Limitless Magazine by Lake Norman Currents

LIMITLESS

For the Lake Norman area’s 55+ adults who place no limits on living their best lives!

June 2021

A history quiz

FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccine

N.C. Road Trips

VitaStile Hair Designs

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LIMITLESS

limitless letter

For the Lake Norman area’s 55+ adults who place no limits on living their best lives!

Publisher MacAdam Smith Mac@LNCurrents.com

Time to Travel It’s vacation time y’all! You remember vacations, right? Time to get out and actually go somewhere you love or maybe even somewhere you’ve never been. Many of us didn’t get a vacation last year so we’re chomping at the bits to hit the road, the air and hopefully soon, the sea! I love to travel so planning a special weekend getaway or a week-long vacation is right up my alley. We’re so fortunate to live in an area where we can explore nature’s beauty in the Blue Ridge Mountains, taste delicious local wines just up the road in Yadkin Valley, or feel the sand between our toes at any of our North or South Carolina beaches, all within a half day’s journey. I’m sure traveling will be a little different this year than in years’ past, but I’m

willing to do whatever I need to do to stay safe and healthy, while protecting others as well. Let’s not allow fear to keep us from exploring the beauty and fun around us, even if it’s just outside in our own back yard. We’ve made it through the worst of it now and we’ve kept our commitment to stay at home, so now it’s time to open the door to new adventures and even spend some time with family and friends. For the last 60+ years of

Advertising Director my life, I have taken the opportunity to get out and enjoy our great country for granted. You can bet I won’t ever do that again! I’m going to enjoy every day that I’m able to learn new things, meet new friends and explore new places whether close to home or miles away. I’ll do it with safety always in mind and gladly adhere to protocols put in place to keep me and those around me healthy. I hope you’ll join me in getting out and enjoying life again. Maybe we can all meet just up the road and share a nice glass of wine (or two) together. I’ll look forward to it! Happy Summer everyone!

Sharon Simpson Sharon@LNCurrents.com

Advertising Sales Executives Kelsey Innes kelsey@limitlessmagonline.com Carole Lambert Carole@LNCurrents.com Beth Packard Beth@LNCurrents.com Trisha Robinson Trisha@LNCurrents.com Kathy Wheeler Kathywheeler@charter.net Linda Wilson Lindalivingmagazine@gmail.com

Editor Renee Roberson Renee@LNCurrents.com

Event Coordinator Alison Smith Alison@LNCurrents.com

Social Media Specialist Lauren Platts social@lncurrents.com

Graphic Design & Production Kerrie Boys, idesign2inc

Contributing Writers Trevor Burton Mickey Dunaway Martin Rose Jean Spangler

Contributing Photographer Lisa Crates

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LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021

CONTENTS

About the Cover:

Gay Coast and Braden Sloan of VitaStile Hair Designs in Denver.

June, 2021 | vol. 2 | No.6

Health + Happiness

Cover Story 16 VitaStile Hair Designs offers

help for hair

18 A travel experience to St. Lucia

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Explorers & Adventures 10 Photo exhibit at The N.C. Museum

In Every Issue

24 This Month in History

14 A bicycling itinerary for the Railroad

28 Limitless Learning –

of History explores the state’s tourism industry

Learn from the Experts

Grade Road extension

20 FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccine •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Be Bold 22 The silver linings of a pandemic •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Special Advertising Feature 26 What you need to know about purchasing life insurance

10 » Are We There Yet?

18 » Time to Travel

22 » New Habits

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LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021

Limitless Magazine is a 9-times a year publication available through direct-mail home delivery to the most affluent Iredell County residents. It also is available at area Harris Teeter supermarkets, as well as various Chambers of Commerce, real estate offices and specialty businesses. The entire contents of this publication are protected under copyright. Unauthorized use of any editorial or advertising content in any form is strictly prohibited. Limitless Magazine magazine is wholly owned by Oasis Magazines, Inc.

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explorers & ADVENTURES

The Variety Vacationland New exhibit in Raleigh displays roots of North Carolina’s tourism industry

BY » Renee Roberson | Photos courtesy of » North Carolina Museum of History

ooking for a fun road trip? Why not check out some of the free museums at the state capitol of Raleigh, a mere three and a half hours away from the Lake Norman area? The North Carolina Museum of History recently announced a new photography exhibit titled, Are We There Yet? North Carolina’s Variety Vacationland, 1930s-1970s. Readers of LIMITLESS may well remember this state-run marketing effort that depicted the state of North Carolina as both modern and progressive, but with strong ties to its past. Exhibit curator Katie Edwards, who is also the curator of popular culture at the North Carolina Museum of History, got the idea during the start of the pandemic last year to create a tourism exhibit that could open when things began to return to “normal.” It would promote a variety of sites throughout the state from a historical standpoint. 10 LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021

She first came across the Variety Vacationland campaign while working on a large exhibit on North Carolina filmmaking. Edwards learned that during the Great Depression of the 1930s, politicians and business leaders began efforts to boost North Carolina’s economy by lobbying for a statewide campaign to showcase tourism attractions. This eventually led to a full-color tourist guide titled North Carolina, a Variety Vacationland, first printed in 1937. It was soon followed by billboards, postcards, movies, television programs, and even a jingle. “In this exhibit, I tried to highlight the nuances of the Variety Vacationland campaign,” she says. “It was effective in that it did successfully bring tourism to the state, but it was a campaign that neglected to include all North Carolina’s citizens and tourists.” When she first began curating the

exhibit, Edwards says it had not occurred to her that the campaign took place during the Jim Crow era. All the sites advertised were only accessible to white tourists. There were several places in the coastal area that welcomed Black residents, such as Freeman’s Beach and Hammocks Beach and Jones Lake State Park. She could not find any state-supported sites in the mountain areas that welcomed anyone other than white tourists, though. Visitors to the exhibit can learn the origins of the campaign, view photographs of sites the campaign promoted, and view media produced for the campaign. The exhibit also has an interactive component where visitors are encouraged to submit their own favorite North Carolina vacation photos to #NCVacationland. North Carolina Museum of History 5 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, N.C. www.ncmuseumofhistory.org

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explorers & ADVENTURES

Railroad Grade Road

Bicycle Ride

Pedal through history and beauty along the New River BY » Martin Rose Photography by » Martin Rose

Railroad Grade Road provides a scenic 22-mile trip for cyclists.

ailroad Grade Road follows the South Fork of the New River 11 miles from Fleetwood to Todd, N.C. Tubing, kayaking and fishing attract many visitors to the area, but traveling the narrow road by bicycle is the reason we visit repeatedly and consider this one of the prettiest bicycle rides anywhere. Todd was once the southern terminus of the Virginia Creeper railroad line. The tracks have long been removed and the railroad bed converted to a paved road, but it’s fun to imagine the train traveling along the river as you ride. The railroad is not the area’s only claim to history. The river itself is said to be the second oldest in the world, behind the Nile River in Egypt. With headwaters in the North Carolina mountains, the “New” is the only river in the United States to flow north as 14 LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021

it winds through Virginia and West Virginia. The road is flat the entire length, meandering with the river through a series of twists and turns. You’ll pass homes, farms and fields. Bridges cross the New River frequently, giving riders a place to rest and soak in the views. The route is popular with cyclists year-round, rain or shine, so local drivers are used to watching for bicycles. Visitors may not be aware of bicycles so it is highly recommended that bikers wear helmets and bright-colored clothing.

Great for all skill levels

This is a great ride for seasoned riders and those who rarely ride a bike. Experienced cyclists can do a round trip of 22 miles one or more times while soaking in the area’s beauty. Less experienced cyclists can simply pedal a few miles, then turn around and backtrack to their car.

At one end of the route, Todd Mercantile is a nice place to shop, get drinks, local art and great bakery items. Try the cinnamon rolls! Midway on the route, Riverside Restaurant and Provisions has sandwiches, salads, hamburgers and hot dogs. If you don’t have a bicycle or way to haul it, RiverGirl Fishing in Todd rents bikes, tubes and kayaks. There are also bike shops in Boone: Magic Cycles rents mountain bikes and Boone Bike does services and repairs.

Go for the day or stay and play

Railroad Grade Road is less than two hours from the Lake Norman area so it’s an easy day trip. Boone and West Jefferson are each 20 minutes away so combining your bike ride with other mountain activities is easy. Scenic Blowing Rock also makes a great day trip. Parking can be an issue.

In Todd, two churches allow biker parking Monday – Saturday as long as they do not have events (no parking Sunday). There are limited public spaces near what was the Todd General Store (unfortunately the store burned in February and there will be rebuild activity this summer). Todd Island Park has parking but spots fill up fast in summer. At the Fleetwood end of Railroad Grade Road, there are two churches that typically allow biker parking, with restrictions. For more area information, visit the Todd Community Preservation Organization website at toddnc.org. Thanks to Todd resident and frequent cyclist Pam Kicklighter for assistance with this article. For more area information, visit the Todd Community Preservation Organization website at toddnc.org

What Is In A Smile? A smile says so very much, from kindness, caring, laughter, and joy. “A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” (Phyllis Diller, comedian) As much as we wonder what is in a name, a smile is the visual presence of a person and one that makes the eyes glow and the heart warm. It takes 43 muscles to frown and only 17 muscles to smile. As experts tell us, with less muscles required to smile, why not turn that frown upside down? Beyond the numbers, smiling is a simple act but has a profound impact on overall health. Whether you smile intentionally or not, your smile can act on your body to bring about positive effects to your health, your mood, and even the moods of those around you. Among the numerous benefits, smiling is associated with longevity, stress re-

lease, lowered blood pressure, immune boosting, pain reduction, and so much more. At Foothills Oral Surgery, we care deeply about our clients and we work diligently to create the perfect smile for every individual that we treat. For forty-five years, we have been serving the Valley and bringing the love of our craftsmanship to our patients. Whether you need an implant, wisdom teeth extraction, or corrective jaw surgery, we are here to assist. This summer, we welcome our newest surgeon, Dr. Jesse Onekhena. Dr. “O” as we joyfully refer to him, joins Dr. David Darab and Dr. Paul Richardson along with an exceptional staff, to bring continued excellence and new smiles to our community.

LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021 15

cover STORY

Hair for Life

VitaStile Hair Designs Knows You’ve Got Living to Do and Great Hair Helps

BY » Renee Roberson PHOTOGRAPHY BY » Lisa Crates

ou’ve heard the term family business, but you’ve likely never seen a duo quite like Gay Coast and Braden Sloan. The cousins are 20 years apart in age, but Coast says she knew Sloan had an innate talent for hairdressing when he was a just a teenager. As she explains it, she was working in her first salon in Pennsylvania one afternoon and looking out the window while Braden, who was 13 at the time, was trimming the shrubs outside. There was

16 LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021

something about his technique that made her pause. She called him inside and asked him to trim the hair on a mannequin she had inside. It was then that she knew he had a natural talent. It wasn’t long before he was cutting his brothers’ hair, his friends’ hair in school during study hall and eventually the soccer team. “I always do things 150 percent all in,” he says. “I knew I had to practice that much to get better, so I even took my shears to family events.”

While Sloan found his calling at an early age, Coast’s path into hairdressing was not a linear one. She grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pa. Her parents firmly believed she needed to go to college to have a successful career, so she became a licensed practicing nurse immediately following high school and earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources. “But,” she says, “I also did my Barbie Doll’s hair and was late to the prom because I was so busy doing everyone

VitaStile employs eight stylists and the salon is open six days a week.

else’s hair.” However, she thought that to be a successful hairdresser, you had to live and work in a big city.

Following a dream

A chance meeting changed her perspective. While working in human resources at a travel company, Coast says she met a hairdresser she became friends with who led a really comfortable life. “She offered to let me go to work with her one day, and after that I went home, quit my corporate job and went to beauty school,” says Coast. At age 27, she opened her first salon in the town of Slippery Rock, Pa. in 2002, about 35 minutes outside of Pittsburgh. In 2011, Coast decided she needed a break from the cold weather and snow and decided to check out the Lake Norman settling in Denver and opening Vitastile Hair Designs. Sloan attended Butler Vocational-Technical school in Pennsylvania from 2010-2012 while still in high school and acquired 900 hours of study while there, even earning Student of the Year across all the programs of study (he focused on Cosmetology). He joined Coast not long after in North Carolina to help her grow the business while also taking classes at Gaston College and completing the state requirements to earn his cosmetologist’s license.

Hair for the whole family VitaStile has earned a reputation for caring for the hair needs of entire families. Both Coast and Sloan perform cuts, color, and styling. Coast says one thing that sets them apart is they offer full complimentary 15-minute consultations for new customers so they can share their history,

“

They both share their philosophy that while some people see getting their hair cut as a chore, that’s not their goal. They want people to be excited for their visit to the salon.

”

experiences and what they are looking for in a service. From there, clients can book a follow-up appointment with a range of stylists, from beginner to more advanced. VitaStile also offers a starting price of $40 for cuts and 30 percent off all starting prices with their associate’s program. “With our associate program you can get the $40 cut while a more junior stylist holds the shears but either Braden or I will supervise,” she says. The salon currently has eight employees total, and Coast also travels back and forth to Pennsylvania every eight weeks to take care of family and select clients. Sloan shares that he feels working in the salon industry is his calling. Not only has he gone on mission trips through his church to cut hair of kids going back to school (he’s been to Mexico, Peru, and Kentucky), but he gets out of bed each day with the goal of making people happy while he does their hair. “I love the people,” he says. “I love changing someone’s day for the better. I get out of bed to make people happy and do their hair. Last month I saw around 167 guests. I want to help people and be available

for them, working six or seven days a week if I have to. I do it for the people for than anything else. When you feel good about yourself, you will go out to eat or shopping and help support the economy,” Sloan adds. Coast says she looks at trends and styles in Italy for inspiration. She’s done a lot of education in Europe which is about two years ahead of the trend in the United States, and this helps the salon create unique looks for the lifestyles of their clients. They both share their philosophy that while some people see getting their hair cut as a chore, that’s not their goal. They want people to be excited for their visit to the salon.

Pandemic lessons

This past year has brought its share of challenges to the salon, but Coast says their clients were phenomenal. They had guests pay VitaStile for their normally budgeted services even while the salon was closed as a show of support. Trying to follow the rules and regulations required to reopen the salon was a painstaking process that required a great attention to detail, and Coast says her staff rallied when the doors reopened. “A few of us would work from 9 a.m. to noon, go home to eat lunch and take a nap, and then return to work until 9 p.m.” We did that for two months in order to accommodate all the clients who wanted to come in while we were at 50 percent capacity.” VitaStile Hair Designs 4359 Highway 16 North Suite 4 Denver, N.C. | 704.966.1055 www.vitastile.com

LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021 17

health + HAPPINESS

As the world Reopens

A look at what travel looks like now and how to do it safely

BY » Trevor Burton PHOTOGRAPHY BY » Trevor Burton

act: no cruise ship, resort or travel destination is going to put itself at risk of any guest becoming sick with COVID-19. That would be an economic disaster for them—kind of like a “going out of business strategy.” Because of that, the key approach to today’s travel and travel in the immediate future is this; gradually, safely, and wisely. 2020 was been brutal. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many, too many, deaths, and sicknesses. It has taken away lives and, in many ways, has put people’s lives on hold throughout the world. Given all that, it may be trite to bemoan the fact that travel has been essentially shut down. However, people have missed it and we’ve missed it. There’s a huge pent-up demand. We couldn’t wait to get started. A, much postponed, trip that we had planned to a resort in Saint Lucia is a great example of what you can expect as travel opens up. In a nutshell, you have to pay attention to details and pay very close attention to small details. We originally booked our trip to the Sandals® Resort in Saint Lucia before the world shut down in 2020. Since then, we or Sandals® postponed the trip numerous times. Finally, in March of this year, vaccinations in hand (or, more precisely, in our arms) we found a glimmer of light at the end of COVID19’s burdensome tunnel. Off we went.

18 LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021

Travel requirements

We went over all the requirements for the trip, deeply understood them and then completely neglected to pay attention to them. Shame on us, our assumption was that the world was back to normal and we could go on the trip just like in the “good old days.” Dumb assumption. Detail number one; Saint Lucia requires everyone 18 years and older must be authorized to enter the country—kind of like an entry visa. Guests have to submit a Travel Registration on-line. We knew about this and then immediately forgot about it—the “good old days” mentality. Detail number two; we knew that we had to have a negative COVID-19 test and, dutifully, went about procuring our tests. Small detail, major error. The problem; we realized, the day before our flight, that we didn’t have our Travel Registrations. Panic set in and we went about registering. This included uploading a pdf version of our COVID-19 tests. One of us was successful—more on that later. My wife, Mary Ellen, was listed as “pending.” So, off we went to stay at a hotel close to Charlotte-Douglas airport for an early flight the next day. Blissful, brimming with confidence and excitement. Then the sky fell in. Part of the sky falling in was that we were denied boarding the flight due to Mary Ellen’s “pending” status. The silver lining behind the fallen sky was that pesky small

detail that we didn’t pay close attention to—the COVID-19 test. When we got back home and tried to clear the pending Travel Registration, we got an e-mail back from Saint Lucia that they would not recognize an Antigen test, it had to be a PCR test. Pay very close attention to small details.

Silver linings

The silver lining was that if we had both cleared the registration requirement, we would have been denied entry in Saint Lucia due to having the wrong COVID-19 test. Not a good thing. The Travel Authorization system was not smart enough to recognize the type of test and airline boarding regulations required simply a test, not a specific kind of test. Disaster averted. So, we quickly got the correct test and quickly gained our Travel Authorization. We lost a day, but we went on our way. Lesson learned? Don’t make any assumptions and, in a nutshell, pay attention to details and pay very close attention to small details. Gradually, safely and wisely—just because we longed for a Caribbean sea breeze doesn’t mean we threw caution to the winds. We were very careful. Saint Lucia has strict COVID-19 health requirements—very strict. And we had to heed them. And Sandals® has requirements, too. All the numerous staff wore masks throughout our entire stay. Very reassuring but it made it difficult

The Sandals Resort in Saint Lucia.

when we asked people to smile for a photograph. Also, their cleaning regimen was, to say the least, very rigorous. Our goal at Sandals® was simple, celebrate, a year later, Mary Ellen’s birthday. We spent a little over a week wining, dining, catching up on reading books and relaxing—not to mention enjoying those Caribbean sea breezes. Our dining was at some of the resort’s 12 restaurants—some beachside places and some more on the fine dining side. Simply put, being able to travel was an absolute blast. Sandals® was the perfect place to come out of that COVID-19 tunnel. We like, very much, that the resort is all-inclusive. No annoying nickeland-diming that usually ends up inflating the total cost. In addition to inflating costs, it’s simply annoying to be constantly signing chits for everything—we signed just a few for some great bottles of wine. All we had to do relax and enjoy ourselves.

Know the resort precautions

Navigating COVID-19 regulations

was a burden but absolutely important. Sandals® has a “security bubble.” Guests are not allowed to wander outside of it. No private car hires, no private excursions. The only wandering was that authorized by the resort—gradually, safely, and wisely. At the time we were there, in April, CDC regulations demanded that, to reenter the United States, we needed proof of a negative test for the nasty virus. Sandals® took care of it, easily, painlessly and efficiently. No problem, whatsoever. So, the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel is also a glimmer of hope. Travel is opening up —gradually, safely and wisely. Goody for us; travel is an integral part of our lives. Saint Lucia was a pure joy. It was a taste of travel freedom but with restrictions that will be, probably, around for a long time. That’s the safely and wisely part. As the chanteuse, Stacey Kent, warbles, “I Wish I Could Go Traveling Again.” If you haven’t heard the song, check it out; it’s quite something. It kind of encompasses what we feel. As the old cliché goes, “2020 is hindsight”—good riddance.

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health + HAPPINESS

I Have My Vaccine Local medical expert provides guidance Now What? on moving forward with life BY » Dr. Walter Meadors, Piedmont HealthCare Medical Director

Editor’s Note: Whatever COVID-19 vaccine you’ve chosen, you probably still have some questions regarding timing of doses, mask wearing and travel. We reached out to a local expert for guidance with a few commonly asked questions. Q: Once I have been vaccinated, how long should I continue wearing a mask in public? A: For now, fully vaccinated people can gather indoors without physical distancing or wearing masks with: • Other people who are fully vaccinated • Unvaccinated people from one other household, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Until more is known, fully vaccinated people should continue to wear masks and stay six feet apart from other people in other settings, like when they are in public or visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households. Q: I got both doses of the vaccine. Can I consider safely traveling? A: Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread Covid-19. People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization can travel safely within the United States. If you are fully vaccinated, take the following steps to protect others if you travel: • During Travel » Wear a mask over your nose and mouth. Masks are required on planes, 20 LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021

buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. » Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about two arm lengths) from anyone who is not traveling with you. » Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol). • After Travel » Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. » Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements. You do NOT need to get tested or selfquarantine if you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months. You should still follow all other travel recommendations. How closely should I follow the recommended guidelines on which countries outside of the United States are safe to travel to? A: Situations in other countries can be dramatically different from those in the US resulting in significant exposure to the SARS-Covid-19 virus. These situations also can change rapidly. The below recommendations apply to international travel. • Before you travel » Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, testing,

or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States. » Check the current COVID-19 situation in your destination. • While you are traveling » Wear a mask over your nose and mouth. Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. » Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about two arm lengths) from anyone who is not traveling with you. » Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol). • Before you arrive in the United States » All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States. • After travel » Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel. » Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. » Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel. Article Source: Centers for Disease Control

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www.totaljointvitalitylkn.com | Josh Russ LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021 21

be BOLD

A Year Later . . . Looking at a few silver linings from the pandemic

BY: » Jean Spangler

e can all agree that the past year and a half has been one we hope not to experience again. I remember the early months of the pandemic when I was actually afraid of my cereal or Amazon boxes for fear of contracting COVID-19. My worries also revolved around my toilet paper supply, endless scavenger hunts for disinfectant wipes and obtaining the most protective masks. Now that worldwide vaccinations are well under way and the country is slowly but surely returning to some normalcy, it’s time to reflect on some positive things we experienced during the past year. Whether you are married with kids, or single, we all had our challenges and struggles. Everyone’s anxieties were real, and no one had the corner market on fear, frustration, and loneliness. I’ve sympathized with parents of young children who were on call for potty training to geography lessons while still trying to work remotely and keep their jobs on track. I’ve laughed with empty nesters who learned what it would be like if their spouse retired and was home all day. Single people shared coping strategies to combat isolation with many coming to the realization that there is a 22 LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021

difference between being lonely and solitude. I know many who had more time to devote to their art—whether it was painting, quilting, or DYI projects.

A place to unwind

As a single woman, I experienced a lot of anxiety during the early part of the pandemic. Fortunately, an old college friend who I tease has been social distancing for decades, has a house in a very rural part of eastern North Carolina. When the “shelter in place” order came, I was lucky enough to escape my townhouse for several days a month to his home that sits among 200-year-old pines. The nearest grocery store is 15 miles away, so its seclusion and quiet environment was unique for my “on the go” personality. And, as a houseguest, I first found it difficult to adhere to my friend’s “reading hours”—two hours in the morning, two hours in the afternoon, until I found adjusting to that routine made me more relaxed than I’d been in decades. For the first time that I can recall, I slowed down...way down.

The unexpected luxury of time

During the pandemic I read or listened to more than 50 books. I would never

allow myself such luxury before the pandemic. There was always some errand I had to do, or someone I needed to visit, a birthday to plan, or places to go. Now, I had time to read and think and that made a huge difference in my ability to reduce my occasional anxiety. I also discovered the pressure to “un-entertain.” I enjoy having people over for a cocktail or dinner, but not always the prep time of grocery shopping, setting a beautiful table, or constructing a creative cheeseboard. Once it was safe to have one person over for a glass of wine, I was relieved of the pressure of serving a beautiful charcuterie board. Instead, I simply put some nuts in individual cups and called it a day. A dinner with a friend became more about visiting than what was served. I am not much of a formal entertainer, so for me, that was another positive of the pandemic. Now that we are all entering the “re-entry” phase I plan to stick to this type of simplicity. I don’t think I’m alone in this feeling.

Zooming in

Like most people, my civic and church meetings were held on Zoom. I probably loved Zoom more than most people. First, because it didn’t require thinking about what to wear and applying make-

up to drive to a meeting that would last an hour. Instead, I could roll out of bed, and put on a decent sweatshirt and zoom in a meeting without leaving the comfort of home. Yes, I missed some personal interaction, but I felt the pandemic was giving our souls, psyches, and planet a little breathing room. And let’s not forget how we all shared what the next best movie was on Netflix. Amazon Prime, or Hulu. Yes, I got a little addicted to Facebook but found it a great way to ask for recommendations on great documentaries or other movies I binged on with great delight with no guilt. I didn’t learn another language during COVID-19 or how to crochet, but I learned that phone calls to old and new friends kept me going

and that all of us were sharing the same life-changing experience. This pandemic taught me to appreciate people—my friends, family, and neighbors. I’ve realized how important community is and on investing in it. Along with everyone else, I learned to appreciate the “essential workers” like bus drivers, garbage collectors, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists that are the backbone of this pandemic. I also learned how fragile life can be for those making minimum wage while trying to keep a roof over the heads and food on the table who deserve any financial contribution I can make because people matter. Our shared human experience matters. There is often a silver lining to everything if you look hard enough.

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this month IN HISTORY

A Trivia

Pub Quiz! BY » Mickey Dunaway

This Month In History is in the form of a TMIH Pub Quiz in the 650 words allowed by my editor! Hope you have some fun. Some are serious. Some ironical. Some silly, and some that fall in the category of “Say What?” These factoids are taken from: http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/june.html

Q1. June 1, 1938

This D.C. Comics superhero appears for the first time.

Q2. June 2, 1924

On September 22, 1862, President Lincoln freed all slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation. However, it was not until 1924 that Congress passed the Citizenship Act for this group of Americans. I bet you are surprised as I am!

Q3. June 3, 1937

This action by England’s King Edward VIII in 1937 could be taken from today’s headlines.

Q4. June 4, 1919

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed by Congress and ratified by the states on August 18, 1920.

have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.” Interestingly the UK version dating to the 17th century is very similar: “You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defense if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”

Q9. June 14, 1954

President Eisenhower signed a bill to add these words to the United States Pledge of Allegiance.

Q10. June 17, 1885

A French gift to the United States arrives in New York City.

Q5. June 6, 1944

Q11. June 19, 1923

Q6. June 9, 1973

Q12. June 20, 1975

Operation Overlord took place with Allied casualties of at least 10,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead. Horse racing’s Triple Crown was won by a horse who would be called “Administrative Assistant” in today’s PC world.

Q7. June 11, 2009

The WHO declared a global pandemic for this disease. And you thought COVID was your first pandemic!

Q8. June 13, 1966

The Supreme Court declared that a defendant has these rights on arrest: “You 24 LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021

Walls of lava one mile wide descended from this volcano and swallowed the town of Lingauglossa. After this movie was released, millions “did not go back in the water.”

Q13. June 22, 1970

President Nixon signed this voting rights bill.

Q14. June 24, 1948 Soviets blockade this city.

Q15. June 25, 1876

The forces of this U.S. Army General (known for his long blond hair) lost at this battle.

Q16. June 26, 1945

Fifty nations signed this United Nations Charter to help stop another World War.

Q17. June 28, 1919

Germany signed this treaty ending WWI, and many historians would argue it led directly to the beginning of WWII.

Q18. June 28, 1997

This boxer bit off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear.

Q19. June 29, 1956

Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an act to create 41,000 miles of Interstate Highways for this purpose.

Q20. June 30, 1997

LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021 25

Special Advertising Feature

The Necessity of Buying Life Insurance Two experts answer questions about purchase options, trends, and expectations

OVID-19 has driven our need and desire for life insurance. As the pandemic hit, many were faced with the loss of a loved one and the financial strife that can be associated with the death of a loved one. The annual insurance barometer study released in early May of this year tracks the perceptions of and attitudes and behaviors of adult consumers related to financial behaviors with a focus on life insurance. This year’s results yielded some surprises; however, the ownership of life insurance has continued to fall over the last 10 years. Just 54 percent of U.S. adults say they have life insurance, down from an all-time high of 63 percent in 2011. As more and more consumers age into retirement, it’s important to make sure your loved ones have the ability to maintain their current lifestyle, as 42 percent of Americans would face financial hardship within 6 months of losing a loved one. Life insurance agent Kent Pike of Mooresville says he finds people every day that don’t know how affordable life insurance can be. “A lot of people are scared to ask, they think it’s unobtainable and it’s not, life happens unfortunately. I just want to be able to have that discussion with my clients and see if it makes sense for them.” Pike says there are a lot of things to consider when purchasing life insurance and it’s important to sit down and discuss those needs and desires, whether it’s used as an investment vehicle, family protection or to handle your final expenses it should be discussed with a professional that has your interest in mind. -Kent Pike is a licensed Insurance agent with HealthMarkets in Mooresville 26 LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021

Why buy life insurance on yourself? Loving and wanting to protect someone is enough reason for you to buy life insurance. Life insurance is an irreplaceable asset for a family to have. It is essentially immediate, tax-free money that someone can use to either save for their future needs or support the family after you are gone. What are my life insurance options? There are many kinds of life insurance policies offered on the market today, the most common forms are term, whole life, and universal life. Term policies are issued for a certain number of years and once the period is up, the policy will terminate. Whole and universal life both offer a form of permanent coverage; some offering a cash value account that can help fund the policy in the future. Final expense or burial policies are also life insurance policies. Most are actually whole life policies designed to only cover the expenses associated with funeral planning. Why buy life insurance on someone else? As someone with insurable interest, you can buy a life insurance policy on someone else. A great example is a grandparent buying their grandchild a life insurance policy. This protects the child’s future insurability and gives them a gift once they become an adult. The child would have the policy for life and no matter their future health, it cannot be taken away. -By Fogle Insurance Group

protecting our LKN community includes

RENTAL VEHICLES

What Does My Personal Auto Policy Cover?

In most cases coverage will extend from your personal auto policy to a rental vehicle. The coverage would extend at the same limits as your existing policy for liability, comprehensive, and collision. However, there are things that the policy will not cover. WHAT WOULD NOT BE COVERED? The two most common items not covered by your personal auto policy for a claim on a rental vehicle are Loss of Use and Depreciated Value. This means you would be responsible to pay the lost rental charges while the vehicle is being repaired and the loss of value in the vehicle after it is repaired. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? If you want to be fully protected, you should consider purchasing the insurance offered through the rental agency. They should have several different options available; you should be aware of what your current auto policy offers so you are not double covered.

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LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021 27

limitless learning

How Do I Avoid Probate?

state planning clients often ask, “How Do I Avoid Probate?” Their true question is, “How can I make this process easier for my loved ones?” “Probate” refers to the court supervised process of identifying, collecting, accounting for, and distributing property after death. The probate process is often complex, drawn-out, and always a matter of public record. Joint Ownership, Life Estates, and Tenants by the Entirety Bank accounts, automobiles, and real estate can all be titled as “joint owners with right of survivorship.” Upon the death of one owner, the survivor retains the entire property as surviving owner. A life estate holder owns property for their life. Upon death, named remainder owners automatically retain title to the property. Married couples typically own property as “tenants by the entirety.” Upon the death of one spouse, the property automatically passes to the survivor. Beneficiary Designations Proceeds from life insurance policies, annuities, and retirement accounts pass to designated beneficiaries outside probate. You can designate transfer on death or payable on death beneficiaries for stocks, brokerage accounts, CD’s and bank accounts. A named beneficiary inherits the money directly, in a lump sum, independent of the will, and outside probate, and also outside of divorce judgments. Trusts Trusts are often used to avoid probate, protect heirs, and manage privacy. All types of property, including bank accounts, real estate, stocks, and businesses can be held in trusts. A trust can also be named as beneficiary of bank accounts, life insurance policies, and retirement accounts. A Trust is a good way to manage property for young people, or others to whom a sudden financial windfall may be inadvisable. A trust can be designed to transfer firearms, provide for pets, fund a college education, protect special needs children, provide lifetime income, and minimize taxes.

Louise Paglen, Attorney Amy Isaacs, Attorney Leah Trowbridge, Attorney The McIntosh Law Firm, P.C. | McIntoshLawFirm.com 28 LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021

True Wealth– Retirement Road Trip

his month’s Limitless theme is a perfect solution to the past year’s lockdown, taking a road trip, North Carolina style. While it sounds awesome, most of us want a little more structure to our vacations and our retirement. Retirement can be planned as a long journey with many smaller road trips. Answers to the questions of what, why, when, and where, followed by how much it is going to take to get there creates your road map. 1. What: Retirement is the mission. Define which part of the overall journey you are planning based on age, physical abilities, experiences desired, or other life expectations. 2. Why: This question helps create personal fulfillment and energy around the effort. It’s emotions at the core and reasonable to assume that this would be different for each ‘small road trip’ of your life journey. 3. When: Should you plan for your life experiences to occur at different stages, therefore, on different ‘road trips’? What are your timing factors? 4. Where: Harder to anticipate future dynamics that could influence this, but creating individual segments at least allows you to consider your possibilities. 5. How: Financially, can you afford what you created? Income, cash, expenses, life/disability, long-term care insurance needs, and tax-planning are budgetary considerations that can be analyzed and adjusted for each destination. Lastly, as my philosophy of True Wealth teaches, what counts at the end of life’s journey is the experiences you have had and the people you meet, so be sure to build room in your road trips to embrace the unexpected. Bon Voyage!

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA, SIPC

Jeffrey Karp, CLU®, ChFC®, CASL® founder of Karp Financial Strategies and is a registered representative of LPL Financial. More information and his blog, Permission GrantedSM can be found at www.karpfinancial.com.

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Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC 30 LimitlessMagOnline.com | June 2021

Limitless Magazine

Articles inside

Special Advertising Feature

This Month in History

FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccine

Cover Story

Be Bold

A travel experience to St. Lucia

A bicycling itinerary for the Railroad Grade Road extension

Photo exhibit at The N.C. Museum of History explores the state’s tourism industry