July - August - September 2019 by CIRCA Magazine

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F R E S H E N U P YO U R F RO N T P O RC H • L E M O N L OV E • S W I M S A F E LY • C E L E B R AT I N G S U M M E R I N T H E F O R E S T • s u m m e r s ta i n s g u i d e S U M M E R E N T E RTA I N I N G O N T H E D I Y • T H E N E X T s t e p i n g r i l l e v o l u t i o n • e n j oy i n g t h e f ru i t s o f s u m m e r • b e b u r n awa r e s u c c e s s f u l s u m m e r g a r d e n i n g • S I M P L E S U M M E R D E C O R AT I N G • T H E N C B A S E B A L L M U S E U M • g o o d r e a d s • A N D M O R E

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A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER

Summertime and sunshine are upon us, and sunshine is certainly not something North Carolina lacks! With sensational sunshine comes days spent exploring the outdoors, trips to the beach, poolside relaxation, and casual cookouts. Speaking of cookouts, pondering what you should bring for the perfectly sweet addition to your next neighborhood barbecue? Look no further than “Lemon Love” for exquisitely delightful lemon drop cookies that are sure to be a hit, or check out “Enjoying The Fruits Of Summer” for creative ways to utilize our state’s variety of fresh fruits. “Fresh Inspiration – A Summery Twist on the Traditional” gives a uniquely summery option for the classic ravioli. And when it comes to barbecuing itself, head on over to “The Next Step In Grill Evolution” for useful information on a new generation of grilling. But wait … you’ve just received word that your family’s in town, or maybe your kids want to throw a last-minute backyard bash. Don’t fret! Simply take a peek at “Summer Entertaining on the DIY” for easy ways to avoid panic and throw the greatest get-togethers of the season. Not only does summer mean outdoor adventures and blissful bonfires, but it can be a time to spruce up your indoor décor as well. “Simple Summer Decorating Ideas” shares this season’s home décor trends and provides ways in which you can liven up your living space. And a complementary method of home improvement lies just outside your house – “Freshen Up Your Front Porch” explains easy porch decorating to create a welcome about as warm as a North Carolina summer (special shout-out to Allison Caudle Abbott for our fantastic front cover featuring a fantastic front porch). Paired with a perfect porch, gardening is another way to form an inviting and illuminating home atmosphere. “Successful Summer Gardening” shares an in-depth guide to growing gorgeous summer plants. Uh oh! The kids are home from school for the summer, and “somehow,” a stain ended up on your carpet while you were putting the finishing touches on your porch and garden. Have no fear! Check out “Summer Stains – Your Guide to Removing Pesky Seasonal Spills, Splatters, Smears, And Smudges” for feasible fixes so stains won’t stand in the way of summer fun. However, along with so many enjoyable opportunities and adventures, that well-known NC sunshine can unfortunately bring the undesirable burn, too; be sure to read “Be Burn Aware” to learn how to avoid a variety of summertime burns. Furthermore, with hurricane season on the way, don’t miss “Stay In Touch – How To Communicate With Loved Ones During A Disaster” to learn about safe and smart communication during harsh weather. In addition to burns and natural disasters, water safety is especially important this time of year. “Swim Safely – Tips For Safe Swimming This Summer” details ways in which you can prevent any sort of water-related danger from getting in the way of summer fun. And that summer fun comes in all shapes and sizes! Looking for a quick but unforgettable day trip? “Hurry on over to Hillsborough” to visit this issue’s “Driveable Destination” for a fun, easy getaway that is sure to suit the whole family. Or maybe you’re seeking an exciting and educational outing; in that case, “Hidden Gem – North Carolina Baseball Museum” offers a neat summer idea that will surely capture the attention of baseball fans of all ages. And don’t forget about what we have right here in the area! “Celebrating Summer in the Forest – Fireworks, Music, Movies, And More” lists a plethora of enticing and family-friendly summertime events in Wake Forest. Of course, there are so many other amazing articles that I wasn’t able to fit in this letter, such as “The Power of Social Media – 5 Reasons Social Media Marketing Works for Your Small Business,” summer reading suggestions in “Good Reads,” “Feeding Our Community – Food Pantry Feeds Father Of Three … And Changes His Life Forever,” and so many more. Thanks to all of our wonderful writers for contributing to another issue of CIRCA Magazine, and as always, be sure to support our outstanding advertisers, and mention you saw them in CIRCA! I hope you enjoy this summery edition, and I’ll see you again in cooler temperatures!

J U LY • A U G U S T • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 6

Celebrating Summer In The Forest –

Feeding Our Community – Food Pantry Feeds Father Of Three ... And Changes His Life Forever

Summer Stains –

34 36

Simple Summer Decorating

The Next Step In Grill Evolution

Summer Entertaining On The DIY

Dental Developments – Innovations In Painless Oral Health Care

Unlocking The Future – Coding Today Can Open The Door For A Successful Tomorrow

A Clear Vision For Learning

Hidden Gem – North Carolina Baseball Museum

Building Hope – One Child At A Time

The Power Of Social Media – 5 Reasons Social Media Marketing Works For Your Small Business

Our Heritage Revisited – All Things Downtown

Fireworks, Music, Movies, And More

Your Guide To Removing Pesky Seasonal Spills, Splatters, Smears, And Smudges

Enjoying The Fruits Of Summer

Freshen Up Your Front Porch

Be Burn Aware – 7 Ways You Can Burn This Summer, Other Than From The Sun

Stay In Touch – How To Communicate With Loved Ones During A Disaster

Successful Summer Gardening

Fresh Inspiration – A Summery Twist On The Traditional

Driveable Destination – Hurry Over To Hillsborough

The Power Of The Written Word

Good Reads

Lemon Love

Swim Safely – Tips For Safe Swimming This Summer

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kent Lower CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Allison Caudle Abbott Todd Nelson Amy Pierce Margarita Cohen Rhonda Benvie Plummer Bill Crabtree Michelle Preddice Andrea Dabal Dolores Riggins Mauranda Dalziel Jennifer Smart David Greenwell Dr. Edmond Suh Holly Hopkins Angela Bendorf Jamison UNC Urgent Care WakeMed Joe Kimray Thomas Walters Suzanne Lucey Cassandria Warr Tina Mast Stacey Moritz CONTACT INFORMATION BallPointe Publishing & Design, LLC P.O. Box 1182 Wake Forest, NC 27588 919.453.2555 • info@circamagazine.com circamagazine.com ADVERTISING SALES 919.453.2555 • info@circamagazine.com MANAGERS Kent Lower & Mitch Lower INTERN Grace Lower Printed by Theo Davis Printing, Inc.

Nick Honeycutt 919.380.5949 • nhoneycutt@theodavis.com Front Cover Photo Courtesy of Allison Caudle Abbott, Southern Lux Living www.southernluxliving.com Publisher Photo by Christina Bowman Photography, LLC LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @CIRCA_Magazine FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM circa_magazine AD SPACE RESERVATIONS Oct / Nov / Dec 2019: August 16, 2019 CIRCA Magazine is published quarterly by BallPointe Publishing & Design, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted without the written permission of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within; however, BallPointe Publishing & Design assumes no liability for accuracy or omissions.

CELEBRATING

SUMMER

IN THE FOREST FIREWORKS, MUSIC, MOVIES, AND MORE BY BILL CRABTREE

Summer’s here so local events are heating up! But where

9:00 PM. All include a variety of food trucks. Grab your lawn chair and come enjoy the music while experiencing the undeniable charm of Downtown Wake Forest. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Friday Night on White.”

should you go and what should you do to experience the best our community has to offer over the next few months? Look no further because we have it all laid out – just for

NECK OF THE WOODS

you. Guaranteed to please the entire family, Wake Forest’s impressive lineup of events includes outdoor concerts, family movie nights, the Wake Forest Home & Garden Show, and more. Gather your family and join your friends and neighbors for these exciting events guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable summer in the Forest!

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Fireworks, games, live entertainment, and more await you at Wake Forest’s 2019 Independence Day Celebration. Presented by Power Secure, this community extravaganza is Wake Forest’s most eagerly anticipated summertime event, serving up two days’ worth of free fun and excitement for the entire family. The festivities get underway with the Fireworks Spectacular on Wednesday, July 3, inside Husky Stadium on the campus of Heritage High School. Gates open at 5:30 PM and the program begins at 6:00 PM. Sleeping Booty, one of our area’s most popular party bands, will headline this year’s celebration, followed by an unforgettable 20-minute fireworks display. The revelry continues Thursday, July 4, with the Children’s Parade along North Main Street and concludes with Art in the Park at the Wake Forest Community House. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Independence Day.”

FRIDAY NIGHT ON WHITE

The fourth season of Friday Night on White is in full swing! Widely recognized as one of our region’s most popular outdoor music series, Friday Night on White continues July 12 with Soul Psychedelique and August 9 with Big Love, before concluding September 13 with Crush. The free performances take place along South White Street in historic Downtown Wake Forest from 6:00 PM – 6

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Presented and sponsored by ARTS Wake Forest, Neck of the Woods is a variety performance series featuring emerging local artists. The summer event takes place at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre on Friday, July 19 at 7:30 PM. Each show is different and may include actors, dancers, musicians, comedians, writers, and spoken word artists. Come out and enjoy a truly unique and entertaining event and support your local artists. Wine, beer, and other refreshments will be available for purchase. Tickets are $5 plus tax and may be purchased online or at the box office. Visit wakeforestrencen.org.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS AT JOYNER PARK

You’re invited to enjoy a movie under the stars! The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is excited to host Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park. Presented by Walters Insurance Agency, Inc. and Mosquito Joe of Eastern Wake County, the outdoor movie series continues Saturday, July 27 with Mulan (G) and Saturday, August 10 with Bumblebee (PG-13). Free and open to the public, the movie screenings begin at 8:30 PM. Each Family Movie Night also includes a movie-related pre-show activity for kids beginning at 7:15 PM. Bring chairs or a blanket and arrive early to give you and your family time to find a spot and settle in before the movie begins. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Family Movie Nights.”

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

The Town of Wake Forest will present free concerts at E. Carroll Joyner Park on Sunday, September 1 and Sunday, September 8. Both performances are scheduled from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the Joyner Park Amphitheater. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase, or attendees may bring their own picnics. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Concerts in the Park.”

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WAKE FOREST HOME & GARDEN SHOW

MUSIC AT MIDDAY

Whether you are looking for a complete home remodel, a kitchen or bath makeover, a newly landscaped yard, or just like to shop for your home, you will find it all at the Wake Forest Home & Garden Show. Presented by Mitchell Heating & Cooling, the fourth annual Wake Forest Home & Garden Show will take place Saturday - Sunday, August 24 - 25, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Showcasing the latest in home improvement products and services, the event is free and open to the public Saturday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sunday from noon – 4:00 PM. Returning this year, don’t miss the “Buy at the Show” opportunities available in the Shopping Marketplace, featuring everything from local art and handmade decor to kitchen essentials and household cleaning products. Thank you to the 2019 event sponsors: Mitchell Heating & Cooling, Champion Window of Raleigh, Capital Powersports, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, Mosquito Joe of Eastern Wake County, B&W Hardware, and Wake Forest Power. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Home & Garden Show.”

Beginning Thursday, September 5 and continuing consecutive Thursdays throughout September, area residents are invited to enjoy live performances by local music artists from noon – 1:00 PM in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza. Assorted dessert vendors will be onsite during each concert. Bring your lunch and come enjoy the entertainment while experiencing the beginning of the fall season in beautiful Downtown Wake Forest. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Midday Music.”

WAKE FOREST UNPLUGGED…GET CONNECTED!

Longing for an entire afternoon free from electronic devices? If so, then save the date for Wake Forest Unplugged on Sunday, September 1. Sponsored by the Wake Forest Recreation Advisory Board, the event encourages Wake Forest-area residents to “disconnect” from cell phones, PDAs, and computers and “re-connect” with their community, friends, and family. Beginning at 4:00 PM, join your Wake Forest friends and neighbors for an afternoon of free games and activities at E. Carroll Joyner Park. The electronics-free afternoon will culminate with a concert in the Joyner Park Amphitheater from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Even if you can’t make it out to Joyner Park, you and your family can still participate by engaging in healthier, more active pursuits. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Wake Forest Unplugged.”

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GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY

The Wake Forest Human Relations Council will host the 14th Annual Good Neighbor Day on Saturday, September 21. This free, family-friendly event will take place from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at E. Carroll Joyner Park. Good Neighbor Day assembles people from all walks of life for a day of food, fun, and family entertainment. By bringing together a mix of cultures, music, ages, and ethnicities, the event celebrates diversity and promotes goodwill among all of Wake Forest’s citizens. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Good Neighbor Day.”

STAY CONNECTED!

Always be the first to know about Town of Wake Forest programs, services, and special events by signing up for E-Notifier, downloading the Town of Wake Forest app, and/or visiting the Town of Wake Forest website.  Bill Crabtree is communications and public affairs director for the Town of Wake Forest. He may be reached at bcrabtree@wakeforestnc.gov. Anna Bolton is the Marketing & Business Relations Specialist for the Town of Wake Forest. To learn more about promotional opportunities and event sponsorships, contact Anna at 919-6104916 or abolton@wakeforestnc.gov.

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– Never mix stain-fighting solutions, especially chlorine bleach with ammonia, as it generates highly toxic fumes; – Avoid using high heat until you are sure a stain is gone completely, as this can set the stain forever; – When in doubt (or unsuccessful), call a professional. For most common stains, different solutions may be recommended depending on stain chemistry, but the same four-step treatment method applies. 1. Promptly blot away as much of the spill as possible using paper towels or clean white cloths. If a stain has dried, use a spoon or the back of a butter knife to scrape away as much as possible, starting at the edges and working inward. Then add a bit of cold water to re-moisten the stained area. 2. Using the following recommended solutions, alternately spritz, sponge, or dab onto the stain, then blot dry, using a clean white cloth or paper towel. Turn the cloth or towel with each blot until you can see no more of the stain transferring to the cloth. 3. Allow to dry and repeat previous steps several times before moving on to harsher or store-bought stain-removal solutions, which carry risks of causing damage. 4. Once a stain is gone, thoroughly rinse away any solution residues and blot to dry. BY TODD NELSON

SUMMER

STAINS YOUR GUIDE TO REMOVING PESKY SEASONAL SPILLS, SPLATTERS, SMEARS, AND SMUDGES

ummer has arrived, and brought with it more party, play, and free time – but also more chances for little accidents that make household stains happen. Never fear! Simply keep this handy guide nearby for treating common stains on carpets and furniture upholstery.

First, a few universal guidelines for treating all stains: – Before using any solutions, always test in an inconspicuous spot; – Start gently and escalate slowly ... repeat gentler steps several times before moving to harsher methods that could discolor or otherwise damage stained surfaces; – Air dry completely between treatments, as some stains only reappear when dry; 8

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– Ketchup or mustard. Start with a solution of clear dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water. If the stain persists and textile is light in color, try a weak solution of either hydrogen peroxide or ammonia in water, noting that both may have bleaching effects. – Popsicles and fruit-flavored drinks containing bright dyes. Start with a small quantity of clear dishwashing liquid in lukewarm water. If the stain persists, use a powdered stain remover, per directions, then vacuum. – Wine. Start by pouring small amounts of club soda or cold water onto the stain and blotting. If the stain persists and the textile is light in color, try a few drops of diluted ammonia or a paste made from baking soda and water. If using a paste, gently scrape to loosen and vacuum after it dries. – Beer. Start with a solution of dishwashing soap and water. If that doesn’t work, try a solution of white vinegar and lukewarm water. – Blood. Start with a mild dishwashing liquid or non-alkaline detergent mixed with water. If the bloodstain is dried or stubborn, try a small quantity of diluted ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, or, if bleaching is a concern, white vinegar. – Ice cream/chocolate. Blot as much away as possible with plain cold water, then use a diluted grease-busting dishwashing liquid or detergent containing enzymes. – Grass stains and mud. Soak the stain in cool water then sponge with liquid detergent. Rinse and treat again if necessary.  Todd Nelson is the owner of MaidPro of the Triangle. Call 919-8719996 or visit www.maidpro.com/raleigh-north.

September 2019

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live music

food

beer & wine

Second Fridays April-Sept 6-9 pm South White Street downtown wake forest

JULY 12 – SOUL PSYCHEDELIQUE AUG 9 – BIG LOVE SEPT 13 – CRUSH wakeforestnc.gov

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ENJOYING

THE FRUITS OF SUMMER

BY STACEY MORITZ

Summer is here ... long, hot, lazy days are the norm and one of my favorite ways to cool off is enjoying the best part of summer – fruit! Berries, peaches, plums, and melons all scream to be savored with reckless abandon. Whether you shop at the farmer’s market or your favorite grocery store, you will be rewarded with a plethora of delicious options. What I love most about fruit is its versatility – it can be spun into a smoothie or refreshing beverage, blended into a soup, mixed into a salad or salsa, or baked into a dessert … all

with just a little imagination. ecause fruit at its peak is loaded with natural sweetness, it can be easily folded into a variety of creations using just a few simple ingredients – for instance, a delicious cobbler. But I also love to complement its sweet temperament and vibrant colors by incorporating spicy flavors and contrasting textures. The results are nothing short of amazing and will have you craving more all summer long. One of my very favorite ways to use fruit is in salsa. Let your creativity run wild and try different flavor combinations – I dare say you will never fail to create something delicious. Whether using it as a fruit salsa for dipping your favorite tortilla chip or a topping for southwestern fare, as the perfect mix-in for a summer salad, or as a go-to garnish atop freshly grilled meats and fish, you will find yourself wanting to experiment often in search of the perfect addition to your dinner table. This tasty fruit salsa that can do no wrong is a staple in my kitchen during the summer months. My main ingredient of choice is 10

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usually mango – my favorite combination includes diced mango, chopped fresh cilantro, diced red bell peppers, seeded diced jalapeño, and diced red onion. Add a squeeze of lime juice and voilà – the perfect summer treat! Here are a few of my other favorite pairings: – Pineapple, strawberries, fresh mint, scallions, and Serrano chiles; – Strawberries, avocado, red onion, and jalapeño; – Watermelon, sweet yellow onions, fresh mint, and kiwi. Fresh fruit also lends itself beautifully to adorning the ordinary salad plate. Whether it’s a simple starter or an entrée, fruit offers a delicious way to make the salad the star of any meal. One of the most popular salads I make features a fresh assortment of berries and goat cheese atop a bed of baby greens. Topped with candied almonds and a poppy seed dressing, this salad will surely be a hit any day of the week. The nice thing about salads is that you can add your own spin using your favorite fruits, veggies, and addins to satisfy any particular palate. Here are several ideas to help get you started: – Arugula with watermelon, mint, and feta cheese; – Baby greens with mango, black beans, corn, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips ... add grilled shrimp or chicken for the main course; – Baby greens with grilled peaches or nectarines, strips of prosciutto, or sautéed pancetta and goat cheese ... with this option, I highly recommend a honey balsamic dressing; – Romaine lettuce with strawberries, blue cheese, and red onion ... add sliced grilled steak to please the meat lovers in your family. If you really want to get your taste buds in on the action, then take a stab at making jams and chutneys. Not only is this a great way to preserve your fruit long into the year, but it’s also an ideal opportunity to experiment with flavor combinations that can easily elevate a simple sandwich or quesadilla or provide an accompaniment to the perfect appetizer at your next summer gathering. You can make these little gems and let them rest in your refrigerator for several weeks, or your freezer for several months.

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This brings me to another of my favorite summertime staples – a spicy peach chutney (see recipe). This is the perfect addition to grilled chicken, makes a wonderful glaze for pork, and is one of the most delicious sandwich spreads you will ever taste. For example, spread it on toasted bread with a piece of warm brie or slather of goat cheese. There are a host of basic chutney and jam recipes that you can use as the backdrop, then simply add an ingredient or two for a spicy note or depth of flavor, without sacrificing the integrity of the recipe. For instance, take your favorite strawberry jam recipe and simply add a tablespoon of minced chipotle chilies in adobo sauce. The result is a sweet and smoky delicacy that is as delicious as a glaze on ribs and pork as it is on a cracker with a creamy cheese. Speaking of chipotle chilies, they are magnificent partners for many fruits, such as peaches, blueberries, apricots, and strawberries. Even if jam-making isn’t your thing, pick up a jar of your favorite preserve and mix in some chipotles for scrumptious and surprising results. Once you give the sweet and spicy combination a try, you will want to continue pushing the envelope for delectable results. Last but not least, don’t forget to let fresh fruit shine on its own. A sprinkle of sugar over berries can turn them into the most delightful topping for vanilla ice cream, while grilled sliced pineapple with a dusting of brown sugar brings out a caramelized goodness that is hard to beat. Or fold those sliced plums or peaches into a pie crust for a rustic and charming mid-summer tart.

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No matter how you choose to enjoy the long, hot, lazy days of summer, be sure to take some time to chill out and savor the “fruits” of your labor.

SPICY PEACH CHUTNEY – 5 cups chopped peeled peaches (about 13/4 pounds) – 11/2 cups finely chopped sweet yellow onion – 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – 1/2 cup white wine vinegar – 2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 2 minced seeded jalapeño pepper – 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro – 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Combine first six ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes. Stir in jalapeño. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cilantro and juice. Cool to room temperature. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to one month, or freeze for several months.  Stacey Moritz is the owner of The Lemon Tree Cafe, located at 113 S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest (919-521-5806), offering freshly prepared salads, pastas, soups, and take-away fare. The Lemon Tree Cafe serves breakfast and lunch Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturdays 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM.

September 2019

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FRESHEN UP YOUR FRONT

PORCH

BY ALLISON CAUDLE ABBOTT

ummer has arrived, and with more of your days and evenings being spent enjoying the outdoors, it’s time to spruce up your front porch ... out with dreary tones and hues, and in with pops of color, a fresh mix of textures, and a new look that you and your home deserve. Regardless of the size of your front porch, this inviting entrance to your home is a great place to dress up, so your guests will feel instantly welcome. Mixing up colors, tones, textures, and having a clean slate are all important things to consider when you are thinking about updating your front porch this summer. Not sure where to start or finding yourself feeling a little overwhelmed at the prospect? No worries ... I’ve got you covered! I’ve broken down the steps to make this task easy and enjoyable.

This will make a huge difference to the look and feel of your home. Curb appeal is important in making your porch feel welcoming and warm. This is especially true if you are listing your home for sale. Many times, people will pass by the homes with the overgrown grass and un-manicured lawns, yet will take pause at those with beautiful landscaping and staged porches. The look of a home when it’s for sale, and being searched online, is a time when the phrase “judging a book by its cover” could not be more true.  Allison Caudle Abbott is the owner and broker-in-charge of Southern Lux Living, serving buyers and sellers throughout the Triangle. She may be reached at 919-395-6186 or visit www.southernluxliving.com.

In addition to beautifying your porch, make sure all of the mulch in your beds is fresh, and your lawn is regularly mowed and edged. 12

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– Start with a clean slate. It’s important to get your home power washed … now that the pollen season is behind us, go ahead and call a professional to come out and power wash all of that dirt away. This will give you a fresh start with which to begin. – Add simple ferns in metal canisters or other nice planters. Ferns are simple, yet lively, so they set a great base for other elements of your design. They also come in a variety of sizes, so if your porch is smaller, get smaller ferns, and if you have more room, opt for larger ones. – Mix in pops of color to celebrate summer. Using reds, greens, and yellows is a great way to incorporate vibrant tones to your porch. Don’t stop at plants! Mix in a bench with colorful pillows, a rug, and outdoor wood signs … just let those creative juices flow. – Add wood tones to your design with a wooden “Welcome” sign. Wood tones are very welcoming and warm, which is exactly the feeling and emotion you are trying to evoke as people approach your front porch. – Finish the look by adding a wreath or splash of color to the front door.

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BE BURN

AWARE 7 WAYS YOU CAN BURN THIS SUMMER, OTHER THAN FROM THE SUN

t’s a hot summer day, and you’ve been vigilant in applying sunscreen every two hours. That means you’re protected from getting burned, right? Wrong. While sunburn is a real threat, the summer sun – and the activities that often go along with it – can hurt you in more ways than one. Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, burn outreach coordinator for the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center’s internationally recognized Burn Prevention Program, breaks down other summertime hazards that can also cause serious burns. 1. GRILLING: With propane grills, the primary risk for burns is when people are determining if the gas is flowing. “Propane might go out, and people don’t wait long enough for the gas in the area to dissipate, so when they go to relight the grill, there can be an explosion,” Dr. Grant says. If the flame does go out, wait a few minutes before attempting to relight it to allow the gas to dissipate. If you’re connecting the gas to the tank, Dr. Grant recommends spraying soapy water around the connection to see if you get bubbles, which is an indication that you have a gas leak and the connection needs to be tightened. When using it, be sure to keep people – especially children – and animals away from the grilling station, as well as all flammable liquids. “With anything like charcoal lighter fluid, gasoline, or other accelerants, you have to be careful,” he says. “Once you’re done using them, make sure you put the closed containers well away from the grill because of the potential for an explosion. You never want to go back and resquirt onto the fire once it’s been started, because it can flame up and cause a flash burn.” You should also keep a water supply, such as a ready-to-go water hose, and a fire extinguisher nearby.

3. BOATING: “If you have a motorboat, make sure the engine is well-serviced,” Dr. Grant says. The carburetor, an internal part of the engine that mixes air and fuel for combustion, can potentially catch fire. Have a fire extinguisher and life jackets on hand, and, if alcohol is present, a designated driver in case of emergency. 4. LIGHTNING: Although lightning burns are rare, they can happen. If someone is struck by lightning, it can cause a type of electrical burn that creates a feathering pattern on the skin. During the summer, thunderstorms are common and can sometimes arrive out of seemingly nowhere. “If you’re around water and lightning is occurring, you need to get away from it and dry off as quickly

2. FISH FRIES AND SEAFOOD BOILS: Fish fries and seafood boils are also popular summertime cookout activities with real potential for burns. “Grease is heating up the temperature to around 300 degrees or higher, which takes less than a second to produce a third-degree burn,” Dr. Grant says. If you’re hosting a fish fry or seafood boil, make sure that people know where you are cooking so they can keep clear. Consider roping off any boiling kettles or large frying pans so guests don’t accidentally get too close. 14

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as possible,” Dr. Grant says. “If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning.” Head to a dry area far from water, or if stuck outside, stay as low to the ground as possible. 5. CANDLES: People might not think about candles in the summer, but severe summer thunderstorms can cause outages that require other light sources. If you lose power, stick with batteryoperated lights instead. “Prepare by having flashlights on hand or make sure candles are well-protected so you don’t run the risk of igniting clothing or furniture,” Dr. Grant says. 6. FIREWORKS: Fireworks are usually thought of only on the Fourth of July, but they are also often used for various summertime celebrations, including weddings, birthdays, and barbecues. Dr. Grant warns that only sober adults should handle fireworks, and kids should stay at a safe distance to limit risk of injury. “Also, never attempt to relight a firework if you think you’ve got a dud,” Dr. Grant says. “Lots of people will go and pick up the firework, thinking that if it doesn’t explode they can light it again, but when they pick it up is when it explodes.” Many people think sparklers are more kid-friendly, but Dr. Grant says that they can burn upward of 1,200 degrees and are very difficult to put out – and many people hold them while they’re burning. “Sometimes the sparks coming off of sparklers can ignite your clothing. Stick them in the ground and watch them burn instead of holding them.” 7. PLAYGROUNDS: Although many playgrounds have switched to plastic, some still use metal sliding boards or swings, which heat up in the summer sun. “If young children slide down a metal sliding board, they can sustain significant burns because their skin is very thin,” Dr. Grant says. “Parents should be cautious about where children play to ensure that doesn’t happen.”

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET A BURN If you notice redness or your skin is hot to the touch, take a cool shower to try to cool your body temperature. Afterward, apply overthe-counter sunburn creams to begin the healing process. “Make sure any lotions you use are alcohol-free because alcohol will dry out the skin and cause more complications,” Dr. Grant says. “Sometimes people will try home remedies, such as applying Vaseline or butter, but those will also worsen the condition.” Take Tylenol or ibuprofen to relieve any pain or discomfort, but if you have a prolonged and persistent fever, pain that won’t subside, or blisters, it’s possible that the burn is deeper than the surface of the skin and you should seek medical attention. Call 911 if the burn involves roughly half of an entire extremity or the person burned is a young child or an older adult. If in doubt, or if you’re dealing with a potentially serious burn, call 911 or go to an emergency department immediately.  For more minor burns, consider UNC Urgent Care (formerly REX Express Care), which has locations throughout the Triangle.

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email addresses for everyone in your household. The FCC also recommends you gather phone numbers for emergency services, utilities, medical offices, veterinarians, and your insurance companies. Once your contact lists are completed, make sure every member of your family has one. In addition, identify a few contacts as “In Case of Emergency,” or ICE, in your phone’s contact list. This will help emergency responders determine whom to contact should they need to assist you.

BY THOMAS WALTERS

STAY IN

TOUCH

DURING AND AFTER A DISASTER There are also steps you can take to improve the likelihood of communicating successfully with loved ones immediately after an emergency situation.

HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH LOVED ONES DURING A DISASTER When a disaster strikes, it can often be difficult to communicate with loved ones. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and other emergencies may cause power outages or overwhelm cellular services, sometimes making normal lines of communication nearly impossible. But by planning ahead and following these tips, you can help maintain connection with friends and family in an emergency.

BEFORE A DISASTER STRIKES The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) offers the following suggestions on how to prepare for communication before an emergency occurs. HAVE CAR CHARGERS HANDY. Get in the habit of keeping your cellphone and laptop fully charged, and have a car charger available in the event of a power outage. Consider buying additional batteries and solar or hand-powered chargers for your devices. MAKE AN EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST. Having a paper copy of essential contacts on hand will allow you to reference them, even if your smartphone dies. Start by collecting phone numbers and 16

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CREATE AN EMERGENCY PLAN. Because you and your loved ones may be separated when disaster strikes, be sure to develop a plan specific to your family. For example, choose accommodations that are accessible for any family members with disabilities, as well as your pets, if you have them. Ready.gov recommends choosing an emergency meeting place that’s in your neighborhood, and one that’s out of your neighborhood. Your plan should also detail how you will contact each other. For instance, designate an out-of-town contact for everyone to notify that they’re safe, or set an “on air” time where you’ll each power up your phones and call or text with your status. It’s also a good idea to work with your children’s school or daycare to understand their emergency communication procedures.

TEXT AND USE SOCIAL MEDIA. Cell service can become congested during an emergency. Instead, try text messaging or emailing, which, the FCC says, are services that are less likely to experience network congestion. Also, consider posting your status on social media or registering on the American Red Cross’ “Safe and Well” website (https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/), so loved ones who may be searching for you will know that you’re alright. CONSERVE YOUR PHONE’S BATTERY LIFE. You can extend the life of your cellphone battery charge by reducing the brightness of your screen, turning off Wi-Fi, and closing apps that aren’t critical. Additionally, if you’re able to make a call, consider updating your voicemail message so that, even if inbound calls go to voicemail, you’re able to offer loved ones an update on your well-being. By taking these steps to prepare, you can help ensure you and your family stay informed throughout an emergency should disaster strike this summer, or anytime during the year.  Thomas Walters is the owner of Walters Insurance Agency, located at 3207 Rogers Road, Suite 100 in Wake Forest. Thomas and his team have another Allstate agency office at 5620 Six Forks Road, Suite 103 in Raleigh. Call 919-554-0267 or 919-848-8015 or email ThomasWalters@allstate.com for help with your insurance needs.

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BY TINA MAST

SUCCESSFUL

SUMMER GARDENING

here is always something to do in the garden during the summer months. With just a bit of planning to keep it from becoming an overwhelming job, you can ensure your garden not only survives the dog days of summer, but also thrives – and you can even have time to stop and smell the roses. Here’s our list of the bigticket items to check off your landscaping to-do list for the season.

JULY – Help newly planted plants become well-established by making sure their water needs are being met. Water deeply at least once a week if we haven’t had a good rain (an inch or more). Also, mulch, mulch, mulch. A 2”-3” layer of mulch will protect developing roots, conserve moisture, and help prevent soil-borne diseases from spreading. Keep mulch away from trunks and the crowns of plants by tapering it as it goes in towards the plant. (Hint: think “donuts,” not “volcanoes”). Try planting in the evening or on cloudy, cooler days to minimize stress on new plants. 18

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– Need to add some “wow” to your garden? Add color with annuals such as lantana, vinca, coleus, ornamental peppers, pentas, impatiens, zinnias, begonias, New Guinea impatiens, and more. – Now is a good time to prune trees that tend to bleed sap: maples, elms, dogwood, and birches. – Pinch flowers off herbs to prevent them from going to seed and to keep the plant’s energy directed to producing foliage. Herbs also taste better when they haven’t been allowed to form flowers. – Deadhead roses by cutting back to 1/4” above an outward facing leaf containing five or more leaflets. This helps push another round of bloom. – Now is a good time to transplant houseplants that may have outgrown their pots. Also, if pots have a lot of white salt build-up on them, scrub them down and rinse them. – Fertilize roses monthly with organic or controlled-release fertilizer labeled for roses. Add in water-soluble fish/kelp fertilizer for micronutrients and top-dress with compost for a great boost that your roses will love. – Fertilize warm-season grasses every four to six weeks with fertilizer labeled for turf. Don’t fertilize fescue until September. – Feed container plants, flowering bedding plants, and hanging baskets with fertilizer labeled for blooming plants (either granules or water soluble). – Bugs will remain numerous and hungry this month. A watchful eye can catch problems before they become difficult to manage. Watch out when spraying chemicals in hot weather. Check labels for temperature ranges and other spraying restrictions such as when to spray to avoid hurting bees or the last day you can spray before harvesting.

AUGUST – Start planting transplants of cool season veggies such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and lettuce in mid to late August for autumn harvest. September is almost too late for certain fall veggies, such as broccoli and cabbage, that need long maturation times. Leafy greens and lettuces can be started later and several times, for multiple crops. – Add glory to your autumn garden with late season bloomers such as Autumn Joy sedum, rudbeckia, boltonia, asters, sages, goldenrod, anemones, ornamental grasses, and more. – Lightly trim back summer blooming perennials such as coreopsis, coneflowers, bee balm, phlox, and black-eyed Susans to encourage fall bloom. Trimming will also extend bloom season for annuals and is a good way to help them through August’s heat. – Fertilize warm season grasses such as bermuda, zoysia, and St. Augustine. – A quick shot of water-soluble fertilizer will revitalize recently trimmed annuals and perennials that have had nutrients washed out of soils with the summer rains. – Feed houseplants every two weeks, especially if they are summering outdoors.

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– Last chance to fertilize those summer veggies! – Keep mower blades at the highest setting during hot summer months and make sure blades are sharp. Water early in the morning to prevent diseases. – Water plants as needed, making sure that anything that’s been in the ground less than two years is getting regular water. Generally, one inch of water per week is recommended for trees and shrubs if there has been no significant rainfall, and it can be beneficial to break that up into two separate waterings. Perennial and annual beds may require water more often if dry conditions persist. Vegetables require regular water for best yields.

SEPTEMBER – Time to plant pansies and garden mums. Pansies should be in by the end of this month for best establishment before winter and can be planted in beds and containers that receive full to partial sun. Give them fertilizer labeled for blooming plants upon planting for bountiful blooms. – There’s more to fall color than just pansies and mums, though. Good trees for fall color include gingko, red maple, pin oak, and Chinese pistache. Try shrubs such as oakleaf hydrangea, nandina, beautyberry, pyracantha, fothergilla, and Encore or Bloom-a-Thon azaleas. Late season perennials such as sedum, boltonia, asters, and Japanese anemone will add interest to your perennial beds. – The beginning of the month is your last chance to plant transplants of head-forming cool-season veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. – It’s still a good time to grow leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, spinach, and lettuce. Seeds of radish, mustard, turnip, beet, spinach, and lettuce can be sown directly into garden beds. – In general, it’s time to wind down applications of fertilizer. You don’t want to stimulate tender new growth that can get nipped when the first frosts arrive. – Fertilize cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue to prepare them for the season ahead. Choose a good slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer labeled for turf. – Mid-September through mid-October is prime time to seed new lawns or overseed languishing old ones with cool-season grasses such as fescue/fescue blends or Kentucky bluegrass. Overseed warm-season grasses like zoysia with annual ryegrass for a green lawn through winter. Prep areas to be overseeded by de-thatching and aerating beforehand. Spread seed, roll with a roller to press them into the soil, and mulch lightly. Be sure to keep newly seeded areas well-watered until the grass is up and established. – Now is a good time to divide and re-plant overgrown or tired perennials. Those that respond well to division include coneflower, coreopsis, daylily, iris, phlox, hosta, lamb’s ear, and shasta daisy.  Tina Mast is communications director for Homewood Nursery & Garden Center in Raleigh and can be reached at 919-847-0117 or info@homewoodnursery.com. For more information, visit www.homewoodnursery.com.

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FRESH INSPIRATION A SUMMERY TWIST ON THE TRADITIONAL BY DAVID GREENWELL

The most idyllic thing a chef can do is wander through the local farmer’s market, browsing the freshest local ingredients and gleaning inspiration for that day’s menu from the offerings available. Of course, that presumes that all chefs work in or operate small, boutique-type restaurants that

develop a new menu every day. ost chefs, however, have a published menu to produce. The thought of working up a creative daily menu is close to every chef ’s heart; but the reality is often more like a race to opening time – making sure that prep and staffing is sufficient for the day. This has always been my reality as a chef and restaurant operator. Having said that, I was ecstatic to be able to walk through the Wake Forest Farmer’s Market on a recent rare Saturday morning off with my family, with the mental freedom of having only ourselves to cook for that day. We managed to plan a nice summer meal – and even picked up a few bath bombs for the kids while we were there. My eyes first landed on the homemade pasta sign board (please note that I’m promoting the Wake Farmer’s market as a whole, and not individual vendors) and noticed the fig-gorgonzola raviolis. I made a mental note to build around this item and moved on. We later procured a lovely bag of mixed spring greens, some fresh shiitake mushrooms, silver queen corn, and pastries for the kids. After swinging back by to get the raviolis, we set off for the air-conditioned comfort of home to prepare our meal. I decided to make the raviolis, a spring greens salad, and corn on the cob, as well as burgers for the kids. Burgers, salad, and corn on the cob are rather straightforward – but what to do with the figgorgonzola raviolis? I had already purchased the shiitake mushrooms with the raviolis in mind, and the vendor from whom I bought them suggested fresh sage and brown butter – the perfect tie-in to my herb garden at home. 20

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It turns out that the raviolis, shiitakes, and sage-brown butter sauce accompanied perfectly the tossed salad that was simply dressed with a quick vinaigrette of avocado oil and red wine vinegar. I think this is a great example of “lightening up” for the hot summer months a dish that is generally considered more heavy. The combination of the unique fig-gorgonzola filling, the savory butter sauce, and the spring greens salad made an excellent non-traditional summertime lunch. So if you’re looking to whip up something a little different this season, go ahead and give it a try! Here is the simple recipe for the raviolis (makes 4-5 lunch servings): – 1 package (12) fig-gorgonzola raviolis – ½ stick unsalted butter – ½ shallot, minced – 1 cup or so stemmed and cut shiitakes – 1 cup sugar snap peas – 4-5 fresh sage leaves, slivered (plus a couple whole for garnish) – 1 2-inch sprig of fresh thyme leaves (plus a sprig for garnish) – ¼ cup gorgonzola for crumbling – Salt and pepper to taste Prepare the pasta according to package directions (but aim to leave fairly al dente because it will help them to not burst when tossing with the butter sauce). Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan (I like cast iron) on medium heat. When the butter begins to brown (but not before) add the shiitakes and shallot and sauté until the mushrooms are tender. Add the sugar snaps and continue to sauté for just a minute, then add the cooked raviolis, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and coat the raviolis with the butter sauce, then plate as you wish! Garnish with the crumbled gorgonzola, sage leaves, and thyme sprig. This dish goes well with any type of mixed greens salad and vinaigrette-type dressing. 

David Greenwell is the owner of The Forks Cafeteria, offering classic Southern fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Forks Cafeteria is located at 339 S. Brooks Street in Wake Forest.

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tours that give visitors an up-close view of the property’s original cornices, heart pine floors, magnificent fireplaces, and 50 acres of gardens, woodlands, and walking trails.

BY JENNIFER SMART

DRIVEABLE DESTINATION

HURRY OVER TO HILLSBOROUGH

aying you should hurry over to Hillsborough feels almost like a PSA, as if visiting could be considered a mental health day. The town certainly possesses a sense of peacefulness and calm. Equal parts history, nature, and the arts, this “Driveable Destination,” found just about 35 miles northwest of Wake Forest, is the coolest locale this side of Asheville – a cultural superhero right in our own backyard. Located in Orange County on the banks of the Eno River, Hillsborough serves as the county seat and started out more than two centuries ago as a hotbed of Revolutionary War politicking. During the Antebellum era, it was home to the famous Elizabeth Keckley, a mixed-race slave who found success as a dressmaker, bought her own freedom, became a close friend and confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln, and in 1868, published a memoir. Around the same time, Hillsborough produced Captain John Berry, the self-taught architect who helped establish Wake Forest by erecting the first brick structures on campus: the College Building, the South Brick House, and the North Brick House. Now only the South Brick remains. It’s across from Wake Forest Baptist Church at the roundabout and has been featured in several of the town’s Christmas Historic Homes Tours. Hillsborough, of course, has its own fabulous homes. The biggest is Ayr Mount, a brick mansion built in 1815 for wealthy merchant William Kirkland and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Acquired by a preservation group that has fastidiously recreated its heyday, Ayr Mount is open most days for guided 22

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Just a short distance from Ayr Mount, tucked into the natural landscape in a way that almost conceals its illustrious past, is the equally historic Occoneechee Speedway. The original half-mile horse track was reinvented as racing’s first-ever superspeedway after NASCAR founder Big Bill France spotted the land from an airplane, purchased the property, and transformed it to accommodate racecars. The track opened in 1948 in front of a crowd of 17,000 fans. Hillsborough native Gene Kennedy, who was seven-years-old at the time, later regaled his family with tales of how he spent his teen years making his way to Occoneechee Speedway to climb a tree overlooking the track and watch the races through billowing clouds of red dust. The locale was rural and quaint, and it’s not surprising to learn that artists at Pixar Animation Studios based their fictional Thomasville Speedway from the movie Cars 3 partly on Occoneechee. The Speedway hosted two Sunday races annually for 20 years. Bill France finally shut it down to appease residents who kept complaining about the noise and hubbub on church days. The final race was held on September 15, 1968, was won by Richard Petty, and then everyone skedaddled. The property stood abandoned for nearly 40 years, growing more neglected and overgrown, until

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Come visit us in historic downtown Wake Forest or learn more at collegeatsoutheastern.com.

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preservationists arrived on the scene in 2003 to begin the long, arduous process of transforming it into something different. Today, Occoneechee is a lightly trafficked walking loop with great conditions from April through September. In a flash of genius, the folks who restored it decided to leave the original speedway signs, a couple of wrecked cars, the grandstand, ticket office, and concrete bleachers. The result is a jumble of artifacts and nature. You can follow the loop, listen to the birds, scan the ground for bits of wreckage, and imagine the ghostly echoes of roaring engines – all at the same time. This is the interesting thing about Hillsborough. It preserves the pieces that give off the brightest glow and repurposes them in surprising ways. For instance, the restaurant where we enjoyed a lovely seafood lunch is called James Pharmacy and occupies a former drugstore. Right up the street, the Orange County Historical Museum is housed in a pretty little stone structure that was once the town library and is now packed with exhibits that range from Civil War fashion to G.I. Joes. Our favorite local business was Volume Records & Beer, a retro-vinyl record lounge and beer bar in the hub of downtown. You can browse through bins of old albums for sale, then order an IPA and sip it languidly while listening to early Pink Floyd spun on a turntable the bartender keeps behind the counter. And if that particular vibe feels a little too mellow for you, it’s easy to trot around the corner to a bigger bar called Hot Tin Roof. This is the place for parties, events, and specialty drinks.

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Incidentally, both watering holes are steps from the boutiques, restaurants, and winding sidewalks that make downtown Hillsborough unfailingly charming and so very accessible to pedestrians. Truly, the walkability is something special. Gorgeously lined with shade trees, you can keep cool-ish as you stroll past such notable properties as the Inn at Teardrops, the Burwell School Historic Site (where Elizabeth Keckley lived and worked while enslaved), and the Old Orange County Courthouse. You’ll also notice the Colonial Inn, an immense property built in 1838 and first used as a hotel. More recently, it fell into a state of disrepair. Now with new owners and a restoration plan to turn it into an event center and restaurant with a private dining area, bar, conference space, and more than 20 guest rooms, the Inn is destined for better days ahead. I suspect that using old things in new ways is actually Hillsborough’s superpower. The town reminds me of those Etsy artists who take something vintage like a cast-away Bakelite Box camera, fit it with an Edison lightbulb, and upcycle it into an adorable working lamp. Hillsborough does the same thing on a much grander scale. So if you appreciate the glory of a superspeedway nature trail, or a record store beer bar, or a fish market pharmacy, hurry on over and see for yourself.  Jennifer Smart is assistant director at the Wake Forest Historical Museum. You can visit the website at www.wakeforestmuseum.org.

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The second place piece, “Colorful Princess,” was composed by Naveen Ahmad from Wake Forest High School, and the third place piece, entitled “Strings,” was written by Apex Friendship High School student Riley West. All submissions are publicly viewable at www.magnificentmusings.org.

“THE SCULPTOR A SCULPTURE”

THE POWER OF THE

WRITTEN

WORD

The Magnificent Musings is a program that launched in 2018, with the goal of promoting youth literacy. In today’s high tech world, it’s important to recognize the value of reading and

By Halden Levin The sculptor makes a body from clay his muscles contracting and relaxing at each curvature to form a whole body that moves with his hands work-worn but delicate the breath of life infused by fingertips how he moves when he cannot leave until finished when hardened by kiln when moving into the eyes of the gazers who see him stand but not move why does he stand where no man can see his hands are a part of the man who stands in the gazer’s eyes they don’t see him but he’s there in the man who moves he is the man he has made the man in the gazer’s eyes the man who stands where no man can see his hands that permeate the surface of the body which moves 

BY STACEYbut MORITZ writing, not just in the world of academia and business,

also as a way to express oneself and communicate in day to day life. To that regard, Magnificent Musings’ director Rajeev Dutta recently hosted the first annual “May of Magnificent Musings Writing Competition,” an opportunity for local high school students to simply write; to ignore the boundaries of genre, topic, and word count; and to instead, embrace their

own individuality and ideas ... the results were stellar. he team at Page 158 Books – Magnificent Musing’s partner for the competition – and Dutta were immensely pleased with the work submitted by high school students scattered across the Triangle area. Three winners were chosen among the submissions, all of which resonated with strong emotion and craftsmanship. The first place piece, entitled “The Sculptor a Sculpture,” was penned by Halden Levin, a rising senior at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics who has been reciting poetry through Poetry Out Loud (POL) during her high school career ... she even became a State Finalist this year. Currently, she is working towards developing the NCSSM Poetry Society to share her passion for poetry with the NCSSM community, and serves as an NCSSM Speech and Debate Captain. She hopes to further her understanding of language on a cognitive level by pursuing the field of neurolinguistics. 24

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Whitehead’s writing creates the perfect sentence without trying too hard … he is truly a master. Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson (Available July 30) Full of laughs, mystery, and intrigue, Jackson’s newest thriller will captivate you the moment you open it up. The mix of characters in this “dark and deliciously addictive tale of domestic suspense” (per publisher Harper Collins) will leave your head spinning more than any summer cocktail. As described by New York Times bestselling author, Clare Mackintosh, Never Have I Ever is a “smart, original thriller with real, compelling characters and a chilling reveal. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.”

BY SUZANNE LUCEY

GOOD

READS

here are so many things to look forward to and enjoy during the lazy days of summer – afternoons lounging by the pool, Saturday mornings relaxing on the back porch, that long-anticipated week at the beach. But the summer season brings no greater opportunity to chill out than setting up shop in the sun and diving into a good book. So if you’re in search of the perfect poolside page-turner or the best new beachfront book, no matter where you plan to enjoy your relaxing summer escape, here are some sizzling summer must-reads that you won’t want to leave home without. (Please note some of these will be released later this summer.)

ADULTS The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (Available July 16) Based on the real-life story of an 111-year-old reform school in Florida, The Nickel Boys is the gripping follow-up to the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning #1 New York Times bestseller The Underground Railroad. This hellish place warped the lives of so many of the thousands of children who passed through its doors. Rich in detail without giving excruciating particulars, 26

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The Testaments (Handmaid’s Tale #2) by Margaret Atwood (Available September 10) Told 15 years after The Handmaid’s Tale ends, this brilliant sequel will be available at the end of the summer … and I cannot wait. There aren’t many previews of this highly-anticipated follow-up, but after the success of the series, I know this will be a huge hit. Atwood has shared this, though – “Dear Readers: Everything you’ve ever asked me about Gilead and its inner workings is the inspiration for this book. Well, almost everything! The other inspiration is the world we’ve been living in.” Stay tuned …

CROSSOVER FOR ADULTS AND YOUNG ADULTS The Fountains of Silence by Rupta Sepetys After WWll, Spain was not out of danger … a fascist dictator was in charge and making his demands known. While rich oil barons from Texas were wined and dined, Spain had a secret about many of their poor children. This book has it all – mystery, history, and romance … a great read that can be shared by young and old alike.

YOUNG ADULTS We Are Lost and Found by Helene Dunbar (available September 3) If you are a Perks of Being a Wallflower fan, you are sure to love this novel. As described at www.helenedunbar.com, this is “a poignant, heartbreaking, and uplifting story … about three friends comingof-age in New York City in 1983 who are struggling to forge their own paths amid the pressures of relationships, sexuality, school, family, and the looming threat of a disease that everyone is talking about, but no one understands.” The World Ends in April by Stacy McAnulty (Available September 3) North Carolina author Stacy McAnulty returns with another book with a math and science theme. In this one, Eleanor reads of an asteroid possibly hitting the earth in April. She bands together with friends to prevent this and in doing so, discovers what friendship truly means. As her circle of friends grows, Eleanor learns

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that friendship comes in all forms – and that despite our best intentions, we can’t always predict the future. This emotion-filled middle grade novel is perfect for prompting conversations about friendship, science, and discovering the truth. The Star Shepard by Dan Haring and MarcyKate Connolly (Available September 10) This sweet, adventurous story about a boy, his trusted dog, and his best friend is perfect for any young reader who has found himself or herself looking up at a night sky and wondering how the stars came to be. The plot of this beautifully-illustrated middle grade book is briskly paced, the characters are well developed – particularly Kyro, a star shepherd like his father – and the world building is so intriguing that if this becomes a series, it would be very deserved … and who doesn’t like a story about a boy and his dog?

CHILDREN Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls By Dav Pilkey (Available August 13) The hilarious series continues! According to www.scholastic.com, this time “The Supa Buddies have been working hard to help Dog Man overcome his bad habits. But when his obsessions turn to fears, Dog Man finds himself the target of an all-new supervillain! Meanwhile, Petey the Cat has been released from jail and starts a new life with Li’l Petey. But when Petey’s own father arrives, Petey must face

his past to understand the difference between being good and doing good.” If this book makes a kid run to the bookstore, upping their comprehension, and makes them laugh, then we have a winner. If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen (Available August 13) This is the book I wish I could place in every nervous child’s hands. If Jack built a school, there would be trampoline basketball courts, a robo chef that feeds you lunch, pop-up textbooks, and hover desks. Why even mention being nervous or scared? Jack, the inventive boy who described his ideal car and house in previous works, is dreaming even bigger this time … what would you do if you could build a school? I Love My Glam-Ma by Samantha Berger What Glam-Ma doesn’t know how to celebrate everything? When she’s around, every day is a holiday! This adorable book – by the award-winning author of Crankenstein, What If, Snoozefest, and more than 80 other books for young readers – is a joyful tribute to grandmothers who are young at heart, adventurous, and find a bit of glamour in everything they do, and celebrates all that grandmas are. They are all different, but are all loved for who they are.  Suzanne Lucey and her husband Dave own Page 158 Books, located at 415 S. Brooks St. in Wake Forest. She may be reached at 919-435-1843 or visit www.page158books.com.

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DOW N TOW N

WAKE FOREST LIVE IT UP IN DOWNTOWN!

his summer, head on down to Downtown Wake Forest and discover all that awaits ... whether you’re looking to grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee, do some shopping, enjoy some music and entertainment, and much more, you’re sure to find it here. There’s no better place to experience the “Wake Forest Vibe” _ so come explore this unique variety of businesses, restaurants, shops and more for yourself ... you’ll be glad you did! www.wakeforestdowntown.com

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platters stacked with sandwiches; bowls brimming with all sorts of salads; and more desserts than you could shake a stick at. Everyone wanted to show off their latest, greatest creation or recipe find. There were a few dishes that I knew would be there every year – I always looked forward to them, and I still remember them to this day. Great Aunt Ines made the most amazingly light, fluffy, and slightly sweet corn souffle with fresh corn from her garden. There were usually a couple of giant pails of freshly picked blueberries from my cousin Kevin’s orchard. And my family always contributed some of my favorites – open-faced sandwiches with cheese whiz and sliced green olives (don’t laugh – give it a try!); “Slime Jello” (seriously, so good ... lime Jello with pineapple and walnuts – it was originally a lime Jello dish that my uncle Rick re-named, just to lovingly irritate Grandma); and the family staple, “Old Settler Beans,” loaded with molasses, bacon, hamburger, and butter beans. My plate never seemed big enough to hold everything I wanted!

BY HOLLY HOPKINS

LEMON

LOVE

To me, though, the highlight was always the giant table full of desserts – everything from brownies of all types and sizes, cookies galore, rhubarb everything (it was Wisconsin after all), cakes and pies, and best of all, a collection of different types of lemony desserts. Some were cakes with fluffy frosting. Some were bars with a super lemony layer on top or dusted with powdered sugar. There was even the occasional meringue pie or bar, which never fared

Summer as a kid was full of riding bikes around the block, tons of sunscreen, helping Grandma and Grandpa weed their enormous garden, days at the swimming pool, reading under the shade of the Hackberry trees, family cookouts, and our

annual family reunions in my small hometown in Wisconsin. loved family reunion time … growing up, it meant I got to play with so many cousins my same age – most of whom I only saw that one time a year. I got the best hugs in the world from my great aunts and uncles who were always so happy to hear how I had been and what was new in school. And who could forget all the delicious food?

The reunions were always “bring a dish to pass.” We would line a bunch of picnic tables together as the main buffet table for all the goodies. There was always way more food than we needed, but that just made for a great variety of options from which to choose. There were slow cookers full of goulashes; casseroles filled with hot dishes; 30

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well in the summer heat. I always had to sample several, just to see what the differences were and which one was best. To this day, I still reach for the lemon “whatever” when I see it on a dessert tray. I want my lemon dessert to have a great lemony tang with just enough sweetness to take the edge off, but not lose that lemon punch. Oh, and don’t get between me and a good lemon meringue pie! I am always on the search for a new lemon dessert recipe. To that end, I started experimenting with lemon cookies a couple of years ago. I wanted to find one that was super lemony, but not overly soggy; one that was just the right amount of crisp and tender, and one that was a little lemon colored without using food coloring; one that caught your eye and begged you to take a bite. I tried oodles of recipes and finally combined a few different concepts to come up with the most amazing cookie (if I do say so myself!) that I call “Lemon Drop Cookies.” I am sharing the recipe with you as an homage to my childhood summers growing up and my love of a good lemon dessert. I am super excited to say that I just bought my airline ticket back “home” to Wisconsin this summer. It has been a few years since I’ve been back and I can’t wait to see some family I haven’t seen for ages … and, of course, to sample some delicious dishes, too! I plan on loading a batch of these cookies into my suitcase. I figure they will taste good, even if they end up as crumbs ... LEMON DROP COOKIES – 1 cup butter, softened – 2 cups white sugar – 2 eggs – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Lemon zest (typically 2 large or 3 small lemons) – 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (typically 2-3 lemons, depending on size) – 3 cups flour – 1½ teaspoon baking powder – ½ teaspoon baking soda – ¼ teaspoon salt

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Wash lemons and remove any stickers. Measure sugar into a mixing bowl (either the one from your stand mixer or into the bowl in which you will use your hand mixer). Set up the zester over the bowl containing the sugar and zest directly into the sugar. Stir the zest into the sugar. Add the softened butter and set the bowl aside. Measure the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a separate bowl, and set aside. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and add the vanilla. Cut the lemons in half and juice them using a handheld juicer or squeeze them into a bowl fitted with a colander to catch the seeds. Cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed. Mix until they are light and fluffy. Measure out the 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and add to the bowl with the creamed butter and sugar. Reduce the speed to low and mix to combine. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until they are completely incorporated. Then, add the contents of the flour mixture and mix on low until all of the flour has been incorporated. To bake: Preheat oven to 325 degrees before making the dough. Drop by the spoonful onto parchment-lined sheet pans. Flatten slightly with your hand (they will spread during baking). Bake for 10-12 minutes or until done. These cookies will retain all of their flavor if you wish to bake them a little longer for extra crispiness; but know they won’t retain their light, lemony color. Let cool. Leave plain, or dust with powdered sugar. To freeze: Drop by the spoonful onto parchment-lined sheet pans and freeze. Once they are completely frozen, place them into a freezer container and seal up. When you want to enjoy them, simply remove from the freezer and let them thaw. Then bake as instructed above.  Holly Hopkins has spent many years working in and with food, starting off cooking at her Grandma's elbow. Now, she is thrilled to be combining her passions for high quality food and superior customer service at Chef Mario’s. For more information, visit www.chefmario.com.

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FEEDING OUR

COMMUNITY

FOOD PANTRY FEEDS FATHER OF THREE ... AND CHANGES HIS LIFE FOREVER BY ANGELA BENDORF JAMISON

few years after moving to Wake Forest with his wife and three young daughters, Patrick Fiore lost his well-paying job and found himself in line at the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry (TAMFP) in need of food to feed his young family. “I call it a life-changing line,” Patrick explained. The experience made him a better person and an advocate for the food insecure. After having lost his job in 2007 when his employer sold to another company, Patrick and his family were getting by with support from his parents and his church; but with no one hiring, their situation grew worse. After church one Sunday, Patrick noticed in the lobby a beat-up box with a little food in it, and a sign reading, “Food for the Poor.” He was told it was a collection for the local food pantry. The priest said he could take anything in it, but Patrick was too proud to do so. After being told about Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry by a friend and the priest, Patrick eventually decided to go. When Patrick went to pick up his food, he felt angry and ashamed. Pitying himself, he noticed one of the TAMFP volunteers who smiled and greeted each person waiting in line. “His smile felt like a hug and he put everyone at ease,” Patrick shared. “I learned he was a long-time volunteer and Board member. His name was Lewis, and he was the inspiration of what I wanted to be. At that moment, I changed my attitude. I wanted to get everyone out of that line. I wanted to make a difference just like Lewis did.” When Patrick got his food, he thanked Lewis and said, “I’m going to give back to the food pantry 100 times.” Lewis looked at him and just smiled. He likely had heard the same thing said many times before.

the food pantry in his church bulletin, and when the donation box was full, he delivered it to TAMFP. “I forgot about me and was living off the wonderful feeling of doing for others,” Patrick said. His wife and girls were soon involved in helping deliver cans and nonperishable items to TAMFP. They loved seeing Lewis – a Wake Forest native who retired from his position after volunteering at the pantry for nearly 30 years – who would always give the girls candy. Ellen Kilberg, a volunteer who serves as director of community relations, says coming to the food pantry can be a humbling experience, but the volunteers try to make it as comfortable as possible for visitors. They certainly did that for Patrick. Today, he works two jobs, his three teenage daughters learned from their dad the importance of giving back, and all still solicit food donations for TAMFP.

On Patrick’s next trip to TAMFP, Lewis had bad news. Clients could only receive food one time per month and Patrick would have to wait to return in a few weeks. “He was still very kind, and this motivated me to do more for the food pantry, even though I was a client myself,” Patrick said. It took two years for Patrick to find a job, but in the meantime, he found ways to give back. That old box his church used to collect donations became a beautiful, painted wooden crate built by his daughter’s Girl Scout Troop #1820. He began diligently promoting 32

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TAMFP, located at 149 E. Holding Avenue in Wake Forest, is a nonprofit, non-denominational, 100 percent volunteer organization serving the towns of Wake Forest, Rolesville, Youngsville, and surrounding areas in Wake County. Food is distributed on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM and the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Clients can receive food donations once a month. Individuals, community organizations, and churches give both financial support and food donations (and although we often think of donating around the holiday season, when giving is top-of-mind, please try to donate during the summer season as well, and all year-long). Last year, during its 30th year as a nonprofit, TAMFP served 8,524 families with 220 tons of food. In addition to non-perishable staples, clients also received fresh vegetables, bread, butter, eggs, and meat, along with baby diapers, feminine hygiene, and incontinence products.  A TAMFP annual fundraiser called “Stop Hunger Feed Hope” helps sustain this level of giving. Now in its third year, the event will be held on Friday, October 18 at the Wake Forest Presbyterian Church (12605 Capital Boulevard). Learn more by visiting www.TriAreaMinistry.com or calling 919-556-7144. Angela Bendorf Jamison is the founder of Communicopia Marketing Services Inc. Special thanks to Jill Bright and Bright Funeral Home, one of the many sponsors of the TAMFP and their annual banquet ... her passion for the TAMFP helped inspire the writing of this story.

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BY RHONDA BENVIE PLUMMER

SIMPLE

SUMMER DECORATING IDEAS

Knowing that we are going to be spending a great deal of

– PAINT WALLS. 2019’s paint trend is all things bold. Pick an accent wall and go crazy. The colors of the year are mustard yellow, pinks, teal, indigo blue, and feminine tones. Incorporate these colors into your space for an instant transformation. Choose one that already coordinates with your space. If your furniture is neutral, splurge on some new pillows in the colors that are appealing to you and paint a wall in a coordinating hue for an immediate wow factor.

time outside during the warm summer months, we often use this as an opportunity to freshen up our outdoor living spaces. However, summertime is also the perfect time to tweak your interior living spaces as well. The summer season gives us a chance to tackle some quick and inexpensive interior decorating tasks that will liven up our homes. Yes, the sun is shining and our moods are lifted with that extra dose

– TILE BACKSPLASH. Does your kitchen need a makeover? A new tile backsplash could be all you need to bring it to life. The

of Vitamin D ... it’s time for our living space to be sunny too. So here are a few ideas for some easy breezy summer décor. – FLORALS. This is a huge trend right now. Bold and bright florals can be incorporated on your wall with a fresh new piece of artwork. Wallpapering an accent wall in huge bright florals may just be what your space is craving. If that is too much of a commitment for you, then simply toss a few pillows in the trendy floral patterns on your sofa, recliner, or bed. Remember, a little goes a long way and makes a bold statement. – MIXING OF METALS. An easy facelift for your kitchen or bathroom can be achieved by changing the cabinet knobs or pulls to a complementary metal rather than a matching one. For example, if your faucet and light fixture are brushed nickel, then change the knobs or pulls to black or oil-rubbed bronze, making sure their lines/style match the lines/style of the faucet and light fixture. Metal mixing gives interest to any space. Brass, gold, and nickel mix well with oil rubbed bronze and aged iron. Silver and pewter mix well with bronze and black as well. Get creative! – PAINT TRIM. Update a few of your favorite rooms with trim paint. Maybe you have stained trim ... paint it white for an instant pop of brightness. Perhaps you already have white trim everywhere and you want a splash of color. Paint the door of a room a complementary color to the room’s décor. Painting is an inexpensive way to create a huge impact. 34

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hot trend is bold and patterned. Bold can mean anything from a vibrant color to a tile that is full of texture. Moroccan-inspired patterned tiles are hot on the trend radar – they look best with countertops that have very little movement and pattern (otherwise, they tend to compete with each other). Mix a new backsplash with new knobs and you may think you are in a whole new house! – FRESH FLOWERS. Bringing the outside in is always a decorating staple, but never more so than during summer when it’s often too hot here in North Carolina to actually enjoy the outdoors. This season offers an ample array of colorful flowers and greenery that have texture galore. Ceramic jugs and vases in varying colors and finishes will showcase these blooms just beautifully. Don’t worry if you’re not a great flower arranger – simply cut them in varying heights to mimic nature and display in any space in your home (their fresh, summery scent is an added bonus). – VACATION ENVY. Do you love our state’s beautiful beaches or majestic mountains? Or maybe Europe or Asia is where you want to go. If an escape to one of these destinations isn’t in the cards (or even if it is!), why not bring a little of that locale into your home for the summer? Find and frame a vintage map of your favorite spot. Remember those pictures from the best vacation ever by getting them printed on canvas as a keepsake of the great ex-

perience. All of these can become fabulous artwork when hung on a wall, placed on the mantel, displayed in a bookshelf, etc. – ACCESSORIES. Replace a few older accessories with new ones to bring in some of the colors you are adding to your space. Think textures, colors, and items that speak to you. Colorful hardback books are an inexpensive way to introduce texture and tints. Turn the book around to see the pages instead of the binding, or rip the binding off for even more texture. Go a little further and show the distressed book a little DIY love by writing your favorite quote on it. Little tweaks go a long way. No matter how you decide to update your indoor space for the summer, do at least one thing to brighten it up. It could be as easy as picking fresh flowers out of your yard and proudly displaying them on your kitchen counter. Or you may decide to go all out and redo that kitchen backsplash. Regardless, make sure you love it ... it is your home, after all. But if you’re looking for more ideas and inspiration, then perhaps a brief consultation with an interior designer is something to consider. Happy summer decorating!  Rhonda Benvie Plummer is the owner of Help Me Rhonda Interiors, 1600 Heritage Commerce Court, Suite 103 in Wake Forest and Open Door Furniture & Accents, a furniture and accessories store also in Wake Forest. Visit www.helpmerhondainteriors.com or www.opendoorfurnitureandaccents.com, or call 919-263-9054.

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– Learn how to swim. Swimming is a vital life skill, and swimming lessons are the best way to prevent drowning. A person’s chance of drowning decreases by 80 percent when they’ve had swim lessons. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children ages 1 to 4 who take swim lessons may be less likely to drown. And adults who don’t know how to swim should take lessons as soon as possible. Children most likely to drown are those with a parent who is afraid of the water. If a parent can overcome fear and get swim lessons for their child (and themselves, if needed), they will break the cycle of fear and reduce the risk of drowning for generations to come. – Never swim alone. Swimming is always safer with a buddy who can call for help should the need arise. Keep your cell phone charged and nearby. – Never leave children unattended, and don’t depend on the lifeguard. Never leave a baby or toddler unattended – even for a moment. Supervise your child directly and look for signs of struggle or exhaustion as a signal to take a break. Utilize the “touch rule” by always being within arm’s reach when young children are in the water. – Avoid distractions. Drowning can happen where you least expect it. It often occurs silently, and it only takes a couple inches

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e spoke with Dr. Andy Jakubowicz and Dr. Courtney Mann, who care for patients at the WakeMed Children’s Emergency Department, to get a few of their top swimming tips to keep you, your children, and loved ones safe in and around water. While you’re getting out the swimwear, take time with your family to review these tips. 36

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of water to create a drowning hazard. Distractions can quickly lead to tragedy. Secondary drowning – also known as dry drowning – can also occur after a child is briefly submerged in a bathtub or extremely shallow waters, such as a baby pool, or at the water’s edge of an ocean, river, or lake. A child (or adult) can breathe in a small amount of water to experience secondary drowning. If someone has a near-drowning experience and seems fine after being pulled to safety, be sure to monitor them closely. – Know how to identify and navigate a rip tide. Tragically, rip tides have already claimed numerous lives at North Carolina beaches this year. Before you leave town, take the time to learn more about how to identify and navigate a rip tide. The National Weather Service and NOAA websites (weather.gov and noaa.gov, respectively) are great resources. Check the surf forecast (also available from the National Weather Service) to know your specific beach’s risk for rip currents and pay attention to beach warning flags. – Limit horseplay. Dunking and jumping onto other children may cause injuries and make it difficult to detect when a child is in danger. – Backyard pool or spa? Be cautious when hosting guests or visiting others. Home pools and spas are a real life-threatening hazard to young children. Deflate inflatable pools each night. Ensure pool gates, alarms, and home door locks work, and always have a plan for actively supervising children, even inside the home. Should you lose a child, even for a moment, always check water sources first!  Specifically designed to meet the emergency care needs of children, the WakeMed Children’s Emergency Department, located at 3000 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh, is the only dedicated pediatric emergency department in Wake County, caring for thousands of kids every year.

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THE NEXT STEP

IN GRILL EVOLUTION

BY JOE KIMRAY

ummer is finally here, and for many people, that means it’s time to get outside in the evenings with family and friends to fire up the grill. Grilling has been around since the dawn of time. But when you think of modern grilling, the history really began in the 1920s when the charcoal briquette was invented by Edward Kingsford. The Weber charcoal kettle grill was created in the early 1950s, and the backyard cooking phenomenon captivated the newly-formed suburbs.

Operation of the grill is a simple process. Wood pellets are loaded into a hopper on the side of the grill. There is an auger in the bottom of that hopper, which transports the pellets to a fire pot inside of the grill. This fire pot is where the fire is contained. The user turns the grill on and sets a temperature on the controller. As long as there are pellets in the hopper, the grill will automatically feed them to the fire pot at a rate to keep the temperature constant where it is set.

In the 1980s, mass-market production of “square, free-standing” models made gas grills, with their convenience and ease of use, the new standard of back decks across the country. In the mid1990s, ceramic “egg” grills became popular with the ability to use charcoal and wood in a Kamado-style cooking process.

The indirect heat is provided through the use of a drip tray that diverts all of the fat and drippings from the meat into a bucket on the side of the grill, or into a grease drawer under the grill (depending on model). That drip tray is also essential to the cleanliness of the grill. Simply line that tray with aluminum foil for easy cleaning.

While most consumers are familiar with the aforementioned grill categories, a new type of grill is rapidly gaining market share, and is becoming the new standard for backyard cooking. That is the versatile cooking system of a wood pellet grill. Wood pellet grills have been around since the mid-1980s, but were only a regional commodity of the Pacific northwest. This was due to the fact that between 1986 and 2006, Joe Traeger held the patent for a wood pellet grill. His family-owned company was based in Oregon, and remained a regional fixture until the patent expired. In 2014, the Traeger brand was acquired by Jeremy Andrus who brought new leadership and fresh ideas of technology to the brand. Under his leadership, despite other brands now having the ability to compete, Traeger constitutes over 70% of the wood pellet grill market. Within five years, it is expected that it will be a billiondollar brand. A wood pellet grill uses an indirect heat, convection-style cooking process that circulates heat around the food, allowing the meat to remain juicy. Wood pellets provide a better flavor than charcoal in an easy-to-use system like a gas grill. This process has helped make grilling more accessible to everyone, regardless of grilling skill level. 38

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The newest technology that has been sweeping the grilling nation is the introduction of the Wi-Fi enabled wood pellet grill. Using IOT cloud-based technology, everything about this grill can be controlled via an app on iOS or Android devices, allowing for remote monitoring of everything from the grill temperature and internal meat temperature to the amount of pellets that remain in the hopper. In addition, Traeger has recently installed updated direct-drive motors to the augers; this direct-drive action feeds pellets to the fire pot faster upon start up, allowing the grills to heat up much more quickly than their predecessors. The lazy days and leisurely evenings of summer provide an optimal time for you to gather friends and family and get outside and get grilling, whether it’s on the more traditional gas grill or “egg” version, or the revolutionary wood pellet grill. Regardless which route you go, we can all agree that enjoying some good grilling is one of the best ways to enjoy the summer season.  Joe Kimray is with B&W Hardware, Co., located at 232 S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest. B&W Hardware is the largest Traeger Grills dealer on the East Coast – and the only Traeger Platinum Dealer in the region. As the regional authority on the brand, they have the ability to provide you all of the information about how you can be a part of this wood fired revolution. For more information, call 919-556-3562 or visit www.wakeforesthardware.com. Photo courtesy of Traeger Grills.

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hue, and wrap up this quick-and-easy centerpiece by filling the jar. If you’re lucky enough to have a beautiful garden, add water and freshly cut flowers. For a little extra touch, put lemon and lime slices in the water and place them around your back porch, deck, or patio. For a more dramatic look, group several together. No time to decorate your mason jars before your cookout guests show up on your back patio? No worries! You can still use them at your summer cookout – simply fill them up with your favorite summertime refreshments instead of the ordinary plastic cup.

BY DOLORES RIGGINS

SUMMER

ENTERTAINING ON THE DIY

Galvanized buckets have many purposes when it comes to prepping for that last-minute summer gathering – from serving as a beverage station when filled with ice and cold beverages to holding paper plates and plastic utensils to serving as the base for a quick seasonal centerpiece you can create on the fly. Simply add sand to securely hold miniature American flags that can be picked up at your favorite dollar store for those festive Fourth of July and Labor Day cookouts. Or fill with fresh soil and freshly snipped beautiful blooms for an instant table decoration that will help set your party’s theme. Create a magical vibe for your summer soiree by simply hanging bulb or string lights around your deck or patio. String them among the trees and enjoy an evening under the lights. Strands of white Christmas lights are great for this – and you more than likely have them on hand already. You may have to go digging through

The lazy days of summer mean it’s time for backyard barbeques, watching fireflies, and spending time with family and good friends. While we often like to plan for these memorable moments, sometimes they are best when they are impromptu gatherings. Of course, you want these moments to be as stress-free as possible, but you also want them to be festive and special. Mason jars, fresh flowers, bandanas, and metal buckets are just a few items you may have tucked around the house that can add that last-minute special touch

to a time you will fondly remember for years to come. he simple yet charming mason jar is very versatile and can be spruced up at a moment’s notice; and if you’re like me, you have dozens scattered around your home. I suggest always keeping some jute cording and/or a few pieces of burlap on hand for some quick DIY decorating. Wrap a 2-inch wide piece of burlap around a mason jar, hot glue it, and add a strand of jute tied into a little bow. For a splash of color, add some baker’s twine in a vibrant 40

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the Christmas crates this time, but for the future, I recommend that when packing up the decorations after the holiday season is over, leave a couple strands out so you can grab and hang them last minute – chances are they will be used more than a few times before Christmas rolls around again. Glass candy jars in various sizes make unique serving containers for impromptu get-togethers. Since these containers come with lids, not only do they keep summer staples like tossed salads, fruit salads, and pasta salads fresh and tasty, but they also keep those bothersome bugs out. For a sweet twist, fill one candy jar with chocolate bars, one with marshmallows, and another with graham crackers – an instant and fun S’mores set up! Fire up the fire pit, find some nice long sticks or skewers, and enjoy a sweet evening of summer fun. With a summer cookout full of juicy burgers, delicious corn on the cob, and fresh fruit, napkins are a must. Why not add a little fun and use red and blue bandanas as napkins? They can be found in craft and dollar stores, so go ahead and buy a handful for that last-minute get-together. Don’t want to use the traditional red and blue? You are in luck! Bandanas are available in a rainbow of colors. They have so many other practical uses as well, such as covering food while waiting to serve it, lining the basket holding the hot dog and hamburger buns, or as placemats atop your summer party table. Back to the multi-purpose mason jars I mentioned earlier … concoct your own bug repellent that is not only effective, but pretty, too. Fill a jar with water and about 10 drops of rosemary essential oil, stirring well. Add four or five slices for lemon and lime, along with a sprig of rosemary. Remove a tea light from its metal holder, place in the water, light the candle, and enjoy. Place several jars around the party area for a fresh summery smell that will help keep those uninvited mosquitos away. Summer is a time for fun, friends, and family – not stress, worry, and panic at the mere mention of outdoor entertaining. By having just a few simple items at your fingertips, you’ll be able to quickly and easily design some delightful DIY decorations and host the perfect summer party, allowing you to enjoy the season to the fullest.  Dolores Riggins is the co-owner of Southern Suds & Gifts, featuring over 35 craftsmen and artists, located at 213 S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest. (www.facebook.com/SouthernSudsAndGifts)

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DENTAL DEVELOPMENTS INNOVATIONS IN PAINLESS ORAL HEALTH CARE BY DR. EDMOND SUH

As with any industry, innovation and technological changes are taking place constantly. Most of us would not grab a paper map or print directions from Google Maps to head out on a trip. Instead, we would plug the destination into our phone’s or vehicle’s GPS and rely on turn-by-turn directions to take us from point “A” to point “B.” These same technology changes are impacting many aspects of our lives – and with continued breakthroughs in the dental field, they are

screenings. Furthermore, the Microlux Transilluminator provides greater visibility of healthy and diseased gum tissue, which helps in oral cancer screenings. Many people avoid the dentist because they fear pain. Sedation therapy for dental treatment is another way patients can wake up with a new and healthy smile without pain or noise. Specific patient monitoring equipment and small sedation pills (not IV) can provide a convenient treatment approach in typically just one appointment. Pain previously associated with testing for periodontal disease

helping transform the overall patient experience. hile it goes without saying, good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing at least twice a day) and preventive dental checkups every six months are the best way to stay on top of your dental health. But in the event a dental issue is detected, avoid simply having the problem repaired without understanding the cause to help ensure it does not happen again. The implementation of innovation provides profound dental treatment benefits for the patient. Having access to the latest technology and trained professionals in dental care allows patients to have fewer dental visits and more conservative treatment plans. Laser cavity detection, for example, allows for the diagnosis and treatment of cavities in their earliest stages. Catching a cavity early can reduce – or even eliminate – the need for drilling. Using lasers in the treatment process also provides fast, effective, and often completely painless alternatives to many traditional dental techniques. Another example of advanced dental technology is the use of the Microlux Transilluminator. This device allows for the illumination of teeth and dental tissue. Utilizing this technology aids in the detection of cavities and cracks on both the front and backsides of teeth, as well as the identification of root fractures and the measuring of gum tissue for periodontal disease (gum disease) 42

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can also be avoided with the use of oral DNA testing. With a simple salivary test, patients can be comfortably and effectively tested using this non-invasive, comprehensive approach without the aggressive, often painful, scraping. Radiation exposure for patients can be reduced by up to 80% through the use of digital x-rays versus traditional methods. This technology provides images instantly, creating faster, more accurate results for patient diagnosis. Paired with digital photography, the ability to use high definition images provides patients with the optimum diagnosis, treatment, and documentation of progress throughout their treatment. Unlike traditional x-rays, these images provide visibility so that patients can clearly see and understand their need for treatment. With today’s technology so readily available, no one should skip a dental visit because of their fear of pain and discomfort. To stay abreast of the ongoing innova-

tions and technological advancements for patient care, continuing education and specialized training on contemporary, painless techniques is essential for dental practices. Patients deserve the most effective and comfortable solutions to their dental needs. The field of dentistry is constantly evolving to best suit patient needs. So if you’ve been avoiding going to the dentist and haven’t had a routine exam in the last six months, remember that these advancements are in place to make your experience as pleasant and pain-free as possible. So go ahead and schedule your appointment today ... your smile is worth it. 

919-556-6200

Dr. Edmond Suh, DDS is with Supremia Dentistry, located at 1711 S. Main Street in Wake Forest. He is an international lecturer on contemporary dental techniques. At Supremia Dentistry, expect something different as they welcome you to their patient family. Call 919-556-6200 to learn more or schedule an appointment. You can also visit www.supremiadentitsry.com.

Schedule your appointment or request a complimentary consultation today! 1711 South Main Street Wake Forest www.supremiadentistry.com CIRCA Magazine

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and was hooked. He even started a computer club at his high school, teaching himself Python – a high-level, general-purpose coding language – in the process. Now, at 20-years-old, Malcom is knowledgeable in coding languages Java and JavaScript as well. Malcom has also attended a “hackathon,” an event in which participants received 24 hours to create a unique project within certain themes. His knowledge of coding, paired with skills gained from coding classes and clubs – including teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking – landed him several awards at the competition. The list of achievements doesn’t end there ... Malcom is currently working on his continuing education certifications in offensive security and network and plans to become a malware analyst, saving the world from computer virus attacks.

BY MICHELLE PREDDICE AND ANDREA DABAL

UNLOCKING THE

FUTURE

Malcom’s passion for coding is never-ending. Not only does he utilize his coding skills in high-level coding competitions and career pathways, he enjoys sharing his knowledge of coding languages with today’s youth. Through his intelligence in the coding field and his variety of accomplishments, as well as his passion for spreading the popularity of coding, Malcom displays the many benefits that coding can provide. Wright Esposito also demonstrates the positive characteristics that learning to code has to offer. At only 18-years-old, he already has a high school diploma and two years of college courses under his

CODING TODAY CAN OPEN THE DOOR FOR A SUCCESSFUL TOMORROW If you’ve tuned into our past articles, you’ll know that we are big proponents of learning to code at a young age. With a variety of skills that can flourish with the ability to code – such as critical thinking, creatively thinking “outside the box,” exercising teamwork, and more – obtaining knowledge of the “language of tomorrow” in youthful years provides an array of benefits that can prove necessary throughout a lifetime. Two talented young individuals within our community particularly demonstrate the successes that

learning to code present. alcom Speed, a passionate coder, decided in the 9th grade that he wanted to become a cyber security specialist. Originally interested in video game development, he took a computer security class for a certification

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belt. Wright is one of the first graduates of NC Virtual Academy, a state-run online high school; he has also earned various technological certifications, including one from Microsoft. Wright’s plethora of accomplishments at such a young age shows that learning to code is an asset that can certainly help today’s children discover critical characteristics, confidence, and even career readiness. In addition to his educated coding background, Wright showed career readiness at a young age as well. In 2015, he began his own drone company, Wright Sights, which provides monthly progress pictures for construction sites. Furthermore, he also owns Sloth Studios, LLC, a software, game, and app development company. In his free time, he engages in contract work for programming and enjoys teaching kids how to code. This goes to show that an early knowledge of coding can present a trajectory of success for careers in many types of technology. When looking at both Malcom Speed and Wright Esposito, it is easy to see that their accomplishments are immense. Not only has learning to code provided them each with unique and impressive career paths, but it has given them ways in which they can share their knowledge and use it to benefit others. These real-life local examples demonstrate how vital exposure to coding at a young age is in the ever-so technologydriven world we live in today.  Malcom and Wright are both “senseis” at Code Ninjas Wake Forest. Their knack for working with kids is evident and they know how to mix the right amount of fun with learning, helping to make them definite favorites with the "ninja" students. Andrea Dabal and Michelle Preddice are the owners of Code Ninjas, located at 941 Gateway Commons Circle in Wake Forest. For more information about how coding can help your child or to get your child started on his or her coding path, call 919296-8330 or visit www.codeninjas.com/ locations/nc-wake-forest. Photo courtesy of Nicole Fusan.

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A CLEAR

VISION

FOR LEARNING BY CASSANDRIA WARR

ision has many components – and if any of these components are reduced, they can affect learning for a child. Visual acuity is the ability to see the letters on the eye chart, and is only one part of vision. It can affect learning if reduced because the child may not be able to see the board or see his or her paper. This is generally corrected with glasses or contact lenses. There are many vital visual skills necessary for learning. Some of these vital visual skills are: eye movement control (the ability to move both eyes together to follow along a path, like a line of text); simultaneous alignment at near, also known as convergence (lining up both eyes at the same point up close); sustaining alignment at near (holding both eyes lined up at the same point up close); gross visual-motor (moving through space without bumping into things by using information from your vision); fine visual-motor (writing, sewing, texting, and doing other small and close-up activities with accuracy by using information from your vision); and visual perception (the brain’s ability to make sense of what the eyes see).

Eye teaming and eye coordination problems like convergence insufficiency generally cannot be improved with eyeglasses or surgery. Vision therapy – an individualized program designed by a developmental optometrist that can help to correct vision dysfunctions – may be needed to improve eye coordination abilities, reduce symptoms, and alleviate discomfort when doing close work. Our eyes have an automatic focusing system which adjusts the lens in order to see clearly at all distances. When we look far away, up close, and back again, our eyes change focus rapidly to allow us to see things clearly at all distances. A problem with how easily or quickly our eyes focus is called an accommodative dysfunction.

Eye movement control is the coordinated movement of the eyes to follow along a line of text or follow a ball. When children have trouble with eye movement control, they may have trouble tracking while reading and they may lose their place, skip words or lines, and have trouble copying from the board. Convergence is the coordinated movement and focus of our two eyes inward on close objects, such as books. Convergence insufficiency is a common problem with the development of these skills. When convergence is insufficient, it means that the eyes do not come together closely enough when looking at a near object like a book, so the eyes are essentially looking “past” the target or page of the book. It can also mean that convergence cannot be sustained properly. When we are not able to converge our eyes easily and accurately, problems may develop, such as: eye strain, headaches, double vision, difficulty reading and concentrating, avoidance of near work, poor sports performance, and dizziness or motion sickness. 46

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Normally, children have a large amount of focusing capacity. However, some do not have the ability to maintain focus for a long time while reading, or they may be unable to quickly change focus from near to distance to near, etc. Accommodative dysfunctions can cause: blurred vision; difficulty maintaining clear vision, especially at near; difficulty shifting focus from one distance to another; visual discomfort and eye strain; pain in or around the eye; fatigue; moving print; headaches; and avoidance of near work. In some cases, glasses for near use only, or in special bifocal form, may be needed. Improved focusing ability can usually be developed with vision therapy.

ception, he or she might have difficulty completing puzzles or dot to dots; planning actions in relation to objects around them; with spatial concepts such as “in, out, on, under, next to, up, down, in front of;” differentiating between “b, d, p, q;” reversing numbers or letters when writing; losing place on a page when reading or writing; remembering left and right; forgetting where to start reading; sequencing letters or numbers in words or math problems; remembering the alphabet in sequence; copying from one place to another (e.g. from board, from book, from one side of the pa-

per to the other); remembering sight words; attending to a word on a printed page due to his/her inability to block out other words around it; and with hidden picture activities or finding a specific item in a cluttered desk. If your child has many of these symptoms, you should have him or her seen by an optometrist who specializes in vision therapy.  Cassandria Warr is a developmental optometrist with McPherson Family Eye Care, located at 3150 Rogers Road, Suite 110 in Wake Forest. For more information, visit www.mcphersonfamilyeyecare.com or call 919-263-9163.

Adults can also have accommodative dysfunction. However, this is not to be confused with a very common visual condition called presbyopia, the term for age-related focusing problems. In adults, these are due to loss of the natural elasticity of the lens inside the eyes. As we age, the focusing lenses become less flexible, and we begin to experience blurred vision at close distances. Visual perception is made up of many skills as well: sensory processing (accurate registration, interpretation, and response to sensory stimulation in the environment and the child’s own body); visual attention (focusing on important visual information and filtering out unimportant background information); visual discrimination (determining differences or similarities in objects based on size, color, shape, etc.); visual memory (recalling visual traits of a form or object); visual spatial relationships (understanding the relationships of objects within the environment); visual sequential-memory (recalling a sequence of objects in the correct order): visual figure ground (locating something in a busy background); visual form constancy (knowing that a form or shape is the same, even if it has been made smaller/larger or has been turned around); and visual closure (recognizing a form or object when part of the picture is missing). If a child has difficulties with visual per-

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things baseball in our state. Within the over 3,300-square-foot museum, you will discover more than 6,000 items of baseball memorabilia, including baseball cards, letters, and game-worn items of players past and present, with a special emphasis on many of the 400+ North Carolina players who had the opportunity to play Major League Baseball. A major attraction of the museum are the seven glass cases dedicated to those North Carolina ballplayers who were elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Those players are Luke Appling, Rick Ferrell, Jim “Catfish” Hunter, Gaylord Perry, Buck Leonard, Enos Slaughter, and Hoyt Wilheim.

BY KENT LOWER

HIDDEN

GEM

Within another space you will encounter items covering the former Negro League players, women in baseball, and minor league teams, as well as college and high school teams throughout North Carolina. Game-used jerseys hang from the ceiling where baseball fans can immerse themselves into the vast history and success of baseball right here in our state. And you can’t miss the museum’s “Walk of Fame,” a collection of bricks to commemorate, honor, and recognize players, fans, and their families. Open since 2004, the non-profit North Carolina Baseball Museum is staffed primarily by volunteers – those who share the love of the sport with visitors, year-round, every Thursday through Sunday when the doors are open to the public (hours are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

NORTH CAROLINA BASEBALL MUSEUM

t doesn’t get much better than taking in a baseball game on a warm summer night … sipping a cold beer, savoring a slaw-slathered hot dog, listening to the roar of the crowd. We are fortunate enough here in the Triangle to have many opportunities to do just that – no matter if you’re cheering on the Durham Bulls, the Carolina Mudcats, the Wilson Tobs, the new Fayetteville Woodpeckers, or any other local North Carolina team, rooting for the home team brings about a sense of good ol’ American pride. It’s easy to see why baseball is considered our nation’s favorite pastime. Baseball is big around our parts – with the just-mentioned minor league teams scattered around the region, multiple universities with prominent teams surrounding us, and youth leagues playing at almost every ball field in town, it’s no wonder that local businesses and individuals rallied together to found this issue’s “Hidden Gem” – the North Carolina Baseball Museum. Comfortably seated in Wilson, on the third-base side of historic Fleming Stadium (home of the Wilson Tobs), you will find the North Carolina Baseball Museum – a “monument” of sorts to all 48

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Sundays; admission is $3 for ages 18-65, and $1 for all other ages). In the 15 years that it’s been delighting die-hard baseball fans, the museum has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and international visitors from more than 15 countries. So if you too are interested in learning fun and fascinating facts and stats about baseball – such as the tidbit that Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in nearby Fayetteville in 1914 – as well as wander among the thousands of mementos and artifacts related to the game and players across North Carolina, head on over about 35 miles east of Wake Forest and visit this “Hidden Gem.”  The museum’s financial support is based on two annual fundraisers – the Hot Stove Banquet that occurs in mid-January and the annual golf tournament held in mid-May, which brings out sports legends past and present from North Carolina who have made an impact in the sports history of our state. Everyone is encouraged to participate in these great events to help support and maintain the museum. To schedule group or team tours, call 252-296-3048 or email ncbaseballmuseum@myglnc.com. For more information about the museum, an online player database, event information, and more, visit http://ncbaseballmuseum.gear.host/main.aspx. You can also follow them on social media to stay up-to-date with information about the museum and North Carolina baseball news (Facebook: @thencbaseballmuseum and Twitter: @ncbaseballmuseu). Special thanks to North Carolina Baseball Museum Board members Kent Montgomery and Quintin Gilfus for their help with this article.

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BUILDING

HOPE

ONE CHILD AT A TIME

BY MARGARITA COHEN

y husband Rich and I truly love North Carolina. We especially love being outdoors during the spring and summer seasons. In my opinion, there is no better place in the world to be on a warm evening than our own back deck. I guess that is why we are so passionate about fighting mosquitoes. We also believe in giving back, and although we have supported several outstanding charities over the last few years, I have to tell you about one in particular – the Roc Solid Foundation – that is doing some very special things for some local families currently fighting pediatric cancer. It all started at the 2017 Growler Beach Volleyball Tournament, a St. Baldrick’s event we sponsor. St. Baldrick’s mission is to fund research to fight childhood cancer. Rich and I were setting up our table when I began talking to the sponsor at the next table. Her name was Kara Bonvillian and she was a newly appointed engagement coordinator whose mission was to bring Roc Solid Foundation to North Carolina. After hearing Kara passionately describe their mission of building hope for local kids fighting cancer by offering opportunities for them to do what they do best – play – I knew that Rich and I had to get involved. After all, our commitment is to “make outside fun again,” and Roc Solid’s motto is “Play Defeats Cancer.” It just seemed like it was a perfect match. It was 2009 when Roc Solid Foundation officially came to life in Chesapeake, Virginia, and August of 2017 when Kara led Roc Solid’s expansion into North Carolina. Their nonprofit organization strives to shine light on very dark circumstances, providing opportunities for kids with cancer to play through their flagship “Play It Forward” program and also by giving “Ready Bags” to families when their child is first diagnosed, so they know they are not alone as they begin a terrifying journey. “Play it Forward” has one purpose – to build hope for families fighting pediatric cancer through the power of play. At each “Play It Forward” project, the family is taken by limo for the morning while a group of volun50

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teers work to build a brand-new playset in their backyard. When they return home, they are escorted back for the big reveal. Rich and I first experienced a Roc Solid playset build when we sponsored a build for Preston, a local boy fighting lymphoma. Sponsorship meant funding the build and recruiting volunteers willing to give up a Saturday morning to help construct the playset. Since everyone who participated had a truly inspiring experience, I have no doubt that finding volunteers for future builds will not be a problem. In addition, to make the playset even more fun, we also offer the families all-natural mosquito treatments for the rest of the season. For our first build, we and the other volunteers built Preston a playset, through the guidance and direction of the Roc Solid team, in just a few hours. Why playsets? They not only provide a safe play area for the child that is free from germs, but they also represent an escape from cancer; when kids are playing, cancer is the last thing on their minds. At Roc Solid, they call this “what hope looks like.” We will never forget how genuinely happy Preston and his family were when they saw their new playset for the first time ... in that moment, play defeated cancer! In addition to playsets, their mission begins inside each children’s hospital through their Roc Solid “Ready Bag” program. These bags are given to families on the worst day of their lives – the day they find out their child has cancer. Their battle starts that day, so “Ready Bags” include everything a family might need for their unexpected hospital stay – toiletries, a blanket, a journal, a Samsung tablet, and much more. These essentials are helpful, but they also send a message to each family that they are not alone as they begin this journey. Locally, Roc Solid Ready Bags are given to every single family at UNC and Duke Children’s Hospitals immediately following the diagnosis that their child has pediatric cancer. These bags allow each family to stay together, instead of one parent having to go home and pack a bag while the other stays with the child at the hospital to start treatment. Through the program, this moment of separation

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on such a terrible day is eradicated. Roc Solid has been sending UNC Children’s Hospital their Ready Bags for over two years, and recently started sending Duke Children’s Hospital their Ready Bags in January of this year. Combined, they have currently distributed over 200 bags to these two local children’s hospitals. Additionally, by the end of their 2019 build season, they will have constructed 21 playsets for kids fighting cancer in the Triangle area. As a foundation, their sole priority is kids and families fighting pediatric cancer. Their goal is to bring hope to every single one of the 16,000 families facing pediatric cancer nationwide every year. By the way, that’s over 400 right here in North Carolina. By partnering with them, we cannot change the fact that a child has cancer, but we can change the way that a family fights it.

Looking for a cool place to stop this summer?

Visit the Wake Forest Historical Museum Gardens!

Working with The Roc Solid Foundation and sponsoring builds is one of the most rewarding things Rich and I have ever done. Watching the expression of joy by Preston and his sister at the reveal, and then watching them rush in and play with their neighborhood friends is a memory I am sure we will cherish for years to come.

414 North Main Street • Wake Forest, NC 27587 • 919-556-2911 Free and Open to the Public • wakeforestmuseum.org

I encourage other business owners to consider becoming a build sponsor. You won’t regret it! Individuals can support the Roc Solid Foundation as well. For example, at the cost of $300 per ready bag, a donation of as little as $25 per month for 12 months can provide one family a Ready Bag. If you want to get involved or have further questions about Roc Solid Foundation, please email kara@rocsolidfoundation.org, or visit www.rocsolidfoundation.org.  Margarita Cohen is the owner of Mosquito Joe of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, providing mosquito control treatments to the greater Wake Forest Area. She is also a proud sponsor of the Roc Solid Foundation. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit rdc.mosquitojoe.com or call 919-926-8851.

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their couch as they can from getting up and going into a store. If the person purchasing from you can get to know you, enjoys you, trusts you, and likes you – they will want to engage with you and your business, support you, and make that purchase from you and your store versus that “one-click” option. 2. REACHING MULTIPLE PEOPLE AT ONE TIME. When posting to Facebook, for example, it is quite possible to reach thousands of people with little effort when the post is executed correctly – even without “boosting” or putting any money behind the post. When it comes to your marketing budget, it’s important to look at an array of variables. Is your target audience being attracted? How many people are you reaching? Do you have multiple avenues of marketing? Social media is a wonderful way to reach a large targeted demographic while maintaining a low marketing budget. Like with all things, there is room for spending and getting more creative with that marketing budget. However, there are great ways to utilize social media without having to spend in order to achieve a great reach. 3. CONNECTING WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS IN REAL TIME. If you are running a promotion, meeting with a special guest, or simply have a tip you want to share – share it, right then and there! There is no need to wait to share that information via social media. Whether you are brave enough to do a Facebook

BY MAURANDA DALZIEL

THE POWER OF

SOCIAL MEDIA 5 REASONS SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING WORKS FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS When it comes to social media marketing, many are left scratching their heads wondering where to begin, or what all the fuss is even about. As a small business owner constantly looking for ways to get on the radar of potential customers, it is important to be in the mix with social media now more than ever, and for many reasons. Here are five of the primary ones ... 1. THE ABILITY TO ENGAGE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS. We live in a world where people enjoy doing business with whom they know, like, and trust. Yes, there are many quick “one-click” options out there where people can order the same item from 52

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LIVE video, decide to record a video ahead of time, or want to post pictures of your interaction – you can share it all right away. 4. GETTING TO KNOW YOU. As mentioned previously, it’s important that your customers, clients and prospects get to know you for you. If you are providing a service, some people will feel much more comfortable feeling like they “know” you before they connect with you to discuss financial, insurance, real estate, home improvement options, etc. 5. STAY IN CONTACT WITH YOUR PAST CUSTOMERS. One well-known fact is that marketing to past customers is more affordable than marketing to new prospects. It’s also an easier approach – especially with social media. As long as you are staying top of mind, sharing what you do, who you are, and being positive in your message, you are way ahead of many others. If you’re utilizing social media as a marketing tool already, add in these tips. If you haven’t started yet, create a business page and go ahead and give it a try! Enjoy the interaction and this phenomenal marketing tool, and the business you just might gain.  Mauranda Dalziel is the founder and CEO of Gather Group & Co., a full service marketing firm located in Wake Forest. She may be reached at 919-446-5511 or gathergroupco.com.

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September 2019

To heal the adult, heal the inner child

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OUR HERITAGE REVISITED ALL THINGS DOWNTOWN BY AMY PIERCE “Our Heritage” is reprinting and updating earlier articles as a way of introducing a ballooning newcomer population to Wake Forest history and culture.

“On dimestore Saturdays our piggy banks came down. And Mama would dress us up and walk us all downtown. Brother bought sweet candy corn,a paddle ball and a water gun. I gave my nickel to the drugstore man for an icy Co-Cola in a pointy cup, held in a silver stand.”

consider myself fortunate to have grown up in two small southern towns and to have lived for the past several decades in another. The above verse, taken from my song, Anthem, reflects my very young days in the mid-1950s in Jackson, North Carolina, a little town surrounded still by fields of cotton and peanuts. In those days, I was thrilled when crop dusters appeared at the dimming of a summer day to suddenly drop out of the sky and skim low, really low, across timber-bound fields, the foggy pesticide fanning out from the back of the little plane before it pulled up at the last possible moment, barely clearing pines and hardwoods before heading off to some other farmer’s field. Downtown, though, was always the favorite destination for my brothers and me. As the song says, “Mama would dress us up and walk us all downtown.” Well, people don’t dress up anymore to go downtown. However, downtowns remain destination points in communities still fortunate enough to have them, and Wake Forest is one such community. In fact, this town has the distinction of being a North Carolina Main Street Community. The designation, awarded by The North Carolina Main Street Program, helps “small towns to recognize and preserve their historic fabric, and … build on their unique characteristics to create vibrant central business districts…” Through hard work and local investment, Wake Forest boasts a vibrant downtown filled with candy, coffee, and ice cream shops; wine and beer establishments; cafes and restaurants; shops galore; a book store; art studios; spas and salons; music studios; antique and vintage shops; and much, much more.

where you can still find icy Co-Cola (southernese for Coke) in those rare little six-ounce bottles. Downtown is where you can still buy candy that triggers a sense of nostalgia. You can treat yourself to a creative flavor of a delicious ice cream scoop that is full of local, natural ingredients. You can shop for hometown, handmade art and gifts or discover some unique vintage and retro finds from days gone by. You can linger in the many cafes and coffee shops that are scattered around, or perhaps you’d rather grab a nice cold beer to cool you off a bit on these hot summer’s days. Or maybe you’ve got a few minutes on a Saturday morning to pop on over to the Wake Forest Farmer’s Market. And be sure to stop in the family-owned, 70-year-old B & W Hardware store, where you can get that “old-fashioned” hardware store experience you had as a kid ... and enjoy some free popcorn while you shop! The smell will certainly take you back in time. No matter what, it’s always fun to walk around Downtown, and these are just some of unique places you’ll find when you do. And if you’re like me, you’ll probably find yourself swearing under your breath that you won’t buy anything this time. But then… well, “Just this one thing.” And before you know it, you’ll be going home with a pale pink Fiesta cup or a pair of button-flap long johns, wishing, though, that you could’ve bought the circa 1950s black desktop telephone. If walking around Downtown sounds good to you, too, stop off for a couple of hot dogs all the way, a bottle or two of Co-Colas to wash ‘em down, and then grab a handful of candies. Then just do what all southerners love the most … go ridin’ around. If you get far enough

Though you and I can’t visit all of Downtown in this article, take a stroll along S. White Street and its surrounding roads with me for a peek into some of what can be discovered here, beginning with the Grand Daddy of them all – 100+-year-old Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs. Named for the late Sonny Joyner, the eatery’s nuclear red, “famous hotdogs” have been the favorite of generations of students, faculty, and just plain townies since the joint opened in 1916. Here’s 54 54

out of town one late afternoon, you might even see an old crop duster drop out of the clouds. Tell him “hey” from me.  Special thanks to Jennifer Smart and Beverly Whisnant. Amy Pierce lives in Wake Forest’s Mill Village, where she is a writer, minister, and spiritual counselor. She can be reached at 919-554-2711 or visit www.authenticself.us.

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