Asheboro Magazine-Issue 35

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table of C O N T E N T S 5

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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COVER STORY

Randolph Community College's CEIC LEED Certified

Piedmont Staffing Solutions, Inc.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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FEATURE

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COMMUNITY CHARACTER

Randolph Arts Guild Artists Showing at DeLurk Gallery in Winston-Salem

Randolph County Honor Guard

Marlo Francis: A Woman of Many Talents

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ASK THE EXPERT

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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FEATURE

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ASK THE EXPERT

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BUSINESS BUZZ

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ZOO ZEAL

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AT THE YMCA

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Trigger Finger

Kit Kringle: A Galaxy of Fun

Aquila Returns to the Zoo

The "Y-Give" Scholarship Campaign

Randolph Arts Guild Artists Features Artists Juan & Diane Villa

Kim Brady & Neal Robbins Win 2013 Dancing with the Randolph Stars

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Randolph Arts Guild Call to Artists for 2013 Randolph Ramble ABC Cornhole Tournaments

Eyelid Rejuvenation A Suprisingly Common Procedure

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FEATURE

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DAILY DEVOTION

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FEATURE

Live ... But Not Vicariously

Seat of the Pants, Seat of the Chair

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Meditations on Blue

Experience IT All!

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Publisher’s Letter

Dear Readers, know the calendar says it’s July, but it feels more like March or April. It may be warm outside, but I’ve had my fill of rain to last me a good long while. The only good thing about all that rain … I haven’t had to water my outside plants on the deck at all this year.

In spite of the dampening rain, there are lots of great activities planned and happening around town. Operation Red Sleigh is kicking off their walk/bicycle fundraising efforts on July 19th & 20th, and to celebrate – they have a FREE concert in Bicentennial Park on the 19th with The Mason Lovett Band performing at 7:30 pm.

Another concert fundraiser held in Bicentennial Park is being put on by Bantum Rooster on July 28th at 7:00 pm. They want to stock the shelves at the Christians United Outreach Center food pantry, so please bring a bag of canned goods, a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music.

This month’s Community Character is none other than Marlo Francis, one of my most favorite ladies in Asheboro. I caught up with her recently to check in and see what’s on the horizon for the fro-yo queen. Read the article to find out more about what she’s up to.

Volunteers make up the backbone of our community, and none are more dedicated and steadfast than those volunteer veterans who make up the Randolph County Honor Guard.

They perform at funerals around the Piedmont for anyone who requests their services for a veteran’s funeral. They have grown substantially in the past few years, and now perform at more than 500 funerals a year, not to mention participating in parades and other services. They deserve our thanks and gratitude as they continue to serve their country, long after they have retired from active duty.

Until next time, keep that umbrella handy – if it ever stops raining, it will protect you from the sun and don’t forget when you are shopping for school supplies and clothes to ‘Choose Local!’

Happy Reading!

Sherry B. Johnson

Sherry

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PUBLISHER Sherry B. Johnson

sherry@asheboromagazine.com

VICE PRESIDENT DESIGN & ADVERTISING David A. Johnson dave@asheboromagazine.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren E. M. Johnson

lauren@asheboromagazine.com

CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Jeffrey White Dr, Bill Walsh Ken Reininger Rev. Peter Panagore Megan Clapp Scott Kustes jacquie Reininger

COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY Kim Miller

Kim Photography ADDRESS

PO Box 1369 Asheboro, NC 27204 Phone. 336-698-3889

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Asheboro Magazine is published monthly by Asheboro and More Marketing, Inc. Any reproduction or duplication of any part thereof must be done with the written permission of the Publisher. All information included herein is correct to the best of our knowledge as of the publication date. Corrections should be forwarded to the Publisher at the address above.

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.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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a n d o l p h C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e ’ s C o n t i n u i n g Education and Industrial Center has received its official LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. It is the first building in Randolph County to become LEED certified, according to Robert Carmac, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, REFP, the architect with Smith Sinnett Architecture of Raleigh who designed the building.

“Achieving the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification level of Gold identifies this building as an example of sustainable design and demonstrates RCC’s, the design team’s, and the construction team’s leadership in transforming the

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Randolph Community College’s CEIC Becomes First LEED Certified Building in Randolph County Shown at the ceremony to unveil Randolph Community College’s LEED Gold Certification at the Continuing Education and Industrial Center are (left to right) Cindi Goodwin, RCC director of facilities operations; Renee Hutchinson, NCEO energy architect; Jamey Glueck, Smith Sinnett Architecture principal; Page Kluttz, vice president of Hodgin Construction; Robert Carmac, project architect; Daffie Garris, RCC vice president of administrative services; Dr. Robert Shackleford, RCC president; Mac Sherrill, RCC Board chair; Harold Holmes, Randolph County Commissioners chairman; and Lyn Martin, NCEO energy engineer.

building industry,” said Carmac, upon unveiling the LEED Gold plaque June 26 in the lobby of the CEIC to a small group of those involved in the project.

In addition to RCC leadership, faculty and staff members, those in attendance included F. Mac Sherrill, chair of RCC’s Board of Trustees; J. Harold Holmes, chairman of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners; Jamey Glueck, a principal with Smith Sinnett; A. Lyn Martin, an energy engineer with the N.C. Energy Office; Renee Hutchinson, NCEO energy architect; and Page Hodgin Kluttz, LEED AP BD+C, vice president of

Hodgin Construction Company of Greensboro, the general contractor.

RCC President Robert S. Shackleford Jr. welcomed the group “to this very exciting occasion,” noting that, while the College leadership had expected to reach this goal, “We reached it in about half the time we thought it would take to get here.”

Daffie Garris, RCC vice president for administrative services, introduced Carmac and Kluttz and thanked them for their work on the project. Garris said the project was begun with LEED Silver Certification in mind, but the group decided to go for Gold. In

Smith Sinnett architect Robert Carmac (left) and Randolph Community College President Roberts S. Shackleford unveil the LEED Gold seal at RCC’s Continuing Education and Industrial Center on June 26. Watching are RCC Board of Trustees Chair F. Mac Sherrill and Randolph County Commissioners Chairman Harold Holmes.

her remarks, Kluttz noted that this was the first LEED project for Hodgin Construction.

“When RCC decided to expand this existing warehouse, they did it with a commitment to make a difference in this community and by addressing sustainability through local solutions,” said Carmac.

He told the group there are 13,376 LEED Certified buildings in the United States, 5,240 being LEED Gold, and there are 409 LEED Certified buildings in North Carolina, 161 of them Gold. Addressing the Commission chairman directly, he said, “Mr. Holmes, as of two weeks ago, there were zero LEED Certified buildings in Randolph County…now there is one.”

“The LEED Gold Certification recognizes the entire team’s efforts to create a healthy, productive, and state-of-the-art educational environment that is less costly to operate and maintain and has a reduced

environmental footprint,” concluded Carmac.

Carmac presented four individual certificates and small LEED plaques to Kluttz of Hodgin Construction for “achieving the four extra points that took us from silver to gold”; to Cindi Goodwin, RCC director of facilities operations, for “constant support and promoting the building and sustainable features to a larger statewide audience”; to RCC’s Garris, for “giving the go-ahead and constantly pushing for us to achieve as much as we could”; and to Dr. Shackleford, the Board of Trustees, and the County Commissioners “for the support you have shown through the entire process and for the confidence you had in the entire project team as we tried to make the goal of LEED Certification a reality.”n

Steps that helped achieve LEED Certification: • site selection - reusing an already developed site.

• 3,500-gallon rain harvesting tank so no treated water is used for landscaping.

• reducing water usages by 42%, saving approximately 200,000 gallons a year.

• reduced energy usage by 23% and reduced energy cost by 20%.

• building reuse of 95%.

• recycled 360 tons of construction waste, which was 88% of the total job waste.

• recycled content of 31%.

• 53% of the building materials were manufactured regionally.

• construction indoor air quality plan during construction and before occupancy.

• low emitting materials.

• four Innovation in Design points for 1) using the building as a teaching tool and educating the public on sustainable features; 2) exceeding the required water savings; 3) exceeding the required recycled content; and 4) exceeding the required regional materials.

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The Solution to Your Employment Needs

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iedmont Staffing Solutions, Inc. is a privately owned and operated staffing agency located in Asheboro, North Carolina that can assist you with any staffing needs within your company.

Vickie Walters and her daughter, Michelle Key, opened Piedmont Staffing Solutions, Inc. in 2007 to be able to offer Randolph and Guilford County temporary and permanent

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high quality staffing services.

Piedmont Staffing Solutions has the flexibility to make decisions on the spot without having to go through a corporate office, to provide you with workable solutions to meet the specific staffing needs of your company. They work hard to build long-term and lasting partnerships with their clients, and their employees. Their office staff is dedicated to making sure that your employment needs are met 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Vickie Walters started servicing companies in Randolph and Guilford Counties in 1996 as a Sales/Account Coordinator for a staffing agency out of Greensboro, with offices in High Point and Asheboro. She understands the need for good clear communication between her office staff and the clients they serve. She believes in building good working business relationships with her clients, and doing whatever she can to ensure that her staff provides the best

possible service to meet their different needs.

Missy Louris has worked in the staffing industry since 1995, and was recruited by Piedmont Staffing Solutions in 2012 to help manage their front office. Missy is dedicated to her position with Piedmont Staffing, and she works hard every day to ensure that each client’s requirements are met to their satisfaction. She works sideby-side with the other staff in the office handling all aspects of the

business, to ensure that clients receive the quality and quantity of applicants to fulfill their needs.

Michelle Key is the Sales & Marketing Manager for Piedmont Staffing.

She spends her time focused on growing the business and servicing clients. She is very involved in the community through a number of different organizations.

She currently serves as President of the Randolph Business Women and is an active Kiwanis member.

Michelle is also an Ambassador with

the Asheboro Randolph Chamber of Commerce, and helped plan and execute the Chamber’s “No Tie Affair” as a committee member earlier in the Spring. She is in the 2013 Leadership Randolph Class, and recently participated in the “Read Across America” program with the Chamber. Michelle has been a member of the Randolph Professionals Network, and was previously Chairman of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce’s Special Events Committee. She is also a member of the Randolph Association of Medical Managers, and was a team captain for the Randolph County Relay for Life. Michelle continues to volunteer for various Chamber functions and charitable events.

Piedmont Staffing Solutions is not just a temporary staffing agency. They offer a wide variety of employment services to save employers time and money; I-9 Verification, drug screening, criminal and background and reference checks, and payroll services. As a full service employment agency, they can hire supervisors, managers, and skilled labor directly to save your company the time, effort and expense of going through the interviewing and verification requirements necessary to find qualified candidates who will complement your business.

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additional charge on a comparable candidate or offer a refund on a 30, 60 or 90 day scale.

They can assist you in hiring contract workers for short or long term special projects and technical support. They can offer skill assessments on employees you are interested in to make sure they have the skills needed to perform the job you require. If you are looking to try someone out before you hire them on permanently, Piedmont Staffing offers temporary to direct hire services for clerical positions, accounting, supervisors and managers.

If you are just looking for temporary help for short or long term, Piedmont Staffing offers you a wide range of skilled workers for production, warehouse and housekeeping duties, as well as many other types of employees.

Employees sent to work by Piedmont Staffing Solutions will be fully screened and matched to the specific job opening. Your complete satisfaction is assured.

Why Piedmont Staffing Solutions, Inc.?

The staff has over 43 years of combined experience in the staffing industry. Owner, Vickie Walters, has been in the industry for over 17 years, all of it right here in Randolph and Guilford Counties.

She is a Certified Staffing Professional (CSP) and understands what local clients need for staffing solutions.

She has hired experienced people to help her make sure her clients are taken care of.

Missy Louris joined the company as the Office Manager last year, and she has been in the business for over 18 years. With her knowledge of the industry, customer service skills, and employment

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law certification she has been a tremendous asset helping clients with their staffing needs.

Michelle Key, Sales and Marketing Manager, has been in the staffing industry for eight years, and with her past recruiting and sales experience, rounds out a dynamic team that can meet all your staffing needs.

Piedmont Staffing Solutions is a HUB (Historically Underutlized

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Piedmont Staffing Solutions is a member of the American Staffing Association, the Better Business Bureau, and the Asheboro Chamber of Commerce.

Give Piedmont Staffing Solutions a call the next time your company needs an employee, and sit back and let them do all the work. n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

The Randolph Arts Guild announces a visual art exhibit featuring the work of 37 Randolph Countybased artists. The exhibition, titled COMMUNITY, explores the visual connections among the variety of Randolph County artists and their respective creative mediums. The show is hosted by downtown Winston-Salem's Delurk Gallery and is part of an art exchange among the two arts organizations. The show of over 60 works of art includes pottery, sculpture, painting, drawing, and mixed media.

COMMUNITY explores how a diverse grouping of visual art relates to each other and more. This exhibition was selected by three Randolph County judges whom also share ties with the creative world. Selections of the judges commentary are a featured portion of COMMUNITY. The audience will have an opportunity to consider another person's written point of view of the art.

The exhibition opens on Friday July 5th with a free reception from 7 p.m. -- 10 p.m..There will also be a free closing reception on Saturday, July 27th from 5 p.m. -- 8 p.m..

Delurk Gallery is located at 207 W. 6th Street, Winston-Salem. n For more information about Delurk Gallery visit: www.delurkgallery.com.

COMMUNITY is a part of a visual art exchange between the Randolph Arts Guild (RAG) and Delurk Gallery. The two organizations featured an exhibition of each others' artists. RAG hosted an exhibition of 12 members of the Delurk Gallery artist co-op during the month of May in the Sara Smith Self Gallery, located in the Moring Arts Center in downtown Asheboro. Delurk in turn will feature the artists of RAG during the month of July at the downtown Winston-Salem gallery.

eXhiBiTion sTaTemenT:

This survey exhibition is titled COMMUNITY. It features the arts and crafts of Randolph County-based artists. The question that inspired this show was what is the common thread among our diverse, creative population who speak in different mediums and on different levels? The result is a compelling selection of artistic voices found throughout RandCo. COMMUNITY includes three (also diverse and creative) RandCo-based judges. Janis Mason is an artful elder of our community. Chuck Egerton is

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the Department Head of Photographic Technology at Randolph Community College. Cannon Rich is a curious and articulate Randolph County youth.

In the spirit of Randolph's vibrant creative community the exhibition features commentary of the judges and shares their perspective & insight regarding the art. COMMUNITY provides an opportunity to enjoy the art, and the commentary of the jurors.

The art is displayed accompanied by the judges' thoughts and/or how the artists' are a part of RandCo's creative community in their own words. Posting these comments reminds the public

that visual art often times elicits a creative response from the viewer.

The exhibit not only features and celebrates two creative communities but also expands and forges new connections in comprehending the universal language of art. With this exchange, we hope you gain a new understanding of the rich, artful resources here in North Carolina. – Les Caison III, Program Director, Randolph Arts Guild

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Randolph Honor Guard County Honor Guard

W

hen the US Military reduced its forces in 1989/1990 they declared they would no longer provide military funeral rites for deceased veterans.

A group of veteran volunteers in Randolph County formed the Randolph County Veterans Council.

The objective of the council was to organize a Veterans Day Parade, establish a veteran’s memorial monument, and form an honor guard to provide military rites for veterans when requested by the veteran’s family.

In March 1990, the Randolph County Honor Guard was formed with the mission to provide military funeral rites to all veterans, without regard to branch of service or

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membership in any veteran service organization, and at no charge to the families. There were 18 original members of the Honor Guard: Arthur Coble, Carl Odham, Frank Rose, Frank Davis, Odell Hayes, Tom Moore, Terry Stutts, Doug White, William Grant, L. R. Auman, Martin Shaw, Charles Morton, Gary Edwards, Leroy Diggs, Waylon Ingold, Robert Cheatham, Herman Bolton, and George E. Brown. They agreed to meet the third Saturday of each month to train and hold business meetings.

These veterans sold Desert Storm cards, and held fundraisers to purchase weapons and uniforms.

Their first uniform consisted of blue overalls with a white web belt, a helmet liner painted white, white gloves and black shoes, and each member paid for their own uniform.

They acquired seven 03 Springfield

rifles as saluting weapons, and the American Legion Dixon 45 provided a weapons safe to store them in.

Ridge Funeral Home agreed to store the safe in its garage. The garage became a place where the Honor Guard gathered to go on military funeral services, and they still use the garage today.

These veterans visited all the funeral homes in Randolph County to let them know they were available to provide full military funeral rites, a three volley rifle salute, taps, folding of the flag and presentation of the flag to next of kin for deceased veterans when requested by the veteran’s family.

The first ceremony performed by the Randolph County Honor Guard in May, 1990 was not a funeral but a Memorial Day service at the Blue Star Memorial Marker on Dixie Drive

in Asheboro. Gradually, funeral homes began to ask the Honor Guard to perform services and the first year they provided services for 10 veterans. As the Honor Guard became better known, and their services were well received by the veteran’s families, the requests increased. They also provided the Color Guard for the Veteran’s Day Parade in Asheboro.

The requests grew over the next few years. In 1991, they performed services at 18 funerals; in 1992 they performed over 20 services. That same year, they adopted a summer uniform of Army Officer’s dress blue trousers, a white short-sleeved shirt with an American Flag over the left shirt pocket, white ascot, white web belt, white gloves and the white helmet liner. Through the efforts of members of the Honor Guard, the various veterans’ service organizations in Randolph County loaned them seven M1 Garand rifles to replace the 03 Springfields.

In 1993 they replaced the white helmet liner with the Army Officer’s dress blue hat, and the white ascot with a gold ascot. They also adopted a long sleeve white shirt with an American flag over the left shirt pocket as a winter uniform. They provided 36 funeral rite services that year in Randolph County, and also traveled to Davidson County for the first time for a service. The Honor Guard agreed to limit their area to

a 50 mile radius around Asheboro.

By this time the Honor Guard membership had increased to 25 members. Another M1 Garand rifle was donated, making a total of eight rifles for services.

In 1994, they performed funeral rite services for 48 veterans, and they were also able to begin buying and providing uniforms to their members. In 1995, they performed over 60 funeral rites. In 1996 they provided funeral rites to more than 90 veterans, and they acquired a 1983 Lincoln Town Car 9-passenger limousine through Ridge Funeral Home to transport members to and from funerals. They were also able to provide each member with the Army black all-weather coat to be used in foul weather and to be worn as an overcoat when the weather was cold.

For the first time in its seven year history, the Honor Guard exceeded 100 funerals in a year in 1997. The number dipped slightly in 1998 to 97, but rose in 1999 to 112 funeral rites for veterans. In 2000 their membership increased to 35 members, and they were able to purchase an additional five M1 Garand rifles to be used in services, bringing the total up to 13 rifles.

That year they performed funeral rites at 146 funerals. In 2002, the Honor Guard exceeded 200 funerals in a year, performing at 215 funerals for deserving veterans around the Piedmont.

In 2003, they lost their long time commander, James E. Allred, in August and performed 197 funeral rites. They added a gold shoulder cord to the uniform to be worn on the left shoulder. The Commander’s widow donated another M1 Garand rifle that had been owned by James.

In 2004 the Sophia Support Club put on a fundraiser for the Honor Guard to purchase a 12 passenger van. The Honor Guard gathered items to be auctioned off, and it raised enough money to buy a 2003 Chevy Van. They also increased their membership to 50 active veterans.

In 2005, the Honor Guard incorporated as a 501(3) c nonprofit,

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purchased two cell phones that were used by members of the Honor Guard to gather the teams for funeral rites, and the funeral homes in the area were given one number to call to reach the Honor Guard to request their services. This made coordinating the Guard much easier.

They also purchased a ceremonial bugle to make the funeral services look better.

In 2007 the Honor Guard performed at 339 funerals, and made contact with the North Carolina Military Honors and began to work with it to help provide funeral honors.

The NC Honors would fold the flag, present the flag, and play taps when requested. They purchased an additional three M1 Garand rifles, bringing their total to 17.

Word was getting out, and the demand grew higher. By 2008, the Honor guard performed 377 funeral rites, and purchased a GPS navigation system to help them find the funeral sites for services. In 2009, they performed 414 funeral rites. They also provided each member with $50 to purchase smooth toe military style shoes.

WGHP Channel 2 Fox News interviewed the Honor Guard Commander, and he made a pitch

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for new members because the demand for services was exceeding the current Guard’s ability to handle.

That interview led to an additional 35 members for the Guard. Many of the new members had never heard of the Guard until they saw the story on the news.

One volunteer asked if he could make all the phone calls required to provide the funeral services, as he was not physically able to participate in the funeral rites due to health reasons. This veteran has and is providing outstanding service not only for the Honor Guard but for all veterans requesting the services of the Guard.

The demand has grown so high that they can be requested for three funerals in the same day, all in different parts of the area they cover.

For this reason, a third ceremonial bugle was donated by C. Ross Berry VFW Post 11164 in Climax. 2010 saw the Guard perform 486 funeral rites for veterans. They purchased a seven passenger mini-van to help with transportation to funeral services. In addition, a local car dealer gave the Guard a second 7 passenger minivan, and a fourth ceremonial bugle was purchased.

The Randolph County Honor Guard was recognized by the General Assembly of North Carolina in Resolution 2010-7 House Joint

Resolution 1869 in Raleigh, North Carolina on June 10, 2010.

In 2011, they moved to their own quarters in Sophia, sharing space with the Sophia Support Club.

They performed funeral rites at 534 funerals for veterans. They were approved by the Army weapons donations support as an authorized Veteran’s Service Organization and became eligible for weapons support.

As a result of this recognition, they received 15 M1 Garand rifles on loan from the federal government, giving them a total of 32. They also purchased a gun safe and placed it in the garage at George Brothers Funeral Home in Greensboro, along with 15 weapons and one of the ceremonial bugles.

Today, the Honor Guard performs funeral rites at veterans’ funerals all over the Piedmont area. These veteran volunteers saw a need in our community, and jumped in to fill it.

They are an amazing group of men and women and I commend them on their continued service to their country and their fellow man. Please take the time to thank them for their selfless service the next time you see them performing f u n e r a l rites at a veteran’s service. n

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COMMUNITY CHARACTER

Marlo Francis

A Woman of Many Talents

By Sherry Johnson

S

ince I relocated to Asheboro, I have met many strong, successful business women in the community. Marlo Francis is one of those women.

She took an idea for a small yogurt shop and turned it into a successful franchise business with 12 locations either open or in the process of opening, in just two years. She has the drive and determination to see a di’lishi frozen yogurt bar in every cool town in America, and what’s better – it all started right here in Asheboro, North Carolina.

I recently sat down with Marlo over lunch to chat about what’s next. If you know Marlo, getting her to sit still is challenge enough because she is a bundle of energy and ready to jump up and dig in to any project that comes to mind. I wanted to touch base with her to find out what she has in store for herself, her brand, and where she sees this train going in five years.

“This has been a great year. I’ve been able to take a deep breath and focus on the bigger picture. The first year I was in reactive mode as the business grew so fast, but I’ve been able to proactively work to build a strong company and brand over this past year. We are

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signing new franchisees and attending franchise trade shows, but I don’t feel like we will become a ‘chain,’ more like a family of stores.”

A woman of many talents, she has created a family atmosphere that is both inviting and cool, so young and old alike enjoy going to di’lishi and getting their ‘fro-yo’ on. While she is instrumental in running the operations of her business, she is also a wonderful wife, a great mom, and she is very active in her church, St. Andrew’s, where she sings in the choir.

Blessed with a beautiful voice, she is coordinating with Lane Ragsdale to do another caberet this year. And as we discovered last year in the Dancing with the Randolph Stars competition to support the Randolph Community College Scholarship Foundation, she can dance!

“I did not reach this level of success on my own, I could never have gotten here without my community supporting it and helping grow the business. It’s taken me out of the store to get the corporation up and running, but I want to get back to seeing my customers on a regular basis.” Her goal for this next year is to spend more time in the store in Asheboro, to stay connected with her patrons.

Marlo and her family

She is always on the lookout for new things to offer in the store – fair trade coffee was added this last year, to great success. They launched the di’lishi website, www.dilishi.com, which tells about what they offer, the nutritional information of their products, franchise info and has some helpful videos, as well as Marlo’s blog.

While she will continue to grow the franchise business, she is doing so in a thoughtful, well-managed way.

Marlo doesn’t want the business to become a statistic, but wants to see steady, responsible growth. She does have plans to open another company store in the near future, location to be announced soon. The most exciting thing to happen this year is they received Federal registration for their name, di'lishi, and their logo, and their community giveback program has gone to publication for registration.

Through all this she has maintained her close relationship with family and friends, and she is taking her first vacation in two years with the whole family on a Disney cruise to Alaska. A well-deserved vacation, but knowing Marlo, when she returns we may start seeing di’lishi Frozen Yogurt shops popping up on cruise ships around the world! n

Marlo at di'lishi

Marlo and Lane Ragsdale

Marlo and Art Martinez asheboromagazine.com

19

ASK THE EXPERT YOUR EYES

Eyelid Rejuvenation a Surprisingly Common procedure Every year, thousands of men and women choose eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to improve the way they look. Blepharoplasty removes puffiness and bags under the eyes and corrects droopy eyelids which can even impair your vision and make you look and feel older.

The procedure works by removing the excess fat, muscle, and skin from both upper and lower lids. The results can be a refreshed appearance, with a younger, firmer eye area. However, the procedure cannot remove dark circles, lines and wrinkles around the eyes, nor can it change sagging eyebrows.

A consultation with a oculoplastic surgeon can help you decide whether added cosmetic Botox速, dermal fillers, or forehead-lift

surgery would help you achieve the look you desire.

Whether the surgery is desired for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified surgeon is of utmost importance.

At Carolina Eye, our ophthalmic plastic surgeon, Jeffrey White, MD, specializes exclusively in surgery and reconstruction of the eyelids, eye orbit and tear duct system.

During the pre-surgical consultation, you will be examined and asked to answer questions concerning your vision and your desire for surgery. Your surgeon will explain what you can expect from blepharoplasty. Factors to be weighed include age, skin type, ethnic background, and degree of vision obstruction.

The blepharoplasty procedure

is done in our minor surgery or outpatient center under local anesthesia. In upper eyelid surgery an incision is made in the crease of the lid and excess fat, muscle, and loose skin are removed. In lower eyelid surgery the incision is in an inconspicuous site along the lash line where fat, muscle, and skin are then trimmed away. The procedure takes about one to two hours depending on the extent of the procedure.

Eyelid surgery makes it possible to correct many flaws and signs of premature aging that can undermine self-confidence.

Facial plastic surgery can not only change how you look, but also help change how you feel about yourself. n

ASK THE EXPERT YOUR EYES

Jeffrey White, MD, an oculoplastic and aesthetic surgery specialist at Carolina Eye Associates performing cosmetic, functional and reconstructive procedures around the eyes and face, can be reached at 336-629- 1451 or 800-222-3043 or www.carolinaeye.com Carolina Eye Associates, Jeffrey White, MD, Ophthalmic Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist.

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asheboro magazine

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of month schedule because of the week of the 4th of July). The Randolph Arts Guild is open from 10am - 5pm Monday - Friday and 10am - 2pm on Saturdays.

For more information please call the Randolph Arts Guild at 336-629-0399 or email arts@asheboro.com for more information. The Guild is located at 123 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203. Hours: M-F 10am -- 5pm, Saturday he Randolph Arts Guild is prepared to exhibit the 10am-2pm. n work of local artists Juan Villa and Diane Villa during the month of July. Their work will be displayed in the Randolph Arts Guild’s Sara Smith Self Gallery located at 123 Sunset Ave. in downtown Asheboro.

The show will open the evening of Tuesday, July 9th with a reception from 5:30 - 7:30pm. The reception is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Local artists Juan & Diane have been together for ten years.

This creative couple is comprised of Juan Villa, a Randolph Community College Alum and local professional photographer since 1989; and Diane Villa who has a BFA in Painting from East Carolina University and has served as the Graphics supervisor at the North Carolina Zoo since 1994. Through their ten years together, they have taken numerous visual forays across the United States. They have been captivated by the beauty of nature and disheartened by the significant impact our species is leaving behind. Together their photographic collections document the triumphant spirit of nature contrasted with the surreal detritus of our society.

The Juan and Diane’s work will be on display in the Sara Smith Self Gallery at the Randolph Arts Guild, located at 123 Sunset Ave. Asheboro, NC from July 9th through July 31st. Please note the opening reception will be held on Tuesday July 9th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm (varying from the typical first Tuesday

COMMUNITY NEWS

Randolph Arts Guild Features Artists Juan & Diane Villa

T

The Randolph County Department of Social Services is looking for loving, supportive families to serve as foster families for the children of Randolph County in need.

We are focusing on homes for sibling groups, teenagers, and medically fragile children

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Parent, please contact the Randolph County Department of Social Services at 336-683-8062 to get more information on the requirements and training opportunities.

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asheboro magazine

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23

Kim Brady and Neal Robbins react to winning the 2013 Dancing with the Randolph Stars trophies June 1 at AVS Catering & Banquet Centre. The Randolph Community College Foundation benefit raised over $158,000, which should net around $123,000 for scholarships for Randolph Community College students. This is the fourth and most successful year yet for the RCC Foundation fundraiser. Photo by Juan Villa.

Kim Brady and Neal Robbins Win 2013 Dancing with the Randolph Stars; Benefit Raises Over $158,000

T

he Randolph Community College Foundation’s Dancing with the Randolph Stars fundraiser held on June 1 at AVS Catering & Banquet Centre raised $158,370, a record amount of money in the fourth year of the event. Community leaders Ann Hoover and Vickie Gallimore, co-chairs of the Planning Committee, announced the totals before a vocal crowd after an evening filled with dances by the 17 competing couples and various entertainment acts while the votes were being tabulated.

After expenses are paid, it is estimated the Foundation will net over $123,000 for scholarships for Randolph Community College students, said Hoover. The 2012 fundraiser netted over $95,000 for student scholarships.

Kim Brady, chief operating officer of Windsor Homes, and Neal Robbins, director of legislative affairs for the N.C. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, received the most votes, winning the coveted Dancing with the Randolph Stars trophies. They impressed the crowd and the judges with their shagging routine to “Stagger Lee.” The trophies were presented by last year’s winners, Nicki McKenzie

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asheboro magazine

Photo by Juan Villa.

Photo by Juan Villa.

Photo by Juan Villa.

Photo by Juan Villa.

Photo by Juan Villa.

and Dr. Henry Vruwink.

The money raised included a combination of $10 votes for the dancers during the night of the event, pre-event voting received by the Foundation, sponsorships from various Randolph County businesses and industries, and ticket sales. The amount raised through both sponsorships and pre-event voting exceeded the totals from previous years.

“Dancing with the Randolph Stars was a great evening even if it had not been a fundraiser for the RCC Foundation,” said RCC President Robert S. Shackleford Jr. “But to have that much fun while doing that much good is just spectacular. Many students will be able to attend RCC coming Photo this

by Juan Villa. year who could not have without the Dancing with the Randolph Stars scholarship money.”

Three hundred and thirty-six people attended the event, which included dinner; a video introduction and 90-second dance routine from each of the 17 couples; and performances by the Ozone Dance Crew, Natalie Price and Joey Trogdon, Lane Ragsdale, Robert S. Shackleford Jr., and Ashley Wicker.

Lane Ragsdale served as director of the show for the third year. WKXR Radio personality Larry Reid served as emcee for the evening. The judges were Don Allred, president of Duel Inc., a media production company; Micki Bare, a syndicated columnist, children’s book author, and blogger; and J.B. Griffith III, financial planner with Liberty Advisors and a former DWRS dancer.

All of the dancers, judges, entertainers, and emcee volunteered their time to the event, in addition to the large number of dedicated community volunteers who served on Photo by Juan Villa.

the Planning Committee. n asheboromagazine.com

25

The other couples competing were as follows: • Megan Crotty, sportswriter for The CourierTribune; and Eddie Voncannon, owner/operator of Able Carpet & Rug Cleaning.

• Shannon McCrary, homemaker and community volunteer; and Lenton Slack, retired RCC Interior Design instructor.

• Dorothy Hans, RCC English instructor; and Paul Goins, Basic Law Enforcement Training director and Criminal Justice continuing education coordinator at RCC. • Robin Necci, a self-employed wellness professional for Xango; and Guy Troy, a farmer from Liberty and a retired colonel from the U.S. Army. It was noted during the evening that at 90 years old, Troy is the oldest dancer to have ever participated in the event.

• Natasha Trogdon, director of administration for United Brass Works; and Chris Yow, sales director for Elastic Therapy.

Photo by Juan Villa.

• Waynette Araj, realtor for RE/MAX Central Realty; and Bobby Wilhoit, attorney with Wilhoit Law. • Suzanne Benhart, co-director of bands for Asheboro High School; and Jeremy Lanier, a sergeant with the Randolph County Sheriff ’s Office.

• Susan Stevenson, curriculum support instructor at Coleridge Elementary School; and John Revell, plant manager for Oliver Rubber Company.

• Leigh Anna Johnson, public relations coordinator at Randolph Hospital; and Dr. DeQuincy Lewis, physician with Randolph Cancer Center.

• Marilyn Koonce, a retired RCC basic skills instructor; and Doug Aitken, who is retired from the Community Health Foundation at Randolph Hospital.

• Jessica Coltrane, assistant branch manager/ assistant vice president at First Bank; and Todd Gilmore, sales manager for Asheboro Recycling Center.

Photo by Juan Villa.

• Tina Webster, technology facilitator for Asheboro High School; and Bryan Justice, owner and master stylist at Make It Beautiful Salon.

• Gail Gouty, registered nurse, Asheboro Endoscopy Center; and Dr. Bob Scott, physician and president of White Oak Family Physicians.

• Julie Moore, office manager for Sentry Fire Protection and part owner of A Venue on Worth Banquet Hall; and Will McCanless, owner and operator of McCanless Pottery.

• Megan Smith, teacher at Lindley Park Elementary School; and Dr. Jerry Moore, pharmacist and owner of Prevo Drug in Seagrove, Carolina Pharmacy, and Ramseur Pharmacy.

• Jen Parrish, part owner of Lumina Wine & Beer; and Bo Davidson, broker for RE/MAX Central Realty.

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asheboro magazine

Photo by Juan Villa.

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27

TRIGGER FINGER

T

rigger finger is an inflammatory disorder of the tendon that bends your finger. It causes pain, swelling and weakness of the hand and is characterized by catching, snapping or locking of that flexor tendon. With advanced cases, the finger may stay bent down requiring the finger to be manually straightened. If there is severe pain and locking, a person may avoid moving the finger and a permanent joint contracture may develop.

The label “trigger finger” is used because after the finger bends, it pops back suddenly, as if releasing a trigger on a gun. Symptoms of trigger finger may range from mild discomfort to severe pain and locking of the finger. The ability to grasp and release objects may become compromised.

Often it is quite tender in the palm and maintaining a firm grasp is difficult.

Performing activities such as holding

a hammer, ironing, driving, or carrying a grocery bag may become difficult.

The tendons that bend the fingers travel in a sheath tunnel which is reinforced by pulleys, similar to a fishing line that travels in the eyelets of a fishing pole. If the fishing line were to swell up or became knotted, it would have trouble passing thru the eyelet. If the tendon is swollen, when it passes thru the pulley, it “pops” back thru the pulley when the finger straightens causing it to “trigger”.

The exact causes of trigger finger are unknown but may include repetitive stress, physical injury or a medical condition such as diabetes.

Many individuals misunderstand trigger finger thinking it may be arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

However, trigger finger is an inflammatory disorder and often is

associated with other inflammatory disorders of the hand.

Treatment for trigger finger is specific to its cause. Foremost, medical conditions which might cause the underlying problem need to be addressed. Once medical conditions are managed, additional measures can be taken to minimize symptoms. As trigger finger is an inflammatory condition, medications for inflammation can be administered by mouth or by injection into the finger. One noninvasive approach to administering anti-inflammatory medication is iontophoresis.

Medication is placed on an electrode which is then placed over the finger.

Low volt electricity is used to drive the medication transdermally thru the skin into the inflamed tissues.

Other treatment methods include

ASK THE EXPERT YOUR HANDS

WILLIAM W. WALSH, OTR/L, CHT, MBA, MHA

Bill Walsh has been specializing in hand therapy for over thirty years and caring for Randolph County patients for the past eleven. Founder and managing partner of Hand & Rehabilitation Specialists of NC, he is the only certified hand therapist in Randolph County. Bill holds a BS degree in Occupational Therapy from State University of NY and a Master’s degree in Business Administration/Health Administration from Pfeiffer University in Charlotte, NC.

www.handandrehab.com

Like us on facebook: Hand and Rehabilitation Specialists of NC

28

asheboro magazine

fabrication of a small custom splint for the involved finger. It can provide significant relief of symptoms and is designed to disallow a tight fist while permitting near complete mobility of the finger. Daytime use of the device is based on the severity of the condition, convenience of use during work and leisure activities and recommendations by your health care provider. Thermal modalities (heat and cold) are effective when administered correctly to control inflammation. Specific temperatures and application times and methods should be considered in order to be effective.

Although heat is more pleasurable, cold modalities are usually more effective for inflammatory disorders.

Trigger finger most often occurs in the ring or middle fingers or the thumb. Although it can be treated by a variety of medical providers, often it is most effectively resolved by a certified hand therapist or hand surgeon.

An initial evaluation followed by a recommended course of treatment can control and often resolve the pain and aggravation caused by trigger finger. Treatment may include fabrication of a custom splint, provision of therapeutic modalities to minimize the inflammation and patient instruction in the appropriate exercise programs and precautionary activities. Patients who misunderstand the nature of the condition may inappropriately squeeze a ball or device to mistakenly help strengthen their hand which can make the condition worse. With the proper understanding and treatment, individuals with trigger fingers can avoid the aggravation of this disorder. n

Our Mission

SFC (Retired) John Paul Weeks — Retired Sergeant First Class (SFC) John Weeks is a native of Sampson County who resided and attended Randolph County Schools. He graduated from Southwestern Randolph High School and received a BS in Accounting from the University of Maryland University College. SFC Weeks served in the Army for 21 years. He worked in the maintenance field and also served as a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare advisor.

SFC Weeks currently works at Southwestern Randolph High School as an Army Junior Reserve Officer (JROTC) Instructor. He resides with his wife Madelyn and is a proud parent of two daughters and Papa of three granddaughters.

is to offer each and every individual personal service with a focus on the Medicare Eligible’s needs. We have the ability to offer Community Resource Guidance through partnerships we have formed with many business professionals in the area. We offer this guidance at no charge to you!

If you have a specific need, feel free to ask. We are committed to Making Medicare Simple!

An Authorized Agent to Offer All Major Medicare Health & Drugs Plans in North Carolina asheboromagazine.com

29

BUSINESS BUZZ

KRIS KRINGLE: A Galaxy of Fun

By Sherry Johnson

B

ritt and Coy Blair opened Kit Kringle as a hobby shop in a small space in the Randolph Mall in November, 2002. Within a year they took over a much larger space when Spencer’s left the Mall, and increased their inventory substantially. Then when K B Toys left the Mall, they became a full service toy and hobby shop.

As card games such as Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokémon and Magic the Gathering began to gain popularity, they stocked the card packs and accessories.

Britt was working as a special education leader, while Coy ran the business in the early days. She took a year off from teaching, and when the economy took a downturn, like so many of her peers, she was not able to find a job in her field. She began working more hours, and when Coy was offered a job – she took over managing the store full-time. Their sons also work there.

Kit Kringle relocated to 1520 E Dixie Drive in the upper parking lot of the Village Marketplace this year in March.

With the need for more flexible hours the move just made sense. With the move, they are now able to stay open later in the evenings when there is a tournament in progress, and they are not bound by strict open and close guidelines. If they want to take a vacation, they can close the store for a week and head to the beach.

They have many regular loyal customers who have been coming to Kit Kringle since they were kids, and now

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asheboro magazine

shop there as adults for their own children. Britt’s dream was to open a store that resembled one she remembers growing up called Paw Paw Patch. She always felt welcomed when she went there, and she wanted to offer a place where people can shop and the staff knows their name. In a big box store you lose that personal service you get when the owner is actually in the store.

A modeler’s club meets at the store the last Thursday of every month. Kit Kringle carries all sorts of models from aircraft carriers to cars, and all the supplies and paints you need. Many of the completed models are hanging around the shop on display.

When Britt began working at the store full-time, she read up on the games they offered and taught herself how to play, so she could participate in the tournaments, and teach others. You have to know so many cards and their special effects, and also how they interact, as well as anticipate what your opponent will do with the cards in their hand.

“It’s a lot like chess, all of the pieces move in different ways at different times. It’s great for learning – you have to keep track of math and strategy.”

They hold a different tournament at 6 pm almost every evening. On Monday it’s Pokémon and Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday it’s Yu-Gi-Oh, and Wednesday and Friday they have MAGIC the Gathering Standard Format tournaments. Standard continued on page 34

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Aquila Returns to the Zoo

By Ken Reininger

I

n November 2011 the zoo broke ground on a major expansion and renovation of its polar bear exhibit. This was done for two main reasons. One was to create a much larger and more interesting living space for our polar bears, because they need and deserve it, and to insure our facilities would meet standards set by a Canadian governmental agency responsible for placing orphaned polar bears. The other reason is to help explain the impact global climate change is having on wild polar bears and how we humans can help by reducing our carbon footprint.

Polar Bears are North America's largest land carnivore and in the wild they can have territories that range over tens of thousands of miles. They are highly intelligent and inquisitive by nature and need an exhibit that allows them to explore, swim, dig and have some choice and control in their lives. The exhibit expansion and renovation will add a new exhibit area that is roughly 20,000 square feet, three times the size of the original exhibit. The new exhibit will have a softer soil substrate with low plants and a shallow stream for wading. It will have an adjacent bear holding building including a maternity den. The new exhibit will be connected to the old exhibit as will the new and old holding buildings. This will give the ability to hold several bears, even if they are not compatible, and to rotate access between the exhibit with the deep water pool and the exhibit with a soil and plants substrate.

Ideally if our bears are compatible they can have access

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asheboro magazine

to both exhibits and choose where they want to spend time.

The need to meet exhibit standards set by the Province of Manitoba has an interesting history and a North Carolina Zoo connection. In the 1970s and 1980s the province allowed several wild polar bears to be captured and sent to zoos in Europe. Some of those bears eventually found their way to a traveling German circus and to Puerto Rico where the circus was touring. Once the bears were within the jurisdiction of the United States it became illegal to move them. This legal dilemma also brought attention to the conditions the bears were living in and a public outcry over those conditions. After a lengthy legal battle the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service confiscated the bears and placed them in several AZA accredited zoos. Two of those bears, Wilhelm and Masha, were placed at the North Carolina Zoo. As a result of the public concern for these bears the Province of Manitoba decided to never again allow polar bears to be placed in substandard conditions and established enclosure design standards any zoo must meet to receive a bear. The Western Hudson Bay population of polar bears appears to be the one most immediately impacted by global climate change and is where it is feared many polar bear cubs will be orphaned in the coming decades. Most of this population exists in the Province of Manitoba and agencies of the province will determine if and where any orphaned cubs will be placed. The North Carolina Zoo's exhibit renovation project made sure to meet these standards so we are

eligible for possible placement of orphaned cubs.

Progress on the construction project has been steady but was complicated by the amount of rock that had to be removed from the site. Sitting in the Uwharrie Mountains this is always a challenge for construction on the zoo site as we never know how much we'll run into until we start digging. The work done by contractors is due to be completed within a few weeks.

However then the zoo's exhibits design, horticulture and maintenance fabrication staffs take over to begin their work. The North Carolina Zoo is extremely lucky to have experienced and capable staff that can create the artificial rocks, design and plant the landscaping and do our own metal and hydraulic door fabrication. We not only save money by doing these exhibit construction tasks ourselves but we are also able to maintain very high aesthetic and performance standards by doing so.

That work on the new exhibit will take another year.

However we prioritized the less extensive renovation work in the original polar bear exhibit in order to bring one of our bears back this spring. Our polar bear Aquila returned from his temporary home at the Detroit Zoo in late April and is now back on exhibit at the zoo. Our other bear Wilhelm is older and less comfortable with change, so we plan to let him stay at the Milwaukee

Zoo until the entire project is complete in 2014.

Of course the main reason we have polar bears (and all the animals) at the zoo is to help our visitors make a connection with wildlife and nature and to recognize our interconnections. Polar Bears are on the front line of the impact global climate change is having on nature.

The native peoples of the arctic see it every day and are already feeling the effects. The North Carolina Zoo is trying to do its part to reduce its carbon footprint in a number of ways. Our internationally certified environmental management program has set a goal of reducing the zoo's total energy use by 20% by the year 2015 and we are on target to meet that goal. We also have a 105 kW solar energy facility and are looking to add significant expanded capacity. We use a biodiesel mixture to run our zoo buses and trams and reduce the amount of gas we use in zoo vehicles by following good driving tips (no idling, no quick starts and stops, combining trips, etc). We feel we owe it to Aquila and Wilhelm to practice what we preach.

So come to the zoo and welcome Aquila home.

Please also do your part to help conserve Aquila’s wild relatives by reducing your home energy and gasoline use. The cool thing about doing this is it can save you money too! n

The Randolph County Family Crisis Center invites you to a THE CHRISTIAN UNITED OUTREACH CENTER PRESENTS:

Saturday, August 10 from 6-11 pm Pinewood Country Club, Asheboro

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Live Beach Music with Premier Band Timeless

Silent and live auction

live BeacH Summerdance PartymuSic

Heavy HorS d’oeuvreS Tickets are $50 per person

Tickets can be purchased at the Red Door Boutique and Red Door Home Store both located in the Hill Side Shopping Center on S. Fayetteville St., Asheboro.

For more information on the event or to become a sponsor,

Call the Asheboro Office at 626-5040 or Archdale Office at 434-5579 All proceeds will directly support both Randolph County Family Crisis Centers for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Asheboro and Archdale.

Sunday July 28, 2013 | Show Time: 7:00 pm Bicentennial Park, Downtown Asheboro Free hot dogs starting at 6:30 pm

Help fill the pantry!

Canned food donations requested

asheboromagazine.com

33

continued from page 30 format is one of the most popular formats in the constructed deck tournament scene and consists of the most recent "Core Set" release and the two most recent "Block" releases.

Kids of all ages gather to play in the tournaments, and it’s a great way to interact with their peers, and get out from behind the computer or away from the television in a safe, supervised environment. There are strict rules of conduct, and you don’t violate them if you want to hang out there.

Kit Kringle carries a wide variety of merchandise in addition to the models and card series and their accessories. They have character figures from movies and shows, stuffed animals in all sizes, Heroclix, comic books, board games and other toys. They also have many vintage posters and signs hanging on the walls. If you don’t see something you are looking for in the store, Britt can special order it for you.

There is a galaxy of fun waiting for your next visit to Kit Kringle at 1520-D E. Dixie Drive, Asheboro. Check them out on Facebook at facebook.com/kitkringle and “like” their page to stay informed of pre-release events, new inventory arrivals and scheduling changes. n

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35

A

t the RandolphAsheboro YMCA, we are changing lives one at a time.

Thresiamma is just one of our many scholarship recipients who are so grateful for what the “Y” has to offer and the opportunity it has provided her to be able to join a powerful association of men, women, and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing youth development, healthy living, and a sense of social responsibility. We believe when we work as one, we build a stronger community.

The “Y-Give” Annual Scholarship Program is available to those who are not able to afford the cost of programs and services they need. The funds raised provide scholarships for children, adults, seniors, single-parents, and others with special needs who lack financial resources. Campaign funds help fill the gap to pay the cost of providing these programs.

The 2012 “Y-Give” campaign goal was to raise $30,000 and in the end we exceeded that goal by almost $5,000! This year we are raising the bar again and our 2013 goal is to raise $40,000! The “Y-Give” Scholarship Committee members are responsible for helping to raise these funds each year to help support the community. They go out and get donations from people and businesses like you who share the same values in life as the YMCA and what the YMCA stands for. In addition to the annual campaign, the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA has many events throughout the year where proceeds go directly to the “Y-Give” Scholarship fund such as our Annual

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“Y-GIVE” SCHOLARSHIP CAMPAIGN High School Volleyball Tournament, Annual JV Basketball Tournament, and Annual Sam Bossong Memorial Golf Tournament, not to mention our Annual Community Yard Sale, Annual Father & Daughter Prom, and other programs and events.

Your participation and involvement to these events goes right back to our community.

The funds raised in 2012 were able to help provide over $100,000 in scholarships and touched the lives of many people in Randolph County. We were able to underwrite memberships for mentally challenged adults and individuals who were unable to afford the fees and underwrite costs for underprivileged youth to participate in sports, swimming, after school programs, and memberships. We provided a place for Boy Scouts to

earn merit badges, Senior adults to practice for Randolph County Senior Games, all local high school swim teams to practice and hold meets, and the mentally challenged to practice and qualify for Special Olympics.

Financial assistance keeps the “Y” available for kids and families who need us most. Every day we work to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Everyone belongs at the “Y.” For more information about our annual “Y-Give” Scholarship Campaign or to donate, contact Patrick O’Hara or Doug Aitken at the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA at (336) 625-1976. n

“I am a disabled senior citizen of Randolph County. I face a lot of health problems, such as Raynauds, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, Glaucoma, Arthritis, Macular degeneration, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Over the years I have had to take numerous prescriptions and many over-the-counter medications as well.

I came to know about the “Y” from my doctors and church members. The “Y” changed my life and has made me athletic again. When I work out at the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA, I don’t need to take medication for insomnia and I can reduce the Diabetes medication. My blood pressure and cholesterol can also be controlled. My doctors are very impressed about my health improvement.

I am so glad the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA has changed my life. All the credit goes to them (Randolph-Asheboro YMCA). I have participated in several Senior Games and have even won some of the events. I have a dream to participate on the national level at Senior Games.

It is amazing to see our YMCA’s efforts to reach the community with its various programs. Their efforts are to reach seniors and children are outstanding.

I am so very grateful to the “Y” and the people there – they are so friendly, and I feel like it is my second home.”

-Thresiamma Lawrence YMCA Member & Scholarship Recipient

o n s i t e s a l e s r e p r e s e n tat iv e

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Randolph Arts Guild Announces Call to Artists for 2013 Randolph Ramble

A

sheboro, NC - The Randolph Arts Guild announces a call to artists wishing to participate in the Second Annual Randolph Ramble Open Studio Tour and Sale to be held October 19-20, 2013.

The Randolph Ramble, sponsored by the Liberty Artisan and Crafts Gallery, the Co-op of Seagrove Potters, Brightside Gallery, the Randolph Arts Guild, and the participating artists, spotlights a diverse selection of art by regional artists in the Randolph County area. The tour promotes the distinctive talent of each artist, and in turn underlines the creativity within our broader community. The participating artists will display their work in their own studios as well as at group locations where visitors can view their original creations and possibly watch a demonstration by the artist, and take advantage of studio pricing on a fine selection of exquisite art pieces. In addition, there will be an opening reception on October 18, where the participating artists will exhibit a sampling of what will be available through the tour.

Participation in the Tour is open to all Randolph County area artists for an entry fee of $25 for RAG members or $35 for non-members. The deadline for forms and fees submission is July 1, 2013.

More information about the Ramble Open Studio Tour and artist guidelines and entry forms are available online at www. randolphartsguild.com or at the Moring Arts Center, 123 Sunset Ave. downtown Asheboro, 336-629-0399. n

Two More ABC Cornhole Tournaments

I

July 12 & August 9

magine being a student left behind at school because you could not afford to attend a field trip with the rest of your classmates. Adventures Beyond Classrooms (ABC) wants to be sure every student experiences the enrichment of an educational field trip. ABC is holding a series of Cornhole Tournaments to raise money to help fund school trips for kids who qualify for assistance. Form a two-person company

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team(s) or just grab a friend and get in on this fun and worthwhile event! Cash prizes will be awarded.

The Cornhole Tournament will take place in the parking lot of the Uptown Charlies at 1216 E. Dixie Drive/Wal-Mart Shopping Center. Sign-in will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tournament starts at 7:30 p.m.

The registration fee per team is $25 ($12.50/person). For additional information about the tournament, contact Michael Smith at 336302-0166, the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce at 336-6262626, abc@triad.rr.com or see the Adventures Beyond Classrooms’ Facebook page or their website http:// adventuresbeyondclassrooms.webs. com..

About Adventures Beyond Classrooms Realizing that there are children in our community who cannot financially afford to participate in enriching field trips, in the Leadership Randolph Class of 2009 established “Adventures Beyond Classrooms” (ABC), an organization that funds field trips for students in Randolph County and Asheboro City Schools who were going to be left sitting at school because they could not afford to go.

Communities In Schools of Randolph County (CISRC), an established nonprofit, serves as the parent organization for this program. Since the forming of this program, over 132 students have attended field trips in which they would not have been able to attend due to financial constraints.

Anyone interested in assisting with the project or making a donation may directly contact Communities In Schools—with reference to Adventures Beyond Classrooms (ABC)—at 1011 Sunset Ave, Asheboro, NC 27203, 336625-0008, or by e-mail at cisrc@ randolph.k12.nc.us. n

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41

Live... But Not Vicariously

Article by Scott Kustes Photos by Edie Sommer

W

e recently hosted a really cool CouchSurfer ( h t t p : / / couchsurfing. com/) named Greg Hartle. He's been on an incredible journey, traveling the United States for the last 2.5 years without a car, starting out with nothing more than $10 and a laptop.

(Read more about his adventure at his website www.tenlap.com.)

During one of our conversations that weekend, we somehow came to that phrase that we heard during our trip and that he's heard plenty of times, too: "I'm living vicariously through you." And a collective "ugh" was heard.

What is it about that phrase that makes me bristle? I suppose it's the notion that the person saying it is just sitting around watching me (or

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whomever they're saying it to) live their lives, while not living the life they wish they could. There's also the implication that I'm now somewhat responsible for doing things they'd enjoy doing.

Now, of course, I realize that just because someone says they're living vicariously, it doesn't mean they're sitting around waiting to find out what I'm doing next. Sometimes it's just a way to say, "Hey, what you're doing is cool."

On the other hand, sometimes it really is a shorthand way of saying, "I wish I could do something like that with my life. I want to change the direction of my life. I want to start a business or travel the world or whatever, but I can't or won't."

Living through the traveler or entrepreneur or whoever in your life isn't the only way too many of us are living vicariously. In a world of constant entertainment - reality TV,

24-hour news, continuous sports coverage - it's easier than ever to sit by passively and watch other people living their lives.

We've become a nation of people addicted to having our entertainment fed to us through a fiber optic cable.

We spend a lot of time concerning ourselves with things that are completely unrelated to and useless to our own lives: what the current hot couple named their kid, up-to-theminute news on a big-time murder case involving people you never knew, which player signed with which team.

And on and on goes the continuous flow of stories about people you don't know.

The danger of living vicariously through others, whether they're people you know or people you don't know, is that you get to enjoy the good times while brushing off the bad times. You get to pretend you're part of the team. You get to win the championship without really suffering the agonizing crush of defeat.

I have a feeling that the United States wouldn't have the 2nd highest levels of depression in the world (19.2% behind 21% in France) if people spent less time watching others pursue their dreams and spent more time pursuing their own. And I mean really pursuing their dreams, not just chasing the goals, which are typically material in nature, that they've been told they should chase by very effective marketing machines.

We're a society that's always on the clock, full of people trying to cram more and more into each day to get ahead. We just get on the same train as everyone else with little regard for where it's going. Few of us ever take the time to stop and evaluate where we're going until the mid-life crisis hits and we realize we left our hopes, dreams, and idealism behind decades ago.

What did you want out of life when you were 15? At 25? 35? Did you do the incredible things you dreamed you'd do? Why not? What happened along the way?

I'll tell you, a few years back I stopped following the constant onslaught of news. People wonder how I keep up on current events. Rest assured, the important stuff trickles through and I get to blissfully ignore the thousands of things that have no bearing on my life.

"Oh, it's just entertainment," they say. That's true. Sometimes it is simply entertainment, a little

much-needed escapism. There's nothing wrong with that. Then again, sometimes it occupies precious brain power that can more effectively be put into living life.

Don't live your life vicariously.

Figure out what you want and chase it, keeping an eye out for things that will sidetrack you. Find inspiration, both internal and external, and make things happen. At the end, you'll regret the things you didn't do far more than the things you did. I promise you won't miss the celebrity news when you're doing epic things of your own. n

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DAILY DEVOTION

By Rev. Peter Panagore

Reverend Peter Baldwin Panagore of DailyDevotions.org, is a native of Massachusetts, graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree in Divinity from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut and with a B.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. St. John’s High School of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, an Xaverian Brothers sponsored school, provided him with his preparatory school education.

In 2003, he was recruited to apply for the position of Pastor of the First Radio Parish Church of America (DailyDevotions.org).

FRPCA is America’s oldest continuous religious broadcast, founded 1926, and now reaching 1.5 million listeners, viewers and readers a week on T V, radio and internet, including American Forces Radio Network.

From 1999-2006 Reverend Panagore was a staff writer at Homiletics, the leading and cutting-edge nationwide worship preparation journal for mainline clergy. Homiletics has published more than a hundred of his sermons. He has also published short stories in anthologies, most notably, Chicken Soup for the Veteran’s Soul, by New York Times Best Selling editor Jack Canfield. Two Minutes for God was released by Touchstone/Fireside an imprint of Simon & Schuster, in early December of 2007 and landed immediately on the Maine Best Seller list.

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asheboro magazine

Seat of the Pants Seat of the Chair

S

he said she waits for the mood to strike her before writing. "I need the muse," she said.

She asked him, "Do you wait for a mood or a muse?" "No, he said, writing is a job.

It takes discipline. You have to show up every day and write or try to write, whether you want to or not, even if you have nothing to say, even if you do not write a word that day. 'Apply the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair.' It is as simple as that."

She cringed at the "d" word, "I don't like discipline," she thought.

Lots of things take discipline, or involve making an effort, or showing up, even when we do not feel like it. In writing and prayer it is just

as Woody Allen said, "Eighty percent of success is showing up." A writer shows up every day.

The same is true for a person of prayer.

Prayer takes showing up. Prayer takes discipline. All God really wants of you in prayer is simply to show up, simply to try, simply to keep trying. You do not need a mood to pray, or a muse to weave pretty words to pray, or the even the right words, or any words at all, all you need is you, a moment, and the discipline to say to yourself, I am going to pray right now.

Let's Pray: Dear God, I am praying right now. I am here. You are there and here with me. Let that be enough. Amen.

Here's a Thought: Pray today. n

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45

MEDITATIONS ON BLUE

By Jacquie Reininger

I

had a really busy month preparing for a fundraiser at my yoga studio. It was a success! We had a great turnout, made more than we expected and everyone had a wonderful time. But I have to admit, I was a bit worn out from the extra work. I knew I needed to refocus my creativity on the studio to keep it viable, but I also knew I needed a break from work in general to avoid burn out.

So on this day I chose to put on my bathing suit, lay down on a beach towel and catch some sun on my side deck. I was looking forward to doing nothing more than savoring the sun and letting my busy body and mind relax.

The sky was the most beautiful blue and there wasn’t a cloud in sight, a gentle breeze kept me pleasantly cool. I felt my body let go…and it did so in stages. Legs relaxed, arms relaxed, jaw relaxed, and mind grew quieter. I began to enjoy that sense of Santosha (contentment) that comes with being fully present in the beauty of this moment in nature.

But there was a butterfly.

Through heavy lids I watched the sky blue overhead and the scene was sporadically interrupted by this Yellow Swallowtail. There was a flowering shrub next to the deck enticing this little guy to partake of its nectar. He would sip some and get caught in the breeze and

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then make his way back to the flowers just out of my field of vision.

Every time he came back into view, my eyes would focus on him and follow his erratic flapping until he moved back out of view. The blue sky remained blue in the background but I forgot to enjoy it. Soon I was anticipating his return and waited for him, forgetting to watch the gorgeous blueness of the cloudless sky.

In that anticipation, I noticed my body recalibrating, tensing and prepping for the next time he arrived. Being a yogi, thankfully, I caught myself responding in this way. I decided to challenge myself to relinquish expectations about Mr. Butterfly’s flight and instead remain focused on the blue background of his performance.

Voila! The experience became meditative! The next time he showed up, instead of watching him I concentrated on watching the blue sky background, refusing to be distracted by his fluctuations, yet remaining fully aware of his presence. I simply paid more attention to the stillness of the landscape. Being a Yoga Teacher I knew I was honing my meditation skills.

Meditation doesn’t mean that

w e empty the mind completely.

It doesn’t mean we must not have thoughts. It means that we notice that we are having thoughts. We notice there are distractions and we choose not to let them draw us away from the matrix of peace that remains in the background of the busyness of our brains.

Eventually, I decided I was replenished and ready to return to my obligations. I had an email box full that needed my attention.

I rolled to my side and enjoyed the butterflies and bumblebees who were sipping the nectar of the flowers nearby. I tuned into their buzzing sounds and to those of the traffic in the distance. And I made a conscious decision to participate in my abundant life fully, while retaining this ability to see distractions without letting them draw my mind away from the present moment, wherein lies peace. I challenged myself to hold this level of awareness throughout the rest of the day. n

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Who flies 800 miles for knee surgery?

SOMEONE WHO DID HER HOMEWORK. “SOME PEOPLE THINK I’m lucky to live in the Cayman Islands,” says Nancy Gammerdinger. “But I know I’m lucky for the orthopedic specialists at Randolph Hospital!” Thanks to a tourist she met on the Caribbean island she calls home, Nancy learned about the exceptional skills of Dr. Megan Swanson at our Human Motion Institute. “She’s one of a few doctors in the country who specialize in the quick-healing subvastus technique for knee surgery—where your muscle is moved rather than cut. When I heard this, I bought a plane ticket to Asheboro and let her work her magic!” Just one of many satisfied patients who keep our approval rating at 99%, Nancy is now back walking on the beach—pain-free and looking forward to replacing her other knee soon.

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