Whether you’re planning your next summer excursion or cooling down indoors, it helps to have lightning-fast Ting Internet. As local residents, we’re committed to giving back to our local communities. We’ve been in Wake County since 2015 and look forward to continuing to grow along with you!
• Stream in HD buffer free
• Make crystal-clear video calls
• Ultrareliable fiber connection
• Game with no lag
Internet
$89/mo
Up to 1,000 Mbps download and upload speeds
Connect 20+ devices seamlessly
Unlimited data
See if Ting is in your neighborhood! Ready to upgrade? Check your address at tinginternet.com/wakeforest
Sweet summertime! The sun is shining. The temperatures are rising. The days are longer. The kids are out of school. Each North Carolina season ushers in its own exciting experiences and unique opportunities, and summer is no exception. It’s a chance to create special moments with those around you, a time to embrace Mother Nature, an opportunity to explore the wonders of our community. For this issue, we dive into many ways for you to enjoy all of these and more –whether it’s with food, friends, family, or simple summer celebrations, we’ve got you covered.
As you can probably tell by the mouthwatering watermelon gracing the front cover, this summer staple is everywhere right now. Learn more about its history, its health benefits, how to incorporate it into your favorite seasonal dishes, and create a cool and refreshing cocktail to help beat summer’s heat. Further please your summer palate with ideas and inspiration for chopped salads, a recipe for pollo al pastor – a dish that is sure to spice up your next backyard cookout, and the “just peachy” seasonal favorite that is the peach cobbler.
Even though the A/C may be calling your name, now is the time to get up and get out. “Celebrate Summer in the Forest” details the many exciting events around town that are guaranteed to provide a season full of fun. Discover the beauty of the Triangle’s breathtaking trails, or answer the call of the ocean as you escape to the coastal community of Carolina Beach.
Pack your tote bag with the latest fiction or fantasy to peruse by the pool. Whip up some frozen treats to keep your favorite furry family member cool. Freshen up your living space with “scent”sational summery scents. Decorate your outdoor living space for the perfect porch retreat. Keep reading for tips, advice, and recommendations on how to achieve these, and much more.
I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I have enjoyed working on it. I am forever grateful to the many wonderful, local businesses and organizations whose support helped make it possible to bring it to you. As you’re out and about exploring the wonders of our community this summer, please frequent and patronize these businesses … and don’t forget to tell them you found them here!
Summer is here. Soak it – and this issue of CIRCA Magazine – all in ... it’s a special time here in North Carolina. Until next time!
Warm weather is finally here, and the Town of Wake Forest is buzzing with an exciting lineup of summertime happenings, including our two-day Independence Day Celebration, outdoor concerts, family movie nights, and more. Gather your family and join your friends and neighbors for these exciting events guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable summer in the Forest.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Wake Forest Independence Day Celebration! Presented by Capital Chevrolet, this eagerly anticipated summertime event will serve up two days’ worth of free fun and excitement including fireworks, food, live entertainment, and more.
The festivities get underway with the Fireworks Spectacular on Monday, July 3, inside Husky Stadium on the campus of Heritage High School (1150 Forestville Road). Admission is free and gates open at 5:30 PM. The Band of Oz, one of the southeast’s most popular beach music bands, will take the stage at 6:15 PM. The evening will conclude with an amazing fireworks show beginning around 9:30 PM.
The revelry continues Tuesday, July 4, with the annual Children’s Parade along N. Main Street. Area youngsters are invited to hop on their bicycles and be a part of their very own walking parade. The lineup begins at 10:00 AM at the intersection of N. Main and W. Juniper Avenue, near the Wake Forest Historical Museum, located at 414 N. Main Street, and the procession gets underway at 10:30 AM. Participation in the Children’s Parade is free, but bicyclists must wear their helmets. The festivities continue at 11:00 AM with Art & More in the Park. During this event, the Wake Forest Woman’s Club will offer free arts and crafts activities inside the Wake Forest Community House, located at 133 W. Owen Avenue, while the Wake Forest Fire Department will be outside interacting with children and their families, serving free hotdogs and providing information on fire prevention and safety.
A very special thanks to Dawn Nakash, the Wake Forest Optimist Club, a group of incredible volunteers, and the Wake Forest Police
Department for making this year’s July 4 Children’s Parade possible. A sincere thank you also to the Wake Forest Woman’s Club for again sponsoring Art in the Park. Visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Independence Day.”
Friday Night on White is in full swing. Widely considered as Wake Forest’s most popular outdoor concert series, Friday Night on White continues July 14 with The Brickhouse Band, August 11 with Stone Age Romeos, and September 8 with Crush. These free concerts take place from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM along S. White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest. While you’re enjoying the music, be sure to visit sponsor exhibits and enjoy delicious food at downtown’s outstanding dining establishments or from several food trucks that will be on-site. A special thank you to our grand sponsor, White Street Brewing Co., for their continued support. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Friday Night on White.”
You’re invited to enjoy a movie under the stars. Our Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is excited to host Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park, located at 701 Harris Road. The outdoor movie series continues Saturday, July 22, with Zootopia and Saturday, August 5, with Spider-Man: No Way Home. Free and open to the public, the movie screenings begin at approximately 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. Assorted food vendors will be on-site selling snacks and beverages. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Family Movie Nights.”
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, located at 405 S. Brooks Street, opened in November 2013 by encouraging visitors to “Imagine the Possibilities.” This year, the Renaissance Centre (RC) will commemorate its 10-year anniversary with a series of concerts, performances, and special events designed to highlight its impact as “the place” our community gathers to celebrate and enjoy the arts.
The RC’s “Realizing the Possibilities” Celebration Series gets underway with The Malpass Brothers concert on July 22 and continues with two murder mystery dinners on August 12, the Celebration of the Arts on October 7, Marcus Anderson in concert on November 18, and four performances of the Celtic Angels December 15-17.
The series then extends into 2024 with the captivating Jason Hudy: Mesmerizing Magic Show in January, Black History Month performances in February, the Wake Forest Film Festival in March, and a concert featuring The Drifters in April. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.
The Renaissance Centre is partnering with Vital Theatre to present the Wizard of Oz on Saturday, September 16, at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Don’t miss this incredible retelling of an American classic that has been entertaining audiences for ages. Rediscover the joy of following the yellow brick road with Dorothy and friends as they travel through a re-imagined world of Oz. This scaled down version will last approximately one hour and is suitable for children of all ages. General admission tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased online or at the box office. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.
Always be the first to know about Town of Wake Forest programs, services, breaking news, and special events by signing up for E-Notifier, downloading the Town app, visiting the Wake Forest website, and/ or following the Town on social media @ TownofWakeForest. For complete details, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Communications.”
Anna Bolton is the marketing and business relations specialist for the Town of Wake Forest. To learn more about Town events, sponsorship opportunities, and how you can be involved, contact Anna at 919-435-9422 or abolton@wakeforestnc.gov.
BY
There is no better way to beat the summer heat than with a freshly made salad. I am a huge fan of one-dish meals any time of the year, and chopped salads – quite possibly my favorite summer dinner – definitely fit the bill. Crisp, cool lettuces and fresh fruits and veggies provide the perfect canvas for a delicious entrée salad. With very little effort, you can bring maximum flavor to the dinner table that is sure to satisfy your family’s taste buds on a hot summer evening.
The key to successful summer salads is just a little bit of preparation. If you can spare about 30 minutes of prep time, you can have the makings of great salads that will come together in minutes. I like to chop lettuces like romaine or iceberg in advance and store them in a plastic bag or container covered in a barely damp paper towel, ensuring they stay crisp, green, and ready to go when it comes time to create my salad. You can also pre-chop veggies and fruits and store them in airtight containers.
Speaking of fruits, any type is a deliciously vibrant addition to your salad – for a summery twist, I highly recommend tossing some on
the grill. Grilling fruit – think fresh watermelon, peaches, pineapple, mango – allows it to caramelize its natural sugars, giving it a smoky sweetness that’s a great complement to your salad.
Since you’ve got the grill already fired up, why not add some grilled protein to your summer salad? Grilled chicken, steak, pork, and seafood make extraordinary additions to just about any salad. When planning your Sunday night grilling, go ahead and cook up some extras for a tasty reward later in the week.
The combination of crisp, fresh lettuces; delectable fruits and veggies; and the kick of a smoky grilled protein, along with a few other ingredients that you may already have on hand in the fridge, ensures a gorgeous, healthy, and satisfying entrée that your family will love. If you need some inspiration, here are a few of my favorites. You can embellish based on your taste, but I encourage you to think outside of the box and create your own sensational summer salad!
SOUTHWEST SALAD – Chopped romaine lettuce, topped with grilled corn cut from the cob and grilled chicken, steak, pork, or shrimp. Toss with chopped cilantro, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips. Fresh mango or grilled pineapple make a sweet addition. Whip up a cumin lime vinaigrette or a spicy chipotle lime ranch dressing to drizzle on top for a flavorful entrée that will rival any from your favorite Mexican restaurant.
TROPICAL SALAD – Fresh baby spinach with grilled chicken or shrimp, grilled pineapple and mango, feta, bell peppers, and candied almonds, and tossed in a citrus ginger dressing … so refreshing and light. Perfect for nights when the temps hover in the 90s.
ASIAN SALAD – Grilled meat or fish of choice atop chopped romaine, red cabbage and bok choy, chopped snow peas, bell peppers, radishes, cucumbers, shelled edamame, and oranges make a colorful salad. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or crispy wonton strips, and drizzle with a spicy sesame vinaigrette or ginger soy dressing.
ITALIAN SALAD – Chopped romaine and radicchio are lovely when topped with balsamic glazed chicken. Add fresh tomatoes, pepperoncini, capers, and roasted peppers and olives. Toss with a little fresh basil dressing that’s super easy to make – simply stir a bit of basil pesto into your favorite vinaigrette.
Summer dining should be fresh and easy, and these yummy salads are just perfect for a lovely al fresco dinner. Add a little crusty bread for a complete meal to end that perfect summer day.
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.
If you save and invest for decades, you’d like to know that you can retire without financial worries. While you may be excited about this next chapter of your life, you should be aware of some threats to a comfortable retirement –and how to respond to them. These threats include:
– INFLATION: Inflation has been high recently, but even a mild inflation rate can seriously erode your purchasing power. In fact, with just a 3% inflation rate, your expenses could double in about 25 years – and your retirement could easily last that long. So, if you’re going to rely on your investment portfolio for a sizable part of your retirement income, you will need to own a reasonable number of growth-oriented investments, such as stocks or stock-based funds, whose potential returns can equal or exceed the inflation rate.
– EXCESSIVE WITHDRAWALS: Once you retire, you should establish a withdrawal rate for your portfolio – an amount you can take out each year and still feel secure that you won’t run out of money. Some people make the mistake of withdrawing too much, too soon, once they’re retired. Your withdrawal rate should be based on several factors, including your age at retirement, the size of your portfolio, and the amount of income you receive from other sources, such as Social Security. A financial professional can help you determine a withdrawal rate that’s appropriate for your needs.
– MARKET VOLATILITY: The financial markets will always fluctuate. When you’re still working, this volatility may not be such a problem, as you have years or decades to recover from shortterm downturns. But when you retire, you don’t want to have to sell investments when their price is down. To help prevent this, you can tap into the cash in your portfolio, assuming you have enough to cover several months’ worth of living expenses. You
could also draw on a CD “ladder” – a group of CDs that mature at different times – to provide you with resources for the next few years and allow your equity investments time to recover their value.
–
UNEXPECTED COSTS: You had unexpected costs when you were working, and you’ll probably have them when you’re retired: the furnace that breaks down, the car that needs a major repair, and so on. But if you’ve established an emergency fund containing a year’s worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid account, you may be able to ride out these costs without jeopardizing your investment portfolio. Be sure to keep these reserves separate from your typical day-to-day accounts to avoid the temptation of spending your emergency money.
– HEALTH : Retirees may face more health concerns than younger people, and those concerns often come with larger medical bills. That’s why it’s important to maximize the benefits from Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan. Also, if you contributed to a Health Savings Account (HSA) while you were working, and you haven’t depleted it, you can use the money in retirement. As long as the HSA funds are used for qualified medical expenses, withdrawals are tax- and penalty-free, and won’t be included in your income. This could help keep your income below certain levels, lower your Medicare premiums, or avoid the 3.8% surtax on net investment income that can be assessed on high-net-worth taxpayers.
Retirement can be a pleasant time in your life – and you’ll enjoy it more if you’re prepared for the challenges that face all retirees
From pregnancy and childbirth to everything and anything female, the care is as comprehensive as it is compassionate. Embracing you and your entire family with outpatient and inpatient surgery, specialty and subspecialty care, 24/7 emergency care, imaging, rehab and more. After all, when it comes to your health and the health of your family, you’re the decision maker. And the decision is clearly WakeMed North Hospital.
Hello gardeners, and welcome to summer! After months of planning and prepping, it’s time to finally enjoy the fruits of our gardening labor. I recall adding compost and turning tired winter soil just a couple of months ago and feeling overheated – well before North Carolina’s signature heat and humidity even arrived. Now that the temperatures are on the rise, I have stopped adding to my garden, and am instead focusing on its maintenance. (My one exception is pumpkins and a few stalks of corn that I can grow and keep for autumn decorating. For fall enjoyment, these types of crops should be planted now.) While it may be tempting to sit back and savor its beauty now that the season of planning and prepping is behind you, keep in mind that summer gardening is essential for the health and beauty of your landscape this time of year. Read on for some successful summer gardening tips.
Harvesting and watering should be the focus for the coming months, as well as weed control and pruning. Along with these chores come critter visits to the garden – insects, deer, and dare I say, snakes! I see several black snakes
slinking around my garden as the temperatures start to rise. Note that black, green, and garter snakes are typically good; snakes play important roles in nature, so be sure to research which are safe to see on your property. The copperhead is very prevalent around here, so be diligent when you are gardening, as it is dangerous to humans. Also know that black snakes are a predator of the copperhead, which is another reason to let them hang around. Keep your garden area clean of debris (leaves, weeds, and the like) and snakes will be less likely to share these spaces with you; instead, they’ll be doing their jobs in the garden catching mice and frogs. Additionally, a snake on your porch or patio may indicate a nest of baby birds hidden in your fern or other potted plant, so plan accordingly.
Japanese beetle visits will be fizzling out any day now; they’re shifting to egg-laying this time of year. Furthermore, a new crop of grub worms is forming under our feet, which will beckon moles to come into our lawns and do their own form of soil aeration while they hunt and devour the grubs. If you’re not a fan of these natural aerators, you can purchase products at your local garden center to kill the grub worms and thus deter the moles. Be sure to read and follow package directions as these products can be harmful to pets and even humans. And if you’re still finding beetles in your roses and other plants, you can simply flick them into a bucket of soapy water and get ’em naturally. The same is true for aphids that might be attacking your roses; spray plants with your water hose to knock them off, or mix some cooking oil, dish detergent, and water to spray on your crops for a natural eradication method.
Mosquitos take advantage of the warm weather of summertime just like we do. So, when it rains or you water your garden, avoid letting water collect and stand. Mosquitos raise their young in moist, warm conditions, so a plant saucer, for example, can act as a prime mosquito nursery. To prevent pesky bug bites and mosquito-borne illnesses, limit standing water in your garden area as much as possible.
Deer too, are ready to enjoy the fruits of our garden work. I am lucky my garden is fenced, which limits my plants from being over-eaten by animals. While I am glad to have a fence to protect my plants, I enjoy naming the deer that come to visit and I feed them late in the afternoon. However, if you’re not looking to make friends with these garden guests, there are deer deterrent products –again, read the label carefully to prevent unnecessary harm to pets or residents. Also, portable fencing is another option that seems to work well in areas surrounded by woods and deer. If all else fails, a last resort is to plant enough to share!
Moving forward … if you have garden mums from past seasons, pick off the flower buds for the last time this month. Next time they begin to bud will be nearly time for their appearance in autumnal gardens. The same is true for other plants (both annuals and perennials). If your plants are browning or the flowers have lost
their luster, off with their heads! Deadhead them for a new flush of growth and flowers. Moreover, if rains are not plentiful, be certain you are watering and fertilizing. And feeding should be ended in August; perennials and any shrubs or trees need time to harden off before the first frost of fall.
Once all blooming has ended (likely August), you can lift and divide iris and daylilies that have clumped from several years of life in the garden. It will refresh the space and provide plants to start anew.
Make sure your lawn receives at least one inch of water each week, whether by rain or manual watering. Keep cool-season grasses cut to about three and one-half inches, and warm-season ones to one inch.
This summer, I hope you are enjoying the delicious harvest from your vegetable garden. Nothing is better than a juicy tomato sandwich, grilled zucchini and squash, a crunchy cucumber salad, or even a delightful zucchini bread accompanying your morning coffee. And if you don’t choose to grow your own crops this season, be sure to hit your local farmers market and buy fresh from local vendors. For your fall vegetable garden, go ahead and prepare seeds come late July. If you are not planning to maintain a fall veggie garden, consider over-planting with crimson clover for the winter and turn it over in spring for extra organic matter in your soil (this will aid future crop growth).
The long, hot North Carolina summers can be made more bearable when we enjoy the fruits of our labor (figuratively and literally). Go outside, cut yourself a batch of beautiful blooms to spruce up your countertops, fire up the grill and roast some homegrown veggies, and take pleasure in all the season has to offer. Happy digging, gardeners!
Pam Eagles lives in Rolesville where she gardens with two dogs and a cat. She is a founding member of the Community Gardeners of Rolesville Garden Club and serves as a Wake County Master Gardener.
Trends may come and go, but home is forever. However, if you’re searching for design trends to upgrade your new home or bring your current interior up-to-date, look no further. We’re taking a peek at what trends are gaining popularity, what’s on the way out, and what’s here to stay.
If you’re scouting for truly trendy inspiration, look no further than your backyard. Natural elements, colors, and textures are rapidly gaining popularity in home decor. Warmer neutrals are taking the place of stark whites. And earth tones such as Sherwin Williams’ color of the year, Redend Point, are having a moment. According to Carolina Hewitt, the interior designer for H|W Custom Homes, “Natural warm and earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, and burnt orange are becoming popular for wall colors and furniture upholstery, reflecting a desire for a grounded and calming environment.”
On a larger scale, we’re seeing an increase in desire for outdoor living spaces, with many new home designs and renovations featuring indoor-to-outdoor living. Screened-in porches, three-season rooms, outdoor kitchens, and outdoor entertainment areas have become highly attractive, particularly among luxury home buyers and owners.
To incorporate this trend into your home decor, bring in warmer colors, add cozy textures, and try a few house plants for greenery (and I promise I won’t tell anyone if they’re fake).
Harsh lines and sharp edges are on their way out and we’re sure to see more rounded design elements this year. Utilizing these rounder elements creates a softer, more welcoming environment. As with many other trends that are rising in popularity, people are turning to more comfortable designs over the stark aesthetics of previous years – think overstuffed, cozy sofas rather than boxier, more rigid designs.
From an architectural standpoint, you can expect to see the
incorporation of porthole or arched windows, arched doors, and even archways connecting areas of the home. This will also be seen in furniture and decor with a return to more mid-century modern styles.
Minimalism is taking a backseat this year. While the last few years saw home designs lean toward bright whites and neutrals to create a “clean” visual, we are currently shifting to the other end of the spectrum. “People are seeking bolder and more diverse color palettes to add personality and warmth to their living spaces,” says Hewitt.
For example, paint companies and interior design experts are
highlighting this shift in this year’s top colors. From Pantone, we have “Viva Magenta,” a vivid pink-red shade. Benjamin Moore’s pick is “Raspberry Blush,” a saturated red-orange. And from Glidden we have “Vining Ivy,” a jewel-toned blue-green.
But this doesn’t imply that you must repaint your entire home or throw out that all-white sofa you bought last year. Experiment with these fun hues by creating an accent wall, playing with removable wallpaper, or adding some pops of color with throw pillows or accent rugs.
Speaking of which, accent walls are one trend we’re continuing to see. But home design experts and builders aren’t stopping at walls … we’re even seeing a rise in statement ceilings. Particularly in luxury home building, we’ve seen an increase in exposed wood beams, coffered ceilings, tray ceilings, and wood paneling. These trends are also making way for more playful styles. Expect to see interior design and decor experts experimenting with painting ceilings, adding wallpaper for splashes of color, introducing texture with ceiling tiles, or creating a design with wood trim.
Back to color ... when discussing popular color trends for this year, Hewitt also says that “Gray has also seen a drop in popularity, especially when it comes to flooring. It’s cool minimalistic tones are making way for warmer more organic shades.” This comes with little surprise as people gravitate towards the aforementioned warmer, welcoming aesthetics. Even within cool tones like blue and green, people are now opting for saturated and vivid shades over neutral grays. With home exteriors, expect to see more warmer whites and natural brick rather than gray and stone to emphasize a cozier vibe.
One design trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon is open-concept floor plans. “Open-concept designs are popular due to their ability to promote social interaction, enhance natural light flow, and create a sense of airiness and freedom within the home,” says Hewitt. It’s something buyers in the real estate market have gravitated toward consistently in recent years. Homebuyers are seeking spaces that flow and allow flexibility. And the term “openconcept” isn’t limited to fewer walls … many buyers are also drawn to higher ceilings that give the illusion of a larger, brighter space. Space that flows is a design trend that is expected to stick around for a while.
Alicia Arritt is a real estate agent and marketing director with the Morgan Womble Group at Compass. She can be reached at 828707-4467 or alicia@morganwomblegroup.com. For more information, follow her on Instagram @themillennialrelestateagent and @morganwomblegroup.
While June is typically thought of as wedding season, North Carolina’s wedding season can extend well into October with the arrival of our often experienced “second summer,” along with the desirable, cooler temperatures of autumn. Whether you are headed to a wedding on a sweltering July afternoon or a crisp September evening, here are a few tips to help you dress both comfortably and with style.
First, consider the wedding’s dress code. Refer to the invitation to make sure you understand the expectations and style of the event. While the invite may not always state a specific dress code, much can be gleaned from its style.
Also be cognizant of weather conditions. Nowadays, wedding invitations often include details of what to expect at the reception. For example, if the after-party will be hosted in a non-air-conditioned
barn, you will want to make sure you’ll be cool enough. Or if you’re expecting a chillier night or if the reception will be held in a venue with A/C, be sure to bring along a light sweater or wrap to complement your outfit. You won’t want to be too hot or so cold that you end up making an early exit because you’re uncomfortable.
One of the biggest fashion faux pas you can make as a guest at a wedding is to wear white. This color is traditionally reserved for brides and you want to avoid donning anything that may outshine anyone in the wedding party. Instead, choose a color that complements the wedding theme. Again, a good course of action is to refer to the invitation, or if you and the organizers are close, ask about the color scheme so you can harmonize with the overall style.
Weddings are for dressing up, so even if you aren’t normally a dress-wearer, this is a great time to break that pattern. Making that effort shows your loved ones how much you care and that you appreciate being included in their special day. Choose a dress that makes you feel confident, but that will also allow you to be comfortable sitting, standing, and dancing. Depending on the formality of the event and the dress code, this could mean a cocktail length or a long gown. Whether it’s a garden party at a private home or a formal venue with a full band, you will want to choose the right dress for the event.
Be sure to consider any cultural or religious requirements when deciding on what to wear. Some religious settings require that arms or heads are covered. This will likely be indicated in the invitation, and you will want to accommodate and dress respectfully.
Accessories can make or break any outfit, so choose wisely. A neutral shoe is always a great match with pastels and florals. In cooler months, a black shoe with a black dress for an evening wedding is always chic and elegant (yes, it is acceptable to wear black to a wedding in the right setting). A clutch to match your dress will come in handy to hold your belongings, and is also a nice way to add some extra sparkle to your outfit without overdoing it.
Finally, while it is important to dress up, make sure you don’t outshine the stars of the show. Don’t wear anything so extravagant or flashy that you draw attention away from the newly wedded couple. You are there to celebrate them, not to show yourself off.
Now go have some fun shopping for those summer and fall wedding events on your calendar!
Summer in North Carolina means sweltering days and sticky nights. Your inclination is to escape the heat and humidity and to spend those days and nights inside with the A/C cranking. However, sometimes this time indoors means suffering with musty odors – summer smells that are caused by moisture buildup. But all is not lost – you can freshen the air in your home and enjoy a “scent”sational space all season long.
There are essentially two ways to control the way your home smells:
– Keep it clean and free of the bad-odor-causing elements;
– Introduce pleasing scents.
First, let’s take a look at some of summer’s biggest bad-odor culprits and what you can do to minimize those stinky smells.
BY TODD NELSON– AIR CONDITIONING: Great for keeping your house cool, A/C delivers a double whammy in terms of summer odors. First, it forces you to keep windows closed, trapping smells inside. Second, A/C can add odors of its own. Be sure to replace filters and have ducts cleaned professionally at least once a year.
– LAUNDRY AND LINENS: Once a week is the guideline for how often to launder bed linens; it’s even more important to stick to this rule during summer when human perspiration quotients are highest. Even if you don’t have time to run laundry every day, at least make a practice of removing sweaty clothes, linens, and shoes from bedrooms and other living spaces to keep bad-odor levels down. The wash guideline for bath towels is every two –three uses, but if you find towels failing to dry between uses due to high humidity in summer months, wash more often to head off mold and mildew growth and be sure to run bathroom fans to minimize humidity also.
– TEXTILES: Anything textile-based (think window treatments, upholstery, throw pillows, blankets, and carpets) is a potential culprit for harboring bad odors in your home; so, if you didn’t address these big items in your recent spring cleaning, there’s still time to do so before the season’s hottest weather sets in.
KITCHEN/COOKING SMELLS: Increase the frequency at which you remove trash and clean your garbage disposal. For the latter, a combo of ice cubes, coarse salt, and lemon juice works wonders. Be sure also to pull out and scrub the rubber safety gasket, which collects all sorts of yucky, smell-producing bits.
When it comes to adding pleasing scents to your home, certain methods – candles, incense, potpourri, commercial air and upholstery fresheners – can feel a bit much with summer’s heat and humidity as a backdrop. This time of year, stick to more subtle methods, such as essential oil reeds or diffuser blends, stovetop simmer pots, and DIY room sprays, using fresh summer scent combos including lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, berries, melons, lavender, rosemary, basil, mint, thyme, and sage. And take advantage of Mother Nature’s summer bounty by displaying fresh aromatic flowers throughout your home (bonus – plants and flowers help to remove toxins from the air, making your space that much cleaner).
BY WILL BARNACK
The year was 2010. Lady Gaga and The Black Eyed Peas were dominating the airwaves, spilled oil was saturating the Gulf Coast, and Drew Brees won his first Super Bowl. My sister and new brother-in-law had just moved to San Diego from Milwaukee in the fall of 2009 – which I would say was a definite weather upgrade! Months after their relocation, I was finally able to visit them in their new city. My sister was always on the move, ever since she left for college. After stints in Connecticut and Milwaukee, I was happy to finally have a warm place to visit.
Iam pretty sure the first stop off the airplane was In-NOut Burger, as is customary with any West Coast trip. The rest of the time we took in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Southern California – South Asian, Mexican, and seafood to name a few. But to me, the best night of food was on the back patio of their friends’ house.
My brother-in-law grew up in Guam – the U.S. territory in the Micronesia region of the western Pacific Ocean – and lived there for 15 years. Much to his delight, long-time friends from there lived in San Diego as well, just a short drive from where he and my sister resided. Their friends are indigenous to Guam, also referred to as Chamorro, whose people settled on the island about 3,500 years ago. There is a big sense of community in Guam, which one can easily sense by spending any amount of time with my brother-in-law and his hometown friends.
We arrived at their home and instantly felt like family. There were a few other friends hanging out that night, too. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, making my nerves of meeting new people dissipate quickly. Many of us headed out to the patio to grill food and watch the UFC fight. The night was perfect. A typical, mid70s So-Cal night; light breeze, cold beer, and the smell of charcoal
wafting through the air, Sublime and Bob Marley emanating from the radio. I was already in my element, but I had no idea about the delectable treats that were about to come off the grill grates and into my mouth.
A lot of great food was being prepared – ceviche, pork belly, brisket, beef tongue, octopus, to name a few. It was just a steady stream of tapas. Each portion was the perfect size to continue the culinary ride, but also leaving me disappointed that there was not an unlimited amount to consume. Every serving was made with love, and I could feel the sense of community enveloping me. It was a perfect night.
I provide this backstory before I share my brother-in-law’s recipe because I want to express how important the environment can be to creating an unforgettable dish. I remember that night like it happened last week, yet it was 13 years ago.
My brother-in-law is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, in Dover, New Hampshire and has been working in kitchens all his life. He is a phenomenal chef and pulls from his upbringing in Guam to add flavor to his cuisine. One of his signature concoctions is Pollo al Pastor. As you host your own perfect night with friends and family this summer, give this delicious dish a try. Just be sure to inject your food with love – your guests will thank you.
– 2 tablespoons achiote paste
– 2 garlic cloves minced or grated
– 2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo (with 2 tablespoons adobo sauce)
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 21/2 tablespoons kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– ¼ cup olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons separated
– 1 whole (4 pounds) chicken
– 1 medium pineapple (peeled, cored, sliced in 1/2 rings)
– 1 large onion
To make the marinade, combine the achiote paste, garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk in the honey and the olive oil until smooth.
Pat the chicken dry, place on a baking sheet, and apply all the marinade to the chicken, making sure to get inside the cavity as well. Toss the pineapple and onions in 21/2 tablespoons of salt. Cover the chicken and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours (can go up to 12 if desired). After refrigeration, uncover the chicken and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before roasting.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Roast
the chicken, adding the pineapple and onions after 30 minutes. Continue to roast until the pineapple starts to brown and the chicken is a deep red. Insert a thermometer, into the thickest part of the breast, which should read 155 degrees (about 60-70 minutes). Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 25 minutes, but not more than one hour. Transfer to a cutting board and carve.
Heat your tortillas in the oven – corn or flour, the choice is yours. Serve with roasted onions and pineapple, salsa, and freshly chopped cilantro. If you want a little spice,
chop up some fresh jalapeños. You can also add cotija cheese and chopped avocado.
With the dog days of summer upon us, this dish should undoubtedly be paired with some ice-cold beers, some delicious homemade margaritas or sangria, and some dear friends and family. Oh, and don’t forget the love.
Will Barnack is the general manager of The Butcher's Market – Heritage, located at 1898 S. Franklin Street, Suite 100 in Wake Forest. He may be reached at 919-263-9367 or visit thebutchersmarket.com.
Parents of children getting ready to head off to college, I know it’s a lot to take in. You’re filled with bittersweet emotions, having recently watched your children cross the stage to accept their high school diplomas, knowing you’ve prepared them for this next exciting chapter in life. They are eagerly shopping for laptops, stocking up on campus gear, and compiling their dorm supplies wish lists, while you’re mentally prepping yourself for that soonto-arrive day when they leave the nest. But as a parent, you always worry, and one of your biggest concerns is making sure you can always protect your kids – no matter how old they are.
One of the most efficient ways to protect your child from life’s inevitable curveballs is with renter’s insurance. For college students, it’s important to have insurance coverage for their belongings, whether they are living in a dorm or an off-campus apartment. Depending on where they live, you may find that their personal property is covered by your insurance, while in other cases, you may need to purchase a renters insurance policy.
You’ll want to check with your insurance provider to make sure, but your college student may be partially covered by your policy. It is a good idea to know your policy’s coverage limits for personal property. Some policies limit coverage for belongings while they are away from the policyholder’s home. This is often referred to as “off-premises coverage.” For example, if your policy provides $100,000 worth of coverage for belongings, but limits that coverage to 10% for items that are off-premises, it may provide up to $10,000 for items away from their home, including belongings they bring to school. It’s also important to note that certain items, such as musical instruments or expensive jewelry, may have coverage limits. If the policy’s limits aren’t enough to cover the items your child will be bringing to school, you may be able to add scheduled personal property coverage to your homeowners or renters insurance policy to help cover certain valuable possessions.
DO THEY NEED RENTERS INSURANCE IF THEY LIVE OFF CAMPUS? For students who will be living in off-campus housing, be cautioned that insurance will probably not extend to the belongings they bring with them (although you’ll want to check with your agent to be certain). They may want to buy their own renters insurance policy to help pay to replace or repair their belongings if they are stolen or damaged by a covered risk. A covered risk, often described as a “peril” in insurance terms, is a cause of damage that is covered by one’s insurance policy. Read your policy to learn what risks it may cover, such as theft or fire.
A renters insurance policy also includes liability coverage, which may help prevent one from paying out of pocket if they are found legally responsible for someone else’s injuries or accidental damage to their property (including the landlord’s).
It may also be a good idea for your student to keep a home inventory – a checklist containing important information about their belongings, such as the items’ value, the date they bought them, any receipts they have, and the serial number and/or make and model (for electronics and appliances), all of which will be a big help if they need to make a claim. Home inventory apps offer an easy way to list those items and securely store information. If anything’s ever damaged, they’ll be able to retrieve that information quickly.
Hopefully your children and their stuff stay safe and sound while they are running to and from classes, but for extra peace of mind, check to see if your policy provides ample protection, or consider purchasing renters insurance to protect them and their things as they leave the nest.
Thomas Walters is the owner of Walters Insurance Agency, located at 3207 Rogers, Road, Suite 100 in Wake Forest. Call 919554-0267 or email twalters@allstate.com for help with all your insurance needs.
Summertime often translates to more time spent outdoors, and this goes for both us humans and our furry friends. If you’re a dog owner, I’m sure you’re familiar with the scent of a wet dog who just enjoyed a dip in the ocean, or the sight of a pup who just rolled in a post-rainshower mud puddle. Grooming your dog is important year-round, but especially in the summer months. Specifically, brushing your dog daily offers several benefits for your dog’s physical and emotional well-being. Following are some key advantages.
– HEALTHY COAT: Regular brushing helps maintain a clean and healthy coat for your dog. It removes dirt, debris, and loose hair, preventing mats and tangles from forming. This promotes good air circulation, reducing the risk for skin issues and allowing natural oils to distribute evenly.
– BONDING TIME: Brushing your dog daily creates a special bonding experience. Dogs enjoy attention and physical contact, which strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. It also provides an opportunity to check for abnormalities, such as lumps, bumps, or skin irritations, which can be addressed promptly.
– SHEDDING CONTROL: Many dog breeds shed their fur, and some more than others. Daily brushing helps minimize shedding by removing loose hair before it falls out around your home. This can be particularly helpful during seasonal shedding periods when dogs tend to lose fur more excessively.
– PREVENTING MATTING: Regular brushing reduces the prevalence of mats and tangles in your dog’s coat. Mats can be uncomfortable and painful for dogs, pulling at their skin and potentially leading to skin irritations or infections. By brushing daily, you can easily detect and address any tangles or mats, keeping your dog’s fur in optimal condition.
– IMPROVED SKIN HEALTH: Brushing stimulates skin and promotes blood circulation, which can improve the health of your dog’s skin. By distributing natural oils, brushing daily keeps the skin moisturized and reduces dryness or flakiness. A healthy coat and skin are essential for your dog’s comfort and well-being.
EARLY DETECTION OF HEALTH ISSUES: While brushing, you have the opportunity to examine your dog’s body more closely. Checking frequently for ticks, fleas, skin infections, or unusual growths can help catch potential hazards before they become
detrimental. Detecting such issues early gives you a chance to address them promptly and seek veterinary care if necessary.
Remember to choose the appropriate brush or comb for your dog’s coat type, and use gentle, soothing strokes during the brushing process. Ensure that you are brushing the coat to the skin without actually brushing the skin itself, which causes irritation. If you’re hesitant about the specific needs of your dog’s coat, consult a professional groomer to ensure that you have the proper tools and technique to keep your pup happy and healthy this summer.
Vanessa Davis is the founder and CEO of Dirty Dogs Spa, with locations in Wake Forest (929 Heritage Lake Road, Suite 500) and Raleigh (Stonehenge Market, 7490 Creedmoor Road). For more information, visit dirtydogsspa.com.
Summerthyme (no, that’s not a typo ...), and the sippin’ is easy. The classic song from Porgy & Bess croons, “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.” It’s time for warm lazy days spent with friends and family lounging on the porch or by the pool with a refreshing cocktail in hand, and nothing is more refreshing than a watermelon cocktail or mocktail.
Watermelon’s faint floral sweetness and unsurpassed juiciness makes it the perfect base for any summer cocktail. Tart limes and zippy jalapeño peppers add a tingle of southern zest. Garnish with some freshly picked herbs for additional earthiness and lovely photo worthiness.
For our summerthyme cocktail, I have chosen 21Seeds infused Cucumber Jalapeño Blanco Tequila. This infused tequila is a true sensory experience – delicious, bright, and crisp with a cucumber nose and a refined spicy jalapeño finish. According to recent studies, more than 75% of Americans enjoy spicy foods, making this spicy seasonal cocktail twice as nice!
Whether it be by the glass, the pitcher, as a cocktail, or a mocktail, summerthyme’s quintessential mix of cool and refreshing with a little zip and a hint of heat is sure to make the sippin’ easy all season long. Cheers!
By the glass
– 11/2 ounces 21Seeds infused Cucumber Jalapeño Blanco Tequila
– 2 ounces watermelon puree (puree pieces of watermelon in a blender)
– 1/2 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
– 3/4 ounce simple syrup
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with lime, cucumber, mint (slap the mint between your hands to release the aroma and flavor) and a sprig of thyme (summerthyme ... get it?). For an additional kick, add some fresh jalapeño rings (without the seeds to make it milder).
Makes 12 cocktails
– 1 bottle 21Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Infused Tequila
– 5 ounces fresh lime juice
– 6 ounces simple syrup
– 16 ounces of watermelon puree (no shaking required)
Simply pour on ice and serve.
SUMMERTYHME WATERMELON MOCKTAIL
– 3 ounces mint/lime seltzer
– 3 ounces watermelon puree
– 1 ounce simple syrup
Combine watermelon puree and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a glass with ice. Top with mint/lime seltzer. Garnish with lime, cucumber, mint (again, slap the mint between your hands to release the aroma and flavor) and a sprig of thyme. Just as with the cocktail version, add some fresh jalapeño rings (without the seeds to make it milder) for extra kick.
Joni Falvey is the owner of Broadsides & Brews, “Wake Forest’s living room,” located at 223 S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest. Follow on social media @broadsidesandbrews and visit broadsidesandbrews.com.
BY MIRIAM GRUENEICH
Your porch serves as the gateway to your home, leaving a lasting impression on both friends and neighbors. It’s also a sanctuary where you can unwind and soak in the delights of summer. With the warm breeze and shining sun, it’s time to transform your porch into an inviting space that embodies the carefree spirit of the season. Whether you have a small front porch or a spacious wrap-around veranda, here are some creative ideas to help you spruce it up and make it the ultimate summer hangout.
Greenery plays a vital role in porch decor, providing a touch of natural beauty. Your porch is the perfect place to incorporate a variety of plants. Hanging baskets, potted ferns, and window boxes bursting with colorful flowers can bring life to your space. Consider adding potted herbs or vegetables, not only for their
visual appeal, but also for their practical use. Experiment with different arrangements and combinations to create a vibrant and lush display of foliage that enhances the overall aesthetic of your porch.
To create a welcoming environment, relaxation and comfort are key. Invest in comfortable seating options such as rocking chairs, a porch swing, or a chaise lounge. Opt for weather-resistant and easy-to-clean furniture, ensuring that your pieces will withstand the test of time. Padded cushions and pillows in lively patterns and colors not only provide comfort, but also add a stylish touch to your seating arrangement.
Outdoor rugs are a fantastic way to introduce color and texture to your porch while also providing a cozy surface for bare feet. Consider adding a large area rug or a few smaller ones in coordinating colors or patterns. This not only defines different areas of your porch, but also creates a visually appealing look. Choose rugs made from durable materials that can withstand outdoor elements and are easy to clean.
The details are what make a porch truly special. Add unique elements such as wind chimes or bird feeders to infuse a sense of whimsy and charm. Personalize your porch with family photos or artwork that reflects your personal style, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Incorporate decorative items that resonate
with your interests or hobbies, adding a personal touch that makes your porch feel like an extension of your home’s style.
Vintage and antique pieces are excellent additions that bring character and charm to your porch. Look for unique finds at specialty stores or antique shops, such as old signs, lanterns, or weathered furniture. These pieces not only add visual interest, but also provide a sense of history and nostalgia. Mixing vintage elements with modern accents can create a captivating and eclectic porch design that tells a story.
Creating a cozy atmosphere is key to a welcoming porch. Soft lighting, like string lights or lanterns, can help establish a warm and inviting ambiance. Install outdoor lighting fixtures that are both functional and decorative, illuminating your porch and enhancing its beauty during the evening hours. Add cozy elements like a throw blanket and a variety of pillows to make your porch feel like an extension of your indoor living space. These small additions provide comfort and encourage relaxation on warm summer nights.
Stay cool and comfortable during the hot and humid summer months by adding a cooling feature like a ceiling fan, misting system, or portable air conditioner. These features can make your porch more enjoyable during the hottest parts of the day, providing relief from the heat while allowing you to fully enjoy your outdoor oasis.
During the summer months, with Independence Day in July and Labor Day in September, the entire season becomes an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of America. Incorporate patriotic elements into your decor by adding red, white, and blue flowers to your outdoor space. Arrange flowers such as red roses, white daisies, and blue hydrangeas in pots, hanging baskets, or flower beds, creating a vibrant display of colors that represent the American flag. These floral arrangements not only enhance the beauty of
your porch, but also serve as a subtle nod to your patriotic spirit. Also place small American flags throughout your decorated porch – display them in flowerpots and along the railing, or create a focal point with a larger flag centerpiece.
Keeping your Americana porch decor up throughout the summer months is not only acceptable, but also encouraged. The vibrant colors and patriotic elements add a festive and joyful atmosphere to your porch, creating a welcoming environment all season long.
Decorating an inviting porch requires attention to detail. Incorporate greenery, add color and vintage elements, create a cozy atmosphere, consider the climate, and don’t forget the small touches that not only make a great first impression, but also create a relaxing retreat for you to enjoy with your family and friends.
Miriam Grueneich is the owner of archer + pratt, which offers locally handmade goods and is located at 18 N. Main Street in Franklinton. She may be reached at 919728-8424 or visit shoparcherpratt.com.
BY CARLA PAYNE
As adult children, few things are as emotionally challenging as witnessing our parents’ health decline, especially when it comes to managing their healthcare needs or dealing with dementia. The responsibilities can be overwhelming, leaving us stressed, anxious, and unsure of the best course of action. As a certified care manager, here are my top five recommendations to help adult children find balance and support their parents’ aging needs effectively.
1. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL CARE MANAGER: One of the most valuable resources for adult children facing the complexities of their parents’ aging care is a professional care manager. These experts possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the healthcare system, coordinating medical appointments, managing medications, and providing guidance, advocacy, and emotional support. Studies show families who work with care managers experience higher levels of satisfaction and better overall care outcomes for their parents. By delegating these tasks to their care manager, adult children can alleviate their stress and ensure their parents receive the high-quality care they deserve.
2. UTILIZE ADULT DAY CENTERS: Adult day centers offer supportive environments for older adults, including those with dementia. Research has shown regular attendance at adult day centers can significantly improve participants’ cognitive function, social engagement, and overall well-being. These centers provide supervised activities, social interaction, and essential care services during the day, allowing adult children to continue with their own responsibilities while ensuring their parents are engaged and well-cared for. Research shows that adult day centers not only enhance the quality of life for older adults, but also reduce caregiver stress and delay nursing home placements.
3. SEEK SUPPORT: Caring for parents with healthcare needs or dementia can take an emotional toll on adult children. It is essential to recognize the importance of self-care and seek support from others who understand the challenges involved. Platforms like support groups or counseling sessions provide a safe space to share experiences, gain advice, and find solace in the company of individuals who are going through similar journeys. By prioritizing their own emotional well-being, adult children can better support their parents.
4. EXPLORE RESPITE CARE OPTIONS: Adult children should not hesitate to take breaks from caregiving responsibilities. Regular respite care can reduce caregiver stress and burnout, leading to improved quality of life for both them and their parents. Respite care services allow parents to receive temporary care from trained professionals, giving adult children the chance to rest and recharge. Whether it’s for a few hours, a day, or even longer periods, respite care ensures that parents are in capable hands while adult children have time to focus on themselves and their own needs.
5. EDUCATE YOURSELF: Understanding the medical condition affecting parents is crucial for providing effective care. Adult children should take the time to educate themselves about their parents’ aging needs. Research has shown that caregiver education programs can improve caregivers’ knowledge, confidence, and ability to provide care.
By implementing these recommendations and seeking support, adult children can find the balance they need to navigate their parents’ aging needs, ensuring both their own well-being and that of their loved ones. Caring for aging parents is a challenging journey, but with the right strategies in place, it is possible to provide the care and support they deserve while also taking care of yourself
Carla Payne is the owner of Aging Care Matters, LLC, is a certified care manager, and is southeast chapter president of The Aging Life Care Association®. For more information, visit agingcarematters.com or call 919-525-6464.
FINDING A BALANCE WHEN CARING FOR AN AGING PARENT
April-Sept
JULY
AUG 11 – STONE AGE ROMEOS
SEPT 8 – CRUSH
SEPT 8 – CRUSH
AUG 11 – STONE AGE ROMEOS
JULY 14 – THE BRICKHOUSE BAND
April-Sept
Each year, North Carolina’s stunning state park system is designated with a theme. The Interpretive and Education Council has deemed 2023 “Year of the Trail,” and understandably so – NC’s expansive trail system offers countless ways to explore the state’s one-of-a-kind collection of environments. With the ancient Appalachain Mountains ingrained in Earth’s history, the foothills and Piedmont located in the central sector of the state, and coastal and Tidewater regions relishing their access to sunshine and the ocean, it is easy to see that North Carolina has it all. And beyond simply maintaining a grand and diverse environment, our state boasts an incredible trail system to explore such natural beauty in a variety of ways (walking, hiking, horseback riding, dog-walking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, etc.). No wonder North Carolina is becoming known as “The Great Trails State!”
Venturing into the great outdoors presents a number of personal and community benefits, such as enjoyable exercise, nature appreciation, education, relationship building, and flat-out fun! Whether you’re going for a gentle stroll on the greenway, challenging yourself to a hefty hiking path, saddling up for a serene saunter
via horseback, or paddling your way down a river path, exploring North Carolina’s delightful trails is sure to provide a host of positive attributes.
Included is a list of some of the trails located throughout the greater Raleigh area that we consider local gems (please note that this is not a comprehensive list). Check out the resources provided at the end of this article for information on park policies, trail availability, and activity descriptions. We hope you’ll go outside, explore our beautiful state, and celebrate Year of the Trail!
Dunn Creek Greenway, Smith Creek Greenway, Richland Creek Greenway, Wake Forest Reservoir Soft Trails, Mill Bridge Nature Park, H.L. Miller Park, Kiwanis Park, J.B. Flaherty Park, E. Carroll Joyner Park, Falls of Neuse Trail, Neuse River Greenway, Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve, Mitchell Mill State Natural Area, New Light Trails, and Falls Lake State Recreation Area.
Capital Area Greenway System, Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Honeycutt Trailhead, Wilkerson Nature Preserve, Durant Nature Preserve, Green Hills County Park, Mine Creek Trail, Beaverdam Lake State Recreation Area, Blue Jay Point County Park, Brookhaven Nature Park, Walnut Creek Wetland Center, Shelley Lake Park, Lake Johnson Park, Milburnie Park, Dorothea Dix Park, Wooten Meadow Park, Lake Lynn Park, Brooks Nature Trail, Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest, William B. Umstead State Park, Pullen Park, and Crabtree Creek Trail.
Main Street Park (Rolesville), Eno River State Park (Durham), Duke Forest (Durham), American Tobacco Trail (Durham and Wake Counties), V.E. & Lydia H. Owens Recreational Park at Bull Creek (Louisburg), Robertson Millpond Preserve (Wendell), Jordan Lake State Recreation Area (Chatham County), Carolina North Forest (Orange County), Bolin Creek Trail (Chapel Hill), Morgan Creek Trail (Chapel Hill), and Cedar Falls (Chapel Hill).
For more information on North Carolina’s vast supply of trails, check out the AllTrails and Raleigh Greenspace apps to discover, record, and share trails near you, and connect with other outdoor adventurers. Additionally, check out the websites of organizations like the Town of Wake Forest (wakeforestnc.gov), the City of Raleigh (raleighnc.gov), the NC Division of Parks & Recreation (ncparks.gov), and The Great Trails State Coalition (greattrailsnc.com or greattrailsstatecoalition.org) for more information on Year of the Trail and NC’s trail system.
BY BUCK BUCHANAN
Watermelon, a summer staple at picnics and backyard gatherings. A refreshing thirstquencher on a sweltering afternoon. The perfect vegetable for eating contests on the Fourth of July. Wait … what? Yes, you read that right – the watermelon is a veggie, at least according to many. The debate about whether the watermelon is a fruit or a vegetable has raged on year after year. While the watermelon is a fruit, botanically, it is a member of the cucurbitaceae plant family of gourds (classified as Citrullus lantus), per watermelon.org, the website of The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB). Members of this family are monecious, meaning they have both male and female flowers on the same vine. It is the dubious star of the veggie world, sitting right there next to its relatives the cucumber, the squash, and our favorite fall gourd, the pumpkin. It is planted from seeds, harvested, and then cleared from the field
just like other vegetables. And as the NWPB further explains on watermelon.org, “According to Webster’s Dictionary, a vegetable is anything made from or obtained from plants. Since watermelon is grown as a vegetable crop using vegetable production systems, watermelon is considered a vegetable.” But no matter if you are Team Fruit or Team Veggie, no one can dispute that the delicious watermelon is one popular and palatable delight.
While this seasonal staple has been a wildly popular, all-American summer treat for generations, its history goes much farther back, dating at least 5000 years. Today, there are over 1,200 varieties grown across 96 countries, with China being the top producer worldwide, and the U.S. pulling in the seventh spot. Although we are only #7 in production, we do have some bragging rights! Specifically, according to Guinness World Records, the largest watermelon ever grown – 350 pounds – was in Tennessee. The fastest time to dice a watermelon? 18.19 seconds in California (diced into 90 cubes).The longest watermelon seed spitting distance? A whopping 75 feet 2 inches in Texas.
This veggie (fruit?) isn’t just sweet to eat, it’s also good for you! Mark Twain referred to the watermelon as “… the chief of the world’s luxuries, king by the grace of God over all the fruits of the earth. When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat.” Crowned it should be, if not for the taste, then for the hydration it provides – as its name states, it’s full of water. In fact, 92% of it consists of H20! If that isn’t enough, it has almost all the nutrients one could want from a vegetable. Let’s talk lycopene, an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation, prevents macular degeneration, and the kicker – may help to prevent cancer! Did you know watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable? Furthermore, it can help relieve muscle soreness post workout. Additionally, this melon is low in calories and carbohydrates; contains vitamin A (important for skin and eye health), vitamin B6 (helps your body break down the protein you eat), vitamin C (helps strengthen the immune system and aids in iron absorption), and potassium (helpful in lowering blood pressure and important for nerve function); and has zero fat, cholesterol, or sodium. Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other healthful nutrients, as well as cool, sweet, refreshing flavor, it’s no wonder the delicious watermelon is the perfect summer treat.
What can we expect from this vegetable in the future? Nothing but greatness, I’m sure. Did you know that currently Japan is growing square varieties that sell for as much as $150? Scientific research about its health benefits continues, with studies indicating that its consumption might be helpful in reducing the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. And the NWPB’s “Slice of Happy Project,” inspired by its 2022 consumer research –found that 100% of consumers surveyed say it makes them feel happy; 81% consider it a comfort food; and 82% agree eating it boosts their mood (watermelon.org/watermelon101/slice-of-happy-project). So, the next time you’re walking into the grocery store or visiting your favorite farmers market this summer, think of your health, your mood, and your taste buds, and grab yourself the perfect summer treat.
Here is where I normally add a couple of recipes. Not today … instead, I want to encourage you to enjoy the simplicity of the vegetable. Need a few ideas on how to do so? Add small cubes of watermelon to a crisp summer salad. Grill it for a smoky, caramelized, rich-flavored appetizer at your next backyard cookout. Insert popsicle sticks into slices for a quick, easy, and fun dessert for the kids or to take to your neighborhood potluck. Sprinkle a touch of salt on a slice for a sweet and salty combination. Cut into small cubes or scoop some into bite-sized balls to freeze for fruity ice cubes. Toss a few chunks into a blender with a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream for a cool and creamy milkshake. Make it boozy by pureeing some to mix into a refreshing summer cocktail. Or pour some vodka into a hole in the top, let it rest for about five hours, and you’ll have a fun vessel for a mouthwatering adult beverage. No matter how you slice it, the watermelon –whether enjoyed alone this summer or as the backdrop for fresh and fruity food and beverage fun – can’t be beat.
Many readers have recently been asking me when gray is going out of style … and the recent spring High Point Market, the furniture and home furnishing industry’s largest North American trade show, proved that upcoming trends may just answer that question and many more regarding summer colors and overall design dilemmas.
Q: How much longer do you think “the grays” will be around? I want to update my home and stay on-trend, but I am not a huge fan of gray. I do, however, like to stay neutral in my bigticket items and change out small items instead. And I need some color in my life!
A: Grays are still hanging around, but not in the capacity of recent decorating times. They’re moving toward warmer shades with green and brown undertones, while cooler grays with blue undertones seem to be moving out. Keeping your more constant items like furniture and large accent pieces neutral is always a great idea since you can simply swap accessories and art to totally update a room. Creamy tones go exceptionally well with warmer grays, along with beige hues that are also coming back into style. And arriving just in time for summer are vibrant splashes of color that I consistently observed throughout the Market. Picture it: bold variations of classic colors like lime green and deep greens, sunny yellow and mustard yellow, apricot and orange, reds, blues, pinks, blush, and purples. If you envision the flowers of summer, you’ll understand why these fun color pops
are coming back into our homes. These can be incorporated in art, pillows, accessories, rugs, and more. Add some fresh flowers from your summer garden to coordinate with your new accent items. Bold colors are back and better than ever.
Q: I have plain walls everywhere – no trim other than baseboards and around my doors. I feel my space feels very bland and basic, and I want to breathe some new life into it. But when it comes to sprucing up my walls, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the choices available. What do you recommend for wall treatments?
A: First of all, the right paint color is so important in a home. A paint color that does not match your décor and the “bones” of your home makes it feel disjointed (the bones of a home include countertops, tile, cabinets, flooring, etc. – the more permanent aspects of its interior). So, when determining how to handle the walls, paint should be addressed first. Then you can move along to incorporating any special type of wood trim. Approaching trim is determined by how your home is laid out. Is it an open floor plan? If so, flow is crucial in order to emphasize the openness; otherwise, it may feel compartmentalized. Crown molding adds so much to a space, and to me, is a must for a finished look. After understanding your layout and trim options, you can consider other wood features like wainscoting, a design wall with wood, etc. Again, making sure your plans are cohesive –both in practicality and visuality – is very important. Once you’ve made these baseline decisions, you can utilize other types of wall treatments like wallpaper. A powder room or a feature wall may benefit greatly from some beautiful wallpaper that can also act as art – speaking of which, let’s not forget about art. The right color scheme and size for a piece is imperative in a space and can turn a bland wall into an accentuated highlight. Think big and bold – don’t skimp on size. The best rule of thumb for the scale of an art piece is that it should cover at least two-thirds of the wall space. A collage of many small pictures to fill that two-thirds can certainly work in some areas, but you risk limiting design and functional opportunities of your space, or making it feel cluttered. The key takeaway from this advice should be to emphasize flow in the space; make your home feel physically, socially, and visually cohesive.
With all of this in mind, summer is a great time to plan and work on home projects. Current interior design trends are full of color, texture, versatility, and livability. Enjoy the process and love the result.
Rhonda
is the owner of Help Me Rhonda Interi-
and Open Door Furniture & Accents, a furniture and acces-
store located at 11605 Durant Road in Raleigh. Visit helpmerhondainteriors.com or opendoorfurnitureandaccents.com or call 919-263-9054. Rhonda is also a regular guest on WPTF’s “Making Your Home Great” radio show, the second Saturday of every month, when you can call in with any design questions you may have.
BY GRACE LOWER
Are you seeking an easy, enjoyable, and local beach destination this summer? Look no further than North Carolina’s own Carolina Beach! Located just south of Wilmington, Carolina Beach is a smooth two-and-a-half hour drive from the Triangle area, making it one of the most convenient beaches for quick day trips or longer stays. Filled with a wide array of activities, wildlife, history, and beautiful beach access, you’ll definitely want to add Carolina Beach to your list of driveable destinations this summer.
Originally home to groups of Tuscarora peoples, the area now known as Carolina Beach, Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, etc. was colonized by English settlers in the early 18th century. After the Tuscarora War (1711-1715),
the Tuscarora people were dispelled and settlement grew in nearby Wilmington, which began the city’s position as an influential port on the Cape Fear River. Carolina Beach’s population remained small for awhile, but the addition of a lighthouse in the early 19th century, along with the region’s significance in the U.S. Civil War, expanded awareness of the area. The domain’s role as a port city was integral in distributing supplies to the south in the Civil War; additionally, the fall of Confederate-held Fort Fisher to the Union in 1865 was a major contributor to the war’s end a few months later. After the Civil War, the Army Corps of Engineers built a jetty to improve passability, which still exists today. Furthermore, interest and development in the area expanded substantially as time went on. The addition of a train and ferry system in the late 1800s expanded access to the region, and the turn of the century was met with Carolina Beach’s boom. The first half of the 20th century saw new construction of hotels, grocery stores, boardwalks, piers, and homes. It is important to note that like much of the United States, Carolina Beach dealt with segregation during the Jim Crow era; regulations severely limited the presence of African Americans in Carolina Beach, and instead had them occupy Seabreeze, a beach a mere half-mile away, yet separated by laws of the time. Seabreeze became known for its astounding 31 juke joints and numerous visits by prominent African American performers. Seabreeze is now home to Freeman Park, a way to recognize North Carolina’s complex history.
In 1990, Carolina Beach’s famed Boardwalk was rebuilt, leading to the bountiful boardwalk filled with shops, restaurants, and amusement rides that we know today. Carolina Beach holds a rich history and a bright future, so keep reading to learn about the plethora of things to do on your upcoming “driveable destination summer vacation!”
The aforementioned Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina Beach Pier are main attractions of the town, encompassing the variety of restaurants, shops, and amusement rides that will make your visit fun for the whole family. Enjoy the ferris wheel, arcade, and carnival rides for some active fun, and then grab a nationallyknown Britt’s Donut for a sweet snack. First opened in 1939, Britt’s homemade glazed donuts are a delicacy you won’t want to miss. Be sure to explore the variety of beach boutiques and locally-owned restaurants as well.
Carolina Beach’s array of land activities are also coupled with tons of nature-based and aquatic activities. Enjoy sunbathing, walking, or playing sand games on the beautiful beachfront, or take a dip in the ocean by kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, surfing, or boating. You can also utilize Carolina Beach’s locally-run charter boats, jet ski rentals, and scuba lessons. Also, take advantage of the natural environment that Carolina Beach has to offer. Home to nine sites on the North Carolina Birding Trail, the Carolina Beach
community possesses the rich ecosystems of coastal NC, providing habitats for seagulls, coastal birds, sea turtles, fish, alligators, and a vast collection of unique plants like the Venus Flytrap. Engage in some nature appreciation by taking a stroll along the beach or following the white sand trail of Carolina Beach State Park that leads to a nice overlook of the Cape Fear River.
Carolina Beach is home to full-service hotels, rental beach houses, and locally-owned motels, so you’ll have plenty of accommodation options if you choose to take a multi-day vacation. Additionally, for an extended stay, you can explore neighboring coastal communities, including Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, Southport, Oak Island, Holden Beach, and Bald Head Island. A quick online search will provide you with the information you need to travel between towns, how to spend your time in these destinations, and regulations you should know for each beach community.
I hope you consider visiting Carolina Beach this summer, and year-round! With a great deal of activities awaiting individuals of any age, Carolina Beach makes for a wonderful (and easy) coastal getaway for the whole family.
Grace Lower is a student at UNC-Chapel Hill in the Gillings School of Global Public Health, studying Biology and Environmental Health Sciences. She is an outdoor enthusiast who also enjoys dance, theater, teaching group fitness classes, and writing for CIRCA Magazine.
BY ALLISON CAUDLE ABBOTT
ith so many things happening with the economy and housing market, there is a lot to consider if you are a thinking of selling your house or starting your new home search. Here are some frequently asked questions I receive from both buyers and sellers to help you navigate the current real estate market.
Wand staging the home to highlight its best features.
WHAT’S
IS
If you’re considering selling your home, it’s worth noting that the current market conditions are highly competitive. Inventory remains low and there’s a high demand from potential buyers. This means that if your home is priced correctly and is in good condition, it’s likely to sell quickly. In a competitive market like this, sellers have the upper hand. This can work to your advantage when it comes to negotiating terms, repairs, moving dates, and more.
Preparing your home for sale is a crucial step in ensuring a successful home selling process. From addressing significant repairs to staging your home, there are various tasks to consider. To ensure a great first impression, it’s important to remove clutter and personal items from the house. Renting a storage unit may be necessary if you have many belongings. Remember that potential buyers want to envision themselves living in the home and not be distracted by your personal knick-knacks. Additionally, other steps include getting a deep clean, neutralizing decor, removing signs of pets, boosting the curb appeal,
A HOME? The first step in purchasing a home is to chat with a trusted mortgage broker or lender. This helps determine the amount of money you can borrow to finance your home purchase. To obtain preapproval, you’ll need to provide them with your financial details, such as your income, debts, and assets. After reviewing your information, the lender will inform you of the amount they’re willing to lend you and discuss the current interest rates. Obtaining
pre-approval for a mortgage is essential because it allows you to determine your homebuying budget and shows sellers that you are a committed buyer. Additionally, obtaining pre-approval can help streamline the process once you find a property you’re interested in purchasing. With limited inventory, being ready to submit an offer, which will require a pre-approval letter, is something you, as the buyer, need to be prepared for.
WHAT
DOWN? There are a few things you can do if you make an
offer that is turned down. You can always increase your offer with a different sales price. You can also change out other terms of the contract with higher due diligence to show you are a serious buyer, and/or offer a different closing date. You can also keep searching for another house. If the seller is not willing to negotiate, or if the home you wanted goes under contract, move on and find another property. Keep in mind that with limited inventory, being flexible with paint colors, flooring, and other components of a home may need to be considered.
ONE
A common concern among potential sellers is whether they will be able to find a new home to purchase before closing on their current one. Trust and rely on your realtor and their strong negotiation skills, understanding that closing dates are often negotiable, particularly in a competitive market. This can help you buy time to find your new home. Additionally, while preowned home inventory is currently limited, there are plenty of new construction homes entering the market that could be an excellent option as closing dates from the sale of your current home and the completion of your new home are established.
BY MACKENZIE DZIEDZIC, OD
UV light is invisible to the human eye, yet can be absorbed by the eye, increasing the risk of eye disease. We all love fun in the sun, especially after some of the rainy, cloudy spring months, but it’s important to remember not only to wear sunscreen to protect your skin against the harmful rays, but also to protect your eyes this summer.
Long term exposure to sunlight can cause chronic eye conditions such as cataracts, pinguecula, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer of the eyelids. Never stare directly into the sun! Doing so can cause irreversible retinal damage and cause blind spots in one’s central vision. This also includes eclipse viewing and exposure to laser pointers.
Most of us correlate sun exposure to skin damage or skin cancer. The eyelids are the thinnest skin on your body and can be very sensitive to UV exposure. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. Thankfully, there is low risk for it to spread to other parts of the body, and if detected in the early stages, a surgical procedure may be performed to remove the affected area. Like any other type of skin cancer, it is important to have any new lesions or growing bumps of the eyelid evaluated by your eye care provider.
Have you ever noticed a raised yellow/white bump on the white of your eyes? At some point, most people will develop benign growths on the inner and outer parts of the conjunctiva, called pinguecula. These raised lesions are caused by UV damage, and for most people, it does not become a problem. But in more serious cases, it can cause redness, inflammation, dryness, and trouble wearing contact lenses. A pterygium is another growth of the conjunctiva caused by UV radiation and differs as it is a wedge-shaped growth that usually extends onto the cornea, the outer layer of the eye. As a pterygium grows, it can cause distorted and blurred vision.
Cataracts are a very common eye condition that develop as we age. The lens of the eye absorbs UV light and acts as a protective barrier to the retina. Prolonged UV exposure to the lens causes it
to thicken and become cloudy, creating a cataract. Once a cataract matures, surgery is required in order to improve vision.
Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world, and while most cases are linked to increasing age, genetics, and tobacco use, UV light can contribute to retinal damage. The macula is the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail in your central vision. There is currently no treatment for dry macular degeneration, but your optometrist may recommend taking eye vitamins, wearing sunglasses, avoiding tobacco products, and eating a well-balanced diet.
The most important way to protect your eyes against UV damage is with sunglasses. Not all are made the same, so it is important to
make sure yours block both UV-A and UV-B rays. The American Academy of Optometry recommends sunglasses that block 100% of UV or UV absorption up to 400nm. Polarized sunglasses filter light differently than the average tinted lens, as polarization helps reduce glare and eye strain. These are especially helpful when on the water, beach, or in snowy conditions. Wraparound sunglasses provide the most protection, as they block UV light from all angles. Check with your optometrist or optician for the best ones for your lifestyle.
Contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses, and some have a UV blocking benefit. Most brands claim to block 97% of UV-B and 81% of UV-A rays; however, a good portion of the eye and the eyelids still remain exposed when outside. It’s important to remember to wear sunglasses over your contact lenses to shade the eyes and protect the portions of the eye not covered by a contact lens.
Next time you’re outside or headed to the beach, don’t forget to apply sunscreen and wear your darkly tinted polarized sunglasses, even on those cloudy days. Wearing sunglasses will reduce your risk of potential eye diseases and allow you and your family to safely enjoy the sun this summer.
Mackenzie Dziedzic, OD is with McPherson Family Eye Care, located at 3150 Rogers Road, Suite 100 in Wake Forest. She may be reached at 919-263-9163. For more information, visit mcphersonfamilyeyecare.com.
The sun is shining, the weather is warming, and you’re stocked up on sunscreen. The only thing left to kick off summer is filling up your library with the latest and greatest summer reads. Whether your summer plans include an escape to our state’s beautiful beaches or lakes, lounging by the pool, or simply relaxing on your back porch, there’s a good chance that these plans include enjoying a good book. From fiction fun and fantasy to trips back in time and quirky cuisine, I’ve got you covered with the perfect reads arriving this season.
A Book For Bear by Ellen L. Ramsey
A Book For Bear is a joyful celebration of reading and friendship between a book-loving bear and a book-loving girl. As described by publisher Flamingo Books, “With charming and timeless words from debut author Ellen L. Ramsey and brought to life by MacKenzie Haley, illustrator of Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big, this is an endearing story of a determined young bear and his journey to find the perfect book.”
InvestiGators: All Tide Up by John Patrick Green
If your kids enjoy reading Dog Man, then the Investigators graphic novel series is a fun alternative. All Tide Up, the seventh volume in the series that always has young readers thinking while they
investigate, welcomes back sewer surfing super-sleuths Mango and Brash, as they embark on a high seas adventure to unchartered waters.
Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow by Ryan T. Higgins
For all you fans of the beloved Mother Bruce series … you’ll be happy to know that Bruce is back! This time he’s returned for a grumpy, hilarious Halloween picture book that is sure to keep the young readers in your life in stitches. Bruce’s friends don’t know why he doesn’t want to celebrate Halloween, but they convince him to give out candy and have fun in only the way that grumpy bears can have.
The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Returning to the world of the Inheritance Games trilogy, The Brothers Hawthorne focuses on fan favorites Grayson and Jameson Hawthorne as they are in pursuit of a dangerous winner-take-all game. Your young adult reader won’t be able to put it down.
Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin
Are coincidences just coincidences, or is magic at play? Wild is the Witch is an emotionally raw story about animals, love, and family –all sprinkled with great world building and magic. You’ll be hooked from the first page.
Tom Lake: A Novel by Ann Patchett
I always read anything by Ann Patchett –and her newest book, a simple read that is full of feeling, doesn’t disappoint! When three 20-somethings move back to their parents’ farm in 2020, they bond over picking cherries and reminiscing about the men their mother dated before their father. After all, their mother is a former famous actress who shared a stage and a romance with the most famous Hollywood actor before he hit it big! According to publisher Harper Collins Publishers, “Tom Lake is a meditation on youthful love, married love, and the lives parents have led before their children were born. Both hopeful and elegiac, it explores what it means to be happy even when the world is falling apart. As in all of her novels, Ann Patchett combines compelling narrative artistry with piercing insights into family dynamics. The result is a rich and luminous story, told with profound intelligence and emotional subtlety …”
This summer, take a trip back to 1971 in New York, when times were turbulent. Join Ray Carney as he turns to a life on the straight and narrow after one spent on the black market with stolen furniture. He won’t make that mistake again, he declares. However, when his precious daughter wants tickets to the Jackson 5 concert, what’s a doting dad to do? Per publisher Doubleday, “Crook Manifesto is a darkly funny tale of a city under siege, but also a sneakily searching portrait of the meaning of family. Colson Whitehead’s kaleidoscopic portrait of Harlem is sure to stand as one of the all-time great evocations of a place and a time.”
If you ever went to summer camp as a child, you are sure to have fond memories from that special time. When four women discover the camp they attended is being sold, they join forces to save it. These friends with over three decades of friendship under their belts have helped one an-
other get through all of life’s curveballs. Can they overcome this one additional hurdle? The Summer of Songbirds, a wonderful beach read from an author whose, “writing coats your soul with heart (E! Online), is a lyrical and unforgettable celebration of female friendship, summertime freedom, and enduring sisterhood – and a love letter to the places and people that make us who we are” (kristywoodsonharvey.com).
Hocus Pocus: The Official Cookbook
by Elena P. Craig, S. T. BendeAs described by publisher Insight Editions, “Celebrate All Hallow’s Eve with over 50 dishes inspired by the spellbinding world of Hocus Pocus! Featuring terrifyingly tasty mains, appetizers, and desserts, this familyfriendly cookbook includes a creepy roster of recipes that fans will love, including Ring of Salt Pretzels, Witch’s Broom Donuts, and more! Featuring full-color photography, comprehensive nutritional information, and helpful tips and tricks … it is the essential guide to cooking like a Sanderson sister!” Not your average cookbook, Hocus Pocus: The Cookbook will have you feasting not just at Halloween, but all year long.
Jews in the Garden: A Holocaust Survivor, the Fate of His Family, and the Secret History of Poland in World War II
by Judy RakowskyThis fast-paced, shocking, and true investigative work of journalism shares the untold story of the Polish government in a Holocaust coverup and World War II secrets. Yes, this is another WWII book –but this time, told from a completely different point of view. Per the author’s website (judyrakowsky.com), “Part memoir, part detective story, part family history, this is the account of one family’s quest for answers; a timely investigation of Poland’s attempts to obscure its entanglement in the Holocaust, and a poignant portrait of those who nevertheless remember …”
Suzanne Lucey and her husband Dave own Page 158 Books, located at 415 S. Brooks St. in Wake Forest. She may be reached at 919435-1843 or visit www.page158books.com.
Deciding to build a new-construction home is an exciting endeavor that offers a number of advantages over purchasing an existing property. From the ability to customize your space to enjoying modern amenities, building a new home provides a range of benefits that make it an appealing choice for many prospective homeowners.
New construction homes can be categorized into different types, based on the construction process and ownership, and each with their own benefits. Here are a few common types:
– Tract Homes: Also known as production homes, tract homes are built by developers on a large scale within a specific neighborhood or subdivision. These homes often have similar floor plans and designs, with slight variations in exterior finishes and interior options. Tract homes are typically more affordable and offer a quicker construction timeline compared to custom ones.
– Spec Homes: Short for speculative homes, spec homes are built by builders or developers without a specific buyer in mind. These homes are constructed based on the assumption that they will attract buyers once completed. Builders often design spec homes
with popular features and finishes to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. However, customization options may be limited compared to custom homes.
– Custom Homes: Custom homes offer the highest level of personalization. These homes are designed and built according to the specific preferences and requirements of the homeowner. Custom home builders work closely with the clients to create a unique, one-of-a-kind living space. Custom homes offer flexibility in design, layout, and materials, allowing homeowners to create their dream homes from scratch.
– Semi-Custom Homes: Semi-custom homes blend elements of both tract homes and custom homes. Builders offer a selection of pre-designed floor plans and options for customization. Homebuyers can choose from a range of floor plans and then make modifications to suit their preferences. While semicustom homes provide some customization, they typically have a more streamlined construction process compared to fully custom ones.
– Model Homes: Model homes are homes built by builders or developers to showcase their work and attract potential buyers. These homes are often fully furnished and decorated to give buyers a sense of how the finished home could look. These are typically well-appointed and feature the latest design trends and upgrades. They serve as examples of what the builder can offer and can be replicated or modified based on the buyer’s preferences.
It’s worth noting that the availability and popularity of these types of new construction homes may vary depending on the location and the specific builder or developer. Each type has its own advantages and considerations, so it’s important to understand the options available and choose the one that best fits your needs, budget, and desired level of customization.
– Customization and Personalization: One of the most significant advantages of building a new-construction home is the opportunity to customize and personalize every aspect of your living space. From the layout and design to the materials used, you have the freedom to create a home that perfectly suits your preferences and lifestyle. You can work closely with builders to bring your vision to life, ensuring that your new home is a true reflection of your unique taste and needs.
– Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: New-construction homes are built with the latest energy-efficient technologies and materials. They often include energysaving features such as high-quality insulation, double or triple-pane windows, and energy-efficient appliances. These elements contribute to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills in the long run, providing you with significant cost savings over the life of your home.
– Modern Amenities and Upgraded Infrastructure: From advanced wiring for smart home automation to state-ofthe-art heating and cooling systems, new construction homes are designed to meet the demands of modern living. You can incorporate the latest technology, such as integrated sound systems, energy management systems, and advanced security features, making your home more comfortable, convenient, and secure.
– Reduced Maintenance and Repairs: With a new-construction home, you can enjoy peace-of-mind knowing that the major components of your property are brand new and built to last. This means you’ll have fewer maintenance and repair issues to deal with in the initial years. New homes often come with warranties that
cover construction defects, providing an additional layer of protection. This reduced need for repairs and maintenance can save you time, money, and headaches down the line.
– Compliance with Building Codes and Safety Standards: When you build a new home, you can be confident that it meets all the latest building codes and safety standards. Building regulations evolve over time, and older homes may not comply with the most recent requirements. By constructing a new home, you ensure that it adheres to all safety guidelines, including fire safety, electrical wiring, and structural integrity, providing a secure living environment.
– Potential for Higher Resale Value: Investing in a new-construction home can provide excellent long-term value. Buyers often appreciate the appeal of a brandnew property with modern features and finishes. Additionally, as the home ages, its value can appreciate if location and market conditions are favorable. If you
plan to sell your home in the future, a well-maintained new-construction property can potentially yield a higher resale value compared to an older home.
Building a new construction home offers a host of benefits that cater to your specific needs and preferences. From customization and energy efficiency to modern amenities and increased resale value, the advantages are plentiful. While the process of building a new home requires careful planning and investment, the outcome is a personalized space that aligns with your vision and provides long-term benefits for you and your family. So, if you have the opportunity, consider the advantages of building a newconstruction home and embark on a journey to create your dream living space.
Tracy Dupler, a luxury real estate agent serving the Triangle area, is the owner of Tracy Dupler Realty Group, LLC. She may be reached at 919-948-9019 or email tracy.dupler@exprealty.com. For more information, visit tracyduplerrealtygroup.com.
Menopause – the change that every woman knows is coming. With these tips, you can be prepared and know what to expect, so you can go through the change like a pro.
Menopause is the cessation of menstruation for 12 or more months in the absence of any other cause. The average age of menopause is 51, but women will experience symptoms years or months prior during the perimenopausal period.
Symptoms of Menopause: Hot flashes (most common); sleep disturbances; depression; vaginal dryness; change in sexual function; joint pains.
Eighty percent of women will experience hot flashes, but only 20 to 30 percent of women will see their physicians about them. If untreated, the hot flashes will stop on average after five years, but nine percent of women will experience them into their 70s. That’s why it’s important to discuss symptoms with your physician so they can determine how to best help.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the giving back of estrogen and/or progesterone as these hormones decline. The primary goal is to relieve symptoms using the lowest dose possible. Studies show that women who begin therapies earlier experience fewer side effects than women who begin them later. Most women use HRTs for three to five years, and taper off the meds to help avoid symptoms returning.
Risks of HRT: Most healthy, non-smoking, normal weight perimenopausal women are appropriate candidates. Women who are older or who have health conditions are at an increased risk of having adverse events on HRT. Examples include history of cancer, DVT/PE, stroke, heart disease, hypertension, and poorly controlled diabetes. Visit a gynecologist to find out if HRT is
right for you. If your risk is elevated, HRT may not be a good option.
Benefits of HRT: Prevent osteoporosis; reduce incidences of colorectal cancer; improve severe menopause symptoms.
– SSRI/SNRIs: Celexa, Effexor, or Brisdelle; modest improvement for hot flashes and mood disturbances; costly, but generics help offset cost.
– Gabapentin: Can cause drowsiness, which can help in those experiencing sleep disturbances; best for women experiencing hot flashes at night or having trouble sleeping.
– Clonidine: Less commonly used because of side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, and sedation; available if other treatments fail; best tolerated as a transdermal patch.
– Progestin Therapies: Moderate improvement with 20 to 40 percent of women seeing improvement; not estrogen; can be used alone when estrogen is contraindicated; should be used as cotherapy in women who still have their uterus.
– Conjugated Estrogen/Bazedoxifene (DuaVee): Newer agent that may be used in women who can’t tolerate oral progestin therapies; slightly increased risk of clots; costly.
– Non-Traditional Therapies: There may be no harm in using non-traditional therapies to treat menopause if they help with symptoms and there are no ill effects from other drugs you are taking. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting them. Examples include hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapies, acupuncture, evening primrose oil, and flaxseed.
– Plant Therapies: Plant and herbal therapies, such as black cohosh.
– Weight Loss: Can be useful for women suffering from mood symptoms and fatigue.
Dr. Chantel Roedner of WakeMed OB-GYN specializes in highrisk obstetrics, infertility, minimally invasive gynecological surgery including robotic surgery, well woman care, and contraception. If you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment, please visit wakemed.org.
Summer is a favorite time of year for many people, but for others, it can be difficult to enjoy all that the season has to offer – specifically, those who suffer from temporomandibular joint pain, commonly known as TMJ.
TMJ, that ongoing “popping” in your jaw, is a disorder – usually a short-term one that goes away with rest and treatment – that affects the joint that acts as a hinge connecting the skull’s temporal bones to the jaw. It’s a complex joint that functions with a wide range of motion and is responsible for the way the mouth and jaw move forward, backward, and side-to-side. To complete complicated movements, like talking, chewing, and yawning, the joint must be aligned perfectly with the bones. Any time it’s even slightly off, you are going to feel the aforementioned popping sensation. If this phenomenon doesn’t go away for you quickly, it could be a sign of a temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. (TMD is the accurate name for the problem, but many people refer to it as TMJ for the affected joint.)
While TMJ discomfort ranges from annoying and uncomfortable to severely painful any time of year, the warm summer months often tend to exacerbate symptoms as temperatures rise and the barometric pressure changes. What can you do to survive TMJ pain in the upcoming sizzling season?
KEEP WARM. Imagine the sensation of feeling cold tense muscles, shivering, etc. Heat can provide the opposite effect, soothing and relaxing muscles (e.g. heating pads and warm baths for sore muscles). Joints like the temporomandibular tend to loosen in warm, humid weather. Make the most of North Carolina’s sweltering summer temperatures by participating in muscle-relaxing outdoor activities such as swimming, biking, open-air yoga, and walking.
STAY HYDRATED. As the days heat up, it is easy to become dehydrated. Lack of water is harmful to all body systems, including your joints (ahem, the jaw joint!). Be diligent in drinking lots of water and limiting sugary beverages. Also, try to reduce your caffeine consumption, as caffeine can induce jitters and anxious feelings, leading to unintentional teeth clenching or grinding that exacerbates TMJ discomfort.
MINIMIZE STRESS. While it’s easier said than done, focus on minimizing your stress levels this summer. Stress frequently manifests in physical tension, such as teeth grinding and jaw clenching –and we may not even know we have these habits that cause TMJ pain. When you clench or grind your teeth, your facial muscles attached to the jaw joint are overworked and tighten up. This alone is painful enough, but if it continues, the problem only gets worse. A little disc of cartilage sits between facial bones and the TMJ to protect the joint. Over time and with too much pressure, this disc can become
damaged. Small steps to reduce your stress levels, such as relaxing on your porch after a long day at the computer or incorporating low-intensity workouts into your routine to release endorphins and keep your body moving, can be beneficial in improving not just your TMJ pain, but your overall health.
Avoid chewing gum to reduce excessive use of the joint and muscle and give them a chance to rest. Stay away from hard foods and candies, as they are tough on the jaw. Additionally, limit chewy summer staples such as grilled steaks and corn on the cob. Most of the time, these foods require a lot of chewing or broad opening of the mouth, and therefore add stress to the jaw. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fun summertime cookout with friends and family – simply consume substitutions like soft and tender barbecue or cut the corn off the cob. Take advantage of summer’s harvest by enjoying fresh fruits like melons and berries that are abundant this time of
year, skipping the crunchy apples and raw veggies (such as carrots). Instead, eat your veggies grilled or cooked, or toss them in a cool summertime smoothie.
While these small-scale lifestyle changes can help alleviate TMJ discomfort during the summer months and periods of rest can help it go away on its own, it’s important to know that sometimes the cause of TMJ is an underlying medical condition. If your TMJ symptoms persist for longer than one week and you’ve been trying the aforementioned measures without signs of improvement, schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine if the issue is simple (such as clenching), or if a more complicated medical issue may exist.
Dr. Edmond Suh, DDS is with Supremia Dentistry, located at 1704 S. Main Street in Wake Forest. He is an international lecturer on contemporary dental techniques. At Supremia Dentistry, expect something different. Call 919-556-6200 to learn more or schedule an appointment. You can also visit supremiadentistry.com.
If you have ever lived in the South, you’re likely familiar with the sweet summer staple that is peach cobbler. A delicacy encrusted (pun intended) with tradition, peach cobbler is simple to chef up and holds memories that span generations. Plus, the potential for variations of this classic dish are endless and up to your imagination. Taking advantage of fresh peaches that are so delicious in the warm months of summer, adjusting the fruit-to-crust ratio to suit your fancy, and adding any kind of topping you desire are just a few simple ways to cook up this textbook summertime dessert with your own personal flare.
The following peach cobbler recipe spans four generations in our family. Passed down from great-grandmother Two Mom, this recipe is one that we’ve indulged in for as many summers as we can remember. We associate this delightful dessert with long days spent on the dock at the grandparents’ house at Lake Gaston, followed by an unbeatable home-cooked meal provided by grandmother GG, and finally, the real showstopper – dessert. Not only does this peach cobbler hold happy memories for our family, it simply tastes amazing. This summer, we hope you’ll attempt this quick and easy, triedand-true family favorite and allow yourself to enrich your creative energies by making personal touches wherever you see fit!
– 3-6 cups sliced fresh or canned peaches
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 beaten eggs
– 8 tablespoons butter, melted
Place peaches on bottom of baking dish then sprinkle with lemon juice. Mix dry ingredients, then add eggs, tossing until crumbly. Spread topping over peaches. Drizzle with butter.
Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until browned.
Of course, not much beats a warm peach cobbler topped with the contrasting coolness of a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a hot summer day. But to up your peach cobbler game a bit, here are a few ideas.
ADD MORE FRUIT: Fully embrace the flavor of summer by adding other fresh fruits to your cobbler filling. Combine blueberries with your delicious peaches for a colorful and tasty combination, for instance. Other fruits that complement peaches well include raspberries, blackberries, cherries, lemon, lime, pineapple, and strawberries.
EXPERIMENT WITH TOPPINGS: Spice up that ice cream scoop with a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg – their warm, aromatic flavors pair perfectly with the peaches’ sweet juiciness. How about drizzling a homemade salted caramel or vanilla sauce over your ice cream and cobbler to further tickle your taste buds? Top with a few pecans, almonds, or walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
WHIP UP SOME WHIPPED CREAM: Who says vanilla extract needs to be the only flavoring added to whipped cream? Splash in another extract like almond, or sprinkle in a bit of cocoa powder, lemon zest, or even a few dessert spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, cloves, or allspice.
BOOZE IT UP A BIT: To further warm up your insides, mix a couple of tablespoons of brandy or bourbon into your cobbler’s filling. Or add a dash or two into your aforementioned whipped cream concoction.
As always, the CIRCA community loves seeing your dishes, so please tag us or send in photos of your peachy-keen peach cobblers, as well as any recipe you hope to see published in a future “Cooked In Tradition” feature! Farewell, and happy baking!
Kent and Grace Lower are a motherdaughter duo, with Kent being the owner and publisher of CIRCA Magazine, and Grace a student at UNC-Chapel Hill. Both enjoy sharing their beloved family recipes with others.
From walks along sandy beaches to late afternoon hikes, summer may be the best time to be a dog owner. But among all of that action and adventure, don’t forget to show your dog a little extra TLC. During the summer, dogs (especially larger ones with thick or long hair) are at a greater risk for heat stroke, dehydration, and sunburn. One of the greatest ways to cool down your pup is with frozen dog treats! We’ve rounded up our favorite pup-approved frozen treat recipes that are healthy and safe. For the following recipes, be sure to have ice cube trays or silicone molds. It’s best to avoid using human popsicle molds that use sticks as they can splinter and cause harm to your pup.
This recipe is a great option because it doesn’t contain any dairy products.
– 4 cups of water
– 1 cup of chopped, organic fresh berries like blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries
– 1 tablespoon of molasses
Using a food processor or blender, mix together berries and water. Before adding the molasses, dissolve it in warm water, and then add to berry and water mixture. Blend until smooth. Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds. Freeze until solid. Give to your pup to enjoy!
Another yummy and healthy option includes pumpkin, which is great for your dog’s digestion. Be sure to buy pumpkin puree and steer clear of pumpkin pie mix. As for peanut butter, look for jars that do not include the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
– 1/2 cup organic peanut butter
Combine all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into ice cream trays or silicone molds. Freeze and serve when frozen.
For a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants, this recipe is simple and one of our favorites.
– 1 cup of blueberries
– 1 banana
– 1 6-ounce plain yogurt*
– 1 teaspoon of ground flax seed
Mix all the ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Blend and then pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays. Freeze for approximately two hours.
* The AKC advises that “while yogurt is a dairy product and it’s best to steer clear of dairy with dogs, fresh plain yogurt with good bacteria is often easier for dogs to tolerate. To avoid dairy altogether, substitute coconut milk (read the label to look for xylitol or other harmful ingredients).”
Camp Bow Wow – where a dog can be a dog – offers doggy daycare, overnight boarding, and full service grooming. Camp Bow Wow is located at The Factory, 1839 S. Main Street in Wake Forest. To book your reservation, visit campbowwow.com/wake-forest.
The Cavin Jones House turned 200 years old in 2020. Like most landmark anniversaries and birthdays during the pandemic, planned celebrations went unnoticed.
Dr. Calvin Jones named the house and plantation “Wake Forest.” However, it has been called a number of names throughout history – the President’s House, the Charter House, and the Birthplace. No matter what it was called, there is no doubt that the house has lived a charmed life over two centuries. Built in 1820 in the federal style with a hall/parlor plan, the house was constructed for the family of Davis Battle. It is unclear if the Battle family ever lived in the elegant but small plantation house. Calvin Jones purchased the house and its 615 acres of farmland along Richland Creek when it was relatively new. While the Jones family occupied the house only a dozen years, they made quite a mark on its history.
Dr. Jones married for the first time at age 44, and he and his wife Temperance Bodie Williams had four children while living in the house. In 1823, Dr. Jones performed what was likely the very first successful cataract surgery in the United States in his home office. About this time, Jones also received congressional approval for a post office called “Wake Forest” which he also operated out of the house. In August of 1832, the house and land were sold to the North Carolina Baptist Convention for the purpose of starting a college to educate young men for the Christian ministry. The third (or perhaps the second – it’s not officially known) residents of the house were Samuel and Sarah Wait and their young daughter Ann Eliza. The Waits moved into the house around Christmas of 1832 and made it their home when they weren’t traveling the muddy roads of North Carolina to raise funds for the yet-to-be-established college. On February 3, 1834, Wait sat in the parlor of the house with 16 students, and what today we know as Wake Forest University was born.
With the college came mobility. Around 1835, the house was moved about 150 yards south to make way for the first permanent college building. Within 20 years, the house would again be moved, this time a few hundred yards northwest near the present-day Ledford Center of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS). In May of 1956, Wake Forest College moved to Winston-Salem with a grant
from the family of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds.
SEBTS had plans to make changes to the campus to better fit its needs. Part of that plan was for the demolition of the house to make way for a cafeteria. A group of determined ladies from the Wake Forest Garden Club stepped in before demolition plans could proceed because they saw the importance of the run-down house to the history of both Wake Forest University (now in Winston-Salem) and the town that carries the university’s name. Headed by a committee consisting of Kathleen Mackie Lake, Annie Gill Harris, Ruth Snyder, and others, funds were raised to move the house to safety. This group approached the trustees of Wake Forest University and requested to move the house to the 400 block of North Main Street on a four-and-a-half acre plot that was the original athletic field for the college. This block was the only land the college did not sell to SEBTS in 1956, and is the only piece of land never sold since its purchase from Dr. Calvin Jones for the college in August 1832.
By the fall of 1957, the house was once again on the move. Having sat on blocks for months while funds were raised for its restoration, Dr. Christopher Crittenden, grandson of sixth Wake Forest President Charles Taylor, and then-head of the North Carolina Department of Archives and History, took over the restoration project. Nearly 20 years later with a grant from the American Bicentennial Commission, restoration was completed and the house opened as a museum. Since 2014, the house’s interior has been restored to reflect four of its historical uses: the plantation home of Dr. Calvin Jones, the birthplace of Wake Forest University and home of first president Samuel Wait, a boarding house for the university’s medical school, and finally, a men’s dorm. Today, the Dr. Calvin Jones House is the centerpiece of the Wake Forest Historical Museum complex and is open for tours during the museum’s visiting hours. Check hours and tour details at wakeforestmuseum.org or call 919-556-2911.
