August/September 2022 Sand & Pine Magazine by Sand & Pine

August/September 2022

SAND & PINE

Education Issue

Let the smoking begin.

o p e n d a i ly 1 3 0 S W B R OA D S T R E E T ( F O R M E R B R OA D S T R E E T B A K E R Y ) | S O U T H E R N P I N E S

Patient featured: Briar

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K I T C HE N G O O DS | COCK TAIL SUP P LIE S | HO S T E S S GI F T S L AG UI O L E C U T L E RY | S TAUB CA S T I R O N C O O K WA R E H O ME DE C O R A N D MO R E 2 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

100 M AG N O L I A R OA D, S U I T E 102, V I L L AG E O F P I N E H U R S T W W W. P U R P L E T H I S T L E S H O P. C O M | 910 . 420 . 2434

Home - where learning begins! 102 Ridgefield Court, West End

122 Pinecone Court, West End

Seven Lakes North

475,000 4BR / 3BA

Custom built, builder’s personal home! Beautiful inside & out! Open floorplan! 3400 Sq. Ft. .92 Acres Sandy Stewart

835 Sand Pit Road, Aberdeen

Pinebluff ETJ - SOLD!

Under Contract!

380,000 4BR / 3BA

The Perfect “Staycation.” Single level with finished lower level! Super HOA amenities. 2480 Sq. Ft. .46 Acres Angie McKew & Debby Currier

350,000 4BR / 2.5BA

Lovely custom built brick home. Tons of storage. Meticulously maintained. 2140 Sq. Ft. 2.06 Acres Sarah O’Brien & Angie McKew

140 Devon Circle, Aberdeen

1737 Ponderosa Trail, Cameron

106 Otter Drive, West End

Bethesda Farms

Carolina Seasons - SOLD!

Seven Lakes West - Under Contract!

630,000 5BR / 4BA

250,000 3BR / 2.5BA

859,000 4BR / 3.5BA

Gorgeous craftsman style. Open kitchen/ living plan. 3 car garage! Fenced backyard! 3784 Sq. Ft. .75 Acres Angie McKew and Debby Currier

Super value & convenience! Move in ready. Oversized 2 car garage, fenced backyard. 1690 Sq. Ft. .35 Acres Angie McKew & Debby Currier

Lake front living at its finest! waterfront Dream home awaits you on Lake Auman. 3277 Sq. Ft. .77 Acres Sandy Stewart

170 Halcyon Drive, Southern Pines

605 S. May Street, Southern Pines

412 Plank Road, Carthage

Weymouth Heights - Price Improved!

Downtown SP - SOLD!

Carthage - SOLD!

845,000 4BR / 3.5BA

375,000 3BR / 1.5BA

325,000 3BR / 2BA

Beautifully renovated throughout! New 2nd MBR suite with spa style bath. New deck! 3782 Sq. Ft. 1.83 Acres Angie McKew & Debby Currier

Charming cottage! Meticulous updates! New appliances, HVAC & HW Floors! 1144 Sq. Ft. .25 Acres Sarah O’Brien

Adorable & affordable! Peacefully located! 13x20 bonus room. Country quiet, city close! 1614 Sq. Ft .91 Acres Sandy Stewart

260 Wheeling Drive, Pinehurst

417 Teakwood Lane, Southern Pines

219 Broken Ridge Trail, West End

Village Acres - SOLD!

Knollwood Village - SOLD!

McLendon Hills - SOLD!

$385,000 3BR / 2BA

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Seven Lakes 150 McDonald Street

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Waterfront & custom built. Split BR plan. Dream home w/ ideal lakefront location! 2537 Sq. Ft. 1.02 Acres Sandy Stewart Sarah O’Brien 910.690.4236 Sandy Stewart 910.315.2510 Debby Currier 910.639.9606 Angie McKew 910.315.6280 Rebecca Cummings 910.315.4141 Call Us About Our 1-year Home |Warranty www.SandandPineMag.com 3 For All Our Teachers Buying and Selling Through 2022

contents 12 College Bound

SAND & PINE

It’s daunting, it’s stressful, it’s confusing, but college applications don’t have to be. We share some expert tips on how to navigate this higher education rite of passage.

Native Son

Educators of the Year

Tim Locklair has experienced every aspect of Moore County Schools—as student, teacher, coach, principal and, now, superintendent.

Pub People

Greg Girard, Amanda Jakl

Celebrating the dedication, work and passion of principal of the year Jennifer Wiley and teacher of the year Melanie Henderson.

August/September 2022

SA N D & P IN E

Storysmith

Greg Girard greg@sandandpinemag.com

Creative Conjuror

Amanda Jakl amanda@sandandpinemag.com

On the Cover “True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.” – Kurt Vonnegut

Word Geek

William C. Nelson

Ad Peddler

Debbie Jordan debbie@sandandpinemag.com

Contributing Scribblers

John Bowman, Darcy Connor, Christin Daubert, Jamie Doom, Sheree Lancaster, Robert Nason, Amanda Oden

Visual Alchemist Steven Jordan

4 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

Education Issue P.O. Box 892 Southern Pines, NC 28388 Tel. 910.315.0467 info@sandandpinemag.com www.sandandpinemag.com facebook: SandandPineMag

Quicksand 6

26 At the Table

Sandwiches—the easy, convenient, tasty, versatile, go-to meal for any occasion. But did you know gambling had a part to play in their creation?

48 Last Word

If you start reading this but can’t get to the end you have a shorter attention span than a goldfish. If you do finish, go to the back of the magazine for more details.

Good Reads

Garden Variety

Beer Matters

Shop Local

Be Inspired

Parenting in the Pines

Moolah

Music

On the Fly 44 Dropping In

Puzzles

editor note

by Greg Girard

Milestones have a way of creeping up on us. Just

inputting all the required information, making sure you’re hitting each deadline and, most important, picking the right schools to over 18 years ago my first apply to. What are schools looking for? What should I highlight? child came screaming (and How can I set myself apart? Just get it done! peeing, sorry Jack) into It turns out we (and I say we, collectively, because even Jack’s the world and my life has younger sister got trapped in too many college dinner discussions) never been the same. You can have an idea of what parenthood is initially fell into the most basic, easiest trap of the college application like but nothing quite matches reality. From the moment you gape process: trying to predict what the school is looking for rather than wide-eyed down at this expertly swaddled buddle—his thick crop of building an application that reflects the student, warts and all. spiked hair, his large closed eyes, his lips strangely quivering to the Colleges, I’ve since discovered after talking with a few experts beat of the Rolling Stones’ Start Me Up—you instantly realize your (page 12), want a broad, diverse student body. So there is no right life and your priorities from that moment on come in at a distant answer, even if I still believe there are skinny, white-bearded wizards second. and green, pointy-nosed witches working in the basement of college I always had the idea percolating in the back of my head, the administration buildings picking applicants based on a mystical, innate need to map out a plan on how to mold and guide and help strange brew of criteria. him on his journey. For me, college seemed like a natural end goal. If I am both proud and saddened by Jack’s achievements. His I can get him there safely and send him off on his merry way, he’ll be success means we need to let him go, and while that has been my prepared to independently forge his own life path. That, I’m happy goal since hearing his first shout into the world, it means my role to note, we accomplished (go Heels!) but the process of applying was shifts from protector and guide to cheering spectator. anything but smooth. I realize now that college is not the end of my fatherly All the bumps, bruises and angst leading up to the college responsibilities and I wouldn’t want it to be, but I can write this with application journey seemed like a day in the park compared to the complete conviction: He’s on his own for graduate school. Oh, and stress and anxiety of producing a college essay (even a first draft), Ellie ... get ready. We’re starting early with you. www.SandandPineMag.com | 5

QUICKSAND BY THE NUMBERS » SCHOOLS

1635

The year the first public school, Boston Latin School, opened in the U.S. The school is still open today. Early teaching at the school emphasized the humanities over math and science. Soon after, public schools began proliferating throughout the northern colonies. In the South, Thomas Jefferson tried to introduce free, public education believing it to be one of the hallmarks of democracy, but his proposed legislation never passed. Public schools didn’t become widespread in the South until the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War. In early America, girls were not allowed in school and were often taught at home to read but not to write. If the family was wealthy, a governess would be hired and girls would also be educated in sewing, music and languages.

1749

The year Benjamin Franklin founded the Philadelphia Academy, which bucked the humanities trend of other schools and emphasized the sciences, math, agriculture and language.

6 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

The number of states by 1900 that required school attendance for students aged 8–14. It would be another 18 years before all states required children to complete at least elementary school.

1954

The year the Supreme Court ended segregated education with their decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. The justices ruled unanimously that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional and the ruling became a cornerstone of the Civil Rights movement.

63K

Average salary of U.S. teachers in 2020. North Carolina ranked 30th with an average salary of $54,682. New York pays the highest at $87,543. The lowest, you ask? Mississippi, at $45,192.

137K

Number of schools in the U.S., from elementary level to universities. The exact number is 137,432. There were more than 35.5 million students enrolled in elementary school in 2019.

LOOK, LISTEN & LEARN

OUTER SANDBOX

Thinkrolls Play & Code STEM This award-winning program is aimed at kids 3–8 and includes more than 1,000 games and activities. The app is 100 percent ad-free and will help your kiddos develop an understanding of coding. We wish this had been around when we were kids! Available on iPhone and iPad.

Vocabulary Builder by Magoosh Is your child studying for the ACT or SAT? This app offers more than 1,000 vocabulary words picked by a GRE expert. Definitions and example sentences will help solidify words in your teen’s head and there are GRE, SAT and TOEFL quizzes to make sure they’re retaining what they’re studying. Ditch the paper flashcards and get this app instead. Available on iPhone and Android.

edX Described as “the education movement for restless learners,” edX offers online courses from the best universities in the world, like Harvard and MIT, in the palm of your hand. Subjects include computer science, business and management, mathematics, science and engineering, and languages. Download courses to watch when it’s convenient to you and take quizzes to ensure you understood the material. The audit option is free while certificates and degrees are available for a fee. If you’re interested in changing careers, but don’t want to invest in going back to school, check out edX courses before you take the plunge!

ROAD TRIP! Road trip! Beyond the boundaries of our little sandbox, there is much to see. Here are a few events worth checking out. For events with a more local flavor, check out moorechoices.net. And check with locales before heading out! AUGUST 1–6 National Black Theatre Festival Winston-Salem | ncblackrep.org Started in 1979, the North Carolina Black Repertory Company is the first professional Black theatre company in the state. From original productions and midnight poetry jams to seminars and African American heritage tours, celebrate a full week of Black theatre. SEPTEMBER 2–5 North Carolina Apple Festival Hendersonville | ncapplefestival.org Keep the doctor away for good, or at least the weekend. They say an apple a day, but don’t stop there when you can try varieties from 15 different local growers and see crafts and food from 90 other vendors. The NC Apple Festival over Labor Day weekend is sure to be fun, and a nice reward for all your hard work. SEPTEMBER 9–10 Mountain Song Festival Brevard | mountainsongfestival.com Created to bring the best acoustic music to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the festival is celebrating its 16th year and supports the Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County. Asheville-based Steep Canyon Rangers is the host band and will be joined by Gibson Brothers, Amythyst Kiah, Del McCoury Band and more.

QUOTES “Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.”

– Eckhart Tolle

“The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.”

– Abraham Lincoln www.SandandPineMag.com | 7

TO YOUR HEALTH

Health Tips Rethink Low Cal Thinking about slashing your calorie intake? Think again. Dramatically reducing calories for the day, less than 1,200, can ignite weight loss, but it may also damage your heart. Limiting calories can deprive deprive the body of crucial vitamins and minerals like magnesium

and potassium, which are necessary to keep the heart pumping. Under-eating also impairs energy levels, can cause mental fog and can slow your metabolism, which is the exact opposite effect that you want. Focus instead on eating fresh, non-processed foods and drinking plenty of water. Toss It, Toss it Real Good Got a bottle of acetaminophen that expired in 2016 and you hesitate to throw it out? You may not have to waste them. Most over-the-counter drugs in tablet form are shelf-stable long after they expire. What’s definitely not shelf-stable? Any drugs in liquid form and any prescription

medications, like antibiotics or insulin. Certain expired medications are at risk of bacterial growth and less-than-potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections, leading to more serious illnesses and even worse, antibiotic resistance. If you have any medications and you’re just not sure, check out drugs.com to check the safety of your expired meds.

Live Lightly Tips on living a more sustainable life

Riders on the Storm Peak hurricane season is upon us and while the Sandhills doesn’t get the brunt

of these major storms, we do get some of the effects, including rain, wind, thunder and lightning. The following tips may seem obvious, but with the recent lightning deaths in the media, we figured they bear repeating: • If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. • If you’re in a car, roll your windows up. • Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder. • Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, showers and faucets. • Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

AUGUST 27 CARA's Run for Their Lives Sanford 5K, 10K runfortheirlives5k10k.wordpress. com

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SEPTEMBER 3 Weymouth Woods Trail Run Southern Pines 25K, 50K runsignup.com

If you are planning some DIY projects around the house this year and are thinking about buying the equipment, consider another option, including borrowing from a friend or neighbor or renting from your local hardware store. Every tool requires basic maintenance and a storage place, and if it’s not a tool you’ll use regularly, don’t create more work and clutter in your garage. And if you have a lot of tools in your shed that don’t get a lot of use, let your friends and family know that you’re happy to share. Let’s bring back the sharing culture in our neighborhoods and communities.

OCTOBER 1 Autumnfest 5K Southern Pines 5K, 1M mooreart.org/autumnfest

910-295-7400 200 Westgate Drive West End, NC 27376 2 miles from Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, NC!

Dr. A Anthony Haro III

Dr. Amie Haracz

Dr. Kevin Schmidtke

Additional clinics in Sanford, Raeford, and Troy, NC

Do not ignore Foot & Ankle pain! Specializing in both non-surgical and surgical treatment of pediatrics, geriatrics, and everyone in between. Most major insurances and Medicare accepted. Call today!

www.SandandPineMag.com | 9

Good Reads by Darcy Connor

Preschool/Toddler In My Heart Written by Mackenzie Porter Illustrated by Jenny Løvlie

For the working moms out there, this book hits every emotion (at least it did for me) from the guilt at leaving your precious child, to the joy of seeing them grow independent without you, to assuring them they are never far from your thoughts. For me, the tears flowed while reading this as I remembered leaving my kids for the first time when I returned to work. “Though we’re not together, we’re never truly apart because you’re always on my mind and you’re always in my heart.” Oh boy, here come the tears again.

Picture Book This Is School

Written by John Schu Illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison

Now this is the way to celebrate school and teach your little ones what their days will be like. The author, John Schu, a former ambassador of school libraries for Scholastic Book Fairs, shares that schools are much more than just buildings. They are home to communities where all voices are heard and where everyone can grow. This Is School is the perfect book for that rising pre-K or kindergartner venturing off to school for the first time.

Upper Elementary School Pennyroyal Academy Written by M.A. Larson

The publisher of Pennyroyal Academy begins the book’s description this way: “A girl from the forest arrives in a bustling kingdom with no name and no idea why she is there, only to find herself at the center of a world at war. She enlists at Pennyroyal Academy, where princesses and knights are trained to battle the two great menaces of the day: witches and dragons.” This trilogy has everything a young, independent reader is looking for: adventure, suspense, perseverance and strength. A fun romp in a magical world.

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Battle of the Books 2022–23 Middle School

Pay Attention, Carter Jones Written by Gary D. Schmidt

Carter’s family needs help. He has three younger sisters, a dad deployed in Germany, a mom just trying to keep everything together while the entire family continues to grieve the death of Carter’s younger brother. So when an English butler, bowler hat and all, rings their doorbell, the Jones family finds an unexpected savior. Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick is sent to the Carters to organize, guide and teach about the ups and downs, joys and sadness of life. It is a bit more challenging these days to find a boy protagonist at this reading range, but Gary D. Schmidt continues to offer insightful male characters with depth that all genders can enjoy.

Adult The School Year Survival Cookbook: Healthy Recipes and Sanity-Saving Strategies for Every Family and Every Meal (Even Snacks) Written by Laura Keogh and Ceri Marsh

Whether you have kids or not, there are those days (sometimes weeks) where figuring out healthy meals while juggling a hectic schedule is just about the last thing you want to do. Then there’s the inevitable complaint in late-September from the kids, “Turkey and cheese again?!” What I love about this book is that the authors get it. They understand modern life, and that creating meals each day can be just as stressful as work, school and everything in between. The book takes a simple approach: planning is key, nutrition counts, love the leftovers and experimentation is a good thing. The first recipe I tried: Blueberry Pie French Toast Muffins. Now they’re a family favorite!

Elementary School A Nest for Celeste Henry Cole A Place at the Table Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan Clean Getaway Nic Stone Crenshaw Katherine Applegate Fish in a Tree Lynda Mullaly Hunt Front Desk Kelly Yang The Great Treehouse War Lisa Graff The Key to Extraordinary Natalie Lloyd Middle School Airman Eoin Colfer The Bitter Side of Sweet Tara Sullivan Black Brother, Black Brother Jewell Parker Rhodes City Spies James Ponti The First Rule of Punk Celia C. Peréz Healer of the Water Monster Brian Young House Arrest K.A. Holt I Am Malala Malala Yousafzai Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus Dusti Bowling

The Last Last-Day-of-Summer Lamar Giles The Last Musketeer Stuart Gibbs The League of Seven Alan Gratz The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg Rodman Philbrick Sal & Gabi Break the Universe Carlos Hernandez Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe Jo Watson Hackl Stand Up, Yumi Chung! Jessica Kim

A Night Divided Jennifer A. Nielsen The Ruins of Gorlan John Flanagan To Night Owl from Dogfish Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer Starfish Lisa Fipps The War that Saved My Life Kimberly Brubaker Bradley When Stars Are Scattered Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed The Shape of Thunder Jasmine Warga

www.SandandPineMag.com | 11

CB C

ollege ound

Navigating the Application Process

t’s a jungle out there, and the trees aren’t thinning out anytime soon. College applications across the country are up. College acceptance rates are down. Some of this is attributed to students applying to more schools overall after testing became optional at many schools during COVID, but an example of the competitiveness of top-tier schools shows a precipitous drop in accepted applications over the past 15 years, well before the pandemic. According to ivywise.com, for example, in 2007 Boston University had an acceptance rate of 27.3 percent. In 2022, that rate had dropped to 14 percent. Over that same time period, Duke went from a 21 percent acceptance rate to just 6.2 percent. And most of the Ivy League schools are now under 5 percent acceptance. Kim Barber, an independent educational consultant and owner of Raleigh College Consulting, puts it this way: “Students and parents sometimes don’t understand the vastness of the application pool. There’s 40,000 high schools just in the United States alone. Leaving out all the schools overseas, that means there’s 40,000 valedictorians. That means there’s 80,000 valedictorians and salutatorians. Last year there were almost 7,000 students who had a perfect ACT score. So we’re up to 87,000, but there might be some overlap, so let’s just say 85,000 students in this group. All of those students are applying to the same 25 places, and even if those 25 schools took an entire class of valedictorians with perfect ACTs, they still would be rejecting more than they accepted.” All is not lost, however, as Barber quickly points out. Indeed, statistics show that the majority of colleges and universities in the U.S. accept more than 50 percent of applicants, and so for most collegebound students, there are plenty of options.

12 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

College Application Tips

“

When I first meet with students, we're not talking about where college, we're talking about why college.

”

+ Don't Procrastinate Research and visit schools the summer before junior year of high school and connect with schools to show your interest. + Know Your Deadlines Create a calendar and note all relevant deadline dates. + Early Admission Weigh the pros and cons to applying early to your top school. + Read the Instructions Schools have different application requirements, so keep a separate to-do list for each application. + Be Honest Don't write for the school, write for yourself and make sure the essays represent who you are.

“When I first meet with students, we’re not talking about where college, we’re talking about why college,” says Barber. “We go through a series of assessments—assessments that we do together and self-assessments that the student does on his or her own—to ultimately come up with the student’s specific list of college criteria. And these criteria take into account the academic standpoint, social standpoint, campus culture standpoint, size, location, cost, etc.” It’s about the right fit for a student, rather than just striving for the school with the supposed best reputation. Writing Is Essential A crucial component of the application process is the essay. It is the one opportunity applicants have to show their personality, share their life experiences and reveal their hopes for the future. This is truly where the applicant comes to life beyond the transcript, list of extracurriculars and biographical information. “What students really need to unearth for themselves is their values,” says Maggie Bonecutter, owner of Essay Excellence

+ Proofread, Edit, Proofread, Edit Grammar counts. + Choose Recommendations Wisely Pick mentors who know you and ask them early. + The Right Fit Apply to schools that fit your needs, not simply for reputation. + Keep Copies Always good to have back-ups. + Confirm Submissions Double-check that schools received all required materials. www.SandandPineMag.com | 13

“

For the essay, what students really need to unearth for themselves is their values. What are their values? And then they have to find tangible, interesting, vivid ways to illustrate those values.

”

College Planning Tips for High School Freshman & Sophomores + Select Interesting and Challenging Courses Plan a curriculum and level of rigor appropriate for you. + Work Hard in Your Classes Your high school transcript will be evaluated in its entirety.

with Maggie Bonecutter (essayexcellence.info). “What are their values? And then they have to find tangible, interesting, vivid ways to illustrate those values. So the way we do that in my practice, is we go through several different discovery exercises, ways that kids understand what’s important to them, because they may think they know what’s important to them, but the excersises allow them to say, ‘Oh, wow. This is something that is important to me. I didn’t realize it.’” Bonecutter says there are two ways of writing an essay: the narrative structure or cause and effect. “This event happened to me and this is what I did about it. This is what I learned and how I grew. Often a profound life experience.” And then the montage structure, where the applicant takes different aspects of their life that share a thematic thread. Most important, and what will make the biggest impression, is honesty. “Write from a place of vulnerability,” says Bonecutter. “You don’t go to college if you know everything. So you have to show colleges that you are willing to learn and to grow and that you’re not all that.” Remain Calm The college application process can be enjoyable, as long as applicants are prepared and follow the tips in the sidebars. Setting up some ground rules can also help de-stress the process. Barber says, “When you’re in the heat of the experience, when it’s all happening, plan for the family to dedicate a specific time, whether it’s once a week or whatever the family agrees on, that this is our time to talk about college stuff. Because otherwise it will creep into every conversation. Every time you sit down for dinner, every time you get in the car, anytime you see each other. It can literally feel like it’s taking over your lives, and it should never be that.”

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+ Make a Big Commitment to a Few Activities Focus on involvement versus activity list-building. Remember that leadership is not always measured by titles. + Do What Matters to You Select activities that you honestly care about. + Find Something to Do Regularly for Someone Else Help others, not to impress a college, but to be a good person. + Get to Know Your Teachers and Learn to Advocate for Yourself Demonstrate responsibility for your own success. + Practice Independence Keep your own calendar, do your laundry, make your bed. + Think Before You Post Make sure your digital footprint represents the person that you want colleges and future employers to see. Tips courtesy of Raleigh College Consulting raleighcollegeconsulting.com

The Cycle of Poverty

Stops When

Unite.

JOURNEY for a LIFETIME

SANDHILLS

CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

SandhillsCCS.org 910-695-1874

United Way of Moore County (910) 692-2413 Give Moore Local!

Beauty | Boudoir | Fine Art Nude | Maternity

S H I R AW RO S E .C O M www.SandandPineMag.com | 15

Native Tim Locklair feels right at home leading Moore County Schools

Son While not born in Moore County, new superintendent of Moore County Schools Tim Locklair moved to the area when he was just 11. He graduated from Pinecrest High School in 1991 and returned four years later—with a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Carolina University—to teach history, psychology and sociology as well as to coach football and baseball. “I am a proud product of Moore County Schools,” he has said. When Locklair transitioned to the administrative side of education, he briefly journeyed west to Montgomery County and then north to Wake County before returning in 2016 to oversee MCS’s departments of technology, exceptional children services, student support services, curriculum and instruction, federal programs, career and technical education and school improvement. Along the way, Locklair earned a master’s and doctorate from East Carolina University. Since former superintendent Bob Grimesey’s 16 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

retirement in January, Locklair has served as the interim superintendent until it was announced a few months later that he would be hired on a three-year contract. Sand & Pine sat down with Locklair at MCS headquarters in Carthage just a few days after he officially took the position. S&P: You taught at Pinecrest for several years. What prompted you to then go into administration? TL: I started working on my master’s in school administration and the principal at Pinecrest at the time asked me if I’d be interested in taking on the assistant principal role. At the time I wasn’t sure I would do it permanently. I thought maybe I would take on the assistant principal role, get my master’s, and then go back in the classroom and coach. But once I started it, I never looked back. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed working with the kids and teachers in that capacity. What do you see as the biggest challenges for you as you take on this position? I see taking on this position as a great opportunity, not necessarily a challenge. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all of our board members. My job is to get to know each one of them, to build relationships with them, and bring them recommendations that help move our school district forward in the best way possible. And that means you listen a lot, then you talk. You learn and you try to support the overall mission of the district. Pretty optimistic, Tim. Oh, I’m an optimistic guy. I’m a glass half full guy. Speaking of the school board, you were voted unanimously, which in and of itself is pretty amazing considering the divisiveness over the past couple years within the school board. How do you see your position relating to the school board? How’s that supposed to work in your eyes? My job is the chief executive officer of the school district. So my role is to work with each individual member and work with them as a collective board on their mission, on our goals of the school district, and to help us move forward on that. And so my role is to keep them well informed. My role is to administer the policies that they put in place, to administer and to follow through with the budgets that we have, and administer that in an effective way to support our students and staff, and to build those positive relationships with the board members so we can do that work together. There’s not always going to necessarily be agreement, but we can listen to each other and I can inform them as best possible.

First of all, I’m very appreciative of Dr. Grimesey. He hired me as the chief officer for academic student support services. I’m appreciative of what he taught me, the opportunities he gave me to grow in district leadership.

Let’s talk a little bit about priorities. What do you see as your priorities in the next few years? Our overall mission is about doing whatever we can to support student success and to help students be ready to take on whatever their success is, whether it’s going into a career, whether it’s enlisting in the military, whether it’s moving on to college. It’s about what do we do in their pre-K–12 experience in Moore County Schools to help them be prepared for success. We’re always going to be focused on asking what can we tweak, what we can make better. We’ve gone through two years of significant disruption with COVID. So we’re still working through that and what we’ve learned from that and what we can apply going into the next year. We’re also going to be implementing LETRS, which is a new literacy program that the state of North Carolina is requiring through general statute. LETRS is based on the science of reading and that you learn from several different strands of literacy, one of those being phonics. And that’s something that hasn’t been as much a part of literacy instruction in the state of North Carolina as it should be. I’m happy that we have been using some phonics instructions in Moore County, so this is going to be a logical shift for us. We’re also beginning the process of revising our district strategic plan. That’s something that our school board is involved in right now, which sets forth our vision and our mission of where we want to head as a district. What’s it been like following your predecessor Bob Grimesey? First of all, I’m very appreciative of Dr. Grimesey. He hired me as the chief officer for academic student support services. I’m appreciative of what he taught me, the opportunities he gave me to www.SandandPineMag.com | 17

Native Son grow in district leadership. He also left the school district in a good place, and I appreciate that. And so it’s been positive following him. Obviously, every leader’s different and our approach is different, but I’m very appreciative of where he left our schools and the team that we have in place. Being a native son, do you think that helps or hinders your role? I think it helps. I think it helps because people know me. I’ve got people who I worked with

previously still in the school district, folks who taught me—for good, bad or ugly—who are still out there. Uh, oh. They know everything. They know everything. People who taught me as a student. I’ve got some parents who I taught or coached who now have kids in the district. And my parents are still here. So I just think that community connection helps. I’m invested. This is a very special place to me. This community means a lot to me. The experience in Moore County

18 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

Schools means a lot to me. It inspired me on my journey and where I ended up. And I think it is also very humbling. It’s very humbling to become the superintendent where I graduated, where I started my career. It’s a responsibility that I take very seriously. You mentioned COVID earlier and what a challenge that was for schools. How has the pandemic changed Moore County Schools? Take, for example, remote learning. We were working on choices for our community even prior to the COVID pandemic. We were looking at a way to offer what we now know is our BlendEd program, which is being able to be in a school sometime during the week and then learning from home the other times during the week. We now have that program. We began to put that into place prior to the pandemic, but the pandemic hastened all that work. It really pressed us to move it forward aggressively. We stood up a virtual academy in a matter of weeks when we shut down. And our teachers and staff did heroic work. So, yeah, it’s something that’s emerged from that. You’ve built some beautiful elementary schools. What are the plans moving forward in terms of capacity and buildings? Pinecrest, for example, is a school that needs some love. Yes, it does. We’re coming off of a major capital program, and a school bond that was passed with almost 80 percent approval in 2018. Part of that was building new elementary schools and North Moore High School receiving a major renovation with their arts area, gym, and science wing. So we’re coming off of some major capital projects for our community. But our board knows we can’t just sit back on that and they’ve already been discussing our next steps. As you mentioned, our high schools continue to need major renovation and improvements. We know that’s out there. We have to look at what our student growth is going to be, and is there an elementary school or another school that might need to be built as a result. We’re already engaging with student planners out of NC State who do great research on school district growth patterns, birth rates, et cetera. In the early fall, we hope to be able to bring back some data and some information that we’ll use to build our plan. Are there any plans to build a new high school? That would be the board’s direction. But not at this time. That hasn’t been in one of our master facility plans in the past. Major renovation has been, but not building a brand-new high school.

I’m passionate about people and the power of people. I think my strengths lie in my leadership philosophy, which is believing in the power of relationships and people, and always working to create a positive work environment, school environment and culture.

What kind of strengths do you think you bring to the position? Where do you think your strengths lie? I’m passionate about people and the power of people. I think my strengths lie in my leadership philosophy, which is believing in the power of relationships and people, and always working to create a positive work environment, school environment and culture. But at the same time, we’ve got to be attentive to systems and processes and procedures to make sure we’re effective, to make sure we’re efficient. I think my strengths also lie in being a good reflective listener and really actively listening to what people say and trying to internalize that and think about that and reflect on it when you can. And then come back to try to address those questions, concerns or thoughts that folks have shared. How do you manage political issues like critical race theory or calls for banning books? What place does politics have in education? I think you have to honor folks’ perspective and feedback. I think you have to listen. We approach it by being respectful and trying to be responsive to questions and concerns, by being as transparent as we possibly can be. For example, there are always a lot of questions about our curriculum. So, beginning last school year, we opened up our curriculum online. Our curriculum and our resources are posted on our website, which is above and beyond what many school districts have done. It’s being as honest as we can be to make sure we’re laying it out as clearly as we can, which helps to allay concerns and fears and build trust. And that’s our role. That’s my job as superintendent and our team’s job is to continue to work, to build trust and confidence.

missed when I left the principalship to go to the central office. You’re not around kids all the time. You’re not around teachers. And I always kind of saw those schools as my team and I was the head coach and we’re getting that team going. So, being a superintendent is kind of giving me that sense again. And that’s something I’ve really enjoyed and look forward to. What do you like to do when you’re not Mr. Superintendent? I don’t know if you’re ever not Mr. Superintendent or Ms. Superintendent, but family’s very important to me. I came back here because it’s my home. My mom and dad are still here and we’re blessed with them still doing well. I have two children. One is a graduate of Pinecrest High School, now in college. Another one’s going to be a rising senior. And my wife works in the school district as well. So, family’s very important to me. So spending time with my family and close friends who I see as family. OK. When you turn on the TV, what do you watch? Something I don’t have to think a lot about. Maybe home improvement shows or a little sports. I’ve always liked crime dramas. But, something I don’t have to think a whole lot about. What’s the one surprise from taking on the position? That’s a great question. I don’t know if there’s anything that necessarily surprised me, but I think when you have the honor to take on a role like this, the reality of it certainly washes over you. It’s a responsibility that I take very seriously. It means a lot to me. And that’s something I’m very passionate about.

If you had to do it again—teacher, coach, principal—what one do you miss the most out of all those? I think you always miss where you’re closest to working with students. Being a teacher and a coach was a special time. Certainly I’ve learned a lot since I left the classroom. I thoroughly enjoyed being a principal. That was something I

www.SandandPineMag.com | 19

Educators of the Year

JENNIFER WILEY PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR West Pine Middle 20 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

rincipal of the Year Jennifer Wiley always saw herself becoming a history teacher, so it was a bit of a surprise when she ended up graduating with a middle grades degree with a concentration in language arts and social studies. “I hated reading growing up. So when I told my mom and dad that I had made a concentration in language arts and social studies, their jaws dropped like, ‘What is going on here?’ They had to beg me to read books. And I realized I had missed something, and that was what I was going to bring to the table with my students—a love of reading. To grab those uninterested kids in middle school is the heart of all of that. There’s so many distractions in today’s world anyway, so you have to be really on top of your game to entice them. But that was my goal.” Wiley is a Wisconsin native, but was raised in Wendell, North Carolina. She graduated from East Wake High School and then from Elon University before starting her career in education. She began at East Wake Middle and in her 7th year she was awarded Teacher of the Year in Wake County. She then taught for ten years at Riverwood Middle School before making her way to Moore County in 2011. After two years at New Century Middle School (and another Teacher of the Year award in 2013), she decided to move to administration. “When I made the decision to step out of the classroom to become an administrator, a colleague of mine at New Century told me, ‘Never forget what it’s like to be a teacher.’ Those words have stuck with me to this day. I love what I do—even on the not so fun days! But, the fact I get to come to work each day and work with a phenomenally talented group of educators who I trust as a principal and a parent means everything. And I get to interact with the most amazing students who put a smile on my face and remind me every single day of my WHY. That is what makes this work so special, so meaningful.” Though the award is for Wiley, she knows that she didn’t get to this point alone. “I am in awe of the work my colleagues lead on a daily basis, and I am always calling them for advice and support. I am blessed to work with each of them and so thankful they are on this journey with me. They make me a better thinker, a better listener and a better leader.”

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Educators of the Year

MELANIE HENDERSON TEACHER OF THE YEAR Southern Pines Elementary 22 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

eacher of the Year Melanie Henderson has been musical since she was a child. “I started playing by ear. My older sister took piano lessons and I was listening and kind of see what she was doing and it just inspired me to try to play it. After a while I started picking up things that I heard and I just kind of stuck with it that way.” Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Henderson grew up sharing her gifts and talents in music through singing in church and throughout the community. At Southern Pines Elementary, she teaches African drumming, xylophone and recorder, as well as a little bit of the ukulele, to introduce the students to music before they move on to guitar. Working with the children and seeing them struggle at first, then seeing it click in their minds is one of the best parts of being a teacher, she says. “Sometimes it is a challenge. When they first start out, they’re just kind of like, ‘I can’t do this. I don’t know what to do.’ And I always just tell them, be patient with yourself. You’re going to make mistakes. That’s okay. That’s all part of learning. “Then you see it when I get them ready for their community performances, when they finally learned that piece of music and they’re like, ‘I’m actually doing this!’ And then as a class, they’re like, ‘Yes!’ It is very exciting, very rewarding to see.” The Teacher of the Year award is an honor and a blessing for Henderson. “Because everything that I do in my classroom is done out of love. I make every effort to give to my students and to my school family with no expectation of anything in return. This award is truly heartfelt and inspiring to continue to press forward towards excellence in the field of education for all learners and educators.” Whether it’s writing grants to start a piano program (she received funds for 30 keyboards) or preparing her students for the community performances, it’s clear that Henderson is exactly where she should be. “I’m always going to make sure I’m providing the best learning experiences for my students, wherever that place may be. It just so happened I met Southern Pines Elementary and I love it. I really do. It’s really like a family to me there.”

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www.SandandPineMag.com | 23

Garden The Persephone Period B

BY JOHN B OW M A N N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener Volunteer

24 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

eing able to garden year round here makes me very happy. To be a successful vegetable gardener during the colder months, however, it is necessary to know about the “Persephone Period.” Named after the Greek goddess of harvest, the Persephone Period is a horticultural term referring to the time of year when days have less than 10 hours of sunlight. The growth of plants is very dependent on hours of sunlight and temperatures, and since fall brings cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours, our gardens tend to slow down and even stop growing during these colder times. Knowing when this Persephone Period begins and ends makes fall and winter gardening more successful. So how do we calculate this period of Persephone? The U.S. Naval Observatory has a Duration of Daylight/Darkness Table for One Year where we can find these dates. Looking at this table for Moore County, the first day during fall 2022 with fewer than 10 hours of sunlight is November 30, and the first upcoming day with more than 10 hours of daylight will not occur until January 11, 2023. Between those two dates plant growth in our gardens will be limited. Planting vegetables in the autumn generally falls into the following two categories: vegetables that

are harvested in late fall to early winter and vegetables that overwinter for spring and even summer harvests. For example, last August and September I planted kale and collard plants that were harvested during most of the winter and spring months. However these plants began to bolt in the hotter weather and became inedible. But the Siberian kale seeds that I planted in early October did not begin to grow until late winter and I was still able to harvest these plants into early July.

/NCMGMooreCnty

www.SandandPineMag.com | 25

26 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

The Sandwich

At the

Table

By ROBERT NASON

redit gambling for the creation of the sandwich. John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, a notorious profligate and stalker of gambling halls from the 18th century, demanded his cook create a meal that would allow him to remain at the card table and not make a mess. The cook put a slice of meat between two pieces of toast and the rest is culinary history. Unfortunately, the scallywag Montagu was forever attributed with the invention instead of the ingenious cook. Indeed, even the Earl of Sandwich’s cook cannot take full credit for this sensible fare, as sandwiches were already part of the culinary world in the Mediterranean. The Greeks and Turks had already invented canapés and sandwiches using toasted pita bread. Since then, however, the sandwich has become a staple throughout most the world and can be found in just about every lunchbox on the first day of school. From fancy to simple, sandwiches can satisfy just about anyone’s cravings.

> National sandwich day is Nov. 3. > The U.S. Department of Agriculture has defined a sandwich as containing at least 35 percent cooked meat and no more than 50 percent bread.

> Elvis Presley flew to Denver and back

to his home at Graceland in one night just for a Fool’s Gold Loaf made by the Colorado Mine Company. The 8,000 calorie sandwich consisted of a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with an entire jar of peanut butter, one jar of jelly and a pound of bacon.

> The first peanut butter and jelly recipe was published in 1901 in the “Boston Cooking School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics.”

> Astronaut John Young smuggled a

corned beef sandwich into space during the Gemini 3 launch in 1965. It created such a scandal there were Congressional hearings about it soon after.

> Grilled cheese is the most popular sandwich in America.

> Sixty-six percent of Americans put

between three and six condiments on their sandwiches.

www.SandandPineMag.com | 27

At the

Table Classic BLT delish.com Serves 2

Ingredients 2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

Kosher salt

Pinch cayenne

Freshly ground black pepper

1 pound thick-cut bacon

4 slices toasted bread

1/4 cup mayonnaise

4 leaves green lettuce

1 teaspoon chili powder

4 (1/4-inch thick) slices vine-ripened tomatoes

Directions 1.

Preheat oven to 400 F. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar and cayenne.

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Lay bacon in a single layer on rack. Bake, rotating tray halfway through, until bacon is just golden, about 30 minutes.

Remove tray from oven and brush bacon generously with maple mixture. Turn oven to broil and return bacon to oven until glaze is thickened and bacon is crisp, watching carefully as it will cook fast, about 3 more minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

Meanwhile, in another small bowl, whisk mayonnaise with chili powder and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.

Spread mayonnaise on 2 slices of bread. Top each slice with lettuce, tomato, and bacon, then close sandwiches with remaining 2 slices bread.

Croque-Madame

Chicken Salad on Croissant

cooking-nytimes.com Yields 2

Ingredients

5 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon flour ⅔ cup milk Sea salt Freshly grated nutmeg

bellyfull.com Serves 6

4 1/3-inch-thick slices country bread 4 thin slices French ham 2 thin slices Gruyere cheese 2 eggs

Directions 1.

Ingredients

3/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

4 cups (about 2 pounds) cooked, chopped chicken breast 3/4 cup small diced Granny Smith apple 1/3 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 300 F and preheat a cast-iron skillet on top of the stove for about 5 minutes. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. When bubbles have subsided, add flour and whisk vigorously for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, and cook until thick. Remove from heat, and season to taste with salt and nutmeg.

Directions 1.

Spread two slices of bread generously with sauce. Lay two slices of ham on top of each, and top each with a slice of cheese; ham and cheese should slightly overlap edges of bread. Top each with a slice of bread.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, yogurt, mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Make sure your chicken is completely cool. Chop it up and add it to the bowl.

Gently fold in the apple, cranberries, and pecans.

Serve in croissants topped with sliced tomato and lettuce.

In a small saucepan, melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Brush the sandwiches on both sides with butter, making sure that the edges are well covered. In skillet, place sandwiches cheese side down and cook on stove top until well browned, then turn and brown again. Transfer skillet to oven, and bake until heated through and cheese is bubbling. Meanwhile, fry the eggs in another skillet with a little butter. Slide one fried egg onto each sandwich. Serve hot.

28 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

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Beer Matters

Photo courtesy of SAVOR

SAVORing Craft Beers BY JAMIE DOOM ON JUNE 24, SOUTHERN PINES BREWING represented the Sandhills at SAVOR in Washington, D.C. SAVOR, as noted on their website, is “the premier American craft beer and culinary event that marries flavor-forward, independent craft beer with sublime small bites to create an unforgettable experience for beer lovers and foodies alike.” It is one of the celebrations for the craft brewing industry. After a two-year hiatus because of COVID, this year featured 110 different craft breweries serving a diverse range of more than 225 beers from 36 different states and Washington, D.C. This event is one of the few events sponsored by the Brewers Association, which is the association for independent craft breweries in the U.S.

The pairings and menu items were created by Brewers Association executive chef Adam Dulye and his team of awardwinning chefs to showcase the interplay between fine cuisine and craft beer, with a focus on local ingredients. Southern Pines Brewing participated in this event for the first time. They were one of seven North Carolina breweries that included Bhramari Brewing Company, Asheville; Highland Brewing Company, Asheville; Hi-Wire Brewing, Asheville; Incendiary Brewing Company, WinstonSalem; Wiseman Brewing, WinstonSalem; and Wooden Robot Brewery, Charlotte. Other notable national breweries attending were: Anderson Valley Brewing Company, The Bruery, Dogfish Head,

30 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

Fremont Brewing, Great Lakes Brewing, The Lost Abbey, Main Beer Company, Maui Brewing Company, Oskar Blues Brewery, Perennial Artisan Ales, Side Project, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Sloop Brewing Company and Tröegs Brewing, to name just a few. Held at The Anthem Concert Hall on the wharf in D.C., the unique aspect of the event is that all of the breweries are represented by the owners or head brewers, which gives the public a more intimate insight into each brewery and their beer. Southern Pines Brewing was represented by owner/CEO Micah Niebauer and head brewer Steve Anchor. They were pouring two of their most sought-after beers, Bourbon Barrel Aged Drunken Vigils and Pêche de Vigne.

Drunken Vigils is a 14.9% breakfast stout made with caramel and roasted malt and Ecuadorean cacao, which create notes of nougat and bitter dark chocolate. Locally roasted java from Cactus Creek Coffee completes an array of rich breakfast nostalgia. Bourbon and Monastery yeast complement with decadent caramel and dark stone fruit flavors. This beer is then aged in single-use bourbon barrels. Pêche de Vigne (7.8%) is a traditional wine-barrel-aged Saison that matures for a year while conditioning on fresh peaches from local Kalawi Farms in Moore County. It is fermented with multiple wild yeast and bacteria strains. It is crisp and dry and reminiscent of white wine and stone fruit. The Pêche de Vigne was paired with the pork rillette with apricot, green garlic and rye. And the BBA Drunken Vigils was paired with a scone with Devonshire crème and blackberries. Both of these pairings were wildly successful, with many attendees coming back for seconds and thirds. The event started with a one-hour VIP session that also included members of the

craft beer, food and hospitality media. After the doors opened to the public several thousand people streamed in and the night was off and running. What sets this even apart from other beer festivals for Southern Pines Brewing was the high level of craft beer knowledge present. Some beer events or festivals can devolve into participants trying to drink as much beer as quickly as possible, making it difficult

to actually taste or savor the liquid being served or explain the artistry behind it. SAVOR has a different feel, and the attendees were truly there to experience the pairings. After talking to many of the attendees the word I heard to describe the atmosphere most often was “overwhelming.” There really were no bad beers or menu items there. Everything seemed to be just varying degrees of good or great. Micah and Steve both remarked that most people there were asking detailed questions about the food pairings and the brewing process, which made it all the more enjoyable. Working in this industry requires an enormous level of passion and attention to detail as well as long days and patience, so interacting with consumers just as obsessed with great beer makes it all worthwhile. “Being part of such an esteemed event with the top breweries in the USA was a milestone for Southern Pines Brewing,” says Niebauer. “And the opportunity to represent Southern Pines and Moore County was truly an honor.”

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We couldn't pick just one rug to highlight at DAHR. So instead, just look at how many you have to choose from!

Shop SP Local It's back to school time and we're excited for freshly sharpened pencils and a new backpack. Shop local for all your supplies!

"I went to a restaurant that serves 'breakfast at any time.' So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance. - Steven Wright

E 5

1. PUT IT IN THE NEED

Column. Because this tote is something you definitely need. Find it at Cotton & Grain, inside DAHR.

2. TIE THE ROOM

Together with these awesome vintage Turkish rugs. Skip the IKEA and go for one of a kind. Head down to DAHR in Southern Pines.

3. LUNCHIE LUNCH

If you're in the market for a new lunch bag, go to Bump & Baby for some cute options!

32 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

4. SNACKIE SNACK

To build big brains we gotta make sure we're feeding them. Snacks are the perfect way to stay fueled. Get these at Purple Thistle in the Village.

5. NOM NOM NOM

Your kids will eat more vegetables if they're in this adorable carrot snack case. Available at Purple Thistle.

6. BREAK YOUR FAST

In the best way possible. Make some pancakes in the shape of a monkey. Bears and pigs available too! Get 'em at Purple Thistle.

Total comfort from Cotton & Grain!

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A new school year means some new bling. Check out this gorgeous lariat necklace from Cooper & Bailey's.

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Perfect for lazing around after school, these joggers are comfortable & sustainable. Sweet! Pick 'em up at Cotton & Grain, located inside DAHR.

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Once sports seasons start, parents will be cheering on the sidelines. Stay hydrated while using these adorable cups. Find 'em at Cooper & Bailey's.

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Sometimes you just want to dress up for school. This Charles mini is perfect for fall when temps are still steamy. Get it at Cooper & Bailey's.

5. BUTTON IT UP

You need a classic white button-up in your wardrobe. It's timeless and versatile. Get it at Cotton & Grain, located inside DAHR in So. Pines.

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A little mischief and some fun never killed anybody.

1. FOR YOUR MONKEYS

Back to school doesn't have to mean the end of fun. Introduce your kids to some old-school games, like Barrel of Monkeys. Pick 'em up at Flowland in Aberdeen.

2. SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN We're not over hand sanitzer yet, people! But you can get these cute bird hand sanitzers at Bump & Baby and we know you want to.

Shop the Stores

3. HE WHO SMELT IT, DEALT IT Now we're not condoning using this fart machine to do an epic prank at your school, but we're not NOT condoning it either. Get it at Flowland.

4. GIVE ME A HAND

Think of Flop Ball as the hackey sack for your hands. Great for some eye/hand coordination and more important, fun! Get it at Flowland.

5. SEED SHOOTER

Let's help the birds, bees and butterflies by shooting wildflower seeds in our backyards. Find it at Lily Rose in Aberdeen.

Bump & Baby

Courtney's Shoes

Lily Rose

3 Market Square, Pinehurst thebumpandbaby.com

135 Beverly Lane, Southern Pines courtneysshoes.com

122 W. Main Street, Aberdeen jackhadden.com

Cotton & Grain

DAHR

Purple Thistle

168 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines shopcottonandgrain.com

168 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines furnitureinthepines.com

100 Magnolia Road, Suite 102, Pinehurst purplethistleshop.com

Cooper & Bailey's

Flowland

21 Chinquapin Road, Pinehurst cooperandbaileys.com

1200 N Sandhills Blvd A, Aberdeen flowland.net

34 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

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www.SandandPineMag.com | 35

( Be Inspired )

Creating Community BY CHRISTIN DAUBERT THE PANDEMIC MADE CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY HARDER. Clearly, the pandemic made pretty much everything harder. But for today, I’m just talking about this weird time we are in of trying to create our communities all over again. I’m not going to spend time reflecting on all the ways we tried to stay connected. (I honestly thought Zoom + wine + six friends all talking at once would be fun.) What I learned is that there is something about being able to look into your friend’s eyes when they are telling you about their hard day or being in a room of creative souls excited to make some art or simply chatting with the stranger next to you. I’ve always considered myself an introvert. And not in the “I want people to think I’m mysterious so I’ll call myself an introvert” kind of way. I generally identify with the 36 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

memes of people who prefer animals to humans, and get hungover from extensive social interactions. So naturally, part of me enjoyed the quiet time and the slowness of no socialization. But the caveat a lot of people misunderstand about introverts is that not all interactions drain us. And I found myself missing the connection to other creatives and the community that abruptly stopped in March of 2020. I made it through the thick of the pandemic unscathed. I know how fortunate this makes me. I also know, thanks to a great therapist, that I am someone who needs connection and a creative community. Both can be true—I can be fortunate and still have struggled. I know I’m not alone, which is why I’m writing about it. So many of us are rekindling, or possibly rebuilding, our community after two years of squidgy weirdness.

As a former military spouse, a connection felt almost instant when you met someone like you. It’s different now to randomly meet someone and grow a friendship from scratch, not sure what (if any) common ground you’ll have. Of course, I could be thinking entirely too hard about this (welcome to my world), and some of you reading might think talking to strangers is easy peasy. I envy you. I’m consciously making an effort to make friends. I feel that while it is a little weird to make friends as a grown-up, it is also thrilling to be the architect of a community you create. A new friend of mine is also a creative soul who also has a deep and true appreciation for the beauty of ordinary things. Anyone can appreciate things with apparent value or mass appeal. But I love when someone gets excited over an unusual lamp, or interesting candlestick holders. Over cocktails I talked about these funky old canisters I picked up at the Coalition. When I grab the one I’ve filled with flour, I think of the cute home baker that owned them before me, and how she made her family cakes and breads decades before they crossed my path. Every time I unscrew the lid I smile so big and feel gratitude for an old flour canister. Can you see now why I was apprehensive about making new friends? My apprehension extends to the abstract art night I host with my friend Grace (that’s right, I’ve got another friend).

Our Night with the Makers came back after a two-year hiatus at the end of May, and by the time you’re reading this, we will have had another one. I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t slightly concerned that I forgot how to do art in public. Fortunately, my day job involves singing and reading in front of babies and toddlers for story time, so I’m OK with a crowd. My biggest fear was having a community of creatives together again, and the group not enjoying what we were offering. I pleasantly discovered that everyone had a great time and so did I. Teaching little bits and pieces about abstract art left me feeling fulfilled, just like talking about my vintage flour canisters. I know it is a risk to make new friends, and put yourself out into the world, but it always turns out to be worth it in the end. I’ve learned that connecting with other creatives is mandatory for my well-being. And how lucky are we to live in a community that values and appreciates art and those who make it? Want to take part in our next Night with the Makers? Look for tickets on ticketmesandhills.com.

Share your creativity on Instagram: Hashtag #SandandPineMag. Also, go to @consciouslychristin to find Christin's work.

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www.SandandPineMag.com | 37

Parenting

IN THE

Pines

A Stubborn Streak BY AMANDA ODEN ALMOST SIX YEARS AGO, ON A WARM EVENING, SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER, my oldest child and only daughter, Bowie, decided to make her grand entrance into the world. She was a week past her due date, which to be honest was only the beginning of her doing things unapologetically on her own timeline. A prime example: When Bowie turned 2 we began potty training her. I had recently found out we were expecting another baby and the thought of doubling our diaper budget each month made me especially insistent we graduate to undies. I bought the snazziest training potty

38 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

I could find. One that had a ridiculous little handle and made flushing noises, because to this first-time mom that seemed super important. I read a ton of parenting blogs. We watched Elmo Potty Time at least a hundred times. I spent so much time sitting on the floor of our bathroom while she perched on her tiny commode that I seriously thought I might lose my mind. I bribed, I begged, and at one point I even cried. But after a year of attempted potty training with zero interest from Bowie, I gave up. I figured once she outgrew all the baby and toddler diapers, we could just put her in Depends

and I resigned myself to a lifetime of diaper duty. The week after I threw in the towel on potty training, Bowie turned 3. And I kid you not, the day after her third birthday the child woke up and said, “I want to pee on the big potty.” Then she walked in the bathroom, pushed her training potty out of the way, hoisted herself on the boring old grown-up toilet, and I swear to Beyonce, she hasn’t worn a diaper or had a single accident since! Ditto with refusing her afternoon nap, being weaned from breastfeeding, sleeping through the night in her own bed and putting her shoes on when I ask. She’s difficult and stubborn and then

I was sad she felt she was missing out and worried she might somehow fall behind, but was secretly kind of happy to have one more year with her at home every day. This year, though, it’s the real deal and she’s actually going to kindergarten! We just got Bowie’s school supply list and I was excited to take her school shopping. Bowie will be attending a private school and the uniform dress code is pretty strict. They do this, presumably, because it’s less distracting for the students and supposedly easier for the parents. The only thing is, Bowie hates being told what to wear. The child has a style all her own and has never

I figured once she outgrew all the baby and toddler diapers, we could just put her in Depends and I resigned myself to a lifetime of diaper duty. The week after I threw in the towel on potty training, Bowie turned 3. And I kid you not, the day after her third birthday ... suddenly, when she’s ready, and not a second before, she’s an easygoing delight. It’s amazing, albeit a bit scary sometimes! This year my tiny tyrant is starting kindergarten and I am a bit beside myself. We had enrolled her in pre-K just before her 4th birthday and then the Covid-19 pandemic threw a wrench in that plan. Then the following year we tried to enroll her in kindergarten only to find out, because of her mid-September birthday, she was not eligible to enroll in kindergarten, missing the enrollment cutoff by just seven days. Bowie was pretty upset to be missing out on another year of school and it probably wasn’t helpful to mention that if she had just been born on her actual due date, and not seven days overdue, she would have just made the enrollment deadline.

seen a sequin she didn’t like. The resistance started with shoes. Dress code called for entirely white or black athletic shoes. She wanted pink light-up shoes and pouted at the plain white sneakers we had to select. After shoes were socks. I thought she’d be most comfortable in ankle socks, but Bowie insisted on knee-highs and didn’t care that it would still be 90 degrees out when school starts. She requested a lunch box shaped like a donut with big googly eyes. It didn’t look big enough to hold more than a bag of chips and certainly wouldn’t fit a bento box and water bottle. I made her go with something a bit more functional and I was sad to see her scowling at me from across the aisle. Truthfully, neither of us was having

a good time. I didn’t want to be the fun police and would have rather got her all the stuff she wanted because I love watching her express herself. But rules are rules and this dress code and supply list seem pretty specific. I don’t want to set her up for failure on her first day. Last was a backpack. I suggested something sturdy and classic. One she could use for a few years. Bowie immediately gravitated to a rainbow sparkle backpack covered in sequins and unicorns. “Please mom, can I get this one?” It was quite possibly the busiest looking backpack I’d ever seen, but I could tell by the way she was clutching

... the child woke up and said, “I want to pee on the big potty.”

it that she really loved it. I frantically scrolled the school supply list and did not see A SINGLE RULE about her backpack! “Sure baby, if you really love it, put it in the cart ….” On the way home from the store Bowie insisted on holding her new backpack in her lap for the entire ride. “You know, mom,” she said, “I love this backpack sooo much! I really didn’t think you were going to let me get it. You said no about every other thing I picked out.” Sometimes, I suppose, I too can be difficult and stubborn and then suddenly, when I’m ready and not a second before, I can be an easygoing delight.

www.SandandPineMag.com | 39

$ Moolah S H E R E E L A N CA S T E R

S TA R O F T H E P I N E S W E A LT H M A N AG E M E N T

College Costs GONE (ALMOST) ARE THE DAYS OF GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE, getting an entry-level position and working your way to the top. Even for those with a path to success by way of a trade school, you will still need to fund that higher education. So, how will you pay for it? When should you start saving? How much is enough? What if you save too much? Each situation is different, of course, but there’s one tip everyone should follow: Start early, know your desired path and make savings a habit. Your future you will thank you! And yes, children are our future, but let’s not plan for them to support your future income needs. First things first, do not plan to use your retirement assets for your children’s higher education costs. You 40 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

will need those funds for your retirement income. Instead, plan it out and get to work. There are a number of different account types that a parent or family member can establish to begin saving for a child’s (beneficiary’s) future education. They come in all shapes and sizes, meaning they have different features and benefits. Let’s go over a couple and discuss just a few of the pros and cons of each. 529 Plans Pros: All the withdrawals from these accounts that are for education purposes are taken tax-free. Yup, even the amount that is investment earnings. Thirdparty contributions are accepted. That means literally anyone can contribute to a child’s plan—even nonfamily members. The plans are transferable from one beneficiary to another, so one child to the next or even

to parents who want to further their education. There are no age limits on these plans. Your contributions grow over time because it’s an investment account. Cons: These are state-specific plans. Meaning, depending on the plan you select and/or the state where you live, the rules will be different. This can include any tax benefit on contributions and the annual allowable contribution amount. Additionally, if you take money back out of a 529 plan for general purposes (not education-related) you could possibly pay a 10 percent government penalty and income taxes. Side note: Folks can invest in plans from other states. For example, a North Carolina resident can purchase a Virginia-based plan. This allows for specific features of state plans to be used, if they are more suitable than the resident state. Look for plans specific to North Carolina at cfnc.org/save-for-college. If you want some help in determining the state plan that is the best fit for your needs, contact a financial advisor. Education Savings Account Pros: Besides tuition and fees, funds can be used for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses along with qualified higher education expenses. This Pro was expanded in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to 529 plans as well. These accounts also become tax-deferred or free when withdrawals are used for education expenses. Your contributions grow over time because it’s an investment account. Cons: Except for special needs children, no contributions can be made after a child reaches age 18, and withdrawals must be made before the beneficiary reaches age 30. There are both lower contribution limits and a maximum income limit with these accounts. Therefore, not everyone can benefit from owning one. Custodial Account Pros: No limit on contribution amount AND no restrictions on types of expenses. These can be used to save for many future expenses, not just education. No penalties on withdrawals, no investment restrictions and no income limits or phase-outs. Cons: The owner is the child’s custodian until the child reaches age of majority. Age is restricted to minor children only. That means your child will

“

If you’re thinking of being that scholarship hunter for your child (and you probably should), it’s a myth your child will lose all the savings or not be eligible for a scholarship because of savings.

become the account owner at age of maturity. These accounts offer little to no tax benefits. So, you see there are options! And saving even a small amount each month, systematically, can have a significant helpful impact on a child’s future education costs. There are many generic calculators available online to illustrate the power of savings over time. It is always best to talk with a financial advisor to help determine what level of savings and risk is suitable for your specific needs and goals. Also, if you’re thinking of being that scholarship hunter for your child (and you probably should), it’s a myth your child will lose all the savings or not be eligible for a scholarship because of savings. How amazing would it be to cover additional expenses or even that graduate school bill just because you saved up and planned? If your education costs might include Federal Student Aid (FSA), contact me and I’ll send you a two-pager from one of our many mutual fund partners titled Understanding the effects of income and savings on financial aid. Want a more detailed outline and the source of some of the data above? FINRA.org has a College Savings Comparison Chart at finra. org/investors/learn-to-invest/typesinvestments/saving-for-education/collegesavings-comparison-chart. As always, when searching and researching on the internet, be mindful of the source. There are a lot of “sales” tactics and misinformation out there! Remember: Start early, know your desired path, make savings a habit and your future you will thank you! Affiliated with Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC. Securities offered through Capital Investment Group, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, 100 E. Six Forks Road, Ste. 200, Raliegh, NC 27609 919.831.2370

SP www.SandandPineMag.com | 41

Live

Aberdeen

The Neon Rooster

Mamma •Molasses,

Sept. 16 The Neon Rooster Aberdeen

Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m. Tim Wilson

114 Knight Street theneonrooster.com

Saturday, August 27, 10 a.m. Eryn Jones Fuson

Thursday, August 4, 7 p.m. Blues Jam – Open Mic

Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. Matt Foley

Saturday, August 6, 8 p.m. Blue Cactus + Sean Trischka Trio

Jefferson Inn

Saturday, August 13, 8 p.m. Skaters for Moore Benefit

150 W. New Hampshire Avenue jeffersoninnsouthernpines.com

Sunday, August 21, 2 p.m. TEAM WORKZ Benefit in Memory of Dalvin Harris

Every Wednesday, 7 p.m. SoPines Sessions

Saturday, Sept. 3, 8 p.m. Kenny George Band Friday, Sept. 16, 8 p.m. Mamma Molasses and Friends

•

Sunday, Sept. 25, 3 p.m. Clint Park & Rye Davis

Carthage

Every Thursday, 8 p.m. Karaoke Night Saturday, August 6, 9 p.m. Chase Mitchell Friday, August 12, 9 p.m. Those 2 Dudes Saturday, August 13, 9 p.m. John Teal

Maness Pottery and Music Barn

Friday, August 19, 9 p.m. Avenue 133

24 / 27, 6 miles west of Carthage facebook.com/clydemaness

Saturday, August 20, 9 p.m. Chase Mitchell

Every Tuesday, 6 p.m., Free Live bluegrass, country and gospel music

•

Saturday, August 26, 9 p.m. Kevin Regan Band Saturday, August 27, 9 p.m. Jill Charles

Legends Bar & Grill 1113 Old US Hwy 1 facebook.com/legendssop Every Monday, 9 p.m. Karaoke

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad Street sunrisetheater.com

Friday, August 5, 5 p.m. First Friday - Dangermuffin

•

Friday, Sept. 2, 5 p.m. First Friday - Circus No. 9

Pinehurst Dugan’s Pub 2 Market Square duganspub.net Every Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m. Live music

Live After 5

Southern Pines

Tufts Memorial Park vopnc.org

Music in the Park

Downtown Southern Pines southernpines.net

Friday, August 12, 5:15 p.m. Bounce

Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m. Mary Stone

Friday, Sept. 9, 5:15 p.m. The Castaways

Saturday, August 13, 10 a.m. Kristi Dixon

Dates and times subject to change. Check directly with event organizers before making plans.

Photographs courtesy of the artists

42 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

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www.SandandPineMag.com | 43

e Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fl Who’s your hero? Parents who give their kids the best version of themselves. What makes you laugh most? A good dad joke … and a bad dad joke. I have so much appreciation for both! What book do you recommend? Right now, I’m obsessed with a poet who goes by the pseudonym Atticus. It’s poetry for an old soul threaded with reminders that mistakes are lessons and failures provide opportunities. What was the last TV show you binge watched? Ozark—OMG, Wendy Byrde is so scary! What’s something we would be surprised to learn about you? I play the guitar and piano daily. I also find great joy in working my way through a math textbook, especially trigonometry materials. Do you live by any piece of advice or motto? As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good. – Maya Angelou What’s your biggest irrational fear? Wearing socks on hardwood. It’s just dangerous for people who naturally walk fast! What’s your most controversial opinion about something mundane? Google is better than Apple. I considered not speaking to my brother at Christmas one year because he switched to an iPhone. Go-to cocktail? May I have a beer, please? What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? How to transfer from a community college to a 4-year college or university and why it is a wise decision.

Taylor McCaskill

Director of Academic Support Initiatives Sandhills Community College

Hangin' Out

(so we're droppin' in)

Pineland Prop.

Launch Party

The Islands

6.23.22

Pinehurst

7.15.22

Southern Pines

www.SandandPineMag.com | 45

Puzzles

LOKI'S BROTHER IS A TROUBLEMAKER

DIFFICULT

Place numbers into the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains each of the digits 1 to 9. No guessing is needed. EASY

Across 1. Noah's vessel 4. Portico 8. Court 11. Lively dance 12. Lamb 13. Sweet potatoes 14. Shoemaker 16. Wall painting 17. Rotational speed 18. Bullfighter 19. He lived in a whale 22. Distance downwards 23. Wrongfully assist 24. Elegance 25. Be indebted 28. Outfit 29. Rot 30. U-turn (Colloq) 31. Meadow 32. Large trees 33. Russian emperor 34. Chores 36. White poplar tree 37. Lives 39. Two

40. Timid 41. Membranous 45. Fat 46. Cosy corner 47. Sum 48. Printer's measures 49. Monster 50. Obese Down 1. Australian Jockey Club (Abbr) 2. - de Janeiro 3. Russian secret police 4. Graceful woman 5. Abound 6. Paddle 7. Prefix meaning without 8. Storage building 9. - Khayyam 10. Capital of Norway 13. Mongol tent 15. Impudent child 16. Glum 18. U.S. State. Capital Austin 19. Medieval Scandinavian

chieftain 20. Off-Broadway theater award 21. Reverse image photos 22. Eiders 24. Loses water 26. Welt 27. Australian explorer 29. Administered medicine to 33. Type of automatic gear selector (1-3) 35. Entrance 36. Woke up 37. Church recess 38. Children's book author 39. Norse god of thunder 41. Gear wheel 42. Clumsy person 43. Highest mountain in Crete 44. Once common, now banned, insecticide 46. Negative vote

WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK Ladderword puzzles are like crosswords but with a twist. The words in the middle column are anagrams of the words of the first column. The words in the last column are anagrams of the middle column plus one additional letter. The anchor words (the down clues) are related by a common theme. Across 1. Mountain ridge 3. Beating device 5. Discounted 6. Shop 7. Tourist spot 8. Fraudulent manipulators of

the system 9. Standards 10. Kidnap demand 11. Rower 12. Skin disease of animals 13. Puzzle 14. Envisage

15. Incursions 16. Arabian currency 17. Entrails Down 2. Centre of intelligence 4. Sap

Puzzle answers found on SandandPineMag.com 46 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

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www.SandandPineMag.com | 47

Last Word Wait, What? If you think your kids (or your friends, parents and spouses, for that matter) can’t focus and pay attention, there is increasing research affirming those suspicions. Microsoft conducted a study analyzing attention spans between 2000 (when the mobile technology era began) and 2015. The study found, on average, our attention spans have shrunk by 4 seconds, from 12 to 8 seconds. This diminishing attentiveness can be directly attributed to technology that offers constant stimulation, and the need for visual engagement, particularly among millennials who have grown up in the mobile-tech world. In fact, humans living in technology-advanced societies now have shorter attention spans than goldfish, who can concentrate for up to 9 seconds. But while we can blame a lot on millennials, we can’t blame it all. On average, an office worker will check their email inbox 30 times an hour and the average user of a smart phone will pick it up more than 1,500 times per week. And studies have shown the average webpage visit lasts no more than 20 seconds. There is an argument within scientific circles on the validity of measuring attention spans. Dr. Gemma Briggs, a psychology professor at Open University in England, believes attention spans are “task-dependent” and it’s impossible to create an average because of too many variables. “How much attention we apply to a task will vary depending on what the task demand is,” she says in an online article on bbc.com. “We’ve got a wealth of information in our heads about what normally happens in given situations, what we can expect. And those expectations and our experience

48 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE August/September 2022

directly mold what we see and how we process information in any given time.” It doesn’t take a scientific study or psychologist, however, to recognize that human interaction has been altered by mobile technologies. One would be hard pressed to find someone who has not experienced a distracted listener— scrolling through their smart watch, checking the text ping on their phone or having their computer open for some online shopping during a meeting. The inherent rudeness of these actions aside, they are all rooted in a lack of presence. All of us have an ability to change these behaviors but, as with all habits, it will take effort. Experts say the first thing you can do to help get your attention span above the goldfish is practice “whole body listening,” where you make a conscious effort to keep your body language still and your eyes focused on the speaker. Basically, just listen. Exercises that can help with this are listening to music or a podcast for a half-hour without any other form of technology within reach and meditation. Or you can go the way of the late journalist Herb Caen: “I sometimes worry about my short attention span, but not for long ....”

Photo: Kelsey Nelson Photography

120 West Main Street, Aberdeen, NC 28315 | 910.944.1071 | www.JackHadden.com

BEST DARN WINGS! What makes our wings so darn good? Legends never uses frozen wings, we make our own sauce from scratch, and we grow our own peppers. Stop in anytime between noon and 2 am for lunch, snacks or comfort food. Try one of our daily drink specials, a microbrew, or local brewery beer. When the weather is nice, sit out on the outdoor patio. There’s nothing more satisfying than going to your favorite neighborhood bar and grill for some good ole comfort food, friendly folks and lots of fun.

Celebrating our 10 year anniversary, Legends of Southern Pines provides friendly fun in spades! Watch your favorite sport on seven different TVs, play on one of four dartboards, shoot 8 ball on one of two pool tables, or join a World Tavern poker game. We even offer live music on the weekends!

1113 Old US Rt. 1, Southern Pines 910.692.6170 /LegendsSOP LUNCH, SNACKS OR COMFORT FOOD / DAILY DRINK SPECIALS / DARTS, BILLIARDS, POKER / LIVE MUSIC ON WEEKENDS / OPEN NOON-2AM

August/September 2022 Sand & Pine Magazine

Articles inside

Parenting in the Pines

Be Inspired

Beer Matters

Puzzles

Quicksand

Shop Local

Moolah