Honoring the American Flag to the End

BY CAROLYN S PETERSON

There’s truly nothing more beautiful than an American flag blowing in the wind against the backdrop of a blue sky. Knowing that it represents freedom and those who fought and sacrificed their lives for our rights always reminds me of the blessings of being an American. Because of all our flag represents, treating it with the dignity it deserves is important. So what do you do with your flag when it becomes damaged or tattered over time? Just as there is an etiquette for displaying Old Glory, there’s also a proper way of disposing of flags in a dignified manner.

Flag Dos and Don’ts

Many people know the basics: you honor the United States flag by keeping it off the ground, never flying it upside down, and you should always face the flag with your hand over your heart when saying the Pledge of Allegiance. According to the U. S. Flag Code, amended in 1976 by Congress, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Our flag is also considered a living entity and, as such, has all the rights thereof, including the right to exist and expire with dignity. Because of this code, there are dos and don’ts of flag disposal. In Lewisville, NC, there is a U. S. flag disposal receptacle located behind The G. Galloway Community Center, 131 Lucy Lane. This receptacle was purchased after a fundraiser organized by Michael Simones for his Eagle Scout project with Troop 752. The receptacle is monitored, and when full, the local scout troop holds a ceremony which includes burning of the flags, completely, the preferred manner of disposal. While the flags burn, witnesses of the ceremony recite the Pledge of Allegiance or salute, ending the ceremony with a moment of silence before burying the ashes. Other locations that accept worn flags are fire departments, the local VFW, and many hardware stores. If you don’t have a means to drop your flag off for disposal, you should still follow the guidelines for a dignified disposal. Flags don’t always have to be disposed of with the official scout or flag ceremony. According to the VFW, you first need to fold the flag in its customary manner. (Note, if your flag is made of polyester or nylon, do not burn it due to the harmful chemicals in the fabric that are released in burning.) Start your fire (if allowed in your area) and if you are able to watch it and control the fire, make sure it’s big enough to fully burn the flag before you place the folded flag on it. Next, salute the flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance or hold a moment of silence.

Once the flag has been fully consumed, make sure to extinguish the fire safely, in accordance with all local fire laws, then bury the ashes. Burying the flag in a sturdy wooden box is also an option.

There are few icons in our lives that represent so much to us as Americans, but our flag is a sacred representation of all our country has fought for to keep our rights and freedoms, and it deserves to be flown proudly and retired in a dignified manner.

CASUAL FURNITURE WORLD

Easy Summer Living!

BY MARTIE EMORY

Now, more than ever, our family’s outdoor space is a necessary treat for the soul—where we relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature and friends. If you’re welcoming summer with a renewed interest in sprucing up your outdoor living space, the talented team at Casual Furniture World should be your first and only call! Catching up with Josh Rowell—whose family has owned and operated Casual Furniture World for over 37 years—gives us some insight into the process of staging your dream space at home while savoring the longer hours of summer days!

FF: What’s the first thing clients should consider when designing a new outdoor space for the summer? How does your design team begin the process? JOSH: We like to discuss how the client wants to use the space: Will dining be the primary activity, or lounging, or do we have enough space for both, and for how many people? Our designers then work with the physical limitations of the space and design aesthetics, such as focal points, colors, and overall style preferences. Even with the popularity of online shopping, we still take great pride in our showrooms, where customers can actually sit and test the comfort of all our furniture.

FF: What are the easiest and most stylish options for providing shade? JOSH: Our cantilever umbrellas seem to be loved by customers who own them, and they are available in multiple sizes and colors, and also rotate, tilt, and even roll! This is the ultimate, versatile shade system that’s an easy delivery and setup without mounting an awning to the house or building a permanent structure. We also have cantilever umbrellas with built-in lighting and a battery pack option. FF: Tell us about some of the most popular outdoor furniture styles and fabrics?

Which ones are most durable? Which are best suited for kids? JOSH: Believe it or not, all our fabrics are great choices! We only use premium, solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, and Sunbrella is one of our largest vendors, offering solution-dyed acrylic fabrics that are extremely durable, colorfast, water-resistant, and bleach- cleanable. They are perfect for kids, dogs, and even red-wine spills! FF: Are outdoor grills still a popular addition? How do you design an entire outdoor space around a grilling area? JOSH: Absolutely! Just as the kitchen is the heart of the home, the grill—or a complete outdoor kitchen—will become the heart of the outdoor living space. Smokers, grills, griddles, and outdoor-rated refrigerators can complete the perfect setup. One of my favorite things to do is take a customer’s ideas and a rough sketch, and make the complete outdoor kitchen come to life with aluminum or PVC outdoor cabinetry, adding all of the appliances to suit their wants and needs. Our vendors supply 3D CAD drawings based upon our specifications, so potential clients can see exactly what their outdoor kitchen will look like before making a final decision. FF: If my current outdoor furniture needs a face lift—can you also help me with a re-do? JOSH: We absolutely can help if the customer is looking to replace or add to their existing space. Working with existing colors and styles is not a problem at all, and if the customer is wanting to re-work or update furniture they already have, our sister company, Triad Cushion, is best suited to step in. They can assist with chair re-slinging, new outdoor cushions, or cushion casings.

Let the well-trained sales associates of Casual Furniture World (many with previous design experience!) guide your dream towards the perfect outdoor space. Casual Furniture World is located at 1500 Hanes Mall Blvd in Winston-Salem, 336-760-1766, and online at casualfurnitureworld.com. Hours are Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m.5 p.m. You can also visit their showrooms in Greensboro, NC, and Myrtle Beach, SC, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @CasualFurnitureWorld.

After going virtual in March 2020 and curtailing many in-person events in accordance with CDC guidelines and state mandates after Forsyth Country Day School returned in the fall, they adapted quickly and delivered an incredible school year with both virtual and inperson events.

Here are some highlights:

Homecoming Court Blood Drive

Musical Performances

If your child would thrive in an engaging learning environment where students are prepared for what’s ahead—no matter what— check out FCDS. Learn more at FCDS.org or give us a call at 336.945.3151. Schedule your tour at FCDS.org/admission/schedule-your-tour! The Color Run

A First-Time Father’s Day Perspective

BY TARYN JEREZ, Interview with Leo Jerez Siobhan Lorraine Photography

How has your own experience as a dad changed how you view your own father?

I definitely have a newfound respect for my pops. I often call him up now and ask him if he remembers caring for me as an infant in the same way I’m caring for my son. It’s hard to imagine my dad waking up in the wee hours of the morning to clean up dirty diapers that I made. I actually feel a greater sense of camaraderie with him. We’ve been through the same “boot camp,” and we both know the toll a newborn brings, and the sheer pride of seeing that little one grow.

I’ve also found that I care a lot more now about the legacy of the Jerez-family name. I consider my dad to be a very special human being; he can capture an audience like no other and show superhuman levels of empathy and genuine care for others. A lot of my own unique personality, I attribute directly to him. Well, now it’s my job to pass that on to my son. And, one day when both I and my father are no longer on this earth, my boy will then carry on our name and that special “Jerez” aura. And, that is something really special.

The old saying goes that a woman becomes a mother when she finds out she’s pregnant while a man becomes a father once he holds his baby. There is a plethora of women’s perspectives as first-time mothers from parenting magazines to mommy blogs, but what about the transition that men feel becoming a dad? Society’s appreciation of the roles that fathers play in their children’s lives has definitely grown beyond the simple balance of discipline and provider with a side of dad jokes, thankfully. I thought it would be fun to sit down with my own husband and new dad to our sweet baby boy as he celebrates his very first Father’s Day to share his perspective.

Which moment did you truly feel like you had become a dad?

Honestly, I’m still not sure I “feel” like a dad. I definitely get little moments of “Dad feels.” For instance, the first time the doctor walked in and asked me, “Hi, are you Isaiah’s dad?” or when I come downstairs after work and he looks up at me and smiles and screams “Dada” with that little voice of his. But, outside of those moments, I still honestly feel like regular old me.

But, maybe that’s what fatherhood has always been about; just a “fake it ‘til you make it” thing where nobody really feels like they have this fatherhood role down perfectly. I guess if I had to pick one “moment” that really stands out as the most “Dad moment” so far would be buying my first pair of New Balances and khaki shorts! That and the first time Isaiah wrapped his little hand around my finger. There will never be anything that compares to that.

What has becoming a dad in the last year taught you about fatherhood?

I feel like I’ve learned the true meaning of responsibility. Before becoming a father, it was very easy to fall into habitual thoughts that were, frankly, selfish. Now, I feel like most of my thoughts and efforts go towards the preservation and well-being of our beautiful boy. The first few months home from the hospital, you quickly realize that nobody else is going to take the responsibility of fathering your child, and you have to step up as a man and be there for your kid.

Also, I don’t know if it’s just me, but it seems that sense of responsibility also manifests itself as a severely unwarranted fear of dying and leaving my son behind without a dad; I suddenly see the danger in everyday life around me where before I was more blissfully unaware. I never had so many morbid thoughts until after becoming a father!

What advice do you hope to impart on your son when he becomes a dad one day?

Son, all you can do is your best, every single day. You will question yourself. You will feel like you’re falling short. But, rest assured that when your child looks to you and seeks comfort, then you will know you’re doing everything right for them. No one has this all figured out on day one. But, just as you hope to impart wisdom on your child, be open to learn from them as well, and you will soon find yourself amongst the ranks of the greatest dads around.

Also, you pamper that mama. She carried and gave birth to that baby for you, and whatever she needs, you step up and do it for her without hesitation until she’s fully recovered – and even after. As you celebrate the special father-figures in your life this Father’s Day, I encourage you to ask some of these questions to learn more about what “becoming Dad” was like for them. You may learn something new about their perspective and journey to family and fatherhood that you can look back on for years to come.

Are Your Kids Ready to Kick Off the Summer?

Sign Them Up for Summer Camp with Triad Sports Management

BY AMY HILL

If your children are bursting at the seams with energy and seem to have an interest in sports, it might be time to enroll them in a soccer league or team sport. Even if you’re an adult with a full-time job looking to reintroduce yourself to the sport you played in high school or college, Triad Sports Management is able to accommodate sports enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

With locations in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Advance, Triad Sports Management (TSM) is easily accessible to all Triad residents interested in getting involved. TSM is home to men’s, women’s, and co-ed indoor soccer leagues year-round. This winter, TSM will resume their youth recreational and competitive indoor soccer leagues as well. While Triad Sports Management is home to adult and youth soccer leagues, TSM also encourages small children to participate in team sports through their Lil’ Players at the Plex program. Designed for young children ages two to four, the Lil’ Players program is structured to teach tots the basics of movement, balance, and coordination, with a focus on sports such as hockey, baseball, soccer, and football. This fall, TSM will be hosting Lil’ Players classes at their Rise Indoor Sports location in Advance. For more information on Lil’ Players at the Plex, contact Leane Kuhner at leanekuhnertsm@gmail.com. What if your small child is showing athletic promise or natural talent, but is apprehensive about team sports? Many parents are unsure whether coaxing their reluctant child into participating in a sport or hobby is the right move. Leane Kuhner suggests baby steps in socialization as a potential solution. “I would encourage the child to be around their friends, but not necessarily in a sports setting right from the start,” explains Leane. “Free play often turns into a game of some sort. Try encouraging them to play games such as tag, capture the flag, and ‘kick the can’ before introducing them to team sports.” If your child tests the waters of team sports and decides that he or she does not want to continue participating, TSM staff members are very understanding and accommodating when parents and children change their minds. In some cases, children who have previously withdrawn from TSM youth programs will return months or years later after having a change of heart. TSM staff will not pressure adults or children into finishing out a season if their hearts are not in the game.

When it comes to sports—especially contact sports—injuries are inevitable. What happens if you or your child is injured during a game? TSM is prepared to perform first-aid when necessary, with their Proehlific Park and Rise facilities being covered by Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical staff.

While COVID-19 kept many children cooped up for months on end, Triad Sports Management is happy to be hosting their Summer Sports Camp this year. For boys and girls ages 6 through 13, soccer camp will be held at TSM’s Proehlific Park location on June 14th-18th and June 21st-25th. Rise Sports Complex will be hosting MultiSport Camp on July 12th-16th and July 26th-30th. MultiSport Camp will also be held at TSM’s Greensboro Sportsplex location on July 19th-23rd and August 2nd-6th. Summer camp registration fees are $200, with an early bird registration fee of only $175. Nervous about playing team sports during the COVID-19 pandemic? TSM is adamant about following all guidelines issued to keep all players and staff members safe. According to Leane, “TSM had a successful indoor winter league season at all of our indoor facilities. Our numbers were a little lower than normal, which is understandable. The facilities ran at a limited capacity, and everyone who entered the facility wore a mask—including players. As long as the mask mandate remains in place this summer, TSM will continue to follow the same guidelines.”

Ready to sign up for a soccer league or summer camp? Visit triadsportsmanagement.com for additional information regarding TSM’s programs, summer camps, policies, and locations. Follow @triadsportsmanagement on Instagram or check out the Facebook page to stay updated on the latest news from the TSM team.

TSM

Summer Sports Camp

ONLY $200

Early bird registration $175

OUR LOCATIONS:

Proehlific Park

June 14-18 & June 21-25 Soccer Camp

Rise Sports Complex

July 12-16 & July 26-30 Multi Sport Camp

Greensboro Sportsplex

July 19-23 & August 2-6 Multi Sport Camp

Half H

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR EMAIL US: www.triadsportsmanagement.com leanekuhnertsm@gmail.com

Consumer Trends Continue Shift in 2021

More than a year into the global COVID-19 crisis and questions about post-pandemic life are emerging. Many wonder: what shifts in consumer attitudes will stick? While the crystal ball on post-COVID life is still cloudy, some impacts continue to come into focus. For more about broader trends, keep reading.

Renewed Focus on Personal Finances

Credit bureau Experian noted in April that its recent consumer survey showed Americans feeling better about their finances. Their optimism –buoyed by the confidence that came with more closely managing finances during 2020 – resulted in higher credit scores. Experian said the average FICO Score hit a record high of 710 last year, a seven-point increase from 2019. Experian noted consumers plan to stay diligent. Almost half of those surveyed said they’d use the recent stimulus payment to pay bills, while 44 percent plan to put the money into savings. Experian added that nearly two out of three people plan to find new ways to save money in upcoming months, and 36 percent will work to improve or maintain their credit score. Experian’s advice for the rest of the year? Don’t forget to re-stock your emergency savings account.

Seniors More Tech-Savvy

Aging advocacy group AARP recently reported that with limited social interaction during the pandemic, older adults increased their use of technology to stay connected. The AARP’s 2021 Tech Trends Report showed older U.S. adults are texting, emailing, and using phones more now than before the pandemic. Additionally, their use of videoconferencing has skyrocketed. As of 2019, about half had never used video chat. By 2020, 70 percent had, with one in three older adults using it weekly. Annual tech spending also increased exponentially in the age 50 plus group – from $394 to $1,144. Use in the age group for activities like ordering groceries rose from six percent to 24 percent; from 28 percent to 40 percent for telehealth visits, ordering prescriptions, or making appointments; and use for financial transactions increased 37 percent to 53 percent. The AARP’s report indicates another type of digital divide for older adults. They noted about 15 percent of U.S. adults over the age of 50 (38 million people) have no high-speed internet access, and cost is the biggest issue.

QR Code Comeback

Easy-to-scan QR (Quick Response) codes made a big comeback during the pandemic. In 2020, the nearly three decades old QR technology found a place just about everywhere, from doctor’s offices to workplaces. An April study by Ivanti Research released found 57 percent of respondents noticed an increase in QR code usage last year, and 83 percent said they used a QR code to make a payment for the first time ever. With broader acceptance, Ivanti cautions consumers to be aware of what a QR code can do once it’s scanned. They note to be aware that QR codes can give away physical locations, carry malicious URLs, or download an application.

Energy Efficiency Listings

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) notes a growing number of consumers are seeking homes with features that are good for the environment. A March 2021 NAR survey reports that the increased focus on wellness and sustainability created by the pandemic is taking shape with homebuyers through investments that make good environmental – and fiscal – sense. Over half of NAR respondents said their clients were interested in sustainability, with 32 percent saying they’d been directly involved with buying or selling a property that had green or eco-friendly features in the past 12 months. A majority of Realtors – 82 percent – said properties with solar panels were available in their market. Another 40 percent said solar panels increased the perceived property value of a home. Additionally, almost a quarter said high-performance homes – defined as using a science based approach to overall efficiency and durability – increased the dollar value offered versus similar homes.

Truliant

HOW’S YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH?

Cannon

Recent history has moved many of us to take another look at our finances—a smart thing to do in any economy. Maybe it’s been a while since you took your financial temperature… or it could be that this is the first time you’ve considered it. Either way, the time is to be sure you’re in good shape financially is now.

Let Cannon Wealth Management help with getting you started. If you would like to attend our Mid-Year Seminar “Getting Organized and Looking Ahead” on July 13, 2021, you can pre-register at www.cannon-wealth.com or simply call our office at (336) 231-6844.

BUILD. DEFEND. PRESERVE.

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor and broker-dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.

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OUR SERVICES Retirement Planning Investment Planning Risk Management/Insurance Tax Planning Estate and Legacy Planning Cash Flow Management

336.231.6844 cannon-wealth.com

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Keeping Your Family Active During COVID

BY KAREN COOPER

As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic shut much of our world down for a time. Schools have been closed (hello, virtual learning!), athletic activities were canceled, recreation facilities were shuttered and gatherings were either prohibited or limited to small group size. And breathing the airspace of others was just scary. However, some very creative people came up with fun and inventive ways to keep themselves and their kids moving, while spending more time at home.

First and foremost….Get Everyone Outside!!

Whether it’s the backyard, an open space in the neighborhood or a park, getting outside feels amazing these days! It is still important to stay six feet apart from people (unless they are in your “safe group”) and maskwearing is advised, but the good news is that you are less likely to catch the virus outdoors. Most parks are open, bike trails and hiking trails are accessible, or you can just find a sunny area to have a picnic.

Stick To a Routine

Studies have shown that family routines contribute positively to social and emotional well-being in children. Stick to a routine, with regular wake-ups and regular meal times…also keep to scheduled activity every day so the kids know to look forward to that time. If possible, try to get at least an hour of good, fun physical activity every day, as this will have excellent health and mental health benefits for everyone. As with anything, stay flexible, as weather and different needs can throw a curve ball into the best-laid plans.

Get Kids Involved with Sports

As things start opening back up, getting your youngsters involved in a sport may be a great option. The risk of COVID-19 is slightly increased if they participate in a team sport, so it’s important to find organizations and coaches who believe in following CDC guidelines. Outdoor activities are a better choice than indoor, and to really be on the safe side, you might consider sports like tennis or golf. If your child is going to participate in team sports, find a team that follows the same philosophy you do to keep your kids safe.

Go for a Walk or Bike Ride in Your Neighborhood

Round everyone up and explore your neighborhood! Maybe even meet some socially distanced neighbors while you’re at it. As long as you stick to the “six-feet-apart” rule, this can be an easy, fun way to get some exercise without getting in the car. You will probably want to consider a good time of day for these activities. A time when a minimal amount of people will be out doing the same thing. Maybe around dinner time when others in the neighborhood are inside eating dinner would be a good time for you to get active? Think about what would work well for you and also keep crowds to a minimum.

Create a playground in the Backyard

Say the words “Backyard playground” and the kid’s wheels will probably start turning. This can be a fun activity for your family to design, set up and play with. Check out You Tube and Pinterest for ideas and find something that meets your budget and level of commitment (how much work you are willing to put into this thing). You may already have items at home that you could use. Things like pool toys, hula hoops, folding chairs and step ladders for an obstacle course. Rope and a spare tire for a tire swing. Tarps, dish soap and a garden hose for the best slip n’ slide ever! Proceed with caution, but you may have never imagined the backyard could be so much fun!

Even though things are opening back up and you may feel safer participating in activities outside, don’t let your guard down completely. Choose locations that will be less crowded, continue to practice social distancing and make sure your kids know to do the same. Always wear your mask if the environment gets crowded.

Finally, remind your family to wash their hands often, either at the sink with warm, soapy water, or with hand sanitizer for at least 30 seconds….and not to touch their faces!

How to Host a Successful Community Garage Sale

BY TARYN JEREZ

Sunny Summer days are the perfect time to organize a community garage sale and part with items in your home that are no longer serving you, while making a little spending money for summer activities! There are so many benefits to coming together to host a multi-family garage sale! From added motivation and accountability, to larger customer traffic and sales, a community garage sale can be simple and successful, if you know what to do!

Here are five steps to roll out a successful community garage sale your neighborhood will thank you for!

#1NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: Enlist the Help of a Neighbor or Two to Plan Your Sale It’s exciting to think about the possibilities of getting everyone together for a joint venture, and remember, even the simplest of tasks can sometimes feel a little overwhelming alone! Reach out to a few neighbors to see if they are interested in helping plan the community sale, or create a post on Facebook or Nextdoor with an all-call! Having additional hands (and minds) on deck will be helpful when figuring out all the logistics. You’ll want to decide on a date to host the event, such as a Friday or Saturday, as these days tend to be most successful! Be sure to lock down a time frame as well, keeping in mind that most garage sale shoppers love to start their adventures early in the morning.

#2 GET THE WORD OUT: Create a Marketing Plan and Assign Responsibilities Spreading the word is your biggest responsibility as the planner! Think about the strong suits of each person helping plan the sale and assign different roles to each person. You’ll want to create a flyer for neighbors with all the important details on them to pass out to houses: date, time, sale coordinator contact information for questions, and helpful suggestions, such as how much change to have on them and tips for set-up. Divvy up the role of flyer distribution around your neighborhood so everyone is helping get the word out. Who will create signage and who will actually put out the signs the night before the sale? Who is the Internet-savvy neighbor ready to create a Facebook Marketplace ad or Craigslist post to market the event?

#3 EXTRA EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT: Inform Your Neighborhood about Dates and Details The most important step in hosting a successful community garage sale is communication with your community! The flyers your planning committee created will be passed out, of course, per your marketing plan, but make sure whose ever contact information is on the flyer gets back to any questions that may be asked. If you have an HOA with access to a neighborhood e-mail list or Facebook group, perhaps send a reminder about the sale or create a poll to see who plans to participate! If you and your family tend to walk around the block in the evenings, don’t be shy! Embrace a little “howdy neighbor” Southern hospitality and let them know about the upcoming event!

#4 MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Create Sustainable Ways to Part with Non- Purchased Goods It may seem like your planning checklist is complete, but knowing what to do after the sale ends is just as important. The fact is, so many families will enjoy clearing out their homes and garages of unwanted items that the thought of bringing unsold goods back into their home feels awful. To avoid an unwarranted amount of useful items being wasted and sent to landfills, have a plan in place for what your community can do with unsold items. Have a few people who will pick up unwanted items to donate to a local thrift store or charity after the sale. You can also offer a drop-off location at someone’s home to make it easier. Be sure to include this information on the flyer you send out to your community.

#5 GAIN FEEDBACK: Survey Your Community About Their Experience When it’s all said and done, you hope your efforts knocked it out of the park, and your neighbors enjoyed the community garage sale experience! While customers are looking around, ask how they found out about the sale to see which marketing tactics worked. Do they live in the community or did they see the sale on your Facebook post? If you are able to tag a family member in to keep an eye on things, try to walk around your block to talk to participating neighbors about how things are going during the sale. The information will help you determine any changes you’d want to make next time around and even help you make the decision to host again or not. Plus, this is a great opportunity to mingle with neighbors you may not have had the chance to meet just yet!

Remember, as cliche as it might sound, be sure to add “have fun” to the list! The best way to determine if a community garage sale is successful is if you and your neighbors enjoy themselves and feel like your efforts were met with positive feelings. Now get out there, start planning your own sale and go make some money!