Let’s Get Real: Things to Consider When Buying Your Teenager a Car

LET’S GET REAL:

Things to Consider When Buying Your Teenager a Car

BY KAREN COOPER

For most teenagers, learning to drive and dreaming of having their own car is their ticket to freedom. It’s an exciting time in their lives they will always remember. For parents, it can be a scary, nerve-wracking time due to the concerns of the expense of a car and the dangers it can present… especially to new drivers. No doubt about it, cars are a big responsibility! If you choose to buy one for your new driver, you may want to consider the following:

SAFETY Many teenagers have less awareness of their own mortality. They don’t understand the dangers of driving fast or swerving in and out of lanes. They don’t always understand that they’re driving a piece of machinery that weighs 1 or 2 tons that can cause serious injury in even a small collision.

Safety may not be at the top of your teenager’s list of priorities, but it will most likely be at the top of yours! No amount of technology will ever fully ensure the safety of someone driving irresponsibly, but you might want to consider safety features, such as airbags, which can mitigate or prevent injuries among drivers and passengers in a crash, and anti-lock brakes and traction control, which can help prevent accidents from ever occurring.

POWER

If you have a son like mine, the focus of his car search may be on engine size and horsepower above all else. For a new driver, too much power can be a dangerous thing. Teenagers will not have the skill and experience to handle a car they can drive too fast. Buying a car with a powerful engine can end up being a disaster for your kid. The temptation to push the limits can be too great, and accidents at fast speeds can be devastating.

PRICE The amount you decide to spend on your new driver’s car is dependent on your budget. There are different schools of thought on whether to spend less money on a used car or whether to go ahead and buy something new. On the one hand, it seems irresponsible to spend too much, considering that teenagers can be very hard on their cars. They are more reckless drivers and are at greater risk of getting into an accident. A car driven by a teenager is more likely to need repairs, simply because they are still learning to drive. Another side of the argument is that it’s important for teen drivers to have the most upto-date safety features, and therefore, buying a new car is preferable. Again, this will come down to budget and personal choice.

In most states, car insurance is dramatically more expensive for drivers under the age of 25. That has to do with the fact that younger drivers are more likely to get in accidents and cost their insurance company money…so you won’t only have to pay for a new car, but you’ll also have to pay higher insurance premiums each month, not to mention expenses for gas and routine maintenance.

RELIABILITY The Internet offers a variety of websites with advice on vehicle reliability.

• Edmunds.com • Kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book) • Consumerreports.com • Jdpower.com

Regardless of what the Internet has to say about the car you are considering, it is still a good idea to have that vehicle professionally inspected before you buy…especially if it is a used vehicle, and ESPECIALLY if it is being sold in “as is” condition.

SET EXPECTATIONS Once you’ve gone over all the details and made the decision to buy a car, set ground rules for your new driver, such as NO making phone calls while driving, no texting, or taking selfies while driving—ever. Also, discuss how many people are allowed to be in the car at once, how far your teen is allowed to go, and what time he or she will generally need to be home.

Talk to your teen about how much you expect them to contribute to the car costs. In addition to the price of the vehicle and the insurance, there will be fees for the registration, inspection, and license plate. And once they’re on the road, they will be paying for gas, parking, cleaning, and maintenance.

WATER BOUND

Wet and Wild Water Sports in North Carolina to Keep Cool this Summer

BY SUSAN B B. SCHABACKER

Summer has officially begun, and the hottest months of the year are here. The beach is calling, but for adventure seekers and activity lovers who cherish the water, there are other bodies of water in North Carolina that beckon, as well. Body boarding is a common type of surfing, and body surfing is considered by some as the purest form of surfing.

Suggested NC Surfing Places: The Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Jennette’s Pier, and S-Curves in Northern Rodanthe

Take like a fish to water? Whether you stick to the heated indoor pool, swim in a local lake, wade in a river or stream, have fun at a water park, or venture out into the vast ocean, stay active in—or on—the type of water of your choice.

WIND AND WATER

SURF’S UP, DUDETTE!

SURFING – Perhaps it was the Beach Boys who iconized it with “Surfin’ USA,” but surfing has become a popular water sport, making waves with knee boarding and surf matting (riding inflatable mats). WINDSURFING combines surfing and sailing (also known as “sailboarding” or “boardsailing”) and emerged from the California surf culture circa in the 1960s. This recreational water sport is divided into the two main categories of racing and riding.

Suggested NC Windsurfing Places: Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Avon, and Frisco

WAKE UP AND WAKEBOARD

Thrill-seekers may enjoy this adrenaline-pumping high-impact water sport. Wakeboarders ground their feet on the board and hold on to a rope attached to the back of a boat designed specifically for wakeboarding, with rigging and engine power to set you flying along the water. For the more advanced and daring, there are always jumps and flips. If trying this out in man-made bodies of water, pulled around by a built-in cable, it may be best to start with support from coaches to guide you along. Suggested NC Wakeboarding Places: Hyco, Kerr, Falls, and Lake Norman

BORED? BOARD UP WITH KITES AND PARACHUTES

KITEBOARDING or kitesurfing with a large power kite propelled by wind along water, land, or snow surface combines the thrills of paragliding, surfing, windsurfing, and snowboarding. Kitesurfers ride on a “twin tip” bi-directional board, similar to a wakeboard. A wet suit is a good idea when kiteboarding in cold waters.

Suggested NC Kiteboarding Places: Blown Island Riding Spot, located near Emerald Isle, NC Cape Hatteras, Crystal Coast, Ocracoke Island, and Wilmington

PARASAILING, also known as parascending or parakiting, takes place where the parasailer is towed behind a vehicle (e.g., boat) that’s attached to a parasail wing, like a parachute.

Suggested NC Parasailing Places: Beautfort, Atlantic Beach, Avon, Corolla, Duck, Manteo, Nag’s Head, and Rodanthe

SUP Y’ALL? ON BOARD WITH SUP YOGA

SUP (STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING) is a fairly laid-back water activity ideal for toning those abs with core-centering; it involves balancing on a large board on the water. SUP yoga is best practiced on calm bodies of water such as lakes, bays, or harbors. Build endurance, improve

your posture, and strengthen your muscles. Not only is it a relaxing form of body conditioning that aligns the mind, body, and spirit, but also provides an overall workout. paddle power. Try kayaking if you’re looking for an upperbody workout that strengthens not just your arms but also shoulders, chest, back, and core. Love fishing? Kayak to a spot where fish congregate and quietly drop a baited line. Start out in the gentler waters before heading out to the river rapids.

Suggested NC Kayaking Places: Devil’s Gut near Jamesville, Rocky River Blueway, Three Sisters Swamp, Bald Cypress, and Black Water

CANOEING involves paddling a canoe with a single-bladed paddle in a variety of water settings, including lakes, rivers, oceans, ponds, and streams.

Suggested NC SUP Places: Cape Fear River, Lillington, Wilmington, Cornelius Catawba River, see TriadEcoAdventures. com for local options. Suggested NC Canoeing Places: Auto, Cherokee, Bakersville, and Smoky Mountain River.

RATHER STAY (MOSTLY) DRY? TRY PADDLE POWER

KAYAKING is a low-impact water sport in a small boat that seats one or two people and is propelled by double-bladed So, whether you’re heading for an outdoor water adventure, a nearby water park, or a swim at the neighborhood pool, water-bound is the way to make the most of your summer!

Visit Kaleideum This Summer!

✸ Kaleideum North and Kaleideum Downtown will be open every day May 29-August 22. ✸ Summer passes available. ✸ KaleideumWe kindly ask that you to wear a mask in accordance with state regulations.

Visit Kaleideum.org for more information.

the Farmer’s Basket

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

featuring

Mabe’s Berry Farm

The open forum of a marketplace is a burst of seasonal colors and a steady buzz of chatter. The curious shopper discovers she has direct access to fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables, herbs, dairy-based products, and proteins. The woman or man behind the table provides a small sampling of popular items; yet, shoppers can experience a more comprehensive array of goods by visiting the farm. It’s vital to introduce yourself and inquire if there is a “farm store.” Most likely, it’s on a familiar road, not too far from home! “Support local” is more than just an expression. It’s an opportunity to support growers and farmers in communities near you!

King’s Farmer’s Market

On 105 Moore Road in King, any visitor will find a sign for the YMCA; yet, on Wednesdays from 11 AM to 1 PM from May through October, they’ll find tents in the lower parking with local growers and farmers. Expect to find farm fresh eggs, cheeses, plants, and cut flowers. You’ll discover handmade soaps, spice blends, salves, balms, candles, and offerings of local honey.

Shoppers can expect apricots, asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, eggplant, a variety of berries, greens, and herbs to be in season. It’s also strawberry season; so, consider a pick-your-own location! Fortunately, Walnut Cove offers an extraordinary scenic view!

Cheryl Mabe, Proud Female Farmer

Some places become sweeter with age. Fifty years ago, in 1967, Bill and Emma Mabe started one of the first strawberry farms in North Carolina. In 2002, daughter Cheryl Mabe Rodgers became a second-generation farmer! Cheryl says with pride, “I run the farm and am proud to call it my baby!”

Planting Fresh Each Year

With a desire to grow large, juicy strawberries, the work of each year’s planting extends to the helping hands of family and the knowledge of growing. Even though the season only lasts from late April through June, the remaining months are a time of preparation and waiting. soil samples help understand the earth’s composition from the far corners to the center. Science is necessary, at this point, to determine what ratio of fertilizers will encourage growth and nutrients to each plant.

AUGUST: The extended family, comprising aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, in-laws, and older children come together to process plant clippings immersed in water and in 50-cell greenhouse trays.

OCTOBER: Across three days, a carousel planter follows the cyclical pattern by punching a hole in new black plastic, planting, and covering roughly 80,000 variations of Chandler strawberry plants. A well-received selection due to its large, juicy fruit!

Crop-Saving Technology

Temperature fluctuations and nights reaching below freezing temperatures when blooms appear can dramatically damage the crop. Fortunately, a technological device called a “Thermocouple,” connected to buds, indicates current temperatures throughout 24-hours. Sprinklers, from an underground irrigation system, ice plants as a means of providing enveloping protection. Superior advancements have come a long way to ensure all ages can enjoy the plump, juicy experience of consuming strawberries. Of course, you cannot eat just one!

Pick-Your-Own

On Wednesday, April 28th, the anticipated day arrived. Mabe’s Berry Farm opened to welcome a new season of customers. Strawberry season continues through June, whether you choose to bring children or friends and pick your own, or schedule a pick-up. The farm, located at 1695 Greenfield Road in Walnut Cove, opens at 10 AM. “We are blessed to live in the country,” shares Christy. “Nothing thrills us more than to see a child come out of the field on a Saturday morning, covered in red strawberry juice.” Right as strawberry season ends, blueberry season begins!

Time to Plant

As a lover of fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables, you’ll find June is a prime time to consider planting a second crop of your favorites. Consider adding another row of beans, peppers, celery, chili peppers, dill, kohlrabi, okra, cantaloupes, corn, and zucchini to buckets and barrels or raised beds. If you’re looking to recreate the ultimate patch in October and celebrate the Great Pumpkin, plant seeds in June. Water thoroughly! It takes great effort to grow a hefty fruit!

FAMILY SERVICES REVIEW

After more than a year of pandemic stress and uncertainty, it’s natural to grasp on to hope if given the chance.

Vaccine availability is rising, the weather is warming, and many of us are finding that our lives almost have a normal rhythm. Today, we ask you to support the essential work of Family Services as we respond to an increased need for assistance throughout our community. We are here and ready to help anyone and everyone who needs us, providing support, relief, and solutions 24/7.

Make your donation by June 30th and you can double the impact of your generosity, thanks to a $25,000 matching gift donation by a longtime supporter who recognizes the urgency of this moment in our community.

But for many in our community, the arrival of spring offers little in the way of emotional rejuvenation. In fact, far too many people continue to suffer increased levels of anxiety, often made worse by feelings of inadequacy, as they are unable to join others in seasonal optimism.

This is why counseling calls to Family Services have surged during the pandemic—in March alone calls were about three times our pre-pandemic average. We are receiving urgent requests for help from people facing domestic violence and sexual assault. And our counseling services are in high demand, as many in our community feel more isolated and at risk than ever before. As always, thank you for giving generously to Family Services, so we may continue to help build—and sometimes rebuild—strong families during a time that is challenging for us all.

In this wave of reaching out, we are hearing from many first-time callers. Overwhelmed healthcare workers, distressed teachers, and perhaps most striking, teenagers and children who are suffering from anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness.

We are hearing a common refrain from many people as they confront debilitating, but vague depression: “I’m not sure how to ask for help. I’m not sure what I need. But I’m struggling.”

Another tragic consequence for the most vulnerable among us is the decrease in funding for these services. Normally paid for through an allocation of court fees, this stream of critical support has dried up substantially, as there are fewer cases going to trial, due to social distancing protocols. With gratitude, Michelle Speas, Vice President, Philanthropy and Public Relations Family Services