Anyone can provide advice. At Edward Jones, our goal is to provide advice and guidance tailored to your needs. That’s why we live and work in your community. When it comes to your financial needs and goals, we believe you deserve face-to-face attention.
You talk, we listen, and we get to know you.
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC For more information or to schedule a complimentary financial review, call or stop by today.
Dobson
Paul J. Bunke, Sr., AAMS™, CFP® 124 W. Kapp Street, Suite C PO Box 407 Dobson, NC 27017 336-386-0846
paul.bunke@edwardjones.com
Audra Cox, ABFP ™ 715 S Main St, Suite B Dobson, NC 27017 336-569-7385 • 844-795-3462 audra.cox@edwardjones.com
Elkin
Frank H. Beals 965 North Bridge Street Elkin, NC 28621 336-835-4411 frank.beals@edwardjones.com
Timothy Johnson
116 E. Market St. Elkin, NC 28621
336-835-1124
timothy.johnson@edwardjones.com
Nathan Sturgill
116 E Market Street
Elkin, NC 28621
336-835-1124
nathan.sturgill@edwardjones.com
Jonesville
Aaron L. Misenheimer, CFP®, ChFC® 1530 NC Hwy 67, Suite A Jonesville, NC 28642
336-258-2821
aaron.misenheimer@edwardjones.com
Andi Draughn Schnuck 496 N. Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-1707 andi.schnuck@edwardjones.com
Dale Draughn, AAMS™ 140 Franklin Street Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-0136
dale.draughn@edwardjones.com
Logan Draughn
492 N. Main Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-3323
logan.draughn@edwardjones.com
Kody Easter, AAMS™, CRPC™, CFP® 304 East Independence Blvd Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-2079
kody.easter@edwardjones.com
Randy D. Joyce
136 W. Lebanon Street Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-6238
randy.joyce@edwardjones.com
Tammy H. Joyce, AAMS™ 136 W. Lebanon Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-6238 tammy.joyce@edwardjones.com
Tanner Joyce 752 S. Andy Griffith Parkway, Suite 400 Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-245-9112 tanner.joyce@edwardjones.com
Tiffany L. Smith
106-B South Depot Stree Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
336-368-2575
tiffany.l.smith@edwardjones.com
Michael Warren, WMCP® 101-D Shoals Road, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
336-368-0782
michael.warren@edwardjones.com
Christopher L. Funk 128 South State Street • PO Box 790 Yadkinville, NC 27055 • 336-679-2192 chris.funk@edwardjones.com
27 Blueberry Streusel Muffins
32 Chocolate Chip Pie
28 Christmas Eve Cookies
37 Cranberry Apple Casserole
32 Creamy Southwest Soup
47 Easy Fruit Pie
26 English Toffee
29 Gingerbread Men Cookies
27 Gooey Maple Butter Cake
37 Mama’s Pound Cake
27 Mountain Apple Cake
31 Pecan Pie Cheesecake
30 Short Bread Cookies
39 Snowman Face Cupcakes
38 Stir-’n-Drop Oatmeal Cookies
52 Sugar Cookie Cutouts
34 Triple Chip Cookies
Last year, People Helping People provided Christmas gifts to western NC kids. Help us do it again this year!
A non-profit organization that continues to provide relief for our mountain neighbors affected by Hurricane Helene.
Ship/Mail/Deliver Donations to:
501 East Main Street, Yadkinville, NC
336-706-6857
CASHAPP: Anna83Ed
VENMO: Anna-Southern-1 (last 4 of #6857)
This year’s we will distribute gifts on Saturday, December 20. We need gifts for boys and girls: Infant (up to 2), Toddler (3-5), Kids (6-9), Pre-Teens (10-12), and Teens (13 and up). You can also donate stockings, stocking stuffers, gift bags, and wrapping paper. If you prefer, make a cash donation and we will shop for you!
ONGOING NEEDS
Monetary donations
Non perishable food
Hygiene items
Cleaning supplies
Pet food
People Helping People is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, so your gifts are tax deductible. Our retail shop is open, so shop with us or donated gently used items.
Kathy Sparks Dietary Manager
Elizabeth Lockett Administrator
Alisha Kinsey, RN Director of Nursing
Candy Crissmon Household Supervisor
Elizabeth Pardue Social Worker
Johnathan Smouse Maintenance Supervisor
Tammy Johnson Office Manager
At Yadkin Valley Magazine we value the concerns, ideas and interests of our readers. We welcome all story ideas and suggestions, always keeping an open file and working them in when possible. All story ideas should be submitted by mail to: PO Box 2077, Yadkinville, NC 27055.
Please submit information regarding fundraisers, gallery show openings, plays, readings, concerts or other performances at least two months in advance of an issue’s cover date. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter yadkinvalleyweekends.com/weekends
The magazine is FREE at locations throughout the Yadkin Valley. You will find a highlight listing of pick-up locations on our web site at www.yadkinvalleymagazine.com. Not all locations will always have copies in stock.
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Yadkin Valley Magazine is a publication of Crossroads Publishing, LLC. PO Box 2077
Yadkinville, NC 27055
336-961-2620
yadkinvalleymagazine@gmail.com
November-December 2025
Volume 26 Number 2
PUBLISHER
Leah Wagoner Williams
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Victoria Williams
Rebecca Williams
ADVERTISING SALES
Leah Wagoner Williams
Ken & Denise Knight
Barbara Collins
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sara Drake
Scott Duckworth
Peggy Isenhour
Chelsea Johnson
Madaline Jones
Dr. Heather Kilbourne
Carmen Long
Sharee Parker
Christi Pate
Kellee Payne
Lisa Prince
June Rollins
Leslie Rose
Jessica Wall
Rebecca Williams
PHOTOGRAPHS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Scott Duckworth
Peggy Isenhour
Chelsea Johnson
Madaline Jones
Carmen Long
Sharee Parker
Christi Pate
Kellee Payne
June Rollins
Leslie Rose
Leah Williams
Rebecca Williams
DISTRIBUTION
Gray & Amber Harris
Ken & Denise Knight
Michael Scott
Isaac Williams
Mark Williams
Rebecca Williams
Trying out a YVM recipe? Be sure to tag us on social media if you post a picture!
How is it that another year is winding down? This issue marks two years of Yadkin Valley Magazine for me. I am so very thankful for John and Barbara Norman and the opportunity to continue the work they started. For those of you who often ask about them, you can catch up a little-and take a look back-with them on page 62.
I continue to be thankful for loyal readers, advertisers, and contributing writers. You make Yadkin Valley Magazine possible! While I may be the editor, like many things it does truly take a village. Hauling heavy magazines, editing copy, cooking supper when I am trying to finish an issue...so many people help make each issue happen. Thank you.
Besides the magazine, I have many things to be grateful for. As we approach Veterans Day, I am thankful for those who have served and continue to serve to protect our country. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Certainly because of the food, but more for a moment to consider the blessings of this year before the rush of December. I hope that each of you have many blessings to count.
In this issue, you will find lots of recipes for Christmas cookies and holiday treats. Enjoy articles on local people and businesses, and be sure to remember Yadkin Valley Magazine advertisers when you are shopping for gifts. Your purchases here make a difference for local businesses and their families.
To each of you, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a blessings in the New Year!
Our telephone number is 336-961-2620 web address: yadkinvalleymagazine.com
Please email the following: Advertising Inquiries Weekends/Events Calendar Submissions
BEST Yadkin Valley COOKS recipes Pet Photos to: yadkinvalleymagazine@gmail.com
Yadkin Valley Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Entire contents copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Reproduction of our created advertising materials and design work are strictly prohibited. Yadkin Valley Living, Yadkin Valley Magazine, Yadkin Valley Weekends, Best Yadkin Valley Cooks, 52 Pounds and then some!, are trademarks of Crossroads Publishing LLC, PO Box 2077, Yadkinville, NC 27055.
Proudly printed in the USA. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the magazine. We assume no responsibility for changes in schedules, prices, hours or information.
Before travelling long distances, it is always wise to use the contact numbers included in the magazine to confirm that the events you wish to enjoy are still on schedule.
The contents of advertising and articles do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. The publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions of any advertisement beyond the actual cost of the advertisement.
In no event shall the publishers be liable for any consequenstial damage or any damages in excess of the cost of the advertisement.
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Visit June’s website at: www.junerollins.com
Did you know the most globally recognizable Christmas song was never meant to be a Christmas song?
“Jingle Bells,” originally titled "The One Horse Open Sleigh,” written in 1857 by J.P. Morgan’s uncle, James Lord Pierpont, was inspired by the lively atmosphere and excitement of New England sleigh races.
One of the reasons it may have become most globally recognizable is because it was the first song ever broadcast from space. The astronauts aboard the Gemini 6 mission during the 1965 Christmas season were Walter "Wally" Schirra Jr. and Thomas P. Stafford. They are famous for playing a prank on Mission Control by performing "Jingle Bells" with a harmonica and jingle bells, claiming they saw a “UFO.”
Two other top holiday songs are… Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which is currently the most played based on chart performance:
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
And Bing Crosby’s, “White Christmas” is the all-time best-selling single and the most recorded.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas With еvery Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white
Not everyone loves Christmas music. Some of us dread the traditional tunes conjuring images we would rather forget. A good reminder this is not a merry season for all and cranking up the volume only makes it worse.
Whether holiday music lovers or haters, many of us will grow weary of hearing nonstop Christmas playlists in stores and restaurants beginning in early November. We may become annoyed at this marketing strategy orchestrated to put us in festive moods to buy more and boost holiday sales when deep down all we’re really longing for is to be safely tucked into a soft surrounding silence and wake up on Christmas morning to peace on earth.
Wait. Are those bells I hear?
Christmas Music, continued
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow(1807-1882), 1867
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men. I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men." Till, ringing singing, on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, Of peace on earth, good will to men!
Front row left-right: Becca McDuffie, Marcia Payne Wooten, Mitzi Mitchell
Middle row left-right: Ann Loftis, Bonnie Jordan, Sara Williams, Whitney York, Carol Bell
Back row left-right: Tammy Poindexter, Justin Wooten, Matthew Pinnix
Not pictured: Allison Hughes, Carabet Moore.
You first read about it in the January 2025 issue, but at that point it was only a dream. It is now a reality.
The Grove Handbell Ensemble has been hard at work since its inception in June 2025. Eleven curious musicians came together to try their hands at ringing bells. Only 3 had had prior handbell experience and the rest were eager to learn.
The community group, based at Union Grove United Methodist Church in northern Iredell county, is truly a community group, drawing its members from the surrounding area. Some are coming from as far away as East Bend and Statesville. The ringers’ backgrounds are just as varied. There is a Surry community college student, a middle school science teacher, two retired music educators, a fitness center (gym) owner, a retired x-ray and medical records technician, a retired English as a Second Language teacher, a Deputy Court Clerk, a middle school counselor , a retired kindergarten teacher, an elementary school media specialist, a school bookkeeper, a retired chemist/wastewater labsupervisor, and the founding director, who is a retired Spanish, French and Foreign Language Pedagogy instructor.
The twice-a-month Sunday afternoon rehearsals are a combination of technique practice, concentrated ringing of beautiful music, and more than occasionally, uproarious laughter. That being said, we are seriously preparing for our upcoming Christmas concert on Sunday, November 30th at 4:00 pm in the sanctuary at Union Grove UMC, 1331 Sloans Mill Road, Union Grove, NC 28689. The public is cordially invited to the concert and the dessert reception in the fellowship hall following the concert.
We are excited to present our inaugural concert and are in the process of planning the concert for May of 2026. We also welcome new ringers for the spring semester beginning in January. Contact Marcia Payne Wooten at 336-469-0391.
Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension Wilkes County Center
The “ober” and “ember” months– September through December–are upon us. These months often come with a flood of sugary treats. Though it is fine for most people to indulge on special occasions, continuous consumption of added sugar can become problematic when it turns into a habit. Even after the holidays pass, many of us find ourselves staring at the bowl of leftover chocolate or candy sitting on our counters, making it easy to continue the cycle.
There are two main forms of sugar: those which are found naturally in foods, such as fruit (fructose) and dairy products (lactose), and added sugars that are put into food to make them taste better or have a longer shelf life. Added sugars take many names, including sucrose, dextrose, fruit nectars, glucose, sugar cane, molasses, high fructose corn syrup, table sugar, concentrated fruit juice, and yes– even honey.1
When health professionals recommend cutting back on sugar, they are usually referring to added sugar, not the sugar found naturally in whole foods. This is because added sugar has been linked with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, as well as other health challenges such as tooth decay and metabolic syndrome (increased blood pressure, blood sugar, and triglycerides).2 On the other hand, the natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables are accompanied by fiber. Fiber helps slow digestion and prevent a rapid spike in blood sugar, which can lead to weight gain and conditions like type 2 diabetes over time. If you’ve ever looked at the Nutrition Facts label on the back of a food package, it probably comes as no surprise that the average American consumes more added sugar than recommended. For adults, it is recommended to obtain no more than 6% of your daily calories from added
sugar, which is about 120 calories or 6 teaspoons for women or 150 calories or 9 teaspoons for men.3 Children younger than two years old should avoid added sugar entirely.1
But in reality? The average American consumes around 17 teaspoons of added sugar per day. This means that by the end of the year, the average American has consumed 60 pounds of added sugar.3
So, how is all this sugar sneaking into our diets?
Sugary beverages, such as soda, sweet tea, sports drinks, energy drinks, and flavored coffees, are the leading source of added sugar in the American diet.4 Our brains do not register calories from beverages in the same way as calories from solid foods. This means that consuming 100 calories from a drink is less likely to make you feel full than consuming 100 calories from food. When you don’t feel satisfied, it makes it easier to over-consume added sugar without realizing it.
Other common sources of added sugar include cakes, cookies, brownies, ice cream, and pastries. However, there are many other less easily identified sources of added sugar, such as many breakfast cereals, breakfast bars, pre-packaged oatmeal, peanut butter, sauces, and marinades.
Here are some quick tips to recognize and curb added sugar in your diet.
Check the Label: Nutrition Facts labels list the amount of added sugar in a single serving. You will find this information under the heading “Total Carbohydrates” since sugar is a type of carbohydrate. Since this amount will be for one serving, you need to multiply that amount by the serving size if you intend to consume the whole bottle or package. For example, if your drink bottle contains 2 servings of a beverage and you intend to drink the whole bottle in one sitting, multiply the number of grams of added sugar listed by 2.
Do the Math: Nutrition labels list sugar in grams and unless you’re a scientist or in the medical field, you probably don’t think in terms of grams. When reading a label, keep in mind that 4 grams of sugar equals 1 teaspoon. This means you can figure out how many teaspoons of added sugar are in a product by dividing the number of grams by 4. For example, if you pick up a soda that has 77 grams of sugar in it, that soda contains a little over 19 teaspoons of sugar.
Choose Whole Fruits: Eat whole fruits instead of drinking fruit juice with added sugar. Thanks to the fruit’s fiber, your body will digest the natural sugars more slowly than added sugar preventing a rapid blood sugar spike.
Beware of “Low Fat” Products: Foods marketed as “Low Fat” can still be high in added sugars! In fact,
manufacturers will sometimes add sugar to a product low in fat to make it more palatable.
Limit Sugar Sweetened Beverages: Choose beverages with no added sugar. Instead, try infusing your water with fruits or herbs.
If you’re looking for some sweet tasting recipes that are low in added sugar, check out https://medinsteadofmeds.com/recipes/. You can also learn more about how to read the Nutrition Facts label at https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/how-understand-and-use-nutrition-facts-label.
Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/php/data-research/addedsugars.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/added-sugars.html
2. https://medinsteadofmeds.com/tips-and-tools/rethinkyour-sweets/
3. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthyeating/eat-smart/sugar/added-sugars
4. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/php/data-research/sugarsweetenedbeverages.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/nut rition/data-statistics/sugar-sweetened-beveragesintake.html
Welding
Rigging
Parts
Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension
Surry & Alleghany County Centers
1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon coarse salt
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 cup pecans
6 chocolate bars
Recently driving through Pilot Mountain, I was greeted with a “Thank a Farmer” sign in the yard of the Pilot Mountain First United Methodist Church. It reminded me to pause for a moment and appreciate the hard work our farmers do each day to provide us with what we need to live. The holidays are full of food and festivities. Planning to have sweet potatoes or turkey for your holiday meal? NC farmers are producing these items not just for North Carolinians, but families across the nation. Decorating your home with real greenery and or choosing a live Christmas tree? Thank a farmer. Without our farmers, none of these holiday traditions would be possible. Even those new jeans you are wearing, giving or receiving this Christmas, may have been made from cotton grown in NC. Agriculture is intertwined in so many different areas of our lives. From textiles, timber and wood products to fuel and energy, agriculture is more than just food. Farm City Week provides an opportunity to recognize and thank our farmers and the businesses which support agriculture. This annual event is celebrated the week of Thanksgiving which always falls on the 4th Thursday of November. Another annual tradition to celebrate agriculture are local county fairs. Fairs provide opportunities to show animals and compete for prizes in many different categories. From fresh and canned produce, cut flowers, arts and crafts to the largest vegetables, there is something for everyone. This winter is a perfect time to start thinking about what you may want to enter in the 2026 county fair in your community.
Congratulations to these 2025 Alleghany County Agricultural Fair winners who shared their blue-ribbon winning recipes just in time for your holiday enjoyment.
Microwave whole pecans for 1 minute. Remove from the microwave, cool and chop. Microwave butter, sugars, salt, water and corn syrup for 3 minutes. Stir. Microwave approximately 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes until the temperature reaches 300 degrees F with a candy or food thermometer. Spread the chopped nuts in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Carefully pour the hot liquid mixture over the nuts. Immediately top with the candy bars broken into pieces to cover the mixture. Can use a pastry brush to spread chocolate around as it melts. Chill and then break into pieces.
Heather Hernandez
1 ½ cups all- purpose flour
¾ cup of sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 cup blueberries
Streusel Topping
½ cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
¼ cup butter
2 tablespoons vanilla sugar
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Mix well all of the muffin ingredients except the blueberries. Fold blueberries into the mixture. Fill muffin cups ¾ full with batter. Mix streusel topping ingredients together. Spoon topping onto muffin batter in each cup. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Lisa Ingram
Ingredients:
1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 egg
2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and divided
1 (8 ounce) package softened cream cheese
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoon maple extract
1 pound powdered sugar
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Combine cake mix, 1 egg and 1 stick of melted butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of two lightly greased 8x8 baking pans or one 9x13 pan.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, vanilla extract, maple extract and 1 stick of melted butter and beat together. Add powdered sugar slowly and mix until well combined. Evenly spread mixture over cake batter base.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 – 40 minutes for 8x8 pans or 40 – 50 minutes for 9x13 pan. Make sure not to over bake as the center should still be a little gooey.
Allow to cool and sprinkle with additional powdered sugar as desired. Enjoy!
Award-winning Apple Cake and Blueberry Struesel Muffins by Heather Hernandez.
Heather
Hernandez
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cup vegetable oil
1 ½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 large apples, peeled and chopped into good sized pieces
1 cup black walnuts, chopped
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Sift two additional times.
Combine oil and both sugars.
Add eggs one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each egg. Add vanilla.
Add dry ingredients to batter. Mix well. Fold in apples and black walnuts.
Spoon into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Director,
NC Egg Association
Holiday cookie swaps are a fun and cherished tradition that brings friends, families and communities together to share treats made with love. The idea is simple: everyone brings a batch of their favorite holiday cookies and exchanges them with others, leaving everyone with a delightful assortment of sweets to enjoy throughout the season.
From classic favorites to cookies that will wow, check out these 3 festive ideas for your next cookie exchange and spread the holiday joy! More holiday cookie recipes can be found at ncegg.org.
Happy Holidays from North Carolina’s Egg Farming Families!
https://ncegg.org/recipe/christmas-eve-cookies/
Create beautiful Santa hats and carrots for Rudolph using meringue—which is a mix of egg whites, cream of tartar, powdered sugar, vanilla and food coloring. These cookies are a fun, unique addition to any exchange.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 27
3 large egg whites, room temperature
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
1 ½ cups powdered sugar, plus extra if needed
1 teaspoon clear vanilla
Red, orange and green food coloring
Colored decorator sugars
Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a hand mixer and a large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar at a high speed until foamy. Add the powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is glossy and has stiff peaks. Add the vanilla and divide mixture in half.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray them with baking spray.
Divide the first amount of mixture – adding red food color to 2/3rd of the meringue and leaving 1/3rd of the meringue white. Put them in separate piping bags. On the first baking sheet, with a medium open tip, pipe a triangle shape for Santa’s hat. Using the remaining white meringue, pipe the trim on the hat and decorate with colored sugars.
Divide the second amount of mixture – adding orange food color to 2/3rd of the meringue and adding green food color to 1/3rd of the meringue. Put them in separate piping bags. On the second baking sheet, with a medium open tip, pipe the orange meringue in the shape of a carrot about 2” long, starting at the base and pulling away from the paper for the tip (you should get roughly eighteen).
With the green meringue and a leaf tip, make 2-3 carrot tops attached to the carrot. Bake both sheets on two racks at 225°F for 40-50 minutes. They should be mostly dry. Turn off the oven and let them cool inside the oven.
https://ncegg.org/recipe/chewy-cut-out-gingerbread-men/
Create the cutest little gingerbread people to compliment festive gingerbread houses! Once the icing sets, stack them easily for transport.
Servings: 24
6 tablespoons of salted butter, at room temperature
¾ Cup (160 g) dark brown sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ cup (160g) unsulphured molasses
3 cup (375 g) all purpose flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
ICING INGREDIENTS
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
1 teaspoon light corn syrup
2 tablespoons water
Pinch of salt
Gel food coloring (optional)
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and dark brown sugar for 3 minutes, until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla and mix for another 2 minutes until the mixture is light and glossy.
Add the molasses and mix until well combined.
Add flour, spices, and salt. Mix at a medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 375 and line 2 sheets with parchment paper.
Cut the dough in half and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface to about ½” thickness. Cut out gingerbread men shapes (or whatever shape you prefer) and place cookies onto prepared pans. They won’t need much room in between because they won’t spread in the oven.
Place the cookie sheet into the freezer for 10 minutes, then bake at 375 for 8 minutes. Freezing the dough for just a few minutes before baking ensures that the cookies hold their shape.
Let cool on the cookie sheet for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before icing.
For the Icing:
Add all ingredients except the food coloring to a small mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. The icing should be a “15second icing” which means that when you pick it up with your whisk and let it fall back into the bowl, it should take about 15 seconds to disappear back into the remaining icing. If it’s too thin, add extra powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little more water.
Separate the icing into smaller bowls and color with the gel coloring; white, black, blush pink, and dark green. Put icing into piping bags (or ziplock bags with a small hole cut out) and decorate. Icing will take about 10-15 minutes to set once piped, then the cookies can be stacked for serving and transporting.
Find another cookie recipe from Lisa Prince on page 52!
The Sweet Shack Bakery 111 West Main Street Boonville, NC 336-467-0963
Ingredients
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 cup salted butter, room temperature
2 ⅓ cups all purpose flour
Can you believe that it is less than two months until Christmas?
Nothing says holidays like freshly baked cookies, cinnamon rolls, monkey bread, cakes, and pies! They smell and taste amazing! Plus baking them is fun and always puts us in a good mood! And it’s often a fun and festive way to spend time with friends and family, embracing the holiday spirit.
When I was young, my mom would be busy making candy and desserts for the holidays, during the entire months of November and December. She was famous for her goodies and everyone looked forward to receiving a gift from her.
One of my favorite cookies that she made was Shortbread Cookies!! Butter. Sugar. Flour. Three magical ingredients. And yet so versatile! I love using this base recipe and then adding different decorating elements to mix things up. Nuts, chocolate, caramel, and crushed candy canes are all wonderful choices! I’ll make some into rolled balls with sprinkles on top, and I’ll roll the rest of the dough out and cut into different shapes. This keeps your baking platters interesting with all the different flavors and textures!
From all of us at The Sweet Shack Bakery, we wish you a Merry Christmas. We truly appreciate each and every one of you.
(optional): Coarse sugar, chocolate, nuts, sprinkles, crushed candy canes, caramel, etc.
To make the cookies
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a half sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar on high speed for 3-5 minutes, until light in color and fluffy. Add the flour and mix until combined. The dough may look quite crumbly at first, so keep mixing until it starts to form a ball. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all of the flour is evenly mixed.
Variations:
Roll small pieces of dough into a ball and flatten with a fork to create a criss cross on top. Alternatively press down with a cup that has a fancy bottom, or a cookie stamp to create a pattern.
Roll small pieces into a ball and press a thumb into it to create a divot to fill with caramel or chocolate after it’s baked. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes. I like using a ruffled circle cookie cutter.
If at any point the dough is too sticky to roll out or work with, the butter may have gotten a bit too warm, simply chill for 15 minutes and try again. Transfer the cookies to the lined baking sheet, gather the scraps, and re-roll to cut out more cookies. Sprinkle to tops of cookies with a bit of coarse sugar for a little extra something, if desired. Bake at 325 degrees F for 14-16 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. I find it better to slightly over bake shortbread rather than underbake it, to ensure you get that melt in your mouth texture.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Ingredients
For the Crust –
13 Graham Crackers
¾ cup pecan halves
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
½ cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake –
24 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Pie Topping –
1 ¾ cups pecan halves chopped
¾ cup light brown sugar
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Use a 9 x 13 dish, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
For the Crust: Set out a large food processor. Place the graham crackers, pecans, and brown sugar in the bowl. Pulse into fine crumbs. Then pour in the melted butter and pulse again until well combined. Pour the crumbs into the baking dish. Press the crumbs down into a tight even layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. For the Cheesecake: Clean the food processor bowl. Place the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla, and salt in the bowl. Process until very smooth.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust. Tap the dish gently on the counter to remove air bubbles. Then bake for 30-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
For the Pecan Pie Topping: Once the cheesecake is out of the oven, set a small sauce pot over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans, brown sugar, cream, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a boil. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then remove from heat.
Pour the pecan topping over the cheesecake. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Chill the cheesecake for at least 2 hours to set.
Cut with a serrated knife. For clean sides, wipe the knife with a wet paper towel in between cuts.
To make your recipes lighter and healthier. Increase the nutritional benefits and trim calories by cutting back on added fats and sugars, while still enjoying your favorite holiday dishes and desserts:
Swap refined flours for whole-grain flours.
Cut back on added sugars.
Add mashed bananas or applesauce as a natural way to sweeten desserts or toss in dried fruits that don’t contain added sugars; dates, apricots, and raisins are naturally sweet.
Add high fiber ingredients such as rolled oats, dried fruit, pureed beans, nuts and seeds into your waffles, pancakes, muffins, or other holiday dishes. Top with fresh fruit such as mashed or whole berries for more added flavor
and fiber!
Warm, aromatic spices are always a hit for the holidays. Adding a few dashes of cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove to any holiday recipe is not only a great way to add holiday cheer, but spices also provide cancer-fighting phytochemicals. These spices are another great way to add additional flavor to your foods to help you cut back on salt and sugar in your baking.
Make dessert recipes that feature fruit, whole grains, nuts and seeds as the star of the show. You can add shredded or pureed apples, pears, carrots, coconut, mashed banana, pumpkin or sweet potatoes to boost nutrients, flavor and moisture. You can use these ingredients to add extra flavor and act as a replacement for some of the butter or oil in the recipe.
2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
1 can black beans
1 can yellow corn
1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies
The busy months are ahead. Welcome to November and December. Lots of family celebrations with plenty of food. In November we think about the weather being much cooler even though we officially are still in the fall season. Ideas for decorating for the holidays occupy many of our thoughts. December brings the season of winter with cold temperatures and often snow for the mountains. We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with many church activities in December as we get ready to usher in a New Year.
This month’s recipes are Creamy Southwest Soup and Chocolate Chip pie. The tasty soup can be made ahead and frozen for those busy days ahead when you need a quick meal. The chocolate chip pie is a delicious pie that would be perfect to serve at a family gathering. The pie freezes very well also. If you are cooking gluten free, I have included substitutions.
Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! Blessings
2 cups low sodium chicken broth (Swanson is gluten free)
8 ounces of cream cheese cut in chunks
16 ounce jar of salsa (Pace or Great Value is gluten free)
1 packet taco seasoning (McCormick gluten free or Pioneer Brand Gluten Free)
1 packet Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix (Hidden Valley is gluten free)
Combine all ingredients in a large skillet and heat on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring to melt cream cheese. Turn heat to low and simmer for 1 hour stirring occasionally. Enjoy!
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
½ cup flour (King Arthur Measure for Measure gluten free flour)
1-6 ounce package semisweet chocolate morsels (Toll House & Great Value are gluten free)
¾ cup chopped pecans
½ cup flaked coconut
1 unbaked 9” pie shell (Wholly gluten free frozen pie shell)
Combine butter, sugar and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl. Beat well. Add eggs one at a time and beat well. Stir in flour and then gradually fold in chocolate chips, pecans and coconut. Pour into an unbaked pie shell. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes. Let cool slightly before cutting or serve at room temperature. Refrigerate after the pie has cooled.
1 cup butter, room temperature
2/3 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cups light brown sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon butter extract
1 teaspoon caramel extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup peanut butter chips
½ cup white chocolate chips
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup chopped pecans
As the old saying goes, I’ve been cooking since I was “knee high to a grasshopper”. For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed sharing my goodies with family and friends, especially at Christmas. So, this year I’ve updated the classic chocolate chip cookie recipe and added white chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. I also like nuts so I’ve added walnuts and pecans. Several years ago, I entered my butter pecan pound cake recipe in the Beth Tartan contest and won first place in the nut category. The article in the Winston-Salem Journal listed me as the #1 Nut! My husband said he knew that all along! A friend once told me that she would hate to have my nut bill! Give my Triple Chip Cookies recipe a try this Christmas and share with your family and friends. Merry Christmas and blessings in the new year. Enjoy!
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter and sugars together either in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or with a hand mixer. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, butter extract, and caramel extract and mix well. Sift the flour, measure, and sift again with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture until creamy. Add the semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, walnuts, and pecans to the mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour. Using a 1 ½” scoop, scoop out the dough onto ungreased, parchment lined or silicone lined cookie sheets. Bake for approximately 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cookies cool for 2-3 minutes and then place on a wire rack to cool completely. Store in a glass cookie jar with a lid. Yields approximately 4 dozen cookies.
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Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension Yadkin County Center Cooperative Extension Chelsea_Johnson@ncsu.edu
Follow along on Facebook @YadkinCountyFCS
The holiday season is approaching! You may be planning a celebration for friends and family in one big group or in smaller gatherings. Regardless of the venue, it is never too early to start holiday meal preparation.
If left to the last minute, meal planning can be a challenge no matter if you are having a dinner for one or ten. Planning your menu ensures all your favorite dishes are included and spent smarter. You will also shop more efficiently and decrease costs by avoiding unnecessary purchases. Today, we will go over some tips you should follow to guarantee that you have a much easier time buying and prepping food.
Plan ahead
Do not wait until the week before a holiday to start planning and deciding
what you want to make for your family. Allot time to look for sales or coupons both online and at local stores, to maximize your food budget. You should also take note of everything you already have at home, so that you only buy the ingredients necessary to complete the dishes. Save time on cooking
Buy frozen and canned goods to help save time in the kitchen. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great addition to your plate but buying them frozen or canned is just as good for your health as they retain the same nutrients. Moreover, depending on the season, it may be cheaper to buy frozen or canned produce versus fresh ones. Be flexible about your meat choice
Although tradition may dictate you buy a certain type of meat, your food budget may require you to do otherwise. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), dishes that include meat usually account for 40% of the cost of food for a small gathering. Inexpensive meats for this time of year include a whole roasted chicken or lean pork roast. The USDA also states that frozen meats also cost less.
Again, make sure to spend some time considering your food budget and deciding how much you can spend this holiday season. You can adjust your dishes accordingly.
Invite others to bring food
If you are celebrating the holidays with friends and family, a good way to guarantee everyone saves is to have a potluck for your holiday meal. Turn your holiday meal into a potluck. Not only will it be fun to try different dishes, but it also helps save time in the kitchen.
Discuss with everyone what you would like to have served and divide the responsibilities either by types of dishes (main dish, dessert, sides) or by each person’s specialty.
Make it yourself
Although it might be tempting to
purchase ready-to-go foods at the store and not have to worry about cooking it from scratch, this choice will most likely cost you more money. Choosing to make a dish yourself may be more time-consuming, but it is also a better way to control the amount of salt, fat and sugar that is added to the food.
Cooking should also not be a lonely task. Request help in the kitchen by giving your family age-appropriate tasks, such as asking your spouse to cut the vegetables and children to prepare the cookie dough. Be creative with leftovers
On the week you prepare a big holiday meal, stretch your food dollars with leftovers for the week’s meals. There are many ways to incorporate leftovers in different meals such as using meat and vegetables for a soup or a sandwich. Just keep in mind that leftovers should not be in your fridge for longer than four days.
Take advantage of local resources
Another great way to stretch your budget is to find local resources. There are many organizations that support families during the holiday season such as churches, food banks and private groups.
In North Carolina, you can find out about available resources in your city by calling the NC 211 line at 2-1-1 or visiting their website at nc211.org.
Written by: More In My BasketAdapted by Chelsea Johnson,
This holiday season, may you make many special memories around the table with family and friends!
FREE Local Delivery
Apple Casserole from Loyce Marklin
3-4 cups Granny Smith apples, chopped
2 cups (one bag) fresh cranberries
2/3 cup sugar
Combine apples, cranberries, and sugar in sprayed 9 X 13 dish.
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter, melted
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
848 South Main Street Mocksville, NC 27028 (336) 751-2492
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Mama’s Pound Cake from Betty Marklin
(Have all ingredients at room temperature.)
2 sticks butter
1/2 cup Crisco
3 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
3 1/2 cups plain flour, sifted
The Marklin Family Grandpa Johnson Marklin, standing, loved to have the family gathered around the table, and often was the one who remembered to take a photo. Grandma Loyce Marklin, lower right corner, set a beautiful table.
Combine oatmeal, brown sugar, butter, flour, and pecans. Spread over apples and cranberries. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until bubbly and light brown.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup canned Carnation milk
6 eggs
Cream butter, shortening, and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add alternately with milk, ending with flour. Pour in large greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours, or until cake tests done.
4-H Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension Yadkin County Center madaline_jones@ncsu.edu
What a fun time the holiday season brings with it! It's a time for coming together with family and friends, for presents and treats galore, and for so many fun things to do and see. For many, the best part of the holidays is baking with family. Many of our fondest memories are of mixing the batter for a favorite cake or scooping cookie dough onto a pan. This holiday season, I want to offer you some fun, new ideas to involve your children more in the baking process.
Nothing says holiday more than some warm, soft, yet crispy, cookies. Here is an easy spin on oatmeal cookies that are not only delicious, but also so easy for the kids to help make.
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup plain oatmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 egg
3/4 cups of chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a baking sheet.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir in the brown sugar and oats.
Add the vegetable oil, milk, and egg, and mix until everything is combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips (and walnuts, if desired).
Drop the dough by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto the baking sheet.
Bake for about 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy!
Yields about two dozen cookies
Recipe adapted from-The ACF Chef and the Child Program
These recipes have been tested out with our very own 4-H’ers in Yadkin County and they are certainly kid approved! I hope that you enjoy these holiday recipes with your kids this season! If you want to have some of this fun with your own 4-H program, you can also contact your Cooperative Extension 4-H Development Agent. NC Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider and welcomes all to come learn about our programs. Visit ces.ncsu.edu to learn more about NC Cooperative Extension by clicking on the “County Centers” tab and selecting your home county.
Now look at this even easier winter wonderland treat. Keep in mind that you can use any cake recipe you like, but for little ones I find it easier to just use a simple boxed cake mix to get them started on their baking journey.
Ingredients:
Any boxed white cake mix of your choosing (gather needed ingredients for that recipe using the box instructions)
24 cupcake holders
1 16 ounce container of white icing
One small tube of orange icing
2 cups dried coconut flakes
1 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
Bake 24 cupcakes according to the box instructions. After the cupcakes have completely cooled, frost them with the white icing.
Dip each cupcake into the coconut flakes until the top is covered.
Place chocolate chips on the cupcake for the eyes and mouth of the snowman. You can use the small, pointy end of the chocolate chips to slightly puncture the cupcake so they stick better. If they are not sticking well, feel free to use a little bit of the white icing as "glue." Use the orange icing to make the snowman's nose. Then enjoy!
If you plan to do this with multiple kids or want to have a “snowman cupcake decorating party" consider using sectioned off plates to pre-portion the ingredients needed to make their snowman creation.
Mackenzie Hall
Area Livestock Agent N.C. Cooperative Extension mackenzie_hall@ncsu.edu Davie County Center (336) 753-6100 / davie.ces.ncsu.edu Yadkin County Center (336) 849-7908 / yadkin.ces.ncsu.edu
The 2026 North Central District 4-H Poultry and Rabbit Show will be held on Tuesday, June 16 (location TBD). Youth ages 5-18 must be enrolled (and approved) in 4-H, register, and pay the registration fee by the deadline, as well as maintain a project record book about the process that they submit for judging ahead of the show to compete in the show.
2026 Poultry Show Information: https://go.ncsu.edu/ncdpoultryrabbitshow
The two breeds that have been selected for the 2026 show include:
October 30, 2025, 6:30 p.m. – Poultry Show Q&A Zoom December 12, 2025 - Register and pay a $30 registration fee due. Youth will receive 5 chicks that “should” all be hens. Chicks will be vaccinated for Mareks Disease. January 2026 - All participants must enroll/reenroll in 4-H Online.
January 2026 - Watch the required webinar recordingsBrooding, Nutrition/Housing, & Health
February 6, 2026 (tentative) – Counties/Agents pick up chicks. Chicks can be picked up at your County Extension Center (IF the USPS delivers on time).
June 1, 2026 – Deadline for participants to submit record books to their county agent.
June 16, 2026 @ 10 a.m. - NCD 4-H Poultry & Rabbit Show - Location TBD
There will be an egg judging contest to be held in conjunction with the show on Tuesday, June 16. Youth should bring six eggs that have been laid by the flock that they receive from us in September for judging the day of the poultry show. This is free of charge but registration is required by May 1, 2026.
N.C. Cooperative Extension’s North Central District (NCD), comprised of 20 counties, hosts the North Central 4-H Rabbit Project to highlight youth raising their own rabbits. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, 4,186 farms sold 495,707 rabbits nationally. In North Carolina, rabbit production reached its peak in 2007, with 174 farms selling 23,915 rabbits. Rabbits have many purposes. They can be used for meat, fiber, show animals, laboratory animals, or as pets. The rabbit show, held in conjunction with the poultry show, consists of showmanship only and youth must provide their own rabbit.
For the Rabbit Show, youth must also complete a record book to record their care and knowledge learned about their project to participate in the show. A project record book workshop is held virtually every year to help them learn what is expected. If they can not attend live, it is also recorded.
The NCD 4-H Rabbit Show was held on Saturday, March 15 at the Forsyth County Center. Fifteen youth from six counties participated in the show. Youth competed in showmanship, where they presented their rabbit to the judge. The judge asks them questions about their rabbit, their care of the rabbit, rabbit health, anatomy, etc. The judge for the show was Mike Garner, Davie County 4-H Volunteer.
Find your County Livestock Extension Agent at https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/directory/
Below is a list of the placings in showmanship. Also listed are the project record book winners.
Cloverbud (Ages 5-7)
Eli Kallam, Rockingham County
Jordan Giguere, Ashe County
Jasper Mahato, Alamance County
Molly Gambill, Ashe County
Madeline Cranston, Forsyth County
(Name withheld), Forsyth County
Kyplee Kelly, Yadkin County
Junior (Ages 8-10) (Name Withheld), Forsyth County
Ayanna Harbison, Alamance County
Kaelyn Giguere, Ashe County
Addi Kelly, Yadkin County
Evelyn Cranston, Forsyth County
Intermediate (Ages 11-12) (Name Withheld), Forsyth County
Senior (Ages 13-18)
Cayleigh Shaw, Davie County
Alivia Shaw, Davie County
Cloverbud (Ages 5-7)
Eli Kallam, Rockingham County
Jordan Giguere, Ashe County Ages 8-10
Kaelyn Giguere, Ashe County
Evelyn Cranston, Forsyth County
Ayanna Harbison, Alamance County
Addi Kelly, Yadkin County (Name Withheld), Forsyth County
Ages 11-12
(Name Withheld), Forsyth County
Buffy Dowd, Surry County Ages 13-15
Evie Dowd, Surry County
Alivia Shaw, Davie County Ages 16-18
Cayleigh Shaw, Davie County
N.C. Cooperative Extension’s North Central District (NCD), comprised of 20 counties, hosts an annual poultry project for 4-H members ages 5-18 to help teach youth responsibility, animal husbandry, and money management. This project is an opportunity for youth to learn more about the livestock industry through raising and showing laying hens. Once registered, youth must attend required training about raising chicks. They then receive five-week-old chicks that they raise and nurture. They must complete a project record book detailing what they learned, how they cared for their chickens, and document their experience, in order to participate in the show. This is a longterm project, encompassing six months from start to finish, plus the youth retain ownership of the hens at the project completion.
This year’s NCD 4-H Poultry Show was held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Forsyth County Center. Thirteen 4-H members from seven counties participated in the show. Youth competed in showmanship, where they presented one hen to the judge. The judge asked them questions about their bird, their care of the bird, bird health, anatomy, etc. Youth also competed in a breed show. There were two breeds in the show: New Hampshire and Silver Laced Wyandottes. All birds were the same age. The judge examined a pen of three birds and judged the birds on production, or laying ability on that day. The judge for the show was Mark Paylor, NCA&T Poultry Unit Coordinator.
Below is a list of the placings in showmanship and our breed grand and reserve champions. Also listed are the project record book winners.
Cloverbud (Ages 5-7)
Evie Hane, Davidson County
Kyplee Kelly, Yadkin County
Rylee Meyers, Forsyth County
Junior (Ages 8-10)
Eli Myers, Forsyth County
Jaycee Hicks, Stokes County
Addi Kelly, Yadkin County
Ariana Cranston, Forsyth Co
Intermediate (Ages 11-12)
Ella Lucas, Alleghany County
Emmalee Call, Wilkes County
Jase Bridges, Davidson County
Senior (Ages 13-18)
Fortino Cruz Castillo, Rockingham County
Sofia Cranston, Forsyth County
Jaxon Hicks, Stokes County
Breed Show
New Hampshire Breed Show
Grand Champion - Jaycee Hicks, Stokes County
Reserve Champion - Ariana Cranston, Forsyth County
Silver Laced Wyandotte Breed Show
Grand Champion - Jaxon Hicks, Stokes County
Reserve Champion - Addi Kelly, Yadkin County
Cloverbud (Ages 5-7)
Rylee Meyers, Forsyth County
Ages 8-10
Ariana Cranston, Forsyth Co
Addi Kelly, Yadkin County
Jaycee Hicks, Stokes County
Brynn Dowd, Surry County
Eli Myers, Forsyth County
Ages 11-12
Ella Lucas, Alleghany County
Emmalee Call, Wilkes County
Jase Bridges, Davidson County
Ages 13-15
Jaxon Hicks, Stokes County
Evie Dowd, Surry County
Sofia Cranston, Forsyth County
Fortino Cruz Castillo, Rockingham County
For more information regarding the NCD 4-H Poultry, Rabbit, and Egg Shows visit: https://go.ncsu.edu/ncdpoultryrabbitshow or contact your County 4-H Extension Agent for more information in January. https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/directory/
Thanks to Sara A. Drake for sharing 2025 Show Information
Extension Agent, Livestock
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Davidson County Center sadrake@ncsu.edu
336-242-2082
https://davidson.ces.ncsu.edu/
The North Central District (NCD), N.C. Cooperative Extension, hosts the 4-H Poultry & Rabbit Projects each year. New this year, an Egg Judging Contest was added for youth-raising hens. This year was a trial run to see if there was interest, and yes! It will be a contest that we continue.
Youth could enter one-half dozen (6) eggs from their own hens. Eggs were placed into the following categories based on weight: PeeWee, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, or Jumbo. Eggs were then judged based on uniformity in color, shape, size, and exterior evaluation (calcium deposits, stains, etc).
The NCD 4-H Egg Contest was held on Saturday, March 15 at the Forsyth County Center. Seventeen youth from eight counties participated in the show. The judge for the show was Alex Kissinger, Livestock Extension Agent, Durham and Orange Counties.
Cloverbud (Ages 5-7)
RyLee Meyer, Forsyth Co (Name Withheld), Forsyth County
Sheerah Woods, Davidson County
Junior (Ages 8-10)
Malachi Woods, Davidson County
Jaycee Hicks, Stokes Co
Ayanna Harbison, Alamance County
Eli Myers, Forsyth County
Addi Kelly, Yadkin County
(Name Withheld), Forsyth County
Intermediate (Ages 11-12)
Emmalee Call, Wilkes Co
Ella Lucas, Alleghany Co
Ananias Woods, Davidson County
(Name Withheld), Forsyth County
Senior (Ages 13-18)
Jaxon Hicks, Stokes County
Solomon Woods, Davidson County
David McKee, Forsyth County Cayleigh Shaw, Davie Co
Kellee Payne
Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension
Yadkin County Center
kellee_payne@ncsu.edu
Facebook @YadkinCountyHorticulture
As the last of the autumn leaves fall and a cool November breeze sweeps through the Yadkin Valley, a different kind of beauty prepares to take center stage. While our gardens sleep under a blanket of coming winter, there's a dazzling display just waiting to unfurl on our windowsills and in our homes. Enter the amaryllis, a holiday superstar that promises a brilliant splash of color when we need it most.
The amaryllis is a beautiful and diverse plant that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and originates from Central and South America. These herbaceous perennial bulbs can grow quite large, with some reaching up to three feet tall. An amaryllis bulb that is 12 inches in circumference, generally produces two flower stalks, each one bursting with three to four flowers. With over 100 species and hundreds of cultivars, their blooms offer a vibrant spectrum of colors-from classic holiday reds and white to delicate pinks, oranges, and even captivating bicolors. Whether you prefer the elegant simplicity of a single bloom or the dramatic fullness of a double flower, there's an amaryllis for your space. Don't forget the delightful miniature varieties, which are perfect for windowsills and tabletop displays.
Did You Know? The scientific name for amaryllis is Hippeastrum. It comes from the Greek words hippos (horse) and hippeus (rider). Some say the name refers to the bloom’s resemblance to a rider on a horse, with the flower’s petals fanning out like a horse’s head and ears. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, an amaryllis provides the perfect living centerpiece. These festive bulbs are most often grown indoors to bloom during the winter months. To time your blooms for the peak of the season, aim to plant them in early to midNovember, as they generally take between four and eight weeks to flower. Fortunately, there are several methods to suit any gardener's style. The most classic approach is to
plant the bulb in a pot, but you can also choose to force blooms in water. For the truly effortless decorator, the waxed amaryllis bulbs have become a recent sensation, as they require no soil, no water, and no work to produce a stunning display.
To successfully grow a potted amaryllis, you must choose a container that is just slightly larger, about one to two inches wider, than the bulb itself. This close fit is ideal, as amaryllis bulbs actually prefer to be a little rootbound. Your pot can be made of clay, ceramic, or resin, but a drainage hole is a must. As your plant grows, its tall flower stalks and heavy blooms can make it top-heavy, so selecting a heavier pot with a broad base is a smart way to prevent it from tipping over. If you're planting multiple bulbs in one container, be sure to use a sturdy, wide pot to balance the weight. Once you have your container, fill it with a high-quality, well-drained potting medium, such as a mixture of equal parts peat and perlite. Place the bulb in the center, making sure that one-third to one-half of the bulb is left exposed above the soil line. This simple step is vital for keeping the bulb dry and healthy, helping to ward off a common fungal issue known as red blotch.
After potting, you need to find the perfect spot. Amaryllis are a sun-loving plant that requires a well-lighted area which receives at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. A south-facing window is ideal, but an east- or west-facing window will also work well. As the flower stalk begins to grow, be sure to rotate the pot every few days to keep it from leaning toward the sun. For the best growth, your amaryllis will be the happiest in a warm room, with temperatures between 70 and 75℉. Once those magnificent flowers have opened, however, you can extend their life by moving the plant to a cooler spot, around 65℉. Just be sure to keep it away from heaters or air vents, as the dry, hot air can cause the flowers to fade quickly.
You should give your newly potted amaryllis a deep watering immediately after planting, but never let the pot sit in water, as this can lead to rot. For the first week, hold off on watering, and then transition to keeping the soil slightly moist. When the spectacular show of flowers begins, you can increase your watering to once or twice a week, or as soon as the soil feels dry. Avoid fertilizing an amaryllis bulb before it has grown any leaves, as this can kill the roots. Once the plant has developed foliage, however, fertilizing is essential. Use a liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted according to the label directions, applying
it twice a month to promote strong, healthy growth.
The spectacular blooms of an amaryllis can become quite heavy, causing the tall stalk to bend. Staking the flower stalk will provide the necessary support to keep it upright. If a stalk bends too far and is in danger of breaking, don't worry—you can simply cut it and place it in a vase, where the flowers will continue to bloom beautifully.
The secret to getting your amaryllis to rebloom year after year is to keep it happy even after the flowers have faded. As soon as the blooms begin to wilt, cut the spent flower stalk off just above the bulb to prevent it from forming seeds. Then, move your plant to a sunny window and continue to care for it. The goal is to encourage strong leaf growth, which will help the bulb develop and store energy for next year’s flowers. Continue to keep the soil slightly moist and fertilize it regularly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
In the spring, once the danger of frost has passed in the Yadkin Valley, you can even move your amaryllis outdoors for the warmer months. Before planting it in the garden, you’ll want to acclimate it to the outdoors by gradually increasing its exposure to light on a porch or patio. Once adjusted, find a garden site that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. An elevated bed can be a great choice for ensuring proper drainage. When planting directly into the ground, space the bulbs about a foot apart and make sure to leave half of the bulb’s nose above ground, with the rest barely covered with soil.
Once you've acclimated your amaryllis to the outdoors, finding the right spot in the garden is key. These bulbs love sunlight, but here in the Yadkin Valley, they can be sensitive to the intense summer heat. Select a sunny location that offers afternoon shade to protect the leaves and prolong the life of the blooms. While these plants prefer well-drained soil, be sure to add mulch to prevent the bulbs from drying out too much, especially during the colder months. For garden-planted amaryllis, proper fertilization is what fuels those stunning flowers. To ensure a beautiful show, use a fertilizer with a low nitrogen content, such as a 5-10-10 or 6-12-12 analysis. The first application should be made as soon as new growth appears, and a second when the flower stalk reaches 6 to 8 inches. A third feeding after the flowers have faded will help the bulb build up energy for next year. And as an added benefit, you won't have to worry about local wildlife, as amaryllis are a beautiful and deerresistant addition to the garden.
For those looking for an alternative to traditional potting, two popular methods offer a low-maintenance way to enjoy amaryllis. One option is to force them in water using a clear vase, bulb-forcing jar, or other container. The key is to suspend the bulb just above the water level, allowing only the roots to touch the water. You can add pebbles,
marbles, or other vase fillers to the bottom of a hurricane or glass bowl to keep the bulb stable and upright. Like with potted plants, remember to rotate the container regularly so the stem grows straight. Note that once an amaryllis has bloomed in water, it will not flower again using this method, though it can be transitioned to a pot. For the ultimate in effortless holiday decorating, consider the popular waxed amaryllis bulbs. These bulbs are coated in a festive, colorful wax and contain all the energy needed to produce two flowering stalks without any soil or water. They simply require light and warmth to put on their show. A weighted base or coiled wire in the bottom of the wax ensures they stand upright, and a daily rotation will keep the stems straight and tall.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a holiday decorator, an amaryllis is more than just a plant—it's a promise of warmth, life, and vibrant beauty to share with your family and neighbors in the Yadkin Valley.
Our office is an equal opportunity provider, so if you have any questions related to horticulture, please contact Kellee Payne at kellee_payne@ncsu.edu or 336-849-7908.
I hope that you are ready to jump into learning the possibilities of growing and using North Carolina berries! We are bringing attention to the colorful, flavorful, and versatile stars of our gardens and kitchens: blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, yezberries, and mulberries. Wake up your mind to discover why these garden powerhouses deserve a prime spot in your garden.
North Carolina's climate is a dream come true for growing many types of plants. We are blessed to be able to grow an abundance of these healthy berries. Here are five fantastic growing plants:
•Blueberries: These berries are practically synonymous with North Carolina. Sweet, slightly tart, and bursting with antioxidants, blueberries are as good for you as they are delicious. From the classic highbush varieties thriving in our soils to the delightful rabbit-eyes, there's a blueberry for every garden. They are native to our area, make great flowers in spring, and their berries are packed with antioxidants.
•Blackberries: With their deep, dark color and intensely sweet-tart flavor, blackberries are a summer favorite for many. Many thornless options are now available, making them much more of a joy to grow and harvest.
•Raspberries: Whether you prefer the classic red varieties or the less common golden and black raspberries, their texture and sweet flavor are great in many recipes. They're a bit more challenging to grow than the others, but the reward is absolutely worth it.
•Yezberries: If you haven't heard of yezberries yet, get ready to be amazed! These relatively unknown berry plants are a type of honeysuckle with surprisingly flavorful berries. They're very cold-hardy and offer an early season harvest, extending your berry harvesting season.
•Mulberries: Often overlooked, mul-
berries are a hidden treasure. These plants offer a different berry with jelly or jam-style sweetness that sets them apart. They ripen over an extended period, providing a steady supply of fruit, and their trees can provide a decent amount of shade compared to other berry plants.
By planting in the fall and winter, berries can establish their roots to handle the new growth in spring and the stress of summer heat waves and droughts of the following year.
There's nothing quite like planting and picking berries from your own plants. The good news is that North Carolina berries are just right for the home gardener, regardless of your experience level.
1. Location: Most berry plants will crave sunshine! Aim for a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Good drainage is also crucial, so consider raised beds or amendments if your soil is mostly heavy clay.
2. Soil: Berries generally prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0). A simple soil test from your local extension office can tell you exactly what your soil needs. Incorporating compost before planting will give your berries a fantastic head start.
3. Planting: When planting, ensure the roots are spread out and the crown of the plant is at or slightly above soil level. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
4. Water: Consistent watering is key, especially during fruiting. Berries don't like to dry out completely. Pay attention to your local rainfall and supplement, when necessary, like during droughts.
5. Pruning: This is where the "art" comes in! Different berries have different pruning needs.
Blueberries: Prune in late winter, removing old, weak, or crossing canes to encourage new growth and better air circulation.
Blackberries/Raspberries: These are
often pruned after fruiting. "Floricanes" (canes that bore fruit this year) are removed at the base, as they won't produce again. "Primocanes" (new canes) are left to produce next year's crop.
Yezberries: Generally, require minimal pruning, mostly just to shape the bush.
Mulberries: Can be pruned for shape or size, especially if you want to keep them more manageable.
Now, let's talk about the incredible journey these berries take from your garden to your kitchen, transforming into delicious and nutritious culinary stars. For the health-minded reader, North Carolina berries are an absolute dream.
•Antioxidants: All our featured berries are packed with antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in your body, supporting overall health and well-being. Blueberries, in particular, are celebrated for their high antioxidant content. Yezberries have more antioxidants than blueberries.
•Fiber: Berries are an excellent source of dietary fiber, important for digestive health, and help you feel full and satisfied.
•C: Vitamin C from these berries will support your immune system and skin health.
•Breakfast: Toss them into your morning oatmeal, yogurt, or blend them into a vibrant smoothie. My favorite is a mixed berry smoothie with a handful of spinach – you won't even notice the greens!
•Baking: From simple blueberry muffins and blackberry cobblers to more complex raspberry tarts, berries elevate any baked good. Imagine the aroma of your homegrown berryflavored pie cooling on your counter!
•Savory: Don't limit berries to sweet dishes! A homemade blackberry or raspberry vinaigrette can add a gourmet touch to your salads. Blueberries pair wonderfully with roasted chicken or pork.
•Preserving: When your harvest is too much to handle in one recipe, don't let a single berry go to waste! Freezing them is incredibly easy – just wash, dry, and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. Makes jams, jellies, or preserves to lengthen the taste of summer all year long. Opening a jar of homemade yezberry jam on a cold winter morning could save you a trip to the store!
The Berry Lifestyle!
Whether you're dedicating a corner of your yard to a sprawling berry patch or simply seeking out the freshest local berries at your farmer's market, integrating these North Carolina treasures into your life is a decision you won't regret. Homegrown berries are much healthier than store-bought candy and can fill the same role for children. They offer a delightful blend of gardening joy, culinary versatility, and incredible health benefits. Let the natural flavors of North Carolina berries take hold of your garden and your kitchen! Happy growing leads to healthy eating!
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup milk
1 stick butter or margarine, melted
4 cups fresh fruit (peaches, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, or raspberries) sweetened to taste.
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
2. Melt the butter in a 9 X 12 inch baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, mis together the sugar and self-rising flour.
4. Stir the milk into the sugar and flour mixture.
5. Pour the melted butter from the baking dish into the batter and mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter back into the hot baking dish.
7. Spoon the fruit evenly over the top of the batter.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Poinsettias will be ready for
mid-November until Christmas. We will be putting 77 varieties on display for voting between November 24 and December 7.
~Voting can be done~
Monday through Friday 8 to 5, Saturday 8 to 4, and Sunday 12 to 3 - only on November 30 and December 7
Director, Yadkin County Human Services Agency
Medical Clinic and Wic wall@yadkincountync.gov
336-849-7588
In the last few decades, public health officials have focused on targeted education to teens so they will never start smoking. Preventing youth from starting smoking altogether is one of the best protective factors for tobacco use later in life. The negative health effects of smoking and tobacco are more widely discussed than ever. Many places are smoke-free, including bars and restaurants, school campuses (including two- and fouryear colleges), and public housing. With all the progress that has been made, you might think our youth tobacco rates are low to non-existent. Recent data shows this is not the case. Based on the 2022 NC Youth Tobacco Survey, 1 in 8 High School students currently use a tobacco product. The national rate, based on the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, was 1 in 12 or 8%. And 27% of NC High School students report using multiple tobacco products. This is compared to 3% nationally. E-cigarettes continue to be the number one tobacco product used by youth in North Carolina. Further review of the survey data shows that 64% of High School current tobacco users have vaped marijuana. And the data indicates students are becoming dependent on these products, with 27% of High Schoolers reporting wanting to use them within 1 hour of waking up, and 25% finding it hard to get through the school day without vaping.
So, what’s the issue with vaping? People may use e-cigarettes and vapes as an alternative to smoking. Parents may allow youth to use these products because they think they are safe or harmless. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “No tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are safe, especially for children, teens, and young adults.” People may assume that e-cigarettes do not contain nicotine. That's not a safe assumption, and most do contain nicotine. Nicotine is a highly addictive and harmful stimulant found in tobacco products. According to KidsHealth.org (Nemours Children's Health), nicotine is as addictive as heroin or cocaine. The CDC explains that nicotine can harm the adolescent brain, affecting attention, learning, mood,
and impulse control.
Youth are choosing to vape because of social influences, advertising, youth-friendly flavors, and nicotine (many youths who currently vape would like to stop). Parents and caregivers need to be aware that tobacco companies are using similar advertising themes and approaches that were used to increase youth tobacco use in other products, such as cigarettes. Research indicates that most youth who use these products started with a flavored variety. Youth are seeing friends and family members use these products and often obtain them from others, most commonly a friend.
North Carolina has regulated these products by including age purchase restrictions on e-cigarettes to match those of traditional tobacco products and also taxes the sale of the consumable nicotine solution (this is sometimes referred to as "e-juice"). In April 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the FDA acted appropriately in denying marketing applications for nicotine e-liquids with blatantly kid-friendly flavors (information from Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids). According to the NC Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch (TPBC), e-cigarettes are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, meaning there is no standard for safety for these products. E-cigarettes vary by brand and manufacturer, meaning the chemical makeup of the "e-juice" changes from e-cigarette to e-cigarette. This means that some may be more toxic than others.
Parents and caregivers should not rely solely on government regulation to eliminate the threat this poses to youth. The approach to protecting youth should involve parents and caregivers, but also members of the child's community, including schools, pediatricians, and faith and civic organizations. Have a conversation with your teen about e-cigarettes. Are they using them? Are their friends? Ask your child’s doctor about the health risks of e-cigarettes and vaping. Do your research about what the devices look like and how they can be accessed by those under the age of 18. We don’t have any reason to believe these products are healthy. The use may lead to the use of further and more harmful substances. And research may arise that will show how risky and harmful these products are. If your teen is already using them, it’s important to stop right away. Resources for parents can be found at https://www.parentsagainstvaping.org/parents-accordion.
For more information, visit the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch of North Carolina's website at https://www.tobaccopreventionandcontrol.ncdhhs.gov/. There is a link for more information about e-cigarettes on the left-hand side. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has great information on their page at https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/youth.html. As with any new product or fad or movement, be a smart consumer and do your research and talk with your health care provider.
Brett Duffey proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1987 – 1990 as an Air Traffic Controller. During his third year of active duty, his time in the Corps was cut short due to a tragic 12-story fall resulting in a six week coma, sixteen broken bones, a punctured lung, right side paralysis for nine months and having to spend thirteen months in five different hospitals. Brett’s fall was DEVASTATING! He had to learn to walk, talk, drive, and even write again. Before the fall he was right handed but lost complete control of his dominant arm and hand which affected everything including self-care like hygiene and even feeding himself. He was unable to hold or use any utensils, the steering wheel, or even the handle of a walker. He could not stand and was confined to a wheelchair for nine months. Eventually Orthotics created a customized leg brace followed by more than six months of daily Physical and Occupational Therapy teaching him to stand and walk again as well as ways to adapt/modify daily life tasks like bathing, dressing, toileting, and feeding. This enabled him to achieve his ultimate goal of returning to a life of independence.
Fast forward to today. It has been 35 years since Brett’s catastrophic journey began. During his recovery he was able to use his personal misfortune to gain the unique perspective required to fight, overcome injuries and the struggles we face, in order to achieve success against the simplest of adversities. As a result of his fall and road to recovery experience, in 1998 he obtained an Occupational
Therapy degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University and was on the Honor Roll as well as the National Dean’s List.
After working five years as the Lead Occupational Therapist at NC Baptist Hospital Homecare, he decided to start his own outpatient rehab facility –Complete Rehab, Inc. in Clemmons NC. In the last twentythree years, he has specialized in Orthopedic and Neurological diagnoses and recovery with a specialty in Neuropathy. He has treated more than 8,500 patients with Neuropathic issues and has an amazing success rate.
Brett has the rare ability to truly “connect” with his patients as he has been there himself. As owner of Complete Rehab, he is able to use his experience to deliver the best results to everyone. He has a heart for fellow Veterans but always takes his time and speaks to everyone in a clear, easy to understand manner with candor. He will explain every step of the process to you, which results in a very refreshing therapeutic experience! Give him a call (336-778-0292) as he’s waiting to talk to you or check out his informative website (CRTherapy.com) where his former patients have left many positive testimonies of their time with Brett.
Ken Knight, contributing writer is a fellow veteran. Thanks to both of you for your service.
At Aesthetix Laser and Medspa , we believe in the power of self-care and transformation. Our mission is to help you look and feel your absolute best through cutting-edge treatments, personalized care, and a luxurious experience that rejuvenates both body and mind.
Our team of licensed medical professionals offers a variety of customized services including:
●Neurotoxin and Dermal Fillers
●Laser Hair Removal
●IPL - photofacials
●Frax
●Microneedling
●RF Microneedling
●Hair Restoration
● Anteage and Revision skin care products
● Hydration
A Transformation Awaits
When you visit Aesthetix Laser and Medspa you’re not just receiving treatments—you’re embarking on a journey to enhanced confidence and well-being. Whether you’re looking to refresh, tighten or tone your skin, or simply relax, we’re here to make it happen.
Ready to start your journey? Consultations are complimentary!
Contact us at 336-409-0241 or visit our website www.aesthetixlaserandmedspa.com to schedule your appointment. Follow us on @aesthetixlaserandmedspa_pllc for the latest updates, tips, and specials.
Let us celebrate you! Book Your Appointment and mention this ad for 20% off your first treatment as a new client. Don’t miss the chance to begin your transformation today!
Aesthetix Laser and Medspa: Where Beauty Meets Science, and Confidence Comes Naturally.
https://ncegg.org/recipe/sugar-cookie-cut-outs/ These buttery soft sugar cookies are perfect for decorating! Cut the dough into fun holiday themed shapes and top with icing, colored sugars, sprinkles or nuts. Pro tip: roll the dough, cut out the desired shapes and place the entire baking sheet in the fridge for a few minutes prior to baking. This will help the dough keep its shape while in the oven!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 16
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg, room temperature
2 egg yolks, room temperature
2-1⁄2 cups of all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
ICING INGREDIENTS
2-2⁄3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons meringue powder
4 tablespoons water
Beat butter, granulated sugar and vanilla in mixer bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg and egg yolk; beat at low speed until blended. Gradually add flour and salt, beating just until blended. Refrigerate dough, wrapped in plastic wrap, at least 2 hours or up to 2 days. Heat oven to 350°F. Work with 1/2 of the dough at a time, keeping remaining dough refrigerated. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out cookies using cookie cutters; Place 1 inch apart on parchment paper-lined or un-greased baking sheets.
Bake in 350°F oven until edges are lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.
FOR ICING: Combine powdered sugar, meringue powder and water in mixer bowl. Beat at a high speed until light and fluffy, for 6 to 8 minutes. If icing is too thick, thin with small amounts of additional water.
G & B Energy has nine locations across western North Carolina today, but it began nearly 100 years ago with a man and a fuel truck. In 1930, E. C. Boyles was a commisioned agent for Standard Oil in Pilot Mountain. By 1945, he had partnered with Phillip Greenwood to form G & B Oil Company of Elkin. Their partnership lasted for five years, when according to family legend, they flipped a coin. The winner was to name the price they wanted for their share of the company. The “loser” got to buy out the other half, and so Mr. Boyles ended up the sole owner.
Today, the company is still family owned, with the fourth generation leading the company as it nears a century of providing warm homes in Elkin and beyond. In addition to delivering propane and other heating fuels, G & B sells, installs, and repairs gas logs, tankless water heaters, grills and outdoor living products and more! They pride themselves on offering support to their customer from the showroom through installation and use of their products. If you need to call for service, a real person will answer the phone and make sure that you get the assistance you need. They service what they sell, and have well-trained staff to install and repair everything from fireplaces and tankless water heaters to fire pits.
Customers come first at G & B Energy. They can manage their budget by leveling fuel payments so that heating their home doesn’t mean one big bill. To make delivery of propane more convenient for their customers and more efficient for the company, G & B currently offers remote monitoring of fuel tanks. New automatic delivery customers receive this service free for one year, and existing customers can request it for a fee.
Giving back to the community is also important to G & B Energy. This year they hosted their 33rd annual Irons In The Fire Golf & Social benefiting The Yadkin Valley United Fund with a $50,000 donation. Since 1993, this annual event has raised over $700,000.
& B
SPECIAL OFFER for Yadkin Valley Magazine Readers!
.Save up to $550 *with rebates on Kozy Heat Direct Vent Gas Inserts. Plus, Receive 100 Gallons of FREE* Propane with Purchase. Restrictions apply. Offer Expires 12/31/25
Her son’s death teaches Frances Chandler that the breeze from a butterfly’s wings in Japan can indeed become a tornado in Kansas—or North Carolina.
Edin yearns to escape Earth’s oppressive ways for a new life in humanity's first off-planet colony. An assassination disrupts the launch, forcing Edin to choose freedom’s perilous path or the familiarity of home.
PI David Randall is no fan of singer Sherry White, but death threats prompt him to provide security for her Parkland, NC concerts. A missing psychic, an ex-husband, a reporter and a young ghost provide many mysteries to solve!
Three months, three murders, and a small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is rocked by a serial killer. Two retired spunky English teachers from Plot Hound Bookshop, work to uncover the identity of a vicious murderer. By doing so, the ladies find themselves in the killer’s cross hairs.
Does a Dress Have a Life, is a fearless, heartfelt journey through family, love, and the wounds that shape us.
Tundra swans by the thousands. Acres of wildflowers. Or frogs in your own backyard. Explore every day wonders with your children and grandchildren.
Sidney is thrilled to learn his destiny is to save the multiverse—until he discovers he’s actually meant to destroy it—in this graphic novel.
How would you like to see your grandfather waltzing through your school hallway dressed in blue circus tights? Do you ever feel like you can't please your parents? Or do your best friends think you are losing your marbles because you finally find a girlfriend? So, what if she's a 150year-old ghost? Sure, it's a little strange, but not unheard of—is it?
He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant. He grew up in another village, where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was 30. Then, for three years, he was an itinerant preacher.
He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He didn't go to college. He never lived in a big city. He never traveled 200 miles from the place where he was born. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but himself.
He was only 33 when the tide of public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied him. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for his garments, the only property he had on earth. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave, through the pity of a friend.
Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race. I am well within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned--put together--have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one solitary life.
Attributed to James Allen Francis
Autumn welcomed authors to the region. Ask your local librarian about available copies.
Bisse Bowman and poet Cheryl Wilder at Pages Books & Coffee, working on a Kintsugi art project led by Cris Tadesse of Crisanthemum Ceramics.
April 19-25
Look for event information in the January-February issue of Yadkin Valley Magazine!
“There
is no better Christmas gift than a themed basket from Books and Brew!”
Babs introduces Hank Phillippi Ryan to Pages Books & Coffee and Hank introduces the audience to her new novel, All This Could Be Yours.
Thrifting has become trendy the last few years, but the Veterans Thrift Store in Boonville has been around a while. Since 2020, Darlene Crews, whose late husband Larry was a veteran, has worked to support veterans in need. She shared that they began down the street from their current location. They accept clothes of all sizes, along with household and kitchen items, furniture, and televisions (if they work). Large appliances are not accepted. Many hours are invested in sorting through donated items, which are then sold in the store at 407 East Main Street in Boonville.
Partnering with the Yadkin VFW Post 10346, the Veterans Thrift Store has donated $35,000 to area veterans. The money is often used to help with immediate needs, since it often takes significant time and red tape for veterans to access help through the Veterans Administration.
If you would like to donate items to the Veterans Thrift Store, donations are accepted during their regular business hours.
The Veterans Thrift Store tosses stuffed toys to kids during local holiday parades. They are accepting toy donations now in preparation for this year’s Christmas parades.
For veterans who need financial assistance, funds from the Veterans Thrift Store are distributed by the Yadkin VFW Post 10346. Post Commander Steven Mosteller says that these funds have allowed the VFW to help many veterans that may otherwise have not received assistance. Sometimes a vet needs a help with a mortgage payment or other bill, or maybe a veterans family needs help with funeral expenses. Sometimes vets have immediate needs that can’t wait for the slow process of getting help through the Veterans Administration.
Besides the money raised at the Veterans Thrift Store, Yadkin VFW Post also collects donations when they pass out poppies, like they will near Veterans Day. This money is also used to benefit area veterans in need. When you see local veterans accepting donations, your contribution will be appreciated.
Support the dreamers and makers of our small family business by bringing our delicious hand-made cookies into your home or the home of a loved one.
Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies are always Hand-Rolled, Hand-Cut, and Hand-Packed to ensure authenticity to our customers. We invite you and your family to visit our cookie factory this holiday season to experience how our one-of-a-kind cookie is prepared and to sample our labor of love crafted by our “Artists in Aprons.”
Our cookies make a great personalized gift to send to friends and loved ones during the holiday season or special occasion. Stop by our bakery, order online or give us a call to place your order.
We’re open Monday-Friday 7a to 5p and Saturday 9a to 4p Telephone: 336-764-1402 • Toll-Free: 888-764-1402
Email: orders@hanescookies.com
Online Shopping: www.HanesCookies.com
We make our delicious cookies in ginger, lemon, sugar, black walnut, chocolate, and butterscotch.
When you visit the bakery, be sure to purchase your copy of Mrs. Hanes’ inspirational life story!
Economically priced small and large cellophane bags are available for bakery pick-up. You can also call ahead and place your order and we will have it ready and waiting.
Born and raised in East Bend, John Norman continues to have deep feelings about his little town of East Bend.
Lots of locals and visitors recall happy times when John and wife Barbara's Davis Bros. Store was filled with music, Russian tea, cookies, boots, bibs and carriage rides. John invested in getting the Davis Store and the Yadkin Valley Hotel listed in the National Register when he, Barbara, kids Ryan and Tray lived in the Drummer’s Home. Sadly the Yadkin Valley Hotel was in a terrible repair, and they lost that fight to the wrecking ball a few
years ago.
The Drummer’s Home was East Bend’s, in it’s day, a motel for traveling salesmen. The Yadkin Valley Hotel across the street was home to Rosebud Morse Garriott, her mother, father, two sisters and brother Duke. For those of you who may not be familiar, Rosebud was one of the first female dentists in North Carolina.
Currently John has reserved one room, a Wedgewood
It’s time to evaluate your plan and see what’s new for 2026. The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers free, unbiased information about Medicare and can assist with enrollment and subsidy applications that could save you money.
Changes will be effective Jan. 1, 2026
Blue room, inside JTE Norman’s store-John’s latest journey through the history of East Bend. Over the years, family, friends and neighbors have given John their historical photographs so you can now view framed shots and read about the structures and people who make up East Bend's historical heritage.
The store itself, features proprietary jams, jellies, honey, JTE Norman’s Branded Coffee along with a host of gift items ranging from NC made socks to holiday decor.
JTE Norman’s (named after John’s grandfather) continues to be a labor of love for the Norman family.
Above: John and Barbara Norman are staying busy after retiring from Yadkin Valley Magazine. Be sure to stop by JTE Norman’s on Cherry Street in East Bend! Thanks for this look back at East Bend, John.
Far left: Yadkin Valley Hotel
Left: One of the tasty jelly options at JTE
Merry Christmas from all of us at
In Yadkin County, neighbors know your name, generosity flows quietly but powerfully, and community means more than geography. It’s a place that has been close to the Shallow Ford Foundation’s heart for years. Since 2018, the Foundation has partnered with and supported Yadkin nonprofits, schools, and generous neighbors who wanted to give back to the place they love. Now, the Foundation has opened a second office in downtown Yadkinville, making visible what has long been true: Yadkin County is an integral part of the Foundation’s story.
That story began in 2004, when the organization was founded as the Clemmons Rotary Foundation. In 2012, under visionary leadership, it transitioned into the Clemmons Community Foundation—a change that broadened its reach and deepened its mission. Like all community foundations, it became devoted to the community it serves by gathering financial gifts from individuals, families, and businesses and channeling those dollars back into the community through impactful grants, scholarships, initiatives, and more.
In 2018, the Foundation’s connection to Yadkin County truly began thanks to a transformational bequest from Wayne A. Shore, a Clemmons Rotary member and lifelong supporter of the county, as well as a resident of East Bend in his later years. His generous gift established the Wayne and Bradley Shore Endowment Fund, a permanent resource for Yadkin County, and enabled the Foundation to open its first staffed office in Clemmons, which remains active.
As the service area expanded to include Yadkin County, Lewisville, and North Davidson County, the Foundation adopted a new name in 2021: the Shallow Ford Foundation. The name pays tribute to the historic shallow crossing of the Yadkin River—a place where people, wagons, and stories once passed from one side to the other. Though the river runs differently now, the spirit of that crossing and its sense of connection, generosity, and shared opportunity still flows through the work we do.
Thanks to the Wayne and Bradley Shore Fund, the Foundation was able to purchase a welcoming house that now serves as its Yadkin County office. On September 4th, 2025, staff, neighbors, partners, and
community leaders gathered to cut a bright ribbon on West Elm Street in downtown Yadkinville. The office is more than just a remodeled house—it represents a long-term commitment to the community, walking alongside residents as the area grows, thrives, and dreams for the future.
Ultimately, the Shallow Ford Foundation exists to connect people and resources for enduring results. We help donors turn their values into action by creating personalized giving opportunities that align with their passions and goals. Donors can choose from a variety of fund types such as Donor- Advised Funds, Scholarship Funds, Field of Interest Funds, and more. Each fund type offers a specific way to make an impact tailored to the donor's goals and values.
The Foundation’s work spans grants for local nonprofits, scholarships for students of all ages, support for schools through classroom grants, and support community initiatives. Whether it’s helping a student achieve a dream, funding a nonprofit’s vital program, or sparking innovation in a classroom, every gift entrusted to us is managed with care to ensure it makes a lasting difference.
As the year draws to a close, community members are
September 4, 2025 Ribbon Cutting at the new Yadkinville Office
encouraged to consider a year-end gift to the Shallow Ford Foundation to support the future of Yadkin, Clemmons, Lewisville, and surrounding communities. Contact our office with questions or schedule a meeting at 336.663.6794, office@shallowfordfoundation.org
To view a list of our funds, learn more, and/or make a gift, visit shallowfordfoundation.org.
Thanks to Mick Bowman, contributing writer, who is the Communication & Design Associate for the Shallow Ford Foundation.
By Check: Make checks payable to:
Shallow Ford Foundation, Memo: Name of Fund, Address: PO Box 755, Yadkinville, NC 27055
Online: Make a one-time or recurring gift securely at: sff.gives
Stock or Other Noncash Assets: Call us for transfer instructions at 336.663.6794
Qualified Charitable Distribution: Direct a gift from your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
Multi-Year Pledge: Prefer to give over time? We’ll send an annual invoice in the amount you choose. Contact us to establish your planned pledge.
At Left: Shallowford Foundation Staff, Left to Right: Todd Martin, Community Engagement Officer; Emmy Corn, President/CEO; Mick Bowman, Communication & Design Associate; Greg Keener, Program Officer; Djuna Gallion, Shore Scholars College Mentor.
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Happy 100th Birthday!
If you know someone who has recently celebrated this milestone birthday, Yadkin Valley Magazine would love to recognize them. Send in their name and a photo by Dec 1 to see them in the Jan/Feb issue. Photos mailed in will not be returned, so please send a copy. 100th Birthday
Our next issue: January-February features.... Comfort Foods
Deadline for advertising in November-December YV Magazine is Monday, December 1
in stores beginning 1st week January
Your advertising message is included in long shelf life print copies plus our digital edition offering with
Distribution Counties near Yadkin River in Northwest North Carolina Western Forsyth • Davie • Surry Stokes • Northern Davidson Wilkes • Yadkin (core distribution highlighted)
If you’d like to learn more about advertising with us contact: Leah Williams 336-961-2620 yadkinvalleymagazine@gmail.com
Thank you for your support in 2025!
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year from Joe’s Landscaping & Nursery
The next two correct entries drawn win a copy of one of our Yadkin Valley Magazine cookbooks.
Enter by postcard, letter or email, be sure to include your: name, PHYSICAL MAILING ADDRESS and guess. And if you’d like, tell us about your experiences using or collecting this item. Entries must be received no later than 12/11/25, Winner will be drawn 1/12/25. The winners will be notified by mail and announced in the January/February 2026 issue. All entries become the property of Yadkin Valley Magazine. Turn to page 90 to read about the September/October contest.
Mail your guess to: “What is That Contest” Yadkin Valley Magazine PO Box 2077 • Yadkinville, NC 27055 or e-mail: yadkinvalleymagazine@gmail.com. You can also enter on-line at: yadkinvalleymagazine.com
Bulova • Hermle Howard Miller
Why should you buy your new Grandfather Clock from Oldtown Clock Shop & Repair?
Our clocks are under factory warranty and we do the warranty work
We deliver your new clock for FREE
We “set up” your clock in your home or business
We offer a full service department
And even after offering all those extras that others don’t… Our prices are very competitive!
We carry Howard Cleaning ProductsGreat for clocks and around the house, too!
This one stumped Yadkin Valley Magazine readers...SeptemberOctober’s What IS That? item is a synchronizing, self winding Western Union clock...read more about it on the next page!
Katrinka Rinehart of Mt. Airy was the first correct answer drawn, and will receive $100. The second and third names drawn were Debbie Jarrett of Kernersville and Debbie Shreve of Jonesville. They will each receive a copy of a Yadkin Valley Magazine Cookbook.
Please be sure to include your name and physical mailing address with your entries. You cannot be the winner if I don’t know how to send a prize to you! Now offering watch battery replacement and watch band re-sizing!
Thanks to all of you who entered, and be sure to keep entering. Don’t forget to include your mailing address, even if you enter by email, so that you can recieve your prize.
This is a synchronizing, self winding Western Union clock made by the Self Winding Clock Co. circa 1910. This was one of the very first practical methods for achieving a “Standard Time” all across the country. In the early frontier days of the United States, as we expanded into the west and the railroads began to grow, each small town had it’s own local time. People would set their clocks and watches from the town clock tower on the church or courthouse and the tower clock was usually set according to a sundial. Due to the curvature of the Earth and depending on how far apart each town was, the local “sundial” time could vary 20, 30, 60+ minutes. In addition to that, a mechanical spring wound or weight driven clock that relies on a pendulum for time keeping can lose or gain time due to temperature change, humidity, the amount of winding on the spring and other factors. As our country continued to grow, the railroad lines stretched further and further, spider webbing across the map. This relatively new form of transportation carried essential food, supplies and passengers to the new frontier. As the railroad map grew, the need for a “Standard Time” grew also, as to prevent catastrophic train schedule mishaps.
The Self-Winding Clock Company was formed in New York in 1886 by Charles Pratt and Henry Pond. The self winding clock was among the very first battery powered clocks available to the public. Rather than a need for manual weekly winding with a key, these clocks were wound hourly by an electromagnetic, make and break, vibrating motor that ran on 3 volts of electricity provided by 2 cylindrical dry cell batteries. The same type of batteries were also used in early telephone systems. Since the clocks were wound every hour, the mainspring provided more consistent power to the escapement resulting in a better time keeper. In 1889, Pond patented his "Automatic Time Signaling Device for Time Service". This was a mechanical device that again used electromagnets to correct the clock’s hands whether they be fast or slow. At exactly the top of the hour, it would receive a one second impulse signal through a vast system of Western Union telegraph lines and relays directly and instantaneously from the Naval Observatory in Washington DC. Train stations, bus terminals, and large
manufacturing plants could lease these clocks and pay a monthly fee to subscribe to the synchronizing service.
Self-Winding manufactured a vast assortment of clock styles and designs, including wall, mantle, tower, post, bracket and watchman's time detectors. Program devices were also available as optional additions for use in public buildings, schools, universities, and railroad stations.
The Self-Winding Clock Co. discontinued operation in the late 1960's. Modern time transmission has made such systems largely obsolete but their quality and historic significance has given them appeal to horological collectors. The SWCC has left behind a legacy of innovative manufacturing and the practical and inexpensive transmission of accurate time to the early American public. Something as simple as “What time is it?” is a luxury that most of us now take for granted. Certainly it is an indispensable piece of history that helped to build our great nation.
Thanks to Adam Puryear of Old Town Clock shop for this article. A graduate of Gem City School of Horology, he has 15 years of clock repair experience.
Left: Synchronizing clocks allowed for standard time across the U.S.
Right: The Sept-Oct “What IS That?” photo is from the inside of this clock.
If you are dreaming of a white Christmas in the Yadkin Valley, there is a good chance you will be disappointed. We occasionally have a decent snowfall in December, and I even remember a snowy Thanksgiving when I was a kid. But I can only think of a couple of Christmas mornings when I woke up to snow.
Whether we have snow-or sleet or freezing rain-or not, here’s to staying warm and cozy as the temperature drops!
send your pet pic to: yadkinvalleymagazine@gmail.com
See your cat, dog, bunny, horse, or hamster in the pages of Yadkin Valley Magazine. Send a photo to yadkinvallymagazine@gmail.com
As the year winds down, it's the perfect time to make some smart moves before the calendar flips to 2026. Think of it as a financial tune-up that could help with saving money and setting you up for success in the months ahead. Here are some things to consider.
•Don't forget about required withdrawals. If you're 73 or older, you’ll need to take your required minimum distribution from traditional retirement accounts to avoid a 25% penalty on any amount you should have withdrawn but didn't. This rule also applies to some people who inherited retirement accounts, including certain Roth accounts.
•Use your flexible spending money. Got money sitting in a flexible spending account at work? Remember, these accounts follow a "use it or lose it" rule. Check with your HR department about your plan's specific deadlines for spending the money and submitting receipts. Whether it's that dental work you've been putting off or new prescription glasses you need, now's the time to use those funds before they disappear.
•Boost your retirement savings. Consider ramping up your pretax retirement contributions before year-end. Not only will this help your future self, but it might also reduce your current tax bill. If your workplace plan allows it, you can even set up automatic increases for next year so you won't have to remember to do it later.
•Share the wealth through gifting. In 2025, the current tax rules let you give family or friends up to $19,000 per person without affecting your lifetime gift tax exemption. Married couples can combine their allowances to give up to $38,000 per person. Plus, you can pay someone's tuition or medical bills directly without these payments counting against your gift limits at all.
•Navigate new tax changes. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act has made several tax provisions permanent, including lower individual tax rates and higher standard deductions. However, it also introduces new changes that might affect your situation. It's worth sitting down with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand how these updates impact your specific circumstances.•
•Examine your investments. Take some time to review your investment portfolio. Ask yourself: Did your investments perform as expected this year? Do they still match your goals and comfort level with risk? You might need to rebalance things to get back on track.
•Build up your emergency fund. It’s ideal to have enough cash saved to cover three to six months of living expenses in an easily accessible account. This safety net can prevent you from having to raid your retirement savings when unexpected expenses pop up.
•Review your estate planning documents. This is especially important if you've had major life changes like marriage, divorce or a new baby. Don't forget to check the beneficiary designations on all your bank and brokerage accounts as well as life insurance policies – these often override what's written in your will.
Taking care of these financial housekeeping tasks now can help you start the new year on solid ground.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Paul J. Bunke, Sr., AAMS™, CFP®
Financial Advisor
124 W. Kapp Street, Suite C PO Box 407 Dobson, NC 27017
336-386-0846
paul.bunke@edwardjones.com
Audra Cox, ABFP ™
Financial Advisor
715 S Main St, Suite B Dobson, NC 27017
336-569-7385 • 844-795-3462
audra.cox@edwardjones.com
Andi Draughn Schnuck
Financial Advisor
496 N. Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-1707
andi.schnuck@edwardjones.com
Dale Draughn, AAMS™
Financial Advisor
140 Franklin Street Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-0136
dale.draughn@edwardjones.com
Logan Draughn
Tammy H. Joyce, AAMS™ Financial Advisor
136 W. Lebanon Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-6238
tammy.joyce@edwardjones.com
Tanner Joyce
Financial Advisor
752 S. Andy Griffith Pkwy, Suite 400 Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-245-9112
tanner.joyce@edwardjones.com
Frank H. Beals
Financial Advisor
965 North Bridge Street Elkin, NC 28621
336-835-4411
frank.beals@edwardjones.com
Timothy Johnson
Financial Advisor
116 E. Market St. Elkin, NC 28621
336-835-1124
timothy.johnson@edwardjones.com
Nathan Sturgill
Financial Advisor
116 E Market Street
Elkin, NC 28621
336-835-1124
nathan.sturgill@edwardjones.com
Aaron L. Misenheimer, CFP®, ChFC®
Financial Advisor
1530 NC Hwy 67, Suite A Jonesville, NC 28642
336-258-2821
aaron.misenheimer@edwardjones.com
Financial Advisor
492 N. Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-3323
logan.draughn@edwardjones.com
Kody Easter, AAMS™, CRPC™, CFP®
Financial Advisor
304 East Independence Blvd Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-2079
kody.easter@edwardjones.com
Randy D. Joyce
Financial Advisor
136 W. Lebanon Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-6238
randy.joyce@edwardjones.com
Tiffany L. Smith
106-B South Depot Street Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
336-368-2575
tiffany.l.smith@edwardjones.com
Michael Warren, WMCP®
Financial Advisor 101-D Shoals Road, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
336-368-0782
michael.warren@edwardjones.com
Christopher L. Funk
Financial Advisor
128 South State Street • PO Box 790 Yadkinville, NC 27055 • 336-679-2192
chris.funk@edwardjones.com
Maybe that is not the most welcoming question to greet someone. Why are we here? What are we looking for?
Think about it, we have everything that our ancestors thought they would want. We have modern technology to ease our work. Cars that travel seventy miles an hour and require little maintenance. We have airconditioning on hot days and heat on cold November mornings. We can talk to people across the world and video chat with a loved one in another state or country on our smart phones. We have healthcare beyond our imagination.
If we have all this – why are we so lost? Why are we so hungry? We are still looking because we are hungry for food that does not perish. We are hungry for community. We are looking for meaning beyond ourselves. We are like those people following Jesus in the Gospels– we are hungry for the Bread of Life. We need the Gospel now more than ever. Our world is hungry for Jesus.
It is a hunger that comes from deep within us. Deeper than our stomach, deeper than our gut, it comes from our soul. Have you fed your soul lately?
This world will gladly feed us food that perishes. This world tells us that when we finally get our name on the boss’s door, we will be fed. We miss our child’s entire childhood chasing that title, we sacrifice our health to reach that goal, and we destroy our marriages, chasing that bread. When we finally achieve it, when we finally get the word “BOSS” on the door, we realize that it doesn’t say boss but instead it says “HUNGER”. That food will not feed us. Ambition and worldly success will only leave us hungry for more.
We chase after other people, hoping that they will be the bread that will not perish. If only we find the perfect man or woman then we will be complete. There are websites promising that they will help us find the one who will finally fill that hunger. And then after a year or two of
marriage, we turn on our perfect fruit because we realize that it perishes and he or she doesn’t always feed us. And then, we find ourselves standing in the long line to divorce court thinking that it is our beloved’s fault that we are still hungry.
This world offers a lot of rotten fruit that was never meant to feed us. Some fruits are benign, like golf or television. Other pieces of fruit are more destructive like alcohol, drugs, and pornography. They leave us lost and only wanting more. Job titles, lovers, or shiny new cars were never meant to fill us. Only Jesus Christ can do that. We are so far from the Garden of Eden, and yet we still are so much like Adam and Eve.
What are you looking for? We use different words to describe it-- hope, peace, love, grace, but in the end it all comes down to just one word--Jesus. The world promises us passing fancies that feed us for a moment but in the end just leaves us hungrier. Jesus is the only one who can give us hope in the midst of a storm, peace from the wars of life, and love that surpasses all understanding. That is grace. When we eat from the bread of life, when we feast on grace, we find ourselves finally full.
Jesus is offering us food that endures for eternal life. There is no reason to be hungry anymore. No reason to keep chasing food that perishes. Instead call out to Jesus and invite him into your life. Lay all your dreams and fears at his feet and invite him to transform you by grace.
Soon we will gather around the Thanksgiving table with our friends and family. Let us pause to remember what we are really thankful for this year. It is not for stuff that perishes but for the ONE who will never perish and who will be with us forever and ever.
Rev. Dr. Heather Kilbourne spends her days helping rural churches dream God-sized dreams for their communities. She is the founder and Director of Faith in Rural Communities at the NC Rural Center. She is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and served churches in Yadkin and Burke Counties. She can be reached at hkilbourne@ncruralcenter.org.
Care South, Inc. is a locally owned and respected agency that has provided more than 20 years of In-Home Aide Care to individuals who require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
To inquire about services for you or a family member or employment opportunities for:
In-Home Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants (C.N.A), and Personal Care Assistants (P.C.A), please contact us at:
Mission
To deliver exceptional Personal Care Services (PCS), allowing the client to live safely and comfortably in their own home and to provide leadership in which employees have faith and confidence.
What Programs are Provided through the Agency?
• Community Alternative Program for adults (CAP/DA)
• Personal Care Services (PCS)
• Veterans Administration (VA)
• Temporary or Long-term Care
• Chore Respite
• Private pay
Summary of the Service Provided:
• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) (i.e., eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility, and grooming)
• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADLs) (i.e., light housekeeping, meal prep)
Practices and Staff:
• Licensed and bonded in North Carolina.
• RN Supervisor conducts quarterly visits to the home.
• CPR Instructor
• Staffing Coordinators provide 24/7 On-Call Services.
• Caregivers complete monthly in-services, maintain C.P.R., and perform skills competency verification by the R.N.
• Comprehensive background investigation of all caregivers (i.e., criminal background)
• Quality Assurance Program
