Roanoke Valley Woman

RVW FASHIONHairdos to complimentthe shape of your face

HEALTH & WELLNESSDiabetes: Fighting the battle and winning

ENTERTAINMENT Local ladies express theirdiverse musical talents

Visit our new website: www.roanokevalleywoman.com

PUBLISHERTitus L. Workman

[email protected](252) 537-2505 Ext. 248

EXECUTIVE EDITORStephen Hemelt


EDITORKris Smith


Ad ExecutiveRhonda Irby

[email protected](252) 410-5253

Ad/CreativeLinda Foster


CirculationTammy Britt


Contributing WritersDella Rose, Jacqueline Hough, Roger Bell and Amanda Futrell

DesignerKris Smith

Cover DesignerHeather Rhea Wade

Contributing photographerLes Atkins

Ad DesignersHeather Rhea Wade and Hope Callahan

6 RVW News

7 Health & Wellness

10 Entertainment & Social

12 Good Eats

14 RVW Fashion

17 Motherhood & Family

20 Charity & Business

22 Out & About

26 Calendar

table of contents

7

Local photographer Les Atkins takessome shots of Kristen Taylor for ourMotherhood & Family profile feature.The story includes Taylor, MarilynnPorter, bottom right, and BrendaBurnette, at right, and how they copewith loved ones in the line of duty.Above photo by Roger Bell.Cover and side photos by Les Atkins.

On the cover & inside

4 | ROANOKE VALLEY WOMAN

RROOAANNOOKKEE VVAALLLLEEYY WWOOMMAANN916 Roanoke Ave., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870P.O. Box 520, Roanoke Rapids NC 27870252-410-5253 [email protected] 2011 Roanoke Valley WomanNo portion of Roanoke Valley Woman may bereprinted in any form or posted on the Internetwithout the permission of the publisher.

17

12

BRENDA BRANCH, MY HERO

Dear editor,

I just read the piece on Brenda Branch who among other things is my hero. Greatarticle and photos.

Is there any way you could allow me to republish the article and the cover photoin the first edition of North Carolina Lawyer in our new magazine format, with com-plete attribution to the writer, the photographer and the publication?

Judge Branch is going on our Board of Governors in a few weeks so the timing isperfect, if we are able to use this article.

Thanks for your consideration.

Russell Rawlings, Director of CommunicationsNorth Carolina Bar AssociationCary

EDITOR’S NOTE: The May edition of the Roanoke Valley Woman magazine article featuring Judge Brenda Branch will republish in the North Carolina Lawyer

magazine in Aug.1 and will be available online at www.ncbar.org starting Aug 8.

ROANOKE VALLEY WOMAN | 5

Send a fax 252-537-2384, or mail to:Letter to the EditorRoanoke Valley Woman916 Roanoke Avenue Roanoke Rapids NC 27870.

Letters should include the writer’s fullname, address and daytime phonenumber and may be edited for clarityand space.

WRITE US

Executive EditorStephen [email protected] ext. 233

EditorKris [email protected] ext. 238


A prime fashion invitation to help education in the Roanoke Valley

BY DELLA ROSE

‘MASQUERADING IN STYLE’

njoying fine fashions isevery woman’s preroga-tive, and the Alpha DeltaChapter of the AlphaDelta Kappa Sorority is

bringing high fashion, onceagain, to the Roanoke Valleywith their fundraising fashionshow. Show coordinator Marie Fields

said doors open at 11:30 a.m.Oct. 22 at Kirkwood Adams

Community Center.She said this year’s show, themed

“Masquerading in Style,” is not to be missed.“It’s kind of like Mardi Gras meets a masquer-

ade ball,” Fields said.She said the show will feature lots of colorful

and fun fashions presented by the Quality Shop.Fields said the sorority fundraiser, which is pre-

sented every 18 months, raises money for theLouise Taylor Britton and Ellen Eudy Scholarships,which benefit rising local teaching students.

“(Alpha Delta Chapter) is an honorary teacherssorority comprised of outstanding educators,”said Fields. “Our purpose is altruism. We makemoney to give it away, and this is a real fun wayto make money.”

Fields said to expect live entertainment, lots offun music and plenty of door prizes.

“I think one year we had about 45 (doorprizes),” she said. “We have been so blessed with community and

local support.”Fields said there are a limited number of tickets

available for the event, so she encourages everyone topurchase tickets early — $15.

E

MASQUERADING IN STYLE

FOR TICKETS TO THE

FASHION SHOW THAT

BENEFITS LOCAL

TEACHING STUDENTS,CALL MAE COX AT

252-537-4401 OR

MARIE FIELDS AT

252-586-4757.

ummer in North Carolina is a brutal season, especially forperforming any type of physical activity outdoors. Withhigh temperatures and equally as high humidity, it is very

important to take precautions in exercising in these elements.It is estimated “nearly 400 people die each year in the United

States from excessive heat stress, and about one half of thesewere men and women age 65 and older,” according to “Exercisephysiology: energy, nutrition & human performance” by McArdle,Katch & Katch.

Our body undergoes certain changes to protect itself againstoverheating. It is important for the body to dissipate heat as effi-ciently as possible while exercising, especially when exercising inhigh heat and humidity. As we exercise — indoors and out — thebody is cooled by the evaporation of sweat.

When humidity is high, sweat does not evaporate as efficiently.Sweat molecules will “bead up” on the skin and eventually rolloff instead of evaporate. This method of body cooling “representsuseless water loss that can produce dehydration and overheat-ing.” For those exercising at a moderate to high intensity formore than 30 minutes in temperatures above 95ºF and 60 percenthumidity, a dangerous rise in body temperature can occur. It isimportant to stay well hydrated and wear comfortable, breath-able clothing while exercising in these conditions.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has definedrisk factors of heat injury for exercising for long periods in cer-tain temperatures.

• Very High Risk: Above 82ºF — do not exercise outdoors forextended periods.

• High Risk: 73-82ºF, for heat-sensitive individuals (i.e., obese,low physical fitness, dehydrated, previous history of heat injury).

• Moderate Risk: 65-73ºF• Low Risk: 65ºFThe most severe physical effects that can be caused by exercis-

ing in high heat and humidity are: Heat cramps, heat exhaustionand heat stroke.

Heat cramps are known as involuntary muscle spasms thatoccur during or after intense physical exercise. Your body’s coretemperature will remain normal, as this condition rises with animbalance in fluid and electrolyte (sodium, potassium, chloride)levels.

One should be particularly careful if he or she has a high sweatrate due to losing body water faster. Heat exhaustion usuallyoccurs in individuals who are not acclimated to the heat and havehad an intense exercise session on a hot day.

Characteristics of heat exhaustion include a drop in blood pres-

sure while standing, general weakness, dizziness, headache, weakand rapid heart rate and a decrease in sweating.

Finally, heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness whichrequires immediate medical attention. If your body has reachedthe point of heat stroke, it’s heat-regulating mechanisms have shutdown due to a high body temperature. Symptoms of heat strokeinclude altered mental status, body temperature above 105ºF andloss of sweating.

These characteristics combine to cause severe cardiac distressand, if untreated, can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Ifyou are with someone who is suffering from these symptoms, he orshe will need rapid fluid replacement and body cooling with icepacks to the neck, alcohol rubs or even total body immersion incold or ice water.

If you feel any of the symptoms described above, stop exercising,seek a cool and shaded environment and call 911.


Kelly Smith, left, of Roanoke Rapids, and Amanda Futrell, fitnessmanager at KeyFitness, do a morning workout with continued hydration in reach. Photograph by Kris Smith.

health&wellnessExercising Outdoors in the Heat & Humidity

BY AMANDA FUTRELL

TTIIPPSS FFOORR EEXXEERRCCIISSIINNGG IINN TTHHEE HHEEAATT && HHUUMMIIDDIITTYY::• Drink plenty of fluids the day of and before exercise.• During exercise, replace electrolytes with a sports drink(i.e. Gatorade, Propel, PowerAde, etc.)• Wear breathable, light-colored clothing.• Try not to exercise during the hottest portions of the day;workout in the early mornings or late evenings.• Check the weather for temperature, humidity and windvelocities before exercising.

S

inda Swinson knew she need-ed to do something about herhealth the day her eyes startednot to focus properly.

“I had a scare with my eyesbecause my diabetes was messingwith them,” she said. “I wasdetermined not to be a statis-tic.”

At more than 270 pounds anda breast cancer survivor,Swinson, of Roanoke Rapids,decided she needed a lifestylechange for weight loss and tohelp control her diabetes.

“Breast cancer scared me,but it wasn’t as bad as thediabetes,” she said.

So when she heardabout a five-week bootcamp being held at NewDay Fitness inMarch, Swinsonsigned up.

Now fivemonths and 50pounds later, sheis considered a fit-ness miracle by herdoctors.

“After the bootcamp, I did so wellthat I was taken off ofmy diabetes and cho-lesterol medication,”Swinson said. “I need tolose 40 more pounds toreach my goal.”

The only medicine shetakes now is for pain withthe arthritis in her back.

At 51, Swinson has alwayshad issues with her weightbeing up and down. Shewas diagnosed with can-cer and had back surgeryin her 30s.

Swinson has been cancer-free for 12 years.

Her goal at the time was to be ableto see her, now college age, son grewup.

“I thank God that I will see my songraduate from college,” she said.

In 2010, she was diagnosed withdiabetes.

“I didn’t take it serious,” shesaid. “I thought I could makedo with the pills.”

With the boot camp, led byTammy Crowley-Deloatch,

owner of New Day Fitness,there was not only a fit-

ness component, butalso a meal plan.

“It is a lifestylechange, not a diet,”Swinson said.

It was her firsttime ever partici-pating in a bootcamp.

Swinson ate sixsmall meals a dayand drank plenty ofwater along withexercising three

times a week.It is a lifestyle she

plans to continue forthe rest of her life.

“It works if you do itand are determined to doit right,” Swinson said.

She eats fish, chickenand turkey. Swinson nolonger eats fast food oranything that is fried.

Looking back at her foodchoices, she realized she

was not eating the rightkinds of food.

As a long-time volunteer inWeldon City Schools,Swinson would eat a packof crackers or a bag of

chips during the day ornothing at all.

“I wasn’t eating enough to carry methrough,” she said.

Now for her, a typical day startswith egg whites and some fruit. For asnack later, she will eat some morefruit.

For lunch, she may have a bakedchicken salad with vingarette dress-ing.

Dinner could be baked fish withhomemade coleslaw.

She drinks about 64 ounces of watera day and has snacks, such as nuts oralmonds.

But Swinson no longer drinks sodasor eats sweets and ice cream.

Crowley-Deloatch said she ispleased with Swinson’s progress.

“I am very pleased as a trainer tosee her health improve and see herreach her fitness goals,” Crowley-Deloatch said.

Since completing the boot camp,Swinson volunteers at New DayFitness. She is a certified personaltrainer for the Silver Sneakers.

Her major piece of advice to othersis to be more proactive with theirhealth.

Diabetes and high blood pressurerun in her family. And with herfather’s health problems, he ended upon dialysis.

“I didn’t want to go down thatroad,” she said.

She cautions her son, Jerel, to get aphysical each year.

With her success in changing herlife, her supportive family is interest-ed in joining her.

“It shows what can happen if youchange your lifestyle,” Swinson said.


STORY & PHOTOS BY JACQUELINE HOUGH

health&wellnessBattling Diabetes and WINNING

L Linda Swinson, before LInda as she continuesworking toward her goal.

he sat alone at the end of the FarmersMarket playing her guitar. She closed hereyes and sang out tunes from the Eaglesand Stevie Nicks in a voice as rich aschocolate chess pie.

Musician and singer Ann Meadows said shenever thinks much about being one of the fewwomen in themusic industry inthe RoanokeValley.

Music is part ofwho she is. It’ssomething shehas to do.

“It’s a majorpart of life,” shesaid, adding if shehad to relate herlife as a musicianto a song it wouldbe Stevie Nicks’“After the GlitterFades.” “Thatsums up what it’slike to be in music,” she said.

Meadows travels, performing “gigs” as an indi-vidual singer and as a member of The Darns.

“The Darns played all over North Carolina lastyear,” she said, adding her music career haspicked up in recent years.

Meadows, who got her musical inclinationsfrom her father and aunt, said she grew up inmusic.

“Daddy always had music playing,” she said,adding her aunt traveled with music industry trailblazer Arthur Smith back in the 1950s and ’60s.

orking professionally inthe gospel music genre inthe Roanoke Valley is ajoy, according to Dr.Bernice Lee, of Roanoke

Rapids.Lee wrote her first song and recorded

her first CD in 2007, “When We Pray.”Lee said there have been challenges

to overcome in being part of the musicindustry, but none of it had to do withbeing a woman.

She said marketing and productioncosts are the greatest difficulties.

“The costs for production and coststo put on events can be overwhelm-ing,” she said, adding if ticket sales arelow, regardless of the circumstances,she has to absorb event costs.

Lee said she takes comfort in the fact

she is doing what’s in her heart.“I reach a lot of people spiritually

through singing,” she said.Lee said her inspiration is her family.

Her father died when she was young,so her mother was her greatest inspira-tion.

“Mom made sure she raised us andinstilled the confidence to strive forhigher heights,” she said.

With 15 brothers and sisters, prayerhad to be a large component of herfamily life.

Lee said watching her mother praygave her hope, and family prayer waspowerful. She aspires for her music tobe uplifting like that.

She described it as a praise and wor-ship style, “contemporary, upbeat,dance, move and be joyful style.”

Lee added she really believes in God’spower to make change because of herown experience.

“I’ve seen evidence of miracles per-sonally, in my own family and I want toshare that,” she said.

She encourages anyone with a heartfor music to remain faithful to theirpassion.

“Keep God centered, and He will bethe center of your joy,” she said.

Lee’s music is recorded locally atTequila Sunrise Recording andProduction Studio in Gaston and pro-duced by the Rev. David Ausby Sr.


GOSPEL

GOING WITH THE JOY

Dr. Bernice Lee

ROCK & ROLL

WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO

Ann Meadows

Women Making Music in the Valley

W S

BY DELLA ROSE

or banjoist Kim Terpening, beinga female in the music industry is anasset — it’s just a matter of knowinghow to market it.

Terpening, who teaches banjo and playswith partner David Schwartz, bassist inChambergrass, said she came along whenit was unusual for a woman to perform orplay banjo.

She likes being different and believes it’sa great marketing tool. She learned thatfrom country music icon Dolly Parton.

In the late 1970s to 1998, Terpening ledan all-girl band called the Wildwood Girls.They traveled with bluegrass icon BillMonroe and played at Dollywood for fiveyears. She said Monroe and Parton taughther a lot.

At Dollywood, Terpening said shelearned her most valuable lesson fromParton — “Marketing.”

Terpening related while people generallypoked fun at Parton’sappearance, she used itto her advantage. Shewanted to market hersongs, but being awoman, people did-n’t take her veryseriously.

Terpening saidParton made cas-settes of herwork, put herphoto in thefront case andsold them attruck stops.

She said truck-ers would buythem becauseof Parton’slooks, butwhen theyheard hermusic, theyrealized howtalented shewas.

“(Dolly) wouldsay if you can’tbe the best, be dif-

ferent,” Terpening said. “When webecame an all-girl band, our (event) num-bers tripled.”

Terpening said Monroe had high expec-tations and so did the audience.

“It took us a long time to break in,” shesaid, adding the importance of keepingyour nose clean.

She said if one member of the band didanything out of line, the entire band wasbranded. Band members had to maintaintheir lady-like demeanor at all times.

She said Monroe was very specific abouthow he wanted performances and howthe music was delivered.

Terpening said Monroe opened at theGrand Ole Opry twice a year, and theWildwood Girls were right there, too.

“I could not believe how big it felt andhow small I seemed,” she said, remember-ing the first time she performed on theOpry’s stage.

The Wildwood Girls played all over theworld, joining the U.S.O. program per-

forming for troops.“We were

neversuperfamous,

but we hadfun,” she said,

adding in her estimationthat is one of the attrib-utes of success.

She said those are thekinds of things she triesto remember with

Chambergrass and as ateacher.

It must be working, asTerpening now works almostfull time as a music teacher,and Chambergrass is a wellknown name in the RoanokeValley.

She said she was also influenced by a friendwho taught her a few chords as a teenager.

“She also introduced me to God, too,” shesaid, then gave a broad smile. She said Hisinfluence is paramount.

“I strive to make sure He plays a role ineverything,” she said.

“Now, I’m human and I stomp my feet likeeverybody else, but if you stop and look at allthat — there’s all that inspiration.”

Her voice sounded a bit awestruck as shemade the statement.

Speaking of inspiration, Meadows recentlyreceived some that’s making a strong impacton the Roanoke Valley.

“I got the idea for “The M.A.N” (MusiciansArtists Network) about two years ago,” shesaid.

“A year ago I talked with Tony (Dickens).”Dickens, who is president of the Central

Carolina Songwriters Association and long-time friend, listened as Meadows explainedan idea that would bring together all kindsof musicians, singers, songwriters and otherartists in a database.

The idea was to provide easy access topeople who needed entertainers, songwritersor artists. Hopefully this would give areaartists more exposure and help their careers.

Dickens thought it was a great idea, andthe two conspired to make it a reality.

Recently, the M.A.N opened up severalvenues for members including opportunitiesto perform in a concert series at RiversideMill, Becker Village Mall and the RoanokeValley Farmers Market.Meadows said she looks forward to a time

when fine artists and musicians work togetherto put on full productions. “There is a lot ofbenefit to musicians and artists workingtogether,” she said.

“The more you’re exposed to art, the richeryou are.”

Meadows said if there was one message shecould share, it would be to “go out and sharethe music. If you use that tool to spread old-time family values or just love — you’veaccomplished something.”


BLUEGRASS

BANJO ANYONE?Kim Terpening

F The Wildwood Girls: Sue Saijung, man-dolin, guitar, vocals; Kim Terpening,banjo, guitar, vocals; Amanda Mathis, fid-dle, vocals; and Chris Bennett; bass &lead vocals.


HERB BUTTER1/2 c. butter or margarine,softened2- 3 T. fresh herbs, finelychopped fresh herbs1 1/2 t. lemon juicesalt & pepper to taste

In small bowl byhand, with mixer, orin food processor,cream the butter andherbs together untilwell combined. Addlemon juice and saltto taste.On a piece of plasticwrap, shape the but-ter into a log aboutone inch in diameter.Wrap in plastic, orplace in containerand cover tightly.Store in refrigeratorfor up to one week orfreeze up to onemonth. Makes ninetablespoons.When you’re ready touse it, just slice off apiece and placedirectly on the hotfood. If the butter isfrozen, let it warmslightly before using.

Good Eats comes directlyfrom the herb garden ofBetty Bianconi, marketingdirector for Lil’ Bit ofHeaven nursery in ScotlandNeck.

This is where NancyWangenstein and Bianconigrow fresh produce yearround.

“At Lil’ Bit Of Heaven Istarted, what I thought was,a modest herb garden to beable to get fresh herbs forcooking by stepping out theback door — colonial style,”said Bianconi.

Some of her favorite herbbutters include:

• Basil Butter — great onzucchini, green beans, orsummer squash. Use onetablespoon each finelychopped fresh basil andparsley.

• 5 Herb Butter — oncorn, boiled potatoes orgrilled eggplant. Use oneteaspoon each finelychopped fresh chives, tar-ragon, thyme, rosemary andmarjoram.

• Mint Butter — forgrilled fruit, carrots or greenpeas, lamb, too. Use twotablespoons finely choppedfresh mint. (Biancon’sfavorite for this is lime orchocolate mint.)

• Dill Butter — with corn,summer squash as well asfish. Use 2 1/2 tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh dill.

Photo by Betty Bianconi

Hair to Fit yourFace Shape


When selecting a hairstyle, facial shape plays a crucialrole. Kenneth Harris, chairperson of the CosmetologyDepartment at Halifax Community College, says it isimportant to chose a hairstyle that works with your faceshape and not against it. Here are some examples,guidelines and suggestions on style.

BY JACQUELINE HOUGH

Harris says the aim is to create the illusion of length to theface, making the face appear slimmer. One suggestion is tokeep the hair longer than the chin and ask for long layers cutinto hair. Long hair elongates a round face and can be moreflattering than shorter cuts.Another example with this face shape is actress Kirsten Dunst.

ROUND FACE

Emma Stone

Harris claims the aim is to make the face appear shorter andbroader. With a long face, width can be created with bangs.Bangs make your face appear shorter. Anything can be wornfrom blunt bangs to long, side-swept bangs. Chin-length bobsand cuts are ideal to create the illusion of width.Celebrities who have a long face include Sarah JessicaParker, Cate Blanchett and Kate Winslett.

LONG FACE

Eva Longoria

Oval is the most ideal face for a person to have, according toHarris. “Any hairstyle will go with the oval shape,” he said.People you may recognize with this face shape includeactresses Halle Berry, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz.

OVAL FACE

Jennifer Aniston

The main style aim is to make the forehead appear narrowerwhile adding width at the jaw-line and chin. The face can bebalanced by having long, sideswept bangs to draw attentiondown and toward the eyes. A celebrity with this face shape isNatalie Maines, of the Dixie Chicks.

HEART FACE

Zoe Saldana

Diamond face shapes need to balance a narrow chin and mini-mize wider cheek bones. Harris says it is ideal to create theillusion of a broader chin and forehead by adding width at thechin area with a chin-length bob. He added, middle parts inthe hair should be avoided because they will add length.A celebrity example is actress Elizabeth Hurley.

DIAMOND FACE

Elizabeth Hurley


PHOTOS BY JACQUELINE HOUGH

Whether it iswork orleisure,

RoanokeValley women

know how to dress

to stay cooland look

good whiledoing it.

Dia Denton, ofHalifax

Occupation:Assistant manager,

Halifax County

Jennifer Smith, ofRoanoke Rapids

Occupation:Assistant manager,

It’s Fashion Metro

Ann Henley, of Roanoke RapidsOccupation: Receptionist, Halifax

Community College

Kayla Moseley, 5, of Roanoke RapidsOccupation: Rising first grader

Betty Avent, of GastonOccupation: Call receiver, AAA

Nadia Ferrell, 3, of Roanoke RapidsOccupation: “Being cute”

s Roanoke RapidsPolice Officer JohnTaylor lay bleedingon the shoulder ofInterstate 95 after

being shot four times, he worriedabout letting his family down.

Taylor, 32, had pulled over avehicle Nov. 17 for following tooclosely only moments before theshots. After approaching the car,Taylor was shot once in theabdomen, once in the wrist, oncein the neck and once in his bul-letproof vest. The vehicle, drivenby Michael Edgerton, who’dpulled the trigger, sped awayleaving Taylor to radio for helphimself.

“I kept thinking I was lettingdown my family,” Taylor said. “Ofcourse I knew nobody wouldreally think I was letting downmy family, but I couldn’t get thatthought out of my head and Ithink that was one thing thatkept me going through it. That,and I felt I hadn’t spent enoughtime with my family and I want-ed more time with them.”

As Taylor radioed his col-leagues, telling them he’d been

motherhood& Family

IN theLINE ofDUTY

Roanoke Valleywives cope

STORY BY ROGER BELL

PHOTOS BY LES ATKINS

A


shot in the neck, his wife Kristen waspreparing to leave Northeast Academy inNorthampton County, where she teacheskindergarten. As emergency respondersswarmed to the scene of the crime,Kristen received a handwritten note fromher principal, asking her to phone Lt.Charles Burnette, administrative officerfor the Roanoke Rapids PoliceDepartment.

“He told me Johnny had been in anaccident,” Kristen said. “I’m thinking inmy mind, he’s on the highway with hiscar flipped over. I never imagined gun-shots.”

Kristen was told she had a ride from thedepartment coming to her, but insteadshe wanted to get her nearly 2-year-oldson Jacob, on the way back to RoanokeRapids because, she said, there was norealistic way for someone else to do it.After getting Jacob, she made her way toHalifax Regional Medical Center.

“As I was pulling up, they were pullingout the stretcher with Johnny, and Irushed over to him,” Kristen said.

At that point, Kristen still doesn’t knowher husband of nearly four years hasbeen shot.

The couple first met in 2005 at a gettogether. She liked him right away.

“He was easy to talk to,” she said. “Hewas easy to get to know, which is kind ofthe opposite of how I am, so that wasgood for me.”

Taylor was already in law enforcementwhen they met, but Kristen said therewas never any pause for her concerningbecoming involved with a cop.

“The thing that I think threw me at firstwas having a gun in the house,” Kristensaid. “Getting over that took some time,but as far as him being in law enforce-ment, I didn’t really question it. It was hisjob, it’s what he did.”

During their years together, Kristen saidworrying about her husband was a con-stant thing, but not in a way that domi-nated her life.

“It’s kind of always there in the back ofyour mind,” Kristen said. “But you can’tdwell on it. It’s not like when he leavesthe house I sit around thinking somethingcould happen to him.”

However, on Nov. 17 something didhappen to him, and as Kristen rode withCharles Burnette to Greenville, whereher husband had been taken by helicop-ter, no mention was made of gunshots,even as a manhunt for Taylor’s shooter inHalifax County tightened around thewoods near Halifax Academy began.

It wasn’t until Kristen’s arrival at PittCounty Memorial Hospital she learnedthe truth.

Instead of shock, Kristen said she imme-diately began to address the problem.

“I just wanted to know what they weredoing to fix it,” Kristen said. “They toldme he was in surgery and had two surgi-cal teams working on him, so I started toimmediately believe he was going to beOK. I really didn’t let myself think any-thing else was going to happen.”

One of those involved in the hunt forTaylor’s shooter was Lt. Brenda Burnette, ofthe Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

Burnette, who has been involved in lawenforcement for 27 years, rushed to thescene of the manhunt shortly after hear-ing about the incident.

“I do not know Officer Taylor, but thatdidn’t matter,” Burnette said. “That wasan officer injured and if that happened tome, he would have come to me the way Iwent to him.”

The next day Edgerton fatally shot him-self as police closed in on him less than100 yards from Halifax Academy. Taylorpulled through surgery and has sincereturned to duty.

During his recovery, Kristen said therewas no discussion about his leaving thejob he loves.

“Other people asked him if he wouldconsider doing something different,”Kristen said. “But I never did. He was acop before I met him, and I know how

much he loves what he does. I know hewouldn’t be happy doing anything else,and it wouldn’t be fair of me to ask himto be something he’s not.”

Taylor himself said the thought of leav-ing law enforcement did occur to himafter the shooting, but only briefly.

“There was some discussion, but shewas behind me, 100 percent,” Taylor said.

Being behind your husband 100 per-cent, even at the scene of danger, issomething Marilynn Porter knows verywell. Her husband of 22 years, Ed Porter,is chief of the Gaston Volunteer FireDepartment, a department she now vol-unteers for herself.

Chief Porter was already involved infirefighting when they met, but Marilynnsaid she did not feel at all hesitant aboutgetting involved with him. And, she has-n’t spent a lot of time worrying abouteither her husband or her son, EdwardPorter III, who has also been fightingfires for the last four and a half years.

“I don’t worry about them because Iknow about the training,” Marilynn said.“They know what it takes to be safe inthose situations, and everybody out therelooks out for each other. I don’t worryabout that.”

Marilynn added, for herself, beinginvolved in the department helps her dealwith any anxiety, since she too has expe-rienced the required training. Being onscene while her husband and son fight afire also helps her get past any worrybecause she has her own job to do.

“I can’t be a mom or a wife at a firescene,” Marilynn said. “I have to separateit.”

Marilynn added she didn’t even feelundue worry when her son was in a crashin April 2010, where his fire truck collid-ed with a car driven by a Jarratt, Va.,man. In that crash, Marilynn said herson’s training took over because despitehis own injuries, Porter III was out help-ing the other firefighters and the injureddriver.

“IT’S KIND OF ALWAYS THERE IN THE BACK OF YOUR

MIND, BUT YOU CAN’T DWELL ON IT. IT’S NOT LIKE

WHEN HE LEAVES THE HOUSE, I SIT AROUND

THINKING SOMETHING COULD HAPPEN TO HIM.”

— KRISTEN TAYLOR


Knowing the training involved in public safety work helpsBrenda Burnette deal with the anxiety that comes with havinga husband in law enforcement with her. Sometimes, Brendaand her husband, Sgt. Tony Burnette, of the Jackson PoliceDepartment, work together, as Brenda is an investigator part-time for the Jackson PD, and a Detective Lieutenant full-timewith the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

“We know it’s a stressful job like any job,” Brenda said. “Butin this job, you’re dealing with other people’s problems, and

you have to handle yourself in a way you want to be treated.”She said she rarely worries about Tony simply because she

knows how extensive his training is, having been through itherself. She said having a cop for a husband helps with theircommunication, which strengthens their relationship.

“We keep up the communication between us so we knowwhat’s going on,” Brenda said.

“It helps you understand when you come home frustrated. Ifyou’re both not in law enforcement, you might not know

what I’m going through. With bothof us being in law enforcement, heunderstands. That helps any kind ofrelationship.”

When it comes to concern forTony’s safety, Brenda tries to keep itout of her head. “I don’t even thinkabout it,” she said.

“I pray that he comes home theway he left, and I’m pretty sure hedoes the same for me.”

Kristen Taylor agrees with BrendaBurnette’s take, in that putting thepossibility of injury out of yourmind is the best way to deal with ahusband in public safety.

“He goes to work, just like everyother father trying to provide for hisfamily,” Kristen said.

“I can’t worry that the worst isgoing to happen again. I can’t livemy life afraid, so I don’t.”

Marilynn Porter

Detective Lt. Brenda Burnette


Charity&Business

leven years ago, Ann Gibbs’ daughter was fac-ing a major medical issue.

When faced with the decision of handling itor working full-time, Gibbs chose to be withher daughter, who had developed anorexia andnearly died of heart failure.

“We needed money and flexibility,” she said.Gibbs looked into becoming an independent

consultant for Mary Kay, which is one of thelargest direct sellers of skin care and color cos-metics.

According to the Direct Selling Association,the number of Americans who work as directsellers has increased steadily to more than 15.1million with sales of $29.6 billion nationwide.

“If you think about it, everyone sells some-thing,” Gibbs said. “To tell another woman isthe best form of advertisement.”

With Mary Kay since 2001, Gibbs became anindependent salesdirector in 2004.

Gibbs neverreturned to nursingbecause she enjoysthe flexibility andfreedom of beingher own boss.

“Our business isabout building rela-tionships,” she said.“My business ismore than sellinglipstick.”

Heather Beam, ofRich Square, start-ed selling MicheBags nearly a yearago as a way tosupplement herincome whileworking a full-timejob in Weldon.

As an inventoryrepresentative,Beam not only sells

to others, but also buys theproduct.

“I love the product,” shesaid. “I haven’t bought anoth-er bag since I started.”

Miche Bag is a fashion acces-sory that allows women tochange the look of theirhandbag instantlythrough interchange-able “shells” thatattach over the exte-rior via magnets.

Beam has foundsales to be gooddespite the econ-omy.

“You have towork the busi-ness to make itwhat you wantit to be,” shesaid.

For manywomen, themain reasonfor becominga direct sell-ing represen-tative is towork part-time to earnextra money — either aspart of the familyincome or for specialpurchases.

As a teacher and motherof two, Lisa Garris, ofRoanoke Rapids, wanted tobe able to do extra activi-ties or vacations.

Garris started sellingPampered Chef about a yearand half ago.

“I like helping others gain a lovefor cooking,” she said.

Direct sales: Area women bring home the baconSTORY & PHOTOS BY JACQUELINE HOUGH

E


Ann GibbsMary KayIndependent Sales Director

[email protected]/anngibbs

Heather BeamMiche BagInventory Representative

[email protected]/heather_beam

Lisa GarrisPampered ChefIndependent Consultant

[email protected]/lisagarris

Tracy SnowbargerThirty-One GiftsIndependent consultant/director

[email protected]/TSnowbarger

Pampered Chef offers a line of kitchen tools, foodproducts and cookbooks aimed for preparing food inthe home.

Garris loves the flexible hours because they workwell with her schedule.

“You can have as many as one show a month to asmany as you want,” she said.

As a stay-at-home mom, Tracy Snowbarger has foundas an independent director for Thirty-One Gifts prod-ucts that direct selling is a wonderful fit for her.

“I set my own hours and work when it is convenientfor myself and my family,” she said.

Thirty-One Gifts is a direct sales company that focus-es on providing products that are stylish, functional,affordable and easy to give as gifts.

“Everything is functional and multi-purpose,” shesaid. “It’s not something I have to sell someone on.”


Women in BusinessOut&About Photos by Kris Smith

The 12th annual TheDaily Herald Women inBusiness Luncheon con-tinued to give women inthe Roanoke Valley a goodreason to gather to helpone of their own.On June 21, KirkwoodAdams Community Centerhosted the luncheonwhere Mary Cummingswas this year’s scholarshiprecipient, and StateAuditor Beth Wood wasthe guest speaker, offeringinspiration in striving forsuccess in the workplace.

Top, Ruby Gerald, of the RoanokeValley Chamber of Commerce, col-lects her door prize.

Above, Sandra Hawkins, left, ofRoanoke Valley Energy, BarbaraHasty, center, of Halifax CommunityCollege, and Kim Bracy, of KapstoneKraft Paper Corporation.

At left, Vera Palmer, left, Dean ofContinuing Education at HalifaxCommunity College.

Sitting at the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce’stable is Donna Clements, center, Chea McElheney, left,and Gesine Crockett, right, back to camera.

Julie Brewer shows off theday’s fare and the everdelightful Chocolate Chesspie from david’s restaurant.

Guest Speaker State Auditor Beth Wood led the ladies to the buffet.Following her are Executive Assistant to the State Auditor Renee Gellerson,Herald classified manager and luncheon coordinator Linda Foster, Herald AdExecutive Dawn Barmer and scholarship recipient Mary Cummings.

Out&AboutNorthampton County Chamberof Commerce’s annual meeting

Northampton CountyChamber of Commerce’s annualmeeting June 23 at NCCAR,sponsored by Roanoke ValleySavings Bank and Watson’sBuilders. The gathering was anopportunity for chamber mem-bers to network and learn moreabout NCCAR.

Photos by Della Rose

At left, Rich Square Mayor Doris Risperand her daughter Samequa Walker

At right, NCCARExecutive DirectorSimon Cobb, left,with Susan Britt andAngela Rawls, ofJentry White CPA inJackson.

Susan Whitley andOpal Brown saidthey’d heard a lotabout NCCAR andwanted to learnmore.

Below, NorthamptonCounty commission-er Chair FannieGreene, she is alsoon the NorthamptonCounty Chamber ofCommerce board.

At left, Dana Barnes, ofLowe’s DistributionCenter, said she couldreally use the $50 gascard she won.

Below, Stephanie Harris,of Regional in HomeHealth, won a gift certifi-cate to Broadnax Diner.

At right, awards were given to the Jackson Mini Shops owner NellMartin and the Town of Woodland for their efforts to support smallbusiness throughout the year. Here, Woodland CommissionerSidney Joyner accepts the town’s award from Chamber ExecutiveDirector Judy Collier while President Brian Bolton watches.


ADVERTISERSLIST

Abundantly More 16 ACE Hardware of Lake Gaston 13 Always In Bloom Florist 16 Becker Village Mall 13 Community Memorial Healthcenter 24 Countryside Interiors 5 Daughtridge Gas 24 Edward Jones (Bonnie Caudle) 28 Flambeau Outlet 24 Floors on Demand 16 Halifax Co. Tourism 9 Home Selections 13 Key Fitness 13 Kountry Kleanin' 12

Lloyd's Decorating Center 26 Nash Health Care 28 P & A Pawn 3 Pro-Vision Optometric 27Riverside Consulting 12Roanoke Nursery & Supply 2Team Beachbody 26The Quality Shop 9 The Renaissance 16The 1020 Restaurant & Pub 5 Tillery Designs 9 Wildwood Nursery & Garden Center 16 Women's Health Specialists 27

Out&AboutHalifax County Arts Council

Photos by Della Rose

The Halifax County Arts Council held its annual meeting June 27 at Roanoke RiverMill in Weldon. Attendees visited and enjoyed the evening with music and fellowship.

Above, Tina Gregory andDr. Jan Sweet Freeman.

At left, Dorothy White and Mildred Crowell

Jane Vincent

Jessica Matte

Betty Martin

At right, from left, LynnSimeon, Halifax CountyArts Council PresidentSherry Wade and member Bobbie Scott.

At left, Roanoke RapidsJazz band UniquelyDifferent — saxophonistJashuan Peele, keyboardplayer Richard Garner II,guitarist Chris Chambliss,bass guitarist RobertWilkins and and drummerTauvares Futrell.


CALENDARCALENDARCALENDARAAuugguussttOn Thursdays in August, September,October, NovemberRoanoke Canal Mountain Biking Clubrides every Thursday at 5:30 p.m.To sign up, visit the Roanoke CanalMuseum, 15 Jackson St. Extension, orroanokecanal.com, or call 252-537-2769.

Aug. 19Fridays in the Park will be from 6:30 to8:30 p.m. in Centennial Park in RoanokeRapids. Bring a blanket or lawn chairsand be set for some jazz with UniquelyDifferent.For more information, call 252-535-1687.

Aug. 19-20, 26-28Catch Me If You Can takes the stage at 8p.m. at The Lakeland Theatre Comapny,411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton. This murder-mystery-comedy begins when a newgroom brings his bride to the boss’ moun-tain lodge for their honeymoon and callsin the local police to investigate her sud-den disappearance.Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for stu-dents. For more details, call 252-586-3124.

Aug. 20The annual Art Plunge will be held from10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Morningstar Marinas,1865 Eaton Ferry Road in Littleton. Fineart and quality crafts will be featured atthis free event. For more details, call 252-586-6497.

SSeepptteemmbbeerrSept. 3First Saturday Open Mic Night begins at7 p.m. at the Becker Village Mall, 1620 E.10th St. in Roanoke Rapids.To find out more, call Bill Blackwell at252-578-8473 or Kim Terpening at 252-532-2251.

Sept. 16Fridays in the Park will be from 6:30 to8:30 p.m. in River Falls Park in Weldonwith beach music via The Crystal CoastBand. Call 252-535-1687 for more infor-mation.

Sept. 16-17, 23-25Lakeland Theatre Company presents TheDiary of Anne Frank. Showtimes are 8p.m. Sept. 16-17 and Sept. 23-24; a mati-nee will be held at 2 p.m. on Sept. 25 atthe theater, 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton.For more information, call 252-586-3124.

Sept. 30Night at the Museum 2: Battle of theRoanoke Canal, 15 Jackson St.Extension in Roanoke Rapids, will beginat 7 p.m. featuring animals, reenact-ments, Rockfish muddle and historical

food sampling, trail rides, etc. Tickets are$5 per person. For more details or reser-vations, call 252-537-2769.

OOccttoobbeerr Oct. 1Halifax County Harvest Day & GreatRoanoke Valley Pig Cook-Off will be from10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Halifax County 4-HRural Life Center, 13763 Highway 903 inHalifax.The event will provide agriculture-related fun, food and entertainment. Tenarea cookers will compete. Barbecue willbe sold by the sandwich and by thepound.For more details on Harvest Day call 252-583-5161 and for the Pig Cook-Off call252-537-3513.

Oct. 1Lake Gaston Seafood Festival will befrom 1-6 p.m. at 139 Stanley Road inHenrico. No tickets will be sold at thegate. Tickets are $30 per person for all-you-can-eat seafood, beverages andmusic by The Switch from 2 to 6 p.m.Tickets may be purchased from any LakeGaston Lion's Club member or by callingDave Johnson at 252-586-4469.

Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-30Lakeland Theatre Company presentsJekyll and Hyde at 411 Mosby Ave.,Littleton. Show starts at 8 p.m.; matineeon Oct. 30 begins at 2 p.m.This musical is based on Robert LouisStevenson’s classic story about a brilliantdoctor whose experiments with humanpersonality to create a murderous coun-terpart. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8for students. For more details, call 252-586-3124.

Oct. 27-28The second annual Haunted Trail will befrom 7-9 p.m. at the Roanoke CanalMuseum and Trail, 15 Jackson St.Extension in Roanoke Rapids.This event is recommended for ages 12and older. For more details, call 252-537-2769.

NNoovveemmbbeerrNov. 5Roanoke River Ramble begins at 8 a.m.at River Falls Park, 100 Rockfish Drive inWeldon. The 9-mile paddle from Weldonto Halifax, starts with breakfast and endswith lunch and music. For more details,call 252-535-1687.

Nov. 12The Halifax County Arts Council’s secondannual Picasso Run begins at 8 a.m. atCentennial Park in Roanoke Rapids.Takepart in a 5K or 10K run. For more details,log onto www.halifaxarts.org or call 252-532-2571.

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