Crafts for Retirement Home Residents in Triad

The Stratford (Retirement Home in High Point, NC) invited me to work with residents creating Valentine’s Day Cards. All materials were brought to the facility and just creativity was required.

Many beautiful cards were made for family members using colored papers, special cutting tools, ribbons, button, flowers and various stickers.

After leaving The Stratford, I learned a few craft making techniques from the residents. One of their staff members even made a card for her daughter.

The facility is just beautiful with its open atrium, bright light and many windows to view the geese meandering through their gardens.

The Stratford was a pleasure and we hope to craft again in the future making cards for the community, our soldiers and loved ones. It was even mentioned, the activity bus will bring residents to Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journals, Celebrate Mother Earth event April 16th for some outdoor fun.

Read Full Post »

Chihuahua-Adoptable Rescue Dogs-Triad Area

Meet Sparky, a wonderful young Chihuahua puppy about one year old. Notice his eyes have a touch of blue.

Sparky is very good with children

and other pets (Willie is also adoptable)

He will let you know he needs to go outside by walking in a circle, yes, he does this. Sparky also likes dressing up for the holiday’s.

Sparky will be one of the adoptable pets at the “Celebrate Mother Earth” event April 16th.

Sparky deserves a forever home. With his adoption, we are able to work with other rescue Chihuahua dogs, improving their chances of adoption in the Piedmont Triad Area. Open your home and your hearts to a new family member.

When you have made your adoption, schedule your pet portrait session with Rhonda Lester, welcoming your new member.

Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal

Read Full Post »

Pet Portraits

Memory Lane Portraits by Rhonda Lester is partnering with Just a Cloud Away, Inc.™ Journal, 50% of pet portrait session fees will be donated to the publication. The journal provides our community a platform to share stories of hope, healing, loss and memorials of a loved one, pregnancy or pet.

Memory Lane Portraits by Rhonda Lester creates beautiful artistic portraits of pets and their families. They welcome well-loved animals of all types and ages and love capturing the unique personality of each.

Rhonda is partnering with Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal by donating 50% of all pet session fees booked through mentioning this ad. Rhonda has over 25 years experience in photography, and compassion for capturing the love between owner and companion.

Rhonda’s first pet session was for a dog with terminal cancer, named Chester. His owner, Sheila, wanted something special to remember her beautiful and beloved Chester, as he had been part of the family for so many years. When they arrived at the studio, Sheila wasn’t sure Chester would cooperate, as he usually disliked being photographed. Knowing this, and how important the portraits were, Rhonda was a little nervous about how the session was going to progress. She was used to being patient and playful with reluctant children to capture the best pictures, and decided to apply those same skills. Staying calm, Rhonda not only got Chester’s cooperation, but a variety of heart warming images­. The result was a priceless portrait of a very much-loved companion, Chester……

“End of Life Photography” was provided for the pet owners of Monty, adopted 15 years ago from a shelter. He is a very special part of the family, being the first of 7 dogs to enter the household.

It is said, 78% of owners consider pets a full-fledged part of the family and rightly so.

 View additional pictures

Consider having a professional portrait of your loyal 4-legged friends with Rhonda Lester (336.474.6867), she has a heart of gold and also a volunteer photographer for a national non-profit,  Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, photographing deceased babies for bereaved parents. These photographs provide families with keepsakes to begin their healing journey.

Thank you for partnering with Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™Journal and we appreciate all you do Rhonda.

Read Full Post »

What is Your Legacy-Do You Pre-Plan Funerals?

PRE-PLANNING MY FUNERAL-Is it my responsibility? 

Sitting down with loved ones to plan your funeral may not be high on the priority list, but it is something that should be discussed in order to ensure a ceremony or service that reflects your legacy and provides for your wishes. Otherwise, the “to-do list” could be overwhelming for bereaved family members.  The choice of having a traditional funeral, being buried in a green casket, having ashes dispersed in the ocean, or the decision to donate your body to science are based on an individual’s personal beliefs, religion, and passions.

A retired schoolteacher preplanned her service to include ceremony music, how her body would be returned to the earth, and who was to be invited to the church. While diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she composed a beautiful letter to be imprinted on the back of the funeral program. She expressed the gratitude and love she had for all the guests, the happiness in her life, and how she enjoyed living life to its fullest. She did it all.

In a sense, purchasing life insurance is pre-planning. It is a guarantee that upon one’s death, a lump sum of money will be available to cover funeral costs and other expenses. Hypothetically, if a 40-year-old bought a $100,000 Whole Life insurance policy and passed at the age of 60, the total cash value would equal $34,400 with a death benefit of $113,600 based on dividends earned – all from a total out-of-pocket investment of $31,400. This money could cover various costs associated with a funeral or memorial service along with the survivors’ unpaid expenses.

Benevolent Funds are collections taken up by churches and are often included within fiscal budgets. These collections provide funds to assist with funeral costs of members who were not successful in purchasing life insurance prior to death. If families are in an impoverished financial state or someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, a small, modified life insurance policy is an alternative. Some churches may find benevolent funds too much of a burden on budgets; their monies could be used to support those in need who are still living.

Know your options and plan ahead.  Do it as an act of love for those you will leave behind.

This article was written in collaboration with the Family Life Transition Team, assisting families with life changing events such as; the death of a loved one, infant or pregnancy, divorce/separation, disabling event or illness, passing of a pet, physical catastrophes, adoption, or job loss. For more information contact Melody Anderson of Chadwick Insurance Group, LLC, 336. 707.9308. Family Life Transition Team can come to you.

Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal

Read Full Post »

Burns Hill Neighborhood Watch Association

The Burns Hill Neighborhood Watch Association has taken the initiative making their community a safer place for families raising  children and the elder population and improve the quality of life. A Commitment to Community Award Dinner recognized outstanding members and noted “all” were deserving of the awards.

 

The president, Jerry C. Mingo was very appreciative of all community members taking action to ensure a neighborhood, safe to come home to.

Even Boy Scout Troup 6 participated.

Pastor, Annie Baker, Chaplin said a few words and song.

We had live entertainment from Brenda Bey-Vocal Xpressions, just beautiful.

Angela Howard-Health Coach of Take Shape for Life was a sponsor, member of Burns Hill and Mistress of Ceremony.

Awards were given out for

• Perfect Attendance
• Good Neighbor Award
• Unsung Hero Award

One of the sponsors of the evening- Call on Red, computer repair.

Centerpieces were green and “Green”, created by

• DianaDigsDirt
• The Clean G

Subjects Discussed were

• Children’s curfew
• Slumlords -homes not boarded up properly, contributing to other issues
• Promiscuous behavior
• Selling of illegal substances
• America’s Night Out Against Crime
• Cleaning up the neighborhood
• Community gardening

Pride and taking ownership and responsibility was noted,  the building blocks of strong community.  Burns Hill Community Neighborhood is working together with local representatives, moving mountains for the good of the people.  What if all neighborhoods acted ?

Great Job Burns Hill!

Read Full Post »

North Carolina Obesity Rates are High

North Carolina is ranked among the highest in the nation regarding obesity, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In general, states in the West and New England rank lowest in the fattest states rankings, while states in the South and the Rust Belt tend to rank highest. 57% of North Carolina adults are overweight or obese.

Some factors causing weight gain and obesity are

• Lack of energy balance
• Pregnancy
• Emotional
• Inactive Lifestyle
• Environment
• Health conditions
• Family genes
• Medicines
• Smoking
• Age
• Lack of Sleep to name a few

Could we, as North Carolinians change those statistics?

Let’s Fight the Fat Stat and Learn to Live Lean and Mean with our local resources (and they are not difficult to find)

Angela Howard-Health Coach with Take Shape for Life addresses  issues on an individual basis. Her motto, “There is no 1 solution to weight loss, it is a combination.” Angela has personally lost 212 pounds and works with clients who desire loosing 2-5 pounds per week, taking the healthy route.

Below is a picture of Angela and her husband, both at least 200 pounds over-weight. An unfortunate reality was the diagnosis of early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease, motivating her decision to change her life.

Angela provides workshops regarding health and wellness

What foods to select, how to prepare, are supplements needed, exercise implementation or other activities to improve quality of life are all examined. It is a known fact, people trying to lose weight with the help of a coach or another trained health professional, do so faster and also keep the weight off. They act as your support system while you walk the journey to a healthier lifestyle. Angela can be reached for questions at, 336.301.9321. Fight the Fat!

If you have been declined for health insurance, or feel you may not be accepted, there are other alternatives, call Melody Anderson of Chadwick Insurance Group, LLC for assistance. There is no charge for consultations.

Read Full Post »

Brides Against Breast Cancer- March 2011

Brides Against Breast Cancer – Nationwide Tour of Gowns Presented by

Brides Against Breast Cancer at Emerald Event Center

                March 25-March 27, 2011

                2000 East Wendover Ave. 

“Find the gown of your dreams and make a wish come true”

 

Additional information, call Veronica Foster 336.375.3164  36-375-3164

“Brides Against Breast Cancer TM” gown sales continue to be important fund-raising events for Making Memories, some gowns valued at $20,000. Our more than 32 yearly shows provide brides-to-be with an opportunity to find their dream gown (at an incredible savings) while making wishes and dreams come true for women and men who are losing their fight against breast cancer.

Many local vendors will be present to assist brides with selection of favors, venues, “Green” themed flowers, music, honeymoons, catering/wedding cakes, healthy eating, make-up and photography sessions in the most beautiful settings.

Piedmont Triad Local resources for Breast Cancer Patients in the Serenity Garden

We hope to see you there

Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™Journal

Read Full Post »

Homeless to Heaven with No Headshot

The Ted Williams story is ongoing and we hope he pulls through his personal challenges.  Most stories regarding the homeless are not  typical screenplay material, rather of a child or parent struggling with living life the best they know how.

 A local Greensboro, NC man was featured on the cover of Just a Cloud Away, Inc. Journal’s first issue in February 2010. Through this online link, Michele of Chosenfast website, who reports on our local homeless community, informed us of his accidental death. Larry’s obituary was sadly posted without a photograph.

GREENSBORO — A pedestrian crossing eastbound Interstate 40 on Tuesday night was struck by an SUV and later died at Moses Cone Hospital, according to a news release.

On Wednesday, police identified the man as Larry Wayne McCraw, 40, of Greensboro.

He was hit by a 2002 Ford Explorer just before 6 p.m. Tuesday. The car was driven by Gail Hill Roper, 58, of Whitsett. She was not injured.

Police are still investigating the crash.

The wreck stalled traffic on eastbound I-40 near the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive exit. All lanes have reopened.

When Mr. McCraw’s family posted his obituary, we signed his guest book in hopes of connecting with living family members. His cousin reached out to us in a matter of hours. She resides less than 2 miles from our office and was very appreciative of any pictures of her nephew. After meeting with her, we realized 3 generations of Larry’s family members graduated with ours. We had a connection far deeper than a weekly hand wave.

I saw Larry quite often and he was not camera-shy  and when presented with his photograph on the front cover, said, “Wow, I am famous”. Not to the extent of Ted Williams, but more humbly. The mere connection to Mr. Larry Wayne McCraw was his sweet and polite nature every time a care packet of food was given to him. These care packets are little acts of kindness when one is unsure of why they are there, what they are doing or will do with money given to them.

Rest in Peace Larry Wayne McCraw

Read how our local painter, William Mangum has helped the homeless community by utilizing his talents developing the  Honor Card Program.

Read Full Post »

Terms & Meanings for Preplanning Funerals

 Terms to be Familiar with when Preplanning a Funeral

Archival Photographs–printed on high quality paper, fade and water-resistant, ideal for outdoor memory gardens.

Bio-Degradable Urn-non-toxic and will decompose over time without harming the earth

Body Donation-donation of whole body for medical research or education

Body Transport-NC does not require the deceased loved one to be transported by the funeral homes

Budget-what are you willing to pay for the entire funeral or memorial service?

Burial — Interment by burial in a grave

Burial Liner — Outer burial container for a casket, a minimum requirement by most cemeteries

Body Donation-donation of whole body for medical research or education

Burial Vault —Protective outer burial container for a casket

Casket —The box-like container the body is placed in

Cemetery/graveyard —Private, military or community grounds for burying the dead

Columbarium —An arrangement of niches to hold cremation urns, usually fronted by glass, bronze, marble or granite and may be located either indoors or outdoors

Cremated remains —Remains recovered following cremation

Cremation —The reduction, by direct flame, of the body to its basic elements. Some facilities will provide this free of charge for early pregnancy losses and stillbirths.

Crypt —Cubicle designed to contain a casket usually in a mausoleum

Eco-Eternity Forest-are undisturbed forest preservations providing ecologically friendly and peaceful resting places for cremated ashes. Ashes are placed in biodegradable urns and buried at the roots of mature trees. Over time, the roots will absorb the nutrients and create a living memorial

Eco-friendly options-embalming fluids are not used, cremation is not used, respecting nature with little harm like burial at sea

Embalm —The preserving and sanitizing of the body. The state of NC does not require this, dried ice is another alternative

Funeral Ceremony —A service or rite, religious or non-religious, held at a funeral home, church or elsewhere with the body present

Graveside Ceremony-A service or rite, religious or non-religious, held at the cemetery with casket (interment) or urn present (internment)

Green Burials–  any one of a number of options that doesn’t leave a body in a metal casket in the ground for hundreds of years, with minimal adverse impact on the earth

Green caskets-100% biodegradable caskets handcrafted from pine harvested exclusively from the sustainable forests,contain no metal nor toxins whatsoever

Interred-to place in a tomb or grave

Mausoleum —A building consisting of crypts (entombment)

Memorial Artwork —Bronze sculpture, or other fine art, designed for the purpose of honoring the memories of a life lived.

 

Memory Garden-any designed outdoor residential space for reflection, with or without ashes of loved one. Memory Gardens can also be developed on Campuses, Churches and other Institutions.

 

Memorial Ceremony —A gathering of family and friends (religious or non-religious) held at a funeral home, church or other venue, without the body present. It takes place after burial or cremation

 

Memorial Tree-purchased by family to recognize loved ones past and planting in a residential landscape, church, or in the city (Greensboro Beautiful Memorial Tree Program).

 

Mowable Groundcover-small outdoor, non-invasive, groundcover  plants adding color to cemetery plots/gravesites and withstand mowing without damaging.

 

Niche —The space for cremated remains in a columbarium, mausoleum or other structure

Obituary-is a notice or announcement of a person’s death, often with a short account of their life. It is often the first thing many people read in the news each day and may be the last word written about a person’s life. These are then submitted to newspapers, online or Just a Cloud Away, Inc.™ Journal

 

Open Casket —An option available for viewing of the deceased.

Organ Donation-registering certain organs to be donated after death

Pre-planning Funerals-discussing end of life arrangements with close family or a chosen funeral director

Remains —Usually referring to the body but may include cremated remains.

Urn Vault —Outer container for urn or cremated remains, a requirement by some cemeteries. Perfume viles are sometimes used when the loss is early in pregnancy.

Urn —The vase or container used for cremated remains

 Viewing/Visitation —An option available for viewing the body, either private, family only or public, scheduled prior to services at a funeral home, church or in a home

Our loved ones are just a cloud away…………..

Read Full Post »

Brain Injury Association of NC

The Brain Injury Association of NC  hosted a Caregiver’s Appreciation Morning Out in High Point, NC. Some factors contributing to brain injury include

• Shaken Baby Syndrome
• Stroke
• Car Accidents (texting, drunk driving)
• Falls
• Trauma from Military Explosions
• Brain Aneurysms
• We learned a young girl wearing glass hair accessories fell and her skull received significant damage, changing her life indefinitely

♥ Note-Brain Injuries are usually not diagnosed within the homeless population. We may see them staggering as if under the influence of a foreign substance, but could be a result of tramatic brain injury.

It is called a Disease, but with no cure.

Peggy Nelson, Kitty Barringer, Susan Fewell, and Yvonne Josephson, CRRN or HP REgional Hospital orgainzed the Love Journey of Caregiving. There were personal and heartwarming stories shared, humor, resources, and caregiver nominations, along with several door prizes given away.

Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics

The meeting was very informational and enlightening. Tuesday February 1st at 7pm, Millis Regional Health Education Center with host an event for all Survivors, Family Members, Friends, and Professionals recognizing the Brain Injury Alliance. More details, contact John at 336.887.0745.

Everyone walked away with a copy of Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal and we were glad to be a part of the luncheon and help promote this Hidden Disability.

Angela Howard spoke on the challenges of caregiving. Her mother endured a stroke and her husband diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimers Disease. The importance of health was reiterated and benefits no one if the caregiver does not surround themselves with caring and compassionate family and friends.

 

WALK & ROLL-athon Burmil Park April 16th, details here, 2011. Additional information will be provided within the March issue of Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal.

The Brain Injury Association of NC is partnering with Camp Carefree September 16-18th, 2011 in Stokesdale, NC.  Sons of Italy has partnered with Camp Carefree, a hidden local treasure.

Read Full Post »