FW April 2023

the publisher perspective

As I’m writing this, we’re just days away from our 2nd annual Women on the Move leadership conference. With nearly 300 in attendance again this year, this is by far our largest event of the year. I love this event so much because it brings everything we love about this magazine to life:

• Local women.

• Local businesses.

• Local speakers.

• Inspiration.

• Growth.

• Collaboration.

Was scheduling the conference for the business day after our April issues go to press the best idea I’ve ever had? NOPE. However, the event planner in me secretly loves the adrenaline rush you get those last few days before a big event. If you missed out this year, be sure to follow us on social media (@forsythmags) and sign up for our monthly newsletter (forsythwoman.com) to make sure you are among the first to know when tickets go on sale for our 2024 conference!

I have to give a massive and heartfelt “thank you” to Michelle Hyatt of Flhy Marketing and Shonda Bravinder, our Forsyth Magazines events manager. These two women did an absolutely incredible job with the intense planning and organizing that this conference requires. They are good at all the things I’m not and I couldn’t be more grateful to have them in my corner.

If you are reading this, that means you’ve already seen the stunning front cover of this issue. I mean, WOW! The Vista at Forsyth Plastic Surgery and JEJ Photos really blew this one out of the

water. It was an honor to be a part of this photo shoot! I even got to be ‘one’ of the hands holding some of the flowers behind Madi’s head! (Check out our Instagram for a fun behind-the-scenes reel of this photo shoot). You can see several more amazing photos and learn all about the Vista at Forsyth Plastic Surgery on page 34.

If you are on the hunt for things to do over the next couple of months, you are in the right spot! This issue is chock full of events coming up in April and May. The Trellis Support Hope Run, Summerlark (featuring live music by CHRIS LANE!), the Junior League Tour of Fine Spaces, Pretty in Pink Foundation’s Triple Crown Casino Night, Trellis Support Derby Party, Clemmons Community Day, Empty Bowls, American Heart Association Heart Ball, LKN Magazine’s first-ever Tour de Boutique… and this just scratches the surface! I’m a big believer that supporting events such as these is one of the best ways to get involved with and support your local community. I encourage you to make plans to attend at least a couple of these events! I hope none of us ever take for granted the ability to attend in-person events with our community. It’s a blessing!

All my best,

Brooke Eagle, Publisher

PUBLISHER

Brooke Eagle

Brooke@ForsythMags.com

EDITOR

Keela Johnson

Keela@ForsythMags.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Tamara Bodford

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Robin Bralley

ADVERTISING

Advertising @ForsythMags.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Robin Shupe Keller

BACK OFFICE & VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

The Office Nerd, Denise Heidel

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER

JEJ Photos

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

JEJ Photos

Jodie Brim Creative

Megan Black Photography

Photo Artistry by Melinda

Sail Off Photography

*others credited throughout accordingly

CONTENT EDITORS

Kim Beane

Meghan Corbett (Assistant)

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS

Martie Emory

Carolyn Peterson

OTHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Debbie Barr

Jane Burnette

Adele Casanova

Casey Cheek

Candice Deal

Amy Hill

Taryn Jerez

Jean Marie Johnson

Michael Johnson

Tanner Johnson

Debbie Linville

Kelli Messick

Susan Boyoung Bailey Schabacker

Lauren Sephton

Leslie Speas

Sheridan Watkins

Kaylyn Lanier Xiong

*others credited throughout accordingly

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Stefanie Lyons

WEB DESIGN/ MAINTENANCE

McIlwraith Enterprises, LLC

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.

JODIE BRIM CREATIVE

Pasta Al Limone

(Vegetarian Recipe)

Serves 2-4 | Prep Time: 0 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1/2 lb rigatoni or penne

4 tbsp butter

1 tsp garlic minced

1 tsp lemon zest

3/4 cup half & half, heavy cream, or plant-based milk

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Squeeze of lemon

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Boil the pasta according to package directions.

2. In a large saucepan, heat the butter on medium low until it is melted and slightly browned.

3. Add in the minced garlic and lemon zest and cook until fragrant.

4. Stir in lemon juice and cook for a few minutes. Then add in the cream and season with salt and pepper.

5. Lower heat and let it simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.

6. Add in the pasta water and let sauce thicken again.

7. Add your al dente pasta to the pan and toss in the sauce.

8. Stir in the parmesan a little at a time, stirring the pasta.

9. Serve with some more parmesan and black pepper!

ALL TYPES OF BOWLS

by CASEY CHEEK , alltypesofbowls.com

Hi! I’m Casey, a part-time food blogger, full-time architect, wife, and dog mom. In All Types Of Bowls, you’ll find healthy inspiration for making your favorite cravings and comfort foods. I believe we should eat all our cravings, whether it’s a leafy grain bowl or a big bowl of pasta.

Keeping It Real THE DESIRES

OF YOUR HEART

by KAYLYN LANIER XIONG

Hey, y’all! It’s me! (It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I hope you’re doing great!) Here’s a question for you: What do you dream about? What do you think about when you’re sleeplessly staring at the ceiling? What hits you in your gut at random times? What is it that you want?

Since I was a little girl, I’ve been a hopeless romantic—actually, more of a hopeful romantic. I spent a lot of time watching old musicals with my grandmother and loving every single ending where the guy got the girl, and they lived happily ever after.

But it never happened for me.

When I say I didn’t date, I mean it! My first real date was in my mid-20s.

Believe me, those dates weren’t that great. I kept myself out there on apps just to keep the conversation open. The result?

More horrible first dates than I could count. You wouldn’t believe some of them. (I need to write a book one day!)

Most of the time I would walk into the coffee shop, see the guy, and just know it was going to be a long hour. It wasn’t anything to do with him (most of the time). Just, none of them were the one

The year 2017 brought all the hard things. One grandmother rapidly declined from dementia (such an evil disease). My mother suffered a catastrophic accident that required months of healing and rehabilitation. My other grandmother passed suddenly, shockingly, one morning in March. All this, while I was finishing my graduate degree. Dating? Not so much!

That fall, I attended a Chancellor’s barbecue at the university. There, I met a guy. We talked for a few minutes, and…that was it. We became Facebook friends but never really spoke again…

…until we matched on a dating app in 2021.

The whole roller coaster from there has plenty of turns and spirals and hold-your-breath moments (book!). But I am thrilled to share that, this January in 2023, I got to marry that guy in a wedding more perfect than I could have ever imagined. As I’m writing, in our house, I’m listening to him scroll through Instagram videos. It sounds so casual; yet it’s everything I dreamed of. (I know someone out there is so rolling your eyes right now. I get it!) But it’s true. I never needed the extravagant, crazy things. I wanted normal, simple things with a husband who is my best friend. Before, dating or even just talking with other guys felt like a battle. It required so much work and energy. Now, having only been married a few weeks, I’ve been struck by how it all came together.

So, I’m sharing this testimony for all the single ladies scrolling through dating apps and wondering where all the good guys are. I know it feels so patronizing, hearing “They’re out there if you’ll just be patient.” I’ve been there. But I’m telling you, they’re out there, and not just “good guys” but the guy that God has for you. I had the audacity to believe that. I waited. God showed up and showed out, y’all! I’ve seen Him do it too many times for me to doubt Him.

Maybe you’re not waiting for a guy. Maybe it’s a job, a breakthrough, a family member, a baby…whatever it is that seems impossible. Don’t listen to the crazy mantras that say, “You need to manifest it.” That’s not how it works. Align yourself with God your Father in Heaven. Let His desires become your desires. I promise you, as Scripture says, “He will give you the desires of your heart.” It’s all true, for our good and His Glory!

Buy Tickets Today at Ticketmaster

Featuring May 20

SummerLark is returning on May 20, 2023!

Join us for an outdoor concert at Bailey Park in Innovation Quarter benefiting the Cancer Patient Support Program (CPSP) at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. This fun-filled event will provide many ways to show your support for the CPSP and will include incredible live music, food trucks, fireworks and fun for the whole family.

Presenting Sponsor

Signature Sponsor

Corporate Sponsorships Available Contact Sara Morales at SMorales@WakeHealth.edu or 336-716-6619.

For complete information, visit Giving.WakeHealth.edu/SummerLark

All proceeds will benefit the Cancer Patient Support Program at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center.

by MARTIE EMORY

BE KIND. BE BRAVE. BE YOU.

Loving and learning through her years of working in retail and in a variety of boutiques, Amanda Benedict knew her own small business dream would be something unique! Inspired by her idol, Dolly Parton, Amanda knew it was time to launch her own line, and Blue Jean was born! The boutique is all about spreading joy, love, and kindness, in an atmosphere that isn’t focused solely on selling, but also strives to make women feel amazing about themselves.

there wasn’t a successful means to reach a large audience, outside of family and friends. “Southern Charm at the Farm gave me my big break,” says Amanda. “They were the first large, established show to accept me as a vendor, and also where I launched the Mobile Boutique (named Dolly, of course!) in October of 2021.”

This year’s edition of the popular event will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Tanglewood Park. Now with almost 300 vendors and an average of 10,000 shoppers – Southerncharmatthefarmnc. com -- it’s an experience not to be missed.

Blue Jean Boutique will also be launching a new collection at Southern Charm at the Farm this year. “Our spring collection will include five new tees and tank styles and two new youth styles, as well as new dresses, super flare pants, and jewelry,” says Amanda. “This collection is inspired by a few of my favorite things: flowers, boots and country music!”

In addition to the new spring collection, Amanda shares that she will be launching a Taylor Swift-inspired mini capsule which includes three tees and denim jackets.“To celebrate this capsule we will be doing a giveaway for a jacket on our website and at pop ups, and each tee purchased from this collection will enter you into the giveaway!”

their own personal experiences of launching and building successful businesses, while also being busy moms. Most of all, they encourage other women to get busy and follow their own dreams!

From apparel and accessories to gifts and stylish jewelry, Blue Jean Boutique is an experience you won’t soon forget – and where you’ll likely see or hear their mantra: Be Kind. Be Brave. Be You. That’s the spirit of Amanda (and maybe Dolly!) at work in daily life!

Shop for both your body and soul at Bluejeanboutiquenc. com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @ bluejean.boutique for news and updates on the Mobile Boutique. Or, reach Amanda at 336-686-3993.

Tapping into her own experiences with buying, selling, merchandising, and marketing, Amanda is living her dream and sharing all the good she can. “Every item at Blue Jean Boutique is hand-selected to make you look good, feel good, and even do good,” says Amanda. The selections include one-of-a-kind designs, ethically-sourced clothing, and many brands that give back.

Significant to Amanda’s success has been the popular Southern Charm at the Farm, which has always followed a mission to bring small businesses and customers together! For many entrepreneurs, including Amanda,

You can also catch the Blue Jean Mobile Boutique April 14-16 at the Model City Antique & Flea in Kingsport, Tennessee, and at The Farm in High Point April 28-29.

Another exciting element of Amanda’s business is the premiere of season two of her podcast Dreamer to Entrepreneur.

“My co-host Brittany Kues and I are super excited about the guests we have lined up for the spring!” shares Amanda. “It’s a show all about uplifting and encouraging female entrepreneurs, which is something I am very passionate about.” The two share

Only the Best to Update Your Home

by MARTIE EMORY

In business for over 18 years, Prostone Granite & Cabinetry offers their full dedication to a customer’s happiness with the ultimate finished product—which is typically an amazing kitchen or bath to add a little luxury to every single day!

Their expertise and creative talents are evident from the first moment you visit their showroom, as is their on-trend sense of style. The company’s goal is to complete every job with only the finest, high-quality materials and craftsmanship.

Working with the Prostone professionals means a full-service experience—no sub-contractors because their installation team is comprised of all long-time employees. Owner Ross Edwards says business is still booming, with exciting spring and summer projects hitting the calendar now. Trends also appear to be holding steady! “We are still seeing predominantly whites and grays for countertops, in about 70% quartz,” says Ross. “Quartz gives clients the look of a more expensive Italian marble, without the additional cost, and quartz is infinitely more durable.”Especially for families with young children, that means less chance of chipping and cracking! As it’s non-porous, quartz also stands up well against juice, oil, wine, tomato sauce, and coffee stains.

If you’re just starting out on the redecorating journey for your kitchen or bath, come browse the 40 different stone options in stock at the Prostone showroom. Bring along a rough sketch of your dream idea and your current space, and Ross can provide you with a cost quote right then. “We can get them a price while they are in the showroom, based on the types of stone they prefer,” he says. “Most folks like that we can give them a price on the spot!”

Of course stone choice dictates cost, but a true bonus of working with the Prostone team is that they sell clients only the material quantity they actually need for the project at hand.

“If you are covering 42.5 square feet of space, we sell you 42.5 square feet of stone!” explains Ross. If you’re considering a remodel, the timetable might resemble something like this: For a countertop re-do, the Prostone team will come out and create a template of your space. Then, approximately two weeks later, they can typically complete the installation. Prostone provides top-quality countertops from around the world, combined with honest, dependable professionals who know their craft and are committed to the very best customer experience.

If your dream plans also call for new kitchen cabinets — or maybe a sleek new vanity for your bathroom — Prostone also delivers the finest cabinetry options: affordable, and all 100% solid wood, with soft-close hinges and dove-tail drawers. Ask about their free design and layout services for cabinets, which includes a 3D rendering.

Visit Prostone Granite & Cabinetry at 1079 Hanes Mall Blvd. in Winston-Salem (beside Costco), 336-765-2977, or their Greensboro showroom at 312 Dougherty Street, 336-574-2755. Browse their gallery of beautiful countertops and cabinetry options, and learn more about their services at Prostoneusa.com. Winston-Salem showroom hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Greensboro showroom hours are Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Both showrooms are closed on Sunday.

403

Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Instagram: @fiddleandfigmarket

Hi! I’m Lauren. I’m a freelance writer, a food blogger and the official Forsyth Mags Foodie! Stay tuned each month to find everything from achievable dessert ideas to healthy, quick dinners that’ll happily feed the family.

@brightmomentco | abrightmoment.com

by LAUREN SEPHTON

Shockingly Easy Overnight Pizza Dough Recipe

This Shockingly Easy Overnight Pizza Dough Recipe is awesome for weekends, easy to prep for celebrations, and fun for date nights at home!

Servings: 2 Medium Pizzas Prep time: 10 minutes

Resting time: 8 hours Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 8 hours 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour

1 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

1/2 tsp. Active Dried Yeast

3/4 cup + 2 tbsp. Water

2 tbsp. Olive Oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Mix well.

2. Add the water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough.

3. Knead 3-4 minutes, until a smooth dough ball.

4. Separate into 2 pieces, shape into a tight dough ball, and place in a large plate or individual bowls. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in the fridge overnight (8 hours and up to 3 days).

To Bake:

5. Use your hands to gently stretch and shape the pizza crust.

6. I recommend flouring your pizza tray with semolina flour (for pizza oven) or sheet pan with parchment paper and semolina flour (for conventional oven).

7. Add the sauce, cheese, and favorite toppings. Drizzle the crust with a little olive oil.

8. Bake in the pizza oven for 2-3 minutes. Or, bake in the conventional oven at 425 F for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.

by KATIE MARSH,

The Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce is excited to host Clemmons Community Day on April 29th! A rain or shine, family-friendly event attended by 100+ vendors and 3500+ people, Clemmons Community Day is organized by the LewisvilleClemmons Chamber of Commerce and volunteers.

Denise Heidel, the Executive Director of the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce, shared, “The heart of the Chamber is really about our local business community. Clemmons Community Day allows us to bring businesses together for fun, games, and entertainment. It gives us a great excuse to celebrate our community and collaborate with others! It’s truly a team effort with hours spent planning and perfecting this much-loved day!”

A team of volunteers led by Kristin Johnson is instrumental to the event’s success. Kristin said, “Our volunteer committee started planning the 2023 Clemmons Community Day in November. We are thrilled to once again partner with our friends at the Jerry Long Family YMCA to host the event. For the second year, we’ve once again embraced Denise’s favorite word, a ‘co-opetition’ with the Village of Clemmons, who will kick off the 2023 Clemmons Farmers’ Market at the same time, same place…. Meaning a one-stop shop for two events for those who can’t decide which to attend!”

“I agree,” said Denise. “This is a win-win-win collaboration, and honestly, I love working with the Village of Clemmons and the Jerry Long Family YMCA. It brings added excitement and energy to the planning!”

Kristin said, “Visitors will have a chance to meet over 100 vendors eager to share their businesses and services with the community. We will also have all kinds of fun and games for families to enjoy, including a trackless train, bounce houses, music, and demos! In addition, we have lots of great food trucks and food vendors coming, and new this year – a dunk booth!”

Clemmons Community Day is truly a labor of love to showcase what is so special about Clemmons. The event is possible through sponsors, volunteers, the YMCA, and civil servants working together to make it a special day!

While the event is free, visitors are encouraged to bring a donation for the Clemmons Food Pantry. Clemmons Food Pantry always accepts in-date canned and boxed food, but they especially need cereal, canned fruit, canned soups, and snacks.

To learn more about Clemmons Community Day, visit LewisvilleClemmons.com or call Executive Director, Denise Heidel, at 336.970.5100.

Activities will include:

Trackless Train | Bouncy House

Face Painting | Balloon Art

Music | Clemmons Fire Truck

Sheriff’s Car | Demos

No pets, smoking, or alcohol, please.

PARTNERSHIP RECOGNITION

Thank you to our 2023 Clemmons Community Day Business Partners for helping us make this day possible, and FREE, to our community!

VILLAGE PARTNERS

Allegacy Federal Credit Union

Novant Health

The Jerry Long Family YMCA

AdSigns

Black Tie Transportation

SOCIETY PARTNERS

Truliant

TRAIN PARTNER

Modern Automotive

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Animal Ark Veterinary Hospital

Cadence Living

Edward Jones – Matt Hynek

MEDIA PARTNERS

WBFJ

WTOB

Green Eyed Designs

Monarch Mortgage

Mosquito Authority

FRIEND PARTNERS

English’s Bridal & Formalwear

Third Generation Homes

Andrew’s Mowing and Landscaping

by MICHAEL JOHNSON

Anyone can tell you - it is important to know a good mechanic, dentist, and a company who can handle landscaping and mowing. Look no further than Andrew’s Mowing and Landscaping in Pinnacle. The powerhouse husband and wife pairing of Andrew and Brandi Lankford will see that you are well taken care of. After 18 years in business, they know what it takes to exceed clients’ expectations!

What services specifically do you offer?

Andrew’s Mowing and Landscaping offers a little bit of everything. We have tackled a wide range of jobs that include everything from retaining walls, hardscaping, landscape design, fire pits to spreading pine needles, mulch, and seed. In addition, we mow, edge and trim, as well as lay sod and take care of any planting needs. Typically, we work within a 30-mile radius of Pinnacle but are certainly happy to discuss traveling outside our normal range for larger jobs.

Have you always been in the lawn care business?

What was the genesis for this line of business for you specifically?

It all started in 2005 when I used to haul my mower to school, so we could begin our working day immediately after. I mowed several of my neighbors’ and family members’ yards, and then it slowly took off from there. I eventually had to hire some help to tackle our mowing and landscaping projects! Now we have 3 crews, a dedicated mowing crew, a crew exclusively for the work we do at Bermuda Village, a landscape crew (for jobs such as patios, sidewalks, and hardscapes. We have also found our way into servicing accounts for new construction.

What sets you apart from other lawn service businesses?

Andrew’s Mowing and Landscaping takes pride in everything that we do. We love to please our clients. If someone is not satisfied, we go above and beyond to make it right. We always strive to do the right thing, treat people fairly and respond to our clients’ concerns. We strive to exceed expectations every single time.

What would be the one thing you want to convey to potential customers?

Brandi & I want our potential clients to feel confident that we can be trusted. It is crucial to build relationships so your customers trust who you are and that you will deliver what you promise. We never want to hurry the quoting process. We encourage potential clients to ask as many questions as they need to for them to feel secure about working with our team.

Who is your target audience?

Honestly – we are always looking for clients who are no longer interested in tackling these labor-intensive tasks to keep their yards and hardscapes looking great so they can have time to enjoy their homes and yards. We are always looking to expand our business and services to home builders, contractors, residents, new commercial spaces, and retirement communities.

What brings you joy with this business?

Our team loves working outdoors and looks forward to learning something new every day. It is so rewarding to see the finished projects and the happiness it brings our clients. The benefits of teaming up as a husband and wife and making a difference in our community is very fulfilling. We have split roles in the operation of the business and have found a real balance in what each one brings to the table.

What do you want your regular customers to say about you when someone asks them about your service?

Clients knowing that we are trustworthy is very important to our team. We want them to be proud of the creative approach we bring to every job. We are dedicated to meeting their needs and consistently strive to exceed expectations to make our clients’ visions a reality.

If you’re ready to stand out in your neighborhood, bring your yard to the next level, and truly enjoy time spent outside in a beautiful, healthy yard, then give Andrew’s Mowing and Landscaping a call at 336-624-8357. Visit them online at andrewsmowingandlandscaping.com. You can also contact Brandi directly at 336-497-7339.

PRETTY IN PINK FOUNDATION’S 2nd Annual Triple Crown

Pretty In Pink Foundation’s Director of Marketing & Communications

photos by PHOTO ARTISTRY BY MELINDA

Are you ready to go ALL IN for breast cancer patients in our community, who are unable to pay for their life saving medical treatments? You can make a difference on April 21st at Pretty In Pink Foundation’s 2nd Annual Triple Crown Casino Night at Legacy Stables and Events in Winston-Salem. It’s our signature event in the Triad to support our mission of providing uninsured and underinsured breast cancer patients in NC with financial assistance for quality, life saving medical treatment.

Pretty In Pink Foundation provides grants to qualifying breast cancer patients in NC to help with surgeries, chemotherapy administration, radiation, insurance co-pays, deductibles and premiums, as well as COBRA. We pay the medical providers directly to alleviate any stress to ensure the patient can focus on taking care of themselves.

“These are patients who are forced to choose between paying for their medical treatment or living expenses. These are hair stylists, teachers, retail workers and even nurses. They’re hardworking women and men in our community who are maybe living paycheck to paycheck when they receive this earth-shattering diagnosis,” explained Sayla Nedell, Pretty In Pink Foundation’s director of business development. “That’s where we come in – to remove

the financial barrier to care, so they can receive treatment and beat this horrible disease. We don’t receive any state or federal funding. Our work is only possible through the support from the community. And, what better way to support our mission than by attending Triple Crown Casino Night – a fabulous, fun event!”

This year’s event is going to be even bigger and better than last year! The event starts at 5:30pm at the beautiful Legacy Stables and Events. It’s a gorgeous venue that goes perfectly with the theme…Kentucky Derby meets Casino Night! This year, we’ve added a silent auction, in addition to our live auction with incredible items. Guests can also enjoy cocktails, a delicious dinner, wine pull and casino gaming with awesome prizes on the line! Our ever-popular diamond giveaway is also back, thanks to our Diamond Sponsor, Diamonds Direct of Raleigh.

“We’ve added some exciting new features this year that are really taking this event up a notch,” said Nedell. “And, we’re so grateful to our dedicated sponsors. They partner with us because they want to continue to make a difference in our community. They understand the direct impact their contribution and participation have on those in the Triad.”

You can make an impact, too, in helping us save the lives of these vulnerable citizens. Net proceeds from Triple Crown Casino Night go directly toward paying for medical treatment for local breast cancer patients.

“We’re proud to say that we’ve been able to serve every qualified applicant who has come to us for help. So, join us on April 21st for a great time with a greater mission. Because no matter your financial situation, everyone deserves the same chance to beat this disease.”

For ticket and sponsorship information or to make a donation, go to http://tccn23.givesmart.com. You can also contact Sayla Nedell at snedell@prettyinpinkfoundation.org.

by TARYN JEREZ Photos by SAIL OFF PHOTOGRAPHY

Jane Goodman-Smith | Fine Art

This month’s featured artist and educator, Jane Goodman-Smith, began cultivating her unique style and creativity at ten years old and has created a lifetime of artistic impact through her work. From her fine art and graphic design background to her experience in broadcast design and courtroom sketching, Jane continues to pour every aspect of her life into her passion for creating unique pieces and experiences.

How would you describe your work?

My work is a mix of Impressionist techniques with Flemish style undertones. My style could be described as realism with an impressionistic approach.

What influences your art?

Pieces that influence my art would be ones that bring out an emotion through the use of color, light, and composition. I’ve always been inspired by the talents of Sargent, Monet and Mary Cassatt.

How have you evolved, personally, as an artist?

I’ve evolved through 58 years of practicing different mediums and styles, and in doing so, cultivated my own personal technique. I am classically trained in the Flemish style but have transitioned into impressionism over the course of the last ten years.

What would you say is the difference in the apprenticeship teaching you offer versus a traditional art class based instruction?

I encourage each student to find their own subject of choice that inspires them, and then receive personalized instruction based on their medium of choice, subject matter, and desired technique. They receive demonstration and critiquing for each separate project. This learning

atmosphere creates a sense of comradery that inspires artists to try new mediums and techniques.

How do you carve out time to be creative?

Implementing a good work-life balance is key. Anything artistic in nature requires an extreme level of focus and energy. I am enjoying the perks of retirement which allows me to recharge accordingly and look forward to independent projects and guiding students to new levels in their artistry.

What are you working on that excites you right now?

The most exciting thing to me is being able to help other artists develop their technique and watch them feel accomplished along the way. I currently have three ongoing classes a week for adult artists who have an interest in developing their skill set in varying mediums. It is easy to continue a hobby at home but there are often many distractions. I offer a space away from interruptions for artists to relax and focus on their project.

What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with fellow artists?

It’s about trusting yourself. In my daylight studio, we explore the freedom of making “mistakes” and making them work for the individual piece. As Bob Ross said, “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.” I’ve learned that each of us are created uniquely and we must learn to trust our own insights and abilities.

If you are interested in learning more about Jane Goodman-Smith you can find her work online at www.noelsart.com. You may also contact the artist regarding any inquiries at (336) 766-5286 or email at Noelsart@gmail.com.

A monthly column that keeps its finger on the pulse of Forsyth’s artists and their inspiring stories!

PEOPLE OF PROMINENCE SERIES

by MICHAEL JOHNSON

Milicent Greason

When sketching out the lines and angles of those who make a difference in a community, it is important to recognize their courage to innovate. Milicent Greason is a stalwart artistic maven who has thrown a splash of color on the city of Winston-Salem for the last 25 years. Many may remember her as an artistic pioneer as the owner of Urban Artware downtown. She ran in, and illuminated, the creative circles here in the City of the Arts.

“To create one’s own world in any of the arts takes courage.”

Tell me about your young life as an artist. Where did it begin for you?

I was always a creative weird kid in a good way. My mom always let me pick out decorations for my room, what clothing I loved to wear. As a young kid, I would attend summer art camp at Reynolda House and I remember doing a lot of activities sponsored through the Arts Council. I took advantage of a lot of art classes as a youngster. In my early 20s, Urban Artware was this hip art gallery downtown and I started working for them. Working there was my entry into that neighborhood that became the epicenter of art. At some point, the owners asked me if I wanted to buy the business. This was the late ‘90s and I said “Yes!” I adored what the arts district had become and could sense the magic beginning to emerge in our city. There was creative “glitter” in the air.

What is the best way to get young burgeoning artists the support they need?

There needs to be a continued connection between people in the community and the Arts Council. When I was deep into the arts scene, I started to poll people about what they thought the Arts Council does to foster the arts here, and most people had no idea. Any artistic activity in any city goes through phases of highs and lows, but the through-line is that there might be a perceived “elitism” to art, but we wanted to bring it to more people. A lot of people, young and old, are afraid of art. If you like something, it’s something significant to you. My gallery at Urban Artware was about accessibility. Customers would sheepishly sometimes say, “I don’t know much about art….and….” I remember this one woman looking at a painting who was in tears. She turned to thank me for setting her at ease to just see the art in front of her without any barriers or judgment about her love for it. Art is not just for the rich or intellectual; it is for everyone.

Why should people care about art?

Math is an understandably respected and revered subject. But what about art? It is a valid form of feeding one’s soul. It’s a unique animal and it is different, but necessary. Listen, I owned my gallery when 9/11 happened; it was actually a strong year for the gallery in terms of sales. There was something communal about that time when everyone seemed to recognize that coming together was vital. I painted my driveway during the pandemic. I did it as an outdoor activity that people could pass by and see; something for people to connect over. I wish I had had a camera positioned out there around the clock just to see people walking by to look at it. It is cliché to say, but art is uplifting.

What did you envision the City of the Arts here could become? What was your motivation for even trying to foster something special here?

I was involved in a lot of ways. There are so many “bubbles of coolness” here between the various universities, venues, galleries, boutiques, restaurants…. But I have always hoped the “bubbles” were more connected and I could see in my mind that connection as leading to something amazing. I pictured a huge cultural “net” to enfold all different populations and the effect would be this intertwined community. I always wanted to create something where art wasn’t about pretension, but inclusion.

What can people do to ensure that the art scene doesn’t wither?

It takes some more young people with fresh ideas, vision, and plenty of energy. I am an old lady and have been there, done that. I always had this fantasy of having an art bus to take people on tours of galleries downtown, at the universities and other places where you could just take in art. It would be a great way to take people to art and get them excited about it. Even more exposure for schools in economically challenged areas to art would be amazing. I remember we used to run summer art programs where kids would get to exhibit their art like a real live art show. It made a difference seeing these kids’ faces who probably never dreamed that anything of theirs would be showcased and exhibited.

Who would you nominate as a woman of prominence who inspired/s you?

Cary Clifford who is the owner of Camino Bakery. I have been friends with her forever. I have always had immense respect for her and the passion she pours into anything she does. She is a superstar goddess!

- Georgia O’Keeffe

Mary Haglund (left) Milicent Greason (right)

Three Keys to Success Fraleigh’s Boutique

by MARTIE EMORY

Having been blessed to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2021, the ladies of Fraleigh’s Boutique in Clemmons are also known to bless their loyal customer base with personalized service and a true family feel!

A large part of the success of the boutique has been the time-honored tradition of mothers and daughters shopping together, in search of classic style that covers every single generation. Fraleigh’s also has many “regulars” — groups of girlfriends and co-workers who also make it a point to shop together. From size two to 20W, the goal is simply to make customers feel comfortable.

While there are hundreds of reasons to visit Fraleigh’s regularly, owner Donna Merriman’s daughter-in-law, Ally, (who helps manage the boutique’s daily operations) shares a list of Top Three reasons that seem to stand out.

Here’s how it’s done!

1. Customer Service

“Our customer service and the quality of products we offer is what I feel sets us apart,” says Ally. “We typically only order four to six pieces of one item. That way, our customers know they are getting something special. Everything is hand picked by Donna, and whether someone is wanting one-on-one time with us to help them choose, or they prefer to simply browse, we are happy to help in any way we can!”

2. One-Stop Shopping

“When a shopper comes in to find something for an upcoming event, we can get them ready from head-to-toe, for whatever the special occasion may be: formal, business, or casual,” says Ally. “Just think ‘personal shopper.’” Fraleigh’s has you covered with clothing, shoes, and accessories — and they even have a seamstress who can make alterations if needed (by appointment).

3. Selection

“We carry everything from formalwear, mother-of-the-bride and groom, and cocktail attire to the best blue jeans!” says Ally. “Shoes, scarves, bags, and jewelry — all in plentiful supply!” If you’re opting for the full boutique experience over online shopping, the selection at Fraleigh’s will keep you coming back every time! Look for them to carry the new shoe line Bernie-Mev this season — widely known for their comfortable woven shoes!

“When we have a customer who shares their love for our store with family and friends and brings them along for the experience, that’s truly the highest compliment you can receive!” adds Ally. “Our customers are our family. We celebrate with them, grow with them, and even cry together. If we have just met them that day, some time in the last few months, or maybe we have known them for 30-plus years — either way, they are family! When you have the opportunity to spend time with your customers and get to know them on a personal level, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

The Fraleigh’s team is also pleased to offer a loyalty program to reward customers for shopping regularly at the boutique. For every $30 spent they get a stamp — when the card is full (which is $300) they get a $20 Gift Certificate to use towards anything in the store. No exclusions!

Be sure to catch Fraleigh’s Boutique’s daily live videos on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube ( Every day except Saturday) — to keep up with specials and new arrivals. Visit Fraleigh’s at 2626 LewisvilleClemmons Road in Clemmons, 336-766-7440, and follow them on Instagram @fraleighsboutique and at Fraleighsboutiquenc.com. Boutique hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 4

p.m.

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iS Clinical Youth Intensive Cream, Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops and Obagi ELASTIderm Neck and Decollete Concentrate

BLOOM

at the vista

by ELLEN BASSETT

photos by JEJ PHOTOS

Kate, a local college student, comes out of one of the treatment rooms at The VISTA med spa in Winston-Salem. Her skin is literally glowing. No makeup – just super fresh, healthy looking skin – the result of a 45-minute DiamondGlow treatment. Top-notch facials like the DiamondGlow, peels, medical-grade skincare products, lasers, fat-freezing and muscle toning are just some of the offerings that are drawing lots of patients to The VISTA which will celebrate its 4th anniversary this year.

The VISTA is located within Forsyth Plastic Surgery, an awardwinning practice with five board-certified plastic surgeons and a large staff. So, what should patients expect when they come to The VISTA? Dr. Andy Schneider, one of the practice’s boardcertified plastic surgeons says, “results.”

Dr. Schneider explains, “We want to make sure that our patients see a noticeable result. There are many treatments advertised

on TV, on social media and in stores that are basically a waste of money. You’ll see products that sound too good to be true. And, actually, they are too good to be true. So, we don’t do things unless we really think patients will see a noticeable result. That’s why our patients continue to come back.”

Let’s say you have a beauty goal in mind for this spring or summer. What’s a good place to start? Dr. Leslie Branch, another board-certified plastic surgeon, says the first step is to “book a consult with Gina or Kinsley, our licensed medical aestheticians. They’ll create a specific plan for you based on your skin type. They’ll factor in your age, your needs, how dry or oily your skin is, and then they’ll choose products and treatments that are going to work best for you.”

Dr. Branch says that can mean the aestheticians may choose several products from one skincare line, like Obagi, or they

may choose products from several different companies. And, they may recommend a peel, a simple facial or a laser treatment.

Dr. Schneider believes this is exactly the right approach. He says, “I think most people sometimes have the impression that one treatment or one procedure can do magic. When in reality, oftentimes the best approach is to do many different things that all add up to a better result. I always use the analogy of going to the gym. You wouldn’t walk into the gym and spend all day on one machine. Rather, you would pick out several machines that seem to work for you and focus on those.”

Aesthetician Kinsley Nix agrees: “Each patient has different needs and desires for their goals. I feel like we have something to offer each person.”

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DiamondGlow facial wand and zinc-based sunscreen

Dr. Gil Kingman, another plastic surgeon, says, “Maintenance is key, especially with people who have already had some procedures. Skincare can really go a long way if you stick with it. There are various plans, some more aggressive, some a little less. It really depends on how soon you want to get to your endpoint and what your endpoint is. There’s always something that fits within your budget.”

So, why choose to buy beauty products at The VISTA when you can find products with similar ingredients at every pharmacy or mall kiosk, on Instagram or even in the grocery store? Dr. Branch explains, “When you buy medical-grade skincare products at The VISTA, you’re going to get better results. The products we sell have higher percentages of the natural acids, active ingredients and retinols in them than what people can typically sell over the counter.”

One additional benefit to choosing The VISTA is that it’s part of Forsyth Plastic Surgery. As Dr. George Lawson III says, “Sometimes our aestheticians will have a patient with a goal that goes beyond the scope of what we do in The VISTA, and they can just refer the patient right upstairs to one of our surgeons.”

The VISTA is open daily from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm. Danielle Lampky and Trish Welch are the Cosmetic Concierges at the practice, and they welcome texts from patients who have questions about products, treatments or booking appointments. Their number is 336.443.6313, and they respond during business hours.

Danielle says, “We encourage patients to come see us at The VISTA. We love the products and treatments here. I use them myself. We all do!”

ethan Harken Mineral Sunscreen for sailors and surfers, Nutrafol Hair Growth Nutraceutical

SPRING PRODUCTS AND TREATMENTS

Dr. John A. Fagg, Plastic Surgeon: “I would recommend a good sunscreen for everyone. It’s the #1 way to help prevent premature aging.”

Dr. Gil Kingman, Plastic Surgeon: “Laser hair removal becomes popular in the spring, especially with bathing suit season coming up. I also highly recommend an Intense Pulse Light (IPL treatment) for patients who want to reduce the appearance of spider veins and fade pink spots that can appear on the face. And, a personal favorite is miraDry to reduce underarm sweat. I’ve had the treatment myself and love the results.”

Gina Racca, Aesthetician: “CoolSculpting and CoolTone are great choices this time of year. It’s smart to start now because these treatments need several weeks before you’ll see your full result.”

Kinsley Nix, Aesthetician: “Permanent makeup is good for anyone who is maybe missing a little bit of brow and wants them to be a little thicker and fuller. Permanent eyeliner is great for someone who doesn’t want to fuss with putting it on every day or maybe doesn’t have the steadiest hand. Permanent makeup also means you’re beach ready! You wake up, you’re ready to go.”

Dr. George Lawson III, Plastic Surgeon: “Dermaplaning is very popular in the summer. It removes that layer of peach fuzz from the facial skin, and our patients really like the smooth feeling.”

For appointments, call 336.765.8620 or text 336.443.6313.

Purpose Push:

Surrender It All

Most likely, you’ve heard the phrase, “Let go and let God,” but it can be hard to embrace it despite the fact it’s printed on bumper stickers, consistently quoted by others, and proclaimed as a cheat sheet to success. Some argue the phrase has become cliché but I’ve realized anything that has reached a “cliché” status happened because it has actually worked for so many people. Letting go, also referred to as surrendering, can manifest in various ways and we’re going to talk about three of them today as you are making strides in your business:

SURRENDER YOUR SUCCESS

You are walking a tightrope whenever you believe your success is completely by your own doing. What happens when you don’t have the answers or the money to do what’s next? The truth is, God is who controls our success and protects our sanity as we reach it. Surely, there are some who reach monetary benefits in corrupt ways, but that is not success. I assume you are the type of businesswoman who wants a well-balanced life that includes love, peace, and abundance. You can truly have it all but God gives you a choice every day -- surrender or don’t. He’s already shown that He’s conquered the world and beyond through Jesus so it’s your choice if you will trust Him or not. I’ve mentioned in previous articles that God is great at business! We are still learning but He knows it all so why not relinquish control so God can take over? Essentially, it lets you off the hook because you won’t have to figure everything out on your own, you can just look up and ask, “What should I do now?”

SURRENDER YOUR STORY

Now let’s talk about your life journey, because success in business is only a part of it. Many small business owners now understand that it’s not just about the products they sell but about the story that is attached to their products. We fall into a trap when we try to control the story of our lives, too. This is another thing to give straight to God! We don’t know what tomorrow holds but with God on our side, it doesn’t even matter. The Bible tells us, going through struggles is a part of the human experience (John 16:33). Thinking we should keep our story to ourselves because it feels too embarrassing for others to hear is a demonic trick. We survive spiritual attacks by connecting with each other. Do not be ashamed to go through the fire and tell others about it! It spreads hope and, in turn, helps you realize you are not the only one struggling in a certain area of life. You and God are cowriting your story together but He knows the outcome and has plans to prosper you (Jeremiah 29:11). Embrace

Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Perennial Peaces, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on transcending self-worth to all women. Her true work began after climbing out of a dark place with the help of God and therapy and her life mission is to provide tangible peace through her Divine gifts to help women heal and transform their life. Follow the mission on Instagram and Facebook: @perennialpeaces

by SHERIDAN C. WATKINS

everything that happens in your life because it’s just another page in your divinely crafted storybook and it’s going to free those connected to it.

SURRENDER YOUR HEART

We can surrender our business and our story but surrendering our heart may be the toughest. We have feelings and it’s our animalistic instinct to protect them. In God’s kingdom, every moral thing seems to be the opposite of what our flesh wants to do. It seemed so counterintuitive when Jesus said, “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it,” (Matthew 16:25). Physically, without our heart we

can’t live but spiritually when we give our heart to God, we find life and He gives our heart back to us whole (Ezekiel 36:26). When God cleans and restores your heart, you no longer care about how much money you are making because you know you are aligned with your life purpose. Alignment will pay your bills, keep your belly full, and grant all your wants and needs!

If you build the faith to surrender just in these three areas, you are going to be amazed at how much God moves for you and your business. Push through the hard part so you can get to the easy part of allowing God to sustain you. I have faith in you.

Battling Body Image

by LESLIE SPEAS

Have you ever struggled with body image? My guess is that more women have than haven’t. And having an unhealthy view of our bodies negatively impacts our lives! How many women have you known that have tried fad diets like the lemonade diet, the grapefruit diet, and the military diet? There was even a vision diet where you eat everything with blue-tinted glasses. And there was a thing where you could get a staple in your ear, which was supposed to curb your appetite. We’ll try just about anything to get the body we want!

Consider these statistics:

• Forty to sixty percent of elementary school girls are concerned about their weight or about becoming too fat. This concern endures through life. (nationaleatingdisorders.org)

• In the United States, two million women suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life. (nationaleatingdisorders.org)

• Only two percent of women globally consider themselves beautiful. And two-thirds of women strongly agree that media and advertising set an unrealistic standard of beauty that most women can’t ever achieve. (dove.com)

I have had an unhealthy relationship with body image since my early college years. I did cardio and lifted weights like a madwoman and was very conscious of what I ate. The thing back then was low-fat, so I ate low-fat everything. Occasionally, I would binge on something and then would have terrible feelings of guilt and exercise extra hard the next day. By the end of my senior year of college, I was down to ninety-nine pounds, which wasn’t a healthy weight for my five-foot-five-inch frame.

I continued to struggle as I got older. One of my roles in a previous job was to lead employee wellness efforts. Although this was right up my alley, I think it made me even a little more obsessive about health and fitness.

I tried to impose my diet choices on my family, and shockingly they were resistant. My husband eats like a middle school boy and our kids wanted stuff they thought tasted good like french fries and chicken nuggets. In addition, I tried to get everyone to exercise and was a failure there as well. I don’t think my daughters have ever been as mad at me as when I signed them up for a personal training session in middle school and the trainer had them doing jump squats and burpees.

Admittedly, I still struggle with my body image. I exercise every day with few exceptions and try to make healthy food choices. I still experience anxiety at times if I make unhealthy choices or don’t find time to exercise.

In Genesis 3, Eve was tempted by Satan. Does anyone else find it ironic that the first temptation involved food? I might have been more tempted by doughnuts or pizza than an apple though. Just sayin’.

Genesis 1:27 tells us that God created us in His image. Isn’t that amazing? We are created in the image of the most flawless, perfect being ever to exist! Our body is our temporary dwelling place while we are on this earth. Although I believe that we should be good stewards of our bodies, our body shape doesn’t determine our worth. God thinks we are beautiful just the way we are. Even with stretch marks. Even with muffin tops. And even with bat wings. Reminding yourself of this can help you to prevail in the battle of body image.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14).

No Place Like Home

It is time to start thinking about getting those projects finished before school is out. We are updating our library of furniture, tile, granite, quartz, cabinetry, and hardware for our remodeling services. And of course, we have a variety of antiques and classic pieces to mix with new more modern styles. Come by the showroom today to look around and make an appointment for us to start on your latest project. Your project could entail remodeling your kitchen or your bathroom, or furnishing a room or more.

Interiors are where we really have the most fun. We select granite for the kitchen and baths, as well as all the kitchen and bath fixtures, and so much more. From paint colors to accessories, everything is selected by June DeLugas Interiors. We collaborate with a talented team of local subcontractors to help us with your projects, and we create construction drawings for our subs to work from. We schedule, project manage the subs, and best of all we design the space and turnkey the implementation.

We just finished painting an entire home, replaced the window treatments, replaced rugs and furnishings for the living and dining room as well as designed, remodeled, and implemented the remodel of the powder room, replacing the cabinet, plumbing and wallpaper. Nothing structural, but we turned a dark powder room into a fantasy powder room. We are getting ready to replace all the lighting to update her entire home. Light fixtures are en route. Changing the paint colors and lighting will sometimes update your home, but our client went further with her desire to update her 20-year-old home. My own home is something I take pride in, and I truly feel like there is no place like home.

God Bless,

June

Timeless Details

PHOTOS BY JAY SINCLAIR

Aeracura Salon & Spa

Self-Care That Saves the Earth!

by MARTIE EMORY

Always forward thinking when it comes to beauty and self-care, Aeracura Salon and Aeracura Salon & Spa share a heartfelt message for spring: Let us help you invest in our planet!

“Being part of a corporation that is improving the earth in so many ways is a privilege,” says salon owner Christi Bradham. She’s also proud that salon guests can be a part of the better future of the planet — and feels that speaks volumes about her business.

As part of their shared mission with Aveda, both Aeracura Salons will focus on Earth Day this April in a big way, recognizing the cause for the entire month.

“We really wanted to have a focus this year and decided to celebrate at the 2023 Earth Fair at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds on April 22nd from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m,” says Christi. Aeracura Salon wants to represent all that Aveda stands for in global sustainability, and recognize their global support action to clean water with charity water.org.

“On April 22nd we also want to have some fun, so we decided to offer Shimmer Fairy hair made out of 100% Silk Strands, and provide some other creative earth-friendly activities for the kiddos at the Earth Fair!” says Christi.

Now a certified B Corporation (a business that meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability, to balance profit and purpose), Aveda showcases several characteristics that enhance Aeracura’s own relationship with the planet:

• Cruelty-Free: no animal testing, Leaping Bunny approved

• 100% Vegan ingredients

• Wind-Powered Manufacturer: All products are made through wind power and renewable energy

• First beauty company using 100% post-consumer recycled packaging

• 90% naturally derived

• Natural biotech

• Biodegradable products

• Waste prevention and upcycling

• Our packaging is 100% post-consumer recycled PET Packaging and 100% post-consumer recycled plastic

The Aeracura team’s mission is a passionate one, and this favorite quote guides them:

“Every girl should use what Mother Nature gave, before Father Time takes it all away.” -Laurence J. Peter.

“I believe this quote speaks to Aveda, as we use Mother Nature’s gifts for ourselves, instead of creating products that harm her well-being and ours, and with the way the world is today, we ALL need a little AVEDA.” –Claudia Hayes (GM)

“I love being part of a corporation that focuses on maintaining the health of the planet, as well as maintaining a healthy appearance through haircare and skincare. Our products are naturally derived, and specifically designed to maintain the integrity and health of the hair, from our color to our treatments and even our styling products!” – Noah

Hutchins, Assistant Manager

“I absolutely love using plant-derived ingredients in our professional grade products. These are ingredients that are derived from the earth, such as cactus fruit stem cells, rose water, bamboo extract, and nutrient rich algae. All of our facials are customized for the client’s skin type using products that will help you feel good about what you are putting on your skin, and are also good for the planet. During the month of April, receive 15% off your customized facial at either Aeracura location.” - Camie Cregar, Esthetician

Christi also enjoys sharing that both of her adult daughters are helping run the salons.

“It truly has become a family business! My oldest daughter, Clara Myers, is the lead hairstylist at our Clemmons location, and has been for the last three years. Claudia Myers, my second oldest daughter, has stepped up and taken on the responsibility of General Manager at both of our locations,” explains Christi. “We have strong teams at both of our salons. Everyone is so talented, and I’m proud of every single one of our hairstylists and estheticians!

Aeracura Salon is located at 101A Reynolda Village in Winston-Salem, 336-448-0792, and Aeracura Salon & Spa at 6265 Town Center Drive in Clemmons, 336-448-2044. Reach them online at aeracurasalon.com and follow them on Instagram @aeracurasalon.

MEGAN BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY

by TARYN JEREZ , OF GOFORITCREATIVE.COM

Don’t worry about getting your first one hundred customers. Worry about getting your first five and serving them really well.

My biggest advice to any ambitious new business owner is to concentrate on reputation first. It takes time to build a reputation and whether you focus on it or not, it’s going to form. Better to be in the driver’s seat, if you ask me.

Hustle & Heart

3 Reasons to Focus on Building Brand Reputation

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.

to serve your customers with the same level of service and enthusiasm? Does your brand hold the same personality on and offline when customers interact with you? Your brand reputation should strive to maintain a consistency in how it shows up to create that sense of comfort, whether customers are currently working with you or will in the future.

#3 STAY TOP OF MIND

Growing a business takes time, effort, money, resilience and, honestly, a phenomenal reputation. When you put your focus on simply building sales and gaining more customers, it’s easy to let reputation building fall to the wayside when it really deserves to be front and center.

Whether you’re just getting your feet wet in your business or have been at it awhile, here are three important reasons to focus on building your brand’s reputation.

#1 BUILD TRUST

We grow up being reminded that what other people think doesn’t matter, but unfortunately, when your business is concerned, it matters quite a lot. At least, the opinions of your customers and future customers matter. Focusing on your brand’s reputation and how to build it in a positive way will help you to create and instill trust with your audience. Think about it, when you head to purchase something from Amazon, what do you typically do first? You look at customer reviews to make yourself feel more certain of your purchase. Your brand’s reputation should help people trust that they can count on you and that the investment of purchasing from you and working with you is worth it!

#2 CREATE COMFORT

Think about the leather recliners in a movie theater; you don’t think twice about sitting for hours watching a film because you’re comfortable. When you begin to concentrate on creating content for your business, sharing marketing assets or posting customer reviews, for instance, you’re helping create brand awareness and setting the tone of your brand. How can you create a sense of comfort, familiarity and therefore consistency for your audience? Are you showing up

Small business owners are notorious for experiencing anxiety over the ups and downs that entrepreneurship can often bring. A huge factor in brand reputation is that it’s one of the greatest determining factors for returning business as well as referrals. Once you land a customer or make a sale, that is only the beginning of the relationship! By serving your customers well, creating impact, and adding unexpected value, that brand reputation will become the tool in your business that keeps you top of mind the next time you’re needed! Implementing ways to create value within your content and finding opportunities to speak directly to the things your target market wants and needs may not always show results in the immediate present, but keep the connection going and growing! When you build a brand reputation that people know, like and trust, you will stay top of mind!

HUSTLE & HEART CHALLENGE

This month, set a timer for 5 minutes and think about your current brand reputation. What do you think customers would say about your business to a friend? Where are there opportunities to improve? What area are you truly proud of and want more people to learn about? Intentionally choose 2 ways you’re going to focus this month on building your brand reputation in ways that matter to your target audience.

Thank You for Voting!

Thank you to all who voted for us in the Triad Moms on Main 2023 Choice Awards. We are honored to be voted your favorite Medical Spa in Winston Salem!

Our mission at Lyndhurst Medical Spa is to provide you with an unforgettable spa experience. We are dedicated to helping women in the triad achieve brighter, healthier, younger looking skin with our contemporary procedures and moderate pricing. Invest in your skin health with Lyndhurst Medical Spa.

Favorite OB/GYN Doctor in the Winston-Salem Area: Dr. Amber G. Hatch, MD

Congratulations to Dr. Hatch, this year’s Triad Moms on Main Favorite OB/GYN Doctor in the Winston-Salem area recipient. Dr. Hatch joined Lyndhurst in August of 2011 and sees patients in our Winston-Salem and Mt. Airy offices. Her special interests include adolescent gynecology, laparoscopic and pelvic surgery, high-risk obstetrics, and research. In her free time, Dr. Hatch enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt and two sons Jack and Deacon. She also enjoys traveling, hiking, reading and she speaks conversational Spanish.

Salem Pregnancy Care Center

“EMPOWERING WOMEN, CHANGING LIVES”

– One Client’s Story

“I came to Salem Pregnancy after escaping a domestic violence situation and finding out I was pregnant with twins. Before I was even enrolled in the program the staff at SPCC gave me all the resources I needed to obtain pregnancy Medicaid, legal counsel regarding my difficult situation, helping me find a wonderful OB/GYN, and a free first ultrasound. After joining the program and attending classes I got to shop at their facility monthly and they provided me with diapers, wipes, clothing, formula, and many other essential items for my twins at no cost. In the beginning I was extremely anxious about becoming a single mother to two babies, but everyone at SPCC was so kind and supportive! They helped ease all my concerns about motherhood and even though the pregnancy was unexpected, I was so happy to have my two babies and such a wonderful community of mothers to be a part of. It has truly helped me thrive as a mother and as a person and I am so grateful!”

FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL SERVICES

• Lab-Quality Pregnancy Tests

• Limited Obstetric Ultrasounds

• Prenatal Vitamins

• Man to Man Fatherhood Mentoring

• Life Coaching for Individuals and Groups by Trained Life Coaches

• Referrals for Counseling, Therapy, and Community Resources

• Pregnancy Medicaid Assistance (Pregnancy Test Verification)

• Non-Judgmental, Confidential Support and Assistance

• Community Shopping (baby clothes, diapers/wipes, and other baby items)

• Options Counseling

• 8 Week Parenting Classes

• Community Health Fairs

• Abortion Recovery Counseling

• HOPE Life Skills Group Classes for Expecting Parents

• Post-Abortion Recovery Referrals

• Resources to Support Parents and Children

A Safe Refuge for Women in Unplanned Pregnancies

by DEBBIE LINVILLE

In a recent conversation with Meredith Potter, Program Manager at Salem Pregnancy Care Center (SPCC), I quickly learned that the center is so much more than a “diapers and wet wipes” dispensary! And while it is true that Salem Pregnancy is life-affirming, those who enter can be assured that client advocates never coerce or manipulate them about their choices. In fact, staff and trained volunteers are very truthful about all options, provide medically accurate information, and are a steady source of love and support each step of the way. Potter stated, “We are here to provide post abortive care, too, if that is the decision chosen. We are non-judgmental and meet clients where they are.” Life is filled with difficult choices and the reality of being pregnant is that any choice made will have long term consequences. The question then becomes which set of consequences an individual will be best able to move forward from.

Established in 1985, Salem Pregnancy Care Center steadily expanded the number of services offered over the decades and, as a result, it was bulging at the seams - limited both in space and number of clients they could assist. Thanks to a recent capital campaign, Salem Pregnancy Care Center was able to completely pay for the purchase and renovation of their new building, which they moved into in May 2022. Conveniently located at 3001 Maplewood Avenue, just one block from Forsyth Medical Center, the aesthetically appealing, large white building is both highly visible and easily accessible. The move came none too soon. Meredith reported there has been a definite uptick in the number of services provided and clients served since opening the new location and those numbers continue to grow.

2022 MILESTONES:

1550% increase in walk-in appointments

18% increase in pregnancy tests administered

15% increase in ultrasounds

*Calculations based on 2021/2022 data comparison

For 38 years Salem Pregnancy Care Center has been ministering to women facing unplanned pregnancies and, as Meredith shared, “We cannot carry out our mission without the abundance of local church and community partnerships.” From providing financial support to helping run the daily activities of the center, volunteers are the hands and feet of the organization. A sample of the many ways the 100+ volunteers provide invaluable support: working as client advocates, helping in the community and HOPE shopping rooms, assisting with fundraising events (e.g. baby bottle campaign and annual banquet), RNs conducting free ultrasounds, and sharing their professional services (e.g. photography, accounting, building, etc.).

For more information, call or text 336.760.3680 or visit https:// salempregnancy.org/ Free pregnancy tests are available by appointment.

SOOTHING YOUR SENSES

with Nature’s Symphony

by SUSAN BB SCHABACKER

With God and Mother Nature as masterful Creators and Conductors of nature’s symphony, some of the best music around exists in nature. From the cicadas, frogs, and crickets of summer to birds’ songs, each of these creatures adds to nature’s symphonic soundscapes. And the moving water of ocean waves, rivers, streams, and waterfalls can also be soothingly therapeutic. A rich mixture of nature’s sounds might include the following:

• Rain in an exotic lush rainforest/jungle;

• A thunderstorm with pelting rain;

• A Zen water fountain, gently bubbling forth;

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

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

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

• A rolling river or flowing stream with birds singing;

• A crackling bonfire at the beach;

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

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

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

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

The next time you encounter writer’s block, try increasing your concentration and focus by opening your ears to soothing songs containing the natural elements of nature. Nature sounds might assist in the flow and let the words come forth by themselves!

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

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

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

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

On the Road Again: Washington DC

by AMY HILL

Although we normally suggest visiting multiple cities over the course of a week in On the Road Again articles, some cities pack enough of a sightseeing punch alone to last tourists longer than just a day or two. Here’s how to spend seven days in our nation’s capital, Washington D.C.

Day 1: Dulles International Airport

When booking your flight in and out of Dulles International Airport (IAD), the decision to rent a car should be based on how many side trips you plan to take outside the heart of the Washington D.C. action, as public transportation is efficient and readily available throughout the city. If you rent a car, be prepared to leave it sitting in your hotel room parking garage for most of the week, as most of Washington D.C.’s hotspots are a quick walk, bike ride, metro ride, or bus trip away. If you opt out of renting a vehicle, take a taxi or Uber from IAD to your more centrally located accommodations.

Day 2: Cherry Blossoms

Covering Washington D.C. for the April issue is ideal because Washington D.C.’s iconic cherry blossoms are notorious for blooming in late March and early April each year, depending on weather patterns. Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin is a tourist destination for blossom peepers with over 3,700 cherry trees in front of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument. As a matter of fact, if you plan on visiting this month, there’s a chance you can still catch the National Cherry Blossom Festival that will run through April 16th. To learn more about the festival, visit www. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Day 3: Fan Favorites

If you ask Washington D.C. tourists about their favorite activity, monument, or museum, they’re most likely to mention the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. Considerably one of the most postcardesque sights to see, these historical masterpieces deserve their own day to leisurely explore. Built in the early 1900s to honor 16th President Abraham Lincoln, the Lincoln Memorial is free to visit and open daily, and is home to the famous reflecting pool. An average visit lasts two hours with a plethora of monuments to visit and plenty of outdoor space for resting and taking in the architectural beauty in front you. The Washington Monument honors George Washington, with the nearby National Mall serving as the ideal place for a stroll on a pleasant spring day.

Day 4: Choose Your Museums

There are nearly too many museums in Washington D.C. to count. Whether your interests lie in military and war history, art, or science, this city offers something for everyone in the family. Across the Potomac River, the Arlington National Cemetery contains must-sees such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial, and former President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite. To reach this emotional and unforgettable experience, there is a convenient metro station to take visitors straight to the entrance, eliminating the need for a taxi or car. Near the National Monument is the Smithsonian Museum of American History, as well as the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, to entertain U.S. history and nature lovers alike. If artifacts and history lessons aren’t your forte, you can still set your sights on some of the nation’s best wildlife at the Smithsonian National Zoo for a lighter educational experience.

Day 5: Great Falls Park

If you’ve rented a car for the week, this is your opportunity to leave the hustle and bustle of the metropolis behind and drive 30 minutes west to Great Falls Park in McLean, Virginia. You will find plenty of overlooks for viewing the stunning waterfalls, as well as the opportunity to kayak down the Potomac River Gorge. Additionally, there are numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty that will provide a quiet sanctuary in comparison to large crowds and street noise.

Day 6: Laissez-faire

With an overwhelming amount of activities and tours to fit into a short schedule, it’s an excellent idea to pack one “free day” into your itinerary to catch anything you might have missed before heading home. Sick of sightseeing by your sixth day? Take a food tour or find a local winery for a wine tasting. Spend time along the Potomac at Georgetown Waterfront Park, or simply spend the day shopping along the streets of Washington D.C.

Day 7: Depart Dulles

Those who chose not to rent a car should consult their hotel concierge on whether their hotel offers a convenient airport shuttle before hiring an Uber or taxi to head back to IAD. The Washington D.C. area can become congested depending on the time of day and day of the week, so it is best to leave for the airport with an abundance of time to spare to avoid any snags in catching your flight. Although it’s not the largest airport in comparison to major hubs, IAD fortunately has no shortage of breakfast joints for a quick coffee and croissant before boarding a morning flight.

Triad Heart Ball Promotes Acting F.A.S.T.

by AVERY THOMAS, AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Dust off your ball gown and tux for a night on the town for the American Heart Association’s 2023 Triad Heart Ball on Friday, April 21 at Legacy Stables and Events in Winston-Salem. The Heart Ball celebrates the American Heart Association’s collective success in driving change, funding science and encouraging behaviors that improve heart health in our community.

This year, the Heart Ball and Heart of the Triad initiative is focused on stroke and prevention. As part of Encompass Health’s Platform Sponsorship and in an effort to increase awareness of the warning signs of stroke, a traveling display of large F.A.S.T. letters are on exhibit throughout Triad businesses and organizations this year.

“F” stands for face drooping. “A” stands for arm weakness. “S” stands for speech difficulty. “T” stands for time to call 9-1-1. If a person shows any of the symptoms, even if their symptoms go away, 9-1-1 should be called and the person should get to a hospital immediately.

According to the American Heart Association, every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke and every three minutes and 17 seconds, a person dies from a stroke. The faster a stroke is treated, the more likely the patient is to recover. In addition, stroke patients who are treated with a clot busting drug within 90 minutes of their first symptoms are almost three times more likely to recover with little or no disability. To learn more about stroke, visit www.stroke.org.

The good news is that heart attack and stroke-related events can be largely preventable with education and lifestyle changes, such as knowing your vital health numbers, moving more, reducing sodium intake, adding fruits

and vegetables to your diet, and managing vital health numbers including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. For more information on the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, visit www.heart.org/lifes8.

“Like many individuals across the country, I have personally experienced how cardiovascular disease can impact a family,” said Anita Prendergast, 2023 Triad Heart Ball Chair and CEO of Novant Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health. “In addition, our team at Encompass Health sees the devastating effects of stroke every day in our community through the services we provide at our rehabilitation hospital. Encouraging all families to learn the F.A.S.T. warning signs of a stroke is critical to identifying a stroke quickly, leading to the best possible treatment options and outcomes for patients. I am honored to help lead this effort in the Triad.”

The Triad Heart Ball is proudly sponsored by Life is Why Sponsor, Novant Health, and Platform Sponsor, Novant Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health. This event includes a survivor celebration, silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner, acoustic guitar by Kevin Beck, and live music with dancing courtesy of Hot Sauce. Tickets are on sale now at TriadHeartBall.Heart.org. For event questions, contact TriadNC@heart.org.

WEEKLY DRINK SPECIALS

ALL ABOUT AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

by JANE BURNETTE

There are over 80 autoimmune diseases and statistics show women make up nearly 80% of the autoimmune population. Hashimoto’s, Graves’, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, celiac, and psoriasis are common autoimmune disorders in women.

Our immune system is supposed to attack foreign bodies like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. With autoimmune disease, the body starts attacking its own tissues and leads to an overall immune response in the body, causing systemic inflammation and damage.

What causes an autoimmune disease?

There are three major components that create the perfect storm for autoimmune disease to rear its ugly head:

1. A genetic predisposition; we have “weak links” in our genetic make-up. I believe this genetic predisposition was formed at some point for survival but in our modern world, this could be considered your weak link.

2. A leaky gut; 80% of antibodies are produced in the 1-2 millimeters of our gut lining. If we spread out all the cells of our gut lining, it would take up TWO tennis courts. The gut lining is supposed to have tight junctions of cells keeping food particles in the gut. When you have a leaky gut, these tight junctions part ways causing food to leak out into the bloodstream. The body attacks the food because it is a foreign substance.

3. A stressful event, unresolved trauma, or chronic low grade stress over a long period of time, or sometimes an acute sickness like the flu or even COVID can spur on autoimmune disease. Other times, it is long-term stressors from things like unresolved trauma or low grade stress brought on by lifestyle or environmental factors like mold.

What are symptoms of autoimmune disease?

Common symptoms are fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain or digestive issues, swollen glands, and a recurring fever.

What can I do to reduce or eradicate symptoms of autoimmune disease?

Diet: The paleo diet is a popular diet today that removes certain foods like grains, dairy, and soy that weren’t around during the paleolithic years. These are food groups that cause sensitivities and inflammation in many people.

With an Autoimmune Paleo Diet known as AIP, even more foods are removed to help repair the gut lining and reduce inflammation. Food groups to remove are:

• Grains (i.e. gluten, rice, oats, etc)

• Beans/Legumes

• Dairy

• Nuts

• Seeds

• Eggs

• Nightshades (i.e. potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers)

• Food additives and chemicals (i.e. artificial sweeteners, food dye)

• Alcohol

A little about me:

WHO AM I?

Hi! My name is Jane Burnette. I am a proud mom to three healthy boys, a lover of the great outdoors, a forever student, health nut, exercise enthusiast and native of the Triad. I am also a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Foods to emphasize on this diet are:

• Organ Meats

• Grass-fed Meat and Wild Caught Fish and Shellfish

• Colorful Fruits and Vegetables (that aren’t nightshades)

• Fermented Foods

Getting adequate levels of protein should be the main focus.

Keep in mind, these foods shouldn’t be removed forever. The goal is to repair the leaky gut while working on other stressors. After a period of 8-12 weeks, you should introduce a food group back slowly one week at a time.

Lifestyle: As mentioned above, physical, mental and emotional stress is a major component to autoimmune disease. If you have suffered a traumatic event, seek a therapist to work through the trauma. In addition, clean up your home environment: check for mold, use “clean” household and kitchen products as well as personal care products. You may not be able to remove the emotional stressors in your life but you can change your response to them. Walking outside, resistance training, and any other form of exercise you love can help with this, along with prioritizing sleep and recovery-based activities.

What tests can I run to see if I have an autoimmune disease?

Autoimmunity tests, x-rays, other imaging scans, and biopsies are used to help diagnose autoimmune conditions. One of the most commonly ordered tests is the ANA (antinuclear antibody test).

The goal of this article is to empower you to take steps through diet and lifestyle to improve if not remove all symptoms of an autoimmune disease. They express in many different ways, but can be rectified in much the same way. If you are someone that is selfmotivated and can do it on your own, I recommend reading The Wahls Protocol by Terry Wahls. Dr. Wahls is a doctor that became wheel-chaired bound with MS. She cured herself with her research, follows a strict diet, and now no longer needs her wheelchair! Getting the support of a health coach or nutritionist that is trained in this area would be helpful for most.

www.healthcoachjane.com

WHAT DO I DO?

I am a holistic health coach with multiple certifications in all things related to health, nutrition and exercise. In 2015, I received my first certification as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. I haven’t stopped taking classes since then and hope I never will! The areas I’m most passionate about are my trainings in Ayurveda, Polyvagal Theory, Female Hormone Optimization and Weight Loss, and most recently the Journey of Intrinsic Health. All of these have one thing in common: the body has the ability to heal itself if we allow it to do so.

MEET THE TEAM Behind Making Dollars Making Sense ANGELA MCGILVARY: JOY IN SERVING

Angela McGilvary is one of those fortunate people who can say their career truly brings them joy. As a Partner and Branch Operations Manager for the Marzano Capital Group in Clemmons, NC, she is inspired every day to serve the group’s equally fortunate clients. “We have built our company on the basic fundamentals of providing both trust and professional, personalized service to our clients and their families,” says Angela. “I love to be of assistance to them, helping our clients pursue their goals, hopefully reducing their financial stress along the way.”

While each day at the Marzano Capital office brings something new and challenging, it’s their steadfast “team approach” that makes clients feel part of the family.

“We always have someone available here in the office to meet and assist our clients,” adds Angela. “We have many who come by our office to visit just because they are in the area! When a client comes into our office for an appointment or drops off paperwork, we greet them in the front lobby to catch up on how their family is doing, and we truly enjoy the fellowship of talking and enjoying each other’s company.”

Our client relationships begin developing at a client’s first face-to-face meeting, where needs and goals are discussed.

The Marzano Capital Group team formulates a plan to pursue those life goals through investing, planning and education.

“Our goal is to help our clients grow and maintain their wealth, and work towards their financial goals through investments and planning,” she says. “That also includes referring them to valued advisors in the area, such as CPAs and attorneys, for estate planning, taxes and legal work that needs to be done.” Locally, the group also works with several non-profits, and the team is actively engaged as a member of the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce and the Davie County Chamber of Commerce.

A resident of Clemmons for over 30 years, Angela knows firsthand the value of keeping family and community at the forefront of daily life. Blessed to come from a large family herself, she and her husband, Alex, have two sons – Michael

by MARTIE EMORY

FUN FACT & A TIP

and Adam – and a beautiful granddaughter. A seasoned stay-at-home mom, Angela first found her passion for the financial industry as a Branch Office Administrator with Edward Jones. (Angela’s son, Michael, is currently a partner and financial advisor with the Marzano Capital Group as well, joining the company in 2016.) “My husband and I always believed in making your money work for you, by contributing into IRA accounts, 401K Plans, and by systematically investing monies each month.” she says. “We both thought the financial position could be the right fit for my career.”

Then, when Jon Marzano started in the business with his dad, Art, and they were looking for a Branch Office Administrator to work with Jon, Angela realized she liked the idea of being back in Clemmons, closer to home, and working in a larger office. “I met with Jon and Art, and now 24 years later, we are an independent practice with LPL Financial, we work solely for our clients. We would not have a thriving business without our clients.” says Angela, proudly.

“We are always a phone call away for our clients,” says Angela. “We live and work in this community, and we want the community to thrive. It really comes full circle.”

If Angela could have any other career – she would want to own an antique mall with exquisite gemstones, beautiful artwork, and fine furniture. She loves finding beautiful pieces in her spare time.

ANNIE GRIMES WILLIAMS

Annie Grimes Williams is a metalsmith and the owner of CopperTide. Creating her contemporary enameled jewelry in her studio, Annie’s work is inspired by her love of nature, period design movements and color. Since starting her business 18 years ago, Annie exhibits at craft fairs and sells her work in various galleries around the country. She is an exhibiting member of several regional craft guilds, including Piedmont Craftsmen, and serves on multiple boards for local arts organizations. Sharing her love of the craft, she teaches metalsmithing and enameling workshops at Sawtooth School for Visual Art and as a visiting artist in studios around the southeast. More recently, Annie has been a co-founder of the Metal Mavens, a trio of friends and metalsmiths that includes Tavia Brown from Charlottesville, VA and Erica Stankwytch Bailey from Asheville, NC, as they work together to bolster artists and create opportunities. She has also been integral in the conception and establishment of two local art shows, the FUSE Makers Market with the Metal Mavens and the Ardmore Art Walk, partnering with local mixed media artist Emily Clare. This year’s FUSE Makers Market will be held on April 29 on the grounds of SECCA. Annie’s spirit, creativity and skill shine in her work, as well as in the communities she supports in and out of her field. When she is not in the studio, Annie enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, seven-year-old son, Alder, and dog, Elmwood, exploring the outdoors at local parks and retreating to the beach whenever possible. Her love for nature can be seen in her work which often features nature-inspired forms, colors and textures.

SYLVIA LAURENCE

Sylvia Laurence kicked off 2023 with an exciting and well-earned promotion to President of TREVERO, the Leadership & Executive Coaching division of The Resource Co. Inc. in Winston-Salem. Sylvia has been with TREVERO for almost six years, working with every aspect of the business including financial return and marketing, and overseeing a team of 9+ coaches working across the country. She has more than 3,000 hours of coaching experience, and has coached more than 250 leaders and executives. Prior to joining the TREVERO division of The Resource, Sylvia worked in a strategic consulting role at Chickfil-A and has a diverse background in marketing and customer service for the restaurant industry. People are Sylvia’s top priority, and she has used this focus to launch new businesses across the country and help them set a foundation for their ongoing marketing strategies. Sylvia is a Wake Forest University alum with a degree in French and communications with a concentration in media studies. In her free time, Sylvia loves spending time with her husband and three kids, and organizing everything she can get her hands on!

LAUREN DAVIS

Sawtooth School for Visual Art is delighted to announce the appointment of Lauren Davis as Executive Director. Lauren has extensive experience in nonprofit management, most recently serving as Chief Advancement Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. She holds a Master of Public Administration focused on Nonprofit Management from North Carolina State University. She brings more than 10 years of experience working for various community organizations in the Piedmont Triad, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and YMCA of Northwest North Carolina. “It is truly an honor to join Sawtooth, which has long served as a cornerstone of our local arts community in Winston-Salem and beyond,” said Lauren. “We need the creativity and vibrancy Sawtooth brings now more than ever. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to support its continued growth, sustainability and ability to positively impact lives through arts education.” For more information about Sawtooth School, contact 336.723.7395, or visit sawtooth.org.

THE MOVE

ASHLEE JUDD

Ashlee Judd is a Florida native and a die-hard Auburn University fan. “I made my way to North Carolina through travel nursing back in 2019,” said Ashlee. “At the beginning of my journey here, I met the love of my life and knew I couldn’t leave. We got married, and I decided to grow roots in this beautiful state. My professional career began as a certified registered nurse but has evolved into being a certified wedding planner. I loved being a nurse and caring for patients, however, over the years, I felt as if God was tugging on my heart to pursue a different path. While still nursing, I planned events and weddings on the side, and my zeal for that calling on my life grew exponentially. I realized that many nursing skills and qualities I acquired were advantageous to event planning; such as having a servant’s heart, being graceful under pressure, mature critical thinking skills and handling situations with a calm disposition. Consequently, I gained my planning certification and established my very own wedding and event-planning company. Through my business, Detail & Design Event Company, I get to live my passion and purpose for planning meaningful events. My motto is ‘Life is Short. Have the Party!’ I genuinely believe that life’s biggest and smallest moments are meant to be celebrated, and I can help with that.”

AMANDA WHITE

Amanda White is a mortgage loan officer with Piedmont Federal Savings Bank specializing in the Triad and Lake Norman/Charlotte market areas. With more than nine years of mortgage lending experience and 16 years of banking experience, Amanda enjoys meeting her clients’ dream of home ownership, ensuring customer satisfaction and building lasting relationships. Amanda is a Davie County native and began her banking career after graduating Cum Laude from Salem College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with specializations in economics and finance. An internship with the Wachovia Wealth Management team, while at Salem, sparked her interest in the banking industry, and she found out she enjoyed helping clients with their financial needs. Amanda stated, “The wealth management team made a positive influence on me and gave me a basic understanding and respect for the financial industry.” During her banking career, Amanda has worked in various retail and mortgage lending roles. She also worked on furthering her education and graduated in 2019 with her Master of Business Administration with a banking and finance specialization from GardnerWebb University. During her time at Gardner-Webb, she was a Delta Mu Delta member and received the Dr. A. Frank Bonner MBA Academic Excellence Award. When Amanda is not helping clients, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, singing in her church choir and teaching children’s Sunday School, and watching and attending college basketball and Atlanta Braves’ baseball games.

CHINITA LYONS

Chinita Lyons is a mortgage loan officer for Piedmont Federal Savings Bank and also a native of Apex, NC. Chinita earned her Bachelors and Master of Business Administration from Winston-Salem State University. She has more than 13 years of lending experience and is committed in finding a mortgage solution just right for you! In her free time, Chinita enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and three daughters. An innovator with a wild imagination, Chinita regularly volunteers and offers her creative insight at a local dance studio. Chinita lives by her favorite scripture and life motto “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13. Whether you are buying your first home or refinancing an existing loan, Chinita will be with you every step of the way. Contact Chinita Lyons today, and let her get started making your home ownership dream come true.

MEXICAN STYLE SMOKED CHICKEN THIGHS

by TANNER JOHNSON

For this month I wanted to do a recipe that is in common rotation in our household, no matter the time of year. My favorite part of the chicken…the thighs!

THE STAR INGREDIENT

Chicken thighs are full of flavor, and have a little fat on them so they get nice and tender especially in the smoker. Thighs are very hard to dry out, unlike chicken breasts which must be cooked perfectly to avoid drying them out.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

These smoked chicken thighs can be eaten by themselves with any kind of sides, veggies etc. They can be shredded up and added to some tacos or in a delicious taco bowl with some rice. My favorite way to do this is to shred them up by hand and add to flour tortillas with guacamole, cilantro, jalapeno and some yellow onion or pico de gallo.

INSTRUCTIONS

First, get a pack of chicken thighs (boneless & skinless or bone in) rub them all over with some hot sauce for a binder to allow the seasoning to stick better (my favorite is Cholula) then season them heavily all over with Hardcore Carnivore Tex Mex seasoning. I like to then let them sit in the fridge for a couple of hours so that the seasoning can really soak in.

Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees (or 250 if you want to cook a little faster). Once your smoker is up to temp, toss them in. They should take around 90 minutes, but could take longer depending on thickness. I usually flip them around 30-45 minutes and take the internal temp at this point too to see how much longer to expect.

Side Note: These can also be grilled on a regular grill with this same seasoning on medium/medium-high flipping every few minutes for a total of around 15 minutes (until 165 internal temperature).

Once they reach 165 degrees internal temperature (usually around 90 minutes in), they are good to come out, but I usually end up letting them cook until closer to 170. Next you’ll want to let them rest for at least 5 minutes, preferably 10. You want to rest so the juices will redistribute inside the meat and not all come flowing out once you cut them up or pull them apart.

Once they have rested, I use some nitrile gloves to shred them apart with my hands, if these are cooked correctly they will shred up very easily with no need for a knife. From here my favorite option is to load them on a tortilla with some amazing taco toppings like I mentioned above!

For more recipes and demos, follow Tanner on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook @919backyardbbq

Practicing Self-Control

Self-control involves delaying an impulse or gratification for a greater purpose or cause. When we exercise self-control, we are saying “no” for the sake of a greater “yes.” Self-control isn’t easy. If more people demonstrated it, the prisons, hospitals and courts would have a lot less business!

I can easily exercise self-control as it relates to some things. However, I struggle when it involves chocolate, coffee, wine, shopping and sometimes my mouth (meaning what comes out of it). I have been praying about the things where I lack self-control, and recently, two of my favorite boutiques closed. If wineries and coffee shops start shutting down, I MAY be to blame!

I am also pretty good at justifying my lack of self-control. I justify overindulging in shopping by telling myself things like, “well, we could need a new roof and we don’t.” I also tell myself things like, “I’ve had a rough day and deserve to have that chocolate bar or glass of wine.”

Does God care if I exercise self-control as it relates to these types of things? I think He must, or they wouldn’t be on my mind as

by LESLIE SPEAS

things that I should better control! Sometimes I think that he has us put self-control to work in everyday things so that we will be ready to better exercise our self-control muscles in the spiritual race ahead of us.

If we want to be successful as Christians, we definitely need to cultivate self-control. It is mentioned as one of the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

There might be a reason that it is the last fruit of Spirit listed as it is likely the hardest to master. Self-control requires spiritual maturity and reliance on God to help us garner the strength to deny ourselves.

Jesus is probably the only person who ever demonstrated perfect self-control throughout his life. The Bible says he had no sin. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Think about all of the selfcontrol that he had to muster to have no sin! Especially when he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness.

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus told his disciples “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” I think this means that we must “take up our cross” in our thoughts. When thoughts that aren’t pleasing to God come to our minds, we should put them to death on an inner cross, thus exercising self-control.

We are tempted by things of this world every day. Once we give in and Satan gets a stronghold in one area of our lives, he will work as hard as he can for his influence to bleed into other areas for our lives.

To develop self-control, we must recognize our weaknesses. Some of us are tempted by binging on food and/or drink, others by gambling, others by shopping, others by sex – the list could go on and on. If we are aware of our temptations, we will be able to take our struggles to God and ask for His help in overcoming them.

What if you fail in your quest to demonstrate self-control? Unfortunately, we are likely to fail at times. Ask for forgiveness from God, forgive yourself and move on!

The Health Benefits of Laughter

by DEBBIE BARR

When doctors were asked to contribute to a new wing at their hospital…

Allergists voted to scratch it.

Cardiologists didn’t have the heart to say no.

Gastroenterologists had a gut feeling about it.

Neurologists thought the administration “had a lot of nerve.”

Ophthalmologists considered the idea short-sighted.

Pediatricians said, “Grow up!”

Radiologists could see right through it.

Podiatrists thought it was a big step forward.

Psychiatrists thought it was madness.

Pathologists yelled, “Over my dead body!”

Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing. 1

Did you laugh, even a little bit, while you were reading the list above? If so, you just did yourself a favor. Research shows that laughter has a positive effect on both health and the healing process. The positive effects of laughter can also make you more resilient, increasing your ability to cope with challenges. Experts say that laughter benefits you in at least 10 ways.

Here’s what laughing does for you:

1. Boosts your immune system by increasing infection-fighting antibodies

2. Relaxes muscles throughout your body. After a good laugh, muscles can stay relaxed for as long as 45 minutes.

3. Reduces tension, anxiety, and stress

4. Lowers bad cholesterol

5. Raises good cholesterol

6. Gives you more energy

7. Protects your heart and cardiovascular system by increasing blood flow and making blood vessels more elastic

8. Improves your social connections

9. Shifts your perspective into a positive direction

10. Triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and temporarily relieve pain.

As it turns out, the old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine,” may actually be true. Scientists now know why a sense of humor is so important. Laughing counteracts the effects of stress by stopping the release of the stress hormone, cortisol, and triggering the release of dopamine, which has a calming, anxiety-relieving effect. There are psychological benefits, too. Introducing some humor into a difficult situation helps a person feel more in control, which makes the situation seem easier to manage. The ability to find something funny in a tough situation also helps dispel feelings of anger and fear, which have a negative impact on health over time.

Humor is especially helpful to both those with long-term illnesses and their caregivers. Maggie, a full-time caregiver for her husband, who has dementia, said, “If you don’t have a sense of humor, you’re just not going to make it!” Your situation, like Maggie’s, may not be particularly funny. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to laugh about. For the sake of your mental and physical health, at least once each day, look away from your responsibilities and problems and find something that makes you laugh. Stay in touch with your most upbeat friends. Look for funny books, movies, and Internet videos.

Even when those things can’t be found, laugh anyway because your body can’t tell the difference between genuine and “fake” laughter. The benefits of laughter accrue regardless of why you are laughing. So, today and every day, go ahead and laugh—because it’s really good for you!

The 10 “Warning” Signs of Good Health: 2

Note: if several of these signs appear, you may rarely need to visit a doctor.

1. Regular flareups of a supportive network of friends and family.

2. Chronic positive expectations.

3. Repeated episodes of gratitude and generosity.

4. Marked tendency to identify and express feelings.

5. Compulsion to contribute to society.

6. Lingering sensitivity to the feelings of others.

7. Habitual behavior related to seeking new challenges.

8. Tendency to adapt to changing conditions.

9. Feelings of spiritual involvement.

10. Persistent sense of humor.

1. Excerpted from The Capitalist Spirit: How Each and Every One of Us Can Make a Giant Difference in Our Fast-Changing World, by Yale Hirsch (John Wiley and Sons, 2010).

2. Adapted from a posting on a bulletin board, author unknown. Online at bouldertherapist.com

VISIT CLEMMONS: CAROLINA VINTIQUES

by AMY HILL

In search of the perfect stop for your next springtime shopping day? Clemmons consignment shop Carolina Vintiques dazzles customers with its charming interior, welcoming staff, and never-ending influx of distinctive modern and vintage home furnishings and décor. Home to a combination of imported retail items and antiques, every corner of the shop is sure to catch your eye.

Seven full-time vendors, including shop owner Shelle, share floor space in Carolina Vintiques, which generates a constant flow of new, unique inventory for customers. Each vendor renting space in the store displays their products with an individual flair. Although the store is a blend of various vendors with individual styles, the inventory at Carolina Vintiques blends beautifully together without seeming cluttered or overwhelming, as many antique shops struggle with. Its convenient location at 2550 Lewisville Clemmons Road draws in Saturday morning shoppers, out-of-towners passing through Clemmons, and locals every day of the week. With a conglomeration of vendors, there is no question as to whether shoppers will find something that suits their style, no matter how eccentric or unconventional their tastes may be. From pieces with a farmhouse chic flair to modern and contemporary selections, patrons are certain not to leave the shop empty-handed.

Before you rely on major retailers or online shopping to find the perfect gifts for friends, family, and coworkers, Carolina Vintiques is the ideal spot to snag one-of-a-kind items for any special occasion. What sets Carolina Vintiques apart from other antique and consignment shops in the Triad is not only its selection of top-notch curated products for sale,

but also its perfect balance between modern home goods and products with a vintage vibe. Upon entering the store, customers are pleasantly welcomed with a vast selection of hand poured candles, including dough bowl candles and diffusers, home décor, and striking accent pieces that are nearly impossible to find anywhere else in the Triad. Filled with distinctive décor, Carolina Vintiques is an excellent spot to find thoughtful gifts for teachers, mothers, and friends.

Carolina Vintiques also performs custom work on all types of furniture for customers. Text a picture of the piece you’d like painted for a price quote. Pick the perfect color from the wide variety of mineral paint colors sold in-store. Custom pieces only take a few days from start to finish, so you’ll have your favorite piece back in no time. Shelle and her team also provide in-person and virtual consulting services to customers who need assistance in restructuring rooms in their homes and creating vignettes to create an aesthetically pleasing living space.

Those interested in trying their own hand at furniture painting will delight in the ease of the Fusion furniture paint sold at Carolina Vintiques. All in one, primer, paint, and topcoat, makes the painting process enjoyable for DIY enthusiasts. View Fusion’s website for painting tutorials at www. fusionmineralpaint.com.

Carolina Vintiques

2550 Lewisville Clemmons Road Clemmons, NC

336-829-1173

Open Monday - Saturday 10-6

DoYouKnow Your EnneagramType?

by MEGAN TAYLOR

Within the past few months on social media, you may have seen two new words pop up on your feed – enneagram types. These words are personality descriptions and are often used to help people discover more about themselves and allow for personal, spiritual, and career growth. Within an enneagram, a person learns more about their inner workings, relationships, and strengths based on nine emotional descriptions and while these types are on the newer side to our society, they have actually been around since 1915.

Moscow philosopher and teacher George Gurdjieff used this ancient Christian and Sufi tradition of a nine-pointed diagram in his human development courses. A few decades later, in the 1960s, Oscar Ichazo added the nine personality types, which were then introduced to modern psychology by Dr. Claudio Naranjo and others in Berkeley, California. Today, the enneagram types serve as a concept and framework for psychologists, business consultants, and others who are guiding others through life situations. Think of an enneagram as a personality test, similar to

A person who is rational and idealistic but with self-control.

The Reformer/ The Perfectionist 2

The Helper/ The Giver 3

The Achiever

A person who is caring, people-pleasing, and generous.

A person who is successoriented and can adapt well.

The Individualist 5

A person who is expressive, sensitive, but often withdrawn.

The Investigator 6

A person who is innovative, perceptive, and can be intense at times.

A person who is committed, responsible, and security-oriented.

The Enthusiast 8

A person who is busy, spontaneous, and fun.

the Myers-Briggs test. To find out their own, a person will answer a series of emotionally-based questions to determine their core emotion and personality out of the nine descriptions, which are: the reformer/the perfectionist, the helper/the giver, the achiever, the individualist, the investigator, the loyalist/the skeptic, the enthusiast, the challenger, and the peacemaker. According to The Enneagram Institute, these nine types can be described as:

Within each of these types, a person also explores their three centers of intelligence and perception: the head, heart, and body. The head serves as the known intellectual center and is used for rational thinking, ideas, and plans. This personality relies on their intellectual thinking to make decisions. As for the heart, this is your emotional center and is known for processing all feelings, empathy, and reactions towards others. Lastly, the body is the instinctual center or the center that tells you to “follow your gut.” In this area, a person’s movement, awareness, social belonging and security are housed. Depending on your type, you may be stronger in one intelligence and perception area compared to the other two.

The Challenger 9

The Peacemaker

A person who is powerful, self-confident, and confrontational.

A person who is easygoing and agreeable.

The Loyalist/ The Skeptic 7

Going deeper into the categories, the helper/giver, the achiever, and the individualist are tied to the heart. The investigator, the enthusiast, and the loyalist are connected mainly to the head. As for the body, the challenger, the peacemaker, and the reformer are the key category types associated.

After researching more about enneagram types, I find them very intriguing. Online tests, such as the one on truity.com, are widely available for you to find out your enneagram type. In the test, you are asked many questions on six different pages. These questions relate to your responsibilities, security, emotions, etc. As for me, my results stated that my main enneagram type is 6 or the loyalist with the giver and perfectionist coming shortly behind. Looking at my personality, actions, and habits, I can completely see why these are my top 3 categories.

Enneagram types are fun and useful ways to help people learn more about themselves and why they do certain things. The purpose of these types is to help others better their lives, relationships, and goals. The test doesn’t take long to complete, but the results will be valuable in many different ways. What is your enneagram type?

Growth as a Mindset

by LESLIE SPEAS

When you think of a successful, smart and talented person, who comes to mind? Maybe someone like Thomas Edison, an American inventor credited with inventing the light bulb. While Edison was obviously a very intelligent and talented person, he wasn’t born a success. It took a long slow process of dedication and hard work.

In her book, Mindset, Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck says that it’s not intelligence, talent, or education that sets successful people apart. It’s their mindset, or the way that they approach life’s challenges. She says that people adhere to one of two mindsets – a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset operate under the belief that basic qualities like intelligence and talents are fixed traits. They hope that these traits will lead to success and don’t seek to develop themselves further. As a result, they view their failures as a potential threat to their identity and struggle with working through difficult situations. If a fixed mindset is left unchecked for too long, it can eventually lead people to believe that they simply can’t overcome challenges.

People with a growth mindset operate under the belief that they can improve their intelligence and talents with passion, training, and deliberate effort. Someone with a growth mindset welcomes challenges and views failures or missteps as opportunities to learn and grow. For example, if you have a growth mindset, you may believe that you’re gifted with a certain amount of intelligence, but that you can also constantly improve that level of intelligence and talent. This will lead you to study, learn, and put the work into expanding your mind to grow and develop.

At work, whether you’re an entry-level employee or CEO in charge of a lot of people, you can have the power to influence and encourage your company culture by demonstrating a growth mindset. You may have heard the term “grit” which has permeated the American Education System. To demonstrate grit, you have to operate under a growth mindset.

This concept also applies outside of work in your personal life. If you have a fixed mindset, you may believe that you can’t really learn anything new, like how to cook or make improvements in your home. Whereas a person with a growth mindset may seek to develop themselves in these areas and can probably make some real progress.

It stands to reason that it is probably best to demonstrate a growth mindset and not to limit ourselves or remain stagnant. To move forward in a growth mindset, here are some things you can do:

1 Pay attention to what you are telling yourself daily. Are the messages you are telling yourself growthoriented or fixed?

2 Reframe your thoughts. For example, instead of focusing on the mistake you made, reframe it and try to think of it as a learning opportunity.

3 Look at challenges as opportunities to improve yourself.

4 Don’t view constructive feedback in a negative way. Leverage it to overcome limitations.

5 Observe and learn from your mistakes as well as the mistakes of others.

6 Attempt a variety of approaches rather than taking the same approach in each situation.

7 Try not to be afraid to take calculated risks. Muhammed Ali said,“The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life”.

April is a great time to get out there and get your hands in the dirt! It’s the ideal time to plant because the frosty mornings have usually gone, and it’s a month or two before it becomes scorching hot. If you’re anything like me, a truly lazy gardener, the best plants to plant are those that do not need a ton of upkeep and tend to thrive in the southern sun all on their own.

For beds located in full sun or full afternoon sun, there are a few trees and flowering plants that will grow into a beautiful array of colors without being high maintenance. Many of these you will also spot along the highways of North Carolina. Just think, no one is babying these plants after they have been planted, right? We don’t see teams of state workers along the highways every year watering, trimming, and cleaning up the planted beds. They thrive on their own and for the lazy (or too busy, if that sounds better in your mind) gardener, those are the plants we need.

Daylilies are a fantastic choice. They come in all sorts of colors ranging from deep burgundy to the peachiest of peaches – something for every person’s color palette. They can be tall or short in stature so there’s room to layer them and still have plenty of variation. They have enough greenery to spread around so they are a great choice when you have space to fill up. Daylilies are perennials, so they keep coming back and providing a punch of color year after year. They take on full summer sun and do well with the watering time that mother nature provides. They are hardy enough to be split up after a few years of maturing, so they make a great plant to pass on to family and friends. I have daylilies that are over 60 years old from generations passed down.

Crepe Myrtle trees or shrubs are also sun loving, low maintenance plants that offer color and height variety. The trees are often shaped prior to purchase so there’s little trimming that’s required up front. However, to keep a Crepe Myrtle small and ornamental, it will

A Southern Garden FOR THE LAZY (OR BUSY!) GARDENER

by CANDICE DEAL

require some trimming once it reaches the desired size. If you have a large open space, these trees can grow very large over time if you let them, spanning fifteen feet wide and twenty-five feet high. Too often these poor ornamental trees will go through something I call crepe murder! That’s when you see one that has been trimmed too much and it’s just a sad trunk – that isn’t necessary to keep them small. An annual trimming and cutting back to the size you prefer will be enough to keep your tree at a desired size; no need to hack all the limbs down to the base. Dwarf Crepe Myrtles will only grow to a height of four feet and semi-dwarf can grow to a height of eight feet. Depending on what you need and where, there is a Crepe Myrtle that will probably suit your needs. They come in white, pinks, reds and purples which may be why they get the nickname “lilac of the south.” Once they are established, they are quite drought tolerant, making them an excellent choice for those on the lazy, or busy, side when it comes to yard work.

The Iris family is another very hardy, sun loving flower that will be an easy addition to any garden. These are not full of foliage, they are more upright in stature and don’t require a large amount of space, so they can be a

nice filler, but their flowers are impactful, and they have plenty of variations (hundreds!) to keep things interesting when planted in large groupings! Irises are tuberous, which means they can also be divided and moved easily. They do not require a ton of water to survive the summer, so let Mother Nature take care of the watering.

Sedum plants, which can either be flowering or simply pretty foliage, are an easy growing, drought resistant plant. There are hundreds of these in the genus so a standout for me is the Mr. Goodbud or Stonecrop variation. They are tall, ranging from twelve to twenty-four inches in height and they have massive flower heads that span up to six inches wide. These plants have extremely strong stems, so even with their expansive burst of color, they aren’t going to flop over like the dreamy, pillowy, peony does. The Mr. Goodbud is a vibrant pink bud that bursts open to a purple pink. Sedums are ideal for any full sun garden and even potted plants that you do not want to have to fret over.

If you aren’t keen on yardwork or watering plants for hours, you don’t have to give up the idea of having some bold and beautiful colors around this summer!

916 Burke Street Winston-Salem, NC

Tuesday-Friday 11-6, Saturday 11-5, Sunday & Monday Closed

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BEYOND THE BEAUTY BOX:

Appreciate and Empower Your Unique Beauty & Self-Worth

by SUSAN BOYOUNG BAILEY SCHABACKER

In a jaded society often perpetuated by the media and social media, it’s easy to lose touch with valuing our true selves and delving deeper beyond surfacelevel appearances.

Mainstream coveted cookie cutter airbrushed beauty that’s often perceived as “flawless” and near to “perfect” models are considered the ideal people and are ubiquitously featured in magazines.

OCD nipping and tucking with costly cosmetic and surgical procedures is considered commonplace. From Botox to boob jobs and butt boosting, the beauty industry is booming, catering in large part to women, and feeding on their insecurities, brains and bank accounts.

There’s an unhealthy driven desire to “upgrade” everything in our lives and there’s a viral perception equating bigger to better. Are those with C or D cup breasts more sexually appealing and romantically worthy than those with smaller breasts and A and B cups? Is this a legitimate way to measure one’s self worth, superficially sizing each other up by the size of our body parts? Are apples considered better than blueberries because they’re bigger? Of course not.

How much better off would we be if we could expand our minds and perspectives to appreciate the true beauty that’s unique to each of us! And why are we wasting our time judging books by covers, when what’s more important is quality content?

With this narrow lens that neglects to see the true unique beauty and authenticity of God’s creations as works of art, it’s easy to feel ugly, unworthy, and flawed if you don’t fit into society’s “beauty box.”

Despite how beauty is often portrayed by the popular media and how a rich and famous person’s net worth is valued, we are each individually and uniquely beautiful and worthy. As works of art with unique features, characteristics and gifts, let us remember how worthy we are as creations by God or our Higher Power who wants these attributes to be used for good.

It’s a waste of time to feel “less than.” However you may feel, the truth is that you are of more value to our Creator than gold. Whatever you look like, whatever color, shape, or size, make peace with and fully accept yourself now, into the future, and forevermore. You can be the same or you can switch up constantly like the colors of a chameleon, and you can learn to respect and love who you are, inside and out.

KNOW, ACCEPT, APPRECIATE AND LOVE THYSELF

Focus on self-acceptance and self-care. Focus on fully and completely accepting and appreciating who you are inside and out. Write down the top three to five things you and others love - not just of your physical appearance, but who you are on the inside. What are your best features and attributes that make you uniquely beautiful?

Good news and words for the wise: If you change your mindset, you have the power to change your whole life. So, instead of running in the other direction, trying to hide, conceal, fix, primp and preen, focus on shifting your focus. Embrace, celebrate and feature what makes you YOU and uniquely beautiful. No one can put you or your beauty in a box if you don’t let them. So free your mind and be kind.

And, every time you look in the mirror, or take a picture, or just need to remember, embrace and empower yourself with self-acceptance, self-love and self-care. Breathe in deeply these beautiful, positive, healthy feelings of peace, harmony, and freedom while feeling truly loved and fully supported.

No need to feel pressured to “fix flaws” or feel trapped inside a beauty box. The beauty industry is beginning to make room for other shapes and sizes, including plus sized. Big is beautiful, too, with every cell and pore that should be valued.

Talk yourself up and out of any negative rants or slumps and bless others with this gift, too. Find contentment and satisfaction with a healthier and happier you, being true and embracing the real you!

DIY: Reinventing Your Backyard

by ELISA D. WALLACE

Gone are the days of cold weather, dry grass, and barren trees. Spring has officially arrived in the Winston-Salem area. The air is fresh, flowers are blooming and everyone wants to be outside. While you can travel to view the beautiful gardens of Reynolda Garden, you can also recreate such splendor in your own backyard. Oftentimes we underestimate the potential of our own landscape.

First, one has to consider the reward of adding a small garden to your backyard if you do not have one already. A beautiful and properly maintained garden can certainly add vitality, color, and energy to your backyard. This will all make it a much more enjoyable place to visit! With this in mind, read on to find a few easy, do-ityourself garden and backyard ideas that you should try this spring season. Given the right amount of attention and love, your back yard and garden can be the one your neighbors travel to check out.

Tip #1: Avoid the grocery and grow a vegetable garden.

This seems like a no-brainer – not only will you be able to have fresh produce at your disposal, but those delicious veggies also happen to be gorgeous visually. Designate an area of your garden to a few delicious staples, such as cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, carrots, and zucchini. These all have a rustic charm and can help shorten your grocery list.

Tip #2: Keep the stumps!

Have you recently cut down a large tree in your yard? Instead of viewing these as an eyesore, consider using them as a place to hold flowers. With a little bit of décor, these can add color and life to an area of your backyard. Moreover, with stump removal costing anywhere between $50- $500 plus dollars, your wallet will thank you!

Tip #3: Junk items are now new garden holders.

There is no better way to add some curb appeal to your backyard or garden than with some brightly colored flowers. Specific items can easily be used as plant and flower holders. Old chairs and tables are excellent examples of items that can spruce up a backyard. With a bit of bright paint, consider placing your flowers on top of these items for a new fresh look.

Tip #4: Light it up!

One of the easiest ways to make your backyard an oasis is to try stringing lights around your backyard. These can be from one large tree to another, or along your deck. What can make this unique, is trying out different lights/types for different areas. Consider using one type for your garden and another for your sitting area. Lights easily create a romantic and ethereal view.

Tip #5: Hang out with a hammock.

Nothing is more relaxing than hanging out in a hammock. Especially when it is in your backyard. You can find a variety of different hammocks to choose from at a local outdoor store. Better yet, there is always the option of making your hammock. With some sturdy fabric and a few pieces of rope—and of course, you will need two strong trees to sustain your body weight as well—you can have your hammock.

Tip #6: Warm up with a fire pit.

Another sure fire way, no pun intended, to create a unique look in your backyard, is through adding a fire pit. A fire pit is another item you could pick up from an outdoor store, or enjoy creating a unique one out of stone!

Tip #7: Invite butterflies to the party.

What could be more striking, than having butterflies fly through your garden all year long? This is an easy task through making a homemade butterfly feeder. Not only are they beautiful in their own right, but they also attract gorgeous colorful butterflies to the garden, which help pollinate and spread your bright blooming flowers! The best part of this? Most butterfly feeders can be created from household items like plates, pots, and jars.

Bird Feeder WISDOM

by JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

If you’re looking for a how-to on “bird feeder best practices,” this isn’t it. That said, the “management” of these vessels of sustenance can teach one a lot. In my case, anyway.

Back in the chilly northwestern Connecticut town that was home for 13 years, the bird feeder was a big deal. I mean, a really big deal. During the long spell of winter, I trudged down the ice-encrusted back stairs and across the many inches of ice-covered snow to make it to the feeder while still upright. Morning after morning, I took my chances slip-sliding, sometimes falling, but eventually arriving at my destination – pail still in hand. Victory!

When winter finally segued to spring, the trek was merely muddy and by comparison, effortless. As innkeepers, spring, and subsequently summer, meant far more daily chores and responsibilities. In spite of my best intentions, the birdfeeder wasn’t always filled in the morning or taken in before finally lying down to catch some shuteye. A good start to the morning was a bird feeder on the pole, still intact. However, there was many a morning when that vessel of nurture had simply vanished. Gone. Far greater than my distress was that of the birds who flailed about, looking for the seed they had counted on- trusted- would be there. Heart-heavy, I would set out in search of that feeder. Across the courtyard, over the promontory and toward the field I would go. If found, it was devoid of seed and bore the distinct markings of claws. But just as often, it had vanished, as if into thin air.

I felt negligent. I understood the many reasons – valid human reasons – why I had not done my part to ensure the safety and well-being of the feeder, but the feeling that I had let down my feathered friends who braved every moment of nature’s wrath made my heart sink.

It’s been five years now and things have changed, as in: I am here, not there. But a small part of me is always there, in a place that tested my mettle, my resilience, and my faith. A place, too, that offered an abundance of nature as compensation for human troubles. To think of that ineffable balance of experience still puts me in a state of wonder. I wonder, too, if the new owner kept the feeder or simply snatched it away to spite those ever-present springtime bears, hungry after their long Van Winkle nap. I wonder if she puts scraps out on the old stone wall for the resident crow family, knowing that these crows don’t necessarily prefer meat to carbs. No bears here, but, mother nature be damned, I still think wistfully about that satisfying ritual of filling the birdfeeder – an imperfect, humble act of love and commitment.

Friendship, I find, is a lot like this- an imperfect, humble act of love and commitment. I sometimes miss the meaning, the feeling, the important date, the moment, or the milestone. I don’t always come through as I said I would and as I intended. But sometimes, and this is the point – because of my loyal, yet imperfect diligence, I am forgiven because these friends know where my heart is. And because they do, they return – just like my feathered friends. Blessed, you might say.

SPEAK

So That Others Will Listen

by LESLIE SPEAS

Do you feel like others are often not really listening to what you have to say? What we say and how we say it is extremely important in communicating effectively with others. There are essentially seven deadly sins that you should avoid in interacting with others. If you do these things, they are not likely to trust you or listen to what you say.

1 - GOSSIP

Gossip is habitually revealing personal or sensational information about others. Gossip is bad because it seeks to defame or discredit others. It also destroys your trustworthiness and makes you look bad. According to Eleanor Roosevelt, “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

2 - JUDGING

Studies suggest it can take the average person as little as seven seconds to judge a person’s character – and this impacts your communication with them. To avoid this, increase awareness of any unconscious biases you may have internalized that may be causing you to make faulty judgments. If you feel yourself judging someone you are interacting with, practice the pause and get back on track.

3 - NEGATIVITY

Negativity is toxic and it impacts others’ attitudes about you. To overcome it, try to recognize when you are becoming negative and flip your thoughts to something you like or look forward to. It also helps to recognize the situations that cause you to be more negative as this will assist in managing your communication.

4

- COMPLAINING

Complaining is toxic and it corrupts relationships.

5

- MAKING EXCUSES

Excuses are not helpful, and people don’t want to hear them. When you become unwilling to take responsibility for your actions, people will lose respect for you. And when they lose respect for you, they won’t listen to you.

6

- EXAGGERATION

Exaggeration is really dishonesty, and it erodes trust.

7

- DOGMATISM

Dogmatism involves representing opinions as facts in an arrogant manner and not considering others’ points of view. It builds barriers instead of building bridges in relationships.

Now that you have the basics of the behaviors that should be avoided in interacting with others, let’s look at some pillars of effective speaking. If you demonstrate these pillars, others are much more likely to trust and respect you – and listen to what you have to say.

PILLAR 1 – BE CLEAR AND CONCISE

When you initiate communication, think about what you are trying to accomplish (the why) and your audience. Depending on the situation, sometimes it’s even helpful to practice in advance.

PILLAR 2 – BE HONEST

Tell the truth. If you are dishonest, others won’t trust you and consequently they won’t really listen.

PILLAR 3 – SHOW RESPECT

If you show respect to others, they are much more likely to reciprocate. Be open-minded and listen to the other person’s point of view

PILLAR 4 – SHOW CARE AND CONCERN

When you speak to others or give them feedback, make sure it comes from a place of caring and demonstrate empathy. When it doesn’t, others can tell!

PILLAR 5 – LISTEN

MORE THAN YOU

SPEAK

Use the 80/20 rule – listen 80% and speak 20%.

In conclusion, avoid the seven deadly sins and implement the five pillars to speak so that others will listen attentively!

I Returned to Italy: Here’s What Changed

by AMY HILL

In November 2021, I took a two-week solo trip to Southern Italy, which lived up to every expectation I had after nearly three years of planning (thanks to COVID-19). Almost exactly a year later in November 2022, I returned to southern Italy - Matera and Lecce, to be exact - because Italy continued to tug at my soul. Although I wasn’t exactly entering the country with the rose-colored, inexperienced glasses I had been wearing the year prior, making a repeat trip to two special Italian towns carried new adventures.

THE LANGUAGE

Whether it was the mediocre attempts at practicing Italian that I made sparingly in my free time using textbooks and apps like Duolingo over the last year, or my obsession with researching places to see, how to get around, and most importantly, reading local restaurant menus in Italian, I found that my ability to speak and comprehend the language had somehow improved. I was better equipped to order a coffee and carry on basic conversations with locals than I was during my first trip. In fact, a large motivating factor for me to return to Italy (and take more trips in the future) was my desire to embark on a language-learning journey. Although I am nowhere near fluent in the language, I was impressed by how things seemingly “clicked” in just 12 months of minimal language-learning effort.

MY CONFIDENCE

The anticipation and excitement I felt before my first trip to Italy was unmatched, and quite honestly, made it hard for me to function as an adult and focus on anything else in my life. As each day passed and my trip became closer, I felt more and more like a child on Christmas Eve night. This time around, I was less antsy and more level-headed about what to expect. I was no longer nervous about using the trains to get around, and when I did accidentally miss a train connection enroute to Matera and ended up temporarily stranded in the small city of Gravina in Puglia, I was far from panicked. Thanks to my previous experience in the Puglia region, in addition to my fervent (and sometimes manic) research habits on Google Maps, I knew Gravina had quite a few sights to offer in the short two hours before I could take another train to Matera. I was also astounded by the kindness of a young girl at the train station in Gravina, who spoke just enough English to be able to tell me which connection to take on the next train, as well as a friendly elderly man I encountered on the street who chuckled after he saw my failed attempt at petting a street cat. While the “highs” of this Italy trip were not quite as high as they were in 2021, my slower itinerary and mental clarity allowed me to more deeply immerse myself in the culture and reality of life in Southern Italy.

SCRATCHING AN ITCH

Before and after my first trip, my life revolved around traveling or the pursuit thereof. My interests in anything else were on hold, which greatly impacted my financial and romantic decisions. After my second trip, I needed a bit of time to decompress, and didn’t feel an immediate urge to plan a third trip. As a matter of fact, I tried to start planning again weeks later, but nothing was piquing my interest like before. As unsettling as it is to think that something I have based my life around for the last four years is possibly losing its luster in my eyes, whether temporarily or permanently, it feels a bit freeing to no longer be a slave to the obsessive thoughts and irresistible urge to travel. If I’m being honest, part of me hopes the desire returns sooner rather than later, but a large part of me wonders if this is God’s way of opening me up to finding fulfillment closer to home.

How Music

Moves and Shapes Us

by ADELE CASANOVA

You may have you heard the famous quote from American author Georgia Cates, “Music is what feelings sound like.” Music does move us emotionally and can shape our mood and outlook on life. Music is a natural, inborn part of human existence and has been a part of all cultures throughout history. The intellectual capacity to recognize and experience music is present in every person from birth and is the first mental capacity to develop in the human brain.

There are significant positive benefits from listening to and performing music. Listening to music is stimulating to the brain, engaging increased creativity, improved memory and

less pain and anxiety, compared to patients who did not listen to music. The music listeners didn’t even need as much pain medication.

Music therapy can also improve the outlook and management of mood disorders, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, stroke and multiple sclerosis, according to research by World Journal of Psychiatry.

chemical in the brain, related to our sense of reward and happiness. This knowledge has led to music therapy becoming a popular and successful form of therapy, used to increase positive mental and physical states. Research

satisfaction. At Durham University in Ireland, researcher Tuomas Eerola, PhD, a professor of music cognition, writes, “The results help us to pinpoint the ways people regulate their mood with the help of music, as well as how

We all have favorite songs that elicit certain familiar emotions. The more often we hear a piece of music, the more favorable will be our emotional association. Music can stir new emotions in listeners, as well as bring up emotional memories associated with familiar music. Music is a huge part of our social lives, and accompanies life-changing moments, such as weddings, funerals and religious events. Music can also create a sense of empathy in the listener for the emotions experienced by the performers. Likewise, music often stirs listeners to action, such as dancing, marching or singing. Just think of people moving to music at concerts or children naturally breaking into dance when they hear music. Knowing that participating in music can lead to positive outcomes for people, many parents are beginning to introduce playing a musical instrument as an additional activity for children ages seven to seventeen. In 2019, Guitar Center commissioned an independent study to explore the effects of supplemental music lessons on the development of children. Results were as follows:

• Patience in Problem-Solving – 85% of parents found that their children were more able to complete tasks.

• Prioritization Skills – 71% of parents found that children were able to voluntarily reduce screen time.

music therapy

American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) reports that music therapy achieve goals such as managing alleviating pain. It has been found The people who listened to music before,

• Increased Self-Awareness – 83% of parents found their children were more receptive to feedback.

• Time Management – 68% of parents found their children were more able to finish tasks on time.

• Self-Motivation – 60% of parents found that children developed a greater ability to self-monitor screen time.

Music is indeed an integral part of our lives. It keeps our brains active, alert and healthy, while helping us to fight depression, lift our mood and stay connected through empathy and shared emotional experiences. It helps our children develop critical life skills and brings us together as a society to enjoy a shared creativity.

Easter Eggs:

Cooking & Coloring

by SUSAN SCHABACKER

It’s hard to imagine an Easter without lots of colorful eggs. The decoration of eggs dates back to the 13th century, and the egg-laying Easter bunny was reported to have been introduced to America by German immigrants. The egg in Christian and pagan traditions is considered a symbol of new life. From a Christian perspective, it represent Jesus’s emergence from the tomb and resurrection. In medieval times, eggs were a forbidden food during the Lenten season, and they were painted and decorated to signify the end of the period of penance and fasting. Then, the eggs were eaten during Easter in celebration. In a timeless American tradition, children participate in an annual race—the White House Easter Egg Roll –where they roll decorated eggs across the lawn. It’s symbolic of rolling the stone away that blocked Jesus’s tomb when he emerged through resurrection.

CURRY EGG SALAD

This egg-cellent recipe can quickly transform into a sandwich or a sub, or can be enjoyed in tortillas or lettuce wraps.

Ingredients:

5 hard-boiled eggs (shelled and diced)

½ small red or yellow onion (minced)

2 celery stalks (diced)

Green onions (chopped)

1½ teaspoon mayonnaise

1 teaspoon mustard

1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon red or white wine vinegar

2½ teaspoons curry powder

¾ teaspoon turmeric, ground or freshly grated

Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for fans of the spicy)

Parsley sprig(s) to garnish

Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

De-shell the eggs, dice them and place in a mixing bowl. Add the other ingredients and mix together. Taste test to determine if the mixture needs more of anything, and adapt to your liking. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or longer, then serve over a bed of lettuce, tortillas, or between bread slices.

COLORFUL, NATURAL EASTER EGG DYES

Try DIY-ing (Do It Yourself-ing) your own natural dyes to beautify your eggs this Easter and enjoy a diverse spectrum of natural colors. Whether your hard-boiled eggs are white or brown, you can make them a colorful hue that will make your Easter basket or bowl colorfully festive.

Ingredients:

Hard-boiled eggs (white or brown or both)

White vinegar

Plant-based oil (e.g., olive oil or grapeseed oil)

Colors:

To color white eggs blue or purple, or to color brown eggs green, use 1 cup purple cabbage (chopped) per cup of water.

To color white eggs lavender or red, use 1 cup red onion skins (chopped) per cup of water.

To color white eggs orange or to color brown eggs rusty red, use 1 cup yellow onion skins (chopped) per cup of water.

To color white eggs pink or to color brown eggs maroon, use 1 cup beets (shredded) per cup of water.

To color white eggs yellow, use 2 Tablespoons turmeric (ground or freshly grated) per cup of water.

To color white eggs pink, red or lavender, use 2 Tablespoons hibiscus tea (steeped in hot water for several minutes until bright red) per cup of water.

Instructions: Add water to a saucepan and boil ingredients separately for each color until the color is rich and bright. Make sure the dye is a few shades more pronounced than you want your eggs. When the color is dark enough, let the mixture cool about 20 minutes, then strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer. Add one Tablespoon white vinegar to each dye mixture and stir. Transfer each dye into a separate bowl and submerge each egg into the colorful liquid. Dry the eggs completely, then lightly massage a thin coat of oil onto each one, polish with a paper towel, and place in the fridge.

(Recipe adapted from thekitchn.com/how-to-make-vibrant-naturallydyed-easter-eggs-holiday-projects-from-the-kitchn-112957)

Remember, hard-boiled isn’t the only option for your eggs! Enjoy them soft-boiled, sunny-side up, fried, poached, baked in a quiche, or in lots of egg-cellent recipes. However you use your eggs, they are a healthy choice and an egg-cellent source of protein that will keep you feeling fuller longer. Let eggs be a permanent part of your Easter tradition, and have an egg-stra special Easter, everyone!

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CELEBRATIONS

Happy 1st Birthday Lane Taylor Proctor!

Happy 1st Birthday Navie June Yates!

Sarah Coppley Photography

LOCAL EVENTS

FOURTH THURS NOW THRU 2023 APR 13

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Foothills Brewing

3800 Kimwell Drive in W-S

It’s part social, part networking! There will be deals and discounts on beverages, and the event is open to anyone 21-35 or the young at heart. We hope to see you there!

https://bit.ly/3DdR03L

APR

14

THE BIG SLURP

12PM-6PM

Five Locations, Three Animal-Welfare Nonprofits, Lots of Suds. Each location will donate money from specially selected beverages sold on April 2nd to benefit Humane Solution, Piedmont Animal Welfare Alliance (PAW Alliance), and Unchain Winston. Raffle for big prize and 50/50 raffle at each location. Food, vendors, fun. No cover. Where: Incendiary Brewing Company, 486 N. Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem; Juggheads Growlers & Pints, 4843 Country Club Rd, Winston-Salem; Lesser-Known Brewery Co., 901 S Broad St., Winston-Salem; Southside Beer Garden & Bottle Shop, 2108 S. Broad St., Winston-Salem; Tucker’s Tap Yard, 1010 N. Liberty St., Winston-Salem. facebook.com/unchainwinston

FREE VEIN CONSULTATION THURSDAY

Novant Health Specialists

SUBMIT EVENTS

1PM-4PM

Enjoy 2023 with healthy legs. If you or someone you love is suffering from painful, achy, swollen or discolored legs, our board-certified vein doctors can help. Join us at our next free vein consultation and get back the quality of life you deserve. RSVP to 336.776.3160, or go online to salemveins.com to register. Now is the time to put your best foot forward and love your legs more this year.

BACKSTAGE BASH

901 Trade Street in W-S

AARF

Please join us at AARF’s Party 4 Paws fundraiser and enjoy a delicious meal, partake of your favorite libations, bid on silent and live auction items, take to the dance floor and be treated to a few surprises. Think espionage and mystery. Purchase your tickets and be part of solving the mystery. At the same time, you will be helping to raise community awareness and achieve our vision: a community where all cats and dogs live in safe, secure and permanent homes where they will find respect and love. Cost: $125-175. tinyurl.com/msmap9jr SAT

SHREDDING EVENT SPONSORED BY BERMUDA RUN GARDEN CLUB

Bermuda Run Town Hall, 120 Kinderton Boulevard in Bermuda Run $5 per grocery bag or equivalent size box. Cash only. Rain or shine. Proceeds go to various Davie County community programs supported by the Garden Club. Contact Marie 336.650.5518 with questions.

TRIPLE CROWN CASINO NIGHT BENEFITING PRETTY IN PINK FOUNDATION

4151 Thomasville Road in W-S

APR 22

7:30PM-10:30PM

9AM-12PM

5:30PM-11PM

Triple Crown Casino Night is back for its 2nd year, and it is going to be more exciting than ever! Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual Triple Crown Casino Night, benefiting Pretty in Pink Foundation! Join us for cocktails, dinner, a silent and live auction, wine pull, our diamond giveaway and, of course, casino gaming! We can’t wait to see you there! Pretty in Pink Foundation’s mission is to provide uninsured and under-insured breast cancer patients in NC with financial assistance for quality, life-saving medical treatment. Cost: $150/person. tccn23.givesmart.com

TRIAD HEART BALL

4151 Thomasville Road in W-S

6:30PM-11PM

4151 Thomasville Road in W-S. The American Heart Association is hosting their annual Triad Heart Ball at Legacy Stables in honor of community heart health. This black-tie event includes silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner, and live entertainment. All proceeds benefit heart disease and stroke research and community impact programs focusing on prevention of cardiovascular disease. The Triad Heart Ball is proudly sponsored by Life Is Why Sponsor Novant Health and Platform Sponsor Novant Health Rehabilitation Hospital. Anita Pendergast, CEO of the Novant Health Rehabilitation Hospital, is this year’s Triad Heart Ball chair. Cost: $250-$2,500/person. triadheartball.heart.org

LKN FIRST ANNUAL TOUR DE BOUTIQUE

Various Boutiques

*Event details are subject to change. Please check event websites & social media pages for updates as the dates draw near.*

LOCAL EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENTS

MAY 4-6

PIEDMONT EARTH DAY FAIR 2023

Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, 569 Fairgrounds Boulevard, Gate 7 This is the largest Earth Day celebration in NC. We expect crowds of 8,000 or more to be at this event. There will be food, drinks and different activities for kids. peanc.org

ANNUAL EMPTY BOWLS

Second Harvest Food Bank

3330 Shorefair Drive in W-S

11AM-6PM

Save the Date! Second Harvest’s Annual Empty Bowls returns on Administrative Professionals’ Day, featuring yummy soup options and handcrafted pottery bowls to go. Proceeds support the Food Bank’s mission and work to provide access to healthy food and pathways to job opportunities. Tickets start at $60 for two. For more information, contact Reedy Mensh at 336.784.5770.

CLEMMONS COMMUNITY DAY

Jerry Long Family YMCA

1150 S Peacehaven Road, Clemmons

1PM-4PM

The Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce will host our 12th Annual Clemmons Community Day. Once again, we’re partnering with the Jerry Long Family YMCA, a member of our Chamber, to host this free, community-wide event.

FUSE MAKERS MARKET

750 Marguerite Drive in W-S

10AM-5PM

FUSE Makers Market is an outdoor event celebrating community, culture and joy. Presented by the Metal Mavens, FUSE will once again be hosted on the beautiful grounds of Hanes House at SECCA. This year’s market will feature 42 artists, local food trucks and experiences with collaborating organizations, such as UNCSA Film School and Art SHAC. A trio of makers and friends, the Metal Mavens use their strength in collaboration to bolster artists, make connections, strengthen communities and generate opportunities with events like FUSE. You really won’t want to miss it!

https://bit.ly/3ESzPWh

FUTURE EVENTS

SHEPHERD’S CENTER USED BOOK SALE

500 Deacon Boulevard, Gate 5 in W-S

The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem will hold its 31st Annual Used Book Sale on Thursday, May 4th and Friday, May 5th from 9am-9pm, and on Saturday, May 6th from 8am2pm. On Saturday, all items are ½ price. Parking and admission are free! shepherdscenter.org/used-book-sale-1

MAY 5-6

FORSYTH COUNTY EXTENSION

MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS’ PLANT SALE

The Arboretum at Tanglewood Park

4201 Manor House Circle in Clemmons

Enjoy the beauty of the gardens while making your way to one of Forsyth County’s premier plant sales. Cash or check only. Shop early for the best selection. For additional information, call 336.703.2850.

MAY 6 SAT

COMMUNITY YARD SALE

6131 Frye Bridge Road in Clemmons

First Christian Church of Clemmons is having a huge yard sale to benefit their renovation project. Tables will be available to the community for a rental fee. firstchristianclemmons.com/ event/community-yard-sale

WINSTON JUNCTION

MAY 20 SAT

7AM-2PM

Saturday, April 1st 10am - 4pm

11AM-4PM

SPRING MARKET – COMMUNITY BOOTH

901 Trade Street Northwest in W-S Minglewood’s staff will be sharing information about educational programs as well as leading a hands-on, family friendly activity.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY

6131 Frye Bridge Road in Clemmons

JUNE 2-5

3:30PM-6PM

First Christian Church of Clemmons’ 3rd Annual Friends and Family Day includes a car show, bouncy houses and games for children, junk food Bingo, a cake walk and a silent auction which is held online and begins on May 6th. A meal of BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, drinks and all the fixings are also provided to everyone free of charge!

firstchristianclemmons.com/friends-and-family-day

SOMETHING ROTTEN

209 North Spruce Street in W-S Brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but find themselves stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells a future where theatrical productions involve singing, dancing, and acting – all at the same time – Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first MUSICAL! This wild and hilarious comedy opened on Broadway in 2015 and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Cost: $14.50-$27/person. ci.ovationtix.com/36350/production/1104902

Intersection of North Main & Depot Streets

50+ Local Artisans

Jewelry, Handbags, Paintings, Florals, Crocheted, Felted and Knitted Wearables, Soaps, Holiday Ornaments and Home Decor, & much, much, more!

Conversations with Your BFF

‘How Long Should I Beat Myself Up For Bad Decisions?

by REBECCA COOPER

are a terrible person. We often make our behavior our identity, creating so much shame and judgment on ourselves that we actually shy away from dissecting why we acted that way in the first place. If you shame yourself too much, you won’t spend any time getting to the root of your behavior, and be able to create positive change so that behavior never occurs again.

Continually beating yourself up over bad choices and decisions, or words spoken in anger, doesn’t allow you to analyze why you did or said what you regret. It’s a positive move to realize you did wrong, if you don’t realize it, you really have a big problem!

SOMETIMES LIFE’S BIGGEST MISTAKES ARE TIMES OF GROWTH

There’s no one harder on you than you are. We all make bad choices and decisions, some of us realize when we do, and we kick ourselves afterwards. It’s important to understand when we have really screwed up and move on from there, hopefully making better choices in the future. So is there a specific time that you should grieve a stupid move before you move on? I am so glad you asked!

YOU ARE NOT YOUR DECISIONS

With each year of life, we get to choose, by what we live and see, the values and morals we adhere to throughout our lives. What I think is morally right, you might completely disagree with, either

partly or wholly. But did you ever think that not burying yourself in shame, doesn’t mean you are okay with how you behaved?

You can hold on to the thought that your behavior went against your own values and moral code and not make it mean you’re wrong or bad as a person. You can believe your behavior was bad, without believing you are bad. Repeat that five times to yourself and let it sink in.

SELF SHAME ISN’T ALWAYS BENEFICIAL

If you’re on this earth for a good many years, you’re going to realize that you’ve acted in ways that you don’t love and you equate that to mean you

We’re all human and we make mistakes. No matter how good of a person you are, or how good of a life you lead, you’re going to make mistakes. Those times when you aren’t at your best are going to hurt either you or someone else or both. Regret will soon follow if you are self aware and have a conscience. If you are able to hold space for yourself in these moments, grant yourself grace - these times of mistakes and missteps can actually lead to your biggest moments of growth.

The next time you feel ‘I shouldn’t have done that’ or ‘Why did I say that?’ step back and take a breath and know that you can make things right and can move on with a clearer vision of yourself and the person you want to be from here on out.