All About Women - January/February 2010

Featuring

Also Inside:

All About Men: Ted Drum An Uncommon Woman Avery County Cancer Resource Center Valentine’s Day Trivia

Raney Rogers Jan / Feb 2010

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JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

www.aawmag.com

January / February 2010

Caroline Westray

Profiles

Features

Bricks and Books for Bulumagi...pg 18

The Cupid Project..................pg 11

Expert Nail Care Specialist........pg 34

Who Me? Exercise, Diet,

Fitness: A Way of Life...............pg 40

Quit Smoking?......................pg 31

For the Love of

Flowers for Your Fellows........pg 33

Motherhood .............................pg 56

Ashe Girl Scouts Help Change the World........pg 48

Mark Mitchell

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Contents

Arts

On the Cover

Food & Entertainment.............pg 14

An Uncommon Woman......................pg 8

All About Authors..................pg 23

Avery County Resource Center............pg 12

Fashion and Fads..................pg 26

Raney Rogers....................................pg 24

Sweets for the Sweet..............pg 38

All About Men: Ted Drum...................pg 28

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PUBLISHER Nancy Morrison nancy.morrison@averyjournal.com 828-733-2448 editor Sherrie Norris sherrie@aawmag.com 828-264-3612 ext. 251 MARKETING CONSULTANTs Jon Davis, Renae Jones, Lewis McNeil, Sue Moore, Crystal Owens, Sandy Russell, Amanda Swartz, Jennifer Walker

PRODUCTION / LAYOUT ARTIST Daniel Johnston

Graphic DesignerS Amber Allen, Jennifer Canosa, Robert Hampton, Meleah Petty

Contributing writers

Quality Furniture For Everyone’s Budget

Corrinne Loucks Assad, Genevieve Austin, June W. Bare, Maggie Bishop, Sherry Boone, Sharon Carlton, Bonnie Church, Jenny Church, Catherine Durgin, Alison Garrett, Bill F. Hensley, Heather W. Jordan, Lauren K. Ohnesorge, Kelly Penick, Sue Spirit, Vicki Randolph, Teri Wiggans, Betsy Willis, Heather Young

PHOTOGRAPHER Mark Mitchell Copy editing Danica Goodman

For advertising CALL

828-264-3612 Ask for Your Marketing Consultant

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828-262-9886 671 George Wilson Road • Discount Outlet 4

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

Furniture and Mattress Gallery Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm • Sat 9am - 5pm

Cover page photo by Mark Mitchell

Any reproduction of news articles, photographs, or advertising artwork is strictly prohibited without permission from management. ©Copyright 2009 A Mountain Times Publication

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Publisher’s Note You will notice that this issue is a combined January/February issue. All About Women is going bi-monthly. We are doing this for several reasons and the most important is our desire to bring you a magazine that just gets better and better.

While we won’t deny that the current economic situation did play a part in our decision, it was just one factor among many. Each month we have regretted not having quite enough time to explore some topics more fully. Sherrie and I both felt we no sooner sent one month’s magazine to press than we had to be off and running doing the next one. There was little time to catch our breath or plan. So we are changing things.

We are excited about the change because it will mean an improved product for both our readers and our advertisers. So stay tuned; as usual, it will be a great ride!

As I write this column at the first of 2010, the High Country is in the grip of some of the worst winter weather in years. January and February can be brutal months in terms of weather. But our area is known for its winter sports and the snow brings us many visitors who stay in our lodging places, eat in our restaurants, and enjoy our attractions.

So snow is a good thing!

Besides, the cold weather of January provides a great chance to sit around the fire with friends and sip hot cider or – my favorite – hot buttered rum. Snuggle up with your significant other if you have one (or a nice warm throw if you don’t!) and watch a good movie or read that book you’ve been saving.

Soon we’ll be into February where the weather isn’t any better, but it is closer to spring! Valentine’s Day is a great time to do small, random, acts of kindness for anyone needing a lift. In fact, the whole month of February can be warmed up with just a little thoughtfulness.

So Happy New Year and Happy Valentine’s Day and we’ll see you again the first of March.

Nancy Morrison, Publisher nancy.morrison@averyjournal.com

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JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

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Editor’s Note

Happy New Year!

Visit aawmag.com to find links and resources for all stories mentioned in this issue.

As we are still in the early days of 2010, I send my warmest wishes to all of you for good health, happiness and success in the coming year.

I don’t recall having entered another year with greater anticipation than this – unless it was the one in which my 18th birthday and high school graduation were just around the corner. But that’s been so long ago, it is little more than a fleeting memory!

Could it be because I’ll actually be making the “over-the-hill” trip soon that I seem a bit anxious? I remember when I thought 30 was old . . . then 40. Suddenly, 50 is looking younger every day!

2009 zoomed by faster than I could comprehend with a lot of personal challenge, growth and opportunities. I like the idea of putting the past behind me and moving on, but I’ve not always been very good at doing it.

I stopped making resolutions a long time ago. I mean well and mean to do a lot of things better, but if I put it all on paper, it would be a long list for sure and way too stressful to tackle.

There are certainly areas of my life in which I am currently striving to improve but making resolutions just don’t seem to work for me.

At the closing of each year and the dawning of a new one, I do tend to put things in perspective and strive for “new beginnings,” without becoming overwhelmed – whether related to health, relationships, work, personal goals, etc. So often, one area needing concentration depends on all the others; those of us making the effort really need encouragement and support of others around us.

By the time you read this note, you should have already learned that we are taking this publication into the New Year with exciting changes. Rather than trying to squeeze so much into a single monthly magazine, we are venturing out on a new bi-monthly journey, which will allow us more time to produce a higher-quality product. We hope you like what we’re doing and as always, we welcome your comments and suggestions.

So, here is my two-fold wish for you to have a Happy New Year and a Happy Valentine’s Day, too!

With a warm heart,

Sherrie Norris, Editor Sherrie@aawmag.com

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What Our Readers Are Saying: From Linda Bond, Executive Director of the National

As a native North Carolinian I was intrigued by the

Pedicure Association, about All About Women of the

information gleaned from the Women in Education

High Country magazine:

column. I am sure I am not alone in learning that we

“It’s like a snapshot of a very unique

have a North Carolina State Dog! What an inspiration

and wonderful pocket of the world, where

Ms. Bagby is to take on the challenge of educating

values and colorful verbiage are still very

and entertaining about this little known fact. We need

much in place.”

more educators like this, active or retired. Articles

like this are few and far between, TOO few!

Dear All About Women,

Thanks for a great piece,

Deborah Cherry

I’m a guy, but I enjoy reading your magazine.

Okay, okay, I don’t read the whole thing, but there

Waxhaw, NC

is always an article or two that catches my eye. One The “retired educator” article about Libby Bagby,

that always is worth reading is Teri Wiggans. She

speaks of things that touch my heart, make me think

who travels around the state of NC with her Plott

and, in general, feel more positive about the world.

Hound, Lucky, was an excellent article! I certainly

If Teri receives any compensation for her

enjoyed reading all about Libby’s work in connection

contributions, give her a raise. If she isn’t paid, give

with her book. As a retired educator myself, this

her a hug from me.

article contains a wealth of information that every

Sincerely,

person in education should read and then follow that

Richard Tidyman

by inviting Libby and Lucky to their school! What a

wonderful, up-close way for children to learn about AAW Staff:

We just wanted to send you a quick note of

appreciation. We saw the recent edition of All About

part of the history of their state!

Sincerely, Janet W. Lutz

Women, and we all loved the article on Glenda We can’t thank you, our readers, enough

Andrews. Thank you so much for the opportunity

to contribute and spread the word about Rainbow

for your input and feedback. We very much

Center.

appreciate your comments about how much

Sincerely,

you enjoy reading our magazine and especially

Staff members of Rainbow Center - Children &

about the amazing women (and men!) we

Family Services

feature each month. Thank you for your patronage. Please feel free to respond here

Regarding Lucky, and Libby:

I find this story very interesting and educational!

with comments or suggestions and be sure to tell our advertisers how much you appreciate

What a wonderful opportunity for our school children

their support. We can’t do it without them!

to learn first hand about our state dog! I hope Libby

The Staff

Bagby has much success with her books and continues with her presentations throughout our state!

Please email questions and comments to

Thank you for doing this feature!

comments@aawmag.com

-P. Seale

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JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

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An Uncommon

WOMAN

BY BETSY WILLIS

“

Who you are is what you have to give.

”

If you ever meet Pam Noble on the road, you are fortunate.

I met her more than fifteen years ago, and she is now in her late sixties, although she seems younger. Her eyes speak of presence, and she moves as one familiar with her body and the outdoors.

When I met Pam, she was a practicing psychotherapist and a spiritual director. I was an emotional mess after a failed relationship, and I approached her for help. She invited me to join a spiritual direction group she was starting, and the group has supported me ever since.

Pam’s expertise with small groups and her own faith life made this group an important part of my life.

I soon discovered that Pam was also a poet. I attended a reception at a local gallery where Pam’s poems were framed beside copper foil monotypes. Later she published The Breath of One Heart as a collaborative project with bookmaker Sharon Sharp. The limited edition is a work of art.

Then came the labyrinth. A steep hillside next to her house called her to make it a “mountain labyrinth.” She created winding paths with secure stepping stones zigzagging down to a large fire pit. Many women’s groups have found their way to sit on the stones that circle the pit to participate in sacred rituals.

When my granddaughter, Clara, came of age, friends and family walked down the labyrinth in silence to the cadence of a drum. We sat in circle as Clara’s elders and peers affirmed the new woman. Clara responded with appreciation for the wise company surrounding her.

Pam invited her to pick a tree that became “the Clara tree” to which we tied colorful scarves.

The labyrinth completed, Pam began to build a small one-room hermitage beyond the fire pit. It became a work of monumental labor, as everything had to descend the steep incline. Habitable within a few months’ time, the hermitage has a kitchen with a sleeping loft above it, www.aawmag.com

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a half bath, and an outside shower. Lucky is the retreat attendee who sits in the rocking chair on the little porch overlooking the valley below.

Soon thereafter, Pam convened four women for conversations on inner searching and spiritual paths, and I was invited to join them. We spent weekends sharing and asking what we had to offer.

We called together a focus group of people we respected who listened to us and said, “Who you are is what you have to give.”

These words were the motivation to found the Numina Program, a creative mentoring program for women. For four years, Pam facilitated, planned, recruited and developed the Numina Program. During this time she was also traveling to Shambhala Buddhist retreats, teaching courses at Sursum Corda, a spiritual formation program, plus taking adventure trips to New Zealand, Alaska and Baja.

Pam’s present role in Numina is one of exploring and finding new additions to the core program. She recently founded WomanQuest, offering workshops with an emphasis on nature, such as vision quests, medicine walks, and a new undertaking called Numina and Nature.

When life slows down, Pam turns to furniture making; weaving prayer shawls and rugs on her loom; or turning out Native American drums, rattles and whistles. In the growing season, she is busy harvesting strawberries, blueberries, and asparagus from her terraced hillside.

I want to make it clear that Pam is no automaton, always in motion. She sits in meditation daily. Nor do I want to give the impression that she is serious at all times.

When the Numina community has a party, she may appear in an outfit of circus origin: glitter, sparkle in hair, short skirt bottomed off with fishnet stockings, sky-high heels, and sassy hat. This outrageous side of her supports the Numina maxim, “You can only go as deep as you can laugh!”

Pam’s personal mission is to provide safe space in which people can do their inner work. Not only does she build and provide the space, but she also enters into it fully. My hat goes off to her, a woman whose creativity goes on and on . . . .

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The Cupid Project “ ” After all, the heart that gives, gathers.

that when she opened the package she had found on her front porch, she felt like she had just received a big warm hug.

I was so moved by Carrie’s emotional response to such a small gesture, that last year on Valentine’s Day I was inspired to reach out to even more people. I remembered another cousin who was the sole caregiver for her elderly mother, who never has time to do anything special for herself. And I thought of a friend who, shortly after being diagnosed with MS, was abandoned by her husband for another woman. I sent each of these women a pretty, ceramic mug and some yummy, gourmet cookies. I made them cards, inscribing a beautiful quote by the poet Marianne Moore: “The heart that gives, gathers.” I even found special heart-patterned paper to wrap the packages in. It gave me such a great feeling as I dropped them off at the post office that I had a bounce in my step all day. And on Valentine’s Day, when their delighted thank-you calls started Alison Garrett, creator of The Cupid Project, encourages others

coming in, I realized that it had been the best Valentine’s Day I’d

to follow her example of doing something special for someone this

ever had.

Valentine’s Day.

In talking with these women and with other friends, I have come to realize that Valentine’s Day, of all holidays, can be a truly

O

BY ALISON GARRETT

wretched day for many people. For those who have lost someone, like my cousin, or for those who are lonely, like an estimated half of

On a cold January day two years ago, my cousin Carrie’s husband

the population, Valentine’s Day is a hateful reminder that there is no

of 26 years suddenly passed away. Over the next few weeks, I

special, significant someone in their lives.

found myself thinking about her almost daily. As February came and

Continued on page 22

Valentine’s Day approached, I worried about how a day like this––so commercialized and heavily advertised––would impact Carrie. I decided to reach out to her by sending her a small gift, mailed to arrive on Valentine’s Day. Carrie called me that evening and tearfully told me how much it had meant to know that I was thinking about her. She said it had been a really tough day at the office, with all of the other women receiving heartshaped boxes of chocolates and bouquets of roses, and that she had dreaded going home to her empty house that evening. She said

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S Avery County Cancer Resource Center Nominated for American Hospital Award Pictured left to right: Ann Coleman, Avery Cancer Resource Center volunteer coordinator; Edwina Sluder, Rural Health Initiative committee member; Ann Kunkel, Avery Cancer Resource Center volunteer; Shelia Pait, American Cancer Society community manager; and Linda Nixon, Avery Cancer Resource Center volunteer.

Thanks to Sallie Woodring, Director of

and much appreciated community outreach.

organizations

Volunteer Services at Appalachian Regional

Their efforts have made a significant impact

organizations, as well as instruct volunteers

Healthcare System, Inc., the new Avery

in a very short time.

on how to improve the quality of life in the

County

Cancer

Resource

Center

has

The Hospital Awards for Volunteer

and

community

service

community they serve.

been nominated for the 2010 American

Excellence (HAVE) program was established

Hospital Association’s Awards for Volunteer

by the American Hospital Association

County Cancer Resource Center meets, if

Excellence.

Board of Trustees to help hospitals attract

not exceeds, the award criteria.

and

The recommendation pays tribute to the

retain

volunteers

by

recognizing

According to Woodring, The Avery

In her nomination, she explains how the

efforts of numerous hard- working women in

outstanding

organized

ACCR came about “as a result of the work

the community and hospital volunteers who

programs of volunteer service. It is designed

of the Rural Health Initiative, developed by

have made the Resource Center possible,

to acknowledge the value of volunteerism

the American Cancer Society as a means

Woodring says. In fact, Charles A Cannon,

to individual lives and institutions. The

to discuss rural health concerns within rural

Jr. Memorial Hospital in Linville and its

program is designed to achieve four goals: to

counties, and discover opportunities to

volunteer program co-sponsor the Resource

encourage exceptional service; to promote

provide information and services for patients

Center with the American Cancer Society

visibility and goodwill toward the hospital or

diagnosed with cancer.”

and the Avery County Health Department.

health care system; to increase allegiance

and collegiality among volunteers; and to

about the ACCR and how it has successfully

promote

evolved since its inception.

Together, everyone works diligently to

insure the Center’s success as a very necessary 12 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

contributions

collaboration

of

among

provider

See sidebar for more information

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Avery County Cancer Resource Center Reaching the Community

S

Since its grand opening nearly three years

developed a poster and a brochure (in both

of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare

ago (March 5, 2007), the Avery County

English and Spanish) to promote the Center

System.

Cancer Resource Center has made a

and its services.

significant impact upon the community

In the past two years, the Center’s

meetings of the Cancer Resource Alliance,

and the patients it serves. Within a month

coordinator, as well as the American Cancer

composed of community members from

of opening its doors, the first patient was

Society community coordinator, have taken

Ashe, Watauga, and Avery Counties.

served – and 35 since then have received

their message to various organizations, and

support and encouragement along the way.

all doctors and pharmacies in the county, in

a representative from ACS have presented

The Resource Center has made great

The coordinator regularly attends the

The Center’s volunteer coordinator and

an attempt to educate others on the services

information on the Resource Center at a

strides since its initial location in the dressing

provided through the Resource Center.

regional event entitled, “Fighting Cancer in

area

of

Cannon

Hospital’s

radiology

Presentations on the Center have also

Appalachia Forum.” Additionally, they have

department, where it consisted of little more

been available at the fundraising events,

hosted a round table discussion on cancer

than an armoire that housed a wig bank.

“Pretty in Pink,” and “Forever Blue” with

that involved professors from East Tennessee

proceeds from these events donated to the

State University in Johnson City, TN, along

Program worked with a local furniture shop

Resource Center.

with other health care providers, and the

to secure a donation of the armoire to house

the wig bank and two chairs for clients. The

presence at all Avery Relay for Life events.

relationship has also been developed by the

American Cancer Society donated the wigs.

Patients who utilize the Center are

volunteer coordinator with the Tri-Cities

The hospital’s volunteers have been

referred by physicians, friends or family

affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation

actively involved since the Center’s inception

members and have access to the following

to secure breast cancer resource information

– with one volunteer initially selected to

services:

Breast and Cervical Cancer

for patients. The highest compliment to date

serve as coordinator, and funding provided

Control Program (BCCCP), General Cancer

for the center is that several other hospitals

by the volunteer program for furniture and

Screenings, Reach to Recovery, Road to

in the surrounding communities are using

accessories, turbans and hats for the wig

Recovery, Look Good Feel Better, wigs,

the Avery Cancer Resource Center model

bank, in addition to hand-knitted chemo

hats, Lymphedema treatments, support

to open cancer resource centers in their

caps that the volunteers made for chemo

groups and prosthetics.

hospitals.

patients.

The

Cannon

Hospital

Volunteer

In July, 2009, the Avery Cancer

Center volunteers also have a viable

Although the Center does not have

funds

for

screening

mammograms

or

Resource Center moved into a three-office

diagnostic mammograms for uninsured or

suite in the Sloop Medical Office Plaza,

underinsured women, the Resource Center

adjacent to Cannon Memorial Hospital.

volunteer

Today, the Center is open five days a

coordinator

works

with

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

week, completely staffed by volunteers with

Foundation to secure these funds. The

a coordinator on call 24/7. In addition to

Center is currently serving patients

the volunteers who staff the Center on a

from western North Carolina and

daily basis, four others are trained for the

eastern Tennessee.

“Road to Recovery” program, and four

volunteer cosmetologists are trained for the

coordinator also works closely

“Look Good, Feel Better” program.

with the Seby Jones Cancer

With the help of the American Cancer

The

Center’s

volunteer

Center, which is located at

Society, the Center’s volunteer coordinator

Watauga

and

Boone, and also is a member

rural

health

www.aawmag.com

initiative

committee

the

Medical

Center

in

American Cancer Society. A networking

A

sk

h c e n W t a s a The P people

in

the

High

Country about the Pasta

n i a g A s e k i r t S

Wench and you might get

an ear-to-ear grin and a description of their favorite ravioli flavor. The name might catch you off guard at first, but rest assured she is determined to bring fresh, local ingredients to your table with her organic pastas, ravioli and decadent sauces.

Andrea Morrell is a 40-something

mother of two and a self-proclaimed disaster in the kitchen. She has been involved with local food for years, but her move to Boone last February prompted her to delve even deeper. Buying a farm in Triplett, just outside of Boone, she and her husband intended to raise organic vegetables for the local farmer’s market. Realizing she wanted to be involved with local food, but not having any vegetables to sell in early spring, she shifted her focus to something a little closer to 14 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

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Food & Entertainment

home – pasta making.

The transition was an easy one, as her family roots are only one generation away from Palermo, Sicily, where the pasta is magnificent.

“ I grew up eating one form of homemade pasta or another every Sunday afternoon at my grandmother’s house. She would never dream of cooking store-bought pasta for Sunday dinner,” Andrea says.

Her woman-owned and operated business provides fresh pasta to several local restaurants including Storie Street Grille (Blowing Rock),

Vidalia’s (Boone), and The Bistro (Boone). As her business has grown, more restaurants from across North Carolina have been calling for her to create signature ravioli for their menus. Storie Street Grille features an Apple Brie ravioli that is truly delicious.

Pasta Wench Pasta is made with as many local ingredients as are available. Andrea buys locally farmed organic ingredients and is currently

lining up her growers for next spring. “I believe that we vote with our dollars when it comes to food and I encourage people all the time to buy locally grown foods,” she says. Roughly 70 percent of the farms that she buys from are woman-owned.

Eggs are a major ingredient in her pasta dough and she raises 60 wild-forage chickens on her farm to fill this need. She supplements her

own hens’ production with eggs from local egg producers. The crown jewel of her Triplett home, along Elk Creek, is her organic herb garden where she harvests many of the herbs for her ravioli. To maintain a fresh supply this winter, she has converted half of her garage into a passive solar greenhouse and is looking forward to fresh greens all winter.

Pasta Wench creations can be found weekly at the Watauga County Farmer’s Market and The Blowing Rock Fresh Market, along with

a great selection at Bare Essentials in Boone, and Maw’s Produce in Foscoe. Whether it is Portobello Asiago, Fire Roasted Spinach Garlic, Butternut Squash and Caramelized Pear or Lump Crab and Shrimp, Andrea is sure that you will find a favorite.

Be sure to visit Andrea at www.pastawench.com where you can order pasta for an upcoming event, dinner party, or as a gift (she ships

nationally!) and where you can learn more about this winter’s cooking classes. Classes will be held in her home-based commercial kitchen, the only private commercial kitchen in Watauga County. The Pasta Wench commercial kitchen is also available for rent to other local food producers and processors.

Call The Pasta Wench today for more information at (828) 262-1040.

Pasta Wench Baked Cavatelli 2 ½ cups Pasta Wench Cavatelli 12 oz. fresh mild or hot Italian sausage links, sliced ½ - inch thick ¾ cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (15 oz.) can organic tomato sauce 1 (14 oz.) jar organic spaghetti sauce 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed ¼ teaspoon ground pepper Cook your Pasta Wench Cavatelli about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain well.

In a large skillet, cook the sausage, onion and garlic until sausage is brown; remove from skillet. Drain fat.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning and pepper. Add the cooked Pasta Wench Cavatelli, and the sausage and onion mixture. Toss gently to combine. Spoon mixture into a 2-quart casserole.

Bake, covered, in a 375-degree oven for 25 minutes.

Uncover and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes more or until heated through.

Makes about 4-6 servings www.aawmag.com

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15

I t ’ s A Wo m a n ’ s J o b

Getting Paid To Do What She Loves Debra Critcher is a fitness director who practices what she preaches. Photo by Cody Critcher.

D

ebra Critcher has one of those dream jobs. She gets paid for doing what she likes to do best, and she helps people live longer. But as good as that sounds, it isn’t all fun and games for the Boone native who is fitness director at the Hound Ears Club, where she supervises the physical workouts of the club’s many members and guests. In addition, she is the personal trainer for around twenty members and works steadily with them to help them achieve their training goals.

A 1986 graduate of Appalachian State University with a degree in healthcare management, Debra has always been a fitness buff. She was able to turn her keen interest into a career in 2004 when she joined the Hound Ears staff. Previously, she worked at Watauga Medical Center in admissions, as emergency room supervisor, and at Hound Ears as an aerobics teacher.

She still works at the Wellness Center teaching group exercise, and offering private training to clients in their homes.

16 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

Being a fitness director is a demanding— but rewarding—occupation, she admits.

Her days begin early with personal training activities, which start around 5:00 a.m. each day. She works until around noon supervising a series of planned exercises and routines that are designed for specific physical goals.

“

‘Keeping fit is one of the most important aspects of life,’ Debra contends. ‘Body, mind and soul are essential elements that should not be ignored.’

”

“I enjoy my work tremendously,” she states, “and have found great satisfaction in helping people improve their physical wellbeing. Often, the work is hard, but I know

that the results are well worth the effort so I always give it my best shot.”

Last year, records show that Hound Ears members and guests made 5,238 visits to the popular fitness center, a large, well-equipped facility located near the clubhouse.

“We have excellent equipment,” Debra says, “that includes a wide variety of treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical, rowing, stretching and weight-lifting machines, along with other physical training needs. We also do aerobics and water aerobics and have an active hiking club.

“I recommend daily workouts of at least thirty minutes,” she states. “By doing that, people can keep their weight in line, their muscles toned and feel better in the process.

“Keeping fit is one of the most important aspects of life,” Debra contends. “Body, mind and soul are essential elements that should not be ignored. The health benefits of regular physical activity are significant.

People who work out regularly have a www.aawmag.com

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OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW!

BLUE RIDGE OPTOMETRY

VISION

lower risk of early death, coronary diseases, strokes, high blood pressure and many other adverse conditions.”

Debra also recommends that people eat more fiber, maintain a sensible weight, read food labels, quit smoking, get at least eight hours of sleep each night, and avoid stress and a negative frame of mind. “There is nothing better than a healthy, wholesome lifestyle,” she advises. “Try it and see.”

The slim, personable fitness director practices what she preaches. In addition to doing nearly every routine that her clients perform throughout the day, she has a daily workout schedule that includes walking, running, spinning, aerobics and weightlifting.

And her family does likewise. Her husband drives a produce truck out of Boone and loads and unloads his truck on each trip.

Meanwhile, her three children – two sons and a daughter – are involved in baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, weightlifting and hiking.

“Ours is an active family,” she says with a smile, “and we wouldn’t be happy if we weren’t doing something to keep our bodies in good shape.”

Keeping up with this busy wife and mother would be a full-time job. When she is not working, Debra enjoys playing the piano, hiking, boating, reading, watching movies, gardening, decorating and riding a motorcycle or ATV. “I like to stay busy,” she remarks.

In addition to her ASU degree, Debra, 44, holds certificates in group exercise, spin, aqua, step, pilates, flex and pump as well as personal training. She is certified by the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program.

“I would urge everyone who is concerned about his or her physical condition to get involved in a sound fitness program as soon as possible,” she advises. “It is the smart thing to do, and it just might save your life.”

And so it could.

Our thanks to retired Asheville Citizen-Times editor/Hound Ears resident, Bill F. Hensley, for writing this story, with additional information included by AAW editorial team.

IN THE BOONE MALL CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

828/264-2020

45.00

$

TOWARDS A NEW PAIR OF GLASSES OFFER EXPIRES 2/28/10

OTHER OFFERS, DISCOUNTS AND INSURANCES DO NOT APPLY COUPON NOT REDEEMABLE FOR CASH • NOT VALID ON OAKLEY.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

17

Bricks and Books for Bulumagi

BY SUE SPIRIT

“If one person can change the world, why don’t more people do it?” proclaimed a poster announcing the visit to Boone last fall of Greg Mortenson, who helps Afghan and Pakistani villagers build dozens of girls’ schools.

We High Country folks have our very own world visionaries, Marian Peters and Tina

Groover. They’ve made the village of Bulumagi, Uganda, in East Africa, their special place on earth. Tina, who teaches English at ASU, and Marian, founder-director of the Boone Community Care Clinic, spent a month in Uganda in 2006 with Global Volunteer Network.

Marian, a physician’s assistant, treated patients in a rural health clinic. Tina presented talks on nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, and maternal-child health.

They convinced Valence Lutaisire, community organizer-founder of a grassroots

nongovernmental organization, Youth Focus Africa Foundation (YOFAFO), to help with projects in Bulumagi. Valence enabled a team of village women to work on community development issues.

Tina and Marian found family and friends to sponsor forty children in school at $50

yearly for primary school and $120 for secondary. Fees cover uniforms, books, and paper.

Wo m e n I n E d u c a t i o n

Four sticks in the ground with a banana-leaf roof became “The Bank of Bulumagi,”

home to a micro-finance project providing $50 loans to women to create businesses: a piggery, chicken hatchery, charcoal, tomato, banana, or used clothing shops. Sixtyfive loans are out in the village. Women go to the “bank” weekly to pay back loans and deposit in savings accounts.

Forty-five percent of Ugandan children suffer from malaria. On 2009’s Mosquito

Net Day, villagers, helped by Tina and Marian, could purchase subsidized mosquito nets to protect their families.

Armloads of children’s books brought to Uganda by Tina and Marian on their 2009

trip became the beginnings of a children’s library operated out of the home of Alice, one of the mothers.

Bulumagi’s children had never been five miles from their village to see the mouth of

the Nile. The women organized a trip there in 2007 for the forty sponsored children and some mothers. The 2009 trip was to the Uganda Wildlife Centre in Entebbe, the airport, a playground, and a restaurant.

Marian Peters administers inoculations for a baby at the small clinic she holds each summer.

“Bricks and Books for Bulumagi” is the new project that arose

out of 2009’s work. By the summer of 2010, the women hope to raise $15,000 to construct a multipurpose community center housing a clinic, library, microfinance operation, vocational training for women, and community education. Villagers will construct the bricks.

“When we first went to Uganda,” Tina declares, “our goal was to

see a bit of Africa and provide some health care. We never dreamed we’d be returning year after year and engaging in long-term projects.” Both women affirm that Valence and YOFAFO have enabled the creation of community-centered, community-governed projects designed to foster a healthier, more-prosperous village with opportunities for all.

Your help will be greatly appreciated to assist Marian and

Tina in raising $15,000 for the Bulumagi Community Center by the summer of 2010. Send tax-deductible checks to Partnership Uganda, c/o Tina Groover/ Marian Peters, 413 Hillandale, Boone, NC 28607. One hundred percent goes to the building fund. Each A woman at the Bulumagi “bank” proudly looks over her bankbook,

contributor will receive regular updates.

which shows how much of her micro loan she has paid back.

Facing Page: Tina Groover with some of Bulumagi’s children on an outing to Entebbe. www.aawmag.com

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

19

20 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

www.aawmag.com

Photo by Sherrie Norris

There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you.... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself. ~Ruth Stout

m

Healthy Lady

BY BONNIE CHURCH, CNC, WELLNESS COACH

Eating Well When Eating Out Restaurant eating does not have to sabotage your New Year’s resolution, nor your good time. Making the right food choices and mindfully savoring your meal will ensure that when you eat out, you will eat well. Here

* Order a half-portion of pasta and combine

are some guidelines to help you with your

* Broth-based soups like hot and sour, egg

with a salad.

restaurant meal plan.

drop, or wanton are good choices.

* Go for the thin-crust pizza loaded with

* Order foods cooked in black bean, oyster,

vegetables and low-fat cheese.

• Do

your

homework.

Review

the

restaurant’s menu online before going.

Szechuan, or hot mustard sauce.

• Avoid buffets and other all-you-can-eat restaurants.

Japanese

French

* Try miso soup and edamame (soy beans)

• Don’t go when you’re starving; eat a small

* Look for Mediterranean-style items.

for an appetizer.

snack first.

* Avoid the bread and high-fat sauces.

* Limit the sticky rice (ask if brown rice is

• Limit alcoholic beverages.

* Order broiled, steamed, or poached

available) and avoid tempura.

• Ask the server to hold the breadbasket.

foods.

* Choose sashimi, yakitori, teriyaki, sukiyaki,

• Fill up on fiber-rich veggies.

* Choose tomato/wine sauces, broth-based

and grilled dishes.

• Order from the appetizer menu.

soups.

* Order Udon or Soba noodles.

• Order items that are steamed, broiled or roasted.

Greek

Mexican

• Don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions.

* Choose roasted lamb or chicken dishes

• If portions are large, split yours with

prepared with lemon and yogurt.

* Order grilled seafood and chicken dishes:

someone.

* Order gyros and Greek salads.

tacos, burritos, fajitas.

• Or ask for a box to take it home for

* Avoid the filo-dough, mounds of feta

* Ask for low-fat cheese, whole-wheat

tomorrow’s lunch.

cheese, and puddles of olive oil.

tortillas, and light sour cream.

* Limit the cheese and refried beans.

* Try baked fish and chicken dishes that are The following are some tips for specific types

healthfully prepared.

Thai

of restaurants:

Chinese

* Order dishes that combine proteins (meat

Indian

or tofu) with vegetables.

* Order traditional dishes that feature

* Order healthfully prepared legumes,

* Choose curry, chili, basil, lime, and fish

protein (meat or tofu) stir-fried with an

chicken, fish, and vegetables.

sauces.

assortment of vegetables and flavorful

* Choose chapati bread as a side.

sauces.

* Try

* Ask for sugar free and MSG [monosodium

Tandoori dishes.

the

tomato-based

sauces

* Opt for long-grain rice over white rice. and

glutamate]-free sauce choices. * Dip your food in the sauces rather than

Italian

saturating your dish.

* Steer clear of the white bread and cheesy,

* Avoid fried foods and white sticky rice.

creamy sauces.

Ask for more veggies instead.

* Choose tomato or Marsala sauces.

www.aawmag.com

* Try pad Thai and other stir-fried noodle dishes, ask for less oil to be used in the preparation.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

21

Continued from page 11

February

14th

is

a

ridiculously

commercialized holiday. None of us should pay a bit of attention to it, but we do. We get suckered in. And all of us––male and female, young and old––long for someone to reach out to us on that day, of all days, and make us feel special. Inside every one of us will always be the little child who secretly feared not being popular enough at school to receive any valentines.

And so The Cupid Project was born.

In writing this, I confess that I hope more will come from it. I challenge each of you to think of someone who might need to be remembered on Valentine’s Day this year.

Think of the widow or widower you know, or the single mom or dad, or just anyone you suspect of being lonely. Maybe there’s someone who does a lot for you whom you don’t thank as often as you should. What about taking the opportunity to bake a batch of cupcakes for the guys (and girls) at the local volunteer fire department? Or how about the awkward, lonely teenager next door? Your valentine could be from “A Secret Admirer.” I guarantee there is someone in your life who needs and deserves to feel special and appreciated, and Valentine’s Day is a great day to let him or her know. It doesn’t have to be a big deal, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. A card is fine; it really is the thought that counts. You may never know how much your gesture could mean.

So this year, I hope you’ll start your own Cupid Project. And it may be a surprise to you that the person you lift up the most this Valentine’s Day is you. After all, “the heart that gives, gathers.”

For more information about The Cupid

Project, visit the blog at TheCupidProject. com

Alison Garrett is a freelance writer and

real estate broker. She and her husband, Steve, have three sons, and live in Valle Crucis. She may be contacted by calling: (828) 406-0038 or e-mailing: alisongarrett@ charter.net 22 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

www.aawmag.com

All About Authors

BY MAGGIE BISHOP

A Chat with Columnist

Catherine Bare

Why do you write?

In fourth grade, my teacher enjoyed a story I wrote and encouraged me to write over the summer. I swept the dust out of the barn loft, set up my little yellow table and chair and, until I was booted out so my dad could store the summer hay. That was my writing loft.

I love words and am often stopped in my

tracks when I read a thought or idea captured in some unique way. I dream of having that effect on someone else through the written word! There is mystery, as well as craft, in showing instead of telling. When a writer manages to do that well, it is art!

How did you come to write a weekly column for the Watauga Democrat?

As I was preparing for early retirement

from Appalachian State University in 2004, the young woman who was writing the community news for Foscoe announced she

As an easily recognized columnist, Catherine Bare has come a long way from her childhood days as a barn loft writer.

needed someone to take over the column. I

What challenges and rewards does writing

Historical Society. WHS has worked for many

was concerned about having enough to keep

a weekly column bring?

years to complete a book on architecture in

me busy in retirement and that seemed like a

In a small community, there is not a lot

Watauga County and that beautiful book,

good task and just the excuse I needed to sit

of news to report. There have been many

An Architectural History of Watauga County,

down and write.

weeks when there was absolutely no news or

came out recently. While there was no writing

The column has resulted in many new

anything of interest to report. Then I resort to

involved on my part, working on that book

friendships in my local community and,

my creativity, which is often sorely lacking. But

project has been very rewarding. Being

surprisingly, in other locations. Maybe it

once in a while I have a burst of inspiration that

involved with writing and books brings me

has been my “15 minutes of fame.” I say that

results in kind comments from readers. My

peace in whatever capacity.

because of experiences like the afternoon

husband has threatened to leave if I continue

I went to the container site to drop off my

using him for material!

trash and a woman approached me to say she

This has been a good year, with the

com). Purchase An Architectural History of

knew me through the column. She expressed

opportunity to do an occasional article for

Watauga County at The Jones House, Mast Store

how she enjoyed reading my article each

All About Women magazine. I also had a short

in Boone and Edgewood Cottage in Blowing

week. Here I was, a celebrity amongst the

story accepted for an anthology called Clothes

Rock. Maggie Bishop’s Appalachian Adventure

dumpsters!

Lines that came out in late summer. I serve on

series of mystery and romance is available

the book committee of the Watauga County

through bookstore and Amazon.com.

www.aawmag.com

Contact Catherine at (heartsongs@skybest.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

23

Photo by Mark Mitchell

For

Raney Rogers Life is a Canvas

BY VICKI RANDOLPH

Putting Raney Rogers’ story into words in one short article is like trying to put Niagara Falls into a water pitcher. There are so many aspects to her life and what she means to others that it’s just hard to describe without meeting her in person. Luckily for High Country readers, she is easy to find and fun to meet.

Her West Jefferson hub, The Acorn

Gallery, is the place to start for someone who wants to discover the essence of Raney Rogers. Even before stepping into the gallery, one gets a feel for her personality.

24 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

The brightly painted purple house with

Cover Story softly trickling waterfall, step-stone paths

positive thinking, perseverance, and tenacity,

painting,” she says with a laugh. And she’s

and comfy chairs under whispering pines

being some of them.”

been painting ever since. Her gallery, the

all beckon visitors to come on through the

Artists aren’t always considered to be

first of several to appear in West Jefferson,

gate.

the best of business people. Raney tries to

has been open for seventeen years and is

Once inside the gallery, visitors feel

take all she’s learned over the years and

a favorite stop on Gallery Crawl nights.

transported to a calmer, happier place

share that knowledge with others, hopefully

You never know what flamboyant costume

than perhaps they’ve been before. Her art

to better the experience of those newer to

she’ll be sporting or the variety of wine and

is alive, full of sensation, and moves those

the art world. Such things as marketing,

chocolates she’ll be serving, but everyone

who gaze upon it to another place. Whether

how to make a living as an artist, and how

has a good time and always comes back for

it’s to a sparkling seascape, a sunset evening

to not get abused or taken advantage of, are

more!

sky or otherworldly dimension, it promises a

all valuable lessons her students might take

momentary reprieve from everyday travels.

home with them along with the paints on

world, her art itself making its way to most

their palettes.

every major country. She has also recently

And then, there’s Raney!

Out she

Raney’s art has taken her around the

comes with a bright smile, hearty laugh and

Raney and her husband, Ken, have

begun writing a book about her life, perhaps

contagious spirit – bigger than life – with

been married and living on a farm in Ashe

offering readers a glimpse of one of Ashe

an effervescence all her own. She has the

County for more than 30 years. They

County’s treasures. She is a vibrant life force

uncanny ability to put every visitor at ease

started out farming together, until one day

for women, for artists, and for friends and

– like an old friend – who just comes to

Ken criticized her hoeing.

neighbors in her community. The High

“hang out” while enjoying her work. And if

experiencing her paintings weren’t enough,

interest as well as her college major, she

there’s the chocolate!

admits that day on the farm was really the

Although art had been a lifelong

The Acorn Gallery is also home to

defining moment in her life. “I threw down

the Purple Chocolatier. You may think

my hoe, went into the house and started

Country just wouldn’t be the same—or nearly as fun—without her!

you have tasted chocolate before, but until you’ve tried Raney’s truffles, you haven’t experienced chocolate!

“Chocolate is a

passion of mine, just like art,” she explains.

“It’s wonderful! It’s a Zen experience.”

Raney is passionate about more than just

art and specialty truffles. She is passionate about life in general and every project she chooses to take on. She is an advocate for women and is involved in fundraising for the Appalachian Women’s Fund. She teaches art workshops and willingly shares her knowledge with others. She is a positive force in her community in many ways, showering good energy everywhere she goes.

In addition to teaching, she has become

a best friend and encouager to fellow artists. “I’ve learned a lot that I’m eager to share,” she says, “things that are helpful to my students—

www.aawmag.com

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

25

Fashion and Fads With Jenny Church

Since the New Year seems to be a perfect time to reevaluate various areas of our lives, it’s a good thing to do it from the inside out. While tossing out the old and bringing in the new, let’s not forget our wardrobes!

Don’t even think about making a resolution to

dress better, look more professional, or wear more age-appropriate clothing. Like with many New Year’s resolutions, unless you are specific about making a change and determined to stick to it, it will be too easy to put your good intentions on the top shelf and return to those frumpy sweat pants and sweatshirts that do nothing to flatter your figure.

Simply looking through your closet and weeding out

what works and what doesn’t is a great place to start. Find out which items still fit, which ones should be discarded, and which ones should be donated to a local charity. Coats that no longer fit will keep someone else warm on these cold winter days. Donate work apparel to some place like the Professional Clothes Closet at the Hunger and Health Coalition, which provides office attire to disadvantaged women in the High Country.

It’s amazing how a seasonal inventory can help you

re-invent your wardrobe. The skirt you didn’t like last year really might look good paired up with the new jacket you bought on clearance at season’s end. Who would’ve thought?

Experiment with color. Think charcoal gray and caramel, pink and purple, light blue and silver, apple green and chocolate. Guys, try wearing a

pink button-down shirt. I promise the compliments will flow. If that’s too much of a fashion commitment, add a tie with pink accents. Not convinced that color is the way to go? Create a slimming silhouette by wearing one color from head to toe. Black always makes a dressy statement. But don’t be a one-hit wonder. Mix textures to create a unique look.

Don’t forget how effective the right accessories can be to change the appearance of an outfit. Take a fresh look at your shoes, bags, scarves,

belts, cardigans, and wraps and decide if they can breathe new life into your existing clothes with just a re-match. Think outside the box. Check your jewelry box for old pins or visit the secondhand stores for funky, yet inexpensive, accessories.

Recycling your wardrobe can be fun and might just save you money as you discover a new look for yourself. Helping someone else out by

sharing items you no longer need or want is also a great way to start the New Year!

26 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

www.aawmag.com

Your Home

BY CORRINNE LOUCKS ASSAD

Home Improvement Projects for Winter flooring. Replace that dingy carpet or go for

armoire or a dining room hutch could take

the hardwood flooring that you’ve always

many steps (stripping, sanding, adding trim

dreamed of having. Do it yourself and save

and/or feet, repainting) and many months to

money or remember it’s also a great time

complete. On the other hand, a chair or small

of year to consult a professional for the job.

table could be completed overnight. Decide

Usually, their workload is lighter during the

what you’d like to tackle and know the rewards

winter and it’s possible they’ll do the labor at

will be long-lasting.

a discounted price.

Organize Get Creative In The Kitchen

hook for completing those outdoor projects.

However, it’s the perfect time to knock out those indoor projects that we’ve been putting off. (And you thought you’d settle down for a long winter’s nap!) The possibilities are endless, but it’s best to first determine how much time or money you want to invest in a project before you begin.

To Paint Or Paper?

Great winter projects include new paint

or wallpaper. The fumes from latex paints and wallpaper pastes are barely detectable these days – not to mention today’s selection of “green” paints. Remember adequate ventilation and keep ceiling fans going for quicker dry time. If necessary, you can turn the heat up a little. You already know, a little paint goes a long way in changing the look of a room.

Fun With Flooring

It’s also a good time to find deals on

www.aawmag.com

If painting and staining or heavy labor

Nothing brings a home “down” or adds to

are not for you, consider the “oh-so-satisfying”

winter drab more than a dark, dingy kitchen.

feeling of an organized closet or like-new

Take time to reface cabinets and change the

garage! Nothing makes a home run more

entire look of the kitchen. An easy way to do

smoothly than organized spaces. Begin by

this is to add trim to the top, bottom and faces

going through the house room by room,

of your cabinets. Purchase the wood trim

sorting out stray items. Purchase storage

from any building supply – but use precise

baskets, bins and containers that will enhance

measurements when piecing together. Hire

your décor, hide what you don’t want to see,

a professional to spray paint them or save

and clear out the rest. Organize by usefulness

money by giving it several coats of high gloss

– gloves with mittens and scarves, unread

or semi-gloss interior paint for an entirely new

newspapers with magazines, socks with

look! Make sure to use high quality materials

hosiery and leg warmers, nuts and bolts

including brushes and paint. Plan on the

together in one bin, all types of tape in another

project taking 3-4 weeks to insure proper

. . . you get the drift. Once items are organized

time between sanding and paint coats for a

and contained, things will get put away more

professional finish.

quickly in the future eliminating ongoing

It’s winter and we’re temporarily off the

Visit

online

thisoldhouse.com

sites or

such

as

www.

clutter. Plan to spend an hour to several hours

www.doityourself.

per room. For minimal cost, you will get much

com for easy step-by-step instructions and

return on your investment!

inspiring before and after photos.

Open For Options Refinish The Furniture!

Other ideas for sprucing up our homes

This might also be a good time to refinish

in the winter might include new window

that piece of furniture. We’ve all got at least

treatments, replacing ceiling fans or lighting

one “too-good-to-pass-up” furniture buy

fixtures, changing out faucets or sinks for a

that just needs refinishing to be the gem we

complete new look. There are many options

imagined when we bought it. In a heated a

open for projects to conquer in the cold winter

garage, sanding and repainting can easily be

months. The hardest part will be getting up

accomplished. A project such as an antique

from that nap!

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

27

You Can’t Win if you don’t play

The Amazing Philosophy of

Ted Drum staff, “Gramps” to a former student who so labeled him with affection, the husband of the school’s administrative assistant – but to everyone, he’s simply Ted.

His

soft

(but

deep!)

voice,

his

mischievous grin, his signature gray ponytail and year-round uniform (shorts and a teeshirt or jersey) are things that people notice first. However, there’s much more than meets the eye.

How many custodians have been named

an honorary member of nearly every school

BY SHERRIE NORRIS

club or are the recipient of numerous awards/ accolades such as yearbook dedication and

Ted Drum has seen many changes at WHS through the years and – with mixed emotions

homecoming parade grand marshal? How

– anticipates the biggest ever with the high school’s relocation later this year.

many become the most requested driver of

Photo by Sherrie Norris

the activity bus for special events – and love

W

every minute of the trip, whether locally for than mop up floors.

a couple of hours or far away for days?

When asked to describe Ted, one former

He’s driven every school team, social

e all have that one teacher

student just laughed. “There’s no way!”

club and cheerleading squad all across North

whom we will never forget,

Carolina and beyond. He smiles as he recalls

Wearing multiple hats, from

but how many can say that about the school

maintenance supervisor of the custodial staff

those trips where more than memories were

custodian?

to driver of the activity bus and everything

made.

Most students who have attended

in between, Ted is the eternal Mr. WHS.

Watauga High School in the last 12 years

He has cleaned up many “messes” simply

says. “There are some who are hard to

will always remember Ted Drum – but not

by sweeping his compassion through the

reach, but when you show them you care

just because he made the aging building look

building.

and can be trusted, you’ve got a friend for

as good as it could. He has done much more

life.”

28 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

He’s a friend to students, faculty and

“I try to be a friend to every kid,” he

www.aawmag.com

All About Men he became a victim of down-sizing.

After moving here, Ted worked as part-

time custodian/bus driver at WHS and at the water plant on Beech Mountain for a year before returning to WHS as full-time custodial/maintenance supervisor in 1998.

He has since received numerous certifications

Right: Ted Drum, pictured here with his wife, Diane, is always the life of the party, even on his 50th birthday.

in nearly everything from hazard materials to CPR and is always the first donor on the list at blood drive time. To date, Ted has

It’s more than just a job for Ted and he’s

the first to admit it.

“I love to watch them grow into the

adults we knew they could be,” he says.

“I love it when those who have graduated come back later and introduce their children to me.”

He grins when mentioning how some

students

responded

when

disciplinary

measures included working for “Mr. Ted.”

“Their friends want to know what they

did to get in trouble and then they start doing the same thing. It didn’t work out like it should.”

Life has been good, he admits, giving

much credit to his wife of nearly 20 years.

“Diane keeps me in line,” he chuckles. “My step-granddaughter, who is a student here,

donated 23 units of blood.

one question. “When we move, will the road out here still be called High School Drive?”

He will miss the familiarity of the

child their dreams are foolish or they can’t

current building where he knows every nook

do something. We should support them no

and cranny, what works and what doesn’t.

matter how foolish or silly it may seem to

“I was at the very first football ballgame

us. After all, this is America and they may

here and I was at the last one, too, and I’ve

become president or Supreme Court judge

done a lot in between.”

one day or maybe even the surgeon you see impossible.”

depends on whether we step aside and let it work for us or we fly in and mess everything up doing it our way. It’s totally up to us.”

Ted adds, “I love my job and the people

at WHS. I try to provide a clean, safe and fun environment for everyone.”

each day to jobs they dearly love.

www.aawmag.com

Ted believes there is a higher power

in charge that has plans for each of us. “It

driver, travel from their Avery County home

jobs, mainly in supervisory capacities until

To the adults, Ted says, “Never tell a

as you doze off. Think about it. Nothing is

working as his assistant and substitute bus

and worked at various water/maintenance

WINE TO WATER.

And take care of it, he will, but he has

since 1994. He and Diane, who started out

license from CVCC, became state certified

to raise money for

it.’”

native has made his home in the mountains

1974. He later received his wastewater

for 50 cents a strip

said, ‘Give me the keys and I’ll take care of

Father of one son, the Catawba County

Catawba Valley Community College in

taped to the wall

to do with that big, new building and I just

of them telling me what to do!”

his certification in auto technology from

willingness to be

“Someone asked me what I was going

was enough to deal with. I don’t need both

A 1972 graduate of Bandys High

evidenced by his

school’s relocation later this year.

cleaned up. I told her that her grandmother

School in Newton, Ted went on to receive

a good cause, as

– anticipates the biggest ever with the high

was a spill in the hallway that needed to be

a good sport for

the years and – with mixed emotions

texted me the other day and told me there

Left: Ted is always

He’s seen many changes through

It’s not unusual for Ted to be approached

by students who need a soft shoulder and a

Ted is one of the greatest “cheerleaders”

big heart. They know he has both.

local high school kids could ever have in

Dealing with kids (and adults!), Ted has

their lives, and they know it. He’s always

decided there are always three sides to every

reminding students that they can’t win if

situation: “His, hers and the truth.”

they don’t play.

The truth, as we see it, is that Ted Drum

“This goes for anything in life. If you

is no ordinary custodian. Sometimes, there

don’t try something, you will never know if

are just no words to explain one of life’s

you can do it, or not.”

greatest treasures.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

29

30 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

Photo by Mark Mitchell

L-R, sitting: Michael Mayhew, DDS, MS, PA Stacy Conn, DMD Martha Hardaway, DMD, MS Nicole Scheffler, DDS, MS Standing: Larry Stigall, DDS Richard Forbes, DMD/PA Frank Hancock, DDS

Dental Specialists of The High Country are All About Women - Helping create and maintain beautiful smiles for all ages.

Ask your general dentist about referrals.

B

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WHO ME? EXERCISE, DIET, QUIT SMOKING?

Penny Daniel, nurse, demonstrates the recumbent bike.

B Y J U N E W. B A R E

B

June Bare, right, joins Lib Corzine for a workout.

“But I’ve had a heart attack! You don’t expect me to be able to walk on that treadmill, do you?”

Yes, treadmills, weights, arm bikes, stationary bikes, and many more pieces of exercise equipment can be a lifesaver for someone who has experienced a heart attack, as well as cardiac bypass surgery, stents, valve replacements, and even a heart transplant. A cardiac rehab program includes: • Counseling, so the patient can understand and manage the disease process • Beginning an exercise program and learning how to exercise safely • Counseling on a heart-healthy diet • Helping the patient modify risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity and diabetes • Providing vocational guidance to enable the patient to return to work • Supplying information on physical limitations • Lending emotional support and learning how to reduce stress and depression • Counseling on appropriate use of prescribed medications

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Continued on page 49

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

31

All About Beauty

by Kelly

Face It - Facials Relax and Rejuvenate We welcome you into the New Year by

Some of the benefits achieved by

functions and metabolism are stimulated and

introducing the basics of a facial and its

having a facial include maintenance of the

a “slowing down” of premature aging takes

beneficial characteristics. Some of you may

skin’s health and correction of certain skin

place as well as a correction of conditions

not be familiar with a facial and how it can

conditions. The facial, overall, provides the

including dryness, oiliness, or redness.

affect your skin. We hope that by explaining

client with a deep cleansing massage and the

Wrinkles and aging lines are softened,

its benefits, we can inspire you to try a facial

use of masks and various products to help

blemishes and minor acne are improved.

treatment if you haven’t done so before.

promote the skin’s health.

Men need to be aware, as well, of the

A facial is considered to be one of the

benefits of facials. Their skin will benefit

to rejuvenate and improve the skin. Each

most relaxing and enjoyable treatments a

from treatment just as women’s do. It is

client is different with her own unique skin

client can have in a spa. Medical spas offer

becoming more socially acceptable these

type – and one that seems to have a mind of

more clinical services that focus more on

days for men to use spa services and take

its own sometimes: it can be oily and dry at

corrective skin treatments.

better care of their skin. Unfortunately – and

the same time and even, at times, with acne

Spa facials provide clients with a deeper

unlike most women – men, typically, want

appearing out of nowhere.

cleansing than their normal skin care regimen

to perform as little maintenance as possible

at home. There are specific products used to

and need encouragement to take the plunge

exfoliate the skin. The massage movements

for a spa experience. Men can – and should

used by the professionals increase blood

– follow a direct and basic skin care routine,

circulation and detoxification

but probably need to steer clear of the

A facial is defined as a service designed

and they help relax nerves, senses,

and

Additionally,

muscles. the

skin’s

fragranced products that women enjoy.

A spa treatment will prove to be good

for both men and women. If you’re reluctant, begin with a basic facial since what you’ve read here hopefully helps you understand the basic benefits – plus it’s relaxing and enjoyable!

32 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

Kelly Penick Lavender Fields Day Spa 820-C State Farm Road Boone, NC 28607 828-773-3587 www.aawmag.com

Why not Buy Flowers for Your Fellows?

Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest – if not the busiest – day of the year for florists.

Women are on the receiving end of the majority of orders, but many women in today’s society are turning the tables and surprising their beaus with bouquets of their own. If you decide to join this new move, consider the following tips to make it work well. (Pink carnations might not be the best idea for your Mr. Macho!) * Consider the Color - Men respond well to vivid, crisp colors such as red, orange, yellow, purple and blue. You can choose from a wide variety of dazzling hues. * Style and Design - For a more masculine feel, consider a linear floral design or an arrangement in a rustic, earthy or sleek container. Blooming plants or green plants are also a great gift for you favorite guy. * Try a Theme - Your florist can create theme arrangements that revolve around your sweetheart’s favorite hobby, sport or pastime. * For the Cost Conscious - If you have the heart but not the budget for dozens of flowers, surprise your sweetheart with the simple elegance of a single flower or a bud vase. * Surprise Him at the Office - When Valentine’s Day is on a weekday, have his flowers delivered to his office to enjoy at work and bring home for the weekend. * Plan Ahead - Call your favorite florist the week before to get the best selection and ensure prompt delivery. * Be Ready - When you call, have your information handy: the recipient’s name, address, phone number, what you want to send and how you want to pay. www.aawmag.com

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

33

Expert Nail Care Specialist Finds Her Niche STORY AND PHOTO BY CORRINNE LOUCKS ASSAD Charlene Briggs has spent a lifetime sharing her expertise and quality nail care with women who deserve the best.

I

n suggesting Charlene Briggs as a perfect

says them, make me smile and just feel warm and

candidate for a feature in this magazine, Linda

fuzzy.”

Bond, executive director of the International

“Warm” is just one of many words that aptly

Pedicure Association (IPA) shared, “I think of her

describe Charlene Briggs, a lovely lady and a very busy

so often as her knowledge and expertise are vast. Her

and popular pillar of the community. Many know and

delightful accent, her beautiful sense of humor and her

love her as the nail professional at Changes Salon

warmth just radiate and touch everyone she comes in

where she is the sole manicurist/pedicurist, striving to

contact with. She is so interesting!”

make every High Country woman feel worthy––and

Delivering only the highest regard for one she

deeply admires across the miles in her own distinct New England voice, Linda added, “Words such as

‘bumfuzzled,’

when Charlene

that she does, with the greatest of ease.

Growing up in Santa Barbara, CA, Charlene

remembers dreaming of a different place as a child.

“I always felt like I was born in the wrong place,” she recalled. “I longed for seasons and used to stare into the fireplace, imagining living elsewhere.”

A full life and several decades later, while on a trip

east with a friend, she spotted a little town on a map and told her friend, “I’d like to see what a Blowing Rock looks like!” She remembers the day they came and had dinner on Main Street in Blowing Rock, with the sweet smell of hydrangeas in full bloom. “Blowing Rock is my Carmel,” she said, over 14 years later.

Charlene’s career began when her first two

boys were still small. Preparing to attend Southern www.aawmag.com

California’s School of Medicine, she worked in her aunt’s salon while completing nine months of beauty school in 1952 – the beginning of more than 50 years of salon experience. Charlene completed college as a registered nurse and today combines her nursing expertise with her natural nail care specialization. “I don’t apply acrylic nails,” she explains. “I teach people how to grow out their own, natural nails.” Charlene is very concerned with sanitation issues surrounding the manicure/pedicure industry and is experienced in working with clients with related health issues, such as diabetes.

Charlene certainly leads a full life.

Frequent visits and communication with her four children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren help occupy her heart and time, as do her many hobbies. Not admitting which team is her favorite, she confessed to being quite content watching any football game and has spent many a freezing day wrapped up in the bleachers.

She

also

loves

cooking

and

knitting

– whenever she can find the time. Selling coveted pieces of her handiwork, such as her one-piece afghans and baby blankets, have added to her income.

It’s hard to imagine that this lively senior citizen has much free time. She stays busy (and youthful!) with the extensive clientele she’s

established over the years and is available for appointments at Changes Salon from Tuesday through Friday every week. She’s on call at both the Inn at Crestwood’s spa (and has been for four years!) and also now at the new Chetola Resort Spa.

Appointments are required well in advance for nail care at its best by one of the best – none other than Charlene Briggs.

Linda Bond shared her delight from reading back issues of this magazine sent to her by Charlene. “It’s like a snapshot of a very

unique and wonderful pocket of the world, where values and colorful verbiage are still very much in place.”

Is Your Salon

What better way to celebrate a girls’ day out than hitting the spa for a group pedicure?

After all, a very reliable source with years of experience tells us that studies show feet clad in high heels that are shopped in for 6-8 hours will suffer 80 percent less trauma when treated to a pedicure at approximately the fourth hour!

on your calendar. Just make sure you choose a safe salon and review the following recommendations (provided by the International Pedicure Association – IPA) before getting your toes wet:

Safe?

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If you’re feeling the need for a little pampering, a regular pedicure should be

• Go with your first impression. Does the salon look clean, especially the pedicure area and thrones? (No misnomer there!) Don’t overlook small details and consider checking out the restroom for an indication of overall salon cleanliness standards.

• Ask how (and how often) the nail instruments are being sanitized. Each state’s guidelines can be found by calling the state cosmetology board. Make sure tools JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010 35

are fully submerged in a very clean solution.

hanging for clients to see? Check the walls

nail brush is re-dipped into their polish

Also confirm that tools that are not

for these, as well as for state inspection

bottle and who knows who chose that

disinfected are thrown away after each use.

ratings. Find out if your pedicurist is a

Vixen Red before you?

Some pedicurists even recommend

member of the International Pedicure

bringing your own sterile equipment.

Association. In addition, does he/she have

any certifications or extra training beyond a

International

• Same story on the whirlpool foot tubs.

license? Ask these questions if you can’t

shared many of the above guidelines and

Since the tubs can be a major source of

tell from looking around.

warns us: “The consumer is not aware of the

bacteria and contamination, it is important

Linda Bond, executive director of the Pedicure

Association

has

potential risk they are in if their salon or spa

to know how they are being cleaned and

• You can help yourself by not shaving your

is not practicing safety standards and using

how often.

legs or having any open cuts or wounds

infection control.”

on your feet before a pedicure. Make sure

• Does the pedicurist ask you a few simple

your nail technician has thoroughly washed

need of the pedicurist by providing a support

health questions, gathering information

hands and request they wear a new pair of

network offering higher education, higher

pertinent to you and the condition of your

gloves. Confirm yours is a freshly laundered

quality and safer procedures. It offers a

feet? It’s possible a professional pedicurist

towel or a new disposable towel.

member directory on its Web site: www.

may even recommend a doctor or podiatrist

The IPA’s mission is to help meet the

pedicureassociation.org through which you

when recognizing a condition which they’ve

• The area between the toes is the second

can find your next local pedicurist, including

seen before. This, of course, should be done

most common area for bacterial and fungal

Charlene Briggs of Changes Salon, featured in

before putting your feet into the whirlpool.

contamination (after the nail folds). If you

this month’s magazine!

don’t bring your own sterile tools, at the

very least consider bringing your own nail

“Which Salons Let You Bring Your Own Wine.”

• Are

the

nail

technicians/pedicurists

licensed, as evidenced by their licenses

36 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

Tune in next month when we feature

separator and your own polish. The same

www.aawmag.com

Young at Heart B Y H E AT H E R Y O U N G

Here I Go Again “Here I go again,”I think as I tumble to the floor after unsuccessfully

I have attended at the

trying to twist myself into a human pretzel. It would seem that

gym.

yoga is not for the balance-challenged!

The New Year has dawned and, like many of you, I am

soft light and calming music, I was never able to concentrate on

suffering from post-holiday guilt. I consumed too many goodies

the poses because of my fear of causing a domino-like effect if

and exercised too little. Although I stick to a fairly strict exercise

I lost my balance and fell on my neighbor. Better that I attempt

regimen year round, it is easy to slip during the busy holiday

this particular type of exercise in the safety of my own home,

season. To make matters worse, there are too many parties

where I am a danger only to myself.

with sinfully indulgent treats, family dinner celebrations with

childhood favorites and seasonal truffles at Godiva. My self-

more attempt at the laughing monkey pose, probably named

control gets taxed to its limit!

such because if any actual monkeys saw me attempting to fold

my awkward limbs into said position, they would find it highly

And, I feel sure that I am not alone! Every year at this time,

Although the very patient instructors filled the room with

Not willing to throw in the towel quite yet, I make one

neglected fitness equipment gets dusted off, weight loss

amusing.

resolutions are made and finding a parking space at the Wellness

Center is nearly impossible. It is as if turning the calendar page

again I end up flat on the floor. It would appear that I am not

wipes clean the past year’s lapses and we begin anew.

meant to find bliss, but I can find an extra half hour of sleep each

morning!

Unfortunately, these good intentions are easily forgotten

“Here I go again,” I state for the fourth time this morning as

once February rolls around. Therefore, to get myself back on the right path, I have been dragging myself out of bed half an hour early to practice yoga, which friends and family assure me will bring about total bliss.

So far, I am experiencing less bliss and more up close

and personal time with the living room carpet.

It’s not that I am completely uncoordinated, because

I do manage to teeter around on three-inch heels all day. But, when I am required to perform acts better suited to a circus contortionist, my act falls a little flat – flat on my bum, that is!

Lying on the floor and laughing at my

Laughing Monkey Pose

latest failed attempt to bend in ways that would be much easier without all these pesky bones, I recall the few yoga classes

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JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

37

Sweets for the Sweet

BY SHERRIE NORRIS

There’s not a more delicious way to say “Be My Valentine” than with treats from the kitchen. Sweets for the sweet, a candlelight dinner for two, breakfast in bed – it doesn’t matter how you express your love this Valentine’s Day, just as long as you do it. As the most romantic of all celebrations arrives, take time to lavish your loved one with the things that mean a lot. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a difference.

Spend time reflecting on the good

times. Try re-enacting your first date, renewing your wedding vows, etc. Play a little “romantic trivia” by creating a game based on questions about your relationship: Where was our first kiss? Where did we go on our first date? What kind of car did I own when we first met? Give rewards for the right answers and lovingly accept the wrong ones.

If all else fails, or even before it has a

chance to, you may want to head to the kitchen and stir up a little something sweet for your loved one.

These recipes are sure to get to the

heart of the matter!

Simple Chocolate Covered Strawberries Fresh strawberries Semi-sweet chocolate chips Crisco shortening 38 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

www.aawmag.com

Ahead of time, rinse (and let air dry) fresh

Pour into glasses on top of vanilla portion

pancake batter as usual and make a few

strawberries with stems intact. For each

and serve.

large, skillet-sized pancakes. Then cut out

batch, melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate

heart shapes with a cookie cutter, stack,

chips with 1 tablespoon Crisco over double

and serve! (Try strawberry syrup or red

boiler, stirring constantly. Dip strawberry

jam/jelly, warmed to thinned stage.)

halfway in chocolate and place on waxed Strawberry Dumplings

paper until set. Best if served the same day.

(White chocolate works great, too.)

4 eggs 4 Tbsp. melted butter

Sweetheart Shakes

4 tsp. baking powder

3 cups milk, divided

Strawberry Yogurt Cake

4 tsp. sugar

1 cup vanilla ice cream, softened

1 pkg. yellow or white cake mix with

1 tsp. salt

1 (3½ oz.) package vanilla instant

pudding

12 Tbsp. flour

pudding mix, divided

1 8-oz. container frozen whipped

Combine above to make stiff batter to

1 cup strawberry ice cream, softened

topping, thawed

hold shape.

3 drops red food coloring

2 cartons (6 oz. each) strawberry yogurt

4 cups strawberries

Pour 1½ cups milk into a blender; add in

Bake cake in pan as directed on package.

vanilla ice cream and 1/3 of the pudding

(9 x 13-inch cake pan suggested over

mix.

layers.) Cool completely. Mix whipped

Mash berries with sugar. Bring to boil in a

topping and yogurt; spread over cake.

large pot with a tight lid. Drop dumplings

(about 15 seconds). Pour mixture into

Refrigerate until serving time. Garnish with

into hot liquid; reduce heat and simmer

four 8-oz. freezer-safe glasses; freeze for

strawberries if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

covered, for 15 minutes. Don’t peek!

Cover and blend on high until smooth

30 minutes. Pour remaining ingredients into blender; cover and blend until smooth

Remove dumplings carefully to dessert Valentine Pancakes

(about 15 seconds).

Heart-shaped pancakes are the perfect

treat for your Valentines. Simply mix

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2 cups sugar

dishes and spoon berries over top. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

39

FITNESS A Way of Life B Y C AT H E R I N E D U R G I N

www.aawmag.com

m

S

he

watches

every

bite

realized I enjoyed learning how to help

their bones are still growing and laying down

she puts into her mouth

people reach their peak condition for their

bone mass. Even if a female already has the

– closely – and if she went a

athletic performance. I believe it truly stems

signs of osteoporosis, weight training can

day without exercising, her

from the feeling I get when someone I work

still help improve her condition.”

world would be disrupted.

with achieves something new in the gym,

Catrina knows that every woman might

It’s not about disorder or

such as lifting a heavier weight, feeling

not have the time commitment for a strict

obsession, but it is all about being healthy.

better doing their activity, or getting through

weight-training regime, but notes simple

For Catrina Wold, fitness is a way of life.

the day a little easier.”

ways to fit exercise into our day-to-day

lives.

An

Appalachian

State

University

While exercise might not be the easiest

graduate student, Catrina believes that

part of the day for some people, it still is

fitness will always be a major part of both

extremely important to fit it in frequently.

benefits of exercise and start looking at it

her personal and professional life. Prior to

“Particularly for women, because of the

as a stress relief instead of a chore,” she

beginning her life outside of grad school,

issues with osteoporosis and muscle mass,”

states. “If you want to start exercising, you

Catrina has committed her time and energy

she emphasizes.

have to plan for it. If you plan exercise into

“First, people need to look at all of the

serving as a graduate assistant to football,

your schedule, you are more likely to stick to

tennis, softball, soccer, and basketball teams.

the plan. I think it is also important to start

She works out daily, along with another fifty

looking at daily activities and realize where

or so collegiate-level athletes.

we can fit additional bits of movement into

While it might seem like excessive gym

our day. This could be as simple as walking

time to some, it’s just all in a day’s work for

to the grocery store, taking the stairs, or

Catrina and something she enjoys immensely

playing with the dog or children.”

– minus the five a.m. alarm! While the early

morning alarms are less than appealing, she

and easy exercise online, she notes. Shape

says she has always loved being in shape

magazine’s online edition has a quick and

and sacrificing a little sleep is well worth it.

easy way for men or women to check their

There also are other options for free

“Being fit to me does not mean having

ideal body weight by entering height, weight,

the skinniest and most lean body,” she states.

sex and frame size. Shape.com also has a

“Being fit means having a healthy body fat

tool that helps measure body mass index

percentage, proper amounts of lean muscle

(BMI), calculated by weight in relation to

mass, and feeling healthy to perform your

height. Both of these tools on Shape.com

personal daily activities. I work out and lift

are free, confidential and take less than a

weights because it makes me feel good, but

minute to complete. Fitness magazine and

also because I want to have a healthy body

Women’s Healthy online sections also have

as I age.”

Catrina realized long ago that she

free daily meal plans, customized workouts

“Exercise can help prevent disease,

and exercise demos.

wanted her career to be intensely focused on

improve mobility, increase energy and

staying fit and helping others do the same as

alertness, and improve a person’s daily

does not have the time or money to work

mood,” she states. “By weight training,

out every day they can still watch what they

women

eat.

well.

“I think it started when I was in high

can

improve

their

bone

Catrina says that even if someone

school,” she says. “I knew that I enjoyed

mineral density and muscle mass,

the feeling I get when I lifted weights, so I

which will help keep their bones and

your diet, “ Catrina states,“and if you need

wanted to help others achieve that same

bodies in optimal shape as they age.

something to munch on, then try steamed

positive feeling and confidence. As I went

It is extremely important for all females to

soybeans because they taste great and are

through my undergraduate program, I

weight train, but also for young females while

super healthy!”

“Portion size is key when watching

Facing Page: It’s all about being healthy, says ASU grad student Catrina Wold, whose life and career plans revolve around fitness. Photo by Caroline Westray. www.aawmag.com

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

41

Heartfelt

BY TERI WIGGANS

It Is Time It is time. It is time to let go of suffering and

open a bag of chips I find myself eating and

an identity crisis. As Marianne Williamson,

sadness and fear and anxiety and embrace the

eating and eating. Another area in which I

author, states, “Our greatest fear is not that

space of love and gratitude. I’ve often asked

haven’t kept my word is when I tell my two

we are inadequate. Our greatest fear is that

myself why I sabotage myself by continuing

sisters who live in the Midwest that I will

we are powerful beyond measure. It is our

to stay in familiar yet horrific circles of pain

communicate with them weekly and I do

light, not our darkness, that most frightens

and fear. What has me so tied to the circle

not. I feel angry and frustrated and have self-

us.”

that it seems impossible to move out of it?

doubts – all of which keep me from loving and

One of my current circles of suffering includes

accepting myself.

beyond measure? I believe it has to do with

recognizing when I don’t keep my word about

I do believe it has something to do with

embracing love and gratitude every moment

something. An example might be when I say

the familiarity of it. What does the other side

of our lives. Is it possible? We do have a role

to myself, “I’m not going to eat potato chips

look like? Who will I be without the pain and

model that many of us are familiar with. Jesus

any more.” I have a thing for salt and when I

suffering? It just might be as simple as having

walked the earth in infinite love and gratitude.

What does that mean, to be powerful

He chose to look upon everyone he met as a loving son or daughter of God, in total acceptance. He embraced women who were called whores and men who had leprosy and treated everyone in a warm, loving, kind and generous way. He created a human family of love out of love.

Perhaps we have a fear because Jesus

ultimately died on a cross. If we follow in his footsteps, will we also die on a cross? My heart says no. If we all choose to be love and accept ourselves and others, there can no longer be fear. Love and fear cannot coexist. Fear is what put Jesus on the cross to begin with, the fear of how powerful we truly are in that space of love and gratitude.

So, I invite you to take on a new identity

with me this year, one of love and gratitude.

Try it on for size. It feels warm, loving, kind and generous. It is light. Love is at the heart of truly living. We have the opportunity to be love, radiate love and create one large loving family where each of us is totally accepted.

42 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

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F

ew people have missed acknowledging Valentine’s Day at some point in their lives. Whether through those sweet, innocent, handmade cards in elementary school or those painful adolescent infatuations or adult

relationships that were meant to last forever, we all have our own Valentine’s Day to remember.

Numerous legends abound regarding Valentine’s Day and how it all began. Who was St. Valentine? One account

describes him as a martyred Roman priest who was killed February 14th, 269 AD for protecting Christians. While in prison, he supposedly sent messages to friends reminding them of his love and imploring them to remember their Valentine.

Another story indicates that Valentine was a priest who secretly married couples, defying the Emperor Claudius

who had temporarily forbidden marriages. Yet another story claims he was jailed for refusing to worship pagan gods, befriended the jailer’s daughter, and left her a love knot on the day of his execution, which was apparently February 14.

There is also reference to remembering Valentine on the day after the Roman Feast of Lupercalia, a pagan love festival. In 496 A.D, Pope Gelasius changed Lupercalia from the 15th to the 14th to try to stop the pagan festival. The church realized that there was nothing wrong with celebrating love, and that only the pagan elements were wrong. So Valentine became known as the patron of love.

In the Middle Ages, young men and women

The red rose was a favorite flower of Venus. All

Candy hearts (the ones with sweet messages

drew names from a bowl to see who their

over the world, over 50 million roses are given

printed on them) were first made in 1866 by

Valentines would be. They wore those names

for Valentine’s Day each year.

candy maker NECCO; in those days, they were

on their sleeves for one week. To wear your

called Motto Hearts. According to NECCO, 8

heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy

The State of California produces 60 percent

billion of these little candies are sold between

for other people to know how you are feeling.

of American roses, but most roses sold on

January 1 and February 14.

Valentine’s Day in the U.S. are imported from In the 17th century, a hopeful maiden ate a

South America.

hard-boiled egg and pinned five bay leaves to

More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine’s Day this

her pillow before going to sleep on Valentine’s

73 percent of people who buy flowers for

eve. It was believed this would make her

Valentine’s Day are men; only 27 percent are

dream of her future husband.

women.

year.

The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives

It wasn’t until 1537 that St. Valentine’s Day was

About 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are

about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet every

declared an official holiday. England’s King

exchanged each year. Valentine’s Day is

Valentine’s Day.

Henry VIII declared February 14th a holiday.

the second-largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, after Christmas.

Cupid is associated with Valentine’s Day

Today, chocolate manufacturing tops $14 billion annually with February being the

because he is believed to be the son of Venus,

Those who receive the most Valentine’s Day

“unofficial”high-sales month for the confection

the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

cards are (in order): teachers, kids, moms,

most synonymous with love.

wives and sweethearts.

The heart is associated with Valentine’s Day

There are towns called Valentine in Texas and

as it is considered the source of all human

Hallmark makes over 1,330 different cards for

emotions.

Valentine’s Day.

www.aawmag.com

Nebraska.

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

43

Remembering Sunny Days

BY GENEVIEVE AUSTIN

humans, there are also animals that seem to embody these qualities.

Such was the case with my dog, Sunny and, as his name implies, he symbolized sunny days in the brightest sense of the word. My very first column in this magazine (September 2008) featured Sunny. I ended it by writing, “I pray for the courage and fortitude to continue embracing change when it is time to tell Sunny goodbye.

Until then, I thank God and Sunny daily for transforming darkness into light.” This summer I watched Sunny’s hip dysplasia and arthritis worsen to the extent that I anticipated my final year with him. The end arrived too quickly.

Life is a transient journey and time is fleeting. Whether one lives for ten years or one hundred, goodbyes are inevitable, painful and often abrupt. Throughout November, signs indicated a dramatic decline in Sunny’s well being.

Sunny will always have a special place in the life and Pain dictated his world and memories of Genevieve Austin, the author of this monthly medications were required at column, who mourns the loss of her pet. closer intervals. When his hind 44 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010 A sunny day is just a day to many. January’s shorter days, sunny or not, can easily sweeten one’s appreciation for sunshine and the days, hours or moments it fills. There are times in our lives when we identify so readily with either sunlight or shadows that we feel embraced or isolated accordingly. Like

legs began to fail him more often than not, I realized the time of agonizing decisions had arrived. If I could have carried him around and continued to bring him happiness, I would have carried him forever. However, his seizures and plaintive barks alerted me to his heightened suffering. I considered my own life and the idea if I am ever in constant pain, lose my mobility, and my quality of life is so severely diminished – I hope that God will take me and humanity will have the courage and grace to let me go.

Losing Sunny is the deepest loss of my adult life. Through divorce and saying goodbye to many relatives who passed, Sunny was my shadow, my best friend, my sunlight. So I must ask myself, “If sunlight leaves, does it mean I live in darkness?”

Initially, the feeling, the loss, screams a resounding, “YES!” Then, I think of Sunny.

Sunny taught me to live and embrace sunshine. In Sunny’s honor, I must embrace that energy he defined.

Sunny taught me to love all good souls at every opportunity, to dance when I’m happy. Until the month before Sunny passed, he danced every time he received a milk bone.

Sunny loved to fetch. Throw not one, not two, but three or four toys and he’d www.aawmag.com

attempt to play with them all at the same time.

Bark at potential danger, but if it looks like a real threat, run for cover.

Sunny’s size was intimidating. Multiple times I was afraid that he unnecessarily (though innocently) frightened a neighbor. As he barked and I ran to retrieve him, my running seemed to cause him added concern. Instead of running toward the stranger, he turned and run back to the house.

When push comes to shove, stand your ground and defend the ones you love. One night, Sunny stood up to an intruder in the middle of the night for 45 minutes.

He tracked my parents’ dog the week he passed away. It enabled us to allow him to die surrounded by love.

Sunny was my canine knight in shining, golden fur. Sunny taught me that it is not the time in life we’re given, but the life we put into our time. Thank you, Sunny. And thank you, God, for sunny days and sunny dogs like mine.

Grits to Gourmet /lan a meal, put on a party, or pack a picnic! .ur pantry is chock-full of homemade preserves, jellies and local honey, fanciful dips, robust BBQ sauces, hearty soups, stoneground cornmeal, and more. #on’t miss our wide variety of cookbooks filled with favorite recipes & kitchen tips for every cooI.

Valle Crucis • Boone • Waynesville • Asheville • Hendersonville, NC Greenville, SC • Knoxville, TN • MastGeneralStore.com • 1- 866 -FOR- MAST www.aawmag.com

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

45

Mom’s World B Y H E AT H E R J O R D A N , C N M , M S N

Journey Through Love to Grace Grace Scantlin soon after her debut.

was high. We rolled forward with every wave – baby was stubborn, we were patient. Waiting.

Anticipating. Like rowing a small fishing boat in the vast ocean, the shore appeared deceptively close and yet consistently out of reach. Catherine’s athleticism was amazing, as she rocked and moved with each building contraction, trying to encourage her baby into good position. Music embraced us and nothing seemed so fitting as Sam Bush’s words (at left). Water gave some peace, but progress was slow. Doubt slipped in like a riptide, amidst the exhaustion and the turbulence,

Was I dreaming

Sometimes life takes you by surprise

Or did this really happen?

with the uniqueness and yet universality of

I can feel the earth below my feet.

our experience. Recently I was privileged to

World is turning fast and wild

take a journey with a couple in the birth of

And like a little newborn baby child

their first child. Catherine was well-prepared

Who’s never known regret or defeat

physically and mentally. She had outstanding

I am surrounded Tangled in the wild Tied to the calling and The rise in frequency Of the silent smiles and laughter Of those that came before

support from her husband and good friend (also a doula). Their room was well-equipped, and I was immediately struck by the care they had taken to create a blessed environment in which to bring their daughter. They had packed lots of stuff for this trip – flameless

And the definite sound

candles, “shot blocks” for energy, an inspiring

Of all this love

picture of an African woman carrying not

Falling down on me

only her infant on her back but supporting a huge bundle of wood on her head, and focus

Hey Hey Hey

cards with beautiful words and pictures about

How in the world did we get this far?

defeating fear and trusting in the sacredness

Hey Hey Hey

of birth. While I have certainly seen lots of

Tied to the tail of a shooting star

props and tools for labor, the attention and

Hey Hey Hey You’re running circles around me, circles around me now -excerpted from Sam Bush, “Circles Around Me” 46 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

intention left me awestruck.

The labor embarked from the early

morning hours after a day full of contractions and excitement. When admitted, Catherine

but the resolve of everyone present prevailed.

After sunshine, then snow, day giving rise to night, then day, then night again, Grace came.

She slid into her father’s hands and onto her mother with decisiveness. We had reached solid earth after what seemed to be days at sea, the time warp of labor striking yet again.

How thankful we were and how perfect she was. The journey wasn’t exactly what was expected, but the arrival of Grace was when and how it needed to be.

Looking to this New Year, I cannot think

of a better way to gain inspiration. Remember, stuff is stuff. You can pack all that you think you will need to get through, to get to a certain destination, but in the end, you’ve got to roll with the tide and trust in the fact that Grace will in fact arrive without any knowledge of regret or defeat. What a blessing that is!

If you have comments or questions about

this article, please feel free to contact Heather Jordan, Certified Nurse-Midwife, at the office of Charles E. Baker, MD at 828-737-7711 x253 or e-mail her at landh@localnet.com.

was still early in the process, but the energy www.aawmag.com

High Country Courtesies

BY SHARON CARLTON

Navigating the Germ-Ridden Social Highway Having experienced an early, rampant flu

and churches display bottles

season with the virulent strain of the H1N1

of hand sanitizer for interested

Flu, our germ defense awareness is growing

consumers. At some health

exponentially. Traditional social interactions

clubs, members use sanitizing wipes on

sanitize your hands after shopping, pumping

are being adapted or refused in efforts to

workout machines before exercising. Using

gas, handling money and being in public.

contain exposure to germs. How are we to

these publicly offered germ-fighting aids is

navigate the road between civility and the

appropriate as long as it is not overtly directed

your wishes, retire to a restroom as discreetly

protection of our wellbeing? With courtesy

as a defensive measure towards another

as possible to wash your hands or use sanitizer.

and savvy.

specific person.

(Remember that hand sanitizer can remove

Watch For New Precedents

What Can You Do?

own use and to share with others. Wash or

If exposed to a hearty handshake against

color from some fabrics; handle it carefully.)

“Bumping knuckles or pats on the back

Move through crowded areas breathing

When you are ill, stay home if at all

through your nose, rather than your mouth,

are newer forms of greeting, especially among

possible. In public or at work, be prepared

to utilize your body’s natural filter of nasal

the younger college-aged group. Although

to protect others. Carry tissues and sanitizer.

cilia. Keep your distance from anyone who is

these unconventional handshake substitutes

Dispose of used tissues quickly and discreetly.

coughing or sneezing. Wash hands frequently

are gaining popularity, classic handshakes are

Wash and/or sanitize your hands often when

and do not touch your mouth, nose and eyes.

more appropriate among business associates

touching anything to be used or touched by

and older generations.

others. When approached for a handshake or

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding

This fall, the “elbow” and “hiney” bumps

hug, hold your right palm up, close to your

processed foods. Exercise regularly and

were suggested by national media celebrities

body, offer a brief explanation (i.e.: “Better

laugh every day to strengthen your immune

as

greeting

not shake today!” or “Germs!”), then quickly

system.

replacements for hugs and kisses. Manners

move along with your greeting. Direct your

maven Anna Post, spokesperson for the

attention on the person, rather than on your

numbers of people are moving through

Emily Post Institute, suggests negotiating an

illness, smile, look them in the eyes and listen.

multiple cultures, exchanging germs at

unwanted hug by putting your hands on the

A sneeze can spread 40,000 droplets

unprecedented rates. In this ripe setting for the

tops or sides of the shoulders of the hugging

released at speeds upwards of 75mph,

spread of pandemic illnesses, social protocol

person, instead of wrapping them around the

according to Wikipedia. Cover your sneezes

is being rewritten as a necessity. Being polite

hugger’s back.

and coughs with tissues and handkerchiefs.

should not mean putting yourself at risk. As

Expect the possibility of people rejecting

When none are available, turn away from

we adjust and adapt, remember that the heart

tongue-in-cheek,

germ-safe

Take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep.

We are living in an age where increasing

your handshake because of germ phobia.

people and muffle your coughs and sneezes

of all good etiquette is to treat others as we

Should someone refuse to shake your

in the crook of your elbow as you face the

would like to be treated.

outstretched hand, withdraw your hand as

floor.

gracefully as you can and progress with your

conversation without being offended.

exposure to potential germ-exchanging sites.

©2009. Sharon Carlton conducts High Country

In this age of hand wipes and portable

Rather than your fingertips, use your knuckles

Courtesies customer service workshops and

sanitizers, de-germing surfaces in public

to push ATM, credit card machine or elevator

is Director of High Country Cotillion, a social

spaces is becoming a common practice.

buttons. Swipe your own credit card when

education program for youth. She writes and

Grocers offer sanitizing wipes for cart handles,

possible. Use your own pen to sign credit slips

speaks on modern etiquette and life skill topics.

while increasing numbers of stores, restaurants

or fill out information. Carry tissues for your

Contact her at sacarlton@skybest.com

www.aawmag.com

In general, look for ways to limit your

Sharon Carlton, High Country Courtesies

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

47

Yo u G o , G i r l !

Ashe County Girl Scouts are pictured with Vicki Randolph, event planner; U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx; Representative Cullie Tarleton; and Brian Crutchfield, Blue Ridge Electric Director of Sustainable Development. Photo by Kim Hadley

Ashe Girl Scouts Take Steps to Change the World November 30 was a day history was made around the world. It was a worldwide day of action known simply as N30 – its purpose to bring awareness to the climate meetings held in Copenhagan, Denmark, in December.

People around the planet were holding events and taking action to do their part to help stop global warming. Among those countless citizens were the Girl Scouts of Ashe County. And of the thousands of events held around the globe, they arguably may have had the most fun of any!

“A lot of time, planning and effort went into this event, but in the end, it was all totally worth it,” said Vicki Randolph, event planner. “The girls all had such a blast and, at the same time, they learned so much! I truly think there will be a lot more energy conservation happening around the High Country – thanks to these great girls and, undoubtedly, their families who will all be getting an earful of helpful hints from now on.”

The girls were able to visit a dozen different stations throughout the evening.

“There was face painting, kid’s tattoos, and games (including the Recycle Relay, the Polar Bear Iceberg Challenge, and Pin-the-Noseon-the-Polar-Bear),” explains Randolph.

“We also had several craft stations, including 48 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

a polar bear holding a thermometer that said, ‘Just Chill.’ We even had ‘green’ tunes playing in the background.”

Although fun and games were a big part of the festival, opportunities for education were evident. All girls in attendance received a top-ten list of things they can do to help stop global warming. They (and their parents) received a Green Gift Giving Guide for buying or making greener Christmas gifts. The girls were encouraged to check out a funny, but informative, Web site called www.Green-Santa.com.

Brian Crutchfield, Director of Sustainable Development for Blue Ridge Electric, presented each girl an energy saving compact fluorescent light bulb, aka CFL. He also gave everyone energy saving tips and the girls’ parents received coupons for additional CFLs and energy saving kits for their homes.

U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx was in attendance and appeared to have fun as she mingled with the girls, made a snow globe out of a recycled baby food jar, and posed for pictures with the scouts. In her address to the Girl Scouts, she encouraged them for their efforts. The girls were honored by her presence and the chance to talk to her oneon-one, “especially since she’s a girl,” one

said with pride.

Representative Cullie Tarleton and his wife, Sylvia, also accepted an invitation to attend and participate. Rep. Tarleton met many of the girls and shared some of the hot topics currently receiving legislative attention regarding the reduction of greenhouse gases and future creation of green jobs in Ashe County. He enjoyed sampling a rice crispy Earth treat.

NC Senator Steve Goss, unable to attend due to meetings in Raleigh, sent a message of support and best regards to the Girl Scouts and their leaders.

There were several information stations set up with tips on how to conserve energy, save on electric bills, and help lower carbon emissions. Every girl participating earned an official Girl Scout patch, which sports a polar bear saying, “Stop global warming.”

“All in all, the N30 Girl Scout Climate Action Festival was a great success. There were about one hundred people who came out on a cold, rainy, Monday night. I believe, even if the younger girls have no idea what a ‘carbon emission’ is, they still learned easy, practical tips for things they can do to help the planet,” said Randolph. “Even as young girls, they have the ability to change the world!” www.aawmag.com

m

Continued from page 31 It is essential to know the symptoms of heart attack. The most common signs and symptoms are: • Chest discomfort or pain— uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or persistent pain in the center of the chest—that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and returns.

• Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

• Shortness of breath may occur with or before chest discomfort.

• Other signs include nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness or fainting, or breaking out in a cold sweat, and sometime illusive symptoms such as profound tiredness.

What should you do if you think you or someone with you may be having a heart attack?

• Call 911 within a few minutes—5 at the most—of the start of symptoms.

• If your symptoms stop completely in less than 5 minutes, still call your doctor.

• Only take an ambulance to the hospital.

Going in a private car can delay treatment.

• Take a nitroglycerin pill if your doctor has prescribed this type of medicine.

HEART-HEALTHY EATING QUESTIONS: Are all fats bad for me?

Not all fats are bad. Fat is an important

nutrient and an important source of energy for the body. The wrong types of fat, such as saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol are unhealthy fats. Good fats in moderation, such as canola and olive oils are good for you.

Does my family need to follow a hearthealthy diet just because I do?

A heart healthy diet is good for anyone.

Eating heart healthy will help prevent heart disease in years to come.

When I read a label and it states that “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil” is an ingredient, should I avoid the product?

It is good to always read food labels.

Shortening, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and some margarines contain unhealthy trans fats. Avoid all foods that contain trans fat. (**Adapted from Yahoo Health) www.aawmag.com

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

49

Bloom Where You’re Planted

BY SHERRY BOONE

We Never Looked Back I will always remember the excitement of 1976. My (late) husband, Sam, and I returned to North Carolina after living in Florida for 17 years. We just knew this would be our home for as long as we lived, but we didn’t know we’d have such a harsh first winter! Our new friends had assured us, “The weather here is not nearly as bad as it used to be.” Of course, they had no way of knowing that the winter of 197677 would be so cold, especially for folks unaccustomed to below-zero weather! We didn’t look back.

How could we have imagined, either, that

on October 11, the first day of business in our little restaurant, the crunch of snow could be heard as our very first customers pulled into the parking lot?

We adjusted well after all, though buying

warmer clothing took a while. Our first day’s business brought in $19! This also gave us great admiration for the little people in food service.

We didn’t look back.

Later came the morning that our food

supplier brought our delivery smack dab in the middle of our lunch rush. A “rush,” mainly because it was a snow day at Mabel School and almost all of the teachers came to eat with us, bless their hearts. They really helped keep our doors opened those first two years.

We just could not stop to put away the

stock that day. Sam cooked while I waited tables, answered the phone, served as cashier – sometimes like a wild woman! I got nervous easily while sweet Sam just worked along flipping burgers as he sang!

“What are you going to do with the boxes

of frozen meat?” I asked him.

His reply? “I’m going to bury them in the

snow outside the back door.”

50 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

“But, animals could get into it.”

And that’s what he did as fast as he could,

I don’t know if animals would have liked

between preparing orders. Sam knew the

hard frozen hamburger patties or would have

outside temperature was colder than even the

even been out on such a bitter day. But the

freezers that morning, or at least cold enough

health inspector was out and doing his job. He

to keep the meats frozen until after lunch.

wrote us up!

It was an extremely stressful morning,

On another memorable winter afternoon,

which we thought had reached its peak until,

I was washing dishes in the restaurant when I

low and behold, the health inspector strolled in

looked up and noticed the ceiling had dropped

during the lunch rush!

down, directly over the sink. The pipes, frozen

(You know what’s coming, don’t you?)

and burst, had been repaired, but apparently

The inspector, a very nice young man,

the insulation had been so heavy from the

walked around doing his job. Sam and I both

leakage that it pushed some of the ceiling

liked him a lot. When he was almost finished

down. We propped a broom under the ceiling.

checking everything, he walked over to the

My weary husband went up into the attic

back door and looked out the window.

to find the problem, only to fall through the

“Oh, dear,” I said to myself, as I looked

ceiling into the dining area. Insulation covered

at Sam and then toward the door. I don’t

almost every inch of that area! Thankfully, a

remember if the inspector opened the door

rafter stopped his fall, preventing serious injury.

and walked out or just questioned a small

We called our friends for help and they repaired

corner of a cardboard box he saw.

the ceiling. We cleaned up the mess and were

“Is there any food in the box, Sam?” he

back up and running the next morning.

asked. “Yep, there’s frozen meat. We couldn’t

stop and put anything up while we’re taking

snow and living in the High Country and am so

care of our customers. I know it’s got to be okay

happy we never looked back.

Thirty-three years later, I still love winter,

for a little while.” www.aawmag.com

e s a e Pl support our advertisers and let them know that you saw their ad in

www.aawmag.com

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

51

Cents & $ensibility

BY CORRINNE LOUCKS ASSAD

Ghost of Christmas Past is Now Present: An Easy Plan to Pay off Those Holiday Bills Many of us were determined to “cut back” and spend less during the holidays with a number in our heads and no plans to go over budget. Now, reality has set in. Receipts are in hand along with the realization that the gifts, decorations, groceries, travel and eggnog added up to more than expected. Don’t despair. Most Americans are in the same boat and can easily formulate a plan to get those bills paid in the shortest amount of time.

First things first: find out exactly how

much you owe. Get online to check your credit card statements or call for your balances. If you wait until you receive them all in the mail, you will be further behind with additional finance charges. Write down the due dates for each credit card, as well as the associated interest rates and the minimum amounts due.

Next,

consider

where

you

spend

discretionary money each week, i.e. the small items for which you pay cash on a daily basis.

Some significant areas of spending could

minimum payment before the due dates. Pay

marketed clothing lines aren’t making us very

be eating out, movies/movie rentals, coffee

more on the card with the highest interest

happy. The Center For a New American Dream,

shops, car washes, pizza delivery, even brand

rate. There is no reason to get penalized with

a not-for-profit organization dedicated to

name items or specialty snacks. Try to cut

late fees up to 30 percent that also damage

sensible consumption and protecting the

back in these areas for as long as it takes to

your credit rating.

environment, reports that 4 out of 5 Americans

pay off those Christmas bills. (It may even help

Once the first card is paid off, proceed by

surveyed desire a “simpler, less materialistic

shed extra holiday pounds!) Brown bag your

making larger payments to the next highest-

lifestyle, with less frantic running around and

lunches, make your own lattes and don your

rate card and continue in this pattern until all

more time to have fun with their families.”

hat and mittens to enter the do-it-yourself car

of your debt is paid off. It may be possible to

Don’t fall prey to the over $230 billion spent

wash to save even more.

negotiate with your credit provider to lower

in aiming advertising right at our kids who, in

Next, rank your cards in order of interest

your interest rate or give you a temporary

turn, “guilt us” into overspending.

rate – highest first. Plan to pay as much as you

promotional rate. Once paid off, ponder how it

can on the highest interest rate card while still

was that you overspent and determine to stick

counts, but it is the family love and sharing

making at least the minimum payment on the

to a budget for upcoming gifts or holidays.

– not the money spent – that will nurture and

others. To avoid late fees, schedule automated

payments for every card online, making 52 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

Recent studies indicate that our piles

Not only is it really the thought that

impact our families for years to come.

of fancy electronics and name brand, overwww.aawmag.com

www.aawmag.com

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

53

Parenting Page C O M P L I M E N T S O F WATA U G A C O U N T Y C H I L D R E N ’ S C O U N C I L

Keeping the Kids on Track in the New Year We often hear of New Year’s resolutions for

and fruit drinks.

• I’ll be nice to other kids. I’ll be friendly to

adults to start exercising more, eat healthier,

• I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors

kids who need friends – like someone who is

stop smoking. But this year, how about

in the summer. I will try to stay in the shade

shy, or is new to my school.

deciding to help children make resolutions?

whenever possible and wear a hat and

• I’ll never give out personal information such

Following are New Year tips from the American

sunglasses, especially when I’m playing

as my name, home address, school name or

Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

sports.

telephone number on the Internet. Also, I’ll

Preschoolers:

• I will try to find a sport (like basketball

never send a picture of myself to someone

• I will clean up my toys.

or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag,

I chat with on the computer without my

• I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash

jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike)

parent’s permission.

my hands after going to the bathroom and

that I like and do it at least three times a

before eating.

week!

• I will eat at least one fruit and one vegetable

• I won’t tease dogs – even friendly ones. I

• I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.

every day, and I will limit the amount of soda

will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers

• I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a

I drink.

and face away from their mouths.

car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster

• I will take care of my body through physical

seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/

activity and nutrition.

shoulder seat belt.

• I will choose non-violent television shows

Kids 5- to 12-years-old: • I will drink milk and water, and limit soda

Teenagers:

and video games, and I will spend only one to two hours each day – at the most – on these activities.

• I will help out in my community – through volunteering, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.

• I will wipe negative “self talk” (i.e. “I can’t do it” or “I’m so dumb”) out of my vocabulary.

• When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find constructive ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or discussing my problem with a parent or friend.

• When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk with an adult about my choices.

• I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect and without coercion or violence.

• I will resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol.

• When I notice my friends are struggling or engaging in risky behaviors, I will talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them.

54 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

www.aawmag.com

Truth Rests in the Heart

BY TERI WIGGANS

Truth is a knowingness that comes out of

accurate and truthful. These perceptions are

share more than we know. We all eat, drink

the heart or out of a place of love. This

based on our thoughts, which come from

water, eliminate, sleep, laugh, form families

differs from the Webster dictionary, which

our separate ways of looking at the world.

and communities, rely on each other for

states that truth is based on fact, reality or

help and enjoy contributing to others.

I invite you to see Valentine’s Day from

accuracy. I ask you, what is fact or reality?

That differs depending on the perspective

a new perspective. Yes, share your love with those lovely people in your life and open

from which one is looking.

Traveling overseas has given me

your hearts to “seeing” all people as

the opportunity to witness how

lovely. It takes courage to “see” the

various cultures view facts and

truth that radiates out of a loving

reality differently. For example,

heart.

when I was a Peace Corps

How do you do this, you ask? Many of you have

volunteer in what is now called Democratic Republic

grown

of the Congo (formerly

message, Do unto others

up

hearing

the

known as Zaire), I invited

as you would have them

Zairians over to my home

do unto you. When you

for dinner. I gave them

interact with someone and

a 6:00 p.m. time frame.

judgment enters into your

They arrived at 8:00 p.m.

thought process, drop the

From my “reality,” I could

thought into your heart and

have been highly insulted.

feel the love and joy and

Then I found out that this

connectedness radiating from

is

culturally

accepted.

your heart to the other person.

It

You will actually receive the love

gave me an opportunity to

in return. The truth is that our

accept another culture and plan

heart connects us all.

differently for future dinners.

I have also been on a jury. There

are many witnesses and perspectives that are shared about the person on trial. Which one is true and accurate? Twelve jurors end Just imagine looking at these differences

up deciding the fate of a person based on

evidence or what they perceive as truth. Do

from our heart instead. Every single person

we know for certain that it is true?

has a heart that is filled with love, whether

I woke up this morning thinking

we recognize it or not. The heart allows us

about how we, as humans, have separated

to “see” from the same perspective of love.

ourselves from each other based on our skin

What would our family, our communities,

color, and our cultural, religious, educational,

our nation and the world look like if we

and socioeconomic differences. We make

“saw” from our hearts rather than our

judgments about which perspective is most

heads? We would recognize that we are

more connected than separate, that we www.aawmag.com

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

55

For the

L ve of

Motherhood

BY SHERRIE NORRIS

G

astonia

native

Stacey

Bare

moved to Jefferson last year

“

with her six-year-old daughter,

Amber. Soon afterward, she married Ronnie Bare, became the mother of twins, Shelly and Beau, and is expecting another baby in the spring.

Stacey has lived a busy and interesting

life, saying that marriage and motherhood – in addition to volunteerism – are the highlights.

Love brought her to the mountains and

it’s that love, “plus the cool weather, clean air and hospitality of the area,” that has kept her here.

her

During

developed

a

love

adolescence, for

Stacey

volunteering

–

something she considers a normal way of life. She received The Governor’s Award

Pictured here with her three children, Stacey Bare literally has her hands full, but says

for Volunteerism while in high school and

motherhood is a wonderful thing.

traveled the state educating kids about the dangers of drugs.

Stacey competed in various pageants

Hampton, VA during the 9-11 tragedy. My

advocate.

title was Fighter Equipment Specialist.”

It’s her role as a mother, Stacey states,

and won such titles as Miss National

Commonwealth, NC/SC American Royalty

volunteerism escalated at hospitals, nursing

community.

Overall Novice, and Miss Teen of the Nation

homes, and the court system and she did

Swimsuit Winner. She later served as a

her best to support charities funding 9-11

midwife some day, but for now, I’m going to

pageant consultant.

efforts.

stick with raising my beautiful children.”

After high school graduation, she

Afterward,

her

commitment

to

Becoming a mother soon afterward

that keeps her interested and involved in the

“I’d really like to become a doula or a

It possibly was that maternal instinct

planned to seek a career in law enforcement.

made her rethink her career goals. She

that kicked in one winter day in 2000 – while

She attended Gaston Community College

became certified as a nursing assistant (CNA

serving in the military before she became a

before joining the US Air Force.

11) and as a med tech and recently became

parent – that had a significant impact on

a Medela Mom Maven, a breastfeeding

her own life as well as that of a child and

“I was stationed at Langley AFB in

56 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

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his parents. The young enlisted woman happened upon an urgent situation while on her way to the mall and saved the life of a choking toddler by dislodging a piece of candy from his throat and administering CPR when he still was unable to breathe.

This act of heroism – or being “in the right place at the right time,” as she puts it – was widely publicized and resulted in her receiving an award for her heroism.

Stacey, in her teenage years as a beauty

As one who knows the benefits of the

queen, and later while serving in the US

Ashe Pregnancy Center, Stacey has given

Air Force.

her heart to working to help raise money for a worthy cause.

picking up donations from others for the

“

I’d really like to become a doula or a midwife some day, but for now, I’m going to stick with raising my beautiful children.

center.

She is a member at Bald Mountain

Baptist Church and in her free time enjoys cross-stitch, quality time with her children, playing with their Chihuahuas, yard sales, being involved in her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop and school, and trying new restaurants.

”

“I volunteer with them behind the

scenes. Since I am still a client, I cannot volunteer in the sense of working at the center, but I do help out when they have a fundraiser.”

Center director Roger Newton says of

Stacey and her efforts during Walk for Life, the organization’s most recent fundraiser in October, “Stacey has an amazing ability to call people and raise support. She has a very professional phone voice and doesn’t mind digging in the phone book and calling everyone who’s listed.”

Newton added that Stacey raised the

most money (approximately $1,500) of anyone participating in the event and, by doing so, won an electric bass guitar.

Stacey is also glad to give back to the

center by donating her used baby items and www.aawmag.com

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

57

Weather puts a on

Watauga nonprofits

BY LAUREN K. OHNESORGE As the new year rings in with loads of snow as well as some economic uncertainty, area non-profit groups are hoping that High Country residents will open their hearts and wallets to make 2010 the best ever.

The Hospitality House, already full to capacity, is a prime example. Administrators are counting the days until construction on the new larger facility is complete, but they may face weather delays.

Already postponed by utility relocation, the next step was putting in a retaining wall, but moisture content in dirt began to freeze, halting that plan.

Director Lynne Mason said that means either waiting until spring or switching from dirt to crushed gravel.

The switch takes $50,000 from a contingency fund already written into the $3,148,050 budget, but might allow the shelter to open by its projected date this September.

58 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

Man’s best friend is also snowed in.

Construction of the new Humane Society facility in Watauga County has completely halted, courtesy of wintry weather. Grating is complete but concrete cannot be poured in the cold.

While WHS President Shaun Lundy still hopes the structure will be complete this summer, the weather is “worrisome.”

“Right when we got done with the permits the weather turned rainy, then cold and snowy,” he said.

The construction situation coupled with a decrease in monetary donations for 2009 could cause frustration in the coming year.

The Health and Hunger Coalition, already battling a decrease in donated canned goods, is also feeling the financial wind chill.

“People are spending more money on their heating bills ... we see a lot of people with less money for food,” spokesperson

Compton Fortuna said.

The Coalition already has to increase food purchases to compensate for decreased canned good donations.

Watauga’s Habitat for Humanity is focusing all its winter efforts on its restore, Director Tony Caito said. Home construction cannot happen in single digit weather, so those volunteers are switching gears and moving behind the cash register.

Construction on homes at a new subdivision in the Green Valley area commences in spring.

Nonprofits have an ally in the community, Linda Slade director of High Country United Way, said. Slade said the High Country has a way of stepping up, even amidst a recession and wind chill factor.

“Little gifts add up to big gifts and make it happen. No one should feel badly about making what they think is a little gift because it is a big gift to us,” she said.

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Photo by Mark Mitchell

Boone Drug is All About Women

www.aawmag.com

JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2010

59

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