Asheboro Magazine Issue 128

ASHEBORO

G & G AUTOMOTIVE

CHAMBER NAMES RCC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Randolph Community College was named Business of the Year at the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce’s 97th Annual Meeting Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Jan. 27 at Pinewood Country Club.

The Chamber cited a recent economic impact analysis that found RCC has a $101.4 million annual impact on the regional economy — supporting more than 2,350 jobs or one out of every 27 jobs across Randolph County. The impact of the increased earnings of RCC alumni and the businesses they work for totaled $75.9 million.

“The entire Randolph Community College family of faculty, staff, Trustees and Foundation board members is honored to be recognized for the work we try to do every single day to create opportunities and change lives,”

Interim President Elbert Lassiter said. “We also appreciate being able to work with so many amazing partners in the community, and we appreciate the confidence and trust placed in us to serve our students.”

Copies of RCC’s economic impact studies, fact sheets, and summaries can be found online at https:// bigroifornc.org/randolph/.

photo by Michael Gonzalez

G & G AUTOMOTIVE TRAILER SAFETY WITH GIL GOLDSTEIN

Many people pull trailers behind their vehicles in their occupation, for recreation or towing other vehicles. Whether you pull a livestock trailer, an enclosed or open trailer loaded with tools, equipment, classic car or motorcycle, or you pull an RV to go camping, there are many variables to consider. In trailers it’s the size, length, width, load capacity, 5th wheel, gooseneck, or bumper pull. Whatever you are towing, the vehicle used to pull it must be able to handle the job. Trailer dealers want to sell you trailers, they may not consider or even know whether your current vehicle is capable of towing what you are looking to buy. A trailer too large or too heavy for the vehicle towing it will put stress on the engine, transmission, drive train, brakes, and can be very dangerous and stressful to drive while towing.

If you pull a trailer or plan on buying one— let’s talk about safety!

What is your vehicle’s tow rating? How old is it? What type of trailer will you pull? What is the length and weight loaded? What about tires and brakes? Do you need a dual rear wheel truck?

At G & G Automotive, Gil and Rosie Goldstein frequently travel with their horse trailer and camper combo around the country. They often see truck and trailer combinations going down the road where the trailer weight far exceeds the capacity of the truck towing it. You can see that the trailer has compressed the back of truck down towards the ground and the front of the truck is high in the air. The most dangerous part of that is reduced steering capability. The tail is wagging the dog, so to speak or in this case: the trailer is driving the truck. In addition to that, the truck’s braking ability is greatly reduced because as much as 70% of braking is done by the front tires. By hauling a trailer that weighs down the back of the truck and raises up the front, you are reducing pressure to the road it reduces the steering and braking capacity of the truck which can be very dangerous, especially around corners or at high speed.

People often only consider the tongue weight to judge towing capacity. Just because a truck is rated by a manufacturer to support the tongue weight of a trailer or RV, that does not mean it is capable of towing, steering or stopping that trailer, especially fully loaded.

The type of hitch can also be a variable and there are several: bumper pull, gooseneck or 5th wheel.

Bumper pull design has the hitch ball extended way past the rear axle of the vehicle which amplifies the effect of tongue weight over rear suspension. This is also the reason it lifts the front of the vehicle reducing tire contact to the ground because the weight is pivoting on the rear axle. Sometimes a weight equalizing hitch is installed to help, but it is only a band aid for a poor trailer design and puts major stress on the front frame rails of the trailer to force tongue weight onto the truck suspension. The only advantage to a bumper pull hitch is it steers and turns quickly, it’s maneuverability is greater and quicker and it does not take up any space in the bed of the truck like the gooseneck and 5th wheel hitches do.

Gooseneck and 5th wheel designs connect the trailer in the bed of the truck either centered over, or slightly ahead of the rear axle center line. This concentrates the tongue weight more centrally in the vehicle chassis, allowing the full suspension of the truck to carry the tongue weight, which is applied 3 to 4 feet further forward on the truck than bumper style hitch, providing a much better weight distribution and safer towing.

At G & G Automotive, Gil recommends if a trailer’s overall weight exceeds 10,000 lbs, it should be towed by a dual rear wheel truck, and here is why. Imagine the gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer is connected and you

have a single rear wheel truck. All the weight of the truck and trailer is sitting on a small ‘tire to ground’ contact patch, and the sidewalls of your tires ... and that is when it is standing still. At highway speeds during turns, curves and braking your trailer is still trying to move straight forward and all that force is being transferred through the sidewalls and contact patch of tread to the ground. The truck and the tires have to be able to control the trailer. This is where dual rear wheels become a major safety factor.

Tongue weight is NOT the criteria by which you should match your truck and trailer. It varies by the length of the trailer and the position of the rear axle on the trailer. The true criteria should be the length and fully loaded weight of the trailer. That is critical for determining what your truck is capable of towing. There is no substitute for power and good brakes when it comes to safety in towing. Having more horsepower, better brakes and better tires than your trailer package requires will give you safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

Manufacturers exaggerated the tow rating and power capacity on many older vehicles for sales purposes, so be careful if your truck is older than 2015 as it may have exaggerated ratings. Today’s rating systems have changed to keep up with safety standards and are much more realistic.

The single greatest failure issue in towing is exploding

tires due to under inflated tires and or the poor quality of offshore manufactured “trailer tires.” What this means is they can be manufactured cheaply using lesser quality materials because they are not on passenger-occupied vehicles. They may not even be round!

Gil recommends premium quality D rated or LT tires depending on trailer weight. LT is a 10 ply rated tire, used on ¾ and 1 ton style trucks and is superior on trailers. Trailer tires need to be balanced just like the tires on your vehicle. A great item to have is a tire pressure monitoring system. Most new trucks will have this as standard or optional equipment. Aftermarket systems consist of new valve stem caps for the trailer tires and a handheld Bluetooth monitoring system that reads the tire pressure and temperature while traveling down the road.

Before every trip you should do a walk around your truck and trailer and check the tires, lights, electrical connections, make sure trailer brakes work, check your truck’s oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid and adjust your mirrors to accommodate the additional length and width of the trailer. If your truck is older, you may want to have it serviced and inspected before a big trip.

Here are a few items that Gil suggests you carry with you:

• Portable air compressor

• Rechargeable impact gun with sockets for your truck/trailer

• Tire plug kit

• Small compact tool kit

• A trailer aid for dual axle trailers which allows you to drive one tire up on it should you need to change a tire on the side of the road, or a bottle jack for single axle trailers.

• Flashlights, duck tape, Roadside Emergency kit and a first aid kit.

Every year you should check wheel bearings, brakes and have your tires rotated and balanced. Refer to your RV’s owner’s manual for details on recommended maintenance.

There are also many upgrades available for your truck and trailer to make towing safe and enjoyable.

• Airlift suspension

• Upgraded shock absorbers

• Stabilizer bars

• Load equalizing hitch assembly

• Trailer air ride shock absorber suspension systems

• Transfer flow fuel tank systems for added fuel capacity. .

If you have any questions or concerns about your truck and trailer, Gil is happy to discuss it with you. If you are looking for any of the above upgrades, call the shop to schedule an appointment or discuss pricing.

With G & G’s new expanded bay with large capacity lift, they can service your truck and trailer and keep you road ready and safe.

Call G & G Automotive 336.629.3150 to make an appointment. They are located at 114 Old Liberty Road in Asheboro.

REDUCE YOUR TAX BILL WHEN YOU GIVE TO CHARITY

Charitable giving allows taxpayers to reduce their annual tax bill while supporting a cause they believe in.

Each tax season, charitable donations rank among the most common tax deductions used nationwide, and for a good reason. Charitable giving allows taxpayers to reduce their annual tax bill while supporting a cause they believe in.

How do I find qualified charitable organizations in my area?

Looking for a local or national charity? Check out the website Charity Navigator or Charities.org to find a charity that aligns with your passions. A few common causes to consider supporting are: ending childhood hunger, providing animal welfare, reducing homelessness, supporting veterans, and funding cancer research.

Use the IRS’s qualified organization search tool to check if your desired organization will qualify you for a deduction. Although the tool may seem overwhelming (what’s an EIN number?), all you need to do is enter your city and state and hit “search”. All qualified organizations in your city will appear on the results page.

Which Donations Can I Deduct?

Deducting your donations may not be as simple as you

think. Per the IRS, deductible charitable donations include contributing money, goods, or services to qualified organizations. The “qualified organizations” caveat was added to prevent taxpayers from taking advantage of the broad definition of “charitable contributions” — for example, attempting to deduct gas money given to a friend.

Financial Donations

Financial donations are the most straightforward type of charitable donation. Taxpayers typically make financial donations by cash, check, or card. However, donating money through payroll deductions or recurring withdrawals from a bank account is also possible. If you seek to claim donations on your annual tax return, some record-keeping is involved; you must track both the category and the donation amount.

For money donations of less than $250, you must procure proof of the transaction via a receipt or a bank statement. Your bank records must corroborate the recipient organization, the transaction date, and the donation amount. To claim more than $250, you must procure a written acknowledgment of the relevant donations from the recipient organization. This acknowledgment must detail the exact dollar amount of

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

the donation and whether it was a quid pro quo donation (more on that later). If the donation was on a quid pro quo basis, the acknowledgment must include a fair market price valuation of the donor's benefits.

Non-Cash Donations

When most people think of charitable giving, they picture money donations. However, donating goods and services is also very popular — and very deductible. People commonly donate unused clothes and household items to thrift stores. When deducting these donations, you must use the item’s fair market value — typically, you will get this figure from the thrift store when they process your donation.

Things get a little more complicated if you were to donate a vehicle with a fair market value exceeding $500. There are two figures to choose from: the vehicle’s fair market value at the time of donation and the gross proceeds from the organization’s sale. You must select the smaller of the two figures. Taxpayers claiming more than $500 in non-cash contributions in a single year must file IRS Form 8283 alongside their tax return.

Can I Deduct “Quid Pro Quo” Donations?

Put simply, quid pro quo donations are charitable

contributions that come with a tangible benefit to the donor — other than the warm, fuzzy feeling of doing a good deed, of course. To be considered a quid pro quo, the benefit must have a quantifiable monetary value — a fair market value. For example, a donor contributed $1,000 to a crowdfunding campaign with a tiered rewards system, and contributions of $1,000 or more unlock the highest tier. The campaign stipulates that the highest-tier donors receive a prize. Because the donor received the prize due to their contribution, this is considered a quid pro quo donation. Another common charitable quid pro quo is charity dinners. When deducting quid pro quo contributions, taxpayers must subtract the benefit's fair market value from the initial contribution amount before deducting the donation from their adjusted gross income.

Overcome TAXiety with Liberty Tax.

It’s no secret — taxes can be a challenge to understand. If preparing for this year’s tax season gives you TAXiety, don’t hesitate — schedule an appointment with your a Liberty Tax Pro. Let the tax pros at Liberty Tax be your tax resource. Please give us a call at 336-629-4700 or visit at 405 E. Dixie Drive, Suite J in Asheboro.

INTERESTED IN TEACHING?

RCC HOLDING INFORMATION SESSION MARCH 21

Whether it be elementary education, special education, middle grades, or high school, teachers are an integral part of every personʼs life. Now is a great time to learn more about the college transfer process of becoming a teacher. Randolph Community College is holding an Information Session for individuals interested in becoming certified as a teacher for all grade levels.

The drop-in Information Session is Tuesday, March 21, from 4-6 p.m. in the Martha Luck Comer Foundation Conference Center on the Asheboro Campus. Attendees can view admissions materials for RCC and more than 15 other public and private universities that grant degrees

in education. Representatives from Pfeiffer University and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, which have transfer agreements with RCC to help students become certified teachers, also will be in attendance to answer questions.

High schoolers, their parents, RCC Teacher Preparation students, teacher assistants, and all interested community residents are invited.

For information on RCC’s Teacher Preparation program, visit https://www.randolph.edu/academics/collegemajors/teacher-preparation/index.aspx.

RCC CAMPUSES HOSTING SPRING FAFSA NIGHTS

Need help filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? Randolph Community College is hosting Spring FAFSA Night on Monday, March 13th from 4-7 p.m. at the College's Asheboro Campus and on Wednesday, March 15, from 4-7 p.m. at the College’s Archdale Center.

Students needing assistance completing their FAFSA for 2023-24 and planning to attend RCC or any other college or university should bring their 2021 W-2s

and federal tax return (1040) for both parent(s) and student. They also need to know information such as their Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number and information on any untaxed income and assets.

In Asheboro on March 13th the event will be in rooms 111 and 117 of the Business Education Center. In Archdale on March 15th, the event will be in rooms 321 and 322 of the Archdale Center, located at 110 Park Drive. Spanish translation services will be available, and parents are welcome to attend.

Dr. Darren Cross Dr.Christopher Durham

RCC HOSTS LOCAL STUDENTS FOR AUTOMOTIVE DAY

More than 200 Randolph County 10th graders explored opportunities in Randolph Community College’s Automotive Systems Technology and Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology programs

Friday, Feb. 17., in the Richard Petty Education Center on the Asheboro Campus as part of Automotive Day. The students participated in hands-on activities, toured local garages, and learned about the Apprenticeship Randolph and the Career and College Promise programs.

Jack Hicks, a Randleman High School sophomore, has already signed up for classes at the College.

“I like working on cars,” he said. “I have some of my own. It’s just what I like to do. I like old Euro and JDM cars. I like restoring them.

“The most interesting thing was probably when he was talking about the diagnostic stuff because normally, I just do that by myself and not with a computer.”

Eastern Randolph High School sophomore Cheyenne Welborn said she has always been interested in cars.

“I figured this would broaden my horizons and my experiences outside of school,” she said. “I just love the fact that cars can go wherever they want. I love learning how the inside of a car works.

“Today, I learned the hot glue trick and how to paint a car. I absolutely want to come to RCC.”

Students participated in a wheel alignment activity, a multipoint inspection, a Light Duty Diesel demonstration, a measuring activity, a paint booth demo, a painting simulator, a damage repair activity, a ScanTool activity, an Electric Vehicle demo, and a wiring activity — all led by RCC faculty and student volunteers enrolled in the programs.

The 10th graders also toured the Randolph County School System Bus Garage, Gallimore Automotive and Bodyshop, and Asheboro Nissan.

RCC Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology (CRRT) Instructor Keith Hollenbeck tells students about his field

A student participates in the paint booth demo

CRRT Instructor Steven Smith, third from right, observes students participating in a damage repair activity

CELEBRATING THE “BRIGHTER SIDE

OF 50” AT RSAA

Story and photos by Jill Jackson, Director or Marketing and Community Engagement

What is the “Brighter Side of 50,” you may ask? At the Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA), it is living life to the fullest. It is meeting new people. It is going new places. It is trying new things. It is helping others. And, sometimes, it is receiving services that help you remain independent at home.

It’s been proven that one of the most important things seniors can do to remain happy and healthy long-term is to engage with others on a regular basis. The busier seniors are, the more they enjoy a higher quality of life. Yet, many of the activities they used to do or those that they would like to do, are not always accessible.

That is where senior centers come in.

Today’s senior centers are reinventing themselves to meet the needs and desires of the aging baby boom generation. For folks who are 50+ and are looking for something to do to stay busy or those who want to meet new people, visiting a senior center is an option. It provides an opportunity to connect with others who are around the same age while also providing an opportunity to learn something new. Programs vary significantly, but most offer a variety of options to appeal to a larger audience. Some of the activities include yoga, Bingo, quilting, arts and crafts, gardening, cooking classes, education workshops, music programs, painting, card/board games, walking and exercise activities, Day Trips and much more.

RSAA operates four Senior Centers and an Adult Day

Meet your RSAA Senior Center Directors. Left to right: Kaffy Reynolds, Liberty Senior Center; Rosann Sims, Asheboro Senior Center; Tara Swift, Archdale Senior Center; and Kimberly Johnston-Mosher, Randleman Senior Center.

Care. Senior Centers are located in Archdale (109 Park Drive); Asheboro (347 W. Salisbury Street); Liberty (128 S. Fayetteville Street), and Randleman (144 W. Academy Street). Our Place Adult Day Care is located at 714 Farr Street in Asheboro.

Whether you're still working, semi-retired, a caregiver, or just ready to have some fun and make new friends, we encourage you to visit your local Senior Center to learn more. It could be the life change you need to remain healthy and happy!

About the Randolph Senior Adults Association: The Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA), a nonprofit organization, is the community’s lead organization for adults age 50 and over. RSAA is a United Way agency. For more information, visit: www.senioradults.org.

ONE-PAN SALMON AND VEGETABLES

This recipe is so easy, it’s almost not even a recipe. It showcases flaky and richly pink salmon, a low-calorie protein source full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and energy-boosting B vitamins. This non-recipe is versatile! Replace salmon with another flaky fish like tilapia or trout. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 squash or zucchini, sliced into rounds

2 Large carrots, sliced into rounds

½ onion, cut into wedges

1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes

1 small sweet potato, quartered

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or your favorite fish-seasoning blend

1 to 2 salmon fillets, about 4 ounces each

1 lemon, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil (not wax paper). If you don’t have these, you can thoroughly grease the pan with vegetable oil.

2. In a large bowl, toss all veggies with 2 tablespoons of oil and seasoning, then spread them into a single layer on the baking sheet.

3. Nestle your salmon fillets, skin side down, between the vegetables. Brush with remaining olive oil, and top with 2 thin lemon slices each.

4. Roast for 12-15 minutes, until salmon is flaky and mostly opaque.

5. Add 1 salmon fillet and a heaping serving of roasted veggies to each plate for a healthy and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

HAJI THE LION

The North Carolina Zoo has happily announced that a male lion is among the Zoo’s newest residents. Haji, who recently turned three years old, came to the N.C. Zoo from the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. Haji and his twin brother, Asani, were born at Audubon in January of 2020, to parents Arnold and Kali. Not long after they were born, the two young cubs had names chosen for them through a voting process that was open to the public. After spending the first few years of his life there in New Orleans, Haji has now come to the N.C. Zoo to be a companion for the female lion, Mekita. We are hopeful that the two will soon become very fond of each other!

The N.C. Zoo has been on the lookout for a male to join Mekita since the much beloved older male lion, Reilly, passed away in the summer of 2022. Animals living in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) tend to live longer lives than their counterparts in the wild. A consistent diet, regular health checkups and protection from predators and poachers add years to the lives of zoo animals. However, old age brings on health challenges of its own, and large mammals suffer from many of the same illnesses and disorders as aging humans. This was true for Reilly, who experienced spinal problems and fought mightily against renal disease in his later years. Ultimately, Reilly’s weakened physical state and advanced age led the animal care and veterinary teams to the heart-wrenching decision to bring his days to a peaceful end. Reilly was 23 years old – roughly twice the life expectancy of lions in the wild. He was born at Lincoln Park Zoo, in Chicago, in February of 1999, and had been at the N.C. Zoo since 2001. He sired nine offspring: six females and three males. While his roar, which could be heard all across the park, will surely be missed, Reilly’s legacy and contributions to the continued existence of his species will never be forgotten.

Now, a new chapter begins. Haji, whose name refers to the traditional Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, has been getting acclimated to his new surroundings and will be gradually introduced to Mekita. The two are currently splitting time in their habitat space, as they take turns alternating between being in the public view and going back behind the scenes. This technique will allow them to grow accustomed to each other’s scent before they

by Kelly Nields

meet face to face, increasing the likelihood of a friendly first encounter.

A handsome and impressive fellow, Haji weighs in at about 388 pounds (some male lions can reach as much as 570 pounds). His keepers say that his favorite food so far is rabbit, and that he enjoys chewing on toys and other enrichment items. Haji is also quite fond of trying to creep up on his keepers – a very natural behavior for a big cat!

Haji is said to be a quick learner, which will be helpful as keepers work to condition him to provide specific responses to certain stimuli. Training techniques enhance the safety of the animals and their keepers, and are critical tools in the practice of providing veterinary care. By employing such methods, keepers and veterinarians can coax animals to present different parts of their body

Haji looking a bit curious about his new habitat

and allow basic procedures, like injections or the taking of blood samples, without having to sedate the animal with anesthetics.

Lions are unique among big cats, as most species tend to be solitary animals. Unlike their large feline relatives, lions are social creatures that live in “prides” typically consisting of a dominant male, several females, and their offspring. This social structure inspired the N.C. Zoo Society to name its planned giving program “Lion’s Pride,” which recognizes and honors individuals who have included the N.C. Zoo Society as part of their wills, or other estate planning arrangements. Zoo Society donors come together, much like a family, to protect the things that are important to them, like the North Carolina Zoo and its mission to conserve wildlife and habitat around the world. Those interested in learning more about planned giving that supports the N.C. Zoo and global conservation efforts can visit https://nczoo.planmylegacy. org.

Like many predators, lions spend a lot of time sleeping – as much as 20 hours a day! But, do not mistake the lion for a slow and lumbering beast. Oh no! These powerful cats can sprint at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, in short bursts, rapidly closing the distance between themselves and their prey. An apex predator in a league of its own, the lion is among the most visually stunning and powerful creatures of our world, and has fascinated mankind for all of our history.

Despite their fabled strength, surprising speed and historic lack of natural predators, lions in the wild have suffered due to poaching, unintentional snaring, habitat loss, and retaliation for livestock predation. Currently listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, there are fewer than 39,000 lions remaining in the wild. The North Carolina Zoo and Zoo Society actively support conservation efforts to protect

this most iconic of species. One promising tool in this fight is the SMART-based monitoring system that was developed by N.C. Zoo scientists together with partner organizations, and funded in part by the N.C. Zoo Society. The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool assists with anti-poaching efforts to help protect lions in areas critical for their survival. SMART is a free, open-source technology that assists conservationists in the field with gathering, analyzing and reporting data that helps to protect wildlife and critical habitats.

To experience the awe and wonder of being in the physical presence of majestic lions, visit the North Carolina Zoo, and see how Haji and Mekita’s relationship is progressing. To learn more about conservation efforts being employed to protect lions and other wildlife around the world, visit www.nczoo.org/wildlifeconservation-zoo.

Everyone at the Zoo is looking forward to hearing Haji bellow out a roar, to signal his status as the new leader of the pride! Come out to the N.C. Zoo, and whether you get to hear Haji announce himself or not, we guarantee you and your family will have a roaring good time!

The late, great Reilly (Feb. 1999 - Aug. 2022)

Mekita with a ball

Your Heart is at the Y!

Recently the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA held an elegant and exciting evening to benefit youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility at the 10th Annual Your Heart Is At The Y Dinner and Dance! This semi-formal themed event was held at Pinewood Country Club on Friday, February 3rd and consisted of dinner, dancing, live auction, cash bar, DJ, and more!

This event is organized by volunteers of the 'Friends of the Y' Committee and made possible by generous sponsors. A special thank you to all of the sponsors who have been so committed over the past 10 years to making a difference. We are already looking forward to next year’s event!

by Nick McNeill