During the past seven years the Holiday Tour of Homes, sponsored by the Sedgefield Colony Garden Club, has become so popular there is a waiting list of homes to be used for future events.
“People come to us and volunteer to use their homes for the tour,” said Katharine Byerly, who along with Nora Swofford is cochair of this year’s event. “People love the fact that it is a fundraiser for charity. “It is also a nice way to kick off the holiday season.”
The 2024 Holiday Tour of Homes will be held Dec. 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. It will feature the private homes of Barry and Donna Church, 5315 Wayne Road; Miles and Holly Rudd, 3000 W. Sedgefield Drive; and Scott and Amy
Petitfils, 5505 High Point Road. They all will be decorated for Christmas by the owners and may be visited in any order.
Parking is limited and instructions for where to park can be found on the event tickets. Guests will be shuttled to the homes.
Tickets are $25 each by cash or check and are limited to the first 300 sold. They are available by email at sedgefieldhometour @gmail.com or by contacting any member of the Sedgefield Colony Garden Club. Tickets may also be purchased at The Soap Lady in Jamestown, 106 E. Main St., or at the door.
In the past, money has been given to a variety of local charities — Feeding Lisa’s Kids, Sanctuary House, the Healing Garden and the Senior Resource Center to name a few. This year members have chosen Western North
Carolina Hurricane Relief as the beneficiary of the proceeds raised from the ticket sales and two raffle baskets.
Tickets for the baskets will be sold at the home of the Churches and Petitfils. The cost is $5 each or five for $20. If people want to buy raffle tickets but cannot go on the tour, they may contact a club member who will purchase tickets for them. Winners will be drawn at the end of the evening of the tour. You do not have to be present to win.
The baskets are filled with items donated by businesses in Western North Carolina.
“Those who have donated like the idea that the funds raised will go back to help their communities,” Byerly said. “But some businesses have been so devastated they are afraid they might have to close.”
Byerly has seen the destruction in Western North Carolina for herself and says photos and news clips do not do the damage justice.
“It tugs at your heart,” she said. “This is the mountains and people are not used to floods. Homes, as well as lands, have been lost and people and animals have all been affected. If we can help just a little it will be worth our effort.”
Support the Sedgefield Colony Garden Club as they support
Western North Carolina and enjoy a beautiful start to the holiday season in the process. If unable to attend the event, donations may be made to the Garden Club that will go directly to those hurting in WNC. In the past tickets have sold out so it is good to make your purchase early. Check the group’s Facebook page (Sedgefield Colony Garden Club) for any updates including weather, parking, etc.
A moment to be thankful
coMPiled by
norMa b. dennis
CHoICe
Book SALe
With Christmas fast approaching, many are contemplating what gifts to give family and friends. What better gifts than books and what better way to get them than at bargain prices?
Friends of the Jamestown Library are hosting a Choice Book Sale on Dec. 7 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Choice books are those written within the past three years and their cost is $6. The sale also will feature leather-bound classics, other hardback books for all ages and paperbacks, as well as an assortment of puzzles. Prices vary with selection.
Purchases are by cash or check only.
Have an event that you think needs to be included in About Town? Email
Norma B. Dennis at ndworddesign@gmail. com or Carol Brooks at cab1hp@gmail.com
by norMa b. dennis FREELANCE WRITER ndworddesign@gmail.com
Participants at A Moment in Time on Nov. 19 chose to honor veterans and thank them for their service to our country. Music, games, a craft, snacks and even some attire carried a patriotic theme.
A Moment In Time meetings are held every third Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Jamestown United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 403 E. Main St. Each meeting has a different theme, but all are designed to provide a relaxing time of fun and fellowship for people with dementia and their care partners.
To learn more about these events and how to participate, contact Laura Gulledge at 336-9060430 or lauragulledge@gmail.com.
Christmas
on
main helps ring in the season
by norMa b. dennis
FREELANCE WRITER ndworddesign@gmail.com
Every year Christmas on Main in Jamestown, sponsored by the Jamestown Business Association, seems to get bigger and better. The event offers a month filled with opportunities to learn what Jamestown has to offer in the way of businesses, services, restaurants nonprofit organizations and entertain-ment. Find unique gifts for those on your Christmas list and enjoy lots of holiday fun in the process. Instead of being held three consecutive Wednes-
the afternoon began with a special program of patriotic and original songs by pianist/singer Jack Gorham.
Members of the ragsdale High school band closed out the day’s program with another selection of patriotic tones.
The group made cards for homeless veterans to let them know they are not forgotten and are appreciated for the service they gave our country.
Town Council approves work at park
by carol brooKs
FREELANCE WRITER cab1hp@gmail.com
Council meeting
It was another short Town Council meeting in Jamestown Nov. 19.
Three items were on the agenda for approval.
day nights, this year the event will be held on different days and times to provide more flexibility for those wanting to attend. The first date is Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, will see the event featured from 3 to 7 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 20,
see Main, PAGE 2
The first was a request for a special events permit for a Valentine’s Craft Market in Wrenn Miller Park Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors will be selling Valentine gifts and crafts. There will be a raffle and photo booth along with food trucks. The event is a fundraiser to benefit a worthy family in Jamestown for always supporting others.
Caitlin Antwine of Dragonfly Creative is organizing the event. In the past she was involved with the Jamestown Business Asso-
for
was presented
ciation and started the Movies in the Park event. There was little discussion before the Council unanimously approved the permit.
The Council also unanimously approved a proposal
to improve the storm drainage on the dam at hole No. 18 (old No. 9) on Jamestown Park Golf Course. The contract was awarded to Dillon and Griffith, LLC for $122,475, but the town
manager is authorized to approve up to an additional $120,000 if needed. These repair bids came in under budget. During the repair work, the hole will be shortened from a par 4 to a par 3 so players can still play a full round.
Now that Jamestown Park is getting a new universal playground for people of all ages and abilities, the Town decided to create a new ADA-compliant restroom for all users of the park. That restroom, titled “Nature’s Call” on grant requests, will be constructed by Ramsey, Burgin and Smith Architects using Accessible Parks grant through the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. The Council unanimously approved this item.
Photos by Norma B. Dennis and submitted (Top left) This couple looked quite fashionable with their red, white and blue shirts. (Top right) Featured entertainment for
(bottom left)
(below)
Photo by Carol Brooks
Hudson Teague was recognized as an outstanding citizen
his work with cover the city. The resolution
to him by councilmember Pam burgess.
see council, PAGE 2
From The Front
Babbling Brooks: It’s too dark these days
by carol brooKs FREELANCE WRITER cab1hp@gmail.com
I’m not a fan of changing the clocks to daylight saving time. I don’t know about you but I’d rather have an extra hour of daylight in the winter, not the summer.
People coming home from work at 5 p.m. now come home in darkness. Those who have to run errands or walk dogs must do it in the dark. Both of these could cause more accidents.
Someone recently said to me that it makes a really long night. That is true. By 7 p.m. I feel like it should be 10 p.m.
Now that we’ve been in this current cycle for several weeks, let us look into why the time change disrupts our lives for four months.
According to history.com, the idea dates back to 1895 — and has been controversial ever since.
“Many think that daylight saving time was conceived to give farmers an extra hour of sunlight to till their fields, but this is a common misconception. In fact, farmers have long been opposed to springing forward and falling back, since it throws off their usual harvesting schedule.”
In 1895 George Vernon Hudson unsuccessfully proposed an annual two-hour shift to the Royal Society of New Zealand.
“The real reasons for daylight saving are based on energy conservation and a desire to match daylight hours to the times when most people are awake,” history. com says.
One British gentleman, William Willett, in 1905 proposed an 80-minute change each spring and fall to give people more time to enjoy daytime recreation. It failed as well.
“The first real experiments with daylight saving time began during World War I,” according to history.com. “On April 30, 1916, Germany and Austria implemented a one-hour clock shift to conserve electricity needed for the war effort. The United Kingdom and several other European nations adopted daylight saving shortly after that, and the United States followed suit in 1918.” This was repealed in 1919 after the war.
Wartime came again with World War II and President Franklin Roosevelt declared daylight saving time
Main
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
will again have the hours of 5:30-8 p.m.
More than 20 businesses will be participating in the stroll to get cards stamped for a drawing held after the last night of the event. New stamp locations this year will include the trolleys (you must ride each trolley to at least one stop from where you board to get a stamp). Stamps also will be given at the food/beverage trucks and you must get a stamp from at least one of these.
The trolley rides are free. One will travel between the Jamestown Shopping Center and the Town Hall with stops at Kisses 4 Kate, the Yellow House/Full Moon, Second Chance Closet and 101 Gannaway St. Another trolley will go back and forth from the Town Hall east to Ghassan’s in Grandover Plaza and Blossoms Florist and Bakery.
Participating businesses as of this date are Kisses 4 Kate, Paradise Bins, Yellow House Vendors (photo op), Full Moon Oyster Bar, Under Pressure Massage and Bodywork, The Soap Lady (Santa photo op), The Deck, Edwards Jones (possible photo op), Barrel & Co, Simply Thai, Second Chance Closet, Black Powder Smokehouse, Guilford & Main, Emerge Skin Studio, Zenful U, Ghassan’s, ChickFil-A and Blossoms Florist & Bakery.
“There will be a vendor at 101 Gannaway and additional vendors [crafters] at the Yellow House, 109 W. Main,” said JBA President Jamie Hall-Erath. Stroll cards will be available at the tree lighting at the library after the parade on Dec. 1. Participating businesses will have them Dec. 2. Once cards are filled, they can be dropped off at the business where the last stamp is received.
In additional to getting cards stamped on event dates, they may be taken to participating businesses any time during business hours. But a few businesses that work by appointments and vendors without a storefront will only be available on the three event dates.
Expect to enjoy the experience with a visit with Santa who will be in front of The Soap Lady during each event. On Dec. 4, the Jamestown Middle School chorus, band and orchestra will perform at the Wrenn Miller Park amphitheater. A dance troupe is the possible entertainment on Dec. 14 and on Dec. 20 the Jamestown
again in 1942. Following the war, many states continued the practice but within these states the timing varied.
“In 1965 there were 23 different pairs of start and end dates in Iowa alone, and St. Paul, Minn., even began daylight saving two weeks before its twin city, Minneapolis. Passengers on a 35-mile bus ride from Steubenville, Ohio, to Moundsville, West Virginia, passed through seven time changes.
“Order finally came in 1966 with the enactment of the Uniform Time Act, which standardized daylight saving time from the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October, although states had the option of remaining on standard time yearround.”
The period changed to March and November in 2007 and Hawaii and Arizona opted out of any change and stay on standard time. The Navajo Nation in Arizona does change, however. Some Amish communities also do not participate.
United Methodist Church youth handbell choir will perform in front of Second Chance Closet. If all this is not enough to get everyone in a holiday mood, patrons are invited to participate in a number of contests. On Dec. 4, Guilford & Main is sponsoring an Ugly Sweater contest with the winner receiving a gift from its store. Have your picture taken in your sweater at as many photo op locations as possible and post them on the Christmas on Main group page. Each photo op location will have a sign with a QR code to post them. The winner will be announced before Dec. 14. Black Powder Smokehouse and Under Pressure Massage and Bodywork are cosponsoring a coloring contest. The coloring page will be available at the tree lighting, or may be obtained at Edward Jones, Under Pressure or Black Powder. It also can be downloaded and printed from the Jamestown Business Association website. The coloring page must be turned in by Dec. 14. The submitted art will be displayed at Under Pressure and Black Powder. The art can be voted on at those locations or on the Jamestown Business Association Facebook page. The winner will be announced after Dec. 21.
To top off the fun and games, a scavenger hunt will be held Dec. 20. Three hints will be provided ahead of time to give people a head start. The first hint will be given at the tree lighting, which will give a clue to the next hint that will lead you to another hint on Dec. 4. That hint will help you find a hint on Dec. 14, which will give you yet another hint. There will be a hint on Dec. 20 for those that didn’t get the previous ones.
“If all that sound confusing, just pay attention to the hints,” Erath said. “The clues will take you on a journey through some of our local JBA businesses searching for the ultimate find of a Gingerbread Man.”
Christmas on Main is a great time to see all Jamestown has to offer, to shop local and to have lots of holiday fun.
“We hope everyone will attend the tree lighting at the library after the parade on Dec. 1,” Erath said. “It will be held about 5 p.m. and be a great way to begin the Christmas season.”
History.com states that around the world, only about one-quarter of the world’s population, in approximately 70 countries, observe daylight saving.
Conserving electricity during wartime makes sense, but these days we are using more electricity with it getting darker earlier and more air conditioning during summer months with longer days. CNN reported that a National Bureau of Economic Research study in 2008 “concluded that daylight saving time increases the demand for electricity — even though lighting usage reduced, demand for heating and cooling increased, so electricity consumption was about the same.”
I don’t like having to change clocks twice a year, although today’s electronics usually change themselves. Some people never change their clocks.
I do like getting up in daylight, however, which was not happening in October before the change.
I once thought daylight saving time was created in part so school children didn’t have to stand in the dark on mornings to ride the bus. That may be true in part, but I see a lot of school buses dislodging children in the dark at night.
So, here’s a suggestion: if the time has to change twice a year, why not make it just a half hour and leave it — forever.
council
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
In his town manager’s report, Matthew Johnson reported that the new basketball court at Jamestown Park has been poured and is now curing. All contracts are approved on the playground equipment, natural play equipment and shelters. Some construction may lead to park closures.
The golf course website is being updated.
Debra Mullis is working on the Town’s first Citizen’s Academy, to be held in the spring. A future Jamestown News will have more information on the Academy Survey.
Johnson said the Town has collected over 96 tons of leaves in six complete rounds around the town since loose-leaf pickup began Oct. 22. He reminded residents to keep leaves free of debris, sticks, rocks and other loose items and place piles of leaves at the curb away from mailboxes, cars and trash cans.
Bulky item pickup will be Dec. 5.
In other business Hudson Teague, 16, received a special declaration from the Town Council for his work with Cover the City, a nonprofit organization dedicated to covering cities literally and physically in warmth and love through collecting and donating blankets to those in need.
The group has touched over 40,000 lives since 2013.
Parks and Recreation Director Scott Coakley introduced Andy Byrd, a new member of the Parks and Recreation staff.
The annual Rotary Club Christmas Parade will be Dec. 1 at 3 p.m.
U.S.
U.S.
JAMESTOWN
Mayor
Public comment
Josie Cothran spoke about the speeding on Guilford Road. She witnessed the aftermath of a speeding accident recently on Guilford Road and was concerned that her family, friends and running club may have been hit as this was part of their route. Luckily, no one was hit.
“I run in the morning, stupid early,” Cothran said.
“It’s dark and the speeding on Guilford Road is astounding at that hour, anywhere from 45-65 mph. I come home at 5:30 and people are passing me in middle lanes. I see school buses getting passed by cars going 50 mph on Guilford Road.”
She provided a map with recent accidents and illegal passing on Guilford Road marked.
“The speeding has gotten so bad and I think anyone that lives in that area sees it.” She admitted there have been times when she has been speeding and didn’t realize it.
Cothran suggested posting radar speed signs.
Councilmember Sarah Glanville said the Council could look into the problem.
The next Town Council meeting is Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.
The Council meeting may be viewed online at www. youtube.com/c/TownofJamestownNC. Click on “Live.”
Town Clerk / Assistant Town Manager Katie Weiner kweiner@jamestown-nc.gov (336) 454-1138
Town Manager Matthew
Photo by Carol Brooks andy byrd is a new employee in the Parks and recreation department.
Coffee break
Salome’s Stars
week of DeC. 2, 2024
ARIeS (March 21 to April 19) A project benefits from your organizational skills that get it up and running. Your success leaves a highly favorable impression. Don’t be surprised if you get some positive feedback soon.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Spend time on practical matters throughout the week, then shift your focus to more artistic pursuits. Resist being overly self-critical. Just allow yourself to feel free to create.
GeMINI (May 21 to June 20)
Restarting those creative projects you had set aside for a while will help provide a much-needed soothing balance to your hectic life. Besides, it will be like meeting old friends again!
CANCeR (June 21 to July 22) A change in plans could make it tough to keep a commitment. But stay with it. You’ll get an A-plus for making the effort to do what’s right and not taking the easy way out by running off.
Leo (July 23 to August 22)
The Lion’s enthusiasm for a
workplace policy review is admirable. But be sure you know who is really behind the resistance to change before pointing your finger at the wrong person.
VIRGo (August 23 to September 22) You can expect to have a lot of work throughout the first half of the week. Devote the rest of the week to checking your plans in case some need to be adjusted.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Try to avoid signing on the dotted line during the early part of the week. You need time to study issues that weren’t fully explored. The latter part of the week might be more favorable for decision-making.
SCoRPIo (October 23 to November 21) A new development could snarl travel schedules or other holiday-linked projects. Some flexibility might be called for, to deal with problems before they get too far out of hand.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Relatives seek your advice on a matter you’d rather not be involved in. If so, use your sage Sagittarian
tact to decline the “offer” so that no one’s feelings are needlessly hurt.
CAPRIC o RN (December 22 to January 19) A shift in your planning direction might help you speed up your progress toward achieving a long-planned goal. Trusted colleagues are ready to offer valuable support.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) An unexpected demand for the settlement of an old loan could create some preholiday anxiety. But you might not really owe it. Check your records thoroughly before remitting payment.
PISC e S (February 19 to March 20) It’s a good time to get involved with your social circle. Enjoy some well-earned fun and games with those closest to you before you have to resume more serious activities next week.
BoRN THIS week: Your ability to sense the needs of others makes you a wise counselor for those seeking help with their problems.
• As part of David Hasselhoff’s divorce settlement, he kept possession of the nickname “Hoff” and the catchphrase “Don’t Hassle the Hoff.”
• The fuller your refrigerator, the more energy-efficient it is.
• Dr. Seuss coined the word “nerd.” The term originated in the 1950 book “If I Ran the Zoo.” The sentence goes: “And then, just to show them, I’ll sail to Ka-Troo. And bring back an IT-KUTCH, a PREEP and a PROO, a NERKLE, NERD, and a SEERSUCKER, too!”
• Nobel Prize winner Niels Bohr was given a perpetual supply of beer piped into his house.
• Between 1848 and 1850, the population of San Francisco grew from 900 to 35,000 people thanks to the Gold Rush.
• During his World War II service, LBJ was due to fly in the observation seat of the B-26 bomber Wabash Cannonball. However, he was replaced when he had to go to the toilet before takeoff. The Wabash Can-
nonball was shot down during that flight over New Guinea with no survivors.
• A Chinese millionaire sold canned air to people on the streets to raise awareness of air pollution and then donated the money to charity.
• Newborn babies can only see in black and white for a few months.
• Seventy percent of the dirt on your clothes is invisible.
• In “The Empire Strikes Back,” an extra can be seen running with what appears to be an ice cream maker. The character became legendary among fans, and was eventually given a name (Willrow Hood) and a backstory.
• Some scientists believe that dogs can tell when you’re coming home by how much of your scent is left in the house.
Turn Thanksgiving leftovers into comfort with classic Turkey Divan
by PaTTi diaMond
One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is the leftovers. I often end up with leftover turkey breast, and if you do too, you’ll love this recipe: Turkey Divan. It features turkey, broccoli and mushrooms in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with buttery breadcrumbs.
Created in the 1950s by Chef Lagasi at New York
City’s Chatham Hotel, Turkey Divan was the signature dish of the hotel’s Divan Parisien restaurant. Turkey Divan is great for stretching leftovers and reviving dry turkey breast in a rich sauce. This dish became a Thanksgiving leftover staple, often made with canned soups. Our version, however, uses a homemade cream sauce for a velvety, flavorful result. We make a creamy bechamel sauce directly in
the pan with sauteed onions and mushrooms, then add cheese. You can use any meltable cheese — cheddar, Monterey Jack, colby or Swiss. I used white cheddar and Parmesan.
Broccoli is traditional, but feel free to swap cauliflower or a mix of veggies.
I’ve added mushrooms, but you can leave them out (or leave out the mushroom haters — your choice). Turkey Divan is delicious on its own or served over buttered egg noodles or rice.
DIVAN
TURkeY
CASSeRoLe
Yield: 6 servings
Total Time: 45 minutes
1 (16 oz.) bag frozen broccoli florets (5 cups)
4 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cups cooked turkey breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (about 2 1/2 cups)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, warmed
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
$0
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup panko breadcrumbs or substitution (see below)
Cooked egg noodles or rice for serving (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
If you have “steam-inbag” frozen broccoli, cook according to package directions, them place in the baking dish.
If your broccoli needs to be cooked on the stovetop, use a skillet, no need to dirty another pan. In a large skillet, simmer 1/2 cup water over medium-high heat, add broccoli, cover, and return water to a simmer. Cover and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and transfer to your baking dish; set aside. Wipe out skillet and return to stove.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add
the turkey and cook until heated through. Transfer to your baking dish with the broccoli, set aside. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter, add onion, and cook until softened. Add mushrooms and cook until tender and browned, about 6-7 minutes. Add 1 more tablespoon of butter, sprinkle flour over the onion-mushroom mixture, and stir for 2 minutes to cook the flour. Reduce heat to low and slowly add warm milk, stirring until thickened, about 8 minutes. Gradually add both cheeses, allowing each addition to melt. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Pour the sauce over the turkey and broccoli, toss gently to distribute sauce. Combine the butter and panko crumbs, stirring until crumbs are moistened.
Sprinkle on top of casserole before baking.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool for 15 minutes. Serve over noodles or rice if desired.
No leftover turkey? No problem! Use chicken, rotisserie chicken, pork or ham instead.
Some ideas to use in the crumb topping besides panko crumbs would be Parmesan, cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs, potato chips, crispy fried onions, chopped nuts, crispy rice cereal or corn flakes. Happy Thanksgiving!
