Asheboro Magazine Issue 107

ISSUE 107 | FREE

ASHEBORO

MAGAZINE

ASHEBORO ORAL SURGERY

we’re ready when you are Wake Forest Baptist Health looks forward to welcoming you back. As we resume surgeries and in-person care, our promise is to keep you safe, healthy and COVID-19-protected.

Following the advice of our Infectious Disease experts, we are: • Practicing social distancing in all of our clinic locations.

• Minimizing wait times in common areas.

• Asking our patients to join all providers and clinic staff in wearing masks and providing masks upon arrival.

• Limiting visitors, with few exceptions.

• Cleaning our facilities following strict sanitation protocols.

• Conducting screenings for COVID-19 symptoms— for our providers and for you upon arrival.

• Providing COVID-19 testing for all patients undergoing surgery.

• Offering expanded access to virtual visits via phone or video.

• Staffing ten designated respiratory assessment clinics for patients with COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, separate from regular clinic locations.

Christopher Ohl, MD Infectious Disease Specialist

care for life For more information, visit WakeHealth.edu/GetCare.

To schedule an appointment, call 888-716-WAKE. 2 | asheboromagazine.com

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In-Home Care Services for the Aged and Disabled asheboromagazine.com | 3

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Publisher

Sherry B. Johnson sherry@asheboroandmore.com

Founder & CEO

David A. Johnson dave@1644Media.com

Medicare Advantage Plan

Contributors

Ryan Dodson, Karla Brun Megan Crotty, Ashley Monninger Nick McNeill, Mary Murkin Micki Bare

For advertising, contact:

Sherry Johnson sherry@asheboroandmore.com

Located in the heart of North Carolina, HealthTeam Advantage is a Medicare Advantage plan with all the benefits and services you might expect, plus so much more.

Local. Reliable. Accessible.

IN THIS ISSUE Asheboro Oral Surgery

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REGULARS

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6/6/2019 5:14:20 PM

Ask the Experts

12

Citizen Journalism

14

Community News

18

At the YMCA

22

#GirlBoss Feature

24

Fiction

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Disclaimer: The paid advertisements contained within Asheboro Magazine are not endorsed or recommended by the Publisher.

Therefore, neither party may be held liable for the business practices of these companies. Copyright 2020

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Publisher’s COMMUNITY Letter NEWS

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or a number of years, there has been a growing problem with opioid abuse. It’s on the news, we’ve seen it in our own homes, and in our own families. It’s understandable in some cases, you have a major surgery with lots of pain and the doctor prescribes a pain medicine. You feel better, but you need more and more to keep the chronic pain at bay. Then that leads to finding other drugs that will give you that same good feeling and by then, in some cases, it’s too late. Many doctors and dentists have become hesitant to prescribe narcotics, and have searched for viable alternatives to these highly addictive substances.

Our cover story this month, Dr. Stefan Simoncic has found a great alternative. With one injection, the pain medication works to numb the site, and keeps working for three to four days, by which time, in most cases, you will be pain-free, or just need an over-the-counter medication to combat any lingering pain you might have. It can be used for many types of surgeries, safely and effectively. This is great news for anyone who needs any type of dental surgery! Check out the story on page 8.

What do you do when you are quarantined in a foreign country? Karla Brun was teaching abroad in Spain when the Coronavirus hit there. Everything was shut down and no one was allowed to leave their homes except to go grocery shopping. Far from home, stranded and quarantined in a foreign country - read her story on page 14.

Kids are going back to school this month - some will attend classes in person, others will be remote learning for the first few weeks and then hopefully going back to in-person classes in a few weeks.

This generation of students is facing something that none of us have ever had to go through. Please check in with your kids. Talk to them and make sure they are doing okay. This is new territory for all of us and I can say unequivocally that even though I am a very positive person, this virus and situation in our country has got me down. FInd something that can help distract them from the negativity going on around us. With no in-person classes, 6 | asheboromagazine.com

no sports, no meeting friends at the mall or the movies, these are very hard times for our children and we need to be there for them, now more than ever. The Randolph-Asheboro YMCA offers many programs that can help. Check out their website today for ideas and programs. For me, working in my garden helps tremendously - being out in the sunshine and enjoying the beauty of nature.

I hope this issue finds you safe, healthy and making the most of your summer. Until next month, stay healthy and Happy Reading,

Sherry

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A member of the

Asheboro Oral Surgery

D

r. Stefan Simoncic has a Masters in Cardiovascular Disorders and Honors Biology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. He has a Bachelor’s in Education from Lakehead University at Thunder Bay, and he completed his dental training at the University of Maryland in 2002. In his third year of dental school, he visited North Carolina and fell in with the area and the people. When he finished his degree, he chose to receive his Graduate Practice Residency at Carolinas Medical Center and practiced general dentistry in Charlotte for many years.

He graduated as an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon from the University of Rochester and the Eastman Institute for Oral Health in 2009. He then returned to North Carolina because he felt it was a good Christian place to raise a family, with good schools and it reminded him of the area he grew

8 | asheboromagazine.com

up in Canada He worked as an oral surgeon for a dental practice with 20 locations in North Carolina, and as he traveled extensively between them, he got to see the state. He could have chosen to go anywhere, but he chose to settle in the Piedmont and so a short two years later, he built his first practice in High Point, NC and became a successful, respected member of the Triad dental community.

He purchased the existing practice of Dr. Rabe, who retired shortly after due to health reasons. Today, Dr. Simoncic has three thriving practices with an excellent, dedicated staff of 20, who maintain a high level of quality care for their patients, across the Piedmont Triad.

“Our number one goal is high quality care and patient satisfaction.”

Due to his experience in general dentistry coupled with his practice as an Oral &

Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Simoncic has a unique perspective from both restorative and surgical aspects of dentistry. He specializes in dental implants and has experience in areas such as total mouth rehabilitation and CT guided implant placement. He has seen a growing problem in the past few years with the abuse of opioids prescribed after surgery. Dr. Simoncic is committed to ending the scourge of opioid abuse that has been devastating our families and communities. “Are there alternatives to opioids?�

Asking the opioid question is the easiest step you can take to achieve pain control while reducing opioid use. There is a way to manage post-surgical pain with fewer or no opioids. EXPAREL is a singledose infiltration that provides significant longlasting pain control in an effort to reduce the use of

opioids during post-surgical pain.

How it Works EXPAREL is a revolutionary nerve blocking injection that is done soon after a dental operation.

It starts controlling pain during surgery, so that your recovery can begin immediately. With only one dose, administered by the dentist, it provides pain control for the first three to four days after surgery, when you need it most, by numbing the area where your surgery was performed. It works only at the surgical site, unlike opioids which affect your entire body and clinical trials show that patients who received EXPAREL have less need for opioids. Since it is not a narcotic, you can perform your normal duties without worry. You can operate a motor vehicle, and many people are able to return to work faster because of their comfort level. asheboromagazine.com | 9

Simoncic practices a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal.

He can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries and TMJ disorders, and perform a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures. Dr. Simoncic built a state-of-the-art facility that just opened in June 2018 in Asheboro, and he is excited about bringing this facility, the first of its kind to the area. He has the latest technology and techniques available in oral surgery from 3D X-rays to online referrals.

DENTAL IMPLANTS Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Dental implants are changing the way people live. With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life.

WISDOM TEETH Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly, and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow

10 | asheboromagazine.com

sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is needed when jaws do not meet correctly and/ or teeth do not fit with jaws. Corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws improving

facial appearance and ensuring that teeth meet correctly and function properly. People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite, or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Click here to find out more about corrective jaw surgery.

Patients come to him many ways, referrals from local dentists, walk-ins based on his excellent reputation and word of mouth from satisfied patients. With the new 311 Bypass, patients easily travel from Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Pinehurst to see him in Asheboro. He offers same day treatment, which is a huge benefit in this busy world we live in when you have taken time off to visit the dentist not to have to schedule an additional day and time. They offer in-network insurance, and Care Credit financing options.

In addition to his thriving practice, Dr. Simoncic donates a portion of his time with a local organization who helps prisoners integrate back into the work force by offering them free dental care. He volunteers on the Baptists Dental Bus, who offer free dental care to rural communities in North Carolina. He loves being able to help people with their dental care who fall through the cracks and do not have insurance.

Dr. Simoncic and his wife live in the Piedmont, and have three children, all of whom are currently attending High Point University studying Pharmacy, Design and Biology.

To learn more about EXPAREL, dental procedures, ask a question, or anything else dental related, be sure to call the office and one of their friendly staff members will be there to assist you at (336) 626-9989 or visit the website at www. asheborooralsurgery.com. The Asheboro office is located at 511 S Fayetteville Street.

asheboromagazine.com | 11

Ask the COMMUNITY expert Taxes NEWS

POPULAR TAX CREDITS AND DEDUCTIONS FOR SENIORS AND RETIREES IF YOU’RE 50 OR OLDER, YOU HAVE MANY GREAT OPTIONS FOR REDUCING YOUR FEDERAL TAX BILL

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or many seniors, enjoying your golden years in comfort means continually finding better, more effective ways to manage your budget and maximize how far your money will go.

And by knowing which tax breaks you’re eligible for, you’re in a much better position to lower your federal tax burden and get the most out of your retirement dollar.

Here’s a look at six popular tax credits and deductions for seniors and retirees this tax season.

1. Bigger standard deduction 2017’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) nearly doubled the standard deduction, leaving many Americans littleto-no incentive to itemize at tax time. But for those 65 and older, that deduction climbs up even higher, making it even less beneficial for many seniors to list and claim expenses on this year’s return.

Once you turn 65, the IRS increases your standard deduction (if you file Single) from $12,200 to $13,850, a $1,650 bump taking a potentially huge chunk out of

your 2019 tax burden. And if you’re married and you’re both over 65, that increase amounts to $2,600 ($1,300 per spouse), a sizable tax advantage that can really save you money.

What’s more: the standard deduction for seniors over 65 is even larger next year, growing to $14,050 for single filers in 2020.

2. Charitable deductions Giving to charity can pay off no matter what age you are. And for retirees and seniors looking to minimize their tax bill, charitable contributions can provide a powerful opportunity to reduce your taxable income and take the bite out of this year’s return.

If you donated cash to qualified organizations during the 2019 tax year, you can itemize and deduct those contributions up to 60% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). When it comes to donated property other than cash, you can usually deduct the fair market value of those contributions from your 2019 federal income tax return.

Ryan Dodson has a Masters in Accounting from North Carolina State University. He worked in public accounting with Deloitte and Arthur Andersen. He and his wife Tiffany own and operate Liberty Tax Service.

405 East Dixie Drive•Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 629-4700 12 | asheboromagazine.com

Note: Federal tax deductions for donations like cars and boats are generally limited to the proceeds from their sale by the charity itself. This applies when the value you claimed is $500 or more.

3. Tax Credit for the Elderly Among the most popular tax credits for seniors and retirees is the Tax Credit for the Elderly or Disabled.

Ranging between $3,750 and $7,500 in value, this credit can be great for wiping some or all your 2019 tax bill.

To qualify for the Tax Credit for the Elderly, you must be: • 65 or older, or • Retired on permanent and total disability and the recipient of taxable disability income in 2019 Additionally, your 2019 AGI or total nontaxable Social Security and disability income must fall under certain limits, including: • $12,500 if you’re married, file a separate return and lived apart from your spouse throughout the year • $17,500 if you file as single, head of household or qualifying widow(er) • $20,000 if you are married but only one spouse is eligible for the credit • $25,000 when you file a joint return As tax credits for seniors go, the Tax Credit for the Elderly or Disabled offers one of the best opportunities to limit your taxes and keep more of your money.

4. Medical expenses Medical and dental care costs often make up one of the biggest expenses for seniors and retirees. Luckily, many of those costs may be tax deductible on your 2019 return, including what you pay for health insurance premiums, long-term care insurance, prescription drugs and more.

If you’re 65 or older and itemize your return, expenses ranging from hearing aids and wheelchairs to in-home nursing care and prescription supplements may be used to reduce your taxes once they exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income. So, if your AGI totaled $40,000 in 2019, all eligible healthcare costs paid beyond the first $3,000 can be deducted from your taxes—a potentially huge savings on this year’s tax bill.

Depending on your income, costs and tax situation, medical expenses may be one of those tax deductions for seniors you can’t afford to overlook before filing your return.

5. Small Business Expenses If you’re retired or semi-retired and still run your own business, deducting business expenses can be a good way to lower your taxes and optimize your 2019 return.

Whether you’re running the flower shop down the street or working as a part-time consultant for a former employer, it costs money to operate your business. And what you pay for things like business travel, equipment

and home office utilities can be turned into tax deductions that reduce your taxable business income and tax burden at the end of the year.

What’s more: if you’ve lost money from your business in 2019, you may be able to deduct that loss for other income, such as retirement income (your local tax pro can help you determine if this is possible).

6. Low-income return exemption Though not exactly a tax credit or deduction for seniors, the low-income return exemption can provide a bit of relief for those in low-income households, eliminating a potential source of stress and financial strain for many 65 and older.

By law, married couples who meet the age threshold and make under $27,000 (not including Social Security) aren’t required to file a federal income tax return, while seniors with one spouse younger than 65 don’t have to file when that total is under $25,700. Single individuals over 65 with an income under $13,850 also qualify for the low-income return exemption.

Need help finding the best tax credits and deductions for seniors?

We’re here for you.

At Liberty Tax®, we’re committed to helping you find the tax credits, deductions and solutions you need to minimize your tax bill and maximize your retirement budget.

Our tax prep pros dig deep to identify the tax breaks that provide the most benefit for your unique tax situation and put you in the best position for success.

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asheboromagazine.com | 13

COMMUNITY Citizen Journalism NEWS

QUARANTINE IN SPAIN

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n September 2019, I packed up or sold all of my belongings, said ‘see you later’ to my loved ones and moved 4,000 miles across the globe to Madrid, Spain.

I have always longed to wander around the world and it was an experience that I looked forward to for a long time, to travel, learn and explore the world. I was accepted into the CIEE Teach Abroad program in Madrid, Spain, and was contracted to teach from October to July.

Our mission through the program was to bring the kids in the bilingual schools an authentic conversational knowledge of the English language. I worked sixteen hours a week, four days a week, and had every Monday off. I worked with second through sixth graders in a primary school in a small village on the outskirts of Madrid. Every day I would have conversations with the kids one on one, in other classes I would assist with oral exams, and sometimes I would just play games with them in English. Every holiday I was to give a presentation about the specific American traditions. I enjoyed working at the school very much.

But more than anything I loved having the long weekends because I could travel a lot with my three roommates, who were also American girls in the CIEE program. We explored all of Madrid’s wonders, the museums with their rich history, the streets teaming with character, and the beautiful Spanish culture.

We spent many weekends traveling to Toledo, Avila, Salamanca, and Valencia. In November, my mom came to visit and I showed her all around Madrid.

In December, we adventured to Portugal and toured Lisbon, Sintra, and Oporto. During our Christmas break, my roommate and I took a Euro trip and we got to explore Berlin in Germany, Prague in the Czech Republic, and Vienna in Austria. In January, we went to London,

14 | asheboromagazine.com

by Karla Brun England.

February was a month dedicated to exploring more of Madrid and celebrating birthdays. Our last trip was to Tenerife in the Canary Islands during the famous Carnaval, known as one of the biggest celebrations in the world. And that it was, Carnaval was a huge celebration in all the streets of the city in Tenerife.

Everyone dresses up in costumes and the days were filled with parades and concerts.

I had many more adventures lined up, my aunt and cousin were planning a visit in April and we were going to go to Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. My sister was also going to come and stay with me for the entire summer, but all our plans were brought to a screeching halt due to Covid-19.

Covid-19 hit Spain in early March. By mid-March, Spain, and especially Madrid became the epicenters and hot spots of the virus. Everything in Spain began to change daily and every day the numbers of infected people would sky rocket. It was expected that 90% of

the population in Madrid would be infect with the virus.

The first places that were shut down were the schools. Very quickly after that, everything else was shut down in Spain and the restrictions became more severe. By the end of March Spain was in full lockdown.

We were not allowed to leave our apartment aside from the essentials. We were only allowed to leave our apartments to go to the grocery stores, doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. At first I was okay with the shut down, I looked at it as a time to do everything that I had put off. I worked online with my school, tutored

asheboromagazine.com | 15

online, read a lot, did a lot of art, and most importantly I wrote. I wrote so much that I was finally able to complete the novel I had been working on for years.

But as the days went by, quarantine sunk in and I couldn’t see the end of this pandemic happening any time soon. The restrictions weren’t getting lifted and two of my roommates decided to return home to the US. I stuck it out though, for as long as I could. It became hard to be optimistic and the more I talked to my friends and family I knew the best thing for me to do was to return home.

Returning home was not an easy decision to make. I felt sad, angry, and felt robbed of an experience I dreamt of having all my life. It felt so unfair. But when I looked at the rest of the world, I knew that Covid-19 wasn’t just affecting me, but affecting every single person in one way or another, all around the world.

Borders began closing and it became hard to find flights from Spain back home. Luckily, with many calls back and forth with the embassy and the airlines I found a flight on May 15th. Yes, that is right, I was quarantined in a tiny apartment with only my roommate 4,000 miles away from home from March to mid-May. I had a flight from Madrid to Dallas and then from Dallas to Charlotte.

I was to wear my face mask the entire nine-hour flight and I had a twelve-hour layover in Dallas. It was quite a long trip. As soon as we landed we had a screening in Dallas. Medics asked us specific questions regarding the virus. Arriving to Charlotte was weird too, the only people that could pick me up from the airport were my parents. I was to quarantine in my room for fourteen days. For fourteen days I was waiting, eager to see all my family and friends and when the time came and I knew I was healthy I finally shared moments with everyone that I missed so much while I was away.

It wasn’t easy, but I take the entire experience as an important lesson that has changed my life. From September to the middle of May moving to Spain was unforgettable and even though it had some unexpected twists and turns I am thankful for the experience.

We have all been affected by this pandemic and it is scary in so many ways. It makes us feel emotions that we may not know how to deal with at times. And where does the world go from here? As hard as it may be to stay positive and optimistic, especially when the future holds so many unknowns, being optimistic is the best thing we can do.

We must take care of ourselves, not just for us but for everyone around us and hopefully by doing so things will get better. I remain optimistic that I will return to Spain again and continue my passion of traveling soon.

16 | asheboromagazine.com

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COMMUNITY News

RANDOLPH PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN AWARDED THINK BABIES™ NC MICRO GRANT FUNDS WILL ENGAGE PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN ADVOCACY EFFORTS

R

andolph Partnership for Children (RPC) Executive Director Lisa Hayworth announced on July 20 the agency was one of ten selected to receive a Think Babies™ NC micro grant from the NC Early Education Coalition with support from ZERO TO THREE. “We are very excited about the opportunity to continue to expand the Think Babies™ NC initiative with our new and ongoing community partners,” Coalition Policy Director Michele Rivest said. “We know that these committed advocates will raise awareness of the challenges facing babies and families—before, during and after this crisis—and together we will advance solutions in local communities and throughout North Carolina.”

RPC’s project was funded for $2,000 to work with eight parents who currently have at least one infant or toddler in the home. The parents will work to identify issues and then articulate their concerns and ideas to at least five elected officials through a letter-writing campaign and follow-up.

According to the project narrative, RPC’s intent is to help parents become more comfortable interacting with elected officials as well as voicing the concerns and issues that impact them, especially in regards to children birth to 3 years old. Through letter writing, follow-up calls, and virtual interaction, RPC hopes to not only build confidence and skills, but to also encourage participants to serve as an example and mentor among their peers.

“More than 4,000 infants and toddlers reside in Randolph County. About 1 in 4 live in poverty and deal with food insecurity. With the rapid increase in unemployment, decline in child care availability, and barriers reducing early intervention services due to the pandemic, there has never been a more critical time for leadership to understand and help families with young children,” Hayworth said. “We are honored to have the opportunity to support families amplify their voice on behalf of their children.”

This project will be implemented through the Randolph County Family Engagement and Leadership Coalition, which includes representation from Archdale Police

Department, Regional Consolidated Services Head Start, Communities in Schools, and the Faith Community. The Coalition is an implementation team of Randolph ChAMPS, which is a collaborative group of community leaders in the early childhood space. Members include representatives from Randolph County Commissioners, Randolph County Social Services, Randolph County Public Health, Randolph County School System, Children’s Developmental Services Agency, Communities in Schools, Regional Consolidated Services Head Start, Randolph Health Pediatrics, Daymark Recovery Services, Uwharrie Charter Academy, Randolph County Public Libraries, Child Care Centers, and Randolph Partnership for Children.

About the Randolph Partnership for Children: Since 1999, the Randolph Partnership for Children (RPC), a non-profit organization, has been the community’s lead organization for young children and their families. RPC brings together diverse agencies, individuals, organizations and communities to ensure all children enter school ready to succeed. RPC is a United Way agency. For more information, visit www.randolphkids.org.

Think Babies™ is a trademark of ZERO TO THREE, a national organization launched in 1977 to ensure all babies get a strong start in life. asheboromagazine.com | 18

RCC ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR FALL SEMESTER

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andolph Community College’s Fall 2020 curriculum semester will start Monday, Aug. 17, as originally scheduled with courses being offered through an alternate delivery where possible and practical during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As always, the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff are our highest priority as we work through a phased-in approach to reopening our campuses,” RCC President Dr. Robert S. Shackleford said. “The decision has been made with the latest data and guidance from state and local public health officials and will enable us to maximize student progress while minimizing risks and spread within the College.”

On campus, face coverings are required for students, faculty, and staff to protect the safety of others. Social distancing guidelines will be in place. The College’s guidelines for face coverings are as follows: • A face covering must be worn in indoor public areas or while meeting with others, if social distancing cannot be maintained.

• A face covering must be worn while outside, if social distancing cannot be maintained.

• If anyone in a group thinks the social distancing isn’t adequate, masks must be worn. Anyone, at any time, has the right to say, “I would feel more comfortable if we wore masks,” without any further discussion or recrimination.

RCC’s campuses will be closed to the public except for programs that involve client services such as Cosmetology

and Therapeutic Massage, and outside groups will not be allowed to meet in RCC spaces until further notice.

Students should regularly check Moodle, their RCC email, and the College’s website for information regarding their courses. Instructors will communicate with students regarding their specific courses and the alternative course delivery.

RCC has several programs that are offered 100 percent online, including Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Accounting & Finance, Business Administration, Criminal Justice Technology, Healthcare Management Technology, Human Services Technology, Information Technology, and Medical Office Administration, for students more comfortable learning from home during this uncertain time.

The College will continue to operate Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The library will be open for students with technology or accessibility issues or by appointment by calling 336-633-0223.

For more information, visit www.randolph.edu/ pandemic.

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COMMUNITY News

RCC WELDING STUDENTS FIRST-EVER TO COMPLETE SENSE TRAINING LEVEL 1

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andolph Community College’s 2020 Diploma Welding Class is the first in the College’s history to complete the American Welding Society’s (AWS) Sense Training Level 1. The Sense program is a welder training program developed by the AWS that involves eight written exams, and 10 welding and cutting tests.

Each student will receive a certificate of completion from the AWS in each area of the program.

The class, which graduates at the end of July, is Montgomery Bosher of Randleman,Pat Dawes of Asheboro, Daniel Kaminski of Franklinville, Brenden Kratzenberg of Randleman, Amelia Garrison of Franklinville, Ethan Langdon of Archdale, Brighton Long of Asheboro, Trevor Maness of Asheboro, Coren McCrainie of Asheboro, Sean Price of Asheboro, and David Seal of Archdale.

RCC’s state-of-the-industry Welding Center in Archdale opened in 2011. The Center was named an Accredited Testing Facility (ATF) by the AWS in 2018 and was expanded to 31 welding booths in 2019 to keep up with both enrollment and the demand for qualified welders.

The AWS Accredited Test Facility program establishes minimum requirements for test facilities, their personnel and equipment to qualify for accreditation to test and qualify welders. RCC’s testing program can test welders from anyone of eight different codes and standards. The designation means that RCC’s Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) can test welders for the AWS certifications that are recognized anywhere in the world. RCC is one of only five AWS Accredited Testing Facilities sites in North Carolina.

Randolph Community College’s 2020 Diploma Welding class was the first-ever to complete the American Welding Society’s Sense Training Level 1. Pictured in the back row, left to right, are Coren McCrainie, Trevor Maness, Ethan Langdon, Brighton Long, Pat Dawes, David Seal, and Daniel Kaminski. Pictured in the front row, left to right, are Brenden Katzenberg, Montgomery Bosher, Amelia Garrison, and Sean Price.

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RANDOLPH PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN AWARDED RESTORATION GRANT FROM THE TIMKEN FOUNDATION

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andolph Partnership for Children (RPC) Executive Director Lisa Hayworth announced on July 1 the agency has been awarded a $56,500 grant from The Timken Foundation for restoration work for its office space.

“We are honored and deeply grateful for the generosity of The Timken Foundation,” Hayworth said. “For 21 years now, the Partnership has occupied what is historically known as The Hayworth House. The character of the house and its warmth, along with its functionality, inspire us to be our best every day.”

RPC offices are located in what is known as The Hayworth House on Sunset Avenue in downtown Asheboro. Prominent Asheboro surgeon Dr. Claude Hayworth built the home in 1924 in the Dutch Colonial Revival style. The gambrel roof with a continuous dormer is unusual in Asheboro, but was a standard element in this style of domestic architecture.

The decorative wood molding, called picture molding because some owners hung pictures from cords hooked over it, can be found in the living room, den, and inside the closets.

The Hayworth’s son, Jack, and his wife Margaret later lived in the house until Jack died. Margaret stayed in the house for several more years until selling it in May 1995 to

Asheboro Family Physicians. The physician’s group oversaw renovations to the home, including wood reproductions of the plaster molding and other repairs. RPC purchased the home in 1999 and has been operating there as a Smart Start agency ever since.

The Hayworth House is one of the last remaining original homes on Sunset Avenue, an area that leads into the central business district for Asheboro.

This funding will be used to repair our foundation, fix the water intrusion issues in the basement, repair rotting wood, replace gutters, put on new siding, and more. RPC expects to begin the repair work in early fall 2020.

[CUTLINE: The Timken Foundation grant will fund repair work to The Hayworth House, home to Randolph Partnership for Children] About the Randolph Partnership for Children: Since 1999, the Randolph Partnership for Children (RPC), a non-profit organization, has been the community’s lead organization for young children and their families. RPC brings together diverse agencies, individuals, organizations and communities to ensure all children enter school ready to succeed. RPC is a United Way agency. For more information, visit www.randolphkids.org.

The Timken Foundation grant will fund repair work to The Hayworth House, home to Randolph Partnership for Children

asheboromagazine.com | 21

AT THE YMCA

Jennah Fadely named as a 2019-2020 NISCA Girls High School Swimming All-American in the 100 Yard Breaststroke

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ots of exciting things are happening in the pool at the You can learn more about the Swim Team programs at Randolph-Asheboro YMCA. One of the first programs the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA on their website at www. that was able to return during COVID-19 was the randolphasheboroymca.com or by calling (336) 625-1976. swim team program.

Under the leadership of Head Coach and Aquatics Director, Shawn Columbia, The Randolph-Asheboro YMCA offers competitive the option of swimming with the US year-round team, Fin Aquatics (FAST) and SHARKS Summer Swim Team. Swim team emphasis is on personal skill improvement, as well as good sportsmanship and team spirit. Dedication, teamwork, discipline and goal setting are objectives of the program. Membership with the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA and the ability to swim 25 meters without stopping are required.

The Randolph-Asheboro YMCA, for the past twenty years, has had representation at State and National Championships and nationally ranked swimmers. Most recently, one swimmer received some exciting news from the NISCA (National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association). Jennah Fadely was named as a 2019-2020 NISCA Girls High School Swimming All-American in the 100 Yard Breaststroke (1 of only 3 from NC). Jennah not only swims for the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA FAST Swim Team, she also works as one of the Y’s Lifeguards and is a swimmer for Jordan Matthews High School.

Shawn Columbia, Head Coach and Aquatics Director states, “Our goal is to continue to build a swim program that will be a developmental tool for all swimmers.” Jennah is a great example of what can be accomplished through determination and hard work.

The program is dedicated to providing the environment, resources and encouragement for all of it’s swimmers to make a commitment to the highest level of personal potential and the pursuit of humble excellence. The F.A.S.T Swim Club is committed to providing a safe, healthy and positive environment for all athletes to grow in their sport. The Y adheres to the practices and policies of USA Swimming’s Safe Sport Initiative.

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YMCA offers a light to the community during this crisis

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ver the past couple months our world has changed.

We all find ourselves in a very different place, as individuals, as a community and here as a YMCA. It has forced us to all embrace a new normal. Throughout this time, we have asked members to #StayWithUs, and because of their ongoing support, we have been able to continue being a light in our community.

We are so thankful for the love and support we have felt from our members, and want to say thank you to those who have stayed with us and allowed us to deliver critical services in our community. Some of the services provided include: • Hosting 2 Blood Drive with the American Red Cross • Use of showers to members of the US Special Forces in March and June during Robin Sage • Over 200 pounds of vegetables from our Community Garden donated to the CUOC and Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen • Volunteering at Our Daily Bread Soup kitchen serving lunch to the community • Provided childcare to Essential Workers during the Stay At Home Order • Provided childcare to both Essential and Nonessential Workers during Phase 1 • Added in home and virtual exercise classes and devotions from local Pastors • Park and Learn free WiFi spot for Asheboro City Schools • Summer Camp Food Drive goal of 600 cans for the CUOC and Soup Kitchen In June we were able to open up our Summer Camp, which is now in full swing! We also started offering Outdoor Group Exercise, Yoga, Cycle and BeastMode classes. We added BINGO, doing it outside while practicing social distancing as well as Bible Studies. Our pool was able to open offering Adult Lap Swim, Water Walking and Water Fitness classes. We also opened up our Splash Pad! All these have been made available to our members, which has allowed us to start seeing some familiar faces back on campus. All schedules and announcements regarding the status of the facility and programming as we continue to move forward in these challenging times can be found on the homepage of our website and on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

On behalf of the Y community, thank you for your support. We couldn’t do this without you! asheboromagazine.com | 23

#GIRLBOSS

Gina McKee: Nella Boutique

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by Ashley Monninger

or this month’s GirlBoss feature, I am beyond excited to interview Gina Allen McKee. I already know that she’s beautiful, talented, and kind: a former Miss Randolph County, she’s been an Asheboro sweetheart for years. But today I’m excited to explore another side of Gina: the accomplished business-owner who manages to balance work, faith, and family with a gorgeous smile, and some downright contagious positivity.

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Back in the day, before Nella (“Allen” spelled backwards) was nestled in the heart of Asheboro, and was being run out of her parents’ basement, Doug Allen told his girls, “If people will shop in a basement they will shop in a brick & mortar (store).” His advice was on point. Nella Boutique is a super successful locally owned retail clothing boutique, where the care and consideration for customers is evident in every nook and corner of the shop. Walking into Nella is always a vibe, and today is no exception. I duck in and blink away the bright, midday sun. Inside I see why this is the spot in town for unique fashion finds: the exposed brick walls , the racks of on-trend clothing and adorable accessories, the happy colors and prints of the Goodr sunglasses and Swig insulated cups, lined up perfectly on industrial chic shelves. I smell the dreamy aroma of a Capri Blue candle. Gina’s right-hand girl, Emily Wise, greets me with a warm smile from behind the counter. In a flash of pale green and white , Gina appears and asks me where I would be most comfortable. I suggest we go outside she whisks me to the patio where we settle in. I ask, “What was your first job?” Gina laughs to herself and tells me about how, when she was sixteen, her dad recruited her to do the “grunt work” at their family-owned construction business (J H Allen) to pay for what he called her “parties and pizzas”. There, she was to learn the value of a dollar.

The fact that “daddy owned the business” didn’t mean she

got to show up whenever she wanted and get paid to sit and look pretty. Gina describes Mr. Allen as a “hard core boss” who told his daughter that it was her duty to be an exemplary employee: always on time, ready to work, and willing to do anything that was asked of her. He instructed her to “go above and beyond”. This work ethic, and sense of duty, has stuck with Gina through the years. She applies it to every aspect of her life: in all of her endeavors, Gina curates excellence.

After graduating from AHS, Gina studied English Education at NC State. She taught high school English for 12 yrs at AHS, SAMS, and SWRHS, where she also coached varsity volleyball. She loved teaching and coaching, but she felt like her job “was getting the best and my family got the rest.” She and her husband Derek have two sons, Colton and Tate. Derek was traveling and Gina realized that she was being spread too thin. Run ragged from devoting herself 100% to every responsibility, the couple prayed some big prayers, and ultimately decided that it was time for Gina to be a full-time mommy. She had just won Teacher of the Year, and could hear God whisper to her, “you’ve done what you needed to do here, now go home.” The next chapter of her life, at home being “mommy” to her boys, was a soul-soothing break from too much running and too many responsibilities. Gina felt like she could finally breathe.

Gina says she and her mom, Donna, along with her sisters,

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Emily Allen Arroyo and Jill Allen Wade, always kept owning their own store, in their “arsenal of dreams.” The genesis of Nella is surprisingly simple. “We bought three dresses and wondered, can we sell to our friends and family?” Those dresses sold immediately, so the pair took the money they made and bought 6 dresses, which Gina mostly sold to her students at school. The next step was creating a website, which they did themselves. They started taking photos of the clothes and posted them on Instagram (free advertising!). With virtually no overhead, Donna soon had a basement full of clothes, jewelry, and accessories, so the ladies started hosting “shopping parties” at Donna’s house: massive girls’ nights where they served wine & appetizers, and put on fashion shows. By 2016 Gina’s dad lovingly suggested that the ladies move their growing operation elsewhere. In August of the same year, friend and neighbor JB Davis went to Donna and said he had a space opening up, and asked if they would be interested in opening an actual store there. Gina remembers walking into the unfinished space, praying over it, and experiencing an overwhelming sense of peace. The shop’s construction was truly a family affair: her Dad & husband, along with contractor, Shannon Smith, built storage and dressing rooms, and the ladies hired interior designer Shanna Hodgin to help them with decor and the design of the store. Gina remembers many long nights with her family as they ordered Positanos pizza, painted, blared music, & visualized the day when people could come in and shop. Nella opened its doors on Small Business Saturday in November 2016. That first day, Gina recalls being at the register, and looking in awe at customers lined up all the way to the back exit. Tears started streaming down her face. “I was overcome with gratitude.” Her dream had been realized.

Having the brick & mortar store opened doors to more vendor options, and Nella was able to start carrying name brands. Gina, her mother, and sisters began going to the apparel market in Atlanta and building relationships with companies that distributed the merchandise they wanted to bring back to Asheboro. Now these same vendors come to them. Gina says when choosing clothing and other products for the store, she tries very hard to keep everyone in mind. Nella has a wide customer base that includes women of all ages, tastes, and body types. By offering a variety of styles Gina hopes to always carry “something for everyone.”

Every fall, Nella hosts “Shop for a Cause”, a charity fashion show where local models put Nella’s style on 26 | asheboromagazine.com

display, and patrons can support different non-profits. A special year for Gina was when her friend Beth Robbins was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Nella was able to donate to Belk Boutique at Duke Cancer Center, and organization that gives patients 5 free items like head scarves and mastectomy bras.

Gina says she hopes that women in the community will come to know that “we’re about more than just clothes.”

She wants customers to “leave here uplifted because of the experience.” She’s grateful for the opportunity to reach women in a way that she never could before. She hopes ladies will bring coffee and sit in the cozy chairs at her shop. “They may not buy a thing, but they’ve had an amazing conversation.” Gina leaves at 2:30 every day to pick up her kids and be mommy again. Being her own boss affords her the time to cook dinner, and go to her boys’ ballgames. She says now she goes home with her “cup full instead of empty.”

Her advice for other potential GirlBosses, “If people see something in you, pay attention to that. People have spoken and prayed things over me and I’ve internalized that. I dig deep to pull out my strengths to give to others.

Be yourself, authentically you, and what you have to offer the world will just flow naturally.” Gina’s passionate about building relationships, and making things around her beautiful. She’s true to herself first, disciplined, and demands excellence. That’s how Nella started, and that’s how it will continue to thrive for years to come.

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600 W. Salisbury St., Suite D Asheboro, NC 27203 To make an appointment call

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Visit triadfoot.com for more information and to request an appointment online

asheboromagazine.com | 27

FICTION

Five Foot Two 23 Skidoo

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n one more stop, Bob “Tadpole” Garland would make his exit hop near 23rd Street.

At last, he was in familiar surroundings and warming his hands over an old fire barrel in this bustling borough in the heart of Manhattan. Tadpole’s boxcar to Chicago would be by in about two hours.

It was late October 1959—almost exactly thirty years since the day that changed Tadpole’s life forever.

He fought back a tear as he remembered watching that beige Mercury pulling away with his whole world in the back seat looking at him, crying silently. Bob Garland could not even lift his hand to wave goodbye to his sweet young wife, Maria. The weight of the world held him motionless.

As Bob watched the car get smaller and smaller, it was hard to believe that just a little over a year ago he and Maria had wed and sworn to be together--for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do they part. Nowhere in those vows was there a clause about what to do when the stock market crashed and split your whole world in half.

Bob was a hard-working young man who lost his parents in the 1918 influenza pandemic. By the grace of a kind neighbor who took him in, Bob was able to finish his education. He began his financial career in 1922 as a young banker for Greenwich Savings Bank.

Since Greenwich Savings Bank was located at the corner of Broadway and West 36th Street, Bob and his co-workers would often spend evenings listening to music close by at the corner of Broadway and 51st Street in the Roseland Ballroom.

Visit after visit to the Roseland Ballroom led Bob to discover a talented young entertainer, Nick Lucas. The way Nick could sing and play guitar was unparalleled by any other performer that he had ever seen. Bob’s favorite song of Nick’s was “Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue.” He was especially fond of this song because it reminded him of his own mother, Catherine. She, in

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by Mary Murkin fact, had stood only five feet and two inches tall and had the most beautiful sky blue eyes.

Bob had life by the tail, as it were. He bought himself a 1923 Model T Speedster and spent many hours taking weekend rides with his friends. These rides lead him to eventually meet the young woman who captured his heart. It was one beautiful fall weekend in 1926 when Bob and two friends took a drive to Fulton, New York to see the autumn colors of the leaves changing.

It was just under a five-hour drive to Fulton. When they arrived in town, they stopped for lunch at a sweet little diner in the middle of town—Delgado’s Deli and Bakery. The three young gentlemen selected this diner to stop at because it was packed. They knew that when locals packed a diner, it was because of great food. The proprietors were a sweet middleaged couple, Tony and Vivian Delgado. Their only child, Maria, also helped to run the family business.

After a few visits to Fulton, NY, Bob asked Maria to go steady with him. They continued courting for a year and were then engaged for a year before marrying in September of 1928. For their honeymoon, Bob chose to take his new bride on a two-week train ride to Chicago, Illinois. What delighted them to no end was when they saw that Nick Lucas was headlining at New Palace in the heart of downtown Chicago. They took in his show one evening and Bob, of course, requested

that Nick play “Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue” as a special favor. Nick complied and brought the house down with his rousing rendition of this great favorite.

Life was wonderful for the young couple. Maria instantly took to living in New York City. She loved the apartment where the two of them lived and looked forward to the evenings that they spent dining and listening to great live music at the Roseland Ballroom.

Bob and Maria thoroughly enjoyed a year of firsts as a married couple: their first Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, etc., until they were then celebrating their first wedding anniversary in September of 1929.

What came next was nothing they ever could have anticipated. No one across America could ever have been ready for what happened. Beginning on Thursday, October 24, 1929, the stock market began to plummet. By the next day, the term “Black Friday” was dubbed to be the darkest day for America’s financial institutions and the nation’s economy when the stock market crashed.

In the weeks to follow, Bob and Maria’s savings were depleted. Soon after came their eviction notice.

Bob sold his car to make ends meet for another month.

By this time, the Greenwich Savings Bank had folded and jobs were scarce.

Maria’s parents pleaded with the young couple to

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come to their home in Fulton. Bob’s pride kept him from accepting their offer, but he insisted that for Maria’s safety, she should go to their home. This was the saddest day of Bob’s adult life, but he knew it was for the best.

After Maria’s departure, Bob sunk to living on the streets of Manhattan. In this he was not alone.

There became a brethren of individuals much like Bob. The street folk often congregated along 23rd Street. Sleeping on the sidewalks was illegal and actively discouraged by local law enforcement. Still, at some point each day, sleep overcame every one of these street folk. A code that was used among these individuals to warn of the police approaching was to shout out “23 Skidoo.” This simple phrase meant “clear out” or “away with you.”

After nearly ten months of living like this, and with no end in sight of the financial ruin, Bob decided to learn to hop trains and live the life of a wanderer. It was early on in his train-hopping days that he was given the nickname “Tadpole” for his exceptional jumping skills.

For close to thirty years, Tadpole wandered up and down the eastern seaboard exploring every town that had a depot or a hobo jungle for a gentleman wanderer to visit or hop off in, with the intent of changing routes and taking in some new sights.

On this night in November 1959, Tadpole was waiting out his two-hour lay over before hopping on the famed winter train, the Orange Blossom Special.

He was heading to Chicago. The only time he’d ever been to Chicago was thirty years ago, when he and Maria went there for their honeymoon. Tadpole decided it was time to explore some other train routes along with some of the most famous trains in America.

The far off rumble told Tadpole that in just a few minutes it would be time to hop on the Chicago bound train that was heading his way.

Twenty-two hours later, Tadpole found himself hopping off his boxcar in a congested train yard in the heart of downtown Chicago. In some unexplained way, Tadpole felt very comfortable here. He decided he’d stay in Illinois for a while.

While riding on the Chicago and Pacific Railroad one day, he decided to hop off in the sweet little northern Illinois town of Bartlett. He struck up a kindly friendship with the depot manager there, Joe Charneskey. Joe seemed to understand Tadpole and told him if he ever needed anything, to just let him 30 | asheboromagazine.com

know and he would try to help. Tadpole was becoming very fond of Illinois.

A few months of riding through the wide-open Midwest finally led Tadpole to hop off his boxcar in a hobo jungle in a quaint little town in central Illinois.

He had the oddest feeling that somehow he was home…but that’s another story!

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