WILMA December 2022

And that’s a wrap on 2022.

Before we start making new plans and changes for 2023, let’s take a pause and enjoy the accomplishments from the year and celebrate with those around us.

A number of area nonprofits, several that work with girls and women, had reason to celebrate funding boosts this year including from the Landfall Foundation (page 14) as well as from national philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, who gave this year to Communities In Schools of Cape Fear and the local Girl Scouts council (page 41).

This month’s issue also highlights women whose work has been recognized by the community. Bertha Boykin Todd, who participated in this year’s 1898 Commemoration to mark the 124th anniversary of the massacre and coup, talks about her decades of making an impact in Wilmington on page 36.

Kitty Yerkes’ colleagues in the fundraising world honored her this year with the Cape Fear Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ inaugural Trailblazer Award (page 46).

Cheers to them all and everyone else who made their marks in 2022. W

DARIA AMATO is a native New Yorker and School of Visual Arts graduate. Throughout her thirty years of experience, she has photographed a range of editorial, advertising, company branding, and corporate clients in addition to music, fashion, portraiture, weddings, and still life. Amato photographed End of Days Distillery co-owner Beth Faulkner for a feature about area women in the spirits industry (page 29). She also photographed Communities In Schools of Cape Fear (page 41).

MEGAN DEITZ turned her love of photography into a full-time career in 2003. Today, she specializes in portrait and commercial photography but can be found fueling her true passion for landscape and wildlife photography through her travels around the world. For “Shaken & Stirred” on page 29, Deitz photographed Ellie Craig, of Front Street Brewery. She also photographed The Basics owner Mary Long for this month’s Taste feature on page 18 megandeitz.com and @megandeitz_ photography on Instagram

SAMANTHA KUPIAINEN is an Indianapolis native who relocated to North Carolina in October. She holds a magazine journalism degree from Ball State University and enjoys writing about topics related to health, women, and local communities. She talks this month with Communities In Schools of Cape Fear’s executive director Louise Hicks about the nonprofit’s expanded work (page 41).

EMORY RAKESTRAW is a North Carolina native who has extensively covered the people, places, and history of the Tar Heel State. She works in public relations representing clients in the interior design and wellness sphere throughout the Southeast. When not writing, she can be found at the beach. Rakestraw writes about several women working in the area’s burgeoning distillery scene on page 29

DREWE SMITH and KATE SUPA own a creative studio – Drewe and Kate Branding Co. –that helps companies elevate their brand and digital presence through photography, brand styling, logo design, and website creation. They styled and photographed this month’s cover and Palm Springsinspired Style feature (page 21). dreweandkate.com

Publisher Rob Kaiser rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com

President Robert Preville rpreville@wilmingtonbiz.com

Editor Vicky Janowski vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com Vice President of Sales Carolyn Carver ccarver@wilmingtonbiz.com

Senior Marketing Consultants

Maggi Apel

Matthew Coleman

Lucy Pittman Craig Snow Stacey Stewart

Marketing Consultant Alexis Alphin

Digital Marketing Manager Braden Smith bsmith@wilmingtonbiz.com Digital Sales Coordinator Jillian Hon jhon@wilmingtonbiz.com

Office & Audience Development Manager Sandy Johnson sjohnson@wilmingtonbiz.com Events Director Elizabeth Stelzenmuller events@wilmingtonbiz.com

Events & Digital Coordinator Jamie Kleinman jkleinman@wilmingtonbiz.com

Contributing Designer Suzi Drake art@wilmingtonbiz.com

Designer Tara Weymouth tweymouth@wilmingtonbiz.com

Digital Editor Johanna Cano jcano@wilmingtonbiz.com

Media Coordinator Julia Jones jjones@wilmingtonbiz.com

Fashion Stylist Drewe Smith

Contributors

Meghan Corbett, Nina Bays Cournoyer, Kristin Fryt, Samantha Kupiainen, Laura Moore, Dylan Patterson, Emory Rakestraw, Lynda Van Kuren, Elizabeth White

Contributing Photographers

Daria Amato, Megan Deitz, Madeline Gray, Aris Harding, Terah Hoobler, Kate Supa

Founder Joy Allen

Subscribe

For a one-year subscription, please send $26.00 (check) to: WILMA, 219 Station Rd., Ste. 202, Wilmington, NC 28405, or call 343-8600 x201 www.WILMAmag.com

LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

FOUNDING SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

“All of us at PNC celebrate the innovative women who fuel Wilmington’s dynamic business landscape and help make the Cape Fear region a great place to work and live. As a Main Street bank, PNC is committed to cultivating, empowering, and honoring women business owners, leaders, investors, and financial decision-makers in the communities we serve. Our continued support of WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative is reflective of this commitment.”

Karen Weaver Vice President & Relationship Strategist, PNC Private Bank Advisory Board Member, WILMA

W2W YEAR IN REVIEW

WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative has updates to share as we continue to work on the mission of helping develop more women leaders in our area. Here’s what we were up to in 2022:

WILMA AWARDS: Thirty-five finalists were recognized in our annual Women to Watch Awards in October, this year held at the Wilmington Convention Center (shown above; more photos and winners list on page 12)

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: This year’s class selected for the nine-month WILMA’s Leadership Institute program started orientation at Double Run Farm. Leadership skills topics this year included strategic thinking, effective communications, strengths-based leadership, and more. The forty members celebrate their graduation this month. Applications are now open through January 31 for next year’s program. Info: WILMALeadership.com

FUTURE LEADERS: This year, we launched a youth leadership component to our initiative, selecting sixteen 11th graders to participate in a yearlong mentorship program (read more about the first group on the opposite page) and a Future Leaders Fest event.

LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR: Our annual half-day women’s conference took place in June at the Wilmington Convention Center, featuring workshops, networking, and keynote talks from Kate Groat, Live Oak Bank; Tracey Newkirk, Genesis Block; Sheri Shaw, UNCW CHHS; and Jennifer Turnage, xElle Ventures.

GET ON BOARD: The Get on Board program, held in partnership with UNCW’s QENO, prepares women for joining boards of directors. Training also took place at our Accelerator conference.

MENTORING: We matched up twenty women with mentors this fall for the yearlong mentoring program in which participants work one-on-one with each other once a month on leadership goals.

- Vicky Janowski and Maggi Apel, Co-directors of the Women to Watch Leadership Initiative W2W@WILMAmag.com

photo by Madeline Gray

ANNOUNCING

WILMA’s FIRST

As part of WILMA’s new Future Leaders initiative, which focuses on high school and middle school teens, we recently selected our 2022-23 Future Leaders class. The group of sixteen 11th graders from schools throughout the region will work with their mentors throughout the year, participate in the upcoming Future Leaders Fest on December 3 at the Wilmington Convention Center, and be invited to our Women to Watch Leadership Initiative events. Meet the inaugural class and go to WILMAmag.com to read more about the group.

network

The WILMA Network is a program of the Women to Watch Leadership Initiative to help women business owners, executives, and community leaders connect with each other and serve as a resource for up-and-coming women in the region.

Visit wilmamag.com/women-to-watch/the-wilma-network to learn more and contact Network members.

Looking for more details? Contact Maggi Apel at mapel@wilmingtonbiz.com

PALLAS ADAMOPOULOS

Business & Strategic Partnerships Coordinator, CFCC's Wilson Center

STEFANIE ADAMS

Chief Empowerment Officer, WNY People Development

SARAH ARTHUR

Director of Community Engagement, Novant Health

JESA BARNETT

Account Manager, Greene Resources

MAGGIE BLACKHAM

Founder, Elevate Coworking

STEPHANIE BOLTON

Owner, Patriot Roofing Company

KATIE BRASKETT

Director of Marketing, MegaCorp Logistics

VICTORIA BROUGHTON

Marketing Coordinator, O’Brien Service Company

BONNIE BROWN

Owner/Office Manager, The Honey Do Service, Inc.

JUDY BUDD

President, Connect Cape Fear

COURTNEY BURRELL

Commercial Banking Market Credit Leader, Wells Fargo, NA

WANDA COLEY

VP of Strategy & Execution, UnitedHealth Group W2W Advisory Board

ABBY CULP

Marketing Manager, Axis Fitness Training

KATHERINE DANIEL

Principal & Founder, Montani Consulting

ERIN EASTON

Director of Workforce Training, Cape Fear Community College

DONNA ESTEVES

NA Regional Supply Chain Manager, Corning Incorporated W2W Advisory Board

MICHELLE FOGLE Owner, Fleet Feet Wilmington

JUNE GUNTER

Co-Founder & CEO, TeachingHorse, LLC

ASHLEY HARKER

Owner, Specialized Physician Liaison Services

KATIE HENDERSON

Marketing Director, Pathfinder Wealth Consulting

SARAH HESS

Owner, Nurture Wellness PLLC

KRISTEN HOLE

Senior Project Consultant, Cape Fear Solar Systems

CHRISSY HOSKINS

Regional Director of Sales, Well Care Health W2W Advisory Board

JACKIE HOUSER

Attorney at Law, Flexner Houser Injury Law

KRISTY HUBARD

Chief Strategy Officer, Novant Health W2W Advisory Board

RACHEL HUNT

Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley

ALEXIS HUNTER

Community Liaison, Wilmington Health W2W Advisory Board

KENDALL HURT

Owner, Meadowlark W2W Advisory Board

CAROLINE KING

Founder & President, Bright Star Diversity Consulting

ELAINE LEGGETT

CPA, ABV, CFF, CFE

KELLIE LEWIS

VP, Commercial Relationship Manager, Customers Bank

AMANDA MIARS Partner, Murchison, Taylor & Gibson PLLC

TRACEY NEWKIRK

Co-Founder & President, Genesis Block

CHRISTI LEA OSBORNE

Commercial Donations Development, Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity

KARLY PLEMMONS

Marketing Specialist, Utility Management Services, Inc.

JESSICA LOEPER

Chief Communications Officer, New Hanover County

LILY LOIZEAUX

Executive Talent Management Leader, General Electric W2W Advisory Board

ALEXANDRA LYSIK

Owner, Cavik Insurance

ZOË

MATHEWS

Owner, Code Ninjas Wilmington

MORGAN MATTHEWS

Public Relations Director, Matthews Motors

SHEA MCNALLY

Owner, Spun Compass

HEATHER MCWHORTER

Director, UNCW CIE

JENNIFER MERRITT

VP/Branch Manager, United Community Bank

KARI LEE SCHULTZ

Partner, Hedrick, Gardner, Kinchelow & Garofalo LLP

SHERI SHAW

Assistant Dean for Student Success, UNCW College of Health & Human Services W2W Advisory Board

KIM SKIDMORE

Owner, LIV CBD

BROOKE SKIPPER

Co-Owner, Salt Air Heating & Cooling Owner, Vent Ninjas

RUTH RAVITZ SMITH

President, RR Smith Strategies Solutions, LLC W2W Advisory Board

JUSTINE REEL

Interim Dean & Professor, UNCW CHHS W2W Advisory Board

DELORIS RHODES

Retired Educator W2W Advisory Board

AMBER RICHARDS

Document Management Specialist, Copiers Plus

CHERYL RICHARDS

President & CEO, Catapult

DR.

GRETCHEN RIVAS

Owner, Infinity Acupuncture & Relax! Massage Therapy & Skin Care

KANDRA ROMEO

Director of Partnerships & Community Relations, Self-Help Credit Union

KELLY SCHAUDT

Director of Quality Performance, Community Care of NC W2W Advisory Board

SANDY SPIERS

Market President/Commercial Team Lead, First National Bank

SARAH STONE

Director of Retail Experience, Excite Credit Union

APRIL WALKER

Owner, DRINX ILM

DEBBIE WARWICK

EVP, Woman-Owned Business Lending, Live Oak Bank W2W Advisory Board

KAREN WEAVER

VP, Relationship Strategist, PNC Wealth Management W2W Advisory Board

DORY WEISS

VP of Sustainability & Social Impact, nCino

HALLEY WHITE

DDS, PA

White & Johnson Pediatric Dentistry

LEAD LEARN INSPIRE

WILMA’S LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE GIVES UP-AND-COMING LEADERS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM TOP LEADERS IN THE REGION, VISIT A RANGE OF LOCAL COMPANIES, AND SERVE AS EACH OTHERS’ PERSONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Individuals can apply themselves, and companies are encouraged to nominate high-potential leaders in their organizations.

PROGRAM STARTS: April 2023, and meetings are monthly through December

With Thanks

Throughout their year, members of WILMA’s Leadership Institute hear from community leaders for skills training on a range of topics, from strategic planning to communicating effectively. Thank you to all of this year’s presenting speakers who shared their time and advice with the class.

Danielle Baxter nCino

Lisa Brooks Wilmington Thrive Tribes

Natasha Davis WPS Strategy Group

Natalie English Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

Donna Esteves Corning Incorporated

June Gunter TeachingHorse Mary Kathryn Hardy nCino

Michele Holbrook Corning Incorporated

Anne Keeble The Forté Institute

Megan Kopka Kopka Financial Lisa Leath Vantaca

Jessica Loeper New Hanover County

Chip Mahan Live Oak Bank

Cynthia McBride GE Hitachi

Hoop Morgan The Forté Institute Molly Nece Golden Age Leadership Kim Nelson KNT Company Tracey Newkirk Genesis Block

Rachel Olsen The Forté Institute Sheri Shaw UNCW CHHS Ruth Smith RR Smith Strategic Solutions

Linda Thompson New Hanover County Yasmin Tomkinson

Cape Fear Literacy Council Andrea Troccia Corning Credit Union

Robbin Williams GE Vernova

2022 Venue Hosts: TeachingHorse & Double Run Farm ⬤ Cape Fear Community College

Live Oak Bank ⬤ Cameron Art Museum ⬤ UNCW College of Health and Human Services New Hanover County Arboretum ⬤ nCino ⬤ The Harrelson Center

SAYANTANI DASGUPTA, assistant professor in UNCW’s creative writing department (Arts); CONSTANCE FOREMAN, founder and lead coach for Beyond Clinic Walls Wellness (Business); TIFFANY D. TUCKER, deputy director of athletics and senior woman administrator with UNCW Athletics (Education); GINA WARREN, forensic interviewer and therapist for The Carousel Center (Health); CATHERINE MCDOWELL, executive director of Roots of Recovery (Nonprofit/Volunteer); ERIN MCNALLY, marketing, air service development and PR manager for Wilmington International Airport (Public Sector); and BRIANA CARR, owner and clinical social worker at Serenity Healing Solutions (Rising Star).

Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. For more photos from the event, check out Facebook.com/WILMAmag. photos

Awards event October 21 at the Wilmington Convention Center in downtown Wilmington.

by Madeline Gray

LANDFALL FOUNDATION AWARDS LOCAL GRANTS

The Landfall Foundation last month announced nearly $500,000 in grants to benefit local nonprofits and schools. The foundation presented checks to eighty-eight groups, ranging from arts organizations such as Opera House Theatre Company to educational programs such as Young Scientist Academy (file photo shown above) to health initiatives such as Cape Fear HealthNet.

Earlier this year, the foundation, which gets its support from residents of the community through fundraising events, also gave $65,000 in capital grants to The Children’s Museum of Wilmington, StepUp Wilmington, and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. Another $9,200 went to the Landfall employee’s scholarship program.

The foundation has distributed $6.8 million since it was created in 1995.

HEALTH CARE HEROES

RECOGNIZED

Health providers, professionals, and volunteers were recognized last month during the 2022 Health Care Heroes awards event. The awards, put on by WILMA’s sister publication Greater Wilmington Business Journal, recognized finalists and winners in eight categories as well as a lifetime achievement honor that this year went to retired cardiologist Richard Tamis iea.

Category winners included:

ERIN LAMBERT, who along with LANCE LEWIS, took home the Innova tion in Health Care category for their work with Novant Health Coastal re gion’s Pulmonary Embolus Response Team.

MARIAN SMITH, a nurse with Well Care Health, won the Nurse category.

CANDY LEE (above), Memory Partners program manager for Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, earned the Com munity Achievement award.

And SANDRA DINAPOLI, a patient representative for Wilmington Health, was the inaugural winner in the Un sung Hero category.

For more info and photos, go to wilmingtonbiz.com. Have

HILL SCHOOL ADDS

TO STAFF, BOARD

The Hill School of Wilmington an nounced the appointment of CATHY BAR LOW to its board of directors.

Barlow began her career as a special education teacher and held leadership positions in K-12 schools for decades years before moving into higher education. She joined the University of North Carolina Wilmington as dean of education in 2000.

She went on to serve as UNCW provost and returned from retirement in 2015 to serve an additional two years as interim vice provost during a period of transition for the university.

The school also announced the addition of three teachers: ELIZABETH BARBA RO, HANNA BARKLEY, and MARY BETH MOORE.

Barbaro received her bachelor’s degree from Long Island University and master’s degree from Bank Street College of Edu cation. Barkley (above) is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a teaching certification in elementary education. Moore received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from UNCW.

The Hill School of Wilmington is a non profit organization that offers a half-day academic program for students in grades 1-8 with learning.

ant more WILMA? Check out our daily emails, which include even more profiles and stories for Wilmington’s successful women. To sign up for the free emails, go to WILMAmag.com

Email us: wilma@WILMAmag.com

UNCW PROFESSOR EARNS INDUSTRY NOD

KIMBERLY COOK, a professor at University of North Carolina Wilmington’s sociology and criminology department, received the Division on Critical Crimi nology & Social Justice Lifetime Achieve ment Award from the American Society of Criminology.

The award, the highest honor of the division, recognizes sustained and distinguished scholarship, teaching, and service in critical criminology.

Cook was recognized for her scholar ship and activism in the fields of violence against women, wrongful convictions, feminist criminology, restorative justice, and survivor criminology.

“I went to college as a single moth er on welfare after surviving domestic violence. I know what being marginalized and exploited is like,” Cook says. “Pur suing social justice with my academic expertise as an available tool allows me to integrate my personal and profes sional commitments with humility and determination.

“I am honored to receive this award from my academic peers, and I’m deeply grateful to the many community partners who welcome my involvement. They earned this award too.”

The American Society of Criminology is an international organization whose members pursue scholarly, scientific, and professional knowledge concerning the measurement, etiology, consequenc es, prevention, control, and treatment of crime and delinquency.

WORKOUT FULL-BODY

MARIAH MACDOWELL SEES FITNESS FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES

by KRISTIN FRYT | photo by ARIS HARDING

Women In Strength, a women-only fitness studio, was opened with the intention of building a community.

After working as a coach in various fitness facilities, MARIAH MACDOW ELL says something that kept those businesses successful was having strong community bases.

“Coaches knew all of the members whether they were their own or not, members were comfortable going to any of the coaches for questions or guidance, members always showed up for organized events outside of their training sessions, and that’s what I’m striving for with Women In Strength,” MacDowell says.

While coaching teenage girls through a strength and conditioning camp a few years ago, MacDowell be came inspired.

As part of the eight-week training program, she provided the girls with a journal question each day to write about and then discuss when they returned to the next session.

She says that over those weeks, it was inspirational to see the changes within the girls – not only in their fitness abilities but also how their mindsets changed toward fitness as well as them selves.

Thus, the idea to have this but on a larger scale to reach more women was born.

The plans for creating a fitness studio where women came not just to work out, but to build relationships, create solid, supportive connections, learn lifelong nutrition habits, and be part of a solid community were put into motion.

MacDowell and personal trainer MORGANN SWAN had clients who stuck with them as they transitioned to the studio’s opening while allowing space for new members.

“As coaches, we understand that stepping into a personal training pro gram or group class is a very vulnera ble experience,” MacDowell says. “So, we want to make that experience as enjoyable and pain free as possible –

Morgann Swan (left) and Mariah MacDowell

although we can’t promise there won’t be soreness following a workout!

“We work with our members wher ever they’re at on their fitness journey because we understand that everyone is starting at different levels,” MacDowell adds.

With this in mind, she prefers more one-on-one settings compared to large group situations. Women In Strength focuses on each member’s goals.

Besides offering personal training and small group classes, they also offer fitness for pre- and postnatal mothers.

Women In Strength also offers remote training and corporate events. MacDowell says the beauty of remote training is that it can be done anywhere and usually on your own time. The program can be carried out through an online training program designed ahead of time for each individual or completed through live training, such as through Zoom.

Nutrition and exercise are lifelong habits necessary to be healthy, and if someone is feeling like they need a personal jump-start into this lifestyle, Women In Strength offers an individ ualized 12-week challenge to get her headed in the right direction.

The goal of this is to create better habits, increase physical activity, learn about personal nutrition and what is necessary for the individual, and finish the challenge feeling better and more confident than when she began.

Women In Strength has only been in its current location at 505 South 17th Street since May, and MacDowell says they are already planning a move to a bigger location within the next year.

This will enable them to offer more fitness options, add more coaches, and hold seminars surrounding fitness, nutrition, pre- and postnatal topics, and possibly even a Mommy and Me-type class.

“We strive,” MacDowell says, “to go beyond just fitness by looking into nutrition, lifestyle habits, stressors, and more to help the women we work with get the most out of their fitness and wellness journey and create something that they’re able to maintain for their life, rather than a quick fix solution.”W

Illumination Exhibition Opening Party Friday, December 2, 2022, 6-9 PM

Kids@CAM: Clyde’s Holiday by the Sea Saturday, December 3, 2022, 10 AM-1 PM

CAM Holiday Open House Thursday, December 8, 2022, 10 AM-8:30 PM

Minnie Evans Birthday Celebration Sunday, December 11, 2022

Floating Lantern Ceremony Sunday, January 8, 2023, 4-7 PM

by ELIZABETH WHITE photos by MEGAN DEITZ

ilmington downtown restaurant The Basics is really anything but its namesake. Owner MARY LONG offers Southern fare such as biscuits and gravy, smoke-cooked pork, and fried green tomatoes, but with her own added gourmet twist.

Entrées are familiar but not ordinary.

Country fried chicken is smothered in Cholula hot sauce and white pepper gravy, while fried catfish is topped with roasted red pepper chow chow relish.

This month Long celebrates The Basics’ fifteenth anniversary in business. She is planning an open house to cel ebrate the special milestone for all her regular customers and neighbors.

The seasoned restaurateur has suc cessfully brought her “grandmother’s cooking” to the city and converted those who questioned whether she was serving true Wilmington crab cakes in the beginning.

“I had to earn trust being the new kid on the block,” she remembers. “It took some time to convince customers to try a new hybrid of cooking that reminded one of comfort but is a little different, a little healthier.”

Long is taking the concept of healthi er even further with her recently opened Plan B, located in a courtyard behind The Basics, 319 North Front Street. The intimate setting fits well for fresher and lighter snacks or sipping coffee, a clear change in direction from the hardier fare and fuller meals of The Basics. Plan B’s menu offers vegan options, fruit and cheese, charcuterie, and rotating daily specials of small salads and dips.

With the obvious new growth hap pening downtown, Long is hoping to provide quick, convenient options for those on the move.

“We are packaging a lot of our menu items as pick up for those taking a short lunch break or an easy dinner option for folks venturing out for the night,” she says.

The North Carolina native grew up around two talented grandmothers and a mom “who were really good cooks” and whose recipes serve as inspiration for The Basics’ menu.

The Brunswick stew recipe is “an old family recipe that we have been cooking for generations,” Long says.

The menu is what she refers to as “an organic outgrowth” of all of her experi ences, both personally and profession ally plus a reflection of her own tastes.

“It represents how I like to eat,” she says, “homemade salad dressings, fresh pro duce, slow roasted meats and barbeque, healthier soups.”

Long entered the hospitality industry not expecting it to become her career.

“It was a way to put myself through college,” she says.

Working various stints in restaurants before owning her own businesses was her normal at the time.

“I worked at a place in Chapel Hill

called Spring Garden Bar and Grill,” she says.

Long attended graduate school at the University of Georgia in Athens, where she also worked in and owned two restaurants. Initially working towards a master’s degree in English, Long real ized the academic world would not be stimulating enough for her. “I think the fast pace and the challenges of working in the hospitality industry always were a pull for me,” she says. “I knew I could never sit still long enough to be behind a desk or in a library full time.”

Long admits, however, the English degree comes in handy when writing menus.

There was always a calling to head back to North Carolina. Wilmington, a spot she used to visit on family vaca tions, was a natural choice.

“I have always loved the laid-back coastal vibe here,” she says. But start ing a new restaurant in a new city was daunting. “I knew that opening a new restaurant in a city where I had no pre vious relations or experience was going to be the litmus test of my whole career,” she recalls.

Located at The Cotton Exchange, The Basics has Long’s touch written all over it inspired by her history working in downtown restaurants or in small neighborhood areas. The idea for her Wilmington restaurant came easily.

“The concept was a combination of two restaurants where I had worked in Georgia – one a very casual counter café and the other a casual fine dining spot that incorporated new flavors and techniques to traditional Southern cuisine,” she says. “I loved both types of restaurants and wanted the best of both worlds.”

The Basics delivers on that premise by offering different things to different diners: comfort food, fast casual, grab-abite before-class spot, or business lunch location.

Long achieved her goal, however, but has adapted to one big difference after moving to Wilmington.

“I was used to landlocked restau rants,” she says. “Learning how to work with such an abundance of fresh seafood was such a wonderful challenge.”W

WHERE MEDICINE MEETS

Mod pink-andorange daisy BIKINI, cream mohair long JACKET, and pink SUNGLASSES, all available at Jess James + Co. Vintage

Hollywood

photos and styling by

intro by Nina Bays Cournoyer Drewe and Kate Branding Co.

if your closet is looking for a coastal makeover for the holidays, put away that old LBD and bask in the retrocool that is late ’50s/early ’60s Palm Springs.

A haven for arts, celebrities, and soirées, Palm Springs-inspired attire isn’t all buttoned up mid-century silhouettes but instead amps up its sensual side. Taking cues from pinups a la Bettie Page with a dash of classic Hollywood starlets such as Bette Davis and Brigitte Bardot, the style exudes a carefree elegance –something any holiday wardrobe can use.

For a fresh color story, tweak those muted vintage palettes of the ’50s and turn up the saturation to incorporate brighter hues like cobalt, chartreuse, and fuchsia, while also pulling in ’60s-inspired floral and geometric patterns.

So, get into some vintage va-va-voom for this season’s festive fetes and let your inner ingenue shine. W

Red and pink paisley floral DRESS with bow, blue velvet DRESS JACKET, Italian white SUNGLASSES, pink-and-clear gem clip-on EARRINGS, and gold knit CLUTCH, all available at Jess James + Co. Vintage

White wiggle DRESS with bow back, green printed spearfront SKIRT, straw BAG, Monet gold chain BELT, and Badgley Mischka HEELS, all available at Jess James + Co. Vintage

Metallic quilted wiggle DRESS with matching JACKET, gold hoops EARRINGS, vintage TENNIS BRACELET, and vintage Vogue CLUTCH, all available at Jess James + Co. Vintage

Gucci style raspberry hostess DRESS with satin bow and vintage drop globe EARRINGS, all available at Jess James + Co. Vintage

Media

Representing the Spiffy brand is all about consistency and honesty. Spiffy is green and take pride in using our reclaim mat while washing. Our technicians are our hardest working employees, and we want to represent them proudly. There are many branches Spiffy to represent, and across the board they are consistent and recognizable as the overall Spiffy identity.

conveys the attitude of our through our photography and marketing we put out in the world. a set of best practices that Spiffy’s image to stay consistent.

Practices: Branding is visible - ideally the wordmark of Spiffy and the Penguin

Shaken Stirred

By Emory Rakestraw Photos by Daria Amato & Megan Deitz

In 2019, when BROOKE BLOOMQUIST took a master distillers class in Colorado, she was one of two women in attendance. Years earlier, her father, Mark, had come to her with the idea of a figurine in a bottle, perhaps a blue shark, who’s docile nature is overlooked due to its association with fellow hunters lurking beneath the surface.

How three Wilmington women are shaking up the distilling industry

After the family launched Blue Shark Vodka in 2019, the ocean-loving Bloomquists part nered with the Atlantic Shark Institute to tag blue sharks and follow them up and down the coastline. They even planned for a party once the sharks reached local waters. Yet, things took a turn when leading shark experts couldn’t find any blue sharks to tag, and one they did track disappeared in an area known for nonethical commercial fishing.

Much like how the blue shark is lumped into

an ill-fitting category, the same can be said of women in the distilling scene.

Although distilling was long-considered women’s work, the witch hunt that swept Europe and Colonial America for centuries saw 50,000 women charged with black magic and persecuted, many of whom utilized the distilla tion process to create medicine. By the Indus trial Revolution, women all but disappeared from the process of liquor production; it was viewed as hard, labor-intensive work not fit for

ELLIE CRAIG, head of sales and public rela tions for Front Street Brewery

a “homemaker.” Only in recent years has the industry seen inclusive change.

“In 2008, I was young in the craft beer industry when not a lot of women were there,” says ELLIE CRAIG, who heads sales and public relations for Front Street Brewery. “Then, there was the emergence of organizations like Pink Boots Society to help female brewers and marketers. I think we are seeing a changing of the

tides as it relates to the male-domi nated interests in spirits. Over the past couple of years, there’s been a shift, particularly in the interest in bour bons and whiskey.”

Craig herself is working to bring rare bourbons and whiskeys to the Port City through the ILM Down town Brown coalition. Front Street Brewery’s partnership with four other whiskey-centric establishments gave force in numbers and allowed the coalition to travel to Statesville to procure its first joint-barrel pick from Southern Distilling Company. In early September, their pick, Southern Star Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon, was awarded Best Overall Bourbon out of 650 spirits at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.

Just a stone’s throw from Front Street Brewery, Wilmington’s first dis tillery and tasting room, End of Days, opened in February 2020 in the Cargo District.

While husband-and-wife found ers SHANE and BETH FAULKNER initially launched with their Port of Entry Rum and Port of Entry Vodka, their Survivor’s Cut Bourbon (de buting in 2021) sold out in a mere 45 minutes. Even more shocking, this was the first Wilmington-produced bourbon since the prohibition. This November, End of Days re-released the series.

While Shane heads distillation, Beth’s direction and input have transformed End of Days into more. The expansive lounge is outfitted with couches of cognac leather, barrels are placed as resting points for the various craft cocktails offered from the seasonal, rotating menu. Patrons can purchase anything from T-shirts to gin in the retail room, which she calls, “her baby.” Even minor details, like fresh flowers, are changed out and overseen by Beth.

“As I’ve visited distilleries and met with the owners and staff, even these BROOKE BLOOMQUIST of Blue Shark Vodka

BETH FAULKNER of End of Days Distillery

somewhat male-dominated distilleries have a wife or woman directing the ship. Visible or not, organizational skills and attention to detail are so crucial,” Beth Faulkner says. “I’m the co-founder with Shane, and we are very much a team. I always loved craft cocktails and what a distillery offers. We want everyone who walks through the door to feel like they’re a part of something and enjoy the experience – much like the experience I initially sought to bring to Wilmington.”

Away from dark liquor and cocktail lounges, Blue Shark Vodka’s smooth, award-winning taste has Brooke Bloomquist to thank. While her father developed the idea into a business, she perfected the recipe through trial and error. Sourcing non-GMO, heirloom-va riety sweet corn from a farm in Polkton, North Carolina, is one way she’s able to set Blue Shark Vodka apart.

Another is through philanthropic efforts. Their iconic bottle has seen four transformations; yet a custom, limited edition label by muralist and conserva tionist, Wyland, allowed the company to donate $1 of each bottle sold to The Wyland Foundation that supports ocean conservation programs in communities and schools. Today, Blue Shark Vodka also continues its partnership with the Atlantic Shark Institute, donating 50 cents per bottle to the organization.

While Brooke Bloomquist distills, her mother, NIKI BLOOMQUIST, has a hand in the business’s day-to-day oper ations, and ASHLEY MORRIS heads all public relations efforts.

“It’s a male-dominated industry, but on our small but mighty team we have more females than males,” Brooke Bloomquist says. “Distilling is some thing that I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d be partaking in. Taking my master distillers class, trial and error, and testing recipes has gotten us to where we are.” W

Bertha Boykin Todd’s years of educating continues

by LYNDA VAN KUREN | photos by MADELINE GRAY

see injustice and walk away. BERTHA BOYKIN TODD isn’t one of those people. A long-time civil rights advocate and former educator, Todd played a central role in the desegregation of Wilmington’s schools. She also helped lead the efforts to bring the 1898 Massacre and Coup into the light in recent decades.

“I was very forward when I saw injustices,” says the ninety-three-year-old Todd. “I was very bold in my comments; but I was also diplomatic, positive, and optimistic because I believe in God and in people.”

Todd is all that and more. Persistence, courage, and creative thinking come to mind, as does Todd’s strategic approach to resolving problems – she prefers working around obstacles.

Such was her strategy as an educator in the New Hanover County school system. Todd was Williston High School’s first, and only, librarian. Then when the school system was ordered to integrate, Todd was transferred to Hoggard High School. Tensions were high, and the student population erupted into riots one or two times a week. Todd, who says she learned how to control confrontational Black and white student interactions in unstructured library time, was called on to get the school under control.

“I had to figure out what would turn that school around so the kids would stop fighting each other. I read, prayed, and persevered,” Todd said. “I wanted to prove we could overcome the tensions a diverse student body incurred.”

Through a combination of innovative ideas, such as developing projects that all the students wanted to be a part of, and making Black and white students co-chairs of clubs, Todd helped the students learn to work together and befriend each other. Gradually, the riots stopped.

At the same time, Todd served as a liaison between the school board, superintendent, staff, and the community. She often arrived home after midnight after attending community meetings, listening to concerns and fears, and diffusing high emotions. When tensions rose, she was on the phone, dialing the hotline she was given for emergency calls to the superintendent and school board members.

As Todd advanced in the school system – she was the first female principal of Hoggard High School’s summer school, career development coordinator, and director of staff development–she also became a community leader. Todd worked with the New Hanover County Human Relations Commission to handle complaints of racism and ensured that qualified African American

Some people

employees were promoted to top administrative positions at the county’s social services department. Todd also spoke on behalf of the Wilmington Ten, a group convicted of arson and conspiracy after a riot in the city in 1971. A federal court later overturned their convictions in 1980, and Gov. Bev Perdue issued their pardons in 2012.

In 1995, Todd was asked to co-chair the 1898 Centennial Foundation, which was formed to mark the hundredth anniversary of the 1898 Massacre and Coup. Todd accepted, even though doing so meant potential opposition to bringing up Wilmington’s violent chapter in history.

Once again, with determination and sensitivity, Todd bridged the divide. She involved descendants of the massacre in the foundation’s activities and worked with the StarNews to ensure articles focused on the massacre, not individuals. She was also the only person of color in the group of professionals who gave presentations on the subject to community groups.

Todd and other foundation members worked for two years to bring the massacre and coup to the public’s attention. Through the 1898 Commemoration at Thalian Hall; videos, articles, and books on the subject; and the dedication of the 1898 Memorial Park, which was a decade in the making, the tragedy has been more widely acknowledged and discussed.

“It (the massacre) took 100 years to uncover,” Todd says. “It will take one hundred and more years to work with reconciliation.”

Todd participated in the 1898 Commemoration that was held last month to mark the 124th anniversary of the massacre. Activities included history programs, panel talks, photo exhibit, staging of the play What the River Knows, and more. As part of the events, Todd signed copies of her book, Reflections on a Massacre and a Coup, at the Cape Fear Museum.

Todd has been a stalwart, and gracious, fighter for civil rights and improving race relations. Though her successes are many, it hasn’t been easy. Todd says she may have suffered from PTSD; and during the worst of times, she couldn’t talk about what was happening without crying.

However, Todd wasn’t, and isn’t, one to give up.

“I had to decide, am I going to be bitter or better?” she says. “I chose to be better.” W

Educational Gains

BOLSTERED BY A MAJOR GIFT,

COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS

CONTINUES TO GROW

by SAMANTHA KUPIAINEN | photos by DARIA AMATO

The local Communities in Schools group is expanding, with a new headquarters and a larger net of students to help in the area.

The larger mission is fueled by a nota ble gift this year but also by the nonprof it’s continued growth in services.

In February, officials announced that philanthropist MACKENZIE SCOTT made a sizable donation to Communities in Schools – $133.5 million to be exact. Locally, Communities in Schools of Cape Fear received a portion of her gift, $1.5 million, making it the largest individual

donation it’s received to date.

Communities in Schools (CIS) of Cape Fear focuses on dropout prevention through community-based program ming. It got its start back in the ’90s as a program run through the chamber, then became its own independent nonprofit in 2005.

CIS of Cape Fear is a program that works “directly inside public schools, supporting vulnerable students and those with the greatest risk of dropping out,” officials say.

This fall, CIS of Cape Fear moved into a larger headquarters space at 1209 Market Street and now has seventy staff

members.

The nonprofit is actively involved in the schools, connecting students and their families to critical resources, such as food, housing, health care, counseling, and remote learning technology. The group partners with public schools and com munity agencies in New Hanover, Pender, and Duplin counties and serves twen ty-seven schools in the region.

With Scott’s gift, CIS of Cape Fear has been able to expand its programming, create additional jobs, and overall reach more students in New Hanover and Pender counties. This gift also means CIS of Cape Fear is one step closer to reaching

MORE LOCAL FUNDING

MacKenzie Scott this year also donated funds to the Girl Scouts council that covers Southeastern North Carolina.

Scott donated $84.5 million to Girl Scouts of the USA and nearly thirty of its local branches, including Girl ScoutsNorth Carolina Coastal Pines, which received $2.4 million.

Like the gift to Communities in Schools of Cape Fear, the designation to the local group came after research by Scott and her team, which selected specific councils to receive funding.

“This investment will help provide the resources that will allow Girl Scouts-North Carolina Coastal Pines to expand its capacity to provide innovative and relevant programs that address the most urgent needs of girls today and in years to come, while preparing them to be leaders in a future that will be full of change, challenges, and opportunities,” Lisa Jones, CEO of the council, which covers forty-one counties in Central and Eastern North Carolina, including New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties, says in the October announcement. “We will invest in our strategic priorities such as fostering meaningful program innovation, making facility improvements at our iconic Girl Scout camp properties to complement year-round utilization while expanding accessibility and program elements at camps and service centers, and creating more equitable membership opportunities in communities that have been under-engaged.”

its annual budget of close to $5 million, which all goes directly back into the program and com munity, supporting students and their futures.

“Every year we have to raise that $5 million to fund our operations,” says LOUISE HICKS (above), CIS of Cape Fear’s executive director. “While $1.5 million is an amazing gift, abso lutely, it didn’t eliminate our need for continued support and continued grant writing. Every year we have to raise that $5 million to fund our operations. We don’t charge our families of students for anything that we do.”

For CIS of Cape Fear, Scott’s gift was a testament and validation to the strength of the nonprofit and its staff, as well as its program practices.

Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has been donating billions to organiza tions nationwide and internationally in the past

couple of years.

“It’s easy to think of different groups strug gling within the same systems as not only sep arate, but also opposing. Yet when we help one group, we often help them all,” Scott wrote on the social publishing platform Medium earlier this year. Scott typically does not speak publicly about the donations except for her annual or semi-annual posts on Medium. “Communities with a habit of removing obstacles for different subsets of people tend to get better for every one.”

Her update post detailed more than $3.8 billion recently given to 465 nonprofits, such as Communities in Schools organizations in cities around the country as well as groups working in education, health, human rights, housing, and more.

Unbeknown to CIS of Cape Fear, Scott’s team

did lengthy research into its programming, evaluating its data and financials and deter mining if it would be a strong investment or not, which is something they do with every thing they fund.

Scott’s team looked at the entire CIS net work and decided which affiliates they’d like the fund. From there, the national office was notified about which local offices were select ed. In North Carolina, Cape Fear and a CIS in Charlotte received funding from Scott.

“For nonprofits, best practice is to have thirty-six months operating capital in reserve; this helps us get to that point, as well as fund ing expansion of programming,” Hicks says.

So far, with the help of Scott’s gift, CIS Cape Fear has added five schools to its pro gramming, as well as brought in additional staff at some of its existing schools.

According to the CIS of Cape Fear 2021-22 annual report, the nonprofit served about 15,400 students last year and case-managed an additional 1,700 students. Some of its programmings are having student sup port specialists at local schools; Baby Steps Young Parent Support; Third Grade End of Grade Test Prep (PaSS); Teen Court, Medi tation, Restorative Justice & Restitution; and afterschool programs at six schools in Pender County and its downtown Wilmington youth center, WIRE.

Hicks says a large reason why Scott decid ed to make the donation to CIS is because of her focus on equity in education.

“Her given principles are equity in general and in anti-racism,” Hicks says. “So, a lot of what our work is trying to level the playing field for all of our students to make sure whatever zip code you live in, you can be successful in school. We will help break down any barriers to help you be successful in school. So, it was certainly looking through the equity lens that helped bring her attention to communities in schools.”

Looking ahead, Hicks hopes to increase community awareness of CIS of Cape Fear.

“We’re working with the most vulnera ble kids in the schools that have the highest needs,” she says. “We’re doing it well with proven results and support for our work is ongoing. I don’t want people to see that, ‘Oh, we got $1.5 million from MacKenzie Scott. That’s amazing; they don’t need us anymore.’

“I want them to see that,” Hicks adds, “that’s a testament to the quality of our pro gram and know that it’s an ongoing, annual need to raise money.” W

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PHILANTHROPY NODS

AFP RECOGNIZES KITTY YERKES FOR HER WORK

by MEGHAN CORBETT | photo by TERAH HOOBLER

The season of giving is in full swing, but the need for philanthropy is a year-round necessity.

November 15 was National Philan thropy Day, which highlights the signifi cant impact those who donate their time to the greater good have on the world.

“This day gives chapters of Association of Fundraising Professionals across the country a chance to recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses who have a profound impact on their communities

through philanthropy,” says LAUREN DALEY BRYANT, executive director at Domestic Violence Shelter and Ser vices Inc. as well as the president for the Cape Fear Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). “Philan thropic deeds come in all different shapes and sizes: charitable giving, volunteering, etc. Cape Fear AFP board and committees are an all-volunteer group of professional fundraisers, executive directors, and other passionate individuals dedicated to the nonprofit community.”

The annual event also serves as a fund raiser for the local chapter to help provide

scholarships for professional development opportunities such as state and national AFP conferences, special programs, and monthly meetings. William Buster, CEO and president of the New Hanover Com munity Endowment, was the keynote speaker at the recent event.

During this year’s National Philan thropy Day, the chapter introduced its Trailblazer Award, bestowing it on KITTY YERKES (left, at the Cape Fear Museum).

“The Trailblazer Award recognizes the outstanding achievements, commitment, and leadership of fundraising profession als in the Cape Fear area who have paved the way for the advancement of other pro fessionals in our community,” Bryant says. “Trailblazers have demonstrated vision, courage, and tenacity in their career as fundraising professionals.”

Yerkes is the donor relations manager with Cape Fear Museum.

“Kitty has made an impact in our nonprofit community through her work with the museum, Domestic Violence Shelter and Services Inc., and Habitat for Humanity but even more so with the time she takes to uplift, guide, and mentor oth er fundraising professionals,” Bryant says.

Yerkes says it was humbling to be recognized by her peers.

“I have been in the nonprofit arena for a long time and can say it is the best career anyone could have giving me much joy and gratitude,” she says. “It is such a privilege to help connect people with what is important to them, leave a legacy they are proud of, and positively impact the lives of others.”

Yerkes’ love for what she does encour ages others to take part in philanthropy as well.

“The fundraising professionals in this community are amazing individuals with entrepreneurial drive and innovative spirit that have helped to make change possible in our community,” Yerkes says. “We are all familiar with pay-it-forward sayings like, ‘As my parents planted for me, I plant for those who come after me.’ This is what is discussed at the dinner table, modeled for their children, and will probably be included in one’s obituary.

“I will put the Trailblazer award in mine,” Yerkes adds. “In the end, giving and sharing with others is important, no matter how you do it.” W

TAKE 5

MEAGHAN DENNISON is focused on serving the community using the tools that she and her team at Cape Fear Collective have available to them. Applying data science techniques, the organization, led by Dennison as chief executive officer, does project-based work to deliver tools for nonprofits and organizations. By focusing on twenty-one social drivers for health, the data provides organizations with access to “the tools needed to understand the metrics and help the people they serve better,” Dennison says.

WHAT ARE THE CAPE FEAR COLLECTIVE (CFC) INITIATIVES YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF CURRENTLY? “We’ve been working hard to expand access to data with our statewide Healthy Communities NC Dashboard. This innovative tool makes it possible for North Carolina to have shared measurement around the social drivers of health with the potential of putting North Carolina in the top ten for health equity by 2030. Affordable housing is a huge issue and a core mission for us. We’ve worked hard over the last year with our partners and investors to preserve affordable housing in our region with a focus on improving housing quality by completing almost one million in repairs. Finally, we’ve worked closely with CCLCF (Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear) on the Healthy Opportunities Pilot. Referrals are now coming in for the almost fifty organizations providing nonmedical interventions to Medicaid beneficiaries. This pilot is a game changer showing how social interventions around housing, food security, and reliable transportation create healthier communities.” WHO DO YOU HOPE TO SERVE WITH YOUR WORK AT CFC? “At the end of the day, we want to help create an equitable, healthier, and more upward- mobile community. That means working with partners and the community alike on shared metrics and shared goals.” WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR CFC? “My first job is taking care of the Cape Fear Collective team. I’m lucky to have such a talented group. … In the next year, we’re focused on growing our affordable housing platform, renovating and reopening the Driftwood property with Good Shepherd Center and Norco, and launching Mission Driven Motors with Kingdom Cars and the Kairos Center. The transportation program is aimed at providing affordable and reliable cars to our community.” WHY IS DATA IMPORTANT FOR THE WORK OF NONPROFITS? “Data creates a common operating picture and sound decisionmaking. Organizations on the front lines need tools to help them prove impact, understand where their programs could be targeted, and identify partners to engage with to help leverage their work. With common metrics, disparate organizations can rally around a problem and work toward a common goal.” WHAT, PERSONALLY, DO YOU GAIN FROM YOUR WORK? “No one does this work for personal gain. But I am inspired every day by my teammates and partners in Wilmington and beyond. I gain keen insight, knowledge, and inspiration from the talented and dedicated individuals and organizations trying to make things better one day at a time.”W

DENNISON’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Roundup email. To sign up for daily WILMA emails, go to WILMAmag.com.

MEAGHAN

by LAURA MOORE photo by TERAH HOOBLER

AFROM ST. CHRIS VISIT

by DYLAN PATTERSON illustration by MARK WEBER

‘T’Twas a week before Christmas, and I was into the hooch.

Just one creature was stirring, my best friend the pooch. No gifts had been purchased; the pantry was bare.

I hadn’t yet summoned the effort to care.

I was kicked back all comfy in my recliner.

A Christmas Story on TV thinking nothing was finer Than chilling in my sweatpants and old T-shirt.

“This is the life!” to my mutt I did blurt.

Then on the front porch, I heard a disturbance, “What the hel!?” I cried with grouchy perturbance.

I groaned as I forced myself out of my chair

On the television, Ralphie’s Red Ryder stare.

I shuffled through the house with a grunt and a pout, And opened the door just a crack to peek out.

When what to my wondering

eyes should appear,

But a figure of light with a sixpack of beer, And not cheap beer either but hoppy pales ales.

St. Christopher had come, patron saint of single males.

I invited Chris in, and he felt right at home.

As I poured him a beer, his eyes went on the roam.

“No tree?” Chris asked with a look of disdain.

“You’ve bought no gifts?” his not-so-subtle complaint.

“I’ve been busy,” I said with a sip of my brew,

But so weak was my story that Chris saw right through.

“Get off your keister, get dressed, and let’s go.”

“But where are we headed?” I wanted to know.

“You’ll see,” the saint said not revealing his goal.

“While you shower, I’ll watch Flick stick his tongue to a pole.”

Ralph was a pink bunny as Chris and I left.

But missing the ending didn’t

leave me bereft

Because out on the lawn was Chris’ magical ride, Not a sleigh but a Harley with a car on the side.

“Cool bike, but how will it carry our load?”

“Don’t worry,” said Chris, “Let’s get on the road.”

He threw me the key and told me to drive,

He hopped in the sidecar and cried, “Look alive!”

As we roared down my street, Chris laughed with delight. “Your neighbors have strung such beautiful lights!”

I was too ashamed to admit that I’d been oblivious

Or scoffed at such excess as silly and frivolous.

But with Chris’s help, the magic was shown

Of plastic lights and artificial snow

Of inflatable Frostys and skinny Jack Skellingtons

And family dinners consisting of tasty Beef Wellingtons.

My stupor was shaken, cynical

no more!

“Let’s get a tree and gifts and more!”

Chris and I hit the stores still open that night

And even some closed and locked up tight.

See, for Chris, the normal rules don’t apply.

He has a magic credit card that allows him to buy

Anything that encourages the Holiday Spirit

In those who are Scrooges and those who come near it.

We grabbed a wreath and an 8-foot Douglas Fir

And gifts for my dog and every kid, Ma’am, and Sir

In my family and ever family around.

As he dropped me at home and my feet hit the ground,

I heard St. Christopher call, as he roared out of sight,

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO BACHELORS, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!

Dylan Patterson is a writer and filmmaker who teaches English at Cape Fear Community College.