HIVE MIND

BEE-SY SEASON

Lotus Haven Hives’ Pam Latter on beekeeping by Lynda Van Kuren photos by Terah Wilson

While most of us savor the sweet taste of honey as we spoon it on a biscuit or into our tea, we’d prefer to keep the bees that make it at a distance. That’s not the case for PAM LATTER, beekeeper and owner of Lotus Haven Hives.

Latter has thirty-seven bee colonies, from which she produces honey, creamed honey (which you can spread on bread like peanut butter), honey soap, and candles.

“Beekeeping is very rewarding,” Latter says. “I grew up on a farm, and beekeeping lets me get back to my roots.”

Latter’s interest in beekeeping started as mere curiosity. She did a Google search on honeybees and beekeeping, took a beginner beekeeping class with the Hampstead chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association, and started beekeep

ing with two hives.

A year later, Latter decided to turn beekeeping into a business. She grew her hives and began making and selling products, including at the Wilmington Farmers Market. Latter also became a certified beekeeper, which verifies that she has the knowledge and skills to care for the bees, and a certified honey producer, which means she meets state standards and that her honey is pure.

“Once I commit to doing something, I’m all in,” she says.

About once a month, or more often when the bees are producing honey, Latter dons protective gear and visits the hives. She ensures the bees have enough to eat and that they are healthy. In the spring and summer, she also collects the honey.

These visits aren’t without risk. Latter says getting stung goes with the territory.

“I get stung all the time,” she says. “It doesn’t feel good and is usually because I’ve done something stupid.”

The time and the stings are worth it to Latter, who values the role the honeybee plays in our world.

Of course, there are the wonders of honey, a golden drop of sweetness that can, if produced and consumed in the same locale, help reduce allergies, Latter says.

Honey, which is sterile, can also assist with wound healing. Honey soap, which has no lye, is an alternative to regular soap; and beeswax candles grace many a table or lend a soft glow to a room.

In addition, honeybees contribute to food production.

They pollinate 20% of everything we eat, which translates to every five bites, Latter says. Almond, melon, cucumber, and other farmers hire beekeepers to bring their hives to their fields, so the bees can pollinate the plants.

Despite their good work, honeybees face a dangerous world.

Their natural habitat is being overtaken by people; and pesticide use, including the mosquito sprays we use on our lawns, can decimate entire colonies. Honeybees are also preyed upon by the Varroa mite, against which the honeybee has no defenses.

Latter’s commitment to the honeybee and beekeeping shows no sign of waning.

In addition to serving as a beekeeper, Latter is the president of the Hampstead NCSBA, and as such helps new beekeepers and those who simply have an interest in honeybees learn more about them.

“My goal is to continue to keep my bees healthy but more importantly to educate new beekeepers so they can keep bees and keep them alive,” Latter says. W

This profile ran in a recent WILMA Downtime email. To sign up for those and other WILMA daily newsletters, go to wilmamag.com/email-newsletter.

WILMA ONLINE

Keep up with WILMA all month long, through our website, daily emails, and social media.

Sign up for WILMA’s new daily emails at wilmamag.com/email-newsletter. Here’s the weekly lineup:

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DIGNITY MEMORIAL

PREPARING FOR THE LOSS OF A SPOUSE

Although many risks can be avoided in life, the loss of a spouse is something that is inevitable. Many widows report that their spouse did not have a plan in place for what would happen if they should pass away. While experiencing the loss of a spouse is never easy, a few simple preparations can make that time a little less stressful.

When planning ahead for a funeral service, there are several decisions to be made. The team at Dignity Memorial is available to help guide you through the process and help with any questions you have along the way. Whether you prefer a metal or wooden casket, cremation memorialization or traditional burial, your favorite hymn or an organist, all of these details can be selected ahead of time. Planning ahead and making these selections with the team at Dignity Memorial will guarantee that your final wishes are understood and that they are carried out accordingly.

Making cemetery arrangements and choosing a burial plot is another portion that needs to be planned and discussed. Have an open discussion with your spouse about how you both want to be memorialized. Each individual is unique and will want their resting place and selections to be customized. Many spouses, however, choose to have burial plots next to each other – which can accompany other family plots – or be memorialized together in a cremation niche in either an indoor or outdoor setting. Making these plans in advance ensure that future generations have a place to pay tribute to and honor their family.

Creating a list of contacts to be used after the death has occurred is another discussion to have with your spouse. Identifying a cadre of close friends and family that should be contacted first is a top priority for this list. If your spouse is employed, making plans to contact their employer should be next on the list. Some couples choose to assign one person on the list to contact the remainder of the listed individuals. This individual can also send funeral arrangement schedules through email and post on social media on the family’s behalf.

Also, there are legal and estate considerations when preparing for a death. It is helpful to make sure these important documents are in order and up to date before the death occurs. A will outlines how you would like your assets divided after you are gone. You also have the ability to designate an executor that makes sure your will is implemented as planned. Making certain that these documents are carefully constructed and current can take the burden of making these difficult decisions during an emotional time off of your spouse.

Most of us do not enjoy discussing death, and certainly don’t enjoy discussing the topic when it pertains to our spouse. But pre-panning together not only makes life easier for the surviving spouse, it ensures that final wishes are performed as desired. The compassionate experts at Dignity Memorial are available to discuss the process of pre-planning and walk you through each step.

Michael Higgins is Sales Manager for Dignity Memorial®, which cares for more than 300,000 families each year through its network of more than 2,000 providers throughout North America. Learn more at www. dignitymemorial.com or call Greenlawn Memorial Park, Oleander Memorial Gardens and Coble Funeral and Cremation Services at Greenlawn Memorial Park, (910) 799-1686.

910.799.1686 | DIGNITYMEMORIAL.COM

MARKRAFT CABINETS

WHAT TO CONSIDER & EXPECT WHEN REMODELING

Remodeling any part of your home can be a daunting task. However, having a plan in place, and knowing what to expect, makes it a much more enjoyable experience. Home renovations are one of the best investments homeowners can make in their property and, with the help of the experienced professionals at Markraft, your renovation will run smoothly and provide you with the exciting results you hope for.

Creating a plan for your remodel is essential and the team at Markraft is specially trained to help each of their clients create the best design plan for their space during an initial design meeting. The Markraft design studio offers countless resources to help with your selection process. Discovering your style and ideas for your space with a Markraft designer helps to shape your customized design plan. Not only will the numerous swatches and samples help you choose the perfect finishes for your design plan, the vast array of product lines that Markraft carries give you every option of color, style, and texture you could imagine.

Your Markraft designer will also help set a renovation budget and timeline to help the project stay organized and on task. Having these details in place also set clear expectations for the work that will take place and the amount of time each portion of work will take. This helps take the guesswork out of what work will happen and when.

Your Markraft designer will conduct a job site inspection after an initial design plan has been created. While visiting your space, a Markraft designer will take measurements and further discuss design options. Taking the time to visually assess the space helps your Markraft designer to suggest the best possible layout. This meeting will provide your designer with all the necessary information to create comprehensive layouts, to include CAD drawings that incorporate suggested designs. Now all you need to do is choose one of the beautiful designs – which might be the most excitingly difficult part of your renovation!

When your layout selection has been made, your custom materials will be ordered and scheduled for installation. Upon Markraft’s receipt of your materials, the Markraft installation team will start installing your selections when it is convenient for you. Each member of Markraft’s installation team is trained with best practices in mind to ensure a precise and satisfactory install. The installation team works closely with the design team to help the installation process progress seamlessly.

Watching the final stages of your remodel come together will be just as exciting for the Markraft team as it will be for you. Each member of the team is passionate about the design process – from start to finish – and genuinely appreciates the opportunity to help others create space in their homes that best reflects their lifestyle. If improving the quality of your life through the style and functional aspects of your home is something you have been thinking about, make sure to call or visit the Markraft team today.

President and General Manager Cee Edwards and his team of talented designers invites you to visit Markraft’s Design Studio, 2705 Castle Creek Lane, just off Castle Hayne Road. Markraft’s professional kitchen and bath designers consult by appointment.

910.793.0202 | MARKAFT.COM

PLANTATION VILLAGE

Isee this sign every time I drive through the gates of Plantation Village. Immediately I think of the health care professionals who work in our Resident Care Center tirelessly caring for our residents. Lately, I’m starting to see heroes in other places. Everyday heroes just doing their jobs in tough conditions.

We strive to be the Community of Choice in the Coastal Carolinas for independent seniors. Hospitality is our priority. It’s our North Star. Listen closely to our Associates. Every conversation the same.

“What else can I do for you today?”

Those aren’t just words. We believe it. We live it. It is said out of love and respect for the people that we serve. These people may not be related to us by blood, but we consider them family.

Leading the charge is Johnna Glick, our Facilities Director. From ordering the correct PPE to ensuring that everyone

HEROES WORK HERE

is following the established procedures, Johnna is taxed with keeping 300 residents and over 150 associates safe and healthy. Her concern for the wellbeing of our community can weigh heavily on her shoulders, but her team of Environmental Services providers, Security and Maintenance personnel keep meeting all the challenges with determination and patience.

Safety isn’t enough. Isolation takes its toll and socialization is a key component to staying healthy. It takes a village to come up with ideas to keep all these individual people safe, but still engaged. Cara Arrans, Accounting Director, created a concierge service, aptly named, the Command Center – from vet visits to prescription pickups, if a resident has a request, we do our best to fulfill it.

This includes weekly grocery delivery. Assisted by our local Harris Teeter, it’s not unusual for the team to deliver almost 2,000 grocery items to our resident’s front doors.

As restrictions eased, we opened the “Village Market” in the Commons Building. It’s the brainchild of Dining Room Manager, Cathleen Clemmons. Artfully arranged and stocked with everything from fresh produce to wines, residents can shop for necessities and pick up “grab and go” sandwiches, soups and pastry items.

Gourmet meals are delivered daily to the resident’s homes. Food & Beverage Director, Kay McKinney and staff make sure to include special items to help keep everyone’s spirits up. It might be filet mignon, champagne, hand dipped strawberries or fresh cookies prepared by Chef Jessica.

At last count we delivered 21,700 gourmet meals to the community.

We are a vibrant community and while sheltering in place our Community Life Services Manager, Alycia Williams, is collaborating with the Marketing Team to create experiences

1.866.825.3806 | PLANTATIONVILLAGERC.COM

that promote physical, mental and social wellbeing. Yoga, stretch, balance and Zumba classes are being streamed on our community television channel. Other experiences include virtual art tours, lecture series, games, scavenger hunts and employee parades.

The Plantation Village associates are committed to creating happiness for our community. No matter what comes, we will continue to grow and adapt and work together to provide the best quality of life for our residents. The sign at the entrance is correct.

Heroes do work here, and we’re proud to be among them.

Becky Grogan, Marketing Coordinator at Plantation Village a non-profit Life Plan Community in Porters Neck offering independent living on a beautiful 56-acre campus.

PATHFINDER WEALTH CONSULTING

When the market is free-falling, taking dramatic action is tempting. Tax-loss harvesting, dollar-cost averaging, and rebalancing are tactical options to consider during a market drop, but the critical action is to stay invested. Folks swear by their NCAA bracket, only to have their predictions crushed by April. Some people addictively play the lottery, only to see their money disappear. Timing the market, like crafting a perfect bracket or winning the jackpot, is impossible to do consistently. Market movements are impossible to predict; therefore, tolerating volatility is part of being a sophisticated investor.

Say you sold stocks today as the market plummeted over the next several weeks. Would you have sold at the bottom or at the top? Would you act swiftly if there was a rebound? How much of a runup would you be willing to miss out on to dodge a false positive before it fell

SIMPLE IS SOPHISTICATED

lower? Even if you sold at a good time, would you reenter when prices were lower than when you exited? Making guesses with your life savings involves a super-human kind of insight and emotional fortitude. Instead of trying to do the impossible, simply choose strategies that will grow your wealth substantially more than market timing: live within your means, invest for the long-term, manage your risks, and diversify your investments.

Spending less than you earn is not complicated, but it is powerful. There’s nothing wrong with spending money, just ensure your assets and income outpace your expenses.

Long-term investing can help minimize worrying about investment timing. Trying to time the market may lessen a portfolio’s long-term potential. In 2013, Fidelity conducted an internal study demonstrating that their best-performing accounts over the previous 10 years were those of deceased investors! Investments left untouched for years yielded the best results.

Risk management involves having cash available for emergencies, as well as being adequately insured should you become disabled or die prematurely. Managing your risks helps to ensure that a health issue, early death, or emergency won’t disrupt your long-term wealth-building plan.

Diversification is spreading your assets among different asset classes and market sectors. Even if you’re concentrated in a bread-andbutter stock, will the discipline to sell overrule greed at the right moment? You don’t have to look far back in history to see the disastrous effects of Enron and the tech bubble.

Wealth accumulation does not require a PhD, but it does require the wisdom to focus on things within your control and avoid predicting the future. This may sound simplistic, but it’s how we’ve helped people grow their wealth for the last 15 years. Our clients are disciplined savers and we remain principled in our investment approach, focused on time-tested wealth building strategies. We believe we have been a part of our clients’ successes and would like the opportunity to be a part of yours too. We are here to guide you forward.

This material is for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets and cannot guarantee that any goal will be achieved. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Contact your financial professional for information specific to your situation.

This Insights article is contributed by Kayla Willliford Johnson, Financial Planning Associate at Pathfinder Wealth Consulting.

NAVIGATING THE PATH to

RETIREMENT

910.793.0616 | PWCPATH.COM