Yadkin Valley Living March-April 15

I N C L U D I N G T H E G R E AT TA S T E S O F

foodsand flavors

yadkinvalleyliving.com

Music Home & Garden Easter HAM

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March/April 2015

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Managing Your Prescriptions Each Month Can Be A Headache Are you tired of • Making multiple trips to the pharmacy • Running out of medication • Waiting for refills from the doctor’s office

Introducing...

We accept all major insurance and Medicare Part D Plans

6715 Shallowford Road Lewisville, NC

(336) 946-0220 www.lewisvilledrug.com STORE HOURS: Monday - Friday 9AM - 6PM In A Hurry–Use Our Convenient Drive-Thru Window Saturday 9AM - Noon Sunday CLOSED

Serving Lewisville, Yadkinville, East Bend and the surrounding area 4

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Terra Cotta Potta Air Freshener System We have had so many requests over the years for us to produce an air freshener from all of our wonderful customers favorite fragrances.

We have investigated many and finally stumbled upon the

Mother's Day is just around the Corner!

Give MOM what she wants.

An amazing tart warmer from Soyworx with her favorite fragranced tarts!

Perfect for Mother’s Day Wooden Roses—scented with your favorite Soyworx fragrance.

Available at our Jonesville store.

$5.00 OFF

Terra Cotta Potta Air Freshener System.

These little pots are about the same size as the regular paper air freshener (1.5” wide x 2.75” tall) so obstruction of view is no more than with the traditional air freshener.

But the greater thing is you control how much fragrance and how often you refresh. In our initial tests we used Kelly’s favorite – Vanilla Overdose – only 5 drops and the fragrance was the same the first 5 days – then 2 weeks later when you hopped in the car you could still smell it but it was definitely weaker.

So if you buy a bottle of oil and it has an estimated 200 drops in it that equates to 40 refills. If you refill every week with 5 drops that will last you 40 weeks. But if you wait for 2 weeks it will last you over a year. NO other air freshener on the market is gonna last you 10 months for $9.99! ($4.99 for the oil & $4.99 for the Terra Cotta Potta).

Plus – in genuine Soyworx fashion – it’s another way of being Green.

We now carry Greenwich Bay Trading Company soaps North Carolina Made in Raleigh!

ANY Electric Tart Warmer During the Month of March ONLINE COUPON CODE YVL5OFF ®

offer ends 3/31/15

There’s Something Green in There ®

25% OFF Your ENTIRE ORDER During the Month of April ONLINE COUPON CODE YVL425OFF ®

offer ends 4/30/15

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1821 Highway 67 Jonesville Just off I-77 at Exit 82 • 336-835-1220 just east of Cracker Barrel, directly across from 67 Hardware Friday & Saturday 11am to 6pm

Order 24/7 at soyworx.com • Local orders delivered FREE! M a rc h / A p ri l 2 01 5

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contents foodsandflavors™ 14 Carmen’s Coffee Cakes 18 Hot Cross Buns 20 Lara’s Spring Dinner Menu 26 Ham 34 Chef Robert’s Tips on Butter 37 Wineguy: Q & A 38 Wine Cook: Wine, Herbs & Cheese 40 Best YV Cooks: Microwave Chili 42 Entrepreneur Praline Maker 45 Cookbook Collector: Baltimore Church Yadkin Valley Gardening

46 Rotate that Garden!

48 Honey Bees are at Risk 50 Raising Worms 50 Carolina Allspice 54 Free Garden Classes Photographer Debbie Brown captures the new growth of Spring, just beyond a decades old farm fence.

Exciting New Spring Releases!

Available at

B&L Custom Jewelers 401 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC www.mtairyjewelers.com • 336-786-1100 Open Tuesday–Saturday

Come into the store to see our fabulous Mother’s Day Special!

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Join us in supporting‌

and

Coming to a community near you June 13 - June 20, 2015 IMPACT YADKIN is a collaboration of volunteers from several different churches whose mission is to share the message of Jesus Christ and His love with the people of Yadkin County. In addition to reaching out in the community, IMPACT desires to see students and adults grow in their relationship with Christ through nightly worship, Bible study, missions, ministry and outreach.

Supported by several area churches of different denominations, the event transpires during one week: June 13 through 20.

The primary area of mission work is to provide home repairs to those in need. Eligible home repair projects are identified through an application process with the aid of the local churches, Yadkin County Department of Social Services, Aging Planning and YVEDDI.

Pastor Chris Hauser says the event has 800 student and adult construction volunteers and is in hopes of not only completing 100 projects but conducting two more Party in the Park locations making a total of seven for the 2015 event. Party in the Park is similar to backyard Vacation Bible School. "We hope to host over 500 children, grades 1 through 6 for five days, through this ministry," says Chris.

Each evening a worship and praise service will be held at Forbush High School Gymnasium at 7:00p. The service is open to the public and everyone is invited. The worship music will be lead by the Praise and Worship Team from Liberty University and the worship message will be delivered by Eric Fuller, Student Evangelist from Texas.

IMPACT needs construction jobs for those individuals in need as well as

prayer leaders, monetary and material donations, construction volunteer workers, construction crew chiefs and crew encouragers, Evangelism volunteers, facility clean-up volunteers, food providers, final event volunteers, Party in the Park volunteers, photo/video team volunteers and water team volunteers. A day care will be operated for the volunteers.

Would you like to help?

Contact either Chris Hauser, Associate and Youth Pastor, South Oak Ridge Baptist Church at 336-469-2758 and at chrishauser@southoakridge.org or Brent Winslow, Student Pastor, Union Grove Baptist Church at 336-469-3883 and ugbcyouth@yadtel.net

We encourage you to support your local charities and the good works they do.

We’re helping the environment by recycling wrecked vehicles.

www.LewisvilleMotorCompany.com

5600 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 336-765-2362 Monday - Friday 8 - 5 M a rc h / A p ri l 2 01 5

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yadkin valley homestyles

for Mother’s Day Van Hoy Jewelers

(336) 835-3600 111 East Main St., Elkin

HIGHEST PRICES PAID For Your Old Gold, Class Rings, Jewelry & Silver Coins

Van Hoy Jewelers 111 East Main Street, Elkin (336) 835-3600 Open Monday–Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-3

56 Kid Crafting Using Egg Shells 62 caring hearts: Ebenezer 65 Spring Reads for Kids 68 Fun with Kids 70 Music in the Yadkin Valley 71 Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention 73 George Smith 74 MerleFest 75 Jody Call 77 Jordan Nance 76 Robert Steelman 78 WAFS Scholarship Winners 80 Gary Groce Memorial Scholarship 81 Giving The Art of Music for Kids

Healthy Life 84 Fight Cancer with Legumes 86 Spring Fitness 88 Prescription Drug Abuse 90 Earth Day & Your Health 92 Dementia 93 A Diabetic Meal for Spring

94 Know Your Pet Foods

96 off the bookshelf : Shake 97 Are Goats for You? 97 Comedy Pet Theater 98 HSDC Happy Tails in every issue...

During March & April Vintage & Collectible Glassware

50% OFF price marked

332 West Main Street, East Bend (336) 699-2446 jtenorman.com 8

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offer ends 4/30/15

Thursday-Friday 12 -6 Saturday 10-6 Sunday 1-5

10 editor’s letter 14 beginnings 64 off the bookshelf 40 Cookbook Collector 50 fun with kids 100 Collections 102 What Is That?

104 Business Section Services/Resources 106planner 112 Advertisers’ Resource List 113 Sandra’s closing devotion ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

615 Cherry Street • North Wilkesboro 336.838.7177 Open Wednesday-Friday 10-5:30 • Saturday 10-2

We Have New & Consigned Items accepting consignments by appointment

New Arrivals Daily! Jewelry & Handbags, Men’s, Women’s & Children’s Apparel, Shoes and Home Decor

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just a note from Yadkin Valley Living Magazine is a publication of Creekside Communications, Inc. Post Office Box 627 East Bend, NC 27018

It's spring again and there is music in the Valley...time for the strings to play!

It's interesting when meeting Yadkin Valley musicians to learn they grew up in musical families and taught themselves to play by watching and listening. Enjoy reading about musicians and an icon bluegrass radio station fan.

Love to see my days get longer. You know, Mother Nature is good to the Yadkin Valley—just ask visitors and note how many of those folks appreciate what we have in our own backyards. Truly not wishing time away, I'm looking forward to warmer days coming along with bare tree branches filling out in what seems like overnight and the first jonquils heads bobbling in the breeze.

What about worms—how important are they to us? Edible gardens require "crop" rotation just as a multi-acre field—we've got some tips to help. Nothing smells as sweet as Carolina Allspice and should we worry about our honey bees?

With an Easter/spring vacation coming up, we'll help you keep your kids happy enjoying crafts and reading some books that will become instant favorites for rereads.

Bob Timberlake and Mark Erwin have created a new book, HEADED HOME, Providences of Laughter, Love, and Joy. “Turn a house into a home a meal into a feast, a memory into a painting, a stranger into a friend.”

—Bob Timberlake

March/April 2015 Volume 15 Number 4 Publisher/ Editor Barbara Krenzer Norman Advertising Sales John Norman Ken Knight Contributing Writers Mary Bohlen, Robin Brock, D.V.M., Chris Burcaw, Miranda Burgin, Heather Cain, Eunice Call, Colleen Church, Caroline Donalson, Ann Gauthreaux, Wendi Hartup, Ruth Henderson, R. Bruce Heye, Ginger K. King, Lora Landwehrmann, Carmen Long, Cindy Martin, Sandra Miller, Judy Mitchell, Derek Morris, Robert Penry, Tavi Petree, Lara Stone Potts, June Rollins, Phil Rucker, Vivian Seal, Eva Tomko, Jessica Owens Wall, Marilyn C. Wells.

Photographs & Photographers

While thinking about Easter, it’s an opportunity for a dinner gathering—the preferred holiday meat is ham; we have coffee cake recipes, the scoop on butter, another new church cookbook for the collector, wine and food pairings, a Yadkin Valley Best Cook’s Microwave White Chili and more in foodsandflavors.

Legumes, especially cannellini beans, are so good to help you fight the risk of cancer. Partner with Earth Day to welcome the season and work for good body and mind health and wellbeing.

Gosh, another birthday—I look at the smiling, gray face of our "security" dog and three aged rescue cats...all of them requiring senior food now. The dog's human is John. His canine smarts tell him John and I are a package deal so he allows us both to live with him. The felines are mine—one boy is a talker who likes to sleep wrapped around someone's neck; tho shy, the little girl purrs all the time and is a snuggler; the long haired tuxedo dude is a coyote survivor who has more than used his nine lives! If you have pets, you will find Dr. Brock's article on dog food more than interesting, so beware. And if worms don’t interest you, you might want a pet goat! Shake is a fantastic new book for dog lovers you won’t want to miss...you’ll find it in all about Pets.

PS Do you know what Sweet Bubby is?

B.

On the cover: What could be better than tender, juicy delicious ham (with pineapple rings) for Easter lunch.

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John & Barbara Norman, June Rollins, Miranda Burgin, Mary Bohlen, Eunice Call, Cindy Martin, NC Egg Association, Tavi Petree, Debbie Brown Distribution Ken Knight yadkinvalleyliving.com Leading Edge Web Design To inquire about advertising in Yadkin Valley Living Magazine (336) 961-3407 (866) 280-4664 advertising@yadkinvalleyliving.com Yadkin Valley Living assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Entire contents copyright © 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction of our created advertising materials and design work are strictly prohibited. Yadkin Valley Living is a trademark of Creekside Communications, Inc. of 1038 Ridgewood Trail, East Bend, North Carolina 27018. Proudly printed in the USA. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in Yadkin Valley Living. We assume no responsibility for changes in schedules, prices, hours or information. Before traveling long distances, it is always wise to use the contact numbers included in the magazine to confirm that the events you wish to enjoy are still on schedule.

The contents of advertising and articles do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

TERMITE • PEST CONTROL AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT “be welcome, be family, be at home”™ is published bimonthly

Rid Your Home of Bugs Today!

STORY IDEAS. At Yadkin Valley Living Magazine we value the concerns, ideas and interests of our readers. We welcome all story ideas and suggestions, always keeping an open file and working them in when possible.

All story ideas should be submitted by mail to: Post Office Box 627, East Bend, NC 27018.

PLANNER. Please submit information regarding fundraisers, gallery show openings, plays, readings, concerts or other performances at least two months in advance of an issue’s cover date.

DISTRIBUTION. YVLM is available free at locations throughout the Yadkin Valley.

You will find a highlight listing of pick-up locations on our web site at wwwyadkinvalleyliving.com.

Not all locations will always have copies in stock.

ADVERTISING. We view our advertisers as people providing a service who are genuinely interested in their customers.

These businesses make it possible for you to enjoy the magazine for free.

We hope that you’ll make them your first choice when you need the products and services they offer. Be sure to share that you read about them in Yadkin Valley Living Magazine.

For advertising information, please call toll free at 1-866-280-4664.

Information about advertising is also available at: yadkinvalleyliving.com/advertising Health and educational articles included in Yadkin Valley Living Magazine are for education purposes only. Be sure to consult your personal physician before you begin any diet, medicine or course of treatment.

LOCALLY OWNED and OPERATED • MOISTURE CONTROL • AUTOMATIC FOUNDATION VENTS • INSPECTION REPORT FOR BUYING, SELLING OR REFINANCING • OUR TECHNICIANS ARE FULLY REGISTERED • ASK ABOUT OUR SENIOR CITIZENS & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS

ANTS • BEES • RATS • MICE • COCKROACHES

336-984-2233 Wilkes 336-526-6111 Elkin 336-468-8011 Yadkinville 336-751-5720 Davie 336-372-8012 Sparta 1-800-682-5901 Toll Free

Same-Day, Weekend & Evening Service Available Trusted, Effective Pest Control Since 1973

WWW.RIDABUGINC.COM WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHARGE FOR SERVICE CALLS

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beginning s with June Rollins

Visit June’s website www.junerollins.com

Surprised

By Beauty

When I took this photo of Lenten Roses last Spring, I’d like to tell you I was reflectively, meandering with my camera seeking and receiving nature’s gifts.

Something that has always renewed and restored my spirit at a deep, core level. But, I wasn’t.

I was rushing around, my mind racing ahead of me, already on the next task at hand. It was more of a yearning tug than a low lying blur of magenta that made me stop.

I hesitated, debating. Did I have time to take a closer look?

The tug was beseeching, compelling me to turn around and go back.

I knelt down and was immediately taken in.

Surprised by a familiar infusing feeling of connection.

I’ve always thought Lenten Roses to be a little shy. Heads down as if concealing their beauty. While I didn’t have my camera, I did have my iPhone. This photo attempts to share the feeling of awe I experienced.

Entering into this season, I want to pause, reflect and breathe in nature’s beauty awakening all around me. I want to stop, turn around, go back and be surprised.

Wishing all a Spring to remember.

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Call or visit today.

Frank H. Beals Financial Advisor 965 North Bridge Street Elkin, NC 28621 336-835-4411 frank.beals@edwardjones.com

Paul J. Bunke, Sr., AAMS Financial Advisor 124 W. Kapp Street, Suite C PO Box 407 Dobson, NC 27017 336-386-0846 paul.bunke@edwardjones.com

Deanna S. Chilton Financial Advisor

When it comes to meeting your financial goals, you really only need to see one person. At Edward Jones, we strive to meet all your financial services while providing exceptional personalized service.

Because we serve individual investors and business owners, all of our energy and resources are dedicated to helping you reach your long-term financial goals. That’s why we live and work in the community. We meet with you face to face to discuss the key steps to creating your financial strategy.

You talk, we listen and get to know you.

Estate Considerations

Fixed Income Investments

Business Retirement Plans

Education Savings Strategies

Individual Retirement Accounts Retirement Plan Rollovers and Consolidation

Insurance Annuities

For more information or to schedule a complimentary financial review, call or stop by today. www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

104 Heatherly Creek Drive Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 336-368-2575 deanna.chilton@edwardjones.com

Dale Draughn Financial Advisor 697 West Pine Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-0136 dale.draughn@edwardjones.com

Doug Draughn, AAMS, CFP Financial Advisor 697 West Pine Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-1707 doug.draughn@edwardjones.com

Christopher L. Funk Financial Advisor 128 South State Street PO Box 790 Yadkinville, NC 27055 336-679-2192 chris.funk@edwardjones.com

Tammy H. Joyce, AAMS Financial Advisor 136 W. Lebanon Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-783-0452 tammy.joyce@edwardjones.com

Barry Revis Financial Advisor 1810 North Bridge Street, Suite 101 Elkin, NC 28621 336-835-1124 barry.revis@edwardjones.com

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foodsandflavors / Carmen Long ™

Celebrate

National Coffee Cake Day!

Carmen Long Family and Consumer Agent N.C. Cooperative Extension Surry County Center I am not a coffee lover, but coffee cake is another story. With Easter and Mother’s Day, spring brings perfect opportunities to enjoy a special breakfast or brunch with family and friends.

Coffee cake is a favorite item on my morning menu or any other time throughout the day when I need a sweet treat.

Coffee cakes are not a fancy decorated cake. They may have glaze or a small amount of icing, but are often just plain or topped with a cinnamon mixture. Coffee cakes are meant to be accompanied by a cup of coffee, or in my case a cup of hot tea or a glass of milk, but don’t actually have coffee in them. Served warm or at room temperature, with so many different varieties of coffee cakes, there is sure to be one which fits your taste preferences.

One of our traditional family favorites is a cinnamon flavored coffee cake with a crumb topping. I typically make this in a square pan, but have used my Grandmother’s old heart shaped pan for a special Valentine’s treat. This cake goes together quickly, 14

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but to speed up the process even more, do some prep work ahead of time.

Measure and mix the flour, baking powder and salt together the night before. Go ahead and put your brown sugar, flour and cinnamon in another bowl so it is ready to just add the melted margarine to make the crumb mixture the next morning before baking.

To measure flour and other similar dry ingredients, use a wire whisk and stir the ingredients in the container before measuring. Take a table spoon and gently spoon the ingredient into a measuring cup made for dry ingredients.

These measuring cups have a completely flat top surface. Run the straight edge of a table knife across the cup to level off the extra ingredients.

Often when children participate in 4-H cooking classes, they will take the measuring cup and scoop it into the flour container and use a spoon to pack the flour down to make it level. We like to do measuring experiments and empty the cup of flour measured this way into a separate bowl and then spoon the flour gently back into the measuring cup. There may be as much as an extra 1/3 cup of flour when it is measured this way.

What happens to your cake when you add that much extra flour? It is going to be dense, heavy, and dry and not near as tasty as it would be if the

ingredients were measured correctly.

Fruit or nuts are often added to basic coffee cake recipes for a variation. The BLUEBERRY COFFEE CAKE recipe is a new family favorite. Made with lower fat ingredients, such as yogurt to replace some of the oil or two egg whites instead of one whole egg, this cake is delicious and lower in fat and calories compared to traditional recipes.

When measuring milk, oil, yogurt, or other wet ingredients use a liquid measuring cup. Some extra headspace above the measuring line and a spout to pour from makes accurate measurement much easier than trying to measure liquids in a dry measuring cup where it has to be filled to the very top of the cup.

Danish coffee cakes are another variety of breakfast cakes. For a delicious, quick and easy version, use reduced-fat crescent rolls for your crust with a lowfat cream cheese filling. This recipe is one my husband Brent and daughter Kelsey enjoy on special occasions. The leftover CHEESE DANISH needs to be stored in the refrigerator.

Coffee cakes can make any day feel like a special day. April 7th is National Coffee Cake day. Pick one of your favorite recipes or try a new one.

Make a delicious treat and celebrate on April 7th or any other day of the year with coffee cake.

Cheese Danish 2 pkg canned crescent rolls (I use the ½ t lemon juice reduced-fat variety) ½ t vanilla 1 - 8 oz and 1 - 3 oz low-fat cream 1 egg or 2 egg whites cheese, softened Extra sugar for sprinkling ¾ c sugar Grease a 9x13-inch pan. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and egg until smooth. Spread 1 package of rolls onto the bottom of the pan, pinching together all of the seams. Spread cheese mixture evenly over the top of the rolls. Top with second package of rolls and sprinkle with extra sugar. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes until lightly browned.

The Place Where Great Cooking Begins!

302 East Main St.,

Historic Elkin At the intersection of Main St. and Standard St.,

(336) 835-1426 Open Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm

www.yvgeneralstore.com

The area’s most complete

Pennsylvania Dutch Bulk Food Store,

Yadkin Valley General Store We accept EBT and all major credit cards.

We buy in bulk and divide them into smaller quantities, so you can take advantage of lower prices and still purchase the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.

We have a huge selection of: Raw Sugar Wheat Bran Spelt Flour Quinoa

Steel-Cut Oats Buckwheat Flour Oat Bran Millet

Special Prices on our DAILY SAMPLE ITEMS Enjoy a Taste Test and Save!

We offer a HUGE choice of spices, hard-to-find baking ingredients, muffin mixes, snacks and old-fashion candy.

Whole Wheat Pastas

Yadkin Valley General Store has great specialty cheeses and gourmet crackers to go with your delicious Yadkin Valley wine purchase.

We have a great variety of snacks, including sesame sticks, gourmet pretzels, trail mixes, old-fashion candy and much, much more.

No-Knead (Pour & Bake) Bread 1 2/3 cups warm (110F) milk (cow, rice, soy) 1 whole egg plus enough egg whites to make 3/4 cup of eggs total 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil 1 Tbsp. honey

3/4 tsp. Sea salt 1 packet of yeast (2 1/4 tsp) 1 tsp cider vinegar 4 cups sifted gluten-free flour

PLACE flour in large bowl of heavy-duty tabletop mixer. Add yeast to warm milk in separate bowl. Let foam for 5 minutes. ADD eggs, melted butter or oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and yeast-milk mixture to flour. MIX with regular beaters (not dough hook) at medium speed for 3 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl with spatula as necessary. Place dough in greased 9”x5” nonstick bread pan. Smooth top of dough with wet spatula. COVER with oiled aluminum foil or plastic wrap and let rise in warm (75-80F) place until dough is level with top of pan (approximately 25-35 minutes). Remove cover. BAKE at 375F for 60-65 minutes (do not under bake).

Cover with foil after 10 minutes to prevent over browning. To test for doneness, tap loaf with fingernail. A crisp, hard sound indicates a properly baked loaf. Turn loaf out on to wire rack and cool thoroughly before slicing.

We stock Granny Roselli’s Original Italian Dressing & Spaghetti Sauce!

Stock up for the upcoming canning season.

We carry Mrs. Wages Mixes for fool-proof canning!

Birthday, anniversary, special occasion…We’ll be happy to prepare and decorate a gift basket for you!

Try this customer favorite... that can be prepared with the fresh, wholesome goodness of products from Yadkin Valley General Store!

Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount on your purchase of the ingredients used in this issue’s recipe.

Be sure to see the area’s largest selection of Gluten Free Foods Featuring: C.C. Dolch Bakery Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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You’ll find a complete version of March/April issue on-line at: yadkinvalleyliving.com

The digital edition is brought to you by

ViennaVillage.com

Blueberry Coffee Cake Combine the dry ingredients the night before for a quick morning start.

Serve this cake warm or at room temperature.

1 large egg ½ c fat-free milk ½ c plain fat-free yogurt 3 T vegetable oil 2 c all-purpose flour ½ c granulated sugar 4 t baking powder ½ t salt 1 ½ c frozen blueberries 1 T all-purpose flour 2 T light brown sugar 2 T sliced almonds ¼ t ground cinnamon Preheat oven to 400°F. Whisk together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl.

Sift together flour and next 3 ingredients in another bowl. Stir flour mixture into egg mixture just until dry ingredients are moistened. Toss 1 ¼ cups blueberries in 1 tablespoon flour (A dash of flour will help blueberries defy gravity for the very simple reason flour makes them stick to the batter and stay put.

Just toss blueberries with a tablespoon of flour before folding in. But use flour from the recipe—don't add extra; that will keep your ingredient ratios even; fold into batter. Pour into a lightly greased 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup blueberries. Stir together 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, sliced almonds, cinnamon; sprinkle over batter. Bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes; remove sides of pan. Makes 10 servings.

Scenic Outlet Hwy 89 between I-77 and I-74

113 Scenic Outlet Lane, Mount Airy (336) 352-4500 Monday–Saturday 9-5

Spring Dresses More Than 1,000 In-Stock To Choose From!

Family Owned and Operated, Serving Your Family Since 1980 16

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Cinnamon Coffee Cake ¾ c sugar ¼ c margarine 1 egg or 2 egg whites ½ c milk 1 ½ c flour 2 t baking powder ½ t salt ½ c brown sugar 2 T flour 2 T cinnamon 2 T melted margarine Mix together sugar, margarine, egg until well blended. Stir in milk. In a small bowl, stir together with a fork or wisk flour, baking powder and salt.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir together. Make a crumb mixture from the last four ingredients. Spread ½ of the batter in an 8-inch greased square pan.

Top with ½ of the crumb mixture; repeat layers. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm or cold.

Guide to Symbols

c = cup t = teaspoon T = tablespoon lb = pound

pkg = package oz = ounce qt = quart

Discover one-of-a-kind handcrafted furniture at: www.woodgenius.com

Every corner is filled with Spring

Scenic Gifts

Highway 89 between I-74 and I-77

Mount Airy, NC • 336-352-4098 Monday–Saturday 9-5 • Drop-ship Available

Always Making our FRESH, RICH, DELICIOUS FUDGE Discover great gifts & one-of-a-kind handcrafted furniture at: www.scenicgiftsmtairy.com ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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Hot Cross Buns for Easter photo & story by Mary Bohlen As a child I remember picking out Hot Cross Buns on my teacher's classroom piano using just three keys. I was so proud to be able the sing the rhyme as I played, yet I never knew the meaning of the little ditty until many years later.Delving into food history has become one of my culinary interests.

Hot Cross Buns are a soft, plump, spicy and fruit filled yeast cake of English origin and traditionally eaten on the Friday before Easter. They were often eaten with butter and a steaming cup of tea for breakfast.

The first written reference to these delicious buns is noted in Poor Robin's Almanack printed in 1733. “Good Friday comes this month, the old woman runs with one or two a penny hot cross buns.”

In days of old these delicious treats were sold on the streets of London announced by street-criers. The round bun marked with a cross on top was sold for a ha' penny. The children's rhyme said “one ha' penny, two ha' pennies.” My interpretation of that is one bun for a half penny and two buns of 18

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two half pennies. No other explanation have I found.

Regulations for selling was monitored by the London Clerk of the Market. It is said during Tudor times a London bylaw forbid the sale of these buns except on Christmas and Good Friday.

Popular hot cross buns were symbolic with the religious observance of Easter in the Catholic faith. The bread was associated with communion. Spices were connected with the burial of Jesus and the cross on the bun was the crucifixion.

The conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism was fierce. Thus creating the regulations on the sell of the buns under the Protestant Queen. It is interesting to note the history and traditions of food connected to religion.

Alan Davidson in his Oxford Companion to Food says that in 18th century London Hot Cross Buns were sold in great quantities by the Chelsea Bun House. They were delicious and everybody wanted them.

Today hot cross buns are baked and sold in many places year round but

especially during the Easter season. I have had the pleasure of eating divine ones from the Winkler Bakery at Old Salem. To my delight, I have also discovered I can make them in my own kitchen. It is not complicated, so this Easter season the little ones in our family will get a special treat from Grandmama.

In my research I found over a half a dozen recipes that are similar. Yeast dough is pretty much standard but the spices and dried fruits vary. One colonial recipe says to put in “what spice you please.” That may be carawayseeds, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom or mace. Traditional English buns contain currants or golden raisins.

Some call for candied chopped peel, orange zest but some have no fruit at all.

The recipe I am sharing with you today is a variation of one from an old English cookbook. The buns turned out very well. But remember you are the cook and can choose the fruit and spices to your liking. Happy Easter!

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Hot Cross Buns 2 pkg of active dry yeast 2 T sugar 1/2 c lukewarm milk 1/2 t salt 1 t ground allspice 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 t nutmeg

3 1/2 to 4 1/2 c unbleached all purpose flour 2 lge eggs 4 T unsalted, softened butter 1/2 c currants 1/2 c golden raisins

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Glaze for Buns 1 egg lightly beaten with 1 T cream Icing 1 egg white, a splash of milk with enough confectionary sugar for icing to be very thick.

Sprinkle sugar and yeast over a shallow bowl of lukewarm milk and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Next stir mixture to dissolve completely and place in warm draft free place to let yeast rise double. About 5 minutes. Sift 3 1/2 cups flour, salt and spices into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the bowl and pour in the yeast mixture. Then put in the eggs; beat mixture with spoon until flour is absorbed. Add three tablespoons softened butter and up to a cup more flour, one tablespoon at time until dough can be formed into a ball. Use remaining flour for dough board. Knead dough for 10 minutes or until it is smooth and elastic. Gather into a ball and place in a warm buttered bowl. Cover with clean kitchen towel and place in draft free place for 45 minutes or until dough is double. With remaining butter, generously coat a large baking sheet and set aside. Punch down dough and place on lightly floured board then knead in raisin and currants. Pinch off small handfuls of dough and between the palms of your hands roll into golf ball size and arrange on baking sheet two inches apart. Allow buns to rise again in a warm draft free spot 20 to 25 minutes.

Preheat oven to 450°F. Meanwhile with a buttered slicing knife or sharp kitchen shears make cross marks on the buns. Brush buns lightly with egg-and-cream mixture.

Bake in the middle of the oven for 15 minutes or until tops are a rich golden brown. I used a toothpick to test the buns. If the toothpick comes out clean, the buns are done. Take them from oven; cool on racks before icing.

Makes about 2 dozen.

Icing: Mix one whole egg white with enough confectionary sugar for mixture to be thick. A splash of milk may be needed for consistency. Mix well until creamy smooth. Put icing in a small Ziploc bag and snip a very small opening in corner. Squeeze bag to make icing marks on bun tops.

Note: Buns tops can remain plain or be marked with cross of strips of candied orange peel, dough strips or piped with white glaze icing.

ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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foodsandflavors / Lara Stone Potts ™

This issue enjoy a collection of some of my favorite recipes.

by Lara Stone Potts

Broccoli Casserole This recipe is great when you are having guests over or you need to take something to an event. Casseroles make wonderful comfort foods and this one travels well.

2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 can (10-3/4 oz.) cream of mushroom soup 1 medium onion, chopped 1 c shredded cheddar cheese 1 c shredded Swiss cheese

½ c mayonnaise 2 T butter, melted 1/3 t salt 24 oz. frozen broccoli florets 1/3 c bread crumbs

Thaw broccoli and chop into bite size pieces. In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Fold in the broccoli. Grease 1 1/2- quart baking dish. Transfer broccoli mixture to baking dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs.

Cover and bake at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through.

Potato-Bacon Frittatas 3 T butter 2 c frozen potatoes with onions and peppers 6 eggs 2 T milk

¼ t salt ¼ t pepper 1 c shredded cheddar cheese 6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

Melt butter in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add frozen potatoes, cook uncovered for 10 minutes or until potatoes are brown.

Stir occasionally.

Combine eggs and the next three ingredients. Mix and pour over potatoes.

As mixture starts to cook, gently lift edges of frittata with a spatula, and tilt pan so uncooked portion flows underneath. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil 2 minutes.

Garnish with bacon.

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Yadkin Valley Magazine

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Egg salad is something new for me.

Until last month, I had never eaten it.

Mom and Dad would eat it from time to time, but I said that it looked unappealing when I was younger.

When I was at my parent’s home last month, Mom and I were hungry. It was lunch time so I offered to make her a sandwich. She wanted egg salad.

It was simple to make and I like the

ingredients in the recipe so I finally tried it. It was much better than I thought it would be and now I have prepared it a few times in the last month for lunches.

Egg Salad 3 eggs, hard boiled 1 T mayonnaise 1 t mustard 2 T pickle relish Salt & pepper Mash up eggs with fork, mix in the mayo, mustard and relish. Salt and pepper to taste. This is how Mom likes her egg salad. I make mine a little different. Instead of traditional mustard and pepper, I like to use Dijon mustard and cayenne pepper. Usually you toast your bread and have the egg salad as the filler. Some like to just use one slice of bread and have an open-face sandwich.

Bacon is a good addition to the sandwich. You may like to add lettuce as well.

Hard Boiled eggs: place desired number of eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Add enough cold water to measure at least 1 inch above eggs. Cover saucepan with lid and quickly bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove saucepan from heat. Let eggs stand covered for 15 minutes for large eggs; 3 minutes more or lessdepending on what size egg you have at home.

After 15 minutes pour off water and run cold water over eggs or place eggs in ice water to cool off. Crack egg shell and run under cold water to remove shell.

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We Feature Over 40 Troyer Deli Meats and Delicious Cheeses I thought I’d share this little story with you readers.

I enjoyed it very much, hope you will too. Phil

A Good Job In America Joe Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock (Made in Japan) for 6am. While his coffee pot (Made in China) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (Made in Hong Kong). He put on a dress shirt (Made in Sri Lanka) designer jeans (Made in Singapore) and tennis shoes (Made in Korea). After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (Made in India) he sat down with his calculator (Made in Mexico) to see how much he could spend today.

After setting his watch (Made in Taiwan) to the radio (Made in India) he got in his car (Made in Germany) and continued his search for a good-paying AMERICAN JOB. At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day, Joe decided to relax for a while.

He put on his sandals (Made in Brazil) and then wondered why he could not find a good paying job in...America.

Author Unknown

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Yadkin Valley Magazine

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Italian Baked Frittata 1 c broccoli flowerets, chopped ½ c mushrooms, sliced ½ red pepper, cut into rings 3 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces 1 T butter

8 eggs ¼ c Dijon mustard ¼ c water ½ t Italian seasoning 1 c shredded Swiss cheese

In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, over medium-high heat, cook the broccoli, mushrooms, red pepper and green onions in butter for about 5 minutes.

The vegetables should be tender-crisp. Remove skillet from heat. In a medium bowl combine eggs, mustard, water and Italian seasoning. Mix with an electric mixer at medium speed until mixture is foamy. Pour mixture into skillet over vegetables. Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes. Frittata should cook until set.

This is an easy dish to make when you do not have much time or forgot to lay out dinner to thaw. Most of the time we have dinner planned for the evening.

But from time to time, I forget to lay out what we are to have for dinner.

Thankfully my family likes what we term Brinner. Brinner is breakfast for dinner! From time to time we would have this concept growing up. I always enjoyed when mom did this—we would have scrambled eggs, toast, dried beef and gravy. Breakfast for dinner is a wonderful solution for forgetting to lay out the meat to thaw or just to have a change in dinner ideas.

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Breakfast Muffins 1 6 1 1

lb. sausage, cooked & drained eggs ¾ c milk t mustard

1 t salt 2 slices white bread, cubed 1 c shredded cheddar cheese

Beat eggs; add milk, salt and mustard. Grease muffin pan with cooking spray.

Place a few pieces of bread in the bottom of each. Crumble sausage and cheese over the bread. Pour egg mixture into each muffin holder. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake in pre-heated oven at 350°F for 40 minutes.

This is almost the same recipe as Breakfast Casserole with just a twist on a family favorite. In the mornings it is an easier way to do portion control with teenagers. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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Mediterranean Spinach Strata 20 slices of French bread, cut into ¾ inch slices 1 c onion, chopped 1 - 8oz can mushrooms 1 T flour 2 - 6oz bags baby spinach ½ t salt, divided ½ t pepper, divided 3 c plum tomatoes, thinly sliced 4 oz crumbled feta cheese ¾ c grated Asiago cheese, divided 3 c milk 2 T Dijon mustard 1 ½ t dried oregano 5 eggs, lightly beaten 4 egg whites, lightly beaten Preheat oven to 350°F. Place bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 14 minutes or until lightly browned.

Heat in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion and mushrooms, cook for 5 minutes and add flour. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add 1 bag of spinach, cook 3 minutes until spinach wilts. Add second bag of spinach, cook 3 minutes or so until the new bag of spinach wilts. Stir in ¼ t salt and ¼ t pepper.

Place half of the bread slices in bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread spinach mixture over the slices. Top spinach with sliced tomatoes, feta cheese and ½ c Asiago cheese. Arrange remaining bread slices over cheese. Mix the remaining salt, pepper and the remaining 5 ingredients, stirring well with a whisk.

Pour over bread, sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Cover; chill 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover and bake for 40-45 minutes.

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This was one of my favorites growing up. Mom did not prepare it often, but I enjoyed the quiche when she did. I found the recipe she used in an old recipe book. Baking time was not listed in the original recipe. The original person suggested baking until a silver knife some out clean.

In looking at older recipes, I have noticed things are implied, but not stated. I’m thankful for more clarity when cooking something new!

Quiche Lorraine 1 - 9” unbaked deep dish pie crust 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled 1 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese 3 eggs, lightly beaten 2 T chopped onion 1 T butter, melted 1 1/2 c milk 1 T flour Salt, dash of cayenne pepper Place bacon and cheese in bottom of pie crust.

In a medium bowl mix eggs with the rest of the ingredients. Pour egg mixture over bacon and cheese.

Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.

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foodsandflavors / Marilyn Wells ™

by Marilyn C. Wells Family and Consumer Agent N.C. Cooperative Extension, Yadkin County Center

How about a little....

Spring is upon us and Easter will soon be here! For many Americans, the most popular centerpiece for the Easter feast is the ham. No matter what sides you choose for the meal, the glorious ham will reign supreme. Before we plan our Easter menu, let’s investigate the history behind the ham.

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Yadkin Valley Magazine

Ham History

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Preserving of pork leg as ham has a long history with different opinions as to who was the first to preserve it. The pig dates back 40 million years according to the fossils found in swamps and forests of Europe and Asia. By 4900 B.C., pigs were domesticated in China and by 1500 B.C. they were being raised in Europe. Many historians credit the Chinese for the first curing of raw hams, while others credit the Gauls. A culinary encyclopedia from 1938, stated the finest hams in Europe were produced by the Gauls, who cured pork by burying it at the seaside. The meat was immersed in brine and dug up in the springtime. This proves it was known to be a well-established practice by the Roman period. Cato the Elder wrote about the “salting of hams” around 160 B.C. in his De Agri Cultura tomb.

Pigs are not native to America. Even though Christopher Columbus had eight pigs on the ship when he left Spain for America, it is the Spanish explorer and wealthy captain, Hernando DeSoto who is credited with bringing in the breeding stock for the pork industry. In 1539, he brought a herd of 13 pigs to Florida. The following year, DeSoto’s men took a herd into Georgia. When DeSoto died in 1542, his estate auctioned off 700 hogs descended from the original herd not counting the Georgia stock.

When Jamestown was settled in the early 1600s, America began producing hams from pigs brought to the colonies in Virginia from England and Bermuda.

Virginia was found to have the perfect climate for raising pigs. Pigs became so plentiful settlers rounded them up and moved them to “Hogs Island” near the James River. There they became the main sustenance for Native Americans and settlers to Virginia because they were available all year and easier caught than wild game or fish. Legend says the Native Americans had been curing venison long before the settlers and taught the colonial settlers how to cure meat through salting, smoking and aging.

Smithfield, Virginia, is the home of the “World’s Oldest Smithfield Ham,” which is housed in the Isle of Wight Museum. This ham was originally cured in 1902 and somehow escaped shipping.

A store owner, P.D. Gwaltney Jr., decidya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

ed to keep it to see how long it would last. The pet ham was featured in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” as the world’s oldest ham in 1929, 1932 and again in 2003. Mr. Gwaltney placed a brass collar around the hock with the inscription, “Mr. Gwaltney’s Pet Ham” and carried it to expos and fairs to show off his curing skills. In 1934, he took his pet ham to Washington to a convention and asked the hotel clerk to store his suitcase in the hotel vault. The desk clerk asked about the contents of the suitcase and Mr. Gwaltney told him it was his Pet Ham which was insured for $5000. The next day a Washington paper wrote about the man and his Pet Ham. Smithfield has long been known for hams held to a higher standard and some of the best available. In 1926, the Virginia General Assembly passed a law saying only peanut fed hogs cured and processed in the town of Smithfield could be called Smithfield hams. At the time, hogs could roam the fields and eat the leftover harvest peanuts. Later the rules were overturned and hogs were fed a variety of grains.

Today Americans have “city” hams

or “country” hams. The city hams are processed in a wet cure or brine and typically smoked, not aged. They may be injected with a salt solution of nitrites or nitrates which insures a natural pink color and provides a cured taste in a short time. Country hams are drycured and aged which produces a stronger, saltier flavor and a drier product. The hams are made by rubbing the raw meat with salt, pepper, nitrites and sometimes white or brown sugar and hung in a controlled environment. The sugar does not add sweetness but helps to soften the harshness of the salt. Red and black pepper adds not only flavor but helps keep the bugs from attacking the ham. Meat naturally contains a small amount of nitrates and the longer a ham is aged, the fewer nitrates are necessary. The other type of ham is a fresh ham which is neither smoked nor cured. When it is cooked, it is a gray color and tastes like a pork roast.

In city or fresh hams, you may choose a butt, shank or spiral-sliced ham. The butt ham is taken from the top half of leg with more fat and meat than the shank ham. The shank ham is

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the bottom half of the leg with less fat and a slightly sweeter flavor. A spiralsliced ham is pre-cooked and sliced with a uniform thickness. It will dry out fast so eat or put in the freezer quickly.

Some ham experts prefer ham from the left leg of the pig because they believe it to be more tender due to the fact that the pig scratches with the right leg.

Supposedly, this creates a more muscular, tougher cut of meat.

Do you remember the reason for our ancestors cooking pork until it had no taste and became like shoe leather?

They were afraid of the dreaded trichinosis which is caused by a microscopic live parasite found in the intestines of animals. Years ago this parasite was linked to undercooked pork. Once the trichinae parasites enter the body, they make way into the bloodstream and muscles which caused fear, fever, muscle deterioration and death. Trichinosis is no longer a threat from American ham and pork due to public awareness and strict government guidelines in raising pork. Government standards and food safety assure cured ham pro-

duced by responsible meat processors is free of trichinae. In cooking safety, an internal temperature at 137°F will kill any parasite. Minimum government standards require cooked pork to reach 140°F internally. Always check with a meat thermometer to be sure!

For tips on serving the best ham, start with a good quality ham from your local butcher. Purchase a ham with the bone in to help determine doneness and for use later in a soup.

Buy more than you need to enjoy the leftovers in a variety of ways. For extra leftovers, purchase a pound per person.

Slowly cook or preheat the ham with ½ c water, stock or wine in the pan.

Cover with foil until time for glaze to be added then remove the foil for a crunchier glazed topping. Brush on the glaze during the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking to avoid a browned effect.

Heat your ham at a low, slow temperature no higher than 325°F. If you want to caramelize the glaze turn the heat up to 450°F and keep your eye on it to prevent scorching. Take the ham out when the internal temperature of the

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ham reaches 140°F. Don’t let it go over 145°F or the ham will dry out.

For a juicy ham, allow time for the meat to rest. Let it sit for 20 minutes when you remove it from the oven before serving. Cook a partially cooked ham for 20 minutes per pound in a 325°F oven. Bake a fully cooked ham for 10 minutes per pound until it is heated through. Both types need to register 140°F as the internal temperature.

Follow the directions on the package for best results. For a simple method to heat a fully cooked ham, put 1 ½ c of brown sugar in the bottom of a slow cooker crock. Place the ham flat side down in the crock. With your hands rub ½ c brown sugar over the ham.

Cover and cook on low for eight hours.

This makes a very juicy ham.

The following suggestions for city ham glazes can be altered by adding different fruits or condiments that suit your taste. Just follow the food safety rules and be creative with your ham preparation.

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Apple Butter Ham Glaze

Raspberry Glaze

1 c apple butter ½ c orange juice 1 T onion flakes 1 T Worchestershire sauce Whisk together apple butter, orange juice, dried onion flakes and Worchestershire sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer until slightly thickened. About 15 to 30 minutes before ham should be ready; remove foil top; brush on glaze. Leave foil off; return to oven until internal temperature reaches 140°F.

¼ c apple juice 2 T lemon juice 2 t cornstarch 1/3 c seedless raspberry jam 1 T butter Combine apple juice, lemon juice, cornstarch in a saucepan. Stir until smooth. Add ½ of the raspberry jam.

Cook and stir over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until thick and bubbling. Stir remaining jam and butter into cooked mixture. Cook and stir another 5 minutes until butter is melted. Brush over ham before completely heated; continue cooking with the foil off until internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Maple Syrup Glaze ¼ c packed dark brown sugar 2 t ground cinnamon 1 c maple syrup Stir brown sugar and cinnamon until combined. Pour in maple syrup; stir until smooth. Apply to ham 15-30 minutes before removing from oven.

For more of a caramelized coating, turn oven to 450°F; watch not to burn.

Cranberry Glaze

Sweet and Savory Glaze ½ c brown sugar 1 clove garlic ½ c mango chutney 2 t orange zest 2 T orange juice ¼ c Dijon mustard Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Remove foil; brush or spoon over ham 30 minutes before removing from the oven.

1 c jellied cranberry sauce ½ c brown sugar 1 orange, juiced and zest removed 1 T lemon juice 1 T prepared mustard 1 T honey 2 whole cloves Stir all ingredients together in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, gently boil until the glaze thickens, about 10 minutes. Brush or spoon on ham before the last minutes of the cooking process.

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Ham with Pineapple Sauce ¾ c water 1 c packed brown sugar 4 ½ t soy sauce 4 ½ t ketchup 1 ½ t ground mustard 1 ½ c undrained crushed pineapple 2 T + 1 t cornstarch In a saucepan, combine ¼ c water, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, pineapple. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Cover saucepan; simmer for 10 minutes.

Combine cornstarch with remaining ½ c water; stir until smooth.

Stir into pineapple sauce. Bring to a boil; cook while stirring for 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened.

Serve at the table as a side item to be used on the ham.

When you are cooking country ham there is the frying method and the 3 B’s: broiling, baking and boiling. Most often used method is the frying method. Trim away the rind but not the fat until after cooking. Place in a heavy skillet which has been preheated. Turn the fat towards the hottest part of the skillet and fry slowly on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning often. Ham is done when the fat is translucent and it begins to brown. For a milder flavor, soak in warm water or milk for 30 minutes before frying. You may also add fruit juice, cola or ginger ale with equal parts water to the frying pan for additional flavor.

When broiling country ham use the center slices. Trim the edges and place on a broiler pan. Broil about 5 to 6 inches from the broiler unit for 7 minutes and turn the ham over for broiling another 6 minutes.

Baked country ham usually uses the whole ham. Soak the ham overnight and then clean with warm water or vinegar and a brush. Place the cleaned ham, skin side up, in a roasting pan. Add 1 c apple juice, vinegar or water if desired Cover with foil in a 300°F oven for 25 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reads 170°F. Boiled country ham also uses a whole ham which has been soaked overnight in water. Clean the ham and place in a large kettle. Completely cover with fresh water. Add 1 c brown sugar or molasses and ½ c of vinegar. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for 20 minutes per pound or until the meat thermometer reads 170°F internally. Let the ham cool in the broth and remove the ham and the skin.

The ham can then be glazed with any of the above recipes and placed in a 400°F oven long enough to brown.

Leftover country ham can be ground or diced and used in omelettes, soup, sandwiches or salads. Keep all leftovers refrigerated.

The South is familiar with Red Eye Gravy but little known in the rest of the United States. It has also been called poor man’s gravy, bird eye gravy or red ham gravy. Legend has it that General Andrew Jackson, who later became the 7th

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President of the United States, called his cook over to discuss what to prepare. The cook had been drinking moonshine whiskey the night before and his eyes were red as fire. General Jackson told the cook to bring him some country ham with gravy as red as his eyes. Thus, the ham gravy became known as Red Eye Gravy.

Ingredients: Pan juices from frying a large country ham slice ½ c strong coffee Black pepper to taste Worchestershire sauce to taste Fry ham slice and leave drippings in the pan. If pan is dry add 1/3 c hot water. Deglaze frying pan with the coffee, scraping all bits and pieces loose. Boil mixture for 2 to 3 minutes or until reduced in half. Season with pepper and Worchestershire sauce.

Pour the Red Eye Gravy into a gravy boat or bowl to be served over ham, eggs, grits or biscuits.

For leftover ham, try some of the following recipes as well as the usual sandwiches, eggs and salads. You may substitute leftover ham in your favorite chicken casserole recipes.

Ham and Asparagus Casserole, this recipe is similar to a quiche.

1 ½ c chopped cooked ham ½ c chopped onion ¼ c chopped red bell peppers 1 pkg frozen cut asparagus 8 eggs 2 c milk 1 c flour ¼ c Parmesan cheese ¾ t dried tarragon ¾ t salt ½ t black pepper 1 c cheddar cheese, shredded Thaw asparagus. Preheat oven to 425°F; lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix together: ham, onion, red pepper, asparagus. Pour into baking dish.

In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, flour, Parmesan cheese, tarragon, salt, pepper. Pour over ham mixture. Bake for 20 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over casserole. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese melts. Remove casserole; let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

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6 oz spaghetti 3 qts water 1 t salt 1 T butter 2 T chopped onion 1 can cream of mushroom soup ½ c water ½ c shredded cheddar cheese 1 c cooked diced ham 2 T chopped fresh parsley 2 T chopped pimentos Bring water and salt to boil in a large saucepan. Add spaghetti; cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain. Melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook for 5 minutes or until translucent. Stir in soup, water, cheese. Heat on low until cheese melts, stirring often. Mix in ham, spaghetti, pimento, parsley. Continue to heat thoroughly before serving. Additions of other vegetables may be added if desired. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

Ham Cakes 1 c chopped cooked ham 1 ½ c cold mashed potatoes 3 green onions, chopped 1 egg 1 T Dijon mustard ½ t dried dill 1/2 t ground black pepper 1 ½ c panko bread crumbs ½ c canola oil

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Mix together ham, potatoes, onions, egg, mustard, dill, pepper and ¼ c. bread crumbs in a bowl. If mixture seems too moist to hold together as a cake, mix in another ¼ c crumbs. In a shallow bowl put the remaining panko bread crumbs. Divide mixture into fourths; form into balls. Flatten into a patty; press both sides into the crumbs. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. When oil is hot, gently lay cakes in; pan-fry each patty for 3 to 4 minutes per side.

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Remember Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th.

We offer so many great ways to say, “Mom, I Love You.” M a rc h / A p ri l 2 01 5

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foodsandflavors / ™

Chef Robert’s Helpful Hints

BUTTER 1. Butter can easily be made by placing 1 cup of heavy cream in a bowl and mixing with a handheld or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 10 minutes. You will then have about ½ cup butter and ½ cup buttermilk. Strain and use within one day. You can also make butter by placing the heavy cream in a mason jar and shaking vigorously. A slower process but fun for the kids!

2. Butter has slowly crept up in price over the years so if you are an avid baker, cake decorator, or use a lot of butter in your cooking, stock up on it the next time you find it on sale. Butter, in its original packaging, can be stored in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. By wrapping each stick in plastic wrap and storing it in freezer bags you can lengthen storage time by about 1 to 2 months.

3. For your morning breakfast items, use a vegetable peeler to shave thin slices.

Admissions Classroom The thin slices will almost melt instantly and evenly upon touching the warm Presenter-Culinary toast, bagel or English muffins.

Johnson & Wales University 4. In a pinch you can soften butter in the microwave on medium-low power (about 30% on most microwaves). Check on the butter about every 8 seconds to ensure it is softening and not melting. If you by chance end up melting the butter, start the process again. Melted butter cannot be substituted for softened butter, as it will affect the consistency.

5. Butter tends to burn at high temperatures when cooking because of its low smoke point. To raise the smoke point and make it better for cooking, you can clarify the butter. To do this, 1420 N. Bridge Street, simply heat butter slowly over mediElkin, NC 28621 um heat. As the butter is melting (a 336-835-1517 light sizzle is OK), skim the foam that Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday rises to the top and discard. Once there is no longer any foam rising, 8:30 - 11:30 and 1:30 - 5:30 you should see a layer of clear yellow butter on top and the milk solids on the bottom. Using a small ladle or spoon, skim the clear butter into an Dr. Gilreath and staff airtight container careful to leave the are pleased to welcome solids on the bottom. The clear butter Dr. Emily Reid to our practice. (clarified butter) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

Dr. Reid comes to us from Johnson & Wales University Hays, N.C. and is a graduate of Founded: 1914-Providence, RI. Palmer College of Chiropractic.

Founders: Gertrude Johnson Dr. Gilreath and Dr. Reid and Mary Wales look forward to serving Charlotte Campus Tours: you and meeting the needs of Monday-Friday (9am & 1pm) our community together.

For More Information: 980-598-1100 or 1-866-598-2427 www.jwu.edu We specialize in spine and nerve rehabilitation mail to: clt@admissions.jwu.edu

by Robert A. Penry

GILREATH CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CENTER

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Live Entertainment throughout the day plus a Grape Stomp and other fun activities!

the wine guy Bruce Heye teaches wine classes at Salem College, hosts wine tastings, and consults with restaurants on their wine lists. www.bruceheyethewineguy.com

More Frequently Asked Questions

Saturday, May 16 Elkin Municipal Park 11am – 5pm 14 t h A NNUA L

A Case of Wine will be given away to Five Lucky Festival Goers

( take exit 82 or 85 off I-77 and follow signs )

presented by

Wine tasting tickets are $25 at the gate or $20 in advance and can be ordered from: eventbrite.com For questions call: Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce 336-526-1111.

by R. Bruce Heye In the fall last year I answered several commonly asked questions about wine and have received a number of additional inquiries that may interest my readers. I have selected several to answer so that our readers will feel more comfortable talking about wine subjects.

Q. Which are better: corks or screw caps?

A. The wine world rejoiced hundreds of years ago when it began using corks as stoppers for wine bottles. The corks were a convenient way to seal the wine and to preserve the flavors over the years. One of the problems with corks is the limited harvest of cork trees themselves (the correct biological name is Quercus Suber, a member of the oak family).

These trees, which grow only in the area around the Mediterranean Sea, are stripped of the bark that is then processed it into the familiar shapes. Unfortunately, a newly planted tree does not produce a thick enough bark for about 35 years and, once the bark is stripped, it takes another 8 to 10 years to regenerate new bark. Thus the amount of cork harvested each year is limited, although the cork tree can live for 300 years, fortunately.

As wine production around the world has expanded, the cork supply has not been able to keep pace so other solutions are being used. The screw cap seems to be the best alternative. It provides a secure sealing of the wine, is relatively inexpensive and permits the wine to be stored horizontally or even vertically. Several years ago I purchased a $50 bottle of French Burgundy wine and was surprised that it was sealed with a screw cap. If expensive French wines are using screw caps, I’m certain they are here to stay.

Q. How important is the size and shape of the glass to the enjoyment of wine?

A. I usually begin the answer to this question by explaining that when my children were young we had plastic dishware which was virtually unbreakable. I still own several of these plates and I also own two sets of fine china. When I have guests to my home for dinner, I always use the china since it ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

looks more appetizing and makes the meal more enjoyable. In the same way a fine quality glass offers a better tasting experience if for no other reason than it is more enjoyable to hold a nicely produced glass than some thick jelly jar.

However, the well-made wine glass is more than just a pleasant thing to look at and hold in your hand. These glasses come in different shapes for different styles of wine. White wines work better in smaller glasses with somewhat narrow openings to concentrate the aromas while red wines do better in larger bowls with wide openings to expose the wine to air to enhance the aroma.

leave it exposed to the air while recorking the bottle with the remaining wine.

Taste the wine at varying intervals to determine the best length of time.

Experience will be the best teacher.

My best advice is that your wine glass is the best decanter by exposing the wine to air. This is why we often swirl the wine in the glass to mix wine with air to improve the taste and aroma.

There are so many questions about wine that it seems one answer leads to another question. I welcome any questions and will respond in future issues of Yadkin Valley Living.

Harvesting a cork tree.

If you can afford quality wine glasses— they can be a bit expensive—these two shapes will work with most wines. One additional style would be for sparkling wines where the tall narrow flute works best to concentrate the bubbles.

Why not buy one glass and do a comparison then you can be an informed judge.

Q. Are there benefits to decanting wines?

A. Decanting means pouring wine from the bottle into another container. This is sometimes done for one of three reasons. First, a wine may contain sediment that needs to be separated from the wine (sediment is the little bits of stuff that may accumulate in the bottom of the bottle). Second, older wine may need some air to open the aromas after a long period in the bottle. Third, some younger wines may benefit from some air to soften the harsh tannins.

Generally, we decant red wine or Ports, but some high-quality whites may also benefit from decanting.

The question that is difficult to explain in writing is just how long wine should sit in an open decanter for maximum benefit. The answer, unfortunately, is something only experience can answer.

Some wine will only need to be splashed into a container and then poured into the glasses while other wines might benefit from one or more hours of exposure. A simple experiment can be instructive. Pour part of bottle of wine into a container and ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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foodsandflavors / Ginger K. King ™

Author Ginger K. King

Herbs, Wine & Cheese

What early spring Sunday buffet or Easter spread would be complete without a little of each of these foods? With all of the bounty around at nearby farms and farmers markets, wineries and boutique/artisanal food sources in the Yadkin Valley, your spread can be simple, fresh and wonderful with any of these ingredients to boost the flavor quotient.

Utilizing a soft white wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, or a Viognier Chardonnay blend will allow a ham to shine through with a nice balance of the sweetness added by the typical brown sugar and pineapple accompaniments.

I love the abundance of fresh herbs during the springtime. They are a chef or home cook’s delight and can brighten up the everyday vegetables that sometimes can seem bland. Thyme goes well with many vegetables, breads and meats. With the sweetness of the carrot, thyme isn't over powering, but it doesn't get lost either. Combined with

fresh North Carolina honey they make a great simple side dish.

When it comes to cheese, the sky is the limit for my palate. Don't get me wrong, aged cheese is fabulous but when we are talking fresh ingredients, and springtime air, a room temperature hoop cheese is my choice. There are loads of other fresh cheeses to choose from in the Yadkin Valley. Herbed goat cheese and artisanal cheeses would be great additions to the springtime Sunday or Easter lunch buffet. I thought what would go great with ham. A biscuit, of course!

So pulling these three dishes together is fairly simple as you can tell by the short list of ingredients in the recipes.

Sometimes simple is just right and I hope you will find that true of these recipes.

Cheers to enjoying all of the bounty that springtime in North Carolina has to offer.

Pineapple Glazed Ham Choose the size of your ham (cooking time will be 20min/lb). The following recipe is for a five pound ham.

1/3 c packed light brown sugar 1/2 c light white wine 1 - 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drained juice reserved toothpicks Place ham on a double thickness of aluminum foil large enough to wrap the ham up entirely. Stud the outside of the ham with the pineapple chunks using the toothpicks.

Mix together brown sugar and wine allowing it to sit for a moment to combine and soften the sugar. Stir until a syrup is formed. Place the ham into a baking dish (keep it in the foil). Pour 1/2 of the reserved pineapple juice around the bottom of the ham. Next stir the sugar/wine mixture; pour evenly over the surface of the ham and pineapple chunks. Completely wrap up the ham tightly in the foil and place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes at 325°F and then open the foil and return to the oven to allow the outside of the ham to brown.

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Thyme Roasted Carrots 2 to 3 c baby carrots 1 to 2 c water 1/3 to 1 c North Carolina honey 1 t fresh thyme, stems removed In a sauté pan, heat carrots over med-high heat until boiling.

Continue to boil until water has nearly evaporated. Sprinkle with fresh herbs; pour the honey into pan evenly over all of the carrots and stir to coat all. Place in a 325°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until well roasted. Serve with fresh sprigs of honey sprinkled over top to brighten the flavor. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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Hoop Cheese Biscuits 2 c all purpose flour 1 t baking powder 1 t baking soda Pinch salt Pinch sugar 1/3 c lard 1 c milk 3 oz hoop cheese chilled, cubed in small pieces.

Preheat oven to 425°F In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Cut in the lard until mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually stir in milk until dough pulls away from the side of the bowl. Turn out onto a floured surface; knead 15 to 20 times. Pat or roll dough out to 1-inch thickness.

Press in one half of cubed cheese; fold the dough over itself. Knead a few more times then roll out again.

Press in the other half of the cheese cubes and then cut the biscuits with a large cutter dipped in flour. Repeat until all dough is used. Brush off the excess flour; place biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges begin to brown.

For more information on Ginger K. King’s Carolina Wine Cooking, Volume I and II, visit www.gingerkking.com and carolinawinecooks.wordpress.com ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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BEST Yadkin Valley Cooks™ Microwave White Chicken Chili When women get together, as Sarah Ryan's book club does regularly, recipes fly in all directions.

Always creative, cooks will tweek recipes to make them their own as did Sarah with this microwave white chicken chili recipe...you're going to love it.

Add some fresh rough chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, whatever toppings you and yours like and chow down!

3 whole heads garlic (48 cloves) unpeeled 3/4 t salt, divided 3 T olive oil, divided 2 poblano peppers 1 med onion 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) 2 T taco seasoning mix 2 -15.5 oz cans great northern beans, drained 1 - 16 oz jar salsa verde Slice about 1/4 in off the pointed top of garlic heads to expose cloves. Put garlic, cut side up in a bowl. Sprinkle garlic with 1/4 t salt; drizzle with 2 T olive oil. Cover bowl; microwave on high 3 minutes or until garlic is soft, Set aside to cool. Dice peppers, chop onion and combine. Trim and finely dice chicken. Add chicken, seasoning mix, remaining 1 T oil, remaining 1/2 t salt; mix well. Microwave, covered, on high 4 minutes. Stir to separate chicken. Cover; microwave an additional 4 to 6 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Squeeze cooled garlic from heads; mash. Add beans and salsa. Transfer bean mixture to chicken mixture; mix well.

Microwave, covered, on high 5 to 7 minutes or until chili is heated completely. Makes 8 cups.

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Yadkin Valley Living

Artisan wood fired pizzas at Flint Hill Check our website for Pizza Night Dates B ri n g y o u r fa m i l y, fri e n d s a n d g u e st s to t a st e o u r

award-winning, handcrafted Yadkin Valley wines

www.flinthillvineyards.com 2153 Flint Hill Road, East Bend 336-699-4455 Tasting Room hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12–5 or by appointment ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

Enjoying a fabulous spring day in the Yadkin Valley, celebrating top area NC wineries and craft beer producers, eating wonderful food and listening to great music while benefitting the local, regional and international charities of the Mount Airy Rotary Club, what could be better than that?

The date to remember is Saturday, May 2. Head to Mount Airy's downtown main street that will be closed exclusively for the 6th Annual Budbreak Wine and Craft Beer Festival participants and guests from noon to 6:00p.

The vintage structures of downtown make for a perfect backdrop to host an intimate, friendly arena for wine and craft beer tasting with a side of great music under a tented stage by Mediocre Bad Guys with Jerry Chapman, singer/songwriter. The band is from the Mount Airy/Triad music scene, specializing in rock and acoustic venues.

Just a few of the wineries who will be pouring at Budbreak: Childress, Old North State, Herrera, Round Peak, and Elkin Creek.

Move up the street for great foods from the cuisine of 13 Bones and all the Main Street eateries.

The inaugural Fiddle Crawl was such a hit, Lizzie Morrison, Coordinator of Downtown events, announced the 2nd

Top: The Budbreak fills downtown Mount Airy. Middle: Bobbie Keys performs with the Mediocre Bad Guys. Lower: 2014 Fiddle Crawl artists. annual event in conjunction with Budbreak. The larger-than-life, threedimensional fiberglass fiddles will be painted, decorated and embellished by talented new and some returning area artists. The fiddles will be revealed at The Earle Theatre the evening of May 1 accompanied with bluegrass and old time music. They will remain on display during the Budbreak Wine and Craft Beer Festival on May 2 and until October when the 2015 fiddles will be auctioned to benefit downtown economic development.

Mount Airy lost a big fan this past year. A tribute will be held at Budbreak Wine and Craft Beer Festival "with music and memories of a man who

played with every great musician around, who pleased the world with his sounds and who preferred Mount Airy over it all." Bobby Keyes, renowned saxophone player with the legendary Rolling Stones and too many other stars to list, played with Mediocre Bad Guys when in town and onstage at Budbreak for several years. Skip Eckenrod of Interlam Designs encouraged Bobby to write a book about his life and worked with him to complete Every Night is a Saturday Night.

Sponsors that make Budbreak possible are: Farm to Feet, Interlam, Century Link, Renfro Corporation and Duke Energy.

Budbreak is noon to 6:00p. Saturday, May 2 in Downtown Mount Airy.

Admission with tasting privileges $20/gate; $15/advance; $5/general admission with no tasting.

Buy at the gate, online and Lowes Foods state wide or Budbreakfestival.com

Ya d k i n • Va l l e y

PEOPLE

Stephen Gauthreaux, Praline Maker

by Ann Gauthreaux If you’ve been to New Orleans, LA, you’ve undoubtedly heard about jambalaya, beignets, and pralines. No one made them better than my grandmother, Eta (Ee-tah) Blanchard-Gauthreaux (Gotro). She was a gourmet cook and caterer who loved entertaining and thrived on the excitement of living in New Orleans.

Whenever she was around, there was a party-like feeling in the air and the kitchen was a hub of conversation, festivity, and creativity. My father, Steve Gauthreaux, inherited her charming personality and creativity, as well as her knack in the kitchen. Her legacy lives on in many ways, and is especially notable in the way that my father has cherished and absolutely perfected her delectable pecan praline recipe.

For over 5 decades, friends and family have savored my dad’s delicious pecan pralines. Today, at 82-years young, he is an inspiring entrepreneur who has turned his life-long hobby into 42

Yadkin Valley Magazine

a blossoming business. I don’t think he ever imagined selling his pralines, yet after years of encouragement from family and friends, he decided to start.

As a child, I can remember sitting on the kitchen counter after the dinner dishes were washed and anticipating the sweet smell of sugar, butter and milk being heated. It was a fun production to watch, requiring his hands-on attention and constant stirring for about 45 minutes. The best part was when he spooned them onto a buttered cookie sheet. I would ask for some without the pecans and devour them just as soon as they were cool enough to touch. Today, I love them with the pecans and it’s almost impossible to eat just one.

We made a batch together this past Christmas and while he has traded the buttered cookie sheet for parchment paper, nothing else has changed. He uses only the highest quality ingredients

and arranges the kitchen so that everything proceeds precisely. Our Christmas day batch was one of my first, and I have a deep appreciation for the attention to detail it takes from the first ingredient being measured until the last praline is spooned from the pot. His recipe and technique, is unique and the timing has to be just right.

It was about three years ago, with full support from my mother, Barbara, that he officially started selling ‘Steve’s Pecan Pralines.’ He passed a formal kitchen inspection with flying colors and, with my mother’s help, created tasteful packaging. He spends several hours a week in front of the stove and when a fresh batch has cooled my mother starts her part of the process and packages them to go to market. It’s a lot of work, yet it’s a labor of love that has become an exciting endeavor.

Steve’s Pecan Pralines are the perfect locally made treat when you want ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

discover the treasures of Historic Downtown

Elkin

Downtown Elkin

The Liberty where you’ll find a 9,000 sq. ft. Reception Hall on-site catering, local wines, plus...

Stephen Gauthreaux bakes tender loving New Orleans care into every one of his pecan pralines.

222 E. Main St. Elkin, NC • 336-835-0103 • www.libertydowntown.com

Circle of Friends Yarn Shop & Fiber Art Studio

The place where great cooking begins!

Come in and browse the area’s most complete Pennsylvania Dutch Bulk Food Store!

Select Yarns Now On Sale

~ For knitters and crocheters ~ Introducing weaving, spinning, felting and dyeing ~ Offering classes in all mediums

Drop in Saturdays for Sit & Knit 10am to 3pm

120 W. Main Street, Elkin 336-526-3100 www.circleoffriendsyarn.com ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

302 East Main St., At the intersection of Main St. and Standard St., Historic Elkin • (336) 835-1426 Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm We accept food stamps and all major credit cards.

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Visit This Spring and Discover Beautiful Flowers for Easter and Mother’s Day Garden Flags & Gifts Hand-crafted Tobacco Sticks made into beautiful decorated stars, trees and ladders Light-up Canvas Prints Fun to take Craft Classes... where you learn, do and smile!

Polka Dots 104 Elm Street across from the Courthouse

Yadkinville (336) 677-6510 Free Gift Wrap • Gift Certificates Monday-Friday 10:00--5:00 Saturday 10:00-3:00

a distinctive dessert - and a perfect gift for a hostess, loved one or friend who has an appreciation for something extra special. He welcomes your call (336-998-7664) or an email (sgauthreaux@yadtel.net) to discuss your special order. He also makes them available at the Lexington Candy Factory and often at Black Mountain Chocolate in Winston-Salem.

And from early spring until late fall, you can find my dad at the Cobblestone Farmers Market in Old Salem, the Peachtree Market in Advance, and the Reynolda Village Market, just to name a few. A Facebook page and a website are on the horizon, but for now, he’s okay doing business the old fashioned way and taking orders by phone.

My father’s full name is Stephen Earnest Gauthreaux. I share that because I’ve often thought about how fitting his middle name is. When I think of how he has lived his life, it has been in earnest. He was born and raised in Louisiana, graduated from the Naval Academy, married my mother 54 years ago and together they raised four children. After a career in the packaging and printing business he’s delighted to be the Chief Executive Confectioner of Steve’s Pecan Pralines.

Our entire family is proud of my dad - and my mother for the energy they have given this. It is heartwarming to share our New Orleans family heritage with our community. My father is proud of his product, and he lists the ingredients on each package. It’s not likely; however, that he’ll ever share the recipe. After all, the pralines are an old Gauthreaux family secret!

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foodsandflavors ™/Cookbook Collector

Homeway Furniture Outlet & Consignment Antiques

Favorite Recipes, A Collection of Recipes by Baltimore United Methodist Church Barbara's friend Debbie Speer shared Baltimore United Methodist Church's brand new cookbook, Favorite Recipes. I love church cookbooks for they are descriptive of where we are in time and documents the foods we are eating. Pastor Kelly Giese asked, "If by sharing a meal that has defined our family we draw closer together?" The church began in 1866 and now needs to expand once again so the cookbook is a fundraiser selling for $15. Call the church to order your copy: 336-961-6055 and pull up a chair, eat with generous friends and family and share good times!

Broccoli Salad -—Carolyn Whitmore 2 bunches broccoli crowns 1/2 lb bacon, cooked & crumbled 3/4 c shredded swiss cheese 2 T vinegar 1 c mayonnaise 1/2 c sugar In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar. Stir until sugar is dissolved and well blended. Add broccoli, bacon, Swiss cheese. Stir all together until well blended. Keep refrigerated.

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Marinated Cucumbers & Onions —Steve Doub 1 c water 1/4 c vinegar 4 medium cucumbers 4 medium onions 1/4 c sugar 2 dashes garlic salt Parsley & chives for garnish Mix water, vinegar, sugar, salt. Cut cucumbers and onions; stir into mixture.

Sprinkle parsley and chives on top. Chill for 4 hours.

See your organization’s cookbook in print. Just send a copy to Yadkin Valley Living, PO Box 627, East Bend, NC 27018 There’s no charge. We share one or two cookbooks every issue. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

Homeway Furniture Outlet & Consignment Antiques 14350 Fancy Gap Highway Cana, Virginia 276-755-4055 WE SHIP ANTIQUES AND FURNITURE—ANYWHERE!

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Homestyles

Plan Now to Prevent Problems in the Garden

by Colleen Church

Celebrate Mom May 10th with gifts from Willow Tree Jewelry by Silver Forest and Ginger Snaps

We offer Gift Baskets for all Occasions including EASTER FREE GIFT WRAP EARN GIFT DOLLARS

PILOT INTERNATIONAL GIFT SHOP 711 E. Main St., Pilot Mountain 336-368-2364 Tuesday-Friday 9:30-5 • Saturday 9:30-2 46

Yadkin Valley Magazine

One of the oldest and most effective strategies for preventing insect and disease problems in the vegetable garden is by using crop rotations. Crop rotation relies on changing the planting location of vegetables within the garden each season. It is important to know what plant family the vegetable belongs to in order to plan an effective rotation.

Plants that belong to the same plant family are often susceptible to similar insect pests and diseases and have similar nutrient requirements. See the table at the end of the article for common garden vegetables, as well as a few herbs, and their plant family classifications. When planning your rotation, do NOT plant the same plant family in the same area year after year. Develop a rotation plan that allows three to four seasons between families. Over time with a suitable host plant present, pathogen and insect pest numbers build in an area increasing damage to vegetable crops year after year. When we remove the desirable host plant, we break this cycle and remove the insect pests’ food source or the pathogens’ host plant to infect.

For example, a gardener grows tomatoes, peppers, corn, cucumbers, squash, and green beans each year in a single garden area. These crops represent four different plant families, nightshade (tomato and pepper), grass (corn), gourd (cucumber and squash) and legume (green bean). Divide the garden into four sections, one for each plant family. Each family will move to a new section each season, until starting back in its original section the fifth season. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

Example of a simple vegetable garden rotation plan of four sections: Section A, Section B, Section C, Section D. Season 1: Nightshade, grass, gourd, legume Season 2: Legume, nightshade, grass, gourd Season 3: Gourd, legume, nightshade, grass Season 4: Grass, gourd, legume, nightshade The same rotation plan can be used for raised beds by treating each bed or half of a bed as a separate section. A plan for three sections or beds over three seasons is fine too. Find what works best for your garden and situation. Be sure to develop a plan for spring and fall crops too and maybe even consider incorporating some cover crops into the rotation. Each vegetable utilizes different types and amounts of nutrients from the soil, so crop rotations also help even out these losses and provide time for nutrients to replenish.

Contact your local NC Cooperative Extension office for more information on vegetable gardening or for other home gardening information needs.

Common vegetables/herbs and their plant family classifications.

Vegetable: Carrot (Apiaceae), carrot, celery, cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley, parsnip; Goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae), beets, spinach, Swiss chard; Gourd (Cucurbitaceae), cucumber, gourd, muskmelon, pumpkin, squash, watermelon; Grass (Poaceae), corn; Legume (Fabaceae), beans, peanuts, peas, soybeans; Mallow (Malvaceae), okra (also includes cotton); Mustard (Brassicaceae), broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage collard, cress, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, rutabaga, turnip Nightshade (Solanaceae), eggplant, pepper, potato, tomato (also includes petunia and tobacco); Onion (Alliaceae), chives, garlic, leek, onion; Sunflower (Asteraceae), endive, lettuce, sunflower.

Colleen Church is the County Extension Director and Horticulture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Yadkin County. Colleen earned her B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture Science from North Carolina State University. A native of Wilkes County, she lives with her husband and two daughters in Clingman.

She enjoys gardening, cooking, crafts and spending time with her family.

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M-F 8-5 • Sat 8-1

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Declining Bee Population Critical

by Pam Jones, Horticulture Agent Declining bee populations have been all the buzz, pun intended, for several years. It is a fact that “the number of managed honey bee colonies in the United States has declined steadily over the past 60 years, from 6 million colonies (beehives) in 1947 to 4 million in 1970, 3 million in 1990, and just 2.5 million today”, according to a White House report released June 20, 2014.

Many known and unknown factors have contributed to this decline including pesticides, lack of genetic diversity and diseases.

So why is the number of honeybees important to you and me? Ninety commercially grown crops in the United

States depend upon insects and animals for pollination. These pollinators transfer pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part of the flower in order for the plant to successfully develop fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. Of the leading 115 food crops consumed worldwide, 87 depend upon insect and animal pollinators.

Additionally, honeybees boost the economy. "Pollinators contribute more than $24 billion to the United States economy, of which honey bees account for more than $15 billion through their vital role in keeping fruits, vegetables, and nuts available to consumers” according to the federal report.

Now, you see the connection. In a world with a population increasing exponentially, hunger is already the cause of death in 2.6 million children yearly worldwide. Children…deathinexcusable. In fact, hunger is a constant for 805 million people daily. The average American farmer feeds 155 people worldwide according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Bees and farmers are partners in eradicating

hunger. As a society, we must protect both in order to survive.

The need for action to protect honeybees and native bees is obvious. To that end, President Obama has tasked the United States Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency with addressing this issue. Researchers will attempt to determine why honeybees, monarch butterflies and other pollinator numbers are diminishing. Another goal of this task force is to discover ways to boost conservation of these critical pollinators.

The Federal budget for 2015 recommends that about $50 million be used to increase the number of acres dedicated to pollinator conservation programs and to boost funding for research on pollinator losses.

HIGH COUNTRY LUMBER AND MULCH, LLC. 336-838-1101 1461 Speedway Road North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 www.highcountrylumberandmulch.com

Buying Standing Timber & Logs Timber appraisals are free with no obligation.

Contact our timber buyers for more information.

Jimmy Bowlin 336-927-2020

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Yadkin Valley Magazine

Hardwood Mulch Red Oak & Mixed Hardwood Both types are double ground for color and consistency.

We offer pick-up as well as delivery service within a 100 mile radius.

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CAROLINA ALLSPICE

by Derek Morris, Horticulture Program Tech

AS A PET?

Carolina allspice, commonly known to many local people as bubby or sweet bubby, is a fantastic old fashioned shrub for modern day landscapes. This shrub, which is native to wooded areas from Virginia into Florida, is botanically known as Calycanthus floridus and was commonly planted by the early settlers in Williamsburg, Old Salem and beyond. These shrubs are still commonly found growing around old abandoned home sites throughout the south. Its claim to fame is the apple/strawberry like fragrance of its blooms in spring, which on a good clone, can easily permeate an entire yard. This is reason enough to grow it in the landscape but it has other attributes that make it a good addition to the landscape. It sports large dark green leaves throughout the summer that turn a nice buttery yellow in the fall before dropping. The fragrant blooms, which are a dark lurid red, are quite pretty on close inspection with threadlike petals. The seedpods, which forms later in the summer, are also quite interesting.

Michael Lindsay

Athens

If the twigs or branches are broken they exude a spicy sweet fragrance and early colonists sometimes used the outer bark as a substitute for cinnamon which was hard to obtain and quite expensive. And thus the common name Carolina allspice. Ladies commonly carried around the blossoms since they were so perfumed.

Although Carolina allspice is almost always found in shaded areas in nature it adapts very well to full sun and of course does quite well in mostly shaded areas. While most will sport fragrant blooms, occasionally one can be found that does not. For this reason it is best to purchase a named variety or at least one that you know is fragrant. Carolina allspice is usually started from cuttings or offshoots. The shrub will grow from 5 to 9 foot tall and can have a spread between 6 and 10 foot but it can easily be maintained by pruning if it gets larger than you like. The best time to prune is when the plant is dormant. This is a very tough shrub that is not fussy about soil conditions and while it likes moisture retentive soil, it is quite drought tolerant once established. Of course keeping the ground mulched heavily around your shrub will keep down weeds and will help hold moisture in the soil. Keeping a newly planted specimen watered during its first summer is always a good idea. A good rule of thumb for most plants is to provide at least one inch of water per week.

Over the years there have been a number of selected varieties discovered on someone's property or in the wild and propagated. A few really great ones are 'Michael Lindsey' which has very fragrant blooms and particularly lustrous foliage. This one was selected in NC. The variety 'athens' selected in GA is quite unusual for having yellow/green flowers which are also very fragrant. 'Purpureus' is a selection with purplish new growth that fades to green during summer.

Adding one or two of these native shrubs to your landscape is a great idea and especially placed near a patio or near a window that might be opened in the spring. The fragrance is out of this world!

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WORMS

by Wendi Hartup, Natural Resources Extension Agent

That's right, worms make great pets and they can eat your garbage too. You don't have to pick them up or love on them. They don't even need classical music; just make them a bed out of moistened, shredded paper (they love your old taxes and spam mail) and feed them things like cut up veggies, coffee grounds and rotten fruit. Let them do the work and voila, you have castings (aka worm poo) to add to your garden.

There are some common questions people have about vermicomposting (composting with worms).

Why would I want worms getting rid of my food waste instead of just throwing it in the trash?

Each year, Americans throw away 33 million tons of food. Food waste, as it decays in landfills, also produces methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Using worms to decompose food waste offers several advantages: • It reduces household garbage bags; • Trash cans aren't as smelly from rotting food; • It saves the water and electricity that kitchen sink garbage disposal units consume; • It requires little space, labor, or maintenance; • It produces a free, high-quality soil amendment; • It spawns free worms for fishing. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

just off Highway 52 at the Pinnacle Exit Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri 8-5 Thurs 8-12 • Sat-Closed What kind of materials do I need for a worm bin?

A suitable bin can be constructed of untreated, non aromatic wood, or use a plastic 18-gallon tote with lid. A wooden box is better if you will keep the worms outdoors. If a plastic container is used, it should be thoroughly washed and rinsed before the worms and bedding are added. The general rule of thumb is one square foot of surface area for each pound of garbage generated per week. For two people (producing approximately 31/2 pounds of food scraps per week), a box 2 feet wide, 2 feet long and 8 inches deep should be adequate.

Full Time Farmer or Part Time Gardner the tools to get it done

Is worm compost a fertilizer?

The simple answer is not really.

When worm compost is added to soil, it boosts the nutrients available to plants and enhances soil structure and drainage. It also helps provide antibodies that strengthen the plant with the microbes that are attached to the castings.

Below is a simple recipe to worm composting. The following website is a wonderful resource for vermicomposting (http://worms.ncsu.edu).

Recipe for vermicomposting •Container with lid and holes for aeration and drainage.

•Moistened bedding (soak 10 min, wring out and fluff).

•1 lb = 1000 Eisenia fetida worms (http://worms.ncsu.edu) •Pull back bedding for food scraps ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

Full line of Cultivator Points & Sweeps including The Wiese Line of Plow & Tillage Points Replacement Tractor Parts Hay Repair Parts Balers/Rakes/Tedders

Baler Twine for Round & Square Bales Line of Hardware • Linkage Pins Used Tractors and Used Machinery New Machinery from the Kodiak Line

Over 100 pieces of new & used machinery

NEW TRACTOR PARTS Carburetor Kits • Ignition Parts • Rims •Seats • Hydraulic Oil & Grease

Special Fertilizer For Yadkin Valley Lawns If you like a lawn that stays a lush, dark green with NO extra mowing, then you need S&H Premium 18-24-12 Lawn Fertilizer.

S&H Premium contains all the necessary trace elements of sulfur, boron, copper, manganese, calcium and magnesium zinc, plus lots of iron. Extra iron is what makes your lawn stay pretty and green so much longer. The slow release nitrogen controls growth so extra mowing is not required and the pellet lime in each bags helps with any pH problems. Phosphate promotes good root development.

There is no filler in S&H Premium, just 100% plant food. One 50lb bag will fertilize 8,500 sq. ft. or 250 lbs per acre.

Plus we sell all types of garden seed and fertilizers for gardens.

S&H Premium 18-24-12 Turf Fertilizer is specially compounded for Yadkin Valley lawns and is available at:

S & H Farm Supply located at the intersection of Country Club & Rockford Roads (next to Ben Brendle’s Groc.)

(4lbs worth per week) and cover well.

•Rotate burial of food scraps.

•To harvest: feed on one side for several weeks so most worms will migrate to that side. Harvest other side and add fresh bedding.

Materials: Wet shredded bedding (Wet Shredded Bedding -paper, newspaper, coir or coconut husk, rotting leaves) Food -veggie/fruit scraps, plate scrapings, coffee grounds/filters, tea bags/leaves, eggshells NO meat, grease, oils, bones, dairy products.

NO pet waste.

NO glossy paper NO plastic.

NO eggs.

NO citrus.

Temperature needed 59° to 77° F (limits 32° to 95° F)

How to use vermicompost •Established plants: Add 2T per quart potting mix around base of plant, water in. Repeat every 2 to 4 weeks.

•Transplants small containers: add ½ cup to hole prior to planting; larger plants, shrubs, trees: 1 to 2 cups prior to planting.

•Lawn and turf established: 7 lbs/100 sq ft; •New turf: 10 lbs/100 sq ft.

Yadkinville (336) 679-6244

SpringOpen House Sale!

All of our furniture is handmade in the USA. New Finishes • New Designs

Furniture Makers Showroom Store

April 24, 25, 26 Friday & Saturday 9am-4pm Sunday 1-4pm After Open House, Factory Store Open

Friday & Saturday May 1 & 2 - 9am-4pm May 8 & 9 - 9am-4pm 52

Yadkin Valley Magazine

Shop Early for Best Selection!

Carolina Country Furniture 4017 Friedberg Church Rd Clemmons One mile north of Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies

www.carolinacountryonline.com • 336-764-0938 Come see Shaker & antique reproduction furniture & accessories Made in the shops beside our Log Cabin Showroom Store

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Join us for Spring Open House Saturday, April 18 • 7:30-4:00 We’ll have door prizes, free drinks, cookies AND FREE Hot Dogs 11am to 1pm

ng Celebrati years!

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Easter Flowers - Mums, Geraniums, Lilies, Azaleas Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Vegetable Plants, Pansies Easter is arriving early this year on Sunday, April 5. We’ve been busy since Christmas growing plants for spring. We have a large selection of flowers scheduled to be ready for Easter. There are hundreds of flowering and fern hanging baskets. We are also growing vegetable transplants and flowers for your garden with the largest selection of trees and shrubs in the Triad.

We are growing over 12,000 beautiful geraniums. Our quality and selection is superb. We will also be forcing hundreds of azaleas into bloom for Easter. The azaleas are the same hardy varieties we grow for your landscape. We are also growing mums for Easter. We will take orders for Easter lilies, geraniums, mums, and azaleas to wrap for churches. Delivery is available for large quantities.

Summer Hours: March 1-Oct. 31 Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6:00, Sat. 7:30-4:00 info@mitchellsnurseryandgreenhouse.com

mitchellsnurseryandgreenhouse.com

1088 W. Dalton Road, King • (336) 983-4107 Bring this ad for $5 off a $35 plant purchase Offer good through April 18, 2015 ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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Arboretum and Gardens at Tanglewood Park Adult Classes

April 21 - Herbs and Cooking with Herbs - Cynthia Bouldin, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, will discuss growing, harvesting, cooking with herbs to make your meals sizzle in the Arboretum Office.

March 18 - Pruning - Scott Welborn, Horticulture Agent & Director of the Arboretum and Gardens at Tanglewood will be sharing proper pruning practices for many different types of plants and proper equipment in the Arboretum Office.

April 22 - Plant Pollinators and Pollinator Gardens Chatham County Agricultural Extension Agent, Debbie Roos, will discuss planting a pollinator garden and how to select its contents to attract a diversity of pollinators in the Arboretum Office.

April 18 - PLANT SALE IN THE ARBORETUM GREENHOUSE AND NURSERY, 8:00a; APRIL 20, 21, 22 AT 10:00a.

All classes are free and run from 11:00a to noon. Tell the gate house you will be attending a seminar to enter at no cost. Park in the Manor House parking lot.

Please email coop-ext-registration@forsyth.cc or call 336703-2850 no earlier than 2 weeks prior to the program.

Any other questions, please call Kathy Hepler at 336-703-2852.

April 20 - Container Gardens - Ann Williams, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, will demonstrate creating a container garden that will add color and style to any porch or patio Location: The Pavilion in the Children's Garden.

Spring Gardening Series March 17 Community Gardens: Trending in Davie April 21 Vegetable Gardening: Year-Round Possibilities Time: 6:30p to 8:00p, the Davie County Cooperative Extension Center, 180S. Main St., Mocksville. Register now, fee is $5 per workshop, Pam Jones at 336-753-6100.

Over 60 Choices of Bulk

Dyed & Natural Mulch, Decorative Stone & Gravel Sourced from over five states

Visit our Outdoor Living Hardscape Patio We even offer Outdoor Living Hardscape Kits, great for do-it-yourselfers

Our NEW Hardware Store is Now Open Landscaping Supplies • Feed & Seed

inside FARMER’S visit THE CHICKEN COOP Antiques & Country Treasures • jewelry & scarves for ladies Sherry Johnson invites you to visit...

FARMER’S MULCH & ROCK Inc.

Phone: 336-386-0883 Cell: 336-366-0662 eewoodproducts@ymail.com farmersmulchandrock.com Open: Monday-Saturday 8a-6p

Mortar Sands Pool Water FREE Coffee & Bibles

7802 NC Hwy 268 Dobson, NC • We’re at the insection of Hwy 601 and 268 WE DELIVER 54

Yadkin Valley Magazine

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Serger Retreat May 12, 13 and 14 • 9am-5pm Available in 2 or 3 day attendance options On the 3rd day you’ll apply your new knowledge to make a bag All inclusive—even Kit fee All Three Days only $180 with lunch, snacks & supplies

(If Two of Three Days $150) Call Now to Register! Limited Seating

ANNUAL

APRIL TUNE-UP SPECIAL

NEW fabrics arriving in March!

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$

25 OFF No Limit

We have gently used machines and NEW machines starting as low as $275. See us for offers and details on

great financing options for getting your gently used or new baby lock or Viking machine now!

You get so much more for your money at Sewingly Yours!

NEW Designer Diamond with everything! this is a $10,000 machine with less than 15 sewing hours now just $4,500 Call about our Trade Up Plans and get full dollar value within the 1st year.

Great Trade-ins available in Baby Lock & Husqvarna models 1329 Lewisville-Clemmons Road, Lewisville (336) 766-8271 sewinglyyours.NET Follow us on Facebook & Instagram email: sewinglyyours@triad.twcbc.com Monday – Friday 10-5 • Saturday 10-3

See our complete class listing in our online newsletter at sewinglyours.net and be sure to sign up for our email news

We offer a full service department with repairs and service on all makes and models—even commercial machines!

Eggshell Confetti Votive

by Jan Kelly, NC Egg Association These sweet votives will give your table a festive look come Easter and beyond. Kids and adults alike will enjoy breaking and crushing egg shells to make each unique votive. With this craft you are using the shells of colored hardboiled eggs or eggs used in recipes but in either case, dry shells completely by placing shells on a cookie sheet; bake in a 250°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Break or crush eggshells into small pieces. Fill each votive holder 1/2 way with dried, crushed shells.

Insert a kid-friendly battery operated votive candle into the shells; gently push down to support the base and part of the sides with eggshells. Using colored hard-cooked eggshells you can choose one color or mix colors. For eggshells used in recipes, place dried shells on newspaper; spray paint or paint with brush to color and let dry before assembling in votive.

DO YOUR DRAPES HAVE A DUSTY HISTORY ALL OF THEIR OWN? LET US CLEAN THEM! WE offer: Pick up & Delivery Take Down & Re-Hang Service Or bring them in to any of our locations.

Offering Convenient locations: 205 S. Stratford Rd, Towers Shopping Center, Winston-Salem 725-6404 2129 S. Main St., Winston-Salem 777-8109 Wachovia Center, Winston-Salem 761-5966 6814 Shallowford Rd, Lewisville 945-5515 Five Forks Shopping Center, King 983-3156

Ask about our FREE home & office Dry Cleaning “Pick up” Service Call (336) 725-6404 Limited service area

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offer ends 4/30/15

Celebrating our 60th Anniversary ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

Fortune Eggs

by Jan Kelly, NC Egg Association Here is a super decoration for your Easter table your kids can help with. You need 12 blown eggs, emptied, washed, dried; pastel colors of enamel spray paint and adornments.

Visit IncredibleEgg.org for safe directions to empty an egg.

Use a piece of foam and toothpicks to stand clean, completely dried eggs on end. Eggs are fragile—gently spray eggs to coat thoroughly.

While wet, add glitters or other decorations.

Let dry completely. Cut your messages from thin paper: “You are a good egg,” “It may be those who do most, dream most,” “Get off to a new start-break out of your shell,” “May fortune smile upon you,” and so on into small strips of paper.

Wrap tightly around the end of a toothpick; insert toothpick and message into the larger hole in the egg. Once inside, the message will unroll, fall off toothpick and stay put.

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An incredible outdoor living space!

Let's Move It Outdoors for More Space Spring is here and the warmer weather and new growth sparks our imagination. We all need extra space and using some or all of our backyard does the trick. That backyard use is growing in popularity as a hangout for cooking, entertaining and relaxing.

Just plunking out a charcoal grill and picnic table though won't cut it anymore. Today we want to step out of the ordinary, break new ground and we want design, a collation of what we want and need for our home expansion and that means concrete -to design and build with. Concrete is not to be confused with cement; concrete can assume almost any design, shape, pattern or texture in just about any color.

DesignCast Concrete and G & B Energy are your outdoor living special-

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Yadkin Valley Magazine

ists working together to give you residential and commercial service featuring decorative stamped patios, firepits/fireplaces, lighting, audio/visual sound systems, complete outdoor kitchens with built-in grills and refrigeration. This doesn’t have to be a daunting project; consult with trained staff from DesignCast so you can sit back and enjoy the results.

In conjunction with G & B Energy, DesignCast has access to gas, ceramic charcoal and wood pellet built-in grills, side burners, infrared searing stations, refrigerators, power burners, prep sinks, beverage stations, warming drawers and ample storage options from well-known brands.

You, the homeowner need to list your musts for entertaining; How

many guests are the norm for your gatherings? Will you be grilling every time you entertain? Do you need extra counter workspace and/or bar space? Is one grill enough for you? Do you know where to place your new outdoor kitchen, where will the morning and afternoon sunshine hit the area and which direction will the prevailing wind come? It's the old location, location, location thing!

DesignCast Concrete offers many options such as decorative stamped surfaces, slabs and foundations, concrete countertops, acid/stain/pro-dye color treatments, concrete engraving, custom concrete furniture, concrete resurfacing, complete outdoor kitchens, custom firepits and scheduled maintenance services.

ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

We’re really good at helping keep your family comfortable all year long!

Samples of the beautiful stamped concrete that replicates stones, bricks and the like.

Concrete is versatile, durable in all types of weather and can be your next countertops, sink, pizza oven, fireplace, patio seating and fire pit. You don't have to be content with concrete's natural gray color, be decorative enough to even match your outdoor kitchen to your house colors.

Stamped concrete replicates stones, bricks and the like and is often less expensive-perfect for floors, walkways, patios. Concrete countertops are versatile, durable and easy to maintain, ah, the words we like to hear! Fire pits, also called a conversation pit, are on lots of wish lists. A gas fed pit can provide warmth, light, a cooking source and relaxed fellowship.

Consider the location with a viewoutdoors and from inside the house and where the extra warmth will be welcomed and of course, safety considering traffic, winds-let a professional help.

Several methods of coloring your concrete is available whether you prefer natural, rustic tones or bold multicolored floors or countertops, there are endless options. Acid-based stains permeate the concrete to create luminous, translucent hues of earthy tones, tans, browns, terra cottas, soft blue-greens while water-based stains offer dozens of standard colors.

Interested in learning more?

DesignCast Concrete and G & B Energy serve the Triad, foothills, mountains and Lake Norman area of North Carolina. Call 336-258-4233 and visit designcastconcrete.com ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

The comfortable days of Spring are here, but it won’t be long till Summer’s heat and humidity return.

Scheduling a BI-ANNUAL TUNE-UP for your heating and cooling system is as easy as calling K&V Heating and Air Conditioning today at 336-699-2088.

A little money spent in preventative tune-ups can save you big money and stress for emergency repairs when temperatures soar.

Our services also include: UV Lights Digital Thermostats Air Filtering Systems Humidifiers Duct Balancing

Seal Ducts Carbon Monoxide Detectors Preventive Tune-Ups

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Commercial • Residential • Manufactured Homes M a rc h / A p ri l 2 01 5

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Spring

by Judy Mitchell

in the Garden and Greenhouse It is starting to look and feel like spring. This is my favorite time of the year.

I love to work outside when I’m not roasting or freezing. Leaves are appearing. Flowers are starting to bloom. It is time to mow off onions if they are sprouting in your yard. If you only have a few, they can be dug by hand. I have some in a flower bed here at the nursery I have been trying to get rid of. Just after a rain, sometimes they can be grabbed at the base to pull them up.

Now is the time to cut out the dead in perennials. If you can’t remember, perennials come back year after year. Daylilies don’t have to be cut off. You can just pull off last year’s foliage. It is easier if you remove dead foliage before the leaves sprout in the spring. Be sure to get rid of any weeds sprouting now while they are small and easy to pull or dig out. Think of all those calories you are burning! Start slow and don’t get sore muscles the first day out. Be sure to use sunscreen also on skin that hasn’t seen daylight since last fall.

Perennials were potted in January in the greenhouse. We move them outdoors usually around mid-March. They can usually be planted in your garden safely then. Put out fresh mulch or pine needles. Needles with the best color are found in winter so the earlier you put them out the better. Needles fall in winter.

We have been busy growing ferns for our huge 12” hanging baskets since last June. They will be ready to hang on your porch as soon as the danger of frost is past. Here in the Triad, the average last frost date is April 15. If you are able to protect plants, they are ready to be put out as early as April 1, but be ready to take them back indoors when frost is forecast, or my rule of thumb is when temps are predicted to fall below 40°. Just remember temperature is a prediction. Sometimes the weatherman misses it. We also potted flowering hanging baskets in January that are starting to bloom. We have increased the number of mixed baskets we grew this year.

Geraniums, gerberas and mums were potted in January to be blooming in time for the early Easter, April 5th. We also put hardy azaleas in the greenhouse to force for Easter—azaleas don’t naturally bloom until about the third week of April. My employees spent early January making bows for Easter. We wrap Easter lilies, azaleas, mums and geraniums with hand tied bows and paper for graves. Container plants are growing. We try to put them outside to toughen before selling them.

I ordered poinsettia cuttings in late January to pot in August so poinsettias will be blooming by Thanksgiving. Pansy plugs were ordered in February.

Garden mum cuttings were ordered in January. It takes a lot of planning and growing to have plants ready when you want to buy them. Check out our facebook page to see what is happening here at the nursery as we grow plants.

There are lots of new plants for spring. I just read about a new yellow wave petunia today. It should be available for next spring. We will have Red Velour Wave Petunia—red with a black center. I have ordered a new calibrachoaSuperbell Frostfire—yellow with a red center and Bacopa Blue Bubbles that is a new double bacopa. There is a new orange lantana named Luscious Marmalade. Bounce Impatiens are new this year. They are a cross between the standard impatiens and New Guinea Impatiens with the best habits of both.

They are resistant to downy mildew that has wiped out many impatiens in past years. I am getting excited about spring just writing about it!

To learn more, contact: Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse 1088 W. Dalton Road, King • (336) 983-4107 • mitchellsnurseryandgreenhouse.com

caring hearts

by Heather Cain Early in 1994 a group of deeply concerned community members formed a board to address the growing need for a safe place for children who needed a home. Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home opened it’s first home later that year. That passion for the safety of children continues to drive the Ebenezer Family today. Our mission is to provide a safe place for children to laugh, play and dream; to simply learn how to be a child again.

Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home is a long-term home for children in need of placement because they are unable to reside in their natural homes for various reasons including abuse and/or neglect. Upon opening the first home, it became evident that there was a great need for homes for children.

Since then we have opened 4 other homes and have the capacity to serve 38 children, from the age of birth to 21 years of age. Our sixth home is in the process of becoming licensed and will open during this year.

What sets the Ebenezer Family apart from other long term residential care homes is the individual focus on each child, and their unique needs.

Much more than a bed and meals for a child, our staff focus on meeting all the needs of a child including physical, emotional, academic and spiritual. We give the child the opportunity to learn about Christ and the unconditional love He offers. This facet of our care is evident through daily prayer, devotionals, as well as activities with our local churches. Ebenezer is blessed to have a chapel on our property called Living Grace Chapel. This is a place to meet the spiritual needs of the children ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

and staff and for groups to gather, as well as a place to hold special services and singings.

We also specialize in having staff members trained in taking care of children with have medical conditions such as Phenylketonuria (PKU), diabetes, and the physically handicapped. We also specialize in dealing with children with attachment disorders and have success with helping them work through issues.

The amount of children we can work with special needs are limited so we can give the ones we have all the attention they might require.

Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a family. Seeing this need the Ebenezer Family has responded with our Foster Care and Adoptions program. We offer the classes needed to become a licensed foster parent in North Carolina and offer support to families as they move through that process. We continue our involvement and support as a child is placed with one of our foster families. Having this program allows us to know both the children and families to facilitate better adoption outcomes.

The Ebenezer Family also has a program to meet the needs of adolescent children as they prepare for the transition to adulthood. Studies show that children who grow up in foster care have poor outcomes as they become adults. Our independent living program is designed to help the youth cultivate the skills needed to become healthy independent young adults.

Although it is unfortunate that a place like Ebenezer is needed, we are so thankful that God has chosen us to make a difference in the lives of children in need. Along with faithful friends and supporters like you, we are changing lives for the better.

If you are interested in learning more about Ebenezer please call us at 336-667-LOVE (5683) or check out our website at www.ebenezerfamily.org We also have multiple opportunities for volunteering, tutoring, mentoring or participation in fundraising events.

Ebenezer is a 501c3 Non Profit organization so any donations and helping hands are accepted with sincere gratitude. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

a fun store to shop!

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off the bookshelf Everyone knows artist Bob Timberlake of Lexington,locally and internationally, and realizes when he creates something, it's going to be exciting.

As soon as I got his newest book, HEADED HOME, Providences of Laughter, Love, and Joy, I read it cover to cover. That was the first read; the second time through its 112 pages, I admired the 57 art images—many old time favorites and lots of newer subjects, partnered with the collection of aphorisms, sage quotes, inspirational thoughts and tales. You can read HEADED HOME one page at a time, one season at a time and the end result is the perfect gift to give yourself and others.

"Look for the GOOD in everyone and everything."

—Bob Timberlake, HEADED HOME "Encouragement is the THE SPARK that ignites the soul."

—Mark Erwin, HEADED HOME This is the second book by the Timberlake and Charlotte's Mark Erwin collaboration. Erwin worked with Bob on the prequel, Life's Lessons: Line of Wisdom from a Faithful Stream in 2012. Both men share a mutual devotion to God, family, friends and country and a passion for the sportsman's life of hunting and fishing, conservation and dogs.

HEADED HOME is available at the the Bob Timberlake Gallery, (you can request a signed copy), in Lexington and online at BOBTIMBERLAKE.COM for $34.95.

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21 Sparta Road North Wilkesboro, NC 336.667.5423 www.bridaltraditionsnc.com www.Pinterest.com/BridalTradition www.facebook.com/bridaltraditions 64

Yadkin Valley Magazine

One of our all time favorite Yadkin Valley People interviews was Bob Timberlake.

With his many projects and very busy schedule, he was a very gracious host to share his day with us.

If you’d like to go back in time to November of 2010, just visit yadkinvalleyliving.com to read our story about the day’s conversation. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

Spring is in the Air

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by Eva Tamko As we begin thinking about spring break and Easter being right around the corner, we might also consider some ways to hop into the holiday and teach our children about the different themes associated with this special time of the year. To me, it’s the perfect time for children to go more in depth with stories about springtime, eggs, bunnies, and of course, Easter and the meaning behind it. I have put together a collection of books children would love to hear and can begin storing away as memories associated with this brilliantly refreshing part of the year!

When reading about spring, there are some stories that will warm you up like a daffodil breeze and can thaw you from the winter cold like you’re picnicking again under a sun-filled, Carolina sky. One of my favorite picture books is, Planting a Garden by Lois Ehlert. This book explains to children how to plant seeds or bulbs and what it takes to grow all the beautiful flowers in a garden. The book provides a garden in a rainbow of colors with accurate pictures of each plant.

Another childhood favorite is, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

If you haven’t read this book, it’s a must for you and your little ones! This story is not only a captivating tale of a ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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caterpillar’s insatiable appetite that will eventually lead to it’s inevitable change but also a journey of different and interesting types of foods he eats throughout a week’s time.

One more great springtime story is the Caldecott Honor Book, In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming. With this story, a lively frog takes the readers on a fieldtrip into nature, starting

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Yadkin Valley Magazine

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with the season of spring and describes each creature and what they are doing, poetically, throughout the year.

The author truly paints a picture with words, capturing the creatures movement and sound.

There are also many great books about the fun aspects of Easter. Some great bunny stories for babies and toddlers would definitely be, Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt which has wonderful textures, pictures and even smells that will be a treasure to any little one during this season. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, though it is from 1922, is a lovely story of a toy rabbit becoming real—an amazing gift and story for any child (though you might prefer an abridged copy for younger children). Pete the Cat: Big Easter Adventure by James Dean is a children’s favorite where he takes another groovy endeavor to help the Easter Bunny before the day ends. Llama, Llama, Easter Egg by Anna Dewdney is a short and simple rhyming book for very young readers about the Easter Bunny bringing lots of different treats for the llama llama. Easter Bugs might be perfect for a little one who loves the outdoors and popup books. This book is about the different bugs hiding behind each unique egg, complimented by the author’s questions; each egg is different with textures, sounds, and visuals. It’s a very cool find for any young reader.

The final theme of children’s books would be that of God and the meaning of Easter. One of my favorite books, a poetry book, I remember my mother reading to me, (I read the same one to my children), and would be a great addition to any personal library is, My Little Golden Book About God

by Jane Werner Watson. It is full of soft, gorgeous illustrations and rhymes, not too complex and easily understood, with an overall message that is ultimately about love and compassion. God Gave Us Easter by Lisa Tawn Bergren and Laura Bryant is a lovely story set in the Arctic with a family of polar bears and the Papa bear must explain to his cubs what Easter is and why it is important. It is written in a style that makes it very easy to understand and will entertain with its striking illustrations.

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FUN with kids

Encouraging kids to read is one of the most important gifts a teacher or parent can give. Reading opens up the imagination, not to mention it is vitally important for all subject areas. This is why Read Across America fills me with excitement each year. Dr. Seuss books are so much fun for elementary students across grade levels, no matter the age.

Tavi has a BA in Psychology, MA in Teaching, and is a fourth grade Read on for some cool ideas and snacks to accompany Dr. teacher at Poplar Springs Elementary, a Title 1 School, King.

Seuss books, hopefully to spark an interest in reading the entire year.

One of my all-time favorite books is Oh the Places You’ll Go. This book sends a powerful message and is even a popular gift for high school graduates.

A book to get kids thinking and writing about their future. Encourage kids to brainstorm about what they want their future to look like. What kind of NOW OPEN – OUR NEW, job do they want? Where do they want to travel in the world? What is the EXPANDED STORE AT path they might choose after high school? Take a class poll to see what jobs are important to your students, then explore those paths that need to (336) 667-1430 be taken to fulfill those job requireOpen Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-4 ments. Take that plan and turn it into an inspirational piece of writing. The Fine Children’s kids can write a draft, edit it, then even Clothing type it, incorporating computer skills.

Newborn to Preteens After the writing process, my kids make a construction paper balloon to Baby Gifts & Accessories add a bit of color to their writing. I attach this on the side of their paper to Peaches‘n Cream • Kissy Kissy • Bailey Boys • Flap Happy • Anavini • Molly and Millie Le Top • Paty • Will Beth • Feltman Brothers & many more display in our school hallway.

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elebration

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As a teacher, I am always looking for new ways to remember my students from year to year. I found an image on the internet of the character from Oh the Places You’ll Go. I mod podged it onto a canvas, then let each student dip their thumb into a paint color of their choice and make a thumbprint onto the canvas. I drew lines with a black sharpie connecting the balloons to the hand of the character making a super cute and memorable piece of artwork to hang in my classroom.

Speaking of mod podge, another great idea for your kids to make is a Dr.

Seuss stool. We found old or damaged Dr. Seuss books and cut out the characters. We then painted a stool and I let the kids choose a character to mod podge on the stool. I will always think of this year’s class when I look at that stool.

To finish off our celebration of Dr. Seuss, we had a Read Across America party—melt red chocolate; dip each of the ends of a large marshmallow making the top part of the cat’s hat. Place the marshmallow on a powdered donut to make a cute snack to go with the book, The Cat in the Hat. Make truffula trees for The Lorax: stick a ball of

cotton candy on a black and white striped straw. To add a tasty snack to the book Green Eggs and Ham, place a sucker straw on a piece of wax paper.

Melt white chocolate, then spoon the chocolate in the shape of an egg, making sure it covers the top of the sucker stick. When the white chocolate is still warm, place a round, green chocolate in the middle of the white egg I hope some of these ideas inspire your children to read and realize books can be fun and bring out their imagination and creativity.

MUSICIANS OF THE YADKIN VALLEY

1313 North Bridge Street • Elkin, NC 28621 • 336-835-2013 Monday-Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-4 70

Yadkin Valley Magazine

Is it possible there is a type of music not known to the musicians in the Yadkin Valley? Amazing, too, is most of the region’s musicians can play more than one instrument and many learned to play without formal instruction. Music feeds the soul.

There are jamming sessions in every little nook in the Yadkin Valley...locals know where they happen and if you are just a lucky person, you may enjoy music at your local Bojangles or diner. And there are multiple established, local and national conventions and concerts scheduled with some younger events making a mark on their music loving audience.

The grandaddy of all is Wilke’s MerleFest, a close second is the Bluegrass Convention in Yadkinville and the new kid on the block is the Old Timey Bluegrass Convention in Dobson. Let’s not forget those who like to document the history of music.

Accolades go to the Yadkin Valley organizations working diligently to raise monies for future musicians’ scholarships to help them along their way...you meet two such opportunities in the pages that follow. Play on!

ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention It's always exciting to see another musical event on the scene. This is the sixth year for the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention held on March 27 and 28 on the Surry Community College campus in Dobson. Old time music is as important today as ever and continues to gain popularity with younger generations. Surry County as one of the musical Yadkin Valley regions has a rich heritage of old time music and the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention is recognizing the county's pride with this two-day family-friendly festival.

Friday opens the festivities with an evening of square dancing and flatfooting.

Buck Buckner, an organizer of SOTFC, said,"The dance is aimed at being a large community type dance bringing together all the smaller dance events to reflect the area's traditional dancing." Dancing starts at 7:00p to the music of "Round Peak Ramblers," "Slate Mountain Ramblers," and "New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters."

Admission is $5.00.

Registration for the actual adult and youth competitions begins at 10:00a on Saturday, the 28th. General admission is $5.00 but free for contestants and children under 12. There are nine adult and 7 youth competition categories (a list of categories, prizes and the previous year's event winners are on the website: surryoldtime.com).

The day also includes free instrument workshops on guitar, fiddle, banjo and dance. Jamming space is available for inside or outdoors, depending on the weather. Luthier displays will be in the Knight Grill, open from 11:00a to 6:00p, for your dining convenience and pleasure. When the cafeteria closes, a SCC club will offer concessions (Friday evening, too). A vintage, handmade quilt , as quilting is another community tradition, will be raffled. Lastly there will be a 50/50 cash drawing.

Mark your calendar and don't miss mingling with seasoned and new musicians specializing in area traditional music, especially old time Round Peak style of the fretless banjo. Music, dancing and fellowship for the whole family to enjoy...what a wonderful way to start spring!

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That’s some big fiddle that Hoke Matthews and Donald Brown built. Shown here on the Hickory Bend Band’s float from last year’s East Bend God & Country Celebration.

It’s a reproduction of the fiddle the workmen of Huff Buggy Works built to showcase the first July 4th Parade and Bluegrass Convention held in East Bend in the early 1900s.

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GEORGE SMITH AND THE MOUNT AIRY UKULELE INVASION (MAUI)

by Cindy Martin photo by Ginger Horse Studio The audience waits in excited anticipation as the gifted, talented musician, George Smith, takes his place at center stage. While he directs, the Mount Airy Ukulele Invasion (MAUI), performs for the proud onlookers. For eight weeks this group of individuals, ranging from kindergarten to retirement age have come together at Olde Mill Music on Main Street in Mount Airy to learn the basics of this unique instrument and hone their craft in preparation for tonight’s recital.

After performing several songs like “You Are My Sunshine” and “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” the class of twenty-plus students takes its final bow and receives a standing ovation. Many are eager to sign up for the next class. “The selections cover a wide variety of tunes with different skill levels for the beginner and the advanced student,” George explained. So there’s something for everyone.

It was George’s wife, Gin Denton, and her friend, Grace Kish, who gave birth to the idea of a ukulele class. They suggested it would be a great opportunity for folks to get together and jam. “I was amazed when 17 people showed up for the first class!” George exclaimed. “I never tire of working with others and helping them express their creativity,” he continued. “Our ukulele classes have become more like a community.”

From the beginning, music has been a constant in George’s life. He got his first guitar when he was 12. At 14, George was playing and writing songs and eager to start a band.

During his last year in high school, things took a small detour.

He was chosen as a foreign exchange student and spent his senior year in Germany. This experience inspired him to attend and graduate from UNCG with a degree in German.

All the while, George’s musical abilities continued to grow. He realized music was his first love, a calling, it was his destiny to somehow make the music business his life’s work. “It took many years to realistically turn it into a living,” George said. “But I love music so much,” he added, “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Just last summer, George released his first album.

Today, in addition to giving guitar, bass, mandolin, and ukulele lessons at Olde Mill Music, he performs at a variety of venues, including festivals, weddings, church services, wineries, and private functions. George also tunes pianos.

In the future, he hopes to set up a small recording studio so his students might experience that aspect of making music.

George has been fortunate to perform with such greats as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Marshall Tucker Band, Darius Rucker, Ralph Stanley, and a score of others along the way, before deciding to return to Mount Airy, the place of his birth, to put down roots. He and his wife, Gin, an accomplished equestrian and award-winning photographer, live on a small farm just a few miles outside of town. Like Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” George concurs, “There’s no place like home.”

To contact George, check his schedule of events, or order one of his CDs, visit his website, www.themusicofgeorgesmith.com or call 336-648-0136. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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Coming to MerleFest Top: The Marshall Tucker Band Center: The Avett Brothers Lower: Dwight Yoakam

MerleFest Music. Moments. Memories.

Join other music lovers on April 23 through 26 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, with the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Steep Canyon Rangers and Shannon Whitworth as just part of the incredible performing lineup.

MerleFest, a four-day event, is considered one of the premier music festivals in the country. It's an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans. Founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson, the event is a celebration of "traditional plus" music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, root-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region. Included is bluegrass, old-time music, Americana, country, blues, rock, Celtic, Cajun, cowboy, zydeco and more.

The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on 13 stages during the four days. The annual event has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Endowment Corporation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.

"We are incredibly excited to have global superstar Dwight Yoakam make his first appearance at MerleFest," said Steve Johnson, artist relations manager for MerleFest. "He is known for covering everything from bluegrass to country to pop and is a perfect example of 'traditional plus' music. Mix in the Americana and bluegrass sounds of the Grammywinning Steep Canyon Rangers along with Shannon Whitworth and our Sunday lineup is going to be an outstanding day of music."

Tickets for MerleFest 2015 are on sale and may be purchased at MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. A three-tiered pricing structure is offered for MerleFest 2015: an Early Bird tier 2-ticket discount is available through April 22 and the third price tier will be gate pricing. (Tier 1 ended February 15) Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the extended early bird discount.

The current MerleFest 2015 lineup is viewable at MerleFest.org/lineup and additional artists will be announced soon.

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Passion for Music collaboration by Eunice & Jody Call

Jody Call In searching for a musician to interview, it occurred to me I had the perfect candidate in my son, Jody, who is an avid percussionist. This is his story: “In many contexts, doing anything 35 years seems like a long time, but it largely depends on what occupies that span of time. In what seems like yesterday, I vividly recall bringing a little blue set of drums home from a cattle sale in Dad’s green Ford pickup in 1979. Just 5 years old, I couldn’t wait to get home. To this day, the excitement and anticipation of getting to play an instrument is something still occurring every time I sit down to play drums, any other form of percussion, or other instruments; it never gets old whether playing alone or with a group of musicians. I have had many interests, hobbies and sports came and went, but an involvement in and a passion for music has always kept that mark true and provided an outlet for my life’s balance; playing music feels like home, and home is a place where I love to be.

Initially a self-taught drummer, I pursued formal training in my late teens desiring to broaden my knowledge and to play drums/percussion in my community college jazz ensemble.

The drummer had a broken leg, so the music director approached me to audition. Coming from a rock-influenced background, this environment was forya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

eign, but with the director’s patience, I adapted and took away the art of brushwork in drumming and how to be a minimalist.

Over the course of playing the following two decades, I have been fortunate to meet and play music with countless influential, talented and wonderful individuals. Local musicians Don Story and Billy Gee took me into their fold in 1998 with another local multiinstrumentalist, Dennis Shaw, creating “Fried Pies.” I not only learned about adaptation and improvisation, but was exposed to the catalog of music they grew up with. I truly appreciate the music I may have otherwise turned a blind eye to if not for the opportunity to play with Don, Billy and Dennis.

In 2007, I got a call to play percussion with the Kruger Brothers, who had just recently moved to Wilkes and live only about two miles as the crow flies from my home. My childhood friend, Josh Day, played for them, but his touring schedule did not allow for his availability on some important upcoming dates. I chose to play cajon (box drum) and udu (Nigerian clay pot drum) based on the Krugers’ sound—learning more about minimalism and the space between notes with the Krugers than any other playing situation. With so little to choose from compared to a drum set, there was an inherent exposure and

sense of being vulnerable when playing.

Still yet, I have conveyed to Jens, Uwe and Joel that playing with them feels like home.

Recently, I have been playing with the “Toneblazers” and Marty Raybon, former lead singer of Grammy-award winners “Shenandoah.” For the past several years, I’ve played with acousticana duo Darin and Brooke Aldridge. I have some upcoming dates with country singer T. Graham Brown, and I still do a few shows each year with “Fried Pies.” With my busy schedule, I still try to spend time with those guys if nothing more than just hanging out at their studio or Jen’s house.

Have not given much thought to my life had I chosen to play as a full-time occupation; I can’t live life based on what ifs. I love my professional occupation as a Network Operations Manager for Wilkes Communications, Inc. I know I have been blessed with the opportunity to play music and meet countless people through that journey.

We encourage music and expression through playing in my family, but we want it to be enjoyable and fun to them. I would hope in music they, the same as I have, find their home.

Jody and Melissa live in Wilkes County with their two children and a dozen rescued dogs and cats.

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ROBERT STEELMAN In the early 1980s, Robert Steelman was playing upright bass in "The Fall Creek Bluegrass Band." The band had hosted a bluegrass festival at a local campground and that prompted a fellow bass player and Jaycee to urge Robert to start a bluegrass convention in Yadkinville. Robert stepped up to the plate; the third Saturday in April, (April 18, 2015), was chosen the annual date and the first Yadkin Valley Bluegrass Convention was in 1985.

Yadkinville Elementary School has been the traditional location. The category of one, bluegrass only, and prize money for first place only has grown with the attendance and affiliation with the Yadkin Arts Council and arts council president John Willingham. "Now we offer a complete slate of prizes in both bluegrass and oldtime categories as well as in Junior and Senior divisions. Our convention is very competitive in the amount of prizes offered," says Robert.

Born and raised in Yadkin County, Robert, as a youngster, started out on a guitar, then moved on to upright bass and played bass for years.

In 1980, he began playing mandolin and he enjoys local weekly jam sessions. Robert has played with the likes of "The Yadkin River Boys," "Bill Vanhoy & the Grass Valley Boys," "The Boyd Brothers" and others. "Most of my musical education came from watching and listening to other musicians," recalls Robert. His wife, Beth plays piano and has played some bass. Occasionally, Robert joins in with either mandolin or bass back up. Beth sang and Robert played bass with the "Deep Creek Quartet" for years. Robert also sings, mostly harmony, either tenor or baritone, preferring the harmony parts. He sings in his church choir.

Currently Robert plays mandolin with "Hickory Bend" — Dwain Hunt, banjo; Jim Lewis on guitar, Hoke Matthews, fiddle; Catherine Matthews on bass. The band has just released its first CD, "Loose Change." Song writing is another one of Robert's talents—he gets credit for three original tunes on the CD and for designing the CD cover!

He has written and copyrighted several other songs that have not been recorded yet.

Outside his world of music, Robert likes to read, work with graphic design, his church, songwriting and watching son Michael's baseball games! Both bluegrass season and baseball season are here for our enjoyment.

Top: Robert with legendary Bluegrass performer Bobby Osborne.

Robert with his mandolin.

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JORDAN NANCE

Ralph Epperson and Jordan Nance

Jordan Nance's journey through life has been more challenging than most.

He and his parents, Keith and Joy, have traveled all roads with Jordan—all of them are determined to persevere.

At 31, Jordan has lived with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy since a premature birth. Joy tells us he has never allowed his physical or speech limitaya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

tions to slow him down. Early on, Jordan was fascinated with shows on radio and television. He has met Ron Howard and the late Fred "Mister" Rogers but when Jordan met Ralph Epperson, the man whose dreamed of owning his own radio station - WPAQ in Mount Airy, a new passion was born for bluegrass music. Much of the bluegrass and old time music was 'live' in at the station in the 40s and 50s. Now, 67 years later, The Merry Go Round Show, 740AM on the dial, is still promoting bluegrass, gospel, old time music along with daily Christian programming. WPAQ's Saturday morning Merry Go Round is the second longest running live bluegrass show on the air in the U.S. today.

Ralph and Jordan clicked, their friendship grew and Jordan decided to do a documentary about Ralph and the early years of the station. Jordan interviewed his idol in 2006. Sadly, Ralph passed six weeks later. "Ralph's stories helped me experience the string music of the Blue Ridge firsthand. I want to help people know the same feeling I

have for WPAQ," says Jordan.

With the support of his parents, Jordan pursued his documentary traveling around the area interviewing and filming over 40 musicians, family, staff and WPAQ listeners. By 2012, with the help of Beth Crookham, Jordan started production of "Broadcast: A Man and His Dream," his tribute to his good friend Ralph Epperson and the love of the string music of the Blue Ridge music which both men loved.

The documentary is 56 minutes of storytelling, a mingling of film and live music, vintage photographs, more than 50 original recordings from WPAQ's early days and 15 interviews of pioneer bluegrass musicians.

You can obtain a DVD for $15 from Jordan: jordycoy@triad.rr.com or Joy Nance at 336-951-1525 and at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History's gift shop and Olde Mill Music, both in Mount Airy.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/ BroadcastBluegrassRadioFilm M a rc h / A p ri l 2 01 5

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VACATION d e d u RENTALS Secl

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(336) 526-2661 froghollercabins.com 78

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WILKES ACOUSTIC SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS story & photos by Keith and Deb Watts JamCamp at MerleFest and Swannanoa Gathering scholarships are some of the opportunities made possible by Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society, (WAFS), and MerleFest. JamCamp at MerleFest is held the week of MerleFest at YMCA Camp Harrison in Boomer. The scholarship pays for the 3-day tuition. Travel and meals are on the recipient. JamCamp is hosted by Pete Wernick aka Dr. Banjo, an internationally acclaimed artist. Age limit is 10 or older.

Since 1991, Warren Wilson College just east of Asheville has hosted a series of workshops in various folk arts during July and August known as the Swannanoa Gathering. The Gathering is one of the most prestigious of its kind.

In 2004, WAFS created the Duncan-Elliott Memorial Scholarship to honor the performing arts contributions of the late Dr. Steven Duncan and Rex Elliott. This scholarship pays tuition and lodging. Meals must be paid by the recipient. There is no age limit but ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 or older. 2015 applications for both scholarships may be printed from wilkesfolks.org Presley Barker, son of Eric and Julie of N.Wilkesboro, is 10 and a 2014 winner of JamCamp at MerleFest. Presley’s instrument of choice is guitar. “Music is important to me. It is a gift I can give back to others,” Presley said. Doc Watson was a tremendous influence on Presley as well as others. In order to expose his talent, he attends fiddlers’ conventions and blue grass festivals.

He also loves to attend church for revivals, youth singings and church plays. Presley has played MerleFest, ChickenFest and Americana Day at The Record Park and the Brushy Mountain AppleFest.He attended the Red White and Bluegrass camp in Morganton hosted by “Steep Canyon Rangers,” Darrin and Brooke Aldridge, “Balsam Range” and has placed in North Carolina and Virginia conventions. “I want to be the best guitar player that God allows me to be.”

Benjamin Barker (not related to Presley) is a 2014 JamCamp winner. He is 10, the son of Andy and Tonya of Wilkesboro. “Being home schooled gives me extra time to practice my music, and I love music.” He practices piano, hammer dulcimer and banjo six days a week. Benjamin sings in both the church choir and the children’s choir. Gospel music and musicians at his church are an important influence for Benjamin. At age one, Benjamin started music in Kindermusic and started playing piano at the age of five. then came voice lessons, mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer and claw hammer banjo. Benjamin plays anytime the opportunity arises. He won the Junior Dulcimer competition in the 2013 Yadkin Valley Bluegrass Convention. “I want to improve my banjo skills and Pete Wernick is the best!”

Mary Vann Johnston, age 23, is from Moravian Falls and is a 2014 graduate of Warren Wilson College. “I received encouragement from my music professors to attend the Swannanoa Gathering but I was so busy with class. I set a goal to attend this year one way or another,” said Johnston when she interviewed for WAFS. Johnston learned her first rolls and licks from her dad. Her dad repaired an old banjo for her 18th birthday. “I always loved listening to my dad play. He really surprised me giving me his banjo.” Johnston received lessons from Main Street Music in N. Wilkesboro and instruction from Phil Jameson and Wayne Erbsen while at Warren Wilson.

Johnston began playing three finger Scruggs style but fell in love with claw hammer style, her preference. Her influences are “The Stanley Brothers,” “Flatt and Scruggs,” Ken Perlman, John Hartford, “The Kruger Brothers,” “Chatham County Line” and of course, her dad. Johnston worked at Warren Wilson while attending classes enabling her to be exposed to the traditional folkways taught there. Johnston was selected by the WAFS Board for the 2014 Duncan-Elliott Memorial Scholarship. She attended the Mando-Banjo week at Swannanoa Gathering. Johnston displays her pickin’ and voice talent on youtube.com at the Warren Wilson Senior Recital 2014.

Featuring Cavco • Kropf • Forest River

Willow Dillon is 13. She is home schooled in Boone and started playing fiddle at 10. Willow, influenced by Bruce Molsky, wants to create a complete piece of music on the fiddle.

She played mandolin and tried claw hammer banjo, but fiddle is Willow’s instrument of choice.

She wants to concentrate on banjo and fiddle—she is proficient in two and three finger style banjo playing. Willow has taught beginner classes at the Jones House in Boone. “I jam every chance I get.”

Willow stressed how important the preservation of music in the Appalachian area is to her.

NOTE: if you’d like to have one of the winners to perform at an event, YVLM will be happy to forward YOUR contact info to their parents. barbara@yadkinvalleyliving.com ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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Mandy, Gary's daughter, played the mandolin and enjoyed jamming with dad until marrying a her musician/singer with "Exit 180 Band," two babies and a full time job limited her time. As the family spread her father's ashes over Fiddlers Grove, his friends jammed at the gathering and the idea of a youth memorial scholarship to honor her father came to Mandy. She remembered all her life Gary sponsoring an international child. When he retired, he took a part time job assisting high school students in the computer lab. Mandy had also learned Counter Point Music in downtown Mocksville was donating lessons to some kids who for various reasons couldn't afford lessons. For the past three years, Mandy has worked with the Davie Community Foundation creating a permanent endowment fund specifically to honor her father by helping youngsters get the musical training they can't afford through the Gary Groce Memorial Music Scholarship .

2015 will be the third fundraising bluegrass concert. There are bluegrass bands, food vendors, silent auction items and new this year will be a youth showcase for kids already playing music to have their moment on the stage performing a single piece. Every youngster will get a participation ribbon and everyone gets a chance drawing for a Zac Brown signed guitar. This year should make it possible to provide the actual scholarship in 2016.

Gary Groce Memorial Scholarship Gary Groce was raised in Davie County on a dairy farm, Pudding Ridge. Today the farm is a topnotch golf course.

In his teens, Gary started playing the banjo, preferring the old timey bluegrass style of Bill Monroe. Interestingly, Gary taught himself to play by slowing the speed on his record player. He was mechanically inclined so choosing computer science as a major was a given although he played more music while in college. His main band, "Hard Drive," played some fiddlers' conventions but Gary was his happiest when jamming with fellow musicians. Somewhere along the line, Gary was nicknamed G-Man. At 72, he lost his battle with cancer.

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"I love the idea of helping shape the future of music by offering lessons to children who otherwise couldn't afford them or assisting an aspiring young musician to further his/her education in the musical arts," says Mandy."You'll want to get your ticket for a stage front table and chairs to dine on the first row!"

Check grocemanjam.com for 2015 concert details and tickets. Non-profit donations of money or musical instruments can be made online: jtenery@yadtel.net For Mandy, her father's legacy will live on forever through the Gary Groce Memorial Music Scholarship. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

GIVING BACK TO THE ART Of MUSIC Yadkinville Elementary School, the "home school" of music instructor Anna Peterson, a 12-year veteran teacher, received money from the Yadkin Arts Council's operating funds to initiate a pilot program allowing young students to create music and experience ensemble playing. The Orff-Shulwerk method uses new elementary-friendly instruments and an instructional platform of a mallet, keyboard and movement.

The Yadkin Arts Council so strongly believes in the importance of this program, it purchased the instruments and material for the pilot program to the tune of approximately $14.000. The hope is to eventually get enough grants to have the Orff-Shulwert program, where students actively and interactively (as with the teamwork of an orchestra) are involved in all the county's elementary schools. "They experience hearing a full range of notes from—bass, alto, soprano—from an orchestra or a band," says Anna, a certified Orff-Shulwerk music instructor.

Music is so important to our American culture and it's vital to include participation of our youth if we want music to be a part of the growing up process they will want to nurture and continue with their own children. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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The Pro’s of Independent Living Communities by Chris Burcaw As people continue to work through the challenges of a tough economy and what that has done to their retirement savings, many seniors have given up on the thought of moving to a retirement community or independent living facility.

But there are certainly options out there that are both comfortable and affordable.

Independent Living is a type of senior living option that is designed for active seniors who don’t need assistance or help with daily activities, but instead, are looking to socialize, meet new people and enjoy their senior years without the hassles and costs associated with homeownership.

“We frequently speak to people who are on the fence about whether they even want to leave their homes,” said Randy Combs of Parkwood Place Retirement Community in Elkin. “We ask them to consider the pros and cons of living at home, and then ask them to consider the same for independent living. They often quickly warm to the idea of moving to an independent community.”

Here just few things to consider if you or a loved one is pondering a move to an independent living community.

No Maintenance and Worry-Free Living Some independent living communities offer apartments within one large building, single-family homes within a community, or town homes. No matter which option you choose, within the monthly rent or buy-in fee is a maintenance fee that is built in. This covers outdoor and indoor maintenance, and the grounds of the community.

“No more mowing. No gutter cleaning. No worry of a leaky roof or outdated plumbing. If something does break, the repair is just a call away, and you don’t have to pull out your checkbook,” Combs says.

Social Activities Socializing and having fun or purposeful things to do take on new meanings in retirement, and you have the time to do things you want to do!

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“From our garden club to shopping, theater and arts outings, we have a comprehensive schedule of events on and off our campus to allow residents options to do as much or as little as they want,” Combs says. “In addition, we now offer all of our new residents a one-year membership to the Cedarbrook Country Club here in Elkin. For those who love to golf, play tennis or swim, this is a great opportunity.”

All Inclusive Many independent living communities include television, Internet, phone, heat, electric and water in the monthly rent.

No more need to keep up on all the bills and accounts, as most costs are included.

“Many independent living communities charge ‘buy-in’ fees that are usually one-time upfront costs that can be rather high,” Combs says. “We don’t have large upfront costs here at Parkwood Place. We charge the equivalent of an extra month’s rent as a deposit when new residents move in.

Residents are then charged a flat rate per month that is extremely affordable when compared to a mortgage, property taxes, utilities and maintenance of a home.”

Services and Amenities Do you have access to a pool? How about a gym? Do you eat out a lot? Many independent living communities include fitness and meal amenities, wellness programs and other amenities that you wouldn’t normally have at your home.

“All of our residents have access to the Hugh Chatham Fitness and Wellness Center, so they can enjoy the warm pool water and the gym year round,” Combs says. “And residents can enjoy a freshly prepared meal in our dining room if they choose, or they can prepare their own meals in the well-appointed kitchen in their apartments. Our residents have the freedom to do whatever they wish.”

Parkwood Place is an independent living community located at 601 Johnson Ridge Road in Elkin, N.C. For more information, call 336-526-6000.

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Cancer Fighting Properties of Legumes (Beans)! by Lora Landwehrmann, BS Legumes include beans and peas such as garbanzo beans, kidney beans, lentils and cannellini beans. Beans and peas are different from other foods in that they can be classified in two of the food groups. Because they are excellent sources of protein and the minerals iron and zinc, nutrients found in animal meat, they can be considered part of the protein food group. One fourth cup of beans has as much protein as one ounce of meat! But they also contain other nutrients similar to vegetables, including fiber, potassium and folate, so they can also be considered part of the vegetable food group.

Legumes are thought to be cancer fighting foods because of their high fiber and phytochemical content. Fiber helps with weight maintenance, which can reduce cancer risk because obesity is linked to many cancers such as breast

and colon cancer. Phytochemicals refer to a number of different compounds found in plant foods that have health promoting effects within the body.

Legumes are good sources of flavonoids, a group of phytochemicals that can reduce cancer risk through their actions as antioxidants, or their hormone mimicking properties. Some research suggests consuming flavonoids found in legumes can reduce one’s risk of developing hormone dependent cancers like breast and prostate cancer.

Whether purchased either dry or canned, legumes are nutritionally the same. Dried beans tend to be cheaper and canned beans are easier to prepare.

A tip for cooking with beans is to soak dry beans overnight or longer to reduce the gas promoting substances found within beans. The water the beans are soaked in needs to be discarded before

cooking. If cooking with canned beans, rinsing the beans thoroughly with water before using can reduce the sodium content.

Cannellini beans are a specific legume grown in Italy. Also referred to as white kidney beans, they have a fluffy creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor. Cannellini beans are commonly found in Italian classics such as Minestrone soup.

Given the many healthful and cancer-fighting benefits of beans, you should aim to include beans in at least one meal each day. Try these recipes starring cannellini beans.

Quick White Bean Chili 2 T olive oil 2 lbs ground turkey, 7% lean 1 medium onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 - 16 oz jar of green salsa 2 - 28 oz cans of chopped tomatoes, 1 drained, 1 undrained 3 - 4.5 oz cans roasted, diced green chiles 1 T cumin 1 T chili powder 1 T dried oregano 4 c reduced sodium chicken stock 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed Toppings: 1 avocado, sliced; ½ c shredded Mexican blend cheese; 4 T fresh cilantro In a 4-quart sauce pan, heat olive oil; cook ground turkey, onions, garlic on medium high heat until brown, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add salsa, tomatoes, chiles, cumin, chili powder, oregano, chicken stock; bring to a simmer. Add beans and continue to cook for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and top with avocado, cheese and cilantro if desired.

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Tuna and Cannellini Bean Salad 1 - 7oz can tuna 他 c thinly sliced red onion 2 - 16 oz cans cannellini beans 5 T olive oil 1 T red wine vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Drain tuna, pour into bowl; break up with a fork. Stir in onions and beans; toss thoroughly with the olive oil and vinegar. *To add more flavor and make the recipe your own, add your favorite ingredients and herbs, such as parsley, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.

it just feels like home Yes! Send me the next 6 issues (one year) of Yadkin Valley Living for just $25.00.

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Lora Landwehrmann, BS, is a dietetic intern with Cancer Services, Inc. Lora has a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition Science from UNC-Greensboro and is currently a graduate student studying nutrition. She is a contributing writer for Cancer Services' healthy lifestyle website - www.CancerDietitian.com. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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Let's Welcome Spring with Gusto

by Ruth Henderson

As we inhale the warmer, softer spring breezes, we keep our fingers crossed the weather ahead to the next season will be energizing for us. As we keep our mood and health in the "spring ahead" mode we can see summer fun over the horizon.

As if we needed another reason to get fit, exercise isn't only for maintaining your weight and staying healthy, it is great for relieving the stresses of life.

Plus, the effects of a good workout can last for several hours after you hit the showers. You will have more energy throughout the day and your metabolism will stay elevated too. Exercise also helps your mind by releasing those "feel good chemicals" that improve your mood.

What and when you eat has a great affect on your mood and energy. Avoid refined and processed foods like white breads, rice and sugar. These foods are

not only devoid of the nutrients your body craves, but they zap your energy levels and can affect your mood causing depression, lack of concentration and mood swings. Try to incorporate more complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat breads, brown rice, veggies and fruits. Get you daily 8 cups of water!

Healthy foods provide your body and mind with nutrients and will stabilize your blood sugars and your energy levels.

Most people know sunlight provides us with vitamin D. But did you know it also improves our mood?Lack of sunlight can cause many people to become depressed without knowing why. Similar to exercise, sunlight exposure releases neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood. Try to spend a little more time outdoors. Keep your window shades up during the day to let more natural light in. Sit near windows in restaurants and during class or at

work if possible. Try changing the light bulbs in your house to "full spectrum" brighter light bulbs. These mimic natural light and actually have the same affects on your mind as real sunshine.

A recent study shows a strong link between health behaviors and depression. Women who established healthy behaviors like exercising, not smoking, etc. have less sad and depressed days than those whose behaviors were less than healthy. Although researchers studied women, the results are likely similar in men.

Treat yourself by planning something you look forward to doing—it can keep you motivated If you plan something exciting. Your mood improves because you are anticipating it.

You are a busy person. work, family, classes, church, friends, appointments, meetings—even if you enjoy being busy, everyone needs some time off. Do not

As we welcome the spring season, let me help you transform to a new spring look with our new colors of lipsticks, lip liners, blushes, eye shadows and liners that are just in.

Our new skin care products are a “must” to enhance your glow for the warmer days ahead in order for you will look and feel your very best. Welcome Spring!

Ruth Henderson, EVIP, Yadkinville, NC 336-463-2850 (h) • 336-671-2875 (c) ruthh@yadtel.net www:beautipage.com/RuthHenderson

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be afraid to say "no" to opportunities such as bringing food to your child's class party, working overtime, etc. Try to spend a few minutes each day doing something you enjoy!

Read a book or magazine, sleep in on the weekend, go to bed early, try some meditations or take a yoga class. Relaxation, especially in the form of yoga, can alleviate stress and leave you with a calm energy.Mental exercises like meditation and positive thinking can help keep depression at bay.

Do not underestimate the power of friends, family, mentors, co-workers and neighbors. Who can you turn to when you are down and need a pick-me-up? Keep a mental list of these special people and do not be afraid to ask for help or encouragement when you need it. Something as simple as a phone call, a chat over coffee, or a nice email or letter can brighten your mood tremendously.

With all we have going on, sometimes sleep is the first thing to go. Aim for 7 to 8 hours each night and try to keep your set bedtime and awakening consistent. Do not forget naps; a short 10 to 15 minute afternoon nap can reenergize.

Shake things up by wearing bright bold colors in your clothing, different color lipstick and eye shadow, a new hair style. Reach out to a friend you have not seen lately.

If you feel worthless about yourself and what you have accomplished, volunteer. Seek out your favorite church or any non-profit organization and let them know you want to help. You will be blessed by your efforts of thinking of others and come away feeling you have accomplished something great that day.

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PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE A GROWING PROBLEM

Ten Warning Signs of Prescription Painkiller Dependency from Clifford Bernstein, MD, of The Waismann Institute:

by Vivian Seal Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Specializing in Adult Internal Medicine, Blue Ridge Medical Group

Vivian Seal, FNP-BC

An Associated Press analysis of USDA statistics showed that the retail sale of five major painkillers rose 90% between 1997 and 2005. The report showed that ever-increasing amounts of prescription painkillers called opioid analgesics are being used on a daily basis. These drugs, which can become habit-forming over time if not strictly monitored by a health professional, are readily available with a prescription.

Teen drug abuse with opioids is now second only to marijuana in popularity. Almost one in 10 high school seniors report taking hydrocodone (Vicodin) within the past year. It is not a coincidence many of their parents are taking it too: Vicodin and its generic form were the most-prescribed drugs of any kind for much of the last decade.

Substance misuse and abuse often result in poor health outcomes and substantial healthcare costs related to illness, hospitalizations, motor vehicle injuries and premature deaths. An Office of National Drug Control Policy study estimated that in 2011 the cost to society for substance misuse and abuse was 193 billion dollars.

The abuse of prescription opiates

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continues to be unacceptably high, producing steep increases in emergency room admissions. These drugs include codeine, morphine, oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin) and meperidine (Demerol). In 2005 more than six million Americans reported current (in the past month) nonmedical use of prescription drugs.

That is more than the number of people abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens and inhalants combined.

Whether or not someone is susceptible to opioid addiction depends on genes and early experiences. Studies have shown that when opiates are taken exactly as directed, they are safe, can manage pain effectively and rarely cause addiction. When a person begins to experience signs of prescription pain medication abuse, he or she can avoid addiction – defined as the compulsive and uncontrolled use of drugs despite adverse consequences—by stopping use completely. But once true opioid addiction takes hold, experts believe the condition can be as firmly rooted as other chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Usage Increase – Over time it is common for individuals taking prescription medications to grow tolerant to the effects of their prescribed dose. If someone you know seems to be increasing his/her dose over time, this is an indication the amount they were taking is no longer providing them relief.

Change in Personality – Changes in a person’s normal behavior can be a sign of dependency. Shifts in energy, mood and concentration may occur as every day responsibilities become secondary to the need for the relief the prescription provides.

Social Withdrawal – A person experiencing a dependency problem may withdraw from family, friends and other social interaction.

On Going Use– Continued usage after a medical condition has improved will result in the person needing extensions on his/her prescription. He or she might also complain frequently about the doctors who refuse to write the prescription for one reason or another.

Time Spent on Obtaining Prescriptions – A dependent person will spend large amounts of time driving great distances and visiting multiple doctors to obtain the drugs. Watch for signs he or she seems preoccupied with obtaining medication, demonstrating the drug has become their top priority.

Change in Daily Habits and Appearance – Personal hygiene may diminish as a result of a drug addiction. Sleeping and eating habits change and a person may have a constant cough, runny nose and red, glazed eyes.

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Increased Sensitivity – Normal sights, sounds and emotions might become overly stimulating to the person. Hallucinations, although perhaps difficult to monitor, may occur as well.

Blackouts and Forgetfulness – Another clear indication of dependence is when the person regularly forgets events that have taken place and appears to be suffering blackouts.

Defensiveness – When attempting to hide a drug dependency, abusers can become very defensive if they feel their secret is being discovered. They might even react to simple requests or questions by lashing out.

Although people often act without regard for their effect on others when in the grip of opioid addiction, support

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from family, friends and doctors is essential to their recovery. “People recovering from opioid addiction are in the fight of their lives, they need all the help they can get,” says Robert Jamison, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

Under the Affordable Care Act, “health homes” are being established to better meet the healthcare needs of individuals with chronic conditions.

These health homes must provide comprehensive, evidence-based care and provide mental health and substance use prevention and treatment services.

Early intervention through screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is a critical component of addressing the health needs of lowincome populations and those living with chronic medical and behavioral health conditions. North Carolina’s objective is to expand early interventions in the primary care practice before more severe and costly consequences occur from alcohol and drug misuse.

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Neglects Responsibilities – A dependent person may call in sick to work more often and neglect household chores and bills.

foods people stories history shopping discoveries

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Jessica and husband Mark at a recent race.

Get Active on Earth Day!

by Jessica O. Wall At first thought, you might not see much of a connection between Earth Day and your health. But the health of the Earth and your health are more closely connected than you might realize. The article “Earth Day Tips: Rx for the Planet and Your Health” from National Geographic written by P.W. McRandle (republished from the pages of The Green Guide) talks about just that. The impacts human have on the Earth’s rainforests, oceans, grasslands, and deserts are all resulting in an effect on our health.

Trees give us protection and provide clean, fresh oxygen for us to breathe. Our waters need to be chemical and pollutant free to continue to be safe for drinking. Whole ecosystems can be affected by the output of our daily living, which can affect our water, air and food sources—all of the things we need to stay healthy!

According to History.com, Earth Day was founded in 1970 “as a day of education about environmental issues.”

The first Earth Day brought these environmental issues to the front lines and gave the issues the attention they needed.

The event was quickly followed by many acts of legislation including the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act and even the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, History.com states that according to Earth Day Network, more than 1 billion people are involved in Earth Day activities, making it “the largest secular civic event in the world.”

It’s safe to say the health of the Earth is just as important as the health of you!

The best part is you can help celebrate Earth Day and make a difference through exercise and activity. Earth Day is always celebrated on April 22nd and sometimes communi90

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Jessica O. Wall, MPH Assistant Director Yadkin County Human Services Agency Medical Clinic and Animal Control

ties will even have Earth Week. This is a great time of year to get out of the house and get moving outside while helping Mother Nature.

Some activities you might try are planting new trees or adding a vegetable or flower garden. Maybe your garden or landscaping needs some TLC from those long winter months. Get out and get some yard work done like raking or putting out mulch. You can continue to celebrate all through the warm months by taking care of outdoor items such as weeding and watering. While you’re at it, throw on your bathing suit and take a run through a sprinkler! You can even take it past your own yard. Maybe you are part of a group that adopts a highway or there is somewhere else you can walk and pick up litter. This is a great example of good health meeting a cleaner earth!

There are resources you can use to help you make a difference and plan your activities. The Arbor Day Foundation has a website that includes a feature to search for the best tree options for your area based on zip code: www.arborday.org. You can also check out programs and activities on the Earth Day Network website at www.earthday.org. Take the footprint calculator quiz to see your impact and how you can make small changes to help. The Center for Disease Control has a blog called Your Health – Your Environment.

This blog works to “increase public knowledge about environmental health by sharing our concerns and our work as well as information you can use in your daily life.” Visit http://blogs.cdc.gov/yourhealthyourenvironment for articles about the association between a healthy environment and a healthy you.

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Journey To Wellness is a Member of the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce Dave Schocker and Roxy McCall are both Members of the American Holistic Nurses Association and the Massage Therapy Association ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

photos by Adrianne Johnson

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NORTH IREDELL RECORDS, INC. Accounting, Tax Preparation & Bookkeeping WE OFFER

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DEMENTIA

by Brittany Buckley

Like a train speeding faster and faster, dementia is similar in its ways when referring to its progressing, but what if we could slow this down and put it on a whole new track altogether?

This train I speak about is dementia.

Dementia usually starts off slowly and progresses faster and faster until it reaches a destination of not knowing familiar surroundings, remembering current or past events, or even their own family members and friends. This can be very difficult for loved ones to witness.

So what do we do about this? There are tons of efforts being made to end this terrible disease, such as money

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raising events and simply just getting the knowledge out there to individuals so that it is caught early on. Though these are steps in the right direction, we are still far off from a cure. Even so, studies show that through memory games and activities the mind is kept working and dementia is slowed down.

Ever heard the saying, use it or lose it? Well, this is one example that fits well when taking about the declining mind of someone with dementia.

Memory care games, activities, questions and puzzles keep the mind sharp.

When asking someone with dementia a question they may not be able to correctly answer it. “Mr. Jones, what is your wife’s name?” He may struggle or completely ignore the question, but with continuing work you may later get an answer when you are not expecting it. “Mr. Jones, do you have children?”

He may respond in such a way, “Yes, Linda and I have children.” Though this may not seem like much, you have now made a small step in progressing.

Memories fade for people with dementia, but through constant reminders with these games and activities you are able to keep their minds sharper longer. Working for American Healthcare Services, INC we have memory care program books that can be accessed for our patients who suffer from dementia and/or stroke as the effects of memory care activities also show benefits for stroke as well.

For more information contact Brittany Buckley, ahs_buckley@yahoo.com, American Healthcare Services, Inc, 915 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030, (336) 789-2273. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

A Country French Dinner for Diabetics in 30 Minutes Ah, a break in the long, bitter cold winter and a chance to start off spring with a special dinner. We diabetics have to be choosy but we still want fabulous taste. How does a menu of Chicken with Tarragon and Mushrooms, Carrots with Fennel, Roasted Potatoes and Macédoine of Fruit sound?

Macédoine of Fruit 2 med apples, unpeeled, thinly sliced 1 c red grapes 1 orange, peeled, sliced 1 T orange liqueur 2 T lemon juice Combine all ingredients in a large glass bowl. Toss to mix well. Refrigerate and serve chilled.

Roasted Potatoes 1 lb sml red potatoes Olive oil Drizzle red potatoes with a little olive oil; place in a 350°F oven to roast for 30 minutes.

Carrots with Fennel 3 c baby carrots 3 T port wine 1T fennel seeds 1 T olive oil Fresh ground pepper and salt to taste Preheat oven to 350°F. Tear aluminum foil into six pieces large enough to seal the carrots. Divide all ingredients evenly among all six pieces of foil. Crimp to seal. Place the packets in the oven; bake for 15 minutes, until carrots are tender. Place packets on individual plates; let each person carefully open.

Chicken with Tarragon and Mushrooms 3 whole chicken breasts, halved, boned, skinned 6 sprigs tarragon 3 shallots, minced 1/4 c dry white wine 1 lb sliced mushrooms Fresh ground pepper and salt to taste.

Preheat oven to 350F. Tear aluminum foil into six squares large enough to seal in chicken. Place a chicken breast on each foil piece; place remaining ingredients on top of each, dividing evenly. Fold foil to seal. Place packets in the oven; bake for about 15 minutes. Place packets on individual plates.

201 N. State St., Yadkinville (336) 679.8816 825 N. Bridge St., Elkin (336) 835.4288 cms-insurance.com

All recipes courtesy of Diabetic Meals in 30 Minutesor Less! by Robyn Webb, American Diabetes Association, $14.95. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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NutraceutiFOOLS?

Nutraceutical is defined as “a nutrient with drug-like properties but not legally recognized as a therapeutic agent.”

(Saunder’s Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary Second Edition). The therapeutic value of nutraceuticals has been recognized for a long time, however, these products are still not recognized as drugs by the FDA. Maintaining these products as nutritional substances not regulated by FDA probably makes them less expensive to produce but it also removes the oversight that helps to protect the consumer. Without this regulatory oversight, the adage “buyer beware” becomes appropriate.

I can remember having some skepticism myself about nutraceuticals when they first hit the veterinary market 20 or 30 years ago. I was at a veterinary conference which had a lecture or two on nutraceuticals and was having a discussion with a colleague about whether or not they really work. At the time, I had been selling a supplement containing glucosamine for arthritic dogs for some time and had not really seen noticeable results. This colleague asked if I had tried a certain brand (Cosequin , made by Nutramax) and I said I had not because it was quite a bit more 94

Yadkin Valley Magazine

expensive. This colleague worked near Fort Bragg and dealt with many working military dogs. She said she used quite a bit of this product on these dogs.

She related an experience where military financial cutbacks had forced some of the units to either stop or use a cheaper brand of glucosamine supplement. Within a couple of weeks, the officers working with these dogs were calling back insisting that their dogs be put back on the Cosequin because they were unable to work without it.

Encouraged by this colleague’s experience, I ordered some of the brand name glucosamine product (which also contained the nutraceutical called chondroitin) What I found was that I could measure the success of the product more by how the animal acted after the product was withdrawn than the difference right after the product was started.

Glucosamine/chondroitin supplements don’t produce immediate results. I usually tell folks to give them a month before deciding that they are not helping.

So if nutraceuticals are so great, why the title NutraceutiFOOLS? A few months ago, a client asked me to look at some treats she had purchased for her dog. The package seemed to indicate

that they were good for joints and they did contain glucosamine and chondroitin. This client’s dog had been put on a supplement (Cosequin) containing 500 mg glucosamine and 400 mg chondroitin per chewable tablet. The treats she found were considerably cheaper and though she was skeptical due to the cost, she thought the amount of each ingredient sounded similar. I looked at the packages for her. At first glance, the guaranteed analysis looked similar: 200 mg glucosamine and 300 mg chondroitin. However, upon closer inspection, the amounts listed were not per treat but rather were listed as mg/kg.

Now let’s do the math. If the treat has 200 mg/kg of glucosamine, that means that your pet would have to consume 1 kg or 2.2 pounds of the treat to get 200 mg of glucosamine. So how much is your pet getting in each treat?

That math was a little more difficult because I did not know how many treats were in each package. It would be easier to determine how much glucosamine was in each package. If the package was 6 oz, that is equal to 0.17 kg (6 oz /16 oz =0.375 lb; 0.375 lb/ 2.2 lb=0.17 kg). If one kg contains 200 mg glucosamine, then 0.17 kg contains ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

your pet’s with

Good Health

Robin Brock, D.V.M.

34 mg. (200 mg/kg X 0.17 kg). So, if your dog ate a whole 6 oz bag of this type of treat, he would only receive 34 mg of glucosamine, less than one tenth the amount in one of the Cosequin tablets.

If the math seems confusing, it is for those who don’t deal in metric measures and do algebra every day. That would make it confusing for most of the pet owners who are purchasing these products. I was aghast at how misleading the labeling on these packages was. I was especially disappointed that one of the products (“GoodBites Hip & Joint”) was made by a very large pet food company (Pedigree). I cannot say whether or not Pedigree intentionally made their labeling deceptively confusing in order to sell more of their product but it brings up another adage that has been used in the business world “there is a fool born every day” Don’t be fooled. Look closely at the labels and know what you are buying. One key to look for is the ingredients list of your supplement. Most supplements use shellfish as a source for glucosamine and animal cartilage (often bovine) as a source of chondroitin. If these ingredients are not at the top of the list for a product touting itself as a joint supplement, you could be on your way to being fooled. Check the guaranteed analysis and do the math. If you are not good at math, do what my client did and ask your veterinarian.

Robin Brock, D.V.M. Nutraceutricals have proven themselves as potentially beneficial products for pets. Joint health is just one of the areas where they are beneficial. Other nutraceuticals are available for skin care and as medical supplements for treatment of liver, heart and kidney disease. I will try to touch on these products in a future article. For now, be warned that not all nutraceutical supplements are the same. When you go shopping for your pet, keep your wits (and your calculator) about you and don’t become a NutraceutiFOOL.

For the lawn at your home, or the pasture on your farm, LTD has the lime and fertilizer products you need.

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Clemmons Milling Co. 4010 Hampton Road, Clemmons 336-766-6871

M-F 8-5 • Sat 8-1

www.ltdfarmandgarden.com ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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off the bookshelf

Boston Terriers

friendly, bright, amusing

The Boston Terrier is a compact, muscled short tailed, well-balanced, little dog that is usually no more than 25 pounds. An average shedder, they have no strong doggie odor. As with all breeds there are marking requirements: their tuxedo coat is white and either black, brindle or seal. Four white feet, two wideset, large round, dark round eyes—creating a kind and intelligent expression that “can melt the coldest heart.” The eyes are flanked by a white stripe from the head, between the eyes to the nose bone (the nose is always black) and the cute cheeks are white along with the white chest and some white on the tummy. The ears can be cropped or left natural. The tail is short, sometimes curled.

Bostons are more sensitive to weather extremes so watch for heat exhaustion in warm months and add a coat or sweater for cold conditions.

Usually a female will throw two to four pups. Because of the Boston’s build of narrow hips, C-sections are not unusual. The American Kennel Club admitted the Boston in 1893 and still rates them very high with children, other pets, training and time alone. I grew up with Bostons and they are wonderful with kids and very protective of them.

Nicknamed the American Gentleman among dogs, the Boston characteristically has a gentle disposition. The breed began in America as a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier making it a Native American breed first shown in the 1870s.

Many Bostons enjoy the activity and mental stimulation provided by agility and obedience classes. They love to run and play but they are happiest spending time with YOU! Warning: You will find some drooling, but remember, small dog, small drool and the breed has a short muzzle...for the express purpose of snoring?

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If you know of someone who needs help laughing or you just want to show your love, Shake by animal lover/photographer Carli Davidson is the perfect gift. This simple, one-of-a-kind yet exquisite little book has gotten national TV and publishing coverage and rightly so.

Shake is 140 pages of 61 dogs, one page a pre-shake photo and the other page is the mid-shake. Davidson's photos are topnotch showing even the fine shaken dog hair flying in all directions as well as flying ears and jowls! Norbert opens the book and is Davidson's personal canine. She describes his shakes and his "peppering the walls with saliva from his plentiful jowls." Some of the expressions are so distorted by the dogs' movements they often look more like monsters rather than the "friends we see every day." You won't be able to flip through the pages only one time...you will want to see the faces over and over. You may decide to keep one copy and gift another! PS...70% of the dogs photographed in the book are neutered rescues.

The publisher is HarperDesign, price is $17.99.

A young Barbara and her Boston.

So You Think You Want to Raise Goats?

by Phil Rucker, Livestock Agent Goats are gaining popularity as livestock that can be grown on small parcels of land.

Because of this increased popularity, I receive numerous calls about raising goats. There is not enough room in this article, and probably not this whole magazine to cover all the aspects of raising goats.

Here are a few basic facts and information to get you thinking in the right direction. Contact myself or any Cooperative Extension Center for more information on raising goats.

When I get questions about goats I have a few questions of my own. For what purpose are you raising the goats (meat, milk, wool, weed control or pet)?

There are many different breeds of goats and while some can be dual purpose, most are designed for one purpose.

Establishing a purpose will go a long way to determine the breed, acreage, management practices, feeds needed, facilities and many other aspects.

Different breeds are used for different purposes: Meat: Boer, Spanish, Brush;

Boer Goat dairy: Nubian, Toggenburg, Alpine; pets and companion, Pygmy; wool: Angora (Mohair wool for clothes).

How much land do you have to help me determine the number of goats can be grazed efficiently. One of the worst things you can do is purchase goats and not have enough land to support them.

What type of fencing is on the land?

Will it keep the goats in as well as pred-

ators out? Is there adequate shelter to protect the goats from the elements?

Will you buy goats to resale, breed goats to have kids, expand the flock, use goats for your own purpose (meat and/or milk), exhibit goats at livestock shows or what?

Goats are ruminants with the stomach made up of four different compartstory continues on page 101

Comedy Pet Theater Gregory Popovich's Comedy Pet Theater returns to The Walker Center, on the campus of Wilkes Community College, on March 6 at 7:00p. The cast consists of Gregory juggling, clowning in comedy skits, cats, dogs, geese, white doves and parrots—perfect for a family-oriented blend of comedy, juggling skills and talented performing pets.

What makes this show so unique is that all of the cats and dogs have been rescued from shelters. Gregory uses his shows to help support animal shelters, sanctuaries, animal welfare organizations, strongly supports and promotes the practice to spay/neuter, adopting pets from animal shelters. He aims to teach people that one caring person can make a huge difference to the animal world.

"It is important to the Walker Center to bring family entertainment to our area to expose the young and young-at-heart to all forms of performances," said Tabitha Hudler, lead events specialist.

An inexpensive meal of pizza, hotdogs and all the fixings, assorted snacks and drinks will be available for purchase from 5:30p to 6:30p prior to the show. Tickets are A/$12, kids 10 and under/$5: Walker Center Box Office at 336-838-6260; email walker.boxoffice@wilkescc.edu and visit WalkerCenterOnline.org ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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send your dog/cat/horse pet photo to:

petpics@yadkinvalleyliving.com HSDC Happy Tails

by Bayley B. Groce

Clifford is enjoying the warm sun today!

Clifford, a big red hound mix, arrived at the Humane Society of Davie County (HSDC) in March of 2014. Heartworm positive, he had a long road ahead. He immediately began treatment for his heartworms and received his vaccines upon arrival at the HSDC Adoption Center. It took about three months of treatment to rid his body of its destructive heartworms before he tested negative and was eligible to be neutered. Through it all, this sweet boy remained just as goofy and loving as ever. Still, our big red dog needed to find his match. Six months after being

cleared by the vets for adoption, he finally met his forever family and was adopted two days before Christmas.

He is now living in the lap of luxury with three canine companions of his own. His family has shared photos of Clifford on the sofa, explaining, “No dogs on the couch sounds good in theory.�

The Humane Society seeks to match 350 deserving dogs and cats like Clifford with their forever homes in 2015, but they need your help! Make your tax-deductible donation to HSDC to help facilitate happy endings for more pets like Clifford.

Are you ready to celebrate spring?

A panel of experts chose Dr. Robin Brock, D.V.M. as tops in

Compassionate Care of farm, companion and exotic animals

Farmland Veterinary Clinic, P.A. Farm, Home and Office Calls

Call 336-492-7148 for an appointment 3793 Hwy. 64 West in Mocksville (located at the intersection of Hwy. 64 and Hwy. 901)

www.farmlandvet.com Robin N. Brock, D.V.M. 98

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Join the Humane Society at Tanglewood Park on May 16th and 17th for the Triad Dog Games, presented by The Sergei Foundation. HSDC will be one of the rescue groups participating in this fun weekend to raise money for The Sergei Foundation, an organization seeking to offer financial assistance for emergency veterinary care to families in need.

Spectators will enjoy running, jumping, diving, and retrieving canines in a range of intense competitions at this event. So, bring your family and your dog to spend a beautiful day in the park to benefit the cause!

Visit www.davienchumane.org or mail a check to 291 Eaton Road, Mocksville, NC 27028 to give.

Dementia and a Dog

by Brittany Buckley

Wilkes Humane Society’s Daniel Hudson holds foster puppies.

Wilkes County HSOW News The Humane Society of Wilkes (HSOW) will hold its annual East Egg Hunt fundraiser for furry friends and their owners this spring.

Call HSOW 336-838-9588 for details.

County folks can go the Wilkes Co. Public Library, 215 Tenth St., N. Wilkesboro, every Tuesday, 6:00p to 7:00p to sign up for low-cost Spay Neuter Assistance Program, SNAP. 2015 Best Friends Calendars are still for sale at Waggles Pet Supply and Hidden Oaks Dog Park in Wilkesboro.

"Dogs ...do not ruin their sleep worrying about how to keep the objects they have and to obtain the objects they have not. There is nothing of value they have to bequeath except their love and their faith."

—Eugene O'Neill (HEADED HOME, Providences of Laughter, Love and Joy

by Bob Timberlake and Mark Erwin) ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

When you think about pets and people with disabilities, the most common answer people think about is a seeing-eye dog who assists those who are visually impaired, but it is becoming more and more increasingly common for those with dementia and related disorders to have a friendly pooch tagging along beside them.

In a business like American Healthcare Services’ in home aide agency, we see patients with dementia every day that are faced with daily mood changes, depression, irritability, loneliness and isolation of one’s self. People once active in social and family affairs begin to avoid these situations all together.

So why a dog? Well, for one, dogs never judge, they are always eager to please and are a constant companion. These are all positives for a dementia patient.

Research has shown that dementia patients seem to show more interactive behaviors when accompanied by a dog. These are interactions between the dog and the patient, but this is still great for the patient’s mental and emotional wellness.

Dogs seem to bring a calming effect. Those button noses, soft fur and wet kisses are all some of our favorite things about them. Dementia patients seem to enjoy these same things as well and have shown to make efforts to groom and care for the dog.

For families, (like mine), who have family members with dementia and related illnesses, these studies are a wonderful thing. When you strive each day to see progression, it is a great thing to know that Fido can help!

For more information contact Brittany Buckley ahs_buckley@yahoo.com, American Healthcare Services, Inc, 915 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030, (336) 789-2273.

BEST Yadkin Valley Cooks™ Share your favorite recipe and if we publish it in our Best Cooks Series we’ll send you $25.

Send to: recipe@yadkinvalleyliving.com Or mail to: Best Cooks, Yadkin Valley Living Magazine PO Box 627, East Bend, NC 27018

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Collectors A Tale of Mice and Memories

by Miranda N. Burgin

Haven’t visited yet this Spring?

Then you’re in for a pleasant surprise when you see our exciting NEW DEALERS offering quality antiques and collectibles.

1229 US Hwy 21, State Road, NC in the former Wolfe Bros. Furniture Bldg.

Monday-Saturday 9:30 to 5:30 Sunday 1-5:30

336-874-7400 Spaces available for quality antique dealers.

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Laura’s collection of mice figurines, illustrations, toys and mementos may have been pre-destined. Although her collection began in seventh grade and has continued into adulthood, this multi-talented librarian and mother now recalls that the “Baby’s First Christmas” ornament, which still adorns her parent’s tree each year, actually bore the image of a mouse in a stocking. Some collections, it seems, are simply meant to be!

The story of this unique collection began around another holiday tradition, The Nutcracker Ballet. As a young dance student, Laura longed to perform in a professional production of this beloved ballet classic. She travelled from the family home in Illinois to audition for an Indianapolis, Indiana production of The Nutcracker.

Although competition for a part in the ballet was steep, determination won the day and Laura was cast as, you guessed it, a mouse!

“I actually got a part because most of the girls wanted to be flowers or toys or something with a pretty costume, but I was willing to be a mouse,” Laura recalls. “I had a wonderful experience, and my regular dance teacher was so proud of me, she gave me a little toy mouse in a polka-dot suit for luck.”

“I carried it in my bag with my ballet shoes through the whole production. That year for Christmas, my family and friends all gave me mice,” Laura went on to share. “Since then I’ve been hooked.” ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

Mice are added to the collection on special occasions to commemorate a trip or experience, as gifts from friends or family and when Laura spots a special mouse she finds appealing. Over time, the family of mice has grown to include around 30 pieces. Noted among the favorites is, of course, the adorable polka-dot suit wearing mouse that started it all. Laura also prizes several wooden cathedral mice purchased on a trip to England and a precious pocketwatch mouse.

To display this whimsical collection, Laura places mice in special areas of her home and office at the library as reminders of the people, places and moments the collection represents.

“I’ve tucked them here, there and everywhere,” according to the collector, who says, “It’s kind of fun to open a drawer you’ve not looked in for a while and discover one of your little favorites peeking out at you.”

For Laura, her collection of mice and memories serves as a reminder of the moments of joy, personal achievement, humor and friendship that have made her life richer over the years. story continued from page 97

So You Think You Want to Raise Goats ments. Ruminants are adapted to eating high fiber feeds and goats take that to the extreme. Some things goats eat are grass, hay, grains (oats, corn, barley), vegetables, weeds/shrubs/small trees. Would rather eat weeds than grass. Goats can survive, within reason, on bushes, trees and weeds when cattle and sheep would starve to death.

Goats do not eat tin cans and other things you might see in cartoons.

Most people purchase goats for a business but some do desire goats for pets. Many goats, regardless of the breed can be trained to be a docile pet but most goats are designed to be left alone. The Pygmy breed stands out as a good breed to be a pet as they are smaller, eat less and are easier to control while getting them used to being handled.

For more information on raising goats, contact phil_rucker@ncsu.edu or call your local Extension Center. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

the sounds of home! a cherished grandfather clock ______________________

a heirloom that will last a lifetime _______________________ authorized dealer:

Bulova Howard Miller Hermle Why should you buy your new Grandfather Clock from Oldtown Clock Shop & Repair?

Our clocks are under factory warranty and we do the warranty work We deliver your new clock for FREE We “set up” your clock in your home or business We offer a full service department And even after offering all those extras that others don’t…

Our prices are very competitive!

We also offer

RHYTHM & Cuckoo Clocks!

Old Town Clock Shop & Repair,Inc. Family Owned and Operated by Alan and Sandy Moran 3738 Reynolda Road (Highway 67), Winston-Salem (336) 924-8807 TUES–FRI 9:30a–5:30p, SAT 9:30a–5:00p www.oldtownclock.com M a rc h / A p ri l 2 01 5

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If your guess is the first correct entry drawn

WIN $10000

presents:

What IS That?

Send in your answer and if you’re the first entry drawn from all the correct guesses, you’ll WIN $100!

The next two correct entries drawn win $10 Gift Certificates from Yadkin Valley General Store in Historic Downtown Elkin.

Enter by postcard, letter or email and be sure to include your:

name, physical mailing address & guess.

Mail your guess to: “What is That Contest” c/o Yadkin Valley Living Magazine Post Office Box 627, East Bend, North Carolina 27018 or e-mail: barbara@yadkinvalleyliving.com

You can also enter on-line at: yadkinvalleyliving.com.

Just visit the What IS That? page.

In the last issue

Knife Rests

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And if you’d like, tell us about your experiences using or collecting this item.

Entries must be received no later than 4/10/15, winner will be drawn 4/11/15.

The winners will be notified by mail and announced in the May/June 2015 issue.

All entries become the property of Yadkin Valley Living Magazine.

We were thrilled with an avalanche of guesses coming from everywhere in the Yadkin Valley and even beyond. The items are crystal knife rests. There were readers who knew the crystal patterns, unfortunately no one agreed on one pattern-another mystery!

Its history: after the knife was used, it was placed on a rest so not to soil the table linen.

Our winner, picked at random from all the correct entries, was Janice Morris of Thomasville. Two gift certificates to Yadkin Valley General Store in Elkin go to Shannon Adams, Yadkinville and Elsie Yates, Pfafftown.

With 12 Convenient Locations MOCK TIRE ROBINHOOD 5385 Robinhood Rd. Winston-Salem (336) 924-1499

MOCK TIRE SOUTH PARK 3131 Peters Creek Pkwy.

Winston-Salem (336) 788-0200

MOCK TIRE STRATFORD 834 S. Stratford Rd. Winston-Salem (336) 774-0081

MOCK TIRE COUNTRY CLUB 4752 Country Club Rd. Winston-Salem (336) 768-1010

SHATTALON TIRE 5780 Shattalon Dr. Winston-Salem (336) 661-9646

BEROTH TIRE KERNERSVILLE 731 E. Mountain St. Kernersville (336) 996-2033

NORTH ELKIN TIRE 2050 N. Bridge St. Elkin (336) 526-1340

MOUNT AIRY TIRE 1380 Carter St. Mount Airy (336) 786-4137

STOKES TIRE King-Tobaccoville Rd. King (336) 983-4352

BEROTH TIRE MADISON 711 N. Highway St. Madison (336) 548-3672

MOCK TIRE LEXINGTON 2012 Cotton Grove Rd. Lexington (336) 357-3421

MOORESVILLE TIRE 1037 N. Main St. Mooresville (704) 799-3020

Visit any of our 12 Convenient Locations www.mockberothtire.com

SINCE 1957 M a rc h / A p ri l 2 01 5

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The Business Section

Your Edward Jones Financial Advisor are, left to right: Paul Bunke, Doug Draughn, Tammy Joyce, Dale Draughn, Frank Beals, Barry Revis, Deanna Chilton, Christopher Funk

How Should You Respond to Higher Interest Rates?

If the Federal Reserve (Fed) raises short-term interest rates this year, as many financial professionals predict, what will it mean to you? As a consumer, you might experience the “ripple” effects if long-term interest rates eventually follow suit, affecting mortgages and other loans. But as an investor, you might quickly feel the impact of a move by the Fed — especially if you own bonds.

In fact, the value of your existing bonds might drop noticeably if interest rates were to rise. That’s because no one will give you full price for your lower-paying bonds when new bonds are being issued at a higher interest rate. So if you want to sell your bonds, you might have to take a loss on them.

Of course, if you were always planning to hold your bonds until maturity, you might not be overly concerned with falling prices. Assuming your bond issuers don’t default — and defaults are rare among “investment grade” bonds — you will continue collecting regular interest payments until your bonds mature, at which point they will be redeemed at full face value.

Furthermore, just owning bonds can

help you diversify your portfolio, which might otherwise be dominated by stocks and therefore be susceptible to big swings in value. (While diversification can help reduce the effects of volatility, it can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss.)

However, it’s still useful to be aware of the effects of rising interest rates on bonds of different maturities. Typically, when rates rise, long-term bonds will fall in value more than short-term bonds. So if you only owned long-term bonds, your portfolio could take a bigger hit than if you owned both shortand long-term bonds. Again, this might not be a big issue if you intend to hold bonds until they mature — but if your plans change, a drop in value in your bond holdings could be cause for concern. Furthermore, if you just owned long-term bonds, your money would be tied up, thereby not allowing you to take advantage of newly issued, higherpaying bonds.

You can help protect yourself against the potential negative effects of rising interest rates by incorporating a “fixed-income ladder” in your portfolio. You can build this ladder by pur-

chasing fixed-income securities — such as corporate or municipal bonds — in various maturities. With your ladder in place, a portion of your portfolio matures at regular intervals.

Consequently, you can benefit from any increase in interest rates by reinvesting your maturing bonds at the higher rate. And if interest rates should fall, you still have your longer-term bonds working for you. (Generally, longer-term vehicles pay higher rates than shorter-term ones.)

Even if the Fed does raise shortterm rates in 2015, it doesn’t necessarily signal the start of a trend. Interest rate movements are notoriously hard to predict — and you probably won’t help yourself by trying to “time” your investment decisions based on where rates may be heading. But techniques such as a fixed-income ladder can work for you in all interest rate environments. So as you think about how you’ll invest in bonds in the years ahead, keep this type of “all-weather” strategy in mind. It may be able to help you keep the “guesswork” to a minimum.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

See page 13 in this issue for a list of the Edward Jones Offices near you.

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services and resources

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yadkin valley planner March 14 Barney Google and Snuffy Smith cartoonist John Rose will be doing a "Snuffy Smith" Chalk Talk and book signing at 1:00p at the Public Library in Mount Airy.

Cartoonist John Rose

March 14 Winter Dessert Theatre, "The Music that Won the War," A/$10, K-12/$5, 3:00p & 7:00p, King Moravian Church, 234 W. Dalton Road, King. Stokes County Arts Council.

March 27-28 Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, Surry Community College campus, Dobson. See pages 71 & 81.

March 28 Winter Dessert Theatre, Charlotte Ballet and "Black, Blue and Green," A/$10, K-12/$5, 2:00p, Mt. Olive Elem. School, 2145 Chestnut Grove Rd., King, Stokes County Arts Council.

March 28 "Della's Diner," 7:30p, $38, Brock Performing Arts Center, Mocksville, Davie Co. Arts Council, tickets: 336-751-3000.

March 28

Here for all your landscaping needs Complete Lawn Maintenance

Design & Installation Water Features Dry-Stack Walls Rock Patios Irrigation • Sod Landscape Lighting

March Classic Movie Cool Hand Luke, 1p, Free Willingham Theater yadkinarts.org, 336-679-2941

March 29 Three Generations Acoustic Tour featuring Bobby Bare, John Anderson, Darryl Worley, 8:00p, Walker Center on WCC campus.

For tickets: 336-835-6260 or walker.boxoffice@wilkescc.edu

April 18

Justin’s Landscaping 336-469-5262 East Bend, NC 106

Yadkin Valley Magazine

Snow White, 1:00p, Amusing production of the classic performed by the Greensboro Ballet in the Willingham Theater, Yadkinville yadkinarts.org, 336-679-2941 ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

April 18 Spring Open House, Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse. 7:30a to 4:00p, hot dogs from 11:00a to 1:00p. Largest selection in the Triad of ferns, hanging baskets, geraniums and flowers.

1088 W. Dalton Road, King.

April 18-19 War for Empire—Fort Dobbs features battle reenactments, sutlers, encampments. A special school day, April 17, requires advance reservations. Contact Site Mgr. Scott Douglas: info@fortdobbs.org

April 18 Doors Open Noon 30th Annual Yadkin Valley Bluegrass Convention presented by The Yadkin Arts Council $5,400 in prizes available Individual Competitions start 1:00p Band Competitions 6:30p Admission $10 Adults, Kids 10 & under are Free www.yadkingrass.com 336-409-4775

April 19 2:00p to 4:30p Enjoy a guided tour the Civil War home of NC Supreme Court Justice Richmond Mumford Pearson; Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and Civil War Trail Markers; 4641 Law School Road, East Bend. Call to reserve a picnic shelter: 336-699-3921.

April 25 "The Duttons," 7:30 p, " $39, Brock Performing Arts Center, Mocksville, Davie Co. Arts Council, tickets: 336-751-3000. ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

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The Mount Airy Rotary Club in cooperation with the Department of Tourism presents the 6th Annual Budbreak Wine & Craft Beer Festival

Event presented by:

Saturday, May 2, 2015 12:00 to 6:00 pm 400 Block Main Street, Downtown Mount Airy, North Carolina

Wine & Craft Beer Festival Great Food & Music

Mount Airy Rotary Club

Entertainment: Time Sawyer

Headliners...

Mediocre Bad Guys with a special tribute to

Bobby Keys “Saxophone player for the Rolling Stones�

Major Sponsors:

Food provided by:13 Bones and Main St. Eateries All proceeds benefit local, regional and international Rotary charities. $20

at the gate, $15 advance purchase $5 general admission (no tasting) at the gate and on-line Tickets available state wide at Lowes Foods, or on the web at

www.budbreakfestival.com 108

Yadkin Valley Magazine

Learn more at: budbreakfestival.com/sponsors/ ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

Friday May 15 6pm Saturday May 16 9am to 6pm

May 2 Daniel Boone Family Festival Downtown Mocksville and Junkers Theater 10:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Crafts, Demonstrators, Reenactors, Kids Area, Entertainment ENTERTAINMENT AT JUNKER’S OUTDOOR THEATER. FREE and Bring Your Own Chairs 12:15p “Bag O Bones” (featuring Mel Jones) 1:50p “Mountain Rain” (bluegrass) 3:30p “Taylor Vaden & Memphis Stomp” (Elvis Tunes) HEADLINER TO BE ANNOUNCED www.danielboonefamilyfestival.com or call 336-909-2263

May 8 “Jeremy Davis and the Equinox Jazz” Orchestra, 8:00p, Walker Center on WCC campus.

For tickets: 336-835-6260 or walker.boxoffice@wilkescc.edu

May 16 Back in the Day, Free admission spring event, Downtown Walnut Cove, 10:00a to 4:00p in Fowler Park. Heritage demonstrations, car show antiques vendors, food vendors, kids' area, corn hole competition and Civil War reenactor, Eric Marshall.

Music by "RainJacket Band."

Contact: Kim at 336-416-0671.

Tractor Parade and kids ride-on parade Friday, May 15 6pm

Saturday, May 16 9am-6pm Music all day • Demonstrations Vintage Tractors & Farm Equipment Food and Craft Vendors Agricultural Exhibits • Pony Rides Award ceremony 6pm

Don’t miss a minute of this kid friendly, family FUN event!

Mayberry Farm Fest is presented by

Looking for your copy of Vendors & Tractor Exhibitors contact Gail at 336-783-9505

You’ll find copies at any of the advertisers you see in the magazine. due to the magazine’s popularity not all locations will have magazines at all times

ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

Keep up with all the exciting happenings in Downtown Mount Airy.

Download our new app!

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SCENIC MOTORS, INC. Mt Airy Equipment, Inc M a rc h / A p ri l 2 01 5

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Celebrate Sports with a Smithsonian Exhibit

For more than 100 years, sports have reflected the trials and triumphs of the American experience and helped shape the national character. Whether it is professional sports or those played on the collegiate or scholastic level, amateur sports or sports played by kids on the local playground, sports are everywhere in the U.S.A. Baseball, soccer, hockey, volleyball, softball, surfing, bowling—people around the country are drawn to compete in or be sideline cheerleaders for

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their home team. The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, (MAMRH), in cooperation with the North Carolina Humanities Council, will host “Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America,” a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program through April 11. Exhibit topics range

from hometown sports and games, to the fields of play, to themes as complex as race and international relations as experienced through sport.

“We are very pleased to be able to bring ‘Hometown Teams’ to our area,” said Matt Edwards, MAMRH Executive Director. “It allows us the opportunity to explore this fascinating aspect of our own region’s sports history and we hope it will inspire many to become even more involved in the cultural life of our community.” In addition to the scheduled programs and activities, the Museum will open a new permanent exhibit on local sports history as a companion piece to the Smithsonian exhibit.the new exhibit will highlight the development of sports and leisure activities in the region. starting in Victorian times and continuing through today.

MAMRH and the surrounding community has been expressly chosen by the North Carolina Humanities

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Council to kick off this traveling exhibition to tour six rural cultural organizations across North Carolina. The public can share their local sports stories through the “Stories from Main Street” website: storiesfrommainstreet.org or through the free mobile app available from the Mac App Store or the Google Play Store.

“Allowing all of our state’s residents to have access to the cultural resources of our nation’s premiere museum is a priority of the North Carolina Humanities Council,” said Paula Watkins, Executive Director. “With this special tour, we are pleased to be working with the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, Mount Airy and Surry County to help develop local exhibitions and public programs to compliment the Smithsonian exhibition.”

Savor the joys of shopping small town America, miles from the interstate, but still close to home. Our store’s original 1940s floors, creak and give, but add a warm and welcoming touch.

JTE Norman’s where smiles are sincere, our values— genuine.

Lotions, Soaps & Creams a great gift for Mom

Admission fee to MAMRH is A/$6, SR/$5, STU/$4 from 10:00a to 5:00p Tuesdays through Saturdays; closed on Mondays.

MAMRH: 336-786-4478.

Sports History Talks at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History March 7 - Mike Wiley, "A Game Apart-a glimpse into the life of Jackie Robinson."

March 14 - NC Humanities Council Road Scholar Alex McCauley, "It's Not Just a Game: Sports and Society in NC." March 21 - Doug McDaniel, "A Statistical History of Mount Airy High School Football."

March 28 - Home Town Teams Statewide Scholar Pamela Grundy, "Back Then, That was the Thing to Do," NC Women's Basketball, 1923-1960.

April 11 - NC Humanities Council Road Scholar Robert Billinger, "Playing for Empowerment: Mill Team Baseball During the Depression.”

All above lectures are free to the public on the Museum's 3rd floor at 2:00p.

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Now thru April Cookbooks 25% OFF

Visit our web site at jtenorman.com and download a coloring sheet of our old rusty farm truck. Bring your artwork in to the store for a FREE Rock Candy Stick.

Say hello to Big Rusty!

332 West Main Street, East Bend 336-699-2446 Main Street and Fairground Road Thursday-Friday 12-6 • Saturday 10-6 • Sunday 1-6

Visit our East Bend Area History photos & displays M a rc h / A p ri l 2 01 5

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Advertisers Index 68 A Baby Celebration 25 Aladdin’s Hallmark 3 American Healthcare Services 6 B & L Jewelry 39 Better Homes Furniture 89 Blue Ridge Medical Group 67 Brannock & Hiatt Furniture 64 Bridal Traditions 108 Budbreak Wine & Beer Festival 93 CMS Ins. 85 Cancer Services 52 Carolina Country Furniture BC Carolina Farm Credit 12 Carolina Sampler.com IBC Carpet Warehouse 113 Carroll Memorials 43 Circle of Friends 79 Countryside RV 56 Craft Cleaners 24 Dalton’s Crossing 69 David L. May, Jr. Nationwide Ins. 58 DESIGNCAST CONCRETE 19 East Bend Auto Clinic 13 Edward Jones 54 Farmers Mulch & Rock 98 Farmland Veterinary Clinic 40 Flint Hill Vineyards 78 Frog Holler Cabins 34 Gilreath Chiropractic Health 32 Gloria Sews 110 Goyadkinvalley.com 71 Haymore Construction 87 Hicks Waterstoves 48 High Country Lumber & Mulch

An easy guide to help you access great resources.

26 Home Acres Furniture 45 Homeway Furniture Outlet 111 JTE Norman’s Country Store 25 Joe’s Landscaping & Nursery 66 Jones & Jones Jewelers 91 Journey to Wellness 106 Justin’s Landscaping 61 K & V Heating & Air 47, 95 LTD Farm & Garden 4 Lewisville Drug 7 Lewisville Motor Company 33 Mackie’s 27 Main Oak Emporium 109 Mayberry Farm Fest 87 Medicap Pharmacy 63 Melody Stores 79 MerleFest 35 Mill Creek General Store 53 Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse 103 Mock Beroth Tire Group 30 Mount Airy Meat Center 21 Mount Olympus Family Restaurant 105 Norman’s Clean Up Shop 37 NC Country Homes & Lands 92 North Iredell Records 101 Old Town Clock Shop 8 PC- Medic Computers 65 Paint & Coatings 19 Papanana 83 Parkwood Place 33 Pat Hutchens Art Gallery 46 Pilot International Gifts 53 Pinnacle Farm Equipment 44 Polka Dot Gifts

ATTENTION STORE OWNERS Is your store looking for a wholesale supplier for FERNS We offer upright & hanging Boston, Sword Fluffy Ruffles and more Available for pickup in Hamptonville RABER’S GREENHAUS Call (336) 468-2903

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114 Quality Care/Care South 112 Raber’s Greenhaus 11 Rid-A-Bug 29 Ronnie’s Country Store 70 Rumple Furniture 86 Ruth Henderson, BeautiControl IBC Salvage Building Materials 105 SH Woodworking 52 S & H Farm Supply 17 Scenic Gifts 16 Scenic Outlet 55 Sewingly Yours 22 Shiloh General Store & Bakery 31 Shop 601 49 Smitherman’s Hardware 9 Something Special Consignment 5 Soyworx 100 State Road Antique Mall 81 Surry OldTime Fiddlers Convention 28 Talley’s Florist 105 Tar Heel Auto Glass 44 Teresa’s Carousel Café 43 The Liberty 29 The Traditional Shop 8 Van Hoy Jewelers IFC Vienna Village 92 Virtue Dental Care 17 Whispers & Wings 25 Wilkes Heritage Museum 107 Willingham Theater 57 YMCA 72 Yadkin Valley Bluegrass Convention 15, 43 Yadkin Valley General Store 31 Yadkin Valley Pharmacy 36 Yadkin Valley Wine Festival 9 Yadtel Security

Looking for your copy of

You’ll find copies at any of the advertisers you see in the magazine. due to the magazine’s popularity not all locations will have magazines at all times

ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

The answer you’re seeking is a thought away. I’m not talking about some mystical power that will tell you which horse to bet on. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your works unto the Lord, and your thoughts shall be established.”

Shopping can be very stressful for me, due to my mobility problem, so my mom planned to help me shop for a dress I needed for a wedding. When the week of the wedding slipped up on us, she reminded me (often) we needed to get started. But my church was in revival meeting the first part of that week and I really wanted to save my energy. I was fasting and praying for the meeting and a trip to the mall would have put a damper on that special time with the Lord, so I chose to wait until the last minute to shop for the dress. When we finally headed for the mall, Mom reiterated her frustration that we had so little time. “I think the Lord is showing me what the dress looks like,” I said. She shot me one of her you’vegot-to-be-kidding looks and asked, with a slight smirk, if He’d told me which store it was in. I told her what store I felt led toward and that the dress was pink.

We followed my gut, and as soon as we stepped into the store, I pointed to my left at a mauve-colored dress, just my size, and it matched my expectations. I purchased it, and we were free to enjoy the rest of a carefree day together.

Listening to the thoughts the Lord drops into my mind has been a great asset in my freelance writing, also. I’m convinced Divine guidance has saved me the agony of rejection many times. I recall one incident when the Holy Spirit told me if I’d write an article about a particular historic place a specified editor would buy it. I queried the editor with the idea, and he emailed back he’d been wanting a story about that place. What could I say, but “Thank you, Lord!”

Everything starts with a thought. Your thoughts can make you or break you. As born-again believers, we must learn to discern the Holy Spirit’s thoughts from our own, or worse: thoughts derived from the enemy. Thoughts arouse imaginations.

2 Cor. 10:5 warns us to bring our thoughts into captivity. In other words, stay on guard and don’t play with thoughts that, if acted on, can cause you to sin.

When I purchased my last vehicle, I walked into the dealership knowing the kind of vehicle I wanted, the color and what I intended to pay for it. Because I was going to pay for it myself, my husband agreed for me to do the dealing. I described what I was looking for to the dealer and we test-drove the vehicle that met my specifications. I knew immediately it was the one. I made the offer and when the dealer saw I wasn’t going to budge, he accepted. My brother, who has been in car sales for years, couldn’t believe I got it for that price.

One word of caution: You cannot present your needs to the Lord like a laundry list. He knows your heart and your motives better than you do. He really desires a relationship with you of trust and obedience. Everything about us is important to God, but sometimes we have hinderances and sometimes we have to wait for an answer. But more times than not, the answer is as close as our next thought, if we knew how to listen.

The Holy Spirit is the believer’s greatest friend, but He is also the most neglected person of the Trinity. People seem to acknowledge God the Father and the Son, but forget God the Holy Spirit, his purpose and importance in our lives. The Holy Spirit desires communion with you. He is the God in you! He feels, hurts and loves. That’s why the Bible says we can grieve Him. Imagine if you walked with someone through life, but they never acknowledged you were there.

If you’ll develop the habit of committing all your works to the Lord, He will establish your thoughts, and one thought (idea, realization) from the Creator of the universe can change your life. But always test it with God’s Word, and don’t expect to learn to hear Him overnight. And if you’re addicted to your cell phone or any other device, you’ll miss it—He speaks softly. After all these years, I’m still humbled and amazed that He speaks at all.

Sandra welcomes you to contact her if you need prayer for salvation. You can also order her book “When Mountains Move” and music CDs at sandram@yadtel.net. or 4324 Mt. Bethel Ch. Rd., East Bend, NC 27018. Phone: 336-699-3757

ya d ki n va l l e y l iv i n g . co m

Closing Devotions with Sandra Miller

Establishing Your Thoughts Your Life is Like No Other Your experiences and interests… your style and tastes. Shouldn’t the memorial that commemorates a life be just as unique and personal?

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