15 minute read

Here’s to Strong Women

May We Know Them, May We Be Them, and May We Raise Them

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

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Whether it is our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, or aunts, we all have strong women who have influenced us in our lives. These women have taught us valuable lessons, given us memorable advice, and have guided us through tough times. I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the strong guidance and influence from my mom and grandmother. Often times, we can also be motivated by historical women. March is known as “Women’s History Month,” a time to celebrate these powerful inspirational women and pass on their wisdom to the next generations. Let’s start by taking a look at some women in history who have impacted others and the lessons we can pass on.

MAYA ANGELOU: A poet, singer, writer, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou stood up against racial prejudices and discrimination. In her works, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, she wove her life experiences, tackled hard subjects and taught how to be a strong person to many people. In addition, this book made history as being the first nonfiction best-seller by an AfricanAmerican woman and helped show others how to use literature to overcome racism and traumatic events.

MALALA YOUSAFZAI: Growing up, Malala was educated in an all-girls school in her village in Pakistan. This experience inspired her to speak out about women’s rights and a woman’s right to education. However, her voices made her a target for the Taliban. At the age of 15, a gunman shot her in the head, but thankfully, she survived and continues to tell her story throughout the world. Two years later, in 2014, Malala won the Nobel Peace Prize, making her the youngest recipient ever. She has been quoted as saying, “I tell my story not because it is unique, but because it is the story of many girls.”

MARIE CURIE: In order to raise strong women, it is imperative that girls see women who have succeeded in their passions and interests. Marie Curie changed the history of science with her discovery of radium and polonium, and development of a portable X-ray machine in a male-dominated field. She also won two Nobel Prizes, in chemistry and physics. Marie Curie still holds the title of the only person to receive two Nobel Peace Prizes in two different sciences.

Knowing, being, and raising strong women can have a different meaning to everyone, based on their life, experiences, and values, and that is okay. First, determine what being a strong woman looks like for you. Think about how you want to mentor your daughters or other young girls in your life. Then, model that behavior. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in and go after your goals, big or small. Other ways to be a strong woman include making sure you take care of yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally, as well as facing your fears while still realizing mistakes are a part of growing. Focus on the positives about yourself, those around you, and your life, have a sense of humor, and understand that you are more important than your flaws and appearance. The future looks brighter for women, and one thing is for sure, no matter how you look at it, all women are strong women in one way or another.

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Casual Furniture World

BY DENISE HEIDEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEJ PHOTOS

A special thank you to Tim and Pamela Byrd who allowed us to use their home in Lexington, NC for this photo shoot. Casual Furniture World designed the outdoor kitchen, as well as chose appliances, most furnishings, and created the outdoor fireplace and center kitchen island. This was done in collaboration with All Decked Out of the Triad and Mr. Byrd’s landscaping company.

There are over 5.5 million family-owned businesses in America, and Winston-Salem has its own fair share. In fact, one such locally owned family-owned business has endured for over 37 years—Casual Furniture World. Owned by the Rowell family, Casual Furniture World has a well-earned reputation for excellence in the world of outdoor living spaces.

Josh Rowell is the Vice President and acting president of Casual Furniture World. “My father started the business when I was around two-years-old,” said Josh. “So I grew up with Casual Furniture World and worked in the business when I was in college. I’ve done everything from deliveries to assembling furniture, to accounting and sales. My role today is managing the operations for Casual Furniture World, as well as our sister company that specializes in private-label outdoor cushions.”

“We have a comprehensive product line that covers a wide range of budgets and styles,” Josh continued. And in addition to outdoor living rooms, we have accessories such as grills, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and fire pits. Customers know and trust us for our service and variety.”

“We bought outdoor furniture at Casual Furniture World 13 years ago, and it is still in great shape. We are still using it today.” ~ Sharon L.

“Our outdoor furnishings are priced in the mid-high-level price points,” explained Josh. “But our furniture is made to last for years, even decades, through all kinds of weather and seasons. There has been an increase in expanding outdoor living areas, especially in the last year. And with that in mind, we want to provide affordable solutions that endure. Our customers can talk with our sales teams and designers about their budgetary needs, and we can find great options for them.”

“Additionally,” shared Josh, “We offer options from in-stock inventory that is available immediately, to custom pieces that can be ordered to the customer’s specifications. Custom products obviously take longer, but now is the time to come in and get started! Once we know a budget and timeframe, we can run with that.” “Best place, hands down, to buy good quality patio furniture, very knowledgeable staff. You can also order custom cushions.” ~ Sherry S.

“In the last year or so, we have begun to privatelabel some of our products. Our custom cushion division recently spun off into its own company, Triad Cushion, but as our sister-business, we are proud to offer our customers beautiful, customized cushion options. Plus, it has been a great way for us to get our feet wet when it comes to private labels. As we begin to expand our private-label options, we can bring additional value to our customers.”

“Our sister company enabled us to expand on our design services,” Josh continued. “We have in-house exterior designers who can help guide on already produced pieces or help design the whole outdoor living area and outdoor kitchen! The sky is the limit! Being fully customizable and having our own workroom just adds to our longstanding reputation for excellence.”

“We bought a glider, and the quality is excellent.

It’s made of composite, and I expect it will last a lifetime. The salesman was helpful, and we would go back.” ~ Dale L.

“Synthetic wicker and poly furniture are increasingly popular. It’s low-maintenance with a long lifespan. And while traditional styles tend to be the most popular in our area, these durable materials are available in a wide variety of styles.”

“Great place to do business! They have all the outdoor furnishing and styles from the best manufacturers.

Not to mention a huge selection of grills and smokers.

The staff are very knowledgeable and stand by their products. I would recommend Casual Furniture

Company to anyone.” ~ Lee B.

“Firepits, grills, and smokers top our customer favorites list,” said Josh. “With good reason! We know these are accessories that can add so much to an outdoor living area. The fire pit is always a year-round favorite to kick back, relax, and catch up on good conversation with family and friends.”

Josh continued, “We also design outdoor kitchens. We have a great selection of premade cabinetry that can be built on-site, or we can provide the design and give recommendations for custom builders. The outdoor kitchen concept is growing in popularity and is more affordable than ever before. We are happy to be someone’s first stop to get ideas and help them through the process.” “We absolutely love our outdoor furniture! Trey was great to work with, keeping us informed throughout the whole process of delivery.” ~ Amber B.

“Purchased two products in the last two months. I worked with the same sales associate, and he was knowledgeable and friendly. He made the process of choosing, purchasing, and delivery effortless for me. I have already recommended Casual Furniture World to people in my neighborhood and will continue to let people know this is the place to go!” ~ Donna R.

“The most valuable asset to our business are our team members and employees,” raved Josh. “We have an incredible team of professionals. And everyone—from our sales team, to the delivery and installation team, to the office team—they make our business. We are so grateful for how much they do to keep our customers happy and coming back!” “We value communication,” said Josh. “We pride ourselves on taking care of our customers every step of the way. From helping our customers choose the products that best meet their needs and lifestyle to the delivery and installation—our team is committed to keeping our customers informed.”

“We even have customers who call us after the fact with questions about their gas logs, outdoor kitchen, or other technical issues. We always do our best to guide and direct our customers, even after the sale, and we have technicians in each of these areas.”

“[The sales person] was very kind and helpful…She offer[ed] us her card and told us to look online as well as at their website. We will be back soon after we’ve had an opportunity to better decide what we want.” ~ Tia C.

“Our website has a plethora of information,” said Josh. “In fact, we’re in the process of building our e-commerce option that will make online shopping even easier. We know we have smart customers who like to do their homework on the products they are investing in…so our website is designed to make that a little easier and give great information to help our customers feel empowered about their decisions.”

“Our business is on a mission to create spaces for families and friends,” said Josh. “While I love the diversity of my day (no two are ever the same!), my favorite thing is the knowledge that our products are products that encourage conversation. Laughter. Memories to be made. We sell and produce products that are designed to cultivate relationships and family life.”

“Just as Casual Furniture World has been a part of my family for decades,” Josh mused, “my family and I are proud that we are also a part of our customers.”

Casual Furniture World is centrally located at 1500 Hanes Mall Boulevard in Winston-Salem, and they also have locations in Greensboro and Myrtle Beach. Call the Winston-Salem stores at 336.760.1766 or visit online at CasualFurnitureWorld.com. Casual Furniture World is also on social media! Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram.

My Favorite Pen Pal

BY HANNAH CALLAWAY

Family Services picnic with Sandra and Carl Bovender, Hannah’s foster parents.

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been asked, “How did you find out you were adopted?” I would be a rich woman. There’s a widely held assumption that adopted children discover the buried truth about their familial history in a massive, emotionally-charged moment. My answer is surprising to some, but it shouldn’t be. My adoption is part of who I am. It always has been. I have always known.

I was born when most adoptions were closed and details sealed from both parties. I’m grateful for the commitment my parents and birth mother made to keep communication channels open, agreeing that it was in my best interest. At home, we talked about my adoption, birth mother, and the foster parents who cared for me immediately after I was born. We faithfully attended the annual Family Services picnic for adoptive families. My parents celebrated my adoption anniversary each year, telling me stories of the 12 years they waited for a baby. My mom and birth mother exchanged letters and, when I learned to write, I began penning my own.

Cheryl. I remember the day I saw her name for the first time. She was my favorite pen pal, and I brimmed with excitement each time Rebecca Nagaishi called from Family Services to tell us there was a new letter to pick up. We never shared identifying details, like last names, but knowing her first name was enough. Any time I saw the name Cheryl written somewhere—on a business card, at the dry cleaners, in a magazine—I’d secretly wonder if it was my Cheryl. Once, I saw “Cheryl” on a staff directory, and it was my Cheryl. I just didn’t know it at the time.

I was sixteen and interning at US Airways. On the first day, my supervisor introduced me to a few of the office employees before dropping me into a cubicle. I happily settled into my new digs, noticing a sheet of departmental contacts tacked to the cubicle wall. As had become routine, I quickly scanned the list for a Cheryl. When I spotted her name, I chuckled to myself. I saw many Cheryls over the years; none were mine. Had I peered around my cubicle wall to ask my neighbor for directions to the restroom or to borrow a pen, we would have come face-to-face.

The rest of my internship was uneventful, though I did change locations to work in a new department. I never met my cubicle neighbor that first day, but she knew me. She read the office memo about the intern. She heard my voice. She knew this Hannah was her Hannah. Unbeknownst to me, quiet conversations were held. Urgent phone calls placed. Arrangements made.

Months later, the story unfolded. Cheryl, my parents, and Rebecca had skillfully navigated an unprecedented, fated situation that day. We wanted to meet each other, but not as a chance encounter among cubicles. The timing had to be right. A year later, we planned to meet at Family Services.

I waited nervously in Rebecca’s office while my parents stepped into the conference room. Their relationship with Cheryl had begun before mine did; it was only fitting they’d meet first. Before long, the office door opened. “Are you ready?”

Meeting Cheryl felt like seeing an old friend for the first time in a long while. Timid at first, our conversation grew more confident and comfortable as the minutes passed. I told her I had been accepted to Appalachian State University and was surprised to learn that she had once been a Mountaineer herself. We shared our mutual love of theater, and I learned more about her family and my half-siblings. I shared stories about my little brother, who was adopted through Family Services six years after me. When the time came to depart, we returned to our homes—only 10 miles apart.

Much has changed over the years. My mom sends me a text message on my adoption anniversary each year, but there are no annual picnics to attend. Facebook messages have replaced handwritten letters to Cheryl. Rebecca, a steadfast source of support for my family, still works at Family Services. The adoption program, however, has closed. Now, those program resources can be re-allocated to support the most critical and immediate needs of our community.

Though my story has taken many turns over the years, the foundation remains the same. I am a child of adoption, and my adoption has been acknowledged and celebrated at every stage of my life. I’m grateful to know Cheryl and to have been raised by incredibly supportive parents. I do not take this for granted, as I know that not all adopted children have the same experience. And I’m grateful to Family Services for navigating the waters of adoption for so many families. Their care and compassion have made all the difference in my life, and in the lives of so many others.

It’s March, and that can mean only one thing—summer is near! While the lazy days and warm weather are coming, many are wondering, “What do I do with all this extra time?”

Summer camp is a wonderful, memorable, and exciting opportunity for your child. It’s a chance to experience new things, make new friends, and learn new skills.

Welcome to the Summer Camp Showcase! From March to May, Forsyth Family is including a special series, with highlights of some of the best summer camp programs in the area. These special issues offer informative articles that can help you and your camper prepare for a wonderful summer.

As you make plans for summer, be sure to let our advertising camp programs know you saw them in this issue of Forsyth Family!

FCDS

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