Asheboro Magazine Issue 120

ISSUE 120 | FREE

ASHEBORO

MAGAZINE

G & G AUTOMOTIVE

we’re here for you During this time of uncertainty, count on Wake Forest Baptist Health to keep you safe, healthy and informed, with: • Multiple respiratory assessment sites • Expanded online video and telephone health visits • Helpful podcasts with vital information As your routines change, our commitment won’t — we are here for you.

Find the latest updates at WakeHealth.edu/CoronaVirus Have COVID-19 questions? Call 336-70-COVID

care for life

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

Publisher

Sherry B. Johnson sherry@asheboromagazine.com

Contributors

Ryan Dodson, Kim Allgood Nick McNeill, Megan Crotty Jill Jackson, Kristi Johnson Marion Sue Baltes Studio or Outdoor Family Portraits Donna Allen Photography Engagement/Wedding Sessions specializes in School Sports, Sports/Team Photography and Banner designs HS Senior Portraits Senior Portraits, Babies/Children/ Professional Headshots/Studio or Casual setting Families, Professional Studio Portraits & Event Photography DAP will customize your session to suit your needs!

Cover Story Photography Donna Allen Photography

For advertising, contact:

Sherry Johnson sherry@asheboromagazine.com

IN THIS ISSUE G & G Automotive

8

REGULARS

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Ask the Expert

12

Community News

14

Herb 'n Garden

18

Senior living

20

Zoo Tales

26

At the YMCA

28

Community News

30

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 2022

asheboromagazine.com | 5

Publisher’s COMMUNITY Letter NEWS

I

'm happy to say that winter felt really short this year.

Although we had several weeks of storms, bringing everything from snow and sleet to freezing rain, we have also had several days above 68 degrees and my flowers and shrubs have been partially blooming for most of February.

I'll take it - the older I get the less I enjoy dealing with the aftermath of snow and ice storms. I consider myself a winter wimp! Give me the warm days of summer and I'm a very happy girl.

Now, if you are a winter type person and are still holding on to that Christmas Tree - see this month's Herb 'n Garden article to jazz it up for each of the upcoming holidays and maybe never have to pack it away again. That's what I'm talking about!

Now might be a great time to check in with this month's cover story before those weekend road trips to the beach! Get the oil changed, check the tires, maybe rotate those brake pads? G & G Automotive has been taking care of Asheboro vehicles since 2009 and they do a great job. They are fast, reliable and honest and don't try to sell you a repair you don't need. If you need any work done, or even just an estimate - give Gil a call.

With Spring approaching in just a few short weeks, it's time to get my rear in gear and finish something I started at the beginning of the COVID pandemic - my backyard patio project. I spent the entire summer of 2020 digging out the backyard to expand my patio, and last year I spent most of the summer just looking at it with no motivation to finish it. This is the year - I've got it all mapped out and ready to go, and I'm not letting anything stop me. Do you have projects like that?

Ones that you get into, and then lose all motivation to complete once they are halfway done? Here is to getting it done in 2022!

I hope to see you out and about in Asheboro and Randolph County over the coming weeks - with outdoor events starting back up beginning on March 19th with the 2022 St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Downtown Asheboro featuring beer, music and food! It's one of my absolute favorite events and I hope to see you there!

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asheboromagazine.com | 7

Sally

G & G Automotive

G&G Automotive opened in Asheboro in 2009. In the past 13 years they have built a solid reputation for quality, affordable car care for both daily drivers and commercial fleet vehicles. They recently purchased the building that they had been leasing since opening in 2009 and in 2021 had a large addition built allowing room to work on larger fleet vehicles and do more extensive repairs, while still getting their customers’ day to day general repairs done.

8 | asheboromagazine.com

G

&G Automotive is focused on providing exceptional customer service. They service all makes and models of foreign and domestic cars, light to medium trucks and even RVs. This past year has seen many changes in the automotive industry. There is a shortage of new vehicles available for sale. Dealers and manufacturers are encouraging factory orders be placed for new vehicles, but this can take three to four months or more before your new car arrives from the factory. This, along with other factors, including major price increases, is causing many people to decide to keep their older vehicles and instead, they are opting for major repairs like engine and transmission replacements instead of trading them in.

G&G provides a thorough and honest assessment of repairs required on each vehicle and the technicians take the time to explain them thoroughly to each customer. Keeping customers safe is always Job #1. G&G can prioritize repairs based on a customer’s budget considerations and

asheboromagazine.com | 9

including Fayetteville Street Christian School, Veterans cruise-in at Wayne Thomas Chevrolet, the Marine Corps League, Randolph County Family Crisis Center, North Carolina Zoo, YMCA, and many more organizations.

“Here at G & G, we love our community and want to be your trusted repairs shop! If you have any questions and concerns, we are here to help.”

G&G is located at 114 Old Liberty Road in Asheboro, on the corner of N. Fayetteville Street & Vision Drive. They are open Monday-Friday from 9am to 6pm. They offer safe evening drop off or early bird key drop, and weekend pickup or drop off is also available on request. Executive pickup/delivery for those who need their vehicle serviced during their workday. Whether you need a State Inspection, general automotive repairs, or have a special project in mind - G&G offers a one stop shop and can handle all your automotive needs. Call them today at 336-629-3150 today or visit www.ggautoent.com and schedule your appointment online. You can also find them on Facebook.. the vehicle needs.

G&G maintains an exceptionally clean environment for employees to work in and customers can feel comfortable walking into the shop at any time to discuss their vehicle with their technician.

G&G continues to upgrade equipment that addresses employee safety and health and allows repairs to be completed efficiently. New heating and air conditioning systems keep technicians warm in winter and cool in summer and provide a clean and dust free environment to work in.

Each job is treated individually and personalized to the customer's need. Let G&G be your one stop shop!

THey are currently looking to add another experienced technician to their dynamic team.

If you are interested, give Gil a call or drop off a resume at the shop.

G&G has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since 2009 and they support and sponsor many local organizations and causes 10 | asheboromagazine.com

Services we offer: Alignments Brakes • Tires Front end Air conditioning Cooling systems Alternators • Starters Batteries • Diagnostic Engine/transmission replacement State inspections asheboromagazine.com | 11

Ask the COMMUNITY expert Taxes NEWS

DON'T FILE BEFORE READY Now that the 2022 tax season is open, there are some things you can do to make sure you have what you need before you file.

W

hile taxpayers should not file late, they also should not file prematurely. People who file before they receive all the proper tax reporting documents risk making a mistake that may lead to processing delays.

Typically, year-end forms start arriving by mail – or are available online – in January. Taxpayers should review them carefully. If any of the information shown is inaccurate or not available, taxpayers should contact the payer right away for a correction or to ensure they have their current mailing or email address.

New this year, the IRS sent Letter 6419, Advance Child Tax Credit Reconciliation, in January 2022 to help individuals reconcile and receive the full amount of their 2021 Child Tax Credit. This letter includes the total amount of the 2021 advance Child Tax Credit payments issued and the number of qualifying children used to calculate their advance payments. People need this important information to accurately claim the other half of the 2021 Child Tax Credit when filing their 2021 tax return and prevent delays in processing. The IRS reminds people to check this information carefully.

Most eligible people were already issued their third Economic Impact Payment and won't include any information about it when they file. However, people who

didn't qualify for a third payment or did not receive the full amount may be eligible for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 2021 tax situation. They will need the total amount of their third Economic Impact Payment to file an accurate tax return to avoid a processing delay.

Taxpayers can sign into their IRS Online Account to view the total amount of the third-round Economic Impact Payment or wait to receive IRS Letter 6475.

Individuals not required to file must file a tax return to claim important tax credits There are some situations where you many not be required to file, but NEED to file in order to claim potentially thousands of dollars in tax credits. By filing a tax return, individuals could claim: • The Recovery Rebate Credit to receive any remaining 2021 stimulus payments that they might not have received (for example, if they added a new child or other dependent in 2021); • The remaining Child Tax Credit for which they are eligible, including any monthly payments that they might not have received (for example, if they added a new qualifying child in 2021); and • The Earned Income Tax Credit, the federal government's largest refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income families (the amount of which has been nearly tripled for

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

filers without children).

View IRS account information online Individuals can use their IRS Online Account to securely access information about their federal tax account, including payments, tax records and more.

To help with filing a return, individuals can view: • The total amounts of Economic Impact Payments issued for tax year 2021 • The total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments • Their adjusted gross income from their last tax return • The total of any estimated tax payments they made, and refunds applied as a credit They can also now make and track payments and manage communication preferences, including the option to go paperless and request email notifications for certain notices available online. Taxpayers are encouraged to register for an online account, if they haven't already, or sign in to access this information and explore these new features.

Important 2021 tax documents Organized tax records make preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier and may help taxpayers find overlooked deductions or credits.

Taxpayers should wait to file until they have all their supporting income statements including but not limited to: • Forms W-2 from employer(s) • Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and other payers including unemployment compensation, dividends and distributions from a pension, annuity or retirement plan • Form 1099-K, 1099-Misc, W-2 or other income statement if they worked in the gig economy • Form 1099-INT if they received interest payments • Other income documents and records reporting virtual or crypto currency transactions • Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, to reconcile advance Premium Tax Credits for Marketplace coverage • Letter 6419, 2021 Total advance Child Tax Credit Payments to reconcile advance Child Tax Credit payments • Letter 6475, 2021 Economic Impact Payment, to determine eligibility to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit Don’t try it yourself, go to an expert Isn’t more time efficient to have someone else change your oil? And the folks who change your oil are not only faster doing it, they are also better at doing it. Why? Because they do it hundred of times a year.

The same is true with tax returns. Save not only time, but also get an expert to do your return. Our experts are up to date will all of the recent tax law changes…….and there have been a lot. Come by and see us at Liberty Tax, 405 E. Dixie Drive in Asheboro. Or call 336-629-4700 to make an appointment.

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336-672-9300 asheboromagazine.com | 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

RCC PRESIDENT SHACKLEFORD ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

R

andolph Community College President Dr. Robert S. Shackleford announced his retirement Thursday, Jan. 20, reading a letter during the Board of Trustees meeting that was later emailed to faculty and staff.

Shackleford said, while there will never be a perfect time in his mind to retire, it’s time for him to spend more time with his family.

“These 15 years you have granted me the opportunity to serve as President of RCC have been the experience of a lifetime and far exceeds anything I ever dreamed would be possible through all the years I grew up in poverty, moved around constantly, and struggled to keep up in my ever-changing schools,” he said. “When my mother promised me I could be anything in the world I wanted to be if I got my education and worked hard, I never imagined this.

“This is a unique college with an unmatchable culture, the most supportive and encouraging Trustees to be found anywhere, an amazingly talented Senior Leadership Team, a superb Executive Assistant and Special Assistant to the President, great community and business and industry support, the very best legislative and commissioner partners, great school systems and superintendents to partner with, the very best students that could ever be assembled at one college, and an RCC family that has made me incredibly proud to be a part of every day. I am so proud of what we have accomplished together … . Thank you so much for who you are, individually and collectively, all the great support you have given me every day, and your unwavering commitment to RCC and our students and community.”

Board members then expressed their heartfelt thanks to Shackleford, including Chair Mac Sherrill.

“You have been a blessing to our college and we can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done,” he said. “We'll miss you. You’re retiring at the top of your game.”

Shackleford assumed leadership of RCC on Jan. 1, 2007, and was officially inaugurated as the fourth president of the College on March 8 of the same year.

Shackleford formerly served as Dean of Student Services at RCC from 2000-2003 before taking the Vice President of Student Services position at Rockingham Community College. He first joined Randolph Community College in 1998 as the program head for the Early Childhood

14 | asheboromagazine.com

Associate curriculum and eventually became chair of the Human Services department. He also taught early childhood education, human development, family studies, sociology, human relations, and leadership development at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, High Point University, and Gardner-Webb University.

Shackleford earned an associate degree in secondary education from Bluefield College in Bluefield, Va., and a bachelor's degree in physical education from the School of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Mo. He completed his master’s degree in child development and family studies and a doctorate in human development and family studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

He also holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest.

A member of the U.S. Army Reserves from 19851992, Shackleford served as battalion chaplain and assistant division chaplain. He served as a chaplain in the North Carolina Air National Guard from 1992 until his retirement in January 2008. From 1997 until his retirement, he was the Wing Chaplain (senior supervisory chaplain) for the 145th Airlift Wing.

Since returning to RCC, he served as 2013 chair for the board of directors of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, 2011-2012 chair for the Randolph County United Way campaign, 2010-2011 president of the Randolph Rotary Club, and 2015-2016 president of the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents. He is a member of the Randolph Health Board of Directors and corporate membership board, the Randolph County School System advisory council, and the government committee of the Asheboro Randolph Chamber of Commerce.

In 2011, Shackleford received the Citizen of the Year award from The Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce. This recognition is the Chamber’s top award annually for service to the community. In 2013, he was named President of the Year by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, and in 2019, he received the Lifetime Achievement award from the Archdale Trinity Chamber of Commerce. Shackleford was selected as one of the Triad Business Journal’s C-Suite Award winners in 2021.

Shackleford is a frequent speaker at local civic clubs, schools, and churches, and a regular presenter at professional workshops and conferences. He speaks twice a year to the Student Leadership Institute, a statewide training program for student leaders from community colleges throughout the state.

Shackleford and his wife, Teresa, live in Randleman with their son, Will. He also has two grown children, Kristi and Kori, and one granddaughter, Brianna.

RCC VETERINARIAN ASSISTING PROGRAM APPROVED

BY NAVTA, ONLY ONE IN STATE

S

tudents in Randolph Community College’s Veterinary Assisting program can now sit for the Approved Veterinary Assistant exam as the College’s program was approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). RCC is the only NAVTAapproved Veterinary Assistant program in the state and one of 28 programs approved at technical or community colleges nationwide.

“We are excited about having a NAVTA-approved Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) program,” RCC Dean of Workforce Development & Continuing Education Randy Gunter said. “It reinforces that we have a topnotch program that meets the rigorous standards for accreditation. The students completing the program are required to complete a minimum of 150 hours of academic training and 100 hours of externship/clinical experience. Our students are completing 240 hours of training along with the 100 hours of externship/clinical experience.”

RCC graduates are now eligible to sit for the AVA examination and, upon successful completion, can use the AVA designation and receive a documenting certificate.

Veterinary assistants play a pivotal role at a practice.

Within the course of a day, an assistant provides help to veterinarians and veterinary technicians, which allows team members to perform the tasks and responsibilities of their positions. The next minute, an assistant might help a client understand why having their pet’s teeth cleaned is important or provide a receptionist with

a second set of hands at the front desk. Veterinary assistants help fill prescriptions, keep exam rooms clean and prepped, set up lab work, help with inventory, update medical records, and assist with nursing care.

For more information about RCC’s program, visit https:// www.randolph.edu/academics/workforce-development/ healthcare/index.aspx.Thursdays, Feb. 1-March 10, in room 106 of the CEIC. The cost is $70. For more information or to register, call 336-633-0268.

To check out more of RCC’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education courses or to register for any of the above classes, visit https://www.randolph.edu/academics/ workforce-development/index.aspx. asheboromagazine.com | 15

Alignments • Brakes • Tires • Front en Alternators • Starters • Batteries • Diagnostic • En

114 Old Liberty Road 16 | asheboromagazine.com

•A

nd • Air conditioning • Cooling systems ngine/transmission replacement • State inspections

Asheboro

• 336.629.3150 asheboromagazine.com | 17

Herb 'n Garden

HOLIDAY TREES

F

Story & Photos by Sue Baltes

or years, now more than fifty, I must admit it has been our tradition to put up our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving, and we have also taken it down on January 1st.

This past Christmas it just seemed like that just wasn’t enough time to enjoy the lights and all. So, as we got the box down to pack up the tree I said, “Let’s leave it up through January.” We did pack up the ornaments and, in their place, I placed red birds to represent winter. Then February came and having the tree in the living room was growing on us, and before Steve could take it down and haul it out to the storage shed I put hearts all over, making it a Valentine’s Tree so in the evenings we could sit and enjoy the lights for another holiday.

Now I find I’m even getting excited about having a St. Patrick’s tree next, and then an Easter tree of course. I’ll fill it with bunny’s and eggs and of course spring flowers. Why just keep the tree up or a few weeks when we can be creative and leave it up all year round? Of course, our grown kids think we’ve gone crazy when they visit and see we still have a Holiday tree, which we are now calling it, and we avoid having to take it down. They are indeed questioning our sanity!

One of my favorite memories of Christmas trees was being invited over to a dear friends Catherine and Ralph Smith in Alabama City, Alabama. They were the parents of one of my dearest friend Kay Smith Foster, a former Junior Miss Alabama, Auburn Majorette, and the most beautiful and popular girl in high school. Well, they had a huge white tree in the front room, and it stayed up all year round complete with decorations. It sat centered in front of a large picture window, and I remember on Thanksgiving Day they would open the curtains to “unveil” the tree for everyone to see. It was a magnificent all white tree, and Catherine would not close the drapes until the first of the new year. As a teenager I thought that had to be so neat to have that elegant tree up all year long.

Now I feel a little like Catherine even though my tree ins not as elegant as hers was. It brings back so many good memories, and it’s a way to keep that Christmas feeling not just in my heart but sitting in our living room as well!

Now let’s think about decorations. You don’t have to spend a fortune on different décor for each of these trees. Some of my favorites are as simple as cutting out hearts, shamrocks or ovals (for eggs) from Styrofoam plates, some dollar tree modge podge and the Styrofoam cut outs make a great background to attach colorful napkins using glue or that modge podge available at

18 | asheboromagazine.com

Dollar Tree. Just separate a two ply napkin and attach to the Styrofoam with a layer of the glue. Another idea is to take wrapping paper and cover old ornaments. I recently found some with heads of vintage ladies and covered some clear ornaments for a really Victorian look.

I happen to find a pack of pink plates left over from a birthday party, cut them into hearts and I thought they were perfect for a Valentines tree just as they are. I’ve also used old discarded wooden curtain rings, painted and turned into frames and using scraps of fabric to make some unique ornaments. Think of the three “R’s” in your decorating – Reuse, reduce, recycle when doing your holiday trees or decorating. One of my dear friends, Sherry Hylton, who was one of the most loved teachers at Gray’s Chapel told me she used to keep a tree in her classroom to change it up for the different seasons and the children loved it.

So, if you have the spaceand love the holidays like I do, keep that tree up and let every day be a holiday!

Sue Baltes is the owner of Herb 'n Garden shop on the corner of Academy Street and Bicentennial Park. Herb 'n Garden is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 5 pm.

March 19th • Bicentennial Park • Downtown Asheboro • 12 to 6 pm asheboromagazine.com | 19

HEALTHY AGING NEVER GETS OLD

I

f you haven't nailed down your New Year's resolutions, it's the perfect time to start. The new year marks a new journey that's full of opportunities and possibilities.

It's a great time to think about goals you meant to accomplish last year. The things you wanted to try. And, in particular, the small changes you knew you could do that would make a big difference.

Have you ever stopped in to see what's going on at The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Adult REC or any of Randolph Senior Adults Association's (RSAA) four senior centers in Asheboro, Randleman, Liberty or Archdale?

Chances are you might be a tad fuzzy about what we're all about.

Make 2022 your best year yet! As you set your sights on these four achievable New Year's resolutions, join the fun at RSAA: 1. Move more It's always healthy to engage in regular exercise.

The key is to find something you enjoy, and start at a level that is easy to maintain. Low or limited mobility shouldn't discourage you from taking advantage of the benefits of regular exercise. There are a large variety of limited to low mobility exercises that could be just right for your fitness level. RSAA offers a variety of fitness and exercise classes, including Seniors in Motion with the City of Asheboro, yoga, chair exercise, Cane Fu, line dancing and more. A fitness room is also available for a small fee and is complete with all the gym equipment you need to get moving.

2. Boost your brain Active aging involves more that moving your body.

Exercise your brain with new challenges to keep it healthy. No matter your age, there's always more to learn, more skills to acquire. Whether you want to learn how to make a new craft, how to play a new card game, how to quilt, or how to master another special skill, there are many brain-boosting opportunities at RSAA. Make plans to join us for Brain Fitness classes and other new programs and classes coming this year.

3. Engage and socialize

20 | asheboromagazine.com

by Jill Jackson Most people are aware of and attentive to medical issues, such as blood pressure, diabetes and fall prevention, but one thing that can easily be overlooked is the importance of socialization. Connecting with others who share similar interests is important at any age, but for older adults, these connections are crucial to healthy physical and emotional well-being.

You might be surprised to learn that Bingo isn't the only thing that's happening inside the doors of your local senior center. What you will find is enthusiastic people who are sharing laughs and forming new friendships while enjoying fun programs and educational classes together. Resolve yourself to laugh more and connect more in 2022! Stop in to any of our four locations and find your fit.

4. Get connected Staying connected to friends and family has many mental health benefits, and the internet and social media make it simpler than ever to keep in touch. While you might feel that adapting to and learning all of the latest trends of the internet and technology is unnecessary,

RSAA Exercise Class in Asheboro

the fact of the matter is there has never been a better time to reap the rewards of being computer savvy.

Today's technology can keep you engaged, connected, and mentally active. Whether you want to learn to use the computer to look at photos of your grandchildren on Facebook, e-mail old friends who've moved away, participate in online support groups or more, there's never been a better time to sign up for computer and technology classes offered through RSAA.

Randolph Senior Adults Association is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and is our county's lead agency for aging services. Stop by today and join us on a journey to active aging! Our four senior centers offer a range of opportunities to develop your skills, learn new things and stay mentally and physically active. At this time, masks are required for all activities.

Contact Jill Jackson, Marketing Director, Randolph County Senior Adults Association, at 336-625-3389 ext.

225 to learn more.

asheboromagazine.com | 21

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CLUES ACROSS 1. In bed 1. In bed headings 5. Composition 5. Composition headings 11. Close by Closebebyremoved 12.11.

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49. Moved quickly 1. About Andes 50. Chums 2. ESPN hostess 51. Stick fast to 53. Megabyte 3. Cerumen

4. Perceived 22 | asheboromagazine.com 5. A right related to property

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Chums CLUES DOWN 1. About Andes 51.

Stick fast to 2.

ESPN hostess 53. Megabyte 3. Cerumen 54.

Perceives something not present 4. Perceived 56. andto Eyre are two 5. AFitzgerald right related property 58.

Milliampere 6. Blessed with 59.

Remain as is 7. Mendelevium 8. Of I 60.

Honors 9.

Viscous liquid of old age 63. Norse goddess 10.

Suffix 64. Minimum 13. Bromine 65.

Rulers of Tunis 14. Beverage 15. Level in an organization 20. Star Trek character Laren 21. Bad grades 34.

Experiencing 22. Mars crater a sudden sense of danger 23. Small amount 27. Froth on fermenting liquor 35.

Taxable

36. Alternative credit investment firm 37. Ho-__

29. Bachelor of Divinity 30. Follows sigma 31. Human foot 32. Commercial 33. Company that rings receipts 34. Experiencing a sudden sense of danger 35. Taxable 36. Alternative credit investment firm 37. Ho-__ 38. Gold 40. Will not (obsolete) 41. Supposes without proof 42. Rapper __ Hammer 44. Split lentils 45. Carried out systematically 46. Condition 47. Without restraint 48. Produces reproductive cells 50. One of Washington state's TriCities 51. Spielberg film 52. Elliptic function 54. Pearl Jam song 'Hail __' 55. People in a film 57. Lethal dose 61. Root beer maker 62. Tellurium

5-INGREDIENT CRESCENT ROLL CHICKEN CASSEROLE

This casserole comes together quickly, making it easy when you’re cooking for yourself or 2 people.

Feel free to add vegetables or other seasonings to the dish, too!

Ingredients Refrigerated crescent roll dough Chicken: you'll need about 1 cup of cooked, finely diced chicken for this recipe. You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken or other pre-cooked chicken strips (like Perdue Shortcuts), leftovers from a previous meal, or even canned chicken.

Grated cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, American, Monterey Jack, Colby, Gouda, or Mozzarella Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup Low Sodium Chicken Broth to thin the soup

Directions

1. Toss together chicken and ¼ cup of the grated cheese.

2. Wrap spoon-fulls of the chicken mixture in the crescent rolls, then arrange in an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish.

3. Bake the stuffed crescent rolls in a 375°F oven until golden brown and cooked through, about 12 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, whisk together the cheese sauce by combining the condensed soup, milk, and remaining cheese in a saucepan over low heat. Do not let the mixture boil.

5. Pour enough sauce over the baked crescent rolls to cover the bottom of the pan and come up around the lower edges of the rolls.

6. Return the dish to the oven to cook for about 5 more minutes, or until everything is hot and bubbly.

7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve!

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Wednesday & Thursday 11 am to 2 pm & 5 to 7:30 pm Friday 11 am to 2 pm & 5 to 8:30 pm; Saturday 11 am to 8:30 pm asheboromagazine.com | 25 Sunday 11 am to 7 pm

ZOO TALES

THE NORTH CAROLINA ZOO WELCOMES NEW GRIZZLY Story & Photos by Kristi Johnson Marion BEAR RONAN

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he North Carolina Zoo is excited to welcome its newest resident, a 740-pound male grizzly bear named Ronan. Ronan, age nine, was relocated from the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona, as recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). North Carolina Zookeeper Curtis Malott went out to Reid Park Zoo to meet Ronan and get to know him before assisting with his transfer.

Like all new animal arrivals, Ronan spent 30 days in quarantine at the North Carolina Zoo, where he was carefully monitored for any health issues. Following quarantine, Ronan is settling into his new habitat in the North America continent area of the Zoo. Since this past summer, the recently renovated grizzly bear

26 | asheboromagazine.com

habitat has remained empty following the death of Tommo, a beloved grizzly bear who lived at the North Carolina Zoo for 26 years.

Ronan has enjoyed exploring his new habitat and has already found a favorite spot in the den area behind the waterfall. His favorite foods include trout, herring, meat, pears, “bear chow,” and of course, honey!

Keeper Natalie Johnson is Ronan’s primary trainer and will be working with him on training behaviors to assist in his medical care. From his stay at Reid Park Zoo, Ronan already knows “target” – touching a red buoy target with his nose, “sit,” and presenting his paws. The entire Prairie team of keepers is training Ronan to shift from his outdoor habitat to his indoor

habitat so keepers can service each area – cleaning and hiding food for him to discover under logs and rocks and in enrichment items.

“Our team is so excited to be caring for a grizzly bear again,” said Natalie. “None can replace our beloved Tommo, but it has really been a joy working with Ronan so far. He is so smart! Be sure to stop by his habitat and say hello!”

Male grizzlies in the wild live about 22 years and weigh 400-700 pounds. They can reach speeds of 30 mph for short distances.

Once prevalent throughout western North America, there are currently about 55,000 wild grizzly bears in North America, most of which live in Alaska.

Approximately 1,500 grizzlies inhabit the lower 48 states of the U.S. What is a “Nuisance Bear?”

Ronan and his twin sister Finley were rescued in 2013 and relocated to the Reid Park Zoo when they were barely one year old. That decision was made after wildlife officials deemed their mother a “nuisance bear.”

Nuisance bears have lost their fear of humans because they associate people as suppliers of food.

Because of this, they pose a significant threat to humans (raiding campsites and hiking trails), and many bears, such as the mother, must be put down.

The North Carolina Zoo works with the AZA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to offer homes for nuisance and orphaned bears. Previous resident grizzlies Tommo and Yepani had also been relocated to the North Carolina Zoo as nuisance bears.

To find more information to help stop nuisance bear issues, please visit bearwise.org and bearwithus.org.

Visting the North Carolina Zoo Note that the Africa entrance and parking lot are closed from November to March, but all of the African animal habitats are open! Guests should park, enter, and exit through the North America entrance. Admissions sales

for entry are open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day during the winter season. Please note that the Zoo closes at 4 p.m. from November 4 to March 31, 2022.

For more information about admission, weatherrelated closings, animals, habitats, membership, and more, visit nczoo.org. asheboromagazine.com | 27

AT THE YMCA

Take Back Your Summer at the YMCA Summer Camp

by Nick McNeill,

T

his year, the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA Summer Camp’s theme is Take Back Your Summer.

Throughout the summer, the camp will aim to give your child a structured but fun Summer Camp experience with a focus on getting kids back to being kids.

Summer camp plans for the summer include field trips, a summer long volunteer project, crafts, daily devotion, outdoor activities and other exciting activities. Each child is carefully supervised by counselors with a maximum of 1:15 child to adult ratio. All staff counselors have passed a criminal background check before they are hired. Counselors are CPR/First Aid certified, have a safe driving record and completed YMCA Counselor Training.

Campers going into Kindergarten through Sixth Grade are eligible to sign up for the camp. You can sign up for Summer Camp on the YMCA’s website or at the Y’s Front Desk.

Through a Christian perspective we want to provide your child with an experience that they will remember for years. We want to provide a service that is convenient and affordable. We have scholarships available to families who may need assistance in providing a quality summer camp program for their child.

For Seventh and Eighth graders, they can take advantage of the Counselor In Training Program (CIT). The summer camp experience can be an amazing experience. It gives kids the opportunity to make friends from different schools, backgrounds and cultures. The goal of this program is to give these campers the opportunity to

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introduce them to new experiences. CITs will come out of this program having helped organize a Camp Wide Volunteer Project from start to finish. So 7th and 8th graders that are interested in this program will need to submit a CIT Application. All applicants will not be selected-only those who show a true desire to be leaders and a true maturity to have this kind of responsibility. All teens selected to be in the program will be required to attend the whole Summer Camp and a Training Session before Summer Camp to train and meet the other CIT’s and Counselors.

All CITs will attend CPR/First Aid training sessions provided by the YMCA. They will also be trained by the Program Directors in a modified version of the YMCA Day Camp Training Module. CITs will be supervised by the Program Directors and the Camp Counselors. The

role of CITs is to assist the Counselors, primarily with transition, lunch & snack times and with activities (crafts, games, sports, set-up/clean-up) and learn the characteristics it takes to be a YMCA Counselor.

Applications for the CIT program are available on the YMCA website or can be picked up at the Y’s Front Desk.

For more information about the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA Summer Camp or the Counselor In Training Program you can visit www.randolphasheboroymca. com or email Branson O’Hara at bohara@ asheboroymca.com.

asheboromagazine.com | 29

COMMUNITY News

RCC’S PHI THETA KAPPA CHAPTER INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS

O

n Dec. 8, Beta Theta Rho, Randolph Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), inducted new members into its Five Star chapter, and moved into its 23rd year. A ceremony was prerecorded and sent to new members due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The virtual ceremony was led by Phi Theta Kappa Advisor and RCC English/Communication Instructor Clark Adams, who welcomed the new inductees.

“We’re so thankful to recognize our scholars and leaders and our new inductees into Phi Theta Kappa,” he said.

The Pledge of Allegiance was then led by PTK Public Relations Officer Kristen Jensen, while Vice President Faith Staton led the invocation for the ceremony.

“We honor their many sacrifices, their persistence, and their desire for knowledge and discovery,” Staton said.

“We are appreciative of our many faculty members and our administrators, who provide their guidance, wisdom, and time. Today, as we gather here, may this induction ceremony encourage these inductees to fulfill Phi Theta Kappa’s mission of leadership, fellowship, scholarship, and service on both this campus and in the community.”

Following the invocation, Adams, who has been a PTK advisor since January 20210, shared information about the honor society and praised the new inductees.

“For nearly 12 years I have stood here on this very stage and looked out at a crowd of over 200 family members, friends, and guests of these inductees; and although this year has brought many changes, what has not changed is that Phi Theta Kappa is still honoring and recognizing our students for their success at Randolph Community College,” he said. “I am so proud to recognize each one of you. You are students who have gone the extra mile.

“In the midst of a pandemic, you have still managed to focus on your academics, you have still kept your goals at the forefront, and you are great examples of persistence and determination.”

Adams then explained the history, mission, and purpose of Phi Theta Kappa, and recognized the efforts of chapter officers, chapter advisors, faculty, and administrators who helped to make the induction ceremony possible and who support the mission and work of the honor society.

Briana Gullett, a 2014 RCC graduate and PTK Chapter President in 2013, served as the alumni speaker. A graduate of the Early Childhood Education program at the College,

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Gullett graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Early Care and Education, and, in January 2021, completed her master’s degree in Psychology from Purdue University Global.

Gullett focused on the distinction of the new inductees’ accomplishment and explained that when she was invited to become a Phi Theta Kappa member, she did not know much about honor societies or their purpose.

“I begin to realize that the honor is in the heart behind the accomplishment,” she said. “Being a part of Phi Theta Kappa inspired me to move further in education and in my life.”

Gullett did not go straight to college after high school, but joined the military and served overseas before attending RCC. “When I received the invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa [honor] society, I felt so grateful to be recognized in such way, a way that did not look down on my unconventional way of doing things,” she said. “Mr. Adams and Mr. [Waymon C.] Martin welcomed me into the society with open arms and they opened my eyes to so many ways that I could truly grow through scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service.”

Gullett defined each of these hallmarks and shared examples of her memories as Phi Theta Kappa President and how this experience contributed to her growth and development.

“I have led troops in the military, encouraging them to live by the hallmarks of PTK and to blaze forward despite perceived limitations,” she said. “I will go on to receive my doctorate degree and take these hallmarks with me.”

Gullett closed by reminding the new inductees that, “Honor is not in the accolade. Honor is in the heart behind the accomplishment.”

The keynote speaker of the virtual ceremony was RCC President Dr. Robert S. Shackleford Jr., who has served as President for nearly 15 years. Shackleford congratulated

the new inductees on being selected for induction into Phi Theta Kappa.

“I want you to know, as President of the College, I couldn’t be more proud of you,” he said, focusing his message on building a personal legacy. “You are going to live your legacy every day between now and the end of your career and the end of your life, and whatever you want to be remembered for then, be sure that that’s how you’re living now. What do you want your life to count for? What kind of hopes do you hold?

“I hope that when I hang up my career and you hang up your career, that one of the things that can be said of us is that you had an influence and impact on other people’s lives. You touched lives. You changed lives. You cared about people. You reached out your hand and lifted people up. …

You cared about your family and your friends and your coworkers. … You were a person who gave instead of always wanting to take. The point is from this day forward that you are writing a legacy that you will always be remembered for. Write a beautiful legacy.”

Adams then presented the new inductees for membership and recommended them for acceptance into the honor society. PTK President Grayson Greenwood explained the purpose of the honor society, led the new inductees in the PTK pledge and explained the significance of the symbol of Phi Theta Kappa. RCC Vice President for Instructional Services Suzanne Y. Rohrbaugh presided over the induction and announced the names of the inductees.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19 this year, the chapter has still been active to meet the requirements to be a Five Star chapter by working with RCC Career Services staff on campus to provide interview attire for graduates. In addition, the chapter has assisted with a trash clean-up at Worthville Dam, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity of Randolph County to work on a home in Asheboro, provided school supplies to Franklinville Elementary School students, and organized a First Responders Day event for Faith Christian School students.

Students (identified by hometowns) who were inducted Dec. 8, include the following: Asheboro: Joshua Brian Davis, Maria Guzman, Alexa Shay Huggins, Aisha Kashif, Sarah Rae Kearns, Allison Kay Lamm, Avery James LeGlue, Alexandra Lopez Perez, Jacob Lee Parrish, Salamatou Warilha Mohamed.

Bennett: Charlise Kyndall Phillips.

Denton: Rachel Elizabeth Davis.

Greensboro: Ashley Kay Mann, Rebekah Ruth Murphy.

Pleasant Garden: Aleah Kendall Batten, Zachary D. Rumley, Zoe C. Rumley.

Randleman: Wendi Michelle Peele, Elijah Edward Shafer, Shelby Saleen Vest.

Seagrove: Madison Rae Rich, Kimberly Diane Taylor.

Sophia: Kenneth Austin Gatlin, Skylar Grace Sexton.

Thomasville: Montgomery Lee McGee. Trinity: Gabriell Rose McArthur. asheboromagazine.com | 31

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