YES! Weekly - December 25, 2024 by YES! Weekly

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Triad singer and songwriter releases holiday movie KWANZAA CELEBRATION P. 4

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CONCLAVE

P. 7

GIRL COFFEE

JANUARY 3-9, 2024

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DECEMBER 25-31, 2024 VOLUME 20, NUMBER 52

10 5500 Adams Farm Lane Suite 204 Greensboro, NC 27407 Office 336-316-1231 Fax 336-316-1930 Publisher CHARLES A. WOMACK III publisher@yesweekly.com EDITORIAL

GLISTENING IN THE SNOW

Editor CHANEL R. DAVIS chanel@yesweekly.com YES! Writers JOHN BATCHELOR MARK BURGER

A Greensboro-based singer and producer is giving Triad residents a new movie to add to their Holiday lineup this Christmas.

KATEI CRANFORD LYNN FELDER JIM LONGWORTH MAGGIE MARSHALL IAN MCDOWELL

PRODUCTION Senior Designer ALEX FARMER designer@yesweekly.com Designer SHANE HART artdirector@yesweekly.com ADVERTISING Marketing ANGELA COX

Writer/producer/editor/director Sean Baker’s unorthodox romantic comedy ANORA and co-writer/producer/director Brady Corbet’s epic drama THE BRUTALIST were the big winners for 2024 in the annual awards bestowed by the Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA). 4 The annual citywide KWANZAA CELEBRATION will be held December 26-January 1. Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits of the harvest” in the African language Kiswahili, is a unique AfricanAmerican celebration focusing on the traditional African values of: family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. 5 Get ready for a few NEW LAWS in North Carolina effective Jan. 1, 2025. One affects a practice everyone was supposed to observe during the COVID-19 pandemic — the wearing of masks in public. 6 REBUILDING — whether it’s housing, infrastructure, civic spirit, public services, or individual lives — is a moral DECEMBER 25-31, 2024

choice. These are not merely expenses — rather, these are solid investments to benefit our community, our state, and our nation... and they also happen to be the right thing to do. 7 As the year comes to a close, CONCLAVE stands tall as one of the best films of 2024. Skillfully adapted by executive producer/screenwriter Peter Straughan from the best-selling 2016 novel by Robert Harris. 9 The time of year… Christmastime, dear Triad. A time when all is calm, though not exactly bright... So to the bereaved this holiday, may your days be as merry with memories as they can. HERE’S TO THOSE WE LOST IN 2024. 12 The best part of waking up is GIRL COFFEE in your cup. Girl Coffee is a new brand of coffee in partnership with Loom Coffee Co. What makes it different is that it specifically curates green coffee from women producers or woman-owned farms.

angela@yesweekly.com TRAVIS WAGEMAN travis@yesweekly.com Promotion NATALIE GARCIA

DISTRIBUTION JANICE GANTT ANDREW WOMACK We at YES! Weekly realize that the interest of our readers goes well beyond the boundaries of the Piedmont Triad. Therefore we are dedicated to informing and entertaining with thought-provoking, debate-spurring, in-depth investigative news stories and features of local, national and international scope, and opinion grounded in reason, as well as providing the most comprehensive entertainment and arts coverage in the Triad. YES! Weekly welcomes submissions of all kinds. Efforts will be made to return those with a self-addressed stamped envelope; however YES! Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. YES! Weekly is published every Wednesday by Womack Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. First copy is free, all additional copies are $1.00. Copyright 2024 Womack Newspapers, Inc.

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Anora and The Brutalist score big with SEFCA BY MARK BURGER Writer/producer/editor/director Sean Baker’s unorthodox romantic comedy Anora and co-writer/producer/director Brady Corbet’s epic drama The Brutalist were the big winners for 2024 in the annual awards bestowed by the Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA), with Anora winning for Best Picture of the Year and Mikey Madison for Best Actress and The Brutalist reaping the accolades for Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Best Supporting Actor (Guy Pearce), and Best Director (Corbet). “Every year we hear from the naysaying sectors of the industry that it wasn’t a very good year for film,” said Scott Phillips, SEFCA president and writer for Forbes.com. “This slate of winners easily disproves that statement for 2024. Between theatrical distribution and streaming, releases can be a bit scattered and hard to find, but if you take the time to find the better films of 2024, they form a potent line-up. We hope that film fans out there can use our Top 10 list to catch up on the best that 2024 had to offer.” The closest race this year was for Best Documentary. Until the last handful of votes were counted, there was a three-way tie between Will & Harper, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, and Sugarcane, but ultimately the latter film — which examines the horrific circumstances surrounding the mysterious disappearances of Native American children from a “residential school” near the Sugarcane Reservation in Canada. SEFCA’s list of the 10 best films of 2024 is as follows: 1. Anora 2. The Brutalist 3. Conclave 4. Dune Part 2 WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

5. Challengers 6. Nickel Boys 7. Sing Sing 8. Wicked 9. The Substance 10. A Complete Unknown The runner-up (in 11th place, as it were) was I Saw the TV Glow. The runner-up for Best Actor was Colman Domingo in Sing Sing and the runner-up for Best Actress was Demi Moore in The Substance. The runner-up for Best Supporting Actor was Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain. Ariana Grande was selected Best Supporting Actress for Wicked, with Zoe Saldana the runner-up for Emilia Perez. The runner-up for Best Director was Sean Baker for Anora. For Best Original Screenplay, Sean Baker won for Anora with Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold the runners-up for The Brutalist. Peter Straughan won SEFCA’s award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Conclave, with RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes the runners-up for Nickel Boys. The runner-up for Best Documentary was Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. The Wild Robot was selected Best Animated Film, with Flow being the runner-up. Emilia Perez took honors for Best Foreign Language Film with The Secret of the Sacred Fig the runner-up. Grieg Fraser won Best Cinematography for Dune Part 2, with Jarin Blaschke the runner-up for Nosferatu. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross won Best Score for Challengers, with Daniel Blumberg the runner-up for The Brutalist. !

WANNA know? To view the full list of SEFCA’s 2024 winners, visit the official website: https://www.sefca. net/. You can also follow SEFCA on Twitter at @SEFilmCritics.

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Black Winston-Salem organizations partner to present 36th Annual weeklong Kwanzaa Festival Program Highlights/Speakers: Hiphop soul line dancers, youth vision boards & local vendors Community Awardees: Calvin Patterson, W-S Black Chamber & The Fisher Family

PRESS RELEASE In a world of differences, community groups are stepping up to fill the experiential and educational void this Kwanzaa. The annual citywide Kwanzaa celebration will be held December 26-January 1. Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits of the harvest” in the African language Kiswahili, is a unique African-American celebration focusing on the traditional African values of: family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement — created in 1966 in the aftermath of the Watts Rebellion to encourage community-building through culture. A cohort of ten local Black cultural, religious, civic, and community organizations will offer a unique event to celebrate each daily principle. Kwanzaa is a seven-day festival that celebrates African and African American culture and history, each honoring virtues such as Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. “From crafting to food to gospel music celebrations and performances, this celebration commemorates how a rooted identity creates strong trees whose branches reach around the world — ensuring that Black culture is not erased, especially in Winston-Salem,” says Triad Cultural Arts (TCA) Executive Director, Abrea Armstrong. Cheryl Harry, TCA founder & program director. “Each year it gets bigger and bigger, which means our children will get to know themselves and each other, no matter their race or origin. In response to the national movement to ban black history books from our schools, we are presenting the Triad with an opportunity to discover and engage in our rich traditions. We believe that culture is a shared experience open to everyone.” The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership is also a sponsor. Kwanzaa takes a village to produce yet the enrichment our community receives drives hosting organizations to participate with pride. Whitney Harness, executive director for longtime Kwanzaa hosting organization, the Delta Arts Center says, “We are honored to celebrate Kwanzaa at the Delta Arts Center. This important occasion allows us to honor our cultural legacy and embrace the core values of unity, self-determination, and creativity. This event is not just a celebra-

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DECEMBER 25-31, 2024

December 30 — 6 p.m. Grace Presbyterian Church, 3901 Carver School Road Principle: Nia (Purpose) Program Highlights/Speaker: Dr. Pam Mitchell Community Awardee: Dr. Felicia Piggot-Long & Baba Joseph Anderson December 31 — 2 p.m. Sylvia Y. Sprinkle-Hamlin Building/ Central Library, 660 W. 5th St. Principle: Kuumba (Creativity) Program Highlights/Speakers: Dr. Felicia Piggot-Long Community Awardees: Rachel Jackson & Carl Miller

tion; it is a profound reminder of our community’s strength and resilience. We invite everyone to join us in this joyous occasion of reflection and connection, as we unite to uplift one another and celebrate our shared heritage.”

Principle: Kujichagulia (Self Determination) Program Highlights/Speakers: Dr. Felicia Piggot-Long as MC for quilting experience Community Awardees: Dianne Caesar & Dr. Alison Fleming

KWANZAA SCHEDULE:

December 28 — 6 p.m. St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, 5000 Noble St. Principle: Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Program Highlights/Speakers: Presented by Action4Equity Community Awardees: TBA

December 26 — 6 p.m. Winston-Salem Urban League, 201 West 5th Street Principle: Umoja (Unity) Program Highlights/Speakers: Anthony Hairston, President, Winston-Salem NAACP Community Awardee: Patricia Sadler (in Memorium) December 27 — 6 p.m. Delta Arts Center, 2611 New Walkertown Rd

December 29 — 6 p.m. The Enterprise Center, 1922 S Martin Luther King Jr Dr. Principle: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

January 1st — 2 p.m. Alpha and Omega Church of Faith, 1445 Gray Avenue Principle: Imani (Faith) Program Highlights/Speakers: Dr. Elwanda Ingram speaker, sign language choir, spiritual musicians, and book signing for Dr. Felicia Piggot-Long Honorees: Rev. Dwight Hash & First Lady Constance Hash (Bethlehem Missionary Baptist) and Deacon Russell Johnson & Glinda Moses Johnson (Alpha & Omega Church of Faith) ! TRIAD CULTURAL ARTS, INC. (TCA), established in 2007 as a nonprofit organization rooted in the community, is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary cultural arts organization. With a leadership role in raising awareness of Black American history and culture, TCA is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and presentation of the rich heritage of Black/African Americans for the broader public through educational and public programs. Our Approach: We achieve our mission by creating culturally immersive experiences that encompass festivals, preservation efforts, heritage tours, and exhibits. Our Purpose: Our driving force is to contribute to the development of a culturally proficient community that places a high value on diversity — catalyzing social change and innovation.

WANNA know? For complete details and more information, visit the website: www.triadculturalarts.org or call (336) 757-8556.

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KINARAS IN THE LION’S DEN: KWANZAA CELEBRATIONS SERVE AS ACT OF RESISTANCE

Start the new year with new laws BY CAROL BROOKS | Cab1hp@gmail.com Get ready for a few new laws in North Carolina effective Jan. 1, 2025. One affects a practice everyone was supposed to observe during the COVID-19 pandemic — the wearing of masks in public. House Bill 237 is titled the “Unmasking Mobs and Criminals Act,” making it easier to prosecute criminals who wear masks while committing a crime. But there are exceptions for “preventing the spread of contagious disease.” Teacher retirement changes is covered in HB 1020, concerning Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System, Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System, Consolidated Judicial Retirement System and The Legislative Retirement System. Modifications to juvenile justice is HB 834 re-defines the term Juvenile delinquent. This bill allows 16- and 17-yearolds who commit certain felonies to be tried as an adult. HB 10 requires all sheriff’s offices to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Local officials must hold a suspect thought to be in the country unlawfully for up to 48 hours to give ICE time to take custody of the person. Senate Bill 409 makes changes to criminal and civil laws regarding breaking into, entering or breaking out of motor vehicles, trailers, railroad cars, aircraft, boats or other watercraft. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

SB 166 amends several state building codes, environmental laws, local government procedures as well as other building regulations. Several other laws went into effect in December. In short, these laws cover such things as human trafficking and the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). One portion of HB 199 requires the DMV to make a plan to issue a digital version of a driver’s license by the time this part of the bill goes into effect on July 1, 2025. HB 198 changes some N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) laws. One requires toll bills to have vehicle identification numbers or other vehicle identifying information on the document. Processing fees for unpaid tolls increase under the new bill. The law also allows billboard companies to cut down more trees along state highways. HB 591 modernizes sex crimes, establishes sexual extortion offenses, updates offenses related to sexual exploitation of a minor, updates sex offender and public protection registration programs and clarifies the offense of disclosure of private images. HB 971 directs the Department of Labor to develop human trafficking awareness training for lodging establishments, accommodation facilitators and property managers for vacation rentals. The bill also makes changes to penalties for trafficking-related arrests. For a complete list of new laws, visit https://www.ncleg.gov. !

SUBMITTED BY ABREA ARMSTRONG Executive Director of Triad Cultural Arts, Inc. Hard Black history is not being taught in schools, books are getting banned and, more of government is divesting in cultural institutions. Period. As a Black-founded and Black-led organization, Triad Cultural Art’s mission of preserving and commemorating the heritage and contributions of Black Americans is more peril than ever. But, to exist is to resist. So, in times when the system is further aligning against you, rooting yourself into your distinctive culture creates the opportunity to bravely face the headwinds of life. In Winston-Salem, we’ve been celebrating the distinctively AfricanAmerican holiday, for over two decades. With each day & its respective principle, we have the opportunity revive the traditions and legacy that can only be practiced. As a culture, Black people are primarily experiential — evident in our cherishing of a storyteller or our strong use of food memory and music. You can read about the history of jazz but it’s another thing to sit in a smoke-filled basement with Miles Davis playing in front of you. This sentiment extends to projects such as our Shotgun House restoration in Winston-Salem — an architectural style remembered, from West Africa via Haiti, by emancipated slaves. There, we are converting a 110-year-old home into a local Black history house museum. You’re meant to walk, to feel, to experience the site. Consequently, Kwanzaa is a series of acts, from the daily candle lighting to pouring libations, by repeating these actions we prove we exist — that our

culture exists no matter how subverted it has become. That, we matter. The holiday’s origins of being birthed in the aftermath of the Watts Rebellion directly speaks to the celebration’s goal of resistance through community. The principles are: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. While many Black families don’t own a kinara (the Kwanzaa candelabra), they know women named “Nia” or “Imani” and generally associate the holiday with African dress and djembe drums — items we often have at home. Daily, we are practicing the traditions held in sanctity during Kwanzaa — speaking to how rooted Black cultural traditions are built into the holiday. So, if you’d like to get a sneak peek into the Black experience or aim to enrich your own, join us for seven days of community, culture and resistance. !

WANNA go? Full Winston-Salem Kwanzaa Lineup: Dec. 26, 6 p.m. UMOJA (Unity) @ WinstonSalem Urban League Dec. 27, 6 p.m. KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination) @ Delta Arts Dec. 28, 6 p.m. UJIMA (Collective Work &) @ St. Stephen Baptist Dec. 29, 6 p.m. UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics) @ The Enterprise Center Dec. 30, 6 p.m. NIA (Purpose) @ Grace Presbyterian Church Dec. 31, 2 p.m. KUUMBA (Creativity) @ Forsyth County Central Library Jan. 1, 2 p.m. IMANI (Faith) @ Alpha & Omega Church of Faith For more details, visit triadculturalarts.org DECEMBER 25-31, 2024

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ver the past several months, my thoughts have turned to various things I believe need “rebuilding.” This fall, Hurricane Helene devastated Western N.C. It dumped about 14 inches of rain in Asheville over three days and hit the area with winds of up to 100 mph. At least 100 lives have been lost, and the property damage is expected to total over $53 billion. Fortunately, assistance and aid started flowing into the region even before the storm had subsided, and FEMA has paid or committed $415 million so far. While fully rebuilding the affected areas will take many years, the work is already underway. The 2024 elections offered a chance to rebuild a frayed national spirit and help low-wage workers. Because the presidentelect campaigned on a platform of helping workers, he has the opportunity to avoid cutting funds to programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, previously known as “Food Stamps”). Certain Christian leaders and groups supported the president-elect very strongly, hoping that their social priorities would be adopted by the next administration. I find it interesting that Jesus said nothing directly about any “hot button” issues, such as abortion, LGBTQ issues, and separation of church and state. He did, however, have a lot to say about taking care of the poor and practicing “The Golden Rule,” a universal moral code of treating others with mutual respect — and he taught his followers that these were his and God’s priorities.

The services offered by Greensboro Urban Ministry (GUM) — providing shelter, food, and supportive services – help to plug the gaps in various social safety net programs. The goal is to keep people housed through emergency assistance funds — or to provide temporary shelter to people who have lost their housing, while immediately beginning to rehouse them. Most of GUM’s clients work lowwage jobs and would be among the 37% of adults in 2022 who could not pay a $400 unexpected expense from savings. Do I fix my car, or pay my rent? Do I buy medicine for my child, or pay my rent? I am proud our community provides funding and volunteers to help GUM rebuild lives. It is easy to slash funding for, or even deliberately ruin, a government program or local agency — however, that program or agency exists to provide something that benefits the public. Reforming, replacing, or rebuilding it is the responsible thing to do. It is easy to say clients of GUM should have made better choices — however, when the minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since 2009 ($4.95 in inflation-adjusted dollars), not everyone can earn a living wage (currently, $20.94 per hour in Guilford County), an “essentials only” amount that excludes savings. Programs such as Medicaid and SNAP are essential to helping make ends meet. Jim Wallis, an author, theologian, and political activist, has a saying I admire — “A budget is a moral document.” Why is that? Because how an individual or a government spends its money reflects its moral choices. Extending the 2017 tax cuts that mainly benefit large corporations and the rich, paid for by cuts to Medicaid and SNAP? That is a moral choice, albeit a disgraceful one. Likewise, rebuilding — whether it’s housing, infrastructure, civic spirit, public services, or individual lives — is a moral choice. These are not merely expenses — rather, these are solid investments to benefit our community, our state, and our nation... and they also happen to be the right thing to do. ! TODD HERMAN is president of Todd Herman & Associates, P.A. and is a volunteer ministry leader at First Lutheran Church and Greensboro Urban Ministry.

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Faith and Fury: A peerless cast makes Conclave compelling viewing

s the year comes to a close, Conclave stands tall as one of the best films of 2024. Skillfully adapted by executive producer/screenwritMark Burger er Peter Straughan from the best-selling 2016 novel by Robert Contributor Harris and directed with tact and keen insight by Edward Berger (also an executive producer), the film also features one of the best ensemble casts of any film this year. Topping the list is Executive Producer Ralph Fiennes in a thoughtful yet towering turn as Thomas Lawrence, the cardinal charged with overseeing the papal conclave when the current Pope expires from a heart attack. Although Lawrence wrestles with his own conscience and faith, he is a practical and pragmatic man bound by his duty and his loyalty, both of which come into play during the conclave, as cardinals from the world over congregate and several potential candidates for the papacy maneuver to marshal their support. In dramatizing the inner workings of the Vatican, Conclave is endlessly fascinating. That the cardinals are sequestered and housed in such close quarters gives the film an insular, even claustrophobic tone. Long-held secrets and recriminations come to the fore, and tension is generated and intensified exponentially throughout as a result. As the cardinals begin their voting under Lawrence’s watchful eye, compromises and concessions will be made, and it’s his responsibility to stay the course. In a sense, he becomes something of a detective, uncovering evidence and confronting those to whom the evidence points. The film is highly theatrical at times, but although some very serious topics are raised, the film nimbly avoids detours into soapy melodramatic. Conclave is certainly on par with the loosely fact-based 2019 drama The Two Popes, and far superior to such “papal potboilers” as The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968) and Monsignor (1982), WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

[STREAMING SOURCE] Week of December 30, 2024

Here’s what to watch and where to watch it for the week of Dec. 30, 2024. ON NOW: Full Metal Jousting (Season 1) — Hulu Dec. 30: “Darby & Joan” (Season 2) — Acorn TV Dec. 30: Inside Look: Nosferatu (Documentary) — Peacock Dec. 31: Michelle Buteau: A Buteauful Mind at Radio City Music Hall (Comedy Special) — Netflix Dec. 31: A Quiet Place: Day One (R) — Prime Video

as Straughan’s script incorporates sly touches of wit and insight into the proceedings. The film does not slam Catholicism or its traditions, nor does it ignore some of the more recent controversies that have rocked the Catholic church. It’s a delicate balance that Straughan and Berger maintain successfully throughout. The film addresses important and relevant issues without becoming didactic or heavy-handed, and it’s both believable and credible throughout. Stanley Tucci, Lucian Msamati, Sergio Castellito, Brian F. O’Byrne, Jacek Koman, Carlos Diehz (in an impressive feature debut), and the always-welcome John Lithgow each give stellar, fully rounded performances, as does Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes, the wise, slightly imperious nun who initially chafes as Lawrence’s

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informal “investigation” but becomes something of an ally to him and his purpose. There are also strong contributions by cinematographer Stéphane Fontaine, production designer Suzie Davies, and especially composer Volker Bertelmann, whose nerve-jangling score — heavy on the strings — would do Bernard Herrmann proud. The film unfolds beautifully, and although the narrative wobbles slightly toward the end, replete with a touch of obvious symbolism, it’s hardly enough to diminish the story’s twists and turns preceding it. Conclave is stimulating, thoughtprovoking filmmaking at its best. ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2024, Mark Burger.

Jan. 1: Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever (Documentary) — Netflix Jan. 1: Schindler’s List (R) — Netflix Jan. 1: Lockerbie: A Search for Truth (Limited Series) — Peacock Jan. 3: Selling the City (Season 1) — Netflix Jan. 3: Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (PG) — Netflix ©2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Data Analyst, Data Analytics (Winston-Salem, NC): Design, test, & adjust statistical models for business applications & insights. Position is 100% remote. Req’s incl.: MS in Stats., Analytics, Business Analytics, Math, IT, Comp. Sci., or rel.; & skills. Mail CV w/ cover letter to: Inmar Brand Solutions, Inc., One W. 4th St., Ste. 500, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, Attn: D. Gutierrez. DECEMBER 25-31, 2024

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[KING CROSSWORD] JANUARY 1 FUN

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Drag race vehicle Schuss, e.g. Stinging flier Contributed Halloween mask feature Hoodwink Falco of TV Leave off Tendency toward chaos Fido’s noise * Star of the 1950s TV series “China Smith” 27 BLT seller 28 Naval forces 30 — Field (Mr. Met’s home) 31 * Getting tired 34 Baby bird 38 Evergreen with red arils 39 Actress Polo 40 Stephen of “V for Vendetta” 42 Young moray, e.g. 43 Cowl wearer 45 * Hope when the situation is desperate 51 Mosque official 54 Scrooge portrayer Alastair 55 Minerals in thin sheets 56 * “Vanity Fair” novelist 61 “One World” musician John 65 Holders of frozen cubes 66 Girl in the fam 67 “Insecure” actress 69 — Hawkins dance 70 Astonishment 73 E’en if 75 Actor Bridges 76 Fathers 79 Auditing gp.

81 Was disgusting to 84 Deep desires 85 * Period superseded by automobiles 89 Ragtime pianist Blake 90 Aficionado 91 Large cut 92 * Three-part novel by Gertrude Stein 98 Green-light 102 Removal of restrictions, for short 103 RV refuge org. 104 Six-legged marchers 107 Suffix with Carol 108 How Alaska is populated 111 * Town crier’s cry 116 Cab cost 117 “It takes two” dances 118 Agents, in brief 119 * “The Price Is Right” host 123 Happy dance 124 Net, as earnings 127 Ames’ state 128 Saturate 129 Bullfight yell 130 Dissimilar 131 Legal equal 132 Bronte’s Jane 133 Despite this 134 What the last four letters of eight key answers in this puzzle might be considered, cryptically

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5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 26 28 29 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 41 44 46 47 48 49 50 52 53 56 57 58 59 60 61 62

“Relax!” Of Swiss mountains Playa del — Climb up Divided Asian land Get by logic Joins closely Org. for cavity fixers Thereafter Counterparts of manis Cousin of a chimpanzee Poehler of “Baby Mama” Fight (for) Zeta follower Pronounces “Just my opinion,” in a text Supermodel Banks Fitness locale Early auto Award for U2 All-time low Creeping vine Once called Fido’s threat Intertwine Tartan skirt wearers Suffix with owl or wolf Vardalos of Hollywood Sierra, Yukon and Acadia Trendy berry Shells out Boggy areas Motorists’ gp. Very thin, as clouds “It matters to me” Escorted from outside Org. with bag screeners The whole — and caboodle Fox-sighting cry Jagged, as a leaf’s edge

“When I Need You” singer Leo 64 Hopper of old gossip 68 Fake coins 71 Not fooled by 72 Previous to 74 Globe 77 Ergo 78 Japanese noodle type 80 In no danger 82 Playwright O’Neill 83 Links letters 86 Dangerous 87 Vetoing vote 88 Genetic stuff 89 Spider’s hatching pouch 92 NFL goals 93 With it, in old slang 94 Lyricist Gershwin 95 Battle with spongy balls 96 “So funny!” 97 Light beams 99 Actress Alley 100 Even a single 101 “— -haw!” 105 Regal seat 106 Playground fixture 109 Wipe clean 110 “Bad, Bad — Brown” 112 Delight in 113 Nimble 114 Big name in thesauruses 115 In a fitting manner 117 Small kid 119 Chip topper 120 Fish spawn 121 She-sheep 122 Mug handle 124 Bit of word wit 125 Rap sheet abbr. 126 Boomer’s kid

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he time of year… Christmastime, dear Triad. A time when all is calm, though not exactly bright. I reckon it’s a combination of my age Katei Cranford and the world around me; but whatever the cause, the result Contributor remains undeniable: there’s a lot of grief in the air this holiday season. Friends and loved ones. Parents and partners. Music makers. One-third of our state. Christmastime is an odd time for mourning — but it’s also a beautiful time to look back on those we love. ...here and gone. The long nights and twinkling lights lend themselves to reflection. The days of goodwill. The sound of jingle bells and the new year unfurling ahead. There’s never a good time to grieve, but there’s a certain stillness at Christmas that brings solace. …that’s what my aunt Mique told me the Christmas morning my Grams passed away in 2018. And now, on this Christmas (blue as it may be) six years on, I can attest she was right. So to the bereaved this holiday, may your days be as merry with memories as they can. Here’s to those we lost in 2024. Looking at tunes — it’s absolutely wild the way music connects us to otherwise strangers. And in this first toast, wild is the operative word. On February 7, barely a few weeks into 2024, Mojo Nixon left the building. Born in Chapel Hill, Nixon drank with Jesus, prayed to the holy trinity of Elvis Presley, Foghorn Leghorn, and Otis Campbell; and went out with grace: a cardiac arrest while aboard the Outlaw Country Cruise ship. “How you live is how you should die,” his family said in a statement. “Mojo Nixon was full-tilt, wide-open rock hard, root hog, corner on two wheels + on fire…Passing after a blazing show, a raging night, closing the bar, taking no prisoners + a good breakfast with bandmates and friends.” He was 66. As if on some heartbreaking rock’n’roll cue, Dexter Romweber followed Nixon into the hereafter, just nine days later on February 16. He was 57. I was a more-thancasual Mojo fan, but I’ve been a diehard Dex devotee since childhood. He was weird. He was genuine. His voice melted like butter through Silvertone guitar strings. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

A Blue Christmas in the Triad PHOTOS BY KATEI CRANFORD

Dexter Romweber memorial. He played with such delicate grit–like sand through an hourglass — on guitar or piano. And he was out-of-this-world, but also right down the road in Carrboro. Wild. The town officially dedicated March 22 as a day in his honor. I had the pleasure — odd as that sounds — of attending his memorial at the Haw River Ballroom in April. It was beyond capacity and beyond beautiful, with performances from some of the coolest folks in North Carolina music: John Howie, Jr., Chris Stamey, Katharine Whalen, Southern Culture on the Skids; the LAbased Starcrawler. More folks I’m forgetting because deadlines loom — and despite it being a lovely affair, it’s a bummer to dwell on. Propeller Sound Recordings put out a livestream video that’s worth a watch. And they’ve reissued Flat Duo Jets’ “White Trees,” complete with a first-ever vinyl release. That’s the beautiful thing about art — it’s tangible and more permanent than mere mortals. Records and videos get unearthed. Echos of the people themselves press on. In the Triad, Greensboro’s official “Father of Songwriting,” Bruce Piephoff is getting a similar honorary treatment from his friends and fellow poets. Spearheaded by Claire Holley, “Riding the Stream” features an array of musicians celebrating Piephoff’s life and legacy through arrangements of his work, recorded at the Fidelitorium in Kernersville. A poet and Lindley Park fixture for as long as I can remember, Piephoff’s songwriting offered a kind-hearted narration for a certain sect of Greensboro living — explored over nearly two dozen albums and a 40+ year long career that ended with his death, at 75, on April 1. Yet, through his friends, Piephoff’s

Matty, forever a blockhead, in his stage spot at the Matty Sheets memorial. work continues. The MFA Writing Program at UNC-Greensboro will host a release party for the tribute album on January 10 at the Alumni House on the UNCG campus. The power of friends coming together in the absence of those who’ve passed is remarkable. For Winston-Salem, friends of the late Joe Hundertmark and Nathan Harris, the resulting Thanksgiving weekend “Jam for Joe” will hopefully become an annual affair to celebrate the prolifically talented pair who died in an automobile accident en route home from a gig on September 7. While not a Winston-based artist, the passing of the righteous Reese McHenry was felt far beyond the Triangle. The powerhouse vocalist and bandleader succumbed to metastatic sarcoma, at 51, on November 14. But was a fierce and fiery presence on stages across the southeast– and a favorite amongst the FemFestNC crowds here in the Triad. I didn’t know McHenry outside of being fortunate enough to catch her in a variety of projects over the years and having friends in her circle of bandmates. Whether commanding lines around the block for Hopscotch day parties at Kings or playing Huffer house show birthday parties, McHenry exuded a no-nonsense air of grace — with pipes for days — and a supportive presence that will be sorely missed across stages near and far. But in my circles, the ultimate toast goes out to the one-and-only Mr. Matty Sheets, who also fell to cancer, at 47, on September 27. Hearts flooded that day. But hands came together. And through hugs and tears, Sheets’ fantastic album with the Blockheads, “Sea Legs,” hit streaming. It’s hard to find a silver lining, but

more folks finding that record is certainly a sliver. His memorial, held on November 10 at the Back Table (an upcoming new venue named in his honor) was one of the most touching, uplifting experiences — a testament to both his wonder as a person and the wonders of our music community. A community that ensures his last album, “Stray Dogs,” will be released in the coming year. And that’s the thing about the holidays: the days are short, the nights are long — but there’s promise in the air as we toast to memories, to those we’ve lost, as we embark on the fortune of the year ahead. Here’s to making good times with those still with us. …and on that note, it’s my duty to plug Instant Regrets, Camo Face (featuring Stuart and Kemper from RVA’s Sportsbar!), and Döltz at the Flat Iron on January 3. Merry Christmas, y’all. I hope you’re doing alright. ! KATEI CRANFORD is a Triad music nerd who enjoys spotlighting artists and events.

WANNA SEE WHO’S ROCKIN’ OUT IN THE TRIAD? See this week’s LOCAL & LIVE online at www.yesweekly.com/localandlive DECEMBER 25-31, 2024

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Glistening in the Snow: Triad singer and songwriter releases holiday movie

Greensboro-based singer and producer is giving Triad residents a new movie to add to their Holiday lineup this Christmas. Evin Gibson said he’s been keeping a low profile while expanding his entertainment talents. He’s worked with the likes of Vanessa Williams, Kenny Lattimore, and EnChanel Davis Vouge. After working on a showcase during COVID, he decided to release a holiday album. Editor “I’m more known for singing and usually do private gigs but the album received some good reception so I decided to do a play and a movie,” he said. “It’s a really good way to get into the holiday spirit.” Gibson, a known singer and songwriter, utilized his 2022 holiday album as the catalyst for his movie, Glistening in the Snow. Gibson’s production company, DEF-G Productions teamed up with Maverick Entertainment to distribute a movie adaptation of the album and play. The holiday comedy is 83 minutes long and was written, directed, and produced by Gibson, co-produced by Edith Forkwa Gibson, and the editor and director of photography

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Brandon B. Bias. The movie was filmed in High Point and Greensboro. The movie’s storyline is about a struggling club owner, who along with her staff, encounters a series of obstacles that threaten the holidays, while snowed in together. “The movie shows that people have to go through things to find themselves and find out what’s more important during the holiday,” Gibson said. “They have to resolve issues and conflicts with the club, but also those that unfold with the people who are in the club, as they are snowed in together.” The movie stars Jahmai Jones, June Buckner, Tiffany C. Ivy, Evin Gibson, Betina Bullard, Todd Porter II, Shavonne Cummings, Apeksha Awasthi and Sarah Swift. “We all got along really well on set. We all felt like we were family. Everyone came in and did a really great job,” Gibson said. “By the end of shooting, we all just felt like family which is great because it is a holiday movie, so I hope that conveys well on film.” That movie would then turn around to be produced into a stage play. This year the play returned to the Van Dyke Performance Center in early December and was sponsored by Creative Greensboro. Gibson said the play is more interactive and has a different twist than the movie. “I’m thankful to them for that. I was happy to have

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY EVIN GIBSON

Evin Gibson

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the city behind me. We showed to packed houses both times. Next year, I’m hoping to do it again and make it more than one night,” Gibson said. “The play and move are different experiences but it’s always such a great experience.” Gibson has another movie coming out in January 2025 that he is particularly proud of. The drama and suspense movie, Bloodline of the Jewel. In the Nollywood film, a bride-to-be finds herself in the middle of someone’s dangerous and deadly quest for a royal jewel. Traveling from Africa to America, Nahdulay connects with an unsuspecting driver, Oliver Lewis, who works with her to get answers. The movie stars, Daniel K Daniel, Lindsay Brown, Evin Gibson, Jon Blaq, Tomeka Allen, Carla Simpson, and Otis Simpson. The movie was filmed in Africa and Greensboro. “I love the fact that I was able to join Africa and America together in a story that has twists and turns.” Gibson made the jump from singersongwriter to movie producer after learning there was an opportunity to produce a movie for Netflix. “I decided then that I wanted to write movies. I’m one of those people who loves all of the elements of arts and entertainment. I feel like I should be a part of every aspect in some way. I challenged myself to write the movie and then we casted,” Gibson said of the WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

process. “It was a learning experience but the love of the arts really inspired me to expand. Of course, I didn’t stop making music because I’ve incorporated it in both of the films.” The Manning, South Carolina native said he has been blown away by the feedback that he has received. “My goal was to create a holiday movie that everybody can watch about love, togetherness, and forgiveness with great music, acting, and storyline. I’ve seen people do reviews and inboxing me about it. It’s just really great to know that people are enjoying the movie and relating to it. People say they have laughed, cried, enjoyed the music, and had a good time.” He said that it is important to him and his production company to “make material that the family can enjoy together or that actually has a purpose. Something that will work towards an audience ranging from kids to older people, whom can all enjoy it. There’s been so much love and support over the years.” Gibson is already looking ahead to doing more movies, dropping a new album in the New Year, and possibly creating a web series. “I’ll be doing more work this summer. I plan to film another movie but right now I’m really excited,” he said. “I’m going to be doing different genres and putting my spin on things.” Gibson is also hoping to expand his platforms, including his production company, by creating more movies, music, and tours. He’s even hoping to write a book. “I’m thankful to still be here today and still have chances, abilities, and opportunities. Bigger than all that, I get to create this platform, share it, and give people opportunities. I’m going wherever entertainment leads me,” he said. “I’m creating my own lane and I hope that inspires so many other people. I tell people to show up for themselves, no after who’s there, or what platform that it is on. Just give your best because you never know what’s going to come from it.” Glistening in the Snow can be found streaming on NBC’s Peacock, Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. For more information on Gibson and his works, visit defgproductions.com. ! CHANEL DAVIS is the current editor of YES! Weekly and graduated from N.C. A&T S.U. in 2011 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She’s worked at daily and weekly newspapers in the Triad region.

WINSTON SALEM SYMPHONY MICHELLE MERRILL MUSIC DIRECTOR

Beyond the Blue Ridge Jan 11 & 12 Reynolds Auditorium GRAMMY®-winning violinists Mark & Maggie O’Connor bring their bluegrass fiddling virtuosity to the classical stage in Mark’s Double Violin Concerto and his Strings & Threads Suite. Music from The Magnificent Seven and Copland’s ballet score Billy The Kid round out these cowboy-vibed concerts.

More Info & Tickets:

wssymphony.org 336.464.0145

New year, new you! Enjoy a fun pairing of yoga and soft music, on-stage at Reynolds Auditorium. Ashley Robinson of 2B Yoga leads this class for all experience levels.

Jan 4 at 11:00 AM!

DECEMBER 25-31, 2024

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PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY LOOM COFFEE CO.

Caitie Nagy and Stephanie Hernandez

Stephanie Hernandez, at right, and Ashley Griffith doing a cupping for Girl Coffee.

Girl Dinner? What about Girl Coffee?: Local coffee sourced from women-owned farms The best part of waking up is Girl Coffee in your cup. Girl Coffee is a new brand of coffee in partnership with Loom Coffee Co. What makes it different is that it specifically curates green coffee from Maggie Marshall women producers or woman-owned farms. This specificContributor ity gives co-founders Caitie Nagy and Stephanie Hernandez access to a lot more information about the history of the coffee and where it’s from, which is an important aspect to them both. In 2022, Nagy and Hernandez met while working together at Borough Coffee in Double Oaks Bed and Breakfast. Instantaneously, the duo became best friends. They have both been coffee professionals for a decent part of their lives. Hernan-

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dez explained, “Coffee has always been something we have found immense joy in, and we are so grateful for the community we have around us in Greensboro.” Girl Coffee started as a passion project, explained Hernandez. The two wanted to do something that let them delve deeper into the complex process of the coffee industry. The sourcing and roasting aspect of the coffee industry was always intriguing to the two, and they wanted to see if they could explore that. If you recall the trending meme “girl dinner” which took over last summer, you’ll get it. Girllllll coffeeeeee. The name was derived from a joke, according to Hernandez. “We thought, what if we made [the joke] real though? Then we did it,” said Hernandez. Girl Coffee is partnered and sourced through another local Greensboro roaster, Loom Coffee Co. Christopher Pierce and Ashley Griffeth opened Loom Coffee during the pandemic in 2020 with the goal of bringing the passion of specialty coffee to baristas and consumers in Greensboro.

And to encourage coffee shops to pay baristas a livable wage in order to entice their interest in specialty coffee making. So far they have helped spread their mission across the Triad. Loom is sold at Borough Coffee, Chandler’s, The Daily Grind in Burlington, and other local cafes. According to Hernandez, there weren’t any specific struggles when starting Girl Coffee. “Christopher and Ashley helped us from the beginning. I would say our biggest struggle would probably be the creative process since we had to create our logo and select a color palette. It was a little difficult but we got there,” she said. Elegantly designed, it is unnoticeable of struggle. A solid white bag, glittered with decorous blueberries and ornamental filigree gives it a vintage look and mimics a baroque mirror. Fancied in the center is their logo/name Girl Coffee in pink cursive. Loom Coffee is gathered right from the source and cuts out any middleman. From seed to cup, Loom states on its website, that they want to highlight the “intricate global tapestry of cooperation.” Their

vision is to weave together a thoughtfully curated and uniquely enjoyable coffee experience. Each bag of coffee listed on their website informs customers of every detail of the bean; the country and region of origin, the farm, the producer’s name, the process, variety, when it was harvested, right down to the elevation. Loom even provides the story behind the farm and the farmer of the bean. Being that Loom is the primary roaster for Borough Coffee, Nagy and Hernandez were able to collaborate with Pierce and Griffeth on Girl Coffee. Although Girl Coffee is not sold in any coffee shops yet, the partnership with Loom Coffee Co. allowed Girl Coffee to share listings on its website and provide the same amount of detail about the beans as other Loom coffees. Every coffee Girl Coffee produces is and will be different, “They all have different altitudes, varietals, and processing methods that make them unique. Whenever we have a release, we provide this information, along with any flavor notes we

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SLICED HOG JOWLS First launch coffee, Bedhatu Jibicho’s Organic Natural. were able to pull out of the coffee during our cuppings,” explained Hernandez. Their first launch was on May 18. Girl Coffee selected Bedhatu Jibicho’s Organic Natural, featuring delicate notes of lemon, jasmine, and blueberry. A natural process coffee produced on Bedhatu Jibicho’s 84-acre farm located in the Yigacheffe region of Ethiopia. True to their mission, the beans are harvested from a woman-owned farm which also employs mostly women during harvest season. “We were both so happy to finally share our coffee with the community. I’ll never forget the moment Caitie and I first brewed it ourselves, and our squeals of excitement as we tasted the vibrant, complex flavors. It honestly felt like a breath of fresh air to see months of passion and work come to life. When people began brewing it and sharing their experiences, I felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment,” said Hernandez. She went on to explain that their first launch was also a special case because Daniel Davidson, owner of Union Coffee in Greensboro, reached out to feature Girl Coffee on its retail shelves and as a pourover option. “Having our debut offering showcased at that level made us feel truly established and valued. It was especially meaningful to me because, early on, I had a few experiences where Girl Coffee wasn’t WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

being taken seriously. The collaboration with Union Coffee was a huge reminder of the supportive community that exists within specialty coffee in Greensboro,” said Hernandez. Last summer, Nagy moved to Durham to be a full-time art teacher. Hernandez on the other hand is still in Greensboro and works as a barista at Chandler’s and a vet assistant as she finishes her degree in biochemistry at UNCG. For now, Girl Coffee plans on having a couple of launches a year with the hopes of increasing that number as more free time becomes available. Supporting small and local businesses is a necessity. “A lot of local and small businesses in Greensboro put a lot of real effort into the products they produce,” said Hernandez. “The money you spend on products from local businesses goes directly back to the hardworking professionals exercising their craft and mastery in what they do. Better coffee might be more expensive, but you’re paying for the process and the dedication alongside the experience.” For more information visit @girlcoffeenc on Instagram. ! MAGGIE MARSHALL is a Greensboro based freelance writer and zine maker. She graduated from UNCG with a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies. Her writing interests include music, film, sustainability and counterculture.

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PRESENTS

[BARTENDER OF THE WEEK COMPILED BY NATALIE GARCIA] Check out videos on our Facebook!

NAME: Tristan Hepler

Natalie Garcia

YES! Weekly Photographer

BAR: Bevelry at Stock and Grain, Social Habit, Greensboro Coliseum, and Cohab Space/Ziggy’s AGE: 29 WHERE ARE YOU FROM? High Point, N.C. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BARTENDING? Three years HOW DID YOU BECOME A BARTENDER? My best friend offered me a job in the industry and so I took the opportunity to try it out and here I am.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS AN AFTER-DINNER DRINK? An espresso martini is the way to go after dinner.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BARTENDING? I enjoy meeting new faces and seeing old ones, and gaining new connections to different pathways through the people I interact with.

WHAT’S THE STRANGEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE HAD? A shot of peach schnapps.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BARTENDING? Dealing with hard headed customers and people that don’t know what they want especially when it’s super busy even after you’ve recommended 10 different drink options.

WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE FOUND IN A BAR BATHROOM? A Yankees baseball hat in the toilet filled with someone’s throw up. WHAT’S THE BEST/BIGGEST TIP YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN? $300 on a $10 tab.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO DRINK? Tequila and Coke with a lime.

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WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE SEEN WHILE BARTENDING? Somebody throw up on themself while sitting at the bar and acting like nobody saw it.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO MAKE? A spicy agave margarita with a salt rim.

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last call [SALOME’S STARS]

[TRIVIA TEST]

Week of December 30, 2024

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Enjoy the parties and pleasures of this week with families and friends. A holiday romance could take you well into the New Year — and maybe beyond!

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Share the merry moments of this week with the wonderful people who have loved you and encouraged you to realize your dreams.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to

loved ones help make this week’s celebrations especially meaningful. Make time to do some serious thinking about the decisions that you’ll soon be facing.

January 19) As this week of celebration moves into history, the sage Sea Goat takes their high place in the Zodiac to judge the past and face the future.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Love of home and family is reinforced during this last week of the year. This could be your chance to open up about secrets that you’ve held on to for far too long.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Enjoy the last merry-making week of the year knowing that you’ve done well in 2024 and that you’re ready to confront the challenges of 2025!

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) Enjoy this week’s special round of merriment with loved ones who adore you, whether you’re roaring with delight at a party or purring with affection at home.

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) When you ultimately emerge from the celebrations of this week, you’ll find yourself with many new friends whom you’ll take into the next year!

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) This last week of the year is a good time to assess what you’ve done and reassess how recent changes might affect your plans for the coming year.

[ BORN THIS WEEK: You have a strong sense of self that makes people feel comfortable and confident in your presence.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Balance the festive aspects of this last week of the year with honest reflections about the relationships you truly value and those you think might have become irrelevant.

[1. MOVIES: What is the name of the snowman in the animated movie Frozen?

[6. BIOLOGY: What is epimorphic regen-

[2. GEOGRAPHY: How many U.S. states does the Mississippi River run through or along?

[7. TELEVISION: Who starred in the

[3. ADVERTISING: Which product uses a

[8. ANATOMY: How much of the human brain is made up of fat?

cartoon character whose first and middle names are Horatio Magellan?

[4. MUSIC: In the song “The Twelve

Days of Christmas,” how many “geese a-laying” are given to the narrator’s true love?

[5. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of nuts are

eration?

1980s exercise video series Sweatin’ to the Oldies?

[9. MEASUREMENTS: How many cups are in a pint?

[10. LITERATURE: Which famous author often uses Castle Rock as a setting in his novels?

in a Snickers candy bar?

answer organism, like when a lizard can regrow a tail. 7. Richard Simmons 8. 60%. 9. Two. 10. Stephen King.

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Celebrate the week’s festivities knowing that you’ll be able to invest what you’ve learned over the past year into opportunities that await you in 2025.

1. Olaf. 2. 10 states. 3. Cap’n Crunch cereal. 4. Six. 5. Peanuts. 6. Regeneration of a specific part of an

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Sharing the joys of the celebrations that mark this time with your loved ones can help reinforce your devotion to them. You’ll treasure the reactions you get in return.

by Fifi Rodriguez

answers [CROSSWORD] crossword on page 8

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[WEEKLY SUDOKU] sudoku on page 8

DECEMBER 25-31, 2024

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