At Cary Family Eye Care, we recognize that every patient has unique needs. Our doctors and staff share a commitment to understand your lifestyle needs to make sure we provide the best possible vision for you and your family. From the newest designs in progressive lenses to the best contact lens technology, you can trust that our doctors and staff will work with you to provide the best options for your needs.
contact lens technology, you can trust that our doctors and staff will work with you to provide the best options for your needs.
Our office features a large selection of
We
Our office features a large selection of designer frames and sunglass styles to fit every budget, and utilizes the latest technology in digital lens design to provide the best possible vision. Our knowledgeable and friendly optical staff will work with you to make sure you “look great and see great”. We look forward to seeing you in our office!
make sure you “look great and see
possible vision. Our knowledgeable and friendly optical staff will work with you to make sure you “look great and see great”. We look forward to seeing you in our office!
V TE YES
2024 Cary Parks and Housing Bond Referendum
Support our community’s future
Vote YES to help enhance Cary’s quality of life and drive economic growth through critical improvements in parks, recreation, sports facilities, and housing.
Parks & Recreation
• Supporting the parks bond will create world-class amenities like the Cary Community Sports and Recreation Center and the expanded Cary Tennis Park, attracting major events, boosting local tourism and businesses, increasing the quality of life for residents, and affirming Cary’s position as national leader.
Housing
• Supporting affordable housing drives economic growth, enhances workforce stability, fosters community health, improves educational outcomes, and promotes sustainable development, ultimately creating a more prosperous and resilient Cary.
Cary is one of the best and safest places to live in the country. Let’s uphold Cary’s excellence and pass the Parks and Housing Bonds!
Early Voting starts October 17 Election Day is November 5
Walnut Creek Greenway
Nature Park
Cary Tennis Park
The Lazy Daze
ON THE COVER:
Longing for lost summer days, this cat settles in for a languid fall. Photo by Jonathan Fredin
October 2024 • Volume 21,
EXECUTIVE
Bill Zadeits, Group
Kris Schultz, Publisher
EDITORIAL
Lauren Morris, Managing Editor and Creative Director
Erin McKnight, Associate Editor
Tara Shiver, Digital and Copy Editor
CONTRIBUTORS
Erica DeLong
L.A. Jackson
David McCreary
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer
PRODUCTION
Atiya Batts, Graphic Designer
Jennifer Casey, Graphic Designer
Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer
Beth Harris, Graphic Designer
Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO
Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer
Lane Singletary, Graphic Designer
ADVERTISING
Cheryl Nelson, Senior Account Executive
Jill Newbold, Senior Account Executive
Maureen Powell, Senior Account Executive
Aleida Montufar, Account Executive
April White, Senior Account Executive
SOCIAL MEDIA
Arlem Mora, Social Media Coordinator
PUBLIC RELATIONS
S&A Communications, Chuck Norman, APR
ADMINISTRATIVE
Kristin Black, Accounting
Lisa White, Senior Event Coordinator and Distribution Manager
This publication does not endorse, either directly or implicitly, the people, activities, products or advertising published herein Information in the magazine is deemed credible to the best of our knowledge.
See It. Treat It. Beat It.
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Talk to your health care provider to learn if theranostics is the right treatment for you. Scan the QR code to learn more.
editor’s letter
As summer draws to a close, it’s time to open the doors of your home. Whether for friends, family members, or even furry friends, fall invites you to rejuvenate the spaces where you’ll be spending more of your time as darkness creeps in and a chill sweeps through the streets.
Principal designer of ASF Interiors Amanda SteinertFrancfort welcomes you inside two of her house projects to witness invigorating transformation. Another pro, interior designer Lynn Bomberowitz of The Carolina Home, is a firm believer that your home should be your happiest place. She shares ample suggestions for how to make your living spaces reflect your best self.
And it’s not just design that can revitalize. The local population explosion has, for many, made houses harder to buy, but thanks to the work of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, more families have their own place to call home.
We’re also reflecting on the love that fills our lives in the form of our pets. The annual Pet Parade introduces you to many of the cuddlebugs who make coming home sweeter, and emergency veterinarian and veterinary herbalist Dr. Emily Yunker explains the pros and cons of preparing your own meals (and how to do so safely) for your four-legged companion animals.
This fall there’s no better place to be than at home, so why not get cozy and curl up with these pages?
Thanks for reading,
Lauren Morris Managing Editor & Creative Director
LAUREN ENJOYS SOME DOWNTIME WITH HER (ALMOST) 2-YEAR-OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER, HARLEY, ON A RECENT TRIP TO ATLANTIC BEACH.
Straighten things out
DR. ANU ANTONY
letters from readers
“On behalf of First Bank in Cary, we wanted to thank everyone who voted for us to receive the Best Financial Institution in the Cary market! We are so proud of this honor! Thank you for this recognition from Cary Magazine’s Maggy Awards!”
David D. Booth, RE. “2024 Maggy Awards: Services,” April
“Thanks so much for your nod to the State Farmers Market Restaurant. We are so proud of what it has become after 22 years. The food is great Southern cooking and the staff is amazing.”
Gypsy Gilliam, RE. “The Food Guy,” August
“Thanks so much! It was fabulous!”
Nicolette King, RE. “Nonprofit Spotlight: Thrift2Gift,” September
“Thank you again for working with Spavia on an amazing spotlight! Everyone loves the piece and the photos. We really appreciate the time your team spent at the spa and working on the article.”
Joey Weisshaar, RE. “Small Business Spotlight: Spavia Day Spa MacGregor Village,” September
“I am so excited about the article in Cary Magazine. It was so wonderfully written. I was amazed at how you brought everything together. Thank you.”
Dr. Joy Allen, RE. “Women of Western Wake: Dr. Joy Allen,” September
Jean Guevarra You, DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Jean Guevarra You, DDS
Jean Guevarra You, DDS
Cyelee Kulkarni,DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Jean
Now Accepting New Patients
Early Morning, Late Afternoon & Friday Appointments Available.
Now Accepting New Patients
Now Accepting New Patients
In-Network with Most Insurance Carriers.
Accepting New Patients
In-House Membership Plan Available
Early Morning, Late Afternoon & Friday Appointments Available.
In-Network with Most Insurance Carriers.
In-House Membership Plan Available
Early Morning, Late Afternoon & Friday Appointments Available. In-Network with Most Insurance Carriers. In-House Membership Plan Available Video
Video Games, T.V.s, Photo Booth, Wi-Fi, Phone Charging Station, Coffee Bar & More
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Video Games, T.V.s, Photo Booth, Wi-Fi, Phone Charging Station, Coffee Bar & More 919-303-2873 www.littletoothco.com info@littletoothco.com 504 W. Williams Street, Apex, NC 27502
“...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”
have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”
“Dr. You is so knowledgeable, kind and patient...Highly recommend!”
have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”
“...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”
...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming place and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!
“Dr. You is so knowledgeable, kind and patient...Highly recommend!”
loved by
- Brendan S.
kids. trusted
“Dr. You is so knowledgeable, kind and patient...Highly recommend!”
by
“Professional and caring, I would highly recommend Little Tooth Co. Dr. Kulkarni takes the time to explain what is going on & what needs to be done.”
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”
“...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”
parents
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”
- Divyesh B.
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely patient of this practice!”
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and areso appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”
“...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”
“...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”
-Brendan S.
-Erin D.
-Erin D.
“Dr. You is so knowledgeable, kind and patient...Highly recommend!”
“Dr. You is so knowledgeable, kind and patient...Highly recommend!”
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely patient of this practice!”
-Ayub A.
-Brendan S.
- Erin D.
-Erin D.
“...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”
-Ayub A.
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”
“Dr. You is so knowledgeable, kind and patient...Highly recommend!”
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”
“Dr. Kulkarni was so gentle, my kid looked at me with side eye when I asked if she was in pain and she said “That didn’t hurt at all, what are you talking about?”
-Erin D.
-Brendan S.
- Jen J.
-Erin D.
-Ayub A.
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”
-Erin D.
“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”
-Erin D. Tel 919-303-2873 www.littletoothco.com
Jean Guevarra You Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Video Games, T.V.s, Photo Booth, Wi-Fi, Phone Charging Station, Coffee Bar &
Imagine STAYING ONE STEP AHEAD
HOWLIN’ GOOD HALLOWEEN HOWLIN’ GOOD HALLOWEEN
Whispers are reverberating off the pavilions at Downtown Cary Park, doors are creaking at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, and empty footsteps are rustling leaves throughout Bond Park. This can only mean one thing - the Halloween season has arrived in Cary!
With a host of chilling and entertaining activities lined up, this Halloween promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable experience for everyone.
October 11
Downtown Cary Park
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
October 25
Downtown Cary Park
Zombiepalooza
October 26
Downtown Cary Park
Downtown Scary Park
October 19
Good Hope Farm
Harvest Fest
October 25
Bond Park Boathouse
Pumpkin Flotilla
October 26
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Ghostly Legends @ the Old Hotel
October 23
Ritter Park
Mummy & Son Ball
October 26
The Cary Theater
Rocky Horror Picture Show
AND MORE! Scan to learn more about all Howlin’ Good fun.
5 THINGS TO DO October 2024
1
The largest and most authentic German festival in NC is back for the 10th Annual Triangle Oktoberfest. Traditional Bavarian food and more than 50 beers — to include seasonal and local craft brews — will be featured. This year’s event includes several wiener dog races, expanded kids’ activities, live music, stein hoists, and meetup opportunities that celebrate German culture. Friday, October 4, 5–10 p.m., and Saturday, October 5, noon to 8 p.m. $15 and up. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. triangleoktoberfest.org
2
It’s an Evening of Pawsibilities for the furry friends available for adoption through Second Chance Pet Adoptions. At this 24th annual gala — the largest fundraising event of the year — live and silent auctions will raise funds for homeless animals’ shelter, nutrition, and medical care. Enjoy a cocktail hour and dinner and dessert in the ballroom or show your support with remote bidding. Saturday, October 5, 6–10 p.m. $120 and up. Embassy Suites, Cary. secondchancenc.org/events/2024-eop
3
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is the most celebrated religious and cultural event in India. Signifying the victory of good over evil and light over dark, and marking the beginning of the New Year, the free festival offers music, fireworks, food, and fun. Performances, a vendor bazaar, art and cultural exhibitions, and activities for children all add to the event’s creative celebrations. Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. carync.gov/diwali
4
Savor some of the state’s finest wines at the North Carolina Wine Festival. Food, fun, and live music form the atmosphere in which to enjoy wineries, wines, and winemakers. For over two decades, this has been a can’t-miss fall event for local wine lovers. Saturday, October 19, noon to 5 p.m., $35 for general admission; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $79 for VIP session. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. ncwinefestival.com
5
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night is aimed at bringing light to the darkness caused by cancer. The community gathering will celebrate and honor those whose lives have been impacted by blood cancers. Funds raised will go toward research, advocacy, and support for cancer patients and those who love them. Registered participants will receive lanterns to help illuminate the way to a cure. Saturday, October 26, 5:30–9 p.m. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. lightthenight.org/events/triangle
DIWALI
Jonathan Fredin
Choose
CARLOS MIGUEL PRIETO MUSIC DIRECTOR
YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT SERIES
MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
SuperFun Saturday!
Join us every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month for "super" fun with FREE arts and crafts!
Ages 4-12
FREE MOVIEs at the halle
Teen and Adult Movies
Oct 2 / 7:30pm
Nov 6 / 7:30pm Kids Movies
Goblin’s Groove
Oct 26 / 5pm-7pm
Join us for a night of dancing, games, and spooktacular fun celebrating Halloween!
10:30am-12:30pm
To Space & Beyond!
SAT, OCT 5 | 1PM & 4PM
Jonathan Taylor Rush, conductor
Music from Star Wars, E.T., Holst’s The Planets, and more will transport you through the universe.
Tchaikovsky in America
SAT, JAN 4 | 1PM & 4PM
Classical Kids LIVE!
Hear the true story of the life of Tchaikovsky featuring works including the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and more.
Carnival of the Animals
SAT, MAY 31 | 1PM & 4PM
Raleigh Dance Theatre
Have you ever seen an elephant dance ballet? Or encountered giant sea creatures in a submarine? Come to SaintSaëns’ The Carnival of the Animals!
SERIES SPONSOR
JazzLive
Oct 27 / 3pm
Featuring Steinway artist Lenore Raphael and Friends
Tickets: $15(+tax)
Classical concert
Nov 17 / 3pm
Performing Forgotten Masterpieces
Tickets: $10-$15(+tax)
Oct 16 / 10am
Nov 20 / 10am
Mystery Theatre
Oct 18 / 7pm
Oct 19 / 3pm & 7pm
An spooky interactive production of a mysterious haunting in an Apex mansion!
Tickets: $15(+tax)
Tickets: $5 Individual / $2 Child 2 and Under(+tax)
“Laughs all around”
Oct 4 & 5 / 7:30pm
Oct 11 & 12 / 7:30pm
Oct 6 & 13 / 3pm
See various comedic scenes about relationships through a lifetime!
Tickets: $10-$18(+tax)
Apex has talent
Nov 2 / 6:30pm
An “America’s Got Talent-type” event collaboration with Positively Apex Come and see Apex’s Talent! Tickets: $15(+tax)
Tickets for events available at The Halle box office, over the phone, or on etix com
Make a reservation today!
Your Happiest Place
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY STACEY ADAMS
Owner of The Carolina Home, Lynn Bomberowitz knows that investing in your home is investing in yourself — and you are worth it.
We first met Bomberowitz in October of 2021, when her family was among those featured in “Welcome to the Zoomtown.” In that Cary Magazine issue, which presented remote work as responsible for people’s newfound “freedom to live anywhere,” Bomberowitz asserted that “the way we think about our homes has drastically changed. It’s really where now you work, you live, you play, you work out.”
Three years later, Bomberowitz has proven that your home can redefine your life. Hers has.
Finding her Cary home with the help of a local realtor and her parents while she was heavily pregnant and living in Boston meant that, apart from a FaceTime call, Bomberowitz’s new home was purchased sight unseen. Although she could tell, even virtually, that the house needed a lot of work, she also recognized that the bones were good.
So, from a distance, Bomberowitz embarked on the first-floor renovations that would transform her Cary house into the home it is today. The point of any home, Bomberowitz says, is that it should “make you feel something.” She draws an analogy between interior designers and doctors and how they’re not just treating your living space, but fundamentally improving your well-being. The cure? Your home shouldn’t just look beautiful — it should feel good, which makes you feel good about yourself both within it and out in the world.
A strong believer that “everything happens for a reason,” Bomberowitz initially relocated to Cary thanks to flexible employment and a desire for her family to live near her parents. But it was the passing of a close friend that served as the impetus for Bomberowitz closing the door on her comfortable
Make Yourself at Home
Making your home your happiest place shouldn’t feel overwhelming. I believe that your space should reflect your personality and bring you joy every time you walk in. By adding personal touches like meaningful photos, thoughtful artwork, mood lighting, and colors that resonate with you, your home can become a true reflection of your best self. Here are some cost-effective tips and thoughtful investments that can make a big impact, even if you’re not ready to hire a designer such as myself just yet:
Start with a Fresh Coat of Paint
Impact: Painting can transform a room and set the mood. Light, airy colors like warm whites and grays can create an inviting and open atmosphere.
Lynn’s tip: I love using a warm white like SherwinWilliams’ Alabaster as a neutral backdrop. It allows you to play with other colors and patterns through fabric and decor. Softer blues or greiges can also be great options if you want a soothing and serene vibe.
Invest in Quality Lighting
Impact: Good lighting can make all the difference in how a space feels. Layering different types of lighting — overhead, task, and ambient — adds dimension and versatility to a room.
Lynn’s tip: I’m a big fan of lamps, but for overhead light and lamps alike, dimmers are a must! Installing dimmer switches gives you control over the room’s ambience. You can instantly change the mood depending on the time of day or occasion.
Add Textiles and Soft Furnishings
Impact: Adding pillows, rugs, and curtains can introduce color, texture, and warmth to your space. These small touches make a room feel more lived in and inviting.
Lynn’s tip: Invest in a high-quality rug, and mix and match pillows with different textures and patterns to give your space a curated look. Don’t be afraid to switch things up seasonally for a fresh feel (or to get you in the holiday spirit!).
Personalize with Art and Photos
Impact: Art and personal photos can bring character and personality to your home. They turn a generic room into a unique space that reflects you.
Lynn’s tip: A gallery wall with a cohesive mix of frames and styles can be a great focal point. With larger framed photos, I tend to prefer candid photos for a more timeless and natural feel, rather than posed pictures.
Incorporate Plants (Real or Faux!)
Impact: Plants instantly bring life and warmth into a room. Whether real or faux, greenery can soften a space and make it feel more welcoming.
Lynn’s tip: Opt for high-quality faux plants if you want a no-fuss option. Even small touches like faux greenery on a shelf or countertop can make a difference.
Update Hardware and Fixtures
Impact: Swapping out cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and light fixtures can refresh the look of a space without major renovations.
from page 26
corporate career and embracing her passion for interior design. Had she not started The Carolina Home, Bomberowitz acknowledges that there “would always have been a project” around her own house. Now the care she is able to show her clients as a designer is translated to renewed and reinvigorated spaces that echo her hallmark of “accessible luxury” and forge friendships that endure.
While she leans toward “a light, clean, traditional/coastal aesthetic,” drawing inspiration from her New England roots, she’s driven by how her clients use and move through their space. Getting to know those clients might involve learning their cocktail of choice after a long day or their favorite spot on the couch. Bomberowitz’s design looks, feels, and functions like their design.
The Carolina Home offers a menu of services from a 90-minute single-service design session to Bomberowitz’s signature full-service furnishing design that allows her to flex her creative and project management muscles as she cures what ails your home … and you.
Her life is clearly led by what she describes as a “heart full of creativity and a gut full of courage.” Bomberowitz brings life to your living space in the same way — so you can make yourself at home. t
LYNN BOMBEROWITZ, THE CAROLINA HOME continued
PERSONALIZED CARE
Tailored interventions
SCIENCE-DRIVEN
Grounded in scientific principles to address complex chronic diseases effectively.
HOLISTIC APPROACH
Addresses body as a unified system, tackling nutrient, gut and hormone imbalances as well as hidden toxicities and sensitivites.
The Sport of Ninja Is Not Just a TV Show
You may have watched the show American Ninja Warrior on TV and wondered if you could ever become a ninja. Well thanks to the show, the sport now has a life of its own! Like the show the sport is full of encouragement, a fun way to grow in your athletic ability, and enjoyable to watch.
Athletes of all ages who train at Rock Solid Warrior and Warrior Tech in Wake County can participate in a beginner friendly Ninja Carolina League (NCL) as well as national and international events.
Ninja gyms like these provide a facility to explore ninja warrior obstacles and get trained by experienced athletes and coaches. For example, Rock Solid Warrior’s Caleb Auer is known as one of the top course designers in the country. Four of their pro coach-athletes quali ed for the Ninja Sport Championship Finals. ey even have a coach certi cation program that other ninja gyms are using.
Rock Solid Warrior o ers classes to t any experience level, for all ages (starting at age 4), from beginners to pros. However, if you just want to come for fun there are birthday parties, day camps, open gyms, parents’ nights out, and other special events.
is sport is a great way to build strength and athletic ability, and a great alternative to one of the more established sports.
LEARN MORE AND JOIN ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING SPORTS IN THE COUNTRY!
At Home with Amanda
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Amanda Steinert-Francfort (I know it’s a mouthful!), and I am the principal designer at ASF Interiors, LLC. I started the business approximately 17 years ago and moved it to Cary nine years ago, where I’ve grown it into the firm it is today.
Are you active throughout the Triangle?
I am very active throughout the Triangle and have enjoyed traveling to different neighborhoods and towns within Wake County. I’ve been involved in projects that were modern, mid-century modern, contemporary, and traditional. It challenges my mind to design homes that need to be studied and researched to decipher their aesthetic and integrity. The Triangle area is growing quickly, so there are houses being knocked down to build modern homes and houses that are several years old and in need of full remodels. Being proficient with the different styles of homes and on top of trends makes ASF Interiors the perfect choice for any homeowner.
What services does ASF Interiors offer clients?
Many clients try a DIY project because they watch a design show or find a picture of what they think will work in their home. Then they hire a contractor and share their vision. I’ll inevitably receive a frantic call from these clients during construction or when the project is completed and doesn’t turn out like on the show or in the picture. This is when I need to explain how, as a designer, I see the complete vision of what the space will look like and how it will blend with the rest of the home. I know their wants and needs before we start. By the point plans are finalized, the vision of what furniture is going to work and where it will be placed is already clear. Being able to see the whole vision to completion — before it’s completed — is the goal.
continued on page 38
Michael Moss
a retreat for two + friends
Holly
Springs
The original goal was to transform an unused room into a home bar. After working with Amanda, the homeowners hired ASF Interiors to refresh the new build’s entire first floor.
Considering their home somewhat cookie cutter and uninspiring, the clients sought unique design elements that would reflect their individual styles. One area addressed was the generic construction-grade lighting and fireplace typical of a new build.
Throughout the yearlong project, daily communication kept the process uncomplicated; choices were set to a few selections, and items considered good fits were determined to be up to code before the homeowners even saw them.
One of Amanda’s favorite elements came as a surprise to the client. At a spot in the kitchen surrounded by windows and natural light, the model home had displayed a large farm table. Amanda knew the space could provide more —
What are the benefits of working with a designer?
The biggest benefit of working with a professional designer is summed up in one word: completion. Many homeowners start the search for tile or countertops and then two years later are no further along than when they started. If I had a dime for every person who has said, “I started with the sofa and realized it was too big, so I stopped because I was frustrated.”
When people flip through a magazine or binge a home TV show, design looks easy and is completed within an hour time slot. But this is an imaginary time frame and budget. As designers, we often hear: “It costs that much? But on TV it was only …” The benefit of working with a designer is that it saves clients time and frustration. Hire one before you begin a new build or jump into a remodel to prevent going backwards or not getting the project off the ground.
Can any issue not be solved with good design?
One is the actual size of the home. Many people are looking for more space; a designer can help by decluttering and adding shelving or storage options, but making a house bigger through an addition isn’t always an option. This is a rare time that I may suggest the client moves to find a house that suits their needs.
Is there a typical project timeline?
This depends on several factors including the availability of the contractor or builder. (Design tip: If the contractor is available immediately, this is a red flag.) The other factor that impacts a timeline is the availability of custom furniture.
Most of the wholesale companies I work with that build custom furniture will provide a delivery time frame, but that doesn’t mean that the factory hasn’t run out of the fabric we ordered, the cargo ship hasn’t left the country of origin because of bad weather, or the beautiful Spanish tiles haven’t broken on the delivery truck. I speak from experience that some things can’t be controlled, but ASF Interiors is there until the end of the project and every bespoke item is in its proper place.
Do you work with clients on a budget?
All designers should work off a budget so there are no surprises for the homeowner — which is key to our business. At ASF Interiors, the budget is carefully curated with our SFO to make sure we have enough to cover what we initially planned to do. If we decide that the budget needs
continued from page 37 somewhere to enjoy a coffee or catch up on a good book. Even with the help of a 3D model, she wasn’t sure the client shared her vision. But as soon as the sectional was placed and the homeowner drank her first cup in the morning sunshine, she was a believer.
The home’s façade has a traditional yet country aesthetic, which Amanda kept in mind during remodeling and furniture selection. The design concept was traditional style with contemporary elements, which she achieved using neutral-toned fabrics, warm leathers, free-formed metal coffee tables, and the wave-like LED lighting that centers the living room.
Amanda’s favorite space is the barroom. Originally an unused office space — and with the clients needing room for friends and family to gather — the home bar includes a wall of earth-toned cabinets, hexagon-shaped faux wood tiles, large-veined quartzite, a deep bar sink, and a custom bar with a chamcha wood live-edge top and custom metal legs fabricated by a local metal artist.
Homeowners often overlook the dramatic possibility of wallpaper, focusing instead on paint color and fabrics. Beautifully painted walls can change the look of a space, but wallpaper tells a story and makes you want to linger longer. In this home, subtle cream wallpaper with imprinted brushed gold stars elevates the primary bedroom. Although the wall is mostly windows, the paper accents them and brings attention to the space. t
asfinteriors.com
photos courtesy of Cat Nguyen
adjusting to cover the homeowner’s wish list, we discuss alternatives and create a plan to break the project into phases. Our projects are usually based on a minimal fee and not by the room because a designer can make a room glamorous and cater to someone with champagne taste by focusing on high-end materials and a rich color palette, hanging statement lighting and fabulous art, and introducing custom-designed furniture and striking décor!
Who is your ideal client? What’s your ideal project?
ASF Interiors’ ideal client is the busy professional — their time is precious, and renovating or building on their own is overwhelming. When they trust a designer, there is less anxiety and they can focus on their work and family. Our ideal project is a new build, working with the architects and contractors as the client’s advocate. We have also worked on many remodels from the project’s start, where we can envision an updated first floor or kitchen and ensure the project details align with the rest of the home.
Tell us about your affiliation with The Green Chair Project.
This is the most exciting opportunity I have been offered this year! After a photo shoot, I was introduced to the Chairity event and learned about how the organization helps people who have fallen on hard times by filling their homes with furniture and other necessary items — all from generous Wake County donors who believe that everyone deserves not just a house but a home.
Each year, the Green Chair Project hosts a designer event where designers create spaces from new and donated furniture. Then, the charity hosts a two-day event for the public to purchase the items on display. I was able to reimagine a couple of furniture pieces that turned out better than I expected. Working with those who run this charity has brought positive energy and a mental reset of what is necessary in our lives. Giving back just feels good and creates a pay-it-forward attitude. t
Jonathan Fredin
The project mostly involved selecting new furniture — which needed to be comfortable and adequate for the home’s newly blended family of eight — along with a few special construction projects that added custom accents to the home. After the first floor was completed, the clients hired ASF Interiors to finish the attic space, which Amanda transformed into two bedrooms, a full bath, and an office space.
and deliveries and ensuring that preparations could be made for noise, dust, and commotion posed an added challenge.
This approximately yearlong remodeling project was an entire first-floor renovation. The façade of the house was traditional style, so Amanda adhered to the story the home was already telling when planning the design concept and implemented a contemporary style with hints of traditional elements to update its look.
Remodel projects are a delicate balance between conveying an inordinate amount of information to clients yet not overwhelming them with information. This design plan was particularly demanding because the home had to be reimagined to accommodate the large family. The clients worked from home, so balancing a constant queue of contractors
Since this was a remodeling project, surprises were to be expected. The biggest came for Amanda soon after the glossy pink paint was applied in the new lounge, which was originally a dining room. The painting contractor discovered wet spots on the wall closest to the kitchen and, upon further investigation, a leak inside the wall that had gone unnoticed by the home inspector prior to the purchase of the home. Work was halted until the problem was remedied.
But all’s well that ends well, and Amanda favorite room is the transformed dining room. “The spectacular chandelier anchors the space with a hint of glamour and style,” she says about the ladies’ lounge. “We brought
contributed by homeowner
contributed by homeowner
photos courtesy of Cat Nguyen
some contemporary elements into the room with fabulous showstopper animal-print swivel chairs with metal backs and soft pink fabric seats.” Patterned wallpaper and soft pink, high-gloss walls complete the space.
The design element that makes the space shine for Amanda is the fireplace renovation. With a construction-grade mantle and TV niche for an outdated television the homeowners no longer used, the existing fireplace was, as she describes it, “understated.” She installed a flat-screen television over the hole, removed the existing mantle, and installed large format white tile to create an expansive, clean design that complements the new living room furniture and carpet and creates a dramatic focal point.
The well-designed two additional bedrooms, full bath, office, and den — crowned with high-quality finishes — has significantly increased the value of the home. t asfinteriors.com
photos courtesy of Cat Nguyen contributed by homeowner
Habitat for Humanity of Wake County nonprofit spotlight
June 13–20 was, according to CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County Patricia Burch, “a wonderful week spent with rookie Blitz builders and some who have been with us from the beginning” during the Home Builders Blitz that sees eight builders partner with Habitat Wake to build four homes in just seven days.
This year’s Blitz was the first hosted in Wake County since 2018 and included Homestead Building Company, McNeill Burbank, Midtown Custom Homes, Revolution Homes, Rock Creek Builders, Inc., Sundance Signature Homes, and Triple A Homes as partnering builders, and Upton & Co. Cary-based Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. as the presenting sponsor.
Here, Burch breaks ground on Habitat Wake’s work in the community.
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
What is the aim of Habitat for Humanity and some of the positive differences the organization has made locally?
Habitat for Humanity of Wake County has been bringing people together to build and advocate for nearly 40 years. This strong foundation of community collaboration and support has enabled Habitat Wake to become the premier affordable homeownership provider in our area. Since 1985, more than 1,400 families have become homeowners or been able to stay in their homes through much-needed repairs and restoration.
People may be aware of Habitat’s homebuilding work, but what about its home preservation and advocacy efforts?
Homeownership will always be our foundation, but today’s challenges call for more. Habitat Wake works to advance equitable housing policies that increase access to housing for everyone in our community — not just homeowners. Nearly 400 advocacy volunteers work with us each year to create systemic change, including advocating for equitable land use policies, policies that reduce the risk of displacement, and equitable access to transit.
TOP: A ROOF TRUSS IS LIFTED INTO PLACE BY A CRANE.
CENTER: VOLUNTEER JOEL HUENEMANN FINDS SOME RELIEF IN THE SHADE WHILE WORKING ON A HABITAT HOME IN THE SUBDIVISION.
LEFT: VOLUNTEERS CONSTRUCT A HOME IN RALEIGH’S OLD POOLE PLACE NEIGHBORHOOD.
What are Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores?
The Habitat for Humanity ReStores collect tax-deductible donations from individual and community donors and resell these items to the public. The stores sell new and used furniture, building supplies, home décor, and more. All profits benefit Habitat’s mission to build affordable homes in the Triangle. Habitat Wake operates 10 stores across four counties and offers free pickup services for large donations.
One in four families in our community is cost-burdened; how does that compare with the national average yet uniquely stress Wake County residents?
Affordable housing is a huge countrywide issue. Wake and Johnston counties are among the fastest-growing areas in the nation, which means that there is a severe shortage of nearly 28,000 affordable housing units for households earning under $50,000 annually. This growth — and the pandemic, which exacerbated preexisting inequities, including in housing — exacerbates the affordable housing crisis.
The Home Builders Blitz originated in Wake County. Please tell us more!
Home Builders Blitz started in Wake County in 2002, before Habitat International adopted the model. It was founded by local builder and philanthropist Tom Gipson, who continues to champion the event. Since its inception, the Blitz has built nearly 100 homes across Wake and Johnston counties and more than 2,000 nationwide.
What is the typical home-building time, and how challenging is it to condense to just one week?
Habitat homes are usually built by volunteers and take 12–16 weeks to complete. To finish a home in just seven days requires a tremendous amount of coordination, particularly in organizing vendors and subcontractors. A lot of preparation takes place in the months leading up to the build — and Blitz week is organized chaos! It’s fun to watch the builders, who are often competitors, work together to problem solve and make sure all homes are completed on time.
How does the Home Builders Blitz further the overarching Habitat mission?
The Home Builders Blitz is wonderful because it allows more families to buy their homes sooner. It also gives the for-profit builder community a chance to come together in common cause. Finally, the scale of the event gives us the opportunity
to talk about the need for affordable housing in our community.
How can readers show support for Habitat for Humanity of Wake County?
Habitat Wake is always looking for volunteers and donors. We welcome individuals and company teams on our construction sites and in our ReStores — no experience is necessary. If people are interested in our advocacy work, they can look into our Advocacy Ambassadors program, which trains
volunteers to organize and speak to elected officials in support of affordable housing.
Any upcoming events you would like to share?
The HBA Parade of Homes at the end of September and early October is a great opportunity to visit a Habitat home and see what our work is all about. This year Habitat Wake will feature three homes — in Raleigh, Knightdale, and Clayton. t habitatwake.org
RALEIGH RESIDENT KAT EGAN, AN AMERICORPS MEMBER AT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF WAKE COUNTY, CARRIES WATER FOR THIRSTY WORKERS DURING HABITAT WAKE’S ANNUAL HOME BUILDERS BLITZ.
BATHROOM REMODELS on trend
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
Is the “most intimate room of your home,” as described by owner of The Bath Remodeling Center Nikki Fella, a spa throom? If not, it may be time to invest in turning your sterile or squeezedfor-space bathroom into your personal spa-like sanctuary.
Not only does a bathroom transformation represent the highest return on investment you can make in your house, but a quality bathroom remodel will last you 20 years. While many homeowners only remodel prior to selling, Fella says the time to enjoy a bathroom upgrade is now. An ideal remodel incorporates your own style and tastes while remaining timeless enough to appeal to others, which comes down to “making it your own but not just yours” with the support of a knowledgeable expert.
At The Bathroom Remodeling Center, which Fella refers to as a “one-stop shop,” the entire process is streamlined to take just two weeks compared to the typical 4–6. This is because Fella has an inhouse team and doesn’t subcontract; work inside the client’s home doesn’t even begin until all the materials are delivered. As Fella holds a degree in interior design and a general contractor license, homeowners get both artistic inspiration and practical results from a single person and her “tried-and-true” crew.
We recently caught up with Fella at her impressive Cary design center, where she showed us some of the latest bathroom trends.
Earth tones are having a major moment, with gray finally bowing to warmth. “We’re seeing more natural finishes and neutral colors,” says Fella. While marble and stone remain timeless favorites, the focus is on a calmness and comfort that helps people feel grounded and at peace.
Complementing neutral and natural are bold tiles, with blues and greens coming in strong. The beauty of the home spa trend is that tile can be switched out without impacting the overarching mood.
Brushed gold fixtures are a softer and what Fella considers “much more palatable” alternative to polished brass.
Wallpaper is also making a comeback,
and texture is “big” — with accent walls boasting pops of color or vertical waterfall tile, as opposed to yesteryear’s horizontal detailing, making a statement in an otherwise neutral palette.
Storage, particularly open shelving, is increasingly popular and useful. Linen closets are being customized and redesigned, and even medicine cabinets now look and function as contemporary wall mirrors that just so happen to also offer hidden storage space.
It takes up a lot of real estate in a bathroom, so removing the tub is a popular move. For people who aren’t ready to do without, freestanding is the way to go. The days of oversized and multi-jetted tubs are down the drain.
In their hefty place: oversized showers with larger tiles in timeless marble. (Who doesn’t want fewer grout lines and less upkeep?) Open-concept systems, or wet/dry rooms, are expanding the shower space and, thanks to the inclusion of frameless design and roomy benches, ensuring a thoughtfully planned relaxation spot.
Statement pieces are found in the form of lighting. Sterile is out and sumptuous is in, with grand sconces and chandeliers punctuating the soft space with elements of refined luxury.
Wood finishes showcase the earth tones (no longer thought of as just beige, taupe, and brown) that wash the room in warmth and comfort, with painted cabinets on the decline.
If you’re not ready for a comprehensive remodel but still want more of a spathroom feel, focus on the walls. Paint is, according to Fella, “the biggest thing you can do to change a bathroom.” Replacing light fixtures and towels and introducing texture in the form of design accents can also significantly impact the feel of the space.
So, whether you’re ready for a full inhome spa or just want to add a few serene touches, think neutral and natural. t
thebathremodelingcenter.com
Laughter-filled dinners with friends. Every night of the week. Spectacular amenities and activities to keep you energized. Any time you want. Sensational apartments with space and style to spare. All designed with you in mind. Campus-wide enhancements like an all-new, four-story expansion and a renovated and reimagined clubhouse. When it comes to life in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, there’s no place quite like Searstone.
Don’t wait another second. Discover our Life Plan Community in the heart of Cary and enjoy all of this plus the added benefit of a full range of health care services on-site, including physical rehabilitation and Life Care at predictable costs. Our Wait List is open for priority access. It only takes a refundable deposit, along with an application fee, to secure your spot.
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY L.A. JACKSON
Save Those Tomatoes!
IT’S OCTOBER. Do you know where your tomatoes are?
Obviously most tomatoes continuing to mature in what is left of this year’s growing season are still on the vine in the veggie patch. But cold weather will be coming soon, and with many fruits in varying stages of unripe green, it would be a shame for an early visit from Jack Frost to put the last bite on them.
To prevent Ol’ Jack from turning your remaining tomatoes to yuck, consider ripening them indoors. Yep, I said indoors, and it is very easy to do.
How easy? It can be as simple as pulling up entire plants that still have green tomatoes and dangling them upside down on strings in a dry, cool (ideally between 65 and 75 degrees) spot, such as a basement, shed, or garage, where the fruits will slowly ripen. However, with apologies to Clint Eastwood, the one problem with this “hang ’em high” method is that ripened fruit can easily fall off spent plants and onto the floor. Splat!
To reduce the splat factor, try an alternate plan of action: Simply pull immature tomatoes off vines and bring them inside to finish their transition from green to ripe red. Pick fruit that are free from splits, dings, or insect damage, and put them on trays in single layers in a location where temperatures hover, again, around 65 to 75 degrees.
Don’t pay any attention to the old yarn that tomatoes need to bask their days away in the sun to ripen. No, in fact, it is better to keep the fruits out of direct sunlight to prevent the bright rays from turning outer skins red before the insides fully ripen. In short, it is temperature — not sunlight — that puts things in motion indoors to properly mature a ’mater.
To Do in the GARDEN October
• Even as the harvest is wrapping up in the ’mater patch, there is still time early this month to plant such hardy cool-season veggies as Chinese cabbage, onions (bulbs), garlic, leaf lettuce (transplants), and spinach.
• Pansies! October is a prime planting month for these persistent winter pretties. Scratching in a little time-release fertilizer after your pansies are planted will help boost their flower power through the coldest months, as will dead-heading blooms when they begin to fade.
• Before herbaceous perennials die back or are pruned down at the end of the growing season, set markers beside them so they won’t be accidentally dug up during next spring’s planting frenzy.
TIMELY TIP
Why wait for all of your unripe tomatoes to mature when you can enjoy some now by indulging in a culinary delight known as fried green tomatoes? Thinly slice (1/4 inch or less) two to three green tomatoes, dip in a beaten egg, dredge in flour, bread crumbs, panko, or cornmeal, and add a flick or two of salt or pepper to taste. Cook on medium in a preheated pan dashed with vegetable oil for about three minutes on each side — basically, until they are a scrumptious golden brown. This is the basic recipe, so don’t be shy about experimenting by adding extra yummy via garlic powder, Old Bay, sriracha powder, onion salt, or Creole seasoning. I could go on, but I’m getting hungry!
You can even fine-tune this storage method by wrapping each tomato in a piece of tissue or newspaper. This extra step has two advantages: (1) It prevents rotting tomatoes from spreading their plague to healthy fruits; and (2) such a wrap traps ethylene gas, which tomatoes naturally emit to help them ripen.
Storing tomatoes in temperatures that settle more into the 60s will slow the ripening process down to a point that, as I have found out more than a few times, can even s-t-r-e-t-c-h your supply of tasty, garden-grown tomatoes until the end of the year. t
L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine. Want to ask L.A. a question about your garden? Contact him by email at lajackson1@gmail.com.
TRY FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, A CULINARY DELIGHT.
Making a Meal of Pet Nutrition
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
GREYHOUND LILLY GETS LASER THERAPY FROM REHAB SUPERVISOR MARTHA PAYNE. IT’S AN INFLAMMATION TREATMENT THAT REQUIRES GOGGLES.
If you are what you eat, does the same hold true for the companion animal at your side? The recent rise of home-cooked meals for pets certainly suggests it, with humangrade food being touted as superior to conventional pet food. Given the trend over the past few decades to treat pets more like family members and prioritize their longevity, it only makes sense that homemade foods are coming in hot.
But making pet food is also a hot topic, with perspectives varying. While the notion that consuming fresh food is beneficial to furry bodies, value systems, previous medical experiences, logic, and love all factor into a pet owner’s decision to forego kibble for kitchen prepared.
However, pet parents should be mindful of certain challenges to ensure an outcome of increased years — quality ones — to a companion animal’s life.
Taking the Dog Out of Nature ... But Not Nutrition Out of the Dog
Dr. Emily Yunker, emergency veterinarian and veterinary herbalist at Veterinary Emergency Care in Cary, explains: “Dogs can’t say I’m having a craving.” This means that owners cannot determine whether all their pet’s dietary needs are being met. The impact of nutritional deficiencies can be devastating — spinal fractures, for example, aren’t unheard of. Compare the growth rate of puppies to children, and it’s easy to recognize the lasting early damage that can be done … which is even more distressing because pet parents originally commit to home-prepared meals to ensure a better quality of life for their pet at all life stages.
But make no mistake: Cooking for your pet is what Dr. Yunker refers to as a “lifestyle choice.” If it is a commitment to implement such a change in our own diets,
the choice to make homemade meals for our pets is perhaps even more of an undertaking. “I’ve done it,” Dr. Yunker shares about ensuring a complete, balanced diet for her two cats while juggling a homelife with three children and a spouse and a (very) full-time job. Time, cost, effort, diligence, and even emotional space are all factors that should be considered, according to Dr. Yunker.
Consistency is key when it comes to preparing food from home, but so is a commitment to recipe rotation so your pet doesn’t miss out on key nutrients. Dr. Yunker is clear that pet owners should consult their veterinarian prior to making any changes and continue to collaborate with them throughout the nutrition journey. She also acknowledges that conventional veterinary wisdom endorses commercial food that has been verified complete and balanced via feeding trials.
REHAB TECHNICIAN ERIN ROSE MASSAGES GERMAN SHEPHERD SYDNEY TO TREAT FIBROTIC MYOPATHY.
AN UNDERWATER TREADMILL IS A COMMON TREATMENT FOR DOGS WITH ARTHRITIS BECAUSE THE WATER DECREASES THE EFFECTS OF GRAVITY.
13-YEAR-OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER BOOKER RECEIVES PAIN TREATMENT VIA WHIRLPOOL AND FULL-BODY TENS THERAPY WITH REHAB ASSISTANT CASSIE HANCOCK.
And while fresh-food diets have exploded in recent years thanks to brands looking to fill the void between the big-four pet foods studied in feeding trials and homecooked meals, the common preparation of traditional food preserves the minerals and antioxidants that may be lost through other types of home preparation.
If you were to attempt to replicate the nutrients and minerals found in one of the big-four foods yourself, you would need to include three kinds of organ and muscle meat. The good news is that there are various ways to meet nutritional needs with, for example, vitamin pack supplements that serve as toppers to your pets’ meals.
Some of the resources Dr. Yunker suggests you vet with your vet include:
• Low-fee software Animal Diet Formulator, which assists with meal formulation and uses relevant USDA nutritional data. It also takes dogs’ and cats’ life stages and activity levels into consideration. (animaldietformulator.com)
• Dr. Harvey’s has a wide variety of meal bases, pre-mixes, and kibble-alternative complete meals. (drharveys.com)
• Balance.it offers free, instant, and customized recipes and several types of supplement packs. (balance.it)
• With Real Dog Box, you can bundle your pet’s needs into a customized and fresh discovery box that is delivered monthly to
your house. Also offered is an online course that Dr. Yunker compares to the intensity of nutrition courses in veterinary school and considers a “fabulous program” for pet owners willing to dig deep into pet nutrition. (real.dog/box)
• Local favorite Unleashed, the Dog and Cat Store sells various meal toppers and has a friendly return policy should your dog turn its nose up at anything. (unleashedmutt.com)
As a vet whose first exposure to the profession came early in life thanks to a TV episode of David the Gnome during which a wire hanger was removed from a goat with surgery and complemented with acupuncture, Dr. Yunker has always imagined her career as the holistic veterinarian she is today. As she says: “There was no reason to limit myself.”
Working on the rehabilitation side of veterinary medicine allows Dr. Yunker to take an integrative approach to pet wellness for young, healthy animals and their owners who want the strongest possible start and sick pets who have complicated overlapping diseases or a cancer diagnosis and short timeline in which to implement holistic care.
This month, Dr. Yunker will start offering a package of services for her health coaching that includes a focus on diet, supplements, and herbs. For pet owner Bonnie and her 11-year-old American pit bull terrier mix, Belvedere, who has experienced several health setbacks, Dr. Yunker’s diet tweaks and supplemental tinctures have supported Bonnie in focusing on providing her beloved dog “the happiest, healthiest life.” Bonnie travels weekly from Johnston County for Belvedere’s treatment, but she is not unusual in putting the needs of her “baby” ahead of her own, highlighting why nutrition is at the fore of many owners’ minds when it comes to their pet’s long-term well-being.
Fortunately, good eating doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition; you don’t have to pick between big-four foods and home-cooked meals. (But be sure to consult with your veterinarian before you make any changes to your pet’s diet.) While oversimplifying a meal to some greens and boiled chicken is for Dr. Yunker “so much no,” a kibble base of 85% will essentially meet nutritional goals and allow pet owners to introduce tasty toppings with the remaining 15%. Herbs and vegetables, most types of meat (though the fattiest cuts are a no-no) and cooking styles, and regular exposure to different foods (which is good for pets’ gut health) won’t likely be missed from your fridge and pantry ... unless, of course, as Dr. Yunker suggests with a wry smile, your companion animal is a St. Bernard. t
Dr. Yunker’s Doggy Pumpkin Spice Recipes to Try
These recipes use a specific spice blend safe for dogs. This spice blend does not include nutmeg, which can be toxic to dogs. Instead, it includes turmeric and black pepper for a little warming anti-inflammatory boost. The spice blend can be added to other foods and treats, especially during the cold seasons.
SPICE MIX
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 ½ teaspoons turmeric
1 pinch ground black pepper
Whisk thoroughly to prevent clumping. Pour into desired jar (a small funnel can help). Label as “Doggy Pumpkin Spice Mix” and include the date. Best used within 1–2 years.
FROZEN PUMPKIN SPICE TREATS
1 cup yogurt or goat’s milk (recommended: Bones and Co. Goat Whip)
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (plain puree, not pumpkin pie filling)
1 teaspoon Spice Mix
Mix together in a bowl thoroughly.
Divide into ice tray or molds or add to your favorite slow feeder such as a Toppl®. Freeze solid. If using trays or molds, once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container for ease of storage.
Add to bowls as toppers or give as special frozen treats.
BAKED PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIES
2 cups oat flour (or flour of choice)
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (plain puree, not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup real natural unsweetened xylitol-free peanut butter (or xylitol-free nut butter of choice)
2 teaspoons Spice Mix
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix together all ingredients to form dough. Reserve half the flour for dough handling. Oat flour can be particularly sticky. You may need additional flour during dough handling.
Rest dough 10 minutes. Optional: Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to further firm dough.
Add additional flour as needed to sticky areas.
On a floured surface, roll dough to ¼ inch thick. Cut dough into shapes using festive cookie cutters.
Bake for 15 minutes, until cooked but not yet crunchy. Optional: Turn off oven but leave cookies to sit for about an hour to fully harden. Dogs like crunchy cookies.
Fully cool before serving or storing. Store in an airtight container.
Freeze if the batch is too large to use completely in 2–3 days. Give the cookies away to friends and family!
A DOG LIFT CARRIES BOOKER, A 13-YEAR-OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER HEADED FOR A WHIRLPOOL TREATMENT.
PETS ON parade
We at Cary Magazine love our pets, and from all the amazing photos we received for this year’s Pet Parade, we can tell you do, too! Thank you to all of our readers for taking the time to go online and submit your furry family members. Pets are so special, and we loved shining a light on each and every one of them!
Belle
Belle is an Australian Labradoodle with a big heart. She is a sweet dog who loves cheese.
— Siya (Bear) Patel
Mytzi
We adopted Mytzi almost four years ago as a rescue of 5 months old. She is the sweetest, most loving cat, but still very shy when other people come over. She is also extremely smart, and does something I thought only dogs do — she plays fetch! She will bring a foil ball in her mouth, drop it on my lap, wait for me to throw it, fetch it, and bring it back over and over!
— Rosemary Driver
Gryffin
Gryffin is a 7-year-old Australian shepherd who loves going anywhere with dad (me). We’ve renamed Saturday to GryffinDay: his big day out. We start out with training class at Autumn Winds Agility Center (we compete in agility — he loves it!). Then it’s off to Vicious Fishes for a pup cup for him and a coffee for me, followed by a nice walk at Pleasant Park in Apex. Next, we visit mom at Simple Gifts Community Garden before ending with errands and lunch at a dog-friendly restaurant.
— Mark Fordham
Phoebe Doris
Phoebe Doris came into my life eight years ago at the age of 3. She had been surrendered to a pet adoption facility after being in three other homes, and I was blessed to have found her. Phoebe Doris is a sweet, spunky, and loveable Morkie who doesn’t know a stranger. She loves children and adults of all ages. As a Certified Therapy Dog, she visits patients and visitors at Rex Hospital, bringing smiles and joy to everyone she meets!
— Judy Gibbs
Bella and Roman
Bella (blonde, 6) and Roman (black, 8) are rescues from Saving Grace and best friends! They love going to the downtown Cary dog park and playing with their friends. They also enjoy lying in the sunshine on our back deck in Cary. They are the best dogs anyone could ever ask for! Adopt, don’t shop!
— Allie Johnson
Alex
I adopted Alex from a friend when he was just a baby, and now he’s 13! He is like my son. He was a mama’s boy until I met Shannon (now my amazing husband) in 2021, and now he goes back and forth. He is smart, gets groomed by mommy, and loves kisses! Can’t wait to see his first celebrity appearance here! Love you, Alex!
— Veronica Williams
Josie
Josie is a sweet, spunky 1-year-old red golden retriever who lives in a full house with an older pup, kitty, and three little boys. She adds a lot of joy!
— Mallori Openchowski
Angel
Angel is a sweet great Pyrenees and golden retriever mix. I adopted her from Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue at the age of 2 years. She has been a very happy girl since!
— Joe Santa Lucia
Luke
Willow
Willow is an exotic short-haired, and she is the friendliest kitten.
Luke is my 3-year-old poodle-shih tzu. He craves belly rubs and loves to kiss you. A few silly things he does that will make you giggle: Paw shaking, dancing, and walking with a wiggle. He steals anything he can but will gladly give it back. All you need to do is offer him a delicious snack. Only 13 pounds, but bold and brave, so he needs no luck,
Always ready to challenge a big dog or UPS truck. He loves running, jumping, and playing with a toy, But snuggling under the covers with you brings him the most joy.
— Laurie Marc
— Dan Mays
Chilli
Meet Chilli, our 1-year-old pup that joined our family in April via Best Friend Pet Adoption. Chilli is a snuggle bug that loves to go for car rides and walks around Lake Johnson. We get the biggest kick out of watching her run around the backyard when she gets a case of the zoomies. This girl can fly!
— Lisa Saad
Maggie Magnolia
Maggie is a sassy Chihuahua but so sweet. Unlike many Chihuahuas, she mostly just wants to cuddle. She’s the best companion and loves to go byebye, the color pink, and a good treat.
— Wendy Vaughan
Cadi, pronounced “KD,” is an 8-yearold Australian shepherd who loves people. She served as a certified pet therapy dog and volunteered at UNC hospital in Holly Springs and at a local elderly home center. She loves her chore of taking recycling to the bin. One of her other loves is sitting still as a statue and watching bunnies encountered on walks.
— Donald
Chaney
Chase
Chase’s playful spirit is matched only by his capacity for love and affection. He is a cherished member of our family. His presence brings a special kind of joy that is both heartwarming and uplifting. Each day with Chase is filled with moments of pure delight, and his boundless energy and loving nature are a constant reminder of the simple, yet profound, happiness that a dog can bring into one’s life. Every day is an adventure, filled with laughter, love, and an abundance of wagging tails!
— Giselle and James
Skarlet and Gray
Skarlet and Gray enjoy going for walks and sleeping on the couch. They are great companions who enjoy getting blueberries in the morning and eating their vegetables at dinner time, especially green beans.
— Kelly Foster
Tryxee
Tryxee spent his first year living behind a shopping center, until one day he walked in the back door of the store. I took him home that day, and he lived a good life for 20 years. Every day I’d walk my dog in the evening. One day Tryxee decided to come along with us. This continued for years. He was the talk of the neighborhood. People would say, “Is that a CAT?” The kids would all come up and ask to pet him. He was the sweetest cat ever and very friendly to all!
— Margo Ankeny
Boudica
We adopted Boudica as a puppy from Saving Grace in 2021. She is as sweet as a Lab but also has some terrier tendencies. Her special skill is capturing and killing bugs. Boo loves sunbathing, stalking squirrels, and destroying indestructible toys. She also frequents the South Carolina beaches, Cary Camp Bow Wow, and Cary PetSmart. @booboudica
— Lori Mills
Igal
Igal is a future guide dog. My family is a puppy raiser, which means we help with basic training so that Igal can become a guide dog to help a blind person have increased independence or provide a veteran with enhanced mobility and renewed independence. In the meantime, we get to enjoy this guy. He loves long hikes and playing fetch with his toys, but his favorite thing to do is training to be a guide dog. When that vest comes out, he is super excited and always ready to get to work.
— Jeannie Morello
Buddy
Buddy is a happy 11-year-old Welsh corgi who enjoys running, playing ball, and fetching his favorite Grogu stuffed animal.
— Dominic Caristo
Artemis
We adopted Artie years ago. She is cute, smart, and a whackadoodle. In a fight-or-flight situation, this little 30 pounder isn’t going anywhere — unless a trash barrel “jumps out to surprise her,” and then she will politely back off. She has quite a cache of tricks and an extremely large vocabulary. Her routine is solid, so don’t try to mess with her pancake day or forget her favorite treats: beans and carrots!
— Karen Muffley
Maxwell
Max is just shy of 15 years and never loses his sense of adventure. He loves to wear his red bow tie all the time, looking quite dapper and ready to travel! So when he saw my clothes on the bed for an upcoming vacation, he wanted to make sure his ticket and passport were ready. I almost hated to tell him his staycation was at the kennel!
— Susan Randolph
Butters, Logan, and Oliver
Logan (gray) is 7 years old and came from a breeder in Lenoir. He is sweet and loyal. Butters (tan) is 3 years old, came from the same breeder, and she rules the house. Oliver (white) is around 1. He is our latest addition and was rescued through Black Tie Boston Rescue. We met the rescue during the latest Apex PeakFest. Oliver is kind.
— Patricia Skulavik
Picasso
Picasso is a Chinese crested powderpuff mix. I had gone to the Carolina Poodle Adoption Center in South Carolina to see another dog, who had already been adopted, so they brought out Picasso instead. After about 20 minutes of ignoring me, he jumped up on my chair and laid his head on my lap. That was all I needed! As I was leaving with him, they told me in the two years he was there, no one had ever shown any interest in him. He’s intelligent, loving, calm, and rarely ever barks. He’s the best!
— Margo Ankeny
Once a carefree kitten, Sesame has grown to become a loving and loyal big kitty. He goes where I go and loves to snuggle with his mommy on the couch. He is always there when I need him.
— Siyao
Wang
Melly and Chita
When the dog days of summer get too hot, we like to cool our paws in the kiddie pool. But mostly we make sure to give our full attention when our pet parent asks, “Wanna taco ’bout it?” — MG
Rucker and Boeing
Rucker and Boeing are our English Labrador retrievers. Rucker is 3 years old and Boeing is 9 months old, but they both have the same mom. They love kids, adults, dogs, cats, and especially Trouble, our neighborhood donkey. Rucker is working toward his therapy dog certification and is already a Canine Good Citizen and advanced trick dog. Boeing is following in her big brother’s footsteps working on her first trick dog title. They are an amazing part of our family.
— Stacey Bishop
Lilly Mae Bentley
Lilly Mae is a rescue shih poodle we adopted when she was 10, and now she’s 15 years old. We were told by her prior family that she was not in a good place. She is truly a rags to forever home girl. She has anxiety and bites. We have difficulty getting her groomed, but despite all this, we love, love her!
— Elise Huie
In 2011 we adopted Bentley as a puppy from Moore Lab Rescue (now Peak Lab Rescue). His mother was a yellow Lab, but he grew into a golden retriever clone. He has earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen award and is a retired certified therapy dog who brought smiles and companionship to many over the years. Despite some aging issues, Bentley will be 13 in December and continues to be a happy, loving boy. We will be forever grateful that he came into our lives!
— Laurie Ray
Piper was rescued from the high desert of Southern California and traveled with us when we relocated to Cary a few years ago. She’s now part of our family in the Raleigh area, where she has a new best friend, a kitten named Belle, another rescue from Purr Partners. Despite Piper’s limited vision due to SARDS, she loves exploring the local greenways and parks. We use a carriage to help her enjoy longer walks, with Bond Park and Downtown Cary Dog Park being her favorite spots.
Maui loves exploring new places in Cary and Raleigh. When she’s not on an adventure, she’s sleeping. This year she’s dressing up as a clown for Halloween! For more of Maui’s adventures, follow her on Instagram @MauiTheMonster.
— Dana Duvernay
Maui Atlas
Atlas is a rescue pup! He’s been with me for six years, but I think he’s close to 8 years old. He’s been such a blessing to me. I lost my previous dog to cancer, so Atlas was my savior. I think we rescued each other. He loves his cat brother and any stuffed animal that looks like a cat!
— Billie Roseman
Alfie and Freddie
Alfie and Freddie, silver Persians, are fluffy, loving, and bonded brothers. They are a delightful addition to my husband’s and my life. Their personalities are unique. Freddie is more laid back much of the day, though he does get the zoomies. Alfie is the adventurous, mischievous one who can climb to high places with his long legs unusual for a normally short-legged breed. They love watching birds, bees, and butterflies from our windows across the whole back of the house.
— Sandra Joyce
JoJo
JoJo is a 9-year-old Boston terrier. He thinks he is a human and will join you if you are eating, then will leave you when the food is gone. He is our third Boston terrier, and we love the breed. He loves wearing bandanas to look snazzy and is the best napper on the planet.
— Nikki Sargent
— Raleigh Rob
Maggie
Maggie is our 12-year-old baby who was a rescue from Saving Grace. People ask, “What kind is she?” to which we reply, “the cute kind.” Probably a mix of corgi/ sheltie/dachshund/Jack Russell ... but who knows! She is the sweetest and literally howls for joy each time we arrive home, whether we have been gone for 5 minutes or 5 hours. She clearly speaks with her eyes, always showing us unconditional love.
— Jane Pinzauti
Onyx is a 2-year-old giant schnauzer sitting at 92 pounds. He is full of life and one of the silliest but most protective dogs out there. He loves to solve puzzles, do nose work, play with his toys, and most of all sleep with his favorite human. Onyx loves to communicate with his buttons, with his favorite word being “treat,” of course. Even though his breed is known to be guardians of their home and territory, I have one goofy, sweet, loving pet with the best beard known to man!
— Shanelle Edmonds
Gigi
Gigi is a 16-year-old papillon. Her eyesight and hearing are not so good, but she loves to run to the kitchen to wait for her treat after potty time, and then an awesome nap!
— Rosanne Petraroia
Goldie
Goldie started out as the runt of her litter and has grown to 90 pounds at 2 ½ years old. Goldie has a big heart and still plays like a puppy. She has had lots of agility and obedience training. She travels with us wherever we go to the Outer Banks and other fun places. Goldie loves going to doggy daycare to play and swim with her friends. She is our best friend and is full of love. She never met a stranger and particularly loves to be hugged and petted by children.
— Marilyn Slinkman
Daisy
This is Daisy, our schnauzer. We lost her to a blood disorder two years ago. She was 10 years old. We miss her so much! She enjoyed playing with her toys, running and romping in the rare snow, and playing hide and seek looking for treats.
— Suzie Douglas
Jack Benson
Jack Benson is a dashing young fellow, always dressed for success in his tuxedo coat and tail! He is very intelligent and will do tricks on command like sit and high-five. He is the oldest of three and also the bossiest! Jack loves food, and if you’re eating, please know he’s always your plus one. Jack is also an opportunist and will swipe a Brussels sprout or string bean off your plate if you’re not looking! He does love his veggies. At night, you can find Jack cuddled up next to me to end the day.
— Kelly Winner
Smokey
Smokey is a 5 ½-pound male merle pug, so his right eye is half blue! He loves his new home and enjoys trying to convince his new sister, Luna (a 4-year-old fawn pug) to try and play!
— Jonah Turner
Gordon
Gordon is small and full of a lot energy! He is part King Charles cavalier and part yorkie. We got him last year, and although we will always miss the English Lab we lost in 2020, Gordon has filled our home and hearts with a lot of smiles and comfort.
— Meg Matthews
Copley
Copley is a 10-year-old ragdoll cat with a loving and occasionally spicy personality. He loves to spend time with his paw-rents, and make sure they are adhering to his strict routine of snuggles, treat provisions, and meal times. He always lets you know how he is feeling, even if it means waking you up at 4 a.m. to let you know he is lonely and would like some pets. After a decade of having Copley in our lives, we have realized it is his world, and we are simply living in it.
— Alexander Gottlieb
Harvey Scarvie Barbie Boo-Boo
Harvey is a rescue and 7 years young. She’s a fighter (recovering from a tumor and thyroid disease). She LOVES her family and gets to come to work with her mom and dad every day at Smith & Smith, CPA to see all kinds of friends, especially the mailman. Her name has grown over the years to include Harvey, her given name (named after Steve Harvey on Family Feud), Scarvie (she had a big scar from surgery), Barbie (little kids can’t say her name), and Boo-Boo (her nickname).
— Becca Smith
Cookie and Trooper
The New York Public Library has lions named Patience and Fortitude guarding the entrance. Our house has the porch Pyrenees Cookie and Trooper guarding the front door. They were adopted through Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue in 2014. After eight years of Texas ranch life, they now are enjoying a cushy retirement in suburban North Carolina. Cookie is 12 years old and Trooper is 10 years old. They are the most gentle giants.
— Alison Sinsky
Gracey
Gracey is a West Highland terrier and a total delight! Energetic, playful, loves everyone, and she is also the smartest dog we have had. She loves to watch TV, especially the animal channel. And it is not unusual for her to fly down the stairs when she hears a jingle for an upcoming commercial that features animation. She keeps us entertained!
— Jim and Donna MacDonald
Butch and Sundance
Butch and Sundance are covid kitties. They “guard” the house and watch all squirrels, birds, and Amazon delivery people to ensure our safety. They love to knock over every single thing on the counter, thus the lack of glass in our house. The boys are super annoyed when we go away or leave the room; after covid, they want to be with their humans at all times … even if we annoy them. We live in their house, after all!
— Kelly Gascoigne
Bandit
Bandit is a fun-loving husky who turns 5 in November. He loves playing at the park with his fur friends!
— Emily Jache
Bella
Miss Bella is a magical bundle of joy! I bought her in September of 2012, which means she is now senior, like me. Her talent is paw-dancing. She sits on her hind legs and flaps her paws up and down. She loves the attention she receives, especially if it is a treat or a sweet belly rub. Bella is also a designated support animal. Her favorite toy is her bear, and her favorite vacay is with her family to Lake Gaston or Emerald Isle.
— Mary Oliver
Jasper
Jasper is a 13-year-old domestic medium hair. He was rescued in 2011 from a shelter right next to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Jasper loves to snuggle and being brushed. He also enjoys going on the front porch with his family to pretend he’s an outdoor cat. He had a lot of fun “hunting” the cicadas this spring.
— Laura Croyle
Moka
Moka (aka wiggle-butt) was TRULY one of one! We were blessed to save her from the animal shelter in 2016. She had the passion for playing fetch, chasing a rabbit or squirrel, or even late nights protecting the neighborhood from the foxes. She was fierce, protective, and loyal but with the softest heart. She was either in a deep sleep snoring, or at highest intensity retrieving balls, running in the fields, or jumping in the water! We adore you forever!
— Matthew David Gaebel
Pebbles
Pebbles has been an extraordinary addition to our family. She brings joy to our everyday lives and is always happy to see us when we get back from work, school, etc. Every time one of us is having a bad day, Pebbles is always there to cheer us up. Whenever we look at her, all we see is a little bundle of joy waiting to play. When friends come to the house, Pebbles is always so excited to see them. She is our first pet, and she couldn’t be better.
— Fatima Banda
Hank
This is Hank! Hank is almost 4 years old with a lot of puppy left in him and a heart the size of his big head. He is an incredibly sweet boy who will always greet you with a toy. Hank loves to play ball, go on walks … until he doesn’t, snuggle up on the couch, and spend time at MOSA Pet Spa with his dog friends while I work. I often think when I drop him off “at school” in the mornings what I’m doing wrong to not have his life of luxury. Oh, to be a chocolate Lab!
— Kaitlyn
Wheeler
Maggie is a 9-year-old who likes her belly rubs! Her silliness is to have me keep her company while she has her dinner. She greets anyone who enters the house. She loves the attention and competes with her sister, a papillon, for it!
— Rosanne Petraroia
Maggie Mia Cooper
Mia is the sweetest, most smiley pup you’ll ever meet! We adopted her from a rescue back in May with no real idea of her breed or how big she would get. Her DNA results show that she is a mixture of 15 breeds(!!), so we still don’t have a great idea about what she’ll look like as an adult. We do know that she has brought so much joy to our family and she is the perfect mix for us!
— Melanie Taylor
Each morning, Cooper goes to the bus stop to greet the neighborhood kids. He gets lots of love and pats, and the kids all love to shake hands with Cooper! Cooper is also known as Cooper Dooper, Ear, and Butter Man — because he steals butter any chance he gets! He is a very sweet boy and loves his humans.
— Emerson Pauley
Chief and Babe
I got Chief and Babe back in 2013 from a local shelter. We think they are part Maine Coon and they’re siblings. They are two of the most adorable lap cats I’ve ever had! I worried about them when we would leave town for vacations. When my daughter wasn’t available, I found out how hard it is to find cat sitters that really love cats. So I started my own cat sitting service, Cool Cats Professional Cat Sitting, LLC. Now I never have trouble finding a cat sitter!
— Lora Rouse
Porsha loves to go on walks and likes to ride in the car and go shopping. She is 11 months old and very active and sweet. Just look at her face. How can you resist kissing her?
— Ann
Stephenson
Opie, a spirited Australian shepherd, is full of life and adventure. His curious eyes often tilt with a hint of mischief, especially when he finds a new toy. As he grew, so did his personality. By the holidays, he was the life of the party, donning festive greenery like a crown. But Opie’s true joy is the outdoors. We love living in NC, where Opie leads the way on trails. His dad, the founder of Dog Principal, became a dog trainer because of him, inspired by their bond.
— Lori Hartman
I rescued my baby Bing from a rental house on my work’s property in Florida. He was left outside in storms and the heat. I would go outside to check on him and give him water, and I loved him from the start. One day he got his leash caught around his neck and was choking. I cut his leash with scissors and saved him. He was mine from then on. Seven years later, I still love him more than anything.
— Kellie Pominville
Ellie
Walking anywhere with Ellie, the attention she receives for being friendly and adorable is what supermodel Gigi Hadid must experience. Ellie is an 8 ½-year-old cockapoo who belongs to my friend and neighbor, Lori. She is playful, independent, and an adventurer. Recently we took Ellie from Cary to downtown Raleigh to see the trio of dinosaur topiaries, and out west to Boone and Blowing Rock for four hikes over the weekend.
— Marjorie McKee
Joe is a wonderful friend to all. He is very laid back and will let anyone pet and cuddle him. He takes his fashion sense very seriously and very often dresses for dinner — seen here in his best bow tie.
— Melissa Kass
Boone, 1, surprisingly stole my heart in January. After losing my heart dog of 15 years, Baxter, in July of 2023, I didn’t expect to fall in love again for a long time. After fostering for a few months, we began to open our hearts to possibly adopting again. When I saw Boone’s ears, I knew immediately he was our next family member. His favorite thing to do is dive bomb into our laps to snuggle on the couch and roll over for belly rubs. We are grateful for the laughter he inspires daily in our home.
— Tara Lynn
Porsha
Kodi
How can you not love that face? The one behind all that dirt. Kodi, shortened from Kodiak (Bear) is everything I didn’t know I wanted in a dog: an adventure buddy and my shadow. He has a nose for treats and can smell one entering the Bark Yard. Leaving one day, he started sniffing at the air and dragged me to the Bark Bar, where he was graciously rewarded with treats. They’ve renamed him TSA, reasoning if they ever need to screen passengers for taking treats on a plane, Kodi would be their go-to dog.
— Phillip Michelet
Leo
Leo is a sweet boy who tells you loud and proud when he’s hungry or can’t find you in the house. He wears a handsome coat of dark pewter, silver, and white, with just a few stripes in the most fashionable arrangement. He loves belly rubs and ear rubs. His flying high jumps are something to behold when he plays, and he sleeps at our feet every night.
— Karen Agama
Willie
At 3 months old, Willie already had three owners and was headed to the shelter. He came from a backyard breeder in West Virginia. He has a huge overbite and loves carrying his babies in his mouth. He LOVES going to the vet and groomer, adores attention, and can be a little sassy. He is always HANGRY!
— April Allen
Izzy and Finley
Izzy and Finley are the sweetest Aussies you have ever met. Finley loves people, and Izzy loves Finley. They both love their toys. We got Finley when our son went off to college. Two years later we got Izzy when our daughter went to college. I guess you could call them our replacement kids.
— Jennifer Mann
Ruby Rose and Emma Grace
Ruby Rose & Emma Grace are fun-loving Southern girls with a flair for fashion! They now run their very own dog fashion brand and are top models for all of their custom creations!
— Jennifer Myers
Poppy came to Cary from Hollywood Hills, California, three years ago. I decided to foster a senior cat since I was already a longtime volunteer at an animal shelter. Poppy came to me very scared and nervous. Unfortunately, we both failed at fostering, and I adopted her within a few months. We then moved to Cary after retiring. She now spends her days napping and keeping watch on the critters frolicking in the backyard.
—— Lynda Daro
Henry
Henry is our new 7-month-old King Charles cavalier, who attached himself to our family from the first day we met him — and quite literally! He needs body contact with a human at all times and insists on sprawling himself across you when you’re seated. At night, he sleeps on his mom’s pillow with his head on her shoulder, leaving her with only a quarter of the pillow for her own head.
— Samantha Strazanac
Russell
Russell is a 10-year-old pit/pointer mix we adopted from Second Chance Adoptions in 2015. He has three legs (tripawd). He is best known for being a big couch potato (preferring to be on your lap even in the smallest of spaces) and a counter surfer (his nose gets him in trouble). He loves soaking up rays of sunshine inside or out. He is fun, full of energy, and friendly. We love him!
— Kim Armstrong
Cookie
Cookie is a 2-year-old energetic boy who zooms around the house chasing feather toys. He’s an orange cat theoretically, but he definitely doesn’t belong to the “chubby brainless orange” stereotype. Cookie stands for himself as the new orange!
— Siyao Wang
Prezlee
Prezlee was named in honor of Elvis, since she was adopted from a shelter in Tennessee. She’s a miniature schnauzer mix. At only 12 pounds, she’s small, but her bark makes her sound huge! She loves dental treats, but I have to give her the 50-pound dog size or it’s gone in a minute. She’s very sweet and gets along well with both people and pets.
— Margo Ankeny
Jack
Jack is a 7-year-old Chihuahua who was born in Switzerland! My husband and I lived there for two years and welcomed Jack into our family during our time there. So far, he’s been to nine US states and six countries. We couldn’t imagine life without him!
— Jess Braskey
Snickers
Snickers is a 13-year-old Australian/Lab that we found wandering in the neighborhood. She is the sweetest, smartest, and friendliest pup you will ever meet! She loves going everywhere with her humans like the beach, mountains, breweries, and restaurants with outdoor seating. She is loved by so many! We are so lucky she found us!
— Phyllis Kramer
Jake From State Farm
Yes, my name is Jake From State Farm. I am gray with light brown khaki pants and love to play and eat. I was abandoned and abused, but I showed up at my new home in Holly Springs at 3 months old. My new parents had a vet clean me up from ticks and burns. So happy to be in my new home.
— Judy Bowdle
Delta
Delta is a very special pup. We adopted her five years ago on National Puppy Day. She is one of the happiest dogs I know. We should all learn how to take joy in the simple things in life. This is one of the lessons she has taught me, among many others. Delta is one of the greatest gifts given to me.
— Kelly Marie Winner
Samson
Sam is a 6-year-old ragdoll. He has been with us since he was 12 weeks old, and watching him grow into the most beautiful cat has been so lovely! He is our curious big boy. He weighs just shy of 15 pounds! These photos were submissions for my photography class. Everyone at school fell in love with him.
— Kayla Brasher
Moose
Moose is the most loving little boy! He loves learning new tricks and recently received his AKC Trick Dog certification. While he loves his mom, he’s a total grandma’s boy. Ever the mischievous pup, you better watch out when Moose is loose: He’ll steal your heart then steal the food right off your plate. But he’s so cute that you won’t even mind!
— Kori Mulholland
Miss Lucie
Miss Lucie, a Havanese, came to live with me from a Jack Russell rescue. She was a brave little thing who had been surrendered by her family. She has been my love and my light for over 10 years now.
— Linda Dale Edwards
Coco
Coco is a 13-year-old bichon frisé who loves everyone. She has worked as a therapy dog in nursing homes and libraries making people young and old forget their worries. She enjoys riding in the car on the way to work.
— Cindy Heath
small business spotlight
MOSA Pet Spa & Boutique
WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
“At the heart of everything we do is a love for animals and their well-being,” says MOSA Pet Spa owner and head groomer Amanda Borge.
Just as love is in the DNA of a business focused on ensuring pets “have a healthy, happy, and active life — while looking fabulous, of course!” so too was Amanda’s devotion to caring for animals established early in her life.
Together, Amanda and her husband, Ernesto — who handles all the behind-thescenes magic — have built a business dedicated to making pets look and feel their best.
Read on for all the pooch pampering.
What differentiates MOSA’s grooming services?
We believe in personalized care. Think of us as a pet spa, not just a groomer. We use
all-natural, non-toxic products because your pets deserve only the best. But it’s not just about products; it’s about the experience. Each pet gets one-on-one attention, so they feel safe, relaxed, and loved. It’s like they’re spending the day with their favorite humans — because, let’s face it, they are!
How does personalized grooming benefit pets?
One-on-one care means fewer distractions and less stress. We set allotted times, from drop-off to pick-up, dedicated to your baby and focus entirely on them, catering to their needs and making sure they feel comfortable every step of the way. This approach allows us to notice any specific needs your pet might have and tailor the grooming session accordingly.
Do you only groom dogs and cats?
We focus on dogs and cats, but if you have a well-behaved rabbit or guinea pig in need of some TLC, we have two certified groomers available to give them a pampering session! We specialize in providing the best for all our furry four-legged friends, and we love meeting new critters whether they come in for a nail trim, full grooming visit, or playday at our resort.
What services do you offer?
In addition to our grooming services, we offer boarding, daycare, and in-home visits. We’ve also got a range of pampering treatments like “pawdicures” — yes, that’s a real thing! — skin and coat treatments for babies that may have allergies, and deep coat conditioning. Whether it’s a simple bath or
AMANDA BORGE, OWNER OF MOSA PET SPA & BOUTIQUE
a full grooming makeover, we’ve got every pet’s needs covered. Plus, our “spoiled pet services” live up to the name!
Tell us more about your spoiled pet services.
They’re a fan favorite for sure! We already offer top-notch spa days with our grooming, but think of these as the pet equivalent of a five-star spa day. We offer things like mud baths, hot oil treatments for coats, and luxurious frothing bubble baths. Let’s just say that when your pet comes in for our spoiled services, they leave feeling like royalty. If a splash of color is called for, we can also give your babies a unique look that will turn heads!
Please describe your holistic approach.
We focus on more than just outward beauty — it’s about nurturing pets’ overall well-being. We use natural, non-toxic products to keep their skin healthy and coats shiny. We also keep up with continued education and certifications to ensure we’re providing the best and safest care. It’s like giving your pet a wellness retreat during their grooming experience.
Tell us about your staff!
Where do I even begin? Our staff is truly family to us, and that love and care translates directly into how we care for your pets. Cait, Selena, and Harmony are our fantastic groomers, each bringing unique skills and passion. Hailee is our bather, and she’s the queen of making sure every pet’s coat is squeaky clean. Melissa, Hayden, and Jill keep things running smoothly at the front desk, greeting every pet with a smile (and sometimes a treat!). Tanner, Alyssa, and Harper help with playtime daycare pups and boarding and make sure all our furry friends are having fun.
What does your boutique offer?
Our boutique is packed with locally sourced goodies for pets and their owners.
TOP: SPA TREATMENTS INCLUDE TEETH CLEANING.
CENTER: MOSA PET SPA & BOUTIQUE IS LOCATED AT 213 WALDO ST. IN CARY.
BOTTOM: MOSA PET SPA & BOUTIQUE OWNER AMANDA, LEFT, AND SELENA BROWN GROOM DOGS.
AT CHECKOUT, LABRADOODLE TUCKER GOES HOME WITH MOM, CHRISTINE STONE OF RALEIGH.
A POODLE IS GROOMED WITH A COMB.
SAMMY, A SUPERMUTT, GETS A TRIM.
ABOVE: MOSA’S GROOMING SERVICES INCLUDE BUBBLE BATHS.
RIGHT: SELENA BROWN BLOW-DRIES CALCIFER, A DACHSHUND.
You’ll find everything from organic treats to eco-friendly toys, stylish leashes, and even handmade pet accessories. We love supporting local businesses, so almost everything we carry has a special touch from artisans in our community.
Are the MOSA resort and boutique closely linked?
Whether at our boutique or resort, our goal is the same: to provide a home-away-fromhome experience for your pets. At the resort, we offer boarding, daycare, and bathing services, so your pets can stay, play, and enjoy a vacation of their own while you’re away. Or, just come in for a suds-and-play visit so they can enjoy a great bath after playing with new friends. We take the same personalized care approach, whether they’re with us for a day or an extended stay, by getting to know your babies individually and creating the best possible playgroups before their stay, which ensures the best transition from your home to ours.
Do you participate in special events or animal causes?
We’re big believers in giving back to the community! We partner with local rescues and participate in adoption events in addition to other community events. We especially like to volunteer our services with rescues that have pups with skin or fur issues and require more attention than just bathing. This way, we can get them back to looking and feeling their very best for their forever families.
What’s next for MOSA?
We’re always dreaming big and are grateful to the community for making MOSA what it is today. We’re constantly evolving — expanding our services, perhaps adding new locations, and continuing our mission to provide the best pet care in the Triangle area — and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. t
mosapetsparesort.com
MOSA SELLS HEALTHY PREPACKAGED
Where Beauty Meets Excellence
Rediscover your glow with us at Radiance Rx, where we combine the latest in medical aesthetics treatments with a tranquil ambiance, offering you an unparalleled experience in self-care and renewal,
With the help of our team, you’ll love your results, love your skin, and love your renewed confidence!
Schedule your consultation and begin your journey to beautiful skin today!
Go Ahead and Spoil Them!
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERICA DELONG
Aren’t pets just the best? They bring an abundance of joy to our lives, reduce stress, and never leave our side when they sense we aren’t doing well. They even take on some of their owners’ personalities over the years, which can be hilarious once we realize that side-eye mimics the sass of their owner!
Dogs are true empaths, according to Dr. Lisa McFadden from the Independent Hill Veterinary Clinic in Virginia. They are intuitive and respond with comforting behaviors.
With all they do for us, I’m a firm believer in spoiling our fur babies. Our rescue girl, Lucy Lou, has entered her senior years, which gives us even more reason to give her extra love!
Spoiling our furry friends offers numerous benefits, for both the pets and their owners. Providing extra attention, treats, and toys enhances their happiness and overall well-being. Special bonding time
creates a deeper emotional connection, improving their trust and affection. Spoiled pets often show reduced stress and anxiety, leading to better behavior and health. And who doesn’t love a little spa time? Ultimately, investing in a pet’s happiness pays off!
Seeing a dog savoring the breeze by hanging its head out of a car window is a refreshingly simple joy — even with the slobber flying back onto the glass. We have much to learn from our animal companions. Viewing life through their eyes reminds us that we require only the simple things to be happy. They just want to give love and be with those who love them. Humans could certainly benefit from adopting that mindset.
And let’s not forget about the kitties! The Triangle is home to the Instagram-famous duo Pecan Pie and Lady Blueberry Biscuit. Cat mom Dr. Azure Holland, founder of Azure Holland Mobile Vet,
LUCY LOU SELECTS A TREAT AT WOOF GANG BAKERY IN CARY.
TRIANGLE STARS PECAN PIE AND LADY BLUEBERRY BISCUIT ENJOY A DAY IN THE VILLAGE DISTRICT WITH THEIR MOM.
shares that one of her favorite ways to spoil her kitty-babies is taking them to Village District in Raleigh.
“First, we dine on sushi together at Ajisai, which is incredibly pet friendly. Then we hit the shops! Pecan Pie and Lady Blueberry Biscuit especially love Uniquities and Free People Movement,” says Dr. Holland.
Follow their amazing adventures on Instagram @pecanpie_ and_blueberrybiscuit. You will fall in love with these two!
TOP WAYS TO SPOIL FUR BABIES
SHARE A MEAL
Wake County is home to numerous pet-friendly dining establishments where furry friends can enjoy a meal with their humans. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar in North Hills is fun for the whole family. Ruckus has multiple locations with great patios, while Scratch is always pet friendly. There are countless options!
Purr Cup Café is a must-see — a cat café where you can enjoy coffee while hanging out with adoptable kitties.
GET OUTDOORS
The area has many options, but I’ll name a few local favorites for dogs. Apex Nature Park has nature trails, picnic areas, disc golf, and a fully fenced 2-acre dog park where pups can run off leash. In addition to a dog park, 308-acre Dorothea Dix Park hosts several dog-friendly events and concerts throughout the year. It is also leashed cat friendly.
Downtown Cary Park features the convenient combo of The Barkyard and The Bark Bar, which offers beer and light snacks. The North Carolina Museum of Art’s trails and outdoor art installations welcome all furry friends on a leash.
GO SHOPPING
Specialty pet stores like Unleashed and Phydeaux offer a range of gourmet pet foods, unique toys, and fun accessories. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in Cary is a popular spot for grabbing sweet treats for pets.
HAVE A SPA DAY
Why not grab your pal a pawdicure? Treat pets to a luxury experience at top-ranked Dirty Dogs Spa, which has multiple locations around the Triangle.
TAKE THEM OUT TO THE BALL GAME
Durham Bulls Bark in the Park events allow dogs and their owners to enjoy a baseball game together. Check their website for dates next season. Bonus: The event raises money for Second Chance Pet Adoptions.
STAYCATION
Plan a mini staycation at one of the area’s pet-friendly hotels. The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary offers upscale accommodation along with beautiful trails to explore. 21c Museum Hotel in Durham provides a luxurious stay for both owners and their pets.
SAY CHEESE
Pet photography sessions are increasingly popular, and YOLO! Have fun with it.
Enjoy spoiling your pets. They deserve it! Share your favorite spots with @EricaDeLong to add to the list.t
ABOVE: LUCY LOU LOVES CARPOOL AND GREETING HER HUMANS.
LEFT: PUPS ENJOY TIME AT TRIANGLE FAVE DIRTY DOGS SPA.
FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER
The Omnium Circus, October 27, 2:00PM
A jaw dropping, awe inspiring, joyful entertainment experience for the entire family! A world renowned comprehensively inclusive and accessible circus company bringing excitement thrills and joy to people of all ages as only a circus can—step into a world of all things possible where we discover the power, the passion, and the perseverance of the human spirit within each one of us!
Fuquay Film Festival, November 1 & 2, 2024
The second Fuquay Film Festival takes over the Arts Center in early November, presenting a diverse, curated array of short films. Filmmakers and audience can expect to see the best submissions from around the country, participate in workshops and panel discussions, and more. Your All Festival Pass allows you to participate in any or all of the festival events--you can truly make the festival your own. Join us to celebrate new and emerging filmmakers and a love of movies! Your pass is good for all activities, both days! For a detailed schedule of events, visit FVarts.org.
Duo Baldo, November 15, 2024, 7:30 PM
The musical comedy team Duo Baldo is renowned violinist Brad Repp and pianist/actor Aldo Gentileschi. Their critically acclaimed performances combine virtuosic performances, theatrical humor and pop culture. Their performance is a concert rich with gags and amusing scenes; the musical performances are absolutely excellent—a masterful example of talent and entertainment.
Are bladder leaks disrupting you from living a normal life?
Do you get sudden, strong urges to urinate and are unable to control it? Do you go to the restroom eight or more times a day? Do you have accidental leakage before you make it to the restroom? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you may suffer from overactive bladder or urinary incontinence.
What causes bladder leaks and incontinence?
Bladder leakage, urinary incontinence or overactive bladder symptoms are not a normal part of aging. Millions of people worldwide suffer from these life-altering symptoms.1,2 These symptoms may occur because of abnormal communication between the brain and the bladder. This may lead to the feeling of an urgent need to urinate and an unwanted bladder contraction. You may also experience a need to rush to the restroom and leak or lose urine before you make it in time.
The good news: there are treatment options available to help regain control of your bladder. The doctors at Associated Urologists of North Carolina are now offering Axonics® Therapy, a long-lasting solution that is clinically proven to regain bladder control and deliver clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life*.
What is Axonics Therapy?
Axonics Therapy is an advanced treatment option that is clinically proven for treating symptoms of overactive bladder (including urinary urgency incontinence), fecal incontinence and urinary retention.1
Axonics Therapy works by providing gentle stimulation to the nerves that control the bladder and bowel, which can restore normal control and result in symptom improvement.
If you and your doctor believe you are a candidate for Axonics Therapy, you will first try the therapy for a brief test period that allows you and your doctor to see if the therapy provides satisfactory reduction of your symptoms. If it is determined that the therapy is right for you, you will have an outpatient procedure where a miniaturized Axonics implant is placed just beneath the skin in the upper part of your buttock.
What are the benefits of Axonics Therapy?
Axonics Therapy provides the possibility of saying goodbye to bladder leaks!
Long-lasting symptom relief: Designed to provide a long-term solution for your symptoms.
Clinically proven results:
• 93% of treated patients achieved clinically significant improvements* at 2 years3
• 94% of patients were satisfied with their therapy3
*50% or greater reduction in symptoms
References:
1. Coyne KS, Sexton CC, Thompson CL, et al. The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in the USA, the UK and Sweden: results from the Epidemiology of LUTS (EpiLUTS) study. BJU Int. 2009;104(3):352-360.
2. Census Reporter website. https://censusreporter.org/ profiles/01000us-united-states/. Accessed July 19, 2019.
3. Pezzella A, et al. Neurourol and Urodyn. 2021
Dr. Frank Tortora
William Kizer
Paige Hamilton
Dr. Kevin Khoudary
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
ALL ASPECTS OF
PERVADES
THE LIBRARY STEAKHOUSE, FROM THE KITCHEN, LED BY CHEF DA’JON BRANDON, PICTURED RIGHT, TO THE LITERARY THEMES THROUGHOUT THE REFASHIONED BUILDING.
THE GODFATHER OLD FASHIONED
restaurant profile
THE LIBRARY STEAKHOUSE
WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
Once upon a time, a public building in downtown Fuquay-Varina afforded residents the chance to check out books and savor stories.
Today the transformed space serves as a gathering spot for guests to book tables and relish nourishing meals.
Locals
are delighted about the recent opening of The Library Steakhouse, among the town’s newest and finest dining destinations. Since opening its doors this summer, tables have filled up early and often with eager diners desiring an elevated experience.
“We wanted to provide a great place for people to enjoy quality food and excellent service all while encountering the nostalgia of the original town library,” says down-to-earth co-proprietor Charles Lindsay, a native of the United Kingdom who owns the restaurant along with his wife, Sara Lindsay.
No stranger to the hospitality industry, Charles grew up with parents who ran hotels and restaurants. While in Europe, he and Sara helped restore what Charles refers to as a “derelict hotel,” which they operated for almost a decade. After the couple moved to the United States, they bought a popular franchise steakhouse in nearby Dunn.
“We fed people 6,500 meals a week, but it was about getting the food out fast and in mass quantities,” he explained. “Ultimately we knew we wanted to do something more charming and unique.”
With The Library Steakhouse, the Lindsays strive to make their 134-seat eatery a haven where patrons can unwind for a date night, a business meal, or a relaxing evening with friends and family.
When it comes to ambience, the former utilitarian building now oozes with character and provides warm, intimate dining in stylish surroundings. Button-tufted banquettes offer comfortable seating, while striking modern light fixtures suspend from the dark ceiling. Artifacts from the old library such as a book return, wooden drawers, and functional shelves have been thoughtfully repurposed.
“My wife spent about three months going to various antique and thrift stores to find vintage books, lamps, and other décor to pay homage to the former library,”
“ We wanted to provide a great place for people to enjoy quality food and excellent service all while encountering the nostalgia of the original town library.”
— Charles Lindsay
STEAK TOAST TEASER
BANANAS FOSTER BREAD PUDDING
Charles says. “She even bought rabbit-themed items and placed them around the dining area to commemorate the (live) bunny that was central to children’s story times.”
But attention to detail doesn’t stop with aesthetics. The level of distinction extends to the kitchen as well, under the direction of Executive Chef Da’Jon Brandon. Book enthusiasts will love the clever literary theming that enhances the classic American steakhouse menu.
Among the tempting “Chapter One” starters, you can’t go wrong with the panko-topped lump crap dip that’s served hot or the savory steak toast teaser with wild mushrooms, chimichurri, and port demi-glace.
“We use prime rib for the protein, and currently this is my favorite item on the menu,” says Brandon, who honed his cooking skills under his grandmother’s tutelage. “I also add my own special seasoning.”
“Chapter Two” selections involve 100% Certified Angus Beef steaks in a variety of sizes and cuts, including bone-in cowboy ribeye, New York strip, flatiron, and filet mignon. Elevate your steak by requesting it Oscar style (lump crab meat, asparagus, and béarnaise sauce), Maine lobster Oscar, or with sauteed mushrooms and onions.
Prime rib is available on Friday and Saturday evenings and is served au jus with horseradish sauce.
Additional entree selections, under the subheading “The Plot Thickens,” include a 14-ounce center-cut pork chop, cavatappi primavera pasta, and a pair of Old Bayseasoned crab cakes. We strongly recommend the forktender, slow-braised short rib with a rich cabernet gravy and fried onion tangle.
First-rate “Side Plots” include roasted garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus in lemon butter, and shareable-sized smoked gouda or lobster mac and cheese. The candied mashed sweet potatoes are the sequel you’ve been waiting for — we promise.
Don’t miss “The Final Chapter” — you guessed it: dessert. Superb scratch-made concoctions like decadent chocolate cake topped with raspberry sauce, chef’s whim seasonal cheesecake, and lick-the-plate-good bananas Foster bread pudding.
As for beverages, a handsome, well-stocked bar features a smartly curated wine list including crisp whites and robust reds from France, Italy, Spain, California, and Oregon. Eight beers are accessible on draft, including
CAVATAPPI PRIMAVERA WITH SHRIMP
Book enthusiasts will love the clever literary theming that enhances the classic American steakhouse menu.
local IPAs, plus a dozen noteworthy alternatives in cans and bottles.
Inventive craft cocktails (again with the creative theming) range from the Disaronno-infused The Godfather Old Fashioned to the habanero-tinged Tequila Mockingbird to the Murder on the Orient Espresso with a concentrated coffee mix derived from scratch.
“We have 12 specialty cocktails, eight of which are staples and four that will rotate seasonally,” says general manager Diego Southworth. “Our philosophy is to keep things simple while using fresh juices and housemade bitters to bring quality to our craft.”
“ Our philosophy is to keep things simple while using fresh juices and house-made bitters to bring quality to our craft.”
— Diego Southworth, general manager
Service at the restaurant is gracious and efficient. Don’t hesitate to ask your knowledgeable waitperson for just the right wine to pair with your steak.
A relaxing garden room with ample windows provides seating for up to 40 guests. Reserve a table in advance to avoid a wait.
Weekend lunch begins at noon (weekday lunch is in the works), and a lighter menu is available from noon to 4 p.m. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 4 p.m. t
thelibrarysteakhouse.com
PANKO-CRUSTED LUMP CRAB DIP
Make Bilingualism Your Child’s Superpower at Dillard Drive and Smith: WCPSS Magnet Elementary Schools
“
Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary School is home to our family. From the moment we walked through the door, we knew this place was special.
– LaWanda Simpkins, PTA President Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary
Is your child looking for a superpower? How about learning a new language?
Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary and Smith Magnet Elementary are two schools in the Wake County Public School System that offer students the superpower of becoming bilingual. While learning a new language can be challenging, it’s far easier to start this learning while students are young. And the benefits last a lifetime!
There are so many academic benefits for students learning in a language immersion program. Dual Language Immersion (DLI) classes deepen the conversation in two languages in literacy, science, math, and social studies. Students are immersed in the partner language for initial content exposure, vocabulary development, and
literacy learning. Because of this solid foundation, students develop strong English skills as their instruction increases in both languages.
Dillard Drive Center for Global Studies and Spanish Immersion Magnet Elementary serves students in the Western portion of Wake County. Incoming kindergarteners have the option to learn in Spanish for the majority of the day in the Immersion Program. Or they can opt to study French or Spanish as a specials class that meets every week for 90 minutes. What an opportunity! Whichever option you choose, all students at our school are global learners and develop excellent communication skills in a world language; giving them an academic advantage. Dillard Drive parent and PTA President LaWanda Simpkins says, “Dillard
Drive Magnet Elementary School is home to our family. From the moment we walked through the door, we knew this place was special. As an elementary school, I believe it represents the core values of our world and has all the elements that will make the children come through it as global citizens. Every single person who works at Dillard shows up and serves with their full heart. I’ve never seen an educational community so dedicated to the full well-being of their students and families. Dr. Sykes and her staff are exceptional!”
But what if you live in the southern area of Wake County? No problem! Smith Magnet International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and Spanish Immersion also offers wonderful language opportunities. At Smith, students have the option to enroll in a Dual Language Spanish Immersion program at the kindergarten level. English and Spanish–speaking students gain proficiency in both languages by conversing and learning academic and social language throughout the day.
Students who do not join the immersion program can also choose a daily world language elective in either Spanish or Mandarin. Language opportunities abound!
Stephanie Nelson, a Smith Magnet Elementary School parent, says, “In addition to helping my first grader with multi language acquisition at a young age that she would not otherwise be formally receiving, the dual immersion program at Smith Magnet Elementary has introduced my daughter to cultures other than her own. She is developing multicultural competence and is eager to learn about and celebrate differences.”
Want to see these immersion programs in action? Sign up for a tour at Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary or at Smith Magnet Elementary by visiting their websites listed below.
Accepting applications now through January 23 at wcpss.net/apply. For more information about Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary and Smith Magnet Elementary, visit their school websites at wcpss.net/dillarddrivees and wcpss.net/smithes
Join us for the Magnet & Early College Fair on Saturday, October 26, from 9 a.m. to noon at Enloe Magnet High School (128 Clarendon Crescent, Raleigh 27610), where you can talk with staff from any magnet and early college school in Wake County.
DILLARD DRIVE MAGNET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SMITH MAGNET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SMITH MAGNET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Periscope Sunrise liquid assets
FROM SIDEBAR
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN
FREDIN
SideBar bartender Richard Cortes recently took third place in the 2024 Durham Distillery Conniption Gin Competition, creating three original cocktails with an agua fresca theme. He created the Periscope Sunrise, a savory sipper with herbal notes and subtle spice, for the prize-winning round.
1 ½ ounces Conniption Navy Strength Gin
¾ ounce lime juice
½ ounce mango puree
½ ounce Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur
½ ounce tamarind syrup
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for roughly 25 seconds. Double strain into a coupe glass (or stemware of your choice) rimmed with Himalayan black salt. Tajin works well in this instance too. Garnish with a lime wheel.
For mango puree: Add 2 parts fresh or frozen mangos and 1 part water to a blender. Blend, adding more water if the consistency is too thick.
For tamarind syrup: Add 1 ounce of tamarind concentrate to 32 ounces of simple syrup made in a 1:1 ratio.
sidebarnc.com
A.P.P.Y. from Bond Brothers Beer Company liquid assets
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
A.P.P.Y. is everything you want in a pumpkin pie and a barrel-aged stout combined. The near-black brew is aged for over a year in a bourbon barrel before being loaded with vanilla, cinnamon, and allspice, resulting in a decadent 14.3% ABV dessert in a glass.
Cary’s first downtown brewery, Bond Brothers was founded in 2015 and specializes in ales, lagers, mixed fermentation, and barrel-aged beer. They strive to put a spin on old-school classics to create new-school originals.
Imagination comes with 7 doors and its own section of town.
by Molly Darcy Age 36
Washington DC
I am an artist and university professor. Thomas Sayre is someone that intrigues me. I’ve seen his monumental sculptures tower over landscapes around the world. When I heard he raised a piece in Kinston, I knew this would be a stop on my artist bucket list.
There are artists who work on a canvas as tiny as a pinhead. There are artists who hide their creations, making the act of finding them part of the statement. But Thomas Sayre does neither of those. His artwork is monumental, towering. It’s meant to be seen and marveled at for generations. Thomas Sayre is a man intent on making history. That made him the perfect artist to commission for a new sculpture in downtown Kinston.
In 2015, Sayre was enlisted to create a sculpture to anchor the Kinston Art Trail. The work would honor the town’s tobacco heritage and demonstrate the city’s shift into a cultural arts center. It would be a piece symbolic of the town’s resilience, an icon to help funnel their movement upward. So, the idea for Flue was born.
constructed of earthcast concrete with cracks, holes, and empty bottles pierced throughout for local insects to come and go at will. Sayre had my attention. Since that moment, I have made a point to experience as many of his works as I can. Neil calls it my Sayre bucket list.
YOU CAN WALK UP TO IT, TOUCH IT, EXAMINE THE TEXTURES
Located in the coastal plains of North Carolina, Kinston is a city at the center of many historical moments. Be that moment a Civil War battle or surviving hurricanes or building back an entire economy after the collapse of tobacco. The people in Kinston are resilient and creative – taking what they have and figuring out how to move forward.
I first encountered Sayre’s work on a visit to Phuket, Thailand. My husband, Neil and I were there on our honeymoon when we saw an ominous structure beckoning to us from the shoreline. Phuket Cheddi stands over five stories tall and is more than 16 feet around – a giant cone
Lucky for me, I don’t have to go far to experience Flue. Kinston is just a few hours south of our home in Washington, D.C. So, we decided to make our visit a long weekend.
As we pull into town, we pass a mural of a giant stork that encompasses an entire block. There are galleries popping up here and there featuring work of local artists. Standing amongst all this creativity and growth is Flue. Like Sayre’s other earthcasting work, Flue is stunning. It’s a sculpture in seven parts, with each piece crafted
to look like the facade of a tobacco barn. Standing over three stories tall and weighing in at 280 tons, Flue is designed to make a statement.
To form Flue, Sayre cast reinforced concrete directly into molds cut into the earth here in Lenoir County – earth that once grew cotton, then tobacco. In fact, Flue was erected on the block where the Brooks Tobacco Warehouse once stood. When the town was in its golden leaf heyday, the building was a giant barn where rods upon rods of tobacco leaves hung, dried, and awaited processing. Flue is both the embodiment of this town’s history and its burgeoning path forward.
Like many of Sayre’s other sculptures, Flue invites visitors to interact with it. You can walk up to it, touch it, examine the textures. So I do just that. I enter the first doorway and start to walk in a
straight line. There are seven doors before me and each offers a different view of the town. As I take a step forward, the vision of that town becomes a little bigger, a little clearer. Until I exit the last doorway and the point of Flue becomes obvious.
Since the sculpture was raised, the town has gone through a bit of a renaissance. There’s a motor lodge that has been renovated to look like it’s straight out of the 1960s. There’s a tap room and beer garden that are 100% solar powered. There’s even a community of artists that have come to live and create in Kinston through the smART Kinston program.
All of this is proof that public art, like Flue, brings people together. It gives a town like Kinston a sense of place and attracts visitors like us. Perhaps it’s that, and not mere size, that’s the most monumental thing about Sayre’s work.
Dining Guide
A SELECTION OF RESTAURANTS, BAKERIES, BISTROS, AND CAF E S IN CARY, APEX, FUQUAY-VARINA, HOLLY SPRINGS, MORRISVILLE, AND RALEIGH
CARY
Abbey Road Tavern & Grill
Great food. Outstanding live music. 1195 W. Chatham St.; (919) 481-4434 abbeyroadnc.com
Academy Street Bistro
New American cuisine with a French flair. 200 S. Academy St.; (919) 377-0509 academystreetbistro.com
Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream
Premium quality ice cream and sorbet. 10120 Green Level Church Road #208; (919) 901-8560
1008 Ryan Road; (919) 234-0037 andiasicecream.com
Annelore’s German Bakery
Authentic German pastries, breads, and pretzels. 308 W. Chatham St.; (919) 267-6846 anneloresbakery.com
Asali Desserts & Café
Gourmet sweet shop crossed with a refined coffeehouse. 107 Edinburgh Drive, Suite 106-A (919) 362-7882 asalicafe.com
Awaze Ethiopian Cuisine
East African eatery showcasing vegetarian and vegan options. 904 NE Maynard Road (919) 377-2599 awazecuisine.com
A’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library
Not your traditional Mexican food. 2300 Walnut St. (984) 200-3469 averdecary.com
BB’s Crispy Chicken
Shatteringly crispy chicken. 1147 Parkside Main St.; (984) 272-3500 bbscrispychicken.com
Big Dom’s Bagel Shop
Serving bagels, B’donuts, and sandwiches. 203 E Chatham St.; (919) 377-1143 bigdomsbagelshop.com
The Big Easy Oven + Tap
Modern Southern-inspired kitchen with New Orleans roots. 231 Grande Heights Drive; (919) 468-6007 thebigeasyovenandtap.com
Big Mikes BBQ
Beers on tap to complement locally sourced, farm-to-table BBQ. 1222 NW Maynard Road; (919) 799-2023 brewnquenc.com
Bonefish Grill
Fresh is our signature.
2060 Renaissance Park Place (919) 677-1347; bonefishgrill.com
Bosphorus Restaurant
Traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. 329-A N. Harrison Ave. (919) 460-1300; bosphorus-nc.com
BottleDog Bites & Brews
A casual place for unconventional food and craft beer.
8306 Chapel Hill Road (919) 390-1617: bottledogcary.com
Bravo’s Mexican Grill
Extensive menu raises the ante considerably above the typical Tex-Mex. 208 Grande Heights Drive (919) 481-3811 bravosmexicangrill.net
Unforgettable rotisserie chicken. 9575 Chapel Hill Road; (919) 378-9259 alpacachicken.com
908 NE Maynard Rd (984) 465-0594
Dive into culinary perfection at Kabuki Steak House & Sushi! Savor sushi artistry and sizzling teppanyaki delights. Unforgettable flavors await—reserve your table now! 220 Nottingham Dr, Cary • 919∙380∙8081
Dining Guide
Another Broken Egg Café
A totally egg-ceptional experience. 1121 Market Center Drive (919) 465-1079; anotherbrokenegg.com
Babymoon Café
Pizzas, pastas, seafood, steaks, salads, and more.
100 Jerusalem Drive, Suite 106 (919) 465-9006; babymooncafe.com
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Outrageous burgers and beers. 3300 Village Market Place (919) 297-0953 baddaddysburgerbar.com
Capital City Chop House
The best steaks, seafood, and chops we can find. 151 Airgate Drive; (919) 484-7721 chophousesofnc.com
Clean Juice
Organic juices, smoothies, and more. 3035 Village Market Place (919) 468-8286 cleanjuice.com
Crumbl Cookies
Super-sized treats with a rotating menu of classic and unusual flavors. 1105 Market Center Drive; (919) 364-1100 crumblcookies.com
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Steaks, seafood, chicken, and ribs seared over local hickory, oak, and pecan wood. 3200 Village Market Place; (919) 653-0111 firebirdsrestaurants.com/morrisville/
Fount Coffee + Kitchen
Coffee bar with 100% gluten-free food. 10954 Chapel Hill Road; (984) 888-5454 fountcoffee.com
Full Moon Oyster Bar and Seafood Kitchen
Fresh seafood raw, steamed, grilled, baked, or fried. 1600 Village Market Place; (919) 378-9524 fullmoonoysterbar.com
G. 58 Modern Chinese Cuisine
A contemporary approach to traditional Chinese cuisine. 10958 Chapel Hill Road; (919) 466-8858 g58cuisine.com
Georgina’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
Mouthwatering homemade Italian dishes. 3536 Davis Drive (919) 388-3820 georginasrestaurantnc.com
HiPoke
Fresh fun poké. 9573 Chapel Hill Road (919) 650-3398 hipokes.com
Leo’s Italian Social
A place to gather. 1301 Market Center Drive (919) 234-0860 leositaliansocial.com/park-west-village
Mamacita
Modern Mexican and cocktails. 9928 Chapel Hill Road (919) 234-1031 mamacitanc.com
Meeple’s Brew
850+ board games between two locations. 9545 Chapel Hill Road meeplesbrew.com
Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant Mexican with a modern twist.
9605 Chapel Hill Road; (919) 481-9002 1106 Grace Park Drive; (919) 650-1718 micancunmx.com
Neomonde
Contemporary and traditional Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes.
10235 Chapel Hill Road #400 (919) 466-8100 neomonde.com
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Cakes are baked fresh daily in a variety of flavors and sizes.
2008 Market Center Drive, Unit 17130 (919) 694-5300 nothingbundtcakes.com
Piada Italian Street Food Fast-casual Italian.
2016 Market Center Drive; (919) 371-0787 mypiada.com
Rise
Southern biscuits, righteous chicken, and donuts. 1100 Market Center Drive (919) 377-0385; risebiscuitschicken.com
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits
Great food always, with a side of good times. 1101 Market Center Drive (919) 388-3500 ruckuspizza.com
Taste Vietnamese Cuisine Authentic noodles and more.
152 Morrisville Square Way (919) 234-6385 tastevietnamesetogo.com
Award-winning food in a nonconformist atmosphere. 3107 Grace Park Drive (919) 650-3177; woodysportstavern.com
RALEIGH
Angus Barn
Steakhouse with world-renowned service. 9401 Glenwood Ave. (919) 781-2444; angusbarn.com
Bida Manda Laotian fare and exotic cocktails. 222 S. Blount St. (919) 829-9999 bidamanda.com
David’s Dumpling and Noodle Bar Pan-Asian dishes with flair. 1900 Hillsbourgh St. (919) 239-4536 ddandnb.com
Lechon Latin BBQ & Bar
Upscale street food with a Latin vibe. 5959 Triangle Town Blvd. (919) 793-9913 lechonlatinbbq.com
Mamacita
Modern Mexican and cocktails. 1540 Dunn Road, Suite 150 (919) 977-0096 mamacitanc.com
Rey’s
Fine dining with a French Quarter flair. 1130 Buck Jones Road (919) 380-0122 reysrestaurant.com
happenings
Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS, Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival has welcomed creatives to downtown Cary for a weekend of art, eats, and entertainment. This year’s event, held August 24 and 25, was no different — with almost 300 artists from across the country, as well as tens of thousands of visitors, coming together to celebrate art. Held at Town Hall Campus, the weekend featured live music, a beer garden, professional demonstrations, a kids’ area, and much more, proving why Lazy Daze remains one of the nation’s premier contemporary crafts festivals.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
happenings
The NC Craft Brewers Guild and NC By Train are celebrating the start of NC Beer Month with a new program, the NC ALE TRAIL BY RAIL. The interactive NC Ale Trail by Rail map lists breweries within 5 miles of train stations, so participants can easily hop off the train, sample beers nearby, and pop back on the train to continue along the trail for more stops between Charlotte and Raleigh.
Three Cary breweries are part of the trail: Bond Brothers Beer Company, Cotton House Craft Brewers, and KoMANA Brewing Company. Other cities on the trail include Charlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, and Durham.
“We are delighted to partner with NC By Train to introduce this new and novel way for visitors and residents alike to explore the craft breweries of North Carolina. As community gathering hubs, our North Carolina breweries offer welcoming taproom and tasting experiences,” says Lisa Parker, executive director of the NC Craft Brewers Guild. drinkncbeer.org/nc-ale-trail-by-rail
Renowned chef Scott Crawford will add another restaurant to his portfolio this fall, the largest Crawford Hospitality restaurant to date. The 4,500-square-foot, 120-seat Crawford Brothers Steakhouse will be the flagship restaurant for Fenton. Crawford Brothers Steakhouse will “celebrate the nostalgia of an old-school steakhouse, but with a lighter and edgier twist,” specializing in house dry-aged beef.
A floor-to-ceiling “glass curtain” wall will give passersby a look into the in-house cocktail bar. The kitchen will be visible from both the street and a semiprivate dining room. The main dining room will look into the dry aging room.
“One of the most exciting themes is our idea of putting everything on display to emphasize this dining experience as an elevated one, and give a glimpse into the layers of detail behind every aspect of what we do,” Crawford says. crawfordbrotherssteakhouse.com
Zombies and candy corn collide at the ZOMBIEPALOOZA, coming to the Downtown Cary Park October 25. The annual short film competition challenges North Carolina filmmakers of all ages and skill levels to create family-friendly short films of less than 5 minutes using this year’s required prop, candy corn. In addition to film screenings, the Zombiepalooza event will include undead face painting, food trucks, three-legged races, and more fun.
Onelife Fitness will open its first fitness center in North Carolina, a state-of-theart sports club in Beaver Creak Commons in Apex. The location adds to Onelife Fitness’ portfolio of 55 locations throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, DC, and Georgia. Onelife states an “inclusive and health-forward mission of making wellness and fitness accessible and affordable to all ages and abilities.”
“We recognized that Apex is an extraordinary community and needs a comprehensive fitness and wellness offering at affordable rates,” says Ori Gorfine, CEO of Onelife Fitness. “We will deliver a high-end experience with a focus on personalized experiences and solutions at an attractive price point that makes fitness, recovery, and wellness available to all. The renovation of the classic movie theater will allow for a unique and cutting-edge club that will no doubt impress the Apex community.”
Onelife Fitness Apex at Beaver Creek sports club will feature an indoor saltwater pool, whirlpool, and cold plunge; a proprietary mind/body studio, boxing studio, spin studio, and four boutique fitness class studios; Kids Club; Recovery Studio with HydroMassage, red light therapy, and Normatec Compression Equipment; and more than $1 million in top-of-the-line cardio and strength equipment.
The center will open in 2025. A Preview Center will open onsite in November. onelifefitness.com/gyms/Apex
The ITSERVE ALLIANCE -
RALEIGH CHAPTER made a $1,500 donation to the Morrisville Fire/ Rescue Department, Morrisville Police Department, and Morrisville Public Works Department in September to support community preparedness.
The BOO BASH will take over Morrisville Community Park, located at 1520 Morrisville Parkway, on October 26 from 3–6 p.m. Local businesses will set up and decorate tables to hand out candy and host games and activities. Food trucks Dusty Donuts, Magnificent Concessions, and Mike Nice Empanadas will serve up fare for all ages. The event will include a costume parade, photo booths, face painting, and more.
happenings
Morrisville is offering a FREE COMMUNITY
EMERGENCY
RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) PROGRAM to help citizens prepare for disasters with lessons in fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The program includes 12 hours of self-paced online classes and an in-person, hands-on training session October 26 and 27. readync.gov/getinvolved/cert-community-emergency-response-team
Chef Savannah Miller, who serves as chef de cuisine at M Tempura, made it to the finals on season 21 of Top
Chef. Miller started working in hospitality as a teenager and attended the New England Culinary Institute. After four years of pursuing New England cuisine, she joined local chef Michael Lee of Fenton’s famous M Sushi to learn about Japanese and Korean cuisine.
Miller “pulls inspiration from what is locally available and believes deeply in supporting the ecosystem of purveyors in the surrounding area,” according to her competitor biography.
The Hindu Society of North Carolina and the Hindi Vikas Mandal hosted a celebration of India’s Independence Day August 17. The Town Council, state leaders, and citizens enjoyed a day of festivities, including the presentation of the Town of Morrisville’s Language Access Plan. Starting with Hindi, the Town aims to make government services more accessible to Limited English Proficiency residents.
The AUGUST 2024 ISSUE OF BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE
featured an article on the Town of Morrisville, focusing on the Town as a thriving hub of diversity, innovation, and community. Business View covers the public sector, reporting on the latest advances in municipal public works, green initiatives, and college sustainability programs.
The AMERICAN LEGION POST 124 HOSTED A PATRIOT DAY
CEREMONY at the Apex Downtown Service Memorial on September 11. Community members and first responders with the Apex Police Department and Apex Fire Department joined to remember the people affected by 9/11. Officer Lee Warnake served as guest speaker.
“My heart goes out to all the families affected and the many first responders who are still facing medical challenges as a result of this tragedy. We honor their strength and resilience. Let’s take the time to always remember,” says Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert.
MORRISVILLE’S FIRE STATION NO. 3 got two beehives over the summer as part of continuing efforts to support pollinators and spread awareness about their importance. Community members were able to submit name suggestions for the two queen bees in person at the S’Morrisville event and via social media. The winning names — Rani and Notorious B.E.E. — were announced at a ribbon-cutting and queen naming ceremony on Aug. 22.
The hives will be maintained by Bee Downtown, a company founded by an NC State graduate that installs and maintains beehives for businesses across the Southeast. bee-downtown.com
BOST CUSTOM HOMES
has plans for its first non-residential development in downtown Cary. The 11,035-square-foot building will house Bost’s new headquarters, plus restaurant and retail space. The project is scheduled to break ground in 2025 at 305 Bowden St. and 306 Field St. and is expected to take about 14 months. bosthomes.com
After 43 years of serving Apex citizens, Dallas
Famous Chicken
& Biscuits served its last customers on August 31. The restaurant was recognized with a Mayoral Award in 2021 for providing the community with 40 years of food and fellowship. Regulars flocked to the restaurant on its last day to thank the owner, Ray, and wish him a happy retirement.
BY JONATHAN FREDIN
A trim and a tinkle
Now that the grooming business is over, and much to the surprise of owner Jeannie Covington of Cary, supermutt Sammy tends to some other business.
