Charm - Winter 2019

STAFF & CONTRIBUTERS

EDITOR’S LETTER

SEASON’S GREETINGS!

Right on time, the holiday season is here. Everyone is bustling and the rush to enjoy every second, make everything memorable, purchase every gift, wrap everything beautifully and turn out holiday meals and adorable special cookies and snacks has begun.

We hope a few of the stories in this edition of Charm can help relieve some of your stress and offer a few moments to sit and read – and breathe. No matter what your goals are for this holiday season, remember to remember others – it will make the season brighter.

Katie Kos, 10, knows the reason for the season. The Rocky Mount Academy 5th grader is collecting coats, hats, scarves and gloves for Koats for Kids. There are donation boxes at Almand’s Drugs on Sunset and at Pet’s Best Friend. Items will be accepted through Dec. 2 and all donations will be distributed in Nash and Edgecombe counties.

JENNY WHIE

Happy holidays and best wishes for the new year!

Our coverwoman Linda Davis is holiday-ready at the Rocky Mount Mills with a little sparkle and a little fur, both by Frank Lyman from The Boutique at John’s.

Photo by Sarah Louya

Charm Magazine is published by APG Media Eastern NC, and is a subsidiary of the Rocky Mount Telegram. Contents may not be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.

Publisher Kyle Stephens Editorial Jenny White Kesha Williams Photography Alan Campbell Sarah Louya Garry Hodges

Advertising Kelly Ayscue Lewis Smith Chris Taylor Bryan Wilson Design & Layout Becky Wetherington

Thanksgivingtablescape

by Jenny White

Most anyone that cooks a big Thanksgiving meal for loved ones will tell you it’s a labor of love.

Adding a little extra to your holiday table is like adding a pretty bow to your culinary gift to your loved ones.

Carolyn Atkinson, owner of John’s Gifts and Furniture on Winstead Road, has built a business offering décor and design assistance to Twin Counties residents. She said decorating your table for a holiday meal can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it.

“You don’t have to do something super fancy,” she said, “Just a little something to dress the table up a bit for such a nice occasion and celebrate everyone being together. That can be a tablecloth, fabric napkins, or maybe some nicer dishes than what you usually use. Whatever you typically do, take it up one notch.”

Atkinson said for Thanksgiving, you may be able to head outside and find some pretty fall leaves and put in a vase for a simple solution for color on your table.

“I love the fall colors from outside on a table and you can bring them indoors or buy a garland of fall leaves and wind it around some candles in the middle of the table,” Atkinson said, “There’s not a right or wrong way to do it. Whatever you think is pretty – go with that.”

Carolyn Atkinson at John’s Gifts and Furniture designed this Thanksgiving tablescape that features a large Tom Turkey in the middle, flanked by two vases of leaves and blooms in fall hues. A garland of faux leaves and faux gourds is used to add more color. A neutral table runner serves as a backdrop for the cornucopia of colors. Simple white china and linen napkins complete the look with leafy napkin rings.

T hanksgiving C ooking with

Chef Frank

by Jenny White

of things to do two days ahead; a list of things to do the day of meal; a list of who is bringing what. “Lists are your friends,” Bookhardt said.

• Use recyclable, disposable aluminum pans to cook in. Bookhardt said this is a must unless there is someone in your family who LIKES to wash and dry dishes.

• Pre-cut and prep as much as you can before the actual day of cooking. “Go through each recipe or dish and pre-cut and measure what you can,” Bookhardt said, “Label it and store in the refrigerator.”

Nash Community College Continuing Education Chef Instructor Frank Bookhardt has plenty of experience cooking for a crowd. He frequently cooks for school functions and events and teaches students how to cook for large groups.

“Cooking for your family on big holidays can be as stressful as preparing for a big banquet,” Bookhardt said.

“If you’re cooking on a major eating holiday like Thanksgiving, there is a certain expectation that you can deliver,” he said laughing. “If not, you’re going to be in trouble.”

Bookhardt said he typically prepares the majority of the Thanksgiving meal for his family. “There are some things my mom traditionally prepares, that I am not allowed to do, and that’s fine. But I usually do the

turkey, the stuffing, most of the sides and the desserts,” he said.

Getting creative with a traditional meal can be tricky, Bookhardt said, but he tries to incorporate a few new twists every few years.

“My ideas for a big family meal like Thanksgiving go through a vetting process, I guess you’d call it – a committee,” Bookhardt said. “A few years ago, I had an idea to serve little individual guinea hens to everyone and that died in committee. No one was up for that,” he said.

Chef Bookhardt said the key to a successful big family meal – whether you’re serving traditional staples or mixing it up -- is to have a good plan and prep as much ahead of time as possible. Some of his top tips include:

• Make lists. Have a list of groceries; a list

• Use simple math to help figure out how to have as much of the dishes done and hot at the same time.

• Cook desserts the day before. “It always helps me to not have to worry about cooking dessert when I’ve got ten other things going,” Bookhardt said. “Typically, desserts are the best thing to make ahead.”

Bookhardt offered us two of his favorite recipes to add a little oomph to our holiday table this Thanksgiving. “These have been tried and tested by my family. One’s a twist on a pecan pie and the other puts a veggie not always seen at Thanksgiving – brussel sprouts – front and center,” he said. “People will go for seconds with these two dishes.”

Photographer Sarah Louya and I can attest that you will want seconds when trying these two recipes.

Pecan and Coconut Pie with Dark Rum Brussels Sprouts with Cheese and Chorizo

For the crust:

15 shortbread cookies, Pecan sandies are great

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

INGREDIENTS: • 2-pound Brussels sprouts, washed • 4 garlic cloves minced • 12 ounces Mexican chorizo • 2 large lemons, zested and juiced • 2-4 Green chilies or jalapenos, diced (seeds and membrane removed if you don’t want it too spicy) • ¾ cup Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese. • Salt and pepper to taste • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil as needed • Fresh parsley chopped

PROCEDURE:

1. Trim the stem-end of the sprouts. Cut them in half.

2. In a large heavy skillet, cook the chorizo over medium heat. Break up the sausage with a wooden spoon, stirring occasionally until cooked through, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from pan.

3. Keep about 2 tablespoons of the sausage grease in the pan, and add olive oil if needed. Add the Brussels sprouts, garlic, zest and cook over medium-high heat until cooked through and browned on both sides. Careful not to overcook the sprouts when almost done add lemon juice.

4. Return the chorizo to the sprouts and toss. Add chili peppers. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Place shredded cheese on top and put in oven at 350℉ until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with chopped parsley and serve.

PREPARATION

1. For the crust - Preheat the oven to 350℉. Butter a nine-inch plate or 9X9 square baking dish 2. In a food processor, pulse the cookies and flour together until pulverized. Add the butter and process until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate. Bake until lightly browned, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

3. For the filling - Add butter, brown sugar, and salt in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is melted, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the syrup, Rum, and vanilla.

4. In a bowl, whisk the eggs together. You have to temper the egg mixture: slowly whisk ½ cup of the warm mixture into the eggs. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, and stir continuously, until the mixture is shiny, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the pecans and coconut.

5. Pour the mixture into the crust and bake until the center feels set yet soft, 30 to 40 minutes, I like to check the center with a thermometer, it should read around 200 degrees. Let cool. Serve at room temperature.

Amanda BELL

Takes on new challenges for 2020

By Jenny White

Photos by Garry Hodges

Charm

hen Amanda Bell came to town 17 years ago, Rocky Mount hit the jackpot.

Melding her business acumen, marketing skills for days, friendly personality, true love for Rocky Mount and her incessant belief that everyone she meets is a good friend, Bell has emerged as one of the most respected and devoted advocates for the city on the rise.

In February, Bell’s unofficial title of top advocate for Rocky Mount becomes official. Bell is set to become the third woman to be appointed 2020 chairperson of the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce (RMACC) at its annual meeting in February. Rocky Mount Area Chamber president David Farris said the previous female chairpersons were Betsy Strandberg in 1989 and Jean Almand Kitchin in 2000.

Bell said her love for Rocky Mount has combined with her love for what the RMACC does to create the perfect opportunity for her to give back to the community.

“I am a huge believer in our area and I believe what the Rocky Mount Area Chamber does is important. And I’ve wanted to be a part of that since I became a volunteer at the Chamber 15 years ago,” Bell said. “The Chamber is not about a punch number of how many new customers you get to come into your door. It’s about fostering and cultivating an environment for businesses to succeed and making the area a great place to live and work. It’s about community-building.”

Bell is the customer service and marketing manager at Rocky Mount Family Medical and is involved in numerous civic and non-profit organizations.

Desiree Dolberry, marketing coordinator for the RMACC, said she thinks what makes Bell so successful is her love of people and the community. “You can’t buy the type of

love Amanda has from anywhere,” Dolberry said. “She is always the cheerleader, not only our Chamber and Family Medical Center, but for the region in general.”

Dolberry said Bell is an awesome fit to be the next Chairwoman at the Chamber. “Amanda understands why the Chamber is important in the community and how to make that work with all of our members from the entrepreneurs to the large corporations. She has the type of leadership skills that I know will make 2020 an awesome year,” Dolberry added.

Bell said one of her most important goals as chairwoman of the RMACC is to make more people aware of what the Chamber is about and to make sure all area businesses know they are invited to a seat at the table.

“Whether you own your own office or whether you work at your kitchen table; whether you have a staff of employees or whether you’re struggling to pay your oneroom office rent, the Chamber is here for you,” Bell said. “The Chamber creates a community -- a family -- for all businesses and every perspective is necessary to create the best version of Rocky Mount.”

Farris said one of the things he admires the most about Bell is how she sees the positive in all people and most situations. “Amanda has that special way of making one feel important, respected and loved. Like you are the person she was so hoping to see today,” Farris said. “Amanda brings energy, focus and passion to any project she is involved in and expects no less from those she partners with. Her goal in life and business is to improve the lives of all people and the community. I am excited for the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce to have Amanda Bell as our next chair.”

Amanda brings energy, focus and passion to any project she is involved in and expects no less from those she partners with. Her goal in life and business is to improve the lives of all people and the community.

- David Farris, Rocky Mount Area Chamber President & CEO

Style & Go

We’ve gathered together two of the best parts of the holiday season: Fun, holiday-themed events and fashion options from the area’s most fabulous small boutique businesses. So sit back, sync your calendars and find the perfect outfit to wear!

WHERE TO: Christmas with the Celts at the Dunn Center for Performing Arts at N.C. Wesleyan College at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 13. The world renowned Celts mix Irish dancing with traditional Irish Christmas songs, as well as beloved American holiday music. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 9855197. Tickets are $25 for adults.

Nikki Brewster is looking forward to some lively Irish music and dancing at the Christmas with the Celts performance at the Dunn Center. Here, she’s ready for a night out with a holiday(ish) top by Sail to Sable, a great pair of versatile Frank Lyman black pants and a faux fur jacket by Katydid. Clutch by Hobo; earrings by Allie Beads, bracelets by Julie Vos. All from The Boutique at John’s.

WHERE TO:

HolidayConcertPops

To the Holiday Pops Concert with the N.C. Symphony at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Keihin Auditorium on the campus of Edgecombe Community College in Tarboro. The concert features beloved traditional and popular holiday music. Tickets are available on etix and are $25 for adults, $10 for students.

Linda Davis is ready for a fancy dinner and date night. She’s wearing a dressy sleeveless top with subtle sparkle and a pretty faux fur wrap coat, both by Frank Lyman. Earrings are by Julie Vos. All from The Boutique at John’s.

WHERE TO:

A Red Oak Christmas

A Red Oak Christmas is a free afternoonto-evening affair celebrating the season in Red Oak. Held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Nov. 30, there will be a Christmas parade, craft vendors, carriage rides, train rides, live music and a tree lighting with special guest Santa Claus. Food will be available for purchase at the concession area in the park.

WHERE TO: Swingin’ Around the Christmas Tree Concert with the Tar River Swing Band will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Dunn Center for Performing Arts at N.C. Wesleyan College. Tickets are available by calling 985-5197.

Kayla Macklin is perfectly dressed for a fun concert featuring the Tar River Swing Band. Her muted plaid shift dress can easily go from work to night out. Dress by Sail To Sable, clutch by Hobo and jewelry by Julie Vos. All from The Boutique at John’s.

Kayla Macklin is ready to spend the day celebrating the holidays in this casual and comfy look from The Boutique at John’s. She’s wearing a tunic by Haley and the Hound; vest by Katydid; leggings by Coco and Carmen; bracelets by Julie Vos; and bag by Coco and Carmen. All from The Boutique at John’s.

WHERE TO:

Christmas Parades

Rocky Mount Christmas Parade – Dec. 1

Tarboro Christmas Parade – Dec. 8

Pinetops Christmas Parade – Dec. 7

Nashville Christmas Celebration and Bicycle Parade – Dec. 7

WHERE TO: The Rocky Mount Mills annual Tower Lighting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7. There will be live music and special guest WRAL anchor and reporter Jeff Hogan.

Nikki Brewster will stay warm in this outfit featuring a long-sleeve top by Tyler Boe; vest by Katydid; necklace by Susan Shaw; plaid bag by Coco and Carmen and black gloves, all sold at The Boutique at John’s.

Georgia Lawson is ready to enjoy the MANY Christmas parades in the Twin Counties, in a pair of comfy animal-print leggings, black flat booties and warm and cozy black cape with faux fur, all from Ginger’s in Tarboro.

WHERE TO:

A Christmas Carol

Nash Arts’ annual production of “A Christmas Carol” is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. This year the show will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14 and at 2:30 pm. Dec. 8 and 15. For ticket information, call Nash Arts at 459-4734.

WHERE TO: “Black Nativity” at the Imperial Centre, 7:30 p.m. December 6-7 and 13-14, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15. This play is the Christmas story told in dialogue, narrative, pantomime, gospel song and folk spiritual. A unique creation of the poet and playwright Langston Hughes, portraying the inspiring story of the Holy Family. We love this top by Gretchen Scott on Linda Davis. Its colors are perfect for the holiday season and seeing a Christmas play with the family. Jeans are by Frank Lyman; bag is Joy Susan; earrings are from Allie Beads; and bracelets are by John Medeiros. All from The Boutique at John’s.

We love this slightly-dressy-with-ourfavorite-jeans look on Georgia. Her printed blouse and cream vest pair with dark skinny jeans and black bootie boots, offering a great look for a night at the local playhouse. All from Ginger’s in Tarboro.

Wreath Making 101

For those that love a do-ityourself holiday project, creating a live evergreen Christmas wreath offers an opportunity to test your holiday craft skills.

Nash County Master Gardener Carole Williams says she and other MG volunteers are ready to help residents create their evergreen masterpieces at three upcoming wreath workshops. The workshops will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 8 and at noon and 5 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the Farmers Market in Rocky Mount.

The cost of the workshop is $35 and includes all the supplies.

“We plan on making these

the best workshops ever,” said Williams. “We’ve been collecting items to decorate the wreathes all year long, from the mountains to the coast. We are so excited to show the participants this year what we’ve got.”

Williams said participants first work on making the base of their wreath with a straw form and evergreen greenery. Once the base is covered in foliage, participants can add extras like berries, pinecones, dried flowers, dried berries and seed pods.

“We call this part of the class, ‘adding the bling,’ and it’s the most fun,” Williams said. “We really put

by Jenny White

a lot of time in collecting these things and getting a wide variety of natural items for people to use. We’ve got so many vibrant colors and interesting textures – people at the workshops are going to be impressed by the options we have for them.”

If you can’t make it to a workshop class, Williams encourages you to make your own wreath at home. “You start with a wire or straw base and simply cover it with greenery. You can go by a tree lot and get some, go to a nursery and pick some up or try looking in your back yard,” Williams said. “Get a pack of

U-pins from a craft store and start sticking the greenery on until the base is completely covered.”

Holly berries, nandina berries, pinecones or magnolia leaves can be added as your bling – all easily found outside in our area.

“If a wreath isn’t your thing, go outside and pick some greenery, a few sprigs of berries and create an arrangement for your kitchen table. You’d be surprised what you can put together from a walk in your neighborhood,” said Williams.

To register for a workshop, call 252-459-9810.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

for kids, by kids!

Local owner of Beans and Brews, Etaf Rum, isn’t the only bookworm in her family. Her daughter, Reyann, attends Englewood Elementary and loves to read as much as her book-writing mother does.

“Reading books is an important part of our life – my kids have grown up in the Storytime room at Braswell Library and now look forward to picking out their own books,” Rum said.

Rum and Reyann put together this list of great books to give your favorite young adult reader. “It’s a diverse group of books, which we encourage in our house so she has a diverse and varied picture of the world around her.”

Reyann’s Top Book Picks

...and a special treat!

Here is Etaf and Isah’s favorite recipe for hot chocolate to make at home, as made and served at Books and Beans in the Rocky Mount Mill Village. There are few gifts better than a good book and a yummy cup of hot chocolate.

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet you prefer)

• Pinch of salt

• 1 cup milk or milk alternative

• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Whisk together cocoa, sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until cocoa and sugar are dissolved. Whisk in the rest of the milk and heat it over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it is hot. Stir in the vanilla and serve.

Top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Fish In A Tree by Lynda Hunt

Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Hunt

All Four Stars by Tara Dairman

Farah Rocks by Susan Muaddi Darraj

Wonder by R.J. Palacio Wayside School is Falling Down by Louis Sachar

Ungifted by Gordan Korman

TEACHER

you” to some of the most important people

some advice from some of our favorite real-life teachers

tell us their worst present received and the best present

Jami Tobias (1st grade): Worst: Starbucks card with no money on it; moldy popcorn; ABC, 123 earrings. Best: Spa treatment.

Ennis Wooten (1st grade): Worst: Tacky teacher jewelry; mugs. Best: Spa treatment.

Cheryl Locke (2nd grade): Worst: A pie that had been eaten by the student. Best: Dunkin Donuts gift card; cash.

Libba Weaver (2nd grade): “The bad gift I can think of is one that I received years ago. It was one of those plastic placemats. However, I have received so many great gifts at the Academy. The best is always cash! The most out-of-the-box gift I have received was a one-pound Hershey Kiss.”

Maribel Rucci (LS/MS Spanish): “During my teaching career I had received many presents and all are precious to me, from candy to a simple card. I do not remember receiving a bad one or a funny one really. Saying that, I remember the present that touches my heart the most. I had a student and one Christmas she gave me a necklace that belonged to her grandma, by that time deceased, as an appreciation present for my work and to show how much she has enjoyed having me as her teacher. Of course, I cried, and told her and her mom that that was very special to me and if they were sure they wanted me to have it. They said yes. It is those moments when you know it is all worth it.”

Kim Lehnes (High School Science):

Best: A very thoughtful note.

Erin O’Brien (French): Best: A candle with the students face on it; a handwritten note. Worst: A pancake wrapped in toilet paper.

Scott Fritschel (High School Science): Best: Food.

Angela Davis (Middle School Math): Best: Gift cards. Worst: A moldy fruit basket.

Shawn Leonard (Music): Best: Coffee gift cards;chocolate.

Casey Wells (High School Science): Best: Food.

Jo Green (3rd grade ) Worst: None are bad and all are appreciated because it may be all they have. Best: Money.

Coy Herbert (Middle School History): Best: Good candy. Worst: Bad candy.

Amanda Harrell (Head of Middle School): Best: A lantern from Pier 1. Worst: A regifted mug with the to/ from card still on it.

Deborah Keel (High School Math): Best: A Tiffany necklace from a group of students the year of her divorce.

Amy Knox (High School English): Best: Cat earrings.

Jennifer Baker (High School English): Best: Food gift cards. Worst: No bad ones because any gift shows the student cares for her.

Eric Xue, Mary-Edith Cox, Emory Pittman

Jack Pittman, Rocky Mount Academy Media Office students

Planning to Live Your New Year with Results

For most each New Year is an exciting and hopeful time. Many see it as a fresh start to begin again. To set goals and go full steam ahead, but soon feel like they get nowhere worthwhile.

This year I want to declare that you will set goals and plan to live your life with powerful, positive results.

given everything else in your life

T – TIMELINE: set a definite date; mark the date on your calendar

Tilda

Whitaker, Life Coach and owner and operator of P4 Coaching Institute

Make ‘SMART’ Goals

S – SPECIFIC: clearly define your goal, set tangible steps by breaking down the steps in bite size pieces

M – MEASURABLE: establish a measureable tool, how will you know if you have completed this goal

A – ACHIEVABLE: something you are capable of doing

R – REALISTIC: something you can do given everything else in your life

T – TIMELINE: set a definite date; mark the date on your calendar.

Wikipedia defines a goal as an idea of the future or desired result that a person or a group of people envisions, plan and commits to achieve. People endeavor to reach goals within a finite time by setting deadlines.

I guess you are asking how can I really get the results I so desire? I’m glad you ask because I will be sharing several steps with you to achieve the results you want for the New Year.

First get clarity about what you want to achieve and believe it can be done. Ask yourself how important is this goal? Why is it important? Will it bring major change to your life? Are you prepared for the results of the goal?

Goal setting is a powerful technique to motivate yourself and set you up for success. Goals should challenge you to be better.

I suggest a goal setting formula called the “SMART GOAL”

S – SPECIFIC: clearly define your goal, set tangible steps by breaking down the steps in bite size pieces

M – MEASURABLE: establish a measureable tool, how will you know if you have completed this goal

A – ACHIEVABLE: something you are capable of doing

R – REALISTIC: something you can do

Your goals should include each of these 5 steps for it to be a smart goal. Always write your goal down and keep it visibly daily. In working with goals, I suggest that goals and action steps come from a true desire to achieve the result. Remember that your goals are to bring the results you desire and not what others may want for you. If you take action from “should s” rather than “want to’s” you will either follow through or won’t be motivated to complete the action steps.

Your last step is to select someone you trust to be an accountability partner to hold you accountable for completing your goal. They should act as a gentle and consistent reminder to you of the commitment you have made.

I celebrate with you as you prepare and begin to plan to live your New Year with Results. YOU ROCK!!!

Tilda is an award winning international bestselling author. She trains extensively to help leaders plan, process and produce with purpose to create legacies globally. Her message is set to compel the attention of those who seek to discover their purpose in life and launch their destiny. She is credential by the International Coach Federation (ICF) as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC); she is presently an ICF member and conducts an ICF accredited training program through her company P4 Coaching Institute, Founder of Soul Winners International Ministries-“SWIM” www.p4cinstitute.com

FAMILY FRIENDLY NEW YEAR’S EVE

By Jennifer Cobb, Family Services Program Director at Down East Partnership for Children

10 . . . 9 . . . 8 . . . the countdown to New Year’s Day is on!

After the hustle and business of the holiday season, New Year’s Eve sneaks up on weary parents and is oftentimes overlooked. With simple planning and thoughtful prep work, New Year’s Eve can become a holiday tradition that all family members enjoy as we excitedly launch ourselves into a new year.

As caregivers, one of the first things to decide is what to do about New Year’s Eve bedtime. Having one night out of the year where you could stay up past midnight was a highly anticipated event at our house, but that may not be for everyone! New Year’s Eve bedtime rules will change based on your child’s age, temperament and whether you

can handle a possible grumpy, tired child the next day. If the 8:00 rule will still apply at your house, there are on-line options for watching a pre-recorded New Year’s Eve Ball Drop or even streaming the ball dropping from across the pond where it will happen at 7:00 pm EST.

For those brave souls that decide to let the bedtime rule slide, keeping your kiddos busy as each hour ticks by is the key to a successful night for all. A creative way to do this is by making Family Countdown Bags. Starting in the early evening, the family opens the bag marked with that hour’s activity, including all needed items. Keep the outside of the bags simple or summon you inner Pinterest passionista! Possible ideas for bag themes can include:

FIREWORKS PAINTING

Simply take a used paper towel roll and cut four inch long slits up one end of the roll, spacing them about 1 centimeter apart. Dip the cut ends of the paper towel roll into paint poured onto a plate, pushing down so that

the cut ends spread out like a fan. Then let the creativity flow as you stamp fireworks onto a separate sheet of paper. Older kids might like to embellish their fireworks with glitter, sequins or plastic jewels.

FAMILY INTERVIEW

Create a list of questions for each family member to fill out and share. The questions can range from simple (What is your favorite TV show?) to introspective (“What is something you did this past year that made you proud?”). Not only will you learn more about each other, but the interview can also become a holiday tradition. Save the interviews from year to year to document how your family grows and to share a laugh or two as you read previous years’ responses.

MAKE A TREAT

FAMILY PICTURE

Break out the selfie stick and photo props for a family picture. Fill this bag with fun photo props from around the house (hats, glasses, scarves) or seasonal items from your local dollar store and snap away.

FAMILY GAME

Have family members think of what their resolution for the upcoming year will be. Take turns sharing your resolution in the form of a family game. This could happen using Hang Man or even Charades where you act out/draw your resolution and family members have to guess what it is. Time family member to go on a scavenger hunt around the house for items related to their resolution and then see if everybody can figure it out!

Pick a salty or sweet treat to make that is simple enough to include kids of different ages yet involved enough to help pass the time. Layered appetizers and desserts are usually fun to do together as a family and are not too labor intensive. One possible treat would be “Countdown Cookies.” A twist on the traditional s’mores made while camping, you can create this classic easily inside. Layer graham crackers, chocolate squares and marshmallows, ending with a graham cracker layer on top. Raid the pantry to see what other fun things the kids (or adults) may want to include . . . sprinkles, peanut butter, caramel chips . . . you name it! Bake at 350 degrees until the layers are melted. Cool for 10 minutes then cut into squares and enjoy.

PARTY HATS & NOISEMAKERS

As the midnight hour approaches, make some fun items to help ring in the new year. Embellish party hats from the dollar store with construction paper, glitter and feathers to make a New Year’s Eve hat. Fill an empty metal coffee can with beans or rice and then seal with hot glue for a simple noise maker.

3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . Happy New Year! Another New Year’s Eve is in the books. Whether you end up with a New Year’s Eve hi-five from your teen, a sweet kiss from your 10-year-old or scooping a sleeping toddler from the couch, fun memories were made by all. And that’s really what it’s all about.

FITNESS: MAKING HEALTHY FUN AGAIN

NEW YEAR CAN MEAN NEW START FOR

by Kesha Williams

ravel back in time and you’ll recall those days when kids rushed to the school playground eager to enjoy daily recess from school classes. Today, some women are showing up at fitness centers giddy as school kids to launch an hour of fitness and fun.

Elizabeth “Liz” Lord, member and community engagement director at Harrison Family YMCA, has worked there for more than three years. She has witnessed the enthusiasm of members and learned from conversations with her colleagues that women are taking full advantage of today’s fitness options.

“Women are looking for high intense fitness routines and they are

not afraid of being strong or bulking up. We’ve seen an increase in the use of free weights, the use of personal training and weight training sessions in general,” Lord said.

“Senior women over age 60 are expressing interest in creating regular workout routines, some schedule sessions up to three times a week. When health research reports hit the news, it affects people’s behavior. They are learning more about the ways exercise can help them maintain their mobility and their independence,” Lord said.

Lord said the Harrison Family YMCA has approximately 8,100 members and 52 percent are women. Their ages span from their 20s to years beyond

the traditional retirement age of 65. General fitness is important to most of their clients but many aim to meet personal goals.

Some mothers aim to retain the level of fitness they had prior to giving birth. Some women are building their stamina for future activities with kids, nieces and nephews. Some of their clients need to exercise away the stress and strain of working too many hours in a restrictive employment/volunteer setting. Too little movement on the job can contribute to stiffness, back and neck pain. Many women reach that conclusion on their own, but others are nudged to launch an exercise plan.

“More women are coming in on a doctor’s recommendation due to changes in their health such as diabetes and hypertension. Today’s seniors have led active lives with their families and worked several years. So they understand a plan of good nutrition and fitness reduces the need for medications.” Lord said.

No matter the ages, Lord said their facility maintains a full calendar to meet members’ needs -- yoga classes, dance classes,

cardio fusion sessions and group cycling are some of the popular options. For clients who want additional challenges, Lord suggests they slip on a cap and bathing suit.

“Water fitness classes are a great way for folks to get a cardiovascular workout without stressing knees, hips and the back. There is a sense of community in water fitness classes. Try a deep-water fitness class, a shallow water fitness class or a water arthritis fitness class,” Lord suggested.

The old perception that exercise is primarily a routine reserved for people aiming to lose weight has been replaced. Weight management may be a common short-term goal but Lord meets clients who view memberships as a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Whether members are recovering from accidents or altering a fitness plan launched five years ago, members

are reaching their goals.

There is no peer pressure to wear a specific brand of fitness apparel or sneaker. Members are simply looking for the best results from their fitness plans. Lord said the joy of working at Harrison Family YMCA is seeing people from all different parts of the community, different races, different economic backgrounds together in one place focusing on mind, body and spirit. Best of all, they are enjoying the process.

“People talk about the chances of our society being more isolated due to increased uses

of technological devices. Having somewhere like the YMCA where they can work out side by side is like having a special community. It creates a sense of belonging,” Lord said.

“We understand some people who have never used a fitness center, taken group fitness classes or they’ve noticed changes in their body shape may be reluctant. Our staff works to engage members and to orient them. We want them to come in and find the right activities,” Lord said.

THE OLD PERCEPTION THAT EXERCISE IS PRIMARILY A ROUTINE RESERVED FOR PEOPLE AIMING TO LOSE WEIGHT HAS BEEN REPLACED.