All About Women October 2014

WOMEN All About

October 2014

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Amy Lambert Beyond the Scars

Mary Belanger Inspiring Change

Kaaren Hayes Great Friend to Families

Marsha Holmes Discovering Creative Voices

Jo Pine A ‘Fair’ Lady

Melody Rector Leading by Example

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‘it’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. it’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.’

Photo by Sherrie Norris

- l.r. knost

‘nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own.’

- charles dickens

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editor Sherrie Norris sherrie@aawmag.com 828.264.3612, ext. 251

writers Emily Apple Heather Brandon Sharon Carlton Bonnie Church Yogi Collins Marion Edwards Hollie Greene Heather Jordan Mary McKinney Anna Oakes Heather Samudio Sue Spirit

production & design Meleah Bryan Marianne Koch Kristin Powers

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by Sherrie Norris

Any reproduction of news articles, photographs or advertising artwork is strictly prohibited without permission from management. ŠCopyright 2014 A Mountain Times Publication

contents women in the news jo pine living well marsha holmes mom’s world melody rector young at heart mary belanger beauty amy lambert fashion kaaren hayes high country courtesies you go girl: taylon hope miller adventures in uganda you go girl: brooke rhodes NOSW’s friendship luncheon marriage and family corner by the book recipes

amy lambert

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jo pine

marsha holmes

melody rector

mary belanger

kaaren hayes

OCTOBER 2014

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editor’s note In April, my husband Van and I enjoyed a long weekend with friends in Marion, Va., a short drive from Boone. We had often passed the exit on the interstate heading north, but had never visited the quaint, historic town, which serves as the Smyth County seat.

We were made to feel like royalty from the time we checked into the lovely General Francis Marion Hotel on Main Street In fact, the tourism director had heard about our group of 20 having dinner at a local restaurant on Friday and stopped in to greet us.

We accepted his invitation to join him the following morning at the farmer’s market where we made a few purchases and listened to a hometown bluegrass band.

It was a perfect spring morning, we all agreed, as we set out in small groups to meander through the antique shops and learn more about this interesting town that is in a revitalization mode.

We saw a “legal” moonshine operation in the back room of a general store. We took in an afternoon matinee at the Lincoln Theatre featuring a rising country music star, and had dinner at the Black Rooster.

Our afternoon ramble through town was similar to what we

Photo by Sherrie Norris

imagined visitors to Boone might experience.

Several sites held our fascination, but none more so than those around the Marion Fire Department.

In the front of the station was a permanent memorial honoring the Sept 11 attack in New York City and included a 4,000-pound piece of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center. Volunteer firefighters from the area had traveled to NYC to get that piece of steel, we were told.

But, it was on a hill behind the fire station that I left part of my heart that day. I still cannot let go of the visuals that the “crying tree” created in my mind.

Legend has it that the ancient oak tree was where a six-year old child named Sallie spent many hours “crying her heart out” for her lost family.

Sallie was a slave girl purchased by a wealthy landowner in the 1840’s; her family had been sold to another slave owner in Lynchburg.

The tears that were shed on the bark of that tree have long since been washed away, the townsfolk said, but Sallie will never be forgotten for the time she would steal away daily, wrap her arms around the tree and cry so pitifully for her loved ones.

The tree is officially recognized as the crying tree: “An ordinary tree that still bears witness to an extraordinary little girl.”

Sallie eventually helped found a local church that shaped the lives of most African American youth and children in the area.

I’m sure most of us women have that special place where we have gone to shed a few tears for lost loved ones, for broken dreams and promises. But, can you imagine the pain that little Sallie must’ve endured?

I’m betting that a similar tale could be told about a tree in Lynchburg where Sallie’s mama cried countless tears for her little girl.

Still remembering,

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WOMENINTHENEWS Local DAR and DAV team up to commemorate 50th anniversary of Vietnam War The Daniel Boone Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Watauga County Chapter 90 of the Disabled American Veterans have joined forces as national partners to commemorate the Vietnam war’s 50th anniversary.

“We want to make sure that Watauga County is doing its part,” says DAR Regent Mary Moretz.

According to Grace Darcy, commemorative event co-chair with Jill Pivott, “The objective of this partner program is to assist a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam veterans and their families, including those who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action.

By partnering, Grace says, the DAR

and DAV are agreeing to plan and conduct events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and their families “We must commit to conduct at least two events each year from 2015–2017,” she says.

The group’s first project was a touching display in the Watauga County Library containing various items of memorabilia from Vietnam gathered by local Vietnam veteran and DAV commander, David Gaffney.

“The Watauga County DAV Chapter 90 is ready and willing to take part in reminding people about the Vietnam War and that as survivors, we’ve never forgotten.” says David.

Representatives of the Daniel Boone Chapter of the DAR, Grace Dorsey and Mary Moretz, join members of the Watauga County Chapter 90 of the DAV, Steve Tucker, Clarence Wilson and David Gaffney, commander, at the Watauga County Library in Boone, where they recently hosted a display to honor the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and the local veterans who served. Photo by Sherrie Norris

Amber Hamby, 8, named top fundraiser in 2014 Relay for Life

Carrie Phillips, the area’s new American Cancer Society Partner who will be coordinating local Relay for Life events, is shown with 8-year-old Amber Hamby after she was named top fundraising individual for the 2014 Watauga County Relay for Life.

Photo submitted

It was announced in August that the 2014 Relay for Life in Watauga County, held June 20, raised $109,000 in the fight against cancer. Amber Hamby, 8, not only maintained her title as top fundraiser in the children’s division, but also as top fundraiser, overall.

A member of the Bethel Believers Relay for Life team, and third-grader at Bethel Elementary School, Amber raised a total of $4,235.

Amber has participated in Relay for Life for five years, having accompanied her maternal grandmother, Irene Woodard, to Relay events before she was old enough to become an official participant.

It’s just something she likes to do, Amber says. And she doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. Her mother, Ginger

Hamby, is a cancer survivor and gives her a special reason to help.

Paula Ward, with $4,143.34, took top honors as the adult raising the most money. Her 12-member team, Jerry’s Intimidators, was the top-ranking team, overall, with $11,018.34.

Friends for Life, with 10 members, followed close behind with $10,216; the 19-member Deerfield Dream Team came in third place with $9,438.26.

Della Presnell, who always has a strong response to her fundraising efforts on her team of one, Ted’s Troops — in memory of her late son — came in with the third best personal total of $3,040 for 2014.

The 2015 Relay for Life in Watauga County is scheduled for June 19 at WHS. OCTOBER 2014

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WOMENINTHENEWS McKinney, Borkowski honored at Hospitality House luncheon On Friday, Aug. 22, Marge McKinney and Kay Borkowski, longtime volunteers at the Hospitality House of Boone, were among several individuals honored for their contribution to the ongoing success of the homeless shelter.

The recognition was given during the 30 Years of Hope Luncheon that drew approximately 250 people to the Watson Gap Pavilion at Blue Ridge Mountain Club near Boone.

Hosted by the Hospitality House board of directors and Hearts of Hospitality Ladies Auxiliary, the gathering paid tribute to the organization’s success, to its founding churches and several individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Both Marge and Kay are longtime volunteers who never want to be recognized, says Todd Carter, emcee for the event and director of development at Hospitality House.

“But we felt it was past time that they were,” he adds.

“Everyone has always known they were the ones who would get the job done, whatever it was,” he says. “They have really been instrumental in a very special way through the years.”

Todd Carter, director of development at the Hospitality House in Boone, recognizes Marge McKinney, left, and Kay Borkowski, during the agency’s “30 Years of Hope” luncheon on August 22. Photo by Sherrie Norris

Sallie Woodring recognized by Council of Governments

The High Country Council of Governments’ 2014 Outstanding Regional Workforce Development Board Member is Sallie Woodring, left, receiving her award from COG Chairman Gary Blevins during the organization’s recent awards banquet. Photo by Anna Oakes

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Sallie Woodring was named Outstanding Regional Workforce Development Board Member at the 40th annual High Country Council of Governments Awards Banquet, held at Linville Ridge Country Club on Friday, Aug. 29.

A member of the WDB since 2009, Sallie was recognized for chairing the Youth Council and last year’s High Country Youth Summit planning committee.

“Her leadership was instrumental in initiating the High Country Youth Summit event,” says Mickey Duvall, the new executive director of HCCOG and the third person to serve in the position in the organization’s 40-year history.

Sallie is the director of volunteer ser-

vices and career pathways at Appalachian Regional Healthcare Services.

The High Country Council of Governments is the multi-county planning and development agency for the seven northwestern North Carolina counties of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.

The council, formerly known as Region D, is one of 16 multi-county planning regions in the state established in 1974 by member governments as provided for in the N.C. General Statutes.

Information provided by Anna Oakes, Watauga Democrat

WOMENINTHENEWS Celebrating Caring People Left, Brenda Reece, executive director of the High Country Caregiver Foundation, at left, recognizes four compassionate individuals on Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Belvedere in Linville Ridge for their support of the organization that serves family caregivers in seven counties. They are, left to right: Rick Pedroni, Liz Pedroni, Carmen Lacey and Carol Schaffer.

Photo by Sherrie Norris

Four local community leaders were recognized on September 11 at the “Celebrating Caregiving and Caring People” luncheon hosted by the High Country Caregiver Foundation.

Honored for going the extra mile for caregivers were Carmen Lacey, president of Cannon Memorial Hospital, who was described as a valuable networking resource for the foundation within the medical community; Carol Schaffer, local dentist who gave six years of her time as a member of the board of directors — which included many hours in service to and promotion of the foundation’s success — and Rick and Liz Pedroni, owners of Casa Rustica Restaurant who have provided

a tremendous amount of time, energy and fundraising efforts for caregivers in recent years, most recently through the Peter Pedroni Memorial Golf Tournament on Aug.. 22.

Rick Perdroni presented a check to the foundation from the tournament for $15,000.

“In the last eight years,” Reece said, “the Pedronis have raised more than $100,000 for local nonprofit organizations, and we are extremely grateful to have been on the receiving end of some of those funds.”

Pedroni added that a decision has been made to continue supporting the Caregiver Foundation through his annual

events, which drew audience applause.

The two-hour awards luncheon was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Belvedere at Linville Ridge, with a delicious hot plated meal and entertainment by Vintage with Dave and Claire Kimme.

Proceeds from a cash bar, raffles, auction items and a unique “buy it now” custom jewelry boutique will be used in the HCCF’s ongoing programs to assist family and kinship caregivers in the seven-county region it serves.

For more information about HCCF, contact Brenda Reece at breece@regiond. org or (828) 265-5434 ext. 128.

Stay alert October is a time set aside on a national level to increase awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. Please make sure to schedule your annual wellness checks — and keep your appointments.

Regardless of when your exam is due each year, you should seek immediate medical attention to address any new health concerns or suspicions that arise.

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Jo Pine A ‘Fair’Lady

Jo Pine and her husband, John Pine, take a breather from their busy schedule as co-chairs of this month’s Valle Country Fair. Photo

by Sherrie Norris

Jo Pine and her husband, John, have held a long-standing fondness for the High Country, having first heard about the area many years ago from her grandfather.

A

few years after the couple married, they began coming here to ski.

“The last time for that was when our son Matthew was 3- monthsold,” Jo says, “the same Matthew who eventually became a student at App State.”

Soon after Matthew graduated, the Pines bought property in Valle Cay, “with the idea of building a get-away home,” Jo

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adds. “We still have that property, but we no longer want to get away.”

In 2009, John retired from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge — after 30 years — to take the director’s job at App State’s Research Institute of Environment, Energy and Economy. Nine months later, Jo retired as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Mental Health.

“Leaving a job that was my passion —

and my home, church and friends of 30 years — was gut-wrenching,” Jo recalls. “I was certain life could never be that good again.”

Life without the demands of Louisiana’s public mental health centers and hospitals seemed empty, she says. “And indeed, my emails very quickly went from about 150 a day to one, or two, or none.”

Her outlook began to change quickly as the couple discovered Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Valle Crucis — “the most welcoming and accepting church I have ever known,” Jo describes. “Without even knowing our last name, Sibyl Pressly was recruiting John to serve food at the Valle Country Fair, and Dedy Traver was inviting us to Easter lunch — an event we now know is an annual act of hospitality for all of us without family in this area.”

Edie Tugman tapped Jo to work with the Towel Ministry, she says, and Dede Workman invited her to hike with her Wednesday hiking group.

“Judy Bondi said, ‘Come join our book club that meets at the church once a month,’” she says. “John was elected to the vestry and I agreed to chair the annual rummage sale.”

Suddenly, Jo says, they had many friends; boredom and loneliness were no longer words in her vocabulary.

And then, she says, came “the ultimate sign of acceptance” — an invitation to chair the Valle Country Fair.

“Sibyl and Francis Pressly lured us with the most amazing dinner of fresh vegetables, and Carolyn and Dan Shepherd, fair chairs at that time, promised to guide us every step of the way,” she says.

The fact that she had never been to the fair deterred no one, Jo says, and they “very happily said yes.”

No stranger to planning big events and conferences, which they have done over the years, Jo says, she felt confident that they could do it, but admits, “I also knew we had so much to learn.”

The Pines attended the 2012 fair “as understudies,” she says, “And, indeed the Shepherds were our steadfast shepherds.”

The couple willingly took the reigns in 2013 and did so well, we’re told, that they were asked to continue in their leadership role for 2014.

“We are thrilled that Joan and Bernie Keele have agreed to chair the event for 2015 and 2016,” she says. “Their enthusiasm, competence, and commitment assure future success for the Valle Country Fair.”

More than just a ‘fair’ For the Pines, chairing the Valle Country Fair is “more joy than job,” Jo says.

“Most fair workers — which is every member of Holy Cross, plus many family and friends who come year after year to help — have been doing their jobs for years,” Jo says. “They know what to do and are eager to do it. It is an extension of the giving, helping kindness one routinely finds at Holy Cross.”

And, yes, Jo admits, it keeps her and John extremely busy — from securing an on-site locksmith, to designing event Tshirts, to making one more batch of chili and Brunswick Stew.”

It’s the loving spirit of the people of Holy Cross Church, she says, that permeates every activity and makes it worth their personal efforts.

Jo describes the October event as “a magical day” in which nature “usually cooperates” by providing a crisp, brilliant blue sky.

“Volunteers start arriving in the wee hours of the morning, sleepy but excited,” she says, with smiles on every face as everyone quickly starts to work.

“Although just about every member of the Holy Cross Family has a job at the fair, it is still utterly amazing that our little church can pull off something this big,” she says. “Fair Day is joyful and unmistakably filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Fair proceeds One of the best parts of the Valle Country Fair is what Holy Cross Episcopal Church does with the proceeds, Jo says. “Every year all the net-proceeds after expenses are used to help families and individuals with emergency needs, and to award non-profit charitable organizations grants for specific programs.”

Mark your calendars now for Saturday, Oct. 18 for the 2014 Valle Country Fair.

Hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. In cooperation with The Valle Crucis Conference Center, the event is held in the field across from

Celebrating the arrival of the 2014 Valle Country Fair’s T-shirts and mugs are, left to right: Joan Keele, incoming co-chair of the fair (2015-16), Jo Pine, now in her second year as co-chair, and Carolyn Shepherd, past co-chair, 2011-12. Photo by Karen Lehmann

{ } ‘It’s the loving spirit of the people of Holy Cross Church that permeates every activity and makes it worth their personal efforts.’

-Jo Pine

Holy Cross Church and the Valle Crucis Conference Center, Hwy. NC 194 in Valle Crucis.

Admission is free; parking, adjacent to the fair, is $10 per car/personal vehicle; $25 per small bus or van, and $50 per large bus or motor coach. No pets allowed.

For more information, visit www.vallecountryfair.org.

sherrie norris Editor, All About Women

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LivingWell

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Sleeping^ Deeply^ ‘With the time change – an individual’s sleep is easily affected.’

- Bonnie Church You know that eating your veggies and exercising are vital for health, but did you know that high-quality sleep is just as important?

For you to function optimally, you need to be hitting the sack before midnight and sleeping an average of eight hours per night.

While you enjoy your rest, your body is hard at work. A construction crew consisting of various hormones are rebuilding and recalibrating your body.

Some of the things they do:

relaxation CDs. Some people

• Exercise every day. Even 20 minutes of walking can help keep stress hormones from interfering with your sleep.

• Sleep in complete

• Avoid large meals just

before bedtime. An active digestive system can disrupt sleep.

• Avoid caffeine, nicotine

□ Erase fine lines on your face.

or other stimulants within

□ Build bone.

four hours of bedtime.

□ Build lean muscle.

• Avoid before-bed

□ Heal tissue.

snacks, particularly grains and sugars. This

□ Decrease sugar cravings. □ Help you utilize blood sugar efficiently. □ Fortify your cells against cancerous mutations. □ Help you process and organize your thoughts.

When they finish, they provide you with a burst of energy to start your day.

On the other hand, if you are not giving them a full workday, inevitably there will be a deterioration of your health — both mental and physical.

• Listen to white noise or

Following are tips, from the Sleep Disorders Institute at New York’s St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, to help you get the sleep you need:

will raise blood sugar and inhibit sleep.

Later, when blood sugar drops too low (hypoglycemia), you might wake up and not be able to fall back asleep.

• Minimize noise and

temperature extremes; your bedroom should be comfortably cool, about 68 degrees.

• Don’t read, watch

television or work in bed. Use the bed only to sleep. This helps prevent you from developing sleep disorders.

find the sound of white noise or nature sounds, such as the ocean or forest, to be soothing for sleep.

darkness or as close as possible. If there is even the tiniest bit of light in the room, it can disrupt your sleep/wake cycle and suppress the production of melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that makes you feel sleepy.

So keep the lights low in your room, but also in your bathroom. Don’t suddenly turn on the bathroom light in the middle of the light. As soon as you do, melatonin production decreases and this will make it difficult to go back to sleep.

• Wear socks to bed. Due to the fact that they have the poorest circulation, the feet often feel cold before the rest of the body. A study has shown that this reduces night waking.

Remember, if some minor adjustments do not relieve your sleep issues, seek the counsel of a health professional.

A cumulative sleep deficit can result in serious health consequences over time.

bonnie church Certified Life and Wellness Coach Author, columist, motivational speaker and certified trainer for TLS Weight Loss Solution

OCTOBER 2014

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Discovering ‘creative voices’ with artist Marsha Holmes For local artist and art instructor, Marsha Holmes, it’s not about fortune and fame, but about helping others “find their creative voice,” she says, and discover hidden talents.

During her mid-summer week in the Artist in Residence program at the Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock, “a wonderful program sponsored by the Blowing Rock Historic Society,” she says, Marsha never missed a beat in her regular schedule.

Classes she’s led for the last 15 years at the local Project on Aging sites went on without a hitch: Monday and Wednesday mornings at the Lois E. Harrill Center in Boone, and Thursdays at the Western Watauga Community Center in Sugar Grove.

Her students not only applauded her invitation into the juried event in Blowing Rock, but they also hosted a reception at Edgewood in her honor.

“The entire experience was wonderful,” Marsha says. “I sold several of my paintings and enjoyed visiting with those who stopped in. It was truly an honor for me to be chosen for the event. To have my students behind me and beside me the entire way was an

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Selections of Marsha Holmes’ artwork include Maddie (above), Lady (below, right) and Tangle Tree (below, left). Photos submitted.

added bonus.”

As her morning class resumed on Wednesday in Boone — just hours after she had loaded up her remaining art pieces and supplies and moved them back home from her show — an admittedly tired artist/ instructor was greeted by those returning for instruction; all seemed anxious to hear about her experience.

Greetings and well wishes were exchanged, the coffee pot was hot and everyone settled in for three hours of drawing and painting.

Jean Stillwell, who has been attending Holmes’ sessions for about five years, says, “I arrange my calendar around this class. I wouldn’t miss it.”

Since moving to Watauga County from Charlotte 30-plus years ago, Marsha has created an impressive fan base of fellow artists and budding artists of all ages.

Having served as curator for the Watauga Arts Council, Marsha loves the

opportunity to promote the work of her peers, and in particular, talented seniors.

She has had a tremendous impact upon the seniors, especially, says Jenn Teague, director of the Harrill Center in Boone.

“Marsha is a wonderful instructor and has been teaching here at the senior center since the 90s,” Jenn says. “Her students love her and her classes are always full.”

Jenn describes Marsha as one who inspires her students and encourages them to try new techniques.

“She teaches them skills they need to grow within their own art modalities,” Jenn says. “Marsha always comes to class with a positive attitude and always seems to exude happiness.”

Jenn describes Holmes’ artwork as that which captures emotions and feelings that others can only dream about.

Marsha has impacted many “new” artists, Jenn adds, and has “restarted the fire for art that was beginning to burn out within many others.”

Marsha also encourages others to try new things, Jenn says, “and she encourages them to recreate the beauty in the world they see around them. Marsha encourages her students to believe that, regardless of age, each person can still find his her or her own creative voice.”

Not only is Marsha known as a compassionate and patient instructor, but her own work is known far and wide.

Preferring to work in oil, acrylics and graphite — “I love to draw,” she says — Marsha enjoys capturing the simple things in life.

Much of her work proves her love for landscapes, animals and people.

“I have been fortunate to have traveled to Europe, as well as the Caribbean Islands and Hawaii,” she says, “and I feel that nowhere is more beautiful than my home, the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.”

It’s the “unique beauty of this area,” she says, “that inspires my work — both as a painter, as well as an art teacher. I love to bring awareness to the simple objects that surround us, capturing them as portraits of beauty in everyday life. As our region and our environment change, I paint to honor and preserve these mountains as they are today. Years from now, many of the places and views we love will no longer exist except in our artwork.”

A Charlotte native, Marsha and her family eventually settled in the High Country after finding their own little piece of heaven “in the corner of Ashe and Watauga County,” she says.

Marsha and her husband raise Ap-

For local artist and art instructor, Marsha Holmes, helping others find their creative voices is paramount in her work. She is shown hanging art pieces of her students at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in Boone, where, in September, many of those pieces were featured in a senior art show. Photo by Sherrie Norris

paloosa horses on their H Bar W Ranch.

Their three children — all chefs — have blessed them with “four wonderful grandchildren,” she says, with each of the little ones having his or her own art corner in her studio.

Having known since age 7 that she wanted to be an artist, Marsha was an acclaimed art student in school, during which time she accumulated numerous awards.

A fine arts major at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Marsha specialized in painting and printmaking, and continued her studies at East Carolina, UNC-Charlotte and at the Pennsylvanian Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia.

Marsha has worked with both adults and children in a variety of programs, and serves on the Watauga County Arts Council’s Board of Directors, where she is chairperson of the gallery committee.

A favored part of that service, she says, is as curator of the Serendipity Gallery within the WCAC ArtSpace.

“I love to display and promote talented artists,” she says, “and especially senior artists.”

For two years, Marsha has served as juror at Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park and the High Country Water Media Society Member’s Exhibit.

She has presented painting demonstrations and workshops for various groups and venues, including The Turchin Center for Visual Arts, The Florence Thomas Art School and the Blue Ridge Art Clan.

She has also taught art as a volunteer

at the pre-school art program at Mabel Elementary and through continuing education classes in Caldwell County.

Marsha is often commissioned to do portraits of families, animals, pets and murals, with many of her award-winning works found in many private collections.

Her most recent awards include: Third place at the Best of the Blue Ridge 2013, Arts in Agriculture Award at the Farm City Banquet 2013, and the Professional Category Award at Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff Winter Art Show.

Marsha helped to host an art show at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in Boone on Thurs., Sept. 11, which showcased the work of her senior students.

Included were pieces from a recent group plein air project of the old D.T. Brown store property, which, according to Marsha, has taken on “new life,” she says, through their creative journey.

To learn more about Holmes and to view her work, visit www.marshaholmes. com.

For more information about the Project on Aging art classes, call Jenn Teague at (828) 265-8090, or email jennifer.teague@ watgov.org; Toni Wait, director of the Western Watauga Community Center, may be reached at (828) 297-5195, or at toni.wait@ watgov.org. sherrie norris Editor, All About Women

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mom’sworld

O Captain, My Captain

Trying to explain the emptiness that the passing of Robin Williams has left for so many people of my generation is difficult. As if the

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raw reality of his death were not enough, I think that the very fact that he evoked so much joy and laughter during his life made the sting of his tragic suicide that much more painful.

I grew up with Mork and Mindy — the rainbow suspenders and “Na-nu, Na-nu.”

His childlike wonder and exuberant personality were at the surface, but I think that his more serious roles in such movies as “Dead Poet’s Society” reflected the depth of his spirit and unique ability to draw people into the mythology of a moment, which he created. You couldn’t help but want to believe his story, no matter how absurd, because of the way in which he told it.

He had the one-liner comeback to all of the late night TV show hosts, always ready with a quip and a smile. As my husband put it, however, he seemed to have the perfect comedic response to elevate the mood for everyone — except himself.

In the wake of his death, I sigh at the fact that so many of the most creative souls in our culture — and other cultures — suffer with mental health issues in which the health care system falls short.

This man left many legacies, but perhaps one of the most important was that of human expression.

I watched “Dead Poet’s Society” recently, the first time since it was initially released. I was struck by Williams’ character, Mr. Keating, and his passion for literature — and how he worked to instill in his eager teenage students an appreciation for the power and beauty found within the written word. In doing so, he also elicited the students to start charting their course, finding their way in life and expressing their individuality.

Looking at things from a different point of view was clearly not encouraged by most other authority figures in the traditional private boys boarding school depicted in the film. However, Mr. Keating stands on the desk and prompts each student to do the same.

In watching the movie again, after 25 years, I remembered a teacher of mine who used similar “unconventional” techniques to inspire students to think for themselves and express themselves creatively.

In particular, I remember him writing letters on the chalkboard (yes, it was a real chalkboard) where he wanted us to try to figure out what the letters were abbreviating.

LICDT was one that he used often, especially when introducing us to a new piece of literary art, poetry, or painting. It

stood loosely for “’ell, I could do that.”

It was his words of caution to not assume that just anyone could create a timeless piece of art. That creativity, in its finest moment, has a simplicity that is not easy to imitate nor define.

At the same time, my teacher encouraged us endlessly to try to express our personal and unique experiences — and not just regurgitate his words back to him. He despised the feverish notetaking of many students and, I’m sure, would have delighted when he watched Mr. Keating have all the students rip the entire chapter out of the poetry book that gave instruction on rating poems by ranking qualities on a graph.

I started writing poetry when I was about nine or 10. Before academics overwhelmed me, I wrote often. Briefly, in college, I had a creative writing course that gave me more opportunity. Now my poems are few and far between, but my appreciation of the written word, especially poetry, remains, and I hearken back to that teacher’s class and how it taught me not only to listen to the voice of other writers, but also my own.

As I think about my own teenage son being away at school, I ponder his individuality, his struggles to find his unique voice, as well as his vulnerabilities. I worry. I cry. I beam with pride. I take satisfaction in knowing that his highly scientific and logical brain has its internal complement of a creative spirit in words and actions.

I hope that he has one, or perhaps more, teachers that continue to challenge him to take a completely different point of view, just as my teacher did — and just as Mr. Keating did. I hope that, like me, he can recognize the worth of someone else’s expression of universal truths, common experiences and timeless emotion.

In addition, I hope that in those circumstances when his own voice is silent, someone else’s voice in the form of a poem, a well-written short story, a comedic encore or a resonant song, fortifies him in that moment when he needs it most.

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heather jordan, CNM, MSN Comments or questions?

828.737.7711, ext. 253 landh@localnet.com

OCTOBER 2014

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Melody Rector, along with Martin Little, both of Ashe County, founded the local Shoes For Kids program, which has provided more than 550 children with a new pair of shoes since the program’s inception in 2013.

However, SFK is just one of many ways Melody reaches out to and cares for others.

Melody serves as a volunteer at her children’s school, works part-time at her husband’s dental practice, is active in her church — First Baptist in West Jefferson — and for part of the year, she helps care for her bedridden father who is battling Alzheimer’s disease.

Among all these responsibilities, Melody says, her greatest title is mom; however, she and her husband Tim, struggled on their journey to become parents to Grady and Ava.

The beginning

Melody Rector’s life reflects life of joy in giving 18

OCTOBER 2014

Melody and Tim were high school sweethearts, meeting when Melody was a junior and Tim, a senior.

The two were from opposite ends of Gaston County. Each was a representative from their respective schools, advising the Gaston County Board of Education.

Melody said they dated for six years before marrying in 1986.

“We just celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary, and I am so thankful the only man I ever loved is still my best friend,” she says.

The Rectors were married for 14 years before they decided to begin a family; however, it wasn’t going to be that easy.

After several years of unsuccessful pregnancy, they turned to in vitro fertilization.

“My life had always been full of success and happiness, but failing in vitro fertilization left me more disappointed than I ever thought possible,” Melody says.

She said she knew she couldn’t endure the possibility of another failed IVF, so she and Tim began considering adoption.

“The moment we began the adoption process, my cloud lifted and I could not wait to see what God had in store for us,” she adds.

The couple chose an open adoption, which involves submitting a family profile and biological parents choosing the family they believe will be the best fit for their child.

“During this process, we developed a great respect for the biological parents, realizing the loving thoughtfulness with which they approach the adoption process,” she says.

Melody was allowed in the delivery room when Grady was born, May 14, 2002. That moment, she Melody Rector, center, is pictured with her husband of 28 years, Tim, and her children, from left, Grady and Ava. Melody said her greatest title is Mom. Photo by Heather Samudio.

says, and the birth of their daughter, 22 months later, are two seminal moments in her life.

“My children mean everything to me,” she says.

Looking back, Melody has some sadness, but only in regard to what she calls a “lack of faith.”

“My lack of faith, during my time of infertility, greatly disappoints me even today,” she says. “I now know God had a perfect plan in store for Tim and me because I know, from the depth of my soul, I was meant to be Grady and Ava’s mom.”

Learning kindness Melody says her parents have inspired her to become who she is today. Her deep love and respect for them is seen in her role as caregiver to her father.

Melody and her brother alternate as caregivers, with each taking six-month periods of having their parents in their homes and helping to care for their father.

It can be stressful and difficult to be a caregiver to a parent with Alzheimer’s, according to specialists in the field, such as Teepa Snow; however, Melody calls it “another wonderful example of God’s grace.

“While it is difficult to see my dad in this condition, it has been beautiful to see the loving care provided by my mother,” she says. “She has provided the greatest model of God’s love for not only me, but my entire family, as we see the love she showers on my dad 24/7.”

Melody says her mother’s caregiving has shown her unconditional love.

Her parents’ teaching by example is nothing new to Melody who, while growing up, remembers her parents always helping others.

Their unselfish deeds, including delivering food to the hungry, buying a single mom a washing machine and dryer, and tires for a man passing through town on his way to Florida, are “just a few small acts of kindness that greatly influenced my life,” Melody says. “My parents didn’t have a lot of money, just huge hearts.”

Melody also credits her husband as a great inspiration.

“I feel we have grown up together,” she says. “He selflessly gives to our family, putting our needs before his own.”

The important things in life Melody cherishes her husband, children, parents, family and friends, she says.

Melody Rector, at right, founded the Shoes For Kids program in Ashe County along with Martin Little.

Since its inception in 2013, the program has provided more than 550 children with new shoes.

‘Shoes For Kids has been such a great success due to the caring and loving heart of Ashe County. ’ -Melody Rector Tim echoes those sentiments, adding that she cherishes them with her full devotion.

When asked what advice she would share with other women, Melody answers, “While I certainly don’t feel qualified to give advice on any topic, I would love to share that, as a believer in Christ, I can see in hindsight his perfect plan for my life. Although there is no guarantee it will all be easy, he is faithful to give us exactly what we need.”

Her favorite Bible scripture? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Be joyful always; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Shoes For Kids Although SFK is just one of the many things to which Melody devotes her time, the program that she and Martin Little founded is very important to her.

“While attempting to work out at the gym with Martin, we started talking about how fortunate we were to be raised by perfect parents and how it was by the grace of God we were able to live such wonderful lives,” she says.

Then, while tutoring at Ava’s school, Melody noticed a student wearing shoes that were two sizes too small.

“Not only did he have to wear those shoes to school, but he had to walk one and a half mile up and down a graveled mountain road to catch the bus.”

Melody continued to tutor the student for two more years.

“By the third grade, he was wearing his mother’s shoes to school,” she says. “I started being more observant and began noticing this was not an isolated situation, but instead, an epidemic. This broke our hearts.”

Melody could not imagine her son wearing improper shoes to school. “We knew we had to do something to help the children of Ashe County,” she says.

It took approximately eight months to establish and incorporate the SFK program, which is a registered nonprofit organization.

“With the exception of a very generous grant awarded by Blue Ridge Electric, we rely solely, no pun intended, on donations,” she says.

With no overhead, 100 percent of all money collected goes to buy shoes for children.

The program doesn’t just focus on getting a new pair of shoes for the children.

Melody and Martin want the children to receive nice, brand-name shoes, just like what the other children are wearing.

Shoe closets are set up at all five of the county’s schools. Melody and Martin work to keep those closets stocked so that counselors who see a need can give a child a new pair of shoes almost immediately.

“Shoes For Kids has been such a great success due to the caring and loving heart of Ashe County,” Melody says. “Martin and I only saw a need; however, our community has provided an opportunity to our children. For this, we are very grateful.”

Donations to the program can be mailed to Shoes for Kids, 347 Paddy Avenue, West Jefferson, NC 28694. Donations are tax-deductible.

For more information about the program or to help, call (704) 906-8850 or email TimandMelody@skybest.com or MDLittles@skybest.com.

HEATHER SAMUDIO hsamudio@ridgecare.com

OCTOBER 2014

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youngatheart

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Ghost Stories

OCTOBER 2014

No, I have never seen a ghost, nor I have experienced anything that would confirm or deny one’s existence. That being said, I love a good ghost story — an enthralling cocktail of one part history, one part mystery with a twist of tragedy.

I have long been fascinated with the macabre; as a child, I devoured books pertaining to ghosts and legends. I later sunk my teeth into the horror classics of Poe, Shelley and Stoker. I consumed volumes of North Carolina folklore — accounts of mysterious lights and wandering souls searching for lost limbs or lovers. I delighted in tales of crumbling gothic mansions with hidden passageways and dark family secrets. I studied iconic castles, landmarks and battlefields and the oftenwretched deaths that stained these landscapes.

Much of this fascination can be traced to my love of history — ghost stories being one way to immortalize people, places and events.

And, I would be remiss if I did not mention the allure of old burial grounds, their landscapes filled with hauntingly beautiful statues and monuments. I rarely hang out among the gravestones — that would be creepy, but I do enjoy visiting historic cemeteries and graveyards that have interesting tales to tell.

Although my tastes in literature have matured, I occasionally enjoy delving into a gothic mystery, or picking up a book of local folklore while travelling, but while away at college in Boston, I discovered a new way to indulge my passion for specters: walking ghost tours.

As one of this nation’s oldest cities, Boston has its share of hauntings, but it was on a day trip to Salem, home of the infamous witch trials of 1692, that I took my first ghost tour. Salem has embraced its dark history and the tourist dollars that come pouring in each October during the month-long Halloween celebration.

On a whim, I took the train up one Saturday in October and explored the town, signing up for a ghost tour after hearing rave reviews from other visitors.

That evening I followed the lantern-laden guide down darkened streets, listening to lurid tales of accused witches, pirates and forbidden love.

Among our stops were the Charter Street cemetery, more commonly known as The Old Burying Point, and Salem’s oldest, and The House of the Seven Gables

that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name.

We concluded the tour around a campfire for a few more tales accompanied by hot chocolate. One tour and I was hooked.

Since then, my husband Roger and I have ghosttoured in Savannah, New Orleans, Nashville, Lexington Asheville and St. Augustine.

Savannah’s family-friendly tours are full of interesting tidbits — both past and present. The city’s old neighborhoods and picturesque parks provide a stunning background for a narrated stroll past infamous hotels, cemeteries, battlegrounds, and sites of duels, executions and epidemics.

We have taken three ghost tours in Savannah. The first two were exhilarating; the third, a haunted pub tour, was more focused on the pub part and less on the haunted part, much to my disappointment.

New Orleans, home to voodoo queens, vampires and Roger’s favorite ghost tour to date, has many anecdotes to share from its unique and sometimes violent history.

Our ghost guide was a drunken pirate — not a real pirate, but really drunk. We gave him a pass; however, because rather than cancel our tour, he came into work on his day off after another guide failed to show. He was also a fantastic storyteller who kept us enthralled throughout the evening.

Whereas Savannah and New Orleans were entertaining, Nashville and Asheville were excruciating.

In Nashville, I learned that while I enjoy the stories, I care little, if at all, for actual ghost hunting. After the third stop, where the guide wanted the group to yet again take orb pictures, I was ready to bail. And, in Asheville, the guide pointed to random buildings and said, “Hey, you see that tall building over there…yeah, it’s haunted,” with no explanation of who was doing the haunting or why.

While some have been gripping and others grating, I — and a very accommodating Roger — am always ready for another ghost tour.

And, there is something enchanting in the October air, something reminiscent of that first tour in Salem, which makes me yearn for a good ghost story. I must be haunted by the memory.

heather brandon Considers life to be one big anthropological field experience. She observes and reports.

She enjoys travel, food and wine and adventures with her husband, Roger.

OCTOBER 2014

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It’s not all about teaching reading skills to female inmates for retired schoolteacher Mary Belanger; it is also her desire that the women leave incarceration with a new lease on life. Photo by Yogi Collins.

Mary Belanger I’ll bet that if I asked the name of your favorite schoolteacher, you’d have a ready answer. But, what was it about that teacher that made you like him or her so much? Was it because you were treated with respect at the same time as being challenged?

Mary Belanger was that respectful kind of teacher before she retired in 2004 after teaching elementary and middle school students for 36 years. She missed

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teaching after she retired, but as fate would have it, she found a new teaching mission eight years ago, and she loves every minute of it.

“A student of mine that I had ‘adopted’ as a grandchild got into serious trouble,” Mary says, “When I visited him in jail, I brought books for him to read. He then asked me to bring books for other people who didn’t have any, so I gathered up all the books I could and asked the sheriff (at the time) if I could start a library.”

When the sheriff agreed, Mary

promptly recruited organizational help from her friend Sue Shoemake, a former school librarian; the Boone Civitan Club, of which Mary and Sue are members, stepped up by donating and installing shelving for the books.

The library at the Watauga County Detention Center has been a labor of love for both the women who volunteer their time, and as Mary encouraged the inmates to read (even teaching four of them to read for the first time), she also, in true teacher form, had them do book reports

for her. “I didn’t want them to just read the book; I wanted them to get something out of it,” she explains.

But it’s more than reading skills that concerns Mary. She wants the inmates to recognize that they have an opportunity to leave incarceration with a new lease on life — and she wants to help them realize that goal.

“The general public has a bias against people who’ve been in jail,” Mary says.

“I’m working with the inmates to help them realize that if you feel good about yourself and forgive yourself, then you can develop and grow.”

With that in mind, Mary has been guiding the female inmates through a recovery book entitled “Houses of Healing: A Prisoner’s Guide to Inner Power and Freedom.”

When Mary visits the women at the detention center, they are thrilled when she shows up, and approaches their “lesson” thoughtfully, willing to do the hard internal work it takes for self improvement.

“I want the girls to learn that no matter what has happened to you, you can be whoever you want,” Mary explains. “It’s about learning your damage, learning how to fix it, and moving on. I know 20 people with successful lives who had lives just as bad or worse as these girls.

The emphasis of the Houses of Healing program is that they heal while they are in jail; that they use this time to find out what went wrong and to work on making amends to people and forgiving themselves. There are a lot of different steps, and it’s an amazing program.”

But, as amazing as the program is, it’s the dedication with which the women approach the program, and the willingness they show to do the work, that Mary asks of them, like the journals she requests they keep.

“They have three journals,” Mary says. “In one, they write when they wake up or go to bed, about the things that made them feel good or bad, or what they learned that day. In the second journal, they write to their kids, or, if they don’t have children, they write to their families.

The day will come when their children or families ask questions of the inmates and this journal is for answering those questions. It’s a huge forgiveness tool. Third, they have a creative writing journal.”

‘The general public has a bias against people who’ve been in jail. I’m working with the inmates to help them realize that if you feel good about yourself and forgive yourself, then you can develop and grow.’

-mary belanger

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Yep, that’s right — homework, even in jail. But, just as in the school world, when homework is done, it pays off.

“I see a difference in the girls who’ve been working on the program and the girls who haven’t,” says Mary. “They’ll stop themselves and think before an explosion takes place that would give them all lockdown. They’ve learned to look at people who are angry as people who are hurt. They are looking at the situation from a different perspective instead of just reacting to the anger. That’s huge.”

And, Mary adds with a grin, “They treat me like the queen of the world.”

Mary and Sue personally buy many of the books that furnish the library at the Watauga County Jail. If you would like to donate books to the libary, please take them to the Red Carpet Inn and leave them with the front desk clerk.

Yozette ‘Yogi’ Collins Mom, television producer/writer, and obsessive internet researcher. Though her name suggests otherwise, she is not (yet) an actual yogi.

336.903.7100 OCTOBER 2014

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BEAUTY

Success begins with the right

foundation Have you ever seen a floating head — a face with the wrong color foundation that looks like it belongs on another body?

Choosing the correct foundation color is paramount to achieving a natural looking complexion with an “I’m not wearing any foundation, this is my own flawless skin” look.

If you think of your face as a blank canvas with your foundation setting the background, then you can create a flawless, even texture over which color, shadow and highlights can be laid.

Determining your skin undertone Every woman needs to know her undertone color to make correct color choices in a foundation. Other than having a custom blend, you will probably not meet your perfect match.

Your foundation should match the surface tone and undertone in your skin.

Surface tone is what you can see on the surface — often described as light, medium, dark, tan, etc. Two individuals can have the same surface tone, but different undertones.

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OCTOBER 2014

Undertone determines if you are warm, cool or neutral. An undertone is a combination of pigments beneath the skin, which, when combined, are predominantly blue or golden.

It is impossible to cross over into another undertone. Value or depth may change as melanin increases or decreases or as you age, but your undertones remain in the same warm, cool or neutral category.

Wearing colors based on the wrong undertone will result in a look that is washed out, dull, heavy or tired looking.

So how do you determine your undertone? Try the lipstick and blush test: • Start with a clean face with no makeup.

• Apply pink, rose or burgundy (cool).

• Then, apply a copper, orange or peach (warm).

When the proper color is applied to your face, your eyes will “light up” and you will be able to tell immediately.

Look at the veins inside your wrist: blue is cool, green is warm. Still confused? When you’re at the cosmetic counter, ask your professional to help you make the right choice before you purchase.

Remember, too, that lighting is very important. Most cosmetic counters have dreadful overhead lighting. I am puzzled as to why they don’t invest in a good daylight lamp to help customers accurately see the foundation on their skin. My advice is to go outside or wherever there is natural light, with a mirror in hand, to get a true look at what you’re about to buy.

So now that you’ve nailed the correct color, let’s continue building a fabulous foundation.

Do the groundwork Prepping prior to makeup application is not just a good thing to do, but it is also a requirement. Skin preparation makes the foundation not only last longer, but look more luminous and radiant.

Face primer is an often-missed step in foundation application. Primer creates a smooth canvas for the makeup and allows it to last longer. Think of turning an orange into an apple.

So, you might ask, “What kind of foundation do I need — water based, oil free, wet, dry, cream or powder? Well, that depends on your skin and preference.

A general guideline: Matte foundation is suitable for all colors of skin. Because of its surfacing qualities, powder foundations tend to go on smooth and easy. However, if you go too heavy, it can make you look lifeless and casket ready.

Liquid pearlized foundations can create a beautiful dewy look, but beware,

‘When the proper color is applied to your face, your eyes will ‘light up’ and you will be able to tell immediately.’

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-marion edwards it can also bring out unevenness in the texture, such as acne scars, severe lines and blemishes.

Matte foundation tends to even out skin texture for these problems.

Creams seem to give more coverage.

Remember to also keep the weather in mind when choosing foundation. Your skin texture may change in the summer and winter, so be sure to give your skin what it needs.

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Music has always been a part of life for Amy Lambert, shown here in the comfort of her Boone home.

Photo by Sherrie Norris

e h t d n o y Be s r a Sc with

Amy Lambert Success, or lack thereof, does not define a person, says Amy Lambert, award-winning gospel music singer from Boone.

“There’s always more to our lives than what others see on the surface,” she adds. “We’re so busy looking on the outside, that we often miss seeing the heart of people and what makes them so special.”

Amy has spent the majority of her life on stage and in front of the camera, and admits that living under the public microscope is not easy.

“I’m a simple person,” she says, “without a lot of fluff. What you see is what you get. I’m very humbled and when I’m in the spotlight, it’s almost embarrassing. It’s not about me; I’m not a big deal.”

Beyond the bright lights, Amy says, “I’m not always dressed up with every hair in place and perfect make-up. I love being at home taking care of my family, cooking and being outside in my garden, working with my flowers, and getting my hands dirty. I love being involved in my church at Greenway Baptist and I enjoy serving my community, which currently includes serving on the advisory board of the Salvation Army.”

For two decades, Amy has called Boone her home, where she lives with her husband, Jeff Templeton, and their two children, Hunter, 16, and Lauren, 12.

Born to dedicated, hardworking parents and raised in Albemarle with her one brother, Amy knew since age 7 that she was “called” to sing.

“It’s all I’ve ever known or wanted to do,” she says. “I never dreamed of being a nurse or a teacher like most little girls. I just wanted to sing.”

It all started when, at age 3, she sang her first song in church; she grew up going with her mother to sing to residents in a nursing home and traveled as part of a trio throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

As her talent developed, so did increased opportunities to sing.

At the age of 9, Amy received life-threatening injuries in a car accident; seven reconstruction surgeries followed through the years to repair her face.

Amy Lambert enjoys quality time spent with her husband, Jeff Templeton, their children, Lauren and Hunter, and their pets, Chester and Kobe.

Photo submitted.

“A person can become bitter or become better when tragedy strikes — it’s a personal decision,” she says. “You can feel sorry for yourself and wallow in your misery, or you can use what has happened to help other people.”

Fortunately, she chose the latter.

“I know that God spared my life and that he had a purpose for me,” says Amy. “I don’t know who I would’ve become had I not gone through the windshield of that car — and had not grown up with a face full of scars — but I know who I came to be through those scars.”

Everyone has scars, she says. “Some are visible and others are hidden. When you look at a person, you never know what burdens that person is bearing.”

During her first surgery at Duke University Medical Center, Amy was placed in a children’s ward with other youngsters dealing with life-altering situations, one with spina bifada, “another without a face,” she recalls, and one with a serious heart disease.

“At an early age, I learned to put things in perspective,” Amy says. “I learned that, no matter how bad my situ-

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ation was, all I had to do was look around to see someone worse. I knew I had to stop feeling sorry for myself and be thankful for what I had. I’ve tried to live by that philosophy during my lifetime.”

Her pace slowed down after the accident; as she reached adolescence and the teen years, she “tried to be normal,” she says, “but I didn’t party, so I didn’t fit in.”

Following high school graduation, her singing engagements resumed; by age 22, she was singing on a Christian TV station in Burlington before moving to Greeneville, SC, where she produced a flagship TV show.

In 1989, Amy joined The Greenes of Boone; five years later, she transitioned to a solo ministry during which, for 15 years, she was invited to sing with The Gaithers.

She was recently a featured soloist in “Women of Homecoming,” a Gaither project, which, she says, was “a great honor.”

She describes her time with the Gaithers as “the best part of my ministry, so far, with wonderful people who shaped and influenced my career.”

But all was not perfect in her young adult life as she began to suffer with

depression.

“Through my depression, I learned there are things you can’t handle on your own,” she says “I was traveling with the Greenes at the time — and I tried to cover it up, but I dug a deeper hole. I also tried to fix it on my own, but I had to have professional help — and I had to have God’s help. Together, they brought me out of that hole.”

Today, Amy says, “I understand pain. I know what it’s like to feel as if you are dying inside. I am so thankful that God has allowed me to use that experience, to help people know they are not alone, that there is always hope and they have a way out.”

Amy was often told that Christians aren’t supposed to get depressed.

“That is so wrong,” she says. “A lot of times people don’t want to admit their problems, but we all have weaknesses. We all have something that we are struggling with, whether an addiction or eating disorder, or whatever it is that keeps you a prisoner.”

Being able to share your experiences can help the next person who comes along with the same problem, Amy adds.

“And it’s actually very freeing to admit that you have a problem.”

Amy learned early, she says, not to get caught up worrying about what other people thought.

“I had to be honest about who I was and to share what God had done for me,” she says. “ You have to be true to yourself and realize that you can’t please everyone, all the time.”

She eventually came to love herself, Amy says, but it wasn’t easy.

Amy believes that, as women, especially, we are “called” for many different things. “Whether it’s cooking meals, taking care of your neighbors, or sending a card for every special occasion, we all have our own personal ministry,” she says.

If you are easily frustrated, maybe it’s because you are trying too hard to do something you aren’t called to do, Amy adds. “That’s when you need to step back and see what it is that God wants you to be doing.”

Amy understands frustration. “I’ve tried to find ways to fill my life,” she says, “but you can’t fill a void by doing something besides what you are supposed to be doing.”

Singing, as well as being a great wife and mother, she says, is what she knows she is supposed to do.

Her passion, she adds, “is to see people come to know Jesus Christ. To be out there, spreading the word, is the cherry on top. That’s the most important thing behind what I do.”

In early 2003, Amy decided to cut down on her singing engagements and focus on her health and family.

“My time with my family is my priority,” she says. “I’ve been able to attend soccer games and wrestling matches, but now that the kids are getting older, I’m starting to work a little more.”

Amy believes that God has allowed her to experience pain in certain areas of her life “so I can understand the pain of others and help them in some small way,” she says. “I have experienced things in my life that only the Lord could have brought me through.”

God’s will and timing are far better than our plans, Amy says. “He’s always there to pick us up when we can’t carry ourselves.”

Amy’s powerful vocals and performance skills made her one of the few

female vocalists to climb into the Top 10 on the national charts, which she did with her first two singles, “He’ll Do It Again” and “Tears Are A Language.”

She has received Top 5 nominations for the Singing News Fan Awards in both Favorite Soprano and Favorite Female Vocalist categories for seven consecutive years, and was the recipient of the Gospel Voice Sunrise Award in 1997. She has also been nominated for Album of the Year and Soloist of the Year at the Gospel Voice Diamond Awards.

sherrie norris Amy Lambert, second from left, is pictured with other wellknown female vocalists, Joy Gardner, Evie Tournquist and Sandi Patty, in 2013 at the taping of the Gaithers’ Women of Homecoming video.

Photo submitted.

Editor, All About Women

“You’re never too broken to belong” Amy Lambert recently released a new video that helps tell her story.

“You’re Never Too Broken to Belong” delivers a message of hope to those in distress, and it proves, as she sings, “you are never too wounded, never too far gone.”

“There are so many broken people all around us,” says Amy. “So many people are hurting, some because of addictions, others because of broken relationships and other painful situations they cannot control. We are all just people in a hurting, broken world.”

Sharing the powerful message through a cut from her latest CD, “The Seeker,” Amy, in the video, also shares the spotlight with three local individuals; the St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Valle Crucis serves as the backdrop and the place where people find hope.

Featured in the video are Ed Pilkington, portrayed as a compassionate, nonjudgmental church pastor, Bruce Greene as a military veteran in visible anguish while trying to fight post-war battles, and Jessica Barrett, a young woman searching for answers through a dilemma in which too many young unmarried women find themselves.

The song, co-written by James Tealy, Michael Puryear and Simon Hawkins, has been recorded by other artists, says Amy, “But once I heard it, I played it over and over. It’s so beautiful. I just want people to understand that there is always forgiveness. God never turns anyone away.”

When recording the CD, Amy says, she knew there was something special about that particular song. “I knew there could be an amazing story line that could easily come alive in a video.”

The video was filmed and produced locally by Arthur Rasco, an employee of Samaritan’s Purse, “who did an amazing job,” she says. He also located the actors and chose the church, too.

Realizing that “everything is so driven by social media these days,” Amy says, she and her team decided to move forward, “to get it out there where people will see it. Many people will click onto You Tube a lot quicker than they will listen to a gospel song on the radio.”

To be able to put a story to a song makes it more memorable, she says, “and then adding the actual visuals makes it that much more appealing.”

It is her hope that many lives will be impacted by the video.

“Despite our brokenness in life, there’s always hope,” Amy adds. “No matter how bad our situation might be, we can always turn it around. The individuals in the video portray those who might feel as if they do not belong in a church and are reluctant to enter the doors. After they see it, hopefully, they will realize the truth. They do belong.”

The video may be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCJfal9DBYM

Award winning gospel music singer Amy Lambert as seen on the cover of her latest CD. Photo submitted.

OCTOBER 2014

29

In search of a good

deal

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I

f anything in this world is true, it’s two things to a woman’s heart: chocolate and a 50 percent off sale.

When it comes to shopping, I steer away from most full-priced items, because sooner or later it will hit that one place we all tend to love — the clearance shelf.

Currently, most malls and stores are conducting seasonal clearance sales with deep discounts in various categories.

This is a great time for our budgets, as we can save a lot when buying highquality products. But, at the same time, be careful not to break your budget by the temptation to purchase unnecessary items at good prices.

It helps to learn how to shop those seasonal clearance sales, which is often given a boost when some of your favorite department stores offer added discount coupons, such as a $10 off during your birthday month and those coupons located, but often missed, at the bottom of your receipt from previous purchases.

Retailers first send sales information to their subscribers and members. So, after you receive your sales information, and make a sensible shopping plan, make sure, also, to get your products as soon as possible; clearance sales are always limited on time, quantity and quality.

When shopping online, another important thing you need to pay attention to is shipping costs. Some products may offer huge discounts, but not free shipping. So, before checking out, do the math.

Beyond the department store, don’t forget popular websites, such as Ebay and Amazon, to help quench your designer thirst. These two, specifically, are great beginnings to even greater deals, but before you start typing in those digits, keep in mind these helpful hints for online shopping:

1 2

Take notice of the specific seller reviews and check the ratings related to shipping, product description, etc.

Read carefully over the product description to make sure you know exactly what you are buying.

3 4

Communicating with the seller is a great way to make sure your purchase is going to be worth your money.

Prior to checking out the clearance sales, make a list of things you need, decide on your shopping budget and use sales information to compare prices. Without a good plan, you are most likely to lose yourself in the sales and spend more than you bargained for.

5

To stay ahead of the game, request to be added to your favorite stores for online sales information; that way, you have it as soon as it is available.

Emily apple Emily Apple is an Appalachian State graduate with a degree in fashion design and merchandising.

OCTOBER 2014

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Kaaren Hayes A Great Friend to Families, Indeed Photo submitted

When named winner of the 2014 Great Friend to Families Award by The Children’s Playhouse in Boone, Kaaren Hayes was appreciative; as its executive director, Parent to Parent Family Support Network of the High Country received recognition, but as a “private person” she was a bit shy with the attention that accompanied the honor.

Kaaren, whose name is spelled differently than most as a nod to her mother’s Dutch heritage, sees her job as connecting families of children with various

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emotional or behavioral challenges to the resources, information, and other families that can help the children thrive.

She is “just fine,” she says, with staying out of the spotlight.

“I see us as building bridges and making connections,” Kaaren says. “Our real goal is to help any family who needs our support, and that’s kind of a big goal because we cover seven counties. One thing that makes our program unique is that we individualize what we can give families. We listen to the family, figure out what they need, and see how we can meet those needs.”

Sometimes meeting those needs means reaching out to other non-profit organizations in the High Country; Kaaren praises how area groups support each other to address the many needs that exist.

“There’s way too much work in any of the human services fields, right now,” Kaaren says. “We all need to help each other because it’s the only way we’ll truly be able to help the children. Everybody is doing more with less. The demands are greater and the resources are limited. But, I don’t think people’s goodwill is limited.”

And it is goodwill that has allowed Parent to Parent to operate for 25 years, serving families with a special-needs children, no matter their income. “Every family is eligible,” she says. “There are no income guidelines and our services are free. Special needs do not just choose certain segments of the population, so if somebody calls us and we can help, we will certainly try.”

Of course, providing free services requires funding; while Parent to Parent falls under the umbrella of Appalachian State University, it is funded fully by grants and donations.

“The university gives us lots of in-kind support and has been just amazing to work with,” Kaaren explains. “And the ASU students do a whole host of things for us and are truly one of our largest financial supporters of money raised.

It’s just incredible. But, one of the challenges, for certain, is to keep the program funded.”

Parent to Parent’s biggest fundraiser is slated for October 25 on the ASU campus. The Spooky Duke Race and Costume March (the fourth annual Charles R. Duke Race for Families), a 10K/5K

“Sew Pink”

run/walk, boasts a certified, chip-timed race and loads of family-friendly fun and games.

Ultimately, Kaaren hopes the day will celebrate families, while raising money that will offer children and families in our community the support they currently need, as well as visions of bright futures.

“We try to give families ideas so they can see more possibilities for their children,” she says. “Everybody needs to have big dreams for their children, but sometimes, families of children with challenges are so involved in just surviving the day-to-day that there isn’t enough time or energy to dream. So, I think we do our best work when we can help plant seeds to help families dream and help those dreams grow.”

For more information about Parent to Parent Family Support Network of the High Country, log onto www.parent2parent.appstate.edu or call (828) 262-6089.

Yozette ‘Yogi’ Collins Mom, television producer/writer, and obsessive internet researcher. Though her name suggests otherwise, she is not (yet) an actual yogi.

Spooky Duke Race & Costume March 4th Annual Charles R. Duke Race for Families When: Saturday, Oct. 25 Where: Raley/Peacock Parking Lot, Appalachian State University, 416 Howard St in Boone On-site registration and packet pickup 8 a.m. day of race: The certified 10k will begin at 9 a.m.; pre-registration is $30 and $35 on race day; the certified 5k stats at 9 a.m.; pre-registration is $20; $25 on race day.

The free costume march, at 8 a.m., welcomes wheelchairs and strollers; costumes are encouraged for runners, kids and dogs.

Free children’s activities will be held from 8-10 a.m.

T-shirts will be given first come, first served, for registrations after Oct. 8.

For registration and additional information, visit www.parent2parent.appstate.edu.

g n i c u d o r t In

“Sew Pink”

by Bernina in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness

Available in October Come by and make your own Breast Cancer Key Fob!

Be sure and join us for Super Saturday - October 18 Special prizes and special financing New Class Schedule starts October 1

Machines starting at $249! m adee too create

1542-G HWY 421S, BOONE, NC • (828) 264-1049 • WWW.SEWORIGINAL.ORG OCTOBER 2014

33

highcountrycourtesies

Tailgating Tips Crisp autumn days in a college town beckon us to join the jubilant camaraderie and incomparable atmosphere of a college football game day. If you are a fan of football, currently the most popular game in America, you should be prepared to best experience the growing tradition of tailgating.

Although there are many styles of tailgate gatherings, there are basic rules that enhance tailgating for everyone, from the rowdiest sports fans to the most genteel

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groups. Both hosts and guests alike will vie for MVP of game day get-togethers by incorporating the following tips:

systems, glass containers and alcoholic beverages are permissible at their chosen tailgating sites.

Be the “host(ess) with the most(est):

Where is the closest restroom?

Know the rules for your venue.

What time can you set up? How late can you stay? Are there restrictions on time and location for smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages? Hosts need to know what types of grills, tents, music

Foreknowledge of the locations of closest restrooms and garbage receptacles is important, beneďŹ cial information to share with guests.

Location is key. A spot at the end of a row may provide more room and ensure you are not blocked. Consider marking your location with a tall pole, a unique,

attention-grabbing flag or a colorful tent so your guests can easily locate you.

Keep a well-charged cell phone with you in case you need to guide guests to your tailgate target.

Plan for the weather. Bring sunscreen, hats and extra paper towels for sweltering, sun-drenched days. Carry extra sweatshirts, gloves and lap throws for chilly days.

Be the first person at the tailgating site. If you set up long before the official beginning of tailgating time, its OK to leave, but make certain you return before your guests arrive.

Prepare plenty. Plenteous food, beverage, ice and chairs are tailgating essentials. You may want to request guests to bring specific items, or have a list ready as guests ask what they can bring. Be cautious about keeping perishable foods at proper temperatures.

Provide hand sanitizer. A quick dab of sanitizer is an excellent resource for sharing finger foods without sharing germs.

Respect invisible boundaries.

Be good neighbors to your fellow tailgaters. In the crowded confines of a tailgating parking lot, the boundary lines of “your party” and “my party” may be less defined.

Be a good sport. Supporting your

pack up before game time, have a designated person or group stay with your possessions at the site during the game.

favorite team by wearing the team colors and cheering your team’s efforts is a potent part of game day fun. In your excitement, avoid unnecessary derogatory remarks to and about the other team.

Be responsible. Arrange to have des-

Employ smokers’ courtesy.

ignated drivers available for any guests who should not drive.

Smokers should step outside a tented area, away from crowds, preferably to a designated area, to smoke. Smoking residue should be deposited in appropriate receptacles. Nonsmokers should recognize this is an outdoor gathering and courteously interact with smokers.

Plan for game time. If you do not

Clean up with care. Showing common courtesy for those who will later use the tailgating area — and appreciation for the loan of the space — are primary tailgating manners. Bring ample garbage bags to aid the cleanup process.

Be the best guest: Always bring a gift. Ask your hosts what you can bring. If they hesitate, suggest an easy-to-share food item, beverages, paper products or ice. Extra chairs are usually appreciated. If you are bringing a guest, provide a food or beverages gift from them, as well. If you plan to drink alcoholic beverages, definitely BYOB as a contribution to the party.

Take your lead from your hosts.

Wait for the hosts to signal time to partake in the refreshments.

Expect adult behavior. Unless otherwise designated, most tailgating parties are adult parties. Ask before bringing children to a tailgating party, and then keep them close to you. Bring their snacks and beverages rather than expect your hosts to provide different refreshments for them. Remember that children at an otherwise all-adult party may be exposed to adult language and behavior.

Enjoy food and drink responsibly. Be aware of portion sizes you serve yourself in regards to the size of your party. Over-indulging can result in less than comfortable memories for you and others. If you plan to drink alcoholic beverages, arrange a ride home with a designated driver.

Help with cleanup. Offering your assistance with the breakdown and cleaning up processes helps your hosts enter the stadium quicker or return home sooner after a long day.

Say thank you. After thanking your hosts at the tailgating event, sending a hand-written thank you note that week best expresses your gratitude. If you do not have their address, or your hosts are close friends who are technologically savvy, an email is second-best.

Far from an oxymoron, tailgating etiquette is what makes the difference between a rowdy free-for-all and a fun-filled quality gathering. Whether you tailgate at a high school, college or professional football game, or even at a concert or on a roadside, bring your MVP attitude and enjoy yourself.

Bring proper identification. On a college campus anyone who chooses to consume alcohol should have an appropriate photo ID verifying age, if requested.

Sharon Carlton Sharon Carlton, High Country Courtesies ©2014 Sharon Carlton writes and speaks on modern etiquette and life skill topics.

She encourages others through High Country Courtesies Dining Etiquette and Customer Service Workshops. Contact her at sharoncarlton@charter.net

OCTOBER 2014

35

Ashe County’s Taylon Hope Miller planned to release her newest CD in September and is currently taking guitar lessons with Steve Lewis.

Photo by Tina Baldwin

YouGoGirl

Living her Dream Ashe County girl nominated for major Christian music awards Since her big win at Singing in the Foothills in 2013, Taylon Hope Miller has been a very busy 9-yearold girl, performing with the likes of Tommy Brandt and Adam Crabb, writing her first song and recording her second album in Nashville.

Taylon won first place in the youth solo division at Singing in the Foothills, which propelled her popularity and invitations to perform at festivals, charity events and area churches.

She wanted to record an album, so her parents, Chris and Tara Miller of West Jefferson, helped her make that happen, believing “it would be a good experience for her,” they say.

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The beginning In September 2013, Taylon was invited to Eden to perform with Red Roots, a group of triplets who sing Christian music.

The social media director of a Christian country station, HLE Radio, based in Jennings, La., was in the crowd and was amazed by Taylon’s talent. He immediately contacted inspirational country music artist Tommy Brandt, telling him that he just had to hear her sing.

Tommy, a five-time ICM Male Vocalist of the Year and 2012 Music Evangelist of the Year at the Inspirational Country Music Awards, appears at more than 150

venues each year. He has 29 major Christian music awards and has had 16 No. 1 songs on the ICM charts.

“Tommy likes to help the youth through his ministry and will help them get their start if he believes in them,” Chris Miller says.

The Millers were contacted by Brandt, who requested that Taylon perform at Salisbury Christian Fellowship in November.

After hearing her two songs, Tommy offered his assistance to Taylon, with her family’s blessing.

In January, he asked Taylon’s parents if she could join him at a March workshop in Hendersonville, which she did.

The CD project At Tommy’s encouragement, Taylon began working on her own CD; he recommended a five-song project, and began helping her with original songs for the recording.

In May, Taylon and her parents traveled to a Nashville studio where she recorded three songs, which Tommy produced.

In July, the family returned to Nashville at which time Taylon finished the recording with her final two songs.

One of the songs included on the album is an original song that Taylon wrote last year while out of school due to snow; “She Prayed Anyway,” focuses on prayer in school.

Taylon and her parents were expecting the CD to be released in September, as this publication was heading to print, and sent to 850 Christian country and gospel radio stations across the United States.

Taylon is excited about being on the radio, particularly about hearing her new CD on 580 WKSK, her mother, Tara, says.

Some of the music has already been featured on the local station.

“They’ve been so supportive and really encouraged her,” Tara says.

As for her time in Nashville, Taylon says, “It was awesome.”

She worked with a band, had a chance to hear her songs and make adjustments.

“It was a lot of hard work, but it was fun,” she says.

Honors “If there was ever someone born to sing, it’s Taylon Miller,” Tommy Brandt says. “From the time that she walks into a room, you can feel the excitement around her. At her young age, she is already commanding the stage with a huge smile and her energetic vocals that is sure to get you on your feet cheering. Look for great things out of this young lady.”

Positive things, including being nominated for awards, have already begun happening for Taylon Hope, her chosen stage name. She will also take part in Tommy’s tour later this year.

For the ICMAs, she was nominated in the Top 10 for the Youth in Music Award.

She has also received nominations for Youth Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year with the Artists Music Guild.

Taylon is listed in the Top 5 in the Rising Star category for King Country AgapeFest in Granbury, Texas, (September).

In November, she plans to attend both the ICMs in Nashville, and the AMG awards ceremony in Monroe.

During the ICMA Music Week, she will participate in the convention where she can showcase her music, including her new CD, in front of other artists, producers, guests and families.

“She’s really excited about the awards shows and being able to perform with other artists,” Tara says.

Performing Taylon will be traveling with Tommy Brandt on his current tour later this year, including shows in Culpepper, Va., Marion, S.C., and others, as her schedule allows.

“She is on a journey and God has laid out everything,” say her parents, who are humbled by what God is doing in Taylon’s life.

During her time in Nashville, she performed at the Cross Country Cowboy Church and the Nashville Cowboy Church.

Taylon met Johnny Cash’s sister, JoAnne Cash Yates, who attends the Nashville Cowboy Church where her husband is the pastor, and offered Taylon advice on believing in herself as a singer and performer.

It was a treat for Taylon, who loves older artists such as Johnny Cash, says Chris.

Taylon has her own routine before she goes on stage — “I say a prayer with my family and I drink plenty of water,” she says.

Taylon recently sang at her church, Midway Baptist, while Adam Crabb was visiting; Crabb was scheduled to perform at the Hope for the Mountains Crusade at Ashe County Middle School that night.

Afterward, Adam approached Taylon and asked if she knew any of the Crabb’s songs; she did, and at his request, performed with him at the crusade, singing “Don’t You Wanna Go.” It is Taylon’s hope to one day perform on the Grand Ole Opry; for now, however, she’s happy with what she has already been able to accomplish in such a short time.

The future Taylon would like to record more CDs in the future, enhance her skills on the guitar, learn to play the mandolin, travel to more churches, fly to different places and travel with Tommy Brandt.

Specifically, she wants to see New York, Texas and Colorado.

“Realistically, the music business is a big world,” Chris says. “She’s not in it for fame and fortune. She’s doing it for God and it is a great experience for her.”

Encouragement When asked about people she admires and who have inspired her, Taylon easily names Steve Lewis, her guitar instructor, her vocal coach, Tonya Halsey, Tommy Brandt and Adam Crabb.

“We’re really proud of her, not just her music,” Chris and Tara say. “She does it for the right reason, and she’s a good kid.

We’re really proud of what she stands for.”

The Miller family is appreciative of the support they’ve received from Midway Baptist Church, the community, family and friends, and for the opportunities she has been given to sing at special events.

Her pastor, the Rev. Steve LeaShomb, calls Taylon, “a special little gal,” who started coming to his church when she was about 7, and began singing in front of the congregation soon afterward.

Taylon says that some of the proceeds from her CD will go to church missions and other missions that she loves.

“She’s not doing it for herself or the money, and we’re so proud of her, seeing her develop and to be a part of helping move her along,” Steve says.

Ready for the future Although her artistic talents seem to be leading Taylon down a musical career path, she plans to attend college.

“If I can’t do music for my career, I would like to be a vet or work in animal rescue,” she says.

For now, she will continue attending Westwood Elementary School and schedule performances and tours as time allows.

To schedule Taylon for special events, call (336) 846-9589. For more information, follow her Facebook page under Taylon Hope Miller/Music.

HEATHER SAMUDIO hsamudio@ridgecare.com

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Service learning adventures in Uganda Kelly with Valence Lutaisire, Executive Director of the Ugandan-Based NGO Youth Focus Africa Foundation.

Photos provided by Kelly Williams

It will rock your world.

Stuck in the mud in a minivan in the rain on an unpaved road in rural Uganda. This was the fate, in June, of 12 “work campers” from Appalachian State University and their leaders, social work professors, Kelly Williams and Tiffany Christian. What to do?

No doubt, some students were thinking, “Why did we come to Africa, anyhow?”

But, not to worry.

A cheerful crew of local Ugandans rallied to the cause, and soon the group was on its way. This is the spirit of Uganda: people are ready at any time to help each other as needed.

The students soon rallied to the upbeat mantra playing in their heads: “Go to Africa! Go to Africa! Do it! Go to Africa!”

The dozen students and their leaders were on a service-learning experience co-sponsored by the ASU Department of Social Work and Youth Focus Africa Foundation.

During their 27 days in Uganda, the group constructed a latrine and bathhouse for Hopeland Junior School in the small village of Kitoola (Shuh-TOO-lah), a school of more than 300 children. They also planned and carried out arts and

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ASU students Mollie Jones and Morgan Shuler with two children (all in sunglasses).

crafts and music education projects for the students.

Valence Lutaisire, founder and director of YOFAFO, and his wife Doreen, assistant director, made the students feel right at home. They met them at the airport, quartered them in dorms at their family compound, offered a daylong orientation to Uganda and the projects, and introduced them to delicious Ugandan food.

Valence, an orphan, had the chance to go to school as a child and received scholarships to university. He received a degree in community development from Makerere University in Kampala. His dream was to make schooling available to the children of his village, Kitoola.

The school, established under Valence’s direction, has been in operation since 2007. Students are locally commuting children, some of who walk more than a mile to school. At mid-morning they have a breakfast of pasho (corn meal), and at noon, a lunch of rice and beans.

In 2013 another group of ASU students, also led by Kelly and Tiffany,

worked with YOFAFO to help build a large multi-use building for the school, which will be used as a testing site for national school exams.

Two ASU students, part of the 2013 work group, loved Kitoola and the work so much that they returned in 2014. Several students, both years, decided to sponsor children at the school.

The 2013 group chipped in and bought seven piglets for the village; they were able to observe the arrival of the pigs and the method used by the village women to decide which families would receive them.

The trip wasn’t all work. During their time off, the students went whitewater rafting on the Nile River and visited an amusement park on the banks of Lake Victoria. A three-day safari in Murchison Falls National Park gave them a chance to see baboons, monkeys, lions, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and even a leopard.

The students also spent part of an afternoon watching some of the village

women create necklaces and bracelets with beads made from shellacked, rolledup thin strips of paper. The women were excited to have a new paper cutter that made their work easier.

Seed money to buy bead-making supplies was available to them because of a micro-loan program for village women and some of the men.

Five women pooled their loans of $50 and formed a bead cooperative, to which they are accountable. Another afternoon, the women set up a bead boutique in a Hopeland Junior School classroom to sell jewelry to the students.

Kelly Williams spent part of her time in Kitoola during both trips interviewing village women about family planning and their hopes and dreams for themselves and their children. (See article about her experiences in the next issue of All About Women ) The saying is that if you ever travel to Uganda you will leave your heart there.

It’s true for Kelly Williams. She definitely wants to be involved in YOFAFO in the future. She is now sponsoring a child at Hopeland Junior School, and hopes that her family-planning surveys with the women of Kitoola will be helpful in improving the lives of many women in Uganda and even in other African countries, as well.

As one young woman who volunteered with YOFAFO put it, “If you are interested in volunteering with YOFAFO, you should know this: it will truly rock your world!”

Uganda and the High Country An amazing chain of events over several years has led to a significant High Country presence in Uganda, a country in the eastern part of sub-Saharan Africa.

It all started when Tina Groover, an English professor at Appalachian State, and Marian Peters, a physician assistant who founded and coordinates the Community Care Clinic of Boone, decided to volunteer with Global Volunteer Network, and were sent to Uganda in 2006.

In the village of Bulumaji,they held a medical clinic and presented talks on nutrition, hygiene, sanitation and maternalchild health. They also met with local leader, Valence Lutaisire, who had formed a nongovernmental organization, Youth Focus Africa Foundation, to promote education, health, agriculture and the formation of micro-businesses.

Tina and Marian came home to Boone excited about the possibilities of helping Ugandan women realize their dreams.

They stayed in touch with Valence and planned more trips.

Together with Valence and the village women, Tina and Marian formed Partnership Uganda to establish in Bulumaji a microbusiness organization complete with a village bank, children’s library, school scholarships for children and a village center. They have returned to Uganda approximately every other year to hold medical clinics, and are now working with Valence and village leaders to establish a permanent clinic. It is to be called the East Africa Institute of Health.

At Appalachian State University, Tina’s and Marian’s enthusiasm rubbed off on social work professor Tiffany Christian, who put together service-learning projects in Uganda for ASU students, beginning in 2008 and continuing yearly thereafter. A partnership was formed between the ASU Department of Social Work and YOFAFO. Seven of Tiffany’s groups have worked in Kitoola village near Bulumaji, doing construction projects at Hopeland Junior School.

In 2013 and 2014 professor Kelly Williams of the Department of Social Work at ASU, became co-leader of the servicelearning trips. sue spirit

ASU students building a wash house at the school in the village.

Writes poetry and essays about nature, spirituality, writing, and travel. She has a little cabin in the mountains. degreesoffreedom@frontier.com

AFRICA

UG U GANDA G A

LEARN MORE To learn more about YOFAFO, visit www.yofafo.org.

To learn more about the Appalachian State University Dept. of Social Work’s partnership with YOFAFO and how individuals and groups can help the village of Kitoola, e mail Tiffany Christian at tiffanychristian@charter. net or Kelly Williams at williamska3@ appstate.edu. .

To learn more about Partnership Uganda and how individuals and groups can help Bulumaji, go to partnershipugandainc.org or email Tina or Marian at partnershipuganda@gmail. com. Or write to Partnership Uganda, P.O. Box 1994, Boone, NC 28607.

OCTOBER 2014

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YouGoGirl

Brooke’s road to Division I Teen athlete excels despite diabetes Photos submitted

Left: Brooke Rhodes and her mother Tracy Singleton Singleto on weather the storms storm ms of life together.

Right: Brooke Rhodes excels on the court despite a life-altering diagnosis of diabetes.

Late in the fall of 2003, Tracy Singleton and her daughter, Brooke Rhodes, had no idea of the discovery that awaited them — a discovery that would change every day of the rest of their lives, an awareness that would change the way they looked at the world, the future, and each other.

In November of that year, an 8-year-old Brooke was hospitalized and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a disease that affects 15 percent of children each year. With no way to produce insulin and regulate the body’s intake of sugar, diabetes affects every aspect of daily life: meals, activity, clarity and focus, sleep and the body’s

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ability to rest.

For several nights, then and now, Tracy, stared at the ceiling while others slept, wondering about the sudden spikes and dips in her daughter’s blood sugar levels, as well as her future as a student, an athlete, and, eventually, a mother herself.

She says she worried and prayed that her daughter would continue to be given a chance to have a long and beautiful life, one filled with health, happiness and a family of her own.

During the first few months and years with diabetes, their lives were consumed by numbers and needles — and trying to find a way to balance Brooke’s health with

her active lifestyle.

Incredibly athletic, Brooke participated in dance, volleyball and basketball.

Learning to keep her body healthy while juggling these activities became quite an undertaking. Meanwhile, all the other demands of childhood and parenting continued.

Tracy and Brooke worked together to make Brooke’s world as “normal” as possible.

Setting her alarm several times each night, Tracy would wake to check Brooke’s sugar levels as either extreme — too high or too low — could cause Brooke’s body to go into shock and result in a coma.

Exhausted and afraid, it would have been easy for both mother and daughter to give up, to decide that this was too much to manage, to let diabetes take over their lives.

Instead, as a team, they chose to fight.

They chose to believe they would find a way to enjoy life as much as they would have before diabetes reordered their world.

Tracy says she read everything she could find about diabetes. She studied food charts and created meals that would support Brooke’s body and her activities.

She talked to Brooke about the delicate balance within her system. She taught her to respect and admire the way her body worked, to understand that she was different than other girls her age, yet she was exactly the same in her dreams and goals.

With every change in Brooke’s height and weight, adjustments had to be made in the amount of calories her body needed and the amount of protein required to sustain her sports’ activities.

With each of these changes came more sleepless nights and a few mistakes.

“There was no way to always get it right. Of course, things were happening inside Brooke’s body that we couldn’t see and wouldn’t know about until she did go too high or too low,” Tracy says.

Countless doctor’s visits and appointments with specialists only confirmed what mother and daughter were starting to understand: there is no cure for diabetes.

There is no way to keep your body constantly regulated — everything affects your system — even your emotions. This was it — forever.

It was a daunting prognosis. Tracy and Brooke cried and prayed. Tracy’s favorite Bible verse came to mind, time after time, “He has made everything beautiful in His time.” She chose to believe this would be true for her daughter, as well.

With a renewed sense of determination, Tracy begin to take Brooke to play travel ball in leagues outside regular school associated sports. “I knew that God would not give us more than we could handle,” Tracy says.

Playing both volleyball and basketball, Brooke eventually had to choose which sport to pursue.

“Basketball was my first love,” she says.

“No matter what I was struggling with, it was my getaway. Basketball was, and still continues to be, my passion.”

Through countless practices, games, travel leagues, and doctor’s visits, Brooke not only played basketball in both middle

school and high school, she excelled.

Basketball was my Colleges began to notice. Scouts regularly first love. No matter showed up at her games as what I was struggling she started for Cloudland with, it was my getaway.

High School. Brooke’s dream to play college Basketball was, and basketball was becoming a still continues to be, reality for her future.

As a senior, Brooke demy passion. cided to sign with Presbyterian College, a Division 1 program.

- Brooke Rhodes “As soon as I stepped onto the campus, I just knew it was where I was supposed to be,” she says. “The coaches, the people and the environment were everything I was looking for.

Presbyterian College did not hesitate to create a place for this talented 6’2” player. what she has learned from her battle with It all came with much thought and diabetes and this series of surgeries. concern.

“Life isn’t always going to be perfect,” Tracy says she worried about Brooke’s she says. “There will be ups and downs, distance from home and how her much just like with diabetes. You have your good her daily habits would change in a college days and your bad. But, if you trust in what environment. Once again, Brooke would God has given you, even though it may stand out, in more ways than one. not be ideal, you will be able to make the She would have to be more disciplined most of it.” and more committed than her teammates.

This hard-earned wisdom will carry “Her health had to come first — even beBrooke through another season of PC fore basketball,” Tracy says. basketball. She should be released to play “Having to deal with the constant her first college game in December. highs and lows has always been hard,” “I am not who I am without basketBrooke says. “Having to give up so much ball,” she says. “It has taught me so many to put my health first, and sitting out of the lessons. The only thing I can say is I love game I love because of a high or low, has the game and I have been blessed to play probably been the hardest part of having this long.” diabetes.”

In regard to her biggest fan, her Nevertheless, Brooke began her freshmother, Brooke says “She is my backbone. man year during the summer of 2013.

She is always going to be there for me Learning to balance workouts, practice no matter what is going on. If it weren’t and classes was among many of the for her support I wouldn’t be where I am challenges she faced during her first year. today.”

Early in the season, she hurt her knee This season, 11 years after Brooke was during practice and had surgery in the first diagnosed with diabetes, Tracy will fall. At Christmas, she fell and broke her again be in the stands wearing the deep ankle; another surgery followed. “Most blue of Presbyterian’s colors and cheering of the time I’ve spent at PC has been on for her daughter who plays basketball for a crutches,” Brooke says, good-naturedly.

Division 1 team.

Upon returning to school this summer, Regardless of the outcome, the reBrooke experienced another tear in the bounds or the points scored, Tracy holds ligaments around her knee and underwent firm that “He has made all things beautia third surgery. ful.”

Frustrated, Tracy tries hard not to ask why. “It’s hard to understand why Brooke Hollie Greene has had to deal with these issues, but, with each surgery, with each obstacle, she is Hollie Greene is an English teacher who loves stories, words and the learning more about herself and what’s mountains of North Carolina. most important in her life.”

Brooke is quick to answer, when asked,

‘

’

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Jane Stephenson encourages women through New Opportunity School for Women, “Your past is your past, not your future.”

What's New at New Opportunity School for Women Photos by Michael Joslin

On a clear August day, New Opportunity School for Women Director Jennie Harpold welcomed High Country residents to become part of NOSW’s “circle of friends” at an inaugural friendship luncheon and silent auction, held at the Beech Mountain Club, and introduced the life-changing program for Appalachian women.

In its first nine years, the Banner Elk

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site for the school, at Lees McRae College, has equipped and inspired over one hundred local women to improve their financial, educational and personal circumstances. Because women attend the life-altering development program at no financial cost personally, volunteers are required to provide housing and food

expenses, instruction, transportation and services for students during the rapid-paced three-week stay at NOSW. Carolyn West, chairperson of the friendship luncheon, who grew up in Western North Carolina, impressed upon those in attendance with the great need for NOSW; founder and Lees McRae alumnus Jane Stephenson introduced three graduates who shared how NOSW has impacted their lives.

NOSW graduate Suzy Crouch shares how her New Opportunity School for Women experience changed her life with Friendship Luncheon attendees.

Left to right: Suzy Crouch, Jess Stone, Jane Stephenson and Meg Quinn.

food, supplies, and transportation.

In closing the luncheon, emcee Roy Krege challenged attendees with these closing words: “Many wish to go from here to there — and we shall lead the way.”

Sharon Carlton Sharon Carlton, High Country Courtesies ©2014 Sharon Carlton writes and speaks on modern etiquette and life skill topics.

She encourages others through High Country Courtesies Dining Etiquette and Customer Service Workshops. Contact her at sharoncarlton@charter.net

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As Meg Quinn, Jess Stone and Suzy Crouch shared their unique life stories, they praised the support and encouragement they received at NOSW. All three are currently pursuing higher education.

Jane explained how Meg, Jess and Suzy are among the 770 graduates from NOSW locations since its inception in 1987.While students come from varied low income backgrounds, all come with baggage, are desperate for help and are highly motivated to make better lives for themselves and their families.

Most arrive with low self-esteem issues stemming from childhood, from emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, or from life circumstances. They intuitively know there has to be more — a better way.

NOSW’s course of workshops on job search skills, computer skills, basic math, creative writing and Appalachian Literature, also include counsel, preparing students to return to school with instruction on applying for school and for financial aid.

The students are able to examine career options and are exposed to leadership training and application skills during their stay. The women also experience cultural activities and have opportunities to speak with people engaged in the political arena. Women are also able to add to their resumes by serving an internship during their action-packed three-week stay.

“It is amazing how much gets done when no one eats or sleeps for three weeks,” Jane says.

Through their NOSW experiences, the women realize their kids can succeed, too.

“Fifty-nine percent of the children of NOSW graduates progress to further education, Jane adds.

The investment of others into the lives of NOSW women has a high rate of return for women, continuing to their children.

As the Banner Elk site prepares for its 10th class in 2015, opportunities abound for our community to speak into the lives of local, deserving women who seek a better direction for their lives and those of their families.

Jane voiced appreciation for the many NOSW volunteers and asked concerned women to join in supporting NOSW efforts to meet escalating costs of housing,

The New Opportunity School for Women is currently compiling recipes for a fundraising cookbook and is accepting favorite recipes from the community.

House Calls

for All Small Animals dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, & more Dr. Susan Mast’s services include:

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Send to: New Opportunity School for Women at Lees McRae College, P.O. Box 128 Banner Elk, NC 28604.

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For more information about New Opportunity School for Women, contact Jennie Harpold, director, at (828) 898-8905, email: nosw@lmc.edu, or visit www.lmc.edu/nosw.

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OCTOBER 2014

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marriageandFamilyCorner

Find a reason,

then find a way The calendar year is filled with various days and months to bring awareness to certain topics and events.

T

hree weeks after Robin Williams’ suicide shocked the world, it seemed well timed that September brought addiction awareness efforts into Recovery Month, as well as National Suicide Prevention Week, September 7–13.

Related awareness efforts continue this month with Mental Illness Awareness Week, Oct. 5–11; National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding, Oct. 7; National Bipolar Awareness Day, National Depression Screening Day, and Worldwide Mental Health Day, all fall on Oct. 10, and it is also ADHD Awareness Month.

After all of that “serious” awareness, it seems particularly fitting that October is also designated as Adopt-a-Pet Month, since interacting with pets has actually been shown to reduce tension and improve mood.

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Most awareness efforts are intended to provide education and harness focus to promote actions. Still, many people who have dealt with, or are dealing with, the struggles targeted by these awareness campaigns have been crying out for “a little less awareness and a lot more action.”

Reflecting upon my professional and personal experiences with all the above listed issues, it seems clear that emotional and logical reactions and concrete responses (i.e., behaviors, actions) to the relevant awareness campaigns varies, just as the affected people vary in so many other ways.

Universally, when a person deals with one of these devastating experiences, or overwhelming conditions, that person’s life is irrevocably changed and will never again be “normal.”

Of course, adjustments are usually made and a “new normal” is achieved.

Being in the grip of any of the aforementioned illnesses, and their related daily battles for life, can be terrifying.

Loving someone who is in this grip can also be terrifying.

Having these conditions remained unnamed magnifies their destruction by fueling isolation and blocking options for healing and coping. Another universal reaction seems to be a searing need for “something” to be different, to be better: for action to bring change.

Improved awareness is also important for the people suffering from these illnesses. Struggling with these illnesses means bravely doing what is needed to survive.

One usually feels a little bravery first — in a quiet and timid way — before ever

moving toward anything resembling confidence. This courage is vital in overcoming addiction and mental illness in order to thrive.

Robin Williams’ pithy observations about his struggles helped cut through the mystery and misconceptions about these issues; it was just one of the many gifts he gave us. This accessibility also helped many of us learn more about needed and available treatment.

Now, his tragic death elevates and directs the national conversation for action, which must include increased prevention efforts, early education and support. It must also include research to pinpoint more effective treatment and efforts to make treatment more available.

On an individual level, each person can take action to support research, including donations to the gift fund for The National Institute of Mental Health and to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. Action by individuals also includes being a part of education and advocacy efforts, both within your own circles and on larger levels. It can also be very helpful to volunteer time and to fundraise for these organizations.

There are many local agencies and organizations through which those struggling with these illnesses are able to receive help, including: The Community Care Clinic, Western Youth Network, OASIS, Hospitality House, F.A.R.M. (Feed All Regardless of Means) Café, Hunger Coalition, and Quiet Givers.

While these organizations provide services to their targeted populations, according to income and other factors including abuse, neglect, homelessness, etc., it is important to note that a percentage of the people coming to them are also dealing with mental health needs.

A little more than two weeks after Robin Williams’ death, stars gathered for the Emmys. Billy Crystal alluded to Williams’ 1979 Grammy-award winning comedy album “Reality — What a Concept” when he closed the tribute to Williams with the words “Robin Williams… What a Concept.”

We know that Robin Williams is remembered by those who knew him as compassionate, charitable, warm, and, of course, funny.

He is also remembered for the long battles he waged against addictions and

The first step to take is to reach out, call or text someone who can offer help.

Hopefully, the crisis line information below will help guide you in the right direction.

Daymark Recovery Services (mental health services): (828) 264-8759; afterhours’ crisis line is (828) 264-4357.

National Suicide Hotlines: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273TALK (8255) The Crisis Text Line is now available

severe depression.

It’s important that we find a way to help other people who struggle as he did, in hopes that they will not be faced with the desperation he probably felt on August 11.

Often, people who commit or consider suicide don’t want to die. They want to stop suffering, but haven’t found a way to make it happen, yet. It is critical that we work to make options available and apparent.

by texting “LISTEN” TO 741-741.

There are also other agencies and a number of private practice therapists who are available for appointments and most of them also make arrangements for crisis contacts, when needed.

In emergency situations, call 911.

Action — what a concept!

If you experience thoughts of hurting yourself, or deal with depression, addiction, or other mental health struggles, please take action and ask other people to take action with and for you.

For comments on this article or suggestions for future articles, contact:

MARY MCKINNEY, MA, LMFT McKinney & Associates Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc. 828-268-0155 For urgent matters and first-time callers: 828-773-5463 www.mckinneymft.com

OCTOBER 2014

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Miriam Jones Bradley: “All I Have Needed: A Legacy for Life” “Nearly every day I’m reminded of something from my childhood. Usually it’s a lesson I learned from one of my grandparents or parents. I like writing them down.”

Thus begins Miriam Jones Bradley’s latest book, a series of legacy pieces, a record of the gifts she has received through her family heritage.

Born in South Dakota, Miriam’s life was filled with family, church, chores and adventures. Unexpectedly, when Miriam was 10, her mother passed away, leaving Miriam and her two siblings with the challenge of learning to manage their daily lives without a parent.

Although this tragedy bled into every aspect of their world, Miriam believes that through God’s grace and the commitment of her father and extended family, “All I needed was provided.”

Later, her father remarried a woman Miriam lovingly describes as “my map, the one who reminded me that God has a plan.”

Through vacations on her grandparents’ ranch, and learning the value of hard work, Miriam writes, “My parents and grandparents taught me everything I needed to know to succeed in life. I have been wrapped in a cocoon of positive influences.”

Losing three out of four of her grandparents in less than two years (1997-98), Miriam felt pressed to salvage the power of these influences for future generations of her family and, eventually, as a gift for her readers.

Beginning as brief stories to record her family history, the legacy pieces featured in Miriam’s book began as a blog, “Home is Where the Story Starts.” Due to the blog’s popularity and the encouragement of her readers, Miriam decided to organize her legacy pieces and create a book. “When I would see or hear or smell something, it would prompt a memory and it became a book,” she says.

Divided into five sections, her book is categorized by specific legacies, which include spirit-filled living, spiritual sensitivity, family, roots and memories.

Miriam describes a legacy as “something you leave for those who come behind you — something passed down that comes from following God’s plan intertwined with your own personality.”

Miriam’s belief that “we have to learn from the generations who’ve gone before” is evidenced throughout her book as she shares stories such as her grandmother’s love for red geraniums.

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“Grandma Jones knew how to be content with the simple things in life. She had her priorities straight. She kept simple beauty around her and she is remembered for faithfulness, peacefulness, gentleness, kindness, humor, love — and red geraniums.”

Miriam also describes her Grandma McKnight and the pain she suffered for the last 20 years of her life due to a host of medical problems: “Hers was a twisted remnant of the body she had when she was young. But, even so, she shone. She prayed. She laughed. She loved. She gave advice. She lived.”

Likewise, Miriam’s father, she says, “has been the most influential person in my life.

Without his love, I wouldn’t fully understand the love of God.” Within her collection, Miriam de-

scribes the valuable lessons of faith and discipline she learned from her father.

A loving tribute to her family, Miriam’s book reminds readers of their own families and the blessings bestowed on us through kinship and love. Her work insists that even in tragedy and loss, “His mercies are new every morning.”

Miriam believes that the gift of her family has inspired and nurtured her life mission “to affirm, inspire, and motivate people of all ages to realize they can be whoever God wants them to be.”

She insists, “Don’t worry about ‘discovering’ your legacy. Be authentic and true to your own personality.”

Through Miriam’s collection of legacy pieces, readers are not only reminded of childhood memories and the importance of family, but also that we are more aware

About the Author

of the mark we are leaving in the lives of our children, as well as those who inhabit our world. Her words carry the message that our lives are significant in the present and will have a lasting influence for generations to come.

Miriam’s work highlights the importance to choose, live, and love wisely and well. Above all, it resonates with the hope that readers will believe we have a purpose and that we will know, with certainty, that our lives are created and designed for a specific and beautiful reason.

Hollie Greene Hollie Greene is an English teacher who loves stories, words and the mountains of North Carolina.

Born in South Dakota, Miriam Jones Bradley grew up as a “preacher’s kid.” Through the influence of church and her family, she believes the blessings of her life have given her a great responsibility to share the importance of legacy with others.

Her book, “The Double Cousins and the Mystery of the Missing Watch” (Amazon Digital) is the first in a series of young adult mystery novels published in 2009 and followed by “The Double Cousins and the Mystery of the Torn Map” (Ambassador International 2011). The third book in the series, “The Double Cousins and the Mystery of the Rushmore Treasure” (Ambassador International), was released in January 2014.

This unique series of books has created opportunities for Miriam to work with students of all ages to share the mystery and beauty of the writing process. She has also been asked to share her inspirational story with teachers, Christian communicators, and various ladies’ groups.

Dedicated to sharing her personal legacy and encouraging others to embrace and record their own, Miriam also works as a nurse and enjoys discovering the writing and letters left in her husband’s family home. Together they continue to weave together the legacies embedded within their home and union.

For more information, including readings and events, visit her website at www.doublecousins.com.

OCTOBER 2014

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Goodies for the Goblins Why were there no leftovers after the Halloween party?

Because everyone had been a-goblin.’ 48

OCTOBER 2014

Planning Halloween treats for the little goblins in your life might be a bit tricky this year, if you don’t plan ahead. Most kids anticipate a sugar overload, but it’s Mom’s job to provide as many healthy, yet fun, treats as possible.

Keep in mind that as you prepare to answer the door to trick-or-treaters this year, or to host the neighborhood party, that childhood obesity is at an all-time high, and so are food allergies.

Consider serving nutritious, tasty foods and give out non-food options; think outside the wrapper, too, about the children and adolescents with diabetes and other dietary restrictions.

In place of sugar-laden candy bars, try stocking up on snack packs of dried fruit, baked pretzels, sunflower/pumpkin seeds or almonds; trail mix, animal crackers, Gold fish snacks, single-serve boxes of cereal, individual (real) juice boxes, sugarfree hot chocolate or apple cider packets.

Tips to consider: • Fresh fruit is nutritious, but no longer considered safe options at Halloween.

• Individually wrapped items are best.

• Choose treats that are lower in fat and sugar.

• Children will enjoy non-food treats similar to those typically given in birthday goodie bags, such as small toys and pocket-sized games, glow sticks, plastic rings, necklaces and, plastic false teeth, small stuffed animals, pencils and fancy erasers, stickers, temporary tattoos, crayons and so much more.

other toppings on hand — bits of pepperoni, olives and other veggies — so children can make jack-o-lantern faces with their choice of topping. Bake at 325 on a greased baking sheet for about 12 minutes, or until crust is lightly browned. □ Ghosts: Serve a rounded spoonful of mashed potatoes (made with low-fat or fat-free milk and butter) on each child’s plate with two slices of black olives placed near the top for eyes.

weight clear plastic food-handler’s gloves; fill will popcorn. Tie glove ends with orange and black ribbon. □ Witch’s brew: Combine cranberry juice, apple cider and orange juice; serve with ice. □ Funny faces: Let children decorate sugar cookies with orange-colored frosting and use chocolate hips, raisins or dried fruit bits to make faces.

• Wrap a white napkin or tissue around a small round sucker (in wrapper) or popcorn ball (in plastic wrap). Tie napkin over the sucker or popcorn ball with white string, so the ends of the napkin hang out to form the body. With black marker, make two large eyes. □ Monster mouths: Slice red apples vertically, about ½” wide. Spread a small dab of peanut butter on one side of each apple slice and place two together, adding mini-marshmallows for teeth into the peanut butter between the red “lips.” □ Bag of trash: Combine popcorn with your choice of raisins and other dried fruit, candy corn, nuts, gummy worms or orange and black candies; mix and place in re-sealable sandwich bags.

sherrie norris Editor, All About Women

□ Scary fingers: Place one large candy corn in the tips of each finger of light-

• Mark sure that an adult/parent inspects all Halloween treats before children eat them.

• Set limits on when and how much candy they can have.

Healthy Halloween treats to serve at home: □ Jack-O-Lantern Pizzas: Make minipizzas from your favorite recipe or use English muffins or refrigerated biscuits (rolled out into a circle) for the crust. Top with sauce and shredded cheese; have OCTOBER 2014

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Photo by Leda Winebarger

‘Change with the seasons of life. Don't try to stretch a season into a lifetime.’

- Unknown

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OCTOBER 2014

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