photos by:  JODIE BRIM CREATIVE

This month, we’re so excited to feature Salem Gymnastics & Swim on our cover! They recently launched a Ninja program, and let me tell you… it’s not often I wish I was a kid again—but I definitely wish I could sign up for this class! (The CrossFitter in me just loves everything about it.)

I’ve always believed gymnastics is one of the best sports you can put your kids in; the benefits are endless. Flexibility, mobility, balance, confidence, learning new skills—it’s all there. I actually took gymnastics at Salem as a kid, and it was one of the highlights of my childhood. I absolutely loved it! Learn more about this amazing local gem on page 18.

This month, I also had to share this special photo with you—it’s from  Forsyth Woman Magazine’s 20th Anniversary Celebration a few weeks ago. What a night to remember! I’m endlessly grateful for the bond I share with my mom and my mamaw, two of the strongest women I know.

You’ll notice in the photo my mom is holding up a large picture of my Pop Pop Charlie (her dad)! Here’s the story behind that moment. Back in August, our family took a trip to Maine to visit my aunt and uncle. My grandparents go every summer and look forward to it all year long. Just before we left, Pop Pop wasn’t feeling well and made a last-minute decision to stay home. We are thanking God that he did because less than 48 hours later, he needed emergency surgery. At 91 years old, that’s no small thing. Had he joined us on the island in Maine, getting to a hospital would’ve been nearly impossible.

He spent quite a while in the ICU but, by the grace of God, made it home. We made the tough call for him to stay home from the anniversary party since it had only been a week, but of course we had to make sure he was there in spirit! My mamaw came to celebrate, and we carried Pop Pop’s photo around all night—everyone took pictures with him, and he loved seeing them afterward. It’s one of those sweet memories I’ll always cherish.

I can hardly believe it’s already November and we’re heading toward the end of 2025. What a year it’s been! This issue is full of things you don’t want to miss: 

• The Nutcracker at the Tanger Center, December 5–7 (page 8)
• The Gospel According to Scrooge, a musical drama at Redland Church, December 5–7 (pages 11–12)
• Lewisville Laser’s 17th Birthday Celebration on November 7 (page 7)
• A Carolina Christmas: Home for the Holidays with the Winston-Salem Symphony, November 29…scan the QR code on page 25 for tickets before they sell out!
• The Mistletoe 5K & Half Marathon, happening on December 6. A YMCA tradition we love!
• Jodie Brim’s unforgettable Holiday Experience, December 11 at The Crest (page 37)

And don’t miss Suzy’s delicious round-up of local pumpkin favorites—from the pumpkin pancakes at MidTown to the Savage Pumpkin Dirty Chai at Be Kind Coffee (page 32).

Here’s to a November filled with gratitude, community, and supporting local.