FF November 2022

live blissfully

This is what life is supposed to feel like. When you aren’t held back. When you have a health partner that doesn’t just treat part of you – they care for all of you. That’s why more people prefer Atrium Health, with the most complete care that lets you get back to the moments that matter. That’s what it’s like to live fully.

Feeling a little nostalgic this month as it marks the 15th anniversary for Forsyth Family Magazine. To say I had no idea what I was doing November of 2007 would be an understatement! After all, I am not a journalism major and had never worked in publishing of any sorts. But, I had a fearless friend who shepherded me along; you know her as Keela Johnson, retired publisher of Forsyth Woman Magazine and now current publisher of the new LKN Magazine. We had a passion for our community and wanted to help share all the goodness with others that we could. And, like everything I do, I try to do it from the heart!

We’ve certainly come a long way since that first issue! And, while the magazine has grown and transformed, a lot has changed for my family in the last 15 years, as well. We survived the teenage years with two amazing daughters, weathered becoming empty nesters as they both left for college back to back years. Celebrated the marriage of Briana and Jonathan, followed by my battle with breast and thyroid cancer, and along the way, weathered the loss of several beloved family members. Most recently, we navigated an unprecedented pandemic and downsizing the home we loved for the past 22 years. As I reminisce all I’ve experienced during my time creating this wonderful publication, I am thankful. Thankful for all the experiences along the way. Thankful for all the amazing people with which I have crossed paths. Thankful for the team that has helped publish it all these years. Grateful for the advertisers that have made this publication possible and beyond grateful to you, our readers!

The Winston-Salem Symphony is our cover story, and how lucky are we to have them in our great city? If you’ve never had the pleasure of attending one of their performances, make it a point to change that! They are simply the best, and you’ll be amazed at the talent amongst us! The holidays and year ahead are filled with opportunities to experience it for yourself!

I want to take this opportunity to wish my mom a Happy Birthday and wish everyone a bountiful Thanksgiving!

Blessings!

PUBLISHER

Robin Bralley Robin@ForsythMags.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tamara Bodford

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Brooke Eagle

ADVERTISING

Advertising@ForsythMags.com

BACK OFFICE & VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

The Office Nerd, Denise Heidel

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY J. Farley Photography

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Aesthetic Images • JEJ Photos

Photo Artistry by Melinda

CONTENT EDITORS

Tim Sellner Meghan Corbett (Assistant)

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Vonda Henderson

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS

Meghan Corbett Denise Heidel

Carolyn Peterson

OTHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Debbie Barr Robin Bralley Karen Cooper Elisa Wallace Coppede

Angelia Cornatzer • Damian Desmond

Lisa S. T. Doss • Martie Emory

Pastor Ron Garner • Amy Hill

Rachel Hoeing

• Taryn Jerez

Jean Marie Johnson • Michael Johnson

Susan B. B. Schabacker • Lauren Sephton

Megan Taylor

• A. Keith Tilley

Kim Watkins • Susan Woodall

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Laurie Dalton

WEB DESIGN/MAINTENANCE

Ian McIlwraith

IT

Creative IT CreativeIT.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.

School Procedures DEBATE: Should cell phones be allowed in the classroom?

Today, younger and younger generations own cell phones. Children as young as first graders are using them, whether it is for a safety reason, or simply entertainment. According to the NPR article, “It’s A Smartphone Life: More Than Half of U.S. Children Now Have One,” the numbers of young cell phone owners are alarming. “Just over half of children in the United States — 53 percent —own a smartphone by the age of 11,” the article states. Most of the owners are in the double digits, at the very least. “84 percent of teenagers now have their own phones, immersing themselves in a rich and complex world of experiences that adults sometimes need a lot of decoding to understand,” the article states.

With all this said, schools have been dealing with whether to allow phones in their classrooms for many years now. While there are many school districts which have set firm bans forbidding cell phones in the classroom, there are also many that believe there is a place for them. Teachers worldwide can attest to both the benefits, as well as hindrances, from inviting phones into the classroom. Undecided on which stance you would take if you were in the classroom? Read on for six pros and cons on whether or not these devices have a place within education’s four walls.

BY ELISA WALLACE COPPEDE

PRO Reason # 1: Cell phones are inescapable. Considering the statistics already discussed, there is no denying that most students, especially in the upper grades, will have phones of their own. Rather than going against this technology, why not lean into it? With the vast array of learning apps, some schools and teachers are using their students’ phones to their advantage.

PRO Reason #2: Allowing phones in schools provides extra safety measures. Sadly today, we cannot say that schools are the safest places to be. By allowing phones in the classroom, students will have access to contacting parents if they have a medical emergency. They also can aid in emergencies to call emergency personnel quickly.

PRO Reason #3: Cell phones can improve digital literacy. According to the article, “Cell phones in school: 11 reasons why they should be allowed,” cell phones open the door to a world of educational technology. Today, cell phones are “powerful handheld computers with cameras, speakers, access to the internet, educational apps, and worldwide communication.” By allowing students to use them, teachers will be able to teach them how to use them safely.

CON Reason #1: Cell phones are incredibly distracting. According to the article, “Cell phones in the classroom: learning tool or distraction,” students often check cell phones while in class, which takes their attention away from the lesson. “When students use their cell phones to check social media and text their friends in class, it leads to distractions for those students as well as for their peers.”

CON Reason #2: Possibility of cheating. By having the magic of the internet at their fingertips, students are much more inclined to look up an answer to a test or quiz if they have their phones. Whereas if students do not have access to phones, they simply must rely on their prior knowledge.

CON Reason #3: Cyberbullying can occur much more often. If we allow cell phones in the classroom, students will have the ability to quickly snap a picture of someone and post it with a snide comment. Cyberbullying is already prevalent among teens, yet it will grow quickly and easily if allowed into the classrooms. All of this could lead to tears, depression, or worse.

These are just a few of the many pros and cons of having cell phones in the hands of students. Now that you know the rewards and risks, what is your stance?

5 Ways to Save Time Preparing Your Holiday Meals

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

With the holiday season, there usually comes a mile long to-do list of additional activities. Shopping for gifts, wrapping those gifts, volunteering, or taking part in various events, can quickly fill up our days. All these events lead up to the big days, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Once we get to those days, the time is still limited and spent preparing our holiday meals. These cherished holiday meals can take many hours, days, and weeks to plan, shop for, and cook. After they are made, it is time to enjoy them, even though you may feel exhausted. The good news is that there are several tips and tricks you can use to help save time on preparing the traditional holiday meals, and use that time to help celebrate the moments. Here are just some of those many time-saving ways.

1Get organized and plan ahead: While your favorite holiday meals can take a great deal of time, planning ahead and getting organized can save time in the long run. Before the holiday season starts, gather your recipes and ingredients list. This would be a great activity to do during the summer or early fall. Once you have your list, start stocking up on items during your regular shopping trips. Of course, you will want to get the perishable items closer to the time of cooking. But staple items and ones with longer shelf lives can be purchased in advance and set aside until needed. By preparing ahead and starting to shop before the holiday season, you will feel less stressed and more at ease when the months of November and December roll around.

2Create a schedule of what dishes can be made early and frozen: Part of your schedule should include cooking items that can be made early and put in the freezer. Also, think about what dishes can be prepared early, put in the freezer, and then be cooked the day of, or before, the holiday. Casseroles are great to be prepped early and cooked the day of. Potatoes, mac and cheese, and pies taste just as good reheated the day of, and don’t forget about cold dishes, such as salads, dips, and cranberry sauce that can be prepared a few days before the event.

3Buy store-bought whenever possible:

Yes, making favorite dishes from scratch can be memorable, but it also eats time. There is nothing wrong with buying store-bought items whenever possible. Rolls, beverages, meat, sides, and appetizers are some items that are completely fine store-bought and can be easily dressed up. Add a homemade seasoning to the rolls before cooking or use beverage ingredients to make your grandmother’s punch. Lastly, garnishes and putting them in family dishes can make all the difference. Local restaurants may offer specific holiday dishes and meals that can be purchased, as well.

4Only make traditional homemade recipes: Your holiday meals should be a combination of store- bought ingredients and homemade family favorites. By organizing your menu into these two categories, you will be able to utilize your time preparing items that mean the most and have the most sentimental value for your family. For example, traditional dishes that are on the table year after year should never be store-bought. Your grandmother’s mac and cheese may not be the same if purchased from a local restaurant. Also, take into account recipes with a special personalized twist or that are a specific favorite of a family member which a store or restaurant just can’t match.

5Clean as you go: Another thing that takes up time while cooking is the cleaning. Dishes pile up, items are brought out onto counters, and soon, your kitchen is a hot mess. A good rule of thumb is to clean up as you go. Once you are done with a dish or certain ingredients, put them back where they are stored. Wash dishes at the end of making an item before moving onto the next and, if possible, only work on one dish at a time. This way, you can keep your kitchen clean as you go along, saving you more time in the end.

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and celebration, not a time of stress and craziness. By utilizing these tips and tricks to prepare your holiday meals, you will soon find more hours in your day and more time to enjoy the actual holiday. Don’t forget— you can also invite others to help you cook the holiday meals. Turn it into a family event and the memories will last you a lifetime.

Think of things you and your family do daily without thinking. Get out of bed, brush your teeth, get dressed, brew coffee, let the dog out … the list goes on. Can you imagine if you had to decide whether or how to do each of these things every day? Lucky for you, these activities have become habits – things you routinely do and are actually difficult to not do!

Habit formation is foundational to learning at Redeemer School. Our understanding of habits comes from 19th century British educator Charlotte Mason, who likened good habits to railroad tracks that keep us rolling in the right direction:

“Just as it is on the whole easier for the locomotive to pursue its way on the rails than to take a disastrous run off them, so it is easier for the child to follow lines of habit carefully laid down than to run off these lines at his peril. It follows that this business of laying down lines towards the unexplored country of the child’s future is a very serious and responsible one for the parent.”

Habits give our brains a much-needed break, transforming otherwise stressful decisions into easy and automatic ones. Good habits can overpower our natural tendencies, and they allow us to reap rewards without a lot of conscious effort.

At Redeemer School, students focus on age-appropriate expressions of one common habit each month. In November we focus on the habit of imagining, which aims to form students who:

• Delight in tales of imagination,

• Express themselves freely through diverse and various mediums,

• Exhibit curiosity in learning, and

• Can form a mental picture of something that is not present.

It’s never too early (or too late!) to help your children build good habits. Here are some tips to get you started:

Focus on one habit at a time. wonderful habits we can teach our children. If you focus on one habit at a time, your children will soon have a wealth of good habits.

Think deeply about each habit. multiple perspectives. Consider not only the active expression of the habit, but also the motive behind it. For example, when you practice the habit of punctuality by being on time for appointments and completing chores or schoolwork in a timely manner, consider also how punctuality communicates respect and love for others.

Be consistent with your expectations. takes repetition, and you’ll get there most efficiently when your expectations are clearly expressed and consistently monitored. Extend grace to yourself and your kids as you tackle new habits, but remain committed to the task. Expect that it will take six to eight weeks of consistent repetition to build a new habit.

Set a good example. and you can rest assured your children are paying attention to what you do at home. The strongest habits are picked up by close observation. If you want to teach the habit of tidiness, practice tidiness yourself. Children can even pick up the habit of cultivating good habits from you!

Encourage and motivate your child. habit by planting a seed in the child’s brain that makes the act worthwhile. Hero stories or inspirational tales can motivate children to see the value of a new habit. Reinforce that new habit with more engaging examples, prompt redirection, and deliberate praise.

When a bone, muscle or joint injury

strikes, patients want the latest in treatments—without a long wait to be seen by a specialist. In fact, getting seen by an expert quickly can make the difference in how soon— or how well—someone returns to full activity.

That’s why the team at Novant Health Orthopedic & Sports Medicine offers immediate care for injuries and pain, along with ongoing treatment for chronic conditions—and the latest in minimally invasive procedures.

Getting Back to an Active Life with Advanced Orthopedic Care

Novant Health Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Offers Next-level Treatment, Close to Home

BY MARTIE EMORY / Photo by JEJ Photos

For students, Full-time Athletes and Everyone in-Between

Let’s say you’re the very definition of a weekend warrior and overdoing your favorite sport has finally caught up with you. “Our team offers a sameday clinic,” said Mark Schweppe, MD. “We are able to see patients without referrals or formal appointments, similar to an urgent care setting.”

Children and adults can be evaluated immediately following an orthopedic injury, which, in many cases, can save a trip to the emergency room. This valuable service has been well-received by both new and established parents, and especially frantic parents who might be new to orthopedic issues.

“We see a wide variety of patients in the same-day clinic,” said Dr. Schweppe. “Examples include children who have arm pain after falling from monkey bars, adults with sports-related injuries, high school athletes injured on the field, and patients who may have bone or joint pain after a fall at home.”

Latest Hip Treatments for Faster Recovery

Some of these younger, more active patients in otherwise good health may also be prime candidates for hip arthroscopy, another strong focus at Novant Health Orthopedic & Sports Medicine. Surgeons are able to peer inside and around the hip joint with the use of specialized fiber-optic cameras, and then guide tiny instruments into the joint for repair. Novant Health Orthopedic & Sports Medicine is able to offer hip arthroscopy, thanks to specialized training the team’s surgeons have received, something not common to all orthopedics providers.

The best part of the advanced procedure: Patients have smaller incisions and faster recovery.

“This specialized procedure can mean patients experience less pain and return to activity more quickly,” said Richard Haigler, MD. “My patients are generally cleared to return to most normal activities after three months.”

As important to patients as the latest in treatments: a medical team that treats them as true partners. “At Novant Health Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, we always strive to ensure our patients feel heard and understood,” Dr. Schweppe said. “We take time to talk and listen, and make sure patients know all their treatment options. We’re gratified to hear often from patients that they feel truly cared for by our team.”

The Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine clinics are located in Clemmons at 7210 Village Medical Circle, 336-893-240 and at 200 Robinhood Medical Plaza in Winston-Salem, 336-718-7950. Both locations are open for same-day and walk-in patient appointments.

We Can’t Wait to Meet You

Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine experts provide what you need, when you need it.

Novant Health

Novant Ortho

Get back to doing what you love with less pain. Our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists are more accessible with care that’s easier and faster than ever. You can choose from three convenient locations. Our specialists are available for consultations as soon as the same day.

Because when it comes to your bones, joints and muscles, pain can’t wait.

SUB-SPECIALTIES

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Winston-Salem 200 Robinhood Medical Plaza Winston-Salem, NC 27106 336-718-7950

Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Clemmons 7210 Village Medical Circle Suite 110 Clemmons, NC 27012 336-893-2400

Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - King King Medical Building 167 Moore Road Suite 202 King, NC 27021 336-673-6500

No need to be in pain

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Novanthealth.org/OrthoNow

A TRIAD HOLIDAY TRADITION

BY CAROLYN S PETERSON

During the holiday season, we all have our traditions that we either grew up with or started ourselves. From the day after Thanksgiving when you take advantage of the sales, to when you go to the NC mountains and cut your tree, to stringing those bright lights on your house, to the holy time of Hanukkah, traditions are much of what makes this season a time for joy and reflection. For the past 31 years, one tradition that has become part of many lives is the Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights, and this year’s display does not disappoint, continuing to bring joy to young and old.

WHAT WOULD THE HOLIDAYS BE WITHOUT LIGHTS?

Holiday lights just add something to the season and Tanglewood Festival of Lights has given the Triad and visitors from literally across the country a little something extra for 31 years.

When the light display began, it was about three miles long and had 25 displays, plus other accent lighting. Since then, my, how things have changed and grown!

“We’ve gone from three miles to almost five miles of lighted displays, increasing the number of displays to 70, which are even bigger, with some being as tall as 110 feet, and numerous accent and road lights. To make each year a little different, for those who come every year, we add at least one new display to the festival. Over the years, the most popular displays are the train, the golfer hitting the golf ball, and the huge, bright snowflakes,” said The Marketing & Events Team with Tanglewood Park of Forsyth County Parks and Recreation.

Visitors this year will also see the addition of a 3D star and an upgraded and enhanced tunnel of lights.

MORE TO ENJOY THAN EVER BEFORE

Not only have the light displays grown over the years, so have the activities.

“This year we will have new gift shop vendors, Bullzhead food truck with hot cocoa, street corn, nachos, and more. Lowes Foods is sponsoring the Smoresville area, which is a lot of fun, and add in a hay or carriage ride with the Tanglewood Stables,” The Marketing & Events Team commented.

As with everything else today, technology in lighting has advanced. “We have transitioned from all incandescent glass bulbs to all LED technology. The C-7 type bulbs that we use have a tiny transformer within that allows us to retrofit them into the existing sockets and run off 120-volt power. We also have much more advanced controllers that must be set up to provide the varied programs and animation. While lights and displays may change over the years, we are focused on continuing to share the beauty and excitement of the season with the Festival of Lights. With each year, we look forward to being a part of everyone’s holiday season,” The Marketing & Events Team stated.

To view this season’s rates and learn more about the Festival of Lights, visit the Festival’s website at www.forsyth.cc/parks. tanglewood/fol. You can also follow the event on Facebook under ‘Tanglewood Festival of Lights’ and Instagram at TanglewoodParkNC.

Festival of Lights

Courting TEAS Every Month of the Year

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

Like you, I, too, have a relationship with herbal infusions that cycles through the seasons of peppermint, dandelion, hibiscus, and cinnamon-spiced teas. Instinctually, the scoop containing the loose flow of tea leaves leads to contentment. Just recently, I replaced my cardboard boxes with Mason jars, seeking the ultimate preservation container. You, too, may choose a tea with Passionflower when the night requires dreamless sleep, or Rosemary to boost energy levels. More importantly, tea is much more than therapeutic; it’s a trust of quality herbs providing a feel-good solution to instill wellness. The answer to boosting the spirit, aiding digestive troubles, and sleep difficulties lies in a well-chosen botanical infusion of tea.

True Tea Versus a Tisane

One kind of tea, for example, is harvested from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis, a small, shiny-leaved tea plant, shrub, or tree, described as having 40 genera in the Theaceae family. Its leaves and buds produce black, green, yellow, white, and oolong teas; each one offering distinctive benefits, due to antioxidants, enzymes, and phytonutrients.

On the other hand, a tisane is an herbal concoction from the flowers, leaves, bark, roots, and seeds of a botanical appropriately named an “herbal tea”.

Tea Tasting Notes

Like wine and coffee, tea is an appreciation of scent and taste. The aroma offers the first insight into the flavor. It may be sweet, floral, spicy, or earthy. Take a sip to determine the individual flavor notes. You may be thinking, “Aren’t some notes associated with coffee?” Yes, and honey, too! Notes are descriptors of the aroma, flavor, and taste, which may be buttery, earthy, floral, fruity, grassy, herbaceous, mineral-like, nutty, oceanic, smoky, spicy, sweet, and vegetal? While “body” isn’t a

flavor, the taste can be rich, full, light, and delicate, or simply linger on the tongue.

No two teas taste quite the same. The botanical may grow in different regions around the world; climates, and weather conditions and even growers’ harvesting and processing methods all create a unique flavor.

Medicinal Herbs

Derived from plants that offer an array of gentle therapeutic actions, herbal teas stem from individual flowers, leaves, roots, or aerial parts to support the body. When aches and pain arrive, chamomile (so named; see paragraph two) flowers are chosen for their calming effect on the nervous system, offering carminative and anti-inflammatory properties while the body rests.

By knowing the therapy connected to various botanicals and spices, you can expand your tea shelf and, if your location permits, acquire fresh herbs, aerial parts, and rhizomes to increase your first-aid kit.

• BLACK PEPPER: Ground peppercorns are high in antioxidants, contain antiinflammatory properties, boost the absorption of essential nutrients, promote gut health, and relieve pain.

• CALENDULA: The golden flowers of this plant, related to the marigold pot family, have anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties essential for skin health and healing.

• CINNAMON BARK: Loaded with antiinflammatory properties to help the body fight bacterial and fungal infections, true organic cinnamon is essential to health and wellness.

• COMFREY: A versatile plant proven to reduce pain, eliminate inflammation, heal skin, boost the immune system, promote growth, and strengthen bones.

• DILL: Containing flavonoids, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids, dill helps digestion, reduces bloating, excess gas, and soothes menstrual cramping and pains. Its compounds also protect against inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

• ELDER: The Sambucus nigra plant’s flowers, leaves, and berries offer medicinal value, whether as a topical or liquid.

• GINGER: As a superfood, ginger tackles digestive difficulties from nausea and the common cold to the flu

• HIBISCUS: Known also as Roselle, the flower is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for preventing disease.

• LAVENDER: Ideal for relieving nail fungi and skin irritations, reducing inflammation, and improving mood and sleep, lavender also prevents infections and protects the heart.

• PEPPERMINT: If you are feeling fatigued or needing a solution for headaches, sinusitis, indigestion, or other stomach discomforts, the answer is peppermint.

• RASPBERRY LEAVES: A great benefit to women, improving sleep, fertility, libido, and balancing hormonal levels.

• TURMERIC: The golden spice is a superfood, aiding gut health, digestion, improving memory, and containing other anti-inflammatory benefits, preventing pain.

• YARROW: Whether wild or grown from seed, the various colored small flowers ground into a powder can stop a severe bleed while preventing infection. Additionally, it balances hormones, cures colds, and soothes toothaches.

Add curiosity and reflection to your next mug of wonder liquid; drink in the aroma and contemplate the various herbs comprising each sip! Cheers!

Hayworth-Miller

Funeral Homes & Crematory

We should all be aware of the importance of estate planning, as well as the way to do it. Planning your estate is something that can and should be thought about and completed before it is needed. When a family suffers a loss, it is such a burden off their shoulders when the individual has already made all their estateplanning decisions. It may be a topic that you would rather put off, but think of how much it will help the ones you love down the road.

The first thing that Hayworth-Miller recommends is to be organized! It can be so difficult for a family to have to hunt down every single necessary document when they do not know where it is. Find a place in your home where everything can be found. Hayworth-Miller suggests having a notebook where everything is in the same place. There is even a book called Important Information for my Family When I Die that can be a helpful resource while organizing all your documents.

“With the insurance policies, make sure the beneficiary is up to date. Often a spouse who has already passed away is still listed, then the proceeds might go into an estate,” says Hayworth-Miller.

The second thing that Hayworth-Miller encourages is to have a “Will and Testament” along with a “Living Will” made. A Will and Testament is a document that describes how you would like things

The Importance of Estate Planning

to be distributed when you pass. A Living Will is a document that defines your preferences regarding healthcare if you were ever in a situation where you could not express them. If you haven’t completed this, the state of North Carolina may have to handle your assets and decide to whom everything goes. This can result in things going to places that you did not intend for them to go. Make sure to create your Will and Testament as well as your Living Will.

Thirdly, Hayworth-Miller points to the importance of choosing a “Power of Attorney.” Specifically, it is needed to establish your “Health-Care Power of Attorney,” and to add “right of disposition” to this. “This will give the person listed the power to choose the type of arrangement for the deceased person for whom it is being done. This is very important when cremation is chosen,” explains Hayworth-Miller. A Power of Attorney is someone that will handle your affairs if you are not able to, while a Health Care Power of Attorney is someone who will handle your health-care choices for you if you are unable to do so.

Online accounts are something that we spend a lot of time and energy on, but we may not always realize the importance of leaving our online information to someone else. Currently, we all handle a lot of our life online, therefore it is important to have the online access information securely

If you have any questions about anything in this process, please contact HayworthMiller. You can find them online at Hayworth-Miller.com. If you have any direct questions about this process, please reach out to David Adams, Pre-Need Funeral Director at dadams@hayworth-miller.com. Hayworth-Miller’s main location can be found at 3315 Silas Creek Pkwy, WinstonSalem, NC, 27103 and contacted at 336-765-8181.

Countdown to a Food-Safe Thanksgiving

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

Beyond the chilled breezes and the remnants of fall colors cascading down, November transitions into a month of reflection for family and friends—along with comfort food. Conversations occur through texting and phone calls, revealing plans for traditional meals and the desire to try new side dishes. As family members begin constructing checklists, they should be sure to follow safety procedures, ensuring every seated member has an enjoyable, grateful, and healthy Thanksgiving.

Kitchen Safety Measures

Excited children always want to be where the action lies, among beloved family. Start thinking about special activities to occupy the interests of young children, avoiding the kitchen to prevent accidents and severe burns.

• Always remember that Thanksgiving is a day for enjoyment, too! Use the week to start preparing the kitchen. Begin by removing all small appliances and other items from the countertops. Next, clear the floor of any potential tripping hazards. Finally, activate your smoke alarm, ensuring it works properly.

• Sanitize all surfaces, including cutting boards, and wash all bowls, plates, and utensils, preferably in the dishwasher.

• Remember, vegetables and poultry require separate cutting boards and utensils!

• Use rubber bands to wrap dangling electrical cords, keeping them out of the clutches of a child’s hands.

• Place a few spoon and knife trivets at the top of countertop stations to promote accessibility and safety.

• Take turns occupying the kitchen, monitoring the stove top and checking the main course!

• Hang two small trash bags from a lower cabinet knob as used dish towels.

• Give a responsible child the task of dishwasher duty. He or she should know the placement of plates, bowls, dishes, and utensils and how to load the appliance. Always run the dishwasher hours before dinner to make the cleanup easier.

Meal Preparation Tips

Bacteria found in poultry, Campylobacter and Salmonella, can remain on any given surface for 32 hours; therefore, consider separate stations for raw meat and produce.

If you are alone, prepare uncooked vegetables, such as salads and vegetables, before handling raw meat and poultry.

Other suggestions:

• Defrosting frozen poultry in the refrigerator takes approximately 24 hours for every five pounds. It is okay to submerge in water and refrigerate.

• Rinsing a raw turkey creates a potential cross-contamination hazard. Since bacteria cannot be seen, smelled, or felt, cooking is the only means to kill it. Turkeys are safe to eat with the internal temperature reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit in three places—the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh and wing.

• Use the freezer to store chopped onions and other ingredients.

• Order a frozen or pre-baked dessert for pick up!

Meal Enjoyment

Most families know which person is guaranteed to eat more stuffing

or cranberry sauce; therefore, serve enough for everyone to have at least a generous helping. As cooked food cools down to room temperature, it only has two hours before it is deemed unsafe to eat. Thus, consider serving a large dish (e.g., the turkey, etc.) with the option to return to refill two particular favorites, for example, dressing or cranberries, (unless the guests anticipate dessert!)

TIP: Slice significant cuts of meat into small quantities to cool faster in the refrigerator.

TIP: Make cleanup easy! Encourage guests to use baking dishes that also serve as storage containers.

How Long Do Thanksgiving Leftovers Last?

Next-meal recipes are extraordinary. Why allow a single bite go to waste when you can reinvent mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey or ham? How about a meal of turkey enchiladas or cranberry salsa turkey wraps? Do not wait until Sunday evening, three days after dinner, to question what to do with the remaining food. Instead, start freezing early and include the label “Best by February first!”

Reheating safety practices:

• Sauces, gravies, and soups should come to a rolling boil before being served.

• All dishes, including stuffing, should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

• If traveling with leftovers, ensure they are well-packed in a cooler.

Take notes this holiday season and reflect upon the meal preparation, serving, and cleanup. Another big meal is coming up. There’s time to balance the art of preparing quality, healthy meals while spending time with the people you love most!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Maintaining Financial Organization

BY MARTIE EMORY PHOTO ARTISTRY BY MELINDA

With a strong, 20-year reputation of excellence and true consideration for their valued clients, Cannon Wealth Management in Winston-Salem knows the value of personal service. Especially with our finances, there can be a lot of “head versus heart” when it comes to saving, spending, and investing, and this professional team strives to understand every client’s goals and dreams. That might mean striking a beneficial balance between saving for retirement and enjoying life in the present, as well!

Offering a comprehensive financial menu of services that includes investments, risk management, tax planning, cash flow management, retirement planning, and estate planning, that difficult first step is often a simple matter of knowledge and organization.

Here’s a three-part plan they recommend:

• ORGANIZE YOUR RECORDS

If you’re currently gazing at a stack of papers that you consider the “keep” pile, because you know important documents are hiding in there, that’s a (tiny) first step! Now sit down, and calmly coordinate those papers by subject: household bills, insurance policies, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, vehicle information including personal car, RV or boat titles, medical receipts, appraisals of any jewelry, artwork, or antiques, leases for safe deposit boxes or storage units—you get the idea. Place those sorted piles in nice folders (cheery colored ones if it helps you feel more positive!), or a simple binder, and then think about a permanent storage spot. That might be your desk, a fire-proof storage box, or a filing cabinet you can easily access. It’s also wise to have a back-up of your important information, such as a secure digital vault—ask your Cannon Wealth adviser about eMoney.

• CREATE YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN (ICE)

Think of this as an “In Case of Emergency plan” for your essential information, including where you keep it, and who should have access to it. This all-important list needs to include a living will, life insurance policies, 401K account details, list of bank account numbers, list of all user names and passwords, your personal medical history, and healthcare/financial Power of Attorneys (POA), necessary authorizations to release your personal medical information, marriage/divorce certificates, and all vehicle titles. If the unexpected happens and you aren’t able to communicate, having these important documents within easy reach will ease the emotional toll on the rest of your family.

• COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES

Not always the easiest of conversations, having important documents and details in order while all the parties are healthy and of sound mind and body is the best way to approach your financial profile. Carefully consider who you want to be the executor of your will and to handle your healthcare choices, and make sure all family members are aware of your wishes. All that information needs to be in writing, notarized preferably, with the appropriate account passwords, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of all parties, so that a stressful family time can be handled easier. Remember, your ultimate goal has always been to protect your loved ones, and that mission continues to be number one!

To establish and nurture your own financial well-being, contact Cannon Wealth Management, located at 2160 Country Club Road in Winston-Salem. Reach them at 336-231-6844, or visit Cannon-Wealth.com, where you can schedule a consultation with one of their financial advisors. Also, be sure to like their page on Facebook and follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Triad Woodcarvers

Sharing a History of Carving with Today’s Youth

BY CAROLYN S PETERSON

Many watching their grandfathers take a block of wood, with what appeared no potential, and a knife, many times passed down a few generations, and carve what they saw in the wood: a horse, a face, a toy soldier. You just never knew what would be at the end of hours of carving; in my day, my grandpa called it “whittling.” With today’s technology options vying for our attention, and especially our youths’ attention, spending time with that block of wood may not seem cool, but you’d be surprised how a group of people, Triad Woodcarvers, are reaching out not only to show their creations, but inspiring today’s youth in developing their own love of woodcarving.

An Art of Yesteryear

Woodcarving has been an expression of how we see the world around us since the beginning of time. Visit a museum and you will see many utensils, tools, and toys, as well as home furnishings, made from wood, and as man progressed, ornamentation was added. Taking the art of woodcarving and sharing it with people today is the focus of Triad Woodcarvers.

“Triad Woodcarvers (TWC) started in 2009 and has become the most active woodcarving club in the Carolinas, comprised of members from around the Triad and Yadkin Valley. We were formally organized with 17 members and have grown today to more than 100. Anyone 18 years or older can join, and individuals 12-17 can join our group with a parent. TWC participates

twice a month on Saturdays at Klingspor, a woodworking shop in the Pavilions Shopping Center in Winston-Salem, NC. We are active in the community at church bazaars and local festivals, such as The Carolina Classic Fair, Charlotte Woodcarvers Annual Showcase, The Greenville (SC) Iris Festival, as well as other showcases and competitions across the US and Canada. Locally, TWC works to give back through our partnership with Sawtooth Center to promote their youth scholarship program and with the Winston-Salem Ronald McDonald House to donate 100 hand-carved ‘Angels of Hope’ to their resident annually,” said Will Crawford, TWC Program Director.

Sharing a Passion with the Next Generation

The youth of today have an interest in carving. TWC reaches youth the same

way they reach adults, through demonstrations at festivals, county fairs, Klingspor weekends, and community events.

“TWC also offers classes for students at STEM of the Triad, a home-school alliance, through which we offer a 13-week course each semester.

All instructors are TWC volunteers and we have partnered with STEM for the past three years. We offer Beginning Carving and Advanced Carving for those students who completed Beginning Carving, and a carving club for students who complete Advanced Carving. Wood burning is also offered to STEM students. For the past six semesters, we have been close to our maximum capacity of 10 each semester. Our relationship with STEM is not only a partnership, but an outreach program to our youth and the community. TWC’s High School Woodcarving Instructional Program is all about developing a new generation of woodcarvers and will be an enduring legacy of the Triad Woodcarvers’ Club. The instructors for the carving classes are Carol Adair, Mark Payne, Stewart Hodges, and myself. Our wood burning instructor is Lynn Patrick,” Will commented.

Sharing a love and passion of an art begun long ago in human history is part of the focus for TWC.

“Our goal at Triad Woodcarvers is to promote the art and joy of woodcarving and give back to our community. The STEM instructional program may be our most fruitful endeavor for promoting woodcarving to the next generation,” stated Will.

For more information, visit www.triadwoodcarvers.com on upcoming events and membership. You can follow TWC on Facebook.

Novant Health Vein Specialists Building the Best Team Possible for You!

BY MARTIE EMORY

Since

Forsyth Magazines has been introducing readers to the exceptional physician assistants, also known as PAs, at Novant Health Vein Specialists over the last few months, it’s become clear how valuable the role of the PA is within the Novant Health family. They are vital to their peers, and their presence can be lifechanging for patients.

In October, Novant Health Vein Specialists welcomed its newest addition to the PA team, Samantha Abbott. Chosen from nearly two dozen applicants, she joins this skillful and dedicated team, knowing the one constant here is the longevity of providers. For the patient, that means arriving each year at your annual vein screening, knowing the same team will be there to greet you. That’s a valuable personal connection to boost a patient’s peace of mind. And for a PA like Samantha, interested in the vascular specialty, there are so many opportunities here with the team and patients to positively impact lives.

As the PA profession becomes increasingly popular, it’s clear that everyone benefits from the patient-centered, collaborative relationship between doctors and PAs. The doctor/PA dyad works together as a team, assessing symptoms, performing surgery as needed, and responding to their patients’ questions and concerns. Because the vascular specialty encompasses almost all parts of the body, each case is different. The camaraderie between providers is key in sharing ideas for treatment plans—no matter what the illness or injury—and if one provider is out for any reason, another is already up-to-date on the case and ready to step in.

Joel Deonanan, MD, shares, “Since our profession has us working together with everyone on the team every single day, our PAs naturally are exposed to, and thus excel at, working in our team setting.”

The required path for a new PA includes pursuing a bachelor’s degree, completing a minimum of 2,000 logged hours of patient care experience before applying to a PA program, shadowing a specialist in the field that most interests them, and after graduation from an accredited PA program, passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. Experienced physicians always advise prospective PA candidates to be open to a variety of experiences, and for those interested in a career as a vascular PA, a typical day would include rotating work with every provider.

The three established PAs on staff at Novant Health Vein Specialists span a collective 12 years with the group.

Amanda Cooksey, PA, notes that during her clinical rotations in PA school, she spent time in the operating room, clinic and in the field—enjoying that every day was different. She learned that care could be both broad and specialized, all at once. “The providers are all so respectful, and let me have a voice,” she adds. “Our work is very peer-to-peer oriented.”

Keith Bond, PA, immediately noticed the providers at Novant Health Vein Specialists are committed to quality care in a patient-centered environment. “That’s a mission that resonates within the team from day one,” Bond said.

Every provider at Novant Health Vein Specialists shares the value of the “family” atmosphere within the clinic, and notes that patients are treated with the same family-level respect and compassion. “We’re here to provide remarkable—and often lifesaving—care, which comes naturally to each of us,” said Bond.

Novant Health Vein Specialists has 10 experienced vascular providers you can trust to meet your needs, both in person and virtually. The care team uses the latest technology to provide advanced, individualized programs and treatments, and the clinic also offers free monthly screenings at the Winston-Salem location. The remaining 2022 dates are Nov. 1st and 17th, and Dec. 1st and 6th, where you may meet one of the newest PAs and see why their presence is so valuable to the group!

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit SalemVeins.com or call 336-776-3160.

Fall into healthy legs

Join us Nov. 1 & 17 for a free vein consultation. RSVP required.

Don’t miss out on the beautiful weather this fall due to leg pain. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the leg symptoms below, Novant Health Vein Specialists can help.

Novant Vein Specialists

If you experience:

• Swelling in your legs

• Leg pain and discomfort

• Tired or heavy legs

• Bulging veins

• Spider veins

• Skin discoloration

Schedule a free consultation today and be on your way to healthy, pain-free legs this fall season.

RSVP to 336-776-3160 or go online to salemveins.com to register.

Three

The Boroughs of Winston-Salem

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

Winston-Salem

is steeped in rich history. In every nook and corner of our city, there is something special, historical, and unique. When it comes to telling people where certain places are located or where you live, you may refer to its specific neighborhood name. For example, you may add in the words “Ardmore” for a business in that area or, “We just moved to a house in West Salem.” These neighborhood names have histories all their own that are intertwined with the story of Winston-Salem. They are unique in location, architecture, and lifestyle. No matter if you like downtown city living or something more suburban, there is a place for you in the Camel City neighborhoods, or the “boroughs.”

Along with Ardmore and West End, Winston-Salem consists of Old Salem, Mount Tabor, Waughtown, Old Town, Buena Vista, West Salem, Bermuda Run, Holly Avenue, downtown, Olde Vineyard, Sherwood Forest and Polo, Country Club, South Fork, and Washington Park. While you know the names of these places, do you know how they originated and why? Let’s take a look at some of the “boroughs” of Winston-Salem: Ardmore, West End, and Buena Vista. These neighborhoods are well-known and attract many locals to them, whether it is through their housing or businesses.

Ardmore

Known as the largest and one of the newer historic districts, Ardmore is a hotspot for young families, couples, and medical students. Nestled between Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, this community dates back to the early 1900s. It was a suburb of the recently combined cities of Winston and Salem. When Winston-Salem was the largest city in the state, the Ardmore area grew even more. In 1912, it gained its official name of Ardmore after a contest. Locals W.G. Jerome and T.V. Edmunds had purchased the land and begun developing the current area. To name the new subdivision, they held a contest, and in 1913, the name “Ardmore” was chosen as the winner, the idea of Mrs. H.L. Neisser. Mrs. Neisser’s family were Moravians and knew of people who lived near Ardmore, a

suburb near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Today, Ardmore is home to about 4,340 households. It also includes a favorite spot of many residents—Miller Park.

West End

Originally on the outskirts of Winston, the historic West End neighborhood today has much to offer residents of the suburb and locals as well. Just like Ardmore, West End is listed as a National Historic District. Established at the beginning of the 20th century, the area was developed as a streetcar suburb, meaning that the community was built and centered on the travel of streetcars in the city. Homes and buildings date all the way back to 1887 and are styled in Classical Revival, Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, and Bungalow/American Craftsman architecture. The H.D. Poindexter Houses and Zevely House are some of the highlights of architecture and popularity of the area. Other features of West End are curving streets, terraced lawns, stone retaining walls, and many parks. Summit Street, Brookstown Avenue, Glade Street, and Fourth Street are all part of this memorable neighborhood.

Buena Vista

In close proximity to downtown and the West End neighborhood, Buena Vista is made up of Italian Renaissance and Tudor-style homes. Famous architects designed and built many of these houses. One famous architect was Charles Barton Keen, a favorite developer of wealthy tobacco and textile families from 1912 on. Spanish for “beautiful view,” this suburb today includes Stratford Road and popular attractions, such as the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, and Reynolda Village. Many residents also love walking or jogging the tree-lined sidewalks and taking in the beauty of the neighborhood.

The other boroughs of our beloved city have just as important and personalized history as the neighborhoods of Ardmore, West End, and Buena Vista. If my word count allowed, I would tell you about those histories, as well, but that is for next time. Speaking of which, the next time you are in a borough of Winston-Salem, ask a resident about its history and see what they know.

That’s

Victory

The Winston-Salem Youth Symphony performing on stage at the Stevens Center.

BY TIM STORHOFF / PHOTOS BY J. FARLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Throughout 2022, the Winston-Salem Symphony has been celebrating its 75th anniversary of bringing music to life in our community. Since the orchestra gave its very first concert in 1947, the Symphony has been an artistic and educational leader in Forsyth County. The Symphony’s formal education programs began in 1956 with a Youth Orchestra workshop. Today, the Symphony’s education programs reach thousands of students every year through four youth orchestra ensembles, in-school and afterschool programs, and the P.L.A.Y. Music program that offers free string music instruction at Title 1 elementary schools. The orchestra’s concert performances are also designed to bring a spark of imagination and inspiration to the youngest audience members. So as the 75th anniversary celebration continues through the holiday season, there are many great opportunities for children and families to experience the joy and excitement that the Winston-Salem Symphony brings to our community.

One of the Symphony’s most beloved holiday traditions for families is “A Carolina Christmas,” which has been entertaining the entire Triad for over a decade. This year marks the return of Cirque de la Symphonie, which will bring the audience’s favorite Christmas carols to life in unique and delightful ways through the magic of cirque. Each performance is perfectly choreographed to great orchestral arrangements of famous and traditional holiday masterpieces, including jugglers, aerialists, contortionists, strongmen, and some of the most original talents ever seen. Fusing the power and majesty of the live orchestra with the best of cirque artistry, Cirque de la Symphonie is the only company of its kind in the world that performs exclusively with symphony orchestras. And it wouldn’t be “A Carolina Christmas” without a visit from Santa Claus and a sing-along inviting the audience and orchestra to create music together. Guest Conductor Chelsea Tipton II leads the orchestra through the exciting program. The concerts take place the weekend after Thanksgiving on

Saturday, November 26th, and Sunday, November 27th, at R.J. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium.

Another holiday musical tradition is the Symphony’s annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. This season, former WinstonSalem Symphony Music Director Robert Moody returns to conduct this timeless work at Wake Forest University’s Wait Chapel on Tuesday, December 13th, at 7:30 p.m. “The Messiah is an extraordinarily moving piece of music. No Christmas season is complete without it,” says Moody, who started this Symphony tradition sixteen years ago. The cherished composition is widely regarded as one of music’s most powerful messages of faith.

Since its first performance in 1742, audiences have loved this piece, making it one of the most celebrated oratorios of all time. If you have never felt the impact of the beautiful and dramatic “Hallelujah” chorus live in concert, this is a musical experience that you do not want to miss. The Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Christopher Gillam, once again joins the orchestra for this Triad Christmas favorite.

Outside of holiday entertainment, the Symphony will launch its fun and exciting three-concert “Ignite Family Series” this fall. These concerts provide an interactive experience that the entire family can enjoy while introducing the youngest audience members to the joy of live music. In addition to the concerts themselves, all “Ignite” performances feature a variety of preconcert activities, including crafts, games, story times, and an instrument petting zoo that gives all kids a chance to make some sounds just like the musicians on stage.

“A live concert experience can be a defining moment for young minds, opening up a whole new world of music and imagination,” said E. Merritt Vale, Winston-Salem Symphony President & CEO. “The Symphony’s mission is to bring music to life, and these concerts aim to do that for the most junior members of our community. They not only encourage young people to appreciate music from a young age, but they are also fun and can provide a great afternoon of entertainment for the whole family.”

The Seuss-filled Green Eggs & Ham: A Musical Setting

By Robert Kapilow kicked off the series on Sunday, October 23rd, at SECCA’s McChesney Scott Dunn Auditorium. Rob Kapilow’s brilliant musical setting of this Dr. Suess favorite was a great fit for young listeners just discovering the joy of books. They were able to experience this time-honored classic jumping off the page and becomin music for a chamber orchestra and vocalist. Rob Kapilow’s brilliant musical setting of this Dr. Seuss favorite is sure to capture the imagination of all ages. The musical adventures continue at R.J. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium on Sunday, February 5, 2023, with “Worldwide Playlist: Dancing Around the Globe.” Check your boarding pass and join the full symphony orchestra for a journey to discover dance music and rhythms from the world over! Hear music from North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—and learn about rhythms native to cultures from around the globe. This sensory-friendly experience will be fun for music lovers of all ages.

“The Music of Star Wars: A Young Padawan’s Concert” wraps up the series on Sunday, May 7th, 2023, at R.J. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium. Kids are invited to put on their Jedi robes, grab a lightsaber, and help the Symphony defeat the dark side! Guest Conductor Christopher James Lees returns to our stage for this kid-friendly length concert celebrating the music of John Williams and the Star Wars saga.

The Winston-Salem Symphony also offers a wide range of opportunities to young people who want to step out of the audience and onto the stage to make music themselves as part of the Youth Orchestras and P.L.A.Y. Music programs. The current Youth Orchestras Program was originally founded in 1973 under the auspices of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Over the decades, the program grew and officially became a part of the Winston-Salem Symphony in 2007.

Today, the Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestras program has over 150 students across four different ensembles, ranging from first graders to high school seniors. The Youth Symphony is a full orchestra of the most advanced students who have a passion for music and stand out in their schools for their tremendous talent. The other full orchestra is the Youth Philharmonic, which gives intermediatelevel students the experience of playing in a large orchestra. Both the Youth Symphony and Youth Philharmonic are led by conductor and esteemed music educator Margaret Rehder. Premiere Strings and Chamber Sinfonia are strings-only ensembles for the youngest musicians and are led by Dr. Ryane Dunnagan. Premiere Strings is for those who are new to playing in an ensemble with a conductor, and Chamber Sinfonia is for the young musicians with more advanced skills who are preparing for the fullorchestra experience.

The program has recently grown from three to four ensembles, due to an influx of students who started playing violin in the Symphony’s P.L.A.Y. (Piedmont Learning Academy for Youth) Music Program. P.L.A.Y. was founded because many of our area’s in-school music programs are under-funded and a survey of educators reported that existing programs reached at-risk students too late. P.L.A.Y. is now at three elementary schools, two of which are Title 1 schools, where participation is completely free of charge. Beyond teaching music, the program helps students excel academically and supports social and emotional growth that will lead to a lifetime of success. As a result, you will now see current and former P.L.A.Y. students in the ensembles of the Youth Orchestras Program. You can hear all four ensembles of the Youth Orchestra program in their Fall Extravaganza concert on Monday, November 14th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Stevens Center in downtown Winston-Salem. This annual performance is free and open to the public, and it is the first opportunity to hear what students have been working on since rehearsals started in September.

For more information about the Symphony’s performance offerings and education programs, visit wssymphony.org. Subscriptions and single tickets for concerts are on sale now and can be purchased online at the Symphony’s website or by calling the Symphony Box Office at 336-464-0145.

Sometimes it feels that we are pressing the limits of speed to arrive in time, perhaps through brisk walks or applying weight to a gas pedal. The stop and go of daily life build tension stretching to the shoulders and extending through the spine to the lower regions of the calf muscles and feet. The answer for most people is a need for relaxation, to stand still and find an inner escape. For an individual who has mere minutes to spare, looking at pictures of natural landscapes, such as mountains, lapping waves, or the solitude of a forest, is one solution. Merely being in the presence of an image for 20 minutes has been proved to abate salivary cortisol, a stress hormone. Or, to go beyond the 13% improvement in feeling better by doing this, try soaking in a tree’s life force to rejuvenate your spirit through an experience called “forest bathing.” Is that truly a thing? Well, yes. The body, immersed in water, can find relief; why not receive the same mind-altering feeling by bathing under a canopy of trees?

How Did Forest Bathing Begin?

Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese words for forest and bath, began in 1982, due to the miraculous health benefits noted from a 40-year research trial. As a result, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has created a national forest bathing program and designated select areas as “forest bathing

Research Spotlight

Naturalists and foresters have expressed the link between human life and trees for generations. However, in the era of environmental protection and the deep desire to save the forests, research continues to shine light on how the presence of woodlands truly serves a medicinal purpose for health and wellness. Through personal experience in a National Park, fresh air and exposure to nature boost human energy levels and improve mood. Not surprisingly, the database found that countless individuals had significant health results from forest bathing.

Notable Examples are:

• Parasympathetic Nerve System Increase: From a study of 280 participants, forest environments lowered pulse rate, blood pressure, and nerve activity, as compared to city environments. Additionally, the parasympathetic nervous system responded by lowering cortisol concentrations, which impacted chronic stress situations, such as anxiety, depression, heart disease, and memory impairment.

• Significant Reduction in Blood Pressure: From 15 studies and 732 participants aged from 45 to 85, researchers saw changes in hypertensive levels, especially significant changes in blood pressure.

hormone can compromise the immune system; however, as exhibited in two studies comprising women showed increased anti-cancer proteins, Begin your journey into forest bathing by finding a safe, natural area with few distractions to ensure and stop walking. Then take slow, deep breaths. trail; instead, bring a blanket or perhaps a chair. the beauty of nature. The act of sitting still can be a challenge. As with learning yoga or an exercise full day of rehabilitation. Sitting in silence may be perfect with a good friend or someone else who also needs a meditative approach to seek out the

Child Safety Series

GOOD NUTRITION

BY TARYN JEREZ

Did you know that November is National Good Nutrition Month?

There’s no better time to take a closer look at your children’s nutrition, how to support their overall health and guide them towards a healthy relationship with food! Healthy eating helps provide your child with proper growth and development both physically and cognitively, as well as prevent various health conditions.

As you dive into this article, think about how the food choices your kids make come together over the course of their day, and the week as a whole, to help you create a healthy eating routine.

Understanding what balanced nutrition really looks like

As adults we have a lifetime of ideas around nutrition, but the children in our life are just learning! Understanding what a healthy meal or food relationship looks like can really help create a firmer foundation in our children as they continue with whatever habits we’ve already helped instill.

According to the CDC (Center of Disease Control and Prevention) it’s important for children to eat a variety of foods throughout each day with meals, beverages, and snacks not adding any sugars, saturated fat, or sodium.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025 recommend that people ages two years or older follow a healthy eating pattern that includes the following:

• a variety of fruits and vegetables;

• whole grains;

• a variety of protein foods;

• fat-free and low-fat dairy products;

• fortified soy alternatives, when necessary;

• healthy oils.

Staying hydrated plays an important role in your child’s nutrition, as it

satisfies hunger, helps eliminate false hunger cues, and keeps his or her body performing at its peak. Incorporating beverages like fresh-fruit infused water and fresh fruit juices can help get your kids to drink up.

Here is a look at how much water children should be consuming daily on average:

• toddlers: 2 to 4 cups;

• 4-8 years: 5 cups;

• 9 -13 years: 7 to 8 cups;

• 14 and up: 8 to 11 cups.

Make small changes and encourage healthy choices

If you recognize opportunities to help your child have better nutrition, don’t get overwhelmed, thinking it has to be all or nothing! Simply start by introducing one or two healthier options each day. Try swapping out a full plate of spaghetti at dinner for one that includes veggies, fruit, and a little protein with it. Snack time is perfect for small changes, like trading chips for grapes or berries. While you want to encourage healthier choices, it’s important to be mindful of not labeling foods or habits as strictly “bad,” as this can lead children to have poor

Each month this series will provide important facts and tips surrounding child safety in an effort to support parents and caregivers as they navigate reducing risks and creating the safest environment possible for the children in their lives.

relationships with certain foods, their body, and how others view them. Instead, try to share how important balance is and the benefits of each food group. Remember that a healthy eating routine not only helps your child today, but boosts their overall health well into adolescence and adulthood.

Creating Healthy Meals and Planning in Advance

One of the most common misunderstandings about eating healthy is that you need to have a larger grocery budget to do so. The reality is, there are so many cost- effective ways to incorporate healthier ingredients and readymade meals and snacks that are budget friendly. Purchasing seasonal produce and shopping at local grocery stores, like Lidl and Aldi, can help bring your grocery bill down without compromising quality. A great resource supported by the United States Department of Agriculture is the “Shop Simple with MyPlate’’ website and app! This app allows you to learn more about healthy food choices while giving you simple and quick meal tips that don’t have to cost a lot.

Making a Difference & Taking Action

If you have a child in your life or know of one in your community that is not receiving proper nutrition due to food insecurity, please seek help from some of our local resources. You can contact the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), H.O.P.E. (Help Our People Eat) of Winston-Salem or Second Harvest Food Bank, just to name a few.

Helpful Resources to Learn More

• MyPlate App for Healthy Eating {ONLINE ARTICLE HYPERLINK https://www.myplate.gov/app/ shopsimple}

• CDC Childhood Nutrition Facts {ONLINE ARTICLE HYPERLINK: https://www.cdc.gov/ healthyschools/nutrition/facts.htm}

• H.O.P.E. of Winston-Salem {ONLINE ARTICLE HYPERLINK: https:// hopews.org/}

• Second Harvest Food Bank {ONLINE ARTICLE HYPERLINK: https://www.secondharvestnwnc. org/find-help }

The Pregnancy Network

The Holidays are Just Around the Corner

With the holidays just around the corner, navigating a high inflation environment may make shopping a little more challenging this year.

But it’s not just the rising cost of living conspiring against consumers. The supply chain has some kinks that weren’t there last year that could raise prices. And frustrated airline travelers would be advised to book well ahead of time if they want to avoid the highest fares.

Inflation

Bankrate.com’s September holiday shopping survey noted lower income brackets would pull back the most this holiday season. They reported that 45 percent of the lowest-income holiday shoppers – under $50,000 in annual household income – said inflation would change how they shop, versus 41 percent who make between $50,000 and $79,999; 33 percent who make between $80,000 and $99,999; and 34 percent who make $100,000 or more.

Production has issues too. The WEF said energy shortages, the product of global instability, could cause manufacturers to pull back due to higher costs. Additional pressure is on China’s powerhouse manufacturing. The Yangtze River is experiencing an extreme drought impacting hydroelectric power, in addition to pushing water levels low on the main artery to the country’s ports.

Holiday Travel

Truliant

Concerns about inflation are expected to drive the hunt for deals and sales this year, according to global influencer marketing platform LTK’s 2022 holiday survey.

While the drive to shop earlier has been a continuing trend, almost half of consumers in the survey said they would start buying gifts between September and mid-October, and 36 percent reported they plan to shop even earlier.

Supply Chain Issues

While holiday supply chain issues didn’t materialize as expected in 2021, bottlenecks may occur this year. In September, the World Economic Forum (WEF) noted that inflation’s impact on consumers could make it difficult for retailers to predict how much inventory to carry this holiday season. As a result, higher prices for in-demand goods could follow if there’s too little product. Hopefully, shoppers will find ample stock on store shelves.

The WEF also reported that labor shortages at ports and warehouses would contribute to uncertainty around delivery times. In addition, the American Truckers Association continues to report a driver shortage – even as the median salary rose to $85,000 for drivers in private fleets in 2021.

CheapAir.com released its 2022 Holiday Flight Report in August, analyzing 11,000 travel itineraries to determine the best-value months to book holiday flights. While holiday airfare is expected to remain higher than usual this year, the best way to secure affordable flights is to plan ahead and book early. The report found that September is the best month to book flights for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Fares typically increase after that.

If you still haven’t booked, airlines struggling to meet trav eler demand means that there’s no time like the present. CheapAir.com noted Thanksgiving airfares were trending 25 percent more than 2021 prices, and Christmas prices are up by 28 percent.

They also noted booking either short holiday trips or longer ones would yield the most savings. Booking on December 24, the night before Christmas, has some of the best savings of the week. Additionally, Travelers can save more than $125 per ticket on average by flying home on Wednesday instead of returning the Sunday after Christmas, which will be the most expensive day to fly this holiday season, CheapAir.com said.

Federally

The best way to secure affordable flights is to plan ahead.

Most of the time, when a child is told to write something, he or she meets the assignment with groans and, “Do I have to?” There are the exceptions of children who love and enjoy writing. For me, writing is a chance to be creative, relax, and gives me an opportunity to let my thoughts run wild. It can also be challenging at times, trying to figure out the order of my words and sentences, and how continually to push myself as a writer. These challenges are very similar to the many reasons why a child doesn’t like to write.

When it comes to writing, some children find it a difficult task to complete. They struggle with brainstorming, not knowing what to write about, or how to get their thoughts down on paper. Add in the component of using correct grammar and punctuation, writing can be challenging and painful. Together, these characteristics can make writing not a favorite thing for many children. However, children can become proficient writers with practice and the right tricks to help them.

Practicing is key to helping a child become more comfortable with writing. Start small with a simple prompt or question, and the amount you want your child to write. For example, it could be to write a sentence about what happened at school or write a paragraph about fall. The amount all depends on the child’s age and ability. Then, practice daily. Writing is a life skill that needs constant practice to get better. Even the world’s best-known writers practiced to get better over time. As a parent, you can take on the role of

coach and reader for your child. Instead of correcting their writing and practice exercises, help and guide them to be better. Think of your role as being their editor who is there to offer suggestions and ideas, not use red ink on their grammar skills. A parent can still correct their child’s grammar in a coaching way.

Part of practicing includes brainstorming ideas and building your child’s vocabulary. Create a writer’s notebook with them that they carry around and where they jot down ideas they could write about. Divide the notebook into two main sections: ideas and vocabulary. For ideas, let your child write down anything that pops into their mind. It could be something they see, feel or smell. Another option is to give your child a prompt. After a trip to the grocery store or park, have them write down what they saw. Whatever the prompt may be, encourage them to use their five senses, sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste, to write. Lastly, in order to become a better writer, one must read, read, and read. The more a child reads, the more words and writing techniques they are exposed to. A child’s note in their notebook could be reflections of what they have read, and that reading can come from anything, a newspaper, book, magazine, etc.

The second section of their writer’s notebook should be about new vocabulary. It could be a new word that they learned and want to add to a story. Creating a vocabulary list of new words can help your child learn and retain them. Also, next to the word in the list, be sure to add its definition. This writer’s notebook is a great

Let Your Child Finish the Story! Ideas to Help Your Child Become a Better Writer

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

spot for taking notes and remembering ideas, thoughts, or writing techniques to help your child write.

After they have written something, read it together, but let your child do the talking. By doing so, you are teaching your child that their writing and voice matters; it is valued and you are paying attention to it. Be careful not to interrupt or correct your child during this reading. After reading, then you can go back and make suggestions. Together, these tools will guide you in assisting your child to grow stronger in writing.

To get your child started, give them the following prompt. Let them change whatever they may like, based on their interests and age level, while keeping the root of the prompt the same. Who knows where they will take the story?

The time had finally arrived! It was time to decorate for the holidays. Yet, the decorations were all the way up in the attic. They had been boxed away from last year until they were needed again. Quickly, we ran up the attic stairs to find the boxes of holiday decorations. Garland, wreaths, and lights were supposed to be hiding somewhere in the dusty, dark space. The first three boxes held nothing useful. As we started going through the fourth box, we noticed buried deep inside was an old notebook. When we reached through the paper to grab it and see what was inside, the notebook started to glow, the box began to shake, and soon, we realized that….

What If?

Presents THE ROOT CELLAR

“What-if?” these worrisome words arrive in the conscious spinning topics in our minds, from safety and financial security to loved ones and pet health. Asking, “What can I do?” leads to a proactive decision to invest time in the ultimate insurance policy—valuable life skills comprising security, shelter, food, water, and medical care! In any emergency, from extreme weather to a personal disaster, you have the power to take charge of your fate by making plans and taking action!

Having extra food on hand is not a mindset of paranoia; we currently live in unprecedented times of scarce items that were once readily available. Factor in concerns about power outages or a loss of employment, and this leads to a new way of thinking—a smart plan for preserving food, for example. The clever idea of underground food storage began with the pioneers of the 1860s, who needed a cold regulated room, between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, for root vegetables, fruits, and dried grains. Specialized cellars offered cheese caves and spring houses for milk and cream, that expanded to contain a pantry for canned jars. Our great-grandparents and grandparents had just the place, whether it was not far from home or in the basement. Today, the modern root cellar is just as vital as backyard gardens and wood stoves, a lifestyle striving for independence.

The Balance of a Root Cellar

Long-term storage is the goal of all food preservation endeavors. Temperatures above 40 degrees allow bacteria to grow, increasing the rotting process. While a dark closet within the home may work for the short term, gases and humidity increase as fruit matures. This is part of the rotting process. Cabbage and turnips, for instance, produce sulfur compounds if ventilation isn’t factored into the plan. In thinking about balance, humidity is essential to maintain the crisp nature of fresh leafy vegetables and fruits; therefore, most root cellars have a dirt floor to absorb moisture, while gravel acts as a buffer to keep the ground damp-free. Air circulation is vital, a management tool to remove vegetable odors and ethylene gas by means of PVC pipes to release the pressure to the outside.

Types

Homeowners with a basement are fortunate to have a self-contained cold storage location. Choose a site with a window and away from heat sources. Don’t worry about light; black-out curtains work effectively. Installing a PVC pipe can allow for ventilation. Without a window, installing a tube through a hole may be the next best solution. Concrete block with foam insulation or plastic sheeting serves as a quality vapor barrier for the walls and ceiling. The ideal temperature and humidity will depend upon the type of food you wish to store. For instance, apples, beets, carrots, and parsnips do

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

well in cold storage between 32 and 40 degrees and a humidity level spanning 90 to 95%. On the other hand, potatoes maintain stability between 35 to 45 degrees at the same humidity level.

Additional Types:

• Front Porch Root Cellar: One area with established footings is just below the front porch. Additional expansion, such as a foundation wall, completed footings, an insulated exterior grade door from the basement, and vent holes may also serve as a solution for the intended goal and location.

• Wood Framed Root Cellar: Similar to a shed, the structure is made from concrete blocks and reinforced with rebar and a concrete ceiling. Most experts advise digging a trench to serve as the entrance, which leads ten-plus feet below the surface.

• Earthbag Root Cellar: The earthbag is a cost-effective material, with sand, tied and stacked, to form a Hobbit-like structure. Grass grows to create a natural mound, perfect for the project and less expensive than using concrete blocks.

• A Ready-Made Root Cellar: Thinking outside the box, people use their discarded chest freezers or refrigerators, barrels, garbage cans, and septic systems with effective results.

Knowledge passed down from our ancestors taught us the basic rules of food storage and the art of erecting a root cellar. Plans and the how-to are readily available online or in book format. The options are vast, and the cost is feasible. Consider the alternative if you are tired of tossing fresh produce into the trash. Access to cold storage changes your perspective on planning a garden and implementing new methods to preserve the harvest.

NEXT MONTH: Buying Ideal Land

Let’s find home.

Crossnore Communities for Children is hiring BRIDGE PARENTS to care for children in foster care. Bridge Parents are full-time Crossnore employees, trained in traumainformed care. These professional parents care for the children in foster care, and support and encourage birth parents on their journey to becoming a stronger, healthier family who is able to live together again.

You can change the future for a child in foster care. Apply today to become a Bridge Parent.

www.crossnore.org/careers

At-Home DATE Night Ideas for Parents

BY TARYN JEREZ

Just because you are parents, it doesn’t mean that date nights need to be as few and far between as you may think. While sometimes that night out on the town has to wait, there are still so many ways to spend special time together, making memories just as mom and dad. Whether you’re on a budget, ready to splurge a bit, looking for a little romance or a night of laughter, here are five ideas for at-home date nights to try with your spouse!

Chopped Dinner Couple’s Challenge

Food Network’s show “Chopped” is a reality-based cooking show that has chefs compete by turning baskets of random ingredients into meals. If you and your spouse want to mix your creative side with your competitive side, this is a great date night idea to make cooking dinner extra memorable. Start by deciding who will be cooking the main course and who will be over the sides. Next, head to the grocery store and pick out a few random ingredients for the evening, sticking to a few safety items, but choosing some things that keep it interesting! On date night, add a couple of basics like flour, oil, breadcrumbs, or anything else to the counter as fair game and get cooking! Add a timer to make it interesting and rate each other’s dishes after dinner.

Fancy Pants Wine & Cheese Tasting

Bring the fancy night out inside! Head to your favorite local winery or wine shop and purchase a few

different bottles of wine to try together. You can even purchase a wine tasting flight sampler set of decanters online to take it up a notch! Purchase a variety of cheeses as well and have everything set up ready for sampling. Place a small chalkboard or notepad on the table for each of you to rate each item on a scale of 1-5 and compare notes at the end. You may just discover your new favorite pairing!

Pampered Parents Spa Night

Maybe it’s not the resort spa from your honeymoon, but you can create the same pampering effect at home with a little help from some scented candles and calming music. Pick out some DIY spa treatments from the store like face masks, a foot scrub, a sugar lip mask or anything else that tickles your fancy. Fill up the tub for a bubble bath for two or share the edge and dip your feet in before giving each other foot massages or using that foot scrub! Pop some clean towels and your robes in the dryer so they are warm and ready when you get out. Have some special snacks like chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne for when you’re done, to keep relaxing.

Fort Building Movie Madness

Sometimes being parents can make you feel so far away from your own youth! Who says fort building is just for the kids? Let yourselves be silly and get out all your sheets, blankets, pillows, and books, ready to create the best fort possible. Make sure to create a space underneath that’s comfortable and perfect for snuggling up with one another.

Bring your laptop and load up a fun flick on Netflix and grab some snacks and yummy drinks to lay inside and be kids together. A bonus with this idea is that you can leave the fort up for the morning when the kids wake up and get major parent points!

Murder Mystery

You’re already pros at solving toddler meltdowns and schoolday scheduling conflicts; maybe solving a murder mystery is just the change of pace you need! Turn your regular game night into an immersive heated detective scramble with an online murder mystery game or purchase one from your local game shop or Target! There are popular ones like Hunt a Killer: Death at the Dive Bar or Agatha Christie’s Death on the Cards! Encourage each other to really get into character and maybe set up a little mood lighting and music to help the theatrics! Pop some popcorn and get comfortable as you solve the big case together.

Remember, the most important part of any date night is just being together! Try to put your phones away, enjoy conversation about more than just the kiddos and take advantage of some uninterrupted time with your partner. Try to schedule a date night regularly on the calendar each month, even if it’s a stay-at-home one. You deserve it!

Soothing Your Senses with Nature’s Symphony

BY SUSAN B B SCHABACKER

With God and Mother Nature as masterful Creators and Conductors of nature’s symphony, some of the best music around exists in nature.

From the cicadas, frogs, and crickets of summer to birds’ songs, each of these creatures adds to nature’s symphonic soundscapes. And the moving water of ocean waves, rivers, streams, and waterfalls can also be soothingly therapeutic. A rich mixture of nature’s sounds might include the following:

• Rain in an exotic lush rainforest/jungle;

• A thunderstorm with pelting rain;

• A Zen water fountain, gently bubbling forth;

• A country meadow with birdsongs, cicadas, and crickets;

• A lake or pond with crickets chirping, loons calling, and frogs croaking;

• The wind whistling through melodic wind chimes and the canopies of trees;

• A rolling river or flowing stream with birds singing;

• A crackling bonfire at the beach;

• An African pridelands safari with safari animals and buzzing insects. Research is documenting the healing benefits of sounds from nature that are supportive and beneficial to health and well-being.

Listening to nature sounds is not just relaxing, but can also legitimately contribute to relieving stress and anxiety, as well as help improve chronic pain. It has been found that water-related sounds, like a babbling brook, the gentle lull of ocean waves, or a soothing fountain, are linked with the most positive effects of joy and passion, and research has also noted that melodic bird songs are able to lower stress. Increasingly, researchers, music therapists, and psychologists think of music as a kind of medicine that can improve patient health.

Whatever the season, whether indoors or out, we can embrace our ears and soothe our senses and souls with the sounds of nature’s symphony. This fall is an ideal time to head out on a nature walk, hike or bike, and camp out in the mountains or at the beach.

In addition to expanded audio awareness, engage your other senses as you view the splendid visual scenery of the colorful fall leaves; breathe in deeply fresh air and the scent of fir, pine, and evergreen trees, or salty sea air; soak up the sun and synthesize vitamin D3; and feel the rush of cool water around your feet in a forest stream, lake, river, or in ocean waves.

Our ancestors in ancient times may have been stressed from being in survival mode with fight-or-flight responses intact while braving the elements and fending off bears, but at least they could benefit from nature sounds with a calming effect!

The next time you encounter writer’s block, try increasing your concentration and focus by opening your ears to soothing songs containing the

natural elements of nature. Nature sounds might assist in the flow and let the words come forth by themselves!

The ever-evolving emergence and musical merging of the broad genre of New Age music, ambient soundscapes, and nature sounds offer an eclectic fusion of soothing sounds, ranging from binaural beats with their finely tuned frequencies to a combination of more traditional, culturallyrich, and folk-inspired songs from around the world, to modern soundscapes utilizing synth and other electronic elements.

Some suggestions for enjoying and benefitting from healing nature sounds, whether indoors or out—so you can relax and restore your mind, body, and spirit after a long day, during your break from work and as you drift off into sweet slumber—might include trying free phone apps with soothing sounds, like Noisli and Slumber.

Or you can organically capture your own nature sounds, recorded with a field recorder or app on your portable device. Then, play, produce, and mix nature’s sounds with your own creative EP or album. You can also add in melodic, ambient, rhythmic elements, pairing your instrument(s) with other elements, or just employ nature sounds.

You set the standard and decide the direction. No hard and fast rules. No limitations to hold you back. No boundaries to make you feel confined. Instead, open yourself and your imagination to be free-spirited. Explore and experiment, using your senses and letting them guide you to creatively crafting the sounds that feel right.

Research shows that highquality, early learning through Pre-K better prepares children for kindergarten, increases test scores, and results in higher graduation rates and college attendance. So, why is access to affordable, quality Pre-K not a priority in Forsyth County? Well, now IT IS, thanks to the efforts of The Pre-K Priority, a collaborative of over 80 local early childhood education leaders and advocates.

In 2020, The Pre-K Priority launched a community awareness and education effort funded by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to better inform families and the community about the importance of Pre-K for every four-year-old. The Trust also commissioned a Pre-K feasibility study by Forsyth Futures, which underscored key community concerns including affordability and access. As part of the survey, nearly two out of every three families responded that there were not enough available high-quality Pre-K slots. Rising costs were another issue.

Thanks to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, The Pre-K Priority will receive its first public funds in support of local Pre-K classrooms and educators. At their September 22nd meeting, the Commissioners approved a $3.7 million ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grant request to Smart Start of Forsyth County on behalf of The Pre-K Priority for a two-year project supporting 30 Pre-K classrooms and educators with specific high-quality resources and supports that are currently limited or nonexistent. The project will impact 540 Pre-K students and their families in addition to 60 Pre-K educators.

“Smart Start of Forsyth County is proud to administer the approved grant funding on behalf of The Pre-K Priority initiative and the multiple local partners involved. We thank the Board of Commissioners for its investment in the children of Forsyth County,” said Dr. Louis Finney, President & CEO of Smart Start of Forsyth County.

The two-year project will involve several organizations in Forsyth County that are part of The Pre-K Priority, including Smart Start of Forsyth County, Family Services of Forsyth County, WinstonSalem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/ FCS), Child Care Resource Center, Latino Community Services and Forsyth Futures.

“It’s vital that every four-year-old in our county have access to high-quality, affordable Pre-K if we want to realize the educational and economic goals we’ve set for our community. These children are the future of our community, and we need to give them the best start in life possible,” said Traci Ross, CEO of Family Services of Forsyth County. Family Services has convened The Pre-K Priority since the collaborative was established in 2015 and runs the local Head Start program. Head Start has open enrollment for Pre-K (and other programs) year-round for qualifying families.

- Support parents and families of the cohort using evidence-based programs and engaging Family Advocates/ Specialists; and

- Track outcomes, monitor fidelity of implementation and develop an integrated data system to connect early childhood education networks in the community.

More than 2,700 children attend Pre-K in Forsyth County, including those who participate in the NC Pre-K Program, in the Family Services Head Start program, in WS/FCS classrooms and in private community child care centers. The project’s model cohort will represent this varied landscape with classrooms located in licensed, private/independent child care businesses, Head Start, WS/FCS and community child care centers who participate in the NC Pre-K Program.

Over the last year, the Forsyth County Early Childhood Education Task Force partnered with The Pre-K Priority to develop and adopt 19 recommendations to serve as a roadmap for structuring an accessible, equitable, high-quality Pre-K system. This fall, the Task Force will issue a final report outlining the series of recommendations for expanding high-quality Pre-K in Forsyth County, reflecting much of what will be piloted in the two-year program funded by the ARPA grant.

The Pre-K Priority outlined six primary outcomes to improve Forsyth County’s Pre-K system that the collaborative expects to achieve with the ARPA funding:

- Establish a high-quality Pre-K foundation using the project’s model cohort of 30 Pre-K classrooms and educators;

- Address barriers within the Pre-K landscape and set standards for future expansion;

- Maximize the unique strengths and collaborative effectiveness of Forsyth County’s early childhood education partners;

- Invest in the development and retention of Pre-K educators through coaching, technical assistance and salary parity within the project’s 30-classroom cohort to help inform scaling those aspects across the full Pre-K landscape;

“Pre-K can be a community game changer, especially as we strive to achieve educational equity, but it will take a significant investment of local dollars to make this a reality. Receiving this grant is a major step and we look forward to demonstrating the value of high-quality Pre-K with this two-year project,” said Dr. Finney.

Forsyth County will now join a growing list of counties across North Carolina who invest local dollars in expanding access to high-quality Pre-K, including Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Durham, and Wake.

For more information on the work of The Pre-K Priority as well as Pre-K options in our community, please visit www.PreKPriority.org or on Facebook at @PreKPriority.

Forgetful Israelites

BY ANGELIA CORNATZER

“The Exodus,” translated as “the way out,” is when the people of Israel had a way out of Israel after the plagues. According to Exodus 12:37, there were about 600,000 men counted, and on top of that there were also women, children, and livestock. Exodus 12:50 says, “All of the people of Israel did just as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron. And on that very day the Lord brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts.” Their journey had begun.

In Exodus 13:21, we see, “The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.” What a miracle that God created this specific and special way to lead this group of people! In chapter 14, we see that the Lord “drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land.” Can you imagine the sight of this? The Israelites saw the Lord open up the sea to become a path for them. What a miracle!

In the following chapter, we see that they were traveling in the wilderness and did not find water to drink. Moses cried to the Lord, and the Lord made a way to turn the water source sweet and drinkable. Continuing into chapter 16, God once again performed a huge miracle as He brought food from Heaven to sustain them. In chapter 17, we see how the Lord brings water from the rock for them to drink. When we take time to think about all the blessings from the Lord to the Israelites in this time, we see that the Lord did so much for these people in so many miraculous ways. Can you imagine seeing God split the Red Sea so you can pass through or eating the bread that the Lord brought you from Heaven when you were hungry? They really saw the Lord’s faithfulness, time and time again.

Now we fast-forward to Exodus 32, verses 1-7. Here we see a tragic shift in the hearts of the people. Moses was on the mountain, so the people got impatient and asked Aaron to make them a god. Aaron gathered people’s earrings and molded them into a golden calf to worship. When this golden calf was set up, according to Exodus 32:4, they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” They decided in a moment of impatience to attribute the miracles and the faithfulness of God to a golden cow statue made out of their earrings. How unbelievable is that?

But how often do we do the same thing? Maybe you have seen the faithfulness of the Lord time and time again, but find yourself giving something else all the credit. Maybe you have relied on the Lord to get you through a hard time, and then ended up forgetting about how faithful He was to you. From the series of events here, I want us to see that even when God parted the Red Sea for them, gave them water in the wilderness, and so many other miracles…they forgot, and they gave credit to something else that was so much less than the Lord. I pray that through this we realize, just as the Israelites here, that we can quickly forget the faithfulness of the Lord. This week, choose to thank the Lord for what He has done. Choose to give Him credit and don’t forget His abundant faithfulness. The same God that led them through the wilderness by cloud and fire, gave them manna to eat and created a water source for them to drink, is the same God that we have the opportunity to have a relationship with now. He is good. He is powerful. He is faithful. Don’t forget!

A Look into the Affirmative Work of the Positive Path Program of Winston-Salem

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

Growing up is hard. No matter

how you look at it, paving the way and moving towards adulthood is difficult.

It comes with a wave of emotions, challenges, and new experiences. Sometimes we lose our way, and that is okay. Sometimes all we need is encouragement and a positive push in a better direction to help us break the cycles that encompass a person in their lives. And that is exactly what the Positive Path Program of Winston-Salem is doing in our community.

The Positive Path Program (P3) is a five-month long career development program that is centered on helping at-risk youth and young adult WinstonSalem residents, ages 16 to 24 years old. Its tagline declares “A New Direction for Youth.” These residents come from one or more of the following backgrounds: justice-involved youth or adults, low income, incarcerated guardian or caregiver, current or former foster youth, or from an agency referral. While in the program, the young adults, referred to as “apprentices,” will redirect their lives and learn prosocial behaviors through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineerings, Arts, and Mathematics) activities, life skills, and hands-on training experiences. Through STEAM, apprentices are introduced to careers in the medical, art, engineering, and information and technology fields. Visits

and partnerships with local colleges and universities are also included in the program, as well as resources being available from local businesses, such as Financial Pathways and Goodwill. Part of the training includes the chance for participants to obtain their GEDs.

The Positive Path Program also offers the National Center for Construction Education and Research instruction, personal and professional development, career shadowing, networking, and field trips. Lastly, participants can receive apprenticeships with wages equal to the city’s minimum for 20 hours of work per week. In addition to the experiences, the program features a holistic approach, by giving reallife examples and instruction on the preferred prosocial behaviors. Advisors are also assigned to the apprentices for more guidance and mentorship. Once apprentices complete the program, they will still have support up to six months after completion. The entire Positive Path Program is designed to make a difference in helping youth and young adults get a positive start in life and break the cycles holding them back.

This job-readiness youth opportunity is new to the city, having been incorporated this past summer. It is a pilot program that expands Winston-Salem’s previous YouthBuild Winston-Salem program. YouthBuild

Winston-Salem was very similar to the Positive Path Program; as such, it was a six-month program that focused on high school dropouts and helped them redirect their lives through education, job training, and leadership. Some differences between the two programs include the age difference (the Positive Path Program’s age group is 16 to 24, while YouthBuild was 18 to 24) and the addition of STEAM opportunities to P3.

In interviews from this past summer during the program’s release, project supervisor for the Positive Path Program, Faith Bartlett, explained how the program is designed to help this struggling population and cut down on crime for this age group. She added that the program could be an alternative to the traditional high school route if that isn’t working for a student.

Application dates have not yet been set for the next group of apprentices. More information can be found on the program’s website at: https://www. cityofws.org/3103/Positive-Path.

The Positive Path Program is already changing the lives of young adults in our community. The program is on a mission to lower crime rates for ages 16 to 24, and to offer those involved hope and a chance for a better life through training and mentorship. Through the current plans in place, the Positive Path Program is already fulfilling that mission.

Out & About in Winston-Salem with Speak Up For Children

Photos by Aesthetic Images

October6th, 2022, was a magical evening for the Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina (CLC) and their 290 guests at Speak Up for Children, held at the exceptional back lawn and greenhouse of Dr. Gary Poehling and family. Dr. Kathy Poehling, his daughter, serves as CLC’s Board Chair. Supporters from across the Triad learned more about how CLC’s attorneys advocate for the best interests of children in family domestic violence cases and high-conflict custody matters, help reduce the negative effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and provide a voice for the silent victims in these situations. Guests celebrated the power of making children’s voices heard and increasing the CLC’s capacity to “Speak Up” for every child experiencing trauma.

Laurelyn Dossett served as the host/emcee, welcoming everyone by singing Strand of Pearls, and sharing her commitment to working with domestic violence survivors of all ages. Penny and Bill Spry were the Honorary Event Chairs. Speak Up for Children Committee Co-Chairs were Mimi Bennett, Dawn Nelson and Abigail Seymour. Kilpatrick Townsend, a strong partner since CLC’s founding, was the Presenting Sponsor.

The program speakers included Retired Forsyth County Chief District Court Judge Lisa Menefee and Guilford County Family Justice Center Director Catherine Johnson. Jim Gallaher, Children’s Law Center Staff Attorney and former Board Chair, gave the passionate keynote address sharing his personal commitment to the community’s children and the impact CLC made in the life of a young client suffering from multiple traumas, including one parent with mental illness, the other incarcerated and his own fears of returning to the foster care system.

Attorney Lorraine Mortis presented Valerie Thompson with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her 8 years of services in many aspects of CLC’s work and fundraising events. Kilpatrick Townsend Managing Partner Steve Berlin presented NC IOLTA with the Outstanding Supporter Award. Family Law Attorney and IOLTA Board of Trustees Chair Shelby Benton accepted the award.

Guests enjoyed the music of the jazz trio Theme Changes, and the delicious food prepared by Holly Tate Fine Catering. Village Tavern and Dr. Sarah Shoaf and Alan Miller donated the wine served during the evening. A silent auction and raffle engaged CLC’s friends in person and virtually.

“Speak Up for Children 2022 was the Children’s Law Center’s best event yet! It was a thrill to see almost 300 people safely gathered outside who wanted to join us in positively impacting the safety, security, and futures of the youngest victims of trauma. I am so grateful to each of our sponsors, supporters, Board of Directors and dedicated staff,” said Executive Director, Iris A. Sunshine, J.D.

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

@brightmomentco

Wrapped Dates Appetizer” is an easy holiday dish that’s quick to make, and a savory-sweet bite that everyone will love! The sweet dates are stuffed with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, topped with fresh rosemary and drizzled with local honey.

We are embracing all things cozy and sweet this fall season, before the winter cold comes. And with it comes a long list of seasonal produce to add an abundance of flavor and nutrients to your meals! A few include winter squash-like pumpkin, butternut, kabocha, delicate, and acorn squash. You also have sweet potatoes, walnuts, almonds, pecans, apples, pears, cranberries, persimmons, Brussels sprouts, and root vegetables in season. And let’s not forget about kale and wild porcini mushrooms that are packed with essential minerals to support a healthy diet!

But this month, we’re diving further into the health benefits of fresh Medjool dates, that are one of November’s seasonal delights. Many studies have shown that they can reduce inflammation, improve hormone regulation, stimulate the immune system, and prevent DNA damage. Their fiber alone can boost digestion and heart health, while also lowering your risk of several chronic diseases.

neighbors.

Will’s State Farm

Benefit Your Health and Boost Your Meals by Adding Tea to Your Cooking This Fall

BY SUSAN B B SCHABACKER

Tea

is not just a healthy and beneficial beverage that’s sippable and savorable, but it can also make meals more nutritious and delicious. Stay warm and cozy this fall and winter and experience the joys of cooking with tea!

SOUPS & STEWS

Southwestern Fiesta Goulash

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds lean ground beef

2 large yellow onions, chopped

2 bell peppers or sweet peppers, chopped or minced

3 cups black beans

1-2 Tablespoons minced hot peppers (jalapenos/ habaneros—optional)

3 cloves garlic, chopped or minced

2 cups tea (black teas, pu-erhs, or oolongs)

2 cups beef or vegetable broth

2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce

2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced or stewed tomatoes

3 Tablespoons soy sauce

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 Tablespoons dried Italian herb seasoning or fresh oregano/ rosemary/basil

3 bay leaves

2 teaspoons paprika

Cayenne pepper to taste (for those who like spicy)

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

2 cups pasta of choice

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat a slow cooker set on high heat. Add all ingredients and cook on high for 1 hour. Top with a dollop of sour cream/guacamole/pico de gallo/ salsa verde.

Recipe adapted from classic goulash recipe: allrecipes.com/recipe/213268/ classic-goulash/

Potato, Squash, and Leek Soup

INGREDIENTS:

3 Tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil

4 large leeks, white and light-green parts only, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

3 cups butternut or other squash, cubed

2 pounds white, red, or sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch pieces

3 cups white or green tea

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

2 bay leaves

3 sprigs fresh thyme

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cup heavy cream, coconut milk, or other nut milk

Chives or green onions/scallions, finely chopped, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Melt butter or oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add leeks and garlic and cook, stirring regularly until soft and wilted, about 10 minutes.

2. Add potatoes and squash, tea, broth, bay leaves, thyme, spices, and salt and pepper to pot and bring to a boil. Cover and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are very soft.

3. Remove thyme sprig and bay leaves. Purée the soup with a standard or handheld immersion blender until smooth.

4. Add heavy cream, coconut, or other plant-based milk, and bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If soup is too thin, simmer until thickened. If too thick, add water or stock to thin it out. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Recipe adapted from: onceuponachef.com/ recipes/potato-leek-soup.html

SALAD DRESSINGS & SAUCES

INGREDIENTS:

4 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar

4-6 Tablespoons Assam black tea, white tea, or chamomile herbal tea

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons maple syrup and/or honey

2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil

¾ teaspoon fresh grated or ginger powder

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1/3 teaspoon cloves

¾ teaspoon horseradish or cayenne for a spicy kick

¼ teaspoon sea salt

One or two twists of freshly-ground crushed pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Whisk ingredients together in a bowl or jar.

2. Refrigerate for prolonged storage.

Recipe adapted from: spoonfulofplants.com/favorite-fall-salad-dressing/

Ginger Orange Chai (Bourbon) BBQ

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup ketchup

3 Tablespoons chai black tea or other black tea, pu-erh, or oolong

3 Tablespoons cider vinegar

1½ tablespoons juice from fresh orange

2 Tablespoons brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2-3 teaspoons fresh grated or ginger powder

1½ teaspoons fresh orange zest

Sea salt and ground pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine glaze ingredients to brush on meat and vegetables throughout grilling.

Recipe adapted from: marthastewart.com/1004533/easy-bbq-glaze

Tea lovers rejoice, and enjoy utilizing your favorite teas in your favorite dishes this fall. Experiment with different teas and find your favorites. Let your senses be your guide. Always a time for tea! Happy fall, y’all!

Ginger Honey Maple Apple Vinaigrette

We’re

in the home stretch of this “fullness” project that began last January. And this month is about “My Thank-Full Life.” It may seem like a Captain Obvious choice for November… but thankfulness is an attribute that is essential in a Christian’s life.

In some ways—it’s easy to be thankful. I’m thankful for my home…I’m thankful for a car to get me from Point A to Point B…. I’m thankful for a job that enables me to pay the power bill that keeps my home warm, and to that end, I’m thankful for a working furnace. But what about the things we can be thankful for that may not seem obvious? Can we be thankful for our problems and complaints?

Let’s face it—most of our complaints are pretty first-world problems. We complain about things that others would consider to be blessings. We consider minor problems to be catastrophic, when others around the globe would happily trade circumstances with us and be grateful for the challenges we moan and groan about.

Consider for a moment how you can turn these situations into reasons to be thankful:

• Being stuck in traffic and late for work.

• The coffee stain on our shirt.

• A messy house.

• A sleepless night.

• A twisted ankle.

Is it possible? Consider these scenarios for the first bullet, “being stuck in traffic and late for work”:

• I’m thankful to be stuck in traffic and late for work because I was able to take a call from a friend who really needed to talk; traffic enabled me to take those moments I may not have been able to give otherwise.

• I’m thankful to be stuck in traffic and late for work because I was able to finish listening to that podcast or sermon and I really needed that message.

• I’m thankful to be stuck in traffic and late for work because if I’d been on time, I might have gotten a flat tire over that broken glass from an earlier car accident.

Sometimes, the problem doesn’t present an easy-tounderstand opportunity to be grateful. However, if we trust in God, and lean on Him to lead and guide us daily— we start to recognize opportunities for thankfulness. And then, when my coffee spills on my shirt, I can be thankful that I have a closet full of other options…. When the house is messy, I can be thankful that I am strong enough to clean it or that I even have enough things to make a mess! When I have a sleepless night, I can be thankful for a comfortable mattress on which to toss and turn and I can also be thankful for the opportunity to spend more time in prayer. When I twist my ankle, it reminds me to be thankful for strong legs and feet, as well as the opportunity to slow down for a few days.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, “…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Yet, we live in such a fast-paced, competitive, greedy world. It’s easier than ever (thanks to social media) to compare our lives with others and wonder why we don’t have what they have. And when we start to go down that road, we forget thankfulness. After all, saying you’re thankful for your car seems weak when you look with jealous longing at your neighbor’s new luxury vehicle.

This month, I’m challenging you to make a list of things you’re thankful you DON’T have. As you pray and thank God for His blessings, take an extra moment to thank Him for the “No’s” to prayers, the circumstances you don’t face, and the things you don’t have

Verse of the Month: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Song of the Month: “Forever,” by Chris Tomlin

Recommended Reading: Crazy Love, by Francis Chan; Defined, by Alex and Stephen Kendrick; Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name, by Max Lucado; Six Hours One Friday, by Max Lucado; Because of Bethlehem, by Max Lucado

MINUTE for your Minister

In this “Me First” society we are surrounded by, and immersed in, it’s hard not to allow that mind-set to creep into our Sunday morning church experience. Have you ever walked out of church thinking, and maybe even vocalizing, “I didn’t get much out of the pastor’s sermon today,” or “I can’t believe Pastor Jones didn’t even speak to me.”

What if attending church isn’t about what YOU get out of it? What if it’s about whom you can minister to, or which newcomer you can seek out to make them feel welcomed, or finding that person who is hurting, so you can come alongside them and pray for them?

Next Sunday, before you arrive at church, instead of asking yourself, “What can I get out of this service?” ask yourself, “What I can I give out today?” You just might be amazed how your perspective changes and how you can be a blessing to your pastor, your church, and those around you. #BeTheOne!!

FAITH & Family

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

NOW - NOVEMBER 21

Everyone is encouraged to fill an empty shoe box with school supplies, toys, hygiene items, candy and even a personal note or photograph of you and your family to help brighten the life of an underprivileged child this Christmas season! Several drop-off locations are available throughout the triad. Collection week is November 14-21. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. samaritanspurse.org

NATALIE GRANT

NOVEMBER 3, 7:30PM

Location: Carolina Theater (Greensboro)

Special Guest: Bernie Herms Tickets: 336.333.2605 carolinatheater.com

GINGERBREAD CRAFT FAIR

NOVEMBER 3-5

Location: Masonic Center (Winston-Salem) Arts, Crafts, Baked Goods & more! 336.722.6441

VETERANS DENTAL CLINIC

NOVEMBER 11-12

Location: First Christian Church (King) The FREE clinic will include: fillings, cleaning, extractions, x-rays & more! 336.983.2206

TANGLEWOOD FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

NOVEMBER 11 - JANUARY 1, 6-11PM

Location: Tanglewood Park (Clemmons)

Tanglewood’s Festival of Lights

continues to be one of the largest and most spectacular light shows in the southeast. From storybook scenes to Holiday themes, over one hundred displays and over a million lights fill Tanglewood Park with the splendor and joy of the holiday season! 336.703.6400

RYAN BOMBERGER

NOVEMBER 15, 6:30PM

Location: Winmock @ Kinderton (Bermuda Run)

Ryan is an Emmy Award-winning Creative Professional who founded The Radiance Foundation. He is an international public speaker, columnist, educator and author. Today, as an adoptee and adoptive father, Ryan is passionate about culture-shifting issues from a fact-based, hope-filled, and Biblically-sound perspectives!

Hosted by the North Carolina Family Policy Council / 919.807.0800

NEWSONG / FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI

DECEMBER 2, 7:00PM

Location: Triad Baptist Church (Kernersville)

Tickets: itickets.com / 336.996.7573

WINSTON-SALEM JAYCEES

DEECEMBER 3, 5:00PM

Location: Downtown Winston-Salem wsparade.org

KERNERSVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE

DECEMBER 4, 2:30PM

Location: Downtown Kernersville kernersvillenc.com

Journeying withJesus

BY PASTOR RON GARNER

A Whiner’s Guide to Gratitude

If you are like me, you have an “inner whiner.”

For example, you are at the beach on vacation, and you think, “Ugh, it’s too hot! Or after eating a meal out, “Yuck, I am so full!” or on a rainy Saturday, “Arggg, I am so bored!” We don’t consider the fact that most people in the world never go on a vacation, experience a full belly, or have the luxury of lying on the couch all day. Our “inner whiner” speaks, and we listen. I am not pointing fingers. I am confessing. Well, okay, maybe I am, only because I don’t think I am alone in this. So, what do we do to foster the “attitude of gratitude” that we hear so much about during this time of the year and tune out our “inner monologue of complaint”?

You are likely sitting in the doctor’s or dentist’s office waiting to be called, so let me offer an incentive to continue reading this article before you jump back on Facebook. Hundreds of studies have proven an unshakable link between gratitude and happiness. Google it, if you are a cynic like me. Thankful people are happy people. And on the contrary, there is a strong link between the amount of time we spend on social media (like Facebook) and unhappiness and even depression. So, in short, if you want to be happy, keep reading, if you don’t get back on your Facebook App.

So, how can we foster gratitude if we tend to be whiners…even if we keep our complaints to ourselves? Jesus tells this great story in the gospels about these ten guys with leprosy. You can find it in Luke 17. The ten guys having leprosy is not the “great” part, to be clear. It is the reaction of the one after he is healed. Jesus heals all of them, but nine in their reverie take off and are never heard of again…well, at least not in our story. But one

returns. The ex-leper throws himself down at Jesus’ feet, which is an act of worship, and proclaims his gratitude to God. The weight of the story leans more on the nine who skedaddled, rather than the one who came back.

There is much going on in the story to unpack, but since the nurse is likely to call your name at any moment (assuming I am right above about your current location), let’s get to the point before it’s too late. To foster gratitude, especially for an internal whiner like me, it takes intentionality. Like the man, formerly known as a leper, who returned, we need to make a conscious decision to give God thanks. Some do this by creating a gratitude journal and updating it every day. Others take the first few waking moments to thank God for all the good things in their life. If you are like me and can’t conjure up any thoughts (good or not) before coffee, waiting till later in the day or even at night is perfectly acceptable. The timing doesn’t matter, but the intentionality does. In short, don’t leave our thanksgiving to chance. Carve time out not only on the last Thursday of November, but during a moment in each day to reenact the action of the returning ex-leper in Luke’s gospel.

If you made it this far, let me offer one last suggestion. Maybe, just for this month alone, every time you go to check your Facebook page, twitter account, Tick Tock, etc., thank God instead for three things. It doesn’t have to be a big “thing” like a miraculous healing from a skin, or even a nerve, disease. It can be as simple as being grateful for another day of life, for a particular friendship, or even for a sunny day…which is actually rather miraculous in November. And if we do this and the studies are right, not only will we lower the volume of our inner whiner, we will live more joyful and satisfied lives. Because grateful people are happier people.

How to Read Your Bible

BY ANGELIA CORNATZER

CandySakarapanee is a wise, godly, and special lady that has been a very influential mentor and encouragement to me throughout life. One of the things she taught me that sticks with me to this day was her emphasis on the importance of the knowledge of Scripture. She would point us to the verse in Hosea 4:6 that reads, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” I am so thankful that this clicked in my heart and God gave me a hunger for knowledge of His Word. Now, I am very passionate about bringing others with me to develop a hunger for this knowledge.

We can so often be intimidated by the Bible and its contents. There are so many chapters, people, words, and details to be found in the 66 books that make up our Old and New Testament. I want to lay out some simple strategies that can help us appropriately dissect Scripture, see the gospel on every page, and apply it to our everyday lives. Whether you are meditating on one verse for a month or one book per week, there is an easy way to deepen our understanding and intake of the Bible!

My favorite way to break down a verse consists of making a chart with the symbols of a cross, question mark, exclamation mark, and an arrow. Each of these symbols represents a question we can use to break down the verse.

Let’s start with the cross. This symbol represents the question, “What can we learn about God from this verse?” The first and most important thing to look at in Scripture is what we can learn about who God is, His character, and what He is doing.

The second symbol to look at is the question mark. This symbol represents the question, “Do I have any questions about this verse?” This is a great way to slow down and see what does or doesn’t make sense to you about the passage. Sometimes we just skip over the stuff that doesn’t make sense to us, but take advantage of this and write your questions down. This is a great opportunity to ask a mentor or someone at your church about the questions you have.

The next symbol is the exclamation mark, representing the question, “What stands out to me about this passage?” By looking at the passage, take time to see what is really sticking out to you and speaking to your heart. Ask God to show you what He wants you to see in the Scripture passage.

Lastly, the final symbol is an arrow. After looking through the other symbols, the arrow brings us to the question of, “How can I apply this to my life?” This is a sweet and important part of Bible study. We should not always write ourselves into the Scriptures and make them about us, but to see more of who God is and how we

can apply that knowledge to our everyday life in relationship with God.

Below is an example:

VERSE: “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” ~ Psalm 118:24

What can we learn about God from this verse?

We can learn that the Lord is the One who makes the days.

Do I have any questions about this verse?

I wonder who wrote this Psalm?

What stands out to me about this verse?

I love that we can rest in the fact that the Lord made the day.

How can I apply this to my life?

I can find ways to intentionally rejoice throughout my day today!

Take time this week to study God’s Word. Pray for the Lord to give you a deep hunger for His Word. Select a verse and go through the questions that can help you dissect Scripture and apply what you learn about the Lord to your everyday life.

My third cup of coffee sits to my right upon a coffee table. The blanket I’m lazily curled up under is App. State colored (not my preference, but it was the only blanket I saw). Outside the large window in front of me, the short scrubby pine trees are being blown around by the morning breeze coming off the Atlantic Ocean just 200 yards from me. Grey clouds with small areas of blue breaking through adorn the brightening sky. It’s a cool early October morning in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, but the beach house I’m in for the week is warm and cozy. Beach- and nauticalthemed decorations are everywhere—just what one would expect in a home on the Outer Banks. In the past two years, this is the fifth time I’ve traveled either to the mountains or the coast to unwind and enjoy a break from life with the people who have become the “family you choose.” They are the people who have become one of the most important parts of my life—my friends. But the way these friends came into my life occurred only because of the pandemic and the unnecessary chaos it created.

In April of 2020, our lives and the world were turned upside down. My job with

of a Southern Yankee

BY DAMIAN DESMOND

the PGA Tour ended abruptly. Instead of being on the road and traveling from city to city, I was stuck at home. Fortunately, my other job as a general contractor continued. But now, I found myself at home for an extended period of time. The weather was getting nicer, but the restrictions many places were enforcing were less than appealing to me. Let’s just say I didn’t just quietly fall into line. So, I had to find a place I could go to get out of my apartment without being hassled about masks or social distancing. I found that place at a winery about a 20-minute drive from my apartment. There I could enjoy live music, sit in the sun with my feet up and “people-watch” without hassle. With nowhere else to go, I began to visit this establishment quite frequently. It was there that I met a group of people who would go on to become an integral part of my life. Considering I had traveled close to 180 days a year with my job, I didn’t really have many friends other than co-workers. But being forced to stay home turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

They say that good things can come out of bad situations. That’s exactly what happened. My life has been enriched by a group of real-life “FRIENDS.” The popular

sitcom that portrayed a group of people going through the ups and downs of life together has become a reality for me. Even though I now travel a lot again for the PGA, when I am home, I make time for this special group of people who help each other get through this thing that we call “life.”

One of the greatest aspects of our friendships is the laughter that ensues when we get together—and Lord knows, laughter is a much-needed part of life, especially nowadays. Laughter may be the best medicine, but good friends have been the prescription. Why we haven’t been kicked out of establishments from our raucous laughter is a miracle. But we’re never disorderly. We’re just a group of middle-aged people cutting up, enjoying life, and harmlessly having fun. There’s something to be said about being a part of a group that truly loves each other. I feel sorry for people who have never experienced the bonds of close friendship with a group of kindred spirits.

Time and life are fleeting. What better way to look back on one’s life than with a multitude of memories of time spent with the family we choose, the people we call “friends”?

Images from October 13th KMO at RISE Indoor Sports

Grab a Friend...

What No One Tells You about the 40-Somethings

BY RACHEL HOEING, CO-FOUNDER OF TRIAD MOMS ON MAIN

The 40-somethings. Some people call it “over the hill.” Some people call it “mid-life.” Know what I call this stage of life?

“Hard.” Really freaking hard.

And I’m not just talking about the fact that you’re popping Ibuprofen like Skittles, watching your weight fluctuate like a blowfish, and falling asleep with your mouth open while watching Lifetime.

These physical nuances of getting older are tough, but it’s the emotional trials of this time in your life that can be so so difficult.

Now keep in mind that I am generalizing here by speaking of moms in their 40-somethings. If you had children later in life, this might pertain to you in your 50s, and if you started a family earlier in life, you may be experiencing these changes in your 30s. But you’ll soon get my drift.

We are all pretty-well prepared for the fact that teenagers can be mentally exhausting. We know it’s coming…the teen drama, arguments over everything, attitudes, homework struggles, relationships issues, etc. We all mentally prepare ourselves somewhat. (Although when you actually get there, it can be WAY more difficult than you thought it would be!)

But what no one tells you is that after you spend an hour consoling your daughter who was just dumped by her boyfriend, you are driving to the hospital to visit your dad who has been in ICU for the past week. No one tells you that after you take your son to his counselor and pray to God that this is the time that will help him get his head on straight, you are then flying out of state to your parents’ home to help them move things down from the attic as they prepare to downsize. No one tells you that after you spend all afternoon driving your 13-year-old daughter’s soccer carpool, you need to visit or call your dad because he is still trying to wrap his head around life without your mom who passed away this summer. And no one tells you that in the midst of all this you are supposed to feed your family, stay on top of the kids’ homework, spend quality time with your spouse, volunteer in the schools, manage your job, clean your home, do the laundry, and last, but not least…try to find a moment to let out some steam and do something for yourself.

We are basically taking care of two families—our spouse and children—as well as our parents and siblings. And it’s tough.

When you’re in your 40-somethings, you are the matriarch of your own family, but also old enough to step up and help your parents as they age. No one tells you that while your children are trying their darnedest to fly the coop, they still really really need you. And while your parents insist that they don’t need your help, someone really needs to be at the doctor or lawyer along with them to digest what’s going on and how to move forward as they age.

We’re torn between two worlds, and we don’t know who needs us the most.

I see so a lot of 40-somethings struggling through many of these issues right now. Do they go to the cross country meet because it’s the last one their son will participate in before he goes to college, or do they go to their dad’s chemotherapy treatment with him?

Do they take a weekend away with their spouse because they’ve been going through revolving doors for the past month, or do they stay home because their daughter’s been making some bad decisions lately and they need to keep their eyes on her?

My parents both passed away when I was in my thirties, so many of these issues were struggles of mine over a decade ago. I learned a lot. More than I wanted to learn at that age. Sadly, I don’t have the answers to it all and I wish I did, but when listening to the challenges of my friends, the best advice I can give is to go with your heart. It’s a constant tug-of-war for us, being pulled in so many directions, and you always feel like someone needs you. But you can’t be everything to everyone, and you can’t be everywhere all the time. So, you go with your heart. When you wake up and you feel that pressure on your chest because your son is really struggling right now, put him first and spend the day with him. When you’re sitting at your daughter’s dance recital, but you just can’t get your mom out of your head as she sits alone at home with an illness, leave the recital and go be with her. When you are crying because you feel that disconnect between you and your spouse, skip the volunteer obligation and have a date night with just the two of you.

Go with your heart.

Another bit of advice, take time for you. I know we hear it all the time, but do we really do it? Please do. When you take time to make yourself happy, you are also becoming a better mom, better daughter, and better wife. When you take time for you, you are helping to make yourself whole and then will be able to give more to others without running out of steam. Whether that means a relaxing massage, a device-free walk on the greenway, or a weekend away to connect with girlfriends, make it happen!

And lastly, ask for help. When friends and neighbors see you struggling, they truly do want to help, but just don’t know how. Asking them to take your dog out or drop your son off at tutoring not only gives you a little room on your plate, but allows them to feel helpful as well. Carpooling with other parents when you have teens who aren’t driving themselves yet can be a lifesaver and can give you back so many hours in the day.

To end on a more positive note, the 40-somethings can also be a beautiful time. You discover so much about life and about yourself. You know what brings you happiness and you learn to say no to the things that don’t. You learn to value your friends and value your family. You have the chance to become a better you.

Welcome to the 40-somethings and the wild run that comes with it!

For more articles like this, log on to www.TriadMomsOnMain.com

Call It Autumn or Fall, I’m Just Happy It’s Here!

As a child, I was fortunate enough to live in an area that saw four definite seasons. In winter, I knew there would be snow, sledding, ice skating, school closings, hot chocolate, s’mores, and fires in the fireplace. Spring brought warmer days, kite flying, trees, once bare, now with beautiful green leaves, flowers blooming, butterflies, and song birds. Summer meant no school, hot days, heat lightning and thunderstorms, vacation travels, swimming, fireflies, and fireworks. And then came FALL…

Yes, all the seasons have something to like, but fall is special. Now living at the coast, I experience summer for more than six months of the year with a trick day or two thrown in to fool you into believing that summer is over. But, more than the weather, autumn holds so many wonderful gifts for adults and children alike.

If you are looking for fun things to include your grandchildren in here are a few suggestions:

Find a pick-your-own apple orchard and go apple picking. Take them home and help the children make apple sauce, pies, caramel apples, or whatever suits your fancy.

Take them to a pumpkin patch. I realize Halloween has passed, so this may be something to keep in mind for next year. However, buying a pumpkin will come in very handy at Thanksgiving – suggestion to follow later in this article.

Apple cider is one of my favorite drinks in the fall. Find recipes for apple cider doughnuts or anything that uses the cider. If your grands are like mine, they love to add, mix, make, and bake any time.

Corn mazes, fall festivals, trips to the mountains or the zoo are wonderful when the weather is cool and the air is crisp.

This month includes one of the best holidays of the year –Thanksgiving. We can all find things to be thankful for. No matter what is going on in our lives, we are blessed with family, a roof over our heads, and food to eat. Whether you are with family or friends, last year, I read about a wonderful use of a pumpkin for the table’s centerpiece. Ask everyone to tell you what they are thankful for. It can be anything other than the obvious family, friends, etc. Those you will already have written on the pumpkin. Using a Sharpie, start at the top of the pumpkin and write around it in a circle. After each one, credit the person whose thought it was. Be prepared for answers like toys, video games, etc., and that is fine. You can do this in advance – just get in touch with everyone you want to include. It will be a wonderful surprise and everyone will love reading all the items that made the list.

Even if you are not hosting the dinner, take the pumpkin with you. Your host will find a place for it. Make sure to take a picture of it to send to those not able to be there.

By the time you read this, the leaves will have changed to their beautiful shades of reds, yellows, and oranges and will begin to turn brown and fall off, leaving the trees bare. I love to take a hike, hear the leaves crunch and twigs snap under my feet, smell the smoke from chimneys, breathe in the cool air, and count my blessings for all I have. I hope this time of year finds you counting yours, too.

The

Perspective—It Changes Everything

BY A. KEITH TILLEY

11construction workers 840 feet above Manhattan, on the 69th floor of what is now the GE Building, just casually eating lunch and having a smoke. Seemingly oblivious to the immense danger that surrounds them. Oh, and I failed to mention, they’re on a single thin steel beam that we can only assume is solidly braced on the sides, just out of the frame. The picture has come to be known as “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper, 1932.” When three photographers, Charles C. Ebbets, Thomas Kelley, and William Leftwich, all present during the shoot, even though which of these men created the shot is unknown today, put this picture together for a promotional campaign for what was at the time an enormous skyscraper, they could have never known it would turn out to be one of the most seen and reproduced photographs of the 20th century.

For someone like myself who has a colossal fear of heights, just looking at the picture makes me uneasy. Though due to its black-and-white image and the film quality in those days I can’t say for certain, it appears to be either clouds or a fog surrounding them. This just makes me think of moisture on the beam, thus making it all the more dangerous. Of course, I’m also prone to think of things such as, “What if one of them dropped their keys?” Yet not one of these men appears shaken or nervous in any way. In fact, several are even turned slightly, or they are letting their legs dangle off the side as if they were sitting on a park bench in the middle of summer.

It’s hard to believe there are people this brave. Of course, that list is long and

also includes crane operators, firemen, policemen, soldiers, and many more. But, sticking with this picture for the moment, just looking at their faces, their demeanor, and their casual, nonchalant mannerisms, it seems unreal to think anyone would have that kind of “nerves of steel” (pun intended).

The other thing this historic photograph makes me realize is just how much we each see things from our own perspective. What ignites intolerable fear in one person, produces incredible excitement in another. Adrenaline works in strange ways, depending on the person and the event taking place. It wouldn’t surprise me if one of these men pictured admitted that filing his taxes was scarier, and thus, they wouldn’t want to be an accountant. I guess one could say, either profession could have dire consequences if not performed properly.

This brings me to my point, which is perspective. These men are taking a prepared picture, sure. But we have to admit, they also work to build these skyscrapers as well. It’s noted that some of these very same men also helped build Rockefeller Center in New York. So, this is their life and livelihood. Although they know the ever-present danger exists, they don’t spend their time processing this thought the way most of us would. Perspective. I read once that a crane operator said it was the best job there is. He said he was at peace inside the crane high above the rest of the world. He didn’t see the danger or feel the fear, instead, he saw the beauty of a tremendous sky view that changes as the day progresses into a tapestry of color. Though it sounds incredible, I prefer to see it from the ground level. Then again, that’s why I’d never be given that job.

So, as we look at this admittedly incredible photograph that invokes so much emotion and thought, we can recognize that our fears in life are often in the “eyes of the beholder.” We can feel comfort in knowing that although we may have different trepidations, uncertainties, and stressors that weigh on us, there are those out there who look at these things as merely routine challenges to deal with, in order to achieve the overall objectives. One person’s headache is another person’s passion.

Knowing this helps us not to feel alone, either in our dilemmas or in thinking help is not available. Simply because neither is true. If you have a problem, for the most part, anyway (barring certain conditions), you can rest assured there is someone out there who knows how to fix it or can help you take care of it appropriately. That should be comforting to know. I know it makes my wife happy.

Therefore, the next time you encounter a particularly fearful or stressful situation, remember these steel workers, and view your concern from a different perspective. Or find someone else who does, and let them help you. It sure beats falling.

To comment and learn more, visit theviewfrommysection.com.

Authentic, modern, & amazing!

BY MARTIE EMORY PHOTOS BY LAUREN SEPHTON

Asian cuisine with a fusion twist has become a true local favorite in the Winston-Salem area, thanks to the Chung family of Hakkachow Asian Eats. An incredible menu and lively ambiance keep guests coming back, and you’ll find yourself wanting to sample everything on the menu—more than once!

As a family-owned restaurant, there’s a warmth and comfort you feel immediately, and a true sense that it really does take this village of dedicated employees and family members to bring you the full Hakkachow experience.

There’s always a spotlight on customer favorites such as Crab Wontons, General Tso Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Kobe Beef Dumplings, and Hakka Chow’s Fried Rice, but every dish is freshly prepared from scratch, in-house, and made-to-order—blending Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean cuisine. Plus, there are always immensely popular weekly sushi specials, and always something new, courtesy of Jonathan Chung’s tastings while traveling the world.

The restaurant’s cozy bar area is also a popular spot to unwind—before and after dinner—and features an extensive wine, cocktail, and sake list they enjoy changing every season. That’s a winning combination of inspired cuisine and impeccable service that creates an unforgettable experience at Hakkochow—the very best destination for special occasions, or simply because it’s dinner time!

Celebrate family and amazing food at Hakkachow Asian Eats, 615 St. George Square Court, just off Hanes Mall Boulevard, in Winston-Salem, 336-8938178. Look for them online at Hakka-Chow.com, and on Instagram @Hakkachow. Hours are Monday -Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m; Friday 11:30 a.m. -10:00 p.m; Saturday 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m; and Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 4-5

38TH ANNUAL COZY COTTAGE CRAFT SHOW

9am-8pm (4th); 9am-3pm (5th), Kernersville Community House, 405 Salisbury Street in Kernersville. Unique hand-crafted gifts, home décor, jewelry, yard art, holiday decorations, baked goods and more. Proceeds from raffle benefit Trellis Supportive Care. Free event.

NOVEMBER 4-6

BIG BOOK SALE

Forsyth County Central Library, 660 West 5th Street in W-S. Find tens of thousands of gently used books, CDs, records, DVDs, etc., including donations from private individuals, as well as public and academic library collections. Shelves include lots of academic books, classics and many works of historical interest. Shelves will be restocked each day with new materials.

NOVEMBER 5

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT YOUR HOME MARKETPLACE

9am-6pm, Your Home Marketplace, 670 South Stratford Road in W-S. For ONE DAY ONLY, you will save up to 30% throughout the store on all holiday and regular décor, gifts, accessories and more. Get your shopping done early and easily – by shopping at Your Home Marketplace! Take your purchases with you, leave them and pick up in 15 days or have them delivered to you. We now feature 89 vendors that carry a HUGE variety of merchandise for you, your friends or other loved ones this holiday season. Plenty of parking will be available! yourhomemarketplacenc.com

MINGLEWOOD’S FALL OPEN-HOUSE AND CHICKEN STEW EVENT

2-6:30pm, Minglewood Farm and Nature Preserve, 238 Minglewood Road in Westfield. The stew will be prepared by a talented local chef using produce grown on Minglewood’s Farm. Minglewood is excited to share this day with our friends and supporters, eating great food, and enjoying the outdoors. We will have activity and craft stations set-up for the children, and a bonfire to warm the body and soul. This event is donation-based, pay what you can for our Farm Fundraiser. eventbrite.com/o/minglewood-farm-andnature-preserve-17188338999

NOVEMBER 6

FARM-TO-TABLE DINNER

6-9pm, New Second Harvest Food Bank HQ, 3330 Shorefair Drive in W-S. A one-ofa-kind Farm-to-Table Dinner bringing local farmers, chefs and restaurants together –presented by Lowes Foods to support the mission and work of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC. Cost: $75/ person. Visit Farm2SecondHarvest.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 7-12

ACCENT PRONE’S ‘THANKS FOR GIVING’

10am-5pm, It’s the season of giving! From November 7th - 12th, bring a minimum of 3 non perishable food and/ or personal hygiene items for donation and receive a coupon for 15% off your purchase. Donations will be collected at Accent Prone during business hours (105) throughout the week. All items will be received and distributed by Crisis Control Ministry in Kernersville!

NOVEMBER 11-JANUARY 1

TANGLEWOOD PARK FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

6-11pm, Tanglewood Park in Clemmons. Open nightly. Tickets may be purchased at the gate upon entry and in advance at the Welcome Center at Tanglewood Park. The gift village will be open with snacks, hot cocoa and marshmallow roasting. Prices start at $20/car.

NOVEMBER 12

ARDMORE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION CRAFT SHOW

10am-3pm, Miller Park Recreation Center, 400 Leisure Lane in W-S. Crafts to shop for are sewn items, wreaths, jewelry, woodworking, holiday décor, toys, canned goods, desserts and much more. A food truck will be there for those that come hungry.

NOVEMBER 13

KIDS’ AFTERNOON OUT

1:15-3:45pm, Fairgrounds Annex Ice Rink, 414 Deacon Boulevard in W-S. Get ready for some icy fun at the Fairgrounds Annex Ice Rink! Mention you’re there for the Forsyth Family Kids’ Afternoon Out and get FREE admission. $3 skate rental for kids, $5 skate rental for skate helpers. Youth hockey and group lesson personnel will be on-hand to answer questions. Concessions will be available for purchase. And as always, each adult also receives four tickets for the fabulous prize board drawings.

NOVEMBER 14-21

NATIONAL COLLECTION WEEK – OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Hayworth-Miller Funeral Homes & Cremation locations. Join Hayworth-Miller in filling a child’s heart with good news and great joy! Showboxes can be picked up and returned filled by November

20th to any Hayworth-Miller location. Please visit hayworth-miller.com for more information. You can also find more information about packing your shoebox, dropping off your shoebox or building a shoebox online at wbfj.fm.

NOVEMBER 19

OPEN TRAILS DAY

10am, Minglewood Farm and Nature Preserve, 238 Minglewood Road in Westfield. Join us for a hike and enjoy the beautiful fall weather at Minglewood! The foothills of North Carolina are the perfect place to enjoy a fall hike. The cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage create a picturesque backdrop for an outdoor adventure. Enjoy the trails or a self-guided farm tour at Minglewood. eventbrite.com/o/minglewood-farmand-nature-preserve-17188338999

NOVEMBER 26

HOLIDAY SWAG WORKSHOP

10am, Minglewood Farm and Nature Preserve, 238 Minglewood Road in Westfield. Join us for a morning on the farm to create a beautiful swag to decorate your home for the holidays. Minglewood will supply everything you need; from a beautiful mixture of evergreens in textures and colors to dried flowers, seed pods, okra, ribbons and more. eventbrite.com/o/minglewood-farm-and-naturepreserve-17188338999

FUTURE

DECEMBER 3

MISTLETOE RUN

A run in the cold can warm the heart. Half marathon, 5K, Fun Run, free childcare and an after party. All proceeds benefit children’s programs at the YMCA. Learn more and register at ymcamistletoe.org.

ACTIVITIES

Fairgrounds Annex Ice Rink 55 Kaleideum

27 Rise Indoor Sports 49 Salem Gymnastics & Swim 59 Triple Threat 45 YMCA 23

BAKERY/CONFECTIONS Anna Bakes Cookies 79 Baked Just So 79 Be Kind Coffee 79

BEAUTY / STYLING Lewisville Laser 61 Lyndhurst Medical Spa 47

CHILDCARE Imprints Cares 41 YMCA 23

CHURCHES

New Day Community Church 65 DENTISTS / ORTHODONTISTS Salem Smiles 41 Vivid Dental 9

EDUCATION

Calvary Day School 23 Forsyth Country Day School 25 Imprints Cares 41 Redeemer School 13 YMCA 23

FINANCIAL Cannon Wealth Management 25 Marzano Capital Group 19 Neo Home Loans 31 Piedmont Advantage Credit Union 37 Truliant Federal Credit Union Back Cover

HEALTH & FITNESS YMCA 23 HOME Head Realty Group 5 Kitchen Tune-Up 49 Neo Home Loans 31 Piedmont Advantage Credit Union................................. 37 Piedmont Sheet Metal 37 State Farm, Will Wilkins 59 Stitches 59 Weedman 53 Zirrus 3

MEDICAL

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist –Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine 2 Duke Eye Center 7 Hillcrest Vision 53 Lewisville Laser 61 Lyndhurst 47 Novant Health – Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute 15

Novant Health Vein Specialists 29 WomanCare 55

RADIO STATIONS WBFJ 67 99.5 69 Q104.1 75

REAL ESTATE & HOUSING

Head Realty Group 5 Neo Home Loans 31 Piedmont Advantage Credit Union 37 Truliant Federal Credit Union Back Cover

RESTAURANTS

Baked Just So 79 Be Kind Coffee 79 Black Mountain Chocolate Bar 79 Hakkachow Asian Eats 79 Little Richard’s Smokehouse BBQ 43, 79 Mossy’s 79 Nothing Bundt Cakes 79

RETAIL

Rolly’s Baby Boutique 53

SERVICE City Lights Ministry 43 Crossnore Communities for Children 45 Second Harvest Food Bank 11 Smart Start of Forsyth County 51 The Pregnancy Network 39 Victory Junction Gang Camp 31 WS Symphony 83 Zirrus 3

UPCOMING EVENTS

Forsyth Family Kids’ Morning Out 71 Mistletoe Run 23 Operation Christmas Child 21, 67 Tanglewood Festival of Light 17 Wake Forest Athletics 47 Winston-Salem Symphony 83

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.