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• Editor’s Note
ARRAY Magazine
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ere’s to glad tidings of grandeur for you and yours in 2021!!! When we rang in 2020, no one knew what the year held. Last year, we underwent a plethora of unexpected experiences that we dare to think that any year following 2020 will ever be the same! While we have no crystal ball to peer into the future of 2021, what we are sure of is that ARRAY is poised to bring you many diverse and interesting articles. Our staff is always looking for the best “array” of fun and positive news as we bring you interesting stories filled with all the goodness that we can find. Please read along with us! You’ll be happy that you did. Happy New Year 2021!
Johnnerlyn Johnson, Editor
Publisher AnneMarie Ziegler info@arraync.com Chief Operations Officer & Events Angie Lyle Angie@ArrayNC.com
6 Finacial Focu$ 8 Health 11 Cover Story
ARRAYdio Podcast Director and Host Caroline Schafer ARRAYdio@gmail.com Editor Johnnerlyn Johnson Marketing Marketing@ ArrayNC.com Sales Sales@ArrayNC.com Art Director Kylen Dooley Photography Images by Stone Photography Follow us on our social media!
Writers Keith Sykes Stephanie Stewart Disclaimer Please note that the inclusion of stories and articles in any publication owned by ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC does not imply endorsement of products or people. The views of the authors are presented for information and entertainment only, and may not necessarily reflect the views of ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC. Specifically, ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC in no way endorses any claim associated with health and/or well-being with respect to any particular person. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. We will not be held responsible or liable directly or indirectly for any loss or damage that is caused or alleged to have been caused in connection with the use of, or reliance on, any content in this magazine. ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC standards. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Any and all material, excluding paid advertisements, will be published at the discretion of ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC. ARRAY Publishing & Marketing, LLC is not responsible for translations of this publication.
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• Financial Focu$
Investment Less
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s the year draws to a close, it’s fair to say that we’ve all learned something about the social, political, physical and environmental forces that have affected everyone. And, in some ways, our lives will be changed, perhaps permanently. But as an investor, what lessons can you learn from 2020? Here are some to consider: • The markets look ahead. Here’s something many investors discovered in 2020: Investment prices don’t always move in the same direction as the overall economy. This might not have seemed apparent right after the COVID-19 pandemic struck in mid-February, as the overall economy and the stock market took big hits. But just about five weeks later, the markets began a rally that lasted several months. During this time, the economy also recovered somewhat, but still remains on weak footing. What can explain this discrepancy between the markets and economic activity?
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Essentially, economic numbers, such as the unemployment rate and gross domestic product (GDP), reflect what’s happening today, but the markets are always looking toward tomorrow, which means they are anticipating a stronger economic recovery and the results that come with it, such as greater corporate earnings in 2021. No one can say for sure what the future holds, but you can usually know the market’s opinion by its performance. • Opportunities will always exist for investors. Although the coronavirus seems unprecedented, the equity markets have rebounded from many crises before it. From war to global financial meltdowns, the market has seen it all. But even at the height of these events, when the markets might be most affected, individual segments or industries can do well. For example, in the current environment, when many people have been forced to work and shop from home, and
sons f rom 2020 get their entertainment online, it’s probably not surprising that some parts of the technology sector have seen their economic activity grow, along with their stock prices. Here’s the key point: Investment opportunities always exist, especially in times of market stress – and smart investors will find them and incorporate them into their portfolios in a way that’s appropriate for their goals and risk tolerance. • Patience and discipline can pay dividends. As mentioned above, the stock market dropped sharply in the weeks immediately following the pandemic, but then gained steadily for months afterward. Investors who tried to “cut losses” and exited the market likely did so at the wrong time and missed out on the beginning of the upturn. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon – investors who overreact to market declines often find themselves on the investment sidelines just when a new rally begins. Rather
than being reactive in this way, you may be better off sticking with a long-term investment strategy, and buying and selling investments only when it makes sense for your situation, such as when you need to diversify your portfolio. For many reasons, it’s unlikely that we’ll see anything exactly like 2020 again. But some of the investment lessons we learned are applicable in every year – so keep them in mind for 2021 and beyond. ~A~
Written by Edward Jones and provided by Jonathan L. Proffitt, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones Investment. For more information or questions call Jonathan at 910-488-7535.
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• Health
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Yoga: mind and body connection
nce yoga postures (movements) become familiar, we naturally feel a mind/body connection from the breath to the specific movement. With practice, this connection allows us to sink deeper into the movements improving not only overall flexibility, but also stamina and strength. Take every posture slowly, and do not force the stretch. With practice, your body will naturally connect with the pose and the breath. Use deep breathing and 5 gentle postures to Upward and Downward Dog to stretch opposing muscles in the back and upper body. First, create length while strengthening the lower back and core with Upward Dog from Ashtanga Yoga. 1. Come down to the floor onto the floor or a mat with the hips facing downward. Inhale.
4. Exhale- Use the breath to lift the upper body, opening the chest- eye gaze to the ceiling. If you do not feel comfortable, stay on all fours and follow the same movement. With next Inhale, press back into Downward Dog:
2. Exhale- Keep the elbows close to the ribs and press the palms to the floor.
3. Inhale-Gently lift the shoulders off the floor.
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5. Lift the sitz bones to the sky as you press both palms to the floor and both heels to the floor. Press the chest closer to the thighs. Open through the core and shoulders. Relax the face and sink deeply into the posture for 5 breaths. Use Upward Dog daily to help strengthen the lower back, shoulders, core and arms. ~A~
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Passion and Science of
Sprint Car Racing
Written by Amy Garner Images by Stone Photography
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print cars are highpowered race cars designed primarily for the purpose of running on short oval or circular dirt, clay, or asphalt tracks. They are surprisingly small and buzzingly loud. The racing is fast, and it is exciting. It is also grabbing the hearts of young people in this area. Junior sprint car racing in Fayetteville is producing some major players in the sport: Wyatt Kitchen and Sawyer Davis, to name two. “I started racing because of my dad. He bought me my first go-kart when I was 7,” said Wyatt Kitchen. “It made me really happy because it is so important to our family.” Wyatt, also known as the NC Nightmare and a thirdgeneration driver, and Sawyer Davis, the NC Madman, met with me one rainy afternoon
to talk about the sprint car racing scene in Fayetteville. Wyatt and Sawyer are 11 years old. They have been friends for three years, “since we hit the track together” explained Sawyer. Combined they are known as Drivers and can be as young as eight years old or as old as 15. When Wyatt first started racing, he would leave his home “and get into a traditional car and into a car seat and ride to a track to drive a sprint car at 55 miles an hour, one inch off the ground” laughs Wyatt’s father, Robert. Safety is always a priority. According to the posted rules at Rockfish Raceway, Junior Sprint racers require that “all cars must be equipped with a properly mounted five-point harness. The belts must be three years old or newer. Drivers must wear an
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approved fire suit, gloves, full faced helmet, neck brace, or head and neck restraint system. Hand restraints and window nets are highly recommended.” They also require a front screen to prevent materials from flying into the car. Drivers cannot exceed 5500 RPMs, and your car, the driver, the fire suit, everything must be over 500 pounds. Sawyer explained his car’s roll bar situation, “I have a bar that goes up like a square shape above me and two roll bars behind me. I feel pretty safe.” First responders and emergency medical services are onsite for all the races. “My Mom and my Grandma would probably be the first ones on the track if I was ever in a gnarly flip,” explained Wyatt. Some other interesting fun racing facts from Wikipedia are as follows: depending on the
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mechanical setup and the track layout, sprint cars can achieve speeds in excess of 160 miles per hour. They do not utilize a transmission. Instead, they have an in or out gear box and quickchange rear differentials for occasional gearing changes. As a result, they do not have electric starters and require a push to start them. Wyatt shared that racing improves his mental health. “I feel free of what is stressing me outside of the Saturdays that I am racing. On Sunday, you can talk about the races with your friends and family. Monday through Friday is all this online work with school. It is hard. I look forward to getting into the car on the weekends and seeing what that bad boy can do.” On preparing physically for the races, Wyatt and Sawyer agree
that drinking water is important. “You need to stay hydrated, so you don’t pass out or get sick inside your car.” However, Wyatt was very firm that he “is not on any sort of special diet and never will be. I can eat.” He also shared his prerace hype song is “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. He says, “I can listen to that and just jump in my car and go!” Both drivers discuss car parts like mechanical experts, throwing around motor sizes and acronyms with ease. As a writer with no racing experience, it felt like they were speaking another language. But it is something that bonds the two of them tightly. They defer to the adults, though, to work on their cars. “I help wash the cars. It has to be clean. All that mud will throw off the weight, and you can get DQ’d,” explained Wyatt. That is “disqualified” for us lay people, and it is obviously a bad thing. Sawyer is a student of the sport.
He is well-versed in the people, the parts, and the expenses “You get paid a heck-ton in the late model racing. They get crazy dollars.” He shared that prize money can be up to $20,000. The duo uses some of their winnings to invest back into their cars. Sawyer also said that he “saves some of his money for whatever the future may bring” because “you cannot just buy everything you see on the internet even though sometimes you want to.” They are also philanthropists who have donated to various charitable causes. Wyatt and Sawyer are growing up together in a culture that focuses on a strong sense of community, fairness, and the joy of an adrenaline rush. Sawyer shared that he “loves going out in the neighborhood and waving to younger kids who are (my) fans.” He said, “I know I inspire them. I love that they tell me good luck on my races. I like that they are interested in racing and hope they will try it when
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they get older.” “When I met Sawyer, he inspired me to be grateful for what we have and to do good sportsmanship” explained Wyatt. “He flipped it around for me and taught me that other kids were watching us.” Sawyer chimed in, “I love going out in the neighborhood and waving to younger kids who are my fans. I know I inspire them. I love that they tell me good luck on my races.” “Love the sport and learn sportsmanship while you are racing. I know old people who are racing, and they do not always have good sportsmanship. We have a lot of kids watching us and we want to inspire the young drivers. If we inspire the older drivers too, that is a bonus,” says Sawyer. Racing season is usually March to October. If you are a young person or you know one who wants to learn more about sprint car racing, you can connect with Robert Kitchen on Facebook or at 910-237-1343. ~A~
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The Racing Kitchens Written by Amy Garner “Hey, man, aren’t you Rooster’s Dad?” It was one of those moments a parent has when your heart fills with pride. We were leaning on a chain link fence at Rockfish Speedway on a chilly fall evening, dodging chunks of clay spraying up from the track. Bert Kitchen beamed at the excited man and said, “I sure am, and he is standing right over there!” pointing toward his son, Robert “Rooster” Kitchen. Bert Kitchen started racing “anything with wheels” in the 1970’s. He passed that passion for adrenaline to his son, Robert. Robert is passing that same need for speed on to his sons Wyatt and Rhette. “I started racing because of my Dad. Just like my son started racing because of me. It’s a family thing. I started when I was 9. Daddy always raced, and he was a flagman. Momma was a score keeper; my Aunt Margaret ran the concession stand, and my Uncle Frank owned the track.” explained Robert. “My whole life has been racing.” It was always bigger than that. “My Daddy was so busy racing, running in just about every class there was. I was maybe 8 or 9 years old, and I wanted to race too. I started picking up bottles on the side of the road by the racetrack. This was back when you could turn them in for money. I made enough to buy a plate. The plate is the piece mounted on the side of the go kart where they put the number. Then I did it again, and I made enough to buy two plates. The guy asked me what I was doing, and I told him I was building my own go kart because I wanted to race. He must have liked that, so he gave me the numbers for the plates. Then I cut my Grandma’s yard, and she gave me $20. That was enough for a neck collar.” “Daddy asked me what I was doing, and I told him I am building my own go kart. He said, ‘Well, maybe we can find you one.’ Robert said he did not think much of it, at the time. Then one Wednesday - and he remembers it was a Wednesday - young Robert came home from school, and his Dad had delivered. He had his very own brandnew trick go kart. From there, a new chapter
began for the Kitchen racing legacy. I have raced everything from go karts to flat track 4-wheelers to pro mud-bogging trucks,” recalled Robert. Bert told his son, “When Robert was coming up and he started racing, I told him, when Daddy started racing, I was all in. We are either going to be Champions, or we are going to be nothing.” Robert would go on to be one of the top drivers in the nation. It was always bigger than that. Wyatt chimed in, “I found an old DVD of my Dad mud bogging, and I thought it was so amazing. I just enjoy how God made our family so close and happy because of racing. We have so much fun, and I just thank God for all of it.” Wyatt also races go karts and sprint cars and has enjoyed several years of success. He won 17 championships of his own in his first year and drove a Hooters-sponsored go kart in his second year. In 2020, he brought home the SRI Dirt Cup Challenge Championship for Junior micro sprint cars. Once Wyatt’s racing career took off, Robert stepped into more of a managerial, promotional role that really pushed him into the world of sponsorship. “We have been so fortunate to have businesses to sponsor our cars. I give my personal business to businesses that sponsor race cars. My Dad does too. All of the people here that are in racing do it. It is more than putting your name on somebody’s car. It is helping that driver and his or her whole family and then turning around and helping that business sponsor,” shared Robert. “We had checks come in this past year from companies, and I took them back to some of them. COVID-19 hit all of us, and I cannot see putting your money on a racecar and you don’t even know if your family is going to eat next week.” Robert also owns Captain Rooster Flags where he designs custom wooden art and flags. “When we travel to Florida, I roam the beach, pick up driftwood, and sell it local markets. I started making art out of trash which led to me making a flag for one gentleman. Since then, I have created over 500 pieces over 28 states and recognized as
an artist.” It was always bigger than that. Robert is collaborating with the Fayetteville Cumberland Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame and Fayetteville Motor Speedway. He is organizing the 2021 Good Ole Days of Dirt where they will announce the newest inductees. He is a walking, talking local racing history book and never stops promoting racing on all levels for people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and walks of life to anyone who will listen. “I am 41 years old, and I am learning from these young kids every day. I have learned to control my emotions and to be stronger...from them. Wyatt just raced in a car that my Daddy raced and then sold back in 1998. It came back to us through a bunch of connections in the racing world. That is an amazing thing.” Robert’s connections, his easy way of speaking to people, and his big heart have naturally led him to a place where he can make big change in local charities: Fishing to Fight Cancer, Unwrap a Smile, Operation Smile, Friends of Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center, Operation Warm Hearts, Fall Brawl Cat Fish Tournament, Hot Rod Cruise, and Toy Run. He was instrumental in helping to raise $2 million for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. “The measure of a man is not by what he gives but what he gives unselfishly from his heart. The person’s life you are helping to save today may be the same person who saves you tomorrow. I really believe that. We all live here, and we can make it a great place to be by helping each other.” It was always bigger than even that… On that chilly fall night, as we lean away from the track and the checkered flag, Bert says his goodbyes. He’s heading home to his warm bed. He waves and turns toward the parking lot. Robert says, “I love you, Dad.” And as we begin to make our own way from the bleachers and trailers, a man stops us and says, “Hey, man, aren’t you Wyatt’s Dad?” Robert beamed at the man and said, “I sure am, and he is standing right over there. Would you like to meet him?” It was that big.
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• An Array of Weddings
Planning your wedding during Covid 19“What questions to ask vendors”
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ost couples have no shortage of questions to ask when planning their big day. Major wedding planning websites like theknot. com and stylemepretty.com offer extenstive list of questions to ask your wedding vendors. While it’s important to ask the fun stuff like what flowers are in season for your wedding bouquet and what color linens you should use for your rustic wedding theme, thanks to Covid-19 there are additional “not so fun” questions every couple needs to ask their vendors when planning a wedding during a world-
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wide epidemic! What if I need to reschedule my date due to restrictions imposed by Covid-19? Most weding vendors have a rescheduling policy that includes a fee. It’s important to have a clear understanding of your vendors’ rescheduling policy in case you need to change yours. We asked Le Image (wedding photo and video studio) about changes to their rescheduling and they have waived all fees and offer free rescheduling for all couples during Covid-19 What if I just want to cancel and wait until this is all over? Some couples have been forced to reschedule their wedding date more than once and may just want to cancel until the pandemic is over. It’s important to ask about cancellation policies and refund
options in this case. What is the maximum capacity at the venue during Covid-19? Venues like Studio 215 in Fayetteville typically accommodate up to 240 guests. However to help slow the spread of Covid-19 venues now have limitied the maximum amount of people that can gather. Be sure to check with your venue for rules and regulations on capacity. What steps are being taken to protect myself and guest from the spread of Covid -19 during our event ? Be sure to ask about steps being taken to protect you and your guest from the spread of Covid-19. Ask if masks are mandatory for all staff members
at the venue as well as your individual vendors like makeup artist, photographer and DJ. Be sure to ask about changes to food preperation and serving during the pandemic. For instance, having passed hors d’oeuvres may not be an option. Consider an outdoor event if possible and if not, ask the venue what kind of ventilation is available inside (perhaps windows/doors can be opened) These are just a few topics to consider when planning your wedding during Covid-19. Be sure to have a heart to heart
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with your partner and wedding guest about any health concerns they may have during your event and how your vendors can accommodate you! Stay tuned for more tips and suggestions on how to plan your wedding during Covid-19. ~A~ Stephanie Stewart is a local Wedding Planner and Officiant specializing in Elegant Events on a Shoestring Budget. Stephanie listens to your needs, wants and helps make it all happen working within your budget to provide you with the wedding or event of your dreams. Check out all of the services offered at www.shoestringelegance.com
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• Recipe
VEGETABLE CRUDITÉS WITH ROASTED BEETROOT DIP By Anja Springthorpe
Ingredients For the Crudités: •Sweet mini peppers •Cherry tomatoes •Small carrots, peeled, (stems optional) •1 cup radish, stalks removed & halved •Al dent, steamed green beans For the beetroot dip: •5 medium beets, washed & halved ® 2 gloves of garlic, minced •½ cup no-fat plain Greek yogurt ® Sea salt •Freshly ground pepper
Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Line baking tray with parchment paper, place beets on tray and bake for 40 minutes or until beets are soft. Remove beets from oven and let cool down. Once cooled, peel beets. 2. Add beets, yogurt and minced garlic to food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 3. Arrange vegetable crudité on a butcher block and serve with beetroot dip. ~A~
Yield: 4-6 servings Prep time: 10 mins Total time: 40 mins
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The Future Is Female: A Nod To Women’s Equality Written By Keith Sykes Written by Keith Sykes
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hroughout history, the central role of women has ensured the stability, progress, and long-term development of nations. Women are the primary caretakers of children and elders in every country of the world. Women are usually the ones that help families adjust when faced with
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economic challenges. So why have women experienced such significant pushback when it comes to taking their seat at the table? This may possibly trace back to gender roles that saw women inhabit domestic roles while men were expected to seek professional satisfaction outside the home. This is no longer the case, however, as women have carved out their place with roles more equivalent to those of men and look to shatter the concept of male patriarchy. It has been more a century since women gained the right to vote, and many Americans will admit there is work to do on gender equality. But make no mistake, women have more than proven their ability to bring about change and take on the responsibilities of their male
counterparts. About three-in-ten men say women’s gains have come at the expense of men. And in my opinion, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The country hasn’t gone far enough when it comes to giving women equal rights with men. In 2016, we saw the first woman recognized as the Democratic Presidential nominee and although she was unsuccessful in securing the actual title of president, this gave us a glimpse of what was yet to come. In 2018, the elections marked the highest voter turnout seen in midterm elections since 1914. The elections saw several
electoral firsts for women and shifted the pendulum heavily in support of the argument that society was ready for women to take their rightful place at the table. During the 2020 elections, in an unprecedented voter turnout, we elected the first woman to the office of VicePresident. This single act was representative of the country giving its approval of women’s equality and the glass ceiling breaking for women everywhere The future is female. And this is not to insinuate that women haven’t made strides and represented themselves in the most extraordinary ways. It is to say that the future is primed for women to continue to write their own stories, to normalize exceeding the standards, and
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to completely remove the glass ceiling that has been put in place. Long gone are the days when women are expected to pass on their dreams to take on the role of stay-at-home moms. Now, they are diving into the world of entrepreneurship, chasing those dreams, and climbing the corporate ladder of Fortune 500 companies. They are demanding their voices be heard and yelling at the top of their lungs, “NOW IS OUR TIME!� ~A~
Keith is from New Orleans, Louisiana and is a retired military veteran. He is instrumental in the planning of various local events and has assisted in the launch of a number of entrepreneurial business ventures. He is also a freelance writer for ARRAY magazine.
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