Pat Benard held her annual V-Day Greeting Card Workshop at the Spruce ARC on Saturday, Feb. 9. Children and grown-ups gathered around tables festooned with Valentine’s goodies glitter, colored paper, glue, silver hearts, glitter, ribbon, magic markers, paint, and more glitter. As they munched on pink cupcakes and drank pink punch, they made card after card for friends, teachers and family. After they finished, they began working to create a stack of sparkling red and white hearts that will be delivered to the in-patients at the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. It was a great 2 ½ hours for all. For more information about the Arts Council’s educational arts programs, visit the website, www.toeriverarts.org or call 828-6827215.
Bandana Klezmer at Town Center next Saturday Bandana Klezmer will be playing a concert and dance at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, February 23, at the Burnsville Town Center. Bandana Klezmer plays Old World klezmer music, which comes from the Carpathian mountain regions in eastern Europe. It’s a mix of music from Gypsy, Jewish, Romanian, and other cultures, and is often played at weddings and other celebrations. Melodies have been collected from older klezmer players, scratchy records, and out of-print manuscripts. Bandana Klezmer is: Meg Peterson (accordion & vocals), Naomi Dalglish (fiddle & vocals), Michael Hunt (percussion & tsimbl [hammer dulcimer]), Rob Levin (guitar), Andy John (cello & harmonica), & Marc Rudow (fiddle). Since most of the music is traditionally played for dancing, Debi Miles will lead some simple dances for anyone who wants to join in. “We have a lot of fun playing these tunes,” says Rob Levin. “The rhythms are really catchy.
Even the slower tunes make you want to jump up and dance. Marc and I have played old-time fiddle tunes for years, and that music translates real well into klezmer -- it’s just from different mountains.” In addition to music and dancing, Mary Jane’s Bakery and Cafe will be providing delicious Eastern European desserts & coffee. Admission is $10. Call the Town Center at 682-7209 for more information.
More questions about medical care
I am responding to a letter that was written to the Yancey County News. This letter was about our area doctors not accepting new patients, especially if they need a prescription for pain medication. I know how she feels, even though I don’t need any prescriptions I still have to go out of Burnsville for health care. These are only my opinions, but I would like to know what others opinions are. I also want to hear from the doctors’ reasons for this. If it’s over writing prescriptions for pain medication why not just say no? I know there’s a drug problem in our community but most pill abusers don’t go to the local doctors to get prescriptions. I think this policy
is only hurting our community because it’s causing some doctors that thought about opening a practice here won’t because of not wanting to be labeled a “drug doctor” by their peers if they write a prescription for pain. Also I was told by one that he did not want someone else dictating what treatment he is allowed to use. What are area people supposed to do if they have not been a patient of yours for the past 10 or 20 years? I spend more gas and time traveling than I do being treated because of this. I know our area doctors are highly educated and have the knowledge to make their own decision on what treatment to give their patient. We all need to start talking
to each other and come up with new ways to combat the drug problem here. I would like to hear from doctors, law enforcement, mental health providers, drug abusers, pain prescription users and every person that has an idea or thought or anything to say about the situation. The Yancey County News Paper is a perfect place to get the talk started; to get your opinion and answers out in the open. Let’s start talking as a community before the problem gets worse, and it will we are now dealing with three generations of people in addiction. Thanks for the space, Letts make a change. Deb Frederick Froiland
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The best possessions have a story to share One of the things I cherish is an old Bible my grandfather gave to me. It is one of those small New Testament Bibles like you were given in grade school back in the 70s. On the inside cover it has written in my grandfather’s handwriting, ‘see page 313.’ When you go there, there is a portion of the scripture highlighted and in the margin it again has instructions to ‘see page 318.’ As you turn from section to section, if you read each in order, it tells a story. That is what is so interesting about this old Bible. It tells a story within a story as comprehended by my grandfather. New gadgets are neat to play with and learn how to use, but they do not tell a story like older things. I was given an old Ithaca double barrel shotgun when I was learning how to shoot before my tenth birthday. It was one my grandfather and dad had used. Back then, quail were as common as any other game bird in North Carolina. The barrel was sawed off to the point of legality in order to open the choke all the way. The choke is what patterns the spray of the shot as it leaves the muzzle, and by sawing it off this short it was the equivalent of throwing paint from a 5 gallon bucket as compared to dotting the wall with a small paintbrush. By making the pattern as big as possible allowed a quick snap type of shot on the quail without having to take the time to point and shoot in a methodical way. See, there is a story. The shotgun tells me of a time long gone and how they hunted. I could go buy a new top of the line shotgun and while it would shoot just fine, it doesn’t have that connection. Back in 2006 my father and I went on our first big game hunt together. We drove up to North Dakota in pursuit of the mighty bison. My goal was to take one with the bow. It would be the first big game animal I took with
Bill Howard’s
Outdoors
archery equipment. One of my customers at work was an elderly man and was looking as much to my hunt as I was. When I got back and told him about it, he told me he would be back that afternoon because he had something to share with me. Later that day, he came in and we talked for probably 30 minutes, but it seemed like several hours. He told me of how he loved elk hunting and how he had hunted Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana several times when he was younger. He then told me how his greatest trip was when he hunted elk with a Bear Grizzly recurve bow. After hearing his adventure, I could tell the reminiscence had touched him deeply. He then said he needed to run to the car for a second. When he came back in, he showed me the old Fred Bear masterpiece. It was in fairly good condition with only the beaver felt on the shelf peeling off. He then handed it over to me. “It’s yours. I only have daughters and they don’t hunt. And I’m obviously too old to even pull it back now.
It needs to be used once more.” There was the connection. The story had presented itself. That old traditional recurve bow was a symbol for days of adventure, happiness and passion. I love archery and bowhunting as much as anything, but I am also the first to admit I am absolutely awful shooting traditional equipment. But I owed it to that gentleman, to the story of that bow, to hunt with it at least once. I did not go to the Rockies in pursuit of elk, but I did hunt with it. I took an opossum from about 10 yards. I had to shoot twice as a matter of fact. And afterwards, I put the bow up. I had added another chapter to the story. It was the only game I had ever taken with a recurve. To this day it still is. Bill Howard is an avid bowhunter and outdoorsman. He teaches hunter education (IHEA) and bowhunter education (IBEP) in North Carolina. He is a member of North Carolina Bowhunters Association and Pope & Young, and is an official measurer for both. He can be reached at billhoward outdoors@ gmail.com.
Bill the Bear Grizzly recurve bow, and his prize opposum.
Parkway Playhouse students win big at Junior Theater Festival Students from Parkway Playhouse won a Freddie G Outstanding Achievement in Acting award at the 2013 Junior Theater Festival, the world’s largest musical theater festival, which took place January 18-20 in Atlanta. Produced by New York’s iTheatrics and Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars, the Junior Theater Festival celebrates young people and the transformative power of musical theater; this year’s festival brought together 4,000 students and teachers representing 82 groups from 23 states. The Parkway Playhouse students presented selections from The Pirates of Penzance JR. for Disney Theatrical Group dramaturg and literary manager Ken Cerniglia and Dean McFlicker, choreographer
(Sha*Bang at Lincoln Center and Upfront at Radio City Music Hall) and Vice President and Creative Director of NBC Entertainment Marketing. Said McFlicker about the students’ performance, “We saw great acting from the entire cast. From start to end, all the performers were committed, energetic, and true to their characters.” Added Cerniglia, “These students did excellent, zany, and fun character work. They worked very hard to capture the style and period of the show.” A d d i t i o n a l l y, P a r k w a y Playhouse students Lily Bartleson and Haven Jenkins were named to the Broadway JR. All-Stars, made up of two outstanding students from each group at the festival.
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Obituaries Sylvia Evans
Hensley will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is assisting the Higgins family.
Sylvia Evans, 80, of Georges Fork, died Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine. A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Elzie and Pansy McDowell Fox. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Larry J a.m.es Fox. Sylvia attended Victory Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Frank D. Evans; a daughter, Sheila Kardulis and husband, Paul; son, Mack D. Evans and wife, Miranda; two grandsons: Matthew and Nathan Kardulis; a brother, Ted Fox and wife, Edna Earle, and a nephew, Todd Fox, all of Burnsville. Funeral will be at 7 p.m. Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Rev. Scot Garland will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Honeycutt Cemetery on Georges Fork. The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Leslie E. “Les” Wheeler, 90, of Higgins, passed away Sunday, February 10, 2013, at Mission Hospital. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Jim and Lynda Hilemon Wheeler. He was preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Lane Wheeler; four brothers: George, Tom, Sam and C. B. Wheeler; and four sisters: Bessie Adkins, Nell Hensley, Pansy Robinson and Madge Randolph. He was a World War II Army veteran. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy Robinson Wheeler; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral was Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Roscoe Briggs, Jr. and J. W. Mann officiated. A graveside service was Thursday in the Cane River Baptist Church Cemetery.
Billy R. Grindstaff
Jeanette Cooper Laws
Billy Ray Grindstaff, 48, of Wolf Pen Branch Road, the Estatoe community, died Tuesday, February 12, 2013, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born on December 13, 1964, in Germany, he was the son of the late Joe Grindstaff and Hannelore Schuck Grindstaff. Billy Grindstaff is survived by his Mother, Hannelore Schuck Grindstaff of the home, his brother; John Grindstaff of the home; cousins and additional family members and friends. The funeral for Billy Grindstaff will be held Friday, February 15, 2013, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Webb Funeral Home with the Revs. Darrin Waldroup, Dallas Renfro, and Fred Proctor officiating. Interment will follow in the Grindstaff Cemetery on Halls Chapel Road in Yancey County. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Webb Funeral Home in Spruce Pine is assisting the Grindstaff family.
Tom Higgins
Tom Higgins, 56, of Burnsville, passed away Sunday, February 10, 2013, at his home. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Quinton and Lala Miller Higgins. He was also preceded in death by a brother: Tim Higgins. Surviving are a sister, Veronica Willis and husband, Ronnie, of Green Mountain; and, a niece, Amanda Edwards of Burnsville. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, February 17, in Big Creek Free Will Baptist Church. The Rev. Marvin
Leslie E. ‘Les’ Wheeler
Jeanette Cooper Laws, 71, of Green Mountain, died Friday, February 8, 2013, at her home, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Roy and Birdie Whitson Cooper. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Donna Parker, who died Dec. 18, 2012; brothers Jack, R.J. and Ott Cooper; sisters Anna and Helen. She was a member of Toe River Freewill Baptist Church. Jeanette enjoyed spending time outdoors and with her grandchildren. Surviving are her husband of 55 years: Paul Laws; a daughter: Linda Biddix and husband, Steve; a son: Mark Laws and wife, Angie, all of Green Mountain; 4 grandchildren: Brandie, Britney, Sydney and Kylie; four great-grandchildren: Kolbey, Jacob, Lucas and Gracie; two sisters: Beatrice Howington of Bristol, Tenn., and Sue Ray of Burnsville; and three brothers: Jim and Dick Cooper and Gary Crosby, all of Burnsville. Funeral was Monday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Rev. Bernie Jones officiated. A graveside service was Tuesday in the Laws Cemetery at Green Mountain.
Dorothy ‘Grace’ Sherrin Ingle
Dorothy “Grace” Sherrin Ingle, 83, of N.C. 80 North, passed away on Friday, February 8, 2013, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. A native of Gaston County, she was the daughter of the late William Franklin and Etter Adams Sherrin. She was
also preceded in death by a son, Joseph Franklin Gates; fathers of her children: Kenneth Gates and Jack Smith; grandson Steven Boyer; an infant great-grandchild and her faithful dog Tessie. She was a retired textile worker with American Efird and past president of Schiele Museum’s Camera Club in Gastonia. Dorothy loved photography, camping, gospel and country music. Survivors include her daughter, Darlene Brown and husband, Larry, of Burnsville; three sons: Ronnie Gates and wife, Dianne, of Hendersonville, Ray Gates and wife, Diana, of Burnsville and Jackie Smith and wife, Lori, of Burnsville; 13 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced by Yancey Funeral Service. Memorial donations may be made to the Yancey County Animal Shelter, 962 Cane River School Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Walter Wilson
Walter Wilson 94, of the Horton Creek community, passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at his home. A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Nelson and Lula Chrisawn Wilson. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Walter was also preceded in death by his wife: Stella; two brothers and six sisters. Surviving is a niece, Louise Ramsey, of Burnsville, with whom he resided, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral was Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Revs. Burl Ledford and Scot Garland officiated. Burial was in Wilson Cemetery on Indian Creek. Sgt. E. L. Randolph Chapter 57, DAV will confer military rites.
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Sheriff gets commission vote on shifting payroll for school safety
From the front “I understand budget constraints and would like to make a more cost effective request to you and the County Board of Commissioners,” Banks wrote in a letter to County Manager Nathan Bennett. “I would request an additional full-time deputy position and full time funding for my ¾ time deputy/animal control position. I request this occur immediately as a midyear budget revision. This could be done with no immediate increase in equipment cost and maintained that way until July 1, 2013. ...Additional needs for this position can be addressed in my 2013-2014 budget request. This will dramatically increase the time deputies can spend in our schools.” Commissioner Jeff Whitson asked Banks to describe the “primary responsibilities of the new positions. Banks said the officers in the two positions wouldn’t necessarily be working
solely on school visits, but the addition of the two would allow for all enforcement staff to increase the number of hours they spend at or in the eight county schools. “We have looked at this as more of an agency-wide initiative,” he said. “This gives me an additional officer” per shift, meaning each officer can theoretically have time during the day to be present on school grounds. “You’re not asking for no money?” asked Commissioner Jim Edwards, and Banks admitted that while he felt he could cover the costs for this fiscal year out of his existing budget, “if you start something in mid year, it’s hard to stop it the next year.” Commissioners didn’t initially respond for or against the suggestion, and later one said he felt that the sheriff had the authority to shift the payroll funds around as he saw fit without coming before the board to get their approval.
Nonetheless,Commissioner Whitson voiced support for the proposal. “I feel like this is a very reasonable request.” Bennett, the county manager, said he sees a “potential for larger expenses in next year’s budget. We want to have a good, full discussion with the school system.” Sheriff Banks said he has spoken with School Superintendent Tony Tipton, but that there was no agreement how best to move forward with increased school security. “I was looking at what I can do today,” Banks said. Whitson made a motion to approve the suggestion, but initially saw no other board member offer a second. At that point Banks returned to his seat. Chairman Johnny Riddle asked the sheriff to come back to the podium and, after further discussion, the motion was seconded by Edwards, who said he still would “like to hear more from the schools.” The motion was approved on a voice vote. In other business, the board denied a request by Randy Banks of Banks Holding LP to change the taxes due on a piece of property which is located at or near Mountain Air Country Club. Banks argued that the land was not part of the development but was being taxed as if it was. The board also heard reports from Michelle Ball of High Country Council of Government, from Dr. John Boyd of Mayland Community College, and from tax collector Fonda Thomas. More next week on the commission meeting.
real estate auction
US Marshals Service Seized Property
Fire fighters examine the burned van after BillyS Grindstaff’s body had been removed.
Beloved resident dies in fiery wreck
From the front “We train quarterly” on extricating passengers from the vans, Austin said, “and it paid off.” The three children, all six or under, were being taken home from the HeadStart program, while Grindstaff had been at the Shortbus Studio, a community art place that serves clients of Yancey Residential Services, a non-profit agency that provides services to those with developmental disabilities. “They were on the route going home,” Austin said. The three children were secured in car seats and Grindstaff was wearing his seatbelt riding in the front passenger seat, Austin said. She said Grindstaff
was apparently unable to get out of the van because his foot was pinned somehow in the accident. The van burned fiercely, charring the interior and exterior before firefighters were able to extinguish the flames. Austin said Grindstaff had ridden on the van frequently and for many years, and often made gifts for the drivers who took him to Shortbus and back home. “He was dearly loved by all of our drivers,” she said. “He sent driver ’s Va l e n t i n e s a n d Christmas cards, and made us jewelry and pieces of art.” Austin said the entire transportation staff was devastated by his death. Austin and
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Yancey County News 3.2 x 4 2/7; 2/14
Bennett said formal investigations will take place because the death occurred in a tax-funded vehicle. The Highway Patrol is responsible for the accident investigation, and troopers were busy gathering data in the hours after the accident. The county initiated its Employee Assistance Plan and had a counselor on site at the transportation office on Wednesday to help drivers and staff who might need to talk with someone. N u m e r o u s departments
responded to the scene to assist, and at least three county commissioners rushed to the wreck to find out what had occurred. As Austin spoke o f G r i n d s t a ff o n We d n e s d a y s h e walked through the transportation office reception area and stopped at a bookshelf. She reached over and picked up a necklace of shiny colored glass with a big heartshaped pendant. “Billy made this for me; we all have jewelry he made.”
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6 feb. 14, 2013
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Artist takes scrap and makes unforgettable art
By Jonathan Austin Yancey County News Lickskillet woodcrafter Melanie Restall recycles nature for every ornament and piece of jewelry she makes. She does that by crafting her wares from wood that was harvested for purposes far removed from the idea of making trinkets. “Everything I make is from wood that was not purchased for harvest,” she says. “I reclaim wood, either from old lumber or from trees that died and were salvaged.” Her attention to nature caught the eye of a buyer at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, who discovered her small wooden pieces – marketed under the name Melanie’s Meadow - while visiting the county for the annual Toe River Arts Center Studio Tour. “Melanie’s wood jewelry is made from locally salvaged/reclaimed hardwood - barns, cabinets, old trees,” said Matt Popowski, the public relations and events manager at Chimney Rock, located southeast of Asheville on U.S. 74 near Lake Lure. “This is consistent with state parks’ mission to reuse and recycle natural resources, turning them into something beautiful.” Melanie graduated from Mountain Heritage in 1982 and studied music production and recording at UNCAsheville. But it “was the warmth of wood, with its many
as thin as 110/1000th of an inch thick. “My mom, Sandy Taylor, helps with sanding and finishing ad proof approval of the wood pendants that I individually hand Natural Awakenings - WNC/N. Ga. Mountain Edition cut. While I do most committed to Phone: 828-284-8472We • Fax:are 877-461-3675 of all the assembling www.wncmountainsna.com restoring and maintaining of the jewelry and To approve your ad, please click one of the three buttons and enter name ornaments, she helps your independence andand date below Email this form back to us at: publisher@wncmountainsna.com or fax back to us at: 877-461 with the packaging, quality of life to the Ad is shown Actual Size labeling, and boxing greatest extent possible. that take up so much Ad Proof for Natural Awakenings — February 2012 Issue precious time,” Restall P: 828-989-9144 said. “It’s a blessing To: Medea Galligan F: that I am able to spend Email: medeagalligan@gmail.com time with her this 310 Road Ad is approved: contact information andPensacola spelling is correct way, bouncing ideas Burnsville, 28714 off each other and Ad is approved: with changes indicated in emailNC or fax Ph: 828.682.9759 inspiring one another. Ad is not approved: make changes indicated in email or fax, send new proo Fax: 828.682.4096 Not many people are (up to 2 revisions allowed with new ad design) as fortunate. “ www.brooksiderehabandcare.com Restall’s pieces are available locally at A Touch of Cass Holistic Health Coaching and Something Special Gift Shop Sick and tired of in Burnsville, Fired being sick and tired? On The Mountain in For FREE Initial Consultation call Spruce Pine, New FREE Initial Consultation! 828-989-9144 Morning Gallery in • In-person, by phone Biltmore Village, • In-person, by phone or Skype or skype • Simply Delicious Rustic in Blowing Medea L. L. Galligan Medea Galligan • Simply Delicious MS Nutrition Whole Foods MS Nutrition Rock, the Seven Whole Foods Cooking Holistic HolisticHealth HealthCoach Coach Cooking Classes Classes Sisters Gallery in Nutrition & Yoga Studio Donation-based yoga studio. 7 S. Main Street Black Mountain, and • FREE Yoga Classes 7 South Main See website or call for schedule Suite Suite 2F2F at Chimney Rock. www.HealthyLifestyleConcepts.com Burnsville, NC 28714 www.HealthyLifestyleConcepts.com - 828-989-9144 Burnsville
Family and Friends . . . Serving Family and Friends
Photos by Jonathan Austin/Yancey County News
Melanie Restall uses a Dewalt saw to cut the intricate edges of the jewelry and ornaments she makes at her Lickskillet home.
variations, grains and tones” that led her to set up her home-based jewelry and ornament business just outside Burnsville. “I have always been called by nature to look, listen, and speak up for her plants and animals that are all too easily ignored in our fast-paced, hightech world. I admire, adore, and seek to protect what I can, where I can. This is my heartbeat,” she said. “The availability of salvaged and reclaimed wood gives me the opportunity to share with others the beauty of one o f n a t u r e ’s m o s t wonderful materials ... The jewelry and ornaments I create are made from these salvaged and reclaimed hardwoods. My designs are
inspired by nature, tribal patterns from around the world, and symbols that have special meanings to people. I love the rich textures and colors of wood. I smile each time I help a piece of cabinet scrap, old barn board, or section of a tree brought down by a storm become something lovely to look at, wear, or share.” The basement of her home is climate controlled to cure the stacks of wood that fill its nooks and crannies. She cuts the wood into small sheets about twice the length of a playing card, then puts a template on them before sitting down at her Dewalt scroll saw to cut the intricate curves for her pieces. “I can do some very, very intricate cutting,” she said, crafting art
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feb. 14, 2013
• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS 7
County honors 4-H volunteers and competitors
The county commission helped honor several 4-H volunteers and competitors. Those honored include: • Longshots Shooting Sports team of Jeffrey Gortney, Zach Gibbs and Justin Deitz. The shooters won first in several gun and archery categories in the 2012 West District tournament. • Horse Judging Team of Tatum Anglin, Anika Pitman and Brittany Thomason, who placed second overall in state
competition. • Dairy Judging Te a m o f N i c a e l a Branton, Blake Elkins and Allie Gordon, who competed in the state contest in November and placed 5th in the state. • The Infinibots robotics team of nine who won the mechanical design award at district. • Leaders and youth members who volunteered at community programs. • Science teacher Nelda Phillips, who received the NC
4-H State School Enrichment Award in Raleigh. • Amberly Glover, Lindsey Newton and Hope Robinson who volunteered 256 hours to provide 4-H on the radio. • Kyler Glover, Gabriel Garland, Jeremy Heidenfelder, Hope Robinson, Rebecca Heidenfelder, Sarah Creech and Amberly Glover who represented Yancey at District Activity Day. Kyler, Gabe, Jeremy, Hope and Rebecca received gold medals
while Amberly and Sarah received silver medals. • Sarah Creech for her bronze medal at district competition. • Hope Robinson was honored for her silver medal at state competition and two bronze medals at district competition. She also received a gold ribbon (district) and a silver (state)
for her leadership in the cumulative record category, and was a winner in the resume interview essay competition. These adults were recognized for their volunteer hours: Debby Robinson,, 200 hours; Ken Deyton, 164 hours; Tim Gortney, 164 hours; Daniel Semon, 144 hours; Allyson
Heidenfelder, 124 hours; Lanny Heidenfelder, 106 hours. These youth volunteered as well: Hope Robinson, 135 hours; Amberly Glover, 69 hours; Collin Eten, 65 hours; Lindsey Newton, 52 hours; Payton McCoyle, 50 hours, and Izsie Hilbert, 48 hours.
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Feb. 14, 2013
• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS
What’s to eat at the elementary schools? Friday, Feb 15
Monday, Feb 18
Tues, Feb 19
Breakfast
Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Biscuit w/jelly Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Sausage Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Lunch Chix Fillet S’wich Chix Quesadilla Sunbutter S’wich Broccoli/Pinto Beans Peaches Pears Milk
Lunch SW Chix Nachos Mini Corn Dogs Sunbutter S’wich Carrot Stix/Baked Beans/Apple Crisp Fruit Cocktail Milk
Lunch Turkey&Gravy Roll/Chix Fillet S’wich/Mashed Potatoes/Green Beans Peaches/Pineapple Tidbits Milk
Scrambled Eggs/Toast
Wed, Feb 20
Thurs, Feb 21
Breakfast
Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Sausage Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Lunch Hamburger Steak Chix Nuggets/Roll Sunbutter S’wich Baked Fries/Peas Applesauce Fruit Milk
Lunch Pepperoni Pizza Spaghetti/Roll Sunbutter S’wich Salad/Broccoli Fruit Fruit Cocktail Milk
Chix Biscuit
Friday, Feb 22 Breakfast
Breakfast Pizza
Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk Lunch Turkey Pie Meatball Sub Sunbutter S’wich Glazed Carrots Green Beans Baked Apples Peaches Milk
Food for thought for middle school Friday, Feb 15
Monday, Feb 18
Tuesday, Feb 19
Wed, Feb 20
Thurs, Feb 21
Breakfast
Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Biscuit w/jelly Chix Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Sausage Biscuit Chix Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Breakfast Pizza Sausage Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Pancakes Chix Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Lunch Chix Fillet S’wich Chix Quesadilla Broccoli/Pinto Beans Peaches Pears Milk
Lunch SW Chix Nachos Mini Corn Dogs Carrot Stix/Baked Beans/Apple Crisp Fruit Cocktail Milk
Lunch Turkey&Gravy Roll/Mega Chix Tenders/Mashed Potatoes/Green Beans Peaches/Pineapple Tidbits Milk
Lunch Hamburger Steak Chix Nuggets/Roll Baked Fries/Peas Applesauce Fruit Milk
Lunch Pepperoni Pizza Spaghetti/Roll Salad/Broccoli Fruit Fruit Cocktail Milk
Biscuit w/Jelly Chix Biscuit
Friday, Feb 22 Breakfast
Pancake&Saus Stick Breakfast Pizza
Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk Lunch Turkey Pie Meatball Sub Glazed Carrots Green Beans Baked Apples Peaches Milk
Chowing down at Mountain Heritage Friday, Feb 15
Monday, Feb 18
Tuesday, Feb 19
Wed, Feb 20
Thurs, Feb 21
Breakfast
Breakfast Biscuit w/jelly Chix Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Sausage Biscuit Chix Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Breakfast Pizza Sausage Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Pancakes Chix Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Lunch SW Chix Nachos Mini Corn Dogs Cheesy Garlic Flatbread Carrot Stix/Baked Beans/Apple Crisp Fruit Cocktail Milk
Lunch Turkey&Gravy Roll/Mega Chix Tenders/Mashed Potatoes/Green Beans Peaches/Pineapple Tidbits Milk
Biscuit w/Jelly Chix Biscuit
Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk Lunch Chix Fillet S’wich Chix Quesadilla Lunch A Rnd Pizza Broccoli/Pinto Beans Peaches Pears/Oranges Milk
TBA Tim Brown Architecture custom residential commercial institutional
tbaarch.com
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Towing Service $ Wanted to Buy $ with Rollback Truck! JUNK VEHICLES Rollback Service! I&Buy Junk Vehicles! Pay Fair Price Will Pick Up Vehicle 828-284-7522
828-284-7537
“Positive Aging: Flourish, Don’t Famish” – What can positive psychology teach us about coping with the challenges of aging – or even just the wintertime blues is the topic Feb. 15 at UNC Asheville. Melissa Himelein, professor of psychology, will present strategies for enhancing resilience and well-being. Free and open to the public. Lunch available; brown bags welcome. 11:30 a.m. at Reuter Center, home of OLLI at UNC Asheville. Info: 828251-6140.
Friday, Feb 22 Breakfast
Pancake&Saus Stick Breakfast Pizza
Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Lunch Lunch Lunch 2/18/13 - 2/24/13 Turkey Pie Hamburger Steak Week of Pepperoni Pizza Chix Nuggets/Chix Meatball Sub Spaghetti/Roll Tenders/Roll Chix Quesadilla Chix S’wich Baked Fries/Peas Glazed Carrots Salad/Broccoli Applesauce Green Beans Fruit Fruit Baked Apples Fruit Cocktail Milk Peaches Milk Milk
Edited by Margie E. Burke
Difficulty : Easy
Copyright 2013 by The Puzzle Syndicate
HOW TO SOLVE: Answer to Last Week's Sudoku
CLASSIFIEDS
feb. 14, 2013
• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS 9
CALL 678-3900 TO RUN YOUR CLASSIFIED! $5 FOR 50 WORDS 208-3999. VEHICLES! Pay Fair Price! Low Interest Loans to WILL PICK UP VEHICLE! Qualified Home Owners Call 828-284-7522 or 828for Any home improvement 284-7537. projects. 828-273-0970
FOR RENT
Brick Rancher out in the County - Three bedrooms, one bath. MUST HAVE REFERENCES! SECURITY DEPOSIT REQUIRED. NO PETS. Call Doris @ Lunsford Realty 678-3400 For rent: Large LR with fireplace , DR, Kitchen with island, Large master Br with full bath, 2nd Br with full bath, partial basement with w/d hookup. In town of Burnsville. Has attached small (second story) one bedroom apt. with separate entrance. Would be great mother /daughter rental. $800.00 per month. References and security required. Also can be rented separately both have own utilities @$550.00 + $300.00 Available immediately. CALL 865-712-6887 FOR RENT: 3 bedrm, 1 bath, brick home on 19W, right across from the Cane River. Fenced yard, pet allowed. $675.00/month. Background check and security deposit required.
CATTAIL PEAK REALTY, Burnsville. Call Jerri at 828284-2968 for details.
FSBO
Lots from 3 to 7 acres, or all 21.57 acres. Snow Hill Boxwoods for Sale. $10 each. 828.208.0406.
AUTO MOBILE
Jaguar XJS, Ice Blue Convertible, 1995. 92,000 miles, FL car, excellent condition. Garaged and babied. New battery, brakes, and tires. Includes cover and charger. $10,500. Please call 321.704.4311. 1 9 9 9 3 2 0 S M e rc e d e s , 93,000 miles, Florida car, New brakes, tires, paint, very good condition. Sun Roof, V6, runs on Regular. Asking $8,000. Please call 321.704.4311
WORK WANTED
Would like to work for a person or business who needs a professional carpenter, mason, heating and air trouble shooter, or welder
You save money every time you use Yancey County News! WE DO NOT CHARGE for obituaries!
Administrator’s notices cost half what others charge. • 678-3900 • Save your money! connect @ your library If you’re a teen and reading this, then there’s no question you know what I’m talking about if I throw around words that potentially could be a part of your normal speech like mods, creepers, skeletons, spiders, or loot. If you’re a parent of one of these kids, then you know about Minecraft, the game that has virtually gone viral with kids, teens and some adults. Think of Minecraft as basically a virtual, ongoing game of Legos. Players mine for materials & move blocks, gather supplies, and build and imagine worlds. Is this game fun? That’s a big “YES” from the kids we talk to at the library. But shhhh ... it’s the library! Should video gaming even be in the public library?? They are gaming here at Yancey Library. Kids are communicating with each other, solving problems and discussing strategy, building camaraderie, and regulating themselves. Video gaming is relevant to teens, plus you might just see them walk out with a book ... and some new friends too. If you’re a teen or a parent of a teen who enjoys gaming, please do give us a call at 6822600 to sign up for Yancey Library’s Gaming Night, held the 2nd Tuesday of the month, from 5:30-7:30.
that has the equipment. I just got back from serving my time and still consider myself as an Army brat. Please write Ben Wheeler, 162 Comet Road. Burnsville, NC 28714.
SERVICES
Roof Leak? Call Brad at Tip Top Roofing, 25 years+ experience. Residential, commercial roof repair and maintenance, roof coatings, gutter repair, roof inspection. References. 682-3451 Sewing alterations. Call
SUPPORT
Blue Belle Farms, A U’Neat Survivors of Suicide Loss Gift shop and makers of Support Group. Contact Goat Soaps and Lotions is Jodie Rhymer at 828-688currently seeking Crafters to 5851 or Survivorsofsuicide join the fun! You keep 100% loss@gmail.com of YOUR proceeds very Weekforofa 2/18/13 - 2/24/13 small rental fee. Please stop by 127 West Main Street to Friend to Friend is now see what everyone is talking looking for entrepreneurs about in beautiful Downtown to partner with in a small Burnsville! Internet business. If you Will clean your home or have a gift of gab and a small investment you can business. Call 208-3688. Sewing alterations. Call start today. Bring your partner for a 45 minute 208-3999. interview. We are an equal TOWING SERVICE With opportunity business. Call Rollback Truck! I Buy JUNK for an appointment 24/7 –
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The Weekly Crossword ACROSS 1 "Coffee Cantata" composer 5 Completely bungle 9 Ho-hum 14 Canyon call 15 Former Italian money 16 Unsocial sort 17 Cast off 18 State with conviction 19 Put into words 20 Office assistant 23 Laundry measure 24 Moe or Curly 28 Atomic process 31 White as a sheet 33 Bikini top 34 Vegas headliner, e.g. 36 Auction unit 37 Bygone ruler 38 Sticky stuff 39 Batman's hideaway 40 Gymnast's goal 41 Aquifer's yield 45 Varnish ingredient 46 ____ to riches 47 Not very often 48 Football team count 50 Manage without help 51 Hard to understand 57 End of the Greek alphabet 60 Bamboozles 61 Like Glinda of Oz 62 Bona fide 63 Fairy tale opener 64 Pro's foe 65 Place for a bracelet 66 Must have 67 Twiggy digs
828-776-2463.
Want to open a Restaurant? Looking for interested parties for a Unique Opportunity in Burnsville city limits. For more information, please contact info@mhmec.com or 828208-2594 .
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Mobile DJ Service providing sound entertainment for any occasion! For a quote (828)284-2875 Semon7@gmail.com
by Margie E. Burke
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Copyright 2013 by The Puzzle Syndicate
DOWN 1 Ballpark beverage 2 Crowning point 3 Stylish 4 Innkeeper 5 Far from subtle 6 More than miffed 7 Nabisco cookie favorite 8 Tip off 9 Talk big 10 Powerball, for one 11 Aardvark snack 12 Get a look at 13 Slip up 21 Below par 22 ____ of Man 25 Not quite spherical 26 Act servile 27 Place to get a bite 28 In fine _____: fit 29 Break open 30 Position 31 God-fearing
32 Shakespearean "shortly" 35 All atwitter 39 Type of sweater 41 Lobbed explosive 42 "Atlas Shrugged" author 43 Ready to go, perhaps 44 Desire
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Close watch Property divider Screen symbol Out of here Kind of china A whole bunch Blue-pencil Eggs in a lab Russell Crowe film, "Cinderella ___" 59 Antlered animal
Answer to Last Week's Crossword C R E S T S C E R I S E
S H E A T H E
W A R R O O M
A L I M E N T
R A M P A G E
I P E R L I E A D N E A R N G I N A M O W A M E T E E S C E W A R O R G N D E
D A S E C H S C O P T U N A I S E I C E R R O W L U N A S P U E D E N T R A D A G E F L R T E
L E E P A R M E R C A I N E E N A N P E N T D A N C E O S T E R I T L E A S H Y U C C A P E O N L T O G I T A T E O A T E R N N E R
10 feb. 14, 2013
• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS
A healthy lifestyle supports a healthy love life
Medea Galligan MS Nutrition, CHHC, AADP Unfortunately, modern life isn’t very friendly to the human libido. Contemporary challenges to a healthy sex drive are many: obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal exhaustion, poor nutrition, prescription medications, hormonal birth control, too much stress, and too little sleep. I’m sure you’re getting the picture. I t ’s a s o m e w h a t c r u e l i r o n y, t o o . On the one hand, we’re increasingly living with these impediments, but on the other hand we’re bombarded with the marketing messages and cultural fallout of the Viagra age: we should all be happy, randy people up for an erotic rendezvous at all and any given moment. It’s simply a matter of will – and a pill if you need it. Let’s get to the fundamentals. What makes for a healthy sex drive? What are the real biological facts when it comes to the human libido? What health-related choices can cultivate sexual verve and vitality over a lifetime? Sex drive, as it were, involves a constellation of complex hormonal and psychological factors that are influenced by everything from health to lifestyle, personality to relationship status, gender to genetics. It’s personal, emotional and nuanced, but there are some things we know. Sex hormones, not surprisingly, play the central role in libido as well as fertility. For women, estrogen and testosterone both appear to positively impact sex drive. In clinical research studies, women responded more to sexual stimuli and reported more subsequent interest in sexual activity when they first viewed said stimuli during times of peak endogenous estrogen levels. In men, testosterone likewise holds a positive sway over sexual drive. Men with clinically defined low libido are often diagnosed with low testosterone, and men more than women respond better and more safely to testosterone supplementation. Metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity also can contribute to low testosterone by impairing production of testosterone. Estrogen also figures into the hormonal equation for men although in a more inverse relationship - if estrogen levels creep up too high in relation to testosterone, you might as well call it a night. Likewise, prolactin tends to decrease libido in both sexes. Prolactin levels rise throughout pregnancy and remain elevated during breastfeeding. In both sexes, low thyroid function causes the pituitary gland to increase the release of both thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin. Antidepressant and anti-psychotic
medications are known to increase prolactin release as well. The steroid hormone DHEA also figures into the libido picture for both men and women. DHEA is converted by the body into sex hormones, particularly testosterone and estrogen. Some research points to the importance of DHEA more than testosterone in pre-menopausal women’s experience of low libido. Diet Aphrodisiacs, those edibles credited with mysterious, erotic powers, do contain certain nutrients key to the production of sex hormones. Zinc, for example, appears to play a role in testosterone production. Oysters are – guess what – chock full of zinc. Nevertheless, a single serving an hour before the big event isn’t going to make any discernible difference. A diet with consistently ample zinc and other minerals, however, may make a significant impact. Other foods contain nutrients and compounds that promote various elements of successful sexual functioning – like good circulation, hormonal balance, nerve ending sensitivity, and even emotional well-being. Fish and nuts offer a healthy dose of fatty acids, which foster hormonal balance and help thin
the blood. Much has been made of chocolate’s phenyl ethylamine compound that triggers the brain’s release of dopamine. Likewise, hot peppers’ capsaicin burns so good because it prompts the body to release natural endorphin pain killers. The list goes on. Amino acids like L-arginine, found in shellfish and figs, figure into the production of sex hormones. You may want to consider choline and vitamin B5 supplements. The neurotransmitter that triggers the sexual message in both men and women is acetylcholine (ACH). With too little ACH, sexual activity goes down. One way to safely and effectively enhance ACH levels in your body is to take choline supplements (1,000-3,000 mg) and vitamin B5 (500-1,500 mg). Despite all the focus on these few nutrient “stars,” your best bet is – you guessed it – a nutrient dense diet high in antioxidants and minerals, generous in both essential fatty acids and healthy, clean saturated fat. The fact is, fats are critical for regulating the body’s production of sex hormones. It’s why fertility is enhanced by full-fat dairy, for example. Your sexual fires may also be fanned simply by eating less sugar. High levels of sugar in your bloodstream can actually turn off the gene that controls your sex hormones.
Chocolate Coconut Pie
Compliments of www.HealthyCookingConcepts.com If you like chocolate and coconut together, you will love this pie! It is easy to make, and the coconut crust is simply divine! Be sure to use a quality bittersweet dark chocolate so the pie doesn’t become overly sweet. Ingredients Crust 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp organic butter 11 ounces (about 6 cups) unsweetened shredded coconut 1/4 cup raw sugar, palm sugar, or natural substitute like xylitol Filling 1 cup coconut milk can 8 ounces 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped Directions 1) Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2) Make the crust: In a food processor, process butter and one-third of coconut and sugar until mixture forms a ball or starts to stick together, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Combine this mixture with the remaining two-thirds coconut using your hands to bring together. 3) Press coconut mixture into bottom and up sides of pan to form crust, leaving top edges loose and fluffy. Cover the crust lightly with tin foil over the edges, and cut a hole in the center. Keeping the edges covered to prevent burning. Bake until center begins to brown, 10 to 15 minutes; remove foil and bake until edges are browned, 4 to 5 minutes more. Transfer crust to a wire rack to cool completely. 4) Make the filling: In a small sauce pan bring cream just to a boil. While cream is heating up, place chopped chocolate into a medium heatproof bowl. Pour the cream over the chocolate and let sit for 10 minutes to allow chocolate to melt. Stir to combine and melt remaining chocolate. The mixture should be smooth and completely melted. Pour into coconut crust. Refrigerate until filling is set, 1 hour or up to 1 day. 5) Serve chilled with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings, and enjoy!
Exercise Exercise is about the smartest thing you can do for your libido, there’s the boost to physical selfconfidence and an impressive increase in overall energy and stamina. But, wait there’s more! There’s the pleasurable surge in endorphins, which research suggests leaves us happily in the mood. Then there’s the increased blood flow and the hormonal effects. How about lower stress hormones and a healthy boost in testosterone? Good, hearty resistance training is the ticket here. Studies have shown that men who engaged in regular physical activity lowered their risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction. Consider setting a goal of 60 to 90 minutes per day, every day. You may need to check with your doctor and work slowly up to this level. There’s the flipside of too much exercise – and the resulting physical exhaustion and hormonal alterations that can accompany it. Women who regularly work out to the point of exhaustion frequently experience adrenal fatigue and even infertility as a result of drastic hormonal changes. In men, the effects of exhaustion exercise can include “reduced resting levels of testosterone, altered pituitary release of luteinizing hormone and prolactin, and altered sperm characteristics.” It goes to show that you can have too much of a good thing – at least when it comes to working out.
Stress T h e r e ’s t h e s h o r t - t e r m distraction of stress – the incessant bad mood, the nagging thoughts and reminders during what should be intimate, focused moments. Then there’s the longer term physical toll. Stress sets in motion a whole cascade of negative hormonal challenges, an unwarranted rise in adrenal corticosteroids can be enough to diminish sex drive. Over time, chronic stress can leave us with little physical energy and even adrenal exhaustion. The losers here are the sex hormones. Researchers at Berkeley University have found that long-term stress and the corresponding surge of glucocorticoids suppresses not only the production of key reproductive hormones like GnRH but increases GnIH, which acts to further squash the production of GnRH and the resulting sex hormone products, testosterone and estradiol. In other words, stress effectively throws a major wrench in the whole reproductive system. Anxiety, defensiveness, fear, and failure of communication are destructive psychological forces that can take a heavy toll on your libido, whether you’re a man or a woman, by acting as roadblocks to desire, according to Professor Gert Holstege with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Emotional Freedom Technique See page 11
Feb. 14, 2013
• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS 11
We need a realistic definition for bullying
By John Rosemond The principal of a middle school recently confided in me that “this bullying thing has gotten completely out of hand.” He wasn’t referring to bullying itself, although that’s certainly out of hand. Instead, he referred to the fact that many parents have become overly sensitized to the possibility that their kids might, at any moment, become bullied and overreact, therefore, to any indication that they have been. “You wouldn’t believe what parents think is bullying,” he said, and went on to describe some examples. One involved a mother who complained that a boy had poured a small amount of dry snack mix down the back of her son’s shirt. The mother was incensed and wanted the perpetrator subjected to waterboarding, or something along those lines. Said principal then went on to describe other instances of “bullying” that were not bullying at all, but simply pranks. It might be helpful if everyone were able to agree on a rational definition of exactly what separates actual bullying from just normal childhood mischief. That lack of consensus may be, in fact, a major share of the problem. For example, the definition at StopBullying. gov proposes that bullying is “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-age children that involves a power imbalance.” That’s the very sort of nebulous definition that fuels a mother’s outrage at snack mix being poured down her son’s shirt. I prefer something
Living
with
children
along the lines of the definition found on Wikipedia: “repeated, aggressive behavior intended to hurt another person physically or mentally.” That captures it nicely, I think. Note that the aggressive behavior in question is not incidental, but repeated. And it is done with the malicious intent to do harm, both physically and mentally, to another person. I would only add that an additional purpose is to keep the victim in a state of near-constant fear. And by the way, I was the target of at least three bullies during my school years. I wish all they’d done was pour snack mix down my shirt on a daily basis. Over the past few years, a good number of school officials have told me that the problem of parental overreaction has become bigger than the problem of actual bullying. Occasional teasing doesn’t fit the definition proposed by Wikipedia and myself. Nor do Family psychologist John Rosemond one-time pranks like snack mix down the shirt, answers questions at rosemond.com. tripping, name-calling, or any other form of
Strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle
From page 10 (EFT) can really help. EFT is a psychological acupressure technique that can help you effectively address your stress-related thoughts and leave you feeling calmer and more able to face your challenges, whatever they may be. Medications Hormonal contraception alters the biochemical landscape to fool the body into thinking it’s pregnant, but it can also put a damper on libido. Because the Pill generally prevents ovulation, women on the Pill generally forgo the hormonal experience surrounding ovulation – an experience which usually includes a midcycle surge in sex drive. The surge can be subtle or dramatic depending on the individual woman, but the evolutionary sense is obvious: a female should want to have sex when she’s most fertile. Other medications that can put the kibosh on your sex drive include most anti-depressant and anti-anxiety meds, high blood pressure medication, anti-psychotic prescriptions, and some stomach acid and ulcer meds. I’m not saying people shouldn’t take their prescribed medication or use a high efficacy form of contraception in order to enhance their sex drive. Knowledge is power. If you think your medication might be lowering your libido, you have the choice to talk to your doctor about alternative versions of your medications – or if healthy lifestyle changes can make enough impact on your condition that a dose reduction might be possible. Age Finally, let’s talk age. What people in our culture too often assume is a dramatic, age-induced downward spiral is instead usually a health or medication related issue, a relationship strain, a crisis of self-confidence, or just an excuse to give up. As we all know, a lot more goes into a healthy, satisfying sex life than hormones. Although our hormones will gradually, naturally shift with age, our sexual drive is like every other aspect of our
mischief that might cause embarrassment but is not done with the deliberate intention of keeping another child in a near-constant state of fear. I was reminded of my conversation with the principal by an email recently received from the mother of a 21-month-old boy who, she claimed, had been bullied by a girl at his nursery school. The girl had pushed her son and grabbed a toy he had been playing with. Mom wanted me to recommend a book on bullies she could read her little one. First, that’s not bullying. That’s what toddlers occasionally do when they’re put in groups. Second, the mother’s overreaction, repeated over time, is likely to cause her son to become overly sensitive to any perceived slight, whether physical or verbal. Under the circumstances, he could quickly develop a victim mentality and do himself more mental harm than a bully would ever be capable of doing. Sometimes - just sometimes mind you - adults would do well to say something along these lines to a complaining child: “If that’s all you’ve got to complain about, then you live a very good life.” Unfortunately, a principal or teacher can’t say anything along those lines these days without getting into hot water. A child’s parents can say it, though and sometimes - just sometimes, mind you - they should.
physical selves: its function depends largely on our own efforts – and attitudes – throughout life. Research has demonstrated, for instance, that social and psychological factors are more influential in sexual satisfaction/dissatisfaction after menopause than biological causes. With changing social attitudes toward sex throughout one’s lifetime, surveyed men and women are reporting more frequent sex and more satisfaction with their sexual lives. If you or your significant other has an ongoing, unexplained, precipitous decline in drive, I’d suggest two things. First, do an emotional and physical inventory. Are you over or under-exercising, eating poorly or not getting enough sleep? Are you under more stress or going through your own kind of personal funk? Has your confidence been waning for some reason? Or does your relationship need some work, some space, or a romantic reboot? If everything here seems in order, check in with your doctor and be vigilant about your interests. Ask for tests rather than a prescription. For men, this can entail testosterone, DHEA, other androgens, thyroid function (full panel), glucose/A1C1, and blood pressure. For women, all the above would be relevant as well as estrogen, progesterone, and adrenal function. (The adrenal tests might be appropriate for men as well, but problems are more common in women.) Work with your doctor and ask plenty of questions with the interpretation of the results, and don’t ever, ever hesitate to get a second opinion. Sources: U.S. News & World Report November 6, 2008. Mercola.com
EYMS’s Rick Tipton named regional principal of the year
From the front Tipton supports their daily efforts to provide relevant instruction for all students. He consistently provides guidance and encouragement to instill a sense of belonging and pride in each teacher and student. Mr. Tipton’s attitude and actions promote and maintain a strong school family that provides a positive climate for students, teachers, and parents. As our principal, Mr. Tipton successfully leads our school to promote not only academic learning, but good citizenship, and positive self-esteem for all students.” Staff members say Tipton understands the philosophy of creating students who succeed by helping teachers rise to their level of excellence. “I have been fortunate to work with a lot of good people down through the years,” Tipton has said. “It has been a learn as you go process, and having good leadership in front of me … has helped me to be successful in leading my school. I have been privileged to work with outstanding teachers, administrators and other staff members in this county. Our staff at East Yancey Middle School is outstanding.” LEGAL NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE, YANCEY COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK Having qualified as the Executor of the Estate of Ben Lee Hensley of Yancey County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and cooperations having claims against the Estate of the deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before 17 April, 2013 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment. This the 18th day of January, 2013. Alan Bryan Hensley, Executor 416 Fir Road Burnsville, NC 28714
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