Scrapbooks

Not long after summer slipped into autumn, we at PineStraw were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of dear friend Cos Barnes, a gifted writer and beloved godmother of this magazine and the Sandhills at large. Cos graced our pages with wit and maternal wisdom for more than a decade and will be greatly missed by us all. In tribute, we present one of our favorite Cos Barnes columns. — The Staff

By Cos Barnes

In preparation for the first move in 30 years, I find it traumatic to destroy the scrapbooks and photo albums that depicted my children’s activities during their growing-up years. Even more traumatic is remembering the people who taught me to be a Tar Heel and love the dear town of Southern Pines. I look at snapshots of us when we were younger, slimmer and cuter, and breathe a prayer for those who helped me along the way.

When I moved here, only a limping civic music association graced our community, and its days were done. We started a new arts council with offices in Storey’s Department Store in the Town and Country Shopping Center. Possibly only Edna Earle Cole remembers Storey’s. Peter McBeth taught me the importance of organized arts activities. You all helped, too.

I remember my good friend Bill Samuels, who died recently. He not only lent his financial wisdom to our decisions in the Community Foundation, but he was always there to address invitations. Lynn Thompson showed me the intricacies of the library’s influence, but also taught me the scope of its programs. She always willingly lent me a quiet room to conduct interviews. When I joined the Arc’s board at the urging of a friend, I did not speak for the first year. They talked in initials which I knew not. However, in no time, I was president. I learned the language quickly from Wendy Russell.

Following my husband’s death, I was asked to fill out his term as a trustee at my church. I would not take anything for the business tactics I learned from those men. When I substituted at Pinecrest High, my most difficult task was Bachelor’s Home Economics. Although we did not make a gathered skirt, we learned to work together, and I learned to appreciate my students and their backgrounds.

I spent many years as a board member of Weymouth with my assignment working with the writers in residence. I took them everywhere to explain and entertain — retirement homes, the college, high schools and elementary schools.

That fiery head of the backpack program, that volunteer of all volunteers, Linda Hubbard, made me know I had to pick up and deliver backpacks. And one of the most pleasurable tasks I have had is taking up tickets at the Sunrise. I have seen Jesse, the manager, take the popcorn and drinks to an older couple who required assistance, and serve them at their seats. And as I roamed through files in my filing cabinet, I came across a reminder from Charlotte Gantz informing me of plant sources in our area. It was dated Fall, 1996.

Keepsakes, no matter how small, all have a story. A polished rock given to me by Betsy Hyde at my first book signing has been on my desk since 1995. My one big question now is what do I do with the framed graduation certificates which have never been hung. I even have my mother’s from National Business College in Roanoke, Va., in 1925. It measures 18 x 21. What do I do with it?

And how do I reward all my colleagues for their kindness? I hope a simple thank you will do.  PS

Patriotic Ladies

By Cos Barnes

The goal of the Army Arlington Ladies is to make sure no soldier will ever be buried alone at Arlington National Cemetery.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Creighton Abrams is given credit for starting the Arlington Ladies, but in fact it was his wife who created the Army’s version of the organization in 1973 after getting approval from the chaplains. The Air Force began the practice in 1948.

To be eligible for membership an applicant must be sponsored by an active member. Presently there are approximately 75 members. Composed of all volunteers, the organization’s members are wives or widows of soldiers of all ranks, on active duty, retired or deceased, and also ladies who are active or retired military.

Army Arlington Ladies represents and extends sympathy on behalf of the chief of staff of the United States Army and the entire Army family to the next of kin.

Two women are scheduled to work each day, Monday through Friday. Each is provided with an official military escort from the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard.” Following the presentation of the flag to the next of kin, AAL sends a condolence card from the chief of staff and his wife, a card from the AAL and other cards of condolence.

The weather never prevents AAL from performing its duties. Through thunder and pouring rain Arlington Cemetery continues its solemn mission even if the government is closed due to weather.

My daughter recently became an Arlington Lady. I am proud of her service. PS

Cos Barnes is a longtime contributor to PineStraw magazine. She can be contacted at cosbarnes@nc.rr.com.

Docs Making House Calls

By Cos Barnes

My grandmother was always visited at home by her physician. I suppose doctors called on the elderly in their homes for the patient’s convenience.

One frosty cold morning when no traffic was stirring because of snow, we called a neighboring physician because my mother was wretchedly ill with a headache. It did not matter that he was an orthopedic surgeon, or a bone doctor, as many called them in those days. He gave her a shot and she never had another headache. This is a true story.

Now there are more than 75 clinicians who provide on-site, state-of-the-art medical care to residents in senior living communities, as well as patients in private homes. Their staff includes specialists in geriatrics, internal and family medicine, neurology, infectious disease, pulmonary medicine, palliative care, podiatry and ophthalmology.

DMHC, as they label themselves, Doctors Making House Calls, serve as the primary care provider as well as urgent care clinician for all DMHC patients. Their clinicians are available 24/7 for urgent care telephone consultation. They see patients seven days a week.

They accept and directly bill Medicare and Medicaid as well as all supplemental insurance care plans.

Gone are the days of appointments that are delayed, canceled or terribly detained, the days when schoolchildren had to miss class days because of appointments.

These doctors like seeing patients in their home setting with familiar surroundings.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.  PS

Cos Barnes is a longtime contributor to PineStraw magazine. She can be contacted at cosbarnes@nc.rr.com.