The Liberty Leader Newspaper

Liberty Elementary School

First Annual Student / Teacher

Basketball Game Fundraiser

Ball Game

Check out the April issue of the Liberty Leader Newspaper for more on this great event.

Town Of Liberty Easter Egg Hunt

Annual Liberty Community
Easter Egg Hunt
Once again Liberty Parks and Recreation pulled off another great event for the community. Saturday March 31 had all the elements of fun, great weather, children of all ages, balloons, snacks and oh yes, I almost forgot, fields of brightly colored Easter eggs. They were laying there just waiting for the children to scoop them up and fill their baskets and that is exactly what happened. There were three age groups, 1 to 3, 4 to 5 and 6 to 8. The baseball and soccer fields at Liberty Freedom Park was transformed to a egg hunters field of dreams. There was special eggs in each group that entitled the owner to a prize. There was free refreshments for all to have. This years event was sponsored by Liberty Parks and Recreation, Liberty Parks and Recreation Foundation and the local community and business. Grace Lutheran Church had workers handing out free balloons and Watermark Fellowship provided free cups full of goodies for all children. If you missed this event check our website for more pictures and a list of all the winners of the day. Www.libertynewspaper.org

Senior Adult Advocate Trip Planned 

Randolph County Senior Adults Association is sponsoring a trip to advocate for senior adult issues before elected legislators in Raleigh. Scheduled for April 17, 2007, a bus will leave from the Asheboro Senior Center at 8:30 a.m. and return about 6:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided at no cost to participants. Participants must pre-register and preference will be given to residents 60 years of age and older.

Randolph County Senior Adults Association provides services locally in Randolph County that include nutrition, senior centers, transportation, adult day care, information and assistance and other activities. The agency also promotes advocacy and advocacy opportunities for senior adults. Senior adults will have the opportunity while in Raleigh to discuss issues—increased funding for senor centers, home delivered meals, and transportation as well as increased emphasis on long-term care policy –with elected officials during this session of the General Assembly.

Anyone who wants to attend the trip to Raleigh needs to make a reservation by calling Randolph County Adults Association at 625-3389 or 1-800-252-2899. There is no cost for the trip, but seating is limited to 50 people. The deadline for making a reservation is 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2007.

Local Pharmacist Retirees

The Liberty CVS says so long for now to a local employee. Harold “Wayne” Smith of Climax had his last day of filling prescriptions on March 15. His fellow employees and several local customers recognized him on this day with a farewell—retirement party that included decorations, cake and a plaque. Wayne had one comment to pass on, “ Most of you see me everyday in a dress shirt and neck tie. Get ready, because I am really just an old country farm boy at heart. Next time you see me I will most likely be wearing bibbed overalls and a ball cap. Most of all this is not good bye, I will still be in the area and hope to see all my customers and friends out and about.” I had the pleasure of getting to know Wayne a little more. He was born on July 20 and attended Southeast Guilford High School and UNC Chapel Hill. Wayne graduated from pharmacy school at UNC Chapel Hill in 1970. He then went to work for Franklin Drug store in Greensboro until 1975. He then ventured on to purchase and run Merrit Drive Drug Store in Greensboro from 1975 to 1977 and sold it to Foster Drugs. From 1977 to 1980 Mr Smith worked for various other pharmacies such as Buchanana Drug, Gate City, Hillsdale Park Drug, all in the Greensboro area. He then opened Drug Rite Pharmacy in Climax in 1980 until he sold it to Revco/CVS in January of 1995 and has continued to work for CVS until his retirement this month. I asked Wayne what were some of his favorite hobbies. Well he said, “ Collecting old relics such as bottles, coins, arrowheads, pharmacy items of course. Most of all I enjoy watching my oldest son, Shannon, play softball and his youngest son, Joshef play collegiate baseball. This is not to forget my two grandsons, Caleb and Carson play baseball and basketball. “ I asked Wayne, what led you in this career path. “I was interested in chemistry and chemical compounds of pharmaceutical drugs and how they reacted in the human body. I remember seeing the pharmacist at Pleasant Garden Drug Store mixing up medicine. It grew from there. I also enjoy helping people. These two tied great together,” he said. Wayne recalled his best memory in this field to me, “ I will always remember how much confidence customers had in me and how many of them followed me wherever I have worked. I will truly miss all of you.” I asked him my three questions I always ask and got great replies as usual. His favorite role model was, Bill Barton. Wayne said he use to watch Bill mix compounds prescriptions and was amazed and wanted to be like him. The late Bill Barton owned Pleasant Garden Drug Store. What makes Wayne’s day is being able to spend time with his parents, wife, sons and grandsons. Oh yes, of course running into an old friend or classmate. The best piece of advice that Wayne could share was to make sure you choose a profession that you enjoy doing and one that makes you feel good about making a difference in someone’s life at the end of the day. I truly see now why several people followed Wayne in his career and why several will miss seeing him behind the counter. I wish Wayne a great retirement and thank him for the opportunity to share his life with me

Annual Crime Victims' Remembrance Program on April 25

April 15, 2007 – The annual Crime Victims' Remembrance Program will be held Wednesday, April 25, at Jordan Memorial United Methodist Church in Ramseur beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The program is coordinated and sponsored by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office, the Asheboro Jaycees and the Family Crisis Center each year, and is held in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which is April 22-28, 2007. The theme of the week this year is “Victims' Rights: Every Victim. Every Time.” This theme encourages the nation to advance the rights of victims and expand the services they need to rebuild their lives. It reminds us that every victim deserves respect and compassion, assistance to recover from the impact of crime, and full access to the criminal justice system.
The Crime Victims' Remembrance Program is a celebration of life while remembering those lost to violent crimes.
The featured speakers are Elizabeth Burgess, survivor and author of “A Day in Cascilla,” and William Hart, N.C. Attorney General's Office.
Burgess is a retired primary school teacher and currently lives in Asheboro. She has taught for the Department of Defense Schools in Schweinfurt, Nurenburg, and Baumholder, Germany, as well as in Yokasuka, Japan, and in North Carolina. Burgess is the author of “Prison Camp Road” set in the North Carolina mountains and is also the author of “A Day in Cascilla,” the story of her biological family from the depression through 1944. Burgess and her brother, Bob Carnes, are survivors of domestic violence as a result of the murder-suicide of their parents. Burgess was age four when her parents died. She donates a portion of sale of each book to the Randolph County Family Crisis Center.
Hart is Senior Deputy Attorney General and Division Head for the Criminal Division at the N.C. Department of Justice. In this position since 2005, Hart manages the Appellate, Capital Litigation and Federal Habeas, and Correction Sections. Prior to this, Hart served as Section Head of the Appellate Section of the Criminal Division for 10 years where he had appellate practice before the Supreme Court of North Carolina and the North Carolina Court of Appeals. He has filed petitions and responses in the Supreme Court of the United States. His other professional experience includes serving as special prosecutor specializing in murder, rape and child sexual abuse cases; assistant district attorney for Wake County, private practice and law clerk to a chief district court judge. Hart currently serves on the N.C. Sentencing and Public Policy Advisory Commission, the Governor's Clemency Commission, Chief Justice's Actual Innocence Commission, and the N.C. Victim Assistance Network. He has extensive training, teaching and speaking experience.
A reception will follow the program at the church fellowship hall. Burgess will host a book signing during the reception. Her book sells for $10, with $5 of each sale going directly to the Family Crisis Center.
For more information about the program or for more information about National Crime Victims' Rights Week, contact Cindy Hayes, Asheboro Jaycees, at 336-240-0633 or via email at chayes33@triad.rr.com.

 Contestants Sought for Randolph County Youth Pageant Asheboro

Jaycees Host

Fourth Annual Youth Pageant

MARCH 23, 2007 – The Asheboro Jaycees are seeking contestants to participate in its fourth annual Randolph County Youth Pageant to be held May 3 and 4 at Randleman Elementary School. There is no entry fee, but contestants must reside in Randolph County at the time of participation.
Categories for the pageant include Tiny Miss (ages 4-5), Little Miss (ages 6-8), Young Miss (ages 9-12), Junior Miss (ages 13-15), and Teen Miss (ages 16-18). Applications are available on the Internet at www.asheborojaycees.org, by calling 336-625-6101 ext. 21 or via email at parks47@netzero.com. Applications are due March 30 or at the first practice on Sunday, April 1. Practices will be held at the N.C. Jaycees Headquarters on Country Club Drive in Asheboro.
Proceeds from the Randolph County Youth Pageant go to support community organizations and charities such as the Habitat for Humanity, Operation Red Sleigh, Family Crisis Center, Human Society, Salvation Army and Relay For Life – just to name a few. Some proceeds may be used to support the N.C. Jaycee Outpatient Treatment Facility at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center in Durham, the N.C. Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill or the Lake Waccamaw Boy's Home in Whiteville, N.C.
The Asheboro Jaycees have been an influential part of the community for 66 years – shaping and leading the community's young people for future leadership and community service. The organization meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the N.C. Jaycees Headquarters. For more information about the Asheboro Jaycees visit www.asheborojaycees.org or www.myspace.com/asheborojaycees

Local Father and Daughter Team Part of NWF 74,000 Certified Wildlife Habitats

Check Out Slide Show Below

Habitat Yard

Henry King of Franklinville (retired writer for Courier Tribune and known author of many books) and daughter Carol King Stevenson of Liberty (Employee at Liberty Town Hall) recently became part of the number to have a Certified Wildlife Habitat. They were kind enough to share an afternoon walk through their gardens and share numerous stories. I would like to share just a glimpse of the wonderful things I got to embrace during this afternoon stroll. Before we get to this story, I thought you would like to learn more about the Habitats as I did. NWF Celebrates 70,000 Certified Wildlife Habitats! To celebrate our 70th Anniversary, National Wildlife Federation set a goal of reaching 70,000 certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ sites in 2006. We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to your support, NWF has met and surpassed that goal ahead of schedule! In fact by early October, more than 74,000 yards, schools, and communities had been certified, including more than 12,000 in the last six months. Each of them can feel good that they have done something special for wildlife by providing the four elements animals need to survive – food, water, cover, and places to raise young. In celebration of reaching this goal, NWF has selected one organization to receive special recognition as the honorary 70,000th Certified Habitat. This certification was awarded to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville where the Backyard Habitat team and volunteers created a habitat for wildlife on a sixth-floor balcony. It's not too late Maybe you started the certification process but never finished, or maybe this is your first time hearing about the program. Don’t worry, there’s always room for more wildlife habitats! Why don’t you certify now and help NWF reach 100,000 certified habitats? And don’t forget, when you certify your yard you’ll also receive a free 1-year NWF membership, including a subscription to our award-winning National Wildlife magazine! So what are you waiting for? Get started today! You can find more information on this by visiting the following website http://www.nwf.org/backyard/index.cfm
The first question you may ask yourself what is and why should I garden for wildlife and certify my yard as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat site? The National Wildlife Federation has started this program for many reasons. Let’s look at some of these reasons. It's fun! You'll attract beautiful songbirds, cheerful butterflies and other interesting wildlife to your yard. Watching wildlife can be fun for the whole family. It's relaxing! The natural environment of your habitat will provide a peaceful place to relieve stress and unwind, day or night. It makes your yard more attractive! Replacing barren lawn with beautiful wildflowers and other native plants will increase the appeal of your property and will provide a nurturing place for wildlife. It nurtures and supports wildlife all year! Habitat restoration is critical for wildlife where commercial and residential development has eliminated most natural areas. Wildlife especially needs your help during the cold winter months. It benefits the environment! Gardening practices that help wildlife, like reducing chemicals and conserving water, also help to improve air, water and soil quality throughout your neighborhood. It rewards you! NWF will recognize your dedication to creating a place for wildlife in the modern world. When your habitat is certified, you'll receive a handsome, personalized Certificate of Achievement suitable for framing, recognizing your yard as part of the National Registry of Backyard Wildlife Habitat sites. With your permission, NWF will also send a prepared press release to your local newspaper announcing your certification. It expands your gardening knowledge and lets you share your love of wildlife with others! Once certified, you'll receive a subscription to the quarterly newsletter, (Habitats), providing you with a steady supply of tips and projects to maintain your Backyard Wildlife Habitat site year after year. If your yard is certified by the (National Wildlife Federation ) as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat site, you are eligible to order and post an attractive yard sign to convey to your friends and neighbors your commitment to wildlife conservation and the environment. As soon as you certify your yard or garden space, you will automatically become a member of National Wildlife Federation with full membership benefits, including a year's subscription to the award winning National Wildlife magazine. Wow, that is a lot of good reasons. If you would like to learn more about this program you can visit the website above in the story. With the start of spring what a better time than now to start planning. Now that we know what all the habitat is also about, let’s continue on with our story on this great father and daughter effort. Look for the continuation on the following page.

Local Nature Folks—
Like Father, Like Daughter
Ever since she was a small girl, Liberty Town Hall employee, Carol King Stevenson, has been interested in observing and protecting wild birds and butterflies in and about Liberty. She has fed them, watered them and provided them with birdhouses and shelter. She learned all that from her Dad, retired newspaper columnist, Henry King of Franklinville, who is also well-known about Liberty. Now 52, Carol and her Dad, 88 have reached the pinnacle of their hobbies. During the past ten months the father-daughter nature enthusiasts have been checking and improving their properties to see if each of their acreage would qualify as a nationally approved “Backyard Habitats” under the criteria set by the National Wildlife Federation of Reston, Virginia. “The Backyard Habitat” program is frequently mentioned on the TV program “Animal Planet”. To their joy Mrs. Stevenson’s property along Starmount Road in Liberty and Mr King’s rail fenced property along Church Street in Franklinville were approved to be designated “Backyard Habitats” and were issued certificates to that effect. The habitat properties are also permitted to post metal signs as “Habitats”. Now with another spring coming, both Mrs Stevenson and Mr King are tidying up their bird baths, nesting boxes and flowering shrubs for another season of bird and butterfly watching. The “Backyard Habitat” is open to anyone, no matter how small the property. Information can be obtained via www.nwf.org or writing to 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190-5362. The story does not stop there. Mr King’s property is a gold mine of history and conversation. Both of them gave myself and my oldest daughter, Shelby, a walking tour of the property and all the rich stories that go along. Mr King has not lost his touch at story telling. Many remember his stories in the Courier Tribune as he traveled the area to bring us glimpses of surrounding places. His property is lined with city directional signs that have you scratching your head, “Can this be a real place?”. Actually Mr King has written two books which spotlighted these unique towns. One pictured below caught my fancy, JOY 2 Miles and WORRY 3 miles. As I mentioned all things have a story and this is one of them. Mr King stated, “Actually both of these towns are exactly 5 miles apart and on the same road. Just like life, joy is in one direction while worry takes you in another direction.” Mr King has outbuildings that he actually constructed. Each are adorned with numerous items of interest. Some other town directional signs were unique like Eggtown, Shoofly, Frog Town, Boogertown and Catfish to mention just a few. One that I would like to visit is a town called INTELLIGENCE . This one probably has a lot of bumps and curves. His property has numerous homes for the birds, and like I said all have a story. Near his backdoor, Mr King had a handcarved ox skull and he decided why not whittle out a hole in the side and allow a bird to build. Guess what they did, wonder if the bird is from Texas. There were owl homes and the list goes one. Even on his front porch was a lining of rock collections that were being made into works of art. Mr King has a great eye, he stated ,”As I walk I am always looking for things that catch my eye, if I see a rock that just seems a little different, I will bring it home and see which pile of rocks it belongs with, and there is always a perfect spot. “ Actually he asked if I realize these rocks have a story. These are what the Eskimo children build to mimic what their parents build. During summer months the adults construct huge rock statues that point in direction, therefore in the winter when all is white they can see these in the distance and get their bearing to come home.” Another item I noticed was his bottle tree. Several people will construct on a old tree or a pole with nails on it bottles of all types and colors to decorate their garden area. Mr King asked , “Do you know where this idea originated?” Of course I had to say no. He continued to give me another interesting history lesson. “You see in the olden days food was preserved for the winter months by canning in glass jars. When winter arrived and as the food was eaten the glass jars were washed and put out on tree upside down to keep trash and bugs out of the inside. Then when summer rolled around, you were ready to start the process all over again. “ This was truly a great experience. Since Mr. King was in the newspaper business, I asked if he had any advice for me. Mr King said , “ Always slow down and see what is around you, if you see someone sitting on a porch or pass by someone, stop and introduce yourself. It never fails, there will be the most wonderful story to develop from the conversation.” This was a great piece of advice. With our busy life we do need to slow down and smell the roses. We are so busy in today's world we miss out on wonderful people and places right under our noses. I cannot wait to revisit Mr. King. One for the vibrant colors of flowers and birds in his yard in months to come but also for colorful stories from a new found friend.