Caldwell Journal 03 30 2017

Caldwell Serving Caldwell County North Carolina

Volume 3, Issue 26 www.CaldwellJournal.com Free

Thursday, March 30, 2017

God Bless the Gragg Family

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Thursday, March 30, 2017

Caldwell Journal Info

“Published each Thursday by the Caldwell Journal” Established October 2, 2014 Volume 3, Issue 26

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Caldwell Journal Weather Afternoon showers; cooler.

High 60 Low 55 Precipitation: 0.89 in.

High 71 Low 48 Precipitation: 0.29 in.

High 71 Low 43 Precipitation: 0.00 in.

Partly sunny & beautiful High 72 Low 53 Precipitation: 0.00 in.

High 65 Low 58 Precipitation: 1.68 in.

Rain & a t-storm; warmer.

High 73 Low 54 Precipitation: 0.39 in.

High 77 Low 50 Precipitation: 0.00 in.

NCDOI Criminal Investigators Recover $11 Million for NC Citizens RALEIGH, NC (March 29, 2017)…Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the conviction of two retired insurance agents, Milton Hooks, 72, of Rocky Mount and James Mangum, 69, of Tarboro on six counts each of obtaining property by false pretense.

81 individuals across fourteen counties were returned approximately $11 million…

The case was the result of an extensive seven-year investigation in fourteen counties conducted by the NC Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigation Division. Hooks and Mangum targeted senior citizens in a regional scam that involved the reallocation of money people had in savings and insurance policies.

“Preying on our senior citizens is wrong,” said Causey. “I am pleased NCDOI criminal investigators were able to recover nearly $11 million in this important case that hopefully will help deter white collar crime like this in North Carolina.”

Department of Insurance criminal investigators brought the case against Hooks and Mangum for influencing 77 victims across North Carolina to remove money from their 401-K and other life insurance policies and put it into an annuity product known as a “Fixed Indexed Annuity” from 2004 to 2011. Hooks and Mangum used their credibility as fiduciaries to move approximately $11 million into various annuity accounts with three companies that sold these products and garnered over $620,000 in commission payment for the sale of these products under false pretense. As part of a plea agreement with the court, these victims were refunded their initial investment plus interest by the companies to the victims.

It was discovered during the investigation that Hooks and Mangum also influenced four victims into making individual $316,000 investments which they directly diverted into their bank accounts and laundered the money for their own personal use. Continued on page 3...

Thursday, March 30, 2017

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NCDOI Criminal Investigators Recover $11 Million for NC Citizens Continued from page 2…

These four victims were repaid the money directly from Hooks and Mangum as an additional part of their plea agreement.

Superior Court Judge Thomas H. Lock dismissed 100 counts of obtaining property by false pretense across Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Chowan, Cumberland, Edgecombe, Halifax, Hertford, Hoke, Martin, Mecklenburg, Robeson, Wake and Washington counties and suspended Hooks and Mangum’s sentence because all the victims would be repaid the money that was defrauded from them.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.

Pooveys Chapel Baptist Church will

3 Dudley Avenue Granite Falls, NC 28630

(on the corner of Dudley Alley & Dudley Shoals Road)

Bruce Fox 828.320.4196 www.foxupholsteryservices.com

Mongolian Shrimp & Broccoli Ingredients

1/2 c. low-sodium soy sauce 1 tbsp. sesame oil 1/3 c. hoisin sauce (optional) 1/4 c. brown sugar 3 tsp. minced garlic 2 tsp. minced ginger 3/4 c. chicken broth Pinch crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 tbsp. cornstarch 2 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 3 green onions, thinly sliced Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish basmati rice

have a Community Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8 Directions In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, at 10am at Redwood Park in Hudson. hoisin sauce (if using), brown sugar, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, and red pepper, then set aside. In another bowl, season shrimp with salt and pepper and mix with cornstarch until well coated. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil and cook shrimp until golden-brown and slightly crispy, about 4 minutes on each side; set aside. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, broccoli, and red pepper and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Add cooked shrimp and sauce and simmer for 5 minutes until Good Christian Learning At Affordable Prices thickened, stirring often to coat. Garnish with green onion and sesame and serve over cooked rice.

Ages 6 weeks to 12 years 828-212-0900

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Thursday, March 30, 2017

Caldwell Humane Society Strives to Reduce Pet Overpopulation in Caldwell County Special to the Caldwell Journal (B y Lau r a S edlacek)...Caldw ell Hu m ane So ciety, Inc. is a non-profit, all-volunteer group that emphasizes spaying and neutering as the primary solution for pet overpopulation in Caldwell county. CHS offers monthly low-cost Spay/Neuter Clinics through a partnership with Asheville's Humane Alliance, a program of the ASPCA. Since October 2005, more than 7,000 Caldwell county animals have been spayed or neutered through Caldwell Humane Society’s low-cost clinics. Spaying and neutering is the key to ending pet overpopulation because it halts the cycle of pets having litters, and their litters having litters and so on. Without low-cost Spay/Neuter Clinics, many Caldwell county pet owners would not be able to afford the costs.

In addition to low rates available to the general public, two financial aid programs, SPOT and ICARE, help families with limited income pay for spay/neuter surgery. SPOT, which stands for Stop Pet Overpopulation Today, pays half the surgery fee for qualifying pet owners. SPOT is Caldwell Humane Society’s local program. ICARE refers to the State of North Carolina's Spay/Neuter Program. Special animallover license tags raise money for spay/neuter surgeries. Funds are allocated by the county to pay surgery fees for qualifying clients and reimbursement from the State is requested by the Caldwell County Health Department. The reimbursed funds are "recycled" so that more spays/neuters can be offered to those who qualify.

Meetings and reservation sessions (which offer the opportunity to make a low-cost spay/neuter appointment) are held in the meeting rooms of the Caldwell County Public Library in Lenoir. The Clinics are coordinated from the Caldwell County Fairgrounds, and pets are transported to Asheville for surgery and returned the next day. CHS uses a cell phone with voicemail for a phone. Callers must leave a message and a volunteer will return the call. CHS is always in need of folks to help with clinic preparations, operations at the clinic pick up and drop off and also with fundraisers.

Want to volunteer? Send an email to caldwell4pets@gmail.com and include your full name. If you don’t have email, please call (828) 499-0289 and leave your name and number. A volunteer will answer your email or return your call.

Want to sign up your pet for a low-cost Spay/Neuter Clinic? Reservation sessions are usually held the first two Tuesday nights every month from 6:30-7:30pm in the meeting rooms at the Caldwell County Public Library in Lenoir. For more information, you may pick up an application at the library or at Bush and Associates at 916 Wilkesboro Blvd in Lenoir.

To find out more, please visit www.caldwellhumane.org. Caldwell Humane Society Inc. is a public charity under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3).

Laura Sedlacek is a volunteer with CHS. She is also a local poet and author. Find her on Facebook: @lbsedlacekpoet or @poetryinla. Or www.lbsedlacek.com.

Clover Baptist Church is planning the following special opportunities for worship Friday, April 14 an Easter Drama will be presented at 7pm and all seating is free for this worship event.

Saturday, April 15 the drama will be presented in the form of a Dinner Theatre at 6 pm. The meal will feature pork barbeque or chicken breast along with baked beans, coleslaw, roll, dessert, coffee, tea or water and the cost will be $9 for adults and $7 for children under age 12. Seating will be limited for the dinner theatre and reservations are required. Reservations may be made by stopping by the church office or calling 828-396-2417 Monday-Thursday between the hours of 8am and 2:30pm.

Sunday, April 16 a Sunrise Service is planned for 6:45am to be followed by a fellowship breakfast, Sunday School at 9:45 and morning worship at 11:00.

Clover Baptist Church is located at 100 Pinewood Road in Granite Falls just one mile off of Hwy 321 between Hickory and Lenoir. For additional information you may visit the church website at www.cloverbaptistchurch.com or call the church office.

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Thursday, March 30, 2017

“Start the Conversation”…Advance Care Planning Workshops LENOIR, NC (March 28, 2017)…Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care will three workshops on advance care planning—including information on issues patients and families face at end-of-life, living wills, and healthcare power of attorney documents.

Entitled “Start the Conversation: Make It Know How You Want to Live,” the workshop will be offered at three times: 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at Caldwell Hospice’s McCreary Family Professional Center, 526 Pine Mountain Road, Hudson.

The program will feature a screening of the Academy Award-nominated documentary “Extremis,” a 24-minute film that chronicles the daily dilemmas physicians, patients and families face in the ICU as death nears. Retired attorney Houston Groome will also be on hand to give a brief explanation of living wills and healthcare power of attorney documents. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, complete documents, or leave with information to consider further.

“Start the Conversation” is offered to the community at no cost, but registration is requested by April 3. For more information or to register, call 828.754.0101, email prc@caldwellhospice.org, or visit www.caldwellhospice.org or Facebook.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

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GRANITE DRUG CENTER 21 Falls Avenue Granite Falls, NC 28630 (828) 396-2144

Largest Independent Drug Store In North Carolina

ONE HOUR EXPRESS PHOTO LAB (828) 396-4900

FRIENDLY HOMETOWN SERVICE

(828) 396-7820

We have Easter Candy, Cards, Gifts & Decorations

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Thursday, March 30, 2017

Fire destroys home in Granite Falls GRANITE FALLS, NC (March 26, 2017)...An intense fire broke out on Saturday night March 25th at 11 Lake Street in Granite Falls at approximately 11:45pm. Granite Falls Fire Department responded with mutual assistance from Grace Chapel Fire Department and Sawmills Fire Department. The Caldwell County Fire Marshall's Office and Granite Falls Police Department were also at the scene. No injuries were reported by officials. At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Living Will Clinic LENOIR, NC (March 28, 2017)…Living wills and other advance directives describe your preferences regarding end-of-life care. Because unexpected situations can happen at any age, all adults need advance directives. Caldwell Hospice and the Caldwell Senior Center will partner to offer a Living Will Clinic at no cost to the community on Thursday, April 13, at 1:30 p.m. at the Caldwell Senior Center in Lenoir. Retired local attorney Houston Groome will facilitate the clinic. “Advance directives, living wills, and healthcare powers of attorney are gifts to your family,” says Groome. “It tells them what your desires are for your care at end-oflife at a time when you cannot express them yourself. It also gives you peace of mind that you have made appropriate preparations.” Notaries and witnesses will be available to help anyone who wants to complete their documents at the clinic. For more information, or to register, call 828.758.2883.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

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We Fill Propane Tanks

Early Spring Planting Is Upon Us Stop by and see us for: Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower plants Seed potatoes, onion sets, and garden seed Peas, Beets, Greens, etc.

Bonnie Plants have started arriving also CCC&TI celebrates new class of Electrical Linemen HUDSON, NC (March 22, 2017)...Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute celebrated a new class of Electrical Linemen with a completion ceremony on Monday, March 20 at the JE Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir. Those recognized at the ceremony were: (seated, left to right) Stephen Austin of Lenoir, Larry Brittain of Lenoir, Dustin Chapman of Granite Falls, Steven Craig of Valdese, Preston Greer of Gastonia and Israel Laws of Lenoir. (standing, left to right) Cody McLeod of Lenoir, Justin Reece of Hudson, Jacob Reece of Taylorsville, Joseph Scherer of Hudson, Mitchell Shull of Morganton and Christopher Stamey of Granite Falls.

The next series of Electrical Lineman classes with available seats will be offered starting June 19. To register for the Electrical Lineman program, please call 828 -726-

Thursday, March 30, 2017

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Western Piedmont Youth Symphony to Perform Spring Concert HICKORY, NC (March 21, 2017)…The Western Piedmont Youth Symphony will perform their Spring Concert on Monday, April 10 at 7 p.m. in the Drendel Auditorium on the SALT Block. General admission with open seating is $7 per person or $25 for family of 4 (includes NC sales tax). The Western Piedmont Youth Symphony is celebrating 44 years of music and music education.

We Buy, Sell & Trade Tues thru Fri 9 to 5 Sat 9 to 1

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538 Central Street, Hudson, NC 28638

828.728.3161 yesteryearsantiq@bellsouth.net

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These young and talented musicians have been hard at work preparing for this concert. Directed by their new conductor, Joby Brunjes, the Youth Symphony boasts a full complement of strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. The Youth Symphony is sponsored by vonDrehle Corporation, Pepsi-Cola Bottling of Hickory and Corning. Come and support our young musicians.

Western Piedmont Symphony is a grant recipient of the North Carolina Arts Council and a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County. Business offices are located on the SALT Block at 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory. Business hours are 9:00 am until 4:00 pm daily. Contact the Business Office at (828) 324-8603 for concert box office schedule or for more information. Visit the Symphony’s website at www.wpsymphony.org or on Facebook.

Young At Art - Middle & High School Student Art Show LENOIR, NC (March 23, 2017)…The Caldwell Arts Council announces the exhibit “YOUNG AT ART – THE MIDDLE & HIGH STUDENT ART SHOW” featuring student artwork from each of Caldwell County’s middle schools and high schools.

First Baptist Church 8 Crestview St, Granite Falls

Open Monday - Friday - 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. Serving Coffee and Coffee House Beverages Begin the day with a hot or cold beverage and a Word from the Master

The Young At Art exhibit will start Friday, April 7, 2017 with an opening reception from 3-6pm for students & their families, and will continue through April 29th – free to the public. This exhibit and awards has been sponsored by First Citizens Bank and the Lenoir Woman's Club.

Located at 601 College Ave SW in Lenoir, the Caldwell Arts Council’s operating hours are TuesdayFriday 9am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. For more information, call 828-754-2486 or visit www.caldwellarts.com.

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Dr. Herb Says….Stay healthy with nature I Love My Heart?

Americans are faced with an extremely serious problem. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels remain the most common cause of death in this country. High blood pressure, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty deposits) and high blood cholesterol are all part of this problem. Heart disease is not just a killer, it also cripples. The obstructed flow of life -giving blood to the heart, brain and other organs has devastating consequences, causing great pain and disability in its victims. An estimated 42 million Americans are suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

Let’s take a look at how the heart and circulatory system work and what goes wrong. We’ll also address what we can do to prevent problems and improve our cardiovascular health.

What does the cardiovascular system do?

Nutrients, oxygen, waste, antibodies, warmth, hormones and other crucial cell products are transported throughout the body via the cardiovascular system. The incredible muscle, the heart, pumps 2,000 gallons of blood through the 60,000 miles of blood vessels each day.

The heart is divided down the middle into two pumps, left and right. Special valves in the heart act as traffic controllers regulating blood flow into the holding chambers (atriums), pumping chambers (ventricles), and arteries. The two sides of the heart simultaneously pump blood into two circulatory networks.

The left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to the entire body (systemic circulation). The blood travels through large arteries which branch into smaller arterioles which in turn branch into capillaries, tiny blood vessels carrying blood to every part of the body. It is in the capillaries t hat the blood distributes oxygen, nutrients, and other substances and picks up wastes including carbon dioxide. Then returning to the heart, the blood travels from the capillaries into venules which in turn join into veins returning the blue, carbon-dioxide-laden blood back into the heart. The blood makes its round trip journey, even to the toes, in less than one minute!

The blood then enters the “right heart” to embark on its shorter journey to the lungs (pulmonary circulation). In the lungs the blood releases carbon-dioxide and picks up oxygen. The now oxygen-rich, red blood returns from the lungs to enter the “left heart” ready to begin the journey through the body again….on and on this goes every moment of our lives.

High Blood Pressure There are two factors that affect blood pressure. One is the amount of blood being pumped. The second factor is the amount of resistance to the blood flow. For example, the pressure involved in forcing a gallon of water through a narrow straw would be much higher than that of forcing a cup of water through a wide hose.

Continued on page 12...

Sun 7 to 6 M-T 7 to 6

Natural Food Store

(828) 322-5316 www.naturalfoodstorenc.com 1920 Highway 70 Southwest Hickory, North Carolina 28602

Fri 7 to 5 Sat closed

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Thursday, March 30, 2017

Dr. Herb Says….stay healthy with nature I Love My Heart?

When the heart is pumping harder and faster than normal due to stress or other factors, this increases the amount of blood being pumped thus increasing blood pressure. If the blood vessels are clogged or constricted, this increases the resistance to the blood flow also causing the higher blood pressure. The pumping heart is like a fist squeezing then relaxing, squeezing…relaxing. Blood pressure is a measurement of the amount of pressure during the pumping phase (systole) and the lesser pressure during the relaxing phase (diastole) of the heart beat. High blood pressure is a warning which could indicate problems with the cardiovascular system causing undue strain on the heart muscle.

Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis Arteries are not merely pipes, they are alive. They have remarkable ability to change size and shape according to our body’s needs. In normal arteries blood flows through these flexible tubes without obstruction; Arteriosclerosis is a hardening of the arterial walls making them less able to dilate (expand).

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fatty deposits on the interior walls of the artery causing the passageway to become narrow. These fatty deposits combine with substances in the blood like calcium, aluminum, and chlorine forming hard plaques and insoluble deposits on the artery walls.

The reduced ability to dilate and the narrowness of arteries caused by the build-up of fatty deposits decreases the amount of precious blood flow to the area served by that artery. When various organs are deprived of normal blood flow, other diseases may result. This narrowing also increases the resistance to blood flow, increasing blood pressure.

Thrombosis The plaques formed by atherosclerosis may create jagged surfaces inside the arteries. Platelets, tiny, delicate packets of clotting materials that float in the bloodstream are crucial for stopping bleeding when there is an injury. However these platelets cannot differentiate between the jagged surfaces caused by an injury and those caused by arterial plaques. They catch on the jagged areas, break open and spill their clotting chemicals into the blood.

Clots may form which plug the narrowed artery completely. This is called a Thrombosis. Or a clot or a piece of a fatty plaque may break away for the bloodstream until it plugs a narrower spot. This is called an embolism.

The body can compensate for these clogs by dilating neighboring arteries to increase their flow but if the clogged artery is only source of blood to a body part, a great deal of damage can result. For example, if a coronary artery (supplying blood to the heart muscle) is suddenly impeded, the resulting heart attack is called a coronary thrombosis. If a blood vessel in the brain is obstructed, brain cells are “starved and suffocated,” –the result is a type of stroke which can result in paralysis, loss of speech, or death.

Some complicated questions arise. Why are so many people suffering from cardiovascular disease?

How do we get arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis? Is it preventable? Is it reversible? Can we “cleanse’ our arteries?

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is high in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar (simple carbohydrates); it is low in fiber and is generally excessive in quantity. Caffeine and alcohol are very prominent in our diet. This “SAD” diet is a major contributor to our high heart disease rate.

Continued on page 13...

Sun 7 to 6 M-T 7 to 6

Natural Food Store

(828) 322-5316 www.naturalfoodstorenc.com 1920 Highway 70 Southwest Hickory, North Carolina 28602

Fri 7 to 5 Sat closed

Thursday, March 30, 2017

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Dr. Herb Says….stay healthy with nature I Love My Heart?

What Can We Do? While we can’t control factors like heredity, there are factors of our modern lifestyle which we can control. Here are several important factors which deserve our attention.

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is high in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar (simple carbohydrates); it is low in fiber and is generally excessive in quantity. Caffeine and alcohol are very prominent in our diet. This “SAD” diet is a major contributor to our high heart disease rate.

Most evidence indicates clearly that high cholesterol levels and high dietary intake of saturated fats are the major factors of atherosclerosis. Cholesterol is a white, crystalline, soapy substance produced in the body and found in all animal foods. Cholesterol is an essential substance produced by our body according to our needs. Dietary intake of cholesterol (in meat, eggs and dairy) is unnecessary and elevates blood cholesterol levels beyond our needs.

White sugar should be avoided. Salt, saccharin, antacids and soy sauce are all high in Sodium. Sodium increases fluid retention and blood pressure causing the heart to work harder; so salt use should be greatly reduced.

We should pay attention of our diet keeping it low in fat and cholesterol, high in fiber, and moderate in quantity. This is critical for building lasting health. Fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts provide easily assimilated nutrients and reduce health risks associated with high-fat, low-fiber diets.

Doctors and natural health professionals all agree that smoking has a profoundly destructive effect on our cardiovascular health. Promoting arteriosclerosis and clotting, and introducing so many deadly poisons into the body, smoking is a thief of health. A smoker is three times more likely to die of heart disease than lung cancer. In fact, quitting smoking will reduce the likelihood of a heart attack by 50%!!

Exercise is a crucial part of cardiovascular health and recovery. It increases pumping power and efficiency of the heart, reduces levels of fat in the blood stream, moves one toward ideal body weight, lowers blood pressure and decreases stress.

Some other crucial factors are stress, caffeine, and obesity. Stress contributes to the tightening of the arteries which causes blood pressure to go up. It is helpful be aware of what “pushes our buttons” and find healthy ways to relax (e.g. walking, gardening, yoga and laughter). Caffeine is the modern antidote to the tiring effects of the “SAD” diet and insufficient rest. Caffeine raises blood pressure, straining the heart. Obesity also puts a strain on the heart. Carefully and safely reducing body weight to within 15% of the “ideal” weight can add years and quality to one’s life.

The problem of heart disease is extremely urgent and it affects all of us. We see now that much can be done to reduce the threat of atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and the other forms of cardiovascular disease. As we move into a calm and caring attitude towards our wellness the rewards are great. Allow these changes to be a source of encouragement. The increased awareness of our bodies can become a strength in moving towards a healthier more enjoyable life style.

Continued on page 14...

Sun 7 to 6 M-T 7 to 6

Natural Food Store

(828) 322-5316 www.naturalfoodstorenc.com 1920 Highway 70 Southwest Hickory, North Carolina 28602

Fri 7 to 5 Sat closed

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Thursday, March 30, 2017

Dr. Herb Says….stay healthy with nature I Love My Heart?

Herbs for the Heart The fact is most classes of heart drugs have been derived from botanicals. One of the most important nutritional products for the heart is the Hawthorn berry. Dr. Tyler (Dean of Pharmacy, Purdue Univ.) in his book Honest Herbal states “Hawthorn acts on the body in two ways: first, it dilates the blood vessels, especially the coronary vessels. Second, it has a favorable effect on the heart itself…especially in cases of heart damage.”

Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. in his book The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine reports that “in a consensus of controlled laboratory and clinical experimentation of several countries….Hawthorn was effective at: Dilating vessels away from the heart, Very mild dilation of coronary vessels, (increasing blood flow to the heart) Increased enzyme metabolism in the heart muscle, Increased oxygen use by the heart.

These researchers concluded that Hawthorn enhances and normalizes heart dynamics improving the strength of the heart contraction.”

Simply put: Hawthorn Berries improve the health and functioning of the heart allowing blood to flow more freely. Hawthorn is widely accepted and used in many countries, and is well-known for its absence of side effects. Although Hawthorn has not received much attention from the medical establishment in the U.S., it is a favorite of the herbalist for treating the cardiovascular system.

It is clear that a healthy and unobstructed circulatory system is best able to maintain and keep itself clean. But if the circulation is obstructed, the very means by which it can heal itself is also impeded.

That is why many turn to safe natural herbs like Hawthorn Berries. They help to promote the normal flow needed for cleansing, healing and vibrant health.

Bring in this paper and receive three free gallons of alkaline water!!!

Natural & Organic Foods  Natural Antioxidants  Cleansing for the Entire Body  Organic Snacks, Teas, Juices 

Sun 7 to 6 M-T 7 to 6

Natural Medical Physician Doctor Herb Cole, N.D.

1920 Hwy. 70 W. • Hickory, NC 28602 828-322-5316 Healthier Living for a Better World Serving The Unifour Area For Over 35 Years!!!

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(828) 322-5316 www.naturalfoodstorenc.com 1920 Highway 70 Southwest Hickory, North Carolina 28602

Fri 7 to 5 Sat closed

Thursday, March 30, 2017

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Look for signs of pine beetle in trees…Drought in Western N.C. leaves pines more susceptible to attacks RALEIGH, NC (March 22, 2017)…People often expect insects to be most active in the warm days of summer, but pine bark beetles can be active any time of year.

Kelly Oten, forest health monitoring coordinator with the N.C. Forest Service, tells landowners with pine on their property what they should look for so pine bark beetles don’t leave them pining for healthy trees.

“One of the first symptoms noticed is needle discoloration in the canopy,” Oten said. “The green needles fade to light green, then yellow, then eventually red. Upon closer inspection, you may see dried pine resin on the bark of the tree. These are called pitch tubes and are the tree’s defense to a bark beetle attempting to bore through the bark.”

Adult and immature beetles feed beneath the bark, creating winding tunnels that can be seen if the bark is peeled off, Oten said. These galleries prevent nutrients and water from traveling within the tree, effectively choking it.

Most bark-beetle activity occurs in pines that are stressed or weakened by another factor. The current drought in Western North Carolina leaves many pines susceptible to beetle attack. Other factors that may increase susceptibility to attack are nutrient deficiencies, mechanical damage and lightning strikes.

There are a few types of bark beetles that attack pine trees in North Carolina. The Ips engraver beetles are likely the most common. They rarely attack healthy trees and generally infest small groups or scattered pines. They can cause branches or the entire tree to die.

Generally, the southern pine beetle also attacks weakened trees. However, it can reach outbreak levels and become extremely destructive, Oten said. When this happens, healthy trees are also attacked and a quick response is necessary. This response typically involves cutting down the infested pine trees and surrounding trees to create a buffer.

Landowners suspecting bark-beetle activity in their trees should contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger, who can assist with identification and offer forest management advice. To find your county ranger, visit http://ncforestservice.gov and click on “Contact Us.”

Granite Drug Center 828.212.1066

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Thursday, March 30, 2017

“Movies with Mike�

Reelin' in the Years‌by Mike Holsclaw (March 16th, 2017) Many mornings, on my daily drive to work, I grow weary of the news and don't have the heart to listen to one more golden oldie, so I switch over to 89.9 WDAV at Davidson College and immerse myself in a few of the last, crowning achievements of our beleaguered western civilization's high culture, selections of classical music. One of the added felicities of marinating myself in the melodious strains of the old masters is that I get to hear these various pieces introduced in the mellow, measured tones of the morning host on WDAV, Mike McKay. Listening to his clear, resonant, voice which, while just as supremely articulate as it ever was, still has the slightest trace of hickory smoke betraying its southern origins, I'm always reminded of the first time I ever saw and heard Mike, that long-ago time when he was the host of "Those Were The Years" on WBTV, channel three, in Charlotte.

It's always a comforting experience to hear his voice now because there are so many positive memories attached to it; I didn't know it at the time, but watching that nostalgiathemed program that he helmed back in the 70's was a hugely formative experience for me. The format of the show couldn't have been simpler: on Friday nights, after the 11pm newscast, Mike, on a rotating basis, showed episodes of old tv shows from the fifties and sixties in addition to showing movies and episodes of serials from the thirties, forties, and fifties. In the segments, in-between, Mike would do short comedy sketches or, in the moments I liked best, he would give background on whatever he might be showing that week or, in the case of the movies, interview an expert on the film, or on the particular genre the film might be a part of. Within the seemingly narrow confines of that formula, he was able to impart an amazing variety of interesting information; nerds weren't as favorably regarded in those days as they are now, but, if you had the gene, you could self- induce a state of geek nirvana with all the granular detail he might impart on any given Friday. Before the internet existed, this was a treasure trove for the obsessive-compulsive consumer of pop culture from earlier times and I became hooked almost immediately.

The show was must-see viewing during a huge chunk of my teenage years; I was eleven years old when the program began in 1974 and I was in just the right sweet spot to fully appreciate what Mike and his show's producers were cookin'. I already knew of the existence of shows like "Have Gun, Will Travel", "Our Miss Brooks", "The Jack Benny Show", and "The Millionaire", but I had never seen them. It was fascinating to finally be able to watch and find out why they had been so popular in their heyday. The real excitement for me, though, lay in the movies he showed; the first time I ever watched a silent film was on "Those Were The Years" (I want to say that it was "Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" or "Nosferatu", but I suspect it was a comedy with either Charlie Chaplin or Harold Lloyd - I do know for sure, though, that he had a film professor from one of Charlotte's colleges that came on the show and talked about the enormous diversity of silent film; this was the first time I heard of "German Expressionism" and I knew, on the spot, that I had to find out more!) Mike had a weakness for horror and science fiction; he showed both "The Valley of Gwangi" and "Jason and the Argonauts", two classics featuring the fabulous stopmotion animation of Ray Harryhausen (again, with "Jason", a first time viewing, but also just the first of many viewings in years to come!), and every Halloween, he would do a double feature of classic horror films, usually something from Universal or Hammer (I just this minute realized that Mike may have planted the seed for my own annual Halloween double feature all those years ago - ain't life funny?) and he also had a Halloween costume contest for viewers every year; once, someone from Lenoir won and walked to Charlotte to claim their prize, but that's a story for another time!

Continued on page 17...

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Reelin' in the Years‌by Mike Holsclaw (March 16th, 2017) Continued from page 16‌

I enjoyed the horror movies he showed but they weren't completely unfamiliar to me; as I've mentioned before, my mom and I had already established our ritual of watching Hammer horrors on Saturday nights on WLOS and, of course, I had discovered "Shock Theater" years before. What was new, though, was the serials. Early on in the show's run, he began showing serials and I remember my excitement when I watched the first episode of "Flash Gordon" from 1936. The thirties and forties had already begun to dominate my imagination and watching Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers and company rush through their frenetic adventures on the planet Mongo only served to make my infatuation complete. I was reading paperback reprints of "Doc Savage" and "The Shadow" during this same period, so being able to watch adventure stories culled from the same pulpy material was an incredible treat. (Incidentally, you can imagine just how eager I was to see "Raiders of the Lost Ark" for the first time; with interests like these percolating on my brain pan all that time, it was inevitable that I would love Lucas and Spielberg's valentine to these kinds of films!) Ultimately, "Those Were The Years" went on to show all the "Flash Gordon" serials, along with other rarities like "Captain America" and "Captain Marvel" as well.

When I look back on it now, it seems incredible to me that a show like "Those Were The Years" could have been broadcast and could have flourished for as many years as it did (I have consulted lots of references on the subject but I can't pinpoint the exact year when the show left the air; my imperfect memory, though, seems to feel that it lasted until 1981 or '82, which, if correct, is an impressive run indeed). It was so eclectic, so, for lack of a better word, odd, that I can't see any local television affiliate taking a chance on anything that's the 21st century equivalent. Of course, the "21st century equivalent" would be garish, shocking, and in poor taste while the original was gentle, elegiac, and soothing. That's another reason why it wouldn't work today; such simple pleasures have fallen out of style and aren't apt to return any time soon. It's leisurely pace alone would drive the overly caffeinated, hyperdigitized youth of the day completely up a wall; I can imagine them saying that there's nothing there when you watch a show like "Those Were The Years"; it's organic minimalism would simply be incomprehensible to them. Still, I'm grateful that it came along at just the right time for me; it helped to firm up and give definitive form to some of the abiding interests of my later years, interests that had only existed in the vaguest of forms in my mind up to that point. It cleared my mind and showed me some of the directions I wanted to go and I'm glad that it did.

So, whenever I hear Mike McKay's voice, I'm reminded of all the great television shows and movies he introduced me to back in the day and I'm filled with a warm glow of nostalgia at the pleasure of the memory. Strangely enough, the music he prefaces today serves a similar function to the comfort viewing he provided back in the seventies; they both make the grind of daily life a little more bearable. Thanks a lot, Mike; you did good!

Learn more about classic films and enjoy the magic of movies at Movies with Mike. Held the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:00pm downstairs at the Lenoir Library. This program is free and popcorn is provided! For more information, please call 828-728-4207. Caldwell County Public Library website: http://ccpl.libguides.com/main

People's Choice Award for quilt exhibit to be named April 2nd GRANITE FALLS, NC (March 23, 2017)...The Granite Falls History Committee will present a People's Choice Award to a quilt owner during a reception on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at the Granite Falls History and Transportation Museum located at 107 Falls Avenue from 2 until 4 pm. Visitors have been voting on their favorite quilts on exhibit at the museum during the month of March in honor of National Quilting Month. There are three (3) more opportunities to vote: Saturday, March 25th from noon until 4 pm; Sunday, March 26th from 2 until 4 pm; and Saturday, April 1st from noon until 4 p.m. The public is invited to the reception that honors quilt owners. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 396-1066.

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Thursday, March 30, 2017

Bringing Google to the students LENOIR, NC (March 24, 2017)…Middle school students spent their day working side by side with Googlers during the Students@Work event sponsored locally by Google in support of the Carolina Business Committee for Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

“Google supports this initiative to give students a glimpse of some of the career paths inside the company and to excite students about the vast possibilities of career fields in science, technology, engineering and math,” said Enoch Moeller, Google Site Operations Manager.

Fifty students participated, and Google provided all the resources for the workshop, including a Raspberry Pi (compact computer), keyboard, monitor and mouse for each student.

The same computer that the students assembled and programmed went home with them at the end of the day.

The Students@Work initiative centers its efforts around middle school students because middle school is a crucial time for dropout prevention.

The program helps to emphasize future career options as well as the importance of staying in school and discovering their interests in technology.

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Thursday, March 30, 2017

Music at

Your Fingertips!

INTRODUCING MY MEDIA BURN BAR Available at

Leap of Faith Christian Book Store



Access to thousands of the latest songs from Christian contemporary, Southern Gospel and Bluegrass artists.



No need to order and wait for accompaniment tracks. Use the My Media Burn Bar kiosk to select, listen and burn the track in the store while you shop.

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Customize your own CD by selecting songs from different soundtracks.

Visit the store or call 828-758-0777 for more information.

Leap of Faith Christian Books and Gifts 2025-A3 Morganton Blvd.

Lenoir, NC 28645 828-758-0777

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Thursday, March 30, 2017

South Caldwell Culinary Team wins NC Prostart competition LENOIR, NC (March 22, 2017)…While cooking in the heat of competition, the South Caldwell High School ProStart Culinary team placed first at the 2017 North Carolina ProStart Invitational held over the weekend in Morrisville.

“This win is a tremendous accomplishment for our students,” said Dona Rudicil, Family and Consumer Science teacher. “This competition is composed of creating a three-course meal on two butane burners in an hour. The students were amazing under pressure and showed humility and respect throughout the competition.”

The North Carolina ProStart invitational is a two-day secondary school competition focused on restaurant management and culinary arts. The culinary competition highlights each team’s creative cooking abilities without access to running water or electricity, and there is no room for error as they are evaluated on taste, skill, teamwork, safety and sanitation.

South Caldwell culinary team members included Ben Byerly, Aaron Lambert, Kailee Spake, Landon Powell, and Brandon Milam. Each student was awarded approximately $20,000 in scholarships and a Mercer chef's knife. As state winners, the team will move to the national level of competition next month in Charleston, South Carolina. Golden Corral will be the corporate sponsor for the South Caldwell (Team NC) providing transportation, lodging, uniforms, and products.

“Our student competitors put their skills to the test in front of industry leaders,” said South Caldwell principal Chad Smith, “and they give it their all, winning the championship trophy that they that can wave in the air now and a coveted scholarship that they will fully appreciate in the near future.”

In photo from left to right - Front: Ben Byerly, Kailee Spake, Aaron Lambert. Back: Dona Rudicil, Family and Consumer Science teacher; Landon Powell, and Brandon Milam.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

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Obituaries The Good Word from the Bible ...a weekly Inspirational Message for today’s life-styles...

Rebecca Dianne Hamby Rebecca Hamby, age 57, of Rhodhiss passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Sunday, March 19, 2017. She was the daughter of the late Zollie Edward and Maude Turnmire Hamby.

Mrs. Hamby is survived by her daughter, Jordan Hollar of Morganton; two grandsons, Kamden Hollar and Karsyn Avery; one niece, Kerri Burwell of Mark 1:40-42 “And there came a leper to him Conover. beseeching him and kneeling down to him A Celebration of Life Service will be Friday, March and saying unto him; If thou wilt, thou canst 25, 2017, 3:00 PM at Mackie Funeral Home Chapmake me clean. And Jesus, moved with com- el. Mr. Rick Justice will officiate.

passion put forth his hand and touched him, Mackie Funeral Home of Gr an ite Falls, NC and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And is serving the family. You may view the obituary as soon as he had spoken, immediately the online at www.mackiefh.com. leprosy departed from him and he was Pet Partners event set cleansed.”

The work of Christian cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was full of leprosy.

Its deadly poison permeated his whole body.

The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power.

The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin, deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. The whole person is sick with sin, until Jesus saves the person from their sins. Jesus wants to come and live in the person and impart to the person His cleansing healing power. It is His will to cleanse us from sin and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, just like he cleansed the man from leprosy.

By Dr. Herb Cole Of The Natural Food Store

LENOIR, NC (March 23, 2017)...Pet Partners Network will be hosting two upcoming events.

Saturday, May 20 from 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Waggin' Tail Resale will be hosting a fundraiser to benefit Pet Partners' future Life-Saving Adoption Center. We will have a photo session with a photographer, food, games, and a Community Yard Sale.

YOUR PETS ARE WELCOME! Waggin' Tail Resale is located at 2405 Fairgrounds Rd. in Lenoir. For more info, contact Ashley or Amy at 828-572-4822. www.petpartnersrescue.org www.facebook.com/Pet-Partners-Network112103375526593/ About Pet Partners Network, Inc.: Thank you for visiting PPN. We are a non-profit 501c(3) organization in Caldwell County, NC established in September 2008. Our mission is to find forever, loving homes for unwanted, abandoned and homeless animals in our area. Our long-term goal is to build a Life-Saving Shelter that will serve Caldwell County.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Tesla Quartet To Perform The Last Two Concerts of Their Season HICKORY, NC (March 21, 2017)…Join the Tesla Quartet once again for two concerts in April. The first concert will be in conjunction with the more intimate, relaxed setting of the Soup, Salad & Strings luncheon series. The fifth Soup, Salad & Strings concert will be on Friday, April 7 at 11:45 am in the Keiser Community Room on the SALT Block. This luncheon will be catered Café Rule and Hav-a-Cup. Tickets are $35 for lunch and concert.

The Friends of the Quartet Chamber Classics IV concert will be held in the Drendel Auditorium (SALT Block Auditorium) on Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 pm. The quartet will perform selections by Bolcum, Gershwin and Ljova. Tesla will also be performing a brand new work by Christopher Adler. Tickets range from $22 to $32. Reception with cash bar follows the concert.

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Mackie Funeral Home “Where our focus is on Serving Families, not Selling Funerals ” Family Owned & Operated 35 Duke Street Granite Falls, NC

828-396-3385

www.mackiefh.com

All tickets are available at Etix.com, (828) 324.8603, or info@wpsymphony.org. Enjoy an evening or afternoon of beautiful music performed by our international, award-winning young musicians.

Western Piedmont Symphony is a grant recipient of the North Carolina Arts Council and a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County. Business offices are located on the SALT Block at 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory. Box Office hours are 10:00 am until 2:00 pm M-F. Visit the Symphony’s website at WPSymphony.org.

Dry Ponds Baptist Church will have Victory Fest 2017 on April 1 starting with food served from 5:30-6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. At 6:30 enjoy music with Radiant Life Fellowship and special speaker Ethan Pope. The first 100 people through the doors will receive a FREE 2017 Victory Fest t-shirt. This event is geared toward middle, high school and college students but all are welcome. Everything is free.

LEOS has an upcoming volunteer training event

on Saturday, April 1 at 10am. This training will be held at LEOS, located on 1129 West Avenue in downtown Lenoir. To register, email coordinator@lenoirhomeless.org or contact Barbara Oswald at 726-3634. For more information click on the link.

Caldwell County Safe Kids Coalition is to reduce the number of children hurt and killed due to unintentional and preventable injuries. The coalition focuses on Child Passenger Safety (bicycle and pedestrian), fires/ burns, drowning, choking/suffocation, poisonings, gun safety and falls.

www.caldwellcountync.org/fire-marshal/safe-kids

Thursday, March 30, 2017

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Granite Falls Elementary School 2017 Battle of the Books Winner GRANITE FALLS, NC (March 17, 2017)…

Elementary students were engaged in an all-out book war during the Elementary Battle of the Books, and Granite Falls Elementary School emerged as winner of this year’s competition.

The 11th Annual Elementary Battle of the Books filled the Whitnel Pentecostal Holiness Church on Tuesday, March 14th with fourth and fifth grade students from 15 elementary schools in the district.

After more than 20 rounds of competition, Granite Falls Elementary outscored the other teams and embraced the championship trophy.

The winning team at Granite Falls Elementary consists of Victoria Villacorte, Emily Kooiker, Davis Smith, Austin Shore, Rachel Jetton, Riley Murphy, and Kaylee Moore, coached by Jennifer Jurney, AIG teacher.

“This is like our athletic March Madness,” said Jurney. “This is our time to be competitive.”

Davenport A+ School took the 2nd place finish, Whitnel Elementary students placed third, and Lower Creek Elementary School finished in fourth.

The Education Foundation Inc. of Caldwell County sponsored both the Elementary Battle of the Books and the Middle School Battle of the Books events held this month. The Granite Falls Elementary team now prepares for the Regional level of competition that will be held in Hickory on April 27.

In photo - front from left: (students and coach) Victoria Villacorte, Emily Kooiker, Davis Smith, Austin Shore, Rachel Jetton, Riley Murphy, and Kaylee Moore, coached by Jennifer Jurney, AIG teacher and Coach. Back from left: (adults) Pat Triplett, Education Foundation Executive Director; Dana Miller, EC teacher; Darrell Pennell, School Board Chairman and Dr. Steve Stone, Superintendent.