WILMA - December 2019

WILMA

DECEMBER 2019

WILMINGTON’S SUCCESSFUL WOMAN

Holiday Glam Sparkle and shine

Bellamy on Pointe The Nutcracker’s Wilmington twist

Grand Slam

Keeping Althea Gibson’s stor y alive

Too Good to Regift.

1437 Military Cutoff Rd • 910 679 8797 • nothingbundtcakes.com

december 2019

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47

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12 SPOTLIGHT

43 CALENDAR

14 HEALTH: Fertile thoughts

46 THE SCENE: Holiday flavor

17 TASTE: Bread winner

47 TAKE 5: Signature song

20 STYLE: Mad for plaid

48 MEN’S ROOM: Mistle-no

Check out WILMA magazine here:

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DECEMBER 2019

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20 28 B ELLAMY OF THE BALL: Dancing through history 34 G RAND SLAM: The push to honor Althea Gibson

WILMAmag.com

Let the holidays shine this month.

Whether you’ve got parties, family gatherings, or religious observances planned for December, it’s the time of year when light reflects all around.

Take a cue from the Cameron Art Museum’s Illumination exhibit, find out details on page 12, and bask in the soft glow of lamps or floating lanterns.

Under the stage spotlights at the Wilson Center – home to a number of holiday-related shows this month – local dancers perform in an annual tradition that weaves together the classic Nutcracker story with a bit of Wilmington history. Read how the production comes together each year on page 28.

And, speaking of history, former tennis star and buster of barriers Althea Gibson continues to make an impression on people when they learn more about her story – particularly for the girls at the GLOW Academy. See how they worked to help enshrine Gibson’s place in tennis history on page 34.

Finally, as the days get shorter, amp up the wattage at night with these looks that sparkle and shine starting on page 20.

Happy holidays to all. We’ll see you in 2020! W DECEMBER 2019

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Publisher Rob Kaiser rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com

MARIANNA BOUCHER is a writer who has

lived and worked in Wilmington for more than thirty years. Her favorite pastimes are reading, swimming, and running. She’s currently attempting to learn the intricacies of knitting. Boucher talks with counselor Windy Ezzell about her new fertility-related app that launched this fall (page 14).

NINA BAYS COURNOYER is design director

for the Los Angeles Business Journal and style writer for WILMA magazine. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she was previously co-editor/art director of WILMA and art director for the Greater Wilmington Business Journal and is happy to still be part of the WILMA team, even while on the opposite coast. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Bryan, and their two cats, Oskar and Bucky. She gives us the roundup on how to pull off plaid for the holidays (page 20).

SHERRI CRAWFORD is the owner of Loud

Girl Media and has been a print and broadcast journalist for more than a decade. Since leaving Wilmington’s radio airwaves, Crawford has focused on entertainment writing and photography, covering national music festivals, interviewing celebrity musicians, and more. She can be found commanding the mic as a freelance event emcee and DJ and on social media. She checks in on plans for this year’s 12 Tastes (or more!) of Christmas (page 46).

MEGAN DEITZ turned her love of photography

into a full-time career in 2003 when she began traveling up and down the East Coast as a sports photographer. Today, she specializes in portrait and commercial photography but can be found fueling her true passion for landscape and wildlife photography through her travels around the world. Deitz photographed dancers from A Carolina Nutcracker at the Bellamy Mansion (page 28) and singer Leme Nolan for this month’s Take 5 (page 47). megandeitz.com and @megandeitz_photography on Instagram

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 and style feature (page 20). melissahebertphoto.com

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DECEMBER 2019

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 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 Editor Dave Dean ddean@wilmingtonbiz.com Contributing Designer Suzi Drake art@wilmingtonbiz.com Digital Editor Johanna Cano jcano@wilmingtonbiz.com Fashion Stylist Ashley Duch Grocki Contributors Tim Bass, Marianna Boucher, Bridget Callahan, Nina Bays Cournoyer, Sherri Crawford, Jessica Maurer, Lynda Van Kuren, Lori Wilson Contributing Photographers Logan Burke, Megan Deitz, Melissa Hebert Photography, Michael Cline Spencer, 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

WILMA’S

LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE FOUNDING SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

“Our community has been shaped by women who have forged a path to

Poonam Kahlon Director, Talent Development CastleBranch

WILMAmag.com

leadership through years of hard work and determination. Organizations like CastleBranch + tekMountain help to define and support this journey through training and networking opportunities with like-minded mentors, innovators, and executives. We are honored to partner with WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative and share in their vision of supporting Wilmington’s women leaders.”

DECEMBER 2019

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W2W YEAR IN REVIEW

WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative has updates to share as we continue to work on the mission of helping develop more women leaders in our area. Here’s what we’ve been up to in 2019: LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR: This year’s Leadership Accelerator event in July featured a sold-out lunch talk with Sheri Lynch, co-host and owner of the nationally syndicated radio show The Bob & Sheri Show. Over 400 women came to the half-day Accelerator event (shown above), which also included workshops on leadership topics and board training sessions.

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.

MENTORING: We matched up thirty women with mentors as part of our yearlong mentoring program. Starting in April and through monthly one-on-one meetings, the participants met with their mentors to gain insight and advice about leadership goals. We also held a group mentoring event this fall, open to all WILMA readers. (Applications for the next group of mentoring program participants open in February to those who participated in any Women to Watch program this year.)

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: The 2019 class of WILMA’s Leadership Institute, made up of thirty-two women who applied and were selected through a judging process, met monthly for a nine-month program of leadership skills development, peer mentoring, and connecting with area executives. The 2020 class starts in January. (The application window has closed for next year’s class, but notices for 2021 will go out in the summer.)

WILMA AWARDS: Thirty-five finalists were recognized in our eighth annual Women to Watch Awards in October. At the awards event, seven category winners were honored. (Applications for next year’s awards open in June.)

ADVISORY BOARD: Our advisory board members met quarterly to hear updates about the program and give feedback for ideas to grow it. They also served as judges for WILMA’s Women to Watch Awards and Leadership Institute class.

IN THE LOOP: Keep up to date with these and other Leadership Initiative programs as well as applications announcement by going to WILMAmag.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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DECEMBER 2019

n e t w o r k The WILMA Network is a program of the Women to Watch Leadership Initiative to help women business owners, executives and community leaders connect with each other and serve as a resource for up-and-coming women in the region.

NOELLE AGNEW

LAURA CRUMPTON

STACIE HIDEK

STACY ANKRUM

DONNA ESTEVES

LISA HILL

JACKIE BATES

MICHELLE FOGLE

JEAN HOLDER

LIANA BELANICH

PAM FORTENBERRY-SLATE

CHRISSY HOSKINS

LAURA BRODGEN

BRANDI GRIFFIN WOLFF

KRISTY HUBARD

JANIE CANTY-MITCHELL

SUSAN GSELL

Managing Agent, Don Bullard Insurance noelle@dbins.com

VP of Commercial Banking, First Citizens Bank stacy.ankrum@firstcitizens.com

ReStore Operations Manager, Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity jackie.bates@capefearhabitat.org

Owner, Prana Salt Cave lianabelanich@gmail.com

Manager of Programs & Operations, UNCW CIE brogdonl@uncw.edu

NA Regional Supply Chain Manager, Corning Incorporated EstevesDJ@corning.com

Owner/Operating Partner, Fleet Feet Sports Wilmington michelle.fogle@fleetfeet.com

Global SNSD, Mary Kay Cosmetics pamnsdoffice@gmail.com

Manager, Executive Administration, Alcami brandi.wolff@alcaminow.com

Marketing Director, USS North Carolina Battleship stacie.hidek@ncdcr.gov

Senior Business Banking Specialist, Wells Fargo lisa.hill@wellsfargo.com

Owner, Lyf Stylin' by Jean jeangholder@gmail.com

Regional Sales Manager, Well Care Health choskins@wellcarehealth.com

Chief Strategy Officer, New Hanover Regional Medical Center kristy.hubard@nhrmc.org

ALEXIS HUNTER

Smith + Gsell Design Studio smithgselldesign@gmail.com

Director of Professional Relations, Chrysalis Center for Counseling & Eating Disorder Treatment alexis@chrysaliscenter-nc.com

WANDA COLEY

ELIZABETH HELDRETH

KENDALL HURT

LINDSAY CRIGHTON

KATIE HENDERSON

SONYA JOHNSON

Founder and CEO, LeadersCare, LLC info@leaderscare.net

VP of Strategy and Execution, UnitedHealth Group wanda_coley@uhc.com

Director of Development, UNCW College of Arts and Sciences crightonl@uncw.edu

WILMAmag.com

Regional Sales Team Leader, Lighthouse Insurance lvizzini@lhmgt.com

Mortgage Sales Manager, Gateway Mortgage Group elizabeth.heldreth@gatewayloan.com

Marketing Director, Pathfinder Wealth Consulting katie@pathfinderwc.com

Owner, Meadowlark kendallhurt@live.com

Director of Marketing and Communications, Cape Fear Community College sjohnson@cfcc.edu

DECEMBER 2019

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RENEE JONES

LAUREN MCGHEE

RUTH RAVITZ SMITH

POONAM KAHLON

KATIE MEDINA

ELIZABETH REDENBAUGH

AMIRA KARMOUS

AMANDA MIARS

JUSTINE REEL

JENEAN LACORTE

LYNN MURPHY

ANDREA RHODES

ELAINE LEGGETT

LIZ MYERS

DELORIS RHODES

JESSICA LOEPER

RACHEL NADEAU

NIVINE RICHIE CFA

Communications Manager, Well Care Health rnadeau@wellcarehealth.com

Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, International Programs, and Swain Center, UNCW, Cameron School of Business richien@uncw.edu

LILY LOIZEAUX

MELISSA ODOM

GRETCHEN RIVAS

AMANDA LUKE

PEGGY O'LEARY

KANDRA ROMEO

JC LYLE

KARI PARKER

MEREDITH RUTLEDGE

ALEXANDRA LYSIK

KIM PEACE

KELLY SCHAUDT

MARY CATHERINE MARINICH

ALYCE PHILLIPS

KARI LEE SCHULTZ

CEO, A Creative Touch rj@acreativetouchinc.com

Director of Talent Development, Castlebranch pkkahlo@castlebranch.com

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Owner, Runway Skin Bar amirakarmous@gmail.com

Owner, Para-Medical Tattoo Artist, Restorative Tattoos jenean@restorativetattoos.com

Member/Organizer, Leggett, PLLC el@leggettpllc.com

Human Resources Leader, GE Hitachi Lilian.Loizeaux@ge.com

Tax Manager, RSM US LLC Amanda.Luke@rsmus.com

Executive Director, Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry (WARM) jclyle@warmnc.org

Owner, Cavik Insurance alexandra@cavikinsurance.com

Owner, Nothing Bundt Cakes cat.marinich@nothingbundtcakes.com

WILMA

Wealth Management Advisor, Medina & Associates katherine_medina@ml.com

Partner, Murchison Taylor & Gibson aMiars@murchisontaylor.com

Donor Advisor, Lower Cape Fear Hospice Lynn.Murphy@lcfh.org

General Manager, Frank Institute lizmyersrf@gmail.com

Chief Communications Officer, New Hanover County jloeper@nhcgov.com

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Client Relationship and Recruiting Manager, Human Capital Solutions lauren.mcghee@humancs.com

DECEMBER 2019

CMPE, COO, Physicians Healthcare Collaborative, Wilmington Health MOdom@wilmingtonhealth.com

Owner and President, Premier Staffing Solutions poleary@premierstaffnc.com

Development Director, United Way of the Cape Fear Area kari.parker@uwcfa.org

Partner, Cape Fear Tax and Accounting Solutions kim@cftaxacctg.com

Marketing Director, Old North State Trust aphillips@oldnorthstatetrust.com

President, R2S3 RR Smith Strategic Solutions, LLC ruth@r2s3.com

Development Director, Coastal Horizon Center eredenbaugh@coastalhorizons.org

Interim Director, SPARC, Associate Dean, Research and Innovation,UNCW-CHHS reelj@uncw.edu

Practice Administrator, Carolinas Oral & Facial Surgery Center arhodes@carolina-surgery.com

Former Assistant Superintendent, Pender County Schools rhodes1005@yahoo.com

Owner, Relax! Massage Therapy/Infinity Acupuncture jennifer@acupunctureinwilmington.com

Director of Community Relations, Excite Credit Union kromeo@alliancecu.org

Marketing Director, O'Brien Service Company meredith@obrienservice.com

President, Shout Out Solutions kschaudt@shoutoutsolutions.com

Partner, Hedrick, Gardner, Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP kschultz@hedrickgardner.com

ROBIN SHAFFER

Sleep Expert, Sleep Number 10233.MayfaireTownCenter @sleepnumber.com

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POPPY TUGWELL

General Manager, City Club of Wilmington poppy@cityclubatderosset.com

MICHELE SIMPSON

DEBBIE WARWICK

LINDSAY SMITH

KAREN WEAVER

MELANIE SMITH

HALLEY WHITE

DAPHNE SNOW

RILEIGH WILKINS

ELAINE TRICARICO

LINDSEY ZURCHER

DDS, Dentist and Owner, Wilmington Smile Design Center gohnmichele@icloud.com

EVP of Operations, Live Oak Bank Debbie.Warwick@liveoakbank.com

Director of Client Development, Greene Resources lindsay@greeneresources.com

Client Advisor, PNC Wealth Management, PNC Bank karen.weaver@pnc.com

Owner & Baker, Sweets and Spirits sweetsandspirits@gmail.com

Owner, White & Johnson Pediatric Dentistry l.stinson@growinggrins.com

Chief Operating Officer, Cape Fear Arthritis Care daphnemsnow@cfac.com

Sr. Sales and Marketing Manager, Wilmington Convention Center etricarico@wilmingtonconventions.com

Retail Manager, Big Sky Design rileigh@bigskydesignonline.com

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Human Resources Director, MegaCorp Logistics lzurcher@megacorplogistics.com

CONNECTING women business owners, executives & community leaders Contact WILMA’s Melissa Pressley at mpressley@wilmingtonbiz.com or (910) 343-8600 x203 for more information or to join!

WILMAmag.com

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DECEMBER 2019

WILMA

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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

17 BREAKING BREAD: Kathy Stone fires up the ovens 34 UNMATCHED: Spreading Althea Johnson’s story 47 TAKE 5: Q&A with songstress Leme Nolan

DECEMBER

leadership opportunities

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The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, along with New Hanover County and UNCW, holds a CAPE FEAR REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH SUMMIT 7:30-10 a.m. at the Wilmington Convention Center. Officials will review progress on the 2018 Regional Economic Scorecard and the 2014 Pathway to Prosperity/Garner Report and look at the future of economic development in New Hanover County.

Info: wilmingtonchamber.org/events

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Cape Fear Women in Tech holds its inaugural Wilmington TechCon event 5:30-7:30 p.m. at tekMountain, 1844 Sir Tyler Drive, for local tech groups and those who work in tech fields to meet. nfo: cfwit.com PORT CITY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS holds its monthly networking social open to all at Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington/ Mayfaire, 6732 Swan Mill Road, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Info: pcypapp.com/events

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First Flight Venture Center, a science and technology incubator in Research Triangle Park, holds a half-day seminar on how early-stage companies can submit competitive grants and win SBIR/ STTR FUNDING. The seminar is at UNCW’s MARBIONC, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane.

Info: ffvcnc.org Clay Dunnagan, managing partner of Anchor Capital, speaks about a private equity approach to investing in small-cap public equities at the INVESTORS ROUNDTABLE OF WILMINGTON meeting starting at noon at Country Club of Landfall. RSVP to Cliff Brock at cliffbrock@ec.rr.com.

The AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL meets 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at South East Area Health Education Center, 2511 Delaney Avenue. Info: wilmingtonchamber.org/events

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DECEMBER 2019

The Greater Wilmington Business Journal holds its final POWER BREAKFAST of

the year, with TED-style talks from six of the region’s most intriguing people of the year.

The breakfast event is 7:30-9:45 a.m. at the Wilmington Convention Center.

Info: wilmingtonpowerbreakfast.com

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PORT CITY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS’ membersonly Christmas Party takes place 7-10 p.m. at Saint Thomas Preservation Hall.

Info: pcypapp.com/events

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The WILMINGTON AREA HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION holds its holiday lunch event, starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Wilmington Convention Center. Local officals will talk about successful holiday events they have been involved with, from Enchanted Airlie to flotillas. Info: wilmingtonaha.com

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

WILMAmag.com

DECEMBER 2019

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Artist Cara Bevan’s “Full House” carved and sculpted owl lamp from the 2018 Illumination exhibit

CAMERON, ALL LIT UP

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Cameron Art Museum lights up again for its fifth annual ILLUMINATION exhibition inspired by traditional lantern festivals.

The museum features a gallery of lanterns made by artists whose proposals of original designs were selected for the month-long display. The opening party is December 6, with the public exhibition running December 7-January 12.

A unique part each year is the museum’s floating lantern ceremony, which takes place January 12. For it, the museum will sell lanterns to be personalized, with the mass float starting at 5 p.m. at CAM’s pond. Info: cameronartmuseum.org

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DECEMBER 2019

CFCC NAMES HEAD OF CUSTOMIZED TRAINING

Cape Fear Community College hired JAN YOKELEY as director of the school’s customized training program.

Yokeley brings more than fifteen years of experience as an economic developer in the Triad region, in both local and state positions. In that role, she worked with a variety of businesses from small ones to large Fortune 500 companies.

“Joining Cape Fear Community College and the North Carolina Community College System family has been a longtime goal of mine,” Yokeley says. “I look forward to being a part of this successful organization and its talented staff and faculty in delivering the highest level of workforce preparedness training here in the Cape Fear region.”

Yokeley earned an MBA from GardnerWebb University and holds economic development credentials from the University of Oklahoma.

“We are thrilled to have her on our team to support the many assets of CFCC’s growing corporate and workforce development training programs,” says John Downing, the college’s vice president of continuing education.

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HEALTH CARE HEROES ARE RECOGNIZED

The 2019 Health Care Heroes award winners were announced November 15 during a ceremony at the Country Club of Landfall. Several area women were among the category winners in this year’s awards.

They were: DEANNA CRESCENZI, telemetry monitor technician with NHRMC in the Health Care Professional category; LOGAN JONES, junior volunteer at Pender Memorial Hospital, in the Volunteer category; CAROL NORTHUP, vice president of patient care services and CNO/COO for Dosher Memorial Hospital, in the Health Care Executive category.

MANDY O’HARA, director of patient care services for Lower Cape Fear Hospice, in the Nurse category; VICTORIA OXENDINE (above), manager of ambulatory services with NHRMC, in the Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant category; OLIVIA RICE, breastfeeding peer counselor for Chocolate Milk of Wilmington, in the Community Outreach category; and CHRISTY SPIVEY, administrator for regional services with NHRMC, in the Community Achievement category.

ant more WILMA? Check out our weekly email, which includes even more profiles and stories for Wilmington’s successful women.

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

weekly

WILMINGTON’S SUCCESSFUL WOMAN

HARDY RECEIVES STATE SERVICE AWARD

Retired Brunswick County Manager ANN HARDY received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award. The award was presented to Hardy at the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners meeting on October 21.

Hardy retired at the beginning of November as the county’s manager, a role she held since May 2013.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor.

The award recognizes those who have “made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments,” officials say.

Hardy had previously served Brunswick in other capacities, including as director of fiscal operations for the county, assistant superintendent of finance and public information for Brunswick County Schools, and finance officer for Brunswick County Schools.

She also served as an internal auditor, accounting supervisor, and interim finance officer for New Hanover County Schools.

“Both prior to and during her tenure as our manager, Ann Hardy has demonstrated unwavering integrity, a relentless commitment to excellence, and a laser focus on ensuring that our government is doing the right thing for its citizens,” says Frank Williams, chairman of the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners. “I can think of no one more deserving of this honor.”

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

Email us: wilma@WILMAmag.com WILMAmag.com

DECEMBER 2019

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W FOCUS DIGITAL

conceived.

LOCAL COUNSELOR LAUNCHES A FERTILITY MINDFULNESS APP

by MARIANNA B. BOUCHER photo by TERAH WILSON

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DECEMBER 2019

INDY EZZELL remembers the exact moment the idea for Fertile Affirmations was

“I was sitting on a beautiful North Carolina mountain during my fourth miscarriage thinking, ‘I can’t be held hostage by this journey anymore. I have to get my life back,’” she recalls.

For the next year, the licensed professional counselor channeled her love of guided meditation and visualization into a series of daily positive affirmations she wrote for herself. “Infertility, loss, and postpartum can be all-consuming with the doctors’ appointments, the stress, and the grief. It can take over every waking moment if allowed,” Ezzell says.

The affirmations shepherded her

through some very dark times and helped guide her through her physical and emotional recovery; so much so that she decided to make them public.

In 2015, the fifty-six card deck titled Fertile Affirmations was born.

This year, Fertile Affirmations was reborn as a digital application. The Android version launched in October, and the iOS launch followed in November.

“The Fertile Affirmations card deck and app are a mindfulness-based wellness tool to help motivate and support you during your family-building journey,” Ezzell says. “Utilizing the power of affirmations to reframe negative, anxious, and fearful thoughts has been proven to rewire your brain.”

For the past twenty years, guided by her own experiences with recurrent pregnancy loss, birth trauma, and postpartum anxiety, Ezzell has devoted her career to the issues of reproductive health and wellness. In addition to her LPC licensure, she has a graduate degree in counseling and provides counseling services for individuals and couples at Inner Solutions Counseling Center in Wilmington.

Her specialties include cognitive behavioral therapy, LGBTQ family building, choice motherhood, fertility support, male and female reproductive health, reproductive health across the lifespan, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, infertility counseling, miscarriage, stillbirth, and other fertility concerns, including cancer and preserving fertility.

“I’m honored daily that men, women, and couples trust and allow me to be a part of their journeys,” she says.

According to Ezzell, one in eight couples will experience infertility. Forty percent is female factor infertility, 40 percent is male factor, and 20 percent is combination male/female factor or unexplained.

One in four couples will experience a pregnancy loss. One in seven women and one in ten men will experience postpartum depression.

As part of her practice, Ezzell works closely with local and regional clinics, doctors, and attorneys in the fertility, reproductive health, and family-building community.

“Being a part of a multidisciplinary team allows me to provide their patients and clients with informational, support-

ive, and therapeutic counseling,” she says.

“Fertility challenges, birth trauma, or a postpartum mood disorder may be the first medical crisis a couple faces together,” Ezzell adds. “So, it’s important to have an integrated approach to address physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual, and financial needs.”

It took ten months to bring Fertile Affirmations into the digital world. During that time, Ezzell worked with Kinsley Sigmund and Dylan Woodworth at the University of North Carolina Wilmington to develop, test, and launch the app.

“Love this app!” reads one of the user comments. “When I am feeling anxious or in need of a positive focus I am able to use this app to help me reflect and keep a positive mindset. Wherever you are in your fertility journey this app will apply to you.

It has helped me tremendously throughout mine.”

“When I am feeling down it is so easy to just pull out my phone and get a card rather than pulling a deck of cards out. Always brightens my day,” says another.

Ezzell’s favorite feature of the app allows users to write their own affirmations and save them to the collection.

Her long-term goals for the digital tool include adding an audio component and expanding the app’s reach to provide reproductive wellness support internationally.

She’s currently working on a podcast – called Fertile Affirmation Station – that will address reproductive health and wellness issues across a person’s lifespan.

The Fertile Affirmations boxed deck is available online at Etsy, Amazon, and fertileaffirmations.com. Locally, the cards can be purchased at Mystic Elements and Pomegranate Books.

The app is available through the Android and Apple app stores.

“The journey toward a child of your own may be brief or long and is often filled with anxious thoughts and affirmations that contribute to a negative self-perception,” Ezzell says. “Whether you’re struggling through fertility challenges and losses, want a more peaceful pregnancy, or need support through postpartum anxiety and depression, these affirmations will help you create and experience more harmony, growth, and healing during this emotional time.” W WILMAmag.com

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BREAKING

BREAD

HOLIDAYS BRING SWEET LOAVES & FRESH BAKES

S

by JESSICA MAURER photos by LOGAN BURKE

ome of KATHY STONE’s earliest memories take place in her mother’s kitchen. Raised by a home economics teacher, Stone says she has been cooking and baking ever since she could pull a chair up to the counter.

Once she became a mother herself, she often baked simple breads for her family, all based on a basic recipe that had been passed down through the family. She took some cake decorating classes and was eventually inspired to enroll in culinary classes to up her baking game.

“I found that I really enjoyed the bread baking classes,” Stone says. “It was then that I began to realize the science behind it all.”

Bread baking is often referred to as a science. The process of making the world’s most widely consumed food involves chemistry and physics, with a little math thrown in for good measure.

While Stone enjoyed experimenting with bread baking at home, she initially doubted whether she could handle producing it on a commercial scale.

With her husband Steve’s early retirement, the couple began seeking opportunities to start a business. One of the things that drew them to Breadsmith was its computerized mixing system that is programmed with the proper water temperature and mixing time for each of the bakery’s 300-plus recipes. The staff still needs to measure the ingredients and shape the loaves, but that, says Kathy Stone, is something that can be taught.

She explains that despite this advanced technology, Breadsmith bakers do not use timers. They determine when loaves are WILMAmag.com

ready to come out of the state-of-the-art European hearthstone oven by look and feel.

Before signing on as franchisees, the Stones visited the company’s headquarters in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. The visit helped to assure them that the production model was sound and that they would be able to put out a consistent, high-quality product. The Stones relocated to Wilmington from San Antonio and opened not one, but two Breadsmith locations to serve multiple neighborhoods in the Port City.

In September, they opened the baker-

ies in Mayfaire Town Center and Monkey Junction on South College Road.

The response so far has strong, according to Kathy Stone.

“We have a lot of customers telling us that they can’t find bread like this anywhere else in town,” she says. “It’s very rewarding to see the smiles on their faces when they come in the door.”

She considers bread to be one of the ultimate comfort foods, which is why it always has a place at the holiday table.

“I grew up in a family where we didn’t usually have bread at mealtime, but I can DECEMBER 2019

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remember that there were always hot buttered rolls at the holidays,” she says.

With their first holiday season now in full swing, Breadsmith is gearing up to feed the masses.

Their top three best-sellers over the past few months have all been dessert breads.

The Apple Pie bread continually tops the charts, followed by Cinnamon Cobblestone and Lemon Blueberry. They bake, on average, about eighty loaves of dessert bread a day but will likely have to up that number for the holidays.

Kathy Stone says that throughout October and November the bakery began testing the market response to some potential holiday offerings with flavors such as ginger, cranberry, and pumpkin and used customer feedback to help plan the holiday menus.

“We get a lot of special requests,” Kathy Stone says. “So, we’ve taken that into con-

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EVENTS

WREATHS

sideration in planning the holiday menus as well.”

Two of her personal holiday favorites are ginger cookies and banana bread. In addition to the eight “daily breads” the bakery offers, Breadsmith has a wide variety of holiday baked goods, rolls, scones, coffee cakes, and dessert breads – all showcasing the flavors of the season.

Advance orders are always accepted and encouraged, particularly for larger quantities and for the increasingly popular dessert breads, which sell out daily. And, the Breadsmith staff is happy to put a loaf or two aside for customers upon request and availability.

“Not everyone likes to bake or has time to bake, so we’ll be sure to have plenty of things on hand,” Kathy Stone says. “Because when it comes to the holidays, everyone has their favorites.” W

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H holidaysin D

PLAID

ecember is mad for plaid, and not just of the pajama kind.

Plaids have been a strong contender in the fashion sphere since the fall, tweaking the traditional tartan to reflect a more streetwise silhouette. It’s a pattern that can pair just as well with a tee as it can with velvet, and quelle surprise – you can even layer it with other plaids.

If you’re not buying into the tartan

WILMAmag.com

craze for the season’s festivities, then set your sights on luxury fabrics such as suede or sequins instead, using the print in smaller doses: barrettes, a scarf, a purse. (Gift wrap doesn’t count.)

Regardless of what you don, remember the holidays are times to go big. Don’t be afraid to sparkle – your flannel PJs will still be waiting for you at the end of the night. W

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A

Bellamy Ballet

by Lynda Van Kuren | photos by Megan Deitz

T

he Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that never loses its appeal, but City Ballet makes the beloved ballet even more special by adding a bit of Wilmington history to the story.

At A Carolina Nutcracker, the audience enjoys exceptional dancing while getting a firsthand glimpse into the lives of Wilmington’s most prominent families in the aftermath of the Civil War. “Adding the history of Wilmington brings The Nutcracker to a different level,” says DIANE ORIO-GERBERG, former ballet mistress of the Joffrey Ballet and City Ballet’s ballet mistress. “It’s something that really took place, not just a fairy tale.”

GARETH EVANS, Bellamy Mansion Museum’s executive director, adds that A Carolina Nutcracker is a creative way to engage people in Wilmington’s history.

“The fictionalized historic setting adds a local link to this famous fantasy story,” he says. “While fiction, it highlights local people, places, and stories. It can also help highlight the history all around us and bring attention to sites like the Bellamy museum.”

Incorporating Wilmington’s history into The Nutcracker is the brainchild of ANDREA HILL, City Ballet’s owner and artistic director. After touring the Bellamy Mansion, Hill delved into a whirlwind of research and study. She learned the Bellamy family had a daughter, Ellen, about the same age as The Nutcracker’s Clara; that Union soldiers had made their home in the Bellamy Mansion; and that local children were orphaned by the war.

Then, Hill incorporated all she’d learned into A Carolina Nutcracker, even commissioning stunning period costumes for the annual production.

To set the scene and introduce the audience to the historical background, the ballet includes a prologue that’s based on Bellamy family memoirs and narrated by WHQR

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commentator Nan Graham.

The ballet opens on The Nutcracker’s famous party scene, set at the Bellamy Mansion, but on stage at the Wilson Center. There, the family celebrates the end of the war and welcomes better times with notable Wilmington residents such as the Wrights and Latimers. The local orphans are invited to the party, as well.

In the Wilmingtonian version, the fight between the Nutcracker, his foot soldiers, and rats becomes a formidable and thrilling battle in which the Nutcracker fends off the Union soldiers invading the Bellamy home.

Another special component of A Carolina Nutcracker is live music. In addition to the Treble Choir, the City Ballet Orchestra conducted

by Hill’s husband, Alex, accompanies the dancers. Now in their third season with A Carolina Nutcracker, these professional musicians are an integral part of the ballet.

“Live music makes the performance so rich,” Andrea Hill says. “You can hear music you can’t hear in a recording.”

Her husband isn’t the only family member involved in A Carolina Nutcracker. You could say it’s a family affair. Her daughter Merlee photographs the show and conducts rehearsals,

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DECEMBER 2019

and her son Ben often works backstage.

In addition, sons Tyler and Nick and daughters Hayden and Helen dance in the ballet. Plus, Andrea Hill’s nephew TJ Clyatt dances in the performance, too, and her niece Donielle Clyatt sings in the choir. For the Hill family, ensuring the show’s success is who they are.

“The kids love the show, know what it needs to work, and help everyone be their very best,” Andrea Hill says, adding that the circle encompasses all the City Ballet dancers.

“Everyone’s family,” she says. “Even for our dancers who have graduated, this is their family.”

Though A Carolina Nutcracker’s live music, family atmosphere, and

especially its historical perspective make it unique, it’s still The Nutcracker and has all the elements people love, according to Andrea Hill. From Act 1’s party dances, battle scene, and Snow to all of Act 2’s favorite divertissements, the audience is treated to a spectacular show of artistic and technical virtuosity. Breathtaking leaps, suspended balances, and intricate pointe work are showcased in Andrea Hill’s engaging and challenging choreography.

The ballet culminates in the Nutcracker’s sublime pas de deux, to be performed by JAN BURKHARD, principal dancer at Carolina Ballet, and ADAM CHAVIS, former soloist with the Carolina Ballet. They are magic. W

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UNMATCHED Honoring tennis legend Althea Gibson

by LORI WILSON

PHOTO C/O ONE LOVE TENNIS

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O

ne local tennis court holds the legacy of a legend. The front of the

bungalow at 1406 Orange Street might look like most homes in the neighborhood, but it’s the only one of its kind with a private tennis court in the back. For many years, the backyard spot was the sole tennis court in Wilmington where people of color were welcome to play. There, ALTHEA GIBSON, the first black player to win a Grand Slam title, trained and rose to the top.

From 1946 to 1949, Dr. Hubert Eaton and his wife opened their home to Gibson, who stayed in their upstairs bedroom while she trained in Wilmington during the nontouring winter months. As a teen, Eaton himself broke a record by becoming the first African American to win the North Carolina Interscholastic Tennis Championship. He and Dr. Robert Walter Johnson from Lynchburg, Virginia, assembled a team of the best black athletes from across the nation and exposed them to tennis in their own backyards.

Gibson joined them from Harlem, New York. With the help of their mentorship, Gibson became known as the Jackie Robinson of tennis.

After decades without maintenance on the Wilmington court, the nonprofit organization One Love Tennis recently restored it to the same quality Gibson and other legendary tennis players once experienced.

One Love Tennis co-founder and retired award-winning tennis pro LENNY SIMPSON is one such player. He and his wife, JoAnn, directed the court restoration project and continue to rebuild the Orange Street property to its former glory.

Lenny Simpson met Gibson on the Eatons’ court when he was only five years old. Growing up next door, as a child he would hear the tennis balls travel back and forth across the court.

“Althea saw me peeping through the shrubs,” he says. “I would hear this laughter and the tennis balls. It was like magic … Everyone was dressed in all white, white shoes, white socks. These were black people playing this crazy game.”

He described his first sights of Gibson from afar.

“I saw this lady just beating up on everybody,” Lenny Simpson says. “And, I had no idea it was a world champion I was looking at.”

After his mother finally agreed to let him visit the court, a neighbor walked a young Simpson over to the Eaton house. To this day, more than sixty-five years later, he remembers the exact spot on the court where he met Gibson for the first time.

“She said, ‘Welcome champ. What took you so long?’” he shares fondly.

Gibson became one of Lenny Simpson’s most important mentors, as well as the three-time Grand Slam winner Arthur Ashe.

For a while, he saw Gibson on the Eaton court almost every day.

Eaton’s house was unofficially known at the black country club of the South, providing safe haven for young people of color to learn about and practice the game of tennis.

“For a long time in tennis, if you weren’t white, it didn’t matter,” Lenny Simpson says.

In 2015, he returned to his hometown to carry on the legacy that brought him the game he would end up playing and teachWILMAmag.com

Gibson is congratulated

by Darlene Hard after defeating her in the 1957 Wimbledon women’s singles championship, becoming the first African American to win a championship at the famed tournament.

Lenny Simpson, One Love Tennis players, and GLOW students attend the unveiling of a sculpture of Gibson during this year’s U.S. Open.

Gibson and mixed doubles partner, George Stewart

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ing all this life. One Love Tennis is an organization dedicated to empowering young people, ages six to twelve, especially those at risk, to lead healthy, productive lives with participation in tennis and academic enrichment programs.

“Who’s going to be the next Althea Gibson?” he asks.

Lenny Simpson projects that, because of the program, local high schools will improve racial representation on their teams within three to five years.

The organization serves about 550 youth year-round. Students practice at courts across the county, including the Eaton house site, and receive tutoring from local volunteers. Gibson’s former upstairs bedroom will soon be transformed into an academic enrichment center, expected to open in spring of next year.

One Love Tennis is restoring the entire property as an active reminder of the world-changing movement that revolutionized civil rights and sports equity.

“There’s still a lot that needs to be done, but a lot that has already changed,” Lenny Simpson says.

On one rainy afternoon when the courts were closed, girls from GLOW Academy who attend the One Love Tennis af-

DECEMBER 2019

ter-school program, gathered to watch a documentary about Gibson.

“They were so upset when they watched that documentary that there was nothing at the U.S. Open site for the great Althea Gibson,” Lenny Simpson explains.

He encouraged the girls to write letters asking for a sculpture to be installed, which he then sent to his contacts at the United States Tennis Association. Many of those same letter writers later traveled to Queens, New York, the home of the U.S. Open, where a Gibson statue now stands at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. On August 26, during the opening day of the U.S. Open tournament this year, the young students attended the unveiling ceremony on behalf of One Love Tennis and celebrated the sculpture their motivating words helped build.

Back in Wilmington, at the charter school’s new campus, GLOW named one of its two middle school buildings Gibson Hall, after the local tennis superstar that inspired the girls.

The brave spirit of Gibson lives on, especially for the students at One Love Tennis.

Underneath the newly restored Eaton house court, the legendary, champion-building foundation remains. W

DIG N IT Y M E M O RIA L 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.

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GIERIE ORTHODONTICS CORRECTING AN IMPROPER BITE HELPS PRESERVE ADULTS TEETH

I

Dr. William V. Gierie received his dental degree and orthodontic specialty training from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he is an associate adjunct faculty member and Invisalign instructor in the orthodontic department. Dr. Gierie is in the top 1% of all Invisalign doctors in North America and lectures extensively on Invisalign. He maintains a private orthodontic practice in Wilmington, N.C., at 700 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 100. For more information, visit gobraces. net or call (910) 256-8590.

mproving one’s appearance is the most obvious reason for orthodontic treatment but, for many adults, another important motivator is avoiding premature tooth loss and extensive restorative work.

Misaligned teeth are correlated with excessive tooth wear and periodontal disease.Those problems, in turn, can cause the loss of teeth. Orthodontic treatment can help reduce or eliminate the need for crowns, implants, dentures, and other invasive procedures after teeth are badly damaged or lost completely.

Often, adults seek orthodontic treatment to correct an improper bite. Correcting such problems helps position the teeth, so the chewing surfaces are aligned better.

That can significantly reduce the amount of wear on the teeth.

Another benefit of straightening teeth is reducing bone loss, a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. While some reduction of bone volume with age can be normal, abnormal forces caused by poorly positioned teeth can accelerate that loss.

Consider the numbers. A normal human jaw can create a force of between 23 and 230 pounds while biting! Now multiply that by the hundreds or thousands of times we bite each day during normal chewing. If those forces are applied abnormally, such as a sideways pressure between poorly aligned

910.256.8590 | GoBraces.net 38

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DECEMBER 2019

teeth, they can cause the underlying bone to break down. Other adverse effects can include muscle strain and pressure on the jaw joint, leading to the painful condition called temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. Straight teeth are easier to clean, and regular, thorough cleaning is vital to preventing gum disease.This can start as gingivitis, a common infection of the gums among adults over 30. Untreated, gingivitis can cause the gums to become inflamed and pull away from the teeth.This infection – and the body’s immune system response to it – can damage the bone and lead to teeth loosening or being lost prematurely. Periodontal disease also has been linked to heart disease.The underlying inflammation from the periodontal disease is damaging to the body’s blood vessels and the entire cardiovascular system.

It’s important that a patient with active gum disease have it treated before beginning orthodontic treatment and continue to see a dentist or periodontist during the course of orthodontic treatment.

We always work closely with our patients’ general dentists to ensure that all necessary treatments are properly coordinated.

In the long run, straighter teeth are healthier teeth, and far more likely to remain intact for the patient’s lifetime.

L OW ER C APE F E AR H OSPIC E

BEING INFORMED LEADS TO BETTER HEALTH CARE CHOICES

I

t’s important to know your health care options when facing a serious illness.

Getting care sooner can lead to a better quality of life for both patients and their loved ones. Lower Cape Fear Hospice is one local resource that is often overlooked until it’s too late.

The median average days on hospice care for Medicare recipients is 24 days, far short of the months of care provided by the Medicare Hospice Benefit. With these statistics, it’s no wonder so many people think hospice care is only for the last days of life.

However, studies show that hospice care improves quality of life and can also prolong life. It provides physical, emotional and spiritual care, as well as support and education for family members.

Care is individualized to meet the goals of patients and their loved ones.

Many people are unaware that Lower Cape Fear Hospice is an expert in palliative care. Palliative care is specialized medical care for those undergoing treatment for chronic or serious illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, COPD, and more, to relieve pain, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life for patients and their loved ones.

More and more doctors are making referrals for outpatient palliative care. Lower Cape Fear Hospice cares for almost as many palliative care patients each day as they do hospice patients, providing care wherever they call home.

We also have an extensive grief care program open to anyone in the community who has lost a loved one. Several free grief support groups are offered each month, and Healing Arts programs are offered throughout the year.

Lower Cape Fear Hospice’s children’s grief program is

the most extensive in the area offering in-school and individual counseling, Family Days and a summer camp.

Part of our mission is to provide education and support informing people of their options for care.

Community education workshops are offered to groups and organizations at no charge, and advance care planning clinics are offered in Wilmington and Bolivia each month. A Compassionate Lab Simulation Experience workshop allows people to “walk in the shoes” of someone living with ageor disease-related issues to increase compassion and understanding in the community, and free workshops are offered to caregivers throughout Lower Cape Fear Hospice’s service area on A Positive Approach to Dementia Care.

A pilot Dementia Care program provides caregivers

with education, resources, and support to handle challenges of caring for someone with memory disorders. Plans for expanding the program are being researched.

When faced by a chronic or serious illness, it’s important to know your health care options. Lower Cape Fear Hospice offers life care services to help improve quality of life for you and your loved ones.

Gwen Whitley is CEO and President of Lower Cape Fear Hospice which cares for more than 850 hospice and palliative patients and their families each day throughout a nine-county service area. Learn more about Lower Cape Fear Hospice services and programs by visiting www.lcfh.org or call 800-733-1476 to talk to someone about getting the care you need.

910.765.8758 | LCFH.ORG

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M A RKRA FT C A BIN ET S

COLOR TRENDS FOR 2020 TO MAKE KITCHENS, BATHROOMS POP

M

arkraft designer Rachel Booth loves being able to see where a space starts out and working through the process to get it to its potential. Making clients truly happy with their spaces really does change the way they live and work in their homes, she said. Involved in both remodels and new construction design projects at Markraft, Rachel has seen some interesting trends — especially in colors — this past year and is already keen on coming trends for 2020.

Outdoor living spaces will continue to grow as more people want to transition and entertain with comfort in their outdoor spaces.There are a handful of outdoor cabinetry lines now that can offer outdoor cabinetry, so this gives Markraft customers some flexibility based on their budget, wants and needs.

Indoors, kitchens and baths are the focal point. White and gray continue to be the most popular colors people are using, by a landslide. Both are classic neutral colors that can accommodate and blend with almost every color throughout a home. “There is so much flexibility in the range of gray that it can lend itself to the warmer or cooler tones,” Rachel said.

This past year blue has become a very popular color in cabinetry design, especially in a lot of island designs giving kitchens an extra “pop.” Other bold colors like black have been joining blue in secondary bathrooms, used in small doses to allow flooring and walls remain a nice neutral color while grounding the cabinetry.

Blue will continue to be a big color in 2020, along with some green tones coming

into cabinet lines. Walnut will continue in popularity in cabinetry design thanks to its rich color and varied wood grains. In cabinet hardware, knobs and pulls, Rachel is seeing a huge movement towards matte black and champagne gold finishes. “What’s great is the plumbing industry is seeing this and is adding matte black and champagne gold to their finish offerings too.This way both hardware and plumbing fixtures can match,” she explained.

Homeowners looking for insights on trends from talented designers like Rachel can come into Markraft’s showroom and talk through any project throughout the home. From looking at floorplans, measuring spaces on-site, and reviewing designs and materials to installation and final walk through, Markraft’s talented

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team is committed to being there with clients during every step of the process.

“We are here to help you work through your project, so if we know up front what you are looking for and wanting to spend we can design it in a way to fit your budget. We are not here to spend every penny you have but we are here to get you the best possible product and design for the price,” Rachel said.

Designer Rachel Booth 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.

PATHFINDER WEALTH CONSULTING

WOMEN, FINANCE AND THE PINK TAX

L

et’s say you have two razors, identical in every way except one is blue, and one is pink. With all other factors considered, you would think the two razors should have the same price tag, but they don’t.

The pink one is more expensive.

The “pink tax” is a phenomenon of which we are all too aware. The Department of Consumer Affairs reported that on average products targeted to women are 7 percent more expensive than products targeted to men, with the price gap nearly double for personal care.

We know that women earn 80.7 cents on average for every dollar men earn, and it’s even lower for women of color, meaning women pay more for goods and services while making less.This income disparity impacts women’s ability to put significant reserves towards retirement and reduces future Social Security benefits.

Furthermore, women

typically serve as primary caregivers.This responsibility oftentimes calls them away from work, which can make them ineligible to contribute to an employer-sponsored retirement plan and increase healthcare costs.

To put a cherry on top, women outlive men by an average of 5 years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, households run by people age 65 or older spend about $58,860/year. Women need about $294,000 extra (not counting inflation) to account for their solo golden years.

This boils down to one critical issue: women carry many financial responsibilities, but their resources, such as income and time, may be limited.

The good news is that women are increasingly their family’s breadwinner and are earning more advanced degrees than their male counterparts.

But with increased financial security comes increased

responsibility. Accumulating cash in a savings account will not sufficiently keep up with the increased costs of goods and services over time. Inflation means current cash reserves lose purchasing power over time. Investing is how wealth is built.

Of course, investing has inherent risk. It is important to understand what you own and why. This takes a certain level of commitment to understanding not just the basics of investing, but also the appropriate expectations for your investments to fund your goals.

At Pathfinder Wealth Consulting, we believe that a comprehensive financial plan is the best way to make sure your investments align with your financial goals. Building wealth starts with an investment plan that is diversified and consistently followed, with adequate cash flow planning to ensure you don’t need to tap

into your resources prematurely.

Financial planning will bring guidance, peace, and confidence to those investment decisions.

Many women feel confined by financial pressures, not knowing what to do. At Pathfinder, we know there is a better way. We are motivated by the fact that money gives people choice. Freedom and confidence can be found in wise money management and financial planning. As 2019 comes to an end, we encourage you to start 2020 by making financial-savvy decisions for the next decade and beyond. If you have questions about investing in your future, please reach out to us at 910-793-0616 or visit our website for more information.

This Insights article is contributed by Kayla Willliford Johnson, Financial Planning Associate at Pathfinder Wealth Consulting.

NAVIGATING THE

PATH to RETIREMENT WILMAmag.com

910.793.0616 | PWCPATH.COM

DECEMBER 2019

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PLANTATION VILLAGE

RAISING FUNDS FOR VETERANS’ CHARITIES WITH NEW BOOK

F

or many of us, the idea of actually having to answer a call and rally together in the face of a common enemy seems inconceivable.Those who were a part of the Greatest Generation never had the luxury of mulling over their decision; they were forced to deal with an urgent situation, overwhelming odds and a war machine on the other side that seemed invincible.

Joining the war effort, putting differences aside and coming together was not only viewed as a responsibility and the right thing to do, it was a matter of pride for the group that was reaching adulthood during the WWII years. Some of our Plantation Village residents quit high school, delayed their college educations, or quit highpaying jobs to join the fight.

The story of Robert Bennett is not atypical; a sophomore at the Caltech Institute of Technology’s Engineering School

when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, he wanted to get out of his job at Douglas Aircraft to join the Navy, but the War Manpower Commission wouldn’t allow it.To circumvent that decision Bob simply quit his job. As he put it, “Walking around the streets as a civilian during the war, everybody looked at you kind of funny.”

Bob’s matter-of-fact presentation and the way he downplays his achievements is a common thread among the veterans profiled in our book, “Answering the Call: A Story of Everyday Valor” a compilation of real-life accounts, complete with firsthand experiences and numerous unique, rare photos from the individuals’ personal libraries.

Putting self-interest, vanity and personal ambition aside in support of the greater good wasn’t something you bragged about or even considered for very long; it was just the

right thing to do. In fact, a chief concern for most of the veterans in the book was that they should not be presented as heroes.

Many families of the veterans featured in this book have never even heard these stories.

While the firsthand accounts and photos make it a treasured family heirloom, listening to the recorded interviews — available in the Plantation Village library — could potentially become a life-changing event. Imagine hearing your grandparent’s voice for the first time, as they describe their experiences in the war. For those who never had a chance to know their grandfather or grandmother, it would be an incredible moment.

Plantation Village is donating all proceeds from the book to local veterans’ charities and to the publication of a book profiling the Community’s Korean and Vietnam veterans.

We are all passionate about

1.866.825.3806 | PlantationVillageRC.com

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this book and are grateful that our status as a nonprofit allowed us to fund it. For more information, visit us on the web at www.PlantationVillageRC. com. Like us on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/ PlantationVillageRC. Becky Grogan is the Marketing Coordinator at Plantation Village, a non-profit continuing care retirement community that offers independent living on a 56-acre campus in Porters Neck, minutes from downtown Wilmington and area beaches. Residents enjoy first-class services in a wide variety of home styles, from oneand two-bedroom apartments to cottage homes and two-bedroom villas. Plantation Village is managed by Life Care Services™, the nation’s second-largest senior care management company.

DECEMBER

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ENCHANTED AIRLIE Airlie Gardens Through Dec. 22

The annual holiday tradition brings people from all over to walk through the illuminated Airlie Gardens. With more than a million lights, the nights feature colorful displays, music, and Santa at the end of the self-guided tour.

The popular event typically sells out, so if you want to go, buy tickets early. Info: airliegardens.org/events-news/enchanted-airlie FRIDAY

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12/23

ISLAND OF LIGHTS Pleasure Island Through Dec. 31

The twenty-fifth Island of Lights FRIDAY celebrations in Carolina and Kure beaches take place throughout the holiday season. The Christmas Parade is December 6, starting at 7:30 p.m., from Atlanta Avenue to Lake Park Boulevard to the Federal Point Plaza in Carolina Beach. A flotilla boat parade is December 7 at 6 p.m., from the Carolina Beach Boat Basin to Snows Cut and back. A ticketed, self-guided tour of homes is 5-9 p.m. December 14. And, the events cap off New Year’s Eve, starting at 9 p.m. at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and featuring a giant beach ball drop at midnight.

Info: pleasureislandoflights.com

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SATURDAY

12/14

GINGERBREAD HOUSES The Latimer House Through Dec. 14

It’s a gingerbread baking showdown at The Latimer House in downtown Wilmington. As part of The Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour on December 7 and 8, organizers have pulled together a gingerbread house competition with two categories: Best on the Block Historic Gingerbread Home for professional and semi-professional bakers and General Gingerbread House Competition for those having fun showing off their skills. Visitors on the candlelight tour will vote for their favorite. The creations remain on display through December 14. Info: lcfhs.org/ upcoming-events

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7

SATURDAY

12/10

DASHING THRU THE GLOW Riverlights

Street. There are floats, bands, marchers, and more. Info: wilmingtonnc.gov/departments/

Santa, holiday lights, cookies, milk, and more make this a

festive evening run. The 5K

race takes place through the Riverlights community next to the Cape Fear River.

Runners get light-up Santa hats to don on

the course, and elves pass out finish medals at the end of a 1-mile fun run and the 5K.

The 1-miler starts at 5 p.m., and the 5K takes off at 5:30 p.m. Those who bring a new,

unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots receive $5 off their registration. Info: its-go-time.com/

8

riverlights-dashing-thru-the-glow

SUNDAY

WILMINGTON HOLIDAY PARADE Downtown Wilmington The city of Wilmington’s annual holiday parade takes place the evening of December 8 (The

exact times depend on the programming

schedule for WECT’s Bounce channel, which will show the parade live; the time had not been yet released as of press time.) The

parade route starts at North Front and Walnut streets and runs along North Front to Church

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TUESDAY

THE ILLUSIONISTS CFCC’s Wilson Center Through Dec. 11 The Illusionists-Live from Broadway brings its

array of mind-bending

illusions to Wilmington this month for two

shows of the Magic for the Holidays show.

Both performances at the Wilson Center

start at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $38 to $92. Info:

12

wilsoncentertickets.com

THURSDAY

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Thalian Hall Through Dec. 22

The Theatre Exchange’s

twist on Charles Dickens’

A Christmas Carol moves the story’s

setting from London to a Depression-era

“Hooverville” outside St. Louis. The play takes place at Thalian Hall’s Stein Studio Theatre.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. December 12-15

and 19-21. A 3 p.m. matinee is December 22.

Info: thalianhall.org

DECEMBER 2019

14 SATURDAY

12/7

WILMA EXPO Wilmington Convention Center This year’s WILMA Expo & Holiday Market event takes place 10 a.m.-4

p.m. Tickets are $5, but free entry is awarded to those who preregister by December 6

with the discount code WILMAROCKS. Info: wilmaexpo.com

TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE Brooklyn Arts Center Local band L Shape Lot holds its eighth annual Toys for Tots fundraiser concert.

Tickets are $10 at the door, and new and

unwrapped toy donations will be collected.

Last year, over 1,000 toys were collected

through the popular event. Info: facebook.

17 com/LShapeLot

TUESDAY

HOLIDAY POPS CFCC’s Wilson Center The North Carolina

Symphony presents

Holiday Pops, a collection

of seasonal favorites and

audience sing-alongs. Shows are at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22-$85. Info:

AVAILABLE AT:

Butter Mints FLAVORS:

Peppermint, Cheesecake, Key Lime, and Strawberry

12/31

ADD SOME CHEER TO YOUR HOLIDAYS!

FOR SPECIAL ORDERS CALL 910.508.7170

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12/6

1540 S 2nd St. Suite 130, Wilmington, NC @wilmingtonsaltcave

23

wilsoncentertickets.com

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Thalian Hall

Visit a decorated Thalian Hall for its ninth annual screening of It’s a Wonderful Life. Frank Capra’s 1946 classic is shown on the theater’s big screen, and Thalian Hall Executive Director Tony Rivenbark brings his toy collection for display. Showtimes are at 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12. Info: thalianhall.org MONDAY

31

NEW YEAR’S NOON The Children’s Museum of Wilmington

The whole family can toast to the New Year (with juice) at the museum’s annual New Year’s Noon, with activities, a countdown at noon, confetti toss, and more. The event is 9 a.m.-noon at the museum. It’s free to attend for members and $9.75 a person for nonmembers.

Children under twelve months get in for free.

Info: playwilmington.org/new-years-noon

TUESDAY

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

WILMAmag.com

Peace

Wishing you a holiday season filled with

from our family to yours.

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

DECEMBER 2019

Celebrating

65 YEARS

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“F FÊTE

FESTIVE

A TASTY FUNDRAISER RETURNS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

by SHERRI CRAWFORD

12 TASTES (OR MORE!) OF CHRISTMAS December 12 | 6-9:30 p.m.

BROOKLYN ARTS CENTER, 516 North Fourth St. TICKETS: $50 general admission, $75 VIP The event is open to those 21 years of age and up Info: facebook.com/encorepub

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DECEMBER 2019

photo c/o encore

ra-gee-lay” – it must be Italian for encore magazine’s 12 TASTES (OR MORE!) OF CHRISTMAS event.

Featuring more than thirty local restaurants, breweries, and the like, the holiday fête December 12 is a chance for guests to sample what Wilmington’s food and beverage scene has to offer. This year’s theme is based on the popular holiday movie A Christmas Story. “(Attendees) will eat and drink their way through upward of thirty-seven eateries and drinkeries in the area, all of whom will create special items specific to this event,” says encore editor SHEA CARVER. A few sneak peeks, she says, include Cast Iron Kitchen’s “Oh Fudge It’s FRAGILE!!” consisting of maple-bacon fudge,

salted caramel, and bacon brittle; Panacea Brewing Company’s gingersnap kombucha; Waterline Brewing Company’s coffee and cream pale ale; and Italian Bistro’s Italian-style mac and cheese with roasted garlic, Asiago, Parmesan, and mozzarella.

Participating establishments will vie for best sips, best bites, and best-decorated booth as voted on by guests.

Meanwhile, partygoers can compete in a costume contest – based on the night’s theme – for a chance to win tickets to a show next year at CFCC’s Wilson Center.

Proceeds from the event will benefit NourishNC, which helps fight childhood hunger in the area.

“We feel NourishNC is the perfect beneficiary for this event as they help feed hungry New Hanover County students through their numerous outreach programs,” Carver says. “Proceeds from this event specifically will help them feed families over the holidays while students are out on break.”

The brainchild of former WILMA co-editor and art director NINA BAYS COURNOYER and photographer KATHERINE CLARK, the event began in 2013 as an annual fundraiser for the Cape Fear Literacy Council, ending when Bays Cournoyer moved to Los Angeles.

Carver says she got permission to resurrect the event last year.

In 2018, the event was expanded from the original 12 Tastes of Christmas, so that more than a dozen establishments could participate.

“We relaunched it with much success to (National Lampoon’s) Christmas Vacation theme, with proceeds benefitting DREAMS (of Wilmington) in 2018,” Carver says.

This year, guests can sample a variety of tastes and treats from places including Wake N Bake Donuts, True Blue Butcher and Table, New Anthem Beer Project, Little Dipper, Spoonfed Kitchen and Bake Shop, and others.

12 Tastes (or more!) of Christmas will also feature raffles, carolers, and entertainment by Wilmington comedy troupe Pineapple Shaped Lamps. Voting will also be held to determine next year’s theme.

“And who knows?” Carver adds.

“Maybe Santa will show up.” W

5

TAKE

by BRIDGET CALLAHAN photo by MEGAN DEITZ

Wilmington chanteuse LEME NOLAN grew up singing in a family full of voices. Her childhood in Merrimon, a small town in Carteret County, was full of music, from gospel and Sunday choir to the powerful female voices of R&B and country. The dedicated singer now performs most weekends at local venues, and has an EP out, Love with a Ring Attached. Her new country single, “Smells Like Freedom,” comes out this winter. And, she’s a regular at Tails Piano Bar, where she’ll also be a part of its New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome in 2020. Learning how to manage and book herself as an independent artist, without the support of a label yet, has been an uphill climb, but Nolan is disciplined and has plans. She’s been adapting to the role of Determined Artist with a Day Job. WHO IS A SINGER YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? “I admire all singers and anyone in general who stays true to themselves and tries their best in life.

Whether it’s being a singer, dancer, actor, doctor, etc., we were all made in our own unique ways, and our life experiences molded us into who we are today.” WHAT’S THE TOUGHEST PART ABOUT BEING AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST? “One of the toughest parts is marketing. It is essential, and it takes both time and most of the time money for which can be limited. Thankfully, it is a great learning experience, and so far the phone calls made and emails I’ve sent are paying off. I appreciate my forever-growing supporters as well for sharing my videos, pictures, and events.” WHAT’S YOUR DAY JOB? “I am a budget analyst, working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civilian service. I also served in the U.S. Air Force …

My passion is singing though, and I will one day do it on a full-time basis. I’m thankful and very happy to do both currently. I continue to juggle many things in life, but no matter what, I keep going with the love and support from my children, family, and friends – it means a lot.” IS THERE A MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE OF YOURS THAT COMES TO MIND? “All of my performances are memorable, and I’m thankful for each and every one one of them. Whether I perform for one person or someday millions, I want to give my best. Anyway, I do in particular love calling random audience members up to sing with me every once in a while. One audience member and supporter loves this song by Minnie Riperton called “Lovin’ You.” He loves to hit that high note at the very end.” YOUR PERSONAL THEME SONG? “My personal theme song is being currently written by my daughter and I. It will embark on some of our differences but yet how it is all so beautiful.”W LEME NOLAN’S full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Weekly email. To sign up for the WILMA Weekly, go to WILMAmag.com.

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’TOE JAM

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

I

It’s after 5 p.m. on a Friday, and you stick around the office because you’re a team player, committed corporate material.

Or, maybe you just didn’t think up a believable excuse to weasel out of this obligatory get-together: no medical emergencies, no relatives in need, no snowy weather to force you out the door.

So here you are in your holiday red, making small talk with coworkers and wondering who’s singing that song – Bing Crosby?

Michael Bublé?

You chat past the bigwigs and their bored spouses. You marvel at the tree that sprawls across the carpet where the copier and coat rack usually go. To your relief, you discover that your Secret Santa is your best work friend, so you got a sensible pair of gloves instead of a Frosty sweater with I’m Chillin’ stitched across it.

You check your watch. You can make a respectable exit soon.

Then, as you clutch your glass of chardonnay in one hand and your plate of celery sticks in the other, you see some guy – it’s always a guy – wearing a Grinch-like grin. His gaze meets yours, and he nods like he knows the answer to a question you haven’t asked.

His eyes slide upward, and so do yours. Do you see what he sees?

A green, leafy strand tacked to the doorframe and drooping like a feather boa.

Directly. Over. You. Bigtime blunder. You have paused beneath the mistletoe at the office holiday party.

As he knocks back a cocktail and heads your way, two questions flash through your mind: Did I bring my merry Mace? And, who came up with this ridiculous mistletoe thing in the first place?

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For that last one, start the blame with those wacky Celtic druids, who believed mistletoe possessed healing powers and even foretold the future. Then, the ancient Greeks associated it with fertility, and the Romans took it as a symbol of peace. A Nordic myth twisted it into the kissing tradition, and the Victorians of England wrung the fun out of it, pressuring girls to accept a kiss or risk public snubbing.

All that from a seedy parasite. Which brings us back to your puckering co-worker. You wonder if he’s had his flu shot. ’Tis the season for dragging stuff into our living rooms: mountains of presents, of course, along with wreaths and nativity scenes that gather dust in the attic eleven months of the year. We stack pine cones by our fireplaces without a thought about the hazard. We haul trees indoors – oversized firs, pines, and cypress – and live in cramped conditions for weeks. We’ll never get the needles out of the carpet.

And, then there’s the mistletoe, an evergreen freeloader that gloms onto the branches of healthy trees and goes about sucking them dry. It grows in clumps known as witches’ brooms. Its berries are poisonous. And, because it’s found where birds do their business, its name translates as “dung on a twig.”

So, we stick it over a door and use it to lure people into kissing us.

This is where you are now, seconds away from a nonsensical and uncomfortable holiday tradition. Any other time of year, you’d have grounds for a human resources complaint. But, it’s Christmas, so all you can go is close your eyes and wish for a chimney, a rooftop, and a sleigh with eight tiny reindeer waiting to take you far, far away.

Healthy Vision For Life Wilmington Eye knows how important healthy vision is for our lives, our careers, and our families. Call our offices to make an appointment and find out how we can improve your vision for life.

LASIK | CATARACTS | PREVENTATIVE EYE CARE | COSMETICS www.wilmingtoneye.com www.WilmingtonEye.com | 910.763.3601

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| 910.763.3601 DECEMBER 2019

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