Whatchamacallit

As I travel I think about what I am going to write.  My day began with a return visit to Mitchell Community College in Statesville.  I was there to meet the new Director, Beverly Rufty, and to show her how to use our company's website.  I arrived to find that she was expecting one of five interviewees for a position with the library.  We visited briefly and I left her to prepare for the interviews.  As I walked back to my car, I noticed that the door of the Broad Street United Methodist Church (part of my brother, John's tribe) was open.  I don't mean it was simply unlocked.  It was standing open.  I couldn't resist so I walked over and found the building to be open for anyone to come in.  The sanctuary was beautiful and apparently is available for people to simply come in and meditate or pray.  There was no one to supervise and I thought what a risk the Church takes to make the sanctuary available.  As I returned to my car, I thought a good title might be "The Church of the Open Door."

My next stop was another return visit to the school named for my brother, John Wesley University in
High Point.  As had been the case on my previous two visits, the library director was not available.  High Point is a city I visit fairly frequently so I will try to see her again.  After that visit I thought I might write about perseverance.

My next stop was in Asheboro at the Randolph County Community College.  Debbie Luck and Pam Pollard have become good friends and I asked if I could take a picture with them.  They agreed (though they, like most women, are loathe to have their picture taken) if I would allow their library mascot, Snoopy, to join in.  Snoopy was dressed in a tutu and had just returned form visiting someone in the hospital where the nurses had given him "Breast Cancer Awareness" headgear.  He had voted in early voting and had the sticker to prove it.  I'm afraid my rather drab attire did not match his flamboyance.  At that point, I was convinced Snoopy would find his way into the title.

It was noon when I got to Troy and the Montgomery County

Community College. I looked around for a place to eat and found a gem.  Hometown BBQ is a local eatery that features "Eastern Style" barbecue.  That is not my favorite kind so I ordered barbecued chicken, collard greens and butter beans.  The food was delicious and the service as friendly as could be.  They served hushpuppies with honey butter which is a great way to end any meal. My only concern was keeping the abundant barbecue sauce off my tie--which would have made a good title.

Deborah Ashby is the director at MCCC but she was on vacation.  MCCC is the school I wrote about in a previous tome that has a nationally-recognized program teaching taxidermy.  I though about going over to see the program but I was still stuffed from lunch!








Stanley County Community College had just celebrated Halloween and the director, Erin Allen, had a
werewolf on her head.  I asked her if she was aware of it and she seemed to not be the least bit put off.

My final stop was in Misenheimer at Pfeiffer University.  Lara Little reported a 3% growth in enrollment at the school this year and introduced me to the man who orders books for the library, Damion Miller.  Damion is built more like a linebacker than a librarian.  Clearly these two have the Gustavus Adolphus Pfeiffer library well in hand.  Those four names--Misenheimer, Pfeiffer, Gustavus and Adolphus would certainly make eye-catching titles.

So I am left with "Whatchamacallit."  Because however you describe this day's travels, it's about books and the people who love them.  The freedom to read and write and name are guarantees that come with being a citizen of this fair land.  I hope you will not only excercise that right but also fulfill that duty on November 8th.

  

Comings and Goings

I had never visited the campus of Lees McRae College in Banner Elk and I could not have chosen a better day for the school to make a great "first impression."  The ride from my home to Banner Elk goes through a community called Jonas Ridge.  The sun was just beginning to rise and the tops of the mountains were glorious in color and magnificent in brilliance.  As I drove into the valley I found a campus that has preserved the beauty of her original buildings even in her newest and most modern structures.  One of those is the Dottie M. Shelton Learning Commons which has recently undergone a $2.1 million dollar renovation.  At the helm is Mollie Peuler who proudly showed off the new library.
In addition to the beauty of the Fall welcome, I also experienced the hospitality of the community.  When I arrived, I had no idea where the Library was on campus so I asked someone.  Mary Braun is a retired English Professor who lives in Banner Elk.  She immediately offered me a ride to the library.

My next stop was at Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine.  I've frequently said that my

predecessor in this job, Charlie Snider, is the most beloved man I've ever known.  Jon Wilmesherr, director of the library at MCC, may be the second!  He was running an errand when I arrived and while I waited, the two women who worked in the library sang his praises.  When he returned, I began to understand why.  MCC serves  Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey counties and offers programs for High Schoolers and at two of the local prisons.

I returned to Mars Hill University to check on a shipment of books but as is usually the case at this dynamic school the librarians were too busy to spend much time except to say that everything was AOK.









Asheville is home to three schools; one of which I had already visited.  UNC-Asheville is part of the

University of North Carolina system and is the only dedicated liberal arts institution in the UNC system.  Leah Dunn is the director.  The school began in 1927 as the Buncombe County Junior College and became part of the UNC system in 1969.

AB Tech is a school I have visited twice before.  I have never been able to see the director and the third time proved to be charmed.  Russell Taylor welcomed me to his office and I immediately noticed that he had one of those desks you can elevate to stand and work.  (www.varidesk.com/)  He showed me how easily it converts from a normal desk at which one would sit to a fully functional desk at which one would stand.  In the course of our conversation, I mentioned that I had been to Lees McRae that morning and I learned that he had been the librarian there when the project to remodel the library had begun and had returned for the dedication.

Lunch was at an old favorite, "Five Points."  The Five Points neighborhood is a suburb on the

northern side of downtown begun in the late 19th century.  Most of the houses were built before 1920, some designed by significant architects of the era. Notable Asheville businessman and benefactor George W. Pack built his home there called “Manyoaks.”  The Five Points Restaurant has been in business there for many years.  While they offer a wide variety of American food, they specialize in Greek food and I was quick to order Spanakopita and a Greek Salad.  It was delicious!

My final stop was at South College.  It is a campus of a school located in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Prospects for helping them with books are not bright because all of their books come from the Tennessee campus.  Nonetheless, it was a delight to visit the very modern campus and the meet the director of the library, Marissa Deziel.  

I thought about the comings and goings of Russell Taylor at Lees McRae and AB Tech.  Who knows where any of us will be in a year?  Who knows what our nation will be like after November 8th?  This much we know:  Somethings in life will remain the same.   The love of a family and the faith that sustains us will not be cahnged by the comings and goings.

A Change of Plans

I began the day intending to travel to Statesville to meet the newly installed Library Director at Mitchell Community College, Beverly Rufty.  I got a call on the way announcing a change of plans so I redirected my path to Winston-Salem State University.  When I had visited this summer, the staff was gone but this time I got to meet the senior member of the staff, Cynthia Levine.  Cynthia has been at WSSU for 18 years, longer than anyone else.  Her job is to purchase the books for the library and her office is home to the office coffee pot.  It was my good fortune because one of those who dropped by to fill her cup was the new Director of the Library, Wanda Brown.  She replaced Dr. Mae Rodney who retired after 32 years of service.  You can tell there is a team spirit in the office at WSSU.

My next stop was at Salem College.  Salem is a historic Moravian school and the buildings and grounds are intermingled with the historic setting of Old Salem.  It is one of the most beautiful settings I am privileged to visit.  The Moravian Church established Salem in 1753.  I am particularly grateful to the Moravians because of the profound influence for good which they had on my brother, John.  Their example of the Moravians and the wise counsel of one of their leaders, Peter Boeler both saved his life and set him on the path to greatness.  The Moravians were protestants who found protection from religious persecution on the estate of Count Zinzendorf in what is now, the Czech Republic.  They came to America to seek both economic opportunity and the freedom to worship God without fear.

Guilford College is a Quaker school located in Greensboro.  When I visited this past summer, they were moving the president's office and relocating some of the Library.  That work is complete now and the Library is beautiful and functional.  It is the week of "Fall Break" at many of the schools and the librarian, Suzanne Bartels was not there but the rest of the staff was very friendly and helpful.  

In downtown Greensboro is Greensboro College.  As I approached the front of the J. A. Jones Library it looked like it had snowed!  As I got closer the "snow" was paint chips from the antebellum columns on the front of the building.  They are being prepared for painting and the work is being done while the students are away for Fall Break.

Laurel University in High Point recently changed its name to John Wesley University.  To say that I am proud to see my brother's name on an institution of higher education wold be an understatement.  On my way to JWU, I came

within one block of the home my wife and I owned when we were first married.  I couldn't resist taking a picture.  We only lived there a year but it holds a lot of great memories.

There are a few schools that are not on the way to any where.  One of those is Rockingham Community College in Wentworth. In a previous blog, I mentioned the connection between Wentworth, Rockingham County and the town of Rockingham (which is not in Rockingham County).  RCC sits among the pine trees of Piedmont NC up near the border of Virginia.  On the way from High Point to RCC, I stopped for a delightful lunch at Lucie's Cafe near Riedsville.  I had the chicken casserole with an unusual cornbread crust and a mixture of field peas and corn that was excellent as well.

On the way home, I received a phone call with some disturbing news.  I thought as I hung up the call, how the day had begun with a call that changed my plans and ended with a call that changed me.  When our phones ring, we never know what is behind the call until we hear and understand.  Sometimes it's good news and sometimes it's bad but we will never know until we listen and comprehend.  Those are skills I want to practice.

A Very Good Day

As is the case with most jobs, some days are better than others.  My travel today was a very good day.

I began where I left off last week at McDowell Technical Community College.  Pat Tallent had told me last week that the Director, Sharon Smith was more likely to be found at the library in the morning.  So MTCC was my first call of the day.  Sharon Smith is the Director of the library and has served in that position for many years.  I soon learned that Sharon and I were from the same town and we spent some time reminiscing and catching up on mutual acquaintances.  I also learned that she is a very active Methodist (my brother’s tribe) and has served her Church locally and at the denominational level.

My next stop was at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton.  When I was last there, Director Nancy Daniel was in a small room with only a few books because the library was being renovated.  On this trip I was able to see both the fruit of that renovation and the work that goes into such a task.  The Library is beautiful and is clearly a source of pride to Ms. Daniel.  She stopped her work to show me around.  During our brief tour, I saw the rooms that will house the collection of both books and memorabilia of the late Senator Sam Ervin.  My one concern about the building is that one wall (the one facing the mountains) is entirely glass.  I’m not sure I could get much studying done if that were my view!  On the floor were hundreds of boxes of yet-unpacked books.  The task of renovating a library is huge but the reward will be well worth the effort.

Lenoir Rhyne is a university located in Hickory.  It was begun by the Lutherans and has held a

prestigious place in North Carolina education since its founding in 1891.  The Director is Rita Johnson whose dog, Bayla greeted me the last visit.  Bayla had not accompanied Ms. Johnson to school on this day, however.  Lenoir Rhyne has had an increase in enrollment for the past eight years and is preparing to offer its first doctoral level degree program. Much of the credit (according to Ms. Johnson) goes to retiring president, Dr. Wayne B. Powell

As I was leaving, I mentioned that my next stop was at nearby Catawba Valley Community College.  Ms. Johnson said, “Say hello to Staci for me.”  “Staci” is Staci Wilson, director of the library.  When I visited earlier, she was in a meeting and I missed her once again.  Fortunately, CVCC is near to where I live so I will be able to call again easily. 

In the lobby of the building was a civic-minded woman registering students to vote.  My commendation for her efforts led to a conversation in which it was clear that her motivation was born of a passionate desire to see one of the four candidates elected.  Although she and I do not agree on which candidate should be elected, I am glad she is encouraging people to register and to vote.  I do not agree with those who think abstaining from voting in the current presidential election is somehow the “moral high ground” because of the character of the candidates.  I, too, wish we had a better choice.  But we don’t and choosing a leader is both a right and a responsibility of a free people.

Climbing off my soap box I proceeded toward Wilkesboro and Wilkes Community College.  On the way, I stopped in Oxford for lunch at Sigmon’s Grill.  My brother attended college at Oxford, but that Oxford is in England.  Lunch was a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich served by waitresses who seemed to know every person who entered the restaurant.  The meal was delicious but I was reminded that the season of fresh tomatoes is past.

Wilkes Community College is built on the side of a mountain and I discovered a geological marvel.  It was “uphill” both going and coming to my car!  Rebecca Krueger is in charge of the collection at WCC and while I was waiting for her, I talked with her staff about how GPS-enabled devices have made us “lazy” directionally.  I’m sure my brother would find a sermon illustration in that statement somehow.

My final stop was in Dobson at Surry Community College where I met Dr. David Wright.  He’d been gone when I’d visited the library during the summer and I had looked forward to meeting him because of his expertise in Community Colleges.  He is extremely knowledgeable of both the people and the programs employed by North Carolina’s fifty-eight Community Colleges. 

Driving home, I discovered another physical anomaly.  Whether driving “south” on I-77 or “west” on I-40, the sun was in my eyes!  As I write this, it is raining.  Life is made up of sunny days and rainy days and both are good for us. 

A Very Good Day

As is the case with most jobs, some days are better than others.  My travel today was a very good day.

I began where I left off last week at McDowell Technical Community College.  Pat Tallent had told me last week that the Director, Sharon Smith was more likely to be found at the library in the morning.  So MTCC was my first call of the day.  Sharon Smith is the Director of the library and has served in that position for many years.  I soon learned that Sharon and I were from the same town and we spent some time reminiscing and catching up on mutual acquaintances.  I also learned that she is a very active Methodist (my brother’s tribe) and has served her Church locally and at the denominational level.

My next stop was at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton.  When I was last there, Director Nancy Daniel was in a small room with only a few books because the library was being renovated.  On this trip I was able to see both the fruit of that renovation and the work that goes into such a task.  The Library is beautiful and is clearly a source of pride to Ms. Daniel.  She stopped her work to show me around.  During our brief tour, I saw the rooms that will house the collection of both books and memorabilia of the late Senator Sam Ervin.  My one concern about the building is that one wall (the one facing the mountains) is entirely glass.  I’m not sure I could get much studying done if that were my view!  On the floor were hundreds of boxes of yet-unpacked books.  The task of renovating a library is huge but the reward will be well worth the effort.

Lenoir Rhyne is a university located in Hickory.  It was begun by the Lutherans and has held a

prestigious place in North Carolina education since its founding in 1891.  The Director is Rita Johnson whose dog, Bayla greeted me the last visit.  Bayla had not accompanied Ms. Johnson to school on this day, however.  Lenoir Rhyne has had an increase in enrollment for the past eight years and is preparing to offer its first doctoral level degree program. Much of the credit (according to Ms. Johnson) goes to retiring president, Dr. Wayne B. Powell

As I was leaving, I mentioned that my next stop was at nearby Catawba Valley Community College.  Ms. Johnson said, “Say hello to Staci for me.”  “Staci” is Staci Wilson, director of the library.  When I visited earlier, she was in a meeting and I missed her once again.  Fortunately, CVCC is near to where I live so I will be able to call again easily. 

In the lobby of the building was a civic-minded woman registering students to vote.  My commendation for her efforts led to a conversation in which it was clear that her motivation was born of a passionate desire to see one of the four candidates elected.  Although she and I do not agree on which candidate should be elected, I am glad she is encouraging people to register and to vote.  I do not agree with those who think abstaining from voting in the current presidential election is somehow the “moral high ground” because of the character of the candidates.  I, too, wish we had a better choice.  But we don’t and choosing a leader is both a right and a responsibility of a free people.

Climbing off my soap box I proceeded toward Wilkesboro and Wilkes Community College.  On the way, I stopped in Oxford for lunch at Sigmon’s Grill.  My brother attended college at Oxford, but that Oxford is in England.  Lunch was a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich served by waitresses who seemed to know every person who entered the restaurant.  The meal was delicious but I was reminded that the season of fresh tomatoes is past.

Wilkes Community College is built on the side of a mountain and I discovered a geological marvel.  It was “uphill” both going and coming to my car!  Rebecca Krueger is in charge of the collection at WCC and while I was waiting for her, I talked with her staff about how GPS-enabled devices have made us “lazy” directionally.  I’m sure my brother would find a sermon illustration in that statement somehow.

My final stop was in Dobson at Surry Community College where I met Dr. David Wright.  He’d been gone when I’d visited the library during the summer and I had looked forward to meeting him because of his expertise in Community Colleges.  He is extremely knowledgeable of both the people and the programs employed by North Carolina’s fifty-eight Community Colleges. 

Driving home, I discovered another physical anomaly.  Whether driving “south” on I-77 or “west” on I-40, the sun was in my eyes!  As I write this, it is raining.  Life is made up of sunny days and rainy days and both are good for us.