Durham Magazine February/March 2024

New Family-Friendly Activities To Try This Year pg. 62

Summer Camp Guide pg. 82

BES Vot T O e for F t pg. DU he 44 R HAM

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 DURHAMMAG.COM

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Meet Crystal Taylor, a cultural curator who’s more often behind the scenes producing events such as Black August in the Park and the Beats n Bars Festival.

Our 6th Annual

INFLUENCERS ISSUE

Meet 9 pivotal community leaders moving the Bull City forward pg. 26

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magazine

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 VOL 17 NO 1

durhammag.com   

EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR Amanda MacLaren amanda.maclaren@durhammag.com

EDITORIAL

EDITOR, CHAPEL HILL MAGAZINE Jessica Stringer MANAGING EDITOR, CHATHAM MAGAZINE Morgan Cartier Weston MANAGING EDITOR, HEART OF NC WEDDINGS Renee Ambroso EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Leah Berry SENIOR STAFF WRITER Anna-Rhesa Versola EDITORIAL INTERNS Alana Bleimann, Holland Bodner, Ryan Christiano, Izabella Counts, Celia Funderburk, Sinclair Holian, Avery Householder, Natalie McCormick, Lena Miano, Leah Paige, Haley Pineles, Susannah Richardson, Lauren Rouse, Katie Scherner, Liza Smith, Lucy Thomas and Emma Unger

ART & Production

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE OPERATIONS Ashlin Acheson ashlin.acheson@trianglemediapartners.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kevin Brown GRAPHIC DESIGNER/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Lindsay Scott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Khadijah Weekes-Nolan PHOTOGRAPHER John Michael Simpson

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For advertising inquiries, email advertising@durhammag.com Melissa Crane melissa.crane@trianglemediapartners.com Sarah Davis sarah.davis@trianglemediapartners.com Lauren Phillips lauren.phillips@trianglemediapartners.com Lucinda Poole lucinda.poole@trianglemediapartners.com

Corporate

FOUNDER/CHAIRMAN Dan Shannon PRESIDENT, TRIANGLE MEDIA PARTNERS Ellen Shannon PRESIDENT, TRIANGLE DIGITAL PARTNERS Rory Kelly Gillis VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Amy Bell ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT AND ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Cassady Orsini VICE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER, CHATHAM MAGAZINE Chris Elkins chris.elkins@trianglemediapartners.com PUBLISHER, HEART OF NC WEDDINGS Jenna Parks CREATIVE DIRECTOR, TRIANGLE DIGITAL PARTNERS Sally Scruggs SEARCH MARKETING MANAGER Lizzie Jones DIGITAL OPERATIONS MANAGER Brian McIndoo DIGITAL GROWTH STRATEGIST Morgan Cartier Weston DIGITAL CONTENT SPECIALIST Renee Ambroso DISTRIBUTION Matt Bair Durham Magazine is published six times a year by Triangle Media Partners Subscriptions, $38 for two years, are available at durhammag.com.

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letter

The Future Is Now

B

uckle up, buttercup. We’re coming into 2024 hot, ready to embark on a new season of change. We’ve installed a new mayor, Leonardo Williams, who graced the cover of our Influencers issue just a year ago alongside his wife, Zweli Williams. When the pair were interviewed, they told us that their biggest hopes for the year were “to be of inspiration to future entrepreneurs, continue to serve our community in various ways and also provide more opportunities to aspiring individuals” – which they have certainly achieved with both Leo’s electoral victory and the opening of Zweli’s Ekhaya at American Tobacco Campus.

This year’s Influencers collective embody the same characteristics that Leo, Zweli and the dozens of people who we’ve featured over the past six years continue to show time and again – an authenticity and determination to leave their mark on our community and shape our city’s future for the betterment of its citizens. Learn more about them – from the successful restaurateur known for both his quality dishes as well as the kindness and respect he shows to his customers and staff alike, to the passionate artist helming a new era of the arts at Duke – on page 26.

Speaking of shaping the future, Durham families are in for a treat with our curated list of new experiences that promise unforgettable moments together. Parents, consider the guide beginning on page 62 your passport to making memories that will last a lifetime.

Looking ahead, it’s also time to plan for the kids’ summer break. Flip to page 70 for our coverage of summer camps in the area, an ideal resource for choosing the perfect camp for your little ones. From arts and crafts to outdoor adventures, the Triangle offers a diverse array of options to keep your children engaged and entertained.

Now, let’s talk about one of the most crucial aspects of being a Durhamite – having your voice heard in our annual Best of Durham poll! We’re excited to introduce you to the voting process (see how to start your ballot on page 44) and encourage you to participate in selecting your favorite local spots, services and entertainment. Voting runs the entire month of February. Every vote matters, and this is your chance to champion the people and places that make Durham extraordinary.

FOLLOW US



VOTE FOR THE BEST OF DURHAM! Our annual poll is back!

Cast your ballot today.

CALLING ALL NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLES!

If you live in Durham or are from the Bull City, we want to hear your love story.

OH, THOSE SUMMER CAMP MEMORIES

Send us yours!

 amanda.maclaren@durhammag.com THE COV E R Crystal Taylor at The Pinhook. Photo by John Michael Simpson.

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february/march 2024

contents

KIDS & FAMILY

62 Family Ties Spend more time together this year with these new ideas for activities to try in the Bull City!

70 Adventure Awaits Find pure camp joy for your little ones 82 Summer Camp Guide There’s a camp in the Triangle for every kid’s interest, from sports and science to art and engineering

DURHAM INC. 108 Biz Briefs

111 Networking: Leadership Forum and Holiday Reception

FEATURES

26 The Influencers Close connections paint personal portraits of nine instrumental community figures 50 Hillsborough’s Hidden Gems This vibrant little town along the Eno River teems with places to see and things to do.

But its lesser-known delights are arguably what make it so special.

54 Road Trip!

In need of a quick getaway this spring and summer? Our staff shares a few fave nearby destinations perfect for day or weekend trips!

92 Modernizing a Marvel Thoughtful renovations bring a century-old home into a new era

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

26 62

114 Charting the Course Four Black women business leaders share how they achieved success and what they see for Durham’s future

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS 4 Letter from the Editor

10 Go.See.Do. 10 top events take us into spring 14 Noted.

What we’ve heard around our city …

118 Engagement & Wedding Tying the knot, Bull City-style

PEOPLE & PLACES

20 Animal Protection Society of Durham’s Tails at Twilight Gala 22 Bouncing Bulldogs’ Showcase at the 32nd Annual Double Dutch Holiday Classic 24 Museum of Durham History’s 10th Anniversary Celebration at The Rickhouse

SPONSORED CONTENT

44 Vote in Best of Durham 2024 Our annual poll is back! You can cast your ballot now for your local favorites 102 Adopt-A-Pet Meet two adoptable dogs waiting on their forever homes at the Animal Protection Society of Durham

María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold F EB. 1 5 – JUNE 9

This monographic exhibition at Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University explores the

visionary artistry of María Magdalena Campos-Pons’ immersive installations, photography, painting and performances across four decades of her work. Campos-Pons weaves a narrative informed by her family’s history, delving into migration, diaspora and memory to examine and engage with interconnected historical and contemporary challenges in an effort to create new modes of understanding.

go see do

Solstice: A Winter Circus Experience FE B . 21

This thrilling show presented in partnership with the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County at Carolina Theatre’s Fletcher Hall unveils the tale of a character lost in darkness, immersing the audience in a surreal world where memories spring to life. Embark on a mesmerizing journey as elite artists perform more than eight acrobatic acts complete with lighting, music and snow, fusing poetry and circus into a 75-minute spectacle.

10 TOP EVENTS TAKE US INTO SPRING Compiled by Izabella Counts

Feed the Need Gala F EB. 1 7

The fifth annual Meals on Wheels Durham gala returns to the

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club.

The program raised more than $130,000 last year to help support Durham’s older adults. Expect a silent auction, tempting cocktails, a threecourse dinner and a live band sure to inspire you to get out on the dance floor at this festive fundraiser.

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Giving Event FE B . 21

The membership-based 100 Women Who Give a Hoot demonstrates the power of community and collective giving by raising close to $10,000 four times a year in support of a local nonprofit.

Attendees of this quarter’s “party with a purpose” are invited to gather at Hope Valley Country Club, where they pledge to donate $100 prior to hearing presentations from three charities.

Guests then cast their votes to determine which organization will earn the sum of the donations, all within a one-hour timeframe.

GET READY TO RUNDIE FOR NOTE IN THE POCKET’S 1ST DURHAM

Saturday, April 27 AMERICAN TOBACCO TRAIL KIDS FUN RUN | 5K RUN/WALK 9:00am

9:30am

Proceeds from the event will support Note in the Pocket’s mission to provide quality clothing for children and families across the Triangle.

REGISTER ONLINE & CREATE YOUR RUNDIE TEAM! Questions? Contact sarahc@noteinthepocket.org to learn more about Note in the Pocket and how you can get involved!

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Go See Do

Hayti Heritage Film Festival

Durham Bulls Opening Night AP R I L 2

M ARCH 7 -9

Discover the power of storytelling through film at the Hayti Heritage Center during this annual celebration of Southern Black cinema that features documentaries, short and feature-length films, Q&A sessions and panel discussions, all highlighting filmmakers of African descent.

The Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays kick off their 2024 minor league season at Durham Bulls Athletic Park where they’ll face the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The Bulls have a 150-game schedule ahead of them, with 75 home dates before their home finale on Sept. 15.

Bull City Beer Mile AP R I L 7 The Glass Jug Beer Lab and Bull City Running Co. welcome individuals and

Mrs. Doubtfire M ARCH 1 9 -2 4

The Durham Performing Arts Center hosts this new musical comedy directed by Tony award-winner Jerry Zaks. This captivating performance brings the cherished ’90s film to the stage, sharing the story of an out-of-work actor willing to go to any length for his kids.

The result is a show that seamlessly blends heartwarming moments with uproarious laughter.

Kings Return M A R CH 2 2

The Grammy-nominated a cappella quartet makes its Duke Arts Presents debut this spring at Baldwin Auditorium.

Composed of tenors Vaughn Faison and JE McKissic, bass Gabe Kunda and baritone Jamall Williams, the classically trained singers create live programs that blend myriad styles and genres including R&B, jazz, gospel, pop and classical music.

relay teams to compete in this third annual ultimate fusion of athleticism and beer at Durham Central Park.

This 1-mile drinking race involves consuming a 12-ounce beer before each quarter-mile lap as spectators cheer on the runners. Join the party with a live DJ, food trucks and the Glass Jug beer trailer for a day of spirited fun!

Bull City Food & Beer Experience A P RIL 7

The 11th annual event features dishes from 30 Triangle restaurants paired with 30 beers from local breweries. Guests can enjoy unlimited samples throughout all three floors of the Durham Performing Arts Center, plus a live music and on-stage experience. Proceeds benefit Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, a Raleigh nonprofit working to eliminate food insecurity.

(Credits, clockwise from top left) Page 10: María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold photo by María Magdalena Campos-Pons, The Calling, 2003. Diptych of Polaroid Polacolor Pro photographs, framed: approx. 24-by-44 inches overall. Collection of Jonathan and Barbara Lee; Solstice: A Winter Circus Experience photo by Jennifer Scheib; Feed the Need Gala photo by Les Todd Page 12: Hayti Heritage Film Festival photo by Denise Allen; Durham Bulls Opening Night photo by John Michael Simpson; Bull City Beer Mile photo by Halima Flynt; Bull City Food & Beer Experience photo by Michael Gillman; Mrs. Doubtfire photo by Joan Marcus

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April 20, 2024

|

7 – 10 pm

Don your most festive space gear and join us at warp speed! Guests will enjoy an out-of-this-world evening in support of the Museum and its mission.

Purchase Tickets & Sponsorships bit.ly/AStellarAffair

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noted.

ON THE MOVE

Locally owned and operated veterinary startup Truss Vet – Veterinary Urgent Care, which bridges the gap between primary care vets and 24/7 emergency hospitals with same-day and extended hours veterinary care, opened a Durham clinic on Jan. 8.

Music venue and event space

Missy Lane’s Assembly Room opened at 310 E. Main St., Ste. 100 Jan. 13. Missy Lane’s is “[a

place] where you can indulge, unwind and experience the extraordinary,” says owner Cicely Mitchell. The venue will offer craft cocktails and beverage service during its nightly live musical performances from local, regional and international talent – with an emphasis on jazz music – in an intimate lounge-like setting. By day, Missy Lane’s will feature pastries and coffee from Cocoa Cinnamon.

The venue will also host Russell Dudley’s C7 Yoga and regular community programming including a Tuesday open mic and spoken word night hosted by 2023 Piedmont Laureate Dasan Ahanu, a jam session featuring

W H AT W E ’ V E H E A R D A R O U N D O U R C I T Y …

North Carolina Central University Jazz on

Thursdays and a monthly Latin dance night with a live band and DJ. Downtown Durham Inc. partners with a

local entrepreneurship incubator echo to identify woman- and minority-owned retailers ready to launch small storefronts and hosts them in a 300-square-foot popup space at 307 W. Main St. The newest micro-retail venture features an assortment of one-of-a-kind earrings, ornaments, pins and more giftable items created by owner Diana Abreu, who will showcase her goods at the store through June.

Heal Tree CBD

POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE

Note in the Pocket, a nonprofit that provides quality clothing to homeless and impoverished children and families, opened a Durham location on Jan. 3 and held a ribbon-cutting and open house on Jan. 12, which featured remarks from newly elected Mayor Leonardo Williams.

This expansion will enable the organization to clothe 11,500 in Durham and Wake counties this year. You can drop off clothing donations of all sizes (infant-adult) at 1010 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy.

relocated its shop from inside Cecy’s Gallery & Studios to 600 Foster St., just a block away.

The location will continue to sell CBD products such as gummies, lotion, oils and more.

The Museum of Life and Science welcomed a rescued male American black bear cub to its Explore the Wild: Black Bear habitat in November 2023. The cub, now named Murray, joins the museum’s three adult black bears, Mimi, 19, Gus, 17, and Little Bear, 2.

COMPILED BY: ALANA BLEIMANN 14

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at Piney Wood Park. It features 12 courts, eight of which will be available for daily open play, while four courts can be rented for leagues, individual play, lessons and organized drilling groups through Durham Parks and Recreation.

PHOTO BY JB MARR

The first-ever public dedicated pickleball facility in Durham opened Dec. 18, 2023,

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University’s store is temporarily closed, as Parker & Otis announced on its Instagram that it is opening a museum gift shop in the space. No word yet on the re-opening date. 

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noted

NEWS BITES

• Dashi welcomed new head chef Tony Zirpolo in December 2023 as the ramen shop and izakaya’s former chefs shifted to take over the pizza menu in preparation for Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Raleigh’s opening.

Aeromexico will launch nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Mexico City beginning July 1, 2024. The Aeromexico flight becomes RDU’s 17th airline and ninth international route, operating daily out of Terminal 2 on an Embraer E-190 with 99 seats.

• Saltbox Seafood Joint chef and owner Ricky Moore was named one of the 2023 grant recipients of the Heinz Black Kitchen Initiative Award, which annually recognizes Blackowned food businesses for their contributions to the culinary world.

CQC Home President Kenneth Combs was installed as the 56th president of the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties in

• HERitage Wines, a Black womanowned wine store, opened its doors at 5107 NC Hwy. 55, Ste. 102. Founded by Ashley Rawlinson, the business aims to create an environment where people of color feel included and welcomed in the wine space. Shop inperson or online for sweet white and red wines.

• Durham’s first Blackowned brewery, Proximity Brewing opened its doors at 491 S. Driver St. in December 2023. In addition to unique IPAs and ales, patrons can enjoy a rotating schedule of local food truck vendors every week.

installation ceremonies on Dec. 14, 2023, at Hope Valley Country Club. Other Durham-based officers installed to the HBADOC 2024 board of directors included: Wilkinson Supply Co.’s Audrey Loder as first vice president; West & Woodall’s Matt Lawing as presidential appointee; M/I Homes’ Erica Leatham as a building director; and Southeastern Tile Connection’s Dave Kocienda, WasteAway Site Services’ Dan Brown, Talbert Building Supply’s Kyle Duncan, Morningstar Law Group’s Patrick Byker and MSSORTIZ Electrical Services’ Melissa Filzen as associate directors. The HBADOC also recognized several Durham members with its 2023 Annual Awards: Affiliate of the Year went to Jen McFarland of Durham Habitat for Humanity; Associate of the Year was Stephen Griffin of Insurance People of NC; and Julie Carrow of HBADOC, Mayor Leonardo Williams

and Anne Pope of Accurate Accounting LLC won presidential awards in recognition of their accomplishments for bettering their communities throughout the past year.

ARTS & CULTURE Durham resident, author and professor PHOTO BY SARAH BOYD

Michael McFee was

awarded the 2023 Roanoke-Chowan Award for Poetry at the North Carolina Book Awards for his book of poetry, “A Long Time To Be Gone,” which was published in December 2022 and explores themes from his own life as well as that of Appalachian culture.

Durham Arts Council has

designed and will administer a $1 million Culture and Arts: Invest to Restart ARPA Grant Program – which is funded through the

• Old North Meats took over the former Honeysuckle at Lakewood space in December 2023 and is now open as bar and restaurant, Lakewood Social, serving up the popular sandwiches from its Durham Food Hall days as well as starters, sides, salads, a kids menu and plenty of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage options.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HBADOC

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federal American Rescue Plan funds allocated to the City of Durham – to support nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, small businesses and individual artists in their post-pandemic recovery and growth. The program will support the Durham arts and cultural community through cash grant support and free training to support career skills and business capacity development.

Those financially affected by COVID-19 will be eligible to apply through 2025.

Durham resident and author Dawn

Reno Langley

published her seventh novel “Analyzing the Prescotts,” on Jan. 4, 2024. The story is set in Raleigh and explores questions of identity in every form: gender, societal and family roles. “Everything I write has some social justice aspects …

I write about subjects that tug at my heart,” Dawn said in a press release. Copies are available at all major booksellers.

N.C. Civil Rights Trail launched a podcast series in December 2023, which aims to tell local accounts of civil rights leaders throughout the state of North Carolina and covers Durham stories in “The A&T 4 Sit Down” episode. The free podcasts can be accessed through Simplecast, Apple, Spotify, Audible and other major platforms with a “U.S. Civil Rights Trail” search.

noted

GIVING BACK

The Community Engagement

Division of Neighborhood Improvement Services awarded

seven community groups with a total of $22,000 in grant money to lead engagement projects.

Applicants were selected based on need, planning, community participation and support, community benefit and budget needed to complete the project. As first-time applicants, Pupusas for Education; Refugee Community Partnership All Neurotypes; and Bordando Comunidad and Jóvenes Líderes en Acción, both in partnership with El Centro Hispano, were awarded $2,500, while Costurando Seuños (Sweet Dreams) and Red Maple Park Community, in partnership with Wall Street Juniors, received $5,000 for being past recipients with successful projects.

Durham’s African diasporic cultural enrichment program BUMP: The Triangle was named one of the 2024 Infusion Awardees of The Lewis Prize for Music, a philanthropic music arts organization. BUMP, one of 11 winners chosen among 261 applications from 42 U.S. states and territories, will receive $150,000 to further its work in empowering youth and their communities through music.

All First Bank establishments across North Carolina held a food drive throughout November 2023 that gathered 6,223 pounds of food, which supports, in part, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

A new N.C. Highway IN OUR SCHOOLS Historical Marker near J.D. Clement Early the corner of West College High School Club Boulevard and student Daniel Perkins Broad Street stands and Hillside High in commemoration School student Yasmine of Private First Class Hightower were named Booker T. Spicely, an ​​ semifinalists for the 2024 PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF African American class of the Coca-Cola DURHAM PUBLIC soldier who was shot Scholars Program. They SCHOOLS in 1944 by the white are among only 1,514 high school seniors PHOTO BY JEANETTE GULLEDGE driver of a Durham city bus after objecting to selected from a pool segregated seating and of more than 103,800 The Animal Protection disembarking at West submitted applications Society of Durham and Club and what is now from across the country moving company Two Berkeley Street. Spicely based on their academic Men and a Truck joined forces was then refused care at excellence, leadership and to support lost, homeless and Watts Hospital, just two service demonstrated in neglected animals in Durham blocks west of the shooting – due school and community activities. during the Movers for Mutts to segregation, the hospital only The pair are now in the running campaign that raised more served white people at the time. for two of 150 college scholarships than$27,000 for the shelter in worth $20,000, which will be the form of dog treats, cat treats, He was pronounced dead on announced in late February. cat litter, peanut butter and other arrival after being taken to Duke Hospital. Members needed items. of the Spicely family, Duke University’s the Booker Spicely Sanford School of The Home Builders Association Committee, the Public Policy is set to of Durham, Orange and North Carolina launch an executive Chatham Counties held its Department of master of public affairs annual Casino Night and Natural and Cultural degree program to Auction at the PNC Triangle Resources and the equip mid-career Club at Durham Bulls Athletic North Carolina professionals with Park in late November 2023.

School of Science the knowledge and The fun-filled night of games, and Mathematics leadership skills needed prizes and more raised $54,825 community unveiled to address complex for the HBA DOC Foundation’s PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH CAROLINA the marker on societal challenges. workforce development DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES Spicely’s birthday, Its hybrid format programs, including its new Dec. 1, 2023. will combine brief Building Our Future Summer residencies on Duke’s main campus Careers Academy program.

Fayetteville Street (State Rd. and in Washington, D.C., with an 1118) is now known as the online curriculum that students to HONORS & “Dr. Dock J. Jordan and Carrie continue working while completing DESIGNATIONS Thomas Jordan Highway” their degree in as little as 15 Durham ranked the No. 4 following a dedication ceremony months. The program welcomes its happiest city for retirees in the at Hayti Heritage Center first cohort of students in summer United States based on a recent on Dec. 8, 2023. The designation 2025, with applications opening study conducted by personal is a tribute to the achievements in August 2024.  finance company SoFi. The biggest contributor to the ranking of these civil rights activists – Dock Jackson Jordan was was the city’s high’s health score an accomplished author, and its sense of community, lawyer and educator, and which attracts newcomers.

Carrie Thomas Jordan helped improve the education Durham Parks and Recreation of Black children and addressed celebrates 100 years of service in community issues – as well as 2024 and will commemorate the a commitment to their vision milestone with myriad activities of education, equality and and events throughout the year. social justice.

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• Indian grill and bar Urban Turban is slated to open soon in the former Hwy 54 Public House (and Mattie B’s, prior to Hwy 54) at Hope Valley Commons shopping center.

• Chef and TV personality Bobby Flay brings his fast-casual burger concept Bobby’s Burgers to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, with an anticipated opening in late 2024. Chef Flay has burger locations in Connecticut and Georgia, and numerous other food joints across the county.

• Sam’s Bottle Shop announced it would close its doors Feb. 11. The family-owned store served the community for the past 80-plus years, first opening as a gas station on Erwin Road in 1946. It added the Blue Light restaurant a few years later and, though the drive-in grill closed in the ’70s and transformed yet again into Sam’s Quik Shop, a convenience store, folks still affectionately called it the Blue Light well into the 2010s, before the land was sold in 2018 and a student housing complex – aptly named Blue Light Living – was built. Sam’s Bottle Shop, a second location that opened in south Durham in 2014, offered a larger inventory of beers and rotating taps as well as a rooftop. “I’ve made many friends over these years,” owner John Boy Jr. stated in a video announcement of the closure, “… saying goodbye is very, very difficult.”

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In late 2023, North

Carolina Central University Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye and Durham Technical Community College President J.B. Buxton announced their Eagle Connect

guaranteed admission program, which enhances their already strong transfer partnership by making the process more seamless for students who earn their associate degree from Durham Tech and then transfer to NCCU to complete their bachelor’s degree.

NCCU’s men’s head basketball coach LeVelle Moton won his 252nd game at the university on Dec. 15, 2023, in a decisive 102-50 victory against Saint Andrews University, becoming the winningest coach in the history of the program.

Sports Field Management Association, a nonprofit, professional association for those who manage sports fields worldwide, named Duke University’s Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, which is managed by Ian Christie, the collegiate football “Field of the Year” winner, the industry’s highest honor awarded to members who manage baseball, football, soccer, softball and other sporting playing surfaces at the professional, collegiate, school (K-12) and parks and recreation levels.

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IN OTHER NEWS NCCU On Jan. 8, Durham Mayor Chancellor Leonardo Williams announced Johnson O. his top priorities for the city of Akinleye Durham, including: building announced his retirement a safer and better-connected city; continuing to revitalize the from the economy; and developing and university, retaining talent within Durham’s with his workforce. “It is important to me final day of to define immediate needs, but employment in no way does that take away set for June from other priority areas that 30, 2024, demand more focus, including following the how we build a safer Durham and conclusion PHOTO BY MEGAN ABEE affordable housing,” Leo said in a of the 2023press release. He will embark on 2024 academic year. “I am a listening tour around the city to deeply grateful to have had hear from its department leaders, the opportunity to lead this the business community and esteemed university through a period of growth and innovation, residents about their ideas on how the city can move forward together a period when the institution in these focus areas as well as was primed for transformative establish industry-specific advisory change,” he said in a press councils including, but not limited release. Johnson was installed as to, economic development, housing, the university’s 12th chancellor the environment and innovation. in 2017 and has since served the HBCU’s community with IN MEMORIAM transformational leadership that Durham resident, musician and resulted in records in enrollment architect Lynn Swisher Spears (5.5% growth in 2023, ahead of passed away Dec. 13, 2023, at the all UNC System institutions); age of 69. Lynn was an fundraising ($16.4 assistant professor at NC million generated in State’s College of Design 2023); student success and worked at a number and research funding of different design ($227 million generated agencies throughout her from 2017-2023); life before focusing on as well as growth music after retirement. and achievement in PHOTO BY TIMOTHY DOWDALL Her most famous athletics, including an work, the “Darth Vader” house in HBCU National Houston, embodies her unique Championship for architectural eye. football in 2022.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DUKE UNIVERSITY

• Men’s Journal named Durham Distillery’s Conniption Barrel Aged Gin the best barrel-aged gin of 2024. For its Spirit Awards this year, the publication delved into the best gins available across all styles, including barrel-aged, noting that this gin “spent 10 months maturing in bourbon barrels from Utah’s High West Distillery. That added notes of caramel and vanilla to the palate, which is flavored by botanicals like juniper, caraway, coriander and fig.”

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people &places

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Party Animals

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B Y N ATA L I E M CCO R MIC K P HOTO G RA P H Y B Y ASSO RTE D P O P P IE S P HOTO

The Animal Protection Society of Durham hosted its annual Tails at Twilight Gala at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club on Nov. 18, 2023.

Adoptable furry friends from the shelter greeted guests while they perused the silent auction items and started placing bids during the cocktail reception that preceded dinner. Auctioneer Matt Newsom of Custom Benefit Auctions led guests through the program, which included a live auction, the ever-entertaining “blinky lights” game and dancing to live music from VCT Radio. The event raised more than $284,000, which will go toward services such as health care, behavior enrichment and nutrition for the nearly 4,000 animals the shelter sees in a year. In 2023, fundraising events like Tails at Twilight helped the shelter foster nearly 500 reunions between pets and owners, and adopt out more than 1,900 animals.

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PHOTO BY JENNY CHRISTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

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PHOTO BY JENNY CHRISTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

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1 APS of Durham staff Daniel Fraser, Anna Wilcox, Megan Whitney and Larissa Chantell.

2 Chris Royal and Cindy Royal.

3 Adoptable Rutabaga is still in foster care awaiting his forever home! 4 Megan Allie and Donald Foreman.

5 Chris Conley, Troy Cole and Vishnu Gangadharan of VCT Radio.

6 APS Executive Director Shafonda Allen and auctioneer Matt Newsom.

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People & Places

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Jump Around

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The Bouncing Bulldogs dazzled at the 32nd annual Double Dutch Holiday Classic on Dec. 3, 2023, at the Apollo Theater in New York City. The jump-rope team has taken part in the event since 2004, facing tough competition from teams worldwide, including challengers from Brazil, Japan and Hong Kong as well as many U.S. states. The Bulldogs brought 40 competitors and a strong support system of alumni and parents as they showcased their skills on the iconic stage. The team dominated various categories, securing first, second and third place awards in double Dutch pairs speed for eighth grade and above, as well as several notable victories in two-minute singles and doubles speeds across all grade levels. The well-rounded performance also earned them second place in the novice fusion division – which consists of double Dutch, dancing, costumes, tumbling and upbeat music – and the prestigious first place award in the “Best of Show” advanced fusion competition. “I hope that, with this accomplishment, we made our teammates who came before us proud and encouraged all the jumpers who will come after us,” says Ava Ryann Winslow, a senior at Middle College High School at Durham Technical Community College.

1 Sophia Berry of Seaforth High School in Pittsboro, Elena Oh of East Chapel Hill High School, Addie Gilner of Chapel Hill High School, Lilly James of Jordan High School and Ava Ryann Winslow of Middle College High School.

2 Bouncing Bulldogs competitors outside the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem.

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People & Places

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Historic Milestone

BY L I Z A S M I T H | PHOTO GR AP HY BY MADE L INE GLEN N J ON ES

The Museum of Durham History celebrated its 10th anniversary with a party at The Rickhouse in October 2023. Nearly 300 guests enjoyed catering from Southern Harvest Hospitality Group and drinks from Melanated Wine, Fullsteam Brewery and Ponysaurus Brewing Co. The evening featured a multimedia retrospective display of past exhibits, a live painting by Kyndall Owens, pictures with ZimZoom photo booth and a performance by a North Carolina Central University jazz combo. MoDH Board Chair Bob Ashley, AC Hotel Durham’s Shannon Groff and Cathy Stewart, early MoDH committee member Lynn Richardson, MoDH’s founding executive director Katie Spencer Wright and former Mayor Bill Bell all gave remarks during the event, thanking attendees for their continued support of the museum over the past decade and encouraging further contributions to ensure its growth in the coming years.

1 N.C. Central University jazz combo.

2 Durham City Council member Carl Rist and Khalilah Karim.

3 Museum of Durham History founding executive director Katie Spencer Wright.

4 Former Durham Mayor Bill Bell.

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L o v e is Wai

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ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY OF DURHAM Aps_1/2page_DurhamMagKittensJan2024.indd 1

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the INFLUENCERS Close connections paint personal portraits of nine instrumental community figures P HOTO G RA P H Y B Y JO H N M I C H A E L S I MP SO N

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appreciate the way Mike operates. If you give respect to the people around you, the people who work for you, the people who you do business with, you get respect back. I really believe that’s how he operates, and that’s a very important thing to note about him.

There are a lot of things I really like about Mike. He certainly sources out and is not scared to pay for the best ingredients that he could possibly get. If any of my so-called people who are in the business come into town and say, “Hey, man, let’s go to your favorite restaurant,” the first thing I ask is, “Do you like sushi?” If they say yes, I know where we’re going, because he’s as good a sushi chef as I’ve seen, and I eat a lot of sushi. I go to New York quite often and will have sushi at least once while I’m there, and it’s never a cheap endeavor for me – those chefs are built around a similar concept in that it’s about the quality of the fish, the quality of the product.

Don’t screw with it too much, you know?

And then Mike’s got a couple of things that he does technique-wise that are, I imagine, old-school concepts that he brings to sushi.

I think the shortcuts in this profession are pretty easy to tell these days, but Mike doesn’t bypass important techniques. The food that doesn’t finish [in terms of flavor] – it might look like something, but it doesn’t taste like anything. His quality and execution are sound.

He’s also approachable, and I appreciate that about him. I am really excited, now that I’m not doing it anymore, that I’ve got a guy who I can count on to go to for a good meal.

by Scott Howell

retired chef and former owner of Nana’s and NanaSteak 

chef/owner, M Restaurant Group

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Michael Lee

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the INFLUENCERS 2023 Highlights

[We saw some] of our biggest growth in the size of the team and added two more kitchens [this past year, and] I am so very proud and thankful for the amazing team and leaders I have across our entire company.

A Hope for the Future

More peace and love around the world and fewer wars.

– Michael Lee

Michael Lee expertly assembles a dish of sea trout crudo at M Tempura.

Want a bite?

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the INFLUENCERS Marcus Manning executive director “New week. New opportunities.” Marcus’ favorite mantra perfectly fits his personality and approach to leading our team. As our quarterback, he is forward-thinking and aspirational, all the while encouraging us to help “coach him up” when asking for further details or explanation on a topic.

His use of this simple phrase acknowledges our expertise and empowers us in the most approachable and genuine way.

In the year that I’ve worked at the DSC, I’ve seen him push forward and navigate conversations that would result in transformational outcomes for Durham – like presenting to the City Council and the Board of County Commissioners about the potential of a new sports facility. At every turn, Marcus has a consistent eye for offering Kaila’Shea and me as many professional development opportunities as possible, something that is unfortunately still all too rare of an occurrence for women working in sports.

Besides his family, his dog, Hines, and his love for the Pittsburgh Steelers, I can’t imagine him being more passionate about our community benefiting from sports, and for Kaila’Shea and me to further our careers along the way.”

by Lulu Black 

2023 Highlights

I was part of the North Carolina delegation who traveled to Lake Placid, New York, in January 2023 along with Durham County Commissioner Brenda Howerton, where the International University Sports Federation (FISU) announced the Triangle and the Triad will host its 2029 World University Games. It’ll be the first time since 1993 that the United States will host the summer games. The event is expected to bring more than 7,000 college athletes from 150 countries to the area for almost two weeks and is anticipated to be the largest event ever hosted in our state. It was a proud moment to realize that North Carolina and Durham will get to play host to the event’s expected audience of 400 million worldwide.

Durham Sports Commission A Hope for the Future

The Durham Sports Commission co-hosted an intercity visit to Indianapolis in September 2023 along with the Durham Chamber of Commerce, Discover Durham and Downtown Durham Inc. that was hugely successful in bringing together community leaders to discuss shared visions for the future. I always choose to see each new week as a new opportunity and hope that more opportunities come from the intercity visit and other collaborative efforts like it in the new year.

– Marcus Manning

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Durham Sports Commission's Kaila'Shea Menendez, Marcus Manning and Lulu Black are game ready at North Carolina Central University's McDougaldMcLendon Arena.

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the INFLUENCERS “Hey, Siri, find the quickest route to the North Carolina coast.”

“Starting route to LOCALS SEAFOOD in the Durham Food Hall at 530 Foster Street, Durham, NC.”

ORDER ONLINE AT localsseafood.com

2023 Highlights

Hosting the first-ever Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit at the Durham Convention Center in April 2023 was one of the proudest moments of the year for me. The hundreds of women who participated, mostly undergraduate and graduate students interested in working in sports, left as advocates for one another as much as they absorbed life lessons and wisdom shared by industry leaders like Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in Sports; Nina King, director of athletics at Duke University; and UNC women’s basketball head coach Courtney Banghart.

A Hope for the Future

I’m excited for the Durham Sports Commission to continue creating change in Durham by brainstorming more “first-ever” opportunities for the community. We’ve proven that sports can provide both social and economic impact in Durham – through new initiatives like the One Team, One Durham Fund, the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit, new partnerships and so much more.

My biggest hope is that we carry that momentum into 2024 and beyond, never wavering from our charge to positively impact our community.

– Kaila’Shea Menendez

Kaila’Shea Menendez deputy director The first time we met Kaila’Shea, I knew she was going to be a game changer for the Durham Sports Commission and for Durham.

I remember her repeatedly wanting to “help operationalize our vision” in her job interview – she’s gone on not only to do just that, but has also grown into realizing and operationalizing her own vision, too. She’s creating innovative, fresh programs and partnerships for us. The Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit returning this spring to the Durham Convention Center in partnership with the industryleading team at Women Leaders in Sports, for example, is hers from start to finish.

She’s making so many waves, and we’re not the only ones who know she is a game changer now. Others across the state have also noticed, like the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame – which elected her to its board of directors in early 2023 – and the North Carolina Travel Industry Association that named her its 2023 Rising Star.

For every setback, she’ll remind you that “champions adjust.” For every meeting, she starts with a clap and contagious enthusiasm.

For every new recognition, she works harder. She’s an MVP, and I’m proud to be on her team.

by Marcus Manning  30

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the INFLUENCERS

2023 Highlights

Lulu Black assistant director You’d never know Lulu recently graduated college for all that she’s accomplished already. Well, maybe once you realize that she’s a two-time NCAA National Champion cross-country runner, it won’t come as a surprise that she hit the ground running with the DSC. Lulu brought the energy from Day 1, showing an equal eagerness to learn with valuable perspectives and ideas that come from immersing herself in every opportunity she sees.

Lulu has played an integral role in events like the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit, the ACC Baseball Championship, the Champion Durham Classic and the NAIA Football Championship since she started at the DSC. She’s taken the DSC’s community engagement to new heights, partnering with youth organizations like the local YMCAs to drive our team’s mission of creating social impact in our community. Not only has

Lulu taken over the internship and volunteer programs and already tripled our number of volunteers, she also goes out of her way to make sure everyone involved with the DSC has a valuable experience.

Her persistence and dedication are amazing to see, and she’s not slowing down. She greets every stranger like she’s known them for a lifetime and meets every challenge with contagious optimism. I am so thankful to have her on our team, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

by Kaila’Shea Menendez 

I started working at the Durham Sports Commission in March 2023 – it’s wild to think about how much we’ve accomplished and grown since then. I’m proud to personally own our volunteer and internship programs, increasing opportunities for more people to be involved and have the chance to experience the influence of sports with us. Anytime the DSC hosts an event, we always consider how we can create more social impact – most recently, I got to organize studentathletes competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Football Championship from Northwestern College in Iowa and Keiser University in Florida to sign autographs and practice or play with local kids at two Durham YMCA locations.

Watching those kids have fun and grow in confidence makes all the behind-the-scenes work worthwhile.

A Hope for the Future

I hope more people get to experience the holistic benefits of sports.

We all know physical fitness is important, but, particularly for younger kids just getting started, the lessons of teamwork and self-confidence – as well as opportunities to build peer relationships and improve social skills – aren’t acknowledged as often. The cost of participating in sports, like seemingly everything else, has increased. I hope our One Team, One Durham Fund helps offset what we can for Durham-based families so recreation and team sports continue to be a way for all young people to play, learn and grow within our community.

– Lulu Black

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300 N. Roxboro St., Durham, NC 27701 l (919) 560-0100 211 Lick Creek Ln., Durham, NC 27703 l (919) 560-0862 221 Milton Rd., Durham, NC 27712 l (919) 560-0236

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the INFLUENCERS

Charlotte Wray is pretty comfortable in her role at The Cast Iron Group, which includes marketing for event venues like The Cookery.

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Charlotte Wray C graphic design and marketing manager, The Cast Iron Group (Ponysaurus Brewing Co., Dashi, The Cookery and The Rickhouse)

harlotte joined Cast Iron Group just before the pandemic in January 2020, and she showed us immediately what she was made of as we weathered that storm together. To put it bluntly, Charlotte is f----- awesome. She is an incredibly passionate, driven and creative woman who is unabashedly and completely herself. She is the definition of tiny but mighty, and she is mighty in so many ways. She is an electric force who uplifts all who surround her in her work and in her personal life. I am so grateful to work alongside her and am equally grateful to know her and call her a friend.

Charlotte cares about her impact on her colleagues and her wider community. Our company is made of people and serves people, and I think Charlotte loves her work because she genuinely loves people and all their kookiness and in bringing them joy. When she’s not snapping a picture of a Don’t Be Mean to People can of beer or taking a video of a steamy tonkotsu ramen bowl, she takes the time to milk goats, carve wooden spoons and make homemade pastas (just to name a few of her amazing talents). In being so unapologetically herself and so exuberant about life, her infectious energy and excitement draws many people to adore and admire her, including me.

Coming from a journalistic background, Charlotte has a unique perspective on her work as a marketing manager for a hospitality group. She has immense compassion and humor that is easily seen in the content she creates while also having a deep knowledge of her community. She is a ray of sunshine in the hospitality scene and will rarely be found sitting alone at the bar – even if the person she is having an animated conversation with is someone she only met five minutes ago. We could all be a little more like Charlotte Wray.

2023 Highlights

Professionally, I designed a SMASH Pale Ale label for a Ponysaurus Brewing Co. beer release in collaboration with Little Oblivion Brewing Co. in Graham, North Carolina – right next to my hometown in Burlington. The can featured a space theme, with flying hop comets, stars, a spaceship and a more retro pinball machine feel. The whole process felt full circle, and it was such a treat to be in Graham with my Durham and Burlington people to celebrate the release with everyone.

[I’m also proud to be] a part of the Ponysaurus Brewing Co. expansion with a new location in both Wilmington and Raleigh! We’re so thankful for the community we have in Durham, and I’m so excited to learn and be a part of these new places.

Personally, it’s been a year of creativity – woodworking, spoon whittling, forging my own little corner on social media for whittling, exploring new crafts and techniques, etc. – something I just like to call “tinkering.” I started selling a few spoons, spatulas and carved things over at @knottyspoons on Instagram and charlottewray.com (Tinkerings by Charlotte Wray).

I found an old record table a year ago and completely refinished it – one of the largest learning processes I’ve had as a beginning woodworker.

(It looks so wonderful in my home that I own with my wife in Trinity Park!) I’m obsessed with learning, and I love working with my hands. I recently learned how to milk goats by volunteering at Boxcarr Handmade Cheese, and I’m excited to keep learning and being involved in my local community. I feel so rooted where I am.

A Hope for the Future

[This year, I’d like to see]: more love to small businesses, keep those dollars local; that we strive for real, true, affordable housing and continue to pressure our local leaders to advocate for it; community involvement and care about local reporting and government as well as more young people getting involved by voting at the local, state and national levels; and for The Cast Iron Group to continue to grow and expand the incredible team we have. I truly love being a part of this crew! And, of course – more good beer (OK, and more wooden spoons!).

by Nick Hawthorne-Johnson

– Charlotte Wray

co-founder of The Cast Iron Group 

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the the INFLUENCERS INFLUENCERS

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cannot remember the first time I met John Brown, and I think that’s because he is ubiquitous – both in his presence and in his influence throughout the Triangle and beyond. I first knew John as a musician – he is a bassist and has played in the North Carolina Symphony and was a member of the great Elvin Jones’ band, and he continues to be a prominent bandleader here in Durham. He is a Grammy and Emmy nominee and has served on the jury for the Pulitzer Prize for Music multiple times.

When I think of John now, though, his work as an artist is nearly overshadowed by all he has done for the next generation.

John is a forward-thinking leader at Duke University, where he leads Duke Arts as vice provost for the arts, and in the cultural community at large here in the Triangle. He has spent decades dedicating his personal time to building opportunities for Triangle youth to get involved in formal music activities. He has founded initiatives that have turned into long-standing music programs such as the Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble and Jazz@ The Mary Lou. In addition to his work with Duke Arts, he has been on faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University, North Carolina Central University – and that’s just a few! But what I think is most special is that, even in the position he holds today, he still spends his spare time in grade schools, performing and teaching about music throughout the state of North Carolina.

John is passionate and visionary, and his impact on the community as a musician, bandleader, administrator and leader cannot be overstated. He’s also a wonderful daddy to his son, Jonathan. I’m proud to have worked closely with him over the years and look forward to seeing his reach continue to expand through his work at Duke.

vice provost for the arts, director of the jazz program and professor of the practice of music, Duke University

by E’Vonne Coleman

former COO, Discover Durham 

John V. Brown Jr. 36

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2023 Highlights

My proudest moment of the past year was working with my team to reveal the new Duke Arts brand, which brings art forms and initiatives together from all around campus.

Our vision is to make the arts accessible to every part of the Duke community and beyond. By being inclusive of all art forms within Duke Arts, we create a place for anyone and everyone in search of a creative outlet to find a welcoming home here.

A Hope for the Future

Working through challenging times is a part of human existence. I hope that when we find ourselves in times of angst, difficulty, strife and change, we let art guide us to places where we find peace, comfort, clarity and solace when the winds of the world swirl around us. I hope we all lean into and embrace the place that art creates for us to be at peace, and find joy as we live life and contribute to the lives of others. I hope we yield to the power of art, as it inspires us to be our best selves, and affect positivity in our world.

John Brown welcomes audiences to the many performing arts venues on Duke's campus, including Reynolds Industries Theater.

– John V. Brown Jr.

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the the INFLUENCERS INFLUENCERS

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Shelley McPhatter I president, BridgePoint General Contracting

have known Shelley for more than 20 years.

In the early 2000s, we worked together at Skanska, locally here in Durham, on various construction projects for Duke as our client.

I remember when Shelley took the “leap of faith” to start her own firm and leave Skanska.

I was amazed by the courage she displayed to start her own endeavor, especially in a time where the industry had just begun to weather the first waves of the ’08 financial crisis.

It was a risk, but a calculated one, taken while raising a young family.

Nevertheless, I knew she was going to bring that same level of care, industriousness and resilience to her own firm. Her obligation to her team and the culture she fosters of acceptance and compassion were always evident with how she led a project back when we worked together and are still evident today.

That facility could be there for 40 to 100 years, or even more, and she knows that it will have a positive impact on not just the community, but also on those who contributed to bring that project to their community. She doesn’t just construct impactful buildings; she creates a community and network along the way as well. She always had a passion for delivering projects and, most importantly, caring about those who are part of the process.

It is not easy to construct buildings; the key is to be a true “maestro” – both a leader and a teacher. Those skill sets combined are rare, but when applied to a cumbersome and challenging industry like construction, it is amazing what you can orchestrate. Shelley is a true maestro and a strong testament for women forging a path in what has been historically a male-dominated industry.

by Anthony “Tony” Baldassari

director of facilities, planning, design and construction, Duke Health 

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2023 Highlights

In all honesty, 2023 was a weird year. But also, we feel it was an anomaly that many companies in the commercial real estate market felt. We were coming off 2022 as our best year since I started BridgePoint General Contracting in 2012, with $34 million in revenue. We were gaining momentum with larger projects and were moving back into our expanded office on North Duke Street. Then the bottom fell out. Two projects totaling $12 million were put on hold going into 2023, which is roughly a third of our annual revenue. The office and lab market was slow. It was a tough time to back fill that much revenue. Looking back, it was a tough year. I took it personally, of course, as BridgePoint and the team are family to me. We scrapped our way back and are now going into 2024 with $32 million in backlog and growing.

A Hope for the Future

The team is settled into the new office (although we still have items to finish!), and we are moving into 2024 more united than we have been in over a year. Instead of looking back on 2023 as the worst year ever, I choose to appreciate it for all it taught me. Every business owner wants you to think that things are great, they are killing it and all is good, but it’s really special getting through the tough years and taking those lessons learned to be a better company, owner, boss, cheerleader, mentor and person. I think it’s healthy to talk about the tough times, because it’s so easy to talk about the good ones, and it is what keeps me grounded and humble as I continue to lead my organization.

– Shelley McPhatter

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the the INFLUENCERS INFLUENCERS

Crystal Taylor C rystal is a pioneer who works with organizations to provide phenomenal experiences for people. She curates large events, music festivals, parades and marches, mostly in North Carolina. She’s the behind-the-scenes person – the one who’s pulling the permits, ensuring that everything is in place and monitoring along the way so that the events run smoothly.

She’s also someone who is not going to work just for the sake of money. For her to say “yes,” it has to be something that she genuinely believes in. She is going to scan the situation deeply and empathetically, and drill down to the needs of the community. Crystal is sincerely interested in people, specifically African American people, their needs, their struggles and what experiences could help bring about this idea of Black joy. It’s important to Crystal that events are created for populations of people who are sometimes overlooked.

That is her wheelhouse, and anything she can do that would bring a smile to someone’s face, she does it, whether it’s a farmer, a young professional, a local resident or a 70-year-old musician. I think that is what fuels her. It shows up in everything that she does.

Crystal is partnering with larger organizations, companies, government, etc. to make North Carolina feel more inclusive and enjoyable for all, putting on these sort of big-city functions on a slightly smaller scale in North Carolina, but she is absolutely expanding. She already has international projects in places like South Africa and has many great connections beyond our state. She is working really hard to create warm, welcoming experiences in places that may not always feel welcoming for everyone.

My favorite event of hers is Black August in the Park.

I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York, where we always do these block parties in the summer. And Black August feels like one big block party – it’s just people having a good time in Durham Central Park, but it’s magnified.

There’s literally thousands of people, and there’s live music, food trucks, performances, drums, inspirational quotes, business vendors of all different nationalities and, overall, just greatness on display. She is intentionally saying to people who are often an oversight or afterthought that, ‘Hey, this is the safe space for you,’ while remaining inclusive to everyone. It’s also family-friendly: This past year, I brought my 3-year-old daughter, but I also brought my oldest brother and his friend, and they’re in their 50s.

You can go from early in the morning with your children to adults only at 10 p.m., and it’s completely free to attend.

It’s fantastic, and I always look forward to it.

It’s in events like this that Crystal reveals the truth and the heart of the community. She shows that every year, and every year, these festivals get bigger and better. It’s all thanks to her.

by Melanie Pitchford

owner, Principal Blueprint Academy 

CEO/lead event curator, The Underground Collective; executive director, Get Happy; and co-founder, Black August in the Park and Black Farmers Market 40

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the INFLUENCERS

2023 Highlights

[I curated] events for Gov. Roy Cooper and First Lady Kristin Cooper at the North Carolina Executive Mansion and North Carolina Freedom Park, [and I also received] the Forty Under Forty Alumni Award from North Carolina Central University.

A Hope for the Future

I’d love to see more community unison and major support for minority community organizations be pushed to the forefront of Durham.

– Crystal Taylor

Crystal Taylor calls The Pinhook her "home away from home," having curated numerous events at the West Main Street music venue.

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the the INFLUENCERS INFLUENCERS

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2023 Highlights

executive director, The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center

K

im Shaw – in my head – is a giant. Though petite in stature, her presence is large. She seeks to change things with her genuine nature, hard work ethic and perseverance. When I first met her, she was serving as second-in-command for the Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau. She was always completely focused on her demanding work, yet found time to be a young mother and community servant. We participated together in the Durham Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Durham program. It was at the culmination of this program that she asked those of us in her Leadership Durham class to join her in a service project that would uplift the importance of acknowledging the city’s marginalized populations.

In her current role, Kim’s mission to serve her fellow man has been unwavering. She’s certified in nonprofit management; is completing participation in Leadership North Carolina’s 31st class among top leaders from the government, business, nonprofit and education sectors; serves as a member of the Rotary Club of Durham; and is mom to two good citizens who have their mother’s work ethic and desire to make this world a better place. Kim’s zeal is contagious, and she is ever-ready to usher the next person into servant leadership by mentorship or introduction.

by Crystal Roberts

director of strategic communications, Durham Public Schools

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This past year was significant in that TNVLC marked its 50th anniversary. We commemorated the milestone by integrating our celebration with our annual Volunteer of the Year award, a program we coordinate in the Triangle for the Governor’s office. TNVLC serves nonprofits across the Triangle, collaborating with more than 1,200 organizations. One of the core highlights is this annual event dedicated to recognizing the extraordinary efforts of our volunteers.

Reading about the countless individuals who selflessly contribute to our community is truly humbling. Without the tireless dedication of volunteers and the often-overlooked essential work of nonprofits, our cities and towns would undoubtedly be vastly different places.

The remarkable 50-year legacy of service by TNVLC is a testament to our enduring commitment. I am profoundly honored to contribute in my small capacity to the meaningful work of our nonprofits and volunteers. Together, we are dedicated to making a lasting and positive difference in the very fabric of our community.

A Hope for the Future

My highest aspiration for the upcoming year is the realization of the Triangle Nonprofit Resource Center. This initiative aims to offer affordable space and centralize essential resources and services for the nonprofits that play a vital role in our community. Recognizing the challenges many nonprofits face, my foremost hope is to secure a suitable facility that can turn this vision into reality.

We can empower these organizations by achieving this goal, allowing them to amplify their impact and better serve the needs of our community.

– Kimberly Shaw

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Cast Your Vote in Best of best of durham

Durham 2024 44

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2024

Our annual poll is back!

You can cast your ballot now for your local favorites.

This ballot is meant to showcase the best of the best in Durham, and we can’t emphasize it enough: Winning this award means so much to local businesses, so take this contest as one more way you can ensure that your favorites – whether it’s a coffee shop, real estate agent, museum or gym – are well-known and well-loved by everyone in our community. Let’s showcase the places that make our city special.

We have divided the poll by category: Dining, Retail, Services, Home & Garden and Arts & Entertainment. This way, you can come back to finish the survey at your leisure instead of working through it in one sitting.

(Note: You will need to use the same email address every time you visit the survey.)

The results will be announced in our June/July issue, complete with features about a few of our winners. Be sure to check it out. 

SHARE THE SERAPHINE EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS! (984)-244-2720 or to book a reservation online & View our menu: seraphinedurham.com

SAVOR THE FLAVORS OF LOUISIANA 324 BLACKWELL STREET SUITE 402 - AMERICAN TOBACCO CAMPUS

2023

Steak, Seafood & More 345 Blackwell Street next to DPac on the american toBacco camPuS (919) 282-1183 or to book a reservation online & View our menu: nanasteak.com

f the Rules: o w ie v e R k ic u AQ s •

ail addres person. The em One ballot per - you ID ur sentially yo you submit is es any point to finish at can come back leisure. ur yo at ey per the surv ting one ballot un We’re only co llot ba ep ke We want to s. es dr ad l ai em a minimum. box stuffing to ough we’d are optional. Th tegories, • All questions vote in all the ca love for you to oose. ch d e to pick an you are welcom ’re not favorites if they • Write in your e could w st be e e did th nominated. W tegories ensive in the ca to be compreh box is in but the writewith nominees, it! on – use there for a reas ries. write-in catego • Be specific in le, please use the full Where applicab rson. ness and/or pe name of a busi

Over this and the next few pages, you’ll find several businesses that are vying for your votes – if you love them, support them!

Every vote counts, so be sure to participate and promote the places that make our community thrive!

VOTE NOW THROUGH FEB. 29!

Without further ado, scan the QR code to start your ballot.

Happy voting!

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES! THIS TINY HEARING AID IS THE SOUND OF

North Carolina basketball, Beethoven’s 5th, Opening night “Play ball”, Clocks ticking, A puppy’s wimper, Soft summer rain, “Hi Grandma”, and… “I Love you.”

2023

Remember to vote for us!

We can’t believe it’s election season again either...

Please vote Inhabit again for BEST of Durham, 2024! inhabitthetriangle.com @inhabitthetriangle

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Geoffrey R. Cunningham, DDS, MS, FACP R. Kyle Gazdeck, DDS, MS, FACP

D

rs. Geoffrey Cunningham and Kyle Gazdeck are Board Certified Prosthodontists serving the Triangle region. They specialize in creating custom smiles with dental implants, crowns, veneers, and dentures. Their board certification achievement makes Durham Prosthodontics stand out as the only prosthodontic practice in the RaleighDurham area with dually Boarded Specialists. In addition, Durham Prosthodontics is proud to be honored with the American College of Prosthodontics Private Practice Award.

This award is only given out to four prosthodontic practices in the nation annually.

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2023

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Hillsborough's Hidden Gems L

ook no further than Samantha’s Pupusas the next time you get a craving for an authentic Mexican and Salvadoran meal. All food is made to order and freshly prepared, whether you choose a burrito, chilaquiles or pupusas (the most popular menu item, naturally), or a fresh-baked strawberry tres leches cake. Chano Valencia and Maria Luz started their business as a food truck before opening their brick-and-mortar location at 117 Cornelius St. a few years ago. The restaurant is no-frills, but the authentic dishes and hospitality make it a staple in the Hillsborough dining scene.

“I

have loved and been drawn to all aspects of art, making and creating for as long as I can remember,” says Erin Campbell, founder of Anne & Arthur Fine Arts Supply.

She took a step back from her digital advertising job in 2022 to live out her childhood dream: working in an art store. “I figured if I said it out loud enough times, I would have to follow through, even though it was a daunting endeavor,” she says. She and her partner saved every penny they earned and spent 10 months learning the ins and outs of running a business before Anne & Arthur opened its doors on South Churton Street in November 2023.

“My own experience using many art tools has informed a lot of our inventory, but I personally am an avid researcher and am fascinated to learn about products and tools so I can better share my recommendations [with] customers,” Erin says.

“We want to see people come in, get inspired and leave feeling encouraged to make something.”

Anne & Arthur offers a 10% student and educator discount. “Over the past 10 years – and with amazing organizations like the Orange County Arts Commission and the Hillsborough Arts Council – the town has grown into a multidisciplinary artist haven,” Erin says. “The making [of art] was always here; I just wanted to be the place where the makers could get some tools.”

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PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

This vibrant little town along the Eno River teems with places to see and things to do.

But its lesser-known delights are arguably what make it so special.

B Y L E A H B E RRY

T

he Occaneechi Village Replica Site is a historical recreation of an Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation village along the Eno River – an important trade location where the Occaneechi people swapped goods with the Europeans as well as nearby tribes.

Archaeological findings from UNC experts guided late tribal member John “Blackfeather” Jeffries in initiating the construction of the replica village in the 1990s. However, challenges with upkeep led to the site falling into disuse, and it was subsequently dismantled. Many descendants of the tribe continue to live in Hillsborough, including native and OBSN Tribal Council member Beverly Payne, who has worked alongside other members fully complete the site so it resembles its appearance in 1701. She plans to create more detailed signage and add a lean-to and a fence. Beverly believes that everything at the site – which includes huts and a work arbor made of cedar and tied together with leather – is crucial to properly educating the community on the Occaneechi people.

“I want everyone to know that we’re here, as a village and as a people,” Beverly says. Check it out next time you’re along the Riverwalk, or set up a tour through The Alliance for Historic BELOW Stacey Green makes a purchase from Erin Campbell at Anne & Arthur Fine Arts Supply.

Hillsborough. 

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hillsborough

A

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

rt lines the buildings and streets of Hillsborough, telling tales of the community and its people. A pair of giraffes, made of reclaimed steel, now greets Town Hall visitors. The sculpture, featuring both a mother and a young giraffe, is titled “Perpetual Bond” and was installed

by Durham artist TJ Christiansen in October 2023.

It’s the first piece of permanent art purchased by the town and was selected from the art installed as part of last summer’s Uproar Festival of Public Art. The Bee Hotel in Gold Park is tucked away along a trail that goes around the playground and back toward the river to the town’s pollinator garden. “That piece is special to me because it was one of the first public art projects I got to work on in the town, and it demonstrates the town’s commitment to providing public art for its citizens and visitors to enjoy,” says Planning Elijah Pruitt teaches yoga to Chet Mancour, Jennifer Mancour, Janet Sawyers and Brian Smith at Studio 71. and Economic Development Manager Shannan Campbell. “It also emphasizes the importance that pollinators and the environment play in the quality of life in “Unlike most frame shops that sell or show examples of classic art prints Hillsborough. … Functional art is probably my favorite.” and landscapes, we focus on all things pop culture,” Janet says. “From Other can’t-miss murals include “Take the ‘A’ Train” – which was signed ‘Star Trek’ prints and action figure shadow boxes to concert completed in 2018 by artist Max Dowdle and honors composer and jazz posters and vintage movie posters. … Lance also loves to add custom performer Billy Strayhorn, who spent time in Hillsborough as a child paint finishes and frame designs that he creates from scratch such as a visiting his grandmother – and “Hillsborough,” a mural located on The ‘Jaws’ poster with a bite cut out of the frame.”

News of Orange County building by artist Richard Nickel in collaboration And if you’re looking for an eclectic workout experience, the studio with the newspaper, Orange County Arts Commission and the also offers exercise classes. Currently, classes include drop-in core strength Hillsborough Tourism Development Authority that depicts the natural training workouts on Wednesdays with Kat McGee, with yoga taught beauty of the town in context of the state of North Carolina. Another by a certified instructor coming soon. “We have a great space that allows mural, “We Are All One,” encapsulates the whimsical community on everyone to exercise surrounded by original art and fun prints,” Janet says. the Nash Street Tavern building by IKORMA (a collaboration between “In our 40 years of living and working in and around Hillsborough, Ignacio “Iñaki” Martinez and his son, Orlando “Mangan” Martinez, who we have seen the town go through a lot of changes,” Janet adds. reside between Hillsborough and Spain) in collaboration with the Orange “Today it is a thriving, small town with an active art scene, local County Arts Commission, Hillsborough Arts Council and the tavern. dining and wonderful parks.”

“Art is important because it further reinforces Hillsborough’s strong sense pecially curated home and life shop Dwell blends vintage wares of place and community,” with new and local goods. And with a growing selection of baby Shannan says. “It also provides items and children’s books, the shop on North Churton Street visual interest pieces and adds carries design pieces and products for all ages. to the charm of the town.”

“I’ve always loved the idea of creating a home that feels restful, invites people to linger a little longer and tells a story about the people that live there,” says owner Bonne Cecil, who’s lived in Hillsborough with her tudio 71 Picture Framing, family for three years. She and her husband, Kyle Cecil, were always located in a renovated intrigued by the idea of a family business, but it wasn’t until they landed 1950s auto garage, is filled in Hillsborough that everything fell into place. “I wanted to create a space with pop culture art and prints. that felt like an inspiring living space and a quiet respite in a loud world,” Lance Sawyers relocated the Bonne says. “Right away, Kyle was all in with the idea. … He said, ‘It’s your gallery and event space to its turn – let’s run with your biggest idea.’” Bonne and Kyle started ripping current location on the corner of out floors the night they took over the lease in October 2022. Renovations Orange Grove Road and South took five weeks, and they opened doors the day after Thanksgiving 2022.

Churton Street in 2019, and his “There is a very focused aesthetic,” Bonne says. “In all the buying wife, Janet Sawyers, joined him and selecting of items, I feel very clear minded and committed to in the business in 2020. Lance a specific look and feel for what comes through our door.” Bonne previously worked the comic believes the home is an incredibly beautiful and sacred space. “Our book convention circuit, selling homes are where relationships happen, where we carry one another’s framed prints and GeekBox burdens and joys,” she says. “I think our homes are a blank canvas just display cases, which gave him waiting for us to start creating. We feel honored that people shop at access to unique merchandise.

Dwell and find something they love to take back into their world!”

S

S

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100 Women Who Give a Hoot's Giving Events

The power of collective giving!

Upcoming Events:

2/21 - Hope Valley Country Club 5/29 - Chapel Hill Country Club 9/24 - University Club 12/3 - Chapel Hill Country Club

Save the Dates!

RSVP now at chdhoot.org & help 'Fill The Seats' - Bring a Guest!

April 20, 2024 21C MUSEUM HOTEL | DOWNTOWN DURHAM

Take the Leap for Duke Children’s!

We’re looking for brave supporters to raise money for Duke Children’s and the chance to rappel down the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Durham. The first fundraisers to raise a minimum of $1,000 will earn a spot to go Over the Edge for Duke Children’s.

Not a fan of heights?

Support our edgers in downtown Durham on April 20!

For more information or to register, please visit:

giving.dukechildrens.org/events/over-the-edge

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In need of a quick getaway this spring and summer?

Our staff shares a few fave nearby destinations perfect for day or weekend trips!

I

’m from Graham, North Carolina, in Alamance County, and I love to go back and visit the Graham Cinema. It is still the same as it was when I was a child – stadium seating with just one movie screen and cost is $4 per person and $3 per kid. You have to call 336-226-1488 to hear the voicemail – there is always a joke. Promise, it’s so worth it!

The Burlington City Park is the best for kids, with a train and boat rides – plus the carousel is fabulous. Head over to Zack’s Hot Dogs after the park for its nearly century-old, famous grill menu.

If you enjoy visiting the Duke Lemur Center, you’ll definitely want to check out Burlington’s Animal Park at the Conservators Center. And did you know that Press Coffee, Crepes & Cocktails, which has a location in Durham and is soon to open one in Raleigh, got its start in Alamance County? – Chris Elkins, Triangle Media Partners vice president

I love the Outer Banks, and one of my favorite islands to visit is on Cape Lookout. From Harkers Island, you can take a ferry or boat over to the cape, with the option to stop at Shackleford Banks, where you can explore and catch a glimpse of the wild horse herds that inhabit the island. Once you arrive at the cape you can climb the lighthouse (it’s scheduled to reopen in 2025 after renovations) and enjoy swimming and relaxing on the beach. After a day in the sun, stop by nearby Beaufort for a meal or shopping. – Renee Ambroso, digital content specialist & Heart of NC Weddings managing editor 54

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PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

road trip!

Our family enjoys the New Hope Valley Railway – it’s a fun train ride for the kids. Plan to arrive early to enjoy the model railroad and the outdoor museum. We also love going to Fearrington Village to visit the belted cows and goats as well as the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro – it’s perfect for curious kiddos to see all kinds of animals, big and small. Stop by The Table for breakfast or lunch before your visit – it’s got great gluten-free options!

In the morning, if I don’t head the eight minutes up the street into Carolina Beach for a dozen freshly made-and-glazed doughnuts paired with a cup of icecold milk from Britts Donut Shop (if you know, you know), then I’ll stop in for a coffee from Happy Hippies Java Hut before making my way back to the beach, where we’ll spend most all of the day lounging surfside. We’ll order takeout from Freddie’s or hit up Jack Mackerel’s (a cup of its signature seafood chowder is a must!) for dinner before playing as many games as we can at the arcade – basketball and skee-ball are our favorite. Once we’ve had our fill of friendly competition, we’ll pass our tickets off to some of the kids checking out the prizes behind the counter, and then head across the way to Bud & Joe’s SandBar for a beer or two before turning in for the night.

The best part? We get to do it all again the next day!

– John Michael Simpson, staff photographer

The one destination I look forward to visiting every late spring or early summer is, hands down, Kure Beach, North Carolina. The little town is just south of Carolina Beach, a short drive from Wilmington, and only about three hours from the Triangle.

It’s a quaint, quiet spot with a few local establishments near its fishing pier – first built more than a century ago, it’s the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic coastline.

– Amanda MacLaren, executive managing editor 

Chapel Hill, NC Fiduciary Since 1982 919.968.2977

2023

Investments

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travel PHOTO BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

I was surprised to learn that you can book a sleepover for a group of 15-30 people in front of the 235,000-gallon Cape Fear Shoals habitat with sharks, eels and turtles to watch over you. Personally, I would watch the jellyfish tank, because it’s like a giant lava lamp. Snacks, craft supplies and breakfast are provided. Contact the aquarium for more details.

The aquarium is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, which provides year-round opportunities to come see all the fantastic exhibits, animals and fish!

– Anna-Rhesa Versola, senior staff writer

Our family lives in a neighborhood across the highway from Fearrington Village. We love day trips, and one of the places we recently revisited was the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher near Wilmington. We went to see the new otter pups on exhibit and watched them slip down the slide and swim up to inspect visitors pressed against the glass. The alligators exhibit always delivers drama because they appear deceptively docile and sleepy just before they slip into the dark waters.

CAMP is IN SESSION!

My husband, James, and I love to visit Asheville any chance we get. It has a great small city vibe, amazing restaurants, art galleries and, of course, hiking in the nearby Pisgah National Forest. 

campbowwow.com/north-durham

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WHITEHALL ANTIQUES A Tuscan villa filled with over 7,500 sq. ft. of fine antiques a treasure trove of unique items for your home or collection

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2023

From

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travel

A perfect day for me would be to book an early spot at Sauna House (it’s opening a Durham location soon, and I can’t wait!). Then

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I’d grab my dogs, Chico and Casper, and head to Burial Beer Co. (which also has a Raleigh taproom!) for lunch and whatever new IPA they’re pouring. Next, I’d take a stroll through Screendoor, a huge antique and vintage warehouse, or the charming used bookshop Bagatelle Books. Then I’d want to watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains at The Montford Rooftop Bar – I love that the bartenders use North Carolina spirits, like Sutler’s Gin out of Winston-Salem and Durham’s Krupnikas spiced honey liqueur, in their signature cocktails – and grab dinner at Plant, an award-winning vegan restaurant that has somehow perfected a cashew cheese that tastes exactly like brie. – Morgan Cartier Weston, Chatham Magazine editor & digital growth strategist

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I can’t even count all the times my friends and I have made day trips to Jordan Lake. The best thing about it is that these can be more like half-day trips – the public beaches have all the benefits of the North Carolina coast without having to drive three hours! The water is chilly, but a quick dip is the perfect way to cool down after a full day in the sun. I’ve also gone to see the sunrise during the winter, and found a dock to have a sunset picnic during the spring! Next thing on my bucket list is spending a night on the campground. The possibilities are endless; it’s an adventure in our own backyard. – Leah Berry, editorial assistant

travel

MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

2023/24 SE ASON

Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown Meets the Philly Sound FRI, FEB 9 | 8PM SAT, FEB 10 | 3PM & 8PM CONCERT SPONSOR

I recently did a day trip to Winston-Salem with my pup, Olive. I started with a visit to the best little bakery, Bobby Boy Bakeshop, where I picked up a whole box of goodies to make it worth the drive. The highlights were the croissants and the morning bun. Wine lovers should know it’s attached to a wine shop, so pick up a bottle or two to bring home with you. We then strolled through Hanes Park (there’s a beautiful section along a creek) and down the Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail for some views.

Next up was a pint at Incendiary Brewing Company (which is right next to pizza spot Cugino Forno, which also has a Durham location) where we sat outside and people-watched in the shade. Finally, we picked up brisket and some sides at East of Texas, a barbecue spot with a cool bar, to bring back to my partner who raved about the macaroni and cheese. – Jessica Stringer, Chapel Hill Magazine editor

Presented by

Pink Martini FRI, MAR 1 | 8PM SAT, MAR 2 | 3PM CONCERT SPONSOR

Our family loves a drive to Fearrington Village. We enjoy eating at The Belted Goat, browsing the pretty shops, seeing the cute animals, and then my kids like to run the trails by the pond.”

– Ashlin Acheson, director of creative operations

Totally ‘80s FRI/SAT, MAR 1516 | 8PM

“Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” In Concert THU, MAY 2 | 7:30PM FRI/SAT, MAY 34 | 8PM Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm Ltd., and Warner/Chappell Music.

All rights reserved.

Dates, programs, artists, venues, and prices subject to change.

Seats selling fast—buy today! ncsymphony.org 919.733.2750 f e b r ua ry/ m a r c h 2 0 24

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family

tiEs Spend more time together this year with these new ideas for activities to try in the Bull City!

B Y L E A H B E RRY P HOTO G RA P H Y B Y JO HN MICHAE L SIMP SO N

Ready, Set, Go!

riangle Rock Club – with its top rope and

lead rock climbing, bouldering terrain and a full suite of fitness and yoga classes – is suited for all adventure seekers, young and old. Buy a day pass, or get a membership to receive all the perks.

The First Ascents after-school program is helpful for kids new to rock climbing, allowing them time and space to begin climbing or improve their skills. TRC also offers several different levels of noncompetitive and competitive climbing teams, which are designed for experienced climbers who want to showcase their strength in a team setting. Teen Climb Nights, Parents’ Night Out and group climbing, which is facilitated by staff and is recommended for groups of six or more climbers, are also available.

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STEM-themed play space and event center The Wonder Lab caters specifically to children ages 6 months to 6 years old. Sign up for a 90-minute session of open play that features kid-friendly tech like an interactive touchscreen panel to make bubbles and sort objects, and robots designed for ages 3-5, all in a gated space.

Adults can enjoy free coffee, tea and Wi-Fi while the kids play.

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Mark your calendar and bring your littles to a special Valentine’s STEM Party on Feb. 10. The twohour party – choose from a session either at 10:30 a.m. or 4 p.m. – will include food, treats, drinks, STEM activities and take-home Valentine’s projects.

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Indoor adventure park

OC Aerial promises an epic, action-

packed experience with 16,000 square feet of attractions awaiting daredevils of all ages. Founder John Coates says the giant 18and 21-foot slides are the No. 1 activity among children 15 and younger followed by the ninja course, the 34-element rope course and the 160-foot zip line. If you’ve got a college student home on break, invite them out on Mondays and Thursdays from 3-9 p.m. for 20% off. John recommends bringing the family out to conquer their fears on Fridays from noon to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. While Saturdays are the busiest – the park often sells out between noon and 4 p.m. – these days also offer the best community of thrill-seekers.

The free snacks, popcorn, ice cream (and toppings!), coffee, hot chocolate and more keep those who opt out of the attractions happy and satiated.

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Unify Athletics offers gymnastics classes for kids 18 months and older as well as adults. Its Hatchlings class caters to 1½- to 3-year-olds, where they can follow simple circuits to play, explore and develop spatial awareness.

Parents accompany their tots in these instances, learning simple spotting techniques along the way.

Unify introduces 3- to 5-yearolds in its Chickadees class to some of the basic elements of gymnastics, allowing participants to develop eye-hand and eye-foot coordination along with a sense of balance. Ages 6 and older progress by skill level through Hummingbirds, Cardinals and Eagles for girls – Sparrows and

Aja Rodgers, 8, practices on the balance beam at Unify Athletics.

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Hawks for boys – building strength, confidence and discipline. Unify also has opportunities to participate in competitive gymnastics with its team program and hosts adult classes for all experience levels – learn anything from gymnastics fundamentals to bucket list backflips!

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Jump, spin and flip with the fam for hours at Sky Zone. Hit up the sky tower and foam zone, or play ultimate dodgeball. Sky Zone transforms into a jumping dance club with lasers, music and blacklights on Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10 p.m., ideal for older kids, while the Little Leapers program from 9-10 a.m. on Saturdays allows kids ages 6 and younger to bounce, climb, explore and interact in a safe environment. Plus, parents jump free with a purchase of a ticket for their “little leaper.”

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Guildhall Games is a board game and toy store that is specifically designed with neurodivergent, disabled and queer communities – populations that owners Jacob Guild and his wife, Nicole Frascino, see as underserved – in mind. “We are basically just a ‘cool stuff ’ store,” Jacob says. “We sell board games, stuffed animals, enamel pins, tabletop dice, puzzles and much more!” The two signed their permanent lease at Boxyard RTP in December 2023 and hosted a grand opening party at the end of January.

Nicole and Jacob plan to offer a monthly speed puzzling event starting in February and March as well as a “paint and take,” where participants are provided paints and a selection of miniatures to choose from, and follow a professional Dungeons & Dragons miniature painter’s directions to complete their own miniature and then take it home at the end of the event.

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Triangle Curling Club is the place to try your hand (and broom!) at curling, providing everything from learnto-curl sessions to pick-up curling and curling leagues. The club’s junior program, available to those younger than 21 years old, runs on most Sundays, September through April.

The program introduces youth to the sport and allows them to develop their skills and techniques and play short games. Participants can take part in either the advanced commitment program, which is focused on juniors interested in enhancing curling skills and attending tournaments, or the recreational curling program, which includes instruction followed by a recreational game. Many advanced commitment juniors curl with family members or other adults in regular leagues, so start with some lessons, then get everyone on the ice!

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Step into a new world (literally) at Augmentality Labs. The virtual reality video arcade has an array of single- and multiplayer games for 64

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ages 6 and older. Players can choose from an inventory of 70 games, immersing themselves in an experience casting spells, blasting zombies or exploring new realms at one of the 12 VR stations.

Owner Michael Melton says he has a couple projects he hopes to initiate within the next couple of months – two racing simulation stations and an old-school console corner that features PlayStation, Nintendo and Sega consoles set up for play. “We are always adding games and experiences that are popular and are good for an arcade environment,” Michael says of the existing VR stations.

“Augmentality is a great option for family gatherings, parties … we can set the available games by age or genre, if requested, or give full access.” Augmentality’s current special is a Weekday Play Pass on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: $40 per station for two hours of play.

Michael recommends booking online to guarantee space, and if you come as a group, be sure to select one station for each participant to ensure the best VR adventure!

Great Outdoors

urham Central Park is a major destination for family

fun and community engagement, playing host to year-round programming catered to Durhamites young and old alike. Join in the free storytimes for preschoolers and their families from 10:3011:30 a.m. on Tuesday mornings April 16 to Oct. 29, where engaging instructors read favorite children’s stories, sing a song or two and bring the story to life through play and craft making.

Bring the family to view the annual Iron Pour – planned this year for Nov. 16 from 4-9 p.m. – a fiery spectacle where 4,000 pounds of molten iron are poured into molds, creating tiles designed by the public and sculptures by North Carolina artists. Enjoy performances from Batalá Durham, fire breathers, local food trucks and craft beer while you peruse Liberty Arts artists’ work for sale.

And if you’re into free exercise, check out DCP’s yoga sessions on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings (spring sessions soon to be announced!).

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Experience the charm of

Old Mill Farm through its

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLD MILL FARM

Mark your calendar for DCP’s Food Truck Rodeos on April 14, June 9, Sept. 8 and Nov. 3, from noon to 4 p.m. It’s a delicious way to support the 5-acre park, raising ​​ much-needed funds that help to operate, beautify, program and improve DCP, with many diverse food trucks and drink vendors participating.

Don’t miss the Children’s Independence Day Parade on the Fourth of July at 9:30 a.m.

– the park’s longest-running event and a cherished tradition where kids decorate bikes, trikes, wagons and strollers and parade through the park. Stick around for free popsicles, fire truck tours and tunes from DJ Piddipat.

For music lovers, bring your blankets and lawn chairs to DCP’s PLAYlist Concert Series on the first Friday of every month from May to October.

DJ Travis Gales kicks off the evening spinning his live Friday Night Mix followed by an eclectic blend of genres by local, regional and national artists.

family-friendly educational workshops and farm events including its signature Fridays at the Farm, now in its fourth year of featuring a delightful blend of local live music and food trucks among the farm’s other attractions every Friday from mid-March

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PHOTO BY J CALDWELL, COURTESY OF NASHER MUSEUM OF ART AT DUKE UNIVERSITY

PHOTO BY ERIC WATERS

through mid-November. This upcoming season also brings an exciting opportunity for one-on-one time with adorable newborn goats and lambs, providing the perfect snuggle fix. Snuggle sessions are available in spring and fall, with spring sessions selling out quickly – owner Alec Moore recommends staying in the loop by subscribing to the farm’s newsletter for timely updates on booking availability.

Themed and holiday events, like the St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt, Easter Eggstravaganza, Mother’s Day Celebration, Father’s Day Fishing Derby, Fourth of July Celebration, Trick or Treat on the Farm, Christmas Celebration and more also make for a festive and memorable family outing.

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Durham Parks and Recreation hosts a diverse array of attractions that cater to all ages and interests, including many familyfriendly activities, numerous playgrounds and community programs, classes and more. The organization celebrates its centennial anniversary this year, and exciting events surrounding that milestone are in the works. Be sure to also check out the first public dedicated pickleball facility in Durham – featuring 12 dedicated pickleball courts with lights available until 9 p.m. – at Piney Wood Park, which just opened in December 2023!

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“We encourage families to come out to any game they can to experience all of the fun: baseball, entertainment and, of course, Wool E. Bull,” says Durham Bulls Director of Promotions Leslie Martin.

The minor league baseball organization keeps things lively at the park with different promotions each week: spectacular fireworks displays after every Friday Night home game (Saturdays, too, beginning in late May); a victory lap around the bases for kids 12 and younger after Sunday games; and a whole slew of exciting theme nights lined up throughout the 2024 season. Keep an eye on the Bulls’ website for announcements, and don’t miss the upcoming Spring Fan Fest in March.

Tried-and-Trues

arah P. Duke Gardens is a must-visit for Durham families,

especially during the spring (cherry blossoms!) and early summer. The gardens’ vast lineup of programs for young learners, ensures that everyone in the family has a great time. Its four-class Tot and Me Botany series held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Mondays in March offers an opportunity to connect with your child and other families during hands-on, multisensory, immersive activities among the plants. Designed for children ages 3-6 years 66

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old and their adult companion, each session will focus on learning about a different plant part. Sign your family up for a membership to receive a discount on the classes!

Head to the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden in springtime for Discovery Drop-In and Storytime, a free, no registration, informal opportunity for adults and kids to listen to stories and engage in self-guided activities every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon, with stories at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., from March 7 to May 23. Little learners can also take part in a Spanish storytime, “Hora de cuentos en Español,” a program designed for children who speak Spanish to learn and explore the gardens in their native language. This free, no registration program runs from 10-11 a.m. on Mondays from March 4 until May 20.

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Along with its free exhibits to visit year-round, the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University offers Family Days on the second Sunday of each month that feature themed activities and art. The museum hosts a special Black History Month Family Day from 1-3 p.m. on Feb. 11 that includes art activities centered on works by artists of African descent. Stop ​​ by with the fam March 10 to celebrate Latinx heritage and culture with art, local fare – including Mexican ice pops by La Monarca Michoacana – live music and dancing with Mambo Dinamico Dance Group.

The 84-acre Museum of Life and Science provides countless educational experiences for all ages, no matter the season. Learn about the heart and its functions within the body during the museum’s “Heartthrob” programming on Valentine’s Day; celebrate engineers and their work toward sustainable development to commemorate UNESCO’s World Engineering Day on March 4; bring your junior paleontologist on an excavation adventure as they hunt for colorful dinosaur eggs at the Dino Egg Hunt in April; join the monarch solar eclipse celebration on April 8; and gain insight from experts and programs on birds and other pollinators at the “Bird Bonanza” on May 4. As spring turns to summer, take part in International Compost Awareness Week activities from May 5-11 or Bear Awareness Week from May 12-18; celebrate Pride month with an event celebrating LGBTQ+ scientists and local organizations in June; bring a watermelon to donate on Watermelon Day Aug. 5 and learn how animals stay cool and hydrated in the hot weather; and round out the season with Red Wolf Day, a conservation event exploring the changes animals go through to survive and how we can support them, in September. In the fall and

kids& family

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winter, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with daily programs offered with Spanish interpretation or facilitators from Sept. 4 through Oct. 15; take a ride on the Pumpkin Patch Express; celebrate Halloween at “Boofest;” commemorate the commitment to sustainable development by science centers around the world

on International Science Center and Science Museum Day Nov. 10; ring in the season with Holidays in the Park on select nights in December; and welcome the new year with Noon Year’s Eve, a countdown at noon to celebrate the year past and the year to come. These events barely scratch the surface of the museum’s offerings, so Director of Marketing and Communications Ro Rode suggests following the museum’s social media and checking its website (lifeandscience.org), to keep up with events, plus any date and time changes!

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The Museum of Life and Science is renowned for its intricate and interactive exhibits covering subjects from butterflies and insects to nature play and beyond, curating experiences that evoke wonder and curiosity in visitors. Many of these visionary ideas originated from a Pennsylvania native who found a home at the museum 30 years ago.

Roy Griffiths began his career at MLS in 1993 as the director of exhibits and planning, overseeing the architectural, site and exhibition development of the museum’s multifaceted campus. Today, he is the vice president of exhibits and planning, but his role remains much the same. Holding a master’s of fine arts in modern dance and performance and choreography, Roy “wandered [his] way into this thing called museums,” he says, and subsequently went after and received another master’s – this one in exhibition planning and design. “I recognized that there was great potential, and that became part of my mission,” Roy says.

Roy is one of the museum’s biggest cheerleaders and can’t help but sing its praises daily. “I had the good fortune to come in with some really strong underpinnings that were well-grounded in this changing field of science museums,” Roy says. “Through all these years, there’s always been consistency in what we value in terms of providing a strong platform for experience and interaction with science, through doing, rather than just reading … we’re recognized, for sure, by many as something to watch.”

When it comes to crafting the exhibits that make the museum what it is today, Roy says the key component is harnessing curiosity. Each one starts with science and research, but it’s also built on learning from experts in those fields and, specifically tapping into what excited them as kids.

“It’s often the beginning of their creative adventure and intense pursuit of the sciences that we’re trying to understand,” Roy says. “And honestly, that’s the bedrock for any exhibition: to tap into that element of curiosity [so] that we can hopefully excite the visitor and introduce them to this world that they know, perhaps, in some small way, but we’re going to give them a journey and experience beyond that.”

Roy is proud of the museum – and the brilliant staff who ensure its continuity and growth – as a whole, but is particularly fond of exhibits that marked milestones for the community and that gained recognition in Durham and beyond. The Magic Wings Butterfly House is one such project; when it was created, there were only a handful of exhibits like it in the country.

“That just came from belief in how we understood people learned and the importance of interacting with nature and real objects,” Roy says. “The moment that the butterfly lands on you is an exquisite moment … moments, when they are charged with something that creates a memory or emotional connection … they become, at times, life changing.”

Roy acknowledges that measuring the impact of the museum’s exhibits is challenging, but believes “the testament to that is the resounding support that we’ve gotten over the years,” he says, adding that the work he does is very much about understanding the community, which the museum continues to do as it engages with the community in new ways.

Roy hints that there are many changes coming to the museum in the next two years, including new exhibits in the works and upgrades for others. What is clear is that it’s time to plan a trip and be part of the museum’s evolving story!

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The Museum of Durham History is an ideal spot to teach your kids, little or big, about the origins of the Bull City.

Its current kids display, “F is for First Responders,” celebrates Durham’s first responders and educates children about the vehicles they use. Museum staff plan to host a fire truck, a police vehicle and an ambulance on the premises every Friday morning in May to align with the exhibit in honor of First Responders Appreciation Month. MoDH also provides an I-spy activity, scavenger hunt and coloring pages that can be printed from its website beforehand to accompany the learning adventure during any family visit, and activities can be customized according to the child’s grade level. The museum also has toys, puppets and puzzles for especially small tots to enjoy as well.

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The Carolina Theatre presents films once a month as part of its Sensory Friendly Film Series, which provides a welcoming environment for individuals with autism and others in need of sensory accommodations. Lights will remain slightly up, sound will be turned down, and calming activities, booster seats, earplugs and closed captioning devices will be available for the experience. Catch “Moana” March 16, “The Land Before Time” April 13, 1971’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” May 18 and “School of Rock” June 1. Tickets are free and can be reserved online, by phone or at the box office.

Carolina Theatre also hosts its Family Saturday Series, which provides highquality, live art experiences to children and families for just $5. Integrity Strings performs arrangements from Bach to Beyoncé Feb. 17, magician Josh Lozoff wows with magic, mind-reading and mystery March 9, and The Magic of African Rhythm and Bailes Afro Latinos take to the stage April 20 and May 11, respectively. The theater also launches its new Studio Ghibli Film Series, which showcases the Japanese animation studio’s masterful storytelling and inspiring visuals on select Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings beginning Feb. 7 and running through June 15.

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for your little on ind pure camp joy

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mps says the cultural ca its g on at DAC are am e th in most popular kids summer. Parents of for ter gis re n ca 12 5ages p, m ca of one or two weeks on ssi se g with each weeklon gh exploration tu fea ring a thorou at ends with th s m ’s arts and custo try un co r he ot an of and performance. a camp exhibition e, so having a who works full tim “I’m a solo parent is a must,” ld mp for my 7-year-o ach], has reliable summer ca Ro an rd h. “My son, [Jo ac Ro e ell ich M says g attended DAC camps, havin adored his time at e ’70s, “Nifty mps that covered th performing arts ca mer [as well m Galapagos” last su Nepal” and “Great verted, tro ex an mp days. He’s rfect for as] school break ca pe s wa ck tra rformance active kid, so the pe rn lea ed there.

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settings), which can be overwhelming for some kids. Having two weeks with everything being the same and getting to go more in depth with what he was learning helped bring some stability into our summer. My son also loved the ‘after-camp’ program and would brag about getting to go to the Durham Farmers Market on Wednesdays.

The ‘walking downtown’ field trip was one of the highlights of his week.”

Parents can choose from three track options.

For younger campers, ages 5-6, “Creative Kids” is a weeklong session that includes storytelling, dance, music and fun ageappropriate art activities.

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ABOVE Lucas Aceituno works on his art piece during the 1970s mini camp at DAC. BELOW Ruby Jones and Lily Markevicius show off their in-progress drawings.

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For kids ages 7-12, two types of camps are offered: A visual track that features 2D and 3D art, and a performing arts track that includes dance, theater and music.

“I was quite pleased at how engaging and inspiring the Paraguay summer theater camp was for my daughter,” says Grace Rodriguez.

“Every afternoon, my daughter was singing a song or sharing cultural knowledge she had learned. The production at the end was a wonderful crescendo of what they had learned and was executed beautifully.” Freeda Rodriguez, 10, echoes her mom’s sentiments: “I loved learning about Paraguay and their native language, their songs and culture,” she says. “I loved having a performance to show off everything we had learned. The teachers taught us a lot, but in a fun way, and were so nice.”

All weekly sessions begin with 8 a.m. dropoffs, 9 a.m. class starts and 3 p.m. pickups.

There is an optional add-on camp offered from 3-5:30 p.m., “Afternoon Adventures,” for rising kindergarteners through age 12, which includes field trips and visits by professional artists.

In addition to the cultural camps, summer dance intensives are offered in partnership with Triangle Youth Ballet in which beginner and intermediate dancers participate in camps centered on creative movement, improvisational exercises, intro to ballet, jazz and contemporary styles in addition to dance history and choreography. As with the cultural camps, there’s a showcase of what kids learned at the end of each week.

There are also weekly summer mini camps designed for students ages 5 to 12 that offer a flexible schedule and divides campers into age-appropriate groups that participate in both visual and performing arts activities inspired by a theme. For students ages 13-18, DAC offers weeklong art intensives that allow middle and high schoolers to explore a specific medium in depth, providing teens an opportunity to develop work that can be included in their portfolio. 

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Jake Harriss gets back to basics with wilderness and bushcraft skills like primitive fire building.

Oütdoor ëxploration choolhouse of Wonder has

held its Durham camps at the 400-acre West Point on the Eno city park for 35 years. Its classic camp options for ages 5-12 are split into three age groups while older kids, ages 13-16, serve as counselors in training. Weekly sessions offer a variety of themes and skill sets, like plant identification and campfire cooking.

Its promise to parents? That their kids will leave camp “dirty, tired and happy.”

This year, Schoolhouse of Wonder will pilot programs for 4-year-olds. “There’s a big need,” says Schoolhouse COO Marty Jorgensen, who adds that staff regularly check in with parents about what they want to see offered. The organization is also reviving its program that invites classrooms

ABOVE Hazel Gibson and Madeline Ottewell are pretty thrilled to be at Schoolhouse of Wonder today.

RIGHT Darwin Sady found this great stick during an outdoor adventure at West Point on the Eno.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN SOIGNET

Offering classes for all ages, preschoolers through adults We encourage our dancers to be hardworking, independent, responsible and passionate people in all aspects of their lives.

2022

SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES OFFERED! 3642 Shannon Road, Durham, NC 27707

919 489 5100

contact@barriskilldance.com

BARRISKILLDANCE.COM

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of young students out to the park to engage in active outdoor learning that includes adventures in science, social studies, math, music and folklore. “Prepandemic, we had a really strong field trip program that we’re just bringing back this spring,” she says.

Aaron Welborn says his daughter, Lydia Welborn, who turns 9 in March, started attending Schoolhouse during the pandemic.

“It was a way for her to be outside around other kids,” Aaron says. “It was kind of a lifeline for us during that time, and she loved it. She likes to get out and explore the woods; she always comes home with little treasures that she has found. That’s her idea of camp now – being outside all day.”

Another parent, Justin Faerber, says his son “has been going there for more than half his life.” Gavin Faerber, now 11, began attending Schoolhouse camps at age 5, and now goes to camps in every season. “I don’t think that Schoolhouse is for every kid, but

Leigh Laizure, Avery Wall, Gabe Freyer and Jack Laizure stand proudly beside the fairy house that they built from twigs.

for kids who love being outside all the time, in all weather, doing hands-on stuff, it’s perfect,” Justin says. “He’s built a lot of friendships over the years with other campers who go to different schools [and are] different ages, as well as with the counselors. He’s actually aspiring to be a counselor when he’s older and do the counselor-in-training program they have.”

Virginia Bridges says her son, Jake Harriss, 8, loves building forts and fairy houses in the woods. She says he learned to whittle this past summer and made himself a walking stick. No matter the weather, she says, Jake always wants to go back into the woods.

“I’ve sent him to that camp when it’s super hot,” Virginia says. “There have been crazy thunderstorms.

[Or] it’s almost freezing. And when he comes home, he never complains about the weather. He doesn’t say, ‘I miss playing on my Switch.’

He really does come home dirty and tired and happy.” 

CAMP PHOENIX IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A SPORTS CAMP! Participants ages 4-14 will get to do arts and crafts, science experiments, nature time and virtues lessons. Campers will learn the fundamentals of gymnastics, building strength, confidence and motor skills along the way! We also strive to include those with certain behavioral, cognitive or physical conditions and will happily talk through options with you in our simple intake process.

Camps run 9am-4pm with early and after care options, and limited AM and PM half-day options.

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hello@unify-athletics.com 919. 797.2004

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2711 North Duke Street, Durham, NC 27704

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Immersed in Nature ounded in 2003, the Piedmont Wildlife Center’s mission is to safeguard and preserve the survival of wild animals through education and conservation. One of the ways it seeks to fulfill this goal is through the 10 weekly summer camps it offers in Orange, Durham and Wake counties.

The camps in Durham County operate out of Leigh Farm Park, an 83-acre property that has remnants of a 19th-century plantation and was once part of shared territory of eight different Native American tribal nations. 

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Camp Evergreen | Ages 4–13 Weeks 1-7 | 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

A classic day camp with a focus on fun for younger campers and convenience for working parents.

Summits | Ages 8–14

Weeks 1-7 | 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Focused camps for older age groups interested in athletics, arts and academics.

Summer Institute | Ages 14–18

Weeks 2-7 | 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Campers have week-long and overnight options to pursue intellectual and experiential adventures.

WEEK 1

JUNE 10-14

WEEK 2

JUNE 17-21

June 19 is optional

WEEK 3

JUNE 24-28

WEEK 4

JULY 8-12

WEEK 5

JULY 15-19

WEEK 6

WEEK 7

JULY 22-26

JULY 29–AUG. 2

Register TODAY at da.org/summer

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Each week features a different theme that stirs the imagination and sparks curiosity. One week, campers will hear stories about fairies, gnomes, trolls and sprites. In another week, campers will learn how to build shelters and how to make a fire to keep warm. Still another week provides an introduction to ornithology while learning how to use binoculars to see the birds around us. Campers have the chance to use nature and wildlife as inspiration to write and perform a mini play on a stage in the woods, or make clay sculptures, or create paintings and songs.

Older campers ages 13-17 can take part in adventure camps that are prerequisites for counselors in training. Teens undergo a leadership program through development of survival skills, backpacking trips, archery and other outdoor knowledge.

“Hands down, Piedmont is the camp my kid is most excited about every summer,” says one parent, Katherine H. “At the end of each camp day, [Avery] comes home muddy, happy and with a half dozen different things she’s learned or discovered out in the woods!”

SUNRISE COMMUNITY FARM CENTER’S

Summer

Camp HORSE CAMP • FARM CAMP TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

NATURE HIKES • BUNNIES • HORSES • SWIMMING POND

PRODUCE GARDEN • CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS • FARM TO TABLE FORT BUILDING • HORSE RIDING

RISING KINDERGARTEN – 8TH GRADE • WEEKLY, JUNE 17 – AUGUST 23

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Jump in on the Fun

BOUNCING BULLDOGS FUN + FOCUS + FRIENDS

Jump rope classes + camps for all ages

Call us or visit our website for more information and to register

bouncingbulldogs.org | 919.493.7992 |

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summër

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1870 FARM CAMP 1224 Old Lystra Rd., Chapel Hill 919-590-4120; 1870farm.com The summer day camp at 1870 Farm is set on 17 acres. Outdoor activities include animal care, fishing, capture the flag and nature exploration. Indoor activities include crafts, an apothecary workshop, pickle-making, games, an entrepreneur club and even an “escape room.” 2024 camps offer more animal time, climate-controlled play areas and a newly expanded egg production barn.

Campers may also sign up for the kids vet club each week.

Ages 3-13; Counselor-in-training program available for ages 14 and older Dates June 17-Aug. 23 Price $270-$495 per week AMERICAN DANCE FESTIVAL 721 Broad St., Durham 919-797-2871; americandancefestival.org American Dance Festival’s Samuel H. Scripps Studios hosts a variety of camps taught by expert faculty to expand students’ knowledge and joy of dance.

Ages 6-17 Dates Weekly in June and July. Visit website for details.

Price Varies by camp. Visit website for details.

ART ADVENTURES AT THE ACKLAND ART MUSEUM 101 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill 919-966-5736; ackland.org The sessions provide kids with a guided view of art in the Ackland’s galleries, followed by the opportunity to create take-home treasures in an adjacent art studio using newly learned art-making techniques. Materials are provided.

Registration required, sign up online.

Ages 6-9 Dates Visit website for details.

Price Visit website for details.

ARTSCAMP AT THE ARTSCENTER 400 Roberson St., Carrboro 919-929-2787, ext. 3; artscenterlive.org Mix and match the half-day camps in the visual and performing arts to fit your schedule or create a full-day camp experience based on your camper’s interests.

ArtsCamp features small classes taught by professional artists that focus on skill development and encourage the discovery of a creative voice.

The ArtsCenter favors process over product and self-expression over perfection.

Grades Rising K-9 Dates June 17-Aug. 16 Price Visit website for details.

BALLET SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL 1603 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 919-942-1339; balletschoolofchapelhill.com Offers a variety of classes, dance camps and workshops in creative arts, ballet, modern, contemporary jazz, rhythm tap, hip-hop, musical theater and DanceAbilities, a workshop for children with special needs.

Ages 3-17 Dates June 10-Aug. 10. Frequency and times vary.

Price Varies. Call or visit website for details.

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riangle There’s a camp in the T from sports for every kid’s interest, engineering and science to art and

BARRISKILL DANCE THEATRE SCHOOL 3642 Shannon Rd., Durham 919-489-5100; barriskilldance.com; contact@barriskilldance.com Classes and dance camps/intensives in creative movement, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, conditioning, musical theater and more.

Ages 3-18 Dates June 10-Aug. 16; half-day and full-day camps available, as well as weekly classes.

Price Email or visit website for details.

BOUNCING BULLDOGS JUMP ROPE CAMP 101 S. White Oak Dr., Durham 919-493-7992; bouncingbulldogs.org Jump-rope skills designed for beginners to advanced participants; taught by members of the seven-time national champion and 12-time world champion team.

Ages 5-18 DatesVisit website for details.

Prices Visit website for details.

CAMP CURIOSITY 4512 Pope Rd., Chapel Hill 919-220-4529, ext. 405; summercamp.lifeandscience.org This camp at the Montessori Community School provides learning experiences with opportunities for outdoor play, connection between camp groups and elective activities.

Ages Pre-K – 5 Dates June 17-Aug. 2 Price Visit website for details.

CAMP EXPLORE/CAMP SHELANU 1937 W. Cornwallis Rd., Durham jewishforgood.org Express yourself through visual and performing arts, foster teamwork and leadership skills through sports, promote wildlife and nature conservation, and delve into the fascinating world of STEM at Camp Shelanu.

Rooted in Jewish values such as giving, kindness and repairing the world, Camp Shelanu offers a nurturing environment where campers can learn about Jewish culture and traditions without religious instruction.

Ages K-8 Dates June 10-Aug. 23 Price $275-$335 for members; $305-$370 for nonmembers CAMP PHOENIX AT UNIFY GYMNASTICS 2309 Sparger Rd., Durham 919-797-2004; hello@unify-athletics.com; unify-athletics.com Offers one-week camp with varying weekly themes, virtue studies, nature time, arts and plenty of gymnastics! The camp strives for inclusivity and tries its best to accommodate individuals with social/behavioral, cognitive or physical conditions that may require some extra attention.

Grades Pre-K – rising 7 Dates Weeks of June 10, June 17, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, Aug. 5, Aug. 12, Aug. 19; Camps run 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday with full-day and half-day options available. Individuals may add on early care (8-9 a.m.) and/or aftercare (4.-5 p.m.)

Price Varies. Call or visit website for details. 

A day camp in Durham County for K to 7th grade

www.campriverlea.com

Spring Intercession 2024: Week 1: March 18 – 22 Week 2: March 25 – 29 Week 3: April 1 – 5

2023

Summer 2024: Session 1: June 10 – 28 Session 2: July 1 – 12 Session 3: July 15 – August 2

210-908-7629

For the Smile Of a Lifetime!

Now Accepting New Patients!

919.489.1543 DurhamPDO.com

121 W. Woodcroft Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713

Dr. John R. Christensen Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Robert T. Christensen Pediatric Dentistry

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Dr. Jamie L. Molina Pediatric Dentistry

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CAMP RIVERLEA 8302 S. Lowell Rd., Bahama 210-908-7629 (winter); 919-477-8739 (summer); campriverlea.com Provides high-quality outdoor and art programs that emphasize personal growth, learning new skills, positive interpersonal relationships and appreciation for the natural world.

Grades Rising K-7 Dates June 10-June 28; July 1-July 12; July 15-Aug. 2.

Open house June 8, 1-4:30 p.m.

Price Visit website for details.

CAMPERS IN LEADERSHIP TRAINING 1720 Clearwater Lake Rd., Chapel Hill, and 980 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill 919-442-9622; ymcatriangle.org This camp is a leadership development program for teens held at both Camp Clearwater and Chapel Hill Y Day Camp. Your teen can gain leadership experience and serve as a role model for younger campers while assisting counselors and staff with summer camp activities.

Ages 13-15 Dates June 17-Aug. 9 Price Visit website for details.

CAROLINA FRIENDS SCHOOL 4809 Friends School Rd., Durham 984-316-0123; cfsnc.org/summer Weekly courses in subject areas such as leadership, theater, outdoor adventures, cooking, weaving, sports, Legos, comic design, Minecraft, fashion design, “Harry Potter” and more.

Ages 4-18 Dates June 17-Aug. 9; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; extended care available from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Price $365-$400/week CAROLINA TIGER RESCUE 1940 Hanks Chapel Rd., Pittsboro 919-542-4684, ext. 3006; carolinatigerrescue.org Learn in-depth information regarding the animals while getting to observe them and play games to learn about specific adaptations of the cats, complete art projects and make enriching toys for the animals.

Campers watch the keepers feed and learn about vet procedures and what it takes to care for about 50 carnivores every day.

Grades 3-12 Dates June 17-July 31 Price Elementary and middle school camps $350; high school camp $200.

Before and aftercare available for additional cost.

CENTER THEATER COMPANY 300-G E. Main St., Carrboro centertheatercompany.com Beat the heat by joining CTC for any of its imaginative summer theater programs!

Take center stage and explore the wonderful world of live theater in a safe and inspiring environment.

Ages 6-16 Dates Varies, visit website for details.

Price Varies, visit website for details.

CHAPEL HILL TENNIS CLUB 403 Westbrook Dr., Carrboro 919-929-5248; chapelhilltennisclub.com Weekly tennis camps provide kids with a mix of tennis and non-tennis activities that are structured for different ages and abilities.

Ages 5-14 Dates Visit website for details.

Price Visit website for details.

CHAPEL HILL Y DAY CAMP 980 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill 919-452-4191; ymcatriangle.org Kids will connect with new friends, discover new passions and make memories that will last a lifetime. Through sports, swimming, crafts and fun games, the counselors teach lessons like caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Campers looking for a fun summer filled with adventure will find it at Chapel Hill Y Day Camp.

Ages 5-14 (rising grades K-8) Dates June 17-Aug. 9, Aug. 19-23 Price Visit website for details.

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CODE WIZ CODING & ROBOTICS CAMPS 7001 Fayetteville Rd., Ste. 133, Durham 984-234-5603; thecodewiz/com/durham-nc Children can unleash their inner genius by building video games, designing websites, programming robots, learning the latest technology and gaining STEM competency and confidence.

Ages 7-17 Dates Weekly camps, June-August Price Call or visit website for details.

DRAWING FOR TWEENS AT THE ACKLAND ART MUSEUM 101 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill 919-966-5736; ackland.org Tweens look at selected works in the Ackland’s galleries and identify techniques that the artists used to make them. Gallery teachers demonstrate and teach participants technical skills, which they can then apply to their own artistic creations. A mix of drawing from works on display and creating one’s own original work is offered in each session. Materials are provided.

Ages 10-13 Dates Visit website for details. Registration required, sign up online.

Price Visit website for details.

DUKE PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM Campus Box 90700, Durham 919-684-6259; learnmore.duke.edu/precollege/all-programs Duke Pre-College provides advanced academic opportunities and an introduction to the college experience through cutting-edge curriculum, technology beyond the average classroom and connections with transcendent peers from around the world and influential professionals in their future field. Summer 2024 features residential, commuter and online options as well as programs at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, North Carolina.

Grades 6-11 Dates June and July options Price Call or visit website for details.

DUKE SCHOOL 3716 Erwin Rd., Durham 919-287-2194; dukeschool.org More than 70 camps available, including theater, Lego, cooking, outdoor adventures, sports, arts and crafts, music, technology, coding, makers, community service, preschool camps and more!

Ages 4-15 Dates June 17-Aug. 2, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; aftercare available until 6 p.m.

Price $350-$425/week DURHAM ACADEMY 3501 Ridge Rd., Durham 919-489-3400, ext. 6114; da.org/summer Since 1982, the school has utilized 84 acres of campus and state-of-the-art facilities with the goal of providing a summer experience for all ages that grows minds and fosters character. Join DA for a new program this summer – a transformative all-day camp experience that keeps campers closer to home but feeling far away as they gain independence. At the core of the program is the goal to equip campers with the tools to lead moral, happy and productive lives.

Ages 4-18 Dates June 10-Aug. 9 Price Starting at $405 per week DURHAM ARTS COUNCIL 120 Morris St., Durham 919-560-2726; durhamarts.org/dac-camps One- and two-week cultural camps based on country themes and art-themed mini-camps for rising kindergarteners through age 13. Campers have the opportunity to participate in clay, drawing, painting, dance, theater and music classes, plus teen intensives for ages 13-17.

Ages Rising K-17 Dates June 10-Aug. 23 Price Call for inquiry. Scholarships available.

DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS – CAMP 4 RISING K Camp location TBA 919-560-9488; dpsnc.net/afterschool This rising kindergarten camp offers a well-rounded summer experience.

Campers explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

Students participate in weekly STEAM-related activities, including sports, games and swimming and also explore their learning through weekly field trips at no extra cost. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Grades Rising K students (must be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2023) Dates June 17-Aug. 2; closed July 4 and 5 Price $140/week for first child; $130/week for additional children in the same family. $35 registration fee per child. Limited space. 

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DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS – CAMP FUNTASTIC Camp locations TBA; 919-560-9488; dpsnc.net/afterschool Four- or five-star licensed summer camps by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education that offer a well-rounded summer experience, including STEAM activities. Campers are placed in age-appropriate groups as they participate in weekly academic and STEAM-related activities and play sports, games, swim and explore their learning through weekly educational and recreational field trips at no extra cost. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Accepts DSS vouchers. Students receive a free T-shirt.

Grades Rising 1-6 Dates June 17-Aug. 2; closed July 4 and 5 Price Visit website for details.

EMERSON WALDORF SCHOOL 6211 New Jericho Rd., Chapel Hill 919-967-1858; emersonwaldorf.org Activities include art, cooking, skateboarding, outdoor exploration, dance, sports, farming, fiber arts, basketball, practical living skills and more.

Counselor-in-training program also available.

Ages 4-15 Dates June 17-July 26; 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; extended care available Price $240-$400/week GOLDEN BELT ARTS Courtney Potter Studio at Golden Belt Arts, 800 S. Taylor St., Durham 314-803-5842; courtney-potter.com All art camps are held indoors in the classroom space at Golden Belt Arts with a maximum of 12 students per camp. Each week’s theme varies, including, but not limited to, abstract painting, photography, drawing, mixed media art and collaborative art. Campers enjoy a vibrant, urban environment with access to Golden Belt’s outdoor campus and restaurants like Cugino Forno, Yaya Tea and 19FiftyOne. Grades K-8 Dates June 17-21, June 24-28, July 1-5, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-Aug. 2, Aug. 5-9, Aug. 12-16, Aug. 19-23. Each week is half-day from 9 a.m.-noon. Aftercare until 2 p.m. is available by request.

Price $195/week. Financial aid available!

GREGG MUSEUM OF ART & DESIGN SUMMER ART PROGRAM 1903 Hillsborough St., Raleigh 919-515-3503; gregg.arts.ncsu.edu The museum is launching its first-ever summer program series for elementary school children in the Triangle. Programs and activities will be offered that focus on learning about artwork through the exhibitions. Sessions will be tailored to specific age groups, and children can participate in hands-on art projects while learning about different artists and types of art. Registration is required before attending each program, and parent/guardian supervision is required for the duration of the session.

Grades K-5 Dates June 4-July 30 Price Free, but space is limited per session.

HILL LEARNING CENTER 3200 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-489-7464; hillcenter.org/summer Academic summer program providing individualized instruction in reading, writing and math for children with learning differences.

Grades Rising 1-8 Dates June 24-July 26 (closed July 4-5); Two session options (8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m. daily) Price $3,225 INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL 3001 Academy Rd., Bldg. 300, Durham 919-401-4343; imsnc.org Camps provided in a safe, nurturing environment, tucked away among the trees.

Enthusiastic summer camp counselors delight in engaging your young child’s creativity and imagination through music, movement, stories and exciting, hands-on activities with others in a multi-age setting.

Ages 3-5 Dates June 17-July 26 with half- and full-day options.

Half- and full-day camps (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.)

Price Camp details and prices will be available on the website in February 2024.

Early drop-off and late pickup available for an additional fee. 

Reading Summer Camp Camp Details Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 am - 12:00 noon $150/wk ($750/session) First Session: June 10- July 12, 2024

Location: Mt. Vernon Baptist Church 1007 S.Roxboro St. Second Session: Durham, NC 27707 July 22 - August 23, 2024

Register Now! Moretolearn.org | 919.627.1410

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Our Focus Children ages 5 - 12 years attend a half-day reading program focused on literacy (reading & writing) skills.

Campers will have fun, learn, improve their reading skills, gain a boost in confidence, make friends, and have a memorable summer!

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JUNIOR VET ACADEMY AT 1870 FARM 1224 Old Lystra Rd., Chapel Hill 919-819-5258; juniorvetacademy.com Weekly camps for animal lovers and aspiring vets.

Ages 8-14 Dates Visit website for details.

Price $545-$1,895 KIDS COOKING CAMP WITH CHEF ARLENA AND THE CHILDREN’S CULINARY INSTITUTE Briar Chapel Community Center, 1600 Briar Chapel Pkwy., Chapel Hill ccichefarlena.com Each weeklong session will have a fun theme with cooking, crafts and games.

Ages 5-18 Dates Visit website for details.

Price Visit website for details.

KIDSPLEX SUMMER CAMP AT THE ORANGE COUNTY SPORTSPLEX 101 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough 919-644-0339 ext. 228; oc-sportsplex.com/summer-camp KidsPlex camps are all about being engaged in a safe, fun and nurturing environment in addition to making new friends along the way.

Camps include ice skating, swimming, indoor/outdoor play, sports activities, arts & crafts and so much more!

Ages Varies depending on the camp.

Dates Daily and weekly options from June to August Price Varies depending on the camp.

KIDZU CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill 919-933-1455; kidzuchildrensmuseum.org Join Kidzu for a summer filled with creative exploration, tinkering and making!

There's an exciting lineup of 11 camp weeks, including the popular Robots & Rockets and Around the World camps.

Ages 4-8 Dates Weekly camps starting June 10; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Drop-off begins at 9 a.m. while pickup ends at 3:30 p.m.

Price $385 for nonmember. Members get 20% off.

LEARN TO FENCE! 610 N. Duke St., Durham 919-800-7886; forgefencing.com En garde! Fun and engaging camps with professional coaching staff.

Ages 7 and older Dates June 24-Aug. 16 Price $375-$425/week LUMINA THEATER 620 Market St., Chapel Hill 919-969-8049; carolinacinemas.com The theater runs a series of movies geared toward young children at a reasonable rate once a week for 10 weeks during the summer.

Ages All ages welcome Dates Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. from June 18-Aug. 20 Price Tickets are $2/person MONTESSORI DAY SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL SUMMER CAMP 1702 Legion Rd., Chapel Hill 919-929-3339; mdsch.org; admin@mdsch.org Campers will have a fun-filled summer with a chance to enjoy a variety of hands-on crafts and explore different activities.

Ages 3-8 Dates June 10-14, 17-21, 24-28; July 8-12, 15-19, 22-26; July 29-Aug. 2, Aug. 5-9; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Price $245/week MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF DURHAM 2800 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-489-9045; msdurham.org Weekly themed camps include athletics, music, visual and performing arts, cooking, nature exploration, gardening and science.

Ages 3 – rising grade 7 Dates June 10-Aug. 16 (closed July 1-5); half- and full-day camps Price Visit website for details.

MOREHEAD PLANETARIUM SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS 250 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 919-962-1236; moreheadplanetarium.org/camps Encourage your child’s natural curiosity and intellectual growth by signing up for a camp at Morehead Planetarium & Science Center.

Grades K-8 Dates June 10-Aug. 9 Price $187-$495. Morehead Family Plus members are offered a 10% discount and early registration.

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MORE TO LEARN TUTORING READING SUMMER CAMP Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 1007 S. Roxboro St., Durham 919-627-1410; moretolearn.org Reading program focused on reading and writing skills. Campers will have fun, learn, improve their literacy skills, gain a boost in confidence, make friends and have a memorable summer.

Ages 5-12 Dates Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.–noon, June 10-July 12 and July 22-Aug. 23 Price $150/week ($750/session) MUSEUM CAMP 433 W. Murray Ave., Durham 919-220-5429, ext. 405; summercamp.lifeandscience.org The Museum of Life and Science offers fun, memorable and meaningful experiences for kids of all ages, and its camp provides opportunities for discovery and learning at the museum’s main campus. Kids will enjoy indoor and outdoor learning environments and exciting activities, plus the best of the museum.

Ages Pre-K – 8 Dates June 3-Aug. 16 Price Check website for details.

NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES SUMMER CAMPS 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh 919-707-9889; naturalsciences.org/summer-camps; summercamps@naturalsciences.org The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences looks forward to meeting your child this summer, where they will experience a range of creative, fun, interactive activities and adventures. Work alongside researchers and join staff for behind-the-scenes adventures in discovering what dinosaurs eat, coding your own video game, becoming a citizen scientist and more!

Become a member to receive priority registration and discount.

Grades Rising K-12 Dates June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-Aug. 1, Aug. 5-9.

Price Visit website for details. Scholarships available.

NORTH CAROLINA THEATRE CONSERVATORY 3043 Barrow Dr., Raleigh 919-855-0015; nctheatre.com/conservatory; classes@nctheatre.com Dream of seeing your name in lights? Offering year-round musical theater classes for ages 3 and older and summer camps for ages 7 and older. Participants will learn dance, voice and acting techniques with beginner to pre-professional courses. Summer programs include offerings in the conservatory space and the youth-staged production.

Ages 3-18 Dates Visit website for details.

Price Varies. Visit website for details.

ORANGE COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION/ENO ARTS MILL 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd., Ste. 17, Hillsborough 919-245-2129; artsorange.org Diverse camps that focus on the visual, performing and literary arts.

Ages 5-18 Dates Weeklong camps June through August Price Visit website for details.

PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL AT BRIAR CHAPEL 81 Falling Springs Dr., Chapel Hill 919-441-0441; primrosechapelhill.com Imaginations take flight this summer through different weekly themes that engage students in creative critical thinking while doing fun, STEAM-based projects and weekly field trips for experiential learning.

Grades K-5 Dates Weekly, June through August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price Call to inquire.

SCHOOLHOUSE OF WONDER TRACK OUT AND SUMMER CAMPS 3520 Kangaroo Dr. #61777, Durham 919-477-2116; schoolhouseofwonder.org For 35 years, Schoolhouse of Wonder has created kind, curious and confident kids through nature-based, outdoor adventures.

Every camp provides a unique environment of kindness, respect and learning.

The outdoor day camps have different themes each season but are all inspired by the mission and underlying values. The award-winning camps offer a low camper-to-staff ratio that allows a sense of freedom while providing a nurturing environment. Schoolhouse is a safe place where children from all walks of life are challenged and nurtured to become their best self.

Ages 4-17 Dates Full week and one-day camps are offered winter, spring and fall.

Summer season is May 28-Aug. 23.

Price $84-$469, varies by camp. See website for details. 

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SUMMER DANCE @ TRIANGLE YOUTH BALLET 1708 A/B E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 919-932-3676; triangleyouthballet.org Camps, classes and intensives for boys and girls.

Ages 3 through adult Dates June 10-Aug. 18 Price Varies by program; visit website for details.

SUMMERSCAPE AT THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF RALEIGH 7005 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh 919-848-1545; msr.org With a range of offerings including arts, athletics, the sciences, strategy games, robotics, outdoor adventure and more – there is something for everyone. Expert instructors and access to excellent facilities on the school’s beautiful Lead Mine Campus makes for an ideal summer experience. Registration, which opens in early March, is open to MSR students and nonstudents.

Ages 15 months – grade 8 Dates Weekly, June 11-Aug. 2; no camp offered the week of July 4.

Early-bird care available for an additional fee.

Price Varies by camp. Visit website for details.

SUMMER SAILING CAMPS AT JORDAN LAKE Crosswinds Boating Center, 565 Farrington Rd., Apex info@carolinasailingfoundation.org; carolinasailingfoundation.org Beginner and intermediate classes taught by U.S. Sailing Certified instructors.

Classes fill fast, so register early. Have fun on the water this summer learning to sail!

Ages 9-16 Dates See website for schedules and online registration. Weeklong, full-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Price $385/week SUNRISE COMMUNITY FARM CENTER 6407 Millhouse Rd., Chapel Hill 919-968-8581; sunrisecommunityfarmcenter.com/summer-camp Campers learn partnership and teamwork by nurturing animals and feel rewarded with chances to partner with the horses, hop with the bunnies and learn the true meaning of “chicken.” Campers will experience creative ways of expressing themselves, such as acting, drawing, storytelling, music-making and more. Attendees can take full advantage of hiking, building forts and exploring nature’s playground!

Grades Rising K-8 Dates June 17-Aug. 23 Price $350/week for farm camp, $450/week for horse camp.

Scholarships available.

TEMPLE THEATRE 120 Carthage St., Sanford templeshows.org Temple Theatre is among the most respected youth drama programs in North Carolina. The Temple’s staff and professional guest artists provide instruction that promotes creativity, teamwork, discipline and self-confidence.

Ages 8-18 Dates June 3-Aug. 3 Price $450 for two-week conservatories; $250 for the one-week conservatory.

THEATRE QUEST AT PLAYMAKERS REPERTORY COMPANY 120 Country Club Rd., Chapel Hill 919-962-7529; playmakersrep.org Come train with theater professionals! PlayMakers offers an exciting array of disciplines for middle and high school students to explore.

Join for one week or all summer!

Grades Middle and high school students Dates June-July 2024 Price $375 for weeklong classes; $675 for two-week classes TIMBERNOOK AT BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER ANIMAL SANCTUARY 161 Sanctuary Ln., Chapel Hill 919-502-0070; beautifultogethersanctuary.com/timbernook Timbernook programs are authentic and research-based outdoor play experiences designed to inspire child-directed learning, encouraging children to think and play in new and creative ways.

Ages 7-12 Dates June 17-Aug. 2 Price $300 per camper, plus late/early drop-off fees TRIANGLE DAY SCHOOL 4911 Neal Rd., Durham 919-383-8800; triangledayschool.org; summer@triangledayschool.org Students will have the opportunity to learn a new craft or hobby, enhance and develop existing skills, travel to local places and make new friends.

Staff consists of experts, artists and educators from TDS and other local schools and programs. A variety of programs focus on art, STEAM, nature, adventure, early childhood and more. Counselor-in-training program for 13- to 15-year-olds.

Ages 4-15 Dates June 10-Aug. 2 Price Before March 1, $300/session; after March 1, $315/session

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TRINITY SCHOOL KIDS SUMMER CAMP 4011 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-402-8262; trinityschoolnc.org Participants will enjoy a variety of activities that keep their bodies and their brains active. Each week features a field trip and “splash days” for some fun in the sun!

Grades Rising 1-6 Dates Weeklong full-day camps June 10-July 22 Price $75-$345 THE WONDER LAB’S STEM SUMMER CAMP Family Preschool, 4907 Garrett Rd., Durham wonderlabdurham.com Jump into engaging, fun and age-appropriate STEM explorations including makerspace and art experiences, screen-free coding and robots, science experiments, building challenges and more!

Ages 3-7 Dates June 10-Aug. 5., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Price $240/week YMCA AT MEADOWMONT DAY CAMP 301 Old Barn Lane, Chapel Hill 984-260-7595; ymcatriangle.org YMCA traditional summer day camps are packed with activities, games and fun. Campers spend the day swimming, creating crafts and art, playing sports like kickball, pickup basketball and soccer, and playing games like gaga ball and capture the flag. Campers spend time inside and outside during the day depending on the weather and activity. Campers take two fun field trips each week and have swim time at the outdoor pool every day!

Ages 5-11 Dates June 17-Aug. 9 Price Visit website for details.

YMCA AT MEADOWMONT KINDERCAMP 301 Old Barn Ln., Chapel Hill 984-260-7595; ymcatriangle.org Kindercamp is a half-day summer day camp for the littlest campers. These half-day programs are a great introduction to the structure and rhythm of day camp.

Days are filled with songs, games, water play, circle time and crafts. The ratios are intentionally low so each camper can have plenty of one-on-one attention and care. All campers need to be fully potty-trained prior to the start of camp.

Ages 3-5 Dates June 17-Aug. 9; Five-day and three-day options are available.

Price Visit website for details.

YMCA CAMP CHEERIO 1430 Camp Cheerio Rd., Glade Valley 336-363-2604; campcheerio.org YMCA residential camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Activities offered include horseback riding, climbing, ropes course, aquatics, sports, field games, creative arts and nature study.

Ages 7-15 Dates June 2-Aug. 16 Price $1,495-$3,190 YMCA CAMP CLEARWATER 1720 Clearwater Lake Rd., Chapel Hill 919-987-8845; campclearwater.com Camp Clearwater is camp just like you remember as a kid. Set on the backdrop of beautiful Clearwater Lake, campers get to experience outdoor activities and discover new hobbies surrounded by nature and new friends. From canoeing to archery, crafts to games, campers at Camp Clearwater will leave with full hearts and friends that last well past the last day of summer.

Ages 6-14 (rising grades 1-8) Dates June 17-Aug. 16 Price Visit website for details.

YMCA CAMP SEA GULL AND CAMP SEAFARER 218 Sea Gull Landing and 2744 Seafarer Rd., Arapahoe 252-249-1111 (Sea Gull), 252-249-1212 (Seafarer); seagull-seafarer.org YMCA Camp Sea Gull for boys and YMCA Camp Seafarer for girls are kindred, overnight camps located on the coast of North Carolina where campers spend one, two or four weeks learning new skills and growing in independence while having the time of their lives. Campers spend their summers earning ranks through learning how to sail, powerboat, water ski and swim, just to name a few of the many activities while building friendships that are sure to last a lifetime. Spots are limited – sign up today!

Ages 6-16 Dates June-August Price Visit website for details.

YMCA CHEERIO ON THE NEW RIVER 754 Fox Knob Rd., Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 276-579-6731 (summer); campcheerio.org This YMCA residential camp on the New River offers kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, fly-fishing, tree climbing, target sports, creative arts, paddle boarding and hiking/backpacking on 150 acres.

Ages 10-15 Dates June 9-Aug. 10 Price $1,595

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home

This formerly closed-off, dated space is now a bright and welcoming hub of the home with plenty of room to spread out on the banquette cushions by VanWeest Customs in Mebane.

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Modernizing a Marvel Thoughtful renovations bring a century-old home into a new era B Y MORG AN CARTIER WESTON PHOTOG RAPHY B Y J OHN MICHAEL SIMPS O N

T

he Eugene D. and Mary A. Grady House stands in Old West Durham as a testament to a bygone time.

The Gradys purchased the lot from the Durham Loan and Trust Company on what was then B Street, part of the grid road naming system established around Erwin Mill (lettered streets ran

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ABOVE The Levys spend many evenings out on their new screened porch, playing games or unwinding at the end of the day.

BELOW The primary suite’s color palette and details pay homage to its Victorian roots. The new window seat and floors – reclaimed from the American Tobacco factory – add warmth and personality.

east to west, and numbered streets, north to south; Ninth Street is a rare remainder of this system). The family, which included Eugene, Mary and their daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, lived in the home until 1928.

In the following decades, the home became a rental with a rotating cadre of owners and occupants. A transformative restoration in 2022 revitalized the Victorian-style home, breathing new life into its aging walls while preserving its connection to Durham’s rich history – and even unveiling answers to some of its mysteries.

“We thought it was built in 1929, but our design team got in and was quick to tell us they thought it was older,” says

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ABOVE LEFT The primary bathroom features bright geometric tile in the shower, a refinished vintage tub and penny floor tiles – a nod to the early 1900s.

ABOVE RIGHT “Guests love the powder room because it feels like you’re walking into a magical cave,” Tina says. The wallpaper pattern is composed of poisonous leaves, snakes, mushrooms, bugs and flowers.

BELOW In the living room, the home’s original moldings and beadboard ceiling are balanced by minimalist furniture and a contemporary chandelier.

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homeowner Tina Prevatte Levy. Details like the bay window, gabled chimney and steep roofline hinted at an earlier construction date, and records confirmed that the Gradys bought the lot in May 1912.

The Levy family, which includes Tina, her husband, Josh Levy, a senior policy analyst with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, and their children, Logan Levy, 14, and Ida Levy, 10, moved into the house in 2010. “I was pregnant with Logan,” Tina

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says, “so the initial plan was to move in with plenty of time to get settled before the baby came.” Tina had her hands full elsewhere, too, as she was busy building up Firsthand Foods, a food hub she co-founded with Jennifer Curtis that supplies local, pastureraised meats to individuals and restaurants; she remains CFO and COO of the business, which celebrates its 14th anniversary this year. When Logan decided to arrive seven weeks early, the family’s plans for the house turned in a different direction.

Tina believes that was a good thing. “We had to wait quite a while, both to save up but, more importantly, to feel ready for the renovation,” Tina explains, knowing the remodel would need to be a holistic endeavor and require a lot of time, thought and collaboration. “I think living in the home for 12 years before undertaking an ambitious

The renovation has transformed how Logan, Josh, Ida and Tina enjoy their home. “We’re more eager to have people over now,” Tina says.

“I’m just really enjoying these moments.”

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renewal ended up being for the best,” she says. The family’s day-to-day experiences were crucial to informing their decisions – including who to work with.

They turned to Four Over One, a preservation designer, to ensure their planned modern updates were intentionally balanced with the home’s existing charm. “The house had such wonderful bones when we started,” says Four Over One owner Sara Lachenman.

“High ceilings, tall windows and the long center hallway; much of our design focused on celebrating those original features while making sure each space flowed well and the sightlines carried all the way through.”

“We knew we wanted to update the bathrooms to be aesthetically pleasing and more functional to us,” Tina says. The addition of a primary suite was a significant goal, addressing the family’s need for

Tina and Sarah worked together to ensure the design checklist preserved the home’s two original, elegant fireplaces.

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ABOVE LEFT Tina starts every day at the kitchen banquette. “I love to sit there with my laptop in the mornings or end my day journaling,” she says. “It’s just the perfect place to sit with a mug and think.”

ABOVE RIGHT Cadence Construction’s Kristy Gibson commissioned artist Bailey Hunt to paint a portrait of the home as a gift for the Levys at the end of the project.

improved space and practicality.

“For the first 12 years, the four of us actually shared a single bathroom because there were cracks in the second bath’s tub that rendered it unusable,” Tina shares.

Other pragmatic aspects fueling the redesign included a closet for Tina and Josh, and a more useful – and aesthetically pleasing – kitchen.

Tina worked closely with Sara and, when the time came to put plans into action, hired Cadence Construction to bring the vision to life. “They made [the process] very fun for me,” Tina says.

“I credit both teams for making it as easy as it could have been on me.”

The collaborative effort resulted in preserved architectural elements among new modern features.

“For example, I wanted to keep the two fireplaces, and I didn’t want to touch the staircase banisters,” Tina says.

These were easy decisions, but others were uncovered while making several other necessary improvements, like reinforcing the kitchen’s foundation, replacing the knob-and-tube wiring and insulating the home. “Older houses always present challenges arising from neglect, undiscovered damage, remnants of poor quality repairs and renovations, and the unsound building practices of the past,” says Cadence Construction’s Todd Hershberger. The design work brought forth a few of these unexpected discoveries, including a forgotten well. 

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“Tina and Josh went with some of our suggestions, like the window seat in the primary bedroom, that others might have cut along the way,” Sara says. “When we drew it initially, it was to create a little more space without getting too close to the 100-year-old well in the backyard!”

In the end, Cadence Construction worked out how to fill the well, so it wasn’t an issue.

“It feels great when we’re able to address these concerns in such a way that not only makes a house a home, but ensures that the home will last for years to come,” Todd says.

The window seat is now one of Tina’s favorite spaces – along with the screened porch, the cozy banquette in the kitchen and the utilitarian laundry room, which are all connected by the central hallway. “Stepping into the house once the hall was opened up and seeing straight out into the screened

Ida, 11, practices at the family piano in the music room, which was painted a rich green during the redesign. Dark colors like maroon, brown, navy and green were popular choices for Victorian-era homes.

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porch was such magic, like we were putting everything back to rights,” Sara says. Each space reflects the careful planning that went into the year-long makeover. “This is our forever home; we’re rooted here in this community,” Tina says, emphasizing the long-term vision that informed their choices.

The home now boasts a fully functional primary suite, a bright, welcoming kitchen and a showstopper of a powder room, all a testament to the Levys’ commitment to preserving history while embracing modern living.

The renovation not only improved the Levys’ quality of life, it also turned their home into a welcoming haven for Logan, Ida and their friends. “We’ve become a bit of a teenage hangout,” Tina says with pride.

“It makes me happy; it’s a sign we’ve created a welcoming space that our kids are proud of and happy to have friends visit.”

The reconfigured kitchen – with its open shelving and large island – provides more connectivity to the rest of the home and plenty of space to prepare a snack or work on a project.

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BIZ BRIEFS Compiled by Lena Miano

ON THE MOVE

Grace Jones, director of productivity, growth specialist and a real estate broker at Keller Williams Elite Realty, was installed as the Durham Regional Association of Realtors’ 2024 president at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club on Nov. 27, 2023. The association, which aims to provide resources and education tools to its real estate members, also announced its other officers and directors for the new year: Sondra Trice-Jones will be the 2024 vice president; Lynwood Cherry, the secretary and treasurer; and Bert Woodall, the president-elect. All took office on Jan. 1, 2024.

Members also brought donations for Urban Ministries of Durham and Second Mile Ministries to the inaugural luncheon, which featured an economic forecast on the real estate market as

well as a presentation of $28,291 from various fundraising events held by the association to Morgan Welch and Janel Burns of Hope Renovations.

Research Triangle Foundation unveiled plans to bring a Renaissance hotel to its mixed-use Hub RTP development. Construction for the new full-service hotel – Hub RTP’s first lodging offering, which will feature 250 rooms and 13,000 square feet of meeting space – is slated to begin in the summer at 4175 Sancar Way off Davis Drive.

John Elliott retired from Duke Energy on Jan. 1 after 26 years as vice president of government and community PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON relations in North Carolina. Indira Everett, former director of Duke Energy’s East region, assumed the role, expanding her direct responsibility from Chatham, Durham, Lee and Orange counties to a total of 83 counties. Everett, pictured above, has been in the energy industry for more than 30 years and with Duke Energy since 2012.

PHOTO BY JOHN ELKINS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Habitat for Humanity of Durham held a ribboncutting ceremony on Dec. 6, 2023, to commemorate its move into a 3,200-squarefoot administrative space in the Tuscaloosa-Lakewood neighborhood. The nonprofit had previously operated within Trinity United Methodist Church since 1989. The new location will allow Durham Habitat to provide classes and seminars for new homeowners and maximize space and accessibility for visitors.

Tim Joyce joined Finlandbased electric charging provider Kempower’s management team in August 2023 as the new president of its North American operations, overseeing the company’s establishment of an electric vehicle charging station production facility in Durham as well as strategically growing the company throughout the continent.

Kempower also made a $5,000 matching donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange Counties in December 2023.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF DURHAM

GIVING BACK

MetLife Foundation announced the 2024 recipients of its Accelerating Commitment to Equity Innovation Fund, which seeks to support programs and initiatives addressing income and wealth inequality in their communities. Several Durhambased nonprofits were selected to recieve a grant of $250,000 each, including Community Empowerment Fund’s firsttime homebuyer program; a financial health and education program from the Croatan Institute; MDC Inc.’s economic mobility project; and the Black Wall Street Forward initiative from Forward Cities, a pilot cohort-based learning program modeled on the pillars that made Durham’s original Black Wall Street successful.

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AWARDS & HONORS

Commercial listings platform and database CommercialSearch ranked Durham No. 9 among the country’s top 30 metro areas for career development; No. 1 for graduation rates and instructional expenditure per student; No. 5 for student-toteacher ratio; and No. 3 for highest yearly salary for highly skilled workers in metros of the South. The study considered various metrics relating to education and labor market conditions, including the quality of universities, job mobility and unemployment rates.

Durham ranked No. 5 among the country’s top 10 midsized metros for futureproof careers – industries with an employment growth rate higher than 3% – in CommercialCafe’s latest study, which noted the city’s ample employment opportunities in durable industries such as life sciences, health care and information. The region also ranked No. 1 for its 6.4% share of fastest-growing occupations, No. 3 for fields with future demand and No. 4 for educational attainment compared to metros of similar size. The study considered indicators such as futureproof career percentage, number of startups, historical unemployment rate and more.

MOVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

Golden Ticket Cinemas began operating out of its new corporate office off of Hillandale Road – a larger, more modern space than the company’s previous location on Old Oxford Road – on Nov. 30, 2023. The cinema company is one of the top 50 theater chains in the U.S., with four locations across the state and two additional spots expected to open by the end of the year.

Grant Program – a competitive funding program of the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration – to install 20 fast-charging EV plugs at up to three locations in historically disadvantaged communities of the city within 1 mile of I-40, I-85, I-885 and Hwy. 70. These major national highways are designated as Alternative Fuel Corridors, and installation will include community outreach to educate residents about electric vehicles. “We have sustainability goals [in Durham],” said Mayor Leonardo Williams during a press conference to announce the funding on Jan. 11, “and this grant is significant because it allows us to address that very specific purpose.”

Duke Health initiated the first phase of its Copilot for Microsoft 365 deployment in late November 2023, focusing on empowering IT leaders and staff with training and experimental use cases to harness the transformative potential of generative AI. Notable improvements include streamlined email management, efficient creation and editing of documents and presentations, and the innovative summarization of virtual meetings. “AI is a powerful differentiator, and our unique partnership with Microsoft accelerates our mutual focus on redefining conventional approaches for how we work and deliver care,” said Dr. Jeffrey Ferranti, Duke Health’s senior vice president and chief digital officer. “Solutions like Copilot

for Microsoft 365 bring us one step closer to realizing our vision for the future through the responsible, secure and ethical use of AI.”

Michael Valerino, CEO of Solar Unsoiled (pictured left), co-authored a research paper that examined five solar plants in North Carolina and found that rainfall is not sufficient to clean pollen from solar panels. Solar Unsoiled is a Durham-based monitoring solution to help mitigate the degradation of solar photovoltaic performance.

PARTNERSHIPS, ACQUISITIONS & FUNDING A team of engineers at Duke University – along with collaborators from Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, University of Zurich and McMaster University – developed a method to broaden the reach of CRISPR technologies to accurately target almost all human genes, which was outlined in a paper published by scientific journal Nature Communications on Oct. 4, 2023. Duke Professor Pranam Chatterjee and his team – including Duke postdoctoral research fellow and first author of the paper, Lin Zhao, pictured above with Chatterjee – discovered new proteins and tools that will expand access to genes in order to target and treat a wider range of diseases.

Clinical management and patient access solutions provider Fortrea announced its partnership with clinical research data analytics provider Medidata in November 2023. The two companies will work together to increase access to a more diverse set of patients for Fortrea’s clinical trials and better reach communities impacted by particular diseases. “Medidata’s data and interface capabilities will enhance our ability to seamlessly integrate diverse populations into the clinical trial process,” said Mark Morais, Fortrea COO and president of clinical services.

Immersive technology and software production company Hololight announced $12 million in funding to accelerate its XR streaming platform, Hololight Hub. The investment is led by various firms headquartered in Germany.

Hololight has now secured a total of $27 million in funding since 2021, which will help the company further expand across the U.S. A partnership among Duke Health, Durham Technical Community College and Durham Public Schools has secured a $29.5 million grant – one of 10 awarded nationally from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ “Student-centered, Marketdriven Healthcare Education Initiative” meant to address

The City of Durham received more than $4.8 million in federal grant money through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary

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durham inc. critical health care workforce needs while preparing young adults for successful careers in the industry – to establish an early college for high school students interested in pursuing jobs in fields such as nursing, allied health, surgical technology and clinical research. Middle College at Durham Tech will expand to an early college high school housed in a newly renovated space on Durham Tech’s campus, with the school opening in fall 2025, and will allow students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree or workforce credential. The program is expected to open with an initial class of 100 ninth graders, then enroll additional classes of 100 students for each of the next three years. Upon graduation, students will have an immediate pathway to jobs or research roles at Duke Health. “This partnership is about much more than an innovative educational approach,” said Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton. “It’s about creating a high-quality pathway to some of the most important jobs in our community. It’s about making sure our health care workforce looks like the patients it serves.

It’s about improving the quality of patient care and the health outcomes for all. It’s about the role of education and health in improving people’s lives.”

Hines Global Income Trust – a public, non-listed real estate investment trust sponsored by

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR The Durham Chamber of Commerce hosts its third season of “The Durham Show” as part of its annual meeting from 11:30 a.m.

– 1:30 p.m. on March 13.

The program will feature an award presentation, a welcome of the chamber’s new board of directors and a special guest at the Carolina Theatre followed by a reception at the Durham Convention Center.

PHOTO BY SHAWN ROCCO

global real estate investment, development and property manager Hines – acquired the 774,000-square-foot IBM 500 Campus at 4205 S. Miami Blvd. near Research Triangle Park in December 2023. This fourbuilding asset is Hines’ fourth property in the Triangle, with a presence in Cary – at mixeduse district Fenton and retail center Waverly Place – as well as at the American Tobacco Campus. “This strate­gic acqui­ si­tion in one of our high pri­or­i­ty mar­kets expands our port­fo­lio through a sale-lease­back in the high­ly sought-after Research Tri­an­gle area,” said Alfon­so Munk, Hines’ CIO of the Amer­i­ c­as and pres­id ­ ent of HGIT. Armillaria, an Oregonbased digital systems lab aimed at solving major global challenges, acquired Durham-based crisis response

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technology firm NeedsList on Jan. 8. NeedsList’s two employees will stay on with the new company, but cofounder Amanda Levinson will continue on into the broader tech world. “We are delighted to be incorporating NeedsList into our existing software, as we advance toward a more decentralized, mutualistically owned and governed, fullstack-for-impact solution,” Armillaria CEO Cameron Burgess said.

Durham Family Medicine – helmed by Dr. Mohan Chilukuri, a board-certified family physician with 30 years of experience in family medicine – joined the Avance Care network of independent primary care practices last year. Dr. Chilukuri, Avance Care executives, community business leaders and elected officials celebrated with a grand opening and ribbon cutting at the Broad Street practice on Dec. 6. “We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this partnership brings to our patients and the broader Durham community,” said Dr. Chilukuri. “By joining Avance Care, we will be able to enhance our patient experience and provide even more comprehensive, patient-centered care.” This addition marks the third Avance Care Primary Care location in Durham and the 33rd Avance Care practice in North Carolina.

Business coach, community builder and entrepreneur Justin Minott hosts a Black to the Future event in partnership with the Black Wall Street Forward team from 5-8 p.m. on Feb. 29 at Provident1898 to discuss the path forward for Black entrepreneurship in Durham. The event features networking and entertainment, and concludes with an entrepreneurship pitch contest.

durham inc.

NETWORKING LEADERSHIP FORUM AND HOLIDAY RECEPTION

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By Leah Berry | Photography by HuthPhoto The Durham Chamber of Commerce invited business leaders, city and county staff, and elected officials to the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club for its annual Leadership Forum and Holiday Reception on Nov. 30, 2023. Participants took part in a networking reception following a program that featured remarks from Duke Office of Durham and Community Affairs Vice President Stelfanie Williams, BlueCross BlueShield NC Government Affairs Manager Bryan Schwartz, then-Mayor Elaine O’Neal, Durham Chamber Vice President of Public Policy Bryan Fox, Mayor-Elect Leonardo Williams and Durham Chamber Vice President of Community Investment Angelique Stallings. Durham Chamber President and CEO Geoff Durham welcomed guests before Duke Energy’s Indira Everett presented the 2023 Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award to Michael Landguth, president and CEO of RaleighDurham International Airport, for his leadership throughout the pandemic as well as for bringing back record numbers of travelers and overseeing multiple expansion efforts.

1 Museum of Life and Science Vice President of Advancement Disha Dewan, Crafts & Drafts NC’s Virginia George and Bryana Greene, and MLS Development Officer Rachel Ripps.

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2 Discover Durham President and CEO Susan Amey, Durham County Transportation Director Ellen Beckmann and Triangle Media Partners’ Chris Elkins.

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3 Monica Barnes and Rob Elmore of ABC11 Eyewitness News with Durham Public Affairs Director Beverly Thompson.

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4 Kompleks Creative Principal and Creative Director Tobias Rose; Duke Office of Durham and Community Affairs Vice President Stelfanie Williams; and Durham Chamber President and CEO Geoff Durham.

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5 Mayor Leonardo Williams with Christopher Rhodes Jr. of Ellis & Winters LLP.

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6 2023 Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award winner Michael Landguth and Indira Everett, Duke Energy’s vice president of government & community relations.

7 Durham Public Schools Board of Education member Jessica Carda-Auten and chair Bettina Umstead.

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CHARTING THE COURSE FOUR BLACK WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS SHARE HOW THEY A C H I E V E D S U C C E S S A N D W H AT T H E Y S E E F O R D U R H A M ’ S F U T U R E

BY A N N A- R H E S A V E R S O L A | P H O T O G R A P H Y BY J O H N M I C H A E L S I M P S O N

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bout a year ago, Durham found itself in a noteworthy IMPORTANCE OF MENTORSHIP moment when five Black women occupied top LeVert said there are not many offices for mayor, city manager, city attorney, county Black female venture capitalists manager and police chief, not to mention the like her but credits her parents innumerable roles Black women fill in many more and grandparents for instilling departments within both city and county government. confidence and a belief that she This year, in honor of Black History Month in February could achieve any goal. and Women’s History Month in March, we checked “I marvel at that because in with Black women business leaders and gathered they did not have that their reflections on what contributed most to opportunity,” LeVert their success as well as get their take on how said. Her grandmother, to go about advancing Durham’s economic who was born in 1904, progress and high-level workforce. didn’t have advantages We spoke with Karen LeVert, founder to pursue her own and managing partner of LeVert Ventures, Hylton Daniel desires, but she urged design + construction owner Alicia Hylton-Daniel, LeVert to follow her Kimberly Hewitt, vice president and institutional equity own passions. and chief diversity officer at Duke University, and “It’s hard to be what Diversity & HR Solutions President Gracie Johnson-Lopez. you can’t see,” LeVert Karen LeVert Each of the four women named specific mentors said. “I saw a woman and role models in their lives integral to their personal with a briefcase when and professional development. They talked about the I was a little girl. And importance of optimism and the need to collaborate my mom tells me that I and form partnerships among educational institutions, [asked], ‘What is that? government agencies and large corporations alongside Who is she? What is smaller enterprises. A couple of women called on local she doing?’ And my leaders to formally commit to entrepreneurship. And at mom said, ‘That’s a least two women voiced strong support to be courageous businesswoman.’ I get enough to hold difficult conversations about pervasive goosebumps when Gracie biases that skew ways we conduct business in our I think about that Johnson-Lopez everyday lives. They all said they feel fortunate to live in a now, because I saw city that values diversity, equity and inclusion. that businesswoman, a woman Compared to the rest of the nation, the broader Durham-Chapel carrying a briefcase. That’s what Hill community is among the top 10 metro areas for Black womenI want to do one of these days, I owned employer firms, according to a report published in 2023 by want to be carrying a briefcase.” the Brookings Institution. The 2023 Wells Fargo impact report on Hylton-Daniel said she was women-owned business states that Black women own more than 2 7 years old when her family million businesses nationwide, representing 14.8% of all women-owned moved from Jamaica to New businesses and generating more than $98 billion in revenue.

York. She eventually settled in Gina Rozier, director of marketing and communication for North Carolina and has been Downtown Durham Inc., said 314 street-level businesses – mostly here for more than 25 years. retail shops, restaurants, bars or personal service companies – are She also didn’t see many Black in the city’s center, and DDI knows of 26 that are owned by Black women as role models in her women, like Gineen Cargo of Gavin Christianson Bridal, Linda chosen industry of design and Shropshire of Ella West Gallery and Rashanda Mason of The Slush. construction. “There was not a lot As Durham continues to rise from the pandemic’s impact, the of representation,” Hylton-Daniel region is expected to see rapid continued growth and change. said. So, she relied instead on two Hewitt, Hylton-Daniel, Johnson-Lopez and LeVert shared their male architects – Steve Idol and insights on what it takes for Black women to succeed in this Barry Hill. “Mentorwise, I would economic environment, both as an individual and as a community. say I worked with architects who

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I had a good rapport with, who had a lot of faith [in me and who] gave me a lot of trust in working on a project so I could learn as well. And, I asked really good questions.”

Duke University’s Hewitt said her first boss was one of many other women leaders who made a lasting impact on her professional development.

“Early on in my career, a woman hired me to work in-house for a public school district,” she said.

“She was a throw-you-in-thedeep-end kind of person, which I think really helped me build some confidence.”

Johnson-Lopez said she has a long list of Black female mentors and role models “who saw my potential when I couldn’t see it myself. “[They] challenged me beyond my own comfort level, and they consistently provided me with a model of what could be and a reminder that the road to success is not easy.”

MAKING PREDICTIONS LeVert said the best predictor of the future is recent past performance. She’s seen a major transformation across Durham since she arrived in North Carolina in 1996. “It’s a place people are clamoring to live in,” she said, noting that the city has the advantage of being part of Research Triangle Park in addition to a vibrant downtown.

“From a business perspective, the people, entrepreneurial vibe and diversity that’s here bodes well for continuing on a positive trajectory.”

Hylton-Daniel said she feels welcome in Durham’s smart and culturally diverse environment.

But, as a designer and builder, she worries about the impact of rising costs of living that fuels gentrification. “We were a city of segregation,” she said.

“Our neighborhoods were very different here in Durham. A neighborhood like Walltown was not built to the same standards, or with the same resources, as its next-door neighbor, Trinity Heights. …

That’s a layered conversation, for many reasons.”

durham inc.

Hylton-Daniel said she spoke with another designer and highlighted some of the hidden biases within the business community. “When I bought my house, and I needed it renovated before I became a general contractor, I couldn’t get anyone to do the work, but they were doing the work across the street for the white neighbor,” HyltonDaniel said. “A lot of Black people would prefer to buy new because they don’t have to deal with aspects of construction.

There are not many people who look like me. I am one of the few Black people on my block. I feel like that’s a conversation that we’re not having.”

Despite increasing living costs, Johnson-Lopez believes that Durham has a positive forecast for economic development. “I’m both hopeful, and a little fearful,” she said cautiously. “When I think about it, on the one hand, I think our future outlook is just extremely bright with unlimited opportunities. We have a rich cultural vibe, particularly in downtown. We have diverse voices in leadership, but if we don’t have an intentional commitment to responsible growth to ensure that all of our citizens have affordable and safe housing, health care, food and access to education, we will repeat where we’ve been. I’m all for economic development, but not at all cost.”

REIMAGINING WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS

“I hope that Durham is the model city,” said Alicia Hylton-Daniel. “The people I know are just so proud and so happy to be here that when we see one another, most of the conversation is about our love for the city.”

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As a diversity and inclusion officer at Duke, Hewitt spends a lot of time helping people find mentors and developing pathways to leadership. “How do you convince someone that it’s really OK to pursue a leadership position, even if you’re Black and you’re a woman?” she asks reflexively.

“How do you build a network when you don’t have exposure to the level of people you really do need to build relationships with? Do we need to rethink how we’re doing that so [mentors] are more accessible to people? I think there’s always got to be

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durham inc. a willingness on the part of those who are in leadership to do that. That’s a huge part. The journey isn’t going to be short, and it’s ongoing.”

Johnson-Lopez’s consulting company helps businesses and corporate teams develop cultural competencies.

She said this kind of work is tough, but necessary for growth and change.

“First of all, we’ve got to be honest about what gets in the way, and who’s sitting around the table making those decisions,” Johnson-Lopez said, noting that having Black people in key leadership roles doesn’t necessarily mean that the city has the diversity needed to represent all of Durham across race, religion, gender, etc. “I really love it when we have a diversity of voices and perspectives and hues around “It’s my hope that we [as Black business women] don’t look at one another as competition,” the table willing to have tough said Kimberly Hewitt. “I’m a rising tide floats all ships [type of person]. Frankly, that’s how we get better. conversations and to listen to If we look at ourselves as individuals, it’s very tough, but together, what can we do? The sky’s the limit.” one another. When we look at where we’ve had success, you had people who were very Hylton-Daniel said she enjoys history of Durham is, so [its] said. “I don’t anticipate that they different, who saw the world Durham’s ability to remain true transformation is just really will be gone tomorrow; they differently, who were different to its values. “My company can exciting. It makes me proud to be haven’t gone away in 400 years.” politically, maybe even in terms survive and thrive, but also I can even a little part of that.”

Hylton-Daniel said she derives of their faith be seen here,” she Johnson-Lopez said she is hope from the fearlessness and spirituality, said. “[I can be] “proud to be among the melody of younger people. “I really and economic who I am. [I] can of voices who are championing appreciate the next generation difference, all of bring all of [myself] diversity, equity and inclusion. for many reasons,” she said. those, but they to the floor, and I “I am most grateful for the “They are having uncomfortable were willing to can be very honest supportive business community conversations and are so honest “WHEN I THINK ABOUT come around the and have these who are women and people about racism and anti-LGBTQ THE ECONOMIC SECTOR table. I travel a lot, conversations.” of color, that we can sustain [stances], and I love that about AND HOW WE BRING and I sit at tables In terms of being thriving businesses and [find] them. I’m hoping to see this next in other regions.

EVERYBODY ALONG, part of Durham, opportunities. I don’t take for generation of local leaders be I am proud of the LET’S JUST FACE IT – IT Hewitt said she’s granted the success that we’ve considerate of and start building conversations STARTS WITH EDUCATION appreciative of seen as entrepreneurs, because for diversity and inclusion.”

Durham is willing those who came there are unique challenges Johnson-Lopez concurred, AND ECONOMIC to have – they’re before her to we face. I believe most of us but emphasizes that continuous DEVELOPMENT. MY not easy.” create the city understand that many times improvement requires relentless

PARENTS WERE TOBACCO SHARECROPPERS, AND I WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO ATTEND COLLEGE IN MY FAMILY. THAT CHANGED THE TRAJECTORY OF MY LIFE … IT IMPACTED MY ENTIRE FAMILY.”

that stands today.

“People who’ve LeVert, who is a been here much serial entrepreneur, longer than I have, loves to create have really worked businesses (five, hard to change so far), and said the culture and she is happy change the way about Durham’s people have access – GRACIE JOHNSON-LOPEZ collaborative spirit. to education, and “Sometimes Silicon to housing, and to Valley gets a bad all these things in rap for not being the community,” inclusive; we don’t have that she said. “I know that there are here,” she said. “I’m most proud a lot of pioneers here who’ve of inclusivity, [our] willingness been in the trenches for a long to help one another.” time. And, I know what the

MOMENTS OF PRIDE

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doors have been opened for us.

And there have been people in roles who perhaps we didn’t have access to, who opened those doors. And that has contributed largely to many of our successes. So I am proud to be a part of that collective.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE “I think the future is bright for Black women, but not without the honest realization that there are still expectations, there are still barriers, there are still biases, not just in Durham, but anywhere in the country,” Johnson-Lopez

persistence. “I hope they will keep asking hard questions,” Johnson-Lopez said. “I hope they will demand equity and inclusion. I hope they will continue to place people over politics.

I hope they focus on greater participation in local politics, and that they preserve and support low-income elderly and disabled people. Finally, I hope that they will never accept poverty. We are complicated. We are courageous.

We are challenging. But, you know, in Durham, it’s in our DNA to survive, and to bring people along and to coexist together.”

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engagement Pearce Godwin & Lauren Phillips B Y A L A N A B L E I M A NN

Wedding Date June 9, 2024 Occupations Lauren works as an

account executive at Triangle Media Partners, and Pearce is the founder and CEO of the Listen First Project.

Crossed Paths Lauren grew up in Naugatuck, Connecticut, and found her way to North Carolina when she came to Campbell University for undergrad.

Pearce grew up in the small town of Ahoskie, North Carolina, before moving to Blowing Rock in fifth grade, eventually attending Duke University and UNC for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, respectively. The pair met in August 2021 while participating in a Durham community cyclists ride club that Lauren helmed, but didn’t officially start dating until October when they went to the North Carolina

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State Fair together, where Pearce – “rather brazenly,” according to Lauren – invited her to attend his cousin’s Florida wedding with him in two weeks’ time. Lauren agreed, and the couple had a blast on the spontaneous trip; they knew they were meant to continue adventuring together when they weren’t finished chatting even after a 17-hour car ride on the way home.

The Proposal The two ventured to Colorado for a last-minute vacation in March 2023. They hiked Mount Royal in Frisco on their way from Denver to Vail, with Pearce popping the question at the end of an arduous 2-mile uphill trek through snow and freezing temperatures. An oxygen-deprived Lauren managed to eke out a heartfelt “yes!” through her cold, blue lips.

Now, “I Do” The big day will take place in a vastly different setting, amid the clear waters and warm sand of Bermuda at the Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa on June 9, 2024, with a catamaran reception hosted by Zara Catamaran of Bermuda Yachts.

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wedding

Blake Moushon & Morgan Trachtman B Y S U S A N N A H RI CHAR DSO N

P HOTO G RA P H Y B Y L INDSE Y CASH P HOTO GR AP HY, L I N D S E Y- CA S H . COM

Wedding Date Aug. 27, 2022 Occupations Blake is the associate director of sports marketing at Duke University, and Morgan is Discover Durham’s senior

manager of digital marketing and analytics.

Crossed Paths “Blake and I joke that we’ve known each other our whole lives,” Morgan says. Both were born and raised in Durham and attended Southwest Elementary School, RogersHerr Middle School and Jordan High School together. The two started dating in 2012 while still in high school and, true to form, the couple went to the same university after graduation – UNC. The Proposal The night before their nine-year anniversary, Blake asked if Morgan wanted to go to Sarah. P Duke Gardens – the site of their first date – the next day. Morgan was reluctant at first due to thunderstorms in the forecast, but the weather cleared up in time for their visit. Once they got to the iconic red Meyer Bridge in the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, Blake popped the question. Almost a year to the day after his proposal, the newlyweds took their wedding photos on the same bridge.

The Big Day “We knew there was only one venue where we wanted to get married,” Morgan says of the couple’s decision to tie the knot at Duke Gardens. Following a rehearsal dinner at Mez Contemporary Mexican, Morgan’s bridesmaids, her mother, Lynn Black, flower girls and Blake’s mother, Julie Moushon, got ready for the big day in the penthouse suite at 21c Museum Hotel. Tre Bella designed the florals for the summer wedding, which kicked off with an outdoor ceremony at the Angle Amphitheater and Virtue Peace Pond followed by cocktail hour on the grass and dinner inside the Doris Duke Center’s reception hall before guests took to the dance floor on the patio underneath twinkle lights from Get Lit Event Lighting. Several thoughtful, personalized touches were added, like a two-tiered cake and mini cupcake tower from Smallcakes, 120

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where Morgan worked while in college. The celebration concluded with an after-party for family and friends at Motorco Music Hall.

Favorite Moments A beloved detail was the custom cake topper that features Blake and Morgan with their dog, Macy. “I wanted to incorporate [Macy] into the wedding, and … I love that we could add her to the cake topper, which now sits in our home,” Morgan says. Blake cherished the wedding toasts and seeing his close family and friends celebrate the couple’s new chapter together. “My favorite part … was the full-circle moment of getting married at Duke Gardens,” he says.

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