EXECUTIVE EDITOR, CHATHAM MAGAZINE Morgan Cartier Weston
MANAGING EDITOR, HEART OF NC WEDDINGS Renee Ambroso
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Leah Berry
SENIOR STAFF WRITER Anna-Rhesa Versola
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Sophie Baglioni, Alexandra Borda, Laney Crawley, Hailie Davidson, Annie Ham, Phoebe Martel, Taylor Motley, Emilia Rivadeneira, Lauren Rouse, Addie Rowells, Rebecca Savidge, Sabrina Shaw, Jordann Smith-Burgess and Emma Unger
ART & Production
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kevin Brown
PHOTOGRAPHER
John Michael Simpson
GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Lindsay Scott
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Khadijah Weekes-Nolan
Advertising
For advertising inquiries, email advertising@durhammag.com
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER, DIGITAL & CLIENT SERVICES Sally Scruggs
VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Amy Bell
ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
Cassady Orsini
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Ellen Shannon
MULTIMEDIA PUBLISHER & DIRECTOR OF CLIENT DIGITAL STRATEGY Jenna Parks
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, HEART OF NC WEDDINGS
Meagan Culkin
DIGITAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Brian McIndoo
DIGITAL CAMPAIGN MANAGER Jack Fry
MULTIMEDIA CONTENT DIRECTOR
Morgan Cartier Weston
DIGITAL CONTENT SPECIALIST
Renee Ambroso
DISTRIBUTION
Matt Bair
CO-FOUNDERS
Dan Shannon & Ellen Shannon
Durham Magazine is published six times a year by Triangle Media Partners, founded in 2006 by Dan and Ellen Shannon Subscriptions, $38 for two years, are available at durhammag.com To purchase copies, call 919.933.1551.
This May, The DPAC Rising Star Awards will once again celebrate keeping the arts alive in our school systems. In addition to applauding the many successes made by local high school theater productions, this event will feature our area’s top student performers as they compete live for their chance to advance to The Jimmy Awards® in New York City.
The DPAC Rising Star Awards and The Jimmy Awards® propel careers for Broadway’s future stars. See them first at DPAC!
The DPAC Rising Star Awards is made possible by the generous support of
Thanks to our community partners
A Note From Our New Company President
Dear readers, clients and friends,
I’m thrilled to announce that I have purchased Triangle Media Partners, the parent company of Durham Magazine, from my business partners and company founders Ellen Shannon and the late Dan Shannon, effective as of Jan. 7, 2025.
After 15 years of invaluable mentorship from Ellen, Dan and our talented team, I’m honored to step into this leadership role. Ellen will remain by my side throughout 2025, helping to ensure a smooth transition while continuing to grow our marketing and events department.
As we approach two major milestones – the 20th anniversary of our business in 2026 and the 40th anniversary of our acquired multimedia title, Heart of NC Weddings magazine – we’re reflecting on and reinvesting into our mission: connecting the Triangle to help visitors and residents alike live their best lives. Placemaking, storytelling and celebrating community remain at the heart of everything we do, and we are here to exercise those values each and every day.
Since joining the company in 2009, I’ve been privileged to contribute to its growth in various roles, from sales and marketing to event planning and digital strategy. I’ve also spearheaded innovative multimedia products and services like Triangle Digital Partners, our digital agency, and The Triangle Weekender publication.
My commitment is to continue showcasing the people and organizations that make this vibrant community special. Together alongside my talented team, I promise to keep delivering highquality content, marketing services and events while supporting local business and endeavors with our time, talents and resources to ensure the Triangle thrives.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team or to me directly with feedback, story ideas or marketing opportunities – I’d love to hear from you.
Rory Gillis President, Triangle Media Partners rory.gillis@trianglemediapartners.com
PHOTO BY RICHARD BARLOW PHOTOGRAPHY
february/march 2025 contents
FEATURES
28 Double the Charm
Spend a day exploring the downtowns of nearby Cary and Apex
36 The Influencers
Meet key changemakers shaping the Bull City’s future, as told by those who know them well
94 Open Door
How one couple crafted a home that combines classic charm with contemporary design, creating a welcoming space for friends and neighbors
KIDS & FAMILY
60 Play It Cool
Discover a few kid-approved indoor destinations that parents will love, too
68 Strike the Right Chord
A family band transforms love and loss into rock ’n’ roll anthems of raw emotion and undeniable power
72 Happy Campers
Explore summer options for week after week of fun and learning
80 Summer Camp Guide
There’s a camp in the Triangle for every kid’s interest, from sports and science to art and engineering
DURHAM INC.
110 Biz Briefs
114 Networking: Leadership Forum and Holiday Reception
116 Investing in Summer Potential
As demand grows in the Triangle, local camp programs like Schoolhouse of Wonder and Bouncing Bulldogs maintain quality experiences with community support
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS
4 A Note From Our New Company President
10 Letter from the Editor
12 Go.See.Do.
Our top events to take us into spring
119 Engagement & Wedding
Tying the knot, Bull City-style
PEOPLE & PLACES
18 Animal Protection Society of Durham’s Tails at Twilight Gala
20 Carolina Theatre’s Star Member Soiree
22 Exchange Club of Greater Durham’s Blues & Brews Festival Giveaway Luncheon
23 Durham County Commissioner
Brenda Howerton’s Retirement Party at Viceroy
24 William V. Bill Bell Way Dedication Ceremony at the Durham Performing Arts Center
SPONSORED CONTENT
54 Vote for the Best of Durham 2025
Our annual poll is back! You can cast your ballot now for your local favorites.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
Budget better. Bank better. Live better.
Better is what we help you do. Decide to reduce your debt and we offer great strategies and products. Saving more might be on your mind. We can help increase growth for tomorrow’s expected, and unexpected plans. Choose to make things better and Coastal won’t just be along for the ride. We’ll navigate.
It’s not only our products and services. It’s our commitment to provide easy access to the information you need. We’re about empowering you with the financial knowledge necessary to reach your goals.
We partner with EverFi, a leader in financial education. Our members can access their mobile friendly modules, developed to enhance financial literacy. Some of the current topics are:
A diverse range of webinars are led by industry experts on subjects like Wealth Management and Real Estate. Our blogs keep you informed on the latest financial tips, trends and advice with topics like:
Pillars of Progress
Every edition we publish is a celebration of the remarkable people and places that make Durham shine, and this, our seventh annual Influencers issue, is a particularly poignant example. Flip to page 36, and you’ll get the chance to learn more about 20-plus leaders guiding our city into the future, like Angela Lee, whose quiet determination and strategic insight radiate in every project she touches at the Hayti Heritage Center. She is dedicated to preserving Hayti’s rich legacy while expanding its impact, fostering a sense of pride and community, and – as it enters its 50th year – securing its future as a vital landmark for Black arts and culture. Or there’s Mike Birling (page 38), who’s elevated the Durham Bulls organization and our downtown experience to a whole new level. I had the pleasure of experiencing Mike’s infectious enthusiasm firsthand when I joined our photographer, John Michael Simpson, on his photo shoot. The weather was bitterly cold – far from the muggy summer nights at the DBAP that I’m used to – but Mike was a great sport throughout, pun intended. (Hope the feeling in your fingers has returned by now, Mike!)
love today. Mayor Bell’s legacy is imprinted on every corner of this city, from championing the revitalization of downtown to seeing the Durham Performing Arts Center come to life; and now, fittingly, his name adorns the street outside it. See more from the sign unveiling celebration on page 24.
But Mayor Bell’s story is far from over. He, along with 17 others, make up the board of directors for Durham Next, a new nonprofit community partnership intended to ensure a prosperous Durham for everyone. The group collectively is charged with envisioning and guiding transformative projects and other community-based opportunities that will attract visitors and newcomers and increase current residents’ quality of life. Learn more about the board and what each member brings to the table on page 48.
VOTE FOR THE BEST OF DURHAM
Our annual poll is back! Cast your ballot today.
YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN Search our online directory to find the perfect camp for your kiddo.
I also had the distinct honor of attending the dedication of William V. Bill Bell Way in January. As speaker after speaker reflected on Mayor Bell’s enduring impact, I, too, thought over how his guidance helped lay the foundation for the Durham we know and
COVER
by John Michael Simpson
Every one of our Influencers, in their own unique ways, reminds me of what it takes to build a community with intention and heart. I hope their stories inspire all of us to carry forward their vision for a thriving, inclusive and ever-evolving community.
CALLING ALL NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLES!
If you live in Durham or are from the Bull City, we want to hear your love story.
Photo
PHOTO BY DARE KUMOLU-JOHNSON
More than 700,000 people in the United States are living with the diagnosis of a primary brain tumor and 69,000 more will be diagnosed this year
Join thousands of participants from across the country as they walk through the Duke University Hospital Campus and beautiful Sarah P Duke Gardens to raise money for brain cancer research. Come enjoy a day to celebrate HOPE.
The amazing 32nd annual Angels Among Us 5K and Walk for HOPE will begin with a 5K run followed by great entertainment, children’s activities, delicious food, and fun for the entire family. Proceeds from the event support Duke University’s Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center.
Learn more, register & donate angelsamongus.org
Silent Auction KidZone Food Trucks Entertainment
Solstice: A Winter Circus Experience
FEB. 13
Circus Evo’s thrilling show at Carolina Theatre’s Fletcher Hall unveils the tale of a character lost in darkness, immersing the audience in a surreal world where memories spring to life. Embark on a mesmerizing journey as elite artists perform more than eight acrobatic acts complete with lighting, music and snow, fusing poetry and circus into a 75-minute spectacle.
Feed the Need Gala
FEB. 15
The sixth annual fundraising event for Meals on Wheels Durham returns to Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in celebration of the semicentennial anniversary of the organization, which supports the well-being of homebound adults in our community. The program raised more than $160,000 last year to help serve older adults, people who are convalescing and others who cannot provide proper nutrition for themselves by supplying daily, nutritious meals and regular contact with compassionate volunteers. Expect a silent auction, tempting cocktails, a gourmet dinner with wine pairings, spirited live and silent auction bidding, and tunes from DJ Brian Dawson to get you out on the dance floor at this festive fundraiser.
do see go
Shucked
MARCH 4-9
Prepare for a feel-good night of musical theater at the Durham Performing Arts Center with a show that blends sharp humor, clever storytelling and unforgettable songs. Created by award-winning talents from Broadway and beyond – including Robert Horn and Jack O’Brien – this laugh-packed production serves up a fresh, down-to-earth take on American life.
OUR TOP EVENTS TO TAKE US INTO SPRING
Compiled by Sophie Baglioni
Bull City Food & Beer Experience
MARCH 2
The 12th annual event features dishes from 30 Triangle restaurants paired with 30 beers from local breweries. Guests can enjoy unlimited samples throughout all three floors of the Durham Performing Arts Center, plus a live music and on-stage experience. Proceeds benefit Ripe Revival, a Rocky Mount-based nonprofit on a mission to bridge the gap between farm excess and food access.
Bennett Place School Day
MARCH 21
Dive into North Carolina’s vibrant past with an engaging educational program designed for young learners at Bennett Place State Historic Site. Kids rotate through interactive stations that bring history to life, exploring the Civil War’s local impact and uncovering fascinating stories of the state’s rich heritage, all during a tour best suited for elementary school-aged children.
Durham Crop Hunger Walk
MARCH 23
The 51st annual event kicks off in the Abele Quad in front of Duke Chapel, combining fun and fundraising to combat hunger locally and around the world. Attendees will enjoy a brief program, plus performances by Durham Community Concert Band and African American Dance Ensemble before hitting the pavement. Three-quarters of event proceeds go to Church World Service, and 25% will be used by Durham Congregations in Action, allocating funds to 14 hunger-fighting agencies in the county. The Durham Crop Hunger Walk has raised more than $5 million since its inception.
Kodo One Earth Tour 2025: Warabe
MARCH 23
Celebrate more than 40 years of Kodo as Duke Arts Presents hosts this electrifying performance that blends timeless taiko traditions with athletic precision and raw emotion during a family-friendly show that revisits the troupe’s early taiko drumming repertoire. Combining thunderous percussion, physicality and theatricality, Kodo explores the joy of drumming with the heart of a child. Experience this soul-stirring showcase of Japanese tradition and artistry at Page Auditorium.
Durham Bulls Opening Day
APRIL 1
The Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays kicks off their 2025 minor league season at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, hosting the Sugar Land Space Cowboys in their first home series. The Bulls have a 148-game –74 at home – schedule ahead of them before concluding with a home finale on Sept. 14.
(Photo credits, clockwise from top left) Page 12: Solstice: A Winter Circus Experience photo by Jennifer Scheib; "Shucked" photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman; Bull City Food & Beer Experience photo courtesy of Emily Bennett Creative; Feed the Need Gala photo courtesy of Les Todd Page 14: Durham Crop Hunger Walk photo by Joe Lyndon; Durham Bulls Opening Day photo by John Michael Simpson; Kodo One Earth Tour photo courtesy of Takashi Okamoto;
people &places
Paws and Reflect
The Animal Protection Society of Durham hosted its annual Tails at Twilight Gala at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club on Nov. 23, 2024. Adoptable pups from the shelter greeted guests while they perused the silent auction items and started placing bids during the cocktail reception that preceded dinner. Auctioneer Matt Newsom of Custom Benefit Auctions led guests through the program, which included a live auction, the always-entertaining “blinky lights” game and dancing, while Gala Chair Brooke Buchanan and APS Executive Director Shafonda Allen shared greetings and highlights of the organization’s mission and vision. The event raised more than $270,000, which will go toward services such as health care, behavior enrichment and nutrition for the more than 4,600 animals the shelter sees in a year. In 2024, fundraising events like Tails at Twilight helped the shelter foster 2,465 animals – including 1,037 kittens! – reunite nearly 480 pets and owners, and adopt out 1,915 animals.
1 Mary Coleman, Molly Hollingsworth and Kristine Wylie of Jewelsmith, a Tails at Twilight sponsor, alongside several snapshots of their team’s beloved pets.
2 Madeline Stenger and Jive, who is still available for adoption! 3 Jessica Lawing and Matt Lawing, a Realtor with West and Woodall Real Estate and a gala sponsor.
4 Gala sponsors Robb Teer and Susan Teer with Phyllis Moore. 5 APS Foster Program and Volunteer Manager Larissa Chantell and APS volunteer Dena Verdesca of Verdesca Creative, a Tails at Twilight sponsor.
6 Lance Rogers and Jennifer Rogers of the James and Mildred Wilkinson Charitable Foundation with a poster of their pets along the “Hall of Paws.”
Shine On
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
HUTHPHOTO
The Carolina Theatre celebrated Giving Tuesday at its Star Member Soiree in early December 2024. Attendees enjoyed small bites from Mike Dʼs BBQ, desserts from Little Barbʼs Bakery, and entertainment by Deja Belle, Jo Gore, Alyssa Noble & Company and Poetry Fox, Durham’s 2024 poet laureate. Afterward, guests were invited to continue the fun at Alley Twenty Six with cocktails, specialty drinks and a curated menu. The support from this fundraiser helped the historic theater hit a record-breaking $117,027 raised during its annual appeal, which will be put toward providing educational programming to more than 12,000 students and families; offering retro and first-run cinema to more than 70,000 guests; and bringing more than 160 artists to the Fletcher Hall stage.
1 Laura Ferguson, Kat Combs, Amy Rossi, Michelle
the Poetry Fox. 3 Minji
4 Brooke Solomon, Carolina Theatre board member Aniqa Tariq, board chair Tynetta Walker and Lynn Solomon. 5 Carolina Theatre President and CEO Randy McKay, Marta Willson and Lois Bronstein.
6 Margaret Pentrack, Jes Averhart and Christopher Massenburg, also known as Dasan Ahanu.
7 Singer Jo Gore performs.
Hooper and Jeff Stern. 2 Chris Vitiello, aka
Jang and James Carter.
1 Representatives from the organizations that received funds from the Exchange Club of Greater Durham.
2 Housing for New Hope Director of Development & Engagement Terri Hegeman.
Blues, Brews and Big Giving
Community members gathered at University Club on Oct. 24, 2024, for the Exchange Club of Greater Durham’s Blues & Brews Festival giveaway luncheon. The service-oriented civic club donated more than $32,000 in total to a variety of nonprofits at the event. Attendees enjoyed a buffet meal while Exchange Club members shared their mission, and nonprofit representatives accepted donations and shared heartfelt remarks.
The Bull City-based organizations receiving support included: Crayons 2 Calculators, the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, Senior PharmAssist, Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange Counties, Durham County Community Living Programs, Durham Crisis Response Center, SIDEKICKS Academy Inc., Housing for New Hope, Families Moving Forward, Youth Villages, Book Harvest, the Rotaract Club of Durham and the Exchange Family Center. The funds came from the success of the Durham Blues & Brews Festival, which took place on May 18, 2024, at Durham Central Park, and acts as the Exchange Club’s primary fundraiser, combining blues performances and North Carolina craft beer.
Honoring a Legacy
Downtown restaurant Viceroy buzzed with energy as friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate former Durham County Commissioner Brenda Howerton’s years of service to the community. Brenda, the board’s past chair, dedicated four terms to the county since she was first elected in 2008. Prior to that, she brought her leadership to the Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District Board
getaway awaits!
1
2 Durham Technical Community College President J.B. Buxton and Hunter Buxton.
3 E’Vonne Coleman and Durham County Manager Claudia Hager.
Paving the Way
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARE KUMOLU-JOHNSON
The family of former City of Durham Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell, alongside many city leaders, community members and friends, celebrated the legacy of his years of service with the unveiling of William V. Bill Bell Way on Jan. 3, 2025. This special dedication ceremony, held on Mayor Bell’s 84th birthday inside the Durham Performing Arts Center, commemorated the unanimous Durham City Council decision to rename Vivian Street in honor of Mayor Bell’s pivotal role in revitalizing downtown and his contributions to the development of DPAC.
Guests enjoyed the sweet sounds of Bull City Music School’s Brown Sugar Strings followed by speeches from notable figures, including current Mayor Leonardo Williams, Rep. Zack Hawkins, former mayor pro tempore Cora Cole-McFadden, City Council members Nate Baker and DeDreana Freeman, and Kristen V. Bell Adair, among others. Mayor Bell delivered his remarks before the event concluded with the sign unveiling, a Champagne toast and birthday cake. “It doesn’t happen by yourself,” Mayor Bell said. “When you honor me, you really honor yourselves, because without your support, I wouldn’t be able to be a part of what has happened in this community.”
4 O’Brien Atkins co-founder John Atkins and former mayor pro tempore Cora Cole-McFadden.
5 Durham City Council member Nate Baker.
6 The newly unveiled William V. Bill Bell Way.
1 Tiffany Bell, Anjanée Bell, Donna Bell and husband William “Billy” Bell, Anysia Bell Hughes, 9, Alexander-Dakota Bell Hughes, 14, Ari Bell, 8, Judith Bell and William “Bill” Bell, Amaya Adair, 3, Helena Bell, 16, Aslan Bell Hughes, 17, Jianelise Bell, 11, Kristen Bell Adair and husband Marcus Adair. 2 North Carolina House Rep. Zack Hawkins. 3 Mayor Leonardo Williams.
quality beach time.
Spend a day exploring the downtowns of nearby Cary and Apex
Photography by John Michael Simpson
CHARMDouble the
The first phase of Downtown Cary Park – an acre featuring the Frantz Square fountain and performance area – was completed in 2017. An additional 6 acres opened to the public on Nov. 17, 2023. This vibrant oasis is centrally located in downtown’s social district and features The Bark Bar, an open-air, all-season bar near the Barkyard dog park that serves beer and wine as well as nonalcoholic beverages and light snacks. Market 317, located in Academy Pavilion, is a grab-and-go style cafe offering wraps, sandwiches, charcuterie boards and more. Traverse the elevated Skywalk to take in the full view of the park, and stay up to date on the nearly 500 events happening throughout the year, from fitness classes and demonstrations to concerts, yoga, book clubs, public art walks, story times, movies and so much more.
A CLOSER LOOK AT ... DOWNTOWN CARY
This walkable, charming and historic urban space boasts a rich legacy dating back to before the American Revolution. Railroads brought prosperity to the region in the mid-19th century, and the town was officially incorporated in 1871 (it measured only a square mile at the time!). Today, it remains the heart and soul of Cary, featuring iconic landmarks, historic structures, craft breweries, a farmers market, celebrated restaurants and much more, making it a must-visit destination for residents and visitors alike.
Experience authentic Laotian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere at SAAP, known for its flavorful dishes curated by chef Lon Bounsanga that include green papaya salad, Lao beef jerky, banh mi, chicken satay and chicken curry. Handcrafted cocktails and mocktails with Southeast Asian ingredients –think ube, lychee, lemongrass and hibiscus – and tropical flavors complement the experience.
Catch concerts, movies, celebrations and more on stage at the performance pavilion located in the center of Downtown Cary Park.
PHOTO BY BAXTER MILLER
The Great Lawn at Downtown Cary Park has plenty of space for spectators to enjoy events on stage at the Pavilion and also provides a lovely backdrop for Rebekah Beebe-Karim and her husband, Saad Karim, to take an afternoon stroll with drinks from The Bark Bar in hand.
Good times flow as freely as the beer at Cotton House. Inside the circa 1900 historic Pasmore House, contemporary updates blend seamlessly with craftsmanship of the past, from exposed brick fireplaces to a Prohibition-era bar adorned with Italian marble. Step outside under string lights to enjoy a flight on its back deck overlooking a lush backyard and views of downtown.
Experience the artisanal bread, pastries and sandwiches of the beloved La Farm Bakery, which was founded by master baker Lionel Vatinet and his wife and partner, Missy Vatinet, in 1999. The bakery embodies centuries-old French baking traditions and is nationally renowned for its dedication to preserving the art and science of bread making.
Cary’s Pocket Community Garden fosters a sense of camaraderie through shared gardening spaces and educational programs.
The Cary Regional Library offers a wide range of books, digital resources and engaging events for all ages as a hub of knowledge and creativity.
Discover a dynamic arts scene with galleries, workshops and performances showcasing local talent in visual and performing arts at the Cary Arts Center
The captivating “All Aboard” mural by Sean Kernick pays homage to Cary’s rich history with a vibrant depiction of a train displaying the year of incorporation, 1871, symbolizing the town’s connection to transportation and community growth. You can check it out at 122 W. Chatham St.
The Mayton is a charming boutique hotel that exudes Southern charm and modern elegance. Indulge your palate at its on-site restaurant, Peck & Plume, featuring dishes like shrimp and grits and a bone-in short rib. Cozy up with a cocktail in the study, or enjoy brunch out on the terrace.
The vibrant space at Cocoon Gallery, founded by owner Cynthia Mollenkopf in 2017, features artwork by more than 70 North Carolina artists. You’ll find gifts, home decor and handwoven accessories in a colorful, welcoming space. Want to make your own art? Cocoon’s artisans offer classes that span mediums from bookbinding to hatmaking to watercolor painting.
Anna’s Pizzeria has been a North Salem Street staple for decades, and with good reason: You can taste the love in each hearty Italian dish. Anna’s is known for its pizza, which comes topped with housemade sauce and mozzarella, but the restaurant also serves delectable dishes like buttery garlic knots, grilled eggplant panini and dreamy cannoli.
A CLOSER LOOK AT ... DOWNTOWN APEX
Take a leisurely stroll down Salem Street, and many well-preserved historic buildings are sure to catch your eye – most date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and span a variety of architectural styles, including Victorian, Queen Anne and Colonial Revival. Apex was once Wake County’s busiest trade hub; today, the former train depot, town hall and market buildings are home to a growing mix of independently owned shops, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques.
Get your caffeine – and sugar – fix at Common Grounds Coffee House & Desserts, where dozens of coffee options are matched by the equally loaded pastry case, which includes gluten-free and vegan options. Exposed brick walls and industrialinspired seating make it an enjoyable place to hang out, or just stop in for your favorite pick-me-up.
Enjoy classic pub fare and North Carolina craft beer at Salem Street Pub where friendly staff and a relaxed environment invite guests to sit and stay awhile. Pro tip: Try the Brussels sprouts.
In search of the perfect, yet practical, gift? Step into Stylish Living for leveled-up self-care essentials, including lush lotions, soft pajamas, stylish totes and water bottles, and more.
Photography by Morgan Weston
Scratch Kitchen & Taproom’s menu blends comforting Southern dishes with Asian-inspired flavors, from pimento cheese wontons to loaded harvest bowls. Next door, Neat & Sweet offers a cozy cocktail and dessert lounge experience.
EMPOWERING STUDENTS FOR BOLD THINKING AND BIG FUTURES
SUSAN R. MILLER
IZZY NUNEZ
University Communications & Marketing
Many high school students don’t even start to think about what colleges they might apply to until their junior year, while others believe that obtaining a higher education is out of reach.
To encourage students to start thinking sooner and more optimistically about their future, Duke University has worked to enhance educational options in Durham through a range of initiatives to support students from kindergarten through high school and beyond.
“Duke’s partnerships with area schools and local educational organizations include literacy and math tutoring programs, servicelearning courses, and educator support, among many others. These initiatives offer students dynamic and engaging learning opportunities, enhancing student success and promoting lifelong learning,” said Stelfanie Williams, vice president for Duke Community Affairs.
integral part of the community’s public education fabric.
“Durham Public Schools is deeply grateful for its longstanding partnership with Duke,” said DPS Superintendent Anthony Lewis. “This collaboration, which spans the arts, STEM, community engagement, health sciences, and more, continues to transform the lives of our students, families, staff, and Durham as a whole. Through this partnership, DPS students have gained access to invaluable resources and opportunities, from mentorship programs and cutting-edge research initiatives to investments in our workforce and educational equity and innovation.
“These initiatives offer students dynamic and engaging learning opportunities, enhancing student success and promoting lifelong learning.”
From its School Days program, which brings students on campus to get the full “college experience,” to its new partnership with Durham Public Schools (DPS) and Durham Tech to open a new high school for students interested in careers in health care, Duke University is an
This partnership is fostering a generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers who will shape the future of our city and beyond. Duke’s support has empowered our students to dream bigger, achieve more, and prepare for a world full of possibilities.”
Helping More Teens Reach for College
Last November, School Days celebrated its 24th year. It gave 300 eighth-grade DPS students — whose families have no prior college experience — the chance to explore Duke’s campus and experience college life firsthand.
Organized by Duke Community Affairs, the event pairs Duke staff and student volunteers with public school students to tour classrooms, labs, dining facilities, residence halls, and other areas on campus to get a taste of what life on a university campus is like.
“The Durham schools value School Days for what it provides their students, and the students value it as well,” said David Stein, senior education partnership coordinator with Duke Community Affairs.
“Duke’s support has empowered our students to dream bigger, achieve more, and prepare for a world full of possibilities.”
Opening Careers in Health care
One of Duke’s newest initiatives is an early college for high school students interested in pursuing health care careers. It is a partnership with Duke Health, Durham Technical Community College and DPS. A $29.5 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies makes the program possible.
In an effort to help lower-income high school students across North Carolina achieve their dream of success, Duke’s College Advising Corps sends student advisors into nine counties and 20 schools to provide them with the support and information needed to make the transition from high school to college. Built over a decade, the program has advised more than 30,000 students and helped families access $35 million in scholarships and financial aid.
“Through this collaboration, we will advance economic stability and economic mobility within our communities by expanding educational and career opportunities, while addressing critical workforce shortages,” said Duke University Health System CEO Craig T. Albanese.
The program is expected to open this fall with 100 ninth graders. Additional classes of 100 students each will be enrolled over the next three years.
Carlos Falcon, human safety patient simulation coordinator, guides eighth graders from Carrington Middle School on hands-on learning with the human patient simulator at the Trent Semans Center.
Supporting Teachers in the Classroom
Duke also is looking to fill gaps left by the state’s teaching shortage. The university’s TeachHouse plays a critical role in filling those positions. A living and learning community for early career teachers and graduates of the Duke University teacher preparation programs, TeachHouse creates teacher leaders, many of whom remain in Durham after graduating.
More than 400 Duke student tutors volunteer through programs such as Leap2School, America Reads/ America Counts, and Duke Partners for Success to make a difference in the lives of young students. By providing tutoring and mentoring support, university students contribute to the community, while building deeper personal connections to Durham.
Multi-Year Projects Explore Key Topics
Duke’s Bass Connections program pairs Duke faculty and students with community partners to tackle complex societal problems. Through this collaborative work, dozens of programs have been instituted in Durham schools and beyond.
These projects often build on existing ones initiated in
previous years. Among them, Duke students have been exploring the gender gap in STEM fields, including a series of free workshops for middle school girls to improve their math identity.
The ¡Celebra mi herencia! program pairs Latino/a families with undergraduate students at Duke to read children’s books in Spanish by Latino/a and Latin American authors. Its purpose is to foster a love of reading while helping children maintain their heritage language.
Developing Community School Partnerships
In 2023, Duke, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and East Carolina University (ECU) were selected by the Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania to become its sixth regional technical training center for University-Assisted Community Schools (UACS). The Southeast Regional Coalition for University-Assisted Community Schools (SRCUACS) grew out of Bass Connections.
In Durham, Duke and NCCU students work as statewide partners with the North Carolina Community Schools
Duke students visit Neal Middle School as part of faculty member Kisha Daniels’ Critical Pedagogy of Hip-Hop service learning class.
Coalition to support the strategy in central North Carolina districts.
“We can’t begin to prepare public school students to be active learners if we don’t ensure they have their basic human rights met. To meet their basic human rights, we need to think about the university’s resources inside and outside schools of education,” said Alec Greenwald, an associate in research in the program in Education at Duke University and the director of the SRCUACS.
Duke Employees Do Good
Finally, the university’s “Doing Good Employee Giving” program provides grants that fund projects that address significant community needs and have provided funding for numerous education-related initiatives.
“Through Doing Good grants, made possible by employee donations, Duke supports our education partners by providing wrap-around services including after-school programs and other special initiatives,” said Domoniqúe Redmond, senior director for education in Duke Community Affairs.
Two of its five areas of focus are on education. One is child development and education, which provides enrichment and learning for Triangle children starting at infancy through eighth grade, with a special focus on children living in poverty. The other is young adult empowerment and education, designed to assist high school students as well as 18 to 24-year-olds achieve economic resilience and a fulfilling social and civic life.
“Through
Doing Good grants, made possible by employee donations, Duke supports our education partners by providing wrap-around services including after-school programs and other special initiatives.”
Left: Jessica On, a TeachHouse fellow and Duke ’24 graduate, won the The North Carolina Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Award for her student teaching work at E.K. Powe Elementary. On now teaches at Durham’s Lyons Farm Elementary. Right: TeachHouse Fellows gather outside their Ninth Street duplex, where early-career educators live, learn, and grow in leadership and innovation.
The Influencers
Meet key changemakers shaping the Bull City’s future, as told by those who know them well
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
eadership and service are in Angela Lee’s DNA, and we’re fortunate to have her at the helm of one of Durham’s anchor institutions, St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation/Hayti Heritage Center. The Hayti Heritage Center, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, is much more than a building that hosts outstanding cultural and artistic programs. It’s a landmark – a heart space – a gathering place of pride that elevates the fullness of Black culture in Durham – past, present and future.
Angela is meeting the challenge of sustaining and transforming this special place. Needs and priorities are constantly changing, and there’s never enough time, money or staff to satisfy demand. Yet Angela works closely with her team and community members to keep Hayti thriving. After a pandemic that permanently closed countless institutions, Hayti Heritage Center emerged strong. It expanded programming, deepened community engagement, forged new national partnerships, and secured major funding from local and federal sources for much-needed facility improvements.
In her own way, Angela continues the legacy of her trailblazing parents. Her father, Howard Lee, was the first Black mayor of Chapel Hill, chair of the North Carolina State Board of Education and a state senator. Her mother, Ms. Lillian Lee, is a well-respected retired educator, community advocate and volunteer.
Angela is reserved, never seeking the spotlight, but always quietly getting things done. With strong skills and experience, including a law degree from UNC, she is analytical and effective. Behind her warm smile, strategy is forming and ideas are brewing. She’s focused on how to tackle problems, serve the community and ensure that we are “preserving and advancing the heritage and culture of historic Hayti, Durham and the African American experience.”
– BY LOIS DELOATCH, nonprofit advisor and musician
ANGELA’S 2024 HIGHLIGHTS ... I am proud that Hayti has made its mark in preservation and in the arts: We restored the pews in our historic performance hall; received a civil rights trail marker and an additional listing on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of the former church’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement; and awarded stipends to 55 local artists in the first round of American Rescue Plan Act funding, which will have a significant impact on Durham’s arts ecosystem.
Angela Lee
executive
director,
Hayti Heritage Center
The arts are healing; the arts are a source of joy, and I am proud to continue supporting artists, especially artists of color, in various and significant ways.
– Angela Lee
... AND A HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
When I think of 2025, I think of the Hayti Heritage Center, which turns 50 this year! What a wonderful feeling to know that we continue to honor the visionaries who imagined a cultural arts organization five decades ago. My hope is that the next generations of visionaries will be a guiding light that elevates the arts to greater heights – unimaginable heights – through music, dance, sports, painting, poetry, literature, film, design and much more. The arts matter.
Mike Birling
vice president of baseball operations, Durham Bulls
n 20-plus years working with Mike Birling, the sharp edges of leadership, ambition and ego were never an issue. He is a genuinely nice guy. Mike also possesses a remarkable work ethic and sense of determination. He rarely needed me for motivation. More often, I was trying to yank his foot off the gas! This will probably land him in HR jail: At a recent staff luncheon, managers were joking about receiving Mike’s emails at bedtime and again the following morning. That’s Mike, 24/7. Consider his childhood role model: He was a Michael Jordan fan growing up – he even attended an MJ hoops camp in Chicago. Like Jordan, Birling wants to be the best, and he’s willing to put in the work. It’s both intimidating and inspiring for his coworkers. Mike was a general manager in Minor League Baseball’s Midwest League at 23. At 30, he was the youngest GM in the Bulls’ International League. He’s been awarded Executive of the Year twice by the IL, honored by Baseball America magazine, and, this past year, the Bulls were chosen as the Triple-A Organization of the Year by Minor League Baseball. There’s one more noteworthy Birling virtue, and that is loyalty, writ large. Twentyseven years in Durham is the proof. Mike’s parents fostered dozens of kids when he was growing up. Maybe that accounts for the sense of family he’s cultivated among the Durham Bulls Athletic Park staff and his personal dedication to the Bulls.
MIKE’S 2024 HIGHLIGHTS ...
The proudest moment of 2024 was when the Durham Bulls were named Triple-A Organization of the Year by Minor League Baseball. To be recognized by your peers for all the hard work put in by our staff is always rewarding.
In the community, Mike has been devoted to the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League, and the team’s Explorer Post 50 has been training fledgling sports broadcasters
Wool E. Bull and Mike Birling are eagerly anticipating the start of baseball season. The Durham Bulls celebrate opening day at their home field April 1, kicking off a six-game series against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
Mike proudly flashes the iconic “horns” sign of the Bull City, displaying the championship rings earned by the Durham
... AND A HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Working in MiLB for 30-plus years, I get to see what sports can do for communities.
My biggest hope for change in 2025 is what I get to see at Bulls games, with so many diverse groups of people all having fun and cheering together, somehow spilling out into our everyday lives. If we can come together as a community at Bulls games, my hope is that we can come together as a community daily and see the best in people.
for more than 25 years. Dozens of nonprofits receive tickets and promotional support from the Bulls each season.
While the ball club has been incredibly successful on the field, Mike’s triumph has been in the front office as an innovator with marketing and the fan experience. He brings a high-tech touch to our very old game. With the resources of Capitol Broadcasting Company and continuing investments from the City of Durham, Mike helmed major ballpark renovations in 2014 and 2022. The DBAP remains a centerpiece of the downtown Durham renaissance. And rest assured, Mike’s on the job. 24/7.
–
BY GEORGE HABEL, retired vice president, Sports Group, Capitol Broadcasting Company
Bulls during his tenure. The Bulls have won the International League championship eight times.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens is growing with construction of the a transformational renovation and expansion project designed to enrich the experience for all visitors, opening in 2026. Garden Gateway,
Visitors can continue to enjoy the grounds of Duke Gardens throughout construction, with a few important changes:
Visitors will enter through a temporary pedestrian entrance at 2000 Lewis Street.
There is no on-site visitor parking. We encourage walking, biking or using rideshare options.
If you are arriving by car, we recommend you visit on the weekend, when visitor parking is available in nearby campus lots.
The Influencers
Melissa E. Pérez
founder, Grupo LEAL principal intern, Little River Montessori School executive board member, Foreign Language Association of North Carolina
he first word that comes to mind when I think about Melissa Pérez is “resiliente.” She is not only resilient, but also a barrier breaker, which allows her to create a safe and nurturing learning environment within Durham Public Schools as well as the Durham community. Melissa is an upholder and warrior of social justice, with so much to bring to the table. She not only advocates, she also really practices what she preaches.
I first met Melissa through a DPS online family engagement event during the pandemic. Melissa and I were both serving as Spanish interpreters, but she had a glow about her that was intriguing. I could feel her passion across the screen as she delivered relevant information to these families. She was poised and confident, and I immediately knew that I had found a like-minded advocate for change and anti-racism for marginalized groups. Melissa, a polyglot, previously worked for Pender County Schools before she came to Durham in 2006. She began her career with DPS as a world languages teacher, teaching both French and Spanish. She worked as a dual-language high school and middle school teacher in each respective language. It was there she began to significantly enrich the curriculum and coursework by dedicating her time to ensuring that all students, regardless of their country of origin, had a voice and knew that they were welcome. She encouraged many of the Latino(e) and immigrant students (and teachers) to discuss their culture and share stories around their lived experiences. She is a pioneer for justice who was well ahead of her time; she didn’t know that she would later accept a position within DPS’ Central Services as the K-12 dual languages/world languages coordinator where she would create and facilitate “DPS Celebrates,” an online event where cultural awareness and exchange were at the forefront. She coached teachers across the district and fostered a safe,
MELISSA’S 2024 HIGHLIGHTS ... I approach my work and accomplishments with a deep sense of thankfulness. I am grateful to simply be here, alive and able to continue the work I’m most passionate about: advocating for marginalized communities. I’m thankful for the opportunity to grow Grupo LEAL, a program I founded to create safe spaces for Latinx students to explore identity, access resources and have the difficult yet necessary conversations that shape their futures. Thanks to grant funding from the DPS Foundation, Grupo LEAL expanded to four additional schools this year – three elementary and one middle. I’m also thankful for the opportunity to complete my second master’s degree in school administration, earning my principal’s license in May 2024. Finally, I’m honored to have been selected as a 2024 LatinxEd Fellow. This program profoundly shaped me as a leader, deepening my commitment to equity and empowering me to continue advocating for systemic change in education.
welcoming space where staff, students, and families could share their experiences, while also educating the community on equity. Her impactful contributions extend beyond the classroom. The creation of Grupo LEAL illustrates her drive to provide Latino(e) students in DPS with a culturally relevant platform that would focus on the rich culture, heritage, diversity and language of Latino(e) students and their families. She told me about her passion child, “LEAL,” and how she’d been working with teenage Latino(e) students in DPS. From there, the program was initiated and currently works as an advocacy group within the school district at more than 10 schools and fosters a platform for empowerment and awareness. Moreover, Melissa’s commitment to family and community engagement, coupled with her unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community, exemplifies a holistic approach to building inclusivity and unity. Her multifaceted efforts have undoubtedly left a lasting positive impact on the cultural and social fabric of the community.
Melissa’s generous contribution and assistance with creating a culturally relevant food pantry at Fayetteville Street Elementary School warmed my heart, but also made the students and their families feel seen and cared for. Securing a $10,000 grant from the DPS Foundation is a testament to her outstanding commitment and achievement. This financial support not only recognizes, but also amplifies, her initiatives, ensuring sustained efforts in cultural advocacy for Latino(e) students in DPS and the community. Melissa’s hard work and drive are harnessed in some of the most precious gifts that we can share with our fellow humankind – a crucial investment of time, energy and resources. This, in turn, allows doors of opportunity to open to our neighbors by fostering inclusivity and empowering the next generation to be great through education and cultural enrichment.
– BY TONITA FLOWERS, program coordinator, TakeCare
Durham
... AND A HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
My biggest hope for 2025 is to see meaningful strides in creating a more inclusive and equitable education system, particularly for marginalized students and families who navigate unique challenges. I have witnessed the profound impact of providing spaces where students feel safe, supported and valued for who they are. In 2025, I hope to see schools and communities continue to embrace programs like Grupo LEAL. I also hope for greater support for students and families facing uncertain and challenging circumstances, including those navigating barriers related to immigration status. My dream is for every student to have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their background or the obstacles they face. This includes clear pathways to higher education, mentorship and the reassurance that their schools and communities are standing with them, ready to support their dreams.
On a broader scale, I hope for a renewed commitment from educational leaders to prioritize social-emotional well-being for students and staff alike. We’ve faced years of challenges – from a global pandemic to increasing social divides – and now, more than ever, we need schools to be places of healing, growth and equity. My hope is to lead by example in creating schools that are not just institutions of learning, but also beacons of hope, transformation and opportunity for every student. Together, I believe we can build an educational system where every child can see a reflection of their identity, value and potential in their learning environment. By fostering trust, understanding and equity, I believe we can navigate uncertain times together and create a brighter future for all.
Ronnie Chatterji
chief economist, OpenAI business and public policy professor, Duke University
am divided on whether to say that the first thing you notice about my longtime friend, Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji, when you meet him is his welcoming smile or his brilliant mind. Either way, if you are with him for more than a moment, both are fantastically obvious. Because of his broad and expansive work, he cannot be pigeonholed, sometimes making it hard to easily describe him or the heights that he has reached at such a young age. In my attempt, I will lean on something that many Durhamites remember fondly: “Hamilton.” When the acclaimed Broadway musical first came to the Durham Performing Arts Center, thousands of us packed the theater to sing along to the memorable tunes penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda. If one song sums up the life and career of Ronnie, it is “The Room Where It Happens.” Throughout his illustrious career, he has proven to continually be in that room.
What are your 2024 highlights?
My proudest moment of 2024 was when it was announced that Durham was selected as the site for a $285 million research and development center for computer chips. I led the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act, which created this funding opportunity, and it was great to see it come full circle.
Fuqua School of Business, but the rooms where he maneuvers go far beyond those. Ronnie served as a senior economist on former President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers in the early 2000s, then returned to public service a decade later to oversee the historic $52.7 billion CHIPS and Science Act for former President Biden’s White House – the latter has recently brought $1 billion to Durham through grants to Wolfspeed and the SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA) Institute. In between that, he ran for state treasurer of North Carolina. Most recently, he has been named as OpenAI’s first-ever chief economist, leading research to ensure artificial intelligence’s economic impacts benefit us all. I cannot think of many who have been in more consequential rooms during this first quarter of the 21st century than Ronnie. And I know, for me, that makes me smile.
Ronnie is a devoted parent, whom you can regularly find picking up his children from school, as well as a tenured and distinguished professor in strategy and public policy at Duke University’s
– BY HENRY C. M C KOY JR., PH.D., former N.C. Central University professor and Biden presidential appointee
What are your hopes for the future?
My biggest hope for change in 2025 is that I can overcome the information overload coming via my phone, computer and the news environment and focus on a few key priorities to make our community better.
Jesse Paddock
JESSE’S 2024 HIGHLIGHTS ...
One of the perks of being a videographer is that you get to meet and talk with so many interesting people. This year was no exception, whether it was traveling to Warren County with the Croatan Institute to interview farmers as part of its Soil Wealth project, working with UNC’s Center for the Study of the American South to document the founding of that institution alongside the Southern Oral History Program for its annual symposium, or the many times I was fortunate to observe truly meaningful interactions among Durham Academy teachers and students in the classroom. But the biggest highlight of all was launching the Legal Defense Fund Oral History Project site in October. After two years of traveling and meeting these inspiring, dedicated individuals, it was deeply rewarding to share their stories with the wider public. We’ll be adding more interviews in the coming months, so I hope people keep checking back to watch the clips and read the transcripts as the archive continues to grow. I can’t express how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to be a part of this project.
lead filmmaker, Legal Defense Fund
Oral History Project
videographer and video production teacher, Durham Academy
ne of my favorite field photographs is a candid shot of me, filmmaker Jesse Paddock and former NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorney Conrad Harper during an oral history interview in New York City. The camera captured us laughing together, enjoying a beautiful experience.
Toni Cade Bambara wrote that beauty is care. Jesse cares about people. He cares about history. He cares about fully using his intellectual curiosity, technical knowledge and gifted artistry for storytelling that helps people make sense of their world. Jesse is what I call a “cool” perfectionist: paying attention to the details, making the work look easy, making the interviews look great and making the process fun. I worry about nothing when Jesse is the videographer on a shoot. His attention to highlevel production skills combined with his innate ability to engage with narrators allows me to focus and be at my best as an interviewer. It creates a safe environment that opens interviewees to sharing stories that might otherwise go unheard.
... AND A HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
A source of hope for me is watching students make connections between the videos they’re making and what they see in the world. I love it when someone comes in and says, “I was watching this TV show, and everything was shot in shallow focus, just like we were doing last week.” It makes it real for them, and I hope it reinforces the idea that they have agency within this system of images. One thing we talk about a lot is that, even if media can seem like this perfect, polished thing that’s just delivered to you passively, that’s not really the case. It’s made up of choices that somebody somewhere made, and they can make those choices, too. Media literacy is only going to become more critical as a skill for us all to keep sharpened, so I’m heartened to see young people who are fearless, curious and energetic about using video to tell stories that impact their community and their world.
I first met Jesse in Wilson, North Carolina, in the home of former U.S. Congressman G.K. Butterfield. The Southern Oral History Program at UNC assigned Jesse as the videographer and me as the oral historian to interview Butterfield for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund Oral History Project. At the time, I was not aware that Jesse was an award-winning filmmaker whose experience ranged from documentary features to major TV productions for MTV, HGTV and NPR. What I did immediately notice was Jesse’s genuine happiness to be where he was. So present. And when I tell you: the lighting and the framing – perfection. He invited me to take a look in the viewfinder, seeking my opinion before the interview started. Jesse asked the congressman about photographs on display as he carefully rearranged furniture, prompting anecdotes from Butterfield and developing a congenial setting for everyone. Jesse became the lead filmmaker for the LDF ongoing project, working with oral historians to collect the stories behind LDF’s 80 years of defending and advancing racial justice and equality. He also curates video excerpts for the project’s website.
We knew Jesse would be the perfect person to produce videos for UNC’s Center for the Study of the American South in 2024, as CSAS celebrated milestone anniversaries for our Southern Oral History Program and Southern Cultures journal. Jesse worked with us to create videos that completely capture our history and our essence, connecting them to stories beyond our academic setting.
I remember Jesse’s excitement when he talked about the possibility of designing and teaching a video production course at Durham Academy. Once the class began, Jesse observed his students’ needs and adjusted the course to bring out their creative best. Those students are learning from the best – not only how to bring technical prowess to their work but also how to approach work with humanity. Jesse influences and nurtures the work of other emerging and established documentarians in his role on the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival selection committee.
As a leader, a practitioner and a teacher, Jesse passes knowledge to the next generation of filmmakers, inspiring care that creates beautiful storytelling.
– BY MELODY HUNTER-PILLION Ph.D. candidate in American Studies, UNC Chapel Hill
durham Next board
Several members of the Durham Next board of directors on stage at the Carolina Theatre’s Fletcher Hall. LEFT Tucker Bartlett, Claudia Hager, Geoff Durham, Vicky Garcia, Joe Milazzo II, Lois Deloatch and Carlos Rubio. RIGHT Bill Bell, Mike Woodard, Patrick Byker, Patrick Anderson, Susan Amey, Bryan Scherich and E’Vonne Coleman.
great place to live is also a great place to visit, and the intersection of those two ideals is where Durham Next lives. A new partnership for advancing Durham as the best place to live, work and visit, the nonprofit is positioned to hit the ground running in 2025, implementing a long-term growth plan and sustainable structure to make large-scale initiatives – like a more contemporary convention
center, a new sports complex, a freeway cap over N.C. Hwy. 147 and thriving festival ecosystem – happen. Born from the Destination Master Plan that put forth a 20-year, community-endorsed vision for Durham, Durham Next is managed by Discover Durham Its president and CEO, Susan Amey, is acting as Durham Next’s executive director until the position is filled, and she provides perspectives on the all-star list of board members assembled to steward and accelerate projects that will better the quality of life for generations of Durhamites to come:
The Influencers
FARAD ALI
CO-FOUNDER, ALI | HEIJMEN BOARD CHAIR, DURHAM NEXT
What hasn’t Farad done to help Durham thrive? A trusted leader in finance, public policy and economic development, Farad brings decades of experience navigating the intersection of business and community impact. His deep understanding of equitable economic growth and his passion for empowering local businesses make him an invaluable voice leading the Durham Next board.
PATRICK ANDERSON
GENERAL MANAGER, THE STREETS AT SOUTHPOINT
Pat knows what it takes to create spaces where people connect, shop and enjoy shared experiences. With years of expertise in managing one of Durham’s most visited destinations and a passion for community safety and well-being, he offers insights into placemaking, retail trends and visitor engagement – key ingredients for a Durham that’s both vibrant and sustainable.
TUCKER BARTLETT
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SELF-HELP CREDIT UNION
BOARD VICE CHAIR, DURHAM NEXT
Tucker’s expertise lies in creating financial systems that foster opportunity, resilience and lasting community impact. With decades of experience in community finance and economic empowerment, he has played a pivotal role in advancing equitable development across Durham and beyond. His deep knowledge of sustainable lending, affordable housing and small business support ensures Durham Next prioritizes projects that not only stimulate growth but also create opportunities for all residents to thrive. Tucker’s thoughtful approach to balancing financial viability with social responsibility will be instrumental in shaping Durham’s future as a place where prosperity is shared and sustainable.
BILL BELL
PRESIDENT AND CEO, UDI COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP.
Little explanation is needed as to what perspective former Mayor Bill Bell will bring to the board, as few have shaped Durham’s trajectory as profoundly as he. With a legacy rooted in leadership, public service and community development, Mayor Bell brings wisdom and an unmatched historical perspective to Durham Next. His guidance will help the group navigate complex challenges with clarity and with an eye – and a dream realized – for what Durham can be with investment and a vision.
PATRICK BYKER
ATTORNEY, MORNINGSTAR LAW GROUP
Patrick brings a wealth of experience in land use, zoning and real estate law, helping guide transformative projects that shape Durham’s landscape. With decades of expertise navigating complex regulatory frameworks, Patrick has been instrumental in advancing developments that balance growth with community priorities. His deep understanding of legal and policy intricacies ensures Durham Next’s initiatives are built on a foundation of transparency, compliance and strategic foresight.
E’VONNE COLEMAN
MEMBER, DURHAM CULTURAL ADVISORY BOARD
A passionate advocate for arts, culture and community inclusion, E’Vonne leads with a deep understanding of how our creative community helps shape Durham’s identity and contributes to the economic impact of tourism. Her extensive experience in cultural leadership and community engagement ensures Durham Next stays connected to the voices and stories that make our city vibrant. She brings a unique ability to bridge cultural and civic initiatives, fostering collaboration between artists, residents and decisionmakers. Her perspective will help Durham Next prioritize projects that honor the city’s rich cultural heritage while paving the way for inclusive growth.
LOIS DELOATCH
NONPROFIT ADVISOR AND MUSICIAN BOARD SECRETARY/TREASURER, DURHAM NEXT
Lois brings a rare blend of artistic talent, advocacy leadership and philanthropic experience to the board. As a celebrated musician and a leader in community development, Lois understands the importance of both cultural expression and economic empowerment. Her work has consistently bridged creativity and social impact, advancing opportunities for underrepresented communities. Lois’s ability to see multiple dimensions of community development ensures projects will honor Durham’s cultural heritage while fostering sustainable, inclusive growth.
GEOFF DURHAM
PRESIDENT AND CEO, DURHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERC E
It’d be obvious to simply say Geoff knows what drives a thriving economy. With a focus on fostering business growth and workforce development, his leadership ensures the board aligns community projects with economic strategies that deliver meaningful results for residents and businesses alike. His perspective is especially important as the Triangle balances attracting new business while supporting those already established.
BO FERGUSON
CITY MANAGER, CITY OF DURHAM
Bo is a highly credentialed leader with a forwardthinking mindset that is fundamental to Durham Next’s ability to deliver on the vision. Bo’s track record in Durham and other communities proves his knack for innovative problem-solving. His work to support the launch of the city’s HEART Program puts Durham on national stages as an example for other municipalities. His role will also provide a direct connection to city leaders, keeping our organization aligned with the needs, priorities and solutions being considered by local government. His skill set and fresh perspective will be crucial to the ongoing success of this board.
The Influencers
VICKY GARCIA
PRESIDENT, LATINO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
Vicky is a trailblazer in financial inclusion and community empowerment through her leadership of the Latino Community Credit Union. She has dedicated her career to expanding access to financial services, fostering economic resilience and building trust within underserved communities. She has strengthened financial literacy while creating pathways for families to achieve stability and growth. Her expertise and commitment to equity ensure we prioritize projects that address systemic barriers, promote inclusivity and uplift diverse voices.
CLAUDIA HAGER
COUNTY MANAGER, DURHAM COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Responsible investment is a core tenant of the board’s work. Claudia is an award-winning leader in finance with more than a decade of experience serving Durham County Government. As a member of the board, Claudia’s role will help to maintain alignment among Durham Next’s priorities and the county’s strategic goals. Along with her financial expertise, she approaches her work with deep comprehension of just how important collaboration is when it comes to creating positive impact in the community. Her innate ability to connect with others will be instrumental in Durham Next’s ability to facilitate the partnerships necessary to bring this long-term vision to life.
Setting up communities for success involves understanding the underlying factors needed to get them there, and Joe gets it. His work with the Regional Transportation Alliance highlights the unprecedented growth the Triangle is currently seeing, and he understands that without accessible transportation infrastructure to accommodate this capacity, Durham, along with the surrounding region, has a lot to lose. For Joe, this understanding creates a sense of urgency to get the work done. His tenacity and his ability to advocate fiercely for the needs of the region drive progress, which is exactly what Durham Next needs to create a real impact in the community.
To quote Joe, “Let’s get moving.”
CARLOS RUBIO
GENERAL MANAGER, DELTA HOTELS BY MARRIOTT LIAISON, DISCOVER DURHAM TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Among this group, Carlos is an anchor. His roles as a leader in Durham’s hospitality community, as the Tourism Development Authority vice chair and as its liaison to Durham Next mean that he’s able to come to the table with firsthand knowledge of the undeniable economic impact of tourism in our community and a keen understanding of the hospitality workforce as a local leader in the industry. Carlos served on the TDA board that oversaw the creation of and unanimously endorsed the Discover Durham Destination Master Plan.
BRYAN SCHERICH
DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE, MEASUREMENT DURHAM
Durham Next will oversee large, visionary projects that will require it to work with new partners. When it comes to these capital investments, understanding real estate and property management are key components to moving those projects forward and are areas of expertise for Bryan. Beyond technical know-how, though, Bryan brims with creative ideas for cultivating vibrancy in Durham’s historic spaces, and he brings an unwavering pride that can be easily recognized in native Durhamites. His commitment to seeing Durham thrive is personal.
JOHNNIE SOUTHERLAND
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF AND ASSOCIATE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING & ASSESSMENT, NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
To successfully plan for the future, Durham needs to be strategic, and that’s exactly what Johnnie specializes in. For more than 20 years, Johnnie has served as a dedicated leader at the illustrious North Carolina Central University, focusing his efforts over the years on corporate fundraising, strategic planning and economic development. He is no stranger to long-range planning, managing large initiatives and working collaboratively to create progress, strongly aligning his experience with the skill sets needed to help Durham Next achieve its mission.
NICOLE THOMPSON
PRESIDENT AND CEO, DOWNTOWN DURHAM INC.
If you know downtown Durham, then you know Nicole. Discover Durham and Downtown Durham Inc., our respective organizations, share a symbiotic relationship where the success of one is tied to the success of the other. Nicole spends countless hours advocating for the needs of small businesses, identifying barriers to economic advancement in Durham, and ideating ways to protect Durham’s vibrant, unique character for visitors and residents alike to experience. She’s a savvy problem-solver who’s always willing to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty for the sake of the community’s collective progress. That kind of partnership and dedication is invaluable for this work.
MIKE WOODARD
FORMER CITY COUNCIL MEMBER AND STATE SENATOR
Before Discover Durham published the Destination Master Plan in March 2024, Mike was already laying the groundwork for legislation that put our Tourism Development Authority’s responsibilities and resources on par with others across the state, giving Durham the opportunity to compete on equal footing with other booming destinations. That legislation paved the way for the establishment of Durham Next. His steadfast championing of Durham Next’s mission is only the most recent display of his long-standing devotion to the community’s success. His leadership will certainly be a guiding star as we dig deeper into the work.
Cast Your Vote Durham 2025 in Best of
You can cast your ballot now for your local favorites.
This poll is meant to highlight the best of the best in Durham, and we can’t emphasize it enough: Winning this award means so much to local businesses, so take this contest as one more way you can ensure that your favorites –whether it’s a coffee shop, real estate agent, museum or gym –are well-known and well-loved by everyone in our community. Help us showcase the places that make our city special.
Over the next few pages, you’ll find several businesses that are vying for your votes – if you love them, support them! Every vote counts, so be sure to participate and promote the places that make our community thrive!
STARTS
A Quick Review of the Rules: Categories
Visit our website at durhammag.com/ bestofdurham or scan the QR code to cast your ballot.
• One ballot per person. The email address you submit is essentially your ID – you can come back at any point to finish the survey at your leisure.
We’re only counting one ballot per email address. We want to keep ballot box stuffing to a minimum.
• All questions are optional. Though we’d love for you to vote in all the categories, you are welcome to pick and choose.
• Write in your favorites if they’re not nominated. We did the best we could to be comprehensive in the categories with nominees, but the write-in box is there for a reason – use it!
• Be specific in write-in categories. Where applicable, please use the full name of a business and/or person.
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
June 2025
Scan now to cast your ballot. Happy voting!
The results will be announced in our June/July 2025 issue, complete with features about a few of our winners. March 3, 2025
3
DD urham P rostho D ontics
s P ecialists in aesthetic oral restoration
Geoffrey R. Cunningham, DDS, MS, FACP
R. Kyle Gazdeck, DDS, MS, FACP Conveniently Located
rs. Geoffrey Cunningham and Kyle Gazdeck are Board Certified Prosthodontists serving the Triangle region. They specialize in creating custom smiles with dental implants, crowns, veneers, and dentures. Their board certification achievement makes Durham Prosthodontics stand out as the only prosthodontic practice in the RaleighDurham area with dually Boarded Specialists. In addition, Durham Prosthodontics is proud to be honored with the American College of Prosthodontics Private Practice Award. This award is only given out to four prosthodontic practices in the nation annually.
PLAY IT COOL
Discover a few kid-approved indoor destinations that parents will love, too
BY LEAH BERRY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
ooking to escape the winter chill while keeping your little ones entertained? Durham has a host of indoor spots where kids can play, learn and explore – all while staying cozy and warm. These familyfriendly spaces, with features from hands-on activity stations to immersive adventure zones, ensure fun and excitement all season long.
PLAYDATE PARADISE
Step into a world of endless exciting experiences at Angel Island Fun Park, the ultimate indoor playground for kids and families. This expansive, colorful entertainment center caters to children as old as 15; the Adventure Zone is the star attraction for kids ages 12 and younger, featuring a ball pit, slides, a three-level obstacle course, trampolines, a merry-go-round and a dedicated toddler zone. “It’s a controlled environment where kids can go down slides, [through] tunnels and [across] obstacle courses, all while being in a vibrant, sanitized atmosphere,” says owner Kristopher Rivera “Parents feel at ease knowing children can’t go too far and are dirt-free, while kids don’t have to worry about restrictions.” Thrills continue for older kids: Those 4 and older can amuse themselves on the bumper cars, while kids 5 and older can race around in electric gokarts. Children 6 and older can immerse themselves in cutting-edge experiences at the VR station, with both single-player and multiplayer games. The mega arcade offers excitement for all ages, with a mix of new games, retro favorites like Pac-Man and Space Invaders, and a redemption store packed with prizes. “I think the wonder in Angel Island is the fact that we continuously look for ways to innovate and evolve,” Kristopher says. “This means more fun, unconventional attractions, like the cotton candy machine, the Pokémon Trading
Card Game machine and the hurricane simulator.” Kristopher also encourages parents to let their inner child loose, noting that the VR station, arcade and go-karts are all adult-friendly and exciting. Or choose to kick back in the spacious lobbies, where free Wi-Fi, coffee and snacks ensure your comfort while the kids dive into the fun.
CURIOSITY CHRONICLES
The Wonder Lab, a STEM-inspired play space for children aged 6 months to 6 years, has been a favorite destination for families since its November 2022 opening. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Kate Bueno and Saul Bueno – Kate is the education director, and Saul serves as the general manager – the space is designed with both kids and caregivers in mind. The single-room layout allows parents to keep an eye on their children, while the peaceful ambiance, complete
Jaxon and Amelia bring their A-game at Angel Island’s arcade, which features numerous games, from retro favorites to modern hits, providing plenty of fun for all ages.
LEFT Jaxon Stuart, 10, and Amelia Fisher, 10, take a spin around Angel Island Fun Park’s electric go-kart track.
RIGHT Aedan Lowery lights up The Wonder Lab, getting creative with the vibrant pegboard!
PHOTO BY MARIANA MORALES
with calming music and neutral decor, ensures an approachable environment. “We try to make it a very welcoming space with the right amount of sensory stimulation,” Saul says. The Wonder Lab limits its playroom to 18 kids for an intimate experience, offering 90-minute open play sessions at $12 per child, private weekend birthday parties and engaging parent-child STEM classes – the Tots & Twos sessions for ages 18 to 36 months and Mini Makers classes for 3- to 6-year-olds both combine hands-on learning with play. Thoughtful amenities include a calm room for feeding or quiet time, spare essentials and sensory toys that rotate seasonally and encourage creative play. “We thought a lot about the parent experience as well … we are parents of young children, too,” Kate says. “We have spare diapers, clothes and changing pads if someone forgets that, plus feminine hygiene products … we just try to make it so everyone feels relaxed.”
PONDER & PLAY
Museum of Life and Science’s revamped Play to Learn exhibit, which reopened in 2023 and nearly triples the space of its predecessor, nurtures little learners ages 5 and younger. “[The exhibit] invites children to practice new skills, flex their imaginations and engage with others, which will help develop essential social, cognitive and critical thinking skills for their success later in life,” says Ro Rode, director of marketing and communications at MLS. The space features four engaging zones: a gentle area for infants and toddlers to explore and engage with sensory activities; a building zone with foam blocks and pretend play elements; a pattern play section to experiment with light and shadow; and a ball play zone to explore gravity and motion. The museum also offers drop-in programs across its campus Wednesdays through Sundays, including indoor baby time every Wednesday and
Little explorers 5 and younger dive into discovery at the Museum of Life and Science’s Play to Learn exhibit – a reimagined space filled with engaging zones where curiosity takes center stage.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSEUM OF LIFE AND SCIENCE
Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in Play to Learn. The exhibit provides convenient amenities like restroom facilities with changing tables, plus stroller parking, ensuring that caregivers are well-supported and can focus on enjoying the experience with their children. So gather your clan and dive into discovery! Plan your visit on a Durham Community Day where you can enjoy free museum entry with proof of residency and bring up to five kids along for the fun – upcoming dates are Feb. 8, Feb. 21, March 6 and March 25.
BOOKS & BEYOND
Creativity knows no bounds at Durham County Libraries – let your little ones unleash their artistic side in hands-on craft sessions, dive into bilingual storytimes, explore maker and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) spaces and discover personalized reading recommendations tailored just for them. DCL Public Relations Officer Stephanie Bonestell says library locations also offer public computers and children’s areas with features like giant LiteZillas and sensory play spaces. “Programming at Durham County Library differs from most indoor play spaces, as there is so much opportunity for interaction and education,” Stephanie says. “The library is a place for all kinds of families to discover, explore and have fun together.” Durham County Library’s eight regional branches are vibrant hubs for
READY
TO ROLL
The Bull City’s new skating rink at Merrick-Moore Park, part of Durham Parks and Recreation’s Splash & Play Public Engagement plan, is set to open in early 2025. Housed in the former Wheels Fun Park, the Wheels Roller Skating Rink, which will be operated by national roller skating rink chain United Skates of America, will span an impressive 11,396 square feet. “United Skates of America will be providing the community with family-friendly public skating sessions, the world’s greatest birthday parties, adult nights and school programming,” says Anthony Guidice, public information and communications analyst for DPR. “United Skates’ motto is clean, fun, friendly and safe, and they practice their motto in everything they do. [They] will continue to be involved with the community on special events, school events and providing the community with a clean and safe facility for families and organizations to go and have fun.” Set to open in early 2025, the rink will also feature a site-specific public art project by award-winning artist Dare Coulter, which will pay homage to Wheels’ rich history as a beloved community institution.
Unleash your kiddos’ creativity at Durham County Main Library’s dynamic maker space – where hands-on learning and imagination come to life!
kids and teens, offering dynamic programs that inspire curiosity – in fact, Durham County Library offered 5,884 programs systemwide in 2024. Stephanie says there’s always something new to check out – programs are added weekly and cover a range of topics. This year, join the Winter Reading Challenge through Feb. 27 at East Regional Library, battle the family in a board game night on Feb. 10 at Southwest Regional Library, attend an educational class about red wolves at the Main Library on March 12 and more. The library is one of the Bull City’s ultimate go-to destinations for families, whether you’re diving into hands-on activities with the kids or looking for a space where they can explore, learn and play while you recharge –Stephanie says that, while parental engagement is always encouraged, there’s ample areas for parents to sit and take a timeout around program areas. And if you’re on the move, no problem! Visit DCL’s Destination Literacy bookmobile, a library-on-wheels that brings books and resources to neighborhoods, shopping centers and community hot spots. Catch the bookmobile in action every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday this February and March at locations including Boxyard RTP, the Durham Co-op Market, The Scrap Exchange and more.
SHOP & ROMP
The Streets at Southpoint combines shopping with adventure at the mall’s on-site play space, Trails at Southpoint. A cast of animal characters invites children into this enchanting, whimsical area that brings music, colors and patterns to life with hand-painted, nature-inspired structures. The safe, imaginative environment, which opened in 2019, is geared toward children up to 8 years of age and includes fun slides, low climbing structures and interactive puzzles. Trails was thoughtfully designed with minimal seating within the play area to inspire parents and little ones to join in the fun together, especially for toddlers and crawlers. Additional benches are conveniently placed just outside the play space for those with older children, offering a clear view of the action
PHOTO BY ERIC WATERS
photo by assorted poppies photo
while parents chat and connect with friends or other playgroup members. “The play area also features a Little Free Library book exchange to encourage quiet engagement as well,” says Jamie Jones, senior communications manager for RLF Communications, which handles public relations for Southpoint.
“There is also a great children’s area in Barnes & Noble that many parents appreciate.” Jamie also highlights the many kid-friendly activities throughout the mall, including periodic interactive art installations like “Mi Casa,” “Prismatica” and “Los Trompos” in the outdoor lawn area, which encourage movement and creative play.
Adventure awaits at the Trails at Southpoint! Kids can climb, slide and explore this whimsical, nature-inspired play area.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STREETS AT SOUTHPOINT
STRIKE THE RIGHT CHORD
A family band transforms love and loss into rock ’n’ roll anthems of raw emotion and undeniable power
BY LEAH BERRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
n the tight-knit Hart household, the lines between family time and playtime blur in the most electrifying way – through the power of rock music. The rhythmic clash of drums, hum of guitars and harmonized vocals fill the air. Every note, every beat, is not just sound; it’s a shared experience that binds them together.
This family band, under the creative moniker Secret Monkey Weekend, is a moving testament to the transformative power of grief, turning heartache into something deeply beautiful and soul-stirring.
Lila Brown Hart, 17, commands the drums and co-leads vocals
while her sister, 22-year-old Ella Brown Hart, a senior at North Carolina Central University, holds down bass and backup vocals. Their stepfather, Jefferson Hart, takes charge on guitar and lends his voice as one of the band’s primary singers. “And I’m just Mom,” Laura Hart says with a smile. “I just try to support the band and support my partner.”
Jefferson, an accomplished musician and member of several local bands, first connected with the family through Ella and Lila’s late father, Matt Brown, a drummer in one of Jefferson’s bands. “Matt and I had been friends for several years,” Jefferson says, “and the kids started coming to the shows.”
Matt tragically passed away in 2012 from a sudden heart attack, leaving his family, friends and the local music community heartbroken.
About six months after Matt’s passing, Jefferson began teaching Ella guitar after her school’s club dissolved. “Ella was actually starting to write songs then,” Jefferson says. “At 9 years old … writing little political songs and little sci-fi songs on guitar.”
Laura and Jefferson started spending more time together, just the two of them, and their relationship blossomed into romance. “All this time I spent with the family … a lot of these things felt like family gatherings, family outings,” Jefferson says. “These kids and I, we just had a bond right away. I had seen them before their father had passed away, and I just loved being around them. I loved being around Laura, and to this day, they’re my favorite people.”
Jefferson and Laura married in 2015. “Before you knew it, we were just making music for fun in the music room, which used to be the den,” Jefferson says. “It was very natural. [Ella and Lila] both expressed a want and a need to play specific instruments, which was bass for Ella and drums for Lila, and I was a guitar player.”
Jefferson assumed the girls would team up with peers their age to form a band, but Laura proposed the idea of a family band. “I asked, ‘Do you want your old man in your band?’” Jefferson recalls with a laugh. “And they said, ‘Yes,’ so I said, ‘OK, let’s see what we can do.’”
The band’s journey kicked off with two intimate shows in late 2016: a backyard Labor Day gathering and a 50th birthday party, marking the group’s unofficial debut. “We hadn’t even chosen a name yet,” Jefferson recalls. “But we had this Tiger Beat [magazine] from 1967 that someone
ABOVE Laura Hart, Lila Brown Hart, 17, Jefferson Hart and Ella Brown Hart, 22, each play a key role in their family band. Laura provides unwavering support as the proud mom and biggest cheerleader, while Jefferson steps in as both a musical mentor and a father figure to Lila and Ella. “I do think that music played a huge part in [Jefferson] being a natural [father],” Laura says. “Because the bond that they were building by playing music together … learning resilience in the face of a problem, learning how to work together and to be there for one another in the musical moment – it’s a big part of fatherhood and parenthood in general.” LEFT The Tiger Beat magazine that inspired the name of their band, Secret Monkey Weekend, now hangs on the wall of the music room.
gave to us. On the cover, it said ‘Secret Monkee Weekend,’ and the entire issue was devoted to the band The Monkees. ‘Secret Monkee’ spelled th[at] way seemed like a neat idea, but we wanted to change it to monkey, like the animal. Just like that, we had our band name.”
By 2017, Secret Monkey Weekend had moved from small gatherings to larger stages, performing at clubs, festivals and parties. “We really started playing all over,” Jefferson says.
In spring 2022, the band released their first album, which was produced by Don Dixon, a renowned producer, songwriter and musician best known for his work with rock bands R.E.M. and The Smithereens.
“It was just something that we knew,” Jefferson says of the band’s desire to work with Don. “We would love to have some of that magic fairy dust on our recordings. … Don just took it and ran with it. He knew exactly what to do.”
“They put in a lot of work on their songs,” Don says of the trio. “All of them make contributions as writers. On my end, I just try to highlight their strengths and help them bring the songs to life in the studio while keeping the heart and soul of the group intact.”
Their songs are drawn from personal experiences, lighthearted anecdotes and everything in between. “We are a rock band, but we don’t really write about the lascivious side of that,” Ella says. “We write what we do know. … We have songs about our cats and dogs, we write about chilling out, candy, etc.”
“We had sort of a clean sound, which was very pop-oriented, and then in the past couple of years, we’ve gotten a little grittier and a little rockier,” Jefferson adds. “We’re starting to develop our own sound. … I don’t think anybody has this kind of sound now.”
Jefferson plays a key role in mentoring the girls, but he insists their talent speaks for itself. “They’re as good as any adult band I’ve played with,” Jefferson says. “I mean, the kids play like seasoned drummers and bass players. They’re just so good. I consider [Lila and Ella] the future of rock.”
Still, Ella and Lila remain grateful to have an experienced bandmate guiding their progress. “I think, most of all, Jefferson has taught us how to be a team player,” Ella says. “Being able to play something [on your own] versus being able to play it with other people and improvising and adapting to the environment you’re in … are two totally different things.”
Lila particularly enjoys performing at local spots like Motorco Music Hall – where the band had its first headlining appearance on July 26, 2024 – and The Pinhook, relishing the opportunity to connect with the musical community that has surrounded her throughout her life. “I get to have all these experiences a lot of people my age don’t get to have,” she says. “I get to meet seasoned rock musicians, and it’s really cool.”
Although their father is no longer with them, Ella and Lila find solace and joy in following a passion that was so dear to him, keeping his memory alive through their music. “My dad died when I was 4
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years old,” Lila says. “... There’s still so much I don’t know about him. I feel like, playing his instrument, it’s such a surreal way to connect to my dad.”
In 2023, the family’s remarkable story of resilience and strength caught the attention of PBS North Carolina, which documented their path from heartbreak to healing in a film featuring intimate interviews and storytelling led by PBS documentarian Morgan Potts The doc earned an Emmy, a moment Jefferson calls surreal. “It took a while to sink in that something we were a part of had that type of peer recognition,” he says.
Now the band is gearing up to release a highly anticipated second album this spring or early summer and are returning to the stage, with upcoming shows at the Wake Forest Listening Room on Feb. 21, The Cave in Chapel Hill on Feb. 22 and The Pinhook on March 20.
The band isn’t chasing megastardom; instead, their focus remains on the music and the bonds they’re building along the way. “People ask, ‘What is your ultimate goal for Secret Monkey Weekend?’” Ella says. “‘How famous, frankly, would you like to be?’ And I always say, ‘The most I want is to fill up a modestly sized club with no issue.’”
Ella’s goal seems well within reach, given the momentum behind the band – especially with the unwavering support of their biggest fan: Mom. “I feel very privileged to be in a house with these talented musicians,” Laura says. “Music has always been in my life, and I always wanted it to be in my life. To have my two children and my partner playing music together is just mind-bogglingly wonderful.”
Duke School campers Amelia Rein, Annette Malinzak, Avery Rein, Zephan Sklerov and Aarav Shah sprint across the lawn to launch their kites.
HAPPY CAMPERS
Explore summer options for week after week of fun and learning
BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
paces can fill up fast for Duke School camps that cover everything from the roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons to flying drones, says Monica Greene, auxiliary programs manager. Registrations last summer hit a record-breaking 923 campers.
“We’re open to everyone in the area,” Monica says of the independent school’s summer programs, which are open to the public and offer kids ages 4 to 15 about 10 recreational and educational summer camps every week beginning June 16. Popular camps include theater,
cooking and sports. “We love everyone coming in and enjoying our camps and seeing our campus.”
Monica says the goal ratio of campers to counselors is around 8:1. Some of the counselors and camp leads are Duke School teachers themselves. At the end of each week, “everyone gets together, and we do a whole bunch of water activities,” Monica says. Last year, some campers tie-dyed their shirts, and others put on a theater showcase of “The Lion King.”
All campers – even those who are not in a theater camp – are welcome to join and watch their friends or siblings performing, Monica says. “I see the same kids coming back every year, and a lot of times they bring a friend with them or they spread the word. ... If the parents are happy, the kids are happy, and … I feel like I’m doing something right.”
Avery Rein floats her boat in a tub of water with camp counselor Grace Dunzo.
ABOVE Graham Leatherland shows off the tank he created during a craft activity.
BELOW Annette Malinzak and Amelia Rein work together on a tubular project.
DANCING THROUGH LIFE
Barriskill Dance Theatre School Artistic and Executive Director
Mari O’Donnell helms a vibrant lineup of half- and full-day dance camps, including musical theater, voice and acting camps, plus summer intensives for older kids who are serious about performing on stage as pre-professional dancers. Half-day camps are primarily for 3 to 6 year olds, while full-day programs target ages 5 to 18.
“The variety definitely helps,” Mari says. The summer musical theater program, which has doubled in size over the past few years, is an abbreviated version of the school’s year-round program. “Kids can fully immerse themselves in one week and put on a production at the end of that week,” she says. “The experience is super fun, and the level of training they get benefits the [students], whether they’re recreational or professional.”
Themes for this summer’s musical theater weeks include “Wicked,” “101 Dalmatians,” “Newsies,” a half-day “Hamilton” camp and a halfday camp of “Shrek the Musical,” Mari says.
Mari says other half-day preschool camps will include “Frozen,” “Storytelling and Dance” and “Dance Explorations,” which allow campers to try different forms of movement. Full-day camps for older youths will include a “Pop Star” camp for recreational dancers who
ABOVE Alania Onate, preschool dance teacher Traci Curtis, Eleanor “Ellie” Campbell, Isla Ligon and Greta Chleboun.
BELOW Preschool dance students prance around the ballet studio at Barriskill Dance Theatre School.
enjoy singers like Taylor Swift or Beyoncé. Additionally, Mari says there will be ballet and jazz summer intensives for dancers who want a deep dive in a particular dance form as well as a full-day camp called “Teen 101” that lets dancers ages 13 and older try ballet one day, jazz the next and tap on another.
The school has space across seven studios, offering ballet and other choreographic styles “where they can dip their toe in and try for a week,” Mari says, “and if they love it, they stick with it. If they’re like, ‘OK, that’s not for me,’ [then] they gave it a fun try.”
One of the studios is a gray box theater outfitted with pipes and drapes and a sound system that allows the school to present shows at a professional level.
“It’s fun for the [campers] and a good experience, something that they wouldn’t necessarily get during the year,” Mari says.
Mari says every student receives “the same training and the same level of investment from us,” no matter the camper’s age or level. “They’re learning life lessons and vital information. That’s what sets us apart.”
Eloise Ham, Isla Ligon and Elspeth “Elspie” McClure enjoy a bit of freestyle choreography during their preschool dance class.
TIME TO SHINE Summer Camps at Durham Academy
Camp Evergreen Ages 4–13
Weeks 1–7
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
A classic day camp with a focus on fun for campers and convenience for working parents.
Summits Ages 6–14
Weeks 1–7
9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Deep dives into specific interests like sports, robotics and theatre.
Summer Institute Ages 14–18
Weeks 2–7 9 a.m.–2 p.m.*
Campers have week-long and overnight options to pursue intellectual and experiential adventures.
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
There’s a camp in the Triangle for every kid’s interest, from sports and science to art and engineering
1870
FARM DAY & OVERNIGHT CAMP
1224 Old Lystra Rd., Chapel Hill
919-590-4120; 1870farm.com
Outdoor activities include animal care, fishing, capture the flag, gaga ball and nature exploration. Indoor activities include crafts, an apothecary workshop, pickle-making, games, an entrepreneur club and even an escape room on 17 acres. 2025 camps offer more animal time, climate-controlled play areas and a newly expanded egg production barn. New this year is an overnight farm camp.
Ages 3-13; Counselor-in-training program available for ages 14 and older
Dates June 16 – Aug. 18
Price $270-$1,395
AMERICAN DANCE FESTIVAL
721 Broad St., Durham
919-797-2871; americandancefestival.org
American Dance Festival’s Samuel H. Scripps Studios hosts a variety of camps taught by expert faculty to expand students’ knowledge and joy of dance.
Ages 6-17
Dates Weekly in June and July. Visit website for details. Price Varies by camp. Visit website for details.
ART ADVENTURES AT THE ACKLAND ART MUSEUM
101 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill 919-966-5736; ackland.org
Classes and dance camps/intensives in creative movement, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, conditioning, musical theater and more.
Ages 3-18
Dates June 9 – Aug. 15; half-day and full-day camps, plus weekly classes. Price Email or visit website for details.
BOUNCING BULLDOGS JUMP ROPE CAMP
101 S. White Oak Dr., Durham 919-493-7992; bouncingbulldogs.org
Jump-rope skills designed for beginners to advanced participants; taught by members of the seven-time national champion and 12-time world champion team.
Ages 5-18
Dates Visit website for details.
Prices Visit website for details.
The sessions provide kids with a guided view of art in the Ackland’s galleries, followed by the opportunity to create take-home treasures in an adjacent art studio using newly learned art-making techniques. Materials are provided.
Ages 6-9
Dates Visit website for details. Registration required, sign up online. Price Visit website for details.
Mix and match the half-day camps in the visual and performing arts to fit your schedule or create a full-day camp experience based on your camper’s interests. ArtsCamp features small classes taught by professional artists that focus on skill development and encourage the discovery of a creative voice.
Grades Rising K-9
Dates June 16 – Aug. 15
Price Visit website for details.
BOYS & GIRLS
CLUBS
OF DURHAM AND ORANGE COUNTIES
1010 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Suite 300, Durham 505 Craig St., Chapel Hill 919-687-4517; bgcdoc.org
Your child will participate in field trips, STEM activities, financial literacy programs, data and career exploration, summer reading and fitness. The program is an affordable way for kids to make friends and learn new things.
Ages 6-18
Dates Weekly, June through August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price $80 per week, plus a $10 membership fee and $50 registration fee
CAMP CURIOSITY
4512 Pope Rd., Chapel Hill 919-220-4529, ext. 405; summercamp.lifeandscience.org
This camp at the Montessori Community School provides learning experiences with outdoor play, connection between camp groups and elective activities.
Ages Pre-K–5
Dates June 23 – Aug. 8
Price $370 for nonmembers, $340 for members
CAMP DURANT
4637 Old Carthage Rd., Carthage ocscouts.org/outdoor-programs/camping/camp-durant
Ropes courses, ATV riding, swimming and boating on a beautiful lake, fun crafts and exciting STEM activities, campfires and storytelling at night await campers. Escape the great indoors with a beautiful campground that offers the full camping experience, while still providing reliable Wi-Fi and air-conditioned buildings for check-ins. Youth ages 11-17 experience a Scouts BSA camp to earn merit badges. Scouts units can register for any of the four summer camp weeks. Children ages 7-10 attend an action-packed day of fun-themed activities at Cub Scout Adventure Camp. Ages 7-10 for Cub Scout Adventure Camp; 11-17 for Scouts BSA
Dates June 12-14 for Cub Scout Adventure Camp; mid-June to mid-July for Scouts BSA (solo campers who are new to scouting or want to camp regardless of being in a unit can register for the fourth week, July 6-12.)
Price $100 per camper for Cub Scout Adventure Camp; $450 per camper for Scouts BSA. Scholarships are available.
CAMPERS IN LEADERSHIP TRAINING AT YMCA CAMP CLEARWATER & CHAPEL HILL YMCA
1720 Clearwater Lake Rd., Chapel Hill and 980 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill 919-442-9622; ymcatriangle.org
Your teen can gain leadership experience and serve as a role model for younger campers while assisting counselors and staff with summer camp activities.
Ages 13-15
Dates June 16-Aug. 8
Price Visit website for details.
CAMP RIVERLEA
8302 S. Lowell Rd., Bahama 210-908-7629; campriverlea.com
These summer and spring break outdoor programs are held on 90 beautiful acres in Durham County. Activities include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, arts and crafts, agriculture, athletics, archery and more.
Grades Rising K-7
Dates Two-day week or three-day week sessions, June 16 – Aug. 8.
Price Visit website for details.
CAMP SHELANU AT JEWISH FOR GOOD
1937 W. Cornwallis Rd., Durham jewishforgood.org
Specialty camps will include aerial silks, circus camp, Lego engineering and more. These classic camps offer a wide variety of activities such as art, sports, drama, team building, archery, yoga, nature and daily swimming. Swim lessons are also included for campers who need them. Transportation is included in the fees.
Grades K-8
Dates June 9 – Aug. 22
Price $290-$350 for members; $320-$395 for nonmembers.
CAROLINA FRIENDS SCHOOL
4809 Friends School Rd., Durham 984-316-0123; cfsnc.org/summer
Weekly courses in subject areas such as leadership, theater, outdoor adventures, cooking, weaving, sports, Legos, comic design, Minecraft, fashion design, “Harry Potter” and more!
Ages 4-18
Dates June 16-Aug. 8; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; extended care 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Price $370-$395/week
CAROLINA SAILING
CAMP
Crosswinds Boating Center, Jordan Lake, 565 Farrington Rd., Apex carolinasailingfoundation.org/summer-camp
Beginner, intermediate and advanced sailing classes taught by U.S. Sailing certified-instructors. Make friends, build confidence and have fun!
Learn in-depth info regarding the animals while getting to observe them and play games to learn about specific adaptations of the cats, complete art projects and make enriching toys for the animals. Campers watch the keepers feed and learn about vet procedures and what it takes to care for the carnivores.
Grades 3-12
Dates June 16-20; June 23-27; July 14-18; July 21-25
Price Elementary and middle school camps $350; high school camp $200. Before and aftercare available for additional cost.
CENTER THEATER COMPANY
300-G E. Main St., Carrboro centertheatercompany.com
Beat the heat by joining CTC for any of its imaginative summer theater programs! Take center stage and explore the wonderful world of live theater in a safe and inspiring environment.
Ages 6-18
Dates Varies, visit website for details.
Price Varies, visit website for details.
CHAPEL HILL SCHOOL OF MUSICAL ARTS
1829 East Franklin St., Ste. 500, Chapel Hill 919-960-6898, chapelhillschoolofmusicalarts.com
These specialized music camps will inspire and educate! Piano camps and strings intensives offer opportunities to grow in musical areas such as technique, performance and collaboration in a group setting, while the “Curtains Up” Musical Theatre Bootcamp prepares aspiring performers with skills like singing, acting and dancing.
Ages 8-19
Dates Weeklong camps June through August.
Price Visit website for details.
CHAPEL HILL TENNIS CLUB
403 Westbrook Dr. Carrboro 919-929-5248; chapelhilltennisclub.com/camps
The Summer Tennis Camp is focused on tennis and skill development, perfect for players of all levels who want to sharpen their game while having a blast on the court. At Blue Skies Sports Camp, campers can unleash their creativity with arts and crafts or dive into exciting STEM activities – there’s something for every young mind. Both camps offer a fun-filled summer in a welcoming atmosphere.
Ages 4-16
Dates June 16 – Aug. 15
Price Visit website for details.
CHAPEL HILL Y DAY CAMP
980 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill 919-452-4191; ymcatriangle.org
Kids will connect with new friends, discover new passions and make memories that will last a lifetime. The counselors teach lessons like caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through sports, swimming, crafts and fun games.
Teens get the fun, relational experience of camp as well as leadership skills for the future. CILTs are led by experienced staff members who serve as mentors and coaches for the summer. CILTs are involved in team-building activities, group outings and service projects. CILTs get to be leaders in the community of 100 kids every week at the camp held at Perry Harrison Elementary School.
This camp gives kids the opportunity to explore new activities, make new friends and build memories that last a lifetime. Campers spend the day creating crafts and art, playing sports like kickball, pickup basketball, and soccer and playing games like capture the flag. Campers spend time inside and outside depending on the weather and will have the opportunity to go swimming.
Kindercamp is a half-day summer day camp for the littlest campers held at Perry Harrison Elementary School. These half-day programs are a great introduction to the structure and rhythm of day camp. Days are filled with songs, games, water play, circle time and crafts. Ratios are kept intentionally low so each camper can have plenty of one-on-one attention and care.
Ages 3-5
Dates June 9 – Aug. 1. Full-week or Monday, Wednesday, Friday sessions are available. Price Visit website for details.
Best Museum
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Best Family Outing
Best Group Outing
Best Summer Camps
The Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top-rated destinations. It’s an interactive science center, a nature park with animals, and 84 acres of openended experiences. We’ve got bears, dinosaurs, train rides, treehouses, NASA artifacts, and butterflies from around the world. See you soon!
433 W. Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704 lifeandscience.org 919-220-5429
Students will meet with local nonprofit agencies to explore social issues and develop a presentation to impact and address community needs held at the Duke Corporate Education Building. This camp helps students formulate new ideas for services projects that could help shape the future of the Triangle.
This program provides advanced academic opportunities and an introduction to the college experience through cutting-edge curriculum and technology and connections with international peers and industry professionals in their future field. Summer 2025 features residential, commuter and online options as well as programs at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, North Carolina.
The 84-acre campus offer campers three options: Camp Evergreen, an all-day camp with a wide variety of activities reminiscent of classic sleepaway camps from arts and crafts to archery, Summits with deep dives into specific interests like sports, robotics and theater, and Summer Institutes for older campers to explore interests like archaeology, forensic science and creative writing.
Ages 4-18
Dates June 9 – Aug. 1; pre-camp care is from 7:30-9 a.m.; aftercare is through 6 p.m.
DAC Summer Arts will include two-week cultural camps based on country themes (India, Argentina, Germany) and one-week mini camps inspired by the 1990s for rising K through age 13. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in clay, drawing, painting, dance, theater and music classes, plus teen intensives for ages 13-17, depending on the camp choice.
Four- or five-star licensed summer camps by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education that offer a well-rounded summer experience, including STEAM activities. Campers participate in weekly academic and STEAM-related activities and play sports, games, swim and explore their learning through weekly educational and recreational field trips at no extra cost. Free breakfast, lunch and a T-shirt will be provided. Accepts DSS vouchers.
Grades Rising 1-6
Dates June 18 – Aug. 1; closed July 3-4
Price Visit website for details.
EMERSON WALDORF SCHOOL
6211 New Jericho Rd., Chapel Hill 919-967-1858; emersonwaldorf.org
Activities include art, cooking, skateboarding, outdoor exploration, dance, sports, farming, fiber arts, basketball, practical living skills and more. Counselor-in-training program also available.
Ages 4-15
Dates June 16 – July 25; 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; extended care available
This program takes students out of the classroom and deep into discovery of their environment. Field Station is held at the Confluence Natural Area on the West and East Forks of the Eno River. Every day the students interact with scientists, researchers, science teachers and environmental experts who make discovery and learning fascinating and fun. Field Station is a one-week day camp with one optional evening/overnight campout session.
Ages 12-15
Dates July 21-25
Price $250, plus a $20 nonrefundable registration fee. Income-based scholarships are available.
FORGE FENCING ACADEMY & CLUB
610 N. Duke St., Durham 919-800-7886; forgefencing.com
Campers will enjoy arts and crafts, friendship-building activities, sports, fitness, swimming, day trips and much more. Specific activities, dates and trip destinations will depend upon the camp location and type of camp.
Ages 5-17 (must have completed kindergarten)
Dates June 23 – Aug. 15. Registration opens March 17 at 9 a.m.
Price Check website for details and a sliding fee scale application (due Feb. 7).
This rising kindergarten camp offers a well-rounded summer experience. Campers explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Students participate in weekly STEAM-related activities, including sports, games and swimming and also explore their learning through weekly field trips at no extra cost. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Grades Rising K students (must be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2024)
Dates June 18 – Aug. 1; closed July 3-4
Price Visit website for details.
Learn to Fence! provides a dynamic experience combining fencing and various activities to improve coordination, competitive skills and self-awareness. The camp emphasizes a supportive, safe environment where campers can develop their athletic and intellectual abilities while learning swordplay.
Ages 7 and older
Dates July 14-18, July 28 – Aug. 1
Price $400/week
HAW RIVER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
2428 Silk Hope Gum Spring Rd., Pittsboro 919-533-4139; hawriverchristian.org/summer-camps
Staff and parents of HRCA offer some fun and exciting summer camps ranging in theme from Legos to Star Wars, art to basketball, crocheting, cooking, outdoors, Latin and soccer.
Ages 4-16
Dates July 7-11 and July 14-18; 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Students are welcome to stay from noon-1 p.m. to eat lunch and enjoy fun in the gym. Extended care is offered for an additional fee.
Price $150 per session; some may have additional supply fees. Visit website.
Academic summer program providing individualized instruction in reading, writing and math for children with learning differences.
Grades Rising 1-8
Dates June 23 – July 25 (closed July 4); Two session options, 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m. daily
Price $3,275
INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL
3001 Academy Rd., Bldg. 300, Durham 919-401-4343; imsnc.org
Camps provided in a safe, nurturing environment, tucked away among the trees. Enthusiastic summer camp counselors delight in engaging your young child’s creativity and imagination through music, movement, stories and exciting, handson activities with others in a multi-age setting.
Ages 3-5
Dates June 23 – Aug. 1 with half- and full-day options.
(8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.)
Price Camp details and prices will be available on the website in February 2025. Early drop-off and late pickup available for an additional fee.
This camp helps children learn and grow in nature’s classroom. Two weeks of camp are available at Eno River State Park, and campers can attend one or both weeks and many activities vary each week.
Ages 8-12
Dates June 16-20, June 23-27
Price $250 per week ($400 for both weeks) plus a $20 nonrefundable registration fee. Income-based scholarships are available.
JUNIOR VET ACADEMY AT 1870 FARM
1224 Old Lystra Rd., Chapel Hill 919-819-5258; juniorvetacademy.com
Weekly camps for animal lovers and aspiring vets. The 2025 sessions will be held at 1870 Farm, and students will reside on campus at UNC.
Ages 8-14
Dates Visit website for details.
Price $545-$1,895
KIDS COOKING CAMP WITH CHEF ARLENA AND THE CHILDREN’S CULINARY INSTITUTE
Briar Chapel Community Center, 1600 Briar Chapel Pkwy., Chapel Hill
ccichefarlena.com
Each weeklong session will have a fun theme with cooking, crafts and games.
Ages 5-18
Dates Visit website for details.
Price Visit website for details.
KIDSPLEX SUMMER CAMP AT THE ORANGE COUNTY SPORTSPLEX
Weekly themed activities, field trips, special visits, cooking classes and more!
Ages 5-12
Dates June 16 – Aug. 22
Price Starting at $55/day or $200/week. Visit website for details.
KIDZU CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
This camp creates a lively and nurturing environment where kids can thrive, make new friends and embark on unforgettable adventures. Every day is packed with fun from ice skating and swimming to exciting indoor and outdoor games.
1712 Willow Dr., Chapel Hill 919-933-1455; kidzuchildrensmuseum.org
Sign up for a summer filled with creative exploration, tinkering, and making, featuring a lineup of 11 camp weeks, including the popular Robots & Rockets and Around the World camps!
Ages 4-8
Dates See website. Drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. and pickup ends at 3:30 p.m.
Price $400 for nonmembers. 20% discount for members.
Grow your diplomatic debate skills and build confidence in public speaking during this weeklong camp focused on solving real-world global issues.
Grades Rising 10-12
Dates July 28-Aug. 1
Cost $575. Scholarships are available.
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MONTESSORI DAY SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL SUMMER CAMP
1702 Legion Rd., Chapel Hill 919-929-3339; mdsch.org; admin@mdsch.org
Campers will have a fun-filled summer with a chance to enjoy a variety of hands-on crafts and explore different activities.
Ages 3-8
Dates June 16-20, 23-27; July 7-11, 14-18, 21-25; July 28 – Aug. 1; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Weekly themed camps include athletics, music, visual and performing arts, cooking, nature exploration, gardening and science.
Ages 3-rising grade 7
Dates June 9 – Aug. 15 (closed June 30-July 4); half- and full-day camps
Price Visit website for details.
MOREHEAD PLANETARIUM SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS
250 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 919-962-1236; moreheadplanetarium.org/camps
Encourage your child’s natural curiosity and intellectual growth by signing up for a summer science camp.
Grades K-8
Dates June 9 – Aug. 8 (No camps the week of July 4)
Price $187-$495. Morehead Family Plus members receive priority registration and a 10% discount.
MUSEUM CAMP
433 W. Murray Ave., Durham 919-220-5429, ext. 405; summercamp.lifeandscience.org
The Museum of Life and Science offers fun, memorable and meaningful experiences for kids of all ages, and its camp provides opportunities for discovery and learning at the museum’s main campus. Kids will enjoy indoor and outdoor learning environments and exciting activities, plus the best of the museum.
Grades Pre-K – 8
Dates May 26 – Aug. 22
Price $370 for nonmembers, $340 for members
NCFC YOUTH SOCCER CAMPS
WRAL Soccer Park (Raleigh) and Davis Drive MS (Cary) 919-834-3951; NCFCYouth.com/camps
These camps are aimed at players looking for a fun soccer experience or an introduction to the game. Players are grouped by age and ability and led by qualified coaching staff through activities in a fun environment that encourages friendship, teamwork and individual development. Skill-specific camps such as goalkeeping and strikers are also available.
Ages 4-15
Dates Weekly sessions held June 16 – Aug. 1; Full day: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-noon. Half day: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon
Price Full day, $275; half day, $175
NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES SUMMER CAMPS
11 W. Jones St., Raleigh 919-707-9889; naturalsciences.org/summer-camps
Have you ever wondered how to become a paleontologist or astronaut? Get messy with grossology, watch seeds fly and investigate the ocean’s depths. Work alongside the museum researchers and enjoy behind-the-scenes adventures in science and art!
Grades Rising K-12
Dates June 23-27, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28 – Aug. 1, Aug. 4-8. Price Visit website for details. Scholarships available. Become a member to receive priority registration and $30 discount per camp.
Activities vary but a bulk of a camper’s day will be spent outdoors tending to, feeding and caring for the animals, fishing in the pond, doing farm crafts, gardening, outdoor games and learning about life on a beautiful 14-acre farm. There will be guest speakers, a STEAM-based project that campers will work to complete throughout the week and a farm entrepreneurship focus.
Ages 5-12
Dates June 16 – Aug. 22
Price $450/week. There are options for single-day and early drop-off and late pickup available as well as a counselor-in-training program that is $225/week.
Come learn and play in nature through these immersive outdoor camp experiences in one of three Triangle locations in Wake, Orange and Durham counties! Each week campers will have the opportunity to learn something new about the outdoors, connect with nature through hands-on activities, engage in citizen science and have fun with new friends.
Grades Rising K-12
Dates June 16 – Aug. 22
Price $375 for weeklong camps ages 5-12; $165 for weeklong counselor-in-training camps for ages 13-17
CAMP COUNSEL
PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL AT BRIAR CHAPEL
81 Falling Springs Dr., Chapel Hill 919-441-0441; primrosechapelhill.com
Students will discover new things every day at Summer Adventure Club, exploring hands-on activities like sports, robotics, STEAM-based projects and weekly on-site field trips for hands-on learning.
Grades K-5
Dates Weekly, June through August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price Call to inquire.
SCHOOLHOUSE OF WONDER TRACK-OUT AND SUMMER CAMPS
Ages 4-17
Various locations in Wake, Durham and Orange counties 919-477-2116; schoolhouseofwonder.org
This camp has shaped kind, curious and confident kids through nature-based, outdoor adventures for 35 years. Schoolhouse is a welcoming community where each person is inspired to learn, play and grow into their best selves. These award-winning camps offer a low camper-to-staff ratio that allows a sense of freedom while providing a nurturing environment.
Dates Full week and one-day camps are offered in winter, spring and fall. Summer registration opens Jan. 15 (Orange and Durham) and Jan. 16 (Wake).
Price $84-$469, varies by camp. See website for details.
SKYLARK MUSIC SCHOOL
1129 Weaver Dairy Rd., #AF, Chapel Hill 919-205-9849; skylarkmusicschool.com
Private music lessons and half-day music camps available. Subjects include early childhood music exploration, instrument introduction (piano, voice, violin, guitar) camps, musical theater intensives, songwriting seminars, high school music theory and more.
Ages 3-18
Dates Visit website for details.
Price Visit website for details.
Navigate registration season with tips from parents on our staff
Schedule early! Overnight camps start booking in September and October, and many other camps open registration in early January. Also, most programs end at 3 p.m., and if you need an extension to 5 or 5:30 p.m., that is always an extra cost. Talk to parents of your kids’ friends to find out what they are doing – ideally you’ll be able to coordinate drop-offs/pick-ups and your little one will have a buddy. I recommend choosing a mix of camps, alternating between indoorfocused and outdoor-focused activities. Sticking to just one can be physically or mentally exhausting for our kids. – Rory Gillis, president
Most people who have to book 8-10 weeks of camp make a shareable sheet and coordinate with friends. Kids want to be with their buddies! Budget to pay upfront. Most of the cost hits by March, and camps start June. – Ashlin Acheson, vice president of creative operations
Be flexible and have multiple options in case the camp you want is full. Pay attention to registration openings and deadlines, and try to register as soon as it opens up, or spots may fill up. Pay attention to drop-off and pick-up times, because they may not necessarily coincide with your work hours. – Kevin Brown, creative director
Don’t feel pressured to pick five different camps to give your kid variety. Many camps that offer multiple sessions will have different activities each week, and this way your kids can settle in and form deeper relationships. – Sally Scruggs, COO of digital and client services
When in doubt, visit thetriangleweekender.com to search for camps. Our online guide allows you to filter by location, age range and camp type.
SOUTHERN VILLAGE CLUB
601 Brookgreen Dr., Chapel Hill
919-969-8442; southernvillageclub.com/camp
Summer tennis activity camps at Southern Village Club focus on learning fundamental and age-appropriate skills on the tennis courts, then enjoying the pool, arts and crafts and other activities in the afternoon.
Grades Rising K-8
Dates Beginning June 17, weekly through Aug. 22 (dates subject to change), 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. with extended care available at an additional fee. Price $300-$400 (member/nonmember), check the website for specific rates
SUMMER DANCE @ TRIANGLE
1708 A/B E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill
919-932-2676; triangleyouthballet.org
YOUTH BALLET
Camps, classes and intensives for boys and girls.
Ages 3 through adult
Dates June 15 – Aug. 23
Price Varies by program; visit website for details.
One of the most respected youth drama programs in North Carolina provides instruction by staff and professional guest artists that promotes creativity, teamwork, discipline and self-confidence.
Ages 8-18
Dates June 2 – Aug. 2
Price $450 for two-week conservatories; $250 for the one-week conservatory.
THEATRE QUEST AT PLAYMAKERS REPERTORY COMPANY
120 Country Club Rd., Chapel Hill 919-962-7529; playmakersrep.org
Campers learn partnership and teamwork by nurturing animals and feel rewarded with chances to partner with the horses, hop with the bunnies and learn the true meaning of “chicken.” Campers will experience creative ways of expressing themselves, such as acting, drawing, storytelling and music-making. Attendees can take full advantage of hiking and exploring nature’s playground!
Grades Rising K-8
Dates June 16 – Aug. 22
Price $350/week for farm camp. $450/week for horse camp. Scholarships available.
Come train with theater professionals! PlayMakers offers an exciting array of disciplines for middle and high school students to explore.
Grades Middle and high school students
Dates June – July 2025; join for one week or all summer!
Price $375 for weeklong classes; $675 for two-week classes
Students will have the opportunity to learn a new craft or hobby, enhance and develop existing skills, travel to local places and make new friends. Staff consists of experts, artists and educators from TDS and other local schools and programs. Programs focus on art, STEAM, nature, adventure and more.
Ages 4-15. Counselor-in-training program for 13- to 15-year-olds.
Spend the week working on a variety of service projects all while helping local nonprofits throughout the Triangle.
Grades Rising 9 through 12
Dates June 16-20, June 23-27, July 7-11 and July 14-18
Cost $450 for a week. Discounts may apply if attending multiple weeks or if multiple students from the same household attend. Scholarships are available.
VAULT THEATRE
Duke School’s The Center for IDEAS, 3716 Erwin Rd., Durham Montessori School of Durham, 2800 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-886-4584; vaulttheatre.org/camps
Engaging performing arts camps for young artists of all experience levels. Musical theater camps focus on acting, singing and dance, culminating in a musical performance such as "Moana Jr.," "Wizard of Oz," and more. Creative drama camps emphasize storytelling, acting, directing and crafting as students collaborate to create and perform their own story. Both camps end with a final presentation showcasing students’ skills.
Ages 6-16
Dates June 9 – Aug. 8
Price $350+
YMCA AT MEADOWMONT DAY CAMP
301 Old Barn Ln., Chapel Hill 984-260-7595; ymcatriangle.org
YMCA CAMP CHEERIO
1430 Camp Cheerio Rd., Glade Valley 336-363-2604; campcheerio.org
Activities at this YMCA residential camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains include horseback riding, climbing, ropes course, aquatics, paddle boarding, sports, field games, creative arts and nature study.
Ages 7-15
Dates June 2 – Aug. 16
Price $1,495-$3,190
YMCA CHEERIO ON THE NEW RIVER
754 Fox Knob Rd., Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 276-579-6731 (summer); campcheerio.org
Campers spend the day swimming, creating crafts and art, playing sports like kickball, pickup basketball and soccer, and playing games like gaga ball. Campers spend time inside and outside and take field trips to Camp Clearwater each week and have swim time at the outdoor pool every day!
Ages 5-11
Dates June 16 – Aug. 8
Price Visit website for details.
This YMCA residential camp offers kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, fly-fishing, target sports, creative arts and hiking/backpacking on 150 acres.
Ages 9-15
Dates June 9 – Aug. 10
Price $1,595
YMCA – CAMP CRUSH
River Park Elementary School, 240 St. Mary’s Rd., Hillsborough 984-309-8457
At Camp CRUSH (aka, Campers Reaching Unlimited Summer Heights), campers spend the day swimming, creating crafts and art, playing sports like kickball, pickup basketball and soccer, and playing games like gaga ball and capture the flag. Campers spend time inside and outside during the day depending on the weather and activity.
Ages Call for information.
Dates Call for information.
Price Call for information.
home
The open layout in the bright and airy Old North Durham home allows guests to move freely from the warmth of the living room’s fireplace into the dining and kitchen areas.
How
open door
one couple crafted a home that combines classic charm with contemporary design, creating a welcoming space for friends and neighbors
BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
Emily Jo Roberts wanted a new build, while her wife, Ashley Davidson, preferred an older, remodeled home.
“We got the best of both worlds,” Emily Jo says about their 2,409-square-foot Craftsman-style bungalow in Old North Durham, which was built in 2019.
“We get asked all the time when we remodeled it, which is such a great compliment because it fits the neighborhood,” Emily Jo says.
ABOVE Brass accents in the kitchen and dining room bring a sleek, contemporary edge to the space. LEFT A photo of the corner community store that once stood on the lot hangs in the half bathroom. The custom wallpaper behind it features line drawings of iconic Durham landmarks and symbols. BELOW LEFT Gray five-panel privacy doors add a touch of classic charm throughout the home, including in the primary suite.
She and Ashley were living in East Durham when they came across an empty lot where a corner community store once stood in the early 1900s before it was demolished in the 1980s.
Legacy Building Company co-owner Cecil Barker was preparing to build on the .15-acre property and showed the couple a model home in Trinity Heights with a similar floor plan.
“So we took a look at it, and we got to pick out everything from the jump,” Emily Jo says. A former Division I college basketball coach turned real estate broker for Nest Realty, she says she appreciates Cecil’s use of finishing elements, like the stacked wood casings above the interior doors and cove crown moldings in all the rooms on the main floor. Both Emily Jo and Ashley relish the architectural hallmarks of cottage homes, which is showcased in the selection of features like the beadboard porch ceilings and the living room’s recessed built-in bookcase.
“One thing we knew we both wanted was a big kitchen,” Emily Jo says. “We’re big hosts and love to entertain.”
Dinner party guests filter between the kitchen and the living room, connecting through the dining area. Windows surround the
Elizabeth Lindquist, President-Owner & her father, David Lindquist
spaces, making the interior feel more expansive. “We love the open space of this, and then each room is distinct,” Emily Jo says. “I like the way it flows.”
Ashley says the builder initially intended to install cabinets on either side of the range hood, but she and Emily Jo opted to use open, wooden shelving for an updated look rather than the traditional approach.
In contrast to the modern gray and white color palette throughout the home, the kitchen’s center island is painted an intense blue color inspired by the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean Sea, where the couple sailed for days around Minorca, Spain, in 2019. “The waters were just unreal,” Ashley recalls. “It was the deepest blue; I have no idea how to explain it, but it was the most beautiful thing we’ve ever seen.”
Another favorite kitchen feature is the undercounter beverage cooler, specifically for friends who bring their own beer or wine to share. The drinks fridge stays stocked as if by magic, so the couple added another cooler for the back porch which, along with the backyard, “was our haven” during the pandemic, Emily Jo says.
TURN UP THE HEAT
The backyard offers multiple options for recreation and relaxation. A large space heater mounted to the wall above a pair of sofas keeps things cozy in the screened-in
ABOVE The screened-in porch extends the home’s living spaces into the backyard. BELOW Ruthie Bee sits with Emily Jo, sisters Kelsey Christian and Tyler Christian, Ashley, and married couple Shameka Wood and Layla Rivera around the outdoor fire pit.
back porch, where Emily Jo and Ashley often enjoy sunset views over the businesses and homes along Geer Street
“I love that it’s screened in without having any frame for the screen,” Emily Jo says, explaining that the builder used screen material typically used for lake and beach homes. “This one’s designed to withstand wind. It holds up really nicely. We have plans to eventually add vinyl shades to make it a three-season room.”
The centerpiece of the yard is a firepit. Oversized umbrellas stationed nearby provide shade when needed as the couple prepares appetizers or s’mores over an open flame.
Emily Jo points to one corner of the yard, where a shed-like structure stands next to a large barrel. She says she spends a few minutes inside the compact sauna and
ABOVE Emily Jo chats with Kelsey and Tyler, the sister team behind Maarten & Croix Home Staging who assisted with styling the house. LEFT Ashley’s favorite place to relax is the deep tub in the primary bath. RIGHT A collection of mementos from Emily Jo’s grandmother, Joan “Mimi” McLeod, who lived in Africa in the 1960s. One photo shows Joan next to the Egyptian pyramids.
Now Is the Time to Live Closer to Friends and Family
EXPLORE IDEALLY LOCATED DURHAM COMMUNITIES FROM THE $500 s
Epcon Communities offers you the opportunity to capture every moment with the people that matter most. In our ideally located Durham communities, you can live closer to loved ones while enjoying our luxury ranch homes and townhomes with the convenience of a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Rather than spending your precious time doing landscaping or yard work, imagine doing the things you love, like cheering on your grandkids at their first soccer game or gathering with family for special occasions. Don’t let the chance for another significant family event or milestone slip away without being there to enjoy it.
emerges from the heat to step into the ice tub for a cold plunge. The feeling is invigorating. Ashley says, “I’ll go in the mornings and do two, three minutes in the cold plunge, and then we do the sauna in the evenings.” Emily Jo laughs and adds, “We’ve become healthy fanatics about our wellness in our middle-agedwoman life.”
ART THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES
The focal points in each room reflect Emily Jo and Ashley’s personal values: a larger-than-life print entitled “Black Rosie” is framed in rough barn wood on the wall opposite the
“Phenomenal Woman” poem by Maya Angelou in the living room; a print of Maya gazes at all who enter the dining room; and a colorful abstract portrait of a dancing woman by an Asheville-based artist hangs in the hallway leading to the powder room.
Visitors might discover surprising details on the wall inside the half bath. Look closely, and you’ll notice dark blue line drawings of Durham icons – the arched bridge at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the
LEFT & ABOVE The bold and beautiful “Black Rosie,” framed in rustic barn wood, faces Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” poem in the living room, while a vibrant portrait of a dancing woman by an Asheville artist adds colorful flair to the hallway.
Lucky Strike water tower, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, a bull’s head, a brontosaurus and two fists pressed together with thumbs for horns.
Ashley explains that the design was inspired by wallpaper she saw at The Haymaker in Raleigh. She found a company that could create sketches based on her submitted photos and then produce the wallpaper.
Follow the wide wooden staircase to the second level, where a larger en suite guest room stands ready for company. Ashley, who is a vice president and product lead at Maryland-based clinical research company Advarra and works from home, has an office that doubles as another guest room. Down the hall is Emily Jo’s office, which she shares with exercise equipment and storage closets.
FULL-COURT ROMANCE
Emily Jo and Ashley bonded over basketball and Nike shoes when they first met in 2002. Ashley was an undergraduate at UNC and worked as a student manager in the women’s basketball program. Emily Jo’s uncle was an associate head coach for the team while she was a student at UNC Wilmington. Emily Jo would visit her uncle during school breaks and attend practices and games. Ashley graduated in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in English while
Ashley pours Emily Jo a glass of Woodford Reserve whiskey while Rosa Mae supervises.
ABOVE Emily Jo enjoys relaxing on the front porch swing, the perfect spot to greet neighbors and take in the view. ABOVE RIGHT A whiskey barrel top etched with an abstract map of Durham and the home’s coordinates showcases Ashley’s love for both whiskey and her city.
Emily Jo earned her undergraduate degree in communication and media studies in 2006. They reconnected through Facebook in 2014.
“We had our first date at Kotuku Surf Club, and maybe a real dinner at Mateo,” Emily Jo says. “Three years later, we were living in Boone because I was coaching at App[alachian] State, and we came back here to get engaged at 21c Museum Hotel, and then we had probably 50 to 60 people come and celebrate with us at Surf Club.” The two were married 11 years ago at the Durham County Courthouse. “We love Durham,” Ashley says.
‘A CROWDED TABLE’
The pair regularly invites friends to come watch sports, particularly basketball. Their affinity for architectural open spaces reflects their personal values of welcoming others over to dine or cheer alongside them.
“She’s the introvert,” Emily Jo says of Ashley, who grew up as an only child near Hickory, North Carolina. “There are days she won’t leave the house. I’m the most extroverted extrovert.”
Emily Jo readily admits that she is quick to engage with anyone walking past their home. “I love to sit out[side] and talk on the phone, say hello to people and swing on the swing,” she says with a grin. “During the day, we keep our windows open, and everybody walks by with their pets.”
The couple’s three dogs keep a keen lookout for anyone approaching the front door, where the mat reads, “So happy you’re here.” Ruthie Bee is a pit bull mix whose namesake is the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Rosa Mae is a Labrador retriever mix named in honor of civil rights activist Rosa Parks. The leader of the pack, Ollie Dean, is an English Bulldog named both for the fictional lead character Olivia Pope in the TV show “Scandal” and legendary UNC men’s basketball coach Dean Smith.
Emily Jo says she was raised in a large family on a peach farm in South Carolina, where every Sunday her mom cooked dinner and the entire town came. “We want a crowded table here,” she says of creating community. “We love having such good neighbors. That’s what the dinners do. We’ve had barbecues where a bunch of neighbors come over and become friends. I love it. It’s how I grew up. [Ashley] has had to get used to it.”
Ashley responds immediately with a smile and happily says, “I’m used to it now.”
Tyler, Layla, Emily Jo, Shameka and Kelsey gather over pastries from Loaf. One of the couple’s primary goals with the house was to create a space centered on community. Quoting lyrics from “Crowded Table” by The Highwomen, Emily Jo says, “I want a house with a crowded table and a place by the fire for everyone.”
BIZ BRIEFS
Compiled by Lauren Rouse
COMINGS & GOINGS
Engineering services firm
Thomas & Hutton hired Patrick Slaughter (above right) and Kevin Scales (below right) to expand its Durham team in December 2024. Slaughter, a landscape designer specializing in commercial and multifamily mixed-use developments, manages client coordination, permitting, contractors, construction plans, cost estimates and permit applications. Scales, an environmental project manager, designs and manages water and wastewater infrastructure for municipal clients. He leads crossdisciplinary teams and ensures project success through efficient design and staff development.
expertise, vision and a deep commitment to our organization’s values and our community’s values.” Ferguson joined the City of Durham in 2013 as a deputy city manager, overseeing nine departments and 1,600 employees. In 2021, Page established the public safety portfolio and appointed Ferguson to lead its four departments, including police, fire, emergency communications and community safety.
GoTriangle debuted two specially wrapped buses at Research Triangle Park’s Boxyard RTP to promote the FISU 2029 World University Games, one of the world’s largest premier sporting events, set to take place in North Carolina from July 11-22, 2029. The eye-catching buses are meant to provide visibility, raise awareness and generate excitement as the countdown to the Games begins. The multi-sport event, which takes place in the Triangle and Triad regions, will welcome 7,500 athletes competing in 18 sports, along with 1,500 officials from 150 nations.
and innovative treatments as well as traditional therapies to address pain comprehensively.
Dr. Scott Frieary and Siobhan Frieary opened Triangle Integrative Physicians in November 2024 at 5015 Southpark Dr., Ste 110, in South Durham. The practice offers a personalized approach to health care to address patients’ needs and goals by utilizing state-of-the-art integrative
Twenty-four hour infrared fitness studio Hotworx opened in January at 4711 Hope Valley Rd., Ste. 6D. General manager Lauren Lorenz, along with trainers and sales associates Honor Garrett, Shea Miuccio and Sara Huynh, and owner Carrie Trumbower, work together to provide virtually instructed workouts in Hotworx’s saunas as well as training in a non-heated space. “Our goal is to provide you with more workout in less time!” Trumbower said.
“We welcome members of all fitness levels to experience the many benefits of our infrared sauna workouts, which range from 15-30 minutes.”
Durham City Council swore in W. Bowman “Bo” Ferguson as the new city manager on Jan. 6. Ferguson was appointed to his position following the retirement of former city manager Wanda Page on Dec. 31, 2024. “Bo Ferguson is the right leader to guide Durham’s future,” said Mayor Leonardo Williams. “With more than a decade of dedicated service to our city and nearly three decades of experience in local government, he has the
A spokesman for The Streets at Southpoint announced five new tenants as part of the first phase of a multi-year merchandising plan beginning in 2025. Vuori is slated to open this spring; Aritzia will open in the summer; and Dick’s House of Sport, Alo Yoga and Gorjana are all scheduled to welcome customers this fall.
Wellness studio Virge Yoga opened its doors in January at 200 Morris St., in the heart of the Durham ID development. “Durham is an incredible city known for innovation, wellness and community spirit,” said founder Jodi Myers. “We’re thrilled to bring our unique
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approach to this vibrant market. We believe in aligning mind, body and community while ensuring safety and wellness for every individual. We look forward to complementing and supporting the Durham community in every way possible.” Virge’s team includes yoga teachers, registered nurses, physical therapists, exercise physiologists and Duke-certified health and well-being coaches. It offers a variety of classes and provides a welcoming environment with showers, changing areas, Wi-Fi, drinks, coffees and smoothies for purchase.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport announced the addition of two new international direct routes in December 2024. Avelo Airlines is launching nonstop service to Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Feb. 12, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, starting Feb. 22. “Our Triangle area customers tell us they have loved flying Avelo since we took flight at RDU in 2022,” said Avelo Airlines CEO Andrew Levy. “The addition of these two popular international routes exemplifies the momentum and growth we have experienced.” Both flights
will complement our growing community in the Research Triangle,” said Solidcore Director of Real Estate Joshua Rainey.
Solidcore is a high-intensity, low-impact strength workout on a custom-built reformer that is separate from traditional Pilates. The studio is slated to open during the first quarter of 2025.
Indoor cycling studio
Revel additionally secured a 1,899-square-foot space at The Novus and will join Solidcore in the spring as the tower’s second tenant and only indoor cycling studio in downtown Durham.
“As longtime Durham residents, we are thrilled to bring the joy, growth and community we have found through rhythm-based indoor cycling to the heart of the Bull City,” said Revel founder and lead instructor Mia Wise
“We are particularly excited to be opening as a part of The Novus, a project that demonstrates the incredible growth of a city we love.” Wise owns the studio with her husband, Kyle Mumma
The locally owned facility offers rides that combine heavy hills, sprints, endurance pushes and choreography designed to strengthen both body and mind.
National homebuilder Tri Pointe Homes announced Twinleaf Townes, a 102-townhome community at 1012 Zelkova Ln. – located at the intersection of I-40 and Farrington Road in the Durham County section of Chapel Hill – will debut three model homes in March 2025.
MOVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT
Real estate development firm Austin Lawrence Partners announced that national fitness provider Solidcore signed the lease for a 2,369-square-foot space at The Novus, becoming the 27-story luxury residential tower’s first retail tenant. “With our recent opening in Raleigh Iron Works, The Novus in Durham
award-winning TV host, Bobby Berk, which were created exclusively for Tri Pointe Homes. Twinleaf Townes will be the first community in the Triangle to feature Berk’s designs. “Collaborating with Bobby Berk … allows us to deliver innovative, personalized living spaces that resonate with our customers and community,” said Tri Pointe Homes Raleigh Division President Bob Davenport. The aforementioned model homes are designed with styles from the “Textural Neutral,” “Updated Traditional” and “Serene Scandinavian” BB Edit collections.
PARTNERSHIPS & ACQUISITIONS
Software solutions provider ImageTrend announced its acquisition of Durham-based Biospatial, an analytics company that supports the private and public health care sectors, in January. “By integrating our products and data assets, we are not just merging technologies, but also solidifying our combined ability to deliver unparalleled insights,” said Biospatial CEO Jon Woodworth. “This strategic acquisition unlocks new potentials for innovation, driving our mission to serve our customers better and foster datadriven decisions in emergency services and health care.”
Health care innovator
Potential buyers will have their choice from six unique floor plans, ranging from 2,098 to 2,317 square feet across three to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and two-bay garages, with pricing starting in the $400Ks. Additionally, homebuyers will be able to style their home from 10 exclusive “BB Edit” design collections curated by celebrity interior design expert, author and Emmy
Research Triangle Park-based QuantumBloom, a leader in talent acquisition and talent development for women in STEM, joined the National Semiconductor Technology Center – a public-private consortium that accelerates semiconductor research and development innovation, develops a skilled workforce and secures the United States’ leadership position in the global semiconductor industry – on Dec. 10, 2024. “With the U.S. semiconductor industry facing a gap of 100,000 workers and women holding only 10%-15% of technical roles, this partnership represents a crucial step toward addressing the industry’s pressing workforce challenges,” said QuantumBloom COO and co-founder Andrea Mohamed “By combining our expertise in early career development for women in STEM with NSTC’s resources and community, we can accelerate our mission to bolster the semiconductor talent pipeline.”
Highlander Health acquired RTP-based Target RWE, a leading provider of longitudinal real-world data for liver disease and several other therapeutic areas, in January.
“The Target RWE team is excited for the next phase in our journey developing state-of-the-art clinical research evidence to support improved patient care,” said Target RWE Chief Medical Officer and co-founder Michael Fried. “Our partnerships with key opinion leaders, clinicians, patients and health systems have developed meaningful patientcentric and scientifically sound research results.” The acquisition is the first for Highlander Health Partners, which launched in September 2024 to invest in technologies and companies essential to personalized care.
Durham Public Schools Foundation has partnered with Crayons2Calculators, welcoming the organization as a new program under its purview as of Jan. 1, 2025, in order to continue to support more than 1,000 Durham Public Schools educators annually with essential school supplies.
“We quickly saw that bringing Crayons2Calculators into our organization would deepen our collective impact across Durham,” said DPSF Executive Director Erika Wilkins. “C2C, established in 2006 out of deep commitment to our public schools, offers a vital service that has earned a
PHOTO COURTESY OF LS3P.
strong reputation and engages hundreds of volunteers each year. We’re proud to provide a home for their work.” Each year, DPS teachers spend an average of $263 on school supplies; C2C addresses this issue by distributing more than $100,000 worth of materials annually. Pictured above are Brianna Kennedy, DPSF chief of programs; Brittany Gregory, DPSF board chair; DPSF Executive Director Wilkins; DPS Superintendent Anthony Lewis; Russ Haddad, C2C board chair; Eunice Sanders, C2C program manager; and Euba McKoy, C2C warehouse coordinator.
AWARDS & HONORS
Durham ranked No. 8 among best midsize sports cities, according to a survey by personal finance website WalletHub, which compared 400 cities across more than 50 key metrics related to the five largest sports in the U.S. – football, baseball, basketball, soccer and hockey.
Veteran in-home care service provider B&C Care System, which supports employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve force, earned the U.S. Department of Defense’s Patriot Award for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom. “Our company of 105-plus employees have the incredible opportunity to answer their calling while honoring men and women who fought for our freedom,” said B&C Care System President Tommy McNeill. “I am delighted that we’ve been recognized for hiring, training and staffing veterans who are committed to service before self.” The executive team includes five veterans, and many employees have military ties through family or service. This collective experience has strengthened the agency’s ability to serve both clients and the community for the past 15 years.
Durham ranked No. 52 among nearly 140 U.S. metros for livability, holding the highest position in the state, according to a report by apartment search website RentCafe.
The metro also placed No. 41 for its socioeconomics, No. 48 for location and community, and No. 61 for quality of life. RentCafe evaluated the metros across 17 key metrics, including cost of living, health care, community spirit, access to food, housing conditions and overall well-being, to determine the rankings. The Bull City’s placement on the list is due in part to its stable job market with strong annual income growth and its welcoming, close-knit community.
Celestic
CEO Aaron Huslage earned American Underground’s 2024 Innovator of the Year award. “This means so much to me,” Huslage said, “but it also goes to all of the folks who have helped with Operation Connect Carolina.” Celestic is a specialized mobile network provider dedicated to supporting aid and media sectors. The company’s Operation Connect Carolina initiative helped restore connectivity to the western part of the state in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
RDU finished the year strong in 2024, with more than 1.3 million guests traveling in December, a 12.4% increase over December 2023. “With another recordbreaking year behind us at RDU, we are looking forward to welcoming more airlines and international routes than ever before in 2025,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “The new year is starting off strong as we prepare to launch new destinations,
add new airline partners and connect the Research Triangle region with even more travel opportunities.” The airport served a total of 15.5 million travelers in 2024, compared to 14.5 million in 2023, an increase of 6.5%.
CommercialCafe ranked Durham No. 7 in its 2024 study of the South’s top 20 tech metros. The city ranked No. 3 in tech establishment density, with 48 tech firms per 1,000 businesses, and No. 6 in median tech salaries at $103,183. Tech earnings rose by 30.3%, putting Durham in the No. 5 spot, while tech employment density ranked No. 8, with 53 tech jobs per 1,000 workers.
Project development and construction company Skanska earned three prestigious national awards from the Design-Build Institute of America, including the National Award of Merit and the National Award of Excellence in the Commercial/Office Building Category and Best in Process for its Wake Technical Community College Central Energy Plant. “This project with Wake Tech is a
leading example of environmental stewardship and showcases our combined commitment to sustainable, innovative building practices and smart energy solutions,” said Skanska USA Mid-Atlantic Region Executive Vice President Mark Balling. The 15,700-square-foot facility uses geothermal and solar energy to heat and cool the new campus, which reduces energy costs, consumes one-third less energy and cuts carbon emissions by 50% compared to traditional systems. Pictured accepting DBIA awards are Skanska Project Director Jason Tobias, HH Architecture’s James Briglia and Skanska Preconstruction Director Lee Mahaley
NET WORKING
LEADERSHIP FORUM AND HOLIDAY RECEPTION
Photography by HuthPhoto
The Durham Chamber of Commerce invited business leaders, city and county staff, and elected officials to the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club for its annual Leadership Forum and Holiday Reception on Dec. 17, 2024. The event kicked off with a President’s Reception, where attendees heard remarks from Duke University President Vincent E. Price, followed by a networking reception and a program that featured remarks from Durham County Manager Claudia Hager, Kompleks Creative Principal and Creative Director and outgoing Durham Chamber Board Chair Tobias Rose, Mayor Leonardo Williams, Durham Chamber President and CEO Geoff Durham and Durham Chamber Vice President of Community Investment Angelique Stallings Duke Energy’s Ray Trapp presented the 2024 Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award to former city manager Wanda Page, who joined the City of Durham in 1987 as a senior staff accountant and served in several progressively responsible positions before being named deputy city manager in 2006. She was named interim city manager following the departure of former city manager Tom Bonfield in October 2020 and was officially appointed to the role in March 2021. She retired from the position on Dec. 31, 2024.
1 Mayor Leonardo Williams, Ali | Heijmen co-founder Farad Ali and former mayors Elaine O’Neal and Bill Bell. 2 Duke University President Vincent E. Price and Durham Chamber Vice President of Community Investment Angelique Stallings. 3 LeChase Construction’s Denise Barnes; incoming Durham Chamber Board Chair Dom Cole Johnson of Pinnacle Financial Partners; and Chamber board member Shaylah Nunn Jones of Novo Nordisk. 4 Durham Performing Arts Center Corporate Partnerships Manager Katy Shepperson, Director of Marketing and Sales Josette Roten, and Director of Community Engagement Megan Rindoks. 5 City of Durham General Services Department Director Jina Propst and T3 Leadership Solutions President Natasha Robinson.
6 Immediate Past Durham Chamber Board Chair Tobias Rose of Kompleks Creative.
7 Dionne McLean, senior manager of supplier diversity, and Director of Academic Research Engagement Tamara Terry, both of RTI International.
Shopping
108 Churton Boutique / 108 S. Churton St.
Anne & Arthur Fine Art Supply / 220 S. Churton St.
Carlisle & Linny Vintage Jewelry / 112 S. Churton St.
Dwell / 107 N. Churton St.
Eno Arts Mill / 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd.
Hillsborough Bake Shop / 110 S. Churton St.
Hillsborough Gallery of Arts / 121 N. Churton St.
Hillsborough Wine Co. / 118 S. Churton St.
Kim’s Bake Shop / 111 N. Churton St.
Margaret Lane Gallery / 121 W. Margaret Lane
Matthew’s Chocolates / 107 N. Churton St.
Melissa Designer Jewelry / 105 W. King St.
Paws4Ever Resale Store / 246 S. Nash St.
Purple Crow Books / 109 W. King St.
Re-Invintaged Home Décor / 120 S. Churton St.
Saltire Gallerie / 209 Burnside Drive
Spiral Studios / 115 N. Churton St.
Steve’s Garden Market / 610 N. Churton St.
Thomas Stevens Gallery / 126 W. King St.
Uniquitiques / 125 E. King St.
Restaurants and Bars
American Hero Grill / 640 N. Churton St.
Anna Maria’s Pizzeria / 670 N. Churton St.
Antonia’s Restaurant / 101 N. Churton St.
Colorado Burrito / 122 S. Churton St.
Hillsborough BBQ Co. / 236 S. Nash St.
Jay’s Chicken Shack / 646 N. Churton St.
Nash Street Tavern 250 / S. Nash St.
Nomad Restaurant / 122 W. King St.
Pizza Cornicione / 230 S. Nash St.
Saratoga Grill / 108 S. Churton St.
Tacos Los Altos / 126 W. King St.
Samantha’s Papusas / 117 Cornelius St.
Spencer’s Tavern / 153 W. King St.
Village Diner / 600 W. King St.
Whit’s Frozen Custard / 240 S. Nash St.
Willie’s Pizzeria / 670 N. Churton St.
Wooden Nickel Pub / 113 N. Churton St.
Yonder Southern Cocktails / 114 W. King St.
INVESTING IN SUMMER POTENTIAL
AS DEMAND GROWS IN THE TRIANGLE, LOCAL PROGRAMS LIKE SCHOOLHOUSE OF WONDER AND BOUNCING BULLDOGS MAINTAIN QUALITY EXPERIENCES WITH COMMUNITY SUPPORT
BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
The summer camp industry is a serious business, with $4.7 billion in revenue nationwide in 2024, according to industry reports by IBISWorld. And as more people continue to move to the area, the demand for unique camp options in Durham and across the Triangle is expected to increase in tandem.
CEO Wendy Tonker said the quality of programs at the Schoolhouse of Wonder depends heavily on the level of experience, training, supervision and caliber of staff, and that one of its biggest ongoing challenges from a business perspective is balancing affordability for parents with maintaining exceptional programming.
ABOVE Coach Ray Fredrick and Bouncing Bulldogs students watch jumpers and turners practice a gravity-defying routine. LEFT Schoolhouse of Wonder counselors engage campers in woodland games.
“We strive to pay a living wage to employees who want to work in this field, and that takes a significant commitment on the part of our organization,” Tonker said. “There are significant financial obstacles to running a highquality program without being subsidized by something like a city government. We have to find other creative ways to underwrite some of those costs because continuing to pass on the full cost to parents is not a sustainable solution.”
Their strategy is to engage a broader array of individual donors and supporters, she said. “Whether it’s a $10 or $25 donation [or] up to a $5,000 donation, each one of those is
put to good use, either in underwriting the cost of a summer camp or the cost of a field trip for an elementary school class or an entire grade level that comes to us for our field trips,” Tonker said, adding that some donors choose to directly support a scholarship fund.
Starting this summer, Schoolhouse of Wonder will operate in 10 different locations: seven in Wake County, two in Durham County and one in Orange County. Schoolhouse has a new partnership with North Carolina State University to operate at the Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest, a 245-acre property located 10
minutes from NC State’s main campus and about 8 miles from downtown Raleigh. The Durham locations are at Eno River State Park and at West Point on the Eno, the latter of which is the original Schoolhouse site where the program began its partnership with Durham Parks and Recreation when Schoolhouse was founded in 1989.
“They are extremely valuable, essential partners for us,” Tonker said of DPR, “and we’re grateful for their ongoing commitment to getting kids outside and supporting their social and emotional learning and growth through outdoor camps.”
A CHANCE TO EXCEL
Summer camp may be a rite of passage for many young children, but parents today look for more than a passing experience or even simply day care for their kids; they want to unlock the potential within each child.
Coach Ray Fredrick is a retired physical education teacher who has mentored generations of youngsters through joyful movement and playful fitness. He was teaching at Hope Valley Elementary School in 1985 when he had the idea to start a jump rope team called Bouncing Bulldogs, named for the school’s mascot at the time. He also coached the junior varsity boys
basketball team at Riverside High School and spent 17 years working in summer sports camp programs with the late UNC men’s basketball coach Dean Smith.
Fredrick began registrations for the Bouncing Bulldogs summer camp in 1988 and eventually developed a world-class competitive program for single rope and double Dutch skippers. The weeklong summer camps average 30 to 40 kids and boast a 96% retention rate. The team practices and performs year-round, operating with a philosophy that centers on self-esteem, confidence and academic excellence, with a focus on treating all who enter the gym with respect.
“When kids come to our summer camp, if they have a good attitude and they’re self-motivated, we’ll move them up to the team,” Fredrick said. Those attributes are key, “and the last thing is talent,” he added. “Most coaches will focus on talent. I do not, because if the attitude is there
THERE’S A TIME AND A PLACE FOR VIDEO GAMES AND SCREENS AND ALL THINGS ELECTRONICS. AND … THERE’S ALSO TIME AND PLACE FOR BEING OUTSIDE AND UNPLUGGED – A PLACE WHERE KIDS … CAN SAFELY CONTINUE TO DISCOVER WHO THEY ARE, PUSH THEIR BOUNDARIES AND PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES THAT SOME FOLKS WOULD CONSIDER RISKY.
– WENDY TONKER
and they are self-motivated, you can teach the rest, and there’s a place for them in this program.”
Bouncing Bulldogs campers can also choose to continue jumping beyond the summer months. The team performs more than 100 shows in the Triangle area each year, Fredrick said. Many of the same companies and corporations invite the jumpers to return time after time. Fredrick estimates about 20% of organizations where the kids perform donate to the not-for-profit program, which received its 501(c)3 IRS designation in 1996, according to public records. Bouncing Bulldogs is volunteer run, and the majority of its funding comes from individual donors, camp registration fees and membership dues. When asked how the organization makes it possible to provide opportunities for rope skippers, Fredrick said he credits its outreach programs for revenue generation as well as his wife of 47 years, Patricia Fredrick,
Coach Ray Fredrick dedicates his life to teaching generations of kids about the values of academic excellence, physical fitness and sportsmanship.
for her operational and administrative support.
“We are about connecting with the community,” Fredrick said. “We use the rope as a vehicle to help make the community a better place for all people. That’s the power of that job. We teach the kids that our focus is on making sure we bring smiles to people’s faces.”
Fredrick said the Bouncing Bulldogs have traveled throughout the United States and to 33 different countries, including China, South Africa, Australia and the British Virgin Islands, to offer classes and workshops to children abroad. “We focus on the child, because every child is worth it,” he said. “You have people who will come into your path, and the blessings will come, and I’ve lived by them. That’s what has sustained this program.”
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Coach Ray Fredrick worked with Durham Parks and Recreation in 1985 on a program called Fun Caravan, through which Fredrick offered workshops in all 10 housing projects throughout the city. He would drive his black pickup truck, sweep glass off the concrete or asphalt, and begin guiding children through games and activities. “I would work with the kids outside in 97-degree heat,” he remembered. “I developed a special relationship with those communities. And to this day, I see some of those kids. That’s where it all started; a lot of people thought [Bouncing Bulldogs] started in some fancy gym, but it was at the housing projects where I developed my skills to run summer camps. The kids taught me so much. They taught me how to listen. They taught me that they were creative and that my way was not the only way. … And I use [those lessons] here to this day.”
Edwin Barnes & Leah Berry
PHOTO BY ISAAC BULLMAN PHOTO, ISAACBULLMAN.COM
Wedding Date April 12, 2025
Occupations Leah is the editorial assistant at Triangle Media Partners, and Edwin works as a vehicle production engineer for NASCAR team Joe Gibbs Racing in Huntersville, North Carolina.
Crossed Paths Edwin and Leah knew of each other through their involvement in the YoungLife ministry in college – Edwin is a 2024 Duke University alum and former Blue Devils football player, while Leah is a 2023 UNC grad (yep, a house divided) – and thus, a shared circle of friends. But it wasn’t until mutual friends hosted a Halloween party in 2021, that they were officially introduced. Sparks flew, and Edwin wasted no time – he messaged Leah on Instagram the very next day to plan their first date.
The Proposal Edwin orchestrated the perfect proposal under the pretense of taking college graduation pictures at Sarah P. Duke Gardens on April 14, 2024. He invited Leah to join him, suggesting they dress up for some nice photos together. Their friend and photographer, Isaac Bullman, was in on the plan, snapping shots of Edwin in his graduation gown before asking him to remove it and for Leah to step into the frame. That’s when Edwin dropped to one knee and asked the big question. Though Leah had her suspicions, she couldn’t hide her excitement as she said, “Yes!” The couple then wandered through the gardens for a celebratory photo shoot with Isaac. To Leah’s surprise, both of their families appeared to share in the joyous moment, and the celebration continued with close friends and family at a lively engagement party. Finally, “I Do” The couple will celebrate their spring wedding with a beautiful ceremony and reception at the historic Belmont Mansion in Reidsville, North Carolina.
wedding
Marcos Negrete & Anneke Oppewal
BY ANNIE HAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELISE HODGES PHOTOGRAPHY, ELISEHODGESPHOTOGRAPHY.MYPIXIESET.COM
Wedding Date May 26, 2024
Occupations Anneke is a program manager and executive assistant to the COO at Book Harvest, a nonprofit that focuses on children’s literacy. Marcos is currently completing his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Duke University.
Crossed Paths Anneke and Marcos first connected on Hinge, bonding over a shared interest in Quito, Ecuador – Marcos’ birthplace and Anneke’s college study abroad destination. A week of messaging led to their first date at Motorco Music Hall, where their seamless conversation carried them to closing time. Not ready for the night to end, they kept the energy alive with late-night pizza at Boxcar Bar + Arcade. “We were amazed at how easy it was to connect and relate to each other, even though we came from such different backgrounds,” Anneke says.
The Proposal Marcos popped the question a few days into their first trip to Ecuador together in December 2022, proposing while the pair overlooked Mitad del Mundo, a monument marking the equator. Anneke, who had already spotted the engagement ring box in Marcos’ front pocket but chose not to spoil the moment, eagerly said, “Yes.” She then turned the tables, asking if Marcos would marry her, too. They spent the rest of their trip celebrating alongside Marcos’ family.
The Big Day The two said their “I dos” surrounded by sunny skies at Chapel Hill’s Ardenwood Farm, which was preceded by a welcome party at Hi-Wire Brewing the night prior. The day featured personal touches, blue accents and bountiful blooms arranged by Blawesome, all brought to life by Caroline Hewitt of Bluebell Weddings & Events. Honoring their cultural backgrounds was a top priority for the pair, and they beautifully blended traditions throughout the celebration. Their bilingual ceremony – co-officiated by pastor and former leader of Farm Church, Ben Johnston-Krase, and Kristen Sommerfeld, current leader of the church – incorporated both Spanish and English, the reception playlist featured a variety of Spanish music mixed in with Southern classics, the decor included table runners from a Quito artisan market, and an American and Ecuadorian flag adorned the cake. The couple celebrated their nuptials a second time in Quito on July 27, 2024. “It was so special to get to celebrate with family and friends there who weren’t able to make it to North Carolina,” Anneke says. The newlyweds embarked on their honeymoon to the Galápagos Islands following the second celebration.
Favorite Moments The couple cherished every part of their big day, but they particularly enjoyed dancing with each other at their reception. Marcos loved dancing to the Ecuadorian song “Juyayay,” sharing a piece of his culture with his new wife and their guests. Anneke treasured her and Marcos’ private last dance. “We were able to catch our breath for a moment and relish in the amazing wedding day that we shared together alongside our family and friends,” she says.
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