Features - Randolph Record

08 Jan

For celebrations, English fizz is on the rise

Associated PressFeaturesbubbly, celebration, champagne, english sparkling wine, sparkling wine

LONDON — English sparkling wine has been gaining prestige in recent years, with some experts comparing it to Champagne in taste and quality. Globally, the sector is still relatively small: IWSR Drinks Market Analysis reports that sparkling wine produced in the U.K. represents about 0.2% of total global sparkling wine volume. But sales are growing: U.K.-produced sparkling wine volume rose by almost 11% from 2015-2020, the report said. ”Maybe 10 years ago, there were only two or three wines which might have been known outside of the U.K. or certainly recognized by wine critics as well,” says Jonathan White, spokesman…

30 Dec

Final goodbyes

The Associated PressEntertainment, Features

Among the entertainers who died this year was a children’s author whose books were enjoyed by millions around the world. Beverly Cleary, who died in March, channeled memories from her youth in Oregon to created beloved characters such as Ramona Quimby, her sister Beatrice “Beezus” Quimby and Henry Huggins. Here’s a look at some of the artists and entertainers we lost this year. Jessica Walter, 80. Her roles as a scheming matriarch in TV’s “Arrested Development” and a stalker in “Play Misty for Me” were in line with a career that drew on her astringent screen presence. March 24. Beverly…

30 Dec

A big year for agriculture in Randolph County

Jeannie M. LeonardFeaturesagriculture, corn, gardening, livestock, randolph county

ASHEBORO — Whole COVID continued to impact indoor and outdoor activities in 2021, one outdoor activity maintained its normal pace — farming. As one of North Carolina’s most productive livestock counties, Randolph County’s agriculture industry plays an important role in feeding our state and nation. In 2013, North Carolina had its highest average corn yields on record, with 142 bushels per acre. While the numbers from 2021 are not finalized, surveys say this year will be the new record year. Corn yields in Randolph County were spectacular this year and — based on preliminary data — the country will exceed…

22 Dec

Holiday Food Safety: Is it done? Is it safe?

Jeannie M. LeonardFeaturescooking, food safety, holidays

ASHEBORO — It’s hard to think of the holidays without thinking about food — roast ham, standing rib roast, brisket with gravy, perhaps even a spicy, deep-fried turkey. And don’t forget the creamy mashed potatoes and the pies, cookies and other special treats for the holiday season. With these fond thoughts of holiday foods comes the pressure to prepare everything just right and to serve safe food to all those guests. The cookies and mashed potatoes are relatively straightforward, but how do you know if a turkey or a beef roast is thoroughly cooked? Is “done” the same as “safe”?…

15 Dec

Zoo welcomes new grizzly bear

Randolph RecordFeatures, Newsgrzzly bear, NC Zook

ASHEBORO — After the death of a 31-year-old grizzly named Tommo in July, the N.C. Zoo’s grizzly bear habitat has sat empty awaiting a new resident. That time is over as the zoo welcomed 740-lb Ronan to the zoo this week. The 9-year-old grizzly is being relocated from Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona, based on a recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Ronan and his twin sister Finley were rescued in 2013 and relocated to the Reid Park Zoo when they were just barely one year old. That decision was made after wildlife officials in Yellowstone deemed…

02 Dec

Santa Claus is coming to town …

McKenna GardenerFeaturesChristmas, holidays, Santa Claus

ASHEBORO — Whether we are one of the early-birds who enjoy decorating for the holidays at 12:01 a.m. on November 1 or the more subtle Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the corner type folks, one name with which we are all familiar this time of year is of that jolly round fellow — good ole’ Saint Nick. There has been some doubt surrounding the existence of this plump, rosy-cheeked elf and whether or not he can be written off as a child’s imagination or an urban legend but take it from me — Santa is real and I have seen…