Finding Ways to Celebrate Reading this January

by ELISA WALLACE COPPEDE

This January, there are a few varied reasons to celebrate reading. The entire month of January is known as “National Book Blitz Month” while January 23rd is “National Reading Day.” Both celebrations are aimed at promoting a love of literacy, from young readers to seasoned literary critics.

January is often a difficult month to find motivation to head outdoors due to inclement winter weather. This said, the entire month is the perfect time to cozy up with a new or old book and dive into another world. The creation of “National Book Blitz Month” is first aimed at having authors promote their books through a “blitz” style of marketing, to excite and encourage younger audiences to put down their smart devices and pick up a book. Sadly today, most younger generations have a lifestyle centered around technology. “National Book Blitz Month” is a way to channel our energy towards displaying to younger generations how they can find true joy through reading. “National Reading Day” is a similar celebration of literacy. January 23rd is a day which encourages younger readers to put down everything and READ! Schools across the country feature diverse types of reading activities, from hosting a “read-a-thon” to inviting adult readers to the classroom to read their favorite books. In the end, both celebrations have a similar focus – fostering a love of reading for all.

Curious on what ways you can create a positive environment which encourages reading in your home? This can be either for yourself, or for a loved one. Read on for five different tips on how to embrace literacy this January.

Love of Literacy Tip #1: Create a “Book Nook.” Again, this does not have to only be for younger audiences. Find a cozy area of your home, and make it conducive for reading. This can be a comfortable seat near a window, or even a corner of your room, where you can set up some pillows and blankets. The main idea here is to make sure to include several books in the area, adequate lighting as well as highlighters, a notepad and pencils (if the area will be used for studying). Love of Literacy Tip #2: Take it Outside! While we have discussed how often January is not ideal for enjoying the outdoors, if the weather cooperates, consider taking a few warm blankets outside, a cup of hot cocoa, coffee or tea, and head outside! Reading outside is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh air and the sounds of wildlife, while also escaping into a new read.

Love of Literacy Tip #3: Include the Entire Family. The purpose again of literacy celebrations throughout the year, is to encourage everyone to read. This said, make sure to include all members of the family in your own literacy celebration. At schools, teachers will often “drop everything and read” with their students during a read-athon. Do the same at home. Create a time for all to sit down, pick up a book and enjoy taking a ride into another reality, together.

Love of Literacy Tip #4: Bring the Theater Home! “Reader’s theater” is a wonderful way to engage younger audiences up through high school to become specific characters within their favorite books. No script is needed. Simply establish one person or two to be the “narrator,” then pick other members of the family to read the dialogue of various characters. The beauty of “Reader’s Theater” is that it is up to you how elaborate you would like it to be. If reading a shorter book, consider even creating a set for certain scenes where younger members can help with painting and creating the stage.

Love of Literacy Tip #5: Join or

Start a Book Club. Being a part of a book club is a sure-fire way to read new books, which you may have not originally selected. Signing up for one also helps you gain insight on new subjects, not only from the book, but from the discussion of the book the book club creates, as well. There are countless reasons for joining one – from joining one to meet new friends, to joining a religious book group, book clubs are also healthy outlets for exploring a subject, while also offering new friendships.

by KAREN COOPER

When you look back on your life, who were the people that inspired you, motivated you and made you feel like you could succeed? It could be a parent, a boss, a role-model or anyone you looked at as a leader. When I think about the leaders in my life that made the biggest impression on me, they were not the ones looking over my shoulder to make sure I was doing everything right. They were the people who empowered me to believe in myself and the ones who believed in me so much, I wanted to show them I could be successful.

There are specific types of leaders called transformational leaders. This approach to leadership is defined as one that inspires others to strive beyond required expectations to work toward a shared vision. When it is successful, transformational leadership creates valuable and positive change in those who are following, with the end goal of developing followers into leaders.

Here are some of the most essential qualities of these leaders:

Sincere Enthusiasm

True enthusiasm for a cause, a project, a job or anything else cannot be faked for long. When leaders are sincerely enthusiastic and passionate, it spills over to the people around them and serves as its own kind of motivation.

Integrity

Whether it’s making safety a priority, applauding accomplishments of team members or admitting when mistakes have been made, great leaders always lead with integrity. They do what’s right, even if doing so will not benefit them.

Self-Awareness & Authenticity

Transformational leaders are introspective and work to develop a deep understanding of who they are. They use this to marry their goals with the needs of the larger group. These leaders accept their imperfections and bring their true, authentic selves into their leadership roles where they guide with vision and compassion in a way that inspires others.

Great Communication Skills

Leaders must motivate, train and direct the people they are leading. Without strong communication, none of these things can be accomplished. Part of being a great communicator is being a great listener, so good leaders must listen as much as (or more than) they speak.

Ability to Collaborate

Good leaders regularly enlist the help of others on their team. They identify goals, schedule meetings or have discussions and then use what they learn from that communication to tackle solving big problems they would not have been able to solve on their own.

Humility

Transformational leaders must have a healthy dose of humility. They are constantly listening to and learning from others and must always remain teachable. Knowing that they do not have all the answers enables them to be flexible, so they can cope with and thrive in an environment of change.

Loyalty

The best leaders understand that true loyalty is a two-way street. Because of this, they express their loyalty in ways that benefit those they are leading. They show their loyalty by ensuring all team members have the training and resources necessary to do their jobs. These are the leaders who stand up for their teams whenever there is a crisis or conflict.

Decisiveness

A good leader is not just empowered to make decisions; they are willing to take on the risk of decision making, as well. They are the ones on the line if their decisions don’t work out. Indecisive leaders are usually ineffective. Too much time spent trying to build consensus can have a negative impact.

Congeniality

Let’s face it, people are much more likely to follow the lead of those they like. The most successful leaders are approachable, friendly and well-spoken. They also show sincere care for others.

You’ve probably heard the expression “born leader.” The phrase implies a person is born with the qualities that make him or her a good leader. However, this is not necessarily the case. It’s true that some people are born with certain traits that can make it easier for them to lead, but skills and qualities that make a good leader can also be learned. And, leadership abilities can always be improved upon over time. So “born leaders” may have an advantage, but lots of people can lead if they have the drive and the desire to do so.

The Common Items We Acquire

by MEGAN TAYLOR

Each person has their own preference of objects and knick-knacks that they like to collect. Some may choose to go more with sport-related memorabilia, while others prefer more family pieces. Throughout the years, you may notice that you have built a collection of the same or similar objects. As for me, it was postcards and rocks.

According to dictionary.com, the official definition for a “collection” is “a group of objects or an amount of material accumulated in one location especially for some purpose.” Collections are unique, personalized, and can hold special meanings for the owner. Collecting can quickly become a hobby with people being on a treasure hunt for new items to add to their stash. In addition, depending on the age and value of the objects, some collections can be worth a lot of money.

There are a variety of collectibles in the world. Some may be crazy or rare, while some may be more common. Let’s take a look at some of the most collected items, popular and also on the unique side. Do you collect some of these items?

Most Popular Items

• Stamps - Due to their long history and unique variety, stamps have been very popular to collect throughout the generations. Every country in the world has their own version of postage stamps, making some designs rarer and more valuable.

• Coins - Similar to stamps, coin collections can come from all over the world with their own histories and stories. However, it is important to know the basics of coin collection when you get started. These basics include how they are made, the different patterns, and the best way to store the coins.

• Comic Books - Young or old versions, comic books are a favorite among many. You may focus on just one story or character, multiple stories, or invest in finding special copies. Keep in mind, though, these books need to be kept in perfect condition in order to be preserved and passed down through the years.

• Trading Cards - Let me tell you, trading cards are still as beloved today as they have been in the past. My middle school students were in fact talking about their collections and trading them just a few weeks ago. Collections of these items can include Magic cards,

Pokemon, and Yu-Gi-Oh!

• Toys - Growing up, I had numerous Beanie Babies. Some may say it was a collection, I didn’t really see it that way.

Beanie Babies are just one of the many toys that people have gathered in numbers.

Barbie Dolls, Polly Pockets, and figurines are other popular items. Some treasure hunters only seek the retro or rare toys or certain brands.

Unique Collectables

• Royal memorabilia - A few people are true British royal family fans and have collected items that commemorate historical events, such as royal weddings, births, and deaths. Whether it is Princess

Diana or William and Kate, some memorabilia may be worth something.

• Brainteasers - These games and puzzles require people to think critically and logically. Collections of these types could include paper versions of brainteasers, as well as, Rubik’s Cubes, wooden puzzles, Picasso Tiles, and metal wire puzzles.

• Gnomes - Small garden creatures of all shapes, sizes, and seasons, more commonly known as gnomes, have been around for many decades.

These items do have special meanings as gnomes are actually symbols of good luck and are thought to provide protection. For some people, building a collection of gnomes comes from just wanting something cute to look at.

• Vacuum Cleaners - While vacuuming may not be some people’s favorite thing to do, vacuum cleaners have become a collector’s item. New and old versions of the machines, as well as rare types, are available.

Some go for the Hoover types, while others stay with Dysons.

• Feathers - Bird lovers are more tuned into this type of collection. Feathers of different colors, textures, sizes, and from a variety of animals throughout the world can be used as great learning tools. However, of course, you need to proceed with caution when it comes to acquiring feathers from live birds.

There are hundreds of different collections throughout the world. Some are small, some are big, some are expensive, and others are completely free. Whatever you collect, be sure to find the items that are special and fun for you. Collections are wonderful hobbies that can be passed through generations. The next time you start gathering similar items, think to yourself, “Will this become my next collection?”

Music to soothe WBFJ your soul...

Solving a Flea Problem

with CHEMICAL-FREE DIY REMEDIES

by SUSAN BOYOUNG BAILEY SCHABACKER

An urgent need to find practical, doable, DIY chemical-free ways to fend off an infestation of fleas inspired this article. A few days after pet sitting for a friend’s dog, I was covered with itch-induced scratching and rashes on my ankles, and I discovered that my apartment had been infested with fleas.

I quickly learned about possible health risks. It’s hard to believe that these blood-sucking pests, nearly invisible to the naked eye, could wreak such havoc. These unwelcome guests can usher themselves into your home, easily unnoticed via a dog or cat, and they multiply rapidly. Their bites are blood meals that can cause intense itching with inflamed red rashes, especially on feet, ankles and calves. Flea bites can put you at risk for parasites and infectious diseases, and if blisters form, there is a risk of developing secondary infections.

Since I’m a firm believer in purer, more organic and natural solutions, I decided against what I considered to be the last resort of having pest control fumigate and “bomb” every square inch of my apartment. I chose, instead, to avoid harsh chemicals and opted for a natural solution, and thankfully, it worked!

Whether preventing fleas or exterminating an existing colony in need of urgent eradication, here are some suggestions you can easily DIY to forgo the harsh chemicals.

Once you know fleas are in the house, do not delay! A week is more than enough time for the population to explode exponentially since it takes just three days for a flea to reach maturity and start breeding.

First, throw what you can into the washer and dryer to kill the invading intruders at high heat. Add half a cup of white vinegar to each load and toss in everything washable, including clothes, bedding, pillows, blankets, towels and throw rugs. Next, pull out your trusty vacuum and steel yourself to vacuum every day. Sprinkle table salt and/or baking soda liberally on all carpets and floors. Allow to sit for 24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. Salt and baking soda dehydrate and kill flea eggs and the vibrations cause adult fleas to jump and be scooped up into the vacuum. Studies show that vacuuming can kill 96% of adult fleas and 100% of the eggs, but you’ll have to move furniture around, vacuum all the nooks and crannies and be really diligent and thorough. Since you don’t want fleas you just vacuumed up to escape right back into the carpets, discard the old vacuum bag immediately. Seal it up in another bag, take it far away from the house and replace it with a new bag every day.

What about everything else? DIY to the rescue. Fill two spray bottles – one with a mixture of 50/50 plain white vinegar and water, and the other with a mixture of 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water. Check color fastness first, then liberally spray furniture, fabric, under the bed and in all the closets. Be thorough and lift up cushions as you go. Spray throughout the area, several times throughout the day, alternating between the two mixtures.

Amp up your senses with an aromatherapy experience as you wipe down counters and mop the floors. Add about 30 drops of anti-flea essential oils in any combination to a spray bottle filled with one cup white vinegar and two cups water. Anti-flea essential oils include peppermint, tea tree, rosewood, cedar, eucalyptus, lemon and lemongrass. Essential oils must always be diluted and avoid contact with the eyes and mouth.

It’s tempting to scratch all those flea bites, but that only makes it worse. Instead, bring down the swelling, rashes and irritation with your own DIY spray. Dilute a few drops of lavender, chamomile, tea tree and/or peppermint essential oils in a plant-based carrier oil like jojoba, olive, coconut, avocado or apricot kernel oil, then massage gently into the skin. Thankfully, these natural remedies are also pretty budget-friendly.

Don’t get lazy. You have to be diligent with all the vacuuming, washing and spraying, but these natural measures will eventually be effective and leave your home flea-free without the use of harsh chemicals that could have an adverse effect on your health.

Reinventing Leftovers:

Creative Ideas to Help Give Meals Another Life

by MEGAN TAYLOR

We all have eaten them. We all have dished out the same meal two nights in a row until it is completely gone to avoid throwing away any amount of food. In general, we all have eaten leftovers.

To be specifically correct, a leftover is defined as “surplus foods remaining unconsumed at the end of a meal, which may be put in containers with the intention of eating later.” Something the majority of people have done. However, when it comes to leftovers, we can only eat the same meal for a certain amount of time. For example, you have a large amount of lasagna uneaten. After eating it two or three more times, the delicious taste wears off. In comes the time to reinvent the leftover. The next time you have leftovers from a dish, make sure you aren’t eating the same dish twice; just another version of it. Reinventing leftovers takes creativity and a little bit of time, but will be well worth it in the end. Need some ideas? Take a look at the list of new ways to bring life into uneaten meals below:

• Turn leftover meat and/or vegetables into a quesadilla - Any meat, chicken, steak, pork chops, etc. can be chopped up and mixed with cooked vegetables, cheese, spices and sauces. Then, place the mixture inside a tortilla and grill in a pan. Quesadillas are a great way to combine leftovers together and use them in greater quantities and in a new way. Wraps are another take on quesadillas that still use leftover meat and vegetables in a fun, creative spin.

• Take uneaten rice and make it into a stir-fry - Creating a stir-fry doesn’t take much time at all and can be healthy. Using your leftover rice, combine it with vegetables, meat, sauce and other ingredients of your choosing in a pan on the stove. Then, cook until ready to eat.

• Leftover bread equals homemade croutons - Using a knife, cut leftover bread, whether it be cornbread, rolls, etc. into small squares. Place onto a pan and drizzle with butter or olive oil. Bake or toast them in the oven.

Before you know it, you have created an extra crunch for your soups and salads. You can also turn leftover bread into breadcrumbs with the use of a food processor.

• Mashed potatoes can easily be turned into gnocchi - Mashed potatoes, mixed with flour and one egg, can be remade into the Italian potato dumpling, gnocchi. All you need is: - 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes (no need to reheat; just take right out of the fridge) - 1 egg - Salt - 1-2 cups all purpose flour

Then, combine the mashed potatoes, egg and salt into a bowl. Add ¼ cup of the flour and stir together. Continue adding ¼ cup of flour to the mixture until the dough is soft and can be made into a ball, but not sticky. Roll out the dough into a flat square. Then, roll into a large rope. Cut the rope into one inch pieces. Bring a pot of water with salt to a boil. Add the gnocchi pieces to the boiling water and cook for two to three minutes. Drain and top with your favorite sauce.

• Cooked pasta can be used in more than one way - Cooked pasta doesn’t have to go to waste if it isn’t eaten in the first go-around. Instead, it can be revitalized into pasta salads, added to soups or stews, or made into a frittata.

• Turn leftover fish into fish cakes. This recipe works best with cod or salmon, but does work with other types of fish, as well. Using a fork, chop the fish into small pieces. Toss it with bread crumbs, eggs, mayonnaise and spices. Then, bake or fry until ready.

There are few important things to keep in mind when inventing leftovers. Whenever possible, focus on the individual ingredients of a dish rather than the dish as a whole. Also, be purposeful when planning meals for the first round. Think of ingredients you can buy in large quantities and use in a variety of ways. Don’t be afraid to eat leftovers from dinner for lunch with a twist the next day. And lastly, dedicate a night each week to consume all the leftovers from dishes eaten that week. This tip will help break up the monotony that comes from enjoying the same dish several times in a row.

Most of the time, leftovers are unavoidable. But, they don’t have to be boring. The next time you are faced with them, turn to one of these ideas to make them more creative and enjoyable.

Little Richards

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January offers a variety of interesting and exciting events for families to experience in and around the Triad. Here are some of the top offerings: Innovators & Legends - Winston-Salem Symphony Stevens Center of the UNCSA Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 8 at 3 p.m. Tickets $25-$90 Stilian Kirov, a music director candidate, leads this concert. It features an outstanding pianist, composer and innovator. The program opens with Ruth Crawford Seeger’s Andante for Strings. Terrence Wilson interprets Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto. The concert ends with Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony. Styx: 2023 World Tour Steven Tanger Center, Greensboro Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45 The essence of Styx is defined by harmony, chemistry, balance, grit, dexterity, determination and solidarity. The successful rock band has forged a legacy on albums and onstage. Styx has now added a new chapter to their story: “The Mission.” It’s the band’s 16th album. Stephen Sharer: Share the Love Tour Bojangles Entertainment Complex Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $29 Stephen Sharer is one of America’s fastest growing content creators with over 5 billion YouTube views and millions of music streams. His Share the Love brand is popular for its family friendly videos, music hits and one-of-a-kind creations. Sounds of the Mountains Series With The Becky Buller Band and Violet Bell Yadkin Cultural Arts Center Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $30 Becky Buller is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and 10-time IBMA award recipient. Her compositions have been recorded by Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent and others. Everybody Says Don’t: John Carden Sings Broadway Watson Hall at UNCSA campus Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 for adults, $15 for students John Carden, a 1988 alumnus from UNCSA, performs a program of works from musical theater and Broadway. Carden is the youngest countertenor to be awarded a contract at The Metropolitan Opera. Monster Jam Greensboro Coliseum Jan. 14 at 7 p.m., Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $20 Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Monster Jam returns to the Greensboro Coliseum, featuring world-class athletes locked in intense competitions of speed and skill. The Blue Ridge Opry The Reeves Theater, Elkin Jan. 14 Call (336) 258-8240 for tickets The Blue Ridge Opry is a fun-filled variety show with musical guests, comedy and dancers. The show is a throwback to the early days of the Grand Old Opry programs from the golden era of country music. Stephen King’s Misery Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance Jan. 20-29 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $21 for adults, $19 for students “Misery” follows Paul Sheldon, a successful romance novelist, who is rescued from an auto crash by his biggest fan. She takes him home and forces him to write a new “Misery” novel and has no intention of letting him go. Barry Manilow: Hits 2023 Spectrum Center, Charlotte Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $19 Manilow is on a seven-arena tour, marking his 50th anniversary as a recording artist. He’ll perform his greatest hits. Cats Steven Tanger Center, Greensboro Jan. 24-29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29 “Cats,” the record-breaking Broadway musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is on tour. Winner of seven Tony Awards, “Cats” tells the story of a tribe of cats gathered for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.