Heart-Shaped Moravian Cookies from Dewey’s.

Christmas isn’t the only time to enjoy the deliciousness of Dewey’s Moravian-style cookies. This month, the hometown bakery will roll out raspberry-flavored Moravian cookies, which are cut into heart shapes and cloaked in artisan-blend chocolate. The raspberry cookies are part of Dewey’s Signature Collection, which comes in a premium keepsake box and retails for $24.99. In addition, Dewey’s will have tins of heart-shaped, chocolate-dipped Moravian sugar cookies available for $9.99. The cookies (pictured above) are available at any local Dewey’s location or online at www.deweys.com.

Seven Deadly Sins from Haute Chocolate.

Chocolate Alchemist Jiliana Dulaney of Haute Chocolate has turned temptress in this season of love with her newest handmade, hand-dipped truffles. Based on the biblical 7 Deadly Sins—wrath, greed, sloth, conceit, lust, envy, and gluttony—Dulaney has conjured up some bold flavor combinations. For instance, greed is a silky smooth, honey-infused white chocolate topped with a golden dust. Lust combines rosewater, red wine, and strawberries for a sophisticated floral flavor. Then there’s wrath, arguably the most unique chocolate of them all, which mixes in a spicy tang of Thai pepper. It’s $15 for the whole set, which comes in its own custom packaging, or you can purchase them individually for $2.50. Stop by Haute Chocolate at 916 Burke St. or browse the offerings at www.hautechocolatenc.com.
 

Valentine’s Doughnuts from Krispy Kreme.

The Twin City’s favorite treat is getting a little sweeter this month, as Krispy Kreme introduces a line of Valentine’s doughnuts. For starters, there’s the Drizzled Heart, a decadent chocolate-iced doughnut drizzled with red icing. Then there’s the Heart With Sprinkles, a heart-shaped treat topped with white icing and sprinkles. Finally, there’s the Chocolate Iced Glazed, which is garnished with red and white sprinkles. Each doughnut will be available January 30 through February 14 at local Krispy Kremes and participating grocery and convenience stores. Go to www.krispykreme.com for more info.
 

Fine Belgian Chocolates from Contempo.

Jim Painter of Contempo Concepts knows a thing or two about chocolate. For the past decade or so, his downtown furniture store has been stocking Neuhaus chocolates, a premier Belgian brand. “People who know chocolate will tell you [Belgian] chocolates are the benchmark by which all others are measured,” he says. This month, Contempo is selling the chocolates in specialty boxes and tins. Shoppers also have the option of customizing a heart-shaped box with their own selections for about $50 a pound. (Make sure you try the caprice, a dark chocolate delicacy filled with toffee and vanilla cream. So good!). Stop by the store at 206 W. Fourth St. or order online at www.contempochocolates.com.

History and art intersect in a memorable way with this month’s public sale of hundreds of pieces from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s corporate collection. Paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and textiles will be on display alongside antiques, dishes, crystal, and décor items that once adorned Reynolds’ spaces here as well as all over the world. Proceeds will benefit a host of local arts organizations and individual artists who receive grants from The Arts Council.

Items are tagged for sale at prices starting at $5 going upward of several thousand dollars, and a lot of works by local and internationally known artists range between $250 and $500. “Many of the works by local artists will be of special interest to people in the community,” says Milton Rhodes, president and CEO of The Arts Council. Included are pieces by local and North Carolina artists Claude Howell, Elsie Popkin, Edd Presnell, Sally Prange, and Catherine Ryan.

The sale will be held February 10-12 (10 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday noon–5 p.m.) at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, 251 N. Spruce St. Entry fee is a $5 donation to The Arts Council, and it provides access all three days; children under 6 are admitted free. Call 336-747-1412 or visit www.intothearts.org for more details.

In anticipation of being empty nesters one day, the Davises daydreamed of downsizing and living the simple life. When units for Beau Dancy’s Tar Branch Towers became available for sale, they were some of the first to claim a spot. “We bought the space before they even dug the hole,” Terrie says.

Faced with a future 5,000 square-foot residence, the Davises accepted the invitation of a good friend and architect in Charlotte, who invited them to see some of the Queen’s City’s newest interior design ideas in condominiums under construction. “We went down to Charlotte where I took lots of notes and photographs,” Terrie says.

The couple  returned with a vision of a living space characterized by inner undulating walls and angled spaces, an eastern facing wall of glass, and a 1,000 square-foot outdoor terrace, which the builder agreed not to put a roof over, that integrates the interior and exterior.

Visiting from Manhattan, their daughter Jennie Davis Blair, an interior designer, offered her cosmopolitan view on her parents’ place: “It’s eclectic contemporary,” Blair muses. “The point of this home is to entertain and bring people together.”

And it does. As active members of the Democratic party, the couple routinely hosts fundraisers for party hopefuls. With Meridian restaurant an elevator ride away, they can venture down for dinner on the ground floor or have their affair catered. And if Meridian isn’t serving on a particular night, there are four other restaurants within a block’s walking distance and Ollie’s Bakery across the street.

Nesting above the trees and stretching across the northern face of the building, the unit boasts some of the best views in the city: Old Salem, Indera Mills, UNC School of the Arts, and downtown Winston-Salem—nearly a 360-degree perspective that encompasses the city’s past, present, and future.

The views inside the Davis home are as stunning, where wall after wall features art from all over the world; a beautiful travelogue of places visited and experiences shared. “We pretty much buy what we like,” Terrie says.

Their daughter agrees. “Their collection of art is so eclectic and diverse―it’s amazing how well it felt right at home in the two-story brick colonial I grew up in as much as it does here.”

Of course, living in Winston-Salem means that local artists share some of the spotlight in the couple’s international collection. “Buy what you like, and find a place for it,” Terrie says. Like her husband, she knows a good view when she sees one.

Eating more and moving less isn’t a good or healthy combo—or the way to fit into your pants. My clothes have made me aware of the consequences of my hectic schedule and poor food choices; just a few pounds can make a big difference. But I’d told myself the same story so often until I believed it: Life is too full to do any better. But guess what? It’s a myth.

“We know all the tips and what we’re supposed to do to be healthy,” says Debra Benfield, nutritionist and owner of Body in Mind Nutrition. “It’s putting things into practice in daily life that’s tough.” She says we have to develop a real, doable action plan instead of repeating old stories we’ve told ourselves as excuses.

So how do we do better? First, we realize that it all starts in our minds.

DEVELOP AWARENESS. “We go through life so rushed,” says Benfield, “that often we eat without noticing what we’re putting in our mouths.” Not only do we need to slow down enough to taste our food, we need to know why we’re eating. “Have a conversation with yourself, an inquiry into your eating behavior,” says Benfield. Are you feeling physiologically hungry? If not, why are you eating? “There’s the nutritional piece of satisfying your hunger, but emotional eating is what sidetracks a lot of people.”

NAME IT. In addition to asking what need isn’t being met, Benfield says to name what you’re trying not to feel. “Food is the entryway to insight for a lot of things,” notes Benfield. “The way you choose to nurture or deny yourself says a lot. You can get numb either way.” She says the danger comes in extremes, and both obesity and eating disorders are on the rise. “It’s tough to be balanced and in the middle” of the spectrum. And for those of us who don’t fit in any category, we can still be susceptible to overindulging, then punishing ourselves with diets that don’t work, and then overeating in response to having denied ourselves. “Stress is a huge factor with some people,” says Benfield. “We wind down with food.”

Allowing ourselves to get too hungry and then eating too much or making poor choices also involves emotions. “We’ve worked hard during the day, and we feel as though we deserve to comfort ourselves,” says Benfield. But we must keep the bigger picture in mind before going through the fast food drive-thru after a long workday.

CHANGE YOUR BEHAVIOR. Choose three small things to focus on this month, but before chiding yourself to “do better,” Benfield says to think through what the changes will entail. “Are there barriers that will keep you from making the change? How will it feel to follow through?” (For me, the barrier is time, so pre-planning for the workweek is crucial: Bulk cooking on the weekend makes meals easier during the week. My other behavior changes are nixing last-minute fast food stops on the way home from work and putting exercise on the calendar like any other appointment.)

MOVE. Benfield shares that one of the best ways to ensure I follow through with exercise is to make it fun. “We naturally want to move, so create a plan around play that involves what you enjoy and have: walking, hiking, biking, yoga, for instance. You naturally cross-train and work in variety to keep your interest.” She incorporates yoga into the framework of body-mind nutrition because of its meditative quality, and she recommends that everyone include its elements into daily life.

SET THE SCENE. Benfield wasn’t impressed when I told her the magazine staffers sometimes eat lunch at our desks. “You can undo a lot of well intentions when you eat in front of a screen.” Turn off the TV, close down the computer, step away from your desk, and carve out a time and space to make your meal into an event. Real silverware, food presentation, and chewing slowly can elevate the shortest of lunch breaks. If even that sounds too lofty, do this: Choose a spot where you can focus on what you’re putting in your mouth.

ENJOY THE PROCESS. Benfield says there can be a place for counting—calories, carbs, steps—but that we must give ourselves the gift of a (mindful) break. “There’s no magic number of grams or formula.” And no food is off limits, so if that piece of dark chocolate keeps calling to you, go for it, because “if you don’t feel satisfied, you’ll keep eating.” Just figure out what you’re truly craving if you find you’re using food as an easy answer/friend/habit.

“Be more awake in each moment,” urges Benfield. “Follow your body’s signals. Get quiet. Slow down. Honor your body.” Whether you’re eating or watching a sunset or having a conversation. “And be intentional.” Life is too precious not to be fully present for it.

*****

Eating With Your Body in Mind, an eight-week workshop, will be held each Monday from Feb. 6 to March 26 at Winston-Salem Yoga Therapy, 2424 Reynolda Rd. (Registration is required; space is limited.) Visit www.bodyinmindnutrition.com or call 336-773-1443 for details and for information about individual, couples, and family sessions and other services.

Boyd is Winston-Salem Monthly magazine’s creative director and a designer for the Winston-Salem Journal; Shu’s wife also works for the Journal. That’s how they met and discovered a shared interest in performing music more than a decade ago.

The two played at gallery shows informally. During a break at one of them, a woman asked whether they booked gigs. She was offering $50. Without hesitation Boyd answered emphatically, “Yes!”

“Then we went and looked for the rest of a band,” he laughs. And they’ve never regretted the impulsive answer.

In a decade the group has recorded three CDs, is working on a fourth, and has played gigs all over the Triad and beyond. However, one thing has not changed: the band’s dedication to traditional country music. Think Bakersfield, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash.

“We don’t want people to hear us and say, ‘That’s what I hear on country music radio today,’ ” Boyd explains. “We want them to say, ‘That reminds me of something that came out 20 years ago, 30 years ago.’ We want them to be transported.”

The creative process is fundamental to the band’s mindset. While thus far Boyd has written the majority of the band’s music, several members have written songs and all have helped polish them.

“There’s something about playing original songs,” says Shu. “We could make more money playing covers. You learn the parts, and you keep at that level. But when you’re producing new music, whether Richard’s writing it or we’re coming up with our part, that’s pushing you as an artist to new things.”

And, in the band members’ collective opinion, if you’re not creating something, you’re dying. “It’s how we learn, by creating,” says vonReichbauer. “From the moment we’re born almost, as soon as we can pick up a block we’re creating something. It’s what humans do, is create.”

Bell, soft spoken for most of the morning sat forward and adds, “It’s making your mark on life that proves you existed.”

“This is our tombstone?” cracks Hawkins, and the group laughs.

“I hope not,” quips Shu wryly and then they quiet to hear Bell out.

“I’m not going to be here forever,” he says, “but this is proof that I existed. It’s something that will be here long after I’m gone.” His friends nod their heads in agreement.

“And it’s not bad stuff,” Boyd says.

Asked what advice they’d give folks who want to find a way to be creative, the group’s unified response was, “Do it.”

“It doesn’t matter how old you are or how young you are,” Boyd says, “or where you’re at in your life. If you’ve got something to say, say it. In whatever venue you have.”

In that regard, Hawkins counts himself lucky. “I’m doing exactly what I want to do and have since I was 16 on a regular basis,” he says, intently serious for a moment. “I’m playing clubs in front of people and not having to worry about when the next show is coming.”

They expect their fourth CD to be released sometime this year, but they’re not rushing it. They want to get it right and to do the music justice.

 “It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world,” Bell adds, “to hear people sing along with a song that you wrote or helped write. It’s a feeling so few people in the world will ever get to experience. We’re pretty lucky.” 

****

The bo-stevens will perform Friday, February 24, at the 10th Annual Cash Bash at the Garage. The show brings together bands of all genres to pay homage to country music legend Johnny Cash. You can also find the bo-stevens on your social media of choice, download music from iTunes, and find upcoming gigs from the band’s page at www.reverbnation.com/thebostevens.

Scooby-Doo and those “meddling kids” parallel with the magazine—and the month of love. How? The short answer is relationships. Research published last year by the American Psychological Association found that people who like their coworkers tend to outlive those who don’t. Beyond that, we all know that when you like your work, you’re more fulfilled. The Mystery Gang scores points for both aspects. And us? Both inside and outside the building, we’re a blessed bunch.

I love the people who put together this publication, and I adore what I do: investigating happenings and individuals in and around the city and being a positive force for the greater good. I adore you, too. When you write, call, or post your thoughts (good and bad), I’m happy because you cared enough to comment and share your life. The magazine group feels the same.

People think about love with Valentine’s Day (and heart health with this month), but beyond a special occasion, we need to be good to others and ourselves every day. Being surrounded by friends and family make people live longer, say scientists. Of course! We’re built for relationships, and one of the most powerful, life- and world-changing things we can do is love—others and ourselves. Doing good stuff is powerful, too: A study showed that people who did three daily good deeds for others were a whopping 94 percent happier than those who didn’t.

That huge percentage is more than enough reason for us to do good things. And each of us needs to do our part because each life is like a fingerprint: something unduplicated in all the land. And when we put our lives together, we change our world. Let’s imagine how life on this planet can look and feel when we realize that relationships are at the core of life, and love is at the heart of it all.

xoxo,
Emily-Sarah
wsmonthly@mediageneral.com

While the story is endearing, it’s certainly not uncommon these days. According to a Match.com study, 17 percent of couples who were recently married met on a dating website (that’s nearly 1 in every 5). Still, the Petersons will tell you that courting in cyberspace can be just as intimidating as it is invigorating. That’s why Cindy, a local personal development coach, makes it a point to help clients navigate the  tricky waters of online dating—assisting with everything from profile content to first-date advice.

What are some things to consider before starting online dating?
The biggest thing is to be honest with yourself; are you really ready for it? Online dating takes self-confidence and self-esteem, and it requires you to be in a good place emotionally. That said, there’s probably never a perfect time to start it. You eventually have to say, “Ok, this is as ready as I’m going to be” and go for it. Another consideration is safety. Even though it should be obvious, always meet in a  public place and let a friend know where you’re going.
 
What sites do you recommend?
I tend to steer clients to the two most well-known sites—Match.com and eHarmony—depending on what they’re looking for. With Match.com, the whole world can see you, even those not registered with the site (though they can’t make contact). You can browse for singles in your area, and if you see someone you like, you can make contact with them directly…you’re basically in control. You fill out a profile and put up some photos, but there’s minimal effort.

With eHarmony, the first thing you do is fill out a comprehensive personality assessment that takes about 90 minutes. You are then matched with compatible persons that have the potential for a long-term relationship. Your profile stays private; the only ones who can see it are the ones you’re matched up with. Neither site is free, but eHarmony is traditionally a little more expensive.
 
What are some tips for creating an appealing profile?
For a lot of people, filling out “About Me”-type questions can be pretty daunting. My biggest advice is to go to a trusted good friend, perhaps of the opposite sex, and ask for help. Ask them about your redeeming qualities…the things that make you a good catch. Be unique, be playful, be specific, and remember that a little personality goes a long way. Once you’ve finished, get your friend to read it over. I tell clients to think of your profile as a job application. You wouldn’t turn in a cover letter or resume without proofreading it, would you?

What about photos. Any advice there?
First of all, you absolutely need a photo, and not just one. You want to have a number of photos that show both your face and body…ones that are current and honestly represent you. It’s also great to show some of your interests through photos. If you bike, waterski, play guitar, whatever…put it out there. It all goes back to showing personality.
 
What are the drawbacks to online dating?
People don’t have to tell the truth online. They also don’t have to be nice. You’ll inevitably get turned down a few times. Or you might go out with someone and think it went great, then never hear from them again. When that happens, it’s easy to get down on yourself. So I try to remind clients that online dating is just one avenue to meet somebody. If you stay active socially and network regularly, then getting a few “no’s” online isn’t that big of a deal.

On the opposite end, you might experience a bit of option overload where you’re seeing 20 to 30-plus emails a day. There’s just not enough time to make a connection with everyone, no matter how nice you are. The key is to be respectful but direct with people you’re not interested in—“thank you very much, but I don’t think we’re a match”—and move on.
 
Any advice for initial dates?
For me personally, I like to keep it simple. Make a date for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and see where it goes. Online sites can be great at matching compatibility, but they don’t match chemistry. Instead of going out to a fancy dinner, just keep it simple up front and avoid the pressure that comes along with dinner dates. If there’s some chemistry there, the fancy dinner will come.
 
Cindy Valliere Peterson is a personal development coach specializing in careers and relationships for both young professionals and adults. Visit her website at www.inventyourlife.com.

By Michael Breedlove

On the first floor of the William G. White Family YMCA, tucked between the free-weights area and a bustling kids zone, sits a small, dimly-lit room. An open Bible rests atop a wooden shelf while two candles fill in the corners. There’s a stained-glass panel on one wall and a large golden cross on the other.

It’s not much to see, really. And in the grand scheme of things, the space goes virtually unnoticed—immersed in the sounds of bouncing balls and clinking barbells. But it’s here in this dim 8×12-foot room that the wonder of the YMCA becomes crystal clear. After all, how many gyms have an on-site chapel?

“The mission of the YMCA is to help people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind, and body,” says Curt Hazelbaker, president and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina (NWNC). “We see people of all sizes, ages, races, and social backgrounds…they’re all one big family here.”

The YMCA, which started in London in 1844, was built on the pillars of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. The town of Winston would open its first YMCA in 1888 at the corner of Third and Main streets, welcoming 128 members in its first year.

These days, the YMCA of NWNC has approximately 70,000 members in its 15 branches. Some folks come for the fitness equipment, some for the youth sports, others for the aquatic amenities, but all will tell you there’s something extra special about the YMCA. In a world of chic fitness clubs and trendy workouts, it’s a place that never goes out of style. The following is a few reasons why.
 

The Social Capital

For Winston-Salem resident David Hinton, one of the best things about the YMCA is the kaleidoscope of members he encounters every day. A current board member, Hinton can be found in the fitness areas of the William G. White branch several times a week. “The Y truly opens doors for everyone in the community—rich or poor, black or white, everyone is welcome. The person next to you on the treadmill might be one of the most influential people in town, or they might be someone on financial assistance.”

Hazelbaker agrees, calling the Y a window to the entire community. “One of our members is a regional bank president,” he says, “and two of his best friends are a plumber and electrician. He never would have met them if it hadn’t been for the Y. They do very different things outside these walls, but in here, they’re just a group of friends working out together.”

Class Acts

Deciding what class to take at the Y is a little like trying to decide what to eat at the world’s biggest buffet. Without guidance, it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily, the staff is happy to match your interests and abilities with a course that fits.

You can bike to nowhere in spin class, dance to Latin beats in Zumba, or buff up with BODYPUMP. For something a little different, there’s the hyper-intense Metabolic Effect or the aerobic-infused Dance Trance. There’s even a hula-hoop fitness class called HOOPDIO.

For those interested in exercising their spiritual side, the Y offers a number of yoga-related classes, including the ever-popular Hot Yoga at a few local branches. You can also head to the pool for a slew of aqua-based courses and boot camps.

Classes are open to all exercise levels and ages above 14. For descriptions and locations of all offered classes, go to ymcanwnc.org.

 
Amenities Aplenty

Swimming pools and spin classes aside, what amenities are truly unique to the YMCA? Turns out, quite a lot.

For starters, there’s the Free Wellness Orientation. All new members can meet with a wellness coach for an in-depth look at equipment, classes, and other offerings at their local branch. After discussing interests and fitness goals, a tailored exercise plan is devised to help you meet them.

If you need help staying on track, turn to FitLinxx. This state-of-the-art technology records the number of sets and repetitions you complete, how much weight you’re lifting, and makes sure you’re using each machine correctly. In short, it’s like having your own personal trainer every step of the way.

And that’s just scratching the surface. Each member we talked with had their own favorite activities: running laps on the indoor track; playing pick-up volleyball games on Monday nights; taking a digital bike ride through the Rocky Mountains. As the Village People once observed, the YMCA has “everything that you need to enjoy.” The key is finding what works for you.

Senior Support 

When asked about one of the biggest misconceptions at the YMCA, Curt Hazelbaker, the local president and CEO of the Y, quickly responds, “That it’s just a place for kids.”

“I think a lot of people who haven’t been to the Y in a long time are shocked to see the age range. You’ll see a 5-year-old getting swim lessons on one end of the pool, and a 75-year-old swimming laps at the other. It’s a pretty neat thing.”

Seniors now represent the fastest-growing membership category at the YMCA of NWNC (22 percent of the 70,000 members are older adults). To satisfy the growing population, the Y has introduced a number of programs specifically for older adults, highlighted by SilverSneakers. A national initiative, the program affords eligible seniors a free YMCA membership and access to customized classes.

Other events for active older adults range from group outings to health seminars to volunteer opportunities. Go to ymcanwnc.org for more on senior programs and rewards.

Parental Appeal

When Kevin and Amy Williams joined the YMCA 12 years ago, they did so for one primary reason. “We knew their childcare facilities were second to none,” Kevin says. “That was huge to us. We could drop the kids off when we were working out and know they’d be in good hands.”

Child Watch services are free to members and available throughout the week. While every Y offers different amenities, kids have a myriad of options in each. For instance, the William G. White branch has the “Adventure Room” for kids 7 and under with an indoor jungle gym, ball pit, basketball hoops, and coloring area. Down the hall is the Youth Wellness Center, which is stocked with interactive gaming systems and teen-focused equipment. There’s electronic dodgeball, virtual snowboarding, Expresso bikes, even a rock climbing wall.

In addition to Child Watch, each branch offers periodic “Parent’s Night Out” and “Parent’s Morning Out” sessions. The Y also partners with local elementary schools to offer afterschool care at reduced rates. Add it all up, and it’s no wonder the YMCA is the nation’s leading provider of childcare.

Youth in Action

Ask a handful of pro athletes where they got their start in sports, and you’re almost guaranteed to hear Y-M-C-A. For decades, the Y has been known for its huge variety of youth sports that emphasizes themes of teamwork, friendship, and respect.

Depending on the branch, kids can choose from flag football, soccer, basketball, swimming, tennis, cheerleading, and lacrosse (to name a few). Starting at age 3, kids can begin participating in things like Kiddy Kickers soccer or Little Dribblers basketball. Teams are coached by community volunteers, all of whom undergo extensive background checks.

One of those coaches is Kevin Williams, a basketball coach at the William G. White branch. He began coaching at the Y when he was in college, then returned to the sideline when his own kids started competing. “It’s been a blessing to be a part of these kids’ lives,” he says. “I’m sure other coaches would tell you the same thing.”

Signups for several spring sports are currently underway. For more info on participating or coaching, go to ymcanwnc.org.

Programs with Purpose

Fitness services aside, the YMCA prides itself on a diverse mix of programs, all of which aim to strengthen the local community. One of the newest and most uplifting programs is LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a 12-week seminar for adult cancer survivors. This research-based program offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities.

Judy Oakley was one of 10 participants enrolled in the initial LIVESTRONG class this past fall. A retired English teacher, Oakley had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2007. She underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation to treat the condition, and luckily, the cancer hasn’t spread. Still, she never thought she’d be exercising regularly with her condition, let alone enjoying it.

“I’m the girl who never wanted to sweat,” she laughs. “I hated exercising.”

That’s why when her physical therapist enrolled her in the LIVESTRONG program—largely against her will—she nearly didn’t show up. After the first session, however, she knew the program was something special. “The entire course was just such a blessing,” she says. “And the people I met have become some of my closest friends. I never thought I’d see the day when I actually enjoyed going and working out, but I do now. It’s like they’ve created a monster,” she laughs.

LIVESTRONG, which is offered at no cost to participants, is one of dozens of programs offered through local YMCAs. Here’s a quick look some other standouts.

Black Achievers: This multi-racial program at the Winston Lake Y helps teens set and pursue higher educational and career goals. Topics such as college prep, career development, and job readiness are discussed at bimonthly meetings.

PACES: PACES is a 12-week course aimed at combating childhood obesity. Intended for young people ages 10-15, the program is a crash-course on healthy eating and exercising habits.

Adventure Guides: This family-centered program aims to increase the bond between fathers and sons through camping trips, volunteer projects, and a host of fun activities. There’s also a counterpart, Princess Guides, for fathers and daughters.

Affordable, Adaptable

While other gyms often make members sign lengthy contracts up front, the Y operates on a month-to-month payment system—you simply pay as you go. The costs are simplified too. For instance, an adult membership at the William G. White YMCA goes for $42 per month. Or you could choose the Metro rate, which gives you access to all the YMCAs in the NWNC region, for $53 per month. Discounts are available for teens, young adults, and seniors. Families can also save by getting a household membership for $82 per month ($90 for the metro). Each Y offers a free 3-day pass to any perspective member, which includes access to all workout areas and classes.

Add in things like extended hours, free equipment rentals, and a towel service—not to mention our favorite feature: fitness machines with personal LCD screens—and one thing becomes clear: The YMCA staff works hard to make sure their members have it easy.

The Overriding Mission

With its expansive spaces and cutting-edge equipment, it’s easy to forget the YMCA is a charitable nonprofit organization. It raises funds through an annual-giving campaign, which provides financial scholarships to individuals based on a sliding scale. Where someone might be paying $5 a month for a membership, another might be paying 80 percent of the regular fee (it’s circumstantial-based).  During the most recent annual-giving campaign, nearly 6,400 donors raised $1.6 million for local scholarships. The money was then doled out to deserving families and individuals for things such as gym memberships, swim lessons, childcare, and day camps. In all, nearly 18,000 local citizens were helped with membership payments in 2010. “The scholarship programs are a central part of the YMCA’s mission,” Hazelbaker says. “No one is turned away due to an inability to pay.”
 
•••

Finding Your Fit

Each of the seven YMCAs inside Forsyth County lines has a few things that set it apart. Here’s a quick breakdown.
 
Fulton Family YMCA (Hanes Mill Road). Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Fulton Family YMCA in northern Forsyth County is home to a vibrant community of SilverSneakers who are part of the famous “Joy Club.” Swimming facilities, basketball courts, a sauna, steam room, and hot tub highlight the amenities.
 
Jerry Long Family YMCA (Clemmons). The largest local branch in terms of members, this facility offers a wide range of sports, aquatic, afterschool, and camp programs. It’s also host to LIVESTRONG, the Clemmons Farmer’s Market, and the SilverSneakers program. Last month, the branch wrapped up a rennovation and expansion that added new locker rooms, teen areas, and an additional 3,000 square feet of childcare space. 
 
Kernersville Family YMCA. The Kernersville Y is home to a robust aquatic program including water fitness and rehabilitation programs, as well as an outdoor water park. The branch also strengthens the community through initiatives such as Bright Beginnings, which provides a special back-to-school shopping experience for local students. 
 
Robinhood Road Family YMCA (pictured). The newest branch in the association, this facility opened in 2009 with state-of-the-art wellness amenities, a Hot Yoga Studio, turf sports training room, and a well-regarded personal-training program. It was here that the WXII morning crew (Austin Caviness, Kimberly Van Scoy, and others) trained during their on-air fitness challenge.
 
Wells Fargo Express YMCA (Downtown). This mini-branch offers the convenience of a downtown facility inside the Wells Fargo Center. It features modern fitness equipment, classes, and personal training.
 
Winston Lake Family YMCA (Waterworks Road). In 1985, the Patterson Avenue YMCA moved to the Winston Lake YMCA, which is the second oldest branch in the region. These days, the Y is dedicated to youth development with unique programs such as the Jazzy Jumpers, Boss Drummers, and Black Achievers. An aquatics area with a pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna underscore the offerings.
 
William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA (West End). Formerly known as the Central YMCA, this branch serves as the flagship of the entire NWNC Association. It provides a wide range of youth development programs in the form of camps and youth sports. In addition to a Women’s Wellness Center, there’s a Youth Wellness Center that houses a rock climbing wall, Expresso bikes, and interactive gaming options. This branch is also home to the nationally-ranked TYDE swim team.
 

For an in-depth look at all the local branches, as well as fees, classes, and programs, go to www.ymcanwnc.org.