December 2020/January 2021 Sand & Pine by Sand & Pine

SAND & PINE December 2020/January 2021

Superstition Tradition Best of Luck Next Time

Human Toll

Friend to Friend

Santa Never Sleeps A Christmas Story

Nikki Bowman

Jessica Rowan

910.528.4902

910.585.5438

Broker/Owner

Broker

760 B NW Broad Street â&#x20AC;¢ Southern Pines

realtyworldofmoore.com

www.SandandPineMag.com | 1

ClassiC Hot Buttered rum 3 teaspoons Hot Buttered Rum Mix* 1.5 ounces blended aged rum 6 ounces hot water Combine the mix and rum in a mug. Add hot water an stir until well combined. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

*Available at The Purple Thistle

K I T CH E N GOODS | COCK TAIL SUP P LIE S | H O S T E S S G I F T S L AGU IOLE CU T LE RY | S TAU B CA S T IR ON C OOK WAR E H OME DE C OR AND MOR E 2 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

1 0 0 M AG NO LI A R OA D, S U I T E 1 0 2, V ILL AG E O F P INEH U R S T W W W. P U R P LE T H IS T LE S H O P. C O M | 9 1 0 . 4 2 0 . 2 4 3 4

H a p p y Holid ays from Car e d for Canine & Cat !

Large selection of high quality brands! CARNA4 CANINE CAVIAR K9 KRAVINGS FROMM TASTE OF THE WILD ANNAMAET PETFOODS AND MANY MORE!

Don't forget the stocking stuffers! (tons of items made in the USA)

CARED FOR CANINE AND CAT

1150 OLD US 1 UNIT #6, SOUTHERN PINES

CAREDFORCANINE.COM

910-693-7875 |

www.SandandPineMag.com | 3

contents 14

Santa Never Sleeps

SAND & PINE

By day, Adam Deese is a man of numbers and finance. By night, he becomes the man who makes everyone’s wishes come true.

Better Luck Next Time

What better way to get the positive vibes rolling in 2021 than by adopting these global New Year’s superstitions. Trust us, they all work.

At the Table

Granted, Brussels sprouts wouldn’t be our first choice for a veggie side dish, but after trying a few of these recipes, we’re definitely coming around.

Pub People

Greg Girard, Amanda Jakl

Storysmith

Greg Girard greg@sandandpinemag.com

SA N D & P IN E December 2020/Janua

ry 2021

Creative Conjuror

Amanda Jakl amanda@sandandpinemag.com

Idea Inventor

Amanda Oden oden@sandandpinemag.com

Word Geek

Rachel Dorrell

Ad Peddler

Tradition SuperstitioknNex t Time

On the Cover Hot chocolate and superstitions remind us of what Sir Francis Bacon once said (really): “The root of all superstition is that men observe when a thing hits, but not when it misses.”

Best of Luc

Human Toll

Friend to Friend

Santa Never Sleeps y A Christmas Stor

Debbie Jordan debbie@sandandpinemag.com

Contributing Scribblers Larry Allen, Hannah Brittnacher,

Karen Caulfield, Darcy Connor, Christin Daubert, Brianna Johnson, Amanda Oden, Patti Ranck, Mike Thomas

Our Girl Friday Iris Voelker

Visual Alchemists Steven Jordan

4 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

P.O. Box 892 Southern Pines, NC 28388 Tel. 910.315.0467 info@sandandpinemag.com www.sandandpinemag.com facebook: SandandPineMag

Quicksand 6 Good Reads

Reindeer Fun Run

Garden Variety

Beer Matters

Be Inspired 34 Pet Care 38 On the Fly 40 DIY 42

Human Toll

Parenting in the Pines

Just last year, Friend to Friend provided nearly 3,000 total days of shelter for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

Ready or not, it’s holiday season, and while Amanda may be curtailing some of her traditions with kids and family, don’t expect her to like it.

Dropping In

Music 45 Puzzles

Last Word

editor note I’m attempting to avoid the unending platitudes we’ve suffered through in 2020. This would

be the perfect platform, the last editor note of the year, the easy temptation of looking back on everything that was, and still is, astonishing about this moment in time. I could expound ad nauseum on the trials of the last 300-plus days. But at this point, if you haven’t realized the uniqueness of 2020 and the events haven’t impacted you in some way, then there’s nothing I can write that will enlighten you. Are we really all in this together? Maybe through shared experience but a little less so in how we manage the experience. I own a share of the Green Bay Packers. (The Wall Street Journal noted in the year I purchased the stock that Green Bay Packer stock is the worst stock in America, because “it costs $250 a share, pays no dividends, benefits from no earnings, isn’t tradeable and has no securities-law protection.”) Yet there are more than 300,000 people like me who own more than five million shares. And you can bet my obituary will note I was an NFL owner.

by Greg Girard

Vince Lombardi, the iconic former coach of the Packers said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” That idea is what I think about when looking forward to 2021. We have to want it: that desire to make a happy life, a healthy community, a secure world. It’s never easy, but, in the end, it has to be worth the struggle, otherwise what are we doing it all for? That’s not to say there isn’t a bit of luck needed to get us there. It’s probably why my wife sends me out the backdoor each New Year’s Eve and makes me stumble in the dark to the front door, a bottle of wine or whiskey in hand, in order to first-foot the house. Or why the kids and I get yelled at by same said wife for putting a hat on the bed or a new pair of shoes on the table. And it’s probably why most countries have some set of superstitions that have been followed for centuries. It’s all about setting yourself up with some positive vibes, some good mojo. Do they work? Well, there’ll be no lack of will on my part to be heading out the backdoor this New Year’s Eve—I can tell you that much. www.SandandPineMag.com | 5

QUICKSAND BY THE NUMBERS » EGGNOG

The day in December 1826 that the “Eggnog Riot” took place at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. The “riot” started how most bar fights start: a few people had a bit too much to drink. Because cadets weren’t allowed to bring alcohol to the academy Christmas party, they snuck it in anyway. Cadets had planned their own Christmas after-party in the north and south barracks. Smuggling in whiskey and rum, the cadets were able to make a boozy cocktail mix of eggnog and hard liquors. Their Christmas after-party got out of hand quickly: windows were broken, guns were fired and things escalated further when the superintendent attempted to order the cadets back to their rooms, resulting in rioting.

200

The number of years ago eggnog was used to treat a plethora of diseases, including malaria and sore throats. Back then people had the idea that consuming raw eggs would treat illness, which is why eggnog was used a popular choice for diseases. Whether your affliction was minor or severe, if you existed in the 1800s, you were more than likely forced to consume raw eggs as treatment.

The number of seconds it takes Clark Griswold to say the best eggnog reference in modern cinema. The famous quote from National Lampoons Christmas Vacation: “Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?” has stayed legendary for the last three decades. A classic and relatable Christmas movie everyone can appreciate.

6 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

53.5

The number of bottles of eggnog, in millions, that were purchased in the United States in 2019, which is about $185 million worth of eggnog. Even though Americans spent nearly $200 million dollars on eggnog last year, the consumption of the holiday beverage has decreased 42 percent from 1969.

The century when eggnog had become most commonly consumed. Eggnog is believed to be derived from a drink called “posset.” Posset was usually comprised of a milk, honey, spice, ale or wine mixture, whereas eggnog usually has milk/cream, sugar, eggs, spices, and generally rum or whiskey. Eggnog may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for our first president, George Washington, eggnog was a favorite. His recipe consisted of cream, milk, sugar, eggs, Jamaican rum, brandy, sherry and whiskey; we think we’ll just stick with a shot of rum.

210

The number of calories, on average, in a 6-ounce cup of eggnog, along with 11 grams of fat. During the holiday season, Americans gain roughly a pound from just eating, so a few glasses of eggnog can result in just as much weight gain as consuming holiday dinners. The good news is average weight gain is only 1–2 pounds throughout the season, so don’t worry, your jeans should still fit after.

LOOK, LISTEN & LEARN

OUTER SANDBOX

Plantsnap

ROAD TRIP!

We’ve been spending more time outdoors lately and a lot of our nature walks left us asking the truly burning question “what the heck kind of plant is that?” Luckily, we downloaded the Plantsnap app and now have the ability to identify any plant, tree or mushroom within seconds with just the snap of a picture. The app uses artificial intelligence to link more than 650,000 plants and 475 million images making us feel like a regular Bear Grylls during our morning dog walk.

Road trip! Beyond the boundaries of our little sandbox, there is much to see. Here are a few events worth checking out. For events with a more local flavor, check out moorechoices.net. And check with locales before heading out!

Modsy After all those months cooped up in the house during quarantine, we found ourselves wanting desperately to revamp our space while admitting we are no Joanna Gaines. The Modsy app allowed us to take a few photos (and an iOS scan) of the room we wanted to redecorate, input a little information about our vision and, voila, we had a custom 3D model of our design project. The app also offers the option to work with a Modsy designer if you need someone to virtually hold your hand. Our favorite feature was the ability to shop products directly from our design plan within the app. In Bed with Megan and Nick Real-life husband-and-wife duo Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman are best known for playing the tumultuously divorced Ron Swanson and Tammy in fan favorite Parks and Recreation. If you need something light and fun to take your mind off of, well, everything, might we suggest their podcast. They’re joined—in bed—by famously funny friends Rob Lowe, Alec Baldwin and Aubrey Plaza, and we cannot think of a better reason to stay in our pajamas all day.

DEC. 17 117th Anniversary of Powered Flight Kill Devil Hill | firstflight.org Head to the Outer Banks and celebrate the brothers that brought us flight as we know it. Festivities include programs and activities geared toward aviators of all ages, a formal ceremony and an aviation fly-by at the exact moment of the Wright’s historic flight. Don’t forget to pack your tiny bags of honey roasted peanuts and enjoy all things airplane without those handsy TSA agents. NEW YEAR'S EVE Appalachian Ski Mountain New Year's Eve Extravaganza Blowing Rock | appskimtn.com We can’t think of a better way to ring in 2021 and ensure that everyone stays 6 feet away from us, than strapping on some skis and shredding down a mountain while holding a flaming torch! Say “sayonara” to 2020 while enjoying moonlight ice skating, a firework display and—if you’re exceptionally brave and have good health insurance—torchlight skiing (it’s a thing, we looked it up). ANYTIME Junebug Retro Resort Weaverville | junebugresort.com Ten fully restored 1950s airstream trailers, 50 acres in a valley overlooking a rumbling river, modern amenities with rustic flare ... need we say more?

QUOTES Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors and let each New Year find you a better man. – Ben Franklin

In time of test, family is best. – Burmese Proverb

www.SandandPineMag.com | 7

TO YOUR HEALTH

Health Tips Go nuts! Even though they are high in fat, nuts are actually very nutritious and healthy. They’re loaded with magnesium, vitamin E, fiber and various other nutrients your body needs. Also, because you don’t

absorb 10–15 percent of the calories in nuts, some evidence suggests that when eaten as a snack, nuts can help boost your metabolism. So, go ahead and go a little nuts between meals this holiday season.

Oh Sheet We’ve all been more concerned with cleanliness and disinfecting due to COVID-19, but one area that often gets overlooked is the bedroom. According to dermatologists and doctors, there is in fact a hard fast rule about how often we should be laundering our bedding for optimal hygiene. According to the experts, sheets should be washed once a week to avoid buildup of dead skin cells, sweat, makeup, pet dander and anything else we come in contact with throughout the day. Pillowcases should be switched out 2–3 times per week because they come in direct contact with our faces. Comforters and duvets should be laundered at least once per year. Since the average person spends about 26 years of their life sleeping, we think it’s time to clean up our act before drifting off to the Land of Nod. Stand up straight! If you suffer from lower back pain, headaches or a noticeable decrease in energy, the culprit just may be your posture. Experts say that poor posture, long thought to be simply an aesthetic concern, is a major culprit in ailments that affect more than 80 percent of all Americans at one point in their life. Some simple ways to rid yourself of your slouching tendency include, taking frequent breaks to stretch when typing or reading for an extended period, switching your standard office chair for an ergonomic balance ball, and getting regular adjustments and alignments from a chiropractor.

DEC. 1–14 Reindeer Fun Run Virtual 12k, 5k, Egg Nog Jog reindeerfunrun.com

8 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

DEC. 12 Ugly Sweater Beer Mile Railhouse Brewery, Aberdeen 1 mile runsignup.com

Live Lightly Tips on living a more sustainable life

The sight of beautifully wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree is synonymous with the holidays, but all those pretty parcels have effects on the environment that last long after the last bow has been thrown on the living room floor. An estimated 30 million trees are cut down each year for the sole purpose of creating gift wrap. Of the 4.6 million pounds of gift wrap produced in the U.S. each year, roughly 2.3 million pounds of it will end its life in a landfill. Most wrapping paper cannot be recycled because it is often laminated with plastic, foil or other nonpaper products, and can contaminate other recyclables in your recycle bin. If every American family wrapped just 3 presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields. That seems like a good place to start.

DEC. 19 Jingle Jog High Point 5 mile, 5k (live & virtual) localraces.com

Merry Christmas and New Year Blessings! For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Sandy Stewart 910.315.2510

Rebecca Cummings 910.315.4141

Angie McKew 910.315.6280

Debby Currier 910.639.9606

Sarah O'Brien 910.690.4236

TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Seven Lakes Aberdeen 102 W. South Street 150 McDonald Street

www.SandandPineMag.com | 9 www.WeSellMooreNC.com

Good Reads by Darcy Connor

Preschool/Toddler Hello, Arnie! Written and Illustrated by Laurie Keller

Arnie the doughnut is always excited to greet his fellow pastries, but on this day he meets someone he doesn’t recognize. Who could it be? Your little reader, of course! But what kind of pastry is your little one? There’s only one way to find out ….

Picture Book Alma and How She Got Her Name Written and Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela is a mouthful of a name, and Alma is a little tired of it never fitting on anything. When she complains to her father, he tells her of the wonderful history of their family. A delightful, poignant origin story, Alma and How She Got Her Name won a 2019 Caldecott Honor Book award.

Elementary School Ways to Make Sunshine Written by Renée Watson Illustrated by Nina Mata

Fourth-grader Ryan Hart is experiencing a host of changes. Her dad lost his job and they had to move into an old house. They had to sell their second car, and money is pretty tight for her family. But Ryan isn’t about to let that get her down. She’s a girl who can see the positive in just about anything. And she’ll need that “sunshine” spirit as she navigates life and the unexpected. This book isn’t filled with thrills and twists but charm oozes from the pages as you get to know Ryan’s world. It’s a feel-good story for a time when we need some feel-good moments.

10 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

Middle School Winterhouse By Ben Guterson

The first book in a trilogy, Winterhouse introduces Elizabeth Somers, an orphan sent to Winterhouse Hotel by her cruel aunt and uncle. Elizabeth discovers Winterhouse has a huge library and she eventually finds a magical book of puzzles that has the potential of unlocking the mystery behind the owner of Winterhouse, Norbridge Falls, and his evil family. But that’s not all. Elizabeth soon starts to discover she has a deeper connection to Winterhouse than she would have ever imagined, but will that discovery hurt those she cares for? Guterson crafts a great atmosphere for this mystery story that will immerse readers fully into Elizabeth’s adventure.

Adult Is This Anything? By Jerry Seinfeld

Selecting his favorite material from the past four decades (he saved just about every idea since he started), Jerry Seinfeld shares a portion of his material that gives an amazing insight into one of the greatest stand-up comedians of his generation. “Whenever I came up with a funny bit, whether it happened on a stage, in a conversation, or working it out on my preferred canvas, the big yellow legal pad, I kept it in one of those old school accordion folders,” writes Seinfeld. “So I have everything I thought was worth saving from forty-five years of hacking away at this for all I was worth.” And if you opt for the audiobook, Seinfeld narrates, which I think is the best way to experience this book.

Helping you find the most important place to be ... home.

910.420.0220 www.SouthboundProperties.com

www.SandandPineMag.com | 11

SPECIAL

SECTION

egg nog jog • 5k • 12k The Reindeer Fun Run is going VIRTUAL this year to keep our runners, our volunteers and our community safe. RFR may look a little different in 2020, but we’re committed to keeping this fun and festive tradition going strong! Instead of running all together on one date, you’ll register and complete your race any time during the first two weeks of December. Pedestrian-friendly course suggestions are available, but you can run anywhere you like!

The Cause

In many communities, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship on the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need positive caring adults. Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow—all while having fun. They are truly The Positive Place for kids. 12 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

The Clubs

210 kids per day - So. Pines 129 kids per day - Aberdeen 45 kids per day - Trinity 75,257 meals per year

Membership

1,043 registered members 63 percent of families earn under $20k $40/year membership fee

SPECIAL

SECTION

From games and athletics to drug prevention workshops, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sandhills

offer young people a range of fun and productive activities. Clubs are open each day after school from 2:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., the window research has shown children to be most vulnerable to gangs, violence and other risky behaviors. In the summer, Clubs and special summer-only sites open their doors all day to young people with nowhere else to go. A trained, caring staff implements proven youth development strategies and creates a stable, supportive environment for children and teens ages 6 to 18. Specially designed programs concentrate on developing job readiness, study skills, leadership, self-esteem, good health and social responsibility among Boys & Girls Club members.

The Reindeer Fun Run is part of TeamGreen Charities and is proud to donate 100 percent of net proceeds to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sandhills. To date, the Reindeer Fun Run has raised $337,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sandhills and is the single largest fundraiser for the organization.

2020 Sponsors Jolly Old St. Nick

Media Partner

Trident Marketing

Sand & Pine Magazine (hey, that’s us!)

Gingerbread Man

Community Partners

McDonald’s

Earn Your Antlers Training Partner FirstHealth Fitness

Frosty the Snowman Veterans Guardian

Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer

Town of Aberdeen Aberdeen Police Department Aberdeen Fire & Rescue

Stocking Stuffer Google Grants Kate’s Events (created the Reindeer Fun Run in 2007) Next Fractional Kim Stout, Realtor – Keller Williams Realty

Aberdeen Exterminating Atex Technologies First Bank

www.SandandPineMag.com | 13

Santa Never Sleeps By Amanda Oden

hroughout the week he works in finance, an office job he’s had for more than a decade. But on Fridays at 5 o’clock, for most of the holiday season, he rushes to the bathroom to swap his shirt and tie for what is easily one of the most recognizable ensembles of all time. Adam Deese is not a superhero off to fight crime. Instead, he’s on his way to a holiday party where he will spend the next few hours posing for pictures and asking everyone what they want for Christmas. You may have spotted him decked out in full Santa regalia driving down Broad street in his blue Ford F-150 with his arm casually hanging out the window. And chances are, if you have attended a holiday event in the Sandhills within the last seven years, you or your children have posed for photos with him. “My co-workers are all used to my wardrobe changes at work and they don’t even really notice anymore when I go from Adam to Santa. But it’s fun to see people’s reactions when they notice me driving to

14 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

jobs in my pickup. It doesn’t matter how old you are, everyone gets excited when they see Santa.” What possesses someone to go into the business of becoming the Big Guy? For Deese, it was a happy accident. “I never actually set out to be a Santa. There’s a photo of me from back in 2009, with my (then) baby and toddler on my lap. My manager at the finance company I work for had asked me to dress up as Santa for our holiday party. It had never occurred to me to even attempt it at that point. That was my first time in a Santa suit and it was one that was purchased pretty cheaply for our company parties. And let me tell you, it was not a pretty suit! Not authentic looking at all. Back in 2009, I was not a nice looking Santa!” He enjoyed his first foray as Santa Claus, but it would be a few more years before he decided to make a business of it. “Once I decided this was something I could pursue as a job, I just really went after it. I went to all the

restaurants in town and offered up my Santa services. I’d say nine out of 10 times there was nobody coming in to do Santa. I was hustling hard and because the businessowners and managers all gave me a chance, I was able to build up that clientele.” There are formally trained Santas out there, but Deese prefers to be self-taught. “I know there is an actual Santa School I could attend but I’ve never looked into that. Sharing joy and cheer and talking with kids is easy. When I put on the suit and the beard something happens and I just transform naturally. I think if I spent too much time training or studying, it wouldn’t feel as organic.” Working a full-time job and running a thriving Santa business can be a juggling act at times. “It’s challenging but I wouldn’t say it’s hard. There’s about six solid weeks out of the year that I’m busy doing Santa and I’ve learned to run a tight schedule. I could have four or five events on the same day. Some days I will start at 8 or 9 in

the morning and go until 8 or 9 at night.” And it doesn’t hurt to have a supportive spouse at home. “My wife is my techie person. She set up my Facebook page and got me on Instagram, but other than that she is pretty removed from the Santa business. She’s never dressed up as Mrs. Claus or anything like that, and I doubt she ever would. She does make some pretty good cookies, but I think that’s as close as she’ll get.” As for Deese’s kids, they don’t really pay much attention to their dad being Santa Claus. “I have a 13 year old, an 11 year old and a 2 year old. So, for them, I’ve really been doing this as long as they can remember. It was never something that required a big explanation. They just know that I sometimes work as Santa’s helper. From the time they were old enough to understand, we started telling them Santa is a good part of Christmas but that the point was to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, so it’s never been that

www.SandandPineMag.com | 15

big of a deal for them.” They say that “clothes make the man” and Deese thinks that is especially true for Kris Kringle. “This year I’m having a local seamstress make me a custom Santa suit because this year has been crazy and I wanted to step it up for this season.” In a lot of professions, image is everything, and this job is no different. “There are definitely other Santas in the area. Some people want an older type Santa with a real beard, and that’s understandable. I’ve got a salt and pepper beard that’s getting whiter every day, but it’s not like I want to rush the aging process. I’m only 40, which is really young in the Santa impersonator market. For now, I use a fake beard with the goal of being 100 percent natural one day.” We’ve all heard the song ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ but Deese hasn’t really had any run-ins with smoochy celebrants. “I try to be very selective about the types of events I book. I’m a happily married man with a family and if an event seems like it might get a little too wild, I politely decline. That’s not to say I don’t have fun; I’ve been known to dance on occasion. But things like karaoke just aren’t my style.” Mrs. Claus, or Mrs. Deese, rather, has nothing to worry about. “Sometimes that kind of behavior will come out in people. If I’m doing Santa at an event, and someone’s had a few too many drinks, it’s usually easiest to distract them as best you can and keep it moving. I don’t egg it on. I give a quick hug or take a selfie. No one wants to end up on the Naughty List.” Like most industries this year, COVID-19 took its toll on the Santa business as well. Pinehurst’s Santa’s Summer in the Pines, where he dresses in a Hawaiian shirt and Converse chucks, was canceled, and he says things are 50-50 on many of his returning clients. “We are planning on a lot more outdoor events this year. I’m going to have people sitting or standing beside me instead of the typical sitting on my

lap. Also, Santa is going to be wearing a mask this year. We’re doing everything we can to keep everyone as safe in hopes that we won’t have to cancel anything. I’ve just got to be flexible and know that things can change quickly.” Does Santa ever have to deal with naysayers? “Every year I have a couple of kids that say I’m not real or question how I got here from the North Pole. They want to know where my reindeer are, things like that. I try to just use joy. I let them know this is Santa. I’m right here and I made time to come talk with you today. As for my reindeer, they’re on the roof.” Not everyone is a skeptic though. “Most of the interactions I have with kids are very touching and real. Because there are so many military families around here, I’ve had this happen more than once, a kid will come up and not ask for anything for themselves. All they want is for mom or dad to come home from overseas. I’m never really prepared for it and it tugs at my heartstrings every time. If they’re willing, I try to take a moment and offer to pray for their mom or dad.” When kids come up with their gift wish list, Santa tries to reinforce positive behaviors. “When they ask for things, I ask them if they’ve been listening to their mom and dad this year. I always want to push back with a good behavior suggestion so it isn’t just all about the presents. “It doesn’t happen very often, but occasionally I’ll get a kid that sits on my lap and asks what I want for Christmas. I always tell them something like ‘Santa wants everybody to get along this year, or for you to have respect for your parents.’ Something like that.” But what does Deese want for Christmas? “It’s tough to think about what I want for myself. My wife and I don’t really exchange Christmas gifts because we tend to put the focus on our kids. But if I had to choose something, I guess I’d like a new grill.” So, Santa wants us to be nice to each other and be respectful to our parents. But Deese … Deese wants a grill.

TYR2020 PINEHURST Ad_V1_Layout 1

100% AMERICAN MADE

BODY ARMOR, PLATE CARRIERS, POUCHES, BELTS K9 GEAR, HURON â&#x201E;¢ TACTICAL CLOTHING & PACKS

WWW.TYRTACTICAL.COM

Since 2000 1200 N Sandhills Blvd (US 1 N), Aberdeen - Online @ ShopFlowland.com! www.SandandPineMag.com | 17

Better Luck Next Time New Year’s Superstitions From Around the World By Amanda Oden

Ah, 2020 ...

the year that turned us all into Moira Rose—“The world is falling apart around us and I’m dying inside”—is finally, FINALLY coming to an end. We managed to survive raging wildfires that engulfed half the country, the most contentious presidential election any of us can remember, a deadly global pandemic and freaking murder hornets (which we aren’t entirely sure are gone for good, I mean what happened to those guys anyway?!?). To paraphrase the World’s Best Boss, Michael Scott, we at Sand & Pine aren’t superstitious, but we are a little “stitious.” So, before we bust out the bubbly and start a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne, we figured we should probably cover our bases and come up with some constructive things we can all do to help ensure we don’t have to wake up in 2021 wondering “What fresh hell is this?” We looked to our friends from different cultures around the world and collected various ways to summon good fortune for the upcoming year. We’ve personally decided to do ALL of them, but feel free to pick and choose one or two and really go at them with gusto. We don’t think things can get any worse—but we really don’t want to risk it—so let’s all band together and bring some good juju into “dat new new.”

18 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

Spain

At the stroke of midnight eat exactly 12 grapes. This midnight snack is thought to bring you luck for every month of the year. Fun fact, there are approximately 1,204 grapes in a bottle of wine. Do with that information what you will, you overachiever, you.

Romania

Villagers in the eastern Moldova region dress in real bearskins and dance down the streets to ward off bad luck on New Year's Eve. Sure, you might feel a little self-conscious grooving down Broad Street draped in PETA’s worst nightmare, but we promise not to judge you. Better yet, get some friends to join you and really get this party started, ya filthy animal. Looking for a Romanian tradition a little less likely to get red paint thrown at you? Put some dollar bills under your rug before midnight and just wait for all the prosperity that’s guaranteed to come your way.

Scotland

Scottish tradition states that the first person to cross your home's threshold in the New Year is required to bring you an assortment of symbolic presents. The “first-footer” typically arrives with gifts of salt, coins,

whiskey or a preserved herring. Our personalities are salty enough, thank you, and we got plenty of coal in our stocking for Christmas, but we’ll take free whiskey any day—and maybe some of those coins, too. (Isn’t there still a national coin shortage or something?)

Italy

We are pretty sure your neighbors won’t be too happy with this one. In Italy, people toss their belongings (including, sometimes, furniture) out their windows as soon as the clock strikes midnight. This hurling of possessions is thought to make room for positive vibes in the new year. We’re not sure if this is the kind of tidying up that Marie Kondo had in mind but we are trying to spark joy in 2021, dammit! Just do us a favor and make sure no one is in the general vicinity of your window when you try this one—safety first!

China

We are always looking for an excuse not to have to clean up and China has our back! According to Chinese lore, cleaning of any kind on New Year’s Day sweeps away all the good luck you had stored up for the year. So, put down that Swiffer Wet Jet and prop up your feet on that pile of dirty clothes because you are not going to

www.SandandPineMag.com | 19

let something like housekeeping stand in the way of you and your blessings. Not this year and not on our watch!

Latin America

According to Latin American superstition, improving your upcoming year is as simple as changing your undies. On New Year's Eve wear red underwear for passion, yellow for increased fortune, blue for good health, or white for joy and happiness. We can’t narrow down just one color to focus on so we are opting to ring in the New Year wearing rainbow skivvies.

Japan

The Japanese recommend eating buckwheat soba noodles at midnight on New Year's Eve. The long skinny noodles signify both prosperity and longevity. Take it from us, soba noodles are especially good when washed down with a sake beverage, and we’re always down to drink to that. Kanpai! That’s “cheers” in Japanese.

Denmark

Here’s another one that might not make you very popular at the next HOA meeting. Danish tradition encourages you to break dishes on the doorsteps of your friends, family and neighbors for good luck. The more doorsteps you hurl crockery at, the luckier you will be. Be right back, we’re heading to Purple Thistle to stock up on salad plates (if we’re throwing dishes, we want them to be cute), followed by the batting cages to perfect our pitch.

Estonia

It’s no secret that we like to eat, and the Estonians

20 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

are speaking our love language with their New Year’s tradition. In order to be provided with the strength of seven to 12 men, it is believed that you should eat seven to 12 meals on New Year’s Day. We are pretty excited for this one because, let’s be honest, we’ve been preparing for this challenge our whole lives! Just make sure to stay away from chicken (their wings signify your luck flying away) and, also, no lobster (they walk backward, and it is believed consuming them on the holiday might hold you back).

Colombia

Drake would be very disappointed in us because in 2020 we caught way more feelings than flights. The Colombians have a New Year's tradition that is thought to encourage and increase travel for the upcoming 12 months. All you have to do is walk around all day on New Year's Eve carrying an empty suitcase. We aren’t really sure if a rolling suitcase counts, but at this point, we’re willing to try both. We could really use a vacation, so catch us on New Year's Eve doing laps around the traffic circle in Pinehurst lugging around ALL our luggage.

Mexico

In southern parts of Mexico it is customary to make a human-sized dummy referred to as “el viejo” (the grandpa) or “ano viejo” (past year), stuff it with old newspapers or straw, and set it ablaze at midnight. These scarecrow-like figures are symbols for the previous year's bad energy and are said to promote a fresh, positive start to the new year. The dummies can look like anything from politicians to evil cartoon characters—but honestly who can even tell the difference anymore?

Philippines

Our friends in Southeast Asia are encouraging us to make some noise on New Year’s Eve. Folklore in the Philippines suggests that firecrackers, noisemakers and loud music will ward off evil spirits. We’re breaking out those recorders we saved from third grade and blasting the “Toosie Slide” and ”WAP” (the censored version, because we are nothing if not tasteful) and our nosy neighbor Nance better not complain because we are doing this for her own good!

smile passion. life. .

Your Our Your

Veteran-Owned Practice | Family Friendly | Accepting New Patients 25 TROTTER HILLS CIRCLE, PINEHURST | 910.295.9700 PINEHURSTDENTAL.COM

We K e e p t h e S a n d h i l l s o n I t s F e e t !

Dr. A. Anthony Haro, III

Diplomate American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery Board Certified in Reconstructive Rearfoot / Ankle Surgery & Board Certified in Foot Surgery Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgery Fellowship in Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery

Dr. Amie L. Haracz

Diplomate American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery Board Qualified in Reconstructive Rearfoot / Ankle Surgery & Board Certified in Foot Surgery Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgery

Dr. Kevin W. Schmidtke

Diplomate American Board of Podiatric Medicine Board Qualified in Foot Surgery Associate American College of Foot & Ankle Surgery

Specializing in Ankle/Foot Care & Surgery: Ankle and foot disorders • Diabetic foot care • Arthritis Joint replacement • Bunions • Hammertoes Achilles & tendon injuries • Nerve pain Ingrown nails & nail problems • Ankle arthroscopy Sports injuries / fractures • Heel pain • Flat feet Corns & Calluses • Warts and wound care

Pinehurst Clinic

200 Westgate Drive, Suite A 910.295.7400

Raeford Clinic 313 Teal Drive 910.904.7430

Troy Clinic

522 Allen Street 910.571.5710

Sanford Clinic

1139 Carthage Street 910.295.7400 www.SandandPineMag.com | 21

Garden Winter Bird Feeding

BY L A R RY ALLEN N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener Volunteer

22 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

n the cold months from December to March, birds have fewer feeding options in nature and are most appreciative of a little help from humans. If you want to help them out in these frosty months, give them what they need most: high-quality food with a high fat content. Winter birds need comfort food too! If you have been unsuccessful in attracting the birds you desire to your feeder, the following tips should help you increase your birdwatching options. First, avoid seed mixes that include junk food that birds won’t eat. With bird food, you get what you pay for, so start with the basic black oil sunflower seeds. It’s like the hot dog at the picnic. Almost all feeder birds will eat this widely available and affordable, high-fat offering. It is easier to crack and higher in fat

content than the larger striped sunflower seeds. Peanuts in their various forms—from shelled, to whole, to peanut butter— are bird magnets. Jays and woodpeckers love whole peanuts and the smaller birds like chickadees and titmice enjoy the shelled offerings. And perhaps nothing will bring a crowd like a small wooden log drilled with ¾-inch holes and filled with crunchy peanut butter. Suet cakes are an excellent source of fat for winter birds. They are inexpensive and widely available and tend to hold up well in cold weather. If you are brave and want to make your own, try the following easy recipe: •

1 cup crunchy peanut butter

• • • •

1 cup suet, lard or bacon grease 2 cups quick cooking oats 2 cups cornmeal 1 cup white flour

Just melt the suet and peanut butter over low heat, stir in the remaining ingredients, pour into container molds, and freeze until needed.

Finally, birds, like humans, need fruit in their diets, so grapes, citrus, apples or banana slices will all bring your feathered friends in. And if you don't want to feed the squirrels, place your feeding station on a post at least 10 feet from anything the pesky rodent can launch from and include a baffle on the pole.

/NCMGMooreCnty

www.SandandPineMag.com | 23

At the

Table

Brussels Sprouts By

KAREN CAULFIELD mooreeats.com

russels sprouts have risen from obscurity to become the poster child of healthy side dishes. Restaurants have embraced roasting them until they are charred on the outside, al dente on the inside, doused with balsamic vinegar and served with bacon crumbles. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to like? In the 1990s, when Dutch scientists discovered that the bitter taste of Brussels sprouts was due to glucosinolates, seed companies in the Netherlands searched for older varietals that were lower in glucosinolates and put those varieties into production. Interestingly, the ability to taste glucosinolates is hereditary, so for people without that gene, Brussels sprouts donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t taste bitter. This probably accounts for the love it/hate it attitude that prevailed until the varieties lower in glucosinolates became the norm. Brussels sprouts are a cultivar of the same species as broccoli, cabbage, kale and collard greens. They are

24 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

a cruciferous vegetable that as group are rich in fiber, vitaminutes and phytonutrients. The sprouts grow in a helical pattern around a 2- to 4-foot stalk with large leaves at the top of the stalk, looking very much like a plant Dr. Suess would dream up. They are available year round, with the peak season being September to March. There are even purple varieties available! Brussels sprouts should be stored in a plastic bag in the coldest part of your refrigerator, which will help them keep for a few weeks, but they will lose taste with age. Those still on the stalk will stay fresh longer; smaller sprouts will be sweeter. The easiest way to cook Brussels sprouts is to toss them with olive oil and salt and roast them at 350 F until tender. You can customize this by adding sweet potato, winter squash, nuts and/or carrots in whatever combination suits you.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic Mark Bittman / Serves 4 1 pint Brussels sprouts (about a pound) 4 to 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, to coat bottom of pan 5 cloves garlic, peeled Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Trim bottom of Brusselss sprouts, and slice each in half top to bottom. Heat oil in cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers; put sprouts cut side down in one layer in pan. Put in garlic, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, undisturbed, until sprouts begin to brown on bottom, and transfer to oven. Roast, shaking pan every 5 minutes, until sprouts are quite brown and tender, about 10 to 20 minutes. Taste, and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Stir in balsamic vinegar, and serve hot or warm.

Brussels Sprouts with Ginger and Sesame Vegetables from Amaranth to Zucchini by Elizabeth Schneider / Serves 2 About 10 ounces (1 pint container) small to medium Brussels sprouts 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 1 teaspoon honey

Âź teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon dry sherry or vermouth 1 tablespoon peanut oil 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Directions

Trim the bases of the Brussels sprouts and remove yellowing or loose leaves. Halve (or quarter as size dictates) sprouts lengthwise. Soak in lukewarm water, submerged with a saucer, for about 15 minutes. Drain sprouts. Drop into a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook over high heat until just tender throughout, about 4 minutes. Meanwhile, stir sesame seeds in a heavy skillet (large enough to hold the sprouts in a single layer) over moderate heat until evenly tan, a minute or two. Pour onto a plate. Drain sprouts well. Spread on a towel. Stir together honey, salt and sherry. Heat oil in same skillet, add ginger, and stir over moderate heat until lightly colored. Add sprouts and toss to coat. Add sherry mixture and toss gently about a minute. Transfer to warm serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

www.SandandPineMag.com | 25

At the

Table

Screaming Heads foodnetwork.com / Serves 6–8 2 pounds Brussels sprouts 4 ounces prosciutto, julienned 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Roasted garlic, see below 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups heavy cream 1 cup half-and-half ¼ cup sherry

1 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus ½ cup 1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground 1 head of garlic ½ teaspoon olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F. Peel off any damaged outer layers of Brussels sprouts. Trim the stem to make it flush. Quarter each sprout and score the stem on each quarter with an “X.” Sauté the prosciutto in the butter over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and Brussels sprouts and stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the flour and continue stirring for 2 minutes. Add the cream, half-and-half and sherry. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat and continue simmering for 7 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by 1/3. Stir in the 1 cup Parmesan, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Transfer to an ovenproof casserole dish. Cover with remaining ½ cup Parmesan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Serve immediately. For roasted garlic: Cut off the papery tip of the garlic head, exposing the top of each garlic clove. Brush the exposed cloves with olive oil. Place the garlic, root side down, on the center of a piece of aluminum foil. Bundle the garlic with the foil, leaving a small vent on top. Roast the garlic for 45 minutes or until the cloves turn beige and are fork tender. Remove from the oven and let stand until cool enough to handle. Squeeze the garlic head upside down over a small bowl and the cloves will pop out. Refrigerate for up to a week.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts thebakermama.com / Serves 3 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other high-heat oil) 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (about half a large lemon) 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce Pinch of black pepper Kosher salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 F and set a rack on the very top. Prepare the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the base of each sprout, slicing them in half from top to bottom and remove the excess or loose exterior leaves. Soak for a minute in water to clean them. Drain and spread Brussels sprouts out on a paper towel to dry while the oven is preheating. Cover a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil and spread the Brussels sprouts out on the pan. Generously drizzle the Brussels sprouts with the oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Stir with your hands to ensure Brussels sprouts are all well-oiled and salted. Place in the oven on the top rack for about 45–60 minutes. At 20 and 40 minutes, stir the Brussels sprouts to ensure all sides get crispy and charred. During the last 5–10 minutes of cooking, reduce remaining ingredients (soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, sriracha, lemon juice and black pepper) in a sauté pan over medium-high heat until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove Brussels sprouts from the oven once all are crispy and slightly charred. Place them in a bowl and toss with some of the reduced sauce. Do this a little at a time as you don’t want the Brussels sprouts to be soaked in sauce so they retain their crispy texture. Enjoy!

SP 26 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

HOME is not safe for everyone. Friend to Friend is Here to Help.

24 Hour Crisis Line 910-947-3333

Emergency Shelter

Court Advocacy 910-947-1703

Domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking emergency shelter, support, information, and referrals

A safe residence where our guests are given the opportunity and support to begin healing physically, emotionally, and mentally

Protective order assistance, court related questions, court accompaniment, and counseling services

Community Outreach

Hospital Accompaniment

Support Groups

Provide information and education to the community about domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking

A trained advocate to provide immediate, inperson support to adult survivors of sexual assault available 24/7

Facilitated virtual support groups for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

Sign your child up for

Dolly Partonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

IMAGINATION LIBRARY and get a FREE BOOK every month until their 5 birthday!

For more information visit www.friendtofriend.me

Gold Award Winner

CUSTOM HOME

BATHROOM RENOVATION

or contact

Gold Award Winner

Partners for Children & Families 7720 NC Hwy 22 Carthage, NC 28327 www.moore4kids.com 910-949-4045

KITCHEN RENOVATION

Unlimited Licensed General Contractor #83304 Accredited Master Builder & Remodeler CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) Past President of MCHBA & Current Board Member NCHBA Current Region 5 VP

910.603.2141 Daniel@BureauBuilders.com www.BureauBuilders.com www.SandandPineMag.com | 27

Beer Matters

Holiday Hops BY MIKE THOMAS

28 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

TRADITIONS SURROUNDING HOLIDAY or Christmas beer go all the way back to the days of the Vikings. Vikings drank to their gods during their Jul celebrations (the Scandinavian Yuletide season). Beer drinking around Christmas was of such importance to the Vikings that they carried their traditions long after they accepted Christianity into their culture. What makes a beer a Christmas beer? Traditionally, Christmas beers were dark, malty, strong and spiced. Many of today’s holiday offerings follow suit. However, there aren’t any hard and fast rules, as is the case with Sierra Nevada’s 2020 Celebration, a beer that is definitely not dark, malty or particularly strong. Another characteristic of holiday beers is special holiday artwork. Small craft breweries all the way up to the big mass market brands go the extra mile when decorating their bottles and cans. Some great examples are the holiday cans of Budweiser and Murky Christmas by Austin Brothers Beer Company. Give a quick online search for “beers in Christmas cans” to see more examples. Many companies put together variety packs of their holiday offerings. This is a great way to try the different variations of holiday beers. The following is a list of some of the more popular holiday beers out there and a brief description of each. This list is just a representative sample of what’s out there. Make sure to check out your local breweries and bottle shops for more options. Sam Adams’ Old Fezziwig Ale – A holiday classic with a sweet malty base and a good amount of chocolate malts for a hint of sweet chocolate. Round this out with ginger, cinnamon and orange peel to add that hint of

holiday spice. Anchor Brewing’s Christmas Ale – This beer has been around since 1975. The flavor profile changes every year, but Anchor maintains that each batch captures the “joy of the changing of the seasons and the celebration of new life.” Stone Brewing’s Xocoveza – An imperial stout with a twist on the Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout style. This beer boasts flavors of chocolate, hot pepper, coffee, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg for that holiday flare. This is a big beer! Deep River Brewing’s JoCo White Winter – A Belgian dubbel with notes of white sweet potatoes, toasted marshmallows and a blend of spices. Highland Brewing’s Cold Mountain Ale – A malty body, lightly hopped, with a mix of spices including vanilla and hazelnut.

Now how do we incorporate these beers into our own holiday traditions? One simple way is to add a variety of holiday beers to your normal holiday offerings, like mulled wine and eggnog. Or you could go the extra mile and host a holiday beer-tasting party or beer pairing event (gathering responsibly). Hosting a beer tasting is pretty easy. The items needed are an assortment of beers, small clear plastic cups and something for each participant to write on. The concept is simple: Pour a few ounces of beer in each cup, and have each participant make note of the color and appearance, the aroma of the beer and what flavors they detect. Once everyone has completed those steps, everyone briefly compares notes and then the host reads the flavor profile from the brewery description to compare with your participants’

results. Make sure you start with a lighter flavored beer and progress to heavy, more flavorful beers. Also have bland crackers and water for palate cleansing between samples. Hosting a beer and food pairing event requires a little more preparation. It’s best to do a trial run of your pairings ahead of time so that you know that they will actually work together before trying to serve them to guests. Pair based on things like intensity and complementary flavors, etc. Just keep it simple and don’t forget the dessert pairing. The spiced nature of many holiday beers are a great complement to many holiday desserts. This holiday season will definitely be different for most people due to our current restrictions. I hope, however, that you can make some new traditions this year by incorporating holiday beers. Enjoy!

Why talk to a representative when you can talk to a friend? At North Carolina Farm Bureau, that’s what you get. With local agents offering competitive rates in every county across the state, it’s more than a simple transaction—it’s a relationship with someone you can trust. So pick up the phone, visit us online, or stop by your local office today to find out how helping you is what we do best.

910/947-2295 Jason C Burgin CLU®, LUTCF

Agency Manager

ncfbins.com

NCSVPR44131 *North Carolina Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Co. *Farm Bureau® Insurance of North Carolina, Inc. *Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS *An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

www.SandandPineMag.com | 29

Human Toll Friend to Friend Offers Safety and Hope By Greg Girard

“I lived a very toxic lifestyle for two years, not knowing there was a way out. Feeling hopeless and alone. I was physically, emotionally, sexually and mentally abused every day. I was forced to live a life I never would want anyone to have to live or go through. All I knew was pain. I was scared for me and my two kids’ lives. I prayed every day to get me and my kids out of this living nightmare. On September 27, 2019, I got the courage to escape to Friend to Friend.” 30 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

Photos courtesy of Friend to Friend / Previous page: Masks created by survivors of interpersonal violence. Above: Shoes represent victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

That was written by a survivor of domestic abuse we’ll call Sheila, to protect her identity. Friend to Friend, in Carthage, is a nonprofit organization helping people like Sheila escape and recover from domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. The organization’s mission is to help survivors “rebuild their lives” through a number of services, including sanctuary at their Serenity House, court advocacy, support groups, job placement and more. They also work to educate the community on how to recognize abuse, including through the Thousand Eyes Campaign that specifically

focuses on human trafficking awareness. “When you think of human trafficking, people often think of it like the movie Taken, where it’s somebody being kidnapped, but human trafficking has many forms,” says Anne Friesen, executive director at Friend to Friend. “It can be family members selling their children because of their drug addiction. It can be somebody who is a runaway and vulnerable and doesn’t have shelter. Someone who is no longer in foster care and when she or he gets off the bus in a new place, there’s somebody there that connects with them,

www.SandandPineMag.com | 31

maybe becomes their boyfriend or develops a trusting relationship with them. And then they start asking for favors to help with rent. It’s very organized, an organized crime business. And it’s the second largest criminal enterprise in the world, second only to drugs.” Indeed, the United Nations estimates there are up to 40 million people in modern slavery today and that only 0.04 percent of human trafficking survivors are identified. The illegal human trafficking industry earns about $150 billion per year, and it is a pervasive crime that can be found just about everywhere in the world. “North Carolina has been ranked over the last few years as one of the top 10 for reporting of human trafficking cases,” explains Friesen. “So reporting is the key word there. It’s not that we have an increase in criminal enterprise in North Carolina, but we are doing a really good job over the last several years with raising awareness and people are coming forward identifying potential victims and they’re getting help and support. “There’s high reporting in North Carolina because we have military bases, we have highways, and we also have ports and beaches. Those are three huge indicators and we have all three, so you're going to see a big increase; it’s a great way for gangs to, unfortunately, make money. With human trafficking, they can befriend or bring somebody in, get them on drugs and, at a very low cost, they can keep using and using this person over and over, multiple times per day.” Friesen says North Carolina is additionally susceptible to labor trafficking due to our agriculture-based economy. All these factors for human trafficking, as well as the pervasiveness of domestic and sexual abuse, is the reason Friend to Friend exists. Last year, the organization received 1,200 calls on their crisis line, provided more than a 1,000 counseling and advocacy sessions, offered nearly 9,000 meals and gave more than 2,900 total nights of shelter for those in need. Friesen says the support of the community has been strong over the years, pointing to the first Serenity House that burned down in 2011. Within just one year, a new 34-bed shelter was built in its place. “The community is an amazing support.” But the needs of survivors never cease, so for 2021, Friend to Friend will begin a capital campaign to raise funds to build additional sanctuary space for specific survivors, called the Butterfly Cottage. 32 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

“Due to our increase in need, we’re starting to raise funds for our Butterfly Cottage, which is going to be a small, three-bedroom cottage that will be on the Serenity House property,” says Friesen. “We want to have a specific area that’s more trauma-informed for high trauma survivors to stay. It’ll provide separate housing space for victims of human trafficking to aid in their recovery. Because a lot of times, loud noises, doors opening and shutting—those can be triggers. And so for a victim to be rescued or brought to us, it will provide a quiet space for their first several weeks to help them acclimate, sleep, connect with therapy or whatever their needs might be. We’re hoping to raise $300,000.” To help raise funds for the cottage and to assist with their annual expenses, Friend to Friend will be hosting a fundraiser, virtual due to COVID-19, on Jan. 26. There will be no cost to attend the virtual luncheon and after the guest speaker and a virtual tour of the shelter, there will be an opportunity to donate to the organization. The only way to truly understand the positive impact Friend to Friend has is to hear it from those they’ve helped: “I was rescued by an officer that took me and my two children to safety. I was rescued and stayed at the Serenity House,” continued Sheila. “I was reassured there that I was safe and that my nightmare was finally over. It was. I went through so much hurt, but I was healing not for only myself but my two kids. I wanted a better life for them as well. I knew leaving was the bravest thing I have ever done, but any mother would do that for her babies. “Yes, it took time, but I did it! Six months later I am still healing, but so much further than I was. I got a fulltime job and I’m going to school. I have my kids and I’m making a better life for me and my babies. The help I had by the Friend to Friend staff gave me courage and hope for what I’m doing today. God took care of us and will always be there.”

Friend to Friend 24-hour crisis hotline: 910-947-3333 Advocacy Center: 910-947-1703 Donate: friendtofriend.me/donate-now

5 12 16

5 5 12 12 16

-week fast track classes begin virtually every month online

5 12 16

-week spring2 classes begin february 9 online and hybrid

-week spring semester classes begin january 11 traditional, online & hybrid continuing education class start dates vary

5 12 16

learn

Photo by Rooted Productions

Have your next party at We have an in-house event designer to make sure every detail is absolutely perfect! Let us host your event in our private room.

choose your time frame and class format sandhills.edu 3395 Airport Road Pinehurst

LIFE IS AN EVENT. MAKE IT MEMORABLE. 375-C SE Broad Street Southern Pines Tuesday - Friday: 10am-5pm (910) 725-1100

910.692.6185

Partner with Us! FirstHealth Fitness is YOUR official training partner any time of year! We can help you train for any race in the New Year. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re running your first 5k, or wanting to set a new personal record, our personal trainers can help you reach your goal!

Two locations in Moore County Pinehurst and Southern Pines! For info, visit firsthealth.org/fitness

www.SandandPineMag.com | 33

( Be Inspired )

Creative Health BY CHRISTIN DAUBERT

34 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

CREATIVITY HEALS US. It soothes our souls and provides benefits that are both understood by science and still a mystery. The creative journey starts in so many different ways, always bending and veering off whenever we explore different areas of ourselves. I can personally attest to the simple pleasure of mixing paint and building colors to use on a canvas. The methodical mixing and smoothing of paint with my palette knife is mesmerizing. Simply writing those words calms me as I remember the feeling. I think of it as “flow.” Not for the fluid motion of mixing paint and smearing it on a canvas, but the mind space where I lose track of time and become completely absorbed in art. I find that I’m not actively thinking of anything besides the task at hand. This is no small feat for me, as I have about 100,000 thoughts during the day, a majority of them simultaneously. But I can find this flow, this repetitive meditative movement, writing, sewing or knitting. As someone who also enjoys embroidery and knitting, nothing is better than being absorbed in a good show while my hands mindlessly create. What science does understand is that this meditative type of creating releases dopamine in our brains. They are also known as “the feel good” chemicals. I know when I’m feeling my best and most creative self, I often can’t wait to return to whatever it is that I’m working on. This is because dopamine also helps motivate us to continue seeking that delightful creative venture that produces it. I feel sharper and more alert when I’m sewing and focusing all my attention on keeping my stitches straight on a tea towel I’m putting together. You guessed it, this is also science. While I may only be in my mid-30s and have a relatively good memory, regularly engaging dementia

One of the mysteries of creativity and how in its great and sometimes unsubstantiated ways, it provides comfort for people living with anxiety and depression. The concept of creating as therapy for mental wellness has gained traction for the past few years. patients with creative activities has shown marked benefits in not only helping with mental agility, but tapping back into their personality. Gardening is another creative outlet of calm. I love propagating my house plants and choosing new pots as they root and grow. By creating an entire new plant from a cutting, I get my hands dirty in the soil and see, quite literally, the new existence of something living. It is a blessing that I don’t throw pottery, because I’d be in big trouble if I could simply create and decorate new vessels for plants out of clay myself. One of the mysteries of creativity and how in its great and sometimes

unsubstantiated ways, it provides comfort for people living with anxiety and depression. The concept of creating as therapy for mental wellness has gained traction for the past few years. I personally have seen the benefit of creative expression during one of our “A Night with the Makers” DIY abstract paint nights. Quite often, there are couples who come to the events, and one evening I noticed a husband’s reticence to take a palette knife and paint. I told him he didn’t have to paint, he could draw or simply sit there, chat, and enjoy his cheese and beverages. Slowly, he began fiddling with black paint as he engaged with the other makers. He got quiet as his attention zeroed in on what he was making, and every time I looked over he was smiling and looked genuinely happy with what he was creating. They were two of the last makers to leave the event that night, and, a few days later, his wife sent me a message thanking me. She shared how her husband recently had a difficult deployment and was struggling since arriving home. She believed that his time spent creating and focusing his attention on a positive experience (painting), helped lighten him. It’s clear that the act of creating is healing and beneficial to our mental wellness. I applaud anyone and everyone who is carving out time during these shorter, cooler days to engage in something creative. If you’ve always considered yourself a creative, it may look different this winter than it has in months or years past, but stay the course. Sink into the intuitive space of understanding that creativity—painting, writing, sewing, singing, dancing—is good for your whole self and no one ever regrets the time they spend caring for themselves.

www.SandandPineMag.com | 35

Parenting

IN THE

Pines

Hap-Hap-Happiest Time of the Year BY AMANDA ODEN

36 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

FOR MY FAMILY, the holidays start in September. The second the first apple orchard opens for the season, you better believe my kids will be there in matching flannel shirts and overalls. Is it usually still 90 degrees here in September? Yes. Do my kids even really like apples that much? No. Doesn’t matter. I am going to spend 75 bucks and we are going to sit on an itchy bale of hay directly behind an exhaust pipe while a rickety tractor drives us in a circle three miles an hour for what seems like an eternity, and we are going to have fun! Next up are the pumpkin patches and corn mazes. I’m really willing to pay extra if there’s some kind of pony ride or goat petting involved (which my husband especially loves because he’s usually in charge of shaking off everyone’s shoes before we all pile into the minivan). This is followed by Halloween costume-making and party throwing, and then turning our living room into a haunted house and trick-or-treating. Then there’s the visit to the Christmas tree farm (not to be confused with the annual Christmas tree lighting), the holiday light show, Santa visit, caroling and cookie decorating. Then all the parades. It’s kind of a lot. And I do it all with an intensity that my husband (sometimes endearingly and sometimes at the height of annoyance) refers to as Clark Griswold-esque. By the time the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, my children, husband and I are all ready to drop as well. There’s a brief respite until Galentine’s Day (yes, I even celebrate a completely made-up holiday) and then I’m back in action, going full force for Valentine’s Day and Easter. For some reason, ever since having kids, I have become bound and determined to make ALL the family memories, well, memorable. Even if it kills me. This past March though, everything, including all my meticulously planned

By the time the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, my children, husband and I are all ready to drop as well. There’s a brief respite until Galentine’s Day (yes, I even celebrate a completely made-up holiday) holiday events, came to a crashing halt. It seems silly in retrospect to cry over my children not getting to take part in an egg hunt during a global pandemic. But when I thought about the fact that this would be the first year I wouldn’t get a picture of my kids in their matching spring ensembles sitting on the Easter Bunny’s lap, cry I did. Probably my tears were more about the uncertainty and fear of what was going to happen, but the Easter Bunny was the trigger, without a doubt. We ended up doing a simple Easter celebration and meal at home, just the four of us. We didn’t host any extended family. No wrestling the kids into scratchy formal wear or waiting in a long line for a photo op that lasted all of 10 seconds. It was actually, kind of, dare I say, nice? My kids had a blast looking for eggs in the backyard, my husband was relieved he didn’t have to wear a tie or find a parking spot and I wasn’t running around frantically with a furrowed brow making sure everyone’s gingham outfits were ironed. That night we asked my 4-year-old daughter Bowie what her favorite part of the day was and she just kept raving about the $2 rabbitshaped butter sculpture I had grabbed at the grocery store because we were at the height of everyone’s panic shopping and they didn’t have any other butter. It really is the little things sometimes. We made the best of it and I simultaneously felt like the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who—having to be the one to, out of an abundance of caution, take away so many of the traditions we had become accustomed to, while

and then I’m back in action, going full force for Valentine’s Day and Easter.

also enjoying the genuine delight of a stripped-down, barebones holiday. Our fall season was very laid back as well. We went to one pumpkin patch and that was it. I bought a bag of apples at Harris Teeter instead of dragging everyone to an orchard, and we skipped trick-or-treating entirely and opted for popcorn and a Halloween Eve viewing of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Thanksgiving will be a Zoom party with family around the world and the Griswold-style Oden Family Christmas will be scaled down tremendously too. Don’t get me wrong, I miss my friends and extended family and crowds and hugs and sometimes even the itchy hay bales. I do not miss all the scheduling, ironing or the 14 trips to Old Navy to make sure everyone’s sweaters coordinate. My Instagram is definitely less aesthetically pleasing, but my brow is a lot less furrowed. My little family still somehow managed to make all the family memories just as memorable as ever, and all I really needed to be doing, the entire time, was just slow down and be present.

www.SandandPineMag.com | 37

Pet BRIANNA JOHNSON

Care C A R E D F O R C A N I N E & C AT

When you sell CBD products, it’s hard to not sound like a snake oil salesman. I’ve seen it advertised to treat, cure and prevent a laundry list of ailments and diseases. You can buy it pretty much anywhere now and it’s available in a variety of forms. Some people swear by it, others say it doesn’t work and some even want to ban it outright. I was hesitant to bring CBD oil into the store. Despite being a huge personal fan of it, I knew the amount of time I spent researching it, and couldn’t imagine trying to get all the necessary information across in the course of a 5-minute interaction with a customer. Even now, as I stare at the computer, I struggle with a “to the point” explanation. In the

My aging pooch is having arthritic pain. Should I try giving her CBD?

38 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

end, I figure the best way to explain it is to share some of the questions I’ve received from customers along with my answers. So, what is CBD? CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of the most prevalent cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant. Cannabinoids are compounds produced by the plant that have therapeutic effects. What do they do and how does it work? In the ’90s, scientists discovered the endocannabinoid system (ECS). All vertebrate animals (including humans) have an ECS that is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. It’s like the air traffic control center of the body. CBD interacts with receptors in the body, causing them to produce the natural endocannabinoids that keep our systems in check. Will it get Scruffy high? While CBD can promote a feeling of well-being, it will not get your pet high in the traditional Cheech and Chong sense. The ECS has two receptors; one is targeted by THC (the cannabinoid that gets you high) while the other is targeted by CBD. Since there is no THC in the majority of CBD oils (when it is present, it’s negligible in most products) there is no “high.”

How can CBD help my pet? CBD has shown to be helpful in alleviating seizures, pain, and general or occasional anxiety. I’ve also had customers tell me it seems to make their dogs more “spunky.” I think in the end, we will find out that CBD (along with other cannabinoids) does more to promote whole body health than we realize. What dose should I use? This is the trickiest part of the whole thing. There is no surefire method to dosing CBD—it’s something that you’ve got to experiment with a bit. My advice is always start low and go slow. If the recommended dose is 10 mg/ day, start with 5 mg. I also recommend “micro-dosing” or metering it out in smaller doses throughout the day to maintain a more consistent level. Are there any side effects? Lethargy and upset stomach are experienced most often, according to what I’ve been told. So where should I leave this? While I struggle with my snake oil salesman complex, I will also continue to sell and hopefully help educate people on the benefits of CBD. To start, however, always check with your veterinarian before giving your pet any type of supplement.

Be part of the solution. Companion Animal Clinic Foundation with the Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic of the Sandhills expands service in 2021! Appointments available at info@spayurpet.org.

Building renovations for safety of clients and staff (Covid-19 compliance)

Approaching 100,000 surgeries since 2008. Consider a gift to the Companion Animal Clinic Foundation www.companionanimalclinic.org info@companionanimalclinic.org 501c3#20-2886984 CACF, PO Box 148, Southern Pines, NC 28388

New veterinary management to continue offering low-cost surgery. Contact Erin Maurer at 910-725-8188 or manager @spayurpet.org. www.spayurpet.org for more information Like us on FB: facebook.com/ SandhillsSpayNeuterVeterinaryClinic

Your Community Solution to Animal Overpopulation www.SandandPineMag.com | 39

e Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fl Celebrity you would most like to have brunch with? Albert Einstein—I hear he was a hoot Best local spot (besides Drum & Quill) for a date night? Elliotts On Linden Favorite song to sing in the shower? Micheal Franti "I Know One Thing I Love You" The one book you wish everyone would read? Beginner's Guide to Zen Early bird or night owl? Both—sometimes go 24/7 Best local shop to 'treat yo self'? Gentlemen's Corner What was your favorite subject in school? History (Because it repeats itself) Best gift you ever received? Stepchildren (which was a scary nightmare at first) What one piece of advice would you give to your younger self? It’s never too late to do the right thing. (Nicholas Sparks) Most supportive person in your life? My family; and Mom and Dad still get me through each day, though they’ve passed Describe your personality in three words. Passionate, spontaneous, creative Do you have a hidden talent? Problem solving: I can somehow instantly create a simple solution to any complex problem—weird Name a place you have always wanted to travel. Monthlong walk of the "Camino de Santiago" between France and Spain

Kevin Drum Owner, Drum & Quill

HOME OWNERSHIP...

Pass It On! MARK AND KAREN CAULFIELD We are your home team and we know Moore.

THE HOME TEAM NC

CALL 910.684.3339 TheHomeTeamNC@homescba.com

weknowmoorenc.com

www.SandandPineMag.com | 41

DIY

By PATTI RANCK, Indigo Earth Creative

MidMod Sputnik

n keeping with the recent resurgence of all things midcentury modern, I thought it would be fun to add a little retro touch to your New Year’s Eve festivities. It’s just such a happy-looking style! No matter what else is going on in the world (I’m looking at you, COVID) or how large or small our

celebrations, I feel like we need to truly make extra effort to lighten things up and make as positive an atmosphere as possible. It has been proven that a happy, bright space can actually help lift our moods. It’s the little things, people. So let’s make a party room with a shiny MidMod Sputnik mobile that makes everyone smile. I chose gold, but the color doesn’t necessarily have to coordinate. As with all DIY projects, freedom of choice is totally yours. (Note: Many folks like to use spray paint for projects like these, which of course is an option and will make the job a bit quicker, however I have a slight aversion to the possible toxicity of the fumes so I paint with a brush and typically low-no VOC paints.)

The Stuff •

Styrofoam (or other plastic foam) ball for the center. I used a 3-inch diameter ball. Size can vary, as long as it̓s large enough to accommodate the number of skewers you plan on using. Tip No. 1 – Do not use the very smooth, lightweight type of plastic foam, it

• Mini ornaments. Repurpose any surplus ornaments you may have from previous years. #reuserepurpose I went with a pink/ metallics theme. For some reason, I have an overwhelming amount of different shades of pink ornaments. I must be in a pink phase, ya know, kinda like Picasso’s blue period. Feel free to mix up your color scheme depending on your décor; something that matches your holiday theme; an awesome, traditional mid-century modern color scheme or your whim of the moment. • Monofilament, aka fishing line. Twine would work too, but the fishing line just gives a cleaner look, more in keeping with the overall style, and it really is quite inexpensive. You can pick it up at WallyWorld, where they sell fishing gear. • Metal eyelet hook. Again, purchase cheaply from Walmart or any hardware or home improvement store. will not hold the skewers or glue as well as the textured kind. (It comes in white or a light green—either of those will work.) •

Bamboo skewers (the kind you use for your BBQ shish-kebab); I recommend 12–16 for this project, but go ahead and use fewer if you prefer.

•

Water-based paint and small paint brush.

42 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

•

Scissors

•

Ruler

•

Pencil

•

Mini hot glue gun/low temp. Available for a couple bucks at any craft store. Tip No. 2 – Be sure to use a low-temperature glue gun. This is important, as plastic foam melts easily.

The Doing 1. Start by measuring, marking and cutting your skewers. (Yup, a good pair of scissors can cut through the bamboo skewers). Tip No. 3 – It is recommended to cut the skewers to varying lengths in the style of a true Sputnik design. Two (but no more than three) different lengths are enough for design purposes. 2. Paint the plastic foam ball and the skewers. 3. To attach the eyelet, use the pointed side of one of the skewers, make a starter hole, add a drop of hot glue and then push the screw eye in, holding until the glue hardens to be sure it is firmly in place. Tip No. 4 – Don’t burn your fingers. Nothing wrong with a little safety reminder. 4. Use the same process for inserting the skewers: create a starter hole, shoot some hot glue into the hole and push the dowels in deep enough to hold securely. Alternate the different lengths fairly evenly around the plastic foam ball. Quickly wipe away any dripping glue with a damp paper towel. But if it happens to dry, no worries, you can usually snip it off without damaging anything. Since the glue dries clear, chances are, once you hang it, no one will notice anyway. 5. Add a bit of glue to each of the ornament’s caps (at the top, where the hole is for the hook) and insert the end of each skewer. You may have to add an additional drop or two of glue after the skewer is inserted for extra stability. 6. Loop one end of the fishing line through the screw eye at the top of the mobile and cut to desired hanging length. (Length will be dictated by the area you are hanging your piece, taking into account overall space, ceiling height, table height (if hung over a table), etc. 7. Boom! Done.

This is so incredibly simple and a good decorating bang for the buck. It is also super versatile—think how adorable this would be as a baby’s room mobile or over a little nook in your home where there is not enough light for a hanging plant. This would fill the

space perfectly! But for me, it will be the centerpiece of my celebration décor. Wishing you all peace, love and happiness in 2021!

www.SandandPineMag.com | 43

Hangin' Out

(so we're droppin' in)

Southern Pines

Brewing Company

11.14.20

Southern Pines

Pinehurst

Brewing Company

11.15.20

Pinehurst

44 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November December 2020/January 2020 2021

Aberdeen Rooster's Wife 115 N Poplar St.

•

Live

• Porch Light Apothecary Jan. 31, Jefferson Inn, Southern Pines

Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:46 p.m., $15–$20 Jonathan Byrd & The Pickup Cowboys

•

Sunday, Dec. 8, 6:46 p.m., $15–$20 Keenan McKenzie and The Riffers

Thursday, Dec. 12, 6:46 p.m., $20–$25 Holiday Cheer with Newberry and Verch Sunday, Dec. 15, 6:46 p.m., $15–$20 A Holiday Spectacular with Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters

Southern Pines Bell Tree Tavern 155 NE Broad St. Every Friday & Saturday, Free, Live music

Carthage Maness Pottery and Music Barn 24 / 27, 6 miles west of Carthage

Jefferson Inn 150 W New Hampshire Ave., All shows are free Friday, Dec. 6, 9 p.m. Tony Barnes

Friday, Dec. 27, 9 p.m. Brittany Davis

Friday, Jan. 17, 9 p.m. Jill Charles

Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 p.m. Paula Carlson

Saturday, Dec. 28, 9 p.m. Jason Adamo

Saturday, Jan. 18, 9 p.m. Tony Barnes

Friday, Dec. 13, 9 p.m. Dylan Branson

Friday, Jan. 3, 9 p.m. Tony Barnes

Friday, Jan. 24, 9 p.m. Shannon Carman

2 Market Square

Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 p.m. Two Stories Wide

Saturday, Jan. 4, 9 p.m. Two Stories Wide

Saturday, Jan. 25, 9 p.m. Two Stories Wide

Every Thursday, 8:30 p.m., Free Karaoke with Mr. Bill

Friday, Dec. 20, 9 p.m. Reuben Kennedy

Friday, Jan. 10, 9 p.m. TR Cogburn

Friday, Jan. 31, 9 p.m. Porch Light Apothecary

Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 p.m. Paula Carlson

Saturday, Jan 11, 9 p.m. Jason Adamo

Every Tuesday, 6 p.m., Free Live bluegrass, country and gospel music

Pinehurst Dugan’s Pub

Every Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m., Free Live music

•

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St.

•

Saturday, Dec. 21, 2:30 p.m., $20–$25 Murphy Family Christmas

•

Wine Cellar 241 NE Broad St. Friday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m., Free Jonathan Robinson

Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m., Free The Shoppe Girls

Saturday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Free Noah Proudfoot

Saturday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m., Free Momma Molasses

Friday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Free Ron & Tim

Friday, Dec. 27, 7 p.m., Free Scott Grote

Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Free Tim Wilson Photograph by Mollie Tobias

All dates and times subject to change. Check directly with event organizers before making plans. Photographs courtesy of the artists unless noted

www.SandandPineMag.com www.SandandPineMag.com| 45 | 45

Puzzles

THE FIVE SENSES

DIFFICULT

Place numbers into the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains each of the digits 1 to 9. No guessing is needed. EASY

IT'S DEFINITELY NOT THE BEATLES

Across 1. Venomous lizard 5. Diving bird 8. Skinny 12. Toward the mouth 13. Brassiere 14. U.S. divorce city 15. English monk 16. Prefix, one 17. Kiln for drying hops 18. Flower part 20. Recreational activity 22. Prefix, three 23. Extrasensory perception 24. Poisonous effluvia 27. Ascending 31. Doctrine 32. Coral island 33. Fencing sword 37. Mucus 40. Not 41. Exclamation of surprise 42. Zodiac sign

44. Chimney emission 47. Bindi-eye prickle 48. - Vegas, U.S. gambling city 50. Story 52. Hautboy 53. Carp-like fish 54. Squalid city area 55. Nurse 56. Donkey 57. Long fish Down 1. Sailor 2. Angers 3. Burden 4. Skilled people 5. Loss of volition 6. Vase 7. German emperor 8. Bodies of soldiers 9. Perceive sound 10. Current month 11. Negating word 19. Limb

21. Pressure symbol 24. Russian community 25. Mount - , N.W. Qld. mining town 26. Electrical unit 28. Freeze 29. Henpeck 30. Gymnasium 34. Innate 35. Otic organ 36. Objects from everyday life 37. Overtakes 38. Overact 39. Fourth highest peak in the world 42. Lubricate 43. Press clothes 45. Cabbagelike plant 46. 12th month of the Jewish calendar 47. Fly larva 49. Commercials 51. Printer's measures

Ladderword puzzles are like crosswords but with a twist. The words in the middle column are anagrams of the words of the first column. The words in the last column are anagrams of the middle column plus one additional letter. The anchor words (the down clues) are related by a common theme. Across 1. Abstract beings 3. Indigene 5. Country in SE Asia 6. 3 Municipal land taxes 7. Irony 8. U.S. dancer and actor

9. Glue 10. Prattles 11. Ensnares 12. Hits or punches (Colloq) 13. Incomplete rainbow 14. Drenching 15. Go in 16. More taut

17. Oriental Down 2. Infectious agent 4. A craze

46 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

Puzzle answers found on SandandPineMag.com

Protecting homes & families since 1960

Termite Control Household Pest Control Yard Treatments Flea & Tick Control 214 N. Poplar St • Aberdeen Art Parker, Owner NC License #277PW

Rehearsal Dinners | Receptions | Special Events

• SINCE 1960 •

MOORE COUNTY

FREE INSPECTIONS

• FREE ESTIMATES

• SERVICE & OWNERSHIP •

3 GENERATIONS STRONG

Call 910.585.4820 for rental information www.GivenBookShop.org

Member American Mosquito Control Association

aparker@nc.rr.com

CALL TODAY...

944.2474 www.SandandPineMag.com | 47

Last Word

48 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE December 2020/January 2021

Veterinary Physiotherapy ... Veterinary physiotherapy is the use of therapeutic exercise to improve muscle strength and stamina, additionally it

increases body awareness and flexibility. Physiotherapy helps pets regain strength that may have been lost due to an injury, surgery, or just the normal disuse changes that happen with aging. Through the use of a variety of exercise

equipment, we can engage targeted muscle groups to build strength and improve joint range of motion to help pets stay mobile longer. . -Dana A Vamvakias, DVM, CCRT, cVMA, CAC

OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY, 8:00AM - 5:00PM 1995 JUNIPER LAKE ROAD, WEST END

910.420.2902

VANGUARDVETHOSPITAL.COM

Photo: Jennifer B. Photography

120 West Main Street, Aberdeen, NC 28315 | 910.944.1071 | www.JackHadden.com