WILMA - March 2020

WILMA

MARCH 2020

WILMINGTON’S SUCCESSFUL WOMAN

Style Check-In

Boutique hotel glamour

Coastal Cottage

Relaxed interiors with a modern flair

Making Moves

Alisha Murray-Richardson’s new CEO role

DWELLINGS

Family.

Family.

Friends.

Friends.

Community.

Community.

We're We'reall all this together. together.

We're allinininthis this together.

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8 SPOTLIGHT

43 CALENDAR

10 HEALTH: Sugar fixed

46 THE SCENE: Center stage

12 TASTE: Culinary crib sheet

47 TAKE 5: Rebecca Hixon on giving back

14 STYLE: Haute hotel

48 MEN’S ROOM: Out of the box

Check out WILMA magazine here:

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14 22 H IVE MIND: Kaylie O’Connor and Robin Hertzog set up The Hive 26 P RIME REAL ESTATE: Alisha Murray-Richardson takes the helm 29 SOMMER HOME: Building in the personal touches

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Home can be many things to many people.

For Katie Sommers, it means building and filling a house that reflects your personality – and looks pretty cool, too. Check out the photos on page 29.

For Kaylie O’Connor and Robin Hertzog, turning the boutique hotel The Hive into a home away from home included a lot of unique and stylish touches.

For a sneak peek into the new downtown place, which served as a backdrop to this month’s style shoot, turn to page 14.

At some point in many homes’ lifespans, a house will turn into a museum – a place to collect all the artifacts, i.e. clutter, you’ve picked up along the way.

Men’s Room columnist Tim Bass documents the downward spiral on page 48.

And, for others, a home can be a place of refuge and much-needed safety. Rebecca Hixon, co-founder of N2GIVES, knows that, which is why the program a few years ago bought a house in downtown Wilmington to donate to A Safe Place to serve as an emergency shelter for human trafficking victims.

That’s just part of what N2GIVES has done. Find out more about the program on page 47. W

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BRIDGET CALLAHAN is a writer from

Cleveland, Ohio. She has been covering the Wilmington scene for over five years, through various publications. While her nationally published work ranges from the joys of hiking to the municipal intricacies of medical marijuana, she particularly appreciates all the amazing women she meets through her WILMA assignments. This month, she talks with homeowner Katie Sommers about the personalized details she and her husband brought to their custombuilt house (page 29).

T.J. DRECHSEL of Drechsel Photography

is a Wilmington-based photographer whose work has been featured in national magazines including WILMA, Greater Wilmington Business Journal, Wrightsville Beach Magazine, and North Brunswick Magazine. He specializes in wedding and landscape photography. Drechsel photographed Katie and Sommers’ Summer Rest house for our annual Dwellings issue (page 29). tjdrechselphotography.com

Publisher Rob Kaiser rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com President Robert Preville rpreville@wilmingtonbiz.com Associate Publisher Judy Budd jbudd@wilmingtonbiz.com Editor Vicky Janowski vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com VP of Sales/Business Development Melissa Pressley mpressley@wilmingtonbiz.com Senior Account Executive Craig Snow csnow@wilmingtonbiz.com Account Executives Ali Buckley abuckley@wilmingtonbiz.com Polly Holly pholly@wilmingtonbiz.com Brittney Keen bkeen@wilmingtonbiz.com Business Manager Nancy Proper nproper@wilmingtonbiz.com

MELISSA HEBERT is a Wilmington-based

photographer who has had her work featured in national campaigns and magazines, including WILMA. Hebert studied photography at the Cleveland Institute of Art and specializes in editorial, portrait, and wedding photography. Hebert photographed this month’s cover, style feature (page 14), and portraits of two of the women who brought The Hive to life (page 22). melissahebertphoto.com

TERESA MCLAMB, a native of southeastern

North Carolina, is an avid traveler, art collector, and cat lover. She is an award-winning freelance writer and PR consultant who holds a BA in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MA in English from UNCW. She profiles Alisha Murray-Richardson, who recently was named as president and CEO of RE/MAX Essential (page 26).

DREWE SMITH is an editorial stylist and

creative director who specializes in photo direction and styling. Drewe is a Wilmington native and co-owns Drewe and Kate Branding Co., where she translates her love of design into branding photoshoots, logo design, and website building for a diverse collection of businesses. Smith styled this month’s fashion shoot at The Hive (page 14).

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Events Director Maggi Apel mapel@wilmingtonbiz.com Events/Digital Assistant Elizabeth Stelzenmuller events@wilmingtonbiz.com Design & Media Coordinator Molly Jacques production@wilmingtonbiz.com Content Marketing Coordinator Morgan Mattox mmattox@wilmingtonbiz.com Contributing Designer Suzi Drake art@wilmingtonbiz.com Digital Editor Johanna Cano jcano@wilmingtonbiz.com Fashion Stylist Ashley Duch Grocki Contributors Tim Bass, Bridget Callahan, Nina Bays Cournoyer, Meghan Corbett, Amy Kilgore Mangus, Beth Klahre, Teresa McLamb, Elizabeth White Contributing Photographers Logan Burke, Megan Deitz, T.J. Drechsel, Melissa Hebert Photography, Kevin Kleitches, Terah Wilson Founder Joy Allen Subscribe For a one-year subscription, please send $26.00 (check or money order) to: WILMA, 219 Station Rd., Ste. 202, Wilmington, NC 28405, or call 343-8600 x201 www.WILMAmag.com

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opportunity to lend capital in markets and industries that are often overlooked.

Just as WILMA strives to impact our community, Live Oak is dedicated to fostering communities all over the country where entrepreneurs are creating economic success stories. We’re especially proud of the investments we've made with our female, minority, veteran, and rural borrowers making an impact across the U.S. These are the business owners who create jobs, boost their local economy, and build a brighter future for their families. We share WILMA's philosophy of developing opportunities for others, and we are proud to support all who believe in the power of the American dream.”

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W2W UPDATES

photo by MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER

WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative has updates to share as we continue to work on the effort’s core mission of helping develop more women leaders in our area. Here’s what we’ve been up to with various W2W Leadership Initiative programs and what’s coming up next: LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: Members of the 2020 WILMA’s Leadership Institute (shown above at tekMountain in January) heard from a panel of female leaders on “Navigating Difficult Conversations.” The talk, which included Wilmington International Airport Director Julie Wilsey, Leath HR Group President Lisa Leath, and RR Smith Strategic Solutions (R2S3) President Ruth Ravitz Smith, took place at the Institute’s February meeting at nCino. The Institute is made up of thirty-two women who meet monthly for leadership skills training, interaction with area executives, and peer mentoring sessions. Applications for next year’s class open again in the fall.

MENTORING: Participants in the 2020 mentorship program meet this month for orientation, which takes place at the WilmingtonBiz Conference and Expo on March 18.

GET ON BOARD: The Get on Board program, held in partnership with UNCW’s QENO, prepares women for joining boards of directors. Besides group training sessions, we also help connect potential candidates to area boards through speed networking events and our website WILMAsGetOnBoard.com. The next Get on Board training session, led by UNCW’s QENO, will be April 7. Be on the lookout for details.

IN THE LOOP: Keep up to date with these and other Leadership Initiative programs as well as applications announcement by going to WILMASToWatch.com or signing up for the WILMA Weekly newsletter on our website.

- Vicky Janowski, WILMA editor, and Maggi Apel, events director, Co-directors of the Women to Watch Leadership Initiative W2W@WILMAmag.com

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The Women to Watch logo: When you see this throughout WILMA’s pages, it means this is a woman on the rise to know, an experienced leader to learn from, or a local program worth checking out. W

10 A HEALTHY INDULGENCE: Cravings delivers sweetness without the sugar 26 STAKING HER CLAIM: Alisha Murray-Richardson’s rise in real estate 47 N2GIVES MILESTONE: Rebecca Hixon on giving back

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The 1 MILLION CUPS’ Wilmington chapter, which launched last month, meets 9-10 a.m. every Wednesday at the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs, innovators, funders, and community members can attend the free meetup. Each week, two early-stage startups will have six minutes to present to the audience, followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session.

Entrepreneurs can apply to present through the chapter’s website. Info: 1millioncups.com/ wilmington-nc

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The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce hosts a GOOGLE MARKETING SUMMIT 8 a.m.-noon at 128 South, 128 South Front Street.

The cost to attend a single session is $20 for chamber members and $30 for nonmembers; the cost for multiple sessions is $40 for chamber members and $50 for nonmembers. The first workshop focuses on reaching customers online with Google, and the second workshop topic is about using data to drive business growth. Info: wilmingtonchamber.org/events

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March’s networking event for the PORT CITY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS is 5:30-7:30 p.m. at UNCW’s Swain Center.

Info: pcypapp.com/events

BASE President and CEO Tyler Newman speaks to Cape Fear CREW about public policy impacting business in cape fear region. The program, at Cape Fear Country Club, is 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: capefearcrew.org/events

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The North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce’s NORTH BRUNSWICK BUSINESS EXPO is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. Vendor booths will showcase services and products including from educational, health care, pets, medical, dental, computer and technical needs, recreation, relocation, home and garden, and more. Info: nbchamberofcommerce.com

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UNCW’s College of Health and Human Services’ RESEARCH AND INNOVATION DAY features a keynote talk

by U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs Robert Wilkie, speaking on “Health Care Innovation in the VA and the Military” noon1:15 p.m. at Kenan Auditorium. Justine Reel, associate dean for research and innovation in CHHS and interim director for UNCW’s Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance Office, speaks 10-11 a.m. in McNeill Hall. The events are part of the college’s annual Health and Human Services Week March 23-27. Info: uncw.edu/chhs/research/researchday.html

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UNCW’s Quality Enhancement for Nonprofit Organizations (QENO) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Cape Fear chapter (AFP) hold a CURBSIDE CONSULTING session 9-11 a.m.

Those who sign up for the 15-minute time slots can meet with representatives for advice and questions. Info: uncw.edu/qeno

Sign up for the WILMA Weekly newsletter at WILMAmag.com. To include your group's event, email W2W@WILMAmag.com

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MADE

MADE

Great Goods from Greater Wilmington

Great Goods from Greater Wilmington

THIS YEAR’S MADE AWARD WINNERS

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Here are the women running businesses named as winners of the 2020 MADE competition.

The contest, put on by WILMA’s sister publication the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, seeks to recognize local product makers, artisans, designers, and manufacturers. The winners’ products will be on display at the WilmingtonBiz Expo on March 18 at the Wilmington Convention Center (Visit WilmingtonBizExpo.com for more info).

Winning companies and their top local officials: Cygnus Technologies, COO Christine Dolan (Exporter); Swahili Coast, Creative Director and Co-Founder Caroline Fisher (Arts); Lyssa Cakes, Owner Alyssa Grace (Food & Beverage); Blue Shark Vodka, President Brooke Bloomquist (Food & Beverage); Sweets and Spirits Bakery, Owner Melanie Smith (Food & Beverage); SQUEAK, Founder Jayna Crittenden (Functional Product); theArtWorks, Co-owner Betsy Knowles (Supporter).

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BUNKER LABS NAMES LOCAL LEADERS

Bunker Labs, a national network of veteran and milspouse entrepreneurs, has named city leaders for the nonprofit’s Wilmington chapter.

KATHRYN BRUNER serves as community city leader. Bruner is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, military spouse, and local Realtor. She is a graduate of Leadership Wilmington and has been recognized at a WILMA’s Women to Watch Awards finalist and part of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal’s inaugural WilmingtonBiz 100. She also was named to the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce/ StarNews’ 40 Under 40 list.

MIRANDA PERALES is the chapter’s operations city leader. She has more than seven years’ experience in digital marketing.

The group also named U.S. Marine Corps veteran Harrison Foust as entrepreneur city leader.

Bunker Labs is “dedicated to helping the military-connected community start their own business,” officials say. “We are committed to seeing that every entrepreneur in the military connected community has the network, tools, and resources they need to start their own business.”

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LANE HEADS UP WELLNESS COALITION

LEIGH LANE was named the Brunswick Wellness Coalition’s new executive director.

Lane, holds a doctorate in health administration and has more than twenty years of experience in leadership, capacity building, and health promotion in various health care settings.

She most recently served as an associate director at UNCW’s student health center, overseeing Health Promotion, Crossroads, which focuses on substance abuse prevention and education, and the Collegiate Recovery Community.

Lane has also held service positions with organizations such as the North Carolina Society for Public Health Education and the Southern College Health Association.

The mission of Brunswick Wellness Coalition is to “improve the health of our community with the vision of becoming the healthiest county” in the state.

The organization recently was picked to continue participation in the Duke Endowment’s Healthy People Healthy Carolinas initiative, receiving a $450,000 grant to help improve health in Brunswick County over the next three years.

ant more WILMA? Check out our daily emails, which include even more profiles and stories for Wilmington’s successful women.

To sign up for the free emails, go to WILMAmag.com

TAYLOR BECOMES CUCALORUS MANAGING DIRECTOR

The Cucalorus Film Foundation promoted RACHEL TAYLOR to managing director, overseeing the foundation’s operations and development departments.

She previously served as Cucalorus’ programming director.

In her time heading up the programming department, Cucalorus launched the Lumbee Film Festival, expanded the Popup Cinema program to include four North Carolina counties with free screenings of popular children’s films, and rebranded the foundation’s flagship event with the emergence of Cucalorus Connect and Cucalorus Stage, officials say.

Taylor holds a theater degree from Skidmore College and a master’s of public administration from the University of North Carolina.

Cucalorus also hired MEGAN PETERSEN as sponsorship coordinator.

In the role, she works with local and national businesses to invest in the fall festival and the foundation’s other programs, including Surfalorus and the Lumbee Film Festival.

An active independent filmmaker, Petersen’s upcoming feature Drought was executive produced by the Duplass Brothers with two crowdfunding campaigns on Seed&Spark.

She received degrees in biology and psychology from Southern Wesleyan University.

Have a suggestion for a local woman or group to spotlight?

Email us: wilma@WILMAmag.com WILMAmag.com

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A HEALTHY INDULGENCE

DELIVERING SWEETNESS WITHOUT THE SUGAR

by AMY KILGORE MANGUS photos by MEGAN DEITZ

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hen CHARLOTTE GROSHON competed in a fitness show in 2013, she learned a lot about nutrition and meal planning during her fourteen-week training period.

“I have the biggest sweet tooth,” Groshon says. “I need something sweet after every meal!”

She began to read product labels carefully and realized items packaged as healthy and sugar-free still contained hidden sugars in the form of barley malt, dextrose, maltose, and rice syrup.

Groshon eliminated dairy from her diet seven years ago but struggled to find healthy options for her sweet tooth. “There are a lot of milk-free drink options available on the market, but not sweets,” she says.

Frustrated with the limited selection, Groshon launched Cravings.

She has always baked at home for herself and family, and quickly realized she had formed a hobby that could be a business. In 2017, she quit her full-time accounting job and took a part-time gig at a local coffee shop to give her more time to focus on the business.

“In the beginning, there were more failed recipes than successful ones,” Groshon says with a laugh.

Within six months of creating and testing recipes, she rolled out her first product – a protein muffin. Chickpea peanut butter blondies and black bean brownies soon followed.

“Those are still my top sellers,” she says.

Groshon began selling her products at farmers markets and a couple of coffee shops.

She now distributes more than 750 fresh-baked snacks each week to fourteen wholesale locations in

the area, including Grinders Caffé, Social Coffee and Supply Co., Java Dog, and Luna Caffè in Wilmington; Island Wellness in Carolina Beach; SUNdays in Wrightsville Beach; Matter More Coffee in Hampstead; and Delilah’s Brew and Chew in Ocean Isle Beach. You can also find her at the seasonal farmers markets at Poplar Grove on Wednesdays and Tidal Creek on Saturdays.

All Cravings wholesale and personal orders are preservative-free and baked the same day as delivery. Groshon’s website (cravingsthehealthyfix.com) includes online ordering and a full list of locations.

She bakes cookies and muffins with wholesome ingredients such as whole oats, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. Simple spices such as ginger and clove add flavor.

Groshon uses oat flour and almond milk to make gluten-free and vegan items.

“Oats are naturally gluten free. Almond flour has a great consistency. The natural fats from almonds give it a butter texture, which is perfect for baked goods,” she says.

“Unsweetened applesauce is a great substitute for oil, and agave gives a sweet flavor without spiking blood sugar as much.”

As consumers continue to seek out healthy alternatives for everyday favorites and struggle with dietary constraints and desires, Groshon knows the need to satiate taste buds, which can be hard to do with legumes as the main ingredient.

“I want to make products that are delicious, but still good for you. Eat it, enjoy it, and don’t feel guilty about it,” she says.

She hopes to grow her business by moving into a commercial kitchen in downtown Wilmington. A larger space will allow her to be more efficient with a larger oven as well as add more wholesale accounts, and a freezer section will allow her to move into markets outside of Wilmington. She also wants to experiment with plant-based ice cream cookie sandwiches.

“I never thought it would be what it is today,” she says. “Cravings has taken off and it’s busy.”W

910-352-5547 • INFO@WILMINGTONVALET.COM

Read more about another healthconscious bakery – Sweet and Spirits – in the WILMA Wellness email, which comes out each Wednesday. To sign up for that and other WILMA newsletters, go to wilmamag.com/email-newsletter.

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TEACHABLE

MENUS SURF HOUSE HOLDS POP-UP COOKING CLASSES

by MEGHAN CORBETT photos by LOGAN BURKE

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s the food truck revolution remains strong, many culinary experts are looking for ways to bring some enthusiasm back to the restaurant dining experience.

While there is no comparison to a nice, quiet dinner at a beautiful venue, there is something to be said for the spontaneity and excitement that a pop-up restaurant offers. Experienced at both types of dining, Surf House in Carolina Beach held several popular

pop-ups in 2019 and plans to host more in 2020.

“Funny enough, this idea came from a close friend of ours buying a private cooking class with chef Craig Love as a birthday gift,” says general manager ANNALEE JOHNSTON. “The private class was a success, and we decided it would be a great option for the community to learn, relax, and enjoy a great meal.

At the pop-ups, the doors open at 6 p.m. for a sparkling toast, allowing guests to get comfortable.

“We begin the event at 6:30 p.m. by talking about sustainable seafood and availability around our coast,” Johnston says. “We dive into the demonstration pretty quickly and finish dessert around 8:30 p.m.”

Course number one begins upon guests’ arrival and includes passed appetizers with sparkling wine; course number two features a demonstrated entrée selection with paired wine, and course number three features a demonstrated dessert selection.

“Each month will focus on a different menu,” Johnston says. “The idea is that guests will come once a month to learn the new technique and put it into practice. January’s menu was scamp grouper (also knowns as brown grouper) confit with Covington sweet potato, fennel, pecans, and a lemon sabayon.”

February’s menu consisted of pickled shrimp salad – pickled shrimp over greens with seasonal root vegetables – and Cioppino, a classic seafood stew featuring shrimp, clams, and mussels.

The cost is $60 per person, and while it includes two wine tastings, a full bar is available throughout the dinner as well for those wishing to purchase additional drinks.

“We are going to open a few dates in early March and have not yet determined how long into spring we will continue the cooking classes as volume increases,” Johnston says. “We absolutely plan to continue these events in the early fall of next year. We are excited about all of them! It’s nice to see familiar faces at each event.”

Upcoming dates are posted at surfhousenc.com/events.

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Those who have been to Surf House, at 604 North Lake Park Boulevard, before will remember its distinctive décor.

The ambiance, Johnston says, will be enhanced by the opportunity to interact with Love.

“The atmosphere is a nice balance of casual and upscale, similar to our normal dining room,” Johnston notes. “We want to encourage guests to come right after work, for a date night, or with a group of friends to learn a new skill while being in a relaxed environment. We turn our tables into a classroom-style horseshoe set up with community-style seating facing the chef’s demonstration table. We want WILMAmag.com

our guests to feel comfortable to engage with each other and freely ask questions.

In the future, we might include some cocktail demonstrations as well.”

Surf House prides itself on its dedication to relationships with small, local farms and its sourcing of sustainable, regional seafood. The restaurant management hopes that this commitment, paired with its desire to create memorable dining experiences for guests, will rekindle enthusiasm for in-restaurant dining and uphold the highest standards of quality in the restaurant business of coastal North Carolina. W

MASTERWORKS 4: March 14 Bach's Brandenburg Concerto Wilson Center | 7:30 PM

SYMPHONY POPS!: March 29 Azalea Festival Pops Wilson Center | 5:00 PM

MASTERWORKS 5: May 9 Mahler's Symphony No. 3 Wilson Center | 7:30 PM MARCH 2020

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Fringe DRESS, available at ZIA Boutique; LUGGAGE and widebrimmed HAT, both available at Blush Hause of Beauté

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HOME

suite

HOME

STYLED BY DREWE SMITH | PHOTOS BY MELISSA HEBERT | INTRO BY NINA BAYS COURNOYER

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our PTO days are racking up, and visions of tropical isles start forming in your head. But then, the reality of travel planning sets in.

Coordinating flights, hotels, babysitters, pet sitters, plant sitters … The stress of prepping for a big vacation can sometimes seem to outweigh the benefits of actually taking one. Your answer? The stay-cation.

Lucky for you – and your sanity – Wilmington has experienced a boom in boutique hotel options that are perfect for making your great escape without straying too far from home.

For this month’s shoot, we zoned in on one of these new spaces. Since opening its doors this past January, The Hive on North Second Street has been abuzz with activity.

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Using a unique aparthotel model that combines the luxury of a hotel with the creature comforts of an apartment (think ample dining and living spaces, kitchens, and private entries), The Hive’s fourteen suites are each individually styled by local interior designer ROBIN HERTZOG with an eclectic array of furniture and art, and equipped with deluxe amenities bound to catapult you into vacation mode. (For more on Hertzog and The Hive partner KAYLIE O’CONNOR, turn to page 22.) Once your accommodations are squared away, you can start packing. And really, with no bags to check, anything goes. So, gather your snazziest outfits (the ones you usually save for heading out of town), turn off your phone notifications, and focus on the two most important stay-cation words: relax and indulge. W MARCH 2020

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Floral-print TANK with fringe, black JEANS, and flower EARRINGS, all available at ZIA Boutique; gold NECKLACE, available at ilikeithereclub. com; wide-brimmed HAT, available at Blush Hause of Beauté

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Black DRESS, Chanel NECKLACE, and black HEELS, all available at Monkee’s of Wilmington; Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture liquid matte LIP STAIN in Red Tribe, available at Blush Hause of Beauté

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MODEL: Holland Poteat (Directions USA) HAIR & MAKEUP: Blush Haus of Beauté WARDROBE: Blush Haus of Beauté, I Like It Here Club, Oliver Clothing, Monkee’s of Wilmington, ZIA Boutique LOCATION The Hive 505 North Second Street

Dark red pleated JUMPSUIT, leopard HEELS, and gold NECKLACE, all available at Oliver Clothing

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bees chic, boutique hotel, known as The Hive, has officially opened and now graces the downtown Wilmington landscape. Not your standard hotel, it is considered an aparthotel with a unique approach to the hospitality industry. Instead of a traditional front desk, The Hive offers technology that provides easy, 24/7 check-in for guests.

The hotel definitely went through its phoenix period.

“We started in 2017 with the new building; then Hurricane Florence destroyed the existing building,” says architect Robert Romero. “Actually, Florence turned out to be a blessing because the units were in need of an upgrade.”

ROBIN HERTZOG, who provided the

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Kaylie O’Connor and Robin Hertzog helped bring The Hive alive

BY ELIZABETH WHITE | PHOTO BY MELISSA HEBERT

hotel’s interior decor, says, “The hurricane was devastating and resulted in the building being completely gutted.” One positive that came from the storm is that it led to the concept of the “boutique hotel vibe,” Hertzog says.

The team refocused their attention, transformed the existing building, and decided to turn a parking lot nearby into a new building – adding an additional eight rooms. There is now a total of fourteen rooms, each meticulously designed by Hertzog.

At a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, partner KAYLIE O’CONNOR said, “Florence damaged the building, but we were able to overcome this obstacle and the results exceed our expectations.” O’Connor is proud of The Hive’s concept and espe-

cially its limited-service tech approach.

“You access your room via a simple access code, and then you have everything you could need or want,” she says.

O’Connor and Hertzog put their personal stamp on the project and share a little below about how it came together.

On becoming involved with The Hive O’Connor’s background includes marketing and business development within a variety of industries. She first worked with Rosenberg in developing some tech platforms. “The Hive was our way of coming together on something brick and mortar and hyperlocal to Wilmington,” she says.

Currently, Hertzog co-owns the downtown Wilmington restaurant manna but has a background in interior design. Hert-

zog met Rosenberg about fifteen years ago and was asked to design his office. That then led to her taking over the design of all fourteen hotel rooms.

On their current roles with the hotel O’Connor has taken the lead on branding, marketing, and operations. “Because we’re ‘limited service’, i.e. don’t have a front desk, room service, etc., we maintain just a small staff, which allows myself and the other partner to be more hands on,” she says.

For Hertzog, most of her work has finished, but she still has her hands in the project. “I am focused on how to get people in the door,” she says. “I wasn’t prepared to design the eight (additional) rooms. Now that is done, I am getting the word out about the hotel.”

BOATING MADE

On their biggest project challenges O’ Connor says since The Hive was her first real development project “learning to navigate that process and think about the big picture” were two obstacles to overcome. Upon hearing that she is a mom of four boys under the age of seven it begs the question, how did she balance it all? “Development work can be ‘messy’ and stressful, and my experience as a mom has helped prepare me for that kind of work,” she says.

“I honestly think being a mom has made me a better businesswoman.”

Hertzog admits the “surprise of decorating eight more rooms after the hurricane” presented its own issue. But, she did not let a natural disaster stop her. “Each of Robin’s rooms tells a story with color, art, textures, and layers that create an environment that delights your senses,” says The Hive partner Robert Rosenberg.

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On unique memories from the work “I worked late one night and then went to fix the locks on the balcony and realized I was locked out,” Hertzog says. “I was out there for four hours.” Side note: Hertzog’s family and one of the owners stayed in the old apartment building during Hurricane Florence when the roof was blown off.

O’ Connor remembers meeting actress Judy Greer, who was in town filming Halloween Kills last year. “She raved about how much she loved her suite, especially the full kitchen,” O’Connor says. “My older brother is a huge fan of hers, so I had to forward him the voicemail she left me later that day!” W WILMAmag.com

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STAKING HER

CLAIM

Alisha Murray-Richardson followed her own path into real estate, and it’s taken her to the top

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by Teresa McLamb photo by Kevin Kleitches

A

LISHA MURRAYRICHARDSON, who recently took the reins of RE/MAX Essential in Wilmington, has never sold real estate. Yet, she presides over a growing firm, drawing on her abilities in administration, education, and marketing.

A Durham native, Murray-Richardson studied communication with a minor in leadership at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. When it came time to pick a career, Murray-Richardson had two strong contenders: a human resource track, through PPD where she had interned while in school, or real estate. That was 2002.

She chose real estate, and she’s never looked back.

Her first job was on the administrative side of a wellknown local real estate company where she started out answering phones. “Over the years, I worked my way up and was offered additional roles as I grew,” she says.

Ten years ago, when co-workers left to start a RE/ MAX franchise, they offered her the opportunity to go along. Despite a cut in pay, she took the leap.

“It paid off. The company grew tremendously, and my abilities within the company grew and grew until this opportunity approached,” she says, referring to her recent move into ownership and elevation to president and CEO of RE/MAX Essential.

She continues to concentrate on training for agents while expanding her focus to the company’s marketing plan and growth potential. “That’s a big piece of what I do now,” she says of her interaction with agents. “My role includes agent mentoring and accountability.”

She’s also concerned with training on new platforms and tools and sometimes partners with the broker-incharge for educational programs. “I handle the daily operations, business planning, and overall development.

I have my hands in a little bit of everything,” she says.

Murray-Richardson’s real estate experience has all been in the operational and administrative side of the business, which she continues in this new position.

Though she’s never sold real estate, co-owners Erik Hoffacker and George Saunders take on that role.

There is a division of responsibilities, Murray-Richardson explains, but the three collaborate on marketing

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and training, among other things. Internal training is face to face.

“Training is based on the current needs of our agents. It’s not level 101; it might be level 501 because our agents are more skilled, high producers who have been in real estate for a long time,” she says.

Murray-Richardson sees this new venture as a time for new experiences, especially those that present themselves to owners versus employees. “I’m allowing myself a lot of personal growth,” she says.

Compared to others in the local market, their company is smaller than some, she says, which allows a lot of room to grow the company and her vision of it.

“We have the challenge of rediscovering ourselves.

It’s the perfect time for us,” she says.

At the end of last year, the firm ranked as the eighth-largest residential real estate company locally in terms of the number of agents – sixty-eight. But it jumped up to the fifth spot when it came to closed sales volume for the year – $266.3 million, according to the North Carolina Regional Multiple Listing Service.

Murray-Richardson says the company’s model attracts experienced agents.

“We’re not always the right fit for some agents, so that’s a challenge,” she says. “We don’t have a lot of newly licensed agents here. Ours have been in the industry for years and are top producers. Of the top 200 agents in the Cape Fear Realtors organization, we have ten of the top producers.”

All this comes as the local housing market remains active.

“The December stats were amazing,” Murray-Richardson says. “They increased in every way: closed, pending (sales went up), days on market went down. The average sales price has increased.”

Noting that several new builders and developers have moved in, Murray-Richardson says she believes the region will continue to see a strong market, especially in the outlying areas.

For 2020, Murray-Richardson has several goals for her company. “I would like to be more active in the community and more involved with marketing in town,” she says.

She notes that the company’s ten-year history has seen a lot of organic growth and says, “I want to be more aggressive about getting the word out to agents about who we are.”

She also wants to align herself with her agents’ goals.

“We have agents I feel have grown tremendously. I want to know the agents’ goals and to help them exceed those goals,” she says. W

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ATTENTION TO

DETAIL

Katie and Larry Sommers bring to life their vision for a home

by BRIDGET CALLAHAN | photos by T.J. DRECHSEL

I

t was a beautiful February day that finally convinced KATIE and LARRY SOMMERS that Wilmington should be their new home.

The sun was shining, the breeze off the ocean was warm, and the couple decided on a whim to visit an open house in Wrightsville Beach. That was the beginning of a search to find the perfect place.

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“We looked for quite a while at a bunch of different properties, and we just couldn’t find the right fit for us, with exactly what we wanted in a house.

We were really interested in that corridor by Airlie Road, but there are not a lot of properties that come on the market and they sell very quickly. So, we told our agent to watch that area and let us know if anything became available,” Katie Sommers says.

And their Realtor, Robbie Robinson with Intracoastal Realty, did indeed come through, finding a tree-lined property in Summer Rest that the Sommers made an offer on that day.

Building a house is an entirely different proposition than simply buying one, and a brand new adventure for the Sommerses, who were still living in Cary during the build itself. The design, construction, and interior design were handled by local firm Tongue & Groove Design+Build, headed by Mark Batson. Even when work was halted during Hurricane Florence, the Sommerses were impressed by the firm’s care and professionalism, keeping them updated remotely through the whole process.

“I picked Mark because I felt he had vision, a real design aesthetic, and an attention to detail that you can see in our house. I didn’t want a lot of square footage, but I did want it to be finished out beautifully,” Katie Sommers says. “We had a very formal house in Cary, with a classic formal living room, formal dining room, all the formal entertaining spaces. Coming down here, we knew that wasn’t

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what we wanted; we just aren’t those kind of people, in terms of how we live every day.

So, we built this house for what we really wanted.”

The result is an open, airy interpretation of American Craftsman style that still manages to feel like a beach house getaway.

The exterior borrows heavily from twentieth-century life-saving stations on the coast, with kingposts and cross-beamed eaves, while the cedar-style roofing, dormer windows, and elephant-leg columns evoke more classic Craftsman features.

The 4,000-square-foot home looks modest from the outside but is filled with light and space inside. Nana doors, folding glass doors that take up the entire wall can be opened to join the outdoor and indoor living rooms. The practical personal touches the Sommerses wanted, such as a master bedroom closet that connects with the laundry room, a downstairs guest room for elderly relatives, a mudroom for sand-covered dogs, and bunk beds for younger visitors all blend seamlessly into the family-friendly design. Outside, a saltwater pool and a dog run for their two Golden Retrievers, Kona and Maui, maximize the amount of time the Sommerses can spend enjoying the sunshine.

Inside, interior designer Bridgett Mazer used bright splashes of dark turquoise and cobalt to evoke the ocean, and ruddy oranges and sunset pinks for warmth. The true impact of her design can be seen in the details of the house, from the sparkling modern light fixtures and delicately patterned backsplash to a whimsical octopus-framed window in the powder room.

“Bridgett really understood that I wanted the house to be beautiful, but I didn’t want it to be a museum. It was very collaborative.

We went out together to look at things. She truly listened and did a great job of giving me what I wanted,” Katie Sommers says.

Now, the Sommerses are happily settled in and enjoying their new home.

“Moving down here, we’re very grateful everyone has been so welcoming and loving to us, very open,” Katie Sommers says. “I think that says a lot about the Wilmington community and the people who live here.

We were new to the area, it was a big change, and we don’t have family down here. But, we’ve really been taken in by our neighborhood, and we really appreciate it.” W WILMAmag.com

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keep it local WILMA’S

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DOWNTOWN GIFTS & GOODS

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Whether you are trying the low-carb or “keto” diet in the new year, or already have a gluten-free lifestyle, Sweets and Spirits Bakery can make just about anything sugar free, gluten free or ketogenic. Visit their website at sweetsandspirits.com or call 910.352.1499.

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VERSATILE STYLE

Desert Rose Boutique’s clothing and accessories can mix and match to where you can bloom in any element. Desert Rose Boutique is co-founded by sisters, Louise and Mavis Rose. Find them in downtown Wilmington at 208 N Front Street, shop online at bloomindesertrose.com

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JEFF LESLEY – CENTURY 21

REMODEL OR CAPITALIZE ON A HOT MARKET

D

id you purchase your home during the last peak of the market and have been waiting for the best time to sell? Now is the time! Because of his aggressive marketing plan, Jeff Lesley has been the #1 individual agent in Wilmington over the past five years. With his strategic approach in the real estate industry, he stays on track to sell over 100 homes per year.

As home values in Wilmington continue to rise in the area the need for maximum marketing exposure and strong negotiating are even more important to get top dollar for your home.

Over the past ten years, the housing market in our area has fluctuated drastically. Home prices have been climbing since 2012, creating what is known as a seller’s market. If considering placing their home on the market, Jeff advises his clients to sell while home prices are at their peak before losing the opportunity to benefit from the maximum sale price.

Because Jeff monitors the housing market daily, he knows that today is the best day to sell

your home.

The conditions of our local market should not be the only thing homeowners consider when making the decision to sell their home. Home inventory is low in our area.

This means that the number of homes available in Wilmington and surrounding counties are in short supply, leaving home buyers with few options when selecting their perfect dwelling.

This short supply is exactly what has helped to increase home prices − lending pricing power to potential sellers. Now is the best time to cash out in order to put the most money in your pocket.

While selling your home might sound appealing, others might choose to spend on a home renovation instead.

However, if you opt to sell, Jeff advises clients not to waste money making cosmetic improvements. Oftentimes, homeowners make remodel choices based on their specific taste which limits the home’s marketability to a wider audience of buyers.

Home buyers usually make

the decision to change several cosmetic items in their new home, such as paint, countertops, cabinets, and even flooring. Even if these items are new and updated, they might not accommodate the buyer’s home design desires.

Typically, sellers who spend money remodeling their home before they sell it will lose their investment during the final transaction.

Jeff does recommend conducting a prelisting home inspection. This home inspection is similar to one that the buyer would pay for just before closing, but in this case the seller is responsible for the cost. Having a written report detailing the condition of the property helps sellers decide which repairs to make before potential buyers start viewing the home. This can help a seller save thousands by fixing items upfront, reduces stress by knowing there are no major issues, and shortens the process by eliminating potential complications that may have affected the sale.

Not only has Jeff excelled

910.297.7071 | WilmingtonsTopAgent.com

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with marketing his properties, he negotiates a contract every three days to help his clients keep the most money in their pockets. The average real estate agent sells approximately four to five homes per year which translates to them negotiating one home contract every two months. Not only are Jeff ’s property numbers impressive, but his high-quality negotiating skills work in his client’s favor.

If you want top dollar for your home, put the #1 real estate agent’s marketing plan to work for you.

I understand that buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions my clients will ever make, and I will do whatever is needed to ensure a smooth buying/selling process.

Whether you are a first-time home buyer, looking to sell your current home, relocating, or interested in luxury homes, I am here to assist you from start to finish. Nothing is more important to me than the satisfaction of my clients.

DIG N IT Y M E M O RIA L D IGNITY M E MORI AL PRE-PLANNING ESSENTIALS FOR THE FREQUENT TRAVELER

F

requent travel requires a lot of advanced planning.

Passport? Check. Swimsuit and flip flops? Check. Briefcase and quarterly report? Check.

But in all that preparation, there is one item that likely has never been included on your todo list – your final wishes.

It’s a fact of life we understandably don’t like to think of too deeply or too often – death can occur at any time, any age, anywhere. As difficult as that can be to face, it is crucial to consider, since your loved ones will be left to handle arrangements. If your time comes while on the road or across the globe, those arrangements can be especially burdensome.

Protocols for handling a death vary widely overseas.

The consulate or embassy in the location of a death should be contacted, and loved ones might have to decide whether to travel there to handle affairs in person or to stay put to provide comfort to others who are grieving. Language barriers present unique challenges, and costs of transporting a person’s remains or flying to the country of death can be staggering.

Local Dignity Memorial providers are compassionate and trained in the process of making final arrangements when you or your loved one is either living or traveling far away.

Pre-planning ensures your family won’t have to deal with the increased stress and high cost

of last-minute travel. Dignity’s team of Bereavement Travel Program specialists will work with your loved ones to find the best available travel options throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as many international destinations.

While you’re away from your home, Dignity Memorial network providers are looking out for your future, even if you aren’t sure where you’ll be in the next five or ten years.You may be putting off pre-planning because you plan to move eventually or consider your current location temporary.That uncertainty doesn’t have to be a barrier to making your final arrangements; Dignity’s expansive network allows for full transfer of your prearranged services should you move more than 75 miles from where you originally made your plans.

Wherever life takes you, you can jet-set and see the world with full confidence that Dignity will keep you connected to the place that matters most – home.

Michael Higgins is Sales Manager for Dignity Memorial®, which cares for more than 300,000 families each year through its network of more than 2,000 providers throughout North America. Learn more at www.dignitymemorial.com or call Greenlawn Memorial Park, Oleander Memorial Gardens and Coble-Ward Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, (910) 799-1686.

910.799.1686 | dignitymemorial.com 910.799.1686 | DIGNITYMEMORIAL.COM

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H OTWO R X

EMPLOYEES CREATE FAMILY ATMOSPHERE AT HOTWORX

T

raining with infrared heating can produce an array of mental and emotional benefits, in addition to removing toxins and metals from the body. The Hotworx fitness center can provide a quick, highly convenient calorie burn and a shorter path to recovery from a variety of injuries, but the employees are what really make the studio unique and set us apart.

General Manager, Anthony Sciscento is a great example of how our people make the difference. As a graduate of Eastern Carolina University with a degree in Exercise Physiology, Anthony has an extensive knowledge of how training in a sauna utilizing infrared heating technology can boost the effectiveness of a workout. With additional training that allowed him to earn a Certified Personal Trainer certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, he is highly adept at helping people maximize the time they spend in the gym.

Having studied exercise

science and nutrition for many years, Anthony has a firm grasp on how to develop functional training solutions for people with a variety of circumstances and fitness goals.

He understands that there is no such thing as a one-size-fitsall approach to fitness, that a method or strategy that works for one person may not work for another, since everyone is unique and faces a different set of challenges.

One thing Anthony loves about the Hotworx studio is that training with infrared heating technology delivers a significantly higher number of endorphins compared to traditional methods. This is basically just a result of the infrared workout being a much more efficient, intense option than other training programs.

From growing up as a competitive swimmer and a year-round athlete, Anthony had always been focused on improving his physical fitness.

When a shoulder injury forced him into a long period of rest and recovery, however,

he began to concentrate on nutrition and mental health as well. Anthony explains that being forced to the sidelines after spending so many years going to the pool on almost a daily basis made him realize that the mental aspect of recovering from a major injury can be just as difficult as anything else.

At one point, getting back to 100 percent seemed inconceivable for Anthony.

Facing a long period of downtime without receiving the daily influx of endorphins provided by his training made things even more difficult. This is when Anthony realized that the time spent with recovery can be reduced in a Hotworx studio because infrared heating warms from the inside out, and the warm environment allows for a deeper, more productive stretching of the muscles.

For Anthony, the most intriguing thing about training with infrared is the variety of mental and emotional benefits it provides. Integrating a physical training regimen with infrared

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heat can serve as a means of warding off depression, since the infrared heating mimics the heat provided by the sun, and the physical exertion dispels a slew of unwanted toxins from the body.

When he isn’t busy helping our members get the most out of their training regimen, Anthony likes to get in some cardio doing the cycles. His reasoning is that finding good opportunities for cardio can be challenging in the wintertime. It is amazing to note that, because of the chance to train utilizing infrared heating, Anthony can burn 500 calories in 12 minutes! Understanding that this quickly provides him with the therapy his essential organs need to be healthy, he will occasionally hit the bike three times a day.

The benefits of training with infrared heating are profound, but it is the employees that truly make the Hotworx fitness studio unique. To find out more about HOTWORX, or to schedule your first session, visit www.hotworx. net or call 910-832-9679.

L OW ER C APE F E AR LIFE C A RE

WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE AND HOW CAN IT HELP ME?

I

t’s estimated that more than six million people in the United States could benefit from palliative care.

Unfortunately, few people know about this type of care and its many benefits. Given the statistics, chances are you or someone you know could benefit from palliative care.

“Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious or chronic illness who are undergoing treatment,” Dr. Kelly Erola, Chief Medical Officer for Lower Cape Fear LifeCare said. “It focuses on relieving pain, symptoms, and stress to improve quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care providers coordinate with a patient’s doctors, and help people better understand their illness and treatment options.”

Multiple studies show the

benefits of palliative care.

For instance, patients who receive palliative care while in the hospital spend less time in intensive care units. They are also less likely to have to visit the emergency room or to be re-admitted to the hospital after they return home.

“Studies also show that people with chronic or serious illness have less severe symptoms when receiving palliative care,” Erola said. “These people experience better quality of life, with less pain, less shortness of breath, less depression, and less nausea.”

The American Cancer Society reports that cancer patients receiving palliative care have better emotional health, family members are more satisfied with the care received, and that starting care soon after a cancer

diagnosis may extend survival.

Palliative care patients with heart failure, lung disease, dementia, and other serious or chronic illnesses also experience improved quality of life. There is no wrong time to start palliative care while undergoing treatment; it is for people of any age, and at any stage of illness.

Ideally, it is provided early and throughout the illness.

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare is and has been the area’s leader in palliative care for many years. “We began providing care in local hospitals, where the agency continues to serve inpatients at New Hanover Regional Memorial, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, and Columbus Regional Healthcare System,” Erola said.

During the last three years, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s

palliative care services have grown by approximately 160 percent as more and more doctors recognize the benefits. In addition to serving patients wherever they call home, the agency also operates clinics to serve patients at Zimmer Cancer Center in Wilmington and Donayre Cancer Center in Whiteville.

“I would suggest that anyone who is interested in finding out more about palliative care for themselves or a loved one give us a call,” Erola added. “We’re here to help patients and families get the care they need to improve their quality of life.”

Kelly Erola, MD, FAAHPM, FAAFP, is Chief Medical Officer and Clinical Director for Lower Cape Fear LifeCare based in Wilmington, NC.

800.733.1476 | LIFECARE.ORG

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MARKRAFT CABINETS WHAT MAKES A GREAT KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGNER

G

inger Thornton has always had a talent for envisioning, organizing, and designing space, so it’s no surprise that she is now the Director of Showroom Sales for Markraft Cabinets.

If you make the trip to Markraft’s showroom, you will most likely meet Ginger and the five other designers that work alongside her.

We all know that the kitchen is the most important room within our home.

Since daily living places heavy use on our kitchens, considering updates for functionality and value is an important part of homeownership. Choosing a great kitchen designer is important when preparing for those improvements.

The focus at Markraft is to provide a custom design, rather than providing a one-size-fits all design to their customers. The company’s highly trained and experienced designers interpret their client’s vision for their kitchen and incorporate specific needs into the carefully constructed design plan, creating a kitchen that is aesthetically pleasing and functional.

A designer must be able to not only provide clear guidance but listen to their client’s requests. All aspects of the design are considered and discussed so the plan comes together seamlessly. Markraft’s designers make the customer’s style and desires a priority.

Markraft’s designers then work closely with the installation team making sure that each piece of the design is communicated clearly to ensure the project plan is executed properly. Designers who are not able to communicate the design plan to the installers may not see the design they envisioned come to fruition.

With having an in-house general contractor, Markraft can provide a contract services option for remodel projects. They can manage the remodel project from beginning to the end with

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added services such as electrical and plumbing. This allows for all the clients remodel needs to be met under the same company and not have to contract out other work to complete their project.

Ginger believes the client consultation is one of the most important pieces of the design process.

Meeting with clients to thoroughly discuss different design options, getting to know who they are, and learning about their entire home design is key when creating the perfect design plan.

While Markraft’s designers create designs for new homes, they have a special appreciation for remodeling an existing home. Remodeling any part of your home can be invasive, stressful, and time-consuming process. Markraft’s team understands the stress of a remodel and works with their clients to simplify the process, keep it on schedule, and minimize added stress.

Markraft’s cabinet selection is extensive, so their designers have several options to choose from when creating a design plan for a client. This wide range of options allows for a design that fits any budget.

The company finds that the team effort behind every job – from design to installation – ensures that the client’s vision will manifest as planned. This close team collaboration provides complete support for the customer during the design process. Markraft makes it clear that the team behind the designer is just as important as the designer.

Designer Ginger Thornton and her fellow Markraft designers invite you to visit Markraft’s Design Studio, 2705 Castle Creek Lane, just off Castle Hayne Road. Markraft’s professional kitchen and bath designers consult by appointment but drop-in visitors are always welcome to browse the showroom, open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

PL A N TATI ON V I L LAG E

Mandy Mattox

Jane Roberts

LEARN HOW TO DOWNSIZE, SELL AND MOVE EASILY AT OUR MARCH EVENT

D

oes anyone else have Spring Fever yet? After a long, cold winter there is simply nothing better than the arrival of warmer weather and longer days.

For many of us, however, the onset of spring means that it is time to put your house on the market and get ready to move. Experts agree that the springtime market is the best market in which to sell your home.

The experts also agree that as you age, moving can be a traumatic event, and for some a major roadblock that prevents them from making the best possible decision that could affect the remainder of their lives. With that in mind, Plantation Village is hosting an informational seminar with local experts, who will be on hand to provide advice and assistance in the areas of downsizing, presenting and selling your home.

This is a great way for potential residents to test the waters at Plantation Village

and learn about the necessary steps associated with moving.

The format of the event will be an interactive workshop featuring the three major areas that affect your move.

The first stop will be time spent with Jane Roberts, founder of Carolina Move Managers. Think of Jane as a concierge, a highly trained senior move manager who partners with clients to help them succeed and thrive in every step of the relocation process.

Jane starts by working with her clients to develop a customized floor plan of their new home, to identify which pieces of furniture will work in the new space and which pieces will not.

Understanding that many have children who are living far away or who are facing extremely busy schedules, Jane offers a comprehensive array of move management services. She even works with experienced movers to pack and prepare belongings for

the move, then assists with unpacking and decorating.

The next stop in the workshop is an informational session with Mandy Mattox, a local Realtor with a proven track record of success.

She has excelled in real estate as a result of her compassionate approach and focus on providing useful guidance, combined with her commitment to listen carefully to the needs of her clients.

Some of the information that Mandy will cover includes how to sell a home in the most expedient, efficient manner possible. She will also discuss the nuances of creating a comprehensive marketing plan for each listing, in addition to current market data, such as recent sale prices and the average number of days that each home has spent on the market.

The third stop will address the presentation of your home as you prepare it for sale. Jenna McKnight, of Aqua Home Staging, is an expert

in preparing homes for sale on the open market. For many, it is a surprise to hear that staged homes often sell faster, and for more money. It is also surprising to learn that a few simple strategies and techniques can deliver BIG results. Jenna will share presentation tips and suggestions.

When you consider that your end game will be a more rewarding, convenient lifestyle provided by Plantation Village, where you can escape the drudgery of home ownership in favor of swimming in the salt water pool, enjoying delicious fare at our restaurant, connecting with new friends, or enjoying the freedom of having weekly housekeeping services, there are lots of reasons to get moving this spring.

To make a reservation for our spring event, visit us on the web at www.PlantationVillageRC. com. Like us on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/ PlantationVillageRC.

1.866.825.3806 | PLANTATIONVILLAGERC.COM

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N I R F A M I LY Y M C A

EXCLUSIVE Y-ZONE PROGRAM INTEGRATES TECHNOLOGY AND GROUP TRAINING

T

he holidays are long gone, but for some of us, the impact of all of the cookies, cakes, and sugarplums remains. The onset of bathing suit season looms ominously; the summer season “goal clothes” languish in a corner of the closet, gathering dust.

So why not make the most of the time in the gym?

Maximizing the effectiveness of a training program just makes sense, and with our advanced Y-Zone Training Program, I can practically guarantee you will see positive results in a short amount of time.

Utilizing a heart rate monitor that monitors information in real-time and posts the results on a TV screen overhead, the Y-Zone Program allows participants to ensure they are training in the optimal zone for their specific age and weight. The benefits of the Y-Zone Training Program are compounded by the fact that it takes place in a fun, competitive group environment, in a 1,200 square foot studio that was

specifically designed for use by the program.

To further customize the training program to individual needs, wants and goals, participants can choose from a variety of classes, including: Burn – As the name implies, this high intensity, 45-minute workout focuses on challenging muscular and cardiovascular strength and endurance.

Incorporating a series of total body movements that activate multiple muscle groups, this metabolic workout is a game changer.

Circuit – Popular among a variety of age groups and fitness levels, this is a unique, full-body training session that works all areas of the body, while minimizing impact to the joints. Delivered in a fun and energetic way, this program helps participants move better, lose weight and improve muscle tone.

Recover – For those who are seeking to overcome an injury or revitalize their body, this is a great choice. The program

emphasizes three key components of fitness: flexibility, mobility and stability, by integrating movements that allow participants to learn by doing.

Though we recognize that there are numerous advantages associated with training in a group environment, we limit class sizes to a maximum of 12 people. This allows us to provide those who are participating in the programs with a higher degree of personal attention and individualized advice.

A heart rate monitor is not required for the classes, however it is an essential tool if you want to enhance your workout.

The Y-Zone Program utilizes the MZ3 Belt Heart Rate Monitor, which is available through the YMCA for only $100. Loaners are also available, and we have a number of special offers, such as the three day per week plan, which allows you to get a monitor and a free T-shirt for only $60.

Understanding that there is no such thing as a one-size-

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fits-all approach to fitness, the Y-Zone Training Program integrates advanced technology with customized training and provides benchmarks every 12 weeks. To get the most out of your time in the gym and achieve your fitness goals in the shortest possible time frame, contact me today at 910-2519622, extension 225, or Lori.

Campbell@ymcasenc.org.

Lori Campbell is the Healthy Living Engagement Coordinator at the YMCA, an inclusive nonprofit organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The YMCA is a great place to improve health, try new activities and spend time with family and friends. The YMCA community brings together people of all abilities, ages, ethnicities, financial circumstances, genders, races and religions.

MARCH 3/5

5

WILMA SOCIAL HOUR Waterline Brewing Co.

WILMA holds its latest Social Hour event, a fun outing with THURSDAY live music, pop-up shop, giveaways, and more 4:30-7 p.m. at Waterline Brewing Co., 721 Surry Street.

There is no cost to attend, but there is a cash bar available with beer and wine. WilmyWoodie’s food truck is on-hand with its wood-fired pizza menu. Info: wilmamag.com/events

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3/15

BBQ COOK-OFF Battleship North Carolina

Step Up for Soldiers, a nonprofit that helps disabled veterans, SATURDAY holds its ninth annual Back Yard BBQ Cook-Off fundraiser.

Tastings start at 11 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. while supplies last. Awards take place at 4:30 p.m. Tasting tickets can be purchased ahead of time online or at the event. Info: stepupforsoldiers.org/bbq

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3/18

DRINK & DRAW Wrightsville Beach Brewery

To celebrate the release of the educational coloring book All Along the Atlantic, the North Carolina Coastal Federation, Luna Creative, and Wrightsville Beach Brewery host Drink & Draw. The family-friendly event 6-8 p.m. will include all the necessary supplies for a night of creativity. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from sales of the book by Wilmington authors Cordelia Norris and Cathy Meyer supports the North Carolina Coastal Federation, which also will receive a donation of 11 percent of the proceeds of sales from Wrightsville Beach Brewery’s Oysterman Stout during March. Info: nccoast.org/events

WEDNESDAY

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14 SATURDAY

3/24

ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL Downtown Wilmington

For some family fun, Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Festival kicks off at 11 a.m. in downtown Wilmington with a parade, and continues until 6 p.m. with food, beverages, vendors, live music, kids zone, and dancing. The festival takes place at Market and Second streets. Info: wilmingtonstpatricksdayfestival.com

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DELLA MAE Brooklyn Arts Center

The Grammy-nominated bluegrass band Della Mae performs at the Brooklyn SUNDAY Arts Center. The all-female string band is based in Nashville. Rachel Baiman opens for the show. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Info: brooklynartsnc.com/event/della-mae

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CIRQUE ÉLOIZE CFCC Wilson Center

WEDNESDAY

Contemporary circus company Cirque Éloize brings its tour of Hotel to

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Wilmington. Hotel tells the story of characters throughout the timeless art deco hotel with acrobats, aerialists, singers, and more. The show is at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $34.44$66.74. Info: wilsoncentertickets.com

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9 HORSES UNCW Kenan Auditorium

9 Horses performs as part of UNCW’s annual JazzFest. The trio features Grammy nominee Sara Caswell on violin and hardanger d’amore, Joe Brent on acoustic and electric mandolin, and Andrew Ryan on bass. The show is at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $15-$40. Info: uncw.edu/arts/ presents FRIDAY

CAPE FEAR CRAFT BEER WEEK Different venues Through March 29

The fourth annual Cape Fear Craft Beer Week includes a variety of activities highlighting the area’s breweries, bottle shops, restaurants, and craft-centric businesses. Events include a tap takeover at Edward Teach Brewery, pop-up makers market at The Sour Barn, Beer & Hymns at Waterman’s Brewing Company, and more. The Ultimate Brewing

3/20 Championship on March 20 is the official kick-off where brewers from local breweries go head to head for bragging rights. The Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine dining event takes place at Airlie Gardens on March 28, featuring the cuisine of more than twenty local chefs paired with offerings from North Carolina breweries. Chefs and brewers will be on-site to talk about their pairings. Info: capefearcraftbeerweek.com

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BALLET FOLCLÓRICO UNCW Kenan Auditorium

Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México de Silvia Lozano, which preserves and promotes Mexican culture, brings its dance to the Wilmington stage as part of the UNCW Presents series. The company showcases the originality and authenticity of Mexican dance through folklore, music, and costumes. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $20-$50. Info: uncw.edu/arts/presents

TUESDAY

CATS CFCC Wilson Center Through March 26

Back to its original home – the stage – the

3/14

3/24 Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats comes to Wilmington. The national tour brings the Tony Award-winning production to the Wilson Center for three nights. The show starts at 8 p.m. each night, and tickets are $54.63-$118.64. Info: wilsoncentertickets.com

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T hree G eneraTions , o ne M ission

SERVING THE CAROLINA COAST FOR MORE THAN 65 YEARS

LARGEST DOG PHOTO SHOOT Waterline Brewing Co.

An attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Record’s Largest Dog Photo Shoot takes place at Waterline Brewing. Organizers are holding the photo shoot during Cape Fear Craft Beer Week and to kick off North Carolina Beer Month in honor of a recently passed bill allowing dogs in taprooms around the state.

The current record is 710 dogs in a photo shoot, which took place in Moscow last year.

All dogs are encouraged to join the recordbreaking attempt, and a post-photo shoot puppy parade to downtown is planned. Info: facebook.com/events/179410423170820 SUNDAY

Submit your event to the WILMA online calendar at WILMAmag.com

WILMAmag.com

www.JamesEMoore.com • 910.256.5333 1508 Military Cutoff Road, Ste. 104 Wilmington, NC 28403

MARCH 2020

Keeping Promises Since 1954

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Debra Gillingham at the 2019 Wilmington Theater Awards winning best supporting actress in a play

CURTAIN

CALL

WOMEN CROWD THE FIELD OF WILMINGTON THEATER AWARD NOMINEES

by BETH A. KLAHRE

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O

photo c/o StarNews Media

n March 11, the Thalian Hall curtain will rise once again on the Wilmington Theater Awards. The event, now in its ninth year, celebrates the best in local talent. And, this year’s nominees include more than forty women.

Winners will be announced in twenty-two categories including Best Musical, Best Play, and Best Actress from nearly fifty nominated shows. The awards cover shows that opened last year, ran for at least two weekends, and were reviewed by the StarNews, which puts on the awards in association with Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts.

Winners are determined by equal parts public, theater company, and theater award committee votes.

John Staton, the award show’s co-producer and arts and entertainment editor at the StarNews, recalls, “I used to do annual super-

MARCH 2020

latives for local theater in the paper, and one year Linda Lavin, a previous Wilmington resident, suggested I turn the reviews into an awards show.”

Thanks to Staton’s efforts, along with those of Jeff Hidek, a colleague at the StarNews; Justin Smith, executive artistic director of Opera House Theatre Company; Chiaki Ito, previously with City Stage; and the late Donn Ansell the awards were born.

“We started the awards to shine a light on the glory that is Wilmington theater,” Staton says. “Many companies produce a lot of wonderful work that adds value to our community. It should be recognized and applauded.”

This year’s female nominees work in all aspects of theater.

GEORGIE SIMON, for example, is nominated for the first time for Best Actress in a Musical as Lizzie Borden in Lizzie: The Musical and for Best Newcomer for her 2019 performances in Lizzie, Elf, Clue: The Musical, Matilda, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be nominated in two categories,” says Simon, who moved to Wilmington in the fall of 2018.

“The Wilmington theater community was immediately welcoming. It was quite easy to fall in love with it.”

HOLLI SAPERSTEIN’s theater company, Panache Theatrical Productions, is nominated for Best Musical and Best Play. Saperstein, who founded Panache with Anthony David Lawson, is also nominated for Best Director of a Play with her co-director GRACE CARLYLE BERRY for The Cake. “We are so very lucky to have the caliber of both on- and offstage talent here. Wilmington has an incredible theater scene,” Saperstein says.

REGINA MCLEOD is also nominated for Best Director of a Play for Jitney. “The idea of inspiring other women, particularly women of color, with this nomination is an awesome feeling,” she says.

Saperstein says she believes in the Wilmington arts scene.

“Wilmington is a great place to be female in the dramatic arts,” she says. “A number of companies’ leadership is female. Female directors and artistic directors are welcomed.

Four out of five of the directors nominated for plays this year are women. There are a number of female technicians. This is not always the case.

“Wilmington is a special place to be in the arts.”W Event info: thalianhall.org

5

TAKE

photo by TERAH WILSON

In the four years since N2GIVES started donating to anti-human trafficking nonprofits, it’s given out $10 million. “In 2016, we decided that we wanted to start using some of the profits from N2 Publishing to support a cause we felt passionate about,” says REBECCA HIXON, who co-founded the program with her husband, N2 Publishing CEO Duane Hixon. “We ended up giving around $2.5 million to about thirty different nonprofits fighting for justice in the anti-trafficking space domestically and internationally. The response was so overwhelmingly positive from our N2 community that we decided this shouldn’t just be a one-time giving campaign; this should become part of the DNA of who N2 is.”

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON THE ISSUE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING? “In 1998, as a fresh, bright-eyed eighteen-year-old, I took a trip to Thailand and first witnessed the horrors of human trafficking … That trip changed me, and a passion was born in me to see an end to this kind of exploitation and abuse. One thing we know is that there are so many amazing causes people have near and dear to their hearts … But for us, we felt like it was important to pick one thing that we were very passionate about and have a single focus. Instead of giving small amounts to many different worthy causes, we wanted to be able to give more to fight one thing.” WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE YEARS SINCE WORKING ON THE INITIATIVE THAT HAS SURPRISED YOU? “I think one of the biggest surprises is that trafficking doesn’t always look the way we think it does. Movies like Taken have given us a picture of how things can happen, but more often it’s subtle manipulation and predators preying on the vulnerabilities of people with certain risk factors.” HOW DO YOU DECIDE ON THE NONPROFITS TO PARTNER WITH? “As of last year, we stopped taking new applications and chose to focus on building stronger relationships with the thirty nonprofit partners we had funded in 2018. Last year, we narrowed our grant recipient list to nineteen and are excited about supporting them at an even greater level in the future.” WHAT PROMPTED BUYING THE DOWNTOWN HOUSE FOR A SAFE PLACE’S EMERGENCY SHELTER? “Even though we (the company) have 800 franchises around the country, our home office and backbone support team for N2 Publishing is right here in Wilmington. So, it has been such a great opportunity for us to get to stand hand in hand with a local organization, A Safe Place, who provides support and hope to trafficking survivors right here in our city.”

WHAT DO YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE OF N2GIVES? “The goal of N2GIVES is to contribute to and be able to see an end to modern-day slavery in our lifetime. When we first really started to learn about how big and complicated this issue is, I started to feel overwhelmed and a little paralyzed at times. … But as we have met more and more incredible people around the world doing unbelievable things in this fight for justice, I now believe it is possible to end the greatest injustice of our generation.” W REBECCA HIXON’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Roundup email. To sign up for daily WILMA emails, go to WILMAmag.com.

WILMAmag.com

MARCH 2020

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BOXED IN

by TIM BASS illustration by MARK WEBER Tim Bass is coordinator of UNCW’s bachelor of fine arts program in creative writing.

I

I don’t drink, but I still go to the ABC store on occasion.

I always stop just inside the front door and ask someone, either a sober-minded counter clerk or a preoccupied customer, where I can find the empty boxes that held all the bottles everyone else is there to buy. The empties are free to anyone who’s moving (usually) or shipping (frequently) or reorganizing (infrequently) or wants to pack the attic with more junk in dusty cardboard boxes (constantly).

It’s one of the state’s best recycling programs.

“You have to take twenty,” a clerk joked during a recent visit.

He motioned toward a wall of empty boxes, four deep and rising to my shoulders: bourbon, whiskey, scotch, vodka, tequila, gin, rum, cognac, brandy. Whoa. That’s a bunch of booze. No wonder I hadn’t seen my neighbors all winter. I snagged three (sturdy boxes, not tipsy neighbors) and headed home to pack up some stuff to mail.

In my house, the boxes covered the last rug space that wasn’t taken up by other boxes: a box of towels I haven’t used, an empty gift box of muffins and scones from the holidays, and three metal boxes holding a thousand photo slides that I needed to send off for scanning – the reason I’d gone to the liquor store for boxes.

Boxes are taking over my life.

In the foyer, two shoeboxes have sat unopened for months, containing either something I want to keep or nothing at all; someday, I’ll open them and solve that mystery. They’re next to a credenza (a box) holding a stereo (a box) with four speakers (all boxes), and next to them rests a radio (a box) with an extension

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speaker (a box). I inherited a friend’s CDs, dozens of thin, clear boxes piled into an office box that sits behind my computer desk. The computer is a box, too. And, the desk.

Our homes are just big boxes that hold countless little boxes: TVs, refrigerators, armoires, cable modems, wall chargers, nightstands, toasters, ottomans, ovens, box springs, grandfather clocks, washer/ dryers, microwaves, and heating/AC units. My chest of drawers is nothing but a large box that holds a bunch of small boxes.

What isn’t a box comes in a box – cereal, popcorn, envelopes, crackers, ice cream, jewelry, Band-Aids, cake mix, raisins, breath mints. I keep them in cabinets, which are just wall-mounted boxes for storing all these boxes. I have an air purifier that’s a box full of air – the same air that would be there if the purifier weren’t. A doughnut store sells boxes of coffee. Kids guzzle juice from boxes.

People drink wine from boxes (though they don’t brag about it).

My toothpaste comes in a tube, but the tube comes in a box. Our cellphones are merely fragile, over-priced boxes that tell us what to buy, which will then be shipped to us in boxes. My text messages show up on the screen in boxes. All those bottles at the ABC store?

They’re just boxes without corners.

When we finish with this life, they’ll take us out of here in a box.

Eventually, I found the perfect box for my shipment. It was hidden beneath some other boxes. I broke down the unneeded liquor boxes. At the end of the week, the recycling truck came for them. It was a giant rolling box.

W ILMINGTONBIZ 2020

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MARCH 18

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CONVENTION CENTER

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WilmingtonBizExpo.com

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WILMINGTON’S FIRST Invisalign Diamond Provider

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