Issuu

WILMA

SUMMER 2025

LEADERSHIP + LIFESTYLE SINCE 2003

On the

Run

Anderson Dibble and other runners share advice for racing at any level

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Doc Checkup

Medical updates from around the area

Hall of Famer

Kim Crabbe adds to her honors

Midlife Matter Wellness pros talk perimenopause

Modern Ease

Boutique Living

Concierge Comfort in Coastal Carolina

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SUMMER 2025

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INVESTING IN FAMILIES, INVESTING IN THE FUTURE The City of Wilmington oversees 40+ parks, 32 miles of trails, and 20+ playgrounds, including new playground upgrades at Maides Park and Halyburton Park.

MAIDES PARK INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND Designed for every child, Maides Park’s inclusive playground features accessible swings and ADA-friendly surfaces and pathways, providing children of all abilities a great place to play. With new fitness equipment, a shaded picnic shelter, and secure fencing, Maides Park is a true gathering place for the community.

HALYBURTON PARK PLAYGROUND & NATURE ESCAPE Play just got even better at Halyburton Park with a brand-new playset, upgraded swings, and an exciting climbing dome. But the fun doesn’t stop at the playground— Halyburton Park is a 60-acre nature preserve. The park is home to rare rolling sandhills—one of coastal Carolina’s most unique habitats. A 1.3-mile paved, handicap-accessible trail winds through the preserve, connecting to the Gary Shell Cross City Trail.

These upgrades reflect Wilmington’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the health and enjoyment of its community, creating spaces for everyone to play, explore, and connect. wilmingtonnc.gov/recreation

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SUMMER 2025

DEPARTMENTS 15 SPOTLIGHT 23 WILMA LEADERSHIP 44 FEAST 50 STYLE 90 SCENE 94 DIRECT MALE 96 TAKE 5

FEATURES 66 Midlife matters 71 Hall of Famer Kim Crabbe 75 Running down a dream 82 Wellness check-up 87 Car clubs rundown

Blooming space

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SUMMER 2025

on the road

back on the rack

all aboard

zest for summer

fundraising finesse

medical milestones

life goals

on the cover

For the issue’s cover, Madeline Gray photographed trail and long-distance runner Anderson Dibble, who has finished several 100-mile races. Dibble shares advice for beginning and seasoned runners interested in getting into trail running.

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Leadership + Lifestyle since 2003 PUBLISHER Rob Kaiser PRESIDENT Robert Preville EDITOR Vicky Janowski VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Angela Conicelli

SENIOR MARKETING CONSULTANTS Maggi Apel Craig Snow MARKETING CONSULTANTS Alexis Alphin Jillian Hon Jake Quilla EVENTS DIRECTOR Jamie Merrill EVENTS & MEDIA COORDINATOR Alecia Hall ART DIRECTOR - EDITORIAL Suzi Drake ART DIRECTOR - MARKETING Tara Weymouth AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Julia Jones OFFICE MANAGER David Taylor

TREAT MOM TO

FASHION STYLIST Drewe Smith

Something Sweet

CONTRIBUTORS Nina Bays, Meghan Corbett, Lily Crowder, Amy Kilgore Mangus, Samantha Kupiainen, Laura Moore, Barbara L. Nelson, Moment Palmer, Dylan Patterson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Daria Amato, Drewe and Kate Branding Co. , Madeline Gray, Terah Hoobler, Malcolm Little DIRECTOR OF FEAST WILMINGTON Jessica Maurer

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FOUNDER Joy Allen SUBSCRIBE For a one-year subscription, please send $26.00 (check) to: WILMA, 101 N. 3rd St., Suite 400, Wilmington, NC, 28401or call 910-343-8600 x201

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SUMMER 2025

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WILMA | WILMAMAG.COM Now flying to Providence, Hartford, Fort Myers, and Orlando from ILM.

CONTRIBUTORS MEGHAN CORBET T, a native North Carolinian, is

a freelance writer and editor. She graduated with honors with a degree in mass media communication and a minor in journalism from North Carolina State University. Corbett married her high school sweetheart, Will, in 2008. They welcomed a baby girl (Avery) to their family in 2016 and a baby boy (Hugh) in 2018. Corbett talks with soccer pioneer Kim Crabbe ahead of her induction into The Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame (page 71).

MADELINE GR AY is a freelance documentary

photographer based in Wilmington. With a master’s degree in photojournalism, her work is regularly featured in local and national publications. She enjoys spending time in places that are off the beaten track and collaborating to share the diverse stories found there. Gray photographed the issue’s cover as well as runners Anderson Dibble and Emily Lyons (page 75), antique car enthusiast Lisa Schnitzler (page 87), and N.C Aquarium at Fort Fisher director Joanna Zazzali (page 96). madelinegrayphoto.com and @ madelinepgray on Instagram

AMY KILGORE MANGUS is a public relations

professional with a degree from East Carolina University. In her spare time, she spends her time traveling, camping with her husband, and playing with her two Pekingese, Zoe and Bosco. She talks with local practitioners on advice for women navigating perimenopause (page 66).

LAURA MOORE is an English professor at Cape Fear

Community College in one of the top three-rated English departments in the state. In addition to education, she has a background in public relations and journalism. Moore interviews health care leaders about projects coming up for the area’s health providers (page 82).

DREWE SMITH and K ATE SUPA own a creative

studio – Drewe and Kate Branding Co. – that helps companies elevate their brand and digital presence through photography, brand styling, logo design, and website creation. In this issue, the duo worked on a nautical style spread (page 50), swimsuit trends (page 63), Solémar clothing profile (page 58), a health story on perimenopause (page 66), and a feature about Perennial Harbor (page 90). dreweandkate.com 10

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SUMMER 2025

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SUMMER 2025

FROM THE EDITOR

ADAPTION APPLICATION uick, what’s your favorite animal, and what do you think that says about you?

Mine, since you asked, is the lemur – have been for years. But why? I dig their funny bugged-out eyes, chic strips on the ring-tailed ones, and generally cool demeanor. If you see them at the zoo or the Duke Lemur Center in Durham, they might run and play, but I’ve never caught one mugging to the camera (ahem, penguins.) But a fun fact about lemurs is they evolved in the wild on their own schedule. Isolated on the island of Madagascar – the only place in the world where they’re found in the wild – lemurs adapted to their immediate environment and not the world at large. Like the alien-faced primates, we are also adapting – a lot of time also in response to our immediate environment. That includes how we interact with other humans. “We’re always adapting to our environment,” Jessica Wolfe, chief client success officer for The Forté Institute, said recently. Wolfe was talking to members of this year’s WILMA Leadership Institute at their orientation session last month. In this case, she was speaking about how we each have natural communication

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and decision styles – some of us are naturally patient; some of us are nonconformists – and those styles are clues to how we best respond to other people as well as how we would prefer people to interact with us. The kick is not everyone is the same. Which, while inconvenient, brings a wide range of perspectives to any conversation. Like the lemurs grew longer fingers and toes to grip trees better, we too also need to consider adapting to where teammates are coming from. Meanwhile, they should also be thinking about and adapting to your natural style, too. “We want to make sure we’re doing it intentionally,” Wolfe said about adapting communication styles. “And once we’re doing it intentionally, we want to communicate effectively.” So, whether you devour this summer issue impatiently to scour all the nuggets of advice and leadership bullet points or you patiently flip through absorbing the nuances, we hope you find something that communicates to you on the following pages – no matter what your style.

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Vicky Janowski, WILMA editor editor@wilmingtonbiz.com

WILMA

SUMMER 2025

GENESIS BOARD ADDS

SPOTLIGHT

GENESIS BLOCK FOUNDATION, A HUB FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA, announced the appointment of four new members to its board of directors: AMY SULLIVAN, TERRY ESPY, APRIL SCOTT, and JERRY COLEMAN. Sullivan, founder and principal of Lumina Business Solutions, a fractional business management firm, is the new board chair. The new members join the organization’s existing board, led by vice chair KHALILAH OLOKUNOLU, treasurer SHARM BRANTLEY, and secretary TUFANNA BRADLEY, along with directors NED MARABLE, LISA WEEKS, TANYA MCGEE, and GIRARD NEWKIRK. “We are incredibly fortunate to welcome such a talented and diverse group of individuals to our board,” executive director TRACEY NEWKIRK says. “Espy (owner of Momentum Companies) is a respected leader in the community with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs, primarily small business owners,” Genesis officials say. Scott (right), director of Brunswick Community College’s Small Business Center, has years of experience supporting small businesses helping to get their ventures off the ground. “She will help with our expansion into Brunswick County,” group leaders say.

photo by TERAH HOOBLER

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SPOTLIGHT

ENTREPRENEUR HONORS Salt & Charm, a personal chef, catering, and meal prep service founded by ABBYE MCGEE, won in the Retail & Hospitality category. (McGee shares a personal recipe in this issue on page 49.) And Sandbar Oyster Company, which makes Oyster Catcher, a patent-pending biodegradable designed for the creation of living shorelines, oyster-habitat restoration, and oyster aquaculture, won in the biotechnology category. Sandbar is run by the father-and-daughter team NIELS LINDQUIST and MARAE WEST. All eleven companies honored this year will be recognized May 21 at an awards event where the overall Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year is announced: Info: coastalentrepreneur.com

photo by MADELINE GRAY

SEVERAL WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES ARE A PART OF THIS YEAR’S COASTAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD WINNERS. The awards are a joint effort between the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) and WILMA’s sister publication Greater Wilmington Business Journal to identify and recognize fastgrowing organizations and businesses with the potential to make a significant impact on the region. Maritime Maids won in the CEA’s minority/ women-owned business category. Owner KRYSTINA FUGE (below) founded the interior yacht cleaning company and concierge business in 2020.

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SUMMER 2025

SPOTLIGHT

BUI LDI NG BLITZ

photo c/o Habitat for Humanity

THIS YEAR’S CAPE FEAR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S WOMEN BUILD BRINGS MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE, TEAMS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO RAISE MONEY AND BUILD A HOUSE FOR RAQUEL, a single mother of two and local kindergarten teacher. The effort kicked off at the end of April with a Women Build and Brews event at Hi-Wire Brewing, and the construction takes place over several days in May. Raquel’s home will be in Haven Place, Cape Fear Habitat’s development in Castle Hayne. “Participants have the chance to get directly involved in making a difference in the life of a family right here in our community,” says CHRISTINA FERRIS, Cape Fear Habitat’s development director. “The great part is that many will have the chance to meet and work alongside Raquel, the homeowner. It’s an empowering and uplifting experience for everyone who joins in, whether you volunteer, donate, or both.” Info: capefearhabitat.org/ womenbuild

‘EMPRESS OF SOUL’ WHAT: Gladys Knight

PAY PARITY

PITCH PICKS

MEDIAN INCOME FOR FULL-TIME WORKERS IN WILMINGTON

CIE WOMEN IN TECH/FEMALE FOUNDERS WINNERS FROM DEMO DAY PITCHES

MEN

WOMEN

LOCATION: CFCC Wilson Center

2020: $61,841

$48,857

DETAILS: The Grammy Awardwinning artist takes to the stage.

2021: $59,389

$49,004

2022: $57,249

$47,957

2023: $60,465

$50,423

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. June 28

INFO: wilsoncentertickets.com/ events

2nd: $3000

Shannon Ford 3rd: $2000

Source: Census Bureau ACS, Neilsberg

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1st: $5000

Sana Rockwell

BOUQUET BUNCHES WHAT: Funky Flower Fest WHEN: noon-4 p.m. June 29 LOCATION: Waterline Brewing Co. DETAILS: Floral-themed vendors, food trucks, craft beer, live music, and more INFO: waterlinebrewing.com/ upcoming-events

Anna Barrett

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SPOTLIGHT

photo c/o Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

MUSIC AT THE LAKE FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS HITS THE ROAD THIS SUMMER, STARTING WITH A SHOW AT GREENFIELD LAKE AMPHITHEATER ON MAY 8. The Los Angeles-based, multiplatinum alt-pop band’s Man on the Moon headlining tour starts later in summer visiting thirty-one cities. They released During the pandemic, the band’s co-lead singer NOELLE SCAGGS founded a nonprofit called Diversify the Stage to support underrepresented communities in the live music and touring industry. This summer, the amphitheater owned by the city and run by Live Nation, will bring updates to the lakeside, outdoor venue. A VIP section as well as a new food and beverage area was added to the amphitheater, which saw more than 5,500 square feet added to it in the past year. Other acts scheduled to perform at Greenfield Lake this summer include Big Something, Drive-By Truckers, Trombone Shorty, and Drew Holcomb.

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SUMMER 2025

ON THE AGENDA Advice and connections from local leaders + the latest on the WILMA Leadership initiative p.24

WILMA LEADERSHIP UPDATES p.27

WILMA LEADERSHIP SPONSORS p.29

LEADERSHIP ADVICE FROM MERIKAY HUNT p.32

PLUGGING IN: STEPHANIE BORRETT’S FUNDRASING APPROACH p. 37

PLUGGING IN: INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS p.38

LAURIE WHALIN ON LEADING NHRMC

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UPDATES

RECAP:

The latest on the WILMA Leadership Initiative and its mission to empower women to lead with confidence and purpose

ANNIVERSARY UPDATE: WILMA’s leadership program marks its ten-year • anniversary this summer with a special focus at the annual Leadership Accelerator

conference July 24 as well as a special event bringing together Institute alum and Award winners to celebrate a decade of accomplishments.

INSTITUTE: The 2025 WILMA Leadership Institute class kicked • offLEADERSHIP its nine-month program with orientation in April. At the orientation, the forty-eight

women learned about communication styles from The Forté Institute, participated in PickleBall Corporate Teambuilding’s court experience, met with former Institute alum, and heard from WILMA Leadership Initiative advisory board member Sheri Leavens about defining leadership. The class will meet monthly this year in the leadership program.

GET ON BOARD: UNCW’s Quality Enhancement for Nonprofit Organizations • (QENO) gave a board training session for WILMA readers on April 29 at UNCW’s Truist Hall.

STUDENT MENTORING: WILMA Institute alum participated in a leadership • program organized by UNCW’s Gender Studies & Research Center. The group of students in the semester-long program paired up with Institute graduates as mentors.

EXPLORE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED

LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

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SUMMER 2025

W2W AWARDS

LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

GET ON BOARD

LE WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS

UP NEXT:

LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR How to connect with WILMA’s leadership programs

OMEN TO WATCH AWARDS: Stayed tuned for announcements about • W this year’s award finalists in Arts, Business, Education, Health, Nonprofit/Volunteer, Public

Sector, and Rising Stars ahead of the September 5 event. There, we’ll recognize the finalists and announce category winners as well as honor our inaugural Icon Award winner. Info: W2WAward.com

ACCELERATOR: WILMA’s annual leadership conference returns to • LtheEADERSHIP Wilmington Convention Center on July 24. Info: WILMAAccelerator.com and on page 2-3 ENTORING: This year’s group of WILMA mentors and mentees have been meeting • M one-on-one each month to work on the women’s professional goals.

N THE LOOP: Keep up to date with these and other Leadership Initiative programs as • Iwell as application announcements by going to WILMAmag.com or signing up for the WILMA Leadership email at WILMAmag.com/email-newsletter.

MORE INFO: WILMALeadership.com GET ON BOARD

WILMA NETWORK

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MENTORING

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SPONSORS

“As Live Oak Bank's new board representative, I am excited to continue DENISE FOAT

Operations Support Manager / VP LIVE OAK BANK

our founding sponsorship of WILMA and its vital work empowering the women of Wilmington. At Live Oak, we are steadfast in our commitment to cultivating women leaders and recognizing their essential impact on positive change. Together with WILMA, we'll continue to create opportunities for women in our community to reach their full potential.”

“At Novant Health, we remain deeply committed to creating

pathways for upward mobility and professional growth—for both our team members and the communities we serve. We are proud to support this exceptional program that expands access to skill-building and development opportunities for women. Our continued partnership with WILMA's Leadership Initiative reflects our shared dedication to empowering women at every stage of their professional journey.”

HEATHER DAVIS

Chief Clinical Officer NOVANT HEALTH

PRESENTING SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

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GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. WE ARE HERE FOR CAPE FEAR.

127 Grace Street Wilmington, NC 28401

910.798.3900

info@uwcfa.org

@unitedwaycapefear

Welcome to the human side of banking

Here, people matter most. That means putting you first in everything we do. Learn more at td.com/aboutus. Member FDIC, ©2025, TD Bank, N.A. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. The TD logo and other TD trademarks are owned by The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its affiliates and are used under license.

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SUMMER 2025

photo b

y BRE

NDA

TOR

REY

Merikay Hunt on Updating Your Self-care Routine Here are some highlights of the research for the presentation to help identify areas you are doing well and areas you may want to focus on for improvement.

wo weeks ago, I delivered a keynote presentation in San Francisco on the topics of impact of selfcare on leadership, stress and worry principles, and how to help your team succeed. Practicing self-care

as a professional is crucial because it helps maintain your mental and physical well-being, allowing you to perform at your best in your career by reducing stress, increasing focus, improving decision-making abilities, and preventing burnout – ultimately leading to better job satisfaction and productivity. Curious on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, how would you rate your leadership? Self-care routine? How you deal with stress and worry? How you help your team succeed? My AHA for this new program happened when I was attending a church service several weeks ago and the pastor was talking about the importance of serving others. The third time he mentioned it, I thought to myself, “Dude, I’ve been putting other people first my entire life and it’s about killed me.” Kids, ph2s (previous husband one and two), work, volunteering, helping my friends, and extended family … A week later I watched a speech from Simon Sinek on YouTube that drove home the importance of making yourself a priority in 2025, not from a selfish perspective, but from the perspective of the better you are, the better you lead and the better you are for your team.

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KEY STRATEGIES TO PRIORITIZE YOURSELF: • Set boundaries: Clearly define what you are comfortable with and learn to say no when necessary to protect your time and energy. Schedule self-care time: Block out specific moments in your calendar dedicated to activities that nourish you, like exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings in the present moment to better understand your needs. Prioritize your physical health: Eat nutritious meals, get enough sleep, and engage in regular physical activity. Take care of your mental health: Engage in activities that bring you joy, practice gratitude, and seek support when needed. Be kind to yourself: Accept your limitations, celebrate your accomplishments, and practice positive self-talk. Learn to say no: Don’t feel obligated to take on more than you can handle. Identify your needs: Understand what truly makes you feel fulfilled and prioritize those things. KEY REASONS WHY SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT FOR PROFESSIONALS: Reduced stress and burnout: High-pressure work environments can lead to significant stress, and self-care practices like exercise, meditation, or hobbies can help manage these stressors and prevent burnout. Enhanced focus and concentration: When well-rested and mentally balanced, professionals can better focus on tasks and make sound decisions. Improved emotional resilience: Self-care practices can help individuals better cope with challenging situations and difficult clients/customers. Increased productivity: By taking care of their physical and mental health, professionals can maintain energy levels and be more productive throughout the workday. Positive professional image: Taking care of oneself often translates to a more confident and composed demeanor at work, which can positively impact professional relationships. WILMAMAG.COM

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SUMMER 2025

KEY WAYS MANAGERS CAN SUPPORT EMPLOYEE SUCCESS: Clear communication: Clearly explain goals, expectations, and responsibilities, and ensure employees understand their role within the team. Regular feedback: Provide timely and constructive feedback, both positive and negative, to help employees identify areas for improvement. Career development: Encourage employees to identify their career goals and provide opportunities for training, mentorship, and skill development. Empowerment: Give employees autonomy to make decisions within their roles and trust them to manage their work effectively. Recognition and appreciation: Acknowledge and celebrate employee achievements, both big and small, to boost morale and motivation. Supportive work environment: Foster a positive and inclusive team culture where employees feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas. Goal setting: Collaborate with employees to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and track progress. Work-life balance: Promote healthy work-life boundaries and encourage employees to take breaks when needed. Addressing concerns: Be approachable and actively listen to employee concerns, providing support and solutions when necessary. Mentorship programs: Pair new or developing employees with experienced colleagues to provide guidance and support. I re-recorded this program last week to post on my YouTube channel (Merikay Hunt) to help people make 2025 their best year ever! Learn your strengths, grow personally and professionally, and enhance your leadership skills. You got this! W

URAL INAUG Trucks of Taste OD FO A L! F E ST I V

CELEBRATE WILMINGTON’S FOOD TRUCK SCENE AND BENEFIT GENESIS BLOCK FOUNDATION’S BLOCK EATZ FOOD INNOVATION CAMPUS! August 23rd, 2025 | 4-8 PM | CFCC Contact Lisa Weeks for sponsorship and vendor opportunities wbseahorse@yahoo.com

Merikay Hunt is founder and president of Coach MKay Companies, a locally based organization dedicated to unlock leadership potential through discovering purpose, aligning people, evaluating process, and improving communication. She works with executive coaching, professional development, and keynote speaking. coachmkay.com

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PLUGGING IN A S S O C I AT I O N G R O U P S

COMPOUNDING INTEREST:

Stephanie Borrett on bringing together fundraising professionals

by BARBARA L. NELSON | photo by TERAH HOOBLER

TEPHANIE BORRETT, past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Cape Fear Region Chapter, leaves a lasting legacy at the nonprofit organization and her community as she embarks on an inspiring new journey as development director at the Carousel Child Advocacy Center. “Stephanie was president of the chapter during years of significant change when both the board and the membership saw some attrition,” said DAVID HOWELL, current president of the AFP Cape Fear Region Chapter. “She took on multiple roles during this time and ensured that the board and the chapter not only got back on track but saw growth that still continues because of her efforts.” For over sixty years, the national Association of Fundraising Professionals has motivated individuals and organizations to adopt ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research, and advocacy. The Cape Fear Region Chapter was established in 2017 and serves the counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, Bladen, Columbus, and Duplin. “AFP’s guiding principles outline the deep values and commitments that chapter members embrace and uphold in our non-profit community as a whole,” says Howell. “Our local chapter inspires professionals working across the entire spectrum of local nonprofits to have

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a direct, and at times, immediate, impact on those in our communities who have the most needs, year over year, and who wish, ultimately, to live better lives.” While AFP president, a volunteer position, Borrett also served as the director of donor relations for the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust and later as the development specialist for boards management at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. “Because Stephanie is a natural leader, she empowers chapter members by example,” says Howell. “Along with our programs chair, she oversaw two years worth of revamped programs that focused not only on best practices in philanthropy, but also professional growth.” Borrett credits her professional fundraising successes to her exceptional organization, commitment to deadlines, and the power of teamwork. “To create a robust structure underlying a fundraising and communication plan, I collaborate with team members to map an entire calendar year of fundraising events, appeals, grant deadlines and communications, including start dates, deadlines, and mailing drop dates,” she says. “This strategy underpins the objectives and tactics derived from the plan, helping me identify overlapping priorities and opportunities to adjust workloads.” Borrett emphasizes that streamlining the donor experience is the cornerstone of successful fundraising. Making it easier and more enjoyable for donors to contribute can truly make a difference, she says “One lesson I learned early in my career and have brought to each of my development roles is to simplify the donor experience,” says Borrett. “Barriers to giving should be identiﬁed and reduced, if not eliminated. For example, in two of my previous positions, I managed comprehensive website redesigns and aligned online donation capabilities with our donor

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SUMMER 2025

database to simplify online giving and increase donor conﬁdence.” Borrett aims to create a meaningful impact at the Carousel Center, which provides support for child survivors of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, or those who have witnessed violent crimes. It is the region’s only nationally accredited child advocacy center. “First and foremost, I hope to be a good steward of the development program built by my predecessor,” says Borrett. “I will look to opportunities to increase grant funding and donations from individuals. I hope to implement a planned giving program, where donors can leave a legacy by supporting Carousel Child Advocacy Center in their will.” For Borrett, fundraising doesn’t stop at the office. Since September 2022, she has supported the Hoggard High School Band Boosters, which provides volunteers and fundraising support for the band program. “I started as a general parent volunteer with pit crew and concession sales,” says Borrett. “Last year, I served as the chair of the fundraising committee, leading the organization’s ﬁrst-ever peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, which raised $18,400, surpassing our target of $10,000. This year, I serve as co-president.” In this role, she led a team of volunteer leaders who supported all band activities, competitions, fundraisers, performances, and social events. The team has successfully encouraged fifty-five band families to support numerous events and has collectively raised $39,000 for the program. Borrett demonstrates that despite her numerous professional and community engagements, she maintains the ability to lead a rich and fulfilling life, encouraging others to embrace a harmonious work-life balance. “There will never be a moment when ‘it is all done,’” she said. “The inbox will never be clear. There will always be one more email, another phone call to make. You have to decide to be done for the day and leave. Engage with hobbies – I sing with the Cape Fear Chorale, which brings me joy making music with a skilled group of singers!” W

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A S S O C I AT I O N G R O U P S

PLUGGING IN

Each issue, WILMA includes a Plugging In directory to help you connect locally. This time, we’re focusing on professional association groups that people can use to connect to others in the same industry. Keep an eye out for future lists about art groups and volunteering opportunities. Let us know about your organization by emailing editor@wilmingtonbiz.com.

AFP CAPE FEAR REGION CHAPTER The local group of the Association of Fundraising Professionals brings together the region’s nonprofit community “by providing professional development opportunities for effective and ethical fundraising practices.” The chapter started in 2007 to serve New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Onslow, Bladen, Columbus, and Duplin counties. Members typically meet on the first Wednesday of every month 8-9:30 a.m. at the New Hanover County Arboretum. Monthly meetings are free for chapter members and $10 for others. May’s meeting features Christina Hallingse, CFCC’s director of media relations, on the topic of Storytelling and Public Speaking for Nonprofits. INFO: AFPNCCFR.ORG

LOWER CAPE FEAR HRA The Lower Cape Fear Human

Resources Association represents HRrelated fields. It’s one of 550 affiliate chapters of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) nationally. “Membership is open to all Human Resource professionals or college faculty, as well as undergraduate and graduate students in business, human resources, industrial relations, or areas of business related to the field of human resource management,” according to the group. The chapter’s May meeting is a social, and the focus of its June meeting is on the Community Resilience Model, presented by Bo Dean. INFO: LCFHRA.COM

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CAPE FEAR CREW Cape Fear CREW, or

Commercial Real Estate Women, was founded in 2010 to connect commercial real estate women in Cape Fear for business opportunities. “Today, with over 90 members, our mission is to advance all women in commercial real estate through business networking, leadership development, career outreach, and industry research.” May’s events include a networking coffee May 9 and talk about Wilmington International Airport’s future with airport director Jeff Bourk on May 15. INFO: CAPE-FEAR.CREWNETWORK.ORG

WAHA The Wilmington Area

Hospitality Association (WAHA) is a regional tourism membership organization. “The purpose of WAHA is to promote the interests of the hospitality industry in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties by providing beneficial information to our membership, creating a forum for the discussion of ideas and issues, and by facilitating communication among members.” INFO: WILMINGTONAHA.COM

WILMINGTON ART ASSOCIATION The

Wilmington Art Association is an allvolunteer organization for visual artists founded over fifty years ago. It is “dedicated to supporting arts and artists in the area through outreach efforts and scholarships.” The group provides educational programs, demonstrations, and lectures. INFO: WILMINGTONGALLERY.ORG

Health Head: LAURIE WHALIN ON MOVING UP THE NHRMC RANKS photo by DARIA AMATO

arlier this year, LAURIE WHALIN was promoted to run Novant’s hospitals in Southeastern North Carolina. Whalin, who first

joined New Hanover Regional Medical Center in 2009, rose through the ranks at the then-county-owned hospital – from pharmacy clinical manager to the director of pharmacy to vice president of clinical support services. In 2021, she became president and chief operating officer of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center after NHRMC was sold to Novant Health. The following year, she was named chief operating officer of Novant NHRMC and president of Novant Health’s future community hospital in the Scotts Hill area. Now, she is the system’s president of acute care operations and NHRMC for the Novant Health Coastal Region. Whalin talks about the latest step in her career and leadership lessons learned along the way.

Health in February 2025. As part of the regional leadership team, I am responsible for overseeing all hospitals and acute care operations across (Novant’s) Coastal Region, which includes New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties. In this role, I provide strategic direction and operational leadership to ensure high-quality, patient-centered care, drive performance excellence, and support workforce development initiatives that align with Novant Health’s work to improve the health of the communities we serve.”

When did you start in your new role with Novant Health, and what does it involve? “I began my new role with Novant

How is it different than your previous work with the local health system? “While it is not an extreme departure from my previous role, this new position marks an important pivot. Transitioning from serving as president of Scotts Hill to also leading New Hanover Regional Medical Center expands my scope significantly. In this role, I now work directly with community hospital presidents across the region to ensure we are meeting the needs of our patients closer to where they live. It’s a broader, more strategic focus on regional alignment, operational excellence, and community-centered care across all hospitals in the Coastal Region.”

BOOK RECOMMENDATION “The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. While it may not traditionally be considered a leadership book, the leadership lessons woven throughout are endless – from perseverance and vision to trusting the journey and leading with purpose.”

SOMEONE TO KNOW “Kate Tayloe, the principal at GLOW … is a phenomenal, smart, and deeply inspiring woman – a fierce advocate for education who pours her heart into making a difference in the lives of the girls she serves.”

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What is previous Novant Health NHRMC President Ernie Bovio’s new role and how do the two of you work together now with the changes? “Ernie Bovio continues to serve as president of the Coastal Region. His role has evolved, and his dedicated focus is now on regional growth, strategy, and market development. I often say Ernie and I are the ‘dynamic duo.’ We have a strong, collaborative partnership and work closely together to lead the Coastal Region. Our shared focus is ensuring we meet the needs of our community, team members, and physicians, while driving both operational excellence and strategic growth across the region.” You have been heavily involved in the building of the new Scotts Hill hospital. Are you still leading that project? “Yes, I am still leading the development of the Scotts Hill hospital. As the project moves closer to completion, we plan to hire a dedicated president to oversee dayto-day operations at the facility, who will report directly to me. We anticipate filling that leadership role within the next six months to ensure a smooth transition and strong operational foundation.” What are your other focuses and goals this year?

TO LISTEN TO Jay Shetty’s On Purpose – “This podcast helps me stay grounded in being reflective, humble, and curious – qualities I strive to embody every day in both my personal and professional life.”

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“We have the unique privilege of being the health system for our community – caring for our family, friends, neighbors, and one another – and I take that responsibility very seriously. This year, we are focused on ensuring exceptional quality of care, an outstanding patient experience, and expanding access to health care services in locations that are convenient for our growing population. Additionally, as the largest employer in the county, we recognize the importance of supporting our team members and physicians. Taking care of our people so they can take care of our patients is my top priority. Creating a thriving, supportive environment for both our patients and our teams remains at the heart of everything we do.” How would you describe your leadership style? “My leadership style is deeply rooted in building and supporting high-performing teams, which I believe is the true key to success. My overarching philosophy is simple: I build high-performing teams that change the world. I am proud to say that we have exactly that kind of team at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and throughout the Coastal Region. Together, we are driven by a shared purpose and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.” What things have you picked up in your career that have helped shape your leadership style? “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that empowerment breeds confidence. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the power of tapping into each individual’s unique strengths and giving them the space and trust to lead in their own way. By fostering an environment where people feel supported and valued, we unlock their full potential and maximize their impact – not just within the organization, but within the community we serve.” W

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FEAST

Flavor

Concepts

Asian dishes are on the Cargo District’s menu by MOMENT PALMER | photos by DARIA AMATO

ap Lai is bringing a new vibrant taste to Wilmington’s Asiancentric culinary scene, thanks to TEE SOMSNITH sharing her Laotian culture through fragrant flavors and her love of cooking and food. And how apropos, as “sap lai” means “delicious” in Laotian.

“When we eat something, we say ‘sap lai’ so it’s a compliment meaning that it’s delicious,” Somsnith says. Somsnith’s culinary journey began on the other side of the globe back when she was just a young girl. Born in Laos, she lived there until she was nine, when she moved to the United States and quickly found out she was not a fan of traditional American cuisine. “Moving here from Laos at nine, I remember trying a burger and it was not for me, since all I knew was sticky rice,” Somsnith jokes. “I think I hardly touched my school lunch till high school.” At age fourteen, she got the first glimpse of her culinary career when her aunt took her under her wing and along to help out at the Vietnamese restaurant where she worked. “My basic tasks were cleaning up, helping run food, and wrapping egg rolls. As I got older, I was able to chop veggies, make dumplings, and compose dishes according to the chef ’s instructions,” she says.

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From the frying pan to the front of the house, she switched back and forth between the kitchen and the dining room, getting a taste for all facets of the restaurant business, but her heart was in the kitchen. “I always enjoyed cooking the most, and even after high school, I wanted to be a chef, because I wanted to share our food and culture,” she says. After relocating to Wilmington in 2020, Somsnith worked with her relatives at Umaii Thai and Tokyo 101 before deciding to strike out on her own. She started out with a food truck but decided that “truck life” was not for her. “There are limits to what you can cook on a truck because

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Tunyamai Pichetshote, left, and Pakyada King at Sap Lai's End of Days Concept Kitchen pop up in April OPPOSITE PAGE: Pineapple fried rice, beef short ribs, pork belly, yakisoba, and takoyaki are some of the dishes Sap Lai offers at the End of Days Concept Kitchen pop up.

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FEAST it’s so small,” Somsnith says. “So, after following End of Days Distillery’s social media, I reached out and asked to present the concept of Sap Lai for their Concept Kitchen.” Somsnith has hit the sweet spot with End of Days’ Concept Kitchen, which offers a constant rotation of different chefs and cuisines – as it offers the flexibility of a pop-up model but not requiring chefs to operate constantly like a brick-and-mortar establishment. End of Days Distillery opened its concept kitchen in late 2023 after receiving city approval to install a commercial kitchen in a 20-foot shipping container next to the distillery’s building at 1815 Castle Street. Local chefs such as Mauricio Huarcaya, who brings his Peruvian-inspired menu to Gustu Peruano, often sell out on their days. Sap Lai has become a staple at the Concept Kitchen, where Somsnith is serving up traditional Southeast Asian dishes such as summer rolls, lumpia, and bao buns, as well as more fusion items such as crispy chicken garlic noodles topped with fresh parmesan. When she’s not cooking at the Concept Kitchen, you can find Somsnith enjoying her favorite dish: Nam Khao Tod, a popular crispy rice salad originating from Tha Deua, a small port village in Laos. “I love cured meat, and the dish’s name means ‘cured pork,’” Somsnith says. “I toss it with a crunchy curry rice and lots of herbs, then wrap it in lettuce. Our country eats lots of veggies and herbs and this was a staple growing up. Lettuce wraps are always a hit in my family.” Somsnith says she wants to continue building up Sap Lai’s name and profile, continuing her venture with the Concept Kitchen – she recently sold out her Asian Night Market menu at one of their weekend events – and she hopes eventually it can become a more stable thing. “Right now, it works for my ‘mommy’ schedule, but we are always open to investors and ideas,” she says. In addition to sampling Somsnith’s Sap Lai menu at the Concept Kitchen, you can also find her culinary delights daily at Chef Joy’s Grocerant, which offers freshly made grab-and-go options at its store at 143 North Front Street. W

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LIVE • LIFE • WELL

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FEAST

Cornmeal Lime Cookies INGREDIENTS ½ pound unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 2 Tbsp lime zest 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup cornmeal 2 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp kosher salt GLAZE 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted 2 tsp water 2 tsp lime juice 1½ tsp lime zest (from 1 lime)

photo by Matt Ray Photography, c/o Salt & Charm

Zest Appeal ABBYE MCGEE, owner of Salt & Charm, a personal chef, catering, and meal prep service located in the Cargo District, is honored this month for her expanding business ventures. “People were growing tired of cooking for themselves at home, and it was clear that there was a demand for services like meal prep and delivery and takeout,” McGee, who also coowns The Starling Whiskey + Wine Bar and Ibis HiFi Coffee + Cocktail Bar in Wilmington, says about Salt & Charm’s origins. Recently, Salt & Charm was named the winner of this year’s Coastal Entrepreneur Awards’ Retail & Hospitality category.

The annual awards, put on by WILMA’s sister publication Greater Wilmington Business Journal and UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, recognize fast-growing businesses with the potential to make a significant impact on the region. All eleven category winners, including McGee, will be honored at an awards event May 21 at UNCW during which this year’s overall Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced. With her award, McGee details the story of her business path in the May issue of the Business Journal (go to wilmingtonbiz.com to read more) and shares a favorite summertime recipe – a sweet and tart cornmeal cookie with a lime zest glaze. W

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DIRECTIONS Whisk together the dry ingredients and set aside. In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed for 5 minutes. Add the lime zest and mix for an additional minute. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix, starting on low speed and working up to high, for 5 minutes. With the mixer turned down to low speed, add in the dry ingredients slowly and mix just until combined. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, portion out the dough in ¼ cup size balls. Flatten the tops just slightly. Place in the fridge to chill while the oven preheats. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes, just until they start to turn light brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, water, lime juice, and zest. Dip or drizzle each cookie with the glaze and allow to set for 15-20 minutes or so. Keep cookies in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

STYLE

ship

shape

ith the 50th anniversary of Jaws approaching, we’re taking this summer’s style cues from an unexpected character: the ornery but lovable shark-hunting Quint.

Fisherman-core is the latest of the fashion “core”s to surface in these warmer months, but it’s not as niche as you might think. Get your sea legs ready with chunky knits, Breton stripes, and khakis in relaxed fits; all key pieces that may already live in your closet. Then, go fishing for playful, maritime-inspired prints and accessories featuring scales, shells, ropes, or wave motifs. Tie that with a netted bag or even a fish-shaped purse (yes, you need it!) and a pair of wide-strap, flat sandals and you’re ready to set sail. W

photos & styling by DREWE AND KATE BRANDING CO. | intro by NINA BAYS

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STYLE

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Hendrix TOP and Hendrix SHORTS in latte capri shells, Wynn BIKINI TOP, and Murano NECKLACE, all available at Trés Bleu

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Bayeas mid-rise jean SHORTS, Montecito sweater VEST, Cleobella abstract print weekender BAG, Anya rectangular box chain NECKLACE, Shayla Dainty pearl choker NECKLACE, Cosette beaded round mesh chain NECKLACE, shell BELT, Nach shell RING, and Pippa chain hoop EARRINGS, all available at Trés Bleu

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Tulum TOP and Tulum PANTS, Dallas TOP in sage bloom jacquard, Waverly bamboo hoop EARRINGS, and Odette coin chain NECKLACE, all available at Trés Bleu

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MODEL: Rhea Reid LOCATION: Motts Channel Seafood 120 Short Street Wrightsville Beach WARDROBE: Très Bleu, 1121-D, Military Cutoff Road

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STYLE

HOMEGROWN SUSTAINABLE

Riley Neese builds her Solémar line by LILY CROWDER | photos by DREWE AND KATE BRANDING CO.

he classy, simple beachy clothing aesthetic will never go out of style – with Solémar, a Wilmington-based apparel brand, these timeless looks don’t come at the cost of the ocean or the environment.

While RILEY NEESE started Solémar in March 2024, her interests and passions were headed toward sustainable fashion long before the brand officially launched. Solémar’s name comes from the Spanish words “sun” and “sea”, which speak to the owner’s passion for the ocean. A North Carolina native, Neese grew up in Greensboro but frequented

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various Carolina beaches as a kid through trips with her family. On these trips, Neese would beg her dad to take her to surf shops, where she’d ogle over the light, bright, and coastal flair of brands like O’Neill, Billabong, and Rip Curl. “I love lifestyle clothes,” Neese says, “things you can just throw on and not have to think about it.” Once she took on a sustainability minor in college, Neese became intensely aware of the cons of the fashion industry, specifically the excessive textile waste that comes from massive clothing companies. In turn, she turned to her love of thrifting and had an eye for finding chic, used pieces. Once she began sewing in 2023, her thrifting abilities expanded tenfold, as she could now rework WILMAMAG.COM

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STYLE

and even design from scratch new items from pre-loved fabrics she found. “There is so much new life left in forgotten textiles, for example an old sheet could be upcycled into a pair of pants,” Neese says. Her love of thrifting, style, and passion for the earth amalgamated initially into designing clothing pieces for herself. “I’ve always loved shopping and clothes and I decided I wanted to make stuff for myself that actually fit me comfortably,” Neese says. Quickly, Neese’s homemade wardrobe was garnering attention from friends and others, who wanted the pieces for themself. With her entrepreneurial background honed at Appalachian State, Neese realized she had more than just a personal passion and some cute handmade clothes; she had a business. Though many big-name brands, especially fast-fashion brands, make their clothes overseas, Solémar comes with the assurance of knowing both who exactly made your clothes and also where the material is sourced. Everything Neese uses in her collections is thrifted in North Carolina. She not only repurposes fabric from used clothes but some pieces, such as her purses, are made from thrifted or upcycled table-

cloths, curtains, or other thrifted fabric. Her pants, shirts, and skirts are normally made out of thrifted sheets, deadstock fabrics, upcycled garments, or other miscellaneous thrifted fabrics. On choosing the materials she works with, Neese says, “It’s a fun game. I mainly go to thrift shops. … I try to look for 100% cotton or linen – so sustainable and naturally occurring materials.” The result is an earthy, airy style, with high-quality, ethically sourced fabrics. A central focus of Solémar is not only practicing carbon neutrality but educating customers and the public on the importance of shopping from slow-fashion brands. Neese defines slow fashion as, “Creating garments in a meaningful way, and creating pieces that are made with intention.” While fast-fashion brands pump out short lived, trendy collections near constantly, Neese believes in small, staple-piece oriented collections. Solémar provides clothes that are meant to be worn again and again. While fast fashion gives the impression clothes have a single-use life, slow fashion provides sturdy items that can be dressed up or down, and in turn, worn endlessly.

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Another way Solémar commits to a carbon neutral model is many products are made to order. “It’s important to not have so much waste,” Neese says. “For example, instead of making five smalls and only selling three, with two never getting sold, made to order allows me to use the exact amount of fabric needed.” As Solémar continues to grow, Neese now has a studio space where she works on designing and sewing pieces for the brand. “I try to get in there daily,” Neese says. To her, it’s more than just a brand, it’s an artistic endeavor. “I get in flow state and will go in on a collection for six hours or so,” she says. Solémar hit the Wilmington pop-up market scene last summer, welcoming a breadth of new customers on top of the ones garnered from the brand’s Instagram and website. As Solémar expands its goods – such as an upcoming emergence of swimwear products – Neese also plans to stock her items at upcoming markets such as Oceanfest in Surf City in May. “The Wilmington community has definitely been really supportive,” she says. “At the markets, you get to know everyone. People meet me, and they know the items are coming from my hands, someone they know.” W 61

Delivering Comprehensive Family and Cosmetic Dermatology to Wilmington Waccamaw Dermatology is now in Wilmington and is accepting new patients of all ages and most forms of insurance, with same-day and next-day appointments available!

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STYLE

Make it Mellow

Amos cutout ONE-PIECE swimsuit, available at Zia Boutique

by Nina Bays

Every time you break out that neon palm frond bikini, it just screams vacation. But what happens when you’re not in the mood for a look-at-me moment?

Skirted chil ONE-PIE dren’s CE swim suit in marig old stripe, a vailable at Wrights ville Ave

Enter the mellow bikini (aka mello-kini). This summer friend is all about casual flair, more interested in harmonizing with its natural surroundings than busting out the latest Charli XCX drop. With muted colors like marigold and sage, and some subtle strap detailing, the mello-kini is more like your cozy coffee date than your spicy margarita buddy; there when you crave a stylish but quiet recharge in the sun. W

styling and photos by Drewe and Kate Branding Co.

W i BI nslo K W INI w B ind BO IKI N so r, a TTO I TO va M b P a ila ble y De nd W at v o n a d e Trè sB leu

scoop BIKINI Alba BIKINI TOP and stripe, old rig ma in M BOTTO Ave ille tsv available at Wrigh

M O u TT Ble BO s d Trè n a at P O le I T ilab N KI va BI y, a ay ll nr afo Su Se by

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HEALTH + WELLNESS

NEXT CHAPTER

Providers offer options for women navigating perimenopause by AMY KILGORE MANGUS photos by DREWE AND KATE BRANDING CO. & TERAH HOOBLER

erimenopause might be inevitable, but as AMY HAWKINS says, “Suffering is not.” She and other local providers including AMANDA RICKER, a family nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, and menopause practitioner, are bringing clarity, compassion, and customized care to stage of life too often clouded by confusion and silence: perimenopause. Though their training took different paths – Hawkins through naturopathic medicine and Ricker through family practice and midwifery – their journeys led them to the same conclusion: Women deserve better care and more options when it comes to their hormonal health. Ricker’s career began in labor and delivery, where she delivered more than 500 babies. But sleepless nights and a growing passion for hormonal health eventually led her to family medicine, and then to her true calling: helping women understand and manage the effects of perimenopause and menopause. She found herself increasingly drawn to the unspoken struggles women faced later in life. “Women were coming in with hot flashes, brain fog, anxiety, and insomnia – and they were being dismissed or told it was all in their head,” Ricker says. That frustration pushed her to pursue certification through the North American Menopause Society and open her own integrative practice, Women’s Wellness for Life, in 2023. Hawkins found her calling through personal health challenges. “I was chronically ill when I was younger. That escalated when I was in college, and I couldn’t get answers,” she says. After turning to naturopathic medicine and experiencing profound healing through dietary and herbal interventions, she left her pre-med path to become a naturopathic doctor. Later, while navigating postpartum depletion and the onset of perimenopause in her early forties, she saw firsthand how critical individualized care and early intervention could be. “That shifted my focus,” she says. “I really like working with women in early

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HEALTH + WELLNESS

“

AMY HAWKINS

perimenopause and helping them throughout that whole journey.” For both practitioners, the foundation of effective care lies in the basics: nutrition, sleep, movement, and mental health. “We start with sleep,” Ricker says. “It’s the foundation. Once a woman is sleeping, she can better manage diet, stress, exercise – everything else.” Hawkins echoes this wholebody approach: “Women should be eating a healthy diet and attending to their stress,” she says. She focuses on balanced nutrition, highlighting the importance of adequate protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. “All perimenopausal women should make sure they’re getting enough calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D to protect their bones,” she says. Beyond nutrition, both providers integrate natural therapies with conventional medicine. Hawkins uses plantbased remedies like black cohosh, a natural phytoestrogen, for hot flashes and motherwort for anxiety and mood swings.

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health information and viral wellness trends, both women also aim to be a steady, credible source. “Social media has helped increase awareness,” Ricker says, “but it’s also made it harder to know who to trust. My job is to be a voice of clarity in the noise.” Above all, Hawkins and Ricker share a deep belief in empowering women to advocate for themselves. “You should be heard. Your concerns should be validated. You know your body better than anyone,” Hawkins says. “If something doesn't feel right, then let's figure out what's going wrong.” Ricker echoes that sentiment. “Women are leading this change,” she says. “They’re asking questions, advocating for themselves. My job is to give them the tools they need – and the space to use them.” These two practitioners are redefining what perimenopausal care can look like: compassionate, personalized, evidence-based, and rooted in the belief that women deserve to thrive – not just survive – through every stage of life. W

“

Mood disorders are rampant during perimenopause. But if we treat the root cause, we often see huge improvements.

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All perimenopausal women should make sure they’re getting enough calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D to protect their bones.

“These can help mellow out the chaos,” she says, referring to what is called the “zone of chaos” that characterizes perimenopause. Ricker takes a similarly holistic approach. Her practice blends traditional medicine with lifestyle strategies and, when needed, hormone replacement therapy (HRT). “Some women need HRT right away, and for others, we focus on stabilizing lifestyle habits first,” she says. Importantly, she considers mental health central to treatment. “Mood disorders are rampant during perimenopause. But if we treat the root cause, we often see huge improvements.” Hawkins also supports the careful use of hormone replacement therapy as part of an integrated care model. “Most women that I work with are on both herbal and conventional treatments,” she says. “The hormones are going to work better for you if you’re also addressing the foundations – nutrition, movement, stress management.” Both women advocate for bioidentical hormones and safe delivery methods and help women make informed decisions based on their risk factors and lifestyle. Hawkins and Ricker are unwavering about focusing on personalization. Each crafts treatment plans that honor a woman’s unique needs, timeline, and preferences. Whether a woman chooses to start HRT, rely on natural therapies, or blend the two, Hawkins and Ricker ensure she has the information and support to make that decision with confidence. In an age of overwhelming

AMANDA RICKER

HEALTH + WELLNESS

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HEALTH + WELLNESS

HALL OF

FAMER

Kim Crabbe is recognized for her role in soccer

by MEGHAN CORBETT | photos by MALCOLM LITTLE

IM CRABBE, a respected pioneer in the soccer world, will be honored as a member of The Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 at the eighteenth annual induction banquet this month. Crabbe, now outreach program director for the Wilmington Hammerhead Youth Football Club, joins four other sports figures with Wilmington ties for the ceremony May 18 at the Wilmington Convention Center. Crabbe grew up in Reston, Virginia, to an athletic family whose focus was on soccer, though she admits to being somewhat of a late bloomer who didn’t play on an organized level until eight or nine years old. “I am the oldest of three and though we were natural

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athletes, playing several sports – all of us chose soccer and excelled within this sport,” she says. Her mother, a single mom working three jobs, supported their talents leading two of the three to play collegiate soccer. In her earlier years, Crabbe’s skill was apparent, and she quickly rose to the highest levels of competition. She played at the state and regional levels before being chosen for the Olympic Development Team. Even though she was surrounded by other talented players, Crabbe did not have many African American role models in soccer to look up to, so she saw her potential in others who performed at the highest levels in their own sports. “I feel like I had role models to look up to as a young athlete … some male, some female,” she says. “Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Flo Jo were big inspirations in the track and field world… Being that they were African American, I could really relate to them on a more comfortable level. Especially in soccer, as there were not many that played on the elitist platforms.” WILMAMAG.COM

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Crabbe’s favorite position on the field was forward, however, she trained in midfield and distance as well and was recruited to play right back in college where she made a name for herself. “I personally feel as though soccer and sports, in general, are very beneficial for young girls/women,” she says. “Not only does it serve as a great exercise component that betters our health, but being part of a team can truly enrich your life forever. Teammates become more than friends, they become family.” In 1986, Crabbe became the first African American woman to play for the United States Women’s National Team. “I guess I exceeded my own expectations,” she says. “To have been called up to the USWNT in 1986 serves as one of my most honorable accolades – it showed that my commitment, dedication, and resilience all paid off. Being ‘the first’ is, respectfully, another level! It made me think of the greats – Jackie Robinson, Althea Gibson, and Wilma Rudolph and how they paved the way for so many Black athletes.” Perhaps her greatest honor came in 2016 when she was inducted into the Virginia-D.C. Soccer Hall of Fame due to the full circle moment of returning to where it all began. In her current role as outreach program director for the Wilmington Hammerhead Youth Football Club, Crabbe “… coaches and mentors youth players in underserved communities and has made a lasting impact on the groups she works with.” “The work that I do in the community, is very important as it serves many underrepresented youths, allowing them an opportunity to play ‘free’ of all the barriers that may otherwise prevent them from such an experience,” she says. “I believe in doing my part to make our community better. Serving through outreach absolutely fulfills that mission so much that I’ve started a newly formed nonprofit Outreach of Cape Fear, and I plan to broaden the vision of the program, all while continuing to mentor, impact, and better the lives of many of our youth both on and off of the pitch/field.” W

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Youth Football Club SCOTT BRASWELL – Led teams at Olympic and Hoggard high schools to numerous championships, including Hoggard to a state championship in 2007

DAVID MILLER – had a forty-year career at UNCW as an assistant baseball coach, department chair, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, enrollment manager, and director of summer school

KIM CRABBE– The first African TOMMY CRAIG – A certified athletic JERRY WAINWRIGHT – served head American woman to be called up to trainer in Major League Baseball, the U.S. Women’s National Team; Craig played a pivotal role in back-to- basketball coach at UNCW, where he currently the outreach program back World Series wins in 1992 and led the Seahawks to their first NCAA director at Wilmington Hammerhead 1993 with the Toronto Blue Jays. Tournament win

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HEALTH + WELLNESS

RUNNING THEIR COURSES

Whether you’re new to running or pushing your boundaries even farther, here are some local runners sharing their advice for how and where to get moving.

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SUMMER 2025

photo by MADELINE GRAY

THE LONG HAUL Up until 2014, EMILY LYONS had only run for training or exercise – not, as she says, for fun. That year, she signed up for the Wilmington Half Marathon on a whim and caught the bug after crossing the finish line. Her 13.1-mile races have gotten significantly longer since that day. What are some of your PR/ personal records? “My biggest running accomplishment is completing the Badwater Ultra Cup in 2023 and 2024. The Badwater Ultra Cup consists of three races done in a year: 1. Badwater Cape Fear, a 51-mile race on Bald Head Island in March; 2. Badwater Salton Sea, an 81-mile race from Salton City, California, to Palomar Mountain in San Diego County, California, in April; and

3. the legendary Badwater 135 (135-mile race in Death Valley, California, in July where temperatures routinely reach 125+ degrees). I am attempting the Badwater Ultra Cup again this year for the third year in a row.” Running playlist: “LET HER COOK by GloRilla, Slaughter by Sullivan King & Vastive, Prone by Masego, and The Summoning by Sleep Token” Local running spots: “Long runs: downtown to Wrightsville Beach – and back – or the trails at Carolina Beach State Park; short runs: the Loop at Wrightsville Beach or the Halyburton Park loop.” What do you enjoy about running? “There are so many things I love about running, but two things

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really stick out as my main reasons: One, I really enjoy the ultrarunning community as it’s a small, close-knit group of crazy people who hang out for hours to days together going through the same struggles; and two, putting yourself through self-induced suffering for fun puts small and large challenges in other parts of your life into perspective. It also arms you with the problem-solving skills to navigate challenges gracefully and calmly.” Upcoming ultramarathon races to check out: • S outhern Tour Ultra 100 mile, 50 mile, 50K, 50-mile team relay, January 16-17, Wilmington •B adwater Cape Fear 51mile and 50K, March 21, Bald Head Island 77

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photo by DARIA AMATO

STARTING FROM SCRATCH CARESS CLEGG and her eightyear-old daughter, RORY, are tackling their first race ever. The mother-and-daughter team decided to run in this month’s WILMA Dash 5K. Caress Clegg shares why she started and how she’s been training for her first 5K. When and why did you start running? “I don’t know that I’d say I’ve ‘started running’ in the traditional sense. I’m definitely more of a walker. After surviving a heart attack in 2020, daily walks became a prescribed part of my recovery, and they’ve since become a cherished routine I share with my daughter, Rory, but if I’m being honest, they have always been short. As she’s gotten older – and faster – our walks have evolved. She challenges me to ‘race’ and insists we incorporate running. And honestly, saying no to her has never

been my strong suit. Wilmington is full of amazing races, and I’ve always told myself, ‘Next year, I’ll do one.’ When this year’s WILMA Dash was announced, I decided that ‘next year’ had finally arrived. This is the first 5K for both Rory and me, and I’m doing it so I can keep up with her – for now at least, until she outpaces me again.” Running playlist: “When I’m with Rory, I don’t wear earbuds – she is my playlist. If you’ve ever met her, you know she can hold a conversation with a brick wall. She sings, jokes, recaps her school day, and talks the entire 3.3 miles without missing a beat. But on solo walks, I’ve recently been into the Meghan Sussex podcast Confessions of a Female Founder. It’s empowering and reflective – perfect for quiet moments on the trail.”

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Local running spots: “Hanover Pines Nature Park above Monkey Junction is my absolute favorite. It’s still a bit of a hidden gem, and the mix of sundrenched and shaded trails offers the perfect escape from the busyness of our small city.” Advice that’s helped you for others wanting to start running? “Take it one day at a time and listen to your body. You don’t have to race anyone – this is your journey. Whether you finish first or dead last, you’re still ahead of everyone who stayed on the couch.” Upcoming 5K races to check out: •N orth Carolina Blueberry Festival, June 21, Burgaw •B attle for Independence Run, July 4, The Point at Barclay •O ld Baldy Run for the Light, August 8, Bald Head Island 79

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HITTING THE TRAILS ANDERSON DIBBLE has enjoyed running since she was a kid, but it wasn’t until a few years into her service with the Marine Corps that she got into ultramarathons and trail running. Advice that’s helped you for others wanting to run trails? “Start slow. Seriously. Trails are unforgiving, and you need to build up your strength and endurance gradually. Don’t be afraid to walk! There’s no shame in hiking the hills, especially when you’re starting out. Invest in good trail shoes – your feet will thank you. And most importantly, listen to your body. Don’t push through pain; learn to recognize the difference between discomfort and injury. Beyond the physical, find a trail-running community. The camaraderie and support are invaluable. Most importantly, hard work always pays off.”

Local running spots: “North Carolina and Virginia are a trail runner’s paradise! Here in North Carolina, Uwharrie National Forest is my go-to for training. It’s got a great mix of challenging climbs, technical trails, and beautiful scenery. It’s where I really build my strength. For something a little different, Pilot Mountain State Park offers stunning views. Then, a short drive up to Virginia and Shenandoah National Park is incredible.” What’s been a running challenge and how did you overcome it? “There have been a few! But one that really stands out was during the MST 100-miler (a mountain-to-sea course in North Carolina). Around mile 70, I hit a low point. Physically, I was exhausted, and mentally, I was questioning everything. It brought back some tough memories from my deployments and life

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in general – that feeling of being utterly depleted and wanting to quit. But I remembered my ‘why.’ I remembered the people I was running for, the message I wanted to share about resilience. I broke the race down into smaller, manageable segments, focused on one step at a time, and relied on my crew and pacers for support. I also practiced some of the mindfulness techniques about staying present and remembering how hard I have worked. It wasn’t pretty, but I kept moving forward, and eventually, I crossed that finish line.” Upcoming trail races to check out: •G ood Hops 5K Beer Run, June 14, Carolina Beach State Park •F uzzy Peach 5K Trail Run, November 1, Jacksonville •C arolina Beach State Park Half Marathon, January 3 81

photo by MALCOLM LITTLE

Althea Johnson, CEO, MedNorth Health Center

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SUMMER 2025

HEALTH + WELLNESS

MEDICAL Check-In Health care leaders meet growing needs

by LAURA MOORE

s the Cape Fear region continues to grow, so do the health care needs of its residents. The area’s largest providers are responding to those needs through expansions in the next couple of years. The MedNorth Health Center, for example, in downtown Wilmington is expanding by leaps and bounds, and CEO ALTHEA JOHNSON is looking forward for the grand opening of its new facility. “Construction is going very well, and I’m excited to see how it’s progressing and learning so much about the construction process,” Johnson says. “The planned completion is March 2026.” The new two-story structure, being built at the corner of North Third and Bladen streets, will add approximately 35,000 square feet to the health center’s campus. “We don’t have room to fit the increasing number of patients, so this new space will improve work flow and increase space needed for us to see more patients,” Johnson explains. The new building will also include added space for teaching those going into the medical field: medical students, medical assistants, residents, nurses, dental assistants and hygienists, and pharmacy techs. “The purpose of this built-in space is to grow our own by exposing other health care professionals to what a community health center is doing, and it’ll serve as an ongoing work interview to grow others who want to help the community,” Johnson says. Growing the workforce is a major goal for those in the health care industry, according to Wilmington Health community liaison ALEXIS HUNTER. According to Hunter, Wilmington Health has launched a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program to train their own staff members to become CCMAs and fill much-needed clinical roles within their organization. “It is kind of tough to recruit and retain clinical employees, and medical assistants are really important to the daily functions of Wilmington Health,” Hunter says. Long-serving nurse managers teach on the Wilmington Health campus and the program includes clinical time to “learn the ropes” throughout the six-month program, Hunter explains. At the end of the program, they will take the state certification exam and fill a vital role within the organization. “It is an exciting opportunity for some of our employees who want to fulfill a clinical role while keeping their full-time job. We like to advance our own personnel here at Wilmington Health. It is something we’re just really proud of,” Hunter says. Wilmington Health, with its 1,250 providers treating patients over

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ALEXIS HUNTER community liaison, Wilmington Health

LAURIE WHALIN president, Acute Care Operations and Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Novant Health’s Coastal Region

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HEALTH + WELLNESS four counties, sees close to 165,000 unique patients every year, according to Hunter. To meet these demands, they continue to expand their reach in a four-county area. One of the latest expansions is the Wilmington Health Endoscopy and Surgery Center, a newly renovated facility at 2421 Silver Stream Lane. The 9,000-square-foot facility includes several facility enhancements to provide patients with the highest level of care and comfort. “It’s a bigger space with more advanced equipment to give providers opportunities to utilize more innovative ideas and modern tools to provide fantastic care,” Hunter says. Wilmington Health also has partnered with the American Medical Group Association to establish a value-based care alliance. This arrangement with health insurance companies rewards health groups for preventing illnesses and maintaining patient health. Instead of the fee-for-service model, this encourages helping patients to stay well and stay healthier by managing chronic conditions to live vibrant, fulfilling lives. “We are early adopters as it is part of our culture at Wilmington Health care as a physician-owned private practice, so they are leaning on us to better understand value-based arrangements and we are really excited to partner with this national group and showcase what we do,” Hunter shares. LAURIE WHALIN, who was named earlier this year president of Acute Care Operations and Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center for Novant Health’s Coastal Region, says plans for the area’s newest hospital are moving forward. (Read more about Whalin’s leadership transition on page 38.) The Scotts Hill Medical Center is slated to open next summer, and the community hospital with seventy-four inpatient beds will provide care for a host of medical and surgical needs and decompress pressure on the main medical center on 17th street. The hospital expands the Scotts Hill campus, which already includes the Medical Office Plaza that opened last December, to bring specialty care to that part of New Hanover County. The medical plaza includes a Novant Health Cancer Institute hub to offer both infusion treatments and radiation and a multispecialty clinic offering primary care, specialty care, and other services including cardiac rehab and outpatient physical therapy co-located in that spot. “This provides a wide range of ambulatory services, which is the outpatient focus where health care has been headed over the last ten years,” Whalin says. Other areas of expanded services include Leland and Bolivia in Brunswick County and in Pender County at the Novant Health Pender Medical Center in Burgaw. “Our focus is meeting the health care needs of every patient in the community,” Whalin says, “and we take it seriously as we are treating our sisters and brothers and our own team members, and it is a privilege to do so.” W

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rendering c/o MedNorth Health Center

MedNorth Health Center’s new downtown buidling will add approximately 35,000 square feet to the health center’s campus and include teaching space for medical careers. photo c/o Wilmington Health

Wilmington Health recently renovated its Endoscopy and Surgery Center at 2421 Silver Stream Lane. rendering c/o Novant Health

Novant Health’s Scotts Hill Medical Center is being built in the northern part of New Hanover County and expected to open next year.

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Taking theWheel Lisa Schnitzler drives local antique auto club chapter by LAURA MOORE | photos by MADELINE GRAY

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he Antique Automobile Club of America Cape Fear Chapter and the British Motor Club of the Cape Fear are two area clubs that provide a way for residents to create a community sharing what they love with like-minded people. LISA SCHNITZLER is president of the Antique Auto Club of America’s Cape Fear chapter. She purchased her 1968 convertible Buick Skylark while she was in college in 1981 and has enjoyed it for the past

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forty-four years. The AACA is one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the U.S., and the Cape Fear chapter was established in 1972.

“

We would love to get younger and newer members. Our club will age out with many of our members in their eighties, but we would love for younger people to get involved.

“

LISA SCHNITZLER president, Antique Auto Club of America, Cape Fear Chapter

Schnitzler is now serving as the Cape Fear chapter’s “literally first female president in the organization’s history.” The roughly 110-member organization makes its car available to serve in various parades in Wilmington, including the St. Patrick’s Day parade and the annual Christmas parade. While ownership of an automobile is not a requirement for membership,

many of the AACA members own antique automobiles. Several of these local cars are regional and national award winners. An antique automobile is considered a car that is twenty-five years old or older, however, the oldest car in the club is from 1915, and many members have muscle cars from the 1960s through the 1980s. “We would love to get younger and newer members. Our club will age out with many of our members in their eighties, but we would love for younger people to get involved,” Schnitzler says. The AACA’s monthly dinner meetings are held at various local restaurants on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Each year, the club hosts an annual car show in early spring at Legion Stadium, an ice cream social in the summer and a Christmas party in December. For those who are more into cars from the other side of the Atlantic, the British Motor Club of the Cape Fear welcomes all car enthusiasts. “You do not have to have a British car to join, so if you just want to have a good time with folks into motoring, we’d love for you to join us,” longtime member PAM MCMAHON says. Monthly meetings on the third Thursday of each month take place at Hieronymus Seafood on Market Street, a monthly ladies’ lunch, and tech sessions with club members who are knowledgeable about these little British cars, McMahon says.

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SUMMER 2025

“Some of the most fun events are the ‘Drives’ when a member emails everyone on the distribution list and suggests they ride out to a restaurant, meet up and eat, then caravan along the beautiful backroads of Southeastern North Carolina,” McMahon says. As a nonprofit, it supports other nonprofits through the club’s annual car show. The 2025 Cape Fear British Car Show, its twenty-sixth annual event, will be held May 26 this year, in partnership with the Scottish Society of Wilmington and the Port City Highland Games. The event will support paws4vets, an assistance dog placement program for veterans. “Come to monthly meetings, no requirements to register. Just come meet some folks. We are always welcoming new people,” McMahon says. Many of these club members and other car enthusiasts meet during the monthly Cars and Coffee event in Wilmington. The event that features “Cool Cars, Hot Coffee, Great People (and) Pure Fun” is scheduled for the first Saturday of every month from 8 a.m. until noon. Currently, it takes place at The Pointe at Barclay in Wilmington, at South 17th Street and Independence Boulevard. W This story appeared in the April issue of WILMA’s sister publication, the Greater Wilmington Business Joural. To read more, go to WilmingtonBiz.com.

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SCENE

Budding Business Floral concept grows into social space

by SAMANTHA KUPIAINEN | photos by DREWE AND KATE BRANDING CO

will only be open one weekend a month moving forward. On the days it’s not open, its founders intend to use the space as a rentable venue for weddings, parties, and more. On the weekends that Perennial Harbor is open, it will offer a different selection of floral workshops, live music, natural wines and libations, plant education, and more. Its floral workshops for 2025 include making spring centerpieces, creating petite arrangements with seasonal blooms followed by a guided en plein air watercolor with local artist AMANDA FENKER, a workshop to create a Thanksgiving-inspired tablescape, and more. Favory and Johnson have been close friends for years and first met as roommates in college at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. “We’ve been friends and collaborating together for a decade,”

estled at 1107 Princess Street and connected to Blossom Bay, a floral design company, is Wilmington’s newest secret garden, Perennial Harbor. The garden oasis and flowerfilled watering hole was founded by friends ALLY FAVORY and ASHLEY JOHNSON. Favory is the founder of Blossom Bay, while Johnson is the founder of Foxhound Flower Farm, a small cut flower farm in Wilmington. Favory and Johnson combined their unique botanical knowledge and expertise this year to co-found Perennial Harbor. Perennial Harbor hosted its opening weekend April 17-20 and 90

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SCENE Johnson says. “We’ve taught workshops together and done different things in the plant world, but we’ve been waiting for the right space and idea to fully start being partners. Perennial has become that space.” Both Favory and Johnson found themselves in the flower business in different ways. Johnson went into flower farming, and Favory started doing flowers for weddings and now does destination event design. “I don’t think that I ever dreamed that we’d work together,” Johnson says. “I got into the flower farming, and Ally got into doing flowers for weddings and started her own company. This is kind of a perfect little marriage.” One element of Blossom Bay that Favory finds she’s missing is “a sense of community,” mainly because her business is heavily destination based. Perennial Harbor has satisfied her desire to interact with the local community more. “We have this beautiful studio right near Hi-Wire (Brewing) downtown that we weren’t sharing with the community at all,” Favory says. “That’s when Ashley and I got the idea of Perennial. She’s so good with plants and growing her own, and I have had all these different ideas for interacting with the community before, so Perennial came from the desire to be more involved with the community here.” In addition to workshops, live music, and plant education, Perennial Harbor will offer a selection of beer and natural wine for patrons to purchase. “We got this cute little greenhouse that we set up in the garden, and our bar is actually going to be in the greenhouse,” Johnson says. “It’s going to be a unique experience for people to go up and grab a drink.” “We did exclusively natural wines because we’re really interested in the way that they aren’t very manipulation by people,” Favory adds. “In the same way that native and heirloom plants are plants that are really good with the habitat and butterflies here, natural wines are what would grow naturally in the spaces that they are. There’s no additives; it’s very similar to kind of what we’re doing in our garden but with the wine.” When it came time to naming their business, both Favory and Johnson loved the name perennial. Everything that’s planted in their gardens, for the most part, are perennial plants, meaning they grow back each year. “We love the idea of tying that in, people who come back over and over again,” Favory says. Ultimately, Favory and Johnson were sold on the idea of bringing a new secret garden to the Wilmington area and share their love and knowledge of plants. As for a future expansion, Perennial’s co-founders are strict with their intention of keeping their business purposeful and intentional. “We like the idea of this feeling like a secret garden,” Johnson says. “We want it to feel very curated and special. We’re interested in seeing which programs and which elements people resonate with the most, and then we’re open to expanding on those, but only if we can keep it very purposeful and intentional.” W

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DIRECT MALE

Travels with Kit WHEN I FIRST ADOPTED KIT, A MEDIUMSIZED RESCUE MUTT WHO RESEMBLES A FOX, I DID WHAT ALL NEW DOG OWNERS DO. I TOOK HER TO THE DOG PARK. SHE NEEDS TO BE SOCIALIZED, EVERYONE HAD INSTRUCTED. I IMAGINED KIT FROLICKING HAPPILY WITH THE OTHER DOGS AS I STOOD WITH THEIR OWNERS SHARING ANECDOTES ABOUT OUR POOCHES AND MAKING NEW FRIENDS.

Our first visit to the dog park, however, was a serious bust. Kit had zero interest in other dogs. Instead, she jumped on a picnic table, cozied up to the nearest human, and growled down at any dog who tried to get her to play. After a few more attempts to get Kit to mix it up with her own kind, I gave up on the dog park and tried walking her in historic Oakdale Cemetery just around the corner from my house. But as we walked down the grassy paths past grave markers and monuments, the poor dog was clearly bored out of her mind. Finally, in desperation, I hauled Kit into my car and drove her downtown to walk along the river. This, it turned out, was just what she’d been longing for. But it wasn’t the undulating Cape Fear River or views of the Battleship North Carolina that drew Kit. It was the chance to mix it up with people. Because humans have two things she loves: physical affection and treats. It wasn’t long until we established a routine. I park at the foot of Ann Street, grab poop bags from the handy dispenser, then Kit and I head north on the Riverwalk. After dozens of sniffs at The Pilot House and Elijah’s, we make our first stop: a river tour office where Sara gives Kit both a lot of love and a treat. Sara’s a student at Cape Fear Community College where I teach, so I ask her how school’s going, then follow Kit, who, having wolfed down his milk bone, is already on the march to our next stop. More sniffs, then we stop at the outdoor ice cream stand across from Anne Bonny’s. Kit jumps on the half door until the teenager working the stand gets the message, and Kit gets his second treat in five minutes. I know Kit is overweight. The vet keeps telling me, but wouldn’t it be cruel to deny her these simple pleasures? Then, we’re off again. Kit taking a glance towards the information booth near the corner of Water and Front streets, but since we’re usually walking in the early evening, it’s already closed, so no snack there. Eventually, we leave the Riverwalk and turn right at The Cotton Exchange, then right again on Front Street. If it’s

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by DYLAN PATTERSON | illustration by MARK WEBER

early enough, we pop into Old Books on Front Street where Gwenyfar, the owner, showers Kit with love, and she and I catch up for a few minutes about how business has been, what’s going on at CFCC, and any other news of the day. Gwenyfar has been generous enough to host my creative writing students’ end of the semester readings, and she’s one of Kit and my favorite people. When Gwenyfar gets busy with customers, Kit and I take our leave, but not before Gwenyfar calls after us with her signature catchphrase: “Think good thoughts.” By this point, Kit pulls hard on the leash. She’s on a mission to get to the little grocery store on the next block since she knows they have a basket of free dog treats just inside the front door. As adamant as she is to get there, if the basket is empty, which is about every third visit, Kit takes the disappointment in stride and trots out the door and back to the sidewalk without an ounce of resentment. After Kit stops to slurp from the water dish under their sidewalk sign, we make our last stop, Cape Fear Beer and Wine. In the last few months, we’ve become regulars at the dark little bar on Front Street. As ’80s punk and new wave plays, the female bartender gives a Kit treat. While I chat with some of the other regulars, Kit does her little butt wag dance and hops on the other patrons, eventually making friends with just about everyone in the place. I’m not the first to notice what amazing social lubricators dogs are. I’m shy by nature, so I would never meet so many people if I came without Kit. Kit’s overtures lead to chats with the other customers about their dogs or what breed Kit is or college basketball or any number of topics. On pinball night, I do my best to keep Kit from disrupting the games, but generally, everyone seems happy Kit’s there. After I pay my tab and Kit and I head back to the car, it’s usually getting dark, and the sidewalks are filled with people. We make our way back to the Riverwalk and, if we’re lucky, catch a glorious sunset over Cape Fear River. Before I got Kit, I’d probably walked the Riverwalk a dozen times, but since she came into my life, it now numbers in the hundreds. I’m grateful for another little adventure with Kit. I feel like Henry David Thoreau who wrote in Walden that he’d “traveled a good deal” in his sleepy little town of Concord, Massachusetts. I’ve learned you can do the same in our own little town. And those travels are even better with the right companion.

Dylan Patterson is a writer and filmmaker who teaches English at Cape Fear Community College. Mark Weber is a Wilmington-based artist and illustrates WILMA’s monthly Direct Male essay. weberillustration.com

SUMMER 2025

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TAKE

5 photo by MADELINE GRAY

As head of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, JOANNA ZAZZALI is leading the popular attraction at a time when the facility is about to enter its next chapter – bringing more sea life and visitors in the years ahead. WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND WITH THE AQUARIUM BEFORE BECOMING ITS DIRECTOR LAST YEAR? “I began my career at

NCAFF in the spring of 2008 in the guest services department. I shifted to the education department in 2010, served as the visitor services coordinator overseeing guest services and safety/ security department from 2012 until accepting the director position in 2024.” HOW AND WHY DID YOU GET INTO THIS FIELD? “Many years ago, as a young professional, it was important to find something meaningful and rewarding that gave me an opportunity to share my passion of nature with the community. Because of my love for the ocean and marine life, I was honored to join the frontline team to ensure guests had the most memorable and educational experience at the aquarium.” WHAT DETAILS CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT THE AQUARIUM'S UPCOMING EXPANSION? “The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will

undergo a transformational renovation and expansion, which will make us the largest aquarium in the state. The expansion will highlight sand tiger sharks which are critically endangered in some parts of the world. The 380,000-gallon shark habitat will offer visitors a view through an enveloping 40-foot-wide curved 96

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acrylic window. This new habitat along with the addition of a touch habitat with sharks, rays, and other species will connect visitors, especially students to these marine animals. Visitors can also expect to see other amazing new habitats featuring corals and aquaculture and exhibits that share key messages about sustainable fishing and the importance of protecting the environment. Students will be at the center of some immersive classroom renovations extending to outdoor learning spaces.” WHAT ELSE ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THIS ROLE? “It is an honor to work with a passionate team of professionals who work together to achieve our mission to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. I look forward to leading this team through a major renovation and expansion and celebrating with them and the community a more accessible, immersive, and exciting aquarium.” WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MARINE ANIMALS AND WHY? “There are so many amazing marine animals that inspire me to work harder at protecting them and their habitats. Here at the aquarium, there are some animals that really grab the attention of our visitors. Among those are Luna, an albino alligator; Maverick, the bald eagle; a sand tiger shark pair; and two families of otters – all of which hold a special place in my heart as well.” W JOANNA ZAZZALI’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Leadership email. To sign up for daily WILMA emails, go to WILMAmag.com.

SUMMER 2025

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