MILLSTONE CREEK ORCHARDS HOSTS HEART OF NC STAR SEARCH COMPETITION FINALS ON AUGUST 5TH

This Summer, Millstone Creek Orchards is on a mission to find the greatest talent in North Carolina by hosting the Heart of NC Star Search Competition. This competition welcomed both individual acts as well as group performances in an array of talent areas: vocal, instrumental, dance, comedy, artistic, magic, etc. In addition to the chance to showcase their talents on the main stage, contestants have the opportunity to win a total of $1,750 in cash prizes.

While the contestant applications were due on Monday, July 10th, the excitement doesn’t stop there. 20 semi-finalist were be selected by Millstone Creek Orchards management, and from there, their 30,000+ social media followers selected the top 10 finalists who will perform live at Millstone Creek Orchards on August 5th at 12pm in front of five local judges and the community.

Beverly Mooney, owner of Millstone Creek Orchards, shares, “I am thrilled that these extremely talented individuals will have the opportunity to let their talent shine. Please come out to show your support on August 5th when we host the Heart of NC Star Search Finale. We look forward to celebrating the wealth of talent within our community. “

About Millstone Creek Orchards (MCO) is a family-owned and operated orchard that loves sharing what they do with the community. The orchard is located on 84 acres of farmland with 25 acres full of farm-fresh blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, grapes, apples, pumpkins, pecans, and flowers, which are all available for u-pick. In addition to u-pick fruit, guests can enjoy catch & release fishing, picnic areas, kiddie korral playground, an ice cream parlor, fresh-pressed apple cider slushies, and various special events. Throughout the year, schools and community groups visit for interactive and educational orchard tours to learn about the wonder of Mother Nature. To check out the Orchard festivities, visit their website at www. millstonecreekorchards.com or follow them on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/millstonecreek/.

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

Asheboro-based Girl Scout Troop #300681, of the Girl Scouts Peaks to Piedmont Council (GSCP2P), enjoyed spreading some “sweet” cheer to seniors across Randolph County as part of a Council-wide Gift of Caring service project called "Cookies for a Cause."

Every year the GSCP2P’s Gift of Caring program supports a local cause and a different cause agency. This year, the Cookies for a Cause project was directed toward local Meals on Wheels programs and aimed to provide a package of cookies to seniors who receive Meals on Wheels services.

Throughout the Girl Scout Cookie Season, customers can opt to donate their purchased cookies through the Gift of Caring program. In addition to Cookies for a Cause, GSCP2P also continued its longstanding support of the U.S. military (active and retired) serving in the United States and abroad, as well as local food banks through cookie sale donations and letters of encouragement.

Troop #300681, located within GSCP2P Service Unit #146 in the Happy Hollow Community Center, had the largest donation and was able to deliver 30 cases (360 boxes) of Girl Scout cookies to the Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA) to distribute to homebound seniors enrolled with the Meals on Wheels program.

"The girls were extremely excited to make the donation to the RSAA," said Lisa Callicutt, Troop Leader. "It really meant a lot to them to tour the RSAA building, and to learn about the Meals on Wheels program and the local senior centers."

Local seniors were also surprised and excited to receive a sweet treat delivered to their doors.

"We were thrilled to receive this donation of cookies from the Girl Scouts Peaks to Piedmont," said Mark Hensley, RSAA executive director.

"Our 350 Meals on Wheels participants, many of whom are unable to leave their homes, do not have the opportunity to purchase these cookies and were so pleased to receive them as part of their daily meal,” remarked Hensley. “We truly appreciate the support of GSCP2P and especially Troop #300681.”

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

Just wait until you try these Air Fryer Donut Holes. Not only are they going to change you dreading waking up early in the morning but they’re literally going to be the bright start to your day. I love how simple and easy they are to grab as you’re running out the door!

I can refrigerator biscuit dough

1 Tbsp cinnamon

1 cup granulated white sugar

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Cut the donut holes from the biscuits with a mini cookie cutter. You can also use the lid from a drink bottle.

3. Place the donut holes into the air fryer and bake on 350 for about 4 minutes, shaking the basket about halfway through.

4. Remove from the air fryer and dip into the cinnamon sugar before serving.