Women's View Magazine December 2021

VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 12 DECEMBER | 2021 Inspiring, educating, empowering and celebrating women in our community MAGAZINE More inside: Infusing Life with Joy ThSe eason Candy for Christmas! of Joy Meet FSU Basketball Coach Serena King-Coleman The Joy of Baking Bring the Outdoors Inside this Holiday Home for the Holidays at Lane Road RV Park in Linden

Close Letter from the Editor VOLUME 15 ISSUE 12 Got joy? The marketing slogan “Got Milk?” may resonate with this PUBLISHER query, but instead of wandering down the dairy aisle, let’s Bill Bowman, F & B Publications digress to what most stirs up this emotion. [email protected] With Christmas upon us, thoughts turn to the reason for the season: the EDITOR birth of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. God became flesh and lived and Crissy Neville died here on Earth to bring salvation to humanity. Joy to the World! Writer [email protected] Lynne Smith reflects on this first Christmas as “the gift that keeps on giving” in her new column debuting here. Look for more of Lynne in 2022. PRODUCTION MANAGER/ GRAPHIC DESIGNER Then there’s pride and joy ― our families, loved ones and the homes Dylan Hooker we build together over decades of growing and changing, crying and laughing. Learn how to do the holidays right and “Un-Christmas,” as [email protected] contributor Bonnie Patterson calls it, by de-stressing and creating lasting memories together. Other articles in this thread cover alternative homes, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR decorating your home for the holidays, childhood Christmas memories, Paulette Naylor furry friends in the family and Cindy Burchett’s hometown of Wade. [email protected] Much like a delicious Almond Joy but oh so much better, Christmas MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE candy can get us in the mood Linda McAlister for the holidays faster than Santa comes down the chimney. If you’d [email protected] rather swap bread for chocolate, WVM December serves that up, DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR/ too, with new contributor Lorrie SALES ADMINISTRATOR Brandt’s article on the joy of baking. Laurel Handforth Wishing you the merriest of [email protected] holidays this season. Happy reading! DECEMBER CONTRIBUTORS Jelia Coleman Hepner Are you interested in writing? Consider contributing an article or pitching a Lynne Smith story idea to WVM. We want to elevate your voice. For more information, email Abby Cavenaugh 2 | D E [email protected]. Be sure to like us and leave comments Lorrie Brandt on our Facebook page. Crissy Neville Bonnie Patterson 2 | DECEMBER 2021 Katie Crenshaw Ashley Blue Taneisha Kerr Alisa Smith Cheryl Garrett Cindy Burchett Photography: Fayetteville State University Sports Information Office WOMEN'S VIEW MAGAZINE 208 ROWAN ST. FAYETTEVILLE, NC, 28301 PHONE: 910-484-6200 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 4 A WOMAN ON THE BALL Fayetteville State University Head Women's Basketball Coach Serena December King-Coleman is in the spotlight often for her wins and on-court success. 6 THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT Contributor Lynne Smith inspires readers to seek the best present of all this season, one straight from God to us. 8 A BAKER'S JOY Fill the bread basket with homemade loaves this winter and all year long with recipes and how-to-get-started tips from home baker Lorrie Brandt. 10 ACTION PATHWAYS Read how this local nonprofit community action agency helps low- 8 income families and individuals get on a path to self-sufficiency. 12 HOLIDAY MEMORIES WVM Editor Crissy Neville shares reflections of her childhood Christmastimes and a holiday story told by her father passed down through the years. 164 10 NATURE UP THE YULETIDE Why only admire greenery, berries, fruits and flora in the great outdoors when you can bring nature inside to deck the halls and spice up food and drink? 12 20 AN RV RESIDENCE Contributor Alisa Smith took an adventurous turn this year and lived an alternative lifestyle at Lane Road RV Park in Linden, proving home is where the heart is. 22 WE SCREAM FOR CANDY Move over ice cream, cookies, cakes and other confections. You drool and candy rules at Christmas. Food Blogger Katie Crenshaw shares her take 20 22 on a few reasured recipes. 24 PETS FOR PRESENTS A puppy in the stocking and a kitty under the tree may sound cute and cuddly, but living and breathing gifts come with responsibility, time and cost. 2626 OUTDOOR ALMANAC Our garden guru Cheryl Garrett is back to help you get your yard and garden winterized and prepped for the current season and next. 28 IT'S A WOMAN'S WORLD: WADE Learn about the history, people and places of this east-of- the-Cape- 24 28 Fear-River town through the eyes of and diligent research from the Wade Town Clerk. 2021 DECEMBER | 3

Woman's Spotlight Ruling the Court: Coach Serena King-Coleman of the Fayetteville State University Women's Basketball Program W alking into the Felton J. Capel Arena at the Intercollegiate Athletic Association Southern Division. At FSU, Fayetteville State University campus, a deceptive she led the women's basketball team to become the reigning emptiness fills the air, almost an echo in this huge 2020 CIAA Women's Basketball Tournament Champions. complex. The courts are empty as I visit, and only the steps King-Coleman is also a mentor, educator and positive figure of staff members walking to and fro can be heard as they go to young women, admired by many. about daily routines ― no one is currently on the court. But if you listen closely, you can almost hear the applause and A leader on and off the court the sound of the stomping of shoes on the shiny floors ― the King-Coleman initially wanted to teach, but in her senior year sound of the echoes of success, the swishing of the nets, the of college, she decided to become a coach, which would reverberations of current and past legends of FSU basketball. change her life forever and catapult her into the world of And, one legend leads the way in women's basketball ― women's basketball. Having played college basketball herself Coach Serena King-Coleman, FSU basketball's thirteenth in 1993-97, she earned the Big South All-Rookie honor. While a head coach and powerhouse leader. student coach at UNC-Greensboro from 1997-98, she became a full-time assistant-head cross-country coach at Johnson C. The queen of the court Smith University in 1998-99. When speaking to the formidable coach, I note her humble disposition is to downplay her success. Even amidst the Next, after holding the position of associate head women's display wall of awards, citations and degrees, King-Coleman basketball coach and recruiting coordinator at Gardner- is stoic, reserved, modest, yet strong. Nearly like royalty, she Webb University, King-Coleman moved into interim head commands respect even sitting behind her desk, surrounded women's basketball coach position. Subsequently, she was by the evidence of her many achievements, both on and off the St. Paul's College head women's basketball coach before the court. becoming the lead women's basketball coach at Kentucky State University. At KSU, she was instrumental in leading Her honors include being a 2021 NCAA DII Women Leaders X the Thorobrettes to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Grant recipient, NCAA Women Leaders Division II Governance Conference Championship. Through six years of excellence, Academy member and representative on the Central King-Coleman is lauded as having the most coaching wins in Dinah Goodman is a fitness professional and the owner of Boone Trail Fit Body Boot Camp. She is a nutritionist, advanced personal trainer, group exercise instructor and a former bodybuilder and powerlifter. 4 | DECEMBER 2021

the history of the KSU women's basketball team, with a .596 including the administration, is supportive. You have to have winning percentage. The team went to the NCAA and had support around you. Even in the athletic department, all the its first 20-win season in 19 years in 2015. This honor earned a coaches support one another; no one is doing anything all proclamation ― a pretty big deal. by themselves.\" After King-Coleman took the reins of the FSU Lady Broncos King-Coleman balances her coaching duties with other in 2016, the team's percentage over the next three years essential responsibilities: her kids, marriage, family life became .500 or better. And for the past three years, the and more. She has three daughters, ages 15, 14 and 12. Her team has captured the CIAA Southern Division title. The oldest plays basketball at Pine Forest High School, and her FSU women's basketball team continues to excel under the youngest is on the Pine Forest Middle School volleyball leadership of King-Coleman, but the coach is much more team. Her middle daughter is an artist. She always tells than titles and statistics. them that they can accomplish anything, and they support her right back. Of deciding to further her education, King- Before the courts and hoops Coleman said her family supports her goals of furthering her King-Coleman credits her driving force to her upbringing. education in FSU’s doctorate program for higher educational The oldest of five children, she stated that she and her leadership. She currently has a master's degree in public siblings were always taught to do everything to the best of administration and a bachelor's of arts in English. their abilities. \"Mom didn't allow the word 'can't,' and dad worked hard,\" she reflected. She has two brothers who live in The coach fondly talks about how she had first planned to North Carolina, one of them a referee. Moving close to them be a teacher because her favorite teacher was her fourth- was one reason she chose Fayetteville and FSU as the next grade teacher, a mentor, she said, who has impacted her step in her coaching career, in addition to the university's life tremendously and with whom she is still in contact with prestige and top-notch athletic program. She has another today. \"But, plans change, and passions evolve,\" explained brother in Virginia who recently retired from the Navy and a King-Coleman. sister with a basketball history of her own, having played for the St. Louis University’s women’s collegiate team. Advice for young women So, what would this award-winning coach want young She credits God, her family and school staff as the keys to her women to know? Four words: \"You can do anything,\" she success. \"It is never just one thing…never one person making said. \"Whatever life path you choose, make sure you are up the whole picture,\" King-Coleman said. \"Everyone, educated and have a strong work ethic; if so, you can pretty much accomplish whatever you desire.\" 2021 DECEMBER | 5

The Gift that Keeps on Giving By Lynne Smith W hat is that Christmas gift you will never us convinced that what we perceive is reality. Like forget, the one your mind goes back a child at Christmas time, I wanted to believe that to every December as you begin to see Santa really did come down my chimney with a decorations go up? For me, it wasn’t a Barbie bagful of toys carefully crafted just for me by elves kitchen, a new bike or an Etch a Sketch. No, it was at the North Pole. I was convinced that Santa did a Charlie McCarthy doll ― that’s right, the dummy, peek in my window that Christmas Eve that I awoke almost life-sized partner of famed ventriloquist only to find my parents finishing up playing Santa Edgar Bergen. in our living room. Similarly, I thought my Charlie McCarthy doll had come to life. I wanted so bad I first saw Charlie on TV as he sat in Edgar’s lap, to trust and believe because, in my heart, it sure moving his wooden lips as the ventriloquist made felt real. him come to life. Always dressed in the same attire ― tuxedo, top hat and a monocle, Charlie was Many Christmases have since passed since quite the mischievous boy, always flirting with the receiving that Charlie doll. I have grown up; I’ve ladies in the audience. To this once young little girl, matured. I no longer think of that child, and I have watching the ventriloquist throw his voice and fool managed to put away some of my childish things. me into believing that the wooden puppet in his lap With time I have realized that many of the things was speaking was nothing short of mesmerizing. that I once put my faith in are simply not true, not The performance seemed so real, although I knew it real. More Christmas gifts have been opened, gifts couldn’t be. not selected by elves at the North Pole, but rather by those that love me, those that give me what I need, Have you ever wanted to believe something so bad not necessarily what I want. These are always the that for you, it became truth? The longings of our gifts that I cherish the most because the motivation behind the gift is one of love. heart and our secret desires can leave Lynne Smith is a Fayetteville native who worships with her family at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church. She has a hard-working husband of 36 years, two sons who aim to be just like their dad, two God-given beautiful daughters and one very well-loved grandson. She is in her sixth year serving as a Snyder MOPS mentor. 6 | DECEMBER 2021

A thing of beauty is a joy forever God is the ultimate gift-giver, and I never am - John Keats reminded of this more than at this time of year. Because at Christmas, God Himself put on human 2021 DECEMBER | 7 flesh to come down to earth to be born a man. Jesus came to dwell among men so that He could show us how much God loves us, so He could show us what God is really like. This unchangeable truth is something I can believe, something I can fully put my trust in. Because God is more than wishful thinking or hoping, He is real ― as real as it gets. And so is the gift He offers all through His Son Jesus Christ ― the best gift ever. Think how disappointed you would be if someone never opened the gift you carefully selected just for him or her. The person would never experience the joy and love or know the thought you put into that gift. Worst of all, he or she would never receive the blessing that could have been theirs because of failure to open the gift. It’s a missed opportunity on all accounts. Open and reopen the gift this Christmas that God sent just for you. This gift may seem too good to be true because nothing you or I can do can earn or deserve it. It was simply given in love by the One who knows us best, the One who knew just what we needed. I don’t know what happened to my Charlie McCarthy doll. I put him aside because he wasn’t real, and it was time to leave him behind. But the gift that God gives, the one I am so blessed to have opened and received, goes with me. Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving.

Despite the idiom’s claim Nothing Is Greater than Sliced Bread By Lorrie Brandt When I was a little girl, my family warm and full of wonderful summer memories. would drive four hours to get to my Another surprise was how easy it was to make –– no grandmother’s house every summer. special skills required. Since that first time, I have We were greeted with hugs and the tried many different recipes and baked hundreds of luscious, nothing-else-in-the-world-like-it smell of loaves to share with family and friends. fresh bread. My grandmother always baked each of us grandkids our very own loaf, which we quickly Time Factor For me, the only drawback to bread- devoured. The bread was crusty on the outside and making is that it takes time. I allow four to six hours, soft and warm on the inside. Oh, the bliss! Even depending on the recipe, but I am free to do other today, the smell of bread right out of the oven evokes things while waiting for the dough to rise. Most love and joy. recipes call for the dough to rise three times; the more often it rises before cooking, the lighter it is. I didn’t think about baking bread until I was an When I’m in a hurry, I can cut it back to two rises, adult and lived 1,400 miles from my grandmother. I and then, the bread is a little more coarse but still asked her for her recipe and gave it a try, and to my pretty amazing. The actual amount of time I spend surprise, it was just what I remembered ― delicious, Lorrie Brandt is the wife of 32 years to a fantastic planetarium director, mother of three wonderful girls and grandmother of two terrific boys. A retired teacher, Lorrie taught gifted students for 32 years at the elementary and middle school levels. Her interests include bread-making and gardening. 8 | DECEMBER 2021

making the bread is roughly 45 minutes, broken up MILK AND into three parts: approximately 30 minutes to mix the ingredients and knead the dough, about five HONEY minutes to punch the dough down after its first rising and some 10 minutes to shape the loaves after BREAD the second rising. Then I wait for it to rise a third time, bake it and yum ― eat it! From Baking Bread, the Way Mom Taught Me Baking benefits Making bread is gratifying ― my by Mary Anne Gross, favorite part is kneading the dough. Pushing the Bantam Books 1979 dough away and pulling it back, twisting and turning it, adding flour little by little until it feels just right is Yield: 2 loaves a great stress-reliever, and knowing that soon, that exquisite smell will be filling my house, reminds me This is a light, high-rising bread, which is excellent for that all is right with my world. sandwiches. That bread dough is very tolerant helps, making it Ingredients 2 teaspoons sea salt hard to go wrong in the process. The only thing you 1 package active dry yeast 8 cups unbleached have to worry about is making sure that the yeast 1 tablespoon honey all-purpose flour is good. That’s easy for most recipes because you ¼ cup lukewarm water 2 eggs get the yeast to rise before you do anything else. 2 cups milk 3 teaspoons corn oil Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, the scientific name for ¼ cup butter 1 egg, slightly beaten with the yeast used in cooking, ferments by eating sugar. 1/3 cup clover honey 2 tablespoons milk The fermentation causes the bread to rise. Put the yeast, sugar or honey and some water in a bowl, and Directions within five minutes, you should have a fluffy, bubbly • Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. mixture. You can kill the yeast by adding too hot liquids, so if your recipe calls for heating any liquids, • Combine yeast, 1 tablespoon honey and water in be sure to cool them to room temperature before a small bowl. Set aside in a warm area until foamy adding them to the yeast. Except for that possible and called for in the recipe. error, you really cannot mess up bread. • Heat milk until hot, letting the butter melt into Family recipe The recipe for my family’s favorite it. Pour into a large mixing bowl. Add the clover bread comes from an out-of-print book, but you can honey and salt, blending thoroughly. still find Baking Bread the Way Mom Taught Me by Mary Anne Gross (Bantam Books, 1979) in used • Add 2 cups flour, and beat for a few minutes. When bookstores. I learned from that book that a loaf of the batter is lukewarm, stir in eggs. bread doesn’t have to be just bread ― you can add anything to your dough. Enjoy a good PB&J? Put • Mix in foamy yeast. Add 5 cups of flour, 1 cup at a peanut butter and your favorite jelly into your bread time, mixing well after each cup. dough, and voila! Your sandwich is done as soon as you take the bread out of the oven. Like salami and • Knead 1 last cup of flour into the dough on the cheese? Add the meat and cheese to your dough table or board. Knead for about 10 minutes until for a delicious meal in one slice. Want something the dough is smooth, elastic and non-sticky. sweet for breakfast? What could be better than fresh cinnamon rolls? After you feel confident making • Roll a ball of dough into 2 teaspoons of corn oil in bread, experiment by adding whatever you want. a bowl. Cover with clean towels and set in a warm area. Let dough rise for 1½ hours. Soul food Bread is the perfect food for the soul because bread affects all of our senses. The feel of • Punch dough down and roll in the remaining 1 kneading the dough into satiny smoothness or teaspoon corn oil in a bowl. Cover and let rise for holding a slice of warm bread is pleasure personified. 1 hour. A loaf of bread, freshly baked, is a beautiful sight. Hearing the butter-laden knife slide across the • Form two loaves and place in two buttered 9x5x3 bread brings on a lovely mouth-watering sense of inch loaf pans. Cover with a cloth and let rise in a anticipation. The delicious smell is enough to make warm place until double in bulk, about 30 minutes. you swoon, and the taste transports you to a perfect world. And the pride you feel when you have made • Brush the tops of risen loaves with the egg- the bread, and someone else loves your concoction, milk mixture. Bake for 35 minutes and cool on is priceless. No other task brings me joy, like creating wire racks. a loaf of bread and sharing it with my family and friends. Thanks, Granny, for all the bread ― and love! 2021 DECEMBER | 9

A BIG x xThank You To Soni Martin Professor of Art Fighting Hunger, at Fayetteville State University One Meal at a Time Each artist that participated in our Gallery 208 New Action Pathways Second Artist Events Harvest Food Bank of Our Sponsors Southeast North Carolina The Vine Two Brothers Catering By Abby Cavenaugh Rocket Fizz The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light many and the Up & Coming Weekly staff for issues that might have previously been in the providing these wonderul Arts events shadows of the public consciousness. One of the for our community to enjoy. most pertinent of these is hunger. Because of the pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders and 10 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 job losses, more people than ever found themselves needing the services of a food bank. From March 2020 to the present, Action Pathways Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina saw more than 231,000 first-time users. That means people who had never before waited in a food line found themselves doing just that. And the numbers specifically for Cumberland County are even more startling. Cumberland County accounted for the vast majority of those first-time users, with 142,598 of the county's residents using SHFB for the first time. \"People who never worried before about where their next meal was coming from found themselves at local food pantries,\" said Action Pathways, Inc. CEO Lonnie Ballard, Jr. According to the Map the Meal Gap study conducted by Feeding America, 16% of Cumberland

County residents experience food insecurity — that SHFB also partners with Sandhills Family Heritage translates to 53,180 people. SHFB has held more than Association, based in Spring Lake. Sandhills Family 40 mass food distribution events in Cumberland Heritage Association describes itself as \"dedicated to County since the start of the pandemic, distributing serving rural African-American communities in the 8,805,609 pounds of food, which equates to Sandhills of North Carolina,\" and a major part of that 7,338,007 meals. is offering food through SHFB. The pandemic has also changed how SHFB works Pamela Marks, the food bank coordinator for with partner agencies, like Balm in Gilead in Sandhills Family Heritage Association, said that Fayetteville. Before March 2020, those served by working with SHFB has helped the organization Balm in Gilead were able to \"shop\" at the facility on expand its pantry reach to churches throughout Doc Bennett Road, by Fayetteville Regional Airport. Cumberland and Harnett counties. \"We've partnered Adhering to social distancing guidelines meant with the AME Zion district and are expanding to 12 that Founder Dr. Vivian Rhone and her team of new pantries. So, now we have 13.\" volunteers had to improvise — pre-packaging meal boxes and other items to distribute in a drive-thru SHFB lost about half of its partner agencies due format. When completed, the boxes weigh about to the pandemic, but the need, of course, has 70 pounds and provide enough items for a family's remained. Through mobile distributions and by breakfast, lunch and dinner. optimizing its relationships with the remaining partner agencies and forging new partnerships, \"The main thing I hear now is, 'I never thought I'd the Food Bank has managed to increase its reach have to get help from a food bank,'\" Rhone shared. in Fayetteville and Cumberland County and \"When people call and ask, 'Do you have food to give throughout the region. away?' you can hear in their voices how much they hate to ask. It just tears me up.\" \"We see that hunger is through the roof in Southeast North Carolina, in the seven counties we cover,\" said But being able to help those who need it most is SHFB Director David Griffin. \"One of the things we're why Rhone started her ministry in the first place. trying to do through mobile distributions, we want to \"Partnering with Action Pathways is a big part of make sure everyone receives the food that what we do,\" she said. \"Just having an organization they need.\" like this to partner with is a huge blessing.\" Abby Cavenaugh is a communications professional with more than 20 years of experience in the fields of journalism and corporate communications. She has served as Communications Coordinator for Action Pathways, Inc., since February 2021 and lives in Duplin County with her dogs, cats, twin sister and teenage niece. 2 0 2 1 D E C E M B E R | 11

A Tangerine Christmas By Crissy Neville Tangerines. A Milky Way bar. Oranges. chore fell to me since Randy did more of dropping out of school in the sixth Penny candy. Apples. Pecans and the heavy lifting around the store, M.J. grade. Yes, the sixth grade. Perhaps that walnuts. A candy cane. What do these Lucas’ Gas and Grocery of Linden. is why he always beamed with pride items have in common? They all found when I said my ABCs for his favorite themselves in a brown paper sack just I could handle the lighter chores, customers or made A’s on my report before Christmas each year, handed out such as taking inventory, ringing up card. Why he insisted my older sister to each church member and guest at groceries for customers, stocking Judy attend Fayetteville Technical Parker’s Grove United Methodist Church shelves, bagging frozen chickens or Community College after high school in Linden. And at Collier’s Chapel saying my ABCs at age five atop the and was pleased to see Randy become Church, a few miles away, too. They store counter for the locals to hear and a skilled carpenter and locksmith. Why were donated with love and with the see. Of course, by age 10, I had moved he sold a tract of timber one day that most sincere Christmas wishes from my on from alphabet recitation to helping sent me to college; it was important to father, Milford Lucas. read newspaper articles to Daddy, who, him that his kids receive an education. despite his limitations in literacy, was The bags were passed out at the the smartest man I have ever known. He was smart in ways people today conclusion of the Christmas program. You see, he became the family provider can never be. He was smart out of I, a young girl of about 10, had helped at age 14 after the untimely death of his necessity. He was a merchant. Selling pack these bags. My very close-in-age father at age 45. This meant working canned goods, as he called them, gas, brother Randy often had his hand in the farm, later running the store for tires, oil, automotive supplies, hardware, this, too, but more often than not, the which money had to be saved and produce, meat, eggs and even toys, he Crissy Neville is the editor of Women’s View Magazine and Kidsville News at F&B Publications. A fourth- generation farm owner, retired teacher and mother of three daughters, she lives in Linden with her husband, Thomas, and a menagerie of livestock and pets, gardens and crops. 12 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

was the go-to guy along county lines for business. We’d get over it because we to put away a little cash to perhaps all things bought and sold. Yes, bought, were blessed in plenty of other ways. buy each one a little something, but sold and even borrowed. Borrowing alas, her plan was not to be due to the on credit back in the 1950s, ‘60s and Blessed with fields to roam and forests thieving ways of someone close to her. ‘70s was not commonplace like today, to explore. Blessed with a pond full of When the reserved money disappeared but Daddy took a chance on people fish and a dad who liked to feed them from under her pillow, all that was by letting them buy groceries and gas bread crumbs on Sunday afternoons. left to do was, well, give tangerines for on loan. Sometimes he was paid back, Blessed with fresh vegetables and a Christmas. It may sound like a Dolly and sometimes not, but he always felt mom who knew how to cook them. Parton song, but it was the hard truth helping those in need was the right Blessed with a barn full of old farm back in the day. A truth that helped my thing to do. equipment and the imagination that father become the kind of adult he was. helped us turn those things into a One that gave to the poor and needy He was a pawnshop broker, too. He makeshift roller coaster with old Coca- in our community of Linden, one that would buy your watches and clocks, Cola crates for seats. Trees for climbing, worked hard and saved a lot, one that tires and lawnmowers, golf carts and farm trailers for seesawing, farm cats for took chances on people when others bicycles. Putting these items on a lien, as petting, tractors for riding. Those were wouldn’t and one that gave tangerines he called it, he would pay cash for them, fun times for country kids like us. We and more to the local church people put them aside and then sell them also had plenty of opportunities to learn as a take-home gift every Christmas. with some mark-up only if the owner how to work hard and earn our own I remember that story and my daddy didn’t return for the pawned treasure. way, whether at daddy’s store, in the every time I eat a tangerine or pick the So, my brother and I learned not to get garden or tobacco fields of yesteryear; pecans in my yard that was once his, too attached to new toys that came our these experiences made us the adults his father’s before him and even his way, for they sometimes left as quickly we are today. Which brings me back to grandfather’s before that. Now living as they came. Like the golf cart we drove the tangerines. back home with my husband and around the farm for a day or two, but children of our own, five generations of on the third day, the owner returned to One Christmas long ago after grandpa’s character building and memory making pick up. Or the beautiful wind-up clock death, Daddy’s family was struggling have come full circle. I remember this that graced my dresser for all of one just to put food on the table and survive, and think I am blessed beyond words morning, but that day was gone when I not to mention buying Christmas and measure. I pray that this Christmas, stepped off the school bus. Don’t take it presents for seven children/young adults you are, too. Merry Christmas! personally, Daddy would tell us; it’s just of various ages. Grandma had managed 2 0 2 1 D E C E M B E R | 13

How to Un-Christmas By Bonnie Patterson When you think of Christmas, corner on these traits. Charity can babysitting, providing lawn care what are your first be shown year-round through for a single mom, singing carols to thoughts? Family, gifts, shopping, our giving of finances, time and a family member over the phone decorating and eating? Are your love for others. Ask yourself, \"Am (if in-person is not an option) next thoughts about endless I a dependable friend who helps or picking up trash at a park or to-do lists, Christmas parties or out when asked? Do I call back in your neighborhood. Instead children's events you feel you have people and listen when they need of giving money to a charity or to attend, decorating to keep face a friend? Do I spend time playing service organization, donate in the neighborhood, preparing for unsavory with my children daily or only your time. Nursing encounters with in-laws on special occasions?\" Maybe a homes, Parent Teacher or gaining unnecessary 12-day before Christmas kindness Associations, women's weight? While I can't challenge would be a good goal. shelters and animal help you with in-laws, Such summons could include shelters are great places here are some ideas to making cards for the elderly, to start. make your Christmas less stressful and more Determine priorities. meaningful. Ask yourself, \"What do I have that is most Prioritize your budget important, and how before anything and can I eliminate what start early. is unimportant?\" This doesn't make Decorations are pretty, you a Scrooge but an fun to put out and intelligent planner. Your make good pictures family loves you and on Pinterest, but don't doesn't want you to go decorate to keep up with into debt to give them the Jones. However, do more stuff they don't decorate if you love it and need. Ask yourself these look forward to decking questions. \"Why am I the halls. But before buying gifts, because spreading the garland, I want to or because I keep in mind what think I have to? How people most remember close is our relationship, about a holiday and how often do I gathering is not the see this person?\" Even tinsel and trimmings, but though it is nice to give who was there and how gifts to your postal carrier they made them feel. and hairdresser, it is If you wish to declutter, unnecessary and may whether it's decorations be detrimental to your or years of stuff, consider budget. A homemade cleaning out the attic loaf of bread or batch and closet and donating of cookies says \"Happy what you don't need or Holidays\" just as well as a store- want. Donations to thrift bought gift, if not better. stores stimulate jobs, and thrift shops provide cheaper Christmas Practice giving. Generosity and gifts while helping others. Instead goodwill abound at Christmas, of buying new decorations, older but the holiday doesn't own the ornaments and lights can be used for a table decoration, mantle Bonnie Patterson is a full-time mom and volunteer. She loves to write, teach and practice yoga. 14 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

or wreath, and natural materials Gifting resources required for be more of a trip to a children's from the outdoors, like greenery, such endeavors works to get your museum, trampoline park, ice pinecones and berries, are free crowd doing them together faster. skating rink, ice cream parlor or and fun to use. Your money is spa day. Take lots of pictures also freed up by such actions, Make this year a homemade while doing these activities, providing you funds to spend Christmas. Not crafty? Go to print them out and then make a elsewhere. the library and find craft books scrapbook together. for ideas. Children can pick Teach and learn lessons along something to make for a family Focus on teamwork rather than with the celebration. Christmas member and contribute to the grumbling about the to-do list. is a great time to teach generosity materials. Fleece tie blankets are Since you need to get things done and cultural understanding. inexpensive to make from fun, during the holidays, why not build How does the rest of the world themed fabrics such as ones joy and fun into the chores? Kids celebrate Christmas? Children representing favorite sports will have positive memories in the can have fun picking out a teams, cartoon characters and kitchen if they pick a dish, and you chicken, goat or water purifier even animals for the pet lovers will make it together. Children for a family around the world in your crowd. If many family can help take out decorations in a catalog from Compassion members come to holiday from boxes and choose where International. Older kids can have gatherings, draw names from a they go, while dad can put up a real-life math lesson shopping hat so that everyone buys only the lights. You will appreciate the on a budget to stuff a Samaritan's one gift. Kids could decorate a decorations and food more as a Purse Shoebox for another child. If coupon book for parents with family, and the children will take you celebrate Jesus's birthday, you coupons for chores, back rubs, pride in their efforts. Let shopping can wrap a birthday present, sing foot massages or hugs, or as become a scavenger hunt for a happy birthday and have birthday another idea, decorate matching unique gift for grandma. You can cake with the kids. sports team t-shirts for the family involve them in decisions and to don on game day. challenge them to keep a budget. Focus on gifts that make memories. Some ideas are board Spend your money on making Remember while making games ― and tabletop games memories together and not purchases and prioritizing like ping-pong and foosball ― an stuff. Christmas break for kids your time, \"What do I want to ice cream maker, new baking is two weeks generally, so think remember about this Christmas? pans and even trips and outings about making a coupon book What do I want my kids to for the whole family. Gifts for for all the things you want to do remember?\" Fill your cup hobbies fit here, too. What does together. Not exclusively by any with joy by doing inexpensive, your family like to do together? stretch, but fun ideas with dads active and meaningful things Supplies are needed for most might include laser tag, arcade with family and friends and pasttimes, whether camping, games, basketball, kayaking or helping others. Have a Merry fishing, star-gazing or gardening. fishing, while mom time might Un-Christmas this year! 2 0 2 1 D E C E M B E R | 15

Bring the Outdoors Inside with easy scents and sights, sips and snacks of the season By Ashley Butler Blue and a few left-over ornaments is quick T here is something about a Frasier and easy to make. fir that just smells like Christmas. I love to incorporate anything Start with any fresh into the holidays, bringing in the evergreens you may scents of the season. Fresh trees, fresh have on hand. I used cuttings and flowers all brighten up magnolia, boxwood, these short winter days. eucalyptus and a little asparagus fern. Scents and Sights You can easily add in holly, pine or a Oh, Christmas Tree few boughs from your Christmas The perfect way to start is with a fresh- tree if you like. Soak cut tree. Who doesn’t love a trip to a your cuttings in a favorite local nursery to pick out that container of water perfect tree or two or three? I know, the while you get your needles, but you can’t beat that smell! next steps together. Make sure to ask for trimmings to add branches to mantels and tabletop arrangements. Aside from the glorious scent, my Pick a waterproof Holiday Sips favorite part of decorating our tree has container to hold to be the memories we share while your arrangement Christmas Pitcher Punch pulling out the ornaments. Some were and place a block of soaked wet floral Makes: 16, 8-oz servings made by our son or given as gifts, and foam in the bottom. The foam doesn’t some are not even ornaments, like a have to fill the container. This trick will Fresh cranberries and apple slices make childhood Christmas stocking. Each help your arrangement last up to two this non-alcoholic pitcher punch as year we mark special occasions like a weeks. Just add a little water to the pretty as it is delicious. A pitcher punch trip or graduation with a new ornament foam now and then to keep it going. is an easy DIY beverage for guests of all to keep those memories close this time ages to serve themselves. Once mixed of year. Stringing up the lights has to Start placing cuttings around the in your favorite pitcher, pour into a glass be my least favorite, but seeing them sides of the container first, then taller or flute with ice until two-thirds full, twinkle when it’s all said and done stems in the center to prevent it from then top with club soda for a little fizz. makes it all worthwhile. tipping over. Fill in any holes with the Garnish your gallon-size pitcher and denser foliage like boxwood or holly. your drink with apple slices and a few Deck the Halls The creation looks and smells great if fresh cranberries. only filled with greenery, but for cheer, I Whether it’s a centerpiece in the add two bundles of grocery store spray Ingredients dining room or coffee table or small roses and a handful of glass ornaments arrangement on a bedside table, fresh to give this arrangement even more. • Spiced Apple Cider (not juice), flowers, or greenery, say to your coming- Nothing special was used to hold them • two parts home-for-the-holidays family members in place; just twist a Christmas tree hook • Cranberry Juice, one part or guests, we’re glad you’re here! An around the cuttings. Who doesn’t love • Dash of orange bitters arrangement of new cuttings from an arrangement that’s practically free the yard combined with two bundles and smells amazing? of grocery blooms Ashley Blue is a Fayetteville native who has worked within the building industry for over twenty years. She is currently an empty nester enjoying work on a new nest. 16 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

• Your favorite club soda or seltzer (to • 1 oz cranberry juice • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning top, not in pitcher) • 1 oz spiced simple syrup • Salt and pepper • Warmed jar of your favorite • Fresh apple slices and cranberries In a small saucepan, bring water to a for garnish boil. Add all ingredients and turn down marinara and easy nut-free pesto the heat to let simmer until the sugar is for dipping TIP: Freeze a whole cranberry, a sprig of dissolved, stirring continually. rosemary, or an orange peel for a special Let syrup reduce by a quarter, then Directions touch in an ice tray. remove from heat to cool. This recipe makes a cup and a half of simple syrup Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. HOLIDAY SPICE MARTINI great for cocktails and coffee. Line a baking sheet with Serves: 1 parchment paper. Seasonal Snacks To get things shaking, try this Holiday In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic Spice Martini. Start by making the Kids and adults alike will love this edible powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper. simple spiced syrup beforehand so it Christmas tree. has plenty of time to cool. Add your Next, separate each biscuit into two ingredients to an ice-filled shaker and EASY CHEESY PULL-APART layers; you will end up with 32 layers shake well; that’s right, shaken, not PIZZA TREE using two cans. Flatten each layer to stirred. Strain into a martini glass and Serves: 6-8 about the size of your palm. garnish with a few fresh cranberries on a pick or a sprig of rosemary. Ingredients Place two cheese cubes in the center of each dough round, then fold up the Spiced simple syrup ingredients • 2 cans buttermilk biscuit dough sides to form a pouch. • Pack of 64 small cheddar • 1 cup water Pinch the ends and dip into the butter • 1 cup sugar cheese cubes mixture before placing seam side down • 2 cinnamon sticks • 1 cup of shredded on the cookie sheet. • Pinch of pepper • Pinch of allspice mozzarella cheese Arrange your tray in the shape of a tree • Grated parmesan cheese by placing one ball at the top, followed Martini ingredients • Pepperoni to taste by two underneath, then three, etc. With • 1 stick of butter 32 dough balls, you will have seven rows. • 2 oz vodka • 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 0 2 1 D E C E M B E R | 17

Follow with two more rows of two for the trunk. Sprinkle your tree with any remaining butter mixture and the grated parmesan cheese. Decorate with as much pepperoni as you like. Bake 25-30 minutes, keeping a close eye towards the end. Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh rosemary springs and sprinkle with freshly grated mozzarella. Serve with a side of your favorite marinara sauce and fresh pesto for a touch of red and green. EASY NUT-FREE PESTO Makes: 1 cup In a blender or food processor, add basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse until blended while slowly adding olive oil. Mix in cheese, and then pulse a few more times to mix to desired consistency. Ingredients • 2 cups fresh basil • Olive oil • 1 tablespoon minced garlic • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese • Salt and pepper TIP: Turn this dipping sauce into an easy dip by mixing with one cup of sour cream. Look no further. PMWrighiotnynCGdcheoridelfd, uFESOovloeRCnfrlaosutPinngseeFlaoarc, ere,Br9RFoau2odys0dneH: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,ROUnDNSIeaNnRWYsEgiGOnuLgyUi,EfSUNTO US A It’s what I do. IS BORN 9:6GET TO A BETTER STATE™. UNTO US A IS GIVEN; AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE UPON HIS SHOULDERS; AND HIS NAME WILL BE CALLED: ISAIAH CALL ME TODAY. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, The Staff of Cape Fear Valley Hospice wishes your family Peace, Love, and Joy this season. Please contact us if we can help you in any way. 910-609-6710 State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL 1101201 18 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Infusing Your Life with Joy By Taneisha Kerr T he holiday season may be even the smallest moments of Finally, do the things you enjoy. the most wonderful time thankfulness counter our mind’s Go for a walk, have coffee on the of the year for most, but it tendency towards negativity bias. porch, dress up for no reason or is a painful reminder of loss and This small act can boost mental treat yourself to something you’ve heartbreak for others, like myself. positivity. been putting off. Life is short, and Growing up, Christmas was extra joy comes through deliberate special because it was also my Be present and accounted for. effort. So, order dessert, buy the dad’s birthday. It was incredibly Our minds tend to be busier than shoes, do your hair and smile ― devastating then, when he metropolitan traffic at rush hour. you deserve it. passed away a few years ago, on Be deliberately present when Thanksgiving Day. So finding joy you engage with others, taking amid heartache has become an time to savor each experience. important practice for our family, When you say “thank you,” especially around the holidays. look in the recipient’s eyes and Here are a few ways we infuse joy speak from your heart. It is easy into the holiday season and carry to be swept away by a sense it over throughout the year. of loss and thoughts of what we’re missing. But, when we are Honor your pain and permit deliberately present, we feel all yourself to grieve. Whether the positive emotions infused in you’ve lost a job, a pet, a partner our interactions with the family, or a house you thought you’d live friends and pets that are still here in forever, the heartbreak is the with us. same. Take time to feel the loss and find healthy ways to grieve. Turn your gaze outward. Pain and sadness have a way of If you’re not in the mood to monopolizing our attention, decorate, don’t push yourself. causing us to spiral into low- Instead, create a new normal energy moods and feel sorry for by finding an alternative to ourselves. However, pity parties decorating, such as making a are difficult to have when you happy tree, corner or wall. Fill are doing something good for it with colors, candles, photos, someone else. So, make a point memorabilia and other items that of doing something to make are meaningful to you. Include a someone else smile; lend a framed quote that inspires you helping hand or do a good deed and finish off with fresh flowers or ― just because. Your heart will plants to breathe a bit of freshness thank you. into your space. Watch a fun, silly movie and let Bookend your day with yourself laugh. You do yourself gratitude. Keep a gratitude a disservice if you never find journal and take five minutes at time to flip to the kids’ channel the beginning and end of each and watch a cartoon. Relive the day to make notes. Write down feeling of collapsing on the sofa to one thing you’re grateful for enjoy Saturday-morning cartoons each morning to start your day without giving a second thought with a positive mindset. At the to whatever responsibilities await. end of the day, write down one Let your mind rest, let your heart thing that made you smile. Take laugh and then make a note of it in your gratitude journal. time to note that 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. 2 0 2 1 D E C E M B E R | 19

Home Is Where the Heart Is By Alisa Smith A few months ago, Set at the back of a 50-acre picturesque property with, just like the park's mantra boasts ― the most my husband Scott and I were caught in a dilemma. gorgeous sunsets you've ever seen ― is a small We began discussing our housing options with camper community and also a working farm. The our housing rental contract soon coming to a close views make it great, but the people truly make and little more than six months left of living in the the experience extra worthwhile, starting with our Fayetteville area before moving for his next duty landlords. The pair is local to Cumberland County station. and knows how to put out the welcome mat to out- of-towners like us and so many others. First things first, we no longer wanted to rent our Every month the park owners show their current home. It was a wonderful house, but the immeasurable kindness by doing something special thought of paying someone else's mortgage, plus for the park tenants, like hosting a barbecue at some, and never having a chance to see that money their home or renting an ice cream truck for a hot back was unsettling. We also knew that when we summer evening. When some renters ― especially moved to Scott's next duty station, the chances of me ― mentioned starting a community garden, the his remaining at that location for a long time, and Popes happily agreed, going as far as to till up some maybe until retirement, were high. So, the more land for use as a garden plot. we could save now to purchase our next home, the better. I eagerly anticipated a small section where we could grow a handful of tomatoes and peppers, maybe This was all during the height of the pandemic, and even a sunflower or two. Imagine my surprise and as people's lives became more remote, the idea of delight when I came home to 2,000+ square feet of living in campers and other makeshift housing was freshly plowed soil! The Popes make sure all RV- becoming more mainstream. We first discussed space renters are happy and comfortable campers. the concept of purchasing Scott's parents' Monaco bus jokingly, but the more we talked about it, the Lane Road RV Park offers these amenities: 50 AMP more the idea seemed the best option. After seeing power supply; 3-foot and 4-foot septic hookups; Lane Road RV Park in Linden, \"Where the Sunsets a beautiful farm setting only minutes from North are Priceless,\" and speaking with owners Kerry Fayetteville and I-295, convenient location near Fort and Audra Pope, we knew we couldn't pass up the Bragg, Methodist University and the Goodyear Tire opportunity to live this alternative lifestyle. Company; monthly and daily rates; and tenant- Alisa Smith studied environmental science at UNC-Wilmington and is married to U.S. Navy Sailor Scott Smith. The couple has one fur-baby, a labradoodle named Stanley. Smith is a self-described \"old lady trapped in a 24-year-old's body,\" one who can most often be found watering plants, playing fetch with her dog or daydreaming about owning a farm one day. 20 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

BOONE TRAIL friendly rental policies such as allowing pets and HOME OF THE 30-MINUTE WORKOUT limiting any camper or recreational vehicle older than 10 years without management approval. Plus, Me y Christmas! the park is small, with fewer than a dozen rental sites ― just the right size for getting to know the We have a Christmas Gift Special for YOU. neighbors and stretching out. Learn more at https://laneroadrvpark.com/. CALL US. But perhaps the largest benefit, at least to us, is our CLASSES awesome neighbors. Coming in, we had no idea what to expect, as many different people decide Monday - Thursday: to live in RVs for various reasons. We were happy to 5:30am/6:15am/8am/8:45/10:30am find that most of our neighbors were also military affiliated and had similar stories. Other neighbors, 4pm/4:45/5:30pm/6:15pm while not service members, had similar interests, like Friday: gardening. Many nights have been spent sharing stories and laughs by the fire pit or at someone's 5:30am/6:15am/8am/8:45/10:30am picnic table. One summer day, we had a community Saturday: party, sarcastically coined the “Lane Farm Trailer Park Bash,” where we each invited friends and family Sa8asmsy/8S:4e0naiomrs: to enjoy a day of kickball, slip n' slides, water balloon fights and great food. They say you can't pick who Tues/Thurs 10 am • Sat 9:30 am your neighbors are, but if I had the choice, I'd pick mine 10 times over. https://boonetrailfitbodybootcamp.com/Fitness As our time at the RV park quickly comes to a close, we begin to reminisce about all the wonderful times we have spent here. There is not one shred of regret about the choice we made to live in our camper these past six months. We will cherish all the new friendships and memories since moving to Lane Road RV Park. DINAH GOODMAN Master Coach Personal Trainer 3039 Boone Trail Ext. 910-889-1155 www.facebook.com/FitBodyBooneTrail/ 2 0 2 1 D E C E M B E R | 21

Candy for Christmas By Katie Crenshaw Alice Lakeman is one of my dear, sweet neighbor job. We had a lovely time bonding over sugar friends. She is a clever, spirited, beautiful 10-year-old and smiles. who dreams of becoming a chef and running her own restaurant when she grows up. I invited her to Christmas candy should not only be delicious to make Christmas candy and connect over what we eat, but fun to make. Candy-making is a great love best ― cooking in the kitchen. opportunity to involve your family or friends to create happy memories. Sharing these special handmade Alice did all of the heavy work of measuring, mixing creations makes them all the sweeter. and assembling the candies. I was there to help guide and assist with the heating on the stovetop I hope you enjoy these confections as much as we and baking parts of the recipes. She did a fantastic did! Merry Christmas! PRETZEL TURTLES • Bake for 4 minutes. • Remove from oven and immediately press one Yield: 50 pieces pecan half on the center of each Rolo. Do you love turtle candy? Then you • Completely cool. Then store in an airtight will love these pretzel turtles. With just three ingredients, they are easy, container until ready to eat. fun and simple to make. Note: The pretzel snaps work best for this recipe. This recipe is also a fantastic candy However, you can substitute the pretzel snaps with to make with the younger ones. pretzel twists. Kids in the kitchen can help with unwrapping the Rolos and the turtle Variation: You can make “Santa Buttons” instead candy assembly. Don’t scold them if of Pretzel Turtles. To do this, substitute red or green they steal a Rolo or two in the process M&Ms for pecan halves. You can also exchange the ― that is part of the fun! pecans for walnuts to make walnut turtle candies. Ingredients 11-ounce Rolo bag of candy containing 50 Rolos 50 pretzel snaps (checkerboard shaped pretzel) 50 pecan halves Parchment paper or tinfoil Directions • Heat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. • Line baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. • Lay 50 pretzels in a single layer on parchment paper. • Remove 50 Rolos from the foil wrappers. Top each pretzel in the center with one Rolo candy. Food blogger of A Fork’s Tale, Katie Crenshaw wrote this article. A resident of Fayetteville, she is passionate about photography, cooking, eating and travel. You can find these recipes along with many others at www.aforkstale.com. 22 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

CROCK POT CANDY • Once completely cooled and hardened, approximately 30 minutes, store in an airtight Crock-Pot candy is salty, sweet and crunchy container until ready to eat. chocolate peanut candy clusters. It is another simple recipe the little ones can help make. Kids can put the Note: Crock-pot candy can be frozen in an airtight ingredients together, help stir and drop the candy container for up to 3 months. It is best to line the clusters onto the parchment paper. container with wax paper to prevent the candy from freezing onto the container. Ingredients 2 pounds salted dry roasted peanuts Tip: After adding the clusters to the parchment 4 ounces Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate paper, you can top with red, white and green 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips sprinkles to add Christmas colors. Do this before the 2 pounds vanilla-flavored candy coating or candy clusters cool. almond bark Directions • Pour the 2 pounds of dry roasted peanuts into a crockpot. • Add the 4 ounces of Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate. • Cover with 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips. • Top with 2 pounds of vanilla-flavored candy coating or almond bark. • Cook on low heat for 2- 3 hours. Stir every 20-25 minutes. • Drop heaping spoonsful of clusters on parchment paper or in individual cupcake liners to cool. PRALINES Ingredients 1 cup brown sugar Have you ever had Savannah Original Pecan 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream Pralines? Oh, my goodness, they are so good! The ¼ cup salted butter rich, creamy, buttery flavors melt in your mouth with 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract every bite. 1 cup powder sugar 1 cup chopped pecans Lucky for you, you do not have to go Directions to Savannah to • Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and find pralines. You can make them set it aside. in your kitchen. • In a saucepan, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1/3 This praline recipe tastes just like the cup heavy whipping cream, ¼ cup salted butter Savannah version. and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat Make multiple and bring to a boil, stirring continuously. Do not batches because take a break on the stirring, or the mixture will they disappear fast. burn. Boil for 1 minute. • Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup powdered sugar. For this recipe, • Stir in 1 cup chopped pecans. I handled the • Drop heaping spoonsful of praline mixture on actual cooking of parchment paper. Allow them cool to harden the candy. Alice (approximately 30 minutes). helped with the • Store in an airtight container until ready to eat. measurements and distribution of Note: Pralines can be frozen in an airtight container the candy on the for up to 3 months. It is best to line the container parchment paper. with wax paper to prevent the candy from freezing onto the container. 2 0 2 1 D E C E M B E R | 23

PPaawwss ffoorr CChhrriissttmmaass?? Pause before Gifting By Crissy Neville A pretty new puppy or cuddly kitten living in the home animal shelters, rescue organizations, under the Christmas tree may sound must be brought friends, family or responsible breeders like the perfect Christmas present for into FAPS to and not from places where the source that someone special. However, unlike interact with the of the animal is unknown or untrusted. most gifts, furry friends are not easy to potential new return or exchange after the holidays pet to ensure The ASPCA wants all to consider that are over if your gift idea is not the compatibility. for pet recipients under age 12, the right fit. If these and parents or guardians of the child other criteria for should be ready to assume care. Gifting pets may seem like a good adoption are met, idea, but various animal welfare the pet owners Food for thought organizations advise that giving and new pet can companion animals as pets should be be united within The facilities all ask potential adopters avoided. Pets given as gifts may be at two to three days. to think through the entire process a higher risk for being surrendered to before deciding to adopt. New pet shelters by families who miscalculated Animal Control parents need to think about the the amount of time and money and T.A.R.A Rescue responsibility, the costs, the time necessary to care for pets or family commitment, the ages of family members who did not ask for the pet Other animal agencies, such as the members, upcoming moves or in the first place. Welcoming a pet into Cumberland County Animal Control deployments and come November the family is always a personal decision Department at 4704 Corporation and December, how unsettling that should be weighed carefully by all Drive and T.A.R.A. pet rescue in traveling and finances can be during members of the household. Raeford, have their own placement the holiday time. policies and try to ensure that all But for those that proceed with gifting family members agree on the new pet Consider all factors and alternatives a pet this holiday or decide to do so addition. According to animal welfare before putting a new pet under this another time of the year, obtaining a representatives, success comes from tree this holiday season. rescue animal who needs a home can being educated about pet ownership be a great decision. What do various and being committed to the cause. If animal welfare agencies say about all parties involved are on board and pet gifting, pet ownership and how to the new animal is wanted, a new pet obtain a new pet? can make a good holiday gift. The Fayetteville Animal The American Society for Protection Society the Protection of Cruelty to Animals At FAPS, located at 3927 Bragg Blvd., all family members must come in The ASPCA recommends giving pets and meet the dogs or cats they are only to people who have expressed interested in as part of the adoption a sustained interest in owning one application process. Any pets currently and have the ability to care for it responsibly. It also encourages potential adopters to obtain pets from Crissy Neville is the editor of Women’s View Magazine and Kidsville News at F&B Publications. She is a lifelong animal lover with many rescue animals at her home. 24 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

Every day, people in our community need a hero. Be a hero. Donate blood. 3357 Village Drive, Fayetteville All blood donations to Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor across from the Emergency Department Center stay in our community to help local patients. For more information on how you can be a hero, please call (910) 615-LIFE or visit www.savingliveslocally.org 2 0 2 1 D E C E M B E R | 25

OAlumtadonaocr WINTER EDITION By Cheryl Garrett W inter runs December 21, the shortest day and longest night of the year simultaneously, through March 20. How do this season and its timetable affect you and your outdoor living? Seasonal Notes cut the plant to half of its mass before the first frost when leaves collapse, they effectively cover and protect the large Vegetable gardens Less sun means shorter growing underground bulbs. Swirl the leaves still attached around hours. If you didn't plant a fall garden, the same vegetables the plant, covering it; this technique also protects the plant. could also be grown in spring. To get a jump-start on the spring season, start your seedlings in late winter. A Food for soil Leaves on the ground are a commodity to wonderful handout to help you with this is available at your your property; they enhance the earth and turn it into an Cumberland County extension office, titled \"Vegetable ideal habitat made of black gold. Be mindful of normal leaf Planting Guide for Eastern North Carolina,\" also available droppage as opposed to those that may have contracted online at http://cumberland.ces.ncsu.edu. Don't wait to the disease. Leaving or using diseased debris causes further order your new seed catalog(s) for 2022 now ― the time to contamination to your other plants by passing on fungal plan your spring garden is in the winter. and virus problems through the breaking down process. Look no further for a fungal example to beautiful but What to plant? The suggested vegetable list includes beets, disease-prone roses, notorious for black spot, and to the broccoli, cabbage, kale, collards, carrots, cauliflower, celery, spotted wilt virus prolific in tomatoes ― compost neither. onions, garlic, leeks, mustard greens, spinach, Swiss chard, parsnips, radishes, rutabagas, turnips and kohlrabi. House plants If you are a house plant grower, you know that the window that faces the southwest can sunburn Compost Fall and winter are also the time of year to gather your plants. A southwesterly facing window will be brighter, and store your garden's brown debris. Brown materials, or perhaps even hotter. You could plant a tree, erect a trellis \"browns,\" cool down your compost pile, while green matter, with an evergreen vine for shading or hang sheer white \"greens,\" heat it up. You will need both when composting. curtains to avoid this problem. But don't create too much Heat can kill the weed seeds and microbial organisms of a shaded interior. Sun and bright light are uplifting in your compost pile. Keep temperatures within 135-160 and energizing. Our body runs on solar power and needs degrees Fahrenheit. Your composting will enrich your soil vitamin D from direct sunlight, which helps to build strong and grow wonderful things. However, do not use any plant bone density. Houseplants create clean air ― another materials with fungal or virus properties or any nematode- good thing. infected plants, including the roots. Cold protection After the first killing frost, some plants Monthly Memos may collapse into a heap due to the high water content in their now frozen leaves. Many of us grow Crinum lilies, DECEMBER Holiday plants like the amaryllis will last longer which behave this way. Information sites will say trim the if placed in indirect light. Using outdoor woody greenery for leaves and cover with thatch or mulch ― but don't. If you seasonal holidays will last longer if cut stems are crushed and placed in warm water 24 hours before arranging. 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. 26 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

a lot. You can find color in these flowering plants: Lenten- Rose, Helleborus; Wintersweet, Chimonanthus praecox; Winter Daphne, Daphne odora; and Winter Jasmine, Jasminum nudiflorum. Don't forget the queen of winter- flowering shrubs, the beautiful Camellia japonica. FEBRUARY The love month is a good pruning month for your yard’s various plants and trees, including cutting back your landscape liriope, commonly known as monkey grass. After pruning crepe myrtles and fruit trees, spray dormant oil when temperatures are above 45 degrees Fahrenheit and remain so for several days. Always be sure to read and follow any label instructions. The month of celebrations for valentines, presidents' birthdays and groundhogs hint spring is on its way. Bring the outdoors in by cutting forsythia, spirea and quince. For proper poinsettia care, remove the plastic sleeve around Winter Fauna the plant. If any branches are broken, sear the break with a Fauna This noun refers to the animals of a particular region match at the kitchen sink for safety. You can use the broken and habitat. Winter can be a struggle for many foragers branch with other cut flowers. When weather permits, that live in our surroundings, including birds, squirrels, usually after April 15, double pot your poinsettia. Place the turtles, fish, small tree frogs, big frogs, toads, lizards and first pot in the ground in an area that gets morning sun and snakes indigenous to our area. afternoon shade. Insert second pot with plant. Lift the inter- pot and bring it inside before the next frost. Water An essential element needed for life, water and access to it for the wildlife around you is key to a good Terracotta pot lovers, you will need to clean empty pots this ecosystem. Create access by adding a birdbath, pond month and store them in a dry area such as a crawl space, or some other water effect, and you will encourage the away from winter's rains. This action helps avoid freezing attendance of fauna. Protection is essential for home ponds and breakage. against predators. Frogs and toads hibernate, so take care when digging around rocks and leaf debris ― often a place of warmth and security for these critters. Turtles do not hibernate; they will benefit from the safety from prey the debris provides. JANUARY It's a new year, and I bet you have a 2022 My greenhouse has an open-door invitation to shelter project list, right? Or do you need help formulating ideas? tree frogs and lizards — like the one below. They bless me First, pull out the graph paper. Make a drawing of your with keeping whiteflies and aphids, always released in project. Estimate time, budget and materials required. spring, at bay. What do you know? Pest control with no Some ideas might be adding a water feature, building a need for harmful chemical sprays! bridge over the ditch going to the mailbox or turning a dry creek bed into a path and doubling it as an aid for storm Happy winter to all. water runoff. Or perhaps you're a rock and stone, sedum and succulent enthusiast. If so, a crevice garden could be calling your name. Do you miss color in your winter yard? What appeals to your eye? Look at other yards; if you admire a plant, say so, and your neighbor might share a cutting or information about it. In the absence of a neighbor to talk to, install a plant and insect identification app on your smartphone; you'll learn 2 0 2 1 D E C E M B E R | 27

It’s a Woman’s World WADE By Cindy Burchett W hen looking for a establishing a post office, jail, drugstore, 1972, when the town acquired and rural town close to street lights and other businesses. remodeled a building that had been Fayetteville with used as a truck stop along highway small-town values and charm, why not There were no records of town- 301 to be used as a town hall. This new consider Wade? Like me, you will be conducted business from 1936 through property was a place where board glad you did. With a current population 1967, when work began by citizens to members and citizens could meet to of 638, this slow-paced Eastern reactivate the 1913 charter. On May 6, discuss the town's business and future. Cumberland County town is the ideal 1968, the first election for this new era This original structure served as the in town government was held with the main town hall until October 1988, place to live and raise a family. election of the prescribed officials ― a when Wade Town Commissioners mayor and three commissioners. In dedicated a new town hall. Town History 1969, the charter was changed, adding two additional commissioners. This Over time, other aspects left from the Located off I-95 at exit 61 and just same year saw the establishment of the pre-I-95 era changed. The sawmill south of the Cape Fear River, the Wade Community Fire Department. continued for many years, with several Town of Wade was settled around shifts each day. Many of the houses the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad Change Comes around town were built by sawmill and named for N.G. Wade, a local employees with sawmill lumber businessman who sold cross ties to The development of I-95 changed the because of the mill. Some of these the railroad. course of the Town of Wade. Before houses still exist today. Sadly, after the interstate opening, U.S. Route 301 several changes in ownership, the mill The town was originally chartered in ― Wade's Main Street ― was the direct closed in 1997. Through the years, many 1869; however, this charter was later route from New York to Florida. Our of the other businesses in town began abandoned. Wade was again chartered sleepy little town was busy with traffic to close, too. on March 8,1913. This second charter as travelers made their way either north called for the election of a mayor and or south. The town flourished with The Town Today three commissioners. The 1913 charter many local stores, a large sawmill and also outlined dimensions for Wade even a motel. Today, Wade Town Hall, Wade Family to encompass exactly 1 square mile. Medical Center, a post office, a newly Following the ratification of this charter The next development in the town built fire department and Mama B's and until 1936, the town progressed by government happened in July Southern Kitchen are within the town Cindy Burchett serves as town clerk for the Town of Wade. She is the wife of Marty Burchett, mother of two daughters, Samantha and Sarah, and nana of granddaughter, Emma. 28 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

limits. Wade Family Medical Center currently encompasses includes a parade, cake-baking contest, provides affordable medical care to the approximately 2 miles and car show, tractor exhibition, various citizens of Wade and the surrounding is again seeing innovations vendors and entertainment such as area. Mama B's is known for its delicious due to the construction of dancing groups and singers on stage meals, especially its Sunday buffet filled I-295. The development of throughout the day. The town also with traditional Southern specialties. I-295 now gives residents works with Wade Family Medical Center easy access to Fort to host an annual National Day of Prayer The Town of Wade was able to Bragg and other areas of event on the first Thursday in May. This construct its first park in 1977 through Fayetteville, such as Cross observance started on the Town Hall grant funds. Though initially built on Creek Mall, creating easier grounds in 1997 with just a few people leased land, the town acquired the access to urban resources. and now has grown to a much larger park's property in 2001 and again event held at Wade Community Park. applied for a grant to expand the park The Town of Wade has Also at the park, each year, on the first to the surrounding acreage. The Wade its water system, becoming part Saturday in December, the town hosts Community Park was dedicated in of the North Cumberland Region a tree lighting event. This celebration 2005. This community landmark is Sewer System in 2002. This modern includes a Christmas tree lighting, located on 34 acres with a walking trail, development paved the way for sanitary music, a visit with Santa, hot cocoa playground, tennis court, soccer field, sewer to be brought to Wade and the and snacks. baseball field and splash pad. The Park neighboring towns of Godwin and is a source of pride for the town and is Falcon. This project was completed at Women of Wade widely used by Wade and Cumberland the end of 2005, making sewer available County citizens. to citizens in all three locations and In the past and present, women have allowing growth in areas that previously always played important roles in this The year 1990 was significant because, could not be developed. wonderful small town. Wade had one for the first time, Wade annexed female mayor, Betty Lou Jernigan additional tracts of land, meaning the Traditional Values Maxwell, from 1977-1979. She was vital town was no longer 1 mile square. Since and Observances to the creation of the initial Wade then, several further annexations have Park and was on the founding board caused changes to town dimensions. Religion and worship are also important of Wade Medical Center. Additionally, to our heritage. Four churches of since the reactivation of the Town of Change is constantly taking place various denominations are located Wade charter in 1967, eight female within the Town of Wade. The town within Wade, and many more are close commissioners have been elected to to town. Home life is a pinnacle, and you serve, including today's Jennifer Weaver. can find pretty homesteads, farms and suburban dwellings throughout Wade. Each decade, women have worked One 70-home subdivision exists now, tirelessly to create a better way of life and plans for future development have for Wade citizens, working on projects already been presented to the Board of crucial, then and now, to the town's Commissioners. future. Wade is still a small and proud place that has faced adversity and yet In 2009 the Town of Wade started an accomplished many great things. Those annual event called Founder's Day to of us who live in Wade are proud to call celebrate the town's heritage. This event it our home. occurs on the first Saturday in June. It 2 0 2 1 D E C E M B E R | 29

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