We’ve upped the ante with our brunch menu bringing bold, authentic flavors to every dish. From locally baked Mexican bread to sweet, traditional rice pudding, your taste buds are in for a treat. Come see us this weekend and savor the best of Mexico right here in Cary!
Lunch & Dinner
Served Daily
Kid’s Night Every Thursday Weekend Brunch 10:30am - 4:00pm
PHOTOS: ARIKA
JORDAN
PHOTGRAPHY
Photo by Jonathan Fredin
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.
wakemed.org/childrens
CELEBRATED
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
GROUP PUBLISHER Bill Zadeits
PUBLISHER Kris Schultz
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lauren Morris
EDITOR Erin McKnight
COPY & DIGITAL EDITOR Tara Shiver
SOCIAL MEDIA Arlem Mora
CONTRIBUTORS
Erica DeLong
L.A. Jackson
Daniel Kayser
PHOTOGRAPHY
David McCreary
Andrea Richards
Jonathan Fredin, Chief 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, Senior Event Coordinator & Distribution Manager
701 Cascade Pointe Lane, Suite 103 Cary, North Carolina 27513 (919) 674-6020 • (800) 608-7500 www.wakeliving.com
This publication does not endorse, either directly or implicitly, the people, activities, products or advertising published herein. Information in the magazine is deemed credible to the best of our knowledge.
FRI/SAT, FEB 7-8 | 8PM
Motown’s best love songs—made famous by artists like Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, and so many more!
editor’s letter
I know I can’t be the only one thinking it: How is it already 2025? As we shift this new year into gear and 2024 is relegated to the rearview mirror, it’s time to fix our eyes on the road before us. What we’ll stop doing, what we’ll start doing, and the new faces and experiences we hope to welcome into our lives are all coming into focus.
Let the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards serve as your guide to what our community has to offer.
For those of you entering 2025 still looking for ambitious things to try, we present some local ways for you to break through the boundaries of your comfort zone. From action-packed to artistic (and even arachnid!), our “New Year, New Adventures” roundup is sure to offer opportunities for challenge and change.
Venturing out while remaining close to home is possible at Best New Restaurant Brodeto, from chef/owner Scott Crawford, which introduces regional specialties of the Adriatic coast that you might not have heard of — but won’t easily forget. About the Brodeto experience, Andrea Richards writes, “That’s how good the food and service is: It feels like floating.”
FRI, MAR 14 | 8PM
SAT, MAR 15 | 3PM & 8PM
Hits from the legendary rock band Queen including “Somebody to Love,” “Under Pressure,” “We Are the Champions,” Bohemian Rhapsody,” and more!
Concert Sponsor: First Citizens Bank
But with resolutions come responsibilities, and holding ourselves accountable — even in the name of our own health and well-being — can be a challenge. Maybe that’s the reason I typically start making changes around Thanksgiving; it releases some of the pressure of new habits and a new year.
Helping you to make some decisions about how you spend your time and money are the restaurants, lifestyle, services, and shopping options voted on by you as the best in Wake County.
And just as no new-year plan is complete without some attention to physical health and well-being, in these pages we introduce you to a holistic wellness boutique, the Best Nonprofit winner whose mission it is to make the unsheltered community feel cared for and connected, and the many benefits of assisted stretching.
So here’s to being in the driver’s seat and to the new horizons that await us all!
Thanks for reading, Erin
McKnight Editor
Come to Cary as we celebrate the incredible contributions African Americans have made to our community, state, nation, and the world! Explore the rich and diverse experiences of the African Diaspora, in the United States through a variety of engaging programs such as Neo Soul Jazz, A Love Letter to Hip-Hop & Go-Go, The Future of Black History, A Taste of Black History, Youth Advocacy Summit and more!
visit carync.gov/bhm for more programs and details
3
There’s still time to see the larger-than-life lanterns of the NC Chinese Lantern Festival. With multiple ticket options available — any night, date specific, group, sensory friendly, and twilight — the annual event continues to illuminate and inspire until Sunday, January 12. 6–10 p.m. daily. $31 and up. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. boothamphitheatre.com/events-tickets/ events/chinese-lantern-festival
1
If you’ve been postponing a home project or are eager to get started on one, the Downtown Raleigh Home Show has all the décor, home improvement, and outdoor living inspiration to take your plans to production. Celebrity and guest speakers, demonstrations and workshops, sweepstakes, new products, and a long list of exhibitors make this an event worth leaving the house for. Friday, January 10, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $10 and up. Raleigh Convention Center. raleighspringshow.com
2
If it’s time for the 12th annual Mutts & Marshmallows race, with the SPCA of Wake County the worthy benefactor. Thanks to 5K and 8K distances for both owners and their canine companions, and the Fun Mile concluding with a medal and mug of hot chocolate for finishers, both two- and four-legged runners will have plenty of opportunities to socialize and support. Saturday, January 11, 8–11 a.m. $35 and up. WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary. muttsandmarshmallows.com
4
The thrill of winter ice skating continues at The Rink, with Red Hat Amphitheater once again bringing chilly fun to Raleigh. Popular private igloo lounges have returned to offer snug escapes for sheltering, so whether you plan to skate or simply spectate, cozy stations, fire pits, games, and eats all bring the wonder to winter wonderland. Through January 20. $6 and up. redhatamphitheater.com/the-rink
Cat Nguyen
Jonathan Fredin
5
Actor and comedian (and SNL royalty) Kevin Nealon is swinging through Raleigh for three nights. These tour dates (for over 18s) promise to bring the laughs, so fans of the funnyman won’t want to miss out.
Thursday, January 23, 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 24, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Goodnights Comedy Club. kevinnealon.com/tour
6
Grab your running shoes — and some heartburn medicine — and hit the streets for the 21st annual Krispy Kreme Challenge. This feat of athletic and gastrointestinal skill covers 5 miles in one hour and boasts a dozen-glazed-donut break at the halfway point. What started as a challenge among friends has gone on to raise over $2.2 million in support of UNC Children’s Hospital.
Saturday, February 1, 8 a.m. $40 for students, $45 for all other participants. NC State Memorial Bell Tower, Raleigh. krispykremechallenge.com/ registration-info
7
Astronomy Days return to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences this winter, with technology, telescopes, and topics of discussion bringing the wonders of the universe (and beyond) to life for astronomers young and old. These special events offer celestial connection, so come curious! Saturday, February 1, and Sunday, February 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. naturalsciences.org/calendar/ astronomy-days
8
Opening the spring season of Carolina Ballet is Boléro, a whimsical foray that features a perfect couple confronting forces determined to ruin their delightful beach day. Choreographed by Lynne Taylor-Corbett and featuring a new ballet from Amy Hall Garner, this imaginative fantasy offers a welcome escape from chilly winter days. February 6–23. Times vary. $28 and up. Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh. carolinaballet.com/single-tickets
9
Experience what it takes to live and work in space with the Journey to Space expedition. From astronauts’ tasks and tools to the sights and sounds of space itself, carefully curated artifacts and interactive experiences will take explorers on a journey far from Earth. Daily through April 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Mondays). $12–$16. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. naturalsciences.org/exhibits/ special-exhibitions/journey-to-space
The Man
Behind the Mic
SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON CARY NATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL SPORTS COMMENTATOR WES DURHAM
WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY
Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images
Even though his family moved away from Cary more than 40 years ago, Wes Durham still remembers the street address of his childhood home.
“We lived at 104 Castlewood Drive in Churchill Downs subdivision near the intersection of Kildaire Farm Road and Cary Parkway,” he recalls with meticulous detail during a recent conversation on Zoom. “My parents bought the house in 1977 for $75,000.”
Precision is important to Durham, who will turn 59 on January 25. It’s easy to understand why, especially since his profession as a play-by-play sports commentator for ESPN and the ACC Network calls for him to provide accurate information every time he covers a football or basketball game.
The son of the late broadcast legend Woody Durham, the voice of the UNC Tar Heels for some four decades, Wes fondly
remembers growing up in the “small town” of Cary when it was home to less than 15,000 residents.
Nowadays he lives in Cartersville, Georgia, within driving distance of his 21-year gig as the radio voice of the Atlanta Falcons NFL football team.
Durham took time away from his busy schedule to sit down and talk with us.
You’re originally from Cary. Did you attend Cary High School?
No, I went to Apex High School. My dad worked at WPTF-TV, which at the time was the local NBC affiliate. In 1981, he took the job with Tar Heel Sports Network, but he promised me we wouldn’t move to Chapel Hill until I finished high school. I’m grateful he kept that promise.
Wes Durham and ACC Commisioner Jim Phillips on the set of Packer and Durham for ACC Football Kickoff in 2021.
Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images
There’s an intriguing fact online about how you once worked as a DJ at a local roller-skating rink. What’s the backstory on that?
That story never goes away. In the spring of 1984, I worked at Sportsworld on Buck Jones Road. It was during my senior year of high school, and at the time I thought I was going to do something with music and radio. A guy named Jerry Rose was the manager, and he asked if I wanted to DJ several nights a week. I thought it was an unbelievable opportunity, but I only worked there about 100 days because when I finished high school, my family moved to Chapel Hill. Thank God there are no pictures documenting it, but I really was a roller rink DJ!
How did you end up getting into play-by-play commentating?
I worked two summers as an intern at WRAL-FM when I was in high school. I also was fortunate and blessed to be exposed to the broadcasting industry through my dad. My time at Elon was valuable as well.
When I graduated from college, my dad urged me to send audio tapes of my voice to other people for evaluation. One of the guys I reached out to was (the late) Jeff Charles at East Carolina. He was a major figure in helping me to get my career started. I’ve also had the privilege of developing good friendships with veteran commentators like Johnny Holliday at Maryland and Don Fischer at Indiana. These guys enjoy the craft and know how to tell a great story and document the game well.
How many hours a week do you spend in preparation leading up to calling games?
Proper preparation is essential. For me, the NFL game prep is a probably a 12- to 14-hour investment. When it comes to the college games, when you factor in production calls and meetings, the time investment can be upwards of 18 hours. Then you factor in travel time and the games. If you start counting all the hours involved each week, you can drive yourself crazy.
Wes Durham and Mark Packer on
Bob Leverone / ESPN Images
So how did you land the gig as the voice of the Atlanta Falcons?
It happened within about 72 hours in the summer of 2004. I had been in Apex for my 20th high school reunion, and I was driving when I got a phone call and was told the radio announcer from the Falcons was leaving to take a television job in Tampa. I was asked if I would be interested in applying for the Falcons job. At that point, I was working full time for Georgia Tech, but I had done some Falcons preseason games on the radio.
One thing led to another, and now I have been covering the Falcons more than 20 years. All along the way, the Falcons organization has been really supportive. Former Falcons quarterback David Archer has worked alongside me the whole time, which has been great.
Whenever you are calling a game, how difficult is it to maintain your level of enthusiasm and intensity?
You never know who is going to make a play that changes the game, so you have to stay on the edge of your seat the whole time. Games are not scripted. That means you are genuinely excited whenever things happen.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in any given week?
Time management. My wife is mindful of our calendar and what we have on the schedule outside of work. I’m a bit of a prisoner to the calendar from mid-August through mid-March, but that’s okay. I’m fortunate to do this for a living and love doing it, so that’s one of the concessions you have to make.
Looking back on the time you had with your father over the years, what stands out?
My dad and I share this in common: We both grew up in small towns in North Carolina. He grew up in Albemarle, and I grew up in Cary. There were all races, all creeds, all demographics. For both of us, the people we interacted with and befriended had special places in our hearts.
When it came to his work, my dad was always prepared for each game before it ever started. His inspiration to me professionally comes through preparation. I think about this every time I go on the air. It wasn’t just Woody Durham, the voice of the Tar Heels. It was Woody Durham, who was giving a master class in broadcast preparation. t
Quick Facts About Wes Durham
COLLEGE:
Elon University, bachelor’s in Mass Communication (1988)
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS:
Radio voice of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football and basketball (1995–2013)
Current radio voice of the Atlanta Falcons
Current play-by-play commentor for ESPN and ACC Network
ACCOLADES:
Inducted into Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 2015
11-time winner of Georgia Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association
Current board chair of the National Sports Media Association
PERSONAL: Married to Vicky Newman Durham since 2007
HOBBIES: Traveling, golf
by
Photo
Jonathan Fredin
you voted. we tallied. now presenting...
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
restaurants
duck donuts
BEST DONUTS
While still a relatively young brand, Duck Donuts has been operating across the Triangle for almost a decade. “We are humbled to know our fans are still supporting us and loving the donuts,” says owner Brandon Trimyer. “They’ve been loyal ambassadors.”
Many of those guests were first introduced to Duck Donuts over on the Outer Banks. Not only is the same delicious product and made-to-order experience available locally year-round, but Duck continues to attract new customers.
The first-time customer should “take a minute in-store or online to see what we have to offer before jumping in,” says Trimyer. Guests may be surprised to discover toppings from sprinkles to coconut to crumbled cookies and drizzles like caramel, raspberry, and hot fudge. Also important for newcomers to understand is that the flavor combinations they see represented aren’t all Duck can do. “We say made-to-order for a reason,” Trimyer explains.
A recent fan favorite is a donut dipped in vanilla icing and topped with crumbled Oreos and powdered sugar. And at a place where, as Trimyer says, “being adventurous is encouraged,” the
most popular menu item remains the maple bacon donut. Cinnamon sugar is a classic that fans favor to treat big crowds — the largest order of 2024 being what Trimyer describes as a “fun overnight project” of making 500 dozen donuts. Ice cream offerings have been expanded to include rich milkshakes crowned with a donut. And as the weather turns colder, Duck’s hot mochas and flavored lattes are sure to satisfy.
duckdonuts.com/raleigh
restaurants
the rican lab
BEST FOOD TRUCK
Within six months of opening, The Rican Lab earned its first accolade as Raleigh’s best food truck. “When we started, we just wanted to share some Puerto Rican favorites with our community,” says Michele Fernandez, owner of The Rican Lab. “We could have never imagined that we would become so popular so quickly.”
Since its opening in May of 2023, loyal customers have visited the truck every week. While The Rican Lab is known for their empanadas, rellenos de papa (potato balls stuffed with beef), pernil (pork shoulder), and arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), Fernandez describes the Rican Combo Meal as a must-try for new customers. It comes with a choice of arroz con gandules or white rice and beans, along with pernil and chicharrons de pollo (fried chicken). Customers can also choose to add plantains or tostones (twice-fried plantain slices).
“We love our customers,” Fernandez explains. “We have a ton of support from the community.” And that community is where she and her relatives live and work, their family-owned and - operated food truck allowing them to share their cooking and culture. “We saw there was a need for Puerto Rican food in the area,” she says, “and we love cooking and sharing the flavors with our customers.”
The Rican Lab can be spotted at local breweries and festivals. Also be on the lookout for the opening of a new private kitchen for pickup orders. streetfoodfinder.com/thericanlab
Annie Kimura
Annie Kimura
The Daily Planet CafÉ
MOST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
The Daily Planet Cafe — located in downtown Raleigh’s North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences — is more than a museum café and coffee shop: “We’re one big family, and we consider you part of it too.”
Indeed, visitors should plan to include stopping for something to eat or drink in the bright, glass-walled venue as a vital part of their museum experience. With a focus on local products, The Daily Planet promotes Tar Heel items and features them in their freshest form on the café’s expansive menu.
From a huevos rancheros grits bowl for breakfast to a beer-brined chicken wings entrée, plus soups, salads, and grab-and-go options aplenty, anyone dining with kids will find a tasty option to accompany the strawberry and cream cheese stuffed French toast, grilled cheese, or classic burger that might appeal to younger palates.
And if it’s been one of those family outings, Larry’s Coffee will give parents a much-needed power up.
thedailyplanetcafe.com
winners
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Brodeto
Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen
La Terrazza
MOST ICONIC RESTAURANT
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Angus Barn
BEST FOOD TRUCK
The Rican Lab
Cousins Maine Lobster
Catrachilandia
BEST APPETIZERS
Carolina Ale House
Margaux’s Restaurant
My Way Tavern
BEST COCKTAILS
The Blind Barbour FOUNDATION
Vidrio
BEST BAKERY
La Farm Bakery
lucettegrace
Paul and Jack Bakery
BEST DESSERT
Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery
Rey’s Restaurant
Andia’s Ice Cream
BEST DONUTS
Duck Donuts
Baker’s Dozen Donut Shop
Heritage Donuts
BEST FROZEN TREATS
Andia’s Ice Cream
Two Roosters Ice Cream
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard
BEST BARBECUE
City Barbeque
TIE: Sam Jones BBQ and The Pit
Prime Barbecue
BEST BREAKFAST
Eggs Up Grill
NOFO @ the Pig
Sola Coffee Cafe
BEST BRUNCH
Irregardless
NCMA Café
The Depot on First
BEST BURGER AND FRIES
My Way Tavern
Carolina Ale House
Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar
BEST DATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT
Rey’s Restaurant
Margaux’s Restaurant
The Depot on First
BEST COFFEEHOUSE
Sola Coffee Cafe
Jubala Coffee
NoRa Cafe
BEST SEAFOOD STIR
42nd St. Oyster Bar
Cortez Seafood + Cocktail
BEST STEAK HOUSE
Vinnie’s Steak House & Tavern
Oak Steakhouse
Rey’s Restaurant
BEST PIZZERIA
Oakwood Pizza Box
Randy’s Pizza
Patronies Pizza
BEST WINGS
Woody’s @ City Market
High Park Bar & Grill
Carolina Ale House
MOST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
The Daily Planet Cafe
Milton’s Pizza & Pasta
Mellow Mushroom
BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT
Brewery Bhavana
O-Ku Sushi
Sushi-Thai Raleigh
BEST MEDITERRANEAN
RESTAURANT
Sassool
Yaba Mediterranean Grill
Neomonde Mediterranean
rest aurants
Oak City Amaretto
BEST LOCAL DISTILLERY
“We are a big famiglia now!” says owner Anthony Scalabrino about the community Oak City Amaretto has worked so hard to grow.
And family connections play a major role in both the brand’s inspiration and the memorable experiences people celebrate with the spirit. “Two of the biggest ones I can think of,” according to Scalabrino, are “as an after-dinner aperitif when family members gather and at weddings where families make large batches to share in a toast or also as an after-dinner drink.”
Oak City uses what Scalabrino describes as “home recipes” guided by the late matriarch Grandma Scalabrino, his “favorite person.” So, when it comes to
BEST IRISH RESTAURANT
Hibernian Pub
O’Malley’s Pub & Restaurant
Tra’Li Irish Pub
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Figulina
Cucciolo Terrazza
Café Tiramisu
the public’s response to his recipe, Scalabrino says he is grateful for “their authenticity and willingness to try a new brand and stick with it. Our stuff is really good, and the barrier to entry is the hardest part. I am super grateful for those who share our story with friends and family organically.”
Yet, despite the strong family influence behind the company, Scalabrino insists there is no right way to enjoy Oak City Amaretto. “I encourage everyone to go with their gut or norm when trying products and make it their own,” he explains. “I love drinking it on the rocks with some crushed-up ice. I think connoisseurs should also do what they love: If they want to experiment, there are plenty of recipes out there and on our website.”
oakcityamaretto.com
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT
Tamasha Modern Indian
Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar
Bombay Curry
BEST MEXICAN/LATIN
AMERICAN RESTAURANT
La Buena Vida
La Santa Modern Mexican Food
Torero’s
BEST RESTAURANT FOR SPECIALTY DIETS
Fiction Kitchen
Pure Vegan Café
Sassool
BEST PLACE FOR HEALTHY DINING
Zest Cafe & Home Art
Sassool
Happy + Hale
Irregardless
BEST BRUNCH
Since opening almost half a century ago as a vegetarian restaurant, and in the intervening years branching out to offer options for pescatarians and carnivores, this deeply rooted Raleigh restaurant has grown new limbs in the form of its Sunday brunch.
With a menu running the gamut from flavorful fried catfish banh mi to hearty steak and eggs — not to mention carb-centric favorites like Nutella crepes or a Belgian waffle
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
Vinnie’s Steak House & Tavern
The Heritage Grille & Wine Barrel
Local 919 Beer and Fine Wine
BEST SPORTS BAR
Carolina Ale House
My Way Tavern
Wakefield Tavern
— the weekends-only brunch fare lives up to this iconic spot’s long legacy of attention to freshness and flavor and treatment of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items as much more than an afterthought.
Whether you sit outside and spectate while sipping on coffee or chardonnay or take in the local artwork lining the gallery walls while chowing down on lox brioche, as with the beloved eatery’s other menus, its Saturday and Sunday brunch really does offer “something for everyone.” irregardless.com
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Taverna Agora
Jolie
Hummingbird
BEST CRAFT BREWERY
Raleigh Brewing Company
Norse Brewing Company
Brewery Bhavana
BEST LOCAL DISTILLERY
Oak City Amaretto
Olde Raleigh Distillery
Raleigh Rum Company
BEST CATERER
Catering Works
Rocky Top Catering
City of Oaks Catering
lifestyle
Urban Air Adventure Park
BEST PLACE FOR FAMILY FUN
Any parent who’s ever had kids at home on a day when the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor activity knows all too well how Urban Air Adventure Park can save the day. Though it’s far more than just indoor trampolining, the multiple performance trampolines at Urban Air will keep children of all ages — plus those young at heart — bouncing for hours.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. With activities like a high-end immersive virtual reality simulation, a drop zone attraction that lets jumpers try out new tricks thanks to the security of a soft-landing inflatable airbag, a zip line experience, climbing walls, ropes course, tubes playground, warrior course for the ninjas out there, and much more, Urban Air has all the action and activity in one safe space.
Whether as a family day out, meeting spot for friends, or birthday party destination, Urban Air has everything needed to bounce, leap, and soar all under a single roof. urbanair.com
lifestyle
2025 readers’ choice awards
BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL
Sycamore Creek
Elementary School
RISE Charter School
Conn Magnet Elementary School
BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL
Ravenscroft
Cardinal Gibbons High School
The Franciscan School
BEST ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY
The Cardinal at North Hills
The Cypress of Raleigh
Waltonwood
BEST NONPROFIT
Roots with Purpose
Note in the Pocket Designed For Joy
BEST PRESCHOOL
TIE: St. Francis of Assisi and Primrose Schools
Creative Kidz Academy Victory Academy
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM
Style House Designs
ASF Interiors
Lisa Stewart Design
BEST MUSIC VENUE
Red Hat Amphitheater
The Pour House Music Hall
The Ritz
Ovies & Giglio
BEST LOCAL PODCAST
“Sports really brings everyone in the community together,” says Joe Ovies, co-host of the Ovies & Giglio podcast. “Whether it’s arguing about rivalries or getting behind the Carolina Hurricanes ... I’ve long argued that the Triangle is the most unique sports landscape in the country.”
He continues that with “three major universities playing high-level college sports, a Stanley Cup contender NHL franchise, and a community of transplants who just want to talk about the NFL, we really can delve into just about any topic here. And when NC State goes on a Final Four run or the Carolina Hurricanes make a playoff push, this area really embraces the fun.”
With loyal fans Ovies describes as “along for the ride,” the audio podcast, along with the Ovies & Giglio YouTube channel, aligns with how Western Wake sports fans are consuming their sports content: It’s on demand, has timestamps for people to easily get to the topic they want to hear about, and it’s local. Ovies explains, “While national sports talk does a great job covering the NFL, they’re not spending their Monday discussing the NC State and North Carolina game from Saturday or what the Carolina Hurricanes should do in goal.”
So when it comes to what’s next, Ovies says, it’s “continuing to grow the audience. Thanks to awards like this, it puts us in front of sports fans that might not realize we’re the podcast they’ve been missing in their daily routine.”
BEST LOCAL EVENT OR FESTIVAL
Brewgaloo
Got to Be NC Festival
Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
BEST LOCAL MUSIC GROUP OR ARTIST
Jason Adamo
Vertigo THRIO
BEST SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Melody Brunson, Sycamore Creek Elementary School
Christie Patrone, Crossroads FLEX High School
Robert Morrison, Holly Springs High School
BEST SCHOOL COACH
Courtney Wainio, Wakefield High School Swimming
Justin Pretzel, Millbrook High School Football
Derek Muffley, Leesville Road High School Football
BEST PLACE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION
William B. Umstead State Park
Dorothea Dix Park
JC Raulston Arboretum
BEST PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT
ZincHouse Winery & Brewery
Drive Shack
Jaguar Bolera
BEST PLACE FOR FAMILY FUN
Urban Air Adventure Park
Rush Hour Karting
Jaguar Bolera
BEST FITNESS PROGRAM
O2 Fitness
Oak and Iron Fitness
Alchemy Hot Yoga
BEST YOGA/PILATES STUDIO
Pulse Pilates
Alchemy Hot Yoga
Find A Way Fitness
BEST KIDS’ PROGRAM
Romp n’ Roll
Pura Vida Studio
Marbles Kids Museum
BEST TRACK-OUT OR SUMMER CAMP
Klaystation
Cranfield Academy
Marbles Kids Museum
BEST LOCAL TV PERSONALITY
Don Schwenneker, ABC11
Bianca Holman, ABC11
Gerald Owens, WRAL
BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY
Erica DeLong, iHeartRadio
Brian McFadden, KIX 102 FM
Kitty Kinnin, 96.1 BBB
Brewgaloo
BEST LOCAL EVENT OR FESTIVAL
“Brewgaloo has become the largest craft beer festival,” says Jennifer Martin, executive director of Shop Local Raleigh, “so this award goes to all the breweries, vendors, sponsors, attendees, and everyone that’s a part of making Brewgaloo what it is today!”
As Martin explains about the festival that started on Fayetteville Street: “With the event spotlighting all NC craft breweries, there’s no better place for it than right here in Wake County with the State Capitol at one end and Raleigh’s City Plaza at the other.”
During an event that spans 12 hours, over 10,850 gallons — or 86,600 pints — of beer will be poured. So despite perceptions that craft beer may be losing its appeal and that other festivals are shutting down due to lack of attendance, “With Brewgaloo,” Martin says, “we are seeing the opposite, and we like to defy what the ‘experts’ are saying.”
BEST HOTEL OR RESORT
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
The Longleaf Hotel
Heights House
Featuring more than 100 North Carolina craft breweries, 50 food trucks, 45 local vendors, 8 bands, a DJ, and more, the event is free and open to the public and will also offer nonalcoholic beer along with kombucha, hard seltzer, and cider.
According to Martin, Brewgaloo attendees are “proud to support local,” and love NC craft beer, local music, and “having a good time — meeting new people and seeing old friends — and it’s such a happy day for so many and great to feel the energy and vibe that they bring.”
shoplocalraleigh.org/brewgaloo
BEST SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT
Wanda & Poppy, @poppyvworld
Shannon Cox, @eviltwinn
Holly Boyd, @maketodayahollyday
BEST LOCAL PODCAST
Joe Ovies and Joe Giglio, Ovies & Giglio
Amanda Lamb, Follow the Truth
Jessica and Brandon Norwood, The Sugar Daddy Podcast
Left to right: Anna Brown, Seth Crossno, and Jennifer Martin
services
Dr. Lindsay Mumma
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
“I love being able to care for patients and help them find hope and comfort in their bodies. It’s really an honor to be recognized,” says Dr. Lindsay Mumma, president of Triangle Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center, “because there are a ton of great chiropractors in the area!”
Yet Dr. Mumma — who is the only certified DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) practitioner in North Carolina and is sought out by patients who have read about the benefits of DNS therapy in Dr. Peter Attia’s groundbreaking book, Outlive — also recognizes that “we’re still at a point in healthcare in America that the competition isn’t between us and other chiropractors: It’s recognizing that chiropractic is a great starting point for pain or dysfunction.”
And all kinds of patients can benefit from living free of pain and with full function, among the other benefits that come with chiropractic care. “Newborn patients with latching issues, pregnant women birthing the next generation, all the way through preventing
Supremia Dentistry
Dr. Edmond Suh BEST DENTIST
Whether you visit Supremia Dentistry and Dr. Edmond Suh for health or cosmetic reasons, as a patient you should expect something different.
The Supremia team includes several doctors who lecture nationally on contemporary, state-of-the-art dental care, and the team’s core members have been together for well over 15 years. The result, according to Dr. Suh, is “an incredibly skilled team that works well together” and which gained recognition at a national conference as the 2024 Team of the Year.
Despite this national honor, Dr. Suh says that “Local recognition far surpasses any recognition we’ve
falls in elderly patients, and literally everyone in between” can be helped by Dr. Mumma and her team of doctors, coaches, and a rehab chiropractic assistant.
“There’s a lot going on here,” says Dr. Mumma of the practices that set TriangleCRC apart — acupuncture, shockwave, yoga, small-group strength training, infrared sauna, cold plunge, compression boots, and vibration plate therapy — “and we really focus on helping people feel the best they can in their body.”
trianglecrc.com
had nationally. This is the community we serve, and ultimately this is the focus of why we exist.”
And patients don’t only get the benefit of an elite dentist like Dr. Suh — who has been awarded a Wake Living Readers’ Choice Award every year since 2012 — when they seek treatment with Supremia Dentistry. They also enjoy individualized care, time, and clear communication so that, as Dr. Suh explains, “they feel cared for during that time.”
The diverse nature of cultures, backgrounds, and interests adds depth to the practice, whose team members feel fortunate to live in the same community they serve. As Dr. Suh shares, “It’s been amazing to build our family of patients over the last 25 years.”
2025 readers’ choice awards
BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Joel Oliver, Edward Jones
Jason Curfman,
BrightWealth Management
Steve Fordham, Edward Jones
BEST CUSTOM HOME BUILDER
Loyd Builders
Poythress Commercial Contractors
Ken Harvey Homes
BEST MORTGAGE OFFICER
Thomas Eller, North State Bank
Kendra McCormick, CrossCountry Mortgage
Mark Wooten,
First Home Mortgage
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
Thomas Walters, Allstate Insurance
James Zewe, State Farm Insurance
Carter Glass, Carter Glass Insurance Agency
Left to right: Lisa Strand, Dr. Cory Bailey, Dr. Lindsay Mumma, Dr. Peggy Regis Robinson, Clark Phoenix, and Ashley Winstead
Coastal Credit Union
BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
“It’s always about why we exist,” says VP of communication Joe Mecca about the member-owned institution’s mission to “help people succeed financially and live better lives.”
Superior service, better rates, and fewer and lower fees are just some of the reasons people choose to bank better with Coastal Credit Union. But, as Mecca explains, “We don’t show up to work focused on making loans and bringing in deposits.” A commitment to being a great place to work is joined by a dedication to excellent member service and making a positive community impact.
As much as the institution’s role in the community stands out, Mecca recognizes that Western Wake itself is a big part of Coastal Credit Union’s company history and success. “Cary was part of our earliest branch expansion, while Apex and Holly Springs have been part of our more recent growth. A lot of the concepts that fuel our success have been tested in Western Wake.”
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT
Sheri Hagerty, Hodge & Kitrell
Sotheby’s International Realty
Laurie Evans, Jim Allen Group
Michael Terbet, The Terbet Group
BEST DOCTOR
Dr. Susan Denny, Carolina Total Wellness
Dr. Nathan Davis, Avail Aesthetics
Jenna Hoh, Novant Health VILLAGE Family Care
BEST EYE DOCTOR
Dr. Lee McPherson, McPherson Family Eye Care
Dr. Samantha McPherson, McPherson Family Eye Care
Dr. Linda Stolfo, EYEdeals Optometry
BEST PLASTIC SURGEON
Dr. Michael Law, Michael Law MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Dr. Michael Zenn, Zenn Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeremy Pyle, Amelia Aesthetics
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Lindsay Mumma, Triangle Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center
Dr. Matthew Osborne, Osborne Chiropractic Clinic
Dr. Evan Wagoner, Wake Forest Chiropractic
As Mecca shares about that success and being acknowledged with this award by the members Coastal serves: “It’s always great to be recognized by the people who use our services. We exist to put our members and our community first, so winning something like this tells us that they feel like we’re succeeding in what we’ve set out to do for them.”
coastal24.com
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Melissa Muller, Therapeutic Partners
Matt Ware, BreakThrough Physical Therapy
Juliana Hutchinson, OrthoNC
BEST MENTAL HEALTH
PROFESSIONAL
Alyssa Doberstein, Relational & Sexual Health Initiative
Chaila Yarborough, LifeStance Health
Dr. Carol VanderZwaag, North Carolina Children’s Hospital at UNC
BEST DENTIST
Dr. Edmond Suh, Supremia Dentistry
Dr. Justin Russo, Russo Dentistry
Dr. Brian Pressley, Premier Dentistry of Wake Forest
BEST ORTHODONTIST
Dr. Andrew Wells, Wells Orthodontics
Dr. Caroline Cheek-Hill, Cheek-Hill Orthodontics
Dr. Jason Gladwell, Gladwell Orthodontics
BEST ATTORNEY
Linda Ward, Ward Family Law Group
Jackie Bedard, Carolina Family Estate Planning
Rachel Fuerst, Henson Fuerst Attorneys
BEST HAIR SALON
Reverie Hair Co.
Drybar Salon Blu
BEST BARBER SHOP
The BarBer Shop Arrow
The Grumpy Barbers
BEST SPA
Woodhouse Spa
Blue Water Spa
White Dahlia
BEST MED SPA
Blue Water Spa
Amelia Aesthetics
Skin Sense, a day spa
BEST PET SERVICES PROVIDER
Dirty Dogs Spa
Woofinwaggle
Dog Diggity Daycare & Boarding
BEST NEW NEIGHBORHOOD
Grand Highlands Estates
Shinleaf Estates
Norwood Ridge
BEST HOME
MAINTENANCE PROVIDER
King’s Mechanical, Inc.
Redbird Services Co
Point Electric LLC
BEST HOME CLEANING SERVICE
Dust and Mop House Cleaning
Best Clean Ever
Go 2 Girls
shop ping
2025 readers’ choice awards winners
BEST NEW BUSINESS (NON-RESTAURANT)
Oak City Fibers
Owens Ace Hardware
(Lake Boone Trail)
Carolina Moving and Storage
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Swagger Boutique
The Gatorbug
Uniquities
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Ealdwine
Kannon’s Clothing
Liles Clothing Studio
BEST RESALE SHOPPING
Unorthodox Vintage
ADORE Designer
Resale Boutique
MODE Consignment
Boutique
BEST FLORIST SHOP
Bloom Works
Watkins Flowers of Distinction
Gingerbread
House Florist
BEST FURNITURE
STORE
Furnish
Trig Modern
Steven Shell Living
Unorthodox Vintage
BEST RESALE SHOPPING
With more than half of our clothing going into the landfill, it’s never been more important to think about disposal and its impact. And thanks to Unorthodox Vintage, thrifting has never been so inspiring!
Featuring vintage and secondhand clothing, the concept is a collaboration between Alexandria Monet and Julian Jacobs. The owners of She Thrifty (@shethriftyapparel) and Sir Chance’s (@sir_ chances) respectively came together to create Unorthodox Vintage — a jewelry box of a downtown Raleigh store filled with glimmering eclectic gems.
About the experience of visiting the self-described neighborhood vintage dealers, Jacobs says, “We want customers to feel like they’re finding pieces instead of buying.”
“Beyond clothing,” says Monet, “we want Unorthodox Vintage to feel like a safe space for creatives and the community. It’s important to us to build relationships and experiences that become a good memory for someone. Through music, education, and events that we house in our intimate location, we plan to be that safe space and fuel our community with love and passion!”
@unorthodoxvintage
Oak City Fibers
BEST NEW BUSINESS
“I give thanks each and every day for every person that comes and supports me!” says Glen Lowery, owner of Oak City Fibers. “My dream was to build a community of fiber arts folks who come together to share and grow, and to do that I sell yarn — the common thread that brings us all together.”
Those fiber arts folks, Lowery says, “show up and celebrate achievements. They walk in with excitement and pride with their finished items. Seeing the reward on their faces is what encourages me and inspires me to keep going.”
And Lowery has multiple projects going to encourage and inspire customers in return. Technique learning and project-based classes that include items made with knitting and crochet are offered, and trunk shows from independent yarn dyers and bag makers and other events scheduled at Oak City Fibers promote small businesses.
BEST HOME DÉCOR
Steven Shell Living
Zest Cafe & Home Art
Furnish
BEST GARDEN CENTER
Logan’s Garden Shop
Aware that the same community he shows up for has gifted him right back, Lowery says: “The community of Western Wake has spread the word of my new shop. There has not been one day since opening on November 1, 2023, that there hasn’t been a new customer walk through my doors.”
On being awarded this Readers’ Choice Award, he shares, “I am super excited and so grateful that my dream of owning a local yarn shop has been recognized.”
oakcityfibers.com
BEST JEWELRY STORE
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry
Fink’s Jewelers
Johnson’s Jewelers of Raleigh
BEST SHOPPING CENTER
North Hills
Homewood Nursery & Garden Center
Norwood Gardens
BEST GIFT STORE
Swagger Boutique
Bayleaf Market
Zest Cafe & Home Art
Crabtree
Fenton
BEST SPECIALTY FOODS STORE
Harmony Farms
Natural Foods
The Butcher’s Market
Savory Spice
BEST PET STORE
EarthWise Pet
Hollywood Feed Unleashed
BEST WINE SHOP
Wine Authorities
Taylor’s Wine Shop
Local 919 Craft Beer and Fine Wine
BEST BOTTLE SHOP
D’s Bottle Shop
State of Beer
The Hop Yard
From left to right: Alyssa McCain, Glen Lowery (co-owner), Naomi Rhoa, and Ann Brooks; Front center: Chris Bartholow (co-owner)
New Year, New Adventures
WRITTEN BY DANIEL KAYSER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
OPPOSITE PAGE: Lisa Spencer of Raleigh climbs a top rope climbing wall — a vertical structure with secure anchors at the top that mimics an outdoor rock face — at Triangle Rock Club in Raleigh. THIS PAGE, TOP: Jaycee Hua of Raleigh clings to a crack feature while bouldering, which is a type of climbing that focuses on solving problems (or boulders) and requires strength, technique, and agility.
It happens every year. We collectively flip our calendars from December to January and feel the need — or perhaps an obligation — to address our weaknesses by declaring New Year’s resolutions. While these well-intentioned decrees usually aspire toward broad-stroke benefits such as “lose weight,” “be more kind,” or “decrease screen time,” most tend to end up as forgotten wishes as we forgo the details and accountability needed to follow through.
So, as 2025 gets into full swing, this might be the perfect time to reassess your recent proclamations in favor of tackling tangible activities that put life in a different perspective: one of personal growth, perseverance, and toughness.
While the idea of going beyond your comfort zone is usually relegated to activities that push the boundaries of our physical capabilities, expanding the horizons of your mental strength is just as viable — and valuable. Besides, trying new things can be just as fun as it is scary!
With this in mind, we’ve compiled some suggestions on how to explore the limits of your comfort zone through fun and engaging activities sure to help you see a new side of your closest friend: yourself.
Are you up for the challenge?
Go Rock Climbing
With locations in Morrisville, Raleigh, and Durham, TRIANGLE ROCK CLUB is ready to take your adventuring to new heights. The Raleigh location alone features over 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art Eldorado Climbing Walls and 7,000 square feet of world-class bouldering terrain with more than 40 lanes of lead and top rope climbing. Climbing routes and bouldering problems rotate weekly on the 30-foot climbing wall with top rope and lead climbing terrain. For those new to rock climbing, an orientation walks you through what to expect, your responsibilities, and the risks associated with climbing. But be warned! This could be one of the more addicting ways to explore your physical and mental boundaries. trianglerockclub.com
Naomi Giertych of Raleigh tries to solve a bouldering problem.
5-year-old Kaia Feltner climbs a wall while her belayer, dad Josh Feltner, manages her rope to ensure her safety at the Triangle Rock Club Salvage Yard in Raleigh.
Dare to Defy Gravity
Organized sports are great, but their constraints can sometimes limit us from exploring the boundaries of our bravery. Located in Raleigh, DEFY defines itself as “an attitude and a rallying cry promoting individualism and freedom from the norm.” Sure, from the outside it may look like a giant gym filled with foam pits. But DEFY is “a collection of extreme air sport parks across America that are rewriting the rules of sport — giving communities a place where they’re free to express and push themselves.”
Offering activities ranging from parkour to zip-lining, open jumping, stunt falling, and more, DEFY is accessible to adventurers of all ages and skill levels. Philosophically speaking, DEFY says that society has tons of expectations and rules, and that they exist to give everyone a safe place to defy those constraints. They’re aiming to attract the fiercely independent, fearless individuals who pass on organized sports in favor of nonconforming ones that challenge them in nontraditional ways.
Is that the new you? There’s only one way to find out. defy.com
Perform at an Open-Mic Night
If there’s one fear that most people share, it’s performing live in front of others. If you’re really looking to get outside of your comfort zone, you might want to try taking center stage at a local open-mic night. Sound crazy? Hear me out.
Whether you’re learning a new instrument or just love to sing in the shower (when you know nobody can hear you), openmic nights provide a platform for you to develop your skills in a (generally) judgement-free environment. Ease into it by attending a few local open-mic nights as a spectator first to get the feel of the venue and crowd. From there, you might just discover that 2025 is the year you turn an uncomfortable thought into an exhilarating experience.
From ABBEY ROAD TAVERN AND GRILL in Cary to FAINTING GOAT BREWING COMPANY in Fuquay-Varina and NICHE WINE LOUNGE in Holly Springs, you have plenty of places in the Triangle to test your limits. Why not look into a spot near you and give it a shot? abbeyroadnc.com | faintinggoatbeer.com | nichewinelounge.com
Indie musician and songwriter Anthem Lane of Durham performs at open-mic night at Abbey Road in Cary.
10-year-old violinist Jack Howell of Cary performs “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles with his father, Evan, during open-mic night at Abby Road Tavern and Grill. Playing live was a first for both of them.
Try Stand-Up Comedy
Much like their musical counterparts, aspiring comedians (or comically inclined jokesters) have the chance to conquer their fear of the stage by performing at an open-mic night. At COMEDYWORX in Raleigh, showcase your best lines or workshop new jokes in front of other local up-and-coming comics. What do you have to lose? Even the best comedians bomb from time to time. Plus, open-mic performers get in for free! comedyworx.com
Visit the Arthropod Zoo
Not fond of creepy-crawly things? Well, pushing past your initial apprehension to explore exhibits filled with fascinating creatures could be your ticket to overcoming those fears.
Located in downtown Raleigh, the ARTHROPOD ZOO is a selfguided gallery located on the fourth floor of the Nature Exploration Center. Visitors venture through several different areas covering the world of arthropods from their biological relationships and sensory perceptions to their ecological roles and importance.
The Arthropod Zoo Gallery features 23 living exhibits and maintains an additional exhibit on the second floor of the Nature Research Center. In addition to its living exhibits, the Arthropod Zoo houses a large collection of living arachnids, crustaceans, millipedes, centipedes, insects, and miscellaneous other arthropods and invertebrates, both native and exotic, for exhibit backups and programming purposes. naturalsciences.org
Father-and-son team Dan and Daniel Culbreth of Raleigh take the stage at open-mic night at Abbey Road.
Explore Your Artistic Side
Expressing yourself artistically can be tough, and sharing those creative expressions with others can be even more of a challenge. Fortunately, the Arts Education Program at the CARY ARTS CENTER offers visual, performing, and cultural arts classes and camps for all ages to help transition that discomfort into confidence.
The classes and camps are taught by experienced instructors who strive to create fun and rewarding experiences for participants. Many of their teachers bring expertise from professional arts careers to the classroom.
Artistic endeavors offered include Acting & Performance, Dance, Drawing, Fiber Arts & Sewing, Metals, Jewelry and Fused Glass, Painting, Pottery, Technical Theatre & Design, and Woodworking.
If you’ve been too timid to tackle your artistic side, this might be the year to give it a try!
carync.gov, search “arts classes”
Worth the Drive: Multi-Day Stay on the Appalachian Trail
With the mountains and the sea within a few hours of the Triangle, there are a wealth of challenging adventures to be had within a day’s drive. Some of the most memorable and challenging excursions are found on the APPALACHIAN TRAIL, just a few hours away. As outlined on the official Appalachian Trail website, the North Carolina section “rises to spectacular summits — including the 6,643-foot Kuwohi, the highest mountain — and drops into the dark and steep walls of the Nantahala River Gorge.”
Although the NC section of the trail is only approximately 96 miles long, it extends along the Tennessee/North Carolina border for approximately 220 additional miles. As the trail ascends to the High Country of the state line, you’ll traverse the highest mountains, including several above 6,000 feet!
Obviously, with the damage left by Hurricane Helene, the trail is in an ongoing state of recovery, so not all areas are accessible. That said, doing some research and planning a multi-day trip to this region complete with overnight camping could, in fact, be one of the most challenging (and rewarding) activities on this list. It also opens the door to unforgettable experiences that can be replicated in new and exciting ways year after year.
appalachiantrail.org
on trend Trust Your Gut
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
If we are what we eat, how can we expect to feel good when our digestive system isn’t working right? When food gets broken down, the nutrients produced fuel the body’s biological cycles and processes. Scientific evidence increasingly supports the relevance of gut health to our overall well-being and its direct impact on our physical and mental health.
The health of the gut microbiome — the trillions of microorganisms living in the digestive tract — affects not only digestion but also immunity and inflammation throughout the body.
In fact, approximately 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. A balanced gut microbiome helps regulate immune responses, which protect the body from harmful pathogens while reducing chronic inflammation that can lead to diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.
The gut also plays a role in metabolic health by influencing how the body processes and stores nutrients, which can affect weight management and energy levels. Metabolic and weight-related issues (unexplained weight gain, difficulty losing weight, and blood sugar imbalances) are also tied to the microbiome’s role in regulating glucose and metabolism.
Gut health affects mental well-being, too. With the gut producing about 90% of the body’s serotonin, disruptions in the gut microbiome have been linked to conditions such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, brain fog, poor concentration, and fatigue.
Strengthening the gut microbiome starts with understanding that one-sizefits-all solutions — like taking a daily probiotic — may not be the answer for everyone. In some cases, adding a probiotic could worsen imbalances, especially if there’s an overgrowth already present. Taking the same probiotic for extended periods can also limit room for new beneficial microbes to flourish. The type of probiotic also matters, and selecting the right one requires an understanding of your specific gut health.
Partnering with a knowledgeable practitioner — who can interpret and analyze a wide range of species, enzymes, and markers to provide a clear picture of your gut health — ensures reliable results and actionable recommendations tailored to your unique needs.
Jerri Hasek, owner of The Curative Wellness Boutique, emphasizes the power of varied whole-food sources of prebiotics and probiotics (fiber-rich vegetables, fermented foods, and diverse plant-based options) over relying solely on supplements.
She explains: “When we support the gut with the right balance of foods and strategies tailored to individual needs, people often experience better digestion, improved energy, mental clarity, and even positive changes in mood.”
Ultimately, it’s not “You are what you eat” — it’s “You are what your body can properly digest and absorb.” t thecurativewellnessboutique.com
The Curative Wellness Boutique
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
Whether you are seeking tools to support your physical health, a gift to nurture relationships, or simply a moment of inspiration, look no further than The Curative Wellness Boutique in downtown Cary. This new venture brings wisdom to wellness and was created to be a resource and example of what holistic wellness can look like in everyday life.
As owner Jerri Hasek explains: “Holistic health isn’t an all-ornothing journey — it’s about consistently making the next best choice for yourself.”
And Hasek would know. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition science from the National University of Natural Medicine and is certified in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and Hormone Health from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She is currently completing an internship in Medical Nutrition Therapy, fulfilling the North Carolina state requirements to obtain her Certified Nutrition Specialist certification.
Jerri Hasek, owner of The Curative Wellness Boutique
With over 30 years of business experience, this is Hasek’s third venture. Previously, for 10 years she owned and operated one of the largest home care agencies in Colorado Springs, employing 100+ professional CAREgivers who assisted seniors with their Activities of Daily Living.
After selling the business in 2020, Hasek returned to school to deepen her knowledge of holistic health and biochemistry, transforming her passion into expertise. “I wanted to combine my education and business experience to create something meaningful for our community,” she says, “a space where people could experience face-toface human connection and feel supported in their wellness journey.”
Cary is the ideal location for Curative Wellness because, as Hasek explains, it is cited as the healthiest city in North Carolina. She says she also chose Cary because “our community has a growth mindset in being creative and opportunistic, all while maintaining the foundation of family values and a strong community.”
The boutique’s approach to wellness encompasses six dimensions: physical (regular movement, balanced nutrition, preventative health care, quality sleep, and hydration); mental (lifelong learning, mindfulness practices, nurturing a growth mindset, creativity, and setting realistic goals); emotional (practicing self-compassion, healthy expression of emotions, knowing when to ask for help, managing stress, and seeking joy); spiritual (meditation, self-reflection, practicing gratitude, and exploring personal beliefs); social (quality time with loved ones, feeling connected with a community, and supportive friendships); and environmental (sustainable choices, time in nature, reducing toxins, and mindful consumption).
“I enjoy making spaces and experiences where people feel connected,” Hasek says. “My goal was for people to feel like they receive a ‘hug’ when they walk in.”
Located in Ashworth Village, The Curative Wellness Boutique offers thoughtful items that support overall wellness.
And everyone is welcome in Curative Wellness. Holistic wellness is, as Hasek describes it, “a journey that’s open to all.” She works primarily with women navigating the transition of perimenopause or menopause and who are seeking science-based solutions to regain balance and vitality.
“Many women come to me feeling frustrated or dismissed, searching for answers that honor their personal health preferences,” she says. “They want to understand their
changing bodies, explore holistic approaches, and take an active role in their wellness.”
Hasek typically supports two distinct groups of women on their journeys. Some choose to transition naturally — whether by preference or because HRT isn’t an option for them — focusing on lifestyle and wholefood solutions to manage their symptoms. Others use HRT and want to better understand the process to ensure their bodies are metabolizing the hormones safely. She helps
these women dig deeper into their unique data, identifying how their bodies process estrogen. Instead of relying on yet another supplement, Hasek guides them toward natural detoxification through whole foods and supportive lifestyle changes, ensuring that they feel empowered and informed in their choices.
Ultimately, she describes her focus as being on “helping women trust their bodies again, guiding them to break free from the fad-diet rollercoaster, peer pressures, and body shaming and embrace a healthier, more confident connection with themselves.”
Curative Wellness is designed to be a central hub for anyone looking to enhance their overall wellness. From the beginning, Hasek envisioned it as more than just a place to shop. “It’s a space where customers can find support, education, and inspiration for every aspect of their wellness journey,” she explains, “whether it’s learning to advocate for their own health, discovering natural solutions to support life’s transitions like menopause, or finding unique items to create moments of joy and balance at home.”
When curating her product line, Hasek decided to focus on meaningful, high-quality items that align with the six dimensions of wellness. Instead of simply filling the shelves, she prioritizes products that bring real value and purpose to customers’ lives. Many of these items are locally sourced from Cary or
The Curative Wellness Boutique promotes products that can be third-party verified, follow Good Manufacturing Practices, and are USDA Certified Organic.
within the state, which ensures both quality and a connection to the community.
Beyond products, services are tailored to each individual instead of taking a onesize-fits-all approach. They include nutrition guidance to support your body’s unique needs and reach your health goals; microbiome and digestive analysis to discover what’s impacting your mood, energy, and digestion with easy at-home testing to uncover the root cause of symptoms; and hormone and metabolic assessment to reveal hidden imbalances affecting sleep, mood, and energy and to find a path back to your body’s natural rhythm.
Even the educational offerings have a personal touch, with the first class of the Natural Menopause Series starting in midJanuary and Hasek intending to add and adjust classes according to customers’ needs.
In one year, with the upcoming changes in downtown Cary and Ashworth Village, Hasek hopes to “establish a permanent
location where the Cary community can continue to connect with and support Curative Wellness as their trusted wellness destination.” Looking ahead 10 years, her dream is to “collaborate with other like-
minded wellness practitioners and modalities to create a comprehensive wellness hub — an inspiring space dedicated to serving and uplifting our community together.” t thecurativewellnessboutique.com
Jennifer Lankford of Cary shops for health-related gifts.
Start the New Year Strong: Keep Your Financial
Resolutions with Coastal Credit Union
CONTRIBUTED BY COASTAL CREDIT UNION
The dawn of a new year is perfect for a fresh look at your personal and family finances. It’s the right time to reassess goals. Whether planning to save for a dream vacation, tackle debt, or simply manage your money more effectively, Coastal Credit Union has everything you need to help you keep your financial resolutions.
Here are 7 ways Coastal Credit Union can help you and your family stay on track.
1. SET CLEAR GOALS WITH FAMILY FINANCIAL PLANNING
Coastal Credit Union believes in teamwork. Family budgeting tools, designed for elementary and middle school students, make money management a fun, collaborative experience. By involving children in the budgeting process, you not only teach them valuable skills but also work together to achieve shared financial goals like saving for a vacation or building an emergency fund.
2. BOOST YOUR SAVINGS
Everyone wants growth and security. Coastal off ers high-yield savings accounts and certifi cates that make saving easier and more rewarding. Whether you’re building an emergency fund or saving for a specifi c goal, these accounts provide competitive rates to help you maximize your fi nancial potential.
3. SAVE ON TAXES, PLAN FOR THE FUTURE 1
Tax season can be daunting. Coastal Credit Union simplifies the process with discounts on TurboTax® and H&R Block® services. Members can save up to 20% on TurboTax® and enjoy up to $25 off H&R Block® in-office tax preparation. Coastal can help you explore tax-advantaged savings options like IRAs to reduce taxable income while planning for retirement.
4. SMART SPENDING WITH BUDGETING TOOLS
Coastal Credit Union provides resources designed to help you manage your income, track expenses, and build better financial habits. is can help create a spending plan that aligns with your resolutions and gives you greater control over your finances.
5. EXCLUSIVE PERKS
Membership comes with benefits that help you save while enjoying life. Take advantage of discounts to local events, including Carolina Hurricanes hockey games. Explore free or affordable activities like hiking at Eno River State Park or ice skating at Red Hat Amphitheater. ese opportunities let you enjoy life without compromising financial goals.
6. LONG-TERM GOALS WITH COASTAL’S LOAN SOLUTIONS 2
Dreaming of homeownership, a new car, or pursuing higher education? Coastal Credit Union offers low-interest loans and flexible terms. We make applying for loans simple with online tools designed to save you time and effort.
7. RESOLUTIONS BECOME REALITY
More than a financial institution, Coastal Credit Union is your partner for financial success. Our representatives are ready to help identify strategies and tactics to achieve your resolutions.
Schedule an appointment to discuss your goals and explore customized solutions tailored to your needs.
MAKE 2025 YOUR BEST FINANCIAL YEAR YET
Coastal Credit Union’s resources, expert guidance, and exclusive member benefits turn your resolutions into lasting achievements. Take the next step toward financial wellness today. Bank Better to Live Better.
For a look at all our products and services visit www.COASTAL24.com.
Founded more than 50 years ago by a small group of IBM employees in Raleigh, NC, today’s Coastal Credit Union has the privilege of serving more than 330,000 members and has become a leading nancial institution in the state, exceeding $5 billion in assets. As a member-owned, communityfocused not-for-pro t, we believe in superior service, convenience and making products more equitable and easily accessible. We o er 24 local branches, 5,600 shared branches nationwide, a national network of 30,000 surcharge free ATMs, and the e orts of 500 dedicated employees. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Employer. NMLS # 619449.
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You: The Biggest Project You’ll Ever Work On!
As we enter 2025, the world feels like it’s spinning faster than ever. We are wrapped up in technology, connected by screens, and busier each day. Yet, in this whirlwind, the importance of taking control of our health has never been clearer. The conversation around health is no longer just about adding years to life but adding life to those years. It’s about putting you first, and that starts now.
Imagine waking up each morning with energy, excitement, and a genuine sense of well-being. It sounds wonderful, right? Taking control of your health is the key to making this a reality. It’s easy to place our own needs on the back burner, prioritizing work, family, and society’s expectations. But here’s a little secret: Putting yourself first isn’t selfish — it’s essential if you want to thrive!
Health encompasses physical, mental, and emotional wellness. As I often say: “Your body hears everything your mind says, so let’s get your mind in check.” It’s crucial to nurture not just your body, but your mind and spirit.
Let’s talk about the physical aspect. The trick is consistency. Whether it’s committing to a workout routine or eating to nourish rather than restricting the things you love, enjoyable practices over fad diets and extreme regimens are key!
“Take control of your health before it takes control of you,” says Dr. Bhavna Vaidya, founder of Regenesis MD, a Raleigh practice that delivers functional and antiaging services. Dr. Vaidya says something everyone should focus on now is gut
Erica and her friend Jaime embark on a new stress reduction adventure: a floating sound bath
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERICA DELONG
health: “Fix your gut and you will fix 50% of your problems. Also, balance your hormones and detox pathways, and you could reach up to 80% of the things harming your body. Once you take care of the inside you, focus on taking care of the outside you.” (Stay connected @BhavKnowsBest on Instagram for regular meaningful and educational discussions about your health.)
Mindfulness is our second stop on this journey. Imagine society as a giant clock, ticking nonstop. We need a pause. Activities like meditation, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises can do wonders for mental clarity and stress reduction. Silencing the noise of the outside world long enough allows you to truly listen to what your inner self craves. The myth is it could take 21 days to form a habit, but experts say it’s more like 66 days! So give yourself grace, and don’t give up.
Emotional health, our third area of focus, is about maintaining relationships that matter and letting go of those that drain your energy. It’s okay to set boundaries and to say no. Remember, every “no” to something that depletes you is a “yes” to your health and happiness.
Influencers Caroline and Craig Makepeace keep us up to date with the best things to do in the Triangle via their website, This is Raleigh. But before they produce content, they take care of their own needs. “Life balance is really important to us,” Caroline says, with Craig adding, “Be okay with saying no, prioritize sleep, and get outside in nature more.”
Let’s not overlook our use of technol-
ogy. We are all aware doomscrolling is not in our best interest. Learn to use technology to bolster your health instead. From wearables that monitor our vitals to apps that guide us in meditation, technology can be a powerful ally. Use it as a tool to inform, inspire, and guide your journey.
And don’t forget the importance of community. Remember, it takes a village. Find your tribe! Whether it’s a local running group, a book club, or a Facebook group or other online community, having support along your health journey can provide motivation and accountability.
This journey is yours; you will face challenges and detours, but remember the destination is a healthier, happier you. In a world that often pulls us in multiple directions, prioritize the one that leads back to you. Remember that when you are your best self, it spills out into other areas of your life.
What are some steps you can start implementing today that can make 2025 your year?
Mom of two Briana Hovermale, who is a PTA president and holds a leadership position in the Junior League of Raleigh, says, “Tennis is an amazing outlet for me. Not only do I get to be outside, but I also get to release stress and it’s an anaerobic
workout. When I need to escape, I pick up a book. I get to learn something new and relate to people in a way that I don’t get to every day. And I prioritize an occasional bath ... I just try not to fall asleep in it.”
The best project you’ll ever work on is yourself. Cheers to a happier, healthier you this year! t
Stay connected about your journey @EricaDeLong
Erica and her family enjoy natural beauty in New Mexico.
Erica surrounds herself with strong women. Find your tribe!
SEARSTONE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY It Takes All Kinds to Make Life Full
Experience a Community Like No Other
Fascinating folks from all over are coming to Searstone to create a retirement living experience like nowhere else in the world. Here in Cary, at the heart of the Research Triangle, our Life Plan Community is home to sensationally designed apartments, gourmet dining options, easy walkability, and pedestrian access to each of our community’s amenities. And now it’s better than ever.
A Bold New Vision for Retirement in Cary
From campus-wide enhancements and the allnew four-story Highview expansion to a renovated and reimagined clubhouse, there’s no place quite like Searstone in North Carolina’s Research Triangle — or anywhere else. Discover a place where you can enjoy it all with the added benefit of a full range of onsite health care services, including physical rehabilitation and Life Care at predictable costs.
Come See Why People Love Searstone
Our wait list is growing! Schedule an individual appointment to see our thriving community for yourself. A knowledgeable team member will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
To learn more, call (919) 897-7471 or visit searstone.com.
17001 Searstone Drive Cary, NC 27513
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.
YOUR PARTNER IN HEALTH
Susan D. Denny, MD, MPH is the founder and medical director of Carolina Total Wellness in Raleigh. For over 12 years the physicians and staff at Carolina Total Wellness have provided state-of-theart medical care in the Triangle through a personalized, patient-centered approach. All our physicians are board-certified in their medical specialties with additional certification in Functional Medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine. With a functional medicine approach, illness is evaluated through detailed, in-depth assessment and cutting-edge scientific testing, allowing our physicians to better assess, prevent, and treat complex chronic diseases. We take a root-cause approach to chronic conditions such as autoimmune diseases, hormonal disorders, chronic fatigue, memory problems, mood disorders, and many others.
Our comprehensive root-cause assessments include detailed health histories and advanced testing to understand underlying factors such as lifestyle, environmental exposures, hormonal dysregulation, food sensitivities, chronic infections, and gut health. Treatment plans are highly personalized, emphasizing repairing underlying disorders through diet, lifestyle changes, supplementation, hormonal support, and detoxification. All our patients work closely with our certified Health Coaches to help implement diet and lifestyle changes. If you suffer from a chronic medical condition, if you are frequently ill, tired, or in chronic pain, or if you simply seek to improve your health, let us partner with you to start achieving optimal health.
In-person and telehealth appointments are available Monday through Friday and can be requested online.
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 patent-pending process that has transformed the patient experience for the “Teeth-ina-DayTM” treatment concept. The process yields a better esthetic outcome, while reducing the postsurgical discomfort — 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 patient 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.
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.
In addition, Dr. Renata Camino is the newest member of the Cary Prosthodontics team. Dr. Camino served as an assistant professor in the Department of Prosthodontics in the Division of Comprehensive Oral Health at the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry from 2019–2022. Her duties involved teaching didactic and clinical courses at the predoctoral level and graduate level, including patient care. Her interest lies in continuing to implement innovative workflows that simplify treatment, to enhance provider communication skills and facilitate interdisciplinary care. Dr. Camino is accepting new patients at Cary Prosthodontics and looks forward to serving our community.
CARY PROSTHODONTICS
1400 CRESCENT GREEN SUITE 210 CARY, NC 27518 (919) 858-8193
caryprosthodontics.com
DUKE REDEFINES AESTHETIC SURGERY WITH FRESH FACES
DUKE PLASTIC SURGERY AT DUKE AESTHETIC CENTER
3475 ERWIN ROAD DURHAM, NC 27705 (919) 681-8555
dukehealth.org/locations/ duke-aesthetic-center
Duke Plastic Surgery not only provides renowned reconstructive surgical care for adults and children; our clinical team includes dedicated, nationally recognized leaders in facial, breast, and body aesthetics. At the beautiful, state-of-the-art Duke Aesthetic Center, conveniently located on the Duke Center for Living campus away from the hustle and bustle of Duke Hospital, we uniquely blend personalized attention and privacy with the safety and skill that are synonymous with Duke.
We are pleased to welcome two new physicians to our team of experts in aesthetic services: Dr. David Stepien and Dr. Elda Fisher.
Dr. Stepien comes to us from Beverly Hills, CA. He is an aesthetic plastic surgeon specializing in facelift, rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, comprehensive facial rejuvenation, blepharoplasty, breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, abdominoplasty, liposuction, and body contouring. “I truly enjoy providing high-quality plastic surgical care for my patients
in a comfortable, relaxed, and discreet facility,” says Dr. Stepien.
Dr. Fisher is a highly recognized specialist in facial gender affirmation surgery and aesthetics who applies her background and experience in oral/maxillofacial surgery, functional jaw surgery, and skill in patient-specific 3D surgical planning. Dr. Fisher says, “When appropriate, functional skeletal surgery and facial gender affirmation surgery can be combined to obtain the best results in both aesthetic and functional outcomes.”
Our Duke Aesthetic Center surgeons, anesthesiologists, aestheticians, and staff will help you look and feel your best while maintaining a focus on safety and comfort. Our expert team also offers a full range of aesthetic procedures and skin treatments including skin resurfacing, medicalgrade chemical peels, Botox injections, laser hair removal, and more. If you desire to minimize the effects of aging, redefine facial features, or refine body contours, you will find a trusted partner with Duke Plastic Surgery at the Duke Aesthetic Center.
For patients with sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, coordinating care between several practices can be, well, a nightmare. Patients may find themselves needing a sleep doctor, a sleep lab or hospital, and a durable medical equipment provider.
Enter Parkway SleepHealth Centers, a comprehensive sleep center designed to give patients with sleep problems a onestop shop for all their sleep needs. Founded in Cary in 2004, Parkway SleepHealth Centers is locally owned and operated by Brandon and Meghan Giegling. They understand the importance of high-quality
sleep and the health issues that can arise from untreated sleep disorders.
Parkway offers consultations and followups with their board-certified sleep physicians and knowledgeable physician assistants, sleep studies in their comfortable and homey sleep lab, and provides CPAP machines and supplies, as well. Patients of Parkway often find that the cost of sleep studies and CPAP equipment is much lower at Parkway than other area providers — for the exact same services and supplies. Parkway is accredited with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and is committed to providing quality, comprehensive care to its community.
FIND YOUR SMILE® AT STANLEY DENTISTRY
There is never a dull moment for local family dentists Drs. Robert and Bobbi Stanley. The Cary-based practice owners are parents of four and proud partners of Stanley Dentistry, a comprehensive practice near Preston. They are founders and lead instructors at Stanley Institute for Comprehensive Dentistry, a dental continuing education organization, and have been providing world-class dental care in central Cary since 1995.
Initially, Dr. Robert Stanley was a partner in business, and Dr. Bobbi was the only dentist. However, after receiving his PhD as an engineer and working in the industry for many years, Dr. Rob made a major change and decided to join the clinical side of the practice full time as a dentist. “It just made sense for Rob to join me in practicing dentistry,” said Dr. Bobbi. “It is rare to go back to school for an entirely new career when you’re already a successful engineer. But he saw how much I truly enjoyed my work, and he had been interested in dentistry since
spending time in his grandfather’s Chicago dental practice as a child.”
In the practice, Dr. Rob enjoys procedures like dental implants, oral surgery, and sedation dentistry, while Dr. Bobbi focuses on cosmetics and Invisalign. Dr. David Baranowski joined the practice to focus on general, restorative, and pediatric dentistry. The result is a practice that serves the dental needs of the entire family under one roof.
Today, three generations of Stanleys work together to provide ethical and exceptional dental care to patients from all over the Triangle. Dr. Rob’s father, Robert Sr., leverages decades of business experience to lead operations at the practice, and Drs. Stanleys' daughter Megan and son Shane are an an integral part of the operations team. Together, the team at Stanley Dentistry strives to not only provide exceptional care, but to help patients find their smiles. If you’re looking for a family owned and operated dental practice in Cary, look no further than Stanley Dentistry.
Triangle Physicians for Women is a fullservice 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.
Brodeto Feels Like Floating in the Adriatic on a Weeknight
WRITTEN BY ANDREA RICHARDS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JESSICA CRAWFORD
Opening four new restaurants in a year is an epic achievement, and with the last of the bunch — Crawford Brothers in Cary — starting service just days before Christmas, chef/owner Scott Crawford certainly deserves a little rest in the new year. With all eyes and excitement on the new steakhouse, it’s a good time to snag a reservation at Brodeto, his homage to the cooking of the Adriatic coast that opened last March as the flagship of the Raleigh Iron Works development.
Inspired by his family’s travels in Italy and Croatia, the seafood-rich menu introduces some regional specialties you might not have heard of — including the namesake brodeto, a brothy fish stew that Adriatic fishermen cook over coals and customize according to the day’s catch. It’s a traditional dish, something a friend from Veneto tells me his parents love, but you find less frequently, and only at the coast.
The ingredients vary based on location, custom, and catch. Each bowl of brodeto carries its own geographical stamp — a fact artistically rendered on the wall of the restaurant in a claywork by artist Thomas Sayre that maps the different sites that served as Crawford’s inspiration.
taking the dish down to its essence — salt, smoke, and the sweetness of fresh catch — and then reassembling it on new shores.
Inside, the restaurant is airy and modern, with warm wood, Italian tile, and a substantial backlit quartzite bar. Whether you’re at the bar or not, starting with a cocktail is smart. And like Crawford’s other restaurants, the options include several spirit-free choices that are as well conceived as the rest. Beverage director Jordan Joseph offers drinks that also play with themes of smoke and salt, including seasonal negronis, plus a deep selection of Italian and Croatian wines as well as amari.
Creating the same brodeto you might have had elsewhere isn’t the point. Crawford and his team celebrate the humble tradition by
The Purple Rome, comprising tequila, grilled beet, and aloe vera, uses a bit of green chili and ginger to balance the sweetness of the beets. Vividly fuchsia, served in a coupe and polka-dotted with a few drops of activated charcoal, it feels earthy and elegant, like those statues of Roman goddesses with big, muscular feet.
As a rule, it’s always a good sign to spot fisher and forager Ana Shellem in the dining room, as we did on our visit. The onewoman force behind her sustainable shellfish company, Shellem hand delivers her wild-caught mussels and oysters to her clients, which include many of the state’s top chefs. Tonight, her oysters,
Chef/owner Scott Crawford honors the cooking of the Adriatic coast with Brodeto, opened in March 2024.
Brodeto with fish, clams, mussels, prawns, and octopus accompanied by grilled hearth bread
roasted over coals and served with butter and pangrattato, are one of the small plates, and the brodeto includes ribbed Atlantic mussels she harvested.
“I’ve been supplying them since May. This was my first time getting to eat there, and it just solidifies the pride that I have for what I do because I can see it being respected. … It’s definitely like artistry there; they just ooze with talent,” says Shellem, when asked later about her meal. She also mentioned she was under special instructions to bring a couple pieces of the potato bread home to her husband, whose diet is gluten free.
Starters include several crudos, as well as a variety of small plates — think
carpaccio, sardine toast, and fragrant salads featuring ingredients from little gem hearts to octopus and pork belly. A selection of pastry chef Suzanne Branon’s breads — focaccia, Croatian pogaca, or the aforementioned potato bread — accompany all.
Our suggestion is to try as much of the menu as possible: Share plates; find more friends at the bar — do whatever you need to do to taste as much as you can. (And save some of the bread. What’s coming next demands sopping up broths and sauces.)
Handmade pastas — whether seafood forward like the capunti with blue crab or linguine al Nero; or earthy, like ravioli with
The Adriatica cocktail combines gin, grilled lemon, and Italian basil.
The airy and modern space features warm wood, claywork by Thomas Sayre, Italian tile, and a backlit quartzite bar.
Strascinati pasta, sausage, mushrooms, and pecorino Romano
braised rabbit or squash agnolotti — play with the same elements of earth, sea, salt and smoke. The seafood and meat entrees — several of which are meant for sharing (whole roasted branzino, a 24-ounce steak) — are cooked on the massive wood-fired grill that takes center stage in the open kitchen. The giant hearth has been specially designed with
spots for simmering the brodeto and another house specialty, peka, which is usually made with lamb and pork but here comprised veal and winter vegetables.
Both brodeto and peka start with fire and are more methods of cooking (philosophies, even?) that involve cooking regional ingredients in a traditional way. A peka gets its name from the particular type of dome-shaped lid that is used when roasting the food inside. Crawford worked with the Burlington-based ceramics com
“The thoughtfulness of everything and the representation of each vegetable, protein — all of it on the plate was so thought out and celebrated.”
Ana Shellem, fisher & forager
pany Haand to create a special serving bowl for both the brodeto and peka that references this special lid — flip it over and it’s the perfect container for holding all the empty shells from the brodeto. That a dish would be so thoughtfully conceived and executed from start to finish with such detail is a delight, especially when the result is both delicious and beautiful. (Haand did the rest of the dinnerware as well, and the endless flow of gorgeous plates accompanying each new dish felt decadent.)
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Dry-aged ribeye with tomato and olive crust
Black risotto, squid ink, baby octopus, and opal basil
As Shellem says of her meal, “There was such a good flow; it was orchestrated. Everybody was in sync as far as the staff goes. And being able to see into the kitchen is one of my favorite parts, too. The thoughtfulness of everything and the representation of each vegetable, protein — all of it on the plate was so thought out and celebrated.”
I have a soft spot for the Adriatic Sea, which was the location for my family’s first big post-pandemic vacation. We went to Venice, despite all warnings, in the middle of August, staying with a friend in a fifth-floor walk-up that, of course, did not have air conditioning. Trips to the Lido were the only way to escape the heat and the crowds, and we went many times, taking a bus and a boat to spend all day happily submerged in the dark, salty sea.
Floating is a feeling — and I hadn’t thought much about how wonderful it is to experience full-body buoyancy until Brodeto brought it back to me. That’s how good the food and service is: It feels like floating.
There’s house-made gelato, olive oil cake, and a decadent dark chocolate custard for dessert — and, as a final delight, I hope the Caffe Menta remains on the menu as a sort of jacked-up digestivo. A shot of Branca Menta topped with whipped espresso, it’s a minty, frothy kick before the drive home —
a perfect after-dinner treat, refreshing, sweet, and a little bit fancy.
Or opt for an affogato with that homemade gelato, which, of course, changes flavor with the menu. Stumped by the choice of vanilla bean or pistachio, I was elated to be given an apt solution: a swirl.
This is what it feels like to be taken care of: When faced with a difficult decision, you can have it both ways.
That spirit of expansion — in the service, in the food, in the space — is what makes dining at Brodeto feel a bit like a vacation itself. Given the weight of the world right now, finding a bit of buoyancy — like the lightness of whipped ricotta or the cheer of a gelato twist — is a special treat to be celebrated and shared. Brodeto makes that possible. t brodeto.com
House-made vanilla bean gelato with fine olive oil and sea salt
Many of the items on Brodeto’s menu involve a wood-fired grill.
pay it forward Roots with Purpose
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
For Jennifer Losee, founder of Roots with Purpose, the simple act of sharing a meal has led to countless others. Recognizing that “our neighbors need our compassion, empathy, and support,” when Losee sat down with her husband and two children to name the organization that would help the local unsheltered community, it was with the guiding belief that “people are much like trees: When you give them the foundation (or roots), they can grow (their purpose).”
Now with a dedicated team of over 30 volunteers, growth continues to come from programs that strengthen the entire community.
Keep reading to learn how roots of purpose are taking hold.
What is the vision?
To bring compassion to those in need. When we decided to start a nonprofit, we knew there were other organizations that offered services to the unsheltered community. What we saw lacking was compassion. We want our unsheltered neighbors to know that they are important, cared for, and loved.
Tell us about the meal that led to Roots with Purpose!
We got the ball rolling with paperwork in October 2021, though we had no “real” plan of what we were going to do. My husband and I found ourselves having Thanksgiving dinner alone that year; as usual, we had way too much food. We decided that giving away our hot leftovers could be a great way to meet some folks who we could eventually help. My husband’s work drive led him past several camps near Capital Boulevard, so we decided to drive around that
afternoon until we found folks to feed. We did just that and soon met some wonderful people who quickly trusted us. We have been in contact with this small group ever since.
What are Roots with Purpose’s programs?
Currently we have Meals with Purpose, our community meal program. We originally started putting on our own meals but quickly realized that you make a greater impact working with others. Today, we serve monthly at two other local organizations.
Compassion Packs is another program; they are like hygiene bags. We change what we include depending on the time of year, and we put in a card with our contact information so that our neighbors can reach out if they’d like to. I love this program because we often hear from the community that they don’t know how to help those they see asking for it. We have Compassion Packs ready to go and encourage the community to reach out to gift them to those in need.
Erin Keeter laughs while preparing dinner settings with daughter Grace, 13, and father Mike Mann, far left. Keeter began volunteering for Roots with Purpose with Pulse Homes Cary coworker Randy Pittman, right, and now the whole family is involved.
Our volunteers keep them in their cars and hand them out as needed. It’s a great way to offer something to another person without judgement and gives folks who aren’t sure how to handle sensitive situations a way to help.
We have just launched a new program called Potential to Purpose. This will be a monthly workshop series hosted by our team that will introduce a new topic each month related to a different life-skills issue. Growth Mindset comes first in January, followed by Mental Wellness in February. We have some great speakers and content lined up, and we encourage folks who are unsheltered, underemployed, or unemployed to join us. The workshops are free, and we are even offering a free meal. (We like to make sure people are fed!)
Jennifer Losee cheerfully packages to-go meals in the Raleigh Dream Center kitchen during one of the nonprofit’s community outreach meals.
A hot meal and warm company put a smile on 4-year-old Skylar Jeffreys’ face at a Roots with Purpose meal at the Raleigh Dream House.
Please share some of the struggles faced by unsheltered people.
Struggles are plenty. It is a harsh reality that many people who are not living unsheltered quickly pass judgement on folks who are on the streets, but the reality is that 70% of Americans are one paycheck away from being homeless themselves. Communication is a huge struggle,
as the free phone program no longer exists. Another struggle is transportation. The bus system takes time, is not always reliable, and at times isn’t an option, even if it means that our neighbors miss out on important services.
Can you share your positive impact?
Looking back on our three years of service, I think the biggest impact we’ve made is growing our volunteer team; realizing we are building a culture of people who want to give back to those in need. Our volunteers have numerous volunteer places they could call home, and they choose to work with us.
Why is face-to-face outreach important?
It is the best way to break the trust barrier. Our goal is to gain the trust of those who have oftentimes been let down by family, friends, or other organizations. We want our neighbors to see and hear that we are there to help. As often as we can, we try to meet up with our neighbors, even if it’s oneon-one. We talk openly about their specific needs and then offer them resources. We work hard to keep in consistent contact with them for as long as they like.
As a volunteer organization, what keeps you going?
We love having fun! We work hard, but we also play hard. We are moving into a time where we are turning this dream from a hobby
Clyde Cates gets a haircut from volunteer Deanna Thomson at the Raleigh Dream Center during an outreach program from Roots with Purpose, a nonprofit that strives to connect with those who are experiencing homelessness.
A dining room table is adorned with candies and messages for the community served.
to a real business. Our volunteers know that their time, talents, and resources are extremely important to reaching more people.
How can people support you?
Support comes in many shapes and sizes when it comes to nonprofits. We always have room for volunteers. We’re also looking to connect with businesses with foot traffic that can sponsor donation drives for our Compassion Packs. We are always looking for funds to help support our programs, but money can come in all kinds of ways. We love doing charity nights with local businesses where we earn a percentage of sales during a specific day; we would love any resources from local businesses that have grants that can support our programs, and we can accept any monetary donation with a tax-deductible receipt. If you feel drawn to reach out, we can most certainly find a way to partner to make an impact together.
Are there any upcoming events?
The best way to keep in touch with us is to subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook. We have many opportunities to volunteer every month. We do have a “reset” January, but in February we will be in downtown Raleigh (on February 16) to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day. We’ll be passing
out Compassion Packs and drinks to those we meet. We are currently planning a Plant Bingo for sometime in April, so stay tuned for that!
What’s next?
We are excited about our new workshop program debuting this year! Beyond that, we are working to grow our volunteer team so we can reach more people in need. Our superduper scary long-term dream is to build a tiny
home community where we can have a lasting impact on more people. It would be a community that works together, cooks together, and builds a new path together — a steppingstone community where safety and a sense of belonging is no longer in question. One where stability, warmth, and compassion, along with education, employment, and goals allow people to reach their life’s purpose. t rootswithpurpose.org
Roots with Purpose founder Jennifer Losee directs volunteers as they prepare for a community meal at the Raleigh Dream Center.
A family arrives to volunteer at the Raleigh Dream Center.
Free clothing is offered outside the Raleigh Dream Center during one of Roots with Purpose’s community meals.
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.
Mild Green
from Brewery Bhavana
Light and refreshing, this vibrant mocktail strikes a perfect balance between herbal, fruity, and fresh notes.
1 ½ ounces cilantro syrup
1 ½ ounces lime juice
1 ½ ounces coconut water
5 mint leaves
3 slices of cucumber tonic water
In a shaker, combine all ingredients except tonic water. Add ice and shake. Pour into a tall tumbler glass and top with tonic water. Garnish with mint leaf, cucumber slice, and lime wedge. For cilantro syrup: Heat equal parts sugar and water, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add a bunch of fresh cilantro (leaves and stems). Steep until cooled, strain through a fine-mesh strainer, and chill.
Brewery Bhavana is many things: a brewery, a taproom, a flower shop, a bookstore, a dim sum house, and a Chinese restaurant. At its core, though, it is a gathering place. It is a living room for the city of Raleigh.
brewerybhavana.com
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
Girl from raleigh Brewing Company
It Girl, a Munich-style Helles lager, exudes effortless charm and confidence. This polished lager combines a crisp malt backbone with a delicate floral hop finish, creating a flawlessly balanced and endlessly drinkable beer. Whether you’re at the taproom or grabbing cans to go, this crisp, refreshing lager is always the center of attention.
Raleigh Brewing Company, established in 2013, is a cornerstone of the craft beer community with taprooms in Raleigh and Smithfield. Known for its exceptional beers, welcoming taprooms, and vibrant event lineup, it’s a go-to spot for locals and beer
enthusiasts. From trivia nights to live music and seasonal celebrations, there’s always something brewing at Raleigh Brewing!
raleighbrewing.com
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
The Latest in Dental Technology
HOW AI IS TAKING PATIENT CARE TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a regular part of daily life. It shapes the way we work, play, and receive essential services, but is also showing great promise in areas like health care. Even some dental practices are utilizing AI to elevate their level of precision and patient care.
AI TECHNOLOGY
Have you ever wondered why one dentist may recommend treatment where another does not? Who is right? Did one provide an overdiagnosis of a condition or just miss the issue altogether?
At Supremia Dentistry in Wake Forest, they are now using AI technology to solve a core challenge in dentistry: inconsistency in diagnostic accuracy, which directly impacts the quality of patient care. This AI serves as a real-time, third-party aid to help dentists diagnose health issues intraorally; read patient radiographs; deliver consistent, objective, and accurate diagnoses; and clearly communicate findings to patients with precision, clarity, and confidence. Imagine having an ever-present dental assistant by your side, instantly interpreting your X-rays and uncovering any hidden treatment requirements based on your unique data!
Supremia also provides an array of other technologies to make your visit more comfortable, accurate, and efficient.
DIGITAL X-RAYS
The use of digital X-rays has revolutionized the way dentists diagnose oral health problems. In digital radiography, sensors are used to capture images of hard and soft tissues. This allows faster results with more accuracy and comfort. Plus, it reduces radiation by up to 80%!
LASER DENTISTRY
Lasers can be used to remove decay, reshape gums, and even perform root canals. They are less invasive than traditional dental tools, which can lead to less bleeding and discomfort.
DIGITAL SCANNING
A high-definition digital camera assists in the diagnosis, treatment, and documentation of all phases and types of dental issues, while digital scanning avoids the mess of traditional impressions. With E4D technology, only a single visit is required for things like crowns and veneers.
TMJ TREATMENT
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge on each side of your jaw, connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles controlling it. Supremia’s team uses BioPak, a state-of-the-art computerized measurement device built by
CONTRIBUTED
BY DR. EDMOND SUH, D.D.S.
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.
All of these technologies — and many more — are available at Supremia. They even have comfort technologies in place, like sedation therapy, so you can enjoy a worry-free visit. Just make an appointment, and their compassionate and friendly team will always take the time to discuss the best choices for you!
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 or to make an appointment, call (919) 556-6200 or visit supremiadentistry.com.
Seeing red is not exactly the best way to start off a brand new, hopeful New Year, but right now I just can’t help myself. No, I’m not angry, irritated, annoyed, or peeved — whatever that is. Instead, I’m thinking back to a photo session I did at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh last September. It was just a quick shoot-and-scoot to help keep my image library stocked up, but after looking over all the pictures, something stood out: red.
Even deep into the fading summer, red was still abundantly aglow in the JCRA’s planting beds. So it occurred to me that if you are looking to add some sizzling visual pop to your garden this growing season, here are four pretties I
Seeing Red
found last year to consider:
Red Spider Lily ( Lycoris radiata ).
A fashionable sight in Southern landscapes since the mid-1800s, red spider lily could also grace your garden — if you can put up with its weird growing cycle. In the early fall, bulbs sprout strap-like leaves that persist through the winter, but they die down in the spring. In late summer, however, skinny spikes miraculously rise from the bare earth and explode into a galaxy of bright ruby stars. Strange? Yes. Spectacular? Definitely.
Red Feather Celosia (Celosia argentea var. plumosa). The JCRA beauty was ‘Flamma Red,’ but this jazzy annual also shines brightly in yellow, orange,
and purple cultivars. Best grown in rich soil under a full sun — and stunning in mass plantings — feather celosias flaunt long-lasting blooms. Their flower show can be extended into early autumn by deadheading spent blossoms.
Aztec Lily (Sprekelia formosissima). This flashy perennial from the Amaryllis family sports six slim tepals cloaked in crimson on its flowers, which measure up to 6 inches across and are embraced by narrow leaves that top out at about a foot high. Spring is an ideal time to plant Aztec lily, and it prefers well-draining soil in a sunny location. If you can’t find bulbs of this Central American beauty locally, they are easy online finds.
‘Flamma Red’ feather celosia
Written and photographed by L.A. Jackson
Red Okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus ). A true edible ornamental, the cultivar at JCRA was the All-America Selections winner ‘Candle Fire,’ but the common, easy-to-find heirloom ‘Burgundy’ sports similar sass — and both also show off handsome hibiscus-like flowers. Okra is a sun-lover, so give it as much exposure to ol’ Sol as you can. Also, for more pods per plant, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Wait until at least May or June to plant because this heat-seeker develops faster in warm soil. 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.
To Do in the Garden
JANUARY
• Don’t kick your Christmas tree to the curb just yet. Remove all of its Yuletide fineries and reload with suet bars, berry strings, and seed bells to transform it into an outdoor wild bird winter diner.
• If snow dusts your landscape this winter, enjoy the scenery while removing as much as possible from the branches of evergreens, which could break from the extra weight. And do it sooner rather than later. Fresh snow is easily taken off with a broom or leaf blower, while melting snow that refreezes will stubbornly cling to foliage.
FEBRUARY
Timely Tip
Cold weather might have the Triangle in its chilly grip now, but, for sharp gardeners, the forecast is still rosy because late winter is a good time to buy as well as plant bare-root roses. Ideally, you should plant such roses as soon as possible, but do give their roots a beneficial hydration session in a bucket of water for five or six hours before tucking them into well-draining, sunny sites. Also, to get your roses kick-started into the new spring, mix into each planting hole (which should be about 18 inches wide and deep) a generous dose of organic nutrients such as commercial cow manure fertilizer and a handful of lime.
• Don’t wait until spring to visit your friendly local garden centers because you might miss out on seeing and, of course, buying such winter-blooming wonders as witch hazel, winter honeysuckle, wintersweet, hellebores, sweetbox, and winter daphne.
• White stain rings besmirching your clay pots? It’s the result of fertilizer minerals leaching through the porous clay. No worries though because such discolorations can be cleaned off with vinegar.
ABOVE: ‘Candle Fire’ okra
RIGHT: Late winter is a good time to plant bare-root forms of roses such as this pretty floribunda, ‘Ebb Tide.’
Aztec lily
happenings
New Year, New Commute — a campaign by Commute Smart Raleigh — invites residents to “shift your daily commute to something smarter, greener, and more sustainable.” To encourage more riders to try out GoRaleigh buses, Commute Smart Raleigh will offer prizes to the three riders who take the most total trips in January. Prizes include AirPods, a HomePod Mini, and an Apple AirTag. Each fare payment through the UMO system, which uses both physical transit cards and a smartphone app, will count as a trip. umomobility.com
Raleigh Water employee Michael
Carpenter organized a two-month toy drive to help children affected by Hurricane Helene. Employees from the City of Raleigh and almost two dozen other organizations participated. In total, they collected more than 1,200 gifts, including bikes and tricycles, games, dolls, books, and much more.
“It’s about reaching out to kids we may never meet, but who need a little extra cheer during challenging times,” Carpenter says.
Carpenter worked with the Pantheon Project, Marine Corps, and coworker Jeff Clark to ensure the toys reached affected communities in mid-December.
A welcoming neighborhood spot from the team behind Trophy Brewing, State of Beer, and Young Hearts Distilling, The Bend Bar opened at 853 W. Morgan St. in downtown Raleigh in late December. The bar takes its name from its location on the road’s distinctive curve.
“Becoming a part of the neighborhood is part of what we aim to do. We always try to hold onto the character that makes this neighborhood unique and either breathe new life into the building or celebrate what makes them special,” says Chris Powers, co-owner of Trophy Brewing.
Guests have a variety of seating options, beginning with the curved 16-seat bar designed to look like a stereo speaker that serves as the bar’s centerpiece. The interior features a communal table and couches. Fire pits accent cozy backyard seating nestled among the trees. And a spacious deck with stadium seating is equipped with patio heaters for year-round comfort.
Drink options include 10 taps with local craft beers, specialty cocktails, wine, and other carefully curated beverages. trophybrewing.com/bend-bar
Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County received a $2,200 Nourishing Our Neighbors grant from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to help community members experiencing hunger. The grants support organizations that tackle food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles through nutritional education initiatives.
“Many of the youth we serve are facing food insecurity,” says Matt Taliaferro, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake and Johnston counties. “With these funds, we can continue providing hot, nutritious meals to our members each evening.”
Juli Leonard
The Women’s Giving
Network of Wake County, a giving circle of the North Carolina Community Foundation that supports nonprofit organizations serving women and families in Wake County, hosted its 18th Annual IMPACT Luncheon in November. WGN awarded $105,000 to three local organizations.
NAMI of Wake County received $40,000 for its Ending the Silence program, which is offered free of cost to schools. The program educates students on the warning signs of mental health conditions and steps to take when symptoms present for loved ones or themselves.
The Wake Education Partnership received $25,000 for Partners Read, a literacy and mentorship program where volunteers read weekly with Wake County students. WakeEd Partnership also provides books for students to take home and keep.
The No Woman, No Girl Initiative received $40,000 to support the expansion of crisis referrals to respond to the most vulnerable women and children within 48 – 72 hours. NWNG believes no woman or girl should go without access to everyday essentials to survive a crisis or transition.
“We are so grateful to our members
for their continued generosity to make these grants possible,” says WGN President Cynthia Rowe. “It is an honor to help support these nonprofits working tirelessly to meet the needs of women and families in our community.”
The City of Raleigh invites students in grades 8-12 to raise awareness about the need to improve the water quality of Raleigh’s streams and lakes through the Capture It! Stormwater
Arts
Contest. Students who live or attend school within Raleigh are asked to answer the question “How would YOU protect streams from water pollution?” through a 60-second video or drawing/painting.
Winners in each category will receive a $500 cash prize and be recognized at the Earth Day event at Dorothea Dix Park. The entry period runs through February 28. raleighnc.gov, search “Capture It”
Coastal Credit Union hired Stacey Daniels as its new VP, Mortgage Operations and Kevin Holton as VP, Mortgage Sales.
Daniels will lead the strategic development and execution of Coastal’s mortgage operations, focusing on enhancing operational workflows, improving system efficiencies, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. She will work closely with the mortgage
sales and leadership teams to streamline processes, reduce turnaround times, and provide an exceptional experience for credit union members at every stage of their homeownership journey. She brings 24 years of mortgage experience.
Holton will play a key role in driving the growth and success of the mortgage division. He will be responsible for overseeing and expanding mortgage sales operations, developing and executing
strategic initiatives, and ensuring that Coastal continues to provide exceptional service and innovative mortgage solutions to its membership. He has 34 years of industry experience. coastal24.com
Daniels Holton
write light
BY JONATHAN FREDIN
A yearling doe pays a visit to a yard in Raleigh’s Falls River subdivision.
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