FW-Sept 8-14-25

GROWING. THRIVING.

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.

Secure your future at Brookridge by joining the Harmony Club. Our wait list is growing, so make a plan today to ensure your priority access to our thriving community.

CALL (336) 759 - 1044 TO

Kerri

Ariana Patras DO

C. Aaron Thompson MD, FACOG

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Jill Rosser

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FACE, BREAST, BODY CONTOURING, & LASER RESURFACING

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SCOTT L. TUCKER, MD

HAMPTON A. HOWELL, MD

the publisher perspective

This month marks 20 years of Forsyth Woman— and I can hardly believe it! You may have noticed our special anniversary logo on the cover. It’s a nod to our very first logo from 2006–2018, and I love that it brings our history full circle.

We’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with you on September 18th at The Crest Winston-Salem. The evening will be packed with signature cocktails and mocktails, incredible food, a live auction, music from our DJ, and plenty of photo ops. We’ll also have a photographer and videographer capturing every moment as we take a fun walk down memory lane. Grab your ticket by scanning the QR code on this page!

• Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County celebrates 40 years! They’ve built nearly 450 safe, affordable homes for local families. I’ve had the honor of volunteering on build sites, and it’s an experience I highly recommend. There’s nothing like seeing a home come to life before your eyes. (Page 32)

Even better—proceeds from the evening benefit LEAD Girls of NC, a local nonprofit that’s so dear to our hearts. Their mission is simple: Change a girl. Change a community. Change the world. I can’t imagine a more perfect partner for our anniversary celebration.

And now for a fun fact in honor of our big birthday: We’ve printed over 2.5 million copies of Forsyth Woman since 2005! Yes, 2.5 million! In this issue, you’ll find our 20-year timeline (beginning on page 66) highlighting milestones like our very first issue, our wedding magazine, Girls’ Night Out events, consignment shop hops, Tour de Boutique adventures, our podcast, our first office space, and so much more. What a ride it’s been and what a blessing to be part of this community for two decades.

Our September cover features the gorgeous ladies of Legacy Stables and Events, where our 2025 Women on the Move Conference was held…and where it will be again in 2026! This stunning venue is perfect for weddings, milestone celebrations, and corporate events. Trust me, if you haven’t been, you’ll want to put it on your list. (Read more on page 52.)

September is also a month of other big anniversaries in our community:

• Etc. Consignment Shoppe turns 30! Owner Debbie has been a dear friend for years—we even used to run together. Her store has expanded countless times and is always full of treasures, from furniture to an incredible clothing selection. (Page 42)

• LKN Magazine—founded by my mom—turns 3 this month! She “retired” at the end of 2020… and then launched a magazine less than two years later. She’s built something amazing at the lake, and I couldn’t be prouder.

We’re also thrilled to sponsor Fizz and Beats Zero Proof Fest again this year—a vibrant event happening on September 20th with mocktails, food trucks, music, and a joyful, inclusive atmosphere. (Page 78)

As always, I hope you’ll enjoy this issue cover to cover. Follow us on Instagram @ forsythmags and catch the Forsyth Mags podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Here’s to an incredible September—and I hope to see you on the 18th to celebrate 20 amazing years with us!

PUBLISHER

Brooke Culler

Brooke@ForsythMags.com

EDITOR

Keela Johnson

Keela@ForsythMags.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT

EXECUTIVE

Tamara Bodford

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Robin Bralley

ADVERTISING

Advertising @ForsythMags.com

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

JEJ Photos

Jodie Brim Creative

Megan Smith Photography

*others credited throughout accordingly

CONTENT

EDITOR

Meghan Corbett

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS

Martie Emory

Carolyn Peterson

OTHER CONTRIBUTING

WRITERS

Jane Burnette

Isabella Castineyra

June DeLugas

Amy Hill

Taryn Jerez

Debbie Lanier

Mike McGilvary

Andrew Parker

Lauren Sephton

Leslie Speas

Joy Nelson Thomas

Sheridan Watkins

*others credited throughout accordingly

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Stefanie Lyons

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

Flhy Marketing / Michelle Hyatt

WEB DESIGN/ MAINTENANCE

Next Wave Services

Brooke Culler, @brooke__culler Publisher

CONTACT

ForsythWoman.com

888-892-3204

Forsyth Woman Disclaimer: Please note that the inclusion of stories and articles in Forsyth Woman magazine does not imply endorsement of products or people. The views of the authors are presented for information and entertainment only, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Forsyth Woman. Specifically, Forsyth Woman in no way endorses any claim associated with health and/or well being with respect to any particular person. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. We will not be held responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss or damage that is caused or alleged to have been caused in connection with the use of, or reliance on, any content in this magazine. Forsyth Woman reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet Forsyth Woman standards. Submissions are welcome but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Forsyth Woman assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. ©2005 by Forsyth Woman, Inc.

MARBLE GRANITE WORLD

Where Every Project Becomes Part of a Legacy

by MARTIE EMORY

Keeping in mind that fall is an ideal time to check off much-needed home projects, it’s the perfect opportunity to meet the talented, conscientious team at Marble Granite World in Kernersville.

Founded in 1999 by dedicated craftsman Joseph Hage, Marble Granite World has grown from a small mom-andpop shop to the leading stone fabricator in the Piedmont Triad today – still with strong family ties. Now, under the leadership of Joe’s sons Anise and Joël, you’ll be met with the warm welcome you’d expect from a family owned business and immediately recognize the benefits of working with a company known for more than 50 years of stellar service.

“There’s a deep sense of pride in continuing something built with hard work, heart and a commitment to doing things the right way,” shares Anise. “Our history and reputation weren’t created overnight – they were earned, one customer and one countertop at a time.”

Both Anise and Joël agree what’s most special on a daily basis is knowing every project they complete is part of a legacy.

“We’re not just building beautiful spaces – we’re building trust, relationships and a name that means something in our community. It’s personal for us, and our clients can feel that,” adds Joël.

With 40 dedicated employees, Marble Granite World works closely with homeowners, builders, interior designers and outdoor landscapers to provide customized granite, quartz and other stone products for a variety of uses. No part of their process is ever outsourced, and their high level of customer satisfaction and pride in every project speaks for itself.

From consultation – where the real magic begins – to design, templating, fabrication and installation by experienced crews known for care and precision, the end goal is a perfect fit and finished product that mirrors what the client first imagined.

(continued on page 16)

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.

(continued from page 14)

“Our commitment to exceptional service and quality craftsmanship is reflected in our reputation, with more than 300 five-star Google reviews,” says Joël. “Each one of our reviews is a testament to the trust and satisfaction of our clients, who appreciate our dedication to transforming their spaces with care. This overwhelming positive feedback not only highlights our expertise but also our unwavering focus on building lasting relationships with every project we undertake.”

The team loves sharing industry trends they’re seeing – especially those that elevate the look and function of a space. Among those current trends are full height backsplashes that create a seamless, modern look and are much easier to clean than traditional tile. Floating vanities and integrated stone sinks are making a big statement, combining luxury with a sleek, minimalist vibe. In the kitchen, islands with thick, mitered edges and waterfall legs are in high demand, giving the look of a solid, chunky slab and really turning the island into a focal point.

Overall, Marble Granite World is reflecting a definite move towards clean lines, bold details and custom touches that result in truly one-of-akind renovations.

“With the kids back in school and schedules a bit more predictable, it’s the perfect window to get those projects completed before the holidays,” adds Anise. “We often help clients update their kitchens with new countertops or add a statement island in time for holiday cooking and entertaining. Bathrooms are another big focus – especially guest baths that will be used by visiting friends and family. There’s interest in outdoor kitchens and bar areas in the early fall, while the weather’s still nice. It’s all about creating beautiful, functional spaces people feel proud to share during the holidays.”

Serving the Piedmont Triad and beyond, Marble Granite World is located at 321 E. Bodenhamer Street in Kernersville. Reach them at 336.992.5214 or sales@ marblegraniteworld.com to start your journey to a beautiful new space!

Store hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment only. Follow them for product trends and fun project updates on Facebook and Instagram @marblegraniteworld.

Every Victim Has a Face.

Every Survivor Has a Story.

Regina

Domestic violence often starts with what seem like small, controlling behaviors. For children, this can result in physical or sexual abuse or neglect, among other traumatic incidents. Everyone deserves peace, respect and safety in their relationships. Our community’s children are no exception to this.

Regina* disclosed sexual abuse by a family member. She was connected with the Family Services Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) for a forensic interview to collect her description of the events as evidence as part of law enforcement’s criminal investigation.

The Family Services staff provided traumainformed support to Regina’s mother during this process, so she would be able to help in her daughter’s emotional healing and also referred Regina to our Family Services therapy program. She has successfully been attending sessions and progressing now for many months, following a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with her trauma symptoms decreasing significantly.

“Our counselors are trained to support children and their families after trauma, using evidence-based approaches such as short term Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention,” Administrative Director of Clinical Services Courtney Perry shared. “This reduces acute symptoms while stabilizing the family.”

Children learn how to desensitize themselves to the memories of abuse that the offender committed. Traumatic memories for clients with PTSD can often recur for a child or individual as if it happened only minutes ago – even if the moment occurred years before. Longer term healing tools may include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy or other trauma-informed tools to meet the client’s individual needs while strengthening a sense of safety.

As the family looks to the future, Regina and her mother look forward to continuing their work and progress with their Family Services therapist to explore any stressors Regina may face in family life, so she can continue to heal.

This multidisciplinary approach provides a confidential, comfortable child-friendly, and age-appropriate environment for children and families to begin their journey to healing, like Regina. Some of these children have also been guests as part of our wrap-around services with our emergency domestic violence shelter.

Last year, of the 187 guests who stayed at the shelter, 90 of them were children. Currently, the shelter operates at maximum capacity. These are the adults and children you see, but whose lives you cannot imagine.

“When you don’t have a safe place to just relax, to take a breath, to feel safe – that is just very devastating,” expressed Director of the Child Advocacy Center Ernest Britton.

For Regina, she has learned these new tools to cope with invasive, troubling memories and thoughts of abuse. She is One Step Closer in her journey of healing and hope.

*Not her real name

| giveonestepcloser.org

Keeping It Real

WHEN THE HITS JUST KEEP COMING

by DR. DEBBIE LANIER

You know EXACTLY what I’m talking about…when all hell breaks loose in your life from every direction… WHEW!

The truth is, bad things don’t happen to good people. Bad things happen to EVERYBODY! Every human faces adversity. What we do with it determines if good will come out of it and if WE will come out of it!

When challenges just keep coming, one after another with no end in sight, it can absolutely wear you out. Some of you feel this soul fatigue, utter exhaustion in your mind, emotions and decision making. You keep pushing, but nothing’s working! (Is any of this ringing a bell?)

Did you know that “the enemy of your soul speaks out against the Most High and tries to WEAR DOWN God’s Holy Ones!” (Daniel 7:25)

The Deceiver whispers in your ear amid hard seasons…“God’s not listening to you. He’s NOT coming to your rescue!” The enemy often lures you right into his trap because you’re just so doggone worn down – you inadvertently give in.

I recently learned about Spanish Bull Fights. (Stay with me! This will speak to you, Weary One!)

This exceptional breed of bulls traces back to the seventeenth century –“The Royal Herd.” They eclipse other bulls, possessing unprecedented muscle mass and stamina. Their unusually strong neck muscles carry their greatest weapon…those powerful horns.

No human, fighting fairly, can survive a tango with these fierce ones. Consequently, the one seeking their demise begins a process many days

prior to the fight. He underhandedly targets this strong specimen with a series of attacks to take him out, FOR REAL!

First, the instigator sticks wet paper in the bull’s ears to sabotage his equilibrium. Second, he rubs Vaseline into the bull’s eyes. Now, everything that once seemed clear feels unreliable. Third, the attacker isolates the bull in utter darkness for days on end to create confusion.

By the time they unleash the bull to run through the tunnel, where bright lights blind and bamboozle him, the enemy has completely undermined the bull’s capacity to persevere. EVERYTHING FEELS OFF! (Told you, this story speaks to you!)

If that isn’t enough, picadors ride in on horseback. They repeatedly thrust long spears into the bull’s neck, severing his unusually strong neck muscles. After many jabs, the muscles become so disconnected the bull can no longer lift his head. Subsequently, he loses all capacity to wield his powerful horns. (Told you! The enemy never fights fair!)

By now, the attack has targeted every area of this sturdy bull’s strength. STILL, the matador plunges 16 more barbed darts into its neck to absolutely neutralize his horns.

The bull’s strength and stamina fade with each new attack until finally the last matador dances onto the field, unafraid. He plunges the last spears into this defenseless bull’s neck and one into his heart.

The weary bull finally collapses in utter exhaustion from the excessive, underhanded assaults. The attackers carry the lifeless body out, celebrating their victory.

Thankfully, the cruelty of bullfighting has been banned in many countries.

But Y’ALL! This is how the enemy of your soul comes at YOU! He NEVER fights fair! He knows your vulnerabilities and senses where your faith feels most fragile. This enemy keeps trying to sever your belief that God seeks your good, inflicting one hit after another until you can’t even hold up your head anymore!

The bull’s story is OUR story…UNLESS we run TO God in our soul fatigue, never away from Him! The enemy has no chance with you when God becomes your strength! Your Good Father carries you until you can run again, and YOU WILL RUN AGAIN!

“Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get back up again!” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Your enemy never fights fair. BUT, when you fight IN God, the battle is the LORD’S so…YOU WIN!

Retirement Is About Experiences, Not Purchases Making Dollars, Making $ense

BY MIKE MCGILVARY, AIF®, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Retirement gives us something incredibly rare – time.

Time to reconnect with what maters, explore new passions and create moments that stay with us. But, when it comes to how we use that time – and money – it’s easy to default to things we can buy.

Here’s another way to think about it – how can you build your retirement “wishlist” around experiences rather than purchases? This can help turn your retirement into a time of becoming more connected, more fulfilled and more you.

IT’S ABOUT THE FEELING, NOT THE PRICE TAG

The moments that linger in your memory are usually the ones that made you feel something. For example:

• Taking a cooking class with your spouse.

• Hosting a family game night that becomes a tradition.

• Teaching your grandchild how to fish, knit or bake.

USE MILESTONES TO CREATE MEMORIES

You don’t need a special occasion to create a memory, but tying experiences to milestones can make them even more powerful.

Think about:

• Marking your retirement with a road trip to places you’ve always wanted to see.

• Celebrating an anniversary with a surprise weekend getaway.

• Taking a grandchild to a sporting event or concert on a big birthday.

SPEND WITH INTENTION, NOT IMPULSE

Some of the most meaningful experiences come from thoughtful, rather than expensive, choices:

• Upgrade your Saturday mornings – sign up for a class, take up hiking or learn to paint.

• Gift yourself a weekend retreat or a solo day exploring a nearby town.

• Dedicate yourself to learning a new craft like photography or piano.

MAKE SPACE FOR REFLECTION

Experiences don’t always need to be big or bold. Sometimes, the richest moments happen in stillness. Take the scenic route. Start a journal. Share your stories with someone younger. Or just sit with a good cup of coffee and appreciate the journey so far. Leave room for presence. That’s where the magic often lives.

CREATE TRADITIONS

Experiences can grow. What starts as a one-time idea can turn into a cherished tradition. Maybe it’s a yearly family camping trip. Or a weekly lunch date with old friends. These aren’t just things you do, they’re things that connect you.

Retirement isn’t about what you can buy – it’s about what you can live. This is your time. Time to dream. Time to explore. Time to invest in the moments that matter most. Because the most valuable things you can collect in retirement aren’t things at all –they’re the experiences that make you feel fully alive.

by LAUREN SEPHTON

Hi! I’m Lauren. I’m a freelance writer and a food blogger with a passion for food that tastes good and is good for you! Stay tuned each month to find everything from achievable dessert ideas to healthy, quick dinners that’ll happily feed the family.

Lemon Yogurt Pancakes with Apricot Compote

Start your day with these Lemon Yogurt Pancakes – a light, fluffy, high protein twist on a classic breakfast favorite! Packed with zesty flavor and wholesome ingredients, they’re perfect for a refreshing and energizing meal. And, they make great leftovers to pop in the toaster for busier mornings!

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

For the Lemon Yogurt Pancakes:

1 ¾ cups All Purpose Flour, or flour of choice

2 T Granulated Cane Sugar

Zest of 1 Lemon, or more for extra tanginess

2 tsp. Baking Powder

½ tsp. Ground Cinnamon

¼ tsp. Baking Soda

1 cup Plain Yogurt

2 large Eggs

2 T Olive Oil

¼ cup Whole Milk

2 T Lemon Juice about ½ Lemon

INSTRUCTIONS

For the Apricot Compote: 5 Apricots, pitted and chopped ¼ cup Water

Juice of 2 Limes or 1 Lemon

For Serving: Fresh Blueberries

Maple Syrup, warmed

1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Mix with your fingers to help release the lemon essence.

2. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to mix.

3. Add the yogurt, eggs, olive oil, milk and lemon juice. Mix until just combined. If the batter seems too thick, add more milk or buttermilk until a smooth, semi-runny batter that holds its shape when scooped onto the skillet.

4. Using ¼ cup batter per pancake, cook on a preheated griddle over medium heat. The more butter you use to cook the pancakes, the crisper and more golden the edges will be!

5. Cook for 1-2 minutes untouched, until you see bubbles on top and the edges turning golden, then flip to cook another 1-2 minutes until firm in the center when touched.

The Forsyth Magazines Podcast Is Your Local Connection on the Go! AND TURN IT UP TUNE IN

Launched in 2020, the Forsyth Magazines Podcast has become one of the Triad’s favorite ways to connect, learn, and be inspired — all in about 20 minutes!

With nearly 250 episodes under our belt and a global ranking in the top 5% of podcasts, we’re proud to continue bringing you meaningful, local content every single week.

Hosted by Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family Publisher, Brooke Culler, the podcast was born out of a happy coincidence — or as we like to say, “the rest is history!” Brooke was a guest on one of Tim Beeman’s podcasts (of Such-N-Such Media) to promote a LewisvilleClemmons Chamber of Commerce event. The experience instantly hooked her. From there, the Forsyth Mags Podcast was born, and Tim has been producing the show ever since.

Brooke describes podcasting as one of her favorite parts of the job, and it’s easy to see why. “Every episode gives us a chance to sit down with someone passionate about what they do and share that energy with our audience,” she says.

WHAT MAKES OUR PODCAST UNIQUE?

We focus on short, snappy, and strategic episodes — each one averaging around 20 minutes — perfect for your daily commute or a quick walk. Most of our guests are local small business owners, but we also love highlighting nonprofits, community events, and even members of our Forsyth Magazines team, like our writers and photographers. Each episode is a fresh opportunity to support local and learn something new.

THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A GUEST?

We’re always looking to feature passionate, local voices! Whether you’re a business owner, nonprofit leader, or community advocate, we’d love to hear your story. Email Brooke at Brooke@forsythmags.com to find out how to get involved.

WHERE CAN YOU LISTEN?

You can find us on all the major streaming platforms — including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and now on our official Forsyth Mags YouTube channel! Want a sneak peek of the latest episodes? Check out our Instagram Reels (@forsythmags) every week for teaser clips that give you a taste of what’s new.

PODCASTING: A MEDIUM ON THE RISE

When the Forsyth Mags Podcast launched in 2020, podcasting was already gaining traction — but since then, it’s exploded! According to industry data, over 80 million Americans are now weekly podcast listeners, and that number continues to grow. Podcasts are no longer just a trend; they’ve become a powerful tool for storytelling, community building, and education.

WHY DO WE LOVE PODCASTING?

Because it brings us closer to YOU — our listeners and local readers. Every conversation gives us a window into someone’s world, and in turn, our listeners walk away with fresh ideas, encouragement, and inspiration.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or brand new to the Forsyth Magazines Podcast, we invite you to subscribe, share, and tune in every week. This is more than a podcast — it’s a celebration of our community.

LISTEN, LEARN, AND LOVE LOCAL — WITH THE FORSYTH MAGAZINES PODCAST.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY HOSPICE

THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF PHILANTHROPY IN SUPPORTING FAMILIES

by

A beacon of community-based care across 18 counties in North Carolina and Virginia, Mountain Valley, a nonprofit hospice and palliative care organization, has been supporting families since 1983. Their promise is heartfelt – to create the best experience for every patient, every family, every time.

“We commit to guiding our patients and family members through the end-of-life journey with compassion, support and respect. This is our calling,” shares Leigh Anne Groves, senior VP of philanthropy. “And philanthropy is what makes complete hospice care possible at Mountain Valley. Philanthropy is not an ‘extra’ – it’s an essential. It allows us to keep services local, personal and mission-focused.”

While Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurers cover core hospice services, critical support like bereavement counseling, spiritual care or in-home companionship often aren’t funded.

“Philanthropy allows us to never turn anyone away!” says Leigh Anne. “It fills the gap where insurance ends – allowing us to care for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, and to offer the deeply personal, human services that bring comfort, dignity and peace at the end of life. Donor support allows us to offer whole-person, whole-family care.”

Philanthropy also sustains Love’s PEAK pediatric hospice, Veteran’s projects and Alzheimer’s support – programs that profoundly affect the community. Donor gifts stay local and support neighbors in your own communities.

What you may not know – donor dollars make the following possible: grief counseling and bereavement support for families, music therapy to ease pain and bring comfort, chaplain services and spiritual care, and volunteer training. Donor support also sustains Mountain Valley’s two hospice homes, including the Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home – a 22,000-square-foot facility –and the SECU Hospice Care Center of Yadkin – a 10,000-square-foot facility that provides a safe, serene space for patients at one of the most delicate and tender moments in one’s life.

The bottom line? Every gift helps someone live their final days with peace, dignity and presence.

This fall, Mountain Valley is thrilled to announce their first-ever signature fundraiser – a Low Country Boil and Oyster Roast at Shelton Vineyards –on Saturday, October 4th from 2:00 p.m – 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, and space is limited to 150 guests. You’ll enjoy a beautifully curated, locally sourced oyster and low country boil experience by Chef Brian DePaulis and his team at Elevated Catering Company, surrounded by the stunning views of Shelton Vineyards in Dobson.

“This evening is a chance to come together in the spirit of compassion and generosity, to support patients and families during their most vulnerable moments,” shares Leigh Anne. “Your presence matters, and your support means everything.”

MARTIE EMORY, photos by MEGAN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

Kimberly Marzano, community relations manager for Mountain Valley, describes how this unique experience developed. “We collaborated with three amazing vendors who will set the stage for this event. Shelton Vineyards creates the perfect backdrop for a fall oyster roast, while Chef/Owner Brian DePaulis at Elevated Catering will bring his 25 years of experience to our event, providing the best seasonal and local North Carolina coast oysters and seafood. The popular Exit 180 Band will entertain guests with their soulful play of rock, classical, southern rock and country,” she explains.

By purchasing tickets to attend, sponsoring the event or promoting this unique signature fundraiser, you’ll help support patients and families right here within your community, in their most vulnerable time of need. Monies raised will go directly into patient care, programs, support and resources that have given value to the community for more than 40 years.

A limited number of individual tickets are available now, and sponsorship opportunities range from $500 – $2,500. For more information on Mountain Valley’s Low Country Boil and Oyster Roast, visit mountainvalleycares.org/ ways-to-give/oyster-roast-fundraiser, or call 336.828.4990.

When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned: How to Navigate Disappointment and Move Forward

by LESLIE SPEAS

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “This isn’t how my life was supposed to turn out”? Maybe your story doesn’t look like the one you once imagined. Perhaps you expected your career to take off by now, thought your relationships would be more fulfilling or believed that life would just be easier.

Disappointment can be a quiet, lingering ache.

It’s that sadness or frustration that creeps in when our hopes and expectations aren’t met – whether because of our own missteps, someone else’s choices or circumstances beyond our control. And, while failure might sound like a harsh word, disappointment often comes from feeling like we or others have fallen short of the story we had written in our heads.

WHEN THE FAIRYTALE FIZZLES

I’ll be honest, I thought I’d be whisked away by Prince Charming and live a relatively drama-free life. Instead, my first marriage ended in divorce, and I have faced challenges I never saw coming including navigating the heartwrenching loss of a loved one to suicide. Even parenting didn’t go quite as I expected. I thought my kids’ twenties would be a time to finally breathe. Turns out, it’s been the most stressful season of parenthood yet.

At some point, most of us face the reality that life rarely goes according to plan.

FIVE WAYS TO DEAL WITH DISAPPOINTMENT

If you’re feeling stuck in disappointment, here are five ways to move through it:

Allow Yourself to Grieve

Disappointment often comes with loss including the loss of a dream, a relationship or the way things should have been. Let yourself feel it. Cry. Journal. Take a walk. Talk to someone you trust. Whatever helps you release the weight of it.

Get Quiet and Reflect

Instead of pushing through or pretending you’re fine, take time to sit with your thoughts. Reflect on what you’ve been through, how it’s shaped you and what’s still true and beautiful in your life. For me, this includes praying for God’s will in my life and in the lives of others.

Ask a Different Question

It’s natural to ask, “Why did this happen?” But, sometimes a more helpful question is, “What now?” That small shift can move you from feeling stuck to starting fresh. Life may not look the way you hoped, but that doesn’t mean something good can’t come from here.

Reframe Your Expectations

Take a moment to assess your expectations. Were they realistic? Were they yours or were they shaped by others? Try to give yourself grace and create space for new definitions of success, joy and fulfillment.

1 2 3 4 5

Take a Small Step Forward

Don’t stay stuck. Even the smallest step (a new routine, helping someone else, trying something creative) can spark movement and healing.

Author Lysa TerKeurst wrote, “Sometimes to get your life back, you have to face the death of what you thought your life would look like.” That’s not giving up, it’s letting go of what could have been to make space for what still can be.

So, if your life doesn’t look like what you imagined, take heart. There’s still beauty to be found and joy in places you might not have expected. The road forward may not be perfect, but it can be meaningful.

Let go of the old storyline, and start writing a new one.

of Forsyth County to Celebrate 40th Anniversary Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County will mark its 40th anniversary milestone during fall 2025 with a community-wide effort called “Yesterday, Today, Forever” to honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a lasting legacy. The celebration will include a special Raise the Roof campaign and an October gala event.

At the heart of Raise the Roof is the construction of a commemorative 40th Anniversary Home, built in partnership with a local Forsyth County family. The project will bring together volunteers, donors, and community partners to make affordable homeownership a reality.

The Raise the Roof campaign aims to generate $40,000 through a series of signature events, including Stud Signing Saturdays at its Habitat ReStore locations — 608 Coliseum Drive Northwest, 2551 Peters Creek Parkway in Winston-Salem and 819 South Main Street in Kernersville. The next Stud Signing event will take place on Saturday, September 13, from noon to 2 p.m. When donating to the Raise the Roof campaign, supporters can sign a stud that will forever be part of the family’s home.

Online contributions to the Raise the Roof campaign can be made at habitatforsyth.org/RaisetheRoof.

In addition, Habitat for Humanity will host a “Yesterday, Today, Forever 40th Anniversary Gala” on Thursday, October 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Millennium Center in downtown Winston-Salem. Tickets are $100 per person or $750 for a table of eight and include cocktails, dinner, and dancing with EnVision Band as well as inspiring stories from homeowners and volunteers whose lives have been touched and transformed by Habitat’s mission.

Register for the gala online at habitatforsyth.org/GalaTickets.

“Over the past 40 years, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County has built nearly 450 safe, affordable, and energy-efficient homes,” said CEO George Redd. “We’re deeply grateful to the volunteers and donors who helped make this possible. Still, we recognize that many families in our community continue to need safe, stable housing. That’s why we’re especially excited to celebrate this milestone with the entire community and invite everyone to support our Raise the Roof campaign and attend our October gala.”

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF FORSYTH COUNTY

Since 1985, Habitat Forsyth has transformed the lives of more than 650 families through new home construction and critical home repairs. With a philosophy of offering “a hand up, not a handout,” Habitat partners with local families to make safe, affordable housing a reality, revitalizing neighborhoods street by street, block by block. To find out more, please visit habitatforsyth.org.

Celebrating the dedication of Winston-Salem’s first Habitat home in 1985

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

ROOF THE 40 years. 1 more home. endless futures. October 2, 2025 5 pm - 9 pm

To Nap or Not to Nap?

by ISABELLA CASTINEYRA

To nap or not to nap, that is the question.

A topic I’ve found to be polarizing is napping – some people love to nap, and others hate it. The question of whether to nap or not to nap still remains a bit of a mystery. Is napping a good way to rejuvenate in the middle of the day, or will it make you more tired? Even further, how long is the perfect nap; when you feel rested for the rest of the day yet are able to fall asleep at night?

Lucky enough for us, plenty of research has been done both supporting and against naps.

WHAT’S THE SLEEP CYCLE?

In order to understand why we feel the way we feel about napping, it is imperative to understand what goes into sleeping. Sleep is much more complicated than just closing our eyes and drifting off – there is actually a cycle with phases that align with what our brains and bodies are doing to rest.

Researchers have broken up the stages of sleep into REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM categories.

REM sleep, or rapid eye movement, is when your eyes actually move behind your lids while you sleep while you dream. If you want to take a video of yourself sleeping and see your eyes move you can – be warned, it’s a little creepy!

Stage 1 non-REM is for a short amount of time, often just a few minutes, right after falling asleep. Stage 2 non-REM sleep is a deeper sleep, equating to around 45% of sleep. Stage 3 is the deepest non-REM sleep. If you ever wake up with mental fog and confusion, called sleep inertia, it’s likely you were in Stage 3 nonREM sleep since it is so deep.

WHY YOU SHOULD AND SHOULDN’T TAKE NAPS

Both socially and culturally, napping is more common than you may think, with around 1/3 of adults napping daily. In Spain, a “siesta” is a term for the common midday nap in Spain. In Japan, an “inemuri” is the term for “napping while present,” often at work. It is actually a sign of working hard rather than laziness.

A 15-20 minute nap is what researchers recommend, as it would wake you up in Stage 3 non-REM sleep and prevent sleep inertia. Sleep researchers discourage naps after 3:00 p.m. as it may lead to not being able to sleep as well at night.

A consistent need to nap may be associated with underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and depression. This is likely due to not getting enough sleep at night that may lead to those conditions developing.

It is difficult to say a hard and fast rule about napping when the research is so individualized. There are healthier ways to nap, such as keeping them to 20 minutes to avoid sleep inertia and refraining from napping late in the afternoon. After looking into both the science and individual anecdotes, it further proved how unique our bodies are in what they need to feel best.

So, to nap or not to nap? That may be the question, but I don’t have an overarching answer for everyone. Do what makes you feel like your healthiest self. If that includes napping, so be it!

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/12148-sleep-basics thensf.org/the-benefits-of-napping/ health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-your-daily-nap-doingmore-harm-than-good

Photography and videography for women ready to own their voice, be seen, and grow their brand.

Brand Photography + Videography for Business Owners jodiebrim.com | @jodiebrimcreative

PHOTO

BY

JAY SINCLAIR

Cool Weather, Warm Spaces

As we transition into the cooler months, it’s the perfect time to consider remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. With summer’s distractions behind us and the holidays just around the corner, fall offers a unique window to tackle interior projects. The milder weather creates optimal conditions for construction work – less humidity, better ventilation and more comfortable temperatures for both workers and homeowners. Plus, completing your remodel before winter means you can entertain guests in a fresh, functional space or enjoy a cozy, updated bathroom when you need it most.

Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom during this season also allows for better contractor availability and potential cost savings. Many homeowners push off big projects until spring or summer, so fall can be a quieter season for remodelers, giving you more scheduling flexibility and focused attention. Whether you’re dreaming of heated bathroom floors or a more efficient, stylish kitchen layout, starting now ensures your home is both beautiful and ready for the demands of the colder months ahead.

Our portfolio is listed on our website, junedelugasinteriors.com, under “Design Projects.” You can see some of our projects from the past 10 years and how the styles and design trends have changed. The first step is picking up the phone and reaching out to our design team who will serve as your designer and licensed general contractor. We look forward to discussing your dream design with you.

God Bless,

Transforming Spaces to Extraordinary!

PHOTO BY JAY SINCLAIR

Gala for Giving

by CAROLYN SHORE PETERSON

Each fall, amid the excitement of Wake Forest University’s Parents’ Weekend, one special event shines brighter than the rest – Gala for Giving, an elegant evening hosted by the Eta Upsilon chapter of Alpha Delta Pi. More than just a fundraising gala, this cherished tradition embodies a deep commitment to compassion, service and community. For the sisters of Alpha Delta Pi, it’s an annual expression of love for families in crisis, with every dollar raised going directly to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad (RMHCPT) and the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation to support leadership opportunities, educational programming and philanthropic service.

FROM PIES TO PURPOSE: YEAR ROUND SUPPORT FOR RMHCPT

Founded in 2009, Eta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi) has partnered with RMHCPT since its very beginning. What started as small service efforts has blossomed into a multifaceted, year-round relationship. “From Sport a Shirt nights and marathon fundraisers to Pi Day pie sales and the cheeky ‘Pie a Pi’ event, where sisters get pied in the face for a cause, the chapter’s creative fundraising spirit knows no bounds. But, the Gala for Giving remains the chapter’s signature event, blending tradition, sisterhood and community outreach into one unforgettable evening,” said Director of Gala for Giving Abigail Richardson.

$100,000 WITH HEART: THIS YEAR’S FUNDRAISING GOAL

This year’s gala promises to be more impactful than ever, with a fundraising goal of $100,000, an ambitious target that reflects both the chapter’s passion and the profound needs of the families it serves.

“The funds raised will help Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad provide housing, meals, family programming and crucial maintenance to families whose children are undergoing treatment at local hospitals. It ensures that families can stay together during some of the most challenging times in their lives without worrying about where to sleep or how to afford a meal,” Abigail commented.

NEARLY A YEAR IN THE MAKING

As soon as one Gala ends, preparations for the next begin. A new director and assistant are selected in the fall, trained by January and immediately get to work securing a venue, reaching out for donations and rallying the entire chapter. Every member plays a role, whether it’s assembling silent auction baskets, soliciting raffle items or simply showing up to lend a hand.

A NIGHT OF GIVING AND GRACE

Guests at this year’s Gala can look forward to an inspiring and interactive experience. “The event begins with an online silent auction featuring themed baskets put together by sisters. At 6:00 p.m., attendees will enjoy a full course dinner followed by a live auction of high value items such as wine packages, weekend getaways and exclusive experiences. Generous businesses from Winston-Salem have donated prizes which will be raffled off. Though there’s no live band, the evening includes heartfelt speeches from RMHCPT representatives and a video montage showcasing the sisters’

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volunteer work at the House, reminders of why this cause matters so deeply,” Abigail stated.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

What makes this year’s Gala even more special is the chapter’s renewed focus on local involvement.

“Recognizing that sorority sisters graduate every few years, Eta Upsilon is working to build longer lasting ties with the Winston-Salem community through corporate sponsorships. Businesses that contribute at least $3,000, either through financial or in-kind donations, will have their logos prominently displayed throughout the event, giving them visibility among an engaged and compassionate audience,” said Abigail.

ONE SISTER’S STORY BRINGS THE MISSION HOME

One of the most poignant reminders of the Gala’s impact comes from Caroline Klotz, a devoted Eta Upsilon sister and RMHC volunteer. Her connection to the cause is deeply personal. Years ago, when Caroline’s sister underwent invasive brain surgery for a rare condition in California, her family couldn’t afford a hotel near the hospital. The local Ronald McDonald House stepped in, providing meals, lodging and emotional support during a difficult time.

“That experience left a lasting impact on our family,” Caroline commented. “It’s why I’m so passionate about ensuring other families have access to the same comfort, support and hope when they need it most.”

SUCCESS BEYOND THE NUMBERS

Success for the Gala isn’t measured by dollar signs alone – it is also a powerful learning opportunity for those volunteering, giving practical skills in fundraising, event planning and community building. Raising awareness about the need in the community that RMHCPT fills with the lifechanging support they provide and how the community can rally around and be a part of the cause.

EVERY CONTRIBUTION MATTERS

The community is warmly invited to be part of this meaningful event on Friday, September 26, 2025 at The Millennium Center. Gala tickets are $75 and open to everyone. Local businesses can contribute through donations, sponsorships or gift cards that go directly into the hands of those in need.

ONE NIGHT WITH A LASTING IMPACT

In a world where families often face medical crises alone, Gala for Giving serves as a reminder of the power of community, generosity and sisterhood. “Together, we can ensure that no family faces hardship without a place to rest, a meal to share and a community to uplift them,” Abigail commented.

For more information or to get involved, visit one.bidpal.net/ galaforgiving2025 or scan the QR code.

Presented by

Please join us on Friday, October 3, at Kaleideum when we bring the magic of the Big Top to downtown Winston-Salem with craft cocktails, a spectacular dinner, and a high-wire lineup of games and auction fun. Then, dance the night away to rock and pop classics with HIGH SCHOOL REUNION.

Kaleidoscope Ball Chairs

Bethany and Houston Symmes | Liz and Taylor Williams

Thirty years looks exceptionally good on Etc. Consignment Shoppe in Winston-Salem, NC, where Owner Debbie Shough has built a “small happy village” – also known as longtime employees and loyal customers!

Debbie admits her current success has come from being in the trenches every day.

“I’ve grown in knowledge as the store has grown, and I give all the glory to God,” she shares. “HE has certainly blessed us beyond measure, allowing us to give back to the community, as well as employing our friends and neighbors, within a faith-based business model.”

WHAT SETS ETC. CONSIGNMENT APART?

“We have something for everyone in the family – and many people say they wouldn’t have known we were consignment. A lot of our items are new with tags. Our friendly staff also makes a huge difference – and customers feel at home,” Debbie says.

Two of her 35 employees are originals from 1995 – one of them, Cherryl Penn, retired in December, but Tia Byrd is still with her!

“Many employees have been with us 10 to 20 years, and they truly care for one another,” Debbie shares. “Each employee has unique talents that make them better in some areas of the store than others – and enable them to establish customer relationships based on their life experiences. God has put each person here, and you can see that play out in how we relate to customers.”

“This is the best job I’ve ever had, and at age 67, I feel that’s a strong statement!” says Etc. veteran Michelle Reed. “Debbie sets high standards for customer service: ‘Always be kind!

Celebrating 30 Years of Fabulous Finds!

by MARTIE EMORY

You never know what’s going on in someone else’s life. Shopping at Etc. could be the bright spot in their day.’ I celebrate 24 years this month and plan on being here for many more!”

Lori Scott also uniquely defines the Etc. philosophy: “In our world of ‘high tech’ – our approach here is ‘high touch.’ Our customers are extensions of our family, and we take time to listen. I truly believe it sets us apart!”

The entire team would agree Debbie is the heart and soul of the store.

“I’ve been lucky to work for this business with a genuine philosophy of gratitude towards both consignors and customers. I feel honored to work for Debbie and to represent her spirit in all I do. It’s an inspiration to work where you absolutely believe in what you’re doing!” adds team member Lara Cox.

In 2014, Debbie’s husband, Steve, closed his own business and joined her consignment venture. “Luckily for me, he was perfectly fine with me being the boss! Having him handle the finances has opened up my schedule to be out on the sales floor and concentrating on our website,” she adds. “About 95% of

“Love this store! Always something new for seasonal decor, everything is so neat and clean, and the staff is super nice and helpful. I always find bargains, whether new or gently-used items.”

~ Brenda J.

non-clothing items are now on our website – it’s been so fun to watch it grow.”

While clothing is certainly the store’s largest category, home décor, jewelry and handbags are catching up! Debbie sends out a “Sunday Night Shopping” email every week that also generates sales.

“We ship all over the U.S. and, as of today, have shipped to all 50 states, as well as internationally,” Debbie shares.

Debbie’s plate has always been full – as an entrepreneur, mother and grandmother –and their oldest son, Josh, now 35, grew up watching his mom run a small business. Married to his wife, Morgan, with two daughters, Isabella and Isla, Josh was in kindergarten when the store opened. Debbie and Steve also adopted two children from Uganda in 2011 – Edith, now 18, and Derrick, now 16, changing their lives in wonderful ways!

”We have 30,000 consignors, and through several expansions, many have been here from the beginning,” Debbie shares. “That’s one of the most rewarding parts for me. I visited with one of our original consignors the other day whose daughter I had watched grow up – she was there with her own child. It’s very special!”

Visit Etc. Consignment Shoppe at 690 Jonestown Road in Winston-Salem, NC, 336.659.7786 – and shop online at etcconsignmentshoppe.com. Store hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Always giving back, the store donates any home consignments they can’t accept or don’t sell to Greenest in WinstonSalem. They also donate to Dream Center, City Lights and Alpha Pregnancy.

30 Years Thanks to YOU! This

Hustle Heart

by TARYN JEREZ , OF GOFORITCREATIVE.COM

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

Crafting a Rinse & Repeat Email Marketing Strategy So You ACTUALLY Hit Send

Let’s be real, email marketing can often feel like a chore. It’s one of those tasks a lot of us put off long enough that it either goes out weeks late or not at all. The truth is that starting an email from scratch every time isn’t sustainable. Of course, burnout leaves you ghosting your list!

Time is money, and business owners can’t afford to waste either! That’s why building a rinse and repeat email strategy isn’t just a good idea, it’s a necessary one.

LEAN INTO CONSISTENCY, NOT JUST CREATIVITY

When someone opens your email, they’re not distracted by a million other posts, ads or trending videos. You’ve been granted access to their sacred (mostly distraction-free) space – their inbox!

Your email marketing is your opportunity to build trust with your audience and creative brand loyalty in ways that drive conversions in a whole different way than social media. Instead of adding the same “send marketing email” task to your to-do list every week only to never actually get it done, dig into how to create a consistent method for yourself. Imagine the difference it would make knowing what needs to go out and having steps in place so you barely have to think about it.

Here are three go-to tips to building an email strategy you’ll actually want to send:

#1 PLUG & PLAY EMAIL TEMPLATE

One of the quickest things to slow you down when it comes to getting email marketing out to an audience is design! Does it really look good? Should I add in another image or graphic? When you (or a hired designer) take the time to create a branded email template, you are essentially cutting out hours of unnecessary time

stuck in perfectionism or indecision. Once you have perfected your email template, you can just swap out content each email and plug in whatever elements you want each rendition. Don’t overthink it and, remember, you can start with an existing template from most email providers. Consider including a branded header, a main body copy block for featuring your value add, any upcoming events, sales or launches, client reviews and, of course, a spot to actively sell and share your availability for bookings!

#2 REACH INTO THE CONTENT ARCHIVES

There are times I want to scream into the small business void, “stop reinventing the wheel every time you write an email!” I guarantee you already have a plethora of on brand content you’ve created – blog posts, podcast outlines, social media posts and more! While you want to concentrate on a “rinse and repeat” strategy, “reuse” is a core element of this! Create a Google Doc or project management task just for content archives where you can store your best ideas. Sort through old newsletters, course outlines, presentations and instagram posts, and save different portions to utilize as email content later. Look for your favorite tips, insights, client stories and more to breathe new life into!

#3 A SCHEDULE YOU CAN STICK TO

Businesses worry too much about “how” consistent they need to be sending emails when they should really concentrate on how they can show up in a way that works for them. Maybe you send an email once a month, biweekly or every week? What schedule makes sense for your business, sales and self? Consistency looks different for everyone, so start with whatever

feels doable, and set a boundary around that timeframe to actually get your emails created and sent. Don’t let yourself skip it either – treat it as a non-negotiable the same way you would with a client meeting. You want to build an email strategy that lets your readers know what to expect from you and when they’ll see you in their inbox!

EMAIL DOESN’T HAVE TO BE EXHAUSTING

The goal isn’t to send enough emails that you exhaust yourself just to feel like a “good little entrepreneur;” it’s to lock in a rinse and repeat process that allows you to feel empowered and hit send. Your audience is waiting to hear from you, so simplify your process with these steps and meet them in their inbox!

Hustle & Heart Challenge

This month, plan a day on your calendar to knock out these three email marketing steps to building your own rinse and repeat strategy! Create or update your email template, data mine your existing content for gold to reuse and choose a send scheduled to add to your calendar that will help you stay consistent!

Provider Spotlight

Haleigh is a Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist. She graduated from Lander University with a B.S. in Exercise Science and from Wingate University with a clinical doctorate in Occupational Therapy. During her time in graduate school, she completed a 12-week clinical rotation at Lyndhurst, where her passion for women’s pelvic health and rehabilitation deepened. She looks forward to continuing her work with the Lyndhurst team, providing high-quality pelvic floor therapy that empowers women to return to the meaningful activities that enrich their lives.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their cat, exercising, and reading.

Cruise Control Set for Daily Fun

by ANDREW PARKER

We’re not all planners, blessed with pinpoint focus and meticulous attention to detail. It’s a big effort to paint the ideal trip or map out a fun-filled day with its ins and outs and what-ifs. We’re not raising our hands to volunteer for all the planning, scheduling and coordinating of these adventures. We’ll leave it to the few Type-C detail-oriented and logical researchers with color-coded calendars, backup batteries and the urge to read instruction manuals. The rest of us? We’re the grateful tagalongs. We’ll happily pack a bag, show up and enjoy the ride – as long as someone else figures out the logistics. New experiences, the journey, laughing with friends, surprises and the unexpected. It’s renewing and energizing. That’s why tour guides, besties and relatives are great to have.

Imagine having your personal dream team whose job is to make your day awesome. Want to try yoga before breakfast, attend a lecture after lunch and end your evening with a wine tasting? Done. How about a themed dinner party, followed by a live jazz performance, dancing and drinks?

Retirement communities like Winston-Salem’s own Homestead Hills provide members with these live-in tour guides. Members don’t need to shoulder the burden of planning their next adventure – the community’s talented social, wellness and dining directors do that every day. They consistently offer a full menu of activities, dining experiences and classes to challenge, reward and enrich daily experiences. Members are afforded a dynamic schedule of events that spark curiosity, encourage connection and celebrate the joy of living life to the fullest. Whether it’s a themed dinner party, a wellness challenge or a group outing to a local museum or vineyard, the directors at Homestead Hills have already thought through the logistics –members just need to show up and enjoy.

The social director is the architect of fun. From festive holiday events and live music nights to group excursions and happy hours, the calendar is always packed with engaging opportunities. It’s common to hear members say they’re busier now than they were before retiring.

On the wellness side, the community’s full time wellness director takes a comprehensive

approach to healthy living. Group fitness classes, including yoga, water aerobics and strength training are offered daily, paired with innovative programs such as balance workshops, walking clubs and even archery. The goal isn’t just physical health, it’s vitality, longevity and confidence, as well. Every offering is tailored to meet members where they are and help them grow stronger, both physically and mentally.

And then, there’s the dining director, whose culinary leadership transforms dining into an experience worth savoring. With seasonal

menus, locally sourced ingredients and perfectly paired wine dinners.

If you’re interested in spending more time doing the things you love and less time planning and coordinating possibilities, speak with one of the Homestead Hills Lifestyle Advisors at 336.770.2024 or visit Homestead-Hills.com, and let them schedule your introduction to The Weller Life.

Letting Go of Resentment and Finding Peace: There’s Power in Forgiveness

How many times have we heard that?

It sounds good in theory – like the emotionally mature thing to do. But, let’s be honest...how easy is that, really?

I know what you’re thinking because I’ve thought the same thing: “Why should I forgive someone who hurt me so deeply? Why let them off the hook?”

The truth is, forgiveness isn’t about them – it’s about you. It’s not about excusing the wrong. It’s about choosing peace over pain. And, some days, that choice feels impossible.

But, here’s what I’ve learned through my own journey – peace doesn’t come from holding on. It comes from letting go – slowly, intentionally. Sometimes with tears.

Sometimes with a surrendered heart. But, always with power.

THE WEIGHT OF RESENTMENT

Resentment is heavy.

Not in the way you feel after a long day or a tough workout, but in the way it quietly settles in your heart, becoming part of your rhythm without you even realizing it.

It starts as a justified thought, a rightful anger, a “How dare they.” But, over time, it takes root – and that root grows deep. You carry it with you into conversations, relationships, even your silence. It influences how much you trust, how quickly you react and how tightly you hold onto control.

It convinces you that guarding your pain is safer than healing it.

We all carry wounds.

Some are fresh and raw, others buried deep beneath the surface. Forgiveness isn’t easy.

It doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing someone’s behavior. It doesn’t mean what happened was okay.

What it does mean is that you are choosing peace over pain, growth over bitterness and freedom over bondage. Start small.

Speak the words, even if your heart isn’t fully there yet: “I forgive you.”

Write it down.

Pray about it.

Talk it through with someone you trust.

Release the anger, bit by bit.

It’s okay if it takes time.

Healing usually does.

Who do you need to forgive today?

THE NEXT JOURNEY IS PEACE

There is real power in forgiveness, not just for the other person, but for you, as well.

When you let go of resentment, you create space for peace, clarity and joy to return.

You stop reacting from a place of pain and start responding from a place of wisdom.

Until next time…

Freedom is waiting on the other side, and you deserve to walk in it.

Boutique Wellness

Our commitment to evidence-based practices extends to the products we use, guaranteeing that you receive the highest quality care. Trust our credibility and expertise as we stay ahead in aesthetics and regenerative medicine, delivering advanced, safe, and tailored care for natural beauty and wellness.

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.

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

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Flamenco Night – Sunday, Sept 7th @ 6pm

Experience an unforgettable evening at Manolo’s with internationally acclaimed guitarist Ed Stephenson, joined by two internationally aclaimed dancers and a live vocalist for a powerful four-piece flamenco show. Enjoy the passion of flamenco, fine wine, handcrafted cocktails, and chef-curated plates, all in an intimate setting.

Live

Nichols Hearing and Audiology

Care That’s Local & Personal

by MARTIE EMORY

Since launching her private practice in 2021, Dr. Anna Nichols has been passionate about developing and nurturing longterm relationships with her patients. That includes getting to know their families, their interests and all the beautiful things they are longing to hear more clearly!

“That’s one element we feel sets Nichols Hearing & Audiology apart from larger practices, and why we feel it’s beneficial to choose a small private practice for your customized hearing needs,” she explains.

Not only are you supporting a small business – the backbone of our community – but when it comes to finding the perfect hearing aids for your unique situation, getting to know your audiologist, and seeing the same person at every visit, has decided advantages.

“All your appointments will take place in our soothing office environment with fully private rooms,” Dr. Nichols shares. “Our listening lab offers patients the most up-to-date hearing technology available – plus, you’ll be involved in choosing what is right for you. We also have two providers now, as Emily Norman and I are seeing patients. This growth has allowed us to see patients more quickly and offer quality care at every visit – especially when a hearing aid issue arises.”

Born and raised in Lewisville, Emily is a licensed hearing instrument specialist and can troubleshoot any Bluetooth connectivity issues patients may encounter. That means enhanced support and more efficient repair options for all Nichols Audiology patients who wear hearing aids!

As part of her quest to build real-life relationships with patients and their families, Dr. Nichols and her team always suggest a spouse or significant other join new patients at their initial hearing evaluation.

“We know the journey to better hearing is truly a team effort, and we’re dedicated to encouraging the positive steps necessary to improve your connections to loved ones,” she adds.

Hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation and even dementia, which is why Dr. Nichols encourages patients to be proactive about scheduling a hearing test. Their comfortable offices are just the start of a welcoming experience, where you’ll be heard, understood and will leave with possible lifechanging technology.

“Our practice is seeing younger patients with hearing difficulties, which means that establishing a baseline reading at an initial evaluation can be crucial, no matter your age!” she shares.

Think small and think local when looking for a professional to trust with your hearing. Visit Nichols Hearing & Audiology to find the technology that works for you in navigating your personal relationships and daily life! Their practice is located at 3640 Westgate Center Circle, Suite B, in WinstonSalem, 336.842.3437. Visit them online at HearWellLiveWellNC. com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @ nicholshearingandaudiology. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and Friday 9:00 a.m. until noon. The office is closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.

“If you are looking for an audiologist but doubting all the 5-star reviews, put your doubts to rest. I assure you five stars aren’t enough. My initial phone call to set up an appointment was with Emily. I felt like family immediately, and even though I had never spoken with her before, it felt like I had known her for years. I walked into my first appointment

a bit nervous because I knew my hearing was not good. After speaking with Mary at the front desk and Emily again, I felt completely at ease and knew I had made the right choice for my hearing care. Dr. Nichols did my testing and, once again, even though I had never met her, it felt like I had known her my whole life. She checked my hearing and took plenty of time explaining everything. I walked out the door with hearing aids that same day – I was not expecting to leave with hearing aids on my first visit. I could hear things I haven’t heard in 30 years. These three beautiful ladies are simply the best in the business. And yes, this is a real review from a real patient!”

Otoplasty

Facial

LEGACY STABLES & EVENTS

A Decade of Memorable Moments

by MARTIE EMORY

Spend a day

at Legacy Stables & Events in Winston-Salem, and you’ll catch a glimpse of what 10 years of celebrating unforgettable occasions looks like – timeless, elegant and altogether authentic.

Once the premier award-winning equestrian center in the southeast, today, this picturesque family estate plays host to events of all sizes and styles – from romantic wedding celebrations to corporate and nonprofit gatherings. Bringing people together here – in the finest Legacy style – has become a treasured Winston-Salem tradition.

Owner Robert Weisner purchased Legacy Stables in 2014 so his granddaughters could happily pursue their passion of riding and competing with American Saddlebred show horses. As you might expect, taking center stage as a popular events destination has been a natural progression – looking back on the days when this state-of-the-art complex played host to nationally recognized instructors and trainers.

No matter the size of your guest list, Legacy Stables & Events has options. From hosting parties as small as six guests to events of more than 800 people, every occasion is perfectly staged, as their spaces range from rustic and romantic to bright and thoroughly modern. For the most picture-perfect garden setting, there’s simply nothing better.

With immaculate landscaping and endless elegant details, the property has become a magical destination for engaged couples in search of an idyllic wedding backdrop and the perfect serene atmosphere for a corporate

celebration. Legacy Stables & Events began hosting weddings and other special occasions in The Grace Barn and The Legacy House in 2018.

The Grace Barn – 12,000 square feet of indoor climate-controlled space – will enchant you with its quaint, romantic décor. This space combines beautifully with The Legacy House’s 5,000-square-foot terrace for clients seeking an indoor/outdoor experience. The Creekside Terrace boasts a serene waterfall backdrop ideal for ceremonies, priceless photo moments and team building activities.

The Forsyth Barn was remodeled in 2021 to include 22,000 square feet of climate controlled and technologically advanced indoor event space. Inside, the Grand Ballroom and the Carolina Room can accommodate many different types of events, from wedding ceremonies and receptions to corporate dinners and training sessions. The Forsyth Barn is equipped to seat up to 1,000 guests, with more intimate spaces available to fit any guest count.

The Grace Barn and The Forsyth Barn each have their own pair of dreamworthy additions for your wedding – The Bridal Suite and The Groom’s Cabins – are an exceptional part of the Legacy Stables bridal experience. In the Bridal Suite, floor-length mirrors

lined with LED lights, velvet furniture and crystal chandeliers complete the totally relaxing ambiance for prewedding photos of the bride and her best friends.

The Groom’s Cabins include two flatscreen TVs, pool tables, private dressing rooms and front porches with plenty of patio seating, where convenience meets sophistication. The bridal suites and groom’s cabins can also be utilized as “green rooms” for keynote speakers or special guests.

If you’re a corporate event planner, ask how our venue spaces can be designed to accommodate speakers, meals or team-building training sessions –no matter the size of your group. Plus, the staff can arrange for hotel recommendations and transportation, and also source audiovisual needs, a DJ or band, photo booth, games and more.

“Legacy Stables & Events offers unmatched versatility across its 30acre estate, making it the ideal setting for gatherings of all sizes and styles,” shares Margaret Poovey, vice president of operations. “Whether you're planning a quiet leadership retreat, an elegant garden party or a large-scale celebration for more than 800 guests, the property’s four distinct venues

provide both indoor and outdoor options that can be tailored to your vision.”

What sets Legacy Stables & Events apart from other venue options? No question – that distinction belongs to the impeccable customer service their experienced team provides to every client. From the Sales Team and Services Managers to Event Coordinators, Facilities Staff and Event Staff, every team member is invested in making your event a great success.

“The partnerships we have curated with our inclusive vendors also provide a stress-free planning experience,” adds Sondra Warren, executive director of corporate and non-profit sales. “Our inclusive catering partner – owned by local restauranteur Adam Andrews –provides exceptional food quality and service for each event. Our rental partnership with Party Reflections allows our clients to have access to their broad inventory of specialty linens, dinnerware, furniture and more. When you book your inclusive event at Legacy Stables and Events, our staff

works with you to make your vision come to life. Our Corporate/Non-Profit Team provides turnkey planning solutions to allow event organizers to be able to show up that day worry-free. This includes our inclusive audio-visual partnership with Fusion Sound and Lighting, who provides state-of-the-art equipment to make any conference, celebration or fundraiser a seamless production.”

Beautiful and welcoming beyond words, Legacy Stables & Events is convenient to everywhere in the Triad area – only 10 minutes from downtown WinstonSalem and an easy drive from Kernersville (five minutes), High Point (15 minutes), Greensboro (20 minutes), Lewisville/ Clemmons (20 minutes) and Lexington (20 minutes).

Legacy Stables & Events is located at 4151 Thomasville Road in Winston-Salem, 336.293.7159. Reach them by phone or email events@legacystablesandevents. com for more information on scheduling a consultation and venue tour. Be sure to follow this amazing local destination on Facebook and Instagram @ legacystablesandevents.

Trying New Things: swimming

by ISABELLA CASTINEYRA

Welcome to Trying New Things!

For our seventh edition, I would like to go back and explain why I started this column, so any new readers can understand the purpose and why they should pop in each month!

Growing up in a house that valued sports and fitness, exercise was implemented into my routine without even knowing it. In college, it grew more challenging to convince myself to go to the gym, and after I started a fulltime job, it has become even more difficult.

Through Forsyth Woman, I have been given the opportunity to try new activities each month and write about my experiences. My goal is to try health and fitness trends so you can decide for yourself if it works for your body and lifestyle. Hopefully, seeing how many ways there are to exercise will encourage you to see it as a fun activity rather than a chore.

For this month’s edition, I tried swimming. It is less of a new skill and more of a workout I tried as well as prioritizing swimming more frequently. I know how to swim well (or so I thought), but I haven’t spent much time swimming laps or going out of my way to jump in the pool.

SWIMMING LAPS

When I first decided to try a swimming workout, I quickly found that it was much more than just jumping in. After looking up a workout online, they generally gave instructions in distance or time organized into sections with short breaks in between.

I knew the reputation of swimmers to be hardworking and precise, but I don’t think I anticipated just how rigorous this would be. Once again, I consider myself a strong swimmer, but actually going back and forth and not straying into a doggy paddle was immensely difficult.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I went for the easiest swimming workout I could find, and even then, it was still a full body and mental challenge.

Warm-Up: For this, I did a 200-meter swim (four laps), alternating freestyle and backstroke. By the end of the warm up, I was already out of breath.

Main set: The directions I had from the workout were to try 10 laps at 80% effort alternating between freestyle and another stroke. After a couple laps, I was just trying to finish it up, mostly with breaststroke. Warm Down: 100 meters slow to try to slow my heart rate.

JUMPING IN

As I mentioned previously, I did not just try a workout, but I also prioritized jumping in the pool more frequently. As seen in the photo I included, I have been consistently going on walks (hint: next month’s Trying New Things), then jumping in the pool.

This has been absolutely wonderful – what a relief after feeling overheated in these summer months to be able to jump in the pool. Seriously, jump right in in the clothes you worked out in, and sit in the sun for a few minutes to dry off. I have yet to regret it!

BEGINNER FRIENDLY?

There are two sides to if swimming is beginner friendly or not. On one hand, swimming is low impact. For those who have joint problems, swimming might be the holy grail to being able to workout without hurting yourself more.

For those who are not strong swimmers, or maybe those who may not realize their form is not as good as they thought (myself included), swimming will pose quite a challenge.

One takeaway I did have from this Trying New Things is that I wish I had taken an actual swim lesson before I gave the workout a try. I did not realize how much my form would need improvement after attempting to swim laps; a swim lesson would have assisted me in not exhausting myself due to poor form.

INSIGHT & IMPRESSION

Not everyone has access to a pool, so I do want to mention that swimming is not as accessible as some of the other exercises I have featured in Trying New Things. I am fortunate enough to have a pool at my apartment complex, but that’s not the case for everyone.

Overall, I think swimming is worth a try! I think completing a sprint triathlon (750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride and a five-kilometer run) is on my bucket list, but the amount of time and effort that goes into training for swimming is not feasible right now. Regardless, I’m thrilled I prioritized jumping in the pool recently and gave swimming a try.

swimswam.com/swim-workouts-for-beginners

I may be in the minority, but up until recently, I was under the false pretense that I had “all the time in the world” to think about retirement, or a life where joints hurt, health declines and I become one of the older employees at a company.

Seeing a wave of newly hired 20-somethings enter the office and forgetting for a split second that you’re no longer one of them feels like a slight punch in the gut. It carries the capacity to make you question your life choices – past, present and future.

Of course, 21-year-old Amy deciding what she wanted to study in graduate school was under the assumption that she would be thriving, definitely married by now and would navigate a linear path to success since she followed the standard formula of staying out of trouble, excelling academically, attending college and pursuing an advanced degree. I hate to break it to that sweet, naïve version of myself, but she is not working in the field of her advanced degree, nowhere close to

Aging Out

I Never Thought I’d See The Day

by AM Y HILL

being married and is only sometimes thriving (when it’s sunny and 85 degrees outside and the apartment complex pool isn’t overrun with children splashing mid-morning). I’ve been hearing people talk a lot recently about major life changes, pursuing their goals and making moves across the country, and I started to realize that I was following a less-than-optimal formula by staying in my comfort zone while others are shaking things up and making things happen.

I’m going to go after what I want (whatever that really is), and it has to be now. I’m still young(ish), I still have my health (well –my physical health, that is) and I am still fortunate enough to have the freedom to pick up and move or make decisions without inconveniencing a spouse or children. It’s almost like I’m learning how to dream again. I’ve been asking myself about what I really want for the rest of my life. Do I want to be content and in my safety bubble where I am comfortable but not fully alive? Do I want to try something new, put in the effort necessary to drastically improve my quality of life and figure out what the rest of my life needs to look like? How many more nights am I going

to rot in front of my laptop asking ChatGPT to analyze my life, when I could be out there creating a new life that I claim to want?

Change is inherently uncomfortable, but sometimes, a swift kick in the butt is just what’s needed to get you out of your rut. I believe God has been dropping nuggets of hints my way by surrounding me with so much chatter about others’ career improvements, moves and major life changes in order to plant the seed of desire in me to go out and find it myself. Truthfully, I loathe taking big risks. I know risks are imperative and unavoidable for the most part, but avoiding risks is what is keeping me small.

When you still feel young and nothing really hurts when you move yet, it’s easy to feel like life isn’t going to pass you by and that you have time to waste. However, as reality has started setting in over the last year, I feel myself hitting a breaking point – I either go after what I want and do what it takes to make it happen, or I settle for an unfulfilling life and sell myself short. No one is coming to save me; I have to work through the fear and persevere for the good of my future and mental health.

FeatherLite Cosmetics Empowering Natural Beauty at Every Age

by MARTIE EMORY

photos by JODIE BRIM CREATIVE

While we all welcome fall and the traditional change of seasons, it’s also the perfect chance to focus on how our skin routines often vary with every new season of life!

“It’s an interesting parallel between the change of season and the hormonal changes women experience, such as perimenopause,” explains Tamara Vander Lugt, Co-Founder & CEO of FeatherLite Cosmetics, who has done her fair share of exploring various foundation formulas through the years. She bonded immediately with FeatherLite’s clean, innovative, all-natural mineral makeup that boosts natural beauty on a daily basis.

What’s been your tried and true makeup brand for years may interact differently with your current perimenopausal skin. Plus, they’ve discovered many women in the perimenopausal age group also have teenage daughters going through puberty. Both groups deal with significant skin changes, and FeatherLite foundations (available in 18 shades) can be an ideal remedy during these seasons of change.

“Perimenopause often brings dry, thinning or more sensitive skin, while puberty can bring its own skin challenges. That’s why we often see both mothers and daughters realizing that FeatherLite is their saving grace!” Tamara shares. “Our 100% mineral formulas are designed with both age groups in mind – no fillers, no irritants and no harsh chemicals. We allow only six simple, pure ingredients that let the skin breathe, calm inflammation and provide buildable coverage that doesn’t clog pores or settle into fine lines.”

Those magical ingredients are Sericite (a silky, natural mica that provides a smooth, soft-focus finish and helps blur fine lines), Kaolin Clay (gently absorbs excess oil and soothes irritated skin without over-drying), Magnesium Carbonate (adds a soft, matte texture and helps reduce shine for longer wear), Zinc Stearate (a naturally derived binder that helps powder adhere to skin and resist humidity), Zinc Oxide (offers anti-inflammatory benefits and natural sun protection) and Titanium Dioxide (provides excellent coverage and additional UV defense without synthetic SPF chemicals).

In addition, FeatherLite Cosmetics are free from parabens, fragrance, synthetic dyes, bismuth oxychloride, nano particles and fillers or preservatives.

“This minimalist approach keeps our products breathable, calming and non-comedogenic – perfect for both maturing skin and teens just beginning their skincare journey,” Tamara explains.

“Perimenopause significantly affects women’s skin due to hormonal changes, particularly a decrease in estrogen and progesterone – it’s these changes that lead to dryness, thinning, wrinkles and increased sensitivity. For example, estrogen encourages water retention in the skin, and its decline leads to reduced moisture and dryness. Collagen and elastin, which provide skin structure and elasticity, also decline, contributing to sagging and wrinkles,” she adds.

While generally associated with younger skin, some women may also experience acne during perimenopause, due to hormonal fluctuations that increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores.

Tamara shares that seeing two generations navigating hormonal changes, bonding over clean beauty and finding that perfect shade match together makes their efforts all worthwhile. FeatherLite’s three foundation sampler sets (each containing six shades) are especially popular for discovering your perfect match at any age.

September is also an exciting time at FeatherLite Cosmetics, as their color products transition for fall from September 1st until November 30th. The fabulous fall lineup includes the following: Two Illuminators in Candlelight Highlighter and Glow Bronzer, Three Blushes in Tart, Adobe and Barely Plum, 15 Eyeshadows: Matte choices in Chamois, Bisque, Jade Suede and Ink, and Shimmer choices of Star, Princess, Raspberry, Brindle, Golden Taupe, Sable, Aura, Lake, Wink, Twilight and Blacktop.

As always, seasonal samplers are available for the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer Collections, and Foundation Samplers are available in their six lightest shades, six light to medium shades and six medium to dark shades.

Join the FeatherLite community online at featherlitemakeup.com, and follow them on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram @ featherlite_cosmetics to keep up with new product updates and local events!

FALL COLORS

COLLECTION

Available Sep 1 – Nov 30 15 richly pigmented eyeshadows 3 soft, buildable blushes (Tart, Adobe, Barely Plum) 2 illuminating powders (Glow Bronzer & Candlelight Highlighter)

Gentle mineral formulas for skin that’s changing — at any age.

Explore the Fall Sampler 20 soothing shades made for real skin.

Finding Your Why: The Key to Greater Motivation, Meaning and Momentum

by LESLIE SPEAS

Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions at work or in life? Like you’re busy but not fulfilled? If so, it doesn’t mean you are broken. You may just be disconnected from your why.

Your why is your purpose, the deeper reason behind what you do. It’s what fuels your motivation, clarifies your decisions and connects your work to a greater impact. Whether you’re a leader, a professional in transition or someone craving more meaning, discovering your why can be lifechanging!

HOW TO FIND IT:

Here are 10 questions to help you get started:

1. What activities make you feel energized, even when they’re hard?

2. When have you felt most proud of yourself, and why?

3. What kind of problems do you love solving?

4. What breaks your heart or fires you up?

5. What do people thank you for?

6. If money and time weren’t a factor, how would you spend your days?

7. What values are non-negotiable for you?

8. Who inspires you, and what about his or her life or work resonates with you?

9. When do you feel most like yourself?

10. What legacy do you want to leave?

Here are four additional ways to discover your why:

1

LOOK BACK TO MOVE FORWARD

Create a timeline of your life, marking your high points (when you felt alive and fulfilled) and your low points (times of stress or misalignment). What patterns do you see? Your why often reveals itself in both the peaks and the valleys.

KEEP A REFLECTION JOURNAL

For 1–2 weeks, write daily answers to prompts like:

• What gave me energy today?

• What drained me?

• What felt meaningful?

This daily habit builds awareness of what consistently lights you up (or drags you down).

ASK PEOPLE YOU TRUST

Others often see strengths and passions we overlook. Ask questions like:

• When have you seen me at my best?

• What do you think I’m naturally good at?

• What do I get excited talking about?

Their feedback can offer powerful clues.

Once you have explored and clarified your purpose, write it down.

Try this simple formula:

I exist to [impact] by [using strength or skill] for [people or purpose].

As an example, mine is:

“I exist to help individuals reach their God-given potential and organizations create workplaces where employees will stay and thrive.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Once you discover your why, the next step is to align your actions.

Ask yourself:

• Are my daily activities reflecting my values?

• Does my current role allow me to live out my purpose?

• What small shifts could help me lead a more purpose-driven life? 2 3 4

TAKE A PURPOSE OR STRENGTHS ASSESSMENT

Tools like:

• Working Genius

• CliftonStrengths

• VIA Character Strengths

• Enneagram

…can help name your natural strengths and motivators.

I Growing Through Grief

had someone ask me how you lost your brother and grandma within months and still seem to grow a company…

I laughed because these moments made me who I am and allowed me to see all the infrastructure and systems work that I put into place.

It’s never anyone’s plan to lose loved ones, but I’m sorry to say it will happen to us all. Grief is more than losing someone; it’s the loss of anything. The loss of yourself as you embrace motherhood, the loss of something, the loss of people. The loss of your youthfulness as we age. It’s just grief.

This is what it looks like.

Growing through grief...

It’s messy. Sometimes ugly crying. Taking one step at a time. Sometimes one minute at a time.

It’s unpredictable.

It’s growing and learning to keep living, and I mean just that – living.

I want you to take a moment as you read this blog to think about what that means to you.

Is that a bucket list item?

Is that opening that company?

Is it taking that trip across the country?

I’m determined to show my team and others that you can be human, life happens and, especially as mothers, no more choosing what takes priority. If a company doesn’t have a culture that embraces the unseen, the lifechanging moments, then they have dehumanized people and unreal expectations.

Here are a few things to do when you are grieving the loss of anything:

1. Get the help you need. Whatever that looks like! Being strong... what is that? I often say if you don’t have a counselor...what is wrong with you?

2. Give yourself grace and remember you are not alone. Grief can make you feel like you are drowning with no life jacket in reach, so I’ll just say it...get your damn life jacket! Don’t allow the thoughts and narrative you play in your head to make you think, “I’m alone” or “I can’t call that friend; they don’t want to hear that.” You don’t know unless you call!

I encourage you to call the friend and say, “Do you have the capacity to handle this?” If they can handle it, great, then talk.”

1. Find your safe space. This looks different for everyone, and that’s okay. My safe space was my prayer corner. I wanted to find a way to make sense of it all, and that’s when it hit me. Joy, you think you can control it all, but you can’t! So, what’s that safe space for you? Is it walking and just feeling the wind hit your face? Is it sitting on the ground barefoot to recenter yourself? Whatever it is, find it and be okay going there.

I’m not an expert, just a woman with lived experience with a fight in her soul to make sure others know they are not alone. You have to take care of yourself first to show up for your company! I close with the words of a wise man who lost his life too soon to cancer. Life will not be impeccable; blemishes have created who we are today. So, we put our gloves on, no matter the shape, and fight. Each battle toughens us like leather.

I will continue to fight, Tom!

The journey continues, until next time...

of Milestones 20 YEARS

Forsyth Family Joins the Family

(continued on page

SEPTEMBER

2005

The debut issue of Forsyth Family hit the stands! Robin Bralley teamed up with Keela to create our very first sister publication.

NOVEMBER

2007

Hot off the press!

The very first issue of Forsyth Woman Magazine is published!

Consignment Shop Hop

We loaded buses full of women and shopped our way through 10+ consignment stores. At our peak: four buses, 200 women, and one very wild day!

Glossy & Glam

We upgraded from newspaper-style pages to glossy— a BIG moment in magazine history!

2008

Girls’ Night Out is Born!

Thanks to editor Kim Beane’s brilliant idea, we launched a monthly night out just for girlfriends—no business cards, no networking, just FUN. We’ve been hosting monthly GNOs ever since!

2010

JUNE

2011

We Said “I Do” to Weddings

Launched Forsyth Woman Engaged, a biannual wedding magazine that published for 10 years.

2012

Tour de Boutique Debuts

A brand-new shopping adventure— busloads of women visiting local boutiques together!

(continued on page 70)

2013

100th Issue Party!

Celebrated in style at WinMock with nearly 500 of our readers and friends.

2014

Our First Office!

We opened our office at the Broyhill Center (and gave “office life” a whirl for a year).

We’re On the Air!

Launched the Forsyth Mags Podcast! New episodes drop every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

2015

Relocation Guide

Published

The first issue of Forsyth Community, celebrating life in Lewisville-Clemmons, was released.

2016

2018

Walking for Warriors

A massive Forsyth Mags team joined the Susan G. Komen Walk to celebrate Robin Bralley’s recovery and support Keela Johnson during her second battle with breast cancer.

2020

www.megansmith-photography.com

info@megansmith-photography.com

Sweet 16 Party

Why 16? It’s our family’s lucky number! We celebrated big at The Barn at Reynolda.

Hello, LKN Magazine!

We expanded to the Lake Norman area with the launch of LKN Magazine.

20 YEARS OF FORSYTH WOMAN!

Here we are— celebrating TWO DECADES of community, connection, and women supporting women!

Pivot, Pivot, Pivot!

COVID changed everything. We introduced a self-guided Tour de Boutique, set up neighborhood magazine racks, and even hosted virtual GNOs.

SEPTEMBER 2021

SEPTEMBER 2022 2024

Women on the Move Conference

Our first-ever conference sold out! Now an inspiring annual tradition— save the date for March 19, 2026!

Boutique Crawl Reimagined

We brought back the shopping fun with a refreshed format and a lively pregame party!

Forsyth Humane Society Launches Low-Cost Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic Compassion in Action:

Behind every life saved and every adoption that brings a pet into a loving home is a deeply held belief: compassion is not just a value – it is an action. As Forsyth Humane Society (FHS) prepares to enter its 85th year, this guiding principle continues to fuel transformative work in animal welfare – now driving an ambitious new initiative that promises to improve the lives of pets and their people throughout Forsyth County and beyond.

This fall, FHS proudly announces the opening of its Low-Cost Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic, a project born out of both urgency and hope. This new clinic represents a pivotal step forward in the organization’s ongoing mission: to promote and provide for the humane treatment of animals. More than just a medical facility, the clinic is a community investment – an expression of what it means to put Compassion in Action.

in Action. This philosophy is more than just a slogan – it is embedded in every decision, every program and every interaction with the community.

generosity – from individuals giving what they can to partners helping us stretch every dollar. This clinic is the result of shared compassion and shared action.”

As the clinic opens its doors, FHS looks to the future with optimism. The organization believes this model can be expanded and replicated, demonstrating that systemic change is possible when compassion leads the way.

The Low-Cost Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic will not only reduce intake at local shelters – it will preserve families, prevent suffering and help build a healthier, more humane community.

FHS has long been a leader in animal welfare in North Carolina. Operating with an unwavering commitment to reducing pet overpopulation, FHS has continually worked to expand access to services that prevent suffering before it begins. The new clinic addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing the community – the lack of affordable access to spay/neuter surgeries and essential wellness services.

Spay and neuter surgeries are among the most effective strategies for curbing the number of unwanted litters that lead to shelter overcrowding and animal homelessness. Yet for many families in Forsyth County – particularly those facing economic hardship – these services have remained financially out of reach. The FHS Clinic seeks to change that.

“Preventive care is lifesaving care,” says Mark Neff, CEO of Forsyth Humane Society. “We see this clinic as both a response to a critical need and a promise kept – to ensure that every pet has the chance to live a healthy life, and every family has access to the tools to make that possible.”

The clinic is a manifestation of Forsyth Humane Society’s core belief: Compassion

This initiative is not just about medical care. It is about closing the gap between what pets need and what families can afford. It is about reducing the number of animals surrendered to shelters due to preventable health issues. And, it is about empowering the community to be a part of the solution.

The clinic will provide spay and neuter services, vaccinations, microchipping and basic wellness exams at significantly reduced prices. It will also serve as an educational hub, helping pet owners understand their animals’ needs and make informed decisions.

The road to this clinic’s opening has been paved with collaboration, dedication and remarkable generosity. Forsyth Humane Society has established a permanent facility thoughtfully designed for both efficiency and impact, with the capacity to perform thousands of procedures each year. Thanks to the strong support of the community, the clinic features state-of-the-art surgical suites – each built to uphold the highest standards of animal care while ensuring a welcoming, respectful experience for every client.

“Our community has rallied behind this effort,” Neff says. “We’ve seen incredible

In a world where many face obstacles and unequal access to care, Forsyth Humane Society is showing what can happen when compassion is put into motion.

To be part of this compassionate mission – whether by scheduling an appointment, making a gift or learning how you can get involved – visit forsythhumane.org and help us create a healthier future for pets and the people who love them.

Purpose Push:

Wise Counsel & God’s Compass

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

We know how powerful a woman’s intuition can be, and in business, it’s common to be told to “trust our gut.” But, I am an emotional creature, and I’ve had plenty of moments of making impulse decisions that, in hindsight, I realized I should’ve never done because I was too excited or too reactive.

For those of us who walk with God, our “gut” should be guided by the Holy Spirit which, oftentimes, famously comes when we have a clear head, breathe and listen for that whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12). Are you launching a new business, shifting direction or strategizing growth? God has everything you need to reach your goals in what He provides and in the people He’s appointed to your life. However, there’s a divine way to approach it that keeps God in the CEO position while gleaning wisdom from role models and cultivating your unique calling.

Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” God’s gift is to protect and sharpen you through wise counsel. He wired you to thrive in community because you grow best when you’re open to the perspectives, experiences and corrections of others who also walk with Him. Wise counsel can come from people who have walked further than you or are walking alongside you, but they have developed a deeper understanding in areas where you’re still learning. Their insights are valuable, but even as you seek advice and support, remember that no human voice should speak louder than God’s.

This can be challenging as God desires for you to walk in confidence and security, knowing exactly who He created you to be. Your personality, your strengths and your quirks are not accidents; they’re intentional and given to you to be used and set yourself apart. Your wise counsel may not fully understand because they’ve never been you. Wisdom can be instilled in you without compromising or muting your voice. Don’t fall into the trick of people-pleasing. Ultimately, only you and God know the full vision He has placed within your heart. Others can support it, encourage it and even help shape it, but they can’t see the entire picture like you can.

I encourage you to read the book of Esther. As a newly appointed queen, she had great influence.

by SHERIDAN C. WATKINS

She had wise counsel in her cousin, Mordecai, who guided her with bold and prophetic wisdom. But, it was Esther who ultimately had to discern the right moment to walk into the king’s court and save her people. She listened, but she also trusted what God had uniquely called her to do.

There will be moments in your life and business when you’ll be met with conflicting opinions. When that happens, lean into 1 John 2:27: “The anointing that you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you…” Wise counsel is a divine tool, not your compass. God is your compass. He is the one who knows every turn in your journey. You don’t need the world’s approval for a vision they weren’t given. Simply stay humble enough to listen to others, but stay grounded enough to discern what’s truly for you. I have faith in you.

CRUSH YOUR CRAVINGS:

7 Smart Strategies Every Woman Should Know

by JANE BURNETTE healthcoachjane.com

IG @coachjanebb FB @coachjanebb

We’ve all been there – that sudden craving that feels like it has complete control over you. It’s 9:00 p.m., the kids are finally in bed and that chocolate bar in the pantry is calling your name. hard.

Here’s the truth – cravings aren’t a sign of weakness; they’re simply learned behaviors and physiological signals that can be managed with the right tools. Instead of white-knuckling it through or giving in and feeling guilty, try these seven strategies that actually work.

1. RIDE THE WAVE (A.K.A. SURF THE URGE)

Cravings come in waves – they rise, peak and eventually fade. The trick? Stay on the surfboard long enough for the wave to pass.

Here’s a mental exercise: Close your eyes and imagine you’re watching the ocean. A small boat floats on the water, bobbing with the waves. With every inhale, a wave rolls in, representing your craving as it grows stronger. As you exhale, the wave drifts out, pulling the craving farther away. Each time you breathe out, picture the waves receding a little more until the boat disappears beyond the horizon.

The craving will pass – just like waves always do.

2. THE LEAF ON THE CREEK TRICK

This is another visualization technique that works wonders. Picture your craving as a thought sitting on a leaf floating down a gentle stream. With every inhale, the leaf bobs slightly. With every exhale, it drifts farther away. Eventually, it disappears.

Cravings are temporary – and so is that chocolate obsession.

3. CREATE AN IF-THEN PLAN

Willpower is overrated. Planning wins every time. The best way to handle cravings is to decide what you’ll do before they hit.

Here’s how:

• If I crave chocolate, I will drink a protein shake or grab a piece of fruit.

• If I want to snack while watching TV, I will sip herbal tea or do a five-minute stretch.

The key is to make your plan specific but flexible. Don’t lock yourself into “I’ll eat an apple” if you never buy apples. Instead, give yourself two or three alternatives so you’re never stuck.

4. TRY MENTAL CONTRASTING

This strategy is about pairing optimism with realism. Grab a notebook and: 1. Write your goal (e.g., “I want to feel strong and confident in my clothes.”).

2. List the benefits (better energy, improved health).

3. Identify the biggest roadblock (like late-night snacking).

This exercise not only helps you anticipate challenges, but it also makes you more committed to your goal.

5. INTERRUPT THE PATTERN

Sometimes you need to break the craving loop with action. Next time a craving hits, do something completely unrelated:

• Take a quick walk

• Brush your teeth

• Call a friend

• Knock out 10 squats

Even a two-minute distraction can be enough to let the craving fade.

6. CELEBRATE SMALL WINS

Each time you ride out a craving, you strengthen your confidence. It’s like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Track your successes in a journal or a note on your phone. Seeing those wins adds motivation when the next craving hits.

7. EXPECT CRAVINGS – DON’T FEAR THEM

The biggest mistake most women make? Thinking cravings mean failure. They don’t. They mean you’re human. Cravings are normal, and they’ll come and go. Success doesn’t come from avoiding cravings – it comes from having a game plan.

Bottom line: Cravings will happen. But, with the right tools, you can take back control without feeling deprived or guilty. Start small – choose one strategy to try this week. When that 9:00 p.m. chocolate craving hits, you’ll be ready.

Pro Tip: Write down your If-Then plan and put it on your fridge or phone wallpaper. When the craving strikes, your response will be right in front of you.

Sweet Sips and Sweet Sounds Let Us Host You!

by TERRI MOY, photos by LENNYJMEDIA

Stay-at-home moms sometimes want just a little more –more connection, more creativity, more purpose. Fizz & Beats™ is our more! This isn’t just another festival; this exclusive lawn party is making an impact on the community. Favored Conferences and Events is built on the energy and tenacity of moms, and we look forward to hosting you this year.

As moms, we host people in our homes and make them feel welcome, but this is different. We are using our skills and bringing back, for the third time, an exclusive lawn party where you’re invited to sit back and enjoy the food, music and mocktails. We want you to kick back and sip a drink that gives you all the good feels!

Three years ago, a small group of ladies had a big idea. We wanted to create something different for our community, a festival not like any other.

Fizz & Beats™ 2025 is returning in style on Saturday, September 20th from noon to 5:00 p.m., taking over Kernersville’s Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. What started as a dream is now a signature event – carefully planned and lovingly organized by our hands and hearts, with a focus on safe, alcohol-free fun for everyone.

Every detail is a labor of love, from booking the main stage acts to selecting the best family friendly activities to keep everyone smiling. This year, we’re especially excited to welcome the high energy sounds of Rags and Riches, along with fan favorite Jimmy Mowery as seen on The Voice and the unique talents of Sam Swanson, Mason Via and Lucy Kirby. But, we don’t stop at music – this festival is about surprises and delight, so national comedian Jonnie W. will be bringing the laughs, and celebrity magician TJ Hill will dazzle and amaze, both on stage and mingling with guests.

One thing that makes Fizz & Beats™ truly unique is our focus on zero-proof fun. Our Mocktail Showdown is the highlight – four inventive local vendors whip up their best alcohol-free creations, letting festival guests and a celebrity panel choose the top sipper of the season. We wanted a space where everyone, young and old, could share in the festivities without missing out on the flavor – and it’s become a signature of what we do. This year’s contenders are Cordial Cowboy, Chef Gunny, DarnGood Lemonade and The Sippy Chick.

Of course, every great party needs great food, so we’ve gathered six incredible food trucks, serving everything from Cuban comfort food and sushi to delicious ice cream. If you need a pick-me-up, Kyle’s Coffee will keep you fueled for dancing and play. Joining us is Sushi Empire, Anytime SweetsGrill, JJ’s Cuban Kitchen, Vice Cream, La Moñona and The Hummingbird Truck.

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Around every corner, there’s something to discover: face painting, caricatures, an art exhibit curated by our friends at Inspire Creative and booths full of handmade crafts and artisan treasures. We wanted this to be a place where everyone could explore, laugh and create new memories together.

For those wanting a little extra, our VIP experience gives early access, exclusive perks and an invitation to a private, intimate comedy show with Jonnie W. once the sun sets.

But, at the core of it all – what matters most to us –is giving back. Every ticket supports scholarships and vital recovery services through Greater Piedmont Adult & Teen Challenge. You’ll see men from that program volunteering at the festival, sharing their stories and spreading gratitude. It’s our way of multiplying the joy and support our community gives back to those who need it most.

As a team mostly made up of moms, we’re so proud to be pouring our hearts into this event for a third year in a row. We want this to be a safe space where all can celebrate, connect and know they’re making a difference just by being here.

So, grab your tickets – advance admission is just $12 (save 20%), kids 14 and under are free and a limited number of VIP passes are available for $35. Every ticket is a chance to experience live music, access delicious eats, sip creative mocktails with a sample card, a chance to vote, art and laughter –with a mission at the heart.

From our families to yours, we invite you to join us for an inspiring, alcohol-free festival that’s all about togetherness and giving back. Bring your chair, and see you at the garden!

Made possible by our incredible sponsors:

Thanks to our Stage Sponsor: JC Sound

Beats Master Sponsors: Josh Bondy, ARC Financial & Insurance, American Moving & Hauling, Kernersville Magazine, Forsyth Woman, Lenny J. Media and Yugar Productions

Photobooth Sponsored by Jesse A. Grimm, DDS

Jonnie W. VIP Comedy Show Sponsored by Micah Brown Media

Check-in & Registration Sponsored by Access Virtual Staffing

Other Rockstar Sponsors and Sweet Supporters include: First Horizon Bank, Kernersville Counseling Center, Bailey Wealth Management, Triangle Lawn Games, Glenn Ashby Designs, Goins Law, Engage Recovery, Alumiworks, Triad Restroom Rentals, and NC Treatment Campaign through Addiction Professionals of North Carolina.

See you on the lawn!

Healing Through Nature

Glamping Wild Introduces

the North Carolina High Country’s First Certified Forest Bathing Trail

In the rolling hills of North Carolina’s High Country, a quiet invitation has been extended — not to hike, camp, or conquer the outdoors, but to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be in nature.

At Glamping Wild, a luxury nature glamping retreat nestled in the untouched beauty of Ashe County, that invitation is now officially a certified experience. This summer, Glamping Wild launched the region’s first certified forest bathing trail. To the uninitiated, nature and forest therapy is inspired by ShinrinYoku, the Japanese practice of “forest bathing” or immersing oneself in the healing qualities of nature. Glamping Wild’s Forest bathing trail meanders through tranquil wetlands preserve, inviting guests to slow down, notice deeply, and engage all their senses in the healing rhythm of the natural world.

This unique trail was certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) under the expert guidance of Kelly Bruce, a nationally recognized forest therapy guide, trail consultant, and founder of Natural Wanders, based in Western North Carolina. Bruce worked closely with the Glamping Wild team to design and certify a route that honors the land’s natural rhythms while creating a deeply restorative experience for guests.

“So many people are burned out, disconnected from their own bodies and from the land beneath their feet,” says Glamping Wild founder Debby Hanley. “This trail offers a different way to be outside in nature — not as a hiker or a tourist, but as a human being remembering what it feels like to belong to the Earth.”

The trail unofficially begins on a guest’s private geodome deck, then weaves gently down through the wetlands, into a meditative walking labyrinth, and beside a quiet stream. Along the way, guests are gently “invited” to pause, listen and reconnect.

Streamside sit spots are provided for comfortable reflection and a

concluding tea ceremony. It’s less a path to be followed and more a journey inward, facilitated by the natural world.

Unlike traditional hiking trails, a forest bathing trail is designed for slowness and stillness, with no destination or endpoint in mind. And while many certified trails are set in wooded environments, Glamping Wild’s trail expands the concept into a nature-based experience, highlighting the serenity of open sky, water, grasses, and seasonal changes in a dynamic wetland ecosystem.

“We wanted to reflect the true nature of our land,” Hanley says. “The wetlands here are alive with birdsong and movement. There’s something incredibly calming and honest about this landscape, and we felt it too deserved to be part of the forest bathing experience.”

Access to the trail is currently limited to overnight guests and those booking guided forest therapy walks with ANFTcertified guides. Guided sessions offer a deeper layer of engagement, often incorporating gentle movement, sensory invitations, and relational practices to enhance connection with the land and each other.

But the trail through the wetlands is just the beginning.

Glamping Wild is already working on its second certified trail, which will wind

upper ridge of the 40-acre property. Slated to open later this year, the upper forest bathing trail will bring guests under a shaded canopy and offer an elevated, yet grounding, journey — a companion experience to the more open and flowing nature of the wetlands path below.

As Hanley explains it, the new forest bathing offerings are part of Glamping Wild’s larger mission: to create a retreat space where luxury and wildness exist in harmony, and where guests can find both adventure and deep rest.

Alongside the forest bathing trails, Glamping Wild offers luxuriously appointed geodesic domes, each designed for privacy, comfort, and connection to the natural world.

“People don’t just want a vacation anymore,” Hanley says. “They want transformation — or at the very least, to feel something real again through wellness and self-care. That’s what this land offers, and our job is simply to get out of the way and let the experience unfold.”

Learn more or book your stay at GoGlampingWild.com or follow along on Facebook & Instagram at @ glampingwild. To learn more about Kelly Bruce, ANFT and forest therapy, visit NaturalWanders.us and ANFT.earth.

WOMEN ON

GABBY VALENTINE

TAHJA GAYMON

Tahja Gaymon holds a MPA from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a BA from Bennett College. Most recently, she worked as the Director of Alumnae Engagement for Salem Academy. With more than 11 years of nonprofit experience, Tahja most recently served on the board of LEAD Girls of NC before joining the organization as the Resource Development Officer. She currently serves on the Seven Over 70 Committee and has served on several other boards in the community including Horizons Residential Care Center, Winston-Salem Foundation Women’s Fund Committee and the YWCA Women of Vision Committee. She is also a graduate of the HandsOn Wake Forest University Women’s Emerging Leaders Program. “Each time I encounter someone, I want to be able to say their life is better because of something I said or did to help them along the way.” In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching action-packed movies with her husband and is a dedicated “dance mom” to a very active teenage daughter.

Gabby Valentine is a clothier with Tom James. She was selected to teach incoming sales representatives at the company’s official Sales School training program and is currently running a business in one year that consists of 50% female cliental. She earned her degree from Appalachian State University. In her spare time, Gabby enjoys fitness and wellness including yoga classes, Pilates, lifting, outdoor activities like hiking or just being in nature. She also likes to spend time shopping and learning about fashion including current trends and the history of fashion, in general. She credits her work ethic to her mom, Nikki, who showed her what real hard work and dedication look like.

SHAUNNA GREY

Shaunna Grey is the owner and lead trainer of Crown Jewel K9. She has established herself as the leader of a well-known dog training business in the community. Shaunna has a master’s degree in strategic intelligence from National Intelligence University and is a certified master dog trainer from Highland K9 School for dog trainers. She enjoys mastering scent work and search and rescue training with her personal dogs, hiking and, as of lately, home renovations.

THE MOVE

EMILY JAMISON

Emily Jamison is a certified transaction coordinator and the owner of Perfect Transition Partners, a company built from the heart to help real estate agents stay focused on their clients while Emily takes care of the details. “I proudly serve agents across the Triad region of North Carolina, making the process from contract to close smooth, stress-free and handled with care. After nearly five years in the real estate industry and more than 20 years in clientfocused roles, I saw firsthand just how much support agents truly need behind the scenes. In July of 2024, I took a leap of faith and launched my own business. Since then, I’ve successfully coordinated dozens of closings, met (and exceeded) the business goals I set and built lasting partnerships with agents who trust me to keep things on track. At Perfect Transaction Partners, I handle all the behind-the-scenes details including scheduling inspections and closings, coordinating documents and signatures, monitoring deadlines and communication, and supporting agents with seamless service, every step of the way. Faith, family and service are the values that guide me in everything I do – both personally and professionally. I’m incredibly proud to be a wife to my husband, Todd, who works fulltime and still finds the time and energy to care for our family cattle farm. We’re blessed with two amazing children, Peyton and Parker, who keep our lives full of joy, purpose and adventure. As a family, we love spending time camping, enjoying the outdoors and making memories on the farm.

KEELEY SPAGNOLA

Keeley Spagnola is a Winston-Salem-based Realtor with a background in culinary and hospitality management – and a heart for helping people feel at home. Originally from Florida, Keeley brings a warm, welcoming approach to real estate that’s rooted in her love of service and strong attention to detail. Her clients often describe her as both professional and approachable with a knack for making the process feel smooth (and even fun). Whether you’re buying your first home or selling your last, Keeley takes the time to truly understand your goals and guide you every step of the way. Outside of real estate, Keeley stays busy with her kids, planning fun date nights with her husband and exploring everything the Triad has to offer. She’s always on the lookout for great food, local finds and spaces that feel special. Keeley believes that finding the right home should feel personal, not just like checking a box. With a thoughtful mix of experience, humor and heart, she’s proud to help clients turn houses into homes.

CELEBRATIONS

Ian and Natalie Jenkins

Married

The Longhouse in Stokesdale

Emma Jo Marsh Photography

Huge congratulations to Michael Brandon on the grand opening of The Rooted Magnolia — your talent, vision, and heart are now officially in full bloom for the world to see!

LOCAL EVENTS

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

SEPTEMBER 5-7

BAROQUE ERA PERFORMANCES

Times and locations vary. Artistic Director Glenn Siebert presents vocal and instrumental works from the Baroque era performed on authentic instruments. Schedule is 9/5: Wesley Memorial Methodist, High Point, 7pm; 9/6 Home Moravian, 12pm; 9/6 Lot 63, Old Salem, 7:30pm; and 9/7 Home Moravian, 3pm.

SEPTEMBER 5-7

FORSYTH GEM, MINERAL, FOSSIL AND JEWELRY SHOW @ W-S FAIRGROUNDS

2886 Shorefair Drive. This show will feature vendors selling mineral and fossil specimens, jewelry components, fine and custom jewelry, tools, lapidary equipment and various other items. FGMC members will be available throughout the weekend to help identify minerals, to provide lapidary demonstrations and sell/cut geodes. Adults: $3 and children get in free.

SEPTEMBER 6

INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

11am-5pm, Winston Square Park. Take a trip around the world at the International Village Food and Music Festival! This free annual festival, hosted by the City of Winston-Salem Human Relations Department, features all day live entertainment by musicians and cultural organizations. Discover the rich tapestry of Winston-Salem’s international community while savoring diverse global dishes from a variety of food trucks and exploring a marketplace filled with international crafts, jewelry, gifts and more.

SEPTEMBER 6

BEER, BOURBON AND BBQ FESTIVAL @ W-S FAIRGROUNDS

12-6pm, 569 Fairgrounds Boulevard in W-S. We are bringing the East Coast’s Favorite BBQ festival to the Twin City for the First Time Ever, and we are going WILD! Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass and Smoked Beasts! It’s a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’ and barbecue eatin’. These tickets are limited and always sell out. Visit winstonsalem. beerandbourbon.com.

SEPTEMBER 7

LIVE FLAMENCO NIGHT

6pm, Manolo’s, 848 West Fifth Street in W-S. Experience an unforgettable evening at Manolo’s with internationally acclaimed guitarist Ed Stephenson, joined by two internationally acclaimed dancers and a live vocalist for a powerful four-piece flamenco show. Enjoy the passion of flamenco, fine wine, handcrafted cocktails and chef curated plates, all in an intimate setting.

SEPTEMBER 18

FORSYTH WOMAN TURNS 20!

6-9pm, The Crest at the Hawthorne, 102 Cherry Street in W-S. Join us for a fabulous evening of memories, milestones and magazine magic as we celebrate 20 years of Forsyth Woman! Wear your best cocktail attire and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres plus full event access for $40 per person. Cash bar, photo ops, sweet treats and more! Space is limited! Proceeds benefit LEAD Girls of NC.

SEPTEMBER 20

LEWISVILLE-CLEMMONS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT & BEGINNER WORKSHOPS

Forsyth Country Day School. Join us for a funfilled day of pickleball, community connection and active fun for all skill levels! Limited to 30 spots. One-hour workshops at 10am and 11am, designed for those new to pickleball, covering basic rules, essential skills and strategies. The Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce is proud to host this event to foster community engagement and support local businesses. Sponsorships help make this event possible and promote a thriving business community. Register at members.lewisville-clemmons. com/events

SEPTEMBER 20

SHREDDING EVENT SPONSORED BY BERMUDA RUN GARDEN CLUB

9am-12pm, 120 Kinderton Boulevard in Bermuda Run. Cost is $5 per brown grocery bag or equivalent size box. Cash only. Rain or shine. Proceeds go to various Davie County organizations supported by the Bermuda Run Garden Club. Contact Marie at 336.650.5518 with questions.

SEPTEMBER

20

YOUR HOME MARKETPLACE FALL 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-squarefoot showplace will feature a sale! Peruse a beautiful and eclectic array of home decor and furnishings, vintage items and antiques, furniture, jewelry, clothing, Fusion Mineral paint, lots of gift ideas and much more! Bring family or friends and be sure to put your name in our gift certificate drawing box! Follow us on Facebook at “Your Home Marketplace” and on Instagram at “yhmwinston.”

SEPTEMBER 20

FIZZ AND BEATS ZERO PROOF FEST 2025: THE GREATEST LAWN PARTY EVER

12-6pm, Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, 215 South Main Street in Kernersville. Join us for a full day of music, food and mocktails! Fizz & Beats Zero Proof Fest in the Triad, hosted by Favored Conferences and Events LLC! This is an exciting community event for the entire family where live music, local food trucks, zero-proof mocktails, contests, prizes and diverse vendors come together, all while supporting a great cause, The Greater Piedmont Adult and Teen Challenge. Grab your tickets now at app.showslinger.com/v/Fizz-and-BeatsFest.

SEPTEMBER 20

TAILS AND TIES: A FIXED AFFAIR

6pm, Robert Hall, 874 N. Liberty Street in W-S. Celebrating 25 years of impacting our community. Enjoy a plated dinner, exciting auctions, favorite libations and heartfelt camaraderie. All proceeds will support our mission to provide vital spay-neuter services – a key step in creating a more humane world for animals. Let’s raise a glass to compassion, community and 25 years of making a difference! Purchase tickets at onecau. se/tailsandties25.

SEPTEMBER 25

BOOKMARKS FESTIVAL

9:30am, Bookmarks, 634 W. 4th Street in W-S. Bookmarks is celebrating 20 years of providing access to books and cultivating community in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County area. There are ticketed events on Thursday and Friday before the free Saturday festival. On Saturday, everyone is invited to join us for books talks and book signings with 50+ authors of various genres. There will also be activities and panels for kid and family all day long. Stay connected and learn more by visiting bookmarksnc.org/ festival.

SEPTEMBER 27

APPLE FESTIVAL

10am-4pm, Historic Bethabara Park. Spend the first Saturday of fall visiting with artists and artisans; tapping your toes to the sounds of regional musicians; listening to Ken Bloom play the bowed dulcimer; exploring history with 18th century craftsmen; playing Colonial games; having your face painted; purchasing and eating apples; enjoying a meal from your favorite local food vendor; and more! Admission is FREE; there are charges for food and crafts.

FUTURE

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-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 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!

Save the Date

Forsyth Woman Turns 20and You’re Invited!

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE TWO DECADES OF EMPOWERING WOMEN AND SUPPORTING LOCAL!

Thursday September 18th, 2025 6 - 9pm The Crest Winston-Salem

Cocktail Attire I Cash Bar I Heavy Hors d’oeuvres A Walk Down Memory Lane + Plenty of Photo Ops

Limited Tickets Available *Proceeds benefiting LEAD Girls of NC

Scan the QR code or visit forsythwoman20.eventbrite.com to buy your ticket!

Conversation with Your BFF

“What Can I Do to Keep a Family Member from Playing the Victim When Confronted?”

by REBECCA COOPER

Throughout our lives, family can be a source of love and support, but also one of the most complicated places you can be to maintain healthy boundaries. When you are brave enough to speak the truth about being hurt, and instead of accountability, you’re met with deflection and accusations of “creating drama,” it can leave you questioning your own reality. But, “how can you confront family and not have them play the victim card?” I am so glad you asked!

RESOLUTION ISN’T WHAT THEY WANT…IT IS CONTROL!

If you have a family member who consistently plays the victim, their goal is not to solve the problem and have peace in the family; they want to control the narrative. The moment you try and discuss how they have hurt you, they get defensive and start blame-shifting. Don’t fall prey to this manipulation. Stand your ground and know the truth is on your side.

HOW DID I BECOME THE VILLAIN?

When you are finally strong enough to express how you have been hurt and you hear, “I can’t believe how you are treating me!” Being honest becomes an attack in their eyes.

Remember, that holding someone accountable isn’t an act of cruelty, is a form of self-respect.

TO THEM IT IS DRAMA, BUT TO YOU, IT IS TRUTH!

Truth has a way of upsetting the apple cart; disturbing what’s been comfortably ignored. All that stuff swept under the rug eventually becomes a big lump to trip you. When you speak honesty and truth, you threaten the story that your family member has built about themselves. To discredit you, they call you “dramatic” or “overly sensitive.” Stay the course because truth is never drama, it brings clarity to a situation.

TRUTH WILL NEVER REQUIRE SOMEONE’S APPROVAL

I have definitely been in this situation. A hard part of speaking up is knowing the person may never admit you’re right. They rewrite history and say what you remember isn’t the way things happened. It is hard, but let go of the need for them to approve your truth. Reality isn’t validated by what another person believes. You know how you were hurt.

THEIR COMFORT ISN’T YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

When you are trying to heal from a family member who has hurt you, sometimes you need space, to set boundaries and to say those things that others may not want to hear. Just remember that you shouldn’t soften your approach to the truth and the hurt you’ve experienced to make them comfortable. That is how they got how they are…everyone walking to eggshells, trying to make things okay and dismissing the hurt they have caused.

No matter what anyone says, you aren’t cruel for naming what was done to you to cause you pain. You are not dramatic for wanting resolution, and you aren’t responsible for the family member’s reaction. Truth leads to peace, so never apologize for moving through pain toward peace.