Brookridge invites you to put down roots in our vibrant Life Plan Community. Set on 46 wooded acres, our campus offers an active retirement lifestyle with a comprehensive amenities package and a full continuum of care. Here, your unique gifts and skills can blossom in a supportive environment designed for personal growth and exploration. Experience the beauty of Brookridge firsthand and discover why it’s the perfect place to grow, learn, and embrace everything that brings you joy.
we
Our commitment to evidence-based practices extends to the products we use, guaranteeing that you receive the highest quality care. Trust our credibility and expertise as we stay ahead in aesthetics and regenerative medicine, delivering advanced, safe, and tailored care for natural beauty and wellness.
DE|RIVE Hair Wellness System is A NON INVASIVE hair system made to support a healthy scalp and stronger hair. It addresses the impact of stressful environmental factors, removes dead skin cells, and delivers the essential nutrients that the scalp needs. The DE|RIVE Daily Hair Support System allows for continuous support to help nourish the skin and scalp and improve the appearance of thicker, fuller hair. The daily serum is 100% natural, hormone-free, and made from plantbased ingredients to help your hair look thicker and fuller.
Dysport: Book in june & Get a FREE Lip Flip Laser Hair Removal: unlimited laser hair removal with membership
Scan Here to make an Appointment
Hours: Tues 4-7pm (Wine Bar only), Wed & Thurs 5-9pm, Fri & Sat 5-10pm
THIRSTY THURSDAY - $3 OFF DRINKS
Reservations recommended via OpenTable
We host Corporate and Private EventsScan the QR code to book
Free Parking available in our Parking Lot accessible via W 4 ½ Street
Follow us on Facebook/Instagram @ manolosboutiquewines
FACE, BREAST, BODY CONTOURING, & LASER RESURFACING
BOTOX & FILLER INJECTIONS
LASER SKIN REVITALIZATION
SKINPEN MICRO-NEEDLING THERAPY
DIAMOND GLOW RESURFACING FACIAL
AQUAGOLD MICRO-INJECTION
DERMAPLANING EXFOLIATION
MEDICAL-GRADE CHEMICAL PEELS & FACIALS
SKINCARE & MAKEUP CONSULTATIONS
COOLSCULPTING BODY FAT REDUCTION
EMSCULPT NEO MUSCLE TONING
Iam still on cloud nine from the BEST day ever! Gavin and I tied the knot on May 31st with a small, private ceremony surrounded by immediate family, followed by an after-party at Easy Tiger Beer Garden—our favorite neighborhood spot—with a pizza truck! Pizza, cocktails, friends... it was everything we hoped for. You can catch a few sneak peek photos on page 32.
A HUGE shoutout to Jon Eric Johnson of JEJ Photos—he came out of wedding retirement to photograph our big day, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I’ve worked with Jon Eric on magazine shoots for over a decade, and having him capture our wedding meant the world. His talent behind the camera is unmatched, and I’m forever thankful!
This month’s cover features Sandra of Pat’s Body Shop. With my dad having run a body shop for over 30 years, this one felt especially nostalgic. Sandra is a powerhouse businesswoman, and it was an honor to be part of her cover shoot. Head to pages 52 to learn more about her and the amazing team behind the business.
Mark your calendars—Girls’ Night Out is Thursday, July 10th at Twisted Pine! This month is extra special because we’re collecting school supplies for The Educator Warehouse. We do this every year to support our incredible (and often underappreciated) teachers. The more supplies you bring, the more prize board tickets you’ll earn! We’ll have tons of giveaways from local restaurants, boutiques, med spas, and more. GNO kicks off at 5 PM. Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at forsythwoman.com and follow us on Instagram @forsythmags so you never miss an event!
Also, be sure to check out our sister publication, Forsyth Family—this month’s cover features The Voice finalist, Christina Eagle! And speaking of Christina… LKN Magazine is hosting a powerful fundraising event called Ignite the Night on July 24th at the Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius. Just an hour’s drive away, the evening includes a live auction with incredible items and a live performance by Christina herself. Proceeds benefit North Carolina firefighters and first responders. Grab your tickets by scanning the QR code on this page— you won’t want to miss it!
And don’t forget to tune in to the Forsyth Magazines Podcast! New episodes drop every Thursday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms.
Wishing you the best summer ever—filled with sunshine, slower days, and lots of poolside or beachside reading.
All my best,
Brooke Culler
Brooke@ForsythMags.com
EDITOR
Keela Johnson
Keela@ForsythMags.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVE
Tamara Bodford
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Robin Bralley
ADVERTISING
Advertising @ForsythMags.com
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER
JEJ Photos
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
JEJ Photos
Jodie Brim Creative
Megan Smith Photography
*others credited throughout accordingly
CONTENT EDITOR
Meghan Corbett
SENIOR STAFF WRITERS
Martie Emory
Carolyn Peterson
OTHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jane Burnette
Isabella Castineyra
Karen Cooper
June DeLugas
Amy Hill
Taryn Jerez
Jean Marie Johnson
Michael Johnson
Tanner Johnson
Debbie Lanier
Jon Marzano
Lauren Sephton
Renee Skudra
Leslie Speas
Joy Nelson Thomas
Sheridan Watkins
Kara Yates
*others credited throughout accordingly
GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Brooke Culler, @brooke__culler Publisher
Scan here to purchase Ignite the Night tickets
Stefanie Lyons
WEB DESIGN/ MAINTENANCE
Next Wave Services
CONTACT
ForsythWoman.com
888-892-3204
Forsyth Woman Disclaimer: Please note that the inclusion of stories and articles in Forsyth Woman 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 Woman. Specifically, Forsyth Woman 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 Woman reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet Forsyth Woman standards. Submissions are welcome but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Forsyth Woman 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. ©2005 by Forsyth Woman, Inc.
Come one, come all to the Greatest Ball on Earth!
Please join us on Friday, October 3, at Kaleideum when we bring the magic of the Big Top to downtown Winston-Salem with craft cocktails, a spectacular dinner, and a high-wire lineup of games and auction fun. Then, dance the night away to rock and pop classics with HIGH SCHOOL REUNION.
Kaleidoscope Ball Chairs Bethany and Houston Symmes | Liz and Taylor Williams
Tickets go on sale July 1!
Elevista Pivot Arm Outdoor Shades exclusively by Budget Blinds provide motorized partial overhead shading for windows or outdoor areas requiring shelter. The unique Pivot Arms provide perfect tension at all angles, and our wide selection of fabrics and opacities complement your home or business. Your Budget Blinds Design Consultant is ready to work some magic for you - call today for your no-charge consultation!
Budget Blinds of North Winston Salem, Mt Airy, Boone, and the High Country proudly serves Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Yadkin, Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, Wilkes, and surrounding counties.
by JEAN MARIE JOHNSON
I’ve had them. You’ve had them. We have all had them.
This time, I’m not talking about dreams, goals or plans. Nor am I talking about worries or fears – all frequent and familiar topics.
I am referring instead to neuroaesthetic experiences – thoughts and feelings that are evoked when we contemplate a work of art, immerse ourselves in watching a dance performance or even pass our hands over the smooth glaze of a piece of pottery.
Susan Magsamen from the Brain Institute at Johns Hopkins University explains:
“Aesthetic experiences – and the arts – are hardwired in all of us. They are evolutionary imperatives, encoded in our DNA as an essential part of our humanity. And, they are fundamental to our health, wellbeing and learning.” On a gut level, I couldn’t agree more.
In just the past few years, a field of study –neuroaesthetics – has emerged to explore this “essential part of our humanity.”
Neuroaesthetics has been defined as “the scientific study of the neural consequences of contemplating a creative work of art, such as the involvement of the prefrontal cortex (in thinking) and limbic systems (for emotions).”
More simply, neuroaesthetics studies the effect that beauty has on humans.
For me, that effect is profound, as essential as light, air and breath. So essential that immersion in beauty is an integral part of my day-to-day life with my dear man – an active, inspiring fine artist.
Economist Thierry Malleret offers the science behind the experience:
“We’ve learned a lot about how nutrition, sleep and physical exercise contribute to wellness. Thanks to the five-year-old discipline of neuroaesthetics, we now understand that beauty experiences can bring similar benefits as mindfulness to wellbeing by lowering the activation of the brain’s stress-related amygdala, reducing cortisol and moving us into our parasympathetic ‘rest and digest’ state.”
Anthropologist Ellen Dissanayake asserts that these experiences are rooted in our universal, evolutionary history as humans and reminds us that: “even nomadic peoples with few material possessions practiced personal adornment, decorating objects and community rituals involving song and dance.”
In fact, when we experience art, the sensory-motor areas emotional regions reward-related centers
of our brains are all activated. There is a lot going on as our blood flow increases and our level of dopamine rises. While we are not aware of these changes specifically, we may notice our feelings of pleasure and heightened critical thinking.
As this fascinating field of study advances, studies point to specific, positive impacts, including: Reduced stress, anxiety and depression. Enhanced self esteem, self confidence and self worth.
And, all the while, because of our brain’s plasticity, new pathways are being formed.
So, how do we open our hearts, minds and lives to art and to beauty in more intentional ways? Here are a few ways to start:
Look around you. Notice things. Be present to the possibility of beauty in the everyday –that blooming bush, those rows of colorful, stacked peppers, the way the sun lights up a toddler’s wispy hair.
Fill your life with serendipitous infusions of beauty. Pick up beautiful business cards and brochures in the shops you frequent. I use these as bookmarks! Subscribe to magazines, and tear out images that appeal to you.
Tap into Instagram and Pinterest for fresh sources of visual stimulation. You can customize your searches and create virtual boards, so go for it.
Visit our local museums, art shows and pop ups. No art experience required. Just enjoy! Start a conversation with an artist or “maker.” Be curious about their creative process.
Stop into small business, brick and mortar stores. The displays are often as alluring as the merchandise. Notice how the placement of merchandise and objects enhances your shopping experience.
Make something. Please don’t say “But I’m not creative.” Doodle. Make a colorful pot of soup. Go to the nursery and explore new color and texture combinations for your garden.
Embrace a moment of whimsy. Paint one of your pooch’s toenails, if she’ll let you. Buy an item of clothing in a style that’s new for you. Or, if you’re like me, adorn that bust in your foyer with a feathered hat or a seasonal touch just for the creative anarchy of it!
Who comes to mind when you think of someone who lived not only a long life, or a healthy life, but a significant life? We’re talking about a life well lived.
I can recall a few in my life and throughout history that fit the bill. But, let’s go wayyyyy back for a minute. What about Moses? Surely, he lived a long, healthy, significant life! (Stay with me –this has EVERYTHING to do with you!)
Don’t you find it interesting that when Moses found himself at the end of his days, he STILL talked about how incredibly brief it all was? He pens these final words before checking out: “Lord, help us to remember that our days are numbered, and help us to interpret our lives correctly. Set Your wisdom deeply in our hearts so that we may accept Your correction.” (Ps 90: 12)
Moses sounds absolutely shellshocked, as if He’s thinking, “I’m already at the end?!”
Surely the days felt long at times, but the years zipped by at lightning speed. He’s wondering how in the world he is right on top of the finish line when it feels like he should have been starting the second lap!
Does anyone relate?
This larger-than-life leader also reflects upon those seasons in which he veered from the wisdom set before him, insisting on his own way, then realized he should have listened to the ONLY WISE ONE in the first place! (I feel that in the deep places of my soul. Oh, the moments we waste every time we ignore God’s leading so
by DR. DEBBIE LANIER
that we can momentarily take the wheel, so sure our idea is better.)
Moses continues as he’s about to breathe his last, “ONLY YOU, Lord, can satisfy our hearts, filling us with songs of joy to the end of our days.” (Ps. 90: 14b)
As he recalled accolades and accomplishments he chased, Moses quickly, profoundly realizes that ONLY GOD HIMSELF fills and fulfills our deepest longings. Everything else will eventually matter about as much as an umbrella in a monsoon.
Life is so brief, yet we live each day like we have a thousand other ones guaranteed. It sounds cliché, and we hear it so often it passes right by us. But, I counsel so many folks who live with deep regret. It haunts them. It hounds them. It stifles their capacity to believe they can start again right where they are.
Friend, wherever you are, you have the opportunity THIS VERY DAY to change gears! You can alter your direction. TODAY, Y’ALL!
Your days are short and shortening by the minute. How you started, even how you have arrived at this moment, does not have the power to determine how you end. But only YOU can change course! Nobody else can do it for you!
You may need to let go of some things and some
people to get where you’re wanting to go. That’s unsettling. But, it is not nearly as unsettling as standing at the end wishing you had.
Let THIS DAY be the day that you let THE ONLY WISE ONE take the lead! You’ll live satisfied and leave a significant mark that matters beyond you! I’m absolutely sure of it!
Listen, friend. You’ll STILL probably get to the end and wonder how the years disappeared like vapor into thin air! (It goes sooooo quick!) But, you will know that you made a difference. You will know your generations are better because you lived in such a way that your ceiling became their floor! Don’t waste another day!
by ISABELLA CASTINEYRA
As I’m sure many Forsyth Woman readers can relate to, one of my favorite post-work activities is a long walk with my closest friends. Not too long ago, the topic of the day was how we each receive motivation. One of my friends has a competitive edge and gains motivation being better than others. My other friend wants to improve from how she did before. I, on the other hand, feel motivation from positive reassurance. In the analogy of a workout class, my first friend works to be better than those around her, my second friend works to be better than she was in the last class and I’m riding the high of the teacher saying “good job, Isabella!” for the rest of the day.
I was scrolling through social media not long after this conversation and saw a video of someone working out. To my surprise, this was not a video of tips and tricks, but rather someone yelling at me to get to the gym. From there, I checked out #ToxicMotivation and #SkinnyTok. Sure enough, there were thousands of videos that existed in a similar capacity – people being mean online to convince others to be healthy.
Initially, I was appalled. In this day and age, how could someone post a video being so mean? To my surprise, the vast majority of the comments on these videos are positive. People in the “Toxic Motivation” community are appreciative of this content, even thanking users for posting. So, does this mean yelling is back? Yelling was standard in previous generations, but this tactic has phased out for kinder methods. Is an old faithful way of getting someone to do something resurfacing as the most effective?
Something else I recently considered when thinking deeper into my relationship with motivation is how a negative connotation between movement and punishment has been developed from a young age. Anyone who grew up playing a sport knows coaches threatened punishment with running. To the extent that the colloquial name of a common running drill in athletics is called a “suicide.” How could someone enjoy running if just the name for it is equivalent to death? What kind of harm is caused on a young athlete if excess exercise is only performed as a punishment? On the other hand – it’s effective. Sometimes it takes the threat of running sprints for young athletes to work harder.
On the other end of the spectrum, my brother has been an avid basketball player his whole life (his first word was actually ball). My parents would threaten not to drive him to practice or tell him he couldn’t do his basketball drills until he finished his homework or cleaned his room. Sitting out is punishment for him. Tying this notion back into #SkinnyTok, there may not be a one-size-fits-all way for someone to work harder. I thrive off positive reinforcement while some people prefer competition.
Threatening someone with sprints may work while telling someone else they can’t play at all could get them going.
It would be wonderful if all of us could intrinsically motivate ourselves to exercise and feel proud of ourselves every single day. That is not reality. So, if you need someone to forcefully tell you to get up and go to the gym, more power to you. At the end of the day, what works for someone may not work for others. Admittedly, I was too quick to judge toxic motivation because whatever gets us to move our bodies and value health is the common goal.
Create your most brilliant blonde with a free sample.
BOTANICAL REPAIR ™ PURPLE TONING SHAMPOO
BY JON MARZANO, AIF®, MANAGING PRINCIPAL
Money is one of the most emotionally charged topics in any relationship – even for couples who usually communicate well. Over time, many partners encounter similar financial disagreements. Understanding the most common points of tension can help you manage them with empathy, clarity and teamwork.
1
Wanting the best for your children is only natural, but financial support can become a sticking point when one partner believes it’s time to promote independence while the other wants to continue helping. These disagreements often involve tuition, home down payments, monthly allowances or paying off adult children’s debts.
Tip: Have an honest conversation about your expectations and values. Set clear, mutually agreed upon boundaries that balance generosity with fostering responsibility.
2
Few topics stir up emotion like discussions about inheritance. One partner might prioritize leaving a legacy to children, while the other leans toward charitable giving or putting conditions on how money is passed down.
Tip: Talk openly about estate planning and align your decisions with shared family values. A financial planner or estate attorney can help mediate complex conversations and ensure both partners’ wishes are respected.
5
Couples often differ in what they view as worthwhile financial goals. One partner may value experiences and lifestyle upgrades, while the other focuses on saving for retirement or long-term security.
Even financially secure couples can clash over how money is spent. Conflict often arises when one partner is a saver and the other a spender – especially when lifestyle choices are involved like dining out, travel or luxury purchases.
Tip: Create a spending plan that honors both perspectives. Open, ongoing dialogue about priorities can help each person feel heard and respected.
3 4
Financial secrecy – whether it’s hiding debts, purchases or accounts – can seriously damage trust. Discovering undisclosed spending often leads to resentment and a sense of betrayal.
Tip: Commit to financial transparency by scheduling regular money check-ins. Honesty fosters trust and prevents small secrets from turning into bigger problems.
Tip: Align on shared financial goals. Collaboratively creating a roadmap that balances immediate enjoyment with future planning helps avoid misalignment and builds a stronger partnership.
Disagreements about money are common, but they don’t have to be divisive. With open communication, empathy and a willingness to compromise, couples can use these challenges as opportunities to grow closer and build a financial future that reflects both partners’ values.
by LAUREN SEPHTON
Hi! I’m Lauren. I’m a freelance writer and a food blogger with a passion for food that tastes good and is good for you! Stay tuned each month to find everything from achievable dessert ideas to healthy, quick dinners that’ll happily feed the family.
This Chili Honey Tuna Melt made without mayo and on sliced sourdough is a simple, lighter twist to a summer staple!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes
4 Slices of Sliced Sourdough Bread
2 slices of Spicy Cheddar or Colby Jack
1 Tomato sliced
10-12 oz. Canned Tuna, drained
1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
2 tbsp. Adobo Sauce from the can
1 tbsp. Fresh Dill chopped
1 tbsp. Honey
1 tbsp. Tahini
Juice of 1 Lemon
1/4 th Red Onion finely chopped
2 Celery Sticks finely chopped
1/2 tsp. Chili Powder
Salt & Black Pepper to taste
1. In a large bowl, combine the canned tuna, yogurt, adobo sauce, chopped dill, honey, tahini, lemon juice, chopped red onion, chopped celery, and chili powder. Mix well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Layer your sandwiches with the sliced cheddar, slices tomatoes, and the tuna mix.
3. On a heated griddle, add a little butter or olive oil. Add the sandwiches to cook 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Enjoy immediately!
The future of our community starts at home.
At Family Services, we believe that too many individuals in our community struggle with poverty, financial and emotional stressors, or domestic upheaval that threatens not only the lives of their own families but our collective future as a community, as well. That’s why Family Services works to help children, individuals and families make positive, lasting changes in their lives that strengthen families and build a healthier, more stable community as well as a stronger future for all of us.
It all began in 1905 when Miss Annie Grogan, a local telephone operator, was moved by the heartbreaking stories she heard of families struggling with poverty and sickness in Forsyth County. Motivated to inspire change, Miss Annie donated pennies from her paycheck and went door to door delivering food and clothing to poverty-stricken areas of the community.
Inspired by these simple acts of kindness, a dedicated group of community leaders joined her to form the Associated Charities of Winston – the first charity in Winston-Salem, which later evolved into Family Services. Today, our intentional programming in the areas of child development, counseling and safe relationships ensures that all families and children are safe, secure and can reach their full potential.
Family Services has been the proud sole provider of Head Start in Forsyth County for 60 years and Early Head Start for more than 10 years. These programs serve more than 700 children from birth to age five each year, focusing on school readiness skills, language, literacy, math, science, self-help and the creative arts.
Our highly credentialed and qualified teaching staff encourages parent involvement in the classroom, with a recent focus on male engagement through our Mindful Men program which aims to build positive male role models for children. Parent Sam* became involved in volunteering before his child was enrolled as he was passionate about making a difference. “I want other students to have that same impact where they may or may not have someone in their lives,” he shares. Sam regularly reads to children, volunteers at events and provides feedback that shapes his daughter’s educational experience.
For some families, participating in our evidence-based Strengthening Families training helps teach nurturing parenting skills to foster positive family relationships which can alter the course of the family dynamic. “The parenting conversations and coping skills for anger that we learned were truly impactful,” mom Beth* shares. Feedback like this is proof that families can grow stronger when they are prepared to meet the varied challenges that society presents.
Working with Family Services’ therapists helps prepare individuals and families as they discover new ways to find personal strengths to help cope, heal and move forward through tough times.
“We have a reputation for providing high quality counseling services for a multitude of concerns, including relationship issues, depression and anxiety, mood disorders and especially trauma,” explains Administrative Director of Clinical Services Courtney Perry.
For some individuals and families, the crisis becomes even more critical. Our safe relationships division provides emergency housing for victims of interpersonal and domestic violence, operating Forsyth County’s largest and oldest shelter. Last year alone, we provided more than 8,600 cumulative safe nights of care to approximately 190 guests, including more than 90 children. In the coming months, we’ll be excited to share new developments on how you can help Forsyth County get One Step Closer to leading the way in creating hope and dignity for these survivors.
Thank you for your belief in our mission for the last 120 years and for supporting Family Services as we continue to work to meet our community’s growing need to keep programs for individuals, children and families first. Together, we are making a difference as a part of this Community of Solutions.
*Not their real names; identities changed for privacy.
Monday, 3pm - Close
$7 mimosas (all day)
Dinner Duo - Choose 2
Tasty Comfort Dinners for only $25
Tuesday, All Day
Kids Eat Free
(one free kids meal per entree purchased)
Wednesday, All Day
Sweet Pairings - Buy one slice of cake/pie and get a specialty coffee drink for half price, 1/2 price wine by the glass
Thursday, All Day
Burger & Brew -
$12 All Burgers and $3 Beer
Friday, 3pm - Close
Fish Fry - $12 Fish n Chips
$12 Fried Shrimp/$15 Combo
$8 Shrimp Basket/$6 Hushpuppy Basket/$12 Bubbly flights (all day)
by AMY HILL
The Triad hosts a handful of local consignment, thrift and vintage stores that provide high quality, pre-owned goods at an affordable price that benefits the environment and local economy. With school out of session and warmer weather welcoming everyone into summer, there’s never been a better time than now to get out of the house and shop local. This month, we’re keeping our search in Kernersville. As mentioned in previous articles, below are two excellent thrift and consignment joints in the area offering unique, pre-owned products with storefronts just as charming.
Specializing in top tier, pre-owned furniture, women’s clothing and accessories, and home goods, Smith & Co. Consignment is an upscale stop on your list of local thrift stores. Owner Lisa Smith opened Smith & Co. in 2015 after years of entrepreneurial dreaming alongside her husband, Tim. Lisa educated herself on how to be a business owner and learned the ins and outs of consignment, bringing Smith & Co. about. As explained on the shop’s website, Smith & Co. promises to reduce textile waste, support ethical practices, remain affordable, support its surrounding community, promote “slow fashion” and align with its shoppers’ values. Interested in taking a swing at consigning? Send photos of large items for approval to 336.650.6356.
Browse what Smith & Co. Consignment has in store online at smithandcompanyconsignment.com, and follow on Instagram @smithadncoconsignment for a sneak peak of what’s in store. Located at 1515 Union Cross Road in Kernersville, shoppers can stop by Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. To speak with a team member directly, call the store at 336.497.5290.
Cooper’s Vintage Village is an antique mall located in Kernersville with more than 22,000 square feet of warehouse space. Family owned, find oncein-a-lifetime trinkets, collectibles and treasures of all kinds – as long as you have enough time to spare in order to explore everything on the store floor. Cooper’s carries a mixture of things old and new, serving as a great shopping stop for customers of all genders and ages. Great prices and a variety of vendors line the store, making every corner eye-catching and wallet-friendly. In fact, that shop earns rave reviews, with customers boasting about its wide variety of booths to browse, friendly faces and its ability to steal the hearts and hours of shoppers stopping by on any given afternoon.
Visit Cooper’s Vintage Village at 305 E. Bodenhamer Street, Kernersville, NC, 27284 and follow the team on Facebook for updates on operating hours and in-stock items. Call to speak to a team member at 336.497.5724.
Vintage Ventures offers readers a glimpse into an alternative to fast fashion and mindless scrolling through retail websites. Shopping local consignment, thrift and vintage stores helps reduce waste, support small business owners and sparks new hobbies among those who get a thrill out of rummaging through pre-owned goods on a Saturday afternoon. With mass consumerism running rampant with the ease of online shopping and next-day delivery options at major retailers, it’s easy to settle for convenience over quality. However, the Triad hosts a handful of locations that provide high quality, pre-owned goods at an affordable price that benefits the environment and local economy. Before checking Amazon or “fast fashion” websites for the media, art or clothing items you need, shop secondhand in the Winston-Salem area to keep the environment healthy and local businesses happy.
Sphotos
by
JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
pecial Moments Venue had the incredible honor of hosting the 3rd Annual iChoose Joy Cancer Survivor’s Brunch and this event was so much more than just a brunch. It was a powerful day of celebration, honoring the lives, strength, and victories of everyday superheroes in our community. Some of our honorees have bravely overcome cancer, while others are still courageously fighting. The types of cancer represented this year included:
• Brain cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Triple-negative breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Melanoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Lymphoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma of the neck
• Endometrial cancer
• Colon cancer
This year, we were especially honored to spotlight a very young superhero: Stephan Almazan, a 10-year-old brain cancer survivor. Just two weeks before our 2025 brunch, Stephan rang the endof-treatment bell at Brenner Hospital—signaling the end of a long and courageous battle.
When I met him, Stephan was surrounded by loving family, supportive friends, and his devoted medical team. His smile lit up the hallway as the sound of that bell echoed through the pediatric oncology unit. That bell represents more than the end of treatment—it symbolizes resilience, perseverance, and triumph against the odds.
We were overjoyed to welcome Stephan and surprise him with a special birthday celebration, complete with some of his favorite toys. He reminded us all what true strength looks like. In a world full of challenges, this brave 10-year-old reminded everyone that even in the darkest moments, there is light—and sometimes, that light comes with the ringing of a bell.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible love, dedication, and support of so many. From our tireless volunteers to our generous sponsors, vendors, and in-kind donors—thank you for helping create a day full of meaning, joy, and hope. Lives were celebrated and spirits were lifted on April 26, 2025.
Special thanks to our Vendors, Sponsors, and In-Kind Donors:
• Jodie and Jodie Brim Creative – Photography
• Catch This Tee – Catering
• Green Bee Floral Designs
• JKWoodwork – Custom awards
• 24K Rentals – Special seating (Gold chairs)
• Bee Kind Coffee – Lavender lemonade that added the perfect sweet touch
• Baking Inc – Cupcakes
• Design Soiree by Santana – Event branding and balloon design
• DJ Jason Tuttle
• Alphalitnc – Marquee letters
Special Guests:
• Pastor Jayson Sloan – Delivered a powerful message: “God’s Plan for My Life” (Jeremiah 29:11)
• Mr. Eric Lynch (husband and caregiver) and Mrs. Djarkata Lynch, a 9-time survivor
With heartfelt gratitude to the 2025 iChoose Joy Team: Catrina Tuttle, Lisa Howard, Martha Walls, Nicole Berry, Santana Mobley, Christina Segar, Beverly Penn, Laresey Waden, Liset Johnson, and Isaac Redfearn—thank you for creating such a warm, loving, and joyful atmosphere for our 25 honorees and their guests.
My heart is full and overflowing from the love and joy that radiated before, during, and after the event.
Keep choosing joy.
Kickstart the production of collagen and elastin with Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling from LLA! This customizable treatment targets fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, and uneven texture with a well-tolerated, low-downtime procedure. Call our office today and schedule your FREE consultation.
filled with so much love, laughter, and celebration. We’re beyond grateful for the dream team of vendors who brought our vision to life and made every moment unforgettable.
ENDLESS THANKS TO:
Photographer: JEJ Photos
After Party Venue: Easy Tiger Beer Garden
Content Creator: My Social BFF
Florals: The Rooted Magnolia
Pizza truck: Drift Along Pizza Co.
Dress: Buttercup Bride
Gavin’s suit: ABR Tailors & Suits
Hair & Makeup: SMG Beauty Co.
Accommodations: The Kimpton Cardinal
We also want to give a heartfelt thank you to our incredible support system—our families, friends, and gym family. You showed up for us in more ways than we can count, and we’re so lucky to be surrounded by such genuine love and community.
Here’s to forever, surrounded by the very best people.
Pamper yourself to healthier hair and scalp and better overall wellness. YUME treatments use advanced techniques to hydrate your scalp and hair, promote a clean and balanced scalp, and to provide relaxation and stress relief through deep cleansing and real Japanese pressure points and scalp massage during treatment.
Improves scalp health and hair health
Promotes relaxation
Reduces stress
Improved blood circulation
Reduces headaches and tension
Boost hair growth
Enhances product absorption
by KARA YATES, SECU FAMILY HOUSE
he SECU Family House is excited to celebrate the 10th annual Men Who Cook—our largest fundraiser and one of WinstonSalem’s most anticipated food events. Sponsored by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, this unique evening brings together over 35 local male leaders who swap their day jobs for chef hats to compete for crowd-favorite like Best Taste, Best Presentation, and Most Tips Raised.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 16, 2025. At 6:30pm Legacy Stables & Events’ Forsyth Barn will be filled with fun, flavor, and purpose as nearly 400 guests sample delicious bites from 16 chef teams. From appetizers to desserts, the dishes are as diverse as the teams behind them—each one ready to tantalize your tastebuds and earn your votes through tips.
Last year, the event raised over $148,000 to support the SECU Family House, which provides affordable, comfortable lodging to adult patients and caregivers traveling to Winston-Salem for serious medical care.
“This event embodies everything the Family House stands for— community, compassion, and comfort,” said Executive Director Kathy Carr. “It’s heartwarming to see our supporters show up year after year for families going through some of the hardest times in their lives.”
Families staying at the SECU Family House often travel from across North Carolina and beyond to receive care at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, and Trellis Supportive Care. A stay at the Family House offers comfort and relief at a fraction of hotel costs—and with home-cooked meals, therapy dog visits, art and wellness activities, and more, it’s truly “more than just a place to stay.”
Guests vote for their favorite dishes by tipping their favorite chef teams—online or in person. Winners walk away with bragging rights and custom trophies, but the real victory is the support shown for the families we serve.
Tickets are on sale now at bit.ly/menwhocook2025 for $100 each. Includes all-you-can-eat food & all-you-can-drink beverages.
Reserve a seated table for 10 for $1,250—great for businesses, friends, or family groups.
New this year – Reserve a standing cocktail table for $250 (tickets purchased separately)- perfect for couples or small groups who want a space to gather during the evening.
Wooden Spoon Sponsorships are available for $500 and include two event tickets, early entry, and a printed program listing.
For corporate sponsorship details, contact Director of Development, Kara Yates at 336-793-2822 or Kara.Yates@ familyhousews.org.
Since opening in 2011, the SECU Family House has welcomed over 58,000 guests from 96 NC counties and 45 states. Events like Men Who Cook help ensure our doors stay open for out-of-town patients and their families experiencing medical crisis- offering comfort, hope, and a place to rest.
The season of spring into summer is one of the most popular times of year for homeowners to tackle major remodeling projects, and the kitchen is often at the top of the list. With longer daylight hours, fewer holiday disruptions and better weather for managing construction mess, it’s no surprise that many people choose this season to refresh the heart of their home. This design showcases a dream kitchen transformation – light, airy cabinetry paired with natural stone countertops, elegant gold fixtures and plenty of seating around a spacious island. It’s not just about aesthetics, either; thoughtful layouts like these improve flow and functionality, making cooking, entertaining and everyday living easier and more enjoyable.
Just off the kitchen, the dining area continues the serene, sophisticated theme with soft neutrals, plush upholstered chairs and an inviting chandelier that gives off a warm, golden glow. Large windows and sliding glass doors flood the space with natural light and offer a seamless connection to the outdoors – perfect for hosting summer brunches or simply enjoying morning coffee. These design choices aren’t just about beauty; they reflect a shift in how we live today, emphasizing comfort, openness and effortless style. If you’ve been thinking about a kitchen remodel, now is the ideal time to start planning and bring your vision to life.
Our portfolio is listed on our website, junedelugasinteriors.com, under “Design Projects.” You can see some of our projects from the past 10 years and how the styles and design trends have changed. The first step is picking up the phone and reaching out to our design team. We look forward to discussing your dream design with you.
God Bless,
by LESLIE SPEAS
Do your employees have the skills to collaborate effectively, adapt to change and step into leadership roles? As I work with organizations, I am picking up on frustrations that they often don’t, particularly with the younger generations entering the workforce.
While technical expertise is essential, soft skills – like communication, teamwork and emotional intelligence – are what truly set high-performing employees apart. In fact, they are so impactful that I prefer to call them power skills.
By developing these skills, employees can elevate their careers and strengthen workplace culture, engagement and productivity.
Trust is the foundation of every high-performing workplace. Employees who earn trust are more effective collaborators and leaders. Here’s how:
• Show respect – Treat colleagues with kindness and professionalism.
• Be authentic – Align actions with values to build credibility.
• Demonstrate integrity – Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
• Extend trust – Create a culture of mutual respect and accountability.
According to leadership expert Patrick Lencioni, the best team players are humble, hungry and smart:
• Humble – Prioritize team success over personal status.
• Hungry – Take initiative, seek growth and stay motivated.
• Smart – Navigate workplace relationships effectively by listening, asking great questions and engaging with emotional intelligence.
Employees who understand and apply their strengths are more engaged and productive. Encourage them to:
• Identify their strengths using tools like the Working Genius Model and Assessment.
• Reflect on past successes to uncover natural talents.
• Seek feedback from colleagues and leaders.
CULTIVATE A POSITIVE WORKPLACE ENERGY
Negativity spreads quickly, but so does positivity. Help employees become energizers rather than energy drainers by:
• Avoiding unnecessary complaints.
• Smiling and engaging with colleagues.
• Steering clear of negativity and energy vampires.
• Practicing gratitude and celebrating small wins.
A growth mindset is key to professional success. Encourage employees to:
• Stay open to feedback.
• Seek out learning opportunities (mentorship, workshops, courses).
• Continuously refine their skills and knowledge.
High-performing employees take care of themselves and others. Promote:
• Self care – Healthy habits, stress management and rest.
• Empathy – Listening, expressing appreciation and supporting colleagues.
1 2 4 3 5 6 7
A clear vision fuels motivation and long-term success. Encourage employees to consider:
• Their strengths, values and passions.
• Their ideal work environment and career path.
• What excites them about their future.
When employees develop these soft skills, they contribute more effectively to their teams and organizations and are better prepared for leadership opportunities.
by MICHAEL JOHNSON
Emily Davis inspires our community members to live their most active lives. She and her husband, Keith, are the successful community-conscious owners of Fleet Feet stores in Clemmons and Winston-Salem. Her perspective as an entrepreneur and philanthropist is something to behold as invaluable.
TALK TO EVERYONE ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH AND IF YOU ALWAYS KNEW YOU WOULD OWN A BUSINESS.
From as young as middle school, I had plans to pursue a career in corporate marketing or advertising. As young as 7th grade I knew I wanted to get my MBA. I never thought I’d own my own business, and I certainly never thought I’d be the owner of a Fleet Feet store.
In high school, I hated the days we had to run three miles at track practice – owning a business that was all about running and helping others live fit was not on my wish list.
The early days were pretty tough. We saved for two years to have enough to start the business. We took all that we had and put it into building out the first store, buying the inventory and we still had to take a big loan. I remember in the early days our daily sales were a couple hundred per day. It was many months before we finally cleared having days
that were more than $1,000 per day. We were scraping by. It was stressful. But, a Fleet Feet owner had warned me to get ready to live off of peanut butter and jelly for the first few years, and she wasn’t kidding.
You have to be consistent and patient. Starting a business and building it to be successful is a long, slow journey. It doesn’t happen quickly.
Imagine you take all the savings you have, you put it into a business that you believe in your heart will work (but you don’t really know if it will) and then just show up every day waiting for it to turn the corner. I’m so grateful we started Fleet Feet. I also think we were naïve enough to just go for it –we were young. We had our first child the first year the business opened. I remember thinking – what would happen if we went bankrupt. The CEO of Fleet Feet at the time laughed at me. He said “first of all, that’s not going to happen, and secondly, don’t you think you’re marketable enough to go do something else if that were to happen?”
Don’t ever listen to the doubters. You have to trust your own abilities.
(continued on page 42)
Our primary mission is to help others live a more fit life in our community. We go deeper in our mission – we want to achieve this by being a catalytic engine for improvement in the Triad and by living out our Christian values through our business.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WITH YOUR BUSINESS?
Definitely working with my spouse. That’s a tough one. In the first 10 years, it was so so hard. Our marriage and work life was just all a big blur – there was no separation. Now, it’s been 19 years, and the blended days are still there but my perspective has changed. Now, I appreciate it and the blessing that it has been.
WHAT HAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED YOU THE MOST?
I never wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I wanted to live the executive life and dress nice every day and drive a Volvo. That was seriously my vision for myself when I was younger. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how my attitude toward work has changed. Fleet Feet has afforded me the flexibility to do what I need to do as a mom, and give the time to my kids that is needed.
Our local philanthropic efforts were begun with creating our shoe charity, Mission Feet First, which is now called Good Works Engine.
Back in 2010, it was created to help bless others with a new pair of shoes. We wanted to bless the homeless and tent city community, and low income students with a proper fitting pair of shoes.
Since 2010, our efforts have expanded to include Kenya. We helped build a school in Kenya for a running academy with Boston Marathon champion Wesley Korir. Now, we’ve started a new coffee company, Bingwa, to raise funds for Transcend Talent Academy. God just keeps giving us more opportunities to serve.
Our Winston-Salem store is turning 19 this year. We are working hard to create a system that allows our amazing staff to fully run the business. One day, we want to be able to transition ownership to our staff. I don’t want to sell shoes forever – there are other things I believe God is calling me to do. Fleet Feet has been an amazing blessing in our lives, but we are ready to start thinking about what structure is needed to transition ownership one day. Our staff is incredible. Presently, it’s about how to transition it to the right person or team and maintain the culture that we’ve built.
by MARTIE EMORY
As the excitement of a new school year builds, so does the vision of eager young faces returning to the classroom with shiny new notebooks, brightly colored pencils and stylish new backpacks. But, for many families, those back-to-school “basics” simply aren’t in their current budget.
Thankfully, The Educator Warehouse — which kicks off its 15th year on July 31st — is a lifesaver for both students and parents. Through a collaboration with Forsyth Educator Partnership, Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Council of PTAs and WSFCS, teachers can “shop” at The Educator Warehouse for the learning essentials needed to fully stock their classrooms — and aid their students in starting off a successful school year!
“During our open houses last year, we served 520 teachers in two days, and during the rest of the year, we served about 50% of all of our teachers in the WSFCS system,” shares Karel Chandler, one of the organization’s founders. “It’s extremely important to us that the community knows we are still in business — and going strong — especially given all the current financial struggles within the school system. We are hoping to double the number of teachers we serve this year.”
Through generous donations from individuals, local businesses and other community organizations, students receive the daily school supplies they need, ready to start using on the very first day of class. This year’s open houses for teachers to “shop” include July 31st from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for new teachers, August 1st from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. for new and veteran teachers, and August 2nd from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. for new and veteran teachers.
During the rest of the school year, teachers can shop for needed classroom supplies on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., and on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Teachers are allowed one visit to the warehouse per quarter and must sign up online to shop on a specific day, for a designated amount. Given their busy schedules, teachers can also take advantage of The Educator Warehouse’s convenient online shopping option, if they are unable to shop in person. To shop in person, visit The Educator Warehouse on the Diggs-Latham Elementary School campus, located at 986 Hutton Street in Winston-Salem.
Some of the most needed school supplies include:
• Glue sticks
• Copy paper
• Colored pencils
• Pens
• Eraser caps
• Dry eraser markers
• Dry erasers
• Highlighters and markers
• Sharpie markers
• Composition books
• Hand sanitizer
• Kleenex/tissues
will also be collecting school supplies for The Educator Warehouse at our July Girls’ Night Out. Make plans to join us Thursday, July 10th, starting at 5:00 p.m., at Twisted Pine, 527 N. Liberty Street in Winston-Salem. The more school supplies you donate, the more tickets you’ll receive for our GNO prize board! Plus, Twisted Pine will be offering menu and drink specials, so bring your best girlfriends and help stock The Educator Warehouse!
To donate school supplies any time or learn more about their much-needed volunteering needs, visit the facility’s webpage at wsfcs.k12.nc.us/ domain/6689 where you’ll also find a list of commonly requested supplies.
Those interested in volunteering can also email Karel Chandler at kchandler3@msn.com, or give her a call with any questions at 336.817.1673. To stay up-to-date on the latest announcements and news from The Educator Warehouse, check out their Facebook page, and follow @educatorwarehouse on Instagram.
Domestic abuse in our community is nothing new, and what we know is that it can happen to anyone.
But what we used to know about domestic violence is changing. Because our community is more diverse than ever, our challenges are more diverse, too. New faces and new stories. People you see but whose lives you cannot imagine.
We’ve always been here, but with your support we’re about to get One Step Closer to being safe and secure for all people.
To learn more about how Family Services is supporting people experiencing domestic violence visit FamilyServicesForsyth.org/ Safe-Relationships
To make a life-changing donation, visit FamilyServicesForsyth.org/Give
THURSDAY,
Support local teachers by bringing school supply donations for the Educator Warehouse and earn extra Prize Board tickets!
The more you give, the more chances you get to win —More school supplies = More Prize Tickets!
Grab your mom, sister, girlfriends, or co-workers and join Forsyth Woman Magazine for a much-needed Girls Night Out!
Enjoy a fun evening with fabulous prizes—no business cards required. Just come ready for a good time!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @forsythmags and subscribe at forsythwoman.com for updates and future events.
by TARYN JEREZ , OF GOFORITCREATIVE.COM
This column is meant to serve as a resource for readers who seek inspiration and knowledge for building their own small business brands. Through actionable advice, find the encouragement to help you keep living your life with hustle and heart.
Let’s talk about the silent sales killer you often don’t see coming – your messaging. To make it clear, I’m talking about boring, vanilla messaging
Small business owners show up actively online, sharing their valuable offers, using high quality brand photos and wonder why they aren’t seeing traction in their sales. They worry if it’s their pricing when it’s simply that their customers are hearing vague, generalized messaging that isn’t specific to them or why they need what’s being sold!
We’ve all seen this kind of sabotage hiding in plain sight before:
• A sales page that could apply to 20 different industries.
• A web page headline that reads like a mission statement.
• An instagram bio that tells people what you do – but not why it matters to them.
The truth is that every moment spent putting out unclear messaging is a missed conversion. The brands you see bringing in the sales are getting crystal clear on who they help, how they help them and the core message their customers need to hear to know they are going to deliver exactly what they crave most!
Let’s clear this up! Your brand voice and the copy that supports your website and marketing assets are not the same thing as your core message. Your brand voice is how you speak; your tone, style and personality coming through as a business. Yes, your copy includes messaging, but we’re not talking about the all encompassing verbiage you write on your sales pages, product descriptions, emails and website.
We are talking about the heart of it all! The billboard statement of your business! My speaking coach, Jessica Rasdall, always says, “What would your billboard say?” She has her students identify the one thing they would plaster across Times Square if they had one shot to catch their dream client’s attention. So, ask yourself right now – what would yours say?
You wouldn’t write everything you do or include a dozen bullet points of what’s included in your offers. Instead, you’d lean in and identify the main message you wanted millions of people to see from your brand every day!
3 STEPS TO IDENTIFY AND CRAFT YOUR CORE MESSAGING
Ready to uncover your message and let it lead your marketing?
#1 Define the One Thing You Do Best
What is the core outcome or transformation you create for your customers? This is how you set the foundation for your core message! For what do I want people to come to me? What do I know my business does best? What results am I confident that I get for my customers? That’s your starting point.
#2 Find the Gaps in Your Messaging
Now that you know the meat of your core message, think about how you speak to it in a way that matters to your specific ideal buyer! You can promise the moon, but why do they care? Why does the transformation or promise I provide matter to them? How does my service or product make them feel? What is the real reason they want or need this offer – the social or emotional one they aren’t saying?
Your core message is the compass that should guide all of your content and copy! Look at your website or sales page for instance, and be sure the words that speak to your core message most aren’t hiding! Test out different ways of speaking to your core message to see what resonates to your audience most.
Even if you hired a copywriter last year or just wrapped up your website copy, go back and make sure your core message isn’t hiding in the land of vague vanilla messaging! Make updates where your verbiage makes you feel something! Your dream clients are out there waiting to see you really get them and their needs!
This month, block 30 minutes on your calendar to really dig deep into your core messaging by reviewing what you really want to be known for and how your business is speaking directly to the customers who need what you do most!
by RENEE SKUDRA
In late summer of 2016, with the crepe trees in full and pungent bloom and generally happy lives, my son and I found that our ship of state suddenly foundered, losing its ballast and tossing us onto a stormy, obdurate and uncertain sea. My life partner suffered a sudden stroke and died hours later. Forever gone were the dreams of moving to Ireland – Bill’s ancestral home – and buying a home in a place where we could throw some roots down deep. I can remember thinking my life was over and my son would never have as great a stepfather as he had had for 12 years. An old friend of few words handed me a piece of paper with the sentiment “When the winds of change blow, adjust your sails” and said “You need this.” I recognized that moment as an epiphany weeks later and it changed the very architecture of my life. That very day, my son had received a letter from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro notifying him that he had been accepted to the graduate program in American history. It was as if that acceptance letter was telling us, “here’s a second chance to make a new life” and reconfigure our lives which had lost their moorings. Nothing less than starting something new somewhere and somehow.
Days later, I began making arrangements for our move to the southeast and notified the landlord we were relocating. I found a house to rent online and a person to drive our car 3,000 miles with us in it. I left behind family, close friends, a terrific job, a great place to live and Berkeley – the city where my son was born and we had both gone to school. Virtually no one supported the move, voicing reservations about how we were making “a big mistake” and California was “the very best place to live.” But, one literary comrade sent me an email with author Stephen King’s quote in it: “life always offers you a second chance. It’s called tomorrow,” do it! Somehow that quote helped me begin to change my mindset, realizing that one can start over anywhere and that second chances conceivably have the power to produce positive outcomes.
When I came across someone named Marc Chernoff and his article “12 Ways To Get A Second Chance In Life,” I was a believer. Below are the majority of the ways he suggested to reframe one’s life and move forward with vigor towards a new and fulfilling one:
“Let go of the past – what’s done is done.” All of us will find ourselves facing difficulties in our life, but, concurrently, those difficulties will be accompanied by opportunities for personal growth. I made a tiny compromise: I kept my California cell phone number (and still do) but left the Bay Area and any regrets far afield.
“Identify the lesson.” Marc says that “everything is a life lesson…never forget to acknowledge the lesson, especially when things don’t go your way. If you don’t get the job you wanted…it only means something better is out there waiting. And, the lesson you just learned is the first step towards it.”
“Lose the negative attitude.” Marc argues that positive thinking creates positive results. Keep your eyes on the positivity ball – you are the curator of your destiny.
“Focus on the things you can change.” I couldn’t change the fact of my partner’s untimely death. I DID have the money and wherewithal to relocate and the support of the one person who mattered most – my son. I turned a deaf ear to all the naysayers, started packing our belongings and imagining a happy life in North Carolina.
“Figure out what you really want, and don’t waste your life fulfilling someone else’s dreams and desires.” Once I decided that we would accept a second chance at a new life in the Tarheel State, things suddenly felt easier and more achievable.
1 2 3 4 5 6
“Concentrate on the essential – eliminate the fluff.” Marc was spot on with that – I gave away a ton of stuff to the Salvation Army, focusing on an economy of purpose –traveling light.
In August, we arrived at our new home in the Triad, marveling at the dogwood and sweet gum trees in our front yard and the bevy of cardinals, squirrels and chipmunks who noisily greeted us. Everything was so green and verdant and looked superlatively beautiful. We began our new life with excitement and ate a takeout dinner under a cluster of bright North Carolina stars. I like to think that God put that second chance in our path knowing we would take it. And, we never had a single regret that we did.
by MARTIE EMORY, photos by JEJ PHOTOS
The story of Pat’s Body Shop & Towing in Winston-Salem has been a journey of milestones – each chapter fueled by the passion of dynamic owner Sandra Scarlette.
Owning and managing a business that falls into a seriously maledominated category has not been without its unique obstacles, but those have only driven Sandra to achieve even more success. Shying away from challenges is simply not her style!
Sandra is proud of the growth of her popular trio of businesses in the last several years and feels blessed by the strong community that’s been present every step of the way.
From celebrating 61 years of Pat’s Body Shop serving the Winston-Salem area to five exciting years of Scarlette’s Performance, each milestone has been meaningful.
Last July’s opening of the new paint shop marked a particularly challenging three-year journey of endless rezoning issues, building delays and politics.
“We had been trying to buy the building for the paint shop for literally 15 years,” Sandra shares. “I would walk out of the shop in the evenings and tell my guys ‘we’re going to have those two buildings one day!’ So, getting these two new buildings up and going represents 15 years worth of dreams!”
Overcoming so many setbacks just made the dream realization sweeter – as details fell into place, and all three businesses are thriving. Under Sandra’s savvy leadership, Pat’s Body Shop is literally bringing cars back to life on a daily basis – both mechanically and cosmetically – from service and repairs to custom interiors.
As Sandra had envisioned, Pat’s Body Shop & Towing, Scarlette’s Performance (the best local resource for all performance parts), and the paint shop are all within walking distance of each other!
Sandra has also welcomed her daughter and son-in-law onboard – Hope and Tim Taylor –and is thrilled to build on the family ties that launched the business. That adventure began when Sandra’s brother, Pat, started the business back in 1964. He was determined to teach her to love and, most of all, respect the industry –both lessons she took to heart. Sandra bought Pat’s Body Shop from him in 1997. It’s been 20 years since Pat passed away in a plane crash in 2005, but carrying on his legacy continues to be Sandra’s mission.
The super fast pace at all three businesses is more than enough to keep the adrenaline flowing, for both Sandra and her impeccable team who’ve built a strong bond through the years. Customers appreciate their genuine attention to detail and dedication to exceptional service that includes collision repair, interior work, mechanical work, custom painting and restoration work. (Fun Fact: Scarlette’s Performance also showcases Sandra’s personal passion for drag racing, and it’s no secret she’s well known in the area for her custom car collection!)
Even breaking into the typically “good ‘ole boy’s game” of towing – although an often tedious, hard-fought victory – has truly brought Pat’s Body Shop to another level.
Also recognized as the largest single-woman owned body shop in the United States, Sandra admits there are flashbacks to the 70s and 80s, when she will tell you many men didn’t even welcome a woman writing an estimate for them. But, relying on steadfast faith and determination, she leads a talented team whose excellent service and dedication to the highest quality work speak for themselves. When she meets
other budding female entrepreneurs, Sandra is quick to reveal the challenges along the way have been the part of her journey of which she’s most proud.
When you’re visiting the shop, ask Sandra about her time as an award-winning bodybuilder! It’s no surprise you might find a few weights being lifted around the shop from time to time – and Sandra’s natural competitive streak touches every aspect of her busy schedule.
As a woman in management and ownership in a previously male-dominated arena, the road to where she is today has been filled with surprises. But, Sandra will tell you that’s what she loves most! Her trio of business ventures is the perfect balance of smart partnerships and community interaction – and Sandra plans to stay keenly focused on quality, dependability and the significant difference her success has made in the local industry.
On the community front, Pat’s Body Shop & Towing is an avid supporter of a variety of kids’ sports leagues in the Winston-Salem area, as well as sponsoring races and advertising with both Farmington Dragway and North Wilkesboro Speedway. They also participate in shows at Piedmont Dragway.
Pat’s Body Shop & Towing is a full service collision repair facility located in WinstonSalem and is also a direct repair facility for most insurance companies. For free estimates on all your collision repairs, interior or mechanical needs, call 336.945.3767 or stop by 5720 Country Club Road. For 24/7 towing, please call 336.999.3000, and learn more about their services online at pats-bodyshop.com.
For all your automotive performance parts needs, call Scarlette’s Performance at 336.946.9007, learn more at Scarlettesperformance.com and stop by to visit the showroom at 5730 Country Club Road. Follow Sandra and her team on Facebook and Instagram @pats_bodyshop and @scarlettes_ performance. Both shops are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
by ISABELLA CASTINEYRA
In February, pop star Sabrina Carpenter released Short n’ Sweet Deluxe, an extended version of the Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2025 Grammys. One of the featured songs on the album is entitled “15 Minutes.” Although Sabrina’s interpretation is raunchier, the theme of this song is that, in just 15 minutes, a lot can be accomplished. A bad habit of mine is looking at the clock, seeing I only have 15 minutes before I have to do something, telling myself that’s not enough time, then proceeding to do nothing until I have to leave the house. I then asked myself, how much time would I gain if I actively utilized the spare 15 minutes in my day? Probably a lot. If Sabrina can be so effective with her use of 15 minutes, I should figure out ways to better utilize those spare 15 minutes in the day.
I often fall into the trap of thinking that if I don’t have several hours free, it’s not worth it to work out. I promise, a 15-minute walk, stretch or workout is absolutely worth it. Even on days without enough time for a full workout, at least something that keeps the body moving is a great way to spend time.
I love to read, but I sometimes find myself going months without picking up a book because I feel like I don’t have time. There’s no shame in reading a chapter or two for 15 minutes. So, pick up that guitar, that sketchbook or your book because those 15 minutes are better than nothing at all!
Whether it be a good or a bad trait of mine, I tend to be a task finisher. I don’t like to start something unless I can finish it in its entirety. With this spare 15-minute dilemma, I’ve found that I have to break out of that mindset. For example, in 15 minutes, I might not have time to wash, dry, fold and put away my laundry, but at least folding is better than no progress at all. Just unloading the dishwasher, watering the plants or wiping the counters down is something. I’ve even started chopping vegetables for something I plan on cooking later. I don’t love leaving tasks half finished, but leaving something halfway done later feels like a little gift to future me.
I could write a whole article on the benefits of napping (as a matter of fact, I think I will sometime soon), but lying down for 15 minutes in between tasks is an effective use of time, too. I know it can be hard to convince yourself that time lying down and taking a nap isn’t wasteful, but I’ve found that I am more productive after I rest my eyes for a bit. To me, that’s a win – being able to complete tasks faster and better after I take time to myself is worth it in the end. I’m not saying that I’m going to stop with the slow pack-up with 15 minutes left in the work day (don’t lie – we all do it), but time used effectively is never wasted. Whether it’s cleaning, exercising, napping or prepping, taking 15 minutes to complete tasks has changed my outlook on what I can accomplish. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not perfect, but listening to Sabrina and realizing you can do more with your spare 15 minutes can give you more time in your day.
www.megansmith-photography.com
info@megansmith-photography.com
Call me a late bloomer, but at 33, I am just now realizing that my parents aren’t omniscient.
In fact, I often find myself educating them on certain topics or providing them with insight into patterns or behaviors of which they were otherwise unaware. It had to happen sometime, and while the process of fully individuating from my parents ideally would have happened in college, a decade late is better than never.
I have a sneaking suspicion that there are other readers out there who are well into their late 20s, 30s and 40s and still subconsciously living by their parents’ rules. When you make a mistake, whose voice do you hear in your head scolding you? Before deciding on where to live, which car to buy, which man to date or which job offer to take, do you feel the need to choose the route that would be most pleasing to your parents or yourself? When selecting an outfit for the day, do you hear your mother’s voice warning you about modesty, or is it just me?
by AM Y HILL
Arriving at the conclusion that your parents are flawed humans just like everyone else is terrifying yet freeing. In recent articles, I’ve mentioned how isolation and loneliness are becoming themes for my thirties; however, I think a major contributor to creeping bouts of loneliness is my conscious effort to rely less on my parents for input or emotional support. As it turns out, they don’t really have to know everything that’s going on in my life. I don’t have to run things past them or seek their approval to feel content. It isn’t lying or hiding. I’m an adult.
In fact, I think I thrive with a little distance from the opinions of my parents. I can listen to my own internal voice, take back a few criticisms I’ve internalized since childhood and discover who I really am through my own eyes and the eyes of others – not through the eyes of my parents, who have their own projections, trauma-informed perspectives and misconceptions just like everyone else. Maybe I’m not too emotional; instead, maybe my emotional intelligence and desire to have deep conversations exhausts or triggers people who suppress their feelings or struggle with emotional unavailability. Perhaps I don’t “live in the past” and need to “let things go.” It’s possible that my prolific ability to connect the dots between the past and present helps me predict behaviors and point out problematic
patterns that others can’t see, and that makes others uncomfortable who aren’t ready to look inward or change.
It’s not natural for me to suppress the urge to spill my guts to my mom or provide her with details about my personal life, but it’s the healthier route and will only propel me further into emotional maturity and break codependent patterns that hold me back. It’s fascinating that a large majority of adult children naturally, and sometimes out of necessity, step into their own much sooner, while I am on pace to break my codependency at some point before hitting menopause. I shiver thinking about what would have happened if I had gotten married and had children in my mid-20s without having these realizations. Would I have ended up in a messy divorce or projected my insecurities onto my children from not truly knowing myself? Thankfully, my hypothetical husband and children were left unscathed all thanks to my woefully delayed emotional puberty.
Putting an end to the over-reliance on my parents for validation and approval is a start, but the end goal is to no longer look to anyone for those things. Adhering to my beliefs, morals and values should be enough guidance to get me to the next stage in life – with maybe a few purrs from my cat to pick me up when I’m down along the way.
by SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF NORTHWEST NC
For many families, summer is a season of possibility—time outdoors, family road trips, and kids soaking up sunshine. But for others in our community, it’s a season of added strain. When school doors close, so do cafeterias—and with them, access to the free or reduced-price meals that so many children count on to stay nourished and ready to learn.
The reality? Very few children who receive school meals during the academic year can access summer meal sites. Lack of transportation, caregiver work schedules, and limited site availability all play a role. So instead of a break from routine, summer can bring uncertainty about something as basic as food.
Alicia, a longtime elementary school teacher and now a Second Harvest volunteer, saw the effects firsthand.
“You could always tell who didn’t have enough to eat,” she shared. “Some kids came to school too tired to learn, their heads on their desks. Others were bouncing off the walls from too many sugary snacks—because there was no real food at home.”
To help, Alicia kept oatmeal and oranges in her desk drawer to quietly offer hungry students. She even started a school garden to teach kids where food comes from.
“When we supply children with the nutrition they need,” she said, “they become more attentive, alert, and aware.”
This summer, Second Harvest is expanding its Community Meals initiative to reach more children than ever. Across our 18-county
service region—including here in Forsyth County—we’re preparing and distributing thousands of fresh, ready-toeat meals for children and teens. These meals are lovingly made by our Providence team of chefs and volunteers, then delivered to trusted sites like community centers, YMCA programs, and more.
One young girl told us, “This lunch makes me feel full and happy.” Another added, “The apples are my favorite. And the juice. Thank you for thinking of us.”
Alongside this work, Second Harvest continues to stock the shelves of hundreds of local food assistance programs— partners serving families every day in neighborhoods across Northwest North Carolina.
But we cannot do this alone—and we cannot do it without strong federal nutrition programs. SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, plays a vital role in helping families keep nutritious food on the table year-round. In fact, for every meal our Food Bank provides, SNAP provides nine.
Right now, proposed cuts to SNAP in the federal budget threaten to make this work even harder.
Visit our website to learn more and take action at SecondHarvestNWNC.org/stories.
Together, we can make summer a season of nourishment, energy, and joy—for every child in every community.
by ISABELLA CASTINEYRA
Welcome back to Trying New Things! I am so grateful to be on the fifth edition of my monthly Forsyth Woman column. It has been a joy trying new activities every month, sharing my experience and hopefully inspiring readers to find ways to exercise that work for them. This month, we tried mat Pilates. As promised, after last month’s pickleball article, I wanted to provide an activity that does not require equipment or other people. Mat Pilates is just that – a solo activity that can be completed at home with just a video as guidance.
Pilates was developed all the way back during World War I by German-born Joseph Pilates. Pilates focuses on mobility, core strength and flexibility. When Joseph Pilates was first experimenting with exercises, he actually attached springs to hospital beds to help rehabilitate bedridden patients. His hospital bed and spring discovery turned into what we now call a “reformer” machine. For providing accessibility to more Forsyth Woman readers, I stuck with Mat Pilates this time around. A reformer machine has a sliding platform and straps to conduct the exercises, but the classes and machine itself can get pretty expensive.
From the research I did into Pilates as an activity and Mr. Pilates himself, Pilates is meant to be adaptable and assist in rehabilitation. I would absolutely say that Mat Pilates is beginner friendly, especially considering that all you need to do it at home is a little space. I took several Mat Pilates classes, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there were some people in the classes I took that were really good. For example, we did some exercises where we did large circles with our legs while in a side plank (think like pedaling a bike). I had to drop down on my forearm while others in the class remained on their hands. It took immense core strength, focus and mobility all at one time. The exercises were adaptable to any level, but if I wanted to get really great at Pilates, it absolutely would take time, effort and practice.
I absolutely found Pilates challenging. Not because my heart rate was high or I was sweating but because of the actual movements. More specifically, Pilates showed me that I seriously lack hip mobility; my hips were popping the entire class! That is the purpose of Pilates – intentional exercise movements that target specific pain points. If you have a spare 15 minutes (hint: check out my other article in this month’s FW edition), lie down and try some Pilates exercises. For those who struggle with consistent injuries, especially our runner friends, Pilates might really help improve your exercise routine! If Pilates isn’t quite right, next month, we’ll meet in the middle with a social wellness activity with no equipment required.
by JOY NELSON THOMAS
In today’s fastpaced, interconnected world, success isn’t just about what you know – it’s about who you know. Networking, loved by some and dreaded by others, is undeniably powerful. But, for women, I believe it holds something even deeper – lifechanging potential. It’s more than just professional – it’s personal. It’s about building your community.
Let’s talk about that power for a second. Sure, we all know the basics – access to job opportunities, increased professional visibility and career growth. But, when I think about networking, I think about something else too – the energy in the room That feeling when you’re surrounded by people with shared or lived experiences, people who get it. A space for mentorship, encouragement and those quiet reminders that you are not alone.
Here are a few things networking allows us to do:
And, I don’t just mean the community you’re in. I’m talking about who you need in your community. Who’s in your corner? Who’s helping you grow? One of the most powerful parts of networking is connecting with other women – especially those who’ve walked similar paths. These connections can offer guidance, confidence and real belonging. Over time, they become support systems that are more than professional – they’re a gamechanger.
Women-centered networking spaces – whether they’re local meetups, industry specific groups or global communities – create opportunities to share wins, talk through challenges and genuinely lift one another up. These networks help us amplify each other’s voices, refer opportunities and celebrate growth – together.
Let’s be real – women have historically been underrepresented in leadership and high-powered spaces. And often, it’s not due to a lack of talent – it’s a lack of access. Access to opportunity, influence and mentorship. Networking helps close that gap. It opens doors to career advancement, entrepreneurship and insights we might not otherwise reach. Okay – enough about why it’s important. Let’s talk how.
• Be Intentional
If you know me, you know this is my thing. Don’t say yes to everything. Be intentional about the events, groups or communities you pour into – make sure they align with your goals and values. Stop trying to be everywhere at once!
• Follow Up and Follow Through Look, if you’re inconsistent, now’s the time to work on it. Relationships grow through consistency – check in, show up and keep your word.
• Don’t Just Take – Give Networking is not just about what you can get. Offer support, advice and opportunities when you can. Give generously – it comes back.
Networking isn’t just a career move. It’s empowerment. It’s growth. It’s community. By showing up for each other, women don’t just elevate their own careers – we build something bigger. We build for the future.
by JANE BURNETTE healthcoachjane.com
IG @coachjanebb FB @coachjanebb
If you’ve ever stuck to a nutrition and exercise plan to the letter – only to see the scale not budge for days or weeks – you’re not alone. But, then one morning, poof – you’re down three pounds overnight. Did you suddenly burn a mountain of fat in your sleep? Probably not. What you experienced was something many women encounter: The Whoosh Effect.
In simple terms, the Whoosh Effect is a sudden drop in weight – often after a frustrating plateau – caused by the release of retained water from fat cells that had already been emptied of fat.
Here’s what’s really happening behind the scenes – as your body breaks down stored fat (triglycerides), those fat cells don’t immediately shrink. Instead, they temporarily fill with water. This sneaky water retention can make it seem like you’re not making progress – even when your body is burning fat.
Eventually, your body releases that excess water – sometimes triggered by sleep, stress relief or a change in routine – and that’s when the “whoosh” happens. The scale drops, your clothes fit differently and you finally feel the progress you’ve actually been making all along.
Hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause – like drops in estrogen and rises in cortisol – can make the fat loss journey feel like one long game of “is this even working?” The Whoosh Effect is a reminder that fat loss is not linear. Your body is working hard behind the scenes, even when the scale isn’t cooperating.
Understanding this hidden process helps you stay focused, avoid self sabotage and stop chasing quick fixes every time the number stalls.
Let’s be clear – you can’t force a Whoosh. But, you can absolutely support the conditions that make it more likely:
• Stick to Your Plan: Keep showing up with your meals, workouts and daily habits – regardless of what the scale says.
• Hydrate Generously: When you’re well hydrated, your body is more likely to release retained water instead of holding on to it.
• Lower Stress: Elevated cortisol is a key driver of water retention. Prioritize stress management techniques like breathwork, slow walks, meditation or even Pilates (I always walk out of Pilates feeling like I’ve had a mini vacation).
• Prioritize Sleep: Your body does the real repair work at night. Aim for seven to nine hours, and don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a Sunday sleep in. I skip the alarm and let my body wake up on its own – it’s hands down the most indulgent, guilt-free luxury I allow myself each week.
Fat loss isn’t just about pounds. That scale can’t capture improvements in your energy, digestion, mood, skin glow or the jeans that suddenly zip with ease. I always encourage clients to track progress with photos, measurements or “non-scale wins” – like saying no to that afternoon sugar crash or noticing you’ve stopped needing a nap to survive the day.
Remind Yourself That Fat Loss is Not Linear
Just because the scale isn’t dropping doesn’t mean your body isn’t adjusting, healing or preparing for the next shift.
Follow the Plan, Not Your Feelings
Your emotions will trick you into quitting too soon. Stay the course.
Celebrate the Small Stuff
In my home, we end each day by sharing one “win” and one thing for which we’re grateful. It’s a simple but powerful way to reduce evening stress and reinforce a positive mindset. If it works for my rowdy crew of boys, it’ll work for anyone.
Bottom Line
The Whoosh Effect is your body’s way of saying, “Hey – you’re doing it. Just keep going.” Don’t be fooled by the lag between effort and results. Be patient. Be consistent. And, when the Whoosh hits? Enjoy every ounce of progress – it was there all along.
by LESLIE SPEAS
are big pain points for most organizations. Hearing the voice of the employee and getting his or her feedback on what is going well and opportunities for improvement is critical to retention and engagement. Last week, I wrote about employee surveys, which can be a great tool. Stay interviews are another powerful strategy to consider!
A stay interview is a periodic one-on-one interview that identifies factors that drive an employee to stay or leave an organization. These interviews are done proactively before employees leave, rather than doing an exit interview when they have already made their decision.
• What do you look forward to when you come to work each day?
• What do you like most or least about working here?
• What keeps you working here?
• If you could change something about your job, what would that be?
• What would make your job more satisfying?
• How do you like to be recognized?
• How can I best support you? (if the manager is conducting)
Stay interviews can be conducted by the manager, HR or a third party, depending on your organization’s specific goals and needs. The following shares information related to each approach.
STAY INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED BY THE MANAGER
Ideally, the stay interview is conducted by the manager.
• Pros – It can help build the relationship and is ideal if there is a foundation of trust.
• Cons – If there is a lack of trust, employees will likely not be forthcoming. And, it requires training for managers on coaching/communication/listening skills and the importance and process for stay interviews.
STAY INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED BY HR
If there is a lack of trust with the manager or no time to train them, stay interviews may also be conducted by HR professionals.
• Pros – HR may be seen as more of a neutral source in most cases so may get more candid feedback. Less training is involved as HR is typically skilled in having these types of conversations.
• Cons – There may be concerns about information getting back to others. And, HR professionals are typically very busy, and time may be an issue.
STAY INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED BY AN OUTSIDE PARTY
Sometimes organizations will engage an outside consultant to conduct stay interviews.
• Pros – Employees may be more apt to be authentic in their responses, and this approach saves time for internal staff.
• Cons – There will likely be expenses involved, and this approach doesn’t help to build internal relationships.
It’s a good idea to consider once or twice a year, and you should typically plan for them to last about 45 minutes to one hour. It’s also recommended that this be separated from the performance management process.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN STAY INTERVIEWS?
You should take notes and create action items at the end of the stay interview to determine the next steps and then follow through.
$25 OFF Any Facial or Peel
(Signature, Luxury, Gent’s, Dermaplane, Back Treatment, Microdermabrasion, Illuminize, Vitalize, Rejuvenize and Blue Radiance Peels, Hydrafacial)
Eyebrow Tint and Wax can be added to any Facial for only $19 (Half Off)
20% Off all Sunscreen
Specials are good through 7/31/25
Plastic Surgery
Vest Mill Professional Park
1450 Professional Park Drive, Suite 300
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
336-713-0255
WakeHealth.edu/plastic
Se Habla Español
Our Providers
Lisa R. David, MD, FACS
Anthony DeFranzo, MD, FACS
Adam J Katz, MD, FACS
Christopher Runyan, MD
Bennett Calder, MD
Elizabeth Farris, aesthetician
by CAROLYN SHORE PETERSON
Carrie Shapiro has worked for a supplemental Health and Life Insurance Company based in Chicago for 11 years; and the company has an interesting way of getting their employees out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to volunteer and getting to know their community, while enriching their own lives.
At Carrie’s company, growth isn’t just about corporate value, but a personal mission as well. Each year, employees are encouraged to step beyond what is familiar by choosing an activity that pushes them outside their norm, along with a volunteer opportunity that allows them to give back to their community. Carrie Shapiro, a two-year resident of Advance, NC, was excited to reach out, meet and learn about her new town and do activities she would never expect to see herself doing.
“The intangible benefits of volunteering such as pride, satisfaction and accomplishment are worthwhile reasons to serve. When we serve others, we improve lives, communities and transform our own lives. For the community volunteering effort, to date, I have participated in Watchmen of the Streets, based in Clemmons. I learned about the group’s efforts from an article in Forsyth Woman. I helped bag food to give to homeless people in the Winston-Salem area, literally living on the streets. I found Watchmen to be a compassionate group of good people helping those forgotten in the area. My experience was so rewarding that my husband and I signed up to help deliver the bags and other necessities like clothes, tents, blankets and toiletries. This was a very eyeopening and humbling experience, reminding us to be truly grateful for what we have,” said Carrie.
The second group Carrie volunteered for was Godbey Creek Canine Rescue, based out of Mocksville, NC, where she walked dogs, cleaned out kennels and organized donated items for dogs who were waiting on their forever homes. “Animal shelters are always a soft spot for me since many animals have no voice and rely on the good of people to help protect and nurture them,” Carrie commented.
The second part of Carrie’s company’s work program, Project YOU, is for employees to grow on a physical, creative, educational or professional level that a person might not do otherwise and needs encouragement to do. If there is a cost for the employee with Project YOU, the company’s policy is to reimburse the employee for 50% of the cost of the class, up to $100.
“I have signed up for HIIT Fitness classes, online classes to learn Spanish, glass blowing and, most recently, since moving to North Carolina from Chicago, trying yoga classes for a trial month at Sunrise Yoga Studio in Clemmons. I am hooked now and have incorporated the yoga classes into my evening and weekend schedule. I also attended the Mixer Community Makerspace after reading about it in Forsyth Woman, enticing me to learn more. I decided to sign up to make a copper wind chime; this was out of my comfort zone as I had never used a drill or worked on a project in an industrial workshop environment. This class was held in a studio where local artists offer classes for the public to learn crafting skills and experience things like welding, resin casting, 3D printing, woodworking, leather working and much more. It was so nice to be in this highly talented artist studio and be creative in a way I wouldn’t normally think of doing,” stated Carrie.
The experiences have left a lasting impression on Carrie.
“I am fortunate that my employer cares about helping the community and their individual employees in tangible ways. The program helps bring balance to the usual nine to five working life. These classes and outreach opportunities have also helped me get to know my new community,” Carrie said.
In the workplace, there is opportunity to do more than just the internal everyday job duties. Whether externally helping in the community or internally, the culture of growth is alive and thriving, one challenge at a time, one act of service and one empowered employee, like Carrie, at a time.
If you experience:
• Swelling in your legs
• Leg pain and discomfort
• Tired or heavy legs
• Bulging veins
• Spider veins
• Skin discoloration Join us for a free vein consultation. RSVP required.
With a simple, painless vein check, our doctors can experiencing any of the leg symptoms below, Novant Health Vein Specialists can help. your
by TANNER JOHNSON
For this month I wanted to share another surf n’ turf dish that I have loved making latelyRock Crab topped filet.
Filet Mignon steak
(at least 4 oz. I usually go for an 8oz)
Crab - I just get whatever looks the best at the store. Harris teeter has some great rock crab clusters for cheap every now and then. I usually buy 5-6 for 2 steaks.
Salt & Pepper for steak
Compound butter
1. Let your filets get to room temp and season them liberally with salt and pepper or your favorite rub on all sides.
2. Preheat smoker (or oven) to 225 or 250 degrees.
3. Let the steak cook for about 15-20/25 minutes, depending on thickness. You want to let it go until about 110 for a medium rare end result. Once you’re at 110, pull the steak, heat up a pan (stainless or cast iron works great) to medium/high, oil it up and sear the steak for a couple minutes per side.
4. You can add some butter after the oil and initial sear to baste (along w/some thyme, rosemary and whatever herbs you prefer).
5. While you’re waiting on the pan to get hot, get a pot of hot (salted) water boiling.
6. Throw the rock crab in the pot for around 7-10 minutes until the shells turn red. Once cooked you can put them in a bowl of cold water before cracking the shells.
7. After you get the steak to your preferred temp (I like to pull the filet at 125 and let it rest for 7-8 minutes and it’ll carry over to that perfect 135ish for a nice cool pink medium rare), let it rest and place the compound butter on top. I’ve been buying a whiskey pepper compound butter from a local butcher that works great here, but any kind of compound butter creation works.
8. Once the steaks are rested, and your crab is out of the shells, place it on top of the steak and add more compound butter on top if you desire. Squeeze a little lemon juice and you’ll have a great surf n turf meal that is sure to impress!
Let’s have a heart to heart. As women in business, we love what we do. We’ve put in late nights, shed tears, prayed over invoices and events, and watched our dreams slowly come to life. As we grow, however, it becomes easy to blur the lines between who we are and what we do.
If we’re not careful, our businesses can become our identity. Suddenly, a bad sales month feels like a personal failure, and any missed opportunity hits deeper than it should. Instead of feeling like a daughter of the king, we’ll feel like a walking business card defined by performance, social media likes and accolades. Hear me when I say, your worth is not in your work!
God didn’t create you to be a machine for output. Yes, there is work to be done, but before you were ever a business owner, you were a beloved creation that was fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14). Your identity is rooted in being His chosen one (Eph. 1:11), not in your brand, followers or bank account.
God gave you the vision for your business, but that’s not all you have to offer the world. In this life, your business is simply an assignment to steward over. And, God can shift, pause or change it at any time. When you become too attached to the assignment, it’s harder to see and accept God’s will over your own. If you find that you are fixed on a certain way of doing things or obsessed with a nebulous vision of success, ask yourself – is this attached to a reputation? Money?
1 Timothy 6:10 reminds us, “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” Notice it doesn’t say money is evil. Money can be a tool for supernatural impact, but it can easily open the door for consuming desires of success, wealth and recognition. That’s a dangerous territory, and we see others fall into the trap every day. A time or two, we’ve been guilty ourselves. If you find yourself pondering your heart posture, ask yourself if you’re working from peace and joy or if you’re working to reach the next milestone and feel better about your life.
When your self worth is tied to business outcomes, you place your identity on unstable ground. God didn’t create you to live under the
Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Perennial Peaces, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on transcending human understanding of God’s love and being a source of peace on Earth. Her true work began after victory over depression, and her calling is to provide peace through her Divine gifts to help women heal and transform their lives. Follow the mission on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @perennialpeaces.
by SHERIDAN C. WATKINS
weight of proving your value through sales goals and client testimonials. Free yourself from that pressure today! If you don’t accomplish another thing, you are accepted by God. Believing this wholeheartedly releases us all to do the true work of God in the roles for which He created us.
Ephesians 2:10 says, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ for good works.” This is why we are creative beings because He instilled it in us first. Understand that your value doesn’t start with the work but with Him. So, I encourage you to pursue excellence, make bold business moves and dream big. But remember, no matter what business is doing in any season, God is your source. I have faith in you.
The dog days of summer are upon us, and although it’s great to enjoy sun and fun during the hottest time of the year, it’s also important to know how to take care of yourself by staying cool when it’s a scorcher out there!
Here are some ways you may not have thought of to keep your temperature in check.
You may think quick-drying fabrics are best when near the water, but to stay cool when temperatures are soaring, think cotton. This fabric, unlike synthetics, retains water, keeping you wet and cool. Choose cotton especially when it comes to bandanas, hats, neck scarves and sarongs.
A cooling towel, a gel wrap or a neck fan all wrap around your neck and lower your body temperature. It’s as simple as that.
Make your own cool packs by filling a sock with rice and freezing it.
by KAREN COOPER
Place your pillowcases in the freezer for a few minutes before bedtime for a cool and refreshing night’s sleep.
Dipping your feet in cold water can help regulate body temperature.
Fill a water bottle with ice and water and keep it by your bed.
– When it comes to staying cool in the summer heat, choosing the right clothing is key. Consider wearing loose clothing like A-line dresses, tunics, baggy pants and natural fabric shirts and blouses. Loose-fitting clothing in light colors can help reflect the sun’s rays and keep you feeling cooler. Don’t forget sunscreen and protective accessories like hats and sunglasses!
AVOID STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES DURING THE HOTTEST PART OF THE DAY
Take it easy during the peak heat.
Stay properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water – preferably six to eight glasses of water per day. Sodas are diuretics that can cancel out hydration, so don’t drink soda to stay hydrated. Flavored waters and even watery fruits such as grapes and melons can also help you stay hydrated.
You can drink water all day, but if you aren’t combining it with electrolytes (vitamins and minerals), you still run the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. You can get your electrolytes in food or in drinks like Gatorade or coconut water. Alternatively, you can choose to take electrolyte tablets which come in a variety of brands and flavors.
Wearing a hat with flaps to keep the sun from pounding on your head can do wonders in helping keep you cool. A hat or cap provides shade, can help protect you from heatstroke and protects your eyes. Some brands are even specially treated to protect from ultraviolet rays.
Brew mint or peppermint tea, and refrigerate it for a refreshing spritz.
Spicy foods can increase sweating which can help cool your body.
The heat can have a serious effect on your physical health…especially during a heatwave. It is important to be on the lookout for signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Many people believe that heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the same things, but heatstroke is potentially far more serious.
Heat exhaustion is caused when the body loses excess water, salt and sugars through sweating. It can be treated by having plenty to drink, keeping out of the sun and knowing how to cool down.
Ice vests can provide consistent cooling.
CLOSE YOUR BLINDS OR CURTAINS
Keeping direct sunlight out of your home can help reduce heat buildup.
Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature becomes dangerously high and the body is no longer able to cool itself. Symptoms include confusion, headache, nausea and muscle cramps. Heatstroke can develop with little warning and quickly lead to a person becoming unresponsive. It’s important to cool them down as quickly as possible and call for help.
With these creative ways to keep cool, you’ll be able to beat the heat and enjoy all that summer has to offer. So, don’t let the soaring temperatures get you down – stay cool, stay hydrated and have a blast all summer long!
Spotlighting successful and stand out women in the community is important to Forsyth Woman With the help of LEAD Girls of NC, the Exceptional Young Women in the Community column helps spread the word about local youth and their positive impact on the world around them.
This month’s exceptional young woman, A’Laya Little, has been involved with LEAD Girls of NC since 2024. Her involvement with LEAD has better prepared her mindset to take on the world as an upcoming 8th grader in today’s social media-filled society.
One of A’Laya’s most memorable experiences with LEAD was having the opportunity to support the community in need and help others both emotionally and physically. Last year, LEAD girls supported victims of devastating Hurricane Helene by packing and sending necessities and supplies. Outside of coming to the community’s rescue, socializing with her peers, taking photos and building her confidence are what inspire her to continue her path as a LEAD girl and continue improving within the program.
A’Laya is an avid athlete who loves playing softball and soccer in her spare time. When she is not busy with LEAD or focusing on academics, she enjoys drawing, making art and dedicating time to volunteering at her Kingdom Hall. If she had to choose a local spot for dinner, she would keep it simple, yet tasty, at Chick-fil-A or McDonald’s. She also frequents stores like Rainbow, Rack Room Shoes or Walmart to pass the time and shop for clothing and shoes that catch her eye.
Her career aspirations include attending college and becoming a fashion designer, hoping to one day create jewelry of her own. Her dream vacation would be traveling to any island in Hawaii, where she could listen to her favorite artist, Rod Wave, while relaxing on the beach. Ahead of her time as only a teenager, her favorite movie, “My Girl,” is a
by AMY HILL
classic to many who grew up in the early 1990s.
Learning Everyday Accomplishing Dreams (LEAD) Girls of NC is Winston-Salem’s beacon of hope for local young women as a nonprofit organization supported by dozens of sponsors and grant making organizations, including The Women’s Fund, Winston-Salem Foundation, J.H. Walker Legacy Foundation and others. LEAD supports girls in order to propel them to succeed academically, professionally and personally through its numerous programs available. Young women involved with LEAD grow in confidence, social skills and leadership skills, setting them up to become successful entrepreneurs and fulfilled members of their community.
LEAD offers school-based programs at partner middle schools as well as community-based programs that are attended in person in downtown Winston-Salem, available for any middle school girl. Topics covered through LEAD’s evidence-based curriculum include The Importance of Empathy, Dealing with Authority Figures, Exploring My Goals and Dreams and Connecting with Each Other. These sessions encompass awareness, communication, leadership and perspective – which LEAD touts as its four core fundamentals. According to the LEAD Girls of NC website, “After one semester with LEAD, 90% of participants recognize their good qualities, 87% feel confident about their future and 100% believe they can be entrepreneurs.” Each year, LEAD hosts numerous events to support the community and is currently planning its 2025 LEAD Girls Rising Expo – set for October 25, 2025.
LEAD is always looking for new volunteers and welcomes all support from the community. Read more about LEAD’s mission and the programs the organization offers at leadgirls.org.
by JOY NELSON THOMAS
WE RISE BY LIFTING ONE ANOTHER UP.
Sit with that statement for a moment. Reflect, and answer these two questions before you move forward: Who’s lifted you up? 1. 2.
Who have you lifted up – and how?
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “I don’t know...” Let me help you reframe it. Lifting someone up isn’t always a big, dramatic act. Sometimes it’s sending an encouraging text. It’s offering help to a colleague who’s drowning in work. It’s saying, “Hey, I see you. You’re doing great.” It’s listening – really listening – when someone needs to be heard. So, think again: Who have you lifted up? 1. 2.
Now, let’s talk about lifting up through mentorship. I know the word can sound a little formal. You might picture a seasoned executive offering advice over coffee. And sure, sometimes that’s exactly what it looks like. But, more often, mentorship is simply one person reaching back and saying, “Hey, I’ve been where you are. Let me walk with you a bit.”
So, let’s talk about it. Let’s talk about how to find a mentor – and maybe even more importantly, how to become one
We all need people. No one gets where they are alone. Whether you’re just starting out or stepping into new territory, the right guidance can make all the difference.
Let’s be honest – it can feel weird to walk up to someone and say, “Will you be my mentor?” That’s actually what I did – but that’s not always how it works.
Start here:
• Look around, not just up. Mentors don’t have to be decades ahead of you. Sometimes, peer mentors or people just a step ahead can offer the most relevant insights.
• Be curious. Reach out with thoughtful questions. Ask about their journey. Most people are honored to share what they’ve learned – especially when they see genuine interest.
• Build the relationship first. Let mentorship evolve naturally. Often, the best mentors don’t begin with a title – they begin with trust.
And, if you’re thinking, “I’m not ready to be mentored,” let me gently challenge that. Stop it! Just ask
I remember going to one of my nowmentors and saying, “Will you be my mentor? Please pray about it and let me know.” She didn’t say “yes” right away, but years later, she’s one of my favorite thought partners.
Remember: You don’t need a polished plan. You just need a willingness to grow – and the courage to ask for help.
It’s okay to ask for help. I promise –it’s not a sign of weakness.
Here’s the secret: You don’t need to have it all figured out to help someone else. If you’ve learned a lesson the hard way –share it.
If you’ve navigated something tricky – offer your story.
If you have access to a room someone else is trying to get into – invite them in.
Here are some tips:
• Listen more than you speak. Mentorship isn’t about preaching – it’s about understanding.
• Be honest about your journey. Vulnerability is powerful. It tells your mentee, “You don’t have to be perfect to progress.”
• Open doors. Introduce them to people. Recommend resources. Advocate for them when they’re not in the room. That’s where real lifting happens.
You don’t need a title to lead. Sometimes the best mentors are simply the ones who remember what it felt like to start from scratch – and choose to reach back anyway.
Here’s what I know: They grow. You grow.
And together, we build something bigger than any one person could ever build alone. We rise – truly rise – when we choose connection over competition. When we create a culture where sharing wisdom, cheering each other on and pulling others up isn’t the exception, but the expectation. So, maybe the question isn’t: “Am I ready to be a mentor or find one?” Maybe the better question is: Who can I walk with next?
by ISABELLA CASTINEYRA
Have you ever had someone say “breakfast is the most important meal of the day?”
How about someone tell you that you’re more likely to be a millionaire if you make your bed?
I’ve seen dozens of articles, hundreds of books, documentaries and everything in between pushing the same notion – in order to be the best version of yourself, you need to start the day strong.
Since I was young, I was always a morning person – finding it significantly easier to get up early than go to bed late. Last year, when I first moved, started my new job and entered my mid-20s, I began to really struggle to get up in the morning. I would snooze my alarm three times, sleepily get ready for the day and head out the door with a coffee for breakfast.
After around six months at my new job and not really feeling awake until 10:00 a.m., I’d had enough. If so many people are saying that successful people are the ones that have better mornings, I decided it would be worth really giving it a shot.
So, does it work? Does making your bed, eating breakfast and getting up from the first alarm really work? From my experience, yes. I started setting my alarm 30 minutes earlier and being intentional with the first half hour of the day.
30-30-30
If this entices you and you’re looking for a way to ease into an “early bird gets the worm” outlook, try the 30-30-30 morning routine. 30-30-30 is within 30 minutes of waking up, complete 30 minutes of exercise and eat 30 grams of protein.
When I gave 30-30-30 a shot, I actually had an easier time with most of it than I anticipated. Not snoozing the alarm and getting up was difficult, but not impossible. Then, a 30-minute walk or stretch in the morning with some music turned into a lovely way to start the day. What I found most challenging to complete successfully was the 30 grams of protein.
The easiest way I found to consume that 30 grams of protein is with a protein shake or milk, but I struggled to have the same thing every day for breakfast. I then progressed into eggs, cottage cheese and fruit which covered about the daily allotment. I even started (thanks to the influence of Forsyth Woman Publisher Brooke Eagle) putting protein milk in my coffee for an extra dose to start my day.
I am not yet a millionaire because I go on a walk right when I wake up, but I can see how starting the day right creates a better day in its entirety. It’s not perfect – there are days when the snooze button is all too tempting, but the notion of trying your best I can absolutely get behind. If 30-30-30 doesn’t happen, that’s okay, too. My dad told me from a young age that “it’s never too late to start the day over;” there’s plenty of time to make good decisions and challenge ourselves to be better versions of ourselves.
Makayla Shore Sperbeck, OD graduated with her bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Coker University in Hartsville, South Carolina. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree at Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry in Pomona, California, where she graduated with honors as a Gold Key Optometric Society member. Dr. Sperbeck had extensive training in neurooptometric rehabilitation, low vision rehabilitation, specialty contact lenses and ocular disease through her externships. Dr. Sperbeck has special interest in specialty scleral contact lenses, low vision and concussion/stroke management. She provides empathy and compassion while providing solutions to patients allowing them to enjoy their hobbies and limit barriers with their vision. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the North Carolina State Optometric Society. Dr. Sperbeck currently works at Magnolia Eye Care and is accepting new patients. Outside of optometry, Dr. Sperbeck is an avid sports fan and loves spending time with her husband, family and two dogs.
Jennie Lowe, owner of Seniors Helping Seniors, has dedicated her career to serving her community, first as an educator and now as a compassionate advocate for seniors. A retired teacher from the Surry County school district, Jennie holds both a BS and MA from Appalachian State University in Secondary English Education and Reading: Classroom/Clinical Literacy, respectively. Her passion for helping others led her to establish a nationally recognized Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care agency, which she co-owns with her husband, Tim, an Army veteran. Jennie’s agency is licensed with NCDHHS and proudly serves the senior demographic across Surry, Stokes, Yadkin, Davie, and Forsyth counties. She was drawn to the Seniors Helping Seniors model by its unique peer-to-peer approach, which connects seniors who need assistance with active, compassionate caregivers, fostering genuine companionship and support. Outside of her commitment to providing exceptional in-home care, Jennie enjoys the tranquility of gardening and the rewarding experience of raising chickens and rabbits.
AK Landreth is a self-taught abstract artist and painter with a keen eye for color, based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Known for her intuitive use of whimsical palettes and layered, soulful compositions, her work has been featured in Anthropologie Home, Neiman Marcus, and collected by art lovers seeking beauty with depth and meaning. AK’s approach to art is rooted in curiosity, emotion, and connection— each piece invites viewers into a moment of stillness, honesty, or wonder. Beyond the canvas, she is a passionate builder of community, using art as a bridge for collaboration, storytelling, and shared beauty by hosting gallery nights in the city! With her love for intentionality, AK thrives in creative partnerships with designers, brands, and visionaries who value original expression and thoughtful design. Her studio practice reflects a belief that beauty is healing, connection is powerful, and art is a beautiful way to shift an atmosphere to a place of peace. You can follow along her journey and stay in the loop with upcoming collections at aklandreth.com or on social media @artbyaklandreth.
Geri Milner is a dedicated geriatric care manager and Aging Life Care™ Professional with Age With Grace, LLC, where she provides compassionate and comprehensive support to older adults and their families. With a strong commitment to promoting dignity, independence, and quality of life, Geri brings both expertise and empathy to her work with aging individuals and their care partners.Geri earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University, where she focused her studies on the unique psychological and emotional needs of older adults. Her academic training and clinical experience reflect a deep understanding of the complex challenges that can accompany aging, including memory loss, chronic illness, caregiver stress, and the need for coordinated care.With a holistic approach to aging well, Geri helps families navigate healthcare systems, plan for long-term care, and make informed decisions about living arrangements, financial concerns, and legal planning. She is especially skilled in helping adult children and other caregivers manage the emotional and logistical demands of supporting an aging loved one. Whether she’s advocating for a client’s needs, facilitating difficult conversations, or developing care plans tailored to individual values and goals, Geri is known for her warmth, professionalism, and unwavering support throughout the aging journey.
Connie Perry, MSN, MBA, RN, IBCLC, LCCE is a trusted maternal health expert with over a decade of experience supporting families through every stage of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. A licensed registered nurse and proud Wake Forest University MBA graduate, Connie combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to offer families both knowledge and confidence on their parenting journey. Since launching her career in 2011, Connie has remained dedicated to empowering parents through personalized education and hands-on support. As the Founder and CEO of Nurturing Generations, a private maternal health practice, she provides a range of customized services—including prenatal classes, childbirth and breastfeeding education, and one-on-one lactation consultations—to help parents feel informed, equipped, and nurtured. Connie is nationally certified as a Lamaze Childbirth Educator and is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), representing the highest level of breastfeeding expertise. Her guidance is grounded in both evidence-based care and a deep respect for the unique needs of every family. In addition to her direct services, Connie is a sought-after speaker and perinatal advocate. She has spoken at numerous events focused on improving maternal-infant health and previously served as Chair of the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition—championing community education and policy initiatives to make breastfeeding more accessible and supported statewide. Known for her warmth, wisdom, and commitment to family-centered care, Connie is often described by colleagues as “a great asset to parents everywhere.” She considers it an honor to walk alongside families during one of life’s most sacred transitions—and she approaches each interaction with care, expertise, and a heartfelt desire to see families thrive.
submit yourself or someone you know to be featured! Tinyurl.com/forsythwomanwom
by KAREN COOPER
At the height of summer’s heat, what could be better than a day at the beach? Even if you can’t go today…these movies can transport you to beautiful sandy beaches from the cool comfort of your living room. There are movies for adults and kids on this list, so go ahead and skip the sunscreen and just enjoy!
If you’re in charge of kids who are clamoring to be taken to the beach, a viewing of Aquamarine might be the next best thing. In this family friendly film starring Joanna “JoJo” Levesque, Sara Paxton and Emma Roberts, two best friends uncover a local mermaid on their beach vacation and endeavor to keep her secret – and find her love with a handsome lifeguard.
Nothing comes between Anne Marie (Kate Bosworth) and her surfboard. She lives in a beach shack with three roommates including her rebellious younger sister, and she is up before dawn every morning to conquer the waves. Anne Marie has all she needs in the adrenalinecharged surf scene…until pro quarterback Matt Tollman (Matthew Davis) comes along.
While swimming free in the ocean, a young dolphin gets caught in a trap and severely damages her tail. Though she is rescued and transported to Clearwater Marine Hospital, her tail cannot be saved, and the prognosis is dire. What the dolphin, now named Winter, needs is a miracle. She gets that miracle in the form of a marine biologist (Harry Connick, Jr.), a prosthetics designer (Morgan Freeman) and a devoted boy (Nathan Gamble) who find a way to help Winter swim again.
This movie tells the story of Kya, an abandoned girl who raised herself in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” haunted Barkley Cove, isolating the sharp and resilient Kya from her community. Drawn to two young men from town, Kya opens up to a new and frightening world; but when one of them is found dead, she is immediately cast by the community as the main suspect. As the case unfolds, the verdict as to what happened becomes increasingly unclear, threatening to uncover the many secrets that hide within the marsh.
After a string of bizarre bank robberies in southern California, with crooks wearing masks of former presidents, Federal Agent Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves), is tasked to infiltrate the suspected gang. However, this is no ordinary group of bank robbers! They are surfers, led by the charismatic Bodhi (Patrick Swayze), and they are all addicted to the rush of thievery. When Johnny Utah falls in love with a female surfer, Tyler (Lori Petty), who is close to the gang, it complicates his sense of duty.
A young traveler in search of his next adventure in southeast Asia discovers something more than paradise in this thriller. The desire to find something real is what drives Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio), a young American backpacker who arrives in Thailand with adventure on his mind. With a secret map in hand, Etienne (Guillaume Canet) and Francoise (Virginie Ledoyen) join him on an adventure to “The Beach,” a mystical paradise which turns out not to be the paradise they were hoping for.
Joe Banks (Tom Hanks) thinks he’s dying, and this is good news to him since he doesn’t feel he has much to live for. In an odd twist of fate, a strange millionaire (Lloyd Bridges) offers Joe a way to die with meaning and dignity – by hurling himself into a volcano. With plenty of spending cash and the finest new luggage, Joe embarks on a journey to his demise, guided by two sisters, and he learns what it means to truly live.
Teenager Francie Lawrence (Sandra Dee) couldn’t care less about boys until she goes to the beach one day and meets surfer Jeffrey Moondoggie Matthews (James Darren) and his friends. Now, Francie, whom the boys call Gidget, wants to learn how to surf. She buys a used board and dives into the sunny world of the southern California surfing lifestyle.
*Event details are subject to change. Please check event websites & social media pages for updates as the dates draw near.*
Heatfest will keep you moving through the hot and sweaty summer! Here’s how it works: $25 buy in. Must register by end of day June 15th. Fee includes entry into the competition, shirt and discount code to Beat the Heat 5K on July 12th (sent out week of June 15th). Participants need to do two miles OUTSIDE every day from June 15th through July 12th. Your two miles MUST BE POSTED on Strava to count. Heatfest participants will be invited into the Fleet Feet cool-down tent for a post-race summer cocktail. Heatfest finisher shirts will be handed out during a very exclusive finishers-only ceremony in the Fleet Feet tent at the Beat the Heat 5K. Proceeds benefit our charity: Good Works Engine.
3
VAN GOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE OPENING IN WINSTON-SALEM
10am-6:30pm, 1612 S. Stratford Road in W-S. Have you ever dreamt of stepping into a painting? Take an awe-inspiring journey into the incomparable universe of Van Gogh, one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the 19th century. Explore his life, his work and his secrets as never before through cutting-edge 360-degree digital projections, a one-of-a-kind VR experience and a uniquely atmospheric light and sound show.
JUNGLE BOOK KIDS CAMP
9:30am-4:30pm, Little Theatre of W-S. The jungle is jumpin’ with a jazzy beat in Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS. Features a host of colorful characters and your favorite songs from the movie. Bring out your inner jungle in this fun two-week camp that will guide campers from auditions to performances and all of the rehearsals in between.
JULY 10
5pm-until. Twisted Pine, 527 N. Liberty Street in W-S. Grab your mom, your sister, your girlfriends and/or your co-workers and join Forsyth Woman Magazine for a much-needed Girls’ Night Out! As always, we’ll have our prize board with tons of awesome prizes! We’re collecting school supplies for The Educator Warehouse (bring school supply donations, and earn extra tickets). Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ forsythmags for reminders and updates about our monthly GNO events!
JULY 12
BEAT THE HEAT
5pm, Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, 410 Deacon Boulevard in W-S. One of the most fun races in town! Beat the Heat has been one of the most popular races in NC for more than 30 years! It has been selected multiple times by Endurance Magazine as the best 5K in Triad NC and was featured in Running Journal magazine as the #1 “Under the Radar” race in the south. Beat the Heat is a charity event with proceeds going to local nonprofits that support health and fitness in the community. Shirt quantities are limited. Register soon to be assured of getting the shirt style and size that you want. Participant names will be printed on race bibs for those who register at least one month in advance or by June 14th.
JULY 14-18
BATTLE OF WITS CAMP
9:30am-4:30pm, Little Theatre of W-S. Shakespeare had a deep understanding of how people behave and think. His wit and humor come out in his characters’ observations about the world and each other. Campers will incorporate voice, movement and acting as they explore Shakespeare.
JULY 19
HANDS-ON-HISTORY DAY
1:30-4:30pm, Historic Bethabara Park. Get your hands-on-history by interacting with an 18th-century candlemaker, blacksmith, woodworker and potter; sampling food cooked over an open fire; playing Colonial games; touring the 1788 Gemeinhaus and 1834 Log House; watching a soap making demonstration; participating in a water relay; examining archaeological ruins, artifacts; and more. Admission is free!
JULY 21-25
DREAMS TO STAGE CAMP
9:30am-4:30pm, Little Theatre of W-S. Let’s bring our dreams to life! In this camp, we will let our imaginations run wild. Campers will dream big as they collaboratively bring a dream filled story to life. A Dream of a Showcase will be at the end of the week.
JULY 21-25
SKETCH COMEDY CAMP
9:30am-4:30pm, Little Theatre of W-S. We’ll explore the fast-paced quick wit of sketch comedy. Sketch comedy takes the everyday and finds the humor in it. Campers will hone their comedic timing as they explore this fun genre. A Sketch Showcase will be held at the end of the week. Campers will learn self-expression, empathy, comedic timing and discipline.
24
SAVE THE DATE – NC FIREFIGHTERS FUNDRAISER
Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius. Join us for an unforgettable evening in support of North Carolina’s firefighters and paramedics. The night will feature a live auction, a powerful performance by Christina Eagle and, most importantly, an opportunity to help provide critical funding for the heroes who save lives every day. Cocktail attire. More details coming soon!
CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP
2-4pm, Lam Museum of Anthropology. Join artist Mona Wu at the Lam Museum to explore the history of the Chinese language and the art of calligraphy. After a short discussion, participants will practice brush strokes used to create Chinese characters. Participants will have the opportunity to paint a scroll that includes images and Chinese calligraphy. Designed for adults ages 18 and up. The fee is $25 per participant ($20 for Lam Museum members). Space is limited, and advanced registration is required.
28-AUGUST 1
LET’S LAUGH CAMP
9:30am-4:30pm, Little Theatre of W-S. From jokes to funny stories, we will explore everything that makes us laugh. Campers will explore how to tell a joke, what faces are the funniest and how it all goes together to create a fun, creative and laugh-out-loud story. A Hilarious Showcase will be at the end of the week.
JULY 28-AUGUST 1
CREATING A CHARACTER CAMP
8am-5pm, Little Theatre of W-S. Creating a Character is the most fundamental part of acting. Campers will explore how their voice, body and facial expressions change a character. They will explore how motivation and backstory determine how a character behaves in a scene. In this camp, our actors will expand their acting skills, getting them ready for middle and high school audition season! There will be a Character Showcase at the end of the week.
AUGUST 4-8
MY STORY TIME CAMP
9:30am-4:30pm, The Little Theatre of W-S. Grades K-4. Gather round for a week of storytelling where you are the storyteller. Campers will explore the parts of a story, beginning, middle and end as well as how the story is driven by the characters. They will explore how vocal and facial expressions can portray different characters and emotions. A fun filled story time will be held at the end of the week.
AUGUST 4-8
INTRO TO IMPROV CAMP
9:30am-4:30pm, The Little Theatre of W-S. Grades 5-12. Ready to up your theatre experience? Improvisation is not only fun and funny, it is a great skill on and off stage, as well. This class will help with public speaking, confidence and acting. And, we’ll have a lot of laughs along the way! There will be a showcase on the final day of class.
AUGUST 9
YOUR HOME MARKETPLACE SUMMER FESTIVAL
9am-6pm, Your Home Marketplace, 670 S. Stratford Road in W-S. Come prepared to shop! Every booth in Your Home Marketplace’s 11,000-square-foot showplace will feature a sale! Peruse a beautiful and eclectic array of home decor and furnishings, vintage items and antiques, furniture, jewelry, clothing, Fusion Mineral paint, lots of gift ideas and much more! Bring family or friends and be sure to put your name in our gift certificate drawing box!
AUGUST 9
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND MORAVIANS: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURES
1:30-4:30pm, Historic Bethabara Park. Learn about the connections between the Cherokee People and early Moravians through interactions with the Atsila Anotasgi Cultural Specialists from the Museum of the Cherokee People; a hands-on exhibit of North Carolina Native American artifacts and displays presented by the Lam Museum of Anthropology; and an informative tour around the park grounds. Admission is free!
AUGUST 22-24
MEISNER TECHNIQUE INTENSIVE
6-10pm (22nd); 12-4pm (23rd-24th),
The Little Theatre of W-S. This three-part intensive led by instructors Jack Schultz and Daphne Escalante introduces and deepens your understanding of the Meisner technique, guiding you from authentic presence to scene work. Part 1 helps you break free from overthinking and connect to the moment through playful, immersive exercises. Part 2 dives into “imaginary circumstances,” helping you access emotional truth and your creative instincts. In Part 3, you’ll apply Meisner to scene work, leaving with practical tools to confidently bring the technique into any rehearsal room. All experience levels are welcome to join! No experience with the Meisner technique required.
AUGUST 30
LABOR DAY MILE
5pm, Forsyth Country Day School, 5501 Shallowford Road in Lewisville. Join us this Labor Day weekend for a fun and fast mile race designed especially for runners of all paces and backgrounds! Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just out to enjoy a festive run, this is the perfect way to enjoy your holiday weekend. After you cross the finish line, grab some refreshments and stick around to watch the excitement build as top local elite runners take the course in the final wave. It’s a rare chance to witness homegrown talent up close, cheer them on and feel the energy of competitive racing at its finest –all in one unforgettable day.
“Should
by REBECCA COOPER
My BFF and I were recently talking about past friends who ghosted us. In my case, last year, my friend who dropped off the face of the earth, called and texted me, out of the blue one day. She acted like we had just spoken yesterday, when it had been more than 11 years. Yep, you read that right – 11 years! I struggled with what to do and I asked, “should I reconnect with a friend who ghosted me?” I am so glad I asked, and you will be, too!
DO I IGNORE THE PAST AND ACT LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED?
First, it is completely natural to feel torn between calling or ignoring the attempt to communicate. When someone ghosts you
– especially a friend – it can feel like a deep betrayal. Trust was broken without conversation or closure, and it is normal to want to protect yourself. I mean, you got hurt before, who’s to say it won’t happen again?
Before deciding whether to reconnect, ask yourself a few questions:
WHAT DO I WANT FROM THIS RELATIONSHIP NOW?
Take some time and think about whether you want closure and an understanding of exactly what happened to cause the broken bond, or are you hoping to rebuild what was lost? Will the past always be hovering over the new
relationship because how do you just ignore someone hurting you and not giving your feelings a second thought?
HAS ANYTHING CHANGED?
Are they offering a genuine explanation or apology for the ghosting? Or, are they just pretending it never happened? Doesn’t the distance, especially 11 years, in my case, need to be addressed? Why do they want to reconnect now? Is there a motive you don’t see?
I TRULY TRUST MY FORMER
If being around your “friend” leaves you with anxiety, doubting yourself or questioning your worth, that’s not friendship. Do you want to hang out with someone when you have to walk on eggshells when you are with them?
If you choose to reconnect, you don’t have to jump back in at full speed. You can set clear boundaries and rebuild gradually – or even keep them at a friendly distance, rather than a close friend.
If you choose to not reconnect, that is valid, too. Closure doesn’t always come from the other person – sometimes it is a decision we have to make for ourselves. Accepting the apology you never got and probably will never get is a very real option.
Ultimately, forgiveness doesn’t always have to come with access. You can wish them well from afar and still honor the hurt they caused.
You are not obligated to make room for someone who walked away without explanation. Protect your peace first. If they want a second chance, they need to earn it – not just assume it.
In my case, the call and text opened up old wounds from never getting an explanation, so I wrestled with whether or not to call her back. A few weeks after the initial contact, I received a call with the message, “Hi there! Give me a call back; you’ll probably find it funny why I stopped talking to you.” Yeah, no it wasn’t funny 11 years ago and it isn’t funny now. So, I decided to give myself closure and realize that not everyone treasures friendships like I do, so she doesn’t deserve me back in her life.
