Women's View Magazine November 2021

VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER | 2021 Inspiring, educating, empowering and celebrating women in our community MAGAZINE AGrSalitceitofude More inside: No Senior Adult Left Behind Project Not Forgotten A Passion for Pie Recipes and Memories A Healthy Thanksgiving Enjoy the Day Free of Helping Kids Have a Home Regret or Guilt A Local Nonprofit Takes Up the Task

Close Letter from the Editor VOLUME 15 ISSUE 11 N o surprise here, November evokes gratitude. With Thanksgiving PUBLISHER and the holidays just around the corner, our busy schedules Bill Bowman, F & B Publications go into warp speed but pause long enough for us to share a [email protected] festive meal with grandparents, a visit with cousins and friends, cooking tips with now-grown children, a game of yard football with the ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER kids ― all the wonderful stuff the annual turkey day is made of. We are Janice Burton thankful for every moment. [email protected] But what else does gratitude look like? EDITOR How about a fast-food meal paid for to thank the soldier in line behind us Crissy Neville at the drive-thru; paying it forward says we appreciate your service. [email protected] A handwritten note of thanks ― skip the text or post ― for the cake a PRODUCTION MANAGER/ colleague brought to share at the office or for the neighbor who cut the GRAPHIC DESIGNER grass when we were sick. Writing the note by hand is more personal and Dylan Hooker now almost obsolete. [email protected] Flowers, a card or visit when allowed to a senior adult or nursing home resident ― someone we’ve never met and don’t know but is lonely and OPERATIONS DIRECTOR could use a friend ― #projectnotfotgotten. Paulette Naylor A cup of coffee brought to our spouse or best friend as they are getting [email protected] ready for work, even though we are busy, too. Sometimes, these small gestures say the most. MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE Linda McAlister A kind word or token of thanks to the worker painting the [email protected] house, fixing our sink, pruning the trees, keeping our kids, DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR/ delivering the mail; we all SALES ADMINISTRATOR know it takes a village. Laurel Handforth Jumping in to help our [email protected] parents, boss or the hostess at the dinner party pays NOVEMBER CONTRIBUTORS attention to how hard they Jelia Hepner work and gratitude for our being a family member, Bonnie Patterson employee, invited guest. Kathryn Whisnant Why? Rebecca King Leslie Corpening Just because. Because we can. Crissy Neville Because we care. Lisa Childers Taneisha Kerr In addition to the coconut, Cheryl Garrett pumpkin and pecan pie this holiday season and any Tremictrus Fairley time, we can offer up a big slice of gratitude, too, and Andrew Dugger wait and see what happens. Joseph Leggett Are you interested in writing? Consider contributing an article or pitching a WOMEN'S VIEW MAGAZINE story idea to WVM. We want to elevate your voice. For more information, email 208 ROWAN ST. FAYETTEVILLE, NC, 2 | N [email protected]. Be sure to like us and leave comments on our Facebook page. 28301 PHONE: 910-484-6200 2 | NOVEMBER 2021 FAX: 910-484-9218 Women’s View Magazine is for, by and about women in Cumberland County. Published by F&B Publications in conjunction with Media Marketing Management. ©2021 by F&B Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or advertisement without permission is strictly prohibited. Various vector sources credited to © Freepik and © Vecteezy. Association of Community Publishers

Inside November 16 10 4 13 24 28 4 WOMAN'S SPOTLIGHT 16 FODDER FOR FRIENDSHIP Lifelong learner Shannon Cate is a naturally nurturing Project Not Forgotten is a nonprofit charitable person and the local bartender at The Sandtrap. She raises organization that shares flowers and warm fuzzies with the bar for herself and others daily through education, senior adults in nursing homes across five counties, counseling and concern for others. including ours. 6 A HOME AWAY FROM HOME 22 MAKING ZOOM A ZIP Falcon's Children's Home has a long legacy of providing help FTCC communications instructor Leslie Corpening for hurting families and a home for children and youth at wants you to be ready for that next ZOOM call, as many their eastern Cumberland County campus. will need and use that platform this holiday season -- and beyond. 8 NCWORKS WORKS WITH AND FOR VETS 24 DOWN ON THE FARM, Learn how this public workforce system provides pathways to 100 YEARS AND COUNTING meaningful employment for veterans to help meet businesses' We heart farmers! Century Farms represent 100 years of needs, strengthening the local economy. commitment to agriculture and family, and Cumberland County has a few on this list. 10 PLEASE PASS THE GRAVY ― NOT! Contributor Bonnie Patterson gives guidance on keeping the 26 PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT spirit of holiday food with a little less of the unhealthy stuff. A daily attitude of gratitude benefits physical and mental health. \"Thank You, Lady\" is a practice that teaches 12 MINDING PS AND QS thankfulness for someone quite close -- ourselves. Get guidance on how to teach kids to show gratitude, realizing the earlier we instill appreciation, the more likely 28 IT'S A WOMAN'S WORLD: children will be happy and grateful adults. WEST FAYETTEVILLE Regular contributor Cheryl Garrett takes us on a tour of 13 FOR THE LOVE OF PIE West Fayetteville this month, from \"The Hill\" at Raeford Not much is as American as good ole' pie. Marie-Antoinette Road and Skibo to other notable landmarks. may have said, \"Let them eat cake,\" but local author and home baker Becky King has something else in mind. 2021 NOVEMBER | 3

Woman's Spotlight Raising the Bar ― Local Bartender Lives to Learn, Share and Care Shannon Cate By Jelia Hepner P roviding counseling may not be part of bartender Cate experienced PTSD firsthand with an ex-husband and Shannon Cate's current job description, but witnessed various of its side effects. Her background taught many community members consider her a great her a lot about how to help others cope. therapist. Bars are places where cocktails are often paired with confidential information and confessions. With her \"A lot of your core beliefs change when you have PTSD,\" said education and background as a licensed therapist, Cate is a Cate. \"So, if you thought you were important, you were safe, or support system for those who come to The Sand Trap bar in you thought you could speak up for yourself when you have Fayetteville to escape life stressors. \"I love bartending, and with PTSD, all of those messages that would normally help you my job, I get to meet new people and help them but also have have success get mixed up.\" fun all in one shift,\" said Cate. \"Why would that not be the best job to have?\" Encountering the illness in both her professional work as a counselor and her personal life through her ex-husand, Cate Being in the military for seven years and endeavoring to learn shared known side effects. She noted how PTSD causes one's Arabic, Cate's passion and dedication to serving others has brain to get stuck in a danger mode, causing the sufferer to always been her priority. receive upsetting, stress signals which are reinforced as the brain stays on high alert from past trauma. Education and life-long learning are other top prerogatives. Cate received multiple degrees, including an associate of Cate herself also had to deal with several traumatic issues arts, a bachelor's degree in government and a bachelor's of growing up. science. She worked as a licensed therapist, helping people living with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. \"When you come from a dysfunctional home, you learn skills; you learn how to survive,\" said Cate. \"Since a young age, I knew I wanted to be a counselor,\" said Cate. \"That is why I went into the profession of marriage She explains why she left the career of therapy but still finds and family therapy, especially helping those coming from a herself helping those in need. traumatized place.\" A Fayetteville native, Jelia Hepner is currently a graduate student living in Raleigh. With a bachelor's degree in mass communications, she is a former reporter for The Fayetteville Observer and The Paraglide. Business, relationships, parenting, entrepreneurship, events and women’s issues are topics she enjoys covering. 4 | NOVEMBER 2021

\"Around 2017, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy began making a lot of significant changes to its ethics,\" said Cate. \"These changes tied my hands with clients and cases, and that's when I decided to leave.\" Even though she is no longer a therapist, she still has a heart of gold and helps individuals who need to vent or seek help. \"I don't charge people,\" said Cate. \"I just want to help them, and if I can't, I will recommend others who can.\" \"Many people define success as earning money, but I define success as peace and harmony and building a community for people to thrive in,\" said Cate. She enjoys helping others and embracing each day; she also has a creative arts side from painting walls and back porch furniture to creating plant containers. \"I went and got some buckets from the dollar store, drilled holes in the sides, laced them up with strings and hung a bunch of plants upside down,\" Cate shared. She credits her best friend for helping mold her creative side. Of her friend, Cate said, \"I just love her; she has truly helped me with every aspect of my life and constantly pushes me to do great things.\" Throughout her lifetime, she has accomplished many things, professionally and personally. She also experienced hardships, including divorce and bankruptcy― yet, these never stopped her from having a good heart and helping others. The challenges, she said, only made her stronger and wiser and, in the opinion of many, an inspiration to others. \"I just spend my time in Fayetteville teaching myself all the things I wanted to learn that I did not get a chance to learn,\" said Cate. The jack-of-all-trades Cate uses her education, passions, life skills and lessons to help others throughout life's journey and wishes to be thought of as someone who cares. 2021 NOVEMBER | 5

GforraHteofmule By Joseph Leggett structure to every child who crosses our path. The average length of time a child stays at Falcon has changed drastically over the past few years. As little as 15 years ago, the average length of stay was three to four years, and now it is around 18 months. That means we are an important bridge for children during a difficult time as they hopefully transition back home. How would you describe “home?” We also work with the families and the Department of Social Services to coordinate The dictionary defines it as “a place where one lives family involvement, including visits with family permanently, especially as a member of a family or members when possible. We remind the children household,” but here at Falcon Children’s Home and we are not here to replace their mother or father, Family Services, home looks a little different but rather to provide a place for them until things can be worked out in their home situation. This Our goal is to help that same could include dependency issues, neglect and, feeling permeate our home unfortunately, abuse. here at Falcon. We have an on-campus school for kids to attend if they opt out of public school and on-campus We strive to create for our kids a place of security therapy and counseling. Our site-based health and warmth that will cultivate an environment services allow for weekly acute care and routine that allows the child to prosper and deal with the physicals. Each cottage has a kitchen and living trauma that is often involved in being placed space for everyone to hang out for game nights or outside the home. movie nights. Our houseparents create a structured schedule to give our kids a daily routine. They are Our goal is not to be a permanent home; instead, expected to handle chores, keep their rooms clean, we work to be a temporary living situation where do their homework, etc., just as in a regular home every child feels welcome and at ease. Our wish is setting. We work closely with our houseparents to that every child could be raised in a family home ensure their needs are being met to care for the setting, but for those who are not able to and are children living with them in one of our 13 cottages. placed with us, we make every effort to provide an environment that will nurture and develop that Our Transitional Living Program is a huge part of child to be successful in life. FCHFS and is a preparatory ground to help our kids build a home and a career after their time at When you think of home, you most likely are not Falcon. This program helps build financial stability, thinking of being in a cottage-type setting away character development, independence and effective from your family, possibly hours from a familiar city communication skills while encouraging higher or town, so we strive to provide a home setting and education or workforce engagement. The child must demonstrate a certain level of maturity and consistency to be a part of this program. Once approved, youth live in an apartment- Joseph Leggett has been Falcon Children’s Home and Family Services CEO for the last 14 years. Before that, he worked in social services and as a juvenile probation officer. He has a heart for children and works to expand, improve and strengthen programs at FCHFS to make a difference in the lives of the children served every day. 6 | NOVEMBER 2021

S o At Join Us 2021 Gallery Events type setting with less supervision and more November 9th independence, conditions geared to prepare them to live independently. The older students who leave 2021 NOVEMBER | 7 us often may not have the support system a family provides, making it incumbent upon us that they are prepared to live on their own. Students entering this program are typically 16 to 17 years old. Students can reside at Falcon’s until the age of 21, and we strongly encourage them to do so, but any young person who desires to be out on their own when they turn 18 can do so. Falcon Children’s Home has worked with over 20,000 children since 1908. As times change, we have realigned programs to meet the needs of the students we serve and have added new initiatives and built and renovated buildings. However, despite change, the one defining principle of Falcon Children’s Home remains the same. We are here to provide a home for children who, for whatever reason, are unable to stay in their traditional home setting. We will offer this home as long as it takes. In the process, we hope to make a positive difference in the lives of the children we serve.

Transitioning Women Veterans and NCWorks Career Center By Tremictrus Fairley and Andrew Dugger Women have served in the military going back to the Revolutionary War and continue to be an integral part of America's military strength. Margaret Corbin is considered the first woman to serve in the Army by utilizing a cannon to fight off British Soldiers after the death of her husband on the battlefield. On July 6, 1779, Congress awarded Margaret Corbin a lifelong pension for her service to the country. Women are instrumental in all aspects of society In 2011, Congress passed the Veterans Opportunity today, especially women veterans. In 2015, during the to Work to Hire Heroes Act, also known as VOW. height of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation This act mandated preparation programs for all Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, women branches with service members who have 180 days made up 12.3% of the U.S. military. According to the or more active-duty service. The VOW Act requires Department of Veterans Affairs, women account service members to participate in the transition for approximately 10% of the current force as of program 24 months before retirement, 12 months 2020. A 2017 study found that the median age of before separation date and 90 days before date women was 51 years old, nonwhite non-Hispanic, of discharge or release caused by unanticipated more likely to be divorced or separated, unlikely to circumstances or requirements. be uninsured, less likely to be under the poverty line and have a higher income than non-female The Department of Labor assists Americans in veterans. Women veterans currently have the lowest finding and maintaining employment. The DOL unemployment rate, with 4.9% for women veterans, also provides additional tools for veterans with while non-women veterans are 6.3%. Regarding programs such as the Workforce Innovation Act higher education, women veterans dominate their of 2014 and Veterans Employment and Training civilian counterparts, with 46% having completed a Services. The efforts are made in collaboration degree program compared to nonveteran women with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure with 28% having earned a degree, as reported by the veterans have the assistance they need to compete U.S. Department of Labor, 2021. in the demanding outside workforce with their civilian counterparts. WIOA provides employment Still, like any other career, the military makes up training services for adults, dislocated workers, service members' working years but not a lifetime. adult education, youth programs, state vocational The concept of women transitioning out of the rehabilitation services and Wagner-Peyser military is not a new process. employment services administered by the DOL. In the late 1980s, Congress established the The VA also offers similar programs designed only Transition Assistance Program as a part of the troop for veterans. Veteran Readiness and Employment, drawdown. Over the years, the program has been formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and adjusted to meet the needs of service members. Employment, is designed for disabled veterans. Major conflicts such as Desert Storm, Operation The program provides services such as resume Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom created a higher demand for an effective transition program to assist service members in finding and maintaining meaningful employment. Tremictrus Fairley is a Fayetteville native and retired U.S. Air Force veteran. With a background in human resources, serving as an essential source for transitioning service members, veterans and spouses comes naturally to her. She is an NCWorks Career Center veterans' employment consultant on Ft. Bragg. 8 | NOVEMBER 2021

development, job training and job skills coaching. Look no further.BRrF9oau2odys0dneH:ent9Bhtayaeke1rasovwDyvii0hgudiianelA-fShmlrslpu4yereLgst,RShr,Gaot8.atSiAsIuIeNlsniMbr0lNoIoNUnD.rraCNcuR-metnyrtGuYGltoY1oLitoidGh2Doenm0slLeOwnllo8tLuTgIc1ow,EigsnbVOfi30,EaOvAthpgesOh1nLewKgye4eeAODmoRdIearAyNctseDunloOCRioktDrildGtgoaVEEfiKusuotVslwolDAEao!nIorEFapNwrNvMnnInaOyNeetGiT.nhdnhtRTfrwhUeehgsablUtwewimfivRoioTSuzotkReihpaOHInyytriFaNbOWhnyroiAUntEOGedsofuS,ughGUDIodor,usSwIU,R’D,sevONLSmtrVmPhYeiielmEnOGlNEaoyealKlbRrLaoDeNWgoLoosobEmerOvFNOsaEEnkevTeuuheaEOtsiknOeiUnTyPhaorewnRDMiKoltu!dRwEdEWhtogcaEAIfCnoArsOisioCuNNyAanksLi,sRafteLkLtU.r-iDrGTohnsDuAlnIiuE,eMblEnoNSrVeIgrhFATIn5kuOtgmeDr’,EuGOhrm5,olsItfBoeNaNsOoIG5eeLRwmrftoTacrLcwtTAurNEy!hbSikaarOulaEUntDeohIeeieAhnSncNsnnuReYsageDmatdiBHgGrOnuoytsnenRhiLLogIytUmlaoldPkooid,EfEiauoEfwDSotfiwn.Auaed!trlaloAyfLigorrsMDrfuIyayoseO,Rsnmltpt.I.oLhshuuSIgVfOMGabwviaoNeSAenIarriOuewtrKNwImmUenilvDuGsoaLNotltDRdeiIathGYsuftOeYnNliwGyehlotCIonTacwrkLygoVOAobG.gniavLaGEgOosEtiuShOsnDeedwfhnK,EnuDIU’oevNFsaLRVDmdIacmynrYeNnOyAOGslEoeCoeRlkbiAoLatdotGNgRlDuLEoOsEhferiuOvDsrotaElwTDeVeeAKaiuo!OTtrFaVznlUhrEnonMIpIanHOKaEyNolRNvWtnhorid.htINnREheedOfGiohNiATwkeeInsrlasTkeUD,i-iDGUwmOTivhgzniUthnSepaVOHRhigNFIakWgRr’,iEOOWmEedsiEFfOnNoILrRUsOrD,grOUtTAu,!hSSh,ROUnDNSIeaNnRWYsEgiGOnu North Carolina explicitly utilizes NCWorks to pull It’s what I do. the collective magnitude of resources into one GET TO A BETTER STATE™. centralized location. Jobs for Veterans State Grants CALL ME TODAY. provide funding for a dedicated staff that is designed to provide individualized career and training-related State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, services and other supportive services State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, Cumberland County has two NCWorks Career State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL Centers; the main center is in town at 490 N. McPherson Church Rd. and the second on Fort 1101201 Bragg at Building 4-2843 Normandy Dr. The JVSG team members conduct outreach operations to Contributing engage with those in need of services within the community and the Fort Bragg NCWorks Career Writers Wanted Center that aids service members during their transition process. Join the Women’s View Magazine Team The goal is to deliver an employer-driven public workforce system that provides pathways to Use your creative talents to share meaningful employment, meets businesses' your cause, tell your story and needs and strengthens the local economy. JVSG promote the people, places and staff strives to align veterans with employers, events of this region. training programs, community partners and local government to sustain a high-quality, integrated and Basic writing and interviewing skills needed innovative public workforce system that advances Intern opportunities available for college students economic development and quality of life. Contact NCWorks, in conjunction with the JVSG Staff, offers [email protected] a multitude of supportive resources for all members (910) 484-6200 of the community, both civilian and veterans. Various community agencies provide these resources that help bridge the difficult times some may face. Some of these community partners include • Veteran Services of the Carolinas – Veterans Only www.abccm.org; • Volunteers of America www.voa.org; • Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/hvrp; • Veterans Bridge Home www.veteransbridgehome.org; • The Cohen Clinic www.centerstone.org/cohen- military-family-clinic/fayetteville/. NCWorks and community partners will be ready to assist those in need of our myriad of services. Once again, we have to give Margaret Corbin the recognition she deserves for stepping out onto the battlefield, paving the way for women veterans to demonstrate their skills and abilities. Women played a crucial role in every significant conflict well into the 21st century and still lead the way today. Andrew Dugger is a retired U.S. Marine and U.S. Army veteran with extensive experience in recruiting. Coupled with his leadership skills, he ensures that each customer receives top-notch assistance. He is an NCWorks Career Center veterans' employment consultant on Ft. Bragg. 2021 NOVEMBER | 9

Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving By Bonnie Patterson Everyone has his or her changes are depressing. Remember, Fill half your plate with holidays are special not because of the vegetables first and not the childhood jewel-eyed memory of specific day or every calorie consumed. ones covered in sauces. A little the Thanksgiving table. Memories of Holidays are special because of our honored family recipes and comfort memories of holidays before and of the bacon grease from breakfast can add foods make our mouths water even special people past and present with delicious flavor to asparagus or Brussels without a morsel in sight. But as you whom we celebrate. sprouts. Sprinkle some olive oil with salt grow, the holidays change from when and pepper on any vegetable instead you were a child. Family members pass Let’s not forget the usual holiday of butter. Garlic and onions are great away, or you move to another state. weight-gain dilemma ― those who try partners for almost any veggie. You may not get holidays off anymore. to lose weight or stay on a medically Many people work jobs on holidays, like induced diet often have to sacrifice the Convert some favorite recipes. medical or restaurant staff, and end up joy of the holidays. Here are some ideas eating with colleagues. to keep the spirit of holiday food with a If you are a green bean casserole fan, little less of the unhealthy stuff. trade up to bacon and onion-green Adding to the mix is the fact that beans. The sweet potato casserole holiday favorites are not easy to prepare Don't change a favorite. Keep one can change to sweet potatoes with a yourself. Your mom and grandma's bit of honey and nuts on top, or add hours in the kitchen to prepare from of your favorite side dishes or dessert butter and Cajun seasoning. Cut the scratch downhome-cookin' might not recipes intact in all its caloric glory, but mashed potatoes with cooked and work for you, and sometimes such cut your portion in half and decrease pureed cauliflower from the blender. the serving size. Your family probably won't know the Bonnie Patterson is a full-time mom and volunteer. She loves to write, teach and practice yoga. 10 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

difference. Smoke the turkey and use with antioxidants. Experiment ahead someone's house, and you or your family a grill seasoning instead of cooking a of time on your household and cut the have allergies or food sensitivities? It traditional turkey and gravy. Sneak sugar by ¼ or 1/3. can be scary if your child has a peanut more veggies into the stuffing, allergy or embarrassing if you are including onion, celery, carrots, Lean on your resources. Check lactose intolerant. When in doubt, ask eggplant or squash. what they are serving and what others the grocery store deli for a quick healthy are bringing. Then ask if you can get a Change the snacks and side that you can taste for free. For healthy side or three. Most people will appetizers. Fruit trays with yogurt, example, try some tabouleh, grilled appreciate less work and more food veggies or a pasta salad. at the table. Don't throw your diet and veggie trays with hummus or tzatziki health out the window because you sauce are refreshing. Mixed nuts Free up space on the oven or don't want to be embarrassed. If your and trail mix with sunflower seeds or stovetop. Use a crockpot to keep it family and friends love you, they will pumpkin seeds are easy to make and want you to take care of yourself and easy on the budget. Let's not forget warm and ready for serving. Use the your health. you can make it COVID-friendly by smoker for the turkey to free up the prepackaging your mixed snacks in oven. Are you losing refrigerator space? Start a new family or friend plastic bags. Individual cups of shrimp Fill your beach cooler or bag with ice tradition with those with whom cocktails with fresh avocado and tomato and put the salads in there. Then when you celebrate. At most gatherings, slices with a favorite salsa sauce will give you take out the food, exchange them your table a formal flare. for drinks. families thank God for food. Friends might say one thing they are thankful \"What's for the dessert?\" You can Glean from guests. Are you hosting for as they go around the table at a fun-themed Thanksgiving, which replace the baked apple or pumpkin and strapped for time? Ask guests to they call \"Friendsgiving.\" Coworkers pie with a fresh strawberry shortcake bring a specific item that is easy to pick have been known to share hilarious or berry sorbet. Several kinds of cookies up for singles or overworked moms. \"Remember when… stories.\" Board with coconut, cranberries, cherries games and card games are great ways and raisins, which add more vitamins Be a good host and ask about to make new memories together. and minerals to your diet, exist. Not allergies or dislikes. Many people Burn off the bird by taking an after- to mention you can make a carrot dinner stroll, shooting some hoops or cake with raisins, applesauce, nuts have food sensitivities and are on competing in a turkey run. and, of course, carrots. For pie, you can medical diets now. You don't have to substitute white sugar with stevia or change your whole menu, but ensure Here's wishing you a honey. Try adding nuts to the graham at least three options for their diets. You Healthy Thanksgiving! cracker crust for extra protein and can label and identify them to healthy fats. A fruit crumble can have your guests. 2 0 2 1 N OV E M B E R | 11 cholesterol-lowering oatmeal and fruit How to handle food etiquette. What do you do if you are invited to

Teachable Thankfulness to Children By Kathryn Whisnant What is gratitude? Please. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. in their schools, make better grades, find satisfaction in hobbies and are less jealous of others. Yes, sir. Such phrases are among the rhetoric that comes to mind when the word gratitude ― and also, manners ― are Teaching Gratitude. How do we teach our children mentioned, especially in the South. However, gratitude is something much deeper than a few words. We've all said gratitude? First, we model it for them. This isn't a \"do as I say, those words when we didn't mean them, often through not as I do'' type of thing. Children learn a great deal about clenched teeth. However, I think we can all agree the display gratitude from watching those influential around them. They of gratitude is a welcome sight, especially in our children. can learn as they see gratitude expressed at home. Here are some ways to show appreciation for one another. Gratitude defined. This trait is defined in the dictionary as • Express gratitude through words, either verbally or in the quality of being thankful, readiness to show appreciation writing, and share with the person. for, and return kindness. Gratitude is a genuine appreciation for the things, people and opportunities in life. It doesn't mean • At a meal, spend time discussing what you are grateful denying the tough things that happen to us, but promotes for and why. the hope and belief that things will get better. The best definition of gratitude may have come from Annette Bridges' • Make a list of what you are grateful for and post it interpretation: \"Gratitude helps us to see what is there instead somewhere so you can read it when the days get hard of what isn't.\" and sad. Add to it as the days and weeks go on. Gratitude's importance. Many studies detail the benefits • Think of others and act unselfishlessly. Make it a priority to do kind things for people in your life who might need of instilling an attitude of gratitude in children. Children as a positive touch – maybe a card, encouraging text or a young as five can associate gratitude with happiness. The small gift. earlier we instill appreciation, the more likely children will be happy and grateful adults. Older children and teens who are When so many people are having a tough time, a kind touch thankful tend to be happier, more optimistic and have better can make all the difference to someone. Making gratitude a social circles than their less grateful counterparts. This value way of life has so many benefits for ourselves and those we shows up in many ways: grateful children are more engaged encounter. Being grateful doesn't just happen; it must be an intentional priority. Let's help our kids make it a priority today. Kathryn Whisnant is a Christian, wife and mother of two boys. She is an academically and intellectually gifted specialist in Cumberland County Schools with 25 years of educational experience. 12 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Make Mine Pie By Rebecca King Imagine your favorite pie. Maybe your mouth water just thinking sweet or savory, pies often evoke it’s your grandmother’s lemon about it, or perhaps it’s the turkey memories of comfort and home and meringue with heavenly cloud-like pot pie made seasonally at your are a rich part of our past. peaks and a tart filling that makes favorite restaurant. Whether F or early settlers, pies were practical that doesn’t mean it’s become any the dough for the steam to escape, our in that they didn’t require as less complicated. Should we make a mother, who taught us, and her mother, much flour as bread, could shortening or butter dough? Should who taught her, were always there be cooked in a primitive oven and it be gluten-free, deep-dish, standard in spirit. provided sustenance with minimal single or double crust? Are pie weights ingredients. But although we think essential? Are traditional or modern Now, years later, I still make my dough in that pie is quintessentially American, techniques better? And what even the same silver bowl and use the same pies have a much more global history. constitutes a pie? Is it pie if there’s only a long-pronged antique dinner fork that I Food historians speculate that some did at the café. I’m in North Carolina, my combined form of crust top crust? Is it pie if it’s not round? sister is in Maine and our mother and and filling date back Is shepherd’s pie, pie? grandmother are both gone now. Yet, to the Egyptians How about pizza pie? whenever I make pie, they are all with and ancient What about tarts me in the kitchen, telling me to make Romans. Crusts, and quiches? sure the water for the dough is cold and also called Do I dare even reminding me not to over mix, or the coffins, were mention crust will be tough. oftentimes whoopie inedible pies, which I have a sign in my containers are really kitchen that says, used primarily cream-filled “Pie fixes everything.” to preserve cookie cakes? I believe there’s more meat; however, truth to this than not. they were also None of that used to hide animals, matters to me. When I bake a pie, I take simple birds and even humans What’s important is ingredients, recalling a passed-down for entertainment during royal the ritual and the people technique and creating something festivities, which may help explain the who join me in my kitchen when I complex and indulgent for others. “four and twenty blackbirds baked in a gather the ingredients on the counter. When I eat pie, it’s always with others. pie.” I don’t know how I feel about birds When we owned our café in Maine, my Okay, sometimes I’m standing alone flying out of pie, but as far as coffins sister and I made thousands of pies: at the counter with a fork in hand, but go, a flaky double crust sounds like raspberry crumb, blueberry, strawberry it’s usually with others. My point is that a perfect resting place for the last of rhubarb, apple, pecan, custard, peanut making and eating pie is about giving summer’s produce or the pecans we butter. I could go on. But in those early love and being surrounded by love, and harvest on the farm in late fall. mornings, when it was just the two of us both, I believe, are the basic ingredients under the humming fluorescent lights, necessary to fix just about everything. Pie-making has come a long way we were never alone. As we rolled, since those early pastry caskets, but crimped the edges and forked holes in Rebecca King is the director of the Methodist University Writing Center. She lives on a small farm in Lillington with her husband, brother and a throng of dogs, horses and one very fluffy cat. When not writing, Rebecca spends most of her time reading, traveling, rescuing dogs and yes, baking pies. 2 0 2 1 N OV E M B E R | 13

PIE DOUGH Makes one 9-inch pie crust • 3 cups flour • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 1/2 cups shortening • 1 egg • 1 tablespoon vinegar • 7-8 tablespoons ice-cold water Mix flour and salt. Add shortening and mix with a fork until the consistency of small peas, ensuring you stir from the bottom. Add egg, vinegar, and cold water. Mix until well blended ― don’t overwork the dough, or it will be tough. BEST OF ALL PECAN PIE • 1 pie crust, uncooked • 3 eggs • 1 cup maple syrup ― the real stuff • ½ cup brown sugar • 4 tablespoons melted butter • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1 ¼ cups pecans Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat eggs and add all remaining ingredients. Pour into a pie crust-lined pie plate. Bake until set. Cool on a wire rack. 14 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

TRIPLE BERRY PIE Sprinkle with lemon juice. Dot with butter. • 1 pie crust, uncooked • 1 cup fresh blackberries Allow fruit mixture to stand for about • 2 cups fresh raspberries 15 minutes. • 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries • ½ cup white sugar Stir the berry mixture and pour the filling • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour into the pie crust-lined pie plate. • ½ teaspoon cinnamon, optional • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Cover with the other pie crust, fold and • 2 tablespoons butter crimp the edges under, leaving a 1/2 -inch Note: Frozen fruit may be used instead overhang. of fresh. Note: If making a single berry pie Cut vents in the top to allow steam is desired, use 3 cups of the fruit to escape. of choice. To prevent over-browning, cover the edge Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. of the pie with foil. In a large mixing bowl, stir together Bake in the preheated oven on a baking the sugar and cornstarch. Add the tray for 25 minutes, and then remove the blackberries, raspberries and blueberries; foil for the next step. gently toss until berries are coated. Bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden. Cool on a wire rack. DEEP DISH PEACH PIE • 2 pie crusts, uncooked • 6 cups peeled, pitted, sliced peaches ― fresh or frozen • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 ¼ cup sugar • 1/8 teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon • 3 tablespoons flour • 3 tablespoons butter Heat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the sliced peaches in a large bowl and add the lemon juice. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and flour. Gently add the dry mix to the peaches. an additional 30-35 minutes until pie is golden and filling is bubbly. Pour into the crust, and dot with butter. Note: if the crust begins to brown Cover with the other pie crust, fold and too quickly, cover edges loosely with crimp the edges under and cut several aluminum foil. slits in the top to vent steam. Cool on a wire rack, slice and enjoy! Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 2 0 2 1 N OV E M B E R | 15

PRermoejemcbterNinogtthFeoErlgdeortlyten By Crissy Neville H ave you ever forgotten your keys, your wallet or an appointment? While losing track of everyday objects and occurrences is frustrating, imagine being a forgotten person, isolated and alone without visitors or family and friends to talk to. Such stressors daily impact the lives of the senior citizens in our midst, particularly during the pandemic. Fortunately for Cumberland, Harnett and surrounding counties, Dunn florist Jeffrey Surles, an advisory board and an army of volunteers confront this problem. The 501(c) (3) incorporated not-for-profit Project Not Forgotten spearheaded by Surles arranges and coordinates the delivery of bud vases and flower arrangements, along with handmade cards from local kids, to thousands of nursing home residents and senior adults in Cumberland, Harnett, Johnston, Sampson and Wake counties. With the goal of six deliveries a year across all four seasons and major holidays, the gregarious all-volunteer group has been hard at work since September 2020, ever since, according to Surles, \"a little birdie prompted me to do something.\" \"I call it a birdie, but you and I know it was God,\" said the owner of Jeffrey's Florist at 121 E Broad Street in downtown Dunn. \"I refer to this as a burden. It has been God's calling on my life (to help the elderly). You see, my mom worked in geriatrics as a registered nurse her whole career and developed a real love for senior adults. My siblings and I saw that and knew that. She worked at the Golden Years nursing home in Falcon for years, and as a child, I got off the school bus there and visited and helped, too. I have wanted to honor my mom's devotion to the elderly and her caregiving career as an adult. And, when God puts something on your heart, you have to act on it.\" Surles' 91-year-old mother lives at his Dunn home and has around-the-clock caregivers in addition to the aid provided by Surles and his sister. \"My mom was a Rex School of Nursing graduate, a garden club member and a Sunday school teacher. (Along with her professional nursing career) mom also cared for my dad after his stroke until his death in 1997 and nursed my brother on dialysis. He died in 2006. Today mom is blind from macular degeneration in both eyes and Crissy Neville is the editor of Women’s View Magazine and Kidsville News! national and local editions. 16 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

suffers from White Matter Disease, a cousin to dementia.\" During the COVID crisis, elderly persons such as Surles' mother receiving in-person contact and care from loved ones have been a minority. With social distancing and personal safety protocols in place at various times during the pandemic, nursing home facilities have often allowed no one to enter their premises except staff. Group activities and events have many times been canceled or scaled back, even dining room communal meal times. Families have been limited on visits to their nursing home-bound loved ones, not able to see grandma or grandpa, nor mom or dad. Outside visitation like drive-bys and window-side visits, void of human contact, have been the norm. This had been the case at the onset of COVID and into the first full year, alleviated by the rise of vaccinations and easing-up of protocols only to see a resurgence with the Delta variant's appearance. While COVID and its effects are novel, our nation's most mature adults' isolation and loneliness are not. And though the pandemic has amplified the problem, Project Not Forgotten purposes to make a positive difference. \"It was the Friday before Labor Day of 2020 when I started putting this idea together,\" Surles reflected. \"I shared my thoughts on Facebook, and people immediately responded, asking how they could help, offering services, meeting sites and funds. It started growing and has gotten bigger each time.\" At that first gathering, volunteers were not the only ones to show up. TV news crews and reporters did, too, eager to share good news. \"Brian Mims from Channel 5 came, and so did other news outlets. The story went viral, and the next thing I knew, friends from the beach were calling, and strangers in Florida were reaching out,\" Surles shared. \"That Saturday, one man who was greatly touched called and said he knew if his mama were still living, she would have said to 'come to pick up the check.' So, he had a check on my desk Monday morning.\" That was September 2020. Project Not Forgotten volunteers met and made deliveries a few more times in 2020 and 2021. Right off the bat, Surles' friend and Dunn community leader Sharon 2 0 2 1 N OV E M B E R | 17

Stevens stepped up to see how she could help and got a to happen. If it is far away, like that, however, we like to have a board of directors and nonprofit status off the ground. representative from the nursing home come to us to pick up the flowers.\" The board decided on a mission statement, too: At Project Not Forgotten, we seek to better the lives of nursing home Stevens calculates they serve 1500 residents at 25 facilities patients who have been removed from frequent contact with across Fayetteville, Lillington, Dunn, Benson, Fuquay, the outside world. We seek to improve the quality of their lives Smithfield and into Sampson and Wake counties for as we reflect God's love and care with seasonal deliveries. approximately $2 per vase. That equals $3,000 per event, she said. In Fayetteville, deliveries are made to the Veteran's Affairs They also set a calendar for the deliveries six times a Hospital, The Carolina Inn and The Carolina Highlands. year: Valentine's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, late August, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The flowers, cards and thinking- \"If there's a home we're not delivering to, it's just a matter of-you gestures have been lovingly received at numerous of someone calling with the name of the facility and their nursing homes and assisted care facilities across a five-county contact information. We'll do the rest,\" Stevens said. radius. Volunteers deliver to close-by sites based upon request — usually made by a resident's family — but they make Doing the rest starts with preparing the multitude of flower further away inquiries happen, too. arrangements that must be put together and delivered. On each event day, it's game on. Volunteers show up early, \"We do not turn anyone down,\" Surles said. \"If you call me stay late, arrange flowers with finesse and garner winning and say there is a nursing home in Raleigh with 62 patients results every time. The first arrangement featured mixed and you would like them to receive flowers, we arrange for it flowers; the second, held in late September, a fall flora with 18 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

pumpkin decor; Christmas, 1,400 mini potted poinsettias. In Want to help spread kindness? Volunteers are always needed, 2021, volunteers created special floral gifts for Valentine's Day, West said. \"There are many ways to help, through donating, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th and fall. And coming up soon, helping to arrange the flowers, delivering the products, Christmas and the holiday season. making cards and praying for these events, volunteers and residents. All are greatly appreciated.\" Work stations have also varied as organizations, including churches, community centers and event venues, have Surles leans on the wisdom and logic his father imparted to stepped up to offer space. him when asked why this issue? Why now? The gifts would not be complete without the caring touch of \"Don't ever let your struggles outweigh your blessings,\" he special cards made by kids. Among others, Dunn resident, remembers his father saying. Project Not Forgotten sees volunteer and board member Jessica Fuller West helps with senior adults' struggles and bestows blessings, but Surles this project. aspires for more. \"We anticipate going into visit ourselves, singing to the residents and handing out the flowers \"As soon as my boys heard Mr. Jeffrey discussing organizing ourselves,\" he said. \"We plan on being here a long time.\" the first event, they wanted to be involved,\" West said. \"Watching them be so excited about it and figuring out To get involved, see updates and even buy program ways they could spread kindness just made me want to help merchandise, contact the organization on Facebook more. This has been a tough season in life for us. So, for our Messenger or at 910-891-7000. Donations can be mailed or community to come together to spread kindness like this has brought in person to Jeffrey's Florist at 121 East Broad St., been amazing to witness.\" Dunn, North Carolina, 28334. #PROJECTNOTFORGOTTEN. 2 0 2 1 N OV E M B E R | 19

Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. - Oprah Winfrey 20 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Shop Small BOONE TRAIL Businesses A staff report L ocally owned small businesses are vital components of a VETERAN’S DAY thriving community. In the wake of the pandemic, Stars & Stripes Special Fayetteville and Cumberland County began to realize, perhaps 20 % OFF more than ever before, how important local businesses are to the local economy. A 6 MONTH MEMBERSHIP Job creation and tax revenue are two ways that locally HOME OF THE 30-MINUTE WORKOUT owned small businesses support the local economy. These businesses also make communities unique and CLASSES serve as a source of pride for residents, underscoring the importance of keeping them as the world slowly emerges Monday - Thursday: from the pandemic. 5:30am/6:15am/8am/8:45/10:30am Businesses big and small look to the holiday season as a great 4pm/4:45/5:30pm/6:15pm time to increase their revenue. Big business gets a significant Friday: boost from Black Friday, which occurs on the day after Thanksgiving and marks the unofficial opening of the holiday 5:30am/6:15am/8am/8:45/10:30am shopping season. But consumers who want to support locally Saturday: owned small businesses as they start their holiday shopping can look to the Small Business Saturday campaign happening Sa8asmsy/8S:4e0naiomrs: the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Tues/Thurs 10 am • Sat 9:30 am Shop Small is an initiative started in 2010 by American Express to focus on the small business owners within communities https://boonetrailfitbodybootcamp.com/Fitness across the nation. Every year on this day, the goal is to get the people of the communities out shopping and supporting DINAH GOODMAN their local small businesses. Master Coach Personal Trainer Since 2009, a relaxing and enjoyable alternative to the big box store “Black Friday,” is Plaid Friday ― also occurring the Friday 3039 Boone Trail Ext. after Thanksgiving. Founded in Oakland, CA, this initiative is 910-889-1155 like Small Business Saturday in that it promotes locally owned small businesses and encourage residents to patronize these www.facebook.com/FitBodyBooneTrail/ establishments as they shop for the holidays ― and beyond. 2 0 2 1 N OV E M B E R | 21 Often merchants encourage shoppers to wear plaid, a symbol of the retail day. Shop Local in Cumberland County this holiday season on Nov. 26 ― Black Friday and Plaid Friday and Nov. 27 ― Small Business Saturday.

Virtual Meeting Tips for a Happy Holiday Season and Beyond By Leslie Corpening COVID-19 forces a special occasion virtually. Although I If you are fortunate to participate in a many had experience participating in virtual meeting during the day, be careful not of us to incorporate virtual meetings meetings before the pandemic, I to allow too much sunlight to shine or into our daily or weekly routines. Tech wasn't prepared to hold them at home reflect into the camera. If the meeting talks have become a necessity rather or work for an extended period. I had is at night, make sure the house lights than a luxury. Zoom's CEO, Eric Yuan, to adapt to provide my community are in front of you and not behind said in a blog post last year that their college students with the quality of you to lessen or eliminate glares and usage \"ballooned overnight.\" He instruction they had come to enjoy shadows. Additionally, you may sit reported the company's daily usage quickly. The learning curve was near a lamp for maximum lighting. was approximately 10 million during challenging to say the least, but However, you might have to adjust the 2019. Then in 2020, that daily usage very rewarding. lamp's position to cut down on any surged to 200 million for March alone, glare or shadows. jumping a whopping 20 times in one Preparation month. This article will equip you with Next, position your device's camera, basic tips for participating in virtual From my experience, when preparing whether on a phone, desktop, laptop meetings during this unprecedented to attend a virtual meeting, always go or iPad® ― to your eye level. Never time. You will learn preparation and to a quiet space. If a quiet room isn't participate in a meeting looking participation tips to interact within the available, then use headphones. The down into your camera or looking up virtual meeting space effectively. area should be well lit. Natural light as if taking a selfie. Your face should from the sun is the best lighting, so be looking straight ahead into the A working device, Internet connection, occupying a space with a window camera. This might require you to tech skills, workspace and patience are is ideal. Natural light doesn't appear raise the device by using a tripod vital for those \"punching the clock,\" yellowish on camera, and it illuminates or resting it on whatever furniture visiting family members or celebrating dark areas. is available, like the top of a desk, Leslie M. Corpening has worked as a communication instructor at Fayetteville Technical Community College for the past 17 years. Having taught at numerous other institutions of higher learning, Corpening is also the founder and owner of LesCorp Communication Consulting, a human communication services provider. Learn more at www.lescorpcc.com. 22 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

nightstand, or bar stool. You might also have to add a few books or boxes on top of the furniture before placing your device on top of it. In my classes, I call this \"building the camera up\" to eye level. Also, don't hold the device when participating in a virtual meeting because it will produce too much movement and arm fatigue, negatively affecting eye level. Although social media influencers have made it fashionable to hold or place their devices in unconventional positions, your device's camera should be at eye level and stationary. And last, always have a backup device ready to join the meeting in case your primary device malfunctions. Participation Once your preparation is complete, it's time to join the meeting. Join five to 15 minutes early if possible if you have issues with your device's settings; the meeting software, i.e., Zoom, Google Teams, WebEx; or miscellaneous items like headphones or microphones. Make sure your video is unshared, and your audio is muted until it is time to go live. During one of my work meetings, we heard a loud toilet flush that was embarrassing for the \"offender'' and comic relief for the rest of us. Therefore, your video and audio status are important at all times. Then click your tools ― chat, raise- you can use multiple screens to view Speaking and seeing reactions hand, etc. ― to test if they are working everything. One screen will show the simultaneously is possible if you dust properly. Suppose you use a phone to meeting, and the other screen will off your peripheral vision. join. Silence all incoming calls, texts show the other material. Always look and notifications. Once the meeting at your device's camera, not screen, Whether you are working or starts and you go live by sharing your when speaking to give proper eye celebrating with family and friends video and unmuting your audio, make contact. You must look at the camera this Thanksgiving, Christmas and sure your video image and those of and speak to make proper eye contact other special occasions, I guarantee the other participants appear. You to engage participants directly in the that using these tips will improve your may also want to say hello or chat to virtual world. It's a juggling act, so you virtual meetings. get a response. should talk to the camera and then look at the screen to see their reaction. Happy Holidays! If you need to view other material outside the virtual meeting space, 2 0 2 1 N OV E M B E R | 23 open another window or use another browser while the meeting is live. This action will allow you to view the live session and the other material simultaneously on one screen. Likewise, if you have the capability,

North Carolina Century Farms 100 years or more of heritage and agriculture By Lisa Childers As the director of Cumberland County Cooperative Extension, I find myself before groups of citizens much of the time. Each time I speak about agriculture, I begin with the following exercise: Raise your hand if your great-grandparents lived on a farm. Keep your hand raised only if your grandparents lived on a farm. Keep your hand raised only if your parents lived on a farm. Keep your hand raised only if you were raised on a farm. Keep your hand raised only if your children are being raised on a farm. As you can imagine, when the exercise land. That is why I have a great deal of original owner, or a legally adopted begins 98% of the people in the room gratitude for those farm families that child of the descendant. Continuous have their hand raised, but by the end have survived the ups and downs of residence in the state or on the of the exercise, at best, one person in agriculture to maintain the family farm property is not required. the room will still have his or her hand for over a century. raised. This exercise is indicative of According to the NCDO, the following how our communities look today. We The North Carolina Department of farms in Cumberland County hold the are two to three generations removed Agriculture established the Century Century Farms distinction: from the family farm. Farms recognition program. Farms recognized in this program can • Geddie Autry, Steven M. Autry While there are fewer farms today proudly display a certificate and (1872) than there were 100 years ago, road sign to recognize their family's the small family farm continues to agricultural heritage. To be eligible for • Thomas Lea Brooks IV (1811) sustain us with the food and fiber Century Farms, the farm must be in • Sidney Ray Bullard (1855) we depend upon each day. Some of continuous ownership by your family • Indian Ridge Farm: Wayne Collier those family farms have transitioned for 100 years or more. This can be over time from dairy and tobacco determined from an abstract of title or Jr. (1872) farms to agritourism, entertainment original records such as original deed • Evelyn B. Bullard Estate: Margaret venues or into U-pick operations or land patents. Other authentic land to meet the growing demand for records may be acceptable in certain B. Davis (1761) local fresh produce. In a 100-year cases. Title to the property today must • Troy A. Fisher Jr. (1847) span, farms overall have transitioned reside with a blood relative of the • Gillis Hill Road Produce: William K. from mules and plows to highly sophisticated precision technology. Gillis (1800) Modern agriculture has increased • Buie-House: Ricky Duane House our productivity and enabled us to grow more food on less land with (1913) self-steering tractors, automated • Riverplace: Della Fowler Mol, no-till farming and GPS technology. Regardless of how much technology Vance G. Fowler, Elaine Fowler and innovation comes into agriculture, Sharp (1825) no substitute exists for farmers and Let’s consider two of these local farms and the women instrumental in their success. West Fayetteville resident Beth Gillis Willis shared with WVM that she is WVM Contributor Lisa Benzaquen Childers has worked for North Carolina Cooperative Extension for over 20 years and is the Director of Cumberland County Cooperative Extension. Born and raised in Fayetteville, she is married with two daughters, Anna and Emersyn. 24 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

part of the seventh generation of her family that still work the same land today. The Gillis family moved to the area in the 1700s and acquired their land by a land grant. Starting in 16th-century America, land grants were given to establish settlements, missions and farms. The Gillis farm initially used water His obituary honored him and his farm power to run a grist mill and sawmill. heritage, reading, “Ray was a fourth- The family had two cotton gins and generation farmer. Early in his career, timber and turpentine operations. he was the recipient of the Jaycees Additionally, they raised watermelons, Young Farmer of the Year award. cotton, small grains, tobacco and He knew the importance of being livestock. Today, electricity has a good steward of the land and replaced water power, and the shared his knowledge with future farm hums to the tune of mostly generations. He was a director of the mechanical labor. Urban sprawl has NC Soybean Producers Association been an obstacle, as the farm is closely and member of the Cumberland surrounded by neighborhoods and County Livestock Association (among shopping centers along Gillis Hill and other acts of service).” Raeford Roads. Family growth has led to the original farm being divided into four smaller farms to make room for multiple generations. Today, Willis and her brother, David The North Carolina Department of Gillis, head up Contentment Farm, Agriculture’s Century Farm Program while their brother John leads Gillis Hill is looking for farms that have been Farm. Cousins of the siblings oversee in continuous family ownership for Gillis Hill Road Produce and Gillis 100 years or more to join the nearly Farms, Inc. The four entities are all 2,000 farms in the program. The located side-by-side, still operated by program exists to honor farms for their Gillis ancestors. longstanding contributions to North Carolina’s rich agricultural heritage. Stedman resident Kay Bullard shared with WVM that she married Sidney Every four years, the N.C. State Fair Ray Bullard of the Century Farm hosts a reunion to recognize Century Bullard family 48 years ago. The Farm families. Because the State Bullard Farms Century Farm tract of Fair was canceled in 2020, the land has been in agriculture use for reunion was moved to Oct. 18, 2021, 166 years. Joseph Bullard’s great, great, said Agriculture Commissioner Steve great-grandson Collins now manages Troxler, and celebrated the 50th a poultry operation and grows corn, anniversary of the Century Farm wheat and soybeans on the tract of Program. Some 1,950 member farms land in Stedman that Joseph acquired are in the program, with 97 of the on March 15, 1855. state’s 100 counties represented. “A century farm is a heritage passed So, as we enter this month of the tears, the late nights, the early from generation to generation. I’m thanksgiving and gratitude, let us mornings, the missed baseball games blessed to be a link in that chain continue to support the agricultural and ballet recitals –– all to ensure that for our farm: the wife of the 5th industry in our community. Gratitude a baby calf is born healthy or to ensure generation and mother of the 6th,” is the best word I can find to describe that this crop, which determines their shared Bullard, who lost her husband how I feel about the farm families future, is the best one yet. due to COVID-19 complications on in our community. Gratitude for January 13. their sacrifice, the blood, the sweat, 2 0 2 1 N OV E M B E R | 25

“Thank You, Lady” Gratitude Practice By Taneisha Kerr minutes before bed to do You are such a fighter!” a gratitude meditation or ◀ “I know sometimes I’m critical I t’s hard to believe that we are gratitude journaling results in approaching two full years of better sleep quality. Here is an and harsh, like that time I….” COVID 19’s global onslaught. easy five-minute exercise that ◀ “But always remember I love The devastating toll it’s taken on you can use to get you started, the medical system runs parallel to either as a guided meditation you, and I am grateful for how the strain the pandemic has put on or as writing prompts for a strong you are.” our mental health and well-being. journal. I call it my “Thank • Pause and let the words sink in. Day-to-day life is drizzled with fear, You, Lady” practice; you’ll • Place your hand on your heart uncertainty, isolation and overall see why below. and say again how grateful you stress. Even the strongest of us have are for yourself. For example, I say, been pushed to the limit at some Thank You, Lady “You are so awesome, and I am so point in the past two years. As we go Practice grateful for you ― body, heart and into this season of thankfulness and mind. Thank you, lady!” celebration, let’s take a few moments • Set aside five minutes in each day to lean into a sense of a quiet area where you This practice may feel weird the first gratitude. No matter how cliché it won’t be interrupted. few times you do it. It may even stir sounds or how difficult things become, up emotions you didn’t expect. But we can always find something for • Relax your body; you can lie as you look around your life and give which to be thankful. down or sit, whatever is most thanks for your family, blessings and comfortable. achievements, don’t forget to give Physical and mental benefits. thanks for yourself, too. • Close your eyes and take a few A daily attitude of gratitude has slow, deep, deliberate breaths, If you’d like to do this or other guided proven benefits for both physical relaxing your muscles with each meditations with me, visit my YouTube and mental health. This fact was the exhalation. Channel Sacred Spaces or download conclusion reached by Drs. Patrick Hill, the scripts at www.TaneshiaKerr.com. Mathias Allemand and Brent Roberts • Bring to mind an image of yourself in a 2011 study of 962 adults. Their as a child; picture yourself happily study, published in the Personality and playing and imagine as many Individual Difference Journal, showed details as you can. that grateful people experience fewer aches and pains, have less aggression, • Give Little You a name (you can lower levels of depression and less use your name). Say hi and invite overall unhappiness. They were Little You to come and sit for a more likely to exercise and attend moment. For example, I say, “Hey to their general well-being. In short, Lady, come sit with me. I want to maintaining a habit of being grateful talk with you for a minute.” leads to a happier, healthier you. • Take Little You’s hand and say a Implementing a daily practice. statement such as the following. ◀ “The past year has been….” Making gratitude a daily routine does Briefly say how your year is not have to be complicated. Studies going so far. have shown that simply taking 15 ◀ “But no matter what’s been thrown at you, you’re still here! Taneshia Kerr is a marketing communicator, licensed counselor and member of the Forbes Business Council. With 18 years of experience in the direct selling industry, she has mentored more than 500 distributors. 26 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Adopt a Positive experience a better’s night sleep and fall asleep faster, Outlook to too. Try meditating on or praying about what you are Help Your Health thankful for and for the blessings in your life; it beats counting sheep! A Staff Report 3. Build stronger relationships. Saying thank you is more than good manners; it is a form of positive A positive look on life and an attitude of communication that can have a domino effect on gratitude can have a tremendous impact others. A kind word, smile or random act of kindness on one’s health, according to a Journal on ― paying it forward ― can be the day brightener Positive Psychology study. Whether it is true that someone else needs. grateful people live healthier lives or healthy people are 4. Bring your blood pressure more grateful in neither here nor there. Gratefulness, down. Life is stressful, and either way, is a good value to pursue. it easy to let our emotions get out of control. A 2016 Here are four ways gratitude can change you for the better. study from the Greater Good Science Center found 1. Have fewer aches and pains. A 2003 study reported that women who practiced that people who wrote down their feelings of gratitude gratitude for two weeks in a journal felt less pain than their counterparts. These were able to lower their reflectors were also more physically active, another blood pressure. If you weapon against pain. Try keeping track of your own do not have time to appreciation of others and see if it makes a difference. record your gratitude as those in tip #1 did try 2. Sleep better. Numerous studies have found that taking five minutes right those who take time to give thanks for all they have now to practice thanksgiving through prayer or meditation. The Staff at Cape Fear Valley Hospice would like to say THANK YOU to all the Military Veterans who have served to keep us safe. It is an honor and a privilege to help you navigate this journey. If we can be of any assistance to you, please reach out to us at 910-609-6710. 2 0 2 1 N OV E M B E R | 27

It’s a Woman’s World West Fayetteville By Cheryl Garrett Davis shared that a new dog park is coming to Bailey Lake Road, next to Fayetteville Fire Station 17. That’s exciting W est Fayetteville starts at the hill ― the corner of for fur baby owners! In other news, with a $70 million Skibo and Raeford Roads, aka Hwy 401, and just investment, MetroNet Fiber will construct and install a fiber a bit over 18 miles from the Hoke County line. network infrastructure comparable to broadband in large The western side of Fayetteville has two aliases. The first one, metropolitan areas, starting in District 6 and 8. Fayetteville \"Seventy-First Township,\" is what many of us old-timers call and Cumberland County mark the fiber optic company's first this side of town, which has been my home for the past 40 deployment in the state. years. The other nickname, \"Cross Creek area,\" is Raeford Road south, heading out of town. The Seventy-First area was not Adventure destinations in the city limits until 2005 when the city incorporated it, a situation known as \"The Big Bang.\" Our city of Fayetteville's One wonderful and partially hidden surprise is across the population advanced in numbers by adding a whopping street from Lloyd E. Auman Elementary school, JP's Jump 40,000 residents. Masters. Owner Christy Pettit is a wonderful woman full of creative ideas with our community in mind. JP's Jump A Growing Area Masters is a go-to for the family and other fun-seekers. The country view of West Fayetteville is ever changing to Stop by Cliffdale Regional make room for new development, including commercial Branch Library to get the properties, housing communities, the beautiful Fayetteville kids a book after a jumping VA Coastal Health Care System and the U.S. Department of session to bring the energy Veterans Affairs. level down a notch. The HWY 295 expansion currently exits at Raeford Road, providing access to areas around town and North Fayetteville. The completion date for HWY 295 to HWY 95 is 2026, with an estimated cost of $1 billion. We who live here can already see the changes this will bring, such as easier access to Fort Bragg and out-of-town travel destinations. Road expansion is a good thing when you live on the far west of a city and the primary interstates ― I-95, I-40, etc., ― are all to the east. West Fayetteville has improved roads, shopping convenience, Do you like to fish? If so, stop entertainment, restaurants, a satellite police station, three fire by Gus's Bait & Tackle and stations and great schools ― all enticements to live here. Sporting Goods Store located at 545 Mount Gilead Drive. Elected representation The owner, Mrs. Gus, has experience providing for your Citizens of West Fayetteville have the Fayetteville City bait needs and supplying any Council representation of Christopher Davis in District #6 sporting equipment you may want. Before hitting the water, for 41 subdivisions, Larry Wright in District # 7 for 32 and be sure to purchase your North Carolina hunting, fishing and Courtney Banks-McLaughlin in District #8 for 26. I urge you to trapping licenses, available online at www.ncwildlife.org. know your elected officials. Christopher Davis of District #6 is my district councilman. I asked him if he could share some of Speaking of fishing, the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education his accomplishments since his taking office in 2019 and what Center is also in West Fayetteville at 7489 Raeford Road. It he sees for our future. He listed eight initiatives, many was a gift from Fayetteville lawyer John E. Pechmann to of which I have already mentioned, but here are some the community and overlooks the fish hatchery tanks. At fantastic surprises. the center, enjoy free instructional workshops, such as fly- Cheryl Mitchell Garrett is retired with 34 years in the banking industry. She has now been a Cumberland County Master Gardener Volunteer for 12 years this January. She is also an instructor for Fayetteville Technical Community College's horticulture department on a variety of subjects. She finds it extremely rewarding to help the community that she has lived in for the past 40 years. 28 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

casting, kayaking, game and outdoor cooking, Boy Scout Merit Badge camps, Cub Scout Adventures and so much more. Gerald Klauss is one of the education specialists I consulted; he, along with others at the lodge, is eager to assist. You will hate yourself if you don't take advantage of this free North Carolina Resource. I took fly-casting instruction and loved it! Look for the drive- through gate from Pechmann's Lodge and straight across Lake Rim, open to public fishing with two well-made piers, ample parking and boating access. Note there is no motoring on the lake ― paddle or peddle only ― your choice. Here you will also find Lake Rim Park & Aquatic Center located at 2214 Tar Kiln Drive. Park Supervisor Amber Williams and Ranger Williams and other staff have maintained a beautiful park with history, trails, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, baseball fields, wetlands walk, tar kilns and playgrounds. Well-behaved furry friends under control and leashed at all times are welcome; please don't forget your baggie for clean up. Lake Rim Aquatic Center is a new popular park addition, but note that a capacity limit on swimmers exists, so call ahead to avoid lines. Councilman Davis also listed that Fayetteville Parks and Recreation is putting in a new splash pad at E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary school. New field lights have already been installed here. He said this field is used a lot ― way to be active, West Fayetteville! If you are on my side of town along Gillis Hill Road, drive past Walmart ― a mile or so ― and turn into Gillis Hill Farm for a treasure trove of goodness. At the over-200-year-old farm at 2701 Gillis Hill Road, you can pick up some homemade ice cream and cookies, take a tour, visit the produce stand and buy or pick strawberries in the spring and find firewood, pumpkins and mums in the fall. Back to Raeford Road, heading back into town, a right-hand turn onto Bingham Drive lands us at our last stop, Pate's Farm Market. WOW ― another jewel for West Fayetteville. With plants galore, down-home produce and fruits and vegetables of the usual and unusual, you will find much from around the world and many grown here locally. A butcher shop, bakery and hot food bar with homemade take-out, Pennsylvania Dutch foods, relishes, meats, many different fruit ciders and more await your visit at 6411 Raeford Road. Come and visit the wonders of West Fayetteville. 2 0 2 1 N OV E M B E R | 29

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