Celebrating New Year’s Eve Around the World

BY ELISA WALLACE COPPEDE

EvEry year, on December 31st, the United States starts counting down to the New Year. Champagne is popped, food prepared, and parties are in full swing, as friends and family gather around the clock to cheer on a new beginning. Between a world pandemic and a very divided presidential election, the one thing many can agree on in 2021 is how thankful we are to have the chaotic year of 2020 behind us.

Considering that the COVID-19 pandemic is still in full swing in our country, and social distancing is highly encouraged, the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations may be put on hold. Small, immediate family gatherings are likely to happen, which have many wondering how they can properly celebrate this holiday. However, just because the gathering may be smaller doesn’t mean that New Year’s Eve should lack old and new traditions, from rituals like enjoying fresh champagne at midnight to kissing one’s love. While the large parties may not be happening, these routines can still occur. Looking for inspiration on how to make your own small celebration unique this year? Read on for a few ideas from other cultures on how they celebrate the New Year!

DENMARK- Watch out below! Talk about taking out some of the 2020 stress! This country has several fun traditions to enjoy. First off, Danes enjoy listening to the Queen’s speech while waiting on the official clock to chime at the Royal Palace in Copenhagen. However, one of the most fun traditions is Denmark’s annual rite to take out any personal stress on unused dishes. Every year many head outside to slam down and break old dishes. Danes also enjoy climbing on top of chairs to literally JUMP into the New Year!

IRELAND- Let’s clean! The Irish have some celebrations that anyone who loves a tidy house would enjoy! One of the first traditions they partake in is to spot-clean their entire house. Outside, the Irish even clean up their garden and cars. As it gets closer to midnight, it is also tradition to throw bread at the walls to chase away evil spirits. (Although this seems to contradict the cleaning.) One of the most special traditions, which all can employ this year, is to have an “Irish Special Dinner,” where you reminisce about family and close friends who passed away. To honor these loved ones, the Irish often leave the door unlatched and set a place for them at the table.

SPAIN- Bring on the grapes! Spain is a country known for its delicious wine. While many Spaniards do enjoy some “vino” to celebrate, this is not the only way they commemorate the holiday. The Spanish tradition is to eat 12 grapes, one at a time at midnight. Each grape represents one of your wishes, and if you manage to stuff every grape into your mouth, all your dreams will come true! Another fun custom is to wear colored underwear, with specific colors representing a different hope for the New Year.

AUSTRALIA- Bring on the sun! Australians enjoy a new year in the middle of summer. This said, their celebrations take on a slightly different approach to the holiday. Many enjoy activities outside, from boating to hiking. At midnight, many in Sydney watch the fireworks over the famous Sydney Harbor.

SOUTH AFRICA- Out with the old, in with the new! During New Year’s Eve, those in South Africa are expected to throw out any old furniture. They do so by throwing it out of the window and into the street! Many also enjoy heading to Cape Town to attend a special carnival with singing, dancing, and lots of bright clothes and face paint.

PERU- Let’s enjoy some potatoes! A unique Peruvian tradition is one that involves their beloved crop—the potato. Many Peruvians enjoy a fun custom that involves putting three potatoes under a chair. One of these potatoes is peeled, one is partially peeled, and the other has all its skin. At midnight, a person chooses a potato with their eyes closed, and each yields a prediction for the future. If you happen to be the one that gets the potato with skin, you’ll be prosperous; getting the one that’s partially peeled means you’ll have a normal year, and finally, if you are the unlucky one who gets the potato with no skin, you’re not likely to make much money that year.

CHINA- Sending loved ones “special mail.” The Chinese have several fun New Year’s Eve traditions to celebrate this holiday. However, one of the most unique and thoughtful rituals is how families give out “lucky” (pretend) money to their loved ones. This money is put into red envelopes, with their family members’ names on the outside. Once they open the envelope, they will find the good luck money, along with a special message written to them in gold.

Fake vaccine packaging:

Coronavirus Scams Spreading Fast

Government organizations are learning about “safeguards and brandprotection features” that the vaccine drug companies are planning to put in place to guard against fraud, according to the Associated Press. Unfortunately, these safeguards may not be in place until the second round of vaccines because everything is being done so quickly. The government organizations are putting a premium on educating health-care providers on what the real vaccine containers look like. Homeland Security officials and drug makers are working together to ensure that vaccines are clearly labeled. The companies are also setting In the early days of COVID-19, scammers and fraudsters focused their up hotlines to gather tips about potential fraud. criminal activities on selling counterfeit items – N95 masks, personal protective equipment, COVID-19 test kits, hand sanitizers – to hospitals The FDA offers these tips for identifying false or misleading claims: and individual consumers. • Be suspicious of products that claim to treat a wide range of diseases. Now that a vaccine is about to be approved, the Department of Homeland • Personal testimonials are no substitute for scientific evidence. Security (DHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. • Few diseases or conditions can be treated quickly. Be suspicious of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are seeing a significant any therapy claims that are a “quick fix.” number of websites for deceptive and misleading products that tout fake COVID-19 cures. More than 70,000 fraudulent websites have • If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. been identified. • Miracle cures that claim scientific breakthroughs or contain secret In addition, more than 250,000 fraudulent coronavirus reports have ingredients are likely a hoax. Truliantbeen filed with the Federal Trade Commission, amounting to $190 million in losses. • Do not buy COVID-19 vaccines or treatments over the internet or through an online pharmacy. These websites often try to sell “unproven and illegally marketed products • Do not respond to text messages, emails or calls about vaccines that make false claims, such as being effective against the coronavirus,” and treatments. said a statement from the FDA. “These fraudulent products that claim The best advice: to cure, treat, or prevent COVID-19 haven’t been evaluated by the FDA Only get vaccines from an approved medical provider. Don’t respond to for safety and effectiveness and might be dangerous to you and your calls seeking personal information, and don’t click on social media posts family,” the agency reported on its website. that are selling COVID-19 “cures.” But the fraud tactics are also going beyond fake cures and fake websites. Finally, if you have a question about a treatment or test found online, talk Here are the most prominent scam techniques: to your health care provider or doctor. Phishing scams: If you have a question about a medication, call your pharmacist or the The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Justice Department have FDA. The FDA’s Division of Drug Information (DDI) will answer almost issued warnings about phishing text messages and emails. These any drug question. DDI pharmacists are available by email, druginfo@ messages might warn that you have been exposed to someone with fda.hhs.gov, and by phone, 855-543-DRUG (3784) and 301-796-3400. COVID-19. The messages may include a link that will download malware to your device if the link is clicked. These messages usually appear to be from real businesses or government agencies. Criminals also use Federally insured by NCUA. these messaging vehicles to sell fraudulent treatments and vaccines. Financial scams:

Federal agencies are warning of schemes designed to steal government payments. In May, Credit Karma found that 1 in 5 Americans had been contacted by scammers about stimulus payments or unemployment benefits. Consumers should be particularly wary of emails or phone calls that refer to “stimulus.” They may ask you to sign over a check or give them personal information like your Social Security number. On Facebook, there are fraudulent messages that promise “COVID-19 relief grants.” With the economic fallout increasing nationwide, criminals are also pretending to be banks and other lending organizations. They offer bogus help with bills, credit-card debt or student loans. In addition, small businesses are being targeted as scammers try to get them to apply for fake loans.

SUPPORT and COMMUNITY:

The Heart of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina

BY DENISE HEIDEL / PHOTO ARTISTRY BY MELINDA

It’s a community that’s been 132 years in the making—the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina. After decades of consistent service, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina has become a trusted establishment and haven for many. Historically, it’s a place where members have gone to be nurtured—physically, mentally, and spiritually. But in 2020, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina took things a step further—they stepped up to serve in a brand new way.

And now it’s 2021. And what can we expect in 2021? More of the same, dependable support that the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina is known for, and that they have demonstrated so well! The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina has proved to be an anchor in the storm for many who are experiencing deeply troubled waters, through e-learning, emergency services, and virtual programs. In addition, the Y’s staff has worked tirelessly to ensure the indoor wellness facilities are safe and clean for everyone.

KEEPING MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY SAFE The Y’s wellness facilities reopened in early September, after closing for nearly 6 months in compliance with executive orders across the state. During that time, the necessary work was done to make sure the Y would be a safe, clean place, not just for members, but the community as a whole.

“Two of our greatest commitments as a YMCA are to Healthy Living and Social Responsibility,” Stan Law, President and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, said. “Making sure our Ys are safe—not just to staff and members, but to their families, neighbors, and anyone else who they may interact with—is absolutely necessary during the ongoing pandemic. We owe it to everyone in our community to do our part.”

The Y has taken necessary precautions, such as spacing out fitness equipment to six feet or more, regularly deep- cleaning the facilities—down to the air filtration system —limiting capacity inside the building, and making sure participants in group-exercise classes are spaced safely apart.

E-LEARNING ACADEMY With the shutdown of public schools, parents throughout the area, state, and country have been faced with monumental challenges. For those parents who have jobs that can be done from home, it may not be easy, but it’s do-able.

For parents whose jobs require them to work away from home—it’s another matter. And then, some families don’t have regular access to a Wi-Fi connection. In order to meet the needs of these families, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina’s Youth Development Team came up with a solution early on—E-Learning Academy.

The E-Learning Academy model opens the doors to students to give them the structure they need to succeed in academics during the time when the traditional classroom is not an option. Stan Law shared, “Parents have experienced tremendous challenges with the closure of our schools, not to mention the toll it’s taken on our students. For those essential and frontline workers, there was no option. Plan B simply didn’t exist. We are so proud of our Youth Development Team’s strategy to rise to the occasion.

“Through our E-Learning Academy program,” Law continued, “We are able to give kids a safe space to learn and the structure they need, while giving their parents peace of mind while they go about their jobs. Our team has worked hard to create a safe model, where kids receive adult supervision, tutoring, and help with their schoolwork, as well as healthy lunches and peer connections. We’re following all the state rules regarding masks, sanitation, and social distancing. And we have flexible options that can accommodate every individual family’s needs—whether their children need E-Learning Academy through the whole week or only a few days. All the student needs to do is bring their laptop and tools they may need for school. And bonus—when the kids are finished with their schoolwork, they can enjoy the benefits available at the YMCA, too.”

Michael Bragg, Communications Director for the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, shared, “E-Learning Academy is a program that is available at all our YMCA of Northwest North Carolina locations, and the staff to student ratio is 1 to 10 at all locations. The program has been a huge success. Families who are interested in enrolling their children in E-Learning Academy can learn more at ymcanwnc.org/e-learningacademy. Pricing is based on both YMCA membership, as well as the family’s financial abilities—scholarships are available. “I know myself and other families are depending on the YMCA program as a resource to get through this school year. Thanks again for all you do.”

~ Christian C.

“You guys are making a huge difference in these kids’ lives (including ours), and we are so thankful for this opportunity.”

~ Daytra H.

“When the schools shut down last spring, I didn’t have the luxury of homeschooling my nine-yearold son because my job requires me on site, and I can’t do my work from home. The YMCA of NWNC eLearning program has been a lifesaver for our family. It’s so comforting to know that my son is in a safe environment, and moreover, an environment he enjoys. He has continued to flourish academically because of the program, so he hasn’t lost his classroom momentum. Because we have been with eLearning since the beginning, we have seen how the YMCA has adapted and responded to the needs of the student. They’ve done an excellent job of being flexible so that the kids get their schoolwork done, they have some free time to be kids, and of course, they are great at communicating with the parents! I’m not sure where our family would be without the YMCA of NWNC’s eLearning program! They quickly identified a solution for a problem no one saw coming!” ~Stefanie J. (Shown on cover with son Jasiah)

EMERGENCY SERVICES Bragg continued, “The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina has routinely offered emergency services to families for years. And during the pandemic, we pivoted and found ways to respond to the challenges of COVID. We worked through the chaos and uncertainties by providing emergency childcare services for essential and frontline workers,” Bragg explained.

“Additionally,” he continued, “We’ve partnered with many notable service organizations throughout the community for years, including the American Red Cross, Second Harvest Food Bank, and the United Way—to name a few. Some of the ways we’ve offered emergency services include meal distributions. At our Fulton and Winston Lake YMCA locations, between March and August, we (along with the Minister’s Conference of Winston-Salem & Vicinity and Second Harvest Food Bank) served 66,000+ to-go meals through a drive-through service. With so many out of work during that time, we were happy to work together in this community to make sure meals were provided to those who needed them.”

The Y recently received a grant to restart food access initiatives. Law added, “We have also worked with the American Red Cross to host blood drives. Between November and March, we’ve collected 971 units of blood at 11 locations. That’s an ongoing effort that, to date, has saved 2,913+ lives.”

As part of their ongoing commitment to community, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina also addressed the issue of isolation, especially with the elderly in our community. Law said, “We were committed to making sure that those higher-risk members stayed connected. Our Membership team reached out to both the active and inactive members to make sure they were okay. If there was a need, we helped connect them to the resources available in our community. Our team made calls to over 5800 senior citizens who are affiliated with the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina.”

“Beyond emergency services, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina has also met members’ needs through technology and outside-the-box thinking. “Our fitness staff provided virtual fitness instructions by creating over 250 videos for YouTube since March. There have been over 200,000 views, and our team is currently revamping those videos with fresh content.”

“And our outdoor group exercise proved to be a big hit,” Stan said. “Even as the weather has gotten colder, we still have members making positive comments about those outdoor classes!” according to Law.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT IS NEEDED When it comes to giving back, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina has certainly risen to the occasion. “We’ve been thankful that even during COVID, our members paid dues and provided financial support to our organization,” said Law. “Those fees and gifts enable us to keep going strong, despite being closed for six months. We are committed to being there for Forsyth County and beyond, but we still need support.” The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, and through generous supporters, programs to meet the needs of the community during a pandemic have been made possible. Financial gifts also mean that families in need can have access to programs and resources they may not be able to afford otherwise.

Gifts can be mailed to the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina at 301 N. Main Street, Suite 1900, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Donations can also be given online through the website. You can also designate funds through the YMCA Endowment Fund.

The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina certainly did their part in 2020. Let’s make sure our community does our part for them in 2021!

The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina has multiple YMCA locations throughout Forsyth County and the surrounding area. Visit YMCANWNC.org to find the YMCA location closest to you. Stay connected through Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Celebrate Life!

Life is made for celebrating! Birthdays, graduations and anniversaries are just a few of the many reasons to celebrate. The Forsyth Family annual Birthday Bonanza issue is designed to be a year-long resource to help plan all your celebrations from January to December!

So whether you’re planning a party now or want to save this for later in the year, we hope the Birthday Bonanza guide and pull-out calendar for 2021 will help you plan celebrations that are both wonderful and memorable.

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