Special Occasions AVP - DecJan 2022

Issue: 12 • Dec-Jan 2022 • A-Vision Productions • www.avisionprod.com

There’s Always Something To CELEBRATE

A Season of GRATITUDE and GIVING

& New Year Happy

Let A-Vision Productions Host Your Next Event!

Annette Brown

Editor’s Note

‘Tis The Season The holidays are upon us. 'Tis the Season is often used to indicate that it's a particular time of year. The “season” in this phrase refers to the time of year that spans after Thanksgiving through January 6.

Whether it’s Rockefeller Center, the White House, or somewhere else across the land, ‘tis the season for gathering with friends and family, reveling in stories and sentimentalities, cozying up to a cup of warm cocoa or cider, or listening to a fire slowly pop and fizzle.

It's a time when we ease ourselves out of our routines and have a moment to share our joys with those who mean the most to us.

This season also affords us a unique opportunity to step back and empathize with people who face hardships.

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Editor’s Note Don’t let the holidays pass you by! I challenge you to not only celebrate the joys of the holidays, but to give back to your local community or your favorite charity during this season and especially during December, the month of giving (see page 5). Whether it's volunteering, contributing to an Angel Tree, gathering donations for food banks or writing getwell cards to the sick & shut-ins; make it a point to get creative.

‘Tis the season for all of the above!

Publisher Annette Brown Connect www.avisionprod.com info@avisionprod.com 919-675-2640 Advertising Opportunities 919-675-2640 Special Occasions AVP is published bi-monthly by A-Vision Productions (AVP). Based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Special Occasions AVP is copyrighted 2021 by AVP Events LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Reader and editorial submissions are welcome, however, Special Occasions AVP has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its values and ethics.

With AVP The Power Of Planning An Event Is In The Palm Of Your Hand!

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DECEMBER 2021

JANUARY 2022

Jalen Hales

3rd

Loretta Campbell

3rd

Travis Hales

10th

Makayla Beasley

4th

Pearl Wright

10th

Kieran Windley

10th

Zoe Richburg

12th

George Finney

10th

Rev. Bryon Wade

17th

Terrance Windley

10th

Regina Wade

19th

Adrian Thomas

11th

Mia Sherard

19th

Gloria Windley

21st

Trey Hales

21st

Marcus Brown

22nd

Jessica Hales

29th

Jamari Moore

24th

Kelly Harris

31st

Mariam Munir

31st

To share your occasion please connect with us. www.avisionprod.com | info@avisionprod.com Special Occasions AVP | Dec/Jan 2022

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And Celebrations

DECEMBER 2021 Christmas Eve

24th

Christmas Day

25th

Kwanzaa

26th

New Year’s Eve

31st

THE MONTH OF DECEMBER

Month of Giving

Month Of Giving

JANUARY 2022 New Year’s Day Dress Up Your Pet Day

14th

Martin Luther King Jr

17th

Celebration Of Life

22nd

Nat’l Compliment Day

24th

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Discover a wonderful way to give this season. See Page 5 for more information.

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There’s Always Something To Celebrate

DECEMBER Month Of Giving December is a month that is recognized for its holy observances such as Hanukkah and Christmas.

In Christian tradition, it is the time that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and revolves around the concept of giving, spreading joy and people making a difference in society by helping others.

The concept of giving gifts was formed around the 15th century as Christmas was seen as a holiday that focused on friends and family.

Over the years, the month of December has become a universal time for giving and also serves as a reminder of the history of Christmas.

Jesus, himself, is a gift by God to mankind. He received the gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh when he was born.

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Month Of Giving Giving is a voluntary action. There are no mandatory initiatives regarding "Giving." It is important that people do what they can, in a way that they are able to. Take this opportunity to reflect on giving and accept our challenge to make a contribution to our Virtual Food Drive (Feeding the Carolinas) during the month of December. Go to: AvisionProd.com/FoodDrive

If you’re not a resident of NC and would like to donate in your community, please do so and reach out to your local food bank.

In all of your gift giving and receiving, always remember the most precious gift of all.

CELEBRATE

THE MONTH OF

GIVING

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There’s Always Something To Celebrate

JANUARY

A historical fact: Around 700 B.C., January replaced March as the first month of the year. Then in 1582, Pope Gregory developed the Gregorian calendar and most of the world came around to January 1 being the beginning of the New Year.

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Happy New Year Today, most New Year’s festivities begin on December 31 (New Year’s Eve), the last day of the calendar year, and continue into the early hours of January 1 (New Year’s Day). Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year’s foods, making resolutions for the new year and watching fireworks displays.

In the United States, the most iconic New Year’s tradition is the dropping of a giant ball in New York City’s Time Square at the stroke of midnight.

Millions of people around the world watch the event, which has taken place almost every year since 1907. Over time, the ball itself has gone from a 700-pound iron-and-wood ball to today's version weighing 11,875 pounds, is made of LED lights, and is adorned with 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles that vary in size. Various cities across America have developed their own versions of the Times Square ritual, as our local area has with the dropping of the Acorn.

Why not start our year of celebration with the first holiday of the year. Although many of you won’t need the encouragement.

Ringing in a new year means new beginnings and endings.

In whatever way you choose to celebrate, be safe. Happy 2022!

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 365

BCA 365 This BCA 365 section is dedicated to recognizing the champions who fight and survive breast cancer –and– also highlighting organizations that are committed to promoting awareness and finding a cure for breast cancer.

We pledge to never give up this fight!

Join The Fight Today!

For more information visit www.BCA365.org

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 365

BCA 365 4th Annual BCA 365 Event

2021 RECAP

TOGETHER We Will Make A Difference AVP Nation, you did it again! Our 4th Annual BCA 365 Initiative is in the books. As one of our attendees (Dr. Carol) stated, it gets better and better each year. A very positive response to keep it going. Thank you to all of you who attended in some fashion: full, partial, etc. Another participant (Brenda) attended while at work during her break. She couldn’t respond fast enough for the questions, to the point of speaking aloud in her office “I know that answer!”

All in all, I along with the BCA 365 Planning Committee considered BCA 365 a success. A feat we could not have achieved without our Sponsors and Prize Donors. So, Kieran, Sharon, Rosa, Stacey, Myeshia, Tiffany and Doretha, I give you a “Round of Applause”. “Go ahead and clap for yourselves” Bravo! ( See ZOOM group photo on next page )

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 365 Special Occasions AVP | Dec/Jan 2022

BCA 365 ZOOM group photo

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 365

BCA 365 To those who were unable to participate. You missed a “treat” – Literally. The Treat Boxes got rave reviews. To our facilitators - (Tennis for Life NC – Alexis, Victoria and Olgha; Survivor Friendly – Jackie Cromity and special musical guest, Voronina), Thank you. The evaluation feedback was outstanding.

Our Special Feature “Her Story” in which we receive much feedback was an abbreviated version for our event. It can be viewed in its full entirety from our website. Thank you to Amber, Angie, Trinity and especially Stacey and her crew for coordinating “Her Story”.

Voronina McKinney

Victoria Thio Alexis Johnson Jackie Cromity

Stacey Haywood Olgha Qaqish Angie Woods Amber Georges

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 365

BCA 365

Since we are all winners, what is an event without prizes?

Congratulations to all prize winners. You should have received all of your “loot” by now. Thank you to those who purchased Raffle Tickets. We were fortunate to have two raffle prizes. Congrats to Sharon Delaney McCloud and Melinda Hooper our Fire Pit recipients. Remember: What Happens at the Pit – Stays at the Pit. Lastly, in our effort to share breast cancer awareness every day of the year (365), please share information you received with family, friends and others.

I hope you will continue with us at our website (avisionprod.com), on social media at AVPlanners7, and plan to join us again next year.

Just an insider tip: The 2022 BCA 365 Event will be held the First Saturday in December. You won’t want to miss it!

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 365

BCAWith 365A Purpose ADVERTISE • Promoting your business • • Promoting breast cancer awareness •

When you advertise with AVP you are supporting our Breast Cancer Awareness campaign (BCA 365) The fight against breast cancer is an everyday fight.

Through this campaign we hope you will be inspired, educated, and empowered to help bring a cure a little closer.

JOIN THE FIGHT TODAY!

www.avisionprod.com | 919.675.2640

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We are ready to hear from you.

THIS FIGHT IS SERIOUS! 14

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HOLIDAY

Event Planning Tips

The holidays are upon us and throwing a social Christmas party is about creating meaningful memories—not to mention, having a great time with your nearest and dearest. Want to host that unforgettable Christmas Soiree that’ll keep your guests reminiscing for years? Then read next page Special Occasions AVP | Dec/Jan 2022

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Follow these suggestion tips: 1 Theme Your Christmas Party – A theme sets it apart from other parties 2 Get organized – Date, size, style etc.

3 Set Up A Photo Booth - Give your guests the chance to take creative and fun photos 4 Make The Bar Self-Service - Spend more of your party time mingling with your guests 5 Offer Snacks Instead Of A Sit-Down Dinner - Small bites and finger foods are easy 6 Create a Playlist - No holiday party is complete without music 7 Play Games - Everyone loves to play, so consider incorporating games 8 Designate A Dessert Table - the holidays just aren’t the same without sweets.

If you don’t have the time, the power of planning is in the palm of your hand at A-Vision Productions. Give us a call!

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY All Good Real Estate, LLC www.AllGoodSoldIt.com 919-378-1112 ext. 402 4002 Barrett Drive - Ste. 203 Raleigh, NC 27609 Beat Brothers Productions 919-675-2640 Raleigh, North Carolina

Home Depot www.HomeDepot.com 919-661-1393 2540 Timber Dr Garner, NC 27529 Office DEPOT | OfficeMax www.OfficeDepot.com 919-661-8950 Towne Square, 2580 Timber Dr Garner, NC 27529 When you shop at OfficeDepot/OfficeMax at 2580 TIMBER DRIVE in GARNER, you'll enjoy low prices on office supplies and products, including everything from paper, ink and toner, to the latest technology, cleaning and breakroom supplies and more. We've got what you need to succeed.

Whiteboard Academy www.WhiteboardAcademy.com 919-295-0017 10732 Grassy Creek Pl Raleigh, NC

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Local Small Businesses

Owner, Executive Chef Antonio Johnson, raised in North Carolina, uses the freshest ingredients and applies his considerable creative skill to create beautiful, innovative and delicious dishes and hors d’oeuvres.

Before Chef Antonio made culinary his first love, he was first taught about farming and cooking from his grandparents Idelle and Otis Hinton.

Prior to taking the helm in the 986 kitchen, Chef Antonio obtained a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu of Atlanta and has since worked in numerous kitchens including hotels, country clubs, restaurants, hospitals, and sport arenas.

He developed a diverse selection of gourmet prepared and made-to-order edibles as well as a complete catering menu for full-service events of all sizes to make your events five star.

Chef Antonio understands how to let the food speak for itself and will always make sure you are left with the wow factor with every bite.

When looking for a superior culinary experience for your birthday, corporate event, wedding, anniversary or family celebration, choose the best!

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There is always something to celebrate!

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