FW-Oct 9-15-25

June DeLugas

Start-to-Finish Style

O CTOBER 2025

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R E B O CT

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Delivering Care for Generations…

An annual mammogram is one of your best defenses against breast cancer.

We offer our patients the best technology available for breast cancer screening in two locations!

111 Hanestown Court, Suite 151 Winston-Salem, NC 27103 | 336.765.9350

1908 Caudle Road, Suite 101 Mt. Airy, NC 27030 | 336.789.9076

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

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www.hawthorneobgyn.com 4605 Country Club Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104 • 336-768-3632

We participate with Novant Health Cigna Plan and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medcost plans.

CHOICE AWARDS

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G R OW I N G . T H R I V I N G .

Brookridge invites you to put down roots in our vibrant Life Plan Community.

Set on 46 wooded acres, our campus offers an active retirement lifestyle with a comprehensive amenities package and a full continuum of care. Here, your unique gifts and skills can blossom in a supportive environment designed for personal growth and exploration. Experience the beauty of Brookridge firsthand and discover why it’s the perfect place to grow, learn, and embrace everything that brings you joy.

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Explore our community online at BrookridgeCommunity.org

1 1 9 9 H AY E S F O R E S T D R I V E WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27 106

IN THIS ISSUE

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COVER STORY June DeLugas: Start-to-Finish Style

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Defining Success On Your Own Terms

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Boutique Backstage Pass: A New Way to Shop Local

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What’s the Deal with Gen Z?

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Calling All Women Over Age 40

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Cheers! For Brenner Children’s Hospital

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SHOP SIX FORSYTH COUNTY LOCATIONS! Clemmons | Kernersville | Walkertown Winston-Salem: Jonestown Rd, Peters Creek Pkwy (Retail Store & Outlet), goodwillhalloween.org Reynolda Rd, University Pkwy, Waughtown St

goodwillhalloween.org

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Trying New Things: Walking

68

Life Post College: Keeping up with Friends

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PCOS and Infertility

76

Joyful Moments of the Fall Season

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NEW! Women in the Wild

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Long-Distance Love: Then and Now

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How Do I respond to My Parents Taking Me on a Guilt Trip?

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Celebrate with us!

Mark your calendars now for November 3-7 for a week of specials, discounts, giveaways and VIP exclusives!

And plan to join us in person on Friday, November 7th from 10:00 am-1:00 pm for mimosas and more as we celebrate 17 years in the Triad.

scan here to learn more

6580 Shallowford Road, Suite 130 Lewisville, NC 27023 336.945.2076 lewisvillelaser.com

PUBLISHER Brooke Culler Brooke@ForsythMags.com

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EDITOR Keela Johnson

s I write this, we’re just days away from our big 20th Anniversary Party and fundraiser benefiting LEAD Girls of NC. The anxiety is high, but the excitement is higher!

I always say if I wasn’t a publisher, I’d be an event planner—I truly love the adrenaline of pulling an event together.

Keela@ForsythMags.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tamara Bodford

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Robin Bralley

ADVERTISING

This month, we’re thrilled to feature the amazing June DeLugas on our cover. June is one of the hardest working women I know, with an unmatched eye for design. Her long-running Dear June column has been a reader favorite for as long as I can remember, making it one of the longest-standing columns in Forsyth Woman.

She and her team handle every detail from start to finish, and it’s always inspiring to see their beautiful designs come to life. Learn more about June starting on page 52.

If you’ve been a reader for long, you know October means shopping at Forsyth Woman!

From the Tour de Boutique to the Boutique Crawl, we’ve loved celebrating local businesses in fun ways. This year, we’re introducing something new: the first-ever Boutique Backstage Pass: A NEW Way to Shop Local.

Get all the details on page 36!

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a cause close to my heart as my mom is a two-time survivor. One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed in her lifetime—a sobering statistic. But here’s the hopeful truth: mammograms and self-advocacy save lives.

Many women, my mom included, discovered lumps themselves between annual screenings.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Jodie Brim Creative

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS JEJ Photos Jodie Brim Creative Megan Smith Photography PHOTO BY JODIE BRIM CREATIVE

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we’re honored to spotlight this difficult but critical issue. I recently featured Bridges to Hope and Family Services on our podcast and learned so much about the impact of domestic violence. A staggering 55% of women in Winston-Salem will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime.

Thankfully, organizations like these are here to provide resources, hope, and healing. Read more on page 14 (Bridges to Hope Family Justice Center) and page 34 (Family Services). If you’re looking for a nonprofit to support or a place to volunteer—start here.

Advertising @ForsythMags.com

*others credited throughout accordingly

CONTENT EDITOR Meghan Corbett

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Martie Emory Carolyn Peterson

Please let this be your reminder: schedule your mammogram, and never ignore advocating for your own health. You’ll find an important article from our longtime partner, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging, on page 46.

I know I sound like a broken record, but this issue is truly packed with so much good.

My team and I pour our hearts into these magazines every month, and we hope you enjoy reading them even a fraction as much as we enjoy creating them for you and our community.

With love,

OTHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jane Burnette Isabella Castineyra Sarah Gillett Amy Hill Brandon James Taryn Jerez Jean Marie Johnson Michael Johnson Tanner Johnson Debbie Lanier Halleigh Milleson Leslie Speas Joy Nelson Thomas Sheridan Watkins *others credited throughout accordingly

Brooke Culler, @brooke__culler Publisher

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Stefanie Lyons

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT Flhy Marketing / Michelle Hyatt

WEB DESIGN/ MAINTENANCE Next Wave Services

CONTACT ForsythWoman.com 888-892-3204

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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.

the publisher perspective

FINE DESIGNER JEWELRY, SWISS TIMEPIECES, DIAMONDS & CUSTOM DESIGN

STRATFORD ROAD | WINSTON-SALEM

336.721.1768 | WINDSOR-JEWELERS.COM

BRIDGES TO HOPE FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER Domestic Violence Support & Advocacy

by M A R T I E E M O R Y

For Forsyth County residents who may be experiencing issues with domestic violence, sexual assault, child maltreatment, elder abuse or human trafficking, Bridges to Hope Family Justice Center offers much needed services – all in one welcoming place.

At no cost to individuals and families, those in crisis receive guidance and support from many of the center’s partner agencies.

“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it’s a pleasure to provide this information to neighbors, friends, family members, co-workers, service providers and others who may be a primary contact for victims or survivors in need of support,” says Director DeWanna Hamlin. “Please see our website for updates on events at forsyth.cc/bridgestohope.”

Bridges to Hope is one of more than 150 Family Justice Centers in the United States using the

evidence-based, best practice model for the purpose of reducing homicides, increasing victim safety and offender accountability, and providing easier access to services. Victims may file for an emergency Domestic Violence Protective Order (50B) and have their court hearing onsite. Other onsite options include victim support, advocacy, safety planning, assistance with law enforcement and criminal proceedings, and direct referrals for support groups, screening for public benefits, financial education, parenting support and more.

“Bridges to Hope provides wrap-around services for survivors of interpersonal trauma to reduce the number of visits to agencies in multiple locations,” DeWanna shares. “Clients often face challenges related to childcare, limited transportation and access to services.

The Center also involves partner agencies from various perspectives working together to enhance policies and processes that affect institutional and systemic change.”

The center also recognizes the crucial ways children are affected socially, emotionally, cognitively, physically and academically as a result of experiencing – or even witnessing – traumatic events. Referrals to trusted community organizations that provide counseling for both adults and children are provided.

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Bridges to Hope’s partner agencies include: Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina, Experiment in SelfReliance, Family Services, Inc., the Office of the Forsyth County Clerk of Court, Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office, Forsyth County Judiciary, Forsyth County Magistrate’s Office, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Kernersville Police Department, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Next Step Ministries, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, The Parenting Path, Winston-Salem Police Department, and the Forsyth County Health and Human Services Departments Behavior Health Services, DSS, and Public Health.

Administered and hosted by Forsyth County, Bridges to Hope Family Justice Center is located at 725 N. Highland Avenue, Annex 1, in Winston-Salem, NC. For more information on their services – and how you can help – call 336.776.3255 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Come For Our Experience, Stay For Yours

When Dr. Leigh Ringer Summer began Lewisville Laser & Aesthetics in 2008, she had one goal in mind: to provide aesthetic medicine services in a highly relational and relaxing atmosphere. That goal hasn’t wavered in almost two decades, and she’s more committed to it now than ever. “When I started this practice, we were just about the only game in town,” says Dr. Summer. “My family medicine patients were asking where to go for reliable, expert, physician-driven services and treatments, and my aim was to become that destination.” Fast forward to 2025, and it’s a bit like the wild west: you can book a session of laser hair removal, or get Botox injected, in every corner of Winston-Salem.

So, what sets the LLA experience apart?

PHOTO BY LUCY BELL

Why do our patients keep coming back, year after year? “It’s certainly a challenge

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from physicians and leaders in aesthetics throughout the world, and I know that’s a benefit to our patients,” Dr. Summer says.

In aesthetic medicine, there’s always something new to learn. Equal parts art and science, aesthetics is a highly nuanced field, and Dr. Summer’s “lifelong learner” attitude keeps her at the forefront. “At LLA, we love hearing from experts in our field who do things differently than we do. We’ve always welcomed opportunities to glean new techniques

Our birthday celebration, traditionally held during the third week of October, will be moving to the first week of November for 2025. Be sure to follow us on social media for all the details, and make plans to take advantage of the once-a-year discounts, benefits, door-busters and VIP exclusives only available then!

Another non-negotiable for the LLA team is a commitment to the patient experience.

“Women in the Triad have more choices today than ever before when it comes to aesthetic treatment,” Dr. Summer explains. “We make every patient feel like a member of the family.

We want them to be so satisfied with our practice that they wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else.”

That emphasis on relationship extends to the LLA staff. Dr. Summer has assembled a team that has a unique and palpable chemistry.

“We enjoy each other, and I think our patients Patients referring their friends to the practice can sense that.” And with a combined 67 continues to be LLA’s most consistent source years in aesthetic practice (and over a century of growth. But building a business based on in medicine!) the team of injectors at LLA is word-of-mouth requires two things to remain constant: the highest level of medical expertise, one of the most highly experienced cohorts in western North Carolina. and an unparalleled patient experience.

PHOTO BY LUCY BELL

As we look forward to celebrating our birthday, it’s safe to say we’re feeling sentimental; reflecting on what we’ve learned and dreaming about the future.

to stand out in the aesthetics space, which is experiencing exponential growth,” Dr. Summer says. “Aesthetic medicine has entered the mainstream, and women are feeling more comfortable being transparent about what they’re having done.” She believes that transparency is part of what has given LLA staying power in an exploding and highly competitive marketplace. “Our patients look and feel natural and beautiful when they leave our practice, whether they’ve been treated with injectables like Botox or filler, or had a transformative treatment with laser, ultrasound, or radiofrequency energy. And when you look good and you feel good,” she says with a laugh, “you can’t help but share the love!”

PHOTO BY JASPER & FERN

It’s hard to believe that lla will be 17 years old in october!

by S A R A H G I L L E T T

Hosting? Working? Celebrating?

We Cater. We Deliver.

Our catering menu is packed with crowd-pleasers, like our famous Pinehurst grilled chicken, hearty breakfast platters, boxed lunches, and desserts that disappear fast.

Need it delivered? We offer on-time, reliable delivery throughout Winston-Salem and beyond.

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

Keeping It Real THE SEARCH FOR PEACE

by D R . D E B B I E L A N I E R

Peace? Is there such a thing? This anxious generation seems bent on proving its implausibility?

God promises, “I will keep you in PERFECT Peace as your mind is stayed on Me!” (Isaiah 26:3)

Did you know…85% of Americans live under constant stress and don’t even know it?

Not just peace…PERFECT PEACE! Essentially, this means “peace that’s greater than our mind can grasp!”

But, wait a minute! God promised the prospect of Perfect Peace. So, it must be achievable. Right?

Get this. This kind of “shalom” (peace) does not simply mean “rest for my mind.” It means “healing, safety, security, certainty and wholeness.”

It “makes things as they should be” and “straightens what is bent” in my thoughts.

Stay with me!

Imagine you suddenly feel fatigue.

Then, your appetite vanishes. Then, nothing you try to eat stays down.

Your thoughts race as you consider the possibilities. “Is it my blood pressure? My heart? Maybe the “c” word? WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?” After weeks of warning signs and a plethora of scans, you brace yourself for the diagnosis. “How sick am I? How long do I have?” (Worry exacerbates every symptom, doesn’t it? Now you really can’t eat or find the energy to stay on your feet!)

Finally, the doctor says…“You just need iron in your diet. There’s absolutely nothing to fret about here!”

The expert’s assurance overwhelms you with peace. Immediately, the crushing worry evaporates!

Friend, GOD IS THE EXPERT OF ALL EXPERTS! When we bring Him our concerns, He reminds us, “I’ve got you! I’ve got this! You can ALWAYS count on Me! I will NEVER fail you!”

When we hear Him speak, the anxiety falls right off us…but oftentimes, we can’t hear Him! (Wait! What?) We don’t discern the assurance of the Peace Speaker because our raging, reckless imagination deafens us to His voice.

God guards our Perfect Peace as our “mind” remains on Him – in other words, as our imaginations gravitate TOWARD Him, never AWAY from Him! What happens when job loss rumors circulate at our company? We envision OUR job loss, too. Before long, we’re picturing foreclosure and financial upheaval before anything even happens! (You know it’s true!)

But, when we keep our minds fixed on what God says, His imaginations become ours. In other words, we realize God, not the job, is our Source. Whether we remain at this job or He leads us elsewhere, HE is our Provider and we can trust Him with every step!

Listen friend, our TRUST in God welds HIS thoughts to our thoughts. When we truly believe God is good and seeks our good, that trust becomes like a hot glue that welds two pipes (or minds) together. These two pieces begin to intermingle in such a way that this area becomes the strongest portion of the pipe!

Whoa! Are you getting this? God’s thoughts and my thoughts melt together in such a way that His beliefs become my own! No matter

what comes at me, I KNOW God is superior to any and every situation I face. He holds the solution to EVERY problem.

There’s NOTHING greater than Him, ABSOLUTELY nothing and He’s on my side because I’m on His! So, maybe we’ve been going about this all wrong. We’ve been waiting on God to do something. Yet, in this moment, He waits for US to feed our thoughts with His perspective on every matter.

As my husband says, “I am not afraid until God is afraid, and God is NOT afraid!”

Let our Good Father weld our mind to His! From that posture, we can walk through fire and flood with fullest assurance that HE is leading us well. We will ALWAYS come out the other side of EVERY situation better than before, because He’s good for it! Now THAT is Perfect Peace!

For comments or prayer, please contact Dr. Lanier at HopeCommunityChurch.tv.

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PEOPLE OF PROMINENCE SERIES

by M I C H A E L J O H N S O N

Derek Hicks

“When a man knows that he is a child of God, he is free from the bondage of man.

He can stand the pressure of the world without the need to fear it.” ~ Howard Thurman Dr. Derek Hicks is a man of letters. He teaches, he writes, he speaks in both cultural and religious pathways to educate people on all manner of historically relevant topics.

Most notably, he writes and lectures on the deeply rooted importance of spirituality and food in the African American experience.

He is a beloved professor at Wake Forest University whose research and teaching weave together African American religion, foodways, race, embodiment, black and womanist theologies, and cultural studies.

Here he gives us insight into his background and his cultural and spiritual knowledge.

SPEAK ABOUT YOUR UPBRINGING AND HOW IT INFORMED WHAT YOU BECAME.

I grew up in South Central Los Angeles, or Watts as my section of town is known. My grandparents moved from Louisiana to Los Angeles in 1947. I never met my father. My mother had me at 23 years of age. When my mother was seven months pregnant with me, she suffered a stroke and I was delivered via emergency c-section. My mother’s challenges thrust my grandmother into the role of being my primary caretaker. My grandmother became my anchor and conduit to my understanding of the intersection of spirituality and Louisiana cooking.

I was witness to my grandmother “performing the south” from her Watts porch. Her southern groomed Baptist hospitality was something I soaked up as a young kid, watching her every move.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF COOKING, HOSPITALITY AND THE SPIRITUAL RELEVANCE OF THIS. I was raised in a house where, if you didn’t like what Grandma was cooking, you had to learn to cook it yourself. As a result, I

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cultivated a love for cooking. I love many cuisines, but especially enjoy cooking one pot dishes because of their power to feed people emotionally and spiritually. African Americans have often set their foodways and spirituality front and center to their survival and overcoming obstacles. Our culinary and religious culture has aided us in creating community. More than that, religious expression and food engender debate and even competition.

The foodways from West African countries to the U.S. are often overlooked. Rice, okra, yams and legumes are all staples that originated on the continent of Africa.

Gumbo was my grandmother’s culinary exhibition on full display. She would tend to a pot of gumbo from Christmas to New Year’s as a nod to the past – a nod to home. Gumbo is a communal and complex dish made up of several individual ingredients brewed into a unified meal. The soul is the roux – the combination of flour, oil and sometimes butter. It takes a while to make a great roux, but the care and attention it requires is worth it. Then, you add the “holy trinity“ of onion, celery and bell peppers. Great gumbo is a unifying experience.

Religion has always lent itself ostensibly to self-discovery, and the same is true of black culinary history.

WHAT LED YOU TO ALSO TAKE AN ACADEMIC INTEREST IN RELIGION AND TRADITION?

Religion to me has always been about finding one’s self. It is about one’s orientation to the world through belief. Black culinary culture feeds the flesh while spirituality simultaneously feeds the soul.

Imagine the power of religion for enslaved people who didn’t always have much to lean on other than each other and a faith that things would “get better anyhow.” I have always been enraptured by the idea that my ancestors daily faced death and discrimination while utilizing their own cultural productions to see themselves as worthy recipients of God’s love.

I distinctly remember about 30 years ago when I was formulating my path to becoming a professor that I experienced the loss of two close friends who were shot and killed in Los Angeles.

I recall intending to lend comfort to the mother of one of those friends. But, I couldn’t. I buckled, and she said, “my faith in God is stronger despite the loss of my son.” I was fascinated by this revelation from someone who had every reason to question God’s love.

I therefore value teaching my students about religious experience as a contagion and not an indoctrination. I speak on the “knowing” that comes with religious fervor in the African American tradition. Even the “Negro spirituals” were tapestries that thread secret messages or nuances shared when they could not openly show the full extent of their religious expressions.

WHAT IS A QUESTION YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD ASK ABOUT YOUR FIELD OF STUDY?

I wish people would ask more about how complex the Christian experience is, especially along racial lines. Too often the Christianity of those enslaved is discounted as heretical. But, in fact, their faith tradition exhibits the true essence of the Gospel while it celebrates the notion of togetherness within the community. I wrote a chapter on this subject in a book entitled, “Blacks and Whites in Christian America” that took on the topic of competing claims about the Divine between the enslaver and enslaved. Ultimately, embracing spiritual complexity based upon contextual experience becomes a vibrant place to bring people together in a way that is deeply foundational to our common understanding of faith at its best.

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Serving our community, one smile at a time.

Making Dollars, Making $ense Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Marzano Capital Group is an other business name of Independent Advisor Alliance, LLC. All investment advice is offered through Independent Advisor Alliance LLC, a registered investment advisor.

Independent Advisor Alliance is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

5 Financial Misconceptions About Retirement

BY BRANDON JAMES, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

3. “I CAN WORK AS LONG AS I WANT” Some people plan to delay retirement by continuing to work. While this can boost savings and delay withdrawals, it’s not always within your control. Health issues, caregiving responsibilities or layoffs can force early retirement.

Unfortunately, many retirees leave the workforce earlier than planned. A smart approach is to plan for both your ideal retirement age and the possibility of retiring sooner.

4. “A CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO IS BEST” As retirement approaches, it’s natural to want to protect your savings by reducing risk. However, going too conservative too early can be detrimental. With longer life expectancies, many retirees need their money to last 20-30 years or more. Investing too conservatively might not keep up with inflation, diminishing your purchasing power over time. A balanced approach that blends growth and stability often works best.

5. “I DON’T NEED A RETIREMENT PLAN YET”

Planning for retirement is often seen as a straightforward task, but misconceptions can undermine even the best intentions.

These myths, if left unchecked, can result in financial shortfalls or a less enjoyable retirement. Let’s explore five common misconceptions and how to avoid them.

1. “I’LL SPEND LESS IN RETIREMENT” Many people believe their expenses will decrease dramatically in retirement. While some costs, like commuting or dry cleaning, may drop, other expenses often rise. Travel, leisure activities and healthcare can significantly increase your spending. Healthcare alone can be a major factor – with rising medical costs and potential long term care needs, many retirees find they spend more than expected. It’s essential to create a retirement budget that accounts for these possibilities.

2. “SOCIAL SECURITY WILL BE ENOUGH” Relying solely on Social Security is a risky strategy. While Social Security provides a safety net, it was never designed to replace your entire income. The average monthly benefit might cover basic needs but won’t support a comfortable lifestyle, especially with inflation eroding purchasing power over time.

Supplementing Social Security with savings, investments or other income sources is crucial to maintaining your desired standard of living.

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Procrastination is one of the biggest retirement planning pitfalls. Many believe they can start saving later and still catch up. However, the power of compounding works best over long periods. Starting early allows your investments to grow exponentially, even with smaller contributions. The earlier you start, the more flexibility you’ll have in adapting to life’s changes.

Retirement planning is about more than just saving money – it’s about understanding your future needs and being prepared for the unexpected. By addressing these misconceptions, you can create a more resilient and fulfilling retirement plan.

Start early, stay flexible and approach retirement with realistic expectations.

Falling in Love with Local Finds 336-766-7440 | FraleighsBoutiqueNC.com Monday-Friday 10am-5pm | Saturday 10am-4pm | 2626 Lewisville-Clemmons Rd. Clemmons, NC 27012

INGREDIENTS 1 pack (about 6) boneless/skinless chicken thighs – cut into ½–1 inch cubes Marinade: salt & pepper, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp rice vinegar, ½ cup Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce (or any teriyaki), and a squirt of sriracha if you like heat Jasmine rice (1–1½ cups for 2 servings – I usually make 2–2½ cups so there’s leftover for fried rice)

by TA N N E R J O H N S O N

2–3 eggs Zucchini, broccoli, or both

BETTER THAN TA K E - O U T: HIBACHI AT H O M E This one is a year-round staple in our house and probably the meal we cook most often. It’s quick, easy, and great for a crowd. We make this almost weekly and it’s perfect for the griddle. If you don’t have a Blackstone, you can still knock it out with a couple of skillets or even an indoor griddle.

I like to marinate the chicken and cook the rice the day before, so when it’s time to cook, it all comes together fast.

Butter, soy sauce, sesame oil for cooking the rice

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cook jasmine rice the day before if you can. I always cook it in the rice maker, then put it in the fridge overnight. Cold rice gives the fried rice better texture.

2. Marinate chicken with all the ingredients listed above. Overnight is best, but even a few hours helps.

3. Preheat griddle to medium heat. Toss on the chicken and veggies, stirring often.

Chicken thighs usually take 10–12 minutes.

4. While that’s cooking, melt a little butter and spread out the rice in a thin, even layer so it can crisp up.

5. Crack the eggs on the griddle, scramble, then mix into the rice.

6. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring everything together. Taste and add more if needed. Let the rice cook 10–12 minutes until it turns darker brown and a little crispy.

7. Pull everything off and mix together.

Plate it up for hibachi at home without the take-out bill.

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Boutique Wellness

we believe in beauty from the inside out Located in the heart of Winston-Salem,

Boutique Wellness NC is your trusted destination for aesthetic, regenerative, and wellness treatments all delivered with a personalized touch. Some of our most popular services include Tox to smooth fine lines and refresh your look, the PlaDuo Pro for advanced dual plasma skin rejuvenation, IPL to target redness, pigmentation, and sun damage, and EmSculpt Neo, which helps build muscle and burn fat with zero downtime.

Specials

IPL Photofacial — $199

Say goodbye to redness, sun spots, and uneven skin tone with our IPL Photofacial for a limited time. Brighten, smooth, and refresh your skin with one of our most loved treatments, at a price you don’t want to miss.

Scan Here to make an Appointment

Hours: Tues 5-9pm (Wine Bar only), Wed & Thurs 5-9pm, Fri & Sat 5-10pm Reservations recommended via OpenTable

We host Corporate and Private Events Free Parking available in our Parking Lot accessible via W 4 ½ Street Follow us on Facebook/Instagram @manolosboutiquewines

We Now Offer Catering!

Bring the Manolo’s experience to your next event. Handcrafted Italian flavors, fine wines, and unforgettable service, tailored just for you. Must order 48 hours in advance - Call or Text 336-703-8738 848 W 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 I boutiquewellnessnc.com Boutique Wellness I 336.530.5612 I info@bw-nc.com Manolo’s I 336-448-0508 I info@bw-nc.com

BE AU TIFUL RESULTS WITH SILHOUET TE INSTALIF T

by M A R T I E E M O R Y, photos by J E J P H O T O S

A

lways with a focus on impeccable care and an ultra-positive experience, Salem Plastic Surgery & Renewal MedSpa specializes in cosmetic and restorative procedures that transform and inspire self confidence in all the very best ways.

If this is the stage in life when you’re looking to lift and rejuvenate your “mid-face” and jawline areas, get to know what’s unique about Silhouette InstaLift®.

A minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure designed to restore volume and lift sagging facial skin, Silhouette InstaLift® works by inserting biomedical co-polymer threads into the skin using the finest needles. Facial tissue is gently lifted and repositioned, using the only FDA-approved absorbable materials for facial lifting and contouring. The Micro Suspension Technology™ is comprised of micro cones that are placed in the deepest layer of midfacial skin, delivering an immediate lift and gradually restoring lost facial volume of the mid-face area by activating natural collagen production for a more youthful appearance.

These sutures and cones are made from poly lactic co glycolic acid (PLGA), a well known biomedical copolymer that is biocompatible and biodegradable.

Expert nurse injectors Heather Hayden and Joy Goins are dedicated to assisting you reach your rejuvenation goals – and both applaud what sets Silhouette InstaLift® apart.

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“Although most collagen stimulating treatments take months before the patient is able to see results, the threads of Silhouette InstaLift® are unique because they give an immediate result that will only continue to improve over time,” Heather explains.

While there is mild discomfort – and a soft diet is suggested for the first week – most patients return to normal daily activities after one week. Possible side effects can include bruising and soreness for a few days, along with temporary skin irregularities, but applying ice packs and taking mild pain relievers can help manage these symptoms.

Results are visible immediately and will continue to improve over the next several months while collagen builds. Another huge advantage – a typical Silhouette InstaLift® lasts between one to three years.

Both Heather and Joy emphasize their goal of giving every patient the most realistic expectations.

“I feel a personal connection to every client that sits in my chair because I’ve been in their shoes and felt the insecurity of wanting to change something about my physical appearance,” shares Joy. “I always tell my clients that my job is to help them feel more confident in themselves, and I’m

®

inspired daily because aesthetics is not ‘one size fits all’ – everyone requires an approach that is unique to them.”

Given their backgrounds and experience, both Joy and Heather are well versed in how injectable results can differ from those of surgical procedures.

What’s the best way to complement your injectable treatments? By implementing a good skincare routine at home which is easy with the Obagi® brand of skincare products – also available at Salem Plastic Surgery & Renewal MedSpa. Their team provides your best option for superb care and wonderful results.

“If you’re not taking care of your skin at home, but spending thousands on injectables, you’re only putting a Band-Aid® over the problem,” adds Heather. “And, of course, sunscreen should be part of everyone’s daily routine.”

For more information on Salem Plastic Surgery & Renewal MedSpa and their ultimate body and skincare treatments, reach them at 336.768.8483, or visit salemplasticsurgery. com. The practice is located at 1345A Westgate Center Drive in Winston-Salem, a convenient location to accommodate busy schedules! Hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Follow them on Instagram @salemplasticsurg and @ renewalmedspanc.

SCOTT L. TUCKER, MD

HAMPTON A. HOWELL, MD

COSMETIC SURGERY FACE, BREAST, BODY CONTOURING, & LASER RESURFACING

SPA SERVICES BOTOX & FILLER INJECTIONS

DERMAPLANING EXFOLIATION

LASER SKIN REVITALIZATION

MEDICAL-GRADE CHEMICAL PEELS & FACIALS

SKINPEN MICRO-NEEDLING THERAPY

SKINCARE & MAKEUP CONSULTATIONS

DIAMOND GLOW RESURFACING FACIAL

COOLSCULPTING BODY FAT REDUCTION

AQUAGOLD MICRO-INJECTION

EMSCULPT NEO MUSCLE TONING

1345-A Westgate Center Drive | Winston-Salem | 336.768.8483 | salemplasticsurgery.com

BREAKING FREE FROM SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS:

defining success on your own terms

by J O Y N E L S O N T H O M A S

S

ince we were kids, we’ve all heard the same script – get good grades, go to college, find a stable job, buy a house, get married, raise children and retire comfortably. Those things aren’t bad at all, but they can make us believe that success looks the same for everyone. The truth is that success is personal. It’s different for each of us.

I’ve learned that “checking the boxes” doesn’t always lead to joy. Sometimes it leads to burnout, emptiness or even resentment. We end up performing for people instead of truly living.

Here’s what I know now – success isn’t about society’s definition. It’s not even about our own ideas of what we think life should look like. Success is about walking in the plan already written for us. What if you stopped holding on so tightly to your own plan and started trusting His?

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WHEN OUR PLANS DON’T GO AS PLANNED

NOW IS THE TIME TO CHASE FREEDOM

We love to make timelines for ourselves.

Where we should be by 25. What we should have by 40. What life should look like by retirement. And, when things don’t go that way, disappointment sneaks in.

When you stop living under pressure, you step into freedom. Freedom to do work that matters to you. Freedom to slow down.

Freedom to put people before achievements.

Freedom to build a life you don’t always need a vacation from.

But, what if that detour was re-direction?

What feels like a delay is often protection or preparation.

The turning point comes when you find the courage to let people down if it means being free. One of the hardest parts of this journey is realizing that not everyone will get it.

And, that’s okay.

Sometimes faith looks like stepping out when it doesn’t make sense. Other times it’s choosing rest when the world says hustle harder.

In the end, success isn’t about how close your life comes to checking society’s boxes. It’s about how fully you’re living out your calling.

So, give yourself permission. Permission to pivot. Permission to grow. Permission to choose joy. Permission to let go of what no longer serves you. The life you’re building is yours. And, that’s success.

Until next time, enjoy the journey, and let’s stop performing and start living.

Are you in need of renting medical equipment due to an upcoming vacation, surgery, or family member coming to town?

We rent: • Travel friendly mobility scooters • Wheelchairs • Ramps • Hospital beds • Lift chairs • Knee scooter • Hoyer lifts • and more!

Delivery and In-Home Service Available!

Purchase options also available. If you or a loved one requires medical equipment and supplies to live comfortably and have the best quality of life possible, look to us as your one-stop solution.

ForsythMedicalSupply.com 336-768-5512 | Monday - Friday 9 am - 5:30 pm | 3033 Trenwest Drive Winston-Salem

ENCORE BANK

Creative Solutions, Concierge Service

by M A R T I E E M O R Y

As a private, boutique financial institution, Encore Bank in Winston-Salem blends expertise with innovative technology – resulting in personal service that meets each client exactly where they need – and want – to be.

“Banking, in general, has become very automated and transactional, often removing the personal touch,” Steven explains. “While automation via technology is necessary, having a person you know on a first name basis – who you can call when you need help or advice – is something that’s very important to both consumers and business owners.

We pride ourselves on not having 1-800 numbers that we direct our clients to, and instead, they have my direct phone number they can call at any time. If I don’t know the answer to a question, I take the leg work off them, find a solution and report back directly to the client.”

“Trust and understanding are at the core of everything we do,” shares Senior VP, Commercial Relationship Manager Steven Overcash. “I truly believe a successful business is built on relationships, and those relationships are built on trust. We purposefully keep our client count lower to be able to get to know them and understand their businesses – along with their short term and long term financial goals.”

Encore Bank provides a full suite of financial products and services to businesses, business owners, professionals and their families.

With a sincere feeling that their clients are also partners, Encore Bank is driven by the communities they serve, with a belief that banking can and should be built differently!

“What’s special about Encore is that our employees are also investors and shareholders in the bank. This creates an environment where we’re not only working for ourselves, but also for each other, (continued on page 32)

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Your First Family Heirloom Starts Here

www.megansmith-photography.com

info@megansmith-photography.com

(continued from page 30)

as we’re all equally vested in the same goals. I’ve never seen a team where every member goes above and beyond for each and every client to find creative solutions. Customers are not ‘one size fits all’ and shouldn’t be treated as such,” says Steven.

He also shares how the bank’s successful “hospitality-inspired concierge approach” is two-fold.

“If you’ve ever visited our office in Bailey South, you know how different our approach is. It’s not a space only meant to make a deposit or to talk about a loan.

It’s designed to be collaborative and to host people and events, as well. We have hosted everything from joint team events to holiday parties, financial seminars and everything in between.

However, since we only have one brick-and-mortar per market, we also like to say we bring the bank to our clients. We want to be in your office to see what your day to day looks like. We want to get to know your employees and tour your facilities, and we don’t mind picking up check deposits or hand delivering a check order or debit cards. Our team hand writes and signs birthday cards for clients, and we love finding thoughtful ways

to surprise them throughout the year, whether it’s dropping off donuts, sharing a chicken pot pie around the holidays or simply visiting them at their office to check in – just because.”

One on one client relationships with an unprecedented level of service are a given at Encore Bank, with a modern approach that offers each account owner a variety of options for how he or she wishes to bank. While some are searching for the on-the-go convenience of mobile technology, others rely on seeing friendly faces at their neighborhood branch.

While headquarters are based in Central Arkansas, Encore Bank’s branches throughout the southeast employ local people with local interests and a deep understanding of what makes each community unique. Visit the Winston-Salem branch to see what sets Encore apart!

Encore Bank is located at 450 N. Patterson Avenue, Suite 200, in Winston-Salem, 336.200.8471. Visit bankencore.com for a glimpse of their services and how you can become a partner, follow Encore Bank on LinkedIn and on Instagram @encore_bank. Winston-Salem branch hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Online scheduling available at aeracurasalon.com AERACURA AVEDA SALON 101A REYNOLDA VILLAGE WINSTON SALEM, NC 27106 336-448-0792

AERACURA SALON & SPA 6265 TOWN CENTER DRIVE CLEMMONS, NC 27012 336-448-2044

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A NEW WAY TO SHOP LOCAL We’re turning up the volume on Forsyth Woman’s annual shopping tradition!

For years, you’ve loved our Tour de Boutique and Boutique Crawl events—shopping, giveaways, and unforgettable girls’ days. This year, we’re keeping things fresh with a brand-new format: The Boutique Backstage Pass Tour!

Think of it like a concert tour—only with shopping! Instead of visiting every boutique in a single day, we’ll be stopping at one fabulous boutique Thursday nights from 5-7pm in October and November. More time to shop, more fun to be had, and more chances to win prizes.

We’re beyond excited to bring this to life and can’t wait to see you on tour.

4 STORES. 4 DATES.

OCT 9TH OCT 23RD OCT 30TH NOV 6TH

ACCENT PRONE FRALEIGH’S BOUTIQUE GRETCHEN’S KIDS BOUTIQUE FLEET FEET SPORTS

HOW IT WORKS: •

Show up (no registration required!)

•

Exclusive discounts + giveaways at each shop

•

Forsyth Woman on site with gift card giveaways

•

Shopping + community + fun

•

Join us select Thursday nights in October as we shop local, support small businesses, and have a blast together.

Don’t miss out—it’s the ultimate girls’ night out!

Email brooke@forsythmags.com with questions!

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@FORSYTHMAGS

October 2025 | 37

GOLDMAN CENTER for Facial Plastic Surgery

The Classic Deep Plane Facelift is Back in Style

by M A R T I E E M O R Y

C

hances are you’ve caught a glimpse of Kris Jenner’s recent facelift somewhere on your social media pages. At the age of 69, the well known matriarch of the Kardashian family is drawing attention to what professionals have known for years as the “deep plane” facelift. It’s not a new concept, it’s simply trending!

“This procedure is far from new – it’s just having a moment in the celebrity spotlight!” explains Dr. Neal Goldman of the Goldman Center for Facial Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Goldman has been providing surgery options for aging faces in the Winston-Salem and Greensboro area since 1999. The center is 100% specialized in cosmetic, aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery – with face and neck lifts still his most requested procedures.

“When facelifts started in the early 20th century, it was merely a skin removal process,” Dr. Goldman explains. “Most patients only worried about hiding the scars so people couldn’t tell they had undergone a procedure. Those were what we would call a mini-facelift or ‘weekend facelift’ today – there’s less pain and less anesthesia, but the results simply didn’t last long. Once a SMAS lift was developed that worked on deeper tissues – tightening the superficial musculoaponeurotic system – facelifts went from lasting two years to eight to 12 years.”

A deep plane facelift is an advanced cosmetic surgery that rejuvenates the face by lifting and repositioning the

38 | ForsythWoman.com

deep facial tissues and muscles, also known as the SMAS layer. Unlike a more traditional lift that only tightens skin, the deep plane technique releases the retaining ligaments that pull the face downward, allowing the entire soft tissue area to be lifted.

BEFORE

The good news is this procedure creates more natural results and avoids that “pulled” look sometimes recognized with more superficial procedures.

Because deep plane lifts work with a deeper layer of tissue, opening up the muscle larger and farther forward in the face, removing more tissue and fat can be done than before. That translates to better results in the jawline and cheeks!

Dr. Goldman started providing deep plane facelifts here in Winston-Salem in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

“Now, if a patient says they want the very best results possible – it’s a deep plane face lift for sure!” he adds.

Dr. Goldman is also known for creating a strong doctor and patient rapport based on honest expectations – where every patient is made to feel as comfortable as possible during every step of the process. His staff uses computer imaging to project a patient’s face and neck from all possible angles and then joins in a heart-to-heart discussion of options for improvement, as well as limitations for these treatments While the deep plane facelift is certainly making news these days, always consult with a qualified, board certified facial plastic surgeon to determine the best plan of action for your beautiful face!

AFTER Conveniently located, you’ll find The Goldman Center for Facial Plastic Surgery at 6318 Jessie Lane, Clemmons, NC, 336.245.9595, or the mountain satellite office, serving patients at 717 Greenway Road, Boone, NC, 828.278.9230.

Visit FacialPlasticSurgeryNC.com to learn more about their services and HelpUsGiveSmiles.org to read more about Dr. Goldman’s involvement with medical mission trips via HUGS (Help Us Give Smiles).

GOLDMAN CENTER for Facial Plastic Surgery

Over 25 Years of Experience Specializing In Deep Plane Facelift I Necklift Endoscopic Brow Lift I Eyelids I Rhinoplasty NEAL D. GOLDMAN, MD Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

6318 Jessie Lane | Clemmons, NC 409 State Street | Greensboro, NC 717 Greenway Road | Boone, NC (336) 245-9595

FacialPlasticSurgeryNC.com

New Surgical Location in Clemmons

Exceptional Young Women in the Community:

S

Meet A’lani Gaither

potlighting successful and stand-out women in the community is important to Forsyth Woman.

With the help of LEAD Girls of NC, the Exceptional Young Women in the Community column helps spread the word about local youth and their positive impact on the world around them.

This month’s exceptional young woman, A’lani Gaither, has been involved with LEAD Girls of NC since the 6th grade, after she began attending a Saturday community program that served as a safe space for her to learn new skills and meet new friends. Her involvement with LEAD has helped prepare her mindset to take on the world as an 8th grader.

Like many of her peers, A’lani says LEAD has been a game-changer in her academic and personal life.

According to her: “One of the most valuable lessons LEAD has taught me is how to present myself with confidence. I’ve learned skills like making eye contact, speaking clearly, and using positive body language. Public speaking was something that used to make me nervous, but now I feel more comfortable sharing my ideas in front of others. These lessons help me every day at school, whether I’m answering a question in class, giving a presentation, or just introducing myself to someone new.”

In addition, LEAD has shaped A’lani’s positive body image, prepared her to handle bullying, and given her the chance to practice what she’s learned by treating others with kindness in her daily life. She now feels more confident standing up for herself and her friends while uplifting and encouraging others. Her involvement with LEAD has inspired her to be a role model— modeling confidence and respect to create a safe, supportive environment among her classmates.

One of her favorite LEAD memories is the annual LEAD Girls Expo, hosted each fall, where she had the chance to try beatboxing and rapping.

A’lani recalls: “We had different stations where we made musical instruments out of random items like rice, sprinkles, rubber bands, cups, and plates. And of course, like at all LEAD events, they made sure we were well fed too!”

A’lani hopes to become a LEAD Ambassador this year after she finishes middle school. She welcomes the chance to take on additional responsibilities and meet new people. As for her advice to her peers? A’lani encourages other

40 | ForsythWoman.com

by A M Y H I L L

young women to “just keep going.” She urges them to believe in themselves, keep their heads up, and not let challenges stop them from reaching their goals.

A’lani’s favorite school subjects are social studies and math. After college, she dreams of becoming an anesthesiologist and unwinding by vacationing in Cancun, Jamaica, or anywhere tropical. When she’s not busy with LEAD or school, you can find her shopping at Uptown Cheapskate, volunteering at Winston-Salem First Assembly of God, listening to her favorite artist SZA, or playing volleyball and running flag football drills with her friends.

ABOUT LEAD GIRLS OF NC

Learning Everyday, Accomplishing Dreams (LEAD) Girls of NC is Winston-Salem’s beacon of hope for local young women. The nonprofit is supported by dozens of sponsors and grantmaking organizations, including The Women’s Fund, Winston-Salem Foundation, J.H. Walker Legacy Foundation, and others. LEAD helps girls succeed academically, professionally, and personally through its many programs.

Young women involved with LEAD grow in confidence, social skills, and leadership abilities—setting them up to become successful entrepreneurs and fulfilled members of their communities.

LEAD offers school-based programs at partner middle schools as well as community-based programs in downtown Winston-Salem, open to any middle school girl. Topics covered in LEAD’s evidence-based curriculum include The Importance of Empathy, Dealing with Authority Figures, Exploring My Goals and Dreams, and Connecting with Each Other. These sessions focus on awareness, communication, leadership, and perspective—LEAD’s four core fundamentals.

According to the LEAD Girls of NC website: “After one semester with LEAD, 90% of participants recognize their good qualities, 87% feel confident about their future, and 100% believe they can be entrepreneurs.”

Each year, LEAD hosts numerous community events and is currently planning its 2025 LEAD Girls Rising Expo on October 25, 2025.

LEAD is always looking for new volunteers and welcomes support from the community. Learn more about LEAD’s mission and programs at www.leadgirls.org.

your brand

DESERVES A VISUAL UPGRADE PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEOGRAPHY FOR E N T R E P R E N E U R S R E A D Y T O S TA N D O U T.

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH GEN Z

by L E S L I E S P E A S

H

ave you found yourself scratching your head and wondering: What is going on with Gen Z? Maybe you’ve heard comments like “They don’t want to work,” “They want feedback constantly” or “They just want to be influencers.” While some of the perceptions may contain a little truth, they’re far from the full picture.

ABOUT GENERATION Z

Let’s break it down. Gen Z (born roughly between 1996 and 2015) is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in American history. They’ve grown up in a world marked by constant change, uncertainty and a whole lot of screen time. From the Great Recession to school shootings, social media and a global pandemic, it’s no wonder they see and experience the workplace differently than previous generations.

WHAT MAKES GEN Z TICK?

Here are a few things that stand out: •

They’re digitally wired – This generation didn’t learn technology. They live it. They’re used to being constantly connected.

•

They crave purpose – Gen Z isn’t just looking for a paycheck.

They want work that aligns with their values and makes a difference in the world.

•

•

•

generations. This isn’t because they’re lazy or broken but because they’ve had fewer opportunities to build those skills. Think about it – fewer part-time jobs as teenagers, more digital interaction and a fast-paced, chaotic world.

This generation is also wrestling with higher levels of anxiety and mental health challenges. They’ve had to grow up fast in a world that doesn’t always feel stable. And, they are probably the generation that was most impacted by the pandemic as it took place in their formative years.

SO, WHAT CAN WE DO TO LEAD GEN Z WELL?

We can complain and label them as “snowflakes,” or we can lean in and lead differently. Here’s how: coach (instead of a boss). They respond to leaders 1 Bewhoa guide, listen and empower. They don’t do well with the command-and-control approach.

soft skills. Help them learn how to collaborate, 2 Build communicate and manage conflict. the conversation. Educate your team on generational 3 Have differences and talk about them. Understanding creates empathy.

They value flexibility – Remote work? Yes, please. Flexible schedules? Even better. They’re motivated by balance and freedom more than status or titles.

across generations. Pair younger and older employees 4 Mentor in both directions. Everyone has something to teach and

They expect feedback – They don’t want to wait for an annual review to hear how they’re doing. Frequent check-ins and realtime feedback help them grow and stay engaged.

the individual. Generational patterns can be helpful, but 5 See every person is unique. Get to know them for who they are, not

They’re independent and entrepreneurial – Gen Z is comfortable figuring things out on their own. Many are already side hustling or exploring alternative career paths.

mental health support. Many of us are struggling 6 Provide with mental health issues, probably more than ever before.

At the same time, they’re human like the rest of us. And, they need support, coaching and connection.

BUT LET’S BE HONEST…

Many Gen Zers are coming into the workplace with limited interpersonal skills and shorter attention spans than other

42 | ForsythWoman.com

something to learn.

just what year they were born.

Organizations and leaders should show that they care and provide opportunities to de-stigmatize and talk about mental health.

BOTTOM LINE

Gen Z isn’t the problem. They’re part of the future. When we take time to understand where they’re coming from and invest in their development, we unlock powerful new possibilities in the workplace.

Restoration MedSpa Over 125 Years Collective Experience

Experience Matters Put our experience to work for you to empower your natural beauty and feel your best with Restoration MedSpa. Our skilled providers are backed by experience and powered by innovation and expertise.

Aesthetics aren’t about how other people see you. They’re about how you see yourself.

Let our expert aesthetic and health & wellness treatments help you refresh your look, revive your energy, and restore your self-confidence today!

Schedule a consultation today!

RestorationMedSpa.com

Winston-Salem Greensboro

336.999.8295 Empowered by Beauty Backed by Experience

Timeless Traditions, Modern Revival Traditional style is experiencing a powerful revival in today’s interiors, as more homeowners gravitate toward timeless design that tells a story. Rather than leaning on fleeting trends, designers are reintroducing antique reproductions and heritage-inspired pieces that ground a room in character and craftsmanship. Carved woodwork, aged finishes and classic silhouettes create spaces that feel layered, collected and enduring. These pieces not only elevate the room aesthetically, but also bring a sense of permanence and stability, something many people crave in their living spaces. What makes this resurgence especially exciting is how it’s being paired with fresh textiles, modern layouts and updated palettes. Designers are pulling together swatches of intricate patterns, textured fabrics and earthy tones to harmonize the old with the new. A stately cabinet may be styled with minimalist ceramics, while richly patterned fabrics inspired by nature might soften the look of traditional woodwork. The result is a renewed traditionalism – an approach to design that honors history while keeping interiors fresh, inviting and personal. Our portfolio is listed on our website, junedelugasinteriors.com, under “Design Projects.” You can see some of our projects from the past 10 years and how we’re embracing this resurgence of timeless and elegant design. The first step is picking up the phone and reaching out to our design team who will serve as your designer and licensed general contractor. We look forward to discussing your dream design with you.

God Bless,

June

Transforming Spaces to Extraordinary!

PHOTO BY JAY SINCLAIR

PHOTO BY JAY SINCLAIR

FROM START TO FINISH AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN! LIGHTING • FLOORING • FURNITURE • WINDOW TREATMENTS • TURNKEY REMODEL

junedelugasinteriors.com Premier Design, Professionally Built | 2575 Old Glory Road, Clemmons | 336-778-1030

ATRIUM HEALTH WAKE FOREST BAPTIST OUTPATIENT IMAGING

Calling All Women Over Age 40

by M A RT I E E M O RY

A trusted provider for medical imaging

throughout Winston-Salem and the surrounding communities, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging now offers three impeccable locations – Winston-Salem, Kernersville and the newest multi-specialty building at Friendly Center in Greensboro.

welcome for X-ray and mammogram services, allowing you to prioritize your health without any delays. Evening and weekend hours are available for screening mammography.

Each freestanding outpatient location also allows for an affordable imaging exam whether you are an insured or uninsured patient.

It’s never been easier or more convenient to make time for 3D Mammography, the gold standard for detecting breast cancers in their earliest, most treatable stages. 3D Mammography can detect breast cancers years before you can feel them.

Including mammography into your regular wellness routine has helped reduce breast cancer mortality rates by 40%, and while a large percentage of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history, having a mother, sister or daughter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer does increase your own chances.

That means stress-free scheduling for your allimportant annual mammograms. Thanks to their ample appointment availability, it’s easy to arrange a visit that works for your schedule – even same day and next day appointments. Walk-ins are also

“Accountability is also important, so why not make a point of going for a mammogram with your mother, sister or best friend to keep each other on track?” asks Administrator Dena Webb, who also highlights how Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is shining the spotlight on age 40.

“Launched in June, our ‘40 & Fearless’ campaign has been a catalyst in reminding all women over the age of 40 about the importance of annual mammograms,” she explains.

“On average, in a group of eight women of varying ages, one in eight is expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.”

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1 in 8 Women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime

Each imaging center’s partnership with the expert radiologists of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist also allows them to bring the highest quality of care to patients in a comfortable outpatient setting. Each of their radiologists is board-certified, have specialty training in his or her specific field of radiology and extensive experience in diagnostic interpretation.

facilities also offer the highest quality, patient-centric care and a staff dedicated to your comfort and convenience.

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging is conveniently located at 265 Executive Park Boulevard in Winston-Salem, 861 Old Winston Road in Kernersville and 3120 Northline Avenue, Suite 101, in Greensboro.

Call 336.765.5722 to schedule an appointment, and visit WakeHealth.edu/imaging for more information. Hours for 3D Mammography are 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Saturday.

At every outpatient location, you’ll find state-of-the-art imaging and cutting edge technology, along with medical experts who offer the small town comfort and convenience of a neighborhood provider. These outstanding outpatient

Mammograms

OCTOBER

Made Easy!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Worried you don’t have time for a mammogram? We make it easy!

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No doctor’s order needed Extended hours Open six days a week THREE locations

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Schedule your mammogram today.

Lexington

Outpatient Imaging Phone: 336-546-1932 I WakeHealth.edu/Imaging Winston-Salem I Kernersville I Greensboro October 2025 | 47

by TA R Y N J E R E Z

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

Dr. Nancy Scherich | Math-Dancer This month’s featured artist, Dr. Nancy Scherich, is a mathematician and dancer who blends logic with artistry, transforming complex math concepts into movement through captivating performances and accessible Math-Dance videos. Uniquely collaborating both sides of her brain, she brings mathematics to life with creativity, motion and wonder! explain a foundation theorem in my area of research (Alexander’s Theorem) as an acrobatic pole dance, but there was just one problem, I didn’t know how to pole dance! So, I spent nine months intensely training pole dancing at Collective Movement Studio to learn all the skills I needed to dance Alexander’s Theorem. Next up, I need to learn tap dancing!

What is your secret for carving out time to truly be creative?

I intentionally make spaces in my home where I can leave projects out (I also sew and crochet a lot). I find that I can squeeze small moments in the day to work on my art when I don’t have to overcome the momentum of setting up and then cleaning up.

Do you have a favorite story behind one of your projects, and why?

How would you describe your unique work?

I am a mathematician who uses dance to explain higher math concepts in a fun and approachable way. I have given performative lectures where I explain math concepts while performing. I have also choreographed live math inspired dance performances, but my preferred medium is to make publicly accessible Math-Dance videos.

What was your journey to developing your dance skills like?

Before graduate school, my math and dance training had been completely disjoint ventures. I started taking ballet and jazz classes when I was 12 years old and, over the years, I have collected many new styles of dance including swing dancing, modern, aerial silks and aerial pole. While working on my PhD in mathematics, I finally combined my math and dance backgrounds in an aerial silks video that won Science Magazine’s 2017 Dance Your PhD Competition, and thus, my Math-Dance journey began.

How have you grown, personally, as an artist?

Creating new Math-Dance projects has been an excuse for me to learn new dance styles. I had an idea one day that I could

For one of my videos, I commissioned a piece of music from artist James Whetzel. I explained to James that the piece needed to have three separate sections of music; one section that sounded like geometry, one that sounded like topology and a third that sounded like algebra. This spawned an incredible conversation…what does geometry sound like?

What are you working on that excites you right now?

I am a professor of mathematics at Elon University, and I am mentoring a student who is a math and dance double major. For her senior thesis, she is choreographing a 45-minute Math-Dance live performance at Elon during the weekend of February 20-22, 2026. I am so excited to guide her through the creation of her performance and invite you to come see the show!

What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with fellow artists, especially those at the start of their careers?

Collaborate with scientists! Scientists, especially academics, are always looking for ways to illustrate their research, and many of them don’t have the artistic training that you do. Don’t be afraid to send an email to a STEM professor that you don’t know and say you are looking to collaborate on a piece of art inspired by their research.

If you are interested in learning more about this month’s artist, you can find her work online at nancyscherich.com as well as follow her on YouTube @nancyscherich7940.

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October 2025 | 51

JUNE DELUGAS Start-to-Finish Style

by M A R T I E E M O R Y, Team Photo by J O D I E B R I M C R E AT I V E & Project Photos by J AY S I N C L A I R

W

hen it comes to reinventing space, June DeLugas Interiors is the authentic resource for every aspect of your home project.

As both general contractors and designers, you’ll find this savvy team offering clients an integrated approach that truly sets them apart. After 25 years in the design business, June is enormously proud of her team’s niche in the marketplace.

“Most of our projects involve both remodeling and refurnishing,” she shares.

“Mixing design and construction isn’t always easy for people to understand – October 2025 | 53

About 60% to 70% of their clients are return customers – including one longtime client they’ve remodeled two homes for in the past four years.

we turnkey it, from concept to delivery. With our contractor’s license, we can remodel kitchens and baths, change out lighting, or anything relative to remodeling homes.”

Once June’s team understands your tastes and budget, they can assist in every phase of your project.

“As a full service design firm, we first get to know the clients – which means listening carefully to the details that matter to them. That initial meeting includes a tour of the entire house to get a feel of the space and measure, if needed, to create renderings and CAD layouts. It’s not just about filling your home with pretty things!”

Through the years, June has learned relationships mean everything, and a customer’s trust in her team is a huge factor.

“Client relationships are important to us,” she adds. “We try to offer the best customer service – and, if we’re lucky – we make good friends along the way!”

About 60% to 70% of their clients are return customers – including one longtime client they’ve remodeled two homes for in the past four years.

“We finished the ‘Coastal Gem’ project in Wilmington, NC last year, which was a complete design process, including lighting and furnishings. It was all new as the owner took nothing from her old house. Picture a blank slate that needed warmth and functionality infused into every space. Our role was to turn her architectural plans into an elegant, livable home, working on everything from exterior finishes to the smallest decorative accents. She wanted a modern French country feel which meant finding the right mix of textures and colors. We found furniture that felt curated rather than showroomperfect, and the artwork and decorative accents were handpicked to reflect her style, creating a home that felt both luxurious and

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deeply personal. Throughout the process, we worked closely with the architect, making adjustments as needed to ensure the space functioned as beautifully as it looked. Our client trusted us to make the right decisions, and that level of trust allowed us to refine every detail to perfection.”

A more recent project in East Bend, NC also began with a remodel.

“We were excited to continue the project at East Bend after remodeling their kitchen and flex room in 2023. Next came the front four rooms of their home: the foyer, dining room, living room and sunroom.

We spent three months creating what we thought would seamlessly bring the aesthetic of the kitchen into those other spaces. During this “Elegant Escape” project, the sunroom is where we got our hands dirty with construction, as our goal was to transform the space into a retreat, with the tranquil view of their backyard. We replaced doors, windows and rounded transoms with wider and taller doors, and opened up the fireplace to be able to see through to the living room, allowing for a more harmonious flow.

The existing stone floors were kept intact to mirror the front porch, leaning once again into a cohesive design that brought the project together. While these changes were made to create a more timeless aesthetic within the space, some modifications were necessary due to broken seals and weathered exterior trim work on doors and windows.”

“My wife Penny and I have lived in our house for more than 30 years, with very little changes.

We had an initial meeting with June DeLugas to get ideas for our renovation, and from the start, she demonstrated a unique ability to not only understand our vision but also bring it to life. She was very patient and considered our preferences, while offering opinions on layout, finishes, furniture, fabrics and color selections.

We wanted to do our major renovation in phases while we occupied our house, and June was very accommodating. We were impressed by her creativity and practicality. For phase one, she suggested combining our utility room and pantry into a flex room, which we would never have considered before. June convinced us this would be a focal point of the kitchen renovation. We’re so glad we listened, as the flex room is a perfect space and very functional.

We were so pleased with her selection of colors and furniture, and her team went above and beyond to provide colored renderings of the finished product. As we moved into phase two, we were excited to see June’s vision for our other rooms. We’re absolutely thrilled with the results, and our home feels perfectly suited to us!” ~ Barry & Penny

“I had an incredible experience with June Delugas Interiors! From the start, June and her talented team worked closely with me to bring my vision to life, refining my design preferences along the way. The stunning room renderings they created showcased how my finished spaces would look, demonstrating their ability to envision beautifully designed rooms during the planning phase. June's dedication and responsiveness also made the process seamless, as she promptly answered all my emails, texts and calls. Whether you're looking to design a single room or an entire home, her team can handle it all. For extensive remodels, they assemble a team of highly skilled craftspeople to tackle major redesigns. For less complex remodels, they collaborate with you to reuse existing furniture, seamlessly integrating it with stylish new options. I cannot recommend June Delugas Interiors enough – they are one of the best design teams in the southeast!” ~ Rynn June DeLugas Interiors offers unique home furnishings and accessories in their retail showroom and design center. Visit them at 2575 Old Glory Road, Suite 100, in Clemmons, NC, 336.778.1030. Email info@junedelugasinteriors.com for more information, visit junedelugasinteriors.com to view current design projects and follow @junedelugasinteriors on Instagram. The retail showroom and design center are open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Saturday by appointment.

HOW WOMEN CAN PRACTICE APPRECIATION IN DAILY LIFE:

Gratitude Daily

by J O Y N E L S O N T H O M A S

Life has a way of rushing us from one responsibility to the next.

Pause for a moment before reading further.

What does your day look like today, right now as you read this?

As women, we often carry so much – family, work, leadership and the quiet weight of expectations. The list never seems to end.

It’s easy to focus on what’s missing or what feels unfinished. I’ve been guilty of that, too. I remember a time when I didn’t know how to stop. Yes, I was a workaholic. I still work hard, but I’ve found a better balance.

Someone once told me, “You’re like the Road Runner – either get behind or get run over.” At the time, I took it as a compliment.

Looking back, how wrong was I to believe that? Am I a woman on a mission?

Absolutely. We all are. But, what good are we if we push ourselves so hard that we end up in a hospital bed?

One of the most powerful shifts we can make is choosing gratitude daily. That means slowing down and celebrating the wins. Not just once a year at Thanksgiving, not only in the big moments, but every single day.

I know that it can feel hard. So, let’s pause right here. Before moving forward, ask yourself:

WHAT ARE YOUR WINS TODAY? WHY GRATITUDE

Gratitude isn’t just saying thank you. It’s a posture of the heart. It’s pausing to recognize that, even when life isn’t perfect, there is always something to appreciate.

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance already around us.

Here are a few practices that have worked for me:

1

Start the Morning with Thanks

Before reaching for your phone or writing your to-do list, whisper a prayer of gratitude.

Thank God for breath in your lungs, a new day and the opportunities ahead. Beginning your day with appreciation sets the tone for everything that follows.

2

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Spend five minutes writing down three things for which you’re grateful. They don’t have to be big; sometimes it’s hot tea, a child’s laughter or a text from a friend. Over time, this simple habit trains your heart to notice blessings in real time.

3

Express it to Others

We often feel appreciation but forget to share it. Tell your coworker she did a fantastic job. Text a friend, and let her know you’re thankful for her. Hug your children a little tighter and remind them how much you love being their mom.

Who will you show appreciation to today?

(I’m sure it’s more than two people – grab a sticky note and keep adding names.)

4

End the Day with Reflection

As you close out your evening, take a moment to recall what you appreciated that day. Did you see God’s hand at work? Did someone show kindness?

Did you notice progress in an area you’ve been praying about? Ending your day with gratitude allows you to rest in peace instead of worrying.

GRATITUDE AS A LIFESTYLE

When we practice appreciation daily, it doesn’t just change our mood, it transforms our outlook.

Gratitude softens our hearts, strengthens our relationships and reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes.

Living with daily appreciation isn’t about ignoring struggles. It’s about recognizing joy, beauty and blessing right in the middle of them.

So today, let’s make the choice. Instead of waiting for the big wins, let’s celebrate the daily gifts. Gratitude isn’t something you check off a list; it’s a lifestyle.

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Until next time, enjoy the journey.

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Aging Out Plot Twists

by A

When I was writing the September article for this column on taking risks and making big changes in late July, I didn’t know that, a few weeks after writing and submitting it, I would actually be practicing what I preached less than a month later.

Living 33 years on Earth has taught me that life is full of twists and turns in both good and bad directions. Occasionally, what seems like a major inconvenience or setback on the surface may be the door opening to a better hallway.

I thought my summer would conclude with a trip to Hawaii and, after landing back in North Carolina, I would drive home to my apartment in WinstonSalem and greet my cat before going to sleep, waking up the next day and resuming life as usual. I’d had to back out of a trip to Hawaii the year prior, so this time around, I was certain

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nothing was going to come between me and a few fish tacos overlooking the Pacific Ocean in paradise. Who would have thought a rapid influx of greenhouse millipedes infesting my first-floor apartment (thanks to a brand new mulch bed and a bustling kudzu forest outside of my front door) over the span of two months would have been the start of a new beginning – especially one that I had considered out of reach for the foreseeable future?

Prior to moving into my current Winston-Salem apartment in March, I told my mom how I’d eventually like to live near the coast so I could take walks on the beach, be near coastal birds and riverwalks with alligators and enjoy vitamin D a bit more than I am able to in the Triad.

I told her that I thought about moving to Wilmington, but I wasn’t in a place to facilitate that move emotionally or financially. Months later, when multiple pest control treatments failed to remedy my millipede issue, and I got tired of living in a terrarium, the property

MY HILL

managers offered to let me out of my lease penalty free – a true luxury in the life of renters. Initially, I pushed the thought aside and was prepared to simply be transferred to a different unit, because my Hawaii vacation was coming up and I had been saving money all summer for shaved ice and food trucks. I couldn’t give up this trip – until I realized a lot of apartment complexes in the Wilmington area were offering move-in specials that were too hard to dismiss. The thought began consuming my mind like a parasite, and within 24 hours, I applied to an apartment in Wilmington. A few days later, I was set to move in less than 30 days.

I canceled my Hawaiian Airbnb, my flights and my rental car and surprisingly didn’t even shed a tear. I believed deep down that God was showing me an exit, and I would have been an idiot to pass it up. Thankfully, the money I had been saving for what I thought was Kona coffee and banana bread came in handy for apartment application fees, deposits and moving supplies.

I thought I was only lucky enough to have such a setback-turned-

blessing just this once, but the aftershock was felt a couple of weeks later. I ordered a small sofa online and began running into multiple hiccups throughout the shipping process with a major US shipping and freight carrier.

It was beginning to look like the delays were going to prevent the sofa from arriving before I vacated my current address, and my stress level was through the roof. After multiple very assertive customer service calls, urgent tickets and moments where I wanted to pull my hair out, the sofa manufacturer offered to deliver a new item straight to my new apartment instead of my current address, relieving me of the burden of loading it onto the moving truck myself. Yet another nuisance and perceived injustice that turned out for the better.

It’s too soon to tell how well my move will go, whether I’ll be happier by the coast or if I’m making a mistake, but at least I’m making something – only with a bit more experience and faith that God has a way of working things out in ways you least expect.

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American Moving & Hauling - Celebrating 20 Years of Going from One Moving Truck to a Legacy

by C A R O LY N S H O R E P E T E R S O N , photos by J O D I E B R I M C R E AT I V E

W

hen Amy Jah first stepped into the moving and hauling industry, it wasn’t part of a grand business plan. She was managing a storage company in WinstonSalem when she noticed a gap. “Honestly, I did not set out to start American Moving and Hauling. I just saw a need that people had for moving help. At the same time, I knew some people who needed work, so I matched the two. It’s been rewarding to help people on both ends,” recalled Amy. That simple spark of opportunity has since grown into a successful company with nearly 40 employees, nine trucks and nearly 2,000 moves completed each year.

BREAKING BARRIERS IN A MALEDOMINATED INDUSTRY

Launching as a young woman in the moving business came with challenges. “A lot of people didn’t take me seriously.” Amy commented. “Many assumed this was my father’s company or that it had been handed down by my family. I’ve been asked that question countless times.”

Instead of letting stereotypes define her, Amy turned them into motivation. “I had to carve out my own niche as one of the very few women in this industry. In the end, that’s what makes me unique – the way I do business and the way I interact with people,” stated Amy.

AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT ALL ALONG

Amy admits she didn’t always see herself as an entrepreneur, but looking back, the signs were definitely there! “I came from an entrepreneurial family, so I think I had it in me all along,” Amy said. “I even found old business contacts I had written up at age 11, which is hilarious now considering where I am today.”

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Even though entrepreneurship wasn’t a planned career path, Amy now sees it as the only way forward. “I don’t think I could ever work for someone else; it’s just not my personality. I have to carve my own path,” Amy commented.

THE KEY TO LONGEVITY: HARD WORK AND PERSEVERANCE

The company’s 20-year milestone didn’t come without obstacles. “There were so many times it didn’t make sense to keep going, but quitting wasn’t an option for me. As a single mom, this was my source of income, and people depended on me,” recalled Amy. Her determination paid off. “Being dependable and responsible has given us an amazing reputation in the community,” Amy said. “Plus, I’m pretty easy to like, so maybe that helps in the moving business, too!”

BUILDING A FAMILY, NOT JUST A BUSINESS

While many might point to growth in revenue or fleet size as the markers of success, Amy sees things differently. “It was our last crew meeting, when one of our movers stood up and passionately said how it felt like a real family at American Moving and Hauling. That, to me, is the crowning achievement – not hitting a revenue goal but building a culture that feels like family,” stated Amy.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK

Amy credits her team for every success.

“My husband, Habib, who handles all of our operations, has supported me through every phase – he deserves to be named first. My office manager, Jacqueline, has been invaluable. I couldn’t have done this without her. And, beyond that, our movers,

our support staff and extended friends and family…it’s all been a team effort,” Amy commented.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Community is central to American Moving and Hauling’s mission. “We do a lot of community-based events and regularly support select charities,” Amy shared. “We sponsor causes that are meaningful to us, and one of our core values as a company is to give back and stay connected to the community where we live and work.”

WOMEN IN THE MOVING INDUSTRY

Two decades later, Amy reflects on how the industry has changed for women. “People are becoming more progressive and more open to the idea that women can lead in any field, even one that’s so physically demanding and traditionally male-dominated,” Amy said.

“But, we’re still not all the way there. Women in this industry still have to prove themselves in ways that men don’t. I’m proud that we have three female crew leads, a day I thought I would not see. There’s progress, but there’s still work to do.”

LOOKING AND MOVING AHEAD

As for the future, Amy keeps it simple. “I just know that we’ll keep growing and we’re here to help people in the community – whether that means providing employment or helping families relocate. When all this comes to an end, many years from now, I hope people see that I truly did the best I could. That I really cared about people and that I lived with honesty, integrity and love,” stated Amy. American Moving and Hauling, Inc. is located at 535 Clemmonsville Road, Winston-Salem, NC. For more information, call 336.765.3499 or visit americanmovingandhauling.com.

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The Blue-Eyed Butterfly One Woman’s Mission to Turn Pain into Purpose

by C A R O LY N S H O R E P E T E R S O N

S

haron Suskin is a retired nurse, grandmother and author whose passion for advocacy was shaped by the women who came before her…her mother, grandmother and aunt. Their stories, set against the rugged backdrop of 1920s East Tennessee, Western North Carolina and Winston-Salem, are at the heart of her debut novel, The BlueEyed Butterfly.

“They endured unthinkable hardships, yet found the strength to rebuild their lives,” Sharon said. “Through my writing and public speaking, I strive to honor their courage, raise awareness and encourage hope for those still on their journey to safety and healing.”

Although she grew up hearing these stories, Sharon didn’t begin writing them until about 20 years ago. At the time, her busy nursing career left little space to finish the manuscript. But, during the COVID-19 pandemic, encouragement from her brother and husband pushed her to finally complete the work she had carried for decades.

A STORY ROOTED IN TRUTH

and courage it takes to reclaim one’s voice. “Even in their darkest moments, the characters supported one another, reclaimed their voices and found freedom on their terms,” commented Sharon.

As for the title’s meaning, Sharon said, “People often ask me why I chose that title. But, if I revealed the reason, my readers would be very unhappy with me.

Some secrets are meant to be discovered only by turning the page.”

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

While laws, resources and advocacy have come a long way since the 1920s, Sharon points out that abuse still exists in every community. “Survivors today have more resources, voices and advocates,” Sharon commented. “But, the fight for justice, safety and healing continues.”

The novel’s three central women are drawn directly from Sharon’s family history. “I walked the land they walked, shared many conversations and witnessed their courage, resilience and survival,” Sharon recalled. “I felt their love and shared their tears and laughter.”

She highlights that survivors in rural or underserved areas face some of the same challenges women did a century ago, limited access to services, economic dependence on abusers, fear of not being believed and the isolation that makes leaving dangerous.

While the story unfolds in a time of great change, shortly after women won the right to vote, rural Appalachian communities remained deeply traditional. For many women, especially in isolated areas, abuse was endured in silence, with few options to escape.

For Sharon, October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a chance to use storytelling, especially historical fiction, to open eyes and hearts. “By placing readers in another time and place, it creates a safe distance that allows them to witness the truth without turning away,” said Sharon.

The choice of settling wasn’t a creative intervention, it was dictated by truth.

“Because this is based on a true story, the time and place chose me,” said Sharon.

A NURSE’S PERSPECTIVE ON HEALING

BALANCING TRUTH AND HOPE

Domestic violence is central to The Blue-Eyed Butterfly, but Sharon approached the subject with care. “I didn’t want to sensationalize pain or re-traumatize readers, but I also didn’t want to minimize the reality,” Sharon stated.

Her focus was on emotional truth, showing that fear, isolation and shame can shape a life, while also portraying the resilience

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Sharon’s years as a nurse shaped her understanding of recovery. “Healing, both physical and emotional, is not a straight path,” Sharon commented. “It’s messy, slow and deeply personal.” Sharon believes survivors of abuse embody “a quiet kind of heroism” that often goes unseen.

To anyone experiencing domestic abuse, Sharon offers heartfelt encouragement.

“Healing will be a lifetime journey, but as each step is taken, you will find your freedom, your joy and your new pathway in life.”

Sharon also praises local organizations that work tirelessly with survivors, inducing Family Services of Forsyth County, Next Step Ministries in Kernersville and Eliza’s Helping Hands in Winston-Salem.

OPENING DOORS FOR CONVERSATION

Sharon hopes her book will spark important conversations in families, classrooms and communities. “I wrote the story to open doors; doors that have been locked for generations,” Sharon stated.

She envisioned families reading and finally feeling safe enough to acknowledge the past; Sharon hopes young women will explore what healthy relationships look like and how to recognize red flags.

“I hope the book serves as a reminder of the long, invisible history of survivors, especially those who came before services, shelters or legal protectors existed,” Sharon commented. “Above all, I hope it sparks courage to speak, listen and act.”

LOOKING AHEAD

While The Blue-Eyed Butterfly deals with heavy themes, Sharon’s next project will be lighthearted; a children’s story full of fun and heart.

Her mission, however, remains constant to use her voice, writing and platform to stand with survivors. Sharon encourages everyone to support local shelters, volunteer, donate and, most importantly, listen without judgment.

“Storytelling is not just about remembering,” Sharon said. “It’s about healing…together.”

For more information on The Blue-Eyed Butterfly, visit sharonsuskin.com. The book is available on Amazon.

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October 2025 | 63

Hustle & Heart

by TA R Y N J E R E Z , OF GOFORITCREATIVE.COM

This column is meant to serve as a resource for readers who seek inspiration and knowledge for building their own small business brands. Through actionable advice, find the encouragement to help you keep living your life with hustle and heart.

Why Movement Brands Create Superfans (And How to Build Yours) Let’s start with a tiny touch of tough love – a beautiful brand doesn’t always equal a high earning one. There is nothing wrong with looking the part and investing in high quality branding, but substance is what is going to get people to hit that buy button.

What really matters then?

#2 EMOTION-PACKED HEADLINES, SUBHEADERS AND CTAS

Building a brand that sinks its teeth into your audience’s hearts and makes them feel seen, heard and unstoppable.

So many people lean into the logical side of their brand but forget how important it is to speak to the heart of your clients.

A conference host can say “get your ticket today,” but what if instead they said, “your voice belongs in this room” or “it’s time for you to take up the space you deserve. Join us!”

TURNING CLIENTS INTO SUPERFANS

Over the last year, I’ve seen something sweep through small businesses that big companies have been implementing for years; Movement Brands. And, honestly? It’s one of my favorite shifts in branding. Movement branding isn’t about just captivating clients with our stories anymore – we’re rewriting our narratives so that they seamlessly blend with theirs.

A Movement Brand stands boldly for what the business believes in and creates a message around the part of the world you’re called to influence. It’s the difference between a brand that inspires curiosity and a brand that inspires loyalty based on shared feelings and values.

If you’re unsure if shifting towards a Movement Brand is for you, know that they aren’t for the faint of heart. They’re for the change makers who aren’t afraid to ruffle feathers while finding their flock.

3 THINGS EVERY MOVEMENT BRAND NEEDS

Time to toss generic copy out the window. Every word you use from your website headlines to your Instagram captions should be infused with passion and specificity.

Every action you’re asking your client to make should be backed by making them feel like they’re part of something bigger.

#3 STORIES THAT SPOTLIGHT THE BIGGER PICTURE

Stories put the heart in branding. It’s important to shine a light on your business, but don’t forget the power in elevating stories that reflect your mission. This can look like sharing client transformations that touch on not just the black and white results but leaning into the more abstract personal benefits they experienced, as well. You can also tell stories that share a little vulnerability behind the scenes or give a concrete example of why the work you do is so vital.

Storytelling should be a tool to show your audience the ripple effect of your work.

If you’re ready to shift from simply speaking to your clients through your branding to creating a megaphone worthy “Movement Brand,” here are three messaging-focused assets to start crafting right now.

CREATE A CALLING THEY CAN’T IGNORE

#1 YOUR BRAND’S MANIFESTO

Remind your ideal audience what’s possible, why they deserve it and how it’s part of the bigger picture. You are brimming with a powerful passion, so stop chasing customers and start building a true fandom over the work you do!

I promise you don’t have to call it a manifesto (though it is a vibe), but every movement brand needs a bold value statement or “call to arms” message. This is where you draw the line in the sand and declare what you believe in, who you’re here for and what you refuse to ignore.

Try writing out “We stand for…” or “We believe…” statements until you hit one that gives you goosebumps! This is the copy that should make your dream clients scream, “yes – this is what I’ve been looking for!” Think of it like a rallying cry. It’s not about what you sell, it’s about why it matters to them!

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At the end of the day, if you’re craving a shift towards becoming a Movement Brand, you need to craft messaging that doesn’t just inform, but transforms!

Hustle & Heart Challenge This month, you aren’t just building a business, but a movement!

Take 30 minutes to brainstorm the bigger picture “why” behind your business, and find the connecting points to why it matters to your unique customer. Make a list of bullet points, and then craft them into your own brand “Manifesto” to see what speaks to you the most!

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October 2025 | 65

A Reunion Reminiscence

by J E A N M A R I E J O H N S O N

W hit my inbox, I uncharacteristically fired back: I’M

hen the email invite to my 50th high school reunion

COMING! I hadn’t attended a single reunion over the years, and for reasons too many and too deep to recount, I knew that I needed to be there, no matter what. Thus ensued a flurry of emails to my oldest and dearest friends, “Las Chicas,” Joan and Sue:

I’M GOING. NO! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! WELL I AM. LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR TICKET. OH, AND LET’S SHARE A ROOM. Talk about being presumptuous. But, we Chicas had that kind of closeness – regardless of how much time had passed.

And so yes, we went, and more or less shared a room. That experience stirred the pot on some of life’s biggest themes – love and its counterpart, loss. It all started beforehand, with the intended shoes – a pair of Stuart Weitzman peeptoe, high-heeled beauties. Teetering around my bedroom for days, I fretted. My suitcase stood frozen like an open clamshell for nearly a week – such was the depth of my dilemma. In the end, a reality check sealed the decision to swap them out for the more practical but less stunning choice: a wedge heel more suited to my altered gait.

One can learn to live with such a loss.

Upon arrival, we 67-year-olds were handed a lanyard which displayed our black and white senior year photo. Peering at mine, a wave of sadness filled my heart and rattled my mind: so serious, with a mere hint of a smile, no more. The loss I felt was not for the girl I had been, but for the one who never was. Was this the person my classmates remember? How will they reconcile who I was with who I later became, with who I am now?

Of course, I was making too much of this.

For me, the “loss” of that 17-year-old was a blessing, reminding me that so often, a loss can be a good thing when it means personal growth.

I am reflecting now, as the weeks have passed, on my classmate, “S.” Back in the day, I just couldn’t fathom her seemingly boundless confidence, her bravado and the coveted place she occupied in our high school hierarchy.

It was much easier not to like her than to see that she wasn’t the issue. My low self esteem was. Over the years, I came to understand this, to heal and to emerge. I was determined to reach out to “S,” who knew nothing of my past feelings. I needed to make things right. For me. We spoke, exchanged brief life stories and shared a few memories of teachers and classes. “S” was as approachable and likeable as anyone else. In fact, despite all of her high-octane ambition, she had retired quite early to tend to her garden and to oversee her mom’s care.

Her story appeared no more or less perfect than my own.

We even exchanged email addresses. “Stay in touch” we both said with warm smiles. On the flights, connections and delays homeward, I reflected on this exchange with “S” and saw clearly how the loss of a distorted perception can open one’s mind and one’s heart.

There was one more monumental reminder that accompanied me on the journey home: the pricelessness of my dearest old friends, Las Chicas. We had lived on the same side of the tracks, were study partners and confidants. And, then there we were, 50 years later, holed up in a hotel room over wine and snacks, reminiscing about old times and racing to fill one another in on the highs and lows of the lives we had lived. It was abundantly clear that we’d all lost things over time, important things that matter. But, one thing we could hold onto was our forever bond of love, connection and friendship.

I brought that old black and white lanyard photo back home, too. As I looked at that serious face staring back at me, I told her how proud I was of the woman she had become, the one who had the courage and the confidence to go back 50 years in time.

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Trying New Things: walking

by I S A B E L L A C A S T I N E Y R A

Welcome to Trying New Things!

As summer ends and fall begins, the weather is cooling down, and it is becoming more pleasant to spend time outdoors. What better way to enjoy the comfortable temperature and foliage than a brisk walk?

For the last few months, I have been consistently going on walks, usually around four miles, or an hour and 20 minutes. I am lucky enough to have a loop near my house that is almost exactly four miles and that I have taken advantage of for my next edition of Trying New Things.

WHAT IS IT?

Going on a walk is exactly as it sounds, from 15 minutes to hours, a walk is a great, often overlooked, form of exercise. It’s free, solo or social, and can be done almost anytime, anywhere. Oftentimes, I burn just as many calories after walking as I do other forms of exercise, while it remains low impact and non-exhausting. Unlike other exercises that tire people out, walking can make people feel even more energized. It’s a great activity to incorporate before, after or even on breaks during the working day.

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BEGINNER FRIENDLY?

I think going on a walk is a bit deceiving as a beginner activity. A 15-20 minute walk is a great place to start and build some endurance while not having to spend hours working out.

Progressing to longer walks takes time but is very feasible with consistency and can actually become quite challenging.

When I first began walking, I would wake up sore, specifically in my lower back. It’s a bit jarring to think you went on a leisurely walk the day before only to be in pain the next day. That soreness shows the impact of the activity and that walking is in fact a workout in itself. I once tried to walk more than my normal four-mile loop and found myself hungry, tired and thirsty as I continued past the distance to which I was accustomed. Walking more means more preparation and a far more difficult activity than I anticipated.

INSIGHT & IMPRESSION

I like to walk. One of my favorite things is to go on a walk and talk to my friends, ideally on a pretty path or in a neighborhood with nice houses. That does not go for everyone; every

time I ask my brother to go on a walk with me, he immediately declines. He would much rather run or lift than go on a walk. My dad likes to walk with me, but he is more sore after walking than other more strenuous activities.

I am not a runner by nature nor do I enjoy running, so walking is a great alternative.

DID I FEEL LIKE I WAS WORKING OUT?

I think the best part of walking is that I do not feel like I’m working out while walking, especially if I pair it with a great conversation, coffee or podcast. The time flies, and it’s something I genuinely look forward to. As I mentioned, it’s not for everyone. My brother and dad, as athletic as they are, find walking difficult and prefer other forms of exercise.

If you’ve been keeping up with “Trying New Things” and have found that the other activities are inaccessible to you, walking may be the holy grail. It’s free and can be done whenever you want. Regardless, I’ll keep trying new activities so you don’t have to. Next month, we’re going to change directions and try something much more team oriented.

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Lightening the Load for Busy Families, One Laundry Basket at a Time

by C A R O LY N S H O R E P E T E R S O N

In today’s face-paced world, balancing work, parenting and everyday tasks can feel like a full time job, especially for moms managing the nonstop needs of a family life. That’s where Woshbox comes in! More than just a laundry service, Woshbox is a time-saving, sanitysparing solution for busy families who need one less thing to worry about. By offering flexible Wash-and-Fold subscriptions and VIP Prime Memberships, Woshbox is redefining how households handle laundry…one perfectly folded shirt at a time!

THE WOSHBOX DIFFERENCE

The Wash-and-Fold subscription service is one of Woshbox’s most popular offerings, allowing customers to schedule laundry pickup and delivery, so they never have to worry about a pile of clothes again. For even more convenience, the VIP Prime Membership provides priority service, perks and peace of mind.

CONVENIENCE AT ITS CORE

Customer Mary Ann Hauser praised the service after switching to Woshbox during the pandemic. “Even though I’m home more due to Covid, I am busier than ever and don’t want to spend weekends doing laundry,” she said.

“The membership is brilliant! I never have to worry about clothes sitting in the dryer getting wrinkles. I would give Woshbox 10 stars…I would!”

Stories like Mary Ann’s can be seen in the online reviews for Woshbox and show how subscriptions have taken the dreaded chore of laundry off today’s family’s plate.

SUBSCRIPTIONS DESIGNED FOR REAL LIFE Beyond convenience, Woshbox has earned loyalty by being there when customers needed them most.

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One review came from Joyce Ciberey, who just arrived in North Carolina for a wedding. “We were striking out finding a dry cleaner to get our clothes pressed after being in a suitcase,” she commented. After calling several places, she found Woshbox. “Marlon at this particular location went the extra mile and accommodated us with a rush same-day service. It was very clean, and he was so nice to deal with. We definitely looked our best for the wedding because of Woshbox,” Joyce stated.

Another customer, Ben Cumbo, shared a deeply personal story about bringing in his father’s blanket. “My son had fallen asleep with Silly Putty in his hand, and it got all over the blanket my late father had given him. We thought there was no hope.

But, the good folks at Woshbox proved me wrong – they got ALL of the stains out, and my son was so excited to see Pawpaw’s blanket like new again,” commented Ben.

MORE THAN LAUNDRY: A LIFE UPGRADE

These stories show how Woshbox goes beyond laundry. From sentimental keepsakes to urgent last-minute needs, the team has stepped in to help people during meaningful moments in their lives.

“We hear it all the time,” said Massiel Tovar, general manager of Woshbox.

“It’s not just about clean clothes, it is about giving people peace of mind. We’re helping parents get to the soccer game, giving couples one less thing to worry about before a wedding or restoring something that holds precious memories.”

By offering pickup, delivery and monthly services, Woshbox gives customers more than convenience…it offers them back something that can’t be folded and stacked…time.

A CLEANER FUTURE, ONE FAMILY AT A TIME

As Woshbox grows, its mission remains the same – to lighten the load for busy families.

Whether through expanding services or building stronger community connections, the company is focused on making daily life just a little easier.

“Laundry may seem like a small thing, but when it’s taken off your shoulders, it opens the door to so much more,” Massiel said. “That’s the difference we want to make in people’s lives.”

Woshbox has two locations: 3608 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC. 336.301.7318. Hours of operations: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; 133 Oakwood Drive, Winston-Salem, NC. 336.301.7318. Hours of operation: Monday- Friday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and closed on Saturday. To email, use livelife@ getwoshbox.com.

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life post-college: keeping up with

by I S A B E L L A C A S T I N E Y R A

D

uring college, when I was not in class with my friends, I was constantly studying, going out and even living with them. It was a bubble of people my age, in similar points of life, wanting to do the same thing. There are few other times of life besides college when everyone has their first experience with true independence and round-theclock socialization.

After graduation, the contrast is stark.

The people I spent every day with now live in different areas and have different schedules. With jobs and the varying lives we live, it can feel difficult to maintain the closeness of friendships we once had.

It’s natural that, as life alters, our friendships change, too, but we made it a mission to not let the closeness we have diminish even if the communication wanes. My friends and I have been strategic in finding ways to maintain our friendships without it feeling like a hassle.

OUR WEEKLY “PODCASTS”

A few months ago, one of my closest friends moved several hours away, so our time to see one another in person went from what was already rather infrequent to requiring a weekend trip. A group of a few friends and I began sending weekly “podcasts” to each other. What started as a way to make one friend feel present when she moved has turned into what I look forward to as I start the work week.

On Monday mornings, we all send a voice memo to one another chronicling our past week and upcoming events.

Sometimes there’s a lot to say, sometimes very little. We talk about work, family, relationships or even what we’re cooking for dinner that night. Regardless of the significance of what we want to talk about, hearing each other’s voice keeps us involved and present even when we’re living further away.

GIRLS’ NIGHTS

I love hanging out with my friends and our significant others, but as my friends have started moving in with partners, prioritizing time solely with friends feels important.

With some of my friends, because we live such separate lives, we have to plan girls’ nights months in advance.

Nonetheless, they are great ways to see each others’ new homes and spend quality time together. A few months ago, I hosted a brunch at my apartment and, before that, we went to dinner at my other friend’s house. Girls’ nights are not just for Valentine’s Day or a birthday; it’s fun to host each other and spend quality time catching up.

WALK & TALK

After work, it feels like there is barely enough time to workout, cook dinner and relax before it’s all of a sudden time for bed. Don’t be afraid to multitask – while driving home, cleaning or working out, I love giving a friend a quick phone call. On the same note, I love when I go on a walk and one of my friends calls me on their walk as well.

We both get our afternoon workout in and can catch up. A spontaneous phone call from a friend is always a wonderful surprise.

Maybe we don’t live in the same college apartment anymore and spend our nights watching movies and talking, but that doesn’t mean the friendship has to waver. If we need to be more creative with how we talk, whether it’s podcasts instead of phone calls or photos instead of dinners, it’s not that the friendship is failing, it’s that it’s adapting.

So, when adapting to a post graduate world, be creative; understand that not everyone has the same communication style and recognize how to meet in the middle to find ways so everyone feels valued.

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October 2025 | 73

Purpose Push: Reaping a Great Harvest Harvest season is prominent in the late summer to early winter seasons.

It represents the time to reap what’s been sown, with the anticipation for it to supply our needs until it’s time to sow again. But, what we reap may not match our expectations if we aren’t being good stewards in the planting and nurturing season.

If images of farming or gardening come to mind, I’d like you to apply that concept to the practices of your business. Do you think you’ll reap a great harvest during your harvest season?

In the Bible, the Israelites planned festivals around the harvest season and enjoyed feasts, remembering the favor and blessings from God. The Festival of Weeks specifically praised God for a bountiful harvest (Lev. 15-22)! To celebrate this period and enjoy the occasion, however, they had work to do in the months leading up to it. The process applies to entrepreneurship today.

PREPARE THE GROUND (OR YOUR HEART POSTURE)

Just as a farmer prepares the soil, you must cultivate a positive mindset and find joy in the mundane, recurring and difficult tasks. Having the right heart posture makes all the difference in the fruit you produce (John 15:16). Every great thing started as a small seed that received love and nurture.

Are you giving that nourishment to yourself and the environment around you? Building a business from fear of not having enough time or money, or anything else, will not be sustainable because 2 Timothy 1 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” So, use that power within you to love and appreciate the blessings you have today, so you have motivation to stay disciplined.

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Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Perennial Peaces, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on transcending human understanding of God’s love and being a source of peace on Earth. Her true work began after victory over depression, and her calling is to provide peace through her Divine gifts to help women heal and transform their lives. Follow the mission on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @perennialpeaces

by S H E R I D A N C . W AT K I N S

SOW GOOD SEEDS (ACTIONS AND INTENTIONS)

Every harvest begins with seeds, and the Bible states clearly you will reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7). In business, those seeds are your actions and intentions. Prosperity doesn’t come by accident or luck but is cultivated by purposeful decisions and consistent effort.

Farmers don’t scatter one seed and expect an abundant field.

They sow generously, knowing the more seeds planted, the greater the harvest will be.

In the same way, manifesting a prosperous business requires clarity of intention and persistence in action.

Commit to being consistent and showing up every day with a heart aligned with God’s vision for your life. God will help you when you reflect and ask Him, “How do You want me to show up in my work today?” When you plant with integrity, service and excellence, you’re setting the foundation for a bountiful return.

TEND TO THE CROP (ONGOING EFFORT)

Seeds don’t flourish without care. Tending the crop looks like consistent effort and diligence. Resisting the urge to quit when growth feels slow or painful is hard, but it’s necessary. It’s easy to compare your journey to others, but remember that each crop grows in its own season. Your role is to stay faithful in the work God has entrusted to you. Proverbs 12:24 says, “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.” You’ve been trusted to bring a vision to life, so keep nurturing it and your consistency will pay off.

PATIENTLY WAIT FOR THE HARVEST (TRUST AND FAITH)

Waiting has always been the toughest part for us all.

But, no farmer plants seeds today and expects a harvest tomorrow. There’s a natural cycle to growth, and the same is true for your business. Progress takes time.

To wait with joy, you must maintain trust in God as the ultimate source of increase. Challenges, setbacks and seasons of drought are inevitable, but they don’t mean the harvest isn’t coming. Marinate in Galatians 6:9, which says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Celebrating your progress along the way can make the waiting easier. There’s always something to acknowledge and be grateful for.

Cultivating a harvest mindset means aligning your business practices with Kingdom principles. Just as the farmer relies on both effort and faith, so must you. The vision God planted in your heart will bear fruit in its season, so keep sowing, keep tending and keep trusting.

I have faith in you.

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October 2025 | 75

PCOS AND INFERTILITY: Symptoms, Solutions and the Truth About the Pill

by J A N E B U R N E T T E

healthcoachjane.com IG @coachjanebb FB @coachjanebb Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It’s one of the most common yet misunderstood hormonal conditions, and for many, it first shows up as irregular periods, unexplained weight changes or stubborn acne. Too often, the conversation ends with a prescription for the pill, but that only masks symptoms, leaving women without real answers about their fertility and health.

COMMON SYMPTOMS WOMEN NOTICE

PCOS isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. Doctors use a “two out of three” criteria to confirm it: • • •

Irregular or absent periods: Cycles stretching longer than 35–45 days, or months without menstruation.

Signs of high androgens (male hormones): Coarse facial hair, hair loss on the scalp, oily skin or cystic acne.

Ovarian appearance: An ultrasound may reveal the “string of pearls” look – multiple follicles competing but failing to release a mature egg.

Other clues can include weight gain that resists diet and exercise, skin tags or darkened patches (a sign of insulin resistance) and mood issues such as anxiety or depression.

WHY IT AFFECTS FERTILITY

•

•

•

•

Prioritize protein and muscle: Protein is essential for maintaining muscle which, in turn, keeps insulin and hormones in check. Strength training and building muscle improve insulin sensitivity, helping regulate hormones.

Focus on fiber: At least 25 grams per day supports gut health, improves blood sugar stability and helps regulate estrogen. Pair that with limiting added sugars to under 25 grams daily.

Eat colorful plants: Berries, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables pack antioxidants that protect ovarian health. Even frozen produce retains most of its nutrient benefits.

Support gut diversity: A rich microbiome helps reduce belly fat and inflammation. Fermented foods and probiotics can be useful additions.

Sleep matters: Poor sleep worsens insulin resistance, inflammation and hormone disruption. Melatonin, naturally produced during deep sleep, is a potent ovarian protector.

The biggest fertility challenge in PCOS is lack of ovulation. Since ovulation precedes menstruation, women may see irregular bleeding – or no cycle at all – because the ovaries aren’t reliably releasing an egg. Without ovulation, conception is difficult, even if other hormone levels seem normal.

•

PCOS also often brings insulin resistance, which worsens inflammation and further disrupts ovulation. Left unchecked, this hormonal storm can increase long-term risks for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even dementia.

WHEN TO CONSIDER MEDICAL TOOLS

THE ROLE OF THE PILL

For decades, the pill has been the go-to solution offered to women with PCOS. It can provide relief from heavy periods, improve acne and regulate bleeding by triggering a withdrawal bleed. For some, this short-term symptom control is welcome – think brides who want clear skin for wedding photos or young women overwhelmed by painful, heavy cycles.

Some women may need additional short-term tools.

Metformin can improve insulin sensitivity; spironolactone may help with acne or excess hair. These can be used alongside nutrition and lifestyle strategies, not instead of them.

The ultimate goal is to restore regular ovulation – because that means your hormones are in balance and fertility is protected.

But, here’s the reality – the pill doesn’t fix PCOS. It works by suppressing ovulation. That’s helpful if pregnancy prevention is the goal, but not when ovulation itself is the missing piece. Many women only discover fertility struggles after stopping the pill, believing the medication caused infertility. In truth, the pill merely hid underlying problems that were never addressed.

BOTTOM LINE

LIFESTYLE AND DIET STRATEGIES THAT HELP

With the right blend of nutrition, movement, sleep and – in some cases – medication, women with PCOS can reduce symptoms, protect their long-term health and, in many cases, restore fertility.

The good news? Nutrition and lifestyle play a powerful role in restoring balance. Small, consistent changes can help reduce symptoms and support ovulation.

76 | ForsythWoman.com

PCOS is not caused by the pill, nor does the pill make you infertile. What it does is quiet the symptoms, often delaying a proper diagnosis. Real progress comes from asking the deeper question: Why is my body struggling to ovulate?

Celebrating YEARS

HELP SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US

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Operation Protect & Serve Charity Event Wednesday, October 29, 2025 5:30 – 8:00 PM at the Wake Forest BioTech Place

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?

I’ve Lost My Job,

Now What?

by L E S L I E S P E A S

WHEN YOU’VE LOST A JOB

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF FIRST

If you’ve recently lost your job due to a layoff, downsizing or restructuring, please hear this first: you are not alone and this does not define your worth, talent or future potential.

Layoffs happen for many reasons – budget cuts, mergers, leadership changes or strategic shifts. None of these erase the contributions you’ve made or the skills and strengths you bring to the table.

Before you rush into job boards, networking calls or resume rewrites, take a breath. This is a major life change, and how you treat yourself in these first weeks matters. Think of it as your transition season. It is a time to heal, reflect and rebuild your energy before taking your next big step.

Job loss can be one of life’s most jarring transitions. Beyond the financial impact, it can shake your identity, your daily structure and your sense of security. You may experience a whirlwind of emotions, and that’s normal. In fact, the process often mirrors the stages of grief we go through in other major losses.

THE COMMON STAGES OF JOB LOSS GRIEF •

•

Anger: Frustration over how the decision was made or why you were impacted.

•

Bargaining: Replaying “what ifs” and wondering if you could have done something differently.

•

Sadness: Feeling the loss of identity, purpose, community or financial stability.

•

Build a routine. Even if you’re not going to work, structure your day with set wake-up times, meals and activities. It creates a sense of stability.

•

Move your body. Walking, stretching, yoga, dancing or any kind of movement can boost your mood, reduce stress and help you think more clearly.

•

Stay connected. Reach out to friends, family, mentors or a career coach. Isolation can magnify negative emotions, while connection can remind you that you’re supported.

•

Limit negative self talk. A layoff is not a personal failure. Instead of telling yourself “I’ve failed,” try reframing to “I’m in transition, and I’m finding my next chapter.”

•

Engage in activities that bring you joy. Read a novel, listen to music, volunteer, garden, paint or cook – anything that brings calm or sparks creativity.

•

Give yourself grace. Productivity does not define your worth. It’s okay to rest and recharge without guilt.

MOVING FORWARD

Acceptance: Gradually shifting focus to what’s next and exploring new possibilities.

The next opportunity will come, often in ways you couldn’t have predicted. Many people look back and realize that a job loss led to a better role, a healthier work environment or even a career pivot they never would have considered otherwise.

There’s no set timeline for these stages, and they don’t always happen in order. You might move back and forth between them. The key is to give yourself permission to feel what you feel without judgment.

Right now, your job is to tend to your well being, protect your confidence and keep your perspective open. The clarity will come, the right door will open and you’ll be ready to walk through it to not just replace what you lost, but to find something that truly fits who you are and where you’re going, as well.

•

78 | ForsythWoman.com

Shock/Denial: “Did that just happen?” You may feel numb, in disbelief or frozen.

WAYS TO CARE FOR YOURSELF DURING THIS TIME

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(336) 306-9930 I gretchenskidsboutique.com October 2025 | 79

Joyful Moments of the Fall Season

by H A L L E I G H M I L L E S O N

A

fter the hot days of summer, I am always looking forward to the cool days of the fall season. Even though days begin to feel shorter, time is filled with driving to pumpkin patches, baking sweet desserts, wearing comfortable sweaters and enjoying time being outside in the cool air. I have always viewed fall as a calming, peaceful season. With fall comes the reminder that change is inevitable but beautiful as seen in the leaves turning colors on the trees surrounding us. Fall is filled with joyful days and, below, I share what I look forward to the most during this season.

FALL BAKING

One of my favorite things about fall is baking delicious fall desserts. I love making homemade pumpkin bread, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, s’mores cookies, snickerdoodle cookies and a warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream. There is something calming about spending time baking and being able to enjoy a homemade dessert. When I was younger, I was never a huge fan of pumpkin-flavored foods but, as I’ve gotten older, I have come to enjoy the taste of pumpkin during fall. Whether you are making cookies for yourself to enjoy or making a loaf of pumpkin bread to take to a family gathering, the fall season brings many delicious recipes to bake.

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FALL COFFEES

I love going to local coffee shops on the weekends and getting iced coffees to enjoy.

During the fall season, it is always delightful to get coffees that typically have pumpkin, cinnamon, maple and hazelnut flavors. Many coffee shops will have seasonal menus that have delicious fall-flavored drinks to choose from. Enjoy meeting a friend for coffee, getting a coffee to enjoy while you run your weekend errands or bringing a coffee to work with you.

FALL OUTFITS

Even though I love wearing t-shirts, shorts and sandals, I always look forward to wearing fall outfits. I enjoy wearing ankle boots during the fall, and I love wearing both ankle boots that have a flat heel and a low high heel. Sweaters are another essential piece of a fall wardrobe. There are so many comfortable, soft sweaters that can be worn with a pair of jeans and ankle boots. Cardigans are my go-to when I do not want to wear a heavy sweater with my outfit. Fall themed earrings are my favorite accessory to wear. I have a pair of pumpkin clay earrings with flowers on them. There are so many cute pairs of fall earrings to choose from that complement any outfit.

FALL HOME DECOR

Another activity I love during the fall season is decorating my home with fall decor. Being able to put pumpkins outside my front door, lighting vanilla pumpkin candles, watching a movie at night with a cozy orange blanket and setting out fall-themed decorations make my home feel ready for the fall season.

It always makes me happy putting out fall decorations and moving decorations around to find the right spots to place the decor. I love having decorations out when I have family or friends over for dinner or a movie night. Since I am living in my first apartment, I have been slowly buying a few decorations for each season. Simply having a few decorations out for fall helps me to appreciate the season while it’s here.

Baking a fresh batch of s’mores cookies, sipping on a caramel coffee, wearing fallthemed earrings, picking out a pumpkin to sit outside my front door and lighting a vanilla pumpkin candle are some of my favorite parts of fall. As time moves quickly, remember to slow down to enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of fall. I hope that this article will give you ideas of seasonal joys to fully enjoy during the fall season.

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October 2025 | 81

Women Wild in the

by A M Y H I L L

also referred to as O ctober, “Sharktober” for beachgoers on

the west coast and Hawaiian Islands, is the perfect time to illuminate just how many other ocean animals can pose a threat to your perfect day at the beach.

Having a fear of shark attacks is extremely common, but I find that the looming threat of an unexpected jellyfish sting in the water can be just as haunting.

Not everything that stings you in the ocean is your run-of-the-mill jellyfish.

Keep reading to learn about various sea stingers that pack a painful punch.

PORTUGUESE MAN O’ WAR

Often confused for jellyfish, the Portuguese man o’ war resembles electric blue bubbles or floating balloons with long tentacles – and we’re talking long. Some have reported sightings of tentacles reaching a horrifying length of 165 feet. The good news is that Portuguese man o’ war are not typically deadly to humans and are not swimming to the beat of their own drum; in fact, their patterns can largely be predicted based on winds and currents, which often dictate how often they make appearances close to shore. The bad news? A sting by these striking critters can be excruciatingly painful and leave lasting marks.

According to the National Ocean Service, a Portuguese man o’ war is, “...a species of siphonophore, a group of animals that are closely related to jellyfish.

A siphonophore is unusual in that it is comprised of a colony of specialized, genetically identical individuals called

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zooids – clones – with various forms and functions, all working together as one.

Each of the four specialized parts of a man o’ war is responsible for a specific task such as floating, capturing prey, feeding and reproduction.”

Where do you need to watch for man o’ war in the water? Sadly, beaches along the east coast and Florida have had their fair share of man o’ war sightings, in addition to the Caribbean sea. Windward facing beaches in the Hawaiian Islands see more man o’ war than leeward beaches due to an increase in wind and ocean currents bringing them into shore and stinging unsuspecting vacationers and locals. If you take a walk along the shore and see a few of these washed up on the sand, it’s a safe bet to skip swimming that day. Happen to get stung?

Lifeguards often suggest treating stings with a vinegar rinse, over-the-counter pain medication and removing any tentacles stuck to the skin with a credit card or tweezers to avoid direct contact with your hands.

STINGRAYS

When I traveled to Costa Rica in February, I was gaining confidence in not getting stung by jellyfish and was beginning to brave the Pacific waves close to shore more and more throughout the week.

It wasn’t until a guided tour with a local when I learned that jellyfish at Jaco Beach were the least of my worries.

Apparently, stingray stings are common along many Pacific facing beaches in Costa Rica – Jaco Beach being one of them – and ignorance was bliss for me up until that point. Although many think of the late and fearless Steve Irwin when stingrays come to mind, getting stung by a stingray is much easier than you would think – and doesn’t even require any swimming.

In fact, Southern California has been named the stingray capital of the world

(according to ABC7 Los Angeles) with lifeguards encouraging beachgoers to use the “stingray shuffle” to decrease the likelihood of a painful, day-ruining stingray barb to the ankle.

Since stingrays can be quite stealthy, you don’t even have to be knee deep in the ocean or even see one coming to feel their wrath. Stingrays burrow under the sand, making it easy for beachgoers easing themselves into the ocean to unsuspectingly step on one along the way. Once stepped on, stingrays instinctively and defensively attack with their barb, which can leave wounds vulnerable to infection and often brings victims intense pain if not treated properly with a hot water soak and continued medical care (when necessary).

The “stingray shuffle” is considered a safer method of entering the ocean by shuffling or sliding your feet in the sand as you walk rather than lifting your feet and taking full steps. Through studies, scientists have found that brushing up against a sand-buried stingray with your feet while shuffling is more likely to scare them away, whereas stepping directly on top of a stingray is more likely to incite an instinctive attack. In other words, think twice before freely frolicking in the ocean, or at least be prepared for a surprising sharp pain when throwing caution to the wind.

WOMEN ON THE MOVE HOLLY SUNDMAN Holly Lenderman Sundman is the managing director of Pinnacle Wealth Management Group, LLC. She transitioned to the position of managing director at a wealth management firm building a team of financial professionals across the United States within a year of being in the finance sector. She has a master’s degree from Columbia Southern University and is now pursuing her DBA there. Before her current role, she successfully ran several other businesses, primarily in marketing and/or consulting but also ran an e-commerce business as well as web development through the years. “My goal is to empower women in male dominated roles and encourage them to walk in their authenticity,” she said. “Setting an example for my children as a strong business woman who is well traveled will always be at the forefront of my goals in life! I am the mother of a teenage boy and two little girls.” In her spare time, Holly enjoys live music, comedy shows, playing music, photography and spending time with her three kids.

ROBIN HARRISON Robin Harrison is a reading interventionalist and was recently awarded employee of the month for Stokes County Schools. She was born and raised in Forsyth County and has worked for Forsyth and Stokes County Schools. She is dedicated to the cause of educating the future and specializes in helping kids who need extra assistance with reading. She has even secured funding and started an after-school book club program at Chestnut Grove Middle School! Additionally, she started a chicken pie business that she began originally to help support her husband and family while she raised one of her own, and now she is well known in the community for her successful chicken pies! Aside from all of this, she is a committed wife and a dedicated, loving mother to six children.

She faithfully and joyfully serves her church each week. She has a true servant heart and deserves to be recognized for her service to her family and community!

KIM FREEMAN Kim Freeman is the owner of Confetti Memories Event and Wedding Planning. She has wanted to be a planner since she was a little girl and after planning many events for others, she decided to make it official by opening her own business. She has lived in North Carolina for more than 10 years and has four grown children and three beautiful granddaughters. “My goal is to make your event beautiful, fun and stress free,” said Kim. “I can also help plan your event virtually if you live outside of the area, and I am super excited and look forward to working with you.” Kim works in all areas of North Carolina – from Asheville to Wilmington and considers herself to be “Your Event Fairy Godmother” because she makes “your event a dream come true!” In her free time, Kim enjoys the beach, spending time with family and friends and working out.

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Long-Distance Love: then and now

by I S A B E L L A C A S T I N E Y R A

Back in April, I wrote an article about my relationship with my boyfriend and how we navigate a long distance relationship. I showed my grandmother the article, and in classic grandmother fashion, she thought it was the sweetest thing she’d ever read.

The vast majority of my advice from that article was about how great it was to be comfortable living our separate lives while being long distance. We had the least amount of trouble when we were the furthest away from each other, when I studied abroad in Prague and he was in college. I traveled as much as I could while I was in Europe and he was engulfed with his senior year – it was exciting and fun for both of us and, although we missed each other, being occupied made it much easier.

My grandmother told me a story about when my grandfather and her went through a period of long distance, all the way back when she was around 19 years old, when they still lived in Cuba.

My grandmother was a teacher, and the Cuban government promoted a program where teachers could choose to work in rural areas that did not have schools. After my grandmother’s father agreed, she was assigned to a school.

The school was too far to commute, so she had to stay at the school during the week then go home on the weekends. The journey was not an easy one – she had to take two buses and a car into the countryside. The first time she arrived, she said she looked up at the top of the hills and saw a small house by itself. She told the driver that

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she couldn’t imagine anyone living in such a remote area. He looked at her, paused and told her that was the schoolhouse she was teaching in. They rode on horseback the rest of the way up.

Hearing that story put into perspective the amount of trust and commitment it must have taken to maintain a relationship long distance prior to the constant communication we have now. I asked my grandmother about how

difficult that situation must have been, not speaking for days at a time and hoping that they arrive when they’re supposed to at the end of the week.

She told me that it actually wasn’t as challenging as I assumed.

The concept of that level of communication didn’t exist;

so she did not feel that there was an alternative and she was not missing out on anything. Not speaking for days at a time did not impact the relationship in the way it likely would now.

There’s a level of romance in the story my grandmother told me that the constant communication our phones offer us now prevents. There’s beauty in reuniting after time away, writing letters or waiting on the possibility of the phone ringing.

I wouldn’t give up a FaceTime call to catch up after a long day anymore, but it is incredible to know that it is possible to maintain a long distance relationship even without the technology we have now.

Is the level of communication we have now preventing us from experiencing the romance of our grandparents? Or, do we count ourselves now as the lucky ones – we can see our loved ones virtually whenever we want? Hard to say. All I know is that my experience with a long distance relationship opened up a story and a perspective I didn’t consider that I am now all the more grateful to have.

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October 2025 | 87

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

OCTOBER 2 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

5-9pm, The Millennium Center in W-S. This year marks Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County’s 40th anniversary. With your support, we’ve helped nearly 450 local families achieve safe, affordable homeownership.

Now, we’re celebrating by building one more home – our 40th anniversary house – honoring the decades of impact behind us and the futures still to come. When you shop at ReStore, round up your total at the register to help build the 40th anniversary house for a local family, or donate online at habitatforsyth.org/raisetheroof.

OCTOBER 3-12 CAROLINA CLASSIC FAIR

The Carolina Classic Fair is returning for its 143rd year. Stay tuned for delicious food, stunning exhibits, agriculture and livestock shows, live entertainment and more!

OCTOBER 4 HOT DOG MILE “DOG FOR THE DOGS” BENEFITING AARF

11am, Happy Hill Park. Run and eat for a cause! Join us for our first-ever Hot Dog Mile to raise money for AARF (Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation)! Cost is $20 to participate – Includes four hot dogs, four laps and lots of tail-wagging gratitude.

Bonus: Puppies will be on-site! Come for the chaos, stay for the cuteness. You don’t want to miss this FUNdraiser for an amazing cause! Questions? Email brooke@ washingtonparkcrossfit.com. Register at eventbrite.com/e/hot-dog-mile-tickets1669318459449?aff=oddtdtcreator.

OCTOBER 4 TRIAD A CAPPELLA CONNECTION PRESENTS “GOOD VIBRATIONS”

3pm, Virginia Somerville Sutton Theatre, 4100 Well Spring Drive in Greensboro.

Annual stage show with Triad A Cappella Connection, a women’s a cappella barbershop chorus based in Kernersville.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $5 for students and are available online at triadacappellaconnection.org or at the door.

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OCTOBER 4 KERNERSVILLE OKTOBERFEST

3-6pm, Körner’s Folly. Enjoy craft beer from local breweries and enjoy yummy food from local restaurants. There are also fun contests like stein-holding challenges, pretzel eating and a German spelling bee.

Tickets include a self-guided tour!

OCTOBER 4-NOVEMBER 23 (SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS) RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

9:30am-5:30pm (rain or shine), 16445 Poplar Tent Road in Huntersville. The Carolina Renaissance Festival was introduced in 1994 with six acres of exhibits, attractions and entertainment.

The event has grown into a 25-acre theme park filled with charming cottages and castles, kitchens and pubs, and a most unusual collection of people powered rides, games of skill and immersive entertainments – all nestled in 325 acres of pristine woodlands just north of Charlotte. The Carolina event has grown to be one of the largest of the Renaissance Fairs nationwide. Visit carolina.renfestinfo. com/about-us for more information.

OCTOBER 5, 12, 19 & 26 OCTOBERFEST CONCERTS FOR THE COMMUNITY HOSTED BY CLEMMONS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

4pm, Clemmons United Methodist Church. In its second annual celebration of Christian music, Clemmons United Methodist Church is bringing performances by exceptional musicians for inspirational concerts every Sunday in October. Concerts in the sanctuary are free and open to the public.

OCTOBER 11 HAUNTED 5K, 10K & HALF MARATHON

8am, 285 Meadowlark Drive in W-S. Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts. All runners must register on RunSignup…no onsite registration.

OCTOBER 13 LUMBEE STORYTELLING

10am-2:30pm, Lam Museum of Anthropology. Join the Lam Museum’s annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration with a kid-friendly day of crafts and stories of how things came to be. Amanda Jacobs Ballard, a member of the Lumbee (Tuscarora and WaccamawSiouan) tribe of NC, will be telling stories 10-10:30am, 12-12:30pm and 2-2:30pm.

Amanda is an indigenous storyteller, dancer and artist. Simple crafts will be available throughout the day. Admission is free.

OCTOBER 18 ARDMORE RAH! 10K, 5K, FUN RUN & FOOD DRIVE

8am, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 1046 Miller Street in W-S. Everyone can join the fun, from avid racers to power walkers to first-time participants. RAH! stands for Run Against Hunger, as all net proceeds benefit The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC which assists food insecure and at-risk families and children in our neighborhoods. The RAH! is a hybrid event with in-person races on October 18th. and virtual races held October 15-18th. Register online at runsignup.com/Race/NC/WinstonSalem/ ArdmoreRAH10K5KFunRunandFoodDrive.

OCTOBER 18 YADKIN VALLEY GRAPE FESTIVAL 11am-5pm. Annual festival featuring local wineries, food trucks and local craft vendors. Visit yvgf.com for more information.

OCTOBER 25 2025 LEAD GIRLS RISING EXPO

10am-2pm, 601 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in W-S. This year, we will welcome girls in 6th to 10th grade. At our upcoming expo, girls will engage in two days of inspiration, motivation and empowerment! We’ll explore how to build trust, develop healthy communication and foster meaningful habits through sessions designed to empower girls and their families. This fun and educational

event brings together girls, businesses and community partners to create an inspiring day for learning and growth. Attendees will enjoy hands on STEM activities, leadership and self-care workshops, career exploration sessions and a focus on mental wellness.

From building confidence to embracing innovation, this year’s expo is all about helping girls thrive – inside and out. Visit leadgirls.org/expo for more information.

OCTOBER 25 BOO! AT BETHABARA

1:30-4:30pm, Historic Bethabara Park.

Enjoy listening to spooky song selections in the 1788 Gemeinhaus; meeting a few “spirits” of Bethabara’s past during a walk to God’s Acre; gathering under a tent to hear ghost stories by acclaimed storyteller Cynthia Moore Brown; making a corn husk doll; watching Glen Yost’s sleight of hand magic show; playing Colonial games; getting your face painted; visiting the Forsyth County Public Library Bookmobile; and more! Admission is FREE!

OCTOBER 30 CURANDERISMO 101

6-7pm, Lam Museum of Anthropology. The Lam Museum welcomes Yaya McBride, a curandera, leadership guide and cultural healer. Curanderismo is an ancestral healing tradition rooted in the wisdom of Mesoamerica, the Amazon and preHispanic Latin America, a medicine of the people that reminds us how to return to balance. In this program, we’ll explore the spiritual tools and rituals of curanderas and shamans: limpias, prayer, plants and ancestral connection, as a path to reduce stress and reconnect with purpose. This is not just a talk; it’s a prayer of remembrance, an invitation to experience your own healing and a call to reclaim the rhythm, voice and wisdom within. Admission is free.

FUTURE NOVEMBER 8 YOUR HOME MARKETPLACE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

9am-6pm, Your Home Marketplace, 670 S. Stratford Road in W-S. Come prepared to shop! It’s a great time to complete your gift buying, because every booth in Your Home Marketplace’s 11,000 square foot showplace will feature a sale! Event begins at 9 AM (rather than the regular opening time of 10 AM). Peruse a beautiful and eclectic array of home decor and

furnishings, vintage items and antiques, furniture, jewelry, clothing, Fusion Mineral paint, lots of gift ideas and much more!

Bring family or friends and be sure to put your name in our gift certificate drawing box! Follow us on Facebook at “Your Home Marketplace” and on Instagram at “yhmwinston”.

Davie Craft Association 55th Annual

NOVEMBER 8 ARDMORE ART WALK

11am-4:30pm. A peaceful walk through one of W-S’s most beautifully unique neighborhoods. This event features local artists, live music and food trucks. Enjoy performances from local musicians and browse beautiful art.

Craft Village Nov 14th

10am - 7pm

Nov 15th

10am - 4pm

NOVEMBER 22-23 PIEDMONT CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR

Times vary. Benton Convention Center, 301 W. 5th Street in W-S. Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair is held annually in November the weekend before Thanksgiving. Since 1963, Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair has celebrated quality craftsmanship and design. Each year, more than 100 artisans from across the U.S. showcase one-of-a-kind works in clay, wood, glass, fiber, leather, metal, photography, printmaking and mixed media -- both functional and beautiful.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or online, and event parking is located at 527 North Cherry Street.

DECEMBER 6 CHRISTMAS AT BETHABARA

1:30-4:30pm, Historic Bethabara Park.

Travel through time as we explore eighteenth and nineteenth century Christmas traditions in Old Town Bethabara.

Explore the decorated 1788 Gemeinhaus and 1834 Log House; enjoy seasonal music from Duo Licht and a Moravian Brass Band; interact with 18th century craftsmen; meet Sister Anna Catharina (a lively first-person performance); and make a Christmas craft or two. Admission is free!

Shop in the comfort of the Davie Park & Recreation Gym 151 Southwood Drive, Mocksville, NC

Admission $1 A portion of proceeds benefit local charities Discover treasures from 50+ Local Artisans featuring: • • • • •

Jewelry & Handbags Paintings & Florals Crocheted, Felted & Knitted Wearables Handmade Soaps Holiday Ornaments & Home Décor …and so much more!

Food trucks available on-site featuring Eric and K’s BBQ October 2025 | 89

Conversation with Your BFF The longer you live, the more you realize that family dynamics are complex and, when guilt is used as a form of communication or control, it can leave you feeling confused, manipulated and emotionally drained. Parents may not always realize the harm in their words, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it. So, how do you deal with parents insistent on taking you on a guilt trip? I am so glad you asked!

“How Do I Respond to My Parents Taking Me on a Guilt Trip?”

by R E B E C C A C O O P E R

“AFTER EVERYTHING I HAVE DONE FOR YOU…”

There are few comments that a parent can make that evoke a sense of lifelong debt from a child of any age. But, love and care should never come with strings attached no matter what your parents say! You can acknowledge their efforts while reinforcing your autonomy. Your gratitude for your parents’ provisions doesn’t mean that you can’t make your own choices.

“I GUESS I’M JUST A TERRIBLE PARENT.”

Nothing throws you off your game more than this statement. You are painted as the aggressor when you assert a boundary. This is purely emotional manipulation in the form of self pity.

Don’t get sucked into the drama…stay focused on your message and not their reaction to your message.

“YOU’VE REALLY CHANGED…YOU USED TO BE SO SWEET.” This comment is a throwback jab designed to make you feel guilty for developing independence or establishing boundaries. Your growth as a person isn’t a betrayal of your parents or a past relationship, it is evolution.

Being assertive doesn’t mean you’ve become unkind. Your growth can be seen as a betrayal to your parents, but trust me, it is not.

SETTING BOUNDARIES IS AN ACT OF SELF CARE, NOT SELFISHNESS From personal experience, guilt tripping began when I decided to draw healthy boundaries. I felt like choosing who I would let into my life and when they could have access was seen as a threat and not accepted. I had to realize that boundaries aren’t a rejection of the

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love of my parents, but rather, a framework for healthy relationships. I was still treated as a child, relationship wise, so I set boundaries and they weren’t accepted.

DON’T STEP UP TO CARRY WHAT ISN’T YOURS

You are not responsible for managing your parents’ feelings, especially when those feelings are used to control you. Let your parents carry their own discomfort; you don’t need to volunteer to carry it for them as a part of manipulation. Stop internalizing guilt that doesn’t belong to you; reclaim your emotions, and work on becoming a healthier you!

It is possible to love your parents and protect your peace. It is not your job to make them feel good about every decision you make.

Guilt tripping may be a familiar pattern, but it doesn’t have to define your relationship or your sense of self. Boundaries and self trust are not betrayals; they are acts of healing yourself. My entire life, I felt responsible for my parents’ happiness, leading to a perfectionist mindset, always striving to do the right thing and make good grades, but I ran myself into the ground from exhaustion.

I realized my parents were responsible for their own happiness and, if they couldn’t find happiness, it was on them, not me.

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