What’s Up-town Shelby

By Janet Workman Berry, CPF

Frame Masters Gallery & Gifts, Shelby, NC

Are you one of the millions of people who cannot start your day until you have a cup of coffee?  What’s your favorite brew?  Do you like sugar with your coffee?  How about cream or chocolate or even nutmeg? I have often heard coffee drinkers refer to this dark brew as “nectar for the gods.”   Coffee is also a delicious cold drink when blended with just the right amount of sugar, cream and ice.  But, back to the basics – coffee drinkers all agree on one thing, they want their brew fresh and hot.

Chad Stout’s wife, Meghan, searching for that perfect cup of coffee, started roasting beans in her kitchen using a Whirly Pop-Corn Popper.  Just like a man, Chad decided he could improve on her process, so he adapted a gas grill into a roaster and Lily Bean Micro Roast Coffee Company was born.  Using a stainless steel drum the beans are roasted to perfection.  Lily Bean offers several roasts including decaf, or a roast can be customized to your taste.  According to Chad,  “A general rule is the darker the roast, the longer the roasting time, and the darker the roast the less caffeine there is in the bean. To get different roasts, he listens to the beans and how they crack in the roaster.

Have you ever considered what is involved in getting that perfect cup of coffee?  Chad says, “The most important thing is to start with fresh roasted beans, a squeaky clean coffee maker and good water.”

Chad purchases green coffee beans from Costa Rica, Brazil and Colombia, South America.  He uses only beans certified as fair trade, shade grown and organic.

The United States consumes about 1/3 of the world’s coffee.  Families on small farms grow a large percentage of coffee using the shade grown method.  Fair Trade assures us that the small coffee farmer gets a fair price for his crop.   Migratory birds have found refuge in the forest-like canopy environment of coffee plantations.  Being certified as shade grown assures the consumer that bird habitats are protected.   Shade-grown beans do not require soil additives and the trees can produce crops of beans for up to 50 years.  In dollar value, coffee is second only to petroleum as the most important legal export commodity in the world.

I am always curious how a company name is decided.  Chad and Meghan’s daughter is named Meredith Lily.  When she was born they nicknamed her Lily Bean.  This evolved into the perfect name for their perfect roast coffee company, “Lily Bean Micro Roast Coffee.”

Lily Bean coffee can be purchased in half-pound and one pound bags.  Chad is very proud that Lily Bean Micro Roast Coffee uses all recyclable materials to creates  zero waste.  Lily Bean Micro Roast Coffee beans are available at the Shelby Farmers Market and on Facebook.  You can reach Chad at 704-406-9000 or cstout10@carolina.rr.com.

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Let’s Talk Bible - Since 1975

By Evangelist  W.C. “Dub” Dellinger

Some say fasting is a thing of the past.  Not so with Christian living.  If you pray for something and are willing to let a meal go by, or just some food that you like, and your prayer is not for self gain, that is the kind of prayer your Lord wants to answer.  Never just say a prayer and expect to hear some good came of it.  Prayer with Jesus is okay when all the conditions are met.  First, you must believe and know that you are right with your Lord.  If you have sin in you, He only answers a sinner’s prayer for Himself.  One thing is, if you have doubts of unbelief while you are praying you might as well get in a chair and try to fall asleep.  Some do sit down and write a prayer, then pray and think all the time that your God may answer your request when you fast or do without something on purpose.  You do have your Lord’s attention, and just how much you want or need.  The country preacher says you hold your Lord’s feet to the fire.  That is just not true.  You cannot force your Lord to do anything for you.  He only works out of love, and He alone knows the beginning and the end.  God’s ways are not like our ways.  Sometimes He waits to answer, as to strengthen us in belief.  Keep in mind that we serve an all powerful knowing God, and He can and will sometimes show His love back to us.  You strengthen this love when you live a life as Jesus did.  He was always helping someone.  We too, as His servants, should look for someone everyday that we can help some way; if only to cross the street or maybe a warm handshake.  And whatever you do must be out of love for your fellow man or woman.  If married, start at home.  I now have two friends, maybe more which tell me that they never heard their dad say he loved them.  When you hear that it bears on your mind.

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What’s Up in Local Sports

By: Calvin Hastings

Crest sophomore Rhaheim Ledbetter has been named to the Maxprep All Sophomore All America Team.  Ledbetter plays safety for the Chargers.   He also played  running back in short yardage situations for the Chargers.   Ledbetter was named All Conference, All Cleveland County and All Regional.   He was named the Shelby Star’s Cleveland County Football Player of the Year.   Congratulations on quite an honor for Ledbetter!

The East Lincoln Mustangs set a school record last week when they held Challenger to only four points in the first half.  It was the fewest points allowed by an opponent in a half.  The Mustangs went on to win 60-14.

Jay Hopkins of Stanley has chosen to play football at Northern Illinois.   Hopkins has spent the past two seasons at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas and will have two years of eligibility at Northern Illinois.   Hopkins is a 2007 graduate of East Gaston High School and is a 5 foot-8, 180 pound running back.   Hopkins choose Northern Illinois over Arkansas State and Louisiana-Lafayette.   Hopkins holds the East Gaston single season rushing record with 1,901 yards in 2006.

Forestview’s Chris Johnson set a school record scoring 39 points last week.   The 39 points broke the single game scoring mark  of 38 points held since  2004 by Vashon Miller.   Johnson also set a school record with 22 rebounds in the Jaguars 70-56 win over South Point.

East Lincoln will honor its 1973 state championship girls basketball team at halftime of the January 19th home game with Lincolnton.   The 1973 team was led by former semi-professional player Brenda Johnson and Lincolnton coach Shelia Baker.   The team went 29-0 on the season and downed Jamestown Ragsdale 64-53 to win the open classification championship.   The team was coached by Henry Barkley.

Hats off to the W. C. Friday wrestling team!   The team won the Gaston County Middle School Wrestling Championship last week for the second straight year.  The team has not lost a match since the 2006-2007 season.   Jamie Barstrom of Holbrook was named the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.  Cramerton finished second behind Friday.

Congratulations to Belmont Abbey’s Courtney Naquin.  Naquin became the 18th player in the school’s history to score 1000 points in their career.  The Abbey downed Limestone 84-70.

King Mountain’s Alexis  Browning  and Shelby’s Anna Urash earned individual state championships last week at the North Carolina State Gymnastics Championships.   Browning won the nine year old age group and Urash won the eight year old division.   The Precision Gymnastics team placed third in the state out of 36 competitors.   Browning won the vault and floor event titles while Urash won the beam and floor event titles.

Congratulations to former Gardner Webb defensive end Brian Johnston!  Johnston recently signed with the Miami Dolphins.   Johnston was a seventh round pick for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008 and the first Gardner Webb player drafted by an NFL team since kick returner/wide receiver Terry Guess was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1996.   Johnston earned a spot on seven different All-America Teams and was named the Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season.   He is the Big South Conference’s all time leader in sacks and tackles for loss.   Johnston is currently coming off a calf injury that sidelined him this past season.

Former Lincolnton track and field star Morgan Turner won the 3,000 meter run in the Tar Heel Invitational last Friday, January 8th.  Turner now runs for Western Carolina who finished 2nd in the event behind North Carolina.   With the finish Turner qualified for the Southern Conference Championships coming up in February.

With high school basketball in full swing, you can catch some local games on the radio.   In Shelby you can hear the game of the week on WADA-1390 AM.   You can catch the Lincolnton games on 1050 AM WLON.  And, hear the Cherryville Ironmen games on 1590 AM WCSL.

Congratulations to Gardner Webb’s Dominique Hudson!   Hudson was named the Big South Conference Women’s Basketball Choice Hotels Player of the Week.   Hudson averaged 20 points per game to help lead the Lady Bulldogs to two wins last week.

Did you happen to see the fine article by Alan Ford this past week in the Shelby Star?   Ford went out on a limb and put together an All-Decade Cleveland County Football Team.   You’ve got to admire someone for even trying to put something like this together.   I hope Alan doesn’t mind me re-printing his selections.  I know it had to take a long time and a lot of consideration to put something together like this.

Running Backs selected include Josh Brown of Crest, Tavorris Jolly of Shelby and Arsenio Parks of Shelby.   Quarterbacks included Troy Goss of Burns and Darryl Montgomery of Shelby.   Receivers included Josh Briscoe of Burns, Bruce Smith of Crest and Terrence Young of Shelby.   Devon Thompson of Kings Mountain was named the Tight End.   The Offensive Line included Andy Barbee of Crest, Lamont Carpenter of Shelby, Logan Hardin of Kings Mountain, Brandon Jefferies of Crest and Shiloh Stewart of Burns.  On defense, the Defensive Line included Nelson Bullard of Crest, Thomas James of Kings Mountain, Quevalas Murray of Shelby, Keon Ross of Shelby and Lanston Tanvi of Shelby.   The Linebackers included Brandon Jackson of Burns, Dwayne Maddox of Crest, Brandon Spikes of Crest and Jermaine Strong of Crest.   Tyler Raab of Shelby was named the Punter.   Trever Austin of Crest the Placekicker and Larry Raper of Shelby the Kick Returner.   Good job Alan.   For a complete list pick up the 1/13/2010 edition of the Shelby Star or go online at www.shelbystar.com and click on sports!

What’s Up With Being A Lil Rusty

By Rusty Stroupe

www.rustystroupe.blogspot.com

I can never get my oldest son, who is now 17, to admit that I am in fact, cool. Supposedly I’m out of touch, old-fashioned, over the hill, and worthy of being referred to as “old man.”

He texted me recently to let me know he was in for the night at his friend’s house. After my reply text reminded him that I loved him, he signed off that night with- “Love you, too, old man.” (At least he’ll still admit he loves me, especially when he needs money.)

A few months back I made a decision to allow him to cut my hair. He got a little carried away and even became worried at one point that I was going to assault him once I was able to see myself in the mirror. “I trust you, boy,” I assured him, “And I did ask you to cut it short.”

When I was afforded a look in the mirror a few minutes later, I became aware of two things: 1) My son is not a barber and 2) I am officially old. The grown child reminded me of my thinning topside a few moments later as I chased him around the yard. By the way, I can still outrun him.

Not long ago this same kid of mine completely put me in my place in front of a group of folks I highly respect and who, up until that point, respected me. The boy looked handsome in his getup that night so I publicly commented to him that he should appreciate coming from such good genes. Without hesitation, he snapped, “Yeah, thanks for the genes. I’m really looking forward to being short and bald someday.” Ouch.

And so it continues. He’s constantly trying to remind me how old I am and I’m attempting just as fervently to convince him I am still cool (assuming I ever was in the first place) and that I have more hair on my head than most men my age.

Yes, my back is stiff in the mornings when I wake up. And I have to take six different kinds of pills each day for cholesterol, reflux, and healthy heart maintenance. But by golly, I’m still young in my own eyes and this kid was due a hands-on lesson to demonstrate that fact.

Quite by accident, a hands-on lesson indeed occurred recently. The son and I were riding along in my truck and he asked if he could pop in a Jimmy Buffett CD. “Of course,” I replied, hardly able to contain myself. Before you start sending me mean emails, the Buffett song we listened to was mellow and thought-provoking, not raunchy and disrespectful like a small portion of his older stuff.

The boy was amazed when I knew every word to the song. And I flaunted that fact by singing at the top of my lungs while he listened in stunned amazement. Eventually he joined in and a chorus of manly howling ensued. I care not if it was ear pleasing because it was certainly generationally uniting.

When the song ended, I asked if he would be willing to hit the replay button and do it all over again. Obviously impressed, the kid reached for the controls and said, “Sure thing, old man.”

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Gatlinburg Trip: Elizabeth Connor of Lowell

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Gatlinburg Trip:  Louise Shuford of Lincolnton

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#2 Shelby Golden Lions @ #3 Crest Chargers

What’s Up with The Pet Guardian

As we get older, our minds sometimes travel down Memory Lane. I pause to recall all my past pets and their contributions made in my family and in my heart.

At age 12, I received  my first very  puppy, a black poodle whom I called Pierre Du Won II .  “Prince” for short. Poodles are much like babies in the sense of wanting your total attention; therefore making them not a good choice in a family with children.  But, he fit in ours.  My Mom had never obedience trained our dogs; they were just a loving part of our family. They were all kept inside and had their own beds. We had many dogs growing up, but only one at a time.

As far back as I can remember, there was “Lovely Linda”, a full size brown and white AKC registered Collie, who had 13 pups, 12 of which got homes.  She made the headlines of our local newspaper!  “13 pups born and 12 survived” made front page news. There were boys and girls, brown,white and black, and white. My sister and I wanted to keep them all, but we only kept the mom, who lived to an old age.

Then there was Spotty, our black and white spotted Fox Terrier.  She was very lively and ran the other way when called. Before we had a chance to have her spayed she ran in the road and was hit by a car and died.  I remember to this day how sad my parents were burying Spotty in our back yard where she loved to play.  Each dogs death was very traumatic for my parents.. They had a soft spot in their heart for dogs.  I guess you could say it’s in my genes.

I remember carrying Prince around in my arms like a baby. We were so bonded! But, as much as you bond, you can’t read their minds. One day for no apparent reason, he darted across our road and got hit by a car. I stood there frozen.  My Dad said later I was in shock. I walked out into the road without looking and picked Prince up and my Dad buried him for me. I got a stick , broke it in half and made a cross for his grave. I visited him every day for years.

Years passed, I got married and had a family of my own; 4 boys, 1 girl, and we always had a pet. We had a male Shepherd named Brutus who was good with children, a female Siberian Husky named Parka who loved the whole family, and a female Long haired Dachshund mix named Muffin. One of my sons accidently left the door open and she got out and was hit by a car and died. We also had a female Beagle named Dutchie, who loved to hunt. We didn’t hunt, so we gave her to an Amish family we knew in Pennsylvania.  We went to see her and was told she had gotten in front of his tractor blade and it severed her legs so she had to be put down. I Never will forgive myself for giving her away!!!  I thought I was doing what was best for her. I just wanted her to be happy.

Then there was Molly Sue, a 6 year old Border Collie/Beagle mix.  She was a highly intelligent family dog. She loved to round up all the neighborhood cats and send them home. I like to remember her as the neighborhood pet protector.  One day my husband took Molly out with him to the mail box in the cold, snowy weather up North.  He had his first heart attack and went down on the 6” of snow. Molly laid over his body, covering every inch as she barked until she got the attention of a neighbor.  She saved his life that day!

We also had another dog named Cassandra (Casey) Mae, and 2 cats, Patches and Top Cat (TC).  TC got out one day and was stayed in the woods behind our house for one month. He was de-clawed and an inside cat, so we put out food for him every day.  We couldn’t get close enough to catch him, and I finally realized Molly could round him up and bring him in.  I told her she needed to bring TC home.  She was so smart!  She started out barking at him to play with her, as she met him half way in the woods. Little by little she got him closer and closer to the house, then on our back deck and finally in the door!  A job well done Molly! It took her one week. We took TC to the vet; he was thinner and dirty, but otherwise okay.

Molly had to be put down 2 years ago from cancer.  She was 14 years old. I TRIED TO SAVE HER LIFE, AS I OWED HER THE FAVOR!!! But, I couldn’t.  She was cremated and is now in an oak wooden box with her beautiful picture on it.

Also joining her is Sheiba, (Casey’s Mom) who lived to 19, and Mixer, who lived approximately 10 years.  Casey is Chow, Rotti, Small Doberman mix, 12 years old.  Brutus is a Yellow Lab, 2 years old, and Rosebud is Cocker Spaniel/Boston Terrier mix, 5 months old. They are all our babies and are treated with respect, and dignity because they are loyal, devoted and loving.

When Sheiba passed Casey tried to take her place with my husband.  When he was down and hurting, she sat with him.  When he cried, she cried.  When he was happy, so was CASEY MAE. They say when couples marry, they become one and share the same characteristics.  So do our pets! They know us well. Our facial features and the tone of our voices tell them all about us; it’s in our eyes. Molly was a therapy dog who loved to visit the Nursing Homes and do some simple tricks for them like play dead, roll over, beg, speak, and sing. For the grand finale she would sing as Ann played the piano. Christmas songs were her favorite. She was one terrific dog!  While Casey is not a therapy dog, she shines in her own right with intelligence and loyalty.

It amazes my husband and I to watch and see how smart the three of them are.  Dogs minds are always open to learning. There is so much for them to learn. Years ago, dogs were seen but not heard. Today, dogs are family members; they are active and they communicate with us.   They need to be taught and spent time with while connecting with their owners.  Only you put limits on the learning ability of your dog.  Brutus and Rosebud are still finding themselves.  Brutus is mild mannered, and does not like fighting and growling between Casey and Rosebud.  He is the peace maker and stands between them.  Rosebud will get Brutus and Casey chasing her for the ball; she knows how to work it.

Let me say any dog can be “one terrific dog” given love, respect,  simple training, and proper care. Maybe this is the day you help make your dog be ”one terrific dog”!

- Your Pet Guardian

The Sassy Red Delights Chapter of the Red Hat Society recently presented a check in the amount of $2300 to Myra McGinnis, Executive Director, of Hospice Cleveland County from their benefit luncheon held on March 28, 2009. Although the Red Hat Society is not a fund raising organization, the Sassy Red Delights use their close knit group to give back to the communities in which they live. They have contributed to charities for the past three years but this year made the decision to donate their proceeds to Hospice Cleveland County.

Hospice is very important to this group of 14 ladies, graduating from high school together. Since their Charter was formed in July of 2004 they have lost seven parents under Hospice care, the most recent being Emma Wray, mother of Brenda Peterson and Guynell Daves, mother of Vicki Stallings.

Hospice Cleveland County exists to provide high quality skilled compassionate care and support for patients with life-limiting illness, their families, and the community, regardless of ability to pay. If you would like to know more about Hospice Cleveland County please visit our website at www.hospicecares.cc or contact us at 704-487-4677.

Names Left to Right: Back Row: Dianne Dixon, Brenda Peterson, Betty Leonhardt, Rachel Williams, Sue Peeler, Betty Eaker (The Queen) and Myra McGinnisFront Row: Nancy Jones, Janet Elliott, Aileen Ormand, Vickie Stallings, and Gail McSwain, not pictured: JoAnn Burgess, Sandra Walker & Gail Wegrzyn

The Pet Guardian

What’s Up With The Pet Guardian

Summer is here, and this is the time of year new puppies are available. In a previous column, I spoke about choosing the right puppy or dog  for your individual lifestyle. 

Today we are concentrating on the cost of owning a pet. Even a free puppy, is NEVER FREE. Whether we purchase one  or receive one free, there is always additional costs involved. Starting with the initial visit –which might include, but not limited to, a check up, weight check, worm test, worm medication, and a first series of preventive shots. Cost approx. $80.00. Two to three weeks later –check up, weight check, worm test, and maybe deworming, and second series of preventive shots. Cost approx. $80-$100. Approximately three weeks later — check up, weight check, worm test, maybe redeworming, flea medicine, and last series of preventive medicine, which may include heart worm testing, and rabies vaccine. Cost approximately $80- $125. 

Hopefully your pet will stay well and you may be able to go for six months before the next check up. During that time there is need for good quality brand name dog food, heart worm medicine and flea medication and vitamins. Also pet collar, leash, bed,  toys and food dishes.  Much like children, pets need all around care, a good pet shampoo and brush for keeping their fur coat clean and unmangled.  Tartar control bones for good strong teeth and at least a once a year blood culture to get a heads up on any up coming health problems This is a  good time to check ears, and teeth, and eyes as well. Close to six months of age there is spaying, which insures no puppies and also keeps females from getting cancer of the female organs. Neutering and spaying keeps both male and females from wandering off your property in search of a mate and REALLY makes them more calm, loving , and dedicated to their families. Not to mention no mess in the house as with unspayed females.  Unless you plan on mating your pet, spay and neuter is the way to go !!!  Cost can be from $75-$200 depending on size, weight age, and breed of pet. Different Veterinarians have various prices for their procedures.   There is a spay and neuter program available to help defray cost , to find out more about it call your local animal shelter, or humane society.   

Pets can live from 10-14 years , and depending on the care you give them , sometimes longer, we once had a dog for 19 years.  So it is very important you understand the value of owning a pet.   Being an animal lover, I am NOT trying to alter your decision to get a pet.   But please keep in mind with each dog, there can be different health issues to deal with.  There are so many diseases and health problems out there your pet can have, like liver failure, heart trouble, diabetes and much more.  It can get costly over the years.  So long as you understand the every day care and devotion a new family member deserves, you can think before you make that all important decision, and act responsibly when that decision is made.  This is a longtime, everyday devoted companion, best friend, protective member of your family and he or she deserves the very best you have to offer.  Only when we bond with our pet, do we truly become complete!   

If you are traveling this summer with your pet, please remember, PetSmart sells some really neat pet car seats, carriers, and harnesses, to keep your new or old family member comfy and safe on the road.  Next month we will talk about obedience training your family member. HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE BLESSED SUMMER!!!!!   Your Pet Guardian                               

P.S. Received a new free family member at our house , she is 3 months old — Cocker Spaniel / Boston Terrier mix (tan and white , looks more cocker spaniel)  her name is  “ROSEBUD”