Published -Gov. Pat McCrory returned to his hometown of Jamestown

http://www.hpe.com/news/local/x1065840241/McCrory-returns-home

McCrory returns home

Jun. 28, 2013 @ 07:39 PM

India Holland-Stewart

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Gov. Pat McCrory and his Ragsdale High School coach Mike Raybon during the governor's visit to Jamestown Friday morning. India Holland-Stewart | HPE                              

                                                                                                                                      

Gov. Pat McCrory buying a gift from Susan Stringer of The Soap Lady. India Holland-Stewart | HPE

                                        

                        

JAMESTOWN —

Gov. Pat McCrory returned to his hometown of Jamestown Friday as part of a tour of small towns throughout the state over the past few months.
He stopped at Perky’s cafe at 105 W. Main St., where he shook hands, gave hugs and had laughs with old high school friends and colleagues.
McCrory also visited The Soap Lady and bought a gift for his wife — a bar of soap in the shape of his dog, a boxer. The manager of Perky’s Cafe, Norma Knight, said she was glad he stopped by. He also bought a soda.
“It is awesome that he is here,” Knight said. “We love him here. I am excited that he stopped in Perky’s so people can see what we have to offer and hopefully come back and visit us,” Knight said.
“We are very happy he came back to Jamestown,” said Jamestown Planning Director Matthew Johnson. “We have had a connection with him from the very beginning. He announced at our library he was running for governor here, and we are very happy that he is here today.”
“We are thrilled that he is coming back to his roots,” said Town Clerk Martha Wolfe. “I was a Ragsdale graduate also, and we are thrilled that he is keeping in contact with his hometown.”
Jamestown residents turned out to support the governor’s visit. McCrory made a special point of showing his appreciation for his old high school coach, Mike Raybon. Raybon was McCrory’s football and wrestling coach at Ragsdale High School. Ragsdale High School has named their gym after Raybon.
“I have kept up with him over the years, even when he was in Charlotte. It is amazing watching him grow from a student to where he is today. I am very, very proud of him,” Raybon said.
McCrory told an eager group of hometown listeners at Perky’s that he has learned some lessons over the past few years.
“You don’t always win. When you don’t win, you have to turn around and work harder. Through losses you learn a lot,” he said.
McCrory said his Jamestown roots helped him in some of the tough decisions he has had to make as governor.
“There are people right here in Jamestown and Guilford County that don’t have jobs right now,” he said. “They are hurting. My major focus is to help rebuild the economy in North Carolina.”
Speaking to the crowd and local media,  McCrory said he is promoting change in the government’s way of doing things and creating new process and infrastructures that will help rebuild North Carolina.
“We have to make systematic, strategic adjustments on how we spend our money to get the results we want. I am focusing my attention on three things: the economy, education and government efficiency.  If we do not become more efficient in the way we run our government, we will go out of business.”
McCrory fell back on the history of Jamestown. He said the history and economy of Jamestown was built on manufacturing by making things, fixing things and being innovators.
“Some of the most innovative thinkers of North Carolina lived blocks from here. We have got to bring that spirit of innovation back,” he said.
McCrory stressed the importance of change within the education system, stressing the importance of bringing back vocational programs into the schools so children can learn a trade. McCrory said education will help improve unemployment.
“We are going back to move forward. We have to learn the skills that the job market needs,” McCrory said.

Published-Rain brings mosquitoes

http://www.hpe.com/news/local/x177809193/Recent-rains-bring-more-mosquitoes

Recent rains bring more mosquitoes

Jul. 05, 2013 @ 06:48 PM

India Holland-Stewart

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The recent weather pattern in the Triad is providing ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

HIGH POINT —

The Triad has had 3.55 inches of rain over the past two weeks, double the normal 1.71-inch average for the time period.
And for mosquitoes, that’s just fine. Perfect, in fact.
With the abnormal amount of rain and recent muggy conditions, mosquitoes will be thriving throughout the Triad.
“They only need a thimble full of water to breed,” said County Extension Director William Wickliffe with N.C. Cooperative Extension. “With the amount of rain we have had lately, we should expect a bazillion mosquitoes coming out soon. So get prepared.”
“Walk around your property and get rid of anything holding water,” he added. “No pots, no standing water. Your neighbor’s yard can be a breeding ground that will impact your yard.  Control is the key to help eradicate the mosquito problem.”
Here’s something you may not know. Only the female mosquito bites, “and they go for blood,” Wickliffe said. “They are vampires.” They need the blood for their eggs. Human blood contains protein, and the female mosquito needs the protein to develop her eggs.

Here are some other mosquito facts:
• Why does it itch so bad when mosquitoes bite?
When a female mosquito bites its victim, she deposits with her saliva a protein that keeps the blood from clotting as they drink. As in many allergic reactions, the body responds by releasing histamines to try to fight off the saliva. It’s the histamines that make the bite swell into a hard red bump and itch. When you scratch, you start a vicious cycle: Scratching releases more histamines, which makes the itching worse.
• How long can a mosquito live?
Mosquitoes typically live about two weeks, although some adult mosquitoes can survive the winter in a sort of hibernating state which enables them to survive for up to eight months.
• Is there something that draws mosquitoes to me instead of my friend?
Nothing has been completely proven, but some scientists believe mosquitoes are attracted by the carbon dioxide exhaled by humans. They are drawn to the carbon dioxide, then they decide if that person fits their appetite.
• Which mosquito repellents or yard guard work best?
Each person should us the protection that works best for them. If you are going to use a repellent, use something with DEET in it as recommended on the label. Yard foggers and sprays work to keep mosquitoes away for a few hours, but they will be back as long as there is water around. Citronella candles and plants work mainly when there is little air movement to disperse the chemical. If there is a breeze, they may not be very effective. You can use mosquito repellent and sunscreen at the same time.
When treating small areas, such as bird baths, garden pools, etc., try insecticides that are available at many retail stores, garden centers and on-line garden suppliers. There are several products that kill mosquitoes but won’t harm fish, birds or other wildlife.
Getting rid of breeding grounds are the only long-term solutions.
• What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is a virus most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes. West Nile virus can cause inflammation of the brain or inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Most people get infected with West Nile virus by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals.
• What are the symptoms of West Nile virus disease?
No symptoms in most people. About one-in-five people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.


Mosquito facts
The most common mosquito in this ares is the Asian tiger mosquito.
Male mosquitoes mate with females one to two days after the female emerges from the water as an adult.
Males do not bite, but they do feed on plant juices.
Mosquitoes lay about 100-300 eggs at a time.
Female mosquitoes begin searching for an animal to feed on several days after emerging from water.
Mosquitoes don’t see very well, but they zoom in like a heat-seeking missile. They have sphere-shaped, compound eyes. When they are 10 feet away, they use extremely sensitive thermal receptors on the tip of their antennae to locate blood near the surface of the skin.

Published-Local News-High Point Enterprise: Fighting cancer, one glass at a time

http://www.hpe.com/news/local/x1592163966/Fighting-cancer-one-glass-at-a-time

Fighting cancer, one glass at a time

May. 29, 2013 @ 06:23 PM

India Holland-Stewart

Sonny Hedgecock

Susie Altizer, teacher at Montlieu Academy, passes out lemonade to students.

HIGH POINT —

Customers waited patiently in the hot sun as five well-mannered children took orders for a glass of lemonade.

The customers, also children, were huddled in front of a busy lemonade stand on the front lawn of Montlieu Academy this week.
Manning the stand were students from Montlieu teacher Susie Altizer’s autism class.
“Fifty cents, please,” could be heard echoing from the stand.
Altizer is a 30-year veteran special education teacher, currently teaching children with autism at Montlieu Academy. Altizer’s autism class holds two fundraising projects a year for deserving organizations, and this fundraiser was an exceptionally special one because of Altizer’s grandson, Ryan. 
Ryan, 7, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in December 2012.
“Ryan is the bravest little guy I have ever known, and he is certainly my hero. I want to do all I can to help Ryan get well and stay well ... cancer free,” Altizer said.
The fundraiser serves three purposes. It gives awareness and money to cancer research.
“I want to bring awareness to the students in my school as well as adults that tragic illnesses like cancer can strike any of us and with prayer and support and research ... a cure is sure to come,” Altizer said.
It also benefits as a service learning project for the kindergarten-through-second-grade autistic children in her class. A project like this teaches them to be selfless, and this is a way to start teaching them about helping others.
“It gives them an opportunity to practice their social skills, language and communication skills, and math skills. It teaches them empathy, helpfulness and compassion for others,” Altizer said.
Altizer’s selfless project was born from the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which started from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott of Manchester, Conn.
Shortly before her first birthday, Alex was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer. In 2000, 4-year-old Alex told her parents she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer.
Since Alex held that first stand, the foundation has emerged into a national fundraising movement with thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope.  Alex lost her battle with cancer in 2004. Her foundation has raised more than $60 million for cancer research.
“Childhood cancer seems to affect so many children more and more. It seems that childhood cancer research does not receive as much funding as other types of cancer research. Let’s drink lots of lemonade, in an effort to find a cure,” Altizer said.
If you want to donate to further children’s cancer research on behalf of Susie Altizer’s class lemonade stand go to www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/111273 or www.alexslemonade.org.

 

On the web
Altizer’s Class Lemonade Stand: www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/111273

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer: www.alexslemonade.org

Published-Front Page-High Point Enterprise: Grilling 101

http://www.hpe.com/news/local/x822341807/Grilling-101

Grilling 101

Making the most of that Memorial Day cookout

May. 24, 2013 @ 06:04 PM

India Holland-Stewart

TRIAD —

Throw on an apron, grab the tongs, and head out to the grill.
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of grilling season, and if you’re are hosting a Memorial Day party, you’ll want your picnic table filled with plenty of tasty grilled eats.
Luckily, honing your outdoor culinary skills is a lot more simple than it seems. Given the right tools, a little preparation, and a few tips on technique, you can be your own master chef this weekend.
Alan Romano, assistant professor of culinary technology at Guilford Technical Community College, has been sharing tips for grilling for more than 20 years.
Romano says to start clean, and in a good location.
“There is nothing worse than cooking on a dirty grill,” Romano said, adding that a dirty grill can change the flavor of the food.
Romano says to make sure to clean your grill grates and the grease catch pan on gas grills. Also, pick a safe location to start grilling, not in a garage or on a deck.  Always pick a place that is an outside open space for safety reasons.
Romano suggests marinating whatever meat you plan on grilling.  Romano suggested to drain the marinate or oil off before putting meat on the grill to avoid a fire flare up. An important tip to a successful piece of grilled meat is to stop flipping the meat.   “Throw it on the grill and leave it; don’t keep flipping your meat,” he said. “Turning it over two to three times is enough. The key to flipping your meat is using tongs. Do not use a knife or a fork, just use tongs. Using other utensils tends to squeeze and poke your meat, then the juices will bleed out.”
Many grillers may like a smoke flavor in their food. For a good smoky flavor, keep the lid on, but open the top of the grill for the smoke to release.
Slow cooking is the key to a get a great smoked flavor in meat. Romano suggests slow cooking a large piece of chicken, pork loin or pork butt, and keeping it covered on a low temperature will improve the taste tremendously.
And don’t forget the vegetables. Romano said they can be a fantastic food to  grill. Use your favorite olive oil or balsamic vinaigrette and some aluminum foil to grill your vegetables.  Fresh corn, large green and red peppers, onions, asparagus, zucchini and squash all are easy vegetables to grill.
“Do not overcook the vegetables,” Romano said. “You have to watch them closely. You can always cook them more if you under cook them. But if you overcook your vegetables, there is no recovery. Just make soup out of them later.”
When grilling, prepare your grill and prepare your food, but also prepare your eyes for a feast.
“When you look at your food, you eat with your eyes first. You know it’s going to taste great,” Romano said.

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Published-Local News-High Point Enterprise: City pools openwith new features for disabled

http://www.hpe.com/news/local/x1592161741/City-pools-open-with-new-features-for-disabled

City pools open with new features for disabled

May. 21, 2013 @ 05:48 PM

India Holland-Stewart

Dennis Macomber with the High Point Parks and Recreation Department demonstrates the operation of a chair for disabled access at the Oak Hollow campgrounds pool.

HIGH POINT —

Water slides, spring boards and high dives are signatures of a community swimming pool, but they will not be the only pieces of pool equipment around this summer. 

Imagine you do not have use of your arms and legs. How would you get into or out of a swimming pool, or would you avoid the pool completely?
Effective last Jan. 31, all public swimming pools in the United States must be equipped with assisted entry systems, according to the  American Disability Association compliance law. Now people with disabilities can access the health and leisure benefits of public pools.
The High Point Parks and Recreation Department wants to ensure that the city of High Point is in compliance with the new law, which carries civil penalties for noncompliance.  All three of High Point’s city pools — City Lake Park, Washington Terrace Park and Oak Hollow Family Campground — meet the new regulations said Allen Oliver, director of High Point Parks and Recreation.
“We brought in a specialist to complete an assessment of our pool to ensure we were in compliance,” Oliver said “Pools greater than 300 liner feet, such as City Lake and Washington Terrance, have been equipped with two means of assisted entry: specialized steps and zero step/sloped entry. Pools with less than 300 linear feet, such as the Oak Hollow Family Campground, have been equipped with one assisted entry system, a swimming pool lift chair.”
The assessment found the City Lake pool to be in compliance, and no adjustment needed to be made.  Washington Terrance pool only needed specialized steps added, and the Oak Hollow campground needed the swimming pool lift chair.
The swimming pool lift chair cost about $4,400 and can accommodate park guests weighing up to 350 pounds. The chair can be used to assist guests who cannot use the entry ladder to get into the pool, he said.
“The park staff will be trained to use the equipment, but the good thing is the chair lift can be totally  operated  by a handicapped guest alone or their caregiver. The chair lift is totally battery operated. Staff does not have to be present, and it is very safe,” Oliver said. “The best thing about the swimming pool lift chair and the new ADA regulations is that we now can serve anyone who wants to use our pools.”

 

Published-Lifestlyes-High Point Enterprise: "Great Gatsby" Movie Inspires Furniture Styles

http://www.hpe.com/life/x1592162492/Great-Gatsby-movie-inspires-furniture-styles

'Great Gatsby' movie inspires furniture styles

May. 26, 2013 @ 01:00 AM

India Holland-Stewart

WARNER BROS. | HPE

'The Great Gatsby' furniture styles pictured here can be re-created on a simple budget.

COURTESY OF HGTV | HPE

Furniture styles look extravagant in 'The Great Gatsby,' but can be attained at a reasonable cost.

HIGH POINT —

The  bold, beautiful and luxurious scenery in “The Great Gatsby” is as big of a draw to the movie as the Hollywood stars. The furniture is a star itself.
Imagine you can live in a Gatsby-styled home on a Target or Pier 1 budget.  The blockbuster movie of the lavish 1920s showed us the playground for the rich, but it also showcased beauty, grandeur, and details captured in the ambiance the upper-class social climber Gatsby used at will. The décor showed a riot of color, extravagance and expensive furniture fashions coming on the rise.
“Few homeowners will be inclined to redecorate an entire room in Gatsby’s over-the-top, Art Deco splendor. But the average consumer could certainly jazz up a tired room with one or two touches of Gatsby bling,” said Patricia Bowling, vice president of communications at High Point headquartered American Home Furnishings Alliance said.
The movie “The Great Gatsby” is a trend-setter of that perfect mix of chic yet comfy; trendy yet classic; whimsical yet elegant – in short, what we all want.  Bowling added, “It could be as simple as an accent chest with bold, geometric patterns and a shimmering metallic finish or a shapely chair with sumptuous curves and a faux animal skin throw.”
“Many of the most-loved movies of all time transport us to a different place and time — and often these films generate a wave of interest in the fashion and design of the period being showcased,” Bowling said.
To decorate a home in true Gatsby style, some suggest that one introduce elements of sophistication with polished, mirrored furniture, silky fabrics and luxurious crystal lighting.  This can be achieved on a simple budget.  Painting walls in differing shades may seem unlikely to make a difference, but it works.
A homeowner can be effortlessly chic with the use of geometric shapes, streamlining and the clean lines characteristic of art deco will enhance any setting.

 

Published Front Page: High Point Enterprise- Pets With Benefits

http://www.hpe.com/news/davidsoncounty/x1592165082/Pets-with-benefits

Pets with benefits

Jun. 01, 2013 @ 03:01 PM

India Holland-Stewart

Pets come in all shapes and sizes. Aurora Grimes, age 5, holds Precious, one of her pet chickens. Sonny Hedgecock | HPE

Aurora Grimes, age 5, and stepdad, Eric Saunders, feed chickens. Aurora has pretty much tamed the chickens as they will let her catch them . Sonny Hedgecock | HPE

TRIAD —

They will eat from your hand, sit in your lap, follow you around the yard, wait for you at the door. They have great personalities, and are incredibly curious and active.  They rise early and like to go to bed on their own.  They  tirelessly forage for food on their own, and they are very low maintenance.  They are not like many animals and are just as happy when you are not at home. One great thing about this animal is they can happily sit in your lap, but they will also poop in your lap.  It is not a dog, cat or even a rabbit. It is a lovely, simple backyard chicken.Raising backyard chickens is simple. As long as you have got the basic survival necessities covered you will be fine. Chickens have the same survival needs as people do – shelter, water, and food.
Why chickens? Chickens are no longer only associated with farms and wide open spaces. Backyard chickens  are considered to be a modern cultural phenomenon. Families are adding a small flock (2-5) to their backyard, right next to the doghouse.

Eric Saunders is a new backyard chicken owner. His family attended a chick-chat class at Davis Feed in Randleman, N.C. In the class Saunders learned about how to raise chickens from incubating baby chicks, feeding, laying eggs,  and raising up to a full grown chicken.  It was considered a family project to start raising chickens in their yard.

“We have a 5-year-old daughter and we wanted to teach her the basic of taking care of another life,” Saunders said. “There are great perks to keeping chickens. It keeps the family outside together, it keeps our daughter away from the television, and there is a natural benefit. We have fresh eggs. We do not have to spend money on eggs anymore.”

There are many benefits to raising a small backyard flock.  Fresh eggs are the primary reason people keep chickens. Hens will start laying eggs at about 6 months old. They will consistently lay an egg every 1-2 days for several years.
Chickens are compost factories. They will turn almost any kitchen scrap into a nutrient rich garden additive – poop. They eat vegetable scraps, bread, grains, and even meat scraps. By allowing your chickens to roam out of the coop, they will landscape around your trees and shrubs. They will also hunt down insects. Chickens eat fresh grass and plants shoots.
Saunders said over the 22 months they have had their chickens they have not had any problems with wildlife. He keeps his chickens in a gated yard. He keeps their surroundings clean by changing the hay every two weeks, spraying, and sponging down the coop, and keeping fresh water and food available for them daily.
There is one primary drawback with having chickens.
“No matter how clean you keep the coop; they are chickens and they smell.  The summer heat intensifies the smell of the chickens.  But overall we have enjoyed our chickens.  Even our dogs like them.  They are a great family project.  They are our pets with benefits,”  Saunders said.