Wake Living May/June 2024

wakeliving

BRINGING THE CAPITAL AND ITS COMMUNITIES TO LIFE

sip into summer

CATCH

UP WITH THE NC COURAGE MAKE A SPLASH STUDENT FASHION DESIGN MEET LOCAL MURALISTS PLAN THE PERFECT PICNIC

IMAGING LEADER

BODY | BREAST | INTERVENTIONAL | NEURO | ORTHOPEDIC | PEDIATRIC

Our leadership stems from an unwavering commitment to image quality, patient safety, advanced technology, compassionate care, and trust with area healthcare professionals. That's why we've earned and consistently maintain the highest accreditations from the American College of Radiology.

PHOTO: CHELSEA

PHOTO:

PHOTO: RICHARD

One History, Many Voices.

Experience living history. Walk in the steps of the governors who lived at Tryon Palace during the 1770’s – a time of intellectual and political turmoil. Tour the Palace, Kitchen Office and our 21 acres of beautiful gardens. Visit with the 1st Regiment NC Continental Line at their encampment and catch a musket or cannon firing. There are specialized tours, lectures, demonstrations, and special events such as Fife & Drum performances, Life on the Lesser Stairs tour, Garden lectures, Outlander tours and African American cultural lectures. Learn about colonial spinning and weaving, cooking, apothecary, clothing, dueling, and more. Experience Tryon Palace.

Making Memories 60years

Since 1964, the Blockade Runner Beach Resort has been Wrightsville Beach’s cornerstone for cherished memories. Join us to celebrate our diamond anniversary amid modern amenities, oceanfront dining, family activities, and pristine gardens in a stunning location that offers beach access to both ocean and sound. Experience a legacy of hospitality and craft your own unforgettable stay.

spring into flavor

Ella’s is a superior collection of artisan popcorn. The mix-ins are indulgent ingredients ranging from authentic Belgian chocolate to real berries, nostalgic cereals, and beyond. Each layer is folded in by hand in custom small batches. Perfect for gifting or sharing.

Use code “WAKELIVING” and receive 15% off your next order!

Order now at ellaspopcorn.com for local pickup and nationwide shipping.

From pregnancy and childbirth to mammograms, menopause and more, the care is as compassionate as it is comprehensive. Covering everything and anything female from outpatient and inpatient surgery to specialty and subspecialty care, and the most advanced technology. After all, when it comes to you, your health and your family, you’re the decision maker. And the decision is clearly WakeMed Women’s.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

OUT & ABOUT IN WAKE COUNTY

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT LIGHTSHIP NEON

PAY IT FORWARD ARTSPACE ON TREND MODERN CARICATURES

ERICA CHATS FLEXIBLE FASHION

CELEBRATED SPIRITS HUMMINGBIRD

CELEBRATED SPIRITS SHIfT NEIPA

GARDEN ADVENTURER LANDSCAPING WITH SPIDERS

HAPPENINGS WRITE LIGHT

GROUP PUBLISHER Bill Zadeits

PUBLISHER Kris Schultz

MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Morris

& CREATIVE DIRECTOR

STAFF WRITER Erin McKnight

STAFF WRITER Jaime Nolan

DIGITAL & COPY EDITOR Tara Shiver

SOCIAL MEDIA Arlem Mora

CONTRIBUTORS

Elliot Acosta

Erica DeLong

L.A. Jackson

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lea Hart

Jessica Mattison

David McCreary

Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer

Cheryl Nelson

Jill Newbold

Becky Norris

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION

Aleida Montufar

Maureen Powell

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

Lisa White, Senior Event Coordinator & Distribution Manager

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.

WAKE LIVING

Westview at Weston 701 Cascade Pointe Lane, Suite 103 Cary, North Carolina 27513 (919) 674-6020 • (800) 608-7500

www.wakeliving.com

This publication

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OPENING NIGHT

Tchaikovsky Spectacular

SAT, MAY 25 | 8PM

Salute to John Williams

FRI, MAY 31 | 8PM

Light Classics

FRI, JUN 7 | 8PM

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Steep Canyon Rangers

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Classical Favorites

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The Catalinas

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The Symphony will not be performing at this concert.

MAYBE it was the eclipse

— the second I’ve observed alongside coworkers — that brought about the distinct feeling that warmer weather is on its way.

As we shift into those longer days, there’s plenty of water to fill them. From languid and lazy river tubing to action-packed and adventuresome kayaking and whitewater rafting, we’re diving into summer’s best spots to make a splash.

For dry outdoor enjoyment, we’re helping you plan the perfect picnic with pairings of tasty provisions like gourmet charcuterie and craft coffees and Wake County’s most picturesque places.

The sunnier season also spells soccer for the NC Courage. Catch up with the coach and players and find out how the team champions the community.

And as the days get not just longer but also brighter, there’s plenty of art to take in. From local muralists painting the town on a grand scale to speed-sketch caricatures, neon-light craftsmanship, and collaborative studios, creatives are having their time in the sun.

Couture creativity sews up the vivid and vibrant pages of this issue in the form of hot wardrobe picks with staying power and the NC State fashion students designing their futures at the Wilson College of Textiles.

This shift into summer promises lengthy days and lots of beauty, so let’s get outside and see something inspiring!

No eclipse necessary.

Lauren Morris, Managing Editor & Creative Director

If this looks like your happy place, come get happy.

The gentle murmur of the surf on wide, pristine beaches. Sea oats swaying in a calming ocean breeze. Dazzling sunrises and breathtaking sunsets. North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is a beach lover’s beach destination—a pure experience where you’ll find all you want and nothing more.

Come find your new happy place.

Imagination comes with 7 doors and its own section

of town.

by Molly Darcy Age 36 Washington DC

I am an artist and university professor. Thomas Sayre is someone that intrigues me. I’ve seen his monumental sculptures tower over landscapes around the world. When I heard he raised a piece in Kinston, I knew this would be a stop on my artist bucket list.

There are artists who work on a canvas as tiny as a pinhead. There are artists who hide their creations, making the act of finding them part of the statement. But Thomas Sayre does neither of those. His artwork is monumental, towering. It’s meant to be seen and marveled at for generations. Thomas Sayre is a man intent on making history. That made him the perfect artist to commission for a new sculpture in downtown Kinston.

In 2015, Sayre was enlisted to create a sculpture to anchor the Kinston Art Trail. The work would honor the town’s tobacco heritage and demonstrate the city’s shift into a cultural arts center. It would be a piece symbolic of the town’s resilience, an icon to help funnel their movement upward. So, the idea for Flue was born.

constructed of earthcast concrete with cracks, holes, and empty bottles pierced throughout for local insects to come and go at will. Sayre had my attention. Since that moment, I have made a point to experience as many of his works as I can. Neil calls it my Sayre bucket list.

YOU CAN WALK UP TO IT, TOUCH IT, EXAMINE THE TEXTURES

Located in the coastal plains of North Carolina, Kinston is a city at the center of many historical moments. Be that moment a Civil War battle or surviving hurricanes or building back an entire economy after the collapse of tobacco. The people in Kinston are resilient and creative – taking what they have and figuring out how to move forward.

I first encountered Sayre’s work on a visit to Phuket, Thailand. My husband, Neil and I were there on our honeymoon when we saw an ominous structure beckoning to us from the shoreline. Phuket Cheddi stands over five stories tall and is more than 16 feet around – a giant cone

Lucky for me, I don’t have to go far to experience Flue. Kinston is just a few hours south of our home in Washington, D.C. So, we decided to make our visit a long weekend.

As we pull into town, we pass a mural of a giant stork that encompasses an entire block. There are galleries popping up here and there featuring work of local artists. Standing amongst all this creativity and growth is Flue. Like Sayre’s other earthcasting work, Flue is stunning. It’s a sculpture in seven parts, with each piece crafted

to look like the facade of a tobacco barn. Standing over three stories tall and weighing in at 280 tons, Flue is designed to make a statement.

To form Flue, Sayre cast reinforced concrete directly into molds cut into the earth here in Lenoir County – earth that once grew cotton, then tobacco. In fact, Flue was erected on the block where the Brooks Tobacco Warehouse once stood. When the town was in its golden leaf heyday, the building was a giant barn where rods upon rods of tobacco leaves hung, dried, and awaited processing. Flue is both the embodiment of this town’s history and its burgeoning path forward.

Like many of Sayre’s other sculptures, Flue invites visitors to interact with it. You can walk up to it, touch it, examine the textures. So I do just that. I enter the first doorway and start to walk in a

straight line. There are seven doors before me and each offers a different view of the town. As I take a step forward, the vision of that town becomes a little bigger, a little clearer. Until I exit the last doorway and the point of Flue becomes obvious.

Since the sculpture was raised, the town has gone through a bit of a renaissance. There’s a motor lodge that has been renovated to look like it’s straight out of the 1960s. There’s a tap room and beer garden that are 100% solar powered. There’s even a community of artists that have come to live and create in Kinston through the smART Kinston program.

All of this is proof that public art, like Flue, brings people together. It gives a town like Kinston a sense of place and attracts visitors like us. Perhaps it’s that, and not mere size, that’s the most monumental thing about Sayre’s work.

The Journey

Kinston Strong

Okra

Kinston Music Educators

Adkin High Walkout

Sugar Hill

Alice Hannibal

Blue Heron

1If it’s all local, it’s got to be the Got to Be NC Festival. Over three days of down-home fun, celebrate the state we call home with entertainment, agricultural shows, and NC food and beverages. Throughout a weekend filled with family activities and the best flavors from Tar Heel breweries, distilleries, and wineries, Got to Be is the only place where you’ll get to watch a K-9 working dog demo or BMX stunt show before visiting a mobile dairy classroom! Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19. North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. gottobencfestival.com

2This Memorial Day weekend, Raleigh’s premier animation and culture convention arrives. With myriad events — to include guest panels, karaoke, and hugely popular cosplay activities — expect crowds and artistic celebration in its many forms at Animazement. Attend a sake tasting, enter the Karuta Tournament, or take a dance lesson with a local professional dancer. The multi-day festival also has your costume needs covered, with a repair booth for last-minute fixes or alterations. Thursday, May 23, 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, May 24, 9–2 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 9–2 a.m. Sunday, May 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $65 for a weekend pass. Raleigh Convention Center. animazement.com

3With 20,000 people attending last year’s Raleigh International Food Festival, it’s a good thing there’s plenty to eat! More than 30 food and dessert trucks, representing countries from across the globe, meet beers and bazaars and a free downtown block party. Culture and cuisine and nonstop performances make for a satisfying summer day out. Saturday, June 1, noon to 10 p.m. City Plaza, Raleigh. downtownraleigh.org/do/raleighsinternational-food-festival-1

4

It’s a dessert-only event, and it is returning to Raleigh with even more decadent delicacies this year! The NC Sugar Rush saturates senses with seven hours of sugar. Come craving Italian ice, smoothies, funnel cakes, ice cream, popsicles, cookies, cupcakes, cookie dough, mini donuts, waffles, and much more … to include vegan delights and even treats for pets. A live DJ will help dance off some of that sugar, making seconds (or thirds) possible. Sunday, May 26, noon to 7 p.m. City Plaza, Downtown Raleigh. ncsugarrush.com/ncsugar-rush-raleigh

NC Sugar Rush

Got to Be NC Festival

5

Come on out! Out! Raleigh Pride is, for the 12th time, hosting its annual celebration of love. Promising to be loud and proud, this funfest will promote inclusion and diversity with activities, entertainment, and eats for the whole family. The festival will once again paint the town in rainbow colors while washing out shame and stigma — so head out and show love some love!

Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh. outraleighpride.org

6Experience the excitement — and emotion — of the 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championships live at WakeMed Soccer Park. In the thrilling arena of college sports, the championships offer student athletes the chance to reach the height of college athletic competition. Show your support for this year’s championship season and witness the thrills for yourself! Friday, May 24 and Sunday, May 26. $33 and up. WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary. ncaatickets.com/championship/ womens-lacrosse/champinfo

7

Meet in the Street on May 4 to enjoy Wake Forest’s premier arts and crafts, music, and food festival. Now in its 42nd year, this free community event invites neighbors to get to know one another and partake of 100-plus artisan booths, dozens of food trucks, live music on two stages all day, and a children’s village chock-full of fun activities for little ones. Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. White Street, Wake Forest. wakeforestchamber.org

8

Sponsored and administered by the North Carolina Museum of History — as “making films is making history” — the 10th Annual Longleaf Film Festival screens independent films that demonstrate a North Carolina connection. The juried weekend festival features the stories that connect us to one another — and to the Tar Heel State through the cast and crew, the filming location, or the subject of the film. Free and open to the public, see NC film at its finest. Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11. North Carolina Museum of History, Downtown Raleigh. longleaffilmfestival.com/information

9

Watch Luke Skywalker face Darth Vader on the big screen while you feast your ears on John Williams’ rousing score — live — as North Carolina Symphony presents Star Wars: Return of the Jedi In Concert. Conducted by Conner Gray Covington, the performance promises to be a thrilling ride into the outer reaches of the galaxy. Thursday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, 8 p.m. Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh. ncsymphony.org

10

The annual Apex PeakFest promises to be the peak of early summer fun! This community event, which started in a school parking lot, has come a long way — with more than 22,000 people last year taking to the streets of historic downtown Apex. Now in its 43rd year, the free arts and crafts festival promises live music all day, an array of artists, and an assortment of festival foods and activities. Saturday, May 4. Salem Street, Apex. apexpeakfest.com

Pursuing Greatness

THE NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE

WRITTEN BY JAIME NOLAN

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

“Being

on the Courage is everything to me. Becoming a professional soccer player was something my younger self would dream about, and doing so for a club that has a decorated history, great culture, and that is in a beautiful part of the country — I don’t think there is much else I could ask for.”

MARISA BOVA, GOALKEEPER

DURING A RECENT SCRIMMAGE, MANAKA MATSUKUBO (MIDDLE) DRIBBLES BETWEEN NARUMI MIURA (LEFT) AND TALIA STAUDE.

THERE IS AN ELECTRIFYING ENERGY pulsating through WakeMed Soccer Park right in the heart of Cary. It’s all thanks to the North Carolina Courage, who bring an incredible mix of global soccer talent and a legacy of epic triumphs and unwavering dedication right to our doorstep. With their captivating footwork, thunderous goals, and poetic passes, each touch of the ball brings the crowd to their feet.

And guess what? The Courage doesn’t stop with kicking goals on the field — they’re also dynamic advocates for our community.

Get to know: marisa (mo) bova

HOMETOWN: Hartland, Wisconsin

POSITION: Goalkeeper

WHEN DID YOU START SOCCER? 5

WHAT'S THE MOST EXCITING PLACE SOCCER HAS TAKEN YOU? Monterrey, Mexico

IF YOU WEREN'T A SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT PROFESSION WOULD YOU PURSUE? Joining the FBI!

WHAT'S YOUR PUMP-UP SONG BEFORE HITTING THE FIELD? “3 Headed Goat” by Lil Durk (feat. Lil Baby & Polo G)

WHAT IS YOUR PRE-GAME RITUAL? Watch an episode of whatever show I’m watching before I head to the stadium! Typically ends up being reality TV (currently Love is Blind on Netflix).

HALEY HOPKINS (CENTER) SHOOTS ON KEEPER HENSLEY HANDCUFF AS JENNA WINEBRENNER DEFENDS.

FORWARD TYLER LUSSI STEPS IN FOR A STRIKE.

ASHLEY SANCHEZ (LEFT) AND NARUMI MIURA FIGHT FOR THE BALL.

“The Courage have welcomed me with open arms. The team culture, standard of training, and style of play have exceeded my expectations and I have enjoyed working along with such great people. We can’t wait to see you all this season!”

DANI WEATHERHOLT

With the most winning trophies in the National Women’s Soccer League (in fact, they have seven) and as the only club in history to win both a NWSL and Women’s International Champion Cup in the same year, and NC Courage is only getting started.

As Coach Sean Nahas enters his third year as head coach, his infectious enthusiasm for the game, the players, and the fans is visible. He approaches each year as an evolution and a blank slate, always striving to step up their game.

“I’ve been here for 20-plus years and came through the youth club, so having the ability to start at the youth level and now end up as first team coach, being able to coach in my backyard in my hometown, that’s a pretty cool feel,” Coach Nahas said. “I don’t take it for granted. I try to put my best foot forward for the players, the club, and the fans, so they feel as if they have something to be proud of.”

Get to know: dani weatherholt

HOMETOWN: Capistrano Beach, California

POSITION: Midfielder

WHEN DID YOU START SOCCER? I joined my first club team at 9 years old.

WHAT’S THE MOST EXCITING PLACE SOCCER HAS TAKEN YOU? Pearl Lagoon off the coast of Nicaragua — providing young girls with the opportunity to play soccer for the first time!

IF YOU WEREN’T A SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT PROFESSION WOULD YOU PURSUE? A female sports agent or National Geographic photographer/ photojournalist.

WHAT’S YOUR PRE-GAME PUMP-UP SONG? Whatever the team DJ has on the AUX for the night, but low-key hoping it’s some ’90s punk rock.

WHAT IS YOUR PRE-GAME RITUAL? A moment of gratitude because this is what I get to do for a living.

COACH NAHAS ENJOYS THE TACTICS OF THE GAME AND BUILDING MUTUAL TRUST WITH THE PLAYERS.

MANAKA MATSUKUBO FIELDS THE BALL.

The players put their best feet forward, too, both on and off the field. Despite their rigorous training and intense play schedules, they regularly make time for their fans.

“Come to the stadium. Come watch. Come observe. Come watch training. Come see the work the players put in,” Coach Nahas said. “Some of the best players in the world are in Cary, North Carolina.”

The NC Courage remains committed to championing the role of women in sports, enhancing soccer accessibility, and nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment. To continue to forge meaningful bonds, they participate in community events, organize camps for underprivileged youth, and invite organizations to be a part of their game-day experiences. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund, Raleigh Parks & Recreation, Harmony NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce, 100 Black Men, Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Food Bank of Eastern and Central NC are among their network of community partners.

“Building relationships with community organizations provides an avenue for fans throughout the Triangle to connect with the Courage. Whether it’s participating in Out! Raleigh or hosting clinics for underprivileged youth, being engaged in the community is integral to who we are as an organization. We look forward to building upon existing and establishing new community partnerships,” said Francie Gottsegen, president of the North Carolina Courage and North Carolina Football Club.

Whether you’re a seasoned sports enthusiast or just curious, you’ll be captivated by the contagious energy of the game and talent. It’s an experience the whole family can enjoy. t nccourage.com | @thenccourage

Get to know: tyler lussi

HOMETOWN: Gibson Island, Maryland

POSITION: Forward

WHEN DID YOU START SOCCER? I started playing soccer at 3 years old, and my mom was my first coach! Still to this day my mom always reminds me to have fun and enjoy the journey!

WHAT’S THE MOST EXCITING PLACE SOCCER HAS TAKEN YOU? Soccer has taken me not only all over the country but world, and has introduced me to so many people from such diverse backgrounds and cultures. I think one of my favorite places to play was La Manga, Spain, with the U23 USWNT in 2017.

IF YOU WEREN’T A SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT PROFESSION WOULD YOU PURSUE? The commissioner of the NWSL (future pursuit) or head athletic director at Princeton University. I want to make sports more equitable for all.

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO PUMP-UP SONG BEFORE HITTING THE FIELD? “Jungle” by X Ambassadors

WHAT IS YOUR PRE-GAME RITUAL? I tape my own ankles and always put on my right cleat before my left cleat.

BRIANNA PINTO DRIBBLES PAST TYLER LUSSI (RIGHT).

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Splash Into Summer

North Carolina summers are often sweltering, and there is no better way to beat the heat than in the water. Our state has no shortage of beautiful and unique ways to enjoy the water — and I’m not talking about your average neighborhood pool. I’m talking stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear blue springs perfect for swimming and diving, kayaking adventures, floating water parks, and more! Did I mention swimming in old quarries?

Grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel and prepare for an adventure with family and friends at one of these ultimate water hangout spots. What are you waiting for? Get going already!

WRITTEN BY JESSICA MATTISON contributed photo

Cape Fear River Adventures

Lillington

SISTERS Llia and Megan Smirnov purchased Cape Fear River Adventures in June of 2012. At that time, it was a small operation of just eight kayaks and nine canoes. As their family began to grow, so did Llia’s desire to expand the business. Megan credits her “entrepreneurial mastermind” of a husband in developing the park into what it is today: one of the largest river outfitters in central North Carolina. They have been known to host some 30,000 visitors in just one season!

As the name suggests, Cape Fear River Adventures offers a new adventure at nearly every turn. With river tubing, kayaking, canoe-

ing, paddle boarding, whitewater rafting, and even glamping on the long list of activities, they serve up something for everyone. All river activities are seasonal and open from March through November, but glamping is year-round.

“Our goal is to get as many people outside as possible,” Megan says, “and to introduce them to the wonderful Cape Fear River and its many possibilities for fun times.”

Cape Fear River Adventures takes glamping to a whole new level. The Cozy Heron Glamping experience is ideal for those who enjoy nature but not primitive camping. Visitors have the unique opportunity to stay in hand-hewn wooden Conestoga wagons. You’ll feel like you have traveled back in time — albeit with many of the modern luxuries of today (the wagons have air conditioning and Wi-Fi).

Whether you stay overnight or just stop in for a day trip, river tubing is a must. Added to the park in 2016, it quickly established itself as one of the most popular attractions to date.

Depending on river levels, Lazy River Tubing can last anywhere from one to five hours. For a more abbreviated experience, Tubing Express lasts about an hour. Either way, plan to relax in the serene environment of the gently rippling water of the Cape Fear River. You might even catch a glimpse of some wildlife along the way. There may not be a better way to spend a hot summer day or weekend. capefearadventures.com

Jonathan Fredin

Jonathan Fredin

fantasy lake adventure park wake forest

HAVE YOU EVER dreamt of diving deep into the blue depths?

How about walking on water? You can experience both at Fantasy Lake Adventure Park in Wake Forest.

A former stone quarry constructed in the 1800s, the 90-footdeep mine is now filled with clear spring water. In 1950, the 52-acre quarry flooded when an enormous spring filled the mine so quickly that a large rock-crushing machine was trapped inside. That machine still sits at the bottom of the quarry today. Doye Sherrill purchased the 100-acre property including the quarry in 1980 and converted it into a unique scuba diving recreational and training park.

For safety reasons, the quarry lake is sectioned off into multiple areas for designated activities including scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, and an inflatable water park.

Yes, you read that correctly, an inflatable water park. Remember what I said about walking on water? This is your chance! Imagine an obstacle course reminiscent of the television show Wipe Out

“The inflatable water park itself is the attraction for kids and fami-

lies,” said owner Daniel Cox. “Last year we only allowed 6 years of age and older on the inflatable water park, but this season we are adding a kid section to allow 3- to 5-year-olds to have their own section.”

Scuba divers can swim in any of three holes ranging in depths from 60 to 80 feet. To partake you must be a certified scuba driver or a scuba student accompanied by your instructor. While visiting, there are plenty of underwater attractions to enjoy, each conveniently marked by a surface buoy. Such attractions include the aforementioned rock-crushing machine, two airplanes, one car, two 21-foot boats, and a sailboat.

The water park is open Memorial Day weekend through September 29, while scuba diving is open year-round. Given that the quarry is fed from a natural spring, the water stays cooler even in warmer months. Water and air temperatures are most ideal in the summer months.

This is one adventure you’ll want to add to your bucket list. gofantasylake.com

Worth the Drive!

carrigan farms mooresville

LOCATED IN Mooresville, Carrigan Farms is a fifth-generation family-owned farm with a 25-foot-deep waterhole on the property. The 275-acre farm contains what used to be a working granite mine. Many years ago, during standard excavation practices, several springs were hit, and the quarry flooded. Mining became impossible, but from it sprung a swimming experience like no other. Capitalizing on this “accident,” the Carrigan family converted the flooded quarry into a swimming feature in the 1980s, and it has been a hit with families ever since.

The main event at the farm, Open Swim, is accessible from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. Jumps range from 4 feet to a towering 16 feet above the splash zone. The swimming area is truly picturesque, surrounded by sheer granite cliffs rising some 70 feet above the water.

“Our rope swing is one of our bigger attractions,” said Marketing Manager Terrell Chestnutt. “It tends to be one of the more popular social media things that we have.” If you want to join in the fun and take the plunge, you must be at least 54 inches tall and able to perform a pull-up.

Safety is paramount. All visiting swimmers are required to wear a life jacket when in the water and are supervised by experienced lifeguards. Because of this attention to safety, no boats or other watercraft are allowed during Open Swim. Don’t let that dissuade you from bringing your own small floats, though! Anything you can take to a local pool is welcome.

When you need a break from swimming, be sure to check out their onsite farm-to-table restaurant featuring produce grown right on the property. And when the swimming season ends, you can pick strawberries in April and apples and pumpkins from October through November. No matter what time of year, you will be guaranteed to have a splashing good time!

carriganfarms.com

contributed photo

GO BIG

Murals are like a breath of fresh air for communities, bringing vibrancy and life wherever they are found. They’re pretty to look at, but they also help build a sense of community, enhance aesthetics, promote cultural heritage, and spark imagination and curiosity. Recently, I had the chance to conduct a Q&A with three talented local muralists.

We dove into their creative process, inspirations, and their remarkable creations’ impact on our community. These artists are the real deal; their work has truly injected a new level of liveliness into our city!

WRITTEN BY JAIME NOLAN

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

TAYLOR WHITE’S MURAL A CENTURY OF PROGRESS POOLSIDE AT THE FORGE AT RALEIGH IRON WORKS

Taylor White

Taylor White is a painter and muralist with a wide range of skills, having a special focus on creating large-scale murals.

JAIME: How do you approach designing a mural for a specific community?

TAYLOR: Clients usually come with an idea or mood for a space. In our initial talk, I assess if their budget, expectations, and my creative freedom align. If we click and there’s room for creativity, we proceed. We agree on terms, then cycle through brainstorming, refining with feedback, and finalizing the design — a process with flexible timing. Once the final design is set, we plan the installation. It’s a collaborative effort from start to finish, balancing their vision with my artistic input.

JAIME: Are there any themes or messages you like to explore in your mural work?

TAYLOR: When I think about what I bring to the table with my art, it’s really for those who are looking for something more than just a nice pattern with pretty colors. It’s about making a real connection. It’s for folks who want their art to mean something, to reflect their own deep journey and keep evolving with them. It’s not just about filling wall space — it’s about creating an environment that’s rich in thought, beauty, and depth.

JAIME: What materials and techniques do you use in your murals?

TAYLOR: I use a mixture of top-of-the-line latex, acrylic, and spray paints.

You can spot Taylor’s murals in and around Wake County at The Willard, the Forge at Raleigh Iron Works, and Platform apartments. In 2024, she’ll be bringing more work to downtown, plus Holly Springs and Apex soon! Check out her work at taylorwhite.art and her Instagram @taylorwhitestudio.

Gabriel Eng-Goetz

Gabriel Eng-Goetz is a versatile artist with multiple awards, spanning across various disciplines, to his credit.

JAIME: What motivated you to become an artist, and how did you choose your medium?

GABRIEL: I chose art as a career because it has few rules

and keeps me challenged day to day. I consider my art practice multidisciplinary, but I’ve been focusing on mural painting for the past five years.

JAIME: What inspires you?

GABRIEL: Cultural identity and our human connection to nature.

JAIME: How do your murals contribute to the cultural identity of Wake County?

GABRIEL: I like to think they inspire wonder and uplift a community through storytelling. That’s my goal.

Gabriel’s murals in and around Wake County include projects with Dix Conservancy, the Carolina Hurricanes, the Glenwood South Neighborhood Collaborative, Raleigh Iron Works, and Wake Tech’s Scott Northern Wake Campus Library. To see a full list of his works of art check out gabegets.com or Instagram @gabegets.

GABRIEL ENG-GOETZ’S DIX PARK-THEMED MURAL ON WEST STREET IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH

Sean Kernick

Sean embodies the quintessential left-brain/ right-brain persona, boasting an eclectic skill set as diverse as his comic book collection. He explores various creative interests but concentrates on large-format, custom-illustrated murals that push boundaries and convey authentic narratives through spray paint.

JAIME: What inspired you to become a muralist?

SEAN: My journey into mural painting started with graffiti back in high school in Philly. Loved the creativity, adrenaline, and competition. Got older and migrated into corporate design for a long while, became an art director, but wanted to keep exploring. Launched the magazine Oak City Hustle and quit the 9-to-5. Ultimately failed due to lack of resources and experience so I started painting murals as a parachute plan while I looked for another job. Turns out the thing I was willing to try last was the thing I should have been doing the whole time.

JAIME: How would you describe your artistic style?

SEAN: My style is a mashup of my interests: golden-era illustration meets comic book energy on a 1970s graffiti-covered subway car. Think JC Leyendecker and John Romita Jr. with a backpack full of spray paint.

JAIME: Can you tell me about your creative process from conceptualization to completion?

SEAN: The process is about understanding the mural location and the people who live and work there primarily. I sketch digitally, get approval, then go straight to painting with spray paint using a scribble grid to get it right. Speed, efficiency, and authentic storytelling is the secret sauce.

Sean’s artwork can be spotted around Wake County, ranging from a stunning Mighty Oak City mural on Capital in North Raleigh to a heartfelt tribute piece for LeVelle Moton on Salisbury Street in Downtown Raleigh. Follow him on Instagram at @seanorock.

SEAN KERNICK MURAL AT THE VILLAGE DISTRICT IN RALEIGH EMPHASIZES NORTH CAROLINA NATURE.

LIGHTSHIP NEON

WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

AFTER MORE THAN 20 YEARS working in technology, Jared Haworth saw the light — neon, that is.

Growing up just outside NYC, along U.S. Route 1, meant that some of Haworth’s “earliest memories are of the neon signs along that road down into New York.”

And this interest never dimmed, as in the intervening years Haworth sought out neon signs to photograph before being turned on to a sign-making class at Nate Sheaffer’s Glas, a fixture in the Raleigh neon scene. After Haworth’s first foray into glass bending, he was spending enough time in the Glas studio to switch to working there as a full-time glass bender and sign maker.

Prior to Sheaffer’s retirement, he offered Haworth the opportunity to learn the business side of operating a neon shop as studio manager. “Despite Glas’s impending closure,” Haworth said, “our crew felt that there

was still a strong market for all things neon here in central North Carolina.”

Now several months into his post as skipper of Lightship Neon, (leaning into the nautical puns) Haworth and his team of skilled craftspeople bring customers’ neon ideas to life — and light — by creating custom neon signs for businesses and individuals, performing repairs and restorations for existing signs, and teaching workshops to spread awareness and appreciation for neon.

The unique and eye-catching functional art form has followed a pattern of rises and drops in popularity from LA’s first commercial signs in 1923 until the LED technology of the 2000s eclipsed neon lighting as the dominant form of illumination in advertising. In recent years, neon has seen another resurgence — though for artistic and custom, one-off purposes rather than large-scale commercial projects.

We recently met with Haworth, who enlightened us about neon and the Lightship shop.

Can neon be used for more than signs?

Absolutely! Luminous tubes, filled with neon or argon gas, are a diffuse lighting source that fills a space with inviting light in a way that can’t be matched by LEDs. Neon tubes can also be used artistically to create recognizable or abstract shapes, be wrapped around three-dimensional objects as accents, or even made into long, straight tubes to border and light up a space.

Why the name Lightship Neon?

My childhood included trips to Nantucket Island, where I had the opportunity to tour a former operational light vessel, United States lightship Nantucket (LV-112). Even North Carolina had its own lightship,

LIGHTSHIP NEON’S JARED HAWORTH

WORKSHOP STUDENTS CREATE THEIR OWN NEON WORK AND PLUG IT IN FOR THE FIRST TIME TO SEE IT LIGHT UP.

GLASS BENDER RICHARD “RICH” MARVILL SAYS THE NEON-MAKING PROCESS IS RIGOROUS, BUT SIGHT AND TOUCH PLAY A PROMINENT -- AND SATISFYING -- ROLE.

MARVILL’S BENDING OF GLASS HAS TAKEN HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF HOURS TO MASTER.

at Frying Pan Shoals (LV-115), prior to the construction of the uncrewed platform there today. I loved the concept of a floating lighthouse, guarding dangerous approaches to land, staffed by a dedicated crew operating their light beacon for all to see.

Tell us about the team.

We’re currently a crew of three: myself, Richard “Rich” Marvill, and Kendra Hypes. Rich is our main glass bender — almost every sign created in our workshop features his work exclusively. Rich, who has been my mentor throughout my glass-bending journey, also teaches aspiring sign makers, performing the glass-bending demonstration and narrating the tube bombarding and gas-filling process. Kendra was the primary tube processor at Glas, where she operated the vacuum manifold and bombarding transformer to bring each neon tube to life. She continues that role at Lightship, where

TOP: ONCE THE GLASS IS ADEQUATELY HEATED — JUDGED PURELY BY MARVILL’S INSTINCT — THERE ARE MERE SECONDS TO BEND IT.

ABOVE: HYPES POWERS UP THE TRANSFORMER’S 24,000 VOLTS OF ELECTRICITY.

LEFT: EVERY NEON UNIT IS METICULOUSLY PREPARED IN A PROCESS THAT IS AS MUCH SCIENCE AS IT IS ART.

WITH AN ARTISAN GLASS BENDER, THE POSSIBILITIES FOR NEON ARE LIMITLESS.

she helped to define the 43-step instruction guide that ensures each tube enters the world with the best chance of a long service life. Kendra, herself an emerging neon artist, also assists in hands-on classes by supervising students in the fires and guiding them to create the glass needed to bring their designs to life.

Describe the Lightship Neon space.

While every neon shop has similar equipment (almost all of ours being secondhand, some of it decades old, as the craft of neon sign making hasn’t changed much since its inception), each shop adopts their own practices and processes. One of the great things about our space was that we were handed a blank canvas and were able to lay everything out so that tubes move from bending to processing to painting to assembly, with all tools and materials close at hand. We also have a dedicated showroom/ lobby, where we introduce neon and showcase recently completed custom work before

throwing open the workshop’s double doors and revealing the magic behind the signs.

Tell us about a cool project you’ve worked on!

The neat thing about working in a neon sign shop is that no two projects are alike. While I’m immensely proud of our largerscale work, one of the coolest projects was for a freelance creative director working for CBS Sports who commissioned us to make a neon accent for The NFL Today Super Bowl Pregame Show logo. It was incredible, tuning in to CBS and seeing our work right there on TV!

What’s your hope for Lightship Neon?

It’s twofold: I’d love for us to make our mark on the Raleigh area, as we’re already able to drive through the city and see our work on display in and on various buildings; continuing that is a priority. The second, and possibly more important, goal is to continue

to spread the excitement and enthusiasm for neon through our workshops and events, as we do our part to keep this art form alive. t lightshipneon.com

Lightship Neon classes are a great way to participate in creating a custom, one-of-a-kind sign!

Workshops currently offered:

· Half-day on Monday afternoons and evenings (or as private classes by special arrangement)

· Multi-week intensives across four Wednesday evenings

Lightship Neon also offers corporate and team-building opportunities, and all workshop participants can rent time in the shop to work on personal projects.

Artspace

WRITTEN BY LEA HART | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

ART WAS ALWAYS a sanctuary for Adriana Ameigh, but it took time for it to become her profession.

Ameigh began her career in finance and says while the work was interesting and challenging, it was perhaps not her calling. When her mom passed away, she began to think about what would bring her happiness and purpose, while also adding something to the world.

“I knew that was art,” Ameigh said. “But could I make money at it? Would anybody even like it?”

Not one to leap without looking, Ameigh began talking to artists about the logistics of their careers, including artists housed at Artspace visual arts center in downtown Raleigh.

She took the plunge in 2019, and while the shutdowns during the pandemic caused some bumps in the road, today she works as a professional artist, creating and displaying her work in an Artspace studio.

Ameigh’s story is one of dozens within Artspace, which aims to provide a collaborative environment where artists can ask questions of each other, share ideas and supplies, and invite critiques of each other’s work.

Artspace dates back to 1986, before downtown Raleigh underwent a major revitalization. The founders of Artspace envisioned creating an arts district to breathe life into the area and offer affordable studio spaces for artists, says David Moore, director of community engagement at Artspace. In the almost four decades since, Artspace continues to provide subsidized studio spaces to artists, who pay half the market rate for rent.

“The goal is to make sure we have local artists working in the heart of the city,” Moore said.

The nonprofit does that and so much more.

Admission to Artspace remains free to the public. It’s grown to include classes, camps for children, community programs, and offsite education, Moore said. Its latest addition, Artspace on the Go, comes in the form of a wrapped van that visits underserved

TOP: SINGER-SONGWRITER EMILY MUSOLINO PERFORMS

DURING FIRST FRIDAY AT ARTSPACE.

LEFT: ADRIANA AMEIGH’S NUMBERS

contributed photo

ARTISTS OF ALL AGES PARTICIPATE IN FREE HANDS-ON ART ACTIVITIES ON THE FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT ARTSPACE’S OPEN STUDIO. ART CLASSES ARE ALSO OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE MONTH.

communities, bringing art and artists to schools and other community spaces, Moore said.

Artspace has a thriving residency program as well, providing free studio space and additional financial support to five artists to grow their craft, Moore says. Several of these residencies help ensure access to underrepresented groups, with one supporting an artist identifying as having a

disability and another supporting a recent graduate from historically Black colleges and universities.

The residencies are one reflection of Artspace’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and its staff is another. In 2020 and 2021, as so many organizations went through changes related to the effects of the pandemic, Artspace ushered in a mostly new leadership team, which Moore is proud

to say “reflects the colorfulness of Raleigh.”

Artspace reaches Raleigh and beyond, with nearly 22,000 visitors in 2023 to 29 exhibitions. More than 850 children attended Artspace summer camps last year, and all the programs were supported by 4,650 volunteer hours, according to Moore.

Financial support is as crucial as volunteer hours, of course. Moore said funding to operate the facility and support artists and

FIRST FRIDAY ART LOVERS ENJOY A WIDE VARIETY OF ART MEDIUMS AT ARTSPACE TEACHING ARTIST SHOWCASE IN GALLERY 2.

VISITORS WRITE THOUGHTS ON A COLORFUL HANDS-ON EXHIBIT.

programs comes through a variety of sources.

Artspace receives funding from the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, the North Carolina Arts Council, and the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County. Donations from private foundations and individual donors are important as well, Moore said.

The organization also generates income in a number of creative ways, from leasing space to a restaurant also located in the building, to leasing and selling artwork that might end up on display in the offices of a local company, for example, Moore said. Another example: Artspace has helped developers connect with artists if the developer wants to commission a mural on a new building.

“We do economic development in our own way,” Moore said. “We’re supporting the creative economy in all the things that we do.”

It’s about support for the artists as well. Ameigh talks with enthusiasm about the power of being in a shared space with other artists.

“We support each other,” she said. “We can give advice to each other. We’ll often ask for a second set of eyes on a painting or project. That’s huge. If I was at home that would be so much harder, but here I just walk down the hallway.”

She’s paying it forward now by cohosting the Level Up Artists podcast, offering advice on topics she wondered about in her early days, such as how to price art.

“It’s about community over competition,” Ameigh said. “We want to share forward any knowledge we’ve learned in our journeys.”

That community ethos has made Artspace a place where diverse artists and observers alike feel represented.

“People walk in and feel free,” Moore says. “They feel creativity in the air. They feel a nonjudgmental space.

“People see themselves in the artwork on the wall, and in the artists.” t artspacenc.org

ARTIST ALEXANDRE EMMANUEL CREATES IN HIS STUDIO, ONE OF DOZENS WITHIN ARTSPACE.

DIANA MALIN’S PAINTINGS EXHIBIT LAYER UPON LAYER OF COLOR.

CARTOON JORDAN MAKES YOUR EVENT -- WHETHER IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL MEMORABLE.

Modern Caricatures on trend

WRITTEN BY JAIME NOLAN

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

WHILE CARICATURE ART might not be fresh off the easel, modern styles and technologies are revitalizing its popularity, making it trendy all over again.

These skilled artists specialize in creating exaggerated or simplified portraits, usually emphasizing distinctive features or traits of their clients. Caricatures aim to capture the essence of a person in a comical or satirical way, leading to smiles and laughs all around.

Locally coveted Cartoon Jordan has enjoyed the resurgence of this trend. Her diverse palette of styles ranges from timeless classics to innovative virtual creations, including lightning-fast speed sketches completed in just 60 seconds — a truly magnificent feat. Being on the forefront of the tech revolution, Cartoon Jordan also sketches digitally, armed with an iPad. You can witness your cartoon drawn in real time on a monitor.

“I enjoy the energy when guests gather around. They watch what you are doing and are playing off the people you are drawing. There are a lot of jokes going back and forth. It’s very fulfilling,” Cartoon Jordan said.

Whether you’re a major corporation hosting a virtual meeting or in-person event, or celebrating a birthday or wedding, Cartoon Jordan offers entertainment packaged with a take-home gift, all rolled into one delightful experience!

“You’re offering your guests a custom party favor and live entertainment at the same time. It’s something personal to them to take home,” she said.

View Cartoon Jordan’s impressive gallery and book her for your next event at cartoonjordan.com t

The Making of a Fashion Designer

WRITTEN BY JAIME NOLAN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

TWICE A YEAR, FROM NEW YORK TO PARIS, LONDON, AND MILAN, THE FASHION WORLD COMES ALIVE AS TALENTED DESIGNERS SHOWCASE THEIR MAGNIFICENTLY CRAFTED WORKS OF ART, BORN FROM MONTHS OF DEDICATION AND HARD WORK. WITH THEIR FASHION-FORWARD COLLECTIONS, THEY SERVE AS GUIDES FOR THE HOTTEST TRENDS FOR THE SEASONS AHEAD.

“I hope that as our society evolves and fashion changes alongside it, I will be part of the movement to make fashion more accessible to all, more sustainable, and created in an ethical environment.” lilly barozzini, NCSU student

Ever wondered about the process through which designers transform their ideas into the stunning collections showcased on runways? To find out, the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State graciously allowed us to peek behind the curtain and explore the making of a designer.

While working through a Bachelor of Science in Fashion and Textile Design with a concentration in Fashion Design, future designers acquire real-life experiences alongside comprehensive courses. The students dive deep into the journey from concept to creation with talented professors like seasoned design expert Dr. Emily Law.

“At the Wilson College of Textiles, we teach our students how to use the programs, machinery, and procedures that are currently being used in the industry so they are well equipped to transition into their careers,” said Dr. Law. “Personally, I try to make the transition easy by showing them what industry-level feedback and work expectations

look like and teach them how to navigate that environment of professionalism while still being highly innovative and artistic in their work.”

Melding science and creativity, the program stays in tune with trends in both fashion and technology. Students learn everything from pattern design to the science of yarn production and work with industryrelevant software like Gerber.

START TO FINISH

The emphasis on understanding all steps of the process, from idea to execution, begins in first-year studio, according to design student Natalia Barnack. The details of the creative journey, however, vary from person to person.

Lilly Barozzini begins by embracing inspiration — whenever it strikes. Ideas often blossom in the silence around 3 a.m., she says.

After an early morning epiphany, Barozzini transfers her imaginative thoughts onto paper, delving into details of what the concept will look like. She starts by considering her target audience’s needs and behaviors and drafting mood boards. She then dives deep into researching current trends from the runway and in retail.

She explores various methods of altering fabric (folding, pleating, gathering, twisting, and additional manipulation techniques) and creates surface designs, incorporating decorative elements such as painting, embroidery, or appliqués. When she’s developed a clear concept, she creates sketches, which she presents to classmates and professors. Then it’s time for the hands-on work: Barozzini creates prototypes, conducts fittings, and cuts, sews, and adjusts fabric as she hones her final product.

“Designing takes passion, drive, and adaptability,” Barozzini said.

STUDENTS LIKE SENIOR NATALIA BARNACK COME FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS. WHILE A PORTFOLIO IS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION, IT DOESN’T HAVE TO FOCUS SOLELY ON FASHION. THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE LOOKS FOR CREATIVITY IN MANY FORMS.

“I would tell aspiring fashion design students to experiment and explore their creativity through any media that inspires them. The fashion industry is so much more than just clothing; versatility in artistic expression can add richness to your designs and help you hone your unique design perspective. You can never be too creative.”

Dr. emily Law

BARNACK,

LILLY BAROZZINI EXPLORES VARIOUS METHODS OF ALTERING FABRIC IN HER DESIGNS.

STUDENTS EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT FABRICS AND WEAVE AND KNIT THEIR OWN DESIGNS.

DETAILS ARE THE PUNCTUATION MARKS OF STYLE.

“My favorite part of the designing process is pattern drafting and calculating how the garment will function and work on a body. The most challenging part of the design process for me is being adaptable. You always need to be ready to take a few steps back or retry in order to get the quality and design you want to bring to life.”

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

In their junior year, students are encouraged to study aboard. In renowned fashion capitals like Italy and London, they receive exposure to cutting-edge design and innovation, offering invaluable opportunities to learn and grow.

As students approach graduation, a senior showcase provides an opportunity to build their portfolios and network with others in the industry. The demanding experience prepares students for the pace of the in-

dustry and challenges of ambitious projects like creating their own collections.

Each student typically showcases a collection comprising five to six looks or more during their senior seminar. Every student emerges with a portfolio complete with high-quality photography and runway experience.

In addition to the showcase, the college provides a plethora of resources to help students launch their careers in the fashion industry, including frequent career fairs. The dedicated career services department assists students with résumé preparation, mock interviews, and other essential skills. Faculty members also play a pivotal role in portfolio development, offering guidance and support throughout the process.

Strong connections with industry partners facilitate internship opportunities, further enhancing students’ practical expe-

rience. The faculty’s willingness to help students even after graduation ensures that Wilson College of Textiles at NC State remains a reliable resource for career advancement and ongoing learning opportunities.

“I am currently excited to enter into the fashion industry through an assistant apparel designer position at Abercrombie & Fitch with their Leadership and Development Program,” Barozzini said. “I am excited to continue to learn every day and grow as a designer as I work alongside talented individuals.”

“I have always said that the clothing we put on every day makes a big impact in our day,” Barozzini said.

“I hope that as our society evolves and fashion changes alongside it, I will be part of the movement to make fashion more accessible to all, more sustainable, and created in an ethical environment.” t

SPRING INTO SUMMER FASHION

Trendy and timeless pieces to add to your wardrobe

FASHION TRENDS ARE forever changing. As much as we’d love to go on a shopping spree every season, that’s not realistic, so look for trendy items with a timeless appeal. Pick versatile pieces that will carry over from spring to summer and become closet staples for years to come.

WIDE-LEG TROUSERS: They’re flattering and keep you cool during warmer days. Neutral colors like beige, white, and light grey will be popular this season. I have satin trousers that I’ve had for years, and they never go out of style.

ECO-FRIENDLY FABRICS: With a growing focus on sustainability, clothing made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and linen is exploding in popularity. These fabrics are great for the planet and super comfortable. You feel like you’re cuddled in clouds! I

picked up a lightweight sweatsuit that’s great for a chilly day or a cool summer night. A must have for flying or road trips.

BOLD PRINTS: Floral, geometric, abstract — bold prints are making a big comeback! OK ... they never went out of style in my world. My husband chuckles at some of my choices because they are loud, but I say fashion should be fun. Life is hard sometimes, so embrace silliness and individuality with your wardrobe.

PASTEL AND EARTH TONES: Soft pastels and warm earth tones are easy to mix and match, making them versatile for any wardrobe and easy to reuse season after season. I will be bouncing back and forth from bold patterns to soft pastels all year.

BUCKET HATS: Both practical and stylish, bucket hats have

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERICA DELONG

LIFE IS SHORT. HAVE FUN WITH YOUR WARDROBE! Revolution Studios

been hot for a few years, and they’re not going anywhere. I prefer a wider brim for added sun protection. Boutiques around the Triangle are brimming with affordable options.

LIGHTWEIGHT BLAZERS: A perfect transitional piece, lightweight blazers can be dressed up or down and pair with just about anything, giving you many ways to be stylish day or night. Try one with jean shorts, a tucked top, and heels! Look for vibrant colors or pastel shades to make a statement. I’m loving neon!

SUSTAINABLE SNEAKERS: Sneakers are also here to stay, no matter the occasion. Dress them up or dress down. I’m always on the hunt for a white sneaker to pair with dresses and a blazer. Eco-friendly options made from recycled materials are on the rise this season!

STRAPPY SANDALS: A summer staple, strappy sandals in bold colors or with unique details will be particularly on trend this season. They’re perfect for dressing up any summer outfit. I like to buy one or two great pairs and basically wear them until the straps fall off. Also, if I love them and they’re affordable, I’ll sometimes grab a duplicate pair for when they wear out.

CUTOUTS AND ASYMMETRY: Asymmetrical designs and creative cutouts will be popular for their uniqueness and flair. You’ll see eye-catching examples everywhere — dresses, tops, and even swimwear. I picked up an inexpensive swimsuit with cutouts this year that covers all the right spots but still looks cute.

BERMUDA SHORTS: Longer than your typical shorts but still casual and cool for the summer, pair them with a blazer or a loose tee for a relaxed look. Microscopic shorts might be “hot” this season too, but they don’t work in an office setting (or ever for me anymore).

STATEMENT ACCESSORIES: Oversized sunglasses, bold earrings, and chunky necklaces will be huge, especially paired with more neutral outfits. I try to do a big earring with a bangle or a chunky necklace with smaller earrings.

SHEER FABRICS: Items featuring sheer fabrics will be popular and great for layering. I’m not a fan of showing my arms, so I love to layer a lightweight sleeve under a sleeveless dress.

AND JUST A FEW MORE STAPLES TO KEEP ON HAND: A white summer dress and a black dress that you can transition from day to evening. A gold shoe with a chunky heel that can go both casual and dressy. A classic clutch to throw with any outfit. And something jean, which never goes out of style.

Thoughtfully chosen pieces don’t go stale. As I write this, I’m wearing a 12-year-old top — and proud of it. Buy pieces you truly love, and reinvent them as styles change from season to season and year to year. Share your favorite outfits!

@EricaDeLong t

NEON BLAZERS AND COMFY SNEAKERS PULL DOUBLE DUTY. DRESS THEM UP OR DOWN FOR A VARIETY OF LOOKS.

Your Perfect Wake Picnic

WRITTEN BY ELLIOT ACOSTA

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Warm weather, longer days, and clear Carolina skies: As we transition from winter into spring and summer, Wake County has all the makings for a quintessential picnic. However, a memorable experience requires more than just ideal weather. The contents of the picnic basket and where you take it will make your spread stand out. Luckily, Wake County boasts numerous noshable treats to include in your outdoor dining spread, as well as a host of picturesque spots to enjoy an outdoor meal.

The Spots

Sunflower Field at Dix Park

Nestled on the outskirts of Downtown Raleigh, Dix Park is on its way to becoming the City of Oaks’ destination park. Since the City of Raleigh brought the land from the State of North Carolina in 2015, redevelopment of the space has been slowly taking shape. But even as Dix Park is still in a transitional period, it offers plenty of spots for those who want a panoramic perspective of the city.

The wildly popular Sunflower Field is the setting for one of Raleigh’s most beloved summer traditions, snapping selfies in front of the lush canvas of flowers when they are at peak bloom. Beyond a primo social media backdrop, the field also provides plenty of space to spread out along the grass with a meal and take in stunning views of the flowers and skyline.

RDU Observation Park

For those who prefer to marvel at the modern wonders of humankind rather than bask in the majesty of nature, the RDU Observation Park provides a front-row seat to one of North Carolina’s crowning achievements: flight.

The RDU Observation Park offers an elevated platform with clear views of aircraft as they take off and touch down. On the ground level of the park, you’ll find picnic tables, bathrooms, a lawn area, and a playground — all the facilities to set up a pleasant picnic with your fellow aviation enthusiasts.

Historic Yates Mill County Park

Located at the southern tip of Raleigh, the Historic Yates Mill County Park offers a range of scenic settings for hosting a picnic. History buffs can gravitate towards the titular Yates Mill, which is the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County. The historic site allows you to get up close to its unique stone dam waterfall.

Nature lovers can find a spot gazing out on the tranquil Yates Mill Pond or settle in along the path of the park’s three hiking trails.

The Food

Bread Union Special Bread

Whether it’s for a quintessential sandwich or a complement to dips, cheeses, or jams, the right bread is a cornerstone of a classic picnic. At Northeast Raleigh bakery Union Special Bread, head baker and owner

Andrew Ullom says their bread program is “not trying to reinvent the wheel — we’re just trying to pay attention.”

Union Special’s attention to detail, like using fresh organic flour from mills less than an hour away, results in loaves like the utilitarian People’s Loaf. “That loaf of bread makes a sandwich that travels really well,” Ullom said. “It can be toasted and then taken in a picnic basket and used for a bunch of different food.”

The bakery’s Miche, a whole-grain rye sourdough, fits perfectly into a picnic spread, Ullom said. “It’s a really hearty rye sourdough bread, something that you can rip apart and literally break bread with friends. It can sop up stuff really well. It’s great for dipping, or putting a massive amount of butter or jam on.”

Alongside the bread program, Union

Special bakes an assortment of pastries, from croissants to vegan hand pies. For picnic goers who would rather skip the prep work, the bakery also offers sandwiches, salads, and full dishes from its café.

Charcuterie Alimentari at Left Bank

One of the original tenants of East Raleigh’s Transfer Co. Food Hall, Alimentari at Left Bank is a unique hybrid of a sandwich shop, boutique grocer, and whole-animal butchery. Alimentari is the brainchild of Josh DeCarolis, chef and owner of the adored Durham Italian restaurant Mothers & Sons, in partnership with the highly regarded Left Bank Butchery in Saxapahaw. Alimentari presents a diverse array of meats and gourmet prepared dishes ideal for enhancing any picnic outing.

Stacked with Italian cold cuts like prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella, speck, pepperoni, and spicy sopressata, Alimentari’s charcuterie board adds an elevated touch to a typical meat and cheese tray.

Head chef Aaron Hopp described the charcuterie experience: “You have all the way from something extremely buttery and fatty from the Mortadella. Then you can go into the prosciutto that’s a little lighter. And then you can go into the pepperoni, which is like, ‘all right, this is familiar.’”

Alimentari also stocks prepared items such as giardiniera, potato salad, housemade desserts, tomato jam, and deviled prosciutto that would be welcome additions to any picnic spread. “We’re just trying to bring local products to the consumer,” Hopp said.

Chef Hopp encourages picnic goers to “go outside of your norm of when you go

utilitarian People's Loaf

to the grocery store” and explore the shop’s diverse offerings, which are mostly sourced locally or prepared freshly on-site. Staff are happy to offer their recommendations.

Drinks Slingshot Coffee

Now nationally distributed, Slingshot Coffee was started and is still brewed in the City of Oaks by former barista Jenny Bonchak. The refreshing caffeinated drink has been featured in major publications like The New York Times and counts movie star Reese Witherspoon among its many fans.

Slingshot began its journey in 2012 serving cold brew coffee, expanding into coffee soda in 2014. According to Slingshot, “As a company, we have always wanted to share the incredible versatility of coffee — whether through flavor or texture — and have held a deep desire to take coffee beyond what’s ‘normal’ to show how fun it can be.” Slingshot’s carbonated cold brew teams up with classic flavors of citrus vanilla, black cherry, and root beer to provide a unique offering unlike any other beverage.

Slingshot products are available at Fresh Market, Wegmans, Whole Foods, and Sprouts grocery stores or directly from their website.

Luxury CompaniesPicnic

If you want a picture-perfect experience without the hassle of setting it up, Wake County offers a plethora of luxury picnic companies happy to do the heavy lifting for you. Southern Picnics, an award-winning example, offers setups for everything from a brunch with friends to a picnic proposal. According to owner Angela Byrnes, “We handle the design, food, location, and photography so you can stay focused on popping the question and being present in the moment.” t

Tips for Picnic Perfection

CHECK IT TWICE

Don’t let forgotten essentials dampen your day! Make a trusty checklist that inclues plates, napkins, utensils, cups, sunscreen, trash bags, sanitizer, and other necessities to ensure your picnic experience is seamless.

CHOOSE WISELY

Do you crave a leafy canopy or thrive in the sun? When scouting your locations, consider your intended mood and time of day.

PICK YOUR VIBE

Choose a theme and let it guide your fun. It could be as simple as a color or elaborate as a chic girls’ brunch or movie night. Get playful and let your picnic pop!

AMP UP THE FUN

Spice up your picnic with activities like sports, nature exploration, or game time galore.

LEVEL UP THE LUXURY

Lay down a tarp to keep everything dry and pristine. Add layers for extra comfort. Stack multiple blankets for softness, and elevate your relaxation game with cozy pillows.

WRITTEN BY JAIME NOLAN

DOROTHEA DIX PARK

AXIS15 EXTREME TILTED SCREENS FOR OPTIMAL VIEWING

Zero-Gravity Recliners | Retractable Table

QR Code To Order Food & Beverages Directly to Your Seats

Hummingbird

At neighborhood hangout Tonic, Bar and Social Club, a lively atmosphere complements vibrant cocktails like the Hummingbird. This fun and fizzy drink is an absolute joy, crafted with the freshest high-quality ingredients. With every sip, you’ll enjoy a delightful blend of citrus notes and subtle florals, accented by a touch of honey that lends a satisfying sweetness. The addition of soda creates a refreshing effervescence that makes the Hummingbird an ideal choice for enjoying with friends on your front porch.

1 ½ ounces vodka

½ ounce honey

½ ounce lavender syrup

½ ounce lime juice

2 dashes warm bitters

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Pour into your favorite Collins glass and top off with club soda. Add 2 orange wheels and top with a sprig of mint to garnish. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy!

About Tonic, Bar and Social Club:

In the heart of historic downtown Wake Forest, Tonic offers craft cocktails, a wide array of bourbons, and an extensive selection of liquor, beers, and wines. There’s something to suit every taste. Known for hosting fantastic events such as ’80s themed nights and an annual Halloween costume party, you’re sure to find ample entertainment at this upbeat social club — where living your best life is the norm. tonicsocialclub.com

SHIfT NEIPA from Incendiary Brewing Company

ON THE HOMEBREW SCALE , this dry-hopped New England-style IPA clinched first place in the national 2016 Master Championship of Amateur Brewing competition. Expect a delightful fusion of tropical and citrus notes in this hazy light orange 8.1% ABV brew. Each month, the hop profile undergoes a makeover accompanied by a vibrant name change. While the name may shift to green, pink, or orange, the color of the beer stays the same. Pair with a mouthwatering burger or fiery hot wings.

About Incendiary Brewing Company

Founded in Winston-Salem by Brandon Branscome and John Bacon, Incendiary opened its downtown Raleigh taproom in November of 2023. While their beers are truly exceptional, the witty and creative individuals crafting them are what truly sets the brewery apart. Of Incendiary’s three taprooms, Raleigh leads the pack as the first location to offer cocktails and an incredible bourbon selection. lynnwoodbrewing.beer | @lynnwoodbrewing

WRITTEN BY JAIME NOLAN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Landscaping with Spiders

IN SPITE OF their odd name, spiderworts (Tradescantia sp.) can be pretty additions to almost any landscape. With strap-like leaves that form mounds up to 24 inches tall, these perennials show off clusters of three-petal, 1- to 2-inch-diameter flowers typically dipped in shades of purple.

A spiderwort bloom only lasts a day, but each stem brims with many more blossoms to extend this spring flower show into the early summer. And after their first flush of floral color has finished, pruning the plants back will encourage another round of flowers later in the growing season.

Spiderworts can be pretty dependable, too, being tough North American

natives that, as a bonus, are deer resistant. They tolerate shady areas but will produce fewer blooms in such dim spots. A location in partial shade seems to suit these beauties best. Sunny sites that slip into slight shadows in the afternoon will also work, as long as the plants are watered regularly during the summer.

Wild species have variations in height, leaf shape, and bloom color, and plant breeders have created cultivars with even broader deviations, making spiderworts visually versatile for many landscape schemes. Here are a few examples to consider for your growing pleasure that can typically be found at local garden centers and certainly online:

Purple Profusion: This common cultivar flaunts deep purple blooms over mounds of handsome green leaves that top out at a restrained 12 inches tall. ‘Concord Grape’ and ‘J.C. Weguelin’ also offer comparable flower shows on compact plants.

Osprey: One of my favorites because it is a graceful beauty with soft white flower petals offset by center stamens dusted in a deep, dreamy purple. Such elegance is echoed in ‘Billberry Ice,’ which has a similar look but with blossoms slightly more shaded in lavender.

Blue and Gold: Also known as ‘Sweet Kate,’ this sassy spiderwort sports bright chartreuse-to-yellow leaves that create a colorful cacophony

with its bluish-purple flowers. Like striped shirts and plaid pants combinations, you’ll either like it or hate it, but you won’t forget it.

Purple Heart: Do let the sun shine on this popular spiderwort because, strangely, the more it is exposed to sunlight, the darker its unique purple leaves become. Keep in mind, however, this selection is less cold hardy than other spiderworts, so consider using it as an annual (a common practice) or plant it in a container you can move to a protected place for the winter. 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.

Written and photographed by L.A. Jackson

Timely Tip

WHAT’S IN A NAME? FOR “SPIDERWORT,” THERE’S PLENTY TO UNPACK. FOR STARTERS, SPIDERWORT PLANTS DON’T ATTRACT CREEPY-CRAWLY REAL SPIDERS, WHICH FOR ARACHNOPHOBIC GARDENERS SHOULD BE A BIG RELIEF. THE “SPIDER” PART OF THE NAME COMES FROM THE FACT THAT, WHEN SLICED, THE STEMS OF THIS PLANT OOZE A YUCKY LIQUID THAT RESEMBLES THREADS OF A SPIDER’S WEB AFTER HARDENING.

“WORT” IS SIMPLY AN OLD ENGLISH WORD FOR “PLANT,” ESPECIALLY ONE THAT HAS MEDICINAL USES. THIS FITS SPIDERWORT PERFECTLY BECAUSE IT WAS OFTEN SOUGHT OUT BY NATIVE AMERICANS AND COLONIAL SETTLERS FOR ITS HELPFUL HERBAL PROPERTIES.

To Do in the Garden

MAY

• This is a grand month for veteran and newbie veggie gardeners because it is prime time to start such standard summer delectables as tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, lima beans, okra, cucumbers, peppers, watermelon, eggplant, and green beans.

• Want to grow just a little bit off the beaten track with edibles? Now is also a good time to try your adventurous green thumb with sweet corn, kohlrabi, field peas, peanuts, Malabar climbing spinach, leeks, and turnips.

• In the ornamental garden, temperatures have reached a high enough comfort level now to start planting heat-loving bulbs such as gladioli, dahlias, caladiums, and cannas.

• Before the summer sizzle sets in, mulch around new and established plantings to help reduce wide fluctuations in soil temperatures and moisture content.

JUNE

• If you enjoy starting summer flowers from seeds in the garden, soil temps are warm enough now to sow such pretties as sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, cleome, gomphrena, blanket flowers, cosmos, nasturtiums, amaranth, and moonvine.

• Don’t think blossom end rot is just a tomato-centric disorder. Watermelons, squash, and peppers can come down with this ugliness, too. Since it is caused by stress related to wide fluctuations of soil temperature and moisture content, maintain at least a 3-inch mulch layer around these delectable edibles and keep them on a regular watering schedule.

‘PURPLE HEART’ SHOWING OFF IN A SUNNY BORDER.

Situated in prestigious North Hills, where high-end boutiques and world-class restaurants border lush green spaces, The Cardinal is a life plan community offering a full continuum of desirable lifestyle options. We invite you to experience the upscale amenities and exemplary five-star service that differentiate Kisco Signature living.

Are you dealing with jaw pain?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a common condition that affects the muscles and joints in the jaw. It can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with basic jaw functions such as chewing and talking. It can also vary in severity and be caused by a variety of factors.

Symptoms

One of the main symptoms of TMJ disorder is jaw pain. This pain can be sharp or dull and can occur on one or both sides of the jaw. It may also radiate to other areas of the face, head, neck, and shoulders. In some cases, individuals may experience clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when they open or close their mouth, as well as limited range of motion in the jaw.

Several factors can contribute to the development of TMJ disorder. These include trauma or injury to the jaw joint, such as a dislocation or fracture; arthritis in the joint; excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth (bruxism); misalignment of the teeth or jaw; stress and tension; poor posture; and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing TMJ disorders can be challenging, as the symptoms can mimic other conditions, such as a toothache, ear infection, or sinus problem. A dentist or oral health specialist will typically conduct a thorough examination of the jaw joint, muscles, teeth, and bite to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. At Supremia Dentistry in Wake Forest, their team uses BioPak, a state-of-the-art computerized measurement device built by leaders in neuromuscular and physiology technology. It provides a wealth of precision data,

including muscle readings, joint sonography, and computerized jaw tracking. Data is analyzed to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

Treatment

There are several individualized, noninvasive, and non-surgical treatments for TMJ disorders, which may include a combination of lifestyle changes, self-care practices, and medical interventions. Splint therapy is common and uses a customized dental orthotic to protect the joint from undue strain. Depending on the nature of the condition, traditional dentistry, orthodontics, or a combination thereof may also be used.

It is important for individuals with TMJ disorder to work closely with their dentist to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique symptoms and needs. By following their dentist’s recommendations, individuals should be able to effectively manage their TMJ disorder and improve their quality of life!

Edmond W. Suh, D.D.S., is the owner of Supremia Dentistry in Wake Forest. He is an international lecturer on advanced esthetic dental procedures and leads an award-winning team that has completed extensive training and continuing education to implement the latest technologies and techniques. For more information on TMJ disorders or other dental issues, call (919) 556-6200 or visit supremiadentistry.com.

happenings

Grab your selfie stick and head to Raleigh’s new

Outdoor Mural

Trail. Visit Raleigh created the digital passport to make it easier for visitors and residents to explore the network of public art from Raleigh-area artists. Check in at 15 murals for an entry into a quarterly drawing from a local hospitality partner. As the first partner, The Umstead Hotel & Spa will give two $250 gift cards to winners of the July 1 drawing.

“Creativity is a large part of the cultural heartbeat of our destination,” said Visit Raleigh President and CEO Dennis Edwards. “With an eclectic mix of towns and people across our area, murals bind towns together and spur imagination and innovation across the county.” visitraleigh.com/muraltrail

Raleigh-based health tech startup CareYaya released an AIpowered caregiver training program that delivers brief video modules tailored to a caregiver’s individual skill level. The program received backing from Johns Hopkins University and the National Institutes of Health. The platform offers an approach to the rising dementia care crisis, which affects more than 7 million Americans and is projected to double in coming decades.

“Our mission is to empower caregivers with the knowledge and skills they need to provide exceptional care to those afflicted with dementia,” said CareYaya CEO Neal Shah. careyaya.org

A new full-service family dental practice, Dental Care at Royal Creek, opened at 16000 Royal Creek Drive in Raleigh March

22. Drs. Sung Park, DDS; Jamal Bajwa, DMD; and Toyosi Coker, DMD will provide services from routine cleanings to in-depth restorative and cosmetic services at their state-of-the-art facility.

“We are excited to be joining the Raleigh community to offer highquality dental services to families and individuals of all ages,” said Dr. Park. “Our mission is to provide exceptional experiences to each patient who walks through our doors.”

“Dental health is vital to overall health, so we want to help our patients make the best decisions for their care,” said Dr. Bajwa. “We plan to educate patients on the importance of dental care and encourage them to adopt an ongoing preventative care routine.” dentalcareatroyalcreek.com

RALEIGH-DURHAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT received $12 million through the Airport Terminal Program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to fund security, baggage claim, and the expansion of the federal inspection station for Terminal 2. Overall, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will contribute more than $415 billion to improve roads, bridges, rail, public transit, and ports and airports within the United States, including nearly $1 billion for four North Carolina airports.

Designed For Joy, a local nonprofit that supports women in crisis through immediate employment, opened a second boutique location in Makers Alley, hosting a grand opening event on April 10. Designed For Joy sells handbags, home décor, and jewelry made by local artisans at its Cabarrus Street location. The boutique is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“This second location allows us the opportunity to increase our visibility and add a new career readiness program to the shopping experience,” said Cary Heise, executive director and co-founder of Designed For Joy. Through the program, women will “learn how to make a safe connection with others and empower themselves with renewed selfreliance to enter the job market,” Heise said. designedforjoy.com

Amelia’s Flowers, a female-led floral business based in Nashville, held a grand opening for its newest location within the NHID Makers Alley April 6. Attendees received French macarons and Amelia’s Flowers T-shirts. Amelia’s offers “flowers for everyone” in an accessible, welcoming space and is known for its textural, loose, and wild options and arrangements. ameliasflowertruck.com

Kane Realty Corporation has signed seven retail leases with businesses owned by female and/or minority entrepreneurs in a phase of the North Hills Innovation District (NHID) project known as Makers Alley. The location offers micro-retail spaces ranging from 350 to 900 square feet to small local purveyors, makers, and artisans.

“In celebrating diversity and creativity, we believe that these locally owned businesses, led by talented women and minorities, will not only enrich NHID but also contribute to the unique and inclusive community we aim to foster,” said Stacey Buescher, Managing Director of Operations for Kane Realty Corporation. “Each venture brings a distinctive flair, enhancing the overall experience for residents, visitors, and professionals alike.”

Dose Yoga + Smoothie

Bar, the first tenant signed to Makers Alley, offered free yoga and meditation classes from April 4–10. Maggie Kane of A Place at the Table and Amber Freeman of CBS 17’s My Carolina joined Dose staff for a Cold Plunge Challenge April 6. In addition to yoga and smoothies, Dose offers contrast therapy — cycling between a sauna and cold plunge — to improve physical and mental well-being. The location joins the original Dose Yoga facility in Downtown Raleigh’s Smoky Hollow doseyogaraleigh.com

The Brass Tap craft beer bar signed a 10-year lease in the 400H building on Hillsborough Street in Downtown Raleigh. The chain’s first Triangle franchise will occupy 3,554 square feet in the 20-story mixed-use tower, which houses office space, luxury apartments, retail, and other restaurants. In addition to beer, The Brass Tap will serve wine, cocktails, and food. It is expected to open this fall.

“We looked at several projects throughout the Triangle, and this location was by far the best fit,” said TradeMark Properties CCIM and Senior Vice President, Retail Sales and Investment Sales Shelley Bhatia. “We know Brass Tap will be a great addition to Downtown Raleigh, and we’re honored to partner with them in their growth and success.”

Child

abuse prevention and intervention nonprofit SAFEchild wrapped up its Champion Our Children capital campaign after raising $11.1 million over two years, exceeding its $11 million goal. The funds went toward a new 20,000-square-foot facility that opened at 2841 Kidd Road in Raleigh in October, allowing the organization to expand its program offerings within Wake County. Major donors included WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Wake County, the City of Raleigh, the Kim & Fielding Miller Family Foundation, the AJ Fletcher Foundation, the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation, Fred and Annette Anderson and Family, and the Temple Sloan Family Foundation.

The SAFEchild Advocacy Center now provides services to 45 child victims of abuse each month, up from 30, and the wait time for an appointment at the center has decreased from six weeks to two weeks. Volunteers have grown from 100 to 164, and SAFEchild now hosts 15 parent education and support groups each week, up from six.

“As Wake County continues to grow, so does the need for supportive family services,” said SAFEchild Executive Director Cristin DeRonja. “We are thrilled to share our new home with our community and multiply the number of children and families we serve.” SAFEchild proves its services at no cost. safechildnc.org

The National MPS Society welcomed runners and walkers to Lake Crabtree County Park on March 23. The Raleigh Run for Rare 5K and 1 Mile Walk showed support for those affected by rare diseases, particularly MPS (mucopolysaccharidosis) and ML (mucolipidosis). The National MPS Society offers support services in addition to funding research and advocating for improved treatment options. According to the organization: “With every step taken, we aim to raise awareness, foster community, and provide hope to those navigating the challenges of rare diseases.” mpssociety.org

The Business Impact Center (BIC) recently opened at the Brier Creek Corporate Center, leasing Class-A office space to teams and individuals. BIC aims to promote collaboration, improve business efficiency, and offer affordable solutions for companies looking to reduce overhead costs. Single-office leases begin at $1,000 per month. Amenities include ergonomic adjustable height desks, access to shared conference rooms and meeting spaces, on-site parking, office supplies, professional cleaning, a fitness center, and much more.

“It has always been my vision to establish a space where ambitious business leaders from diverse industries could converge, fueling networking opportunities and sharing resources for business impact,” said BIC owner Kevin White. “This magnifies the success of every business within the BIC community. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats.” businessimpactcenter.com

Triangle-area Rotary clubs (known as District 7710) spread goodwill on Feb. 29 via a Random Leaps of Service initiative. They encouraged others to “engage in acts of kindness that enrich their neighborhoods, uplift communities, and enhance the Triangle area at large.”

Suggested activities included helping a neighbor with yard work, delivering meals to shelters, beautifying public spaces, donating blood, and other forms of community outreach. The Rotary Club of North Raleigh restored a rose garden for an 86-year-old gardening aficionado, repairing its border and preparing the ground for planting.

Look for #LeapIntoService, #RandomLeapsofService, and #RotaryLeaps on social media to see how other people leapt to action. rotary7710.org/leaps.

Ewelina Caplap was named Program Manager of Coastal Wealth Management in February. The program covers investments, insurance, financial planning, trusts, and estate planning. Caplap has been with Coastal since 2015 and has 20 years of financial services experience.

“With her exceptional leadership skills and deep understanding of our business, Ewelina is the ideal person to guide our team toward continued success, said Coastal Chief Operations Officer MaryAnne Gangoy. “Her vision for Coastal Wealth Management aligns perfectly with our goals, and we are confident that under her leadership, we will achieve new heights.”

Garden before restoration

write light

BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Shades of light

A trio playing catch takes shape behind a shaded window at the NC Museum of Art.