FF Dec 2019

DECEMBER 2019

Midtown Cafe

Sweet Happenings at

DECEMBER 2019 / 1

when losing means winning WFBH Labor & Delivery

care for life Weight loss is a team effort, and at our Weight Management Center, we start with people, not pre-written diet and exercise plans. We offer weight management services throughout our health system, and our multidisciplinary approach to care is focused on improving your health and quality of life. Our expert team of specialists will provide lifelong support and a program tailored to meet your needs.

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Alysa Liu

2019 U.S. National Champion Featured athletes are not guaranteed to compete.

US Figure Skating

The U.S. Figure Skating Championships return to the Greensboro Coliseum January 20-26, 2020.

See America’s top skaters compete for the title of U.S. champion in ladies, men’s, pairs and ice dance.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING MADE EASY!

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Home Instead

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BeTheReason_Holiday.pdf

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EVERYONE DESERVES TO EaT C

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BE THE REASON Second Harvest a family shares a hunger-free holiday

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Give today at SecondHarvestNWNC.org

DECEMBER 2019 / 5

Merhoff

Join us for

Toddler Tooth Time!

Visit Our Website for More Information

Tina Merhoff, DDS Pediatric Dentist Board Certified

Laura Johnson, DDS Pediatric Dentist Board Certified

Jennifer Macdonald, DMD Pediatric Dentist Board Eligible

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185 Kimel Park Drive Suite 202 Winston-Salem 336.659.9500

Dentist4Kids.com

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contents

42

12

IN EVERY ISSUE 64 Out & About in Winston-Salem

COVER STORY

42 Sweet Happenings at Midtown Cafe & Dessertery

FEATURES 12 Holiday Entertainment in Quaint North Carolina 30 The Sweet History of Gingerbread Houses 48 Great Zeus!

50 Wreaths Across America 56 The Buddy Walk 62

The Power of Superheroes

68 Remembering Our Loved Oneds during the Holidays 72

Road Trip Tips: Fur-Baby Addition

86 The Twelve Days of Christmas (Mom’s Version) 94 Nothing Says “Christmas” Like a Christmas Tree 100 Vegan Soul Food!

102 Candy Canes Sweet Treats You Can’t Beat

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with the Senior Services

78 A Father’s Perspective

Children Help Bring the Magic of Christmas to Life

80 It’s a Grand Life –

All I Want for Christmas...

90 My Grace-Full Life

Forgiveness Recap 98 Kids in the Kitchen

Christmas Candies 104 Triad Moms On Main

Skipping Traditions 106 Dining Guide

Wine Merchants

56

112 A Sweet Ending Make at Home Hot Chocolate with Assorted Toppings

64 112

Pre-order Holiday Desserts Today!

Order Online!

Midtown Dessertery

20+ choices including

Red Velvet Cake Five Flavor Pound Cake Italian Cream Cake Gluten Free Chocolate Torte

Scratch made American desserts since 1987 151 S. Stratford Road | Winston-Salem, NC 27104 | 336.724.9800 | MidtownCafeWS.com DECEMBER 2019 / 9

Ho,

Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas! I am absolutely scratching my head over where 2019 has gone! How can it be December already? My grandmother used to always say “time flies” to which I would always giggle under my breath about.

Because, let’s face it, time as a child and time as a “fifty-something” adult are two entirely different realms. If it continues at this pace, I cannot imagine how it will feel to me in another ten to twenty years!

Christmas is truly my favorite holiday. It’s the birth of Jesus y’all! How can you not celebrate that? Is there any more beautiful telling of the Christmas story than new testament Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2? “She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior, yes, the Messiah, the Lord –has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

PUBLISHER Robin Bralley • Robin@ForsythMags.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tamara Bodford ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Morgan Bralley Adele Casanova Brooke Eagle Heather Spivey ADVERTISING Advertising@ForsythMags.com

December is a busy month in the Bralley household. In addition to all the holiday madness, our youngest daughter Morgan will graduate with her Masters in Occupational Therapy. Speaking of time flying, didn’t she just move to Greenville? I cannot begin to say how proud we all are of her! As a parent, we all pray they will be lucky enough to find a career that suits them and that it can support them. I’m thrilled for her as it not only suits her but I think she will thrive at it. She loves helping people and making a difference! We’re headed to Disney to celebrate this momentous occasion for her, more to come on that! So Morgan, my love, congratulations on your graduation! Can’t wait to celebrate at the “Happiest place on earth” with you!

Our December cover features Midtown Café & Dessertery and one of their favorite holiday desserts! Who could resist a piece of their delicious red velvet cake? Certainly not me! In addition to lots of yummy treats, they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offer a large selection of grab & go items and meal deals from their Midtown Market for those nights you want to eat at home.

Be sure to check out all the wonderful holiday happenings in our community from plays to parades, concerts to Christmas for the City and Festive Family Friday at Kaleideum North!

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, I wish you a warm and joyous season!

Blessings!

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jon Eric Johnson Photography Photo Artistry by Melinda Madison Hill CONTENT EDITORS Tim Sellner Meghan Corbett (Assistant) EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Vonda Henderson SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Meghan Corbett • Denise Heidel • Carolyn Peterson

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Jon Eric Johnson Photography

OTHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Robin Bralley • Adele Casanova • Elisa Wallace Coppede • Lisa S. T. Doss Martie Emory • Family Services • Tabi Falcone • Julie Fritz • Shannon Heck Denise Heidel • Vonda Henderson • Taryn Jerez • Cindy Keiger Brittany M. Orie Leak • Kristi J. Marion • Tabatha Renegar • Tami Rumfelt Susan Schabacker • Lauren Sephton • Laura Simon • Heather Spivey Jeffrey H. Sypole • Megan Taylor • Keith Tilley • Sara Wiles • Susan Woodall GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Laurie Dalton WEB DESIGN/MAINTENANCE Nu expression • NuExpression.com IT SUPPORT TriadMac • TriadMac.com CONTACT www.forsythfamilymagazine.com • 888-892-3204

FORSYTH FAMILY DISCLAIMER Please note that the inclusion of stories and articles in Forsyth Family magazine does not imply endorsement of products or people. The views of the

authors are presented for information and entertainment only, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Forsyth Family. Specifically, Forsyth Family in no way endorses any claim associated with health and/or well being with respect to any particular person. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied,including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. We will not be held responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss or damage that is caused or alleged to have been caused in connection with the use of, or reliance on, any content in this magazine. Forsyth Family reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet Forsyth Family standards. Submissions are welcome but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Forsyth Family assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. ©2007 by Forsyth Family Magazine, Inc.

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Serving Forsyth for more than

20 years

Dukeeye.org | 336-768-3240 1340 Creekshire Way | Winston Salem, NC 27103

Meet our New Ophthalmologists

JIAXI DING, MD

FARAMARZ HIDAJI, MD

Glaucoma Specialist Cataract Management

Pediatric Ophthalmologist Oculofacial Specialist

ROSHNI RANJIT-REEVES, MD “DR ROSH” Oculofacial Specialist Facial Rejuvenation Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery

Duke Eye Center

KENNETH WEINLANDER, MD Cornea Specialist Cataract Management Laser Vision Correction

Our expert eye care specialists provide the latest treatment strategies personalized to your needs.

FRANK J. MOYA, MD

WILLIAM B. RAFFERTY, OD

Glaucoma Specialist Cataract Management

Optometrist Dry Eye Treatment

DIANNA L. SELDOMRIDGE, MD

TERRY M. SEMCHYSHYN, MD

CAROL J. ZIEL, MD

Comprehensive Ophthalmologist Dry Eye Treatment

Cornea Specialist Cataract Management

Glaucoma Specialist Cataract Management Medical Director DECEMBER 2019 / 11

Holiday Entertainment in Quaint North Carolina

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

North

Carolina is fully-loaded with family-oriented events that are sure to get you in the festive mood. As we trade in our vibrant autumn foliage for twinkling lights, enjoy our winter wonderland guide around quaint North Carolina.

Asheville While enjoying the crisp weather in Asheville, swing by “Christmas at the Biltmore” to experience 55+ beautifully decorated Christmas trees, studded throughout the largest home in America. Explore those amazing green needles adorned with sparkling luster and countryside charm.

Do you consider yourself a competitive gingerbread house builder? Then, consider some confectionery inspiration by visiting the National Gingerbread House Competition winners, whose scrumptious and sweet masterpieces aim to please the most critical eye, while strolling through the display at the Omni Grove Park Inn through January 4th, 2020.

Winston-Salem How about a gentle meander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Salem historic district, sipping a cup of hot apple cider?

A perfect evening when combined with candlelight and a feather-like nutmeg bun at the Christmas Lovefeast in the historical St. Philips Moravian Church, a church that began moving spirits in 1822. Take a quick pit-stop into Winkler Bakery, one of the oldest operating bakeries in America, for a heavenly sugar cake and the “world’s thinnest” Moravian cookies. Or, how about grabbing a lantern for a historical Candlelight Tour through these cobblestone streets dating back to 1766? Learn the history of those delicious sweets as you bake them yourself through this interactive Candlelight Tour. After you’ve lent a hand to the Potter glazing your own handmade earthenware chocolate cup, enjoy a warm evening at the fireplace decorating a traditional “Putz” and pyramid tree.

This Candlelight Tour is bound to take you back in time.

While you’re near downtown Winston-Salem, engulf yourself in the historical Reynolda House Museum of American Art for a sophisticated holiday statement. Don’t forget to stroll through the festive grounds. Wrap up the night downtown by

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attending the exquisite Nutcracker, performed by the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. And if the opportunity to take a picture with the Nutcracker himself or the Sugar Plum Fairy doesn’t get you in the festive mood just yet, head on into Clemmons for the famous Tanglewood Festival of Lights and the ultimate twinkling of lights, hot cocoa, and warm roasted marshmallows. Try a hayride or horse-and-carriage passage through the park, but be sure to bring a cozy blanket.

Concord Anyone in the family have the need-for-speed? Then don’t resist heading over to the Charlotte Motor Speedway’s ROVAL for Speedway Christmas. There are nearly 3.5 million lights featured throughout their 4-mile course, as well as Santa’s Workshop and Bethlehem Village, with holiday movie nights on the giant Speedway TV. Blowing Rock While strolling through one of the prettiest winter towns in America, take a little adventure with the family to a native Fraser fir farm to choose-and-cut your very own evergreen this Christmas. But the heart of Christmas in Blowing Rock doesn’t end there; walk over to the Chetola Resort to experience the beautiful lights that make their lakeside property of 87 acres twinkle in the night. If you’re feeling audacious, don’t miss out on the sparkling ice-skating rink at Appalachian Ski Mountain.

Most importantly, don’t forget to load up on your holiday candy at the Original Mast General Store, before meeting Santa Claus at Christmas in the Valle. Between snow tubing and skiing, Blowing Rock offers an endless amount of winter sports at every mountain peak.

Corolla (Outer Banks) Enjoy this town sprinkled with cottages and gaze at the majestic lights that embellish the Elizabethan Gardens. The Gardens feature historical art and plants designed to honor the royal sponsor of England’s first attempted New World colony. The Candlelight Christmas tours will surely guide all eyes towards the traditionally-decorated, Art Nouveau-style mansion, historically known as the Whalehead Club. This 21,000-square-foot house features holiday tours that begin with an original Steinway piano live performance that was custom-designed for Mrs. Knight. After touring each floor of the majestic mansion, guests will be cheerfully offered homemade Christmas cookies and holiday beverages.

Are you ready to explore the winter wonderlands of North Carolina this holiday season?

R

REDEEMER SCHOOL is a private Christian school utilizing the hands-on, childhood-honoring educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason, for TK - 8th grades.

Redeemer School

Join us at an upcoming OPEN HOUSE event designed for parents to learn more and see our classes in action!

Jan. 25, 2020 (Sat)

March 25, 2020 (Wed) Reception, program and tour from 9:30-11am RSVP at redeemerschool.org/ admissions/inquiryform

1013 Melrose Street • Winston-Salem, NC 27103 • 336.724.9460 • RedeemerSchool.org

NOVEMBER 2019 / 13

Is Mixing It Up at Festive Family Friday!

What happens when you mix a little Science and Santa, add a dash of the arts and a dollop of plain old fun? Why, Festive Family Friday, of course!

Festive Family Friday, sponsored by Spangler, Rohlfing & Lambert Pediatric Dentistry and Publix Super Markets Charities, is a music- and discovery-filled holiday tradition at Kaleideum North. This year’s event is Friday, December 13th, from 4:30-8:30 pm.

• Experience insta-snow, holiday slime, and snowdough in a Sensory-Friendly Play Lab. • Create and play with cardboard puppets and in a large cardboard sleigh.

• Shop for gifts in the Gift Shop, which will offer a 20 percent discount on purchases totaling $10 or more.

• Give Santa your wish list and have your picture taken with the Big Guy.

Kaleideum North will be dressed in its seasonal best for this event, and every nook and cranny is filled with the holiday spirit!

• Play and learn with an energetic and loveable “Blippi,” who will help kids see the Museum in new and unexpected ways!

For a deeply discounted admission rate, you’ll:

CiCi’s Pizza will be on site for dinner and drink purchases. Admission for Festive Family Friday is only $3 per person for ages 1 and up, members and non-members.

• Listen to live music performed by choral and instrumental ensembles.

• Experience LIVE Science with Holiday Hunger Games in the auditorium.

• Create an upcycled ornament and make special reindeer food for Santa’s reindeer.

• Meet one of Kaleideum’s resident animals up close.

• Catch a Manheim Steamroller laser show in the Planetarium.

• Let your imagination soar with a performance

by Edge Performing Arts.

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Festive Family Friday attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase a new or renew an expired Family Membership for $25 off the regular price! ($125 vs. $150)

Kaleideum North is located at 400 W. Hanes Mill Road in Winston-Salem. Avoid the lines … visit Kaleideum.org to purchase tickets online or learn more.

Festive Family Friday December 13 4:30-8:30 pm

Kaleideum

400 W Hanes Mill Road, Winston-Salem

Presented by

¿ $3 Admission ¿ Holiday Music ¿ LIVE Science ¿ $25 Off Memberships ¿ Santa, Blippi, and More … ¿ Tickets and info at kaleideum.org!

DECEMBER 2019 / 15

BY JULIE FRITZ

When

you are looking for eyewear, you want something that fits your unique style.

The frames you choose should be a part of who you are and express your style. But you don’t always want to wear the same things. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to have options for your daily eyewear that match your changing style? At Eyes on Trade, they are here to provide you with that opportunity.

Eyes on Trade opened its doors in downtown Winston-Salem about a year ago. This fullscale optometry practice was opened with a vision of providing clients with the quality services they expect and a simple pricing structure that makes multiple frame purchases possible. They want to provide unique options that allow clients to express themselves at a price point that promotes building an eyewear “wardrobe.”

Being part of the downtown Winston Salem community was an intentional decision. Trade Street has always been a hub of the Winston Salem Arts District and is an important part of a growing and progressive Winston-Salem. Eyes on Trade enjoys being a part of this downtown family and feels there is no better place for them to offer their well-curated collection of eyewear. They feel that eyeglasses are, after all, Art for your Eyes.

The staff at Eyes on Trade are ready to provide you with a unique experience in more ways than one.

Dr. Marium Warsi-Zehri O.D., Optician and Practice Manager Maggie Helms and Spectacle Specialists Stacia Hamilton and Jamie-Leigh Livengood are available to provide full-scale optometry services with the feel of a high-end boutique practice. They use the latest technology in a mid-century modern designed space that feels comfortable and unique. They also take great care to listen to your needs. Limiting themselves to only two eye exams per hour, nearly half the industry-standard, allows clients more one-onone time with Dr. Warsi-Zehri so they can comfortably discuss their treatment needs and vision concerns.

Another thing that makes Eyes on Trade so unique is their simple pricing structure. The frame shop provides two different price points for you to choose from. The Essentials Collection is $150, and The Luxe Collection is $250. A purchase in either collection includes thin and light single-vision lenses, anti-reflective coating, scratch protection, a one-year warranty, and a case and cleaning cloth. Both collections come from independent eyewear companies. You won’t find name brands, but you will find quality frames made by mom and pop shops that care about the product they are making. The companies they carry come from all around Europe and Asia, as well as a few choices from New York. The difference between the two collections available is small. It truly is a solid collection on both sides of the shop. You will find unique, well-made products throughout both collections, but the Luxe

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Collection offers just a little bit more.

In this collection, you will find more handmade, exclusive options. This is also where you will find options with a funkier design aesthetic. You will find that all the frames at Eyes on Trade are unique from a technical design perspective or from a fashion perspective. These frames stand out.

One pair of glasses doesn’t fit all of your style needs, but having more than one pair can be very expensive. When you come into Eyes on Trade, you know what

you are going to spend when you walk through the door and the price point gives you the option to consider more than one choice. Your eyewear wardrobe is important to them. That is why they provide their clients with a simple and affordable pricing structure and impressive frame selection. That makes it easy to build an eyewear collection for the cost of what you may have previously paid for one pair of glasses.

If you are ready to build your eyewear wardrobe, make an appointment at Eyes On Trade today. They are located at 604 Trade St NW in Winston-Salem. For more information, call them at (336) 727-3727, or you can visit their website at eyesontrade. com. To see the latest designs available, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Most insurances are accepted, and don’t forget that your FSA and HSA can be used for prescription eyeglasses!

DECEMBER 2019 / 17

What is GI? [gas • tro • en • ter • ol • o • gy]

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astroenterology, or “GI” for short, can be as complicated as the word itself.

So how are you supposed to relate to it in

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terms of your own health? Getting to know gastroenterology—the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the digestive system—is an important step in educating yourself and your family.

“ If you swallow it, a gastroenterologist will follow it.”

People most often associate gastroenterology with colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. While colonoscopy is especially important for cancer prevention, gastroenterology is so much more! It actually deals with the care of the entire digestive tract; from the time you swallow until a bowel movement occurs—along with some things in between. There are several tests (such as endoscopy, where a small camera examines the throat) that can help diagnose and treat a variety of conditions.

What makes up the digestive system?

The digestive system includes the esophagus (throat), stomach, large intestine (colon), small intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and anus. There are many common conditions associated with these organs, for example: • GERD

• Liver disease/Cirrhosis

• Peptic Ulcer Disease

• H. pylori

• Celiac Disease

• C-diff

• Colon cancer

• Hepatitis A/B/C

• Diverticulosis

• Loss of bowel control

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Rectal cancer

• Inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis)

• Hemorrhoids

s

When should I see a doctor?

Why GAP?

While the following symptoms may or may not be related to one of the above conditions, they can cause inconvenience in our daily lifestyle as well as discomfort. A gastroenterologist can assess these symptoms and run the proper tests needed for diagnosis and treatment.

Gastroenterology Associates of the Piedmont, or “GAP,” offers care to patients in need of screening, diagnosis, treatment, or management of digestive system issues. Its growth to a team of 16 physicians and 6 advanced practitioners has allowed the company also to focus on growing in the field of gastroenterology. Just as “two heads are better than one,” the group focuses on teamwork, giving its providers the opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.

• Difficulty swallowing • Reflux • Heartburn • Nausea • Abdominal pain • Blood in the stool

• Bloating • Constipation • Diarrhea • A change in bowel habits • Black or tarry stools • Rectal pain or bleeding

Be mindful of these symptoms and see a gastroenterologist if you experience them frequently. The sooner the issue can be identified—the sooner it can be gotten under control and you can avoid further complications.

GAP offices are located in Winston-Salem, Kernersville, and Clemmons. For more information on services and providers, call 336-448-2427 or visit gapgi.com.

Happy Holidays!

Regretting those heavy holiday meals?

GAP ✔ Reflux

✔ Heartburn ✔ Difficulty swallowing

✔ Constipation ✔ Diarrhea

When to see a gastroenterologist:

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms several times per week.

Call (336) 448-2GAP | Visit www.gapgi.com Locations in Winston-Salem, Kernersville, and Clemmons DECEMBER 2019 / 19

Celebrating 50 Years of Caring

BY SHANNON HECK, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING

Haley

had clay in her hair and gray handprints dotted her shirt.

She also had a beautiful smile on her face as she worked the clay to make her own pottery creation at summer camp.

Catelyn walked proudly into school on her first day of kindergarten, prepared and eager to learn, wearing her pink and blue backpack filled with school supplies.

Jack raced into the gym after school, eager to show his Imprints Cares teachers the “A” on his math test. They had provided homework help for him after school which helped him prepare.

For fifty years, Imprints Cares has been serving children and families in Forsyth County. In fact, we are the only educational nonprofit in our community that serves children from birth through elementary school.

The stories above provide just a glimpse into the daily activities at Imprints Cares!

Because we believe that parents are their children’s first/best teachers, we offer a variety of programs to equip parents with the tools that they need to raise children who are socially, emotionally, and academically ready for school. And once children enter school, we provide before- and afterschool enrichment programs at 24 local sites, including 11 Title 1 schools in the WS/FCS District. Imprints Cares also serves children with special needs with an Inclusion Program located at our Downtown location and the only full-day summer camp for children with special needs in Forsyth County.

One of Imprints Cares most impactful Ready for School

programs is Parents as Teachers (PAT). Families enrolled in our PAT program receive two in-home visits per month. Family educators provide parenting tips, perform developmental assessments, and bring age-appropriate activities and books at every visit. Last year, Imprints Cares made nearly 3,000 home visits and delivered more than 4,000 books to PAT families. Berta Andrade, Director of Ready for School Programs, says, “Children who graduate from our Parents as Teachers program are healthier and score higher on kindergarten readiness assessments than their peers who do not receive our services.” She continues, “87% of our parents report reading with their children more than three times per week.” Strong evidence suggests that children who are read to often as preschoolers are much more likely to be proficient readers by the time they reach third grade.

The 1,600 Children enrolled in our Expanded Learning programs, located onsite at local schools, enjoy ample playtime, STEM and STEAM enrichment activities, homework help daily, and Fun Friday activities. More than 70% of our staff are teachers and school personnel, which creates a smooth transition from the school day to after-school care. Nikki McCormick, a longtime Expanded Learning parent with two children in the program, notes, “My son has really enjoyed interacting with all the teachers and school personnel. He is comfortable in his surroundings and loves knowing that even the teachers that he has never had know him and greet him warmly.”

She continues, “My husband and I both work, and it is an incredible relief to know that my children are nurtured and well cared-for in the afternoons and on teacher workdays.”

Imprints Cares works for working families and is committed to expanding access to high-quality after-school care. There are significant gaps between students whose families have higher income and education levels and those students whose families have fewer advantages.

Participation in quality after-school programming may close some of those achievement gaps for at-risk students by exposing them to after-school activities that focus on academic and social-emotional learning opportunities. Imprints Cares also partners with the WS/FCS Nutrition Department to offer hot suppers to the children enrolled in our 11 Title 1 schools. About 300 children per night are taking advantage of this opportunity. Last year, Imprints Cares provided $150,000 in scholarships for children to attend our Expanded Learning programs. However, the demand for scholarships exceeds our ability to fund. I hope that you will join us as we celebrate 50 Years of Caring for Forsyth County families. Let’s make Forsyth County a great place to be a kid for children like Haley, Catelyn, and Jack!

To learn more about our programs, please visit imprintscares.org.

Imprints Cares

DECEMBER 2019 / 21

DECK THE HALLS 2019 Sawtooth School for Visual Art in Winston-Salem

Dec. 6-22 Free

Regional artists offer their works for sale at one of the longest-running artisan holiday shopping events in the region.

THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS MUSICAL Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance

Dec. 6-22 Tickets $18

It’s holiday time at Armadillo Acres – north Florida’s premier mobile-living community – and everyone is filled with holiday cheer and beer. But when a freak bout of amnesia strikes the park, neighborly love is put to the test.

WINTER SHOW 2019 GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art in Greensboro

Triad Events for December December offers a variety of interesting, exciting and one-of-akind events for families to experience in and around the Triad.

Here are some of the top offerings to consider: CRAFTSMEN’S CHRISTMAS CLASSIC ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL Greensboro Coliseum

Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Tickets $8

The 46th annual art festival features original works from hundreds of artists and craftspeople from across the country. Many exhibitors will be demonstrating their crafts.

A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS: THE GATHERING R.J. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium Tickets start at $24

Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 1, 2 p.m.

Dec. 1-22 Tickets start at $25

A 1940s live radio broadcast re-imagines the classic story of George Bailey, a man ready to throw it all away before a stranger shows him how important he is to his family, friends and community.

DISNEY ON ICE: ROAD TRIP ADVENTURES Greensboro Coliseum

Dec. 4-8 Tickets start at $25

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals as they embark on a wild ride to favorite Disney destinations: sun-soaked Motunui, Pride Lands, Aladdin’s princely parade and a larger-than-life carnival with Woody and Forky.

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The Winter Show brings together more than 100 artists in a comprehensive survey of art from across the state of North Carolina. Painting, sculpture, photography, ceramic, jewelry, woodwork, fabric and fiber works will all be displayed in a harmonious installation. All will be work available for purchase.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Greensboro Coliseum

Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $49.50

Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to Greensboro with new staging and special effects, featuring the show that started it all in 1999, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.” In the story, a young angel is sent to Earth to bring back what is best representative of humanity.

WINSTON-SALEM SYMPHONY: HANDEL’S MESSIAH Centenary United Methodist Church

Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $20

Handel’s oratorio is widely regarded as one of music’s most affecting messages of faith. The Winston-Salem Symphony Chamber Chorus will perform with guest soloists.

Truliant

The Winston-Salem Symphony begins the holiday festivities with a celebration that blends Appalachian harmonies and the sounds of the season. The concert features Laurelyn Dossett, Joe Newberry, Mike Compton and April Verch.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY Triad Stage: Pyrle Theater, Greensboro

Dec. 8-Jan. 17 Tickets $6

PHOTONA UNC School of the Arts: Freedman Theatre, Winston-Salem

Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.

Free

UNCSA’s senior lighting students put on an interactive showcase highlighting their talent and imagination. Each senior will put a on a dazzling multimedia light production. There will be an opportunity for Q&A and a vote at the end of the night for the audience to choose their favorite piece.

THE AVETT BROTHERS Greensboro Coliseum

Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $49.50

For the third year in a row The Avett Brothers will be ringing in the new year with their fellow North Carolinians. Last year the New Year’s Eve concert was in Charlotte, and in 2017 they performed in Raleigh.

December 6-8, 11-15 & 18-22 Wednesdays - Saturdays at 7:30 pm Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm

Little Theatre

SECCA’s Dunn Auditorium Southeastern Center for Contemporary Arts 750 Marguerite Drive, Winston-Salem

The Little Theatre's original adaptation of the holiday classic returns! A passing stranger is welcomed into Salem Tavern by a cheerful group celebrating Christmas Eve. The story he tells them is magical...

ADAPTED BY STEPHEN P. SCOTT BASED ON THE NOVEL BY CHARLES DICKENS

TICKETS:

LTofWS.org | (336) 725-4001 $25 Adults/$23 Students & Seniors

Reynolda House

F U L L S C H E D U L E A N D T I C K E T S AT R E Y N O L D A H O U S E . O R G / H O L I D AY S

DECEMBER 2019 / 23

Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates

Delivering Care for Generations

BY MARTIE EMORY

Having

served three generations of women and their families in the Winston-Salem area, Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates puts a daily focus on nothing less than superior patient care. For current mothers-to-be and couples hoping to expand their families, as well as women of all ages with different gynecologic needs, the options for care at Lyndhurst are the very best, including the efforts of a staff who strives to continually learn new, successful methods for improving their patients’ lives.

Realizing—and focusing on—the varied strengths and interests of their physicians, Lyndhurst specializes in life-changing services such as infertility, high-resolution ultrasound, and high-risk pregnancies.

Every physician within the practice is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the current team recently welcomed two new welltrained physicians to Lyndhurst.

Dr. Kendra Kesty joined the practice in September and is proud to be part of the Lyndhurst tradition. “Our team at Lyndhurst

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has a shared vision of providing the best woman-centered healthcare possible,” she says. “We stand on the shoulders of our founders and long-standing partners, who have molded this practice into the best place in the world for women to get preventative and obstetric/gynecologic care. A unique and valuable aspect of our practice is a shared attitude as providers ‘never to sweat alone.’ For example, we discuss and reexamine difficult cases together in order to continually improve our practice and care.”

Originally from northern Ontario, Canada, Dr. Kesty received her degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Minnesota, and then attended Wake Forest Bowman Gray School of Medicine, followed by completing her residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

She’s delighted to have been able to return to the Winston-Salem area!

A Junior Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Kesty’s professional interests include contraceptive counseling, high-risk obstetrics, vulvar dermatology, robotic and minimally invasive

gynecologic surgery, and urogynecology. When not treating patients and learning more about her professional focus, she enjoys running, biking, traveling, spending time with her family, and discovering new places to swim.

Also recently joining the practice, Dr. Nicholas Schoenbachler completed his residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, and remaining in the area was an easy choice.

“I grew up in a small town in Mississippi, and when my wife and I were considering where to plant our roots and raise our family, we knew we wanted a place that retains that small-town feel. We found that to be true here in Winston-Salem!” says Dr. Schoenbachler. “I like that Lyndhurst has been a staple in this community for almost 50 years, and multiple times a week I have the opportunity to meet a patient who has been receiving care from our practice for 30 plus years, or an expectant mother who tells me she was personally delivered by one of the late partners.”

In his free time, Dr. Schoenbachler enjoys spending time with his wife Morgan and their two children, Dawson and Hart, attending Twin City Bible Church, and enjoying the great outdoors through hiking, fishing, and camping in the North Carolina Mountains.

Dr. Schoenbachler graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Mississippi State University, and then attended the University of Mississippi for medical school. His clinical interests include obstetrics, minimally invasive and pelvic surgery, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor disorders, and general gynecology.

To learn more about the full range of services at Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates, visit lyndhurstgyn. com, or call the Winston-Salem office at 336-765-9350, the Kernersville office at 336-993-4532, Mount Airy office at 336-789-9076, or King office at 336-765-9350.

Happy Holidays!

Obstetrics & Gynecologic Care Bone Density • CenteringPregnancy®

Lyndhurst

Infertility • In-Office Surgeries Mammography • Medical Spa Research • Ultrasound • Urogynecology 111 Hanestown Court, Suite 151 Winston-Salem, NC 27103 336.765.9350

445 Pineview Drive, Suite 110 Kernersville, NC 27284 336.993.4532

1908 Caudle Road, Suite 101 Mt. Airy, NC 27030 336-789-9076

304 Mountainview Road King, NC 27021 336-765-9350

www.lyndhurstgyn.com

We are in the Novant & Wake Forest Baptist Health Networks.

DECEMBER 2019 / 25

Come Celebrate with Us...

...see Santa, Saturday, December 14th from 2-4 pm at Clemmons Village Shopping Center.

Happy Holidays!

26 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

Merry Christmas from Clemmons Village Shopping Center Enhance Hair Studio

Koto Sushi & Steak House

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3619 Clemmons Road 336-602-1560 KotoNC.com

Clemmons Kitchen

LT Nails & Spa

3609 Clemmons Road 336-766-4671 ClemmonsKitchen.com

3623 Clemmons Road 336-546-7406

Styled Gatherings Boutique

Furniture Mattress Warehouse

3611 Clemmons Road

3623 Clemmons Road 336-778-1608 FurnitureMattressWarehouse.com

336-661-8016 Check us out on Facebook and Instagram

Located on US 158 in the Heart of Clemmons DECEMBER 2019 / 27

Santa Paws with Davie Humane Society Dec 7th, 11am-2pm

Bring your furr y friend( s) to have their photo taken with Santa. For a $10 donation you will re ceive a framed photo of your pet with Santa.

Deros

TREE DECORATING TIPS

l items on the • don’t be afraid to use unusua create a theme. to s ent tree along with ornam s can all make A sign, flowers, picture frame for ver y unique look.

s in toward • hang larger size ornament void areas the trunk of the tree to fill in without branches. ents together and • cluster two to three ornam hang as one for bolder look. lights off, if it looks • decorate the tree with the l look when lights great then imagine how it wil are on.

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For over 40 years, Dero’s remains the Triad’s largest Wallpaper, Fabric & Design showroom.

Deros • In-Stock Decorative Fabrics & Wallpaper • • Hunter Douglas Blinds & Shutters • • Decorative Home Accessories & Prints • • Custom Drapery Workroom on Site • • Gift Boutique •

PHOTOGRAPHY BY YORK WALLCOVERINGS

2671 Lewisville-Clemmons Rd Clemmons, NC 27012

336 • 768 • 7962 www.derosinteriors.com

Photo Courtesy of York Wallcovering DECEMBER 2019 / 29

The Sweet History of

GINGERBREAD HOUSES

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

The

holiday season is full of smells— cinnamon, peppermint, and, of course, gingerbread. In addition to the smells, are the numerous fun and memorable activities, one of which is building a gingerbread house.

Gingerbread and the classic gingerbread house are two main features of the holidays that almost everyone loves to create and eat. But, have you ever wondered where this tradition got started and how it managed to stay in the public eye for so many years?

The use of ginger, the spice, dates back to ancient times. As early as the Middle Ages, gingerbread was sold in specialty shops and seasonal markets in Europe. The spice was baked into shaped cookies and decorated. It was also sold outside churches on Sundays and began to be viewed as a treat for religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter.

Over time, bakers began shaping the gingerbread into molds and carvings of sculptures, cities, and rulers. As for the gingerbread house, historians have stated it first appeared during the 16th century in Germany, following which the Brothers Grimm wrote their fairy tale, “Hansel and Gretel.” In this piece, the brothers described two children who were lost in a forest and found an edible house made of bread with sugar decorations. After the book’s publication, the popularity of gingerbread houses grew and traveled across the ocean to the New World with Pennsylvania German colonists.

From there, the love for gingerbread houses continued to spread throughout America and other countries. Today, building competitions and famous house displays have become a part of holiday traditions in the world.

Gingerbread House Building Competitions

During the Middle Ages in Europe, places such as England and France hosted gingerbread fairs. At these events, gingerbread was made into flowers, birds, animals, and armor. Also, ladies gave their favorite knights pieces of gingerbread as a symbol of good luck or, superstitiously,

30 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

to improve their chances of finding a husband. Modern-day gingerbread house building competitions share similarities with the fair, with the main commonality being a chance to get together and celebrate the holiday tradition.

Throughout the country, famous competitions take place. One of the most popular contests is located in Asheville, NC, with The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition. Founded in 1992 by community members, the National Gingerbread House Competition wasn’t supposed to go past a year. However, 27 years later, it is now “one of the nation’s most celebrated and competitive holiday events,” according to the Omni Grove Park Inn’s website. This year the competition will be held on Monday, November 18th, and guests can view the winning piece from November 20th through January 4th at the inn.

Other well-known gingerbread house building competitions are the PPG Place Gingerbread House Display and Competition in Pittsburgh, PA; The Christmas at the Galt House Gingerbread House Contest in Louisville, KY; and the Aurora’s Midwest Gingerbread House Competition in Evansville, IN.

Famous Creations

If you are looking to start a new tradition by visiting the famous gingerbread houses throughout the country, definitely put these places on your list!

• The Fairmont Gingerbread House at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, CA. • The Gingerbread White House in Washington, D.C. • The Gingerbread Mansions of Newport in Newport, RI. • The Gingerbread Castles and Carousels at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL, as well as the life-size house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. • Gingerbread Lane at the New York Hall of Science in New York, NY. • The Westin Austin Downtown in Austin, TX, where you can actually dine in the gingerbread house.

With their longstanding history and well-known creations, gingerbread houses have been and always will be a lovable tradition during Christmastime.

JPAR

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Call Tim or Jenny Today!

855 Bethesda Road | Winston Salem, NC 27103 336.955.1230 | www.jparlegacy.com

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www.peacehaven.dentist • 1086 Whitaker Road • Winston-Salem, NC 27106 DECEMBER 2019 / 31

Oh, Evergreen!

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

Before

the rise of Christianity, men, women, and children faced the shortest day of the year and enduring the darkness extending into the longest night. In preparation for the Winter Solstice, thoughts and prayers went to uplift a weakened sun god, in hopes she would feel her people’s strength. In honor of her, evergreen plants decorated homes as a reminder that her glow will shine once again.

The Egyptians, Celts, and Vikings of Scandinavia viewed the evergreen boughs as a symbol of light and peace.

Not until the 16th century, did the devout Christians of Germany bring the evergreen into their home and place edible items, such as gingerbread, apples, nuts and handmade paper roses, onto the branches.

The Story of Martin Luther The story of how trees arrived in the homes of villages started with a preacher named Martin Luther. On the eve of Christmas, Martin looked skyward to see stars shining through the forest of trees.

Thrilled by the experience, he arrived home with a fir tree and explained to his wife and children how the star of heaven came to Earth on Christmas. As a solitary candle cascaded a shimmering light onto the branches of the tree, the message of a miracle soon traveled from village to village that the evergreen symbolized the birth of Jesus.

Woods to a Tree Farm Well before the drive to the honorary tree farm, dads and sons walked through the woods in search of the perfect conifer.

Generations later, the tradition continues.

Striding slowly past the farm-grown trees has a nostalgic and exciting quality.

Despite sharing a large field with families and couples, the task of appraising countless species to find the one with the ideal attributes is still an enjoyable family experience.

Guide to Finding the Right Type Of the 232 species of evergreens, pine, spruce, fir, and larch comprise the names of trees we typically choose at Christmas.

Since the tree becomes the focal point of your holiday décor, it is essential to narrow down your decision to the desired shape, color, and scent.

DOUGLAS FIR: Some trees make a statement! Douglas fir has many positive attributes. Besides its dark-green appearance, full cone-shape, soft needles, and rich scent, the evergreen comprises almost half of all Christmas trees grown in the United States. If you are not a fan of pines or cedars, you’ll love the beauty of the Douglas fir.

FRASER FIR: Known for its pleasant fragrance and yellow-green branches, the lilt of the angled branches makes it an ideal tree to hold heavy ornaments.

The one-inch needles add to its denseness, and also have a reputation for color retention.

EASTERN WHITE PINE: As a native pine to the Piedmont and Mountain region, the species is a favorite among locals for its soft blue-green foliage. The Eastern white pine has a light fragrance and rarely results in allergic reactions. It, too, has strong branches and two- to five-inch needles that form in bundles of five. Strongly susceptible to weevils and a form of aphid, which lays eggs in pine and spruce trees, it is essential to look at the trunk to ensure it is healthy before cutting.

VIRGINIA PINE: Another popular choice for North Carolinians is the Virginia pine.

As a native dark-green tree, the stout and woody branches are ideal for holding heavy ornaments. Easy to identify, the needles, 1½ to 3 inches in length, grow in pairs and twist. If you desire a tall tree, the Virginia pine reaches the stars at 70 feet in height!

RED CEDAR: Despite the tradition of having red cedar, the disadvantage is its prickly foliage and limber branches. It is vital to mention this species. While still a viable option, tree shoppers must be aware that a fungus will attack the foliage.

Additionally, one must place the stem base in water soon after arriving home to prevent brown needles from appearing.

“O’ Christmas tree, O’ Christmas tree, you give us so much pleasure!

How oft at Christmas tide the sight, o’ green fir tree, gives us delight!

O Christmas Tree, O’’ Christmas Tree, you give us so much pleasure!”

32 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

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2019Christmas Gift Guide Honda of Winston-Salem

Give a gift of performance and freedom with a bike from Honda! A beginner (or should it be beginner’s) bike should still be fun to ride and the CRF50F is a blast. Powered by a smooth, easy-to-control 49cc fourstroke engine, it’s built tough too! Visit Honda of Winston-Salem to learn more!

See their ads on pages 49 and 59

Kaleideum

A Kaleideum Family Membership makes a great gift that provides a full year of exciting opportunities and educational fun for the recipients! Family Memberships cost $150 and offer unlimited free admission at both locations – Kaleideum Downtown and Kaleideum North – for up to four adults and all children living in the household, as well as reciprocal benefits at museums affiliated with ACM (Association of Children’s Museums) and ASTC (Association of Science-Technology Centers).

Members also receive discounts on birthday parties, camps, special events, and more! Visit www.kaleideum. org to purchase a membership online or stop by either museum during business hours.

See ad page 15

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Rolly’s

Classic toys. Classic smiles. Visit Rolly’s Baby Boutique for a variety of wonderfully unique items!

Located at 272 S. Stratford Road in Thruway Shopping Center.

RollysBaby.com

Hip Chics ELLA B. CANDLES

Moji Coffee + More

is proud to provide meaningful employment to individuals with differing abilities in a colorful coffee shop that will leave you with a jolt of joy!

Give your loved ones any of our hand- crafted art, fresh coffee beans and a mug for home brewing, or our swag – or all of it with one of our gift baskets.

Located on 690 Trade Street, WS. Open 7am-7pm daily. 336.939.6654.

Dero’s

For the one who loves home décor and style. Dero’s is the place to go! Whether it’s a fun accent piece, a pretty candle, or any number of delightful things in the store, there’s something for every taste!

See ad page 29

Making a list, checking it twice?

Ella B. candles are a great way for you to simplify holiday gift giving for everyone on your “Nice List”. These candles are 100% pure soy and hand poured in North Carolina!

SCOUT BAGS

See ad page 39

It’s the most wonderful collection of the year! These limited-edition patterns are designed to invoke the holiday spirit, with bright reds and greens, shiny metallics, plush velvet, quilted gold, and a touch of whimsy.

See ad page 39

Legacy Saddlebreds

Give the gift of riding this Christmas! Legacy Saddlebreds’ two indoor heated arenas make horseback riding a fun experience year-round. Contact them today for Riding Lesson Gift Certificate Packages.

Located at 4151 Thomasville Road, WS. 336-529-6760, legacysaddlebreds.com DECEMBER 2019 / 35

Betty Tysor You’re Never Too Old to Find a New Passion in Life

BY CAROLYN S PETERSON

Keeping

your mind and body sharp is important throughout our entire lives, but it becomes even more important as you age. While staying physically fit is a major focus for your health, finding a creative outlet keeps your mind strong, while also expanding your horizons. For many older adults, discovering a new hobby sharpens their minds and provides a way to express themselves. For Betty Tysor of Lewisville, NC, taking up painting at the age of 86 has been fulfilling and brought hours of enjoyment to her life.

Betty Tysor, a native of Siler City, NC, grew up with a younger brother, a mother who worked in the hosiery mills, and an entrepreneurial father. After marrying her husband, Ralph, in 1951, the newlyweds moved to Washington State while Ralph served in the Air Force.

Four years later, the Tysors moved to Charlotte, NC, and added to their family with daughter, Gale, and son, Greg, eventually settling in Kernersville, NC. “Our family moved to Kernersville and lived there for 45 years.

I worked as an accountant at Glenola Frameworks Furniture Manufacturing Company in High Point, NC, where I learned the furniture business and how to design and manufacture furniture.

Following in my father’s entrepreneurial spirit, I started my own 18th-century mahogany reproductions furniture company called ‘Salem Square.’ I enjoyed designing, marketing, selling, and being the accountant for this company, until I retired after 27 years. When my husband passed away in 1997, I moved to Lewisville, NC, to be near my daughter Gale (Adouli) and her family,” recounted Betty.

Son Greg lives in Cumming, GA. With such a career, you might think that Betty’s retirement would be filled with just being grandma to her three grandchildren, but you would be wrong.

“Even though I sing in the choir, enjoy gardening, and am an avid reader, I still needed a new challenge! One day I decided to go to the Lewisville Library and check out some books on painting, and thus my interest in painting began three years ago. I have also been taking painting classes once a week for the past two years from Jane D. Smith with Noel Painting, which has helped me tremendously.

I enjoy Impressionistic acrylic painting with a variety of subjects,” Betty commented. Most would be happy with just taking up a new hobby, but Betty displayed her paintings in a recent art show at the Lewisville Library.

“Painting is very relaxing and rewarding for me. I paint almost every day, and it’s very fulfilling. The art show at the library was my first, and I was thrilled to sell 11 paintings. My friend, Catherine Van Steenburgh, was so helpful in setting up the show. I plan to continue to paint and display my art locally, “stated Betty.

For more information on Betty Tysor’s art and upcoming shows, please call 336-414-5653.

36 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

Where excellence is the foundation of everything we build.

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If you’re looking for an educational experience for your child that values relationships and fosters an inclusive community, check out Forsyth Country Day School.

Schedule your tour today at FCDS.org

DECEMBER 2019 / 37

SAFE

PRUNING Practices

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

During

the dormant season, December through March, pending temperatures, is the ideal time to grab the lopper and pruning shears, and tackle the job of pruning.

While it’s easy to allow trees and shrubs to follow a natural course of growth, trimming obstructive branches or dead matter has a beneficial purpose—health!

With the following suggestions, pruning your trees, shrubs, berry bushes, and vines will promote an improved shape, structure, and help them thrive!

Deadheading Depending on the kind of plant, gardeners will grab hold of deadened leaves or flowers and cut to produce the next crop of flowers. This task is essential and occurs throughout the growing season. Surprisingly, woody plants need similar attention and pruning!

Assess the Trunk Congratulations, if your trees have mulch around the base! It’s not an easy task; yet, the removal of grasses and weeds ensures the tree is not competing with them for nutrients. Inspect the bottom of the trunk for feasting insects. And, look at the leaves for spots, insect larva, or brown leaves. These may be a more significant problem.

Remove Suckers The extended shoots, termed suckers, are vigorous stems that consume nutrients.

Cut all from the base to the top of the trunk. A pruning sealer or tape is not necessary to cover the wounds. Trees can heal themselves. After removing limbs, the softwood will encourage new growth, which you can control.

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Remove Branches Trees can appear in all shapes. Similar to fruit trees, the goal is to identify the main central leader and remove branches that vie for the lead. Cut using a slight angle to prevent water from remaining and developing either an infection or rot.

• Immediately eliminate dead or damaged limbs.

• Think about the tree in maturity.

What shape would you like it to take; therefore, remove branches growing inches apart, at odd angles, or touching other main limbs.

• If you have two branches at the same level, but one is longer, you can safely cut at the midpoint to encourage a balance.

Pruning Fruit Trees If you desire a tree that bears fruit, you will need to train your tree to form a balanced three-tiered branch system. As the method implies, three main branches will form above the trunk, at mid-level, and near the top.

• On horizontal branches, remove those pointing downwards.

• To encourage straight linear branches, fill a small plastic cup with concrete and a hook. Then hook the cup to the branch. Some people use sticks or clothespins to foster the same result.

Pruning Evergreen Shrubs Not all evergreen shrubs are alike. Holly and arborvitae, for instance, would benefit from a light pruning in the early spring to foster a thicker growth. It is

wise not to cut back to the bare wood.

Cutting dead or diseased branches will improve air circulation and prevent decay.

When considering pruning other types of shrubs, please research first.

Pruning Blueberry Bushes Every homeowner wants a tall fruit bush with large, plump berries. The first step is to remove the oldest canes, recognizable by their thick wooden covering. As canes age, the branches continue to form unproductive small branches, which result in crowding. Secondly, prune oddly-angled branches, weak shoots, or crossovers to allow open spaces for growth.

Pruning Vines Once vines develop adequate root systems, the goal of maintaining a vigorous, healthy climber involves removing any dead, damaged, diseased, or unproductive stems.

• In a dormant season, gardeners can assess the structure to determine whether it can support the vine, and perhaps improve the trellis.

• Eliminate the vines growing over or away from the structure, or strangling other plants.

Rejuvenation In your effort to foster new growth, the spring will offer a welcome to helpers—pollinators. From butterflies to hummingbirds, birds, bees, and bats, too, their search for pollen will boost the size of your potential fruit in addition to your removing limbs and branches!

Hip Chics

DECEMBER 2019 / 39

Medical Weight-Loss Programs Extend Far Beyond Diet An airplane flight was the wake-up call Katie Toomes needed to lose weight.

Katie had been referred to Wake Forest Baptist Health’s Weight Management Center after a consultation for surgery.

While trying to decide if she wanted to do the weight-loss program, Katie took a trip to Boston. “For the first time ever, I had a hard time buckling the seatbelt on the airplane,” Katie said. “I love traveling and have flown all over the world, so this was quite the wake-up call for me. I called the Weight Management Center as soon as I got off the plane in Boston to make an appointment.”

Obesity Declared a Disease A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study released in 2017 stated that 39.8 percent of American adults were obese in terms of body-mass index, a measure of body fat calculated from weight and height. In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) declared obesity a disease.

The AMA’s action was important to Jamy Ard, MD, Co-Director of the Weight Management Center, which offers both medical weight-control programs and weight-loss surgery.

Dr. Jamy Ard, Weight Management Center Co-Director Gaining Freedom by Losing Weight Katie ended up choosing the Optifast program, a comprehensive course that included mealreplacement and nutrition plans; behavior modification to promote lifestyle changes; counseling to address underlying issues that contribute to weight problems; medical attention to weight-related problems and personal exercise training with a fitness specialist; plus follow-up sessions, support, and guidance. “I knew that I needed to have the accountability piece in my journey and felt this more intensive program would provide that,” she explained.

Katie lost 90 pounds, went from a size 18 to a size four, and no longer takes any medication for weight-related problems. “Overall, I am significantly happier. The vanity part is nice, but I find more joy because I have more mobility and feel like food no longer controls my life,” Katie said. “I hiked Mount Rainer, kayaked in Thailand and went on an adventure tour in Australia.

I lost so much weight, physically and mentally, and I gained freedom in my life to pursue the adventures I wanted.”

For more information about Wake Forest Baptist Health’s Weight Management Center programs and locations near you, call 336-716-6099 or visit WakeHealth.edu/WeightManagement.

“Historically, providers have been taught directly or implicitly that obesity is related to being lazy and inactive,” Ard said. “The AMA’s statement and obesity science are changing people’s attitudes. The next step is to improve access to more medical treatment for obesity.” Ard noted that most commercial weight-loss programs have centered on diet rather than lifestyle changes. However, medical weight loss focuses “on the ideal weight for you to do the things you want to do and be healthy.”

For people with serious weight problems who are not interested in, or candidates for, weight-loss surgery, the Weight Management Center has two physician-supervised weightloss programs that go beyond diet and exercise to tackle obesity from multiple angles.

40 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

Katie Toomes (before starting Weight Management Center weight-loss program) Katie Toomes (after losing 90 pounds on the weight-loss program) Brought to you by the Weight Management Center at Wake Forest Baptist Health

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DECEMBER 2019 / 41

MIDTOWN DESSERTERY

42 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

Sweet Happenings at

BY DENISE HEIDEL PHOTOS BY JON ERIC JOHNSON PHOTOGRPHY

Nothing

says tradition like the holidays, right? And, with a history in the community that is more than 30 years old, Midtown Cafe & Dessertery is a part of many traditions. From their humble beginnings as a dessert cafe, Midtown Cafe has evolved to include many holiday favorites that families love to feature at their holiday tables.

MIDTOWN DESSERTERY A Tradition 30 Years in the Making

Midtown Cafe & Dessertery Owner Jeff Cayton shared, “Winston-Salem is full of local traditions that many in our community love to honor. We are so proud that Midtown is a part of that tradition. As a family owned establishment for more than three decades, we love that our guests enjoy our warm hospitality, great menu, convenient location and want to gather here with their family and friends for the holidays. It’s what the founder and original owner, Scott Gerding, had in mind when he opened the original dessert cafe in 1995.”

Jeff continued, “Scott wanted an environment where families and friends could gather, where sweet treats could be enjoyed. I think after 30 years, and with all the ways Midtown has grown, his vision was surpassed. After joining him as a business partner in 2015, and eventually, assuming ownership, it’s my family’s honor to keep the tradition going.”

Supplementing Holiday Meals “Ever since the original dessert cafe evolved into a full-service cafe, Midtown has been a soughtafter resource for holiday dishes,” said Jeff. “From ordering pies and cakes to side dishes for the meals, our menu offers some relief for those who are trying to coordinate a large family meal and are eager to simplify things with our delicious options.”

DECEMBER 2019 / 43

Even if you are committed to the tried and true family recipes, Midtown’s options are still helpful.

“After all,” said Jeff, “Even if you don’t want Midtown’s help for your primary holiday meal, it might be nice to take home a lasagna for the night before or pick up something for those who get tired of the leftovers.”

Midtown’s Grab & Go Market is a favorite for busy families at any time of year, but it’s especially helpful during the holidays. A house full of relatives means extra demands in the kitchen and Midtown’s frozen Moravian-style chicken pies, quiches, casseroles and lasagnas are perfect! This is a locally made resource that enables families to focus on family time rather than kitchen duty! Additionally, the Midtown Market offers microwavable options that are portioned in servings for four, including Midtown meatloaf, mac and cheese, cinnamon apples, homestyle green beans and more!

The Dessertery Part of the Cafe From the very beginning, Midtown has been known for stellar desserts and baked goods. From the year-round standards, the community knows and trusts the consistency of freshly baked desserts.

And, because of their commitment from Day 1, the popularity of Midtown grew.

For many families, holiday traditions are created with their own favorite recipes, but they depend on the classic desserts from Midtown to finish their meal in the sweetest way possible. After all, Midtown covers the heart and soul of desserts.

Midtown’s Dessert Options Include: Famous Five Flavor Pound Cake (with or without cream cheese icing). Midtown’s Five Flavor Pound Cake is hard to top. It’s a classic worthy of praise without any icing at all, but after a happy accident in the kitchen, Midtown patrons collectively thank the

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creative thinker who fixed a cracked cake with cream cheese icing. And, in the spring and summer, it’s this decadent Five Flavor Pound Cake that serves as the foundation for Midtown’s seasonal Strawberry Shortcake.

Decadent Italian Cream Cake. Italian or not, this one will have you saying, “Mamma Mia!” You can’t go wrong with three layers of moist cake that is chock-full of pecans and coconut, and topped with cream cheese icing!

Traditional Chocolate Chocolate Cake is no typo – there’s that much chocolate! It’s layers of chocolate cake with chocolate icing – a classic in every sense of the word.

Light and fluffy Coconut Cake. A favorite for many, the coconut cake is a celebration of tropical goodness mixed with a little American ingenuity.

The Midtown take on Macadamia Nut Carrot Cake is something worth writing home about. Not your ordinary carrot cake, Midtown adds macadamia nuts and pineapple. Layer with cream cheese icing, and you have a very special favorite.

Midtown’s Red Velvet Cake has recently earned itself a place on the year-round menu. This favorite for many is rich with chocolate and layered with a vanilla cream cheese icing.

Hummingbird Spice Cake is also a newbie to the year-round dessert menu and is a dessert that blends the flavors of carrot cake and banana bread. It’s a dessert that is begging for seconds.

Any of the Classics (or New Classics) are great to have on hand for the holidays! For breakfast or dessert! No one at Midtown casts judgment on others for being tempted by cake or pie for breakfast, but the Blueberry Brunch Cake is a great coffee cake to have on hand when the relatives are visiting during the holidays!

And, a seasonal addition to the

cake lineup includes the Apple Walnut Cake with Apple Jack Glaze. It’s a great breakfast option as well (after all, fruit is a healthy way to start the day).

German Chocolate Cake is on the menu this fall through winter! Light chocolate layers are stacked with a hearty icing made from pecans, coconut and condensed milk. It’s a cake that’s hard to find in most restaurants, so enjoy it this winter!

Another favorite is the Bourbon Berry Bread Pudding. It’s a delicious dessert with a long history. Baked with French bread, cream, sugar, white chocolate and cranberries – it’s a winning combination that, when served warm, is the ultimate in sweet comfort food.

Cheesecake lovers can relax and enjoy a Traditional Cheesecake that has elements of citrus in a classic NY Cheesecake style. Or, they can enjoy special flavors like Chocolate Chip Cheesecake or Triple Chocolate Cheesecake.

Pie may date back to the 1500s in Europe, but it’s a highly Americanized dessert. Midtown features an Apple Crunch Pie that is based on a recipe that is more than 100 years old! It’s been a classic for longer than anything else on the menu!

And, of course, for those who love a little tart with their sweet, Midtown has them covered with Key Lime Pie. But, nothing speaks of the South better than Southern Pecan Pie. Drenched with gooey goodness and stuffed from one crust to the other with pecans, this is a classic that belongs on every holiday table.

Through the holidays, though, Midtown is serving Pumpkin Pie with a Spice Nut Crust through January! This is not your typical pumpkin pie! It’s a spice nut crust, which adds a whole other dimension to this holiday favorite. It’s a large pie – the size of a large torte,

full of creamy pumpkin goodness, and it’s such a popular favorite, it’s made converts from those who previously claimed they didn’t like pumpkin pie! It will be in demand, so Midtown recommends placing an order soon!

Beyond cakes and pies, Midtown also features a variety of cookies and brownies, including the holiday favorite, Crème de Menthe Brownies.

Available through winter, this brownie boasts a decadent blend of chocolate and mint that makes it a great dessert to enjoy with coffee!

Gluten-free guests are thankful that Midtown remembers them, too! The Gluten-Free Chocolate Torte has become a year-round dessert due to its popularity with those who have gluten sensitivities as well as those who don’t. It’s a Midtown version of a gluten-free lava cake, and it can be served cold or warm.

Jeff Cayton shared, “We are very proud of our menu, and we take special pride in our dessert menu because it’s where our roots are. Our sides and meals-to-go are popular to-go options, and our desserts are in high demand, especially during the holidays. It’s our honor and privilege that so many in our community want to take us home for the holidays!”

Midtown Cafe & Dessertery is centrally and conveniently located at 151 South Stratford Road in Winston-Salem. Their hours of operation are Sunday–Thursday from 7 AM–8:30 PM; Friday–Saturday from 7 AM–9:30 PM. Call them at 336.724.9800, or visit them online at MidtownCafeWS.com. Be sure to download their app! Check out their catering and Midtown Market menus. Stay up-to-date on special events and features by liking their Facebook page or following them on Instagram.

DECEMBER 2019 / 45

Celebrating 75 Years as a Trusted Partner in Adoption Support FAMILY SERVICES

You

may be single. Or married with children. Or divorced. It doesn’t matter. The heart of the matter is that if you’re interested in adopting, Family Services is here to help.

For us, it’s all about trust.

• Placement of children through our infant adoption program; • Home study, education, and post-placement services for families adopting internationally through one of our U.S. partner agencies;

This year marks the 75th year that Family Services continues to support families on their journey to become parents through domestic and international adoption.

• Services for families involved in step-parent, relative, private, or independent adoptions;

Families explore adoption for many reasons. Some couples have struggled with infertility or other medical issues and have decided to build their families through adoption. Others are looking to expand their family by embracing a child who is waiting for a permanent home. At Family Services, our goal is simple: to help children find “forever families” and to provide lifelong support to all who are touched by adoption.

• Ongoing supportive services, including support groups, counseling services, and confidential Intermediary services.

Our experienced staff is available to talk with you about your adoption journey and assist with every phase of the process.

• Education about open adoption;

Adoption affects both the child and the adoptive parents in wonderful and lasting ways. If you are truly interested in sharing your life and your love, please call us at 334.722.8173, or visit us online at FamilyServicesForsyth.org.

Our services include: • I ndividual consultations to help families select the type of adoption appropriate for them;

Family Services is licensed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and is nationally accredited by the Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity.

46 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

T E

Family Services

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Whatʼs important to your life in Forsyth County? Happiness?

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Prosperity? Resilience? No matter what you value most in community,

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security and opportunity that allow Strong families provide the stability, Forsyth County to flourish right now security and opportunity that allow and in the future. Thatʼs what we do Forsyth County to flourish right now Strong families provide the stability, at Family Services. and in the future. Thatʼs what we do security and opportunity that allow at Family Services.

Forsyth County to flourish To donate or volunteer, visit right now familyservicesforsyth.org or what we do and in the future. Thatʼs To donate or volunteer, visit call 336.722.8173 at Family Services. or familyservicesforsyth.org DECEMBER 2019 / 47 call 336.722.8173 To donate or volunteer, visit familyservicesforsyth.org or call 336.722.8173

Strong families provide the stability,

The intriguing premise of a good story combines a hero and a villain, a fatal flaw, a character’s backstory, and a dash of extraordinary power and magical ability.

Toss in comforting seating and a great title, and the day most likely will conclude in rapt attention, especially if a child pleads to continue through one more chapter. Move over wizards and teams of superheroes; there’s an equally exciting genre that dates to the land of ancient civilizations. It comprises a battle between good and evil, extraordinary heroes and villains, gods and goddesses, and mythological creatures.

Mythology Surrounds Us On the surface, the titles of stories of legend appear as fictitious names comprising the Earth (Gaia), the Sky (Zeus or Odin), and the representations of virtues, such as Athena for wisdom. Beyond the stories are memorable characters and creatures that possess a symbolic nature. Ever wonder why a Pegasus appears on stamps? Well, a fast-moving flying horse would aid the mail through airtransport!

A shortlist of additional examples: • You may enjoy wearing a specific brand of sneakers. The name “Nike” represents a Greek goddess of victory.

GREAT ZEUS!

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

• “Dove” is a logical name for soap. The bird references the symbol of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty.

Recommended selections are: • A Child’s Introduction to Norse Mythology: Odin, Thor, Loki, and Other Viking Gods, Goddesses, Giants, and Monsters (8 and older) • Magus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan (8 and older) • The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer (9 and older) Greek Mythology Reading mythology takes an understanding of the characters. As magical beings, they can transform into a human, animal, or hybrid, possessing both human and beastly characteristics. The relatable factor is their vulnerability to the problems of mortals by committing sins, such as greed and envy, arrogance and narcissism, jealousy, and hatred. And, often, their difficulties are Herculean. Despite their supreme status, like humans, the gods and goddesses receive consequences or rewards for their actions.

Making the story relatable, there’s usually a friend or enemy in the form of a Pegasus, satyr, dragon, gorgon, minotaur, or other half-human hybrids such as centaurs, sphinx’, and harpies.

Action-packed, indeed, a few recommended stories include:

• A siren is a goddess intended to lure you and cause irresistibility to her. Interesting that a coffee brand features a siren as its logo!

• A Child’s Introduction to Greek Mythology: The Stories of the Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, Monsters, and Other Mythical Creatures (Child’s Introduction Series) (8+)

• While “Atlas” describes a book of maps, the mythological man holds the world in his hands.

• Young Zeus by Brian Karas (4 and older)

• The medical profession uses the symbol of an entwined snake, which represents the god of medicine, Aesculapius.

• The Adventures of Odysseus by Hugh Lupton (5 to 8) • The Heroes in Training by Joan Holub (6 and older)

• Literature is full of mythological references.

Many children have already met a wild child by the name of Peter Pan, symbolic of a satyr of the wild, of nature, and animals named Pan.

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, The Heroes of Olympus series, and The Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan (8 and up) Expanding the Culture

Even if it’s a mere nugget of information, prior knowledge of a subject can elevate a child’s interest. Mention the words, “Odin,” “Asgard,” and “Thor’s Hammer,” and, most likely, one of those words will connect to a movie, television program, or comic book.

Readers interested in mythology will discover an expansion of cultural Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Indian, Egyptian, and Hispanic stories presented in the modern-day novel.

Consider reading the Charlie Hernandez books by Ryan Caleio, the Storm Runners series by J.C. Cervantes, or the Pandava Quintet books by Roshani Chokshi.

Myths, regardless of culture, offer a united message. Good does not just triumph over evil; the hero learns to conquer his or her inner demons and to quash all undesirable traits. Readers interested in Norse myths should begin with a non-fictional

Mythology is a thrilling genre for any age to learn about history, culture, and expand the imagination. Dating back from the Ancient Norse, 3000 BC, to the current day, the need to hear a good story is still relevant!

Happy reading!

Norse Mythology

48 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

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WREATHS

Across America

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

On

December 14th, cemeteries across the country will be hosting wreath-laying ceremonies, all in support of our nation’s veterans. This day, formally known as the National Wreaths Across America Day, was first started in 1992 by Morrill Worcester, owner of the Worcester Wreath Company in Maine. Today, wreaths are placed at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 1,600 locations in the United States, at sea, and abroad.

So, how did this man create a project and inspire a nonprofit organization that spread throughout the country? Let’s take a look.

According to the Wreaths Across America website, at the age of 12, Worcester won a trip to Washington, D.C. While there, he visited Arlington National Cemetery, which became an inspiration for the rest of his life.

Fast forward to 1992, and his wreath company had a large surplus of Christmas wreaths. He then got the idea to place the wreaths on the graves of veterans at Arlington. With the help of a senator from Maine, plans were put into place to lay the wreaths in an older section of the national cemetery that also received few visitors. As news spread of the tribute, other companies helped with transporting the wreaths, volunteering to decorate the wreaths with bows, and holding special ceremonies. However, this tradition wasn’t well-known and quietly went on until 2005, when everything changed for the better.

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Part of the timeless tradition Worcester created included a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In 2005, a picture was taken of the wreath-covered graves in the snow. Quickly, the image traveled through the internet and gained national attention. Offers for help with the tribute at Arlington and throughout cemeteries in the country began coming in. Yet, Worcester Wreaths couldn’t afford to donate wreaths to all the requests, so the company developed a plan to send seven wreaths to each of the 50 states. These wreaths symbolized all the branches in the military and the POWS and MIAs. A year later, civic organizations started wreath-laying ceremonies in over 150 locations throughout the country. In fact, the recognition gained the attention of the Patriot Guard Riders, a nonprofit organization which attends funerals of fallen heroes. The Patriot Guard Riders created an escort for the special wreaths from Maine to Arlington, establishing the annual “Veterans Honor Parade,” which now travels down the East Coast in early December and makes stops at schools, veterans’ homes, and monuments to teach the importance of honoring the fallen heroes.

Two years after the iconic image was taken, in 2007, the Worcester family, veterans, and other groups founded the Wreaths Across America nonprofit.

Their mission is to support groups and individuals within the nation to continue the wreath-laying ceremonies and to “remember our fallen U.S. veterans,

honor those who serve, and teach your children the value of freedom.” By the next year, over 300 locations in every state, Puerto Rico, and 24 overseas cemeteries participated in Wreaths Across America, prompting Congress to declare a “Wreaths Across America Day” in December.

Currently, the annual, nationallyheld wreath-laying ceremonies are conducted on the second or third Saturday of December. There are many ways to participate in the event.

First, you could sponsor a veteran’s wreath. Other avenues to assist include volunteering your time or donating to a local fundraising group or cemetery in your area. Finally, if you are able, attend the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and volunteer to place the wreaths. The event is free and open to the public. Visit the nonprofit’s website for more information on both opportunities— wreathsacrossamerica.org.

The holiday season is a special time to remember and celebrate those around us. Wreaths Across America is an excellent way to get involved and honor those who served our country. As stated on the organization’s website, “We understand we have Veterans Day in the fall and Memorial Day in the spring, but our service members sacrifice their time and safety every single day of the year to preserve our freedom…There is no better time to express our appreciation than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.”

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DECEMBER 2019 / 51

PHOTOS FROM NOVEMBER KMO AT JERRY LONG YMCA

52 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

Grab a Friend... and bring the kids for a morning of fun at Thursday December 12 *Registration Required Two time slots available

10am - 11am 11am-Noon HOOTS AND HOLLERS

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*Registration Required

FOR A SPECIAL KMO! Hoots and Hollers will help boost your children’s creativity with a special “make and take” sun catcher art project! *Due to limited space for this month’s KMO, registration will be required. You will be notified via email if you are selected for the 10am or 11am slot.

Please register at tinyurl.com/KMODec19 Snacks will be available, as well as the Forsyth Family prize board!

Come enjoy the fun!

These monthly events are hosted by DECEMBER 2019 / 53

The Nativity’s Message in the 21st Century

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

Of

all the ornaments and decorations, the figurines of Joseph and Mary, and baby Jesus in his manger, may appear the most fragile of them all, regardless of whether your Nativity was a recent purchase or handed down. Thirty years ago, my grandmother, Margaret Thomas, gifted in hand-painting ceramic pieces, labored meticulously on the details of Joseph and Mary, baby Jesus, the three Wise Men, a shepherd and an angel, camels and sheep, goats, and a donkey. When we placed the Nativity underneath the tree or on a table, the attraction of the 12-inch figures compelled visitors to discuss aspects of the most celebrated story. Whether you are a woman like Mary, pregnant and faithfully waiting for the birth of a child, or, perhaps, simply surprised by the contents of a Christmas letter, the story of the Nativity can personally speak to each one of us.

Mary and Joseph The birth of Jesus provides stirring demonstrations of faith, love, acceptance, and perseverance in times of difficulty. You and I can wonder if Mary truly walked 90 miles across barren lands, fighting the sun and wind, in the final days of her pregnancy. Tired, with swollen feet and pain streaming through her body, she continued forward and reached her destination as prophesied. In the events of the story, we can read of the trials of her time and interpret her as a woman of endurance and strength, and Joseph as a man of guidance, decision, and protection. How often do we seek the power of God through prayer and know that we, too, will be guided?

No Room at the Inn Not every event occurs as we hope. Conflict often leads to frustration, and separation from the very people we want to enjoy. In these situations, does it matter if there are enough beds or food to accommodate visitors? The answer for Joseph and Mary was to accept the words, “There is no room” in Bethlehem. In our striving for perfection, we need tolerance and understanding. Our situation can provide a memory—perhaps even a story—to share in future years.

A Witness Christmas is a time of news and reconnecting with extended family and friends who may live at a distance. We await “the witness” and learn—perhaps through a handwritten message—important news. In the story of the Nativity, news traveled slowly and was received years—and for some—decades later. Distance and connection may be the reason why the New Message was not delivered sooner. As in the Wise Men’s case, you may find yourself traveling and reaching out to become closer to a person in need.

Will you become a shepherd of protection, or the legendary Wise Men providing support, comfort, and gifts? If you are symbolically a Mary or Joseph, blessings to those who open the door to witness the moment of unexpected miracles!

“Be Not Be Afraid” Not all are joyous and allow the Christmas season to create a blanket of warmth. Feelings of fear or grief can be an overwhelming weight. “Be not be afraid” are words of faith [stated by the angels] that can aid in moments when we feel uncertain and need strength. During these times, think about the one who speaks to you and compels you forward. Is it the angels? Joseph and Mary, or, perhaps, the shepherds? “Be not afraid” is a calling to each of us in the hope the actions of biblical people will assist us in times of wonder and need.

Today’s Child For children, Christmas is a time to learn why the season contains unimaginable miracles and the need to follow faith and light. No matter what our age, the Christmas box containing our Nativity contains beautiful figurines, which represent our faith in Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the witnesses, and the angels. A child as young as 18 months can learn about the Oldest Story through magnets and books until they are ready to handle the porcelain figures with their own hands.

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From babies to wise men and women, the story of the Nativity can guide our way, year after year, to fully celebrate Jesus’ birth and sing a song of tribute—Happy Birthday!

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Photos by Annamarie & Terry Gallagher

On

October 26th, 2019, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston-Salem (DSAGWS) hosted the 19th-annual Buddy Walk at West Forsyth High School. This event is the largest fundraiser this organization hosts each year to raise money for its programming. This year was the most successful Buddy Walk they have ever had, with over 1,000 registered participants, 40 local sponsors, and $85,000 raised.

The Buddy Walk was created in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society. This event serves to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome. It is hosted in the month of October, so it can simultaneously celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month. In 1995 there were 17 Buddy Walks. In 2019 there were over 250.

The 2019 Buddy Walk at West Forsyth High School was one to remember.

Registered participants were each given a T-shirt and treated to a variety of food donated by many local restaurants. The walk itself is one lap around the West Forsyth High School Track. This allows participants of any ability to participate. Once the walk was completed, participants were able to enjoy the festival-like atmosphere and lots of entertainment.

Participants enjoyed a variety of fun family activities that day. Executive Director of DSAGWS Jay Callahan said, “This is so much more than just a walk. This is an opportunity to come together as a community and enjoy a family festival while raising awareness and promoting inclusion for people with Down Syndrome.” It is also a great opportunity for families to connect and have a lot of fun.

The entertainment this year was hosted by MC David Daggett. The Tyler Millard Band took the stage as well as the Davie High School Cheerleading Squad, that has a member with Down Syndrome. There was also a talent show that showcased the singing, dancing, and various other talents of some of the DSAGWS members. Other activities included face painting, fairy hair, games, a train ride, and more.

One of the highlights of the Buddy Walk is that the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston-Salem uses it as an opportunity to recognize one special volunteer. The Buddy of the Year Award is given to a volunteer that has gone above and beyond to show their commitment to the organization and selflessly give of their time. This year, West Forsyth Teacher Stuart Egan was recognized as the 2019 Buddy of the Year. In addition to being a member of DSAGWS and having a middle school child with Down Syndrome, he gives his time regularly to the organization, including coordination of over 300 volunteers for The Buddy Walk.

The money raised at this year’s event will be used to support the programming and advocacy for DSAGWS. Some of the funds will go to provide scholarships for members to attend national organization conferences, to participate in therapeutic horseback riding at RiverWood and social groups for parents with children who have Down Syndrome. The funds will also be used to host the “No Limits” dances throughout the year.

These dances are for all individuals with disabilities and provide a club-like experience, fellowship, and fun.

If you would like more information about the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston-Salem, you can visit their website at www.dsagws.org.

There you will find more information about the organization, the programs, the advocacy they provide, and more. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram at the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston Salem - DSAGWS, including the Deacon Dash on March 21st and Victory Day in April!

56 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

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A Conversation about Hanukkah

BY TABATHA RENEGAR

It

starts before Halloween. In some crazy instances, it starts before October!

CHRISTMAS. At retailers, restaurants, auto dealers.

CHRISTMAS. The traditions, Baby Jesus, Santa, cookies.

You can’t avoid it. It’s everywhere you look and yet, simultaneously, another holiday is taking place that undoubtedly gets lost in the shuffle—Hanukkah.

According to a 2015 report by Wilmington, North Carolina’s Star News, the ratio of Americans who celebrate Hanukkah compared to those who celebrate Christmas is one to 14.

It occurred to me that even with several Jewish friends in my closest circle—my “framily”—I couldn’t say that I truly knew what Hanukkah meant to them. So I decided to ask. Sure, I could have looked it up on the internet to get all the facts and figures, but a conversation seemed like a better idea.

I called my close friend Adrienne and said “tell me about Hanukkah—what would you want us to know about it?”

I was surprised when she said “Well, it’s not religiously very significant. It really only became a big deal because of the way it coincides with Christmas on the calendar.

In order to assimilate with mainstream America, it began to be inflated.”

58 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

This was indeed news to me! Adrienne said that the seasons of Autumn and Spring are actually more revered than Hanukkah because they encompass the Jewish holidays of greater spiritual importance, such as Passover, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot.

What does Hanukkah mean?!”

Hanukkah is a festival that commemorates the 165 BC rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. It is also known as the Festival of Lights. So naturally I wondered how a temple’s destruction and rededication translated into a “festival of lights.”

As part of the historic rededication, a lamp containing enough oil to remain lit for 1 night was placed inside the Temple.

Miraculously, it continued to burn for 8 full days and 8 nights! Thus, the length of the festival is 8 days and nights, and this is why the menorah has 8 candles.

Some of the traditional foods that are enjoyed during Hanukkah are fried foods like potato pancakes. These are traditional Hanukkah treats because they are cooked in oil, which reminds celebrants of the miracle of the holiday.

Okay, but where did the gift-giving part of Hanukkah originate? According to my unofficial “expert,” Adrienne, this was part of the assimilation to Christmas. A

popular gift is “gelt,” the golden-wrapped chocolate coins, most often sought after during games of “Spin the Dreidel.” The dreidel is a spinning top embellished with Hebrew letters and symbols. The coins as a prize symbolize the giving of money to the poor to ensure that they can buy their Hanukkah candles I wondered aloud if the over-the-top nature of Christmas has tarnished the Hanukkah season for her. Adrienne said she is not bothered at all by Christmas or even by folks wishing her a Merry Christmas! She doesn’t feel that the Christian holiday, and all that it has turned into, has eclipsed Hanukkah, since Hanukkah is not a particularly spiritual holiday for most Jewish people.

Furthermore, she indicated that a happy byproduct of the similar seasons is that it has become a convenient and happy time to connect with family.

In fact Adrienne said that she and her husband enjoy some of the Christmas traditions and attending Christmas parties, and that they would plan to attend my Christmas party. When I said that I didn’t think I would be having one this year she said “Hey, you should have a Hanukkah party!”

And so it is that this Episcopalian finds herself checking the calendar for a date between December 22nd and 30th to gather friends and family for a highspirited game of Spin the Dreidel!

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Stay for the 29th Annual Winston-Salem Jaycees Downtown Holiday Parade at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership‘s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

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Around-the-World Holiday Treats

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

Candy

canes, figgy pudding, peppermint bark, and gingerbread men cookies are just a few of the timeless Christmas sweets that bring every adult back to their childhood memories. This year let’s gain some new inspiration by tracing back your family heritage and baking beyond the US border. Find below a little list of sweets from around the world that are enjoyed each year at Christmastime and can be found locally, or easily made at home.

CHRISTMAS PUDDING Christmas pudding, dating way back to medieval England, and especially popular during the Victorian Age, is a traditional holiday sweet served during Christmas dinner in the UK, as well as some parts of Ireland.

Surprisingly, it was originally used as a way to preserve meat and did not make its debut as a tasty holiday sweet until the 1700s. Many of you may know Christmas pudding as plum pudding; however, the dessert doesn’t contain any trace of plums! During the Victorian Age, the term “plum” was used interchangeably with the term “raisins,” which are indeed found throughout this delectable sweet.

Traditional Christmas pudding can be easily made at home with simple ingredients like apples, citrus zest, sultanas, mixed nuts and spices, as well as your classic cake baking ingredients.

BIBINGKA Bibingka is traditionally served during breakfast, and also as a dessert, during Christmastime in the Philippines. A recipe that has been passed down for generations will typically instruct one to make this spongy rice cake with homegrown rice milled into flour. When Bibingka is made solely with rice flour, it becomes a delectable sweet for individuals with a gluten intolerance. However, other types of flours can be used a substitute with a slight alteration in flavor. This heavenly, slightly sweet dessert can be easily made at home, and is best served warm with coconut shavings.

PAVLOVA Pavlova, originating in New Zealand, was actually named in honor of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. An old tale believes this recipe dates back to the 1920s, when Anna Pavlova visited New Zealand on her famous world tour. This meringue-based dessert traditionally has a crisp crust with a soft, marshmallowlike center, and is delectable by itself, or when served with whipped cream and fresh berries. The dessert is to be a perfectly light sweet, since it is most commonly served in

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New Zealand and Australia, where the Christmas Season is quite warm outside. Today, many audacious bakers have found creative designs and flavors to use as toppings for their pavlova, such as figs, poached pears, and kiwi.

PANETTONE Italian Panettone bread is easily spotted throughout various supermarkets during the holiday season. It is a staple cake for all Christmas festivities in Italy that dates back to the Medieval Era, with the recipe originating in Milan. This traditionally citrus-flavored sweet bread is associated with the popular legend of a love story between a nobleman, Ughetto, and a common baker’s daughter, Adalgisa. After Ughetto’s family forbade him to marry into a lowly family, he went incognito to secretly take a job at Adalgisa’s father’s bakery to continue to see her. When playing around in the kitchen after hours, Ughetto added butter, sugar, candied peel, and raisins into Adalgisa’s father’s bread recipe to please her.

Adalgisa’s father’s bakery became so popular from the sweet bread that Ughetto’s family gave him permission to marry her.

While listening to the multitude of legends that are floating around Italy about the origin of the Panettone bread, take a warm seat by the fireplace while you enjoy this fluffy pastry with aromas of citrus and vanilla.

BÛCHE DE NOËL Bûche de Noël is a remarkably popular holiday sweet among the French, and most commonly found in France and Quebec. Many may recognize it for its common name as a “yule log cake,” since the baking journey leads you to rolling it into a log-like shape.

Traditionally, many bakers will decorate the rolled cake with frosting to mimic the rustic nature of bark, with the goal of the scrumptious cake looking like an attractive tree branch. Although the heirloom recipes for Bûche de Noël date back to the 19th century, its association with a “yule log” only became popular in the latter half of the 20th century.

Wash these sweets down with a warming drink as you share memories you will cherish for a lifetime with family and friends this holiday season.

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BY LISA S.T. DOSS

The

gift of an action figure doll, whether it was male or female, was generally inconsequential to the imaginative storylines that developed during the years of boyhood and girlhood. Despite the accessories and clothing choices, action figures became more exciting once they possessed a computerized suit or magically enhanced powers. The domestic lifestyle changed to create adventures, extraordinary problems, and decisions about who was most capable of saving the day! Later, to provide young children with a new role model, girls from fantasy-themed, horror, and fairy tales entered the scene.

Parents couldn’t complain when modestly dressed fictitious girls, who valued friendship, school, and their extraordinary gifts, helped young girls see themselves as heroes.

The Diverse Book Movement In 2014, a movement arrived to break the stereotypical viewpoint of females in literature. The reference reached a broad platform from television and film adaptations to cartoons and fairy tales. Comic books and children’s picture books created a new and improved action-figure!

The outcome provided a crossover for children, under the age of 10, to experience a new-and-improved superhero, who embodied the essence of imperfections while valuing friendship and education. The plan worked! Children delved into the stories to enjoy not one favorite character, but a team who actively finds solutions by working together. The lessons about right and wrong, selflessness, loyalty, and courage are among the values right on target to influence young audiences.

Heroine Equal to Hero An unexpected trio formed when Wonder Woman joined iconic superheroes Superman and Batman in 2017. The heroine broke through the barrier to become an accepted hero capable of devising plans, fighting, and winning!

Whether through cartoon or comic book, chapter book, or picture book, children altered their opinions of what defined a superhero. With the addition of action figures, male or female heroes were inconsequential to the message that teamwork is the answer to most solutions!

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A Better Shoe Fit Heels and fashionable outfits are a nightmare to a superhero requiring flexibility and mobility. The inevitable occurs; the hero is unlikely to take the risk due to her delicate and expensive clothing. The designers, too, believed a role model for a young girl required apparel that possessed functionality and modesty. By eliminating the sexual component, the hero becomes powerful not due to her beautiful locks or thin waist, but through her incredible super skills.

Lego, More Than Just a Construction Toy Toys, especially constructing kits, have come a long way in the past two decades. Step-by-step instructions corresponding to numbered packets help the builder erect a boat, building, or house. While the structure offers a feeling of accomplishment, Legos also provide an interactive component, especially if it is Newberry Haunted High School or Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The option for multiple play centers, an array of characters, and quite possibly magical creatures, expands the play session to any number of problems and solutions.

The Power of Superheroes The heroes and heroines of today live complicated lives; yet, they bond together in friendship to face problems.

The best attributes of the superhero create a foundation for children to follow as a student by day living the credo of a full-time good citizen! It is a message parents cannot help but embrace! Children, too, invest in the characters, who do not always possess capes or superpowers, but natural abilities and great ideas!

Children understand that not every problem requires a battle scene. The power of the hero offers a moral compass to children who need help navigating through a world where keeping a cool head and acting fast is necessary during threats of danger. Kids need belief in superheroes to rise above impossible challenges and feel super!

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Out & About

BY HEATHER SPIVEY

in Winston-Salem with Senior Services’ Evening for Alzhiemer’s Care

On

Friday, October 25th, more than 300 guests gathered at Senior Services on Shorefair Drive for the 19th annual Evening for Alzheimer’s Care. This event was created to benefit Senior Services’ Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center, which provides person-centered care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia and much-needed respite for their family caregivers.

Ann and Borden Hanes, the evening’s honorary chairs, welcomed arriving guests along with Event Chairs Angie and Everette Murphy. Heading the list of sponsors were BB&T, the fundraiser’s presenting sponsor, and Mr. and Mrs. Toby W. Robertson, who were the tent sponsors. Among the other top supporters this year were Reynolds American, Semmax Financial and Wake Forest Baptist Health. The generosity of these and many other business sponsors and individual patrons and donors, along with the time invested by dedicated committee volunteers, made the evening possible.

The event wouldn’t have been the same without entertainment by Kevin Douthit on the keyboard. Guests mingled while enjoying the music and bidding on a wonderful variety of silent auction items – more than 450 of them! – which were donated by generous local businesses and individuals. Five Loaves topped off the occasion with a buffet featuring, as entrees, brown sugar-roasted salmon and grilled chicken marsala. A salad of mixed greens, two vegetable choices and assorted breads and petite desserts rounded out the menu.

“This is a special fundraiser,” said Leigh Anne Groves, Senior Services’ chief development officer, “both because of the extraordinary level of community support and because of the significance of the cause. By coming together for this event now each fall for 19 years, businesses and individuals have been making sure that no one needing the services of the Williams Center is turned away because of an inability to pay. It’s not only a fun evening, it’s also an important one – both for the center and the community it serves.”

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DECEMBER 2019 / 65

Lighting the Way in a Dark World: Celebrating Swedish Santa Lucia Day!

BY SUSAN SCHABACKER

ST. LUCIA LUSSEKATTAR (CHAI SAFFRON BUNS) Makes 12-14 buns INGREDIENTS: ½ cup milk ¼ cup strong steeped chai black tea (optional) or ¾ cup milk ½ teaspoon saffron threads ¼ cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar On e ¼-ounce packet active dry yeast (check the expiration date on the package!)

3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened ¼ cup sour cream 2 eggs Pinch of salt (optional) Se eds from 3 cardamom pods, ground (optional) 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional) ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional) Raisins

nostalgically remember the processional train we formed as children—all cloaked in white with silver sashes—as I led our guests forward. I wore a crown of green garlands with glowing candles and lighted the way through our dark living room. This special celebration of light, known as Santa Lucia Day, lights up Swedish homes and churches on December 13th every year.

Celebrated in Scandinavia to commemorate bringing light into a dark world with Christianity, the concept alone is beautiful and moving. Songs were shared as we baked delicious Lussekatter (saffron buns) and Pepperkakor (ginger snap cookies) and filled the kitchen with yummiest of smells and much warmth.

These wonderful St. Lucia treats are best enjoyed with a steaming mug of coffee, chai tea, hot cocoa, or apple cider.

These recipes may be time-consuming, but they are well worth the effort. If you’re a fan of chai, you will love these two recipes, but it’s up to you, and you can always leave the spices out.

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13. L et cool a bit and enjoy while still warm and delicious!

Recipe Adapted From: simplyrecipes.com/recipes/ st_lucia_saffron_buns/

SWEDISH CHAI PEPPARKAKOR (GINGERSNAP COOKIES) INGREDIENTS: 3 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground star anise 1 cup butter 1 cup white sugar

EGG WASH GLAZE 1 egg, beaten

½ cup brown sugar, packed

DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine milk, sugar, and saffron and heat until steamy. Remove from heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Let the mixture cool to 95º to 105º Fahrenheit.

2 Tablespoons dark corn syrup

2. Scatter yeast over milk mixture. Let sit 5 to10 minutes until foamy.

I

12. B ake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, turn over and bake another 5 minutes. Remove when golden brown.

3. Mix together sugar, flour, salt, and cardamom.

4. Blend together the rest of the ingredients, adding the saffron milk.

5. Mix and then knead dough by hand.

Dough will be slightly sticky.

6. Let the dough rise, then form a ball, place in center of the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Note: Dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight.

7. Let the dough sit in a warm place until the dough has grown twice as large.

8. When ready, knead lightly, form a ball of dough about 2” wide and roll it into a 14” strip. Curl both ends in opposite directions forming an “S” shape.

9. Place on greased baking sheet, cover lightly with plastic wrap and let dough rise about 30 to 60 minutes until it doubles in size.

10. Whisk egg and brush buns with egg wash glaze.

11. Place raisins in the centers of the “S” curls.

1 egg, beaten 1 Tablespoon maple syrup DIRECTIONS: 1. Whisk dry ingredients together in mixing bowl.

2. Mix room-temperature butter with the sugars in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, then add the egg, corn syrup, and maple syrup.

3. Stir in dry mixture gradually, until well blended.

4. Separate dough into 4 equal portions, wrap each tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly butter baking sheets, flour the surface and roll dough out about one-eighth inch thick.

6. Cut with Christmas cookie cutters and place cookies about 1 inch apart on baking sheets.

7. Bake about 5-10 minutes, remove from oven, place on wire racks and let cool before eating.

Adapted from: allrecipes.com/recipe/155728/ traditional-swedish-pepparkakor/

Plan a gathering among family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate Santa Lucia Day. Have a processional and try out these recipes!

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Remembering Our Loved Ones during the Holidays

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

Losing

a loved one is hard and tough on any day of the year. Yet, the grief is ever more evident during the holiday season. In the months of November and December, family traditions and memories always reappear. When a person who is normally a part of this special time is no longer with you, things change, and usually happy times are just a little bit sadder. However, there are ways to remember your loved one during the holidays. If you are grieving for a special person this time of the year, try these ideas to honor their memory.

Display old family photos and photo albums throughout your home. Once people start browsing the images, it will be no time before the reminiscing starts and old stories are told. You can do the same with home videos. Remember the scene from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, where Clark is stuck in the attic, finds reels of home movies, and decides to watch them? You can do the same thing with your family and friends (just maybe not while stuck in an attic). It may be tough to watch, but you will also be in the presence of your passed loved one again.

Add some decorations that originally belonged to the person in your home.

This is my family’s first Christmas without my grandmother. Every year, we would gather together and put up her tree in the living room. I can’t even remember a year not doing this tradition. Last year, we decorated the tree without her, since she was in a nursing home at the time.

But, knowing that she was still with us and would be enjoying the tree once she came home, made it a little easier. This year, my family will be trimming her Christmas tree in her honor. Yes, it is going to be emotional, but looking at all the family ornaments will give us a chance to feel her comfort and relive memories of beloved past Christmases.

Volunteer at, or donate to your loved one’s favorite charity in their name. Options include churches, places of worship, local

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food pantries, shelters, nursing homes, etc. Think about a place your family member supported and gave their time to. Another option would include purchasing a gift your family member would have liked and donating it to a charity that could use it or pass it on.

Sending out family holiday cards may be too much to do while you are grieving. Instead, try writing a few cards for our military members and sending them to the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes. For more information, visit redcross.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/holidaysfor-heroes.html.

Make the person’s classic holiday recipes. Think about dishes or desserts they also made or ate during this time of the year. Then, recreate them for your family. You don’t have to be a gourmet cook or baker to fulfill this way to honor them.

Light a candle in their memory on the days you think you’ll miss them the most, such as Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

Lastly, give yourself time to miss the loved one. They had an important part in your life and should have a valuable part during the holidays. Make sure they don’t go unnoticed and their memory is still alive through either big or small actions.

If you aren’t in the mood to be around people or complete your annual family traditions, there is no reason to feel guilty! It is important to put yourself and your family’s health and self-care first. Simple acts can be difficult, especially in the first year of losing someone. Hopefully, however, it will get easier as the years go on. The key to remembering loved ones during the holidays is to follow your own path and do whatever you need to do to make the holidays a little less stressful.

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Christmas is filled with love, giving, feasting, and…symbolism! We grow up engulfed in the sights of Christmas trees, reindeer, and gingerbread men around this time, but many of us may not know how these traditions emerged. There is a story and significance behind these traditions. ’Tis the season to be enlightened!

Here are the stories behind some of the most popular traditions.

STUFFED STOCKINGS This particular tradition was inspired by an old folktale about the original Saint Nicholas.

Every holiday season, Saint Nicholas would travel through impoverished neighborhoods and visit homes of those in need. He would bring gifts and spread cheer among those suffering families. One day, he came upon a widower who just lost his wife. The widower could not afford to give substantially to his daughters. He was too prideful to accept money from Saint Nicholas, so the Saint dropped money down the widower’s chimney, and it happened to fall into some of his daughters’ stockings that he was hanging up to dry over the fireplace! This folktale gave birth to modern traditions where family stockings are hung over the fireplace, ready to be stuffed with gifts on Christmas morning.

CANDY CANES These slender, sugary candies have evolved a long way and were quickly adopted as a Christmas treat. They made their debut as a single white candy stick back in 1837, but after a few years, red stripes were added. Around 1920, these straight candy sticks were given the “J” shape thanks to Bob McCormack, a famous candy designer, turning the candy stick into a “candy cane.” Throughout the years, many Christians gave the candy cane a spiritual significance based on its parts. The “J” shape represents Jesus, the white of the

70 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

cane symbolizes His purity, while the red stripes tell the story of His crucifixion and the blood He shed for our sins. The mint flavor could stand for the hyssop plant that was used for purification in biblical days. And that meaning still stands today!

EGGNOG This popular holiday beverage has a lengthy history as it dates back to 1607. The very first batch of eggnog was made at Captain John Smith’s settlement in Jamestown. Back then, it was called egg and “grog,” which is a drink made with rum. The name was eventually changed to eggnog. This adult beverage contains milk, sugar, eggs, and some liquor, while the family version contains no liquor at all.

FRUITCAKE Although not as popular as before, the tradition of fruitcakes dates back to the 16th century. Back then, people discovered that fresh fruit could be stored and preserved in large amounts of sugar solution, making the fruit candied. Since sugar was so inexpensive at the time, many colonies could afford it and stuff their fruit in sugar and ship it to European colonies as a gift. By the end of the 19th century, people were stuffing candied fruits, such as pineapple, plums, pears, cherries, and nuts, into a cakelike form. This process of giving and sharing with distant loved ones became a well-known Christmas tradition.

CHRISTMAS TREES Definitely the most obvious of all holiday traditions, the Christmas tree made its grand entrance back in the 17th century. Tree worship was common among European pagans. So German Lutherans popularized the modern Christmas tree traditions by bringing it to the United States upon immigration in the 1820s. In 1840, Prince Albert came to England to marry Queen Victoria and brought a Christmas tree with him. The whole royal family decorated the tree with small toys, candles, and candies.

When a photo of this embellished tree famously appeared in a London newspaper, that’s when other nations, including the United States, became familiar with the new tradition and began adopting it as their own!

While we may take these traditions for granted, it’s important to know where they came from in order to know our purpose for celebrating with them. Happy holidays!

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DECEMBER 2019 / 71

The

Fur -Baby Addition

holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year, with many families packing up for road trips both near and far to be near loved ones. With fur babies playing such an important role in a family unit, it’s no surprise that AAA and Best Western International report that more than half of U.S. pet owners take their cats and dogs with them when they travel. While it’s easy to think about the excitement of rallying the troops for a family trip, there is no denying that it can also be a stressful journey from planning to actually getting to your destination. Believe it or not, your pet family members often feel the same way!

As you get ready to take Fido or Whiskers along for the ride this year, there are some simple precautions and helpful tips to make the trip both safe and comfortable for them.

Familiarize them with the car and travel early If you’re in the puppy or kitten stage with your family fur baby, this is the perfect opportunity to get them familiar with car rides. Even if they are an older pet, you can help them get an idea of what to expect by doing some little things in advance that create familiarity. The days and, if possible, weeks leading up to the road trip, doing things such as bringing them in the car with you for short drives, letting them see and smell their travel crate, and even seeing your suitcase ahead of time can all reduce stress. Many pets who are used to traveling know that when they see suitcases out, a trip is coming near.

Keep their safety first and prepare for the worst While your upcoming road trip may be completely calm and orderly, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead for uncertainty to keep everyone safe and sound. First up, you want to make sure your pets are microchipped with updated contact information in the event you have a runaway on your hands. If you need to order updated pet tags with the correct address and phone number as well, you can do this same-day at many pet stores in town. Next, in the event of a car accident, you want to make sure everyone in the car is buckled in and secure—your furry family members are no exception. Purchasing a car harness for larger dogs, a doggie car seat for dogs under 30 pounds, and securing travel crates for your cats are all great ways to maintain safety.

Gather pet-friendly essentials into a travel kit Just as you put together toiletries for the family and travel toys and activities for your children, make sure to gather the goods for your pets in advance. If you wait last- minute, odds are there may be something you didn’t realize you needed before you have to hit the road. Putting together a kit of essentials like food, drinking water, treats, bathroom supplies, medication, and travel documents is a good idea. If you have a pet that particularly doesn’t handle travel stress well, reach out to your vet before you leave to request something to help keep them calm. There are both pills and sprays available for dogs and cats that can do the trick. You may also want to avoid feeding them before a long trip to help their stomach nerves.

This can also help avoid pet messes in the car that often happen from being too nervous!

Here’s a quick checklist to help make sure you have everything you need for your pets the next time you travel: o Food o Collar with ID tags o Travel Documents o Leashes o Drinking Water o Travel Crate o Updated Shot Records o Pet Accident Cleaner o Treats o Favorite Toys/Blanket o Medication o Paper Towels o Food Bowls o Grooming Supplies o Litter or Poop Bags o Lint Brush

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336.766.5564 • www.clemmonsbicycle.com 2703 Lewisville-Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC DECEMBER 2019 / 73

The International Santa Claus Hall of Fame

BY SANTA CLAUS

Hi, boys and girls of all ages! It doesn’t matter how old you are; I still think of you as young people waiting for my annual visit to your home. Excitement is in the air. I’ve been very busy, like always, checking that list!

It’s been a busy, busy year, and I’ve been relying on my local Santa helpers that you see at stores everywhere the weeks before Christmas. I hope you’ve had a chance to visit one of them or write me a letter sometime this year. As you know, it takes a lot of people to help get me ready for my once-a-year ride. Between you and me, Mrs. Claus and all my elves have their hands full this time of year! They and those Santas that you talk to are important in making sure that I stay on schedule. I have to be ready and well-rested for that important ride. The reindeer are busy getting in shape as well—lots of carrots and practice runs! What a team we have up here at the North Pole!

Speaking of teams. Did you know that there’s an International Santa Claus Hall of Fame? It’s located in Santa Claus, Indiana, at the historic Santa’s Candy Castle. Years ago, on December 22nd, 1935, the castle was dedicated and sponsored by the Curtiss Candy Company. According to research, the castle is part of the oldest theme-based attraction in the United States. Pretty special, huh? I’ve heard that the folks there are working to get the Santa’s Workshop building all spruced up for visitors again soon.

What does it take to get inducted into the Santa Claus Hall of Fame? The standards are pretty high, as you might expect of anyone who represents me. Consideration is given to each Santa’s career, their contribution/service to charities and their communities, their range of appearances, the length of time they’ve been a Santa, and more. Santa representatives can be nominated in several ways—by department stores, shopping centers or malls, chambers of commerce, or by family members. The selection process takes a while, sometimes as long as 18 months.

It’s a high honor indeed to be in the Santa Claus Hall of Fame. Of the over 7,000 folks who represent me in the United States, less than 75 receive this honor. I heard that one of the members is from North Carolina! How about that!

Remember to thank the Santas you visit this year. Be kind to each other and help out with chores around the house. Do your homework and eat your vegetables. Christmas is about sharing with others, as you know.

By the way, I love the cookies and milk many of you leave out for me.

Healthy treats are tasty too! Mrs. Claus is always trying to get me to eat more veggies, but I do love cookies (especially the ones with sprinkles). And, if you leave a few carrot sticks for Rudolph and the other reindeer, they’ll be thrilled!

Merry Christmas to You—each and every one! I’ll be flying your way soon!

Source: santaclaushall.com

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2019 Parades and Tree Lightings

High Point Sunday, November 24 @ 3pm highpointparade.com Mt Airy Christmas Parade November 30 @ 5pm The parade will leave from Veteran’s Park at 5pm. Please plan to arrive at the park no later than 4pm Mountairydowntown.org Uptown Lexington Christmas Parade December 2, 2019 @ 6 pm This past year was our largest parade yet!

Beginning at Lexington High School and traveling to 9th street, participants wow the crowd with their holiday themed floats, decorated cars, music, and much more.

Uptownlexingtonnc.com Village of Clemmons Annual Tree Lighting Tuesday, December 3 @ 6:30pm Rain Date – December 5th Clemmons.org Rural Hall Tree Lighting Thursday, December 5th @ 6pm Town Hall RuralHall.com Greensboro Festival of Lights December 6 @ 6-9pm Downtown Greensboro Downtownindecember.org Greensboro Christmas Parade December 7 @ noon The Greensboro Holiday Parade has been a downtown tradition for over 40 years. The Parade features huge Macy’s style balloons and is the one of the few Parades in North Carolina to feature these great attractions which have been featured in countries such as Belgium, Israel, Mexico and many other locations!

King Christmas Parade December 7 @ 2pm Mocksville Hometown Christmas Parade December 7 @ 2pm Bring your chair and join us on Main Street in charming downtown Mocksville for the annual Hometown Christmas Parade! The parade is RAIN OR SHINE and begins promptly at 2 PM. The parade route travels down North Main Street beginning at Rich Park and exits at East Depot Street.

Dress warm!

Daviechamber.com Winston-Salem Jaycees Holiday Parade Saturday, December 7th @ 5pm Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony to follow WSParade.org Pilot Mountain Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade Saturday, December 7th @ 5:30pm Special carols will be performed by NC Honors Chorus members and alumni.

The Winners of the Downtown Window Decorating Contest will be announced.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 5:30pm Immediately following the Tree Lighting Ceremony we invite you to stay and enjoy our 49th Annual Christmas Parade where you can see dancing, horses, cheerleaders, marching band, traditional favorites like floats, tractors, cars, public safety vehicles and more! Parade occurs on Main Street between East Surry High School and Academy Street.

Pilotmountainnc.org Christmas Around Downtown Kernersville December 7 from 11am-6pm Tree Lighting @ 7pm KernersvilleNC.com

Kernersville Christmas Parade December 8th @ 2:30pm KernersvilleNC.com Reindeer vs Elves 2.5 mile race in Lewisville before the parade Sunday, December 8th @ 2:30pm Lewisville Christmas Parade Sunday, December 8th @ 3pm The parade point of origin is at the intersection of Shallowford and Lewisville Vienna Roads. The parade then turns at the Oaks Shopping Center on Williams Road, turns again on Belnette and ends at The Shallowford Square.

LewisvilleCivicClub.com Rural Hall Christmas Parade Sunday, Dec 8th @ 2:30pm The parade will start promptly at 2:30 PM at the intersection of Wall Street and Broad Street (ends at Washington Street). We are collecting canned goods/ non-perishable food items for the Second Harvest Food Bank. The Rural Hall Fire Department will also be collecting toys for their annual Brenner Children’s Hospital Toy Drive. (Inclement weather date: Sunday, December 15th at 2:30 PM) Ruralhall.com/events

The Thomasville Christmas Parade December 12 @ 6:30pm The parade route will be the same as recent years going from East to West on Main Street from the Julian Avenue under pass to Hoover Street. visitthomasvillenc.com Santa at Clemmons Village Shopping Center Saturday, December 14th from 2-4pm

DECEMBER 2019 / 75

Little Richard’s BBQ Uses MEAL FOR MEAL MONDAYS to Sponsor Meals that Combat World Hunger

BY JULIE FRITZ

Little

Richard’s BBQ is doing something different every Monday. Almost a year ago, they started a program called Meal for Meal Mondays at all of their locations. For every meal that is purchased at their restaurants on Mondays, they donate a meal to a hungry child. Owner Stephen Karagiorgis knew world hunger was a great humanitarian crisis and wanted to be a part of the solution. He said, “We knew world hunger was a problem, and I was looking for a way for us to help. It is never a child’s fault for whatever situation they are in and that is where our focus is. We want to do good through food, beyond our community and country, to help children all over the world.”

In 2018, Karagiorgis was introduced to the owner of a restaurant called Tacos 4 Life. He learned about how the restaurant was working with a Christian nonprofit called Feed My Starving Children, or FMSC, to provide meals for starving children around the world. Karagiorgis was so inspired by what he saw, he decided to partner with this organization in his own restaurants.

FMSC’s mission is to feed God’s starving children hungry in body and spirit. They strive to eliminate starvation in children throughout the world. They do this by providing scientifically designed complete meals to children at the cost of only $.24 per meal.

Each meal includes vitamin powder, dehydrated vegetables that provide texture, soy protein flakes for muscle and brain development, and rice, a universally recognized grain and belly filler. These meals provide a complete source of nutrition. The meals are funded and packed in the US and then FMSC partners with worldwide organizations to provide meals to children in orphanages, schools, malnutrition clinics, and supply checkpoints throughout the world. The partners report back to FMSC, so they know how the food is being used.

FMSC also sets up mobile food packing events.

Kirstie Williams of FMSC explained, “ Part of what we do is organize and coordinate mobile food packing events for our sponsors. We ship in all the ingredients and then come in as a staff to set up the space and equipment needed to pack the meals. These events allow the community to get involved in what we are doing and get a better understanding of what we are providing to the children.” This is exactly what they did for the mobile food packing event held at West Forsyth High School on October 19, 2019.

When preparing for the mobile food packing event, Karagiorgis reached out to the community to provide the volunteers needed to make it a success. The 275 volunteers that came out represented Little Richard’s employees, family and friends, The West Forsyth High School Key Club, and local members of the Kiwanis Club. Theresa Bryant, West Forsyth teacher, Sponsor of The WFHS Key Club, and Clemmons Kiwanian was thrilled to be a part of this collaboration, “I am

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so thankful for the hard work that Little Richards BBQ put into this project. Stephen Karagiorgis was a mastermind getting this event to come together. The West Forsyth Key Club and the Kiwanians of Clemmons were so lucky to be approached by him and asked to help with this incredible effort to help starving children around the world. We hope to make it a yearly event and get even more people of the community involved.”

The volunteers worked from 8 am to 3 pm packing 504 boxes with 108,864 meals. They were so excited to do this work; many asked to stay and work beyond their original shift. Owen Newsome, a 9th grader member of the Key Club said, “Well, I had a great time packing and running between different stations to provide more supplies. I had a great time meeting new people along the way and hope to do it again next year!”. 10th grade member Abigail Nix really enjoyed her experience too, “I will definitely remember that day for a long time! Personally, I love doing community service, and this project was one that stood out to me! Not only was packing the food cool, but I admired the amount of hard work these people put in all the time for this organization!”.

FMSC was surprised by how efficient the volunteers were and how quickly they were able to reach the goals for the day.

Everyone went above and beyond to help out and make the event a success.

Meal for Meal Mondays is an ongoing event every Monday at all Little Richard’s BBQ restaurants. If you would like more information, visit their website at www.littlerichardsbarbeque. com. If you would like more information about Feed My Starving Children, visit their website at www.FMSC.org.

DECEMBER2019 2019/ /55 77 DECEMBER

Children help bring the magic of Christmas to life

When

I think back about some of my most memorable moments with my children at the holidays, there’s no question there is one period in particular that stands out, the elementary years.

Aside from the spiritual aspect of the holidays, it’s often said that it’s all about the children. And there’s no better place to witness this joy and excitement than in their elementary school years. I must say, at this time of year, if those young children don’t put you in the holiday spirit, nothing can.

I remember how the teachers always put extra energy into decorating their classrooms. The parties and activities they held, like having the children make gingerbread houses and holiday ornaments, were an exciting time for the children and parent volunteers alike (myself included.) I loved just walking in the building each morning and going down the hallway with my little man by my side during that time.

The children were always upbeat, and the atmosphere was positive and happy. I liked seeing the crafts and pictures on the hallway walls depicting the children’s own version of what Christmas looks like at their house. At times, it was often humorous even, to see the exaggerations in their drawings. Enormous Christmas trees and family members, each a different size (I can only imagine according to their meaning), huddled among giant presents.

There’s something magical about that age group, in particular, kindergarten to third grade. They know how to get excited, and that excitement spills onto you. How can anyone look at those grinning faces on those tiny bodies with backpacks, sometimes half the size that they are, and not smile? And when the final day before break comes and the parties are over, the high energy they have when they head out to their buses and parents’ cars, knowing that Christmas is near, just lifts your spirit right along with them.

There’s no question this age provides some of the best memories on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, as well.

From baking cookies for Santa, and putting out reindeer food, to watching the Norad Santa website on the computer or laptop, and keeping track of where he is at any given moment.

Reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas and The Polar Express—all this and more adds to the magic and lets you hear the bell ring once again.

One Christmas memory, for instance, that I recall vividly, happened when I tucked my son into bed on Christmas Eve; I said, let me look out the window and see if Santa is coming yet. And wouldn’t you know it; sure enough, there was a flashing red light high in the sky above the window. I hurried my son to get out of bed to see it and asked him what he thought it was. “It must be Rudolph’s nose!” he said with a jubilant grin on his face. So he quickly jumped back into bed, pulled up the covers tight, and when I went to hug him goodnight, he simply said, “Dad! I need to go to sleep in a hurry!” I said, “Oh, okay,” and I cut off the light so he could begin dreaming of Christmas morning right away. Thanks, PTI. Children love these times, but they have no idea how much their joy and happiness mean to the parents themselves. I think the parents out there will agree with me that it’s the children that warm your heart during this time of year. They remind us what it was like to be young, full of hope, with their whole lives ahead of them, and all they’re interested in is what Santa will leave under the Christmas tree. And for a moment in time, we adults get to experience some of that joy with them and through them.

That magic cannot be replaced; it only comes through the minds and spirit of the children.

So, to all the parents out there who have little ones, enjoy!

And to those whose children have long since grown up, try to find the little ones around you during this time and absorb some of their holiday spirit. It no doubt makes the season complete.

To comment visit theviewfrommysection.com.

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All I Want for Christmas...

I am one of the lucky ones. I was blessed with wonderful, loving parents who made every holiday special. My sister and I woke up Christmas morning to find that Santa had come, filled our stockings, and left us almost everything on our lists. Almost everything...but, even though Santa could have brought it all, we knew we were indeed very fortunate for the gifts we had received. This was a lesson our parents made sure we learned. It is also one I wanted my children and grandchildren to understand and embrace – that, although we all love to get presents, there is a warm feeling you get knowing you have helped someone else. Young children may not be able to grasp this concept, but leading by example eventually has an impact.

When I was a little girl (wow, that was a long time ago), I had a favorite dress. I loved wearing it as often as my mother let me. As it was meant to be worn for church, parties, or special occasions, it wasn’t as often as I would have liked. I remember that I loved the colors, pattern, and feel of the dress, but most of all, it was the way it twirled. I turned in circles as it billowed out in just the perfect way. One day my mom was gathering things to donate. Our church volunteered at a local orphanage helping in many ways. Several times a year, donations were gathered at church, and volunteers delivered them to the orphanage. There were items that were sold in their shop to provide needed funds, but children’s clothes went into a closet to outfit the children who lived there.

I saw my dress go into the donation box. I begged my mom not to give it away. Her explaining to me that it no longer fit and some other little girl could wear it and get joy from it did not make a difference to me. I did not care – it was my dress. Of course, the dress was donated.

Several weeks later, our church had its annual Christmas celebration. It started with the typical children’s pageant, then a dinner, and a visit from Santa. The children from the orphanage attended. Santa gave every child a

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beautiful bell (I still have my collection), carols were sung, and candy canes were eaten. I had been so absorbed in my own little world – being with my friends and family – that I hadn’t even noticed any of the other children. With the party almost over, I looked around the room to find a friend I wanted to invite to come over the next day. My eyes caught sight of a little girl twirling, she had a big smile on her face and laughed in such a way that was infectious. It was how I felt when I wore that very dress.

I will never forget the incredibly happy feeling I had in seeing the joy it was bringing someone else.

Like all children, my grandkids will have a list of things they want from Santa. He will bring them some, but not all they wish for. They will see their parents and grandparents donate toys, put money in the red kettle, take a name off an angel tree, buy food to help stock the local food pantry, or just do random acts of kindness. These are not just done during this season but throughout the year. The children may not say anything about it, but they do notice. I have seen the two older grandchildren get to the age of appreciating how satisfying it is to help others less fortunate.

So, this year and every year, give your grandchildren not only gifts to unwrap, but show by example how their giving to others will bring them joy as well. May you and your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas or whatever you celebrate this season.

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HALLMARK DRAMA’S CHRISTMAS COOKIE MATCHUP

Local Baker Gets a “Sweet” Chance of a Lifetime

BY CAROLYN S PETERSON

Anna

Simeonides found her way into the kitchen and behind a mixing bowl after her little brother developed severe food allergies, and she set out to bake him treats that he could safely enjoy. Today, at 23 years old, Anna finds herself the owner of “To Your Health Bakery,” in Winston-Salem, NC, specializing in baked goods catering to those with food allergies. “We are 100% gluten-free with vegan, paleo, and keto options. While I had many food service jobs through high school, I am completely self-taught as a baker,” said Anna. Recently, Anna found her “sweet” spot in life when she competed in Hallmark Drama’s Christmas Cookie Matchup.

Every Hallmark Lover’s Wish Come True Like most living and breathing women, Anna is a huge Hallmark fan, especially during the holiday season, enjoying all of their “Countdown to Christmas” specials. But to participate in a holiday event like a cookie competition brought Anna’s Hallmark dreams to life.

“It was through social media, namely, Facebook, that I learned about the Hallmark Drama’s Christmas Cookie Matchup, the first ever! On a whim, I felt compelled to enter, so I filled out an application and submitted a 7-minute video in which I sang carols about baking and discussed my extensive Christmas sweater collection and extreme love for the holidays, all while singing praises to my favorite Hallmark movies. Apparently, there were over 1600 applicants for the show! I was truly floored and beyond thrilled when I made the cut…it was a total gift from God,” commented Anna.

Anna’s baking adventure took her to Los Angeles, CA, this past July for a week. “Since we filmed the five-episode show in July, I have been in the Christmas spirit for several months. It was really topnotch, and I was so fortunate to be a part of it. The most notable part of this experience was that we were paired with celebrity assistants from Hallmark Channel’s #1 show, When Calls the Heart. It was a total surprise and ridiculously fun getting to know and work with our actors. For many of them, it was a crash course in the kitchen. They were all so dedicated to helping us, as $25,000 was on the line for the grand prize. I was paired with Kevin McGarry, and he was absolutely phenomenal to work with. Our personalities clicked really well and he brought so much fun and levity to an intense competition! Our host was Jack Wagner from When Calls the Heart and our judges were Emily

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Hutchison, a renowned cookie decorator and author, and Chadwick Boyd, a food and lifestyle blogger,” Anna stated. The great experience continued throughout the competition.

“Every single person who worked on this show was so personable and incredible, from the producers and directors to the glam team and film crew. They truly carried a spirit of Hallmark. Even the competitors themselves all became friends and we still keep in touch!

The kitchen on the set was stunning and simply a baker’s dream. I wish I had a month just to work my way through all of the ingredients and supplies that were at my fingertips. All that said, everyone walked away from this competition having made invaluable, lasting friendships and incredible memories,” said Anna.

As far as who wins is concerned, or how the “cookie crumbles” in the end, you’ll have to tune in, beginning November 13th, 2019, at 9 pm on Hallmark Drama Channel through December 17th, 2019, to watch!

Keith Willard, owner 19 Years Experience

336.244.6519 Servicing the Forsyth, Davie and Yadkinville area.

DECEMBER 2019 / 83

A Dog’s Love Letting Go and Grieving the Loss of Your Best Friend

BY CAROLYN S PETERSON

I

recently read, “The hardest part about losing a pet you love is not when you say goodbye, it’s the way your whole world changes without them and the emptiness left in your heart.” On May 14th, 2019, my Siberian Husky, “Spirit,” passed away in my arms and the world as I knew it was forever changed, as was my heart. I was blessed to share 12½ years with Spirit, which by all accounts is a long life for any dog or cat, but it wasn’t long enough. If you have a pet that you dearly love, there are never enough years with them. Spirit wasn’t my first dog, and he won’t be my last, since I have four others in my home now, and have lost three before him, but he was my “soul dog,” my best friend, the steady, unconditional love that was by my side through the good and bad times. I am dealing daily with the loss and have found a few things that have helped me during this time.

“It’s Just a Dog” If you have shared your life with a dog or any animal, you know they become family members. I am blessed, because my friends, for the most part, are animal lovers and had followed Spirit’s health issues over the years, knowing how hard I worked to keep him healthy. So no one ever said to me, “He was just a dog.” God help them if they had. Sadly, for some, not all people understand the gravity of the loss.

The simple truth is: Losing a pet is a huge deal and a life change. Many families consider their pet to be just

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as much a part of the family as any human. Remember for those you know grieving the loss of a beloved four-legged family member: pet ownership isn’t about ownership at all. It is a mutual relationship that has the deepest emotions at the core of its foundation.

Speak Gently The worst thing a pet owner can hear after “it’s just a dog” is “get over it.” Everyone grieves at their own pace and that includes for the loss of a pet. The closer the bond with the pet, the longer the grieving process. I have found that sharing with my closest friends when I’m having a particularly hard day helps. Most of my friends either had met Spirit or had followed his battles on social media, plus in many cases they have lost a pet of their own. It’s funny how animal people draw other animal lovers to them because we “get” the love of animals.

Accept and Respect the Bond Whether You Understand It or Not Many people with pets include their fur-kids in their daily activities. Trips to the dog-park or evening walks are special times spent with your dog or holding your kitty at night watching TV. Doing things with a pet at one’s side can make the day complete. When these pets are suddenly absent, those days are never the same. With the changed routine, a void is created. If a friend is experiencing a loss of time with

a pet, offer to do something with them to get their mind off of what used to be.

Sharing of Grief and Listening is Important If someone is at the height of their grief, just be there to listen.

If you are the one struggling with your loss, there are support groups in our area where you can meet with others in your same situation and just share the pain, loss and perhaps anger you are feeling. Trellis Supportive Care in Winston-Salem, NC, has a group that meets on the 3rd Monday of each month from 6 pm-7 pm at the Trellis Supportive Care– Williams Education & Counseling Center at 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC. Advance registration is required. Sometimes reminiscing about fond memories can help move you through the grieving process.

The sad reality is that losing a pet is devastating. As a friend, the best thing you can do is offer a shoulder to cry on. Be there to lend an ear.

If you have lost a cherished pet, remember, grief isn’t a one-size-fitsall process. You move through each step at your pace and know that what you are feeling is completely normal and part of the deep love and bond you had with your pet.

For more information on Trellis Supportive Care for animal grief, call 336-331-1300.

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$35/Commercial Vehicles $100 Motorcoaches + Buses (large group vehicles)

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Celebrate Life!

For the 12th year in a row, Forsyth Family will feature a Celebrate Life calendar. It has space to write in those special moments not to forget and features an advertiser list on back. It will be a great resource for parents to keep and use all year long.

(vans, limos, minibuses)

FILL IN YOUR CELEBRATIONS!

Does your business offer Birthday party packages?

Quarter Don’t V miss shouting _________ JANUARY___________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ FEBRUARY__________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ ___ MARCH __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ ____ APRIL __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _____ MAY __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ JUNE______________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _____ JULY __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ AUGUST____________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ SEPTEMBER_________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ OCTOBER___________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _____________________ NOVEMBER _____________________ _________ __________________________________________ _________ __________________________________________ _____________________ DECEMBER _____________________ _________ _____________________ _____________________ _________ __________________________________________

about it to 68,000+ Forsyth Family readers!

Be sure to reference this list of Forsyth Family advertisers for planning the celebrations in your life!

VENUES AND PARTY PROVIDERS

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ENTERTAINMENT

WS FAIRGROUNDS ANNEX ICE SKATING WSFairgrounds.com/Ice-skating 336-725-5636 WS DASH WSDash.com 336-714-6865 YMCA YMCANWNC.org 336-777-8055

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INVITATIONS/STATIONERY NU EXPRESSION 4720 Benton Road NuExpression.com 336-765-5505

GIFTS

CLEMMONS BICYCLE 2703 Lewisville-Clemmons Road, ClemmonsBicycle.com 336-766-5564 HIP CHICS BOUTIQUE & GIFTS 2668 Lewisville-Clemmons Road, HipChicsBoutique.com 336-766-8122 ROLLY’S BABY BOUTIQUE Thruway Shopping Center RollysBaby.com 336-722-6713

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DECEMBER 2019 / 85

(Mom’s Version)

BY VONDA HENDERSON

“On the first day of Christmas My true love gave to me A partridge in a pear tree.”

And, so goes the song…. It gets stuck in your head, and you feel yourself stretching out those five g-o-l-de-n rings right on cue. The version of The Twelve Days of Christmas we’re most familiar with was written in 1909 by an English composer, Frederick Austin. We can blame him for those drawn-out golden rings!

Beyond the song spinning through your head, have you ever done The 12 Days of Christmas for someone? It’s a fun memory that I recall from my childhood. My Mom only did it once, as I remember. I think I was 11 or 12 at the time, but I’ve remembered it all these years, and it always makes me smile.

Don’t worry; there are no doves, gold rings, swans, or drummers drumming involved. Nor does the number of gifts increase each day up to the 12th day. Here’s how Mom celebrated….

On the first day of the 12 days, Mom brought my stocking to me as she woke me for school. It was a big surprise to me; she planned the whole thing, and I had no idea. I don’t remember all the small gifts, that wasn’t the point. It was just so much fun every morning to see what was in my stocking for that day. None of the gifts were expensive; most were practical—it was great fun to anticipate what would be there the next morning. One day might be a tube of toothpaste, a new toothbrush,

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deodorant, a candy cane, a new pair of socks, or a hair bow.

Of course, I told my friends at school, so every day, the first question was, “What was in your stocking this morning?” I think we were all disappointed when the 12 days were over.

Just that one experience created such a lasting memory, one that I, in turn, shared with my daughter when she was around 12. I used Mom’s technique and again, all the gifts were small things that she might need or enjoy. Sharing that experience brought all my memories rushing back like I was a kid all over again.

Perhaps you’ve had a similar memory from your childhood of something that your family did at Christmas that was unique, and that created a lifelong memory. Why not recreate the experience for your child or grandchild to ensure that the tradition continues through the generations?

One important takeaway from The 12 Days of Christmas was that gifts didn’t need to be expensive or the latest gadget or fad. Just being thoughtful and giving something that was useful with a huge helping of love was more than enough. Honestly, that year, those 12 days meant so much that I don’t remember anything about what was under the tree on Christmas morning.

As you celebrate with family and friends, don’t forget the small stuff—it’s sometimes the most important of all. Spread love and joy; hope, faith, and peace.

Merry Christmas!

Monster Jam

DECEMBER 2019 / 87

“STICK ‘EM UP!”

BY CINDY KEIGER

CHILDREN’S CHURCH

“They saw the child with his mother Mary. Then they opened their treasure chests and offered him gifts.” ~ Matthew 2:11 Christmas is the big holiday in the month of December—maybe even the biggest holiday of the whole year. The word “holiday” comes from a word that means “holy day.” Holy means set apart for God. What do you and your family do to get ready for Christmas? Decorate the house? Buy presents for family and friends? Bake cookies? It’s a fun and busy time. Sometimes we’re so busy with all the excitement and decorating that Jesus gets pushed into the hall closet! Since it’s his birthday, we surely don’t want to forget about him on this special day.

How do you and your family keep Christmas holy? How do you remember Jesus in all the fun and excitement? Maybe you set up a nativity set with a little barn and animals and shepherds and the baby Jesus. You might sing songs about Jesus and the shepherds and the angels or color some special pictures. Maybe you can be part of a program at your church or Sunday school. If you have some friends who don’t go to church, Christmas is the perfect time to invite them to go to church with you.

You could even make a birthday cake and invite your friends to a party for Jesus. You might not be able to wrap a present for Jesus, but you can give him your love.

What can I give Him, Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb, If I were a Wise Man I would do my part,— Yet what I can I give Him, Give my heart. (by Christina Rossetti)

Devotion: No Room

BY TAMI RUMFELT

It’s

got to be the most famous story of all time. A pregnant Mary who was “great with child” and her soon-to-be husband Joseph must journey to Bethlehem to be counted in the census. After a long, tiring trek, there is no room in the inn, so the expectant couple retreat to the only shelter offered…a smelly, dirty stable where the Savior of the world would be born.

For so long, I’ve skimmed over that famous line from Luke 2, “there was no room for them in the inn,” just blindly accepting the fact that it was merely a “no-vacancy” issue that led to Jesus’ humble manger birth.

But wait a minute! Not so fast! Couldn’t the owner of the guesthouse have MADE room? I mean, after all, you’ve got an exhausted dad and a laboring mother-to-be standing at your doorstep, desperately needing a place to be for the night, and you can’t find some corner of your home for them to be in?

Couldn’t the innkeeper have offered up his own quarters? Or, maybe some of his guests, had they known the situation, would have been willing to “scrunch together” to make room for the couple.

We know how the story ends, no such accommodations were made and the baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

I’m sad for the innkeeper because he missed an incredible blessing. The first Christmas could have happened in his house!

Instead, he probably slept comfortably in his own bed while the miracle was happening in the barn out back.

I’m also reminded by the story of the innkeeper that I might just as easily miss the miracle of Christmas if I’m not intentional about making room in my heart and my home for Jesus. It is so easy at this time of year to pack our days and nights full of busy-ness that we get to the other side of December, realizing we’ve never really spent any time observing the birth of Christ.

Don’t miss the miracle of Christmas this year. Create spaces in your life to be still and soak in the significance of the Season.

Evict the unwanted guests (stress, to-do lists, unrealistic expectations) that may be crowding Jesus out. Be intentional about making room.

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

BY TAMI RUMFELT

While

it’s the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” Christmas can also the most stressful time of the year for many of us. We all keep pretty busy schedules year-round and the Holiday season can often add a heap of new obligations and responsibilities on top of days that were already plenty full. We long for a time of peace and joy, celebrating the birth of Jesus with family and friends, but all too often, we are too busy and stressed to really soak in the reason for the season.

Now, try to imagine how stressful the Holidays might be for your pastor. He and his family deal with the same Christmas chaos that many of us do, and then there are countless church activities they are expected to lead, or at least attend, throughout the season. On top of that, many people in his congregation are struggling with anxiety and depression that often surfaces during the Holidays, so the need for pastoral counseling may increase as well. Finding time to quietly celebrate Christmas with his own family is a challenge, to say the least.

As you are dealing with the extra work and stress that the Holidays may bring, try to remember your pastor and his family are struggling, too. As you pray for peace, rest and rejuvenation for yourself, include them in your prayers, as well. Finally, #betheone to remind the people you go to church with that your pastor and his family also deserve a Merry Christmas, and find ways to work together to lighten his load this Christmas season.

This “Minute for Your Minister” is brought to you

by Energize Ministries—providing encouragement, refreshment and recreation for your pastors and ministry leaders. For more ideas about encouraging your pastor, visit energizeministries. com. You can also find out about ongoing contests and opportunities on the Energize facebook page: facebook.com/energizeministries.

DECEMBER 2019 / 89

Forgiveness Recap

BY DENISE HEIDEL

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

Back

in January, I shared that I select a “Wordof-the-Year” each year, and for 2019, my word was “forgive.” When that article was published, I committed to writing about what I learned in the December 2019 issue. I’m feeling exceptionally proud of myself that I’ve remembered to write this a full year later….

And now, I’m prepared to share with you all what I’ve learned about the word “forgive.”

And what I’ve learned boils down to this: I’ve got a lot to learn.

Forgiveness is a life-long lesson. It’s not something that will be mastered in a year. And in any given moment that you think you have it mastered, ha! Let’s just say that it’s quickly followed by a big ol’ dose of humility. Forgiveness is something that I’m going to be successful at one day, and then, I’m going to fail at it big time the next. Then, I’ll get it right again. But next time I need to forgive, I’m going to get it hugely wrong.

Perfect forgiveness isn’t possible for me. But in studying forgiveness this year, I sure am glad it’s possible for my Heavenly Father.

The other thing I’ve learned about forgiveness is that you can’t really understand it without an appreciation of grace.

They go hand-in-hand. And that’s the beauty of it. I’ve done quite a lot of reading this year, and without question, the two most powerful books I’ve read to understand God’s grace were Crazy Love by Francis Chan and What’s So Amazing About Grace, by Philip Yancey. Both books had a profound impact on my understanding of grace and forgiveness.

I’ve also learned that forgiveness happens moment by moment. There are events and situations that I think I’ve long-ago forgiven, and then, something is said, and it triggers a wave of emotions. I have to forgive again.

One of my favorite truths I’ve learned about forgiveness this year is that God doesn’t forget our failures. When we repent and ask for forgiveness, He simply chooses not to remember them. There’s a huge difference.

Read more at MyGraceFullLife.com.

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Our all-knowing God cannot forget, because otherwise, He wouldn’t be all-knowing. But Jeremiah 31:34b (ESV) quotes God—“For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Isn’t that amazing?

But I want to share one other major thing that I’ve learned through my year-long study of forgiveness. It’s something that I’m working hard on to put into place every day—it’s the prayer to look at others through the lens of Jesus’ grace.

When I look at others, especially those who have hurt me or people I don’t trust—I see all the reasons I shouldn’t forgive. But beyond my need to remember how perfectly I’ve been forgiven and the grace God has given me despite my failures, I also have to pray for Jesus to let me see them the way He does.

When I pray that prayer, my heart grows softer. I see someone who may have hurt me, but who is hurting. I see someone who makes it so hard to love them, but I am given an understanding of how desperately they need to be loved.

I see someone who is broken, but who is beautifully loved by our shared Creator.

And like forgiveness, that’s an exercise in prayer that I’ll be learning and developing for a lifetime. But God has shown me some amazing insights into others through that kind of praying.

So with all that said—I’m not ready to hang up my word of the year and say it’s mastered. Like my previous words, there are great lessons I’ve learned and continue to learn.

Embracing a Word-of-the-Year has given me a focal point to study and grow in my faith, and most importantly, my walk with Jesus. So now, it’s time for a new word.

In 2020, my focal word is going to be “contentment.”

My signature verses for the year come from 1 Timothy 6:6-8, “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (ESV).

As we say goodbye to 2019, remember to forgive often.

And as we say hello to 2020, remember to thankful and be content with the blessings you have.

Faith & Family Calendar Tanglewood Festival Of Lights

Kernersville Christmas Parade

Christmas For The City

NOW - JAN 1, 6:00-11:00PM

DEC 8, 2:30PM

DEC 19, 4-9PM

Location: Tanglewood Park (Clemmons)

Location: Downtown Kernersville

Location: Benton Convention Center (Winston-Salem)

From storybook scenes to Holiday themes, over 75 displays and over one million lights fill Tanglewood Park with the entire splendor and joy of the Holiday season!

336.993.4521

Rural Hall Christmas Parade DEC 8, 2:30PM Location: Downtown Rural Hall

Over 50 churches coming together to present Christmas for the City for the community with live music, kids & student activities, a toy workshop and a wide variety of arts and much more!

336.703.6400

336.969.6856

WBFJ “Acoustic Christmas” Concert Series

Lewisville Christmas Parade

DEC 3, 7-9PM

Location: Downtown Lewisville

Location: Food Court @ Hanes Mall (Winston-Salem)

336.986.5640

Location: Tanglewood Park (Clemmons)

Musical Guests: Cindy Johnson & Kristi Engelbrecht

Dear Santa

The run/walk starts as the clock strikes midnight through the Tanglewood Festival of Lights!

336.777.1983

Proceeds: We Care House

“The Nutcracker”

Location: Providence Restaurant & Catering (Winston-Salem)

DEC 6-8

Enjoy Breakfast for Dinner with Santa!

Location: Central Triad Church (Winston-Salem)

Tickets: providencencews.org/ dearsanta

Vintage Bible College Winter Quarter Enrollment

Presented by Arts Evangelica Tickets: 336.784.0856

YMCA Mistletoe 5k & Fun Run

DEC 8, 3:00PM

DEC 9, 5:30-7:30PM

NOW - JAN 5

Offering Associate through Doctorate Degree Programs in Bible Studies, Leadership, Theology, Ministry & Christian Education

Musical Guests: T aylor Vaden & Karlton Jones

DEC 7, 5:00PM

runningofthelights.com

DEC 10, 7-9PM

Location: William G. White Family YMCA (Winston-Salem)

Winston-Salem Jaycees Holiday Parade

DEC 31, 10:00PM

Location: Vintage Bible College (Winston-Salem)

Location: Food Court @ Hanes Mall (Winston-Salem)

ymcamistletoe.org

“Running Of The Lights”

WBFJ “Acoustic Christmas” Concert Series

DEC 7, 8:00AM

Proceeds: Help Stop Childhood Obesity

christmasforthecity.com

336.777.1983

Classes start January 6, 2020 336.759.0591 / vintagebiblecollege.org

WBFJ “Acoustic Christmas” Concert Series DEC 17, 7-9PM Location: Food Court @ Hanes Mall (Winston-Salem)

Location: Downtown Winston-Salem

Musical Guests: A shley Woodard & Ryan Newcomb

336.776.0690

336.777.1983

DECEMBER 2019 / 91

The Christ Child

BY JEFFREY H. SYPOLE, PASTOR

“For a child has been born for us, a son is given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; And he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually and there shall be endless peace. He will establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” ~ Isaiah 9:6-7

words: “All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).

How much we need the gift of the Christ Child, the “Prince of Peace”! Certainly, we all observe the lack of peace in our culture and world—even in our churches.

Indeed, I readily see “unpeace” in myself. I violate peace, not only in hasty words or angry attitudes, but also in failing to be the reconciler Jesus calls his followers to be.

How much we need the Christ Child!

We cannot free ourselves from the lack of peace in the world, because there is violence and there are injustices, some even subtle, against those near and far.

So much of our culture’s unpeace arises because of greed, our proliferating needs, and wants. How easily, especially at Christmastime, we and our children concentrate on all the “stuff” we want.

No matter how many presents we accumulate, there is always something else to be had—better toys, newer models, fancier clothes, faster computers, and smarter phones. As time goes by, toys break, the excitement wanes, and we discover the truth of the Preacher’s

If we prepare for the true gift of Christmas, we discern the source of our yearnings in our profound thirst for God. That awareness frees us from our need to accumulate and grooms us to participate in our Prince’s reign, which he continues to establish and uphold “with justice and with righteousness” (Isaiah 9:7).

That consciousness prevents any romanticizing of Christ’s birth. He came into, and himself experienced, exactly such darkness, poverty, oppression, and confusion. And to all of us “people walking in darkness,” he has brought “a great light” (Isaiah 9:2).

Moreover, because “the light [of his salvation] has dawned” upon us, we are transformed by his Spirit’s power into a new people who join in his work of peacemaking and justice building— always knowing that “the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” (Isaiah 9:7), and not our own efforts. The Lord, the covenant of God, will accomplish the reconciling

of the cosmos and embrace us in Christ’s reign to embody his purposes!

He is the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), who defeated the powers of darkness that threaten, hinder, usurp, and destroy the world’s peace. Now, in this inbetween time before God’s reign comes to total fruition, “His authority shall grow continually,” and consequently, “there shall be endless peace” (Isaiah 9:7).

For the world, Christmas has become a commercialized frenzy of crazed shoppers who trample each other underfoot while trying to get a good deal. They have forgotten what Christmas is about. For the Christian, Christmas is a time of celebration of the birth of the Lord in our world, who came to bring peace and salvation. Isaiah 9 is a prophecy that is fulfilled in Jesus. His birth is our redemption, our blessing, our cleansing, and our hope.

May peace abound in your life, knowing that the Christ Child has come! Let the “Son” shine in your home this Christmas and into the New Year!

Love and Blessings this Christmas, Pastor Jeff

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www.sunrise-umc.org

(336) (336) 624-2725 After school schoolcare: care:Mary LynnPotts Wagner 624-2725

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M E T H O D I S T

C H U R C H

sharing the love of Jesus

come and

see

Sunday sunday small group 9:30am brunch 10:00am worship celebration10:30am Genesis Kardia Monday 6:30 pm

.

WBFJ

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DECEMBER 2019 / 93

Nothing Says “Christmas” Like a Christmas Tree

BY SUSAN SCHABACKER

“O

Christmas tree, o Christmas tree, how thy leaves so verdant!” Nothing says Christmas like a Christmas tree, all decked out for the holidays with lights, ribbons, ornaments, candy canes, and a star or angel on the very top.

SYNONYMOUS WITH CHRISTMAS The Christmas tree is a staple, symbol, and icon of the Christmas tradition. It lights up every home, sometimes seen in all its splendor from windows of houses. It’s hard to imagine Christmas without this beautiful greenery.

HISTORICAL ROOTS AND ORIGINS From the earliest winter solstice celebrations, to Queen Victoria, to the yearly lighting of the grand tree at Rockefeller Center, the Christmas tree has been at the heart of the holidays and remains a treasured tree. In ancient times, people used greenery, like pine, spruce, and fir above their doors and windows, not just for decoration’s sake, but to ward off evil and harm, including spirits and illnesses. The winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, falls on December 21st. Some believed the sun was a god who got sick and weak in the winter. In celebrating the solstice, the evergreen boughs were a reminder that spring and summer would eventually return, and the sun god would become well again.

FIRST CHRISTMAS TREES Germany has the credit of celebrating with the first official Christmas trees, when 16th-century devout Christians brought the trees into their households.

Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, is thought to have first graced the tree with lighted candles.

According to tradition, in 1536, Luther was inspired to compose a sermon by twinkling candlelight on the fir tree, like heavenly stars all aglow.

Although Prince Albert is often credited with bringing the first Christmas tree to Windsor Castle, it was actually Queen Charlotte, a German princess who had married King George III in 1761, who first decorated yew boughs with wax tapers. When, in 1800, Queen Charlotte held a magnificent, festive Christmas party; she replaced her favorite yew boughs of earlier years with the first full-grown potted Christmas tree, decorated with toys, fruits, nuts, candies, and lighted candles.

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In 1848, Prince Albert brought his love of German Christmas traditions to Windsor Palace when he decorated a magnificent Christmas tree for his growing family. A sketch of this celebration appeared in the Illustrated London News, depicting Queen Victoria with Prince Albert and their many children round the famous tree.

Among the British royals, the Christmas tree rose in popularity, and, in 1850, Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Tree, in which he celebrated the tree, calling it “a pretty German toy.”

GETTING FESTIVE WITH DECORATIONS Before electricity in the early 20th century, Americans decorated their trees with handmade ornaments, like strands of popcorn colorfully dyed and intermingled with nuts and berries. Other festive decorations with a hand-made touch included paper flowers, tinsel, apples, candy canes, chocolate, gingersnaps, and other sweet treats. Trees were often crowned at the top with a star or angel.

With the invention of electricity, lights became synonymous with the Christmas tree tradition and added to the ambiance of the holiday celebration. With 25,000 lights, the stately Rockefeller Center tree is a magnificent display every year in New York City, attracting onlookers from around the world. The first tree at Rockefeller Center became an attraction in 1931.

TREES NEAR ME Where are Christmas trees grown? You don’t have to look or travel too far... You can find Christmas trees in almost all 50 states in the United States of America, with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii.

Google or ask Siri to search for “Christmas trees near me” and find a local place to pick up your treasure of a tree. Or, head to your local tree farm with a to-go cup of hot chocolate or apple cider in hand and pick out your “fav” tree. Haul it home, put your tree in a stand with water and decorate up a storm as you sing along with Christmas music that sets your spirits soaring.

After all, ’tis the season to be jolly! May your Christmas and holiday season be a beautiful and bright one— and very merry!

Find 10 Differences:

Answers are on page 112.

DECEMBER 2019 / 95

Roger Jordan Community Service Counts

BY CAROLYN S PETERSON

Unless

you have heard the words, “You have cancer,” relating to the many emotions that follow a cancer diagnosis is hard. Roger Jordan was diagnosed with prostate cancer many years ago, and his experience gave him a heart to help other cancer patients by volunteering in the Cancer Patient Support Program (CPSP). Some 22 years later, Roger was recognized for his volunteer work, and recently received a Community Service Award from the Colonel Joseph Winston Chapter of the DAR. In order to be considered for this award, an individual or organization must have contributed to the community in an outstanding manner through voluntary, heroic, civic, and benevolent service.

Roger Jordan retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and began volunteering in the CPSP because he knew from the inside what it’s like to be confronted with the diagnosis and treatment options. Roger decided to give back to his fellow survivors and community by giving of his time to this very important work.

In the CSPS program, Roger manages the support room and delivers Krispy Kreme Donuts every Wednesday morning to the clinic. He also goes to every cancer patient’s room in the hospital to alert them to the Patient Caregiver Support Group that meets on Wednesday evenings. Additionally, Roger keeps the snack area stocked and serves refreshments to patients in the treatment waiting area. Roger spends two full business days per week at Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical Center and has also volunteered in the Emergency waiting area, Brenner Children’s Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Service Excellence, and Admissions.

Roger has also been involved in professional education at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. “Roger has been an outstanding speaker on behalf of the Cancer Patient Support Program, sharing with professional advisory groups, medical and undergraduate students, as well as individual patients, what it is like to be a patient,” said Richard McQuellon, Professor of Medicine and Director of Psychosocial Oncology and Cancer Patient Support Programs.

Understanding and sharing what patients need during their cancer battle is important for their emotional well being. Roger is a tireless advocate for education, working with patients and family members through the various institutional and community programs that are available. Those who have spent time with Roger see the qualities that enabled him to be recognized for the service award.

The most important quality that Roger brings to his work is his concern with relationships. Roger pays attention to people, listens well, and makes connections. He understands the value of a healing conversation. Patients and professionals recognize this quality immediately and trust him with their concerns. He helps patients and families navigate their way through the difficult territory of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

Roger describes the work with CPSP as “extremely rewarding work,” and recons that it has given him the opportunity to become a stronger person. He believes that his work enabled him to be “better able to cope with his own cancer.” When asked about his volunteering, Roger commented, “You have to have a certain ability to volunteer. I’ve learned a lot from the children at Brenner Children’s Hospital. Although sometimes it is difficult in my role, there are times when you can make someone’s day better. My belief is, ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going.’”

Other awards that Roger has received include the Perseverance in Volunteerism category of the Forsyth County Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards. This category was created by the governor’s office and recognizes Roger as someone who has overcome significant personal obstacles in order to engage in service to others.

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Providing growth you can count on.

What’s a more simple way to connect than coming together in one collaborative space? What better way to honor our vision and values than by creating a space to host and inspire the catalysts of change and growth within our community? We have free coffee and we’re dangerously close good food, local craft brews (you know, after a long day being productive), and a nice little ice cream stand down in the Innovation Quarter. Did we mention we have free coffee?

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876 LIBERTY ST, WINSTON-SALEM, NC | NUAGENCY.COM | 336-842-1022 DECEMBER 2019 / 97

St. Patrick’s Day Treats

BY KRISTI JOHNSON MARION & EMILY DODSON

S A M T S I R CH Candies

BY KRISTI JOHNSON MARION

ICE-CUBE TRAY CHOCOLATES INGREDIENTS: 2 cups milk chocolate chips 1 Tablespoon coconut oil ¼ cup peanut butter 2 Tablespoons peanuts Miniature marshmallows Caramels Non-stick cooking spray Ice-cube tray DIRECTIONS: 1. Place chocolate chips into a glass bowl and microwave on 50% power for 3-4 minutes, stopping to stir every 30 seconds, until melted.

2. Melt coconut oil in the microwave and mix with melted chocolate.

3. Spray ice-cube tray lightly with non-stick cooking spray and fill each compartment about half with melted chocolate coconut oil mixture.

4. Stir peanuts into peanut butter.

5. Place a mixture of marshmallows, peanut butter, or caramels into the center of each compartment on top of the melted chocolate.

6. Top the ice-cube tray compartments off with melted chocolate.

7. Place ice cube tray in the freezer for an hour, or until chocolate is completely hardened. To release the chocolates, crack the tray just as you would for ice, and serve!

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MICROWAVE CANDYCANE FUDGE INGREDIENTS: 1 package white chocolate chips ½ cup sweetened condensed milk ½ teaspoon peppermint extract 1½ cup crushed candy-canes or peppermint hard candies DIRECTIONS: 1. I n a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat every 15 seconds until melted and smooth. Stir in peppermint extract.

2. P lace peppermint candy into plastic bag and crush with rolling pin. Stir 1 cup of crushed candy into melted mixture.

3. L ine an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment or foil. Spread fudge mixture into the pan and top with the rest of the crushed peppermint candies.

4. O nce cooled, lift parchment paper or foil from pan, remove paper/foil from fudge and cut into squares.

CROCKPOT CHOCOLATE PEANUT CLUSTERS INGREDIENTS: 1 16-oz. jar salted peanuts 1 16-oz. jar peanuts 1 10-oz. bag peanut butter chips 1 12-oz. bag milk chocolate chips Red and green sprinkles (optional) 1 12-oz. bag semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 1-lb. packages vanilla candy coating DIRECTIONS: 1. P our both jars of peanuts, semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips and peanut butter chips into a 6-quart crockpot.

Break the vanilla candy coating into blocks and layer on top.

2. C ook on low temperature for 2 hours.

Remove lid and stir well. If not melted, continue cooking 15-20 minutes and stir again, repeating as needed.

3. S poon mixture onto parchment or wax paper, or into mini-cupcake papers. Sprinkle with red and green sprinkles (optional) and cool in refrigerator 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

“ Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

- Albert Einstein

1

Damoni Jordan

3

Cayla Brooks

2

Makayla Still

4

William Perez-Palma

Kindergarten Petree Elementary Joseph Miller, Art Teacher

1th Grade 1 Carver High Deborah Cummings, Art Teacher

Kindergarten Gibson Elementary Sue Bruce, Art Teacher

nd Grade 2 Hall Woodward Elementary Ivy Graham, Art Teacher

DECEMBER 2019 / 99

Vegan Soul Food!

BY BRITTANY M. ORIE LEAK

Vegan

soul food might sound like the biggest paradox, right? We know classic soul food as being rich in meats, animal grease, dairy, and sometimes seafood—all of which a vegan diet restricts! But the beauty of being vegan in today’s world is that we can enjoy an authentic vegan diet in various ways, instead of just the old-fashioned “watersoy-fruity-veggie way.” So, to the soulfood lovers who want to go vegan without compromising too much, here are some ways to stay healthy while still fulfilling your soul at the same time!

MAC & “CHEESE” Macaroni and cheese is found in nearly every soul food feast. A vegan diet excludes dairy products, so cheese is out of the question. But, there is a way to create a vegan version of mac and cheese. The secret is, though, that you’re not using real cheese, but are combining vegan foods to create the illusion of melted cheese, while mimicking the taste of cheese! To make vegan mac and cheese, you will need potatoes, soaked cashews, turmeric or carrots (for color), and yeast, just for the “cheese” sauce.

The ingredients vary among recipes, but these are the most basic. Also, the ideal noodles to use will be gluten-free, white, or whole wheat noodles. To make this dish even more “veganized,” you can add vegetables on top, such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, or peas.

“CHICKEN” & WAFFLES Is it possible to make a non-chicken substance taste a lot like chicken? Yes!

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With vegan “chicken” and waffles, the standard recipe for the “chicken” calls for tofu, eggs, flour, and various seasonings, such as pepper and hot sauce. Many believe chicken and waffles are a strange combination of foods, but in the Southern world, they are the perfect match. This “chicken” and waffles recipe will help you stay connected to your favorite food without the guilt.

OVEN-FRIED OKRA Okra is a very popular soul food vegetable, and there is a way to fry it without animal grease. The batter involved for oven-fried okra requires non-dairy milk, cornmeal, brown rice flour, and lemon juice. It also calls for choice seasonings, such as cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The batter is made by combining all ingredients together until it resembles pancake batter.

Throw in the okra until it’s evenly coated and bake until crispy! See? No cooking oil involved!

CAULIFLOWER NASHVILLE HOT “CHICKEN” Let’s turn cauliflower into spicy fried chicken, shall we?! Nashville hot chicken is basically fried chicken which is covered in all the hottest spices ever. It may be hard to eat for that reason, but the deliciousness is undeniable. The cool thing is that we can still enjoy Nashville hot chicken even in the vegan world. We can do this by using cauliflower. Perhaps cauliflower is used in place of chicken to mimic the color and texture of fried chicken, and because it takes on any flavor

you add to it. You will need eggs, almond milk, flour, hot sauce, cornstarch, baking flour for the batter mixture, and oil for frying. Just dip the cauliflower pieces in the mixture and bake.

SWEET POTATO BISCUITS This is one of the oldest soul food dishes in history, but still one of the tastiest!

While sweet potatoes are a vegan food, biscuits may still include butter, eggs, and milk—none of which are vegan foods.

So, in order to make vegan sweet potato biscuits, we will need the following: mashed sweet potatoes, soy milk (or any non-dairy milk, if allergic to soy), apple cider vinegar, baking powder, sugar, coconut oil, and…honey for drizzling!

VEGAN COBBLER Another popular dessert sitting at the soul food table is cobbler! Blackberry and blueberry cobbler is a recipe filled with antioxidants and vegan goodness without bootlegging the taste. Here are some of the ingredients that make it vegan: fresh blueberries and blackberries, maple syrup, tapioca flour, coconut oil, coconut sugar, non-dairy (or soy) milk, and almond flour.

Being vegan is all about modification and adaptation. You can make a vegan diet your own by turning non-vegan foods vegan! You may have naysayers forbidding you to eat “tofurkey” and “veganaise” because they may not see those as purely vegan. Just remember that foods and meals become vegan when you eliminate meat, dairy, seafood, and other animal products. You have the freedom to make it your own!

J

V ictory in Unity T

HROUGH THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE GIVING by more than 700

members, The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem awarded approximately $107,000 at our 2019 Fourteenth Annual Luncheon.

congratulations to this year ’ s grant recipie n t s :

BEE Geek Inc

Children’s Home Society

Salvation Army

Planned Parenthood

Women’s Fund Eliza’s Helping Hands

Shalom Project

LEAD Girls of NC

Delicious by Shereen

Financial Pathways

With a mission to build economic security for women and girls in Forsyth County, members of The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem come together to advance equity through the power of collective giving. Over the past fourteen years, we have granted over $1.6 million to organizations working to improve the lives of women and girls in Forsyth County.

Join us For more information about membership to The Women’s Fund, contact

a community of passionate women creating social change

Andrea Hulighan at (336)714-3467 or ahulighan@wsfoundation.org.

womensfundws.org DECEMBER 2019 / 101

Sweet Treats You Can’t Beat

BY SUSAN SCHABACKER

It’s

difficult to imagine Christmas without these sweet treats!

They grace the festive tables and decorate Christmas trees at many a home and business. Decorate your Christmas tree with them, tuck them into your stockings hung above your fireplace, decorate your presents with them, and take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane this holiday season.

SWEET TREATS YOU CAN’T BEAT Candy canes are fun dipped in hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. Crush them up and sprinkle them over ice cream and other desserts like brownies and cheesecake. Lots of candy cane recipe ideas are easily found online.

A HISTORICAL LOOK AT CANDY CANES Explore the roots, origins, and history of these sweet treats and learn some fun and fascinating facts. The “J” shape of the candy cane is for Jesus and the two colors intertwined together are symbolic – white standing for purity and holiness and red representing the blood Jesus Christ shed on the cross for us. One popular story is that a choirmaster bent the candy sticks to look like a shepherd’s staff, as a reminder of the shepherds who visited the baby Jesus, to keep a rowdy choir of kids occupied with sugar sticks during the Christmas nativity scene. These sweet treats first appeared in hooked form around 1670. Lucky for our Christmas trees, candy canes are the perfect shape to hang off the fir boughs.

FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT CANDY CANES • According to the National Confectioners Association, the first documented use of candy canes to celebrate Christmas was in 1847 when German Swedish immigrant August Imgard decorated a blue spruce tree with candy canes and paper ornaments.

• Annually, there are nearly 2 billion candy canes produced in America, and 90% are sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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• Happy National Candy Cane Day! This special holiday is celebrated the day after Christmas, on December 26.

• Candy canes were made by hand until Brasher O. Westerfield invented a machine in 1921.

• The world’s largest candy cane was built

by Chef Alain Roby of Geneva, Illinois, in 2012. It was 51 feet long, required 900 lbs. of sugar, and later was smashed with a hammer so people could take the pieces home.

• The average candy cane contains 50 calories, is 5 inches and weighs an ounce.

• The original candy canes were just straight sticks, without the bend.

• Candy canes used to be all white, not striped, as seen on Christmas cards before the 1900s.

• The peppermint in candy canes has some health benefits, including aiding digestion, curbing cravings, clearing nasal passages, easing headaches, and of course, making breath fresh.

SUCKER VS. CHEWER Some people prefer their candy canes to dissolve slowly in their mouths, savoring the flavor, while others bite right in and get a surge of flavor in every chew. A whopping 54% of kids suck on candy canes, whereas 24% crunch them. Presumably, the remainder do a little of both. How do you enjoy your candy canes?

FLAVORS OTHER THAN PEPPERMINT Peppermint may be the main staple that has become a part of the Christmas tradition, but how about other flavors? You might want to try flavors of candy canes you never knew existed. They’re a lot like Bertie Bott’s jelly beans from the famous Harry Potter, but these are real! Pucker up with pickle candy canes in which you can taste the dill, or try flavors ranging from bacon to gravy to spicy sriracha, wasabi, and even clam! Who knows - they might be appetizing, and they certainly are interesting.

Other unusual flavors include cinnamon, sugar plum, apple pie, coffee, coal, Oreo, sodas (especially A & W Root beer, Orange Crush and Dr. Pepper), Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids, blueberry, cherry, green apple, orange, Klondike, Neapolitan, mint chocolate and cookies and cream. Or, how about bacon and mac and cheese? Other nontraditional flavors include birthday cake (time to celebrate!), bubble gum, huckleberry, and rotisserie chicken.

Whether you’re using them for decorating or desserts, make candy canes a special part of your holiday season. Experiment in pleasing (or surprising) your palette with other flavors and discover your favorites.

Give some away to your loved ones, put them on packages, and Christmas trees, but don’t forget to keep some for yourself!

iHeart

DECEMBER 2019 / 103

Skipping Traditions

BY LAURA SIMON, GUEST BLOGGER WITH TRIAD MOMS ON MAIN

When

I was a youngish mom of babies, I scoured Pinterest to create a heap of meaningful holiday traditions for my kids. (In case you were wondering, Pinterest was BRAND NEW at that point.) My kids were barely old enough to comprehend anything other than the novelty of breaking through the fence around the Christmas tree, but I chose and created and forged ahead.

And so, eight years later, November 30th found me staring at a stack of 24 Christmas books. It was 9:30 at night, I was exhausted, and my offspring had gone to bed, anticipating that Rudolph would stop by during the night and drop off 24 wrapped Christmas books, to be opened each day until the big dance.

As you can probably guess, my attitude was fantastic.

In fairness, this is a pretty cool tradition, and I’m glad we started it. But still, if you’re a new mom, learn from me.

Someday you’re going to have big kids, and they are going to expect those traditions you started when they were tiny.

Choose wisely.

I honestly don’t remember my own mom having a ton of Christmas traditions. I mean, we decorated the house, and I

have fond memories of those decorations.

And we made Christmas cookies several times each year, although we didn’t necessarily have a recipe that we did each time. Some years we opened presents on Christmas Eve, and some years we waited until Christmas morning. When I was older, I remember going to the mall on Christmas Eve, picking out things I liked, wrapping them, and opening them up later that night. We said that Santa put the little toys and candy in our stockings, but no one ever believed it. A few times, my dad put exterior lights on the house (burgundy, mind you, because the ’80s were awesome). That was it.

Guess what else I don’t remember: thinking my mom was going to lose her ever-loving mind during the Christmas season. She clearly enjoyed it, and therefore I did, too. I wonder how different her experience—and mine—would have been in an era of Pinterest and Instagram.

I honestly don’t think it could have been any better—but my mom would have had a lot less time to sit on the couch with me and enjoy the lights on the tree.

A few years ago, thankfully before my kids were too old to notice or object, I started scaling back those traditions I’d started.

The books stayed, in part because I’d made the investment in the darn things, and I wasn’t about to quit four years in.

We also make the same Christmas cookie recipe, although we only do it once, because it takes a TON of work and pretty much all the colored sprinkles in the world.

On Christmas Day, we make a birthday cake for Jesus and sing and light candles.

But that’s it. We might do other things if they present themselves and we have time, but we don’t commit to doing them every year. I really want to spend December crashing on the couch, watching Elf for the 400th time and basking in the light from the Christmas tree. (White lights, mind you because Pinterest has taught us all to have better taste.) I intentionally leave enough margin in my time that I can come up with a good story for how Santa just so happened to use the same wrapping paper that we have in the bag in our laundry room. (Oops.)

I truly don’t think there’s anything wrong with all the creative, fun things moms do during the holidays. I’m just thinking we should all feel free to walk away from traditions that steal our joy… because good traditions make life better, not worse.

It’s okay to have an ’eighties Christmas, friends. Go for it. Just skip the burgundy lights, because I think they’re fire hazards now.

For more articles like this, log on to www.TriadMomsOnMain.com 104 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

Jon Eric Johnson

DECEMBER 2019 / 105

Wine Merchants

BY DENISE HEIDEL

Tucked

into The Towers Shopping Center, across from Thruway, is a hidden gem in Winston-Salem. A charming little restaurant-oasis and wine shop combined: Wine Merchants and Vin 205 Bistro. Located at 205 S. Stratford Road, Wine Merchants is centrally located to most anywhere in Forsyth County. A deceptively large space, it’s an atmosphere of ambiance, with décor that is reminiscent of a Tuscan café. It’s designed to cater to wine and food enthusiasts who are looking for comfort and conversation.

The Wine Store Enter the wine store and discover a world of wine. In-house expertise is available to offer guidance on hundreds of different types of wines, providing even the most novice wine enthusiast with an understanding of how to taste and choose the best wine for the occasion.

Shelf upon shelf represents wines from around the world. A wine enthusiast could literally travel the world through the shelves at Wine Merchants!

Vin 205 Bistro Dining at Vin 205 Bistro is an experience not to be missed. This full-service restaurant features elegant dining for even the most discerning palate.

Reviews The reviews of Wine Merchants and Vin 205 Bistro agree—stellar service, knowledgeable staff, and excellent food combine, making this place a growing favorite in the community.

Guests rave about the atmosphere and flavors of the menu!

Visit Wine Merchants and Vin 205 Bistro at 205 S. Stratford Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Call 336.765.8175 or visit online— Vin205.com. The wine shop hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3 PM. Vin 205’s hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM; Friday from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM; and Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The store and restaurant are closed on Mondays. Be sure to like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

The chef works closely with local farmers and vendors to bring as much farm-to-table experience to the bistro as possible. They work with notable names, such as Fair Share Farm, Joyce Farms, Harmony Ridge Farms, Camino Bakery, Gnomestead Hollow Farm, Inland Seafood, Border Springs Farm, Brasstown Ranch, Meadows Family Farm, Toska Truffles, Ladybird Farm, Magic Beans Coffee Roasters, Brasstown Chocolatiers, and San Giusppe Salami Co. This gives local diners a flavor for the freshest ingredients, which are artfully combined for a divine dining experience.

Read what others have to say!

From appetizers to salads and soups, entrees, and weekend brunch— there’s something for everyone at Vin 205 Bistro. Much of the menu is scratch-made in house, including a dessert menu that simply cannot be beat! It’s clear that the chef and the culinary team take tremendous pride in delivering well-crafted and -thought out meals.

“ Best wine selection in town, and a lot of great deals.

Very knowledgeable staff to help you find what you want and plenty of free wine tastings to see what you like. Vin205 serves great food, including brunch.” ~ Derek L. “ We had the most amazing dinner in the Vin 205 Bistro! We had requested a five-course special dinner to mark our 20th wedding anniversary. It couldn’t have been more perfect! The chef came up with the most amazing dinner, and Caleb found the perfect wines to go with the courses! Thank You!” ~ Bert C.

While the menu is designed to be paired with the variety of wines featured in the wine shop, the restaurant also features over 20 craft beers on tap.

The environment is family-friendly, but it’s also a great date-night option for Mom and Dad! In fact, plan ahead and call for a special occasion! Vin 205 loves to prepare a special meal for special times!

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“ My boyfriend and I came here on a whim and fell for the wine on tap and the excellent service. Josh is so knowledgeable of the wines they offer and provides great menu recommendations. We love the selection of wine and the inviting atmosphere, as well as the generous portions. This is a must-try for wine lovers!” ~ Jessica A.

Free Dessert with purchase of 2 entrees

Clemmons 336-766-0401

FREE BEVERAGE WITH PURCHASE OF A SANDWICH AND SIDE 12/31/19

Open Tuesday - Saturday 11 AM-8 PM 145 Jonestown Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104

336-794-2270

WWW.HONKYTONKSMOKEHOUSE.COM Owners - Sam and Susan Platt

Mt. Airy 336-783-0227 Walkertown 336-754-4495 Yadkinville 336-679-7064 Winston-Salem 336-999-8037

Join us to celebrate Ribs on Mondays for 1.25/bone and Brisket Burnt Ends available on Tuesdays and Thursdays while supplies last.

www.littlerichardsbarbeque.com

Wine Shop Hours: Monday CLOSED Tues - Sat 10am - 9pm Sunday 10am - 3pm

Bistro Hours: DINNER: Tues - Sat 4pm - 9:30pm LUNCH: Friday 11:30am - 3pm BRUNCH: Sat & Sun 10am - 3pm

205 S. Stratford Rd., Suite N | Winston-Salem , NC 27013

336.765.8175

Buy 1 Pizza

Get a 2nd of equal or lesser value for half price.

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Dessert | Midtown Market

OFFER EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2019.

(NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. FOR DINE-IN OR TAKE-OUT)

151 S. Stratford Road | Winston-Salem, NC 27104 336.724.9800 | MidtownCaféWS.com

3425 Kinnamon Village Commons • Winston-Salem (Clemmons Area) 336.893.7331 • PieGuys.com

To place an order Call 336-712-0300 www.ChristinasDessertery.com

Voted Best Asian Restaurant

Advertise your Lunch or Dinner Specials here in the Dining Guide!

Contact your Account Executive or Email Robin@ForsythMags.com

Dining

$5 off any $30 or more purchase

excludes beverage & alcohol one coupon per customer expires 12/31/19

Nothing Bundt Cakes Hakkachow

678 St. George Square Winston Salem · (beside Carmax) (336) 306-9146 NOTHINGBUNDTCAKES.COM

615 Saint George Sq Ct. Winston Salem, NC 27103

(336) 893-8178 | hakka-chow.com Mon-Thurs 11:30am-9:30pm Fri-Sat 11:30am-10:00pm | Sun 12:00pm-9:00pm

Savings on Family Friendly Dining

DECEMBER 2019 / 107

Photo by Annamarie Gallagher

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston-Salem recently awarded Mr. Stuart Egan the prestigious Buddy of the Year Award at the 2019 Buddy Walk held October 26, 2019.

Thank you Mr. Egan for your love and passion for this organization!

BUDDY OF THE YEAR: Stuart Egan with McNeil Cronin, President, DSA of GWS

Congratulations to Paige Reeder! She received the Laity Award for Sunrise UMC. She works tirelessly behind the scenes.

108 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

Happy 4th Birthday SALEM!

Christinas Dessertery

DECEMBER 2019 / 109

PUZZLE ANSWERS

DECEMBER 2

DECEMBER 6-23

DECEMBER 2, 9 & 16

DECEMBER 7

WORKSHOP // WATERCOLOR FUNDAMENTALS + ABSTRACT TECHNIQUES 6-8:30pm, Awake Church, 7840 North Point Boulevard, #120 in W-S. In this art workshop, professional artist Beth Glover will be teaching the fundamentals of watercolor. Kids 6+ are welcome to register with a parent or an older sibling. All supplies are provided, and light snacks and drinks will also be provided. Cost: $30/person. bethglovercreates. com MAGICAL MONDAYS 5:30-8pm, Greensboro Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Drive in Greensboro. Magical Mondays are coming to the Greensboro Science Center!

Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies from Chick-fil-A, listen to holiday stories with Wonderland Bookshop, create Christmas-inspired crafts, discover the science of the season with Mrs. Claus, and (be sure to bring your camera) meet Santa! Cost varies. www. greensboroscience.org

DECEMBER 3

GIRLS’ (AND GUYS) NIGHT OUT HOLIDAY PARTY 5pm-until…, Sapona Club, 439 Beaver Creek Road in Lexington. Grab a friend, neighbor, co-worker, mother, sister, SOMEBODY and have a much need Girls’ Night Out. Enjoy $5.50 select wines by the glass, $1 off all draft beer, $6 signature cocktails and $6 appetizers!

There will be live music and photo fun. Also, register for TONS of prizes and giveaways! Reservations appreciated.

Happy Holidays!

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 6

CULTIVATE™ FINE ART CLASSES FOR KIDS Twin City Bible Church, 1337 Ebert Street in W-S. CULTIVATE™ offers weekly lessons (90 minutes) in two tracks homeschool and after school sessions – taught by professional artists Emily Drew Mash & Beth Glover.

Both encourage your child’s inherent creativity through drawing and watercolor fundamentals. Every child will be encouraged to explore their own curiosity and individuality at any skill level. Cost: $100/month. emilydrewmash.com/cultivate

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 17

HOLIDAYS AT REYNOLDA Full schedule and tickets at ReynoldaHouse.org/Holidays

DECEMBER 1 & 8

BRUNCH WITH SANTA 10:30AM-12:30PM; BB&T Ballpark. Enjoy a delicious meal with Santa and Bolt. $15.95 per person. Reservations required 336.331.3800

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MUSIC CAROLINA WINTERFEST – SWINGLE BELLS 7:30-9pm, Salem College – Elberson Fine Arts Center, Shirley Recital Hall, 500 East Salem Avenue in W-S. Holiday music with a fun jazz edge, with featured vocalist Martha Bassett. Cost: $23/adult; $8/student or child. musiccarolina.org/winterfest-2019

DECEMBER 6

DECEMBER GALLERY HOP AT RED DOG GALLERY CONTINUING “ART UNWRAPPED” EXHIBIT 7-10pm, Red Dog Gallery, 630 North Liberty Street in W-S. Showcases AFAS artists with a variety of artworks in a range of prices. This is the gift giving season when many are looking for that right gift for a friend or loved one. We hope to help you do just that! theafasgroup. com

DECEMBER 6-8

AN OLD SALEM CHRISTMAS CAROL Visit LTofWS. org for dates/times. SECCA’s Dunn Auditorium, 750 Marguerite Drive THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SCROOGE 7pm, Redland Arts, 137 Baltimore Road in Advance. Please join us for a musical drama based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. FREE tickets (336.998.4226). rpch.net

DECEMBER 6-7 & 13

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AT KÖRNER’S FOLLY Körner’s Folly, 413 South Main Street in Kernersville. Come hear the Körners’ spin on the classic 1820s poem by Clement Clarke Moore, fun for children of all ages and the young at heart! The Puppet Show is followed by a visit with Santa in the elegant Reception Room. Bring your camera for this great photo opportunity! kornersfolly.org

AN OLD SALEM CHRISTMAS CAROL SECCA – Southeastern Center for Contemporary Arts, 750 Marguerite Drive in W-S. The Little Theatre of WinstonSalem’s original holiday classic returns! Set in Winston and Salem in 1887, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale unfolds as three spirits try to teach a miserly mortgage lender the true meaning of Christmas in the heart of Old Salem. Cost: $23-25/person. ltofws.org/ an-old-salem-christmas-carol-2019 SANTA PAWS WITH DAVIE HUMANE SOCIETY (see page 28) 11am-2pm; Dero’s, 2671 LewisvilleClemmons Rd, Clemmons. Bring your furry friend s to have their photo taken with Santa. For a $10 donation, you will receive a framed photo of your pet with Santa.

CHRISTMAS TREASURES SALE 8am-12pm, Clemmons Moravian Church, 3535 Spangenburg Avenue in Clemmons. All gently used holiday related items including ornaments, lights and many other decorations. There will also be an “all holiday corner.” Proceeds will be shared with Clemmons Food Pantry. clemmonsmoravian.org

DECEMBER 7 & 21

SATURDAY ART JAM! UNLEASHED ARTS CENTER @ AFAS CENTER FOR THE ARTS 12:30-3pm, Unleashed Arts Center, AFAS Center for the Arts, 630 North Liberty Street in W-S. Create a fun ART project, meet new friends, free community ART event. All ages welcome.

Parents/guardians must stay with kids while at the event. There is no need to register ahead of time, just show up and bring your imagination!

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT 5-9pm, Körner’s Folly, 413 South Main Street in Kernersville. To experience Körner’s Folly decorated from floor to ceiling in holiday lights, garland and decor is a real treat, and in the evening, it becomes even more magical! This special holiday event feature self-guided tours of the house beautifully decorated in the evening hours. Cost: $15/ adult; $6/child. kornersfolly.org

DECEMBER 8

ST. JOHN’S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 4-7pm, St. John’s Lutheran Church & School, 2415 Silas Creek Parkway in W-S. There will be a Christmas pageant, vendors fair for gift purchasing, special music, crafts for the kids, food, fun and fellowship. The SJL Christmas Festival will be great fun for all ages. stjohnsws.com

DECEMBER 8-9

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Winmock at Kinderton, 168 East Kinderton Way in Bermuda Run. Start off the advent season with a fun night of fellowship! There will be plenty of Christmas crafts and games, seasonal desserts and beverages, and a special reading of the Christmas story followed by the classic carols we all know and love. All ages are welcome, and there is no cost for admission. Donations will be accepted for victims of Hurricane Dorian. goodshepherdbermudarun.org

DECEMBER 9

SENSORY FRIENDLY MONDAY 9am-12pm, Kaleideum Downtown, 390 South Liberty Street in W-S. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory processing differences can have a fun and interactive learning experience in a comfortable environment! You don’t have to be a member to attend,

but paid admission or membership is required. Learn more at downtown.kaleideum.org

DECEMBER 18-22

DECEMBER 11-15

AN OLD SALEM CHRISTMAS CAROL Visit LTofWS. org for dates/times. SECCA’s Dunn Auditorium, 750 Marguerite Drive

DECEMBER 12

CHRISTMAS FOR THE CITY (see page 93) 4-9pm; Benton Convention Center. FREE event. Greensboro Coliseum, NCSkate2020.com for tickets and info

AN OLD SALEM CHRISTMAS CAROL Visit LTofWS. org for dates/times. SECCA’s Dunn Auditorium, 750 Marguerite Drive KIDS’ MORNING OUT! 10-11am & 11am-12pm, Hoots and Hollers, 5336 Robinhood Village in W-S. Hoots and Hollers will help boost your children’s creativity with a special “make and take” sun catcher art project! Snacks will be available. Each adult attendee will receive four tickets for our fabulous Forsyth Family Magazine prize board! Registration required; two time slots available – tinyurl.com/KMODec19.

DECEMBER 13

FESTIVE FAMILY FRIDAY 4:30-8:30pm, Kaleideum North; 400 W. Hanes Mill Road. $3 admission, Holiday music, LIVE science, Santa and more!

DECEMBER 13 & 14

THE NUTCRACKER (see page 31) Presented by Ballet & Performing Arts Centre. Reynolds Auditorium. Order tickets at tututix.com/BPAC or call 336.923.2585

DECEMBER 13 - 22

THE NUTCRACKER (see page 115) Presented by UNCSA; Stevens Center, WS. UNCSA.edu/nutcracker or 336.721.1945

DECEMBER 14

SANTA AT CLEMMONS VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER (see page 25) 2-4pm BALSAM RANGE Historic Earle Theatre, 142 North Main Street in Mount Airy. This multiple IMBA award-winning bluegrass group has left a well-marked trail of success while leaving audiences spellbound with their traditional yet contemporary sounds and fiery instrumentals. Cost: $35/$40/$45. surryarts.org HOLIDAYS WITH THE CAMEL CITY JAZZ ORCHESTRA Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Reynolds Place Theatre, 251 North Spruce Street. Winston-Salem’s own big band will perform holiday classics, including new arrangements of seasonal favorites. Early Show: 5:30-7pm. Late Show: 8-9:30pm. Cost: $25/adult; $12/ student or child. camelcityjazz.org

DECEMBER 14-15

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER 3pm, Andy Griffith Playhouse, 218 Rockford Street in Mount Airy.

Enjoy this hilarious Christmas classic musical about the true meaning of Christmas. A couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem and fun when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!

Cost: $20/$15. surryarts.org

DECEMBER 17

SALEM BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT 7:30pm, New Philadelphia Moravian Church, 4440 Country Club Road in W-S. The lovely New Philadelphia Moravian Church will be decorated for Christmas! Enjoy pre-concert music by Salem Saxophone Quartet. Participate in your community with holiday sing-alongs and donations to our annual charity partner, Sunnyside Ministry. salemband.org

DECEMBER 19

CHRISTMAS WITH THE EMBERS FEATURING CRAIG WOOLARD 7:30pm, Andy Griffith Playhouse, 218 Rockford Street in Mount Airy. Don’t miss Christmas with the Embers! This is the perfect show to get you in the mood for the holiday season. Cost: $20/$25.

SALEM BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT 7:30pm, Trinity Moravian Church, 220 East Sprague Street. The lovely Trinity Moravian Church will be decorated for Christmas!

Enjoy pre-concert music by Salem Saxophone Quartet.

Participate in your community with holiday sing-alongs and donations to your Salem Band. salemband.org

DECEMBER 20

SURRY ARTS HOLIDAY REVUE 7pm, Andy Griffith Playhouse, 218 Rockford Street in Mount Airy. A holiday version of our Evening of Broadway! Come join us for an evening of classic holiday songs as well as songs from shows. A perfect holiday outing for the entire family.

Cost: $6/person. surryarts.org

DECEMBER 22

MUSIC CAROLINA WINTERFEST – A CLASSIQUE CHRISTMAS 4-5:30pm, Salem College – Elberson Fine Arts Center, Shirley Recital Hall, 500 East Salem Avenue in W-S. Musical treasures of the past and present.

Seasonal songs and carols. Cost: $24 general admission; $8/student or child. musiccarolina.org

DECEMBER 28

Christmas Around Downtown Kernersville!

“This holiday season, support your local shops that make our community a Neighborhood Champion for Small Businesses!”

December 7

Christmas Around Downtown Kernersville

“Grab your passport at the Town of KernersKernersville Depot and enjoy a quick tour around villethe world in Downtown Kernersville!”

MUSIC CAROLINA WINTERFEST – PETER AND THE WOLF 10am, Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Mountcastle Forum, 251 North Spruce Street. Fun for all ages! Enjoy the classic tale in its chamber music version and up-close to the musicians! Cost: $10/adult; $8/ student or child. musiccarolina.org

This is the 2nd year the Kernersville Museum will be open with an ice skating rink!

DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 1

Kernersville Tree Lighting 7 pm

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2020 CELEBRATION 8pm, Village Inn Hotel & Event Center, 6205 Ramada Drive.

Entertainment in all the ballrooms! Party favors and noise makers, hors d’oeuvres from 8:30-10pm and a champagne countdown at midnight. nyeve2020. eventbrite.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION 9:30pm, Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane in Dobson. Dress to impress and celebrate New Year’s in style with Shelton Vineyards. Back by popular demand! We will host our annual New Year’s Eve Party at The Barn at Heritage Farm. Dance tickets will be available along with full packages; including $100.00 towards dinner at the Harvest Grill, two tickets to our DJ/Dance party and hotel accommodations at the Hampton Inn & Suites at Shelton Vineyards. sheltonvineyards.com

11 am - 6 pm

December 8 KERNERSVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE 2:30 pm

JANUARY 11 - 12

MONSTER JAM (see page 87) Greensboro Coliseum

JANUARY 20 - 26

US FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS Greensboro Coliseum, NCSkate2020.com for tickets and info

www.kernersvillenc.com DECEMBER 2019 / 111

Make-at-Home Hot Chocolate with Assorted Toppings

BY SARA WILES

As

a child, I always loved hot chocolate as the perfect snowy-day treat. On any snow day, after spending hours outdoors, you could find us huddled around the fireplace enjoying a cup of Swiss Miss and bragging about who built the biggest snowman that day. Now, as an adult, I still love this wintertime beverage, but have come to savor making my own. It’s simple to do and easily well worth it! See below for a traditional hot chocolate recipe, but also a list of toppings you could use to customize any way you’d like!

(YIELDS 2 SERVINGS) INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

2 cups whole milk (almond milk works great, too!)

2 Tablespoons sugar 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped Splash of vanilla extract, optional

• Combine milk and sugar in a small saucepan and place over medium heat.

• While the milk is heating, place chopped chocolate in the microwave, heat for 30 seconds and stir. Return to microwave and heat for another 30 seconds, remove and stir. Continue to heat and stir in 30-second intervals until just melted.

• When the milk reaches the scalding point (180 degrees), turn off the heat and add the melted chocolate, whisking to combine.

Add the vanilla extract. Top with desired toppings!

SUGGESTED TOPPINGS:

Whipped cream, marshmallows, mini-chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, white chocolate chips, toasted coconut, ground cinnamon, Andes mints, caramel sauce, sea salt, crushed Oreos

112 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

iHeart

DECEMBER 2019 / 113

We are Grateful for our advertisers It’s our privilege to work with our advertising partners, who make this magazine possible. Because of their support, we are able to offer Forsyth Family as a free community resource. As you visit these businesses and organizations, please let them know you saw their ad in this month’s issue!

ACTIVITIES

Ballet & Performing Arts Centre...................67 Hoots & Hollers............................................85 Kaleideum North.........................................15 Paradigm Dance Collective..........................69 Salem Gymnastics & Swim..........................33 YMCA...........................................................49

ANIMAL CARE

Godbey Creek Canine Rescue......................41

BEAUTY / STYLING

Lewisville Laser & Aesthetics........................65 Lyndhurst Medical Spa................................25

CHILDCARE

Imprints.......................................................21 YMCA...........................................................49

CHURCHES

Centergrove Church....................................41 Sunrise United Methodist Church...............92

DENTISTS / ORTHODONTISTS

Ardmore Dentistry.......................................51 Chermak & Hanson.....................................55 Kingery & Kingery DDS................................57 Peacehaven Family Dentistry.......................31 Salem Smiles...............................................67 Tina S. Merhoff and Associates Pediatric Dentistry.......................................6

EDUCATION

Calvary Day School......................................51 Forsyth Country Day School.........................37 Imprints Cares.............................................21 Our Lady of Mercy........................................61 Redeemer School........................................13

The Montessori School................................33 The Piedmont School...................................69

WomanCare.................................................57

FINANCIAL

Jon Eric Johnson.......................................105 Photography by Melinda.............................81

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.........65 Truliant Federal Credit Union.........Back Cover

HEALTH & FITNESS

YMCA...........................................................49

HOME

Busy as a Bee Concierge..............................81 Chris Wrights, Hunter Realty.......................79 Dero’s...........................................................29 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.........65 Jessica Ferris Property Advisors...................65 JP & Associates Realtors Legacy Group........33 Lael Homes..................................................37 Piedmont Sheet Metal.................................73 S & K Cleaning.............................................83 Stitche......................................................... 79 Susan Maier-Colon, Broker..........................73

HOME MEDICAL CARE

Home Instead Senior Care.............................4

MEDICAL

Duke Eye Center..........................................11 Eyes on Trade.........................................16, 69 Forsyth County Dept of Public Health............7 GAP..............................................................19 Hillcrest Vision.............................................61 Home Instead Senior Care.............................4 Lewisville Laser & Aesthetics........................65 Lyndhurst.....................................................25 Wa ke Forest Baptist Health Weight Management Center................................2

114 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY

RADIO STATIONS

WBF............................................................ 93 WMAG.......................................................103 Q104.........................................................113

REAL ESTATE & HOUSING

Chris Wrights, Hunter Realty.......................79 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.........65 Jessica Ferris Property Advisors...................65 JP & Associates Realtors Legacy Group........33 Lael Homes..................................................37 Susan Maier-Colon - Berkshire Hathaway...73

RESTAURANTS

Christina’s Dessertery....................... 107, 109 Hakkachow Asian Eats...............................107 Honky Tonk Smokehouse..........................107 Little Richard’s Smokehouse BBQ........63, 107 Midtown Café & Dessertery.....................9, 42 Nothing Bundt Cakes................................107 Pie Guys Pizza............................................107 Wine Merchants........................................107

RETAIL

Clemmons Bicycle.......................................73 Clemmons Village Shopping Center...........27 Dero’s...........................................................29 Hip Chics Boutique & Gift............................39 Honda of Winston-Salem......................49, 59

SERVICE

Busy as a Bee Concierge..............................81

Crossnore Children’s Home.........................63 Family Services............................................47 Goin Postal..................................................61 Nu................................................................97 S&K Cleaning...............................................83 Second Harvest Food Bank............................5 Triad Mac.....................................................73

TECHNOLOGY

Nu................................................................97 Triad Mac.....................................................71

UPCOMING EVENTS

An Old Salem Christmas Carol – Little Theatre of WS..................................23 Ba llet & Performing Arts Centre – The Nutcracker.........................................67 Ch ristmas Around Downtown Kernersville...........................................111 Festive Family Friday...................................15 Forsyth Family Kids’ Morning Out...............53 Holidays at Reynolda...................................23 Monster Jam...............................................87 Sa nta at Clemmons Village Shopping Center.....................................26 Tanglewood Festival of Lights......................85 UNCSA The Nutcracker...............................115 US Figure Skating Championships................3 Wake Forest Sports......................................71 Women’s Fund of WS................................101 WS Youth Chorus.........................................59 Women’s Fund of WS Annual Luncheon.....87

UNCSA Nutcracker

DECEMBER 2019 / 115

TRUism #51 Truliant

Money doesn’t grow on trees.

But we can help you save for the stuff that goes under them.

Truliant wishes you and your loved ones a healthy and happy holiday season.

Visit one of our five convenient Forsyth County locations.

Truliant.org 336-659-1955 Federally insured by NCUA. 116 / FORSYTHFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM