right: Whitney Barker, Zeth Davidson, Steven Howard, Chris Barker, Rose Speece
Left to right:Chris Barker, Rose Speece, Whitney Barker, Zeth Davidson and Steven Howard
foodsandflavors
24 Sweet Potatoes: A Fall Favorite in North Carolina
26 Tricks & Treats for a Happy Halloween
28 Back to School Meal Planning
30 Fall is in the air!
36 10 Tips for Saving on Your Grocery Budget
Home, Lawn & Garden
42 Fall for Mums: Everything You Need to Know About Fall’s Favorite Flower
44 Fall Is For Planting
46 Native Beauty for Your Autumn Garden
People, Places, Events
38 Beyond the Plate: The True Meaning of Farm-to-Table
48 Cedarbrook Country Club - A Gem in the Yadkin Valley
51 Yadkin Valley Farm Toy Show
54 Patti’s Leather & Shoe Repair
58 Rescue Ranch
62 A Bed and A Book
66 Yadkin Valley Grape Festival
72 Local Historians To Remember The 1780 Battle Of Shallowford
73 Sonker Festival 2025
91 Old Town Clock Shop
Yadkin Valley Readers & Writers
80 Last Words, First Kisses and a Cat Named Willie Nelson
80 Confessions of a Hydrangea Thief
81 Words from a Writer...Katelyn Beck
82 Legos and Shakespeare-A Hands-On Approach to Literature
Wellness 52 Becoming a Foster Parent In Every Issue 16 Recipe Box
Beginnings
Living Low Waste
100th Birthdays 88 What Is That? 92 On the Cover/A River Runs Through It
93 Pet Pics
94 Business Section 97 Closing Devotions
September-October 2025
Throughout this issue, you’ll find a wealth of fun discoveries to fill your Yadkin Valley Weekends. Visit andyadkinvalleymagazine.com sign up to receive a free weekly email with suggestions for fun ways to visit a special event or make a special memory.
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Randy D. Joyce
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Tammy H. Joyce, AAMS™ 136 W. Lebanon Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-6238 tammy.joyce@edwardjones.com
Tanner Joyce 752 S. Andy Griffith Parkway, Suite 400 Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-245-9112 tanner.joyce@edwardjones.com
Mike Russell
106-B South Depot Street, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
336-368-2575
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Tiffany L. Smith
106-B South Depot Stree Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
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Michael Warren, WMCP®
101-D Shoals Road, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
336-368-0782
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Christopher L. Funk 128 South State Street • PO Box 790 Yadkinville, NC 27055 • 336-679-2192 chris.funk@edwardjones.com
foodsandflavors ™ Recipe Box
39 Breakfast Egg Muffins with Sausage & Cheddar
28 Breakfast Pizza Pockets
29 Buffalo Egg Salad Celery Sticks
30 Caramel Apple Pie Cups
27 Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
33 Easy Egg Custard
40 Pancakes: The Blueberry Edition
41 Peach Coconut Cake
30 Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake
31 Salted Caramel Cupcakes
32 Slow Cooker Pork Loin
24 Sweet Potato Chili
34 Zesty Lemon Cookies
From the coziness of your bedroom, to the library’s shelves filled with books, to the openness of our living room areas, to sit, talk and enjoy, or the gazebo for nature’s beauty, we share the comforts of home. Our Administrative Staff strives to create a family environment throughout our facility.
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Yadkin Valley Magazine is a publication of Crossroads Publishing, LLC. PO Box 2077
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September-October 2025
Volume 26 Number 1
PUBLISHER
Leah Wagoner Williams
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Victoria Williams
Rebecca Williams
ADVERTISING SALES
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Barb Collins
Sara Drake
Scott Duckworth
Peggy Isenhour
Chelsea Johnson
Madaline Jones
Dr. Heather Kilbourne
Carmen Long
Sharee Parker
Christi Pate
Kellee Payne
Lisa Prince
June Rollins
Leslie Rose
Jessica Wall
Rebecca Williams
PHOTOGRAPHS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Scott Duckworth
Peggy Isenhour
Chelsea Johnson
Madaline Jones
Carmen Long
Sharee Parker
Christi Pate
Kellee Payne
June Rollins
Leslie Rose
Leah Williams
Rebecca Williams
DISTRIBUTION
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Ken & Denise Knight
Michael Scott
Isaac Williams
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Rebecca Williams
a line from leah
Trying out a YVM recipe? Be sure to tag us on social media if you post a picture!
Even if you haven’t yet felt a slight change in the air, it must surely be fall. Pumpkin spice whatever-you-want is out, as well as Halloween candy. And Yadkin Valley communities are gearing up for festival season!
Whether you like a big festival with lots of people and vendors, or perhaps something smaller and less crowded is more your style, there is a festival for you in the Yadkin Valley this time of year. Check out the local vendors, entertainment, and festival food that local groups have spent the last year planning. Pulling off a festival is a mighty feat, and these events bring lots of visitors to the Yadkin Valley.
This issue is packed with articles about local non-profits, a couple of businesses that preserve traditional trades, and what to plant in your autumn garden. Of course, there are plenty of fabulous recipes, too, so be sure to try some, whether you want the fall flavor of sweet potatoes or meal ideas during the chaos of back-to-school season.
Whatever you love about the Yadkin Valley, autumn is a great time to explore and enjoy the place we call home!
In the July-August issue, the recipe for Peach Coconut Cake was incomplete, so the recipe has been reprinted in this issue.
You can find the recipe on page 41.
Our telephone number is 336-961-2620 web address: yadkinvalleymagazine.com
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Yadkin Valley Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Entire contents copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Reproduction of our created advertising materials and design work are strictly prohibited. Yadkin Valley Living, Yadkin Valley Magazine, Yadkin Valley Weekends, Best Yadkin Valley Cooks, 52 Pounds and then some!, are trademarks of Crossroads Publishing LLC, PO Box 2077, Yadkinville, NC 27055.
Proudly printed in the USA. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the magazine. We assume no responsibility for changes in schedules, prices, hours or information.
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beginning s with June Rollins
Visit June’s website at: www.junerollins.com
Can’t Never Could
It was session four of our weekly beginner watercolor series. I’d introduced a new project and everyone was focused on practicing an unfamiliar technique.
(I’m intentionally using a plural pronoun for anonymity). One student was swiping their brush across the paper, over and over, without any variation. “I can’t get it.”
I moved closer and encouraged them to observe as I demonstrated a second time, with more water, a slower brushstroke and a more gentle upward movement from the paper.
They tried again, repeating the same agitated approach. Their hands flew up in exasperation. “See, I can’t get it.”
My continued efforts at encouragement were blocked by tight-lipped resistance. I was at a loss of what else to do.
In our earlier sessions, they had been positive and eager, bringing in small paintings attempted during the week and animatedly sharing their experiences. I’d had such high hopes for this enthusiastic beginner.
I wasn’t prepared for the change-of-heart in session four and even less prepared when I was told they would not be back.
This was the third student to drop out of the beginner watercolor series. The first two didn’t come back after session one. They’d barely dipped their brushes in the water.
I know watercolor isn’t for everyone. In my own beginning class, there were four of us in session one. By
session three, there were two.
Sometimes, we know right away if something isn’t right for us. Other times our lives are taxed with countless untold responsibilities and we don’t have extra time or energy to learn a new skill.
But this student had made it to session four. Could I have done anything differently?
Maybe I should have repeated the demo a third time. Encouraged more. Pushed harder.
Maybe I should have provided a comparison. The movement is like frosting a cake, not swatting a wasp.
Maybe I should have shot from the hip. “It’s not your lack of ability. It’s your negative self-talk. Stop saying, ‘I can't.’”
Three new students have joined, replacing the three that left. Last week in session six, everyone unanimously proclaimed, learning watercolor is hard!
As we shared our frustrations, we laughed even harder. Then, with cleansed, uplifted and united spirits, we got back to painting and learning and growing.
I haven’t told them yet that it doesn’t get any easier. They’ll find out soon enough. And by then, they’ll be hooked.
Believe you can and you’re halfway there. Theodore Roosevelt
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foodsandflavors ™ ~ with Elisa Phillips
Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension Wilkes County Center
Sweet Potatoes: A Fall Favorite in North Carolina
As autumn approaches in North Carolina, so does the sweet potato harvest, running from August through November. These versatile vegetables are a true fall staple, offering not just delicious flavor but also a powerful nutritional punch. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy release, and are loaded with essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and iron.
Selecting and Storing Your Sweet Potatoes
When you're at the market, look for sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and uniformly dark, avoiding any with sprouts, wrinkles, or bruises. To keep them fresh, store your sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place, and remember to wash them only right before you plan to use them.
Warm Up with Sweet Potato Chili
Ready to enjoy the season's bounty? Below is a hearty sweet potato chili recipe, adapted from The North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission, that's guaranteed to warm you up on a crisp fall day.
Ingredients:
2 cans (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes with chilies
1 can (14.5 ounce) kidney beans
1 can (14.5 ounce) black beans
1 can (14.5 ounce) garbanzo beans
1 pound lean ground beef, 93% lean
1 large sweet potato, diced
1 large bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
dried red chili flakes to taste
2 cups low sodium vegetable stock or water
Instructions:
Rinse all beans under cool water until water runs clear.
In a large slow cooker, add in all ingredients and stir well.
Set heat to low and cook chili for at least 4 hours. For food safety purposes, the temperature of the chili should be at least 155F.
Serve chili hot with optional toppings.
Photo and recipe from https://ncsweetpotatoes.com/recipe/sweet-potato-chili/
foodsandflavors ™ ~ with Carmen Long
Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension Surry & Alleghany County Centers
Tricks and Treats for a Happy Halloween
The phone rings and a woman says, “My daughter is so excited to come to your son’s Halloween Party.” Our son Carson was in 6th grade, and I was clueless about a Halloween Party. After some investigating, Carson shared that he had created an invitation in his computer class at school, made copies and handed them out to his friends. The invitation was complete with some Halloween graphics and an RSVP. He said, “I need to know how many are coming so we can have enough food.”
Halloween parties are always lots of fun, but since this one was a surprise to his Dad and I; our first instinct was to tell him he would have to call his friends and let them know it was being cancelled. He had thoughtfully scheduled it on a Friday evening and then planned for the group to go to the nearby home high school football game. To make matters more interesting, I was going to be out of town all that week for work.
After much discussion, we decided the party could go on, but if Carson was old enough to plan a party, he was old enough to get the house ready and to make the food. The decorations, games and menu were decided upon. Chocolate “dirt” pudding topped with crushed chocolate cookies for the dirt and gummy worms, eyeballs – peeled grapes, witches’ fingers – baby carrots with almonds for the fingernails, witch’s brew – punch, popcorn in a plastic glove to look like a hand – complete with a spider ring on the fingers and sandwiches.
Each night I would call home to check on the progress of the party. Father and son had everything under control. Spider webs were strung around the basement, which
made cleaning easier when you just added additional webs to the ones already present, and bats hung from the ceiling. Food was purchased and prepared.
By the time Friday arrived, Carson realized that parties are a lot of fun, but also quite a bit of work. The kids came, games were played, food was eaten, and everyone had a good time. Our social kid had a new appreciation of party planning and some great Halloween memories were made.
You can have fun celebrating Halloween even if you don’t want to have a party. Try these easy treats to make your October spooktacular all month long.
>Use a black permanent marker to draw a jack-o-lantern face on an orange or cutie or cup of fruit. Make an individual string cheese look like a ghost.
>Peel a cutie. Insert a small piece of celery or a broken piece of pretzel in the center for the stem to make a mini pumpkin. A celery leaf can be used for the pumpkin’s leaf. >Make a banana ghost by peeling a banana, cutting it in half and inserting mini chocolate chips for the eyes and mouth.
>A partially peeled kiwi makes a great Frankenstein. Leave some of the fuzz on the top for hair and insert broken pretzel sticks and mini chocolate chips to decorate the face.
>Mini candy apples – dip a grape on a toothpick in caramel sauce and then roll in chopped nuts.
Chocolate pumpkin muffins are another easy, fall family favorite.
Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients:
1 15-oz can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 box chocolate cake mix
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Position oven rack in the center of the oven.
2. Preheat oven to 400F degrees and line 12 muffin cups or 36 mini muffin cups with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl make the batter by mixing the pumpkin and cake mix together. The mixture will be very thick and will take some effort to blend, but no other ingredients are needed.
4. Place batter into the prepared pans. Bake at 400F degrees until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes for muffins and 12-15 minutes for the mini muffins.
5. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for the longest shelf life.
Note: Can use other flavored cake mixes for variation.
foodsandflavors ™ ~ with Lisa Prince
Director, NC Egg Association
Back to School Meal Planning
As school begins and families transition to back to school mode, simple, quick and nutritious meals are a necessity! To fuel both kids and adults, eggs are the perfect solution.
From simple packable breakfast and lunch ideas to after school snacks and prepping fresh dinners for the week ahead check out these wholesome kid-approved recipes to kick off the school year.
Don’t forget to check out NC Egg’s Kids Connection Center (https://ncegg.org/resources/kids-connection) for fun and interactive activities for kids of all ages. From a free, printable activity booklet with coloring activities and age-appropriate recipes to nutrition tips for older kids, we have everything you need to keep the kiddos entertained and engaged during the school year.
2. Unroll pie crusts. Cut four 4-inch squares from each round of pastry to make a total of 8 squares.
3. Whisk together 2 eggs, salt and pepper. Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat; cook eggs for 3 to 5 minutes or until set and soft curds form. Let cool slightly.
4. Spread pizza sauce over half of the pastry squares, top with pepperoni, mozzarella and scrambled eggs. Whisk remaining egg with 1 tsp cold water: brush the edges of rectangles with some of the beaten egg. Top with remaining pastry squares and press edges to seal with tines of fork. Brush tops with beaten egg.
5. Place pockets on parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
Pro Tips
For a vegetarian option, omit pepperoni and substitute sliced mushrooms, chopped tomatoes or chopped peppers.
Make-ahead: Pizza pockets can be refrigerated or frozen, then reheated in a toaster oven.
1 tablespoon Buffalo-Style hot sauce, (Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings Sauce)
3/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
3 stalks celery, cut into 4-inch pieces
Instructions
1. Combine eggs, mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon chives, lemon juice, hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper. Spoon into celery pieces.
2. Sprinkle remaining paprika and chives over top.
Pro Tips
For a blue cheese dip flavor, crumble blue cheese over top.
Mt. Airy Meat Center has what you need for Summertime Grilling!
foodsandflavors ™ ~ with Christi Pate
The Sweet Shack Bakery 111 West Main Street Boonville, NC 336-467-0963
Caramel Apple Pie Cups
I look forward to pumpkin patches, hayrides and bonfires with family and friends. Soon the gorgeous hues of fall will be visible everywhere we look. What is it about fall flavors that are just so yummy?
The mere mention of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and nutmeg evokes memories of cozy nights, woolen scarves, and the satisfying sound of leaves crunching underfoot.
I’ll share some of my favorite fall flavors and the baking recipes that have become my autumn staples.
Pumpkin Spice The reigning champion of autumn flavors, pumpkin spice is a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. It’s versatile and evokes the very soul of the season.
Apple and Cinnamon Freshly harvested apples paired with the spiciness of cinnamon is a timeless combo. Whether in pies, muffins, or ciders, this duo captures the essence of fall.
Salted Caramel The perfect blend of sweet and salty, this flavor brings depth and richness to any dessert.
Cranberry and Orange Tart cranberries balanced with the zesty sweetness of oranges offer a refreshing twist to fall’s typically warm and spicy flavors.
Maple Reminiscent of golden leaves and woodsy aromas, maple adds a touch of natural sweetness and complexity.
A deconstructed apple pie, but make it cute and portioned. These little guys are loaded with cinnamon apples and drizzled with caramel, all tucked inside a flaky, golden crescent roll cup.
Ingredients
1 can crescent dough
2 medium apples (peeled, diced)
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar for 5–6 minutes until soft.
Press crescent dough into greased muffin tin cups.
Spoon in the apple mixture.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly and drizzle with caramel before serving.
Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake
Ingredients
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
1 tablespoon milk (any kind)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Pinch of salt
Instructions
In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together all dry ingredients.
Add pumpkin, milk, and oil. Mix until smooth. Microwave on high for 50–60 seconds. Let cool slightly and top with whipped cream or cinnamon.
Salted Caramel Cupcakes
Cupcakes are the best, especially when they are homemade and have salted caramel in the middle! These delicious cupcakes have a runny caramel center in the cupcake and frosting with a slight cream cheese taste! The cupcake batter tastes like Snickerdoodles and has a delicious cinnamon taste. How perfect does that sound? Just delicious!
CUPCAKE BATTER
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup sour cream
CARAMEL SAUCE
About 25 Werther's chewy caramels
1/4 cup cream
½ teaspoon salt
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
1 stick softened unsalted butter
1/2 cup (4 oz.) cream cheese
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven at 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper muffin cups.
In one bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer, mix the butter in a bowl until fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream and mix until fluffy again, about one minute.
Gently fold the butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Fill the muffin cups about 3/4 full with batter. Bake at 350 degrees for twenty minutes. Let cool. To make the salted caramel sauce, mix the caramel candies and cream in a bowl and cook under low heat on the cooktop. Continue until melted and stir occasionally. Remove from heat and add salt. Using a tiny spoon or apple corer, cut a hole in the center of each cupcake, only cutting about 3/4 of the way through. Fill each hole with melted caramel sauce. To make the buttercream cream cheese frosting, mix the butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and confectioners’ sugar in the mixer. Mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Frost with a large round icing tip and enjoy!
foodsandflavors ™ ~
Gluten Free with Peggy Isenhour
Fall arrives on September 22 at 2:19 pm. Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I love decorating for fall and looking forward to cooler nights with days a little more comfortable. Labor Day unofficially ends the summer season. Labor Day is a national holiday that was signed into law in 1894. We celebrate and recognize the contributions of American workers on Labor Day. Many families enjoy a long weekend that might include cookouts, picnics, parades and fireworks.
This month’s recipes are Slow Cooker Pork Loin and Easy Egg Custard (naturally gluten free). The pork recipe has several steps, but none of them are difficult. The end result is very much worth the effort! I have included in parentheses the gluten free brands I prefer for the pork.
Happy Labor Day! Blessings
Slow Cooker Pork Loin
Slow Cooker Liquid
½ cup chicken broth (Swanson is gluten free)
¼ cup soy sauce (Kikkoman gluten free soy sauce at WalMart)
1 large onion sliced
Pork
2 pound pork loin
3 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
4 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons butter
Add chicken broth, soy sauce and sliced onion to the slow cooker and give it a stir.
Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the pork loin.
Heat a large skillet for several minutes over medium high heat and add oil. Once the oil is simmering hot, sear the pork loin on all sides until it is golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey and garlic. Place pork loin on top (fat side up) of the onion and brush the pork all over with the balsamic vinegar mixture. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Once it is done, the pork will be fall-apart-tender. Transfer pork to a serving platter. Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to lock into the pork. Whisk butter into the liquid left in the slow cooker. This turns it into a glossy sauce to serve with the pork. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk to remove lumps and then stir into sauce. Enjoy!
Easy Egg Custard
4 cups milk (2% or regular)
6 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of nutmeg
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Heat the milk in a large saucepan until bubbles form around the edges. Combine eggs, sugar and salt in a blender and give it a few pulses until smooth. Once the milk is hot, remove it from the heat. Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding ½ cup hot milk stirring vigorously so as not to cook the eggs. Then add egg mixture to the heated milk. Once the milk and eggs are combined, stir in the vanilla. Pour the custard mixture into small custard cups or ramekins and sprinkle lightly with nutmeg. Put custard cups in a large roasting pan and fill the pan with enough water to reach about 1” from the top of the cups. Bake for 45 minutes or until custard is set. Be careful not to over cook.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese. Add the egg, lemon extract, butter extract, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest and beat until smooth. Add the cake mix and blend at low speed until moistened, scraping sides of bowl. Beat at medium speed for 1 minute. Stir the white chocolate chips and sliced almonds into the cookie dough. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. With a medium scoop (1 ½”), form the dough into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar and place the first batch on a cookie sheet lined with either parchment paper or silicone mats. Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for approximately 15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Cool on the cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes, then remove from the cookie sheet and finish cooling on a wire cooling rack. Keep the remaining rolled cookie dough balls chilled while each batch is baking. Bake the remaining cookies and store in a cookie jar when completely cooled. Makes approximately 3 dozen cookies.
foodsandflavors ™ ~ with Chelsea Johnson
Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension Yadkin County Center Cooperative Extension
Chelsea_Johnson@ncsu.edu
Follow along on Facebook @YadkinCountyFCS
10 Tips for Saving on Your Grocery Budget
We have all heard advice on how to save as much as possible on your food budget from family, friends and even strangers online. You may have come across advice such as planning your meals, writing down a grocery list before leaving your house, sticking to that list at the store, and looking for deals at the grocery store. But today we are going to discuss some less common tips for you to add to your weekly planning regardless of the size of your family and how much you normally spend.
Shop in the middle of the week. It should not come as a surprise that shopping on the weekends can be more crowded, but did you know that you may also find better deals and discounts throughout the weekdays? That happens due to store employees getting ready to turn over products for the rush of the weekend. So next time you plan a trip to your local grocery store, consider going on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening instead of a Saturday or Sunday morning.
Look for ingredients at salad bars. If you are only looking for a handful of carrots or broccoli, consider checking if your grocery store has a salad bar with some vegetable toppings available. This option keeps you from needing to spend more money on a full bag of
vegetables and can also guarantee less waste for that week. The produce section of many grocery stores also offers small containers of pre-chopped vegetables.
Join your store’s loyalty program. Rewards or loyalty programs at local grocery stores can help you spend less on your next shopping trip. Joining is usually free and will give you access to discounts that you would not have otherwise. Ask a store manager for this or similar options.
Download your store’s app. Similar to the loyalty rewards program, you can also find discounts and sales available in the palm of your hand. Check to see if your local grocery store has an app that you can download to your cell phone. Check the app daily to find coupons and compare prices. You can also turn on your notifications or request email updates to stay up to date on any deals. However, beware of grocery shopping very frequently, like on a daily basis. Studies have shown that the more frequently a person shops the more money they tend to spend. Extra dollars are spent as consumers make impulse buys, buy sale items that are not needed, and otherwise purchase extra items.
Coupons are still an option.
Most of our lives have been digitized by now, but you can still find physical paper coupons on weekly grocery circulars in the mail or at the store. Sift through the pages and once you find an offer you are interested in, cut out the coupon and keep it handy for your next trip. Some grocery store loyalty programs generate coupons at the checkout. These coupons can be based on items you have purchased in the past and may save you money on the next trip; just be mindful of the coupon expiration date.
Avoid pre-packaged items. It may be tempting to buy food items that are pre-packaged such as pre-cut
veggies and shredded cheese, but you will save money if you choose whole items such as a block of cheese instead. It can be worth it to add a few extra minutes to your cooking time, rather than to add a few extra dollars to your grocery bill. However, purchasing pre-cut vegetables as ingredients to support being able to quickly prepare a meal after your child’s sporting event can be an economical cost in comparison to dinner at a fast-food restaurant.
Compare prices between different stores.
Another option that may also require some more work is comparing prices between stores, but this is also a practice that can save you a lot of money. If your schedule and means of transportation allows for it, you may also plan to purchase different items at different stores if their prices make more sense for your food needs. This can be particularly effective for shelf stable foods. Anything that can help stretch your food budget to its max is a welcome idea.
Buy generic brands.
Once you start comparing prices, you may notice that most of the time, the generic store brand item will be cheaper than others available to you. If your goal is to save as much as possible on groceries, you will be happy to know that most of the time the generic food items are just as tasty as the popular name brand foods. Try it for yourself next time, and you might end up finding your next favorite brand. If you are new to buying generic, start with foods that will be an ingredient in an overall dish, like diced or stewed tomatoes or mushrooms. Over time, you can try foods where the flavor and texture are more important, such as jams, jellies, or canned fruit.
Focus on cooking.
As much as we all need time to have some fun and eat out with our friends and family, choosing to cook instead of spending money at a restaurant will allow your budget to breathe. If you plan ahead, you can find recipes to recreate your favorite dishes at home and even turn the activity into a fun bonding experience for your children. A potluck is another great option if you are inviting others to your home. Potlucks are a great way to create a memorable event that allows family and friends to showcase their special dish and it helps you by sharing the work in the kitchen.
Apply for SNAP/FNS benefits in North Carolina. Another fantastic solution to helping stretch your food budget is applying for the SNAP program. SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and is commonly known as food stamps. In North Carolina, SNAP is also called Food and Nutrition Services or FNS. To receive SNAP benefits, you must meet an income monthly limit and be a resident of the state of North Carolina. If you would like to learn more about this program and how to apply, contact the More In My Basket team toll free at 1-855-240-1451 or visit their website at morefood.org for more information.
Written by: More In My Basket
Adapted by Chelsea Johnson
4-H Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension Yadkin County Center madaline_jones@ncsu.edu
Beyond the Plate: The True Meaning of Farm-to-Table
If you ask a child where our food comes from, they'll often say, "the grocery store." They're not wrong, of course. When they go shopping with their families, that's where they see their food. But how often do we think beyond the grocery store? Where does our food's journey truly begin, and what kind of work does it take to get it to our tables? That's the question Yadkin and Davie County 4-H set out to answer for their members. These counties collaborated to create a two-day "Farm to Table" event where young people could see where their food comes from and learn how to cook with ingredients sourced directly from farms. To ensure the best learning experience, we consulted the experts. We recruited two of our county’s specialized Extension Agents to help us plan the event.
On the first day, we learned about animals from our Area Livestock Agent, Mackenzie Hall Luther. She organized an interactive tour at Crossings Farm in Davidson County. At the farm, youth saw chickens in all their stages of life, including processing. They also got to interact
with cattle, goats, and even swine—many for the very first time. After the farm, we visited Lexington Large Animal Medicine & Surgery. During this tour, youth asked experienced vets questions about their practice and what makes their facility different from a small animal vet clinic. The 4-H members learned that many of the animals they had just met on the farm sometimes need veterinary care to stay healthy. Although it was already a full day, we weren't done yet. We traveled back to the farm's country store to pick up supplies: eggs, sausage, and heavy cream. With these ingredients, the 4-H staff taught the members how to make sausage and cheese egg muffins and "ice cream in a bag."
The next day, we focused on the plant side of farming. These tours were organized by Extension Horticulture Agent Kellee Payne, who serves Yadkin County. We visited two Yadkin County farms—EdgeHill Farm and H.O.P.E. Farm. First, at EdgeHill Farm, we saw many varieties of fruits and vegetables grown in high tunnels. The youth learned how this farming method differs from a greenhouse and the amount of work that goes into a small farm operation. After the lesson, they picked blueberries for one of the culinary creations they would make later that day.
Next, we went to the H.O.P.E. Yadkinville location. This is an extension of H.O.P.E. of Winston-Salem, an organization that helps address childhood food insecurity by distributing nutritious meals and fresh produce to families in need. During this tour, we learned how hydroponic greenhouses operate, how to plant different kinds of produce, and even gathered some tomatoes for a salsa recipe. Back at the office, we got to work making
some yummy food. With the help of 4-H staff, the youth made homemade butter with the cream they got the day before. They also made blueberry syrup and pancakes with the berries they picked, and a simple salsa with the tomatoes they gathered.
The young people at this event saw firsthand where much of their food comes from and the hard work it takes to run these kinds of operations. We hope that when 4-H members who attended this event are asked, "Where does your food come from?" they will now reply, "From a hardworking farmer that I am grateful for."
Breakfast Egg Muffins with Sausage and Cheddar
Ingredients:
1 lb ground breakfast sausage
¾ cup shredded cheese
9 large eggs
1/3 cup milk, heavy cream, or half and half
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease the muffin cups generously.
Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, coat the skillet with cooking spray and cook the sausage until browned. Consistently stir and break up the sausage. Total cook time should be right around 8 minutes Meanwhile, whisk the eggs and milk in a large bowl—season with a bit of salt and pepper.
Once sausage is cooked, equally distribute the sausage among all 12 cups. Top with cheddar cheese. Pour the egg mixture on top and fill each muffin cup to the top.
Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes (depending on oven), or until the tops are lightly golden and the muffins are fluffy.
Pancakes: The Blueberry Edition
Ingredients:
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 ¼ teaspoons white sugar
1 cup milk
1 large egg
½ tablespoon butter, melted
½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed.
Syrup, butter, and powdered sugar are great additions too!
Instructions:
Sift flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. Combine milk and egg in a small bowl. Stir egg mixtures into flour mixture until just combined. Stir in melted butter, then fold in blueberries. For best results, set the batter aside for 1 hour.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the hot griddle, using approximately ¼ cup for each pancake: cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Peach Coconut Cake
Author: Chef Belinda
Coconut cake was my mother’s favorite, but she only made it once a year—and that was on her birthday. I would sit and watch intensely as she cracked open the coconut, reserved the coconut milk to add to the cake, and then take what seemed like forever grating the fresh coconut flesh to finish off the cake frosting. The finished cake was a thing of beauty and truly a labor of love. Now, every year, I make a coconut cake in memory of my mother. And although I do take a few shortcuts, it’s still a labor of my love for her!
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
Filling
3 peaches, peeled and diced
1⁄4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1⁄2 tablespoons peach brandy or schnapps
Cake
Frosting
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups confectioners’ sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
7 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 2 (9-inch) or 3 (8-inch) cake pans with nonstick baking spray and insert parchment sheets. Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a measuring cup, combine the milk and vanilla. Set both aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter until it turns pale yellow. Add the sugar and continue beating until thoroughly mixed. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, 1 cup at a time, alternating with the milk. Scrape down sides again. Pour into prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 20 minutes; then invert onto wire racks and let cool completely. Remove parchment sheets.
Filling
Combine the peaches, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and let simmer for 15 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and brandy. Add to peaches, stir, and simmer until thick. Let cool.
Frosting
Add the butter and vanilla into the bowl of a stand mixer; cream until thoroughly combined and pale yellow. Lower speed and slowly add the sugar until incorporated. Increase mixer speed and beat until smooth. At this point, the frosting may appear a little stiff or dry. Add milk, a little at a time, until frosting is at the proper spreading consistency. To assemble the cake, use a serrated knife to cut off any domes or humps on your cooled cakes. Put 1 layer on a cake plate and spread with filling, staying about 1⁄2 inch from the edges of the cake. If you have 3 layers, repeat with a second layer and more filling, topping with the third layer. Do not put filling on the top layer. Frost the top of the cake and then the sides. Finish the cake by covering top and sides with shredded coconut. Garnish with additional sliced peaches if desired
Tip:
To prevent the peach filling from spilling over the side of the cake, I use a piping bag fitted with a number 12 piping tip filled with enough of the frosting to pipe a bead around the edge of each filling layer.
Home & Garden
WRITER/PHOTOS
Kellee Payne
Commercial and Consumer
Horticulture Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension
Yadkin County Center
kellee_payne@ncsu.edu
Facebook @YadkinCountyHorticulture
Fall for Mums: Everything You Need to Know About Fall's Favorite Flower
As the crisp fall air enters North Carolina, there is one flower that steps into the spotlight, painting our landscapes with a breathtaking array of colors: the chrysanthemum. A member of the daisy family (Asteraceae), the genus Chrysanthemum includes thousands of cultivars. Derived from ancient Greek, “chrysanthemum” translates to “gold flower.” Originating in China where they were first grown as herbs, chrysanthemums later appeared in Japan. In both cultures, they became significant symbols of longevity and happiness. Cultivars today offer an array of flower colors and shapes, from tight, button-like pompons to intricate spider forms, and are broadly categorized into garden hardy and exhibition types.Garden hardy mums are perfect for planting directly in your yard, while exhibition mums, often seen at florists, require specialized care to grow.
Mums thrive in full sun, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. Whether you choose to grow them in containers or directly in the garden, they require sufficient water. A simple way to gauge the moisture level is by inserting your index finger into the soil about two inches deep; if it’s dry, it’s time to water. While many mums sold in the fall are treated as annuals, some varieties are perennial and can return to add beautiful color to your landscape. They pair beautifully with other autumn staples like ornamental cabbage and kale, sedum, and gourds, creating rich, textured displays. To ensure longevity of your plant, be sure to plant with sufficient time
before winter so it can develop a strong root system. To help insulate your mums and keep them moist, mulching is an important practice. Once frost kills the foliage, cut your plants back to the ground. For perennial varieties, applying a thick layer of straw or pine needles over the plant crown after the ground has frozen solid can provide extra insulation, helping them survive the winter and return even stronger the following spring. Throughout spring and summer, pinch your plants to encourage proper branching. Beginning in mid-June, pinch terminal shoots back by ½ to 1 inch to the nearest leaf, which promotes lateral branching. Once these lateral branches are 6-8 inches long, continue pinching back the tips until the end of July. To keep your mums thriving, fertilize them in the spring and mid-summer. To encourage more blooms in the fall, deadhead spent flowers by removing them with your fingers or pruning shears. Chrysanthemums are susceptible to pests and diseases. Mums are often affected by the chrysanthemum aphid, a common pest that is brown to black in color. They damage plants by piercing tissue and feeding on sap, often targeting new growth. This can lead to distorted growth, stunted plants, and even plant death. You can manage aphids by forcefully spraying water on the undersides of leaves every two days. Alternatively, insecticides containing insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, acephate, malathion, cyfluthrin, permethrin, or bifenthrin are also effective options. Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that can affect chrysanthemums, appearing as a whitish, ash-gray powdery growth on the leaves. This fungus thrives in moist conditions, which help its spores germinate and spread. If you spot symptoms, remove the affected plant material immediately. For more extensive control, sprays with active
ingredients like myclobutanil, propiconazole, chlorothalonil, or thiophanate methyl can be effective. Timely identification and treatment are key to keeping your mums healthy and free from these common problems.
As autumn arrives, let the humble chrysanthemum inspire you. With their boundless beauty, relatively easy care, and ability to thrive when many other plants are fading, these fall favorites are sure to bring a smile to your face and a vibrant burst of color to your world.
For more information about Chrysanthemum’s, you can visit the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chrysanthemum/ For more information about diseases and pests that can affect chrysanthemums, you can visit: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/chrysanthemum-diseases-insect-pests/ Our office is an equal opportunity provider, so if you have any questions related to horticulture, please contact Kellee Payne at kellee_payne@ncsu.edu or 336-849-7908.
Building & Restoring Family Heirlooms
It is the peak planting time for gardeners in the Piedmont Triad; fall is a chance to create a landscape that returns with more robust growth after the new year. Many people want to plant their trees and shrubs in the early spring; yet this is when plants start pushing out new growth. It’s actually not the best time to plant; the trees and shrubs will be overloaded with the task of growing roots while also trying to push out new growth. Growers will find a limited selection in the springtime for trees and shrubs. Usually, a better selection is found in the fall because experience tells us that the fall planting strategy gives better conditions for establishing roots, and trees return in the spring better prepared to handle the stress of a full growing season. We want you to be successful, and this is how.
Fall Planting Season
Fall offers a distinct advantage for plant establishment. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall provide the best environment for roots to reach and develop without the stress of intense summer heat. This allows plants to build a robust foundation throughout the winter, leading to a more explosive display of growth come spring. It's giving your plants a head start by gently acclimating before dormancy and getting rooted in for the demands of the next growing season.
Fall Flowers
Fall weather brings the opportunity to grow a colorful selection of annuals that can show off color and textures for your landscape, extending your outdoor enjoyment well into the cooler months.
Pansies and Violas: These are the best growing fall flowers, offered in a kaleidoscope of colors from rich purples and velvet reds to lemon yellows and solid white. They are perfect for containers, window boxes, and mass plantings, providing continuous blooms all winter. Mums (Chrysanthemums): Another popular fall flower, mums are used heavily in autumn decorations. With their diversity in color, size, and shape, they can create stunning focal points or provide a backdrop of rich, autumnal tones.
Ornamental Kale: This one is not as well known, but don’t underestimate the visual impact of ornamental kale. While not a traditional "flower," its ruffled leaves in shades of purple, pink, and white provide interesting texture and are incredibly cold-tolerant and will often last through the first frosts, adding interest long after others have faded.
Planting for a Powerful Spring Debut
Fall is also the absolute best time to plant perennials. Giving them a fall start allows their root systems to establish deeply and widely without the energy demands of pushing out top growth and fighting off heat waves. Perennials will get rooted while the weather is nice, and then naturally go dormant for winter. This translates directly to bigger, more vigorous plants and bigger displays of flowers in the spring. Imagine a fuller spring garden thanks to your thoughtful fall planting.
Composting Old Growth
As you clear out spent summer annuals and trim back perennial foliage, don't let that organic matter go to waste. Fall is an excellent time to get serious about composting. Adding old growth, leaves, and other garden debris to
your compost pile enriches it with nutrients for future plantings. Think of it as investing in the long-term health of your garden.
Evergreens for Year-Round Growing
While fall flowers bring immediate results, consider the long-term appeal of evergreens. These foundational plants provide year-round interest and a consistent backdrop for your seasonal displays. They are the primary color in winter for your garden spaces, adding some visual appeal when deciduous plants have shed their leaves.
For the Piedmont Triad, here are some excellent evergreen choices to consider planting this fall:
Green Giant Arborvitae: A fast-growing tree with 3-4 feet of growth per year, dense evergreen, perfect for creating privacy screens or tall hedges. Its uniform pyramid-column shape requires little to no pruning, and its overall height adds vertical interest. (Mature height: 45-50’, Mature width: 12-15').
Tater Tot Arborvitae: A compact, globe-shaped arborvitae, ideal for smaller spaces, borders, or as an accent plant. Its neat, dense, form requires minimal pruning. (Mature heights: 1-2’, Mature width: 1-2').
Blue Rug Juniper: A groundcover juniper with silvery-blue foliage. Low and slow growing. It's excellent for slopes, rock gardens, or spilling over retaining walls, offering year-round color and texture. (Mature heights: 6”, Mature width: 6-8')
Soft Touch Holly: A dwarf, compact holly with soft-textured spineless leaves. Its mounding habit and evergreen foliage make it a versatile choice for borders, as an accent plant, or along walkways. (Mature heights: 2-3’, Mature width: 2-3’).
Waxleaf Ligustrum: A classic evergreen with a dense and upright growing habit. Glossy, dark green foliage that makes this great for hedges or privacy screens. (Mature heights: 8-10’, Mature width: 5-6’).
Loropetalum: A small shrub with burgundy foliage and fringy, strip-like flowers that can bloom in March and April. It adds interesting colors and unique flowers. (Mature heights: 4-6’, Mature width: 4’-6’).
Distylium: A tough and versatile evergreen shrub. It has small, oval leaves that provide a fine texture, and it's highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it an excellent low-maintenance option for hedges or foundation plantings. Slower growing plant with many diverse growing cultivars. (Most varieties: Mature heights: 2-3’, Mature width: 2’-3’)Some varieties like ‘Linebacker’ reach larger profiles (Mature heights: 8-10’, Mature width: 6’-8’); and others like ‘Vintage Jade’ or ‘Swing Low’ will only reach mature heights of 2’ and reach up to 8’ in width.
By strategically planting in the fall, using annual flowers to enhance your season, composting your old growth, and building up evergreens for year-round appeal, you're designing a dynamic landscape that will grow with diversity and vigor for years to come. Fall is calling, and it's time to plant for success!
Home & Garden
Leslie Rose
WRITER/PHOTOS
Leslie Rose
Forsyth County Extension Director, Forsyth County Center leslie_rose@ncsu.edu forsyth.cc/ces forsyth.ces.ncsu.edu
Native Beauty for Your Autumn Garden
Fall brings relief from summer heat and is a wonderful time to spend in your garden. In addition to the spectacular leaf colors that appear during autumn, a well-planned garden includes other interesting features. Late-blooming perennials can continue to support pollinators who remain active into the early fall. Many shrubs produce berries that offer visual interest as well as food for birds as they prepare for the winter.
In the fall, we also celebrate North Carolina Native Plants Week. Native plants are species that have naturally evolved in our region without human intervention. They offer numerous benefits to any landscape. These plants are well-adapted to our local soil conditions and provide food for pollinators, insects, birds, and other wildlife. Native plants can offer a respite for wildlife in urban areas where food can be scarce due to a lack of natural areas. In addition to all of these benefits, native plants add beauty and interest to the garden.
At Extension, our NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge to our communities. I asked some volunteers from Forsyth County to share their passion and knowledge of native plants, especially those that bring interest to the fall garden. Sheilah Lombardo has been an Extension Master Gardener volunteer for almost 30 years and has spent much of her volunteer time helping others learn about the value of native plants. Sheilah focuses on native plants in her own home landscape. She said, “When you think of natives with fall interest, perennials such as asters and goldenrods and trees such as oaks, maples and dogwoods naturally come to mind. But the shrub layer is incredibly varied and interesting.
“American beauty berry (Callicarpa americana) provides tight clusters of purple berries that attract songbirds just as the foliage is turning bright yellow. Fothergillas turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange, while oakleaf hydrangeas transition to shades ranging from cherry-red to burgundy. The red-orange leaves of Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) seem to glow when backlit by the sun. And maple leaf viburnum’s (Viburnum acerifolium) blackish berries stand out against a backdrop of pink foliage.”
Kathy Johnson has also been a long-time Extension Master Gardener volunteer with a passion for native plants and sharing their benefit in our community. When asked about her favorite native plants for fall, Kathy said, “One thing I love
Above: American beauty berry (Callicarpa americana)
Right: Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
about fall gardens is the way the golden light of fall causes the inflorescences of native grasses to sparkle. Nestled in with fall blooming perennials, berries and autumn tinted leaves, the grasses provide a great textural and color contrast. The blooms of the grasses not only shimmer in the sunlight, but they provide nutritious seeds for birds. As the surrounding perennial foliage dies back, the golden grass stems continue to provide structure to the fall and winter garden. Two grasses that look spectacular in the garden are switchgrass (Panicum virgatum - cultivars such as 'Northwinds' and 'Shenandoah') and split-beard bluestem (Andropogon ternarius).”
Fall is also an excellent time for planting perennials in the garden. Planting during this cooler season is less stressful for the plants and allows them to begin to establish in the garden before wintertime. Be sure to look for native plants as you make changes to your landscape this fall.
and
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum
Cedarbrook Country Club: A Gem in The Yadkin Valley
By John Snyder
Cedarbrook Country Club in State Road, NC (near Elkin) was born in 1962 from the vision of one of golf's legendary architects. When the late Ellis Maples was called upon to design the course, he began with a blank canvas. The land was previously the Blue Ridge Lodge property, an exclusive Quail hunting retreat built by the founding family of Hanes Hosiery in the 1920s. Maples accepted the design challenge and began sculpting what today is the Cedarbrook Country Club. He forged it out of the rolling countryside, thick forests, and sparkling lakes, transforming it into a golfing masterpiece offering players a diverse landscape of challenging holes and scenic beauty. It is fitting that one of the leading names in golf course architecture, Ellis Maples, designed a golf course on land with such a distinguished history. The Maples family's roots in golf course construction date back to the first four courses at Pinehurst Country Club, including the famed Pinehurst Number 2. Ellis saw the potential for an outstanding golf course layout on the Blue Ridge Lodge site, and originally created a fair but demanding nine-holes of golf. The Maples' reputation was built with golf courses that are both strategically interesting and fair. Cedarbrook Country Club is no exception. Seven years after the first nine holes were completed, Maples returned in 1969 to finish the second nine.
The course offers a unique and thrilling test every time you tee it up. From the front nine's majestic, undulating greens to the back nine's requirement of shot-making
precision, Cedarbrook continues to withstand the test of time. No matter your ability, Cedarbrook has a different challenge for everyone with its various sets of tees. The course is 6,747 yards long from the blues, and a formidable 4,920 from the orange tees, with the white, yellow, and green tees in between. Rates are extremely reasonable, especially when considering the quality of the club. And, they take care of all the details, even fresh, cold drinking water at many of the holes.
Your day begins perfectly when you climb aboard one of their comfortable golf carts, equipped with computerized GPS systems featuring large screens that allow you to see where you are on the course, the location of the players ahead of you, and distances to the hole and hazards. You can even order your lunch or snacks in the cart from their stylish restaurant and bar.
While playing at Cedarbrook, you may feel distant from civilization, but in reality, you're close to everything. It's just 45 minutes from Winston-Salem and a little over an hour from Charlotte or Greensboro. Getting there is easy, but the game itself is a challenging experience.
Today, Cedarbrook members and visitors enjoy a beautiful 10,000 square foot rustic clubhouse that was completed in 2005. After a round of golf on the challenging Ellis Maples design, guests can enjoy a meal in their main dining room or on the veranda overlooking the golf course and picturesque foothills. The club features fully-appointed men's and women's locker rooms, a well-stocked golf shop, a comfortable grill room and lounge, and a welcoming staff, which all contribute to a memorable visit to Cedarbrook Country Club.
Over the years, this Yadkin Valley gem has become much more than just a golf course. Cedarbrook Country Club is an active member of the community, serving as a venue where community organizations and corporate groups gather and hold functions, and where charities raise funds for their programs through tournaments. “We view ourselves as a community resource and take an active role in supporting our neighbors, providing them support
Cedarbrook Country Club Clubhouse
Photo courtesy of Cedarbrook Country Club)
and a place to come to meet, for recreation and dining,” said Josh Ross, PGA Professional and General Manager.
Cedarbrook boasts a large restaurant which is open to the public featuring an extensive menu. The restaurant is open every day. Wild Wings Wednesdays have become a favorite from 11 AM to 3 PM. Their Friday night dinners have become popular from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and everyone looks forward to the Sunday Buffet from 11:30 AM to 2 PM. Reservations are accepted at (336) 8352320. To learn more visit CedarbrookCountryClub.com.
Following a career in marketing, author John Snyder has made his home in North Carolina. When he isn’t writing, you might find him on the golf course.
Below: The 18th Annual Elkin Rescue Squad Charity Golf Tournament will be held at Cedarbrook Country Club on October 2. This year’s tournament is in memory of Gary York.
Above: Cedarbrook Country Club (Photo courtesy of John Snyder)
Living Low Waste with
Interested in learning more about Refill Carolina and how refilling works?
A question I often get is “How much is it to refill?” Refill item prices are by the ounce and can be confusing! Here’s how it works.
1. Bring a clean, empty container - this can be a jar you’re reusing, the empty body wash bottle you finished off last week, or one of my free jars! The important thing is that the container is clean, empty, and has a tight-fitting lid.
2. I will weigh the container, which is known as the ‘tare weight.’ This is the weight of the empty container, including the lid, before any product is added.
3. Pick what you want and how much you want- Need dish soap? We got it! Maybe you want to try the powder dishwasher detergent. You tell me what you want and how much, I’ll fill your container up!
P.S.- You don’t have to get a full container! You can get a few ounces or $10 worth, you just let me know how much you’d like to try!
4. The container is then reweighed- After it’s filled with the amount you want, I will reweigh it, contents and lid, then the ‘tare weight’ is subtracted from the total weight. This way, you’re only paying for the product itself and not the container weight as well.
5. Your total cost is based on the final weight, which is the total weight minus the tare weight.
of product - 6.72 oz 6.72 X $0.60/oz of dish soap = Total price - $4.03
The Yadkin Valley Farm Toy Show brings together farm toy collectors and vendors. While many of the toys will go sit on a collector’s shelf, there are plenty of toys that are meant to be played with, too. From pedal tractors down to 1/64 scale, vendors from North Carolina and surrounding states will bring a variety of tractors, implements, and
Would you like a chance to win a Allis Chalmers 7060 pedal tractor at this years farm toy show? Tickets are $10 each. Look for details on Facebook for how to buy them in advance, or get tickets at the show! The winner will be drawn on Nov. 8.
other items that the young and young at heart will find tempting. There will also be some display only toys, many in elaborate farm scenes created by kids and adults. Come see for yourself at the 7th Annual Yadkin Valley Farm Toy Show on November 7 & 8!
7th Annual Yadkin Valley Farm Toy Show
Friday, Nov. 7 6 pm -9 pm
Saturday, Nov. 8 9 am - 3 pm
Director, Yadkin County Human Services Agency
Medical Clinic and Wic wall@yadkincountync.gov
336-849-7588
Becoming a Foster Parent
At the time of writing this article, the NC Department of Health and Human Services shared data that 10,899 youth are in foster care in NC. However, according to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina using data from 2023, there are 5,616 foster homes. Children come into the care of local Social Services Agencies after Child Protective Services involvement and no or minimal progress is made on a plan to eliminate abuse, neglect or dependency. When children come into care, the local DSS agency must find a place for that child to be housed and cared for while in care. These are called foster placements. There are a variety of foster placements within the NC foster care system. Where a child is placed is determined by their needs and the services they should have. Oftentimes these different types of placements are referred to as levels of placement. The first level of placement is a foster home. And you can see from the data, there just aren’t enough placements.
Families can open their homes to children in foster care by becoming a licensed foster family. There are steps and requirements that are part of the licensing process. The first requirement is to watch an orientation video online. Once this training is complete, a certificate will be mailed to the participants. The Agency licensing the family will request a copy of this certificate. This agency is called a “supervising agency” and they are there to help you navigate the process of becoming licensed.
Once a family has completed this orientation and is still interested in fostering, they should contact a supervisor agency to make them aware of their interest. Things you will want to consider when determining if fostering is right for your family include: Foster parents must be at least 21 years old; families must have the income to financially support themselves without relying on the foster care
payment; foster parents must be willing to participate in shared parenting. This last piece means that you would be working with the families of the children placed in your care, if the supervising agency determines it’s appropriate and a piece of the reunification process.
Families that move forward in the licensing process will have to complete 30 hours of training before being licensed. This training is provided by the supervising agency. If a family wants to be open for something called therapeutic foster placements, there is an additional 10 hours of training required. This type of placement is best for children that can be successful in a foster home, with some additional therapies and services in place and prevents them from going to a higher level of care that might not be needed or appropriate.
In addition to training, families must open themselves up to inspections and background checks. The physical home must be inspected by the supervising agency to ensure environmental and health regulations are met and must pass a fire inspection by the local Fire Marshal. Homes will also be inspected for a working telephone and that children have their own personal bed. Also, those applying and household members must meet physical and mental health requirements including a physical exam. North Carolina law requires a criminal history check for all foster parent applicants and adults in the home over the age of 18. Finger printing and checks against the NC Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry or the Health Care Personnel Registry are required, as well as records of NC Department of Corrections checked for all adult household members. Other required information is gathered from the licensing application and a mutual home assessment (home study).
Once someone is licensed by the NC Division of Social Services, they will be contacted, as need arises, to consider and accept foster care placements. These requests will be based on the needs of the children and your family’s parenting abilities and preferences. Foster homes are relicensed every 2 years.
Ready to consider fostering? You can visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/agencylistings to locate a licensed foster care agency and/or adoption agency to work with. This list can provide you with information regarding upcoming meetings, training sessions, potential fees for services and answer any questions you have about the process. Fostering has many benefits to both the families that foster and the children that come into their care. You can be a family that makes a difference in the life of a child in foster care through your care, love and support during a transformative time. For more information about fostering in NC, visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/fostering.
Discover Your Best Self at Aesthetix Laser and Medspa
At Aesthetix Laser and Medspa , we believe in the power of self-care and transformation. Our mission is to help you look and feel your absolute best through cutting-edge treatments, personalized care, and a luxurious experience that rejuvenates both body and mind.
Our team of licensed medical professionals offers a variety of customized services including:
●Neurotoxin and Dermal Fillers
●Laser Hair Removal
●IPL - photofacials
●Frax
●Microneedling
●RF Microneedling
●Hair Restoration
● Anteage and Revision skin care products
● Hydration
A Transformation Awaits
When you visit Aesthetix Laser and Medspa you’re not just receiving treatments—you’re embarking on a journey to enhanced confidence and well-being. Whether you’re looking to refresh, tighten or tone your skin, or simply relax, we’re here to make it happen.
Ready to start your journey? Consultations are complimentary!
Contact us at 336-409-0241 or visit our website www.aesthetixlaserandmedspa.com to schedule your appointment. Follow us on @aesthetixlaserandmedspa_pllc for the latest updates, tips, and specials.
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Aesthetix Laser and Medspa: Where Beauty Meets Science, and Confidence Comes Naturally.
Patti’s Leather & Shoe Repair
Cobbling is one of those jobs that might seem to be a lost art. Not many people, and certainly fewer women, have the skills to make and repair shoes and other leather goods. But Wilkes County has its very own cobbler, Patti Miller, who owns and operates Patti’s Leather & Shoe Repair, keeping the skill and technique alive in this traditional trade.
Patti began working with leather at age 15, at the front counter of Pell, Inc. She rode her bicycle to work, even in the Michigan snow. She recalled that the manager hired her because she was the only person who didn’t wear jeans to the interview. She was hired first, then her brother began working there as an apprentice and her mom as the store manager. When her mom moved to another store, Patti was offered a promotion. She finished her last two high school classes at night so that she could take over as the store manager. Her brother, Larry, began teaching her the trade between customers, then continued to teach her when they both left to open their own shop.
Patti did not work continuously in the shoe repair field, but came back to it five years ago. She first opened a shop in Elkin, then moved to North Wilkesboro. She has recently closed that location to go mobile. Check out the side bar for information on how you can contact her if you need her services.
Cowboy boots are one of the items often brought to Patti for repair
I asked Patti about changes in the cobbling field. She said that the processes for making and repairing leather really haven’t changed much in the last century. She uses equipment that has been around a while, since the cost of new equipment is out of reach for a small shop like hers. Well maintained, older machines still do the work that she needs
Birkenstock sandals before and after repair
them to since the process of repair has not changed much.
What has changed is the quality of shoes today. Like clothing, shoes in the fast fashion world are meant to be used for a short time and discarded, not kept and repaired for long-term wear. They are often glued together, which will hold for a time, but they need to be glued back together by a professional. Retail glues rarely work well because they lack the flexibility needed for shoes. Many items are made from man-made materials which do not have the durability of leather, even though they may cost about the same. Patti also points out that when leather products are ultimately worn out beyond repair, leather is biodegradable, unlike most other material used for shoes, so it is better for the environment.
Coming back into the field after years away, Patti credits other cobblers for helping her to continue to learn repair techniques. Tony Wyatt of Wyatt & Dad Cobbler Company has served as a mentor. He has also connected her with others through social media, where cobblers share and support each other.
In addition to shoes, boots, belts, and other leather goods, Patti can repair heavy materials like insulated coveralls and leather jackets, gloves and chaps. Her machines cannot handle horse tack, but that can be sewn by hand. She has also sewn tie-down straps for trucks and
Patti’s Leather & Shoe Repair Drop Off and Pick Up Locations
Yadkin Valley Quilts, Elkin
Wilkes County Hardware, North Wilkesboro
Mo’s Boots, Boone, West Jefferson & Newland
Red Hill General Store, Hillsville VA
Drop off locations are not responsible for repairs, payments, or repair timetables.
Boots: Before and After
heavy equipment.
One of the challenges faced by cobblers today is being able to cover large areas, such as northwestern North Carolina and southwestern Virginia. Patti has found a solution for this. She has closed her retail store and moved her equipment to her home in Miller's Creek, NC. She has partnered with four retailers, with 6 locations, to be satellite locations for drop off and pick up of repair projects. She visits each retailer once a month to trade completed work for new projects.
So if you have leather items that you would like to continue using, perhaps Patti can bring them back to life for you!
Patti’s Leather & Shoe Repair Drop Off and Pick Up Locations
Yadkin Valley Quilts, Elkin Wilkes County Hardware, North Wilkesboro
Mo’s Boots, Boone, West Jefferson & Newland Red Hill General Store, Hillsville VA
Drop off locations are not responsible for repairs, payments, or repair timetables.
1. Call Patti first at 336-468-0211 to schedule your project.
2. Only drop off items after Patti approves your repair.
3. Pack your item in a box with payment (cash, check or money order only) and include: Your Name Address
4. Drop off the box at one of our drop-off/pick-up locations or Patti can give you the direct mailing address.
5. Patti picks up your project and will contact you when it is complete.
In addition to shoe repair, Patti creates leather items like this custom knife sheath.
Rescue Ranch
Nestled in Iredell County is 87 peaceful acres that currently provides sanctuary to more than 80 rescued animals. Some were surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them, such as an African sulcata tortoise named Pineapple. But many of these animals were in situations of neglect and hoarding before coming to Rescue Ranch.
Founded in 2012, Rescue Ranch is a 501c3 non-profit animal welfare organization. Krissie Newman, president and founding board member, has a passion for animal welfare. Providing education for responsible pet ownership is one way that the organization promotes compassion for all animals.
Rescue Ranch cannot help them all, though. Each week, they receive thirty to forty calls about animals that need a home. Before accepting a
rescue, they have to consider whether the animal will need to live inside or outside, and whether they have to space to accommodate them. If space is available, they still have to determine if they can afford the animal. In addition to space and food, many of the animals they rescue need veterinary care. Rescue Ranch is licensed by USDA to intake small exotics and barnyard animals - and is unable to accept cats and dogs at this time.
Referred to as Animal Ambassadors, all of the animals who come to Rescue Ranch will live here for the remainder of their lives. These animals are utilized in humane education programs which support the ranch’s mission of promoting compassion and respect for all animals. Through day camps, field trips, scout programs, and day visits, humane educator instructors share hands-on experiences with visitors. Educating youth and families about responsible pet ownership as well as general empathy and compassion for animals, whether domestic or wild, is an important part of Rescue Ranch’s mission. The ranch also promotes agricultural, environmental, and wildlife conservation.
Approximately 10,000 visitors each year get a chance to see the Animal Ambassadors at Rescue Ranch, like
the pigs they accepted last December. So overweight that they could not walk, the pigs have lost about 50 pounds each and are healthy and happy in their pen. In addition to group tours, visitors can enjoy a private tour of the property. Both tours include hands-on animal encounters.
Besides tortoises and pigs, other outdoor animals include cows, alpacas, sheep, miniature horses, turkeys, goats, and a donkey. Spread across several enclosures, including mud pits for the pigs and a goat playground, these animals receive loving care, appropriate feed, and lots of love from visitors. One of the sheep-Valentino-has spent his whole life at Rescue Ranch since his mother-Sally-was pregnant when she arrived.
Pineapple (Photo courtesy of Rescue Ranch)
Lucy, a Ball Python, has lived at Rescue Ranch longer than any other Animal Ambassador, since 2013. (Photo courtesy of Rescue Ranch)
Horses graze with the playground and covered shelter in the background.
Lillie
Besides the enclosures and sheds that house the outside animals, you will find the fabulous playground, a shelter that is used as an outdoor classroom, a nature trail, and a pollinator garden. The shelter can be reserved, and plans are in place for the addition of an even larger shelter.
Inside Rescue Ranch, smaller animals reside in terrariums and enclosures, but receive the same loving care. Reptiles live in the front lobby, and include Lou, a Blue- Tongue Skink who was a former classroom pet. When his teacher retired, she wanted him to continue to interact with kids, which he gets to do here. Four guinea pigs who survived Hurricane Helene, but whose owner could no longer care for them, now call Rescue Ranch home. Feeding this many different kinds of animals takes a lot of preparation, and diets are coordinated in a room that can be observed through a glass wall. In addition, staff have a chart to track animal interactions with guests, so that the Animal Ambassadors rotate through the chart and no one gets left lonely in their habitat.
If you would like to visit Rescue Ranch, you can plan a day trip or attend one of their events. Field trips and other group visits are welcome, too, and they will schedule off site visits at your location. You can find more information on their website, or give them a call. Planning
Get involved!
Donate your time to volunteer. Donate money to help keep these animals safe and well cared for. You can even donate items that will be used for animal care, like gently used blankets for bedding. Contact Rescue Ranch for more information on opportunities.
The Earnhardt Family Playground at Rescue Ranch is 10,000 square feet of farm-themed fun! The padded surface provides a soft landing for active kids. Ramps and other features allow accessibility to make this playground inclusive for kids of all abilities to play together. Eight activity centers provide traditional swings and slides, as well as exciting additions like climbing walls and a zipline. Picnic tables are available, so pack lunch for a day of fun.
The playground is included in the cost of a tour or program, but you can visit just the playground for only $3/child.
As you approach the playground, a memorial pathway honors past Animal Ambassadors and supporters of Rescue Ranch. Bricks, pavers, trees and benches can be purchased in honor or in memory of a loved one or a furry companion.
Above: The farm-themed Earnhardt Family Playground. (Photo courtesy of Rescue Ranch) Right: Ramps are one accessible feature of the playground.
Work on the nature trail is part of sumer day camp programs.
What Makes a real Moravian Cookie?
"Always look for my name and my picture on your Moravian cookies!" If the label says, "Mrs. Hanes" then your Moravian Cookies are authentically Hand-Rolled, Hand-Cut, Hand-Packed. Only our bakery can make that promise.
Evva Hanes
MONDAY– FRIDAY 7–5, SATURDAY 9–2 (Come before 2 pm, MONDAY– FRIDAY if you want to watch our bakers roll)
TEL (336) 764-1402 TOLL-FREE (888) 764-1402 www.HanesCookies.com e-mail: orders@HanesCookies.com
“Come
Coming to see our cookies being Hand-Rolled, Hand-Cut and Hand-Packed has become a tradition for so many families. We invite you to visit our cookie factory and start your very own family tradition.
We make our delicious cookies in ginger, sugar, lemon, black walnut, chocolate and butterscotch
Economically priced small and large cellophane bags are available for bakery pick-up. You can also call ahead and place your order and we will have it ready and waiting.
A Bed and A Book
Sometimes great things happen because the right person was in the right place at the right time. That seems to be the case with A Bed and A Book.
Anneliese Wall was working at the Forsyth County Courthouse in 2019 when some photos relevant to a case caught her eye. In a children’s bedroom, instead of furniture, there was only a shower curtain on the floor covered by towels. She reached out to local organizations to seek help for the family, but no one had resources to provide beds. She gathered donations from friends and delivered three beds to the family.
“The kids were so excited,” Anneliese recalled. “A bed is something that every child should have.”
Soon after, other people called asking if she was the “bed lady”. She was a single mom herself, without the means to provide more beds. But she says that the need tugged at her heart, and she couldn’t lay down in her own bed without thinking of those children without beds. She felt God was putting it on her heart that she should help, so with no business experience or
non-profit background, she stepped out in faith.
A Bed and A Book grew from there.
Since then, more than 700 children have received beds, bedding and books.
Anneliese says things just fell into place. She has some great partners who have helped along the way. Financial supporters include Mungo Homes in the Triad, Novant Health, Wake Forest University, the Truliant Foundation and many Rotary Clubs. Donations from individuals and fundraisers also help provide the money it takes to continue this very special work.
It takes lots of volunteers to deliver and assemble this many beds. As A Bed and A Book has spread from Forsyth County into other areas of North Carolina, first responders, along with business and civic groups in many communities have stepped up to help. It is a bonus that kids have a chance to see law enforcement and firefighters in a positive situation when they help with
Because every child deserves a place to
dream.
The Dreamin’ Deacons and their entry in the WFU Bed Race earlier this year. Next year’s race is tentatively scheduled for April. For more information about the 2026 event, be sure to check A Bed and A Book’s website and social media.
A unique partnership has evolved with Wake Forest University that benefits families who are in need of a bed. In addition to student athletes who help deliver beds, the Engineering and Business Schools hosts a fundraiser, the WFU Bed Race. Students design a bed and raise money to participate in the race, which is open to the public. Prizes are given for the fastest laps, the most money raised, and the favorite theme, which is voted on by those in attendance. For the 2025 race, eighteen beds entered and participated in the race, and all money was raised went to support A Bed and A Book.
deliveries. While they are in the homes, firefighters will install and/or check smoke detectors too! NASCAR drivers from the Richard Childress team have helped deliver beds, along with Wake Forest athletes. It really does take a village to bring beds to little ones who need them.
Restful sleep is important for everyone. For children, consistent sleep habits support their physical and mental well being. There are currently 87 children on the waiting list for beds. That is a lot of kiddos who still need A Bed and A Book.
Dreams & Greens Charity Golf Classic
Friday, October 3, 2025
Tanglewood Golf Course
Registration starts @ 7:15 AM
Shotgun start @ 8 AM
Spots are limited-secure yours before they’re gone! Register here: abedandabook.com
How can I help?
Donate money
A Bed and A Book began in Forsyth County, but it has grown into other areas of North Carolina. Currently, families in the shaded counties may request a bed, either directly or through a referring agency.
You can find more details at abedandabook.com
A Bed and A Book Chapters
Boone Chapter
Triad Chapter
Donate new twin size sheets/mattress pads/comforters/pillows
Donate hand made quilts and blankets
Donate books
Donate your time to help deliver and assemble beds
Support our fundraisers
You can find more information at abedandabook.com
Yadkin Valley Grape Festival!
Food, entertainment, shopping, and WINE! If that sounds like your idea of a great day, make plans to attend the Yadkin Valley Grape Festival. Held in Yadkinville, this year’s 21st annual festival will be held on Saturday, October 18. This event brings local wineries to one place so that you can sample and purchase a wide variety of Yadkin Valley Wines.
60 Watt Combo and Camel City Yacht Club will provide musical entertainment beginning at noon. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket and stay a while.
Want to knock out some holiday shopping? Wine makes a great gift, but specialty vendors will give you plenty of additional options. With food trucks on site, you will have everything that you need to spend the day!
Admission to the event is free, but tickets are required for wine tasting. They can be purchased in advance ($20) or at the gate ($25) with valid ID. Military Appreciation
A fun addition to this year’s festivities is a scavenger hunt. In the months leading up to the festival, a grape duckie will be hidden in Downtown Yadkinville. Weekly hints will be posted on Facebook until the duck is found, and the winner will receive free festival tickets and other prizes!
tickets will also be $20 at the gate with your active or retired military ID. In addition to wine tasting, you will also receive a souvenir wine glass with your ticket purchase. Group discounts are available for groups of ten or more. You can find more information at yvgf.com or contact the Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce at 336-679-2200.
The event will be held rain or shine, and there will be plenty of free parking nearby. You can also contact the Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce for information about limited shuttle service from area lodging. Call the Yadkin County Chamber by October 17 to reserve your spot or for more information.
Be sure to follow the Yadkin Valley Grape Festival on social media for updates about the festival and come out for a great event!
Live Stage Entertainment
"I have picked up Yadkin Valley Magazine when I'm down the mountain. Glad to see I can now pick it up at Touch of Grace in Sparta!"
LOCAL HISTORIANS TO REMEMBER THE 1780 BATTLE OF SHALLOW FORD
The historic Huntsville community of southeast Yadkin County will attract many out-of-town visitors during the annual commemoration of the 1780 Battle of Shallow Ford on October 10-11, 2025. Organizers are planning a 2-day event to remember the 245th anniversary of this nearly forgotten battle during the American Revolution.
“This battle is one of the most important events during the American Revolutionary War and it happened right here,” said Andrew L. Mackie, one of the organizers. “We encourage everyone to find out more about it and the role of their ancestors in it.”
Local Patriots and Loyalists fought the surprise battle on the morning of October 14, 1780. About 300 local Patriots ambushed between 400 and 900 local Loyalists. Maj. Joseph Cloyd from Old Montgomery County, VA, commanded the local militia and Cols. Gideon and Hezekiah Wright from Old Surry County, commanded the Surry militia.
The battle was fought on the old Mulberry Fields Road leading from Shallow Ford on the Yadkin River. The Wrights led their mounted Surry militia from Richmond, NC, then the
Old Surry County Count Seat, toward Charlottetown, NC, to join the army of British General Lord Cornwallis. When local Patriots discovered what was happening, they contacted nearby Patriot leaders, who quickly assembled enough men to stop them. The 45-minute battle caused the death of Patriot Capt. Henry Francis, Sr., from Old Montgomery County, Virginia, and 14 local Loyalists from the Shallow Ford area.
Among the 14 local Loyalists killed were Capts. James Bryan and William Skidmore, and an enslaved Ball Turner. Capt. William Lakey was mortally wounded. As a result of the battle, local Loyalists did not gather in such numbers again, which deprived the British Army of the strength that it expected in the backcountry.
The battle occurred exactly one week after the Battle of King’s Mountain, SC, where the Patriotic Over Mountain Victory Men from VA, TN, and NC, defeated British Lieutenant Patrick Ferguson and his local militia. The Battles of King’s Mountain and Shallow Ford, if combined, have been described as the turning point of the American Revolution for the Patriot cause.
A local committee to promote the weekend includes the Lewisville and Yadkin County Chapters of the North Carolina 250th Anniversary Committee, local chapters of Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, and Children of the American Revolution, Yadkin County Historical & Genealogical Society, Historic Huntsville Preservation Society, and Huntsville Baptist Church.
The 2025 Battle of Shallow Ford weekend will begin on Friday, October 10, from 5:00pm – 8:00 pm, in the Huntsville Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 4901 Courtney-Huntsville Road, Yadkinville, NC, where an evening reception and exhibit of 17 original watercolors by Clemmons artist Rick Jones will be on display. The event is
free and open to anyone who is interested.
On Saturday, October 11, from 9:30 –11:00 am, also at Huntsville Baptist Church, President Andrew Mackie, of the Yadkin County Historical & Genealogical Society, will conduct the annual seminar to document more of the estimated 900 participants in the Battle. To date, the Society has proven the participation of about 90 of these Patriots, Loyalists, and Others, by reviewing American Revolutionary War pension applications, other documents, and oral histories, as told by their descendants.
At least two persons of color participated: Ball Turner, a likely bodyguard of the Turner family, and George Kimbrough, who was fishing at the Yadkin River, when he heard fleeing Surry militiamen yelling after the battle, “We are whupped! We are whupped!”. The seminar is open to anyone who is interested.
At 11:00 am, at the historic Huntsville Methodist Episcopal Church, 4214 Mt. Sinai Drive, Yadkinville, President Fred Learned and the Bethabara Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
Photo courtesy of Senior Moments Art & Photography, Bambi Bond Mackie
Photo courtesy of Andrew Mackie
SONKER FESTIVAL 2025
Join the Surry County Historical Society for the 44th ANNUAL SONKER FESTIVAL on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 12 noon-4:00pm at the Historic Edwards-Franklin House, 4132 Haystack Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Sonker Flavors include Sweet potato, Cherry, Peach, Strawberry and Blueberry. Each Sonker serving is $5.00 and beverages are $1.00 each.
Old time and bluegrass music on the porch, quilting, spinning, and basketmaking demonstrations, a pottery display, history displays, and tours of the Edwards-Franklin House. Numerous publications of the Surry County Historical Society are available for sale. Bring your lawn chair and spend the afternoon with us!
The word Sonker is unique to this area. The word, derived from the Scottish dialect, describes a regional dessert, a juicy deep-dish pie similar to a cobbler
Early settlers of Surry County, part of the “backcounty” or Piedmont, were primarily English and Scotch-Irish. Moving south from central Virginia in search of fertile affordable land, they brought their
Shallowford
(SAR) will conduct their annual commemoration, which includes Bill Partin, the guest speaker. In attendance will be the State SAR color guard, costumed Patriots, and others. This program is also free and open to the public.
There will be no re-enactment of the battle, cannon or rifle fire, or a walk across the Yadkin River. Instead organizers will provide historical information on the battle and its participants.
After the ceremony, the women of Huntsville Baptist Church invite registered guests to their fellowship hall for lunch. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased through the Yadkin County Historical & Genealogical Society, before
traditional crops, farming practices, customs, and recipes.
These early settlers planted apple, cherry, and peach trees, as well as planting sweet potatoes, to supplement the natural berries found in the area. Farmers collected honey, grew cane to make molasses, or if affluent, purchased sugar. The farm family used the fresh fruit and dried much of it for winter use. Sonker is a dessert that would be easy to create for large families. This juicy, deep-dish pie was an original Farm to Table food for the rural population since they had access to all the ingredients on their land.
4132 Haystack Road,
The mission of the Surry County Historical Society, a nonprofit organization, is to preserve the history and culture of Surry County and interpret it to the community. Memberships are $25.00 per year. For questions call 336-325-2161
September 30, with checks payable to YCHGS, PO Box 1250, Yadkinville, NC 27055. Lewisville Area Arts Council on LAAC.tripod.com and link to the Shallow Ford tab, where a registration form and a schedule can be found.
After lunch, weather permitting, the Yadkin Historical Society will lead a walking tour of the battlefield, which is on private property. Included will be a visit to the grave of Capt. Francis and the Big Poplar Tree, which witnessed the battle. The assembly point will be on Mulberry Fields Road. The property owner requires that every participant sign a liability waiver before walking on the battlefield. Liability waiver forms will be available during the day.
The trail through the battlefield is strenuous and not recommended for children under 12 or those with impaired walking skills. There is no wheelchair access.
After the visit to the battlefield, the group will return to the Fellowship Hall for a wrap-up and reflection on the weekend’s activities. The watercolors will still be on display and information will be available on the battle, its participants, and the history of the area.
At the next commemoration in 2026, similar activities are planned. For more information, contact the Yadkin County Historical & Genealogical Society, PO Box 1250, Yadkinville, NC 27055, telephone 336-428-8471, or email andrewmackie@yadtel.net.
Edwards-Franklin House
Mount Airy
Sweet potato sonker
Musicians on the porch of the Edwards-Franklin House
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Readers Around the Yadkin Valley
Scott Gould
Last Words, First Kisses, and a Cat Named Willie Nelson
In the past year, Pages Books & Coffee has introduced readers to a variety of award-winning authors through their relationship with Regal House Publishing. On Friday, September 19, Pages welcomes award-winning author, Scott Gould with his latest novel, Peace Like a River.
Reviews describe the novel as “a lyrical Southern tale of reconciliation and redemption.” I had read Scott’s book of short stories, Strangers to Temptation, and enjoyed his wise and witty writing style. I also appreciated the unique cast of characters and his exploration of father/son dynamics from every angle.
I was not familiar with the South Carolina Low Country setting, but Scott’s lush descriptions took me right into the sights and sounds of a world molded by the ever-shifting water of the Black River. As the story opens, we find Elwin McClennon returning to his hometown after 15 years. Not by choice, but because of the deathbed request of his estranged father. The situation is further complicated when his son Thom comes along. A precocious 13-yearold, Thom is caught between his father’s anxieties, family secrets, and the reality of meeting his grandfather for the first time under difficult circumstances. On top of all that, Thom experiences his first love connection. A girl named Lily and a cat named Willie Nelson.
Peace Like a River was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The characters were relatable, and the story brought back memories of my own dealings with life-changing moments in time. I found myself drifting into thoughts of last conversations, and first kisses. It’s that kind of book.
Copies of Peace Like a River will be available at Pages Books & Coffee. On September 19, meet Scott Gould during the Friday evening book talk and signing from 5-6 pm. Order books in advance to guarantee your copy. 336-789-3363
After the talk, Scott will continue the conversation from 6-7 pm at a ticketed pottery glazing event hosted by Crisanthemum Studios. Tickets are available at Crisanthemumstudios.com. Limited seating.
Confessions of a Hydrangea Thief
I love hydrangeas in the fall. Their flowers take a color plunge from summer to autumn resulting in a change of hue that brings an almost iridescent glow.
My daughter was married on a Saturday in late September. Her bridesmaids dresses were a dusty brick red that mimicked the autumn maple trees. The fall color theme ran from my mother-of-the-bride dress to the centerpieces of white-washed clay pots filled with field flowers.
She wanted hydrangeas for her bridal bouquet and a trip to the florist succeeded in designing a uniqely-Laura bouquet. Flowers were ordered amd we checked it off our list.
One week before the wedding the florist called to say there were very few hydrangeas available from suppliers and the ones they had were either blue or white. Things had been going so well.
The hydrangea crisis threw her off kilter.
When I came to visit, I would drive her to work, take the car, and run errands. Driving to continued on page 82
Barb, (Babs) Collins is a happily retired writer and marketing professional. She loves mountaintop life and introducing authors to the region..
Words from a writer…Katelyn Beck
This issue, our writing tip comes from Surry County author, Katelyn Beck. Katelyn has written in a variety of genres including YA Fantasy, Women’s Fiction, and Mystery/Suspense. When asked for some insight into her writing process, and a tip for new writers, Katelyn suggests beginning with an outline. “It doesn’t have to be perfect, but a place to put your idea on paper.”
The next step? Katelyn says, “Once you have your points, then you can start chronologically putting them together to create the storyline. Imagine the scenes in your mind.”
Katelyn points out that the writer must, “think through where you want to start and how you want it to end.” But adds, “just remember you can edit words on paper, not ones that don’t exist.” Her message is loud and clear. Just start writing and see where it goes!
Ready to start? If you are ready to turn the stories in your head into words on page to make your idea a print reality, check your local book store or your local branch library for suggestions on local resources for writing groups .
Katelyn Beck is the author of the “A Choice” series and “The Silencers” series, both featuring contemporary situations and characters who must overcome adversity against the odds. Each series is a trilogy and is available at Books & Brew in East Bend, N.C. Learn more about Katelyn on her Facebook Page, Katelyn Beck, author.
Books & Brew has books for everyone!
Children should never be without books. Neither should grown ups!
Yadkin Valley Writers
Legos and Shakespeare: A Hands-on Approach to Literature
If you are anything like me, when you studied Shakespeare in school you analyzed each play and picked them apart to the point that it was no longer enjoyable. I wanted a different experience for my son. I wanted him to hear the rich and beautiful language, laugh at all the silliness, and remember our time together with a smile.
To do this we began with a lovely retelling from the book Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb. This book is used widely in the homeschool community and gives an abbreviated but not watered down version of 16 of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.
Next, my son chose a Lego Minifigure for each character in the play, complete with crazy outfits. Then, we acted out the story over the course of a few days. Each day we would come back to it, easily remembering who was who. Using this method of experiencing Shakespeare, we have loved the action of The Tempest, the magic and nature of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the high jinks and misunderstandings of Much Ado About Nothing .
I found that each new play was greeted with a big smile and an excited anticipation of what we would read about next. Even though he is now 12 years old and doesn’t play with Legos much anymore, he told me today, “We have to save the minifigs for Shakespeare.” In my book, that’s a win. My mama heart is full.
continued from page 80
Leath Henderson is an avid reader, author groupie, road tripper, history buff, wine enthusiast and cat lover. She lives in Elkin and is married to her best friend for 27 years. She’s been homeschooling their son from the beginning.
work the day after the call from the florist, Laura pointed out an office park coming up on our right side.
“See those? That’s what I want!” She pointed to the planted triangle at the head of the office park entrance. There stood a cluster of hydrangea bushes in their full glory. Cone shaped blossoms, heads bobbing in the breeze like a dare. I heard them say, “Come get me.”
“How about if I go to the office and explain your situation to the property manager?” I offered. “I bet I could convince them to let me do a little pruning for a good cause.”
She loved the idea and the plan was set. I would drop her off at work and then call on the property manager.
As I drove into the office park and past the hydrangeas, I had a better idea. I drove home, put on a pair of her khaki pants and a polo shirt, grabbed a bucket and clippers from the garage, and took off back to the office park. I parked behind the planted triangle of bushes, opened the
We begin Much Ado About Nothing with the retelling of the story from Tales from Shakespeare.
Hero and Claudio get engaged while their friends look on. A wicked plot to deceive the groom. The bride’s attendant stands on the balcony and pretends to be the bride.
trunk, put on a ball cap, and started to clip blossoms. At first, I kept my head down, but then I started to make eye contact with the passing drivers. M thievery was in plain sight.
I delivered the bucket of blossoms to the florist. We exchanged looks when he inspected the stems and recognized them to be garden variety and not flown in from a supplier for the occasion. Only looks, no words. He understood brides and he understood their mothers.
The bouquet was stunning. It was a hand-tied bundle, interlaced with copper threads and ribbons. It was precious, for so many reasons. The wedding was beautiful and went off without a hitch.
Unfortunately, the marriage was not that successful. So, September 27 will always have some sad memories for her. But I always manage to get a laugh when I retell the story of her wedding bouquet and the hijacked hydrangeas.
& Knitted
Crocheted,
Ornaments
What IS That?
The next two correct entries drawn win a copy of one of our Yadkin Valley Magazine cookbooks.
Enter by postcard, letter or email, be sure to include your: name, PHYSICAL MAILING ADDRESS and guess. And if you’d like, tell us about your experiences using or collecting this item. Entries must be received no later than 10/16/25, Winner will be drawn 10/17/25. The winners will be notified by mail and announced in the November/December 2025 issue. All entries become the property of Yadkin Valley Magazine. Turn to page 90 to read about the July/August contest.
Mail your guess to: “What is That Contest” Yadkin Valley Magazine PO Box 2077 • Yadkinville, NC 27055 or e-mail: yadkinvalleymagazine@gmail.com. You can also enter on-line at: yadkinvalleymagazine.com
an heirloom that will last a lifetime
Bulova • Hermle
Howard Miller
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 can tell who all the canners are in the Yadkin Valley! This is a jar lifter, which allows hot canning jars to be lifted without burning your hand. Although the one pictured is an antique, modern versions are available. While many readers fondly remember using a tool like this while canning years ago, several of you continue to use one! The first name drawn and the winner of $100 is Robin Reavis of Siler City. Mary Rumple of Winston-Salem was the second name drawn, and she will receive a Yadkin Valley Magazine cookbook. Also winning a cookbook is Patricia Lineberry of King. Congratulations! We carry Howard Cleaning ProductsGreat for clocks and around the house, too!
Please be sure to include your name and physical mailing address with your entries. You cannot be the winner if I don’t know how to send a prize to you!
Old Town Clock Shop & Repair
Old Town Clock Shop & Repair has been selling and repairing clocks since 1977. Current owners Alan and Sandy Moran bought the business in 2008. They have both new and antique clocks for sale, from small desk clocks to wall clocks to huge grandfather clocks. Although most people rely on cell phones or other newer technology for keeping time, clocks themselves are timeless. Beyond providing the current time, many of the clocks that Old Town sells and repairs are heirlooms that owners associate with special memories.
So, the Morans continue to run a busy shop. Busy enough that they are excited to announce the arrival of a new employee, Adam Puryear, who has 15 years of experience in horology, the science of time and the tools used to measure it. (Yes, it really is a word. A new one for me, too!)
As a kid, Adam says that he always wanted to know how things worked. Antiques and anything mechanical interested him. He once took a fuse box apart...and realized maybe he shouldn’t have done that. Time and concept of it also fascinated him. While still in high school in Wisconsin, a yard sale clock brought his interests in mechanics and time together. After high school, he wanted to try to use his interests in a career, so he attended Gem City School of Horology in Illinois, learning to repair clocks. He worked in Minneapolis for 15 years before relocating to North Carolina.
The challenges of the job are precisely what he loves about it. He says that every job is different. Even if he has two identical clocks to repair, they have lived different lives and will not need the same work done. Correcting previous repairs that were done poorly and finding rare parts can also add to the challenge. Adam said that he once worked on a Russian made clock. It took eight years
Right: worn pivot in a clock
Far right: restored pivot in a clock
Below: Adam Puryear works to repair a clock
to locate a part that he needed to repair it.
One of Adam’s favorite things is when he can bring a clock from a rough condition back to life for a family who appreciates the effort and work that went into preserving their memories. Though antique clocks may not be necessary for telling time, they are a usable, working piece of history for many families.
Many customers fondly remember Sandy’s mom, Ann, who spent several years coming to the shop with Sandy. Most people called her Nana, and would look for her sitting at the front window when they arrived. Here she holds a bouquet delivered by a customer.
Old Town Clock Shop & Repair Staff includes Sandy, Cheryle, Patsy, Alan and Adam.
because A River Runs Through It
September 2024
September 2024 was not the first time that the Yadkin Valley saw flooding along the Yadkin River. Chances are good that it won’t be the last, either. As much as we may love the river that our valley is named for, it hasn’t always been kind to those who live along its banks. Compared to the devastation in other parts of North Carolina and surrounding states, the damage in the Yadkin Valley last year was minimal, but still significant to those who were affected.
Along the Yadkin River, some of the most significant flooding following Hurricane Helene was in Elkin. The cover photo shows the floodwaters along Commerce and Standard Streets where they cross South Bridge Street. The bridge connecting Elkin to Jonesville is in the background.
While the Yadkin Valley may not have sustained the devastation of other areas last September, the people of the Yadkin Valley certainly stepped up to help our mountain neighbors. A year later the needs continue in many areas of western North Carolina.
July 1940
The Yadkin River flood in August of 1940 was again called a “great flood”. Water levels were higher than in 1916, but increased population and development in the Yadkin Valley resulted in significantly more lives lost and property destroyed. Plans for a dam and reservoir on the river had been discussed, but this flood provided momentum to move forward with those plans, though it would take 20 years for construction to begin.
The “Great Flood” of 1916
Record rainfall in 1916 at Altapass in Mitchell County still stands. A 24-hour rainfall record of 22.22 inches was set on July 15-16. In Wilkesboro, the floodwaters were 8-9 feet higher than the previous high water mark from 1898. In Elkin, floodwaters washed away the steel bridge that had been contructed in 1914.
The “Freshet” of 1898
In the past, a “freshet” was used to mean a flood. In late September, 1898, it was reported that the Yadkin River at Elkin was 400-500 yards out of its banks. Water nearly reached the railroad tracks, destroying houses and businesses, particularly saw mills and grist mills that were washed away.
On the Cover
Thank you to Kitsey Burns Harrison, Elkin Tribune, for sharing the cover photo with us for this issue.
1916 Newspaper Article
Editor’s note: My intent with the Yadkin River series was mainly to celebrate the river and what it means to the Yadkin Valley. Despite what the river may provide the area, the power to destroy is always there. As we approach one year post Helene, I thought it was appropriate to look back at some of the historic floods that the Yadkin Valley has witnessed. In reading about these events, the strength of the communities affected was always mentioned. Whether last year or over a hundred years ago, the people of the Yadkin Valley came together to help their neighbors when disaster struck.
My thanks to Jason Duncan of the Wilkesboro Heritage Museum for providing information on these historic floods.
Girl & Coopy
Bruno Chloe Blue
The Business Section
A retiree's guide for National Financial Security Month
If you're retired, it's easy to let your finances go on autopilot. Since October is National Retirement Security Month, it's a good time to revisit some areas that can impact your long-term financial security and help your money last a lifetime. Consider these suggestions:
• Manage your withdrawal rate. You'll likely need to tap into your retirement accounts — your IRA and 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored plan. But think carefully about how much income you withdraw every year. If you take out too much, especially in the early years of your retirement, you risk outliving your resources. You have the option of withdrawing from these accounts at age 59½. Once you turn 72, you'll be required to take out at least a certain amount each year based on your age and account balance.
• Estimate health care costs. When you turn 65, you will be eligible for Medicare, but you may still need a Medicare supplement plan, both of which will require premium payments. You'll probably also incur a variety of other unreimbursed expenses for doctor visit copays or deductibles, prescription drugs and vision, hearing and dental care. Additionally, about 70% of adults ages 65 and older will need some form of long-term support, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. This may include a paid home health aide (average cost of $77,792 per year), an assisted living residence (average cost of $70,500 per year) or nursing home care (private room average cost of $127,750 per year). (Cost estimates are from Genworth 2024 Cost of Care Survey.) Over the course of your retirement, these can add up, so be realistic when budgeting for health care expenses in retirement.
• Consider when to take Social Security. You can start receiving monthly Social Security checks at age 62, but your payments will generally be larger if you wait until your “full” retirement age of 66 or 67. (The size of your payments will “max out” at age 70.) If you believe you have longevity working in your favor, and you can afford to wait, you may well be better off by delaying Social Security as long as possible.
• Avoid investing too conservatively. Once you’re retired, you might think you should take as few chances with your investments as possible — after all, you have less time for them to bounce back from a downturn than you did during your working years. Nonetheless, it's important to consider keeping a reasonable percentage of growth-oriented investments in your portfolio to help you stay ahead of inflation. Even at a low rate, inflation can erode your purchasing power over time.
• Keep your generosity in check. If you have grown children who need financial help, or grandchildren heading to college someday, you’d no doubt like to do what you can to assist them. However, the hard truth is that they have more time than you to find workable financial solutions, whereas if you deplete your funds through your generosity, you could put yourself in a precarious position. So, be as giving as you can afford — but try not to go beyond that. By preserving your financial independence, you’ll end up benefiting your family as well. Retirement is ideally an enjoyable time in your life, especially if you feel financially stable. So, take time to check in periodically to keep that stability on track.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Paul J. Bunke, Sr., AAMS™, CFP®
Financial Advisor
124 W. Kapp Street, Suite C PO Box 407 Dobson, NC 27017
336-386-0846
paul.bunke@edwardjones.com
Audra Cox, ABFP ™
Financial Advisor
715 S Main St, Suite B Dobson, NC 27017
336-569-7385 • 844-795-3462
audra.cox@edwardjones.com
Frank H. Beals
Financial Advisor 965 North Bridge Street Elkin, NC 28621
336-835-4411
frank.beals@edwardjones.com
Timothy Johnson
Financial Advisor
116 E. Market St. Elkin, NC 28621
336-835-1124
timothy.johnson@edwardjones.com
Nathan Sturgill
Financial Advisor
116 E Market Street
Elkin, NC 28621
336-835-1124
nathan.sturgill@edwardjones.com
Aaron L. Misenheimer, CFP®, ChFC®
Financial Advisor
1530 NC Hwy 67, Suite A
Jonesville, NC 28642
336-258-2821
aaron.misenheimer@edwardjones.com
Andi Draughn Schnuck
Financial Advisor
496 N. Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-1707
andi.schnuck@edwardjones.com
Dale Draughn, AAMS™
Financial Advisor
140 Franklin Street Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-0136
dale.draughn@edwardjones.com
Logan Draughn
Financial Advisor
492 N. Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-3323
logan.draughn@edwardjones.com
Kody Easter, AAMS™, CRPC™, CFP®
Financial Advisor
304 East Independence Blvd Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-2079
kody.easter@edwardjones.com
Randy D. Joyce
Financial Advisor
136 W. Lebanon Street Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-6238
randy.joyce@edwardjones.com
Tammy H. Joyce, AAMS™ Financial Advisor
136 W. Lebanon Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-6238
tammy.joyce@edwardjones.com
Tanner Joyce
Financial Advisor
752 S. Andy Griffith Pkwy, Suite 400 Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-245-9112
tanner.joyce@edwardjones.com
Mike Russell
Financial Advisor
106-B South Depot Street, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 336-368-2575
mike.t.russell@edwardjones.com
Tiffany L. Smith
106-B South Depot Stree Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 336-368-2575
tiffany.l.smith@edwardjones.com
Michael Warren, WMCP®
Financial Advisor
101-D Shoals Road, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
336-368-0782
michael.warren@edwardjones.com
Christopher L. Funk
Financial Advisor
128 South State Street • PO Box 790 Yadkinville, NC 27055 • 336-679-2192
chris.funk@edwardjones.com
Left to right: Tanner Joyce, Paul Bunke, Logan Draughn, Andi Draughn Schunck, Frank Beals, Christopher Funk, Tiffany Smith, Dale Draughn, Nathan Sturgill, Michael Warren, Aaron Misenheimer, Kody Easter, Tim Johnson, Audra Cox and Randy Joyce Not Pictured: Tammy Joyce
A Topsy Turvy World Closing Devotions
Mark 9: 33-37
33 Then they came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. 35 He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then he took a little child and put it among them, and taking it in his arms he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”
Some years ago a Seminary in Missouri was seeking a new president. Over one hundred candidates applied for the position. The search committee narrowed the list to five very qualified persons. Then somebody came up with a brilliant idea: “Let's send a person to the institutions where each of the five finalists is currently employed, and let's interview the janitor at each place, asking him what he thinks of the person seeking to be our president.” This was done and a janitor gave such a glowing appraisal of one candidate that he was selected President of the school.
Somebody on that search committee understood that those who live close to Christ become so secure in God’s love that they no longer relate to other people according to rank or power or money or prestige. They treat janitors and governors with equal dignity. They regard everybody as a VIP. Children seem to do this intuitively; adult Christians have to work on it.
Jesus explains to the disciples that he is turning everything topsy-turvy. He came to change everything that they previously believed and knew. He explained to them that greatness in the Kingdom of God overturns the usual perceptions of greatness. And
he uses a child to illustrate this point. The disciple had a hard time understanding this concept. They were still looking for a powerful leader not a servant. They should have been curious. They should have asked questions. They could have seen the significance. But the best they could muster up was a blank stare and silence. They could not understand it because it did not meet their measure of greatness.
Now it is difficult to see a child the same way the disciples would have seen this child. This part would have been shocking during that time in history. Today we see childhood as a celebrated time of innocence. During the time of the Bible, a child was a non-person. If a childless Roman needed an heir, he would often adopt an adult not a child. Children were ignored and not seen. They had no perceived value and they were powerless.
Jesus brings a child into the group of disciples and takes him into his arms and says that whoever welcomes one such child in his name welcomes him. That would have been shocking. It would have been like turning the whole world upside down. Which is what Jesus came to do. And we called to still live in that world turned upside down. We are called to be last of all and servant of
Rev. Dr. Heather Kilbourne spends her days helping rural churches dream God-sized dreams for their communities. She is the founder and Director of Faith in Rural Communities at the NC Rural Center. She is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and served churches in Yadkin and Burke Counties. She can be reached at hkilbourne@ncruralcenter.org.
all. We are called to make the powerless and invisible seen. We live in a society that has taught us to derive our identity, our power, from something other than Christ. We live in a world where the weak, second-class, or poor are cast to the side by everyone, but Jesus doesn’t see them that way. Jesus takes everyone in his arms, just as he took the little child, and says “this person that you cast aside is the greatest in my eyes.” This is challenging because everything in our world tells us the opposite. That the greatest is the most powerful and the richest. To follow Christ is to seek the last and servant of all. This is challenging in our world today but this is the path to draw closer to Jesus. May we all work to lift up and protect the powerless and seek to be a servant of all.
Care South, Inc. is a locally owned and respected agency that has provided more than 20 years of In-Home Aide Care to individuals who require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
To inquire about services for you or a family member or employment opportunities for:
In-Home Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants (C.N.A), and Personal Care Assistants (P.C.A), please contact us at:
Mission
To deliver exceptional Personal Care Services (PCS), allowing the client to live safely and comfortably in their own home and to provide leadership in which employees have faith and confidence.
What Programs are Provided through the Agency?
• Community Alternative Program for adults (CAP/DA)
• Personal Care Services (PCS)
• Veterans Administration (VA)
• Temporary or Long-term Care
• Chore Respite
• Private pay
Summary of the Service Provided:
• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) (i.e., eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility, and grooming)
• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADLs) (i.e., light housekeeping, meal prep)
Practices and Staff:
• Licensed and bonded in North Carolina.
• RN Supervisor conducts quarterly visits to the home.
• CPR Instructor
• Staffing Coordinators provide 24/7 On-Call Services.
• Caregivers complete monthly in-services, maintain C.P.R., and perform skills competency verification by the R.N.
• Comprehensive background investigation of all caregivers (i.e., criminal background)
