Author: absolutelyalleghany

Jeramiah Hampton – Alleghany Veterans Service Officer

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At 11:00 am on November 11, 1918, the guns of war fell silent in Europe.  For almost four years, soldiers along entrenched lines fought to a near stalemate.  In part because of technology that was advanced beyond military tactics of the day, World War I resulted in a staggering 38 million military and civilian casualties.  That number includes 11 million military and 7 million civilian deaths.  The carnage was such that when the Armistice of Compiègne went into effect on “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” the event was marked as a day of observance around the world.  President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill on May 26, 1954 that expanded Armistice Day to include all veterans.  The national holiday became known as Veterans Day.  It is a day set aside to honor all who have served in the armed forces.

What does it mean to “honor” those who have served?  Parades?  Ceremonies?  Statues and monuments?  Of course, all those things are ways we show honor.  Yet for some, showing honor has a more practical meaning.

Jeramiah Hampton is the North Carolina Division of Veteran Affairs service officer for Alleghany County.  He is responsible for assisting the approximately 1000+ Alleghany County veterans and their families with their military service benefits.

Many locals remember Jeramiah from his high school days.  He excelled in football, baseball and wrestling.  In his junior year he finished third in the state finals as a wrestler.  The next year, he moved toward the state finals ranked number one in the state in the 171 pound class.  He was talking with Appalachian State University (ASU) about wrestling in college.  His future seemed clear and certain.

Then two days before the state finals began, he injured his knee in practice and ended his high school wrestling career.  A long recovery was in store.  The coach from ASU offered encouragement and told Jeramiah to still consider college wrestling when his knee was healed.

So, Jeramiah plotted a new course.  He enrolled at Surry Community College with the thought of knocking out his general education requirements before heading to ASU.  But, he found that college life wasn’t for him and after that first year he was considering other options.

Both of his grandfathers served in the military.  Jeramiah recalled visits with the Marine recruiter when he was in high school.  So, in July of 2008, he enlisted in the Marine Corp’s delayed entry program.  He signed an open contract which meant he could be assigned wherever he was needed.  For Jeramiah, he hoped that meant an infantry assignment.

Jeramiah home from Marines

Jeramiah and brother, Jake – 2011

In December of 2008 he arrived in boot camp at Parris Island, SC.  Still an athlete, the physical training was tough but bearable.  He describes the most difficult challenge as dealing with the mental and emotional tricks played by the drill instructors.

Afterwards, Jeramiah was assigned to nuclear and biological chemical defense.  This led him back to the very place he joined the Marines to avoid – the classroom.  He was assigned to 2nd Marine Headquarters in Camp Lejeune, NC.  In June of 2010 he was meritoriously promoted and reassigned to the 3rd Battalion 9th Marines.  Jeramiah and the 3/9 were deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

While in Afghanistan, Jeramiah served as the battalion watch chief.  As watch chief, he was responsible for tracking patrols, events, and threats.  He split his time between administrative duties and going out on patrol.

jeramiah shooting

Memorial service for fallen Marines in Afghanistan

Jeramiah returned to North Carolina and was assigned to Camp Geiger’s School of Infantry.  There he served as a combat marksmanship coach to new Marines.

After his four year enlistment, Jeramiah returned to Alleghany County.  He took a job with the Alleghany Wellness Center and became a certified trainer in 2012.  He enrolled at Wilkes Community College (WCC) and balanced a full-time class load with his new job duties.  Formerly a marginal student, Jeramiah graduated from WCC in 2014 with a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA).  He is currently enrolled at Concordia University – St. Paul and is majoring in exercise science.  He is set to graduate in December 2015 and is anticipating another 4.0 GPA.  He continues to work as a trainer and conducts martial arts classes.

Some would define Jeramiah Hampton as an overachiever.  And that is exactly what the veterans of our community need as they wade through a river of bureaucracy.  They deserve someone who speaks their language and who can talk straight with them.

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Jeramiah Hampton and fiance, Teea Triplett

We sometimes ascribe superhuman traits to those who have served in the military.  And when we hear accounts of their deeds it is natural to view them as heroes.  While we should never downplay or dismiss those courageous acts and deeds, maybe we should focus more on who these veterans are.  They are sons and daughters; husbands and wives; and fathers and mothers.  They were farmers, mill workers, and students.  They were from big cities and small towns.  They were high school athletes.  They are truly representative of our communities.  We have 1000 veterans spread across Alleghany County.  This year at the “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” reach out to one of these individuals and offer a heart-felt thank you.

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For information on military service benefits contact Jeramiah Hampton at 336-372-4850. Or stop by his office at 90 South Main Street, Sparta, NC from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

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from Google Maps

Uvaldo Piedras – Teaching English as a Second Language

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Most of us from rural communities, especially here in the mountains, have experienced a degree of prejudgment based on how we talk.  Those who are “more enlightened” often subtract IQ points as soon as they hear our accents.  Some time back a worker in Alleghany County faced a similar experience as he was considered for a job promotion.  Though he possessed the knowledge and ability to handle the new workload, his English language skills were lacking.  It was feared that those missing skills would be an impediment to customer service.  The job went to someone else.

Uvaldo, Elisa, and Nyjah

Uvaldo, Elisa, and Nyjah

Uvaldo Piedras experienced that struggle with language firsthand.  He came to Sparta from Mexico in 2003 when he was ten years old.  When he began elementary school classes he was unable to speak English.  Since kids generally have fewer inhibitions, he picked up the language in its basic form in 6-8 months.  This began his integration into Alleghany County life.

By 8th grade Uvaldo was fully engaged, participating in sports, specifically wrestling and track.  In high school he added football and power lifting.  At age 15 he could bench press 315 lbs.

In addition to his athletic ability, Uvaldo’s possessed strong math skills.  Back in Mexico, students didn’t use calculators.  Instead, they worked through math problems using pencil and paper.  Once he arrived in Sparta, Uvaldo still relied on pencil and paper.

But work sometimes got in the way of school activities.  Beginning at age 13 and all through high school, he worked in Christmas trees during the harvest season.  His father had spent 20 years working in Alleghany County before he brought his family to Sparta.  He instilled a strong work ethic in Uvaldo while stressing that education is the key to success.

After high school, Uvaldo worked at the New River Campground and the El Torito Restaurant before landing a job at the Parkdale Plant just outside of Sparta.

Then he faced a pivotal moment in life.  He became a father.

This news and the impending responsibility kicked his work ethic into overdrive.  He often worked 60-70 hours a week.  Recalling his dad’s advice on education, Uvlado enrolled in Wilkes Community College (WCC).  He volunteered for double shifts on the weekends so he could devote more time to school and being a parent.

At WCC, his talent for math was awakened when he took an accounting class.  He was told of an accounting job at TruLine Truss.  He applied and received the job.

At 23 years of age, Uvaldo’s life was on track.  He had a good job, was finishing his degree work at WCC, and was balancing work and school with being a single parent of two children.  He volunteered as a youth soccer coach.  Yet for all his personal success, he realized there were others in the community whose needs weren’t being met.  Many were hardworking individuals that lacked basic language skills to help move them to the next level of economic security.  Even though virtually every minute of his life was filled, he volunteered to help start an English as a Second Language (ESL) class at WCC.

MIguel Barientos

Uvaldo printed flyers and posted them around the county.  He contacted people he thought would be interested in the class.  The first night 35 adult students showed up and they had to move to a larger classroom.   The class now averages 15-20 with the harvest season siphoning off some students.

Imelda Sanchez

Utilizing a combination of PowerPoint presentation, lecture and practical exercise, the classes are set up based on the students’ needs.  A recent topic dealt with the language skills necessary for a doctor’s visit.  A student later reported that for the first time she made her own doctor’s appointment and attended without a translator.  Another student worked on skills that helped her successfully pass her United States citizenship test which led her to a better job.  The students are encouraged to use polite words such as “please” and “thank you” and Uvaldo challenges them to expand their vocabulary with college level words.  He urges them speak with confidence.

Melitza Velazquez

What’s next for Uvaldo?  He credits mentors at WCC with encouraging him to continue his education when he graduates from WCC next spring.  He has visited Berea College in Kentucky and hopes to attend there next fall.  The work/study program at Berea seems a perfect fit for Uvaldo.  He plans to begin preparing for his citizenship test.  Long-term he hopes to obtain his Certified Public Accountant license and return to Sparta.  He describes Alleghany County as a great place to live, work and raise a family.

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Opportunities exist to volunteer with the ESL program.  A special need is for childcare workers while the parents are in class.  Call The Alleghany Center of Wilkes Community College at 336-372-5061 for more information on volunteering or enrolling in classes.

NC Mountain Arts Adventure Studio Tour 2015

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tour 001Mid-October is one of the best times to visit Alleghany County.  Backroads wind through the county revealing beautiful fall foliage canopying each curve.  The days are light-jacket crisp with cool, but moderate temperatures.  Leftover pumpkins litter the fields as farmers take a brief break before beginning the Christmas tree the harvest.  An easy conversation can begin by asking the locals who the Appalachian State Mountaineers play that week.

A welcome addition to this autumn ritual is the NC Mountain Arts Adventure studio tour.  It is a great opportunity to visit with the artists where the art is made.  The tour is self-paced and guests can set out to cover all 16 artists, or choose to spend more time getting to know a few of the craftsmen.

Jewelweed Studio is number 6 on the tour.  Located at 185 Gumtree Lane, Sparta, Gary Medley and Alan Joyce create true works of art in stained glass.  Examples of their work can be found at http://www.jewelweedstudio.com/ or you can follow them on Facebook here.

Cave Rock Chapel

Cave Rock Chapel – Stained glass by Jewelweed Studio

Carolina Farm Table is located in Sparta at the corner of East Doughton and Alleghany Street beside the Alleghany Law Enforcement Center.  Their custom furniture shop specializes in handcrafted farm tables.  Their product line can be viewed at http://www.carolinafarmtable.com/ and here on Pinterest.  A profile of co-owner Devin Ulery can be read on the Absolutely Alleghany blog.

Handcrafted by Carolina Farm Table

Handcrafted by Carolina Farm Table

Located on Main Street in Sparta, Studio Redwood offers a variety of art classes including painted furniture and faux finish.  Offered for sale are one of a kind repurposed furniture, framed prints and whimsical, handmade items.  Owner Chris Davis’ work can be seen here on Studio Redwood’s Facebook page.

Art students at Studio Redwood

Art students at Studio Redwood

High on a hill overlooking the mountains, Mountain Jazmin Baskets owner Kathryn Abernathy weaves a variety of natural materials into intricate and aesthetically pleasing baskets.  While each basket is a piece of art, all are practical and functional.  Mountain Jazmin Baskets is located at 292 Walnut Branch Church Rd., Sparta, NC.

Mountain Jazmin Baskets

The natural beauty of Alleghany County coupled with the work of fine artists reinforces the opinion of many that fall is truly the best season of the year.

tour artists

tour map

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Mountain Soul Concert series – Bandit’s Roost

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This Sunday, September 27 at 6:30 pm, members of Christ Church invite everyone to an evening of music by Bandit’s Roost.  Bandit’s Roost plays an eclectic mix of Folk, Celtic, Newgrass and Americana music.  Based in Elkin, NC the band features Caroline Noel Beverley on guitar, bass and vocals; Julian Charles on guitar, bass and vocals; RG Absher on banjo, guitar and vocals; and David Blackmon on fiddle.  Samples of their music can be found here.

Admission is free.  Refreshments follow the concert at Becca’s Backwoods Bean Coffee Shop in Sparta.

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Christ Church is located approximately 2.5 miles south of Sparta at 2543 Hwy, 21 South.

Manuel Rivas Alvarez – La Mexicana Restaurant

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Manuel Rivas Alvarez learned on the soccer field that even the best game plan can run into problems.  Challenges arise and the plan has to be adjusted to the changing circumstances.  He has since learned that this state of continually evaluation applies to life as well.

A native of Galicia, Spain, Manuel grew into a semi-professional goal keeper with dreams of going pro.  As goal keeper, he had to be aware of everything happening on the field and prepared for a kick from any direction.  Also in Spain Manuel worked as a DJ in a large dance club.  As DJ he monitored the patrons and played music that pumped the crowd up or calmed them down. Whether on the soccer field or in the club, he recognized that success depended on his ability to adapt quickly and decisively at a near instinctive level.

At age 23, Manuel immigrated to the United States.  He went to work almost immediately as a laborer in the construction field.  In Spain, his second language emphasis had been on French so when he arrived in the United States he knew little English.  He credits music and movies as sources for his English lessons.  After five years, he applied for and was granted United States citizenship.

An old neighbor from Spain was the owner of Espina Stone Company and he took Manuel on as a stone mason.  For the next 20 years, Manuel worked in a variety of locations ranging from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Virginia Tech University.  A particularly memorable project was the renovation of the North Lawn Fountain at the White House in Washington, DC.  As Manuel describes his work as a mason, he exudes pride in his craftsmanship.  He says that he was often the first to arrive on the job site and that his employer could always count on him. This led to Manuel’s promotion to supervisor and as a leader work crews.

Life seemed perfect – a wife of over 20 years, three children and fulfilling employment. Then a torn meniscus threw Manuel his most serious challenge to date.  The surgeon anticipated a four month recovery yet after four months Manuel was still on crutches.  Another year passed and it became obvious to Manuel that his days as a stone mason were over.  He assessed the situation and adapted to his new reality.

Manuel had moved to Sparta from northern Virginia in 2009 while working on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  His wife Janet, a native of Bolivia, moved down with their three children a year later.  By the time Manuel faced his medical crisis, the family had come to consider Sparta home.  They wanted to stay in Alleghany County.

This past July Manuel and Janet purchased La Mexicana Restaurant in Trojan Village.  Their desire is to have a friendly, family atmosphere that serves freshly cooked food.  While neither he nor Janet are from Mexico, they want to create an authentic Mexican tacqueria that has an intimate feel of a working class, neighborhood café.  Manuel learned through his varied experience that while it may take years to develop a strong relationship, it only takes minutes to destroy one.  His goal is to have a business where people from all backgrounds feel welcome.  He say he wants a place that generates “that feeling you get at your mama’s house.”  He is quick to credit many local people who have assisted him in getting the business started.  Among those are Xavier Iglesias from the nearby Pizzeria and Steve Edwards of the Alleghany Meat Center.

Manuel, Janet and Maria Dimas

Manuel Rivas Alvarez, wife Janet, and Maria Dimas

Still the goal keeper at heart, Manuel has taken on this new challenge with enthusiasm.  He describes life as a book.  When one chapter is finished, we must turn the page to begin a new one.  He points out that the first page of of each new chapter in life is blank.  Manuel says that it is up to us to write that new chapter.  For him and his family, that next page begins at La Mexicana Restaurant.

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La Mexicana Restaurant is located in the north end of Trojan Village at 665 South Main Street, Sparta, NC.