Childress Vineyards of Lexington takes home top award in N.C. State Fair
President Bush visits the Victory Junction Gang Camp
Randleman Chamber and Small Business Center hold successful business fair
Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park & Eco-Center opens
The Wild Onion offers freshness and choice
Victory Junction among the first in Triad to eliminate trans fats

Victory Junction among the first in Triad to eliminate trans fats

 Courtesy of Victory Junction Gang Camp 12/08/2006

RANDLEMAN, NC – Victory Junction Gang Camp has made the decision to no longer use cooking oils that contain trans fats.

"It is our goal to give campers the best care possible while they are under our supervision," said Pattie Petty, co-founder and CEO of Victory Junction. "It has been proven that trans fats are responsible for raising the unhealthy cholesterol and have been linked to heart disease. If using a different type of cooking oil will make the food we serve healthier that is what we need to do.”

Victory Junction has previously used two variations of soybean oil in their preparation of food, one containing two grams of trans fats per tablespoon. This oil has been eliminated at camp making all cooking oil used at Victory Junction trans fat free. “It won’t cost us any extra and the kids will never know the difference,” says Bruce Sechrest, the camp's executive chef.

When campers are on site, Victory Junction serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a family style setting. If a camper has a particular food allergy, that ingredient is taken out of all food. “The camp’s goal is to use the healthiest ingredients possible, while making food that the kids will enjoy eating,” says Eric Parenteau, Victory Junction’s camp director. “We keep campers busy with fun activities throughout the day so it is important for them to eat a nutritious meal.”


About Victory Junction Gang Camp

The mission of the Victory Junction Gang Camp is to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically sound environment.

Founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam, the Victory Junction Gang Camp is a year-round facility serving children, age 7 to 15.

Each summer, children suffering from similar medical conditions including heart, lung and kidney disease, spina bifida, HIV, cancer, burn survivors, neurological disorders, and a host of others, gather to kick back, relax and have some fun. The camp offers traditional activities, including horseback riding, boating and fishing, arts and crafts and others, as well as NASCAR related program areas.

The Victory Junction Gang Camp is a member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Gang Camps and is free to children and their families. The camp operates solely on the generous donations of individuals, corporations and foundation. For more information, visit www.victoryjunction.org.

The Wild Onion offers freshness and choice

 by Donna Roach 11/01/2006

One of the joys of living in a smaller community is sampling the flavor of local restaurants during an all too short weekend. Breakfast is usually available at various outlets, but the challenge may come in staying close to home for lunch and dinner. Where do you go for Saturday lunch if he wants hot dogs and she wants a salad?

Fortunately, The Wild Onion in Randleman is one of those unique local restaurants that appeals to all appetites. On the menu is the Delta Dog, a beef hot dog served with homestyle potato chips. Although considered by an aficionado of the local Southern dog, as "slightly upscale", the Delta Dog has been added to the short list of truly great hot dogs within a 60 mile driving radius.

"The Tractor" is a well portioned chef salad. The lettuce base has variety and the quantity and quality of traditional salad vegetables enhance the generous portions of ham and turkey. Everything is topped with your choice of fresh salad dressings ranging from vinaigrettes to ranch dressing with a kick.

These are only basics in the summer menu designed by Amanda Allen, who opened The Wild Onion in October 2005. The menu is "based on freshness and what's in season," says Allen. She changes the menu every four months and will soon have the winter menu. There are separate six page menus for lunch and dinner.

Dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. Allen says one all time favorite is the "fall off the bone" baby back ribs.

The Wild Onion is located on North Main St. in Randleman and is open Tuesday-Friday from 11:00-8:00. Saturday hours begin at 12:00 noon and run to 8:00. There are three separate dinning areas (including an outdoor dining area) with a country theme. Custom catering is available.

President Bush visits the Victory Junction Gang Camp

 photos and story courtesy of Ryan Shell
Media & Marketing Manager for the
Victory Junction Gang Camp
10/18/2006

RANDLEMAN, NC –October 18: President Bush paid a very special visit to the Victory Junction Gang Camp today. The President’s visit was prompted by his interest in the great humanitarian work that takes place at Victory Junction.

Upon the Presidents’ arrival he was greeted by Victory Junction co-founders, Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie, as well as Richard “The King” Petty.

“This visit enabled the President to see how the camp provides a life changing experience to the children and their families free of charge. I can’t thank the President enough for taking the time to come visit Victory Junction. I hope this makes every child and parent that has visited the camp very proud,” said Pattie Petty, CEO of the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

“Pattie and I are honored to have President Bush come visit the camp. This is exciting for all of us and we are truly humbled. So many NASCAR drivers, officials and fans have poured their hearts and souls into helping the camp grow,” said Kyle Petty. “President Bush visiting the camp is a great reward for everyone’s dedication and an incredible opportunity for him to bring awareness to the plight of a chronically ill child.”

Childress Vineyards of Lexington takes home top award in N.C. State Fair Commercial Wine Competition

 10/16/2006

RALEIGH - The 2004 Syrah from Childress Vineyards in Lexington took home the N.C. Winegrowers Cup and Best of Show honors in the sixth annual N.C. State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. Duplin Winery's Magnolia took the N.C. Muscadine Cup for best muscadine wine.

Three panels of professional judges evaluated 244 commercial wines submitted by 37 North Carolina wineries. Eleven double gold, 11 gold, 61 silver and 85 bronze medals were presented. Double gold medals are awarded for unanimous decisions from the judges. Competitions were open only to N.C. winemakers. Commercial entries had to be submitted by bonded N.C. wineries. The state is home to 57 commercial wineries, and several more are expected to open within the next year.

Double Gold Winners:



Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park & Eco-Center opens

 courtesy of the North Carolina Zoo and Mike McClanahan 10/04/2006

SCOTLAND NECK, N.C.— A two-year project to build a world class eco-tourism facility here will come to fruition Oct. 7 when the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center opens to the public after a grand-opening ceremony that culminates with a ribbon-cutting at noon.

"This focus on conservation and education led the North Carolina Zoological Society to partner with Sylvan Heights in 2004 to begin planning the Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center. The N.C. Zoo has partnered with Sylvan Heights Waterfowl programs since 1997. The Zoo Society has so far raised more than $1.4 million toward a $1.8 million goal. The goal includes plans for a second phase of the project that will include a tree house, amphitheater and more exhibits."

“We are quite excited about the opportunities the new facility offers for creating fun ways to learn about conservation,” said Mike Lubbock, Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center executive director. “The Center allows us to share our years of experience working to preserve some of the world’s most endangered waterfowl.”

The experience Lubbock points out refers to his work and the work of others at the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Breeding Center. With more than 2,500 birds representing 170 species, the breeding center has become the world’s leading breeder of endangered waterfowl. The breeding center’s pioneering work includes South American Magellanic steamerducks, African and Indian pygmy geese, African white-backed ducks, Australian freckled ducks and many other species. The breeding center conducts breeding programs for 17 of the 44 waterfowl species listed as globally threatened by Birdlife International, and Lubbock has achieved 17 world and 12 North American first-breeding awards – an accomplishment unsurpassed by any other person.

The Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center is the “public side” of the breeding center. It offers visitors an avian conservation, education and recreation experience centered on six aviaries representing birds and plants from different continents and one aviary representing endangered species. The center also offers aviaries featuring kookaburras, brush turkeys, macaws, parrots, cockatoos and other exotic birds as well as a wetland walkway where visitors can experience a fragile ecosystem and a playground for younger visitors.

In addition, the eco-center includes a gift shop, offices, library and multi-purpose room for educational programs. The eco-center has developed 15 educational programs and continues to expand its relationship with schools and other groups to tailor meaningful conservation education opportunities.

This focus on conservation and education led the North Carolina Zoological Society to partner with Sylvan Heights in 2004 to begin planning the Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center. The N.C. Zoo has partnered with Sylvan Heights Waterfowl programs since 1997. The Zoo Society has so far raised more than $1.4 million toward a $1.8 million goal. The goal includes plans for a second phase of the project that will include a tree house, amphitheater and more exhibits.

“Everything Sylvan Heights and the new Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center are about compliments the Zoo Society’s mission to save a piece of the world for its wildlife,” said Russ Williams, N.C. Zoo Society executive director. “The new facility advances the cause of conservation by offering visitors a unique experience that is not only fun, but also reinforces the importance of preserving our fragile natural resources.”

Lubbock and Williams will speak at the grand opening and will be joined by Robert Partin, mayor of Scotland Neck; Dr. Mel Levine, world-renowned pediatrician and best-selling author; Frank Todd, photographer, author and ornithologist; Peter Kooj, international waterfowl breeder; and Walt Sturgeon, President of the International Wild Waterfowl Association and Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center Board chair. A special ceremony after the ribbon-cutting will honor the Lowe’s Foundation’s contribution of the playground.

The first 100 people to enter the center will receive a free t-shirt. Admission after the ceremony will be $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and children under 12. Children under 2 are admitted free. One-year passes will be available through membership in the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Society.

The North Carolina Zoological Society is the private, non-profit support organization for the North Carolina Zoo. The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor.

Randleman Chamber and Small Business Center hold successful business fair

 by Donna Roach 10/01/2006

In a collaborative effort the Randleman Chamber and the Small Business Center of Randolph Community College (RCC) held a successful half-day business fair on September 16 at the Randleman Community Center that engaged nine participants in developing a mock business proposal to present to area bankers.

"This is what the chamber is all about and what we should be doing," says David Caughron, executive director of the Randleman Chamber of Commerce, "trying to assist people in ways of developing new businesses and expanding the business they already have."

The participants, under the direction of Lonnie Hamm, business development specialist for RCC, were given the photo of a downtown Randleman building with details regarding square footage, size, cost, etc. and a set of proposal guidelines.

With the guidelines, participants worked in groups to propose a business plan that included market, operations, marketing and financial details. At the end of the planning phase, participants were given five minutes to present the proposals.

According to Caughron, "The event was a great success for those who participated. And six of those people showed interest in participating in the Leadership Randleman we plan to do after the first of the year."

The Chamber invited a local entrepreneur, Amanda Allen of The Wild Onion, to speak to the group about her experience in starting and developing her business. The Wild Onion is a Randleman restaurant.

Also in attendance and participating in the mock proposals as "venture capitalists" were Stephanie Hairston of Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Pamela J. White of First National Bank and Trust, Lisa F. Huffman of Randleman Savings Bank (a division of Security Savings Bank) and Rhonda R. Brown of Randolph Bank.