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July/August 2026 Treasure

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July/August 2026

Longer days, warm nights, and everything you love about summer happening right here at Flowers Plantation.

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CONCERT RECAP

During the warm summer months, YMCA including Summer Day gatherings for active older adults.

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NEW HOME

NEIGHBORHOODS

Find Your Dream Home

UPCOMING EVENTS

National Night Out

August Market

THALES

ACADEMY

The Importance of Free Play

At YMCA DAY CAMP, kids power imaginations with lots of fresh air Campers spend their days swimming, and games, creating crafts, building making new friends.

SITEMAP

View Flowers As A Whole

Choose from two YMCA camp locations

kids ages 4 - 14. Camp Explorer

Next Up: The Embers featuring Craig Woolard

FUN AT THE YMCA!

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16 TRIANGLE EAST LEGACY AWARDS

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CHICK-FIL-A Now Open! BUILDER SPOTLIGHTS

Watson...................................P19

South Lake Townes....P20 North District..................P22

months, you can look forward to lots of fun at the East Triangle

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YMCA Summer Fun!

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SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

Collecting Supplies Through August

Day Camps, lap and family swim at our outdoor pool and Thrive adults. Join today—we can’t wait to see you! power up their air and active fun. swimming, playing sports building skills and locations serving

Explorer is held at Clayton

Our energizing group fitness classes offer expert instruction and a supportive atmosphere. Y members are invited to participate in a Summer Cycle Challenge July 5 - 27. Track your indoor cycling miles and work together with friends toward a shared community goal. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to cycling, this challenge is a fun and motivating way to stay active, build

STATE FARM Meet Chad Richards

NEW HOME NEIGHBORHOODS

Models On-Site To View

SINGLE FAMILY

TOWNHOMES

NORTH DISTRICT TOWNHOMES True Homes

Check out the brand-new waterfront Hollis Townhome at North District! This home features 3 beds, 4.5 baths, a media room, 2,322 SF and a huge rooftop terrace! Contact Phi Jacobs 919-539-4304 and Brandon White 919-616-4653 for current pricing.

WATSON AT FLOWERS PLANTATION

Fischer Homes

Now offering new single-family home designs from the Masterpiece Collection at Watson at Flowers Plantation. Each floorplan offered will be hand-selected, providing thoughtful and functional designs. Call (984) 342-1819 or visit fischerhomes.com for more information.

SOUTH LAKE TOWNES Caruso Homes

Discover 3-story townhomes with brand new floorplans, effortless style, lakeside living, and walkable convenience. 3-4 bedroom; 2-3 bathroom; 1,811-2,593 SF. Call (919) 646-5206 or email info@carusohomes.com for more information.

LUXURY APARTMENTS

Looking For An Upscale Lifestyle, Flowers Plantation Has The Perfect Apartment Options For You

VIEWS AT FLOWERS

From gourmet kitchens with sleek cabinetry and quartz countertops to spa-inspired bathrooms, elevator access to all buildings and spacious living areas, their 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments are crafted to impress and comfort in equal measure. Embrace a lifestyle of unmatched elegance at Views at Flowers Apartment Homes. Now leasing! Call (984) 989-5050 to schedule a tour or visit www.ViewsAtFlowers.com to reserve your space!

AVERLY AT FLOWERS

Where local charm meets sophistication. Brand new and ready to redefine the way you see upscale living. The Averly at Flowers features petfriendly apartments with top-tier amenities. Discover the collection of stylish 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments and embrace the numerous amenities and impeccable services that come attached to this premium Flowers Plantation community. And we didn’t even mention the community amenities featuring two resort style pools, two fitness centers, a pet spa, community walking trail, and two on-site clubhouses with top-end customer service. Call (833) 968-1618 for more information.

RECAP: TOO MUCH SYLVIA

THE EMBERS

FEATURING CRAIG WOOLARD

There are many bands or groups today, yet few are considered musical institutions. The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, have solidified their position as a thriving musical entity, leaving their mark on listeners for decades. The Embers featuring Craig Woolard boast numerous albums and single releases spanning decades, and all the crazes continue to exhibit top-quality showmanship, musicianship, and professionalism.

CAROLINA MUSIC LEGENDS!

Having been inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, The Embers are honored to carry the moniker of North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music. They have traveled the country and the world and have performed for every event imaginable, from the highest dignitaries to the hottest backyard frat parties. The Embers featuring Craig Woolard were also honored to travel throughout South Korea to perform their Christmas special ‘Christmas with the Embers’ on American Military bases for America’s troops in December 2007 and 2008. They were awarded Military Coins of Excellence for their distinguished service.

4:00-7:00PM 67 Crossroads Way

We invite neighbors to join us for a fun, familyfriendly summer night. Food, beer & wine available for purchase. Bring your family & your lawn chairs! Sunday, September 13th from 4-7pm at Concert Park (67 Crossroads Way).

TRIANGLE EAST Legacy Awards

The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 2025 Legacy Awards on May 19, recognizing outstanding individuals whose leadership and service continue to shape Johnston County and the greater Triangle East region.

Presented by Ron Hester of Barbetta, LLC and emceed by Carlie Rye of Universal Chevrolet, the annual event brought together business leaders, community advocates, and residents for an evening honoring those making a lasting impact through leadership, service, and community investment.

The evening’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to Rebecca Flowers of Flowers Plantation. Under her leadership, Flowers Plantation has grown into one of North Carolina’s largest master-planned communities, spanning more than 3,000 acres. Her longstanding commitment to thoughtful development, education, recreation, and quality-of-life initiatives has helped shape the future of Johnston County for generations.

Jeffery Hamilton received the Citizen of the Year Award for his decades of community involvement and advocacy throughout Johnston County. Known for his welcoming presence at Chamber events and support of local businesses, Hamilton continues to exemplify servant leadership through his work with numerous organizations across the region.

The Jimmy Creech Small Businessperson of the Year Award, sponsored by Stancil Oil Company, was presented to Terry Arthur of Pine Level Hardware & Furniture. Arthur has helped lead the family-owned business for nearly 50 years, preserving its reputation for customer service and community commitment while guiding the company through generations of growth and change.

Dr. LaShawdra White of Johnston Community College received the Emerging Leader Award for her work advancing education, philanthropy, and community engagement. Through leadership roles across several local organizations, White has expanded opportunities for students and families throughout the county.

Nominees for the Jimmy Creech Small Businessperson of the Year Award included Donna Fitzgerald and Hayley Hodge of The Grocery Bag, Tim Sessoms of Comfort Shield HVAC Services of NC, and Warren Stancil of InterState Outdoor, Inc. Emerging Leader Award nominees included Carter Jones of Narron Wenzel, P.A., Joelina Landa of United Community

Bank, Jonathan McHatton of Parrish & Underwood Funeral Homes and Cremations, Shatisha Mclauri of Rainbow Childcare & Learning Center, Kyle Mobley of UNC Johnston Health, and Hannah Stecher of Home Life Care. In addition to the awards presentation, the event included a silent auction and raffle benefiting the Triangle East Economic Development Foundation, which supports workforce development, business growth, and regional collaboration initiatives across the area.

“The Legacy Awards are a reflection of the incredible leadership, generosity, and community spirit found throughout Triangle East. The event would not have been possible without every sponsor, attendee, donor, volunteer, and nominee who helped create such a meaningful celebration of our community.”

–– Kelly Wallace, President & CEO of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce.

We are extremely proud of Ms. Rebecca Flowers for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, along with Hayley Hodge and Donna Fitzgerald of The Grocery Bag for being nominated for Small Businessperson of the Year.

Mark your calendars for August 4th as we bring the community together for our second annual National Night Out at Concert Park (Harris Teeter Complex) from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM! It’s a great opportunity to meet and engage with our local first responders!

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Free Snow Cones for first 140!

• Food Trucks to purchase items on site

• Several Inflatable bounce houses, obstacle course, and slides

• Inflatable Games

• Fire/EMS/Law Enforcement/Power Company/ Tow Company vehicles on display

• Face Painting

• DJ & more!

MARKET AT

THE

CROSSROADS 20 26

MARKET AT THE CROSSROADS DETAILS:

• The location will be behind the new flag poles in the field at the intersection of Buffalo Rd and Hwy 42

• Times will be 8am-Noon each event

INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING?

Vendor space for the Market at the Crossroads at Flowers Plantation is officially full, and we’re thrilled by the incredible level of interest from our community. Thank you to everyone who applied, we can’t wait to showcase such a vibrant lineup of vendors! 8AM - 12PM NC-42 & BUFFALO RD AUGUST MARKET

UPCOMING DATES: September 12th, October 10th, and a Holiday Market November 7th

While Almanzo’s story took place in the late 1860s and the industrial revolution changed American life after that time, physical activity remained a large part of everyday life for over a century. In the 1960s, riding a bike or walking to school were the norm. Today, it is almost unheard of for children to transport themselves to school. Physical education requirements for high schoolers in the 1960s were almost militaristic: a 7.5-minute mile and 16 pushups were common benchmarks. Today’s students are often starved for physical activity. Children are driven or bussed to school. School days consist of 7 hours of instruction with very little free play or time outdoors. Many schools move recess indoors if temperatures drop below 40 degrees. After the school day is complete, children often go home to iPads, television, or gaming. It’s safe to say that it is past time for us to rescue our children from this world of inactivity that is causing behavioral problems and worsening academic performance.

Scholarly research supports the idea that midline movement such as balancing on a balance beam (in the olden days this was done by balancing on logs in the woods) positively impacts student performance in the classroom. The mindbody connection cannot be ignored. Midline movement has been shown to improve calmness among students peer to peer and to their teachers as well as to provide bodily and situational awareness.

This coming school year, Thales Academy will provide two recesses across all campuses for grades K–5, offering free play and time outdoors as a counterbalance to academic instruction. At the junior high and high school campuses, students will enjoy an outdoor recess in addition to free play during morning carpool.

Joseph Wolak, Head of School, Thales Academy Apex 4–12, has seen great improvements among junior high and high school students after incorporating recess and free play into the school day. Outcomes among junior high school students include increased focus, particularly among male students, as

well as increased problem-solving abilities. For high school students, Wolak has noticed an overall decrease in stress for the students as well as increased joy. High school students often start their own games of soccer or football, while others enjoy the additional social time.

Starting in 2026–2027, Thales Academy will make it a policy to hold K–12 recess outdoors even in imperfect conditions, barring extreme weather circumstances. We believe that offering our students these outdoor opportunities will enhance both learning and the overall well-being of our students.

Further encouraging movement during the school day, Thales Academy has introduced Industrial Arts across all campuses and will continue to expand, providing students opportunities to work with their hands through engineering and construction projects as well as working outside through gardening.

While today’s world looks very different from that of Almanzo Wilder or even a few decades ago, we can learn from past eras in time by incorporating timeless elements into our modern school days: free play, working with our hands, and expanding our minds through being outdoors.

WATSON _ Single Family

Chad Richards’ Commitment to Community

For more than 12 years, Chad Richards has been a trusted and familiar face within the Flowers Plantation community. Located in the Harris Teeter shopping center at 110 Flowers Crossroads Way, Suite 102, Chad’s State Farm office has become much more than a place to purchase insurance — it has become a resource for families, business owners, and residents throughout the area who value trust, reliability, and genuine relationships.

Chad first opened his original State Farm office in Raleigh before expanding into Flowers Plantation in April of 2014. Since then, he has remained in the same location, becoming one of the longesttenured tenants in the complex outside of Harris Teeter itself. That longevity says a great deal about both his commitment to his clients and the relationships he has built within the community over the years.

While many people associate State Farm with auto insurance, Chad and his team focus on much more. Their office works closely with clients on auto, home, and life insurance policies while also helping with financial services needs designed to help clients save money, protect their assets, and plan for the future.

When asked what he enjoys most about his work, Chad’s answer immediately reflected the heart behind his business.

“The ability to be there for someone on their worst day means the most to me,” Chad shared. “Whether it’s going to a funeral and making sure the funeral home is paid immediately so the family can focus on each other instead of worrying about finances — those are the moments that matter.”

As he spoke about helping families during difficult times, it became clear that for Chad, this business is about far more than policies and paperwork. It is about being someone his clients can trust when they need help the most.

That same commitment to serving others extends throughout the community. A quick look at Chad’s involvement shows just how invested he is in the area he serves. From coaching football, wrestling, and baseball to hosting food bank drives and fire safety courses, Chad consistently looks for ways to give back. He works closely with local schools to help educate students on financial literacy and the importance of planning for the future.

For Chad, being located in Flowers Plantation means being part of the community, not simply operating a business within it.

“My goal is simply to be a resource for my clients,” Chad explained. “Whether it’s helping them save money, protect money, or grow money, that’s the most important part of everything we do.”

When asked what advice he would give someone searching for insurance coverage, Chad emphasized the importance of finding someone willing to truly guide clients through the process.

“Find someone willing to advise you,” Chad said. “Make sure they’re having conversations and providing advice instead of simply trying to sell a quick plan. Ask questions and understand where the gaps are so your coverage truly fits your needs.”

Serving the Flowers Plantation community continues to mean a great deal to Chad, and he looks forward to continuing to build relationships with new clients while also supporting the many families who have trusted him for years. Through his professionalism, compassion, and dedication to service, Chad Richards has become not only a successful business owner, but an important part of the community itself.

Three-Story

Brand-New

FIND RELAXATION AROUND EVERY CORNER

Up to 6 weeks FREE Rent! Get Ready Flowers: It's Time To Discover The Averly Way

THE AVERLY AT FLOWERS 380 Topwater Drive (833) 968-1618

The Averly at Flowers, located within the Flowers Plantation community, is where local charm meets sophistication. Brand new and ready to redefine the way you see upscale living. The Averly at Flowers features petfriendly apartments with top-tier amenities. Discover the collection of stylish 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments and embrace the numerous amenities and impeccable services that come attached to this premium Flowers Plantation community. And we didn’t even mention the community amenities featuring two resort style pools, two fitness centers, a pet spa, community walking trail, and two onsite clubhouses with top-end customer service.

AT

The Advent

BUILDER SPOTLIGHT NORTH DISTRICT

Be a part of the only community connected to the vibrant waterfront district!

This semi-custom home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and nearly 2,200 sq ft of modern living. Enjoy a spacious great room, open dining area, and a beautifully designed kitchen with quartz countertops, contemporary cabinetry, and designer backsplash. Upstairs, the expansive private suite features an ensuite bath and walk-in closet. With a 2-car garage and thoughtful upgrades throughout.

The Karver features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with first floor primary suite and laundry room, nicely appointed eat-in kitchen with quartz counters and farm style sink, and partially covered back patio. Sustainable wood laminate floors and hard surface stairs. Second level boasts large game room, additional full bath, and spacious secondary bedrooms with walk-in-closets.

The Hollis

The Hollis is a modern semi-custom townhome and quick move-in opportunity with upgraded features throughout. This four-story floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and a rear-entry two-car garage with direct lower-level access. The entry level features a defined foyer, a secondary bedroom, and a full bath—ideal for flexible living needs.

The Karver

Luxury Apartment Homes, Now Leasing!

Introducing Views at Flowers apartment homes, a luxury oasis nestled within the picturesque landscape of Flowers Plantation. Live, work, and relax at these one, two and three bedroom apartment

Enjoy elevator access to your home, wood-style vinyl floors, recessed lighting, and brushed nickel finishes. The kitchens shine with pendant lighting, quartz countertops, and designer cabinets, while an in-unit washer and dryer make chores simple. Beyond your doorstep, indulge in exclusive access to the golf simulator lounge, turf social lawn, entertainment terrace, coffee bar, resident lounges, and game rooms featuring billiards and shuffleboard—perfect for unwinding or socializing.

Step onto your private patio or balcony to unwind or explore the community’s impressive amenities. Take a dip in the sparkling pool, fire up the grill, or catch up with neighbors at the fire pit. Stay active with two fitness centers, and handle work in the conference room or private work spaces. Your four-legged friends are more than welcome here, as we embrace a truly pet-friendly community offering a pet spa and pet park.

SUMMER FUN AT THE YMCA!

During the warm summer months, you can look forward to lots of fun at the East Triangle YMCA including Summer Day Camps, lap and family swim at our outdoor pool and Thrive gatherings for active older adults. Join today—we can’t wait to see you!

At YMCA DAY CAMP, kids power up their imaginations with lots of fresh air and active fun. Campers spend their days swimming, playing sports and games, creating crafts, building skills and making new friends.

Choose from two YMCA camp locations serving kids ages 4 - 14. Camp Explorer is held at Clayton Middle School, and Camp Excursion is held at Riverdell Elementary School.

Our energizing group fitness classes offer expert instruction and a supportive atmosphere.

Y members are invited to participate in a Summer Cycle Challenge July 5 - 27. Track your indoor cycling miles and work together with friends toward a shared community goal. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to cycling, this challenge is a fun and motivating way to stay active, build endurance and connect with others.

Donation

• Inspire Nutrition

• Averly at Flowers

• Percy Flowers Store foyer*

If you’d like to stay informed about events, new businesses, upcoming specials, and more, make sure you’re signed up for our bi-weekly newsletter! It’s the best way to stay up-to-date on all the latest news within the community. Don’t miss out on all the exciting updates happening in Flowers Plantation!

To sign up, simply send an email to foundation@flowersplantation.com with your name and “Newsletter” in the subject line.

Meet The Team

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July/August 2026 Treasure by 18 Stone Design - Issuu