Dining Guide

MOJI Coffee

BY NATALIE HUGHES

Moji Coffee + More, as its name implies, is much more than just a coffee shop. It is where joy happens. It is where differences are celebrated. It is where people are empowered. That’s why they’ve defined the word “Moji” as “the joy of jolt you get when you make somebody happy.” So what makes Moji Coffee + More so joyful? Is it the brightly colored atmosphere or happy paint splatters that decorate the floor? Is it the enthusiastic greeting you receive when you walk through the doors? Is it the splendid art covering the “Moseum” wall? Yes, it is all of these things. But the best part about Moji Coffee + More is its people. Moji Coffee + More is making a wave in the local Winston-Salem community and beyond by employing people with disabilities, or as they like to say, people with DIVERSE abilities! About 70% of people with disabilities are unemployed, which is why Executive Director, Tim Flavin, was determined to establish a place right here in WinstonSalem that would work toward lowering this number and empowering the disability community. As a vision became a reality, the coffee shop opened its doors on Trade Street in 2019 and since has provided not only employment but job readiness training to over 30 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Not only have these individuals succeeded as baristas, but they have shown the community much more. The employees at Moji Coffee + More, playfully called Mojistas, spend their days mastering skills as baristas with the guidance of a job coach, but their training goes beyond that. Each day is an opportunity to work on various vocational skills such as communication, job preparedness, cashier skills, customer service skills and much more. For Mojista Sam Garrison, who now has moved into his own home and obtained a second job, Moji is “an opportunity to have a job like anyone else and to be able to have independence like everybody else to work toward my goals.” Known for his punny jokes and willingness to help whoever is there, Sam is just one of the many individuals Moji has seen gain independence and confidence from their time on the job. “At the heart of Moji Coffee + More is the desire to show the community and the world just how capable people are, regardless of their differences. I have met some of the hardest workers in my life here and have seen so much self-growth. It’s something I would want any employer to be a part of and share the joy of celebrating these people” says Natalie Hughes, General Manager of Moji Coffee + More. She explains their hope for 2021 is to share their mission broader, inviting other employers in the community to follow suit in providing well-deserved employment to individuals with diverse abilities. “We are actually working with Leadership Winston-Salem to gain a commitment from other employers to hire and to share how they can support employees with disabilities in an inclusive manner.” The possibilities for the individuals at Moji Coffee + More and thousands of others in the disability community of the Triad are boundless with the support of a good team and most importantly, the belief in them and their capabilities. Amongst some of the talented individuals at Moji Coffee + More are artists, writers, musicians, historians, bakers, and so much more. This past year, Moji Coffee + More has supported several people with IDD by highlighting their abilities and liasoning other roles in the community. Meagan Matejka, a Mojista and colorful artist, was selected by the Public Arts Council to have her artwork on a bus station as a part of the city Artistic Bus Shelter Program. Claire Athens, who loves ancient history, is now baking at the new Ketchie Creek in Clemmons. Matthew Kelly, another Mojista, works a second job with UpDog Kombucha. Tim Flavin, Executive Director and Special Olympics coach of over 25 years, explains why expanding the mission beyond the walls of Moji Coffee + More is so important to the disability community. “For some, this job may be theirs forever. For others, they may not want to serve coffee, but here is a place to start. They may want to go one to be a librarian, a nurse, a writer and we want to help them get there.” Along with the hopes to see their own team grow, Flavin explains that the team at Moji Coffee + More wants to impact as many lives of people with disabilities as possible. “We are so proud of the people we’ve hired. But as we began to hire people in the community, we thought 31 is a good number… but what about everyone else.” Despite all obstacles of 2020, the team of Moji Coffee + More is hopeful for an impactful 2021 where even more individuals with diverse abilities can be employed and empowered. To support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and help create future opportunities, you can now give directly toward their employment through Moji Coffee + More’s UPLIFT Campaign. Visit mojicoffee.org/uplift today to learn more.

EVENTS LOCAL

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN OF WINSTONSALEM MEETING 11:30am-1pm, Footnote on 4th Street in W-S. Join PWWS for the monthly meeting. Learn more at PWWS.org. Due to limited seating capacity, pre-registration is required. A virtual option will also be available.

NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 12

PRIVATE VALENTINE’S DINING EXPERIENCE The Winston-Salem Dash are offering a first-class, memorable, and most importantly, safe dining option for couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Couples can reserve their own private suite on either Friday, February 12 or Saturday, February 13. There will be one seating per suite per night between 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDC and Wake Forest Baptist Health recommended safety protocols will be in place. Reservations can be made by calling 336-528-1728 or 336-782-7757 and are on-sale now for Dash season ticket members. Non-season ticket members can begin making reservations for this “suite” deal on January 14. For a cost of $199, couples will enjoy a private suite and server, two Dash masks, a rose, a complimentary view of the beautiful Winston-Salem skyline and the following menu: MENU Strawberry Citrus Salad Lobster or Tomato Bisque Rib Eye Steak or Chicken Roulade Green Beans Mashed Potatoes Rolls & Butter Triple Chocolate Brownie or Raspberry Cheesecake Non-alcoholic beverages (alcoholic beverage purchased separately)

NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 27

WINTER SEASONAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM Learn more about natural health and wellness, self-care, yoga and Ayurveda with Melina Meza. For more information and/or to sign up, visit https://sunriseyoga.net/yoga-workshops/. Explore practices that span a range of focuses— some are dietary, some meditative, some yoga- or exercise-based, and others geared to sleep or self-care. The intention in this program is to inspire each person to fall in love with simple weekly practices that you can do at home while sheltering in. Learn more about nutrition for the seasons, Ayurveda for modern times, and offer yoga tools for stress management and grounding. Included in the program are 10 60-minute Zoom meetings, weekly yoga practice from 4-5pm, handouts, recipes, tips and more! Cost: $150-$280/person. WINSTON-SALEM DASH GIVEAWAY MONDAYS The giveaways will run each Monday from 4-6pm or until supplies run out. Each giveaway is limited to 150 items, and only one item can be redeemed per guest each week. The items will be given out at the Hanes Team Store just inside the main gate at Truist Stadium. Proper social distancing and CDC recommended safety measures will be followed during the giveaways. The Hanes Team Store will be open to purchase Dash merchandise during each event.

FEBRUARY 5-7

BLUSH BY HAYLEY PAIGE BRIDAL TRUNK SHOW Nitsa’s Apparel, 107 South Stratford Road in W-S. Bridal trunk show with designer gowns in store. Nitsa’s offers the finest selection of designer couture bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, veils, accessories, social occasion and cocktail dresses, and sportswear. As the Carolinas’ Couture Bridal Salon, Nitsa’s provides its signature personal service and exceptional in-house alterations. Fabulous since 1964! nitsas.com

FEBRUARY 6

MUSIC OF QUEEN 8pm, Steven Tanger Performing Arts Center, 300 North Elm Street in Greensboro. Whether you’re an average fan or someone who knows every song ever recorded by Queen, there’s something for everyone including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” “We Are The Champions,” “Another One Bites the Dust” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” The best tunes that Queen and Freddie ever recorded through the years – a brilliant combination of passion and power! Experience a high-energy tribute to one of the most influential rock bands of all time, joined by the full symphonic forces of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. In the event this performance is postponed, all tickets issued, including those booked as part of the 2020-21 season, will be valid for admission to the rescheduled engagement. Patrons will be promptly alerted to any schedule changes should they occur. Cost: $20-$80/person. https:// greensborosymphony.org

FEBRUARY 12

FAMILY VALENTINE’S DANCE & DESSERTS 6-9pm, Kaleideum North, 400 West Hanes Mill Road in W-S. Bring the family to Kaleideum North for an evening of dancing, Valentine’s crafts and delicious desserts. You can explore the museum through a scavenger hunt and be entered to win a prize. We’ll have a photographer no hand who will take a picture of your family and email it to you after the event. And DJ Hek Yeh will be spinning your favorite tunes, so come with requests! Registration is limited, so purchase your tickets online to reserve your spot. Cost: $10/ member; $12/non-member.

FEBRUARY 13

ROLLING STONES TRIBUTE 8pm, Steven Tanger Performing Arts Center, 300 North Elm Street in Greensboro. A rocksolid rendition of Mick Jagger’s vocals (and moves!) – including the Stones’ number one hits: “Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” “Ruby Tuesday,” “Honky Tonk Women” and “Angie.” https://greensborosymphony.org

FEBRUARY 20

AMERICAN RHAPSODY 8pm, Steven Tanger Performing Arts Center, 300 North Elm Street in Greensboro. Experience America from a musical standpoint on a concert that pairs the beloved and familiar with the excitement of discovery. Jazz titan Duke Ellington produced a number of large-scale orchestral works, including the score for his only ballet, The River. Aaron Dworkin’s spoken-word, multimedia work The American Rhapsody sets the words of George Washington to Samuel ColeridgeTaylor’s Symphonic Variations on an African Air. Antonín Dvořák, inspired by the sounds of Native American songs and AfricanAmerican spirituals, created one of the world’s best-known masterpieces. https:// greensborosymphony.org

FEBRUARY 21

STRAVINSKY DEVIL, SOLDIER & VIOLIN 4-5:30pm, UNCG School of Music, 100 McIver Street in Greensboro. Cost: $6-$32/person. https://greensborosymphony.org

FEBRUARY 25

BALLETX Online. The special Schaefer Center Presents production will include a recorded introduction by BalletX co-founder Christine Cox, the BalletX 15th Anniversary Season video and mixed rep selections “Increasing” and “Fancy Me.” In honor of BalletX’s 15th Anniversary Season, the company has commissioned a documentary film by Daniel Madoff that highlights its growth, trajectory and continued commitment to redefining ballet in the 21st century. theschaefercenter.org

*DISCLAIMER: EVENT DETAILS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK EVENT WEBSITES & SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES FOR UPDATES AS THE DATES DRAW NEAR.*

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ACTIVITIES

Salem Gymnastics & Swim .....................45 YMCA......................................................53

BAKERY/CONFECTIONS

Be Kind Coffee........................................95 Camel City Coffee ...................................37

BEAUTY / STYLING

Lewisville Laser.......................................65 Lyndhurst Medical Spa ...........................45 Pigtails & Crewcuts .................................45

CHILDCARE

YMCA......................................................53

CHURCHES

Sunrise G3..............................................78

DENTISTS / ORTHODONTISTS

Ardmore Dentistry ..................................21 Chermak & Hanson ................................23 Forsyth Family Dental.............................33 Kingery & Kingery DDS...........................57 Salem Smiles..........................................49 Tina S. Merhoff and Associates Pediatric Dentistry..............................25

EDUCATION

Calvary Day School .................................21 Career Center High School .....................53 Forsyth Country Day School....................37 Redeemer School ...................................15

FINANCIAL

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp ....57 Piedmont Advantage Credit Union.........13 Truliant Federal Credit Union ... Back Cover Woodard & Company

Asset Management Group ..................5

HEALTH & FITNESS

Club Pilates...............................................3 YMCA......................................................53

HOME

Casual Furniture World...........................35 Chris Wrights, Hunter Realty ..................65 Dawson’s Tree Service.............................97 Dero’s......................................................51 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp ....57 Fiddle & Fig.............................................17 Icon Custom Builders .............................35 Inside Out Interior & Exterior Designs....27 Ktichen Tune-Up .....................................39 Phillips Ranson Real Estate Team ...........29 Piedmont Sheet Metal............................69 S & K Cleaning........................................61 Stitches...................................................57 Susan Maier-Colon, Broker.....................61 Weedman...............................................59

MEDICAL

Duke Eye Center .......................................7 Hillcrest Vision........................................59 Lewisville Laser.......................................65 Lyndhurst................................................45 WFBH Cancer Center ................................2 WomanCare............................................41

PHOTOGRAPHY

JEJ Photos ..............................................89 Photo Artistry by Melinda.......................83

RADIO STATIONS

Hits 100.3...............................................63 Mix 99.5 .................................................91 WBFJ.......................................................79 Q104 ......................................................81

REAL ESTATE & HOUSING

Chris Wrights, Hunter Realty ..................65 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp ....57 Icon Custom Builders .............................35 Inside Out Interior & Exterior Designs....27 Phillips Ranson Real Estate Team ...........29 Susan Maier-Colon - Berkshire Hathaway ...........................61

RESTAURANTS

Be Kind Coffee........................................95 Camel City Coffee ............................ 37, 95 Christina’s Dessertery .............................95 “Glide & Dine” with Triad Eco..................95 Hakkachow Asian Eats ............................95 Little Richard’s Smokehouse BBQ.... 39, 95 MOJI Coffee............................................95 Mossy’s ...................................................95 Nothing Bundt Cakes .............................95 Pie Guys Pizza.........................................95 Sunshine Beverage ................................95

RETAIL

Clemmons Bicycle ..................................61 Dero’s......................................................51 Fiddle & Fig.............................................17 Hip Chics Boutique & Gift.......................49

SERVICE

City Lights Ministry.................................41 Crossnore School & Children’s Home.....55 Dawsons Tree Service..............................97 Family Services.......................................43 Goin Postal .............................................97 Nu...........................................................69 S&K Cleaning..........................................61 Second Harvest Food Bank.....................47 The Resume Nerd ...................................59

UPCOMING EVENTS

Discovery Cove Getaway Giveaway.....9, 99 Forsyth Family Magazine Summer Camp Showcase ...................71 Men Who Cook.......................................73 Winterlark...............................................19