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Aging

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OutreachNC July 2013

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JULY 2013 | Vol. 4 Issue 7

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Navigating all your lifestyle choices

'Shining on...
Handcrafting North Carolina spirits with NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson

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OutreachNC July 2013

OutreachNC July 2013

Aging

utreach NC
Navigating all your lifestyle choices

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Outrea

uly is here, so it is time to cool off, sit back and relax, perhaps with a favorite cold drink and a magazine. Thanks for sharing part of your busy summer with us! One refreshing drink with deep roots in North Carolina is moonshine. I had the honor of talking with NASCAR legend Junior Johnson to chat about his own brand of moonshine. Johnson's 'shining traditions date back to the Great Depression. Just as his racing legacy lives on in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, his moonshining legacy is being carried on through Joe Michalek and Piedmont Distillers in Madison, N.C., with his Midnight Moon Original and Aged with Fruit versions. The spirits are still hand-crafted in small batches and packed with the fresh fruit just like Johnson did back in the day. We have packed this issue with a patriotic trip to the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, a travelogue, life on a family farm, the art of storytelling, a volunteer pet placement project, cool gadgets for aging in place, a summertime baseball Game On and a Carolina Conversation with the Carolina Hurricanes' Ron Francis. Until next month... Carrie Frye
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From the Editor

PO Box 2478 676 NW Broad Street Southern Pines, NC 28388 910-692-9609 Office 910-695-0766 Fax PO Box 2019 101-A Brady Court Cary, NC 27512 919-909-2693 Office 919-535-8719 Fax info@outreachnc.com

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OutreachNC is a publication of Aging Outreach Services, Inc.

Advertising Sales Shawn Buring 910-690-1276 shawnb@outreachnc.com Michelle Palladino 910-639-9964 mpalladino@outreachnc.com Marketing & Public Relations

The entire contents of OutreachNC are copyrighted by Aging Outreach Services. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial, photographic or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. OutreachNC is published monthly on the first of each month.

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Editor & Design Carrie Frye

Susan McKenzie

Inside this issue


Ask the Expert.......................6 Belle Weather by Celia Rivenbark................7 Consumer Beware..............14 Cooking Simple..................41 Fitness...............................32 Game On...........................16 Grey Matter Games............54 Hospital Health..................23 Law Review........................22 Life's Journey......................25 Literary Circle......................9 Money Matters.....................8 Over My Shoulder..............58 Senior Moments.................37 Senior Shorts Guest Writer Nancy Young's short story, "Mirror, Mirror".......................56 Sentimental Journey...........24 Spirituality........................31 Volunteer RSVP.....................53

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Storytelling | 10

Pet Project | 50

Ron Francis | 46

Airborne and Special Ops Museum | 26

Midnight Moon | 38

Summer Travelogue | 18

Harrington Farms | 34

Aging in Place | 42

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Ask the Expert


Our experts will answer any aging questions you might have. E-mail your questions to info@outreachnc.com.
: Last week, I went to see my regular doctor. During the appointment, I was told by my doctor and my husband that I had Alzheimers. This is the first I have heard of the diagnosis, and I am very angry that they discussed this behind my back. I dont know what they based this on, and I would like to know if it is accurate. What can I do? : When a person receives a diagnosis and does not understand the basis or origin of that conclusion, it can be very frustrating and upsetting. Your husband probably had your best interest in mind, but the approach has upset you. To deal with your anger and emotions, it might be a good start to get the information you need to better understand this new diagnosis. Different medical professionals approach diagnosis differently, and a variety of tests can be done, from lab work to MRIs and computer skills tests. If you are looking for a more comprehensive approach to your diagnosis, you might consider a research-based program and treatment approach such as the one offered at the Alzheimers Disease Research Center at Duke University. Other types of clinicians or specialists in memory care can also be consulted. Often, there is a team approach to treating the physical, mental and behavioral aspects that can impact a person with an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. Since memory can be impaired, start a notebook or journal to
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Q A

Amy Natt, MS, CCM, CSA Geriatric Care Manager


amyn@agingoutreachservices.com

910-692-0683 | 919-535-8713

record information your medical team provides and request copies of reports from any testing. A journal can also be a great way to record how you are feeling each step of the way. Emotions of fear, anger, sadness and anxiety can all be experienced. It is important that you have an outlet to discuss your feelings like a support group for people newly diagnosed or a trusted friend or family member who is aware of your diagnosis. There are also resource guides. One I use with a support group for individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimers is Living Your Best with Early-Stage Alzheimers by Lisa Snyder. Members of the group have found the information to be helpful and appreciate the short chapters that can be easily re-read over time. Alzheimers North Carolina (www.alznc.org) or the Alzheimers Association (www.alz. org) are also reliable resources for information. The good news about identifying your diagnosis is that now you can build a plan for you and your family, learn about the disease, make informed decisions about the care you want to receive and get the much needed support to help you through this journey.

"And what kind of protein are we having today?" she asked. The look on my face must've said "Do what?" "Protein. What is your choice today?" I had no flippin' idea what she was talking about until my friend nudged me under the table. She stage-whispered: "She means do you want chicken or beef or something else like maybe tofu ..." Oh. Since that first time, I've run into this question at other places, and each time I wish I had the Triscuits to say, very slowly and distinctly, "Fried bologna" or perhaps "Hot dogs boiled and cut in little wheels. Can y'all do that?" Such a request would be anathema to the sprout set and might just get me ejected from the restaurant but it would be so worth it, right? As I combed one menu recently, searching in vain for cheese selections, I saw only carrot and beet shreds and a "side" of those bright green raw soybeans everybody is so crazy about and which I mispronounced as "eddamame" for quite some time. A whole section of the menu was simply labeled "Protein." Another section bragged of many flavors of "infused water." I had the basillemon infused water and it was fine but, ultimately, it was, uh, water. This sort of thing has made its way from the West Coast, I'm just guessing, and has landed in my Southland only recently. It's really just semantics but, for some reason, I can't stand having to think about a delicious meal in such cold and food pyramidish terms. It's un-romantic. I don't want to think of steak as "protein." I want to

Tpencil poised.
he waitress

Name that protein


stood with

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Belle Weather

think of it as "flavorful," "marbled" and "from a cow." Which I realize is going to set off PETA, a group known for having a great sense of humor and ability to laugh at themselves. Wait. No. That was the Department of Justice. Anywho, it just takes a lovely meal and makes it sound so, I dunno, MEDICAL. While I haven't been asked what type of carbohydrates I'd like (and, yes, the answer is always "crinklecut fries") I imagine it won't be too long. Will desserts simply be labeled "Fats?" It's not just restaurants that seem to want to remind me that food is for health, not fun. At the grocery store produce counter last week, a clerk saw me pondering a huge selection of greens. He smiled and said: "Always remember: Red and green keep a colon clean!" Are you kidding me? I don't want to think about my COLON when I'm buying vegetables. What next? Do these cukes go with my pancreas? That said, I do admire poetry that actually rhymes so I responded with: "If it's yellow, let it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down." The produce clerk looked utterly confused, but it was the only thing I could think of. I probably hadn't had enough protein that day.
Rivenbark is the author of the upcoming etiquette manual, "Rude Bitches Make Me Tired." Visit www. celiarivenbark.com. Distributed by MCT Information Services.
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ou may have a will in place, but have you taken steps to ensure that your children wont be left bickering over inheritances once youve passed away? In even the most close-knit clan, grief over a family members passing can bring tensions to the surface, especially when money is involved.

Avoiding inheritance conflict


Explain yourself. What happens if you dont want to split your assets equally among your children? Many parents consider this option if one child is financially successful while another is Money Matters struggling. If you plan to distribute your assets unequally, write a personal note to accompany the will, explaining your reasoning. This may help reduce any resentment your heirs may feel. Eliminate uncertainty with a trust. A common estate planning tool, a trust can help you manage and control the distribution of your assets in the event of your death. Through a trust, you can elect to distribute your assets in increments if you pass away before your children are mature enough to manage money wisely for instance, one-third at age 25, another third at 30 and the final installment at age 35. You might also consider using a trust to hold a distribution until a later date if your child has financial problems or creditor concerns.

Tips for keeping the peace


You may be thinking, That would never happen to my family! However, its all too common that a will leaves gray area where disputes can arise. To help prevent inheritance conflict, consider these suggestions: Be realistic and communicate openly. Your children may be expecting a significant inheritance, one that could help them purchase a home, pay for their childrens education or simply make them rich. To avoid disappointment, its important to give them a sense of where you stand financially and to emphasize that your finances may change, depending on medical expenses or other unexpected costs. Keep your documents up to date. Be sure to update your will and beneficiary designations to reflect life events such as marriages, divorces, new grandchildren and so on. Keeping your documents current will help ensure that you dont unintentionally include someone whos no longer part of your family or exclude someone you wish to benefit. Address personal property specifically and separately. In addition to your will, leave a separate list of personal property with instructions detailing who should inherit each item. The list should describe each piece of property you wish to gift, leaving no room for interpretation. Dont task the oldest beneficiary with distributing your assets. Its not wise to leave one child to handle the distribution of your assets, trusting he or she will do the right thing. If you want all of your children to inherit equally, put them all down as beneficiaries.

Protecting your legacy


Though the estate-planning process involves many legal responsibilities, its important not to lose sight of the personal aspects. If you plan to leave an inheritance to your children, be sure to consider ways to reduce conflict once youre gone. By carefully planning and setting expectations ahead of time, youll help protect the most valuable part of your legacyyour family.
Clement is a financial planner with Clement Capital Group. She offers securities and advisory services as an investment adviser representative of Commonwealth Financial Network, a member firm of FINRA/SIPC a Registered Investment Advisor. She can be reached at 910-693-0032 or taylor@clementcapitalgroup.com. This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute either tax or legal advice. Investors should consult a tax preparer, professional tax advisor and/or lawyer.

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Book Reviews: "Gift from the Sea" & "Return to the Sea"
e-reading a favorite book is like visiting with an old friend. I recently re-read Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh because a discussion group I attend did the same. We also added Return to the Sea by Anne M. Johnson and found them both excellent books of reflection, urging the readers to simplify their lives, immerse themselves in quiet and shed the troublesome things that keep them off their spiritual paths. Published in 1955, Lindberghs book has been a source of guidance to untold numbers with her metaphor of seashells to lead followers on the spiritual path. Contentment and serenity still evade many of us. Johnson as she seeks to follow Lindberghs examples, asks, "Are inner peace and union with God unrealistic expectations?" A wife, mother of three children and fulltime therapist, Johnson writes she used the excuse of a shortage of time and an abundance of responsibilities as reasons for denying herself basic nurturing: rest, nutritious food, exercise and taking care of herself. There is much food for thought in both these books. "Patience, faith and openness is what the sea has to teach. Simplicity, solitude, intermittency, concludes Johnson.

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She insists all need a place to retreat, like Lindberghs island. Johnson quotes Lindbergh, It is a difficult lesson to learn today to leave ones family and deliberately practice the art of solitude...(It) is more a question of inner convictions than of outer pressure.

Literary Circle

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By Amanda Thames
Special to OutreachNC

Stories, tall tales and lies...

nce a year in Laurinburg, men and women from different backgrounds, different cultures and different accents meet with one common goal in mind: to lie to you. The Bold-Faced Liars Showdown is held at the Laurinburg Storytelling and Arts Center annually in January. They ask for the best of the best when it comes to fibbing through your teeth with a grand jury of judges from all around North Carolina and the surrounding states, plus a national storyteller as chief judge. The group enjoys judging each tall tale, with the winners of the night receiving trophies and cash prizes. J.A. Boltons wife, Azalea, heard about the Bold-Faced Liars Showdown while he was out squirrel hunting. When he got home, she convinced him to try his hand at it. He was a natural-born storyteller and was no stranger to spinning stories, so he agreed to sign up. There were already quite a few people in front of Bolton so he originally didnt think hed get his shot on stage, but when they called his name the change in his pocket was jingling from his nerves. Hed never told a story in front of an audience like that and, though he was excited, he was anxious as well. continued page 12

Photography By

John gessner

J.A. Bolton of Hamlet sits a spell on the porch swing at the John Blue House grounds in Laurinburg, which is home to many storytelling events and festivals in Scotland County. For more information on The Storytelling and Arts Center of the Southeast in Laurinburg, call 910-277-3599 or 910-706-3266 or visit their website at www.storyartscenter.org.
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continued from page 10 When he got on stage, though, the tension left and the lies tumbled out. Bolton finished in fourth place overall for the Showdownand he was hooked. He started a binder full of handwritten stories, some of which started as truth and stretched exponentially and others he created on a whim. He moved his desk to his grandmothers house for a quiet setting to write, but it ended up being a better move than he thought. Bolton was surrounded by memories in his grandmothers house, which transitioned into a lot of story ideas. All of these are now in the binder with the tall tales and lies. The papers in his binder are covered by plastic sheet protectors, and he frequently takes them out to remind himself the base of the storyline before getting on stage to perform. I never really tell the same exact story twice, and I think most storytellers are like that. I re-read a story Ive written and told before, but I wing it on stage, says Bolton. Bolton doesnt have to wait a full year to enjoy telling stories, though. The Storytelling and Arts Center holds a Story Spinners Guild Meeting on the third Monday of every month, and they invite anyone to attend. The guild meeting calls on all storytellers to come and share a story, then others help critique and give feedback so the storytellers can improve their methods. Some people even come to the Guild meetings from two hours away. A lot of people come to a meeting just to listen, then realize they have a story so they go the following months meeting and join the

storytellers, says Jan Schmidt, executive director of Storytelling Arts Center of the Southeast in Laurinburg. The events have grown since the idea began in 2006. A group of people decided Laurinburg needed a place where families could enjoy a night together, enrich the community and help the local economy. The center's mission is to preserve and enrich performing and visual arts for children and adults of all ages through education, performances, research, workshops, professional development, and writing. As a catalyst for community and economic development in Scotland County, the Storytelling and Arts Center of the Southeast stimulates sustainable tourism, grows business, creates and maintains jobs and promotes Scotland County as a tourist retirement destination by advancing artistic excellence and cultural activities.

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I dont like to let the truth get in the way of a good story.
J.A. Bolton, Storyteller
They started planning the Storytelling Festival of Carolina for the following year. The center also incorporates other crafts: music, arts and workshops. On Aug. 29, theyre excited to announce Bucky Covington will be performing. Theyll be celebrating their seventh annual Bold-Faced Liars Showdown in January 2014 and look forward to having old faces and new, both on stage and in the audience. For those on the fence about storytelling, Schmidt says, People think storytelling is for children, but its actually a really fine art. Its for everyone. Everyone loves a good ghost story, but Bolton knows theres a fine line in the type of story you tell. There are a lot of adult stories the kids wont understand and they get bored quickly. Though the stories he tells are children-approved, it doesnt mean adults dont enjoy them, too. He always makes sure to create stories children and adults alike understand and enjoy. Clean, family fun is what he strives for, and so does the Storytelling and Arts Center. That doesnt mean Boltons all about keeping it truthful, though. He did start out lying his way into the art! Bolton says, I dont like to let the truth get in the way of a good story. Bolton remembers sitting outside general stores as a kid, listening to the adults around him tell stories and misses those times. To him, storytelling is an art and one that doesnt get enough recognition or appreciationat least not as much as it used to. He now takes the stories he heard at the general store and weaves them in with his own stories to create the best of both worlds. For Bolton, storytelling, and the writing of those stories, is a huge stress relief. He meets so many different people from all over North Carolina, sometimes even other states, and loves hearing the different stories they conjure up from their personal histories. Each culture has dramatically different backgrounds from which to pull stories and the audience feels a part of that history when they listen to the tales. A lot of people think storytelling is just reading stories to children from books, but its so much more than that, says Bolton. Storytelling events are family functions, and people from age 3 to age 93 enjoy them.
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Mystery shoppingnot so fast


etting paid to shop sounds like a dream job for almost anyone, but shopper beware. While there are legitimate jobs in which individuals are hired to conduct surveys of how retailers and retail associates are providing a service or representing a brand or product, there are countless mystery shopper (the technical term is customer experience metrics) scams lurking. The National Consumers League, a nonprofit a d v o c a c y group, has indicated that complaints regarding mystery shopper schemes have seen a noticeable increase. This marked increase has been attributed in part to the current state of the economy, high unemployment and how desperate people have become while searching for work. Combine that with offers that sound too good to be true, and the perfect storm exists for fraud. Here is how the scam plays out. Individuals answer an advertisement for a mystery shopper. The hiring company will often send a check and ask that you spend a percentage of the money at a particular business or on a specific product. You are asked to fill out a brief survey of your shopping experience to mail back to the hiring company. Shoppers are instructed to keep the products they purchased along with a percentage of the leftover money and wire transfer the remaining money back to the hiring company. Here comes the hook: When the mystery shoppers bank statement arrives, the original check that was provided by the hiring company turns out to be fraudulent, leaving the depositor responsible for the funds. The

money that was wire transferred Consumer Beware back is gone for good as well. There are hundreds of variations to this scam, many of which can be identified by remembering the tips below:

1 2 3 4 5 6

Legitimate market research companies will not charge employees to work for them. Be cautious if a company hires you based solely on an email or phone interview. Be cautious if the offer of employment implies that you can make a sizeable amount of money. Be cautious if you are asked to wire transfer remaining money back to the hiring organization. Be cautious if sent a large check and are asked to deposit it in your personal checking account. Be cautious if asked to deposit remaining money on a prepaid card such as Green Dot.

Before you completely discount the validity of all secret shoppers, there are in fact legitimate mystery shopping firms that provide this service. A good number of these legitimate organizations belong to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association North America (MSPANA) which is a trade organization representing the customer experience metrics (mystery shopping) industry throughout North America. However, do not throw caution to the wind and proceed as a mystery shopper solely based on seeing letterhead or Internetbased information displaying the MSPANA name or logo. Scammers have resorted to impersonating the MSPANA and have copied their letterhead and web page to lure victims. If you are seeking legitimate information on mystery shopping, a visit to the real MSPANA website, www.mysteryshop.org, would be the best place to start. Remember, type in the web address rather than doing a Google Search, which will make sure you end up at the correct address. For additional information, contact the Community Services Unit of the Southern Pines Police Department at 910-692-2732, ext. 2852.

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he Fayetteville Cardinals were an all-black semi-pro baseball team until the early 1960s. Growing up in Fayetteville, I had heard about the Cardinals but had never seen them play. Following graduation from high school in June of 1964, I wanted to play baseball, but there was no place to play. I had run out of recreation leagues. Then, one day, I read in the sports section of our newspaper that the Fayetteville Cardinals were holding tryouts and that anyone 17 years of age and older was welcome. Willie Smith was the reason the Cardinals were in existence. He raised money for uniforms and equipment, scheduled games with any opposition he could find within a reasonable distance and managed the team. From the first minute all the way through every inning I played in four seasons with the Cardinals, everyone was extremely nice. The razzing, the encouragement and the criticism were the same for everybody. We played our games at Jim Hodges Park, which was located outside of Fayetteville just off of Highway 301 South. A couple hundred yards from the ball field was an old church attended by African Americans. Most of the games began on Sunday afternoons at 3 oclock. Players arrived at 1:30, and a half hour or so after we had started throwing and taking ground balls, folks came streaming out of the small sanctuary. Many of them migrated over to the ball field. Baseball with the Cardinals was quite an adventure. Almost all of our games were played on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Opponents included teams with former major leaguers, small-town teams made up of mill workers and a prison team. The latter traveled 40 miles on a bus to our field, and I remember the team brought an armed guard. He carried a rifle, and he walked back and forth behind the teams bench, which was located down the third-base line. I was the Cardinals third baseman, and I dont mind telling you that the guard was very distracting. Actually, it was his rifle that was so distracting. I kept hoping none of those prisoners would decide to run past me. One day, we were playing at home, and I brought a teen-aged friend, Freddy Proctor, with me to the game. Willie Smith asked him if he would work the scoreboard, which was in right field. Freddy sat on a stool in foul territory and hung the appropriate number after each half inning. Weeds had grown up pretty high several feet in front of the fence, and along about the third inning, something moved in those weeds. Then a man sat up and let out a long, loud, gut-wrenching moan, bringing everything to a standstill.

For the love of the game

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Everything but Freddy, that is. Game On He came dashing to our bench, eyes wide, as if he had seen a ghost. In fact, that is exactly what he thought he had seen. It turned out the man was sleeping off a rough Saturday night, and no one had noticed him because the weeds were so thick. Once, the opposing pitcher had a no-hitter going. We were batting in the bottom of the eighth when an extremely disturbing noise reverberated from left field. The fence out there was comprised of several sheets of metal propped against one another and not really connected. The clatter everyone heard came from something banging against that section of fence. After a few more pitches, we saw what that something was. The BAM! was repeated, a piece of the metal fell to the ground and a white horse appeared. On it was someone dressed like a knight from the days of King Arthur. The knight charged toward the infield, headed for home plate, and galloped around the bases, yelling something no one understood as he left the same way he came in. Several players propped the metal fence back up, and the game resumed. Players who had been with the Cardinals several years told me that Willie would hold a serious team meeting after a game late every season. Willie was one of the nicest men I have ever met. He loved baseball, he loved people and he loved life. He had a pencil-thin mustache and laughing eyes that went perfectly with his broad smile. Sure enough, in early August, it happened. We had split a doubleheader, and everyone was dog tired following more than six hours of baseball in 100-degree heat. Sunday doubleheaders started at 1 oclock, or as close to the hour as the umpires could get to Jim Hodges Park, and there was a half-hour break between games. The sun was going down. Shadows had covered the entire ball field, and by the time all of the equipment was bagged, it was after 8 oclock. Willie had notified us of the meeting when we huddled before the first game, and he reminded us several times during the day to stick around after the second game ended. We were sitting on the ground or leaning against trees, eating hot dogs and drinking Pepsis, when Willie slowly walked up and stood in the middle of his players. He was holding a fistful of cash, and he nervously thumbed the green bills like a deck of cards as he cleared his throat to speak.

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He took off his straw hat and held it in the same hand as the money, while pulling a red handkerchief out of his back pocket and mopping his forehead. Replacing his hat and gripping the stack of bills with both hands, as if the weight was too much for one, Willie said, Gentlemen, I told you before the season started that I would try to help you out with your gas money and maybe add a few dollars extra when I could. Thats what this money is for. Now, I know its not much its the gate receipts from today, and I knew this would be our best draw of the summer but maybe it will help some. I know you boys have had to shell out to play for the Cardinals, and I wish it didnt have to be that way. What I really wish is that our crowds were big enough so I could pay each one of you $50 a game. But its not that way. So, here is $25 apiece. Its the best I can do. With that, he distributed the money. We started heading toward our cars when Willie said, I just want you to know that it takes a lot of money to run a ball club. I have to pay the umpires, and you can see all the baseballs we need for every game. Bats are expensive, and they keep breaking. Every year, I have to replace some uniforms that wear out, and I buy your hats so you dont have to. We make a little bit off of concessions, but not much. Im hoping I dont have to take out a loan to pay off all my expenses for this season. But if I do, I do. The main thing is that you boys have a chance to play ball. That the Cardinals legacy continues. I want to thank you all. A pitcher, who was 43 years old and had been with the Cardinals longer than anybody, walked over to Willie and handed him his money. When he turned back toward the rest of us, he said, almost too low to be heard, Just like last year just like every other year. He was smiling as he said it, and so was everyone else as each of us returned our $25. It was part of the teams annual rites, Willie giving his players money, and his players giving it back. I felt I should have paid Willie for the opportunity. The Fayetteville Cardinals gave me a chance to play the game I loved. I played with them three more summers. There were new teammates every year, and we were never much better than a .500 club. The experiences were unforgettable, as were most of the guys I played with and folks I met who attended many of our home games. Jim Hodges Park, with its wobbly fences, rickety bleachers, and sun-baked benches, was no baseball cathedral, except to us Cardinals.
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'This land is your land...'

"The Grand Canyon: its one of those places that defy accurate description; the scenery changes with the light of day..."

he last piece in my mental patchwork quilt of these United States has been added. There was a hole, almost in the middle of my quilt where Kansas belonged. Last month we added Kansas as the 50th state Ive visited. This has been a long, quite unplanned journey. I did not set out to see all 50 states, but as we continued to travel and visit more and more places, suddenly I realized I hadnt been to Kansas! Watching "The Wizard of Oz over and over didnt really count. Which state did I like best? Least? Cant really say as each state has something special and I hope the

story & photos By ann robson


Special to OutreachNC

people living there appreciate what they have. Ive seen steel towns that are almost completely deserted; I missed the Cuyahoga River on fire in Cleveland but have seen a renewal in the riverfront area. When we moved to Detroit, we got a sympathy card from a Detroit native. There was no need. Certainly, theres a part of that city that we called the war zone." But there were wonderful medical facilities, fine cultural buildings and a downtown that is coming to life. There are many places I enjoy visiting but would not choose to live: New York City, Washington,D.C., Los Angeles, New Orleans. However, I didnt think Id like Cleveland or Detroit and found
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many good things. Until youve gone from the craggy shores of Maine to Californias redwood forests, to the Florida Keys, to Alaska or to Hawaii, its hard to realize what a very special country we have, geographically. From the northern tip of the Adirondacks to the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you marvel at each new vista ahead. From the hills of West Virginia to the endless stretches of farmland in the Midwest, to the wonder of the Great Lakes, to the mountains in the west and then the oceans coastlines, this land that is ours is a study in contrasts. continued page 20

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Zion National Park in Utah with its hundreds of red clay towers.
continued from page 18 Weve done these trips over a long period of time. I remember crossing over from Canada to the small town of Ogdensburg, N.Y. when I was about 10 years old. I was so disappointed after crossing the St. Lawrence River and finding that the part of the United States wed gone to looked just like the land across the river. That happens to be the case along the 5,000 mile unguarded border between us and our northern neighbors. In places without border crossing stations, you can walk from one country to another and not realize youve done it. Weve gone by train, car, plane, RV, boat, ferry and foot. Weve seen mansions, magnificent cathedrals, log cabins and simple homes, with people swinging or rocking on their porches. It is astounding the number of post-WWII homes that are still standing. The pride their owners take in them is a real testament. Weve also seen litter along beautiful roads, houses that have been neglected, businesses that may have once been pillars of their communities but now are boarded up. On balance, Ive seen more good than bad.
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As for my other recommendations:

must-see

Niagara Falls

The Canadian side gives you a better view of both sets of falls with that side having a distinct edge at night when the light show is outstanding. Ive been there in all seasons, and the most impressive is winter when an icy wonderland is formed as water hits the cold air. Watching that famous geyser from start to finish is breathtaking. It starts slowly with a little steam escaping, then some water, and each time it appears to dip down, it comes back up higher and louder. The experience lasts about 15-20 minutes, and if you miss the whole event, it will repeat itself with regularity 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Park guides have the system figured out and will give you an approximate time for the next eruption; their timing is close to exact. Its one of those places that defy accurate description. The scenery changes with the light of day. The depth of the gorge is overwhelming, and the length of the canyon is remarkable.

Old Faithful at Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon

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While in the neighborhood, be sure to see Zion National Park in Utah with its hundreds of red clay towers that make you think of the stone soldiers in China.

Muir Woods

Located just north of San Francisco is the most outstanding park of trees Ive ever seen. There is a section called "The Cathedral," and you do feel as if youre on hallowed ground with huge redwoods as tall pillars that sort of bend toward each other at the top. Sunlight filters through the trees much as light comes through a stained glass window. The silence is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the coastal highway and the city. Denali National Park with Mount McKinley; Glacier Bay where icebergs calve off the glacier. Go any place you can see and travel across the mountains and the various ranges. We drove up to the Continental Divide in Colorado where we threw snowballs in midJune. An hour or so later, we were enjoying a meal outside in Aspen. You dont have to be a skier to enjoy the mountains, but skiers do appreciate them more.

Alaska

On this last trip to Kansas, we met a woman about my age who runs a restaurant. She came to visit with us, wondering where we were from, where we were going. She has one unfulfilled dream: to walk on a beach at the ocean and collect shells. This was in West Virginia, which is a neighboring state to Virginia with its beaches. (I also pointed out that both North and South Carolina have fabulous beaches.) She probably has never been farther than 50 miles from home in her lifetime. I felt very sad that such a simple dream as gathering shells by the ocean was not likely to happen. I also felt exceptionally lucky to have been to all 50 states. Woody Guthries song was written before Alaska or Hawaii became states or Im sure hed have included them.

The Rocky Mountains

"This land is your land, this land is my land From California, to the New York Island From the redwood forest, to the Gulf Stream waters, This land was made for you and me."
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Trusts as an estate planning tool

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rusts are often used as part of an estate plan. However, many people hear the word trust but do not understand what it means or how it works. Because there are so many types of trusts and uses for trusts, a discussion of trusts can be very complex. A trust is a legal relationship created when someone, called the grantor, transfers property to a trustee with the understanding that the Trustee will manage it for the benefit of one or more people or purposes, called beneficiaries. Beneficiaries have a beneficial interest in the assets held by the trust. A trust is controlled by a document called the trust agreement or trust instrument. The trust agreement sets out the rules, the terms of the trust, regarding how the trustee will handle and distribute the trust property. The trust property can consist of both real estate and personal property such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds and personal effects. When a piece of property is actually transferred to the trust, it is said that the grantor is funding the trust. There are a variety of trusts, including testamentary trusts, revocable trusts and irrevocable trusts, just to name a few. A testamentary trust is a trust that is created in a will and funded at the grantors death. A revocable trust can be changed or revoked at any time while an irrevocable trust cannot be changed. Oftentimes, people ask me about living trusts. A living trust is one which is created and funded during your lifetime.

Trusts can be used for a number Law Review of purposes; however, the most common uses include Fifth article in Estate Planning Series estate tax planning, asset protection and avoidance of probate. Trusts can also be of great benefit in situations like a second marriage where there are children from prior relationships. If a spouse wants to be sure his or her surviving spouse is cared for during the surviving spouses lifetime but that his or her respective children will receive the remaining assets when the surviving spouse dies, a trust can be a great tool to ensure these goals are achieved. If a trust is a part of your estate plan, be sure that the trust is already properly funded or that there is a mechanism in place to fund the trust. Unless you have funded the trust or plan to do so with a will upon your death, the trust serves no purpose. This is because the rules of the trust only apply to property that is actually in the trust. Trusts are not for everyone and do not necessarily need to be made a part of your estate plan. Unfortunately, we often come across clients who have paid a great deal of money for a trust they did not need or that was never actually funded. In order to determine what is best for you and your circumstances, you need to speak with an estate planning attorney to determine whether you would benefit from a trust as part of your estate plan.
Zager is an associate attorney with Senter, Stephenson, Johnson, P.A., practicing primarily in the areas of elder law and estate planning. She can be reached at 919-552-4707 or ezager@ssjlaw.net.

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Hospital Health

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Physician assistant returns to FirstHealth at Vass clinic


A certified physician assistant who began his health care career with FirstHealth of the Carolinas returned to the FirstHealth network of family care providers in early May as the provider at the FirstHealth Family Care Center-Vass. Todd Nicholson, P.A.-C, has more recently been a physician assistant with Moore Family Care, PA in Vass. The previously independent family care office, which is located next to Coopers Pharmacy on U.S. 1 North in Vass, opened as a FirstHealth family care center on May 6 after being closed temporarily to prepare for the FirstHealth affiliation. Nicholson received a bachelor of health sciences (physician assistant) degree from Methodist College in Fayetteville before joining the FirstHealth Family Care Center-Carolina Family Medicine in Rockingham in 2000. He had been a physician assistant with Moore Family Care in Vass since 2003. The FirstHealth Family Care Center-Vass is located at 3349 US 1 Highway, Vass. To make an appointment with Todd Nicholson, P.A.-C, call 910-245-7678.

Leonard, Ballard join FirstHealth network of family care providers


Thomas Leonard, M.D., and Marcia Ballard, N.P., will join the FirstHealth of the Carolinas network of family care providers with the June opening of the FirstHealth Family Care Center-Carthage. Both were previously affiliated with Moore Family Care. Dr. Leonard earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Indiana University before receiving his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in the DUKE/SRAHEC Family Medicine Residency Program in Fayetteville. Ballard received her bachelors degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master of science degree in nursing (family nurse practitioner) from Duke University. Their office at 304 Saunders St., Carthage, reopened for patient appointments on June 7. To make an appointment with Thomas Leonard, M.D., or Marcia Ballard, N.P., at the FirstHealth Family Care Center-Carthage, call 910-947-3000.

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Sunshine not far away after the rain


ecently, it seems like we are having weather disaster after weather disaster. Whether it is rain in biblical proportions, high winds Sentimental Journey spawning tornadoes or forest fires spurred on by excessive heat and dry conditions, weather and natural disasters are headline news. When watching accounts of those who have survived and come through a natural disaster often after losing all worldly possessions, the overriding theme is gratitude. In spite of great hardships, you hear words of thanksgiving for their lives being spared and praise for the first responders, who that aided them. Its not easy to lose everything you own or the roof over your head. Somehow, you pick up the pieces and rebuild your life. The grief is there. You learn to live with the loss to move forward. In the song, "Stormy Weather," the metaphor of weather illustrates the feeling of despair when someone loved is no longer there. The feeling of gloom and storms helps the listener to understand the feelings of the singer. We often use metaphors of weather in everyday language to share how we are feeling. Having a dark cloud over us," feels like storm clouds rolling in" and "a sunny day is on the horizon all conjure up negative or positive images. Dont know why, theres no sun up in the skies, stormy weather. Since my man and I arent together. Keeps raining all the time. Life is bare, gloom and misry everywhere, stormy weather. Just cant get my poor self together. Im weary all the time. So weary all the time. When he went away the blues walked in and met me. If he stays away, old rockin chair will get me. All I do is pray the Lord above will let me walk in the sun once more. Cant go on, everything I had is gone, stormy weather. Since my man and I aint together, keeps raining all the time. So the next time stormy weather enters your life, remember the lines from the musical "Annie:" The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar therell be sun. When Im stuck with a day, thats gray and lonely. I just stick out my chin and grin and say: Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Ill love ya, tomorrow. Its only a day away. How do you handle the stormy weather in your life? Id love to hear your stories of perseverance.
Share your musical memories with Pollard by emailing jenniferp@aoscaremanagement.com.
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Planning ahead for long-term care


f youre a member of the baby boomer generation (born between 1944 and 1964), you already know how important it is to save for your retirement. The Life's Journey responsibility for retirement saving has shifted from employers to employees, with Social Security providing only a base level of supplementary income. Today, its up to you to put the gold in your golden years. Although its likely that you have been saving diligently for many years in order to maintain your current lifestyle during retirement, have you factored long-term care (LTC) into the equation? Many people have not considered what would become of their finances if they or someone close to them became incapable of caring for themselves, even temporarily. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services statistics, of those people currently receiving LTC, 40 percent are adults 18 to 64 years old. LTC services can range from custodial care at home to more skilled medical care in a nursing home. However, the majority of LTC services provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, eating, transferring and toileting. You are generally considered to be in need of LTC if you have difficulty performing two or more ADLs due to physical limitations, severe cognitive impairment or both. If you have accumulated wealth over the years in your retirement accounts or personal savings and your funds are sufficient to cover LTC expenses, then you may believe youre ahead of the game. However, if you hope to bequeath assets to your heirs, the cost of your LTC could interfere with the best-laid plans. There may be options such as selling property or borrowing from a permanent life insurance policy. However, these strategies may affect the amount of wealth you leave to your heirs, and there may be tax consequences. With a LTC plan in place, you can minimize the financial risk associated with extended care and relieve the burden of uncertainty for yourself and your loved ones. If the time comes when you need daily assistance, LTC insurance can help cover the expenses of a nursing home, assisted living facility or at-home care. This type of coverage allows you to maintain your independence for as long as possible while increasing your care options.
Kelliher, a long-term care planning specialist, can be reached at 919-605-0354 or GinnyKelliher@gmail.com.
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Home
By THAD MUMAU
Special to OutreachNC Photography By

Brave
John gessner
he Airborne and Special Operations Museum is Fayettevilles main attraction, drawing visitors from all over the United States as well as foreign countries. The 500 block of Hay Street is home to military history. It is worth noting that even though the front of the museum faces Hay Street, its official address is 100 Bragg Boulevard, the latter running to the side of the building. The facility covers 59,000 square feet, about 29,000 of that used for the main gallery and exhibit space. There are also a collection area, a gift shop, temporary exhibits and three theaters. The main theater, which seats 250, includes a screen four stories tall and provides viewers with an opportunity to be in the middle of the action. More than two million people have visited the museum since it opened nearly 13 years ago, an average of more than 150,000 per year. Gen. James Lindsay, the 82nd Airborne and corps commander, came up with the idea for the museum. The original site was to be Fort Bragg, but the need for more money got the city, Cumberland County and the chamber of commerce involved, and thus, Fayetteville became its home. continued page 28

of the

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The Airborne and Special Operations Museum is located at 100 Bragg Boulevard in Fayetteville. National Airborne Day is Aug. 16. For more information or to plan a visit, call 910-643-2766 or visit www.asomf.org.
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"Our tagline is 'The Legend Continues.'"


continued from page 26 The museum functions in partnership with a non-profit foundation, which has a board of directors made up of retired military, veteran military and civilian members from the public and private sectors. The foundation handed over ownership of the museum to the Army in 2005. The foundation, which has raised over $25 million, provides fund raising, marketing and advertising and pays for educational programs, exhibits and upkeep. Admission is free. The museum is an educational platform for the Army, says foundation executive director Paul Galloway, training soldiers about the history of the Airborne and Special Operations. Everything here is approved by the United States Army. Our tagline is 'The Legend Continues.' Our focus is on the Army, the Airborne and Special Operations. Certain things will never change, even though there will be additions and subtractions. We have temporary exhibits such as the Battle of Mogadishu, which will open in October. The main exhibit gallery moves the visitor through time, starting in 1940 with the conception of the U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon and ending with current airborne and special operations units. The main exhibits are Early Airborne, World War II, Korea and the Cold War, Vietnam and Contingency Operations and Training (from the end of the Vietnam War to present day). A visitor entering the museum steps into a 5,000-square-foot lobby area that is five stories high. The lobby exhibit features two opened parachutes and has a wall
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dedicated to 73 recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor as a result of their deeds while assigned to an airborne or special operations unit. Another wall reviews the history of the establishment of airborne units and special operations units. People say we are Smithsonianlike because of the high quality of our mannequins, Galloway says. We get them from Dorfman Museum Figures in Baltimore, and they really are nice. Its just an example of the way things are done at this museum. Everything is firstclass. Were here to support the Army, and thats the only way to do it. We have tremendous volunteers. I call them our hidden exhibit. These folks are always willing to hear or tell a story. They are great. Carol Ivey has been volunteering for 10 years at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. Her late husband, Claude (a two-star general who spent 37 years in the Army), had worked closely with Gen. Lindsay and was on the original museum board of directors. When Claude died in 2002, Gen. Lindsay asked me to replace him on the board, Ivey says. Then I decided to volunteer. It has been a wonderful experience. I have met so many interesting people, and I have become good friends with a lot of them, both visitors and other volunteers. You would be surprised at how many people have been to the museum 10 or 12 times. A large number of the visitors go once or twice a year. Part of the reason is to see new temporary exhibits, and part of it is that its hard to take everything in on one visit. Unusual things happen sometimes. continued page 30

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Ed Middleton, a volunteer at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, has his own stories from WWII to share with visitors.

continued from page 28 One time, Ivey recalls, I started into the gallery, and on the wall where all of the leaders weretheir picturesmany had lipstick kisses on themon the glass, you know. That was kind of funny. Another time, there was a soldier mannequin behind a hedgerow, and a woman was there, where she shouldnt have been, while her husband was taking a picture. Ivey enjoys working special events because there are more people at the museum then. Its so much fun when there are big crowds, she says. There is a lot going on, and its exciting being a part of it. Volunteering at the museum is rewarding. Its a good feeling when people come in, wanting to purchase a paver in honor of a loved one, and I can help direct

them to get it done. And, too, I just love people. Plus, it means something because of my husband serving. I have been to the places featured in many of the exhibits. Ed Middleton volunteers because he is part of the history represented at the museum and because he likes helping people learn about that history. He has vivid recollections of World War II battles and his involvement in the action. I stay active in WWII veterans activities, Middleton says, and I volunteer at the museum 10 hours a week. Its special for me to do that. Current operating hours for the Airborne and Special Operations Museum are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m.

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A walking miracle
very time I think about the miracles that Christ performed, my faith grows stronger. From the woman with the issue of blood to the blind man, we see ordinary people with real problems who received a miracle at the hands of Jesus. We all pray for a miracle to happen in our lives at some point or another. I recall getting my passport and going over last-minute details for my mission trip to Guatemala with a team of women from my church, Liberty Christian Community of McColl, S.C. It was my first time traveling out of the country as well as doing missions so I was excited to say the least. I kept rehearsing in my mind that I was going to see a miracle actually take place right before my eyes. When we landed in Guatemala, I recall the smiles and other expressions of love by the residents. After we settled in at the missions house, we prepared for the following morning which would be our first day of work. The first village on our trip we visited was Bauit. It was there that I learned that the people only get to see a doctor once every three years. After a few hours of praying with different families and sharing Christ with them and some even receiving Him, it was time for

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lunch. As I went to receive my food from a humble woman with the heart of a servant, she said something to me in Spanish. When I asked what she said, the interpreter told me she said, You are our miracle! It just so happened that the people there had been praying without ceasing for help, for a miracle. They needed medicine for themselves and their ill families, and the Lord sent us not to witness a miracle but

Spirituality

to be the miracle. We are all walking miracles.


Witherspoon, author of "Hidden Treasure in the Wilderness," can be reached through her website, www.inawitherspoon.com.

Time heals most wounds... We heal the rest!

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Nordic walk your way to better fitness


Fitness

Photo by Carol Wilson, Carol Wilson Photography

Penny O'Donnell, left, Sara Barton and Sarah Edwards take instruction on Nordic walking from Laura Jones in Reservoir Park in Southern Pines.

f you enjoy walking as a part of your fitness routine, incorporate Nordic poles, and you will reap even greater health benefits. On a visit to Germany several years ago, I noticed groups of people walking in parks and on the streets with Nordic, or trekking, poles. The activity captured my interest and led me to become a twice-certified Nordic Pole Walking Master Instructor. It is a favorite component of my own personal cross-training workout program. Nordic walking is a low impact activity that is suitable for everyone. A study at Cooper Institute in Texas validates that the use of two lightweight walking sticks like Nordic poles, burns up to 46 percent more calories than walking alone. A 20 percent increase in

oxygen consumption occurs without an increase in the rate of perceived exertion as compared to just walking, making it a simple way to intensify your daily workout. The activity also tones and shapes your body while improving balance, endurance, posture and body alignment. Walking with the poles incorporates up to 90 percent of your muscles as you use your arms to move the poles, your core muscles to stabilize your body and your legs to propel yourself forward. Nordic poles usually come with wrist straps and can be used on asphalt or cement with rubber tips on the ends. Taking the rubber booties off exposes the graphite tips and allows you to walk in sand at the beach, on graveled paths or hiking trails. www.OutreachNC.com

Some poles are adjustable, allowing for more than one user of different heights. Others are fixed and are purchased according to specific height. Learning to walk with the poles is not difficult. Always start with a gentle warm-up, such as leg swings, knee lifts and shoulder shrugs. Once youre properly strapped in, practice by just walking and dragging the poles behind you. Feel the natural swing of the arms. Be aware of one leg stepping forward as the opposite arm swings forward. Now youre ready to plant the tips and propel forward. Hold the poles loosely. Dont grip too tightly. Step forward with one leg while reaching forward with the opposite arm as if shaking someones hand. Plant the tips of the poles behind you at a 45-degree angle to your body. Gently push off as you bring the other arm forward. Be careful not to use too much force. Never bring the tips forward of the body. It takes practice to get the rhythm and get comfortable with the loose-grip technique. Always keep your shoulders down in a relaxed position. Breathe normally, and enjoy the walk. When you are finished, do some simple stretches for your shoulders and legs. Nordic walking is safe to do every day, though you should gauge the frequency of your workouts upon how you feel. A good idea is to begin with an every-other-day program, walking more frequently later. This plan will give your muscles an opportunity to adapt to your new activity.
Jones, ACE-certified personal and IDEA master trainer at The Fitness Studio in Southern Pines, can be reached at 910-445-1842 or at LJTrainer@aol.com.

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Family roots run deep at Harrington Farms


road winds gently out of Sanford and through a rolling landscape, a patchwork of beautifully maintained agricultural fields bordered by woodland. The Harrington family has been farming here for generations. "Its a way of life," says Sam Harrington, who runs the farm with his three sons Mike, Jeff and Roy. "You get going that way, and its just the way it is." Mike Harrington and his brothers were introduced to farming as youngsters. "Our Daddy gave us a little spending money for collards. We used to buy the plants and plant and raise them." Standing with his son Cole by rows of tobacco, in fields that have been tended by their forefathers, Mike reminisces about picking time during his own boyhood, remembering how the whole household would pitch in. "Momma helped us in the fields. It was kind of a family deal," Mike says. The farm is still very much a family deal today. "Mikes is the fifth generation," says Sam, counting through the Harrington farming genealogy. Its a long, distinguished lineage of hard work and dedication to the land. Historically, the farms predominant crop was tobacco, and this remains the greater part of their output, with around 350 acres given over to its cultivation. As Mike says, "Its hard to make a living with just one thing."

By serena Brown
Special to OutreachNC Photography By

carol Wilson

Linda Marks is the smiling face greeting visitors to the farm at the Harrington Farms produce stand. Mike, center, and Sam Harrington, father and son, are two of the five generations who have worked the family farm located at 1412 San Lee Drive in Sanford. For more information on the farm, call 919-776-2353.

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The Harringtons tend another 375 acres of wheat in addition to the tobacco. In recent times, the family has also diversified with produce. They grow a range of foods, including asparagus, spring onions, cabbage and squash. Rows of newly planted sweet potatoes promise comfort food for the colder months. As an early part of the process of the farms diversification, the Harringtons first tomato house was built in 1999. Going into the house is like entering a glorious, ordered jungle with a mass of green plants laden with fruit. This years plants were seeded in mid-November, and the first harvesting began in the early spring. There is a fine balance of technology and nature. The climate is carefully monitored, and an automated system ensures the plants are given the right amount of water, yet the tomato flowers are pollinated by bees. continued page 36

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continued from page 35 "You have to keep a hive of bumblebees to pollinate them [the plants]. They live in their hive in the tomato house," Mike explains. "As the summer heat comes in, we move to garden tomatoes." When the tomatoes are ready, they are harvested by hand. The fruit are picked and the leaves primed from the bottom of the plant, then the shoot gradually let down as the plant grows upwards. The Harringtons also grow English cucumbers, which are ideal for salads and for cool refreshment on a hot summer day. "We just slice them up and eat them," says Mike, smiling. No pesticides are used in either the tomato or the cucumber houses. Mike points out a ladybird flitting by. "Those are beneficial insects," he explains. "They eat aphids." He walks with care by the rows of vines and shows the squash that are growing alongside the cucumbers, "We wanted to see how they would do in a greenhouse, and theyre doing OK," Mike says. He has noticed an increased public interest in cultivating plants: "A lot of people are having gardens now people are coming in and saying, 'We got our own squash," he adds. Fortunately for those without gardens or green thumbs, the farm has a produce stand on-site. Harrington Farms also take produce seasonally to local farmers markets so that food lovers in the regions towns can have

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access to freshly picked fruit and vegetables. Market regulars will recognize the cheerful Harrington Farms stall at the Moore County, Fearrington, Pittsboro, Duke and Sanford farmers markets. And in spring and early summer, crowds of all ages visit the farm for the fun of picking their famously delicious strawberries. "A lot of people think when the strawberries are over, were done, but we still have produce," says Linda Marks, who runs the farms welcoming produce stand with Tammy Harrington through strawberry season and into the early summer. Bright tomatoes jostle for space on the display stall. There are baskets of fresh fruit and vegetables from the gardens, greenhouses and fields. Plump bags of pecans and jars of jellies and jams made with the farms strawberries and canned vegetables from their produce line the shelves. Photographs of family and friends hang on the walls, reflecting the many people who have enjoyed the farm over a great span of years. Handwritten chalkboards highlight the days items and suggest ideas for supper. When it comes to preparing this seasons cucumbers, Marks has a wealth of recommendations. "I like to leave the skin on and put them in salads," she says. "I also like to shave them and put a little balsamic onits just like a little salad." For the summer classic of cucumbers, "they make good cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese," she adds. Marks' favorite part about working at the farm is "The Harringtons. Theyre great people."

Older and wiser...


ging has given me a whole catalog of stupid things older people say. Im talking about stuff like, Im twice your age. Which got me thinking that perhaps there is a time-sensitive gene activating around age 50 causing us to spew the same things we abhorred and ignored when we were half someone elses age. I get satisfaction playing this olderis-wiser card, so I use it on my younger friends and colleagues. Basically, it negates their reasons for not agreeing with me on everything. I trot this one out when we talk politics, religion, sex, reality as we know it, ice cream, waffles, you name it. Unfortunately, they still dont agree with me. But I get a lot of smugness out of it which I think was the payoff back in the day when our parents used it. Ive been using Im old enough to be your mother since 1998 when a 26-year-old dentist put the moves on me in MY office. I was a vivacious, comely and exceedingly wellpreserved 44-year-old, but I think the moves probably had more to do with living 30 miles above the Arctic Circle. Snow blindness can affect the vision. The other day at the office I got the chance to test-run one Ive been holding in reserve for about 25 years. Its when I was your age... as in When I was your age we had only one Macintosh computer for all the employees and we had to walk five miles through the snow to use it. This one didnt work out as well as Id hoped. They looked at me the same way they do when I tell them we did math problems in college using a slide rule. Ive also noticed that my topics of conversation have changed dramatically over the years. The other four old people at work and I have lively discussions over the age to consider plastic surgery and

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Senior Moments

hair transplants, whether to sign up for early Social Security or not, and when to buy stock in Depends. Just last week we had a stirring debate over vitamins, good for the body vs. vitamins, expensive toilet water, and whether the scaly patch on my arm was or was not likely to be skin cancer; at final count the bets are running four to one it is. But the worst was yesterday. I awoke to the stunning revelation that there is no one anywhere on planet Earth or in the surrounding solar system who is twice my age and still alive. There are a great number of now dead people who have lived for a great number of years, and on the top ten list all but one are women. Which gives me hope, but the oldest living person is now Jiroemon Kimura, 116 years old, in Japan. Jeanne Calment died in France at 122 in 1997, but I didnt need her back then; there were lots of people twice my age. I was what we old people used to call freaked out, and so I shared my concerns with my fellow ancients at work. You would have thought I belched in a crowded restaurant. The shock and horror was written all over their faces. Reminded me of the movie, "A Few Good Men" when Jack Nicholson yells, You cant handle the truth! Next, I called my Auntie. The dear woman is approaching 90. Told her the situation, and she said, as she always does, just the right thing. You young people are so cute.
Cohea can be reached by emailing a37_tao@hotmail.com.
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A 'Shining
on...
OutreachNC Staff Writer

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By Carrie Frye

1940 Ford was the preferred vehicle when Robert Glenn Johnson Jr., aka Junior Johnson, ran the rural roads of North Carolina for the family bootlegging business. The 40 Fords big trunk and incredible maneuverability were perfect for hauling shine by the light of the moon. A case was six gallons, and you could haul 22 cases, says Johnson, 82. I would run the speed limit until someone got after me. For the Johnson family, moonshining was their livelihood during the Great Depression and something they took great pride in. Outrunning the law also became one of Johnsons specialties that set him up for quite a career in NASCAR. Johnson even served 11 months in an Ohio prison for moonshining when he was caught tending one of his family stills in 1956. Then, it was back to NASCAR to round out his career with 50 wins for himself, including a Daytona 500 trophy and six Winston Cup championships as a team owner. Johnson was among the first five inaugural inductees into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010. I was tickled to go in with Richard (Petty), Earnhardt (Dale Sr.) and the Frances (Bill Sr. and Bill Jr.), says Johnson. As much as racing is in Johnsons blood, so is his moonshining heritage, which led him to meet up in 2007 with Joe Michalek, founder of Piedmont Distillers. Originally from New York, Michalek had become a student of moonshine after moving to North Carolina.

photos courtesy Piedmont Distillers www.OutreachNC.com

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I had heard all of the lore and myths of this magical elixir and wondered why no one was making it now legally. After doing a lot of research, I found the only legal still was in Madison, (N.C.). It was like Otiss jail cell with the still inside it in the old train depot, says Michalek, laughing. They had only made one batch and left the still sitting there. It was licensed and permitted, so we bought it in 2004. Piedmont Distillers soon launched their first spirit, Catdaddy, a term reserved for only the finest of moonshines. Fast forward two years, and Junior Johnson wants to come to our distillery, says Michalek. He scratched down his family formula. Johnson adds, The recipes werent really written down, just in my head. They were a lot of trial and error. With Johnsons recipe, Piedmont Distillers commenced to making Midnight Moon Original, a name that pays homage to how traditional bootleggers made and ran their moonshine and a logo with that iconic 40 Ford. The process by which Midnight Moon is made is what makes it so special. The moonshine is allnatural, made from corn and triple distilled in small batches at the distillery in Madison, which has just undergone a major expansion thanks to the addition of Midnight Moon Aged with Fruit spirits. We'd use fruit to make some of ours back in the day. We had to go through the process of perfecting it to make sure the fruit would not spoil, says Johnson. The apple pie has just taken over sales. Apple pie is great, but I like the cherry, because I was raised on a farm and used to go eat cherries right off the tree.

"Some people eat the fruit, but it soaks up the 'shine pretty good and has got some
continued page 40
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sting.

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photos by Diana Matthews

Piedmont Distillers founder Joe Michalek is proud to be carrying on North Carolina's moonshining tradition with Junior Johnson.

continued from page 39 bootleggers used, and its a medium-sized one. Junior is crazy like a fox and wired like an engineer, Midnight Moon fruit flavors are selling upwards of 1.5 million cases annually and are now available in all says Michalek, who is content to be carrying on this 50 states and Canada. moonshining tradition and keep it going and growing. Were the only product that uses all natural, grade We are fundamentally the most authentic moonshine that can be made legally at 100 proof, he says. A fruit. It tastes like fruit, because it is made with fruit, Michalek enjoys his shine just straight over ice, just like moonshiners have done for generations. All the color and flavor come from the fresh fruits, says whereas Johnson adds his to a Bloody Mary. You can use it like you would Jack Daniels to doctor Michalek. Producing the highest quality spirits is what both it up. You have got to taste it, says Johnson. The fruit spirits can be mixed with anything from Michalek and Johnson believe in. The moonshine is made in small batches and hand-packed with fresh tea to lemonade, and customers have submitted many apples, strawberries, cherries, cranberries, blackberries recipes for cooking with shine, everything from a strawberry vinaigrette salad dressing to desserts like or blueberries into glass jars. homemade ice cream and apple pie. People work the production lines packing the fruit coming down just like I Love Lucy trying to get the The pair is pleasantly surprised at the success of fruit in the jar, says Michalek, smiling. Midnight Moon. I think we are all surprised, says Johnson. Since their humble beginnings, Piedmont Distillers has gone from one production line to eight and from I am surprised that is it is so broad in appeal from Washington to New Hampshire to south Florida, says 18 employees to over 100, making moonshine quite an economic engine for both Rockingham County and the Michalek. It is spread evenly, literally from bankers state. Their plan is to add a tasting room and offer tours to bikers. It runs the gamut across lifestyles. It is not just a North Carolina thing or a Southern thing, it is an in the near future at the Madison distillery. American thing. A still made by Johnson is on display at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. He also assembled it when From the humblest of bootlegging traditions like the Hall of Fame could not quite figure out how to with Johnson, Midnight Moon was born and raised in North Carolina and is made with the same family pride. the help of Michalek, and Johnson promises it would We pride ourselves on doing it the right way, says indeed work to make some homemade shine. Michalek. Junior would not allow it to be done any They had never seen anything like it, says Johnson. I went in there with a monkey wrench and a pair of other way. It is at our core. It is hand-crafted in small pliers, and I put it together. It is just exactly what the batches, and the proof is in the spirits. www.OutreachNC.com

Strawberry Lemonade for sippin'


2 ounces of Strawberry Midnight Moon Moonshine (other flavor options are blackberry, blueberry, cherry or cranberry) 2 ounces fresh lemon juice Cooking Simple 2 ounces simple syrup (In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a boil; simmer until the sugar is dissolved, about three minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.) Club soda
Mix ingredients in a 16-ounce glass, add ice and fill with club soda. Stir and garnish with fresh mint and strawberry. Enjoy!
Morris, owner of Rhetts Restaurant, Personal Chef & Catering, can be reached at 910-695-3663.

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David Grimes of Better Living Products in Raleigh shows some of the latest innovative products in home medical equipment, such as the Omron 10 series + blood pressure monitor.

Part 7 of 12 Part Series

Latest gadgets can make aging in place easier


For 2013, we are featuring an Aging in Place series with a piece each month to take a serious look at all the aspects of creating a plan to age in place. For previous articles from this Aging in Place series, visit www.OutreachNC.com and click on previous issues.
ost Americans love their homes and have a real desire to build, modify or purchase a home that will allow them to live out the rest of their days with comfort and independence. In addition to the house itself, there are a variety of innovative gadgets to help stay healthy and safe without having to give up the comfort of your own home. For seniors living alone, injuries or incapacitation

By michelle goetzl
Special to OutreachNC Photography By

john gessner

Editors note:

can mean the end of an independent lifestyle. With a personal emergency response system (PERS) in place, help is within reach at all times. With modern technology, there is everything from a basic emergency response pendant to systems that learn your habits and alert loved ones if you are not moving as much as you normally do. Amy Natt, a certified geriatric care manager with Aging Outreach Services, feels that pendants are essential to any older adult living alone as well as couples where one may be experiencing mental or physical declines that prohibit them from calling for help if something should happen to their spouse. continued page 44

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Aging in Place

Grimes shows some of the pill box gadgets to help keep medications organized. Some models can be programmed to sound a reminder alarm and be set up for up to a month's worth of medications.

continued from page 42 At the basic level are products such as Lifelife and ADT, which have been serving the senior community for years. Each has an emergency pendant for the times when you truly need to call out, I've fallen and I can't get up. For a pendant without a monthly service fee, David Grimes of Better Living Products in Raleigh recommends the Guardian Alert 911. This system calls 911 at the touch of a button but does not connect you to a service agent who can assist you. Lifeline and VitalLink also offer versions that automatically place a call for help if they detect a fall, and you are unable to push the button yourself. These products offer a certain peace of mind. However, Natt is quick to add that this is in no way a replacement for hands-on care and that the technology is only as good as a person's ability and willingness to use it. The trick to the success of these devices is to be wearing them when a fall or crisis occurs. If you are in the market for a new phone that also gives you the benefits of the pendant system, V-tech and Uniden both offer phone systems that come with an emergency pendant. Connie Hess, a durable medical equipment specialist at Health Innovations Pharmacy in Southern Pines, likes the V-tech phone because not only does it have

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a PERS feature, but it also has big buttons and allows you to put pictures of up to four contacts on speed dial. She jokes that one problem of aging is that people don't always remember the name of the person that they want to call, but with this phone they can just poke them right in the face. Advances in GPS technology can keep you moving right along. The 5Star Urgent Response is a compact, discreet GPS-enabled device that can be used at home and on the go. It is a small device that can attach to your keys, slip into your pocket or attach to a bag. With just a touch of a button, youll speak immediately to one of their certified response agents who can quickly identify your location, evaluate the situation and get you the assistance you need. The popular Jitterbug cell phone that features large, easy-to-read buttons also has the option of coming with 5Star response assistance. Another big concern as we age is prescription medications. Chances are that as your age increases, so do the number of medications that have to be taken at various times of the day. Research has shown that approximately 40 percent of all people entering nursing homes do so because they are unable to selfmedicate in their home. If you want to stay in your own home, finding a system that keeps you on track with your medications is of utmost importance.

Aging in Place
The choices available to help manage medications range from low-tech pill boxes to high-tech systems with alarms and locks. For the person on the go who also needs to take various pills throughout the day, Grimes recommends the 4-Alarm Pill Box with vibration reminder. This is a pocket pill box with a discreet vibrating alarm. It can hold up to four daily doses with separate alarms and can alert you by vibration or loud, beeping alarm. If you plan to be in the home for all of your scheduled doses, additional technology can assist with that as well. The mid-range option is a product called the MedReady 1600. The MedReady is a locked, automated medication dispenser that beeps at programmed times until the medication door is opened. It can be programmed for up to a month at a time, depending on how many separate times a day you need to take medications. The MedReady can also come with a flashing alarm for those hard of hearing. At the next technology level is the MedMinder, recommended by Jim Miller of The Savvy Senior. This high-tech device is a computerized pill box that flashes and beeps to remind you to take your medication. The high tech aspect of this pill box is that it calls you or a loved one if you fail to take your medications on time. It is important to remember that while a lot of focus is put on high-tech gadgets and gizmos, many times the best things to have around to make your dayto-day experience easier are low-tech items. If unlocking the door has become a harder process, Grimes recommends a hole-in-one key holder, which is basically a handle for your keys. He explains that folks with arthritis or any other upper extremity weakness don't have the strength to grip the key and turn it. This product provides additional leverage to simply turn the keys. Once inside the house, consider various door knob grips that are on the market to help grasp and turn the door easier. These same people might also benefit from Ubend-It utensils, which are designed with a twist in the shaft that allows the utensil to be easily bent to either side at any angle. Grabbers and reachers also shouldn't be overlooked as they often can help avoid a fall. Aging in place doesn't mean staying in one place, and there are useful items to consider to help keep you on the move as well. Grimes is a fan of the PathLighter cane which provides a circle of light at your feet so you can walk with greater assurance and safety. Miller recommends the HurryCane, which was built to act as an extension of your body by stabilizing on three points of contact, pivoting like an ankle and bending like a knee. For additional ease when riding in the car, a product such as the Metro Car Handle fits into the latch of a car door to help you get in and out with more ease. The list of products available to help you age in place could go on and on. You should always do your own research and find the product that is right for you, but these items are a good place to start.
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Carolina Conversations
with Ron Francis
By jennifer kirby
Special to OutreachNC

OutreachNC July 2013

Carolina Hurricanes'

s a boy growing up in Ontario, Ron Francis dreamed of playing in the NHL, a dream that was realized when he was selected by the Hartford (Conn.) Whalers as the fourth overall pick in the 1981 NHL draft. The Whalers moved to Raleigh and became the Carolina Hurricanes in 1997; Francis, who was with the Pittsburgh Penguins at the time, returned to the Whalers/Hurricanes franchise the following year. He still ranks first in its all-time history in points, goals, assists and games played. When he retired after 23 seasons, Francis had two Stanley Cups to his credit as well as awards for his defensive skills, leadership, sportsmanship and community service. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007 and is a 2013 inductee into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Today, Francis serves as vice president of hockey relations for the Hurricanes, of which he became a minority owner last fall. Here, he talks about going head to head against hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, drinking champagne out of the Stanley Cup and why North Carolina is a great place to live.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

john gessner

As a 2013 inductee into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Ron Francis has a display of hockey memorabilia onsite at the hall, which is located on the third floor of the N.C. Museum of History in downtown Raleigh at 5 East Edenton Street. For more information, call 919-8077900 or visit www.ncshof.org. Admission is free, and tours are self-guided.

RF: I dont think anythings quite as exciting as being a player, so thats probably my favorite.
Carolina Hurricanes, what does your job entail? RF: Pretty much everything hockey-related. I work with our general manager and assistant general manager, Jim Rutherford and Jason Karmanos, and I also work with our pro scouts and our amateur scouts. I work with Jeff Daniels, whos the head coach and general manager (of the Charlotte Checkers American Hockey League team). continued page 48

ONC: As vice president of hockey operations for the

coach and in the front office. Which role is your favorite?

ONC: Youve been involved in hockey as a player, as a


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continued from page 46 I work with our player development guys on monitoring the progress and helping develop the guys that we already have in our system. So a lot of things hockey-related.

ONC: Can you talk a little about the challenges of having a hockey team in the South? RF: I think initially it was a bit of a challenge to sell our game, but I certainly believe in our sport, and if we can get people to the rink to watch it live, I think we can hook them. One thing I found out real quick moving to Raleigh is the sports fans in our market are extremely passionate, and were really appreciative of all the support theyve given us. ONC: How much did the Hurricanes winning the Stanley Cup boost local interest in the sport? RF: I think that was huge. For a young franchise, we hosted the draft, we hosted the All-Star game, weve gone to the conference championship three times, gone to the finals a couple of times, but ultimately winning it is a huge step. And I think youll see that down the road as more and more kids get involved in the game because of that, and more and more hockey fans start coming out of the Raleigh markets. ONC: Do your three children play hockey? RF: My oldest is a daughter; she did not. And my ONC: In your opinion, is the game better from a

next two boys did, yes.

fan standpoint today than it was 15 years ago? RF: Yes, I think the game has continued to evolve. I think the athletes continue to get bigger, faster, stronger, and the result is a better product on the ice.

ONC: Do you think hockey fights are good or bad for the game? RF: I think its always been part of our game, and its kind of a way of policing some of the stuff that may take place on the ice. It certainly seems to get crowds out of their seat when they have them, and I dont see that changing anytime soon.
you accumulated many accolades for your skills on and off the ice. Other than the Stanley Cup, is there a particular award or achievement that youre most proud of?
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ONC: During your 23-year career as a player,

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RF: Well, I mean, obviously the Stanley Cup is the biggest. As a kid growing up, thats what you want to be able to attain. But being recognized for being a good defensive player, being recognized for sportsmanship, being recognized for community service I think those were all important things so I was very fortunate over my career to be able to accomplish a lot of those things. ONC: What is it like having won the Stanley Cup? RF: Every kid that grows up in Canada playing

hockey dreams of someday playing in the NHL, but ultimately you want to be able to hoist that silver trophy over your head. When that happened for me it was the culmination of a lot of hard work and a dream come true. Cup when you took it home? RF: I remember taking it home and calling some neighbors and having them over, drinking champagne, and my dad was down, and doing different silly pictures with the trophy. I think thats the beauty of that trophy, its something that is shared with not only family and friends but the general public at different times. Thats what makes that trophy so special.

ONC: Did you do anything crazy with the Stanley

ONC: Who is the best player you ever played with or against, and why? RF: Oh, boy, I played against some good ones. I played against [Wayne] Gretzky, and its obviously a challenge to go head to head with him. Hes just so smart, so elusive, could beat you so many different ways. And then I played against and with Mario Lemieux, whos equally as good but in a different way bigger, stronger, played a different type of game but again, just as good and just as powerful and, again, could beat you in many different ways. Those two guys stand out for sure. ONC: Youre a native of Ontario. What do you like best about North Carolina? RF: I heard before I came down here it was a great place to raise a family and had great universities and medical facilities and access to the beaches and mountains, and I think all of those are true, but I think the biggest thing for me is the people. The pace of life is a little bit slower, the people are very friendly, and it reminds me a lot of my hometown in Canada. People here will look you in the eye in the morning and say good morning to you rather than kind of bury their head and walk by you, or theyll hold the door for you, or theyll let you in in traffic instead of giving you a hand. Its a good place to live.

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Helping people help animals


band of dedicated and passionate Sandhills residents is making strides in their attempt to solve the pet overpopulation problem in Moore County. A good example of their efforts was evident on a recent Tuesday morning when, through arrangements made by the countys Citizens Pet Responsibility Committee, a group of 40 puppies was picked up in Carthage by the North Shore Animal League (NSAL) for a trip north. The Citizens Pet Responsibility Committee (PRC) made plans for Moore Countys Animal Center to coordinate the pick-up by NSAL, or what is known as the worlds largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. This was the second time in the last several months when the Animal Center had hosted a NSAL Puppy Transport from Moore County, making the service available to Moore Humane Society, Animal Advocates, Scotland, Cumberland and Richmond counties as well as for puppies from its own shelter. The PRC was formed in 2005 at the urging of Angela Zumwalt, (pictured top right) a Whispering Pines resident, when she approached the Moore County Board of Commissioners with an idea to centralize the work of several groups interested in animal control and welfare. A former IBM executive, she had donated to several animal welfare groups in New Jersey, before she and her husband moved to the Sandhills. However, she

By maryelle hunter
Special to OutreachNC Photography By

diana matthews

vowed that when she could, she would make use of her corporate skills to assist in the cause. Established in 2006, the PRC, co-chaired by Zumwalt and Pamela Partis, embarked on a broad spectrum of activities during its first three years. Then in 2008, the PRC switched its primary focus to education in the schools of Moore County, with a goal of instilling in the next generation a plan to offset the pet overpopulation problem. The program, designed to be integrated with Moore Countys Character Education initiative, stresses good judgment, integrity, kindness, perseverance, respect and responsibility for pet ownership. Presented to over 1,200 fourth graders since it was piloted in the fall of 2008 at Vass-Lakeview Elementary School, the program is now taught by volunteers in all public schools as well as in several private and charter schools. We are trying to add some more of the private and charter schools each year, says Zumwalt. Explaining that when the program was first started, they had only a few volunteers teaching multiple classes, Zumwalt says that their numbers have grown as word of mouth spread about the unique program. Nevertheless, we are always looking for additional volunteers, and the next teacher training session is scheduled for July 18."

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For more information on the Citizens Pet Responsibility Committee, the Pet Placement Project, Animal Operations Advisory Board or to sign up for the teacher training session on July 18, contact Angela Zumwalt at 910 949-9953 or angelazumwalt@earthlink.net.

The work of the PRC has become a recognized best practice throughout the state. It was honored by a Governors Award for Volunteer Service in 2012, and workshops and presentations have been made to statewide organizations by its members. The PRC has consulted with 23 North Carolina counties, with six counties introducing a similar program into their school systems. Through a friendship with a college classmate who lives in Spain, Zumwalt reports that the program has even been exported. Now three schools in Madrid use the teaching tool.

Among other activities of the PRC, a Speuter (spay/neuter) Contest is run annually in each of the schools, giving all students the opportunity to become an advocate for their own pet or help another pet in the community. Students may write an essay entry describing how their pet

would benefit from being spayed or neutered and how this would help solve the larger problem of pet overpopulation. One winner is selected from each school and with the support of their families and at no cost, a pet owned by an award winner is altered at the Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic of the Sandhills, made possible by funding from the Moore County Kennel Club. The PRC also sponsors a regular Robbins Speuter Run, staffed by volunteers, who make a trip to and from the vet clinic in Vass, bringing pets for spay or neuter procedures for pet owners in the northern section of the county who would otherwise find transportation difficult, if not impossible. In addition, the PRC administers the Tail Waggin program in Moore County. Tail Waggin Tutors is a volunteer group organized to bring qualified handlers and their therapy dogs to elementary schools where children and dogs can bond together over a shared story. continued page 52

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continued from page 51 Under the auspices of the PRC, a Pet Placement Project (P3) was inaugurated in March of 2012. Composed of a group of volunteers with the Moore Countys Animal Center and led by Partis, their goal is increasing the adoption rate and lowering the euthanasia rate of adoptable pets in the Animal Center. One of the unique ways in which they operate is the implementation of an Adoption Wish List. If an individual or family is looking for a pet but doesnt have the time to visit the center, all they have to do is to fill out a wish list form on the PRCs website, www.mcprc.

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org, detailing their preferences as to type of pet, sex, size, age and color, and volunteers will find a match for the prospective owner. As a further step to Moore Countys efforts to bolster animal well-being, in January, a 12-member Animal Services Advisory Board was created by the county commissioners. The new advisory board oversees the operations of the countys Animal Operations Department, and its objectives are to work with the staff of the MCAOD and community resources on creating and driving activities aimed at decreasing the number of animals entering The Animal Center, increasing the placement of animals from the Center, ensuring the greatest level of care for animals at the center and reducing the euthanasia rate at the animal center. The advisory board is also charged with acting as an advocacy group on all matters concerning the animal population of Moore County. Zumwalt, who chairs the board, says, It is really a team effort. For instance, we have people on the board individually skilled in all phases of animal welfare throughout the county, including veterinarians, a professionally-certified trainer and Animal Control and Sheriffs Department representatives. She sums up with this thought, Of course there are the local organizations such as Animal Advocates, the Humane Society and the Kennel Club who are very supportive, so it is a matter of combining all our energies working toward the same objective. I dont think that morally the citizens of Moore County want to live with an animal euthanasia rate as high as its been in the past.

Volunteering benefits all ages


ecent studies support what many volunteers already know, volunteering makes us feel good. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, research demonstrates that volunteering leads to better health and that older volunteers are the most likely to receive physical and mental health benefits from their volunteer activities. It also appears the increases in better health directly correlate with the amount you volunteer. The more youre helping others, the healthier you can be. An easy sell for me when speaking to potential volunteers is that volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially others in your age group. Already being involved in volunteering at the time of a loss, such as that of a spouse, is a significant support for the person and helps avoid depression. Also, I have encouraged recent widows

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Volunteer RSVP

and widowers to get involved in civic activities as soon as possible to avoid social isolation. Finally, if youre new to an area, volunteering can be the catalyst to new friendships as a result of shared interests. The term I like to use is helpers high similar to runners high. This benefit comes to anyone at any age and you can receive this feeling by simply helping others in any capacity not just as an official volunteer with an organization. Let me warn you this feeling is very addictive and you may want to start helping others on a more regular basis like these RSVP volunteers joining up with Girl Scouts for a pet adoption (pictured at right).
Deese, RSVP director with the Moore County Department of Aging, can be reached at 910-215-0900 or email tdeese@moorecountync.gov.

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Grey Matter
Apple jam Bacon Balm Bin Boil Crabapple Jelly Cup Eggs Grog Gumbo Herbs Hot Jug Lime Mess Mop Oven Pan Peas Peel Piping bag Plug Pot Pulse Rhubarb Sage Snack Snow Suet Tea Thyme Tin Truck Tub Wiper Wok Yolk

See Grey Matter Puzzle Answers on Page 56

Across 1. Adjust 6. Large brown seaweeds 11. Causing fear 13. Guiding light 15. Egg-shaped instrument 16. Make clear by special emphasis (2 wds) 17. Drivel 18. Graduation cap adornments 20. ___-Atlantic 21. Edible root of the taro plant 23. ___ apso (dog) 24. Unforgettable singer 25. Bakery supply 27. ___ and outs 28. Dohas land 29. Removes gas from a tank with a hose 31. Exterior 32. Boxing front row seats 34. Brouhaha 36. Infinite 39. Stratagems 40. Parenthesis, essentially 41. Punish by hanging without trial 43. Brinks 44. Artificial leg?

46. 100 cents 47. Rocks 48. Methane produced from renewable resources, e.g. 50. Come together 51. Assign an incorrect name 53. Coated in flour 55. Formicary 56. Decorates with gold leaf 57. Objectives 58. Loudness units Down 1. Amusement park features 2. February 29 (2 wds) 3. Toni Morrisons ___ Baby 4. Cut, maybe 5. Kidney-related 6. Aussie bear 7. Desire Under the ___ 8. Well, ___-di-dah! 9. Ballyhoo 10. Like 11. Stupid 12. Spirited 13. Iron 14. Exodus commemoration 19. Gothic typeface (2 wds)

22. Fish hawks 24. Colorful marble (2 wds) 26. Dilutes 28. Suppress 30. ___ moment 31. Thats ___ ... 33. Add as part of something else

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34. Cutting from a larger piece 35. Awakens (2 wds) 37. Nestle 38. Diatribes 39. ___ donna 40. Bikini, e.g. 42. Contains 44. Beverly ___,

operatic soprano 45. Graceful fliers 48. Get-out-of-jail money 49. ___-mutton 52. When doubled, a dance 54. Kiplings Gunga ___

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laire steeled herself as she parked next to the Dance with Cyndi sign, smirking at the gold star that dotted the "i." By the looks of the place, it wouldnt be able to afford much advertising, so the storyd just be a blurb on the business page. Cyndi perked up like a bird dog when she heard the tires rumble on the gravel drive. Fluffing her hair and sucking in her stomach as she checked her reflection in the wall-sized mirror, she summoned her Little Miss Crepe Myrtle smile and yanked the studio door open. From the brassy hair to the shoes, Claire could see this was a bona fide Cyndiwith an i. Some remnants of small-town upbringing still lingered in the big do. Through local gossip, she knew Cyndi, sans a diploma, had shaken the red clay from her pointy heels and made good somewhere bigger. Now she wanted a fatted-calf barbecue. You must be from the Weekly Sun. Cyndi had already planned out exactly what she was going to say, how shed left her roots to follow her dream, how shed pursued her love of dance in the world of entertainment from Charlotte to Manteo and how she had now returned to help other little girls follow their dreams. Claire Montgomery. Claire nodded. Thanks for contacting us, Ms. Dupp. And welcome home. Cyndi bent her head in acknowledgement, trying for the same kind of tilt shed seen on that British princess. Wont you come this way? In the studio, she had set up chairs so that the diffused glow would bounce

Mirror, Mirror C

OutreachNC July 2013

Senior Shorts Fiction


Nancy Young is a former newspaper reporter and editor from Fuquay-Varina. She recently left a long career teaching college English and film to indulge herself in her love of writing. She can be reached at NMYoung40@aol.com.

Nancy Young

off her highlights and keep her skin from looking too yellow. She took pains to hold her thighs off the seat so they wouldnt look fat. As the reporter sat gathering her notes, Cyndi glanced into the studio. Lacey was still playing with the Barbies under the card table near the window. With luck, shed be gone before the interview ended. At least the reporter didnt seem to have noticed the little girl. So I understand you were born here, Ms. Dupp? "Thats right. I'll always call Myrtle Springs my spiritual home, no matter where the spotlights may lead me. Claire looked up sharply but detected no trace of sarcasm. And youre scheduled to open your dance studio September first? She listened to the answer with half an ear, wondering if McDonalds was still selling McMuffins. Absolutely. Dance with Cyndi is dedicated to bringing the joy of movement to young girls, grooming them for the challenges of competitive pageants while building their self-confidence and making them more beautiful people. Cyndi looked at the reporters notebook. Shouldnt you be writing that down? Claire nodded and started a grocery list. And you yourself have some experience in local pageants? I was Mini Miss Pickle Pageant, Little Miss Crepe Myrtle, and even runner-up for North Carolina Majestic Queen in the Southern Elite Pageant system. Thats a big one, you know. No, I didnt know. Claire could see the hopes of a second breakfast fading. And was that your most recent pageant?

Grey Matter Answers

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Cyndi paused, smoothing the line between her penciled brows. Yes. Claire smelled the blood in the water now. So how long has it been? A couple of years. I left the pageant world to pursue my love of dance on stages from Char When exactly was your last competition? Claire asked. Um . . . five years ago. Since then, Ive been . . . And where have you been studying? Studying? The frown resurfaced. Well, I spent many hours a week studying jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, and modern." Under whom? "With Miss Jackie out on Highway 55." Cyndi's sweat prickled her back. Of course, I also learned from my experience as a professional dancer. In Charlotte I . . . Her voice rose a pitch as she heard Lacey stirring under the table, singing the little teapot song to herself. Claire looked up. Shed missed seeing the chubby toddler with wispy brown hair sitting cross-legged under a table, her fists full of dolls that she made dance as she sang softly. Whos the kid? Claire nodded at the back. Oh, thats just Lacey. Someones coming to pick her up any minute now. Shes a cutie. How old? About 3? Cyndi nodded and shifted her chair to block Claires view. I plan to offer dance classes as well as a special program in pageant preparation. Claire shifted to her notes. For what ages? Eighteen months to 18. Back in the saddle, Cyndi relaxed her shoulders and checked in the mirror. Yes, she looked cool and confident. Yoo-hoo! Mee-Maws here! The voice couldve taken the top prize at the Spiveys Corner Hollering Contest. The woman at the door wasn't just a brick house; she was a brick apartment building of a woman. Sorry Im a little late, Pumpkin, she wheezed, dabbing her three chins.Belks had a sale. She beamed at the reporter. How do you do? Im Doreen Dupp, Cynthias mother. Mee-Maw! Here I am! The little girl came running. Theres my little grandbaby. Were you good for your Mama? Nice and quiet? Yes, maam. I was good. She looked like a puppy hoping for a pat, Claire thought. So this is your daughter? Claire raised on eyebrow. My Pumpkins pumpkin, Mee-Maw gushed. Chewing the pink gloss from her bottom lip, Cyndi flashed back to that year with Aunt Nettie out in Johnston County. The months dragged like a snake thatd been run over by a pickup until Laceyd been born. Those sleazy auditions and late-night shows blurred together. From one chorus line to the next, shed kicked her way up and out, and she wasnt about to be upstaged now. How about the photo? Cyndi closed in on the reporter.

Sure. Why dont we go outside where the lights a little better? The signll help tell the story. We could have two picturesone of me on the front page and one of the studio, maybe on the second page. Claire unscrewed the lens from the camera, hiding her irritation. Why dont you stand over there next to the wall so the suns not behind you? That was more like it. Cyndi assumed her pageant pose, holding the smile while the reporter took the shot. A wall of mirrors smiled back at her. Can I see? Resisting her first impulse, Claire opened the memory and let Cyndi glimpse the result. I think we can do better. How about this? Cyndi lifted her arms and widened her grin. Patience thinning, Claire snapped the shots. Shed just delete the extras. Lacey and Mee-Maw sidled in to watch. Without turning, Claire shifted the viewfinder and captured the three of them, Mee-Maw and Cyndi flanking plump little Lacey in a balanced composition with a hometown look. Claire had the story: Three generations of Dupps grin in anticipation Doreen Dupp, Lacey Dupp, and Cyndi Dupp, who is the new owner of Dance with Cyndi in downtown Myrtle Springs. The studio will offer classes for students aged 18 months to 18 starting Sept. 1. The picture and caption appeared the next week on page 6, next to a Piggly Wiggly ad. The studio mirror shattered when Cyndi threw her shoe at it.

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or this July Fourth observance, I have a suggestion: Lets come together as one nation, indivisible. Lets try to set aside our differences, and for that one day, be Americans. Not Irish-Americans, not British-Americans, not PolishAmericans, not German-Americans, nor any other hyphenated American. Lets just be Americans. Neither conservative nor liberal nor independent, just regular Americans. Everyone agrees that our country is deeply divided along any number of linesrich/poor, educated/illiterate, political/ apolitical, rural/urban, young/not so young, black/white/ Hispanic. Theres no way that our founding fathers could have foreseen what these United States would look like in 2013. Just think of all the changes that have happened since 1776. Their intent was good and honorable: "to form a more perfect union." It seems that we are anything but united. Yet, in times of disaster, we tend to pull together to help one another, thus proving that

Come together for Independence Day


we are good and caring people at our core. It shouldnt take a shooting in New Town or a tornado in Oklahoma to bring us together. Therell be a lot of flag waving Over My Shoulder and patriotic talk this July Fourth. Therell be hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, corn on the cob and ice cream. Therell be fireworks of the sparkling kind and the ooooh and aaaaaaah kinds. But will there be fireworks of the human type the next day? If we can be nice to each otherwe dont have to become bosom buddies. For one day, couldnt we try for two days, then maybe a week? Then, heck, maybe well get used to it. Im not suggesting that we give up any firmly held beliefs, political or otherwise. Im suggesting that we respect others, whatever they may believe and remove the downright nastiness of which were seeing too much. Its quite possible to disagree without being disagreeable. When we were 13 fledgling colonies, we seemed to share similar beliefs and ideals. Then we grew and grew, from shore to shore, to be a major country with millions of people. All of us, even those who trace their roots to The Mayflower, came to these shores from someplace else. Why? Most were seeking a better life, and this great land seemed to offer many riches. Having just been to my 50th state (see page 18), I have seen that we have more that should unite us than divide us. From state to state, Ive seen acres of farmland with hardworking farmers producing goods not only for their own families, but for yours and mine. Ive seen cities large and small with industries beginning to rebound. Ive seen more people than I could count engaging in polite, sometimes heated but still polite, conversation. Ive seen miles and miles of highways, acres and acres of trees, huge great rivers and lakes, all things for which we should be exceedingly grateful. To the naysayers who dont seem happy with anything anyone with authority does, I suggest they take a step back and see if they would prefer life in the war-torn Middle East or under a dictator. I am not Pollyanna. I see causes for concern. I care about the homeless, the unemployed, the disenfranchised, but for July Fourth, I want a more perfect union and hope you will join me.

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