Wake Living January/February 2023

Ella’s Popcorn will go straight to your Valentine’s heart! Our Valentine’s Day Trio gift box includes irresistible flavors like Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Hibiscus and Cocoa Berry.

The strawberry is a symbol of Venus, the goddess of love, and has found its soulmate of Cocoa, the food of Gods. Delectable, tart berry bits coupled with a kiss of sweet, luscious dark chocolate; Cocoa Berry is a match made on Mount Olympus.

At WakeMed Children’s, we have a very special relationship with kids. It starts with a level of care and caring that’s just as parent-friendly as it is child-friendly. Provided by highly skilled physicians, surgeons, nurses and support teams. All experts. All pediatric-trained. All under one roof. And all in a very special hospital where you can’t help but notice that kids and their caregivers have a lot in common. Visit us online to learn more.

Maybe that’s why we get along so well. Kids are born caregivers.

departments wakeliving

GROUP PUBLISHER Bill Zadeits

PUBLISHER Kris Schultz

SENIOR EDITOR Erica Hinton

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lauren Morris

STAFF WRITER Dena Daw

COPY EDITOR Tara Shiver

SOCIAL MEDIA Arlem Mora

CONTRIBUTORS

Erica DeLong

L.A. Jackson

Carey Johnson Matthew Lardie

PHOTOGRAPHY

David McCreary

Teri Saylor

Emily Uhland

Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer Bryan Regan, Photographer

PRODUCTION

Atiya Batts, Graphic Designer

Jennifer Casey, Graphic Designer

Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer

Beth Harris, Graphic Designer

Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO

Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer Lane Singletary, Graphic Designer

PUBLIC RELATIONS

S&A Communications, Chuck Norman, APR

ADMINISTRATIVE

Kristin Black, Accounting Cherise Klug, Traffic Manager

Lisa White, Circulation Coordinator Valerie Renard, Human Resources

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Stuart Weiss

Wake Living © is published six times annually by Cherokee Media Group. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Subscriptions are $18/year.

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editor’s letter

Reader

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“GREAT ARTICLE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!”

— MIKE RAY, RE. “SPOOKTACULAR SIGHTS AND SOUNDS,” SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER

“THANK

— @WESTONFARMS, RE. “WESTON FARMS, “THE BUSINESS OF GROWING,” NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

— @ELLASPOPCORN, RE. “INDULGE … IT’S THE HOLIDAYS,” NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

— @JASEDWA, RE. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE

HAPPY NEW YEAR! While many of us start off a new year with resolutions and goals, I actually wrapped up 2022 by achieving a major goal of mine — and overcoming a fear at the same time. Along with Wake Living’s publisher, Kris Schultz, and social media manager, Arlem Mora, I participated in the Special Olympics Over the Edge Challenge on December 3 in downtown Raleigh, rappelling 400 feet (30 stories) over the side of the Wells Fargo building. Our team raised more than $3,000 for a great cause … and what an experience! I think I’m good on goals for a while.

What about you? Are you thinking about doing a Dry January or looking to

improve your health? In this issue, we explored a plethora of alternatives to traditional health and wellness treatments. In the name of research, Arlem and I tried IV hydration therapy, float therapy, cryotherapy, infrared therapy, compression therapy, and sound therapy. Boy, were we feeling good! Learn about all of these, and then get the skinny on what they’re really like.

We also take a look at the rising trend of nonalcoholic beverages. Called mocktails, you would never be able to tell by looking at them that they are spirit-free because they are as beautiful as they are unique and delicious. Speaking of partaking in healthy options, we also hung out at an oyster pop-up and visited a mushroom farm to learn all about the healing powers of lion’s mane.

If getting outside to boost your health and wellness is more up your alley, you may want to give disc golf a try. This growing sport is free to play and requires very little to get started, plus there are disc golf courses all over Wake County!

As always, I hope you enjoy this issue! Be sure to place one on your coffee table and share it with others. We’ll see you again this spring. Let’s make this the best year yet!

Email letters to the editor to editor@wakeliving.com Submitted comments may be edited for length or clarity, and become the property of Wake Living

Erica Hinton

contributed photo

SENIOR EDITOR ERICA HINTON GOES OVER THE EDGE FOR THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS.

Treasure Legends in Corolla.

Ready To Explore Corolla,

NC

With families reserving 2023 accommodations earlier than ever, there’s never been a better time to find the perfect place for your spring or summer getaway. It is nice to know that awe-inspiring remote beaches, legendary wild horses and iconic historical sites are here for you to treasure on the Corolla Outer Banks. Call 877.287.7488 for information or for your free visitor’s guide | Visit us online at CorollaNC.com

1Enjoy a guided moonlit stroll to experience nature and art at night on January 6 with the Winter Full Moon Walk at the North Carolina Museum of Art. This free event is only offered once every season and is for ages 16 and up. ncartmuseum.org

2Spend a day with your furry friends at WakeMed Soccer Park on January 7 for Mutts & Marshmallows , where several course maps will be offered for you and your pup. Everyone who finishes their race will win a big mug of hot chocolate. You can also participate in a virtual race. Registration is required, and all proceeds go to support Wake County SPCA. spcawake.org

3Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo brings a night of family fun and entertainment to Raleigh’s PNC Arena.

Fans will experience the best in cowboy athletes as they compete to qualify for the multimillion-dollar Nation Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Expect edge-of-your-seat action, eight seconds at a time in bull riding, saddle bronc riding, and bareback riding. worldstoughestrodeo.com

Mutts & Marshmallows

Winter Full Moon Walk

Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo

4The world famous Shen Yun Performing Arts is starting a new tour with brand-new production, and one of the first stops is the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts from January 21–22. Shen Yun is a performance of classical Chinese dance, along with a range of traditional Chinese ethnic and folk dance, bel canto solos, and orchestra blending Eastern and Western traditions. It presents a cultural heritage with thousands of years of history, as well as heartwarming stories that will uplift you. shenyun.org

5Join in on the statewide kickoff of Black History Month with the North Carolina Museum of History to celebrate and honor the history of African Americans. On January 28, the 22nd Annual African American Cultural Celebration will showcase local musicians, artists, historians, storytellers, and much more. ncmuseumofhistory.org

7Rocky Mount nonprofit Ripe for Revival is teaming up with Raleigh chef Saif Rahman of Vidrio for the third in a chef series of dinners called Reviving the Supper Club. At this interactive, virtual cooking class, diners buy a ticket for $150 for a meal that serves two people. A box of ingredients and the recipes are shipped to their homes. At 6:30 p.m. on February 7, log in for a livestream event and cook along with chef Rahman. Proceeds pay for food to supply Ripe for Revival’s pay-what-you-can mobile markets, which serve the food insecure in towns like Zebulon and others in eastern NC. riperevivalmarket.com.

8Spanning from gospel, R&B, and smooth pop to the arrival of disco, Dreamgirls is a musical that mirrors the glamorous and electrifying rise of groups like The Supremes, The Marvelettes, The Temptations, and The Shirelles during a time in American musical history when rhythm and blues blended with other styles of popular music to create a new American sound. Playing at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium from February 7–12. nctheatre.com

9Carolina Hurricanes Fan Fest, a free, outdoor family-friendly event, returns to downtown Raleigh on February 17, featuring street hockey and ice skating, Canes alumni, local vendors, inflatables, and more on Fayetteville Street from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. shoplocalraleigh. org/carolina-hurricanes-fan-fest

6The ultimate test of food and fitness returns to Raleigh on February 4. The Krispy Kreme Challenge is a nationally publicized charity race that requires participants to run 2.5 miles, eat 12 doughnuts as quickly as possible, and then run another 2.5 miles. All proceeds are donated to the North Carolina Children’s Hospital to support patients and their families. Costumes encouraged! krispykremechallenge.com

10Wolfgang Amadeus

Mozart had a genius that proclaimed itself early, developed swiftly, and vanished all too soon. Relive his music as the North Carolina Symphony and NC Master Chorale perform Mozart’s Requiem from February 24–25 at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. ncsymphony.org

African American Cultural Celebration

Carolina Hurricanes Fan Fest

Krispy Kreme Challenge

Grant Halverson

pay it forward

TOP: HEALTHY FOOD AVAILABLE IN THE URBAN MINISTRIES OF WAKE COUNTY FOOD PANTRY.

Urban Ministries Fosters a Community That Takes Care of Its Own

WRITTEN BY TERI SAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRYAN REGAN

AT 9 A.M. on a mild Monday morning last November, a line of 31 cars and one bicycle was already snaking around the parking lot at Urban Ministries of Wake County, as people waited patiently to receive a week’s worth of nutritious food.

The Urban Ministries food pantry is just one in a trifecta of ways the nonprofit organization demonstrates its mission to love their neighbors and improve lives in underserved communities in Wake County.

To the outsider, Urban Ministries appears to be housed a nondescript building at 1390 Capital Boulevard, next to a storage facility. But on the inside, the environment is spacious, warm, and welcoming.

The Open Door Clinic, a comprehensive health care facility, provides primary care, mental health counseling, and other services for uninsured adults and operates a pharmacy to fill clients’ prescriptions. And the Helen Wright Center, a state-of-the-art housing facility with 73 beds, provides both emergency and longer-term accommodations for homeless women while helping them find a job and a permanent place to live.

“We are the only Urban Ministries in North Carolina that provides three comprehensive community programs,” said Executive Director Peter Morris.

Other Urban Ministries organizations are in Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, and Durham.

BELOW: LEANN GIBSON LOADS HER TRUNK WITH FOOD FROM THE URBAN MINISTRIES FOOD PANTRY.

Urban Ministries of Wake County recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. The faith-based nonprofit was born in 1981 when congregations of 12 different faiths witnessed homeless populations suffering on the streets in downtown Raleigh and came together in a collective mission to help.

Today, the organization’s overarching goal is to build healthy communities by providing essential basic needs — food and nutrition, wellness, and the comfort and stability of a home — for the individuals and families it serves.

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the way Urban Ministries delivers services. Prior to the pandemic, the food pantry at Urban Ministries welcomed individuals who arrived in person to pick out their food as if they were shopping in a grocery store. But during lockdowns, as needs became more urgent, the organization implemented a drive-through food distribution system.

Nick Robertson, director of hunger and nutrition, recalls the day a social worker drove up and requested food boxes for 15 families, catching him off guard as he was prepared to explain that’s not how the food pantry works.

“But then I had a lightbulb moment and thought there might be a way to partner with social workers and serve more people,” said Robertson. “These are the soldiers with boots on the ground, dealing with our most vulnerable people, and they know the need more than we do.”

A COMMUNITY GARDEN HELPS SOURCE HEALTHY FOOD.

URBAN MINISTRIES RECENTLY CELEBRATED ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY.

NANCY SWANN PREPARES BOXES OF FOOD IN THE URBAN MINISTRIES FOOD PANTRY.

Today, the Urban Ministries food bank prepares 150 healthy food boxes to distribute to social workers for their clients and 85 boxes for individuals every week. Each box contains 28 pounds of fresh and frozen meat, produce, and other nutritious food sourced from wholesale marketplaces, partner food banks, and a community garden.

Morris, a pediatrician, has served as the organization’s executive director for 10 years. He has witnessed expanding need, even as Wake County continues to become one of the most prosperous counties in North Carolina.

The most prevalent problems in our community today are food insecurity, lack of health insurance, and rising housing costs, Morris said. Families are burdened with crushing stress and anxiety.

“Anything we can do to decrease their stress, alleviate their anxiety, and address depression will enable people to lift themselves up and have better opportunities to find jobs and improve their lives,” said Morris.

According to statistics from its 202122 annual report, Urban Ministries served 12,068 families through its food pantry, housed 338 women in the Helen Wright

Center, examined and treated 1,430 patients at the free clinic, and filled 40,822 monthly prescriptions last year.

“We are caring for more families and individuals than ever before, and engaging women in our housing program with onsite case management, workforce development, and on-site health care and substance abuse treatment,” Morris said.

The organization’s 2020 federal 990 report shows net assets at about $4.6 million.

Along with his financial budget, Morris treasures the valuable hours volunteers donate. From its 20-member board of directors to health care providers, food packers, office workers, and those who staff the Helen Wright Center, the volunteers are key to reaching their neighbors in need. Before the pandemic, the organization had about 1,600 volunteers, but that number has dropped to just under 1,000. Morris and his team are working to rebuild its volunteer army.

“Nobody can do it alone,” he said. “We can be a model of change if we work together and really care about people, and that’s what it means to be a community taking care of its own.” t

ABOVE: IN THE PAST YEAR, URBAN MINISTRIES TREATED 1,430 PATIENTS AT ITS FREE CLINIC.

BELOW: THE FREE CLINIC ALSO FILLS MONTHLY PRESCRIPTIONS.

“Anything we can do to decrease their stress, alleviate their anxiety, and address depression will enable people to lift themselves up and have better opportunities to find jobs and improve their lives.”

peter morris, executive director, urban ministries

URBAN MINISTRIES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PETER MORRIS

New Approaches to Looking Good and Feeling Great

WRITTEN BY ERICA HINTON PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

ARLEM MORA RELAXES IN A FLOAT TANK AT THE FLOAT SPA HOLLY SPRINGS.

WHILE MANY PEOPLE will kick off the new year with resolutions to eat better and exercise more, a growing number of folks will be partaking in more unconventional ways to improve their health and wellness: complementary and alternative medicine (“complementary” meaning the approach is used together with conventional medicine, and “alternative” meaning it is used in place of conventional medicine).

According to the most recent data from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, more than 30% of adults and about 12% of children use health care approaches that are not typically part of conventional medical care or that may have origins outside of usual Western practice.

Regardless of how you may choose to integrate these practices, just know that this area offers a plethora of ways to heat, hydrate, hear, float, freeze, and squeeze your way to feeling great. And we wanted to do more than just give you the basic info on these treatments; we wanted to tell you what they’re really like. To this end, Social Media Manager Arlem Mora and I tried six different therapies so we could give you the inside scoop.

IV HYDRATION THERAPY

What has been popular with celebrities as a cure for exhaustion, dehydration, jet lag, or the dreaded hangover, IV hydration therapy is now a blossoming trend right here in Wake County. At Hydrate Medical, a lifestyle IV hydration company with locations in Raleigh and Cary, patients can boost their energy and speed up recovery in a spa-like environment where clients can sit back, relax, and unwind.

Focusing on self-health and wellness, IV hydration treats ailments including illnesses, chronic pain, and PTSD. Some patients even receive the therapy to treat nausea during pregnancy or the side effects of chemo or radiation treatments. One of their most popular drips, the Myers Cocktail, is used to treat conditions from chronic fatigue

“

Over the last year, we have seen people continue to develop interest in staying healthy and well.

Dr. Jonathan Leake, co-owner, Hydrate Medical

MANAGER SAMI POYNER PREPARES CARY RESIDENT ERICA BRADFORD FOR A CUSTOMIZED HYDRATION TREATMENT.

to migraines. This drip includes Super B, vitamin C, B12, and other vitamins. Another best-selling drip is the Hydrate Super Immune Boost, which is packed with vitamin C and zinc.

These drips have become so popular that monthly sales and the number of drips delivered in the last year have tripled. Hydrate Medical now provides more than 3,000 IV drips a month across their seven clinic locations.

“Over the last year, we have seen people continue to develop interest in staying healthy and well,” says Hydrate Medical coowner Dr. Jonathan Leake. “Because of our continued focus on health and wellness for our clients, this has allowed for our rapid growth. People understand now more than ever that boosting their immune system and staying hydrated are keys to overall wellness.”

hydratemedical.com

ERICA TRIED IT AND …

After relaxing into a lounge chair, a nurse

checked my blood pressure and heart rate, then proceeded with my treatment. Like many people, I am not a fan of needles. But after a quick prick, everything was all set up, and I just read a book and relaxed. I had the Super Immune Boost with an added medication called glutathione, which is a master detoxifier. Almost immediately, there was a light taste of vitamins in the back of my throat. It’s not bad, but if it bothers you, just ask for a coconut water.

After about 40 minutes, my body had absorbed all the fluids and the IV was removed. A compression bandage remained on my arm for about an hour after I left to reduce the chance of bruising. The nurses said the effects of the extra energy can last up to three to four weeks. The next day, I woke up and felt so good and refreshed, my skin looked extra hydrated, and I had more energy than I am used to … and those results lasted into the following weeks.

HYDRATE MEDICAL HAS COMFORTABLE LOUNGE CHAIRS FOR YOUR THERAPY, WHICH LASTS ABOUT 45 MINUTES.

FLOAT THERAPY

Reported to assist in the treatment of PTSD, eating disorders, and high blood pressure, as well as helping to provide relief from pain, stress, and anxiety, float therapy places you inside a floatation tank (also known as an isolation tank or sensory deprivation tank), which is a zerogravity environment designed to help your mind and body relax, recover, and reset.

Kelli Wolf, who owns The Float Spa Holly Springs with her husband, Joey, passed on her first chance to try a float therapy session when on a trip to western NC. “I thought it was weird. I’m not doing that,” Wolf recalls saying, after Joey suggested they try it.

But after Joey’s first-ever float session, Kelli noticed an immediate change. “I could see the calmness in his face and body. I had instant regret,” she said.

At that time, the only float spa in the state was in Asheville, so Wolf had to wait three years before the opportunity came around to experience a float for herself. “It took a long time to settle in, but I could not

MANAGER SAMI POYNER ASSISTS A CLIENT IN HYDRATE MEDICAL’S CARY LOBBY.

believe how I felt when I got out,” she said. “I could not believe something so simple could make me feel so great.”

After her experience, Wolf wanted to create a place locally where people take time out for self-care. “I want to help people the way I was helped,” she said.

At The Float Spa, sessions can be 30, 60, or 90 minutes. Each float pool has a private room with a shower, dressing area, and individually controlled music and lights. “It’s just water and salt — 1,000

pounds of medical-grade Epsom salt — in each tank,” said Wolf.

floatspaxwellness.com/holly-springs-nc

ARLEM TRIED IT AND …

Life is busy right now. I can’t slow down. Plus, the morning of my appointment, I had an intense boxing session. I walked into the float session feeling sore. At first, all I could think about was how I was going to relax. It was my first time, and I was very excited. I did a couple

of deep breathing exercises; I started letting my body feel the water. I let go of anxiousness, and I decided to turn off the light. I closed my eyes and fell asleep!

Immediately after exiting the float tank, I felt light and had a clear mind. Every muscle in my body felt relaxed. I’ve never felt like this, not even with massages. When I went to sleep that day, I fell asleep very fast (for me, falling asleep fast is difficult). The next day, when I woke, I felt stress free and energetic, and had no more stiff muscles. I am already checking The Float Spa Holly Springs packages. I can’t wait to go back!

CRYOTHERAPY

Existing since the 1970s, whole-body cryotherapy was originally created for rheumatoid arthritis, explained Garrett White, owner of CryoNC, a boutique wellness center in Raleigh’s McNeill Pointe. “What they found is that a lot of the athletic communities started to gravitate toward it when they realized the workout recovery factor and benefit from it,” he said. “It’s like a modern ice bath without any of the downsides.”

In fact, with just three minutes of cryotherapy, your body is surrounded by sub-zero temperatures, helping the body in numerous ways. “With an ice bath, it’s not recommended you do it more than once every 36 hours because it can slow muscle growth. That’s the penetrating nature of water that cold,” said White. “With cryotherapy, it's just cold air around you, so you don't have any of the muscle growth issues. In three minutes, you’re triggering your flight or flight response. Blood comes to your core to protect vital organs because your brain thinks you’re in a hypothermic environment. And when it does that, it’s pulling inflammation away from the joints.

FLOAT POOLS AT THE FLOAT SPA HAVE A PRIVATE SHOWER, DRESSING AREA, AND INDIVIDUALLY CONTROLLED MUSIC AND LIGHTS.

It’s pulling the blood flow up so it gets to flush that out at a higher rate. Think of an oil change for your body, and now you have this enriched oxygenated blood flow, and with that, you get an epinephrine release. So your dopamine levels go up, and you get out feeling physically or mentally better in a way that’s very, very low impact to your day.”

Just change into a robe (wearing underwear is optional and no jewelry below the neck), step into the chamber, and then remove the robe. Temperatures will start off at -40 degrees and then fall to about -125 at an ideal level one setting. “It can get as cold as -195. That’s where we max out,” said White. “We never get colder than that. I would say only a small handful of people really even needed to get that cold at all. You get all the benefits at that lower -125 range.”

cause I take cold baths from time to time, and I know the mind-body benefits of cold therapy. So for me, the health perks of cryotherapy outweigh the potential three minutes of discomfort of extreme cold.

Before walking into the chamber, the owner operating the machine gave me helpful tips for handling the cold. Once inside, the cold took my breath away, but after a few seconds, I did some small movements and my breath came back. It got down to -130. I felt cold the first day after the therapy, so I went straight home and took a long, cozy nap! After two days passed, I felt very energetic and my joints felt better. I am very excited to go back.

INFRARED THERAPY

cryonc.com

ARLEM TRIED IT AND …

Most people may feel frightened to go inside a chamber working at sub-zero temperatures; this was not my case be-

Unlike a traditional sauna, which is a hot box that gets up to 180 or 190 degrees, an infrared sauna maxes out around 140 or 150 degrees. “It's a much more comfortable environment, but the infrared wavelengths are going to penetrate and heat up your core temperature instead of heating the room,” said White. “That's where the benefit comes. It’s detoxing you at a cellular level. Our medium wavelengths are detoxing the muscles and joints and giving you relief there. And then our short infrared wavelengths, that's a skin detox.”

“

What they found is that a lot of the athletic communities started to gravitate toward it when they realized the workout recovery factor and benefit from it. It’s like a modern ice bath without any of the downsides.

— Garrett White, owner, CryoNC (on cryotherapy)

ERICA HINTON IN THE CRYOTHERAPY CHAMBER AT CRYONC IN RALEIGH.

ARLEM MORA EXPERIENCES THE FLOAT SPA HOLLY SPRINGS.

GARRETT WHITE, OWNER OF CRYONC, CRANKS THE TEMPERATURE IN THE CRYOTHERAPY CHAMBER DOWN TO -130 DEGREES FOR ERICA HINTON. THE SESSIONS LAST THREE MINUTES.

“ This is a nice refresher if someone is working from home or at a desk for a long period of time just to get the blood flowing again.

Garrett White, owner, CryoNC (on compression therapy)

White said many people use infrared therapy to give a healthy glow to their skin and come in two to three times a week to maintain it. “The more you get it, the longer the effects last,” said White. Sessions are 30 or 50 minutes, and people often add them after a cryotherapy session. “It’s a very, very relaxing environment. It's not overly hot to make it so uncomfortable,” said White. “You can sit in a comfortable environment and get all of the benefits.”

Erica tried it and …

I went straight into the infrared sauna after my cryotherapy session. After cryo, you warm up very quickly, so I went from the coldest I’ve ever been (-130 degrees) to breaking a slight sweat within a matter of minutes. The sauna is unlike a traditional dry sauna in

that it isn’t as hot and is much more tolerable. That way, you can stay in longer. The sauna is set up for one person at a time, and you can choose different colors of light to help you relax, like red, blue, green, and purple. There’s even a screen where you can watch Netflix! After doing the cryo and infrared sauna back to back, I felt great … relaxed, yet energized! I would definitely do this again!

COMPRESSION THERAPY

Essentially a way to recreate a deep tissue massage, compression therapy stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems, plus releases lactic acid from the muscles to drain your body’s toxins. “We call these fresh legs,” said White. “A lot of runners love them. We have leg attachments, hip attachments, which are good for your lower

ERICA HINTON SOAKS IN THE WARMTH OF THE INFRARED SAUNA AT CRYONC.

GARRETT WHITE INFLATES THE LEG AND ARM ATTACHMENTS FOR ARLEM MORA'S COMPRESSION THERAPY SESSION.

back and hips, and arm attachments. It's very low impact. It's just air. It's not hot or cold. You just sit back, get squeezed out, and you get out feeling loosey-goosey like you’re ready to go dancing.”

White said clients outside of the athletic community also use compression therapy to help with restless leg syndrome and deep vein thrombosis. “This is a nice refresher if someone is working from home or at a desk for a long period of time just to get the blood flowing again. Also, for people with diabetes who have poor circulation. You can do it for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or up to an hour,” said White.

ARLEM TRIED IT AND …

When the owner started to set up the

boots and sleeves on me, I felt like I was getting ready to board a spaceship. The suit felt very comfortable. Within a few seconds, the boots and sleeves began to fizzle slightly as they inflated and worked up and down in my legs and arms. After a few seconds of squeezing in my legs and arms, the equipment began to deflate, flattening completely before the fizzle started up again. While sitting and feeling the relaxing movement of the boots and sleeves, I almost fell asleep.

During my session, the whole experience felt more like I was wearing extra tight spandex and getting a DEEP massage at the same time. When the session completed, my muscles didn’t feel different right away; I did feel incredibly

relaxed and light. My arms felt much better after a couple of days.

SOUND THERAPY

If you’re seeking treatment for stress, anxiety, sleep, or physical ailments, you might want to give sound therapy a try, specifically a sound bath. Offered by Marnie Blum, owner of Peace in the Forest in Wake Forest, “The sound bath is an experience of allowing the frequencies, which are in alignment with how our bodies need to be. By listening, it shifts the blocks that are in us — and that's emotional, physical, mental,” she said. “And so by laying down and listening to the sounds, they realign the energies and create healing.”

MARNIE BLUM, OWNER OF PEACE IN THE FOREST IN WAKE FOREST, PLAYS A LARGE BRONZE JUPITER BOWL WHILE DAMON CRUMLEY RELAXES DURING A SOUND BATH.

A CRYSTAL PYRAMID IS PLAYED OVER THE THIRD EYE OF EACH SOUND BATH PARTICIPANT TO HELP THE THINKING MIND RECEDE AND THE INTUITIVE MIND TO COME FORWARD.

Over the course of an hourlong session, participants lay comfortably on yoga mats and are also supplied with head pillows, eye pillows, and blankets. At the beginning, Melissa Mensing, Blum’s partner in musical collaboration, plays a crystal pyramid over everyone’s third eye. “The purpose for this is to allow the thinking mind to recede and the intuitive mind to come forward,” said Blum. “It is also helpful for shifting out of the 3D space and into a more multidimensional space, which allows for a more expansive experience. I also encourage people to set an intention, letting go of whatever they want to let go of, bringing in whatever they want to bring in.”

During the session, you’ll hear sounds created from a wide range of instruments with different frequencies, including seven chakra crystal singing bowls, a large bronze Jupiter Bowl, which was hand-forged in fire in Nepal (there are only 204 on the planet), Koshi chimes, a

528 Hz pipe, wind percussion chimes, a crystal pyramid, a gong, Tibetan tingsha cymbals, and a rain disc made in Ukraine.

“The harmonic notes at varying frequencies and vibrations wash over your body, calming your nervous system and restoring emotional balance,” said Blum. “Music, sound, and vibration have been used for its therapeutic healing effects for thousands of years. Studies have proven that sound therapy can lower blood pressure, decrease pulse rate, and assist in restoring the parasympathetic nervous system.”

Sound baths are offered the third Saturday and Sunday of each month at 7 p.m. and 10 a.m., respectively.

peaceintheforest.com

Erica tried it and …

Let me begin by saying that I was very excited about participating in a sound bath! After completely turning off my cellphone and storing

it away, I selected one of 12 mats (this was a full class) and got comfortable. I had come in from having a busy day, and I was a little stressed out, so I set my intention to relieve any anxiety. During the session, I found myself drawn to some frequencies and vibrations more than others. I especially enjoyed the deeper sounds. I even experienced some enjoyable visuals.

When the class was over, we slowly moved our bodies to wake them back up. When I removed my eye pillow, I was astonished that nearly an hour and a half had gone by! On the way home, I started to feel some pulsing in the area of my third eye; it wasn’t a headache, just a feeling like that area had a workout. I reached out to Marnie afterward, and she said sensations in the third eye generally signify an opening and expansion in that area including intuition, inner knowing, and clairvoyant gifts. I am definitely going to explore this further! t

Main & Broad Senior Editor Emily Uhland contributed to this article.

SEVEN CHAKRA CRYSTAL SINGING BOWLS, CHIMES, AND A GONG ARE JUST A FEW OF THE INSTRUMENTS PLAYING DURING A SOUND BATH.

Working With a Credit Union on the Road to Financial Wellness

CONTRIBUTED BY MARYANNE GANGOY, CHIEF MEMBER ADVISORY OFFICER, COASTAL CREDIT UNION

From paying off student loans to purchasing a home, many individual and family financial dreams are hindered by the high cost of living, rising costs, debt, or the difficulty of navigating the housing market.

A 2021 study showed that 340 million Americans are carrying at least one type of debt (credit cards, personal loans, student loans, or mortgages), and the average amount of that burden is $96,371. And inflation is increasing those challenges.

Even one type of debt can be overwhelming, and most people are dealing with multiple. Avoiding debt, or making a plan to pay it off, can feel next to impossible. Approximately 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck without a clear path to financial wellness.

If you’re dreaming of purchasing your first home, you could be facing an uphill battle to make that a reality. Many homebuyers are having to battle other buyers in this competitive housing market or work to get approved for a loan with existing debt. It can be a complex and difficult process.

In just the last year, home prices in North Carolina have risen 8%, and home supply has decreased by 2%. Our region is a major inbound destination for Americans, and there are more people than ever working to move to the state.

Coastal Credit Union is ready to help.

Our mission is one of service, not profit, and aims to help members on their path to financial wellbeing. Among the many services that

come with joining Coastal, members have access to staff who can provide actionable advice, tools, or community resources that can help. Tapping into these resources and partnering with professionals not only helps accomplish financial goals, but also helps overcome the mental and emotional hurdles associated with major financial decisions or even debt.

A new series on PBS, Opportunity Knock$, shows the immense impact that’s possible with the help of a financial partner that has your best interests in mind, such as a notfor-profit credit union or CDFI. The television series follows families nationwide as they partner with an Opportunity Coach to work through a variety of financial struggles and find the best resources to help them.

One of those families is from Raleigh. Jared and Lauren live with their two young kids, Lauren’s parents, and her grandmother. Like most young families, they long to have a home of their own where their children can grow up, but it has been hard to save enough to be able to buy one. They have good credit and minimal expenses, but they’re still facing financial hurdles — hurdles that are familiar to many people across America.

Jared and Lauren’s Opportunity Coach, Jean Chatzky, who has appeared on the Today Show , CNN, and Oprah , to name a few, recommends they work with a not-forprofit credit union to help them on their path to homeownership. They use the show’s Opportunity Finder that led them to seeking help from Coastal Credit Union.

If you live in Raleigh, then you’re likely aware of how expensive it can be to purchase a home in the area. Jared and Lauren are a great example of the Coastal members we work with every day. It helps to work with a financial institution that reports to its members instead of Wall Street and returns profits in the form of better rates and lower fees, a partner you know you can trust.

Check out Opportunity Knock$ for a look into the process. See how Jared and Lauren worked with their Opportunity Coach, as well as her recommendations to help them. It’s a great example of what can be accomplished when individuals and families enlist the help of experts at credit unions to find financial wellness.

Opportunity Knock$ is streaming now on PBS Passport and airing on WUNC TV at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday mornings and public television stations nationally according to local broadcast schedules. The series is distributed by American Public Television and presenting station WXXI Public Media.

Learn more about how to watch Opportunity Knock$ and tune in to witness the inspirational journeys for yourself. opportunityknocks.net

Disc Golf Takes Root, Sprouts in Wake county

WRITTEN BY CAREY JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

PROFESSIONAL DISC GOLFER MICHELLE GREEN PUTTS ON A HOLE AT KENTWOOD PARK IN RALEIGH.

WHEN THE PANDEMIC HIT and restrictions shut down most of the places that people gathered, the woods, hills, and open spaces of disc golf courses — disguised as some of the best nature trails — became the perfect escape.

After snagging a disc, or 10, and grabbing some friends, those seeking an escape from Zoom meetings, YouTube bread-making videos, and the blahs of isolation found a sport that, quite honestly, they might have only known because of a throwaway joke in a Seinfeld episode about frolf — Frisbee golf.

Funny thing is, even with the pandemic in the rearview mirror, the sport has become more mainstream and continues to thrive, even in the fall and winter, as Wake County offers some of the best disc golf experiences around.

“The thing I enjoy most about it is it’s free, and you can get out a lot and just enjoy the weather,” said Philip Hinton, who lives between Forest Ridge, home of a new fall/ winter 18-hole course layout in Wake Forest, and Cedar Hills in Raleigh, one of the area’s most heavily used courses.

On a recent fall day, Hinton, 25, and his buddy, Jonathan Hayes, decided to hike through the course at Forest Ridge, chucking discs along the course that measures nearly 6,000 feet — remarkable for its colorful and fallen leaves, its heavy use of bushes and guardian trees as hazards, and an over-the-water hole to tackle if you’re feeling adventurous.

“I just love [the sport],” 28-year-old Hayes said. “There’s such a big group here in Wake County. There’s always somebody you can join up and play with or some type of event that you can go to. What’s great about it is getting outside with your buddies and messing around in the woods and get some competitive juices flowing.”

The sport is played with the same idea as regular golf, but instead of using a club to whack a ball into a hole, players fling varying types of wind-piercing discs toward a basket, hoping that strings of metal chains catch the disc and nestle it softly into the cage.

The pandemic lit a spark for disc golf, as it’s easy to be socially distant out in a field or in the woods, even with a group of four or more.

And the sport got hot.

According to 2022’s The Disc Golf Report by UDisc, a sort of digital clearinghouse for all things disc golf, more than five disc golf courses were built each day in the United States in 2021, a 50% increase over the number of courses built in 2020, the start of the pandemic.

Dropping a GPS pin in north Raleigh, one could find more than 30 disc golf courses — public or private — within 30 miles. In 2020, according to the report, 11.95 million

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR PHILLIP BARTHOLOMEW (ORANGE SHIRT) WELCOMES

PLAYERS TO A DISC GOLF EVENT AT KENTWOOD PARK IN RALEIGH.

ADORNED WITH DISC GOLF PINS, A PLAYER’S BACKPACK CARRIES A SELECTION OF PUTTERS, MID-RANGE DISCS, AND DRIVERS.

rounds of disc golf were played, up from 3.9 million played in 2019. And the sport hasn’t shown any signs of cooling off, either, literally and figuratively.

According to UDisc, 17.2 million rounds were played in 2021.

“Some of my friends have never heard of disc golf, or they know about it but have never played,” said Raleigh’s 11-year-old James Beavers. He and his brother Oliver are some of the up-and-coming talent for the area, which includes a host of professional players.

“

There’s such a big group here in Wake County. There’s always somebody you can join up and play with or some type of event that you can go to. What’s great about it is getting outside with your buddies and messing around in the woods and get some competitive juices flowing.

Jonathan Hayes

ABOVE AND LEFT: JAMES AND OLIVER BEAVERS, AGES 11 AND 10, ARE COMPETITIVE PLAYERS FOR THEIR AGES. OLIVER WAS RECENTLY CROWNED 2022’S PDGA JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPION IN THE UNDER 10 AGE GROUP.

ABOVE: WALTER WATSON, 14, REACTS AS HIS MOTHER, POLLY, FISHES HIS LOST DISC FROM A CREEK AT KENTWOOD PARK.

RIGHT: CHAD POLE OF RALEIGH FINDS HIS TARGET AT KENTWOOD PARK.

“Some of my friends do play, and that’s pretty cool,” said James Beavers. “It’s just that feeling of, ‘Oh, my God, they play disc golf,’ and you don’t feel like the only one. It also makes you want to keep playing, knowing that there are others out there who love it as much as you.”

North Carolina is the eighth most popular state for disc golf, and Cary’s Diavolo Disc Golf Course is the eighth highest-rated course in the state, according to Disc Golf Scene, a directory and tool for organizing tournaments, leagues, clubs, and courses.

Diavolo’s designer is not just the architect of the course, but he’s one of the driving engines behind one of the most thriving disc golf communities in Wake County — the Capital Area Disc League (CADL), which organizes events, puts on clinics, and offers a host of volunteer opportunities.

“Right off the top, it’s an all-inclusive sport,” CADL President Jay Pontier said of why he believes the sport and community thrives in Wake County. “It’s so welcoming. When I market it, I tell people it’s a lifetime fitness sport. It’s no longer the private domain for men 15 to 35. It’s for all ages and genders. You find so many families playing in Wake County and beyond, way more than where it used to be. Obviously, Covid amplified that, but it remains popular.”

“And the reason it’s popular here is because Wake County is so welcoming and people give back,” Pontier said, noting that parks and recreation departments have been keen on partnering with CADL or others to grow the sport and opportunities here.

“On our CADL [Facebook] page, we see folks who say, ‘I’m new to the area and want to [play]’ and a lot of people respond. It’s a great welcome to the area.”

Experienced Raleigh player Michelle Green agrees that Wake serves as a great incubator for the sport. The 1985 Broughton High School grad has been playing since the mid-1980s. She got her Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) number in 1994. The sport’s popularity has spread, she said, and communities like CADL and others cradle the sport in Wake County.

“It’s a community here,” said Green, who plays both amateur and professional events. “We call it a tribe. The community around here is super welcoming. There’s just so much to do. I know of at least five different folks who run putting leagues on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Tuesdays. There’s probably not a day of the week where you can’t find a league or something going on around here.”

And, Green said, the area has a strong community for women disc golfers with Facebook groups like Triangle Women’s Disc Golf Chat and Ladies Disc Golf Doubles.

“As far as the disc golf community, there’s a lot to bring you here,” Green said. “If you’re looking for something to do in the Capital area, you’re not going to lack for anything. You’ll find what you want here.”

And the experience that disc golfers get here does translate. Ten-year-old Oliver Beavers, who calls Cedar Hills his home course, was crowned 2022’s PDGA Junior World Champion in the under 10 age group following a four-round competition in Peoria, Illinois, this past summer.

“The final nine holes at Worlds is really wooded,” said Oliver Beavers. “But since we play in Wake County, most of the courses are pretty wooded, and most of the other players played in open courses. I felt like I had an advantage, and it paid off.”

“The most competitive event he’s played in felt like a causal round at Cedar Hills,” said Oliver’s dad, Mike Beavers, who got his sons into the sport a few years ago. “The reason that these guys are so good at disc golf is that they get practice out there at these courses, which are challenging,” Mike Beavers said. “They’re not scared.”

Wake County offers disc golfers a wide variety of experiences. You can play a championship-caliber course like Diavolo, relatively easier courses like Kentwood, or other, smaller, beginner-friendly courses on shorter layouts throughout the area.

“I just tell [new people] that it’s free to play,” said Mike Beavers. “You just need a disc and you’re good to go out and play.

where to play

• To find courses in your area, check with your city or town’s parks and recreation department or visit pdga.com.

• The UDisc app, which costs about $15 annually, offers a wealth of disc golf tracking information, including courses that are available in your area.

• To learn more about CADL, visit their website at nccadl.com.

And you can be creative. You can just throw [a disc] back and forth with a friend or play a full-on round. [Wake County] is just a really cool place to play because there are so many courses. And the temperate climate makes year-round play an easy sell.”

Green agreed.

“I play year-round,” Green said. “Nothing stops me from playing. There are events scheduled up through the end of the year. Even if it’s snowy, you just deal with it.

“Just get out and have fun.” t

MIKE KIRSCH RUNS THE KENTWOOD DISC COURSE, THE SECOND OLDEST COURSE IN NORTH CAROLINA.

Aradia Fitness Triangle

WRITTEN BY DENA DAW PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

ARADIA FITNESS TRIANGLE, the first pole dancing fitness center in NC, has been serving the Triangle area since owner Dakota Fox’s mother first opened the studio in 2007. Fox, who had originally helped her mother with the website and marketing, transitioned into a manager role by 2010 and purchased the business in 2012.

“During this time I was still working full time as a police officer, where I filled numerous roles as a field training officer, defensive tactics instructor, honor guard, and field investigator,” said Fox. “I competed professionally in pole dance competitions worldwide, touring as a guest instructor, teaching workshops at studios and conventions. At the

end of 2016, I decided to leave law enforcement after a decade in the field.”

After having a daughter a year later, the demands of being a mother and running a business led Fox to bring on Janine Cooper as a partner — thus their “business marriage” was born.

“I discovered pole fitness around 14 years ago and took my first class,” said Cooper. “I immediately fell in love with it and have been doing it ever since. After about a year as a student, I completed pole dance fitness instructor, group fitness, and personal training certifications and began teaching. I have taught at and managed several studios in the DMV

ARADIA FITNESS TRIANGLE, THE FIRST POLE DANCING FOR FITNESS CENTER IN NC, HAS SERVED THE TRIANGLE AREA SINCE 2007.

(DC/MD/VA), Charlotte area, and the Triangle. I have performed and competed in shows and competed nationally. I have also judged various pole fitness competitions.”

Fox and Cooper have combined their years of experience to provide lively and challenging classes to anyone who is looking for a unique and empowering fitness experience. Read on to learn more!

WHEN WAS ARADIA FITNESS FOUNDED, AND WHAT WAS THE IDEA BEHIND ITS CREATION?

Aradia Fitness was founded in 2003 in Canada, by Tracy Gray and Christine Boyer. They had a combined background in dance, Pilates, and fitness and became fascinated with the style and confidence of the dancers in the adult clubs where they lived. When they couldn’t find anyone to teach them how to pole dance, they made their own pole and created the Aradia Fitness method from trial and error. Their motto at the time was “Meet Your Sexy Side,” with the goal of connecting with women and helping them claim/rediscover their femininity and confidence. They expanded their business model across the country before connecting with my mother. In 2007, my mother opened the first Aradia Fitness studio in the United States and the first pole studio in North Carolina.

Since then, Aradia Fitness (and the pole dance fitness industry as a whole) has grown and changed quite a bit. In the last five years, Aradia Fitness has rebranded our mission statement, logo, and motto to be more encompassing of the diverse community of students who find their way into our studios. No longer targeting just women, we strive to cater to persons from all walks of life who want to become strong, fit, and confident with Aradia Fitness.

WHAT KINDS OF CLASSES DO YOU OFFER, AND WHAT DO PARTICIPANTS LEARN?

We offer pole, aerial (silks, sling, aerial yoga, and Lyra), group fitness, and movement classes. Our participants learn how to safely use aerial fitness as a form of exercise, all while getting in tune and connecting with their bodies, and having fun doing it. We take them through progressions with our classes, starting them from introductory classes through levels.

NO EXPERIENCE? NO PROBLEM! "EVERYONE STARTS FROM THE BEGINNING, AND AS YOU GO THROUGH THE CLASSES, IT’S A PROGRESSION," SAID OWNER DAKOTA FOX.

DAKOTA FOX, OWNER, AND JANINE COOPER, MANAGING PARTNER

ARADIA FITNESS OFFERS POLE, AERIAL (SILKS, SLING, AERIAL YOGA, AND LYRA), GROUP FITNESS, AND MOVEMENT CLASSES.

ARADIA FITNESS CATERS TO PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO WANT TO BECOME STRONG, FIT, AND CONFIDENT.

We operate under a leveled curriculum so that students are properly progressing safely. Our pole and aerial classes delve into the aerial arts. We teach skills-based and choreography classes. Our group fitness classes are all of our non-pole and non-aerial classes, such as FlexAbility, ABtastic, Muscle Up, Zumba, Barre Fit, Fight Club, and many more. Group fitness classes help as cross-training for the aerial classes. We also provide movement classes, like our signature HeelWerk: Chair Dance and Floor classes. We host workshops with industry leaders, as well as in-house workshops led by our certified instructors.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS NEW TO THIS FORM OF MOVEMENT,

OR MAYBE EVEN A BIT HESITANT TO TRY?

Just go for it! We hear all the time how interested people are in the idea of pole or aerial for fitness, but they are too intimidated to try it. Often people tell themselves they aren’t in shape and couldn’t do it, but in reality, the opposite is true! Come as you are, and all the other stuff will develop over time. Try to put all preconceived notions aside. Everyone has a different experience with this form of exercise, whether they’re using it as an escape, a hobby, a workout, or they’re just curious. Go into it with an open mind, and more than likely, it will shock you (in a good way). It’s a great workout for the body and for the mind. Have fun with it, and enjoy your time. Thank your body for what it does for you.

DO YOU NEED PRIOR EXPERIENCE?

Not at all! Everyone starts from the beginning, and as you go through the classes, it’s a progression. You will be learning techniques to strengthen and condition your body, which will allow you to get stronger and be able to progress through our pole and aerial levels. For our group fitness classes, which are the non-pole and non-aerial classes, we have no prerequisites, and modifications can be made, if necessary.

BEYOND FITNESS, WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE ARADIA HAS ON ITS PARTICIPANTS?

We have some students who have been

with us since the beginning and others who come and go over the years. Some of the stories students share with us are truly heartwarming. A student who finally went for that promotion because they believed in themselves. Someone who left an abusive relationship because they finally believed in their self-worth and that they deserved better. A cancer patient who found a way to reconnect with their feminine side after chemo and a double mastectomy. The sexual assault survivor who thrived in the positive, welcoming community and found their inner strength again through movement and fitness. A person transitioning through a gender change/awakening who found their safe space to explore a side of them that had always been taboo. Whether we are in someone’s lives for the long haul or just a short time, if Aradia can leave a positive impact on their lives, then we have done our jobs right. t

triangle.aradiafitness.com

"COME AS YOU ARE AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF WILL DEVELOP OVER TIME," SAID OWNER DAKOTA FOX.

Wake County’s award-winning magnet schools create well-rounded students by exposing them to new experiences and challenging them with programs tailored to their strengths.

We invite you to explore our magnet themes to find those that best meet the unique strengths and interests of your child.

To learn more visit www.wcpss.net/magnet or plan to attend one of our virtual magnet events this year! Questions? Email us at magnetcenter@wcpss.net.

Dry, but Not Parched

The rising trend of nonalcoholic beverages

CRAWFORD AND SON BEVERAGE DIRECTOR JORDAN JOSEPH GARNISHES THE LITTLE JOHNNY, A SPIRIT-FREE DRINK.

WRITTEN BY MATTHEW LARDIE PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

FIRST THERE WAS Dry January. Then came Sober October. Cute names aside, the trend toward less alcohol continues to advance with no signs of slowing. Indeed, it might not even be a trend at all, but rather a permanent pivot by the American drinking public — and local bars and restaurants are taking note.

An industry expert quoted in a recent USA Today article on the trend noted that the volume of low- and no-alcohol beverage sales in the United States grew by close to 30% in 2021, with continued growth forecasted for coming years. Anecdotal studies, especially of younger Gen Z drinkers, show that after an

initial uptick in drinking during the start of the pandemic, drinking trends are not only returning to pre-pandemic levels, but might even be reversing themselves.

Locally, a glance at menus across Wake County gives a glimpse at the state of sobriety, with nonalcoholic offerings popping up at bars and restaurants and nonalcoholic beverage sales soaring at bottle shops.

“2019 is the first time I personally recognized a growing interest in nonalcoholic beer from customers,” recalls Johnny Belflower, owner of Tasty Beverage Co. “My personal experience is that Dry Januaries keep becoming

drier, younger people are drinking less, and folks my age can’t hang like we used to.”

On the retail side of things, many breweries have started producing NA options, meaning customers have more of a choice than just O’Doul’s when they head to shops like Tasty Beverage. One such company, Athletic Brewing of Stratford, Connecticut, produces an entirely alcohol-free lineup, and its brews have become some of the nation’s most popular NA craft beers.

Sober-curious consumers can find Athletic’s offerings at Tasty Beverage, along with some others that Belflower recommends.

A WIDE RANGE OF NONALCOHOLIC BREWS ARE ALWAYS STOCKED AT TASTY BEVERAGE IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH.

APPLE CIDER, CHAI, SPICY SIMPLE SYRUP, AND SEEDLIP GROVE (A CITRUS ALCOHOL-FREE SPIRIT) ARE THE INGREDIENTS USED TO MAKE CIDER CURE FOR WINTER BLUES AT CURRENT WELLNESS.

My personal experience is that Dry Januaries keep becoming drier, younger people are drinking less, and folks my age can’t hang like we used to.

Johnny Belflower, owner, Tasty Beverage Co.

“

LEFT: AT HERONS, A HOUSE-MADE MUSCADINE SICHUAN (PEPPERCORN) DRINKING VINEGAR IS TOPPED WITH CLUB SODA AND GARNISHED WITH A DEHYDRATED ORANGE SLICE AND BACHELOR BUTTON.

BELOW: SEEDLIP IS A POPULAR BRAND OF NONALCOHOLIC SPIRIT THAT COMES IN SEVERAL FLAVORS AND CAN BE ORDERED DIRECTLY FROM THE COMPANY OR THROUGH AMAZON.

“We’ve had a lot of success with Partake and Untitled Art,” he said. “Myself and my staff agree that Untitled Art’s NA Italian Pils is better than several alcoholic pilsners we’ve had over the years.”

Restaurants and bars are embracing the trend, as well. In years past, a non-drinker had few options — perhaps a Coke, maybe club soda with lime, or lemonade. Now there are entire menu sections dedicated to mocktails and other nonalcoholic concoctions, most usually crafted with the same care and attention that go into their boozy counterparts.

At Crawford and Son and Jolie, alcoholfree options have been an integral part of both restaurants’ drink menus since they opened. Owner and Chef Scott Crawford has been

outspoken about his own sobriety and has been a leader in the restaurant industry advocating for and assisting those who struggle with addiction.

Jordan Joseph, beverage director at Crawford and Son, says a dedication to providing delicious drink options for all customers is integral to what he and his team do.

“We are a neighborhood restaurant at the end of the day,” Joseph said, serving “people of all walks, sober, not sober, et cetera. It’s a way of being hospitable, and great flavors stretch beyond just spirit-based drinks.”

Joseph crafts the restaurant’s spirit-free drinks, like the Little Johnny — made with apple cider, ginger, rosemary, and miso — with the same care as the other cocktails. “Guest reactions to these offerings are always

positive,” he said. “We keep things fresh and like to change them frequently as the season moves, just like the food.”

In Cary, The Umstead Hotel and Spa and its Herons restaurant offer one of the Triangle’s most luxurious drinking and dining experiences. Bar and Lounge Manager Lori Grow is adamant about providing the same elevated touch when it comes to their nonalcoholic options.

“We like to provide a variety of flavor profiles that could pair with your lunch or dinner if you so desire, just as you might with wine or beer,” Grow explains. “It opens the door for not only conversation, but to enhance the experience and set ourselves apart from another property.”

KOBOSU-APPLE SODA FROM HERONS: 5 OUNCES APPLE-KOBOSU SYRUP (HOUSE-MADE), TOPPED WITH SODA, DEHYDRATED SLICED APPLES, AND PINEAPPLE SAGE BLOOMS.

A unique offering at The Umstead is its rotating menu of drinking vinegars. These tangy, alcohol-free sippers (also known as shrubs) have been a menu mainstay for years.

“The drinking vinegars have been very popular,” said Grow. “We have carried them for over eight years. We started out getting ones made from Oregon, but now we have an amazing culinary team that provides us with some unique flavors.”

The flavors include carrot-ginger, apple, and butternut-lemongrass. When mixed with club soda, they create a refreshing, seasonal drink that can be

paired with food or enjoyed on its own.

Downtown Raleigh’s Current Wellness is unique in many ways. The center integrates physical wellness activities like yoga and dance with mental health counseling and, more recently, a 100% alcohol-free bar.

Co-owner Nathan Williams explains. “If you’re going to a bar and you’re limited to Topo Chico or a Coke, it’s not super interesting. [We had] this idea of folks being able to drop in, to create a space where regardless of whether people drink or not … folks can gather.”

With kombucha on tap from Durham’s

Homebucha Brewing and creative cocktails that Williams himself whips up, the bar at Current Wellness has proven to be a popular spot for folks to hang out after they take a class or drop in during Raleigh’s monthly First Friday festivities.

One of his favorite NA cocktails to offer customers is the Billows and Thieves, from the book Good Drinks by Julia Bainbridge. The recipe calls for fresh grapefruit juice, lemon, coffee concentrate, nutmeg, and sea salt, but Williams makes it what he calls “Oaxacan style” using Oaxacan Old Fashioned Simple Syrup from Bitter Milk in Charleston, South Carolina.

LEFT: THE POMEGRANATE POP AT HERONS HAS POMEGRANATE JUICE, GINGER BEER, LIME JUICE, POMEGRANATE SEEDS, AND IS GARNISHED WITH A PURPLE BACHELOR BUTTON FLOWER.

BELOW: THE LITTLE JOHNNY AT CRAWFORD AND SON IS MADE WITH APPLE CIDER, GINGER, ROSEMARY, AND MISO.

“We’re so used to people talking about wellness being [just] going to the gym,” Williams said. “Hopefully, we’re defying expectations about what wellness is.”

James Beard Award-winning chef Ashley Christensen has been in the restaurant industry for decades and has taken note of the shifting trends. “There is a lot of increased sobriety in the industry, so as that happens, there is a natural increase in the creativity of the NA beverage offerings across the industry,” she said.

“This year, at Tales of the Cocktail [a renowned cocktail competition], Lyre’s Non-

Alcoholic Italian Orange won for the global category of Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient,” she added. “I think that is pretty telling of the popularity and advancement of NA cocktail culture.”

Christensen herself recently went public with her struggles with alcohol addiction and her newfound sobriety. “I am new to sobriety, which I think in a lot of ways makes me the perfect test pilot for the ‘feels’ of this conversation,” she said. “As a hospitality lifer … I want folks to come in and feel welcome and considered by what we offer.”

At the end of the day, that sentiment of feeling welcome resonated with everyone we interviewed for this article. The trend toward low- and no-alcohol offerings isn’t necessarily a backlash to America’s drinking culture, but rather a concerted effort on the part of the entire hospitality industry to create spaces that are accessible to everyone.

So whether you plan on celebrating Dry January or you’re just looking to have a few more booze-free nights out, know that there is an ever-increasing list of delicious options out there — and that is certainly worth raising a glass to. t

TOP: CURRENT WELLNESS CO-OWNER NATHAN WILLIAMS STRAINS A COCKTAIL CALLED CIDER CURE FOR WINTER BLUES INTO A COUPE GLASS.

BELOW: CURRENT WELLNESS HAS SEVERAL BOOKS ON THE ART OF CRAFTING NONALCOHOLIC DRINKS.

FRESH NUTMEG IS GRATED ON TOP OFCIDER CURE FOR WINTER BLUES AT CURRENT WELLNESS IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH.

BB’S “SHATTERINGLY CRISPY” CHICKEN SANDWICHES ARE SERVED ON LOCALLY MADE BRIOCHE BUNS.

BB’s Crispy Chicken

WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

IT’S NOT EVERY DAY a James Beard Award-winning chef helps create a fast-casual fried chicken restaurant. But leave it to the ever-inventive Ashley Christensen to pull off the unexpected.

As a highly regarded restaurateur and proprietor of AC Restaurants, a hospitality group that operates Poole’s Diner, Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, Death & Taxes, Poole’side Pies, and more, Christensen now adds BB’s Crispy Chicken to her portfolio.

BB’s serves elevated chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads, seasoned fries, and handspun milkshakes. The first location debuted in Raleigh, then Durham, and, most recently, at the emergent Parkside Town Commons in Cary.

“It’s really neat to focus on a singular concept that can be shared with many communities,” said Christensen, adding that the eatery was founded on her “love for the humble ingredient of chicken” and people’s “increased excitement for the crispy chicken sandwich.”

When it comes to BB’s primary menu offering, humanely harvested, antibioticfree chicken is sourced from Bell & Evans, a family-run company founded in 1894. The poultry is air-chilled during processing to lock in natural juices, tenderize the meat, and reduce human handling.

Without question, what sets the cooked chicken apart most is its “shatteringly crispy” crust that holds its crunch long after guests receive their orders. It’s also as moist and tender as you’ll find anywhere.

According to Christensen, the bird is brined and then dipped in a buttermilktinged batter. “(It) then sees a two-part frying process at two different temperatures,” she explained. “Honing this technique was the most labor-intensive part of the development of the menu.”

Sandwiches are encapsulated by toasted locally made brioche buns with toppings like thick-cut dill pickles, red onions, fresh lettuce, and gold-standard Duke’s mayo.

Among the five signature sandwich options — from the simple BB’s Pick to the more involved BBQ Cheddar — we were most impressed with the Pimento Please topped with a heaping portion of scratchmade pimento cheese.

If you lean toward a spicier selection, go for the Tabasco-tinged Hot Honey, which captures the essence of sweet-and-savory virtuousness, or the five-alarm-hot Scorpion Red Fire.

Wraps such as the Chicken Caesar Salad and the Pimento Toasty are served in lowcarb wheat tortillas.

Notable side items include sea saltbrined French fries, sweet potato waffle fries, and pickled cabbage slaw. For a multifaceted alternative, choose a BB’s Triple Play featuring

Christensen was approached with the idea by entrepreneur Michael Olander Jr., founder of Raleigh-based investment and management firm MDO Holdings, giving her the opportunity to develop the menu’s

“My work with AC Restaurants will remain focused in downtown Raleigh, butchael's projects, expanding its offerings to -

ENJOY SWEET POTATO WAFFLE FRIES AND SEA SALT-BRINED FRENCH FRIES ALONG WITH ANY OF 13 AVAILABLE SAUCES.

MARKIE GALLIK FEEDS A BB’S CRISPY DUNKER TO DAISY MAE, HER MINIATURE GOLDENDOODLE.

both varieties of fries plus crispy cheese curds made with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Whatever you do, don’t ignore the baker’s dozen house-made sauces that rise above what you’d expect to find in a quick-service joint.

Whether you try the honey mustard, mango sweet + sour, or the Texas smoky BBQ, you can’t go wrong. We strongly recommend the chipotle pepper-infused Southwestern ranch (among Christensen’s personal favorites) and the brown sugar-imbued honey mustard. For more intense heat, try the Green Jalapeno or White Hot Buffalo.

Prefer a salad? Consider a house or Caesar variety with your choice of five available dressings. If you want to add protein, top with crispy or grilled dunkers, which are essentially boneless chicken strips.

Pair your meal with fountain or glass-bottled soda like Coke or Cheerwine. Or take the caloric splurge and get a creamy chocolate, vanilla, or birthday cake milkshake.

Décor at BB’s is modern and approachable. Be sure to check out the vibrant wall murals crafted by Paint By S, a womenowned creative enterprise.

Friendly, helpful staffers make the dining experience pleasant for guests. Christensen said BB’s is committed to creating a welcoming and safe work environment that is always evolving and refining.

“We consider our diners and supporters to be part of our process and community,” she said. “We are listening and learning from them every day.”

BB’s is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. A spacious covered patio is available. In addition, a mobile rewards app is accessible for download. t

BB’s Crispy Chicken

1147 Parkside Main St. Parkside Town Commons, Cary (984) 272-3500 bbscrispychicken.com

A SPACIOUS PATIO PROVIDES AMPLE OUTDOOR SEATING.

THE PIMENTO PLEASE SANDWICH FEATURES A GENEROUS PORTION OF SCRATCH-MADE PIMENTO CHEESE.

Lovegrass Kitchen

WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

LOCALS ARE ALL smiles these days with the recent opening of Lovegrass Kitchen in downtown Holly Springs. The restaurant is committed to serving healthy, gluten-free offerings in a relaxed and hospitable environment.

Founded by softspoken Ethiopia native Meron Afework Kassa, the café offers a wide variety of sweet and savory crepes, waffles, salads, acai bowls, coffee, smoothies, and more.

“We wanted to create a café with a great atmosphere and nourishing food that people can come and enjoy often with friends and family,” says Kassa, who lives in FuquayVarina with her husband and 10 children, several of whom work alongside her at Lovegrass.

In her African homeland, Kassa grew up eating food made from a tiny, ancient grain called teff, also known as lovegrass. The naturally gluten free superfood is high in calcium, iron, magnesium, and other minerals. It also includes the essential amino acid lysine, making it an excellent source of protein for vegans and vegetarians.

Kassa moved to Belgium at a young age and developed a keen fondness for European cuisine. While in high school, she enrolled in culinary classes and learned to prepare sweet and savory European fare.

Since moving to the United States, Kassa has continued to use teff in baking and cooking, finding it works especially well when making European-style dishes.

“When I discovered the nutritional val-

ue of teff, I wanted to incorporate it into my family’s daily diet,” says Kassa. “I’m especially conscious about what I feed my children, and teff is a wholesome grain to use in items like pancakes, waffles, and granola.”

In 2017, Kassa started making and selling gluten-free granola and baking mixes from her home kitchen. Ultimately, the demand for her products grew beyond what she could produce at home, so she

SPRINGS VILLAGE DISTRICT

ALMOND BUTTER ACAI BOWL WITH TEFF GRANOLA AND ORGANIC CHIA SEEDS

decided to open a café. Nowadays she uses teff as a primary ingredient in the food served at Lovegrass.

At the modern counter-service café, diners will find a comfortable, welcoming space with high ceilings, a polished cement floor, large windows, and ample seating in two separate dining areas. Live plants provide extra touches of warmth.

When it comes to the made-to-order food, consider the Crepe Complete filled with smoked turkey, sunny-side-up eggs, and gruyere and aged cheddar cheeses. Or choose the Dark Chocolate Strawberry crepe featuring house-made Belgian chocolate ganache. It’s topped with vanilla ice cream.

Among the Belgian Liège waffles, order the distinctive Lemon Blueberry Compote with honey mascarpone cream cheese or the Berry Delight suffused with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and whipped cream.

Three varieties of dairy-free acai bowls

are worthy of consideration. We recommend the Refreshing Acai, which includes fresh mango, pineapple, strawberry, organic banana, and coconut milk all studded with items like granola, organic chia seeds, nut butter, and local raw honey.

In the mood for a salad? Choose the Roasted Beets Goat Cheese with organic arugula, roasted beets, apple, toasted pecans, goat cheese, and apple cider vinaigrette.

“We are very careful to select ingredients that are not processed with refined flours or grains,” Kassa says. “We do not use any refined sugars. Our go-to sweetener is raw honey, and we also use pure maple syrup. As much as possible, we use organic fruit from local producers.”

Pair your meal with a smoothie, espresso beverage, or a Chai or turmeric latte. If it is available when you go, try the invigorating honey lavender lemonade.

Lovegrass partners with Fuquay-based

Cultivate Coffee Roasters for its robust java.

“It’s nice to collaborate with other local business owners who have who a passion for providing excellent products,” Kassa says with a smile. “Cultivate makes a special Ethiopian blend for us, which is fantastic.”

Along with 13-ounce bags of coffee, the café also sells takeaway packages of granola. Additional items such as pancake and brownie mixes are accessible on the café’s website. Be advised: The popular maple pecan granola is habit-forming good.

Lovegrass Kitchen is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. When weather permits, enjoy the spacious patio. t

Lovegrass Kitchen

300 S. Main St., Suite 108 Block on Main, Holly Springs (919) 205-8426

lovegrasskitchen.com

TEMPTING SWEET AND SAVORY CREPES ARE GLUTEN FREE

Oyster Pop-Ups

make the rounds in and around the Triangle

WRITTEN BY ERICA HINTON | PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRYAN REGAN

ON A WEDNESDAY evening in November, Donald “Tres” Hundertmark and Doreen Rivers Graham set up a display of shucked oysters on a large bed of ice in the dining area of State of Beer in Raleigh. Since 2019, they have been hosting oyster pop-ups, an opportunity for oyster lovers to try a sampling of several North Carolina offerings (shrimp, too), while grabbing a cold beer or cider.

Their business, NCOyster365, which they run with events coordinator Kyle Rivers, moves all over the state for these pop-ups, landing in the Triangle area a few times a month. They are so passionate about sharing their love of oysters — and great offerings that come from this state — that they trademarked the phase “The Napa Valley of Oysters,” a term that comes from Rowan Jacobsen, author of books such as A Geography of Oysters and The Essential Oyster that chronicle North Carolina’s bivalve bounty.

“We often equate oysters to wine in our explanation of them,” said Hundertmark. “If you line up six chardonnays, they will all taste different. The same with our North Carolina oysters.”

Hundertmark explains that North Carolina has the second largest amount of estuaries in the nation, and oysters require both fresh and saltwater to exist. “We have a great opportunity for oysters and a variety of flavor profiles, including green gill oysters,” he said.

BELOW: A SELECTION OF NORTH CAROLINA OYSTERS INCLUDE CAROLINA GOLD FROM NORTH RIVER.

In addition, oysters are fundamental to water quality, with each one filtering pollutants from up to 50 gallons a day, added Graham. They are also low in calories, yet loaded with nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

At one of NCOyster365’s events, you may find Permuda Island Selects or Tarheel Tiderunners from Stump Sound, an area between Sneads Ferry to North Topsail Beach; Sticky Bottoms from Hatteras Island; Siren Salts from North River in Carteret County; Currituck Select from Spencer Bay in Hyde County; White Oaks from Swansboro in Onslow County; Core Sounders from Jarret Bay in Beaufort, NC; Chadwick Creeks from Bayboro in Pamlico County; Savage Inlet Salts from Oregon Inlet on the Outer Banks; and Top Seacrets from Topsail Island.

“An oyster’s flavor profile can vary tremendously. Most North Carolina oysters have a high salinity. Oysters in the Pamlico area have a lower salinity,” said Graham. “An oyster’s flavor profile depends on tides, what they eat, and in the waters they grow. So an oyster is not just an oyster, and the taste can vary. NC oysters can be very salty, some metallic, or high salinity with a sweet finish. There are a lot of factors for an oyster’s flavor.”

ABOVE: DOREEN RIVERS GRAHAM AND DONALD “TRES” HUNDERTMARK

At the pop-ups, oysters are sold steamed or raw by the dozen, half dozen, or as singles. Accompaniments include oyster crackers, lemons, mignonettes, a homemade cocktail sauce they will soon be bottling for sale, and a variety of hot sauces. You may even get lucky and find a tiny pea crab, a soft-bodied stowaway that lives in bivalves like oysters and mussels. “When you find a pea crab, it is a good sign that the area the oyster is growing has very good water,” said Graham. “Pea crabs are delicious!”

Also on the menu is fresh NC shrimp, which are boiled in garlic, onion, and Old Bay. Every item is made to order, and prices range from $2.50 to $25.

Like their name NCOyster365 suggests, oysters are available year-round, not just during months with an “R” in them, which Graham explains was a “rule in a time where refrigeration was nonexistent on boats. Plus, there is more monitoring and regulation than in the former days of oyster farming. Also, the ‘R’ rule mainly was for the wild oysters. Wild oyster season has a short window of time. Wild oysters reproduce in the warmer months. It is not that you cannot eat wild oysters in warmer months, but they give off a strong flavor because they are mating. Most people do not like the taste during that time. Farm-raised oysters are usually triploid oysters, which do not reproduce.”

There is also a second side to NCOyster365’s business: brokering oysters. “It is very difficult for North Carolina oysters to get into other markets because of a bias of warm-water oysters,” said Graham. “We have had distributors refuse oysters below Virginia. We share the same ocean. Virginia is considered a Southern state, so it makes no sense for any seafood purveyor to refuse an oyster from the same coast and ocean as the neighboring state.”

Despite the challenges of brokering oysters, Graham said she is happy to see people come out to their events and share her excitement. “I am very pleased that people dig what we do,” she said. t

Visit ncoyster365.com for a calendar of upcoming pop-up events.

FRESH NC SHRIMP ARE BOILED IN GARLIC, ONION, AND OLD BAY.

TRES HUNDERTMARK AND DOREEN RIVERS GRAHAM SHUCK OYSTERS RIGHT AS THEY ARE ORDERED.

A DOZEN OYSTERS AND A GLASS OF CIDER MAKE FOR A PERFECT MEAL IN FRONT OF THE FIRE PIT AT STATE OF BEER

Is 2023 the Year You Start to Live Your Authentic Life?

HAVE YOU GOTTEN TO THE POINT where you’ve said, “I’m done people-pleasing; I want to be me”? Or do you feel stuck in a world of trying to be perfect for others? You keep up with everyone except yourself. Let this be the year you live authentically and find your true joy. Start saying “no” more to the things you don’t want to do.

I learned something long ago from my dear friend and life coach Laura Reichert, CEO at Triangle Life Coaching: People care A LOT LESS than you think. We live in a world where we are all self-consumed, so stop wasting energy on what others think; they aren’t paying that much attention. And if they are, that’s an internal self-belief they’re dealing with.

Being authentic is showing your true personality and character, and showing the world who you really are. This is scary, I get it! But it’s 2023, and it’s time for you to free yourself of what others think. Just be you! This goes for all ages. Especially our young minds who are truly discovering themselves. Honestly, self-discovery is ongoing regardless of your age.

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAHED BY ERICA DELONG

"Being authentic is showing your true personality and character, and showing the world who you really are."

Erica DeLong

I’ve had people tell me I was living my best life, and I am. A lot of that comes from not being scared to be myself (being silly), expressing gratitude daily (this is important), and accepting not everyone is going to like you (this one was hard for me). Like all of us, I’m still a work in progress. Honestly, some days I fail miserably by overcommitting my schedule trying to people-please or because of the fear of missing out. But today, let’s promise to make living authentically a priority in our lives. Some days you may miss the mark, but never stop making authenticity your priority.

I reached out to Life Coach Laura, who often joins The Erica Show, for tangible tips on how we can start showing the world the real you, starting today:

1. KNOW YOUR VALUES. What’s important to you? Make a list of every quality you think is important for a person to have. Now, put that list in order. What are your five top values? When you know your values, the authentic choice in any situation is more obvious.

2. STOP DOING THINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO DO. You still need to pay your bills and the basics of life. However, you don’t have to sign your kids up for every sport to prove you’re a good parent, drive your neighbor to the airport, or take care of your co-worker’s dog. If something is too disagreeable for you, just say “no.”

3. DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. You can spend your time how you please. You don’t need a grand excuse or proof that you’re doing something noble on a cosmic level. The fact that you want to do it is a good enough reason. It’s important not to hurt anyone, including yourself, but feel free to dance in your front yard, or wear white after Labor Day.

4. KEEP AN OPEN MIND. When your thinking is very rigid, you limit yourself and prevent your true self from shining through. Preconceived notions are prisons that block you from being authentic. Learn how to experience the world from a variety of perspectives.

5. TRUST YOUR INTUITION. When you ignore your hunches, you feel out of sorts. Trust your instincts. They’ll let you know when you’re not being genuine.

6. BE SELF-AWARE. You can’t be authentic if you lack self-awareness. Notice how you feel. Ask yourself, “What do I need at this moment? How can I meet that need?” If you ignore your emotions, you can’t be self-aware.

7. PRACTICE BOLDNESS. The biggest reason for a lack of authenticity is timidity. We want to say and do certain things, but we’re uncomfortable standing out. We feel vulnerable and exposed. A little discomfort never killed anyone, and there’s so much to be gained by being bold. Give it a try.

8. OPENLY SHARE YOUR OPINION. Tell others what you think or how you feel about something. Of course, you’ll want to be tactful so you remain considerate of the feelings of those around you.

9. AVOID PERFECTIONISM. Trying to be perfect hugely limits your natural personality and expression. Avoiding mistakes and imperfection is a recipe for inauthenticity.

Y’all, life is short! It doesn’t make sense to pretend to be someone else. Authenticity requires courage and dealing with discomfort. But if you want to live your life to the fullest, authenticity is a must! I would love to connect with you to hear how the progress is going, or if you’re finally making the commitment to live life as YOU! Reach out anytime @EricaDeLong t

You can also always reach out to Life Coach Laura at trianglelifecoaching.com.

ERICA DELONG WITH LAURA REICHERT, FOUNDER OF TRIANGLE LIFE COACHING

on trend

AMY FOX,

FOX FARM & FORAGE

from stimulating nerve growth and improving cognitive function to lowering anxiety and depression.

“I really believe mushrooms have the potential to heal so many things,” said Fox. “We have only yet to scratch the surface.”

When it comes to enjoying mushrooms herelf, Fox heads to the kitchen. “You access the components by breaking down the cell walls, and you do that by cooking,” she said.

The Healing Power of Mushrooms

WRITTEN BY ERICA HINTON | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

AMY FOX began her love of mushrooms in 2014 when she visited a farmers market at Lake Gaston. She recalled them being served on special occasions when she was a child because they were expensive. Then she realized, “These are in the woods — and they’re free!”

From there, Fox set out on a journey to learn about growing mushrooms — first as a hobbyist, and ultimately as a commercial wholesaler. While Fox lives in Apex, she goes to Chatham County every day to tend to her mushrooms at her woman-owned farm, Fox Farm & Forage. “It’s a lifestyle,” she said. “Mushrooms have a mind of their own; you have to constantly maintain them, and I take it very seriously.”

Fox not only supplies area restaurants with her mushrooms (Fiction Kitchen, Trophy Brewing, Second Empire, and Saint Jacques, to name just a few), but her background and two degrees in nursing have opened her mind to their healing effects. Lion’s mane, in particular, is one mushroom that has been getting a lot of attention lately. The beta glucans that occur naturally in their cell walls, as well as in some other mushrooms, have been attributed to helping with everything

A basic sauté is her favorite method, noting that because mushroom are about 80% water, they should sweat on their own, not drown in oil or butter at the beginning of the cooking process. After the water is cooked out, they are then ready to soak up any flavorings like a sponge. She also found that dehydrating lion’s mane, grinding it into a powder, and using it to replace some of the in flour in a cookie recipe has produced delicious results.

“The possibilities are endless, both medically and culinarily,” said Fox.

Find some of her culinary creations and other fun facts about mushrooms and farm life on Instragram @foxfarmforage. t

foxfarmforage.com

“I really believe mushrooms have the potential to heal so many things. We have only yet to scratch the surface.”

AMY FOX, FOUNDER OF FOX FARM AND FORAGE, SHOWCASES A FRESH LION'S MANE MUSHROOM.

AMY FOX WITH SEVERAL "BLOCKS" OR PLASTIC BAGS USED FOR GROWING HER LION'S HEAD MANE MUSHROOMS.

Better Together.

At Windsor Point, we know everything’s better when you’re close to those you love. New residents relocating to Southern Wake want their family and friends to move close and enjoy all the area has to o er.

Conveniently located in the heart of Fuquay-Varina, Windsor Point residents enjoy living close to shopping, recreational and cultural opportunities, as well as major medical centers.

Our community is custom-made for its residents who choose from a selection of cottages and apartments, exible dining plans and tness options. Housekeeping, maintenance, and transportation worries become a thing of the past.

Windsor Point is a Life Plan Community with Continuing Care providing Independent and Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing. Even if health needs keep couples apart, at Windsor Point our levels of care allow loved ones to remain close to one another.

For more information about joining us, call our Marketing Department at 919-552-4580 or visit us online at windsorpoint.com.

1221 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919-552-4580 • windsorpoint.com

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care • Skilled Nursing

PREMIER PRACTICES

To find the best medical care for your family, look no further. From the top of your head to the tips of your toes, these local professionals cover it all.

Putting patient safety, satisfaction and beautiful outcomes first has been the herald of CARE Plastic Surgery. Dr. Brian S. Coan, Founder of CARE, is an award-winning, nationally renowned, board certified plastic surgeon.

Recently voted Best Plastic Surgeon again in Cary, Dr. Coan and CARE are no strangers to awards for safety and beautiful aesthetic results. After being featured on the Emmy award winning television program “The Doctors,” and winning Best Plastic Surgeon in Durham, N.C., for seven consecutive years, CARE moved to a larger facility to meet increasing patient demand. Located in Cary, the CARE office offers two state-of-the-art operating facilities in a contemporary setting. As a destination location for plastic surgery patients, the Cary location offers the convenience of a five-minute drive to the RDU airport and a variety of international restaurants and hotels for out-of-town guests.

Dr. Coan is an MIT graduate who brings his enthusiasm for technology in aesthetics and plastic surgery to CARE by incorporating virtual imaging to help patients visualize potential post-surgical results. CARE’s popular slogan, “Results so natural we hate calling our surgery plastic,” was coined by a former patient who still raves about her CARE experience.

CARE’s most popular treatments include the lunchtime facelift, Botox & filler injectables, laser treatments, body contouring, liposuction, and plastic surgery of the breast, body and face.

Dr. Coan is also passionate about supporting local education and is active in non-profit and philanthropic endeavors.

When not consulting with patients or in the operating room, Dr. Coan enjoys spending time with his wife and two young daughters.

PREMIER PRACTICES

BEAUTY

AND CONFIDENCE RESTORED TO YOUR SMILE

Cary Prosthodontics is proud to be an innovated leader in the replacement of missing and broken down teeth in Cary and nationwide.

Both Dr. Brandon Kofford and Dr. Kevin Lim have been involved in developing and educating other providers about a patentpending process that has transformed the patient experience for the “Teeth-in-a-DayTM” treatment concept. The process allows patients to have a better esthetic outcome, while reducing the postsurgical discomfort. All this is achieved without compromising the integrity of the temporary fixed bridge during the healing period. Most patients can have their teeth removed, implants placed, and an interim prosthesis attached to the implants in the same appointment.

Cary Prosthodontics keeps the patient’s experience and satisfaction at the forefront of every procedure, customizing your smile to make sure your teeth not only look and feel great, but also function well. During

the entire process of smile design, they will evaluate the jaw for adequate bone availability with a 3D x-ray. They then use a digital smile design process to fabricate teeth that can be used to replace your existing teeth.

Dr. Lim and Dr. Kofford received their master’s degrees in Prosthodontics, specializing in the most complex dental problems. Their advanced training includes full mouth rehabilitation, dental implants, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, jaw joint issues, bridges, crowns, and veneers. Their interest lies in the utilization of digital workflows to meet the complex needs of their patients whether it be a digital denture or in planning and executing digital implants.

Dr. Kofford and Dr. Lim find fulfillment in witnessing the positive impact that restoring someone's smile can make in their life. Cary Prosthodontics keeps a welcoming and relaxing environment for all of their patients so that they enjoy coming to their dental office.

EXPECT TO BE TREATED LIKE FAMILY

Taking care of your body pays dividends. Yet, such a simple concept can still feel out of reach. Bridging this gap is where Dr. Dent has excelled sine beginning his private practice over 11 years ago. Working with his patients to understand the nature of their injury first, only then can they work as a team to develop a strategy and solution to meet patient goals. At Doc’s Spine & Sports Medicine, educating patients on the nature of their injury and informing them on ways to help their body heal is key. Another objective is to helping patients take ownership of their health and lives independently without pain. Minor injuries can have significant consequences and when you’re in pain, your daily life suffers. Dr. Dent understands that and focuses on keeping you in the game for as long as you want to be in it. Everyone that

enters his office can expect to be treated like family. His patient testimonials reflect an environment where Dr. Dent focuses on learning about a patient’s injury history, current condition, and future goals. There is no better satisfaction and joy than the success of seeing his client’s health improve. Dr. Dent originally opened a private practice in Texas, interned at the Dallas VA hospital, was the onsite Chiropractor at Heavenly Hands Birthing Center, and was the Chiropractor for the Collin County Rattlers semi-pro football team. Dr. Dent and his family relocated to the Raleigh area in 2017 upon opening his practice at the Arboretum in Cary. He is boardcertified, specializing in chiropractic and physiotherapy. He resides in New Hill, NC, with his wife Kristi and their three sons, Jack, Carter, and Davis.

SMILES WITH STYLE

Smiles are always in Style! Lowery Smiles is a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile, using conservative, stateof-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long lasting smiles! Led by Dr. Siti A. Lowery, they are proud to be an active part of the Cary community. A standard of excellence in personalized dental care enables the Lowery Smiles dental team to provide the quality dental services that patients deserve. This is what sets them apart. Lowery Smiles strives to build a firm foundation of trust by treating their patients as special individuals. This is vital to success! The team at Lowery Smiles will do their utmost to create a relaxing and positive experience for you. They understand how uneasy some patients may feel about their dental visits. The entire team is dedicated to providing you with excellent, personalized

care and service to make your visits as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Dr. Lowery (who has practiced in the field 25 years) completed her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Maryland, after receiving a Bachelor of Science from Spelman College. In addition, she completed a two-year General Practice Residency at Wake Forest University. Her repertoire includes cosmetic dentistry, advanced training in implant dentistry, Clear Aligners, and sleep apnea/snoring oral appliance therapy. Her team attends dental conventions, dental lectures, and meetings to stay informed of new techniques, the latest products, and the newest equipment that a modern dental office can utilize to provide state-of-the-art dental care. Dr. Lowery and her team would like to extend an invitation for you to enhance your Smile. Lowery Smiles, Dentistry with Style!

Triangle Physicians for Women is a full-service practice offering appointments with physicians as well as midwives. Our physicians and midwives work together on a daily basis in the same office making the process for consulting and referral seamless, allowing you to get the complete care that you need.

The healthcare providers at our practice have the training to address the obstetric and gynecological needs of women throughout their lives placing particular emphasis on wellness and prevention in order to educate women to care for and respect their bodies. Come experience the difference.

Our midwives are pictured from Left to Right in our new and expanded facility: Stephanie Ehlers, Angela Blake, Jessica Ramirez-Trower, Sara Dowd, April Horner and Heather Helton.

celebrated spirits Electric Grove

by Crawford and Son

1 ¼ oz. Seedlip Grove 42 (a distilled nonalcoholic spirit with flavors of ginger, mandarin, blood orange, and lemongrass; order directly online or from Amazon)

1 oz. fresh pineapple juice

¾ oz. fresh lemon juice

½ oz. turmeric-ginger cordial (see recipe below)

1 tsp. lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)

fresh mint

Turmeric-Ginger

Cordial:

(Note: This recipe can be scaled down.)

1 cup roughly chopped turmeric root

½ cup roughly chopped ginger root

¼ cup red miso paste

1 tbsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. citric acid

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

Begin by adding the lemon curd to your shaking tin, following with the rest of the liquid ingredients. Add 2-3 ice cubes and whip the cocktail for several seconds to incorporate the lemon curd into the drink while dissolving the ice and frothing the pineapple juice. Pour the mixture into a rocks glass and fill with crushed ice. Garnish with a bouquet of mint crowns. Enjoy!

Add all of the listed ingredients, except for the sugar, into a blender. Blend on low/medium speed, letting the turmeric and ginger pulverize until the mixture is evenly blended. The mixture will take on a bright orange color. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and add the sugar. Cook on medium heat, letting the sugar dissolve completely. Simmer for 15 minutes. Finish by cooling the mixture and straining through a cheeseclothlined sieve or any strainer you may have handy.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

celebrated spirits

Cherry Flavor Patterns from bond brother beer co.

THIS BEER is the second in Bond Brothers’ fruited mixed fermentation sour series. They blended their aged hop Foederbier with 1,000 pounds of cherries to make a funky and fruity beer that evokes Old World sour beers with its flavor profile. The beer is carbonated naturally with honey from Cary’s Garden Supply Company. They change the fruit, but there’s always a pattern to the flavors. Look for it in draft and on bottles soon at Bond Brothers and around the Triangle.

WAKE COUNTY 2023

To create our 2023 list, Wake Living partnered with national survey company topDentists LLC, which sent ballots to dentists listed online with the American Dental Association and other local dental societies in Wake County, asking, “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?”

Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies, and physical results. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias, to use only their knowledge of their peers’ work when evaluating the other nominees. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists who they feel should be included in this list.

Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are vetted with the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Of course, there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in North Carolina. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgements of his or her fellow dentists.

QUESTIONS?

More information about topDentists’ survey process can be found at usatopdentists.com.

ENDODONTICS

Luke K. Dalzell

Raleigh Endodontics

5710 Six Forks Road, Suite 101, Raleigh (919) 866-1989 raleighendodontics.com

H. H. Hancock III

4505 Fair Meadows Lane, Suite 220, Raleigh (919) 781-9905 hhendo.com

Robert M. Hermann

Hermann Endodontics

3368 Six Forks Road, Raleigh (919) 783-7409 hermannendodontics.com

Anthony L. Horalek

North Raleigh Endodontics

8330 Bandford Way, Suite 105, Raleigh (919) 256-3996 northraleighendo.com

Jake Reynolds

Wake Forest Endodontics

610 Dr. Calvin Jones Highway, Suite 100, Wake Forest (919) 336-5230 wakeforestendo.com

Robert P. Sopko

3708 Forestview Road, Suite 201, Raleigh (919) 819-9289 robertsopkoendo.com

Robert J. Stancill

4601 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 2-A, Raleigh (919) 239-4940 stancillendodontics.com

Benjamin J. Williams

Precision Endodontics of Raleigh

9051 Strickland Road, Suite 131, Raleigh (919) 615-3755 ncrootcanal.com

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Kevin Arthur

2385 Timber Drive, Garner (919) 772-1434 kevinarthurdds.com

Bruce S. Barker

Barker, Rohner & Hunt 7610 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 250, Raleigh (919) 847-7100 northraleighdentalcare.com

Hoda Bassiri

Fusion Dental Care 6400 Creedmoor Road, Suite 103, Raleigh (919) 335-7354 fusiondentalcare.com

Randal M. Benefield 7718 Six Forks Road, Suite 110, Raleigh (919) 847-6453

William A. Benson IV

Raleigh Dental

309 West Millbrook Road, Suite 181, Raleigh (919) 789-0400 raleighdentalcenter.com

Michelle P. Brown 1401 Aversboro Road, Suite 202, Garner (919) 779-2818 michellebrowndds.com

Paul E. Coggins

1203 Ridge Road, Raleigh (919) 832-0168 paulcogginsdds.com

Amy Banks Earwood

900 Paverstone Drive, Raleigh (919) 500-5195 earwooddentistry.com

Andrew R. Farrell

Farrell Family Dentistry 7901 Strickland Road, Suite 103, Raleigh (919) 870-9122 farrellfamilydentistry.com

David B. Greenlee

Greenlee Family Dental Center 1018 Oberlin Road, Raleigh (919) 833-4634 greenleedentalcenter.com

Willis S. Hardesty Jr

2321 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 103, Raleigh (919) 781-0018

Mark L. Helms

3600 Haworth Drive, Suite 1, Raleigh (919) 787-8243 markhelmsdds.com

Saba Jelokhani 1863 Capital Blvd., Raleigh (919) 390-6497 wakesmiles.org

Don G. Lane

Lane & Associates Family Dentistry

12450 Cleveland Road, Garner (919) 772-9927 lanedds.com

John W. McNeill

Woodall & McNeill 2020 Fairview Road, Raleigh (919) 821-2595 woodallmcneilldentist.com

David Nightingale Night & Day Dental

2945 New Bern Ave., Raleigh (919) 834-4932 nightanddaydental.com

Robert L. Orander

2301 Rexwoods Drive, Suite 112, Raleigh (919) 787-3365 roboranderdentistry.com

Brian T. Pressley

Premier Dentistry of Wake Forest 2824 Rodgers Road, Suite 103, Wake Forest (919) 554-4588 premierdentistryofwakeforest.com

Justin M. Russo

Russo Dentistry

3811 Ed Drive, Suite 120, Raleigh (919) 890-5147 russoddsraleigh.com

Anita Sawhney

1601 Jones Franklin Road, Suite 101, Raleigh (919) 859-4500 anitasawhney.com

Robbie T. Smith

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry

12244 Wake Union Church Road, Wake Forest (919) 556-2997 brushandfloss.com

Edmond W. Suh

Supremia Dentistry

1704 S. Main St., Suite 110, Wake Forest (919) 556-6200 supremiadentistry.com

Robert G. Weaver

Weaver Dentistry

3709 National Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh (919) 782-0801 drgregweaver.com

Anita Jones Wells

Renaissance Dental Center

3803-A Computer Drive, Suite 200, Raleigh (919) 786-6766 renaissancedentalcenter.com

James A. Whitley

Raleigh Dental

309 West Millbrook Road, Suite 181, Raleigh (919) 578-9712 raleighdentalclinic.net

Raleigh T. Wright III

Lane & Associates Family Dentistry

12450 Cleveland Road, Garner (919) 772-9927 lanedds.com

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL

Nazir Ahmad

Capital Oral and Facial Surgery

5904 Six Forks Road, Suite 101, Raleigh (919) 322-4500 capitalofs.com

Kenneth J. Benson

Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

7401 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh (919) 719-1870 wakeorthopedo.com

Brian H. Camp

Drs. Pearson, Jefferson & Camp

8301 Bandford Way, Suite 121, Raleigh (919) 876-4746 raleighoralsurgery.com

Cameron F. Cavola

Capital Oral & Facial Surgery

5904 Six Forks Road, Suite 101, Raleigh (919) 322-4500 capitalofs.com

Roy E. Gaines Jr.

4201 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 002, Raleigh (919) 787-3949 gainesoms.com

Eric Hoverstad

North Hills Implant and Oral Surgery

3809 Computer Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh (919) 298-2820 northhillsoralsurgery.com

Scott A. Hum

Wake Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

2500 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 201, Raleigh (919) 783-9920 wakeoms.com

Jay A. Jefferson

Drs. Pearson, Jefferson & Camp 8301 Bandford Way, Suite 121, Raleigh (919) 876-4746 raleighoralsurgery.com

Mark F. Kozacko

6817 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 101, Raleigh (919) 848-9871 drkozacko.com

K. Kevin Neshat

Nu Image Surgical & Dental Implant Center

8305 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 105, Raleigh (844) 624-6752 ncimplant.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Robert L. Hollowell III

Triangle Pediatric Dentistry

2824 Rogers Road, Suite 201, Wake Forest (919) 435-7660 trianglepediatricdentistry.com

E. LaRee Johnson

Carolina Pediatric Dentistry

2800 Wakefield Pines Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh (919) 570-0180 carolinapedo.com

David J. Kornstein

Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry 7401 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh (919) 719-1780 wakeorthopedo.com

Robert A. Moran Jr.

Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

7401 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh (919) 719-1780 wakeorthopedo.com

David D. Olson

Raleigh Pediatric Dentistry

10931 Raven Ridge Road, Suite 105, Raleigh (919) 845-8212 raleighpedo.com

Stephen C. Pretzer

Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

7401 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh (919) 719-1780 wakeorthopedo.com

David C. Slawinski

Midtown Pediatric Dentistry

5041 Six Forks Road, Suite 100, Raleigh (919) 803-1595 midtownkidsdentist.com

PERIODONTICS

David J. Adams

Adams Perio

925 Heather Park Drive, Garner (919) 772-0314 adamsperio.com

Dorrance D. Clark

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry

1001 Widewaters Parkway, Knightdale (919) 266-6999 brushandfloss.com

Steve W. Hamrick

Raleigh Periodontics and Implant Dentistry

7501 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 100, Raleigh (919) 846-2480 raleighperio.com

Sheppard A. McKenzie IV

Raleigh Periodontics and Implant Dentistry

7501 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 100, Raleigh (919) 846-2480 raleighperio.com

Thiago Morelli North Carolina Implants and Periodontics

2801 Blue Ridge Road, Suite G-40, Raleigh (919) 510-8888 northcarolinaperio.com

PROSTHODONTICS

Tony L. Molina

NC Prosthodontic Specialists

7201 Creedmoor Road, Suite 120, Raleigh (919) 846-6622 ncprosthodontics.com

Hugh G. Murphy

Raleigh Prosthodontics

2605 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 310, Raleigh (919) 510-4959 raleighprosthodontics.com

John A. Murrell

Raleigh Prosthodontics

2605 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 310, Raleigh (919) 510-4959 raleighprosthodontics.com

Paul E. Scruggs

NC Prosthodontic Specialists

7201 Creedmoor Road, Suite 120, Raleigh (919) 846-6622 ncprosthodontics.com

William P. Scruggs

NC Prosthodontic Specialists

7201 Creedmoor Road, Suite 120, Raleigh (919) 846-6622 ncprosthodontics.com

ORTHODONTICS

James E. Buckthal

Buckthal Orthodontics

106 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh (919) 782-2119 drjamesbuckthal.com

Steven J. Bumgarner

Bumgarner & Martin Orthodontics 1268 S. Main St., Wake Forest (919) 556-7820 smilesbybmo.com

Eric Campbell 9317 Leesville Road, Suite 105, Raleigh (919) 870-8298 ericcampbellortho.com

Caroline C. Cheek-Hill

Cheek-Hill Orthodontics 7800 Six Forks Road, Suite 200, Raleigh (919) 870-4494 cheekhillortho.com

Mac Collie

Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

7401 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh (919) 719-1780 wakeorthopedo.com

Stephen DePasquale

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry 5638 NC Highway 42, Suite 109, Garner (919) 436-1946 brushandfloss.com

Jason Gladwell

Gladwell Orthodontics

13271 Strickland Road, Suite 100, Raleigh (919) 453-6325 gladwellorthodontics.com

C. Randy Macon

Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

7401 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh (919) 719-1780 wakeorthopedo.com

Scott R. McClure

McClure Orthodontics

4601 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 1-A, Raleigh (919) 786-4470 mcclureortho.com

Hunter O. Neill My Orthodontist

616 Dr. Calvin Jones Highway, Suite 200, Wake Forest (919) 556-1422 myorthodontistus.com

Andrew P. Wells

Wells Orthodontics

3803 Computer Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh (919) 781-7330 raleighncorthodontist.com

Henry S. Zaytoun Jr.

Zaytoun Orthodontics

5041 Six Forks Road, Suite 200, Raleigh (919) 782-6911 zaytounorthodontics.com

Mary Paula Zaytoun Steele

Zaytoun Orthodontics

5041 Six Forks Road, Suite 200, Raleigh (919) 782-6911 zaytounorthodontics.com

Meet the Doctors of Supremia Dentistry!

With its blending of modern technology, innovative techniques, extensive training, and human compassion, it’s easy to see why Supremia Dentistry has won Wake Living’s “Top Dentist” designation every year since 2012. Let’s meet the doctors behind the team at Supremia, located in the heart of downtown Wake Forest.

Led by Dr. Edmond Suh, who has lectured around the world on conservative, pain-free dentistry, his practice handles a range of dental needs, including cosmetic and sedation dentistry, gum disease prevention, teeth whitening, the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea and TMJ disorders, and teeth straightening utilizing Invisalign technology.

Dr. Suh graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, where he earned honors for pediatric care, after which he was an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is an international lecturer on a variety of topics from contemporary painless dental techniques and technology to cosmetic procedures and TMJ therapy. He is currently a faculty member and on the board of directors at the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, and serves as a key opinion leader for numerous dental manufacturers. He is also a member of the board of the International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics, having recently served terms as president. Supremia’s team recently added Dr. Morgan Herman, who graduated in

2014 from New York University College of Dentistry, where she graduated with honors in esthetic dentistry. After a year of additional advanced esthetic training, she continued to serve patients in the Manhattan area for the next seven years.

She joined the Supremia team already focused on the mouth-body connection and with respect for the guiding principles of aligned holistic and physiologic function. Her extremely conservative, preventative, and physiologic approach to dentistry will increase the longevity of your teeth, as well as improve your overall health and wellness.

Dr. Herman’s approach of taking the necessary time to provide patients with the best possible care makes her a natural fit for the Supremia team. She is a Diplomate with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and holds an associate fellowship with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. This makes her

one of the more highly decorated clinicians nationwide.

Dr. Herman also recently completed the entire core curriculum at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, one of the few programs in existence that requires live patient treatment to prove competency in patient care. As such, she now joins Dr. Suh, and a small and elite group of doctors, to have accomplished this task. This makes Supremia one of the very few dental offices to have multiple doctors in a single practice worldwide.

At Supremia Dentistry, their stateof-the-art facility, latest technological advancements, plush amenities, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff will quickly make you feel comfortable and in great hands, especially with Drs. Suh and Herman at the helm! Schedule an appointment today and experience a different kind of dentistry.

supremiadentistry.com

CONTRIBUTED BY DR. EDMOND SUH, D.D.S. DR. MORGAN HERMAN AND DR. EDMOND SUH

Agalonema Aglow

AS WINTER WEATHER chills the desire to work outside in the yard, many gardeners turn their attentions to the pleasures of houseplants. And one particular pretty that always catches my eye at this time of year is agalonema (Agalonema sp.), which is often referred to as Chinese evergreen.

I prefer to use “agalonema” rather than “Chinese evergreen,” not because it sounds more snooty, but rather because green is just one of the many colors paraded by this snazzy plant with, depending on the cultivar, pinks, reds, or whites also being delightfully added in swipes, sweeps, swirls, splashes, or dashes on glossy, oblong leaves.

Agalonema has become a popular houseplant thanks to its good looks, but it also receives bonus points for air quality. Check any “Top 10” list for plants that are effective at

filtering indoor pollutants, and you will probably find this beauty.

In addition, agalonema is one tough plant. It is easy to grow and will do well in low-lit areas — actually, the only place not to put it is in direct sunlight. For the best color and fuller shape, however, a room awash in natural light is ideal. This attention-getter will also do well in strong artificial light, such as is typical in an office setting.

Although this tropical Far East native will tolerate dry indoor air, occasionally misting will make it happier. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, meaning when the top half inch of dirt feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. Adding a diluted fertilizer solution about every two months during the spring and summer is another good maintenance practice. Pruning requirements are simple — see a spent leaf, snip it. Finally, this slow-growing plant only

needs to be repotted every two to three years.

Do keep in mind that agalonema is a feast for the eyes but toxic in a tummy, so place in a safe, out-of-reach location away from curious kids and pets.

The fancy oxymoron called red Chinese evergreen is a common sight even at big-box nurseries. Usually deprived of a cultivar name on the tag, it is often either ‘Siam Aurora’ or ‘Crete.’ The shimmering ‘Silver Bay’ is also easy to find.

Local garden shops with houseplant sections normally have even more variety when it comes to agalonema selections. Interesting picks can also be found on Amazon, but if you want a ton of cultivars to choose from online, Etsy is the e-place. t

L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine . Want to ask L.A. a question about your garden? Contact him by email at lajackson1@gmail.com.

A COLORFUL GATHERING OF AGALONEMA PLANTS AT GARDEN SUPPLY COMPANY IN CARY

RED CHINESE EVERGREEN IS FOUND IN MANY GARDEN SHOPS

Timely Tip

YOUR WINTER GARDEN DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A DULL, BARREN PLACE BECAUSE THERE ARE PLENTY OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTS THAT SAVE THEIR FLOWER FESTIVALS FOR THE COLDEST TIMES OF THE YEAR. HELLEBORES, PANSIES, WINTER DAPHNE, SWEETBOX, EDGEWORTHIA, WINTERSWEET, CAMELLIA, WINTER HONEYSUCKLE, AND WITCH HAZEL ARE PRIME EXAMPLES OF HARDY, BEAUTIFUL BLOOMERS THAT LIGHT UP THE CHILLED LANDSCAPE. SINCE JANUARY INTO EARLY SPRING IS THEIR USUAL TIME TO SHINE, THINK ABOUT STOPPING BY SARAH P. DUKE GARDENS, JC RAULSTON ARBORETUM, THE NC BOTANICAL GARDEN, OR EVEN AREA GARDEN CENTERS TO CATCH SOME OF THESE COLD-SEASON BEAUTIES IN FULL FLAUNT.

To Do in the Garden

JANUARY

• If you are looking to partake in some brisk exercise on a chilly morning, go out and turn over your compost pile to keep the decomposition process going strong. Also, enlist the able assistance of the sun to add extra heat to the heap — which will speed up organic matter breakdown — by covering the pile with a sheet of clear plastic.

• In spite of their name, spring-blooming camellias should begin showing off this month, but, while admiring their beauty, tame a potential beast by raking up any spent blossoms to help prevent the soil-borne disease known as petal blight from turning future flowers an ugly brown.

FEBRUARY

• Think you have to wait until spring to start up your veggie patch? Nope. February is a good time to begin planting such garden-grown delectables as onions, carrots, turnips, radishes, lettuce, cabbage, and edible-pod peas.

• Make sure your garden tools are ready for the spring growing season. Sharpen any cutting implements, and change the oil and gas in your motorized garden helpers.

Written and photographed by L.A. Jackson

HELLEBORE BLOOMS BRAVING A SNOWY DAY

happenings

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR ARLEM MORA RAPPELS FOR THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS ON DECEMBER 3.

SENIOR EDITOR ERICA HINTON GIVES

PUBLISHER KRIS SCHULTZ RECEIVES HIS MEDAL FOR RAPPELLING THE 30 STORIES.

REPRESENTING CHEROKEE MEDIA GROUP, KRIS SCHULTZ, ERICA HINTON, AND ARLEM MORA.

KRIS SCHULTZ REPELS DOWN THE WELLS FARGO BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH WHILE ARLEM MORA BEGINS HER DESCENT FROM THE TOP.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN MORRIS

Wake Living Senior Editor Erica Hinton, Publisher Kris Schultz, and Social Media Manager Arlem Mora participated in the SPECIAL OLYMPICS OVER THE EDGE CHALLENGE on December 3 in downtown Raleigh. They rappelled 400 feet (30 stories) over the side the of Wells Fargo building, raising more than $3,000 for the Special Olympics.

happenings

As the Smoky Hollow district continues to grow, three new tenants have been announced: Heat Studios (a group fitness and personal training studio), New Anthem Beer Project (a craft beer brewery and taproom out of Wilmington), and HUSH (an open-concept salon space that will specialize in luxury hair, brow, and lash services). smokyhollowraleigh.com

Pickleball, anyone? To help create more opportunity for the popular sport, Swing Racquet + Paddle is expected to open in Brier Creek in 2024 with 29 tennis courts, 24 pickleball courts, 16 padel courts, four beach tennis/ volleyball courts, a ping pong lounge, and a restaurant. swingnc.com

The North Hills Innovation District (NHID) announced plans for the addition of a 6,000-square-foot food and beverage destination. In line with NHID’s overall vision of unifying urban and natural settings, the new space will feature more than 15,000 square feet of outdoor seating, the most of any North Hills space to date. Construction is set to begin next summer and is expected to be complete in the summer of 2024. visitnorthhills.com/directory/nhid

A popular Raleigh Chinese restaurant, FIVE STAR, IS OPENING AT THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CAMPUS IN DURHAM NEXT YEAR. Not only will they bring their popular hot and sour soup and heat seeker shrimp to the new location, but it will also feature the artwork of local muralist Clark Hipolito. fivestarraleigh.com

From local restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias, Las Ramblas Tapas and Bar, named for the famed Las Ramblas boulevard in Barcelona, Spain, has opened in North Hills. Here, old world meets new world Spain, featuring locally and Spanish-sourced tapas-style dishes, an extensive Spanish wine and sherry program, as well as craft beers and cocktails. lasramblasraleigh.com

Raleigh entrepreneur Zack Medford, known for places like Coglin’s, Isaac Hunter’s Tavern, Parliament, and Paddy O’Beers, is opening a new bar and 1-acre beer garden concept in an underserved area of downtown Raleigh. Tap Yard will feature two full bars, a large indoor space, and a spacious familyfriendly and dog-friendly outdoor beer garden along with live music, food trucks, and weekly events. tapyard.com

East Bower Cider Company, Raleigh’s first cidery, has opened just east of Five Points in East End Market, a burgeoning mixed-use food and beverage destination that will offer a unique collection of restaurants, apartments, shops, and office spaces. Bonus: Dogs are welcome inside and out! facebook.com/eastbowercider

Marbles Kids Museum is planning a $7 million expansion that would allow at least 500 more kids and their caregivers to come through the doors every day. Other renovations would add climbing structures, green space, and interactive art in the central courtyard on Hargett Street. Around the corner on Blount Street, the Tree Tunes courtyard would transform into a new two-story exhibit featuring a “future workforce” play area where kids can get hands-on experience exploring the skilled trades. marbleskidsmuseum.org

Megan Long Photography

The Raleigh dining scene has added two new barbecue joints: The BBQ Lab opened in North Hills from the team behind The Redneck BBQ Lab in Benson, and Longleaf Swine BBQ in the former spot of Oakwood Café.

For the 12th time, Coastal Credit Union has been recognized as one of the Healthiest Employers of the Triangle for 2022. The award recognizes area companies and nonprofits “that have committed to making wellness a priority, while proactively shaping the health of their employees.” Companies were recognized because of their commitment to workplace wellness and their exceptional health and benefits offerings.

Raleigh restaurateur Samad Hachby is opening a new concept called La Terrazza on The Dillion’s rooftop this spring. The restaurant will have an interior dining room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, two bars, and an outdoor patio. The menu will feature Mediterranean and Italian dishes. umbriahospitality.com

The only Wake County nonprofit to offer a full range of child abuse prevention and intervention services at no cost, SAFEchild broke ground on a new 20,000-square-foot facility on Kidd Road in Raleigh. The new building expands the organization’s reach within Wake County, enabling it to serve 1,200 more children in its advocacy center and 30,000 families with prevention programs each year — that’s three times more children and two times more families served. safechildnc.org

Monster milkshakes are coming to Raleigh! Andia’s Ice Cream, a local, family-owned business with two locations in Cary, has announced they are coming to Raleigh Iron Works in 2023. andiasicecream.com

Jonathan Fredin

write light

BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Scenic drive

Canada geese flying at sunrise are seen through a car’s tinted window as it passes Lake Crabtree in Cary.

Since 1953, Wake Radiology UNC REX has been the Triangle leader in outpatient medical imaging. Our legacy of leadership stems from an unwavering commitment to image quality, patient safety, advanced technology and compassionate care. That’s how we’ve earned and maintained the trust of area healthcare professionals and patients.

WAKE RADIOLOGY

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