Cary Magazine January 2017

January 2017

A BETTER YOU A MIND-AND-BODY GUIDE TO FITNESS

BACK TO WORK HOW TO BRIDGE THE RÉSUMÉ GAP

Western Wake’s

GREATEST HITS The 2017 Maggy Awards

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BALANCED LEARNING® WAY:

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JANUARY 2017

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in this issue The 2017 Maggy Awards: 19 The Best of Western Wake

Restaurants

Services Lifestyle Shopping

A New & Improved You 56 Your mind-and-body guide to fitness Back to Work 72 Charting a path between opting out and leaning in

Easy as Pie 78 A taste of the Sweet Potato Pie band

The dÊcor at Samantha James’ Pink Magnolia Boutique at Park West upbringing. Read more about this Maggy winner, page 39.

8

JANUARY 2017

Jonathan Fredin

Village reflects her Texas

You came here for the quality of life.

We like to think you stayed for the quality of care.

At WakeMed Cary Hospital, we have virtually everything you need to get the most out of what life has to offer. Weight loss surgery and general surgery. Treatment for sports injuries and painful joints. Advanced eye surgeries. Gynecology and urology. State-of-the-art diagnostics. Highly sophisticated procedures and techniques. All provided by experts in care and caring. So you see, around here, staying active is largely a matter of staying right where you are. For more information, visit us at wakemed.org/caryhospital.

WakeMed Cary Hospital | 1900 Kildaire Farm Road | Cary, NC 27518 | 919.350.8000 | wakemed.org/caryhospital

CARY MAGAZINE 9

in every issue CARY • APEX • MORRISVILLE • HOLLY SPRINGS • FUQUAY-VARINA

44 52

Restaurant Row: Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits

EXECUTIVE

Exclusive Dish: Oven-Roasted Cauliflower from Tazza Kitchen

67

We Love

84

Nonprofit Spotlight: The V Foundation

90

January 2017 • Volume 14, Number 1

Ron Smith, Executive Publisher Bill Zadeits, Publisher EDITORIAL

Nancy Pardue, Editor Amber Keister, Editor

CONTRIBUTORS

L.A. Jackson David McCreary Emily Uhland, Lifestyle Editor PHOTOGRAPHY

Garden Adventurer: Cast Iron Plant

Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer PRODUCTION

Jennifer Casey, Graphic Designer Ronald Dowdy, Graphic Designer Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer Beth Harris, Graphic Designer Amy Mangels, Graphic Designer Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer Jim Sleeper, Graphic Designer

departments 12

Editors’ Letters

14

Letters from Readers

94

Happenings

98

Write Light

ADVERTISING

Kris Schultz, Associate Publisher PUBLIC RELATIONS

S&A Communications Chuck Norman, APR ADMINISTRATIVE

Mor Aframian, Events & Marketing Coordinator Cherise Klug, Traffic Manager Lisa McGraw, Circulation Coordinator Valerie Renard, Human Resource Manager Kristin Black, Accounting

ON THE COVER: “From performing arts, to fine arts, to athletics, to

Cary Magazine © is published nine times annually by Cherokee Media Group. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Subscriptions are $18/year.

academics — it’s just an awesome place to be,” says Karen Summers, principal of Green Hope High School. Readers agree, voting it Western Wake’s Best Public School.

CARY MAGAZINE

Photo by Jonathan Fredin

Westview at Weston 301 Cascade Pointe Lane Cary, North Carolina 27513 (919) 674-6020 • (800) 608-7500 • Fax (919) 674-6027 www.carymagazine.com

in the next issue

Good Eats!

Jonathan Fredin

We visit The Provincial, one of Apex’s newest restaurants.

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.

Cary Magazine is a proud member and supporter of all five chambers in Western Wake County. The Cary Chamber of Commerce, Apex Chamber of Commerce, Morrisville Chamber of Commerce, Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce, and Garner Chamber of Commerce.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

10

JANUARY 2017

WE’RE NOT A BANK AND THAT’S A GOOD THING

We’re a local credit union that puts our members first.

We share our profits with members through higher dividends, better rates and lower fees.

FIND OUT MORE AT BANKBETTER.ORG

editors’ letters

Amber Keister and Nancy Pardue are ready for the 2016 Women of Western Wake Luncheon, held Jonathan Fredin

at the Umstead Hotel and Spa. More photos from the event, page 94.

THIS ISSUE, WE TAKE a cue from the two-faced Roman

WRITTEN IN BLACK PEN on college-ruled notebook paper is

god Janus — savoring the successes of the past year and planning for a great year to come.

All of our Maggy Award winners deserve kudos for 2016, but I have to single out a few brave souls. When we came up with this year’s theme — Western Wake’s Greatest Hits — I had no idea if it would resonate with our winners.

But once I explained the concept, the great people at Green Hope High School, Cary Dance Productions, Tazza Kitchen, Bond Brothers Beer Company, Teri LaRocca State Farm Insurance and Pink Magnolia were all in. Their enthusiasm and excitement made this project a pleasure to work on, and Jonathan Fredin’s photos show it. They totally rock!

Looking forward to 2017, we welcome back Emily Uhland as Lifestyle Editor. A familiar face to Cary Magazine readers, she will be contributing stories on fashion, home and other topics. Her return is good timing as we will add a ninth issue of the magazine this year. Look for a standalone June issue featuring lots of photos of the people and places that make Western Wake great.

We anticipate great things this year, and we owe our success to your support.

Thanks for reading, and Happy New Year!

my daily list: Tasks to be completed at work, a section for longer-term projects in planning, a box in the corner to remind me of personal errands, and a chunk of empty space for the come-what-may scribbles.

Old school, I know, but the list is how I roll. It helps me focus, and cheers me on.

You know what else cheers me on? The Maggy Awards.

Each year we throw out the call to vote, and each year thousands of you hop online to do it. Maybe you vote because it’s fun, or because you’ve had a great experience with a special business, or your teenager works there.

The why, to me, is less important than the end result: You’re building community.

I hope you feel that, as you peruse these pages full of happy Maggy winners. People like Tabassum Rahmen of Cilantro Indian Café, whose customers saw her through some tough times to find success.

People like Jackie Bedard, who considers herself “blessed” with great clients, and Dr. Ken Rousselo, who values his patients’ trust.

For this New Year, let’s add “be an encourager” to our list of resolves — to root for the good guys, and even appreciate a nice try.

Building community is well worth the effort.

Happy 2017!

Thanks for reading,

Amber Keister Editor 12

JANUARY 2017

Nancy Pardue Editor

Peak performance.

SPINE CENTER

JOINT REPLACEMENT

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Cary Orthopaedics has long been known as a sports medicine specialist, helping both professional and recreational athletes play hard and play strong. But did you know we also offer comprehensive orthopaedic care for all types of bone and joint dysfunction – from trauma to injuries to degenerative conditions.

Now with four locations in the Triangle, we’re experts in motion, helping all of our patients get back in the game of life.

Cary: 919.467.4992

Morrisville: 919.238.2440

Garner: 919.779.3861

Interactive Body Map helps you get facts about joint pain and common orthopaedic conditions.

www.caryortho.com

Spine Center: 919.297.0000

Magnet Application Period

letters from readers

JAN. 12–31, 2017 APPLY ONLINE

HOW TO APPLY • EXPLORE magnet options www.wcpss.net/magnet

IDENTIFY the magnet programs that host programs for your address at http://wwgis2.wcpss.net/addressLookup/ • ATTEND Open Houses, Information sessions, and School Tours • APPLY by creating a parent account Jan. 12-31, 2017 - Identify 1-5 schools to which you would like to apply - Rank as first choice, second choice, third choice - Apply anytime during the application period • CHECK for a notification on Feb. 16, 2017 in parent account •

Women of Western Wake

How-To Holiday

“I cannot thank you enough for the amazing honor it was to sit on the stage with the Women of Western Wake. Your staff made this day very special for me and the friends and family who have supported me over the years.”

Alisa Wright Colopy, Fit and Able Productions

“I was beyond excited to pick up a copy of the new Cary Magazine! My kids were elated to see their mom in a magazine! Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your How-To Holiday section. It was a huge honor. And it was such a great piece. You all are amazing.”

Shea Armstrong, Southern Oak Gift Company

The New Veterans

“Great article! There are so many different ways to help veterans in our community.”

Amy Sullivan Cures for the Christmas Tree Blues

CONTACT US AT: THE MAGNET AND CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS OFFICE Crossroads I, 5625 Dillard Drive, Cary, NC 27518 Hours: Monday – Friday | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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twitter.com/wcpssmagnets facebook.com/WCPSSMagnetPrograms

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JANUARY 2017

“I just saw the November/December Cary Magazine. What a great job you did! I love everything in it!”

Phyllis Rollins, Fairview Garden Center

Cause to Celebrate

“What a fabulous feature, and amazing host! Thank you Cary Magazine, for sharing this story with others. We love what we do, and are honored to raise awareness and funds for organizations such as Urban Ministries of Wake County.”

Wines for Humanity

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Email letters to the editors to editor@carymagazine.com

Editors’ note: Submitted comments may be edited for length or clarity, and become the property of Cary Magazine.

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Presenting the

2017

MAGGY AWARDS Give it up, ladies and gentlemen, for the winners of the 2017 Maggy Awards!

You voted by the thousands to name these rock stars as the Best of Western Wake, for all the ways they keep our corner of the world spinning.

Now it’s time to shine the spotlight on the winners within these fun-filled pages, for a much-deserved round of applause.

CARY MAGAZINE 19

Best

WRITTEN BY NANCY PARDUE PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

RESTAURANTS

Jay Spungin, right, a partner at Tazza Kitchen, says the staff puts on a “rock show” every night, entertaining customers with delicious food, great service and an open kitchen. Introducing the rest of the band: bar manager Tony Hasanaj, left, chef Chris Easton on drums, and pizza chef Bradley Massey, sitting on counter.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

TAZZA KITCHEN Tazza Kitchen in Cary takes center stage with its win for Best New Restaurant.

There’s plenty to please fans including a wood-fired seasonal menu with influences from Italy and California, an all-North Carolina beer tap, and innovative cocktails.

But the restaurant’s biggest asset is its staff, including partner and general manager Jay Spungin and bar manager Tony Hasanaj, 20

JANUARY 2017

says Tazza chef Chris Easton. Nightly they ➨ Tazza Kitchen create a great atmosphere that resonates with also won honorable mentions for customers, he says.

“We like to imbue our staff with the Best Appetizers idea that every time somebody comes in our and for Best door, they’re coming into our home — that Outdoor Dining. we’re throwing a party for them,” Easton added. “That’s the ‘rock show’ that we talk about. We want people to have fun; we want people to feel entertained.”

— AMBER KEISTER

Find a recipe inspired by Tazza’s Brick Oven Cauliflower on page 52!

THE WINNERS BEST NEW RESTAURANT

TAZZA KITCHEN Hickory Tavern Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar BEST APPETIZERS

TIE: THE MASON JAR TAVERN and RUCKUS PIZZA, PASTA & SPIRITS

Blood Orange Margarita, left, and the Loaded Bloody Mary from The Mason Jar Tavern.

Rudy’s Pub & Grill Tazza Kitchen BEST COCKTAILS

THE MASON JAR TAVERN

BEST COCKTAILS

The Mason Jar Tavern

Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits Rudy’s Pub & Grill

BEST APPETIZERS

BEST BAKERY

The Mason Jar Tavern and Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits (tie)

Once in a Blue Moon Bakery & Café Stick Boy Bread Co.

You can accomplish a lot in a couple of years — just ask Jonathan Pierce. This time last year, his Mason Jar Tavern in Holly Springs was voted Best New Restaurant in the Maggy Awards.

Since then, he’s expanded into an equally-successful second location in Fuquay-Varina, with a staff steadfastly cranking out the food and drinks locals love.

“We’re so thankful for the way the community has embraced and supported

LA FARM BAKERY

BEST BARBECUE

CITY BARBEQUE Danny’s Bar-B-Que (Big Mike’s) Brew N Que BEST BREAKFAST

BRIGS RESTAURANTS

us,” said Pierce.

Toast Café La Farm Bakery

BEST PIZZERIA

BEST BURGER AND FRIES

Mellow Mushroom Rock bands have groupies. Mellow Mushroom has Shroomies, the dedicated fans who have voted it Best Pizzeria every year since 2011. We reached out to marketing director Sid➨ Mellow Mushroom ney Julich, to see also earned honorwhat feeds that able mention as popularity.

Most Kid-Friendly “We try restaurant. to provide a fun, groovy vibe that appeals our Cary Shroomies,” she said. “We also feel strongly about being an integral part of our community. We have fundraisers for the YMCA, SPCA, March of Dimes and local charities, and sponsor school teams like Green Hope basketball and Panther Creek football.”

What’s new? The Ribeye Pie, with an

olive oil and garlic base, all-natural grilled, shaved ribeye steak, Portobello mushrooms, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, provolone, feta and mozzarella.

And The Great White, with sun-dried tomatoes, provolone, feta, seasoned ricotta, fresh basil and mozzarella, Roma tomatoes and onions.

What’s coming in 2017?

“We have a really cool menu that we’re launching in the New Year. But don’t worry, you’ll still be able to get all your old Mellow favorites! We’re making a few tweaks to keep our food the freshest and highest quality you can get.

“Mellow Mondays are going to be huge in 2017 as well,” Julich said, with pizza, kids’ meal, and craft beer specials.

FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar BurgerFi BEST DATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT

LUCKY 32 SOUTHERN KITCHEN Peak City Grill & Bar Rey’s BEST SEAFOOD

DEAN’S SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR Bonefish Grill The Full Moon Oyster Bar and Seafood Kitchen BEST STEAKHOUSE

ANGUS BARN Ruth’s Chris Steak House Rey’s

CARY MAGAZINE 21

BEST BAKERY

La Farm Bakery La Farm Bakery put Cary’s food scene on the map, and our readers know it: The bakery’s been on every Maggy list since we started this fun in 2006, even as it’s garnered national fame. ➨ La Farm Bakery Of all the also earned honoryummy joy that is able mentions for La Farm, owners Best Breakfast and Lionel and Missy Best Coffeehouse.

Vatinet say its most popular products are still the breads, from the signature La Farm Bread to the traditional crusty baguette.

Master baker Lionel uses locally-grown, organic flours, giving his breads the best in flavor and nutrition.

“We’re really excited about all this from every perspective; by working with these grains we’re able to share the most nutritional and flavorful bread with our community,” Missy said. “We feel a sense of honor to be able to showcase the best, in each loaf, that represents the same passion for great quality grains our farmers, millers and science community have strived for, for all of us.”

Great news for La Farm lovers is a new production bakery in downtown Cary; Missy adds, “And soon we’ll have more to announce about our growth in the Triangle in the coming year.”

Cary may not have an Abbey Road, but Bond Brothers brewers, from left, Andy Schnitzer, Jay Bond, Whit Baker and Jeremy Bond, would still like everyone to come together for good beer.

BEST CRAFT BREWERY

Contributed photo

BOND BOND BROTHERS BEER COMPANY

“And many are addicted to our white chocolate mini baguette!”

— Missy Vatinet 22

JANUARY 2017

Meet the Bond brothers, making their first appearance on the Maggy Awards list!

What began as a group of brewers competing in homebrew competitions has become a brewery, taproom and beer garden hit that’s part of Cary’s downtown revitalization.

The brewers? ➨ Jay Bond, former Yadkin Valley vineyard manager and “compost wrangler” at Compost Now; ➨ His twin brother Jeremy Bond, a freelance illustrator and former foreman at a gasket company; ➨ Whit Baker, once upon a time a high school chemistry teacher, a certified beer judge, and beer Cicerone; and ➨ Andy Schnitzer, bon vivant about

Western Wake, aka a sociable guy of good taste.

“We love providing a taproom that helps to bring the community together,” said Jay. “We also enjoy the development and the ‘market research’ involved in the process of making beer.”

Bond Brothers offers a variety of unique beers on tap, from IPAs and stouts to Berliner Weisse and cream ales; a robust barrel sour program; guided brewery tours; and a kid- and dog-friendly environment. There’s even a running club!

“Our slogan is Old School Classics, New School Originals,” Jay said. “To complement our traditional-style ales, we apply the science of brewing in new and unique ways to produce the most innovative, forward-thinking brews in the area.”

THE WINNERS BEST PIZZERIA

MELLOW MUSHROOM Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits Anna’s Pizzeria MOST KID-FRIENDLY

RUCKUS PIZZA, PASTA & SPIRITS Chick-fil-A Mellow Mushroom BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

SUSHI-THAI Àn Asian Cuisine Yuri Japanese Restaurant BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

GREEK FIESTA Sassool Neomonde BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

DANIEL’S RESTAURANT & CATERING Lugano Ristorante Enrigo Italian Bistro BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

CILANTRO INDIAN CAFÉ

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

Cilantro Indian Café After earning a few Maggy honorable mentions along the way, this year Cilantro takes the lead as Best Indian Restaurant, thanks to readers in love with its chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, Moroccan hummus, and karahi dishes.

The food hails from the Northeast region of India, particularly the state of Bihar, and is full of fresh vegetables and herbs purchased from local farmers markets.

What makes the Cilantro story even better is the struggle behind it for husband and wife team Mustafa Ansari, who holds a degree in business management, and Tabassum Rahmen, with a master’s degree in education.

Cooking their personal meals on the grill at a between-jobs gas station gig, the duo began fielding requests from customers wanting to sample the chicken biryani.

Income-less for months, feeding their children leftovers from the gas station, they

Nazara Indian Bistro Kababish Café BEST MEXICAN/LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANT

LOS TRES MAGUEYES RESTAURANTE MEXICANO Totopos Street Food & Tequila Fiesta Mexicana Restaurante Mexicano BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

RUCKUS PIZZA, PASTA & SPIRITS Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant Rudy’s Pub & Grill

opened the restaurant in February 2014 without enough cash to even make change.

“Our customers are the reason we feel that it was all worth it,” said Rahmen.

“When we see them satisfied, we look at each other and smile.

“We love to cook, we love to invent new dishes, we love to see our customers content.

We’ll continue to devote ourselves to Cilantro as long as our customers love it.”

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

RUCKUS PIZZA, PASTA & SPIRITS Tazza Kitchen Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen BEST CRAFT BREWERY

BOND BROTHERS BEER COMPANY Aviator Brewing Company Fortnight Brewing Company CARY MAGAZINE 23

Lucky 32’s Peanut Butter Pie

BEST DATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT

Lucky 32 Put down the phone and smile at the person across your table. It’s date night!

Lucky 32 is the destination for datenight couples, for ➨ Lucky 32 great food and seralso earned an vice that offers a gethonorable away from the bustle mention for Best of real life.

Outdoor Dining.

With a menu that changes every six to eight weeks, food here is seasonal and sourced locally, so it has that fresh from the garden taste.

“Many people are foodies and appreciate the seasonal changing menu,” said general manager Shane Garrity. “Just as many people come here because they love the professional service and the ambiance.”

“Many people are foodies and appreciate the seasonal changing menu .”

— Shane Garrity Lucky 32 general manager

24

JANUARY 2017

Can’t get away just yet? Try this recipe for one of Lucky 32’s most popular desserts: Peanut Butter Pie

Serves 8 12 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup smooth peanut butter ¾ cup powdered sugar, sifted 1 16-ounce tub Cool Whip, thawed 10 tablespoons chocolate chips 1 9-inch graham cracker pie crust ½ cup chocolate syrup ½ cup finely chopped peanuts

Add cream cheese, peanut butter and powdered sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer. On medium speed, blend until mixture is light and fluffy.

Using a rubber spatula, fold the Cool Whip into the peanut butter mixture. Add chocolate chips and gently blend using the rubber spatula.

Pile filling into pie crust and place in freezer to harden overnight. Serve with chocolate syrup and nuts on top. lucky32.com

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

Sushi-Thai When CM readers are feeling adventurous, they head to Sushi Thai

Mediterranean Cafe

for a best-of-two-worlds fix that’s good enough for the restaurant to maintain a spot on the Maggy list every year since 2006.

If you’re new to sushi, here’s a primer:

➨ California roll: Crab stick (imitation crab made from cooked fish), avocado, cucumber, seaweed, sushi rice, roe and sesame seeds.

➨ Second visit: Try a raw yellowfin tuna roll with rice and seaweed.

➨ For the adventurous: Unagi,

HEALTHY & FRESH SALADS, SANDWICHES, KABOBS! CATERING AVAILABLE FOR ALL EVENTS!

or barbecued eel, a soft meat with a smoky barbecue flavor, served warm.

1347 Kildaire Farm Road // Cary // 919-300-5586 9650 Strickland Road // Raleigh // 919-847-2700 Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-9pm

BEST BURGERS AND FRIES

Five Guys Burgers & Fries The winner in this category for the tenth straight year, Five Guys is famous for its well-done-only, never-frozen burgers, and fries cooked in no-cholesterol peanut oil.

“The beauty of the Five Guys concept is that we do not try to be a lot of things; rather, we focus on doing just three things excellently — burgers, fries and hot dogs, period,” said spokesman Mike Ruffer.

“Keeping that critical focus allows us to offer a very consistent product every day.

“Everything we use is fresh. Nothing has ever been frozen, our beef is shipped to us within days of when it is made, and the potatoes are cut twice daily.

“Last but not least, we offer consistent and excellent service,” Ruffer added. “We aren’t perfect, yet for a long 10-year run like this, consistency is key.”

As to Five Guys’ claim that there are 250,000 ways to customize a Five Guys burger, Ruffer said, “I’ve never tried to count them! But we do have 15 different toppings and sauces, so if you do the math … every sandwich is customized by the customer.”

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Teri LaRocca Insurance Agency Inc. Teri LaRocca, Agent 6406 McCrimmon Pkwy., Ste. 200 Morrisville, NC 27560 Bus.: 919-462-8411 THE MAGGY AWARDS

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2017

CARY MAGAZINE 25

Best

SERVICES

According to our readers, Teri LaRocca of State Farm Insurance is the person to call when things go wrong. Her team leaders Morgan Hedderich, Financial Service Specialist, left, and Justin Wright, Property and Casualty, help LaRocca toot her horn.

26

JANUARY 2017

WRITTEN BY NANCY PARDUE PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN STYLED BY AMBER KEISTER

BEST REALTOR

Scott Korbin, Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston Happy homeowners utter endless praise for the work of Scott Korbin, who closed the deal in yet another new Maggy category, Best Realtor. In their Scott Korbin

THE WINNERS BEST CHIROPRACTOR

TODD STAKER, STAKER CHIROPRACTIC CENTER Ira Rubin, Rubin Chiropractic Donna King, Apex Family Chiropractic and Wellness Center

words: “Attention to detail.” “Patient.” “True blue.”

BEST BANK

“Knowledgeable.”

STATE EMPLOYEES’ CREDIT UNION

Contributed photo

Coastal Federal Credit Union BB&T

BEST ATTORNEY

JACKIE BEDARD, Carolina Family Estate Planning Stealing the show? Jackie Bedard is guilty as charged, claiming the No. 1 spot as Best Attorney for the first time, following an honorable mention last year.

What’s the best part of her job?

“The people,” said Bedard, who was also a CM Mover & Shaker in 2015. “We have a great team in our office and we’re all passionate about doing good work. We’re really blessed to have great clients, and I enjoy hearing their stories and learning about their families.”

Jackie Bedard Bedard is passionate about bringing peace of mind to her clients, whether it’s simply knowing they’ve taken steps to protect their families, or relieving a wife’s fear that her financial security will be jeopardized by the costs of her husband’s long-term care.

Outside the office, Bedard negotiates her own peace of mind through reading, cooking, CrossFit, learning new things, and spending time with her family and dogs.

BEST INSURANCE AGENT

TERI LAROCCA, State Farm WHEN WE CREATED this new

want to be 100 percent sure that you,

Maggy category, who knew we’d find

your family and your assets are pro-

an agent who’s been asked to insure a

tected appropriately. We make sure our

World War II cannon, a card game, dogs

clients understand how they should be

and wrecked cars?

protecting themselves through our cov-

Teri LaRocca, a State Farm agent since 2001 and longtime Cary resident,

erage and product recommendations.”

As for landing the Maggy vote,

says a day in her life is never dull, but

LaRocca credits her staff: “We truly

underscores the serious side of her

care. We have very detailed conver-

business:

sations with every client about their

“Insurance is truly meant to protect

individual situation and how we can help

you and the assets you have worked so

protect them. We always try to go the

hard for,” she said. “It’s not something

extra mile by accommodating schedules,

you want to skimp on because when —

calling with reminders and being sure we

not if but when — you have a claim, you

are offering top customer service.”

BEST MORTGAGE OFFICER

KENDRA MCCORMICK, PARKMONT LENDING Anthony Pellegrino, FM Lending Services Andrew McCauley, SunTrust BEST INSURANCE AGENT

TERI LAROCCA, STATE FARM Sally Cox, State Farm Lisa Garrity, Allstate BEST REALTOR

SCOTT KORBIN, HPW Mike Wolgin, Wolgin Real Estate Group Renee Hillman, RE/MAX BEST ORTHODONTIST

TODD BOVENIZER, BOVENIZER & BAKER ORTHODONTICS Kelly Ritter, Dr. Kelly Ritter Orthodontics Reid Brogden, Brogden Orthodontics BEST ATTORNEY

JACKIE BEDARD, CAROLINA FAMILY ESTATE PLANNING Linda Ward, Ward Family Law Group Paul Yokabitus, Stephenson Law BEST DENTIST

BOBBI STANLEY, STANLEY DENTISTRY Allan Acton, Cary Family Dental Amit Patel, West Cary Dental BEST EYE DOCTOR

KEN ROUSSELO, PRESTON OPTOMETRY CENTER Don Cloninger, EyeCareCenter Phil Vito, Holly Springs Eye Associates CARY MAGAZINE 27

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

TODD STAKER, Staker Chiropractic Center Dr. Ken Rousselo and the staff at Preston Optometry Center.

Contributed photo

BEST EYE DOCTOR

KEN ROUSSELO, Preston Optometry Center CM readers have their eyes on Dr. Ken Rousselo, making his third appearance on the Maggy list after a 2012 win and an honorable mention in 2016.

Known for his eye care and his local and international volunteer work, Rousselo also has a sense of humor: “Looking like I do, I realized that being a fashion model was not going to be an option for me!” he joked.

“I always loved healthcare; my three older sisters all went into different fields of healthcare also. I chose to have a single doctor practice so I can develop relationships with my patients. They know every time they come in, they will see me. Over the 21 years of my business, I’ve had the pleasure of watching my patients grow up, get married, have families, and now I am seeing their children.”

His focus, Rousselo says, is to always do what’s best for his patients.

THE WINNERS BEST DOCTOR

MELANIE MINTZER, GENERATIONS FAMILY PRACTICE Justin Glodowski, Generations Family Practice Sameh Toma, North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine

28

JANUARY 2017

Readers requested this new Maggy category, so here it is. But note: While winner Todd Staker is new to the Maggy Awards, he’s quite the experienced practitioner.

Staker’s days as a college basketball player sparked his interest in chiropractic care, and today he’s a “proud provider of services

for the Carolina Hurricanes,” and the Carolina Railhawks. He’s certified in Active Release Technique, a specialized form of deep tissue massage, and offers free spinal care classes at Staker Chiropractic Center.

“We’ve been in business in Cary since 1997,” Staker said of his practice. “We provide an atmosphere of care and healing and have a focus built around a family chiropractic center for the sports-minded patient. We want our patients active, exercising and getting the most out of life.”

BEST SPA

The Umstead Spa Organic Body Glow. Cherry Blossom Ritual. Swedish Massage — you’ll feel more relaxed just reading the spa menu!

Topping the Maggy list since 2010 as the best place to pamper yourself, The Umstead Spa offers treatments and experiences to soothe the body, mind and spirit.

And sure, you can even get a classic mani-pedi.

➨ MORE TO LOVE: The Umstead Hotel and Spa was also voted Best Hotel or Resort in North Carolina by CM readers for a second consecutive year.

BEST HAIR SALON

Twisted Scizzors Salon Spa You’ve voted them Best Hair Salon for five consecutive years.

You’ve seen their work in CM’s pages, and taken part in their charity cut-a-thons. Simply put, the Twisted Scizzors team rocks.

“We’re passionate about helping others, not because it’s what we have to do as our job, but because it’s what we love to do,” said owner Amanda Kimball.

“We truly have a team that is 100 percent dedicated to making sure our clients are happy. And we’re passionate about our fundraising and helping out in the community. It’s what we stand for.”

Fun fact: Kimball originally planned to open the salon as Twisted Sisters, with her cousin Jenna.

➨ NEWS TO KNOW: Chunky highlights are making a comeback in 2017, Kimball says, a la Kelly Clarkson. “Placement of them is more organic than the back-to-back foils.”

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON

BEST SPA

WILLIAM T. STOECKEL, WAKE PLASTIC SURGERY

THE UMSTEAD HOTEL AND SPA

Donald Hanna, Cary Plastic Surgery Cynthia Gregg, Cynthia Gregg, MD & Associates Facial Plastic Surgery

La Thérapie Spa Massage Envy BEST PET SERVICES

BEST HAIR SALON

TWISTED SCIZZORS SALON SPA Color Salon & Spa J&F Gemelli Salon

TOWN & COUNTRY VETERINARY HOSPITAL Kildaire Animal Medical Center Preston Animal Hospital

Where Community Runs Deep.

Featuring a State-of-the-Art Recreation Center with a Fitness Center, Multi-Purpose Sports Court and Swimming Pool

Future Homes Gray Line Builders

The Estates Priced from the $600s 919-249-6162 Custom Builder Team

Hayes Barton Homes Legacy Custom Homes

2300 Richardson Road, Apex, NC 27502 | StillWaterApex.com

*Artistic renderings and photos are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to depict the exact product, materials, sizing or features.

The actual finished product may or may not contain some of the features shown. All information is subject to change at any time without notice.

See the onsite sales associate for complete details. Sales and Marketing by Beazer Homes and Howard Perry and Walston Builder Services.

THE MAGGY AWARDS

Trust your face to a Specialist Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

HONORABLE MENTION 2017

■ Ultherapy ■ Laser Treatments ■ Skin Care ■ Injectable Fillers

Accredited by the AAAHC Double Board Certified

3550 NW Cary Parkway, Suite 100 | Cary, NC 27513 www.cynthiagreggmd.com ■ 919-297-0097

CYNTHIA M. GREGG, MD

Andrea Crane, RN Nena Clark-Christoff, RN Jennifer Quigley, Aesthetician

A fun ride home starts here.

Winter is here, and road conditions can get quite challenging. When quality, honesty and your family’s safety matter, choose Atlantic Tire & Service. With locations in Cary, Raleigh and Durham, Atlantic Tire & Service is an awardwinning tire shop offering expertise on the highest quality tires. We’ll always make sure your vehicle is safe, so you have peace of mind through any challenge you face on the road!

®

THE MAGGY AWARDS

Large Business Category

WINNER 2016

Schedule an appointment online today! www.atlantictireonline.com 1380 NW Maynard Road Cary, 919-319-1614

30

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Ladies’ night out – Third Thursday of Every Month, 6pm – 9pm Another Broken Egg Café Bank of America Brixx Wood Fired Pizza Chick-fil-A Chuy’s Tex-Mex Cold Stone Creamery Embassy Nails Five Guys Burgers and Fries Flour Power Kids Cooking School Frank Theatres Cinebowl & Grille GNC Golf Galaxy Guitar Center Halie’s Boutique

Harris Teeter Hickory Tavern It’Sugar Jersey Mike’s Subs Learning Express Toys Massage Envy Mattress Firm Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Nishiki Sushi Noodles & Company Orangetheory Fitness Paisley Boutique Panera Bread Parkside Eye Care

Parkside Family Dental Petco Pink Magnolia Boutique Signature Nail Spa Smallcakes A Cupcakery Smoothie King Sport Clips Starbucks Sunrise Dental Supercuts T-Mobile Target Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Tijuana Flats

Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint UPS Verizon Wireless Waxing the City

Coming Soon!

Persis Indian Restaurant Phenix Salon Suites Stein Mart Stellino’s Italian Restaurant Which Wich Zaniac Learning

I-540 & NC 55 • Cary, NC 27519 I-40, exit 278 just 4 miles south on O’Kelly Chapel Road

parksidetowncommons.com Find us on Facebook

CARY MAGAZINE 31

Best

WRITTEN BY NANCY PARDUE PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

LIFESTYLES STYLED BY AMBER KEISTER

Green Hope High Principal Karen Summers, left, is our idol, because she’s willing to do most anything for her students, even posing with a sousaphone. Our student judges are, from left, Samantha McNeill, 17, Younggil Chang, 17, and Naiya Banks, 15.

BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL

GREEN HOPE HIGH SCHOOL Bet you didn’t know that the original Green Hope School was established in 1927, less than a mile down the road from its present-day site, with the same school colors of burgundy and green.

With a 2015-16 graduation rate of 94.8 percent and alumni who include PGA golfer Brendon Todd and two-time Olympian Hec32

JANUARY 2017

tor Cotto, Principal Karen Summers said, “We are fortunate to have well-rounded students who excel in three key areas: academics, athletics, and fine and performing arts.

“Our student body is comprised of many nationalities, religions and cultures. This diversity leads to enriching conversations in the classrooms, and encourages

tolerance and ac- ➨ Green Hope ceptance through- High’s Karen out our school Summers earned an honorable community.”

Summers also mention this year says Green Hope’s as Best Principal.

100-plus clubs are a testament to the student body and their passion for service in the school and community, and to the dedication of the teachers who serve as club advisors.

Go, Falcons!

THE WINNERS

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL

Cary Academy In a new Maggy category this year, readers were quick to click for Cary Academy as Best Private School.

Celebrating its 20th year in Cary, the co-ed, collegepreparatory school is home to nearly 800 students in grades six through 12. The school recently launched its Discovery Studio, and held its first TEDxCary Academy.

Cary Academy alumni include researchers and policy setters in medicine and government, attorneys, software engineers, entrepreneurs and more, living and working around the world.

BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL

GREEN HOPE HIGH SCHOOL Cary High School Panther Creek High School BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL

CARY ACADEMY Cardinal Gibbons High School St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School BEST ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY

SEARSTONE Carolina Preserve at Amberly Glenaire BEST NONPROFIT

DORCAS MINISTRIES The Carying Place Brown Bag Ministry BEST COFFEEHOUSE

THE WAKE ZONE ESPRESSO Crema Coffee Roaster & Bakery La Farm Bakery BEST PRESCHOOL

PRIMROSE SCHOOLS Kids R Kids Learning Academies Greenwood Forest Children’s Center Volunteers make good things happen at Dorcas Ministries.

BEST NONPROFIT

DORCAS MINISTRIES Of all the Maggy Award winners, only one can claim both Best Nonprofit and Best Resale Shopping: Dorcas. Its popular thrift store, locals know, helps fund the organization’s food, housing and jobs outreach services.

So what’s new at this community-minded hotspot? A full-time caseworker to manage Dorcas’ emergency housing program.

“Of the 34 families she worked with, at the end of the year 32 of those families had remained stable for the entire year,” said Executive Director Howard Manning. “Our role at Dorcas is one of encourager and motivator; all of the goal setting, planning and execution are being performed by the families. We’re helping them to fulfill their calling

of glorifying God by working and supporting themselves and their families with the fruits of their work.”

At Dorcas Plaza a new primary care clinic offers health care on a sliding fee scale, in partnership with Advance Community Health, the Town of Cary and Wake County.

And community donations enabled Dorcas to deliver two truckloads of materials and more than $2,000 in Lowe’s gift cards to those impacted by Hurricane Matthew.

Keep it coming, Manning says: “We are always in need of volunteers and material donations. And we’re looking for more exposure along the N.C. 55 corridor and the far west regions of Cary and Morrisville; we see that as an untapped geographical area.”

BEST GOLF COURSE

PRESTONWOOD COUNTRY CLUB MacGregor Downs Country Club Knights Play Golf Center BEST INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM

SOUTHERN STUDIO INTERIOR DESIGN Lauren Burns Interiors Ivy Cottage Collections BEST MUSIC VENUE

KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE Red Hat Amphitheater Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek BEST LOCAL EVENT OR FESTIVAL

LAZY DAZE ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL Apex PeakFest Beericana Craft Beer & Music Festival

CARY MAGAZINE 33

Cary Dance Productions team, from left, Ashley Wade, Andrea Crews, Tondalaya Pearson, Jessica McMillan and Kathryn Hamrick.

BEST KIDS’ PROGRAM

CARY DANCE PRODUCTIONS Tondalaya Pearson started dancing at age 3, and she has no plans to stop.

Founder of Cary Dance Productions, she helps students discover the benefits of dance both on and off the floor, earning CDP a second straight Maggy Award.

“Dance promotes balance development, enhanced agility, coordination and stronger bones,” Pearson said. “Dance also improves and reduces depression and anxiety, while boosting self-esteem and confidence.”

She points to studies that also link dancing to creativity and emotional intelligence.

“Research aside, dancing is fun!” Pearson said, from tap to ballet, jazz to hip-hop.

As the art of dance evolves, CDP constantly tweaks its offerings to better serve students by incorporating current music, activities and movement into lessons. And just like the pros, CDP dancers enjoy colorful studios equipped with floating hardwood floors that reduce stress on joints, permanently-installed barres, and floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

34

JANUARY 2017

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT IN NORTH CAROLINA

The Umstead Hotel and Spa BEST SPA

The Umstead Spa Celebrities and high-profile VIPs are among the 55,500 guests welcomed by The Umstead Hotel and Spa each year, but who they are is anyone’s guess.

That same level of privacy is afforded to less famous guests as well, at this five-star crown jewel of hospitality set in Cary’s own wooded backyard.

Coming in 2017 are new artists in The Umstead gallery, hand-blended chocolate straight from Paris, and additions to the Herons menu from the hotel’s own culinary One Oak Farm — last year the restaurant introduced its own grits milled in-house from heirloom corn grown at the farm.

The Umstead Spa is also beloved by CM readers, topping the Maggy list since 2010.

THE WINNERS

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY

Bob Dumas, G105

BEST KIDS’ PROGRAM

CARY DANCE PRODUCTIONS

Some people love him. Some, not so much. But one thing’s for sure about Bob ➨ G105 earned an Dumas: He gets honorable mention the votes year after year, dating back as Best Radio to the first Maggy Station this year.

Awards in 2006.

The host of G105’s “Bob and the Showgram” for more than two decades, perhaps Dumas’ least controversial work is the annual Bob’s Buddies radiothon, held each November to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Premier School of Dance Starpath Dance Academy BEST FITNESS CLUB

YMCA Orangetheory Fitness O2 Fitness BEST PLACE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION

FRED G. BOND METRO PARK William B. Umstead State Park Cary Greenway System BEST YOGA/PILATES STUDIO

STUDIOVIBE

BEST YOGA/PILATES STUDIO

StudioVIBE Patty Geiger, founder of StudioVIBE, has seen many trends come and go during her 33 years in the wellness industry. Knowing how to navigate them is part of what makes her so popular with the CM readers who vote for her studio year after year.

“Right now there is such an amazing

Patty Geiger

movement toward mind-body exercise and functional movement. I hope this continues; it just plain makes sense,” Geiger said.

“When your body is flexible and strong, so is your mind.”

Read more of her advice in A New & Improved You, page 56.

Republic of Yoga Pure Barre BEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

ROD STANTON, CARY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Rod Stanton

Michael Regan, Mills Park Elementary School Raleigh Bame, Laurel Park Elementary School BEST MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

H. TRENT EVANS, REEDY CREEK MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL Rick Williams, Davis Drive Middle School A. Elaine Hofmann, Salem Middle School BEST HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

BEST FITNESS CLUB

YMCA

Our readers know that fitness can be fantastic! So does Beth Blount, group exercise director for the Cary Family YMCA. “There are too many benefits to list, but here are a few: Relieve stress, sleep better, and move better,” Blount said.

She and the pros at the Y have all the advice you need for setting and reaching your fitness goals. Read more in A New & Improved You, page 56!

MATT WIGHT, APEX FRIENDSHIP HIGH SCHOOL Karen Summers, Green Hope High School Nolan Bryant, Cary High School BEST HIGH SCHOOL COACH

ROY COOPER, APEX HIGH SCHOOL Alex Buckley, Cardinal Gibbons High School Jeb Hall, Fuquay-Varina High School CARY MAGAZINE 35

BEST TV PERSONALITY

Greg Fishel, WRAL

Celebrating 23 years in Cary Flowers are the ultimate accessory. They’re smart, fresh and always in style.

So whether you’re classic, modern, sporty or chic, contact us today and we’ll create a floral fashion statement custom fit for you or that special someone this Valentine's Day. THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER 2017

1848 Boulderstone Way · Cary · 919-460-4625 · www.PrestonFlowers.com

E X P E RT S I N T H E A RT O F E X P R E S S I O N

The place for Sushi enthusiasts and beginners of Japanese cuisine.

QUALITY IS OUR RECIPE

Nobody gets quite as excited about the weather as Greg Fishel, longtime chief meteorologist at WRAL-TV. And that’s a good thing for all of us.

Fishel’s earned the top spot in this Maggy category every year since the awards began in 2006, for his reliable weather forecasts ➨ WRAL was and his out-andnamed Best TV about approach.

Station by Maggy “Over the voters. years, I’ve really come to enjoy the direct interaction with folks that public appearances allow,” Fishel said. “It’s also an opportunity to find out more about our audience, and they in turn can find out more about us. I’m old fashioned, but face-to-face interactions mean way more to me than social media interactions.”

His latest thrill on set? A new weather satellite launched in November that offers higher-res satellite imagery and more detailed measurements of atmospheric variables. That’s weather-speak for Wow! Fishel’s also speaking out on climate change and the evolution of his professional views.

THE WINNERS BEST TV STATION

CBS/WRAL ABC 11/WTVD PBS/WUNC/UNC-TV BEST TV PERSONALITY

GREG FISHEL, WRAL HONORABLE MENTION 2017

1361 Kildaire Farm Road | Cary 919.481.0068

BEST RADIO STATION

www.YuriJapaneseRestaurant.com

WDCG, G105, 105.1 WUNC, 91.5

(In Shoppes of Kildaire Near Trader Joes) “Ahi Tower” our best seller, selected for the cover of Cary Magazine May/June 2011

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JANUARY 2017

Don Schwenneker, WTVD TIE: Debra Morgan, WRAL; Lynda Loveland, WRAL; Steve Daniels, WTVD

WQDR, 94.7

Contributed photo

Voted “Best Burgers and Best French Fries in Western Wake” For the 10th straight year!

Greg Fishel

“Over the years, I’ve really come to enjoy the direct

interaction

with folks that public appearances allow.”

— Greg Fishel “The biggest thing everyone can do at this point is to stop the extreme polarization associated with this issue,” he said.

“Social media and 24-hour cable news channels promote extreme positions, with the truth lying somewhere in the middle.

We all need to be willing to engage in civil discussions about this and other issues, and to be open to the possibility that we could be wrong about something. This is the only way to move forward.”

Thanks to all of our Customers for voting for Five Guys!

THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER 2017

1075 Pine Plaza Drive - APEX Parkside Town Commons Barnes & Noble Plaza Next to COSTCO Hwy. 55 & O’Kelly Chapel Rd. Walnut St. & SE Maynard Rd. 919-616-0011 919-380-0450 919-467-7577 Find All Metro Area Locations at www.fiveguys.com

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY

BOB DUMAS, G105 Mike Wheless, WQDR Marty Young, WQDR BEST NORTH CAROLINA TRAVEL DESTINATION

Make More Moments for You

Outer Banks Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach

• Resources and guidance for health and wellness • Group fitness, strength training and cardio • Outdoor pools with large slide, lap lanes and toddler area • Youth programs including summer day camps • Basketball, volleyball, indoor track and more

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT IN NORTH CAROLINA

Membership now gives you access to all Triangle YMCAs. YMCATriangle.org

ASHEVILLE/BILTMORE ESTATE

THE UMSTEAD HOTEL AND SPA The Omni Grove Park Inn The Inn on Biltmore Estate

THE MAGGY AWARDS

CARY FAMILY YMCA,101 YMCA Drive, Cary KRAFT FAMILY YMCA, 8921 Holly Springs Road, Apex

WINNER 2017

CARY MAGAZINE 37

Best

WRITTEN BY NANCY PARDUE PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN STYLED BY AMBER KEISTER

SHOPPING

THE WINNERS

BEST HOME FURNISHINGS AND DÉCOR

Ivy Cottage Collections

Contributed photo

For 20-plus years, home decor aficionados from across the region have sought the advice of designer Lisa Allen at Ivy Cottage Collections ... and she’s delivered.

“When you buy a piece here, you will love it for a long time,” Allen said. “We try to stay eclectic in our offerings. I like that style ➨ Ivy Cottage best, because it looks also earned as though it’s been col- HMs as Best Gift Shop and lected over time.”

Here’s a bit of ad- Best Interior vice from Allen for the Design Firm.

BEST GIFT STORE

HALIE’S BOUTIQUE Swagger Ivy Cottage Collections BEST NEW CLOTHING

PINK MAGNOLIA BOUTIQUE Swagger Peachy Keen BEST RESALE SHOPPING

DORCAS SHOP Adore Designer Resale Boutique Once Upon a Child BEST HOME FURNISHINGS AND DÉCOR

IVY COTTAGE COLLECTIONS The Perfect Piece Cooper’s Furniture BEST NEW BUSINESS (NON-RESTAURANT)

PINK MAGNOLIA BOUTIQUE Proactive Accounting & Tax Services Azura Skin Care Center 38

JANUARY 2017

New Year: What inspires your work?

“My customers inspire me. They really appreciate the effort we make to have each shopping experience be exciting and fresh. I love how excited people get when they shop in the store.”

What are 2017’s must-haves?

“Fresh, colorful porcelain lamps, pillows, and artwork to accent your space.”

What’s new in home décor?

Lisa Allen

“More color, and a return to more detail in design. For a few years at market there was very little color, ash gray woods and at most a slate blue-gray for accent color. Clean lines in all case goods, with a modern aesthetic, was driving the design world for quite a while. We’re really seeing more color and detail, shabby chic and painted wood in the marketplace.”

BEST RESALE SHOPPING

Dorcas Shop The “shop for a cause” concept is lived out every day at Dorcas Shop, where proceeds help fund the community outreach work of Dorcas Ministries, voted Best Nonprofit.

You also never know what treasures you’ll find here, among the new and gently-used donated goods: A name-brand jacket. A great painting. The perfect armchair.

The thrill of the hunt, and the feel-good mission behind it, keep CM readers coming back for more.

Best New Business Best New Clothing

PINK MAGNOLIA BOUTIQUE

LAST YEAR, a newlyopened Pink Magnolia Boutique edged its way into the Maggy Awards with two honorable mentions. This year the shop grabbed two top-honors spots, to the delight of owner Samantha James.

“I attribute our success to three things: Our employees, merchandise and customers,” she said. “One, our stylists’ goal is to make sure every customer leaves feeling fantastic about her new outfit. Two, you’ll find something for everyone in our store, from teenagers to grandmothers. We get limited quantities of all our items and don’t reorder, which allows us to get new merchandise every week.

And three, our customers are the most amazing women. We build real relationships.”

James opened a second Pink Magnolia location, in Morrisville’s Park West Village, exactly one year after the first store opened in Cary. In 2017 she’s working on an e-commerce store concept and franchising opportunities, and adding brands that are new to our area.

“And you might see a Pink Magnolia logo in some of our new lines!” she added.

FUN FACT: One name jokingly considered for the boutiques was Pink Magnolia Tree, to reflect the tree common to both Cary and James’ Texas upbringing.

Samantha James, owner of Pink Magnolia Boutique, may not play guitar, but she knows how to strike the right note with shoppers of all ages. Affordability “was a key point of our business model,” she says. The only items priced more than $50 are shoes and boots.

CARY MAGAZINE 39

Unique Specialty Pizzas, Piled-High Salads, Fresh Baked Calzones, Monumental Hoagies, and much much more!

Park West Village Contributed photo

BEST SHOPPING CENTER

Park West Village Our readers love Park West Village, all 100 acres of it, where new stores and restaurants are opening all the time.

A literal A to Z lineup, as in Ann Taylor Loft to Massage Envy to Zoe’s Kitchen, the center also has a movie theater, and routinely hosts outdoor concerts and other events.

Included among them is the LIVE in The District Music Series, benefiting local charities, and Restaurant Week in the Village.

New or coming soon here are a second location for Pink Magnolia Boutique, Cute Buttons in a move from downtown Cary, and restaurants B. Good and Cantina 18.

BEST GARDEN CENTER

Garden Supply Company

Mellow s Monday $3 Kids Meal $20 Large Specialty Pizzas $12 NC Craft Beer Pitchers

Dig in. That’s the unofficial motto at Garden Supply Company, where for more than 20 years locals have found their gardening and landscaping needs.

Trees, shrubs, herbs and vegetables, and flowers galore are what you’ll find outside, 90 percent of them sourced from locally-owned farms and nurseries. Inside is a browser’s wonderland of gifts and décor.

THE WINNERS

BEST SHOPPING CENTER

BEST GARDEN CENTER

The Streets at Southpoint Parkside Town Commons

GARDEN SUPPLY COMPANY THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER 2017

4300 NW Cary Parkway Cary, NC 919-463-7779

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JANUARY 2017

➨ Fun fact: Garden Supply Co. has a nursery-pot recycling program. Bring back any rigid plastic pots 1 gallon or larger in size, and they’ll return them to growers for re-use.

PARK WEST VILLAGE

Fairview Garden Center The Garden Hut

BEST SPECIALTY FOODS STORE

BEST FLORIST SHOP

The Butchers Market Capri Flavors

PRESTON FLOWERS Cary Florist The Flower Cupboard

THE FRESH MARKET

BEST WINE OR BEER

TRIANGLE WINE Wine Merchant TIE: Winestore and Great Grapes

Happy New Year!

It’s Time For That New Smile!

Our patients are our main focus. We stress prevention, restoration and overall health while improving the smiles of those we serve. Our smile services include: porcelain veneers, Lumineers, porcelain crowns, tooth colored onlays and fillings, Zoom! chair side tooth whitening and Invisalign.

Our digital ITero scanner replaces the need for messy impressions and provides accurate results with maximum patient comfort. We can restore your smile with implants.

We welcome new patients! Schedule a new patient exam and mention this ad to receive a complimentary take home tooth whitening kit or an electric toothbrush kit as a gift to you from us.

Please visit our website and read our reviews.

431 Keisler Drive • Cary, NC 27518 • 919.859.1330

CARY MAGAZINE 41

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restaurant row

[ a g u i d e t o d i n i n g a t w e s t e r n w a k e ’s b e s t r e s t a u r a n t s ]

Ruckus bartender Karin McDaniels prepares a drink with apricotinfused vodka. The strawberry-infused vodka, left, goes into the popular strawberry lemonade.

44

JANUARY 2017

STILL RAISING A

Robert Royster, standing, Ashley Royster, left, and Amy Pilz, holding a photo of the late Ryan Pilz, have grown Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits from a bar 18 years ago into a family-friendly restaurant with four locations.

RUCKUS WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

WHAT BEGAN AS A LONE HOLE-IN-THE-WALL college bar churning out

hot pizza and cold beer has evolved into a multi-unit, family-friendly dining destination. Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits ranks among the area’s most well-regarded restaurants, as the readers of Cary Magazine attested in the recent Maggy Awards poll.

Ruckus scored the top honor in the Most Kid-Friendly, Best Outdoor Dining and Best Neighborhood Bar categories and tied for first place in Best Appetizers.

The eatery received honorable mention for Best Cocktails and Best Pizza. Back in 2014, it nabbed the Best New Restaurant Maggy for the Morrisville location.

All these accolades didn’t come easy. continued on page 46

CARY MAGAZINE 45

Trevor Skelton, 18 months, races around with french fry in hand on the patio at Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits in Morrisville, at Park West Village.

“As we’ve grown older and had children, we wanted to open places where we and others could come with our families to eat dinner and watch a game.”

— Robert Royster, Ruckus owner

46

JANUARY 2017

continued from page 45

Over the past 18 years, owner Robert Royster and his wife, Ashley Royster, have worked hard to mold Ruckus’ four locations into comfortable and reliably consistent gathering spots. Look for even more outposts in Apex in early 2017 and Holly Springs in 2018.

“We first started Ruckus at Mission Valley Shopping Center in Raleigh shortly after college, so a lot of people remember us as a bar,” said Robert, a serial entrepreneur and North Carolina State University alumnus.

“As we’ve grown older and had children, we wanted to open places where we and others could come with our families to eat dinner and watch a game.”

Ruckus provides a high-energy, casual dining experience with a subtly Caribbean vibe, but the restaurant’s purpose extends beyond food and drink.

“We strive to make a connection with every person who comes through our doors,” said Ashley.

A central and beloved figure instrumental in making such connections was the late Ryan Pilz, Ruckus’ managing partner and one of Robert’s best friends from college.

Pilz, a gregarious, free-spirited maverick, battled cancer throughout much of 2016 and passed away in November.

“Ryan was such a force of nature who never met a stranger and made everyone feel welcome,” Robert explained. “We built the

stage for Ryan, and he loved to perform. His fingerprints are all over the place, and his spirit will live on because of all the lives he touched.”

Committed to community

Despite the void that remains in the hearts of Ruckus team members, the Roysters are committed to honoring Pilz’s legacy by continuing to serve their local communities.

“So many restaurants are only about the bottom line, but we’re about being involved and giving back to the community,” Robert said. Whether it’s through the popular “Raising a Ruckus” campaign to benefit needy families during the Christmas season, fundraisers for local schools or food discounts for fire and rescue personnel, altruism abounds.

Thoughtful owner involvement is perhaps the biggest factor in the ongoing success of the Ruckus brand.

“We have low staff turnover because we treat each team member like they are one of our own children,” said Ashley.

Robert also believes the work environment at Ruckus is uniquely special.

“The culture we have created is seen in the way we treat our staff and the staff in turn treats our guests,” he said.

When it comes to the importance of delivering good customer service, Robert doesn’t mince words.

“If you are in this business just to make money, it will not succeed. You must have a servant’s heart.”

That humble approach has yielded tremendous loyalty from clientele for years.

“We see some guests three to five times a week, and we know them by name,” he said.

Choose your own toppings to customize the Ruckus Nachos.

The Hendricks Holiday, left, made with housemade tonic, and Strawberry Lemonade, with berry-infused vodka.

Fried mozzarella sticks are lightly breaded and served with original Ruckus marinara.

Not just bar food

No doubt those customers and others appreciate the extensive menu that runs the gamut from specialty pizzas and pastas to continued on page 48 CARY MAGAZINE 47

Donna Lucksavage juggles a menu and a couple of beers behind the bar at Ruckus as Joanie Koontz, right, works the register.

“We consider ourselves a true

neighborhood restaurant, and

I really enjoy seeing someone coming in and having an exceptional experience.”

— Robert Royster, Ruckus owner

48

JANUARY 2017

continued from page 47

salads and burgers. It’s not everywhere you can find an Ahi tuna salad, spicy chicken Alfredo, and brisket tacos with blue cheese slaw on the same bill of fare.

Bestselling appetizers like hand-rolled garlic knots and fried mozzarella sticks are crowd pleasers, but imaginative selections such as buffalo chicken rangoon with Thai chili glaze and blackened mahi shark bites stand apart.

Even more ambitious fare is found in Morrisville’s Park West Village and Cary’s Arboretum locations: made-to-order sushi rolls. ”People don’t expect to find sushi in a pizza place, but we like to help expand their horizons,” Robert said. “We actually have customers who have never tried anything on

our menu other than our sushi because they really like it. We have just 16 different rolls, but they are all fantastic.”

Local craft beer, wine by the glass and infused vodkas — from painkillers to strawberry lemonade — cater to ever-expanding tastes. Never mind the half-price meals for kids on Mondays and Tuesdays and the spacious, climate-controlled covered patios at most locations.

“We consider ourselves a true neighborhood restaurant, and I really enjoy seeing someone coming in and having an exceptional experience,” said Robert. “A lot of details have to come into place for that to happen, but I want people to leave with their expectations exceeded.” ruckuspizza.com

hobbies.

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Live well at 12 Oaks.

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CARY MAGAZINE 49

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Stop in and see our great selection of new tropical houseplants!

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= Ryan John Pilz

Oct. 18 1976 - Nov. 4, 2016

A Dash Well Lived By: Robert Royster

View a hero's homecoming here http://bit.ly/ryanatrdu

Ryan, Ashley and I built Ruckus Pizza over the past 17 years. It was our honor and privilege to work with the best in this industry, Ryan Pilz.

Robert Royster and Ryan Pilz, 2013 Maggy Awards Party -'"

If you路 ever stepped foot in Ruckus Pizza in Mission Valley, Tryon Village, Park West or The Arboretum - you've seen Ryan's fingerprints all over the place.

You've heard the jokes and the laughter. He's made your kids, mom, wife or husband laugh. He's handed out M&Ms to the kids because we're the M&M place.

If you ever worked for Ryan you were one of the lucky ones because your life路was richer and fuller because of his guidance, advice and hearty AttaBoy. I was lucky enough to call him my Partner in Crime for 1 7 years.

We talked on the phone most every day. Usually 4-5 times a day.

Yes, I was the lucky one. We got to build this brand called Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits.

Ryan's shoes will never be filled

,.

and that big, hearty laugh will live on in Ruckus. Every guest that has come up to me has said, "I just keep waiting for him to come out of the office or from behind the curtain, just one more time" Alas, it is not to be. After a valiant year long fight with cancer, our friend Ryan passed on Nov. 4, 2016. He was at home with his wife Amy, daughters Sophia and Addy and his mom and dad.

I was with him during that golden hour on Thursday Evening, Nov 3. We had a good hour together. We were even prepared to go to our new store in Apex at the Costco Center before he said, "How far is it? Let's not get crazy now." And then he was gone.

Gone ahead of us to build that Big Ruckus in the Sky. I'm certain all the plans are already done. He's figuring out how to get all that equipment up there and then he's

going to serve the finest NY Style Pizza, Pastas, Spirits and Sushi up there.

Ryan certainly lived the Dash well. He packed more in 40 years than most do in 80 years. We will miss our Ryan Pilz but stop in any Ruckus and feel his fingerprints all over the store, staff, partners, food, drinks and good times. Stop in to hear that Ryan laugh and hear the legendary stories. We will see you soon at Ruckus.

PARK WEST路 MORRISVILLE路 NC

CARY MAGAZINE 51

exclusive dish

WRITTEN BY AMBER KEISTER PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Oven-Roasted Cauliflower from Tazza Kitchen

Wood-fired dishes, such as the Brick Oven Cauliflower, set Tazza Kitchen apart from other restaurants, says chef Chris Easton. “It’s just a lively, fun space for people to be in with great food, great drinks and serious libations.”

VITAMIN-RICH AND LOW in carbs,

cauliflower shows no signs of losing its appeal to trend-watching diners. But forget the bland, cheese-drenched dish you avoided as a child.

At Tazza Kitchen, voted Best New Restaurant in the 2017 Maggy Awards, the vegetable is roasted in a wood-fired oven with onions and smoky poblano peppers, topped with white cheddar and scallions, and finished with a bit of sour cream. The Brick Oven Cauliflower, a best-selling appetizer, helped the eatery also nab an honorable mention for Best Appetizers.

“I remember having cauliflower and brussels sprouts as a child — and not detesting them, I think that’s too strong — but just not finding enjoyable ways to consume 52

JANUARY 2017

them,” said chef Chris Easton. “At Tazza, we show there are ways to enjoy that dish; there are ways to make it great.”

With all the toppings, it’s almost like eating a loaded baked potato. The taste keeps patrons coming back for the cauliflower, but it’s still a healthy choice, says Easton.

“It’s not a trick or a gimmick,” he added.

“With just a few tweaks, cauliflower becomes this great, robust, beautiful dish. It’s simple, very tasty.”

Tazza boasts a seasonal menu featuring locally-sourced, fresh ingredients and woodfired cooking.

“The oven is front and center — a centerpiece figuratively and literally of the restaurant,” he said. “People can watch that show take place every night.”

“With just a few tweaks, cauliflower becomes this great, robust, beautiful dish.”

— Chris Easton The high temps in the restaurant’s brick oven can’t be duplicated at home, but if you want to try making something similar to the Brick Oven Cauliflower, try this recipe from Tazza Kitchen.

But if you want the real thing, the menu staple is served at both local Tazza Kitchens — at Stone Creek Village in Cary and at Cameron Village in Raleigh. tazzakitchen.com

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½ lemon, juice only 1 cup shredded white sharp cheddar cheese, divided ½ cup scallions, sliced thin Sour cream (optional)

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Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and season with kosher salt to taste.

Mix on the sheet pan to evenly distribute. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes until tender and golden.

If desired, broil for a few additional minutes to get some extra char, but watch it closely!

Remove from oven, and toss with fresh lemon juice in a large stainless steel bowl.

Add half of the shredded cheddar, and toss again.

Arrange cauliflower on a serving dish, then top with remaining cheese and sliced scallions.

Add pinch of kosher salt and a dollop of sour cream to finish, if desired.

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CARY MAGAZINE 53

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CARY MAGAZINE 55

You A NEW & IMPROVED

Your mind-and-body guide to fitness WRITTEN BY NANCY PARDUE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FIT & ABLE PRODUCTIONS

W

e know that being fit means more energy, increased confidence, a better handle on stress, even reduced risk for disease.

So why, then, is it so hard to put down that remote and move?

“You don’t have time. You have to go to work, and cook dinner. You don’t like to exercise,” said Dr. Kevin Prue, founder of Prue Physical Therapy & Sports Performance in Cary. “We let these barriers dictate our decisions. But it’s all about prioritizing what’s valuable to you.”

A bit of planning, say Prue and other local experts, can help us overcome the obstacles and set us on a path to improved physical and mental fitness.

“Your body was designed to move, so conditioned and nourished properly, it will thrive. And when your body is flexible and strong, so is your mind,” said Patty Geiger, owner of StudioVIBE in Cary.

“Today is the day, if you want to get fit,” added Alisa Wright Colopy, president of Cary-based nonprofit Fit & Able Productions. “Being ‘healthy’ is being able to do the daily tasks you want and need to do, with 56

JANUARY 2017

proper rest, and eating healthy foods that you still enjoy. The goal is simply being the best you can be.”

Getting started

First make a plan, and set your fitness goals. Consistency, rather than duration of exercise, is most important when starting out, says Beth Blount, group exercise director at the Cary Family YMCA. She recommends using the SMART planning tool to set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-based. continued on page 58

Libby George crosses the finish line after the Cozy Toes Fun Run sponsored by Fit & Able Productions and held at Cary Towne Center. Setting realistic goals, such as participating in a race, can kickstart a fitness regimen.

CARY MAGAZINE 57

ABOVE: Energetic children are first off the starting line at the Cozy Toes Fun Run.

continued from page 56

58

JANUARY 2017

LEFT: Han Lim, left, and Alisa Wright Colopy, founder of Fit & Able Productions.

Dave Severance

“Figure out what time of day works best for you. Figure out what exercise you enjoy,” said Blount. “Spend some time each week making that plan for exercise and nutrition.

Write it down, share it with your accountability partner or trainer, and the best part, check it off when you are done!”

Small, short-term goals help you stay motivated, Prue says, goals that are meaningful to you: Before you can easily lift that grandchild, learn how to safely lift 10 pounds. Before you set your sights on a marathon, master a mile.

“Make it something incremental, that you can do without a radical change in your life,” Wright Colopy said. “Walk for 30 minutes at local greenways and parks. That’s easy to measure, and being outdoors offers psychological benefits that reinforce your efforts.

“I highly recommend turning exercise into social time, with a friend or in a group setting,” she added. “It’s more enjoyable, and an appointment-style approach keeps you accountable. If it’s fun, you’ll do it.”

Ask a knowledgeable person to review

your goals objectively, Geiger suggests, and place them in a visible location.

“Remember, everything in moderation,” she said. “If you want to make a change, take gradual steps and avoid getting obsessive about anything.”

Do it

Next, put your plan into motion.

Prue says a well-rounded fitness plan addresses mobility, strength and cardiovascu-

lar needs. For all ages, he recommends a mix of resistance training to build muscle, such as body weight exercises, exercise bands, Pilates, yoga or group classes. Variety is key.

“Find something you like; if you enjoy doing it, you’ll make time for it and it will become part of your regular routine,” said Prue, who does mini-workouts throughout his busy day.

A critical point here is balance, notes Blount: “Do what you are supposed to 80

“Find something you like; if you enjoy doing it, you’ll make time for it and it will become part of your regular routine.”

DR. KEVIN PRUE, PRUE PHYSICAL THERAPY & SPORTS PERFORMANCE

percent of the time and do what you want to 20 percent of the time. This will allow you to eat the foods that you want to eat, and allow your body to recover from your workouts,” she said.

Don’t forget the kids, says Wright Colopy, who produces all-inclusive events from marathons to the recent Cozy Toes Fun Run, through Fit & Able.

“Kids love that playful competition with parents,” she said. Body weight exercises like bending, squats and push-ups are also good, and in the middle school years start familiarizing them with free weights, keeping good technique in mind.

As the source of our energy, nutrition is also an important part of a fitness plan.

Again, variety is crucial.

“Any plan that completely excludes something is not good, in fitness or nutrition,” Prue noted. “And too much of anything, even water or salad, is bad for you.

We need those whole grain carbs, those fats and proteins.”

Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar steady and keep you feeling full. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits, lean chicken and fish, and whole grains.

Prep meals ahead of time, or cook multiple meals on Sundays to save time during the week.

And while weight loss is not synonymous with fitness, if it’s part of your goal, remember that one to two pounds per week is practical.

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“I was always active in sports growing up. (My wife) Anita is interested in fitness classes. It became increasingly challenging to find time to exercise ourselves when we were busy taking Marco to his practices and games. …

Marco has become interested in running and has participated in a number of 5K races. … We saw an opportunity for all of us to spend time together as a family while also working toward our own fitness goals.

“The commitment we made to the (Fit & Able) team and having regularly scheduled practices works for us, because exercise is built into our family schedule. We’ve found an activity that works for the whole family.”

— DERRICK EVANS AND ANITA CARDONA OF CARY, AND SON MARCO, 11

Dave Severance

Derrick Evans, Anita Cardona, and son Marco, from Cary, at Fit & Able's Cozy Toes Fun Run.

60

JANUARY 2017

continued from page 59

Living proof

Exactly, says certified health coach Louis Vitiello Jr. of Cary, who lost more than 220 pounds without surgery, reversed chronic illness, and achieved a healthy lifestyle.

“The best way is to start is with your end goal, and work backward into smaller, achievable goals,” Vitiello said. For instance, losing 200 pounds is a daunting goal. But broken down to 100 pounds a year, 8 pounds a month, or 2 pounds per week, it’s doable.

“Have conversations with your doctor and collaboratively set up realistic goals,” he said. “If you haven’t stepped into a gym in the last five years, maybe your first goal is to go twice a week for 30 minutes and work up from there. Be creative, and track your success. Keep your goals simple, yet challenging and easy to integrate so you can sustain them long-term.”

Vitiello is active 45 minutes a day, five days a week, watches what he eats and

changed his mentality to reach his goals.

“The most successful people have a strong reason for why they want to lose weight and get fit, which goes beyond looking good or fitting into new clothes,” he said.

“The more personal your reasons, the more determination you’ll have.”

The bottom line, says Prue, is that there’s no time like now to get fit.

Scotty, Lane and Kelley Bradshaw run together at the Cozy Toes Fun Run. Lane Bradshaw, lower left, shows off his prize for completing a mile.

Parents who eat healthy and exercise tend to have kids who develop these same mindsets, says Dr. Kevin Prue.

“Set your goals, do your research, and put a plan together on how to get there,” he said. “Don’t wait to jump into this new phase.”

“Allow yourself the time and space to make changes, and to be successful,” added Wright Colopy. “I love seeing people take control of their destiny.”

Or as Vitiello says, “Take the first step in your journey of becoming a better you.”

Learn more ■ Beth Blount, Cary Family YMCA; YMCATriangle.org ■ Alisa Wright Colopy, Fit & Able Productions; fitandable.net ■ Patty Geiger, StudioVIBE; studiovibecary.com ■ Dr. Kevin Prue, Prue Physical Therapy & Sports Performance; prueept.com ■ Louis Vitiello Jr., Integrative Association for Health Coaches; iahcnow.org CARY MAGAZINE 61

EXPERT ADVICE Group vs. solo exercise: Try both!

Groups add accountability; try multiple sites and instructors.

“I was never a runner, but it gives me more energy and I feel good about myself. My kids and I also do 5Ks, core exercises, swimming … a good variety makes it fun. The kids love it too, being active and spending quality time together. We’ve learned how much fun it is, and how important it is. Being able to participate in exercise with them, rather than dropping them off or sitting in the bleachers, makes it great.”

— MARK PETERSON OF CARY, WITH SON BRYCE, 13, AND DAUGHTER KAYCEE, 10

Mom time: Try mommy-and-me or stroller classes; ask Grandma to watch the kids while you exercise; work out at home with a YouTube video.

Kids: Workouts are good for kids! Done correctly, they address coordination and flexibility and reduce injury risk. Take kids with you to the gym, or find one with equipment scaled to their size.

Over 60: Good movement helps you maintain your function and independence; look for a trainer who specializes in working with older people.

Want to eat smaller portions? Buy smaller plates!

Bonus points: Parents who eat healthy and exercise tend to have kids who develop these same mindsets.

— Dr. Kevin Prue

$$: Invest your money in quality shoes that you wear only for training.

“I have always been very physically fit and value exercise as one of my favorite stress relievers and ways to enjoy life.

My kids, as a result, have grown up seeing an active mom who shoots hoops with them, takes them biking, and insists on family walks. They have absorbed the importance of fitness!”

— KRISTY WYNNS OF CARY, WITH DAUGHTERS ZOE, 13, AND LOGAN, 10 62

JANUARY 2017

Trying to lose weight? Watch your portion sizes and don’t eat after 7 p.m., unless it’s something healthy, like an orange or banana.

Water: Drink throughout the day, rather than chug later to meet your quota.

Pre-exercise: See a doc if you’re older or have health issues. Otherwise, your yearly physical counts.

— Alisa Wright Colopy

Choose: Group exercise classes that leave you feeling challenged, but successful.

Post-baby workout: Pull in your abs and hold for 10 seconds, several times a day. After a few weeks, add in planks for several weeks, then start crunches or sit-ups.

60 is the new 40: Recovery may take a bit longer, but you can still do it. Make dynamic and static stretching part of your fitness routine, and keep moving!

— Beth Blount

30-day commitment: Show up. Plan a variety of exercise so you don’t get bored.

Traveling? A 20-minute circuit workout using just your body weight counts.

Take turns: Swap child care with other moms so you can exercise; jog beside the kids while they ride their bikes; create stations to do a playful circuit workout together.

Don’t bite: Avoid helping kids clean their plates by taking that final bite of their PBJ. It adds up.

— Patty Geiger

Like nature? Hike trails. Ultra-busy?

Be active 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night. Set goals that fit your lifestyle and support who you are.

Get personal: List the reasons you want to be healthier. The more personal the better, for mustering daily willpower.

Remember: It’s not about immediate results. It’s about results over time.

— Louis Vitiello Jr.

THE MAGGY AWARDS

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CARY MAGAZINE 69

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CARY MAGAZINE 71

“If you have had any kind of break in the workforce, getting back in the groove is overwhelming.”

— JENNIBETH BRACKETT, CAREER CRAFTERS FOR YOU

BACK

HOW TO CHART A PATH BETWEEN OPTING OUT AND LEANING IN

TO WORK I

WRITTEN BY EMILY UHLAND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Kim Barbour/Barbour Pics

magine your life 10 years ago. Maybe you had a flip phone and your home still had a land line. There was no Netflix, Facebook or, gasp, Amazon Prime.

Now imagine, like millions of women in the U.S., you’ve been on a career break during that time of rapid advancement. How daunting is it to consider re-entering the workforce after changes in technology have transformed the workplace and the way we live?

“If you have had any kind of break in the workforce, getting back in the groove is overwhelming,” said Jennibeth Brackett. “It’s almost too daunting even to start.”

Brackett speaks from experience; she took a nearly nine-year break from a career as a communications professional when her two children were young.

Brackett and her business partner, Missy Gower, now operate Career Crafters for You, a Cary-based career coaching firm that guides women and men back into the workforce. Its services include online, self-directed programs on résumé-writing, networking strategies and interview skills. The pair also offers tailored one-on-one coaching.

“We did a lot of research, combined with our own personal experience working with folks in the industry, and we encapsulated everything into an online package for people who wanted to walk through the process themselves, but didn’t want to spend hours and hours researching it,” said Brackett.

“I can never make an IT person into a surgeon, but there are a lot of jobs where you have strong transferable skills,” she said. “We help people to recognize, utilize and market those.”

An accidental entrepreneur

Jennibeth Brackett, seated behind computer, and Missy Gower, standing at right, founded Career Crafters for You to coach men and women returning to the workforce after a gap. They are with Leann Jackson, Meghan Taylor and Catherine Shireman.

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The U.S. Department of Labor reports that nearly 43 percent of mothers with chilcontinued on page 74

“I didn’t really intend to build myself a fulltime-plus career.

It was really just ‘BOOM!’ you’ve got a shop now.”

— JULIANNE WALTHER, CARY QUILTING COMPANY

Carrie Hauser, left, and Julianne Walther consult at the long-arm quilting machine. In addition to selling fabric and supplies, the shop provides quilting services for customers.

CARY MAGAZINE 73

continued from page 72

for the UNC Kenan–Flagler Busidren under 1 year opt out of the ness School admissions office. But workforce. That number falls to 30 she was taken aback by the difficulty percent of women with children ages she had finding full-time work after a 6 to 17.

12-year gap.

For entrepreneur Julianne Wal“I was surprised with how chalther, a career break turned into a lenging that was, because I still felt small business. very much in touch with the business She left a job in the pharmaworld,” said Dunn, mother of four ceutical industry after her first child and founder of the annual Back to was born. Eager for a creative outlet, Business Women’s Conference, held Walther picked up her longtime hobfor the second time last fall. by of quilting. That became a custom She heard similar stories from quilting business called Patchwork friends and colleagues.

Memories, which grew along with “The women I knew were very her family. highly educated, highly accom“I started with a website and no plished women,” said Dunn. “Most examples. People just started orderof them had a master’s degree in ing quilts from me online,” said one industry or another. These were Walther, who now has four highly qualified people who want to children. “The first year, work and just couldn’t find their way “We have this I made over 100 quilts back in.” amazing pool of by myself during my kids’ The conference she founded naptime and bedtime.” in response to these concerns helps women out there The business eventually outwomen get back to work. At the twowho have been at home grew her home, and Walther moved day event, inspiring speakers coach or working reduced the outfit to downtown Cary. Then, attendees on conducting a successful in response to queries from local schedules and are looking job search. The conference also conquilters, she opened the Cary Quilt- to get back into the nects women with potential employing Company and closed Patchwork workforce.” ers, bringing attendees and recruiters Memories. together for face-to-face networking, — KATIE DUNN, FOUNDER “I didn’t really intend to build which sometimes results in a new hire.

OF BACK TO BUSINESS WOMEN’S CONFERENCE myself a full-time-plus career. It was “Because of where we live, we really just BOOM, you’ve got a shop have this really highly educated popnow,” said Walther. ulation, and our cost of living makes it feasible for a lot of families to Walther has had to learn personnel and time management do it on one income for a while,” said Dunn. “So we have this amazskills, as well as day-to-day accounting in her journey as an entrepreing pool of women out there who have been at home or working neur. Her husband handles the store’s website. reduced schedules and are looking to get back into the workforce.”

“It’s been a learning curve for me, in that I wasn’t ever planning She hopes the trend toward flexible workplaces will help ease to manage people and now I have 12 people besides myself who re-entry for women, and that one day businesses will see a career work at the shop,” she said. break as a natural part of a person’s career.

Although she didn’t plan it, Walther’s experience aligns with “The things you do during a career break can make you a better career coach Brackett’s top piece of advice: Don’t completely jump employee, like getting involved in nonprofits and volunteering with out of the workforce. churches and schools,” Dunn said. “All kinds of things that involve leadership, fundraising, and managing projects and people — these Women helping women contribute to a really great skill set that businesses can benefit from Katie Dunn followed that advice as well, working part-time when these women return to work.” t 74

JANUARY 2017

Tips for Job-Seekers Don’t completely jump out of the workforce. Stay current in your industry with classes or online programs and professional organizations.

Make volunteer time relevant. Serve as your church’s treasurer or offer your skills to nonprofit organizations.

Maintain your network.

Stay in your networking groups; branch out to different ones to find new opportunities.

Be vigilant about your online presence. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and professional.

— JENNIBETH BRACKETT Be confident. You can contribute in a valuable and professional way. Let others see that.

Refresh your skills. Look at the requirements for your target job and fill any skill gaps. Check community college offerings for classes.

Don’t be afraid to seek professional help from career coaches and résumé

YOU DESERVE TO DAZZLE THIS YEAR!

writers. Invest in the tools and resources needed to aid your job search.

Get personal. Connect face-to-face at networking and professional events.

Find a support group of others experiencing similar challenges.

— KATIE DUNN Set realistic expectations for yourself and your family. You have to be willing to give at some point when taking on a new role.

Let go of guilt. There may never be enough time for everyone and every-

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Be open to opportunities. A hobby that blossoms into a full-time job might not be the conventional route to entrepreneurship, but it’s an exciting and fun route nonetheless.

— JULIANNE WALTHER

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Sweet Potato Pie is, from left, Sonya Stead, Sandy Whitley, Katie Springer and Crystal Richardson.

Stead, of Cary, has been with the band since its inception, nearly 17 years ago.

Photo courtesy of Sweet Potato Pie

Easy as Pie WRITTEN BY AMBER KEISTER

Talent, teamwork and creativity are ingredients for this Sweet Potato Pie

M

ost musicians crave center stage, seeking fame and wishing for stardom. The members of Sweet Potato Pie, on the other hand, are committed to sharing the spotlight.

That’s not to say the band doesn’t want to leave an impression.

Sweet Potato Pie stands out because of its unique approach to bluegrass, its original marketing, and the obvious joy the musicians show playing together.

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“We certainly have those elements with the fiddle, the banjo, bass and guitar, but our sound is much different than traditional bluegrass,” said guitarist Sonya Stead of Cary, one of the founding members of the band.

From the beginning of its nearly 17year history, Sweet Potato Pie has played what Stead calls “sweetgrass,” a mix of bluegrass instrumentation with classic country influences. Because of their melodic harmonies and vocals, they’ve been called the Lennon Sisters of bluegrass.

The band has released six albums so

Novel approach to music

When Stead and two friends started playing together for fun, the vocals anchored those early shows. She recalls their first amateurish performance with a shake of her head, amazed they were hired for the gig at Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival in 2000.

“We knew the music needed certain things, so we just figured it out,” she said.

“We didn’t let the fact that we didn’t know anything keep us from playing music.”

The mostly self-taught guitarist and songwriter says this unconventional approach has advantages. She writes a song because she likes the way it sounds, not because it fits into a genre.

“You do it because that’s what makes you happy; that’s what you hear,” Stead said.

“There’s something to be said for thinking outside the box, but I didn’t realize there was a box I was supposed to be in.”

And as other musicians have joined the band over the years, the music has evolved along with the performances. The current lineup includes Stead, Katie Springer on violin, Sandy Whitley on bass, and Crystal Richardson on banjo.

“We started as a band because we needed to be a band, not because we were so good at our instruments,” said Stead. “We were going to figure it out because we were having such a good time. Now it is a business.”

Banjo-player Crystal Richardson, right, says one of her favorite performances was at the American Legion Auxiliary national convention two years ago in Charlotte, here and below.

Marketing and music niche

Out-of-the-box thinking has also influenced the band’s business model.

Soon after choosing their name, the

Along with CDs and T-shirts, miniature sweet potato pies are sold at the band’s merchandise table.

continued on page 81 CARY MAGAZINE 79

Photos courtesy of Sweet Potato Pie

far including a Christmas album, containing mostly original songs. The most recent album, “Once in a Blue Moon,” released in 2015, is classic country with covers of songs first made famous by Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Reba McEntire.

“You have to really, really love it and the people you’re doing it with. (Making music) is something that gets inside of you. Maybe that’s how you know you’re doing what you’re supposed to do, when it just lights you up.”

Jonathan Fredin

— SONYA STEAD

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continued from page 79

women started selling tart-sized sweet potato pies at their shows as a memorable marketing device. The name also inspired their partnership with the North Carolina Sweet Potato Growers, which has lasted nine years so far.

“We weren’t running from the fact that our name was Sweet Potato Pie,” said Stead.

“We were running to it. We were embracing the fact that North Carolina grows over 60 percent of the nation’s sweet potatoes.”

The band has given the state vegetable welcome exposure, says Kelly McIver, executive director of the Sweet Potato Commission.

The serendipitous link between sweet potatoes and bluegrass was especially welcome when the International Bluegrass Music Association moved its annual conference to Raleigh in 2013. Sweet Potato Pie has performed several times at the IBMA’s World of Bluegrass events, spreading the word about the nutritious tuber.

“The bluegrass movement in North Carolina has dramatically increased with the International Bluegrass festival being held in Raleigh,” said McIver. “We are happy to have some ties to that because of our connection to the Sweet Potato Pie band.”

“When we get together with the music, it’s just therapy — and it’s a lot cheaper than therapy.”

— CRYSTAL RICHARDSON Like a team

From the beginning, the musicians have supported each other, helping one another improve. Stead likens the experience to being on a team, an easy comparison for the former UNC-Wilmington basketball player.

“It’s all about the team, not the indi-

Showtime ➨ Sweet Potato Pie will perform at 7 p.m., Friday, March 10, at the Temple Theatre in Sanford. ➨ sweet-potato-pie.com ➨ facebook.com/Sweet-Potato-Pie vidual,” she said. “Everybody has a job, and if everybody does their job well, then the team flourishes or the band flourishes. Our philosophy is that everybody works together — there’s not a superstar.”

Banjo-player Richardson joined the band nine years ago, and right away she knew Sweet Potato Pie was different.

“When I was playing with other bands, there was always a sense of competition with other bands, with other people. With Sonya, I don’t feel that,” Richardson said. “You know coming into the band that we are all going to support each other in everything that we do.

“One person is not the lead singer. We will sing the same song with three different people singing it, and see what the song needs, not what my ego needs.”

Richardson describes her favorite “pie” moment, performing at the American Legion Auxiliary national convention in Charlotte, two years ago.

“We played their theme song, which they had asked us to learn,” she recalled.

“And I was honored to sing the national anthem for 5,000 women of the American Legion Auxiliary. It was just phenomenal. I’ve really never been more proud of anything we’ve done.”

Richardson, an Asheboro native, juggles a job with the Randolph County schools, a husband and two children with her time playing music.

“It is a chance for all of us to step out of our normal roles where the whole world needs us to be the perfect wife, mother or employee,” she said. “When we get together with the music, it’s just therapy — and it’s a lot cheaper than therapy.” t

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CARY MAGAZINE 81

Before you settle for a “simple” will or trust…

Discover How to Build a FORTRESS Around Your Estate and Your Family to Protect Your Heirs from Taxes, Lawsuits, and Divorce Before you get a will, trust, or estate plan, you should know that all plans are not created equal, and most plans do NOT protect your assets and family in the way that you would want or expect. In fact, many well-intended estate plans don’t even work when the time comes because they’re not properly implemented!

You deserve an estate plan that: • Takes care of your spouse and maximizes the assets you leave to your children…

AND protects your children’s inheritance from their spouses or greedy creditors.

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• Specifically addresses the different needs of each of your loved ones now— and adjusts to their changing needs after you’re gone (such as financial immaturity, an unexpected illness or disability, a lawsuit, or a drug or alcohol problem).

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• Protects your IRAs and retirement plans which, over time, will likely grow to become the largest assets you leave behind!

• Makes sure that your child’s inheritance isn’t lost in a future divorce.

• Avoids the hassle and delays of probate and minimizes estate and income taxes.

THE MAGGY AWARDS

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• Makes sure that your assets stay in your bloodline and don’t wind up with the in-laws.

• Protects your children in the event that your surviving spouse remarries—DON’T let your children be accidentally disinherited (it happens all too often)!

• Avoids having your life savings or retirement plans wiped out by the cost of care as you get older.

Download my easy-to-read guide to learn why making an estate plan actually saves time, money, and taxes while preserving your wealth and protecting you and your loved ones.

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nonprofit spotlight

NCSU Coach Jim Valvano launched the V Foundation shortly before his death in 1993, to raise funds for cancer research.

Now CEO Susan Braun continues the legacy with a new campaign dubbed Not a Moment to Lose, which aims to raise $200 million by 2020.

Not a Moment to Lose: The V Foundation WRITTEN BY NANCY PARDUE PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

CANCER RESEARCHER Dr. Kris Wood was setting up his independent lab at Duke University when he was diagnosed with cancer, in the form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Thanks to the treatments developed by the researchers who came before him, Wood is now cancer-free and wiser for the battle.

“I learned that it’s important to do research not just on the cancers that affect millions, such as lung and breast cancer, but on the more rare cancers as well,” said Wood, an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke, whose 84

JANUARY 2017

research focuses on anticancer drug resistance.

It was during his own chemotherapy treatments in 2013 that Wood learned he’d been awarded his first major grant for cancer research, through the Cary-based V Foundation.

Founded in 1993 by the late Jim Valvano in partnership with ESPN, the V Foundation has awarded more than $170 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide, more than $23 million of that in a recordbreaking 2016 alone.

“Their work is catalytic,” Wood said.

“My grant has helped fund discoveries that

have become the basis for clinical trials, and allowed us to do experiments in the lab that are propelling new areas of investigation. The return on investment is manifold.”

Wood’s status as a V Scholar has also helped him compete for other research funds, such as a $1 million grant he was awarded last May. “The truth is, it’s increasingly difficult to get funding for research in the U.S.,” Wood said. “Of 10 ideas, one is funded. There’s concern within the science community that we will lose these young, early stage scientists and their great ideas.”

Contributed photo

“We rely on our supporters and friends in this area to promote the Jimmy V legacy, one that we always want to serve.”

heads the campaign’s steering committee.

In November, Bodenheimer also joined the faculty at Iona College in New York, where Valvano served as director of athletics. Joint fundraising initiatives between the college and the V Foundation are planned for 2017.

The urgency of Not a Moment to Lose, Braun says, is underscored by the availability of vast amounts of scientific data, new — Susan Braun technologies and a deeper understanding of genetics that can help scientists develop therapies resulting in more cancer survivors.

“We want to fill that funding gap, and not lose momentum among the best and brightest who are engaged and interested in the possibilities of research,” Braun said.

“Our first $100 million leveraged Robin Roberts, “Good Morning America” co-host, George Bodenheimer, former more than $1 bilexecutive chairman of ESPN, Inc., Susan Braun, and Broadway actor Christian Hoff lion (in additional at the December launch event for the Not a Moment to Lose campaign. research grants). A Finding funds good investment? We think so.”

The challenge of the V Foundation’s One hundred percent of the funds fundraising work lies in connecting the of- raised through the Not a Moment to Lose ten-intangible hope of cancer research with campaign will help accelerate critical rethe real dollars needed to conduct it. search at cancer centers nationwide. The V “When we’re raising money for the V Foundation has an endowment to cover adFoundation, it takes a lot of doing to ex- ministrative expenses. plain what the research is about and why it’s Although the foundation works nacritical to hope,” said V Foundation Chief tionally, its roots are here in the Triangle.

Executive Officer Susan Braun. “You’re buy“We cherish that,” Braun said, “and ing into something you believe can create rely on our supporters and friends in this change, to move the research forward and area to promote the Jimmy V legacy, one change the course of the disease.” that we always want to serve.

The V Foundation’s latest capital cam“The average gift is less than $50; no paign, “Not a Moment to Lose,” has an am- amount is too small. These bricks build the bitious goal of raising $200 million by 2020, building.” and strategic plans to fund research targeting immunotherapy, pediatrics and more. The The research campaign launched in December during The V Foundation funds research for all ESPN coverage of “Monday Night Football.” types of cancer through two-year, $200,000 George Bodenheimer, former presi- V Scholar Grants; three-year, $600,000 V dent and executive chairman of ESPN Inc., continued on page 86

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1983: Coach Jim Valvano and his N.C. State basketball team win the NCAA National Championship 1993: Valvano forms the V

“My job is about raising money, spending it well, and stewarding it correctly,” says Susan Braun, of her role as CEO at the V Foundation.

Foundation for Cancer Research, less than two months before his death to cancer at age 46 How it happened: Valvano’s friend, former ESPN Chairman Steve Bornstein, proposed that

continued from page 85

Foundation Grants in Translational Cancer Research; and Designated Grants for particular areas of scientific interest.

Grant applications are vetted by an allvolunteer Scientific Advisory Committee comprised of top doctors and research scientists from universities and cancer centers across the U.S. Duke oncologist Dr. Joe Moore, who treated both Valvano and Wood, has been a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee since the V Foundation’s inception.

The V Foundation follows the work of each funded researcher through project status reports reviewed by science advisors, and personal meetings. In 2016, the foundation hosted the inaugural V Scholars Summit, bringing together grant recipients like Wood to share their latest research developments and create new collaborations.

New hope

Research can sometimes lead in unexpected yet positive directions. For example, the Consortium for Canine Comparative Oncology, a collaboration between Duke Cancer Institute and the N.C. State College of Veterinary Medicine.

Following the discovery that canine tumors share multiple characteristics with 86

JANUARY 2017

“The work isn’t done until we help each person to be healed in their life. But I still think we’ll be able to stop at some point, and I would love that more than anything.”

— Susan Braun human cancers, the consortium is exploring new therapies to benefit both.

“Dogs are now being treated in clinical trials with the same therapies as humans, and we’re seeing signs that the FDA may accept this early phase data as registration for products that would shorten the timetable to treatment,” Braun said. “We’re really excited about this.”

Pilot projects like these, she says, provide hope for a cancer-free future.

“Even when we come to the point of curing all cancers, there are 15 million people alive with cancer and its long-term effects,” Braun said. “The work isn’t done until we help each person to be healed in their life. But I still think we’ll be able to stop at some point, and I would love that more than anything.”

Until then, there’s Not a Moment to Lose.

ESPN assist in forming a foundation dedicated to saving lives through cancer research.

Soon after, at the inaugural ESPY awards, Valvano announced the new foundation while accepting the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, with the words, “Don’t give up ... don’t ever give up!”

How to help: Donate, or learn how to create your own fundraiser, at jimmyv.org.

Researcher Wood recommends encouraging legislators to provide more funding for the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, and supporting the V Foundation and other private foundations raising funds to accelerate the efforts to eradicate cancer.

He works 12-hour days alongside a dozen other scientists in his lab, all trying to solve the puzzle that is cancer.

“People should be excited about what’s happening in cancer research,” said Wood, “but the work could go faster with more money.

“We do this work not just because it’s interesting, but because it matters for people’s lives.” t

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garden adventurer WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY L.A. JACKSON

Secrets of the Cast Iron Plant THE CAST IRON plant (Aspidistra sp.) is as advertised because only a dedicated, demented brown thumb gardener has even the remotest chance of killing it. This is a tough plant that can take plenty of abuse and neglect while remaining constantly pretty in almost any indoor setting. Its long, strap-like, deep green, shiny leaves pleasantly fill blank spaces in drab rooms.

And history tells us that this sturdy plant also does well in low-lit areas because it was a big hit during Victorian England, where its displays remained resplendent even in dark, pre-electric-light parlors. In fact, about the only place this Far East import will tend to suffer is in direct sunlight.

It doesn’t take much to keep a cast iron plant happy. Watering it when the upper inch or two of potting soil is dry to the touch is about all that is required, although adding a diluted fertilizer solution every few months will encourage better leaf production. Also, repotting is seldom necessary; this slowgrowing plant will usually do just fine in a midsize, 8- to 10-inch diameter pot.

Variegated cast iron plants such as Aspidistra ‘Spek-tacular’ can be a lively alternative to the hardy deep green more commonly seen.

probably have a few different variegated cast iron plants to pick from, but if you would rather let your fingers do the e-walking, Plant Delights Nursery (plantdelights.com) offers an extensive list of selections.

More than plain green

But if there is a knock against the cast iron plant, it would be that it is green — just plain green, ho-hum green. Or so it would seem. One of the secrets of this plant is that there are many variegated cultivars delightfully sprinkled, sprayed, smeared or swiped in contrasting hues that range from pale white to golden yellow. For gardeners who like to see spots before their eyes, popular selections like ‘Spek-tacular,’ ‘Leopard,’ ‘Milky Way’ and ‘Golden Freckles’ will add the appropriate pizzazz, while lovers of streaked leaves can enjoy pretty picks such as ‘Variegata,’ ‘Snow Cap,’ ‘Gold Lancer’ and ‘Lennon’s Song.’ Quality local nurseries will 90

JANUARY 2017

Give it a chance outside

Cast iron plant has one more secret.

With this beauty being such an easy plant to grow indoors, many gardeners might think of it simply as a reliable houseplant, but there are multiple selections that will not only survive outdoor conditions but thrive through all four seasons in this region of the Southeast. Many of these are hardy cultivars from the common species Aspidistra elatior, but other species have been found to be reliably rugged for Southern landscapes and are now making their way into garden centers and online shops.

Areas of dry shade seem to be ideal out-

side growing spots, while soggy, constantly wet sites or sunny locations are less desirable.

Cast iron plant leaves can brown if they are relentlessly exposed to arid, below freezing winds, but a spring snipping of any desiccated vegetation will quickly remove the ugly bits and even encourage a flush of new foliage.

Now it is no secret that cast iron plants can be very reliable additions to any gardener’s green world, either inside or out, and their many beautiful variegated forms show that such steadfast consistency can be sassy too!

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.

12 9

3 6

TIMELY TIP Now is a good time to clean out, repair, repaint or even replace any birdhouses that served your local population of flying friends well last year. However, don’t be too quick to tinker with or pull down any of these miniature retreats.

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While birdhouses are mainly thought of as spring nesting boxes, many cavity-roosting birds such as wrens, chickadees, titmice and bluebirds also see them as comfortable winter havens.

Watch for cold-weather residents when cleaning birdhouses this winter.

So take a few days to watch the houses for signs of activity on the wing before doing any necessary maintenance.

To Do in the

GARDEN

January

• Trouble could be brewing with your houseplants. Watch for the appearance of common pests such as mealy bugs, whiteflies and spider mites, which can become active in the balmy, cozy conditions of a winter home.

• More trouble could be in store for your houseplants if you are watering them straight from the tap this winter. C-c-c-cold water can shock sensitive plants, which could result in the loss of leaves. Allow water to warm to room temperature in a container before pouring in houseplant pots.

• Things might not be looking rosy from a weather standpoint right now, but bareroot roses (which can be planted in the late winter) will begin to appear at quality garden centers at the end of this month.

• For a little bit of cold-season exercise, go out and turn the compost pile over one more time. Also, to allow the sun to help add heat to the heap, cover the pile with a sheet of clear plastic.

• If the weather is especially cold this month, pansies will languish in the landscape.

Don’t give up on them, however. Continue cutting off spent blooms and, at the end of this month, encourage them by applying a weak fertilizer solution consisting of one tablespoon of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 in a gallon of water.

• If you use a cold frame to protect plants and propagated cuttings in the winter, keep in mind that, even on the coldest of days, such an enclosure can really heat up on sunny days. So whenever the sun shines this winter, open the frame just a bit to help keep temperatures from rising too high.

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happenings

2016 Women of Western Wake Luncheon PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

The ninth annual Women of Western Wake Luncheon, hosted by Cary Magazine, was held Oct. 14

For more photos from the event,see carymagazine. com

at The Umstead Hotel & Spa, providing a day of networking for attendees and a panel discussion moderated by Elizabeth Gardner of WRAL-TV,

with honorees Kim Kitchings, senior vice president of Consumer Marketing for Cotton Inc.; Naomi Riley, executive director of the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Revitalization Association; Alisa Wright Colopy, founder of Fit & Able Productions Inc.; Deirdre Clarke, senior manager of Customer Success at Aha! and Raleigh-Durham community coordinator for TechGirlz; and Nur Onvural, associate professor of Economics & Finance at Pfeiffer University.

94

JANUARY 2017

More than 180 mother-daughter members of the NATIONAL

CHARITY

LEAGUE Inc.’s Carolina Lily, Cardinal and Dogwood Chapters hosted a food drive on Oct. 16 to support the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, Raleigh Rescue Mission, Ronald McDonald House and Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC. On Nov. 21 the Western Wakebased Carolina

National Charity League Inc. /Carolina Lily Chapter

Lily Chapter sewed and stuffed nearly 1,600 holiday stockings donated to Brown Bag Ministries, USO of North Carolina, SPCA of Wake County, Dress for Success, Ronald McDonald House, and The Carying Place. Cary resident retired Lt. Col Janet Lane Allen was keynote speaker at the stocking stuffing event. nclcarolinalily.org

Special Olympics North Carolina has

Connor Shugg, a student

announced the selection of

at Apex High School, won the high

Dr. Michael Milano

school open platform category of

of Apex as the 2016-17 Golisano Health

the 2016 National STEM Video

Leadership Award

Game Challenge with his music-

honoree, given

themed game “Allegria,” inspired

for improving the

by his extensive training as a

health of people

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disabilities and

school’s Academy of Information

advancing the health

Technology. stemchallenge.org

work of Special Olympics. Milano has volunteered with Special Smiles for two decades, providing free

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dental exams, oral hygiene instruction and mouth guards and arranging follow-up care for thousands of Special Olympics athletes. He has also recruited more than 1,000 Special Smiles

Connor Shugg

volunteers. specialolympicsnc.com Opening this month in Cary is CYCLEBAR, an indoor cycling studio at 5022 Arco St., in Alston Town Center. The studio offers a high-energy workout in a rock concert-like atmosphere with video graphics. Local franchise owner is Joseph Cece.

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CARY MAGAZINE 95

happenings REX HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION held its

The

29th annual REX Gala on Nov. 12 with a “Wizard of Oz” theme, benefitting the state-of-the-art Heart & Vascular Hospital slated to open in March 2017. Pictured at the event are, from left, Dr. Linda

0 1 Annual

Healthcare, Dr. James Zidar, cardiologist

th

J O IN U S

2017 Februar y 24, 6-11pm ENT VENUE N O A H ’S E V o u n t P kw y 5 1 8 0 P ar am C 27560 M o rr is vi lle , N

at UNC REX, and Sylvia Hackett, vice president of the REX Healthcare Foundation. rexhealthcarefoundation.com

Contributed photo

Butler, chief medical officer at UNC REX

Against some of the best competition in the nation, and in front of 20,000 spectators, competitive youth rowing team the

TRIANGLE ROWING CLUB earned

its first-ever Head of the Hooch medal by placing second in the Head of the Hooch Regatta in

Nov. 7-8, the nation’s second-largest regatta.

b le at Tic ke ts A va ila

m a r d ig r a s k ic

k o ff .c o m

WILL HAVE ATTENDEES IZES E TO WIN PR THE CHANC ING, FFLE DRAW FROM A RA TION AND SILENT AUC N. LIVE AUCTIO

100% of the proceeds help Cary MacGregor Rotary Club, Life Experiences and US Veterans Corp fund various philanthropic projects throughout the year locally and internationally.

The team also finished third at the Head of the South Regatta on Nov. 12, held in Augusta, Ga., and brought home 10 medals in all, including three gold. trianglerowing.org

The

SPCA of Wake County has expanded its hours to make

it easier for people to adopt, and to decrease the length of stay for animals waiting for homes. The new hours are Mondays from 1 to 8 p.m.; Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays, 1 to 6 p.m. The adoption center is located at 200 Pet Finder Lane, Raleigh. spcawake.org

96

JANUARY 2017

Jonathan Fredin

Chattanooga, Tenn.,

Contributed photo

AT FOOD, ENJOY GRE LLOWSHIP FUN AND FE ING MONEY WHILE RAIS K TO THE TO GIVE BAC .

COMMUNITY

2005 Cary Magazine Woman of Western Wake

Sheila Ogle has

been named the recipient of the Town of

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Cary’s annual Hometown Spirit Award, which recognizes community-minded citizens who enhance the quality of life in Cary. Operator of the historic Matthews House in Cary, Ogle is among the Jonathan Fredin

first women to be inducted into the UNC Advertising Hall of Fame, and is a founding member of the Cary Community Foundation and the Women’s Giving Networks. townofcary.org

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Primrose

Schools took part in an

Election Day event on Nov. 3, complete with voter ID cards and ballots, as they voted for their mascot and their choice of afternoon snack. Morrisville Mayor Mark Stohlman served as guest reader at the event, which taught students the importance of civic involvement and citizenship. primroseschools.com

Now open in Apex is

Pinot’s

Palette paint and sip studio, at

1553 Beaver Creek Commons Drive.

The local franchise, owned by Paul and Claire Banta, provides artist-led instruction for adults and families. pinotspalette.com/apex CARY MAGAZINE 97

write light

Come as You Are

BY JONATHAN FREDIN

The partners of Cary’s Bond Brothers Beer Company invite you to hang out, try one of their ales, and reach beer nirvana. Jay Bond on drums, Jeremy Bond on guitar, Andy Schnitzer on the chandelier, and Whit Baker, on bass, get into some grunge rock to celebrate being named Best Craft Brewery in the 2017 Maggy Awards. Teagan the dog is just here for the treats.

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