Durham Magazine February/March 2022

PRETEEN PROS ON THE DANCE FLOOR 58

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SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 68

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DREAMY DUKE FOREST DIGS 82

F EBR UARY /M AR C H 2022 DUR H AM M AG. COM

OUR 4TH ANNUAL

INFLUENCERS ISSUE

8 IMPACT F UL L EADERS MAK E T H EIR MARK PAGE 34

FOR THE RECORD Sylvan Esso’s Nick Sanborn and Amelia Meath elevate our music scene.

Wish you were here.

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magazine

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 VOL 15 NO 1

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EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR

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EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Renee Ambroso renee.ambroso@trianglemediapartners.com DIGITAL EDITOR

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

Jessica Stringer

MANAGING EDITOR, CHATHAM MAGAZINE

Anna-Rhesa Versola EDITORIAL INTERNS

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

Jennifer Adler, Julia Baker, William V. “Bill” Bell, Victoria Bouloubasis, Grayson Haver Currin, Matthew Lardie, Tess Mangum, Christina Riley, Elizabeth Turnbull and Morgan Cartier Weston

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John Michael Simpson CONTRIBUTORS

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february/march 2022

contents FEATURES

26 On the Road Again A travel expert shares her picks for spring road trips 34 The Influencers These folks all have a hand in affecting the way we live, work and play in Durham – learn how from the people who know them well 54 Forging Ahead The pandemic brought this fencing club to a halt. But it also allowed its founder to reconfigure her goals into something greater than the sport itself.

58 It Takes Two This young ballroom dancing duo made a big leap together 62 Safe Harbor Kids and instructors alike find their happy place at this local swim school

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS

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

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

DURHAM INC.

6 Letter from the Editor

18 Noted What we’ve heard around our city …

30 What We’re Drinking Melanated Wine 68 Summer Camp Guide Does your kid love sports? What about science or engineering? Maybe art?

There are dozens of camps in the Triangle to match every kid’s interest.

82 Home, Grown This family’s Duke Forest ranch is a reflection of their love of Durham

101 Networking Back in Business 104 Biz Briefs 107 Tall Order Shared experiences from the hardy folks who opened restaurants during the pandemic

PEOPLE & PLACES

12 Women of Achievement Luncheon 14 APS Tails at Twilight 16 Over the Edge for Duke Children’s 17 Durham Regional Association of Realtors Centennial Celebration

letter

It’s Who You Know

I

remember the first time I heard “Coffee” by Sylvan Esso at a house party. Back in those days, most of my friends lived among rooms in a house together, and we would all meet up on the weekends to reconnect and figure out where our lives were taking us. Every time I hear the song now, I think of cigarettes and light beer, staying up way too late (or too early, depending on how you look at it) and those “blazing summers, cold coffee.”

Amelia Meath’s soothing voice and Nick Sanborn’s beats have inspired me ever since. “Coffee,” both the song and the literal brews from Cocoa Cinnamon, kept me going through my early years at Durham Magazine. Sitting up in the Geer Street shop, sometimes I would spot Areli Barrera Grodski and Leon Grodski Barrera while I was pounding away on my laptop keyboard trying to write stories worthy of the narratives that local subjects shared with me. People like Katie Wyatt, the founding executive director of Kidznotes, who I interviewed years ago on Orange Street in the heart of downtown, where Downtown Durham Inc. President and CEO Nicole J. Thompson keeps a watchful eye over our businesses today. Now, Shana Tucker leads the musical education-based nonprofit as its first ED of color – learn more about her story, as Tess Mangum of Sonic Pie Productions tells it, on page 42.

Speaking of Tess, we have her to thank for lining up the musical talent and production at Boxyard RTP, a significant part of the vision for the future of Research Triangle Park.

Research Triangle Foundation President and CEO Scott Levitan oversees that vision day in and day out, leading his dedicated team in creating a lifestyle where residents can also eat, drink and relax so very close to where they work at the heart of RTP with Boxyard, Frontier RTP and the future Hub RTP. This is part of what makes up Durham, now under the leadership of Mayor Elaine O’Neal.

After hearing her impassioned speech at the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce’s holiday reception (page 101), I’m confident that, provided we all work together to celebrate our city’s amazing achievements, past and present, and put in the effort to enact the change we can, we’ll see a bright and enduring future. The influential folks mentioned above will certainly help lead the way.

T HE COV ER

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 @amanda_maclaren amanda.maclaren@durhammag.com

YOU’VE SPENT 30 YEARS BUILDING YOUR NEST EGG. NOW COMES THE HARD PART:

MAKING IT LAST ANOTHER 30.

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North Carolina Z Asheboro, NC

HeartofNorthCarolina.com | 800-626-2672 Request a FREE 2022 Travel Guide, bit.ly/FREETravelGuide, and learn about all the outdoor adventures available in Randolph County, the Heart of North Carolina!

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Fortune Feimster F EB. 1 8 -1 9

The stand-up comedian, writer, actress and North Carolina native made her TV debut on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” in 2010 and has appeared in numerous films and shows since, first becoming known as a writer and panelist on E!’s “Chelsea Lately” followed by a regular series appearance on Hulu’s “The Mindy Project.” Now she’s bringing her 2 Sweet 2 Salty tour, complete with all new material, to Fletcher Hall at The Carolina Theatre.

This haunting and hopeful new musical takes the stage this winter at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, this acclaimed show by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and director Rachel Chavkin intertwines two mythic tales – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife, Persephone. durhammag.com

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University features this expansive view of contemporary art in North Carolina with approximately 100 works by 30 emerging and established artists from across the state. Through a variety of media, the artists – including Beverly McIver, Cornell Watson, Jade Wilson and Saba Taj, among others – explore themes surrounding historical and current events, loss and remembrance, trauma and healing, and identity, inviting museum visitors to reckon with hard truths, seek healing in collective reflection and demand transformative action.

EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE; CHECK WITH ORGANIZERS PRIOR TO ATTENDING

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T H R O U G H J ULY 10

THIS SEASON’S TOP EVENTS

Hadestown

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Reckoning and Resilience: North Carolina Art Now

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Compiled by Amanda MacLaren

Spring Plant Sale M A R CH 26

Head to Sarah P. Duke Gardens for this biannual event where you can ask for advice from staff horticulturists and peruse a wide variety of plants for all types of garden spaces to take home with you! The members-only preview sale is March 25.

(Clockwise from top left): Fortune photo courtesy of Fortune Feimster and The Carolina Theatre; Reckoning and Resilience: Saba Taj, "Borders/ Portals (are so Gay)" from the series "there are gardens at the margins," 2020. Acrylic paint, oil paint, spray paint, gold leaf and glitter on canvas; 72 x 72 inches. © Saba Taj; Florence Forth photo courtesy of AE Alliance Inc.; Imani Winds photo by Shervin Lainez; Plant Sale photo by Orla Swift; "Hadestown" photo by T Charles Erickson

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Florence Forth M ARCH 5

This competitive 10K race and a 5K run/walk through Durham’s historic neighborhoods celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The race, which begins and ends at Bull City Running Co.’s downtown store, is organized by a local family in memory of their daughter, Florence, who died of autoimmune encephalitis at age 6. All proceeds support the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance, a local nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, educating doctors and improving clinical care.

Science Nights: Up, Up and Away

Imani Winds M ARCH 2 7

The New York City-based and Grammy Award-nominated wind quintet presents six contemporary masterworks by women composers in this Duke Performances event at Baldwin Auditorium. Titled “A Woman’s Perspective,” the performance includes Imani Winds’ founder and flutist Valerie Coleman’s Afro-Cuban Concerto, Ruth Crawford Seeger’s Suite for Wind Quintet and Nathalie Joachim’s Seen, which premiered in March 2021 and was commissioned by The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C.

MAR C H 18

Take to the sky at the Museum of Life and Science and learn what makes natural and human-made objects fly, float and soar. Build and test your own plane and helicopter designs in the Launch Lab, or try your hand at designing and testing model seeds in Hideaway Woods. Many of the activities at this event are designed to encourage collaboration among participants.

Festival of Nations A PR I L 3

Join the Sister Cities of Durham for this fourth annual celebration of Durham’s nine sister cities – Durham, England; Arusha, Tanzania; Kavala, Greece; Sibiu, Romania; Kostroma, Russia; Toyama, Japan; Zhuzhou, China; Celaya, Mexico; and Tilaran, Costa Rica – and the more than 25 countries represented in Durham by restaurants and other businesses at Durham Central Park, where there will be cultural booths, performers, merchandise and food vendors.

Participate in the virtual festival taking place March 25 through July 31.

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival AP R I L 7- 10

The virtual 25th annual festival consists of dozens of new feature and short film screenings – meaning Full Frame audiences will be some of the first people to ever watch these movies – in addition to several filmmaker Q&A’s and panel discussions. Audiences can watch films from any device, all weekend long, and there will be Full Frame apps available for Apple TV and Roku. Festival passes go on sale March 8; single tickets go on sale March 29. f e b r ua ry/ m a r c h 2 0 2 2

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Power Lunch

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Durham Magazine, Chapel Hill Magazine and Chatham Magazine honored the 2021 Women of Achievement at The Carolina Inn in October 2021. Guests enjoyed prosecco, coffee and lunch while networking with fellow community leaders, honorees past and present, and Triangle Media Partners’ staff, including COO Rory Gillis and Vice President Ellen Shannon. The event was made possible by Hendrick Subaru Southpoint, Wake Radiology UNC REX Healthcare, Aesthetic Solutions, Edward Jones, Posh The Salon and Elevate by Longfellow.

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1 Former WoA honorees Tess Mangum of Sonic Pie Productions, Ellen Cassilly of Ellen Cassilly Architect and Spring Council of Mama Dip’s Kitchen with WoA 2021 honorees, documentary filmmaker Anna Ruth Jones and Divine Nine sorority member Dianne Peerman Pledger of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.

2 Spectacular Magazine’s Phyllis Coley, a 2021 WoA honoree, and Durham Magazine’s Ellen Shannon.

3 Hendrick Subaru Southpoint’s Anna Latta and Poonam Nandani.

4 2019 WoA honoree Sharon Van Vechten of ​​Van Vechten Connections, Durham County Library’s Sara Stephens and WoA 2021 honoree Elizabeth Turnbull of COPA. 5 Edward Jones’ Linda Chabinsky, Hamilton Point’s Tracy Davies, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County’s Jennifer Player and Durham Public Schools’ Sheena Cooper.

6 CQC Home’s Emily King with Lauren Engel and Annie Stephens, both of Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty.

WE’RE STILL

HAVING FUN AFTER 20 YEARS

Being our best and having fun along with integrity, giving back to the community, The Grandma Rule®, care and inclusion are the rest of our values. Thank you, Durham for the privilege of serving you.

We’re looking forward to the next 20!

919.309.9582 | @ TwoMenAndATruckDurham @TwoMen_RDU | TWOMEN.COM TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® locations are independently owned and operated. | NCUC 2369 | U.S.DOT No. 1274561/2340295

People & Places

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Creature Comforts

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The annual Tails at Twilight gala benefiting the Animal Protection Society of Durham again went Beyond the Ballroom, with attendees visiting the JB Duke Hotel prior to the evening’s virtual celebration to pick up their delicious dinners as well as craft cocktail kits from Alley Twenty Six. Once home, auctioneer Matt Newsom of Custom Benefit Auctions led guests through the program, which included a live and silent auction, games and the announcement of the Golden Ticket raffle winner. Once the program wrapped up, DJ Spider led a dance party for all those watching at home. The event raised more than $241,000, which will assist in the care of the nearly 4,000 animals that the shelter sees in a year in addition to spay and neuter efforts, foster assistance, distribution of pet food and supplies, and more.

1 APS Executive Director Shafonda Allen and APS board member, volunteer and Tails at Twilight former Gala Committee Chair Susan Teer. 2 Adeline Wilkinson and Ranger.

3 Jenny Casagrande, Marianne Bond and Pauli.

4 Dena Verdesca with her dogs, Rascal and Remington Steel. 5 Carole Klove, Juli Tenney, Chris Straughan and Jasper. 6 Britney Wallace and her pup, Levi.

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People & Places

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Reaching New Heights

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DUKE CHILDREN’S

Forty-five brave folks, including those pictured here, rappelled down 21c Museum Hotel in October during a fundraising effort to help raise money for clinical care, pediatric research and provider education at Duke Children’s. Thanks to individual donations and sponsorships, $92,000 was raised during the Over the Edge event.

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1 Terrance Walker.

2 Pam Keels.

3 Robyn Hahn.

4 Vaibhav Parmar.

5 Haipeng Chen.

6 Joe Turek. and Betsy Turek.

7 Crista Walters.

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People & Places

Centennial Celebration PHOTO BY JESSE CHEN

The Durham Regional Association of Realtors installed the 2022 officers and directors of the more than 1,750-member organization during its 100th-year luncheon at the Hope Valley Country Club in November.

“As we embark upon our 100th year as an association, I look at all of the diverse and talented individuals who make up our association,” said 2022 President Shawn Hays, who was handed the DRAR’s historic gavel by 2021 President Karen Roberts. “… [It’s] what makes us stronger together.”

Joan Austin presented the association’s historic milestones, recognizing her mother, Marie Austin, a pioneering broker who helped open up the industry for women in Durham, and C.E. Phillips Jr., the first licensed broker in the state. Funds raised at the organization’s October Benefit Auction to aid those in need of shelter were presented to Housing for New Hope and Families Moving Forward. DRAR members donated coats to Urban Ministries of Durham and food to Second Mile Ministry.

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Officers (seated): Secretary-Treasurer Bert Woodall; 2021 President Karen Roberts; 2022 President Shawn Hays; President-Elect Cindie Burns; and Vice President Grace Jones.

Directors (standing): Otto Cedeno, Sondra Trice-Jones, Kim Hanan, Sherenia Branche, Emilie Barker, Kathleen Bennett, Elizabeth Dougherty, Ruby Bland, Amy Shair-Miller, Jennifer Barrier and Fritz Hine.

(Not pictured: Steed Rollins and Kimberly Williams.)

PS 118 G A L L E R Y 118 West Parrish Street

E V E N T S PA C E

AND

· Downtown Durham

sparking joy and conversation since 1996 We are celebrating our 25 year anniversary, publishing books in a variety of genres (see our online bookstore), while both galleries display a series of engaging exhibits by some of the most outstanding artists from across the Southeast.

Solo and thematic exhibitions on the ‘main walls’ are complimented by works from 60+ artists and craftpersons in a variety of media and across a range of price points.

The galleries are great resources for soulful gifts, and when looking for inspired works to appoint a home.

The PS118 stage hosts artist talks, literary readings, musical performances, and other salon events. Quarterly popups bring around guest jewelers, clothing makers, floral arrangers, furniture makers, and more.

horseandbuggypress.com Eutopia crystal glassware. Doug Dotson pitcher.

Margaret Sartor mixed media from her TORN series.

Bring this ad in before May 1 and receive 10% off any item not on the main exhibit wall.

Junk of the Heart by Heather Evans Smith.

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noted.

NEWS BITES

Moon Dog Meadery and Bottle Shop opened

on Dec. 26, 2021, at 1104 Broad St., in the space below Joe Van Gogh. Owners Derrick Forrest and Kenneth Thrower produce mead and creative fruit wines in the 3,356-squarefoot space, which are for sale along with local craft beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages.

Moon Dog also offers board games that patrons can rent to play, and plans to host trivia and game tournaments. Kenneth and Derrick hope to add a monthly wine and mead subscription service, an outdoor patio and small stage to host live music.

Send us your news!

WHAT WE’VE HE ARD AROUND OUR CIT Y …

Compiled by Renee Ambroso

community education. Founders Areli Barrera Grodski and Leon Grodski Barrera opened their current roasting facility in June 2017 out of Cocoa Cinnamon’s Lakewood location.

ON THE MOVE

Durham Public Schools

Superintendent Pascal Mubenga chose

Lakewood Elementary School Principal James

Hopkins (right) to serve

as the first principal of Lyons Farm Elementary School. James began hiring and onboarding staff for the new school, which is slated to open in summer 2022.

Christine Catalano

Chef Michael Lee’s restaurant M Sushi was the only eatery in the state to be named on reservation platform OpenTable’s 2021 Top 100 Restaurants in America list, which took into account 10.5 million reviews made on the site by diners to select the most beloved restaurants in the nation. M Sushi is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars across more than 1,600 reviews.

Cocoa Cinnamon’s roastery Little Waves

Coffee Roasters was named the 2022 Micro

Roaster of the Year by Roast magazine. The category encompasses roasters who process fewer than 100,000 pounds of coffee per year, and the award is based on sustainability, commitment to inclusion and equity, and 18

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started her role as DPS executive director of K-12 curriculum and instruction in January after serving as a principal and executive director for Nash County Public Schools.

Christine holds a doctorate in education from East Carolina University.

Kelly Thompson was

named the executive director of the Exchange Family Center, taking over the role from interim director Wendy Scott on Nov. 2, 2021.

Kelly has spent more than 15 years leading nonprofits and brings her experience to help the center continue supportive programs for children and families in Durham.

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From births to awards to new biz and more –

Email editorial@durhammag.com

Duda|Paine Architects

Principal and Design Director Jay Smith joined the American Institute of Architects Triangle Board of Directors in December 2021, where he’ll contribute his expertise based on his experience as a design team leader and project manager for complex, large-scale corporate and commercial sites.

Gov. Cooper appointed three North Carolina Central University School of Law alumni as superior court judges in December 2021.

Reggie McKnight fills the seat in Judicial District 26E, serving Mecklenburg County, after the retirement of Judge Donnie Hoover. Justin Minshew will serve Greene, Lenoir and Wayne counties in District 8A, succeeding Judge Ericka James. N.C. Central professor and Center for Child & Family Health Legal Director Dorothy Hairston Mitchell was appointed to District 14 as Durham’s District Court Judge, taking over from Judge Brian Wilks.

Sarah Tondu (right) was

named the managing director of the American Dance Festival on Jan. 10. Sarah was promoted from her previous position as the director of communications and marketing for ADF and has held various roles with the modern dance organization since 1997, including as director of performances and community programs for nearly a decade.

Sarah steps into the role after the retirement of Director of Finance and Administration Cynthia Wyse (right) in December 2021.

Local Start Dental

welcomed certified dental technician Jacob Shore to the team in late 2021.

Jacob, a Durham

Technical Community College alumni, joins the dental practice

with five years of experience in the field.

Durham City Manager Wanda Page selected John Allore (below left) as the new director of the Budget & Management Services Department and Sharon Williams (below right) as the director of the Equity & Inclusion Department in January. John is a longtime city employee and has been the interim director of the department since former director Bertha Johnson moved on to serve as interim deputy city manager in August 2021. Sharon most recently worked as manager of the city’s Racial Equity & Inclusion Division and led efforts to expose institutional racism within governmental policies and programs.

Black Caucus in 2014. “I know that my life’s work at fighting for greater fairness and equity will not cease,” he says. “I am confident that our best days are yet ahead.”

Kaila’Shea Menendez

began work as the deputy director of the Durham Sports Commission on Dec. 1, 2021. She will assist the nonprofit in creating social and economic impact through sports by managing initiatives, special projects and connecting with stakeholders. Kaila’Shea joins the DSC after serving as the senior director of leadership programming and events for Kansas City, Missouri-based Women Leaders in College Sports.

Mayor Elaine O’Neal announced her transition team members. Co-chairs Lew Myers and Michael Goodmon will spearhead the team.

Lew, who previously served as interim president and CEO of Discover Durham, is currently board chairman for the National Institute of Minority Economic Development and the Center for Community Self-Help.

Michael, Capitol Broadcasting Company’s senior vice president, also serves as the chair of the North Carolina Entrepreneurial Council.

Other members include Farad Ali, John F. Burness, Pilar Rocha-Goldberg, Donald Hughes, Danielle Nolen, Shane Jones, Eunice Sanders and Casey Steinbacher.

provided 5,061 bags of groceries, including bread, canned goods and kid-friendly snacks, which were delivered to the home of every student from 12 local schools in early December. The story was shared on CNN’s “Heroes Salutes” that same month.

A new exhibit titled “The Story of 500 W. Main St.,” which details the history of the Museum of Durham History’s downtown space, can now be viewed on panels mounted on the exterior of the brick building. The exhibit was funded by a $50,000 donation from Dr. Thomas H. Krakauer, founding chair of the museum’s board of directors and former head of the Museum of Life and Science.

Dress for Success Triangle NC hosted holiday

clothing drives on Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 at Crabtree Valley Mall in partnership with the mall and Tommy Bahama. More than 150 pieces of new and gently used clothing including suits, dresses, shoes and bags were collected for donation to unemployed women.

GIVING BACK PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF DURHAM COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Congressman G.K. Butterfield announced his

retirement after almost 18 years of serving North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, which goes into effect at the end of the 117th Congress on Jan. 23, 2023. Congressman Butterfield was the first Democrat from the state to serve as the senior chief deputy whip and was elected chairman of the Congressional

Turquoise LeJeune Parker, a

media teacher at Lakewood Elementary School, raised more than $100,000 through Mrs. Parker’s Professors Foodraiser campaign to ensure her students and other children in Durham wouldn’t go hungry over the winter break. The seventh annual fundraiser

The Exchange Family Center’s annual AdoptA-Family program gathered funds and donations from Dec. 6 to 15 for the children and families participating in its three primary programs, and ended up helping 18 families (double the number served in 2020) and raising $16,700 to assist them in purchasing clothing, toiletries, toys and groceries. 

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noted

GlaxoSmithKline, in partnership with the

The Emily Krzyzewski Center announced the inaugural recipients of the Duke University Service Awards, created to recognize the center’s exceptional volunteers: Michelle Beischer, Kofi Thompson, Kirk Wagenseller, Eliza Ferguson, Nicole Geraci, Adam Gould and

Triangle Community Fund, chose 10 area

nonprofits – based on their exceptional contributions to life-improving and sustaining resources, supporting health and offering services to those in need – to each receive $50,000 as part of the 25th annual IMPACT Awards. The recipients included Communities in Partnership, Durham Literacy Center, Durham Nativity School, Housing for New Hope and the National Institute of Minority Economic Development.

WHAT AN HONOR

Durham native and former fashion director of Vogue, André Leon Talley; director of the Duke Hearing Center and cochlear implant developer, Dr. Blake Shaw Wilson; and author and historian Timothy Tyson were among six recipients of the annual North Carolina Awards in 2021. As the highest honor bestowed by the state, the award acknowledges lifetime achievement across various disciplines including literature – which André and Timothy were honored for – public service, and science – which Dr. Wilson was recognized for.

Duda|Paine Architects

founding principal Turan Duda was honored with the F. Carter Williams Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects North Carolina, recognizing his accomplishments and contributions to a range of building projects and also his role leading notable regional and international commissions since forming Duda|Paine in 1997 alongside Jeffrey Paine.

Renowned jazz singer Nnenna Freelon was nominated for a 2022 Grammy Award for best jazz vocal album for 2021’s “Time Traveler,” and her son, Blackspace founder Pierce Freelon’s “Black to the Future,” is vying for best children’s music album.

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Sylvan Esso also earned a 2022 Grammy

nomination, the band’s second in the best dance/electronic music album category following a nomination for 2017’s “What Now.” Nick Sanborn and Amelia Meath have been promoting their latest album, “Free Love,” released in September 2020, through virtual performances on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” NPR’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts series and a 30-stop live tour in fall 2021. The awards, slated to be handed out on Jan. 31, were postponed to April 3.

The Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties selected its 2021 Remodelers Outstanding Construction award winners, which included: • Grau Building Company: People’s Choice Award; Gold for Best Major Renovation more than $500,000 • BuildSense: Silver for Best Major Renovation more than $500,000 • Unified Custom Homes: Best Home Addition and Best Exterior Renovation Durham County was awarded six Excellence

in Communications Awards by the North Carolina Association of Government Information Officers. Durham won first place in the social media campaign category for its efforts during Women’s History Month; in the photography category for “Mystery in the Sky” (a pensive shot of the Durham County Administration Building I); and in the videography category for “DCo Insider.”

The county won third place in the categories of photography and campaign/community engagement, as well as an honorable mention for its news releases/feature writing.

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Samantha Longlade.

Creekside Elementary School Principal Victoria Creamer was named the

2021-22 Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year. As the leader of the largest K-5 school in the district, Victoria managed the challenges of the pandemic while striving to provide digital access and resources to every student.

The City of Durham was recognized by Bloomberg Philanthropies with a What Works Cities certification for its use of data to guide decision making, policy and funding in order to improve quality of life for residents. Durham was one of 10 cities awarded the designation in December 2021, and its demonstrated datadriven projects include a composting prototype and pilot program in Walltown, the Durham Expunction and Restoration Program and its participation in the National League of Cities’ Cities Addressing Fines and Fees Equitably.

The Forest at Duke won the 2021 International Council on Active Aging NuStep Beacon Award for “Best in Wellness” among senior living communities in North America. The annual award honors the top 25 organizations striving to promote wellness for older adults.

The Durham Bulls were named the 2021 Minor League Team of the Year in December

by Baseball America. The honor follows a season in which the team won a third Triple-A national championship and finished with an 86-44 record, matching the third-most wins in Bulls’ history and totaling a .661 winning percentage – the best yet for the franchise. 

M

R. TERRY DAVID is a twin, and the

FCRinc.org | / MrTerryDavid

PHOTO BY NITISH SINHA

17th of 18 children, grateful to have been raised in a large, loving family with incredible parents. He joined the US Air Force after high school, serving as an Intelligence Specialist. Upon leaving the armed forces, he chose to attend NCCU in Durham, where he received his bachelor’s degree in public administration and master’s degree in social work.

His passion is to be a servant leader.

Since 2012, Mr. David has been in the nonprofit arena, concentrating on Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) programming. HS/EHS is a national program focused on effecting a better future for low-income children from birth up to 5 years. His Head Start journey not only spans 3 organizations but he is proud to have been a Head Start child himself, attending Head Start in Bennettsville, South Carolina.

Mr. David is the CEO for Families & Communities Rising (FCR), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, headquartered in Durham.

As CEO, he leads three local, and two national programs, including early education programs for young children through HS/EHS and KidSCope, ARCH National Respite Network, and FRIENDS, a program providing training for child abuse prevention.

In addition, Mr. David is the NC Head Start Association President, a Board Member for Region IV Head Start Association and serves on the Early Education Council for the State of NC, appointed by Governor Cooper.

Mr. David is passionate about family, God, providing high quality programming that will enhance the quality of life for children and families, and of course, The Bull City.

noted

Seventy-four players contributed to the standout season that ended with an at-home record of 45-20.

The U.S. Department of Education selected Pearsontown Elementary School as one of eight schools across North Carolina and one of 325 schools in the nation to be designated a National Blue Ribbon School. The award is the second Blue Ribbon received by a DPS

institution since the district formed in 1994.

The year-round magnet school was honored as an Exemplary High Performing School based on the academic excellence of every student.

Ten programs from PBS North Carolina earned nominations for the 36th Midsouth Regional Emmy Awards, which will be presented in late February to honor the area’s top public television producers.

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IN OTHER NEWS

The Durham Bulls revealed new uniforms inspired by the team’s memorable jerseys of the 1980s and ’90s. The design nods to the classic Bulls logo, which stands out on the white home jersey and gray away jersey. Orange, white and blue piping line the sleeves and collar. Iconic Bull City landmarks like the Lucky Strike Water Tower and Eno River are visible on the blue alternate jersey. The team will sport their updated uniforms in April when the season starts.

Singer and guitarist Jake Xerxes Fussell released his album “Good and Green Again,” on Jan. 21 on the Paradise of Bachelors label. The project, produced by James Elkington, ventures beyond Jake’s established mastery of folk tunes with its experimental songwriting and marks a return to music making as a partnership after two selfproduced releases.

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André Leon Talley, the former creative director

After

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and editor at large of Vogue magazine, passed away Jan. 18 at age 73. André grew up with his grandmother in Durham during Jim Crow and rose to international fashion world fame. As a child, he often ventured to the Durham County Library to read issues of Vogue; he became the fashion magazine’s creative director from 1988 to 1995 and then its editor at large until he left in 2014. He returned to Durham often over the past few years, especially to visit his alma maters, Hillside High School and North Carolina Central University.

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An Evening Out

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Chapter 2

W

Away We Go

ith winter well in the rearview, and the lure of sun-drenched sapphire

shores in front, they headed into the day without a care in the world.

What had forever been off-limits was now open range to do anything their hearts and spirits of adventure desired. Mom and Sis could have their day of shopping. These three bright-eyed, bushy-tailed good boys would be buying freedom and the unbridled happiness that came with it.

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d ay t r i p s

on the road again

A travel expert shares her picks for spring road trips WO RDS A N D P H OTO GR AP HY B Y C H RI ST I N A RI L E Y

O

ur area is surrounded by small towns and iconic attractions that many people know very little about. Here are five destinations that deserve your attention the next time you want to head out for a daytrip.

SE AG ROV E

Randolph County gets a lot of attention thanks to the North Carolina Zoo, but Seagrove is another excellent spot to visit in the area.

Home to slightly more than 200 people, this is the handmade pottery capital of the U.S., thanks to the local clay’s rich minerals. You’ll find at least 100 potters and more than 50 studios within this small community.

Start by grabbing a map from the North Carolina Pottery Center. Then drive up and down “Pottery Road,” designated as a scenic road by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. You can also ask the kind people at the visitors center where to go, and they’ll then ask what you’re seeking.

Find just about any style, including popular ModdWare and one-of-a-kind agateware from Eck McCanless. Speaking of Eck, he is always happy to provide a demo, which is truly a wonderful experience.

When you get hungry, head to nearby Asheboro for a meal at The Table. The farmhouse-style restaurant keeps things as local as possible and also makes the best cinnamon rolls in central North Carolina. If you need another option, don’t count out the legendary fried chicken at Magnolia 23.

BEAU F ORT

The Crystal Coast, located between Wilmington and the Outer Banks, is another incredible daytrip. In this 26

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stretch of coastal byways is Beaufort, a wonderful town full of charm and history. Take time to walk down the boardwalk that runs parallel to Front Street. The views of Taylor’s Creek and boats docked in the marina provide for a beautiful backdrop to any daytrip.

Learn about the area’s 300-year history at the Beaufort Historic Site and at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. It is the third oldest town in the state and was originally a fishing village.

Beaufort offers one of the easiest ways to see wild horses in North Carolina. You can sometimes see them from the mainland as they graze and roam the inlets and islands’ part of the Rachel Carson Reserve. You can also kayak or hire a boat to take you across the creek and get a closer look.

Another option from Beaufort is to take a ferry to Shackleford Banks, where you can see more horses and explore the iconic Cape Lookout National Seashore.

After your adventures, enjoy a refreshing meal at Moonrakers in the Beaufort Historic District.

The restaurant has some of the best views of Beaufort from its rooftop and a great local beer selection. Start your meal off with a delicious appetizer of whipped feta, and ask about the local catch of the day. Make sure to browse its extensive wine list with more than 90 selections – the restaurant earned an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine.

ABOVE Eck McCanless is a Seagrove potter who specializes in agateware.

BELOW Enjoy a small plate of baked shrimp with jerk butter, coconut and pineapple at Moonrakers.

H A L IFA X CO UNTY

This county northeast of the Triangle is home to important North Carolina history and has lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Start in the county seat, Halifax, which is partly

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d ay t r i p s

responsible for the “First in Freedom” state license plates that adorn our cars today.

That’s because the Halifax Resolves, which ordered North Carolina’s delegation to the second Continental Congress, was signed here on April 12, 1776.

You can learn about this historic happening at the Halifax State Historic Site in town. The Underground Railroad Trail, another Halifax landmark, has a site here and at two other spots in the county.

One of the other locations is at the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail. Here you’ll find information about the enslaved people who built the canal, which ended up serving as an escape route for those seeking freedom.

History is just one piece of what makes the county special. The Sylvan Heights Bird Park is an 18-acre, primarily outdoor aviary with more than 2,000 exotic waterfowls and birds. You can even feed flamingos and other birds in a designated area.

Medoc Mountain State Park is also in Halifax County, spanning 3,900 acres with more than 10 miles of hiking trails. The majority of the trails are short and perfect for less experienced hikers or families.

ABOVE The world’s oldest longleaf pine can be found in Weymouth Woods and is thought to be more than 474 years old.

BELOW The whirligigs have reflective material on them and light up at night.

WI L SON

This city, less than an hour east of Raleigh, is known for the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum. The 2-acre park is in the heart of downtown and features 30 kinetic sculptures. Each one was built by local farm machinery repairman Vollis Simpson, who used various discarded parts to tell a story of life in eastern North Carolina. Walk around this unique place, and you’ll see milkshake mixers, ceiling fans, bicycles and road signs that spin in the wind.

You can also walk around Lake Wilson, a scenic reservoir on the outskirts of town. The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House is also worthy of a stop. This unique piece of architecture preserves the area’s African American history, art and culture.

Afterward, grab some iconic eastern North Carolina barbecue (and fried chicken) from Parker’s Barbecue. This wood-fired barbecue restaurant has been smoking whole hogs since 1946, 28

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and there is an air of nostalgia as the entire staff wears 1950s-style paper hats.

Tailgate outside The Beefmastor Inn if you arrive early enough before they open. When you’re seated, prepare for one of the state’s finest steak dinners.

SOUTHERN PINES

Head south to Moore County and Southern Pines for a wonderful getaway. Sometimes Southern Pines is overshadowed by its more famous golfing neighbor, Pinehurst, but there’s a lot to do in the area beyond the links.

You can start your adventure here by searching for North Carolina’s oldest known longleaf pines at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve. Its three access points and sandy hiking trails sit just a few minutes from downtown Southern Pines. Each trail is surrounded by towering evergreens, meaning that this state park is verdant throughout the year.

Downtown Southern Pines is packed with shops and great local food. A stop at The Ice Cream Parlor Restaurant for a homemade scoop is a must. They also make great burgers if you’re looking for a full meal. Get in line for the delicious crepes coming out of Betsy’s Crepes for breakfast. For lunch or dinner, order an appetizer of Cajun crawfish fries and ribs from Chapman’s Food & Spirits. Wash those incredible meals down with a frosty pint from Southern Pines Brewing Company before heading back home.

Christina Riley is a photographer and writer at the North Carolina travel website NC Tripping, nctripping.com.

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what we’re drinking

L

ashonda Modest had little to no experience in the

B Y HAN N AH LEE PHOTOG RAPHY B Y J OH N M I C H A EL S I M PS O N

inspiration behind our family [restaurant] that’s still open 20 years wine industry (aside from the occasional glass she’d later,” she says. She, too, received that gumptious gene. That drive, in drink in the evenings). She spent the first decade of combination with her prior work experience, was the perfect base to her professional career working as a researcher in life propel her newfound passion. She found an unassuming storefront sciences. Eventually, the wine connoisseur couldn’t help in a commercial building on Industry Lane, just a short drive from but do some research of her own on her favorite windthe Southpoint area, got her permits and hosted her grand opening down beverage of choice. with the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce in October. She What she discovered shocked her. anticipated around 60 people showing up, and her team “In the wine industry, women – there easily saw a couple hundred people come through. are so few of us,” Lashonda says. “African American The popularity of her burgeoning business owes some Melanated Wine women – it’s so few of us. I was like, ‘But why?’ I was credit to Yadkin Valley Wine Country – seven counties 4608-F Industry Ln. curious and really wanted to figure out what I could do.” packed with dozens of vineyards that’s just two hours 919-695-3303 What she ended up doing was opening Melanated away. She works directly with Childress Vineyards for melanatedwine.com Wine, Durham’s first woman-owned and Black-owned production and bottling. winery, this past August.

“The people, the wineries, vineyards and all the Black-owned wineries account for less than 1% of all owners are amazing,” she says. “They have welcomed wineries in the U.S., while Black people often make up more than 10% me with open arms. Had I gone anywhere else or decided to put my of American wine consumers, according to “Terroir Noir: 2020 Study business anywhere else outside of North Carolina, I don’t know if I of Black Wine Entrepreneurs” published by Monique Bell, a professor would have had that [support].” at California State University, Fresno. Black women? They make up an Assuredly, she tasted more than 100 wine varietals before even smaller fraction of that miniscule number. landing on her current four wines. Her go-to, she says, But that didn’t deter Lashonda. She comes from a lineage of is the riesling “Manifest.” It’s a crisp, entrepreneurs – she kindly remembers her late grandfather making semisweet wine that reflects pork sausage and selling it to neighbors in Illinois. “He was the her aspirations for 30

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what we’re drinking

the future of the company and white sangria, especially, is beyond, which, importantly, flying off the shelves. After includes her hopes for her just a few months in business, 5-year-old and 11-year-old people already come from daughters. as far as Virginia asking “I’m all about creating for it. generational wealth,” Lashonda The affordable wine, but says, “and starting that for my also the tastings and Saturday “Wine is one of those things people want to taste before they buy,” family.” She holds out the bottle paint-and-sip events, are all Lashonda says. Take date night to the next level and come out to and paraphrases a quote she once the more reason to stay and sample all four of Melanated Wine’s bottles. heard: “Your manifestation can be imbibe. The inside features an inspiration to a generation.” a stylish wall dressed in faux “We have to continue to dream,” she adds. greenery and twinkling fairy lights. There’s also a permanent ring The three other varietals Melanated Wine offers – a white blend, light, which begs for photo ops. It’s all part of the fun-loving, a red blend and a white sangria – have similarly inspiring names, educational experience that Lashonda promotes. She wants all with stories behind them. And a fifth varietal could be well customers to feel connected to the brand and remove those on its way. Lashonda hosted a tasting for Melanated Wine VIP preconceived notions of minority culture. Hence, Melanated members in January to play around with a few ideas. Expect an Wine’s slogan: “Uncork the Culture.” announcement this spring.

“It’s a pretty heavy load to carry me in as the first woman-owned, And, more urgently, stock up. The bulk production shipment Black-owned wine brand here in Durham,” Lashonda says. “I don’t Lashonda received in November is already running low – the take it lightly, and I feel honored.”

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with the Verona Quartet FEB. 5 AND APR. 23

These folks all have a hand in affecting the way we live, work and play in Durham – learn how from the people who know them well

INFLUENCERS PHOTOG RAPHY B Y J OHN M I C H A EL S I M PS O N

the

elaine o’neal

MAYOR, CITY OF DURHAM

first met Mayor Elaine M. O’Neal in the ’90s when I was a Durham County Commissioner and she had been elected as a district court judge. I became mayor in 2001; as a result, I collaborated with her on various community and civic activities. One of the programs that Elaine and I – along with Phyllis Joyner, among others – established in 2006 was the Restoration Institute for Leaders. It was an exciting and innovative educational and leadership enrichment opportunity for 80 Durham youth who were in crisis.

It emerged to provide academic credit, vocational options and incentives for 13- to 18-year-olds who were entangled in pathways that could lead to failure and destruction. It was a summer school program housed at the Durham School of the Arts. It was through that program that I saw how dedicated Elaine was to the young people of our city and county. She graduated from Durham Public Schools and felt grateful for the opportunities and mentorship her community offered her, and she wants that for today’s youth.

After 24 years on the judicial bench and her role as the interim dean of the N.C. Central University School of Law, Elaine will tell you that she has seen the worst and the best of humanity. We are at a crossroads in

our city on multiple fronts. Gun violence is stealing our young people of color. Elaine knows firsthand the profound anxiety a Black mother feels as she sends her children, especially young Black men, out into a world that seems intent on harming them.

Her leadership on the city’s first Racial Equity Task Force helped to provide a road map with concrete actions the city and county can both take to create change and nurture our beloved city. But it will take a tremendous amount of dedication, persistence, courage and all heart, to move that work forward.

Whether Elaine is on the bench, in a boardroom, a classroom or in the mayor’s seat, her leadership is rooted in empathy, understanding and openness. Most admirable is Elaine’s humility. Rather than revel in recognition of her trailblazing life, she’s focused on the work in front of her, the lives that are dependent upon her and her role in creating a just future for us all.

Elaine is the right person, at the right time, to assume the leadership of the “Office of the Mayor.” She is a team leader and player, but she also understands the need to compromise when it is for the better good of the community. Elaine’s gaze is wide and deep in our city. Her own history is part of the fabric of Durham’s history, and she believes that no matter where you come from, if you live in Durham, you are family. We are indeed fortunate that she has offered her services to be our mayor, and as voters, we are proud to have accepted and elected her to the job.

– WILLIAM V. “ B ILL” B ELL, FORMER MAYOR OF D UR H A M 

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THE INFLUENCERS

amelia meath & nick sanborn MUSICIANS, SYLVAN ESSO

I

had been a Triangle expatriate for three months when I finally felt a twinge of homesickness.

For the first 34 years of my life, I lived and worked in and around Durham and Raleigh, bouncing between the two like a pingpong ball. But as the summer of 2017 began, I sold my house and belongings, moved into a van and hit the highway.

I’d never felt so free, so absent of life’s “what ifs.”

But then I saw Sylvan Esso – hometown heroes and good friends I’d met right before they moved to Durham in 2012, just as Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn were becoming both a couple and a band.

In an amphitheater called Mishawaka, nestled inside a Colorado canyon, they were electric and electrifying, in complete command of a soldout crowd that had internalized every word and now repeated it as Friday night rites. From the side of the stage, I beamed with pride at these newly minted North Carolina emissaries, the hometown pop stars of a place I acutely missed.

For all the internet’s destabilizing effects on the music industry, from the marginal payouts of streaming to our physical interaction with art, our shared online superstructure has allowed for an act like Sylvan Esso not only to come from Durham, but also to stay as their star has risen. From their home in Durham and from Betty’s, their studio in the woods near Chapel Hill, Amelia

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and Nick run the sort of many-tendrilled music business – that residential recording hub, an emerging label, a touring band capable of expanding to 10 or contracting to two – you may expect in New York, Los Angeles or Austin.

That is, Amelia admits, one of their favorite assumptions about Sylvan Esso to dispel. “When people say, ‘Where are you based,’ they mean: ‘Los Angeles or New York?’” she says, laughing in her joyously wry way. “I love to tell them Durham.” And oftentimes, Nick adds, those folks want to know more, so they proselytize. It’s no surprise that both friends (like Flock of Dimes’ Jenn Wasner) and family members have followed them south.

Despite the slim touring schedule of our pandemic times, Sylvan Esso have released their third album, “Free Love,” earned their second Grammy nomination in the category for best dance/ electronic music album, and launched a label with their local managers and pals, Psychic Hotline. In May, they’ll turn the historic Durham Athletic Park back into an amphitheater for their two-day festival, “Greatest Show on Dirt.” It all feels like a flag in the ground, a banner of belonging.

I don’t long for the place I forever called home often, but when I do, it’s typically because of what a band like Sylvan Esso says about it. The culture is rich enough to start and sustain them (and countless others, mind you), while the place and people remain comfortable enough to keep them around, too.

– G RAYS O N H AV ER C UR R I N , MUS IC JOURNA LIST (THE NEW YORK TIMES, P ITC HFO R K, N P R ) 

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THE INFLUENCERS

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nicole j. thompson PRESIDENT & CEO, DOWNTOWN DURHAM INC.

N

is likely the most effective and dedicated advocate for small businesses in downtown Durham. Without her tireless efforts to advocate on our behalf throughout the past two years, I can say that we would not still be here today – and neither would a number of our city’s other beloved businesses.

Thanks in large part to Nicole’s work, outdoor dining has become a permanent fixture of our city’s landscape. And she’s not done yet – she is continuing to work with city officials to make sure the program is sustainable and enjoyable for all.

When several local restaurants asked for ways to bring more people downtown safely, Nicole created The Streetery, an expanded outdoor dining and entertainment event that let people spread out in the streets and enjoy some of the best our city has to offer.

That program carried us – and a number of other downtown businesses – through the long, dark winter of 2020-2021. It was, quite literally, our saving grace.

Nicole’s effectiveness is impressive, for sure. But what really makes her stand out is her heart for our city’s independently owned businesses. She truly loves Durham and the people working here.

Few people know how much Nicole is doing because she is so humble, moving quietly behind the scenes, shining a light on our local businesses and never on herself.

Working with Nicole over the past two years to address the needs of our independent restaurants in downtown Durham has been a great honor, but the greatest pleasure has been getting to know her and now calling her a friend. icole Thompson

scott levitan PRESIDENT & CEO, RESEARCH TRIANGLE FOUNDATION

I

t’s hard to overstate what an important role Research Triangle Park plays in the economic vitality of our region and our state.

Once a moonshot of an idea, RTP is now home to more than 300 innovative companies that collectively employ nearly 60,000 people.

The modern-day success of RTP can be traced back to decades worth of visionary leadership and cooperation from a slew of partners in business, academia and government.

Scott Levitan is the latest of those leaders shaping RTP’s promising future. The economic development successes in just the past couple of years under Scott’s direction have been numerous and impactful. The phrase “economic development is a team sport” is an old adage frequently thrown around in economic development circles, and this saying perfectly encapsulates what Scott and the Research Triangle Foundation team are all about.

A true consensus builder, Scott is adept at fostering the public-private partnerships necessary to pull off big things. Take the transformational Boxyard RTP and Hub RTP developments for example. It takes a dizzying amount of coordination among public officials, developers, vendors and other private sector partners for projects like these to come to fruition … much less in the midst of a global pandemic. Scott’s vision and followthrough were essential to keeping these projects on track.

Scott understands that innovation – in all forms – is what RTP does best. Back in 1959, the idea of a large suburban research park was itself groundbreaking. Fast forward more than 60 years later, and the modern worker values more of a live-work-play dynamic that eschews time spent

– E L I Z A B E T H TUR NBUL L , CO -O WNER AND BAR D I R ECTO R , CO PA; SENI O R EDI TO R AND PARTNER, L I GHT MESSAGES PUBL I SHI NG

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THE INFLUENCERS

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in a car. Recognizing this, Scott is evolving RTP into something that it has never been before – a regional attraction and lifestyle center. In that sense, Scott and his team are not just building a community in the Park, they are also building a sense of community that all Triangle residents can connect with. We will likely be talking about this current chapter of RTP’s story for generations to come.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that RTF is an unwavering champion for sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, and regional mobility. This reality is no accident, as their fearless leader himself is personally passionate about these issues. We are fortunate to have such a prominent regional advocate who amplifies these values within the business community.

Scott also rightfully recognizes RTP as not only a regional asset, but also as a truly statewide asset – a small but important distinction that helps all North Carolinians feel invested in the Park’s future.

Ultimately, the best thing about Scott is that he is a dog person, and dog people are the best kind of people. The Boxyard RTP-adjacent “Barkyard” dog park is surely no coincidence. We are tremendously fortunate to have Scott (and his trusty sidekick, Gizmo) shaping RTP’s future at such an exciting time for our region.

– RYA N R EGA N , VICE PRES I D E N T OF E CON OM IC D EVELOPMENT, G R E AT E R D UR H A M CHA MB E R OF COM M E R C E 

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THE INFLUENCERS

shana tucker

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KIDZNOTES

S

he calls her genre ChamberSoul, and I have a confession to make.

Years ago, Shana Tucker and her band were so in the pocket, so setting up a groove at a very early morning conference showcase I was attending, that I did something I very rarely do. I cussed. Out loud. It was that good.

She’s a talented, authentic, generous, innovative, irrepressible bandleader, cellist, vocalist, composer, songwriter, teaching artist, touring performer, session player, role model, mother … the list goes on and on. She rocks a beautiful smile and big earrings. These are a few of the reasons it comes as no surprise that Shana has collaborated with Grammynominated artists like The Foreign Exchange and Rissi Palmer, spearheaded countless projects for social change, or that Cirque du Soleil’s Las Vegas-based show, KÀ, poached her from the Triangle for five years.

She’s currently rising to tremendous challenges as the executive director of Kidznotes, and it’s a Cinderella-and-glass-slipper fit. Kidznotes is a Durham-based nonprofit that delivers eight hours per week of no cost, comprehensive music education (in strings, woodwinds, brass, choir, theory and music leadership) to pre-K-12th graders with minimal financial resources. We’re talking transformational, year-round instruction, field trips, master classes and instruments. Free, for every single student, and Kidznotes’ students and faculty reflect the beautiful diversity of Durham and Wake counties. Simply put, the whole thing (based on the El Sistema model, which focuses on the whole individual and social change, rather than just musical skills) is life-changing and revolutionary, especially when funding for music education in public schools keeps dwindling.

Shana herself went to a public school with an orchestra. That’s where she learned to play cello. Her high school conductor saw her talent, but her mother couldn’t afford the instrument and private lessons he recommended. “We can’t afford it” were four words she heard a lot growing up, and she didn’t want to worry her mother by asking for things she knew the family didn’t have the money for, even though playing the cello made her heart feel like it was flying.

“Representation matters at all levels,” Shana says. “Kidznotes kids are majority Black and brown children who attend Title I schools in the Triangle area. They need to know that they belong. Period. In every creative space, in every section of the orchestra … conducting the orchestra, too! And they also belong at every discussion and decision-making table. As the first executive director of color at this organization, I am committed to empowering and encouraging our students to confidently ‘show up’ in every space that brings them joy and where they can share the joy they carry with them as musicians.”

– TES S M A N G U M , F O UNDER & C EO, SO NI C PI E PRO DU CTIONS

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Kidznotes students Zion Anderson, 11, Juan Landa-Aguilar, 13, and Felicia Adizue, 15, with Shana Tucker.

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THE INFLUENCERS

I

f you’ve flipped to this page to learn more about this power couple, What began as a literal dream in Leon’s sleep, Cocoa Cinnamon first heed my full disclosure: You’re about to read a love letter to started as a true labor of love with $75 in the bank account. It first some of my best friends. operated out of the Barrera family kitchen in 2010, selling truffles at As a longtime journalist and former food editor in Durham, I’ve markets and shopping mall kiosks; then as bikeCOFFEE in 2011; and only written extensively about Areli Barrera Grodski and Leon Grodski later evolved into three community-supported coffee shops and Little Barrera once, in 2011 for INDY Week, Waves Coffee Roasters, founded in 2017. when they functioned as bikeCOFFEE Today, Little Waves Coffee leads with – a tricycle cart they pedaled around impressive stats. It was just named the downtown. Leon and Areli focused on country’s 2022 Micro Roaster of the Year pour-over coffee, teas, spices and handmade

by Roast magazine. The company is Latinachocolate truffles at the time. You’d find led (Areli was born in Tijuana, Mexico) and them at the Durham Farmers Market on is composed of 71% women and nonbinary Saturday mornings, parked inside Motorco people, and 53% people of color. Much of OWNERS, LITTLE WAVES COFFEE ROASTERS Music Hall during a show or late night on the the staff are immigrants or come from firstsidewalk outside of The Pinhook. generation households, and the leadership AND COCOA CINNAMON Durham felt like a different place then, positions reflect that diversity, too. The where the “DIY District” at Rigsbee and roasting team includes women who started Geer percolated with ideas from small business owners, artists and working as Cocoa Cinnamon baristas as teenagers. The company pays activists alike. The city is rapidly changing, but Areli and Leon kept livable wages and gives back to the community constantly. that vibe, never losing their sense of place and the desire for equitable The company doesn’t make these choices for the sake of ticking growth in and for a creative community. boxes. Areli and Leon are gathering from both their lived experiences

areli barrera grodski & leon grodski barrera

THANK YOU For giving hope to families that need it!

The Triangle community came together to make the inaugural Season of Hope an enormous success. Your generosity helped raise $642,990.90 for Duke Children’s!

GIVING.DUKECHILDRENS.ORG 919.385.3137 | dukekids@duke.edu Thank You to Our Sponsors

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THE INFLUENCERS as well as the community they are rooted in and helping to build. In the coffee industry, this type of visibility and representation is significant and essential. Areli is a founding member of the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity, which combats gender and racial inequity in the coffee industry along its entire supply chain. One of the main ways she does this is through Little Waves Coffee’s purchasing practices: buying from women of color producers around the world, direct from the source, ensuring fair opportunities from seed to cup.

The way Leon and Areli care for their close friends rivals the love of a doting mother. They uplift the people around them in selfless ways and embody the shine theory, best explained by Lizzo: “If I shine, everybody gonna shine.”

Areli and I met arguing over the music at a house party more than a decade ago. Fast forward a few years, and we started an all-women, immigrant-kid DJ collective together, Mamis and the Papis, after

years of building a solid friendship.

She pushes me to step outside my comfort zone and convinces me I’ll succeed in whatever new thing we try: like rock climbing (a mental life saver), tennis (I’ve got a mean serve, OK?) and, allegedly, lucha libre (Google “Durham luchadoras” – you won’t be sorry).

Leon is a cheerleader, motivating people to follow their dreams even when it seems hard. I recently asked him for financial advice, and he set up a two-hour Zoom call that made me feel hopeful and practical about my savings for the first time ever.

In their 50-plus-page application for the Roaster of the Year award, Leon and Areli wrote that “sustainability is also about the well-being and longevity of our bodies and minds, now and into the future.” They expand on their ethos, which is evident in all that they do: “It’s a holistic and rooted approach that takes time and daily little waves. [...] We exist because of our community.”

– VICTORIA B OULOUB ASIS, JOURNA LIST A ND D OCUMENTA RY F ILM M A K E R

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DISCOVERY

2022

THE DUKE PEDIATRIC AND CONGENITAL HEART CENTER In summer 2021, the Duke Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center team performed the first donation after circulatory death (DCD) heart transplant on a pediatric patient in the U.S. Fourteen-year-old Jaynzra “Nae” Rice was the recipient of this first transplant, which marked an important milestone in the care and treatment of older pediatric patients awaiting new hearts.

She is pictured here with her family and with Duke Children’s heart team caregivers including surgeons, cardiologists, nurses, social workers, respiratory therapists and other team members.

To thank a Duke Children’s doctor or nurse who has helped a child in your life reach their own milestones, make a gift for Doctors’ Day on March 30, 2022, or during Nurses Week from May 6-12, 2022, by visiting giving.dukechildrens.org.

FACES Durham.

PHOTO BY NIKKI WHITT, FANCY THIS PHOTOGRAPHY

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SMITH & HEYMANN ORTHODONTICS Dr. Dempsey Smith is driven by his passion for how orthodontics can improve people’s lives – a pursuit that sets him apart. After earning his specialty degree in orthodontics from UNC, Dr. Smith served in the U.S. Navy for four years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Dr. Gavin Heymann was born in Durham, grew up in Chapel Hill, and has practiced in those communities since completing his specialty training in orthodontics at UNC. He remains a lifelong learner through continuing education and as an adjunct faculty member at the UNC School of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics where he teaches residents. He appreciates the opportunity to develop relationships with patients while helping them achieve beautiful, healthy smiles.

Dr. Katya Skillestad was born in the former USSR, and speaks fluent Russian. She grew up in Charlotte and attended UNC for her undergraduate and dental degrees. Dr. Kat then studied orthodontics at Texas A&M University in Dallas, where she won the prestigious Journal of Clinical Orthodontics National Resident of the Year.

Together with their outstanding team, our doctors believe that beautiful smiles have the power to change patients’ lives in positive ways.

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BRENT L. BLAYLOCK, DDS For 40 years, Brent L. Blaylock, DDS has been a trusted cosmetic and restorative dentist in Durham.

With patients ranging from adolescents to older adults, Dr. Blaylock spends time getting to know his patients in order to address their unique dental needs, from major transformations to routine dental care. His office provides crowns, bridges, tooth-colored fillings, implant restoration, whitening, TMJ evaluation and bite guards, among other dental procedures.

Since opening his practice, Dr. Blaylock and his team have provided a clean, safe environment by maintaining robust infection control procedures. In light of COVID-19, the office enhanced its safety protocols. Upgraded masks are used in addition to the standard PPE, and common areas are cleaned and disinfected regularly. Air purifiers located in all treatment rooms, the reception area and business office remove airborne contaminants. As COVID-19 evolves, their office remains committed to adjusting protocols to always protect the health of the Durham community.

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GENERALDENTISTDURHAM.COM

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VIRTUE EVENTS Joye Speight is an entrepreneur, creative designer, and builder of atmospheres and experiences. With more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, she brings her expertise, community building skills, infectious energy, and a diversity, equity and inclusion approach to event planning through her company, Virtue Events.

Virtue is the Triangle’s premier event planning and consulting team, with passionate certified planners who specialize in contract negotiation, onsite management, design and concept development for weddings, social gatherings and corporate events. As the largest minority woman-owned event planning team in the Triangle, Virtue offers creativity, experience and intentionality to every client.

Virtue creates memorable experiences by bringing together people from different backgrounds for a common purpose. They support minority-owned vendors for every event - 98% of their preferred vendors are POC. Joye and Virtue are thrilled to be an impactful part of the Durham community, creating memorable moments, one inclusive event at a time.

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DESIREE T. PALMER, DMD, PA | BULL CITY DENTAL Since 1985, Desiree T. Palmer, DMD, PA and Associates have provided optimal oral healthcare with a chairside manner that exceeds patients’ expectations. As a dedicated team of professional women, they seek educational opportunities that enable them to utilize cutting edge, state-of-the-art technology to provide efficient and effective service to their patients. In 2015, Dr. Palmer opened a second practice on Parrish Street, Bull City Dental, to enable residents who live and work downtown to walk to the dentist. At both offices, Drs. Palmer, Kemp, Harris and Nickelson provide comprehensive family dental care that includes cosmetic dentistry, implant restorations and Invisalign. Bull City Dental and Desiree T. Palmer, DMD, PA and Associates look forward to fostering relationships with their patients and the Durham community for years to come.

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MODE At just 17 years old, Lauren Elmore discovered her passion for helping people express themselves through their style by working her first job at a small boutique. In 2010, she opened her first consignment boutique in downtown Durham, which would later open a location in Raleigh, as well. Today, Lauren continues to provide an unmatched shopping experience at MODE, a woman-owned, local business that sells high-quality designer and name-brand merchandise.

Whether styling a customer for their upcoming honeymoon or bringing an outfit to life with statement accessories, MODE gives shoppers the opportunity to create their own style. From the long sought-after leather jacket to the perfectly fitted designer jeans, Lauren and her team help customers of all ages find the perfect outfit for a special occasion, a day at the office, and everything in between. Customers can also consign their gently used or brand new items, giving a second life to their pieces.

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forging The pandemic brought this fencing club to a halt. But it also allowed for its 54

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J

ennifer Oldham opened

Mid-South Fencers’ Club

on Broad Street in 2008 “because other clubs wouldn’t allow women coaches to develop professionally,” she says. Fast forward 14 years, and “as COVID-19 descended, I was coaching at a World Cup in Athens, Greece. I had proven to myself women can coach athletes to this level. Mid-South achieved its mission and vision.”

This past year, she reenvisioned her business, creating Forge Fencing Academy and Club and Forge Teams. “Optimizing physical health [during the pandemic] was obvious, but the unattended civil rights issues

g ahead

founder to reconfigure her goals into something greater than the sport itself.

B Y AMAN DA MACLAREN | PHOTOG RAPHY B Y J OHN M I C H A EL S I M PS O N

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brought unease to my consciousness,” Jen says. “While finding ways to sustain my family, I explored and consulted about different responses to what the community as a whole needed.

I dared to dream of a more sustainable business model and came to the conclusion to form a nonprofit organization in order to build leaders and foster equity through sport participation.”

Fencers receive training to grow their technical and tactical skills at The Academy, while The Club meets a variety of athletes’ interpersonal and developmental needs, and hosts tournaments, summer camps and training groups as they form and evolve.

The Teams program focuses on leadership and equity in order to build sustainability and inclusivity. “I want to prove competitive communities can make inclusive decisions, look beyond their own self-interests, and work toward fairness and justice while not sacrificing excellence and strength,” Jen says. “To work on relationships for a better world is a hard process – thus, the name Forge.”

Along with the new name comes a new facility, slated to open in mid-February at 610 N. Duke St. The space, Jen says, will house the best training technology that exists today. “We will have a mezzanine for viewing, a small kitchen, study area, lockers, gathering spaces, four bathrooms (including one shower), one adapted parafencing (wheelchair) strip and 16 full-size fencing strips built into a specially designed floor,” she says. “There will be nothing else like it in the area!”

Though the space is still a work in progress as of press time, the efforts to achieve the organization’s goals are already underway. “We want to pay our staff fairly, while keeping fees affordable,” Jen says.

“We want to build leadership skills through sport participation.

Relaunching our national travel team, including our paraprogram with adaptive fencing, is in progress. We want to create pathways for scholarships, which could allow more access to higher education opportunities. I also have a vision for a countywide teen leadership 56

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ABOVE Anna Schikore, 18, and Nora Xie, 13, spar inside Forge Fencing’s temporary space at Now Church.

LEFT Sabres and other equipment are available for use through Forge’s programs.

program interconnecting athletes from all sports at public, private and charter schools in Durham.”

The current teen leadership program at Forge focuses solely on fencing community and creating community-based projects connected to sport participation – including building up high school league participation in the state – while students learn from one another. Its first meeting included more than a dozen participants from four different North Carolina counties and represented six different fencing programs. Its next meeting takes place Saturday, March 12, from 3-6 p.m. “Outreach is central to the launch of Forge Teams,” Jen says. “We are partnering to connect with kids and teens who would benefit from our community and coaching, and want to fence.

Several high schools in the Triangle are working to optimize access to our sport, and we are partnering with anyone and everyone whose mission aligns with ours. Both Duke and UNC have varsity fencing programs; this facility could easily be the first home to a fencing program at North Carolina Central University.”

Forge will also host a summer camp program in its new space for 7- to 17-year-olds beginning June 13. Kids can “expect to have fun and work at exploring [their] competitive nature,” Jen says. “So much of reopening this past year has been about learning how to be in social groups safely. Our students are so grateful, engaged and happy to be doing something they love.”

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kids & family

Phoebe Wolf and Alexander Simakov practice their routine at Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

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It takes two

This young ballroom dancing duo made a big leap together B Y J EN N IF ER ADLER PHOTOG RAPHY B Y J OHN MICHAEL S I M PS O N

W

hen you are born to professional ballroom dancers, sometimes dancing is in your blood.

Sometimes your mom hears about ballroom dancing lessons and signs you up.

And sometimes two such 12-year-olds become dance partners and, within a year of performing together, are chosen to represent the United States at the Dutch Open World Professional Championships in Ballroom and Latin. Not always, not often and not likely. But sometimes. That is what happened when Alexander Simakov – who has been ballroom dancing since he was 5 years old and whose f e b r ua ry/ m a r c h 2 0 2 2

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Phoebe feels she needs to exercise parents, Oksana Klyuchnyk and before bed.” Phoebe doesn’t mind, Yuriy Simakov, own Fred Astaire because she says she “hopes to Dance Studio on Garrett Road – know dance [her] whole life.” teamed up with Phoebe Wolf, who Kathryn agrees that the practice has only danced for one year. is fulfilling for her daughter, The Durham Academy students and it teaches important skills. were one of just four young pairs “It’s an exquisite education,” she in the 8-11 age group selected says. “The amount of discipline, nationwide, and the only couple self-composure it requires, the from the Southeast division, to teamwork and [the athleticism]; dance at the competition held in you learn how to compete, how to Holland this past November. handle your nerves and anxiety.”

Participating in these contests The kids’ dedication paid off in is nothing new to Alexander, Holland. The U.S. team placed who competed regionally by age second, behind Ukraine. Alexander 6. Phoebe, on the other hand, and Phoebe didn’t end up placing learned everything “so quickly” in the couples’ division, but they over the past year, Oksana says. both agree that this is their new To be able to represent the United goal. Phoebe says that ballroom States in only 12 months makes dancing taught her that “if you them “special partners,” she adds. don’t win, it’s OK, and you have a Perhaps their aptitude comes BELOW Jeff Wolf and Kathryn Wolf with their daughter, goal to work on for the next year.” from the love of competition Phoebe; Alexander and his parents, Oksana Klyuchnyk and Yuriy Simakov; and Fred Astaire coach Serhiy Titarenko.

Alexander’s dream was to that both preteens share. Phoebe represent the nation on a world says, “I like feeling proud and I stage. Now that he’s done it, he’s like the suspense for the results. excited and just a little nervous You’re up there and they call the about this next goal. The partners results for first place and you don’t have graduated from the 8-11 know what you are going to get.” age group. The next age bracket Alexander feels right at home is a big step up, “like going from in the competitions and enjoys kindergarten to fifth grade,” meeting new people, reuniting according to Oksana. Both with friends from competitions Alexander and Phoebe also prefer around the country and watching standard ballroom dancing to professional dancers. the Latin style – they have to And they both do work perform both in the competition. quite hard, with dance lessons Standard, Alexander says, is “one almost every day of the week. nice smooth movement. It’s pristine and calm, more fun [to me] Oftentimes they’ll participate in additional technique classes.

Phoebe likes to end her nights with 30 minutes of added exercise: than Latin.” But for now the focus is on improving their Latin moves. With their self-discipline and teamwork, and with access lunges, squats and planks. Alexander plays other sports like to a dance studio that employs top coaches from around the baseball and basketball for extra endurance. globe, they’re sure to shine yet again as they head out to compete “The days feel really packed,” says Kathryn Wolf, Phoebe’s for another international championship trophy at the New York mom. “From school, it’s double lessons then home and dinner Dance Festival on Feb. 21. and whatever homework didn’t get done during the day … then 60

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ABOVE PhD Swim School owner Katie Cleary and Liam Heijboer, 5. RIGHT Charlie Scruggs, 6, floats on her back while instructors Daisha Workman and Jamie Fedor assist. BELOW Macon King, 4, takes direction from instructor Alasha Thornton.

safe harbor

A

penguinembellished yellow border lines the light teal walls of PhD Swim School’s 2,300-squarefoot location, which is housed in a strip mall off of Highway 54.

Animal-shaped foam kickboards and baskets of colorful toys line the perimeters of the two 16-by16-foot, above-ground pools. Next to the reception desk are some bleachers, a waiting room and an office. It’s an efficient use of space that is welcoming to its young clientele and very different from owner Katie Cleary’s backyard pool where the business began in 2013.

Katie grew up in South Carolina, where she was a competitive swimmer and instructor. “Summer swimming was the one place I 62

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Kids and instructors alike find their happy place at local swim school B Y J EN N IF ER ADLER PHOTOG RAPHY B Y J OHN MICHAEL SIMPSO N

felt safe and happy,” she says. “It opened up everything in my life.

It’s my job now. I eat, sleep and dream it.”

She moved to Durham for graduate school in 2008 and discovered Survival Swim – a water survival program designed to teach independent swimming and self-rescue skills to infants, toddlers and young children – while she was pursuing her doctorate in neurobiology at UNC. “A lot of my coursework was human behavior related, and I looked at [survival swimming], and I said, ‘This is amazing … I want to do this,’” she says. As a student, she didn’t have the thousands of dollars that it cost to become certified in infant swim rescue, but through her schoolwork and YouTube videos, she put together a program that transitioned

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kids & family

from survival swimming lessons (three classes a week for seven weeks) to competitive swimming sessions. “I want [my students] to continue with their skills and not just survive.”

The combination of the two methods is unique to PhD Swim School, and the focus on survival swimming is imperative to Katie. “No one is going to say, ‘Well, this 3-year-old drowned, but his kick technique was awesome,’” she says. “… We have to make sure if they have an accidental encounter in the water, it doesn’t end in tragedy.”

Accidental drowning is still the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4, despite the popularity of swim lessons. Katie says training instructors in proper survival skills “costs money and takes time, but I believe that’s the right thing to do and that’s what we are going to do.”

Katie Blalock, director of business operations at PhD Swim, stresses that it is a “full-commitment, part-time job.” When a new instructor is brought on, they shadow one of the Katies for a full 64

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ABOVE Santana Pamplin, 3, has been taking classes with instructors including Daisha and Jamie since August 2021.

LEFT AJ Jernigan, 8, and Hannah Jernigan, 6, have been PhD Swim School students for four months.

seven weeks. A skill is taught and then mirrored while the new instructor’s technique is corrected and critiqued.

The instructors begin as trainees and then become apprentices, who are all paid a living wage. As apprentices move through the sessions, they are given their own schedules as well as a raise.

There is a 1-to-1 student-toinstructor ratio at PhD Swim, which equates to a long waitlist for certain time slots (350 students deep for the 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. block). Whitney Eibl was on the waitlist for two sessions, or 14 weeks, but she was pleased with the results she saw in her 2-year-old and 5-year-old. Her oldest child was initially “very resistant and anxious” about getting in the water, she says, so

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kids & family she “hadn’t previously had success with mean that the business is doing anything traditional swim lessons [for him], and this wrong. …You can do everything right felt like a last chance for us … it was totally and still get an infection.” worth the wait.”

Katie C. says she has had nightmares Employees are also required to have in which she arrives at the school to find received both doses of the COVID-19 that one of the pools is drained, and she vaccine, and boosters are strongly has to teach in her bathtub. Yet even encouraged. All instructors wear a surgical when there are troubles to solve in reality mask at all times, even in the water. Katie – one of the pool pumps breaks, everyone C. will soon be trialing N95 masks while wants the same two-hour time block for she teaches. Students and parents also wear lessons or the multitude of COVIDmasks, though the students take theirs off related difficulties, Katie C. is still living while in the pool. “Ninety-nine percent of out her dream, “and most people don’t get “This is my dream,” says PhD Swim School owner our families have been lovely about it,” she to have their dreams come true.”

Katie Cleary. She emphasizes the importance of teaching kids survival swimming techniques says. “Every time I send out a reminder “It’s never easy, and as a small alongside competitive swim skills. about wearing masks, I get 10 people business owner, there are going to be who say, ‘Thank you so much for being so problems no matter what you do and courteous.’” how well you respond to them,” she says. “… At the end of the day, With these precautions in place, PhD Swim hasn’t had a I’m not doing it for some sort of glory or financial gain. I’m doing documented case of COVID-19. Katie C. hopes that streak it because I’ve been teaching swimming since I was 16 years old. I continues, but says, “omicron is extremely contagious, and it doesn’t think that’s what I was put on this planet to do.”

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North Durham Office 4301 Ben Franklin Blvd. Suite 201 | Durham, NC 27704 919-797-2300 • DurhamBraces.com

Jump in on the Fun

BOUNCING BULLDOGS FUN + FOCUS + FRIENDS

Jump rope classes + camps for all ages

Call us or visit our website for more information and to register

bouncingbulldogs.org | 919.493.7992 |

kids & family

summer camp guide

Does your kid love sports?

What about science or engineering?

Maybe art? There are dozens of camps in the Triangle to match every kid’s interest.

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 understanding of dance.

Ages 6-17 Dates Weekly in June and July.

Visit website for details.

Price Varies by camp. Visit website for details.

BALLET SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL 1603 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 919-942-1339; balletschoolofchapelhill.com Offers a variety of classes, dance camps and workshops in creative arts, ballet, modern, contemporary jazz, rhythm tap, hip-hop, musical theater and DanceAbilities, a workshop for children with special needs.

Ages 3-17 Dates June 13-Aug. 13; frequency and times vary.

Price Varies. Call or visit website.

ART ADVENTURES AT THE ACKLAND ART MUSEUM 101 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill 919-966-5736; ackland.org 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.

Registration required, sign up online.

Ages 6-9 Dates May 14, June 11, July 19, Aug. 13; two sessions at 10:30 a.m.-noon, 1-2:30 p.m.

Price Free for museum members, $5 per session for nonmembers.

BARRISKILL DANCE THEATRE SCHOOL 3642 Shannon Rd., Durham 919-489-5100; barriskilldance.com; contact@barriskilldance.com Classes and dance camps/intensives in creative movement, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, conditioning, musical theater and more.

Ages 3-18 Dates June 13-Aug. 12; half-day, 3/4-day and full-day camps available, as well as weekly classes.

Price Call or visit website.

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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, some of whom are seven-time national champions and 12-time world champions.

Ages 5-18 Dates Visit website.

Price $45/day; $225/week CAROLINA TIGER RESCUE 1940 Hanks Chapel Rd., Pittsboro 919-542-4684, ext. 3006; carolinatigerrescue.org Learn in-depth information 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 about 50 carnivores every day.

Grades Third through 12th Dates June 20-24 and June 27-July 1 (rising 3rd-5th grade); July 11-15, 18-22 (rising middle schoolers); July 25-27 (rising 9th-12th grade) Price $300, elementary and middle school camps; $150 for high school camp; before and aftercare available for additional cost. 

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Newly renovated with 5,000+ square feet of exhibit space plus science demonstrations, planetarium shows + MORE!

LEARN. + IMAGINE. EXPLORE. DISCOVER. +

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moreheadplanetarium.org + + +

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SECOND ANNUAL

LIBRARY FEST

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D ANN UAL N O E C BRARYF

April 18-23

This will be a hybrid event with both virtual and in-person events Small business networking events Food drive for local food bank l Children’s cooking classes and themed storytimes l Author talks including culinary historians and cookbook authors l STEAM programming l Teen and gaming programs l Local history programs exploring agriculture and foodways l Evening programs highlighting the local food scene including restaurants, bars, and bakeries ... and more! l l

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kids & family

LIMITLESS POTENTIAL...

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES!

Opportunities abound for students at Durham Public Schools.

Our school communities spark curiosity, cultivate learning, and help students realize the limitless potential for their future.

We invite your family to explore our schools and enroll today for the 2022-23 school year.

DPSNC.net/Enrollment

kids & family CAMP RIVERLEA 8302 S. Lowell Rd., Bahama 210-908-7629 (winter); 919-477-8739 (summer); campriverlea.com Provides high-quality outdoor and art programs that emphasize personal growth, learning new skills, positive interpersonal relationships and appreciation for the natural world.

Ages 5-12 Dates Session 1: June 13-July 1; Session 2: July 4-15; Session 3: July 18-Aug. 5.

Open house June 11, 1-4:30 p.m.

Price Sessions 1 and 3: $1,230; Session 2: $820 CAROLINA FRIENDS SCHOOL 4809 Friends School Rd., Durham 919-383-6602, ext. 263; 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,” “Star Wars” and more.

Ages 4-18 Dates June 20-Aug. 19; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; extended care available from 8 a.m.-5:45 p.m.

Price $320-$350/week CHAPEL HILL TENNIS CLUB 403 Westbrook Dr., Carrboro 919-929-5248; chapelhilltennisclub.com Tennis instruction for beginners to advanced players, plus swimming and other sports in a fun and positive environment; advanced tennis camp available for tournament players.

Ages 5-15 Dates Call or visit website.

Price Call or visit website.

CRESSET CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 3707 Garrett Rd., Durham 919-354-8000; cressetchristian.org STEM-focused camp.

Ages Check website for more information.

Dates June 6-July 15; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; early drop-off available Price Check website for more information.

DPAC – NEXT STOP BROADWAY 123 Vivian St., Durham 919-680-2787; dpacnc.com A weeklong performing arts program of classes, workshops and rehearsals focused on classic Broadway shows. Participants learn songs and choreography and create their own presentations based on shows in the upcoming DPAC season and other hit musicals.

Ages 10-17 Dates July 11-15 Price Call or visit website.

DRAWING FOR TWEENS AT THE ACKLAND ART MUSEUM 101 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill 919-966-5736; ackland.org Tweens look at selected works in the galleries and identify techniques that the artists used to make them. Gallery teachers demonstrate and teach participants technical skills, which they can then

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apply to their own creations. A mix of drawing from works on display and creating one’s original work is offered each session. Materials provided.

Ages 10-13 Dates May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug. 13; one session at 10:30 a.m.-noon Price Museum members, free; $5 per session for nonmembers. Registration required.

DUKE PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAMS Campus Box 90700, Durham; 919-684-6259; learnmore.duke.edu/precollege/all-programs Programs provide students with rigorous learning experiences. A diverse course selection is designed to provide the Duke experience through cutting-edge topics featuring Duke guest speakers, researchers and resources.

Subject areas include engineering, humanities, mathematics, science, social sciences and technology. Summer 2022 will feature residential, commuter, hybrid and online programs.

Grades Sixth–12th Dates Vary by selected program.

Price Call or visit website.

DUKE SCHOOL 3716 Erwin Rd., Durham 919-493-2642; dukeschool.org More than 50 camps available, including outdoor adventures, sports, arts and crafts, music, technology, coding, makers, community service, day camps for preschool and more.

Ages 4-15 Dates June 14-July 30, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Aftercare available until 6 p.m.

Price $350-$450/week DURHAM ACADEMY 3501 Ridge Rd., Durham 919-489-3400 ext. 6114; da.org/summer Durham Academy has provided premier summer camp experiences for area families since 1982.

The school utilizes 84 acres of campus and stateof-the-art facilities with the goal of providing a summer experience for all ages that grows minds and fosters character. Join for a new program this summer – a transformative all-day camp experience that keeps campers closer to home but feeling far away as they gain independence and confidence. At the core of the program is the goal to equip campers with the tools to lead moral, happy and productive lives.

Ages 4-18 Dates June 13-Aug. 5 Price Starting at $325 per session.

DURHAM ARTS COUNCIL 120 Morris St., Durham 919-560-2726; durhamarts.org Themes vary. One- and two-week cultural camps based on country themes. Flexible mini-camps also available. Campers have the opportunity to participate in clay, drawing/painting, mixed media, dance, theater and music classes. Teen intensives for ages 13-17 also available.

Ages Rising K-age 17 Dates June 13-Aug. 19; day camp Price Call for inquiry. Scholarships available.

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DURHAM PARKS AND RECREATION 400 Cleveland St., Durham; 919-560-4355 dprplaymore.org; dprcareprograms.org Offers a safe and inclusive environment where children and teens are encouraged to participate in a variety of traditional, specialty and teen camps. DPR is committed to the development of life skills through exposure to diverse activities and recreational experiences.

Ages 5-12 for traditional/specialty youth camps (must have completed kindergarten); 13-17 for traditional teen camp; 13-18 for teen MyDurham drop-in program Dates June 21-Aug. 19; youth camps, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; teen camp, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; teen MyDurham program, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Price Call or visit website.

Registration starts March 7.

DURHAM BALLET THEATRE 608 N. Duke St., Durham 919-680-4363; durhamballettheatre.org Dance and aerial camps, classes for all ages.

Ages 5-14 for camps, 4 and older for classes.

Dates TBA Price Call or visit website.

Registration starts March 16.

DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS – CAMP 4 RISING K Camp location TBA; check website for updates 919-560-9488; dpsnc.net/afterschool This rising kindergartener camp offers a wellrounded summer experience. Campers explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). 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.

Students receive a free T-shirt.

Grades Rising K students (must be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2021) Dates June 20-Aug. 5; Closed July 4 Price $140/week for first child; $130/week for additional children in the same family. $35 registration fee per child. Limited space.

DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS – CAMP FUNTASTIC Creekside Elementary, 5321 Ephesus Church Rd.; Hillandale Elementary, 2730 Hillandale Rd.; Spring Valley Elementary, 2051 Northern Durham Pkwy.; 919-560-9488; dpsnc.net/afterschool 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 academic enrichment, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Campers are placed in age-appropriate groups as they 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 and lunch will be provided. Accepts DSS vouchers. Students receive a free T-shirt. 

Natural surroundings, challenging activities and good friends shape campers into confident, independent kids.

Day and Overnight Camps Spring/Fall Weekend Camps Family Camps

CAMP KANATA • CAMP SEAFARER • CAMP SEA GULL

CampKanata.org SeaGull-Seafarer.org

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kids & family Grades Rising first through rising sixth graders Dates June 20-Aug. 5; Closed July 4 Price $140/week for the first child; $130/week for additional children in the same family. $35 registration fee per child. Limited spaces.

EMERSON WALDORF SCHOOL 6211 New Jericho Rd., Chapel Hill 919-967-1858, ext. 143; emersonwaldorf.org Activities include art, cooking, world languages and cultures, outdoor exploration, farming, fiber arts, skateboarding, practical living skills and more. CIT program also available.

Ages 4 through high school age Dates June 20-July 29; 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; extended care available Price $215-$350/week THE EMILY KRZYZEWSKI CENTER SUMMER CAMPS 904 W. Chapel Hill St., Durham 919-680-0308; emilyk.org/camps Join the Emily K Center and the Justice Theater Project for two weeks of drama camp.

Grades Rising second through ninth graders Dates Aug. 1-12 Price $245 per week; partial scholarships available.

FORGE FENCING ACADEMY AND CLUB 610 N. Duke St., Durham 919-800-7886; forgefencing.com Full-day camp of Olympic fencing and more.

Beginners welcome!

Ages 7-17 Dates June 13-Aug. 19 Price $290-$335 HILL LEARNING CENTER 3200 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-489-7464; hillcenter.org/summer Provides individualized instruction with a 4:1 student-teacher ratio in reading, writing and math for children with learning differences.

Grades Rising first through eighth Dates June 27-July 29 (closed July 4); Two session options (8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m. daily) Price $3,125 HOLLY HOUSE PRESCHOOL AND SUMMER CAMP 75 Cedar Run, Pittsboro 201-638-0913; hollyhousepreschool.com; hollyhouseconsulting@gmail.com A series of weeklong themed camps. Sign up for one week or all of them. Relaxed, developmentally appropriate activities. Midmorning snack and all supplies included in fees.

Themes include construction, crafts, fairy tales, gardening and cooking.

Ages 4-7 Dates Weeklong camps in June and July; halfday programs from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Price Fees vary depending on camp. Contact hollyhouseconsulting@gmail.com for more information and to be notified when registration opens.

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, hands-on activities with others in a multi-age setting.

Ages 3 through rising first graders Dates June 20-July 29 with partialand full-day options Price Half- and full-day camps (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.); early drop-off and late pick up available for an additional fee. Camp details and prices will be available on the website in early 2022. 

For the Smile Of a Lifetime!

Now Accepting New Patients!

919.489.1543 DurhamPDO.com

121 W. Woodcroft Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713

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Dr. John R. Christensen Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

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Dr. Robert T. Christensen Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Jamie L. Molina Pediatric Dentistry

Tours and Applications Schedule a personal appointment to learn more! Accepting 2022-2023 school year admission applications online for students 15 months-6th grade.

Summer Camp Weekly summer camp options for children ages 3 years-old - rising 7th grade. More details and registration on our website.

www.msdurham.org 2800 Pickett Rd. Durham, NC 27705 919-489-9045

kids & family JUNIOR VET ACADEMY AT 1870 FARM 1224 Old Lystra Rd., Chapel Hill 919-590-4120; juniorvetacademy.com Weekly camps for animal lovers and aspiring vets.

Ages 8-14 Dates Visit website.

Price $545-$1,895 KIDZU CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill 919-933-1455; kidzuchildrensmuseum.org Camp favorites include weekly themes of Pirates and Princesses, Around the World, Tiny Tinkerers and more. See website for weekly themes and descriptions. Enrollment available Feb. 1 and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ages 3-5 and 6-11 Dates Weekly camps starting June 13; 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., drop-off starts at 9 a.m., pickup ends at 4 p.m.

Price See website for details.

MARBLES KIDS MUSEUM SUMMER CAMP 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh; 919-857-1040; marbleskidsmuseum.org/summer-camp Camp Marbles has long been a community favorite for its playful, fun, creative and original summer camp. The camp follows CDC guidelines and best practices for safe play, giving parents peace of mind while giving children the chance to discover, connect and make new friends.

Ages 3-10 Dates June 6-Aug. 26; half-day (ages 3-6) and full-day (ages 5-10) weekly sessions Price Half-day: $165, member; $180, nonmember.

Full-day: $300, member; $330, nonmember.

MONTESSORI DAY SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL SUMMER CAMP 1702 Legion Rd., Chapel Hill 919-923-3339; mdsch.org The school welcomes campers for a fun-filled summer where they will have a chance to enjoy a variety of hands-on crafts and explore different activities in each session. Campers will be split into two age groups, ages 3-5 and ages 6-8.

Email admin@mdsch.org for more information.

Ages 3-8 Dates June 13-17, 20-24, June 27-July 1; July 11-15, 18-22, 25-29; Aug. 1-5, 8-12; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Price $195/week MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF DURHAM 2800 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-489-9045; msdurham.org Weekly themed camps include athletics, music, visual and performing arts, cooking, nature exploration, gardening and science.

Ages 3 through rising 7th graders Dates June 13-Aug. 19 (closed week of July 4-8); half- and full-day camps Price Visit website. Registration began Jan. 26.

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 camp at the newly renovated Morehead Planetarium & Science Center.

Grades K-8 Dates Weekly from June 13-Aug. 5 Price K-5 half-day camps, $170-$215; full-day camps for grades 6-8, $450. Members are offered a 10% discount.

MUSEUM OF LIFE AND SCIENCE 433 W. Murray Ave., Durham General Info: 919-220-5429, ext. 405; camp reservations and membership: 919-220-5429, ext. 313; summercamp@lifeandscience.org; summercamp.lifeandscience.org Interactive, hands-on science camps with topics ranging from coding and gaming to animal science and more. New extended hours at two in-person locations in both Durham and Chapel Hill, plus virtual options to experience the fun of camp from home.

Ages PreK-Grade 8 Dates June 6-Aug. 19 Price Check website for details. 

Give your child the gift of bilingualism while building curiosity, confidence, and independence in a diverse learning community.

Focused on your child’s academic, social, and developmental growth

Full immersion, multi-age classrooms led by Montesorritrained native and near-native speaking teachers

Serving children 18 months old to 6th grade in your choice of French, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese immersion tracks

919.401.4343 • WWW.IMSNC.ORG • 3001 ACADEMY RD., BLDG. 300, DURHAM, NC 27707

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An Authentic Theater Ensemble Experience Space Limited Only 100 spots for those ages 10-17

A Week-long Theater Intensive Taught by Broadway Professionals July 11-15, 2022 at DPAC

Next Stop Broadway ® is a week-long program consisting of classes, workshops, and rehearsals focused on classic Broadway shows. The staff of Broadway professionals teaches ensemble songs and choreography from two hit shows from the “Golden Age of Broadway” and participants work together throughout the week to create unique skits. The program culminates with an “Opening Night” performance for family and friends on DPAC’s stage.

Paid registrations are limited to 80 spots for those ages 10-17 and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Twenty additional scholarships will be awarded to applicants with financial need and interest in the performing arts.

No theater experience needed.

More information at

kids & family ORANGE COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION/ ENO ARTS MILL 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd., Ste. 17, Hillsborough; 919-245-2129; artsorange.org Diverse camps that focus on the visual, performing and literary arts. Full and partial day camps will be offered.

Ages 5-18 Dates TBD Price Varies for each camp.

OVERNIGHT FARM CAMP AT PIPER HILL 2340 Jessie Bridges Rd., Silk Hope; 919-590-4120; camppiperhill.com Overnight weekend camps and weekly camps by 1870 Farm.

Ages 8-13 Dates Visit website for more information.

Price $255-$1,375/week PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL AT BRIAR CHAPEL 81 Falling Springs Dr., Chapel Hill 919-441-0441; primrosechapelhill.com Imaginations take flight this summer through different weekly themes that engage students in creative critical thinking while doing fun, STEAM-based projects and weekly field trips for experiential learning.

Grades K–5 Dates Weekly, June through August, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Price Call to inquire.

SCHOOLHOUSE OF WONDER SCHOOL BREAK AND SUMMER CAMPS Locations in Durham, Wake and Orange Counties; 919-477-2116; schoolhouseofwonder.org Whether they participate in a single Discovery Day or several weeks of award-winning camps at Schoolhouse of Wonder, your child is guaranteed to come home dirty, tired, and happy or you'll get your money back. They will be engaged in a variety of outdoor activities – games, fort building, nature art, whittling, discovering plants and animals in the forest and creeks, storytelling and more. Leadership development and training available for 13– to 17–year-olds through counselor–in–training opportunities and paid junior counselor positions.

Ages 5–7; 8–12; 13–17 Dates Year-round Price $84–$424; multi-camp and sibling discounts, limited financial assistance available.

THE SCRAP EXCHANGE 2050 Chapel Hill Rd., Durham 919-213-1278; scrapexchange.org Offers a variety of creative reuse arts programs, classes and workshops. Can travel to camps and schools or host groups on-site.

Ages 4 and older Dates June-August; frequency and times vary.

Price Varies. Call or visit website.

SCHOOL OF ROCK CHAPEL HILL 1500 N. Fordham Blvd., Chapel Hill 919-338-1011; chapelhill.schoolofrock.com Offers one-week camps with a variety of themes, all of which end with a concert performance!

Grades Rising third graders through rising 12th graders (see camp descriptions on website for specifics) Dates Weeks of June 27, July 11, July 25 and Aug. 8; Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Price Varies. Call or visit website.

THE STUDIO SCHOOL OF DURHAM 1201 W. Woodcroft Parkway, Durham 919-967-2700; studioschooldurham.org Offers the opportunity to discover, explore and engage in hands-on learning all summer long, with a variety of themes for children that are guaranteed to spark their creativity in a safe and naturally inspiring environment.

Ages 5-8 and 9-12 Dates June 20-July 29 Price Visit website for details.

SEVEN STAR KUNG FU ACADEMY 11312 Hwy. 15-501, Ste. 306, Chapel Hill 984-234-0717; chris@sevenstarkungfuacademy.com Half-day camps include visits to local parks, a kungfu lesson, cultural lessons with music and Chinese drumming, and a game day with dodgeball.

Ages 6 and older Dates Weekly, half-day camps from 8 a.m. to noon; check website for dates Price $225 per week

SUNRISE COMMUNITY FARM CENTER’S

Summer

Farm Camp Be who you are...

Discover who you can be.

RISING KINDERGARTEN – 7TH GRADE • JUNE 13 – AUGUST 19 CHICKENS • BUNNIES • HORSES • PIGS • SWIMMING POND • PRODUCE GARDEN ARTS AND CRAFTS • JAM MAKING • FORT BUILDING • HORSE RIDING

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An independent school in Durham serving students from Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade

Learn more about TDS and how to apply: triangledayschool.org/admissions or call 919-383-8800

SUMMER @ SAINT MARY’S 900 Hillsborough St., Raleigh 919-424-4028; sms.edu Girls have the opportunity to explore new interests, build fundamental skills, pursue artistic dreams and expand academic horizons.

Whether creating a charcoal drawing, learning to be a leader, strengthening their writing skills or participating in healthy competition on the playing field, participants will enjoy a summer full of new friends and experiences in an allgirl setting as they master skills and grow in confidence. Registration opened on Dec. 15.

Grades Rising grades K-10 Dates June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 11-15, July 18-22 and July 25-29. Residential, full- and half-day and extended care options are available.

Price $165-$325 per session, $995 for residential Ms. Nancy’s Manners Camp and $1,195 for residential Innovators Hub program.

SUMMER SAILING CAMPS AT JORDAN LAKE Crosswinds Boating Center, 565 Farrington Rd., Apex info@carolinasailingfoundation.org; carolinasailingfoundation.org Beginner and intermediate classes taught by US Sailing Certified Instructors. Weeklong, full-

day sessions, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Only 10-12 students per class, so register early. Have fun on the water this summer learning to sail!

Ages 9-15 Dates See carolinasailingfoundation.org for schedules and online registration.

Price $365 per student per week.

SUMMERSCAPE AT THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF RALEIGH 7005 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh 919-848-1545, msr.org Seven weeks of full- and half-day camp sessions for students ages 15 months to grade 8. With a range of offerings including arts, athletics, the sciences, strategy games, robotics, outdoor adventure and more, there is something for everyone. Expert instructors and access to excellent facilities on the school’s two beautiful campuses makes for an ideal summer experience. Registration is open to MSR students and nonstudents. Early-bird care available for an additional fee.

Ages 15 months-grade 8 Dates Weekly, June 13-Aug. 1; no camp offered the week of July 4 Price Varies by camp. Visit website for details.

SUNRISE COMMUNITY FARM CENTER 6407 Millhouse Rd., Chapel Hill 919-968-8581; sunrisecommunityfarmcenter.com/summer-camp Summer camp fun like games, crafts and swimming comes together with riding horses, tending the produce garden and meeting chickens and bunnies. Campers will make lifelong friends while learning about partnership with nature, trying new things and having a blast.

Grades Rising K through seventh grade Dates Weekly, June 13-Aug. 19 Price $350/week for farm camp, $450/week for horse camp; scholarships available TRIANGLE DAY SCHOOL 4911 Neal Rd., Durham 919-383-8800; triangledayschool.org; summer@triangledayschool.org 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.

A variety of programs focus on art, STEAM, nature, adventure, early childhood and more. CIT program for 13- to 15-year-olds.

Ages 4-15 Dates June 13-Aug. 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; extended care available 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Price Before March 1, $300/session; after March 1, $315/session 

LEARN TO FENCE THIS SUMMER! FROM BEGINNER TO NATIONALLY COMPETITIVE FENCERS - ALL LEVELS WELCOME! AGES 7-17 Olympic Fencing Academy Fence Like A Girl!

Modern Warrior: Martial Arts & Fencing Developing Competitive Fencers High Performance ParaFencing Leadership, Coaching and Referee Colloquium 610 N. DUKE STREET DURHAM, NC 27701 summer camp info:

FORGEFENCING.COM parafencing & leadership info:

FORGETEAMS.ORG 

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kids & family TRIANGLE YOUTH BALLET 1708 A/B E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 919-932-2676; triangleyouthballet.org Offers a variety of classes, intensives and dance camps in ballet, creative movement, modern, jazz and musical theater.

Ages 3 through adult Dates June 12-Aug. 20; frequency and time vary with each program.

Price Varies for each program.

Call or visit website.

TRINITY SCHOOL OF DURHAM AND CHAPEL HILL 4011 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-402-8262; trinityschoolnc.org Camp topics include math, Latin, SAT prep, college essay writing, robotics, scripting, basketball, soccer, volleyball, pottery, art, sewing, cooking and much more.

Ages 5-18, Rising K-12 grade Dates Weekly, June 1-Aug. 7; Morning and afternoon sessions available.

Price $190-$250/week

YMCA CAMP CHEERIO 1430 Camp Cheerio Rd., Glade Valley 336–869-0195 (fall, winter, spring); 336-363-2604 (summer); campcheerio.org YMCA residential camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Activities offered include horseback riding, climbing, ropes course, aquatics, sports, field games, creative arts and nature study.

Ages 7-15 Dates June 6-Aug. 19 Price $1,195-$2,390 YMCA CAMP KANATA 3524 Camp Kanata Rd., Wake Forest 919-556-2661; campkanata.org Located on 150 acres, this camp nurtures the potential of every child to develop into confident, competent leaders. It is traditional, coed and overnight with activities such as archery, hiking, swimming and creative arts, and water activities like canoeing, kayaking and a 75-foot double waterslide on the camp’s 15-acre lake. Offers an overnight camp in one-week sessions, a traditional summer day camp in one-week sessions, and several overnight weekend camps throughout the fall and spring.

Ages 6-16 Dates June-August for day camp and overnight camps; April-May for family camps Price Ranges by length of session. Check website for details.

Dance Adventure (ages 6-8)

(ages 12-14) (ages 9-11) Students must show proof of vaccination and wear masks. * Early dropoff and later pickup available at an additional cost.

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YMCA CAMP SEAFARER AND CAMP SEA GULL 218 Sea Gull Landing and 2744 Seafarer Rd., Arapahoe; 252-249-1111 (Sea Gull); 252-249-1212 (Seafarer); seagull-seafarer.org Overnight camps – Sea Gull for boys and Seafarer for girls – located on the N.C. coast.

Signature four-week program gives campers time to develop their character, build strong relationships, independence and confidence in a safe, resilient and supportive environment.

It also offers a Starter Camp (one week), a Mariners camp (two weeks), a Family camp and specialty weekend camping programs throughout the year.

Ages 7-16, and family camps Dates June-August for summer camp; dates in May, August and September for family camps Price Ranges by length of session. Check website for details.

home

The family enjoys playing games, reading and hanging out in the family room, which boasts original built-in wooden storage cabinets. “There is no TV in here,” Fatima Rangwala says. “That was intentional.”

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home, grown

This family’s Duke Forest ranch is a reflection of their love of Durham B Y MORG AN CARTIER WESTON PHOTOG RAPHY B Y J OHN MICHAEL SIM PS O N

D

and Dr. Yousuf Zafar met in the mid-1990s while pursuing their undergraduate degrees at the University of Chicago. After completing their medical degrees at University of Cincinnati and The University of r. Fatima Rangwala

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ABOVE The living room features stunning works of craftsmanship, like the coffee table by Elijah Leed and a vintage, midcentury brass sculpture by Marc Weinstein hanging on the wall.

LEFT The addition of a screened porch was the first project the family took on when they moved in, and it remains a favorite place to eat and unwind.

BELOW LEFT The enclosed former patio creates an indoor/outdoor feeling among the kitchen, living and dining rooms.

Toledo, respectively, the pair continued their training at Duke University. “We moved to Durham and said, ‘Alright, we’ll be in the South for three years, and then we’re out of here,’” Yousuf says.

That was 16 years ago. Their daughter, Hala Zafar, was born around that three-year mark, and the family decided to put down roots for good, purchasing a midcentury ranch in Duke Forest. “We had previously lived in Trinity Park, and everything in that home had a lot of character,” Yousuf says. “But this home, by contrast, just feels so sturdy and intentional.”

“We were drawn to this neighborhood for the midcentury modern aesthetic, as well as the large backyards,” Fatima adds. The home’s previous owners had undertaken a number of renovations, but Fatima and Yousuf had big dreams of how to make the spaces work even better for their family.

“The first thing we did was the screened porch, back in 2015,” Yousuf says. “That’s actually what drew us to this house – we immediately envisioned a private nook in the backyard,” Fatima 84

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says. The screened porch addition, designed by Sara Lachenman of Four Over One Design, parallels the carport at the home’s opposite end, creating a tucked-away courtyard at the center, which is perfect for bird-watching and relaxing. “We love to sit, eat and just enjoy being outside,” Fatima says.

“What really made the screen porch work beautifully was that we were able to mimic the patterns of the original architecture,” Sara says. “For example, every bedroom has a corner window, so we kept everything offset – even the gable – to give the porch the same open corner. Those details in the build by Cadence Construction, combined ABOVE RIGHT The triptych octopus was originally printed via copperplate engraving in 1826 in London by scientist Lord Bodner as part of a series studying sea creatures. It pairs nicely with the textured wallpaper, a custom dining table, midcentury modern inspired light fixture and antique sideboard in the dining room. RIGHT The living room was designed by Kate Dwornik, and features a large pot in the corner by Pittsboro artist Mark Hewitt. BELOW The family room includes a table for games – like Monopoly, as Hala, Izzy Halpern, 12, and Theo Halpern, 9, demonstrate – puzzles and studying. The photos above the original fireplace were taken by Yousuf.

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Peace, Power and Prestige: Metal Arts in Africa is organized by the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida and curated by Susan Cooksey, Retired Curator of African Art. This exhibition is made possible with support from the UF Office of the Provost, Dr. Richard H. Davis and Mrs. Jeanne G. Davis, the C. Frederick and Aase B. Thompson Foundation, the UF Office of Research, Drs. David and Rebecca Sammons, the UF International Center, the Margaret J. Early Endowment, Visit Gainesville Alachua County, the Harn Anniversary Fund, Marcia Isaacson, Roy Hunt, Robin and Donna Poynor, UF Center for African Studies, Kenneth and Laura Berns, and retired Lt. Col. David A. Waller, with additional support from the Harn Program Endowment, the Harn Annual Fund, and a group of generous donors.

Kota-Obamba or Mindimbu artist, Gabon, Reliquary Guardian Figure (Mbulu Ngulu), (detail), 19th century, brass, copper, wood, 21 1/2 x 11 5/8 x 3 1/2 in. Collection of Drs. Nicole and John Dintenfass, L 2021.14.68.

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ABOVE Hala practices in the piano room. The built-in bookcases are original to the home. BELOW LEFT Yousuf and Anna Gassman-Pines craft a few maple syrup old fashioneds. BELOW RIGHT The open-concept kitchen was completed last summer.

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LEFT The updated landscaping provides the entertaining oasis Yousuf and Fatima dreamed of when they bought the home; now they can enjoy it with friends and neighbors like Anna and her husband, Dr. David Halpern. RIGHT In the dining room, shelves made by Elijah Leed display a collection of pottery sourced from across the United States.

with amazing landscape design by Environs Landscaping, have really helped the home evolve into its best midcentury modern self.”

That initial project blossomed into many more – including two bathroom renovations, a new deck and landscaping, and a kitchen remodel, all completed in summer 2021. Fatima and Yousuf again turned to Cadence Construction for the work. “They are the ideal

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clients,” says Kristy Gibson, director of operations for Cadence.

“We specialize in restoring and renovating these older homes for how families live today, and we are so glad to be part of their ongoing story.”

“We actually have the original blueprints for the home, and it included a sewing room off the kitchen,” Fatima explains. “I can’t even sew a button on anything, but we did need storage, so [owner]

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Todd [Hershberger]

and the team at Cadence helped us convert it into pantry space.”

The kitchen renovation also included new cabinetry, open shelving and quartzite counters. Ben Sheehy of BAMPRO designed the custom range hood, and the backsplash is handmade Moroccan tile. “It took a long time to set, because they aren’t all the exact same shape,” Fatima says. “Cadence and all of its contractors are artists.”

The newly opened breakfast nook LEFT The windows to the left of the bookshelf are floor-to-ceiling because they used to be exterior windows of the home. RIGHT These two pieces of artwork by Dr. Greg Dunn are giclee prints on glossy metallic paper that depict neural migration during brain development.

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awaits a custom table by furniture designer Elijah Leed, which will be accented by a large-scale Darius Quarles painting. “We really try to keep it as Durham as possible around here,” Yousuf says.

Interior designer Kate Dwornik in Chapel Hill helped weave together the family’s eclectic collection of local and global art with the home’s clean 1950s architecture. “A lot of the artwork we have is from our travels all over the world, and it’s both a nice reminder of the places we’ve been and [also] helps us to appreciate home and this place that we love,” says Yousuf, whose own photography is also featured in the family room.

Though pandemic supply chain disruptions caused a few hiccups with materials, Cadence also completed the work The neon sign was a fun birthday gift from Fatima to Yousuf, which now hangs in their kitchen.

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LEFT “The three porcelain figures are Japanese kosheki dolls, and Fatima likes to think they represent the three of us,” Yousuf says. “The two tea cups in front of the print are by Akira Satake from Asheville.

The two brass birds on the upper shelf are a gift from my mom (vintage brass from Pakistan).”

RIGHT Potted plants run the length of the long hallway that was formerly a part of the exterior of the home.

for the two bathroom remodels last summer – both Hala’s (she selected all the finishes herself ) and the guest bathroom received fresh tile, fixtures and hardware. “Houses from this period were very thoughtful and efficient in their use of space,” Fatima says. The home’s guest suite feels intentionally private and functional. “My father has some disabilities, and Todd was able to make the guest

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bathroom ADA-compliant for when my parents visit from India. It means a lot that they are comfortable when they’re here.”

Hala, now 13, attends Duke School and loves living in Durham.

“Durham is all I know, but it’s pretty fun,” she says. Yousuf adds: “With so many people moving here, we like to joke that Hala is one of the few original Durhamites these days.” She spends most

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Yousuf, Hala and Fatima outside of their dreamy Duke Forest home.

of her time in the house in the living and family rooms. “Both are great for homework, games or just hanging out.” Hala also enjoys baking in the kitchen alongside her dad and practicing pop and classical music in the piano room, which features built-in bookcases and wood paneling original to the home.

As for future projects, a spare bedroom is evolving into a home office and workout space, and Cadence will be back this spring to renovate Fatima and Yousuf ’s bathroom. “We have been so fortunate with this house,” Yousuf says. “It couldn’t be better for us.”

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NETWORKING BACK IN BUSINESS

Photography by Colin Huth

The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Leadership Forum and Holiday Reception on Dec. 15 at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, which featured North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Machelle Baker Sanders as the keynote speaker. Secretary Sanders highlighted the state’s First in Talent strategic economic development plan in addition to the more than 22,000 jobs and approximately $10 billion in investments announced throughout the state just this year.

She forecasts continued growth and connections into the life science, gene therapies and technology sectors, and emphasized the emergence of clean energy technologies that will lead us into the future. Durham County Commissioners Board Chair Brenda Howerton then highlighted Durham County’s efforts in workforce development and education in support of existing and new businesses. Then-Mayor-Elect Elaine O'Neal and Police Chief Patrice Andrews also spoke, giving a call to action for the community to make both professional and personal commitments to address the opportunities and challenges facing Durham. The 2021 Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award was presented to Alice Sharpe for her outstanding contributions to the city of Durham. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in celebration of the holiday season following the forum.

1 RDU Airport

Authority board member Patrick Hannah, Durham County Commissioners Board Chair Brenda Howerton, Mayor Elaine O’Neal, and RDU Airport Authority board members Yesenia PolancoGaldamez and David Morgan.

3 Megan Anderson

and Sam Nichols, both of First Citizens Bank, and Melissa Chappell of the Durham Tech Foundation.

3

4 Greater Durham

Chamber of Commerce’s Angelique Stallings and 2021 Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award recipient Alice Sharpe.

5 Sen. Mike Woodard

4

presents an award to the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce’s Bryan Fox, recognizing his partnership with the Durham Delegation to the N.C. General Assembly.

6 Duke Energy’s Indira Everett.

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2 Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews.

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BIZBRIEFS Compiled by Renee Ambroso

ON THE MOVE

Target RWE appointed Derek Evans as president of the real-world evidence solutions company.

Evans most recently was the general manager of decision analytics and innovation at Change Healthcare, and he brings more than 25 years of experience in health care and technology fields to the role.

Target RWE strives to bring innovations to the health care industry using real-world data, novel analytics and unique technology to improve patient outcomes.

Mariah Eckhardt was named the vice president and general manager of Burt’s Bees.

Eckhardt was previously the vice president of marketing for The Clorox Company, which purchased the Durham-based cosmetics company in 2008. Eckhardt stepped into the role after Burt’s Bees’ previous leader, Matt Gregory, became senior vice president and chief customer officer at Clorox in October 2021.

Burt’s Bees also promoted Gloria Brown to plant manager of its manufacturing facility. Brown previously served as the assistant

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plant manager and began working for the cosmetics company in 2018 as a senior project manager at the manufacturing plant.

Lawrence Trachtman announced his retirement after five years as development director of PHOTO BY MEGAN OCAMPO the Lincoln Community Health Center and Lincoln Community Health Center Foundation, effective Dec. 31. “I will use my newfound time to relax and reenergize as I plan for what lies ahead,” Trachtman said in a statement.

Throughout his career, Trachtman served as a senior project manager for Duke Clinical Research Institute and a grants officer for UNC REX Healthcare.

Dr. Stephen Friedhoff was named senior vice president at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. In this role, he will facilitate relationships with health care providers, medical policy and care management, among other duties, and lead Blue Cross’ health care division.

Dr. Friedhoff brings more than

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20 years of experience as an administrative PHOTO COURTESY OF DURHAM TECHNICAL leader and primary COMMUNITY COLLEGE care physician and previously worked for more than enrolled in Durham Tech STEM 10 years at Anthem Blue Cross programs. Summer participants and Blue Shield as a national chief can also apply to take part in clinical officer, among other roles. a two- to eight-week scientific research project led by graduate NEW ON THE SCENE and postdoctoral students.

Durham Technical Community College has worked with the City Google opened its new Google of Durham, the Durham County Cloud office at 200 Morris St. in Emergency Communications the Durham Innovation District Center and the Orange County on Jan. 11.

911 Telecommunications Division to establish a 911 dispatcher PARTNERSHIPS, training academy. The course ACQUISITIONS & aims to mitigate shortages MERGERS of employees at emergency Durham-based Bioventus, a call centers and create a leader in innovations for active comprehensive, centralized healing, finalized its acquisition training program for dispatchers of Misonix, a New York-based who will go on to work at these provider of minimally invasive individual institutions. Justin therapeutic ultrasound Long, Durham Tech dean of technologies and regenerative human services and public safety, medicine. The acquisition said the course will likely take is expected to significantly eight weeks and be offered yearbroaden the commercial reach round, beginning in spring 2022. and revenue of Bioventus while also furthering the use of its new A project-enhanced active platform to facilitate ultrasonic learning program at Durham Tech procedures and devices used for will launch this spring, funded treating wounds. by a $25,000 Ribbon of Hope grant from the North Carolina Kriya Therapeutics, a fully GlaxoSmithKline Foundation. integrated gene therapy With a semester and summer company based in both California class option, led by professor and Research Triangle Park, Kathy Zarilla, the classes will announced the acquisition of focus on hands-on learning in lab startup Warden Bio on Jan. 7. settings, improving lab skills and Kriya will hold exclusive rights exploring STEM career options to Warden Bio’s five preclinical to support students of color gene therapies targeted toward

durham inc.

treating rare glycogen storage disorders, which will establish the Kriya Rare Disease Division.

Warden Bio co-founder Kunal Kishnani will lead the new division as president. Warden Bio was launched in 2021 based on several decades of glycogen storage research by Duke University School of Medicine professors Dr. Priya Kishnani (pictured), chief of the division of medical genetics, and Dr. Aravind Asokan, director of gene therapy and co-founder of StrideBio.

strength and resources of an international brand and network.

The Triangle region is poised for explosive growth, and we are better positioned than ever to play a leading role in the transformation,” said REA president Seth Jernigan (pictured). The company’s rebranding is expected to be complete in early 2022.

The Climate Service, developer of a climate risk analytics platform called Climanomics, announced in early January that the company was acquired by S&P Global. The service will contribute to S&P Global’s environmental, social and governance insights for customers and contribute to the company’s best-in-class suite of climate analytics.

PHOTO BY SHAWN ROCCO, DUKE HEALTH

Boutique architecture firm PARC design lab was bought by national design firm Shepley Bulfinch. PARC had attracted clients including Longfellow Real Estate Partners and pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Lilly, and completed projects like the Durham Police Headquarters Complex. PARC co-founders Jeffery Bottomley and John Jarvis will join Shepley Bulfinch as a principal and director, respectively, and other PARC employees will join Shepley in various roles.

After 54 years as an independent firm, commercial brokerage and property management company Real Estate Associates joined SVN International Corp. to form SVN | Real Estate Associates.

“We retain local ownership and independence while adding the

Shannon Media Inc., publisher of Durham Magazine, is now Triangle Media Partners and has added a digital marketing division, according to Founder and Chairman Dan Shannon.

“To reflect our expansion and broader range of integrated marketing products and services,” he said, “we decided the new name better describes what we do. We’ve been thinking for a little while about changing our corporate name, but the recent launch of our Triangle Digital Partners group prompted us to make the switch now.”

“TDP is the new digital marketing group that works with clients to reach their ideal target market anywhere, at any time, on any device,” says TDP President Rory Gillis. “We’ve been providing digital marketing services to many clients for several years, but given their expanding needs and a growing

customer list, it requires a fulltime, dedicated team.”

Founded in 2006, Triangle Media Partners publishes Chapel Hill Magazine, Chatham Magazine, Durham Performing Arts Center’s Broadway Series programs and Heart of NC Weddings. The company also hosts local food events, including TASTE and Sip+Savor.

“This is a corporate reorganization and a name change, not a change in local ownership,” said Dan, who owns Triangle Media with Ellen Shannon and Rory Gillis.

MOVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

Jurassic Capital announced the closure of its inaugural fund on Jan. 10 with $20 million committed. Jurassic helps software founders with companies earning $1 million to $5 million in annual recurring revenue with a combined package of expertise in the field and funding.

General partners Joe Colopy and Kevin Mosley confirmed the efficacy of their strategy through investments in Performance Culture and Corevist and now look to invest in eight to 10 more companies with the additional capital.

In 2021, Duke University’s Office for Translation & Commercialization helped 13 startups form – 10 of them stemming from Duke University School of Medicine – and earned more than $90 million from its licensees via product revenues and company acquisitions. Two startups, AskBio and Phitonex, were acquired by larger pharmaceutical companies,

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and Inhibikase Therapeutics went public. Ninety-three U.S. patents were issued while 489 patent applications were filed, an increase from the 455 filed in 2020. The office also received 374 invention disclosures in 2021.

A 174,000-square-foot commercial manufacturing facility in RTP will expand the operations of Jaguar Gene Therapy in North Carolina, supporting increased production of its genetic therapies. Jaguar already operates a process sciences laboratory in Cary and is estimated to add more than 200 jobs in the state as the new facility gets up and running.

Over the next three years, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center will provide Jaguar with a $100,000 partnership development grant based on job creation, and Jaguar will invest more than $125 million into the manufacturing site.

Mobile car maintenance and detailing company Spiffy announced the closure of its $22 million Series B round of funding.

The investments will allow for Spiffy’s franchise to grow and offer new services like tire repair and replacement across the nation. The round led by Tribeca Venture Partners also included existing investors, like Bull City Venture Partners. 

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M&F Bancorp Inc., the parent company of M&F Bank, the second-oldest Black-owned bank in the U.S., was allocated $76 million through the Emergency Capital Investment Program of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The funds are aimed at bolstering growth and promoting the support of small and minority-owned businesses and consumers, and communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Through the ECIP, up to $9 billion in funds will be distributed to organizations like M&F Bank that are certified Community Development Financial Institutions or Minority Depository Institutions.

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Sustainable toy subscription service Tiny Earth Toys, founded in 2020 by Rachael Classi (pictured), raised $1.5 million toward expanding its product line for children. The funding will help the environmentally conscious startup grow to offer toy rental options for kids up to 6 years old and incorporate customization based on children’s abilities, interests and cultures. The fundraising was led by Bull City Venture Partners.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse awarded a $1.5 million contract to RTP-based Verinetics as part of the second phase of its Small Business Innovation Research Program. The contract will help Verinetics develop DispenSecur version 1, a system aimed at expanding safe, athome access to medications like methadone that are used to treat opioid use disorders.

From July to September 2021, the first quarter of North Carolina Biotechnology Center’s fiscal year, 11 grants and $779,300 in loans were given to bioscience companies, nonprofits and universities across the state.

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RTP’s Innatrix Inc. was one of three recipients of a $250,000 Small Business Research Loan.

During this period, 23 bioscience companies that previously received loans raised $269 million in funding from other sources, $245 million of which was raised

by Durham-based Humacyte, a developer of bioengineered human tissues.

Home furnishings store Furniture Bell, owned by brothers Mohammed Hijaz and Hijaz Hijaz, will open at Patterson Place in a 21,315-square-foot space formerly occupied by A.C. Moore. The storefront will include a 5,000-square-foot showroom for custom wood furniture and offer options from commercial furniture brands.

The Hijaz brothers also own four Regency Furniture stores in Raleigh and Fayetteville, and Detroit, Michigan. Furniture Bell was slated to open Feb. 1 as of press time and will be the eighth store at the shopping center, filling the last vacant anchor space, though there is retail space available for lease through TradeMark Properties.

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The Durham Housing Authority announced Jan. 7 that three downtown sites and corresponding development partners will comprise the second phase of the Downtown and Neighborhood Plan.

Durham Development Partners will oversee two of the sites, and the Integral Group will redevelop the Forest Hill Heights community. The sites are more than 37 acres total and also include Fayette Place, DHA offices and county land. The proposed plan will create more than 1,700 residential units, 900 of which will be affordable housing, 135,000 square feet of nonresidential space and a new DHA office. The developers will enter negotiations with DHA before embarking on community engagement to finalize the project details.

Raj Kannan was appointed CEO of Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc., ophthalmic pharmaceutical developer of therapies for patients with openangle glaucoma, ocular surface and retinal diseases. Kannan began his role on Dec. 20.

AWARDS & HONORS

Joan Nelson, board chair of Coastal Federal Credit Union since 2012, was named the 2021 Credit Union Executive Society Distinguished Director and was honored during a virtual member appreciation and awards show on Oct. 21. The annual award pays respect to a credit union volunteer who has made exceptional contributions.

Nelson’s recognition comes after volunteering and serving on the board for more than 25 years.

The Durham-Chapel Hill metro ranked No. 6 in a list of the top 15 midsize metropolitan areas in the nation for tech workers looking to relocate published by commercial real estate blog CommercialCafe. The study evaluated cities of less than 1 million residents across six parameters: quality of life, tech job density, average tech salary, tech business density, the percentage of the population covered by employer-based health insurance and the number of leisure businesses per 100,000 residents. Durham scored highly in life quality, tech job density and average tech wages.

IN OTHER NEWS

Duke Law School graduates will have an opportunity to spend a year pursuing legal work that serves a public interest through the Farrin Fellowship, established with a $500,000 donation from alumnus James Scott Farrin and Robin Farrin of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin. Salary and benefits will be provided by the fellowship program for one graduating student while they work at a nonprofit, with preference given to those working on behalf of low-income and historically underserved people in North or South Carolina.

durham inc.

TALL ORDER SHARED EXPERIENCES FROM THE HARDY FOLKS WHO OPENED RESTAURANTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

BY MATTHEW LARDIE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

pening a restaurant is an inherently risky prospect at any point – razor-thin margins combined with labor, product and real estate costs make it a business that is certainly not cut out for those looking to make a quick buck. But opening a restaurant in a pandemic? Well, there isn’t data yet on how that goes, but suffice it to say, it is not easy. Durham, like cities and towns across the nation, lost beloved restaurants and bars over the past two years, but many have been able to hang on. Rarer though are those who’ve actually opened new establishments during the pandemic. How did they do it?

Well, we decided to ask.

Durham Distillery Founder and CEO Melissa Katrincic opened Corpse Reviver Bar & Lounge on Oct. 15, 2020, about five months later than initially planned. Construction on the bar was slated to be nearly finished by April, but as the state went into lockdown, Katrincic slow-rolled the

remaining projects as she waited to see what, if anything, she could do about opening.

Corpse Reviver was in a better financial situation than other bars, with funding for the project coming partially from distillery revenues and also from a previous investment that beverage giant Constellation had made in the brand. Still, due to the wording of the legislation Congress passed when creating the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Durham Distillery and Corpse Reviver were now considered J. Lights Market & Cafe owner Jared Burton shows off his restaurant’s buffalo wings a subsidiary of and the salmon BLT with fries. He opened J. Lights, his first restaurant, in fall 2020.

Constellation and therefore ineligible for any direct emergency funding.

October 2021 has languished Even after she had Sen. Katrincic was able to secure in the pipeline.

Richard Burr’s office intervene, a $25,000 Economic Injury “We’ve been waiting in limbo Katrincic said she had no idea Disaster Loan from the U.S. for the EIDL increase loan, about the status of the loan Small Business Administration, which was approved,” she said. increase. “Can you imagine but a subsequent loan increase “We have yet to have a loan signing loan documents and application she submitted in officer assigned.” not getting funded for more

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than 90 days?” she asked incredulously. “I’m just afraid that we’re in some sort of tunnel with it, and we’re never going to get out of it.”

Seth Gross of Bull City Burger and Brewery and Pompieri Pizza opened Bull City Solera and Taproom in July 2020 and was lucky enough to secure PPP funding, but it still hasn’t been enough.

“We blew through that by June,” Gross said. “Then we got the second round, which was great, but we blew through that in 2020 as well. Thank goodness for that money though, it kept us going.”

Gross, like restaurant owners across the nation, had to quickly adjust expectations with Solera, switching concepts to provide chef-driven burritos through the takeout window of the building, which was previously a Chick-fil-A. Solera is now open for indoor dining, and the burritos have been a hit with customers, so are likely here to stay, but that doesn’t mean things are completely rosy. Gross was determined to keep his staff employed throughout the pandemic, which has meant running on financial fumes.

“All of the cash for Solera is gone,” he said frankly. “All of my starting capital. We burned through, literally, close to $1 million in cash.”

Gross was unable to get funding through the SBA’s more recent Restaurant Revitalization Fund. “I’m really upset about that,” he said. “We literally set up a command center with two people waiting for [the application] to open.

We were on it, [and] within 23 minutes, I had everything completed and got it in.

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ABOVE Don Bennett and and Emily Bennett take their meals from Burton inside J. Lights Market & Cafe. Local restaurants continue to struggle with pandemic-related stresses and need customer support now more than ever in order to survive.

LEFT The Polynesian Bowl at J. Lights.

“We didn’t hear for a while,” he continued, “and then we start reading that the funds are gone.

“We are going to run out of cash. We’re going to be on fumes if we don’t get something soon,” Gross said.

J. Lights Market & Cafe owner Jared Burton has also struggled to stay afloat. This is the first restaurant for Burton,

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and because he had no previous payroll data, he was ineligible for a PPP loan. His regular business loan through the SBA also got tangled up in the pandemic.

“I had been in discussion with Pinnacle Financial Partners for the SBA loan,” Burton recalled. “My bank called me probably two or three days before we were supposed to close on the loan [in April 2020] to say they were freezing everything to focus on PPP loans.

“At that point I had no idea what to do. I spoke to my banker, and he just had no answers.”

Burton was able to close on his loan four months later, and J. Lights opened in fall

2020. Burton was then able to generate revenue, but his financial woes were far from over.

“We did not qualify for any federal funds,” he said. “I talked to everybody, I looked at grants. I was doing anything and everything I possibly could to find [funding].”

Burton was lucky enough to qualify for RRF assistance in April 2021, but in the intervening months he had to go as far as liquidating his own 401(k) in order to keep the lights at J. Lights on and his doors open. “If we hadn’t gotten [RRF], we wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

Chef Matt Kelly has been in perhaps one of the most unique positions of any Durham restaurateur. He had to close Saint James Seafood after the tragic 2019 gas explosion and, in a cruel twist of fate, was able to reopen the restaurant just

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39 days before the governor’s stay-at-home order was issued in early 2020. He pivoted to takeout, like many others, and opened Jimmy’s Dockside later that summer in an effort to keep his staff employed. In fact, it was only to keep his staff employed, a condition of the PPP loans. Jimmy’s Dockside quite literally made no money; Kelly estimated that he lost anywhere from $32,000 to $40,000 a month doing to-go orders.

Financing was far from the only problem the four faced – there has been no escaping the price increases and supply chain issues that have made global headlines. “If we can get it, it’s more expensive,” Gross explained. “There’s cheeses we can’t get right now that are core items normally. There are constant shortages.”

Katrincic gave an example of similar struggles. Durham Distillery’s flagship Conniption Gin has to switch to different bottles in North Carolina for two months because she is unable to source the bottles they usually use. “Literally there is no bottle left of our glass in this country,” she said. “We put in a purchase order for 60,000 bottles in October that were supposed to arrive this month, but were told in December that the factory couldn’t do it. We paid $3,000 in freight on the previous glass shipment last fall, when usually it’s $1,200,” she continued. “The cost of the bottle alone has gone up 20%-25%.”

All four owners also emphasized that keeping their staff employed was one of the main factors that continued to

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ABOVE Before Burton received Restaurant Revitalization Fund assistance, he had to go as far as liquidating his own 401(k) in order to keep his doors open.

LEFT Courtney Christison and Michelle Aldred make a wine selection in J. Lights market.

motivate them to navigate the treacherous financial waters of the pandemic. Katrincic, Gross and Burton all pay far more than the average restaurant wage to their workers, and managers at Kelly’s restaurants average a $70,000 yearly salary. They had to get creative in how they kept their employees working during a time when they couldn’t serve customers. Gross had

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the to-go window at Solera, and Katrincic was able to shift Corpse Reviver employees to the distillery upstairs.

Despite the setbacks and difficulties, all four are determined to keep pushing forward with the same drive and determination that they’ve shown these past two years.

The omicron variant has thrown another twist at them (Kelly noted that his restaurants had

more than 1,000 reservation cancellations in the week following Christmas), and the future of federal assistance is unclear, but that isn’t stopping them.

“It’s been a year,” Burton laughed. “I’ve grown up more.

I look forward to a time where everything isn’t a Rubik’s Cube that someone handed you and told you that you have 30 seconds to figure it out.”

“We have to move forward,” Gross said. “We have put our lives on hold for over two years.

My plan for 2022 so far is just to move forward, do the best we can and do the things that make us happy. The chefs need projects. They need to feel like they’re cooking, like they’re creating. If the numbers are diminished, so be it.”

engagement Julie Hinson & Cody Toellen

B Y M E G A N T I L LOT SO N | PHOTO BY ALEXANDREA LASSITER, COPPERKEYPHOTO.COM

Wedding Date Oct. 25, 2022

Occupations Julie Hinson is the

co-founder of Outer Loop Arts and a full-time artist and pottery teacher. Cody Toellen works in the transportation department for Orange County Schools.

Crossed Paths The couple met at the Eno River in 2019, where they instantly hit it off. Julie says it was a magical experience as they spent more than six hours talking and swimming, and they “fell in love in short order.” They dated for six months before moving in together at the beginning of 2020.

The Proposal Julie was busy working on a big order and baking pies the day before their families’ first joint holiday this past Thanksgiving. Cody

planned the proposal in secret and designed the ring with the help of the team at Jewelsmith. Cody asked Julie to help him pick up a car part, and instead drove out to West Point on the Eno – the site of their first date. They got out of the car, then Cody bent down on one knee and asked Julie to marry him.

Photographer Alexandrea Lassiter, who had hidden behind the McCown-Mangum House, sprang into action to capture the emotional moment. Julie says she had no idea about the proposal and was overjoyed to say yes.

Now, “I Do” Julie and Cody plan to host their wedding ceremony at Union Grove Farm in October 2022. “We are total opposites, come from such different backgrounds, but are total soulmates,” Julie says. “We both knew so quickly.”

The couple plans on settling down in their newly renovated house just south of downtown.

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wedding

Shirlette Ammons & Laura Ritchie P HOTO G RA P H Y B Y CAR LY R O ME O & CO. , CA R LY R OME O. CO M

Date Oct. 16, 2021

Occupations Laura is a community arts organizer and

curator. Shirlette is a musician and film producer.

Crossed Paths The couple met at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro in 2009, where they both worked at the time.

They connected about art and politics and had a long friendship before they began dating in 2014.

The Proposal The decision to get married was mutual, and the pair designed their custom-made Bario Neal rings together. A couple months after their original wedding date was postponed, Shirlette surprised Laura with a “proposal” and another ring that was crafted by Carrboro designer Emily Triplett. “It was such a sweet gesture in the midst of an otherwise depressing time, and I absolutely love the ring,” Laura says.

The Big Day Joye Speight of Virtue Events helped plan the Saxapahaw River Amphitheater ceremony and Haw River Ballroom reception.

Guests got comfortable on indigo-dyed pillows crafted by textile artist River Takada while enjoying the sounds of singer-songwriter Kamara Thomas accompanied by Chris Boerner on guitar during the ceremony.

Arrow Studio owner Evvie Rumsey handled Laura’s hair and makeup, and Jada Skyy created a natural look for Shirlette “that made me feel confident and still like myself.” Shirlette completed the look in a suit by Brian Burnett of Glenwood South Tailors and Alterations. Lee Moore Crawford of Hana Lee designed the florals from local bee-friendly sustainable growers. Renowned chef Matt Kelly catered a meal of whole 112

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hog barbecue, potato salad, Saint James Seafood hush puppies and more, which was inspired by both family’s regional foodways, before The Shakedown got everyone on the dance floor and kept the party going.

Most Memorable Moment “It is impossible to pick just one!” Laura says.

“Some standouts: entering the amphitheater to cheers from our loved ones; Ms. Jaki Shelton Green’s poem during the ceremony; the amazing sunset after a day worrying about the rain; words from our celebrant, Jim Lee, and family members.”

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

Email amanda.maclaren@durhammag.com.

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