Midtown Magazine by Midtown, 5 West, Triangle Family

Beautiful HOMEs OF

Raleigh PAG E 98

+ Summer kids in the page 72

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a note FROM the publisher Publisher/Editor Sioux Watson Advertising Sales Sioux Watson | Julie Shaw | Charis Painter Michelle Palladino Creative Director Travis Aptt Graphic Design Jennifer Heinser | Lori Lay

Sioux watson Publisher/Editor

Your opinions matter to us. Let us know what you think of this issue of Midtown Magazine. Please email sioux@midtownmag.com with your comments.

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Distribution Manager Jeff Prince Midtown Magazine is published six times annually. Any reproduction in part or in whole of any part of this publication is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher. Midtown Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or art. Unsolicited material is welcome and is considered intended for publication. Such material will become the property of the magazine and will be subject to editing. Material will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Midtown Magazine will not knowingly accept any real estate advertising in violation of US equal opportunity law.

10 top

for the summer of

2010

the most spectacular

AT NIGHT THE MUSEUM

Fall

THE NEW NIGHTLIFE

INSANE

FASHIONS

MALE BONDING

PAcking

WORKING OUT AND STAYING FIT WITH FRIENDS

the

perfect lunch

FASHION

it’s that time of year

BOLD & COLORFUL SPRING IS HERE!

Football

2012

J U LY / A U G U S T

M A R C H / A P R I L

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tailgating tips • apps • recipes

september/october

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2012

2/22/12 8:29 PM

GRILLING, SK YDIVING, BEER, APPS, MUSIC, MOVIES & MORE!

Diamond

the what’s with new craze?

STEPPING OUTSIDE

YouR CoMFoRt ZoNe

MENS’

guiDe to VALeNtiNe’S DAY J A N U A RY / f e b R U A RY

PLUS

Adding ContemporAry touChes to your trAditionAl home

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THE spring MODERN MIDTOWN ST YLE MAN? FASHION WHO IS

iphone VERSUS droid S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

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M AY / J U N E

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AWARDS 2012

FooD tRuCKS

sioux

Photography Davies Photography Jennifer Robertson Photography Sean Junqueira Photography

UT -O NG LL DI PU ED DE W UI G

explores the evolution, growth, innovation or a special project happening north of the Raleigh beltline, near our corporate headquarters in Midtown. The Triangle continues to grow and we want to be a part of that growth, exploring the older nooks and crannies of town and embracing the smart growth the Raleigh community demands. Midtown wants to play a role in the planning, by attending community meetings and “charettes” held by our leaders of city development. Case in point is the ongoing plan to widen Six Forks Road, which we cover in this issue. Not that we are always trying to tell you what to do, but look out, Raleigh – things are changing, and the skyline is one of them. We have a few tips on where best to view the action from high elevation vantage points all around town. Please let me know if you like the changes we’ve made over the past six months; I want Midtown to be more hyper-local and engaged in Raleigh. I’ve heard from a few of you and want to encourage you to send me ideas for stories about the world around us here in our city and surrounds. Happy Spring,

FALL

pring is here, and our team of writers and photographers had a big time this issue driving all over town to compile photos of people and their homes for “Beautiful Homes of Raleigh”, which was perfectly timed with the annual burst of azalea blossoms we have each April. We chose a variety of homes in the area, from brand new and professionally decorated to a renovated brick ranch so charmingly outfitted you’ll want to start perusing the internet for a brick ranch of your own. We’ve also taken a cheeky look at local people, in different stages of their lives, and how they measure success – financial, personal happiness or career growth – and asked them to share their advice based on experience, not necessarily what the experts say. Don’t panic if you haven’t made your complete retirement plan, there is still time for that at any age. (I hope you enjoy getting to know these folks as much as we have, I’d love to know what your thoughts are on the subject; we’ll print some of them in our next issue.) With this issue we debut two new departments. Giving Back focuses on a local nonprofit doing great things for the people of our community; first up we feature the Foundation of Hope for Research and Treatment of Mental Illness, whose annual awareness and fundraising walk is the second largest in the nation. Close to Home

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Subscriptions 6 print issues (1 year) only $20 Available online via paypal ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4818 Six Forks Road, Suite 204 Raleigh, NC 27609 Phone 919.782.4710, Fax 919.782.4763 www.midtownmag.com

contents m ay / j u n e

2015

features 72 Free-Range Parenting

84 FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

76 Teens And Summer Jobs

88 sea change

78 To the Rescue: Family Adventures (for those hard-to-please tweens and teens)

92 are your finances in order?

Is it time to land the helicopter?

First-time employees earn money and experience.

A few outside-the-box ideas that are fun in a distinctly grown-up way and within a day’s drive (or less).

A look at some of the area’s best views.

How Locals Seafood transformed the way we eat.

Money isn’t everything, but let’s face it: life is a lot easier when there is enough money to pay the bills.

beautiful homes of raleigh

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contents m ay / j u n e

2015

departments 24 on the scene 34 Midtown reviews 42 ask elie 44 bainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beat 48 beauty style 50 beer & barrel 52 close to home 56 giving back 58 pack your bags 60 raising the bar 62 sunday supper 66 young makers 69 COMPLETE THE ROOM 104 Calendar of events 106 midtown downtown 112 healthy you 119 midtown mingles 122 everyday places

on the taste scene

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Beautiful HOMEs OF

Raleigh PAG E 98

special thanks to david davies of davies Photography for our beautiful cover photo

+ Summer kids in the page 72

m ay / j u n e

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The scene

Taste

At-home guacamole

Chip-Worthy Guac Raleigh restaurant has fun with a favorite By Kate Turgeon Watson / Photography By Sean Junqueira Guacamole is pretty simple, really. At least that’s how Driftwood Southern Kitchen’s Nunzio Scordo explains it. Scordo, chef and owner of the Raleigh eatery at Lafayette Village, says the basics are avocado, onion, cilantro, jalapeno and lime. While basics are good, it’s fun to play with ingredients. At Driftwood that means guac with smoked corn, roasted poblano chilies, bacon and bleu cheese. Other twists on an original: guac with chopped lobster meat, chipotle and goat cheese, and guac with charred pineapple, mint and serrano chili. “Guacamole is such a great foil to use for many different variations,” Scordo says, adding that chips are best for scooping and eating guac. His favorite? A combination of corn tortilla, sweet potato, plantain and Malanga chips. “And, of course, a spicy margarita or Mexican beer is a great accompaniment,” he says. 24 | midtownmag.com

When the avocado meets the knife, ripeness and quality are tops. Avocados should be dark green. And when you give them a slight push with your thumb they should give a bit but not be soft, Driftwood’s owner/chef Nunzio Scordo explains. “If they are black on the outside they will more than likely be soft and on their way out the door inside,” he said.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cup ½ bunch 1 small 2

avocados red onion, diced small cilantro, chopped jalapeño pepper, diced small fresh limes

1. Using a sharp knife, cut two avocados from top to bottom down to the large seed. Cut all the way around so you can then twist it and remove the seed. Dice avocado and place into a mixing bowl. 2. Add red onion, cilantro and half of the diced jalapeño and mix. 3. Add the juice of two limes, salt to taste and enjoy!

The scene

Smart Bed. Smart Kids.

SleepIQ® Kids helps Kids and Parents Alike Can Sleep a Little Easier By Dan Bain Last year, Sleep Number debuted SleepIQ®, a technology that tracks and reports useful sleep information from their beds. Its sensors work with Sleep Number® DualAir™ technology inside their beds to collect data on breathing rate, heart rate, movement patterns and bed exits, which the owner can use to adjust their daytime routine and/or their Sleep Number in an effort to improve. That technology made it possible for any Sleep Number bed owner to improve their sleep patterns. This year, the company is developing similar technology for kids’ beds – something that should improve sleep for the kids and their parents alike. According to Sleep Number, one out of four parents of children under 10 are unsatisfied with the length of time it takes their children to fall asleep. SleepIQ Kids intends to improve that ratio by measuring and reporting children’s sleep data. By using existing Sleep Number technology, the system has no need for wristbands or other, more cumbersome wearable monitors. A convenient app tracks the data and creates custom reports on just about any device, allowing parents and older kids to observe trends, manage sleep schedules, and adjust Sleep Numbers. Other features include a nightlight that 26 | midtownmag.com

parents can turn off remotely, soft lighting that glows under the bed if the child gets up during the night (with an accompanying alert sent to the parents’ app to let them know Junior is on the move), an adjustable mattress angle in the event the child has a cold, and for younger kids, a star-awarding system to provide incentive for good nights, and a “monster detector” to assure them nothing evil is waiting under the bed. SleepIQ Kids is set to become available later this year, retailing for $1000. More information is available online at www.sleepiqkids.com.

photography © sleepnumber.com

TECH

The scene

style

Gingham Style

An oversized check and fishtail hemline modernizes the gingham pattern in this tank top from Cameron Village’s fab’rik.

Classic Fabric’s Checkered Past Inspires Spring Fashion By Karlie Justus Marlowe / Photography By Davies Photography Dressing for spring’s infamous temperature swings is no picnic – except for gingham, one of this spring’s hottest trends. The classic fabric was all over the spring runway presentations, dominating designs from Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg and more. But while high fashion underscored bold head-to-toe looks with crop tops, structured shoulders and matching separates, the lightweight cotton pattern is most versatile when used as an accent piece. “We suggest breaking up the matching pieces seen on the runway,” said Amy Gray, manager of Cameron Village’s fab’rik. “Mix it with white jeans, layer with light sweaters and use it as a base to build around to keep things modern.” For a fabric that’s been around for centuries, striking that modern balance is key. Gingham was first designed as a striped fabric in the 17th century, its name originating from the Malay adjective genggang. It morphed into the recognizable plaid pattern in the early 1800s, quickly spreading throughout the world as it gained a reputation as an easy, washable wardrobe staple. Since then, the fabric was key in the mod and rockabilly movements, and was responsible for some of Hollywood’s biggest fashion moments – Brigitte Bardot’s pink gingham wedding dress and Dorothy Gale’s blue and white version 28 | midtownmag.com

topping the list. Those traditional pastel colorways, often seen in children’s clothing and interior design, are making way for bolder versions in neon and black and white. “In the store, we’re carrying gingham in black and white, in pieces like tanks and scarves,” said Gray. “Our customers are using it as a pop of print.” Its appeal is unisex: For men, the traditional gingham button-down and tie is updated when combined with unexpected pairings of floral and paisley prints. Women can look to oversized checks and voluminous cuts to contrast the style’s sweeter side. “Try a slightly oversized gingham print dress with a leather jacket for edge,” said Helen Wallace, co-owner of Raleigh personal styling and shopping company Style Hawk. Together with co-owner Alex Long, Wallace also recommends taking a few notes from the guys. “Work gingham into a menswear-inspired look,” said Wallace. “Wear your gingham button-down just as you would a solid white or blue version, tucked in to a mid to high-rise black trouser or pencil skirt with a great pair of brogues.” No matter the combination, the print can go beyond a cheese, cracker and rosé spread in a grassy park. “Gingham is one of those fabrics a lot of people can wear in a lot of different ways,” said Gray. “It doesn’t have to look like a picnic blanket.”

s tank

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The scene

arts

Live Laughs For All Ages Physical comedy and dialogue on the fly By Christa Gala If you get fresh at the ComedyWorx show in downtown Raleigh, you could end up wearing a bag on your head. The live improv comedy show – similar to television’s Whose Line is it Anyway – keeps it clean. A Raleigh staple since 1989, its hard-to-find, family-friendly content is why a lot of regulars keep coming back. At the beginning of each show, owner and executive producer Richard Gardner takes an informal poll, asking the audience who’s attended before. “It’s usually a 50/50 split,” Gardner says. “Folks like to bring friends who haven’t been before to experience the show for the first time. “It’s very funny without being profane, crude or focused on stereotypes in any way,” he continues. “Families love the fact that the same show is found to be entertaining by young children and grandmothers.” The interactive 90-minute shows have performers creating scenes, songs and jokes on the spot based on audience suggestions. “Being live and taking suggestions from the audience creates a chemistry that cannot be duplicated by movies, TV or video games,” says Gardner. “The audience is always 30 | midtownmag.com

impressed with the quick wit of our performers.” Dan Bain, a local humor writer, is an emcee. He’s the one who gets to decide if an audience member needs to be brown-bagged. “It’s lots of fun and unlike any other kind of entertainment.” Gardner, who helps put together “The Harry Show” (the late-night show that incorporates audience members into skits) isn’t a comedian, but he’s always been inspired by them. “Comedians were my heroes when I was a kid,” he says. “I admired Groucho, Carson, Rickles and others, and always wanted to do something in comedy. I was too late for the boom in the stand-up business. But when improv was getting started, I saw a show and decided to get involved.” Making kids laugh never gets old for Gardner. “Kids love to see the physical comedy on our stage,” he says. “They are also amazed at the way dialogue is put together on the fly.” ComdeyWorx has three different shows: The Harry Show and The Yes Yard are both for 18 and older only; the ComedyWorx shows are for all ages and run Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm as well as Saturday at 4pm. ComedyWorx is located at 431 West Peace Street. Tickets range in price from $6 to $12. For more information, visit worxnc.com.

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The scene

sports

Fans in the Triangle can expect to see tons of athleticism during the expansion season of the American Ultimate Disc League’s Raleigh Flyers.

Football With a Frisbee

Expansion American Ultimate Disc League team lands in Triangle By David Droschak / Photography By Raleigh Flyers The Triangle’s population continues to escalate, and with that growth comes a desirability for sports teams to set up shop here. The latest professional sports entity in 2015 is the Raleigh Flyers of the American Ultimate Disc League. The Flyers are part of the AUDL’s expansion into the southern part of the United States. They will play their home games at Cardinal Gibbons High School near PNC Arena in May, June and July. In addition to the Flyers, the new South Division includes teams from Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville and Nashville. The AUDL is the first and largest professional ultimate league in the world, with 25 franchises now, including cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Washington, DC. The Raleigh Flyers are being spearheaded by three local partners, including Casey Degnan, a former Cardinal Gibbons graduate and the first player ever signed by the Chicago Wildfire. In addition to logging playing time in the AUDL, Degnan spent the last two years in the Windy City learning the ins and outs of running a franchise, and jumped at 32 | midtownmag.com

the opportunity to return to the Triangle area to field a team. “Raleigh has had a club team here for 25 years, actually one of the most decorated club teams, called Ring of Fire,” Degnan said. “Mike Denardis, one of our other owners, is coach of that team, so he and I got together with my brother Sean and here we are.” The sport runs deep in Degnan’s blood. “I went to High Point University and played tennis there,” he said. “And I would actually run from tennis practice to play ultimate disc in intramurals.” There are more than 600 university club teams across the country. And the Flyers are fortunate to be able to pull from college powerhouses UNC-Wilmington and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to fill the roster. A majority of the college players joined the team after their season ended. So, what can fans expect from this sport? Well, for starters, it’s a lot like a combination of football and soccer, except with a Frisbee; it is also fast-paced, exciting and, at times, physical. At this level, the game is filled with big plays, and strategy is a regular part of the game. The Raleigh Flyers even held a football type of “combine” to scout for potential players. “We tested their vertical jump, 40- and 80yard dash times,” Degnan said. “The younger, college-aged guys on the team are much more explosive players.” Ultimate is ultra popular among the hightech crowd, with employees at local firms such as SAS and Cisco Systems playing the sport at lunch for years. Some also field corporate teams in the Triangle Flying Disc Association. The sport began in 1968 at Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ, but has been wildly popular starting in the 1970s from Southern California all the way up the West Coast, with the current hotbed in Seattle. “The sport is just now catching on across the rest of the United States,” Degnan said. “It already is popular around the world. In places like India they fill up whole stadiums, and fans also love it in Japan, Canada and Germany.”

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reviews

pitch perfect 2

Tomorrowland

san andreas

ted 2

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld Rated: PG-13 Opens: 5/15/2015 Plot: The Barden Bellas are back – only this time it’s as a collegiate a cappella group. The Bellas enter an international competition that no American team has ever won.

jurassic world Starring: Chris Pratt, Judy Greer, Ty Simpkins Rated: PG-13 Opens: 6/12/2015 Plot: Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar, an island located off Central America’s Pacific Coast near Costa Rica, now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World. Attendance has been declining due to the lack of new attractions. Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), a member of the park’s on-site staff, conducts behavioral research on the Velociraptors. At the corporation’s request, the park’s geneticists create a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur called the Indominus Rex to boost visitor attendance, but it breaks loose and runs wild throughout the park, forcing the staff to consider extreme measures to stop it. *Opening dates and ratings are subject to change.

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Starring: Alexandra Daddario, Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino Rated: PG-13 Opens: 5/29/2015 Plot: After the infamous San Andreas Fault finally gives, triggering a magnitude 9 earthquake in California, a search and rescue helicopter pilot and his estranged wife make their way together from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

Starring: George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie Rated: PG Opens: 5/22/2015 Plot: A teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory.

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried Rated: R Opens: 6/26/2015 Plot: Ted ties the knot and recruits his best buddy to be a sperm donor in order for him to start his family. When Ted must appear before a judge to prove he’s a real person, the frisky bear and his pal vow to fight for their civil rights.

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reviews

Everything Is 4 (Jason Derulo) Release Date: 6/2/2015 The 25-year-old R&B singer announced that his fifth studio album is scheduled to come out on June 2nd and is available for pre-order now. Apart from the album’s lead single “Want To Want Me,” the pre-order also includes a new track called “Get Ugly,” a happy-go-lucky party rocker about getting down…and getting ugly. The singles follow Jason’s dance hits from last year, “Talk Dirty” and “Wiggle.” Derulo will have a very busy summer as he will also be a judge in the upcoming 12th season of So You Think You Can Dance, which will premiere on June 1st.

Wilder Mind (Mumford & Sons) Release Date: 5/5/2015 Mumford & Sons will follow up their 2012 sophomore album Babel, which won the Grammy award for album of the year, with the release of Wilder Mind this spring. The album will represent a “significant departure” for the best-selling folk band, according to a press release. “I think all of us had this desire to shake it up,” says Marcus Mumford in a statement.

Bush (Snoop Dogg) Release Date: 5/12/2015 Bush will be the thirteenth and final solo studio album of Snoop Dogg. The album was entirely produced by Pharrell Williams, and has the confirmed participation of Stevie Wonder, Charlie Wilson and other R&B superstars. Prior to Bush, Snoop and Pharrell worked together on smash hits “Beautiful” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot.”

Out of the Wasteland (Lifehouse) Release Date: 5/19/2015 Out of the Wasteland is said to be a culmination of the band’s life’s work. “There was a kind of unlearning with this album,” says Lifehouse’s Jason Wade. “We wanted to retrace our steps back to the beginning and really find the innocence, that feeling of being 17-year-old kids who get excited about playing in the garage.” *Release dates are subject to change.

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How Big How Blue How Beautiful (Florence + The Machine) Release Date: 6/2/2015 This will be the third studio album by the English indie rock band. Regarding the album themes, lead singer Florence Welch said, “I guess although I’ve always dealt in fantasy and metaphor when I came to writing, that meant the songs this time were dealing much more in reality. I wanted to make something that was big but that had a gentleness to it, that had a warmth, that was rooted. I think that’s why we went back more to the live instruments. Something that was band-led almost,” she added.

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reviews

BY michael gallo, CSW, Wine Manager – Total Wine & More

Domaine Fontanyl Rose de Provence

Domaine la Rabiotte Aix Provence Rose

LE CANON de Côte Montpezat

Chateau de la roulerie rose les camelias

France

Aix-en-Provence, Rhone, France

Bordeaux, France

Rose de Loire, France

best served in:

Chateau de Nages Buti Nages Nimes Rose

Rhone, France

Fragrant and fresh aromas of ripe cherries and melon mixed with rose petals. This blend of Grenache and Syrah displays the bouquet in flavor, along with some raspberry, in a light- to mediumbodied style. All of the wonderful ripe fruit flavors fade into a crisp finish.

$8.99/bottle

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Lively and fragrant, this beautiful Rose from Provence shows alluring aromas of ripe berries and dark flowers. The flavors of ripe strawberry and wild cherry are presented in a sophisticated manner that preserves the character of the fruit, but in a dry, straightforward style.

$14.99/bottle

Fresh and fruity, with a zesty acidity that tingles the palate, this refreshing Rose marries notes of strawberry and mineral. It will pair beautifully with appetizers and fresh seafood dishes. Crisp, Berry, Mineral, Medium-bodied

$12.99/bottle

A blend of 60 percent Merlot and 40 percent Cabernet franc. Made from direct pressing of the berries without maceration and low temperature, to obtain a pale color, rose petal, and retain its freshness while its fruit. Available each year from the month April.

Easy drinking, very fresh and clean. It’s totally different than the traditional Roses from Loire that are sometimes quite dry. Wooden, strawberry, and fresh fruit notes.

$14.99/bottle

$12.99/bottle

Fresh, Strawberry, Fruity, Full-bodied

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reviews

Office Lens • Free

Office Lens trims, enhances and makes pictures of whiteboards and documents readable. Office Lens can convert images to editable Word and PowerPoint files, too. Office Lens is like having a scanner in your pocket. Always find important documents or business cards. Sketch your ideas and snap a picture for later. Don’t lose receipts or stray sticky notes again!

Enlight • $3.99

Gokon • Free

Wish you didn’t have to use so many apps to edit a single photo? Enlight combines every photo app you’ve ever needed, wanted, or dreamed of into one powerful, beautifully designed photo editor. Enlight is the superior way to create stunning images. The most comprehensive, highest-quality photo editing app – so powerful and user-friendly, it’ll be the last photo app you ever download.

Gokon app translates a popular Japanese tradition of meeting new people in a group situation through friends’ introductions. It’s simple: a Gokon organizer invites some friends, these invited people (regardless of their coming) can forward the invitation to their own friends and so on, until the event is fully booked (up to 10 people). Then, first confirmed, first served. hardcover • Free

Hooks • Free

Admire your photos with Hardcover, the best and easiest way to store photos on your iPhone. Conveniently upload from numerous sources, from the Camera Roll to iTunes, Dropbox & iCloud Drive. With an array of classic and charming themes, you can watch your favorite memories in slideshows with incredible transitions.

Hooks is an app that will send you a notification for things that are important to you, search 1M+ alerts or create your custom alerts by choosing one of our 100+ channels. Sports, music concerts, videogame releases, weather (rain, ice, snow, temperature drop), TV shows, lottery results, pollen and allergy alerts, meetups, films (by rating, director or starring), top restaurants, and so much more!

ready to go • $1.99

Ready to Go is your top daily reminder tool. With this app you won’t forget to cut off the water, turn off the iron or feed your favorite pet when you’re leaving the house. Ready to Go helps you to check all the important stuff in no time. Daily reminders, adjustable checklist, and intuitive controls with gestures.

Mr Jump • Free

Meet Mr Jump, your new hero! The game is a one-button platform title, meaning all a user has to do is tap the screen at the appropriate point. A tap results in a jump, with the length and height of the jump variable based on how long you tap. The player character, Mr Jump, moves of his own accord from left to right across a scrolling, simply colored blocky environment, and your goal is to avoid the various spikes, pitfalls and other dangers that impede his progress.

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fotoswipe • Free

Instantly share photos and videos across multiple devices with the swipe of a finger. The exclusive FotoSwipe technology allows you to select photos, videos or even an entire album, swipe them onto an intended device and you’re done! Never text or email photos and videos again.

*Prices are subject to change.

askelie photography © sean junqueira

Elie

For all your answers on things fashion, style and trends

Costumista & Wardrobe Style arbiter

I’m approaching my second trimester of pregnancy and I’m starting to gain weight, just on my hips, very rapidly. I’m usually slim (pre-pregnancy) and I wasn’t planning to buy maternity clothing so early. Any tricks? Laura, 32, Raleigh

During my pregnancies I gained most of the weight in the first six months, so I did get into maternity clothing very early – but also because I went up several sizes in my upper body as well. If you are only experiencing weight gain on the hips and belly for now and you can still wear your pre-pregnancy jeans and pants (even unbuttoned), there is a nice garment trick called belly band. It is basically a stretchy lycra band that goes around your belly and hips and looks stylish sticking out below the top, as if you were layering. If you get one in your pre-pregnancy size and wear it outside your unbuttoned pants, they will stay

up. They come with part nylon or part cotton and are available in many cute colors. During and after pregnancy it can also be used as a belly support. There are many brands, with products ranging from $5-$25. The brand that I found to offer the best combination of quality and price is Beband. Last year I saw two-tone wingtip shoes sold at the mall stores – are they still on-trend this summer? Are they age appropriate, and are they appropriate for the office? I would like to experiment with a different kind of business shoe for the summer. Pamella, 39, Raleigh I adore bicolor shoes, and they are great for every age! Let’s learn from Coco Chanel, she made them fashionable and wore her own twotone shoes until she was 87 years old. The modern Chanel style pairs the most elegant bicolor sling-backs and ballerinas with ripped jeans and t-shirts to make them a bit more casual. For spring you can wear two42 | midtownmag.com

tone flats such as penny-loafers or ballerinas with sleek office pants, and during the summer opt for sandals in two, three or even four tones with a pencil skirt. This style is also perfect for an office-to-going-out situation without changing shoes. Can you explain the functional button holes myth in mens’ formal suit jackets? Are they really needed to make the suit look expensive? Kalari, 45, Raleigh The functional button holes make

FollowElie Instagram.com/EliePhotoStylist Facebook.com/ArbiterElieGantiarum Twitter.com/EliePhotoStyle Vine: Elie Rossetti Serraino Blog: ArbiterEliegantiarum.typepad.com Submit your question info@eliephotostylist.com

a suit look custom-made, upscale and expensive. In the past when a gentleman needed a suit it was hand-made and hand-finished, and functional button holes have been part of the detailing since the middle 1800s. In modern times where everything is bought off the rack, even an expensive suit is likely not to have them in the event the sleeves need to be altered. People started to wear suits bought at the store, without the button holes, and lost the knowledge on how a real suit’s finishing and details should look. When you buy a suit, make sure the sleeves have a placket (opening) with fabric overlapping, and have a trusted alterations tailor put them in.

bain’s beat

Fathersome Thoughts How to Not Go Stark Raving Dad

C by Dan bain, Dad to the Bone, danbain07@gmail.com

hildren grow up faster than is fair. This summer, our younger son – the one we’ve always considered our baby – will complete his first decade of life. How did this happen? What’s next? Do other fathers experience the same disbelief ? To find out, I sat down with three local dads in varying situations and stages: Robert Taylor, 35, father to John Robert, 4, and Henry, one and a half (with a third baby due in June); Jack Spencer, 50, father to Katie, 29, and twins Daniel and Jenny, 27; and Scott Moesta, 41, divorced father to Carrigan, 10. Here’s how they answered my – and each others’ – questions… How do you define success as a father? JS: “I hesitate to say, because it’s such a wide variety of successes. We’ve never gotten the call [from the police] in the middle of the night; to me, that’s success. Plus, they’re all good people. I look at them and, as individuals, they do good

44 | midtownmag.com

things, and make good choices on their own.” SM: “Knowing that she knows she can talk to me about anything at any time, that emotional support is there. It’s an ongoing thing; you’re never done. You have to keep checking in every day and make sure they know you’re there for them. That’s a baseline; outward, it’s attaining a certainty that you’re helping her gain the tools to be a good person, to make good choices that are aligned with her values. You don’t want to pare it down to what you think; they’re doing their own things. You have to be the example, but that probably means different things to different people.” What advice can you offer to someone who isn’t a father yet, or hasn’t been a father for as long as you? RT: “We held off for financial reasons, thinking, no, we’re not ready. But it was a leap of faith. I don’t think you ever know you’re ready. Once you have them, work together as a team. Have

The Taylor family – (left to right) Henry, Robert, John Robert and Christina, will soon increase their smiles by 20 percent.

a lot of patience. Last night I was trying to get them both in the bath and neither was listening, so I just tried to step out for ten seconds, regain my cool, and step back into the situation. There are situations when I have to get [my wife] Christina to tag-team and take over, and the same with her.” SM: “No matter how you feel, what is happening for those first few months will end. You’ll get through it and it won’t happen again unless you have another baby. You have to accept that you’re a different person during that time. It’s brutal – the sleep deprivation, the second-guessing, the unsolicited advice that you don’t necessarily want…it’s really hard. But it’s amazing at the same time. You feel like a crazy person. I felt joy that I’d never imagined, while physically feeling like an alien.” JS: “There’s a thin line between being a friend and being a parent; being on that line is a good thing. You want to bring up people that you’ll want to hang out with when you get older. It’s not all about rules and it’s not all about letting them have their way. But it’s easier for them if they understand why you’re telling them to do something. One of the first things [my wife] Chris and I did was talk about what drove us crazy about our parents, what we did and didn’t like about how we were brought up. One thing that drove me crazy was when my parents said, ‘Because I said so.’ We agreed we’d never say that. There’s always a reason for what you ask, so why can’t you explain it? That way, kids learn to trust their parents’ judgment, because they understand it.” What’s been the most rewarding thing about fatherhood? SM: “Getting to experience things through her eyes – letting that happen and watching it, whether it’s something new to me or something I already knew and get to experience again. That never gets old.” JS: “Overcoming some of the challenges that you have with each child, that are always different, and getting to the point where they are independent, but not avoiding you.

Disney World trips are among many great memories for the Spencers: (left to right) Chris, Daniel, Jack, Jenny and Katie, the latter of whom was recently employed there.

midtownmag.com | 45

Scott Moesta has a fountain of knowledge to pass on to Carrigan.

Every child has their moments and their challenges, and helping them get past those and realizing the two of you or the three of you or the five of you, or whatever it is in the family dynamic, got past that, is rewarding. Having things in common with them as adults, sharing things with them.” RT: “The most rewarding thing would be to watch the two boys play together and come to me in times of need, and watch them grow up.” What’s been the biggest challenge? JS: “It’s a challenge to not compare one to the other and use the other as an example; that’s easy to do sometimes, but it’s not really helpful. In fact, it’s harmful. But the best thing about having more than one is watching them learn from each other.” SM: “I have this kid who’s just really good and a rulefollower, but at the same time, she’s really smart and strong-willed, so it can be a challenge to not say, ‘I told you so; if you had just listened to me...’. It’s a challenge to find that balance, to let her make her own mistakes.” RT: “The hardest thing thus far would be to discipline the kids in a manner that’s not too harsh on them.” How can a father make sure he and the kids get the most enjoyment out of the time when the kids are young? JS: “Every age is special; don’t look forward to them being X or look back at them being Y too much. Enjoy every age for what it offers. There are a hundred different facets to a life; all of those things aren’t going to be vastly different from the way you were, so look for those things that you remember, that you have in common.” How do you raise strong, confident, humble children and adults? JS: “A lot of confidence comes from you showing that you believe in them and their choices. We always tried 46 | midtownmag.com

to give the kids information about something and let them choose their own path, within reason. Support their choices. If you’re always second-guessing them, they’re never going to be confident. We always told all of them they can do anything they choose to do.” SM: “When you have a little girl, you think a lot about gender equality, about the kind of person this little child grows up to be, and what would you choose? You wouldn’t choose someone who grows up to be weak, who doesn’t know how to be herself. In a crazy way, I think she knows herself more at ten than I did well into my later years. Part of that is who she is, part of it is conversations we’ve had about it: ‘Know yourself, listen to that voice. Be who you are. If you do that, all the things that life throws at you will be better.’ Weave in your own experiences. Find a way to relay that without sounding like you’re teaching, so they don’t just hear the Charlie Brown teacher. That’s a long answer to get to: Know yourself, believe in yourself. It’s strength of conviction.” How does today’s life compare to life BC (before children)? RT: “I think about what I did with my time before kids and how much free time there was; that’s a hard thing to remember. It’s almost like I can’t remember that time. From the time I get home after work to the time they go down, that span of time is pretty much chaos – boys running around screaming, dinnertime with food thrown everywhere, bath time, and once they settle down and go to bed, there’s about an hour that I can relax.” JS: “We went to a lot of crappy movies back in the day, just because, ‘Hey, let’s go see a movie.’ Then that stopped with the kids. Now that we have more time again, we have more discerning tastes.” midtownmag.com| 47

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beer& barrel

Take a Tour!

THE taproom AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO. IS A GREAT SPOT TO GRAB A BEER AFTER EXPERIENCING A TOUR.

Curious About Beer? Tour a Brewery! By julie johnson

s our beer choices have expanded, consumers have become more curious about how beer is made. A brewery tour is a great opportunity to take in the sights and smells of the brewing process, meet the people who create your beer, ask your fill of questions, and sample a few wares. Even better, a brewery can be a memorable destination when you hit the road – learn about the beer that is identified with a particular town, and lend your support to these local businesses. Here are a few breweries that offer both novices and pros a terrific intro to local beer culture.

exploring this artsy Charlotte 2229 N Davidson Street neighborhood, which features two 704.900.6851 other breweries within blocks. nodabrewing.com Hour-long tours, conducted by guides who are also knowledgeable homebrewers, are offered weekdays at 6pm, 5pm on Saturdays and 3pm Sundays. Visit on a Tuesday, then grab a pint of that week’s special one-off brew, available only in the laid-back taproom (for a preview, see the NoDable Series on YouTube), or try one of NoDa’s limited-release seasonals any day of the week.

In 1994, Highland Brewing Co. opened in Asheville, pioneering the way for the thriving craft beer culture the city enjoys today. Located in the eastern part of town, its new facility is big enough to support a several-a-day, seven-daya-week tour schedule. The first-come, first-served tours lead visitors through the brewing process, packaging (bottling lines are hypnotic, like toy trains for grown-ups) and a taste of Highland’s flagship Gaelic Ale. This summer, linger in the new rooftop bar, where 12 Old Charlotte Highway taps pour small828.299.3370 batch beers not highlandbrewing.com/brewery-tours available elsewhere.

History, artwork and a community of writers draw visitors to tiny Hillsborough: to that list, add distinctive beer. Mystery Brewing Co. opened just three years ago, dedicated to brewing a continually revolving menu of seasonal-only beers that incorporate novel ingredients: grains, fruits, herbs and spices that may be new to visitors. On Saturdays at 1pm and 3pm, staff conduct the tours. Brewery founder Erik Lars Meyers, a passionate advocate for Mystery’s brewing philosophy, hosts the VIP tours ($15 per person) for more advanced imbibers on the final Friday evening of every month. Afterwards, adjourn to 437 Dimmocks Mill Road Mystery’s Public House on 230 919.697.8379 South Nash Street.

NoDa Brewing Co. (short for North Davidson) not only offers comprehensive tours, but it’s an ideal place to begin

mysterybrewing.com 50 | midtownmag.com

close tohome

A New Six Forks

Study Promises Unique Identity, Fluid Movement, and Increased Safety By dan bain photography courtesy of Design Workshop and Stantec

ix Forks Road, for a stretch just north of the Beltline, is practically synonymous with the phrase “Midtown Raleigh.” As that area thrives, it grows. As it grows, it’s only natural that changes must occur to facilitate that growth, not to mention encouraging more of it in the future. To that end, Midtown Raleigh Alliance (MRA) worked with the City of Raleigh and consultants to develop Six Forks Road Corridor Study, which they unveiled in January to more than 120 community leaders representing the residents and businesses of Midtown. The plan was met with enthusiasm, opening the door to an ongoing process of further design and construction over the next several years. The plan was the result of four years’ worth of discussion and consideration, said Tara Lightner Robbins, MRA, executive director. “In 2011, we convened the residents and community of Midtown for a visioning workshop where we asked, ‘What do we want Six Forks to look like?’ We knew that an urban, walkable community was planned at the south end of Six

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Forks, outside the Beltline,” she said. “The City then fleshed out that vision over several meetings, and the 2014 City budget included funding for the corridor study. The Midtown Raleigh Alliance also went out and raised additional money to expand the scope of the study.” The City hired consultants from a design firm and a transportation engineering firm to produce the study, which involved speaking to various stakeholders – small businessowners, developers, churches, schools, the Midtown Citizens

An examle of the enhanced sheltered transit stops with separate bike and sidewalk allowances.

(top left) Sample intersection with separated bike and pedestrians crossings. the Eliminating of designated turn lanes provides space for this. (bottom left) EnhanceD plantings on streetscape and in new, larger medians, with pedestrian refuge at head of median.

Advisory Council (CAC), and more. They then tackled the corridor design and transportation modeling. The plan focuses on the area of Six Forks between the Beltline and Lynn Road, emphasizing improved safety and fluidity, with special emphasis on multi-modal transportation – cars, pedestrians, bicycles, and city transit. Robbins said the goals were to offer better transportation options on a safer, better-working road, with better buffering for the neighborhoods. Some of the corridor elements proposed in the plan are: • Landscaped median segments for the first two miles, with bike and pedestrian zones and transitional edge plantings • Two unique segment identities: “urban boulevard” and “parkway boulevard” • Three 11-foot travel lanes in each segment, sharing 20-22 feet of median and left-turn lane • “Pedestrian refuges” in intersection medians, providing safe stopping points for pedestrians in the middle of crossing the road • “Neighborhood gateways” to define entrances, with planted medians and separate traffic directions • Higher-quality, transit-friendly, fully sheltered bus stops • Improved directional signs using corridor branding midtownmag.com | 53

•

Expanded vehicle space in two stretches that will need only a 23-percent asphalt increase

Robbins said the January audience reacted positively to the plan, which is still only a written document. Carter Pettibone, an urban planner with the City, said the goal was to create a framework for the future. “It’s kind of a high-level document. The next step would be to have engineering drawings completed that show everything needed to be able to build it,” he said. “We put an item in the last transportation bond to cover the cost of engineering drawings. The next step is to put it out for a request for qualifications, select an engineering firm, and have the drawings done. Then we’ll have to secure funding to complete the project itself. That would probably be part of another transportation bond.” Pettibone and Robbins both stressed that the partnership will continue to stay engaged with the public, communicating with residents and CAC to update us and to rely on our input (which we can provide at www.raleighnc. gov). But there can be neither a budget nor a definitive timeline to begin construction, let alone complete it, until after the drawings are complete and the City Council acts on them. In the meantime, Robbins said, “We will be here and will continue to bring in the neighbors and businesses. The Midtown business district is very vibrant and we want to keep ahead of the mobility challenges. Any time you have places people want to be, you’re going to have dense populations, and we’re going to be vigilant to stay ahead of those. We think we have a good plan and we’re very excited about the future of Six Forks.” Until that future arrives, stay tuned – and stay involved!

54 | midtownmag.com

giving back

Growing Hope For thirty years, the Foundation of Hope has brought hope to families living with mental illness. By Illyse Lane

t was only thirty years ago when the words “mental illness” were most often associated with shame. It was a topic not discussed within struggling families; a disease without many options for treatment and even fewer dollars for research. Fast forward to the present. It’s a present where the annual Thad and Alice Eure Walk for Hope has solidified its spot as the second largest walk for mental illness in the country, attracting thousands of participants and raising significant funds for mental illness research and treatment. It’s a present where the annual dinner and auction, Evening of Hope, to be held in September, will have Zak Williams, son of the late actor Robin Williams, sharing his story on living with a father struggling with mental illness. And it’s a present where UNC-Chapel Hill has gained national status as having one of the top research programs in the country in the field of mental illness. Yes, over the past thirty years, much has changed. And Shelley Eure Belk, the executive director of the Foundation of Hope for Research & Treatment of Mental Illness, couldn’t be more pleased. For Belk remembers when her parents, Thad and Alice Eure, were determined to break the stigma attached to mental illness by starting the Foundation of Hope. “Thirty years ago, we were stepping out on a limb, raising money for a cause not talked about. It was a brave thing,” says Belk. “We never imagined we would be able to fund so much research. ” With the specific mission to provide grants to fund research for mental illness through a relationship with UNC and its associated programs, the Foundation of Hope has grown from a foundation

56 | midtownmag.com

Save the Dates!

Maybe you’ll go for the exercise. Maybe you’ll go for the fivecourse dinner prepared by Angus Barn Iron Chef Walter Royal. Or maybe you want to help raise awareness for those individuals and families struggling with mental illness. Whatever your reason, go ahead and save the dates:

The 2015 Evening of Hope Gala

Thursday, September 24th, 2015 The annual Evening of Hope gala, held at the Angus Barn Pavilion, features an elegant five-course dinner paired with exceptional wines, live and silent auctions, and celebrity guest speaker Zak Williams, son of the late actor Robin Williams.

with one $20,000 research grant to a foundation that has awarded over 130 scientific research grants totaling more than $3.8 million. It’s an evolution that’s been exciting for Belk and the rest of the Foundation of Hope, which knows first-hand how difficult it can be to find funding for mental illness and, in particular, funding for seed ideas. “When a researcher has a seed idea, they can’t go to a national level and receive funding until they have had a chance to germinate the idea. That process usually takes about three years to see through and attract attention,” says Belk. However, through its synergetic relationship with UNC, the

Thad & Alice Eure 27th Annual Walk for Hope

Sunday, October 11th, 2015 100% of the money raised by participants directly funds local mental health research at the UNC Neurosciences Hospital in Chapel Hill. The event also includes the Run for Hope, a USA Track & Field Certified Run with timed 5K and 10K routes.

(left) Zak Williams, son of the late Robin Williams, will share his families’ struggles with mental illness at the Evening of Hope, to be held on September 24th. (above) Thousands of participants walk along Glenwood Avenue during the 2014 Walk for Hope. The annual fundraiser will be held on October 11th.

Foundation of Hope has been in the unique position of being able to identify research that holds significant promise at the seed level, filling a void. “Our scientific advisory group has the ability to navigate through the numerous applications received annually, providing an incredible niche that no one else is providing, and that no one else wanted to provide,” says Belk. The grant is then awarded to a researcher at UNC, and often times, the research goes on to receive national attention and funding from the National Institute of Mental Health. “We have a wonderful relationship with UNC, and we feel so fortunate to have some of the most brilliant minds in the country right outside our back door,” says Belk. This success is what keeps the Foundation of Hope motivated, as it continues to set new goals for its various fundraising events held throughout the year, knowing that ultimately, the research will benefit those within the Triangle community. Two of the more wellknown events are scheduled to take place this fall. “The 27th annual Walk is going to be held in October, and our goal this year is to have 4,000 participants,” says Blair Wall Smallman, development officer. “We are also so excited that we were able to get Zak Williams, in his first signing of a nonprofit, to come to our Evening of Hope, where he will share his families’ ups and downs.” And when it comes to mental illness, that sharing is a very essential piece of the mental illness puzzle. “Mental illness is a brain disease, where things aren’t working right, just like if you had a heart problem,” says Belk. “And we have helped bring recognition to people who are out there struggling, helping them realize that they are not alone.” For more information, visit foundationofhopenc.org midtownmag.com | 57

pack yourbags

Before You Go

Important Preparation Tips for International Travel

vacation abroad should be therapeutic, exciting, educational, relaxing, uplifting, cleansing, and reenergizing. With a little preparation your vacation can be ideal. Travel has never been safer, however potential pitfalls can happen no matter how much planning has taken place. Most mistakes can be avoided with common sense and a backup plan. Your goal should be to minimize the worry and maximize the awesomeness of going abroad to see this incredible world of ours. The following are important steps to safeguarding your international travel investment so you can enjoy your wellearned vacation. Proper Documentation A valid US passport is required for all international air travel in order to re-enter the US Some countries in close proximity to the US may allow you to enter with a state issued ID and an original birth certificate. However, if an emergency occurs – at a cruise destination, for example – 58 | midtownmag.com

and you have to be flown back home, there could be major delays/hassles/money spent if you don’t have a passport. Most countries require passports to be valid for at least six months after departure date. If you don’t own a passport, check with your neighborhood travel consultant to find out which countries will allow alternative documentation. Documents Besides bringing all the proper travel documents, you should make copies and pack them in a different place from the originals. These include passports, travel insurance card, visas, credit cards, driver’s license, airline itinerary, lodging, cruise details, excursions, tours and transfers, and all reservations/itineraries. Travel Alerts Not all areas of the world are safe to travel for US citizens; always review the State Department’s travel warnings. When traveling to a country that has some

history of civil unrest or terrorist activity, you can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for safety and security announcements as well as embassy/ consulate information. Communications Send your detailed itinerary to at least one close family member prior to your trip. Many cruise and vacation companies require emergency contact information prior to arrival to assist in this process. Banks and credit card companies should also be notified so they expect unusual withdrawals and won’t stop your account. Money Overseas Credit cards are the preferred method of payment when on vacation, but taking a small amount of US cash to exchange is recommended. Most credit card companies charge for foreign exchange, but there are some that don’t. Bring two credit cards and a debit card, and secure them in a money belt for safe keeping. Travel Insurance Simply a must-have for all international travelers. Your health insurance or credit card may provide some “skeleton” health benefits if sick or injured abroad, but very few will pay for a medical evacuation back to the United States, which can cost up to $100,000. In North Carolina and many other states, travel insurance is required to be offered by travel agencies. Smart travelers purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan from a specialized travel insurance company, which comes with a card with a 24/7 tollfree number. By spending a little time planning for the unexpected and not just “winging it,” you’ll benefit by having minimal travel stress and the confidence a plan is in place for what comes your way. For all solid plan advice, contact your local travel agency for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information for preparing for your vacation overseas.

by Paul M. Stone, Expedia CruiseShipCenters, cruiseshipcenters.com/northraleigh

midtownmag.com| 59

raising thebar

ask You

ANSWER

If I am arrested for DWI, will I lose my license? If so, for how long? Gloria, Raleigh Generally, a person will lose their license for 30 days after the arrest. In most cases, they will be able to get a limited driving privilege after 10 days. This allows them to drive between 6am and 8pm, Monday through Friday, for work, school or household purposes. After the 30th day, they are able to pick up their original driver’s license. ~ Steven Saad

This is my first DWI. If I plead or am found guilty, will I lose my license? Gloria, Raleigh Yes. The DMV will suspend your license for one year. In most cases, if you have completed certain prerequisites, you will be able to get a limited driving privilege for that entire year. ~ Steven Saad Can I require my employees to follow a dress code? Bill, Cary Yes, as long as it is reasonable and does not discriminate on the basis of some protected trait, characteristic, or affiliation. You can direct employees to wear professional clothing, prohibit jewelry, require uniforms, and more. Such rules are fine, as long you recognize that exceptions sometimes must be made. For example, employees may have a right to wear a union pin, despite a “no jewelry” rule. Likewise, an employee whose religious beliefs require the wearing of a head covering such as a hijab may

60 | midtownmag.com

Have a question? Let us hear it: raisingthebar@midtownmag.com

be entitled to wear it in the workplace even though the dress code prohibits hats or other head coverings. ~ Paul Derrick Which of the legal holidays is my employer required to observe? Latonya, Garner None. No employer is required to observe holidays or give holiday time off at all, either with or without pay. It is entirely up to the employer. If the employer does promise to give holiday pay, however, it must put the policy in writing and make sure that all employees know about it. ~ Paul Derrick

MeettheCounsel

Steven Saad

Criminal Defense

I own a small business that is struggling. Can I give comp time to my employees instead of paying them overtime? Latonya, Garner No. Private sector businesses are not allowed to give comp time in lieu of overtime when their non-exempt employees work more than 40 hours in a workweek. Those workers must be paid one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for all hours over 40. Even if your payroll period covers two or more weeks at a time, the overtime must be calculated based on each workweek. The public sector (e.g., government) can allow comp time, but other businesses cannot. ~ Paul Derrick

Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP | www.cshlaw.com

Paul Derrick

Employment Law

This content has been prepared for general information purposes only. This information is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Legal advice is dependent upon the specific circumstances of each situation. The information provided cannot replace the advice of competent legal counsel by a licensed attorney in your state.

sundaysupper

LittleJohn’s European Tour French to Italian Cuisine

By Sioux watson photography by davies photography

y the time her family acquired an Italian nanny when Beth LittleJohn and her older brother were still quite young, she had already shown an interest in food, cooking and cookbooks. The nanny influenced LittleJohn’s love of the Italian language and cuisine, still a passion and one of the driving forces leading her to enroll in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. LittleJohn’s artist father was a well-known Native American woodworker specializing in flutes, traveling extensively for shows and festivals, and her doctor mother was a researcher in RTP. Home was 15 miles north of Hillsborough, “out in the middle of nowhere”, so LittleJohn spent a lot of time with a nanny who was constantly trying to recreate the meals of her home country, and she was there to help. She also spent time plucking the bounty of the woods

62 | midtownmag.com

with her father; he taught her the skills of morel hunting and fishing in rural Orange County, and she got very good at it! Another huge influence in LittleJohn’s decision to become a chef was Carolina Friends School. “We took field trips to places like Mama Dip’s in Chapel Hill, and the school brought in speakers like ‘The Food Guy’ from Whole Foods, Lex Alexander. He did talks to our class on things like stone ground grits. I thought it was so cool, and it changed the way I thought about who could be a chef, and the importance of ingredients.” She watched food shows on PBS, got into cookbooks and held little dinner parties for friends. “I made eggrolls from scratch for a friend one time”, she remembers, and became convinced she should finish high school and go straight into culinary school. Unable to find a restaurant job unless she had experience, Wheaton College in Massachusetts

beckoned and she studied Sociology and Italian, returning to Chapel Hill each summer for jobs in restaurant kitchens. For a year post graduation she worked at Duke University in clinical studies, pining to go to culinary school and become a professional chef. Ultimately she applied and got into two schools, ending up at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. “CIA was an incredible experience; finally I was around people who were also passionate about food, like me. It is a hard, intense program where information is crammed into a short period of time. We’d spend six to seven hours a day for three weeks for one class, so I’m glad I waited until my mid-twenties for culinary school.” For her five-month “externship” she chose a privately owned restaurant in downtown Washington, DC, Chef Geoff ’s. Upon graduation she found her way back to North Carolina. “CIA has a good system for finding positions for its graduates, and I got on at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. I wanted a hotel job so I could get the full range of experiences. Many young aspiring chefs have their expectations all wrong,” she says. “They think they can graduate and go straight to the top, but that isn’t realistic, and I was very realistic about putting in the hard work to get there.” Hotel work offers a wide range of experiences, and she was able to move from banquet garde manger to breakfast/lunch cook (up at 4am!), dinner line, and tournant sous chef, or “roundsman”. After two and a half years, feeling burned out, she took a chef position at Nordstrom in their “made from scratch” kitchen, and after nine months realized the rigidity of the corporate world was not for her. Then she landed a cooking “interview” with local company Urban Food Group (Vivace in Raleigh and Charlotte, Coquette Brasserie and Chow in Raleigh). She started first as sous chef before quickly moving up to head chef at Coquette, where she has now been since 2010. “I am dedicated and passionate about my work, but I’m very hard on myself,” says LittleJohn, adding that her high expectations of her staff extend to herself too, admitting she often puts in 12-hour days at work. “I always wanted a to have a fun and creative kitchen, but I want it to be successful, too,” a goal which she has clearly achieved by most restaurant standards. Beth has loved being with Coquette and Urban Food Group, which is owned by locals Stacey and Kevin Jennings. In June they plan to open Lucia, an updated rustic Italian restaurant in the old Pop’s location in Durham’s Leggett & Myers Building. The new chef over there? Beth LittleJohn!

TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH

June 7-11 6-8 pm7-11 June Joining hands with God

4815 Six forks Rd. Raleigh, NC 27609 (919)787-3740 TBCRaleigh.com

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™ Journey Off the Map Unknown to Us, Known to Him While exploring kids will discoverkids that will Jesus discover is the Ultimate While uncharted exploringterritory, uncharted territory, that Guide. Jesus isThey the will learn that, even when faced with the unexpected, they can know how to listen for God’s direction.

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Braised Pork Shoulder Mole LittleJohn likes to make a braised pork shoulder mole, served with rice, black beans and diced avocado. Sometimes sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll serve it with tortillas or chips, depending on what sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feeling like. Ingredients 1 boneless pork shoulder, cut in 2 inch pieces with excess fat trimmed (but not all of it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it adds flavor!) 2 large onions, diced 4 carrots, diced 2 jalapeno peppers, cut in quarters 1 serrano chili, stem removed whole 2 poblano peppers 1 standard can of diced tomatoes 1 pack of achiote powder (Goya brand is in most grocery stores) chicken stock to cover salt and pepper Directions 1. Dice all the vegetables and set aside. 2. Sprinkle the achiote powder on the pork to coat nicely; season with salt and pepper. 64 | midtownmag.com

3. In a large Dutch oven or large soup pot, sear the pork over high heat to get it nicely browned. Remove the pork once browned on all sides and sauté the vegetables in the same pan for 2-3 minutes. Scrape the bottom to remove the fond, it will make your sauce taste delicious. 4. Add the pork back in, then add the canned tomatoes and the chicken stock just to cover. Simmer on low heat until pork is very tender, about 2-3 hours. You can also put it in the oven at 325 degrees. 5. Once the pork is tender, remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside. If there is a lot of excess fat on top, remove it with a spoon before the next step. 6. With an immersion blender, purée all the vegetables and liquid together to get a thick vegetable purée...add the pork back in and serve with rice and beans, diced avocado and queso fresco. This is great for leftovers, too – you can make quesadillas, nachos, burritos, or almost anything with the luscious pork. midtownmag.com| 65

young makers photograph © Ileana Le

WedPics

Design and Tech Form a Perfect Union by Jenni Hart

ngaged couples have a new must-have accessory. WedPics is a mobile and online app designed to aggregate photos and videos from all the people and events surrounding a couple’s big day. For those about to rock the wedding season, the free app is fun and easy to use. For others interested in hearing about a local startup with a searing trajectory, WedPics delivers. Millions of unique users and millions of dollars in capital investment are impressive numbers for a firm just approaching its third anniversary. Justin Miller is CEO and co-founder of WedPics. He and fellow NC State College of Design graduate, Andy Heymann, had dabbled with the idea of creating an app offering a photosharing experience covering live music events. In late 2010, the two friends attended a show and soon after, began working on a social app to share photos and videos among fellow concertgoers. Miller said they soon realized they were trying to solve a problem that didn’t exist; people just weren’t that excited about

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seeing out-of-focus, poor quality photos of bands on stage or the backs of people’s heads. The wedding market, however, was ripe for a photo app refresh. There were wedding apps already on the market, but Miller describes them as having dated technology and bland aesthetics. “We know this user is typically mid-20s to mid-30s,” Miller says. “They’re on Instagram, Pinterest

“

(left) Wedpics owners: Idan Koren, Justin Miller, David Cullen and Alex Lewis (bottom) Couples find ideas, info, invitations and interaction on WedPics.

and Facebook already.” He says app designers who try to introduce a novel user experience that doesn’t look or respond in similar ways to existing platforms face an uphill battle. “You can’t offer users a new product with a big learning curve; it needs to feel familiar if you want them to like it and recommend it to friends,” he says. With wedding attendance averaging about 130 guests, Miller says each wedding registered on WedPics has an automatic reach that is enticing for investors. “And we know that at least one of the wedding guests is an engaged person who hasn’t yet signed up for the app and will soon be planning their own wedding,” he adds. Staying Put Miller shares that many of his early conversations with people in the tech field included advice to relocate to another area in the country. “Raleigh just isn’t known

With our first app, we had created a solution to a problem that didn’t really exist, and by early 2012, we realized we were just going to die a slow, agonizing death along with a lot of other companies in the photo-sharing space. The funniest thing about our company is we were

”

made up almost entirely of single

guys, so we really didn’t know about weddings or everything that goes into planning a wedding. But you have to hang in there. You can’t give up. ~Justin Miller, CEO and co-founder, WedPics

as a place for app development, and certainly not social media,” he says. But in spite of not being in the tech meccas of the West Coast or Northeast, WedPics has had no issues attracting talent and growing to scale in order to make a go of it. “We’re not going anywhere,” he says. “And we’re not outsourcing any of our development.” Miller says midtownmag.com | 67

Mobile-friendly is wedding-friendly.

he’s adamant about staying in Raleigh, even as the firm has expanded the net geographically to identify talent from other areas. Along with third cofounder, Idan Koren, Miller says there was a good network among the three, and they believed the cost of talent and the cost of living would continue to be favorable here in the Triangle. Advice For Other Young Makers As an entrepreneur, Miller offers advice to other young creative thinkers with an idea for a product or service they’d like to develop: Believe in yourself. I left a great corporate job [with IBM] to pursue an opportunity I knew absolutely nothing about. There is no reason I should be successful, except that I just stayed with it. Network and ask questions. I spent countless hours meeting with people, in person, over the phone, over email. What you learn from other people can literally make the difference in whether you’re successful or not. Be patient. No one will approach you just because you have a great idea. I had known the lead investor in WedPics for over a year. They said no for an entire year, but we continued to build a better and better product. Eventually they had to say yes. Always look for ways to improve your offering. Some of our most valuable feedback comes from users who share ideas for the app. They’re a very vocal group, which is great – they play a role in our evolution as a company.

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Room complete the >>

PORCH/PATIO

>> Porches

and patios have to be some of the coziest places to sit and relax. If you are lucky enough to have an enclosed porch, you’ll be able to enjoy it year-round! Even with screened porches, the climate in North Carolina allows nine months of use – spring, summer and fall – plus the odd warm winter day. New England Hook Rug

Enhance any porch or patio area with this 100% cotton, American-made New England hook rug with bright, vivid color accents and contemporary flair. >> Robert Fritz Oriental Rugs Inc. at Hunt & Gather, Glenwood Ave., $249

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Serving Trays

Entertain in style with these wonderfully colorful and whimsical serving trays. >> Hunt & Gather, Glenwood Ave., $74.95

Antique Coach Light

Create the perfect lighting for outdoor living this season with an antique copper coach light from a 1920s Raleigh home. >> DT&Co., $350

Banded Vessel

These banded vessels highlight two complementary colors. They are hand-blown and shaped in lead-free crystal in a studio in California, and are signed by the artists. >> BeyondBlue Interiors, $300

Entertaining Tools

Complete your perfect porch with these entertaining tools from Southern Hooker. Made from authentic North Carolina tobacco sticks, the grill tool, oyster knife and corkscrew are perfect for any porch party! >> Ora Designers and Fine Jewelers, starting at $28

Jute Rope Netted Lanterns

This rope lantern with a glass candle insert is perfect for showcasing your garden or lawn at night, or for illuminating romantic candlelight dinners or evening garden parties. >> Affordable Chic Shops, $75 large, $49 small

Serving Tray

No porch is complete without a stylish way to serve! The Portico Mosaic Tray is made with stainless steel, mirrored mosaic glass and manila barge rope handles and is perfect for serving mimosas in style. >> Ora Designers and Fine Jewelers, $175

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All-Weather Indoor/Outdoor Canvas Art

Bring a touch of artistry to your screened-in porch with this lovely indoor/outdoor canvas print, showcasing a charming pickup truck brimming with sunflowers. Dimensions: 30â&#x20AC;? x 30â&#x20AC;?. >> Affordable Chic Shops, $125

Wooden Figurines

Just Acacia animal carvings allow you to bring this trend into your home in a simple, modern, colorful and charming way. The birds and elephants are carved from acacia wood, and the clear matte finish allows the natural characteristics of the wood to stand out beautifully. >> BeyondBlue Interiors, $34-$40

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Free-Range P a

Is It Time To Land The Helicopter? By Jenni Hart

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Va c c i n a t i o n s . Breastfeeding. Social Media. When it comes to our children, nearly every decision point – from the serious to the mundane – seems to stir strong emotions and surprisingly heated debate. The free-range parenting movement is one such flashpoint, brought acutely into focus with the December news report of 10- and 6-year-old siblings whose mile-long walk home from a neighborhood park just outside Washington, DC, was interrupted by a police officer who picked them up, delivered them to their doorstep, and lectured their father on the dangers his unaccompanied children faced. Hours later, an agent from Montgomery County Child Protective Services arrived at the Meitiv family home and launched an investigation. Parenting blogs and social media comments registered predictable outrage from supporters of the parents, as well as those who felt they should face jail time for neglect. In fact, it’s worth noting the police officer didn’t stop the children randomly, but was responding to a report from a caller concerned about the children’s wellbeing. Most people who have weighed in feel the charges against the parents are unfounded. But with laws that vary state to state, and some child advocates placing the concern of safety above all else, this issue continues to ignite debate online and in everyday conversations. Proponents of the free-range movement say insulating a child from every risk is not only impractical, it’s also not the best way to raise a capable, confident adult. Melanie Walker, MD, is a Raleigh pediatrician who says she’s concerned children may miss out on important developmental experiences when parents are overly protective. “It’s important to start teaching kids independence at an early age when they are seeking it,” Walker says. “It starts at 18 to 24 months, when they want to feed themselves or get themselves dressed.” Walker says

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"The individual child’s developmental level and the situation at hand always have to be taken into account, but most children are able to gain independence much earlier than they are b e i n g a l l owe d i n t h i s a g e of 'over-parenting.’” ~ M e l a n i e Wa l k e r , M D , P e d i a t r i c P a r t n e r s

she sees parents who are hesitant to indulge even those inklings of freedom because to do so would be too messy or time-consuming. “Sometimes they don’t like the outfits their children pick out or the way they make their beds because it’s not neat or pretty enough. This sends an early message to kids that they can’t do something,” she says. The result? Over time, kids become so dependent on parents that they fail to achieve normal childhood milestones. They lack selfconfidence to do even the simplest things without their parents’ direction. It’s no surprise, then, when children enter adolescence illequipped to negotiate day-to-day activities like ordering their own meal in a restaurant, engaging an adult in conversation, or walking home from the library or a friend’s house. “It begins with how they have been parented since toddlerhood,” Walker says. “If every year they are given a little more independence and chances to err and learn from their mistakes, they’re better prepared to safely try bigger challenges. If they are taught to be aware of their surroundings (read: unplugged from their electronics), have practiced the task with their parents, and know how to get help if needed, they should be ready to try.” 74 | midtownmag.com

Walker admits this can be scary for parents, but she says it gets easier each time the child completes a challenge or task successfully. Why is the idea of relinquishing control so frightening for some parents? Some equate allowing freedom with being irresponsible or neglectful; they fear the judgment they may face from neighbors, family members or other parents. Others perceive the world as a terrifying place, with predators lurking around every corner. This is in spite of FBI statistics showing violent crime rates have actually dropped significantly over the past couple of decades, and child abductions by strangers are exceedingly rare. Family therapist Michelle Poppe says it’s important to know the facts and be realistic about the risks children face. It’s a challenge when sensational headlines and a 24-hour news cycle paint a distorted picture of the actual threat of harm. “Abductions and traumas are lower, but we do have an almost constant stream of news on our phones, tablets and TVs,” she says. But the anxiety that parents and children feel is real, and Poppe, a licensed professional counselor with New Hope Counseling in

Raleigh, says it serves a purpose. “Everyone wants to get rid of anxiety, but it’s a brain function that keeps us alive,” she says. The problem comes when the anxiety impedes our ability to function and complete daily tasks. Poppe believes balance is ideal, yet given a choice between the two extremes, she sees so-called “helicopter parenting” as actually riskier and potentially more problematic than free-range parenting because it tends to leave children less equipped to navigate their lives once they reach adulthood. “Parenting choices should be based on the maturity and sophistication of each child,” she says. “Teaching children takes time and sometimes involves a bit of risk, and that may be why some parents choose to do things for them instead.” Poppe encourages the parents in her practice to teach children about risks as they encounter them. “Learning about ‘good touch, bad touch’ is a great way to introduce the topic of private parts to young children, but talking about sexual assault is different,” she says. When kids are ready, she advises parents to give them the information they need to recognize potential dangers and keep themselves safe.

Free-range advocates aren’t just asking parents to make peace with a little risk; they also imagine a world where kids’ lives are less scheduled, less structured and a bit less stressful. “Children need to have an opportunity to develop their imaginations so that they can be creative thinkers as adults,” says Walker. “With older children I ask about afterschool activities and get concerned if I hear too many. I encourage parents not to overschedule kids, but instead let them have time outside getting physical activity and learning how to negotiate with other kids who are there.” She adds that parents who are everpresent to settle disputes, or who become too involved in middleschool relationships, aren’t giving their kids the opportunity to practice selfreliance, compromise and diplomacy. Whether you’re the parent of a newborn or in the trenches of the teenage years, you’re facing choices that require thoughtful deliberation and no small dose of courage. You’re up against both the real and imagined dangers that come with parenthood, but it’s worth noting the views of many health and education professionals who would like to see us loosen our grip on the apron strings.

Update

As we head to press, we have learned the Meitiv parents, referenced early in our article, are once again under investigation by Child Protective Services following an April 12th incident where a 911 caller reported seeing the children near the same neighborhood park. The man described them as looking “dirty” and said they appeared to have been unaccompanied for 20 minutes or longer. Many are weighing in with continued support of the parents and an urgent call to preserve child protection resources for more obvious cases of neglect. As the Meitiv investigation continues, we can expect additional states and agencies to review their statutes and policies in an effort to protect both parental rights and the interest of government to ensure children’s safety.

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Teens and

SUMMERJobs By Jenni Hart

In North Carolina, teenagers as young as 14 can work during non-school hours, provided the work is not in manufacturing or other potentially hazardous positions. Individual companies vary in their age policies for hiring young workers, but retail, restaurant and service jobs are a popular choice for first-time workers. 76 | midtownmag.com

Renee Ward is a Raleigh mother of three sons, and she’s a big proponent of high school students having jobs. She says her goal of raising boys who are self-sufficient and able to make good choices is reinforced by the lessons learned when they work outside the home. “Earning their own spending money encourages independence and better money management habits,” says Ward. “It gives teens perspective for how much their parents sacrifice in order to provide for their family.” Ward says her son, Joseph, dried countless cars at a local car wash to earn money to accessorize his truck. “For us, it lessened the conflict over the purchasing decision. We saw a lift kit not as a necessity, but as an option, so we decided he would have to pay for it himself, ” she says. Bethany Downs has worked for North Raleigh Florist for two years, and she says the relaxed atmosphere is ideal for seasonal workers in high school and college. She says retail makes for a great first job because young people can strengthen their people and communication skills. “When you are dealing with customers, you learn that attention to detail and listening to a client’s needs are crucial,” she says. Working for a florist has also given her an understanding of artistic expression, design and colors. Bethany’s advice to first-time workers is to be willing to try new things and to absorb as much information as possible. As a room service attendant at Seasons Restaurant at Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center, John Lischwe works with several students who are using this first job experience as a foundation for future career pursuits. John echoes Bethany’s advice of honing communication skills and learning the art of customer service in order to be a successful new employee. Earning their own spending money and learning new skills are the typical goals of summer job seekers, but a less obvious benefit may be enhancing their college admissions prospects. Sherry S. Andrews is a college consultant who urges high school students to choose summer activities with their long-term academic goals in mind. Having worked closely with more than 10,000 college-bound students and their families, Andrews, through her consulting business Success+, has learned precisely what colleges are seeking in future students. “Admissions officers are looking for students who have used their time wisely by exploring opportunities such as jobs and internships, as well as leadership and academic enrichment programs,” she says. Too many students fail to fill in the sections on college applications that ask for employment history and enrichment programs because they don’t have the experience or they don’t realize colleges consider them important. “Obviously, if the college is requesting this information, it has value,” she says. In addition, a student with a good work record can expect to reap some benefits even after leaving the position. Andrews has worked with teens whose letter of recommendation from a former employer helped with their college admissions, as well as with scholarship applications. Finally, Andrews says colleges seek students with initiative and demonstrated leadership skills – traits that can be reflected in a favorable work history. “And no activity is more impressive than another; however, it’s most impactful when a student takes the experience to another level,” she says. An example would be a student who learns CPR and then becomes a camp counselor in charge of teaching CPR techniques to campers. If you have a teen who is about to enter the job market for the first time, make sure to visit the North Carolina Department of Labor website to see additional guidelines for teenage workers. A first job can turn an otherwise uneventful summer into a fun and rewarding experience. midtownmag.com | 77

photograph courtesy of Go Ape

: e u c s e r e to th

(for those hard-t

o-please tweens a

nd teens)

By Christa Gala

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The “Go Ape!” zip line course is the Triangle’s newest opportunity for a treetop experience. Located at Wake County’s Blue Jay County Park near Falls Lake, it has five zip-lines and 42 obstacles.

you’ve got a tween or teen in the house, you’re probably familiar with the eyeroll and shoulder shrug when you suggest doing things they used to love. Bounce houses, forget it. Museums: Boooring. Parks: Not interested. With the summer looming large, you may be ready to wring their growing necks – particularly as you imagine their brains disintegrating as they stare at whatever screen currently has their attention. Here, a few outside-the-box ideas that are fun in a distinctly grown-up way and within a day’s drive – or much less. They won’t cost a fortune – if anything at all – and we guarantee they’ll finally put down that phone.

Slide the

City Raleigh

Zip lines There’s nothing uncool about zipping through the treetops hooked securely in a harness – navigating tightropes, trees and platforms 40 feet off the ground. The only trouble you might have with this family excursion is convincing yourself to do it. Courses are highly monitored, and a safety lesson takes place before you suit up, with everyone learning how to work the harness clips. There are weight limits on the course, and if you have heart problems, back problems, get dizzy easily or a have a fear of heights, you might want to take a pass. Otherwise, it’s a great way to get some exercise and feel like you’re working together as a team to navigate this two- to three-hour course. There are two different venues to try zip lines in the Triangle. The “Go Ape” course opened March 28th at Wake County’s Blue Jay County Park, situated along the shore of Falls Lake. While Wake County maintains the park itself, a Maryland-based company manages the zip lines. The course includes five zip lines, two Tarzan swings, rope ladders, bridges, webs, trapezes and 42 obstacles situated in the forest canopy. You’ll be more than 40 feet off the ground. So far, feedback has been positive. Nancy from Raleigh posted March 30 on the website after attending opening weekend: “We had a wonderful time yesterday at Blue Jay Point! We will recommend ‘Go Ape!’ to everyone, and we will be back! I am 56 and my niece is 13 – it was perfect for both of us.” Ticket prices are $57 plus tax for those ages 16 and up and $37 plus tax for those ages 10 to 15. Reservations are recommended. For more information, visit goape.com/zip-line/blue-jay-point-raleigh-nc. Discovery Course at Bethesda Park is another zip line option. It has two courses. One is considered a “low” ropes course with 13 elements, and the Discovery Course is 22 elements. Including ground school, the course takes about four hours to complete. Durham Parks and Recreation maintains the course, which is designed primarily for group use, although several families together can qualify as a group. For individuals who want to try the course, DPR offers a “Discovery Days” program about once a month. The Discovery Course includes a giant swing, dual zip line and 55-foot high crow’s nest. If you have a child younger than 10 who needs to tag along, this course allows those age seven and up to participate. Depending on course, age and length of time, prices range from $20-$60 per person. For more information, visit goape.com/zip-line/blue-jay-point-raleigh-nc.

This traveling 1,000-foot waterslide has been all over the country and is scheduled to come to downtown Raleigh Saturday, May 30th from 11am-7pm. The length of three football fields, this heavily padded slide will run down Glenwood Avenue South, Tucker and Lane Streets. The slip-and-slide party will include food and drink vendors, live music, magic and more. Sliders are invited to slide from 12-5pm Tickets are sold in three tiers: Single slider, triple slider or VIP slider, the latter being able to slide an unlimited number of

times and an additional hour both before and after the sliding window. All price points include a mouth guard (required), but only the triple slider and VIP slider include the inflatable tube (also required). You are allowed to bring your own tube if you purchase the single slider ticket. A single rider ticket costs $20; triple, $30; and VIP, $55. Early bird registration is $5 cheaper at each tier. The event has its own Facebook page, “Raleigh’s Slide the City!,”and you can also find out more information at slidethecity.com. The event is expected to sell out.

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photograph courtesy of Raven Rock State Park

Raven Rock State Park The rock formations and waterfalls you’ll find at Raven Rock State Park in Lillington are reminiscent of the view you’d find after a four-hour drive to the mountains, but this park is just 45 minutes away. Reviewers praise the park for its clean facilities. The park is free and dog-friendly, the hiking vigorous with gorgeous views. Avid hikers recommend The Campbell Trail. One reviewer wrote, “The Campbell trail has an off-thetrail river rapid view that, if you’re careful, you can cross in the more shallow area that leads to large sun rocks. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and we ended up spending 30 minutes swimming and sunning. The trails, facilities and picnic areas are all kept clean. I would honestly recommend this place to any and everyone, and, I’m not going to lie, the trails are moderately difficult – a lot of natural stairs and rocky surfaces; my calves and thighs sure did get a workout.” The Cape Fear River winds through this park; if you get a chance, seek out the rock formation that bears the park’s name. And the good news – or the bad news, depending on how you feel about it: cell service is spotty, so it’s a great place to unplug. For more information, visit ncparks.gov/Visit/ parks/raro/main.php. 80 | midtownmag.com

US National Whitewater Center (USNWC)

photograph courtesy of Raven Rock State Park

There’s a major cool factor at the USNWC, and it’s not just that you can do whitewater rafting, ziplining, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking all in one day. It’s also the official Olympic training site for the Whitewater Slalom Racing team, serving as the host for two Olympic Time Trials, one each for the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China and the 2012 Summer Games in London. The US National Team Trials have been held at the center every year since it opened in 2006. Bam! If it’s cool enough for Olympians, it’s cool enough for your tweens and teens. Located in Charlotte, the best way to do a day trip is to purchase the AllSports Pass which allows you to participate in all flatwater, whitewater and land activities in a day’s time. Adults and kids age 10 and over cost $54; kids age nine and under are $49. You can also pay for land and water sports individually; $20 per land event and $25 per flatwater event. Kids as young as five can participate in some land events, and kids as young as nine can participate in family whitewater rafting. Reservations for whitewater rafting are recommended. The USNWC boasts the world’s largest recirculating artificial whitewater river designed by three-time Olympian Scott Shipley. If this all sounds too tiring to do in one day and you decide to stay the night, the center offers a River Jam Concert series every Thursday and Saturday night during the summer with live music. For more information, visit usnwc.org. Photograph by Debbie Haughton

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t s a p r e t n i W

m r a F

MOUNTAIN

biking

While the question “Want to go for a bike ride?” might be met with a groan, consider upping the ante with some trails that require some real skill. Hog Run at Harris Lake County Park offers different levels of difficulty – from beginner to Black Diamond. Even the easier trails are challenging for tweens and teens, with moguls, berms, bridges and roots to navigate. Why not time them on the first run and issue a challenge to improve the numbers the second time around? To make a day of it, pack a lunch and take advantage of the Frisbee golf course and fishing at this 680-acre park in New Hill near the Shearon Harris Reservoir. For more information, visit wakegov.com/parks/ harrislake/Pages/default.aspx. 82 | midtownmag.com

Although farmer Mary Droessler describes her 10-acre family farm in Wake Forest as a petting zoo, even a sullen tween or teen will enjoy tending and feeding the animals, which include pigs, goats, rabbits, donkeys, ducks, roosters and many others. Droessler holds open hours nearly every week, and teens often end up volunteering to muck out stalls, collect eggs or tend the animals. Bring your own apples, carrots and bread to feed animals. There’s often a newborn goat, piglet or duckling to bottle-feed as well. Cost is $10 for all ages. Please check the website at winterpastfarm. com. You can also find information on Facebook by entering “Winterpast Farm” in the search box.

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re 20 stories high, perched on an observation tower watching soaring planes take off and land, playing a round of golf, or just relaxing with some friends over a cold brew, the Raleigh area offers some stunning views. Slow down and smell the roses this summer with friends, relatives, your significant other or your children. The amazing growth in our area over the last two decades has provided some new sights, yet others with historic significance remain. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a quick look at some of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best views. by david droschak

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Skye Tower Restaurant & Bar There are some taller buildings in downtown Raleigh, but maybe none with a more stunning view than from the 20th floor of the Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown. The circular-designed hotel has changed hands a number of times over the years, but one thing has remained constant – the public restaurant and bar which provides some amazing sunrises, sunsets, and all views in-between in the City of Oaks. The circular design, with large windows encompassing half of the 20th floor, offers a panoramic view of more than 25 miles to the east, south and west of Raleigh. The city’s spirals and steeples on many of the historic churches, along with a view of the State Capitol and beyond, make the food taste better and the Grey Goose go down smoother. This is a must-see view when entertaining out-of-town guests.

Photograph © david droschak

boylan bridge Brewpub This hilltop setting offers unencumbered skyline views of the heart of downtown, including the Raleigh Convention Center’s Shimmer Wall, which contains metal plates in the form of an oak tree backed by LED lights. An outside patio area, featuring a brick “sitting wall” with the city as a backdrop, is a great place for photos or to down one of the brewpub’s handcrafted seasonal beers. Boylan Bridge Brewpub likes to say “if you’re looking for big-name, nationally and internationally marketed commercial beers, you are in the wrong place.” Well, city seekers wanting one of the best views of downtown are in the right place. Why the name Boylan Bridge Brewpub? The bridge is actually a few feet away from the pub/restaurant. Many pull off to the side of the road here to take photos from the bridge, which also provides some “old-school” Raleigh railroad photography options. midtownmag.com | 85

Photograph © david droschak

Lonnie Poole Golf Course Photograph © david droschak

11th tee box Lonnie Poole is the closest golf course to a downtown that legend Arnold Palmer ever designed, and Raleigh’s skyline virtually unfolds in front of golfers as they step onto the 11th tee box. Palmer turned to Lonnie Poole general manager Chip Watson during the grand opening in 2009 and said, “Wow, this hole will wear out people’s cameras because lots of photos will be taken right here.” Palmer was correct. A mammoth 665-yard expansion of fairway, sugar white sand traps and native grasses – one of the longest par-5s in the Triangle – perfectly frames an incredible view of the city. You play the first 10 holes and then you turn the corner, stand on that tee box, and BAM!” Watson said. “As you play the hole you also get a great view of Centennial Campus, the Bell Tower over on the Main Campus and the Smokestack. What you see takes you through the history of NC State.”

Observation Park Raleigh-Durham International Airport Most of us are in a rush heading to the airport to catch a flight. But it’s worth making a trip to RDU at some point when you don’t have to travel. Seems like a strange destination for some fun, correct? Well, for starters, it’s free, and your kids will be thrilled watching planes take off and land at the elevated observation platform. 86 | midtownmag.com

There are some cool features for all ages, including the ability to listen to air-traffic control communications between pilots and the tower, and a series of educational placards that identify all types of aircraft that land on the expansive 10,000-foot runway. And the view is expansive. Here’s one hint for your “relaxing” time at the airport and one of the unique views in the Triangle. Check out the RDU flight schedule in order to maximize the number of planes you’ll get an opportunity to see land and take off.

Sea Change

How Locals Seafood transformed the way we eat. By Adam Sobsey

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Photograph © Eugene WheeleR

As soon as I walk into Locals Seafood’s office, Lin Peterson hands me a seasonal availability chart of North Carolina seafood. It seems just right that a stack of them is sitting next to some shad Lin smoked himself: There’s Locals’ mission, on the page and on the plate. Our state’s largest catch is crab, and Lin is soon talking about softshells. That delicacy is generally associated with springtime, even though softshells can actually be better to eat in early autumn. But humans, like our prey, are creatures of habit. Some chefs have declined Locals’ offers of fresh October softshells on the grounds that customers will suspect them of having been frozen since April. There are almost as many misconceptions about seafood as there are fish in the sea. Locals Seafood, which began five years ago when two North Carolina State graduates started selling shrimp out of the back of a pickup in North Hills, is now more than just a thriving supplier of the best, freshest North Carolina seafood in the area. It’s also providing an invaluable, edible educational service.

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Photograph © locals seafood

Photograph © Eugene WheeleR

(previous page) Captain Denny Reynolds and mate fishing Blue Crab pots in Albemarle Sound, NC. (left) Live Soft-Shell Blue Crabs – Columbia, NC. (above) Ryan Speckman (L) and Lin Peterson (R) at their Raleigh State Farmers Market location. (right) Captain Luke Midgett harvesting White Shrimp near Stumpy Point, NC.

“He was always asking me, where do you get your shrimp, where do you get your tuna, how much do you pay?” “We have to stop buying our fish from the grocery store!” Lin exclaims. He’s not so much touting Locals’ own product, he says, as he is warning us about the hazards of mass-market seafood. Most of it comes from oceans far away, raised on dubious industrial aquafarms, with heavy antibiotics and often unfair labor practices, then shipped long distances: a huge carbon footprint. All of this is virtually unregulated by our government – which, paradoxically, notes Lin’s business partner, Ryan Speckman, maintains “the best managed fisheries in the world” at home. Speckman is in his waders as he says this. He’s just pulled Locals’ refrigerated van into the warehouse. It takes two Locals employees to haul an enormous, justcaught swordfish out of the van and into the cutting room. By the next morning, it will be in restaurants all over the Triangle – or perhaps in your kitchen, if you buy a steak or two at Whole Foods, which sells Locals’ catch, or the State Farmers Market (Locals also sells at the Western Wake and Chapel Hill Farmers’ Markets). “We live and breathe seasonality,” Lin says. He’s surprised that Ryan has 90 | midtownmag.com

returned from the coast with a 35-pound mahi-mahi. That fish is scarce outside the summer months – it’s like finding a ripe tomato on the vine in March. When Ryan makes his biweekly trips to the coast to buy from fishermen and fish houses, he has some idea of what’s available based on the season and reports, but ultimately he’s subject to the success (and failure) of fishermen, the consumer demands of the urban Northeast, which snaps up much of North Carolina’s seafood, and especially the weather, which can play havoc with the catch. He reports the options to Lin, who immediately relays to the dozens of chefs Locals supplies “a snapshot of the coast,” as Lin calls it. “We’ve actually retrained some local chefs,” Lin says. Locals’ very first restaurant customer was Tom Armstrong, the chef at Vinnie’s Steakhouse in Raleigh. Tom and Lin were friends, both part of a community that centered around Great Outdoor Provision Company, where Lin was working in marketing, along with Tom’s wife. “Lin was always asking me, where do you get your shrimp, where do you get your tuna, how much do you pay?”

Tom recalls. Soon, Lin had some shrimp to sell him. Five years later, Vinnie’s is Locals’ oldest customer. “Lin and I talk throughout the week about what’s available. I use a much wider variety of seafood because of Locals,” he says. “It’s more challenging creatively. One time I wanted swordfish. They didn’t have it, but they did have cobia, and I worked with that. It sold great. I’ve learned a lot.” So much of business starts out personal. In fact, that’s how Locals began – and with woodpeckers, not fish. Lin and Ryan met in the undergraduate Fisheries and Wildlife Management program at NC State University, and bonded over a love of the outdoors. Both were fishermen from childhood. After they graduated, Ryan took a job with an environmental

consulting firm specializing in endangered species, which sent him to the coast to do research. An isolated population of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, whose habitat is mainly the Sandhills area, was discovered near the Albemarle Sound. In his spare time, Ryan started fishing out there, catching lesser-known species like sheepshead and black drum, and Lin would sometimes come down and join him. After a few years, Ryan moved back to the Triangle and was dismayed to discover that the fish he was used to eating weren’t available. Meanwhile, at Great Outdoor Provision Company, Lin was soaking up web design, social media and product management. When the plan was spawned in 2010 to buy shrimp from a friend of Ryan’s on the Photograph © Eugene WheeleR

coast and sell it in Raleigh, there was already a natural team in place: Ryan’s familiarity with the lay of the land (well, water) down east, plus his strong scientific understanding of sustainability and species; and Lin’s affinity for and training in marketing – he carefully scouted North Raleigh street corners before the duo sold their first pickup truck full of shrimp. Just five years later, they employ a dozen staff and supply much of the local food chain, and over time Ryan has built mutual trust with fishermen and fish houses in the insular, outsider-resistant maritime world. In so many ways, Locals is about relationships as much as it’s about business, just as our approach to what we eat should be interactive, flexible and personal. Locals’ own rapid transformation mirrors that of the Triangle. When people come into Vinnie’s Steakhouse now, Tom Armstrong says, “they ask about the seafood special. It got to the point where we’ve considered changing our name to Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Seafood.” midtownmag.com | 91

are your in order? by carol wills photography by jennifer robertson

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money isn’t everything, but let’s face it: life is a lot easier when there is enough money to pay the bills and you can spend little to no time worrying about it. And of course you should be saving for the future, too! A survey last fall from Bankrate.com shows a third of Americans (36%) have not saved for retirement. Experts advise us to start saving early, and aggressively stash away as much as we can. Conventional wisdom used to recommend saving 10% of your income, but with the demise of pensions in the US, saving should be closer to 15-20% says James Richardson, of Richardson, Carrington, Weaver and Associates, a Private Wealth Advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. “Millennials are noticing older relatives did not save enough for retirement and are getting started earlier,” he says. “People in their 50s and 60s didn’t save like their parents before them, and are faced with the two-legged stool (social security and investments) vs the three legged-stool of yesteryear (pensions, social security and investments). With pensions no longer in the picture, they needed to make up the difference by saving more.” He continues, “Even by saving small amounts, over time it does add up. You just have to be consistent and disciplined.” He noted a prediction

made years ago that has come true for many: baby boomers are discovering they are caught in the “sandwich generation.” “Boomers who are retired or about to retire are finding they may have financial obligations to help support either their children or their parents, or both. They’re caught in the middle of a three-generational financial squeeze, and may require more resources than anticipated. Another view of living well is explored by David Brooks, a conservative political and cultural commentator in The New York Times. He has just written The Road to Character, where he reflects that life has brought him financial success, but not true happiness. He concludes the happiest people are ones who have achieved moral and spiritual accomplishments, usually gained by giving back to others. We asked a few folks from the Raleigh area, who are in various stages of their lives, about decisions they made in the past decade that they are happy about, and what advice they might give to their younger selves if they could. Those decisions could be financial: investing, retirement planning, or job-related. We asked them to expand on things that brought the most happiness or on other things they wish they had done differently.

Jenni Fierst Owner, All About Pets Grooming

hen Jenni Fierst was a child, she could not have a pet, because her grandmother was allergic to everything covered in fur. So she was 33 years old before she had her first dog, a mutt named Mattie, whom she absolutely fell in love with. For years, Jenni worked for big-box retail stores, including one that specialized in pet care products. However, about six and a half years ago, she made a big change. She decided to purchase All About Pets Grooming, which, she says, was “the biggest decision I’d ever made, both personally and financially.” Her purchase came at a time when economic conditions were not the

cont’d on next page

Taylor Traversari Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh Festival Producer Taylor and his wife Rachel, who are in their 30s and were married last June, just sold their townhome and bought a house outside of downtown Raleigh. Rachel attended NC State; Taylor attended Penn State and moved here after graduation to work at Walnut Creek Amphitheater. Taylor is also the drummer for Raleigh-based rock band Airiel Down, which toured the US and internationally the past ten years. Taylor says, “Investing in ourselves was important for our growth in our careers. Rachel went back to get her MBA from NC State. I was always investing in new equipment to upgrade my drum-playing capabilities and attending conferences about the music industry. I’ve always lived by the idea of living within my means. If I don’t have it, I don’t spend it.”

“When I was on the road with my band, at times money was very tight and I had to live by a strict budget, but it was worth it. Making a living doing what you love to do is invaluable.” “We put 15% of our paychecks in our retirement. We also match our employers’ contributions into our 401k accounts. We’re expecting parents and are starting a college fund with a goal of putting $2,500 in per year. We also put money into a whole life insurance policy every month. Additionally, we are adding onto our house to increase the square footage by 300 square feet. Most importantly, I invest in my fantasy football and baseball knowledge – I won two championships last year. Spending money!” midtownmag.com | 93

Jenni Fierst cont’d best, but now she says owning this particular business has been the most rewarding move she’s ever made. At 49, Jenni is not ready to think about retirement yet, because she’s getting to do exactly what she enjoys doing. From that perspective, she has advice for other young people that she would have given her younger self, which is “to have more courage, to be less concerned about money, and to do what makes you happy.” She and her business partner Christine have never regretted their decision to open their own business. “Life is so short,” says Jenni, “that it is vital to love the work that you do.”

Photograph © Claudia Renee Fisher

William and Ruth Wiley Graduate students in Counseling Psychology, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology 94 | midtownmag.com

ill and Ruth Wiley, a couple in their 50s, decided in 2013 to make a profound change in their lives. Bill had been in business (primarily banking) for more than 30 years, and Ruth had raised three children and worked as a labor and postpartum doula for more than 25 years. Their decision was to enroll in graduate school for Master of Arts degrees in counseling psychology. Bill’s advice to others is as follows: “Get to know yourself and your unique story. Most people do not understand why they do what they do.” He says that the way people relate to others is about how they have been impacted by their personal experiences, including their suffering. And Ruth agrees. “Rather than trying to clean up messes, I would ask myself how I can walk with honor through the messiness of life. I would tell myself to be vulnerable, rather than trying to avoid being hurt.” The Wileys’ choice to go into counseling arises from their desire to work directly with people who have experienced trauma and are struggling with its effects. Ruth adds, “As I came to know more about the healing power of self-compassion, I knew I wanted to assist others to grow in their capacity to care for themselves well.”

chana lynn blogger, web designer and social media consultant

hana and Matt Lynn, who are in their 40s, have lived in Raleigh for 14 years with their two daughters. Their philosophy over this time has been to maintain a smart balance between living life to the fullest, while also planning for the future. Chana, who works as a web designer and social media consultant, says, “We lived overseas before moving to Raleigh, and visiting new places is our passion. We have always traveled with our daughters, who are now teenagers, because we feel giving them life experiences is an important investment in their futures.” “Financially, we put as much money as we can into our 401(k), 529s and Roth IRAs every month with automatic withdrawals, and we adjust our spending based on what is left. College years are coming quickly! Finding the right balance can be difficult, but we focus on staying within our means. We are also excited about our recent decision to install solar panels on our house, which we believe is the right investment for the future!”

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BY JENNI HART Free and fee-based credit score companies may have some of the catchiest ads and jingles on TV, but you probably know that credit is serious business. James Richardson is a private wealth advisor and certified financial planner who says bad credit can mean denial of credit or less favorable terms. “In the case of a credit card, that usually means a lower spending limit or higher than standard rates,” he says. “For an auto loan, bad credit means you may be required to have a co-signer.” Credit history can also impact you in unexpected ways. In addition to affecting your ability to purchase a home, Richardson says your credit history can even make renting more difficult, as most complexes now run a credit check. “Even 96 | midtownmag.com

insurance rates can be negatively impacted, and some employers routinely conduct credit checks as part of their hiring process,” he adds. Steven Blair Wilson is a principal with Capital Advisers, Inc., and serves as general counsel with Capital Investment Companies. He offers sound advice to anyone wishing to establish good credit.

gladwell orthodontics_ma.pdf

Get an Early Start

It may surprise you to learn that some debt can be better than none when it comes to your credit score. “A modest and manageable amount of indebtedness looks better to lenders because they see you can be trusted to handle the responsibility of making timely payments and keeping the account in good standing,” says Wilson. He offers this advice for establishing a good credit history: •

Apply for a line of credit you know you can manage, such as a department store credit card. Make occasional purchases and pay at least the minimum amount due each month.

•

Never skip a payment, even if you have to borrow from your parents to keep the account in good standing.

•

Monitor your credit report regularly and address any discrepancies immediately. A credit report can reveal simple accounting mistakes, as well as identity theft.

Wilson recommends going to www. annualcreditreport.com, where you have guaranteed access by federal law to a free yearly credit report.

Look Beyond the Numbers

Wilson cautions borrowers to pay attention not just to their overall indebtedness, but also to the mix of debt. You might have $15,000 in credit card debt and owe $15,000 on a car loan, but that appears more favorable to a lender than having $30,000 in credit card debt. “A lender understands

Have you been approved for 25 credit cards? Our financial experts are not impressed! Having too many credit cards – even if they all have zero balances – will look risky to a lender. One financial planner described this as a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.

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you probably need a vehicle for transportation, so he or she will be anticipating a car purchase in your future,” Wilson says. “They also see the car loan as something that is reduced over time as you make payments, whereas credit card debt is just as likely to continue going up.”

Know the Score

Richardson says FICO is considered the standard among credit scoring systems. Here he shares the FICO rating scales:

Excellent 781-950 Good 661-780 Fair 601-660 Poor 501-600 Bad 500 and below If you check your score and don’t like what you see, keep in mind that lenders are in the business of lending and may be more willing to work with you than you realize. Wilson says even a bankruptcy, while not desirable, will appear as a known risk to lenders, and that can play in your favor. “A bankruptcy gives a full and complete picture to a lender – they know they can charge a higher rate, and because bankruptcies became relatively common in the financial downturn, they don’t necessarily carry the stigma they once did,” he says. The mere passage of time can improve your credit standing, as adverse credit is eventually dropped from your record. But it’s better to be proactive in establishing good credit and working to protect and improve it over time. The best things in life may be free, but for everything else, it’s nice to know you can charge it.

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BEAUTIF Homes of Raleigh

Every day brings reminders that Raleigh is booming, whether it’s new restaurants, expanding recreational opportunities, or top rankings on magazine lists. It’s all well-deserved. The next couple of years will see a doubling of high-end apartments located within a mile of downtown. But for all of the growth, there is an old Raleigh, too. We spoke to four homeowners to learn how they’ve turned their existing homes into living spaces that are emblematic of Raleigh’s creativity and dynamism. by david fellerath 98 | midtownmag.com

photography by davies photogrpahy

TIFUL FUL From Terrible to Terrific Drewry Hills Remodel It’s a creek, not a river, that runs through Drewry Hills, but this body of water provides a link between past and present for Chester and MA Allen’s sweeping and stylish remodel. Chester, a land broker with the global realty firm CBRE, grew up nearby and was attracted to the lot, which features a tributary of Crabtree Creek. When the property became available, the Allens bought it even though it was, in MA’s words, “a really terrible house.” After a months-long remodel, that is no longer the case. MA, an interior designer with three employees, planned and oversaw an extensive overhaul that changed virtually the entire footprint. New flooring and drywall was applied, while interior brick, save for the fireplace, was removed. With a family that now includes a daughter, much of the Allens’ living takes place in a spacious kitchen and dining area that was created by knocking out a wall, thus opening up a room with front and back windows above the garage. In the backyard, an outdoor entertainment area features a fireplace and pop-out television screen, perfect for Chester’s football viewing parties. midtownmag.com | 99

1957 Brick ranch Goes Sleek + Modern

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Marjorie Hodges, a fixture in Raleigh’s contemporary art scene, and her husband Charles, an internist, arrived from Park City, Utah a little more than a decade ago. Although Marjorie insists their 1957 brick ranch house isn’t anything out of the ordinary, the imaginative remodeling of the space and exceptional quality of the art and art objects say otherwise. A carport was enclosed, and a master suite was added to the end of the hallway. The sleek gray paint on the outside bricks and selective exterior refinishing turn the ranch house into something resembling a prairie modern home, complete with a seamless indooroutdoor living space. There is fine art on the walls, too, but this is a home, not a museum. Hodges is a firm believer that living spaces should be warm, relaxing and conducive to impromptu entertaining. Of their now-sleekly modern house that began with 1,400 square feet and now stands at 2,700, she says, “We made it personal and we made it livable.”

University Park Bungalow Five-Time Remodel

In 1999, when Danny Taylor and his partner, David Black, moved into a charming University Park bungalow, Taylor couldn’t have known he would embark on not one but five remodeling projects. Space was limited in the house that was initially 1,000 square feet, but they set to work enlarging it in two ways. First, they added on, extending the kitchen and the master bedroom, which resulted in an enclosed front porch. A new door from the expanded kitchen led onto the porch, creating a good circulation pattern for hosting guests, while the extra space in the bedroom afforded a home office for Taylor, who runs a realty firm and a design firm. Elsewhere, the appointments are scrupulous and classy, from the all-marble bathroom to strategically selected fixtures that add a touch of modern. And the second way to make the space bigger? Simple efficiency. “The key to living in a small cottage,” Taylor says, “is you’ve got to use every square inch of space.” midtownmag.com | 101

house creek Mid-Century Modern Chalk up Alex and Lizzie McTighe as another young couple drawn to the walkability of Raleigh’s downtown. But the MidCentury modern house they are leaving, located in the House Creek neighborhood just inside the beltline, has charms of its own, starting with the 18-foot-high windows that afford views of old hickory trees in the front and back yards. The McTighes moved into the house expecting to make only cosmetic changes. But, in a neighborhood that once featured numerous Mid-Century modern homes designed by NC State architects, their house was in need of structural renovations. They opened walls, put in steel beams and replaced the walls, restoring interior brickwork where appropriate. “We wanted to bring it up to date aesthetically, but without changing the integrity of the modernist style,” Lizzie says. Some features they kept, such as the countertops that Lizzie describes as “leopard-print.” Other added features: recessed lighting, cabinetry from salvaged tobacco barns by Jeff Dopko and a hard pine mantel by Nathan Dean. 102 | midtownmag.com

calendar ofevents

May/June

2015

Cooking Class May 5 | 4:30pm Saint-Jacques French Cuisine 6112 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh 919.862.2770 | saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com

Mother/Daughter American Girl Tea May 10 | 10am-12pm and 2-4pm Historic Polk House 537 N. Blount Street | Raleigh polkhouse2@bellsouth.net

NC Symphony: Pops Goes Vegas May 15-16 | 8pm Meymandi Concert Hall at Duke Energy Center 2 E. South Street | Raleigh 919.733.2750 | ncsymphony.org

Cinco De Mayo Tequila Tasting May 5 | 6-9pm Catering Works 2319 Laurelbrook Street | Raleigh 919.828.5932 | cateringworks.com

Mother’s Day Brunch at The Burke Manor Inn May 10 | 11am-3pm 303 Burke Street | Gibsonville 919.862.2770 | saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com

Got To Be NC Festival May 15-17 NC State Fairgrounds 1025 Blue Ridge Road | Raleigh gottobencfestival.com

Sufjan Stevens May 7 | 7:30pm Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street | Durham 919.680.2787 | dpacnc.com

Mother’s Day Dinner May 10 | 5-9pm Saint-Jacques French Cuisine 6112 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh 919.862.2770 | saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com

NC Symphony: A Midsummer Night’s Dream May 7 | 7:30pm Memorial Hall – UNC Chapel Hill 114 E. Cameron Avenue | Chapel Hill 919.733.2750 | ncsymphony.com

The Isley Brothers May 10 | 7pm Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street | Durham 919.680.2787 | dpacnc.com

A Midsummer Night’s Dream – North Carolina Symphony Classical Series May 8-9 | 8pm Meymandi Concert Hall at Duke Energy Center 2 E. South Street | Raleigh 919.733.2750 | ncsymphony.org Midtown Farmers’ Market May 9-November 7 Saturdays | 8am-12pm The Commons at North Hills Six Forks Road & I-440 | Raleigh 919.881.1146 | visitnorthhills.com

3rd Annual Chip 4 Charity Golf Event May 11 | 9:30am Hasentree Country Club 1200 Keith Road | Wake Forest LFWakeCounty.org Pippin May 12-17 Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street | Durham 919.680.2787 | dpacnc.com NC Symphony presents Joshua Bell May 12 | 7:30pm Meymandi Concert Hall at Duke Energy Center 2 E. South Street | Raleigh 919.733.2750 | ncsymphony.org Midtown Beach Music Series: Jim Quick and Coastline May 14 | 6-9pm The Commons at North Hills Six Forks Road & I-440 | Raleigh 919.881.1146 | visitnorthhills.com Evernote: The Power of One May 15 | 8am-12pm The McKimmon Center at NCSU 1101 Gorman Street | Raleigh bit.ly/Org4SuccessNCSUEvernote

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19th Annual British Classic Car Show May 16 | 8:30am-3pm The Commons at North Hills Six Forks Road & I-440 | Raleigh 919.881.1146 | visitnorthhills.com Great Strides Raleigh May 16 | Registration: 9am Halifax Mall (Downtown Raleigh) fightcf.cff.org/site/TR/GreatStrides/11_ Carolinas_Raleigh?fr_id=3200&pg=entry NCRC Classic Half Marathon May 17 | Raleigh Register at secondempireseries.com Midtown Bluegrass Series: The Vickie Vaughn Band May 17 | 5-7pm Midtown Park at North Hills Six Forks Road & I-440 | Raleigh 919.881.1146 | visitnorthhills.com Mother’s Day Tea May 18 | 6-9pm Catering Works 2319 Laurelbrook Street | Raleigh 919.828.5932 | cateringworks.com Integrating Evernote’s Power Tools Into Your Life May 22 | 9am-12pm The McKimmon Center at NCSU 1101 Gorman Street | Raleigh bit.ly/1q6XEJx

Wine Dinner May 26 | 6:30pm Saint-Jacques French Cuisine 6112 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh 919.862.2770 | saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com The Tallest man On Earth May 29 | 8pm Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street | Durham 919.680.2787 | dpacnc.com Slide the City: 1000 Slip-n-Slide May 30 | 11am-7pm Glennwood Avenue | Raleigh slidethecity.com/events/raleigh/ Cooking class June 3 | 4:30pm Saint-Jacques French Cuisine 6112 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh 919.862.2770 | saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com Moving from To-Do to Done: Task and Project Management Tools June 3 | 6-9pm The McKimmon Center at NCSU 1101 Gorman Street | Raleigh bit.ly/1pMKHak Neuse River Brewing Grand Opening June 6 | 12pm-12am Neuse River Brewing 518 Pershing Road | Raleigh 404.386.7522 | neuseriverbrewing.com

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Midtown Bluegrass Series: The Bankesters June 21 | 5-7pm Midtown Park at North Hills Six Forks Road & I-440 | Raleigh 919.881.1146 | visitnorthhills.com

Alabama Shakes June 10 | 7:30pm Koka Booth Amphitheatre 8003 Regency Parkway | Cary 919.462.2025 | boothamphitheatre.com

Annual Group Trip to Burgundy June 21-30 Saint-Jacques French Cuisine 6112 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh 919.862.2770 | saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com

Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo June 14 | 1-6pm Fayetteville Street | Raleigh downtownraleighfoodtruckrodeo.com

Cooking Class: Farmers’ Market Finds June 22 | 6-9pm Catering Works 2319 Laurelbrook Street | Raleigh 919.828.5932 | cateringworks.com

American Girl Doll Camp June 15-19 and June 22-26 | 9am-1pm Historic Polk House 537 N. Blount Street | Raleigh polkhouse2@bellsouth.net Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters with the Pixies June 15 | 7pm Koka Booth Amphitheatre 8003 Regency Parkway | Cary 919.462.2025 | boothamphitheatre.com

Kickin’ it Country: BBQ Cookoff June 6 | 4-9pm Midtown Park at North Hills Six Forks Road & I-440 | Raleigh 919.881.1146 | visitnorthhills.com Summer Still Life: A Collection of Vases and Pitchers June 6-August 16 Cedar Creek Gallery 1150 Fleming Road | Creedmoor 919.528.1041 | cedarcreekgallery.com Cooking Class & Big Boss Tasting June 9 | 6-9pm Catering Works 2319 Laurelbrook Street | Raleigh 919.828.5932 | cateringworks.com

The Music of Harry Potter June 20 | 7:30pm Koka Booth Amphitheatre 8003 Regency Parkway | Cary 919.462.2025 | boothamphitheatre.com

NC Symphony presents Boyz II Men June 24 | 7:30pm Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street | Raleigh 919.733.2750 | dukeenergycenterraleigh.com NC Reptile & Exotic Animal Show June 27-28 Scott Building at NC State Fairgrounds 1025 Blue Ridge Road | Raleigh repticon.com/raleigh.html Productivity for the Road June 30 | 6-9pm The McKimmon Center at NCSU 1101 Gorman Street | Raleigh bit.ly/Org4SuccessWorkingOnTheGo

Wine Dinner June 16 | 6:30pm Saint-Jacques French Cuisine 6112 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh 919.862.2770 | saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com

24th Annual Historic Independence Day Open House July 4 | 11am-4pm Joel Lane Museum House 160 South St. Mary’s Street | Raleigh 919.833.3431 | joellane.org

Have an important event? We would love to hear about it. Please send the details of your calendar events to: travis@midtownmag.com.

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midtowndowntown

Raleigh’s first parklet was inspired by San Francisco, which has more than 40 mini-parks around the city.

Parklet S p

Local Businesses and Students Team Up to Create Tiny Oasis in Downtown Raleigh By Karlie Justus Marlowe / Photography by Davies Photography

am Blondin may be the only small business owner in downtown Raleigh intentionally cutting down the number of prime parking spaces in front of her gift shop. She’s one of the driving forces behind Raleigh’s first parklet, a small park-like extension of the sidewalk no bigger than the size of a few parking spaces. Blondin, who opened her downtown boutique Deco two and a half years ago on the corner of Hargett and Salisbury streets, remembers her first conversations 106 | midtownmag.com

with NC State College of Design graduate students Bob Massengale and Tyner Tew. The pair had been working to bring parklets to Raleigh, but hadn’t found the right spot. “We met up after their original Hillsborough Street location didn’t work out, to discuss the concept for downtown,” said Blondin. “And I had to cut in and say, ‘You can stop right there, I’m in.’” The group settled on two spots outside Deco, and defined two main goals: Make the parklet’s creation a community effort, and make it more than just an extension of the Deco storefront. Blondin studied dozens of parklets in

Located outside of downtown gift boutique Deco, the parklet marries form and function with features like bench seating, eye-catching murals and a water purification filter.

Deco Raleigh owner Pam Blondin, pictured far left, joined forces with N.C. State University, the City of Raleigh, yellowDog : creative and more to bring the parklet to life. Pictured alongside Blondin, left to right, are Tyner Tew, Savannah Bridges, Amanda Pearlswig, Emma Blondin and Bob Massengale.

San Francisco to help hone in on the best concept to bring home to Raleigh, while Massengale and Tew looked to combine their studies with real-world applications. “As a designer, I tried to bring to the table the idea of marrying function and social orientation so the value went beyond a normal park,” said Massengale. “We wanted to engage downtown Raleigh’s urban fabric to promote new beginnings.” They looped in the students of NC State professor Carla Delcambre’s landscape architecture course on Construction + Materials + Methods, building out an entire unit of study around the parklet’s design and functionality. The class interviewed

Blondin as their “client” and created a range of models to put on display for feedback during Raleigh’s May 2014 First Friday event. Together, they narrowed in on design features showcasing undulating waves and sculptural elements made of layered bands of curves, and began to fabricate the structure’s unique details, like the built-in water filter that utilizes a built-in ramp to help purify rainwater. “It’s like a small Brita filter for the city,” said Massengale. “Underneath the parklet is a gutter, which we overlaid with a cage to trap oils and other pollutants so the water comes out cleaner on the other side.” The next community effort? Paying for the project. “After 30 year of working in the non-profit sector, fundraising doesn’t intimidate me,” said Blondin with a laugh. The group set up a Kickstarter project with a goal of $16,500, offering donors rewards from local businesses. More than 200 supporters helped to exceed the goal, and Choate Construction and Empire Properties donated labor and materials. “More than 600 people have touched this parklet in some way or another,” said Blondin, “donating their time, money and opinions.” After raising the money, their next hurdle was the city itself. “Since it’s the first program, we’ve midtownmag.com| 107

worked closely with the applicants and their design team, including a preview before the official process even began to stave off any potential issues,” said Grant Meacci, the Urban Design Center of Raleigh’s managing urban designer. “The team really got out in front of this early and involved everyone, and it went very well with very few revisions.” Massengale noted the city’s attention to detail, and its willingness to help launch the first parklet. “The city was really flexible, but we really had to face the firing squad,” he said, “It says a lot about Raleigh and its spirit for experimentation.” Anyone can bring the city a proposal for a parklet, and approved spaces are subject to the annual renewal fee charged for all minor encroachments like food carts and outdoor dining tables. And even though there are no cars being parked in these spaces, the meter is still running. “It’s important for the public to know we pay for the spaces, like anyone else would be if their car was there,” said Blondin. The parklet is now up and running, its first phase complete. Next up on the list is a six-month plan to add on enough alternative energy sources created from solar, wind and bicycle components to charge a phone, set up solar trash cans, and hang a bike rack. Raleigh artist Derek Toomes will also complete a mural on a nearby wall. “Raleigh has really narrow sidewalks outside of Fayetteville Street, so this essentially doubles the width and adds space to rest, sit and enjoy the streetscape,” said Meacci, who notes there are proposals in various stages for more parklets near Lincoln Theater and Citrix, as well as one on Hargett Street near Death & Taxes. “It adds another layer of interest downtown and a vitality to the streets.” Blondin is thrilled with the public’s response, and says she regularly fields questions from Deco customers – in addition to her own anonymous surveys. “Sometimes I like to eavesdrop on people talking about the park outside the store – it’s really a point of pride for us, and we love to see people in it,” she said. “We have no intention of taking it down.” 108 | midtownmag.com

midtowndowntown

John Logan “Black Jack”

Memorial Day Founder Makes For An Unlikely Raleigh Hero By Karlie Justus Marlowe / Photography by Davies Photography

aleigh has long been the battleground for many a rivalry – namely basketball, barbeque and local brews. But even the most heated debates over those bragging rights have nothing on the city’s highest-stakes matchup in the closing days of the Civil War, or on the spirit of its unlikely savior. The story is no Memorial Day beach read, but its ties to the unofficial start of the summer vacation season are no less intriguing. Union Army General John Logan may be best known for his 1868 general order for the inception of Memorial Day, set aside to remember fallen war veterans on the last Monday of each May. The Illinois native was a key member 110 | midtownmag.com

in the movement to make it an official federal holiday, which celebrates its 115th anniversary this year. For Raleigh, however, Logan’s legacy extends far beyond the creation of a single day of remembrance. Nicknamed “Black Jack” by fellow soldiers because of his dark hair and eyes, General Logan arrived in the city in early 1865 after working in the Western Theater. He staked out his headquarters at a Raleigh plantation, a spoil taken from Confederate supporters after the Union Army’s advances on the city. “The home was in a neck of the woods called Will’s Forest, near today’s Mellow Mushroom on Glenwood South,” said Ernest Dollar, director of the City of Raleigh Museum. “They were certainly a Southern family,

The City of Raleigh Museum’s recent Civil War exhibit examined the contributions of General John Logan, who earned a spot in the Raleigh Hall of Fame for saving the city from destruction in the war’s final days.

and they were horrified to see their finest crystal used for their own demise.” While in Raleigh, Logan manned tens of thousands of Union troops stationed in the area. “In the closing days of the Civil War, Union soldiers occupying Raleigh learned that President Abraham Lincoln had been assassinated and stormed the city,” said Dollar. “General Logan placed guards at the State Capitol building to save it and the rest of downtown from his own soldiers.” It was a bold statement, considering the site hosted the state’s Secession Convention, which resulted in North Carolina breaking from the Union, less than four years earlier. For his actions, General Logan – a “racist turned supporter of African-American rights,” according to the John A. Logan Museum website – even earned a spot in the Raleigh Hall of Fame’s 2006 class, a rare honor for a man who never lived in the city outside of his efforts during the war. “Logan is from Illinois, so he is not a traditional inductee,” said Meredith McLaurin, board chair for the Hall’s 2015 class. “But without his actions, Raleigh would have been set back by several decades if it had to have been rebuilt.” The officer is part of the group’s

Centennial Hall of Fame, a classification bestowed on historical figures whose impact on the capital city helped make it what it is today and have been deceased for at least 100 years prior to their nominations. One to two new members are added each year during the Hall of Fame’s annual October induction ceremony. “The Hall of Fame originally started in 2005 with a number of individuals and non-profit organizations nominated by members of the public, leaning toward deserving current members of the community,” said McLaurin. “However, we knew that looking back at the past and honoring those responsible for the foundation of the city was important, so we started the Centennial group.” General Logan shares the honor alongside 29 other members, including Raleigh native President Andrew Johnson – and while the pair may have shared a connection to the City of Oaks, it didn’t stop Logan from managing Johnson’s 1868 impeachment trial. According to McLaurin, it was that same kind of impartial conviction that saved Raleigh’s downtown from the destruction many Southern cities had to rebuild from after the war. “Logan told the soldiers, ‘You’ll have to get through me!’” midtownmag.com| 111

healthy you

Ortho Insight:

A Look at A Invisalign Teen Helping understand the alternative treatment option for your teen by Dr. Jason Gladwell, Gladwell Orthodontics

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lthough the school year is winding down and you are thinking about summer vacation, now is a great time to look into achieving your teen’s perfect smile. It’ll be August before you know it, and back-to-school photos will be just around the corner – wouldn’t your teen love to flash a dazzling, healthy smile to their friends? Formerly, there was a seemingly single option for teenagers needing orthodontic treatment; however, now there are many options, including Invisalign Teen, a clear, painless alternative to traditional braces. Anyone who has visited the orthodontist over the past few years has probably heard about Invisalign for adults, but may not know that there’s also a unique line for teenagers. The clear aligner therapy is used for orthodontic correction for both teens and adults. Designed for patients between 13-19 years of age, Invisalign Teen offers a more subtle treatment option with minimal interference in their daily lives. The treatment option is an alternative orthodontic choice for teens wanting to forgo traditional wires and metal brackets. Between dating, sports and everyday events, the smooth, plastic aligner can provide an

ideal treatment option as it’s so clear that it’s virtually invisible. This lets teens enjoy their social life without feeling self-conscience about traditional braces. Don’t worry, parents! Invisalign Teen is relatively low-maintenance, which is perfect for the busy, on-the-go teen of 2015. To ensure your teen is taking advantage of treatment benefits, compliance indicators offer a way to check to see if the patient is wearing the aligner correctly. The ease of management should eliminate any worry about whether your teen is responsible enough for the treatment. In case there is doubt, Invisalign Teen makes treatment stress-free by including replacement aligners. This ensures no delay in treatment and no extra expense if the patient misplaces or loses any pieces. We know money can be tight around this time of year, but don’t let that cause any concern when considering treatment options for your teenager. Many orthodontists can work with you and your insurance company to find the best plan for your teen. Although Invisalign Teen has gained popularity over the recent years, it may not be the ideal treatment option for your teen. However, there are local orthodontists that have extensive Invisalign experience and are able to treat more complex cases. To find one near you, make sure you look for Super Elite Providers, to ensure you receive skilled consultations and treatment in your area. If you think your teen may be a good candidate and would like to learn more, please consult with your dentist and orthodontist. There are numerous treatment options available and your doctors will help you make the best decision and help get you on your way to your ideal smile.

Outdoor Expeditions USA is a fully licensed and insured fishing guide service for Shearon Harris, Jordan Lake and Falls Lake. Known for their trophy largemouth bass and located just a short drive from Pinehurst and Southern Pines and minutes from Raleigh, these lakes offer the best fishing in the state. • Available 7 days a week, 365 days a year. • 4 or 6 hour trips available • Multi-species trips for crappie, perch, striper and other species available • All equipment provided • BBB recognized company • Trips for anglers of all ages and experience levels • Safety conscious, courteous and experienced full time guides

Fish from a spacious, Trition 20 XS Elite / Mercury 250 Pro XS rigged with the latest fish finding technology by Lowrance. Learn seasonal patterns, tackle selection specific to conditions, advanced electronics training and much more. Whether you are in town on business, a tournament angler looking for that extra edge or someone simply looking to enjoy a day on these beautiful undeveloped NC waters, we've got you covered. Now booking May, June and July 2015 trips. Call or visit our website for more information.

919-669-2959 www.OutdoorExpeditionsUSA.com midtownmag.com| 113

Driving

Performance

Together by Hendrick Durham Auto Mall

endrick Automotive Group continues to expand its presence in the Triangle; opening its brand new Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Southpoint this May. Located at 127 Kentington Drive and situated across the street from recently unwrapped Mercedes-Benz of Durham, the new dealership also sits adjacent to The Streets of Southpoint, one of the top retail attractions in North Carolina and one of the nation’s top super-regional malls. Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Southpoint is a combination of Hendrick Durham Auto Mall, which is moving from its downtown 409 South Roxboro Street location, and Performance Chevrolet, relocating from 1810 Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard. “The Streets at Southpoint is one of North Carolina’s top destinations; presenting a tremendous opportunity to not only better serve our existing retail and service customers, but position our dealership for further growth as well,” said Larry Phelps, Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Southpoint General Manager. “We have four General Motors brands under one rooftop; serving a wide array of automotive needs.” With more than 73,000 square feet of facility space, offering 42 service bays, it’s one of the largest singlelocation General Motors dealerships in the Southeastern United States. Service amenities include free wi-fi, a business center, coffee bar and free shuttle service.

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“This new location presents so many shopping, dining and entertainment options upon visiting,” Phelps said. “You can come in, service your vehicle, and grab a nice lunch or shop at your favorite store all in one trip.” Vehicles include the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06, America’s award-winning 650-horsepower supercar and the Buick Encore, the brand’s popular luxury small crossover. And coming soon, Cadillac’s prestigious new CT6 sedan, which combines touch screen and touch pad technology with world-class interior refinements and exterior design. “There are a lot of upscale automotive customers in this area,” Phelps said. “General Motors has done a great job at providing the performance and luxury vehicles that really speak to their enthusiasm and tastes.” While providing top-notch service to enthusiastic customers is the company’s passion, that’s not its only focus. “Part of our culture is being committed to helping our community,” Phelps said. “Recently, through the Chevy Youth Baseball Test Drive Fundraiser, we’re supporting the local Long Ball Program – Durham Triple Play youth baseball league. Supporting our local food banks for instance, a terrific way to give back, is also an opportunity for our Hendrick teammates to participate in making a difference within the community.” Hendrick Automotive Group was founded in 1976 by Rick Hendrick, who serves as Chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, Hendrick Companies LLC, and Hendrick Motorsports. Encompassing 95 dealerships from the Carolinas to California, Hendrick Automotive Group is the largest privately owned automotive retail group in the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company employs more than 10,000 people in its dealerships, collision centers and accessories distributor installers in 13 states. For more information, please visit www. HendrickAuto.com.

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coming up in the next

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Men’s Health Studies say women are more likely than men to look after their health by seeing a doctor regularl – and therefore they live longer. What else can men do to maintain healthy lifestyles to ensure they are living to the max in the present and the future?

DOsAND DON’Ts Of hOliDay DecOra TiNg

THE ESSENTIAL

GUIDE

73 amazing gifts for everyone on • 8 holiday your list stories yo disaster u have to read • 4 rec sure to im ipes • 4 perfectpress getaway ski spots • 14 pairs of musthave jeans • 5 tips to wear red lipstick

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Raleigh’s Hidden Gems We’ll shed a little light on places in Raleigh that seem to be a little under the radar. Send us your ideas! Email sioux@midtownmag.com with the subject line “Hidden Gems”. Cheap Eats You’ve already eaten out five times this week and are feeling skint. Where can you go to grab a bite without breaking the bank (and you can still recommend it to your foodie friends)? We’ll take a tour of a few of our favorite spots in town.

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diamonds direct crabtree’s March of the Brides

On March 28th, Diamonds Direct Crabtree celebrated the second annual March of the Brides competition. Forty lucky brides were selected from a pool of over 300 registrants to compete and although the temperature was barely above freezing, they all came out with their entourages of family, friends and fiancées, excited to compete! Adorned with their diamond rings, veils and competition t-shirts, the brides put on their game faces and fought hard for their chance to win some amazing prizes.

St. David’s hosts tedx conference

St. David’s School recently hosted a TEDx conference, completely pulled together and directed by students. The conference was inspired by the TED slogan, “great ideas are worth sharing”. The event featured speakers from across the nation, who came to present their ideas to an audience of students and community members. Topics ranged from solutions for providing water to remote African locations to leading a personally fulfilling life. More about the speakers and links to the videos of the day are available at: sdsw.org/TEDxStDavidsSchool.

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midtownmingles

Beyond the classroom

On March 18th represenatives from Midtown area Schools (Douglas, Carroll, Green, Sanderson, Brooks and St. Timothy’s) were on hand to meet up with Midtown Raleigh Alliance members to share partnership opportunities to strengthen our schools. Special thanks to Carroll Magnet Middle School for hosting the ‘Beyond the Classroom’ event.

art in bloom

Art in Bloom was the NCMA’s inaugural festival of art and flowers. The four-day event featured 45 floral masterpieces inspired by the NCMA’s permanent collection and created by world-class floral designers. The festival also included master classes, floral demonstrations, family activities, a wine tasting, and many other events. 120 | midtownmag.com

world beer festival – raleigh

On April 11th, the 10th annual World Beer Festival Raleigh was held at Moore Square Park in downtown Raleigh. Thousands gathered on a beautiful, sunny day to sample the very best in beer. Each ticket holder was entitled to a souvenir cup, unlimited beer samples, nonalcoholic beverages and live music and entertainment.

life at the cardinal

On April 16th, the North Hills Club hosted “Life at the Cardinal”, a series of presentations featuring nationally-known speaker Dr. Elliot Engel, followed by a book signing and high tea. His book, The Inimitable Winston Churchill, is a collection of delightful and virtually unknown anecdotes of Churchill.

midtownmingles

pump it up for pink

Modern Enhancementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pump it up for Pink event was a tremendous success. The support and donations for the Helene Foundation, which provides assistance to North Carolina families with mothers actively undergoing cancer treatments, were tremendous. They raffled off a variety of wonderful prizes and gift certificates to fitness clubs and some of the best restaurants in the Triangle. Over 300 raffle tickets were sold, raising $1650 in support of the Helene Foundation!

life time athletic grand opening

On March 5th, Life Time Athletic Raleigh opened its doors, showing Raleigh a sneak peak of its new athletic club. The club offered tours of its full-service spa, a cafe that provides healthy food, indoor cycling studio and cutting-edge fitness equipment. Lifetime also introduced guests to its nationally renowned group fitness instructors and personal trainers.

charity casino night

Games of chance, a silent auction and an Elvis impersonator all added to the fun on March 28th when the Rotary Club of North Raleigh held its first charity casino night. A great evening was had by all, as 143 guests attended. The charity event raised funds for various Rotary projects, including scholarships for high school seniors, the Triangle Literacy Council, Raleigh Rescue Mission, Lake Waccamaw Boys and Girls Home and the Food Pantry. midtownmag.com | 121

everydayplaces

ABOUT Everyday Places takes a close look at Raleighâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urban fabric and its under-appreciated areas that are essential to a healthy city.

strip mall confidential Watercolor and Text by Frank Harmon, FAIA Old strip malls are like the taste of water: Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve become part of the urban landscape that no one notices. Highways such as Capitol Boulevard in Raleigh had their heyday in the 1950s, when glittering shops and car dealerships served newly affluent post-war families. Traffic was slow enough that people could pull off for an ice cream and marvel at the latest DeSoto. Now traffic runs by too fast, shops have lost their glitter, and signs have grown rusty. In places, kudzu reclaims the cracked asphalt. Yet this forlorn landscape is a kind of investment bank for the unexpected. Low rent businesses can start up here: upholstery shops, immigration lawyers, pawn shops, cell

phone repair, bingo parlors and the like. A temporary art gallery has opened on Capitol Boulevard in a low, one-story building that will soon be torn down. On a recent Saturday evening, bicyclists arrived at the gallery as SUVs swished by on the boulevard. Inside, children darted between sculptures while their parents nibbled Korean sandwiches off biodegradable plates. The AME Church Incentive Shelter, located nearby in a former tire store, opened its doors for the night. This is what happens when a road dies. At first it goes unnoticed. Then it becomes an opportunity. Old strip malls are like an attic: full of unused things that are not useless. Online: Visit the archive at NativePlaces.org

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