WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?
An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the
same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.
There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.
FIXED ANNUITY
A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.
VARIABLE ANNUITY
A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.
INDEXED ANNUITY
An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.
WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?
It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much
income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.
2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATES TOURNAMENT
NOV 7 - 10
NOV 14 - 17
NOV 21 - 24
DEC 5 - 8
DEC 12 - 15
DEC 12 - 15
World Wide Technology Championship
El Cardonal at Diamante • Los Cabos • MEX
Butterfield Bermuda Championship
* Schedule subject to change
GOLF, SXM
Port Royal Golf Course • Southampton • BER GOLF, SXM
The RSM Classic
Sea Island Golf Club • St. Simons Island, GA • USA GOLF, SXM
Hero World Challenge
Albany GC • Albany • BAH
Grant Thornton Invitational
Tiburón Golf Club • Naples, FL • USA
PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry
Dye’s Valley Course •
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL • USA
+ Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
NBC, GOLF
NBC, GOLF
2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
RALEIGH DURHAM
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
NOVEMBER
NOV 1
- 20 | RENAISSANCE FEST
Fans of the medieval times mixed with circus-themed attractions and shows. Interact with more than 500 costumed villagers, including mermaids and jousting knights. For more info visit: carolina.renfestinfo.com
NOV 2 - 3 | WHIRLIGIG FESTIVAL
People who can appreciate an arts fest with its own hometown twist. Catch more than 200 vendors, live entertainment and more fun. Try your hand at the free extreme challenges or see if you have what it takes to tackle the Whirligig-Warrior course. For more info visit: whirligigfestivalnc.org
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 30 | LANTERN FESTIVAL
A super trip-worthy event for the whole family, the eighth annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival brings 50 larger-than-life lantern displays to Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. Made up of
thousands of LED lights, displays light up the skies and mesmerize visitors on this one-hour walking tour. Beyond beautiful lanterns, the ticketed festival also welcomes a showcase of Chinese culture— nightly performances featuring martial arts, traditional dance, acrobatics, drum performances and more. For more info visit: tianyuculture.us
DEC 14 | BEER FEST
Every December, we celebrate the very best local holiday beers with 20+ beers on tap from breweries across the region! Think spiced Belgian strong ales, barrel aged pastry stouts, cranberry sours, Christmas ales, and some vintage Clouds beers we’ve been cellaring for a few years. For more info visit: cloudsbrewing.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RALEIGH DURHAM
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
JANUARY
JAN
10 - 12 | FISHING EXPO
The Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo is the place to get ready for the season. With units rigged and ready to hit the water, truckloads of the latest tackle, newest electronics and a seminar series that is second to none. The Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo is hands down the best show of its kind in the southeast! For more info visit: bassandsaltwaterfishingexpo.com
FEBRUARY
FEB 21 | BLUES FESTIVAL
The Blues is a musical storytelling filled with stark emotion and a revolving reality check. It’s authentically raw; transforming tragedy, adversity and heartache into a visceral and cathartic experience. This special night of emotive lyrics and guitar-driven accompaniment features performances by Tucka, Pokey Bear, West Love, J-Wonn, Theodis Ealey, and Live in the Flesh Band. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5awmjtwy
MARCH
MARCH 14 - 15 | FIBERFEST
The FiberFest is a wonderful opportunity to learn heritage craft skills and to connect with those who are passionate about fiber arts! It’s exciting to see the heightened popularity of handmade goods at this festival. For more info visit: arolinafiberfest.org
MARCH 15 | ST. PATRICK’S
DAY PARADE
Celebrate Irish heritage at the annual Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Watch amazing floats go by with traditional food and drink. Everyone can feel Irish for the day! For more info visit: raleighstpats.org
MARCH 25 | MARCHTOBERFEST
Marchtoberfest is our yearly celebration of the Clouds Brewing Anniversary! We’re bringing that Oktoberfest feeling early this year on the weekend of March 25!! Join us under the big Marchtoberfest tent for traditional German music
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
RALEIGH DURHAM
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
with The Little German Band & Dancers, our much-awaited anniversary beer ‘Bock to the future’, a traditional “O’zapft is!” Tapping Of The Keg ceremony, and more! For more info visit: marchtoberfest.eventbrite.com
APRIL
APRIL 3 - 6 | FILM FESTIVAL
The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is an internationally recognized, Academy Awards qualifying event that proudly presents the best of nonfiction films on the festival circuit each year. The annual festival gathers many enthusiastic fans from around the globe to celebrate the documentary art form, engage in meaningful conversation, and experience the impact of exceptional nonfiction cinema first hand. For more info visit: fullframefest.org
APRIL 25 - 26 | BREWGALOO
Brewgaloo is a 2 day festival featuring over 110 craft breweries from around NC and partnering with local food trucks, local vendors, and local bands to bring you North Carolina’s largest craft beer festival! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3z5m29tj
MAY
May TBA | Film Festival
This festival highlights the best of independent film in a place that strives to tell the stories that connect us all. Our weekend festival screens films that demonstrate a Tar Heel State connection, through the people involved in making them or through their subject. Through our community of filmmakers and film fans, we are able to promote the art and craft of filmmaking and the passion of film to viewers in Raleigh, the Triangle, and beyond! For more info visit: longleaffilmfestival.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RALEIGH DURHAM
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
JUNE
JUNE TBA | BEER FEST
This summer’ we’re throwing our Third annual summertime beer fest! We’re bringing the very best in local NC session ipas, fruited beers, ciders, seltzers, and sours for a backyard summertime bash. enjoy selections from 25+ NC breweries in a classic tickets-forbeer festival format—plus food trucks and The release of our new Pride Month beer collaboration with Stonewall Sports! For more info visit: cloudsbrewing.com
JULY
JULY TBA | PEACH FESTIVAL
Ok, we’re just going to say it. The peach is the best fruit of the summer, and the North Carolina Peach Festival celebrates it in all its sweet, tangy, juicy glory. Sample some of the best peach ice cream in all of North Carolina, enjoy a parade, and live music! For more info visit: ncpeachfestival.com
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Independence Day traditions in North Carolina are all about parades, fireworks, and great barbecues. Celebrations start in late June culminating on July 4th. The areas around Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill offer some of the most lively celebrations in the state with street fairs, festivals and baseball games. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/33ddYWd
AUGUST
JULY TBA | PEACH FESTIVAL
Ok, we’re just going to say it. The peach is the best fruit of the summer, and the North Carolina Peach Festival celebrates it in all its sweet, tangy, juicy glory. Sample some of the best peach ice cream in all of North Carolina, enjoy a parade, and live music! For more info visit: ncpeachfestival.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RALEIGH DURHAM
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
AUG 2 - 3 | BBQ FESTIVAL
Cary’s Favorite Festival is Back and Better than Ever. Get ready to enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, and Bluegrass! Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOUCARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon. For more info visit: cary.beerandbourbon.com
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 27 | FOOD & MUSIC FEST
Enjoy a fun atmosphere with food, games, cultural dances, music and a raffle. This festival was designed to bring us together and ignite a new spark of life by enjoying the food of our parishioners’ diverse backgrounds. For more info visit: thefoodfestival.com
OCTOBER
OCT TBA | OKTOBERFEST
We’ve got lots of reasons for you to grab your beer stein, put on your Lederhosen or your dirndl. The Harbor Towne Fest Band will provide a festive Bavarian atmosphere to Sugar’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. Take in the beautiful fall foliage, cool, comfortable mountain temperatures, and a weekend full of festival activities!For more info visit: oktoberfest.skisugar.com
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT
SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’
JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single
JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single
DATE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
JUNE 30 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 1 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 2 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 3 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 4 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 5 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 6 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 7 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 8 - TUE 11:00 AM
JULY 9- WED 11:00 AM
JULY 10 - THU 1:00 PM
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final
JULY 11 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals
JULY 12 - SAT 2:00 PM
JULY 13 - SUN 2:00 PM
Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final
Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
BANANA DATE NUT BREAD
• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped
• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan
• Cream butter and date mixture
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well
• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture
• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts
• Pour mixture into the bread pan
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean
• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack
TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful
If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,
comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.
Here are a few amazing train trip options:
JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS
If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.
In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.
SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM
In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.
In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.
