January/February 2018 issue

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE CITY INSIGHT!

SINGING THE PRAISES OF

J. LOCKE INSIDE THIS ISSUE Aspire 2 Acquire: Compassion is Community Why You Should Consider Purchasing Now Fred Mills’ Musical Footprints in Funk Music

Rings True: Jewels from the Titanic to Jewels for You What You Can’t Miss in Asheville in 2018 The Bags Under My Eyes Are Couture: How to Deal with Stress

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Inside This Issue The City Insight would like to thank you for your support over the past 10 years. It has been a long journey and there is more to come. For us, being in business isn’t about the bottom line—which is important on its own, but is about a true community connection and being instilled in the lives of others.

Over the years we have learned the dynamics that makes the community what it is today and yesterday.

Being able to build meaningful relationships is what we strive for and definitely what is needed to create possible business-to-consumer and business-tobusiness initiatives.

The January/February Issue highlights insight into areas of city living such as music, real estate, community, business, and much more! We understand that content changes and should be able to be easily and quickly updated to meet the demands of our readers. You will find that our digital version does just that while providing insight into many different areas.

Another key of importance is the fact that we are going into a new year so it’s the perfect opportunity for everyone to change things that will make us better and more efficient. The City Insight welcomes businesses locally, regionally, nationally, and globally to connect with us because quite frankly, we wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for you. Small businesses make up 85% of all businesses and if you do not plan to be visible, then you plan to fail. We challenge you to follow us as we focus on strategically positioning needed content to those who may be seeking your products and services!

Consumers, we are lining up reputable businesses for you to patronize and explore. The City Insight Network will be screening and providing deals and incentives for you to do business. It’s all about community so it’s all about you! Thank you for the support over the years and we will continue to promote change and diversity across the board.

We ask that you enjoy this issue and support us as usual. Part of supporting us will be to follow and like us across all our social networks. Additionally, we ask that you visit our website, thecityinsight.com and subscribe to our monthly eNewsletter.

Thank You Again!

The City Insight

PRESIDENT & CEO, FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Joseph Crawford VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES Ella Frazier SALES sales@thecityinsight.com EDITORIAL editor@thecityinsight.com ARTWORK & DESIGN Lindsie Latta Morgan McNeill artwork@thecityinsight.com TECHNOLOGY Rene Daughtry NON-PROFIT/COMMUNITY Sheyenne Kreamer PHOTOGRAPHY Don Feely Photography JHG Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Abonni D. Anthony Steven Better Christina Crawford E. Frazier Tyler Hampton Joshua Henry Landyn Miller Lydia Ramsey Rachel Scibetta Seeking Employment Opportunities?

Email: hr@thecityinsight.com The City Insight, Inc is published bi-monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written permission of The City Insight, Inc is strictly prohibited.

2007-2018 Copyright, The City Insight, Inc. All Rights Reserved

INSIDE

DON’T MISS

Aspire 2 Acquire: Compassion is Community

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Why You Should Consider Purchasing Now

10

Can You Afford What Rudeness is Costing Your Business?

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Fred Mills’ Musical Footprints in Funk Music

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Kimberly Harris: A Story Told Through Poetry

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Raleigh’s Own, Rising to the Top in Hip Hop

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Implus Helps Elementary School Class Donate 1,000 Pairs of Socks to the Homeless

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Rings True: Jewels from the Titanic to Jewels for You

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The Nspire Network: Inspiring Change Across the Nation

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Strategic Career Investments

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How to Pack an Emergency Kit

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Iconic Fashion Brand The Limited Returns in Style

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Is Rock Music Making a Comeback? Dan Spirk Releases Debut Single “So Good to Me”

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Mike Smith’s Album “Pieces of Soul” Hits Top 5 on Billboard

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The Ugly Side of Beauty Products

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Neuse River Restored for Six Miles in Raleigh

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Aspire 2 Acquire: Compassion is Community

08

NC Floral Exhibition Inspired by Art

52

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What You Can’t Miss in Asheville in 2018

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Why You Should Consider Purchasing Now Fred Mills’ Musical Footprints in Funk Music

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The Bags Under My Eyes Are Couture: How to Deal with Stress

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Rings True: Jewels from the Titanic to Jewels for You

30

What You Can’t Miss in Asheville in 2018

54

The Bags Under My Eyes Are Couture: How to Deal with Stress

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The City Insight, Inc. P.O. Box 28857 Raleigh, NC 27611

Phone: (919) 696-3250 info@thecityinsight.com www.thecityinsight.com

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on the cover:

LinkedIn.com/company/the-city-insight-incorporated

Singing the Praises of J. Locke

...Page 40

Twitter.com/TheCityInsight

www.donfeelyphotography.com

Aspire 2 Acquire Compassion is Community

By Joshua Henry There seems to be a lot of negative out in the world at the moment.

Some days it feels like you cannot turn on the news or log into social media without being bombarded by page after page of discourse, drama, and downright bad stuff! Amid all of the negative, it can be hard to remember that the world needs less arguments and more compassion.

However, there is one silver lining amongst all of this negativity: Aspire 2 Acquire!

Aspire 2 Acquire was born from the compassion and need for servicing communities within North Carolina through spiritual healing.

The organization aims to invest time 8

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and attention to focus on community issues like housing, homelessness, the judicial system, reduction of drop outs and school suspensions, and the barriers of transportation.

To make such differences, the organization engages youth and adults in intense and interactive events, informative weekly meetings, counseling sessions, and recreational activities to help them cope with real life situations.

They feel a responsibility to make communities a safe and nurturing place for everyone!

A2A also advocates for persons with Epilepsy as they have been subjected to barriers

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when it comes to housing, employment, healthcare, and education! From this advocacy, the Warriors 4 Epilepsy was born to aid those with Epilepsy who have been fired, shunned, banned from public places, and bullied. To help eliminate the stigma surrounding Epilepsy and those who suffer, the Warriors 4 Epilepsy work to strengthen the enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act, increase enforcement by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and providing for parity in insurance coverage.

However, the fight against Epilepsy takes a more personal meaning for A2A founder Domita White. In 2011, Domita lost her brother Dannee to the disorder after a 30-year fight. More specifically, Domita’s brother was a victim of SUDEP or Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy, which claims over 50,000 lives annually but is rarely spoken about in public! This loss motivated Ms. White to raise awareness of Epilepsy and all that it brings with it.

With November being National Epilepsy Month, A2A is working hard to bring awareness to Epilepsy. In fact, in 2017, the organization held their Kool Dans 4 Life 5K Run/Walk for Epilepsy!

Of course, these goals that A2A have laid out cannot be achieved without a little

help. The best way to help A2A and all of their causes is by donating. Funding is a vital part of organizing these events to raise awareness and to contribute to the scientific and medical advances needed to find a cure!

Please save the date for the Lei’Lani Sierra White’s Book Signing Extravaganza in Celebration of Global Purple Day for Epilepsy. The date will be March 24, 2018 with more details to follow. Global Purple Day is celebrated annually on March 26 and it is like a holiday to celebrate Epilepsy.

To find out more about A2A and all of their events, visit their website: www.a2anc.com

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Why You Should Consider Purchasing Now!

By Steven Better With labor markets tightening, applying upward pressure on real wages and inflation at 2.2% for the 12 months ending in November (as published on December 13, 2017 by the U.S. Labor Department), the Fed has raised the Federal Funds (FF) Target Rate to 1.50% earlier this month. While this seems nominal, if the Fed continues this rate hiking trajectory, by this time next year, FF Rate could be close to 2.50%. Leaving us with the question, what does this mean for your home purchase today?

Simply put, if you’re on the fence about purchasing a home, right now is the cheapest your mortgage rate will be for the foreseeable future, so buy now!

How? By influencing the federal funds rate, the Fed directly impacts short term consumer interest rates charged by banks on all types of loans, from credit cards to auto loans. Generally, when the Fed raises rates, the short-term cost to borrow cash goes up directly, increasing compensation expectations for investors and increasing interest risk for long term debt.

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This action affects many consumer loans, specifically products that have variable interest rates such as credit cards and variable rate home equity products. But it is important to note that long term debt interest rates like that of a Mortgage products are not directly affected by the FF rate, it more so influences long term notes by affecting lending in the short term. The real influencer of mortgage rates is the 10-year Federal Government Treasury bonds (T-bills). Since this bond tends to have the same lifespan as most mortgage loans due to prepayments as refinancing or the selling of your home, mortgage rates are priced at a premium to these bill (a slightly higher interest rate) often referred to as the yield spread premium.

The yield curve depicts the yield or an interest rate as a function of a bond or mortgage instrument’s maturity.

The yield curve is a type of visual representation of the discounting concept based on the theory of the time value of money. The idea is that a dollar today is worth more now than a dollar tomorrow and if I lend you a dollar today, you’ll have to compensate me for the value that dollar would have created if it were invested elsewhere. Basically, you are compensating that investor for their opportunity cost. The bench mark for this opportunity cost is typically benchmarked to US T-bills, same as the yield curve.

Opportunity cost or discounting takes two considerations into effect, expectations regarding future shortterm interest rates (are rates going to be higher in the future) and interest rate risk (where borrowers must compensate lenders with higher interest rates for lending them capitol

for the long term). FF rate increase signals rates are going to be higher in the future requiring investors to be compensated more for any longterm investment.

Why buy now?

Today has the highest probability borrowed money will be the cheapest for the foreseeable future.

Fed action should be a factor in any major future purchase involving borrowed money and any purchasing decision should be considered now!

Consider this, borrowers who qualify for a mortgage rate of 4.5% today can see can rates go up to 5.25% by this time next year and that’s on the conservative end. Car loans and credit cards will be more severely impacted.

Can You Afford What Rudeness is Costing Your Business?

By Lydia Ramsey

Have you ever thought about how much rudeness may be affecting your bottom line? What is the cost to your company when you or the people who represent you lack proper manners? Do you know how many clients are turned off by employees who would rather carry on a conversation with each other than with the person who came to purchase your service or product?

Can you count the number of people who hang up and call someone else because the person who answered your phone put them on hold without asking permission? How does the client rate your professionalism when the employee who welcomes 14

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him to your office looks as if she is dressed for a day at the beach? Do your employees understand that it is more offensive than friendly to call the client by first name unless asked to do so? Are your employees treating each other with courtesy and respect? Do they honor the invisible walls of each other’s cubicles?

Do they work as a team and help each other or do they act like cast members on Survivor?

In today’s fast-paced business world where too many people claim that they don’t have time to be nice, it’s easy to overlook the details that can help you grow your business, increase your profits and build long

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lasting client relationships.

using their first names. True/False

Try taking this quick true/false quiz to test your own business etiquette expertise. Then run it by your employees.

5. Callers do not mind holding for information as much as holding for a person. True/False

1. Business etiquette is based on rank and hierarchy. True/False 2. If the information on your business card is incorrect, draw a line through it and write the correct information on the card. True/False 3. Business casual means dressing down one notch from business professional. True/False 4. In today’s relaxed business environment, it is not necessary to ask your clients’ permission before

6. You don’t have to smile or make eye contact with your customers unless you feel like it. True/False 7. Handwritten notes are out of place in the business world. True/False 8. A man should wait for a woman to put out her hand in business before offering his. True/False 9. When composing an e-mail message, complete the “To” line last.

True/False 10. Small talk around the office is a

waste of time. True/False 11. People can hear you eating, drinking and chewing over the phone. True/False 12. If you receive a call on your cell phone when you are with a client, look to see who is calling, but don’t answer it. True/False

Answers: 1. True. In business, you always defer to the senior or highest ranking person, regardless of age or gender.

2. False. Handing out business cards with information that is outdated or crossed off is unprofessional. Have new cards printed immediately.

3. True. Business casual is not an excuse to wear your favorite old clothes to the office. It is still business, and everyone needs to look professional.

4. False. Don’t assume because our work world has become more informal that you can call clients by their first name. Use their titles and last names until they ask you to do otherwise.

5. True. Clients will wait contentedly while you search for information, working on their behalf. However, if they have to wait more than thirty seconds for you to come to the phone, they begin to wonder how much you value them or want their business.

6. False. This is only true if you are 16

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planning a going-out-of-business sale. Every client deserves a genuine smile and eye contact.

7. False. Handwritten notes have become almost as extinct as the typewriter. You will stand out from your competition every time you send off a short note written in your own hand.

8. False. Every woman should be prepared to shake hands as soon as she meets someone in business. For either a man or woman to hesitate could indicate a lack of confidence.

9. True. You can send e-mail without inserting an attachment, without checking for grammar and punctuation and without a subject line; but you cannot send e-mail without an address. If you wait until you have carefully proofed your message and added all attachments before you complete the “To “ line, you will never be embarrassed or have to apologize for your mistakes.

10. False. Small talk carried on at the right time, in the right place and on the right subject is a great way to build relationships among co-workers.

11. True. Mouth noises are even louder over the phone. Just because your clients can’t see you eating those potato chips doesn’t mean they can’t hear you munching on the other end of the line.

12. False. It is just as rude to pull out your phone to see who called as it is to have it on and take a call in front of a client. Turn your phone off and check your messages later in private.

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If you had trouble with any of these questions, your employees will, too. If you want your employees to be at ease in business situations, to represent you well and help build your business, give them the information they need. If you haven’t done basic business etiquette skills training lately, do it now. Don’t let rude behavior cost you business.

Make sure that your employees know how to handle clients over the phone, that they understand the importance of being attentive and alert to clients’ needs, that the value other people’s time and that they can deal with difficult people and situations with grace.

No one is born with good manners. People have to be taught, and from time to time, they need to be reminded of what they already know.

Author Bio Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of Manners That Sell - Adding The Polish That Builds Profits. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, Entrepreneur, Inc., Real Simple and Woman’s Day. For information about her programs, products and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell. com or visit www.mannersthatsell. com Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com Free Website Content

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GRAND SCHEME, LLC

Raleigh’s Own R.O. Hutch

www.ROHutch.com

GrandSchemePromo93@gmail.com (919) 798-4319

Grand Scheme @GrandSchemeMuzk @grand_scheme919

Fred Mills’ Musical Footprints In Funk Music I am a lover of all kinds of music. As a music lover it is important to me to appreciate music by knowing its history. In my quest to pay homage to the music industry I wanted to seek out those musicians who have been behind the scenes. Without them, we would not have all of the great bands and performers of both today and yesterday. Fred Mills is one of those musicians. If you do not know his name you should, as he was one of the trailblazers back in the 60s and 70s in the error of funk music.

Fred Mills has played with and opened up for some of the biggest acts in funk and R&B music. Fred

By E. Frazier

recalls, “I had the honor to perform on stage with Doug Wimbish, bassist for Living Colour, Dennis Chambers, Cindy Mizelle, Chip Crawford, Aaron Mills, and Marcus Miller. In addition to an opening act for Graham Central Station, Mandrill, Parliament, BarKays, Jimmy Castor, Ohio Players, Mothers Finest, Average White Band, BT Express, to name a few,” stated Fred. “I have also produced, composed and performed on the Atlantic Records album Chops. I was part of the horn section that went on tour with the Police, recorded with The Rolling Stones and Sugarhill Records. I rearranged and recorded Inez and Charlie Fox’ Mockingbird

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for Tameka Records. There are many more projects... too many to list.”

Miles also states, “The work that was done for The Rolling Stones was when I was a part of CHOPS horn section on the Undercover album. I happened to make the horn arrangements for Teddy Riley when he was part of the R&B trio “Kids At Work”, which consisted of singer Clurel Henderson and bassist Timmy Gatling.”

When Fred recalls his musical footprints it was with great pride.

According to Fred, “there are not many people who can say they have been part of a historical ground breaking production. I am speaking of the Betty Davis and the Nasty Girl album, I would have to say getting the phone call from Betty’s cousin, bass player Larry Johnson asking if I would come to New York to play with Betty. At that time I had no idea who Betty was. I was in Florida play with a band called Fungus Blues from Charlotte NC. Nasty Gal was the first recording I did with Betty and the first time I sang a little with her. At the time of the recording the band had been together about eight months and we were getting comfortable playing with each other. The unique situation with the band was the fact that we grew up together. Nicky Neal (drummer), and Larry Johnson (bass) are Betty’s first cousins. Carlos Morales (guitar) was a close family friend. We decided to call ourselves Funkhouse. When recording the album we really had no idea we were on to something special, we were just doing what we do. It feels great to know that your work has been recognized as something special all over the world.”

Fred describes his experiences as a musician priceless because it 20

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has provided him the opportunity to play all over the world and meet people he admired. “I can recall like it was yesterday, meeting Muhammad Ali, Richard Pryor, Roger Moore (007) Patti ,Chaka and so many others” This includes Betty Davis’s husband jazz great Miles Davis. “Miles was funny, brutally honest, a sick sense of humor, and a genius. He liked working with young musicians

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such as my homeboy keyboardist, Robert Irving III.

In 1984 Fred founded Sweet Dreams Productions and Band with Michael Porter, who was a member of the band Funkhouse along with Dwain Mitchell, a friend he met at Sugarhill Records who produced an album for the Ojays.

The Sweet Dreams band is still working to this day. Through the years different personnel have come and gone, but none with the biggest impact of the death of Big Moore. Larry Moore was a great singer, bassist and guitarist.

I really miss him. The members with the longest tenure are myself, James “Coffee” Yourse and Lynn Woods. I am proud that I was able to put together such a great group of musicians that have stood the test of time, and presented good music. Fred is also part owner of Upward Bound Recording Studio in his hometown, Reidsville NC. Upward Bound Recording Studio’s focus for the last year has been recording original and remakes. Their most recent production is on local artist Sheika Asail. Sheika Asail first single will feature a rap by the Epic’s new artist Swift, who also has North Carolina roots.

Fred, himself has not been in the studio for some time due to illness. He is eager to get back to making music and we are eager to see what is next for him Fred says “it won’t be long and it’s Funk time.” In the meantime Fred is eager to see what fellow Funk Master Bootsy Collins will deliver.

“I can’t wait for Bootsy’s new album to drop.”

North Carolina is rich in musical history with musicians like Fred Mills who has left his musical footprints in the landscape of music from his works with Betty Davis, CHOP, the Rolling Stones and so many others.

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Kimberly Harris A Story Told Through Poetry

By Joseph Crawford

Poetry has always been a creative way of expressing actual thoughts and experiences that relate to the poet or others. It’s a way to shine light on glorious and maybe not so glorious moments through pen and paper or spoken word. Kimberly Harris has been making a mark for years by allowing her excitement of poetry to ignite the emotion in her readers. The messages in her poems brings forth the opportunity for her audience to learn from her experience. Ms. Harris states, “Others can learn about overcoming personal trials within the words of my poetry”.

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So how has Kimberly’s background made preparation for this amazing journey through poetry? Being that the background of Ms. Harris is in psychology, it has taught her the ability to tap into the human intellect and emotions.

This passion is invaluable when it comes to effectively directing her expressions to those who need it all through that magic word, poetry.

Kimberly’s poetry has a mission of uplifting and encouraging those that believe in living their lives through inspiration of self-improvement geared to enunciate a positive change in the lives of her readers.

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Kimberly Harris is a seasoned poetess that is published. Among other accolades, one of the most memorable is having a poem in the Wilson archives and winning 3rd place in Las Vegas at the International Poetry Competition.

Ms. Harris is not only looking to continue writing relevant poetry, but also welcomes feedback so she can know first hand that her words are positively impacting others.

Whether you are a fan of poetry or not, it is traditionally interpreted as a basis or platform for art across the board ranging from music, love, and life experiences. It surely hasn’t received the recognition it deserves

being that poetry is in every aspect of life and should be dubbed, the ultimate form of expression. So if you are not a self-proclaimed fan of poetry, then perhaps you are not realizing that you are already a fan, as it exists in more ways than you think! Poetry shapes what is written, even though it initially began as only a thought.

You can contact Kimberly at 919-374-6223 or email minddoctor2016@gmail.com as she will be reaching the audience of The City Insight moving forward.

“The Eve of My 50th”

By Kimberly Harris 9/23/17 I celebrate as I mourn. The ending of the beginning of what can be the greatest era of my life.

The tide has washed away the stains of regrets and ushered in the dawn of a new beginning…

So many lessons have been learned; so many seeds have been planted…

The Winter of my youth slips away and the Spring of my wisdom comes to light..

I am what I am and I have what I’ve lived…

49 chapters have unfolded and the journey continues..

Enlightened and Illuminated with zeal and understanding..

Humility becomes my goal. Knowing becomes my navigator, and love becomes my blanket and my shield for the chapters yet to come…

It seems like only yesterday I began my cycles and here I am closing the box of my youth and anticipating my space in wisdoms classroom…

Less worries..more laughter, Less pain.. more sunshine, Less tears… more rejoicing..

That’s the promise of my life once I open my eyes in the land of 50…Finally the story ends for the student. The teaching must now begin. Coming into a new realm..a new season..a new purpose.

It’s time to preach what I’ve practiced.. walk what I’ve talked, and dance for joy, for truth and dance for life..

I’m scared, but I’m ready.. Happy New Day to me…

“Growing Up Vs. Growing Old”

By Kimberly Harris 9/23/09 What makes the difference in ”Knowing” vs “Aging”?..How do we reap the benefits of making choices vs. living with the consequences from the choices we’ve made?..

Life has many colors, comes in many shapes and allows us to choose the size.. Life can be compatible with lilacs, peaches and pearls “or it can be square.. black as midnight and cold..

We can learn to embrace change and TRUST adjustment Or run with all our might towards our ignorance and cling to symbols of familiarity, no matter how painful they’ve been..

Growing up means becoming too strong to run, to confident to hide and to brave to resist..

It’s about getting it done, making it happen..without excuse , without fear, or without doubt..

Growing old is the practice of insanity on a full –time basis..

Doing that same thing over and over BUT expecting different results.

Life has two rewards; the gift of prosperity and the poison of pride… so, grow up or grow old..

YOU CHOOSE..

“Rainy Moments”

By Kimberly Harris 7/14/10 The rain, the rain…Cleansing and soothing to the elements of life and of love..

Powerful and strong, the thunder roars…

Repentance and rewards are left behind..

Reflect the daily activities as it calms the soul..

Enjoy your mate.. read your book.. and bask in the gifts of fulfillment during this time..

Divine presence aligns our souls and all but peace is void…

Raleigh’s Own, Rising to the Top in Hip Hop

By E. Frazier Joey Crisp a.k.a. R. O. Hutch is an upcoming, Hip-Hop sensation, who is ready to show the world what he is made of with the release of his first single, “Every Time”, featuring Epic/ AwesomeLife newcomer, Swift. R.O. Hutch is no stranger to Hip-Hop and the Triangle area. First appearing on the underground circuit in 2008 with his mix tape sampler SOUTHSIDE STAR, then accompanied by platinum selling producer, and first cousin, Black Jeruz, Hutch has been developing his craft. Raised around music all his life with a father who was a pianist and a mom who was involved in the church choir, music became part of his life. Raised from very humble beginnings, Hutch started out writing poetry, which led to writing songs, and eventually rap lyrics.

Hutch describes his childhood as being raised from very humble beginnings. “I come from humble beginnings but instead of using it as a crutch or excuse to kind of bullshit through life. I used it as motivation 26

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and I decided at an early age I would determine my life. I would not let society or my situation, but my ability to get up and do what I wanted to do, determine how I live my life, whether it was rapping or working in a job making $180,000 a year.”

Hutch who is also inspired by the rapper Notorious B.I.G a.k.a.

Biggie Smalls, grew up on the same block that Biggie use to hustle on when Biggie was in Raleigh. “I have a friend who knew and hung out with Biggie and he has a Ready To Die poster where Biggie wrote the three things he was going to get when he made it big.” Besides Biggie, Hutch has admired Andre 3000, Jay Z, Lil Wayne, Tupac and Lauryn Hill.

In addition, he began to look at his music seriously after seeing the success and being inspired by Black Jeruz, who has produced for G-Unit, 50 Cent, and Busta Rhymes, to name a few.

Hutch describes his music as “My style of rap is raw energy. I

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play off energy; I translate off of the beat. I bring energy, realistic energy whether it’s good or bad.” “My music is emotion. It is an inspiration. I speak on things that I have issues with while growing, and ways I was able to overcome those problems.”

When asked how would he describe himself, he replies “a man of perseverance and determination.

My reality led me to put messages in songs and lyrics to a degree.”

When asked who he is as an artist, he without hesitation replies, “I am a raw talent, a seasoned talent. I am energy personified.”

Hutch is a good example of how he determines his future. With a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management and near completion of a Master’s degree in Health Informatics, his career choices match Hutch as a person. He cares about people and delivers his life lessons learned through his lyrics, and as Joey his Master’s in Heath Informatics will enable him to come up with innovative ways of helping

businesses solve complex problems.

“Every Time” the first release from his EP “The City” narrates the energy of positivity and love as it pertains to relationships in this fast-paced modern day. Hutch’s melodic flow pattern and witty wordplay blends effortlessly with the vintage sound of Swift on the vocals. Produced by N.C.’s own Kari Atare, this track seeks to capture the rawness of relationships in its entirety, everything from fears, to aspirations and dreams. Not often enough do we hear hip-hop music that uplifts relationships. Rarely in this genre do we hear artists speak about love and respect for their counterparts. Every Time was written and intentionally authored to tailor to the couple or individual who loves passionately and has goal and desires to love someone.

Hutch believes his humble beginnings contributed to who he is as both a musician and man. “The things I like most about the city in which I was born and raised, Raleigh

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N.C., is the fact that we are a melting pot of sound, culture and tradition. With this, I mean, here in Raleigh, in terms of music, we are too Southern to make “East Coast” (NY, CT, IL, MI) music, but we are too Northern to make “Down South” Music. This has led to a variation of sound within the Carolinas. I use this fact as motivation in terms of curating and confidently presenting my own sound.

I use the slogan “Believe In Raleigh” for this very reason. I want my fan base or general listener to “Believe” in me, and trust that the experiences I’ve had growing up, life lessons I’ve learned, and am still learning, will all make for great music and or energy. I would like the listener/fan to believe in my ability to make the best out of my situation and hardships. I need my fans to not only believe in me, but to also believe in themselves.

Through my music I’d like for the listener/ fan to come away inspired to face any and all challenges he or she may face in and throughout their lives. This is a characteristic I’ve developed here in Raleigh”.

“It’s simple, in terms of the goal. Make it undeniable.” -R.O. Hutch To find out more about R.O. Hutch you can visit his website at https://www.ROHutch.com Follow the artist on his official portals; details are given as below: Instagram: ROHutch919 Twitter: ROHutch919 YouTube: R.O. Hutch SoundCloud: R.O. Hutch

(919) 792-9540 1030 N. Rogers Ln. Suite 119 Raleigh, NC 27610

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www.paulsbarbershop.com

Implus Helps Elementary School Class Donate 1,000 Pairs of Socks to the Homeless

By Rachel Scibetta

Implus, a provider of athletic, fitness, and outdoor accessories, is helping a class of elementary students give back to their community by donating 1,000 pairs of socks. Skye Davis, a special education teacher at John Muir Elementary School, consistently looks for opportunities for her students to be involved in the community by taking them on walks in neighborhoods near the school.

During one of their walks, her class noticed a large homeless population in the area. After some research, they found there are 921 homeless people in Santa Monica, CA.

The students decided on a special mission for the holiday season: to raise money to buy 1,000 pairs of socks for the homeless in Santa Monica. This project is completely student-lead with assistance from Ms. Davis, and began with the creation of a GoFundMe page with a goal to raise $1,000. While searching for bulk socks at a discount, a connection was made and Implus stepped in to help. The footwear accessories company offered to donate 1,000 pairs of black crew socks free of charge to Ms. Davis’s class so they can quickly fulfill their donation.

“We think it’s incredible that these students saw a need in their community and took initiative to help,” said Todd Vore, President

of Implus. “Giving back to the community is something we value in both in our homes and as a company.

It’s fantastic that these kids are giving back at such a young age, and we are honored to help with their mission.”

Implus shipped the socks directly to Ms. Davis’s classroom so the students had hands-on experience in organizing the socks and preparing them for distribution.

They are still receiving monetary donations, including a donation from the Mayor of Santa Monica.

About Implus Headquartered in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park, Implus has evolved to become an innovative provider of footwear, outdoor and fitness accessories to its retail partners. Implus’ family of brands includes Sof Sole, Yaktrax, apara, Airplus, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Little Hotties, Perfect, TriggerPoint, ICETrekkers and Balega. From insoles, socks and shoe care to seasonal accessories and fitness solutions, Implus proudly distributes its brands to thousands of retail locations across the United States and worldwide. For more information, visit www.implus.com.

Courtesy of PR Newswire

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Rings True: Jewels from the Titanic to Jewels for You

By E. Frazier The City of Raleigh voted one of the best places to live in the United States continues to attract more and more unique specialty businesses to serve the diverse Raleigh population.

Karl Linger, owner of Rings True, is one of the few independent jewelry makers in the Raleigh area. If you love jewelry, you know owning a custom piece of jewelry is more than a pleasure; it’s an investment that can be handed down to generations to come having both sentimental and monetary value.

Linger began in the jewelry trade when a frequent guest in his NYC taxi noticed his interest in jewelry and asked if he would like to learn more. From there, his time as a jeweler took off. “I learned in more of an apprenticeship program, and taking positions in one company and moving onto other companies that had a higher skill level and level of production.” Linger has trained at the famed Oscar Heyman Bros in Manhattan; that supplies some of the world’s finest jewelry and stone 30

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settings for such retailers as Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Tiffany and Company, and Bailey, Banks and Biddle.

Rings True is an artisan jewelry shop in Raleigh that focuses on creating custom jewelry. As the name suggests, there is a particular emphasis on wedding and engagement rings. Linger works with his customers to design and create rings that show what they value most. And even for those not looking for a new piece of jewelry, Linger also does restorations. Linger, having been one of the few jewelers in the world asked to restore pieces recovered from the RMS Titanic, the luxury liner which sank on April 15, 1912.

Linger’s experience with all sorts of jewelry makers brings the highest quality of craftsmanship to any pieces he works with. Linger has also built the setting for one of the world’s largest diamond. Linger now brings his forty years of experience and expertise to Raleigh. Not to

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mention his dedication to the craft, where he states, “I’m willing to go the extra distance to make sure my work is what it’s supposed to be. I get a really great sense of fulfillment when I complete a piece and I feel like it’s been done well.” And no worries for those who are concerned about the miners or the planet because Rings True uses fair trade and ethically-sourced materials.

“The most important thing is the quality of my work and the fact that it’s carried out in an upright fashion.”

Linger’s shop is situated in the Ridgewood Shopping Center.

It is private and reassuring that

anything you decide on will be quintessentially you. “As you’re talking about a customer’s order or a special piece of jewelry, you’re sharing a little bit of your story, and they’re sharing a little bit of their story, and it becomes a very personal kind of experience.” It doesn’t end when a design is settled either. Linger’s workshop opens into the main front of the store, so you can watch him while he works on your jewelry. So, for the jewelry that means the most to you and yours, Karl Linger is a choice that Rings True.

Contact: www.thisringstrue.com zensetter@gmail.com 984-200-0627

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The Nspire Network Inspiring Change Across the Nation

By Joshua Henry

We have all heard the horror stories that surround the female menstruation cycle. It is a running gag in popular culture about how terrible that time of the month can be. While it is an unavoidable time in every woman’s life, it does not have to be a dreaded one! Companies like the Nspire Network are working hard with women all over the world to make menstruation less of a frustration.

The Nspire Network is an organization that is driven by people!

The global company produces high-quality products through the use of cutting-edge technology. Yet, they remain committed to providing life changing opportunities to all of their partners and customers by demonstrating the highest level of integrity and character.

Not only does the company offer sophisticated and high-quality hygiene products, but they offer customers an opportunity to join their organization and make a difference in the world.

Adrienne Kennedy, a registered 32

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nurse and supporter/distributor of Nspire, has nothing but praise for the work that the organization does.

As a health professional, she feels it is her obligation to inform women all over of these products and how life-changing they are. Kennedy was encouraged investing her time and money into the Nspire Network through her daughter and niece. She wanted to be able to provide better comfort and safety to those girls and women who get a monthly menstrual cycle.

Another reason that Kennedy feels obligated to get the word out there about Nspire and their products is because the current pads on the market are composed of recycled material like newspaper and plastic bags. As Kennedy puts it, “The FDA doesn’t regulate this industry that produces the feminine pads. Nspire may not be FDA approved but we are on their radar for informing consumers of the alternative product now available for women across the United States and with good ratings.” With pads

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and other products being made from recycled materials, oftentimes women on their cycle will experience pain and cramping that is derived from the release of the chemicals within the pads containing recycled trash. These pads are worn up against a female’s body for a period of 2-4 hours which can cause health issues or even cancer.

In fact, the harmful effects of the sanitary products currently offered is the driving force behind the Now We No campaign. This campaign is working hard to keep men and women informed on the negative impact that sanitary products can have on women.

This movement has partnered with women’s organizations and awareness groups to host events such as 5k walks, bike rides, and basketball games to inform the public about this serious issue affecting women all over the globe. Nspire not only creates first-class nutritional and wellness products, but they also want to raise awareness and educate people to live healthier and safer lives!

For those who are unsure of the products that Nspire offers, you can check out live product demos online. Simply search for “Nspire” on YouTube and you will be able to see product demos as well as hearing firsthand experiences with the products. Local customers have taken to the Internet to share their satisfaction with Nspire and the products they offer. In fact, a Raleigh native contacted Kennedy to let her know how comfortable the products were and how “there was no noticeable odor and a noticeable difference in comfort vs. the cramping experienced when using

other products”. Needless to say, this customer was completely satisfied and vowed to purchase more while suggesting the company to anyone who would listen!

You can find out more about Nspire and join their network of distributors by visiting Adrienne Kennedy’s website https://www.nspirenetwork. com/kennedy1 or emailing her at 1happynurse@gmail.com. On the website use Code: Kennedy 1 to receive a 10% discount.

You can also read about the amazing work of the Now We No campaign and join their mission at www.nowweno.net. There has never been a better time to make a change in your life and the lives of women all over the globe by joining the Nspire Network!

Connect with Adrienne today for transparency from a Registered Nurse that sees Nspire as a woman’s breakthrough!

Strategic Career Investments

By Abonni D. Anthony, MBA Strategic Career Investments is a means to aggressively invest in our future as both an entrepreneur and an intrapreneur. Businesses vary, but the one constant is excellent customer service and looking out for the customer’s best interest.

Achieving excellence in business is improving ourselves as business owners and professionals, to the point of qualitative and quantitative results. Every day is an intentional investment in our future. We either squander our experiences, or use them to propel us to our next benchmark of success. I believe there is a way to get the most of our experiences. We can create strategic career investments which uses our full-time positions, to create volunteer opportunities, to aid our educational endeavors that will take us to our own business of passion and expertise. And that is if we choose not to stay grounded as an intrapreneur.

Let me paint you a picture to illustrate. At 19, I was a receptionist that would take any job or task, no matter the size or prestige. At 21 I was an Executive Assistant with exposure to national affiliations because I sought opportunities to 34

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learn and grow. At 29, I launched a career in operations working in accounting, finance, ISO compliance, office management and overall business. At 36, I launched my first non-profit that reached a pinnacle place in my community and prestige with my local Chamber.

I currently work as a Salaried Consultant for an international recruiting firm, in conjunction to starting my own consulting firm to teach strategic investments internationally, volunteer with an international organization to empower women and I am pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership.

The progression was not an accident. It was a desperation to make Abonni marketable and unforgettable. That is what I now deliver to my clients and what I teach those I mentor. I used my full-time positions to volunteer for future projects, while building upon my education to launch my own business. Join me for the City Insight exclusives as I assist businesses in their pursuit of ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE!!!

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By Landyn Miller

Whether it’s a winter month – or any month – the last thing anyone wants is to be stuck on the side of the road without any emergency supplies.

Every car should have an emergency kit prepared in case of any kind of emergency, from simple things such as running out of gas, to more serious events like getting stuck in a snowdrift or running off the road in the dark.

From items to assist you if you need to wait a while for help, to parts of the kit that can help you get unstuck on your own, our emergency kit packing list is a must-have for

anyone who hits the open road.

Share this with anyone with a college student, commuters, especially those who deal with icy roads, and people who travel via road. This simple-to-build emergency kit can be a lifesaver out on the open road.

For more information and the full infographic, visit https://ratesforinsurance.com/ emergency-kit/ SOURCE Rates for Insurance

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Iconic Fashion Brand The Limited® Returns In Style Re-launch includes plus size collections available online and in Belk stores

By Tyler Hampton

The Limited®, a legacy brand known for empowering women in the workforce for over 50 years, recently returned to TheLimited. com and debuted in 150 Belk stores. Known for delivering Modern. Southern. Style. for nearly 130 years, Belk is expanding its quality roster of national brands and private-label fashion by becoming the exclusive distributor for The Limited brand.

“The Limited provides customers with tailored, feminine looks to seamlessly carry the modern woman from work to her social life,” said Nadine Rauer, Belk Executive Vice President and General Merchandise Manager. “We’re committed to not only delivering the products that The Limited is known for, but also expanding the assortment to take this iconic brand to the next level.”

The Limited products are now available in plus size – a first for the brand – and the relaunch will also include designs in petite, tall, and denim. The Limited will once again offer boardroom-ready looks and fashionforward designs that can be mixed and matched throughout every season.

With the TheLimited.com, customers beyond Belk’s 16-state footprint will have access 36

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to the brand’s collections whenever they want to shop. The Limited will be managed as an exclusive, private brand, like Belk favorites Crown & Ivy, Kaari Blue, New Directions and True Craft, to name a few. In 2018, Belk will launch The Limited in an additional 74 stores.

About Belk, Inc. Belk, Inc., a private department store company based in Charlotte, N.C., is where Southern customers shop for their perfect Sunday dress, the Saturday night outfit, and where family and community matter most. But Belk is more than shopping – it’s where you find your own unique way to express who you are. It’s where Southern style lives.

Shop Belk in 16 Southern

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states and on www.belk.com to find an assortment of national brands and private-label fashion, shoes and accessories for the entire family, along with top-name cosmetics, a wedding registry and Southern style for the home.

Courtesy of PR Newswire

If you are a business owner and want your patrons to receive a free copy of The City Insight, please feel free to email distribution@thecityinsight.com

AREA EVENTS & FUNCTIONS: The City Insight is also regular sponsors and participants at area “high traffic� events in Raleigh, which attracts thousands from the community. At these events we ensure that event goers receive a copy of the magazine or are aware of our online presence.

Interested in having a strategic media sponsor representing your business/organization? Contact us today to learn how we can build a relationship.

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Is Rock Music Making A Comeback? Dan Spirk Releases Debut Single “So Good to Me”

Harlem based Rock, Pop singer/songwriter Dan Spirk debut single “So Good To Me” is a highly personal look into the internal conflicts of a man. With the track being written and performed on all instruments by Spirk, the single is a song of ambiguous and personal satire.

Delivered in a tongue and cheek romance. Wrapped up in “Bare Naked Rock & Roll” which debuted on November 26, 2017. The single will be available at http://danspirk.com.

An undeniable highlight of Spirk’s musical talent and versatility,” So Good To Me” recounts several real life experiences where we make mistakes but we are then in turn excepted for who we are.

“When I began to write this single, I was home sick with a lung infection, reflecting on countless mistakes that I have made in life and the toll 38

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those mistakes take on our loved ones as they in turn were able to forgive us,” says Spirk. “Therefore, the single reflects all these emotions and sends a message that life is too short and we have to learn to let go.”

Dan is set to follow the release of “So Good To Me” with the release of his debut EP “The Kiss Of Tenacity” anticipated, well-crafted five song album based on the personal trials and tribulations of not knowing when to give up and quit.

Spirk was spotted last night performing with his band The Love Rocket’s at New York’s oldest rock venue “The Bitter End” and is hard at work in the recording studio, alongside producer Craig Levy. He is planning the release of five new singles.

Courtesy of Send2Press Newswire

About Dan Spirk: Spirk is a singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist from New York. As a child, he spent most of his time learning to play and perform as a self-taught drummer. In countless bands and scoring music for Indy films, Spirk not finding himself content, began writing songs and is known among his peers for being tenacious.

Dan Spirk can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and at http://danspirk.com.

Follow on Social Media at: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/danspirkmusic/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/dspirk Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/danspirkmusic/ VIDEO (YouTube): (https://youtu.be/rKd-rKthSvo)

SINGING THE PRAISES OF

J. LOCKE

By Joshua Henry

For many, the mention of gospel music drums up images of ornately decorated churches, billowing robes adorning a choir of lively singers, and rows of pews filled with people in their Sunday finest. Yet, gospel is about so much more than that and can be used beyond the four walls of a church. In fact, the very image of gospel music is something that gospel hip-hop artist J. Locke is working to change.

Who exactly is J. Locke? Well, if you ask him he is simply a father, son, brother, uncle, and nephew.

All of those titles are what comprise the foundation of who he is as a person. All of those complexities are what combine to make the man who makes the music, who sometimes falls on his face and other times comes out looking like a genius.

However, at the very core of J. Locke there is an artist who uses music to make a difference in the world.

Like most beginnings, J. Locke’s is one interspersed with success and failure. In between going to church and hustling on the streets, J. Locke turned his experiences into music. When he sent his first demo to Kedar Entertainment, a label known for artists like Erykah Badu, they didn’t want to work with Mr. Locke, at least not as a recording artist. Instead, they wanted to use him as a writer for the other artists on their label.

Being young and having a singular ambition, J. Locke refused, though he jokingly notes that those writing checks would have come in handy.

However, he wasn’t deterred by any failure that may have come his way. In fact, according to him, “you cannot be successful and not have a

certain level of failure. Getting back up and continuing is what makes the difference between winning and losing.” So, he continued to pursue his passions and worked hard to break into the music industry.

It was while pursuing his dream of being a hip-hop artist that J. Locke inadvertently ended up in the emerging genre of hip-hop gospel. With his background being in gospel, having grown up in a church, it was a natural progression from solely hip-hop to this hip-hop/gospel hybrid (which J. Locke has elegantly dubbed “HipGosp”). It was when he took a step back and began work on his album “God Sent Me” that he realized that this gospel hybrid was the only platform he truly needed to make his mark on the world.

If there is a single message to be found in J. Locke’s music, it is that of life. He believes that there is a beauty in every struggle, but we can only see that beauty if we are truly living a life worth living. While people are quick to label music and place it into a single box, J. Locke feels that his music is simply “life” music. He feels that when people listen to the music he creates and the sounds he offers to the world, they get life breathed into their bodies, spirits, and souls. This means that his music is not necessarily for any specific demographic. From older people to young adults to teenagers, anyone can find a connection in his music. In fact, one of the joys that J. Locke has with making music is seeing young adults and teenagers listening to his music and finding joy in it.

J. Locke’s most recent work is his “Mr. and Mrs. (The Love Album)”. He describes this album as

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“A dedication to the union of marriage between Christ and the sinner.”

He designed this album to invoke an image in the head of the listener where the songs play out like a movie that tells a story. That is why J. Locke didn’t really adhere to a single type of music on this album. You will find raps on the album as well as songs with beautiful vocals.

This is meant to allow for those individuals in committed relationships, as well as those who are single, to find a connection with the album.

This album is not just personal for listeners either. The “Mr. and Mrs. (The Love Album)” was the first time that J. Locke wrote, arranged, and executive produced an entire album.

It was a personal moment for the artist who was filled with a feeling of being able to accomplish anything!

J. Locke is not only using his talents in front of the microphone, but behind it as well. With an emerging recording label that is already working with talented young artists, J. Locke is continuing to spread the music and message of HipGosp. He has personal experience with being boxed by an industry where hip hop doesn’t really accept gospel artists and vice-versa.

He found it impossible to try and fit both sounds into one or the other.

However, once he was given the opportunity to shake off the need for labeling his music, he found he could create something beautiful.

And that is what he wants to do for the future generation of artists.

Beyond music, J. Locke is also passionate about being involved in the activism of the world. As some who believes that there is great responsibility attached to any kind of fame or power, J. Locke feels a great responsibility to use his platform to make change: “It is hard for me to have a platform and see people hurting and not engage the conversation of how we can do better.” As an African American man, J. Locke wants to make a difference in the community and work to stop the onslaught of innocent deaths and other travesties that have seemed to have headlined the news recently. He feels a responsibility to shine a light on the wrongdoings in 44

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the world and work to fix them!

One of his more recent activisms is against domestic violence. As a father, J. Locke felt that the world was filled with so much abuse and seeing it all on social media and in the news sparked a desire to make a difference. He hopes that if his music leaves people with any sort of message it is to make more love in the world and less war.

With 2017 coming to a quick end, J. Locke has many plans for the new year. His biggest venture in the new year will be his Date Night tour in celebration of his “Mr. and Mrs. (The Love Album)”. With this tour, he wants to use his music to ignite passion in relationships, encourage people to build those relationships, and make couples fall in love all over again. This focus on strengthening relationships and creating more love in the world comes from J. Locke’s personal culture. As a person of color, J. Locke knows that his history is filled with a time where families were torn apart and he sees that occurring today with systems in place that are meant to separate.

Even the music of a lot of hip-hop artists promoted a “thug” lifestyle that is all about violence and drugs.

He feels that if he can get people to communicate again and back to the times of sitting at the table for a big meal, then the world can start healing.

Also in 2018, J. Locke will be participating in Raleigh’s “Artsplosure” event on the 17th of February. He will be providing a live musical performance during a live art show. He sees this as a great opportunity for couples to come out

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to hear some great music, see some amazing art, and simply have a good time.

At the end of the day, J. Locke isn’t really looking for fame or notoriety.

If you were to look back on his life in 100 years, he hopes that you remember him as a man that showed men how to be good husbands, great fathers, and decent men. He wants to be the man that showed others how to love themselves enough to let God back into their lives and hearts.

For booking and to hear more from J. Locke you can visit his website at www.jlockesmg.com. You can also purchase his album, “Mr. and Mrs. (The Love Album)” at most online music retailers.

Photos Courtesy of JHG Photography

Mike Smith’s Album “Pieces of Soul” Hits Top 5 on Billboard The multi-talented Mike Smith hits #5 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart for the week of Dec 30, 2017 with his new album “Pieces of My Soul.” “Pieces Of My Soul,” is the eagerly awaited follow up album to his Top 10 Billboard Charting Album “Always You And Me.” Mike also starred on the television show “One Shot” which aired on BET last year. This album takes fans back to his first love, Rock.

“Pieces of My Soul” debuts with his first Single, the heartfelt and widely romantic ballad “I Know (I love You).” “I Know (I Love You),”, a very intimate song written to his wife Erika, with whom he shares an amazing love story. Mike states, “Erika and I almost married in college, broke up, and reconnected on the 10th anniversary of our breakup. Nothing more surprising or amazing has ever happened to me and she is the inspiration for so many of my songs. This is my way of thanking her for being in my life.”

He has an amazingly diverse and dedicated fan base because of his talent in many genres and unique ability to connect with his fans. Mike continues to collaborate with other artists in Hip Hop, Country and Alternative genres. He has worked with some of the biggest artists in the world including DJ Khaled, TI, The Game, and RZA from Wu Tang Clan just to name a few. Additionally, he plays 12 instruments and has written and produced thousands of songs that have generated tens of millions of streams

across multiple genres. In addition, the entire album “Pieces of My Soul” was written, performed, sang, and produced entirely by Smith himself.

With other exciting upcoming projects, Mike Smith is definitely a person to follow in 2018. You can find “Pieces of My Soul” everywhere now.

Courtesy of PR Newswire

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The Ugly Side of Beauty Products

By Christina Crawford

Beauty aisles offer a tantalizing buffet of options. Vibrant colors splash from the shelves; promises of youth and allure beckon. It’s like Toys ‘R Us for grown-ups. Yet what should be a fun journey quickly turns noxious when you think of the minefield of toxins you’re wading through.

A frightening number of skin care and beauty products contain heavy metals, skin irritants, and potentially dangerous ingredients that can have both short and long-term consequences. Take a look at some of the most concerning ingredients in your beauty products and how to avoid them.

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BENZOPHENONE Where it’s hiding: Baby sunscreen, lip balm, shampoo, conditioner, nail polish, foundation, moisturizer.

Aliases: Any word that contains benzophenone, sulisobenzone, BP + a number, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone sodium Crime: Endocrine disruption, cancer, organ system toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity How to avoid it: Stay away from products that contain those ingredients. Opt for sunscreens that use nonnanoized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

PHTHALATES Where it’s hiding: Fragrance, makeup, lipstick, lotion, nail polish Aliases: Anything with “fragrance” or “parfum” in the ingredient label; You’ll never find labels listing phthalates.

Crime: Mimics hormones, thereby telling your body to make more or less of certain hormones; linked to increased risk of breast cancer and early onset of menopause; diabetes, autism How to avoid it: Use products that are labeled phthalate-free.

PARABENS Where it’s hiding: deodorant, moisturizer. makeup, hair gels Aliases: Anything with methyl-, butyl-, and propylparaben; ingredients ending in ‘paraben’ Crime: Mimics estrogen in the body, which can increase the expression of genes that may result in human breast cell tumor growth How to avoid it: Avoid products with those ingredients, though it is unlikely the average consumer will be exposed to enough parabens to cause harm.

Research into beauty products is ever-evolving, leaving consumers more informed yet also more confused with each new announcement. You can reduce the amount of toxins entering your body by choosing beauty product lines that offer environmentally-friendly and body-healthy ingredients.

Website: BubblePopBeauty.com Follow Bubble Pop Beauty on: instagram.com/bubblepopbeauty/ www.facebook.com/bubblepopbeauty

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Neuse River Restored for Six Miles in Raleigh Raleigh-based Restoration Systems announces the Milburnie Dam is removed and 6.2 miles of the Neuse River in the City of Raleigh is restored to a free-flowing waterway. Over the last two weeks, the portion of the 625’ long, 15’ high structure damming the Neuse has been eliminated to reveal a fine set of new rapids not seen since before the American Revolution and the founding of Raleigh. Elimination of the barrier will allow the passage of migratory fish such as Striped Bass and Shad to spawn miles upriver for the first time in centuries.

The dam removal was financed using a novel, for-profit, regulatory mechanism known as “Mitigation Banking.” Mitigation banks improve the ecology in one location in order to sell “off-set credits” to public and private developers in nearby locations so that they may achieve a no-net-loss of regulated resources. In this instance, the mitigation credits at Milburnie are largely devoted compensate for 50

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regional infrastructure projects. The creation of the mitigation bank and subsequent removal of the dam required nine years of permitting and 14 separate federal, state and local approvals. The company has doggedly pursued the project since 2001.

In 2002, nine state and federal agencies comprising the North Carolina Dam Removal Task Force determined the Milburnie Dam to be a “Top Ten” priority dam for removal in North Carolina. In 2005 and 2006, Restoration Systems removed the Carbonton Dam and Lowell Dam in Chatham and Johnston counties respectively, also named on the priority list.

Like many “low-head” dams across the nation, the Milburnie Dam and its associated 8.25 acres were privately owned. The late Raleigh attorney Howard Twiggs contracted with Restoration Systems in 2008 to remove the dangerous liability, and his family will share in the proceeds from the sale of mitigation credits.

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The dam was responsible for at least 15 drowning deaths, and had not produced electrical power in over a decade.

The restored river will be monitored for ecological improvement for seven years at 35 locations upstream and downstream in order to support the release of mitigation credits by state and federal agencies. Restoration Systems closely collaborated with American Rivers, a national river advocacy group; and Sound Rivers, a local organization formed from the Neuse River and Tar-Pamlico River Foundations, who will hold the permanent conservation easement protecting the site -- hereafter known as Milburnie Falls.

About Restoration System Founded in 1998, Restoration Systems is a leading environmental restoration and compensatory mitigation company. RS was formed to improve the quality of environmental restoration and mitigation by performing projects in the most conscientious manner and implementing best practices to monitor and maintain the real estate and ecology over the long term. To date, RS has invested in and improved nearly 125,000 acres of wetlands and prairies and more than 60 miles of rivers, streams and bayous in 10 states.

For media contacts, more info, and the live “Dam Cam� see: www.milburniedam.com Courtesy of PR Newswire

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NC Floral Exhibition Inspired By Art January 11-18, 2018

Leading floral designers in North Carolinawill gather in Wrightsville Beach to showcase their floral creations inspired by fine art, Jan. 11-14, 2018.

The four-day Art & The Bloom exhibition and competition includes expert courses in floral design, botanical illustration and art, building terrariums, millinery fashion shows, raffles, and a presentation-book signing for Gardening in the South: The Complete Homeowner’s Guide,

by Mark Weathington, Director of the JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University.

“Our first year was a huge success,” said co-chair Barb Bittler, member of the New Hanover Garden Club. “The artwork was from a collection at Cameron Art Museum. This year’s artwork will come from private collections and the Wilmington Art Association.

Floral designers receive their art assignment from a blind draw weeks before the event.

“The judges this year are 52

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Frances Thrash from Virginia and Pam Braun from Tennessee. Both are nationally accredited judges and Flower Show School Instructors through the National Garden Club.

“Friday morning, judge Frances Thrash is going to create four different floral designs. Friday afternoon, judge Pam Braun will be talking about botanical arts, which is a new division in flower shows for the National Garden Club.

“Preston Montague, a botanical illustrator from Durham, will present a workshop on how to make your greeting cards from what you might find in your garden.

Montague is the creator of the Codex Carolinum alphabet series, using native or naturalized plants of North Carolina to encourage natural science literacy.

“Kim Fisher, a local floral designer originally from Washington, D.C., will be leading a workshop in how to create a terrarium out of succulents. Kim’s experience includes floral design for several

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presidents and the Catherine ZetaJones wedding.

“Floral design winners receive a beautiful ribbon, a cash award, and bragging rights. Last year’s best of show winner, Brittany Wells of Verzaal’s Florist in Wilmington is returning to defend her title,” said Bittler.

New Hanover Garden Club, organizer of Art & The Bloom, is federated through the National Garden Club and Garden Clubs of North Carolina. The event’s proceeds will benefit gardening projects for nonprofit organizations. All activities will be held at host hotel Blockade Runner Beach Resort.

2018 Art & The Bloom Itinerary: Thurs. January 11

Sat. January 13

6 - 8 PM: Preview Party and Art & The Bloom Exhibition – Blockade Runner Beach Resort

9 AM-5 PM: Art & The Bloom Exhibition 10 AM - 12 PM: “Octopus’s Garden” Terrarium Workshop by Kim Fisher of Coastal Terra. How to make a contained succulent garden, a two-hour course including, plant selection, building techniques, maintenance, and display.

Materials are provided.

1 - 3 PM: Botanical Card Drawing

by Preston Montague, professional botanical illustrator, educator, and landscape designer from Durham. The course includes the basics of botanical illustration and classroom supplies.

3 - 4 PM: Fashion Show of Hats, by milliner Jan Wutkowski of aMuse Artisanal Finery. Includes a twocourse afternoon tea service by EAST Oceanfront Dining.

Fri. January 12 9 AM - 8 PM: Art & The Bloom Exhibition 10 AM - 12 PM: Floral Design Demonstration by Frances Thrash, National Garden Club Flower Show School Instructor, and Master Judge.

1 - 3 PM: The New Botanical Arts …

Making a Flower Show Fun for Everyone

by Pam Braun, National Garden Club Flower Show School Instructor, and Master Judge.

3 - 4 PM: Fashion Show of Hats by milliner Jan Wutkowski of aMuse Artisanal Finery. Includes a twocourse afternoon tea service by EAST Oceanfront Dining.

For tickets and accommodations: http://blockade-runner.com/packages/artand-the-bloom/ For tickets and event information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-the-bloomtickets-36802041898 Courtesy of PR Newswire

Sun. January 14 9 AM - 4 PM: Art & The Bloom Exhibition 1 - 3 PM: How to grow your dream garden in the South presented by Mark Weathington, Director of the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University. Mark is the author of Gardening in the South: The Complete Homeowner’s Guide.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

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What You Can’t Miss In Asheville In 2018 New Hotels for the Culinary Traveler, Major Exhibitions at Biltmore, Art Immersions with Food & Beer, New Trails, Food Hubs & Adventure Spa Pop-Ups

An icon gets an update in Asheville’s Art Deco skyline; Chihuly at Biltmore + Asheville’s Summer of Glass; major international sporting events; and new hikes with extreme views and historic connections—here’s what’s new in Asheville, North Carolina in 2018.

Trends that are picking up steam include new food-centric hotels; destination breweries off the beaten path; food halls and hubs; forest bathing and spa treatments en plein air; and (where cozy and epic meet) fireplaces with a view.

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NEW PLACES TO STAY

Foodie Hotels, News from The Block + a Retro Resort for the Original Tiny House The Cambria Downtown Asheville brings Havana to the Blue Ridge with Hemingway’s Cuba restaurant and bar.

Set next to the historic Grove Arcade shopping complex, the hotel and its rooftop restaurant offers views, Cuban cocktails, croquettes and ropa vieja.

Asheville’s famed Art Deco skyline will get a new icon and a four-star luxury property when Hotel Arras opens.

In addition to a completely new Art Deco façade for Asheville’s tallest building (formerly the 1960s-era BB&T building) the 128-room hotel will offer an extensive food focus with two restaurants by local chef Peter Pollay of Asheville favorite Posana. The first restaurant to open will be Bargello, Mediterranean-inspired with housemade pastas and whole fish preparation. Opens late 2018.

Preservation of the distinctive character of an important Asheville neighborhood will be the focus as three historic buildings are re-imagined as the Asheville Foundry Inn, part of Hilton’s upper upscale Curio Collection, opening mid-2018. Set on Eagle and South Market streets, this hotel will be part of The Block, Asheville’s historical business district for the AfricanAmerican community. TIP: Hop on the Hood Huggers tour for stories of resilience highlighting new historic markers, art and interactive interpretation on The Block and across Asheville.

Colorfully restored 1950s campers, just 12 minutes from downtown Asheville, are available at the new JuneBug Retro Resort, a 50-acre property that transports visitors back in time to when folks vacationed in the original tiny houses.

BILTMORE NEWS

Titanic Costumes and Chihuly Glass + New Science Behind Wine Tour at America’s Most Visited Winery More than 45 film costumes are on display at Biltmore February 9 through May 13 as part of the new exhibition, “Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie.”

Lavish costumes represent the extensive wardrobes required by transatlantic travelers like George and Edith Vanderbilt on these “Floating Palaces.” This is the first large-scale exhibition of fashions from the film, which won a record 11 Oscars. Learn about the Vanderbilts’ many travels and the family’s eerie connection to the ship.

Experience the breathtaking large-scale glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly at Biltmore May 17 through October 7. “Chihuly at Biltmore” is the first-ever art exhibition in Biltmore’s historic gardens. On select evenings, Biltmore House and Gardens will be open for special viewings after dark. “Chihuly Nights at Biltmore” combines these spectacular installations with dramatic lighting and Blue Ridge Mountain sunsets.

America’s Most Visited Winery now hosts a Winery Production Tour, highlighting how science and nature meet in winemaking, the unique factors of grape growing in North Carolina and the craft of fermentation. Recent renovations at Biltmore Winery include enhancements to the tasting room and a new premium wine bar with outdoor seating.

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COZY CAPITAL OF AMERICA

Scenic Fireplace Trend Continues, Cozy Hideaways & A New Spot to Sip Liquid Chocolate Often ranked among the coziest cities in America, Asheville’s (mostly mild) winter weather means a vibrant walkable downtown, picture-perfect long-range views of snowy peaks, romantic restaurants and bars and hiking trails all to yourself.

Fireplaces with a View: From rooftops to cozy spots to imbibe, Asheville’s trend of fireplaces accompanied by spectacular vistas continues with the new rooftop restaurant bars Capella on 9at the AC Hotel Asheville Downtown and Hemingway’s Cuba at Cambria Downtown Asheville, offering warm views of downtown architecture and mountain scenery. Other hot spots with epic fireplace offerings: Omni Grove Park Inn, Pillar Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown and Wicked Weed Brewing.

Manhattan Service for Two: A vet in Asheville’s craft cocktail scene opens Little Jumbo, serving up cozy with class at the edge of the historic Montford neighborhood.

Check out the date-worthy Jumbo Service, an interactive cocktail experience for two.

Your Personal Sommelier: French restaurant Bouchon just opened L’Ecluse, a comfy, romantic hideaway above a beloved local restaurant. A dedicated sommelier will help you pick the perfect beverage.

Floral Sips at a Botanical Boutique: West Asheville’s Flora now includes a coffee and tea bar with flowerladen ice cubes, planted interiors and a fresh-cut flower bar.

More Drinking Chocolate, Please: Known for beanto-bar creations and delicious drinking chocolates, including the Liquid Truffle sipping chocolate, French Broad Chocolates is opening a new café and creamery in their factory’s current South Slope location. The factory will move to a larger space at RAMP Studios.

BEVERAGE CULTURE

Beer City’s Newest Trend + Beer Week, Cider Comes to the South Slope and a New Look for Asheville’s Oldest Brewery Destination Breweries: Breweries are popping up outside of the downtown core with their own unique appeal. Recent additions include Turgua Brewing (farmstead brewery in Fairview), Ginger’s Revenge (alcoholic ginger beer in the RAMP Studios), Zillicoah (sours and lagers in Woodfin) and Eluvium (Weaverville). Next, Burial Beer Co.’s Forestry Camp, set on a historic property near Biltmore Village, will give new life to buildings that once housed the young workers who built the Blue Ridge Parkway. The beer bar is set to open in late winter or early spring.

Beer Week Goes Outside: New this year, the event will integrate outdoor adventure like hiking, biking, Onewheel and yoga.

Dates: May 25 – June 2. The week, organized by the Asheville Brewers Alliance, closes with the Beer City Festival on June 2.

Cider in the South Slope: West Asheville’s Urban Orchard Cider Co. has announced plans to expand to a second location in Asheville’s South Slope beer district. A springtime opening is predicted for the taproom, with more than 30 taps of cider and beer.

New at Asheville’s Oldest Brewery: Highland Brewing Company is rebranding under the secondgeneration leadership of Leah Wong Ashburn, daughter of creator Oscar Wong. Updates include packaging, a fresh tasting room and programming that occurs at the brewery’s rooftop bar and meadow.

FOOD NEWS

ART SCENE

Asheville was recently named one of Zagat’s most exciting food cities in the country, and one of the city’s hippest hoods, West Asheville, has an exploding food scene all its own with new restaurants BimBeriBon (global bites and super food-enhanced fare), Foothills Butcher Bar & Kitchen (cleavers as décor and a second location in Black Mountain) and Gan Shan West (Chef Patrick O’Cain brings dumpling and noodles counter service to Beacham’s Curve).

Asheville’s Summer of Glass: The quartz-rich mountains and Asheville’s passion for creativity give the region a prolific glass art history. In conjunction with the Chihuly exhibition, Asheville glass artists and studios are celebrating the historical and contemporary context of glass and its talented artists with tours and demonstrations of glass blowing, jewelry making and stained glass May through October.

Hip Eats in West Asheville, News from the Cheese Trail, a Spice Factory & The City’s Best Breakfasts

Award-winning Looking Glass Creamery is now offering cheese classes and a newly expanded tasting room at their Fairview farm. The family recently purchased a dairy farm in the region where they have launched a cave aging program and will double cheese production.

Spices are available fresh, whole and small batch at the new Spicewalla spice factory by James Beardnominated chef Meherwan Irani. Irani, dubbed the “spice whisperer” and chef/owner of Indian street food restaurant Chai Pani, hopes to encourage folks to use Indian spices in unexpected ways.

Asheville B&Bs stake their claim for Asheville’s best breakfasts with Morning in the Mountains, a collection of 100+ recipes that highlight the culinary expertise of the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association.

Asheville’s passion for global cuisine will take center stage as the Asheville Wine & Food Festival marks its 10-year anniversary with a chef’s showcase series and lively culinary village in the heart of downtown, August 17-18.

An Art Deco Culinary Complex is bringing the food hall trend to an architectural icon in downtown Asheville.

S&W Cafeteria reopens as a multi-venue food hall—S&W Artisanal—that will include restaurants, a bakery, a coffee bar, a Greek market and a newly opened 20s-inspired bar, The Times. The great-nephews of architect Douglas Ellington, who designed the building in 1929, are behind the venture.

ALSO NEW: White Labs, a major supplier of yeast for breweries across the nation, has opened White Labs Kitchen & Tap, serving wood fired pizzas made with White Labs’ pure liquid yeast and other fermented and beer-infused dishes and desserts. Twenty-eight taps offer side-by-side tastings of beer fermented with different yeast strains.

Summer of Glass, Painting with Beer & A New Insider Tour of “Craft City”

Craft City Food & Art Tours celebrate the best small-batch, high-quality and handmade.

Asheville’s Center for Craft, Creativity & Design, the epicenter of Asheville’s maker culture, joins local food experts for a walking tour that features tastings, exhibits and demos from Asheville’s unique makers and crafters.

Painting with Beer joins the palette of uniquely Asheville art immersion experiences via Asheville Art Studio Tours. Explore studios across the Asheville art scene and end with a beer painting lesson at one of 38 local breweries.

OUTDOOR NEWS

New Trails + Forest Bathing Trail with Hollywood Ties Reopens: The popular Skyline Trail that leads to the top of 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls in the Chimney Rock section of Chimney Rock State Park has reopened after being closed for almost 10 years. The area near the top of the falls (where the final fight scene in the 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans occurred) once again provides guests with incredible panoramic views.

Perfect Picnic Trail Expands: Bearwallow Mountain Trail, a Hickory Nut Gorge-area trail known for its Instagramworthy views, grazing cows and spring wildflowers, has recently expanded with the 3-mile Little Bearwallow Mountain Trail that goes to a 100-foot waterfall, towering cliffs and panoramic views. Just announced: Thanks to conservation easements, this trail will extend across the mountain in the next few years.

What is an Adventure Spa? Ascend Adventure Wellness combines hiking and outdoor spa treatments for the ultimate forest bathing experience. This pop-up spa in the wilderness was started by a former Outward Bound instructor-turned-masseuse.

MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS

Tennis Stars, World-Class Cyclists and Equestrian Champs Head to the Blue Ridge Asheville hosts the Fed Cup, the world’s largest annual women’s team tennis tournament, February 10-11. The U.S. team will play the Netherlands and both Sloane Stephens and Coco Vandeweghe, members of this year’s title-winning club, are expected to be able to compete.

Haute Route, a prestigious European cycling event, races into Asheville May 18-20, bringing more than 300 international riders and cementing the area as a worldclass cycling destination. Each stage of the event starts and ends downtown with riders navigating the highest peaks east of the Mississippi River.

The FEI World Equestrian Games, the largest sporting event in the United States in 2018, takes place in nearby Tryon (45 minutes southeast of Asheville) September 11-23. The games, expected to attract nearly 500,000 people from more than 70 countries, include competitions such as jumping, dressage, endurance, vaulting and reining.

NEW FUN FOR FAMILIES

Family-Friendly Breweries + A New Trail for the Smallest Adventurers New breweries Whistle Hop (antique train caboose and disc golf course), Turgua (farmstead brewery with lots of room to run) and Archetype (live music, toys and story time) join a scene of family-friendly breweries that include circus themes, arcades and movie theaters.

Treetop Fun for Tiny Ones: Known for celebrating the smallest thrill seekers, the Adventure Center of Asheville has added a new trail for children ages 4 to 8 on its Treetops Adventure Park. The course, with elements like beam walks and cable bridges ranging in height from ground level to 8 feet off the ground, joins the park’s Kid Zip zip-line for children as young as 4.

MUSIC SCENE

Asheville Sound: Blue Ridge Road Trip Soundtrack The Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina guidebook leads travelers to where folk music and dance still thrive and includes a 20-track companion CD for the drive. A NEW version of the guide launches this spring with stories about musicians young and old, venue and festival listings and info about fiddler’s conventions, sacred music singings and community jam sessions.

Courtesy of PR Newswire

JACK’S SEAFOOD AND SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT HOURS New Bern Ave: Mon. - Sat: 7am - 9pm Sunday: 11am - 6pm Rock Quarry Road: Mon. - Wed: 8am - 9:30pm Thur. - Sat: 8am - 10pm Sunday: Closed

New Bern Location: 1516 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, NC 27604 919.755.1551

Rock Quarry Rd. Location: 5416 Rock Quarry Rd. Raleigh, NC 27610 919.329.8125

The Bags Under My Eyes Are Couture: How to Deal with Stress

By Christina Crawford

Some people flaunt under eye bags and circles as a natural, authentic look.

In Vogue, Creative Director of Perrin Paris, Chloe Perrin, said, “I’ve always thought dark circles look quite romantic… They make a fresh face look interesting.”

The idea is to embrace yourself and enhance your natural look instead of trying to cover yourself up. What’s not to love about that? Yet while it’s great to accept and flaunt your natural look, it’s also important to focus on health. Stress is one of the factors that can contribute to under eye bags and affect your overall beauty. To prevent and counteract under eye issues caused by stress, take some steps to deal with that stress.

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1. EXERCISE Physical activity helps calm your stress hormones and boost your happy hormones to give you better balance.

2. CALMING ACTIVITIES Try engaging in activities that calm you down, whether it’s yoga, meditation, laughter, relaxing baths or other activities.

3. CHANGING PERSPECTIVE Shifting the way you think about life can help with stress. For instance, you might be able to let go of petty things that you’re letting bother you more than they need to.

4. ASKING FOR HELP Sometimes, there is too much to handle in life. It helps to not take it all on by yourself, but to share your trouble with others and ask for help.

5. MAKING LIFESTYLE CHANGES You’ll reduce stress if you make positive changes like getting more sleep, eating healthier and generally trying to take better care of yourself.

By taking these steps, you can work to reduce stress and under eye problems. And when you still have some subtle bags and circles on your face, be yourself and embrace your under eye couture!

Website: BubblePopBeauty.com Follow Bubble Pop Beauty on: instagram.com/bubblepopbeauty/ www.facebook.com/bubblepopbeauty

Having the Conversation About Addiction Recovery, Wellness and Citizenship Through Advocacy, Education and Support?

Recovering Communities of North Carolina May Have the Answer!

RCNC Vision: ● North Carolina promotes a culture that supports addiction recovery for individuals, families and communities ● North Carolinians seeking addiction recovery have access to the highest quality care, services, and support ● North Carolinians in addiction recovery are equal and valued members of our State

● North Carolinians in addiction recovery have opportunities to achieve their fullest educational, occupational and civic potential ● Recovery from addiction is a celebrated reality

We are here to help, visit us at: 5245 Capital Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616 (919) 231-0248 www.rcnc.org.

We’re powered by what’s most important.

At Duke Energy, we care about making a difference.

Whether we’re volunteering with local charities, funding science and engineering programs in schools or investing in the future workforce with career training programs, we’re always powered by what’s most important – you.

Learn more about how we’re powered by you at duke-energy.com/Community.