Sophie Woman's Magazine Aug 2009

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Volume 5 ~ Issue 6 August 2009

~Girls Need Better

Role Models

~Have What It Takes To Be A

Wedding Planner?

Home Sweet Dorm

~College Prep

Can u o nY a h T t!

A k c Sti A E

N U F ore

M

K A H

S

828~328~BARK

Valley Corner Shopping Ctr. Hwy. 70, Hickory NC (located close to Toys R Us)

Sizes

Girls: Junior 0-19 Boys: 26-38 Waist We pay cash for gently used brand name clothing & accessories for teens and young adults.

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Mon - Sat 10-8 Sun 1-6 (P)828-267-7200

Toast

I’ll

T

To That!

he toast has become a popular feature of celebrations across the country. Though most commonly associated with weddings, toasts are now routinely made at less formal gatherings as well. But when and where did the toast start? While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly who initiated the first toast, one theory suggests this popular, and often funny, tradition dates back to the ancient Greeks in the 6th century B.C. At the time, Greeks would commonly spike the drinks of their enemies with poison. Party guests were understandably leery of accepting beverages, usually wine poured from a common jug. So to put all guests at ease, the Greek toast tradition actually called for the host to drink from his glass first to assure his guest that the drink was not poisoned. Another common feature of toasts today is the clinking of the glasses, which also might have its origins in ancient times, when guests were said to clink their glasses as a means of warding off evil spirits.

Contents 1. I’ll Toast To That 3. Come Fly With Me 4. Creative Vacations 6. Girlfriends in God 8. Unintended Impact 9. Tips for Grilling Fish 11. Boomers Forced To Change Retirement Plans 12. Girls Need Role Model 14. Have What It Takes?

15. Kids Safety 18. Partime the Way To Go? 20. Catering Q & A 22. College Prep 28. Dolly Decorina 30. Tips For Parents - Face book, Twitter, ....

Sophie - The Woman’s Magazine LLC is published monthly. The articles published in Sophie do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. All articles are intended for informational purposes only, and none should serve as a substitute for doctor’s advice and orders. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content and validity of information published within their ads and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. Deceptive or misleading advertising is not knowingly accepted by the publisher. Advertising is accepted with the understanding that all liability for copyright violations is the sole responsibility of the advertiser. All material submitted for publication is considered to be the sole property of the advertiser.

2 Sophie Aug 09

Come

Fly

With Me

Learn to Fly for The FUN of It, For the JOY of Accomplishment, for the FREEDOM which Wings Provide. Experience the World of Flight and The BEAUTY of the Air.

That is what Susan Van Fleet did - learned to fly for the pure joy of being airborne. Flying became her passion and since 1986 she has been sharing her passion with others as a flight instructor. Van Fleet Aviation at Morganton/ Lenoir Foothills Regional Airport teaches students from all walks of life and all ages, from 12 to 80+ years, male and female.

A growing number of Susan’s students are women. Why do these young and young at heart learn to fly? Simply put…because they can. The beauty and serenity experienced from a bird’s eye view and the ultimate sense of accomplishment, not to mention the sheer fun and excitement of it are some of the reasons more and more women are taking to the sky.

There’s a compelling camaraderie among those of us who dare to leave our earthbound limits behind. The 99’s, a Women Pilot Organization, was started in 1929 with Amelia Earhart as the first president. Now the 99’s have over 7,000 members. One of the main events of every year is the Powder Puff Derby, now called the Air Race Classic, an invitational air race for women.

The name was changed to Air Race Classic after Play Boy Magazine sponsored a man to fly the race and the 99’s had no way to stop him from entering the contest that year.

(Fortunately he got lost on the first leg of the 3000 mile race).

Women in Aviation is another all women’s pilot organization, which specializes in supporting women who desire to make aviation a career. Both the 99’s and Women in Aviation offer scholarships.

Because less than 2% of the Airline Pilots have been women, most of the major air carriers will give a woman an interview even though there are numerous men that will not get the interview. If she is qualified, she will get the job.

Delta airlines also offers scholarships for women seeking a career as a pilot or in aviation maintenance.

Are women intimidated by flying? Perhaps some are at first, but any intimidation quickly gives way to exhilaration with learning. Women are naturals at being in control of their surroundings. They are ultimate multitaskers, often balancing a spouse, children, pets, cooking, cleaning, gardening, and household budget-all while pursuing a career. For them, learning to fly is just another task to be mastered.

Recently Susan asked some of her students and other female pilots why they fly.

Their replies were as varied as their lives; however a common underlying theme soon emerged-THEY ALL LOVE IT and ARE ENAMORED With the BEAUTY. There are approximately 600,000 US pilots of which approximately 6% are women, the average age of a pilot is 43. Recently Evelyn Bryan Johnson at the age of 97, retired from flight instruction.

A person must be 17 years of age to get his license, must read,write,speak English, have 40 hours flight time-20 of those with a flight instructor, pass a medical exam every two years if over 40 and every 5 if under 40 years of age. It is fairly easy to pass the medical: The person must have vision to be corrected to 20/40 in one eye, hear fairly well or use a hearing aide.

A pilot can be on insulin, have had by-pass surgery, can be on blood pressure medicinethe main disqualifying medicines are for seizures and depression. We even have

paraplegics that are flying.

Piloting an aircraft requires aeronautical knowledge, technical skill, and delicate control in the cockpit. After the first few lessons, women settle right into this new adventure and gain confidence as their abilities develop, overcoming any early trepidation they may have felt.

Most will discover that flying a small aircraft is a stress reliever.

Learning to fly is not difficult, it is just different. Each lesson generally takes about two hours. Between lessons, the student has approximately an hour of study. The total cost to get a license is around $6,000, pay as you go. It is an investment that will last a lifetime.

For more information, please call Susan at 828 413-3636, check out her web site: www. vfaviation.com or e-mail her at susan321ss@aol.com.

Aug 09 Sophie 3

Incredible Kids Corner

M

allory Bailey, an 11 year old young lady cares about other children. For the second time, Mallory has donated her hair to Locks of Love. The first time was in December 2006, when she donated Twelve inches of her beautiful Blond hair. Since then she has let her hair grow with the intention of donating her blond lock again. On June 15th, she had 11 inches cut for the Locks of Love program.

Mallory attends Balls Creek Elementary School where she will be in the 6th grade. She is involved in the PE Club and with Girls on the Run, as well as being involved in her church at Catawba Valley Baptist. Mallory plays softball with the Catawba Chaos and has danced for the last five years with Miss Treva School of Dance. Sophie Woman’s Magazine is proud to share Mallory’s story. She is no doubt the type of girl that shows her love thru her actions.

If you know of an Incredible Kid, please email the photo and a short story to: judy@sophiewomansmagazine.com

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4 Sophie Aug 09

Spirit

C

reative Vacation?

C

onsult Your Library

By Tammy Wilson Public Information Officer Catawba County Library System NEWTON—If you’re low on vacation cash this summer, Catawba County Library can help you plan fun and inexpensive getaways.

The mystery surrounding Abraham Lincoln’s North Carolina origins may send you to Rutherford County’s Bostic Lincoln Center. Details, including travel directions, about that are in The Tarheel Lincoln by Jerry Goodnight and Richard Eller.

How about something spooky?

Ghost-hunters can take travel cues from Stephanie Burt Williams’ Ghost Stories of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County or Ghost Tales from the North Carolina Piedmont

by Linda Duck Tananbaum and Barry McGee. Art lovers should consider Reynolda House in Winston-Salem, the 1917 country estate of the R. J. Reynolds Family that’s both garden and art museum.

Open to public view since 1965, the story of the place is told in Reynolda, A History of an American Country House by Barbara Mayer.

Gardeners who haven’t yet toured the Daniel J. Stowe

Botanical Garden near Belmont have missed a gem.

The grand garden opened officially in 1999. But who was Daniel Stowe? The fully illustrated autobiography of the businessman and nature lover and his family is contained in By Waters of the South Fork.

Believe in UFOs? You may after you read George W. Fawcett’s Quarter Century Studies of UFOs in Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee or Human Reactions to UFOs Worldwide. The Lincolnton author includes information about where the sightings took place.

Memories of Mayberry by Jewell Mitchell Kutzer is your guide to Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mt. Airy.

Read about the real Floyd’s Barber Shop, the Snappy Lunch, “Mount Pilot” and more before you head up I-77 to see for yourself.

For more information about the county library collection, contact any branch or log on to http://catawbacountync.gov/library.

Editor’s NOTE: This is the third of a series on inexpensive travel inspired by library resources.

We’ve Been There. . .

Women’s Health

• Pregnancy

• Surgery

• Childbirth

• Pelvic Pain

• Menopause • Abnormal Bleeding Vickie Lovin, MD

Denise Bilhorn, MD

Teri Herman, RN-C GONP

Alicia Walsh, MD

Lisa Largent, RN-C WHNP, ANP

Obstetrics & Gynecology Now Offering obstetric services at Catawba Valley Medical Center.

Laura Faruque, MD

Alyson Miletich, MD

Claire Harraghy, MD

Valerie Taylor, CNM MSN

Primary Care for Women

Anne Gonzalez, MD Janese Trivette, FNP Jennifer Ferrara, ANP

. . .We Understand At A Woman’s View, we know that our having “been there” helps our understanding of your problems. Sometimes, there’s nothing that can substitute for experience, whether it’s pregnancy childbirth, miscarriage, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, surgery or menopause.

No matter what your healthcare issue, we personally understand your situation.

A Woman’s View is now accepting new Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Primary Care Patients.

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oman’s

iew

healthcare for women by women

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Westover Park 915 Tate Blvd SE, Suite 170 Hickory, NC 28602 Hours: M - F 8 - 1 & 2 - 6 www.awomansview.com

Aug 09 Sophie 5

I Love

a Good Plan! by Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight” (NIV).

Friend To Friend When our children became teenagers, we realized that a new plan for their allowances was needed. Dan and I were tired of being asked for money by two teenagers who enjoyed the privilege of a regular and generous allowance. There seemed to be confusion about what their allowances should cover as opposed to those expenses that would fall under the responsibility of parental funding. For example, our son, Jered, would fill up his truck with gas and then drive my car. Our daughter, Danna, would buy a new pair of shoes and then need money for a movie. It was obvious to Dan and to me that a new plan was obviously needed.

Even though Jered and Danna seemed content with the old plan in place, we sat down with each one to make a list of what their allowances would cover, encouraging them to budget their money while setting aside part of each allowance for the special things they wanted to buy. The result was a clear plan of how much money they would receive and an exact list of what it was to cover. The confusion and frustration disappeared because the right plan was in place.

Having a plan does not guarantee success but having the right plan is a great start. We can work almost any plan and

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www.sophiewomansmagazine.com 6 Sophie Aug 09

experience some level of success, but to be all that we can be, we must find and follow the right plan -- God’s plan.

The story is told of a man whose Model T Ford broke down on the side of a country road. He opened the hood and was attempting to find and solve the problem -- with no success -- when another car pulled up behind him. A well-dressed, distinguished man got out of the car and asked if he could be of any service. Within minutes, he had the car running smoothly. The owner of the car was amazed and said, “Thank you for your help. How in the world did you find the problem and fix it?” With a smile, Henry Ford replied, “Well, I made this car, so I should be able to repair it.” The same is true when it comes to our lives. God created us in response to a perfect plan and purpose so when we stumble and fall or have no clue what the next step is, it only makes sense to turn to the One who created us.

In Proverbs 3:5-6, God promises to “make our paths straight” when we do three things: 1. Trust God. The word “trust” means to “to have confidence in” and to do so with an attitude of anticipation. In other words, when we choose to trust God and seek His plan, He will fill our heart with peace. God is not the author of confusion. More than we want to know His plan ... He wants us to know His plan.

2. Depend on God. When we depend wholly on God, we must abandon everything we are to everything He is.

To depend on God is to recognize Him as our source ... for everything.

3. Obey God. Obedience to God is the result of always keeping a “yes” in your heart when it comes to His truth and His plan at work in our life. An applied truth is a learned truth.

Before the Southerland family takes a trip, my husband, Dan, makes the plan. He makes reservations, books hotels, plans stops and makes it happen. We have come to trust his plans because we know he makes every choice in that plan for the good of his family. God’s plan for your life is good. Don’t miss it!

Let’s Pray Father, please help me become more dependent on You each day, seeking Your plan above my own. I want what You want for my life even though I don’t always understand the way You are working it out. I want to walk by faith -- not by sight. I want to rest in You -- instead of

in my own strength and power. Today, I choose You and celebrate Your perfect and good plan for my life.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn Take a few minutes to look back over your life.

• Can you remember a time when God’s plan seemed impossible to you? Why?

• How did you respond to God’s plan?

What was the outcome?

• Read and memorize Jeremiah 29:11.

• Choose right now to trust God’s heart even when you don’t understand His hand at work in your life.

More From The Girls Ouch! Surrendering to God’s plan is often difficult for me. I am so human! At times, I honestly act on some ridiculous premise that my plan is absolutely the right plan for my life. Looking back over the years, I now see so many times when my plan resulted in destruction and chaos. I also see that God’s plan has always led to peace and a clear purpose. Join me today in a new commitment to seek and do God’s plan. Blessings!

Need help discerning God’s plan for your life? Check out Mary’s online bible study, Light for the Journey, for a bible study that is practical and applicable for you ... right where you are.

Visit Mary’s online store and pick up a book, CD or download an MP3 for summer travel. Mary also has several E-Book Bible Studies that are perfect for your daily quiet time or even a small group bible study. Check it out! Girlfriends in God P.O. Box 725 Matthews, NC 28106 info@girlfriendsingod.com / www.girlfriendsingod.com

Promise Rings Peace Necklace

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Aug 09 Sophie 7

Unintended

by Kim Fletcher

Impact

How would you react if I called you a World Changer?

At Life Compass International, I spend my days investing in building World Changers, people who long to leave their world better because of their presence in it.

Whether you are a teenager, a stay-at-home parent or a CEO, you have a deep influence on those around you.

The most pro-active among us actually take time to consider and shape the impact we are having on others; however, most of us go through our days giving little thought to how people feel when they walk away from an interaction with us… I recently heard this referred to as our ‘unintended impact’.

When was the last time that you stopped to think about your unintended impact? Do you ever stop to consider how people feel when they have just been with you? Do they feel heard or missed? Do they feel valued? Do they feel controlled or empowered? Do they feel challenged to be their best? Do they feel inspired or discouraged?

I was recently reminded of the power of my own unintended impact… an encounter that made me stop and consider the influence I am having as I go about my daily life, often unaware of how people are impacted by me.

This encounter began when a dear friend received a $100.00 honorarium for a speaking event. Upon receiving the check, she later told me that God spoke to her and told her to pass it along to me. As she passed the check on to me, she told me that she knows she is ‘sowing into good soil’. Her vote of confidence in my vision boosted my faith and brought a level of encouragement that I wanted to pass along.

I decided to pass along $10.00 of this unexpected gift. I simply asked God to direct me to someone that I could encourage. Later that day, while doing some writing at a local coffee shop, a young man approached me. When I looked up from my laptop to greet him, I saw a cleaner cut version of a young fellow who used to work in this very place. I would often try to speak words of challenge and encouragement to him at a time when I sensed he was hurting and lacking direction. I had taken a casual interest in his life through quick conversations as he filled my order.

8 Sophie Aug 09

Today, a different young man stood before me. He was ‘dressed for success’. His demeanor carried a confidence and a kindness that made him seem more like a leader than a street-smart kid. He told me that he had hoped to run into me to tell me about his ‘new life’. He went on to tell me how he is trying to make good life choices and how he was recently blessed with a new job.

Instantly, I knew the $10.00 was meant for him. I took it from my pocket and simply told him the story of how the $100.00 had been given to me just yesterday. I went on to explain that God had placed it on my heart to pass along the blessing. I told him to take the $10.00 and buy himself a great lunch… and to sit and savor every bite as he thought about the fact that I value him and want to encourage him in his efforts to build a better life. I finished by telling him that I was proud of him.

In that instant, a look came over his face that made me think that this young man has probably not heard many people ever tell him that they are proud of him. Tears came to his eyes (and mine) as he took the gift in his hand.

He said softly, “I will take this as a seed”. I quickly told him how my friend had used those very words and that, like her, I was confident that I had just sown into ‘good soil’. He walked away encouraged and I walked away with a fresh reminder of how my own casual interactions leave a lasting impact.

Take some time today to consider your ‘unintended impact’ and make a commitment to be a World Changer, leaving those around you better because of their interactions with you!

Kim specializes in Transformational Life Coaching and Speaking. ‘Stop saying later’ to your next phase of personal or professional development.

Contact Kim directly for a FREE consultation on how her services might benefit you or your team. Please let us know if you have an idea for a future “Unlikely Mentor” article: 828 327 6702 / kimfletchercompass@ gmail.com / lifecompassinternational.org / kimfletchercompass.blogspot.com.

Tips For GRILLING Fish

(SPM Wire) With summer in full swing and the grilling season heating up, many are looking for something different - and more healthful - to toss onto the grill.

It’s no surprise that burgers and bratwurst are finding less room on the BBQ due to the increase in popularity of grilled fish, especially meatier options like salmon or tuna.

“Grilling has always been a healthy method of cooking,” said Frank Dulcich, president and CEO of Pacific Seafood Group. “Combined with the health benefits of fish, grilled salmon is a fun and delicious way to get Omega-3 fatty acids and a natural source of protein while enjoying a great meal you can feel good about.”

Here are some handy tips from the experts at Pacific Seafood for grilling fish: * If using a charcoal grill, group briquettes into a pyramid and ignite. When covered in ash, spread coals into a single layer in an area larger than the food on the grill. * If using a gas or electric grill, turn on the heat source 10

minutes prior to cooking.

* Fish cooks best over a medium to hot fire and shellfish requires a hot fire. * Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to extinguish any flare-ups. * Always start with a clean grill. * Wipe the grill with oil or other fat to keep the fish from sticking. * Start by grilling skin side down. If the skin has been removed, this side will be slightly darker. * Turn seafood only once. * Cook a total of six to twelve minutes per inch of thickness and avoid over-cooking.

For information about the health benefits of fish and easy recipes, visit www.pacseafood.com.

Celebrate YourMake Health We’ll Always Timethis For Spring!

You! Let your Medicap Pharmacy® store be your source for the most current information on menopause, osteoporosis, hormone replacement, calcium and natural supplements, as well as many other women’s issues.

At your local Medicap Pharmacy® store, you’ll receive expert advice on the vitamins and supplements that are best for women! Stop in Today!

Two Convenient Locations!

Ron Harwell, R.Ph. 317 - 1st St East Conover 464-4491

Melinda Long Travis, R.Ph. 401 West A St. Newton 466-1500

Aug 09 Sophie 9

STUFF THE BUS AT

ABERNETHY LAURELS NEWTON, NC – Abernethy Laurels, a continuing care retirement community in Newton, NC is once again a drop-off site for Catawba County United Way’s Volunteer Center “STUFF THE BUS” school supply drive.

Abernethy Laurels residents are committed to helping Catawba County United Way’s Volunteer Center make certain that kids in our three school systems will be prepared for the new school year. The “Stuff the Bus” barrel at Abernethy Laurels is located in the main lobby just outside the Gift Shop. School supplies such as notebook paper, pencils, rulers, pens, are just a few of the items that the kids will need when returning to school.

In today’s hard economic times, some families simply do not have the money to provide the necessary items for their kids; this is where United Way and Abernethy Laurels looks to you, our residents, our staff and our visitors to help us fill the barrel and provide the school supplies these kids need. The school supply drive runs through August 10th. Please help us “Stuff the Bus” for Catawba County’s kids!

Abernethy Laurels, a not-for-profit retirement community located on a gently rolling 120-acre site in Newton, NC, offers a casual, warm atmosphere, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is easily accessible to Charlotte, Hickory and Asheville. Abernethy Laurels combines elegant independent housing with full-service accommodations on a fee-for-service basis. For more information, visit www.abernethylaurels.org or call toll free 877-637-7941 or 828-465-8552.

Babysitter Training Course

Sat. August 15th 9:00am - 3:30pm Register TODAY 828-322-4151

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11-15 year old participants will learn to...

Care for children and infants.

Be a good leader and role model.

Make good decisions Keep the children you babysit and yourself safe Handle emergencies such as injuries, illnesses and household accidents.

Write resumes and interview for jobs.

REGISTER TODAY! (828) 322 - 4151 course fee $45.00 VISA - MASTERCARD - DISCOVER - AMERICAN EXPRESS

Catawba Valley Chapter American Red Cross

409 8th AVE NE / P.O. Box 1329 Hickory, North Carolina 28603

10 Sophie Aug 09

Blackberry 101 Returning To Library NEWTON—How-to sessions about Blackberry com munications will be offered free this summer at Catawba County Library in Newton.The sessions will be led by communications specialist Jeremy Smith, who will explain the various features of Blackberry technology. The public is invited to attend the class from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, in the auditorium on ground level. Additional sessions will be held at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 18 and Sept. 22.

In essence the Blackberry is a large mobile phone with additional features including the ability to send, receive and compose emails, write letters and other documents, make telephone calls, organize schedules and even show videos.

Pre-registration is not required. For more information about the class, contact Regina Reitzel at Catawba County Library, 465-8663.

MAINLIBRARY CATAWBA COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM 115 West C Street Newton, NC 28658

RETIREMENT Boomers Forced to CHANGE PLANS

(StatePoint) It’s not exactly boom to bust, but many Americans nearing retirement are being forced to revamp their retirement plans due to the economic downturn. A new survey of Baby Boomers at the age of 60 reveals many now are planning to work longer and cut spending.

Almost 75 percent have reduced spending, with more than half of affluent 60 year-olds revamping their retirement plans -- double the number who reported making changes a year ago, according to the fourth annual national “Affluent Boomers at 60 Survey” by Bell Investment Advisors.

“It is critical for investors to realize there is no bailout package for retirement,” said Jim Bell, founder and president of Bell Investment Advisors. “The current economic situation is a wake-up call for investors at 60 to have a clear retirement plan that incorporates a sound investment strategy.”

Of those who report changing their retirement plans, two out of three are delaying retirement to add more working years. And when it comes to investing, the majority of aging Boomers surveyed think the stock market is too risky for people their age. The goal for many is to rebuild retirement savings hard hit by tough times.

“Merely increasing savings and working longer will not fill the gap for most Boomers approaching retirement,” said Bell. “Recent stock market volatility has many Boomers reconsidering risk, but it’s criti-

cal to keep in mind that when you reduce investment risk you also reduce the upside potential to rebuild wealth. Boomers who choose to wait for a market recovery to decide when to reinvest will miss early gains.”

According to the experts at Bell, there are several smart money moves to consider: * Determine How Much You Need: One rule is to multiply your annual income needs in retirement by 20. If your investments can average at least an eight percent return annually, you can plan to withdraw up to five percent yearly in retirement. * Create A Withdrawal Plan: A few years prior to retirement create this plan. Consider setting aside up to five years of your projected income needs toward lower risk investments, such as fixed-income funds. This can help protect money needed for the first years of retirement, enabling you to weather short-term market downturns. * Don’t Bank Heavily On Your Home: Many think their homes are worth more than they are. Also, to realize its value, you’ll have to move to a lower cost home which will require cash up front, plus moving expenses.

* Plan To Live Long: The average life expectancy is approaching 90, so invest a portion of your portfolio in long-term investments.

IF YOU’RE NOT AT YOUR LAST JOB,

YOUR 401 (k)

SHOULDN’T BE EITHER. Leaving a 401(k) with a previous employer could mean leaving it alone with no one to watch over it.

At Edward Jones, we can explain options for your 401(k) and help you select the one that’s best for you. If you’d like to roll it over into an Edward Jones IRA, we can help you do it without paying taxes or penalties. So you can feel confident someone is looking out for you and your 401(k).

To find out why it makes sense to talk with Edward Jones about your 401(k) options, call or visit your local financial advisor today.

Michelle L Jenkins

353 Sanford Drive Morganton, NC 28655 Michelle L. Jenkins 828-433-5377353 Sanford Drive

Morganton, NC 28655 828-433-5377

Karen H Hewitt

2471 Springs Road N.E. Karen H. Hewitt Hickory, NC 28601 2471 Springs Road N.E. 828-256-5660 Hickory, NC 28601 828-256-5660

Merry S Boone

215-B First Avenue S W Hickory, NC 28602 Merry S. Boone 828-304-1023 215-B First Ave. SW Hickory, NC 28602 828-304-1023

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

Take Out Orders Available

Drink Specials

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Monday-Wednesday LUNCH

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Open 7 Days A Week!

Mon.-Thurs 11am-10pm Fri.- 11am-10:30pm Sat.- 11:30am- 10:30pm Sun.-11:30am- 9:30pm

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Aug 09 Sophie 11

G

STRONGER irls Need

f

emale Role Models

(StatePoint) According to educators and researchers, girls need strong female role models to succeed at school and in life.

However, in the frenzied wake of national spectacles like Britney Spears or Lindsey Lohan, a scarcity of intelligent and strong female role models appear in books, TV shows and music -- which is causing increasing concern for parents and teachers alike.

is the author of the new young adult adventure novel, “Curse of the Shamra,” which squarely aims to present a healthy role model to adolescent girls through its fallible yet confident female protagonist.

On a recent 30-city radio tour, Hoffman explained that though opportunities for women are opening up, outdated thinking still persists when it comes to designated roles of men and women in popular culture, politics and business.

Indeed, a survey conducted last year by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers in England found that inappropriate pop stars and celebrities topped the list of role models for adolescents.

Driving home the problem was hotel heiress and reality TV star Paris Hilton, who came in sixth on the list.

“Sadly, far too many adolescent and teenage girls in the U.S. have lost the confidence and selfesteem they possessed in grade school,” says Barry Hoffman, author, former grade school teacher of 30 years and father of three.

“They are exposed to characters in contemporary literature and media who play second fiddle to male leads or are portrayed as weak and submissive, following teenage boys as if they don’t have minds of their own.”

Popular book and film franchises, such as the mega-successful “Twilight” series, are touted as premier young adult entertainment. However, although “Twilight” has reached millions of tween and teenage girls, some criticize it for doing so without a strong, trustworthy and admirable female protagonist. The gothic story depicts a female teenager willing to dispose of

12 Sophie Aug 09

Girls respond best to books with strong young female role models who can help them build self-esteem and confidence said Hoffman, whose new book depicts a young girl taking control of her life rather than being defined by her male or other hierarchal or societal relationships. The story shows what happens when a society is threatened by outsiders and only a teenage girl stands between freedom and slavery.

her mortal life for the crush she has on her high school vampire boyfriend.

Many studies, issued by such organizations as the National Eating Disorders Association, Temple University, the Girl Scout Research Institute and others, show that girls are consistently faced with negative messages in popular culture -- from nearunachievable body images to submissiveness. Many of the messages promoted by fictional

characters and media creations stand in stark contrast to current, real-life role models such as Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Meg Whitman and Oprah Winfrey, among others.

“Parents and teachers need to provide adolescent girls with reading material that will empower and excite them, by showcasing female characters to whom they can relate. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough books like this,” stresses Hoffman, who

Hoffman, who currently lives on a teacher’s pension, also feels strongly about giving back to one’s community. Heeding the message of President Obama, he is donating 10,000 copies of his new young adult novel, “Curse of the Shamra,” to middle school readers and underprivileged kids and students nationwide.

Schools, libraries, organizations and individuals can visit www.

ShamraChronicles.com, to be considered as recipients for his donation.

“As an author,” Hoffman says, “this is my way of giving back.”

The Front Porch

By Judy Smith My granddaughter Emily loves to play on my Wii. I have to admit that it is a lot of fun and a big hit with all the grandkids. The problem is that because she is so small, she is not able to do some of the things that are required to keep it going. One of her favorite things is baseball but she does not quite comprehend the difference between being the batter or the pitcher. Trying to explain some of the techniques usually just complicates matters so we just yell and cheer no matter what happens.

up to the plate! My fast balls were so astonishingly fast that you never knew where they would wind up. Except for the times they hit the batter and that was not my fault.

I always told them they were standing to close to the plate.

Surely you had some of those same experiences.

How wonderful it was to see Emily outside playing ball instead of just inside on some electronic version of the real fun. She had us all involved in her new experience.

We were getting fresh air, some fun exercise, great family time together, lots of laughter and memories to share.

When is the last time you picked up a bat and ball and let the kid in you unwind and throw that fast ball? BATTER UP!

When she came over the other day though, she was so excited and did not ask for the Wii. The reason was because her mom and dad had bought her a foam bat and ball. She could not wait to show how she could hit that ball and make a “home run”. Of course her home run didn’t actually have bases and a field but we cheered anyway.

How often I played ball with all my cousins on Sunday afternoons. My mom would put out a feast of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, pintos, homemade biscuits. That was just a few of the foods, not to mention all the desserts she made and our whole family would spend Sunday’s together, adults solving the problems of the world while all us kids had the most wonderful time together. We did not have expensive toys like Game Boys or Wii’s. Why some of the times our bat and ball might just have been a stick and whatever we could find to hit. If we did have a ball, I can assure you it was almost to pieces. Of course, you know who the best ball player was, don’t you? Yes, it was me (unless you asked one of my brothers or cousins).

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Aug 09 Sophie 13

Have What It Takes To Be A Wedding Planner?

Have you ever been to a wedding and thought to yourself that it would be great to be able to plan and execute a successful wedding. . Maybe you watched the “Wedding Planner” and walked away thinking that would be an awesome career.

More and more women are utilizing wedding planners because they are waiting later in life and are often too busy to make their dream wedding a reality. Wedding planning is a multimillion dollar business that is growing every year. But do you have what it takes?

Here are some attributes of successful wedding planners.

You do not have to possess all of them, but it will give a good idea if you really want to consider this highly lucrative career.

 Persistence. Wedding planners never take “no” or “it won’t work” as an answer they will keep working until the wedding is perfect.  Independent personality. A successful wedding planner is a leader and takes charge of situations.  Visionary. A wedding planner must be able to see and understand the bride’s vision of her wedding. A clear and creative mind is best.  Self driven. A wedding planner takes personal initiative and strives for excellence. They are not afraid to go after their goals.  High Energy. Wedding planners work hard and they must have the endurance to see projects through to the end. There is only one chance to get a wedding right.  Strong backbone. A wedding planner must be steadfast and strong. They must be able to demand that vendors produce what they promise and not back down when there is resistance.  Creativity. Being creative is a must for a wedding

planner. You must be able transform a plain room into a bride’s fantasy.  Integrity. A wedding planner must be able to deliver what they promise.  High tolerance. Wedding planners will have to deal with brides that are rather vague in their vision. It may take time to tease out the details.  Good work Ethic- As mentioned earlier, wedding planning is a hard job. The payoff is great, but this often does not occur until the last guest leaves the reception and everything has been cleaned up. Wedding planning is not a nine-to-five job and most of the hard work occurs on weekends.  Self-confidence. Wedding planners must believe in themselves and their skills at creating memorable weddings. This does not mean that they have to be pompous, but it does mean that they need to be sure of themselves.

Brides are usually emotional wrecks; a steadfast confident wedding planner can be the rock they hold onto.  Innovative. Successful wedding planners know that fashions and trends change constantly. They are always up to date and on the cutting edge. Sometimes they are called upon to breathe new life into an old idea.  Problem-solving skills. Wedding planners must be quick on their feet and be able to fix problems quickly and efficiently.  Reliability and dependability. Can you image what it would be like if the wedding started in thirty minutes and the wedding planner had not arrived yet? It would be the last wedding they worked. Word of mouth would sink them. It is important to have a solid reputation.  Highly Organized- Wedding planners need to be able to keep track of details of multiple weddings at once.

If they do not have strong organizational skills they might make errors that can ruin a wedding day.

Do the items in this list sound like you? You can make a lot of money while having the time of your life. Every weekend you will be at a party that you helped create.

If you are interested in finding about how to become a wedding planner check out my book How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Wedding Consultant & Planning Business (With Companion CDROM). You can order them at http://osirispapers.books.officelive.com.

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14 Sophie Aug 09

How To Teach Kids Safety Skills

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“We can’t be with our child every minute,” says Judy Curran, coordinator of children’s safety outreach programs for Western New England College in Springfield, MA, which holds an annual national conference on children’s safety. “Children need to learn effective selfdefense skills against abusers and sexual predators.”

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“Armed with just a handful of hours of safety education, children can be an integral part of stopping violence,” she says. “Decisions made in the first few moments can drastically change the outcome.”

Curran stresses that it’s not enough to inform kids about potential perils. Information must be followed with solutions to the problems.

With young children, every safety concept must be followed with an activity to reinforce the concept. “Children should be taught to yell, run and to defend themselves if someone tries to grab them,” she points out.

“They need a foundation of safety education to build on for the rest of their lives.”

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“Too many of us see violence against children as an unfortunate but inevitable part of life,” says Curran. By involving kids in their own self-defense, however, children become empowered and learn to replace the fear, confusion, and panic of dangerous situations with confidence, personal safety skills, and self-esteem.

Parents should check if their local schools or other organizations offer well-established self-defense programs for children, such as RadKids or others. *****

Aug 09 Sophie 15

You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

by The FlyLady, Marla Cilley

Most of my life I have been very self-conscious of reading aloud.

I automatically assumed that it was not blessed with that ability.

In fact it was very painful for me and everyone who would have to listen to me. This past week I have been reading aloud the book that Leanne Ely and I wrote, Body Clutter. Leanne and I were in a recording studio. At one point I was just about in tears over my inability to say a whole sentence smoothly.

I decided to take a break and breathe. That is when Leanne told me a little secret about how to read a sentence, paragraph and even a whole page. She said for me to read phrases. Then she came over to my music stand and read as she took her finger and went from the start of the sentence to the first comma or conjunction. She made little swooping motions. We called the phrases scallops. She asked me to read the paragraph in scallops and I did it; the very first time.

I was blown away by the simple fact that I just did it effortlessly! It flowed as if I were standing on stage talking to you.

I could even talk with my hands because I was feeling the words not just saying them. I could not believe the difference in how I felt and the quality of the oral interpretation.

Why had I always assumed that it was me? Because that is what we do! We decide that we just can’t do something and we either don’t even try or beat ourselves up when we don’t do it to suit ourselves. What I was doing was not loving to me! Even though I knew I was smart; not reading well made me feel stupid. I could get up on stage and talk for three hours but I could not read one line of text without it feeling awkward.

I started to think about other times when I had that awkward feeling. It was in aerobics class. I was aerobically challenged and could not clap my hands and kick my feet at the same time. My teacher taught me how to not feel intimidated by the learning process. She said to practice the feet movements to one little section. As those steps become automatic you can add your arm movements. That worked! I was neither clumsy nor stupid. I was just trying to do too many things at once. ALL I NEEDED WAS BABYSTEPS! BabySteps help us get to where we are going. They keep us from being too hard on ourselves and keep us calm! I think it is so wonderful that we just have to be gentle with ourselves to accomplish our dreams. I would like to thank Leanne for using babysteps to help me FLY! The visual of scallops helped me to focus on what worked for me! You can teach old dogs new tricks!

For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, check out her website and join her free life coaching at www.

FlyLady.net , listen to her channel www.blogtalkradio.com/flylady show or read her books, Sink Reflections published by Bantam and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter published by Fireside. Copyright 2009 Marla Cilley Used by permission in this publication.

16 Sophie Aug 09

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PART-TIME

IS

Today almost half (42%) of all households are two-income households. Conventional economic theory and perhaps common sense would say that having a second wage-earner will make the family more resilient in the face of unemployment or unforeseen financial setbacks than a traditional family with only one wage-earner.

There’s also the idea that two incomes enable a family to save more and have more breathing room with regard to bills.

However, there is an entirely different school of thinking that says the increase in the number of two-income households with both parties working full time is reactionary.

It’s because families choose not to make it on one salary alone. Or, rather because we’ve become a society of big wants, we’ve pushed the tides in the favor of the twoincome household. Larger homes, newer cars, child care, and the “keeping up with the Joneses” mindset are contributors to this employment culture.

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For families looking to explore all sides of the employment conundrum, working part-time can be factored into the decision-making process, particularly for those who are concerned about living on one salary alone. This opens up more doors for individuals trying to create a better work-family balance.

Families with young children could be those who benefit the most from having one adult work part-time rather than two full-time workers. Let’s explore the pluses and minuses to the part-time equation.

Part-time Work Pros 1. More time for family: Fewer days spent working and shorter hours free up more time for home life. That can help reduce stress and lessen feelings of guilt over working rather than sharing time with the kids or spouse.

2. Tax benefits: Part-time workers will not make as much as full-time counterparts. While that means less of a salary, there will also be fewer taxes taken out of the check.

Also, smaller earnings may drop a household into a lower

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18 Sophie Aug 09

tax bracket. Consider talking with an accountant to see how much you would save if you took a pay cut with a part-time position.

3. Save money on certain expenses: Working part-time could enable you to cut back on child care expenses.

Today child care costs many families several thousand dollars per year. Many full-time salaries go strictly to transportation costs, clothing, food, and child care.

Eliminating some of those expenses could benefit the family.

4. Stress reduction: Do you fret over taking a day off when your child is sick? What about if you have an after-school appointment? A flexible part-time schedule can enable you to work around events that may foil a full-time schedule.

Part-Time Work Cons 1. Less money: The first down side to working part time is that you’ll earn less money. This will involve taking a look at expenses and making cuts. It may also prevent you from buying “bigger and better,” if that is a priority to you.

2. Passed up at work: Because of your part-time status, you may be passed up for high-profile assignments or others may give work to those who are around fulltime. Others may view you as on the “mommy or daddy track” rather than looking for advancement.

3. Loss of benefits: Some companies do not offer health benefits or 401(k) participation for part-time workers.

Therfore, you’ll have to see if the family can be put on a spouse’s plan.

4. Full-time work, part-time pay: It can be possible that work responsibilities slowly increase even though you are on part-time status. Therefore, you may end up doing more or putting in a couple of more hours without being reimbursed as a full-time worker.

5. Child care: It may be more difficult securing child care on a part-time basis. Some centers or schools have a minimum amount of days or time for students.

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Aug 09 Sophie 19

10 Questions Wedding To Ask Your Caterer (Family Features) A great caterer will do more than just make good food. He or she will pay great attention to details, making sure the presentation is just right, the food and wine are served at the right temperature, the servers are well-groomed and attentive and that clean-up is efficient and thorough.

So how do you make sure the caterer you hire is a great one?

By asking the right questions.

May I have references?

Most caterers get their busi

ness from word of mouth. Ask for at least 10 former clients and call as many as you can.

Ask questions such as • Was the caterer easy to work with?

• Was the service efficient and non-intrusive?

• Was the food delicious, and did it arrive hot?

• Were there any problems that came up and how did the caterer deal with them?

Do you have a business license and liability insurance?

Caterers should be licensed by

the state. Usually licenses are displayed in the office, but if you’re not positive, then ask to see it. Make sure you see proof of liability insurance as well.

Can we sample from a typical wedding menu?

Catering can be a large part of your wedding budget.

Make sure you know what it is you’ll be getting for your money. Take your spouse-tobe and a friend with you to the tasting so that you can get varied opinions. Some caterers will charge a tasting fee, but it’s worth it.

May I see photographs of your table displays?

Some caterers who provide buffets or food stations include floral arrangements and other decorations. It’s also a good idea to discuss your color theme so that decorations and floral arrangements coordinate What does the price per person include?

Is the cost strictly for food, or does it cover tables, chairs, linens, tableware, punch service, table displays, etc.?

What other fees do you charge?

Are tips and taxes included in the price? Some caterers will charge a cake-cutting fee or corking fee for wines. Make sure you get all fees in writing up front.

Sophie’s Bride Of The Month Congratulations To Our July Winners

Nayelia Diaz

Heather Moser

Both women received prizes from Dot’s Women’s Wear and Carved Melon. Both winners will be entered in the Sophie Bride of the Year contest and eligible to win fabulous prizes from our 30 participating local vendors.

To enter, simply send a picture along with a short story about why you should be chosen to win. We will post the stories online and announce the winners each month on our website and in our magazine.

20 Sophie Aug 09

Send your submission to: bride@sophiewomansmagazine.com

Do you handle special menu requests?

You may have guests with special menu needs, such as food allergies, vegan or kosher requirements. Make sure your caterer will accommodate these needs. Some couples want to have a special family recipe at the reception – grandma’s meatballs or foods from the family’s ethnic traditions. Find out if your caterer will personalize your menu with these kinds of items.

Do you offer cakes?

Ask if your caterer offers wedding and groom’s cakes, and find out if they are included in the price.

Will you pack us a “doggie bag” for after the reception?

Sometimes the wedding couple is so busy at the reception that they have very little time to eat anything. Attentive

caterers will prepare small boxes of food for the couple to enjoy when they are finally alone.

What are the payment arrangements?

You need to find out how much of a deposit is required, and if it’s refundable or not.

Ask when the final payment is due and what the caterer’s preferred form of payment is.

When you finally settle on a caterer, make sure you have a written contract to sign. This guarantees that they will provide the food, timelines and details you discussed.

Asking these 10 questions will help you choose the

right caterer to help make your wedding a truly special celebration.

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Aug 09 Sophie 21

T E E

College Prep:

SWDorm 101:

Home

Tips To Help You Save Time And Money (MS) -- With millions of students headed to college this fall, chances are you may know a member of the graduating class of 2009. Soon both grads and their parents will begin seeking advice on how to prepare for this exciting but challenging time of life. Challenges like what to bring, how to get it to school and how to fit it into a room the size of a closet can seem daunting -- the experts at Bed Bath & Beyond recommend following some simple steps to help make getting to school as stress free as possible without breaking the bank.

“For years, Bed Bath & Beyond has been helping students and parents save time and money,” commented Bari Fagin of Bed Bath & Beyond. “We have developed many tools and tips for students and parents -- whether it’s using our comprehensive checklist, reading ‘College Insider’ on our Web site or seeking the help of one of our in-store experts.

We’re here to help make going off to college as simple and stress free as possible.”

Fagin offers the following suggestions to help students and parents save time and money: * Check it Out! Check with your school before you shop to learn about the specific rules and regulations of your on-campus housing. This will help make sure you don’t spend your money on things your school won’t allow or things that may be provided. * Check it Off. Use a comprehensive checklist to figure out what you need to buy and what you can take from home. Bed Bath & Beyond has a checklist that can be found in all stores and online at bedbathandbeyond.com. * Split it Up. Students should reach out to their roommates before they shop to decide who is bringing what so they avoid bringing (and buying) duplicates. They can split up the checklist online, discuss a color scheme and 22 Sophie Aug 09

CAPTION: Simple steps can make the transition to Home Sweet Dorm easier. Photo courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond(R).

even e-mail their future roommate their selections using the “E-mail a friend” feature . * Cheat Sheet. Many college and university dorms have twin extra long mattresses -- make sure you know which yours has before you select your bedding to avoid return trips to the store. * Find it Here, Pick up Near School! Bed Bath & Beyond stores offer a unique “Pack & Hold(R)” service that eliminates the hassle of packing the car or the cost of renting a moving van. Simply shop at a store near home and then pick the items up at the store near college. * If You Forget it, Don’t Sweat it! Bed Bath & Beyond offers a college/store locator on their Web site so you can easily find the store closest to college to pick up the things you forgot to bring -- like hangers, extension cords and surge protectors.

Visit Bed Bath & Beyond stores nationwide or online at www.bedbathandbeyond.com and let the experts make getting to college a lot easier than it was to get in.

-------

Summer Rubber Chicken

By Leanne Ely CNC

In the midst of summer, even grilling outside can get tedious and hot. Sure, you’ve kept the house cool by going outside to do your cooking, but baby it’s hot outside!

So what do you say we grill once, and get three meals out of it? This is what I do to get Rubber Chicken—Summer Rubber Chicken that is (I will share my winter Rubber Chicken with you later). How do you do that you say?

Glad you asked, check it out— Day One: Marinate as much chicken as you need to make three meals.

Let’s say you are a family of 5; you will use 12 chicken breasts total (which is how many are often in 2 bags of individually frozen chicken breast halves; the boneless ones).

What I do is marinate 12 breasts in two zipper topped plastic bags (6 each) with teriyaki sauce, balsamic vinegar, a squeeze of lemon or lime, garlic powder, oregano and a liberal grinding of pepper. Or if I’m in a huge hurry, I’ll split a bottle Italian salad dressing between the two bags and call it a day. Remember, the longer you marinate, the more time the flavors of your marinade have to

infuse themselves in your chicken. In other words, I’d do this first thing in the morning so your chicken is wonderful that night.

On your outdoor grill, barbecue ALL of the chicken, reserving 6 cooked breasts for later. I will serve coleslaw, green salad and maybe a potato salad with the meal. The breakdown of the 12 breasts is 6 used the first night (your husband or teenager will volunteer to eat the extra one), 3 used the second night and the last night, 3 used again.

Day Two: Take 3 of the leftover chicken breasts and cube them for Chicken Taco Salad. Use a bag of prewashed salad (I like the spring mix), shredded cheese, a can of drained and rinsed black beans, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, chopped tomatoes and anything else you like. Toss altogether with a little Italian dressing and you’ve got a nice dinner. You can make quesadillas to go with this salad, if you like.

Day Three: Take the remaining chicken breasts and chop for Summer Chicken Salad Sandwiches. Add chopped hard-boiled egg, chopped red onion, pesto (you can buy it in a jar or make it if you have a bounty of basil), mayo (use low fat), salt and pepper to taste. Serve on hearty wheat rolls with sliced tomato and leaves of

Dinner Diva Romaine lettuce. Add a tossed salad and you’re there!

There you have it—Summer Rubber Chicken. Chicken cooked once and stretched into 3 tasty and easy meals!

Notice we never turned on any appliance in the kitchen—your kitchen will stay cool and so will you!

For more help putting dinner on your table check out Leanne’s website www.SavingDinner.com or her Saving Dinner Book series (Ballantine) and her New York Times Best Selling book Body Clutter (Fireside). Copyright 2009 Leanne Ely. Used by permission in this publication.

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Easy Methods to Keep Up Organization For the Home

By Jill BorashÂ

Jill Borash is a professional organizer and internet marketer in Denver, Colorado. Her interests include yoga, baking, personal growth and development, and helping others save ... ...

keeping on top of your progress and to continue going.

Maintaining your organization for the home plan in position does require a trifle of exertion and planning but the tiny quantities of time you spend preserving it as coordinated adds up to not having to reorganize your household all over again in 6 months or a year. All you must do is acquire a plan, stick to it and carry through with yourself. Additional assistance for your home at http://www.

YourHomeIsOrganized.com.

When you really consider it, making your household organized is the simple part, it is sustaining it as organized that poses the most problematic challenge. You at last got all of that paper off of your kitchen counter but what is the way you keep it off? Once everyone has finally gotten their things and their rooms coordinated, how do you continue to keep yourself, your kids, your family members organized? Keeping your organization for the home is not as hard as you may believe it is. It merely involves a bit of considering and action.

The starting thing that you must do is prepare a plan. How often do you have to keep up with particular organising tasks? Daily? Weekly? Bi-weekly? Monthly? Yearly?

Decide on which of your organization for the home jobs fall into each of these categories and list them out in that method. Working over the mail may be a everyday project. Paying the bills might be a weekly or bi-weekly task.

In order for you to feel as if you possess an organized house, resolve what needs to be done when.

Once you get this list, maintain it in a principal position which you look at frequently or add it to your calendar.

Be sure that you schedule in time to your life to be certain that these things get finished. For your monthly and yearly organization for the home jobs, associate a date with them.

Commit in your calendar when you will make those items done by or when you will start out working at that organizing labor. Making the plan is good but you have to be sure that you act on that plan.

Another matter which is great to do is to have regularly scheduled organizing meetings with yourself. I understand that might sound silly but bear with me a second. Holding a weekly meeting with yourself might aid you in understanding what has gone straightforwardly that week, what has not, and what you might have to correct and where you must spend extra time for the forthcoming week. This does not need to be prolonged, 10-15 minutes should be enough time to make it worked out. This meeting time is a grand time to figure out if there are areas of your plan that are not effective and the way to fix them. It aids you in

Aug 09 Sophie 25

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T

urning Points Of Your Life

July 7th is a significant date in my life. Seventeen years ago on that day I broke up with my fiancé. We had been dating for 3 years and planned on getting married after graduating from college. But the last six months of that relationship was filled with more conflict than fun. We were growing apart and this lead to arguments about the amount of time we spent together.

Eventually we both concluded it was best if we ended our relationship.

Even though this was a mutual agreement, I felt like I was lost. Everything that I had planned for the past three years now was up in the air.

What did I want out of life?

What was I going to do now after graduation?

Have you been there in your personal or business life? I’m sure you have because it is part of the maturing process that we all must go through. In my own business I have seen times when I have questioned if I made the right decision to leave the corporate world. I have had nights of wondering what to do next.

When we get to these points there are some qualities that true leaders and winners rely on – faith, perseverance, confidence and an optimistic outlook.

Economic times like these can take a toll on our confidence and quite frankly it is easier to give up now than

by: Jody Williams

any other time. Everyone is failing, so I will just be able to blame it on the economy. It breaks my heart when I drive around town and see businesses that have closed down.

I know that for each one there is a story of disappointment, financial difficulty and lost dreams. I wish I could have talked to and helped these business owners prior to their closing. When we are in the middle of tough times it can be hard to see the opportunities and all the options we may have.

Change can be scary and we may have to force ourselves to make changes.

“In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” We get into the habit of continuing to do what we have always done hoping that we will somehow get better results. The old saying of “don’t fix it if it isn’t broken” can lead to one of the biggest reasons for business failure complacency. If you aren’t growing and learning, you’re dying. We need to continue to look for ways to improve ourselves and our team. When was the last time you invested in new technology, training, or classes for you and your team? If you don’t stay aware of new trends, you will get left behind.

In every challenge

there are opportunities, things to learn, and ways to improve.

Never get to the point that you think you have made it to the top. Michael Jordon continued to practice everyday when he was playing in the NBA. Tiger Woods works on his drivesso that when he needs to put it in the right place to win the tournament, he knows he can.

If you continue to grow and learn about your business and trade, you will find new opportunities when the competition is just trying to survive.

In today’s economy, what can you do to transform your business? What services could you offer as an enhancement to your current services and products? What businesses could you partner with to offer your customers a greater value by combining similar products together? These are the types of ideas and conversations that you need to be having now. Stop worrying about survival and start thinking of new ideas for growth. Make today a turning point for your business life.

I mentioned above that July 7th is a significant turning point in my life and said that 17 years ago on that date I ended a relationship. The rest of the story is that on July 7th, 14 years ago I had my first date with the incredible woman who is now my wife.

What seemed to be a terrible loss of direction, turned into a blessing and wonderful journey that has added more joy to my life than I could ever have imagined. Just when things seem the darkest, is when the heavens will open up and a bright light of the future will come shining in.

This can be true for your business today. Look for the opportunities. Challenge yourself and your team to be positive and creative. Reward new ideas from your team and cheerful attitudes. If you will do this, you will see amazing things begin to happen for you.

Coach Jody Williams, MBA Action Business Coaching Jodywilliams@actioncoach. com www.actioncoaching.com/ jodywilliams 828-466-2279

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Aug 09 Sophie 27

D

28 Sophie Aug 09

olly

ecorina

10 tips for 10 critical minutes: Important steps for reducing your financial, legal and medical headaches after an accident

(MS) -- You swerve, hit the brakes and hope for the best.

But the worst occurs, sending your car careening into danger -- and a lot of damage.

What you do in the next 10 minutes could have a critical impact on the outcome of your accident from a financial, legal and personal perspective. Who you call, what you say, and how you record the details of the event all are important in the long-term resolution and repair of your collision.

“There are some six million auto accidents every year,” says Dan Bailey, president and chief operating officer for CARSTAR, the nation’s largest chain of collision centers. “That means one in eight people will be involved in a crash this year alone, according to the National Safety Center. With these kinds of odds, it is important to be prepared so you can react calmly, quickly and intelligently when an accident happens.”

Bailey, a collision repair expert, offers the following tips for anyone involved in an accident.

1. Create a collision kit for your car. Include copies of your vehicle registration and insurance verification card so you can keep a copy and leave one in your vehicle in case it is towed for repairs. Also include a sketch pad and pencil, disposable camera, flares, bottled water, and a first aid kit. For a downloadable accident report form that will help you gather the information at the scene, visit www. carstar.com/resources.

2. Call 911 first. Provide as much detail as possible about the location of the accident and the condition of those involved.

3. Remain calm and collected. Even though you may be scared or even injured, it’s important to stay as calm as possible. Don’t say the accident was your fault or make any statement that might be used against you later. Be tactful and courteous, even if you’re angry. If the other people involved in the accident are belligerent, don’t argue with them. Let the police be the intermediary.

4. Turn off your car and avoid danger. Turn off the engine and leave the car where it is if you feel it is safe. Use the hazards if it is dark. If the car is in danger of being hit, drive slowly to the side of the road or a well-lit parking lot. Warn other motorists to proceed around the accident with caution.

5. Assess your condition. If you think you’re hurt in any way, stay in your car. Only accept medical help from a professional -- and provide medical help to others ONLY if you’re trained to do so. Provide honest, detailed information to medical personnel so they can treat you.

6. Call a friend or family member. A close friend or family member can provide support and help collect the accident details. If you are transported for medical care, they can remain behind at the scene.

7. Record the accident details. Photograph the cars involved and traffic conditions. Sketch what happened, including street names, road signs and details on car movements. Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and license plates of those involved.

8. Identify the witnesses. Look for other drivers and bystanders who may have seen the accident. Get their names, addresses, phone numbers, and their recollection of the accident.

9. Have a collision plan in place. Know where you’d like to have your car repaired ahead of time so you don’t have to make a sudden decision. CARSTAR Collision Service offers high-quality, reliable repair service in 27 states and 10 Canadian provinces. Just call 1-800-CARSTAR when you have an accident and they will send the tow truck, contact your insurance company, arrange for a rental car, and repair your vehicle.

10. Collect your personal items. If your car is being towed, make sure you’ve collected your valuables, electronics, briefcase, purse, vehicle information, and any other items you may need while your car is being repaired.

Also take your copies of your vehicle registration and insurance verification card.

“While an accident may range from a minor inconvenience to a major incident, you need to be prepared for any situation,” offers Bailey. “With a bit of planning and quick action at the scene of the accident, you can greatly reduce the potential for financial, insurance and medical headaches afterward. And by choosing a quality collision center like CARSTAR to repair your vehicle, you’ll have a reliable partner to help you get back on the road quickly and safely.”

For more tips on dealing with an accident or having your car repaired after a collision, visit www.carstar.com.

Aug 09 Sophie 29

Facebook? Twitter? Myspace?.........What?

Talking To Your Kids About Social Networking

(MS) -- It’s no secret young people growing up today are more technologically advanced than older generations like the Baby Boomers. In those days, communicating with friends was done primarily by talking on the telephone, writing a note or speaking face-to-face. There was no e-mailing, text messaging, IM’ing (instant messaging) or posting comments on each other’s personal Web pages.

In schools today, instead of just passing notes, students can send text messages on their cell phones and communicate online with their bff (best friends forever) or with people they don’t know, and this makes it difficult for parents to monitor their child’s online activities. In addition to e-mailing and text messaging, communicating via social networking sites is becoming more common for both older and younger generations. In fact, in January 2009 Facebook alone reported that they had 150 million active users.

In addition, according to Common Sense Media, 55 percent of teens have an online profile on social networking sites like Facebook or MySpace.

“Social networking sites can be great resources for 30 Sophie Aug 09

staying in contact with people, reconnecting with old friends, meeting people with common interests, and getting questions answered, but unfortunately not everyone who uses the Internet and social networking sites has honest intentions,” said Jay Opperman, Senior Director of Security and Privacy at Comcast.

What does this all mean? It means that parents should: 1) become familiar with online social networks like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and MySpace; and 2) talk to your children about the importance of being safe and smart while communicating online.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when talking to your teens about the Internet and social networks: TIP 1 -- Choose your pictures wisely: Pictures can say a thousand words. If you decide to post a picture of yourself online, be very cautious about what you post.

“Do not use a picture that will embarrass you five years down the road because even if you delete the picture, it will never go away. What goes online, stays online,” said Opperman. “Think about these questions: If I post this picture, could it prevent me

from getting a scholarship or a job in the future? What if the person or persons I share my picture with, shares it with others?”

TIP 2 -- Don’t talk to strangers and use privacy settings: Sometimes people aren’t always who they say they are and the Internet provides an additional means of being anonymous.

Remember, everyone in the world doesn’t have your best interests at heart and some people are looking to prey on children and teens online. Social networking sites have privacy settings so you can control who can see your personal page. The settings can’t protect you 100 percent, but they are helpful so make sure you set up a privacy setting so only your friends can see your page.

TIP 3 -- Keep your personal information personal: Don’t share personal information such as your last name, parents’ or siblings’ names, phone number, address, social security number or where you like to hang out. People with dishonest intentions can use this information to find you or steal your identity.

TIP 4 -- Don’t be a cyberbully: Don’t bully people online or in person.

You wouldn’t appreciate

a schoolmate or even a stranger posting embarrassing or harassing information about you or threatening you online so don’t do that to someone else.

Online, this is called cyberbullying, and now more and more states are passing anti-cyberbullying laws.

TIP 5 -- Go outside and stay active: Technology is fascinating and it keeps us connected in so many ways, but don’t let the Internet disconnect you from other things that are important in life. Spend time with family and friends in person.

Walk the dog, learn how to play an instrument, get involved in sports and other extracurricular after-school activities. Real life connections with family, friends and those most important to you should be one of your top priorities.

For more Internet safety tips and resources visit www.comcast.net/security.

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Kindergarten Through 8th Grade

Information and tips by grade level about what your child will be learning in school, social development milestones, and more.

Kindergarten

•Kindergarten Social Changes: What To Expect For kindergartners, school is all about having fun and making friends.

•Kindergarten Academics: What To Expect This year, kids are getting ready to read and learning new skills through play.

•Get Ready for Kindergarten Ease the stress on that momentous first day of kindergarten and prepare your child for success in the year ahead.

Early Elementary School (Grades 1 & 2)

•1st Grade Academics: What To Expect This year, kids will learn to read and will begin to have routine homework assignments.

•1st Grade Social Changes: What To Expect Observant 1st graders love to share their developing sense of humor.

•2nd Grade Academics: What To Expect This year, kids transition from learning to read to reading to learn.

•2nd Grade Social Changes: What To Expect Kids in 2nd grade become more independent at home and school and more selective about the friends they make.

Elementary School (Grades 3, 4, & 5)

•3rd Grade Academics: What To Expect Students in 3rd grade are meeting higher academic expectations and learning more complex concepts in school.

•3rd Grade Social Changes: What To Expect At this age, friendships and interests outside the family start becoming more important.

•4th Grade Academics: What To Expect This year, teachers move past the basics and students are expected to apply what they’re learning.

•4th Grade Social Changes: What To Expect Socializing with friends and getting involved in activities outside of school are a big part of being a 4th grader.

•5th Grade Academics: What To Expect Language arts and especially math get harder this year, and students will be expected to manage their time more independently.

•5th Grade Social Changes: What To Expect Kids of this age are seeking more privacy and independence, but they still need their parents to be involved and to set boundaries.

Middle School (Grades 6, 7, & 8)

•6th Grade Academics: What To Expect Students will be using more sophisticated thinking skills, interpreting and synthesizing the information they’re learning.

•6th Grade Social Changes: What To Expect This is a year of transitions, from the physical and emotional changes of adolescence to the new environment of middle school.

•7th Grade Academics: What To Expect Academic concepts continue to get more advanced, and students will really need to use their study skills this year.

•7th Grade Social Changes: What To Expect The beginning of the teenage years is a confusing time for many adolescents—and for parents trying to understand their behavior.

•8th Grade Academics: What To Expect Classes get tougher, but students still have time to strengthen academic and organization skills before entering high school.

•8th Grade Social Changes: What To Expect In 8th grade, kids enjoy being the oldest students in school and look forward to the increased freedoms of high school.

Aug 09 Sophie 31

Celebrating 50

Years

Jerry and Linda Goforth

BUILDING STRONG KIDS, STRONG FAMILIES, STRONG COMMUNITIES.

 



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