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| June 2009 Houses Becoming Homes...
New houses are great showpieces. They smell nice with their pretty paintjobs
and pristine carpet. Often, they are filled with new furniture and appliances while freshly planted shrubs and flowers decorate the outdoors. Yes, new houses are where we often envision our lives being led. In reality, however, most of us do not live in new houses. We live within four walls of scuffs, dents and scratches. The carpet smells of pets and the sofa has a huge dent where daddy watches Panthers’ games. More times than not though, it is in that breaking in period that houses often become the homes we remember fondly. With that, enjoy our Home issue this June. We have included articles about Habitat for Humanity, the Hardwood Store of Gibsonville and a special feature on when to refinance your home with local banker Eddie Rogers. On an unrelated note, we also celebrated another matter altogether with this issue. June’s issue marks our 12th issue and first complete year as Co-Editors of Alamance Magazine. As with all anniversaries, it reminds us to thank everyone who has contributed over the past year and made our time so rewarding. As always, we encourage anyone with ideas or comments to contact Alamance magazine anytime. After all, it is your magazine. Last and certainly not least, we would like to personally apologize to Josh and Heather Ezrine of 116 Oak in Elon, whose last name we misspelled in April’s issue. ~Megan and Griffin McClure, Co-Editors |
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May 2009 Hello Alamance neighbors, it has been a while since I last wrote, as I have been behind the scenes enjoying the excitement of each issue. Megan and Griffin have, as editors and writers, swept new life into Alamance magazine. The reader response has been wonderful and we thank them for their first 12 issues. We also launched alamag OnDemand and yes, the cover was meant to be upside down. This innovative, shared marketing piece was designed to have two front covers. We will be highlighting organizations, businesses and people here in Alamance County. Our goal is to have very special and high standards for capturing your attention and respect. We have several features in the works so be ready for alamag OnDemand. We have also committed to poly-wrapping the subscriber copies of Alamance magazine. Another good reason to subscribe, this will help the USPS get your copy to you in the best possible condition. It also allows us to help our local advertisers reach out with special announcements and coupons. We are committed to support our neighbors who provide a wealth of products and services here in Alamance County. This month, as the weather warms us, the urge to spread one’s wings and take off to points known or unknown starts a seasonal migration. In this issue Liz Palmer, our editorial assistant, tells us about her recent trip to Australia. We also hear about the upcoming Bluegrass Festival and all the reasons to make it a family camping outing right here in Snow Camp. Dr. A has good advice about vacationing as a state of mind. He stresses the importance of taking leave of oneself to relax and rejuvenate, even if only with a good book (or Alamance magazine). You can plan to join Rick Brenner from Fox 8 as he calls the plays on a five-day Caribbean cruise sponsored by Alamance magazine on the Carnival Destiny (see page 27). My thoughts on life: think positive, work hard, play even harder. Be sure our country will restore itself to glory. We should want our president to succeed; our country respected the world over for its values, not its value. We need to make good personal decisions, support good government, good business and have faith and trust restored. We need to apply intelligence and fairness, acceptance and understanding, tolerance and compromise with results shaped by a healthy fear of God. Prepare yourself, things will improve. Go forth and enjoy! ~Paul Rovegno, Publisher |
| April 2009 gar·den
1. a plot of ground, usually near a house, where flowers, shrubs, vegetables, fruits, or herbs are cultivated. 2. a fertile and delightful spot or region. The word “garden” conjures up different images for different people. For some of us, a garden has a practical connotation. Growing food in a garden connects us to the way our ancestors lived and reduces our dependence on others for survival. A garden serves a utilitarian purpose and increases our self-sustainability. To others, a garden is a place meant to create beauty. Flowers and plants grown in our gardens inspire us with their splendor, and therein lies purpose enough to grow a garden. It need not serve anything more than this idealist purpose to add value to our lives. Our April issue is dedicated to gardening and to all of its useful purposes. For the practical gardener, we’ve included April Gardening Tips from Chris Stecker. A story called “Oma’s Lilies” pays tribute to the importance that a flower’s beauty can hold in our lives. Chris Faircloth’s article entitled, “Arbor Gate: Everybody’s Garden,” provides useful information for gardeners of all types who are interested in improving their gardening skills with local resources. May the stories in this issue inspire us to get gardening this spring! ~Megan and Griffin McClure, Co-Editors |
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March 2009 This month, as we focus our attentions on the art of making over, let us all take a moment and center our lives. How enjoyable a feeling it is to regroup, start over and go again. Where does that stem from? As Americans, we have been historically ingrained with a work ethic unmatched in this world. We are taught it is ignoble not to succeed, unworthy if not worked for, and worthwhile simply because it needs doing. To get another shot at applying this homegrown mentality is one of life’s greatest joys. Whether to make the old new again, the obese skinny or the tired business fitter, we all strive to make over. In this issue, a gentleman called Jack defines a life of constant makeover as he battles alcoholism, thrift stores show value in the overlooked and a noble cause pursues a new vision of a sustainable Alamance County. We also look at taking a fresh look as close as our backyards, as well as exploring ways to reshape lives in the wake of job loss. At this time, in a year for the ages, let us as Alamance County residents be part of a rebirth of our own. Let us take another look and make another stride towards the bettering of ourselves and those around us. P.S…With Megan and I having been on board with Alamance Magazine for almost a year now, we have enjoyed our own makeover experience. With redirection, however, often comes occasional misdirection. We would like to offer our sincerest apology to Bill Vincent of the Alamance County Historical Museum. Through an error on our part, we missed several factual revisions to the “Future of History” article in our February issue. ~Griffin and Megan McClure, Co-Editors |
| February 2009 History can be a funny thing - while some folks might regret their own personal history and wish to forget it as quickly as possible, others may yearn for days gone by and become nostalgic when reminded of their past. Some students may view history as a dreaded subject while others become fascinated with a particular time period or set of events. The events of our history run as wide a gamut as our opinions about it. The fondness one feels when remembering the day man first walked on the moon or woman first voted closely rivals the pain we experience so keenly when revisiting memories of Sept. 11 or Hurricane Katrina. The articles of our History issue hope to explore some of the topics history brings to the forefront. “Native Daughters” is the story of two sisters who have lived in Alamance County for more than 200 years combined. The sisters have witnessed tremendous changes during their time living in our county, are the eldest of five generations of their family, and demonstrate the historical impact we can have on our families and immediate community. In “Invention of the Heart,” we are reminded that even centuries-old events still affect our traditions today. While St. Valentine’s Day has evolved since its first incarnation, the feeling inspiring the amorous acts of olden days remains unchanged. Lovebirds both young and old are still inspired to do something special for that special someone on Feb. 14. Rev. Steven Taylor and Janice K. Crisp show that just one person can truly have an impact on history in their articles. “Remembering Sept. 11: A Communion of Heroes,” by Taylor, describes one man’s reaction to the tragedy, violence and utter terror that took place on that terrible day. An enduring story unfolds brimming with love for others, selflessness and a steadfast faith in God. Crisp reflects on modern history and its impact on her life and times. In the historic year of our first black president, she offers an interesting commentary on the implications success can have on her black community. Whatever your feelings towards the subject, the collective history of a family, county, state or nation can be changed by just one person. For most of us, our impact will not be felt at a national level with one grand gesture. But we can leave an indelible mark on those we meet by acting with integrity and kindness each day, and we can honor our heritage by remembering the way things used to be and the events that brought us where we are today. ~Megan and Griffin McClure, Co-Editors |
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January 2009 Looking back on a truly monumental year, we can safely say 2008 was one for the record books. There was an unprecedented presidential race, a bizarre economic climate and frightening energy costs that shook our very cores. In the beginning of a new year, we have assembled a collection of features and columns that highlight our enjoyments in life. Often, they are reading or listening to music, even woodworking in shops and garages. Many in Alamance County collect pottery or other collectibles that befit our personalities. Often, these enjoyments are hobbies that we hold near and dear, but more often they are some form of art. As Cary Worthy points out in This Business of Art, “Art is used everyday. It is such a given that you don’t realize it’s there. Open the paper, wear the clothes, turn on the radio and it’s there.” This sentiment is echoed in Renaissance Man by the subject of the story, Tim Webster. “Everything starts with art. The furniture you sit on, the house you live in...somewhere it started as art and eventually it was put to paper. Everything starts at that level,” comments Tim. “It’s not easy to make a living in the arts. It’s not the easiest thing to do. Very few get to have that big star quality. But if you love what you’re doing, you’ll do it and nobody can tell you that you have to retire.” These interests can include the cooking we enjoy or the garden we love to plant. Everything around us can be seen as art because it is that which speaks to us. Our fascination with those things that we find artful often begins at a very young age. Most of the people featured in this issue have been driven by a passion for creating since childhood. In Your Child: Learning Through Art, Angela Kalo and Heather Bjork advocate the importance of art in our children’s lives and give parents wonderful tips on how to foster interest in the arts in their young children. Today, we celebrate our own acceptance of art into our lives. Last summer, we were hired as the new editors for this magazine and moved into the professional side of art. Prior to this changeover, we each wrote and read and imagined what it would be like to have a place to express ourselves. At the onset of this new year, let us thank you for allowing us to indulge in one of our enjoyments, trying to capture the vibrant colors and local flavor of this county we all share. Thank you for this opportunity. ~Griffin and Megan McClure, Co-Editors |
| December 2008 For many reasons, 2008 will be a year to remember for a long time. In a year that has brought so many changes to our nation, Alamance Magazine has also been forever changed. With a wonderful team, we feel more than ever that the last few months has shown the potential of OUR magazine. As the holidays draw nearer and another year ends, our team would like to share some of our most memorable Christmas memories while wishing everyone in Alamance County and the world a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year. Angela Jennings: Office Manager/Sales I can remember the great Christmas mornings as a child waking up with anticipation of what Santa had brought me, looking forward to Grandma’s great food (especially the red velvet cake) as the whole family came to our house on Christmas Day! However, I think the best Christmas memories come from watching the excitement in my children’s eyes when they wake up at 4 a.m. and realize Santa has finally been to our house! When you’re a child, you think it couldn’t get any better than awaking Christmas morning to all the stuff Santa brought you, but it does get better when you can watch the excitement in your children’s eyes on Christmas morning! Elizabeth Palmer: Editorial Assistant My best Christmas memories always involve myself and a group of friends from high school going out to dinner and exchanging our annual Yankee swap. The rules are always the same - no less than five dollars and no more than fifteen. We pick names out of a hat in the beginning of December and have two or three weeks before we meet again. The gifts are usually something silly that we would never think to buy for ourselves and the majority of dinner is spent playing with our new goodies in between bites of food and fits of laughter. Especially since going off to college, when we see each other so little, the meals tend to last longer and longer each year. But we always have fun, and it continues to be one of my favorite traditions to look forward to every time I go back to Massachusetts for the holidays. Griffin McClure: Co-editor As everyone, I remember the early Christmas mornings, the excitement of seeing this, that, then this again. Christmas morning as a child is an indescribable emotion, but as an adult I have learned to appreciate another of our family’s Christmas celebrations. It comes in the form of our Christmas Eve meal. After our church’s Christmas Eve service, we return home and spend the entire evening preparing, sitting and enjoying a piece of meat that Dad has scrutinized for six hours and other fare that Mom has planned to perfection. The food is monumental in its goodness, but the delicacy that night is the ease with which we’ve grown to experience it. There are no hurries, there are no other plans and there are no extended family members. It is just our immediate family and a slow conversation that can and will go for hours. It’s our therapeutic year in review. Megan McClure: Co-editor Grandparents’ homes are often a focal point of our favorite holiday memory, and mine is no different. Traditionally, grandmothers do more decorating than grandfathers, and that was true in my family as well. Grandma Hicks is very artsy and has quite the eye for decorating, but my Grandpa had one corner of the house reserved. For whatever reason, Grandpa was a big fan of trains. He even had a train watch that featured a tiny train in place of a regular second hand. Every time an hour passed, the watch emitted a “choo-choo” sound. In keeping with the train theme, Grandpa had a toy train and track that circled the Christmas tree, and he went to the trouble of assembling it for several years. To me, Grandpa was a gentle giant, but I could understand how an outsider might have perceived him as intimidating or at the very least, no nonsense. So the memory of all 6’4” of him hunched under a Christmas tree to set up a toy train renews in me the idea that the holidays can bring out a childlike sense of wonder in us all! Myra Ray: Creative Director/Sales We never really had traditions growing up, so I wanted to give my kids something that would last forever. I do not sew, nor do I know how, but when my son Darrell was one and Quinn was three, I made them Christmas stockings. They were nice and large at two and a half feet, complete with enough imperfections for each of them to have their own character. For 20 years, they were used and shared every year. At younger ages, their dollar store water guns and knick knacks went a long way, but as they grew, the price of their “toys” did too. It now costs a small fortune to fill up the oversized stockings, but it will all be worth while if now that they are older and moved out, they take their stockings with them. Thinking that they will is one of my greatest treasures. Paul Rovegno: Publisher/Sales My most recent memorable Christmas was our first Christmas here in Graham. After having bought the property only 10 months earlier, Zoe, the kids and I had been working to get the kitchen complete and the house livable. It was just a week before Christmas that we decided to move into the construction zone. The move itself (without moving men), the subsequent adjustments and the sacrifices highlighted the benefits we knew would come in the following years. That Christmas was four years ago and the house became a home with the memory of that Christmas. I think back on the effort required, the confusion of being in two cities at once, going from four bedrooms to two, multiple Christmas trees, the fear of the unknown and much more…all with four of six kids present. That Christmas will always stand out because we pulled together for a common dream as a family. |
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November 2008 Normally, I cringe at the word shopping. Much like Bob Finley in this issue,
I hate it and do not want any part of it. Even fun purchases, like a TV or a new guitar, are grueling for me. I just don’t do well with the tediousness of comparing apples to apples from one place to the next. Maybe it has something to do with my day job. Most of my day is devoted to figuring out how to encourage shopping, so in my free time, I prefer to avoid it all together. However, this past month has been different. For our November “Shopping Issue,” we took a different approach. We focused on local shopping and our local economy. Being in the middle of one of the most tumultuous times ever to hit our country’s economy, we found our timing to be a bit bizarre. We were poised to study buying during a lull in economic activity. That’s when we reoriented to focus on local commerce. A lot of who we are, where we go and what we do is contingent on larger scales than Alamance County, but a good portion is self-prophesying here at home. Alamance County paid almost 830 million dollars in wages in 2007. Imagine if that amount of money was all reinvested into our local economy instead being shipped to home offices elsewhere in other counties, other states and unfortunately even other countries. Wayne Bunting of Best Food In Town said it well in this issue’s “Local Flavors” article. “People make the mistake of thinking just because Starbuck’s is down the street, it’s local.” Over 45 percent of Alamance County residents work in agriculture, utilities, construction, retail or manufacturing. If we could take that 830 million in wages and infuse it into locally-owned establishments within these sectors of our economy, it would truly benefit a lot of Alamance County people. This is not to say there is not a place for the Wal-Marts of the world, but for my money, I will call the additional 10 percent in price a tip that goes no further than Alamance County. ~Griffin McClure, co-editor As the holidays approach, we all become more pushed for time. Attending holiday gatherings and work parties along with decorating and cooking for this special time of year adds up quickly and can leave us feeling overwhelmed. In this issue, we’ve attempted to provide a few solutions to the problems that arise around this time of year regarding shopping. In an unpredictable economy, everyone attempts to cut some financial corners. Doris Schomberg contributed an article that gives a few pointers on spending less money at the grocery store, which is a topic of interest in most families these days (at least I always seem to leave the store wondering why I only got three small bags for $50!). Alamance County offers several farmers’ markets, which provide consumers with an excellent opportunity to keep their money in the county as well as buy produce at a lower price. For many people, time is their most precious commodity. Though it may seem more convenient to shop at chain stores, it is also important to support local businesses with our shopping dollars. Local stores tend to provide better customer service and can often be quite competitive with chain stores when it comes to price. Most importantly, locally-owned stores and restaurants provide part of the color and character that make Alamance County a unique place to live. ~ Megan McClure, co-editor |
| October 2008 I, like most people, take many things for granted. For example, consider the faith I put into my car each day. Every morning, I climb in behind the driver’s wheel with nary a thought that she might not start. We have developed a relationship based on these type of exchanges, and Addy the Audi (as I’ve lovingly dubbed her) rarely lets me down. Yet affection can be a fickle thing. I dare you to catch me on the one day that Addy does not crank up or worse yet, fails me on the open road. I will be cursing German engineering with all my might. These occurrences always manage to blow my mind, despite the fact that my car maintenance routine consists of nothing more than the requisite oil change every 3,000 (okay, 5,000) miles. I do keep a tire gauge in the car, but that thing sees less action than the yoga ball I bought a year ago with great intentions but little commitment. And forget cleanliness (Dad - I am truly sorry that all of your informative training in car care has been wasted on me). Sadly, my health often takes a similar role. I make an attempt at being healthy. I try to run several days a week, and I also try to maintain a good diet during the week. Weekends are another story. Most days, I simply expect to feel good, as if I am entitled to good health. I hardly ever get sick or injured, and when I do I am fairly put out about it – not that I keep up with regular physicals at the doctor or take vitamins the way I should. As busy as most people are, I’m sure several other folks find themselves in a similar mode of thinking. My hope is that this month, our Health Issue will help some of our readers think a little more about the blessing that is good health. I know it has made me grateful for my own good health – maybe I’ll give Addy the Audi a rest and try walking instead! ~Megan McClure, Co-Editor |
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September 2008 This September, after the hullabaloo of vacations, weddings, holidays and going back to school, let us re-center ourselves and focus on what keeps us where we live. What are those all-important, though oft-overlooked, factors that choose the place a person lives their life? In these pages, let us as readers and writers look for these things that we appreciate about Alamance County. As Megan and I approached our first “Welcome to Alamance” issue, we asked ourselves these tough questions. I believe Megan has it easier than the rest of us as she has only truly lived here for less than a year. For myself like many of you, it had to be a re-welcoming experience. I had to step outside and look back in at the county I have seen all my life. Together, we visited the “Saxapahaw Music Series,” “Thursdays at 7” in Graham and “Clay Street After Work” in Mebane. Seeing our cities come together had an uplifting and communal effect. We also looked closer at projects of earnest caring around our community. We researched Burlington’s Downtown Corporation and its master plan, the astonishing work being done at Glencoe Mill Village and the Saxapahaw area, as well as the urban re-vitalization efforts of all our municipalities. Alamance County is in an exciting time. I remember the late 80s and early 90s as tough times. Buildings were deserted; downtown walls were bare and crumbling. The void left by the textile exodus hit our cities hard. The last decade has seen these walls rebuilt with the vested sweat of many determined citizens intent on finding what was lost. Standing beside these citizens is our Alamance Area Chamber of Commerce, an organization whose diligence is remarkable. They introduce our county to new businesses and visitors every day. When the doorbell chimes, they answer our county’s front door. As new and old citizens, let us take a look through different eyes at this county of ours. We are living in the wrong place if we do not cherish that which it offers. ~Griffin McClure, Co-Editor |
| August 2008 Education can define a nation, state, county and a person. Graduate from Princeton or Harvard and you are sure to have an advantage on a personal level. To elevate and surround yourself with quality schools assures not only the growth of individual minds but the growth and prosperity of the area. An intelligent adult wants better education for their children and is one of the bases for choosing a place to live. Plus, an educated public is a huge attraction for businesses. They need smart parents and children in order to be successful in this competitive global market place. If you study geographic areas that value education, you will find wealth and prosperity surround them. It is a blessing to have Elon University in Alamance County. The higher the quality of education the greater the attraction – it’s a magnet. Smart people attract more smart people and smart people have success at their feet. Education equalizes and elevates. We cannot invest enough time or money in our schools. It is the ultimate responsibility to improve oneself and our children. Education starts at birth and should be intense until one dies. In this issue, we celebrate Alamance Community College’s 50 years of growth, which is nothing short of amazing. It has become a well-respected branch of our educational system. Its student body is challenged by a wealth of subjects and the quality of teaching. If you have not visited our community college lately you owe it to yourself, for it will make you proud. This issue also takes you into the heart of Dr. Randy Bridges. As superintendent, he is committed to the Alamance County public school system. His quest is a lofty one, to elevate through education every child and the system that serves them. Feel the responsibility this man takes to heart. Alamance magazine has been bringing features and stories about people and places here in Alamance County for over thirty years. We feature talented local writers and photographers. We are not connected or associated with any other magazine and we are the only subscription-based magazine serving our county. We do not sell our editorial, which allows us to be very selective as to who, what and how we write. In our Announcement section, we get to highlight the achievements, promotions and grand openings that involve our neighbors. It has become a fun section to watch and see who you know. ~ Paul Rovegno, Publisher |
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July 2008 Let me be the first to say hello. Hello from the co-editor’s seat for the first of many times. Though a hot seat it is, I’m eager to explore the options it affords. As the new co-editorial directors, my wife Megan and I hope to explore this county of ours together with all this magazine’s inspiring readers. We hope to look inside and see the things we miss most days and flesh out the life our county encourages from and bestows upon us. For our first month, we have chosen to dive into local business. As a small business owner myself, I understand the timing of such an issue is an odd choice, but an important one. Alamance overflows with small businesses, their owners, their committed group of employees, and their patrons. Our citizens know the joy of building something from the ground up and maintaining through obstacles. It is only with trying times that character and strength must work together. As much the same for Megan and me, we are deeply touched by this great opportunity. ~Griffin McClure, Co-Editor I have a confession. I haven’t always relished the idea of moving to Alamance County. It was a wonderful place to visit my fiancé, but I was settled in Charlotte. I had a chic apartment and a job in a towering, modern skyscraper located in a downtown teeming with young professionals eager to get ahead. Of course, it was also teeming with hordes of antsy commuters trying to find a parking spot. The glamour of big city living wore off in no time – and in even less time, I realized the beauty of living in a county large enough to provide life’s necessities yet small enough to present a familiar face at every turn. Alamance County residents enjoy first-class cultural events and competitive sports at Elon University, sample fine dining or home cooking at local restaurants and have access to superb shopping. I have no doubt that our new beginning as co-editors of Alamance magazine will hold all the excitement of my new beginning in Alamance County. And by now I know that the friendly folks of Alamance won’t mind giving us directions should we find ourselves a little turned around! ~Megan McClure, Co-Editor |
| June 2008 Congratulations to all graduates! June brings an end to the school year and a start to summer school, flowers in our garden, and Father’s Day. In this issue, dads are flying high and giving structure in two unique features – Growing Up Circus and Building Character. Since we have had many positive responses to our cooking section, courtesy of the ACC Culinary School, we decided to expand this section to include our local restaurants. Now you can cook your favorite dish yourself, have someone else cook it, or both. We hope this new dimension adds flavor. The home office feature takes on added importance, as the cost of fuel is almost $4 a gallon. Someone once defined character as “what we do when no one is looking.” Alamance County has character that has been growing for a long time – while no one was looking. We now find ourselves in the right place. Alamance magazine reflects the character of our county. There are so many wonderful things to write about that we have a difficult time deciding what should be on our pages. We thank you for sharing your ideas, stories, and pictures. Keep them coming, so everyone can enjoy the goodness here in our county. To that end, our staff is dedicated to bringing the highest quality publication to our readers. Our focus will remain on the people in the beautiful backdrop we share. We appreciate the many compliments given to Alamance magazine, which we attribute to the focus of our magazine, rather than to our skill in publishing. We feel privileged to be in the position of sharing the treasure, which is our community. ~ Paul Rovegno, Publisher |
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May 2008 For the last 29 years, I’ve called Alamance County home. For the majority of those years, I’ve hung my hat (figuratively speaking, of course) in an office on E. Davis Street. There I’ve been mostly writing and editing, but along the way I also have been making friends and appreciating what a great place to live this is! I’ve watched our publication transform from a weekly newspaper to a beautiful full-color magazine with lots of local flavor. Now my red pen will be in the trustworthy hands of others, and I look forward to watching our magazine continue to grow. I’ll still be around, behind the scenes, as editor emeritus. Thank you to our writers, readers, and advertisers for a great ride. I’m eternally grateful to have had this opportunity to be a part of an Alamance County tradition! ~Karen Carrouth We, at Alamance Magazine, are excited for Karen and the opportunity ahead of her. Wishing her well is easy, with the deepest respect for all the wonderful years she gave this magazine. Alamance magazine is a treasure, which is part of our county. This is due in large part of Karen’s ability to share her talents. It will live with the written words she gave us, in our hearts, and our minds. Thank you, Karen. With change comes our opportunity. We are committed and will continue to be a reflection of our community we serve. We thank you for making us a part of Alamance County. It is a responsibility we take very seriously. ~Paul Rovegno |
| April 2008 It’s a patch of possibilities. It’s an outside room. It’s a recycled play area. Mainly it’s a garden lovingly created by my stepmom, Delores. After our daughter, Emily, outgrew the swing set in our backyard eight years ago, the hardware was removed for my nephews in Wilson. Landscaped timbers defined the area, but it was painfully empty. Delores carefully drew out Emily’s “Secret Garden,” as we called it – but I’m not sure why it was a secret! The plot, which measures 17 by 23 feet, contains many perennials and hardy shrubs. A stately crape myrtle anchors one corner, and an arbor with Carolina jasmine graces another. Hosta borders the back with day lilies across the front. We accessorized with a concrete bird bath in the middle of the garden and a few other statuaries scattered around. It’s truly a thing of beauty with one big qualifier: in a word, weeds. You’ve got to keep those nasty green invaders at bay by pulling them, and quite frequently. I found out the hard way, too, that our secret garden is home to at least one very angry nest of hornets. Our garden has proven to be a beautiful backdrop for both prom and Mother’s Day pictures. It survived the hot and dry summer last year, and we’re looking forward to enjoying the blooms later this April. And more frequent weeding, I pledge. Watch out for new seeds that will be planted here at Alamance magazine next month! |
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March 2008 This is our makeover issue, and Alamance County is ready for transformation. The choices are many for Burlington, including a plan to resuscitate the downtown. For Graham, it is an opportunity to reconsider the liquor by the drink issue and for the first time compete for restaurants and businesses on equal footing with the rest of the county (world). Mebane and Elon are on the move, growing and improving their strong points. ACE (Alamance Citizens For Education) is enlightening us about the importance of our schools to the community as a whole. Nothing attracts businesses more than good schools. It is truly the number one investment we can make. Alamance County is blessed with lots of services to help improve your personal image. In this issue, we take a close look at breast enhancement. Teeth whitening, exercising, dieting, tanning, hair and beauty treatments are all right here. At any age, it is important to be willing to look and feel better. Taking care of one’s self is as important as taking care of others. God does take care of those who take care of themselves. We also look at the Dodge Charger police packages. Oh, how you don’t want this coming up behind you with its lights flashing. What a makeover! Color graphics and strong lines announce the authority our law enforcement deserves. Elon, Mebane, the Alamance County Sheriff’s Department, and the State of North Carolina have added these exciting new cruisers to their fleet to help them do their job. We here at Alamance magazine continue to evolve and improve as a part of the communities we serve. Our commitment to our readers and advertisers is to stay focused on Alamance County and be a part of our county’s bright future. ~ Paul Rovegno |
February 2008 Can you recall your first boyfriend (girlfriend)? It may have been decades ago, but it seems just like yesterday. I can remember that flurry of emotions when I set my eyes on one young man in the fourth grade. His name was Randy, and I thought he was cute.I have no idea what cute meant then. The year was 1968, and it was Mrs. Britt’s class at Winstead Elementary School in Wilson, N.C. My classmates and I made these big envelopes, dripping with glitter and cut-out hearts, to accommodate all of our valentines. I don’t remember much about the other valentines I got that year, but I remember that heart-shaped box of candy from Randy. The fact that I’m a chocoholic may add to those fond memories. Those were the times that we scrawled notes back and forth (not e-mailing or texting each other as this generation does). Ours was a short-lived relationship, which is a good thing for fourth-graders. Free time should not be bogged down with boyfriends and girlfriends at that age. I dimly recall a quick kiss on the cheek, which was big at the time. Fast forward nearly 40 years and I plan to trade valentines with a certain young man named Henry, my husband of 28 years. We don’t exchange gifts (something about my Scottish ancestry), but the card and the goose bumps are still there. It’s the thoughts that count. Love and history are the themes for our February issue. Newlyweds share their thoughts about starting life together, while another couple recalls why they remain head over heels in love after 60 years. We have tips on spicing up your love life, no matter your age. Lovers of history should enjoy a profile on a Civil War slave who became a well-known preacher in the southern part of the county. A local educator is leading the fight to preserve four Revolutionary War sites. Haw River Elementary School boasts of 100 years of history. Also, a videographer encourages all of us to preserve those precious family histories. Speaking of history, I’m proud to see my family grow through many loving Valentine’s Days. After all, history is made everyday and remembered in the future. Cheers to fond memories! |
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January 2008 Art is a reflection of life. The sheer mass of art over the ages, and the number of forms it can take, is paled by the many subject matters altered and adopted in the interpretation of the artist, and again in the interpretation of the viewer. In this issue, we honor Janet Andrews, who has drawn our attention and dedicated her life to the appreciation of art. Her willingness and tireless efforts as director of the Arts Council in Graham have helped to enrich our county and highlight our local artists. We get this view through the eyes of Chris Faircloth, who applies her art of writing with her very own touch of class and enthusiasm. We then look at musicians who happen to live and/or play in Alamance County. Our writer, Aaron Hill (who is a musician himself), highlights some of the unique clubs and night spots right here in Alamance County. The types of music, from rock to bluegrass, and the notoriety that some of the individuals and groups have achieved is truly astounding! Lastly, we study body art, which, like it or not, has become part of mainstream America. For every tattoo you see on an exposed arm or leg, there are many more tattoos reserved for not everyone to see. Attesting to the numbers of tattoos is the number of artists and shops available here in Alamance County. It is an art form which is as old as the hills but has attained a new level of creativity, popularity and social acceptance in recent years. The selection of the artist, the placement, and the subject matter of the tattoo will have an effect on one’s life and others, just like any other art, and the interpretation of the viewer will be subjective. Enjoy art and this issue. ~ Paul Rovegno |
December 2007 Do you have white lights on your Christmas tree, or multi-colored lights? And is that a live, fragrant Christmas tree, or one that slides out of a box to be assembled year after year without messy needles? Do you leave cookies and milk for Santa (and a few carrots for the reindeer) on Christmas Eve? Are turkey and ham on your Christmas dinner menu, or do you like to start new trends, like serving vegetable lasagna? The answers vary, because we all differ in our Christmas traditions. As children outgrow sitting on Santa’s lap, customs evolve too. Families lose and gain members, and this generation probably has more blended families than ever before. We all have favorite traditions that we treasure. Each December, families try to cram many of those favorites in our already-packed calendars: swapping cookies, driving around to see the Christmas lights, adopting a Christmas Cheer family, stuffing the stockings, decorating the tree, shopping and wrapping for family and friends. The list goes on and on. But hopefully we won’t lose sight of the meaning of the Christmas season, no matter how we celebrate. The birth of the baby Jesus is a wonderful gift that we can’t overlook despite all the hoopla and commercialization. Our December issue is our gift to our readers and advertisers. It is brought to you lovingly by our staff – Marilee, Myra, Angie, Meghan, Paul and myself. From the dazzling merchandise and services in our advertisements to the heart-tugging stories, we wish you the best of the season! |
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