Resolutions, like rules, are made and then frequently broken. According to surveys, 40 percent of us devise at least one New Year’s resolution each year. Half of us actually keep our resolutions – a percentage that seems higher than what experience tells us.

Even when we follow through on them, a resolution’s life span is short—weeks or, at most, months. Permanent change seems to come from someplace deeper than a casual resolution.

For example, those who regularly exercise at the gym expect to see a crop of newbies every January. These are the people who resolve to join the Y or The Forum on South Main Street, Salisbury, and finally do. “The uptick in membership in January and February is huge,” said Forum co-owner Matt Marsh. “Usage usually starts dropping off in March and April. There is a 24 to 28 percent drop from February.” (Read More)
 

Living Christmas Trees in Salisbury and Spencer Light the Way

Hundreds of Volunteers, Thousands of Lights, and Music Make This Tradition New Again Each Year
 

In early fall, at First Baptist Church in Salisbury there is a big push for a lot of people to get their flu shots.

Out in Spencer, what is called “a miracle” begins to happen at that time of year. People come from all over Rowan County.

It’s all about singing the Christmas story, and it’s a tradition that is as familiar as the carols themselves. (Read More)
 

 Yoga for Every Body

We wake up in the morning and the drag race begins for many of us. We fly to work, run from meeting to meeting, eat on the go, drive the kids to athletic practice, maybe fit in exercise, try to feed the family, attempt to get the kids to take a bath, and pass out exhausted on our beds, only to start all over again in the morning.

In today’s high-stress way of life, it is often difficult to remember to take care of ourselves. Many people in our community have found a way to slow down, step back, and just breathe. They have discovered the practice of yoga. (Read More)
 

Old Salem

Beauty, Nostalgia and Lessons in History, All in a Pleasant Day’s Visit

From the first crisp day of fall throughout the Christmas season, it’s a beautiful time to enjoy Old Salem, whether you plan your visit around organized events or prefer to explore on your own. This uniquely preserved Moravian community is a perfect escape from the fast pace of modern life, with quaint buildings and talented craftspeople demonstrating everything from pottery to sewing, and bakers creating mouthwatering breads and pastries in wood-fired brick ovens. (Read More)


 

The Music that Drives Matthew Weaver

 
He Now Plays 19 Instruments and his Fan Base is Spreading from Dollywood to the Grand Old Opry

When Matthew Weaver realized one of his dreams and arrived at Appalachian State University to pursue his degree, he decided not to major in music.

After all, he can’t read music.

What he can do is play 19 different instruments in any key you suggest.

It didn’t take the university music department long to take notice. Dr. Charles Isley, longtime head of Hayes School of Music and now 91, discovered Weaver and offered this comment: “In over 40 years of teaching, you’re only the second person, in thousands and thousands of students, to do what you do. It’s rare.” (Read More)