FW May 2021

May 2021

WFBH

Windsor Jewelers

C E L E B R AT I N G Y O U R TA L E N T S + P E R S O N A L B R A N D

Jodie Brim Owner

Jodie Brim Photography

www.jodiebrim.com | 336.997.9487 @jodiebrimphotography 405 N. Cherry Street, Suite 200 | Winston-Salem

SPRING TIME & DRESSES IT’S A NATURAL

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S K I N C A R E , A LT E R AT I O N S , S P O R T S W E A R , S P E C I A L O C C A S I O N , B R I D A L , P R O M

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Serving Forsyth for more than 20 years Dukeeye.org | 336-768-3240 | 1340 Creekshire Way | Winston Salem, NC 27103

PUBLISHER Brooke Eagle Brooke@ForsythMags.com

The Publisher Perspective

EDITOR Keela Johnson Keela@ForsythMags.com

With May comes Mother’s Day… and DASH GAMES! I’m thrilled the Winston-Salem Dash is back with another season. Their first home game is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4th, and I cannot wait! Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is the following Sunday, May 9th. I believe moms deserve being celebrated ALL year long… but I love that we have a special day designated for it. Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, my mamaw, all the women in my life who have felt like second mothers to me, and to ALL the amazing mamas out there!

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tamara Bodford

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kristi Marion Heather Spivey

ADVERTISING Advertising @ForsythMags.com

I am blessed to have a mom who I also consider my best friend.

The older I get, the more alike I realize we are. We may not look alike (I’m the spitting image of my dad), but I’m honored to have picked up even a small portion of her drive, passion, and tenacity for life (and a little bit of her dramatic side, too). If you know Keela (aka KeeKee), you know what I’m talking about. She is one-in-a-million. I am thrilled to tell you about a spread in this issue we’ve been planning for a few months! Check out page 26 to see the faces behind several local W-S Mother/Daughter-owned businesses! They tell us what it’s like working together and it’s the perfect addition to our May issue. And if you are on the hunt for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, look no further! We have a Mother’s Day Gift Guide on pages 80-85 with lots of amazing – and local—gift ideas!

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Vonda Henderson

BACK OFFICE & VIRTUAL ASSISTANT The Office Nerd, Denise Heidel

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER JEJ Photos

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

In case you’ve missed it, we’ve been doing a “Team Forsyth Mags” Question of the month for the last several months. This month, we asked our team to share their favorite local dish at their favorite local restaurant. Responses ranged from the Bananas Foster pancakes at Young Cardinal to the gourmet meatloaf at Mozelle’s. Check out all of our responses on page 118. This weather is perfect for dining al fresco and I’d encourage you to give these spots a try! Local restaurants still need our support more than ever! Be sure to tell them the team at Forsyth Mags sent you!

JEJ Photos Jodie Brim Photography Photo Artistry by Melinda

CONTENT EDITORS Kim Beane Meghan Corbett (Assistant)

One last thing… Registration is officially open for 2021 Tour de Boutique! Tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/2021FWTDB! We received overwhelmingly positive feedback on our self-guided version of the tour last year and are pleased to announce that we are hosting this self-guided version again on Saturday, October 2nd! Stay tuned to our @forsythmags social media pages to stay in-the-know for this exciting event!

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Meghan Corbett Denise Heidel Carolyn Peterson

OTHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jen Brown Karen Cooper Martie Emory Denise Heidel Amy Hill Taryn Jerez Jean Marie Johnson Debbie Lanier Tabatha Renegar Susan Schabacker Lauren Sephton Megan Taylor *others credited throughout accordingly

All my best,

Brooke Eagle, Publisher

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Emerson Designs

WEB DESIGN/ MAINTENANCE Nu | NuExpression.com

Be sure to pick up a brand new issue of @fwengaged!

PHOTO ARTISTRY BY MELINDA

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.

BROOKE NOTES

Brookridge Retirement

@forsythmags

20 Wearing Your Faith Woman 32 Forsyth Engaged We’re Back, Bold & Beautiful On the 40 NEW! Road Again Local at 42 Drink Gypsy Road Brewing Company Week - May 6 50 Nurses through May 12

58

STORY 58 COVER Novant Health

COVER STORY

WomanCare: Where Teamwork and Service Come Together Eats in 88 Street Winston-Salem the 106 Paint Wall Already Wrong & 110 I’m Uncomfortable

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80

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

About it. Now What? of an 124 Confessions Ex-People Pleaser

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34 May 2021 | 11

FINDING FREEDOM IN AN ALCOHOL-FREE LIFE

BY JANELLE WILKES, TJ WILKES PHOTOGRAPHY

I DID IT!!!

I still have a lot of work to do. 2020, with its shelter-in-place and social distancing, offered very few temptations -- no get togethers, no outings, no date nights, no weddings, no vacations. I know I will still have to cycle through the calendar year of holidays, birthdays and BBQs. Luckily, I have momentum in my favor and a continued thirst for freedom!

I have suffered my last Day 1.

I have spent many years trapped in a shame cycle of overdrinking and trying to cut back.

Nothing triggers self-loathing and regret quite like waking up full of anxiety with nearly no memories of the night before. The next morning, I’d be gingerly walking on eggshells and testing the energy around me. I’d silently try to gauge if my husband was mad at me for something I did or said. I will not forget that feeling, because it’s what is keeping me alcohol-free.

I had stopped my wine habit for a stretch the year before. I flexed my “sober curious” muscles during Lent and, having recognized some of the benefits of omitting alcohol, I kept extending my goal. 90 days became 100, and three months became nearly six. The difference between then and now, though, was that last year I was mostly white-knuckling it. I wasn’t learning or connecting. I was just collecting days.

I have learned so much over the last 365 days, and I am insanely grateful to my sisterhood of likeminded women. The best part of this year was all the unexpected surprises. I never expected that quitting drinking would make me feel empowered – like a total badass. I never expected sobriety to be a superpower. And I certainly never expected to make genuine, soulsister friends that make me feel like I belong, like I am seen and like I matter.

Notable things I have learned:

• I am not broken. Alcohol is addictive.

• Alcohol is a sledgehammer to my body and my brain.

• Moderation is scam. I will not be able to moderately use an addictive substance.

• The temptation to moderate will open the door to old thought patterns ... “just on the weekends,” “just at home,” “just at restaurants,” “just one glass,” “just two glasses” ... until the door blows open and I am back at the beginning wishing that I never turned off this path. I feel like I have discovered the Emerald City – there is no going back to black and white!

I have founvd freedom and joy.

I am a reformed cynic. I didn’t think joy was possible for me. I didn’t think I could be happy, relaxed or fun without wine. But, by the grace of God, and by becoming alcohol-free, I have found pure joy. I have rekindled old passions, I am more productive, and I finally feel like I am worth the effort. By this I mean, I like myself enough to wear a little makeup, buy myself something new, and take my vitamins. I thought I would be making sacrifices when I quit drinking -- I never expected to find freedom in the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

This is what freedom looks like for me: • I am free of lies alcohol tells me • Free of the guilt and shame • Free of the preoccupation • Free of the detox-to-retox loop • Free of the damage to my body and mind • Free of added stress on my relationships • Free of questioning my self-worth • Free to make better choices • Free to be in charge of my future • Free to love fully • Free to be present in each moment with my kids • Free to trust my emotions • Free to be my best self

As we approach Mother’s Day this year, I am grateful for my children who have given me the gift of motherhood. I am also grateful that I was able to correct my course and give them the gift of a clear-minded, fully-present mother. I am giving them the gift of watching their mom set a goal, make self-corrections, improve and achieve. I am showing them that we have the ability to make good choices and continue growing and learning -- even when it’s hard. I am teaching them that we are all works in progress. Grown-ups can still learn, too. Maybe most importantly, I am giving them the gift of breaking the cycle of generational drinking to selfsoothe and medicate.

As I soldier into my second year, I am renewing my vows and my commitment to be alcohol-free. I am going to protect my goals like a mama bear protects her cubs. I have fought like hell to rewire my brain and push out of my comfort zone. I don’t want to be chained to old habits that keep me stuck in old ways of thinking and keep me stuck on the couch with no desire to participate in life.

Like Glinda, the Good Witch, said, “You’ve had the power all along, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.”

Connect with me and follow my blog at janeville.co.

Interested in learning more about Sober Sis? tinyurl.com/SoberSisFW

T I N Y U R L .CO M / S O B E R S I S F W

Massage Envy

Keeping It Real I REMEMBER!

BY DR. DEBBIE LANIER

Those school pictures from back in the day run together, don’t they? I can’t for the life of me decipher which grade each one represents unless I find Mama’s scribbling on the back.

But with one picture, I don’t wonder for even a second.

I remember like it was yesterday: fifth grade, my departure from ‘little people’ to ‘big leagues’!

Just days before my middle school debut, my neighbor called. She invited me to her house. I could tell by Lanette’s excitement that I needed to hustle!

I darted to the door but got no time to even catch my breath. There she stood, wondering what took so long.

She grabbed my sweaty arm and dragged me to her room.

There across her bed lay a lavish display of new clothes right out of the pages of those luxurious catalogues.

I stood “oohing” and “ahhing” as this fashionista modeled a slew of outfits. Every ensemble rocked! We coordinated a drop-dead-gorgeous look for every day of the week, with leftovers!

I felt sheer exhilaration for her. She was already beautiful.

Now she sported the wardrobe to match!

Imagine my utter shock when I opened my eyes, and right in front of me lay those larger-than-life overalls with the beautiful embroidery on the front!

I leaped out of that bed so swiftly I nearly toppled her.

(Now that I’m a mama, I grasp the joy she received watching my joy.)

Of course, I wore my new bibs that first day. Never mind that it was August—I strutted those velvet overalls as if snow coated the ground! Every time I put them on, I felt beautiful. And yep! Those coveted duds obviously made the cut for school pictures!

I don’t begin to know what Mama forfeited to buy those overalls. I guess I’ll never know. But I’ll never forget the price she paid to make me feel beautiful. I was too young and immature to realize it then, but it was never truly the outfit that made me feel special; it was Mama’s sacrificial love that wrapped around me every time I wore them.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the remarkable mamas who sacrifice so much to make all the pieces fit. Your children may not recognize it now, but they will. It matters!

I couldn’t help but daydream about such things. While other students emptied the girls’ department at Belk in preparation for the big day, fashion attire wasn’t even a blip on our radar. My single mama worked three jobs just to keep things afloat for her four mostly ungrateful children.

My cousins’ hand-me-downs sufficed as “school clothes.”

For days I pondered the beautiful outfits hanging in my friend’s closet. One pair of overalls especially fueled my affections. I described every detail to Mama, including the embroidery on the front pocket, more than a few times.

Little did I realize that each time I mentioned those overalls, it likely put a dagger straight through Mama’s heart. My deep longings reminded her all over again of her inability to provide for us what other children automatically assumed.

The night before my first day of school, Mama came in my room to pray with me before bed. (What I wouldn’t give to have just one of those prayer times back! Just one! I considered it drudgery then, but Mama knew each prayer secured another piece of my foundation.

Such a wise woman!)

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

Budget Blinds

IT’S TIME TO GET MOVING AGAIN:

START TRAINING AT TRI PILLAR FITNESS

BY AMY HILL, IMAGES BY PHOTO ARTISTRY BY MELINDA

Suffering from back and neck pain after hunching over at work all day? Feeling frustrated that you’re unable to lose weight?

You’ve tried attending crowded yoga classes, buying workout DVDs, and have even purchased a treadmill that is now collecting cobwebs in your basement. To make matters worse, you’ve tried multiple fad diets, but can’t seem to stay on track and lose the “quarantine 15.” If you’re interested in finding a fitness program that not only creates results, but encourages you to keep going and stay motivated, group workout sessions at Tri Pillar Fitness might be your missing link.

Owned by 42-year-old Andrew Martin, Tri Pillar (TPF) is not like most gyms you’ll find in the Triad. In fact, the team at TPF doesn’t consider themselves to be a gym at all. “A gym is somewhere you go to rent equipment to use,” explains Andrew.

“TPF focuses on coaching.”

What sets Tri Pillar apart from other fitness facilities in the area is its family-like atmosphere, smaller class sizes, and its emphasis on functional fitness. Unlike many fitness centers, TPF offers neuromuscular massage therapy.

Workouts at Tri Pillar can be scaled to clients of any fitness level.

Instead of burning clients out with high-intensity workouts and heavy lifting, Andrew’s coaching style focuses on strength training by incorporating basic movement patterns that can be individually tweaked, allowing him to train an 80-year-old alongside a 30-year old. Aside from strength training, a large aspect of Andrew’s job as a fitness coach is to talk to his clients and check in with them on

a regular basis. According to Andrew, “Fitness should make your life better, not harder. I don’t want my clients to leave a workout feeling super tired or so sore that they can’t walk.” Additionally, he strives to give his clients the ability to build strength, live the highest quality of life possible, and “armor up” for when life throws a curveball.

Prior to training at Tri Pillar, prospective clients are required to apply and meet Andrew for a consultation, where their body composition and current fitness level are thoroughly assessed. Because Tri Pillar’s clientele is 85% female, with the majority of women over the age of 45, Andrew stresses that developing strength is the primary way to increase longevity. Since age-related muscle loss begins roughly around age 30 without strength training, it is imperative that he helps his clients grow and retain their lean muscle tissue.

The name “Tri Pillar Fitness” originated from Andrew’s belief in the three pillars of fitness. The first pillar, mindset, is first for a reason. “If a client has the wrong mindset, there is nothing I can do to help,” explains Andrew. “I tell my clients that age is not a disability and to stop treating it like one.”

The second pillar, consistency, is key in seeing progress. Andrew suggests to his clients that they

SMALL GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING

TRIPILLARFITNESS.COM | 336-455-7259 remain consistent by practicing strength training at least three days per week to see results. As clients’ strength and mobility progresses over time, their resistance training will naturally increase in intensity.

Strength and movement, the third pillar, are crucial to living a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. Clients looking to lose weight will benefit from strength training’s metabolismboosting properties. In fact, Andrew has invested in medical grade equipment to determine his clients’ muscle mass and body fact percentages in order to track their progress.

In February 2019, Tri Pillar Fitness opened its doors at its location in Clemmons. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Andrew moved his fitness training online within three days of gyms closing, which he still offers to clients today. He teaches virtual fitness sessions, during which he provides participants with personalized feedback - something most Instagram

and YouTube fitness influencers do not.

With these virtual training sessions, he has fortunately been able to retain the large majority of his clients throughout the pandemic.

Although he lives and breathes coaching clients, Andrew is also a proud father and an avid hiker. While living in Colorado Springs, he hiked numerous “Fourteeners,” a nickname for mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation. Anyone who enters the Tri Pillar facility will be able to feel Andrew’s passion for what he does.

His energy, uplifting spirit, and the plethora of motivational quotes written on the gym’s walls are what keeps his clients coming back.

Interested in training at Tri Pillar? Visit tripillarfitness.com to apply to start training and to learn more about what Andrew offers. Watch Andrew’s fitness videos on Tri Pillar’s Youtube channel, and follow @tripillarfitness on Instagram to see more tips and techniques. For any additional questions, call (336) 4557259, or email andy@tripillarfitness.net.

SERVING CLIENTS AGES 45 - 70

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

. com t n e m o m w. abrightm t h g i r ww @b co oment

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose or cake flour • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt • 1 tsp. baking powder • 1/2 tsp. baking soda • 1/2 cup olive oil • 1 cup granulated cane sugar • 2 eggs, preferably at room temperature • 2 tsp. vanilla extract • 3/4 cup buttermilk

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease and line a 9” cake pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda.

3. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, combine the olive oil and granulated cane sugar to beat on medium high speed for 2 minutes.

4. Continue beating as you add in one egg at a time. Then, reduce to low speed to add in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.

5. On low speed, gradually add in the flour mixture to mix until just incorporated (be careful not to overmix the batter).

6. Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, then bake for 40-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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Hi! I’m Lauren. I’m a college student, freelance writer, and foodie.

Stay tuned each month to find everything from achievable dessert ideas to healthy, quick dinners that’ll happily feed the family.

The Best Vanilla Buttermilk Cake

Piedmont Federal Savings Bank

BY DENISE HEIDEL

Keith and Emily Davis, owners of Fleet Feet Sports, aren’t afraid to share their faith – but that hasn’t always been the case.

After opening their first store in 2006, this Christian couple operated their business with Christian principles but weren’t overt about their beliefs. All that changed when Keith participated in a triathlon.

Emily shared, “Keith was so excited and empowered – much more than he typically was after finishing a race. He called me and told me about the praise and worship music playing at the finish line…. He was excited about the messages of faith found in his swag bag. Keith was ready to start doing the same kind of thing at Fleet Feet, but I was initially hesitant. However, after we joined River Oaks Church in Clemmons, my faith grew stronger, and I began to be bolder, too.”

“Over the years, our business has thrived.

Our customers have told us they appreciated our stance and willingness to build Fleet Feet and sister-store, New Balance, on our Christian beliefs. And for three years, WBFJ listeners could listen to a daily devotion from me on the radio. Unfortunately, in 2021, corporate policies stopped me from promoting our faith through advertising. But while those devotions played, we had so much positive feedback.”

Even with some limitations in place, Emily has still found ways to be creatively bold – through an apparel line called “Eternal Apparel.” “I love a great, comfy shirt, and

message from across a store, or in passing on a walking trail, or even from waving to their neighbor at the mailbox. It’s that simple. Faith-based apparel is a way to express worship every day of the week and encourage others to do the same! And God will bless bold faith.”

Emily has taken a great deal of time to source quality shirts and materials that are durable, soft, comfortable, and pre-shrunk so that they wear well and hold up to long-term use.

“People love the fabric,” she said. “Beyond the powerful messages, these are really comfortable shirts.” even more so – I love to design them with faith-based messages. My first wearable faith shirt was designed for a group of workout moms, and it said, ‘Jesus and Burpees Make My Day.’ I had extras made and sold them in the store. They were a huge hit.

“Since then,” Emily continued, “we’ve continued to produce shirts with powerful messages. ‘Faith Greater Than Fear,’ ‘Pray Wait Trust,’ ‘Breathe,’ ‘Counting Every Blessing,’ and ‘Running on a Prayer’ have been some popular favorites. In fact, Eternal Apparel is the fastest growing brand in the store.”

According to Emily, the appeal is simple.

“People are encouraged by wearing their faith, and in doing so, they encourage others. It’s rare to wear a faith-based shirt out in public and not have someone stop to tell me they like it, ask where I got it, or tell me they appreciate the message. As I look back on the shirts I’ve designed, I can actually see my prayer life in front of me and those who have purchased those messages – it has meant a lot to share those meaningful words with them.

In addition to sharing the message of the Bible, the Eternal Apparel shirts have also helped fund various ministries that Emily and Keith support, including the YMCA e-Learning program and mission work in Kenya.

The Davises have a deep love for their church, the business, and the community.

“We want others to understand that there is hope in God. We need to speak our faith. And we found that you can even wear it out loud.”

Fleet Feet Sports is located at 278 Harvey Street in Winston-Salem. Visit the store online at FleetFeetWinston-Salem.com or call 336.722.8477. Be sure to like Fleet Feet Winston-Salem on Facebook and follow them on Instagram. Eternal Apparel makes a great Mothers’ Day gift!

“Despite what the media reports about Christian values and beliefs, people are still holding strong to their faith. Those who are willing to wear their faith can speak a

“If your faith is your motivation, share it.”

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~Tim Kaine

Second Harvest Food Bank

Springtime at Midtown Cafe & Dessertery

BY DENISE HEIDEL

In the Triad, nothing speaks of better springtime dining than the patio at Midtown Cafe & Dessertery. A 30+ year tradition in the community means that locals (and many visitors!) know and appreciate the great food, great service, and great atmosphere that can be enjoyed at Midtown.

And who can resist dining beside a mermaid fountain, right?

Jeff Cayton, the owner of Midtown Cafe, recently published their new spring menu and shared, “The new spring menu features great new menu items that are perfect for the season, but also promise to be among some of the new favorites for our customers. Plus, our chef has outdone himself in time for Mother’s Day, bringing some delicious options that everyone in the family will enjoy.”

The new menu includes: Steak & Eggs: Steak and eggs are a classic for good reason, and now they are a part of Midtown’s all-day breakfast menu! Served with fresh chimichurri sauce, it’s sure to be a favorite for anyone in the family who has a hearty appetite.

Peach Delight: Midtown brought back a customer favorite! Thank goodness! We missed the sweet peach delight and the perfect blend of hot and cold!

Veggie Grilled Cheese: This is a grilled cheese of a higher caliber!

Provolone with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and onion with tomatoes and avocado served on grilled sourdough is a veggie-lovers dream.

Grilled Flank Steak: Perfectly grilled to preference, this flank steak is served with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus.

Ultimate Steak Quesadilla: Midtown loves the diversity of flank steak, and for this dish, they’ve served it with caramelized onions and peppers, loaded it up with cheese, and grilled it for the ultimate

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steak quesadilla. It is served with chimichurri sauce and fries.

Citrus Grilled Mahi: All that’s missing here is a tropical breeze.

Grilled Mahi is garnished with citrus sauce and pineapple relish and served with coconut rice and asparagus.

Mahi Tacos: Enjoy the fresh citrus grilled Mahi but on tacos! YUM! Pineapple salsa, shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, and avocado crema.

Honey Bourbon Glazed Salmon: Fresh salmon, grilled to perfection, glazed with Midtown’s house-made honey bourbon glaze, and served with two sides.

Bubbly Flights: A great way to sip it all – guests can choose four samples from Grapefruit Rose, Huckleberry, Blood Orange, Raspberry Lemonade, Classic Mimosa, and Bellini. The bubbly flights are an elegant way to taste a little bit of everything!

In addition to these great new (and returning) entrees, Midtown’s seasonal favorite – Fried Fish Fridays is back! “Guests love our freshly fried fish and the weekly specials we offer,” said Jeff. “We have also brought back our seasonal favorite, Strawberry Shortcake, so customers need to save room for dessert!”

Make plans to dine at Midtown Café & Dessertery for Mother’s Day, or any day for that matter! Take advantage of online ordering, online waitlists, and Midtown Market for great to-go meals, too!

Midtown Cafe & Dessertery is centrally and conveniently located at 151 South Stratford Road in Winston-Salem. Their normal hours of operation are 7 AM – 8 PM every day.

Call them at 336.724.9800, or visit them online at MidtownCafeWS.com.

Check out their catering and Midtown Market menus. Stay up-to-date on special events and features by liking their Facebook page or following them on Instagram.

Flavor & Hospitality Meet Midtown CafeWhere & Dessertery

Spring & Summer Menu is Here.

Patio is Open DINE IN, CARRY OUT AND CURBSIDE DELIVERY Mimosas Flights | Citrus Grilled Mahi | Pimento Cheese Bites | Flank Steak w Chimichurri Fish N Chips | Slow Roasted Pulled Pork | Strawberry Shortcake | Lemon Bars

151 S. STRATFORD ROAD | WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27104 | 336.724.9800 | MIDTOWNCAFEWS.COM

NOT JUST DREAMS, BUT POSSIBILITIES FOR AISHAH CASSEUS Aishah Casseus wanted to be an attorney since she was seven years old. She had role models growing up but no access to potential mentors who were black attorneys or judges who looked like her.

She dreamed of becoming an attorney despite never seeing that possibility firsthand. She was smart, determined, and encouraged by a supportive family whose question was not “if” she goes to college but how many degrees she would gain when she got there!

In her role as Director of Title IX for Wake Forest University since October 2020, Ms. Casseus is realizing her dream in our community.

Born in New York into an immigrant family, Ms. Casseus became interested in social justice and civil rights while at Spencer High School in Columbus, Georgia, and throughout undergraduate studies at Troy University in Alabama. She balanced academics, work, and motherhood while pursuing her dreams and raising her daughter.

“Motherhood does not mean you lose yourself” is a message that she wants to share with other female leaders. Casseus delayed college until her daughter was in kindergarten and then worked during the day while attending night school.

After graduation she worked at Aflac Insurance and saved money for law school. She completed her law degree at North Carolina Central University, with a concentration in constitutional law and civil rights. In true immigrantfamily fashion, Casseus worked and lived in several states on her life journey, from secondary school to passing the bar exam on her first try to her current role at Wake Forest University – including NY, GA, AL, VA, NC, DC, PA, VA, NJ, and FL! Prior to directing the Title IX Office at WFU,

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Ms. Casseus directed the Title IX and Equal Employment Opportunity office at WinstonSalem State University and served as Interim Director for Title IX at Florida State University.

With each transition to a new setting, she expands her role into compliance and investigation, and analyzes situations with “new eyes.” She approaches these positions as an opportunity to change culture on campuses and not just as “checking a box” for required Title IX efforts on campuses, commonly thought of as only investigating sexual harassment complaints.

She strives to build a culture that encourages all students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to seek assistance and education from her office. She enjoyed her time at WSSU and admits it was hard to leave, but she enjoys the unique challenge of applying policies and regulations in an academic medical center.

When asked about her hobbies, Casseus immediately describes her part-time teaching duties at Forsyth Technical Community College, followed at a distance by travel and keeping house plants alive. She instructs in the paralegal program and provides students with a role model as a female with a diverse background and successful law career, whether as a paralegal or as an attorney.

Role models for Casseus include her parents and her siblings (her dad is her biggest cheerleader) and Jennifer Bloomfield, her supervisor at Florida State. These supporters believe in her and trust in her abilities to lead others. Her current mentor is Dr. Anthony Graham, Provost at WSSU, who probably does not realize he is her mentor, but who also recognizes her leadership skills and includes her in his leadership series.

“I will always have a voice wherever I am,” says Casseus. She urges our community to use their voices to engage in the difficult conversations needed to better understand our country’s vast differences in experiences and cultures. “We all consume our country’s past experiences, and it’s hard not to be immediately defensive when faced with inequalities. It is tough for everyone,” says Casseus. To understand past experiences means acknowledging inequities that exist without making it harder for each other to succeed. “Just don’t make it harder for others.” Aishah Casseus has made her dreams come true, and our community is the better for her messages.

Lewisville Laser & Aesthetics

Mother-Daughter Duos in Action: SUPPORT LOCAL THIS MOTHER’S DAY

BY AMY HILL

While some might cringe at the mere thought of working alongside family, these local business ladies are proud to work together as mother-daughter pairs on a daily basis. In honor of Mother’s Day, we wanted to highlight a few female duos who share not only DNA, but a passion for their trade.

Be Kind Coffee Co. Clemmons, NC @bekindcoffeeco

Amanda & Natalie Gogolak “Working alongside my mother (Natalie Gogolak, Owner and Chief Mother in Charge) has been a lifelong dream of mine, as she’s been my best friend, a nonstop source of encouragement, and my partner in crime for 35 years.

If there’s an adventure to be had, a new challenge to conquer, or fun to discover, Mom is the first to say, ‘I’m in!’ So naturally, when we thought about finally pursuing our family dream of opening a coffee shop (even in the midst of a pandemic), Mom and I jumped headfirst into our next adventure!

There is truly nothing we cannot achieve when we do it together, and we’re going to cherish, laugh and love each other (and others) along the way, side by side.”

- Amanda Gogolak, Owner and CEO

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Batistini Farms Winston-Salem, NC @batistinifarms

Lauren & Cindy Sephton, “I can honestly say that it is a pure blessing to work alongside a heart as big as Lauren’s, and I’m so thankful for our mother-daughter bond. Her positivity, energy, and creativity explode daily, so much so that I have to tell her, ‘one day at a time…’.”

- Cindy Sephton, Co-Founder “Growing up, my mom was my biggest inspiration, and to work alongside her now is honestly a dream. While not every day goes perfectly as planned, she always knows how to find the good and make a funny memory out of it.”

- Lauren Sephton

Evelyn Rose Boutique | Winston-Salem, NC @theevelynroseboutique

Fraleigh’s Boutique | Clemmons, NC @fraleighsboutique

Ally & Donna Merriman “I am unbelievably grateful to have the opportunity to work with my mother-in-law (Donna Merriman), and to help continue to grow the business and carry on the legacy.”

- Ally Merriman “Being able to work with your mom (Mary Bingham) everyday was a gift, as well as a blessing. We had a bond and friendship that flourished in the 35 years of working together.

I miss her everyday, but I am grateful for all the memories and opportunities she afforded me over the years.”

- Donna Merriman, Owner

Rachel & Christi Morales “Owning a boutique comes with some of the greatest experiences, and one that I’m especially grateful for is the ability to work so closely with my mom. It’s nice to be able to share the good and the bad of owning a business with someone you trust. She helps keep me grounded when life as a business owner gets hectic. We work well together, because I’m more creative and enjoy focusing more on that aspect of the business. My mom, however, is very organized and helps me keep the administrative tasks in line.”

- Rachel Morales, Owner “Rachel has always had an eye for fashion and style, and I enjoy being able to support her and watch her dreams become reality.

I believe we complement each other, and we have fun working together. Plus, the free clothes are a great perk!”

- Christi Morales, COO

May 2021 | 27

Cherry Tree Lane Cookies Winston-Salem, NC @cherrytreelanecookies

Suzanne & Ryan Snelling “The ability to be my own boss and grow this small business has been amazing. Having my daughter Ryan as my business partner has been the biggest blessing. It is great to have someone you trust completely, but also to have someone you have so much fun with! I value her opinions and look to her for creative input.”

- Suzanne Snelling, Founder “My mom Suzanne has always made it a point to nourish my creative spirit. We’ve had a lifetime of crafty endeavors together, but this is by far my favorite. I am lucky enough to be working with someone who pours her entire heart and soul into her creations and inspires me every day. Joining our skills for this project is so rewarding and fun, and has helped us strengthen our already airtight bond.”

- Ryan Snelling, Co-Founder

Lavender & Honey Kitchen Winston-Salem, NC @lavenderandhoneykitchen

Naomi & Natalie Gingerich, “I never imagined that I would start my own business with my daughter Natalie at age 55, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. While there were initially some adjustments in learning to differentiate between the roles of mom and daughter versus business owners, we have learned to appreciate the strengths of each other and also to acknowledge our weaknesses. We both feel incredibly blessed to work alongside each other in a business we love.”

-Naomi Gingerich, alongside Natalie Gingerich, owners of Lavender and Honey Kitchen.

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Banner Team Properties Winston-Salem, NC @KBBBroker | @bannerteamNC Kayla Berry & Jerri Banner “I really enjoy working with my mother Jerri. She motivates me to be my best and is very inspirational. I can always go to her with questions and gain solid real estate advice, no matter the time of day or night. I aspire to be just like her one day!”

- Kayla Berry, Realtor “It is very rewarding to work with my daughter Kayla.

Even though she said she would never be a realtor when she was growing up, I think it is the perfect career for her.

She comes up with new ideas that make me rethink things I have been doing for many years. I am very proud of her.”

- Jerri Banner, Realtor/Broker in Charge

The Songbird House | Pilot Mountain, NC @thesongbirdhouse

Jenna & Sharon Keener “Working as a mother-daughter business, we have the advantage of generational perspective and complementing strength. Even though we are very different, we’ve found a balance that makes us a great team.

My mom Sharon is the hardest working person I know. I’ll always be thankful for this opportunity to start and grow this business with her.”

- Jenna Keener, Owner alongside Mother Sharon Keener “Working alongside Jenna and helping her build a business in the industry she loves has been an absolute pleasure. Her creativity combined with her dedication to make sure each customer had an amazing product and experience makes her the dream partner. Helping my children succeed is my highest achievement and greatest joy.”

- Sharon Keener, Owner

Forsyth Magazines @forsythmags

JEJ PHOTOS

Brooke Eagle & Keela Johnson “Working with my mom is the biggest blessing. If you could only hear us talk on the phone! We get each other so worked up and excited over new ideas. Her passion for the magazines (and for life) has rubbed off on me in a big way over the years and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

-Brooke Eagle, Publisher of Forsyth Woman & FW Engaged “Brooke once said she sometimes felt like we were the same person, which was one of the biggest compliments of my life. She is my hero in so many ways. Turning the business over to Brooke was one of the best decisions of my life. She was made to be the publisher/owner of this amazing family of magazines. I couldn’t be prouder!”

- Keela Johnson, Associate Editor

May 2021 | 29

A Master Gardener Reinvented

BY ETHAN BURNS, AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Pamela Anderson Bowen has been a master gardener for years, but her journey back to nurturing her flowers has not been easy. “I have a passion for the outdoors and nature, and I love to dig in the dirt,” Pamela said. “After my last stroke, gardening was the first thing I wanted to be able to do again.”

Pamela is a four-time stroke survivor. She didn’t even know she had her first two strokes. In 2012, she had her third official stroke in the shower. She was trying to turn the faucet off but her right arm wouldn’t move. “When I was stepping out of the shower, I could feel my face drooping and I knew immediately that it was a stroke,” she remembered. At the emergency room her suspicions were confirmed.

The physicians at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center told her it was a stroke and let her know that it was not her first. They also discovered that her strokes were due to antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, which makes her blood more likely to clot, and her clot traveled through an undiscovered hole in her heart. But that’s not the end of Pamela’s stroke story.

Approximately two years later, her husband Larry walked into the kitchen and knew that something was not right. “I knew I didn’t feel like myself and I was doing strange things. I was actually burning my own hand on the griddle,” recalled Pam. Once again, Larry jumped into action. “I lovingly call him ‘Flatline Larry,’ as he is so calm in a crisis,” Pamela shared.

After her fourth stroke, Pamela lost her ability to speak for three months. “It was incredibly difficult to know what I wanted to say, but to not be able to communicate it,” she shared. When her speech did come back, with much effort and therapy, it came with a surprise. She suffers from Foreign Accent Syndrome due to the stroke. Though she used to do a lot of international travel with her career, the accent is not from one distinct place, but rather a mix of accents. “I grew up in Hickory, North Carolina and with my new accent after the stroke, only a few ‘choice’ words come out with a southern accent,” Pamela said with a smile. Physicians often ask her to share her story to help others in North Carolina dealing with this rare side effect.

Pamela spends a lot of time taking care of her garden, which she adores dearly. She acknowledges that even with all that has happened to her, she keeps a smile on her face and a positive attitude.

“After my first stroke, a relative brought me some very unusual clippings from her garden to add to my garden at our new home. That really motivated me to get back to my passion,” shared Pamela.

“Gardening is important to me and is my way of enjoying life. It’s important to realize that there is still life after stroke,” said Pamela.

“For me, I plant my flowers and watch them grow. That I can still do.”

May is American Stroke Month and women account for nearly 58% of total stroke deaths. The American Heart Association recommends F.A.S.T for the most common warning signs for stroke.

F.A.S.T stands for: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 911. For more information, please go to stroke.org.

Pamela Anderson Bowen is sharing her story to increase awareness of stroke in women. Novant Health is proud to be the American Heart Association’s “Life is Why” and “Go Red for Women” sponsor in Forsyth County, celebrating, supporting and encouraging women to put their health first wherever they may be in their journey.

American Heart Association

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May 2021 | 33

BY TARYN JEREZ

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

This month’s featured artist, Paul Spainhour, turned a lifelong hobby and appreciation for nature into a small business forged in one of the longestestablished crafts of blacksmithing.

While many may have preconceived notions surrounding metal working, Paul continues to reshape the market with his art, creating standout pieces such as his most recent Locks of Hope project with Novant Health.

Paul Spainhour Artist, Blacksmith, Metal Fabrication

How would you describe your work?

Most of my work is hand forged iron sculpture or custom architectural ironwork.

hammer. Some of the better blacksmiths that I know are women that forge with finesse rather brute strength.

When did you first start creating art and working with metal?

After a lifelong interest in blacksmithing I used vacation time to attend Penland School of Crafts for my first class in 2006. It was after the class that I was hooked! I came home and immediately started building my shop. It was a strong hobby for me until retirement and it is now my small business.

How have you evolved as an artist over the years?

In the beginning my work was all functional items like door pulls, wall hooks, and fire pokers. After attending more classes and joining state and national organizations, my interests turned towards creating artistic pieces.

However, a good part of my work is still functional.

What influences your work most?

Nature is my first influence for designing a piece of work. I always try to include natural aspects when I am working with a client, decorator, or architect.

Of course it helps that my wife is also an artist.

Can you tell us about the Locks of Hope project you did with Novant Health Center Medical Foundation?

I had been considering an attempt at public art for a while when the call for artists came along for this piece. Based on my experience as a mechanical contractor, I decided to submit a proposal and was fortunate enough to be chosen for this project.

After coordination and planning meetings with Novant, I began the fabrication process with the help of friends that have similar skills. The sculpture was installed in October 2020.

Why was the Locks of Hope project something you personally wanted to do?

I have a condition called Hemochromatosis, also known as iron overload. My hematologist is located at the Cancer Center, and I receive treatments there as well. The idea that patients can add a lock of “HOPE” to the sculpture grid is very pleasing to me, it feels special.

What is one misconception most people have about being a blacksmith?

Most people think it takes brute strength to be a blacksmith. I explain to people that at the proper heat the iron is somewhat like clay under the

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

I would say, don’t wait too long to explore your interest in creating any type of art!

There are lots of educational opportunities available if you search for them.

If you are interested in learning more about the artist, Paul Spainhour or see his work out in the community you can check out his website paulspainhour.com or follow him on Instagram @spainhourpaul. If you’d like to inquire about custom projects email him at paul.r.spainhour@gmail.com.

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Ahead of the Curve In the design industry, it is important for us to continue learning and staying on top of all the new products and technology. With the changes happening faster than one can think, it is wise to continue to educate yourself as much as possible. LED lighting, stain-resistant acrylic fabrics, recycled materials, and even new computer software are things that we learn about every day. Many manufacturers offer weekly newsletters to educate us on their services, while some are releasing smart-phone apps to help us research their products. Another way we continue our education is through the High Point Furniture Market, where we can attend many classes and seminars with topics ranging from social media to website design to business management strategies. Zoom has become an important asset to learning and staying educated. Bath and kitchen design have also become an integral part of our job. We offer so much more with kitchens and baths by putting a spin on what you can do, as well as provide CAD drawings, finishes, and colors.

In addition to kitchens and baths, we also design drop zones, benches, built-in bookcases, fireplaces, furniture, rooms, and entire floor plans. To help our clients visualize the proposed design, we utilize technology including 3-D modeling software and photo-editing software to complete renderings and floor plans. We can drop in the paint colors, furniture, and fabrics for the client’s visual concept. We are always educating ourselves on this software to learn how to use these programs more efficiently.

June DeLugas Interiors JUNE DELUGAS LEADS AN AWARD WINNING DESIGN TEAM

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAY SINCLAIR

The ultimate goal of staying educated and learning new technology is to make our clients happy. Upon seeing our proposal, clients are often overjoyed that their needs can be met in such a tasteful and elegant manner. Once they approve the design, we move on to the budget. Since we deal with costs and production every day, we can offer suggestions to suit our client’s budget.

Whether you are updating your dining room, remodeling a bathroom, or selecting finishes for an entire house, our years of experience combined with our growing knowledge of products and technology can be a great asset toward the completion of your project. After all, hearing a client say “Wow!” is what it is all about.

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Shopping Local this Spring?

Visit South + Main Boutique

BY AMY HILL

After months and months of online shopping and browsing department store new arrivals, those looking to spice up their spring wardrobe might be feeling uninspired after seeing the same trends in every store.

Buying a dress from Target that hundreds of other women have also been sporting may no longer be appealing, especially since stepping out in style is a luxury postquarantine. Newly located in Advance, South + Main Boutique touts stylish, local garb that is certain to turn heads this spring season.

Truly a rags to riches tale, boutique owner Thim Phommavanh turned life’s lemons into lemonade after losing her job as a bar manager at Hickory Tavern to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. While she had previously worked for a boutique and has always been interested in fashion and home decor, owning her own boutique wasn’t in the cards for her until her devastating layoff. With the support and encouragement of her boyfriend, Thim used her dining room to open South + Main, and was elated when online sales began picking up. Soon, Thim moved the boutique into a second-floor location in Advance/Bermuda Run that was previously used as an office space. As the boutique continued to grow, however, Thim realized that a larger, more accessible retail space was needed. Just a year after losing her job, Thim and her boutique moved into a brand new location in Advance in March 2021.

What makes South + Main stand apart from other boutiques in the Triad is its familyoriented atmosphere that shoppers feel while browsing the boutique floor. Thim is

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adamant about being honest with customers and selling only what she believes makes for a good product - not just what’s popular.

Thim explains, “I try to choose merchandise for the boutique that I would personally wear.

Of course, trendy items will sell quickly, but I won’t sell something in the shop just because it’s popular at the time.”

With transparency being a key value at South + Main, Thim enjoys bringing her personal life into the boutique, and is frequently visited by her three daughters at work. In fact, the boutique has become a fourth child for Thim, which allows her to demonstrate to the community that running a business is not always “unicorns and rainbows,” especially with the additional stress of running a household, which many business owners manage daily.

Since supporting local businesses is near and dear to Thim’s heart, items sold in-store and

online at South + Main come primarily from local vendors. Aside from clothing, many unique accessories, shoes, and decorative items are handpicked and sold at the boutique. Thim and her team are grateful to have had so much support from local residents and the Chamber of Commerce over the last year, which has allowed them to rely on word of mouth and social media for advertising their boutique.

At this rate, Thim hopes to eventually open a second location in Southport, NC, alongside her sister, who has been a major help and support system for Thim. Southport is like a second home to her, which she describes as an “up and coming” spot with many older properties that possess good bones for renovations. Additionally, in years to come, Thim hopes that expanding South + Main will allow her to give back to her parents, who have worked hard throughout their lives to provide for their children. While the size and success of South + Main may grow and change, Thim insists that the boutique’s values and “homey” atmosphere will remain stable over time.

Interested in seeing what South + Main has to offer? Browse the racks in person, or shop online at southandmaininc.com. Check out the boutique’s Facebook page and follow @ southandmaininc on Instagram to stay upto-date on the latest arrivals, business hours, and updates from Thim and her team. Need to shop on the go? Download the free South + Main Boutique app in the App Store or Google Play. For any other inquiries, call the boutique directly at (336) 941-9744.

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May 2021 | 39

On the Road Again: Seven Days in Colorado

BY AMY HILL

Taking a week-long vacation this summer and need some ideas?

Here’s how to make the most of your seven days off in the lovely state of Colorado.

Day 1 - Arrive in Denver, CO Upon arrival into Denver International Airport, head to the baggage claim and pick up your rental car. From the airport, make the short hour-long drive to Loveland, CO, and check into your hotel. Loveland is a great home base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). There are numerous options for hotels, dining, and retail, and it is a much cheaper alternative than staying right outside the park’s gates in Estes Park. Although Loveland sits around 50 minutes outside of RMNP’s Fall River Entrance, the impressive views to and from the park are well worth the extra driving.

Day 2 - Rocky Mountain National Park During the summer months, park trailheads and parking lots fill up quickly. Due to crowds, having back-up plans is imperative to make the most of your trip. If you’re traveling with children or are looking for easy hiking, choose the Alberta Falls Trail (1.6 miles round-trip) and/or the Bear Lake Trail (0.6 miles round-trip). These are quick, beautiful hikes that lead to great spots for a family photo with very little elevation gain.

Those looking for a difficult, full-day hike should try the Chasm Lake trail. At 8.2 miles round-trip and a 2,542 feet elevation gain, be sure to arrive at the trailhead early and pack plenty of snacks, water, and sunscreen.

Day 3 - Estes Park to Colorado Springs Check out of your hotel, pack your car, and head to Estes Park for local shopping, wineries, breweries, and bistros. Catch a peek of the Stanley Hotel while you’re gallivanting around, famous for its role in The Shining. When you’re ready to hit the road, the drive south from Estes Park to Colorado Springs is only around 2.5 hours. Once you arrive in Colorado Springs, check into your hotel for the night and rest up.

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Day 4 - Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Ride the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak, reaching 14,115 feet in altitude with a 360-degree view at the top. The Pikes Peak by Rail station is only around 15 minutes from Colorado Springs. Book your railway tickets in advance online to secure your reservation. Even if you’re riding the cog in the middle of July or August, the summit of Pikes Peak will be very chilly. Pack a sweatshirt (or buy one at the gift shop at the top of the mountain).

After leaving the railway station, make a stop at the nearby Garden of the Gods on your way back into Colorado Springs to see 1,300 acres of stunning sandstone formations. Take a look around the Visitor Center or enjoy the sights from your vehicle.

Day 5 - Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Day Trip Don’t be discouraged by the lengthy 2.5-hour drive (one-way) to see Great Sand Dunes National Park. These dunes should not be missed by any means, and will allow for vastly different scenery than the Rockies. Great for all families, children will love playing in the park’s sand, or those up for the workout can hike to the top of the dunes.

Don’t attempt to hike the dunes unless you’re wearing the proper footwear to avoid blisters, and make sure you pack plenty of water and SPF.

Day 6 – Downtown Denver Check out of your Colorado Springs hotel and head back to Denver to spend the day exploring before catching your flight home the next day. In Downtown Denver, walk around 16th Street Mall, browse the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, or head to LoDo (Lower Downtown) to see the iconic Union Station and Coors Field.

Day 7 – Heading Home Say goodbye to Colorado and arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare before your flight home. Although this itinerary only scratches the surface of everything Colorado has to offer, you will have seen some of the state’s greatest sights in just seven days.

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Drink Local with John & Tammy Coulter at Gypsy Road Brewing Company

BY AMY HILL

Many breweries in the Winston-Salem area have tasty brews and bar snacks, but not all local brewpubs have a down-home, laidback atmosphere that somehow makes you forget about the stressors of your workweek – even when you’re sipping your beer in the middle of an industrial park.

I visited Gypsy Road Brewing Company on a sunny Sunday afternoon in March, one of the first warmer days of the spring season.

Located in Kernersville, Gypsy Road is a watering hole that sits off the beaten path of downtown K-ville area cocktail bars and eateries and is instead nestled amongst warehouses and industrial buildings.

When I arrived, the covered outdoor patio was bustling with guests, but still seemed like a serene place to relax with your beverage of choice.

Not being much of a beer connoisseur, two friendly bartenders helped me decide on a fruity and refreshing Blood Orange Wheat on tap, which I ended up enjoying much more than I would have enjoyed a glass of pinot grigio. Had I visited the night before, I would have had the luxury of watching one of the many bands that perform at the brewery on Friday and Saturday nights through October.

Instead, I relaxed with my beer while country music played over the speakers, which was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Tammy and John Coulter, owners of Gypsy Road, opened the brewery’s doors in September 2018. In fact, the wooden doors

of the brewery were built by John, with the help of his friends and neighbors. Patrons will be surprised to learn that everything in the brewery is repurposed from local buildings.

Starting in late 2016, John tore down local barns, salvaged wood from old houses and buildings in the area, and used the materials to build the bar, tables, and doors standing in the brewery today.

While the Coulter couple stays busy with their full-time careers (Tammy is a banker and John owns 421 Market & Grill), the brewery is the product of a couple’s hobby-turnedbusiness venture. Tammy explains, “John and I loved going to breweries when traveling and thought about how to create that space in Kernersville in order to bring community together.” While 421 Market & Grill has a small patio, the pair still felt like they didn’t have enough space, prompting them to construct Gypsy Road. Tammy took on the events and marketing role, while John handles accounting and project builds. Additionally, Tammy and John’s daughter Taylor, a student at Appalachian State University, has pitched in by creating labels and sticker designs for the brewery.

While we slowly ease out of a year-long quarantine, live music, a large outdoor patio, and nightly food trucks sound like music to our ears (quite literally). Music is in the brewery’s blood, as the name “Gypsy Road” was inspired by lyrics heard in Zac Brown Band’s “Colder Weather.”

According to Tammy, “The song mentions a gypsy soul, which helped us name the brewery. We wanted the brewery to have a carefree, ‘gypsy’ vibe where customers have no worries.”

Brewer Adam Norman works his magic on a three-barrel brewing system and is wellversed in creating something for everyone, including light lagers, hazy IPAs, fruited sours, big pastry stouts, and a hard seltzer. If that’s not enough, Adam and the Gypsy Road team recently started experimenting with brewing barrel-aged beer as well.

For novel beer drinkers (such as myself), Tammy suggests starting out with one of the brewery’s staples on tap. The Lawnmower Light is a summertime lager that you’d drink after mowing the lawn, or one that you’d toss on your boat for a day on the lake. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or you prefer a domestic or light beer, the Lawnmower Light is a crowd-pleaser.

Not a fan of beer whatsoever? A variety of wine is also available, in addition to housemade seltzers.

Gypsy Road is not only an ideal spot for relaxing, but also serves as a great place to celebrate. The brewery is gradually becoming more of an event venue, receiving more and more bookings for corporate parties, retirement parties, wedding parties, and birthdays by the day.

Interested in booking Gypsy Road for an event? Email events@gypsyroadbrewing. com for any event-related inquiries.

Check out the latest beers on tap at Gypsy Road by visiting in person, checking out Untappd (a cool app where you can explore nearby popular bars, breweries, and toprated beers - free for iOS and Android), or browsing online at gypsyroadbrewing. com. Find the brewery’s Facebook page and follow @gypsyroadbrewing on Instagram to stay updated on the brewery’s latest news, updated business hours, and live music and food truck schedules.

Gypsy Road Brewing Company 1105 E Mountain St. Kernersville NC 27284 336-904-6020 gypsyroadbrewing.com

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Fragrant Blossoming Blooms: THE MAGIC, MYSTIQUE, & MYSTERY OF NATURE’S MUSE

BY SUSAN B. B. SCHABACKER, PHOTOS BY SBBS PHOTOGRAPHY

Fancy flowers? Celebrate their unfurling of spring splendor, whether meadow wildflowers, a florist’s floral arrangement, or flowers fresh from your garden!

Blossoming blooms are not only aesthetically beautiful, but with their sensational scents, they can be used in beauty products that make us feel even more beautiful. Flowers are an integral part of a woman’s beauty and have frequented the spotlight as muses in artwork. Some flowers are edible and can be included in dishes and sippables. So, read on and get your full flower fix!

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS SPRING OR ANY SEASON From florists to meadows, flowers bloom abundantly in the spring to beautify our surroundings. Don’t pick them all but bring some in to decorate your table.

Want to hold on to their beauty? Some flowers dry, press, and preserve better than others, including pansies, violets, strawflower, and shrub roses. Hang, press, or wax them. For the creative and crafty, decorate candles or make wreaths and garlands, bookmarks, cards, and potpourri.

FASHIONABLE FLOWERS “He loves me; he loves me not,” she wistfully whispers, plucking petals off a daisy. Don a magical meadow flower garland or tuck a flower behind your ear.

Symbolically, wearing a flower behind your right ear signifies being single, and the left is associated with being in a relationship. Fashion trends come and go, but wearing flowers is timeless and classic.

So, enjoy that floral print dress, flower earrings, and beautiful blooms in your wardrobe.

SMELL LIKE SPRING BEAUTIFULLY IN BLOOM Some of the most beautiful fragrances are floral. From rosewater to lavender essential oil to gardenia perfume, there are floral aromas for every nose. With a powerful connection between scent and psychology, a simple whiff of lilacs or magnolias can trigger memories. Whether designer fragrances or aromatherapy is your forte, find your favs. Spray fragrances on your clothes or tissue for a heavenly smelling handbag.

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Love essential oils such as rose, geranium, ylang-ylang, chamomile, and lavender?

Add drops to a carrier oil like olive, avocado, almond, argan, or jojoba oil, and roll on your pulse points for an aroma therapeutic experience.

FANCIFUL FLORAL SPRING SCRUB Feel fresh. Get a gorgeous goddess glow, exfoliating dead skin cells and moisturizing simultaneously. Add to your beauty routine during a shower or bath.

Ingredients: plant-based oil (coconut oil, olive, almond, apricot, or avocado oil), exfoliator (sea salt, recycled coffee grounds, sugar, or oatmeal), floral essential oil(s) of choice, rosewater, and dried flower petals (rose and/or lavender) are optional.

Instructions: Melt oil on low heat over stovetop (or microwave), add other ingredients, stir, and pour into container with lid. Dispense with a small spoon or popsicle stick.

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS INSPIRE ARTISTS’ WORK AS FAV MUSES Flowers are popular in art, as seen in works

by Georgia O’Keefe, Claude Monet, and Vincent Van Gogh. Flower fairies flit fancifully through imaginations of kids and kids-at-heart in the fantastical world of Cicely Mary Barker. Blossoms (and buds) of all kinds symbolize universal themes, including life, love, women, beauty, purity, and spirituality.

CREATIVELY CAPTURING THE BEAUTY OF BLOSSOMS You don’t have to be a legendary artist or renowned photographer to capture the beauty of flowers. Don’t have a DSLR camera with macro lens? Use your phone’s camera and zoom in or out. Get creative about your captures! Adjust images in an editing app or software, compile your creative captures in a digital slideshow or cover photo montage to share via social media, and/or print your favs to use as inspiration.

Spring is the season for beautiful blossoming blooms! However busy your lifestyle, beautiful, take some time to smell, pick, and wear the roses and other flowers.

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Countertime is sure to be your mom’s anti-aging skin care hero. Using plant-derived bakuchiol, a clean retinol alternative with comparable results, these anti-aging products are clinically proven to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increase skin’s luminosity and radiance.

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FORSYTH PLASTIC S U R G E RY

Tips on Getting Your Body Back After Having a Baby

From the 5 Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons and 2 Licensed Aestheticians at Forsyth Plastic Surgery and The VISTA Aesthetic Center

BY ELLEN DEROSSET BASSETT, IMAGES BY PHOTO ARTISTRY BY MELINDA

Whether it’s been two months, two years, or even 20 years after having a baby, you may look in the mirror and wonder whether it’s even possible to get your body back to looking like it did pre-pregnancy. The good news is there’s hope for breasts that don’t exactly look perky, that extra volume around your abdomen, loose skin around your waist, stretch marks, or a noticeable scar from a C-section. The five board-certified plastic surgeons at Forsyth Plastic Surgery (FPS) and the licensed aestheticians at The VISTA (FPS’s in-house aesthetic center) have some great thoughts and recommendations for you.

Dr. George Lawson, a board-certified plastic surgeon at FPS, gives a great overview of some of the options available to women. He says, “There are so many things we can do to help patients get their bodies back postpregnancy and feel great about the way they look. And we love meeting with moms to talk about their options.”

Dr. Lawson explains, “Some surgical procedures like a tummy tuck or a complete mommy makeover will require downtime, while other options, like CoolSculpting and CoolTone, are non-invasive and you can come in for a treatment and then go right back to your normal routine that afternoon.”

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Dr. Leslie Branch, a board-certified plastic surgeon who had twin boys in November of 2019, says, “We have a lot of people who come in to talk about having a mommy makeover for the breasts and belly - two areas that are affected the most by having kids. During this surgery, we tighten, lift and contour.” Dr. Branch notes that a mommy makeover will be very different for each patient. She notes, “One patient may need implants or a lift and another may need a breast reduction with a tummy tuck or liposuction. I recommend patients come in for a full evaluation by one of our doctors here and then we can talk about your expectations, discuss what you might need and consider the downtime to decide what’s the best option.” Fortunately, a mommy-makeover can go a long way to helping moms start feeling great about their bodies again. Dr. Branch says, “The results can be very dramatic. Some women will lose multiple dress sizes and fit completely differently in their clothes.” She emphasizes that a mommy makeover is not a weight loss surgery but more of a shape surgery.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andy Schneider has seen many moms get their shape back after pregnancy. He says, “For women who have just a little fat pocket after pregnancy, maybe the first thing I would talk about is liposuction. Liposuction is removing all of the fat, but leaving the skin behind. For women who have a lot of stretched out skin, well these folks either need a mini or a full tummy tuck.” Dr. Schneider says that while they usually advise women to wait until they’ve had all of their kids before undergoing a procedure like this,

“it really is a great option for turning back the clock and getting your figure back to what you had before pregnancy.”

And what about women who’ve just had a baby in the last year?

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Fagg says, “If it’s right after you’ve had a baby, we would, of course, emphasize exercise and a healthy diet. Patients need to have stopped breastfeeding before they decide to have something done. Your skin stretches and your breasts get larger when you’re pregnant. For some lucky people, the skin goes back. For other people, the skin never goes back and the breasts never go back to the same shape. In this case, the patient could consider a breast lift and also a tummy tuck or liposuction or CoolSculpting or all three. And they can be used in combination.”

Gina Racca, the head aesthetician at The VISTA, is a fan of CoolSculpting herself. She says, “For non-surgical reshaping, I would definitely recommend CoolSculpting. I’ve had the treatment personally in several different areas. It works wonderfully on the waist area to give more of an hourglass shape.” Gina explains that CoolSculpting is approved to work on nine different areas of the body. She also loves CoolTone, a non-invasive way to tone and tighten. She says, “We’ve seen excellent results with CoolTone. You can treat your stomach, buttocks, the front of your thighs, and your inner thighs.” Gina notes the treatments are only about 30 minutes, so you can even come in during your lunchtime.

Dr. Gilson Kingman, another board-certified plastic surgeon at FPS, says, “We do see a lot of patients who are really ready to pull the trigger on what we call a ‘mommy makeover’ but part of this may be repairing abdominal muscles.” He says, “After pregnancy, we see muscles that have been pushed apart, so many of these patients will do better with an abdominoplasty. When we remove skin and fatty tissue then we are right down on the muscle and we can pull the muscles back together where they belong.” The result? A flatter, smoother abdomen that may make a patient feel much more like their pre-pregnancy self.

And what about stretch marks and scars from C-sections? Aesthetician Kinsley Nix says, “Our ResurFX laser is amazing for stretch marks after pregnancies. We can also treat the whole area with a Retin-A product to encourage collagen production.

We also have an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) laser that can help with redness.” Kinsley notes that the stretch marks may not fade away completely, but you’ll definitely see a change. She also recommends using products that they sell at The VISTA that will help smooth the skin as well.

To book an appointment with any of the plastic surgeons or aestheticians at Forsyth Plastic Surgery or The VISTA, please call the Patient Care coordinators at 336-765-8620.

Non-surgical ways to contour your body: • CoolSculpting • CoolTone treatments To treat stretch marks and scars: • ResurFX and IPL treatments for stretch marks Surgical ways to get your body back along with diet and exercise (after you’ve finished having children): • Mommy Makeover • Tummy tuck • Liposuction Tightening loose skin: • Renuvion

May 2021 | 47

Cry Me a River:

Embrace Your Tears PART 2 BY JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

“The new enlightened paradigm of what constitutes a powerful man or woman is someone who has the strength and selfawareness to cry.” - Author Unknown

FIVE GOOD REASONS TO HAVE A GOOD CRY If the COVID 19 pandemic moved you to tears, you probably weren’t thinking about strength or selfawareness when those emotional tears began to flow.

You didn’t need to. All you knew is that you were responding authentically, and from the heart. As it turns out crying is indeed good for you. Neuroscientist Dr. William H. Frey II, author of Crying: The Mystery of Tears has identified these five great reasons to have a good cry: Crying relieves stress – It is a stress reduction technique that can mitigate the risk of heart attack, digestive issues, headaches, migraines, and other health issues.

Crying lowers blood pressure – High blood pressure contributes to stroke, heart failure, and even dementia.

After crying and venting during a therapy session, patients experience lower blood pressure and pulse rate.

Crying reduces manganese – Manganese is a mineral that affects our mood. High levels of this mineral are associated with anxiety, irritability, and aggression.

Tears remove toxins – We know that we feel better after a good cry, but we may not know that our tears helped us to eliminate stress hormones such as cortisol. In other words, a good cry is truly a deep cleanse!

The fifth reason is a bit of a stand-alone because it is all about the relationship we have with ourselves and the connections we nurture with others:

Crying benefits us and brings us closer together – When we cry, we are brought back to the feelings that provoked them. Crying has the power to deepen our own empathy, elicit the support of others, and draw us closer together. In this sense, crying has been essential to our ability to collaborate and survive as a species. Dr. Judith Orloff has noted that in over 20 years as a physician, she has witnessed how tears help us to process life’s losses and keep going – with an open heart.

BE THERE WITH THEM As a former HR professional and change management consultant, I’ve witnessed how an organization’s key learning moments can occur when someone has the courageous authenticity to cry. Isn’t it worth our while to consider how that same courageous authenticity - the type expressed by the very human act of crying might lead to healthier children, healthier relationships, healthier workplaces, and healthier lives? Here’s a place to start: instead of feeling uncomfortable, offering advice, or delivering a meaningless “it’ll all be fine” platitude the next time you are with someone who is crying, consider these more helpful tips: Be a witness to their feelings by describing what you see or sense: “I know this has been so hard for you,” or “You have been through so much loss.”

Paraphrase what you heard them say: “I think you’re saying that you never imagined being in a situation like this and you’re feeling totally blindsided.”

Empathize with them: “I can see why this would feel so devastating,” or “It’s painful to experience this type of loss.”

Replace “Why do you think/feel that way” questions: instead, say, “Tell me what happened,” or “Help me to understand.”

Resist the urge to cheer them up or to minimize their experience: instead, focus on helping them to see that YOU GET IT. Reiterate your support and commitment to them: any version of “I am here for you” that is spoken from your heart is key to providing comfort right now.

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Nurses Week – May 6 through May 12 How To Show The Nurses In Your Life You Appreciate Them

BY KAREN COOPER

Considering the year we have just come through and the pandemic that still remains, National Nurses Week seems especially significant for 2021. As we inch our way toward what we hope will be a light at the end of the tunnel, many nurses and healthcare providers are finding themselves exhausted, burnt out, emotionally drained…yet hopeful and proud of this unprecedented time we have all made it through.

Nurses Week is recognized from May 6 – 12, ending on Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Nightingale was a model for how to overcome adversity and thrive in a crisis, and she paved the way for modern nurses who fight every day against disease and death.

Nursing has grown and progressed by leaps and bounds since Nightingale’s day, but one thing remains constant. Nurses are some of the hardest working professionals you’ll ever meet.

Being a nurse requires a high level of empathy and compassion… often in the face of difficult patients, hard to please families, and impossible emotional situations that there is often no time to mentally process. It can also be a job that goes without much recognition or praise…. but a job that is always vitally important, and especially so in times like these.

Whether the nurses in your life are family, friends, employees, or your own caregivers, let them know they are appreciated during Nurses Week and all year long. These are some ideas to help you say thank you and make them feel special.

Self-Care: Nurses are so busy and on their feet for long shifts. The physical work of nursing is demanding and for these reasons, the nurses in your life may love some items for pampering themselves. Anything that relieves their tired, aching bodies and especially their backs, hands, and feet will be welcomed! Think about a special heating pad (maybe with a massage setting), cute compression socks, wonderful hand cream, or even a pair of their favorite work shoes. These things will delight any nurse.

Help Out at Home: One thing nurses definitely don’t get enough of is sleep! Especially since COVID entered the picture and ESPECIALLY if they have small children. If you are close to a nurse and are so inclined, offer to take the kids for an afternoon so your nurse friend can catch a nap or ask for a grocery list and do the shopping for the week.

If this seems too personal, you could bring over a bag of necessities like paper products, cleaning supplies, and favorite foods with a note of thanks.

Caffeination: Most nurses love (and need) their caffeine fix. A Starbucks gift card (or any coffee shop of your choice) or a special mug with a bag of delicious coffee will be a lovely and welcome treat!

Give Them a Shout Out: If you have been treated well by a nurse or if you happen to know a nurse who is working extra hard during the pandemic, give them a shout-out online!

Nurses often don’t get recognized for their contributions; knowing you “see” them and appreciate what they are doing will absolutely make their day, their week, their year!

Let your feelings be known to the online masses!

Food Talks: What you hear is true…it can be very hard to find time to eat when you are a busy nurse taking care of critically ill patients. When there is a chance to eat, nurses are ALL ABOUT GOOD FOOD! A gift card for a great meal, a credit for a food delivery service (Door Dash, Grub Hub, etc.), a basket of delicious goodies…this is the way to a nurse’s heart!

Give Them Pens: Nurses always need pens! If you gift a nurse a basket of ballpoint pens, sharpies, whiteboard pens and throw in a gift card or two, you can rest assured you have made that nurse very happy!

Share Your Appreciation With Their Manager: If you have been a patient and been cared for by a particularly great nurse…. let it be known! There are drop boxes in the hospital to share your comments, and you can also call or write a letter to the hospital’s Patient Advocate department expressing your thoughts about the excellent care you received.

Nursing, for most, is a calling and nurses are fulfilled and gratified by the moments that happen each day in which that nurse sees how he or she is making a difference in a patient’s life. In the moments in between, nursing can be a difficult profession…. physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is so important that we show our appreciation to the nurses we love and let them know we see how hard they work and the sacrifices they are making for the good of patients who cross their paths. When nurses feel appreciated, they are at their best, and when they are at their best, everyone in the community benefits!

Celebrate the nurses you love during Nurses Week May 6 – May 12 and continue to celebrate their achievements all year long!

Salemtowne

Safe Fun in the Sun (See sun shines, sunglasses pool bags etc.)

BY BROOKE ORR

UVA V. UVB UVA rays (or aging rays) can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, and can pass through window glass.

UVB rays (or burning rays) are the primary cause of sunburn and are blocked by window glass.

Did you know…?

How do I treat sunburns?

Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Snow, sand, and water increase the need for sunscreen because they reflect the sun’s rays. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s rays. Higher number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s rays, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s rays.

It’s important to begin treating a sunburn as soon as possible. In addition to stopping further UV exposure, dermatologists recommend treating a sunburn with:

COMMON SUNSCREEN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: Can I use the same sunscreen each year until it runs out?

The FDA requires that all sunscreens retain their original strength for at least three years.

Some sunscreens include an expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, throw out the sunscreen. If you buy a sunscreen that does not have an expiration date, write the date you bought the sunscreen on the bottle. That way, you’ll know when to throw it out. You also can look for visible signs that the sunscreen may no longer be good. Any obvious changes in the color or consistency of the product mean it’s time to purchase a new bottle.

Is “Natural” Better?

Scientific evidence supports the benefits of using sunscreen to minimize short-term and long-term damage to the skin from the sun’s rays. Claims that sunscreen ingredients are toxic or a hazard to human health have not been proven. If you are concerned about certain sunscreen ingredients, you can select a formula that contains different active ingredients as long as your sunscreen is broad-spectrum, waterresistant and has an SPF 30 or higher

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• Cool baths to reduce the heat.

• Moisturizer to help ease the discomfort caused by dryness. As soon as you get out of the bathtub, gently pat yourself dry, but leave a little water on your skin.

Then apply a moisturizer to trap the water in your skin.

• Hydrocortisone cream that you can buy without a prescription to help ease discomfort.

• Aspirin or ibuprofen. This can help reduce the swelling, redness, and discomfort.

• Drinking extra water. A sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from the rest of the body. Drinking extra water prevents dehydration.

• Do not treat sunburns with “-caine” products (such as benzocaine). If your skin blisters, you have a seconddegree sunburn. Dermatologists recommend that you: Allow the blisters to heal untouched. Blisters form to help your skin heal and protect you from infection. If the blisters cover a large area, such as the entire back, or you have chills, a headache, or a fever, seek immediate medical care.

*All information is from The American Academy of Dermatology website. More Information can be found at AAD.org*

Aging is a gift. If you are blessed by receiving it show gratitude each day by accepting, respecting, and protecting your body. The skin is the body’s largest organ and first line of defense--its number one enemy?

The sun. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and it doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can get skin cancer regardless of age, gender, or race. Using sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer by protecting you from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. They recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen because it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Experts from the Academy also recommend choosing sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and water-resistant.

Sunscreen is essential every day that you go outside because the sun emits harmful UV rays year-round. It is important to apply enough sunscreen to adequately cover the whole body, including feet, neck, ears, and the top of the head. Skin cancer also affects lips, so use a lip balm or lipstick that contains SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating and according to the directions on the bottle. Reapplying also pertains to products that combine sunscreen with moisturizers and cosmetic products.

Sunscreen helps to protect your skin from sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancer. However, sunscreen alone cannot fully protect you. In addition to wearing sunscreen, dermatologists recommend taking the following steps to protect your skin and find skin cancer early: • Seek shade between 10 and 2 and/or if your shadow is shorter than you are • Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.

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PEACE

Kick Stress and Anxiety to the Curb with Healthier Habits:

FIND OF MIND AND REPRIEVE FOR EVEN THE BUSIEST

BY SUSAN B. B. SCHABACKER

LIVES

54 | ForsythWoman.com

Busy lifestyles and miles-long to-do lists? It’s easy to get overwhelmed and overstressed. Even for the even-keeled, anxiety can attack us.

And it doesn’t just affect the way we feel, but it also affects our mental and physical health, crippling confidence, and stagnating growth.

Stress-induced anxiety can keep us at bay from living our best lives.

So, enough of the bad stuff. Even with the busiest lifestyles, we can overcome this.

POWER OF POSITIVITY Reconsider Your Outlook – Stay positive. When you look in the mirror, look past what you or others view as flaws. Make a habit of saying “I love you” to yourself and your loved ones, even when you feel unloving, unloved, or unlovable. Let love lift your spirits.

Reflection, Prayer & Meditation – Studies show that prayer and meditation are not just spiritual practices but also yield health benefits, helping us cope with stress and anxiety and even promoting longevity. Taking just 15-30 minutes a day to pray and/ or meditate can make a powerfully positive difference. Relax your body, quiet your mind, turn to your higher power, focus inwardly, and reflect on how you feel. Whether written reflections, recorded audio, or focusing inwardly, get in touch with who you really are and how you really feel. Check into that place of calm with this intrinsic vacation, a much-needed break from your daily duties. Embrace opportunities to experience peace of mind. And try out apps that encourage prayer and meditation.

Cleaning, De-Cluttering, & Organizing – Spring green cleaning with non-toxic, natural products (also DIY) can give you the reprieve you need with a cleaner (and healthier) environment. Open windows for fresh air, decorate with plants for better breathability and spray your room (and yourself) with a combo of distilled water and essential oils. Before cleaning, de-clutter and organize. The more you can manage your environment, the better you’ll be and feel in it.

However sentimental about stuff, it’s an ideal time to part with some of it. Be selective about what you keep around. Rethink what you need versus what you want and find the right place for it, whether in a storage bin, another room, another

person’s life, or the trash bin. Don’t overdo it, cleaning to an extreme, but maintain your environment.

You’ll be healthier and happier, making your space more breathable and livable.

Diet, Supplements, Sleep, Exercise, & Body Conditioning – Opt for healthy foods and beverages, keep hydrated, take vitamins and supplements, get enough sleep, actively exercise, and body condition (e.g., yoga, Pilates, and tai chi) for healthier living.

Improve your health and resiliency in dealing with stress and anxiety.

Planning With Priorities – What’s a building without a blueprint?

What’s a business without a business plan? What would our bodies be like without bone structures? Without a framework and a solid foundation to build on, we lack stability. So, get a game plan and figure out your priorities before you check things off your list. Do what’s most important and urgent first and foremost.

What would a garden be like if we didn’t do any weeding? Narrow down your list to avoid getting overwhelmed. Less is sometimes more. Allow yourself to say “no.”

What do you already have going?

Consider this before adding other items to your list. Also, allow yourself to gather support. We all need help sometimes, so recognize when you do need help, and don’t be reluctant to ask friends, mates, or professionals for insight about planning and priorities.

Deep Breathing, Relaxation, & Massage – Often, we forget the importance of breath and tend to breathe more shallowly.

Simply taking deeper breaths from our diaphragm can improve our health, lower blood pressure and cortisol levels that rise during “fight or flight” in response to stress, calm our anxieties, and even help us live longer.

Other creative ways to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety might include laughing with loved ones, getting creative with visual and/or performing arts, and/or embracing our ears with music. Don’t overlook pet therapy and reconnecting with nature. Try walking or jogging and relaxing afterward with a calming cuppa tea.

Embrace these stress-busting and anxiety-relieving tips to breathe easier, get healthier, and live better!

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The Benefits of Getting Outdoors More

BY JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

Most of us are on-board with the notion that being outside is good for us. We see the many commercials and advertisements of retired folks and senior citizens walking, jogging, and simply basking in the beauty of Mother Nature and we get it. What we may not “get” quite as well is the significant “why” behind it.

Consider these science-based benefits:

IMPROVED OVERALL HEALTH When we spend time outside, we can improve our overall immunity by boosting our white blood cell count. We can also increase our level of Vitamin D. This is particularly important for seniors as having a sufficient level of Vitamin D translates into a lower risk for rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and heart attack. A mere 15 minutes basking in those sunny rays can get you to the recommended daily dose of this essential vitamin.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

REDUCED CHRONIC ILLNESS AND PAIN While time spent outdoors won’t cure a chronic disease, many studies suggest that it can reduce pain and stress levels. This, in turn, boosts the immune system in ways that help treatments to work and bodies to heal. And on that note, my favorite piece of science-based research is this: hospital patients healed faster and experienced fewer complications when they were able to look out upon nature during their recovery.

IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH Experts concur that nature heals and protects us in other ways as well. For example, seniors who regularly spend time outdoors experience less anxiety and depression, while improving their mood and their overall feeling of happiness. Taking one’s exercise outside (instead of on that indoor cycling machine!) has been shown to reduce the risk of mental health problems, lowering levels of depression and stress. Even for folks whose mobility may be compromised, time spent out of doors in a natural setting provides welcome relaxation along with fresh

56 | ForsythWoman.com

air and sunshine. Research from the University of Michigan found that “Interacting with nature can have similar effects as meditating…People don’t have to enjoy the walk to get the benefits. We found the same benefits when it was 80 degrees and sunny over the summer as when the temperatures dropped to 25 degrees in January.” My only question: What are you waiting for?

IMPROVED MEMORY AND CONCENTRATION Memory retention is a topic of great interest to many seniors as short-term memory becomes more challenging. While there is every good reason to invest in tools and challenges that support memory and improve concentration, here’s something else you can do: spend more time in nature! Once again, The University of Michigan found that “memory performance and attention span” can improve by as much as 20 percent simply by spending 60 minutes outside.

IMPROVED ENERGY LEVELS Even with the energy boost that a well-timed nap can supply, many of us would like to find other ways to increase our energy levels. Well, you guessed it: spend time outside in nature and you are likely to feel more alive and to experience an energy boost.

AND ONE MORE THING… So far, we know that the mere act of getting outside has the power to boost our immunity, reduce physical pain, make us happier and less stressed, and improve our memory, concentration, and energy levels. In case you need one more reason to get outside, consider this: doing so may just increase your longevity. A major Harvard University study found that people live up to 12 years longer, on average, when they live near trees and other forms of vegetation.

I hope to see you out there - in the great outdoors.

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Novant Health WomanCare: Where teamwork and service come together

BY DENISE HEIDEL, PHOTOS BY JEJ PHOTOS

While many incredibly caring people make up the tapestry that is Novant Health WomanCare, we invite you to meet some of the amazing team members featured on the cover of this month’s issue!

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Rhonda Dixon,

Ana Olivera,

Temple Steele,

“I’ve been with WomanCare since 2007 and see patients daily. I enjoy working with all the providers and helping women.

We work well together, and this is definitely a team environment.

Best of all, this practice feels like family. Not only do we care about one another as a family of professionals, but we want what is best for our patients.”

“Every day at WomanCare is different, and there are always new challenges and opportunities. In my two years with the practice, I’ve enjoyed the team environment and the fact that this is a place that values family.”

“I finished my residency at WomanCare and was thrilled to be able to join the team. I am honored to be a part of my patients’ lives at all their various stages and milestones.

This is a very patient-centric environment, and our team works hard to tailor the experience for each woman’s unique needs. Now that families can participate in sessions again, I feel like we’re getting back to normal and the whole care of a woman – which includes her family.”

Women’s health nurse practitioner

Certified medical assistant

Ob-gyn physician

If there is a universal lesson our world has collectively learned in the last year, it’s the importance of adapting.

We’ve learned that patience is an underrated virtue. We’ve renewed our appreciation for community and collaboration.

And while the need for high-quality medical services did not diminish in 2020, Novant Health WomanCare was not immune to the need to adapt and change as well. And yet, through it all, they maintain their tradition of excellent teamwork and service to the patients they serve.

“Our clinic has enjoyed a long-time reputation for excellent care,” said Jennifer Greenly, clinic administrator, “We had the challenge of maintaining our tradition of teamwork and service in unique ways. Our staff rose to the occasion, though, and without skipping a beat – even while adding new providers to our team. We came through stronger than ever, and our patients have continued to show their support for the care we give them.”

A WELCOMING PLACE FOR WOMEN “I had a great visit today. Check-in and out was easy and quick! Receptionists were very friendly!” ~ B.B. “Our patients are busy people,” said Jennifer. “We value and respect their time, so hospitality is the first priority when our patients arrive. We want them to feel welcome and take the complications out of making appointments, scheduling procedures, and filing insurance. Our team at reception and billing respect our patients and consistently go that extra mile to make sure all questions are answered in a timely fashion. Our scheduling team ensures that patients know and understand what needs to happen on arrival, and we pride ourselves on excellent communication.

“And in a COVID world,” said Jennifer, “it’s more important than ever. We have utilized technology to the fullest, including virtual visits, to meet our patients’ needs safely. Our front desk and administrative staff make that possible.”

Jaleema Speaks,

Abby Jones,

Traci Hite,

Sharonda Conrad,

“One of my favorite parts of my job is the relational component. One year, I may visit a young woman for her first gynecological exam…. A few years later, I will care for her during her first pregnancy…. And later, work with her when she is beginning menopause.

And while we want all pregnancies to be healthy, we know that’s not always the case.

So caring for women through fertility issues and loss – I’m very aware of the amount of trust given to us, and I hold that trust very carefully.”

“I have been a nurse for six years and at WomanCare for three. I love working with our obstetric patients and assisting with various procedures. We can average between 100 – 200 patients per day, and it never gets old. Every situation is different, and I just love caring for each patient.”

“WomanCare is a warm, welcoming, friendly, family environment. I joined the team in 2020, and despite starting a new job in the middle of a pandemic, I’ve found a professional home here. I love the area and community. Our patients are lovely people, and it is our privilege to care for them – whether they are here for a pregnancy, routine health check, or special procedure.”

“For 15 years, I’ve worked at WomanCare as a Patient Service Coordinator. It’s my job to welcome our patients, help them with their paperwork, and schedule their procedures. The name of the practice says it all – we are WomanCare.

We treat the whole woman with care.”

Ob-gyn physician

Registered nurse

Family nurse practitioner

Patient service coordinator

COMMUNICATION IS KEY “This is my first pregnancy, and these wonderful people are doing a fantastic job taking care of the baby and me and keeping us well informed.” ~ A.E. “During COVID, we were faced with a unique challenge. How do we serve women in the safest way possible? We started by setting up shift rotations and also utilizing telephonic visits,” Jennifer said.

“While certain visits and procedures had to be done in person, we were able to offer video visits for many of our patients – especially for routine follow-ups and our nutrition services.

“At the heart of all of that – communication at WomanCare is a priority. We never want our patients to feel confused or in the dark. Our team strives for transparency, and we work together to make sure our patients’ voices are heard. We never want to take for granted the concerns they have. We do this every day; they don’t. So we are sensitive to that and will keep the lines of communication open until the patient feels all her questions have been answered.”

PROVIDERS ARE ESSENTIAL “I have never met a doctor who was more caring. Thank you for being so concerned for my family’s welfare. You are the type of care providers that get the job done right.” --O.T. “Essential was one of the buzzwords of 2020, and in our world – our whole team delivers essential services. Whether it’s the doctor offering obstetrics care to a first-time mom, one of our nurse practitioners counseling a family on the next steps, one of our RNs assisting with a procedure, or a patient services coordinator coordinating multiple appointments or referrals for our patients – our team continually demonstrates that everyone at WomanCare has an important role to play in the overall health care of women.

“We are proud of the way our patients feel they are part of our family.”

CARE FOR EVERY WOMAN “At WomanCare, we have worked hard to provide services that will meet the needs of women at every stage of life. Our practice includes in-house lab work, making it convenient for patients who need to have blood work done during their visit. We have nutrition counseling and ultrasound services, plus we offer adolescent care for young women, which helps prepare them as their bodies change through the teenage years.

“Additionally,” said Jennifer, “WomanCare offers minor surgeries and procedures that enable our patients to come here, rather than the hospital. Some of our procedures include evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding, treatment of abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding, removal of uterine polyps, and more. Our patients appreciate the kindness and care they receive from professionals they know and trust.”

Jennifer said, “WomanCare is a caring place for women – a safe place where they can trust they will be given exceptional health care by a team who is committed to their well-being.”

Novant Health WomanCare’s main office is located at 114 Charlois Blvd. in Winston-Salem. The Clemmons office is located at 4130 Clemmons Road, and the Kernersville location is at 1730 Kernersville Medical Parkway, Suite 104. Appointments for any of these three locations can be made by calling 336.765.5470 or by using MyChart through the Novant Health online patient portal. Visit online at nhwomancare.org. You can also like Novant Health WomanCare on Facebook.

60 | ForsythWoman.com

Thank you to our photographer, Jon Eric Johnson, who masterfully coordinated a safe photo shoot for our cover! Our staff were photographed individually and wore masks until it was their turn to be photographed.

May 2021 | 61

2,000 Pounds of Hope. 3 Broken Hearts.

One place called Hope Reins.

BY CHRISTY BURKEY

When Aaron Guin texted his wife Amanda that he was ‘done,’ she didn’t know what he meant until she heard the police sirens. He’d been at home with another deep bout of depression, so she and her two young kids were staying nearby at her parents’ house until Daddy felt better.

But this time it was different. The beloved husband, doting father, 82nd Airborne Ranger, and neighborhood Mr. Fixit, had lost his battle with the demons that haunted him since serving in the Gulf War. Aaron Guin, who could tinker with anything and make it work, sadly couldn’t repair his own life. He killed himself at his home on a Saturday evening. This is how life ended for Aaron Guin.

But for Amanda, Garrett, and Ashlyn, this is where their journey of hope and healing began.

Aaron’s suicide devastated the close-knit Guin family, especially Garrett, who spent every free moment glued to his father’s side, playing football, gardening, and serving as his young handyman apprentice. Amanda tried desperately to reach her son, but his thoughts and feelings remained hidden behind a veil of detachment.

When a friend suggested the equine therapy program at Hope Reins, Amanda was skeptical. “I thought, really? Garrett’s going to open up to a horse?” But after their first session at Hope Reins, the 7-year-old seemed instinctively aware of his new 2,000 pound friend’s gentle strength and moved easily around the huge Percheron, a breed known for its mighty stature.

It was a natural connection. The massive horse became Garrett’s confidant – one who could shoulder the weight of his darkest pain without ever divulging a word. He would talk and Abby listened.

Session after session, Amanda watched in wonder as Garrett would brush, walk, and then ride Abby bareback through the green pastures at Hope Reins – beaming with pride and accomplishment.

His caring session leader, Karen, who remained a comfortable distance away, would watch in amazement, too, as God’s handiwork helped create a bond of love, trust, and openness just when it was needed most for a lost little boy deeply missing his best friend.

“I can’t even put into words how good it makes a mom feel that a horse can do a job that I can’t,” says Amanda.

It’s been almost six years since the Guin family first contacted Hope Reins.

And a lot has happened since then. Garrett’s sweet equine mentor, Abby, passed away in 2018 from severe colic. He’s now a strapping 5 foot 10 inch sixth grader who loves basketball.

His sister, Ashlyn, forged her own path over the years as an accomplished equestrian at the ranch finding great solace in Shiloh, a beautiful white pony.

She and Garrett both volunteer in Hope Reins’ Kids Give Back, where they provide leadership to young program participants and learn how to apply these skills in their own lives as well.

Amanda took her pain and started volunteering at TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) to help other military widows struggling with the death of a loved one. Her passion for the cause formed a conduit between TAPS and Hope Reins by aligning both nonprofits so other families like hers could be helped through equine therapy. TAPS is a cherished partner of Hope Reins.

“I could have never made it through Aaron’s suicide without Hope Reins.”

Last year, Hope Reins celebrated its 10th anniversary and service to over 2,700 individual kids in crisis just like Garrett and Ashlyn. Its mission remains the same: to pair hurting kids with trained mentors and rescued horses for hope and healing. And, they do it at no charge to kids and their families.

“Pain is the ultimate equalizer,” says Amanda.

“No one is immune from experiencing a crisis in their lives like we did. But I thank God for Hope Reins.”

For more information about Hope Reins or to make a donation: hopereins.org.

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

WATERFALL HIKES IN NORTH CAROLINA

HIGH FALLS AND TRIPLE FALLS AT DUPONT STATE PARK

Not too far away from the enchanting town of Hendersonville, you’ll come across Dupont State Park that accommodates two magnificent waterfalls with one easily-accessible hiking trail - one of the filming locations for the first Hunger Games movie. The High Falls Loop trail is two miles long and loops around to keep your hike relatively easy. You’ll first encounter the High Falls waterfall, where the Little River tumbles down, then you’ll be met with a spur trail that leads to Triple Falls. The best place for parking will be near the visitor center, as that is also where the trail begins.

CATAWBA FALLS

Many local residents may be familiar with this short hiking trail. It is easily accessible off Interstate 40 when you take exit 73 and drive three miles to the end of Catawba River Drive. This waterfall has the impressive appearance of dozens of tinier waterfalls that weave around the mountain boulders. If you get close enough, you may enjoy the serenity of nature’s water sounds and the mist floating through the air on a hot summer’s day.

The Catawba Falls allows for a great family hike as it is about 1.2 miles slightly uphill to reach the base of the waterfall, where you can also enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water. Around the waterfall is large boulders and fallen trees, ideal for a relaxing picnic with a waterfall view.

SKINNY DIP FALLS

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Skinny Dip Falls takes the impression of flowing waters around a series of rippled ledges for a peaceful surrounding.

The naturally-created deep pools are ideal for a relaxing day lounging about. The trailhead leading to

the waterfall is unmarked, but you can find it across the road from the Looking Glass Rock Overlook parking lot along mile marker 417.

Try to stick to the main pathway where the entrance signpost will say Mountains to Sea Trail.

SLIDING ROCK FALLS

Popular for its family-friendly destination, Sliding Rock Falls is a beautiful stream of clean water on a gentle incline where individuals can carefully slide down 60 feet on the slippery rocks. The clear water will carry you into a deep pool at the bottom for a safe transition back to land. During the summer months, the waterfall is monitored by lifeguards, and certain safety rules are put into place to make it suitable for all ages. While picnicking is not allowed, there are changing rooms and restrooms nearby. Additionally, there is a small fee charged per person from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

WHITEWATER FALLS IN NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST

Surrounded by lush trees and vegetation, the Whitewater Falls is one of the most impressive and largest waterfalls in North Carolina that tumbles 811 feet over two massive ledges. The first lookout is easily accessible at a quarter-mile walk from the parking lot with a paved pathway suitable for both strollers and wheelchairs. For a better view, you have the option of walking down a little flight of stairs to another viewing platform. Being in the Nantahala National Forest, there is a small fee to park, but in return, you have plenty of picnic shelters, barbecues, and clean restrooms.

LINVILLE FALLS

Offering multiple trails with varying levels of difficulty, the Linville Falls is a beautiful attraction that sits high on a cliff wall with trees that decorate the sides in the midst of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is east of Asheville, located along mile post 316.4. The main trail offers two lookouts, with the first being a simple half-mile walk. If you wish to climb down to the waterfall’s pools, take the .75-mile-long Linville Gorge trail at the end of Erwins View Overlook.

Why add the stress of traveling outof-state this summer when you can create some of the best memories right here in North Carolina!

WATERFALL HIKES IN NORTH CAROLINA

Upper Catawba Falls, Old Fort, NC

From the Blue Ridge to the Smoky Mountains, North Carolina has some of the most impressive waterfalls to help you enjoy a beautiful weekend outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a short hike to escape town for the day or a simple roadside lookout or a fun weekend camping out at the base, North Carolina is not short of options to satisfy. In fact, did you know that one of them was a filming location for the first Hunger Games movie?

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Celebrating Mother’s Day Reflecting & Appreciating Essential Moms

BY SUSAN B. B. SCHABACKER

What would we do without our mothers? Well, we wouldn’t be here, but aside from that, the multi-faceted mother’s role is vital to healthy development and growth of young ones, from egg to baby to child to teen to adult. And, even in adulthood, a mother’s role continues. There’s nothing quite like a mother’s love, nurturing, security, comfort, and reassurance. She is known as the “heart of the home.”

Every mom is different and uniquely special.

Let’s recognize and appreciate our moms’ God-given gifts. No matter how much motherly nagging, there is nothing quite like a mother’s bond with her offspring. She deserves full credit for having carried you and raised you.

Moms often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Whatever bumps may be in the past, allow your heart to forgive.

Respect, understand, and love your mom just the way she is. Reach out and make her feel worthy and special. We can’t say “I love you” often enough.

A mom’s love is like cultivating a garden, a garden of life. No matter how grown-up, we all start out as seeds, requiring enough soil, water, sunlight, and fertilizer to grow. Under a gardener’s watchful eye and active care, seeds become saplings and eventually transform into plants, flowers, or trees.

Moms, like gardeners, guard and protect us, warding off wanton weeds and infestations of insects that threaten our growth. A welltended garden is a blessing that can reap a fruitful harvest. Moms work hard tending their offspring, and however much we may grow, it is those roots that keep us grounded.

Even if you never got to know your mom, she’s someone special who loves and wants the best for you. As an adoptee born in Mokpo, South Korea, and embraced by my adoptive mother’s loving arms at three months old, I never knew the lady who gave birth to me. I don’t even know her name.

But, I do know she wanted me to have a better life. She couldn’t provide for or raise me, so she gave me all she could at the time. Her gift of a new life for me was the gift of a lifetime.

I acknowledge her great gift, appreciate her life, and love her from afar. I am grateful for both my mothers, equally special.

66 | ForsythWoman.com

What do you most want to share with your mother that reflects your true heart? On this Mother’s Day, take the time to recall your best memories and record them, whether by written, visual, audio, or audio means. Be honest, dig deep, and then share your love and appreciation with the lady who raised you to be someone special. Love her for who she is. The gift of love is a gift of grace that lives on forever, makes us whole, and allows us to live our lives to the fullest.

Reveal your inner poet and write something special and meaningful for your mom. Record it, speak it, or sing it. It doesn’t have to be perfect or publishable. Just let it emerge from you - in your voice - in your words from your heart.

There’s nothing as memorable, up close, and personal as a LIVE sharing in your own voice, dedicated to this special lady.

Share an authentic and artistic tribute with your mother on Mother’s Day. To mothers everywhere, Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for being our mothers.

We don’t know what we’d ever do without you!

“M” is For… “M” is for Mommy, who carried and raised me.

“M” is for Mama, the first person I saw when I opened my eyes.

“M” is for Mom, who tended the garden as I grew from seed to sapling to flowering tree.

Mom is the sunshine, water, and soil I needed to grow.

She fended off insects, warded off weeds.

She nourished the deep roots that ground me, and I survived and thrived.

With strongest family bonds and a blessing of harvest, We share afternoon tea and talk of memories.

It’s Mother, whom I credit and tribute, not just on this special Mother’s Day, but all days of my life. I love you and thank you!

Special Mother’s Day poem written by Susan Schabacker

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May 2021 | 67

RAISING EVERY CHILD GOES VIRTUAL We have missed being able to see you over the last year. Although it is still too soon to bring people together face-to-face, we are excited to tell you about our upcoming Raising Every Child Virtual Event. We hope you can join us.

By this time last year, we had already booked a return visit by Harvard University’s Robert Putnam, reserved our space at the convention center and printed the sponsorship programs for our annual Raising Every Child Benefit Luncheon. We have lost our largest in-person fundraiser two years in a row. We have missed seeing donors like you. We didn’t get a chance to honor Joe Crocker for his lifetime of service. And, we missed a chance to tell you all of the exciting things we were doing. But, that didn’t mean our work stopped. Despite the pandemic – and in some cases, because of it – we adapted and changed tactics, but we kept moving, kept helping and kept the Vision in Motion.

This year, we will gather, but virtually. We hope you will reserve your seat at no cost. And, we hope that you will encourage anyone you know who cares about children and families in our community to save their spot as well.

We plan to be back next year to do all the things we didn’t get to do – Putnam, Crocker, a communal lunch – all of it. But, for now, we need to keep the conversation going virtually. And, we need champions more than ever. We didn’t stop, but we do have some catching up to do. We’re ready to work as long and as hard as it takes to make up for what we lost, but we can’t do it without you.

Join us on May 5th for an hour-long panel discussion.

Two local community experts and a parent of a young child will lead the discussion.

• Dr. Shenell McClurkin Thompson with the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust will discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected communities of color – particularly with young children. She will explain the connection between health equity and educational equity, considering that many low-income families with young children receive health screenings and are connected to a medical home by the staff of early childhood development programs.

She will also share what we have learned from COVID-19 about the need for universal Pre-K to ensure the health of young children.

• Dr. Lia Erickson, a pediatrician with Novant Health, will focus on delivering medical/health services to young children during the pandemic, specifically in terms of maintaining contact with their medical home and dealing with the effects of social isolation.

• Our parent panelist will share experiences and insight from a family supporting their young children during the last year.

Enrollment in the North Carolina Pre-K program in Forsyth County is down by more than 40 percent during the pandemic year, and for much of the time those enrolled were only being reached remotely.

Have you been concerned about our children during the pandemic?

If so, join us for this discussion to hear from local experts. There is good news; our children are resilient and will bounce back, but some will need our help.

Thanks to our generous presenting sponsor, Kaplan Early Learning Company, the event is free and all donations will go directly to support the work of Family Services.

Save your spot now. Visit tinyurl. com/raisingeverychild or call us at 336.722.8173.

Michelle Speas, CFRE | Vice President, Philanthropy and Public Relations

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Family Services

PE O OU EY

TH EF

ES OF

PL

IV

YP ET

ET ME

BY AMY HILL

E TH AT M GY

Gym rats everywhere can attest to the various strong personalities they’ve encountered during their workouts. Here are five types of people you’re sure to run into in the weight room.

THE SHOW-OFF

THE BAD SINGER

THE SOCIALIZER

You’re quietly performing dumbbell bicep curls in the corner of the gym, making sure to stay out of everyone’s way, when a towering, muscular man struts over to the dumbbell rack and grabs two of the largest weights. While he lifts the weights, he makes sure everyone can hear him grunting with each rep.

He unnecessarily drops the weights, forcing everyone to turn their heads to see where the loud banging noise came from. Not only is he loud and proud, but he has no concept of personal space. He places his sweat rag and cell phone on the unoccupied exercise bench next to him, unconcerned as to whether anyone else would like to work out that day. He doesn’t hesitate to answer his cell phone and talk loudly while completing his work out because it makes him look like a hot commodity.

Unlike the show-off, the benign bad singer is unaware that he is audibly singing offkey to the music he is listening to through his headphones or AirPods. He even sings along to the standard background music played in the gym when he removes his AirPods.

While you can’t wait until he hops on the treadmill and runs out of breath, you’re secretly envious of his oblivious nature and security. As annoying as his singing may be, you can’t deny that he seems like a genuinely happy person. You’re too socially awkward to even make eye contact and greet the person next to you in the locker room. You could never possess the confidence necessary to sing during your entire workout, but it must be nice.

Your schedule is packed and you’re trying to fit your workout into the hour of free time you have in the evenings.

You arrive at the gym ready to sweat when Susan saunters over to you and starts talking about her latest shoulder injury. Not today, Susan, you think. You listen to her and smile, asking minimal questions in return and hoping she takes the hint. However, Susan is incapable of picking up on your social cues. You then listen to her ramble about how her brother-in-law has to go to court next month while watching your allotted workout time slip through your fingers. Now, instead of listening to what Susan is saying, you start brainstorming polite ways to end the conversation so you can head to the squat rack before someone else claims it. “Well hopefully everything works out,” you reply. Once you’re in the clear, you rush to the squat rack and immediately wear headphones for the remainder of your workout (without the singing, of course).

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THE WOMAN YOU SECRETLY COMPETE WITH There she is again, wearing a cuter workout outfit than you with her hair up in the perfect messy gym bun. How does she do that? You think. Your hair could never do that. And how is she this tan in January?

You can’t even tan in the summer. You make a note to yourself that if you ever find a boyfriend, you’re never bringing him to the gym when she is working out because he’d definitely leave you for her. Maybe she has a horrible personality, you hope.

But she doesn’t.

Everyone likes her and she has no obvious flaws. Now that your self-esteem is destroyed, you have to somehow power through another 20 minutes of high intensity cardio.

THE “IS HE FLIRTING WITH ME?” GUY He asks you if he can “work in” while you’re using the leg extension machine. He’s very attractive, but you can’t tell whether he’s trying to start up a conversation with you or if he’s in a rush and doesn’t have time to wait for you to finish your set. You share the machine with him, but he doesn’t stick around to talk. Maybe he’s shy, you think. You over analyze every form of communication you have with him for the next few weeks, and you are enthralled when he finally asks you questions about your life. You’re enjoying the conversation with him when he casually mentions his girlfriend. Your heart sinks and you feel like a fool.

I guess he’s just a friendly guy, you conclude. On second thought, however, how would his girlfriend feel about him striking up conversations with women at the gym when she isn’t there? You’re glad you’re not his girlfriend. He’s clearly a womanizer.

Happy Mother’s Day from Pat’s Body Shop

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Gift Certificates Available

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5720 Country Club Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104 Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:30pm

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Real Cookies For You, Real Food For Them

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

Did you know that 1 in 4 children in North Carolina doesn’t get enough food? And 1 in 6 adults are food insecure? Hunger has been a significant challenge facing our community. Couple the past hunger issues with the challenges wrought by the unpredictability of last year and the loss of income, and you may find that there is no better time to support your community than right now.

Last December, I had the opportunity to observe the impact that Hope Community Church was making in the young lives of children living in community housing, providing them with education assistance, nutritional meals, and a safe environment to bring friendships back together. It made me ponder more on how I could make a bigger difference to support those around me. As my mother reminded me, it’s often almost too easy to get caught up in saying, “That’s great,” and, “How inspiring,” or feel moved with something nice, but it takes a little extra sacrifice to take action.

Not everyone needs to know about it, but even a small gesture of kindness may make a difference in someone’s life. Those words of wisdom stayed rooted in my memory, and I knew it was time to take a little extra action.

Last year, the unprecedented times we experienced as a nation produced an economic crisis unlike any other since the Great Depression, from business closures to major job losses, many families were thrown for a surprise. With 1 in 6 of our neighbors in North Carolina struggling with food insecurity, my heart was driven to the many great food pantries in the Triad. I reached out to Second Harvest Food Bank to gain a little more knowledge about the COVID impact on food demand. They are so enthusiastic about doing what they can to get enough food into the hands of people around us.

The simple fact is that children must eat adequately for them to grow healthy bodies, strong bones, and even to focus during school or studies. When children are left hungry at a young age, they are at more risk for serious disadvantages like anemia and asthma, as well as negative behavioral issues. Another big yet quiet crisis is senior hunger. The rate of hunger amongst seniors 60 years and older has already increased over 45% since 2001 and is expected to continue building as the Baby Boomer Generation ages gracefully. It’s important to not only provide for the young in our community, but also show up for our seniors who have guided us to where we are today.

As a food blogger (abrightmoment.com / @ brightmomentco), I’ve spent the last few months testing batters to decipher how to make those luscious baked rounds of crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside cookies to fit a variety of diets. Now, the time has finally come to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank. Please join me with your warm hearts this May to help support our community in the most delicious way - a cookie fundraiser! 100% of the cookie fundraiser net proceeds go to the Second Harvest Food Bank, and it will be matched by the Second Harvest Food Bank partners. So, join in and order one for yourself or to give away to share in the donation.

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From May 1 to May 24th, order a large specialty bakery-style 6-pack and/or 12-pack set of cookies on abrightmoment. com/fundraiser (or email brightmomentco@gmail.com).

Shipping options may be found on the website. Cookies will be freshly baked and ready for you on May 27th, the Wednesday before Memorial Day Weekend.

Every cookie is made from scratch with the highest quality ingredients, including NC local family farm ingredients.

Not only are they full of flavor, but they’re also made with reduced sugar and extra virgin olive oil to keep things light.

The perfect sweet to enjoy with the weekend’s festivities as we honor this country’s brave men and women. The 6-pack is $16.95 and the 12-pack is $32 with 100% net proceeds being donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Each purchase will make a generous gift to provide for our neighbors in need! The flavor choices include Chocolate Chip Walnut, Vegan Double Chocolate Chip, Italian S Cookies, Gluten-Free Traditional Chocolate Chip, and Matcha-White Chocolate Chip.

An excellent gift to loved ones, co-workers, Memorial Day weekend celebrations, or simply for yourself. Get your golden ticket for some not-so-guilty scrumptious cookies that give back to others.

Find out more on abrightmoment.com/fundraiser, and please join me this month in taking a simple step towards ending childhood hunger!

May 2021 | 73

15 Favorite Decorating Tips

“For a house to be successful, the objects in it must communicate with one another, respond and balance one another.” ~ Andre Putman

Every month I begin my article with a quote. The quote is my inspiration for what follows in my article. I collect quotes; not only about decorating but also about ‘life.’ Near my desk is a notebook where I write quotes that speak to me. I treasure that notebook. I also love collecting decorating tips that I can share with you. Tips that will help you create a beautiful home for your family.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Do not toss an old dated lamp; update it by adding a new shade or repainting the base.

Use window treatments in patterned or textured fabrics to soften the space and reduce the noise in a room with a lot of hard surfaces, like in a kitchen or dining room.

Place a bench or chair on the front porch near the door to help create a welcoming entry.

Purchase furniture that will work in multiple rooms in case you move or your needs change.

Keep things in proportion when making a floral arrangement. Flowers should be 2 to 2 ½ times as high as the container in which you place them.

Leave the decision for paint colors until the end when planning your decorating project. Gather fabrics, rugs, art, etc. and then decide on wall, trim, and ceiling colors.

Incorporate special items on your bookcase that have meaning to you and your family. This helps personalize the space and tell your family’s story.

Don’t be afraid to mix styles and periods of furniture. To get the perfect combination, keep proportion and balance in mind when you place the furniture pieces in your room.

Add healthy green plants. They are always a positive addition to any room, adding life and personality to a room.

Place at least three lamps in a room to create a triangle. This will ensure the light is spread around the room. You can always add more than three.

Hang a mirror to reflect something beautiful.

Be careful that it doesn’t reflect a ceiling fan or another mirror.

Use a set of white dishes as a very versatile kitchen accessory. Every home should have a set.

Use them with white linens and crystal for an elegant dinner party or dressed down with colorful linens and glassware for a casual setting.

Build a room around a focal point: a fireplace, bookcase, a gorgeous piece of large art, a beautiful view, or the ‘real life’ focal point: the TV.

Highlight your collections by gathering them together to make a statement rather than spreading them around the house.

Seeing a collection together will make a greater impact and be easier for you and your guest to enjoy.

Add at least one tall element in a room to draw the eye upward to the un-crowded space above.

Enjoy making your house a home where you and your family will find love, be refreshed, and encourage each other.

I am honored that you read my column each month. It is my pleasure to share decorating ideas to help you create a beautiful home.

Give ReDESIGNS by Ava a call for an Interior Redesign or help with your next decorating project.

74 | ForsythWoman.com

10 Reasons People Choose ReDESIGNS by Ava: 1. They’ve seen the results on TV Home makeover shows or in a friends house.

2. They want a fresh, designer look but haven’t been able to create it.

6. They are blending 2 households of furnishings and want professional help with what to keep and how to make it work.

7. They desire a home that feels good and looks good yet reflects who they are.

ReDESIGNS

by Ava 8. They want rooms to

3. They want great results without great expense.

function better.

4. They don’t know where to place the “old” furniture in a new house.

9. They want to prepare their home to maximize market appeal for a quick, top dollar sale.

5. They don’t want to make an expensive purchase they’ll regret.

10. They believe that when you want professional results you hire a professional.

Novant Health Vein Specialists

Ava is the ReDESIGN expert in and around Forsyth County!

Contact her to find out how you can fall in love with your home — either all over again, or for the first time!

336.345.2929 ReDESIGNSbyAva@SalemGlenCC.net ReDESIGNSbyAva.com Meet Ava on YouTube: tinyurl.com/ReDesignsByAva May 2021 | 75

Making Dollars, Making $ense Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC, Investment advice offered through Independent Advisor Alliance, a registered investment advisor, Independent Advisor Alliance and Marzano Capital Group are separate entities from LPL Financial.

3 Money Conversations to Have with Your Kids

BY STEVEN GALLO, CFP®

Recently, the FINRA Investor Education Foundation ran a study with results showing that financial literacy was a strong indicator of positive future financial outcomes for people (Williams, 2020). Another study indicating how critical the knowledge and skills needed to managing money are, shows where the root of the problem may lie. Financial literacy is not a subject that primary schools tend to teach well, if they teach it at all. These lessons are best taught at home. In 2017 T. Rowe Price ran a survey that indicated 69% of parents have reluctance when it comes to talking about money with their children (T. Rowe Price, 2017). The only way to close this disconnect is to start talking about money with our children and you need to have some ways to get a conversation going. We can help you with that….

Here are three topics to get your conversations started as you teach your child how to build a solid financial future: • The Difference of Needs vs. Wants. We live in instant gratification, want-driven society and it is crucial to have a discussion with your child about the differences between a “need” and a “want.” We “need” food, shelter, clothing, and security to survive – whereas “wants” are something we desire but do not depend on to live. Teach your child that “needs” should be built into their budget, but it is also important to plan for the money for the extras or for the “wants” in life. You can have both, in some cases, if you plan accordingly.

• Earning Money. One of the first positive experiences that your child can have when it comes to an understanding of finances is the act of earning money. Whether earning an allowance for chores done or help around the house or for a part-time job after school, earning money through effort helps your child associate value/happiness by way of income for the work done. It is a simple concept that, learned early, can have a profound impact.

• Saving Money. Saving money is a habit and it’s best to instill good habits early. Learning to pay yourself first by saving 10% of your income at a young age will pay dividends (no pun intended) throughout a lifetime.

You can teach younger children about saving money through the use of a piggy bank, and older children through opening a savings accounts and setting up various goals that can be achieved in a realistic timeframe.

Teaching kids while they are young can help them build a strong and positive relationship with money. That positive relationship can jumpstart the desire to earn money, save, and build up a secure future. If you would like more personalized financial guidance as you educate your kids about money, please contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Sources: Williams. (2020, October 29). New Research: Financial Literacy Is Significant Indicator of Positive Future Financial Outcomes and Behaviors | FINRA.org. FINRA. https://www.finra.org/media-center/newsreleases/2020/new-research-financial-literacysignificant-indicator-positive T. Rowe Price: Parents Are Likely To Pass Down Good And Bad Financial Habits To Their Kids. (2017, March 23). Retrieved from https://www.troweprice.com/content/trowecorp/us/ en/press/t--rowe-price--parents-are-likely-to-pass-down-good-and-bad-fina0.html?id=26658

76 | ForsythWoman.com

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Call today for a complimentary consultation May 2021 | 77

Almost twenty ago, a new house was built. A family with a baby girl moved in. They gave her an adorable bedtime doll. Sometime shortly after, some jerk stole it, took it into the woods, and hung it from a noose. As time passed, the noose snapped, and she fell to the ground, where she was consumed by earth. There she stayed. Until...

The bulldozers had now been giving me migraines for months.

Our beautiful woods would soon be sawdust. I couldn’t leave the house to escape it. The world was literally burning. People had lost their jobs. Friends out west had lost their homes. Over 200,000 had died. The pandemic wasn’t getting better. Work wasn’t fun. And oh yes, we had just had an election.

My friends and I needed our annual day of playing in nature, so we decided to give our race, The Day Bat, a swan song. To minimize risk, we split it into two days.

Eight people would run each day. We strung up the flags.

We hid the peacock and the hummingbirds in their secret places. God gave us the perfect November day.

Friday was my day to run the race, but after eight hours of moving on a bad knee, I was done.

For the sixth year in a row, I would not finish.

On my last lap, I said goodbye to Harvey the Flying Spider, I sat down, and I cried. I was already year-long exhausted. Now I was physically and emotionally wasted. As I retired, several friends were concerned that I had no color. And I had to reset and do it all again the next day.

On Saturday I was a mess. My legs barely worked. But since I was sure that the woods we had enjoyed for so long would soon be plowed under, I decided that I would go walk our trails one last time. It was a pretty day, so after the runners started, I bush-whacked out to Binda Luma, our peaceful little glade in the forest. It was still so peaceful there, far away from the world. But on this morning, it wasn’t helping.

I was lost. The world was lost. I gave up hope. I started back home.

But as I was leaving, of all the places in the universe that I could have stepped...

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I looked down. There, encased in mud.... was a tiny smile.

I remembered the tales from the year before. Runners had been freaked out after seeing a creepy doll. In all my times out there I had never seen her. I suddenly remembered the toy soldiers on the bottom of a river. I remembered my lost dinosaur. I thought about my son’s bear bear. I welled up.

I thought about the chaotic cruel world of the pandemic.

This little doll would NOT be remaining in the mud.

It took some doing, as ferns were literally growing through her. But I pried her up, and on very sore legs, I hobbled back to base camp.

There, I cut off the noose and set up a bubble bath in a bucket. It was spa day for dolly. I posted a pic of her glowing face smiling in the bubbles. It gave me joy. People replied with killer doll memes and warnings. I knew they were joking, but it bothered me. “No! She is a good toy.”

I wanted to know who she was and how to clean her up, so I got a few parents groups on the search. Mostly, I got more mockery, until I found a group called “Let’s ID Our Dolls”.

I asked there.

The group overwhelmed me with kindness.

These people didn’t look at me like I was nuts.

They didn’t make jokes. They showed nothing but empathy for this doll, and for me. Dozens of people helped string together clues. We determined that she was a 2002 Fisher Price soft-body Disney My First Princess Bedtime Doll. That sounds oddly specific, but you’d be shocked how many dozens of Cinderella My-First-Princess lines there are out there!

I spent the next few weeks, cleaning off the wounds of time, making joyful trips to the laundry room to give her another bath, watching her come cleaner and cleaner every time out of the wash. I got the help of all sorts of toy restoration experts. Like humans, she might never be the same again, but she went from stained rags and a body full of weeds, to a magical little girl.

The months since have been restorative, and in ways I would not have imagined. For starters, laundry was no longer a chore.

Every basket has become a symbol: an opportunity for renewal.

I saw the need and started making her dresses. There is now a small group of us who talk fabric on a regular basis. Apparently, I was not the only football player whose mom taught him to sew. You haven’t lived until you’ve run up and down mountains all night, talking with a welder and a real-life ninja about the merits of chiffon vs tulle.

In December, I brought her on a mountain run, where others heard her story. Everyone fell in love. In her they saw hope and kindness. As a little doll heals, so can we. Some beautiful souls have shared her story in this magazine, some others have made her clothes, sent her gifts, carried her on their adventures in their backpacks, and treated her like a daughter.

It’s funny. The Day Bat is gone and the woods might soon follow.

The pandemic has scarred us all for life. But I’m OK now, because of this little lost toy. Because she reminded me of my purpose... to care. I’m just like her at times. Maybe you are too: lost, abused, neglected, ripped, muddy, feared and mocked. But all it takes to wipe all that away, is for someone to care, and pass that on in turn. Thank you God. Message received.

BY DEREK CERNAK

Luma (we named her after our magical glade), is seen on the previous page (header) in the actual bucket bath the day we found her.

The inset is her, still pretty rough after THIRTY washes.

Below she is greeting runners after an all-night mountain run in March, glowing like all who see her.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 1

1 Accent Prone

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Treat Mom to a bit of sparkle and shine this Mother’s Day with Accent Prone’s new and exclusive Fine Jewelry Collection; made of 14k gold, diamonds, and gemstones.

Located at 1022-F Main Street in Kernersville. Visit us online at accentprone. com and on Instagram @accentprone.

2 Clemmons Country Store

Locally made products and plants for Mom! Located at 2690 LewisvilleClemmons Road in Clemmons. Visit us online at clemmonscountrystore.com and on Instagram @clemmonscountrystore

3 Theodore B. Interiors

Bring a little piece of Theodore B. Interiors to your home!

This honey lavender bee skeep candle is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Stop by our design shop at 1031 Burke Street in downtown Winston-Salem. We are a full-service interior design studio and retail shop serving the Triad and surrounding areas. Visit us online at theodorebinteriors. com or on Instagram @theodoreb.interiors.

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4 Club Pilates

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Give the gift of pain free movement and new found strength! Make your mom’s day with Pilates classes at our inclusive studio! Get two full length level 1 classes + a free introductory class for $40. Save 30%! Located at 371 Lower Mall Drive in Winston-Salem. Visit us online at clubpilates.com, on Instagram @clubpilates_ winstonsalem or give us a call at 336.717.1222.

6 5 Twin City Sweets

Tell mom you’re nuts about her this Mother’s Day with our cinnamon sugar pecans made with local honey, cinnamon sugar and vanilla! Located at 2594 West Clemmonsville Road in Winston-Salem. Visit us online at twincitysweets.com or on Instagram @twincitysweets

6 Lewisville Laser & Aesthetics

Treat mom to luxurious skincare that delivers real results! Shop all our SkinMedica products at lewisvillelaser.com or stop by the office and pick up her favorite - we’ll even wrap it for you! Located at 6580 Shallowford Road Ste 130 in Lewisville.

Visit us online at lewisvillelaser.com and on Instagram @lewisvillelaser.

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7 Windsor Jewelers

As the perfect token of your affection, present her with diamond jewelry from the Lovebright Collection by ASHI Diamonds – big, beautiful and affordable luxury! Vivid and eye-catching diamonds styled in gleaming 14K gold will add a little shimmer to any wardrobe. From classic stud earrings and pendants to more embellished pieces, you’ll find an impressive selection to brighten her Mother’s Day at Windsor Jewelers! Windsor Jewelers is located at 526 S. Stratford Road in Winston-Salem. Visit us online at Windsorjewelers.com and on Instagram @windsorjewelersnc.

8 Progressive Image Salon

Treat Yourself and Mom! Rewind Professional Reparative Anti-Aging Service Restores chemically treated, mechanically compromised and maturing hair to a healthier younger state, for up to 10 washes. Reverses the signs of aging and corrects years of structural and external damage. Located at 3538 Vest Mill Road in Winston-Salem. Visit us online at progressiveimagesalon.com.

9 South + Main Boutique Shopping for mom made easy at South + Main! Gift her a Loopi Tote ($44.95) and a Dock & Bay Towel ($22-$27) for the pool or a Pura Diffuser Smart Home Set ($76.95) so she can breathe happy at home! Whatever it is, we can help make sure she loves it! Located at 246 NC Highway 801 N in Advance. Visit us online at southandmainnc.com and on Instagram @southandmainnc.

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10 Bo-Ty Walker Florist

When only the best will do for mom, this grand mixed floral arrangement, Spring Erin, is expertly designed with spring colors and the freshest flowers. It is sure to wow any mom and brighten their day. Limited quantities available. While supplies last.

Some substitutions may occur. Located at 1419 S. Stratford Road in Winston-Salem.

Visit us online at georgewalkerflorist.com or give us a call 336.722.7673.

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11 Forsyth Plastic Surgery

Stop by The VISTA at Forsyth Plastic Surgery to pick up the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Choose a relaxing facial, a DiamondGlow treatment or a gift certificate. Gift wrap is free. Busy?

Call Danielle, our Cosmetic Concierge, at 336-765-8620 and she can have your gift ready for curbside pickup. Located at 2901 Maplewood Avenue in Winston-Salem. Visit us online at forsythplasticsurgery.com, give us a call at 336.765.8620 or text 336.443.6313.

12 Coppertide Contemporary Enamel Jewelry CopperTide Contemporary Enamel Jewelry is handmade in Winston-Salem by Annie Grimes Williams. For jewelry as unique as you, head over to CopperTide.net. You can also shop in person at the Ardmore Art Walk, an outdoor art & craft show in the Historic Ardmore Neighborhood in Winston-Salem. Join the fun on Saturday, May 8 from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.

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14 13 Schiffman’s Jewelers

Show your mom’s story in color and style with a locket from Monica Rich Kosann. Perfect on its own or layered with your other favorite pieces.

Each locket holds two images.

Turquoise Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Vermeil Over Sterling Silver Cushion Locket on 17” Black Steel Chain - $490.00 White Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Vermeil Over Sterling Silver Cushion Locket with Blue Sapphire on 17” Black Steel Chain - $590.00 Schiffman’s Jewelers is located in Winston-Salem and Greensboro. Visit us online at schiffmans.com

14 Tour de Boutique

Grab your mom, your sister, your co-workers, your best friends or your neighbor and join us for another shop-til-you-drop adventure! Forsyth Woman’s Tour de Boutique returns Saturday, October 2nd, 2021! Tickets to this event are the perfect Mother’s Day gift! To register and learn more visit tinyurl.com/2021FWTDB and follow along with us on Instagram @forsythmags.

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15 Allie J Boutique

Give the gift of style with something special and unique from Allie J Boutique. Mom will love the beautiful, sassy, and stylish options available. A variety of sizes are available and gift cards are ONESIZE-FITS-ALL. Download our App today for easy shopping and great deals! Located at 5197 Country Club Road in Winston-Salem. Visit us online at alliejboutique.com or on Instagram @alliejboutique_

16 Peak Olive Oil

A gift every mom can enjoy! Located at 125 South Stratford Road in Winston-Salem.

Give us a call at 336.331.3069 or visit us online at peakoliveoil.com.

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19 17 Wood and Thread

Mother’s Day is even better with us! Shop and spend in-store or online for all your Mother’s Day gift needs! From clothes, accessories, and home décor, we have something for everyone! Located in the Shops at Brookstown at 301 Brookstown Avenue Suite 500 in Downtown Winston-Salem. Visit us online at woodandthreadboutique.com and on Instagram @woodandthreadboutique.

18 Kendra Scott

Wear it like a Mom with Kendra Scott. The perfect gift they’ll style with confidence and pride. Mom pendant necklace in gold, $58. Located at 3334 W Friendly Ave, Suite 103 in Greensboro. Visit us online at kendrascott.com and on instagram @kendrascott

19 Beautifully Hypnotic Hair Salon

Beautifully Hypnotic Hair Salon is Clemmons newest salon, featuring the styling talents of owner, Debi Marion, as well as Ashley Fletcher, Isis Rosa, and Robin Marshall.

Debi and her team specialize in helping clients feel beautiful every day. Their grand opening is scheduled for June 5th, complete with live music. Stay tuned for details about monthly classes and DIY hair techniques.

Beautifully Hypnotic Hair Salon is located at 6353 Cephis Drive (behind 2520) in Clemmons. Call 336.955.2766 or visit BeautifullyHypnoticHairSalon.com.

1 ANNUAL BIKE EVENT ST

SHALLOWFORD SQUARE 6555 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, NC

SAT MAY 22 9AM - 3PM

15 miles

30 miles We’re excited to announce our inaugural Tour of Lewisville Bike Event on Saturday, May 22, at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, North Carolina! Riders will enjoy three routes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ranging from 15 miles to 60 miles. Complimentary lunches, T-shirts, and swag bags are included. All proceeds benefit the LewisvilleClemmons Chamber of Commerce’s mission to support the small business community. Riders are asked to bring nonperishable food items for the Lewisville Community Assistance Program Food Pantry.

P R E - R E G I S T R AT I O N R I D E R F E E $ 3 0 | E V E N T D AY R E G I S T R AT I O N R I D E R F E E $ 4 0

60 miles TO REGISTER: VISIT TOUROFLEWISVILLE.COM

SPONSORS

FOR MORE INFO OR TO SPONSOR CALL 336.970.5100

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With the abundance of warm sunny days ahead, many restaurants and bakeries are preparing beautiful setups for you to enjoy. From patios decked in greenery to heating lamps for any nighttime breeze, from casual outings to date night, you’ll find an endless list to choose from.

YOUNG CARDINAL CAFE & CO.

Located in the heart of downtown WinstonSalem, you’ll find a simple yet timeless breakfast and lunch menu that features fresh ingredients with a modern twist. From candied pecan pancakes to Canadian bacon Benedict, it makes for an impeccable brunch.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 8 am-3 pm Instagram/Facebook: @youngcardinalws

THE BOARD BABE

A café by day and an intimate lounge in the evening, you’ll find this French-style charcuterie lounge tucked away in the beautiful West End neighborhood. Stop by for a grab-n-go charcuterie box for your next picnic or enjoy their specialty Cheddar, Prosciutto, & Manchego Grilled Cheese on the large back patio space with a fire pit for a relaxing evening out.

Hours: 10am-5pm on Wednesday & Thursday, 10am-9pm on Friday & Saturday, 10am-2pm on Sundays Instagram/Facebook: @the.boardbabe

BOBBY BOY BAKESHOP

Owned by a husband-and-wife duo, this cozy artisan pastries and bread bakeshop is located at the corner of Reynolda and Robinhood Road. Enjoy their popular twice-baked almond croissants or light morning buns on either of their two outdoor dining options, then grab a more elaborate cold dessert, like their chocolate coffee caramel entremet [a multilayered mousse-based cake with various complementary flavors and varying textural contrasts] or their lime entremet garnished with a mini-strawberry French macaron for later!

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 7 am-5 pm Instagram/Facebook: @bobbyboybakeshop

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CUGINO FORNO PIZZERIA

Specializing in wood-fired Napoletana-style pizzas with grab-n-go options, you’ll find ample outdoor space with long picnic tables to fit a crowd!

Grab a drink next door at Incendiary Brewing to complement your Bianca with ricotta or Supremo Italiano with pepperoni and sausage, then end the night with either their gelato or some handcrafted bean to bar chocolate at their other neighbor, Black Mountain Chocolate.

Hours: Monday-Thursday from 10 am-9 pm, Friday-Saturday from 10 am-10 pm Instagram/Facebook: @cuginofornows

CRAFTED - THE ART OF THE TACO

Located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem, soak in the sun while you enjoy gastronomic mastery and innovative dishes as this restaurant continues to challenge themselves to craft gourmet dishes at affordable prices using the freshest local ingredients available.

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday from 11:30 am-9 pm Instagram/Facebook: @eatatcrafted

MOZELLE’S

A fresh southern bistro where every menu item is made-from-scratch and comprised of only the finest quality ingredients. Offering outdoor tables that are equipped with electric heaters and fleece blankets for those cooler evenings, you’ll find a variety of flavorful dishes that support gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 11 am-9 pm Instagram/Facebook: @mozelles

KING’S CRAB SHACK & OYSTER BAR

With two locations to choose from, it’s your calling to not wait until your summer vacation arrives to start enjoying fresh seafood. If you’re feeling adventurous, then grab your friends and family to enjoy their Dreamy Steamy Bucket that’s filled to the brim with snow crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams, oysters, and maybe even a pearl, if you get lucky!

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday from 11:30 am-9 pm Instagram/Facebook: @kingscrabshack

1703 RESTAURANT

Using local seasonal ingredients to influence their daily menu, enjoy fresh American dining to its finest on their relaxing patio with shade for those sunny brunch dates. From crisp Crab Cakes with pico de gallo to grilled Filet Magnon with a side of garlic bacon mashed potatoes, your next lunch or dinner location is awaiting your arrival.

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday from 6 pm-9:30 pm, Friday-Saturday from 6 pm-10:30 pm, Sunday from 6 pm-9 pm Instagram/Facebook: @1703restaurant

HOPS BURGER BAR

Featuring only the finest locally-sourced ingredients with their superior blend of Angus beef, this burger bar offers both dine-in outdoor seating and curbside pick-up options. Staying true to their roots, their menu features a little bit of everything from the College Hill Blues Burger with blue cheese to the North Carolinian Burger with applewood bacon.

Hours: Wednesday-Thursday from 11 am-9 pm, Friday-Saturday from 11 am-10 pm, Sunday from 11 am-9 pm Instagram/Facebook: @hops_burger_bar

JOYMONGER BARREL HALL

Located in a renovated historic West End building, this brewery is one of a handful in the nation that dedicates their production of specialty, barrel-aged beers in a separate facility with its own taproom. Enjoy their crafts with various local food trucks to cure your munchies and local musicians for a night well spent.

Hours: Monday-Tuesday from 4 pm-10 pm, Wednesday-Thursday from 4 pm-12 am, Friday from 2 pm-12 am, Saturday from 12 pm-12 am, and Sunday from 12 pm-10 pm Instagram/Facebook: @joymongersbarrelhall While the list could go on, you’ll soon discover how Winston-Salem can offer you a sense of relaxation in the midst of the city affairs. From a classic menu to tasty innovative surprises, check out some of our writers’ favorites on page 118.

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W W W. G E O R G E W A L K E R F L O R I S T. C O M | ( 3 3 6 ) 7 2 2 - R O S E

This column is dedicated to uplifting incredible women that might not be featured in the local news about their accomplishments.

These are abridged versions of these incredible women; please find them and ask them more!

BY JEN OLENICZAK BROWN

SELENE JOHNSON

P.J. GREEN

I’ve always had a passion for equity and social justice – my first real activism started when I organized a 3-day school-wide lunch boycott in high school because the cafeteria staff were unfairly charging some students for extras while giving them freely to “favorite” students.

My chosen career in autism/developmental disabilities and mental health gives me daily opportunities to live out my passion for social justice. I also have the privilege of working alongside many incredible activists who are working towards dismantling systems of oppression right here in our local community.

Optimism, humor, authenticity, perseverance, family, and a love of books and trivia. I have also discovered that I LOVE genealogical research because it helps me to put life into perspective, and gives me an opportunity to appreciate where I fit within history.

Reading about what my ancestors experienced, who they were, where they lived, and the lives they had makes me grateful for all that they sacrificed for me to be who I am today.

What makes you YOU?

What are you most proud of?

While not perfect, I try to live up to my favorite Mya Angelou quote, “Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” I’m proud of my consistent efforts to be courageous.

What keeps you going when things are tough?

Snuggly dogs. Friends/family. Hot yoga. Music.

Focusing on a “to do” list that keeps me moving forward. Knowing that my efforts might make the world a better place for someone.

What keeps you up at night?

Misunderstandings and unresolved conflict. Overanalyzing just about anything you can think of (I’m a behavior analyst by training).

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What makes you YOU?

What are you most proud of?

My tenacity — that I am still stubbornly pursuing my dreams despite delays, setbacks, naysayers, or my own doubts. I am proud that some of the harder things that I have experienced have not defeated me. In 2018, my father passed away from congestive heart failure and since I am an only child from a close family I had never experienced anything as soul wrenching. I think he would be proud that I am still trying to move forward.

What keeps you going when things are tough?

My faith in God, the love of my family, and my general optimism keep me going when quitting seems preferable. My husband and three boys make life beautiful, and it is my constant aim to behave in such a way that my children recognize that Mommy doesn’t quit when things get tough and neither should they. I want to model perseverance and grit for them (even when I don’t necessarily feel it for myself.)

What keeps you up at night?

Wondering if I am doing a good enough job on the things that matter, and whether there is more that I should be doing. 2020 and 2021 has already felt like living through three lifetimes and I want to feel good about knowing that during this time that I tried to help others and make life better for everyone — rather than sticking my head in the sand during the hard times.

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Restore Your Body & Soul, Naturally

BY JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

I am a bit of a walking addict. In the past three years, I have taken to walking in the morning, almost always predawn. Most days, I also walk in the afternoon, when a “lolly-gag” once around our circle with our senior poodle, is all I have time for. And recently, I’ve added an evening walk. That I do in the dark, to close out the day with the cool night air filling my lungs and kissing my lips.

People say, “You are so disciplined.” While the flattery has its allure, the truth is that when it comes to walking, I’m not. I am simply fortunate to have developed a positive addiction that has an increasing number of verifiable health benefits. Yes, it’s the physical movement that has me hooked, but just as much, it is the immersion in the natural world that compels me to get outdoors.

TIME IN NATURE IS TIME WELL-SPENT Maybe your doctor has asked, “Are you getting enough fresh air? Are you exercising?” You may have heard her ask so often that it goes in one ear and out the other, like a simple, obligatory question, something she’s supposed to check off of her list. If so, you may want to take her questions more seriously. Recent studies have expanded our understanding of why spending time in nature is crucial to our physical, mental and emotional well-being: • Lowering blood pressure, stress hormone levels, nervous system arousal • Reducing anxiety • Lowering aggression • Reducing feelings of isolation • Promoting calm and improving mood • Enhancing short term memory • Improving sleep • Increasing our creativity and our sense of happiness

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How is this possible? While the debate continues, one strong theory suggests that daily life – with all of its demands and accompanying stress – requires a lot of “effortful attention.” In contrast, when we immerse ourselves in a natural environment, our attention broadens and is less “effortful,” leading to a more relaxed body and mind. I can’t dismiss this idea as so much hooey because that is exactly what I experience. My mind calms, I think of positive things, and, more often than not, I find myself coming up with ideas and solutions without even trying. Why wouldn’t I walk when there is all of this to gain?

AND IF YOU ARE RETIRED… For retirees, the data are even more compelling: those who spend a good deal of time engaged in passive activities such as watching TV and scrolling social media report the lowest level of happiness, while those who socialize, volunteer, walk or exercise report the highest level of happiness.

If you’re retired, joining a walking group, a bird watchers’ club or engaging in some backyard gardening can get you off the couch, away from the screen, and out of the habit of being sedentary. Or start by following my neighbor’s lead: she coaches herself by posting notes in conspicuous places. A few of hers are, “Did you walk today?”

“Looks like a nice day for a swim,” and “Get outside. Your body will thank you.”

Here’s something else to consider: if you can’t get outside as much as you like, bringing the outdoors in can provide some of the same benefits. Consider listening to the sounds of birdsong or waterfalls; add plants to the areas of your home you spend the most time in, or even spend time looking at paintings or photos of nature.

Is it any wonder that we use the term Mother Nature?

She really does know what’s good for us.

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NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! May 2021 | 93

BY JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

There is always more that I want to say to my younger self: lessons I’ve learned on the journey that’s in my rear view mirror; actions I wish I had committed to and taken; priorities I would have done well to honor. I am not beating myself up over any of this; instead, I am lovingly taking note and thinking: If I could time-travel backwards and be both her and me at the same time, I would suggest that she pack a suitcase for the road before her, one filled with these essential, loving prompts for a life well-lived: • Start with your values. Write down your values and refer to them as your lifelong reference guide. Look at them every two years or three years. Pick a time frame and stick to it. Revise your list as necessary, but keep every version. If you start when you’re 21 and review every five years, when you’re 50, you’ll only be writing them for the seventh time. Seven times in 29 years. You may be thinking, “Seriously?” Yes! Because it’s important to identify your values and to note if they change and why. Often our parents, church or community prescribes our guidelines for living, and that’s a good place to start as you emerge from adolescence into adulthood. But as you age, questioning those values will help you to stay true to who you are. If you don’t feel them firmly or deeply, be open to asking why and then making shifts that reflect who you are and who you are becoming.

• Keep your body in good working order. Your physical being is referred to as your “temple” for good reason: it houses your spirit and allows you live your life! Honor that temple that is yours alone, and pay attention to little things before they get bigger. In other words, commit to putting yourself first in the right way. Learn to love that “healthy feeling” and nurture it.

• Find as much as you can to revel in, to love and to do outdoors. Nature is our true and lasting home. Commit to balancing all of that time you spend indoors with embracing what is right outside your door, beckoning to you. Science continues to validate what your soul already knows: nature nurtures and contributes to your well-being in countless ways.

Make the outdoors an essential part of your “balanced and healthy” lifestyle.

• Cultivate relationships with female mentors. The happiest and most fulfilled women do not make this journey alone.

They connect with other women, tap into their experience, and integrate it in their own way. Find those women at every stage in your life, from different walks of life. They don’t have to be older necessarily although that’s a good place to begin.

Be open to what they have to share and consider it in light of your values, of who you are and the path you are pursuing.

• Learn new things always. Be careful not to become a hamster on a wheel, living each day, month, year, in the same way. Be curious. Go to school, take classes, volunteer, try a new thing, a new experience, and meet new people. Learning isn’t about “winning”; it’s not an end goal. It is an input that will energize you, keep you alert, sharp, and engaged in the larger world around you.

And finally…

• TFL: Make a note to yourself. Put it on your desktop, on your dashboard, on your nightstand. It doesn’t matter where, but put it where you will see it over and over and over again. On that note, write these three things: • Trust yourself • Forgive yourself • Love yourself I wish I’d had that note a long time ago!

But you know what? I have it now.

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May 2021 | 95

Exceptional Youth in the Community:

Olivia Brandon Strives to Help End Period Poverty

BY AMY HILL

Due to the pandemic, poverty worldwide is on the rise, and the United States is no exception. Statistics report that approximately 25 million Americans live in poverty.

While many underprivileged Americans rely on welfare programs and food stamps to purchase groceries, there are many essential items that food stamps cannot purchase – including feminine hygiene products.

Among adolescent women aged 13 to 19, data shows that the lack of access to menstrual products often results in anxiety, less time spent in the classroom, and longterm health consequences.

Up to 25% of high school students have missed class due to “period poverty,” or the inability to access menstrual products, and an estimated 20% of teenagers have been unable to afford these products. Surprisingly, a recent study reports that 1 in 10 college students have experienced period poverty in their lifetime. Many women must forego spending money on tampons in order to feed their families, fill their tanks up with gas, or pay their electricity bills. With menstruation being an inescapable monthly reality for women all over the world, why isn’t more being done to help poverty-stricken women receive the products they need?

Olivia Brandon, a junior at West Forsyth High School, has made it her personal mission to donate feminine hygiene products to women who can’t access or afford them on their own. In fact, this is a cause she has been passionate about since her freshman year of high school. After starting Girl Up, a club designated for helping women in third-world countries without access to education, Olivia pitched the idea of leading a Period Product Drive at her high school. Unfortunately, her proposal was met with hesitation, putting a damper on her plans. On her second attempt at gaining traction for the project, she approached a local civic rotary club for help in spreading the word, but she found herself at a loss yet again after no one jumped at the idea. Finally, Olivia’s mother Brandy posted about Oliva’s Period Product Drive on her Facebook page, which helped raise $1,200 to be spent on menstrual products for schools, Clemmons food pantry, and children’s homes.

Why was it so difficult for Olivia to find support for her mission in helping women gain access to menstrual products? It’s likely that the topic of menstruation is still considered a bit taboo, especially among many men, which is something Olivia hopes will change sooner

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rather than later. Although some might be understandably uncomfortable discussing the topic of menstruation, this doesn’t make reducing period poverty any less of an urgent cause. In addition to donating products to women in need, Olivia hopes her project will aid in normalizing feminine hygiene products. After being told “No” so many times, Olivia was pleasantly surprised when monetary and menstrual product donations started to be spontaneously donated.

In Olivia’s eyes, the support she received from others and their willingness to help was one of the most rewarding feelings she experienced throughout the project. A valuable life lesson to learn at such a young age, Olivia now knows that sometimes it’s necessary to take matters into your own hands and make things happen without waiting for the approval of others.

When Olivia is not busy with school or helping her community, she can be found pole vaulting on her track team, enjoying a tuna melt and a slice of cheesecake at West End Café, or browsing new arrivals at local boutiques such as Kindred Spirit. She attributes much of her passion for helping others to her older sister Maddy, who initially tried to start Girl Up during her senior year of high school.

After Maddy was unable to jump through all the necessary hoops to start the club prior to graduating and attending Appalachian State University, Olivia followed in her sister’s footsteps.

Anyone interested in helping the cause can read more about Olivia and her goal in ending period poverty on Brandy Phillips Brandon’s Facebook page. Ready to donate? Checks can be written and dropped off at Sunrise United Methodist Church (note Period Poverty) at the address below. You can also send donations via Venmo at the account @Brandy-brandon-5. Email Olivia for more information at livclaire12@gmail.com.

Drop-off Location: Sunrise United Methodist Church 1111 Lewisville Clemmons Rd. Lewisville, NC 27023 Additionally, Olivia encourages individuals to donate money or products directly to local women’s shelters, schools, and food pantries. Through her research, she also found that those interested in the cause can donate online to The Alliance for Period Supplies, a national nonprofit organization sponsored by U by Kotex.

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May 2021 | 97

The comforts of home

BY MARTIE EMORY

Home isn’t just where your heart is these days – but for the last year or so, home has been where nearly everything is! It’s the landing spot where you’re working, playing, eating, and making memories with your family. Even as life returns to a more normal scenario, home may be thought of a bit differently, as we’ve come to love it as a true haven of peace and comfort.

“We sell Furniture Market samples and accessories that come right from the showrooms,” says Cheri. “We also have a custom upholstery line as well, if you’re looking for a more specialized touch.”

Cheri and Justin Lingafelt, the talented, savvy founders and designers of Accent Prone in Kernersville, have always encouraged their customers to make a bold statement when it comes to décor, but always in keeping with their own individual style. More recently, they began building on the success of their popular retail store – which has always offered market samples – with complete interior design services.

“Everyone we’ve talked to has wanted to make home feel more inviting and comfortable – like their own little piece of paradise,” says Cheri, describing how clients are also making their spaces a little more multi-functional. “Adding in a home office has been a must with Zoom-appropriate backdrops.”

When they relocated what they lovingly call their “lifestyle boutique” to a new retail space with an additional 2,000 square feet, the Accent Prone Design Center officially took shape, offering a stylish array of fabrics, custom upholstery, wallpaper, lighting, and furniture, including higher-end pieces, as well as their always-popular collection of High Point Market samples.

“We can make any sofa, sectional, or chair type, all with a variety of fabric options,” Cheri explains. “Come into our store, and let’s sit down and help you choose from our design center fabrics, then choose the sofa style, arm or leg style, etc. We are also happy to do in-home design consultations.”

With the current home market so strong, more people are moving, whether it’s buying, selling, or building! But furniture lead times have slowed dramatically due to the pandemic, often as long as six months to a year for furniture delivery. That’s what makes a visit to Accent Prone the perfect option. You can purchase right off the retail floor and take new pieces home with you that day!

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The pandemic has also inspired people to freshen up their living spaces.

Cheri and Justin have incorporated even more stylish tableware and dining accessories to their inventory, as families definitely want the coziest spot possible to share meals together.

No matter what room of your home you’re looking to improve, there’s never a shortage of unique furniture and accessories to select from at Accent Prone, with full truckloads arriving every single week, keeping inventory always new and fresh. The AP Warehouse, a 12,000-square-foot facility, filled with market samples for every room, is open on select Saturdays and by appointment, and treasures are found there at every turn, including some one-of-a-kind antique items ready to move home with you!

Treat yourself to some incredible style inspiration and retail therapy, including home décor, fashion, and jewelry, at Accent Prone, located at 1022-F South Main Street in Kernersville, NC, 336-310-4753, and online at Accentprone.com. Store hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Follow @accentprone on Instagram and Facebook for store updates! The Accent Prone Warehouse at 324 West Mountain Street in Kernersville is open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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May 2021 | 99

HOW TO DOMINATE PAGE ONE FOR RELEVANT KEYWORDS

BY OLIVIA ORME

Focus on the Audience

As a small business owner, including industry-related keyword terms throughout your website, is essential for getting found on Google. However, just because you’ve included a handful of keywords here and there doesn’t mean you’re going to end up on page one overnight. It takes patience, time, and the right keyword strategy to send your website skyrocketing to page one on Google.

The primary goal of any keyword strategy or website optimization is to improve your audience’s experience with your website. Optimizing your website for specific keywords and phrases is essential to ranking well, but Google rewards websites that make these strategies user-friendly. A clear content, tone, and small portions of copy reads well for users and Google. By sticking to what makes sense, you’ll see the results you’ve always wanted.

At Nu, we understand keyword research and optimization can be complicated. Having a well-optimized website requires hard work and dedication, but with the right strategy by your side, you’ll begin to see your efforts pay off as you start to dominate page one of Google.

Review Your Website First and foremost, take the time to review your website and see how it’s currently performing. An SEO audit can tell you how well your website currently ranks and identify which web pages receive the highest amounts of traffic. You’ll also see which keywords you’re currently ranking for and determine which ones you’ll need to include in your keyword strategy.

Dominating page one takes time and commitment, but with the right strategies and consistent hard work, you’ll see your website take Google by storm.

If you’re ready to dominate search engines and create a successful keyword strategy, reach out to us at 336-842-1022, or send us an email at info@ nuagency.com to schedule your free discovery call.

For a free SEO audit of your website, visit nuagency.com/free-seo-audit/ to see how well your website stands against local competitors.

Include Keywords Naturally After auditing your website, it’s time to start implementing your keyword strategy. The best way to include keywords organically is through your website content. Website headers, descriptions, titles, content, alt text, and website URLs are great places to include relevant high-performing keywords and terms that could improve. The key to a successful keyword strategy is to add terms where they belong. Keyword stuffing - which means using keywords repeatedly and densely - doesn’t sit well with Google. Reaching page one means playing by the rules and including keywords where they make sense throughout your website.

Olivia Orme Olivia is the Content Writer and SEO Specialist at Nu. When she’s not writing and researching topic ideas for clients, she’s typically in a coffee shop reading. If you have a topic regarding marketing your small business that you would like to see discussed, please send an email to: olivia.o@nuagency.com

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May 2021 | 101

Lifetime Social Learning

BY JEN OLENICZAK BROWN

Ever hear of social learning? It’s something that we encounter every day. It’s not the learning we do for work or professional development; rather, it’s how we assess the way we interact with all of the things around us.

Essentially, it’s us looking around at the world and seeing what other people do – and then looking at the consequences that follow. A simple example of this happens in commercials: a person uses a product and then their life is amazing. While we don’t have the same kind of commercials that were more popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s – wash your hair with this shampoo, and you’ll have a fancy-free life – we can still pick up social learning from interreacting with our friends, families, and coworkers. One of the biggest things to remember is intentional reflection.

We’re all influenced by a few different categories: head, hands, and heart. Head includes all of the facts and figures – we’re talking about data and information! If you like clear descriptions and specific information, you’re probably influenced by your “head.” If you experience FOMO (fear of missing out) or a need to do something because everyone else is doing it, you are most influenced by the “hands” area – and finally, if you do things because of emotions or stories, you are probably connected to your “heart.” No one is all one influence all the time, but it’s important to know how things can “get you” convinced. For me, I’m often convinced by head and heart – I don’t do things just because everyone else is, so when I see that tactic in play, I’m generally ignoring the conversation around it.

Social learning happens when we not only understand how we are influenced but also how we build thought and reflection into our daily lives. So how can we grow just by watching what happens around us?

Here are a few easy ways to focus on your social learning intentionally:

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FIGURE OUT YOUR INFLUENCES How are you influenced? What makes you want to do things? Really understanding how you’re influenced will only help you figure out how you’re taking in information around you. Think about the last time you got excited about buying something or committing energy to something – what made you do it?

PAY ATTENTION This isn’t all the time – although being present and at the moment is a skill set that makes any life better. Pay attention to experiences that are happening around you. Are they experiences that you’ve had?

Would you do the same or do something different? Maybe someone is leaving a job or moving to a new place or making a decision that you haven’t made. Check-in and pay attention!

DON’T JUDGE Social learning isn’t about judging what someone else does – it’s about learning from what they do and the reactions and consequences around them. This means that you need to remove judgment and focus on what your takeaways are – not how you could have done it better, just differently.

REFLECT! So you understand the influences and you’ve noted some big examples of lives you can learn from. Now comes the hard part: build-in reflection. Not just “Oh, if I’m faced with a similar situation, I’ll do this” – no – what information are you getting out of this experience? How does this experience apply to your everyday life?

How will you take this information and learn from it? Once you’ve explored some of those consequences (both good and bad), consider what you’ll take with you. For example, you see a friend that moves from one place to another. They have some great consequences! New job, great friends, beautiful house – but some negative ones as well – homesickness, missing family, passive-aggressive boss. And you watch how she handles it – positive (making new friends!) and negative (drinking to avoid sadness!) and you think about what you might do. You take that lesson and apply it to the next moment of uncertainty you might be experiencing.

That’s reflective social learning.

Forsyth Humane Society

Retirement:

Prevent Retirement Depression

BY JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO PREVENT RETIREMENT DEPRESSION Find – then pursue - your Purpose It bears repeating that, instead of being frivolous or superfluous, having a sense of purpose is key to happiness and fulfillment. Purpose is meaning that you create, one that doesn’t come pre-packaged like that job or career that is now in your rear-view mirror. A recent study found that people who have a sense of purpose outlive their peers and have a 15 percent lower risk of death.

T

he words “retirement” and “depression” shouldn’t go together, but surprisingly for many, they do. In fact, the research is alarming. Consider that: • The Journal of Population Aging reported on a study that found retired folks were about twice as likely to report feeling symptoms of depression.

• The London-based Institute of Economic Affairs noted that the likelihood of experiencing clinical depression increases by about 40% after a person retires.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that retired men were 40% more likely to experience depression than their employed counterparts.

So, if a person works hard, plans well, and is finally able to stop working, kick back, and enjoy life in new ways…then, why do they run the risk of becoming depressed?

Elizabeth Mokyr Horner, Ph.D., studied this question and found that while a “sugar rush” of satisfaction follows retirement, a sharp decline in happiness is likely to occur a few years down the road.

Most researchers have identified the lack of a sense of purpose as the primary cause of retirement depression. That makes sense when you consider that work, with its title, job description, deliverables, measurables, and outcomes came pre-packaged with purpose.

It wasn’t something you had to give much thought to. That work experience also came with a built-in community, a structure and a schedule. When those instantly or even gradually disappear, we are more vulnerable to feelings of depression because we experience loss.

That said, depression in retirement isn’t a given. Experts concur that the key to avoiding depression is planning ahead for your new experience so that you don’t find yourself sitting with an empty calendar and an unfulfilled spirit. Planning ahead for both happiness and fulfillment will also go a long way toward avoiding or minimizing feelings of boredom, anxiety, restlessness, and uselessness, as well.

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Create – then commit - to a Routine By establishing some structure and continuity to your days, you begin to reclaim your time as your own and avoid the major risk of finding yourself staring at the four walls. In the beginning, this may feel forced or contrived, but as you become more accustomed to being the CEO of your new life and the master of your time, you will begin to identify the activities, adventures, people, and commitments you want to round out your days. Start by deciding what time you will get out of bed in the morning, then imagine how you want to fill the rest of your day. Begin to fill in your calendar, just as you would when you were back at the office. Only now, you get to choose!

Stay – or “get” – Active Many people find that retirement affords them the time to focus on being active. It’s why you see retirees congregating at the local Y, strolling the neighborhood, and tending to their gardens. Physical activity is critical to well-being and is often recommended to combat feelings of depression. You may be thinking, “But I’ve spent my life at a desk, I can’t start now” or “I’d much rather be a couch potato.” Fine, then start right there. Challenge yourself to walk around the block just once each day. Grab a friend or a neighbor to make starting that much easier.

Cultivate – then sustain – Connection Your retirement years will only be your “golden years” if you connect with others. This is no time to isolate! Even with social distancing, you can meet others outside for a walk or have coffee on a neighbor’s deck. You can also be intentional by scheduling phone calls, FaceTime, and Zoom calls with friends and family to ensure that you stay connected to others. If “the technology part” is a barrier, reach out for help. Often, children and grandchildren are more than willing to lend a skillful hand.

Consider – then explore - a part-time Gig, or Volunteer… I know – retirement is supposed to be about NOT WORKING. And yet, one study found that over 40% of retirees return to some form of work.

“Unretirement” or partial retirement is both common and on the rise amongst those over 65. For some, it’s about the money, but for many more, it comes back to the sense of purpose, mental stimulation, and social engagement that work provides.

Similarly, 42% of American retirees volunteer for the same reasons.

You may find that during the “honeymoon phase” of your retirement - generally the first year - you’d much rather sit back and catch your breath. Go for it, but don’t be surprised if that itch to work or volunteer kicks in shortly thereafter.

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Paint

the wall already!

How to Push Past Decision Fatigue and Finally Decorate Your Space

BY TARYN JEREZ

I was seven months pregnant, and after an afternoon with far too many hours spent scouring Pinterest for the perfect paint color for our dining room, I had a realization. I wondered just how often we, as women, fall guilty to living in wait when it comes to decorating? Surely I wasn’t the first to be excited over the thought of a newly decorated space, only to relinquish it for decision fatigue instead.

Just how many episodes of Fixer Upper does it take to make our brains stop feeling comfortable with what we want and start making us ask WWJD - “What would Joanna do?” While we can find inspiration all around us, it can often become a bit overwhelming figuring out which path we actually want to take to the point where time marches on and we don’t take a single step.

That same afternoon I looked at my well-thought-out Pinterest board filled with dining room options and made the decision to make a decision! I got in the car, drove to Home Depot, and proudly walked up (correction, waddled up) to the paint counter and requested the bright blue color I had chosen.

And there it was - every bit of excitement I had in the beginning when I initially set out to create a dining room I’d love was back!

SHUT OUT THE NOISE How do we lead with what we initially want and crave for the spaces we dwell? How do we push past the thoughts of “what could be” or “what others would choose” and just take the leap into curating special places in our bedrooms and back yards? The truth is by shutting out the noise.

In a world where every decision of our family, friends, and strangers on the internet seem to greet us on the other side of a screen, it can be difficult to concentrate on what you really want without comparison. Additionally, there lies the question of “What if?”

Such a simple one but it’s one that is met with all the subconscious answers of what could happen if you chose all the other choices out there. Knowing you have unlimited options can sometimes be less

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empowering and more likely to have you finding difficulty in finally committing to something. Try your best to shut out the noise of all the other scenarios and concentrate on what you want most.

ENVISION THE SPACE While you may think that decorating is simply about the way a space looks, there are so many other aspects to consider.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed with options for the area you’re looking to revamp, take a moment to envision your use of the space.

Who is the space mostly for? What will you be doing in it? How do you want to feel when you’re in it? What time of day or night is it typically occupied?

Encourage yourself to role-play a bit in the space you’re decorating.

Imagine if you were doing all the things you just envisioned and it was decorated in the different options you’re thinking about.

Does it feel right? Is something missing? Or feels amiss? This will absolutely help you feel more confident in your decision-making.

JUST GO FOR IT Something that might be holding you back is the fear of “What if I make the wrong decision?” In my experience, the best way to conquer fears is to ask yourself, “What is the worst-case scenario there?” For instance, if you have been coveting the idea of a dark accent wall in your bedroom but are scared you might hate it, what would happen? You’d paint it, stand back and think, “What have I done?” and then have to paint over it. Would it be the end of the world? Not even close.

Take risks and have fun decorating.

It’s not about creating a pictureperfect, social media inspired space. It’s about curating the things that bring joy to your life and having spaces that reflect who you and your family are. So deck the kitchen out in vintage throwbacks that remind you of your childhood, paint the bathroom a crazy color that makes you smile every morning, frame the artwork your kids made, and hang it up in the stairwell! Rip the BandAid off one decision at a time and decorate to your heart’s content!

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Complement the Main Dish How to

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

Have you ever wondered if there was a secret to making those satisfying, nutrient-dense weeknight dinners with your busy family/ work schedule? A well-balanced meal doesn’t take rocket science, just a little planning ahead to keep those busier weekdays hassle-free.

STEP 1: CHOOSE THE CUISINE

STEP 2: CHOOSE THE PROTEIN

STEP 3: CHOOSE THE GRAINS/CARBOHYDRATES

More often than not, weeknights leave little room to prep for hors d’oeuvre, appetizers, and salads prior to the main course.

Even if you do have some extra time on your hands, the main course remains the star of the show; therefore, you want to simply focus on creating a satisfying dish that won’t leave you craving anything afterwards.

While all three macronutrients - fats, carbs, and proteins - are important to maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, studies have shown that protein-rich foods can be the most filling.

The reason that protein-rich foods can help you feel fuller is partly because protein boosts levels of peptide YY and reduces your level of the hunger hormone ghrelin.

The simple fact is that “carbs” will not necessarily make you gain weight but are actually very important to living a healthy lifestyle. Carbohydrates, especially ones rich in fiber, can aid digestion, may help lower cholesterol levels, and keep you full longer. They are also your body’s main source of energy, fueling a variety of bodily functions from the brain to kidneys to central nervous system to heart muscles. With all that said, it’s important to choose whole grains and high fiber carbohydrates to maximize the health benefits.

To begin, you’ll want to choose an inspiration for the dish. This could be as simple as the kids’ favorite chicken tenders, an Italianstyle pasta dinner, Mediterranean, and so on. One suggestion is to think about what you’ve been craving lately, and if you are ever stuck, then no worries! Just check out some of the meal suggestions below.

Based on your dietary needs, there is a variety of both vegan and meat proteins to choose from. A few meat protein suggestions include turkey breasts, lean beef, shrimp, fish, chicken, and eggs. A few vegan protein suggestions include beans (especially garbanzo and black beans), sprouted grain bread, lentils, quinoa, and oats. However, try to avoid high-protein foods that are also high in refined sugars, highly processed foods, and artificial sweeteners.

A few high fiber carbohydrate examples include legumes, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Some examples of 100% whole grain carbohydrates include rice, quinoa, wheat, oats, and certain pastas. Other carbohydrates examples include bananas, buckwheat, sweet potatoes, beetroots, oranges, blueberries, grapefruit, apples, kidney beans, and chickpeas.

STEP 4: CHOOSE A GREEN Contrary to belief, adding a little green to your plate can be tasty and satisfying!

It can as simple as adding leafy greens and/or sautéing vegetables. To round out these four steps, a good rule of thumb is to fill one-third of your plate with a source of protein, one-third a healthy carbohydrate, and one-third a green vegetable.

Leafy Green Suggestions: • Add spinach to a frittata • Add arugula to a pizza • Add Bok choy to ramen • Add kale to pesto for pasta • Add spring mix to tacos • Create a fresh spring salad with fresh vegetables, like beets and fennel, to complement fish Sauté Vegetable Suggestions: • Complement burgers with broccoli slaw • Complement pasta with baked parmesan zucchini and/or mushrooms • Complement red meats with asparagus • Complement chicken with honey glazed baked baby carrots • Complement a variety of meats with roasted vegetables

QUICK MEAL SUGGESTIONS Burrito Bowls with rice, black or kidney beans, chicken or beef (meat source of protein), seasoned tofu or corn (vegan source of protein), spring mix, salsa, avocado, and lime

Lentil Soup

A One-Pan Dinner: Oven Baked Chicken Breasts, Baked Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes, and Baked Green Beans

Skillet Fajitas with red bell peppers, onions, zucchini, rice, chicken or steak or shrimp (meat source of protein), black beans or chickpeas (vegan source of protein)

Chicken Salad Sandwiches with avocado and leafy greens

Now that you’ve mastered the art of creating nutrient-dense meals, it’s time to get cooking!

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Turkey Burgers with Honey Glazed Baked Baby Carrots and Broccoli Slaw

JEJ Photos

I’m Wrong You were so sure.

So. Incredibly. Sure.

& Uncomfortable About It. Now what?

You fought hard to convince the other person you were right. Like, hard.

Things got emotional; maybe you yelled or got upset – and they finally gave in and said, ok, you’re right.

Everything is great and life moves on…

BY JEN OLENICZAK BROWN

Or does it?

Time goes by and…you’re wrong. Completely and utterly wrong. And it’s a bit wrong. How do you push your ego out of the way and admit that you were indeed wrong?

Admitting you’ve made a mistake is not easy. It can be seen as a threat to your sense of self, who you are as a person, bring shame, guilt, or even fear. This stubborn ego is going to hurt you in the long run – so if any of this sounds familiar, read on and get ready to start admitting when you’re wrong.

YOU ARE NOT A ROBOT Mistakes happen! And it’s ok. If you’re a perfectionist consider this: how is your perfectionism serving you? Being right all the time isn’t a human quality – humans make mistakes! We’re not talking about life-changing or ending errors, either. It’s more about the whole thinking you are right and being incorrect type mistakes in conversations and relationships.

GET VULNERABLE Before you even think about getting squishy and open with other people – dig in and think about the last time you were vulnerable. Does the idea of opening up to other people make you nervous? Admitting you’re wrong is showing a lot of vulnerability; what are you worried about?

AGREE WITH THEM If you are wrong that generally means someone else was right – or at least not wrong. After you’ve made peace and grace with yourself, admit to the other person that you were

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wrong. Don’t get defensive about it – just admit that you were wrong, they were right, and try not to add a lot of extra emotion to it. Present the facts and leave them there.

TAKE A BREATH You will one hundred percent want to get defensive and explain away why you were wrong. You didn’t know. You spoke too soon. Maybe you didn’t completely get it wrong; you just misspoke. Pull all that together, swallow every moment of your pride and take a breath. The more you can keep quiet instead of rattling off excuses about why you pushed the “wrong” so much – or why you were wrong – the more it will land as authentic.

EXPLAIN, BUT DON’T OVER-EXPLAIN After you’ve let the incredibly emotional moment go by, feel free to calmly and rationally explain why you thought the way you did. Not why you thought they were wrong and pushed your opinion – why did you think the way you did? What was the rationale or lesson you learned from this moment or experience?

LISTEN TO THE OTHER PERSON Let the other person speak more. Say less. If they want to ask questions, hear more, talk about it, let it go, give it time – whatever! – let them drive the conversation from here on out.

This is not about you overexplaining or getting their approval for you admitting you were wrong.

DON’T FORGET TO APOLOGIZE IF YOU WERE RUDE You aren’t apologizing for being wrong – you are apologizing if you were rude. If you were insistent they were wrong – not necessarily that you were right – then take a moment and apologize. You can say “I’m sorry” or you can say “I apologize” – either one is ok! The biggest and most important part of this point – be authentic. If you want to apologize, mean it.

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Giving Thanks!

TRELLIS TEAM IS GRATEFUL FOR VOLUNTEERS

BY REBECCA SINK - VOLUNTEER SERVICES MANAGER, TRELLIS SUPPORTIVE CARE

If you know a Trellis Supportive Care volunteer, you know somebody special.

They give freely of their time, talents, and kindness to support patients and families facing the physical and emotional challenges of a life limiting illness. They also provide tremendous support to our team as we work to carry out our mission.

That’s why it gives us great pleasure to share our heartfelt gratitude with each and every volunteer who is a part of our trellis, our framework of support.

Susan Mickey

As our organization adopted the mantra, COVID Can’t Stop Compassion, so too did our volunteers. In the midst of this challenging year with so many daily activities coming to a halt or being drastically altered, our volunteers donned the PPE and did what they could do – safely and creatively – to keep providing support.

For some, it meant visiting patients at a window or on a front porch, delivering care packages and groceries, writing cards to patients, sewing masks and gowns, providing screenings at the welcome desk of our Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, baking, supporting our pharmacy, and a myriad of other thoughtful things to help others. When we say volunteers are at the heart of all we do, we mean it.

Skip Tussey

Representing the Trellis team of volunteers - a few friendly faces

Tim & Julie Gupton & family

In fact, we were founded by a group of volunteers. This group of impassioned community members, affectionately known as the Back Porch Gang, were pioneers.

They created our organization from an idea and vision – becoming the first hospice care organization in North Carolina nearly 45 years ago. Volunteers are an integral piece of our history and central to who we are today.

We understand that time is a luxury. And in our line of work, it’s especially poignant when we think in terms of time for those we serve. It’s something to be cherished. It’s a treasured gift.

For all the time our volunteers give freely, and for all their support, we say THANK YOU.

Xavier Beard & David Blackburn 112 | ForsythWoman.com

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BY TARYN JEREZ OF ONECRAFTYMISS.COM

Supporting Small Starts With You:

3 Questions to Ask When Investing In Your Business 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.

You’ve been hearing “support small business ” more often than usual over the last year and for good reason. With a global pandemic, political and racial divide causing numerous struggles among small business owners, it’s an important reminder that they need our support more than ever. Can I let you in on a little secret though? Are you ready?

That means support YOU, too.

While you may have spent the last year masking up while shopping local or clicking “add to cart” online with some amazing small businesses, I want to challenge you to remember to invest in your own business while you’re at it.

If we’ve learned anything from these last months, it’s to focus on what we CAN control. So believe you have the control to grow to new heights because you do! Ask yourself these questions to help determine which areas of your business are worth investing in.

#1 WHERE AM I SEEING THE MOST OPPORTUNITY IN MY BUSINESS? It’s easy to get stuck in the rut of “what’s everyone else doing?” when we’re surrounded by social media showcasing the moves other brands may be taking.

Quiet the noise of what everyone else is up to and home in on the direction your own business is headed. What’s been working beautifully most recently? What do you see becoming wildly successful if you could just focus there? Where does the opportunity really lie to make big moves yourself? Before you spend your time and money investing in systems and people, you need to make sure you know what your game plan is to make sure it’s worth it. Take time to work out the details and then challenge yourself to invest in those key areas leading you where opportunity stands out.

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#2 WHAT IS STOPPING ME FROM GETTING TO MY GOALS? While entrepreneurs tend to be “Jacks of all Trades” working on multiple areas of their brands, it’s important to remember that not every area is your strong suit. Think about the different aspects of your business that keep you playing small. Where do you feel the least confident or know if you just had a little help, you could soar to new heights? That is where your investments will have the biggest ROI! If technology makes you freeze and it’s stopping you from launching that new website you’ve been dying to create, invest in a web designer. Maybe it’s finally booking a brand photoshoot so you have content photos and a professional headshot finally! Is your offer doing amazing, but you know if you could get it in front of more customers, you’d see a huge bump in sales? Imagine what a social media manager could do for you! Feeling like you are ready for the next step but don’t know where to begin? It sounds like a coach is what you need!

#3 WHAT HAVEN’T I TRIED BEFORE? There are things you may already be investing in, like a virtual assistant or a bookkeeper, for instance. It’s important to take inventory of what your money is currently going towards and question if each of these things is still providing you with value. Once you’ve confirmed those, brainstorm what you haven’t tried before. Are there areas of your business that could use a special touch but you’re a little “out of touch” with or simply would like to have the added help and confidence around? Maybe you do a good job at keeping up with email marketing, but you just feel like it could be easier or more impactful? Hiring a copywriter or marketing whiz may be something new that will feel wonderful to invest in. Do you have packaging that gets the job done for your shop but really want to move towards packaging materials aligned with your environmental values and brand aesthetic? It might be the first time you invest in a graphic designer with packaging design experience to create the perfect fit. Going down the road less traveled in your own business can often yield surprising results.

Support small business this year and every year, but don’t forget to support you! Invest in the areas of your business and life that will truly make a difference and put you on the other side of your goals.

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Friendships to Make

BY JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

“Friends are the family you choose.”

Jess C Scott, 2013 Out of nowhere, this showed up: Hey, I’ve been thinking of you.

I was both delighted and surprised when this awesome woman reached out to me. On the surface, we had little in common: she was quite a bit younger, raising children and chickens, strong religious affiliation, and so on. And yet, as we came to discover through our pre-COVID era book club, we shared a fearless interest in unraveling stories, including the complicated stories of our own lives.

Fast forward, and we are friends.

Female friendships have always been integral to my life and my sense of well-being. Looking back, I see a brilliant, diverse tapestry of sameness and difference, of constant, core threads, outliers who mix things up, and yes, a few frayed and abandoned threads of friendship as well. My tapestry is uniquely my own and unlike any other. As with all things, it is perfectly-imperfect, a thing that evolves, contracts, and expands again. Meandering in this rich landscape, I am considering the types of friendships we women develop and why.

MANY TYPES OF FRIENDS Our kaleidoscope of friendship is rich and varied. Consider: The friend from way back She’s the one who walked an early path with you. She knows things about you that are formative and significant.

With her, you easily revisit a chapter or chapters, remembering details that mark shared experiences.

The soul mate She’s the one who “gets you” from a deep place. Your bond isn’t forged by length of time or shared experiences, necessarily. With her, you share a connection that makes vulnerability and understanding easy.

The wise woman friend She’s the one you turn to when you are looking for support and especially input. You trust her knowing-self and tap in there when you need to. With her, you know you’ll get through it.

The “I’ll be right there” friend She’s the one who drops everything to have your back, whether that’s with the proverbial cup of sugar or rushing your pet to the vet in an emergency.

With her, you know that there will be no questions asked when she arrives, “at the ready.”

The shared experience friend She’s the one you know and associate with a particular time and place. You share a story or at least part of one.

With her, you revisit experiences from the past or create them together in the here and now.

The crazy lady friend You know who I’m talking about! She’s the one who brings the lightness, levity, and spontaneity that balances your pedal to the metal focus.

FRIENDSHIP IS ESSENTIAL Need further proof of the priceless nature of female friendship? Consider that psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada contends that having female friends is “incredibly important” for our mental health. She cites these four reasons why female friendships support our well-being: • Women “get each other” emotionally • They offer us a fresh, female perspective • Will tell us the truth, and, • They generally “age well” over the course of time.

And it’s not just your mental health that benefits. A study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that women with early-stage breast cancer were four times more likely to die from cancer if they had few friends. Those with a larger group of friends with early-stage breast cancer had a much better survival rate.

We don’t need a global pandemic to remind us of the importance of the female bonds we forge. But maybe, just maybe, this “reminder” jolted you to reach out with a “Hey, I’ve been thinking of you” message.

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TEAM FORSYTH MAGS

Now that it’s the perfect weather for outdoor dining, we wanted to ask our team where they love to go eat local! Local restaurants still need our support more than ever, and we hope you’ll consider giving some of these spots and dishes a try next time you are going out to eat! Tell them the Forsyth Mags team sent you!

Eggplant parmesan at Fratelli’s is my go-to favorite!

Maple bourbon glazed salmon at Jeffrey Adams!

Carolyn Peterson, Writer

Martie Emory, Writer

Our favorite dish is from Milner’s the Moravian cookie crusted salmon and they’re always so gracious and let us swap out and get collards and mashed potatoes. My husband and I are able to share it and we try to get it once a month.

Heather Spivey, Account Executive

Prime Rib Dinner at Trophy Room (Adam does this once a month or so, by reservation) and it’s an extra special Girls’ Night Out! for me since daddy doesn’t eat red meat!

Keela Johnson, Publishers Assistant + Everything In-Between

The Diavola pizza and a glass of Prosecco from Mission Pizza Napoletana!

Amy Hill, Writer

The ribeye at Fratelli’s Italian Steakhouse medium rare melts in your mouth but it’s their Fratelli’s salad served family style that is the star!

Couple that with their Pomegranate martini and you have the perfect meal!

Robin Bralley, Forsyth Family Publisher

Jeffrey Adams on Fourth, Home of Pot Roast Nachos Meghan Corbett, Assistant Editor and Senior Staff Writer

The Eggplant Rollatini from DiLisios! Perfectly stuffed and baked with enough to last two meals easily.

Taryn Jerez, Writer

It’s a tough call between the ooey gooey Amish cinnamon rolls at Lavender Honey Kitchen and West End Cafe’s Cafe Burger, but it’s hard to go wrong with anything one either menu!

Veggie fried rice (but add chicken) from Hakka Chow! …also, can never get enough of the brussels sprouts from Jeffrey Adams.

Try ordering them extra crispy. Yum!

Kristi Marion, Account Executive and Writer

Brooke Eagle, Publisher

What’s your favorite dish at your favorite local restaurant?

The gourmet meatloaf at Mozelle’s, mainly because the spicy collards that come with them are taste-tastic!

Young Cardinal’s Bananas Foster pancakes. Simply delicious!

The Killer Grilled Cheese at Young Cardinal Cafe - it has white cheddar pimento cheese, bacon, ONION STRAWS, and sliced tomato.

I could close my eyes and point to anything on the Sweet Potatoes menu and find myself in heaven.

Enough said!

Jeffrey Adams on Fourth is always a good time. I’ve loved everything I’ve had there. Can you just order one of everything?

Kim Beane, Editor

Jean Marie Johnson, Writer

Aron Daniels, Graphic Designer

Tabatha Renegar, Writer

Shonda Bravinder, Executive Assistant & Events Manager

A tie between the cheese slice at Brothers Pizzeria or the esquites con Hot Cheetos (corn, mayo, cojita cheese, and Hot Cheetos) at Sabor Tropical!

Thai green curry with extra eggplant and, of course the spice tray from Thai Harmony, complemented with a cuppa Tea-lation!’s Thai Dream White Tea Blend.

The tomato pie at Mozelle’s.

I love it! The Winston Salem Journal picked it as one of their “9 dishes we can’t live without” (July 3, 2018).

Yeh, me too!

I’m usually not a huge fan of croissants, but the Ham & Cheese Croissant at Bobby Boy Bakeshop has changed me for life! I get it every time now!

The Spicy Grit Bowl at Midtown Cafe is one of my absolute favorite breakfast dishes - a musttry for my fellow savory breakfast lovers!

Jen Brown, Writer

Susan Schabacker, Writer

Debbie Barr, Writer

Lauren Sephton, Writer

Michelle Hyatt, Social Media

May 2021 | 119

Why Smiling All The Time Might Not Be The Way To Go

BY JEN OLENICZAK BROWN

Don’t worry, be happy!

It could be worse!

Good vibes only!

Have you been a victim (or a perpetrator) of toxic positivity?

Toxic positivity is the idea that no matter how bad things are, you need to maintain a positive mindset. It’s all about good vibes no matter what.

Why is this bad though? Wouldn’t it be so nice to maintain a positive outlook on life, no matter how 2020-like it is?

While there is a time and place to be smiling and positive, that time and place shouldn’t be pushed on someone else – and it shouldn’t be used as a default for you.

When your immediate reaction to anything negative in your life is “Don’t feel! Keep smiling!” you might find yourself outside of your actual emotions.

If you’ve been conditioned to think about negative emotions as “bad” and you feel disconnected from your actual emotional experiences – or if you’ve pushed that onto someone else! – don’t worry, there are ways to check back into the here and now:

IF YOU BRING THE TOXIC POSITIVITY: Stop ignoring or hiding your emotions This isn’t about you going around feeling all the things.

Think about how you feel right now.

Check-in, note it, feel it, and sit with it, regardless if it is good or bad. If you need to write it down or say it out loud, go for it! If you’re uncertain where to start, look up “Feeling Wheel” and start to expand your emotional vocabulary.

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Feelings aren’t black and white If you feel conflicted because you’re experiencing multiple emotions at once – don’t fret, this is normal! You can be sad about something and hopeful at the same time – and it’s ok! Sit with it and understand that feelings and emotions live on a spectrum of grey.

Recognize when you use toxic positivity Phrases that embody the idea that positive is the only way are dismissive to genuine emotion. If you find yourself using these when folks around you are experiencing negative emotions – or when you’re feeling not the best – stop, check-in, and see why you’re telling yourself or someone else they have to stick on the bright side. That check-in? Critical for growth!

IF TOXIC POSITIVITY SURROUNDS YOU: Check your social media Social media is the worst. Honestly, the amount of toxic positivity when you end up on the wrong side of scrolling can be overwhelming.

Remember: don’t compare your reality to someone’s edits.

Say thanks, but no thanks Of course, it will be a bit more civil than that, but when someone offers you advice to keep your head up or just be happy, thank them for their advice and move along. There’s no reason to get rude or tell them they don’t understand – just thank them and continue to feel your feels.

Listen and validate Folks around you are entitled to their feelings. It’s not your job to tell other people how to feel, just like it isn’t anyone’s job to tell you how you feel! When someone is telling you how they feel, just listen and validate it: I’ve found asking someone “What role would you like me to take?” or “Would you like me to listen or give you advice?” is a great way to see where I can be a friend.

It’s ok to not be ok Emotions change – and it’s ok to feel something one day and another thing the next – they aren’t permanent!

Understanding that you have less than sunny smiley days – even bad days! – is just part of reality. Because it is ok to realize you aren’t ok.

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Books We Couldn’t Put Down They say to never judge a book by its cover and this saying can be very true with novels. The cover is what draws readers into the plot but the words within the pages are what keep readers engaged. You don’t always know what to expect until you start reading. However, once you find a book you can’t put down, you want to share it with others. This month’s selection has just that – books our writers couldn’t stop reading and include something for readers of all genres.

UNINVITED

By Lysa TerKeurst Rejection is inevitable and happens to us all. Dealing with rejection, however, can be tough and challenging. Author Lysa TerKeurst uses her own experiences of rejection to connect with readers on a personal level. Uninvited discusses the basis of rejection, its ability to impact a person and their relationship with others and God. Through her faith and biblical teachings, TerKeurst guides readers to discovering different truths about rejection, including how to stop feeling as if you are overlooked, processing your hurt through God’s guidance, and overcoming your fears and insecurities. Through the 267 pages, readers will gain confidence and a sense of belonging, and a renewed faith in God’s plan.

An uplifting read for all.

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

PASTRIX: THE CRANKY, BEAUTIFUL FAITH OF A SINNER AND SAINT

By Louisa May Alcott

Writer Kristi Marion describes Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner and Saint, as “Wildly entertaining and a refreshingly honest book for every misfit suspicious, but still questioning and seeking a relationship with God.” Author Nadia Bolz-Weber tells the story of Nadia, a former stand-up comic who isn’t very religious and deeply flawed.

One day, she leads a friend’s funeral with an audience of cynics, alcoholics, and other flawed people. It is on that day Nadia realizes she belongs with these people and is maybe meant to be their pastor. Through honesty, life stories, and her spiritual calling, Nadia helps guide her new friends to new walks of life and shows readers that a person can be deeply faithful and deeply flawed.

This book is full of hope, new beginnings, and discovering who you are meant to be.

A timeless story that many people can’t stop reading, Little Women tells the journey of the March sisters, Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy during the Civil War in New England. Said to be based on the life of Louisa May Alcott, the four sisters experience growing up in the middle of a war in their own ways, yet all were responsible for helping at home while their father is off fighting. Jo is a tomboy, Meg is known as the beautiful one, Beth is fragile, and Amy can be romantic with the boys. As different as they may be, their love for each other shines through the dark times and together, they will overcome anything that comes their way. Since its publishing in 1868, Little Women has become a popular classic. The March sisters’ tale is one that many readers are familiar with – coming of age, tackling difficult times, and finding comfort with your loved ones. Once done with Little Women, people can continue on with the March sisters story by reading the two sequels: Little Men: Life at Plumfield with Jo’s Boys and Jo’s Boys and How They Turned Out.

By Nadia Bolz-Weber

LITTLE WOMEN

A person may have multiple books they loved and couldn’t stop reading. When you discover a book of this type, there can be a bittersweet feeling when that story comes to an end. Yet, there is no shame in picking it back up and rereading your favorite tale all over again and experiencing those same feelings (and more) once again.

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May 2021 | 123

Confessions of an Ex-People Pleaser

BY JEN OLENICZAK BROWN

I was a people-pleaser for most of my life and it wasn’t a good thing.

You’re probably thinking, Oh Jen! You just made people happy and helped them out!

I wish it stopped there.

I had such a low opinion of myself and felt I had to make everyone around me happy for them to like me. You know that friend that goes along with everything and doesn’t have a personal opinion – the one that just rolls with it the entire time? That was me: I was constantly just saying yes to make sure people liked me.

This led to some pretty terrible situations – one ending in a divorce.

I still remember when the guy at the front desk started talking to me: I just started working at the Holiday Inn as a bartender and my first day was 9/11. We were talking and I liked the attention more than anything else – the guy was nice enough, but I know I appreciated that someone liked me more than anything else.

When we were hanging out, I know I went along with what he was saying more than I would have had I been honest: things like loving the Beastie Boys and 311 or enjoying being “out” every night at a bar. I didn’t have my own opinions on much of anything – just a lot of “Oh, that sounds great” because I wanted to continue to be liked.

Fast forward a bit of time, and I was waitressing in a local Italian restaurant near my hometown of Milwaukee. He came in to eat dinner and I was slammed – but of course, he was sat in my section.

During moments of stress, a little bit of myself came out and I remember being so annoyed he would take up a table on a busy night. He sat there for what seemed like forever (a good table, too) and then near the end, he proposed to me.

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Sounds cute, right? I was mortified – I was dating this person because he liked me. I was so annoyed with him at that moment – because the sitting in my section at my work on a busy night where I was trying to make enough money to pay looming bills…and then he proposes to me in public? With all my coworkers and random people around? I remember a brief moment of panic…say no, say no, I chanted in my head. This isn’t right – but the desire to be liked is strong. I said yes.

Everyone was so happy!

Everyone was so excited!

We planned a wedding in Jamaica, and…I sobbed getting my makeup and hair done. Not a few sobs – and not sobs of happiness.

Full panic attack I don’t want to do this but I’m here and everyone is here and what do I do sobs.

I went through with it because could you imagine the letdown?

The folks who flew there, the guy that asked me, all of the money that was spent!

Never once did I think about myself. I never once took a moment to think of whether or not this is what I wanted – then at the moment, it was, because people liking me was what I wanted. Did I know then I was just going along with whatever someone else said to be liked?

Not at all.

Looking back on that marriage – and consequently, that messy divorce when passive wasn’t ok anymore – I wish that someone told me I was people-pleasing more than looking after myself.

While my situation is a bit extreme – check-in. Are you doing things for yourself AND someone else, or just for someone else?

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RECOGNITION LUNCH

BY CAROLYN S PETERSON

First responders’ duties bring them into harm’s way every day.

Police officers, sheriff deputies, firefighters, and paramedics put themselves on the front lines and we often wonder how to thank these individuals, letting them know what they do every day makes a difference.

In an effort to thank our first responders, the Rotary Club of Clemmons, in conjunction with the Hero Project, is hosting Salute to First Responders Recognition Lunch on May 18th, 2021 at Agape Faith Church in Clemmons, NC, from 11am1pm. The Hero Project is an initiative to help local rotary clubs find ways to honor First Responders and was presented to The Rotary Club of Clemmons by Rotary District 7690.

With the social distancing measures in place, the lunch will be in the parking lot at Agape Faith Church. Don Timmons with The Rotary Club of Clemmons said, “This lunch is a small way to give back to those who give so much to our communities every day. We will have tables and tents set up in the church’s parking lot, recognizing the current COVID situation to keep everyone safe. We are fortunate that Dairi-O has offered to provide lunch, which includes two hot dogs, chips, and a drink.”

The community and local businesses have really stepped up to be involved in this event.

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“The lunch for first responders has been embraced by local businesses, with Flow Subaru being our major sponsor and Mr. Bill’s Productions our AV sponsor,” said Don. Not only are local businesses a part of this great event, but community leaders will also be at the event. “We will have several guest speakers to kick off the lunch and share what First Responders mean to them. The Rotary Club of Clemmons believes the more the community knows about what first responders do and equate a face with a police officer, or paramedic, there’s a sense of unity bringing us all to join to make our communities better,” Don commented.

In addition to lunch, the Rotary Club of Clemmons will recognize each First Responder in attendance. “We will present to each First Responder at the lunch a recognition sheet noting the names of all of our supporting sponsors. This is a great way for them to know who is helping to recognize them for their service to our community. We invite all First Responders to join us for lunch so we can say ‘thank you,’ for all you do in the community,” stated Don. First Responder Appreciation Lunch will be on May 18, 2021, 11am - 1 pm, or until all are fed, at Agape Faith Church parking lot, 2101 Lewisville-Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC.

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WOMEN ON THE MOVE BECCA BREEDEN

Becca Breeden is the creator of the Instagram blog, @WinstonWandering. She was inspired to create this blog when she moved to WinstonSalem from South Carolina in 2016 because she saw the need for a page that displays the history, beautiful spots, delicious restaurants and locally owned stores in Winston-Salem. She hopes her Instagram page has inspired locals to discover hidden gems, learn about new businesses and developments, and pay respects to the city’s favorite places. During COVID, she has tried to support locals by purchasing from local businesses and advertising for many on her Instagram feed.

While Winston Wandering is her creative outlet, she is an Insurance Underwriter at National General Insurance by day. She is also a member of the Junior League of Winston-Salem, New Benefactors of Old Salem and Echelon Winston-Salem.

LINDSEY LITTLE

Lindsey Little is the new office manager at Sunrise Yoga Studio. Fitness and well-being have always been an avid interest of hers. In 2009, while living in Atlanta, she began attending classes at a local gym and loved it so much that she went on to get certified to teach Group Kick (cardio kickboxing) through Body Training Systems in 2010. She also began taking yoga classes while there, and this sparked her yoga journey. After practicing yoga off and on for many years, Lindsey made the decision to get serious about her practice in 2019.

She started taking classes at Sunrise in 2019 and quickly fell in love with the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that Sunrise offers. She then decided to deepen her knowledge and understanding of yoga by joining Sunrise’s 200-hour teacher training program, which she graduated from in August of 2020. She loved it so much that she decided to embark upon Sunrise’s 300-hour teacher training program in her journey to become a 500-hour Yoga Alliance certified teacher. As the studio was poised to reopen in September of 2020, owner and operator of Sunrise Yoga Studio, Valerie Kiser, needed support and Lindsey was ready to take on the role as office manager. Lindsey has a degree in business marketing from The University of Alabama. In her spare time, Lindsey enjoys studying a variety of different topics such as Western and Vedic astrology and holistic medicine, taking her dog for walks in nature and spending time with her two children.

If you are interested in submitting yourself or someone you know for a future Women on the Move feature, visit our online application link!

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HOLLY LANGTON

Holly Langton is a retail administrative assistant with The Barn on Country Club. “I’ve learned a lot since starting at the barn from painting furniture to coordinating deliveries and all other administrative responsibilities,” said Holly. “I’m always learning and I love it!” She is very active at work as well as when she has time to relax. She enjoys yoga, hiking and glamping (otherwise known as glamorous camping). She also loves spending time with her husband and family, traveling, crocheting and, now, painting furniture!

KIRA WOOD

Kira Wood is the owner and photographer of Jolie Boudoir.

She has been in the industry for 10 years, and her work has been published nationally. She went to school for graphic design before pursuing photography. “My favorite part is knowing how empowered and confident women feel after a session,” said Kira. She is member of multiple small networking groups and enjoys mentoring other photographers in her genre. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, Kylie (8) and Luke (4). In her free time, Kira likes taking cycling classes at Cycle Bar or riding on her Peloton as well as traveling with her family and painting.

ASHLEY CARROLL HOOKER

Ashley Carroll Hooker is an Interior Designer and marketing coordinator for LAMBERT Architecture + Interiors.

She was recently awarded the Winston Under 40 Award and the Traid Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. She has a degree in Interior Architecture from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is the Co-President of Echelon Young Leaders Service Group through The Salvation Army and does nonprofit work benefitting the homeless and Boys/Girls Club. In her spare time, she enjoys running with Fleet Feet and indoor cycling with Peloton. She also loves spending time with her two children, Olivia (11) and Matthew (5).

Namaste Away from Your Phone Practice the Art of Japanese Forest Bathing to Relax and Realign with Nature

BY AMY HILL

You’re overworked, overwhelmed, and uninspired after a year of working from home and staring at the same four walls for 40 hours per week. You’ve tried meditation apps to relax and have even followed along with yoga tutorials online, but you have yet to experience any benefits. If anything, your lack of flexibility has left you feeling even more discouraged. Before you sign up for goat yoga as a last resort, consider taking up the Japanese art of forest bathing or shinrin-yoku. As enticing as having friendly goats stand on your back may seem, taking a peaceful stroll through the woods is inexpensive, requires little to no flexibility, and is less likely to result in having holes chewed through your $100 Lululemon yoga pants.

You may discover that you’ve already been practicing the art of forest bathing without even realizing it. Shinrinyoku, referred to by English-speakers as forest bathing, originated in Japan in the 1980s and simply meant “absorbing the forest atmosphere.” Individuals in any country can practice forest bathing by taking a quick 20-minute walk through a forest, community park, or beach. The practice even includes simply sitting in your backyard and focusing on the sounds, smells, and sights of nature. Forest bathing is used to disconnect from technology in order to recharge and de-stress. Research has proven forest bathing to be an effective method of improving mental health, reducing stress, and reenergizing participants.

It’s fair to argue that we as humans were never biologically programmed to spend the majority of ours days under fluorescent lights and in air-conditioned offices in the first place. In fact, evolutionary psychologists have analyzed primitive reflexes in babies, such as the palmar grasping reflex, and have traced its roots back to our primate ancestry. Evolutionary theory suggests that babies instinctively grasp a finger or any object that grazes the palm of their hands because of the reflexes used by primates for climbing, balancing, and swinging from trees.

Additionally, it has been hypothesized that color vision evolved in primates in order for primates to detect various fruits, plants, and potential predators. These theories

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might shed light on phenomena such as why many humans prefer falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, or why humans would voluntarily forego creature comforts like running water and iPhones to spend a weekend camping in the outdoors. In fact, I’m burning a crackling wood-wick candle as I write this article because it reminds me of a campfire burning in the background.

It’s no coincidence that the same colors interior designers use to create a serene ambiance throughout a home, including hues of blues, violets, and greens, are the colors most commonly associated with nature. In doctor’s office waiting rooms, fish tanks may help offset the not-sosoothing smell of rubbing alcohol, pasty white walls, and alarming pamphlets about bacterial meningitis. People purchase artificial plants for their homes, along with hand soaps and candles scented with notes of oak, ocean air, and florals. Even your work computer’s default desktop background is often an image of beautiful mountains or a lush meadow.

The pandemic ripped many families out of cruise ships and thrust them into National Parks last summer. From firsthand experience, nature was my saving grace throughout the uncertainties of 2020. When gyms were closed, many individuals (including myself) took to hiking as a cardiovascular alternative to elliptical machines or treadmills. While forest bathing is not about exercise or burning calories, endorphins from hiking are guaranteed to be a mood-booster. While I was much busier worrying about my heart rate rather than my mental state, I still left the hike feeling much more optimistic about the future.

One positive outcome of COVID-19 is exposing vacationers to a new world of camping, hiking, and picnicking as opposed to crowded hot tubs and all-youcan-eat buffets. Since nature is packed with addictive qualities, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to anticipate families taking fewer vacations to Great Wolf Lodge each year and taking more vacations to Yellowstone instead. However, if all else fails and forest bathing still isn’t for you, it may be time to sign up for goat yoga after all.

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May 2021 | 131

The Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

Did you know that drinking one tablespoon of olive oil daily is a widespread practice in many Mediterranean countries, such as Italy, Spain, and Greece? Drinking 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the easiest way to boost your daily intake of antioxidants, healthy fats, and a wealth of health benefits.

HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY A GOOD EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL? Unfortunately, as with many food products, there are shortcuts that businesses may take to reduce their prices, and in return, reduce their quality. So, how do you identify a good extra virgin olive oil? First, the color ought to be a golden yellow-green. Second, the odor ought to be distinct notes of olives with hints of grass, almonds, and herbs. Third, the taste ought to be fruity, bitter, and slightly peppery (from the polyphenols). The odor and taste should remind you of fresh olives that have been picked at optimum state of ripeness, but also remind you a little of unripe fruit, like a green tomato. While your taste and smell senses will play a key role in determining the quality of olive oil you have, there are other factors such as the “Harvest” date and being “cold extracted” that may help.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL? 1. Rich in Healthy Monounsaturated Fats Extra virgin olive oil is extracted from olives, the fruit of olive trees, so they are an all-natural oil. In fact, the predominant fatty acid is a monounsaturated fat that is also known as oleic acid and makes up 73% of the total oil content of extra virgin olive oil. Not only does the monounsaturated fats make it a healthy choice for cooking, but studies have also shown oleic acid to help reduce inflammation.

2. Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties One of the main health benefits of extra virgin olive oil is the reduction of chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation has been linked to be the leading driver of a variety of diseases, from cancer to metabolic syndrome to arthritis. The key anti-inflammatory property in olive oil is oleocanthal, which has been shown to have similar effects of ibuprofen.

3. May Help Prevent Strokes Strokes are usually caused by a disturbance of blood flow to your brain, typically due from either a bleeding or a blood clot. A considerably large study of 841,000 people discovered that olive oil was the only source of monounsaturated fat that was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, a similar study found that individuals who consumed extra virgin olive oil were at a much lower risk of stroke than those who didn’t regularly consume it.

4. May Protect Against Heart Disease With heart disease being the most common cause of death worldwide, studies have identified that extra virgin olive oil can lower inflammation, protect against “bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidization, and can help prevent excessive blood clotting. Over the years, dozens of science-based studies have indicated that extra virgin olive oil has powerful health benefits for your heart.

5. Large Amounts of Antioxidants Apart from extra virgin olive oil containing considerable amounts of vitamins K and E, it’s also loaded with powerful antioxidants that are biologically active. It is simultaneously supporting healthy bodily functions and fighting against inflammation to help your body reduce its risk of chronic diseases.

6. May Fight Alzheimer’s Disease With Alzheimer’s Disease being one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions worldwide, studies have shown that extra virgin olive oil can help reduce the build-up of beta-amyloid plaques that reside inside your brain cells that can cause Alzheimer’s Disease.

7. Anti-Cancer Properties The rich antioxidants present in extra virgin olive oil can reduce the oxidative damage of free radicals, which is believed to be a leading driver of cancer.

8. May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk In a randomized clinical trial of 418 rather healthy individuals, researchers confirmed that extra virgin olive oil can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by over 40% with its beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar.

Whether you decide to drink straight from the spoon or add to your spring salad, extra virgin olive oil may just be a breakthrough in living a healthy lifestyle with no effort!

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Winston-Salem DASH Baseball

The Boys of Summer are Back in Our City!

BY CAROLYN S PETERSON, PHOTOS BY SCOTT KISNER

To say our lives were turned upside down in 2020 would be an understatement. America’s favorite pastime, baseball, was absent from our summer fun, but 2021 is a new year, and the WinstonSalem DASH are ready to take the field with a few changes to address fan safety while still having fun.

FACING CHALLENGES HEAD ON WITH A GOAL IN MIND The Winston-Salem DASH know that there are challenges to starting their season with their devoted fans cheering them on, but they have faced each challenge with a plan in place to ultimately keep DASH staff and fans safe.

Amanda Weaver, Marketing and Social Media Coordinator for the DASH, said, “These are unprecedented times which have been and continue to be challenging for everyone. Thankfully our fans and partners have been extremely supportive and understanding while we make the necessary safety changes at Truist Stadium. As always, our number one goal is to create a safe, fun environment for our fans. This will ring true more than ever in 2021.” So, what can you expect as a DASH fan?

SAFETY AND FUN CAN GO HAND IN HAND Working with state and local guidelines, as well as with Wake Forest Baptist Health, the DASH have built a comprehensive safety plan. “Our safety plan includes deep cleaning before, during, and after games on high touch areas, social distancing in all areas including seating, ticket office, and concessions. We will also provide personal protective equipment for all of our staff members. We truly believe safety and fun can go hand in hand. We are working diligently to be safe, but also have the least impact on our fans’ experience in the stadium. We may be seated further apart, but we’ll still have lots of fun,” Amanda commented.

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SOME FAMILIAR FACES AND SOME NEW A familiar face to DASH fans is Ryan Newman, who previously managed the DASH in 2013; he is back to manage the team this year. At this time, the 2021 roster is still taking shape, but the White Sox 2020 post-season roster featured 14 former DASH players. Fans also have their favorite vendors, and many are coming back this year!

“We have been very fortunate in the past to have vendors our fans love and those favorites, Foothills Craft Beer on Draft, Domino’s Pizza, Chick-fil-A, Lowes Foods, and Childress Wine, will be serving our fans this year. We will still have some great promotions all season long and plan to announce more in the coming weeks and months. These include Chick-fil-A Saturdays, Lowes Foods Family Sundays, Free Hot Dog Days, Thirsty Thursdays, and everyone’s favorite, Fireworks Night!” stated Amanda. So, while some things will be familiar, the DASH have a new logo and uniforms for this season.

“We cannot wait to unveil our new uniforms in 2021!

We redesigned our logo after the 2019 season and due to the pandemic, were not able to see it on the field in 2020. We also have some great new merchandise, which showcases our new look,” Amanda said.

So, grab the family, co-workers, neighbors, or your best friend and come to Truist Stadium, get back into the swing of things, and enjoy a special part of not only our city, but of our country: BASEBALL! The DASH is committed to providing a safe, fun environment for all fans. If you have specific questions regarding safety protocols or any other Truist Stadium information, please visit the DASH’s website wsdash.com or call 336-714-6866.

Winston-Salem Dash

As Nutritious As Delicious: Enjoy Healthier Southern Foods, Y’all!

BY SUSAN B. B. SCHABACKER

As a southern gal, southern food has always been a fav of mine, and I’m a lover of all types of BBQ, slaw, fried chicken, anything with sweet potatoes, green beans, collards, mac and cheese, biscuits, grits, and sweet tea to wash it all down with. But, my one complaint about this yummy cuisine is that it’s often more delicious than nutritious. With overcooked nutrition-lacking veggies, fried everything, cheese, butter, and way too much sugar dumped into otherwise healthy black tea, let’s try another approach.

For those who love the fruitalicious, try mixing fruit juice(s) with carbonated beverages that are healthier, including ginger beer and kombucha (fermented tea), for a guilt-free probiotic treat. With a highpowered blender, whip together a virgin peach daiquiri with a combo of coconut milk, coconut flakes, fresh or frozen peaches, bananas, extra ice (optional), vanilla, or almond extract (optional), green or white tea till you get the right consistency. Rum is optional.

Explore a healthier approach to southern cooking and baking that puts the reassurance of “comfort” back in “comfort foods” and true “soul” back in “soul foods.” Get rid of the guilt.

However healthier you want your southern food to be, there are options using organic and natural ingredients and also healthier approaches in making and baking southern cuisine that are equally nutritious and delicious!

There’s a healthier way to prepare, cook, and bake most foods if you find healthier substitutes, so don’t deprive yourself of the southern foods you’re craving.

SWEET, SUGAR-FREE SOUTHERN SIPS! Mixed drinks – whether you like cocktails or mocktails – are perfect for the porch outdoors or inside with the AC blasting in the spring and summer. A popular drink of choice for many Southerners and Southerners-at-heart is sweet tea, but it doesn’t mean it has to be sugar-laden and unhealthy. No need to cause cavities.

Instead, try adding stevia in liquid or powder form to your sweet tea and a refreshing wedge of lemon, orange, or lime. If you’re a fan of citrus, try Earl Grey black tea with bergamot. And, for a more quality tea experience, substitute the typical tea bags with loose black tea, like Assam, Keemun, English Breakfast, or Irish Breakfast. And for those chai lovers who feel that spices make everything nice, try Chai Black Tea iced, sweet, or unsweet.

Need a break from black? Try an antioxidant-rich green iced tea, white tea, or tisanes, herbals, rooibos, or honeybush. With tea, the options are many, so no need to stick with the same. And, of course, with the addition of lemonade, tea becomes the classic Arnold Palmer. Enjoy a sparkling version with club soda, seltzer, or tonic.

HEALTHIER SOUTHERN ENTREES AND SIDE DISHES

Is it just a coincidence that Southerners are considered slower-paced and fried foods are a typical Southern food? Yes, it’s true that fried foods can make us feel heavy and weighted down, and we should probably eat them more sparingly, but there are some other options.

Substitute whole wheat for white flour, add golden flax to your mixture, along with chia seeds, and fry in EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), avocado, or coconut oil. You can add healthy spices to your flour mixture, like ground or grated turmeric and/or cayenne pepper for lovers of the spicy.

Another staple Southern food is good ‘ole BBQ, and you can enjoy it on pork loin and even as a complement to beef, like steak and burgers.

But for those who’d rather do without the pork, there’s pulled chicken or another lean meat like turkey. And, for an omega 3 boost, opt for a fatty fish like salmon or cod. No need to be discouraged, vegans and vegetarians. You can dip your veggies in BBQ, top off those veggie/ Boca burgers, and add BBQ to tofu and tempeh.

Who says southern food can’t also be good for us?

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CELEBRATIONS

Congratulations to Joanna Billings for graduating from UNC Chapel Hill with a Doctorate in Pharmacy.

Congratulation Zach Bravinder We are so proud of the man you have become and the amazing accomplishment of graduating from Appalachian State University.

You have a kind heart, compassion for others, and a desire to be successful in whatever is laid in your path. We can’t wait to see what your future entails. Remember to always dream big and know that God loves you and we are praying for you! Love, Mom, Dad and Courtney

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Rob Simon, President of Windsor Jewelers, presents a match donation of $10,000 to Eric Aft, CEO of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.

Windsor Jewelers has been a long-time supporter of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC for over 20 years, and on March 23rd they continued that tradition by becoming a Match Partner in WXII 12 News’ “Giving Tuesday Virtual Food Drive.”

The local jeweler matched donations dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, to double the difference for Piedmont Triad families affected by food insecurity. By the end of the campaign, Windsor Jewelers and generous donors gave $47,233.50 to help the Food Bank continue its mission of making peoples’ lives better and making our communities healthy and hunger-free.

Ariana M. Tatum She will be attending Western Carolina University in the Fall. “We are so proud of our girl!

Love Dad, Mom, & Ethan!”

Photo by Traci Whitworth Photography

CELEBRATIONS

Arlen Cash Moreno.

Borne March 11, 2021. So loved by Mom, Dad and big brother Jude.

Check out our wedding and engagement celebrations in our brand new issue of @fwengaged

We couldn’t celebrate 90 the way we wanted to because of COVID restrictions, but we’re making up for it with 91!

A special happy birthday to Bobi Amundson, who is celebrating her most recent trip around the sun in style! Cheers!

May 2021 | 141

KELLEY CARNALL

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MAY 8 GOAT YOGA 8:30am, The Farm at Henley Hill, 6890 Henley Hill Drive. Join us for an amazing hour of yoga led by our certified instructor, Fontaine Gervasi, while the goats enjoy grazing and hanging out with you.

Yoga is for all levels and most ages. The goats are very gentle and completely adorable. All you need to bring is a water bottle, a yoga mat or towel and an open mind. Let us help you celebrate a birthday, surprise a friend with a fun experience or just enjoy a unique morning of working out while having fun.

Cost: $20/person. thefarmathenleyhill.com

POLLINATION STATION: REYNOLDA COMMUNITY DAY

SECOND WEDNESDAYS PROFESSIONAL WOMEN OF WINSTON-SALEM MEETING 11:30am-1pm, Footnote on 4th Street in W-S. Join PWWS for the monthly meeting. Learn more at PWWS.org.

Due NOW THROUGH MAY 9

MAPP CLASS Youth Unlimited Inc., 338 Burton Avenue in High Point. A MAPP Class is the required first step to becoming a licensed foster parent in NC. The class is free and requires no further commitment, therefore, it is an excellent way to explore if fostering is right for you. youthunlimited.cc

MAY 1 DRIVE THRU SHREDDING EVENT 9am-12pm, Fairview Moravian Church, 6550 Silas Creek Parkway in W-S. Volunteers will take your bag(s) or letter boxes of paper to the shredder and would very much appreciate a $5 donation per box or bag.

MAY 1-2 GRAND OPENING OF THEODORE B. INTERIORS Theodore B. Interiors Design Shop, 1031 Burke Street in W-S. We’re hosting a grand opening for our full-service interior design shop. It’s a floating event throughout the day; come meet the team and shop with us! Drinks and goodies provided. theodorebinteriors.com

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MAY 1-9 LEAD GIRLS LEAD-A-THON Virtual. 500 West 4th Street, Suite 203B in W-S. Whatever path or distance you choose – run, walk, bike, or swim – help alleviate barriers and empower girls in the move for HER event benefiting Lead Girls and the more than 250 at-risk girls we serve annually. LEAD will offer three pop-up events during the week featuring experts about wellness – all designed to encourage participants to “Choose a Path and Get Moving!” Cost varies. Visit secure.qgiv.com/event/leadathon/ register/ for more information.

9:30am-4:30pm, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road in W-S. This year’s Community Day focuses on themes of nature and art. Enjoy free admission to the museum and outdoor exploration, weather permitting, along with Reynolda Read-Aloud for families, and take-home art activities. For the first time, Reynolda will offer virtual programming throughout the day, including a community dance performance and “pollination station” with educational activities that you can do from home. Advance registration required. Support provided by Art Bridges. www.reynoldahouse. org/calendar/event/pollination-station-reynoldacommunity-day

SPRING ARDMORE ART WALK 11am-5pm, Ardmore Neighborhood, 501 Miller Street in W-S. A safe and socially distant Art Walk showcasing the work of our neighborhood’s talented residents! 60+ Ardmore residents will display their work on their own lawns. Throw on those masks, and take a walk through our lovely neighborhood, shop with us, support local artists and immerse yourself in some of the rich art culture our city has to offer. Several local musicians will also be playing on lawns and porches, and food trucks will be set up in the parking lot of Ardmore Baptist Church. Come make a day of it! bit.ly/3mrK5u2

MAY 9

MAY 1-16

DEBUSSY STRING QUARTET CHAMBER EVENT

SPRING INTO ART: GATEWAY NATURE PRESERVE’S VIRTUAL ART SALE AND FUNDRAISER

7-8:30pm, UNCG School of Music, 100 McIver Street in Greensboro. Cost: $6-$32/person. greensborosymphony.org

Virtual (gatewaynaturepreserve.org/).

The biennial art sale will be online this year and will feature original work from up to 60 local artists who find inspiration in nature. Artwork will include original two- and three-dimensional works in all media. Proceeds will support Gateway’s environmental education outreach and site-improvement projects. Gateway Nature Preserve, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is Winston-Salem’s only environmental-education park.

MAY 11 & 25 FREE ESTATE PLANNING WEBINAR 6:30pm (11th); 10:30am (25th), Salem Law, 1645 Westbrook Plaza Drive in W-S. This workshop covers frequently asked quest ions and common misconceptions regarding: Wills & Trusts, Asset Protection, Nursing Home Issues, Medicaid Qualification and Estate Taxes. When it comes to sorting facts from fiction in estate planning, we provide leadership. The choice of a lawyer is an

important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

All workshops are free and open to the public. Attendees receive a free consultation with Attorney Daniel J. Umlauf. salemestateplanning.com/ workshop

MAY 14-16 HAYLEY PAIGE BRIDAL TRUNK SHOW NItsa’s Apparel, 107 South Stratford Road in W-S. Nitsa’s offers the finest selection of designer couture bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, veils, accessories, social occasion and cocktail dresses, and sportswear. As the Carolinas’ Couture Bridal Salon, Nitsa’s provides its signature personal service and exceptional inhouse alterations. Fabulous since 1964! #wewearnitsas. nitsas.com

MAY 15 FRIENDS & FAMILY DAY 3:30-6pm, First Christian Church of Clemmons, 6131 Frye Bridge Road. A free, fun family day for all, including bouncy houses, junk food bingo, car show, petting zoo, food, music and more! firstchristianclemmons.com

BEETHOVEN’S 9TH 8pm, Steven Tanger Performing Arts Center, 300 North Elm Street in Greensboro. In the event this performance is postponed, all tickets issued, including those booked as part of the 2020–21 season, will be valid for admission to the rescheduled engagement. Patrons will be promptly alerted to any schedule changes should they occur. greensborosymphony.org

MAY 21 LET’S HAVE A BALL Millennium Center, 101 West 5th Street in W-S. Each year, Kaleideum hosts a spring fundraiser — the Kaleidoscope Ball — that supports critical operations and allows us to meet our mission of inspiring wonder, curiosity and lifelong learning in children and the community. Funds raised through this annual event help us increase access, provide camp scholarships, enhance educational programs and support hands-on learning experiences. In other words, ALL the things that make Kaleideum such a special place! Over the last year, Kaleideum has pivoted in how we serve our schools, families and community. Rather than hosting our traditional Kaleidoscope Ball, we’ve thought outside the box (or should we say, inside the box) and are excited to present Let’s Have a Ball!

— a “party-in-a-box.” With it, we are bringing the BALL and the FUNdraiser directly to our community, so friends of Kaleideum can have a ball wherever they may be, all while supporting the museum. Each “party-in-a-box” features tasty treats — charcuterie, cheeses, crackers/breads, spreads and flourishes including fresh and/ or dried fruit, olives, nuts, sweets, herbs, edible flowers and more — and surprises to keep the party going.

We’ve even created Kid-Cuterie boxes that are sure to delight our youngest supporters. Party boxes will be available for pick-up between 3 and 6 p.m. Visit bit.ly/kaleidoscopeball2021 to learn more and order your box!

MAY 18

MAY 21-JUNE 8

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW AND WHY? RETIREMENT SAVINGS CHALLENGES FOR WOMEN

ALEXANDER BY DAMOR TRUNK SHOW

6-7pm, 2160 Country Club Road in W-S. A lively discussion with Cindy Edwards and Kimberly Stone from Cannon Wealth Management discussing the complicated relationship between women and finances. Several recent studies show women are falling behind in their financial confidence and education. Here’s what’s going on and how women can buck the trend. cannon-wealth.com

Nitsa’s Apparel, 107 South Stratford Road in W-S. “Mother of” Trunk Show – Nitsa’s offers the finest selection of designer couture mother of, social occasion and cocktail dresses, and sportswear. As the Carolinas’ Couture Bridal Salon, Nitsa’s provides its signature personal service and exceptional in-house alterations.

Fabulous since 1964! #wewearnitsas. nitsas.com

*DISCLAIMER: EVENT DETAILS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK EVENT WEBSITES & SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES FOR UPDATES AS THE DATES DRAW NEAR.*

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Conversations with Your BFF In this day and time, with all the hand washing, sanitizer usage, and mask-wearing, it is hard to know what normal behavior is and what may be behavior that amounts to an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

If you have a friend who seems to be borderline overdoing it with their dayto-day habits, what can you do to help them? I’m so glad you asked!

Whether you have a friend dealing with depression, addiction, or OCD, never ever make the statement, ‘Why don’t you just get over it?’ or ‘Just snap out of it…you’re acting crazy.’

Those comments are great ways to lose a good friend and make no difference in the situation.

UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE One of the most important moves you can make to help your friend with OCD is to educate yourself on the disorder because it is highly misunderstood, making it much harder to get a handle on it. By understanding OCD’s common manifestations, you can help your friend know that she can share with you what she is going through on a daily and situational basis.

ASK QUESTIONS Don’t be afraid to ask your friend questions. Come to the subject of OCD with an open mind and no judgment, if possible. There are many misconceptions about OCD, so if you want clarity on it, just ask. Your friend will most likely be grateful that you are trying to understand what she is going through.

BE POSITIVE! Most of the time, those who deal with OCD feel like they have a weight on their shoulders or a cloud over their head, never knowing when something might trigger the obsessive thoughts; it can really be a challenge to have a good day that is ritual or obsession free. An encouraging word or smile letting your friend know that you are there for her could make a world of difference. And again, restrain yourself from saying ‘Stop thinking about it,’; a person dealing with OCD can’t just turn off her thoughts.

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What’s the Best Way to Help a Friend with OCD?

BY REBECCA COOPER

COMPARISON IS NEVER A GOOD THING TO DO If your friend is struggling with an obsession or compulsion, don’t say, ‘Sometimes I do that, too.’

Comparing your ‘normal’ everyday stress and worry to your friend’s OCD invalidates her and her problem.

You may have discovered you have obsessive tendencies, but never compare yourself and your behavior to your friend; getting into a comparing match on who has bigger issues won’t help anyone.

EMBRACING THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE Studies say that most OCD is derived from a place of uncertainty, which today is almost every waking moment. One of the best ways to combat the anxiety of not knowing an answer to a situation is to embrace the fact of not knowing. When your friend comes to you and asks a question in a quest for reassurance, it may sound simple, but respond with ‘Maybe or maybe not.’ Helping your friend realize that not all bad things we expect come to fruition and there is some freedom in the fact that so much about life is out of our control.

DO THINGS YOU ENJOY Keeping yourself or a friend busy who is dealing with obsessive thoughts and behaviors can often be helpful. Encourage your friend to do things that bring her joy or occupy her mind and body. Yoga, working out, running, walking, whatever activity level you and your friend have, suggest it, and enjoy time with her. An idle mind has far too much time to focus on things we can’t control, so keeping the mind and body busy can be a blessing in dealing with OCD. However you do approach your friend’s OCD, don’t forget to take care of yourself. We all want to be there for our friends, but make sure you tend to your own mental, emotional, and physical needs first.

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