Durham Magazine April / May 2022

OUR AREA’S TOP DENTISTS 19 MEET THE DURHAM BULLS’ GOODEST BOY 32

IN S FO PIR R Y AT OU ION R

HO G ME ST A AR R TS D & ON E PG N .8 0

APRIL/MAY 2022 DURHAMMAG.COM

OUR 10TH ANNUAL

WOMEN’S ISSUE

GET TO KNOW A FEW OF THE BULL CITY’S CHANGE AGENTS, FROM BUSINESS OWNERS TO DOCTORS TO FARMERS AND MORE

PG. 40 FRAME OF MIND Lennox and Grae’s Nish Evans envisions the future of 310 E. Main St.

Redefine retirement.

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magazine

APRIL/MAY 2022 VOL 15 NO 2

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EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR

Amanda MacLaren amanda.maclaren@durhammag.com

EDITORIAL

WHy TWO MEN AND A TRUCK ? ®

Chiropractor.

That’s Why.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Renee Ambroso renee.ambroso@trianglemediapartners.com DIGITAL EDITOR

Hannah Lee hannah.lee@triangledigitalpartners.com EDITOR, CHAPEL HILL MAGAZINE & EXECUTIVE EDITOR, CHATHAM MAGAZINE

Jessica Stringer

MANAGING EDITOR, CHATHAM MAGAZINE

Anna-Rhesa Versola EDITORIAL INTERNS

Morgan Chapman, Alicia Clanton, Delaney Galvin, Charlotte Goto, CC Kallam, Jessica Mirelli, Isabella Reilly, Allie Schreiber, Megan Tillotson and Caitlyn Yaede CONTRIBUTORS

Julia Baker, Brandee Gruener, Elizabeth Kane, Perri Kersh, Elizabeth Poindexter, Amber Watson and Morgan Cartier Weston

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April/may 2022

contents WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

42 Melissa Chappell Executive director, Durham Tech Foundation at Durham Technical Community College 44 Michelle Vanderwalker Co-owner and designer, Kingfisher, Queeny’s and QueenBurger 48 Chan Little Owner and head trainer, The 360° Approach 50 Meredith Cohen Owner and co-manager, One Soil Farm Board president, Carolina Jews for Justice Molly Zimmerman Co-manager, One Soil Farm 54 Dr. Viviana Martinez-Bianchi Associate professor and director for Health Equity, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Duke University School of Medicine Founder, Latinx Advocacy Team and Interdisciplinary Network for COVID-19

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS 6 Letter from the Editor

8 Go.See.Do. Mark your calendars for this season’s top events

56 Nancy McKaig Owner, Smitten Boutique

14 Noted What we’ve heard around our city …

60 Indira Everett Director, East region, Duke Energy

36 What We’re Eating Cugino Forno Pizzeria

62 Kelly Smedley Owner and founder, Waypoint Counseling & Maternal Wellness

118 Engagement & Wedding Tying the knot, Bull City-style

64 Nish Evans President and CEO, Lennox and Grae

DURHAM INC.

66 Dr. Deanna W. Adkins Pediatric endocrinologist and associate professor of pediatrics at Duke University Medical director, Duke Child and Adolescent Gender Care Clinic 68 Arsheen Allam CEO and Founder, GOLeafe

48 80 Project Management Global meets local in this updated Spanish Revival home in Duke Park

72 Victoria Creamer Principal, Creekside Elementary School

92 Emptying Your Nest Tips on downsizing from professional organizer Perri Kersh

FEATURES

94 Family Frolic The Xayavong family explores Sarah P. Duke Gardens on a summer day

19 Our Top Dentists The results of our commissioned peer-to-peer survey of the local dental community 32 Batter Pup! Let’s woof, woof, woof for the home team

98 Garden Variety Experts at our local garden centers share top tips for getting your yard ready for summer

104 National Companies Grab a Piece of the Real Estate Pie in Durham 110 Networking Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting 112 Tiny Homes, Big Difference Local educator tackles affordable housing crisis with new business 114 Biz Briefs

PEOPLE & PLACES

12 Book Harvest’s Dream Big Book Drive

SPONSORED CONTENT

74 The Big Give Our local nonprofits, how they support the community, and how you can get involved

Celebrate Spring in Seagrove

Join Us for the 14th Annual Celebration of Spring in Seagrove April 22 - 24, 2022 | Daily, 10 am - 5 pm

Spring has always been a time for renewal and awakening in Seagrove. This year, participating potters invite you on a self-guided tour of individual studios and workshops.

Meet the artists and go behind the scenes of the pottery making process before purchasing your own piece of unique art.

For more info, go to DiscoverSeagrove.com

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eing a woman can look different depending on the day. To some, it means holding a baby to your hip as you toss food into an oven while also hosting a large gathering of friends, which I witnessed in amazement this past weekend. It might mean discovering an occupation that you enjoy and where you are valued and compensated fairly. For many of us, it means pursuing equality and protecting hard-fought rights, some of which are still under attack today.

But for all the variations in our life experiences, I think one thing unites us in womanhood: Strength. Nish Evans, who graces our cover, shared a good reminder in her story with us on page 64. “I always encourage women, especially women, to remind themselves that they are smart enough to figure it out.”

That persistence might come in the form of setting out to create your own business, like Nish did when she launched commercial real estate investment firm Lennox and Grae in 2018. Or as Chan Little (page 48) did with her fitness studio, The 360° Approach, where she embodies strength, both physical and mental.

Strength might come in more of a spiritual form, as it does for Meredith Cohen and Molly Zimmerman of One Soil Farm (page 50), where the tough, hard work of managing a farm blends seamlessly with celebrating Jewish agricultural heritage.

Beyond strength is an equally important term that often goes hand in hand: support. The women in this issue who are lifting up others – from Dr. Viviana Martinez-Bianchi’s advocacy for Durham’s Latinx community (page 54) to Kelly Smedley’s maternal wellness and counseling clinic (page 62) to Dr. Deanna W. Adkins’ championing of her young transgender patients at the Duke Child and Adolescent Gender Care Clinic (page 66) – are prime examples of what can be accomplished when women are devoted to a cause. It’s just one of the reasons that this issue remains among the most important that we publish; because showing the power of women, year after year, is just one small way we can elevate this fundamental work within our community, and encourage others to take notice and follow their lead.

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 TH E COVER

Photo by John Michael Simpson 6

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 @amanda_maclaren amanda.maclaren@durhammag.com

Company SBB A PRIL 1 5 -1 6 Duke Performances welcomes award-

winning choreographer and director Stefanie Batten Bland and her dance company to Reynolds Industries Theater for the world premiere of “Embarqued: Stories of Soil.” The dance-theater piece utilizes a performative ship mast as its physical and conceptual centerpiece as a way to delve into society’s cultural, political and spiritual relationship with memorials and shares African ancestral stories in order to reveal postcolonial histories and possible futures.

go see do

Durham Bulls Baseball AP R I L 12

Batter up! Our hometown baseball team opens its 2022 season at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in a match against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, which will be followed by postgame fireworks.

The reigning Triple-A National Champions’ season includes 144 games with 72 home dates, 25 fireworks nights, Kids Run the Bases following Sunday home games, Afforda-BULL Eats at every Thursday home game featuring a menu of discounted food and beverage options, and fans can bring their dogs to five Bark in the Park nights.

THIS SEASON’S TOP EVENTS

Walk for the Animals M AY 2 8

Bring your furry friend to Duke University’s East Campus Lawn for a 1.5-mile walk to benefit the Animal Protection Society of Durham, which cares for nearly 4,000 animals annually.

Enter your pooch in pet contests; watch agility demonstrations; visit the dozens of vendors, from doggy day cares to vets and other animal-supportive businesses; meet adoptable dogs; and more.

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EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE; CHECK WITH ORGANIZERS PRIOR TO ATTENDING Compiled by Megan Tillotson

Piedmont Farm Tour A PRI L 23- 24

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the self-guided tour returns after a twoyear hiatus. As part of the nation’s largest sustainable farm tour, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, in partnership with Weaver Street Market, brings visitors to farms throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, including Split Acre Farm, Grass Grazed Farm, Hundred Acre Wood Farm & Sanctuary, Bull City Farm and Catawba Trail Farm. 

Go See Do

52nd Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival

Running of the Bulls 8K JUNE 4 Bull City Running Co.

MAY 21

hosts its 14th annual community road race through the historic and revitalized downtown neighborhoods of Trinity Park and Old North Durham, and the American Tobacco Campus. Runners finish with a lap around the warning track inside the Historic Durham Athletic Park. Race features include cash prizes and Brooks running shoes for top finishers, a kids’ fun run, custom cowbell medals, and a DJ and refreshments at the end.

Honoring African and African American history, culture, arts and traditions, Durham Parks & Recreation hosts an afternoon of live music, arts and crafts, ethnic food and fun family activities at Rock Quarry Park. The festival, which is free and open to the public, was established in 1969 by a group of local students and community members to honor the West African festival of harvest and celebration. Remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Melissa Etheridge M AY 3

Earth Day Festival A PRIL 2 4

hosts this annual celebration at a multitude of culinary offerings, Earth Day-inspired market goods, eclectic music, hands-on environmental education activities and more.

Durham Parks & Recreation Durham Central Park with

The Grammywinning rock singer, songwriter and activist performs at The Carolina Theatre. Best known for hits including “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window” from her fourth album, “Yes I Am,” she takes the stage in Fletcher Hall on her One Way Out Tour, following the launch of her latest release of the same name.

Durham Blues & Brews Festival M AY 2 1

The annual blues music and craft brews festival returns to Durham Central Park after a two-year pandemic break. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy unlimited 12-ounce pours from 20 N.C. breweries/ cideries/wineries, including Bull City Burger and Brewery, Ponysaurus Brewing Co., Clouds Brewing and Starpoint Brewing, and a variety of food trucks. Festival proceeds benefit The Exchange Club of Greater Durham, a service-oriented civic club working to improve the community and prevent child abuse.

(Clockwise from top right, page 8): Durham Bulls Baseball photo by Paxton Rembis, courtesy of Durham Bulls; Piedmont Farm Tour photo courtesy of CFSA; Walk for the Animals photo by Alycat Photo & Video Services. (Clockwise from top left, page 10): Running of the Bulls 8K photo by Tim Meigs;

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Hamilton MAY 17-J U N E 5

The hit musical following the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton returns to the Durham Performing Arts Center.

Winner of 11 Tony awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this critically acclaimed musical blends hip-hop, jazz and R&B with Broadway, creating a theater performance that educates and entertains.

Bimbé Festival photo courtesy of Durham Parks & Recreation; Melissa Etheridge photo courtesy of Melissa Etheridge and The Carolina Theatre; "Hamilton" photo by Joan Marcus; Earth Day Festival photo courtesy of Durham Parks & Recreation

people &places 2

1

Stacking Up

3

BY DELANEY GALVIN

hosted its 11th annual Dream Big Book Drive & Community Celebration with a fair and festival that included appearances by Wool E. Bull and the Poetry Fox on Jan. 17, despite the snowy conditions. More than 400 people braved the weather to gather at Durham Central Park for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day event.

Others made donations or hosted virtual book drives from home and then brought books to the organization’s 2501 University Dr. location later in the week. Book Harvest received nearly 10,000 books in just three hours the day of the drive, and received 57,951 books along with a total of $140,784 in donations by Jan. 31.

Book Harvest

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1 Book Harvest CEO Ginger Young and Communications Manager Benay Hicks.

2 Wool E. Bull performs with the Bouncing Bulldogs.

3 Isaiah Thomas, 1.

4 Author Kwame Mbalia and PBS North Carolina Director of Educational Engagement Mallory Mbalia pass out books.

5 Jennings Brody and Miller Kea, 9.

6 Mason Steinbrenner, 3 and Liesl Steinbrenner, 5.

A NOVEL PLACE

Chapter 31

T

Fish Tales

hree friends. Four hours in Atlantic waters. One cooler full of today’s

catch. But the only numbers that matter today are the ten years they’ve

known each other and the twelve inches that fish will have grown by the time Craig tells this story next year.

Discover seasonal offers on vacation rentals & more at CrystalCoastNC.org

noted.

ON THE MOVE

Dream Hotel Group announced that Leslie Wesklaski, who has more than eight years of local industry experience, including most recently as executive chef of DoubleTree Hotel Raleigh, was selected as the new culinary manager and executive chef at Unscripted Durham. She will oversee day-to-day operations of The Patio, The Studio and Allday Café.

Susan Bowen became the new vice president

and chief campus operations officer at Durham Technical Community College on March 1. Susan holds a doctoral degree in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania and most recently worked as the associate vice president for information technology and chief information officer at The University of Scranton.

Stephanie Fennell

became the new deputy director of Durham County Library on March 7. Stephanie most recently worked as branch manager of the North Regional Library on Milton Road and has held a variety of positions within the Durham County Library system for 14 years.

Germane James was selected as the new

executive director of NorthStar Church of the Arts. Germane brings a combination of creative, strategic and project management skills to the arts collective. NorthStar also hired 14

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Send us your news!

WHAT WE’VE HE ARD AROUND OUR CIT Y …

Compiled by Morgan Chapman

From births to awards to new biz and more –

Email editorial@durhammag.com

Dana Livermore as operations manager. Since

Mavis Gragg, co-founder of Black Girl Basel

Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas,

Durham City Council member Charlie Reece

moving to Durham in 2014, Dana has been involved in the artistic community as a dancer, choreographer, project manager, stage manager and web designer for independent dance artists, arts organizations and nonprofits.

an organization that connects children with cancer treatment in North and South Carolina, announced on Jan. 27 that staffing at its Durham location tripled with an addition of Laura Dellicker and Amber Receski, both full-time family advocates. The hirings address the anticipated increase in children diagnosed with cancer, and number of families who need help accessing care. On Feb. 8 the organization also added two new board members, including Durhamite Mary Beck White-Sutton, the sector director of counseling at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Pür Bella Naturals, a line of plant-based hair

products launched in 2013 by Lashanda DeBerry, a licensed cosmetologist of more than 25 years, are now available online and at local grocery stores, including Wegmans.

and host of Provident1898’s Meet The Artist talk series, will host the second of its three exhibitions, “Maroon Archive,” curated with Marcella Camara’s Young Gifted & Broke creative consultancy, through April 9.

resigned on March 7. Charlie cited the reason for his resignation being that his wife, Laura Helms Reece, CEO of their clinical research organization, Rho, will temporarily need to spend a significant amount of time in Europe for her job, and Charlie and their family will join her there.

PBS North Carolina CEO Lindsay Bierman

left the station to become CEO and executive director of San Francisco’s nonprofit public learning laboratory the Exploratorium. As of press time, PBS plans to work with the UNC System to select an interim chief executive in March.

Pop Box Gallery, a pop-up featuring rotating,

multidisciplinary art exhibits, opened at Boxyard RTP in February. The gallery is among the inaugural group of four recipients of a residency at PopBox, a 320-squarefoot shipping container at the retail and entertainment hub, and a $5,000 grant from NC IDEA and Research Triangle Foundation.

During its three-month residency, Pop Box Gallery, a partnership between Laura Ritchie, former director of The Carrack, and

A p r i l / M Ay 2 0 2 2

The Kramden Institute received a $30,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant to be put toward its Computer Basics for Seniors programming. The grant is part of Spectrum’s $7 million commitment over five years to promote digital education nationwide. The funding will allow Kramden to supply up to 150 older adults with computer skills training and refurbished laptops. 

Dr. Alessandra Ritter

DDS, MS

At Ritter Endodontics, your dental health is our passion.

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May 21, 2022 • Durham Central Park

Sixth

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Featuring:

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The Harv

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Proceeds go to Local Charities & Programs

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Eddie 9V

Arnold Ba

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3 Great Blu

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Preservation Durham

board of directors approved Chris Laws’ hiring as its new executive director on Feb. 22, concluding a more than three-month search. Chris, a lifelong resident of Durham, recently completed his Ph.D. in public history from N.C. State. He has a master’s degree in public history from North Carolina Central University, and an undergraduate degree from East Carolina University. As executive director, he will help lead the organization’s advocacy and fundraising, administer its office in the historic Chesterfield building, and help lead its education programming and public outreach.

The Durham County

Board of Commissioners

appointed Kimberly J. Sowell as the new county manager.

Kimberly, who started the role on March 14, previously served as an assistant city manager for the City of Greensboro, overseeing various departments including neighborhood development, transportation, workforce development and more.

Tim Flora began work as the new chief

financial officer in the City of Durham’s Finance Department on Feb. 28 and will serve as the director of the department. In his new role, Tim will assist the city council, city manager and city departments with managing financial resources and activities.

He previously worked as the Town of Knightdale’s finance director since 2019.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Durham County Library and Durham Library Foundation host the second annual Library Fest from April 18-23. This year’s theme surrounds food, and the event will offer virtual and in-person programs for all ages, including 16

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cooking classes for kids, bilingual programs, a digital history exhibit, STEAM programs, coffee meetups, business programs and more.

Multi-instrumentalist and “artivist” Joe Troop, whose Latin/bluegrass music is deeply rooted in and inspired by his activism in causes such as helping migrants, returns to The Fruit with weekly community shows on Thursdays in April. The performances feature other local artists and guest musicians, including classically trained violinist/violist Omar Ruiz-Lopez, and are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $20. You can also show your support of these local artists by donating to the shows’ fundraising campaign: indiegogo.com/projects/joe-troop-friends.

The Lincoln Community Health Center Foundation holds its 10th annual Legacy Award Luncheon fundraiser on Friday, May 6, at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club.

This year’s honoree is Carolyn E. Henderson, immediate past chair of the Foundation.

Tickets are $50 per person, and sponsorships start at $250. Proceeds benefit the new Lincoln Community Health Clinic at Lakewood.

Register at lincolnchcf.org.

IN OUR SCHOOLS

Durham Academy announced the appointment

of Jason Mundy as the school’s next director of diversity, equity and engagement, effective July 1. The Asheville native and Duke University graduate has served in leadership and teaching roles in independent schools for more than 25 years and was selected after a five-month national search.

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N.C. Central’s English professors Kathryn Wymer and Rachelle Gold were awarded a two-year grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities totaling $98,420. The funding will support a project to digitize the school’s past, titled “Digital Exploration of North Carolina Central University’s History,” as well as training on incorporating digital curricula.

The Museum of Durham History collaborated with Durham Public Schools to create a traveling version of the popular exhibit, “150 Faces of Durham,” which maps the history of the city through the stories of 150 Durhamites.

The exhibit will be on display for two weeks in each middle and high school district. Students will participate in interactive discussions and research to learn about the individuals and our city’s history.

The Ernie Suggs Endowed Scholarship in Journalism was established at N.C. Central with a $25,000 donation from alumnus Tommy McNeill and Gail McNeill. The fund honors Tommy’s classmate, Ernie Suggs, currently an enterprise reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Ernie is the former editor of N.C. Central’s Campus Echo, who later wrote for The Herald-Sun and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Students who contribute to the campus paper for at least five semesters will be eligible to receive the scholarship starting in the 2023-24 academic year.

N.C. Central’s School of Business welcomed Chapel Hill-based commercial executive David Schmoock as its first executive-in-residence.

David will aid graduate students and draw upon his two decades of experience working for technology leaders like Dell and Lenovo.

He will also manage the Business Catalyst Program, a scholarship program offering financial resources to students and promoting professional development.

noted

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics announced in February that it received more than $34 million in private support over the past three years toward a comprehensive fundraising campaign seeking $50 million to create innovative academic opportunities, upgrade and add learning environments, and extend the reach of its STEM educational programs.

woman to both play in the Amateur Athletic Union tournament in 1954 and be named AAU All-American, which she earned the following season. Missouri was offered a spot with the Harlem Globetrotters but declined in order to attend Tuskegee University, where she earned two master’s degrees and went on to teach at her former high school.

Durham Tech is partnering with Kate’s Korner, a child care program serving kids ages 3 to 12 years old, to provide free part-time care and after-school care on the college’s Main Campus through June. Drop-in services – either morning or afternoon programs on weekdays – will be offered to 60 children in order to support Durham Tech students who lack access to child care. The partnership is funded through Durham Tech, Kate’s Korner and Durham County government.

“Durham County Tomato Grafting Project” took first place in The David Gibby International Search for Excellence Awards’ research category during the 2021 International Master Gardener Conference. A group of six Master Gardeners began a tomato grafting project in 2019 and formulated a protocol to increase the grafting success of home gardeners. They tested the method by growing heirloom tomatoes at the Briggs Avenue Community Garden. The team achieved an 80% grafting success rate.

Nearly $300,000 was awarded to Durham Tech via the National Science Foundation’s advanced technological education initiative, dubbed “Power of Us.” The funding aims to increase the number of women-identifying students enrolled in STEM programming.

Power of Us provides unique learning opportunities and tools that are meant to increase women-identifying students’ interest, enrollment and retention in career and technical education classes. These initiatives take the form of summer camps, events and tech Tuesday seminars.

WHAT AN HONOR

The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame will honor its 2022 class of 10 inductees during the 58th annual banquet on April 22. Among the honorees is Missouri Arledge Morris, who will be posthumously inducted. She graduated from Hillside High School and was the first Black

Durham County Extension Master Gardeners’

N.C. Central’s Department of Music earned accreditation for all its bachelor’s degree programs and the master’s program in jazz studies from the National Association of Schools of Music. N.C. Central’s music programs and instruction were evaluated across 15 standards to meet the organization’s high level of quality for musical training.

MILESTONE MOMENTS

The Carolina Theatre celebrated its 96th

anniversary on Feb. 2. First established as the Durham Auditorium in 1926, the theater and performance venue became The Carolina three years later. After declines in attendance

through the 1970s and ’80s, major renovations led to the theater’s reopening in 1994. The venue currently hosts historical exhibits, film screenings, educational programs and more.

The Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties celebrated its 60th anniversary in March. Chartered in 1962, the organization expanded in 2005 to incorporate Chatham Homebuilders Inc. and currently has over 600 individual members.

StrongHER TogetHER, an organization founded by Durham Academy parents Stacey Donoghue and Dr. Veshana Ramiah, celebrates its fifth anniversary in April.

Through mentorship, a weeklong summer camp and year-round meetings, StrongHER TogetHER brings together girls in fifth through ninth grades to help them rise above stereotypes and grow up to be women who understand the power of the collective strength in the fight for equality.

As of press time, Polly Hamilton Hilsabeck was slated to release her first novel, “American Blues,” on April 12. The story follows Lily Vida Wallace, a fictional Texan, and spans decades of her life – from the early 1970s through the ’90s – delving into topics including racism, violence and sexism in America.

Polly, an Episcopal priest, drew inspiration from her own experiences as well as the life of civil rights activist Pauli Murray when writing the book.

GIVING BACK

Coastal Credit Union Foundation announced

its latest round of grants on Feb. 7, totaling $244,750 in funding for 10 nonprofits. Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School received $50,000; $25,000 was awarded to Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham & Orange Counties, A p r i l / m ay 2 0 2 2 |

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$30,000 went to the Kramden Institute, and $20,000 was given to the NC Council on Economic Education, which will support financial literacy for students, including those in Durham County.

On March 5, Duke University announced it will honor Mike Krzyzewski’s 42-year career as its men’s basketball head coach by establishing the Krzyzewski Family Scholarship. Five student-athletes in their final year of eligibility in any sport who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to Duke’s values, including respect and excellence, will be awarded the scholarship annually.

Durham County Library and Digital Durham received a $20,742 Adapts Library Services and Technology Act federal grant from the State Library of North Carolina for a Digital Navigator pilot program, which launched March 1 at Durham County Main Library to aid in bridging the digital divide in Durham. Digital navigators in the program will help patrons find affordable devices, access low-cost internet resources and learn gateway digital literacy skills in one-on-one appointments, available as both virtual and socially distanced sessions.

CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS

together and served their dishes to guests at the Triangle Wine & Food Experience in Raleigh, benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School & Development Center.

NEWS BITES

Mr. Fries Man opened

at 1105 W. Main St. and hosted a ribboncutting ceremony on Jan. 22. The franchise is co-owned by Jaquetta Bratley and Safiyyah Williams.

After a two-year hiatus, Littler reopened its 36-seat dining room on March 4 with a new female-led culinary team. Tanya Matta (pictured left), a Durham native, spearheads the pastry programs at Littler, Pizzeria Toro and Jack Tar and The Colonel’s Daughter. Chef Elizabeth Murray (pictured right) will lead Littler’s kitchen and collaborate with co-owner Gray Brooks on its bistro menu. Before joining the upscale downtown eatery, Elizabeth served as executive chef at a luxury hotel in Big Sur, California, and Tanya worked as executive pastry chef at The Grey in Savannah, Georgia.

Rapper Lil Yachty was spotted grabbing some wings at Heavenly Buffaloes on Erwin Road before the UNC versus Duke University men’s basketball game on Feb. 5.

for Best Chef in the Southeast and Alley Twenty Six (right) was announced as a finalist for Outstanding Bar Program. Winners will be celebrated on June 13.

Durham Distillery announced a limited-

edition, 11,000-bottle release of its Conniption brand American Dry and Navy Strength gins, bottled in a cylindrical glass vessel rather than the brand’s traditional rectangular shape due to worldwide shortages caused by the pandemic. The bottle sports a sticker that reads “same delicious gin, but round,” and is only available in North Carolina.

IN MEMORIAM

The remains of U.S. Army Cpl. Leon Eugene Clevenger, a Durham resident and World War II veteran who went missing in action on July 11, 1950, while his unit was in combat during the Korean War, were recovered in September 2019 and returned to his family in December 2021. A funeral service and burial with full military honors was held at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens on Dec. 11, 2021, and the day was declared “U.S. Army Cpl. Leon E. Clevenger Day” by Gov. Cooper.

Tom Ferguson, founder

and CEO of Rise

Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken, Gizmo Brew Works opened its first Durham

Chef Maneet Chauhan, a James Beard Award winner and judge on Food Network’s “Chopped,” was spotted with Saltbox Seafood Joint owner Ricky Moore. They cooked 18

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location at 3109 Shannon Rd. in University Hill in late March. Like its Chapel Hill and Raleigh taprooms, Gizmo’s new space is dog-friendly, open seven days a week and serves local wine and cider alongside its flagship craft beer.

Chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint was selected as a James Beard Award finalist

A p r i l / M ay 2 0 2 2

died in February at age 57. “We will miss his unbridled enthusiasm, his positivity, his passionate pursuit of life and his ability to connect, relate to and encourage people to believe in themselves,” the company stated. Tom opened the first Rise location in Durham in 2012. Within four years, Tom oversaw eight locations across the Triangle and expansion into six other states.

DENTAL IMPLANTS • BONE GRAFTING • WISDOM TEETH • FACIAL TRAUMA • CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY • PRE-PROSTHETIC SURGERY • ORAL PATHOLOGY • SLEEP APNEA

FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, the practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates has been trusted to provide specialized care in the Chapel Hill, Durham, and Sanford communities. Our four board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide the highest quality of patient care with the latest diagnostic and treatment tools available to assure patient safety and comfort.

Drs. Sacco, Vandersea, Ruvo and Serlo practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal.

OMSANC.COM

DEBRA M. SACCO DMD, MD BRIAN VANDERSEA DDS ANDREW T. RUVO DMD, MD ADAM D. SERLO DMD, MD

CHAPEL HILL 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 110 Chapel Hill 27514 919.929.2196 DURHAM 2823 North Duke Street Durham 27704 919.479.0707 SANFORD 109 Dennis Drive Sanford 27330 919.775.1615

OFFICIAL PARTNERS OF DUKE ATHLETICS

our top dentists

F

or the 13th straight year, Durham Magazine commissioned a peerto-peer survey of the local dental community – from endodontists to prosthodontists. The following listing is the result. Dentists were asked the telling question: “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?”

The Durham area is well-served by the dental community.

Hundreds of dentists, specialists and support professionals have made this home, and the overall quality of dental care in our communities is second to none. What good dentist wouldn’t want to practice here?

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Rachael D’Souza Triangle Implant Center 5318 N.C. Hwy. 55, Ste. 106 919-806-2912; triangleimplantcenter.com

Endodontics Hong Chen RTP Endodontics 5318 N.C. Hwy. 55, Ste. 201 919-237-2818; rtpendo.com

A L I T T L E B ACKG RO U N D The Top Dentists list for Durham is the result of a rigorous evaluation process consisting of peer-to-peer surveys of area dentists and professionals. This survey was conducted and managed by the nationally recognized third-party firm topDentists LLC of Augusta, Georgia. This list is excerpted from the 2022 topDentists™ list, a database that includes listings for dentists and specialists in the Durham area. The list is based on detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com. topDentists management has more than 60 years combined experience compiling peer-review referral guides in the dental, medical and legal fields. Working from this experience, along with the input of several prominent dentists from throughout the United States, topDentists created a selection process that has earned the respect of the country’s leading dental professionals. For more information, call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, Georgia, 30903; email info@usatopdentists.com or visit usatopdentists.com.

The purchase of advertising has no impact on who is included in the Top Dentists list.

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Deborah A. Conner 922 Broad St., Ste. B 919-416-4200; debconnerdds.com Linda Levin Levin Endodontics 3624 Shannon Rd., Ste. 106 919-401-4827; levinendodontics.com A. K. Bobby Mallik 5324 McFarland Dr., Ste. 120 919-493-5332; durhamendo.com Roger A. McDougal McDougal Endodontics 245 E. N.C. Hwy. 54, Ste. 201 919-806-8667; mcdougalendo.org 

Your Smile, Our Passion Cutting-edge Orthodontics:

T

here has been a recent explosion of technology in the world of orthodontics.

Technological advances in materials, along with state-of-the-art software that can predict tooth movement, now allow specially trained orthodontists to straighten teeth with or without traditional metal braces. Currently, Dr. Lee is the only certified orthodontist in the Triangle area, who offers Incognito braces, which allows the orthodontist to bond individually customized braces to the back of the teeth, making your braces completely unnoticeable to others.

Dr. Lee also provides other forms of less noticeable braces, such as clear ceramic braces and clear removable aligners, “Invisalign”.

Technologic advances in orthodontics are not only limited to the braces themselves.

Dr. Lee utilizes the most up-to-date digital X-ray technology and 3D optical scanners, which allows for more precise and efficient treatment planning and clear aligner creation. Additionally, she has been trained in the use of advanced alternatives to surgery using lasers and tiny bone screws that allow tooth movement, which would otherwise require surgery.

Dr. Lee specializes in orthodontic care for children and adults, with a specialty in cosmetic braces. She received her dental degree from Columbia University in New York City in 2000, where she also served on the faculty of orthodontics after completing her orthodontics specialty training before moving to North Carolina in 2005.

Dr. Lee emphasizes giving each patient plenty of personal attention, as each patient’s smile is a customized work of art that needs to match expectations.

North Durham Orthodontics 4301 Ben Franklin Boulevard, Suite 201 Durham, NC 27704 919-797-2300 • DurhamBraces.com

Brier Creek Orthodontics 9650 Brier Creek Parkway, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27617 919-544-9700 • BrierCreekOrtho.com

TOP magazine

DENTISTS

top dentists

General Dentistry Brent L. Blaylock 3206 Old Chapel Hill Rd., Ste. 300 919-518-9963; drbrentblaylock.com

Catherine H. Cunningham

Ellis K. List

Catherine H. Cunningham, DDS & Associates

1020 Broad St.

1920 E. N.C. Hwy. 54, Ste. 570

919-682-5327; durhamncdentistry.com

919-544-3723; cunninghamdds.com Shirin Mashhoon

James H. Eaker

Debora A. Bolton Bull City Smiles 2705 N. Duke St., Ste. 100 919-381-5900; bullcitysmiles.com

Ninth Street Dental

Handcrafted Dentistry

811 Ninth St., Ste. 280

4208 S. Alston Ave., Ste. 100

919-286-9090; ninthstreetdental.com

919-544-5620; handcrafteddentistry.com Lionel M. Nelson

Mary V. Gaddis

Jason W. Butler

3325 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., Ste. 303

Park Place Dental

Croasdaile Dental Arts

919-489-0497; nelsongentledental.com

245 E. N.C. Hwy. 54, Ste. 204

2900 Croasdaile Dr., Ste. 5 919-383-7402; croasdailedentalarts.com

Desiree T. Palmer

919-484-8088; dentistindurham.com

Bull City Dental Stephanie Q. Jenkins

106 W. Parrish St., Ste. 1

5317 Highgate Dr., Ste. 118

919-680-3531; bullcitydentaldowntown.com 

919-361-0500; drjenkins-dds.com

YOUR SMILE, YOUR STYLE, YOUR LIFE... or more than 30 years the practice of Desiree T. Palmer, DMD, PA and Associate’s mission has been to provide dental care above and beyond expectations, while bringing our patients to optimal oral health.

Drs. Audrey Kemp, Brittanie Harris, Davia Nickelson, and Desiree Palmer practice a full scope of cosmetic and family dentistry including: Crowns, Bridges, Restoration of Implants, Partials, Dentures, Six Month Smiles and Invisalign. Schedule an appointment today at our “state of the art” practices on Newsom Street or our downtown location at Bull City Dental.

TOP magazine

DENTISTS

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Award-winning dental specialists.

Only the best for your dental care.

BOARD-CERTIFIED PROSTHODONTISTS 5-STAR GOOGLE RATING FROM OVER 160 REVIEWS IMPLANT, AESTHETIC AND GENERAL DENTISTRY AT-DOOR PARKING WITH NO ELEVATOR OR STAIRS

Conveniently Located

LOCATED CLOSE TO I-40 & I-85 3709-D UNIVERSITY DRIVE, DURHAM

Book Your Appt.

(919) 498-8661 MYDURHAMDENTIST.COM

top dentists

Laura Parra

Harold S. Speight

William W. Turner

3400 Croasdaile Dr., Ste. 209

2711 N. Duke St., Ste. C

Croasdaile Dental Arts

919-383-7020; lauraparradds.com

919-220-4200; haroldspeightdds.com

2900 Croasdaile Dr., Ste. 5

Catherine D. Ray

Michael A. Tapper

3310 University Dr.

Croasdaile Smiles

Esther Vice Hanson

919-489-5380; catherinedraydmd.com

2900 Croasdaile Dr., Ste. 2

Sunrise Dental

919-383-8619; croasdailesmiles.com

8128 Renaissance Pkwy., Ste. 203

919-383-7402; croasdailedentalarts.com

Gary J. Schlotterer Jr.

919-493-3355; dinahvice-sunrisedental.com

Digital Dentistry at Southpoint

Jerry H. ter Avest

249 E. N.C. Hwy. 54, Ste. 220

2515 E. N.C. Hwy. 54, Bldg. 2000

C. Steadman Willis III

919-361-5740; digitaldentistryatsouthpoint.com

919-544-6080; jteravestdds.com

1212 Broad St.

Grant H. Service

Amy D. Turner

2711 N. Duke St., Ste. B

Turning Point Dental & Aesthetics

919-220-6553; durhamdentistgrantservice.com

811 Ninth St., Ste. 210

919-286-2235; steadwillisdmd.com

919-286-4481; turningpointda.com

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Jeffrey S. Jelic Jelic Center 5501 Fortunes Ridge Dr., Ste. G 919-419-9222; drjelic.com 

LIONEL M. NELSON, DMD PA 3325 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd. Ste 303 919.489.0497 | nelsongentledental@mac.com

D

r. Nelson and his wife, Nicole, reside in Hillsborough, NC and are the proud parents of 3 sons and one daughter, Lionel II, Lorenz, Leland and London. He earned a B.A. in chemistry from Miami University (Ohio) in 1995 and received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Temple University in 1999.

Dr. Nelson and his team of caring dental professionals keep the patient first by administering comprehensive treatment focusing on each patient’s overall health.

They give the best of themselves and the best that dentistry has to

offer by continually furthering their personal and professional growth.

And they make every effort to show patients they are honored and appreciated.

Dr. Nelson offers a full range of services including preventive care, root canals, cosmetic dentistry, single visit porcelain crowns, implant placement and restoration, professional teeth whitening, dentures and partials, tooth-colored fillings, and 3D imaging and digital dentistry.

Dr. Nelson and his team have been voted one of Durham’s TopDentists for the 13th consecutive year.

TOP magazine

DENTISTS

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Professional & Attentive Team

Preventive, Restorative, & Cosmetic Dentistry

.

.

Welcoming New Patients

William W. Turner, DMD

Jason W. Butler, DMD

Eric T. Cole, DMD

. croasdailedentalarts.com

2900 Croasdaile Drive, Suite 5, Durham, NC 27705

919.383.7402

2010-2022

Personalized Patient Care

top dentists

Aaron Park

Andrew T. Ruvo

Brian Vandersea

Triangle Implant Center

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates

5318 N.C. Hwy. 55, Ste. 106

2823 N. Duke St.

2823 N. Duke St.

919-806-2912; triangleimplantcenter.com

919-479-0707; omsanc.com

919-479-0707; omsanc.com

David B. Powers

Debra M. Sacco

Orthodontics

Duke Otolaryngology and Oral Surgery Clinic

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates

40 Duke Medicine Circle

2823 N. Duke St.

919-648-2426; dukemedicine.org/find-

919-479-0707; omsanc.com

John R. Christensen Durham Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 121 West Woodcroft Pkwy.

doctors-physicians/david-b-powers-md-dmd

919-489-1543; durhampdo.com

Adam D. Serlo

Uday N. Reebye

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates

Triangle Implant Center

2823 N. Duke St.

5318 N.C. Hwy. 55, Ste. 106

919-479-0707; omsanc.com

Tyler Hart North Carolina Oral Surgery + Orthodontics 3020 South Miami Blvd.

919-806-2912; triangleimplantcenter.com

919-246-3350; ncoso.com 

For the Smile Of a Lifetime!

Now Accepting New Patients!

919.489.1543 DurhamPDO.com

121 W. Woodcroft Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713

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Dr. John R. Christensen Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

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Dr. Robert T. Christensen Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Jamie L. Molina Pediatric Dentistry

The Clear Choice for Your Invisalign Treatment As Invisalign Diamond Plus providers, Drs. Smith, Heymann, and Skillestad are among the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the nation! They’ve helped over Invisalign, and they’re ready to help you do the same.

DIAMOND+ TOP 1%

VISIT SMITHANDHEYMANN.COM TO SCHEDULE A

PROVIDER

1,000 adults and over 400 teens find their smiles with

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH OUR TEAM!

INVISALIGN

2020

2919 Colony Rd Durham, NC 27705 (919) 493-4911

top dentists

TRIANGLE RESTORATION DENTISTRY Restoring and Maintaining Your Smile with Precision and Compassion

Mark S. Scurria, DDS • Rosanna Marquez, DDS Chris Presnell, DDS, MS 1920 East Hwy. 54 Suite 410, Durham 919.544.8106 | trianglerestorationdentistry.com

D

oesn’t your smile deserve a specialist’s care?

As prosthodontists, we specialize in restoring and replacing teeth using the best technology available.

Digital scanning allows us to provide crowns, bridges, and partials without messy impressions.

We’re also proud to offer our signature digital dentures, which provide the best fit possible with fewer appointments.

Barbara T. Hershey Hershey Orthodontics 3206 Old Chapel Hill Rd. 919-493-7554; hersheyorthodontics.com Gavin C. Heymann Smith & Heymann Orthodontics 2919 Colony Rd. 919-493-4911; smithandheymann.com J. Gina Lee North Durham Orthodontics

We are conveniently located off of I-40, at the intersection of 54 and 55.

Meet Dr. Presnell, Dr. Marquez, Dr. Scurria, and the rest of our caring team and discover your dental home.

TOP

4301 Ben Franklin Blvd., Ste. 201 919-797-2300; durhambraces.com Julie H. Mol Mol Orthodontics

magazine

DENTISTS

Top Dentists for the 12th consecutive year

5726 Fayetteville Rd., Ste. 104 919-405-7111; molorthodontics.com

A . K . BO BBY MALLIK D.M . D. D I P L O M A T E ,

A M E R I C A N

B O A R D

O F

E N D O D O N T I C S

PRACTICE LIMITED TO ENDODONTICS AND ENDODONTIC SURGERY

O

ur team realizes the importance of your dental health and strives to provide all your endodontic needs in a clean, comfortable and stress-free environment. We utilize state-ofthe-art technology to ensure you are receiving the specialized care you deserve.

Using the most advanced knowledge and techniques available today, we can perform many different endodontic treatments with ultimate precision and comfort.

ROOT CAN AL THERAP Y | R E T R E AT M E N T AP ICAL S U RGERY | TRAU M AT I C I N J U R I E S C B C T IM AGIN G

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PATTER S O N PL ACE 5324 MCFARL AND D RIVE, S TE. 120, D URH AM NC 27707

top dentists

Pedro E. Santiago Duke Craniofacial Orthodontics Clinic 3475 Erwin Rd. 919-660-0320 Katya Skillestad Smith & Heymann Orthodontics 2919 Colony Rd. 919-493-4911; smithandheymann.com

PREVENTATIVE DENTAL CARE | COSMETIC & RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY | TMJ TREATMENT

For over 30 years, Dr. Brent L. Blaylock

has been a trusted dentist in Durham. Continuing education is important to Dr. Blaylock, and he has completed many courses in the principles of complete dentistry. His focus has been identifying and treating problems with the TMJ and occlusion, and the impact of oral inflammation and disease on the heart and rest of the body.

J. Dempsey Smith Smith & Heymann Orthodontics 2919 Colony Rd. 919-493-4911; smithandheymann.com Michael J. Wilson Wilson Orthodontics 2900 Croasdaile Dr., Ste. 3 919-383-7423; wilson-ortho.com

Pediatric Dentistry Erica A. Brecher Duke Street Pediatric Dentistry 2711 N. Duke St., Ste. A 919-220-1416; dukestreetsmiles.com M. Gentry Byrd Duke Street Pediatric Dentistry 2711 N. Duke St., Ste. A 919-220-1416; dukestreetsmiles.com Robert Christensen Durham Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 121 W. Woodcroft Pkwy.

919-489-1543; durhampdo.com Jenny Citineni Smile First Dental 3616 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

919-493-2569; smilefirstdental.com 

OUR SERVICES ESTHETIC SMILE DESIGN IMPLANT RESTORATION TMJ EVALUATION BITE GUARDS

TEETH WHITENING AIRWAY ASSESSMENT PORCELAIN VENEERS DENTAL CROWNS & BRIDGES

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME NEW PATIENTS 919.518.9963 | CURRENT PATIENTS 919.493.8036

3206 OLD CHAPEL HILL ROAD, DURHAM, NC 27707

919.493.8036 | DRBRENTBLAYLOCK.COM  A r p i l / m ay 2 0 2 2

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top dentists

Amy C. Davidian

Martha A. Keels

Jamie Molina

Southpoint Pediatric Dentistry

Duke Street Pediatric Dentistry

Durham Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

249 E. N.C. Hwy. 54, Ste. 300

2711 N. Duke St., Ste. A

121 W. Woodcroft Pkwy.

919-354-6220;

919-220-1416; dukestreetsmiles.com

919-489-1543; durhampdo.com

southpointpediatricdentistry.com Yvette E. Thompson Smile First Dental 3616 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

919-493-2569; smilefirstdental.com

Periodontics Arnold T. McClain 5015 Southpark Dr., Ste. 130 919-484-8338; gumsandimplants.org

“A

Prosthodontics

good life is when you smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are for what you have ...”

Geoffrey R. Cunningham Durham Prosthodontics 3709 University Dr., Ste. D 919-489-8661; mydurhamdentist.com R. Kyle Gazdeck

Thank you Durham for your continued support.

It is such a pleasure to serve such an amazing community of people.

Durham Prosthodontics 3709 University Dr., Ste. D 919-489-8661; mydurhamdentist.com Rosanna V. Marquez Triangle Restoration Dentistry 1920 E. N.C. Hwy. 54, Ste. 410 919-544-8106; trianglerestorationdentistry.com Mark S. Scurria Triangle Restoration Dentistry 1920 E. N.C. Hwy. 54, Ste. 410

Debora Bolton DDS

2705 N. Duke Street, Suite 100, Durham, NC | 919.381.5900 bullcitysmiles.com

NEW PATIENTS AND DENTAL EMERGENCIES WELCOME

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919-544-8106; trianglerestorationdentistry.com

Family Owned & Operated for Over 30 Years

Providing Quality Care with the Latest Technology • LANAP to Regenerate Bone

• Healthystart to Resolve

Loss due to Periodontal

Airway Issues which May

Disease

Improve Behavior and Sleep

• Implant Surgery & Placement • Affordable Invisalign

Disorders in Children • Wisdom Teeth Extractions • Root Canals

Thank You for Supporting Us!

Dirk Vice, DDS Dinah Vice, DDS Esther Vice Hanson, DDS

Chapel Hill 1801 East Franklin St. 919.929.3996

Cary 1223 Parkside Main St. 919.701.6699

Durham 8128 Renaissance Parkway 919.493.3355

Raleigh 1009 Spring Forest Rd. 919.878.0055

TOP

visitsunrise.com

magazine

DENTISTS

The world always looks

brighter

from behind a smile

Martha Ann Keels, DDS, PhD Erica A. Brecher, DMD, MS M. Gentry Byrd, DDS, MPH

TOP magazine

DENTISTS

We are accepting new patients!

2020

We want to keep your child’s smile healthy for a lifetime!

2711 North Duke Street, Durham, NC 27704

919-220-1416

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batter pup!

Let’s woof, woof, woof for the home team

B Y MEG AN TILLOTSON PHOTO B Y PAXTON REMB IS, DURHAM B ULLS PRODUCTION DES I GN ER

doesn’t play your average game of fetch. As the official bat dog on the Durham Bulls’ “paw-ster,” he’s an all-star pooch when it comes to collecting bats from his teammates and bringing smiles to fans in the stands.

During the first few innings of Bulls’ home games, Ripken waits in the dugout until owner and trainer Michael O’Donnell sends him to retrieve a player’s bat. After “handing” the bat back to Michael in the dugout, he awaits his next opportunity to fetch following the next successful play.

Ripken’s baseball career started in 2019 when members of the Bulls management team saw him in action with the Holly Springs Salamanders baseball club and decided to bring him on. Ripken’s signing day was just before the pandemic began, and he officially joined the team midway through the 2021 season when COVID-19 restrictions eased.

As an American black Labrador retriever, Ripken stays active. In fact, Ripken himself would tell you that “working breeds like me require a lot of time and attention, and both mental and physical exercise. So, before you bring a new pup into your home, make sure you do your research to make sure they’re a good fit for your lifestyle.”

When he’s not fetching bats during games, he greets and “signs” autographs for the fans. Some may even catch Ripken performing his second-best trick: standing on top of a fire hydrant. The number of hugs, pets and head scratches he receives each game are hard to count.  ipken

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The big picture

“He has no shame in nudging your hand, forcing you to pet him,” says owner Melissa O’Donnell, “and if you’re on the ground, he will crawl right into your lap, roll over onto his back, and look for that ever-so-amazing belly rub.”

There is no shortage of those reaffirming signs of affection in Ripken’s household. He lives with Michael and Melissa, as well as their kids, Faith, 6, and Owen, 3, and senior dog Brushchi, 14. When he’s not working, Melissa says he loves playing with his favorite Frisbee in the backyard.

Melissa says Ripken’s best memory last season was fetching Wander Franco’s bat. The former top overall prospect in baseball was playing for the Bulls while on rehab assignment from the Tampa

Ripken and his owners, Melissa and Michael O’Donnell, and their kids, Owen and Faith, show their team spirit at a Durham Bulls game.

Bay Rays. “Wander was on his way to first base when Ripken ran out to fetch his bat, catching him totally off guard,” Melissa says.

“Wander turned to Ripken and smiled and started laughing.”

It’s a common response from players and Bulls fans alike. “My favorite thing about Ripken is the reaction of the crowd after he fetches the bat,” says Bulls’ Sponsorship Account Executive Kathleen Dwulet, who works closely with Ripken. “Hearing the crowd cheer and seeing the smiles on people’s faces is a great feeling.”

You, too, can catch Ripken in action during the Bulls’ 2022 season at Saturday home games and on select Bark in the Park dates: April 13, May 11, June 1, July 6 and Aug. 10.

Let’s Walk!

M AY 2 8 , 2 0 2 2

M AY 2 8 , 2 0 2 2 Register today MA Y 2 8 and , start 2 0raising 2 2funds to help homeless animals in

register + join a team fundraise + walk REGISTER HERE

www.apsofdurham.org/2022walk

assortedpoppiesphoto

Durham! Then grab a leash, comfy shoes, plus a companion (or two!) and join us on Duke University’s East Campus for the fun-filled event.

assortedpoppiesphoto

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Housing All Starts Small.

If every person in Durham County donated just $15.76, we could house all those affected by homelessness for an entire year.

$15.76 TO BE EXACT.

$15.76

BUY YOUR BRICK AT LETSHOUSEDURHAM.ORG

what we’re eating

BY AMB ER WAT S O N PH OTO GR A P H Y B Y J O H N MICHAE L SIMP SO N

Y

ou don’t have to fly all the way to Italy to enjoy an authentic Neapolitan pizza – just a short drive to Golden Belt’s campus will give you the same flavorful experience at Cugino Forno Pizzeria.

The name translates to “cousins oven,” which is where the restaurant’s story begins: Three cousins from Turkey – Joseph Ozbey, Yilmaz Guver and Adam Aksoy – opened their first pizzeria in Greensboro in 2017 after visiting famous restaurant L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (which was featured in the movie “Eat Pray Love”) in Napoli, Italy.

“We loved the pizzas so much that we knew we wanted to do something similar in the U.S., so I decided to stay in Italy and learn all the techniques that go into Neapolitan-style pizza, like preparing Cugino Forno Pizzeria the dough, which takes about 48 hours, and cooking the pizzas in 90 seconds,” 800 Taylor St. 919-908-0122 Joseph explains. cuginoforno.com Five years later, the family business partners now operate four 36

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The Margherita D.O.P is made to resemble the colors of the Italian flag.

successful North Carolina locations in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Clemmons and Durham, the latest addition.

The interior is spacious and bright, with lofty ceilings and casual picnic-style tables.

It captures the vibe of an open-air pizza market/bakery, complete with an open kitchen so that guests can watch the pizzamaking process. Outside, there are tables overlooking Golden Belt’s central green space – a popular spot for families and children to gather.

Here, freshness is key. The only frozen item you’ll find in the restaurant is the gelato! Each pizza is made by hand with careful attention to the ingredients.

No two Cugino Forno pizzas are exactly the same. Each pie takes on its own authentic look depending on the pizzaiolo (pizza maker), but they all taste the same because the focus is on flavor and the perfect balance of ingredients. The pizzas are made with imported ingredients certified by the Italian government to make sure they adhere to the highest standards. The restaurant imports almost 85% of its ingredients directly from or around Napoli, including fresh bufala (buffalo) mozzarella, which is made out of water buffalo’s milk; San Marzano tomato sauce, which grows in or around the coast of Napoli; and 00 flour, which has not been changed or bleached since the early 1900s. The pizza ovens, which weigh about 7,000 pounds, were handmade with sand and stone from Mount Vesuvius and can reach up to 1,200 degrees. This allows the pizza to bake in 90 seconds or less, A p r i l / M ay 2 0 2 2

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which is a very good thing, because you won’t want to wait to sink your teeth into a slice.

It’s hard to choose which specialty pie to order, but you can’t go wrong with the Napoletana ($20.95), a hearty pizza that showcases a variety of fresh Italian ingredients and flavors. It’s topped with fior di latte (fresh mozzarella) as well as bufala mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce and loaded with a generous helping of Italian sausage, sweet red peppers and Cipollini onions.

Of course, there is the popular and classic Margherita D.O.P ($17.95), named after Queen Margherita’s visit to Naples in the 18th century and

Cugino Forno manager Matt Aksoy shows off his pie-tossing skills.

made to resemble the colors of the Italian flag. It also includes fior di latte mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella, fresh basil and extra virgin oil.

The menu also features a selection of crisp, filling salads, including a caprese with bufala mozzarella, and desserts like cannoli, tiramisu and gelato from Italy. But the pizzas are definitely the star. In fact, the owners purposefully chose not to overextend their offerings, focusing instead on what they do best to maintain consistency and quality. Joseph adheres to the motto, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

Steak, Seafood, Handmade PaSta & more

2021

345 Blackwell Street next to DPac on the american toBacco camPuS (919) 282-1183 or to book a reservation online & view our menu: www.nanasteak.com

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DESTINATION

DPS

THE DESTINATION TO SUCCESS IS DPS! Durham Public Schools is the perfect place for your child to grow, thrive and learn. From grades K-12, DPS offers every student a quality education with an emphasis on social-emotional growth.

Our goal is simple, to prepare students for what lies beyond the walls of our schools and to ignite their limitless potential. Your destination for a brighter future starts with DPS. ENROLL TODAY!

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OUR 10TH ANNUAL WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT ISSUE Photography by John Michael Simpson

he extraordinary baker’s dozen of women celebrated on the following pages includes representatives from a typically Eclectic group – academia, agriculture, entrepreneurship, medicine, commercial real estate, restaurants and more – but the common connecting thread is Dedication to their vocation and their community.

Enjoy reading about your neighbors as they share their challenges, successes and what the future holds. 

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We look forward to learning about your long-term goals and what is important to you.

We are committed to building your personalized strategy by using our established process.

We strive to exceed your expectations while partnering with you and your family over time.

FEMALE FINANCIAL ADVISORS OF

Chatham, Durham, and Orange Counties

Chatham

Sharon A. Dickens, AAMS® 50101 Governors Dr. Suite 118 Chapel Hill

Orange

Jessica L. Villagrana 180 Providence Rd. Suite 1C Chapel Hill

Durham

Tamra K. Ellis 1530 N Gregson St. Suite 3A Durham

Mary-Charles Nassif, CFP®, ChFC® 3620 Shannon Rd. Suite 100 Durham

919-967-9968

984-219-6635

919-479-8064

919-419-1761

Kathy Brommage, CFP® 190 Chatham Downs Dr. Suite 103 Chapel Hill

Kendall Thomason, CFP® 310 Millstone Dr. Suite 2 Hillsborough

Marie E. Baker, AAMS® 404 Hunt St. Suite 130 Durham

Donna G. Collins 3805 University Dr. Unit C Durham

919-960-6119

919-296-8242

919-286-1222

919-419-8010

Laura M. Clapp, CFP® 301 East Raleigh St. Siler City

Cynda Beauchamp 401 Meadowlands Dr. Suite 102 Hillsborough

Julie G. Kelly, CFP® 3100 Tower Blvd.

Suite 1615 Durham

Linda P. Chabinsky, CFP® 5826 Fayetteville Rd. Suite 205 Durham

919-644-2296

919-489-8111

919-973-3142

919-663-1051

Emily Crum 2816 Erwin Rd. Suite 109 Durham 919-382-3085

member

SIPC

www.edwardjones.com

I

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

n her nearly eight years as executive director of the Durham Tech Foundation at Durham Technical Community College, Melissa Chappell has made it her mission to empower students to see their potential to create an impact. “I believe that everyone has conducted in 2019 revealed that, during the prior 12 months, something to share with their community,” she says. about half of Durham Tech respondents reported some indicator Born near Seoul, South Korea, Melissa’s adoptive family of housing insecurity, and one in five reported not having a home brought her home to Richmond, Virginia, when she was 6 for some period of time,” Melissa says. “These statistics are a call to months old. Her family moved to Cary when she was 5, and she action for us as our region continues its rapid growth.” would go on to attend N.C. State University.

Melissa adds that it is an especially interesting time to work in She was working in Boston as a community organizer and grant fundraising as philanthropy evolves to become more inclusive and writer with a focus on youth jobs and environmental justice when equity-centered. “There is so much room for growth and innovation,” an opportunity to move to Durham arose in 2009. “I’ve been in she explains. Her favorite thing about her job is the goodwill Durham for about a decade now, and I love this city,” Melissa says. Durham Tech enjoys in the community. “My team works alongside Many of her family members are spread throughout the Carolinas, many people who care about the success of all our neighbors in which made the transition back to the area an easy one.

Durham,” she says. “We’re also constantly learning – about shifting “Aside from my parents and siblings, I have seven nieces and workforce needs, new instructional resources or improved student nephews who are all college-aged or supports – and putting that knowledge older and are pursuing interesting into action to secure funding for our career paths of their own,” Melissa colleagues to pilot, scale or sustain says. “My eldest niece, Ellie Chappell, promising programs.” just completed a graduate internship This year in particular has been a at Durham Tech and is exploring a rewarding one for Melissa. Two young career in higher education.” alumni who received scholarships to Executive director, Melissa began working at Durham Tech early in her tenure have Durham Tech Foundation at Durham Technical Community College Durham Tech in 2010 and moved now created their own scholarship awards through a series of roles within the with the college. “We are so proud of Durham Tech Foundation before their success and honored that they are going to work for N.C. State, her alma mater, in 2013. When choosing to pay it forward to the next generation of students,” she says. her former boss left Durham Tech the following year, Melissa Outside of her Durham Tech duties, Melissa serves as social chair returned to lead the foundation as its executive director. for the Southwest Durham Rotary Club and recently joined the board “A typical day at work could consist of providing a campus tour of directors for Dress for Success Triangle. “They do vital work to for donors of our new maker space, planning a special event for the ready women for jobs in our community through professional attire, college’s 60th anniversary [in 2021] or collaborating with regional a supportive network and other resources,” Melissa says. “Their work partners on a life sciences-focused grant,” Melissa explains. fits hand in hand with the work of Durham Tech. We want to ensure She is also focused on advancing the college’s commitment that local residents are competitive candidates for local jobs with to addressing housing insecurity and homelessness among livable wages, and I look forward to supporting women building their students and neighbors through a new affordable housing careers in that capacity.” initiative. The first of its kind in North Carolina, the measure is Melissa continues to broaden her own education and values to focused on removing this barrier from the education equation by ensure she is best equipped to support her team. “Recently, I’ve spent providing a 124-unit affordable housing development on South time reflecting on Brené Brown’s writing on power – that it is infinite Briggs Avenue near Durham Tech’s Main Campus. “A survey and expands when shared with others,” she says. “Our Foundation team is considering how we might apply that principle to our work, and I encourage anyone entering this field to bring their whole, creative and authentic selves to the work.” – by Morgan Cartier Weston 

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

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MICHELLE VANDERWALKER Co-owner and designer, Kingfisher, Queeny’s and Queenburger

hades of rusty orange and mustard yellow swirl across the walls at Queeny’s on East Chapel Hill Street, and an olive green hue covers the area behind an arched concrete bar top. When Michelle Vanderwalker

looks around the colorful layout, she sees memories from her youth peeking out from every corner, like a rotary phone in the dove-gray book nook beyond the far end of the bar, where built-in shelves and a fluffy feathered light fixture welcome readers. Then there’s the abstract mural that was inspired by her grandmother’s groovy bed sheets.

“I wanted [Queeny’s] to feel really comfortable and nostalgic,” Michelle says, “like maybe you walked into your house “Even though [design] is from childhood.” my full-time Even Queeny’s logo – the first design thing now, ... element Michelle finished for the restaurant it just melded together really she co-owns with Sean Umstead – is a naturally [with swirly, thick retro-style font that reminds our business]. her of baseball uniforms and playing catch I really love with her brother and father. Stamped in a the restaurant industry, so it rainbow of bright pigments across coffee was a natural mugs that Michelle shapes by hand, the fit to put the motif was also influenced by the old Pine two together.”

State sign that hangs outside Liberty Warehouse next to Durham Central Park. 

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Michelle, in fact, creates most of the handmade dishes and drinkware used at the restaurant and at Kingfisher, the cocktail bar beneath Queeny’s that she and Sean also own together – a craft that follows a thread back to her formative years as well. “My aunt was a potter … and we always had a lot of her work around, so I was exposed to handmade pottery from an early age,” Michelle says. Her grandmother, too, was an artist – one who preferred printmaking, painting and collage.

Majoring in ceramics and photography at Ohio Wesleyan University fed Michelle’s appetite for those artistic disciplines, but didn’t keep her from dabbling in drawing and other mediums. “I loved having my hands in everything,” Michelle says.

Today, Michelle still has her fingers in many pies – managing bartenders; the interior and menu design, and marketing look of each restaurant; replenishing custom dishware as needed; homeschooling her two sons, Frederick, 15, and Theodore, 12; and often acting as a jack-of-all-trades, fixing whatever needs it. She even bartends once a week just to maintain those skills.

She’s also busy with preparations for building out the permanent location of their pandemic-era pop-up QueenBurger, which, as of press time, is slated to open at American Tobacco Campus in mid-May. Her schedule rarely allows for it now, but every so often Michelle still finds time to fill orders for restaurants including Counting House, where the Falls Church, Virginia, native worked as a bartender after moving to Durham in 2010. Michelle first stocked their shelves with her pottery in 2015. Plates, bowls and mugs are fired at her studio in the two-and-a-half-car garage of her East Durham home. Michelle’s bespoke dishes at Queeny’s take on extra flair by way of neon splatter paint, which diners were invited to help create last summer.

Queeny’s vibrant theme reflects what Michelle learned many years ago in her grandmother’s home. “I would spend a lot of time at her house, just learning how to see color,” she says. “… The way you use color can really make you feel differently about the spaces

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you’re in. I often pull in inspiration and ideas from the natural world, which is something I [also] got from my grandmother.”

Kingfisher’s tiled bar top took Michelle the better part of five months to finish. Three thousand hexagonal tiles that she made by hand and assembled into a flowing pattern evoke the Eno River. The bar’s earthy tones are offset by pops of electric blue paint and plush maroon booths.

Michelle’s stylistic choices shift from one project to the next, hinging on how she wants her customers to feel. “I knew I wanted Queeny’s to be … more casual than Kingfisher,” Michelle says. “I really wanted [Queeny’s] to be a community space.”

The horseshoe-shaped bar intentionally fosters that communal feeling. Open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., the flexible space has tables and seating that can be pushed aside to make way for a dance floor and to suit events like open-mic nights and the Great Durham Bake Off, a monthly baking competition. There’s also a podcasting room that’s free to book.

Michelle seems remarkably calm for an owner on the brink of opening the doors to a third unique concept. She’s good at taking her own advice, which she’d readily give to other restaurateurs or aspiring artists: “‘Don’t panic,’ that’s the first thing,” she says. “I say that to myself all the time.” Her demeanor might also be due to the level of detail she’s already spent months conceptualizing – years, really. Before Michelle and Sean opened Kingfisher in summer 2019, she says, they spent lots of time paring down the specific elements of restaurants they liked. They carefully chose the traits Kingfisher would cut its teeth on, like sourcing from small, local farms via their distributor, Happy Dirt, to make “ground-to-glass” cocktails that accentuate distinctive ingredients including red beets and prickly pear juice.

Drawing on Michelle’s deeply ingrained artistic compass to tie together the design seemed only fitting. “[To] really think about … the aesthetics of the whole experience and how much that affects people’s dining experience is really important,” Michelle says. “It was kind of a natural fit to put the two together, and I’m really happy to be making art for public spaces for other people to experience.” – by Renee Ambroso 

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

CHAN LITTLE Owner and head trainer, The 360° Approach ertified personal trainer and group Chan says. “[My clients] walk away saying, ‘I can do this.’” For Chan, fitness instructor Chan Little is up that’s a powerful and emotional feeling. “I’ve sat with so many by 4 a.m. and ready to get ahead of clients who have cried, who have been successful and who have her day. “I am definitely a morning failed,” she says. “It’s just a wide range.” person,” she says. These days, she Sariah Hopkins, a personal trainer at The 360° Approach, met says, are full of one-on-one workouts Chan years ago at the YMCA and describes her as a mentor. “She and group exercise sessions where she inspired me,” Sariah says. “I wanted to become a personal trainer after strives to help the people in her taking her classes at the YMCA. … [It] was wonderful community feel their best, both watching Chan build The 360° Approach.” Sariah is one physically and mentally. of six trainers/coaches on staff, which also includes three Chan left for the Air group fitness instructors and a nutritionist. “The studio Force after graduating isn’t like most gyms,” Chan says. “We don’t have a regular from Hillside High membership – just a lot of options for people to connect “In 2021, [we School in 1997, in different ways. We have a little more than 100 people moved] from a 1,900-squareand she served for who visit us regularly for classes and training, [and] foot space to eight years. “Outside another 100-150 [who are] served yearly through wellness 4,700 square the U.S., I lived in or weight loss programs. [Around] 150-200 other feet. It’s Germany and Japan individuals drop in for different reasons, from visiting our goal to completely [and] served four months town to training programs.” build out the in Qatar during Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Chan Chan says she loves Durham, going to exhibits at the space and moved back to Durham after her time in the military Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University and listening to continue to grow, shift and and worked for eight years at the Durham YMCAs as live music at Durham Central Park. She lives downtown, adapt to meet a personal trainer and wellness coach, and eventually near Durham School of the Arts, where her niece goes to the wellness became the director of wellness. school. “My niece is like my child,” Chan says. She also needs of our Chan says she truly enjoyed working at the YMCA, but volunteers by giving wellness talks at churches including community as it continues “as I was [moved] more into leadership management with Monument of Faith Church and United for Christ Church, to grow and each promotion, I was moved away from working with and enjoys spending time with her cat, Zora, and her dog, change.” people,” she says. “I decided to open a wellness studio, so Thor. “[Thor] goes to work with me every day,” Chan says.

I could do more coaching and training and have more of “He’s the greeter [at The 360° Approach].” a direct impact on lives. … I wanted [The 360° Approach] Sariah believes that much of Chan’s success lies in her to have my full focus. [A place] where I could give 100%. power to build community and how she pays such close attention to “I feel really passionate about wellness,” Chan says, adding that The each person who walks through her business’s doors. “Probably the 360° Approach is about offering “a holistic approach to wellness” for thing I love most about her … [is] every time I see her, she gives me people and making it accessible to everyone. “There’s not [just] one a big hug and she says, ‘Do you know how much I love you?’” Sariah part of you … that individuals should focus on,” she says. “[Being well] says. “And it’s just wonderful. I don’t know if she knows how much that is not just about fitness, and it’s not just about what you’re eating.” means to me … it’s huge. She just shares her heart, freely.”

Chan says her clients tell her that they walk away feeling “I absolutely love what I do,” Chan says. “I absolutely love being a encouraged and inspired. “I create change in the lives of people,” positive part of people’s lives.” – by Elizabeth Kane 

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MEREDITH COHEN owner and co-manager, One Soil Farm and board president, Carolina Jews for Justice

MOLLY ZIMMERMAN co-manager, One Soil Farm eredith Cohen

and

Molly Zimmerman

labored over trash cans stuffed with vegetable scraps in the pre-dawn hours of a summer morning. They egged each other on, humsinging the “Rocky” theme song as they hauled the loads of compost from the dining hall up a hill to where chickens huddled in their coop.

Meredith (right) and Molly (left) were two peas in a pod by the time they completed the Adamah Fellowship – a three-month residential program at a Connecticut farm for adults in their 20s and 30s that meshes organic agriculture practices, a farm-to-table lifestyle and Jewish learning and community with social justice – in 2013. Their meeting altered the paths of both fledgling farmers.

“We had a really transformative experience learning to farm in a place infused with Jewish ritual,” Meredith says. “It was totally life-changing.” Both women returned to the farm to live and work as staff members for the next two years.

They both loved that “there was no separation between farming work and spiritual life,” Meredith says. Blessings said in a field

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over a harvest rooted them in a religious experience that was also intensely physical.

“I had two separate interests of farming and agriculture, and growing up Jewish and “[JCSA connects] being culturally Jewish – not realizing the people to where connection,” Molly says. Understanding their food how interconnected the two are was a comes from.

It’s a way to “spark moment” for her. connect people Fast forward nearly seven years, and the to a sense pair are still laughing and working together of place and home, which, as as they pore over a spreadsheet, plotting the Southern Jews, crops they’ll plant this season, inside a newly is particularly constructed greenhouse. It’s positioned at powerful. And, the center of One Soil Farm on 10 acres of it’s a way of connecting land in Cedar Grove that Meredith bought people to last year. Most of the property is wooded, a spiritual but 4 cleared acres lay waiting to bear experience cucumbers, radishes, heirloom tomatoes that’s not just intellectual or and nearly 100 other vegetable varieties. from a book – The fields will eventually be home to more it’s much more than veggie seedlings, too. Meredith plans embodied.” to build a house on the property with her – Meredith friend Rikki SaNogueira, and add a chicken Cohen coop or even an orchard.

From April to November, the farm’s bounty will be boxed up each week for pickup at Beth El Synagogue and the Levin Jewish Community Center by those who take part in One Soil’s Jewish Community Supported Agriculture subscription.

Meredith and Molly hope to have 100 people sign up this year, double the number in 2021. The increase allows them to work full time at the farm alongside a part-time employee and a handful of volunteers.

It’s what Meredith, a Hillsborough native, has worked toward since she moved back to North Carolina in 2016 and began forming roots in the local Jewish community while taking on seasonal farming gigs.

She was working part-time at the Durham Co-op Market when she founded One Soil in 2018. Molly settled in Northgate Park in 2020, leaving California to join the farm. But moving across the country wasn’t a blind leap of faith; rather, it was years of talking about the idea on phone calls and FaceTime coming to fruition. 

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“Durham’s ready for this,” Meredith insisted on one such call back in 2018. Molly encouraged her to forge ahead. When Molly’s wife, Ashley Lauber, finished a degree program in Los Angeles, they were ready to pack up their life and move east.

“I really believed in Meredith’s vision, and her conviction and her passion for this project,” Molly says. “This is something that I want to help start up and get off the ground.”

The pair fell right back in step as they took on their respective responsibilities as co-managers. “The Venn diagram is good,” Meredith jokes. She takes the lead on raising seedlings in the greenhouse; harvesting; and managing the CSA subscriptions, the onesoilfarm.com website and the biweekly e-newsletter that includes recipes tailored to the produce in each take-home box. Molly’s strengths lie in field work, irrigation, construction projects and pest control, along with masterminding the complex crop rotation schedule.

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Meredith says their symbiotic relationship is a vital part of One Soil; it’s essential to helping them foster close bonds with others in the community. Last fall, for instance, One Soil hosted Sukkot, a Jewish holiday celebrating the season’s harvest. Jewish holidays are “really integrated with nature and with the seasons,” Meredith says, so celebrating them with others at One Soil feeds into their mission to connect Durhamites with Jewish agricultural heritage.

“Being able to provide that experience here, that interconnectedness, feels like a really powerful thing,” Molly says.

Current JCSA members can get their hands dirty during “Shlep & Schmooze” workdays, but Meredith and Molly hope One Soil can offer space for many more to experience Jewish rituals and farming up close.

“If we can give people a direct physical, visceral experience – no matter how small,” Meredith says, “it can be life-changing.”

– by Renee Ambroso 

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

DR. VIVIANA MARTINEZ-BIANCHI Associate professor and Director for Health Equity, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Duke University School of Medicine Founder, Latinx Advocacy Team & Interdisciplinary Network for COVID-19 (LATIN-19)

ome of Dr. Viviana Martinez-Bianchi’s earliest memories in her native Argentina include sitting down with her parents and pretending to study when she was just 4 years old. The daughter of a vascular surgeon and a biochemist, Viviana also observed her parents and their reactions to living under a dictatorship; they shied away from political activism, but instead utilized medicine as a tool for change.

“It taught me that the best activism I could do could be through medicine and [specifically] organized medicine,” Viviana says, referencing professional associations of medicine through which she can practice advocacy for the communities she serves. “I saw their example as: Organized medicine can allow you to make changes that perhaps politics cannot.”

Viviana’s parents spent some of their time working in public hospitals – her father worked every day from 7 a.m. until noon for free at the hospital, modeling for Viviana how doctors could contribute to their community.

“That was his way,” Viviana says. “You have to give to your community. You have to work with your community.” She remembers the black bag full of medical supplies that he brought on sailing trips to care for others down the Paraná River, which ran near to where she grew up in Paraná. “People knew if it was my dad’s sailboat,” Viviana says. “In a way, he was like this moving clinic.”

Following her parents’ example, she knew she wanted to pursue medical school – a six-year process that, in Argentina, can immediately 54

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follow high school. She received her medical degree in 1990 from the National University of Rosario in Argentina and then moved to the Chicago area, where she had spent a year as a foreign exchange student during high school, and discovered her affinity for family medicine.

That’s also where she met her husband, Greg Bianchi, a urologist who retired in 2016 after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“He’s such an amazing person,” Viviana says of Greg. “He has so many interests, and he keeps my life full.”

The couple moved to Iowa, and after practicing medicine there through 11 winters, Viviana says she and Greg were ready to move somewhere warmer. In 2006, they settled on continuing their clinical care with Duke Health after searching for an academic medical center well known for both family medicine and urology.

She is currently the director for health equity for the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Duke University School of Medicine; she previously served as program director for family medicine residents. In December 2021, she was named family physician of the year by the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, the most prestigious award bestowed by the state’s largest specialty medical association.

The accolades are meaningful, but Viviana sees her most impactful accomplishment in the launch of the Latinx Advocacy Team & Interdisciplinary Network for COVID-19, otherwise known as LATIN-19. She co-founded LATIN-19 in March 2020 alongside physician Gabriela Maradiaga Panayotti. Every Wednesday for the past two years, dozens of health care providers from around the state have joined a call (Viviana says between 80 and 100 providers still join every week) to discuss pressing issues in Latinx communities, such as vaccine distribution. The organization held its first pop-up health clinic at the Latino Community Credit Union in February 2021 and vaccinated 150 elderly community members.

“It was beautiful,” Viviana says. “… This is the first time in the 15 years I’ve lived here where I feel that we are really paying attention and working together and making something meaningful.”

As a Latina who says she’s experienced many privileges, including receiving a higher education and her U.S. citizenship in 2003, she says her role allows her to amplify specific needs and influence decisions.

“I am here to listen to the [Latinx] community and help to get their [collective] voice elevated and heard by those who are making decisions who can actually make change,” Viviana says. “… Nothing happens if it’s just one person rising; it’s all of us together who can make a difference.” – by Elizabeth Poindexter 

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NANCY MCKAIG Owner, Smitten Boutique f it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” Nancy McKaig embodies this mantra and has upheld it throughout her career in retail. As owner of Smitten Boutique, Nancy ensures every person leaves feeling and looking their absolute best.

“We have a philosophy at Smitten that we do not tell the untruth in the fitting room,” Nancy says. “I really love people coming in and trusting me to help them dress for an event that’s important to them.”

Nancy is originally from the small town of Hopewell, New Jersey, and she began her retail career with Saks Fifth Avenue in Miami and New York, where she worked in various merchandising and management roles. Nancy moved to Durham in 1989, settling here to raise her two sons.

Nancy saw an opportunity to create something unique in her new hometown after noticing a gap in the availability of women’s apparel in Durham in the early 2000s. Her first location on Hillandale Road opened in 2003 and was originally named McKaig’s Fine Clothing.

When she had the opportunity to move to West Main Street near the Brightleaf shopping district in 2008, she decided to reconceptualize the store and added gourmet food and small gifts to its inventory. “I kind of wanted to give it a little face-lift, so we changed the name to Smitten, and we were there for 10 years,” Nancy says. When the property was redeveloped, Smitten Boutique moved to its current location on Hillsborough Road in 2018.

Nancy has a lot of love for and loyalty to her customers – she says they are what makes her job enjoyable each day. “I didn’t know what would happen when we moved out of downtown,” she says.

“We never missed a beat, and we’re really grateful; our customers are everything to us.”

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When the pandemic hit, Nancy adapted her business plan time and again to meet her customers’ needs. For instance, she has held a Facebook Live to showcase eight new items in the store every Wednesday night. “A couple of [customers] actually wrote me notes,” she says. “It’s very emotional to me; they just said, ‘We want to make sure you’re here when this is all done.’ That’s such a selfless attitude for our community to take toward their local businesses.”

In addition to running her “I love when shop, Nancy has also served someone comes on the board of the American in and says, ‘I’m Dance Festival and supported just here to browse and see various organizations through what you have Smitten, such as PORCHnew.’ [It] always Durham, Diaper Bank of makes me feel good that North Carolina and Center someone takes for Child & Family Health. time out of She personally supports the their day just Autism Society, a cause close to come in and look around.” to her since her youngest son has autism. “There [are] so many wonderful organizations in Durham, and we would love to support all of them if we could,” she says.

Though it’s rare for Nancy to find a moment of downtime amid her responsibilities, she says she loves to read and play with her rescue dog, Lilly, (“I think she rescued me, actually,” Nancy says) at the home she shares with her partner, John McCann, in Cleveland-Holloway. Her two sons are now in their

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20s; Harrison lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and her youngest, Will, lives in Oxford, North Carolina.

When it comes to the future of Smitten, Nancy wants to continue to provide great customer service and interesting products. “I love when someone comes in and says, ‘I’m just here to browse and see what you have new,’” she says. “[It] always makes me feel good that someone takes time out of their day just to come in and look around.” Nancy also plans on opening a new store,

Inner Banks Mercantile, which will sell gifts, local art, coffee and gourmet treats, in Columbia, North Carolina, where she purchased a house in 2020.

To Nancy, Smitten will always be more than just a shop. “I love talking to [customers] and sharing in their lives, and they share in mine; it’s a community,” she says. “ … I’ve just remained here and built this business that I have, and I’m very grateful.”

– by Megan Tillotson  a p r i l / m ay 2 0 2 2

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SP O NS O RE D CO NT E NT

919.296.8787 aesthetic-solutions.com

Su n Dama ge Q & A with D r. Sue E llen Cox

D

r. Sue Ellen Cox is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon, founder and medical director of Aesthetic Solutions in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Cox runs an active clinical research center, and has performed clinical trials and pivotal studies on most neuromodulators and fillers on the market today. An author of more than ninety peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, she serves on committees and boards for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology and various pharmaceutical and device manufacturers. When she isn’t lecturing internationally or directing national workshops, Dr. Cox teaches cosmetic dermatology clinic to residents at the UNC School of Medicine and Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Cox is the current president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Q: Sun damage is a very common concern living in the South. What should folks considering treatment for sun damage know?

A: For patients dealing with sun damage or uneven skin tone, it’s helpful to understand the underlying cause. When we are exposed to UV radiation, our skin increases melanin production as a mechanism to defend itself. This can be diffuse, or be irregular and present in smaller, uneven dark spots. We get UV exposure everyday – indoor, outdoor, rain or shine.

I like to set the expectation that aesthetic treatments don’t stop the clock. We continue to age, we spend time outdoors or on our devices, and even overhead lights can contribute to photoaging. There is no “one and done” treatment – but routine treatments and proper at home care can keep sun damage at bay.

Q: What are some at-home things we can do to prevent sun damage?

A: I tell my patients the most important step in any aesthetic plan is a good, medical-grade SPF every day. Look for something that contains Zinc or Titanium. Medical-grade products, available through physicians’ offices and in some cases online, have higher percentages of more stable ingredients than what you can find over the counter. A good vitamin C and vitamin A product in addition to SPF will help prevent sun damage.

In addition to topicals, wear a wide brimmed hat when you are outdoors. Sun protective clothing is a great option, and has come a long way in recent years!

Q: What in-office treatments do you use for sun damage?

A: Typically, a combination of lasers and topicals work best for sun damage. The exact device is determined in a consultation. We try to find the treatment that fits best with a patient’s lifestyle, goals and expectations. Other factors to consider when crafting a treatment plan are contraindications, available downtime, budget, number of sessions needed and pre/ post care. The Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant and Alexandrite laser are a few of our go-to treatments – among many others.

Q: How does Aesthetic Solutions work with new patients to set them up for success?

A: With so many non-surgical options out there, I often meet patients who are suffering from information overload.

The most important thing for new patients is an initial consultation that focuses on concerns rather than treatments. You don’t need a chemical peel - you need options for treating sun damage and solutions to prevent it from coming back.

A thorough consultation will set the stage for personalized solutions to address your specific concerns.

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

[Hilda] become the first Black woman to accomplish so many things, and she always understood the power of relationships internally and now I am excited about informing the community about the externally, and how the right ones can propel your career and the formation of our carbon plan,” she says. The plan, which will be finalized in December, will focus on reducing Duke Energy’s trajectory of your life,” Indira says. “Hilda still encourages me and is carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 and reaching net-zero carbon one of my biggest cheerleaders.” by 2050. “I look forward to ensuring our commitment to creating Indira operates out of Durham and directs community relations a cleaner environment, which will include transformative and efforts in Durham, Chatham, Lee and Orange counties, managing innovative strategies that include renewables, grid investments governmental and key contact relationships with regulatory officials, and electric vehicle infrastructure.” local elected officials, chambers of commerce, and community and The Williamston, North Carolina, native earned a bachelor’s civic leaders. “I also implement community and customer strategies degree in political science at N.C. State University and began that achieve enhanced customer satisfaction and strengthen regulatory her career in utilities at Carolina Power & Light Company as a relationships, while also managing philanthropic grants and paralegal in 1989. CP&L acquired Florida Progress Corporation sponsorships for my district,” Indira adds. in 2000, and the merged companies became Progress Energy; She also serves as president of the Rotary Club of Durham and in 2012, Progress Energy and Duke Energy merged into the has championed several causes and initiatives this year, including company we know today. combating food and housing insecurity, securing transitional housing As the company evolved, so did Indira’s role. Over the past for veterans and helping to eliminate the achievement gap. Indira three decades, she moved through a series of public-facing roles, enjoys meeting new people through her work, volunteering with including corporate affairs, constituent Durham Public Schools and her board relations and project management, and service with the Governor’s North thrived in relationship building. In July Carolina Business Committee for 2021, she was promoted to director of Education, the Durham Tech Foundation the East region within Duke Energy’s and the Sanford Area Growth Alliance. government and community relations “Knowing the needs in the community department; she oversees 29 counties helps me identify ways to add value Director, East region, and leads the team’s district managers in through Duke Energy resources,” she Duke Energy Aberdeen, New Bern and Wilmington, says. “I am responsible for working in the North Carolina. “I love the opportunity community to provide charitable funding to work for a company that values my for worthy causes that align with our gifts and that provides a necessary commodity that everyone relies on.” focus areas, which include vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and Perhaps more importantly, Indira shares her passion and values with her justice, equity and inclusion.” colleagues. “I love working with great [people] to improve the lives of our One of those causes is the annual Duke Energy Day of Champions customers in transformative ways,” she says. backpack drive. Indira organizes this partnership among local businesses, The feeling is mutual. Vakesia Graves, managing director of Duke Duke University, N.C. Central University and Durham Technical Energy’s Connected Communities program, has known Indira for Community College to provide school supplies, career options and books to counter summer reading loss.

20 years. “Indira’s love of her job and the community she serves is “[One] particular day, I noticed a little girl standing alone away from awe-inspiring,” Vakesia says. “She is a mentor who has taught me a the other students,” Indira recalls. After the girl received her bag of lot about what it means to pursue excellence. I enjoy working with her supplies and began to walk away, she turned around and ran back to because I know I’ll have the chance to learn something new, and be all Indira. “She gave me a big hug and asked if she could take a picture with the better and wiser through what I’ve learned.” me. I was humbled as I embraced that child, and I have to believe she Of course, Indira also had many powerful women in her life was saying to me that she was proud of me and happy to see someone who she looked to for guidance and inspiration. “My mother first, that looked like her in a position she could look up to. That face stays in because she pushed me to do more and to excel,” she says. “I have always been a driven person, and nothing gives me more pleasure at my mind and drives me to keep doing things to help those in need.”

No matter what your goals are, Indira says, believing in yourself is work than completing a task well.” the first step – especially for young women. “Then, do the hard work to Another role model is Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, the first Black make it happen.” – by Morgan Cartier Weston  woman to serve in an executive position at Duke Energy. “I watched ndira Everett spends her days solving creative challenges. “Right

INDIRA EVERETT

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

KELLY SMEDLEY Owner and founder, Waypoint Counseling & Maternal Wellness

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elly Smedley is the person you go to

when you need help. Her best friend,

Emily McClernon, can attest to this.

“People think about how there’s that one person you can call [when you need School (her oldest, Jake, 16, attends Cardinal Gibbons High School), someone],” Emily says. “Well, she’s that person then heads into the office. During the day, the business owner sees for so many people. Even as busy as [Kelly] is, clients of her own, talks and networks with providers, handles any [people] know she’s going to answer the phone, issues that may come up with her clients and deals with insurance she’s going to help [them] find a solution or lend companies. “We have an amazing team,” Kelly says, noting that her a good ear to listen.” staff of licensed counselors and social workers, nurse practitioners Kelly, a psychiatric-mental health clinical and an office manager has grown from “one person (me) to 11 in just nurse specialist, earned her bachelor’s in over two years, … [and] I’ve hired two more nurse practitioners who nursing from the University will be providing medication management and therapy of Delaware and services – they will start within the next few months.” master’s in nursing Outside of work, Kelly enjoys volunteering, exercising from the University and spending time with the people she loves. “I like to go of Pittsburgh. She’s out to dinner with my husband, [Jimmy Smedley],” she also a former clinical director at the UNC Center for says. “We like Vin Rouge, Town Hall Burger & Beer, “People trust us [at Excellence in Community Mental Health, and former Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria, Mothers & Sons Trattoria and Waypoint], and research coordinator within the Department of Psychiatry trying different places downtown. I go out for dinner, or they’re very at UNC-Chapel Hill. Before opening Waypoint drinks, with my girlfriends. … [My husband and I] do vulnerable with us.

It’s Counseling & Maternal Wellness in 2020, Kelly worked movie nights at home with the kids. I like to go for run[s] really an as an independent contractor with Bull City Counseling, on the American Tobacco Trail.” Kelly is a middle school honor to be where she “started seeing more and more pregnant and cross-country coach at Immaculata and an assistant den able to walk postpartum [parents],” she says. “… I kind of became leader for Cub Scout Pack 424. with someone and help known in the area, as that was my specialty.”

Kelly says she wants to be there for women in a way them feel Kelly furthered her expertise and decided to become some health providers weren’t necessarily there for her as better about perinatal mental health certified. In fact, she says she a new mother. “Birth moms don’t need to suffer,” she says. themselves. … I was “one of the first providers in the country to get that “… I never received help, and I would have had a much love what I do.” certification.” She says she saw there was a real need for better postpartum experience had I been able to recognize the work she was doing and decided it was time to start [or] someone would have recognized I was struggling. her own business. “[I thought], ‘I can hire other quality providers and [New mothers] sometimes don’t know what’s normal and what’s not, provide more care to more women.’” Kelly says. “Because there’s only and it can be helpful to have someone talk to you through [this new one of me, and I needed more of me – more people.” period of life]. It’s a huge adjustment.” Another part of Kelly’s mission Kelly’s day is normally a full one. She starts off with a workout is to provide support for mothers as they navigate the grief that can at Burn Boot Camp in south Durham. “I’m usually there at 6 a.m.,” come with the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or infant Kelly says. “That’s my sanity saver!” After some exercise, she gets loss, and she leads a pregnancy and infant loss support group for her kids Ben, 14, Leah, 11, and Anna, 7, off to Immaculata Catholic Postpartum Support International once a month.

“People trust us [at Waypoint], and they’re very vulnerable with us,” Kelly says. “It’s really an honor to be able to walk with someone and help them feel better about themselves. … I love what I do.”

– by Elizabeth Kane 

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

NISH EVANS President and CEO, Lennox and Grae magine this scenario: You have 90 days to secure $2.5 million. N.C. State in construction management in 2018. She also obtained Durham entrepreneur Nish Evans made it happen in 2019; her real estate license along the way. she raised the necessary capital and made her first She has raised a combined $8.5 million in capital to acquire 32,000 commercial real estate acquisition of 112 W. Main St., a nearly square feet of real estate in downtown Durham and an additional 100-year-old building in the heart of downtown.

82,500 square feet in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. As managing She purchased the West Main Street property from Elaine partner, her companies strike a balance between being intentional Curry and Dawn Paige of Empress Development LLC, who in providing opportunities for local businesses and her investment were the second generation of Black owners of the building. partners’ goals. Her current tenants include Empower Dance Studio, Nish became the third.

Morningstar Law Group and Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas; the “I just think that speaks volumes in terms LGBTQ Center of Durham plans to move from Hunt Street to 310 E. of intentionality around Black business owners,” Nish says.

Main St. early this summer.

“I’m really out to be the best businesswoman Nish says she is already linked up with the next that I can be. … It’s just such a beautiful generation of management at Lennox and Grae – her story to know what those who were before two sons, Ellery Lennox, 9, and Zoelen Grae, 8, for me have done.” whom Lennox and Grae is named.

Nish launched Lennox and Grae Inc., a “For now, they take it pretty seriously about taking “I’m really out commercial real estate investment firm, in over the company and being the future leadership,” to be the best 2018, and Lennox and Grae Construction Inc. Nish says. “But some days, they talk about being a businesswoman followed in 2020. Nish has acquired three properties Pokémon trainer. … It makes me laugh. that I can be. …

It’s just such a in Durham, including 216 Rigsbee Ave. and 310 “I wanted to create in my mind what motherhood beautiful story E. Main St., a historical landmark where she plans looks like,” Nish says. … “My goal is: I hope you see to know what to open office space this year for herself and her Mom dream and build.” those who two employees.

Her aspirations have a familial connection to were before me have done.”

“I operate with a certain level of confidence, but the past as well. She learned in late 2021 that both it’s always rooted in gratitude,” Nish says. “Durham, her paternal and maternal great-grandfathers worked even though it feels like this growing or expanding in construction. urban culture, is still small enough where you can build these really “I really think I am bringing into fruition some of the dreams they close and intimate relationships.” had,” she says. “I get emotional when I think about it, but it’s one of Those connections helped Nish cultivate a team of supporters the most beautiful things.” who believe in her vision of pursuing construction and real estate, Nish also serves on the board of several organizations, including including Andrew Philipps, who worked at her former employer, CT Downtown Durham Inc., Central Park School for Children, Durham Wilson Construction Co., and acted as a business advisor who was YMCA and Made in Durham. When she meets other women in instrumental to her success. leadership positions, especially in construction, she advises them as “Everyone is like a sounding board,” she says. … “That continues to best as she can. help me stay empowered in terms of the direction of the company.”

“I always encourage women, especially women, to remind Nish graduated in 2006 from N.C. State University with a themselves that they are smart enough to figure it out,” she says. degree in anthropology and then pursued finance at Square 1 Bank, “Durham has been my start. I know there are so many other which was acquired in 2019, before obtaining a certificate from opportunities that are out there.” – by Elizabeth Poindexter 

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

DR. DEANNA W. ADKINS Pediatric endocrinologist and associate professor of pediatrics at Duke University Medical director, Duke Child and Adolescent Gender Care Clinic

verybody’s best doctor is different,” says Dr. Deanna W. Adkins, noting that some people require a more frank approach while others “need a cheerleader.” Deanna takes the latter method with her patients, acting as a champion for them.

It’s that kind of positive leadership and teamwork mentality that led her to build teams of physicians and specialists who can work well together alongside her within Duke Medicine.

“Most of my work is teamwork, which I love,” Deanna says. “We have great teams [at Duke].” She works with a diabetes care team that involves “nutrition, social work and educators.” She also says teamwork is what led her to think about helping transgender kids and teens, and she gathered together a group of people who she felt would help these young patients at the Duke Child and Adolescent Gender Care Clinic.

“It was clear that a team was needed to care for transgender youth based on Endocrine Society recommendations and my experience with my diabetes teams, which clearly showed improved success with our teamwork,” she says, adding that, “I think part of what really drew me to working with the transgender kids [is that] … not only are they just really interesting humans … they [also] needed help, [and] no one was really understanding for a long time.”

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She began with adding a mental health care provider, “then, we started to build from there. … We have probably 25 team members now.”

She explains that this team of specialists work together with her, attending to young patients on topics including “nutrition, vocal coaching, physical therapy and OB-GYN, among others.” It’s an important time to provide support for these patients, given recent trends of antitrans orders and legislation in states like Texas. “These laws and proposed laws are very concerning for me, my patients and their families,” Deanna says. “They could lead to the death of transgender people, which is unnecessary and a tragedy.”

Deanna also teaches a Cultural Health and Health Disparities course to first-year students at Duke University School of Medicine – a class where “topics range from race and racism, to immigrants, to mental health, to physical disparities, rural health and spiritual health,” she says, adding that the goal is to teach students how these topics affect health outcomes. “It is important that the root cause of a person’s medical issues be addressed, and there are many disparities that keep people from successfully addressing the issues,” Deanna says.

“In order for patients to improve their health, physicians and all health care providers need to help remove any blocks to this path.”

The physician remembers a time when she once asked a former patient who faced several health disparities if they would be willing to share their own experience with the health care system on a panel for her class. “Of course!” they replied, more than happy to help. “I’ll do anything for Dr. Adkins. She changed my life.”

Deanna was incredibly touched by their response. “How often in the world do you get the opportunity to change somebody’s life?” she says.

Ginna Purrington, a diabetes educator and nurse who works at the pediatric diabetes clinic at Duke University, met Deanna at Camp Morris, a diabetes camp in King, North Carolina. “It’s pretty rare to have an attending physician who comes back year, after year, after year [to volunteer at the camp],” Ginna says. “To me, that really shows her dedication to her patients.”

Ginna says Deanna is “very empathetic” and “able to be there [and be present] with her patients.”

“When [Deanna] walks forward to do something, she does it very thoroughly and very well,” Ginna explains. “She has such great integrity. … She’s really thoughtful. She looks at things from all sides.”

Ginna says patients have shared with her that they drive hours for appointments with Deanna specifically, “when they could have more easily seen someone closer to their home.”

“She’s brilliant,” Ginna says. “… I feel lucky to have [Deanna] as a colleague and as a friend. I’ve learned so much from her.”

– by Elizabeth Kane  a p r i l / m ay 2 0 2 2

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

ARSHEEN ALLAM CEO & Founder, GOLeafe grew up feeling a sense of responsibility to the world around her. The middle of three sisters, she was born in Canada to parents Iffat Allam and Abdul Allam, who hail from Pakistan and India, respectively. The family moved to North Carolina when Arsheen was 8, and that journey of identity instilled a global perspective and desire to help others. “My parents exposed my sisters [SiNON Therapeutics Founder and CEO Afreen Allam, and U.S. congressional candidate and Durham

PHOTO COURTESY ARSHEEN ALLAM

rsheen Allam

County Commissioner Nida Allam]

and I to many world views growing up,” Arsheen says. “That has been pivotal in the work we each do and why we do it.”

Arsheen founded her company, GOLeafe, in 2017 while completing her master’s at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Her goal? To create a more affordable way to produce graphene – a clean, carbon-based material with a range of uses in energy, cancer treatments, medical testing and more. Scientists have recently discovered that graphene can also be a powerful superconductor, which could lead to advances in fields including efficient energy and quantum computation.

Today, her research is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Chain Reactions Innovations program at the Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago. “I love seeing science and 68

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chemistry at work,” Arsheen says. “I enjoy being around brilliant minds in the industry, discussing problems and pain points and working together to find solutions to make more efficient products.”

In her five years as CEO, Arsheen has developed a morning routine that she relies on, beginning with a prayer, followed by a workout, writing a to-do list and connecting with her research team. “I then head into the lab at Argonne and work on the optimization of GOLeafe’s proprietary graphene production process from waste materials,” she says. “The goal during my time at Argonne is to streamline the production process and automate it, to increase efficiency and reproducibility as we move into commercialization of the product.”

Arsheen shares her passion for sustainability with her husband, Zain Shauk. The two were married on New Year’s Day 2022 at the

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

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native Californian Zain is also an entrepreneur. “He runs his own indoor farm in Houston called Dream Harvest, with a focus on water conservation and reducing waste,” Arsheen explains. The farm uses just 5% of the water that conventional farming methods typically require and is a carbon-negative company. “[We both want] to leave our planet a cleaner, better place for future generations.”

Through this rapid growth, Arsheen says her parents remain her biggest inspirations and advocates. She describes her mom’s passion, drive and endless energy when it comes to helping others as remarkable. “I have never met a more social, loving and caring person [than my mom],” Arsheen says. “She’s always “I love seeing thinking about others and how she science and can make their lives easier, both at chemistry at work. I enjoy home for my family, as well as in the being around broader community. She volunteers for brilliant minds the food bank and always cooks food in the industry, discussing for families who are not well or have problems and a sick family member. She donates to pain points every cause or appeal that comes to her, and working locally and abroad, and she never leaves together to find solutions home without cash and a bag of snacks to make more and essentials to give to any homeless efficient person she may come across.” products.”

Abdul, a retired IT executive, advises both GOLeafe and SiNON Therapeutics, Afreen’s company, in business development and research. “My dad has been my sisters’ and my biggest supporter in our careers,” Arsheen says.

“Arsheen is a very strong proponent of sustainability and carbon dioxide emission control,” Abdul says. “She has developed an eco-friendly and energy-efficient process to produce graphene, and with those two guiding principles as the foundation, has also developed ways to apply it in water purification and supercapacitors for the electric vehicle industry.”

Arsheen’s advice to other young women scientists is simple: “Surround yourself with people smarter than you, who will support you and challenge you.” – by Morgan Cartier Weston 

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

VICTORIA CREAMER Principal, Creekside Elementary School

walked outside of Creekside Elementary School in November 2021 dressed in red to show her support for the #RedForEd movement – designed to advance public education in North Carolina – thinking she would pose for a photo. Instead, her colleagues, family and mentors surprised her with the news that she was named the 2021-2022 Durham Public Schools’ principal of the year, the culmination of a rigorous application process. “It was the highlight of my career, especially during a really hard year,” Victoria says.

Victoria, who spent the first eight years of her teaching tenure as a middle school math teacher, was drawn to leadership opportunities from a young age, like serving as president of her senior class in high school. Now, “While I very she’s fostering similar opportunities for her staff, such much love as collaborating with UNC-Chapel Hill to provide being an professional development training. “While I very educator, much love being an educator, I think my strength I think my strength and and my passion is with the bigger picture of public my passion education,” Victoria says. is with the The two-time alumna of UNC pursued her doctor bigger picture of public of education degree at the University of Pennsylvania education. ” while working as a principal at Ephesus Elementary School in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. The promise and enthusiasm of elementary school students led her to pursue the role as Creekside’s principal, which she began Victoria goes on to say how she relied on her team when remote in 2018. “Our young learners come to us so excited and proud,” learning began at the onset of the pandemic. They provided items Victoria says. “I give so much credit to the teachers.” like school supplies, textbooks and storybooks from nonprofit Book She also recognizes her peers and mentors for allowing her Harvest to students who needed them. They also ensured students to define her own style of leadership. She’s surrounded herself remained digitally connected to their class and had resources – like with people who have a shared vision, including her two assistant free and reduced lunch opportunities – available to them. principals, Jennifer Aguilar and Lindsay Boykin. “They’re highly “It’s great to have the students back,” she says of the return to intalented, well-versed, strong leaders,” Victoria says. “It really person schooling. “But there are also a lot of unexpected challenges, is a partnership.” because we’re back, but the pandemic continues.” She cites the ictoria Creamer

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difficulties around tracking children who become sick with COVID-19 and navigating shutting down entire classrooms of students.

Outside of school, she’s completed five marathons and supports The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training fundraising program in honor of her father, who died of leukemia when she was in high school. She is also a neighborhood coordinator with PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro, which provides grassroots hunger relief to children and families. Her ties to the community she serves as well as her family – including her husband, John Creamer, whom

she credits with encouraging her to pursue graduate school (twice); daughter, Emma, 18, a first-year student at Appalachian State University; and son, CJ, 17, a junior in high school – keep the New Jersey native firmly rooted in North Carolina.

She encourages those considering Durham Public Schools to vote for political candidates who are strong supporters of public education. She says she’s a public educator because public schools should work for every child. “I need to use my voice at this point in my career to be an advocate,” she says. – by Elizabeth Poindexter a p r i l / m ay 2 0 2 2

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Special Advertising Section Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved

How to Help

• Volunteer. We can’t do what we do without helping hands! We need drivers to deliver meals, packers to organize food to be loaded into cars, remote callers to check in on our seniors, and much more! Get the details on all our volunteer opportunities and sign up at mowdurham.org/volunteer.

Background

Meals on Wheels Durham (MOWD) has been delivering hot meals daily to homebound seniors for 47 years. Our operations have grown considerably from our first cadre of 12 clients in 1975; today, we serve close to 600. Last year, we delivered more than 200,000 meals and over 850 supplemental items (i.e., produce boxes, holiday gifts, pet food, and more) to meet special client needs. The demand for our services grows larger each year.

Our Mission

Meals on Wheels Durham is committed to enhancing the quality of life for eligible homebound adults in our community. Our mission is to serve older adults, people who are convalescing, and others who cannot provide proper nutrition for themselves by providing daily, nutritious meals and regular contact with compassionate volunteers, which helps our clients to remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible.

MOWD provides Durham’s seniors with a sense of security, comfort, and the knowledge that their community values, appreciates, and remembers them.

• Donate items of your choice from our online Amazon.com Wish List (mowdurham.org/ wishlist) to help provide for our seniors’ special needs year-round. With your help, we can meet special requests from our clients — whether that’s food for a furry friend, a box fan in summer, or Ensure to supplement meals.

• Make a gift to Meals on Wheels Durham at mowdurham.org. Your unrestricted, tax-deductible gift will allow us to build new programs, strengthen existing ones, and serve even more meals – all to enhance the lives of older adults in our community. A gift of $1,680 will feed a senior for an entire year – but any amount you choose to give will be put to work right away supporting older adults in Durham.

Get in Touch!

Phone: 919.667.9424 Email: comm@mowdurham.org Address: 2522 Ross Rd., Durham, NC 27712 Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn: @mowdurham.org

Special Advertising Section Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved

Mission Statement

PBS North Carolina provides transformational experiences and trusted content to educate, inform, entertain and inspire people across the state, from the Atlantic coast to the Appalachians.

Who We Are

Ways to Support

Serving the country’s third largest public media market, we embody everything you love about PBS while keeping the people and stories of our state front and center. More than just a television network, we are a virtual classroom, a news and entertainment hub, an emergency communication center and so much more.

Through public investment and private support, we harness the power of the UNC System to spark lifelong curiosity and wonder, empower communities and enrich the lives of all North Carolinians.

We rely on member support to sustain our programming and community initiatives, including: • PBS productions like Masterpiece, NewsHour and Finding Your Roots as well as local favorites like NC Weekend, Black Issues Forum and The Key Ingredient • Stories about North Carolina’s people and cultures by award-winning filmmakers and producers • An early education summit for teachers looking to connect, learn and share • The Rootle Ambassadors program, which brings curriculum-informed content to communities across the state • Rootle Block Party LIVE! community events for little ones and their grown-ups • At-home learning for students, caregivers and educators • Film screenings and discussions about issues that matter the most • Emergency briefings and town hall events

Our Impact

We serve communities on the air, online and on the ground: • Our 12 broadcast towers provide all 100 counties with 4 unique channels: PBS NC, North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and Explorer Channel.

• We bring engaging content to wherever you are through livestreaming, on-demand video, blogs and more.

• We are an education powerhouse, with free resources, events and virtual offerings that mitigate the digital divide and equalize access to learning opportunities.

• First responders, government agencies and broadcasters rely on us for statewide emergency communications.

Upcoming Events

Throughout the year, we offer lots of events for all ages: • Rootle Roadster Tour: Free activities, games, demos, education resources and more for families. In Manteo on 5/6, UNC Pembroke on 6/25 and Smithfield on 7/23.

• Impact Early Education Summit: This gathering celebrates those helping our youngest learners (birth to grade 2) grow strong roots in literacy. At UNC Charlotte, 6/18.

• Screenings and discussions about new local programs, including On the Road with Chatham Rabbits on 5/3.

Get the latest info at pbsnc.org/events.

• Emerging technologies such as NextGen TV, which offers the opportunity to connect students to remote-learning resources and teachers to students in rural areas Your support makes our state a brighter and more supportive place for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests. Give today at pbsnc.org/donate.

Get in Touch

We’d love to hear from you.

Contact us at viewer@pbsnc.org or 919-549-7000 Visit us online at pbsnc.org.

Stay in the know with our e-newsletters: www.pbsnc.org/signup Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @mypbsnc or on YouTube at youtube.com/mypbsnc.

Special Advertising Section Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved

Background:

DPSF believes that our public schools are at the heart of Durham.

There’s nothing more important to Durham’s future than supporting and strengthening our public schools. The 33,000+ Durham Public Schools students are our future.

Mission Statement

DPS Foundation is a community-led effort to accelerate the transformation of Durham Public Schools for success and equity for every student. We do more than provide funds - we’re innovators, working with partners across our community to develop, pilot and scale new approaches and invest in the dreams of our public school students, parents and educators.

Brag Lines:

Since launching in 2018, thousands of people from across Durham have given money and time to support public schools through DPSF. Community support has made it possible for DPSF to provide grants directly to schools for more than 130 projects created by students, educators and parents across 47 of our 53 schools, make investments in digital equity, Covid-19 relief and recovery, leadership development, Community Schools, college scholarships and more. We’re now launching a major focus on supporting mental health for students and adults in our schools. Follow along for ways to support and get involved on social media @bullcityschools and join our newsletter by signing up at bullcityschools.org!

Wish list

• Follow & share on social media @bullcityschools • Become a public school champion with a contribution.

Visit bullcityschools.org/donate • Join our newsletter to stay up to date on ways to get involved bullcityschools.org

Get in Touch!

411 W. Chapel Hill St., Ste. C2 Durham, NC 27701 919-348-9139 bullcityschools.org

Special Advertising Section Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved

Background

The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has provided food for our friends and neighbors facing hunger in 34 counties across North Carolina for more than 40 years. They are an affiliate member of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger relief charity. The Food Bank partners with a network of more than 800 partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters, and offers programs for children and adults through six branch facilities.

Vision

No one goes hungry.

Brag Lines

In fiscal year 2020, the Food Bank distributed over 90 million pounds of food, more than half of which was nutritious, perishable items such as meat, dairy and fresh produce as well as non-food essentials, such as paper products and hygiene items. This record amount of food nourishing our community came at a time of record need. Through partnerships, education and programs, the Food Bank empowers communities to overcome hunger, creating an environment where all North Carolinians thrive.

Upcoming Events

Stop Summer Hunger initiative, taking place from June – July, 2022: Our community is seeing a sustained increase in need of approximately 35% more than pre-pandemic levels due to COVID-19, supply chain challenges and the incredible increase in the costs of daily life. Budgets are stretched very thin in the summer months, but you can help provide children, teens and families with vital meals this summer.

Visit foodbankcenc.org to learn more.

Mission Statement Nourish people. Build solutions.

Empower communities.

Get in Touch!

Durham Branch 2700 Angier Ave., Ste. A Durham, NC 27703 919-956-2513 foodbankcenc.org

Special Advertising Section Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved

Overview

The DLC works with adults and older youth in Durham to help them reach their educational and personal goals–whether that’s improving their basic reading and math skills so they can assist their children with homework, increasing their English language proficiency to enable them to get a better job, or obtaining a high school equivalency diploma on the way to higher education or career training opportunities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all DLC programs shifted to remote instruction.

Wish List • Make a contribution to support the DLC

Mission Statement

The Durham Literacy Center helps adults meet their life goals by offering learner-centered educational opportunities, based on the belief that each adult has the power to change their life and their community through literacy.

• Join the DLC’s John Hope Franklin Literacy Society sustaining donor program

Background

• Volunteer as a tutor to teach in our programs

Since 1985, the Durham Literacy Center (DLC) has provided tuition-free instruction to more than 18,000 adults and outof-school youth in Durham. The DLC’s programs teach adults to read and write, improve their English language skills, prepare for high school equivalency exams, become job-ready, and use computers and technology. Each year, more than 200 volunteer tutors help their fellow community members gain the skills and credentials that are necessary to thrive in Durham’s economy.

Brag Lines

The DLC responded to the changing needs of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic by creating a Technology Lending Library, expanding digital literacy instruction, helping students and their families get vaccinated, sharing trustworthy and accessible health information, and helping our students access vital services such as food, housing, and employment assistance. As the pandemic continues, we have expanded partnerships with other organizations in our community to ensure that vulnerable low literacy adults have access to the resources and support they need.

• Support the DLC on Amazon Smile • Link your VIC card to the DLC • Follow us on social media and join our mailing list Learn more about how you can support our work at www.durhamliteracy.org.

Get in Touch!

1905 Chapel Hill Rd. Durham, NC 27707 919-489-8383 durhamliteracy.org

Special Advertising Section Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved

Overview

Schoolhouse of Wonder has offered outdoor day camps, field trips and leadership training for children and teens in Durham, Wake and Orange Counties for more than 30 years. But they’re much more than a place where kids can get outside and have some fun. Schoolhouse of Wonder is a place where everyone can play, learn and grow toward being their best selves! They believe open-hearted children become open-minded adults— and that vision creates the foundation for everything they do.

Values • We model and teach self-awareness and empathy • We celebrate individuality; different is just different • Everyone deserves to be witnessed, heard, and respected • In nature, we’re all students • Life should be filled with adventures and a sense of wonder • We send every kid home dirty, tired, and happy

Mission Statement

Schoolhouse of Wonder creates kind, curious, and confident kids through nature-based outdoor adventures.

Did you know Schoolhouse of Wonder is a 501(c)3 nonprofit?

Schoolhouse of Wonder understands that the cost of camp is a barrier for some families, so each year they make scholarship funds available to as many families as possible. They offer full and partial scholarships for both campers and counselors-in-training. Your generous donations help make camp possible for more kids.

Brag Lines

“One of the best summer camps in NC. They are true to their promise of sending kids home dirty, tired, and happy.

This camp instills kindness, curiosity, and confidence in all the campers. Staff always create a nurturing and supportive environment for campers of all abilities. 100% recommend.” -Laura S.

Get in Touch!

schoolhouseofwonder.org (919) 477-2116 schoolhouse@schoolhouseofwonder.org

home

Oliver Lines, Josephine Lines, Sheila O’Rourke and Henry Lines pile on the daybed in the sitting area off of the kitchen. Sheila loves sitting in the natural light that comes from the large windows.

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Project Management

Global meets local in this updated Spanish Revival home in Duke Park B Y MORG AN CARTIER WESTON PHOTOG RAPHY B Y J OHN MICHAEL S I M PS O N

“I

feel lucky to have spent my 20s in San Francisco, my 30s in New York City and my 40s in Durham,” says interior designer Sheila O’Rourke. She befriended a group of Duke University alumnae when she lived in California and was,

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ABOVE The finished basement is an ideal hangout spot for Sheila’s kids and their friends. Here, Oliver plays a game with Aiden Irvin, Nico Jordan, Walker Ardyson, Emily Heffernan and Nora Heffernan.

LEFT The living room is an ode to Sheila’s love of the color blue, from the custom-upholstered club chairs to the rug, blankets and pillows; the large abstract painting at left is by Sheila’s cousin, Bridget O’Rourke, and the neon-and-metal sculpture above the fireplace is by Nate Sheaffer. BELOW LEFT Sheila recommends extending color to the trim to create depth in a space, as shown here in the dining room.

by extension, introduced to the charm of Durham. “We started going on vacations together, and as we got to know one another, I was invited to baby showers and other life events here in North Carolina,” she says. “The first time I visited, I remember thinking that I could live here.”

A creative at heart with a background in software design management, Sheila fell in love with the historic architecture, friendly people and college town vibe that welcomed her during those visits; so much so that years later, when her young family was living in Montclair, New Jersey, and ready to make a change, Durham immediately came to mind. “I had friends here, and knew there would be good jobs and great schools,” she says. Daughter Josephine Lines, now 15, and twin sons Henry Lines and Oliver Lines, now 14, were just old enough for the family to begin looking at elementary schools at the time.

“Josephine got into Central Park School for Children, and I wanted to be within walking distance, so I began browsing Zillow,” 82

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FULL SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN • 919.933.9800 • 1415 WEST NC HWY 54, DURHAM • MINTABELL.COM

home & garden

TRUE TO YOU • TRUE TO YOUR HOME

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“There used to be stairway along the back of the kitchen that went to a one-car garage added in the 1950s renovation,” Sheila says.

“The stairway didn’t function well, and worse, made the kitchen feel very narrow. We moved the stairway, which now takes you to the center of the basement and provided enough space for our beautiful island. Now I can’t imagine this room without it.” Neither can her kids and their friends, including Emily Heffernan and Claire Heffernan, standing next to Josephine as Sheila prepares some snacks for the group.

Sheila explains. “At the time, they had a ‘Make Me Move’ feature, so I tried it out on this beautiful house on Mangum Street.” With the help of Courtney James at Urban Durham Realty, the family was able to negotiate with the previous owner without the home ever going on the market, and moved in in 2011.

The home was built in the 1920s and is one of only two Spanish Revival-style homes in Duke Park. “From the outside it looks like it belongs in Miami or San Diego, but on the inside it’s much more traditional,” Sheila says.

Her background in problem solving quickly came in handy.

“The home had only two bedrooms when we bought it, so right away we split one of the rooms in half,” Sheila says. “Thankfully, they were huge.”

After that first project, Sheila focused on raising her young kids and made small updates to the house as she had time. But after a couple of years, once all of her children were in school, Sheila

LEFT Sheila enjoys creating a layered, lived-in feel by mixing vintage pieces with new finds.

RIGHT Oliver plays the family piano in the living room.

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The rec room table performs double duty, hosting everything from pizza parties to pingpong matches, like this one between Henry and Andrew Hopkins.

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LEFT Sheila’s cozy bathroom features a fun fish print wall covering and photos of her kids. RIGHT Paintings of all the cities where Sheila has lived bring balance to her carved wooden bed frame, and accent pillows contrast brightly against the room’s deep color palette.

decided to embrace her creative side and go back to school, too. “I was excited to find out about UNC-Greensboro’s interior architecture [master’s] program,” she says. “It took me three-and-a-half years to get the degree, but two years in, I started working with HGTV’s ‘Love It or List It.’ After four seasons, last September, I decided to go out on my own and founded Little Mangum Studio.”

Unafraid to walk her own path, Sheila’s design philosophy combines her practical knowledge of math, architecture and engineering with her natural instincts.

“When I’m talking to a client, I’m listening carefully for connections between their tone of voice and what is working or not working in their home,” she explains.

“Whether a project is for an individual, couple or family, my goal is to find the best solution for all of them that makes them feel truly happy in their space.”

Equally comfortable reading a blueprint or firing up a sewing machine, Sheila’s own home is a love letter to her favorite people, places and things. “My home is personal and absolutely a canvas a p r i l / m ay 2 0 2 2

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The textured, lived-in kitchen feels equal parts Old World European and fresh farmhouse modern. “I can’t recommend my contractor, Prince & Sons, highly enough,” Sheila says.

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or lab for me,” she says. “I’m not the best editor; I have so many photos, fabrics, layers and textures.”

A chandelier from her parents’ home in New Jersey brings an understated glamour to the living room, while an antique French stove from Leland Little Auctions in Hillsborough creates a focal point in the fireplace, and Sheila’s grandfather’s fiddle rests beneath a painting of musicians she purchased in Vietnam.

In the dining room, paintings by her cousin Bridget O’Rourke hang in conversation with finds from The Scrap Exchange. “I’ve always had a love for original art, whether it’s a $2 find at a thrift store, $400 at an antique store or something I found on the side of the road for free. If you love something, it all fits together.”

The mix of family heirlooms and newer finds continues in the kitchen, where visitors are warmly greeted by vintage signs

2021

ABOVE Josephine relaxes with a book on the vintage Indian daybed.

BELOW Sheila organizes fabrics in her home office.

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and a bright blue piece of Sheila’s grandmother’s china. The original cabinets are painted a soft French gray and topped with granite counters, but the centerpiece is a 9-foot soapstone island where friends and family love to gather. “I come from a very large Irish Catholic family where everyone always had people over,” Sheila says, “so I love to entertain, and I designed the house for people to enjoy.”

The single-story home underwent additions in the 1950s and 1970s, but Sheila saw even more potential in its layout. “It’s built on a hill, so it made sense to create a basement space,” she says. That project, which was completed about three years ago, now includes both of the boys’ bedrooms, an office, a rec room and a short-term rental space.

“The kids spend a lot of time in the kitchen and the rec room, and I always

let them have their friends over,” Sheila says. “They’re teenagers, so of course they’re messy and loud, but being able to see them in their element as they come in to hang out or bake brownies, it’s lovely.”

The joyful kitchen extends into a sitting room, where a hutch Sheila salvaged in Brooklyn blends seamlessly with existing storage cabinets.

A traditional Indian bed, bathed in sunlight and deeply layered with pillows, is Sheila’s favorite place to sit in the house.

When she isn’t hanging with her kids or dreaming up her next design project, Sheila enjoys getting together with friends to walk along the Eno River or on the Al Buehler Trail, or spending time with other families at YMCA swim meets.

“My house is never perfect, and I always have some work in progress, but that’s part of the journey.”

2021

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Emptying Your Nest

S

B Y PE RRI K E RS H

o much about our home and how we live in it has been dictated by our children for the last 20-plus years. From where we lived (access to quality schools, a yard to play in, children in the neighborhood) to how we lived (so much baby equipment, child proofing, Lego management, playrooms then teen rooms and more … ), our home was very much focused around our kids. And I wouldn’t have it any other way! However, this fall we will send our youngest off to college and officially become empty nesters while also moving into a new home we’re building. This bittersweet lifestyle change and upcoming move has me thinking about transitioning to life in a home that is more focused on us rather than our offspring.

For many, the idea of downsizing your belongings sounds like something done just prior to moving into a retirement community. But it can be very 92

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“

“Downsizing your possessions by letting go of things you no longer need, use or love is a great way to mark this next stage of life, whether your plan is to simplify and stay put, or you’re ready to move into a smaller space.”

freeing to hit the reset button a little earlier in life (and trust me, your future self will thank you!) and assess what you have in your home once your kids are leaving for their next big adventure. Downsizing your possessions by letting go of things you no longer need, use or love is a great way to mark this next stage of life, whether your plan is to simplify and stay put, or you’re ready to move into a smaller space. I’ll share a few of my favorite tips below and hopefully inspire you to tackle your own empty nesting tasks this year!

First, have a family conversation about your plans.

Discuss your desire to downsize and get everyone on the same page so you can avoid heartache or hurt feelings. Talk about plans to repurpose space, prioritize what family members want to keep and avoid making assumptions about things your kids might want (I promise you … they really don’t want your old stuff ).

Next, daydream about your home and how it’s going to work for you. Part of this experience may include looking at the functions of the rooms in your house. Could a spare bedroom now work as a home office or hobby space? If your teens had a hangout space in your basement, could you turn that into a home gym? Maybe your underutilized

dining room can become a cozy den. Focus on the people living in the house full time, and make the space work for you.

When it’s time to declutter, start with the simple stuff. Clothing your children left behind and haven’t worn for more than a year is unlikely to be worn.

And I’ve yet to meet a Gen Z individual who is interested in all of their schoolwork from K-12.

Old toys, gaming systems, art supplies, cords from outdated iPhones, T-shirts from every rec sport they played – it’s time for this stuff to go! Don’t overlook the attic or storage closets where broken toys and games with missing pieces might be lingering. Get ruthless, and let go of these relics from the past.

Precious memorabilia can be more challenging, so I recommend saving that category for last. If your child was passionate about an activity throughout their youth, it’s likely there are trophies or ribbons or equipment left behind. Consider setting a limit on how much can be kept by giving your child a container and letting them fill it with the things that have the most meaning. Perhaps they can snap

Perri Kersh works with individuals, families, small-business owners and students to help them get and stay organized through her company, Neat Freak Professional Organizing.

She currently serves as the immediate past president of the North Carolina chapter of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals.

Learn more about her at neat-freak.com.

a picture of some items and then let them go. Just keep in mind, it isn’t your responsibility to become a storage facility for everything your child has saved up until this point.

On the flip side, perhaps it’s you, the parent, who is more sentimental about your child’s keepsakes.

If so, just keep in mind that you don’t have to create a museum of your child’s time in your home to hold on to special memories. A small representative sample of their artwork, their stories or their mementos can be a nice way to revisit their childhood without filling an entire room.

Our goal as we transition into more adult relationships with our kids is to have mutual respect for our spaces and their things. We want our children to come visit often. We want to keep them comfortable, but not so comfortable that they can’t launch. Healthy boundaries and communication is part of what allows us to enjoy our young adult kids! There are plenty of fresh starts out there waiting for all of us … don’t let your old clutter trip you up on your way out the door.

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ABOVE Bobby Xayavong and

his sons, Charles, 2, and Samuel, 4, enjoy the majestic Roney Fountain. Washington Duke’s sister-in-law Anne Roney donated the fountain to Trinity College in Washington Duke’s honor in 1897. An early master plan for the Mary Duke Biddle Rose Garden had called for a fountain, but it was never built.

Meanwhile, the Roney Fountain on East Campus had fallen into disrepair over the decades, so it was restored and relocated to the rose garden at Sarah P. Duke Gardens in 2011.

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RIGHT Cheerful

black-eyed Susans greet curious visitors like and her daughter, Josie, 7 months, in the Walker Dillard Kirby Perennial Allée. These hardy native wildflowers are also a draw for many species of insect pollinators, and they help to support the wider ecosystem by providing food and shelter for wildlife.

April Xayavong

family frolic The Xayavong family explores Sarah P. Duke Gardens on a summer day PHOTOG RAPHY B Y J OHN MICHAEL SIMPS O N

S

arah P. Duke Gardens is one of

Durham’s most iconic gems and is a treat to visit with the family any time of the year – it’s open every single day from 8 a.m. to dusk – but especially in the vibrancy of spring and summer. Its Terrace Shop is open, the Terrace Café is tentatively slated to reopen in April, and vaccinated visitors are no longer required to wear masks indoors. Admission is free, and parking is just $2 per hour. Let the Xayavongs be your guide to several of the must-see spots to visit on your trip. 

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BELOW The

Japanese carp in the koi pond at the base of the Terrace Gardens come in a wide range of colors and shapes, and are a source of delight to children of all ages.

RIGHT The Meyer Bridge

in the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum is the site of many family and wedding photos. The bridge was pale gray for decades before it was painted red in 2010. Now it is one of Duke Gardens’ most iconic features.

LEFT Potted

cacti and other succulents grace the Mary Duke Biddle Rose Garden, which was redesigned in spring 2020 to feature a diverse variety of plants along with disease-resistant roses. Traditional rose gardens have become significantly more challenging to upkeep and maintain in recent years due to the widespread rose rosette disease. The Rose Garden still features roses, but it also incorporates hardy perennials like yuccas and perennial bunchgrasses, along with a changing palette for a more sustainable landscape with a four-season appeal.

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WHITEHALL ANTIQUES

home & garden

A Tuscan villa filled with over 7,500 sq. ft. of fine antiques a treasure trove of unique items for your home or collection

Father-Daughter Team David & Elizabeth Lindquist

2021

ENGLISH & FRENCH ANTIQUES shipments arriving regularly, with select items from FINE ESTATES across the country, make WHITEHALL a must stop destination for antiques & vintage shopping SINCE 1930!

A family business proudly celebrating over 90 years of providing fine antiques to the triangle!

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Experts at our local garden centers share top tips for getting your yard ready for summer CO M P I L E D B Y C HAR LOTTE GOTO AND R E NE E AMB ROSO P H OTO BY JO HN MIC HAE L SIMP SO N

W

hat should folks do right now to prepare their gardens for the summer?

“Late spring is the time to think about which garden beds and plots should be transitioned to hardy summer veggies and plant beds. Cold crops that have bolted from the warmer weather can be removed to make room for new plants. Empty beds can be pre-treated with a standard granular fertilizer or spruced up by adding compost or pre-mixed garden soils that are enriched with natural composts such as earthworm castings, bat guano or other manures.” – Brandi Cooley, office manager at Barnes Supply Co.

“Pruning is probably the best thing anyone can do to help stimulate growth,” says Mary Alice Pike of Witherspoon Rose Culture.

“Begin watering roses and applying insect and disease treatments on a regular basis. We treat every seven to 10 days for specific targeted insects and diseases.” – Mary Alice Pike, director of sales and marketing at Witherspoon Rose Culture What are your favorite plants to focus on for late spring and summer?

BC “Cilantro

and dill grow well in our region and are very pollinator friendly. Caterpillars love to eat dill, and you might notice a marked increase in butterflies after a few seasons of dill.

Be sure to plant extra for sharing with our beneficial insects. Other pollinators benefit from cilantro plants as they bloom and ‘go to seed.’ Cilantro easily reseeds itself and will often return in the fall.”

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Spring cleaning: If people want to weed out (pun intended) undesirable perennials or invasive species, what should they prune out of their gardens/avoid planting?

“Nandina and privet (Ligustrum)! Nandina’s beautiful red berries can be poisonous to birds if they run out of other forage. So, your options are: No. 1, plant only sterile cultivars, which don’t produce berries; No. 2, remove the flowers and/or berries as soon as you see them, before the birds can get to them; or No. 3, replace the nandina entirely. This is a pretty sad option, though, since nandinas are a versatile, hardy and visually striking plant. As for privet, it’s strongly invasive, spreading by bird-carried berries and, frankly, looks pretty boring. Try distylium as a foundation plant, or wax myrtle, cherry laurel, Leucothoe or holly for massed planting/hedges. And if you still have a Bradford pear, think

about some alternatives – aside from being invasive, their growing habit is prone to weak tree branch joints, and as they age, the branches are vulnerable to breaking off and falling in bad weather. Flowering cherries are a popular spring ornamental tree, but are also vulnerable to health issues later on, so have a look at alternatives like redbuds, serviceberry and others.” – Jamie Knierim, apprentice horticulturist and receiving clerk at Durham Garden Center

What common mistakes do home gardeners make in springtime?

BC “Mint is a fantastic herb, but it is a terrible garden companion.

MAP “Not

Most people have heard that mint is invasive, but I don’t think we spend enough time really explaining why. One tiny mint plant can take over an entire yard during the span of just a few years. It has a nasty habit of choking out every other plant in its path. The roots grow under soil, on top of soil, through landscaping fabric, in tiny drainage holes of pots and even finds its way inside of raised beds. For those of us who do not use chemical herbicides in our gardens, this means that we spend many hours pulling and tugging mint from the nooks and crannies of our garden every year. Just avoid it altogether, or if you must, plant it in a pot and leave it on the porch.”

For an abundant garden all year long, what steps should people take in spring?

BC “Take advantage of the cool weather and wet

ground now. Weeding, mulching and bed prepping is much easier this time of year. Get your cool veggies and flowers going now, and start your summer seeds indoors. Once the cool weather plants have died out, transition those beds to summer veggies and flowers.

Get bulbs in the ground now and purchase bulk wildflower seeds to feed the pollinators and birds.”

MAP “Prune, fertilize and consider some preemergents

to keep the weeds down. Check your irrigation if you have one installed in the garden, particularly if you plan to apply fresh mulch. Check for working parts, timer set, leaks, etc.”

JK “Add plenty of organic material to your soil, like

manures or composts. Over time, as it decays and is integrated into our classic North Carolina red clay, it’ll improve the drainage, water uptake and general soil health. Add some every year, and after a while you’ll have lovely loose dark soil full of happy microorganisms.”

BC “Planting too many high-maintenance annuals rather than focusing

on hardy perennials. Also, planting summer crops like tomatoes and peppers before our frost date (April 15) can be a costly mistake. Our North Carolina false spring can give folks a false sense of weather security. It is best to keep summer veggies inside, in a greenhouse or at least on a covered porch until the final threat of frost has passed.” pruning your roses is a mistake. At Witherspoon, we prune most roses down about 24 to 30 inches. If you aren’t comfortable with that much, you can cut off less.”

What are some of the main threats to a healthy rose bush?

How do folks ensure their roses stay healthy and happy?

MAP “Some

of the main threats to healthy roses are lack of water, lack of adequate sunlight, insects and diseases. We plant our roses in full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct light per day). We also fertilize our roses to ensure abundant growth.”

“

“Watch out for late frosts – North Carolina loves to tease us with beautiful weather in early March, but will whip around and freeze us out without warning.

The average date at which we’re declared safe from frosts is April 15, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.”

– Jamie Knierim, Durham Garden Center

For summer and fall blooms, people should plant …

BC “Staggering

spring bulb planting with summer bloomers like gladiolus and dahlias are a great start.

Going heavy on native flower seeds is a great way to ensure that some colorful flowers make it through the summer heat. Zinnia, lantana and portulaca are all flowering plants that require little maintenance and water.”

JK “Heat- and drought-tolerant plants, since no one

wants to be out there watering in the 100-degree heat and humidity. For summer blooming perennials, try: yarrow (Achillea); Tickseed (Coreopsis, native); coneflower (Echinacea, native); blanket flower (Gaillardia, native); beardtongue (Penstemon, native); or Russian sage (Perovskia). And for fall, goldenrod (Solidago, native) or asters (most are native and go well with goldenrod).”

What are common (and environmentally safe) treatments to prevent disease and insects, and/or to stimulate growth?

JK “Proper plant selection and placement are your

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cultivars when possible, and plant them in spots that fit their needs. A full sun plant in a shady place won’t be at its most healthy, and will be more vulnerable to pests and disease. Similarly, a plant that likes drier soil will struggle in a damp spot. Organic fertilizers and amendments like bone meal and fish emulsion will also help – try getting your soil tested to see what nutrients it might need more of.”

BC “Crop rotation (not planting the same plants in the same bed

consecutive years) is a natural way to avoid disease and insect issues.

Switching up watering habits can help decrease plant disease. Neem oil and diatomaceous earth are two great insecticidal options that are considered ‘safe.’ Knowing when to prune and pinch can help stimulate blooms and growth. For organic gardening, it is a good rule of thumb to remember to plant extra – some for you, and some for nature.”

MAP “Pruning

is probably the best thing anyone can do to help stimulate growth. On roses, we prune when the growth is starting to reach about a quarter inch, and the plant really takes off ! The great thing about pruning is there are no chemicals involved. We do recommend a dormant oil around January to help with any disease spores that might be trying to overwinter.”

Any other practical tips/tricks you’d like to add for novice gardeners to follow?

BC “There is nothing wrong with trial and error in regard to

gardening! As a matter of fact, it is a necessary part of knowing what particular plants will do well and thrive in your yard. Soil, light and water are all elements that are only minimally within our control.

Save yourself some time and stress by container gardening. We have an extensive selection of pop-up containers and raised beds. Our staff loves to talk about gardening, and we have plants, seeds, bulbs, fertilizer, soils and everything in between to get you started.”

MAP “Don’t

be afraid to prune your roses. They will thank you tenfold in their bloom production throughout the year. Even Knock Outs and other landscape roses should be pruned. If you have any spring blooming roses like climbing Lady Banks, don’t prune now!

Wait until after they bloom.”

JK “Do

your research, but don’t get too caught up in worrying about if you’re doing things right. Most plants want to live, and will allow a little room for messing up if it means they get the soil and water they crave at the end of the day.”

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NATIONAL COMPANIES GRAB A PIECE OF THE REAL ESTATE PIE IN DURHAM

K

BY BRANDEE GRUENER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA BERKOWITZ imberly V. Williams, owner of Right Time Realty and a Realtor for 20 years, gets calls that she couldn’t have imagined when she first started selling real estate. “Why should I hire you,” her prospective clients ask, “when I can just sell to somebody online without even showing my house?”

National real estate companies known as iBuyers – like Opendoor, Mark Spain Real Estate and Offerpad – appeal to sellers by touting quick and easy cash payments, the convenience of avoiding repairs and showings, and a slightly lower commission fee. And this appeal works for homeowners who want to sell quickly. They might need to raise cash for a down payment, move a parent to a retirement home or leave the state for a new job.

On the other hand, iBuyers typically deduct the cost of repairs from their cash offers and don’t pay top dollar in what is a very hot market.

“It really depends on if you’re OK with missing out on that opportunity to make some additional income,” Williams said. “What makes more sense to you, the convenience of

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someone writing you a check, or the opportunity to maximize the amount of money that you can make from the sale

of your home? With me, with a few tweaks and a weekend of showing, I may be able to attract a bidding war.”

Anna Fadel is a Realtor with Peak Swirles & Cavallito Properties.

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Houses sell fast and bidding wars have become a norm in today’s market. Despite that, iBuyers have had “a tremendous impact on our business,” Williams said. “Basically they are our competition.”

Jon Enberg, the Carolinas general manager at Opendoor, noted the company works with independent agents who “present Opendoor as an option alongside listing on the open market.”

“We think consumers, regardless of their circumstances, want a more certain, hassle-free way to buy and sell their homes,” he said. “Our goals are aligned with agents – we want people to feel empowered to move when they are ready; not just when they have to. Agents provide tremendous expertise and knowledge when our customers want that support.”

According to Opendoor, most real estate transactions take place the traditional way, with fewer than 1% conducted online.

That figure can vary from market to market. So, how much market share have iBuyers grabbed in Durham? In a recent search of Opendoor homes, the company had 17 listings in Durham. Mark Spain Real Estate, which also provides traditional real estate

durham inc.

Montressa Goodloe-Ruffin and Michael Ruffin tour a house with Realtor Kimberly V. Williams of Right Time Realty.

services and did not appear to own most of the homes it listed, advertised 25 properties.

Offerpad had four listings, and Redfin, which also provides both iBuying and traditional brokerage services, had two. Together, these iBuyers represented about 9% of properties for sale in Durham.

Zillow, of course, abandoned the iBuying business in Durham and elsewhere, eliminating some competition in the housing market. And other local real estate firms we spoke to were not impacted by iBuyers, perhaps because they don’t compete in the same price range or neighborhoods.

For instance, Mark Spain’s website guarantees an offer on homes that are not bankowned and that were built after 1960. Opendoor buys homes in good condition that are not bank-owned and generally built after 1930, and has focused

on a narrow price range in Durham that tends to appeal to first-time homebuyers. Recent listings ranged from $229,000 to $450,000.

That could change, though.

Enberg said that Opendoor has expanded into additional zip codes in Durham and Raleigh with plans to purchase homes valued up to $650,000.

LOW INVENTORY A CHALLENGE The ultimate challenge for all real estate agents is a serious lack of housing inventory for people who want to buy.

Buyers get rejected on offer after offer. Many listings result in a bidding war with five, 10 or even 20 buyers competing.

In its January report, Triangle MLS indicated there was only a two-week supply of housing inventory available in Durham, with 11.4% fewer new listings

than a year prior. Six months of supply is considered a healthy market.

The median sales price in Durham simultaneously leapt to $374,950, a 28.8% increase from January 2021.

Agents don’t foresee price increases slowing down in the near future, especially with companies like Google, Apple and Nike hiring in the area, and more companies flocking here to follow them.

On the lower end of the market, a $300,000 home can go for $35,000 over asking price. At the higher end, buyers have been known to beat the competition by offering $100,000 or even more over asking. And bidding wars can include someone from California or the Northeast – folks who see our housing prices as a bargain.

“Now the list price is like the opening bid on the house,” said

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Susan Peak, partner at Peak Swirles & Cavallito Properties.

“People have to say, ‘I’m going to buy this house no matter what.’”

Adrian Brown, qualifying broker and partner at Inhabit Real Estate, added that he has missed out on showing homes listed as “coming soon” that came off the market before agents were even allowed to walk through.

“You have to assume that the people bought them sight unseen,” Brown said. “They just saw the pictures. I think it’s just that people really know they want to be here.”

While not all local firms have lost business to iBuyers, most said their clients face fierce competition from investors who are purchasing inexpensive homes – sometimes from iBuyers – to hold as rentals.

Rental homes are an appealing investment now that so many families are waiting for a better

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Peak Swirles & Cavallito Properties agents Ann Cavallito, Katie Joyce, Susan Peak, Anna Fadel and Stuart Shefter meet at one of their company’s listings that’s already under contract.

opportunity to purchase a home. Redfin reported that investors bought 18.4% of U.S. homes in the fourth quarter of 2021, with low-priced homes being the most popular.

“In terms of the future of real estate, the bigger issue that I’m concerned about is institutional investors taking masses of homes off the market,” said Courtney James, broker and owner of Urban Durham Realty. “This makes the general resale market much more intense (there’s already such a lack of inventory), but these companies are also taking over the rental market with a high-priced and disconnected ‘landlord’ model.”

AGENTS PROMOTE THE PERSONAL TOUCH Local real estate agents, on the other hand, tout their ties to the community and their close and personal involvement with clients as reasons to stick with them. Agents believe they

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can help buyers strategize a winning bid in this competitive market. Ann Cavallito, brokerin-charge of Peak Swirles & Cavallito, said there will always be a place for the hometown real estate agent when it comes to shopping for a house.

“Real estate is still about the people connection, no matter how much technology enters into the picture,” she said.

Agents also said iBuyer technology can make home buying impersonal or even difficult. They talked about struggling to get past door locks with an app, negotiating offers by email or online portal, and dealing with unusual repairs (carpet in a bathroom, for instance). Agents said iBuyers can be difficult to reach with questions.

“When any of our agents are helping a buyer purchase a home owned by an iBuyer, it’s been especially challenging because the listing agent is, at best, not engaged, and at worst, impossible to reach,” James said. She has had a

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different experience with Mark Spain, which has “a local agent, which from our perspective, is a huge difference.”

Mark Spain advertises its agents as “local, experienced, highly trained and working full time,” and says, “our agents lead with a servant’s heart and put your needs ahead of their own.”

From what James has seen, Opendoor is attempting to engage more local agents to provide their guaranteed offers as an option. Firms like hers, meanwhile, work to set themselves apart.

“We’re continuing [to] remind people that we are locally owned, invested in our community, provide a high level of service and have consistently produced better results than many of the iBuyer companies (that, at the end of the day, often charge just as much),” James said.

Brown said his agents at Inhabit pride themselves on building a relationship that lasts long after a home is bought or sold. He often recommends contractors and repair services to former clients. The strategy seems

to pay off when they or their friends and family come back to Inhabit years later. In fact, the company saw a 63% increase in total sales last year.

Not only that, but “92% of what we generate in revenue stays in the Triangle, which we’re really proud of,” he said.

As for Williams, she said Right Time Realty has always persevered in challenging times.

“I think there are people that still like that human touch,” she said. “We’ve been under lots of threats since I’ve been in this industry. This is just one of those that I do not feel is going to be long term.

“I think that at some point that is going to be a trend where we start to see more people follow Zillow and get out of the business.”

That remains to be seen, at least according to Opendoor.

“We are in the midst of a generational shift toward fully digital experiences, with a large, unmet need for a seamless process in real estate,” Enberg said.

In the meantime, your local real estate agent is happy to help you buy or sell a home the conventional way.

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Breaking the Bias: Leadership in RTP Research Triangle Park hosted leaders from companies within the Park and a community of professionals for a fireside chat at Boxyard RTP on March 8, International Women’s Day. Our speakers shared notes about their own success, meeting challenges and contributing to growth and opportunities in North Carolina.

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NETWORKING GREATER DURHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S ANNUAL MEETING

Photography by Ken Huth

The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting at The Carolina Theatre on March 9 in a fun, new format befitting the event venue. Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Geoff Durham hosted “The Durham Show,” complete with a monologue that shared how Durham is “getting back to doing business better than we did before,” recognition of the 2022 Bull City Hall of Fame honorees and a round of the “top 10 things you don’t know about Durham,” which included the announcement of DPLEX. “[We are] beginning to market The Carolina Theatre, the Durham Convention Center, the Durham Arts Council and the Durham Armory together as the Durham Convention and Arts Complex, or DPLEX for short,” said Discover Durham’s Susan Amey. “This collaboration will enable Durham to compete for larger conventions, meetings and festivals while showcasing our creative and arts community to event attendees.” The show concluded with the commemorative passing of the gavel followed by networking and lunch at the Durham Convention Center.

1 Bull City Hall of

Fame honorees former Durham County Commissioner Ellen Reckhow, former Mayor Steve Schewel, former Durham Public Schools’ Board of Education member Minnie Forte-Brown and former Durham County Manager Wendell Davis with Durham Chamber President and CEO Geoff Durham (center).

(Honoree not pictured: former City Manager Tom Bonfield.)

3

2 Ryan Regan, vice

president of economic development for the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, shares a few facts about Durham, including that, since the pandemic started, there have been 14 major economic development announcements in Durham County alone, representing 7,000 new jobs – which account for nearly half of all the new jobs that have come to the Triangle region in the same time period – and more than $2 billion in new capital investment for our community.

4

5

3 Capital Discount

1

Furniture owners Jenny Danielson and Scott Danielson.

4 Outgoing Durham

Chamber Board Chair Adri Maisonet Morales of BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina (right) passes the gavel to incoming Board Chair Adam Klein of American Underground and American Tobacco Campus.

5 Self-Help

Credit Union’s Tamara Stanley and Shelley Fullwood of Olive & Olive, P.A.

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TINY HOMES, BIG DIFFERENCE Local educator tackles affordable housing crisis with new business

BY B R A N D E E G R U E N E R | P H O T O G R A P H Y BY J O H N M I C H A E L S I M P S O N

O

NE OF THE smallest tiny homes in Durham sits atop a hill in Topher Thomas’ backyard. At just 120 square feet, the woodclad abode rests against two trees with a small balcony sandwiched between, giving every impression of a treehouse. Thomas installed a loft bed to provide a bit more space for the couple who live there. The tenants have filled every inch available with furniture and storage.

This tiny residence in the West End neighborhood was Thomas’ first foray into providing affordable housing in Durham.

The theology and science teacher at Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill initially started to build the accessory dwelling unit as a way to make money on the side for his family of four. Thomas undertook the project in March 2021 while schools were closed and found it to be “a blast” and “very meditative” for his busy brain.

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Topher Thomas’ new business, Coram Houses, addresses the affordable housing crisis by building backyard tiny homes.

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Then a neighbor came to him for help. Her landlord had decided to sell the property where she lived. With rental rates on the rise, she had nowhere to go.

“This is what this [kind of endeavor] could be for,” Thomas thought. He launched Coram Houses with the goal of expanding affordable housing in Durham by building tiny homes.

The city has estimated that 27,000 low-income households are cost-burdened, or paying more than 30% of their income on housing. And the problem is likely to grow as long as rents do. Rent.com recently reported that a one-bedroom apartment in Durham rents for an average of $1,447, an 11% increase from a year prior. In theory, a single person would need a salary of $57,880 to afford a one-bedroom.

Tiny homes are less expensive to build than a traditional home, providing an opportunity for more affordable housing. But Thomas wanted to take the concept even further by helping his community build wealth. He was inspired when a grandparent of one of his

students offered to front the money for his own backyard project, with an agreement to split the rent until the investment was repaid. Thomas began to think about how to link investors with other families who would like to own a tiny home. Coram Houses would build the homes, working with educational programs in construction – such as Hope Renovations in Carrboro or classes at Durham Technical Community

College – where possible, and take a small percentage to keep the business going. The homeowners would gain the opportunity to collect rent without spending anything.

Coram Houses would be “a community organization committed to breaking cycles of racial and economic injustice through creative and affordable housing.”

“Everybody is coming out ahead because of their participation,” Thomas said.

ABOVE At just 120 square feet, the tiny home in Thomas’ backyard is the smallest he has built thus far.

LEFT Thomas installed a loft bed in the home to maximize the space.

“That to me is really important, that not one group is winning out more than another.

“There’s people who can write checks. There’s people who need housing. There’s people like me who need the extra income,” Thomas added.

“If we can just connect those pieces, then we could have a cool ecosystem.”

Meeting the demand for affordable housing is not easy, so Thomas has started to explore working with banks to fund more projects for homeowners who don’t have the capital to invest. He also is open to consulting with investors with the means to build an affordable home on their own property.

“The model has had to shift, because finding people to write big checks and enough of them at scale for the problem has proven to be not sustainable,” Thomas said.

Meanwhile, Thomas completed a second tiny home this spring and has two more under construction. The newest designs are a single story with 240 square feet and a twostory residence with a total of 465 square feet. Coram Houses has 18 projects in the pipeline,

with a potential of providing 80 affordable housing units.

Thomas hopes to break ground on 20 houses this year, with all but one project based in Durham. He would eventually like to have a model that could be replicated anywhere.

Current tenants make between 30% to 60% of the area median income, but Thomas wants to be flexible in defining what is affordable. For instance, someone could make more than 60% of AMI, but have a huge amount of student debt to pay off. For that reason, Thomas encourages interested homeowners to find a tenant whose situation they are familiar with.

“The whole idea of building in backyards is to be relational,” Thomas said. “I want for the community to have more connectedness.”

And those connections can emerge at the most unexpected moments, like when Thomas was recently hanging drywall. “‘My living situation is terrible right now,’” a worker told him. “‘I would love to live in something like this.’”

So Thomas put him on the list for a future tiny home.

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BIZBRIEFS Compiled by Megan Tillotson

ON THE MOVE

Dr. Mark Velleca was named chief executive officer at StrideBio in February. Dr. Velleca joins the gene therapy company from the venture capital firm Hatteras Venture Partners. In his new role, Dr. Velleca will help StrideBio leverage novel capsid technology and manufacturing capabilities into clinic settings where it can benefit patients.

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions announced an expansion of its ELERA unified commerce platform aimed at accelerating retail technology.

“ELERA is a game changer that spells the end of [retailer’s] technology debt and provides a modular foundation that frees them to transform their business at a speed that was never before possible,” President and CEO Rance Poehler said.

Pairwise announced the addition of Michelle Gloeckler to its board of directors in January.

Gloeckler previously served as an executive vice president at Walmart

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and brings more than 30 years of experience in retail, consumer packaged goods and operations to the board of the food technology company that utilizes gene editing to develop new varieties of fruits and vegetables. “I am excited not just by Pairwise’s differentiation in the market and its existing relationships with channel partners but also its mandate – to build a healthier world through better fruits and vegetables,” Gloeckler said. “I look forward to helping Pairwise continue to build its strong brand presence as a mission-driven company using its technology platform to bring true innovation to the marketplace.”

NC IDEA, a private foundation that supports entrepreneurs and economic growth throughout the state, hired Allan Younger as its senior director of programs. Younger, who most recently was the director of the Small Business Center at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, begins his new role in April. Younger will oversee programs that provide education, training and mentoring for people seeking to start and grow companies in North Carolina, alongside other management and program development duties.

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AWARDS AND HONORS

Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Secretary of PHOTO BY AZUL PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY OF DURHAM TECH Labor Marty Walsh visited Durham Technical tapping into the big brains Community College in early and skills of folks and to help March and spoke to a crowd develop it and to train those that included Gov. Roy Cooper, skills to do such important Congressmen G.K. Butterfield work. It’s about growing our and David Price and Durham country and strengthening our Mayor Elaine O’Neal, as well as country. We all came to visit community partners, students you so we can see it firsthand and instructors inside the Phail and then go out and talk to Wynn Jr. Student Services folks about it.”

Center on the importance of creating pathways to success WalletHub ranked Durham the through opportunities like No. 24 hardest-working city apprenticeships, which Durham nationwide out of 116 large Tech offers through many American cities, an accolade local employers. The speech based on 11 factors including followed a tour of the William employment rate, average G. Ingram Center for Applied workweek hours, average Learning and Technology commute time and share of with demonstrations from workers with multiple jobs. an electrical apprenticeship partnership with the RaleighAgBiome, a biotechnology Durham Electrical Joint company located in Research Apprenticeship Training Triangle Park, ranked No. 48 Committee, a partnership on the 2021 FoodTech 500 which began in 2017 to offer list, which orders companies a registered apprenticeship based on entrepreneurial talent program for individuals seeking among the realms of food, electrical careers with the technology and sustainability.

International Brotherhood AgBiome is known for its of Electrical Workers and microbial discovery platform participating employers. “You and development of products are role models – each one to enhance the process of you – of the work that can of food production. happen,” Vice President Harris In a January report, commercial told a group of apprenticeship real estate firm Jones Lang students on the tour. “It’s about LaSalle ranked the Raleigh-

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Durham area No. 25 among cities across the globe leading innovation, with the region gaining recognition through specialized sectors including life sciences. The report ranked Raleigh-Durham No. 20 in talent concentration globally as a “talent-rich” small-to-midsize city with appealing quality of life and comparatively low cost of starting businesses.

The National Academy of Engineering elected John Palmour among the 111 national and 22 international members of its 2022 class.

Palmour, the chief technology officer of Wolfspeed, was recognized for his contribution to the development of silicon carbide-based advanced electronic devices, which are utilized in electric vehicles, renewable energy, gaming systems and other technology.

Palmour co-founded the company, then known as Cree, as a N.C. State University graduate student in 1987.

MOVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

Interior design company True Design moved from a homebased office on Limerick Lane to an office space at 1906 E. Hwy. 54 in January and also hired Kyley Herring as a junior designer. Herring, a Wake Technical Community College graduate, joined the company in 2021 as an intern and brings a background in interiors as well as entrepreneurial experience, having previously owned her own boutique in Beulaville, North Carolina.

Couch Oil Company, a familyowned fuel provider founded in 1949, launched Couch & Co. Fireplace and Patio in February.

This is the first retail endeavor for the Couch family, who have been serving the region for more than 70 years. The

showroom, located at 4630 Hillsborough Rd., specializes in fuelfired products including gas fireplaces, logs and inserts, wood stoves, fire pits, outdoor kitchens and more.

The Durham Housing Authority recently announced the selection of development partners on three downtown area sites, which are part of the second phase of its DHA Downtown and Neighborhood Plan. The sites combine for 37-plus acres, including the currently vacant Fayette Place, existing public housing community Forest Hill Heights and the DHA offices and adjacent county land. The $470 million development plans will include mixed-income housing, including more than 1,700 residential units, of which nearly 900 will be affordable housing ranging from 30-80% of the area median income. It also will create 135,000 square feet of non-residential space, including a new administrative office for DHA. The Fayette Place and DHA office and Criminal Justice Resource Center sites were awarded to Durham Development Partners, a joint venture team of F7 International Development, Greystone Affordable Development and Gilbane Development Company. The DHA Board also approved Integral Group for the redevelopment of the Forest Hill Heights community.

Road and Watchorn Street in 2023. J.P. Alvarado and Ann Alvarado (pictured here with their family), owners of a Lightbridge location in Hoboken, New Jersey, signed on to open their second Lightbridge franchise location after noticing a need for quality child care in Durham.

Trinity Capital Advisors, in partnership with Raleighbased SLI Capital, completed construction of The Roxboro at Venable Center and an adjacent 792-spot parking garage. The Roxboro is an eight-story, 203,249-squarefoot Class A life science and office building designed by Duda|Paine Architects that includes a 1,000-square-foot sky deck lounge and 1,200 square feet of meeting space.

The mixed-use development will also include ground-level retail space and the Venable Durham Apartments, 221 luxury units with amenities like a rooftop lounge and pool, slated for completion this summer. “Opening The Roxboro energizes the existing locations at Venable Center and sets the tone for what is to come,” said Jeff Sheehan, managing partner at Trinity Capital Advisors.

Savannah Hopps opened a Neighborhood Barre at Woodcroft Shopping Center on Jan. 3. The 1,280-square-foot studio offers a variety of classes for all fitness levels and barre workouts including low-impact bodyweight exercises. The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce celebrated the business’s opening with a ribbon-cutting on Jan. 28.

In attendance were Durham Chamber Board Member Dom Cole Johnson, Savannah Hopps, Austin Hopps, instructor Heather Lorino, Durham City Council member Leonardo Williams and the Durham Chamber’s Tiffany Bashore and Angelique Stallings.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPANN MAN MEDIA

YMCA of the Triangle selected Chapel Hill-based East West Partners to develop a 27-story tower on its Morgan Street property downtown. The tower will include a new facility for the YMCA, including a twocourt gym, an indoor track and two pools, as well as nearly 300 apartments and 120,000 square feet of office space.

Lightbridge Academy, early education and child care provider for children aged 6 weeks old through kindergarten, is slated to open its first Durham location near the intersection of Ellis

Capital Discount Furniture moved to a new 50,000-squarefoot location at 3921 S. Miami Blvd. Local

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elected officials including Sens.

Mike Woodard and Natalie Murdock (pictured far left and right, respectively) Rep. Zack Hawkins and Durham City Council member Leonardo Williams attended the grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration with owners Scott Danielson and Jenny Danielson (pictured middle) on Feb. 4.

The family-owned discount furniture and mattress retailer offers brand-name products at factory direct pricing.

Mobile car wash and detail company Spiffy, which is based in RTP and headed by Scot Wingo, announced the launch of franchise markets in four cities: Albany, New York; Indianapolis; Oklahoma City; and Wilmington, North Carolina. A new corporateowned location in Houston was also announced. Spiffy now operates in more than 30 cities and 20 states.

GreenLight Biosciences, headquartered in Medford, Massachusetts, announced the expansion of its research and development operations in RTP. The company, which develops RNA-based technology for agricultural and human health uses, will add more than 60,000 square feet of greenhouse, laboratory and

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office space.

The greenhouse facilities are slated to be in use by the end of the first quarter of 2022 and are projected to increase plantgrowing capacity tenfold, while GreenLight expects staff to increase from 44 employees to 60 by 2023.

Global logistics company Marken, which serves pharmaceutical and life science industries, expanded its headquarters and regional distribution operations at the Imperial Center campus to meet growing demand for shipment of clinical drug supplies. Marken President Ariette van Strien (pictured left) and UPS Healthcare President Wes Wheeler (pictured right) marked the expansion with a ribboncutting ceremony on Dec. 15.

Since moving to the facility in 2017, the site has grown to 21,883 square feet with 222 employees, and Marken completed more than 135,000 shipments of drug products and biological samples per month in 2021.

Blue Water Spa expanded in March with a new location at Brier Creek Commons.

The spa, which is owned and operated by Michael Law MD,

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specializes in skin care and laser services, Botox, facial fillers, microneedling and more.

PARTNERSHIPS, ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CMG Ventures, parent company of Best Rent-All and Best Tents & Events, recently acquired TES Group’s Burlington, North Carolinabased TCS Event Rentals and Piedmont Portables, and former TES Group COO Kim Taylor was promoted to CEO of both companies. “TCS and Piedmont Portables are two very special companies,” said CMG Ventures President Mike Griffin. “Kim’s years of experience and professionalism will take us to the next level.”

Houston-based energy technology company Baker Hughes partnered with and invested in NET Power in February to advance the use of NET Power’s low-cost electric power systems that don’t emit atmospheric emissions.

The partnership will allow NET Power to accelerate deployment of its power systems across the globe with access to Baker Hughes’ process knowledge experience and system integration.

Worldwide Clinical Trials, a midsize global contract research organization, and clinical research company Science 37 announced a partnership in January to

PHOTO COURTESY OF KILE LAW

enable enhanced decentralized clinical trial delivery in which patient health care visits, trial assessments and laboratory tests take place in the patient’s community. Through the partnership, Worldwide becomes part of the Science 37 CRO certified network and will leverage Science 37’s operating system.

FUNDING

Agricultural technology startup Vestaron has amassed 13 backers and investors that have committed more than $61 million of its funding goal of $101 million. After recently earning approval to sell its biopesticide in Mexico, Vestaron is seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration on a second line of products.

The Triangle Tweener Fund made its first investments in four Triangle-based companies.

Among the portfolio is Durham-based Bristles, which leverages an advanced ML/ image processing technology to help consumers navigate and optimize the home improvement world. The fund’s founder and partner, Spiffy CEO Scot Wingo, announced the investments via a LinkedIn post: “We’re excited to welcome these four companies to the Tweener Fund family, and we’re well on track to add nine to 11 companies to our portfolio per quarter.”

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Wrangle, the software that automates company’s workflows, approvals and tickets via chat platforms, raised $2 million in pre-seed funding led by Bloomberg Beta and Eniac Ventures, with participation from Liquid 2 Ventures, Hustle Fund, TDF Ventures and more than 20 founder angels. The company plans to use the funds to hire more employees, expand products and accelerate marketing efforts.

row crops. Pairwise is currently developing new types of leafy greens, berries and cherries.

In three years, the company has grown to more than 130 employees with additional growth anticipated in 2022.

GIVING BACK

Durham Rotary Club was recognized at its March 7 meeting as the first rotary club in central North Carolina to have raised a cumulative $1 million over its history for use by the Rotary Foundation.

Donations were made by the club’s grant and stewardship committees to West Point on the Eno Park, The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center’s Civic Engagement Leadership Institute, the Museum of Durham History, The Carolina Theatre, Legal Aid of North

In February, Pairwise raised $90 million in a successful series B funding round, bringing total fundraising to $115 million when combined with the series A funding round. Pairwise also has a $100 million, five-year collaboration with Bayer CropScience to advance gene-editing tools in

Carolina and Durham’s Little Free Libraries. The latter two organizations are being supported by additional charitable giving in the amounts of $10,000 and nearly $600, respectively. Legal Aid has helped about 100 families stay in their homes; Little Free Libraries used the gift to build a repository in Braggtown.

“We are proud that our mix of accumulated giving historically on a global basis complementary with our realtime giving on a local basis are bettering the public good,” said Club President Indira Everett, pictured at right of the

Rotary International flag of recognition, which will be used at Durham club meetings in perpetuity, with Rotary International’s District 7710 Governor Angela Bendorf Jamison, District Governor Nominee Veronica Bent and Assistant Governor Area 7/ District Governor Nominee Designate Jeff Blass.

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engagements Stephanie Kennedy & Ryan Trecartin

The Proposal Ryan

B Y DE L A N E Y G A LV IN

Wedding Date Oct. 29, 2022 Occupations Stephanie

is an implementation specialist with the National Implementation Research Network at UNC. Ryan is a licensed real estate broker and works for Urban Durham Realty.

Crossed Paths Stephanie and Ryan met through a dating app in 2019 and had their first in-person meeting at Beer Study in Chapel Hill. They initially bonded over a love of animals and craft beer.

Prior to the date, Stephanie called the brewery and asked that they chill a couple of specialty cans from Carrboro-based Dingo Dog Brewing Company, which donates its profits to no-kill animal rescues. Ryan says she knew from this small, thoughtful move that Stephanie was the one for her.

asked Stephanie to marry her during a vacation with Stephanie’s family at Ocracoke Island on Oct. 26, 2021. Stephanie thought a proposal might be in the works when Ryan asked if she and their dog, Jazz, should go down to the beach together. But after spending some time by the ocean, Ryan suggested they head back into town. As soon as Stephanie started to think she may have been wrong, Ryan called her name, and she turned around to see Ryan down on one knee with the ocean behind her. “I’ll never forget that image,” Stephanie says.

Now, “I Do” Stephanie and Ryan, who live in north Durham, will have their wedding ceremony and reception at The Barn at Valhalla in Chapel Hill. Catering Works will provide the meal, and Willis J Entertainment will keep guests dancing all evening long while Bliss Floccare of Shoot with Bliss captures every magical moment.

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wedding

Katarina Popović & Bryan Charles Wall B Y A L I C I A C L A N TO N P HOTO G RA P H Y B Y KAR ME N O BL AK, O B L A K P HOTOG R A PHY. COM

Date July 24, 2021

Occupations Katarina and Bryan both work as process

engineers, Katarina for Precision BioSciences in downtown Durham, and Bryan for Wolfspeed in Research Triangle Park.

Crossed Paths The pair met at Western Guilford High School in Greensboro 10 years ago when their friends set them up on a blind date for the homecoming dance. They both went to N.C. State University and continued dating through college. After working in separate cities for a while after graduation, they both switched jobs and moved to the Duke Homestead neighborhood together in 2018.

The Proposal Bryan spontaneously popped the question on a Father’s Day hike amid a backdrop of breathtaking views at Grandfather Mountain in 2020. Katarina’s parents, Zlatko Popović and Slavica Popović, and her brother, Slaven Popović, were there to witness the special moment.

The Big Day The ceremony took place within the ancient city walls of Sponza Palace in Dubrovnik, in Katarina’s native country of Croatia. Guests then boarded a massive 16th-century replica pirate ship called the Galleon Tirena for cocktail hour as they sailed over to the reception on the island of Koločep. Katarina and Bryan stayed behind to take photos, then hopped on a small speedboat to catch up to their loved ones at Villa Rose, a waterfront restaurant where they dined and danced the night away. Katarina wore a dress 120

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from White of Raleigh, and the couple’s rings were purchased at Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. Katarina and Bryan say they were grateful to celebrate the day with family and friends.

Most Memorable Moment Bryan’s favorite memory was sailing past the Galleon Tirena in their speedboat as their guests ran to the ship’s railing to wave and cheer for the couple. The traditional Croatian dances at the wedding were a highlight for Katarina, and she was touched that her American guests took the time to learn them so they could join in on the dance floor.

Do you live in Durham and want your wedding or engagement featured in our magazine?

Email amanda.maclaren@durhammag.com.

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