Jan-Feb-Mar 2018 by CIRCA Magazine

CIRCA

JA N U A RY

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F E B RU A RY

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MARCH 2018

h o t h o m e t r e n d s f o r 2 0 1 8 • y e a r - ro u n d o u t d o o r e n j oy m e n t • g o o d r e a d s • k n ow yo u r ro o t s • wo r ko u t h u r d l e s n av i g at i n g w i n t e r w i n e • c l e a n i n g m y t h s d e b u n k e d • f o r e s t r i d g e pa r k • t h e b e au t y a n d b e n e f i t o f h o u s e p l a n t s s t o p t h e r e s o l u t i o n s , a n d s ta rt e m b r ac i n g • f r a n k l i n , n c • l aw n c a r e c a l e n da r • f i g h t i n g f i b ro m ya l g i a • A N D M O R E

w w w. c i rc a m ag a z i n e . c o m

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A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season filled with fun, family, and festivities, and are ready to kick off a great 2018! While it’s hard to believe we have turned the calendar to another new year already, I am excited about what the promise of the new year brings – the resolution to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle, to give your home that much-needed facelift you’ve been thinking about for months, to enjoy more experiences with those we love … you know, the resolutions we set January 1, but have a hard time keeping by about January 15. Well, if you’re one of the many who has a hard time sticking to your guns, CIRCA is here to help so that 2018 can be your best year yet.

The resolution to eat better doesn’t have to be the end-all to all things yummy. “Stop The Resolutions, And Simply Start Embracing” shows how incorporating plant-based foods into your diet (along with a delicious recipe that’s perfect on a cold winter’s day) can be both healthy and hearty. “Know Your Roots” reminds us that root vegetables are the ideal ingredients for a warm and comforting – and nutritious – meal that will satisfy everyone’s tummy. And since we often hear that wine is good for us, our resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle means we need to drink up a little this winter! “Navigating Winter Wine” details which reds and whites will help you survive the season. The resolution to update your home – both inside and out – doesn’t have to entail tons of time and tons of money. “Hot Home Trends For The New Year” demonstrates how tasks like painting with the colors of the year and incorporating trendy textures and materials into your décor can cost-effectively turn an ordinary room into an extraordinary one. “Out With The New, In With The Old” details how combining the mementos of yesterday with the tokens of today can easily create a uniquely personal and creative space that everyone will envy. “The Beauty And Benefit Of Houseplants” describes how filling your home with these green beauties (with a list of suggested plants that even those without a green thumb can keep alive) helps create a soothing and healthy environment. As for your outdoor living space, be sure to check out “Year-Round Outdoor Enjoyment” for 10 tips to improve and enjoy it, even when the temperatures drop.

The resolution to enjoy more experiences with those we love should be an especially easy one to keep. Who doesn’t want to spend more time with friends and family? “A Season Of Fun In The Forest” is here with many enjoyable experiences to fill your calendar – from festivals to carnivals to community celebrations. If you’re looking to get away with your favorite people for a quick trip, this issue’s “Driveable Destination” features Franklin … as you read, you’ll see that this magnificent western NC town is an enjoyable experience must. For a closer jaunt, “Hidden Gems” highlights Wake County’s newest park, Forest Ridge Park – a great new spot with biking, hiking, beautiful scenery, and so much more … the perfect hidden gem for family fun. In addition, “Good Reads” details several book recommendations per age group to enjoy by the fire this winter, “Workout Hurdles” teaches how to incorporate physical activity into your daily life, “Cleaning Myths Debunked” spills the dirty secrets behind the shine, and “Straight From The Heart” discusses local Valentine’s Day sweets and treats – all this and more are awaiting you on the following pages. I hope you enjoy all the great insight, ideas, and inspiration throughout this issue of CIRCA and I hope it helps to make 2018 your best year yet!

JA N UA RY • F E B R UA RY • M A RC H 2018 6

A Season Of Fun In The Forest

Know Your Roots

Stop The Resolutions ... And Simply Start Embracing

Cleaning Myths Debunked – Dirty Secrets Behind The Shine

34 36

Managing Myopia – My Child Is Becoming More Near-Sighted Every Year ... What Can I Do?

A New Year Of New Resolutions

Lawn Care Calendar – A Month-By-Month Care Schedule For Cool- And WarmSeason Grasses

Keep It Clean – A New Year’s Resolution For Your Home

An End To The Ouch – You Don’t Have To Suffer From Sensitive Teeth

12 The Beauty And Benefit Of Houseplants 14

Good Reads

Hot Home Trends For The New Year

Fighting Fibromyalgia – Diagnosing And Treating The Chronic Pain Disorder

Year-Round Outdoor Enjoyment

Navigating Winter Wine

Driveable Destinations – Roaming To Nikwasi ... AKA Franklin, NC

Workout Hurdles – Learn How To Incorporate Physical Activity Into Your Daily Life

Out With The New, In With The Old

Wake Forest – A “Dementia Friendly” Community

Hidden Gems – Forest Ridge Park

44 Celebrate Your Pooch On Valentine’s Day With Homemade Treats 46

Straight From The Heart – Local Valentine’s Day Sweets And Treats To Show How Much You Care

48 Living Intentionally 50 Our Heritage Revisited – A Tide Taken At The Flood: The Birth Of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kent Lower CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rhonda Benvie Stacey Moritz Anna Bolton Cheryl Nelson Jill Bright Todd Nelson Laura Cashwell Joe O’Keefe Vanessa Davis Amy Pierce Dr. Mary Anne Dooley Joe Raboine Patti Fralix Tyler Stiegemeier, OD Dr. Jason Gladwell REX Wellness Centers Holly Hopkins Monique M. Rogers Suzanne Lucey Jennifer Smart Tina Mast WakeMed Jessica McMican CONTACT INFORMATION BallPointe Publishing & Design, LLC P.O. Box 1182 Wake Forest, NC 27588 919.453.2555 • info@circamagazine.com www.circamagazine.com ADVERTISING SALES 919.453.2555 • info@circamagazine.com MANAGERS Kent Lower & Mitch Lower Printed by Theo Davis Printing, Inc.

Nick Honeycutt 919.380.5949 • nhoneycutt@theodavis.com Front Cover Local Drone Photography By Luke Reynolds Publisher Photo by Christina Bowman Photography, LLC LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @CIRCA_Magazine FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM circa_magazine AD SPACE RESERVATIONS April / May / June 2018: February 15, 2018 CIRCA Magazine is published quarterly by BallPointe Publishing & Design, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted without the written permission of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within; however, BallPointe Publishing & Design assumes no liability for accuracy or omissions.

A SEASON

OF FUN

IN THE FOREST

BY ANNA BOLTON

t’s time to grab your calendar and start planning for a fun 2018. Wake Forest has several exciting events planned that are guaranteed to help you stay engaged and active, while kicking off a new year. From carnivals and musical performances to street festivals and community celebrations, everyone is sure to find an event to enjoy.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Several local churches and community organizations will come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a free, public celebration on Thursday, January 18, at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, located at 237 Friendship Chapel Road. Area residents are invited to attend the observance, beginning with a light meal at 6:00 PM, followed by the program at 7:00 PM. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “MLK.”

WAKE FOREST MARDI GRAS STREET FESTIVAL Children and adults can enjoy a fun-filled day in downtown Wake Forest during the Wake Forest Mardi Gras Street Festival on Saturday, February 10. This family-friendly celebration is scheduled from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM and admission is free. The annual event features music, entertainment, face painting, and a walking parade for children and adults. There will also be a variety of contests and activities throughout the day. For more information and a schedule of events, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Mardi Gras.”

CARNIVAL FOR THE KIDS The Wake Forest Police Department will host its annual “Carnival for the Kids” from Tuesday, March 20, through Sunday, March 25, in the parking lot of the Wake Forest Home Depot, 11915 Retail Drive. The Carnival for the Kids promises fun and entertainment for the entire family, including rides, games, and lots of food. Admission is free and open to the public. Unlimited ride wristbands will be available for purchase at the carnival for $20 each. A portion of the proceeds will support the Police Department’s youth programs, including the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, which teaches youth the importance of making healthy decisions and remaining drug-free, and Police Explorer Post 401. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Carnival.”

EASTER EGG HUNT The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 24, at E. Carroll Joyner Park at 701 Harris Road. This free event will be packed full of crafts, games, food, prizes, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. This year’s Egg Hunt will include over 15,000 eggs containing prizes and candy hidden across four locations for children of all ages. Registration is not required for the hunts, but participants should come with baskets in hand ready to fill. Sweet treats will be available for purchase onsite. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Egg Hunt.”

STATE OF THE TOWN ADDRESS & DINNER The 2018 Wake Forest State of the Town Address & Dinner is scheduled for Monday, February 19, at 6:00 PM at the Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, located at 12605 Capital Boulevard. Since 2009, the town of Wake Forest has partnered with the Wake Forest Rotary Club to sponsor the annual event on the third Monday in February. The occasion offers Wake Forest citizens the opportunity to reflect on the Town’s list of accomplishments during the previous year and learn about its goals in the coming months. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “State of the Town.” 6

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FLAG RAISING CEREMONIES From April through October, area residents are invited to attend Wake Forest’s monthly flag-raising ceremonies. Presented by local veterans’ organizations, these ceremonies are designed to honor the sacrifices of deceased Wake Forest veterans and their families. The services take place in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza at 11:00 AM, typically on the first Monday of each month. Each ceremony includes patriotic songs, special remarks, a memorial wreath laying, and the ceremonial flag-raising. The services are provided at no cost and are intended solely to honor departed veterans and their families. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Flag-Raising.”

DIRT DAY Wake Forest’s 5th Annual Dirt Day will take place along South White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest on Saturday, April 7, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. A fun-filled outdoor event for children and adults, Dirt Day is guaranteed to help you shake off the winter blues. A variety of demonstrations and activities will be offered on gardening, landscaping, camping, and more. For detailed information visit, wakeforestnc.gov and search “Dirt Day.”

FRIDAY NIGHT ON WHITE The third season of Friday Night on White is quickly approaching! Presented by White Street Brewing Co., the 2018 edition of Friday Night on White will occur on the second Friday night of each month from April through September along South White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest. The free concerts are scheduled from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and will feature a variety of popular local bands. To stay up to date on Friday Night on White, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Friday Night on White.”

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION The Town of Wake Forest will host its annual Arbor Day celebra-

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tion on Saturday, April 21, in the vicinity of the E. Carroll Joyner Park Amphitheater, 701 Harris Road. The festivities will include the Arbor Day Expo, with a tree seedling giveaway, food trucks, musical entertainment, and more. During the tree seedling giveaway, Urban Forestry Board (UFB) members, town staff, and volunteers will distribute hundreds of seedlings to area residents while they last. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Arbor Day.”

2018 PUBLIC POWER LINEWORKERS RODEO The American Public Power Association (APPA) has chosen Wake Forest as the site of the 2018 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo. The event will take place in Wake Forest’s Holding Village on Saturday, April 28, beginning at 8:00 AM. On that day, hundreds of electric lineworkers from public power utilities across the United States will descend on Holding Village to compete in timed contests to showcase their skills and knowledge in the craft of line work. Teams of lineworkers will climb poles, build overhead construction, pull up wire, and hang transformers, all within a set time limit. Events will be judged on safety, work practices, neatness, ability, equipment handling, and speed. Free and open to the public, the event will include a variety of food trucks, activities for the kids, and much more.

STAY CONNECTED! Always be the first to know about Town of Wake Forest programs, services, and special events by signing up for E-Notifier at www.wakeforestnc.gov/enotifier.aspx, downloading the Town of Wake Forest app at www.wakeforestnc.gov/app.aspx, or visiting the town’s website at www.wakeforestnc.gov.  Anna Bolton is the marketing and business relations specialist for the Town of Wake Forest. To learn more about town events, sponsorship opportunities, and how you can be involved, contact Anna at 919-610-4916 or abolton@wakeforestnc.gov.

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STOP THE RESOLUTIONS ...

AND SIMPLY EMBRACE STARTING! I don’t know about you, but I have never kept a “resolution” I made for longer than a month (ok, even a week, maybe) ... why? Well, my resolutions usually involved the word “diet” ... or “healthy” ... or “stop eating ______ (insert current indulgence).” That first misstep is inevitable – take one bite of that delicious chocolate bar you got in your stocking and the whole “eating healthy” idea is out the window. So, I have a new take on the annual resolution idea – instead of stopping eating something you love, why not simply start adding something new to your diet? Something fun and delicious

and good for you. Are you enticed yet? ne of the current buzzes in the culinary world is the plant-based diet. Don’t be scared; it’s not that bad and can actually be delicious and very healthy! I am not suggesting becoming a fulltime vegan or never eating a delicious, juicy burger again – what I am suggesting is that you add new, scrumptious recipes to your list of favorites that follow a plant-based diet. Do this once a week … what do you have to lose? 8

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BY HOLLY HOPKINS

The big question is: What exactly is a plant-based diet? Well, it’s pretty simple, actually. If it grows in the dirt or comes from a plant that grows in the dirt, you can consider it fair game. But, wait, there’s a little more. To really be in the spirit of a plant-based diet, you have to embrace the idea of one-ingredient cooking and eliminate highly refined products like flour and sugar. Again, don’t be scared. All this means is that you are working with whole ingredients to make your own delicious dish. No store-bought, pre-made, frozen meals or jarred or canned sauces. There are a few variations on the diet that do or don’t allow items like oils. Basically, you can refine that list for yourself. There is a lot of great information on the Internet to help fill in the gaps. Now, the implementation of one-ingredient cooking is a great way to eliminate some of the chemicals and preservatives from your food consumption. Don’t buy that jar of pre-made enchilada sauce or pasta sauce. Instead, make your own! Don’t buy cans of soup or stew. Make your own! You will feel great because you know every ingredient in the dish – just simple, whole ingredients that you magically turn into a delicious, wholesome, plant-based meal. You get to be the hero and make a delicious dinner that your family or friends can appreciate. Of course, a plant-based diet is not for everyone, and this culinary lifestyle definitely requires a lot of work and preparation if you intend to maintain it on a daily basis. But, a weekly adventure into the world of “plant-based” may be a great alternative to simply making a resolution to “eat healthy” or go on a “diet.” Try something you can succeed at so you don’t set yourself up for inevitable failure. If you’re interested in giving it a whirl, the plant-based recipe included here is one of Chef Mario’s favorites. It is the perfect comfort food dish for a cold winter’s night and is loaded with good-for-you ingredients. If you don’t tell anyone it is vegan, they may never even know. Shhhh … I won’t tell if you don’t!

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SHEPHERD’S PIE A LA VEGAN

In a medium saucepan, combine and sauté the onions, carrots, spinach, celery, and tomatoes in the oil over medium heat, stirring often to keep them from burning. Once the carrots are tender, add the lentils, basil, salt, and soy sauce. Stir and simmer without a lid until the liquid cooks off and you are left with a hearty stew-like consistency.

Makes 10 servings Ingredients – 5 medium potatoes, quartered – 1 head of cauliflower, roughly chopped – 3 small onions, small diced – 9 small carrots, small diced – 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped – 3 stalks celery, small diced – 3 large tomatoes, small diced – 2 tablespoons olive oil – 6 cups cooked lentils – 2 teaspoons dried basil – ¼ cup soy sauce – Salt and pepper to taste – Chopped parsley for garnish

In a large bowl, mash the potatoes with salt. A potato masher or fork works great. Resist the urge to use the blender or food processor for your potatoes – you may end up with a paste-like consistency. Fold in the pureed cauliflower. Add additional salt and pepper if desired. Set aside. Pour the lentil and vegetable mixture into a low-sided, ovenproof casserole dish. To top with the potato/cauliflower mixture you can either spread a thin layer over the whole top or use a piping bag with a star-shaped tip to create a lattice pattern (as pictured). Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve to your amazed guests.

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil the chopped potatoes until they can be pierced easily (if boiling, start with cold/room temperature water, add potatoes, and bring to a boil). Boil your cauliflower in salted water until it is very soft. Drain and puree in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Holly Hopkins has spent many years working in and with food, starting off at her Grandma’s elbow, making wedding cakes and cookies galore. Since then, she has been a manager and business owner and is thrilled to be combining her passions for high quality food and superior customer service at Chef Mario’s. For more information, visit www.chefmario.com.

Saturday, April 7 10 am-3 pm Downtown Wake Forest

Children’s activities ♦ Gardening exhibits Master Gardeners ♦ Vendors, food trucks and entertainment wakeforestnc.gov / dirt-day.aspx

Feb 10 11 am-3 pm wakeforestnc.gov / wake-forest-mardi-gras.aspx

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MYTH #2: Polishes clean wood and stainless steel. TRUTH: Polishes are like makeup for your furniture. They fill in surface scratches to produce shine, which means scientists design them to coat, not clean. It’s true that oil can lubricate some dirt and help it slide off (which is why some polishes can be labeled as cleaners for marketing purposes), but most people are just buffing in and swirling dirt around, rather than picking it up. Polishes with polymers in them – a device to hide fingerprints – are even worse, as they encase dirt and germs in layers of what is essentially plastic. Worst of all: polishes hide and protect microscopic food particles and dirt, leaving a nice buffet for germs, which is why most Boards of Health prohibit polish on stainless steel in foodservice kitchens.

BY TODD NELSON

CLEANING

MYTHS DEBUNKED

DIRTY SECRETS BEHIND THE SHINE

ho doesn’t love the brilliant gleam of a freshly polished dining room table? That lemony smell has become so synonymous with clean that few dare question what’s lurking beneath the shiny façade. Thanks to generations of advertising wizardry, most people have been fooled into believing the surfaces in their home are cleaner than they really are. Instead, some cleaning practices could be making your home more susceptible to spreading germs, so here’s the truth about how to dust and polish properly. MYTH #1: If a surface is shiny, it’s clean. TRUTH: Shininess means only that a surface is smooth, as shine happens when light bounces off an even surface straight back into your eyes. If something looks dull, it means the surface is uneven, causing light to bounce off in all different directions. That can be caused by either dirt or permanent scratches and etching. Smooth, wet, oily, and polished surfaces can shine like the Chrysler building and still be covered with dirt and germs. 10

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MYTH #3: Furniture polish nourishes wood. TRUTH: Way back in history, wood furniture and flooring were finished with oils or waxes, which wore off over time, allowing moisture to escape and making replenishment necessary to prevent wood from drying out. Most modern wood furniture and flooring is sealed with waterproof polyurethane. That keeps the wood’s moisture in and, more importantly, keeps any oils or soaps you might use from soaking in. Adding oil to a poly-sealed wood floor only succeeds at making it slippery. MYTH #4: You can’t use water-based cleaners to dust wood. TRUTH: Since most wood is sealed with polyurethane, it is perfectly safe to briefly expose it to water or water-based cleaners to get it clean. The key is to use a small amount, sprayed on a soft microfiber towel, and to dry thoroughly so water can’t soak into scratches. It’s also important to use only mild all-purpose cleaners and to avoid strongly alkaline or acidic ones such as vinegar, as these soften polyurethane coatings over time and make wood more susceptible to scratching and water damage. MYTH #5: You can clean stainless steel with almost anything. TRUTH: While stainless steel is prized for durability, it can still be damaged by mistreatment. The hard oxide coating that makes it stainless can be scratched away or corroded by chemicals, leaving the underlying metal susceptible to rust. Dirt, acidic food residues, and more all break down stainless coatings, so regular cleaning – with the right cleaners – is a must. A microfiber towel dampened with a mild all-purpose cleaner will usually do the job. For heavy soils or hard water stains, use only mild abrasives that state they’re safe for stainless and scrub only with the grain. Clean, dry, bare stainless steel resists germ growth and provides the most sanitary cooking environment. If you can’t resist the urge to polish stainless, stick to simple oil-based polishes without polymers or waxes so they’ll wash off completely when you clean.  Todd Nelson is the owner of MaidPro of Raleigh and Wake Forest. For cleaning tips, visit www.maidpro.com/raleigh-north or call 919-871-9996.

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They are especially handy for the trendy succulents and cacti that are popular now and prefer very bright light. Others claim that, no matter what, they kill all their houseplants. 99% of the time this is a watering problem, and most of the time it is an overwatering problem. If you’re one of these people, get yourself a moisture meter and skip all the worry and wonder. A quick dip into the soil will tell you if it’s time to water. Problem solved!

BY TINA MAST

THE BEAUTY AND BENEFIT OF

HOUSE

PLANTS

ho cares if it’s cold outside? We’ve got “The Great Indoors” to enjoy this winter! You can make your home feel comfy and cozy in so many ways during the frigid season, but my favorite is surrounding myself with houseplants. These green beauties bring color and life to the home, providing a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. Research shows that houseplants reduce psychological stress, increase job satisfaction in office workers, improve mood states, and enhance cognitive health. More research shows they can actually clean the air by removing industrial chemicals such as those that are off-gassed by furniture and carpeting. These are incredible benefits for both health and well-being, especially considering the comparatively low cost. Some people avoid houseplants because they don’t think they have enough light. This can be solved by getting one of those new-fangled mini LED plant lights. You can find them online and hopefully soon at garden centers near you. Many of them clip-on to the edges of desks or shelves and greatly enhance a plant’s ability to thrive. 12

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The other most common issue I hear about is damage to furniture. This mishap can easily be avoided. Put the plant inside another pot that does not have drainage holes. About 30 minutes after watering, dump the excess water out. Or water the plants in a sink or bathtub and return them to their saucers after they have drained. Perhaps keep your plants on a humidity tray. This can be any tray or deep saucer that is watertight. It should be about two inches deep. Fill the tray with one inch of pebbles, decorative glass rocks, or similar, and set the plant pots on that. When you water, the water will go down into the pebbles with the added benefit of providing welcome humidity to the plants as it evaporates. You can also buy pre-formed plastic humidity trays that have plastic ridges for the pot to sit on while the water runs down into the channels below. Want a houseplant that you would have a hard time killing, even if you tried? Then try one of the following plants. Even folks who claim to have black thumbs will enjoy these easy-care, easy-going tropicals. Read on for a basic houseplant care section for tips on keeping them happy. For a list of pet-safe houseplants, check out the “Fairy Gardens/Houseplants/Tropicals” page on our website.

LIGHT REQUIREMENTS Use these guidelines when picking plants for various light situations. – Low light: Interior parts of rooms, especially north- and eastfacing rooms, or areas such as hallways. No direct sun. – Medium light: North- or east-facing window areas or interiors of south-facing rooms. Minimal direct sun. – Bright light: Areas near west and south windows that may have some direct sun. – High light/direct sun: Much direct sun from a south-facing window or sunroom or greenhouse.

10 TOUGH HOUSEPLANTS – Arrowhead Plant: Arrowhead-shaped leaves in green, light bronze, or bronzy-pink. Prefers low to medium light. Water when soil feels dry. – Calathea spp.: Striking foliage of green, white, pink, and burgundy. Place in medium to bright light. Can tolerate low light as well. Keep evenly moist in spring and summer, but let it dry between waterings in fall and winter. – Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.): Pretty silver foliage with darker green central veins and margins. Tolerates low light and

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low humidity, even rooms with no windows. Provide regular water and feed monthly during spring and summer. – Corn Plant (Dracaena): Low-light, low maintenance, and low moisture requirements make this houseplant a no-brainer. Green or variegated leaves grouped along one or two central trunks, reminiscent of the habit of real corn plants. Narrowness makes it ideal for corners and tight spots. – Dumbcane: A bright, cheery plant with leaves variegated in green and gold or green and silver. Needs medium to high light. Water when soil feels dry. Not safe around pets. – Peace Lily: Glossy, dark green leaves with white calla-like blooms. Place in low to medium light. Keep soil evenly moist. Mist occasionally. – Heartleaf Philodendron: A low maintenance plant if I ever saw one. Prefers low to medium light. Water when the soil feels dry. Lush leaves are chartreuse green or variegated. Most types trail and make great hanging plants or can be trained up a wooden stake. – Pothos: Heart-shaped leaves splashed with white or yellow and a trailing habit. Best in medium light. Great as a hanging plant. – Snake Plant: A toughie that can be found happily growing in situations that have other plants crying for their mommies. Upright, sword-shaped leaves in dark green, silver, and green, or dark green with a gold margin. Prefers low to medium light. Water no more than once a month. – ZZ Plant: Glossy, green leaves arranged neatly in rows up vertical stems result in a handsome plant. Prefers bright, indirect light. Water when soil is turning dry, about once every two to three weeks. Does not like consistently wet soil.

CARING FOR HOUSEPLANTS – Place plants according to light preferences: low, medium, or high. – Always use good quality potting soils that allow air and water to easily penetrate. – Do not feed in winter. During spring and summer, use a fertilizer designed for houseplants. – Don’t let pots sit in saucers of standing water. Drain the saucers about 30 minutes after watering. – Most home environments, particularly in winter, do not provide adequate humidity. Mist plants regularly or place on humidity trays as previously described. – Keep plants from drafty areas such as near doors or heating vents. – If plants get dusty, give them an occasional washing. Hold them over the bathtub and gently sprinkle the foliage, take them outside and sprinkle with the garden hose, or wipe the leaves with damp paper towels. – Try to catch pest infestations early. Most insect problems can be treated with horticultural oil or with insecticidal soap.  Tina Mast is an occasional houseplant killer and communications director for Homewood Nursery & Garden Center in Raleigh. She can be reached at 919-847-0117 or info@homewoodnursery.com, or visit www.homewoodnursery.com.

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GOOD

READS

BY SUZANNE LUCEY

ho doesn’t love a good book? In today’s digital world, isn’t it nice to curl up on the couch on a cold winter’s evening, the fire roaring, a glass of wine or a cup of hot chocolate in one hand, and a good novel in the other? And what about sharing the love of words with your little ones as they are cuddled up snug as a bug in bed, hanging on every word of that classic children’s tale you’re reading out loud? How does it feel to watch your teen put down his or her smartphone or tablet to pick up a book? Ah – the magic of the written word. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest books to keep you or your children entertained while stuck inside this winter season, I’ve got you covered.

AGES 5+ I Am Jim Henson, by Brad Meltzer Adult mystery writer Brad Meltzer brings to life legendary people in his Ordinary People Change The World series. Introducing Jim Henson to a new generation of Muppet lovers, this book shows the character of the man and his message of kindness. The Legend Of Rock Paper Scissors, by Drew Daywalt Telling the long-forgotten “truth” behind the game “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” this meant-to-be-read-out-loud book will keep adults and kids spellbound. Epic battles and relatable puns make this book a treat for all.

AGES 9 AND UP Serafina and The Black Cloak, by Robert Beatty The first book in a series of three, Serafina and the Black Cloak features a young girl secretly living in the basement of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville amid the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Join Serafina on her journey as she explores the strange mystery of her own identity and as she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic in this page-turning mystery that is full of imagination. Land of Stories Series, by Chris Colfer Boys and girls alike love these stories of fiction, fantasy, and adventure by the actor from the TV show Glee. Putting fairy tales in 14

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a whole new light, the Land of Stories follow twins Alex and Conner Bailey as they transcend from the real world into one where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they have only read about. All in the series are recommended, but the sixth and final book in this series – Worlds Collide – is a must read.

AGES 14 AND UP Turtles All The Way Down, by John Green John Green articulates the struggle of OCD and anxiety in such a beautiful and understandable way in this novel. As with his many other popular books, be sure to have a box of tissues nearby. Warcross, by Marie Lu This magically-written novel of fantasy is set in a future world where video games and real-life interface. Sure to blow his or her mind, Warcross is a must-read for your young adult fantasy/sci-fi fan.

ADULT One Good Mama Bone, by Bren McClain Grab that blanket and a cup of tea while you linger through this tale of a mother’s fierce love for her son. Undeniably beautiful and heartbreaking all at once, One Good Mama Bone is a wise and powerful must-read that will have you both laughing and crying as you savor the compelling story from beginning to end. Gradle Bird, by JC Sasser Gothic Southern horror at its best, Gradle Bird is the gripping story of a young girl growing up with her grandfather in Georgia. This enthralling tale that you won’t want to put down will keep you guessing until the very end. Leonardo DaVinci, by Walter Isaacson This masterful, intimate portrait of the creative genius and one of the world’s great innovators is taken from thousands of pages of his personal notebooks, but is spun in such a way that you feel as though he could leap off the pages.  Suzanne Lucey, along with her husband, Dave, owns Page 158 Books, located at 415 S. Brooks St. in Wake Forest. For more information, visit www.page158books.com or call 919-435-1843.

March 2018

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Starting with furniture that is timeless and neutral is the best way to stay current with trends. If you have a classic beige, or even black, sofa, then just about any color can be incorporated. Just like the little black dress or suit, anything goes. Those neutral pieces become the backdrop, much like the canvas on which an artist paints.

BY RHONDA BENVIE

HOT HOME

TRENDS

The top new trends for 2018 have the same thing in common. Decorating inclinations are now about a neutral backdrop with lots of pops of color and patterns and ample amounts of texture. Paint colors are usually the trend-starters for any year – and 2018 is no different, welcoming a variety of many hues. Benjamin Moore’s color of the year is Caliente, a bold red that will surely make a decorating statement. Any shade of orange, to orange red, to bold red are the hit for this coming year. The color of the year for Sherwin Williams is Oceanside. This deep blue, green color mixes well with the bold red of Caliente, as well as the neutral beiges and warm grays. Navy and Emerald green, a hybrid of the Sherwin Williams color of the year, are hot as well. Interesting enough are the paint colors of the year for PPG, Glidden, and Olympic – all are a different version of black. PPG’s is Black Flame – a navy and black combination – while Glidden’s is Deep Onyx and Olympic’s is Black Magic, both of which are deep black tones. Bold peacock colors as shown in Sherwin Williams’ Unity Collection are for the color enthusiast. Muted colors of sand, gray, and botanical tones are just like the Sherwin Williams collection name states – Sincerity. The millennial colors of orange, violets, greens, and yellows are all part of their Connectivity Collection. As you can see, the color trends of today are as varied as the people who like them. Go with what you like, and if you have a neutral palette, then it will be easy to incorporate and emphasize any color you love, letting you make a bold decorating statement.

FOR THE NEW YEAR

It’s that time of year again – a time to resolve to start anew and fresh. As the old saying goes, “Out with the old and in with the new.” As you look around your home, you may

see that it needs that same resolution this year. trend is defined as a general direction in which something is developing or changing. In interior design, the trends are set by manufacturers, interior designers, and consumers. We all play a part in what is becoming popular in the home décor world. It is an ever-changing one, just like the fashion industry, but there are always those classic pieces that stand the test of time. 16

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2018 is all about color on kitchen cabinets, like navy ones flocked by white quartz countertops. If this is a bit too far out of your comfort zone, then white cabinets and a navy island with quartz countertops that look like soapstone may be a great compromise. Patterns have arrived on the tile backsplash decorating scene. Made to almost mimic wallpaper, today’s new patterned tiles are coming in strong. And rather than the traditional stainless steel or white sink, sinks of stone, copper, concrete, and granite composite are here to bring texture into the kitchen. For all of you Fixer Upper fans, you are still in luck. While the show may be ending soon, the shiplap and wood textures on walls are here to stay. For a modern twist, paint the wood black – doing so brings texture into the space without the farm feel. If that’s a little too bold, remember that wood of all colors introduces texture and personality into any space. Try it on walls, ceilings, shelving, and of course, floors. Mixing the old with the new is still in the forecast. Barn wood walls with modern line furniture and vintage lighting can no doubt look fabulous when pulled together. Accent walls are also a hot trend in 2018. This could be the back of bookcases on a large tv wall or the bed wall in the bedroom. These walls can be highlighted with paint, wood, or wallpaper. If painting, think about the statement you want the wall to make. Do you

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want it to pop or just be a backdrop for what you already have on it? Black paint can make a dining room wall with beautiful furniture look like a million bucks. Wallpaper with a design can become the art displayed in the room. Wood brings warmth and texture. The style of your house will dictate what works right in the space. Accessories are the most economical way to update your space. For instance, pillows covered in today’s trendy floral prints can be incorporated into a room for a pop of color and added dimension. Concrete accent pieces are hot for 2018 and can add texture to any room. Of course, new accessories like vases, bookends, miscellaneous knick knacks, and art in the new colors, textures, and materials you’ve introduced can give the space an instant facelift. Whatever decorating route you choose to take, make your home a reflection of its inhabitants. If you don’t have the design eye to tackle this transformation yourself, invest in a designer to help you. Find one who listens to you and understands your needs so he or she can provide the services you need. May 2018 be the year that you come home to the house of your dreams.  Rhonda Benvie is the owner of Help Me Rhonda Interiors, 1600 Heritage Commerce Court, Suite 103 in Wake Forest and Open Door Furniture & Accents, a furniture and accessories store also in Wake Forest. Visit www.helpmerhondainteriors.com or www.opendoorfurnitureandaccents.com, or call 919-263-9054.

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FIGHTING

FIBROMYALGIA DIAGNOSING AND TREATING THE CHRONIC PAIN DISORDER BY DR. MARY ANNE DOOLEY

iagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult because many of the symptoms can be the onset of something else. Fibromyalgia can cause chronic pain and fatigue similar to arthritis. When this happens, your primary care physician may advise you to see a rheumatologist to rule out other conditions. As a result, often a rheumatologist diagnoses fibromyalgia. Dr. Mary Anne Dooley, a board-certified rheumatologist at WakeMed Physician Practices – Rheumatology in North Raleigh, shares some insight on fibromyalgia.

WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA? Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain throughout the body. It is important to note that fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disease or a form of arthritis. Although it is impossible to diagnose by a lab test or X-ray, fibromyalgia can be accompanied by sleep disturbances, muscle tenderness, fatigue, and mood issues. Fibromyalgia affects roughly two to four percent of people, mostly women.

FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS Many symptoms of fibromyalgia overlap with early rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which is why it can be hard to diagnose. Symptoms include: pain; sleep disorders (more common in women); Irritable Bowel Syndrome; chronic headaches; depression; fatigue; and hypersensitivity.

DIAGNOSING FIBROMYALGIA While there is no test to detect fibromyalgia, you may need lab tests or x-rays to rule out other health problems. For those with the condition, musculoskeletal pain is the most common symptom. Pain and tenderness is typically centralized around the joints – not the joint themselves – and can be in: lower neck in front; edge of upper breast; below side bone at elbow; just above knee on inside; base of the skull; neck and shoulder; upper inner shoulder; upper outer buttock; and hip bone. 18

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TREATMENT OPTIONS There is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, symptoms can be treated with medication as well as non-drug-based treatments. Conditioning exercises (walking, yoga, water aerobics, etc.), massage therapy, physical therapy, and even simple lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and vitamin supplements are often very effective approaches to managing symptoms. Speak to your rheumatologist about which treatment option is best for you.

THE ROLE OF THE RHEUMATOLOGIST Discuss your symptoms with a rheumatologist to ensure there are no other causes for your symptoms. If fibromyalgia is diagnosed, he or she can discuss with you the current understanding of the syndrome, symptoms, and current treatment recommendations.

FIBROMYALGIA RESOURCES Dr. Dooley recommends the following resources for additional information and support: – National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association (NfmCPA) Raleigh Support Group; – American College of Rheumatology; – University of Michigan Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center.  Rheumatic conditions can be difficult to diagnose, manage, and treat – and can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. That’s why WakeMed Physician Practices – Rheumatology is committed to providing patients with a personalized approach to care to help you manage your complex rheumatic disease. Dr. Mary Anne Dooley makes personalized treatment recommendations to help people experiencing joint pain, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, or other symptoms related to autoimmune disorders. WakeMed Physician Practices – Rheumatology is located at WakeMed North Hospital in North Raleigh. The practice cares for patients with rheumatic pain and discomfort, including arthritis and more. For more information or to request an appointment, call 919-235-6454.

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YEAR-ROUND

OUTDOOR

ENJOYMENT BY JOE RABOINE

inter is in full swing with its near freezing temperatures and chilling winds, and with that, last summer’s pool parties, backyard barbeques, and late nights out on the patio with friends and family are now distant memories. So, as the holiday season has come to a close and the harsh reality of winter has set in, homeowners start to wonder how they can enjoy their outdoor living space year-round. With just a few adjustments, you can continue to use your outdoor scape as an extension of your home throughout the cool months. Here are 10 tips to improve your patio or outdoor kitchen to make it a comfortable living space – even when the temperatures drop. START A FIRE. While outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are great for roasting s’mores during the summer, those flames will feel even better as they keep you warm during the winter. Grab a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy the company of friends and family around a fire pit or outdoor fireplace as temperatures start to drop outside. Fire pits are possibly the most popular outdoor fire feature as they are affordable and easy to use in most cases. Wood-burning fire pits give the traditional campfire smell and feel, but consider ones that are fueled by propane for a green choice that is better for air quality. Check your local laws and neighborhood regulations to see if fire features like outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are allowed in your area. 20

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TURN THE HEAT ON. If you are looking for a quick fix to warm up your outdoor space, then outdoor heaters are a great idea. Consider installing infrared heating lamps in strategic places. Try portable, tall patio heaters if you are tight on space. These heaters are usually fueled by propane and do not take up much space. One heater can keep an area of about 15 to 25 square feet nice and warm. PUT A ROOF ON IT. Gazebos and pergolas can protect your family from the winter elements while you all enjoy your outdoor living space year-round. Although covering your outdoor space with a roof or building a cover – such as a pergola – seems like a big project, it extends the use of your outdoor space through the cooler seasons for an increased ROI on the space and project. As an added bonus, patio covers also block out the sun during warmer months to keep you cool and shaded during the summer. A win-win! ENCLOSE YOUR SPACE. Consider outdoor curtains to keep winter’s chilly winds at bay and add privacy to your space. Screens and other enclosures, like glass, create a barrier between your outdoor living space and backyard to protect you from the elements. KEEP ON GRILLING. Your grill doesn’t have to be shut off for the season as temperatures begin to drop. Consider including a warming drawer in your outdoor kitchen design to keep food warm, even when it is cold outside. To continue grilling and cooking past

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summer, wear an extra shirt or sweater, bring out a heat lamp, and switch up the menu to include warm dishes, so you can cook and dine outside throughout the entire year. LIGHT IT UP. Lights can make a huge difference in any outdoor space so that it can come alive at night. As the sun goes down earlier during the cool winter months, add additional lights and adjust timers to illuminate your outdoor space. There are many different types of solar and LED lighting features available – path markers, spotlights, and patio light strings. You can try placing lighting underneath a bench for a subtle glow, arrange lanterns throughout your patio, or hang string lights overhead. Consider taking lights beyond your outdoor space into the yard and garden to make the area seem larger and more comfortable in the winter. USE YOUR EVERGREEN THUMB. Grab your jacket and head outside to plant year-round greens, such as Boxwood hedges, during the cooler months. Seasonal plants, herbs, and vegetables can thrive in pots and containers on your patio, deck, or porch – close to the house. Bring a pop of color to your garden with plants that blossom during the winter months, like Winter Jasmine that blooms yellow in January. INVEST IN WEATHERPROOF FURNITURE. High quality outdoor furniture is worth the added cost. When shopping for outdoor

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furniture, ensure that pieces are weather-resistant so that your family can enjoy your outdoor space beyond the summer. A few materials that can withstand the winter elements include powdercoated steel, teak, and polyresin wicker. Be sure to cover and store cushions and pillows during rain and snow storms. REARRANGE FURNITURE. You can move weatherproof chairs and sofas closely around your fire pit, outdoor fireplace, or heated area on the patio. If you don’t have a heating element or patio cover, then consider arranging your outdoor furniture out of the direct flow of winter winds to help temper the climate. KEEP BLANKETS HANDY. It’s as simple as it seems. Keep campstyle and other outdoor blankets near your outdoor space – either inside or outside of your home. Consider colors and patterns that work cohesively with the color palette in your outdoor space. Pass the blankets around to friends and family on chilly winter nights. They will thank you! Don’t let cold weather deter you from your outdoor space this winter. From simple fixes to larger projects, there is no doubt that you can outsmart Mother Nature and enjoy your outdoor space year-round.  Joe Raboine is a national design and traing specialist with Belgard. For more information, visit www.belgard.com.

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WINTER WINE STEP ONE ... “Love the Wine You’re With” Many of your favorite wines flipped to the next vintage this past October, so if you see wines you have been loving in a certain vintage, then grab them. Whether it is your favorite $10 everydaydrinker, white Carolina porch pounder, or those weekend and special occasion reds in the $25-$50 range, go ahead and buy them up. The new vintage will taste differently and there is no guarantee you will like it. People tell me all the time how they know little about wine and then they have an OMG experience when a $12 wine changes vintages and does not taste the same. Wine is like music folks – you may not play an instrument, but you can tell the difference between Ed Sheeran and Jimi Hendrix. Just sayin’ …

BY JOE O’KEEFE

NAVIGATING

WINTER

WINE So little time and so much wine. I hear that quite often

from the folks I meet at the shop, as well as in my civilian time. It is true. We are very fortunate in North Carolina to have access to the best wines from all over the world on a regular basis. With that in mind, I have put together a little guide for you to help you easily navigate winter 2018 (which around here can include a few random 80-degree days in February). Here we go… 22

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WINTER WINE STEP TWO ... “The Wine in Spain has Value and that’s Good for the Brain” Yes, Ed Sheeran, Jimi Hendrix, and My Fair Lady references all in one article. To clarify, Spain has the largest percentage of land under vine of any country in the world. This simply means that with that much produce, there is great wine at a great value on a regular basis. In 10 years in the business, I have almost never thumbed my nose at a Spanish red after it changes vintages. It serves up consistently good wine that features great winter reds such as full-bodied Grenaches and Riojas, and is also home to one of my go-to whites, Albarino – and, of course, Cava. Cava is usually done in a Champagne-style … and under $20! These red wines have grip, body, and flavor that make them perfect winter fare, either by themselves or with food. WINTER WINE STEP THREE ... “Carry On My Wayward Wine” Winter is absolutely the best time of the year to try new wines. Many times in North Carolina you are coming in from the heat, so anything you taste that is wet is going to taste good initially. So since it’s cooler right now, hit as many tastings as you can this season to explore as many whites and reds as you can manage. Great winter whites include Chardonnay (fullest-bodied white), Viognier, Gruner Veltliner, and of course the aforementioned Alabarino. Try to taste with food. Either bring snacks or try to sample where some general snacking or pairing is done to enhance your opportunity to make good choices. Now that you’re armed with some winter wine wisdom, go ahead and stock your wine rack with a selection of your favorite reds and choice whites to help you navigate and survive this North Carolina winter. Cheers!  Joe O’Keefe is the owner of Wine and Beer 101, with locations in Wake Forest (1228 Heritage Links Dr., #104), Raleigh (5910 Duraleigh Rd., #141), and Wendell (21 N. Main St.). For more information, visit www.wineandbeer101.com.

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DRIVEABLE DESTINATIONS

ROAMING TO NIKWASI ... AKA FRANKLIN, NC BY JENNIFER SMART

For those who love those out-of-the-way locations that somehow feel like another world (or maybe even another time), you can’t do better than the town of Franklin, North Carolina. Situated in the state’s southwestern tip less than 10 miles from Georgia, this little spot sputtered into existence as the original Cherokee settlement of Nikwasi. In fact, the second thing you notice when you motor round the mountain curves and hit the charming business district is the 900-year-old Indian mound right on Main Street. You can’t miss it. According to legend, the mound is home to spirit warriors who come from beneath the earth to protect the living. As late as the 1890s, older Cherokee residents still

claimed a sacred fire burned underground. say the mound is the second thing you’ll notice because the first thing will most definitely be the near-mythic beauty of the mountains. Surrounded by peaks on every side, Franklin is just 10 miles east of the Appalachian Trail. Even in the Nikwasi days, the settlement boasted a central location – and for that reason, you’ll discover roads spreading out in every direction. Locals have their own names for these old familiar routes. Some are pretty self-explanatory. No reason to wonder where you end up if you take “the Georgia Road” or “the Highlands Road.” But for each major destination, you’ll find dozens of lesser-known, equally fascinating places that are super fun and easy to visit. Wayah Bald is the highest peak in the region and has an observation tower; the Nantahala is great for white water raft24

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ing, fishing, boating, and swimming; and in nearby Dillsboro, you can catch a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Winding through it all is the magnificent Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile span of highway with a series of overlooks offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, peaks, ridges, and valleys. Franklin holds a special place in my heart because it’s my husband Sandy’s hometown. His ancestors were among the first to settle the region and we still own a house on Main Street (fairly distant from the Indian Mound). We visit every year, and over the past two decades, we’ve seen Franklin undergo an astonishing transformation. Let’s just say it isn’t your grandfather’s mountain town anymore. The little bend in the road that once relied on gem-hunting tourists and the summer habits of “Florida people” to keep its economy afloat has grown into a bustling, booming, rock-and-rolling, Appalachian-trail-hiking, craft-beer-brewing experiment in commercial reinvention. Nowadays, Franklin is savvy. The town literally runs buses up and down the mountain to bring hikers into town so they can populate its restaurants, brewery, and retail outlets. The

SANDY SMART POSES WITH HIS MOTHER LOU ELSIE AND SISTER VICKY ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY CIRCA 1963.

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stores that once catered to little old ladies who collect antiques are now packed with everything from camping gear to novelty t-shirts with slogans that read “Not All Who Wander Are Lost” or (for dog lovers) “Take Your Best Friend Camping.” In the midst of this changing focus, Franklin has also maintained its family atmosphere. Among the trail-specific offerings you’ll still find fudge shops, ice cream parlors, pottery artisans, and gem stores. In fact, gem mining continues to be a big draw and a number of privately-owned mines around the outskirts of town sell bags, buckets, or even whole piles of dirt to anyone interested in sitting by a rivulet of running water and panning for raw sapphires, garnets, rubies, or emeralds. I will not deny this is totally fun and we’ve done it several times. I also will not deny that my husband remains bewildered that so many people are willing to pay good money for a bag of dirt. That said, it’s a great family activity and can keep little ones occupied for a good chunk of time. Another fantastic opportunity for fun is the nearby destination of Cherokee, North Carolina. Less than an hour’s drive from Franklin, this is the headquarters for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. Apart from the famous Harrah’s Cherokee Casino – which opened in 1997 and is a major draw – the commercial district sparkles with shopping, art, and restaurants. Even better, the cultural attractions shed new light on Native American culture and heritage. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is considered one of the top 10 native sites east of the Mississippi. A tour through the Oconaluftee Indian Village takes visitors back in time to observe the arts of arrow making, weaving, pottery, and beadwork. Best of all is “Unto These Hills,” a live outdoor production that debuted on July 1, 1950 and has entertained more than six million people so far. The performance is packed with action, violence, triumph, and tribulation as it dramatizes the story of the Cherokees from 1780 through the 21st century. Even

CIRCA Magazine

better, it’s done at night under the stars at the Mountainside Theatre. One interesting thing about the Cherokee Nation is how many people believe they’re descended from the tribe. (Think Johnny Depp or Loretta Lynn, both of whom claim Cherokee ancestry.) If your family legend has a Cherokee connection, this is a fabulous place to do some research. Tribal membership is open to people over 18-years-old who can prove they’re at least 1/16th Cherokee and have an ancestor on the “Baker Roll of 1924.” The roll was compiled by the Federal Government as a way to name all the families definitively linked to the Eastern Band. After all those activities, if you still feel like driving around the greater area, you can visit Bridal Veil Falls, Black Mountain, Lake Junaluska, and many, many more treasures of western North Carolina. The wonders are natural and timeless. No one says it better than author John Parris,

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who became known for writing truths like this one: “You’ve got to take the winding, twisting little dirt tracks that lead into the hidden valleys and into the high coves. Sometimes you have to do a spell of walking, cross a footlog, squeeze through a fence. It is then – and only then – that you come upon an older way of life. It is only then that the eye and ear behold something that was supposed to have died a long, long time ago.”  Franklin, North Carolina is 315 miles southwest of the Wake Forest area. The drive usually takes about five and a half hours. The quickest route is to follow US-70 west to I-85 south and I-40 west at Greensboro. The next merge is onto US-74 west toward Waynesville. Follow the US-23 S/US-441 S exit to Dillsboro/Franklin/ Atlanta. US-441 Business S/E will become Main Street and take you into town past the burial mound. Jennifer Smart is assistant director at the Wake Forest Historical Museum.You can visit the website at www.wakeforestmuseum.org.

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WORKOUT

HURDLES

TROUBLE GETTING TO THE GYM? LEARN HOW TO INCORPORATE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTO YOUR DAILY LIFE

Trying to squeeze a workout into a busy schedule can feel

I HAVE TOO MUCH TO DO AT WORK

impossible. It’s easy to come up with a perfectly reasonable

If you can’t get in a workout before or after work, Rosella recommends using your lunch break to get in some exercise. “Bring a very quick lunch and then walk for the remainder of your break,” she says.

explanation for why you just can’t fit in fitness. For women, there are often extra hurdles, whether it’s a new baby, lack of

time or self-confidence, or limitations because of an injury. ut no matter where you are in life or how you feel, you can exercise and get healthier. Personal trainer Neva Avery and fitness instructor Lauren Rosella offer practical ways to overcome common obstacles to physical fitness.

If you’re on a deadline and can’t leave, try to get up and move around. “If you’re sitting several hours at a time at a desk, moving is important,” Avery says. “Maybe program it on the computer as a reminder every couple of hours to get up and walk around for five to 10 minutes.”

I’M A BUSY MOM

“Women in general prioritize their families over themselves most of the time, so making time to exercise is very difficult,” says Rosella, an instructor at REX Wellness Center of Garner. Setting aside time to exercise can be a challenge. Try using a little creativity to get the most out of your time: – Put your baby in a stroller and go for a walk. It gets you both out of the house and gets your blood pumping a bit. Bad weather? Try finding a place where you can walk inside with a stroller. – Download an exercise mobile app or free workouts online. You can do quick workouts in the comfort of your home or on the go if you’re traveling. – Many gyms have child care, so bring the kids with you while you work out. – Use a personal trainer who can help you stay accountable. If you have an appointment, you may be more likely to stick to it. – Stay active when your kids are active. If you’re taking your kids to a sports practice, walk laps around the field or exercise while you’re there. – Have a backup express routine for moments when you can only find a few minutes to exercise. Do a set of body-weight squats or push-ups and add in some planks to strengthen your core. 26

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You can also look for places to add movement throughout your day, like taking the stairs instead of an elevator or parking your car farther from your office.

2012-2017

GYMS INTIMIDATE ME “I find that usually when people are self-conscious, it’s really just because of a lack of knowledge of what to do,” Avery says. “Once they learn what to do and how, it helps take away that barrier.” Working with a personal trainer also can help build confidence. “Work with a trainer for just three to four sessions to develop a workout program for you,” Avery says. “Learn how to do exercises properly and how to use the equipment correctly.”

I’M INJURED Sometimes people start a regular exercise routine but then get injured, not necessarily from working out. When you’ve got an injury, it’s easy to quit your fitness program, but you don’t have to – you just need to make adjustments. “I encourage people to work around their injuries, if possible, so they can continue that habit of being active,” Avery says. “If you fall out of the habit of showing up and doing some sort of activity, it’s hard to get back in the groove.” Talk to your doctor about what exercise is safe for your injury. Personal trainers can help you check your form to avoid aggravating problems.

I’M PREGNANT Exercising during pregnancy offers many benefits. It helps prepare you for the rigors of labor and delivery, can help relieve pregnancy aches and pains, and lifts your mood. There are resources through birthing centers and hospitals to help pregnant women stay active. For instance, prenatal yoga programs are great options for women during all stages of their pregnancies, as long as their doctors sign off that they are safe to do it. Always check with your health care provider before starting, continuing, or changing an exercise routine when you’re pregnant.

I DON’T KNOW HOW TO START Rosella says when it comes to fitness, it’s important to take small steps first. Start with reasonable goals and expectations. For example, she says, begin by getting 20 minutes of exercise three days a week, then add 10 more minutes in four weeks.

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REX Wellness Centers has locations across the Triangle, including in Raleigh, Wakefield, Cary, Garner and Knightdale. For more information, visit rexhealth.com/wellness.

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There is an interior design principle floating out there that discourages mixing old with new. That’s a myth ... don’t believe it for a second. My cohort, Cindy, and I are calling it out on the carpet. Let’s go with a puke green shag carpet. I mean, only filling your living space with new stuff? B-O-R-I-N-G! One of the fastest routes to a boring room is sticking to a single style or period. The most livable and inspiring rooms combine old and new pieces in a variety of styles.

BY LAURA CASHWELL

OUT WITH THE NEW

IN WITH THE

OLD

ait a minute – is that a typo? Did I get my words mixed up? It’s “Out with the old, in with the new,” right? Well, maybe for some, but as the owner of an antique and home décor shop, to me what’s new is often what’s old, and what’s old is always what’s new. I could never say “out with the old” and live with myself – much less make a living. I am in the business of taking what’s old, broken, or perhaps discarded and breathing new life into it – my way of recycling. You’re welcome, environment. In this fast-paced, techno world, let’s face it – more and more people are shopping online; the convenience factor is just too great, and I for one appreciate that convenience. As we progress and move forward, however, let us not forget to reach back and appreciate the past. America, it’s time to make antiques great again! True confession, though: I admit I shop online every week for my staples, supplies, occasional gifts, etc. ... but when it comes to furniture, décor, and household goods, I just can’t always go the easy, oft fabricated route. I want quality, whether what I’m looking for is old or new. They just don’t make things like they used to, that’s for sure. Sadly, quality seems to be a lost art. That’s why I encourage you, no matter your age or stage of life, to seek well-made purchases (like antiques) that will last and be worth the investment. I also encourage you, when it comes to home décor, to mix the old with the new. 28

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So, if you love a little modern flair and can’t live without new stuff, by all means, hit up IKEA and Home Goods. But don’t, whatever you do, discard the old completely. Always take a look at options that provide you with solid pieces from a day gone by, via local vintage and antique shops, flea markets, garage sales, auctions, and estate sales. This treasure hunt may take a little more time, but it will give you a magical, nostalgic experience of connecting with real people, real community, real history, and real quality. Practically speaking, an easy way to mix old and new is to consider a room’s architecture. If you live in a 1930s house, incorporate some period pieces, and then add contemporary lighting, rugs, or accessories to bring the rooms into the 21st century. If you live in a brand new high-rise apartment, choose a Persian rug, an antique mirror, or a vintage chandelier to create a sense of history and warmth. Add an old washboard to the laundry room with some other cool architecturals and modern laundry signs for the walls and shelves. Add a tobacco basket above ... the possibilities are endless for every room. I love quirky so our home is filled with all things eclectic, incorporating old family items as well as really fun and unexpected pieces. For instance, we collect fire memorabilia, so we use an old fire bucket to house magazines. It doesn’t matter whether something is “in” or not – what matters is whether you love it. It’s your home, so let it reflect you – just think outside the box and be creative. “That’s all good,” you say, “but I live in a cookie-cutter space.” No problem. Mixing vintage and contemporary pieces – both large and small, and in a variety of fabrics, woods, glass, and metals – will give your home personality and dimension. Stick to a neutral color scheme and let your vintage/antique finds blend right in with your IKEA staples; this will create texture and subtle contrasts. Use your unique finds to add pops of missing color. There’s no right or wrong. Let your imagination roam freely, stay inspired, and enjoy the hunt. What then shall we say? Out with the old, in with the new? Nope. Out with the new, in with the old? Well, why don’t we just compromise and go with a fresh motto for 2018: “In with the new AND in with the old.” Happy New Year, y’all!  Laura Cashwell is the owner and Cindy Davis is the display and retail floor manager of For Old Times Sake Antiques, located at 223 S. White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest. They may also be reached at 919-554-1744 or visit www.foroldtimessakeantiques.com.

March 2018

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32ND ANNUAL TO THE

TOAST

TRIANGLE

BENEFITING THE TAMMY LYNN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

WAKE FOREST A “DEMENTIA FRIENDLY” COMMUNITY

BY JILL BRIGHT

It is normal for our memory to deteriorate a little as we grow older. When you or your loved ones start having problems remembering things, it can be very upsetting, frightening, and even dangerous. When the loss of mental functions starts to interfere with a person’s daily activities,

SING-WF has grown into a large joint venture of private businesses, non-profit organizations, and the Town of Wake Forest. If your locally-based company or organization would like to join SING-WF, annual dues are $75 for corporations, $50 for sole proprietors, and $15 for non-profits. You can apply online, sign up for classes, and get more information at www.SING-WF.com, or by emailing info@SING-WF.com or calling 919-556-3706.

he or she could possibly be in the early stages of dementia. lzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and is usually associated with aging. Mini strokes, brain tumors, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease are additional possibilities given these common symptoms, but they have different causes. It is very important to consult a doctor if you notice more than a few of these daily disruptive signs: memory loss, confusion, disorientation, speech problems, increased irritability, social withdrawal, restlessness, mood swings, depression, unsteady movements, sleep disorders, or misplacing things, along with other personality and behavioral changes.

Members can attend this support group’s quarterly meetings, usually on the last Friday in January, April, July, and October, at 100 South Franklin Street in the Wake Electric Community Room. Registration begins at 8:15 AM, followed by meetings at

Fortunately, you are not alone. There are support groups that can assist and help you understand these problems. Research shows that with supportive care, people living with dementia – and their caregivers – experience less physical and emotional stress, better health, fewer hospitalizations, and less time in long-termcare facilities. Thus, early in 2015, a group of local Wake Forest business leaders formed “Senior Information and Networking Group of Wake Forest,” (SING-WF for short), focusing on more than simple networking for the 55+ age population and their caregivers. The mission of SING-WF is to provide a comprehensive resource for non-profit and for-profit senior-focused organizations to share dementia education information, updates, outreach, coordination of services, and public awareness and advocacy, focused on the senior population. 30

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8:30 AM, with light refreshments provided by a local sponsoring business. At previous SING-WF meetings, industry experts have presented useful information, methods, and tools on topics such as protection from financial and technological fraud, scams, and other threats; new devices to help hearing and visually impaired, medication reminders, and home safety; senior activities associated with the Town of Wake Forest, Chamber of Commerce, local churches, senior centers, and outreach programs; police officers training and procedures used to assist seniors in sudden mental and physical distress situations; and services and support available to veterans as they age through the Veterans Administration system; plus many more great topics that are still forthcoming. Some other benefits of joining SING-WF include website exposure with important links; networking with service organizations, business leaders, and town officials; exclusive discounts from the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce Senior Expo, and The Renaissance Centre’s educational workshops and events; plus free admittance to the “Dementia Friendly @ Work Training,” which is also offered to any non-member business, organization, and individual for $100. This two-hour class provides more facts, tips, resources, and guidance in recognizing the signs and care associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Upon completion, attendees are given a window decal to proudly display, announcing their business as being “Dementia Friendly.”

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Nearly 60 percent of people with dementia live in their own communities, and one in seven lives alone. Communities across the country are experiencing an urgent call to serve and support those with dementia, and their families and caregivers, by becoming dementia friendly. Thanks to the hard work, extensive efforts, and commitments of SING-WF, the Town of Wake Forest, and the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern NC Chapter, Wake Forest is one of the few “Dementia Friendly” communities in America that has answered this call. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for those touched by it.  It is our honor and pleasure at Bright Funeral Home to be a participating member of SING-WF, with several of our staff having completed the “Dementia Friendly @ Work Training” class. For more information about SING-WF, a list of certified dementiafriendly businesses in town, upcoming events, and for a membership application, visit www.sing-wf.com. Jill Bright is with Bright Funeral Home, located at 405 S. Main Street in Wake Forest. Bright Funeral Home serves the Wake Forest, Rolesville, Youngsville, Franklinton, Falls, Bay Leaf, Loiusburg, Raleigh, and surrounding areas. For more information, call 919-556-5811 or visit www.brightfunerals.com.

March 2018

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veggies is that you can incorporate them in to any of your old standbys, elevating them to a whole new level while adding some great nutrition and new flavors. Root vegetables offer color, texture, and a hearty “meatiness” that lend themselves so well to winter cooking. My favorite way to take advantage of their attributes is by roasting them, which draws out their natural sugars, allowing them to caramelize and bring a tremendous amount of flavor to any dish. Fold them into your favorite soups, stews, and pastas, or simply roast them in the oven as a delightful side dish.

BY STACEY MORITZ

KNOW YOUR

ROOTS

s we settle into winter, we strive to find warmth, comfort, and sustenance in all aspects of our lives. Frankly, there is no better way to enjoy all of these than being surrounded by friends, family, and good food.

Winter brings out the desire to simmer and stew and it’s a great time to get in the kitchen and whip up something amazing to share with those you love. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to try something new and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of root vegetables. Basically, if it’s grown in the ground, it’s considered a root vegetable – so think potatoes, parsnips, turnips, carrots, and the like. Add some onions, squash, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, and you’ve got the backbone for some deliciously comforting winter fare. With winter well under way, you may have tired of chili, baked pastas, and your traditional goto winter dinner dishes, so why not try something new to adorn the dinner table this season? The beauty of cooking with root 32

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The key to successful roasting is to peel the veggies and cut them into small to medium pieces to allow for maximum caramelization, really pulling out their flavor and providing a tremendous amount of depth to your dish, no matter how simple it may be. One of my most popular dishes includes only roasted veggies, broth, fresh herbs, and white beans (see recipe) … behold, a comforting, delicious soup that can be the backdrop for a spectacular winter meal. Add any meat of your choice and it becomes a hearty stew or a pot pie. Fold it into a pasta and add a touch of cream and a few shavings of parmesan and asiago cheese for an amazing entrée that will satisfy even the most discriminating palate. Incorporating roasted veggies is a great way to transform ordinary fare like chicken, pot roast, and pork loin into the extraordinary. To create a truly outstanding dish, there are two steps you simply should not skip – searing your meat and roasting your veggies. Taking these extra few minutes of prep and cooking time will help develop flavor as the dish braises, making the most of your cooking time. Save even more time by using your slow cooker for the majority of the cooking – you will be rewarded at dinnertime, I promise. Root vegetables lend themselves beautifully to a host of side dishes and are a great way to make your plate more colorful in the process. Everyone’s favorite tuber, the humble potato, is the perfect example of versatility, color, and flavor potential. They are widely available in shades of white, red, orange, and purple, and mixing and matching is encouraged when it comes to roasting them. Cutting your potatoes in chunks and tossing with a little olive oil, coarse salt, and freshly ground pepper are all you really need to transform them into the perfect stand-alone side or as a final ingredient to complete your one-dish meal. Leave the skin on for a rustic dish or peel before roasting to accentuate their inherent creaminess. The delicious potato has no limits and is inexpensive with a long shelf life, making it a must-have staple in your pantry this winter, and all year round. The carrot is another tasty and well-rounded vegetable that can now be found in a myriad of sizes and colors, lending itself to cre-

March 2018

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ating a nutritious and beautiful plate. Carrots are also a great foil when you are trying to introduce new veggies like parsnips or turnips, which will be caught up in the amazing sweetness that roasting carrots can contribute to a dish. Simply roasting your favorite variety in a little olive oil and tossing at the end of cooking with a good quality balsamic vinegar and a touch of raw honey and fresh thyme is the perfect accent to any comforting winter meal. Finally, if you have a vegetarian or vegan in your household, you will have a newfound appreciation for how root vegetables can transform meals that can oftentimes be challenging when trying to provide hearty and tasty options that satisfy everyone’s needs. What becomes an ingredient or side dish for the family can be a hearty mainstay for the herbivore, making everyone at your dinner table happy. No matter how you choose to enjoy root veggies, I encourage you to embrace their humble nature and have fun creating a wintery culinary treat that soothes your soul and hugs the tummies that come to your dinner table each night.

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLE AND WHITE BEAN SOUP Ingredients: – 3 cups peeled diced potatoes – 3 cups peeled diced butternut squash – 1 large onion, peeled and diced – 4 large parsnips, peeled and diced – 4 large carrots, peeled and diced – ¼ cup olive oil – 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced – 2 15-ounce cans white cannelini or great northern beans, rinsed and drained – 4 sprigs fresh thyme – 6 cups vegetable broth – Salt and pepper to taste – 1 bunch shredded kale or baby spinach (optional)

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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In large ovenproof baking dish, toss potatoes, squash, onion, parsnips, and carrots with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper and minced garlic. Roast in the oven for about 12-15 minutes until starting to brown and caramelize. Remove from oven. In large stockpot, add vegetables, broth, white beans, and thyme and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer and cook until vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened slightly, about 30 minutes. Stir in kale or spinach if desired and cook 5 minutes more.  Stacey Moritz is the owner of The Lemon Tree Cafe, located at 113 S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest (919-521-5806), offering freshly prepared salads, pastas, soups, and take-away fare. The Lemon Tree Cafe is open Monday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, offering lunch and catering.

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Wake Forest, NC /collegeSE

March 2018

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MANAGING

MYOPIA

MY CHILD IS BECOMING MORE NEAR-SIGHTED EVERY YEAR ... WHAT CAN I DO? BY TYLER STIEGEMEIER, OD

Near-sighted, or myopic, individuals can see well up close, but have blurred distance vision without the help of glasses or contact lenses. Myopia is a growing concern in the United States and other industrialized countries around the world. If you feel that more children are now wearing glasses to correct their distance vision than ever before, it is not your imagina-

A subspecialty field of “Myopia Control” is exploding in the world of eye care. Doctors involved in myopia control go beyond simply providing a stronger glasses prescription year after year, but rather work to achieve a temporary correction and also slow down or prevent further progression. The goal of these non-surgical treatments is to slow down eyeball growth. There are three main treatment options for myopia control. Two options use unique styles of glasses or contact lenses, either no-line bifocal glasses or multifocal soft contact lenses for daytime wear. The other is

tion. Current statistics suggest that half of the world’s population will be near-sighted by 2050. If myopia can be corrected

with glasses or contact lenses, why are the experts worried? yopia is irreversible and tends to worsen over time. Later in life, high levels of myopia can lead to blinding complications such as retinal detachment and types of macular degeneration. During childhood, myopia can impede learning, limit physical activity, and cause emotional stress for children who are opposed to glasses or contact lens wear. Dealing with glasses and contact lenses on a daily basis can be a nuisance for kids and parents alike. Why are more young kids myopic now than say 50 years ago? The answer is complex and still not completely understood. However, one leading theory strongly associates “close work” to the development of myopia. The intense strain put on the eyes by viewing objects at a close distance such as tablets, phones, books, and computers for long periods of time cause the developing eye to grow longer, thus causing myopia. Children are now being introduced to electronic hand-held devices at very young ages and because the eyeballs of young children are very plastic, myopia can develop very quickly. Other research attributes limited time outdoors and having myopic parents as other potential causes of myopia. 34

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orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K, which is the use of rigid contact lenses at night only. All of these treatment methods have been shown to slow down the progression of myopia. Other recommendations to help reduce the progression of myopia include taking breaks while doing close work, spending time outdoors, and if possible, limiting the duration of time doing close work. Current research about outdoor light exposure and myopia is fascinating and provides compelling evidence to get your kids outdoors as much as possible. No matter the treatment, early treatment is critical. Childhood is a high-risk period where the eyeball is subject to rapid elongation, so earlier treatment will result in a better outcome. Ortho-K lenses are a specialized type of contact lenses that are fit by eye doctors with advanced training and a keen interest in myopia control. Ortho-K has been a very popular method of myopia control because the treatment is done safely during sleeping hours and provides clear vision during the day without any glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K works by temporarily changing the curvature of the surface of the eye. To maintain the treatment, lenses must be worn every night, at least until young adulthood when the eye becomes less prone to rapid change. The results are dramatic and quick. It is not unusual to achieve a 50% reduction in myopia after only one night of Ortho-K lens wear and full reduction of myopia after seven to 10 days. The safety profile is also very

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appealing, as the treatment is easily reversible by discontinuing lens wear. Parents often question if their child is old enough to try Ortho-K. Age is not the most important factor when determining whether or not a child is a good candidate. The maturity level of the child and the involvement of the parents are the most important factors. While wearing Ortho-K lenses is not all that different from wearing traditional soft contact lenses, patients must be selfmotivated, independent, and aware enough to report any problems that arise. Parents must understand the process and monitor the patient until they are confident that the child fully understands the proper care and handling of the lenses. One of the most rewarding things about treating children with Ortho-K is hearing parents say that their children have become more confident and responsible since starting treatment. You do not need to merely accept advancing myopia as a normal part of growing up. Research in the field of myopia control is dynamic with new information becoming available at a rapid pace. An eye doctor with a special interest in myopia control will be your best resource for discussing the latest developments and determining if any treatment options are a suitable fit for your child and family. ď Ž Tyler Stiegemeier, OD is with Myopia Control Clinic, a subspecialty clinic of McPherson Family Eye Care. He may be reached at 919-263-9163 or visit www.mcphersonfamilyeyecare.com.

March 2018

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al to do as a family on a Saturday afternoon or just want to learn more about the hidden gems that are scattered throughout our area, we’re here to help. For our first “Hidden Gem,” all you have to do is head on over to Falls Lake, where you’ll discover the recently-opened Forest Ridge Park. This 587-acre peninsula on the lake, located between Falls Dam and Highway 98 in Wake Forest, opened in September of 2017 and is owned by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and is leased to the state of North Carolina, who then subleases it to the City of Raleigh. The last project funded by the $50 million parks and greenway bond approved by the public in 2003, this natural jewel is home to hiking, biking, and multi-use trails; beautiful open spaces with glorious lake views; a large playground; and picnic shelters. Forest Ridge Park’s network of trails has something to offer anyone and everyone, whether you are looking for a paved or unpaved trail. Interested in taking your bicycle out for a spin? Be sure to check out the park’s three-mile single track mountain bike trail, including both a two-mile loop and a one-mile loop. This is an extremely beginner-friendly trail that is fast, flowy, flat, and fun – the perfect trail for young kids or introducing single track riding to beginners in a safe yet fun way. The 1.25 miles of unpaved multi-use trails and the single track of hiking

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ere in North Carolina we are blessed with many famous landmarks … the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Biltmore Estate, Fort Fisher, just to name a few – all must-have visits for anyone who lives in or visits our magnificent state. But we here in the Triangle area are also blessed with many hidden gems that are right in our own backyards. Thus, we are happy to introduce a new feature in CIRCA Magazine that highlights some of these local treasures … so when you’re wracking your brain trying to think of something fun, active, or education36

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trails are ideal for exploring by foot while enjoying a beautiful North Carolina day. Northern Wake County’s newest park also features an interactive playground featuring elements such as swings and slides for its littler visitors, and a zipline and climbing elements for the older kids. And stay tuned for the planned climbing tower that will hopefully be operational by the end of 2018. In addition to the aforementioned attributes of Forest Ridge Park, visitors of all ages can also discover a variety of engaging outdoor recreation and nature appreciation programs that focus on fitness, nature, education, adventure recreation, and the encouragement of stewardship. Recent biking programs include bike maintenance clinics, guided mountain biking rides for teens, and an introduction to the sport. For the fitness enthusiasts, yoga in the park, a walking club, and total body wellness personal training have been recent options. Intro to birding, mindfulness in nature, nature photography, seasonal tree identification, backpacking 101, and wilderness survival for youth are all recent programs as well. Check with the park’s Welcome Center or visit their website for upcoming scheduled programs. Make the most of your relaxing visit to Forest Ridge Park by packing a lunch and eating at one of their two picnic shelters that

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are open to the public (available first come, first served, unless reserved in advance). Featuring grills and ample covered seating, these shelters are the ideal locations for hosting your family gathering, special party, or birthday celebration ... reservations can be made by calling the Welcome Center office ($12 per hour with a two-hour minimum). With easy-to-use biking and hiking trails, ample activities to entertain the kids, breathtaking scenery, and a wide variety of outdoor education and recreation programs, Forest Ridge Park has something to offer everyone. Whether you are a long-time Triangle resident, are a newcomer to the area, or are considering a trip to our corner of Wake County, be sure to plan a visit to the area’s newest park destination – a hidden gem that is waiting for you.  The City of Raleigh’s Forest Ridge Park is located at 2100 Old Highway 98 in Wake Forest. The Welcome Center opens daily at 8:00 AM. For more information, visit www.raleighnc.gov/parks/ content/ParksRec/Articles/Parks/ForestRidge.html or call 919-556-6781. If you have discovered a “hidden gem” nearby and think our readers need to know about it in an upcoming edition of CIRCA, please email us at info@circamagazine.com. We’d love to let our readers know about it!

March 2018

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NEW

A NEW YEAR OF

RESOLUTIONS BY JESSICA McMICAN

t’s the new year, and once again you’ve scribbled the words “weight loss” on your list of resolutions. You’ve promised yourself this year is going to be different. There’s only one problem. Statistics show that if you are like 80% of most people who said the same thing, you won’t even make it past the second week of February with your resolution, and there is a good chance you will actually gain weight this year. Countless Mondays have started off with a new diet and great intentions, only to have the weekend completely derail any wellmeaning plans. A girls’ night on Friday, soccer with the kids on Saturday, birthday party on Sunday … ugh. You tell yourself that you will start again tomorrow (yet another Monday), because next week should be easier. Sound familiar?

There will always be resistance to change in the beginning as you set out to form new habits. There are going to be days you don’t want to exercise. There are going to be days that you would rather eat fries than salad. You are human. Expect these challenges. Expect that you will not get it right 100% of the time. Every activity and every meal is a choice. As long as you are doing your best and consistently making good choices, those occasional slip-ups will not be the reason you fail. Just make sure you don’t use one mistake as your reason to sabotage your next choice.

This type of pattern is mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting, not to mention frustrating and ineffective. So how do you beat the statistics? How can you put yourself in the 20% of folks who finally check this box off their list of resolutions for good? Here are five tips to get you on the path to success.

FIND A SUPPORT SYSTEM: Once you start your health journey, you may be surprised to find those closest to you who don’t share in your healthy lifestyle making jokes about what you are or are not eating or showing disapproval of your time in the gym. If you find this to be the case, remind them how important this is to you and create space until your habits are stronger than their approval. Surround yourself with people who are on a similar journey or already live a healthy lifestyle. You are going to need this support system on those rough days, so find them and utilize them.

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: If someone tells you that losing weight will be “easy,” chances are they didn’t lose it using a healthy or sustainable method. In order to lose weight, you are going to have to make changes to your diet and exercise regime … and it is going to take time. Period. It doesn’t matter what program or system you incorporate; this should always be the basis of a healthy transformation.

START SMALL: Once we decide that we are going to lose weight, we often start listing off all the things we can’t have – no more soda, no more chocolate, no more this, no more that. While shifting to a healthy lifestyle will require you to remove a lot of things from your daily diet, it’s important that you tackle one bad habit at a time. You are not going to magically wake up on a Monday and not crave unhealthy foods no more than you will run a mara-

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thon your first week of training if you’ve never run before. Focus on making small, consistent changes. Swap out water for soda, turkey burger for beef; slowly increase from a walk to a run, start with a beginner class. Small wins will keep you motivated, especially in the beginning when your progress isn’t as evident. UNDERSTAND HOW YOU GOT HERE: In order to successfully lose weight, and keep it off, you need to figure out why you gained it in the first place. My clients often tell me they know exactly how they got here – eating junk! While that seems like the logical answer, the truth we want to get to is why you were eating these things to begin with. The reasons for eating poorly and not exercising varies greatly. Sometimes, it’s the misconception that we can’t afford to eat healthy (it’s more affordable than you think). Sometimes, it can be the perception we don’t have time to workout (everyone has the same 24 hours). Perhaps meal planning is overwhelming to you or maybe you take comfort in food and drinks when things go wrong. Whatever your reason may be, it’s imperative to identify what they are and what triggers your poor eating habits in order to address them. If you don’t take steps to change your relationship with food or shift your mindset from diet to a healthy lifestyle, you aren’t addressing the root cause – and you will find yourself back at square one until you do. CREATE A VISION BOARD: It’s easy to get caught up in all the things we can’t have and start to feel overwhelmed. One way to help keep your eye on the prize is to literally display it where you can see it everyday. A vision board is a great way to document your goals and the reasons why you are making this change. How will you feel? What will you do differently once you lose the weight? Where will you go? What will you wear? These are all things that can trigger emotions and help motivate you to keep going when you don’t always feel like it. Determine these things and document it on your board. Just remember, no matter the size of your goal or how long it takes you to get there, progress is progress – and if you consistently make choices in alignment with your goals and implement these tips, you, too, can join the 20% who make it happen.  Jessica McMican is the owner of A Moment’s Grace, empowering women inside and out, through her photography and health and wellness services and networking and community events. For more information, visit www.amomentsgrace.com.

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LAWN CARE

CALENDAR

A MONTH-BY-MONTH CARE SCHEDULE FOR COOL- AND WARM-SEASON GRASSES BY TINA MAST

n our area of North Carolina, we can grow either cool-season or warm-season grasses. Cool-season grasses – such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye, tall fescue, and creeping red fescue – grow well during the cool months, between September and May. If you are planting a cool-season lawn, I recommend planting fescue blend for best performance in our area. Fescues are also more shade-tolerant than bluegrass. Perennial rye is not reliable as a permanent lawn and is usually used to overseed dormant warm-season lawns for winter color. Warmseason grasses – such as bahia, Bermuda, carpetgrass, centipede, St. Augustine, and Zoysia – thrive in hot weather (80 – 95 degrees) and go dormant when the weather turns cool. Following is a lawn care schedule that will help this be the year of your best lawn ever.

or Pythium are present, be sure to collect clippings instead of leaving them on the grass. And if you are irrigating, do so before sunrise. If necessary, apply fungicides. – August: Water dormant lawns every three weeks if it hasn’t rained (or you may have to reseed in the fall). Mow regularly, no more than 1/3 of grass height. Apply pre-emergent for winter annual or perennial weeds. Lawns that look wilted, even after watering, and/or have been torn up by birds or moles may have grub infestation. Cut and roll back several square foot sections of turf to check for white grubs. If more than seven are found in each, apply grub control. Dethatch or aerate Kentucky bluegrass if needed. – September: Now is the time to install sod or establish, renovate, or overseed cool-season lawns. Water newly seeded areas regularly. Aerate your lawn now to alleviate compaction prob-

COOL SEASON GRASSES – January: Do not fertilize this month. Avoid walking on frozen lawns. Handpull winter annual weeds such as henbit and chickweed or mow them down before they go to seed. – February: Service your lawn mower. You can fertilize established lawns at this time. Scout for weeds. Apply pre-emergent when the daffodils and forsythia bloom (which may be the next month, depending on the weather). – March: Fertilize this month, if necessary, according to your soil test results. If your lawn has good color and vigor, skip it and wait to apply in the fall (the best time to fertilize). Apply pre-emergent when the daffodils or forsythia bloom. You can overseed bare spots now, but the ideal time to seed or overseed is fall. – April: Do not fertilize established lawns now. Mow frequently (no more than 1/3 the height of the lawn). Water early in the morning, if needed. On clay soils, apply 1 inch of water per rainless week. – May: Gradually raise mowing height to 21/2 to 31/2 inches as temperatures warm. Mow frequently. Post emergent herbicides formulated for your lawn may be used to control weeds. – June: Mow frequently. Fescue is less drought tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass. During dry spells, water fescue if needed, but at least every three weeks without rain. Kentucky bluegrass can go dormant and begin to grow again once favorable conditions return. – July: See May and June. If summer diseases such as brown patch 40

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A COMMUNITY CENTER for dogs and their people K9 Daycare h Indoor Heated Pool Training Classes h Indoor Walking Track Aromatherapy h Massage Therapy Acupuncture h Canine Chiropractor Hydrotherapy Tub Puppy Socials h Seminars 5420 NC-55, Durham, NC 27713

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lems on clay soils. Now is the time to fertilize cool-season lawns. Soil tests are recommended every few years for proper fertilizing. Otherwise, use a 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 where 1/4 – 1/2 the nitrogen is “slowly available” or “water insoluble.” Continue to mow regularly as needed. Treat for grubs (see August). – October: Apply pre-emergent herbicide once temperatures are consistently in the mid-70s. Keep lawn free of leaves which can smother it. Recycle leaves as mulch by shredding and composting. Install sod. Last chance to reseed or start a new lawn by seed. Mow as needed. Water new lawns with 1 inch of water per rainless week. – November: Install sod as long as the soil isn’t frozen (unlikely this month). Keep new sod moist. Fertilize this month with a winterizer fertilizer. See September for more information. Watch for rust and dollar spot diseases. Keep lawns free of falling leaves. Water new lawns with 1 inch of water per rainless week. – December: Run gas mowers dry to prevent gummy buildup over winter or add stablilizer to it, and run it for a few minutes. Drain and replace the oil. Recycle the used oil. Water new lawns with 1 inch of water per rainless week.

WARM-SEASON GRASSES – January: Water dormant and overseeded lawns if it has been dry, unseasonably warm, and windy. Maintain lawns overseeded with rye at a height of 1 inch. Avoid walking on dormant lawns to prevent damage. – February: See January. – March: Water dormant and overseeded lawns if it has been dry, warm, and windy. Brown patch disease attacks as lawns emerge from dormancy. Collect infested clippings. Avoid overfertilizing and overwatering to reduce disease. Apply pre-emergent herbicide late in the month. – April: Now is the time to overseed bare spots, seed new lawns, or install sprigs/plugs (as long as day temps are consistently above 60 degrees). Water new lawns regularly. Wait until established lawns are green before fertilizing. Watch for brown patch, dollar spot, and deadspot diseases. – May: Fertilize Bermuda and St. Augustine’s grasses with slowrelease nitrogen. Water newly seeded or plugged lawns regularly for best establishment. Mow regularly. – June: Dethatch your lawn if the thatch layer measures more than ½ inch. Last chance to renovate or install a warm-season lawn. Apply 1 inch of water per rainless week. Fertilize St. Augustine’s, centipede, carpet, Bermuda, and Zoysia grasses. Mow regularly. Watch for and, if necessary, treat for mole crickets. –July: Apply 1 inch of water per rainless week. Fertilize St. Augustine’s and Bermuda grasses. Raise mower height a notch or two and mow regularly. Watch for and, if necessary, treat for mole crickets. – August: Fertilize all (see June). Regularly mow, removing no more than 1/3 the height of the grass. Lawns that look wilted,

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even after watering, and/or have been torn up by birds, or moles may have grub infestation. Cut and roll back several square foot sections of turf to check for white grubs. If more than seven are found in each, apply grub control. Water only areas that need it. – September: If desired, late in the month overseed with ryegrass for a green winter lawn. Bermuda tolerates overseeding best. Apply 1 inch of water per rainless week. Do not lime carpet or centipede grasses unless a soil test calls for it. Raise mower height ½ inch. – October: Overseed with ryegrass early in the month. Apply preemergent herbicide. Water as needed to prevent stress. Keep lawns free of falling leaves which can smoother them. Recycle leaves by shredding and composting them. – November: Keep lawns free of falling leaves. Lawns will be going dormant now. Dormant, overseeded Bermuda and Zoysia grasses can be fertilized and should be mowed between 1 and 21/2 inches high. Dormant lawns may need to be watered occasionally. – December: Mow overseeded Bermudagrass before it gets taller than 11/2 inches. Handpull or spot treat winter weeds. Overseeded Bermudagrass can be fertilized this month. If you are not overseeding with ryegrass, see the mower care notes for cool-season grasses.  Tina Mast is the communications director for Homewood Nursery & Garden Center in Raleigh. She can be reached at 919-847-0117 or info@homewoodnursery.com, or visit www.homewoodnursery.com.

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MONTHLY. Vacuum furniture upholstery, pillows, cushions (plus under and behind), mattresses (flip and/or rotate), and under and behind any large movable furniture. Inspect for signs of mold and mildew growth and treat accordingly (Tip: If you do encounter mold or mildew, you need to step up your weekly cleaning game!) Sanitize washing machine. Wash waste baskets/recycling bins and either wash or replace shower curtain liners.

BY TODD NELSON

KEEP IT

CLEAN A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION FOR YOUR HOME

SEMI-ANNUALLY TO ANNUALLY. Deep clean both large appliances – oven, refrigerator, dishwasher – and small, including coffee maker (decalcify), toaster, blenders, standing mixers, and so forth. Purge cabinets of expired foods/medicines. Wipe or wash insides of cabinets and drawers. Wash walls, windows, screens, permanent light fixtures, and bathroom fans. Clean out dryer lint vents. Clean or replace all HVAC filters. Shampoo, steam, or professionally clean rugs/carpets, and furniture upholstery. Launder or send out for professional cleaning all heavy bed linens and window treatments. If you’re not that into cleaning or simply don’t have time to get it all done, you can stick to your New Year’s resolution by calling in a professional to tackle the cleaning tasks for you.  Todd Nelson is the owner of MaidPro of Raleigh and Wake Forest. For cleaning tips, visit www.maidpro.com/raleigh-north or call 919-871-9996.

nstead of a “New Year, New You” resolution for 2018, how about a “New Year, New Home Cleaning Routine” resolution instead? A clean home is healthy and contributes to a deep sense of peace and wellbeing every day. If you want your home to look, feel, smell, and stay clean consistently, follow this guide for what to clean, and when.

DAILY. Especially if you cook, clean your kitchen every day, paying special attention to removing food residues that breed germs and cause unpleasant odors. Tidy and wipe countertops in both the kitchen and bathroom, and disinfect high-touch areas, such as bathroom doorknobs and toilet/sink handles (especially during cold and flu season). Sweep or dust wood and tile floors (at least in high-traffic zones) to prevent surface grit from being ground in and embedded. WEEKLY (OR AT MOST, BIWEEKLY). Change and launder bed linens. Wash floors. Vacuum carpets. Disinfect things people touch frequently such as doorknobs, light-switch plates, TV remotes, phones, and keyboards. Scrub and disinfect toilets, tubs, showers, sinks, kitchen counters, and backsplashes. Clean mirrors. Dust ceiling fans, shelves, lamps, window sills and sashes, baseboards, picture frames, window blinds, books, knick knacks – anything that accumulates dust. (Tip: Dust first, then vacuum to capture and remove fallen dust.) 42

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Stick to healthy snacks like cheese, milk, yogurt, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. These snacks will help moisten your mouth and fight the acid and bacteria. – Life stressors can cause grinding, which wears away your enamel. If you notice soreness from clenching at nighttime, talk to your dentist about getting fitted for a mouth guard. – Take a break from teeth whitening. Sensitivity caused by whitening is usually temporary, but can cause major discomfort.

BY DR. JASON GLADWELL

AN END

TO THE OUCH

protective layer that helps your teeth deal with everyday occurrences. Brushing too hard could be wearing away your enamel. To prevent this, use a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle to help keep enamel clean and strong. – Avoid acidic foods and drinks such as soda, sticky candy, and high-sugar carbs.

In some instances, tooth sensitivity can be a sign of more serious issues such as shrinking gums or gum disease. At your next dental cleaning, talk to your dentist about any sensitivity you are experiencing – it never hurts to ask!  Dr. Jason Gladwell is a Board Certified Specialist in orthodontics, certified lecturer for Invisalign, the Triangle’s only elite provider for Invisalign, and the first in the area to use a digital, impression-less scanner. To learn more, please visit www.gladwellorthodontics.com.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO SUFFER FROM SENSITIVE TEETH

rrrr! It’s cold out there! Yes, colder temperatures and wintry weather are upon us. As you bundle up to head outside, think of all the preventive measures you take to stay warm and protect your skin from the elements. Do you do the same for your teeth? A new survey of U.S. dental offices found that one in eight people have over-sensitive teeth. If ice cream or coffee make your teeth hurt, you might be one of those. Sensitivity often occurs when enamel on the outside of the tooth wears away, exposing small tubes that connect nerves inside the tooth to triggers outside of the tooth. So, what can you do about it? – Take care of your tooth enamel, the hard,

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f course, when it comes to pampering your pooch on Valentine’s Day, you can go the traditional gift-giving route – a rubber squeaky toy to play with; a bouncy ball for playing catch in the backyard; a velvety pink collar adorned in red hearts; or a soft, cuddly bed to curl up on for the perfect afternoon snooze by the fire. However, oftentimes the best gift is one that is handmade or homemade. Since Valentine’s Day is a “holiday” to show our love and devotion, go ahead and show your pup how much you love and appreciate him with a new toy, a new bed, and a new collar, but also treat him to some yummy homemade honey cinnamon doggie biscuits. So grab your heart-shaped cookie cutter and let’s get started.

HONEY CINNAMON BISCUITS Ingredients: – ¼ cup water – ¼ cup pureed banana – ½ cup plain yogurt – 1 tablespoon honey – 1 tablespoon coconut oil – 1 teaspoon cinnamon – ½ cup oat flour

BY VANESSA DAVIS

CELEBRATE

YOUR

POOCH ON VALENTINE’S DAY WITH HOMEMADE TREATS

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and finding just the right gift to show that someone special in your life how much he or she means to you is a must. But this day doesn’t have to just be about showering your favorite two-legged companion with sweets and treats – shouldn’t you spoil your favorite four-legged companion this Valentine’s Day as well? Your pooch gives you unconditional love each and every day, and you love him with all your heart, too. 44

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– ½ cup rice flour – 1 cup wheat flour (you may substitute the flours with a banana flour, tapioca flour, or other flour that you prefer) Directions: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, all the flour (except ½ cup wheat flour), then set aside. In a separate bowl, mix water, banana, yogurt, honey, and oil. Mix well. Add the dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Mix in remaining flour ¼ cup at a time until the dough becomes stiff. Place on floured surface and roll to desired thickness. Cut cookies with cookie cutter and bake at 300 degrees. Cook 30 minutes or until golden brown. For cookies that will last longer, leave them in the oven after it is turned off – the cookies will completely dry out, become crunchy, and last longer. On February 14, Fido may not know it’s Valentine’s Day – but he will for sure know how much you love him when he’s enjoying these delicious treats you made with love.  Vanessa Davis is the owner of Dirty Dogs Spa, LLC, 929 Heritage Lake Road in Wake Forest (www.dirtydogsllc.com) and Zoomy Dogs, 5420 NC-55 in Durham (www.zoomydogs.com).

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made fudge, candy bars, truffles, or hot chocolate mixes as your gift at one of the aforementioned candy establishments and your sweetie will certainly thank you. (Sugar-free and vegan options are also available for purchase.) Speaking of tours, if you’re interested in impressing that special someone with a non-typical Valentine’s Day date, why not set up a winery or vineyard tour? Family-owned and privately-owned wineries, vineyards, and shops offer wine tastings for their visitors around the Triangle – the perfect backdrop for the perfectly romantic date. Home-grown cultivated wines can be purchased for those special gifts, either straight from the winery or local grocery stores. If breweries are more your thing, take your significant other to one of the many breweries or pubs in our area and sample a flight for your Valentine’s treat.

Happy Valentine's Day

Where there is wine and romance, there is sure to be flowers. Sure, flower bouquets can be purchased online and delivered, but wouldn’t you much rather pick up some locally-grown blooms of color and give them to your favorite gal or guy yourself? Imagine watching your partner’s face light up in person. Check out the local farmers markets for this fragrant gift. Or for an interesting floral date angle, how about taking a floral design class together? Check out local florists for classes offered where you can create a centerpiece to share while making a sweet memory in the process.

BY MONIQUE M. ROGERS

STRAIGHT FROM

THE HEART LOCAL VALENTINE’S DAY SWEETS AND TREATS TO SHOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE

alentine’s Day is on the horizon, and provides the perfect opportunity to buy your sweet someone a little sweet something to remind him or her just how much you care. If you’re single this year, why not buy a little something something for yourself? We all deserve to feel a little extra special on this special day. If you are able, treat your friends or family with some sweets and treats that come straight from the heart. Speaking of sweet treats, our corner of the Triangle offers not only a great selection of candy shops, but also a chocolate factory that you can tour – what a fun and unique way to experience the sweetness of Valentine’s Day with someone you love. Can’t make it for the chocolate factory tour? No problem! Pick up some locally46

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For an early morning Valentine’s Day surprise, serve your partner a little treat like a pastry, biscuit, tea, or coffee found in local shops. Or if you’ve got time for a quick morning date before the day’s business starts, visit one of the many local coffee shops around town where you can treat your loved one with a cup of Joe, a pastry, or a small dish of crepes, quiche, fruit, or other baked goods. You may want to go the traditional route and patron a local restaurant for a special evening out. But if you’re not interested in celebrating this special day among the crowds, set the mood for a romantic dinner at home this Valentine’s Day. Place scented candles purchased from locally-owned shops around the space, string up lights for nice ambience, and serve locally-made cheeses, fresh baked breads, and wine while enjoying a nice, quiet conversation. For another unique treat, consider buying and giving candied apples. Sliced upon request, this special treat can be shared or eaten alone. Choose from caramel, chocolates, toffee, nuts, candies, brown sugar and cinnamon, and many more combinations. Want to give a tangible sweet treat to the one you love, but don’t know what to get or don’t have the time to run around and get it? Thankfully, there are many local businesses that specialize in prepping those special treats. Fruitful centerpieces, chocolate gift sets, and bouquets made of cookies or chocolate bars can bring

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a smile to any loved one’s face. Ever consider a balloon bouquet? There’s are local companies that make and deliver those too. However, giving a card or making a gift seems to touch the heart like no other. But who says you have to eat your Valentine’s Day treats? What about spending time together and treating yourselves with something out of the norm? Why not try a massage? Spas all around the region offer great massages and holiday specials. Gift certificates are also available. But hurry and make your reservations soon, as they do get booked fast, especially for couples. And talk about spending quality time together … how about treating your loved one, and yourself, to a couples’ manicure and pedicure? You’ll enjoy spending quality time together talking and relaxing while being pampered with mud masks, sugar scrubs, and the like. It is winter, and you both can probably use a warm paraffin wax to revive your dry skin. Some salons and spas even offer lunch and drink options to better relax you both. Other Valentine’s Day dates to consider – a trolley or rickshaw tour of Downtown Raleigh, catching up while seeing the sites. Or that movie you’ve been wanting to see, at a theater with leather reclining chairs, or one that offers dinner such as salads, sandwiches, wine, and beer – along with the traditional popcorn, candies, and sodas. If music and shows are more your liking, treat your date to a concert or musical performance. The bigger venues obviously offer programs such as musicals, plays, concerts, and comedy productions, but check out smaller venues around town. Many restaurants and bars offer live music, and even dancing, which can be a treat in itself. Treat your loved one to something you’ve never done before or haven’t done in a while, such as strolling our many great museums or the planetarium. Then afterwards treat yourself to something sweet. Order a dessert, served by a fireplace. Drink a hot coffee with a slice of pie or cake. Or stop by a custard, gelato, or ice cream stand for a sweet treat to enjoy. Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to treat your sweet someone to a little something special to remind him or her just how much you care. It doesn’t have to be large and elaborate – just a little special sweet or treat from the heart on this special holiday will let your friends and family know they are loved.  Monique M. Rogers is a creative and technical writer. She holds an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with emphasis in journalism and a Bachelor’s of Arts in English. She also received a diploma in graphic design and desktop publishing, and owns a freelance writing and event coordinating business, Monique M. Rogers, LLC. Her most recent achievement, earning a certificate as an EKG Technician and Monitor. Contact Monique at monique.m.rogers@gmail.com or visit www.moniquemrogers.com to read Monique’s “My Midlife” blog and see other writing and event coordinating samples.

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LIVING INTENTIONALLY BY PATTI FRALIX

It was the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, when I was awakened from a restless sleep. I had finally turned out the lights and all electronics around 11:00 PM, prepared for a fitful night. Before doing so, I had talked briefly to my daughter Tara, who had said, “You’re going to be all right, Mom. You are going to be terribly inconvenienced, but you are going to be all right. I love you.” After her call, I looked at the picture book of our three granddaughters, Tara’s girls, and made sure I was wearing the “I Love Nana” necklace given to me last Christmas by the oldest granddaughter, 12-year-old Mary Grace, and turned out the light.

y husband, Mike, was already asleep. We were in St. Maarten, about to come face to face with Hurricane Irma, the worst hurricane ever recorded, a Hurricane 5 with almost 200-mile-an-hour winds. When I woke, I knew it was too early to get up, but I also knew I could not go back to sleep. Mike was still asleep. I took my computer into the bathroom and began writing. When I am upset, I write. I also prayed, prayed for the gift of life to be able to see my family once again, prayed that they would not have to lose us this way. After a horrific few hours, Hurricane Irma passed over and away from St. Maarten, and we and others were left to deal with its aftermath. My Hurricane Irma experience was my second life-changing event in 2017. The other was a serious car accident that occurred on March 7. Either of these two events could have resulted in my 48

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death. There were two other less serious events that occurred in 2017, and although less serious, were still troublesome. Due to all of this, I am more focused than ever before on living intentionally. This life is too precious to waste. And if we are not living intentionally, we are wasting whatever precious time we have to live. A woman in a recent presentation of mine said it best: “Get busy living, or you are busy dying!” This is the start of a new year … 12 wonderful months ahead of us. How shall we spend our precious time? I have a suggestion ... I recommend that we set three commitments for 2018. The first commitment is a personal commitment, the second is a family commitment, and the third is a business commitment. What does it take to live intentionally? Since I believe that models can help us remember important points, I have developed a model of intentional living. It is composed of three sets of threes. (I often do things in threes, recognizing that if it worked for the Trinity, why not me?) The first model is passion, productivity, and prosperity. What are you most passionate about? What gives your life meaning? What do you want your legacy to be? At the beginning of this new year, think seriously about this in your personal life, in your family life, and in your business. (If your business is your family, then you already have two of these three commitments.) The productivity aspect of this model relates to the daily disciplines we need to have and actions we need to take to live our passion. The prosperity part relates to what makes our lives feel profitable, and not just financially. There is a financial component, however, to prosperity. It is hard to live our passion without the necessary financial resources. The second model that will help us live intentionally is health,

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happiness, and hope. While we can be happy without good health, most would agree it is easier to be happy with good health. Research tells us that most people are happiest with good relationships and enough financial resources to have and do what is most important to them. And if we lose hope, we cannot do the hard work to live intentionally.

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The third model is confidence, competence, and commitment. Living intentionally is hard work, and requires confidence. Believing in ourselves is necessary. It also requires competence, which involves having the knowledge and skills to do what is required. Commitment is also required. Confidence and competence without commitment will not help us push through the barriers and setbacks we will face in living intentionally.

to encourage . . . For more than a decade, the integrative counseling and healing work of AmyPierce, M.A., has benefitted hundreds of folks from all walks of life and from all faith - and no faith - traditions.

Back to Hurricane Irma. At one point in the days after the hurricane, when we were trying to get back home, I had a lot of time to think. In fact, I think I could have written a book in those days, but I was fairly immobilized. A phrase came into my awareness, and I could not get it out of my mind. That phrase has been repeated many times since. “When I thought I was going to die, I decided to really live.” I am reminded of the song sung by Tim McGraw, Live Like You Were Dying.

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I am in a process of discovery of what “really living” means for me at this point in my life. The mystery is not yet fully known; it is unfolding. It has been said that once we know our DON’T JUST JOIN A GYM “Why,” our “What” becomes clear. My “Why” is clear. But, enough about me. What about you? What is your passion? What can you not do, even if you are not getting paid for it? Are you really living? Are you living intentionally? If not, why not? And when? This new year is upon us, and there is no better time than now!  The rest of the aftermath story is recorded in six blog entries written about our Hurricane Irma in St. Maarten experience, which can be accessed at www.fralixgroup.com. There is also a book about the experience that will be published in 2018. Patti Fralix speaks, consults, and coaches, inspiring positive changeSM in work, life, and family. She is founder and president of The Fralix Group, Inc., a leadership excellence firm based in Raleigh, and author of A Year in the Life of a Recovering Spendaholic. She can be reached at pfralix@fralixgroup.com.

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GREENVILLE - Newly Renovated 140 Oakmont Dr. First time visitors only. Local residents only with valid ID. Must be 18 years of age. See club for details.

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OUR HERITAGE REVISITED A TIDE TAKEN AT THE FLOOD: THE BIRTH OF SOUTHEASTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BY AMY PIERCE “Our Heritage” is reprinting and updating earlier articles as a way of introducing a ballooning newcomer population to Wake Forest history and culture.

ike the rest of the nation in the early-to-mid 1940s, Wake Forest College was at the dawn of a new era. “The bombs bursting in air” overseas were diminishing and the end of the war meant that the college, which had seen its enrollment drop considerably because of the hostilities, would soon be bursting its seams with returning students. As a result, in May of ’43, the trustees said “yes” to a $2-million construction campaign for 11 new facilities able to accommodate 2,000 students, including women, who had been permitted to enroll temporarily while the men were fighting overseas. It was their presence that, along with the temporary occupation of the campus by the Army Finance School, kept WFC from closing during WWII.

at home. The decision, made in ’46 and finalized in’47, to remove the college from the town engendered an emotional and economic depression that lasted for some time. Many townspeople, using ad lingo of the day, felt the school had “walked a mile for a Camel.” The choice left the Baptist State Convention with the major question of what to do with the campus complex. A committee charged with the task generated numerous ideas revolving around other NC Baptist schools, including relocating Raleigh’s Meredith College to Wake Forest and consolidating Campbell, Chowan, and Wingate as an eastern counterpart to the west’s Mars Hill. However, there was a greater desire and need for a theological school.

The stage for the unexpected move had actually been set by the medical school’s 1941 move to Winston-Salem to become allied with Baptist Hospital, and relocation of the college was talked about at that time. With its expansion campaign well underway, in February of ’46, the institution received what would become a highly controversial offer from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation: relocate the college to WinstonSalem in exchange for annual foundation gifts of at least $350,000. Over the coming months, statewide public outcry – and support – was considerable. “Are the Baptists of North Carolina so poor that we have to go out of our denomination and take cigarette money to endow our Christian college?” asked J.B. Little in the Biblical Recorder. From the Roxboro Courier-Times, “. . . Sentiment is a wonderful thing but it should never be allowed to stand in the way of progress.” Of course, for the little town that had grown up with the college, and flourished as a result, the announcement was akin to a bomb bursting 50 50

Ultimately, in March of 1950, approval was given for the site at Wake Forest to become Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. “While the news was welcome to the college,” wrote Bynum Shaw (The History of Wake Forest College, Vol. IV), “among the happiest to hear it were the merchants and other residents of the town of Wake Forest, who had feared for their economic survival.” Logistical details of the property’s transfer included shared use of the campus by both college and seminary from July 1, 1952 until July 1,1956, the day moving vans would depart the forest of Wake for the hills of Forsyth 110 miles away.  Special thanks to Beverly Whisnant of the SEBTS Library, and Steve Jones and Beverly Hayden of SEBTS. Amy Pierce lives in Wake Forest’s Mill Village, where she is a writer, minister, and spiritual counselor. She can be reached at 919-554-2711 or visit www.authenticself.us.

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