WILMA June 2021

WILMA

JUNE 2021

WILMINGTON’S SUCCESSFUL WOMAN

Out and About

Looks for on the town

Planting Picks Trends for green thumbs

Pulling it Together

Kelly Hillegass’ style wins

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8 SPOTLIGHT

46 SCENE: Art with heart

10 TASTE: Family style 12 HEALTH: Active ensemble 14 STYLE: Date night

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47 TAKE 5: Growing downtown 48 MEN'S ROOM: Tech sadly

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14 22 G ROWTH MINDSET: Glenda Tate opens up opportunities 26 LEAFY GREENS: Putting down roots 33 S CIENCE STARTERS: Getting kids fired up about science 36 I N STYLE: Elevating looks with Kelly Hillegass

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Well, hello, summer.

It’s been a long time coming, so this issue, we’re celebrating everything under the sun.

That includes heading out for date night – and trading in joggers for something brighter (see more style picks on page 14).

Looking for a new hobby? Try your hand with plants or expand your vegetation virtuosity with advice from these local growers who are sowing the current greenery and flower trends (page 26).

And, school might be out, but learning continues for kids, and girls in particular, participating with Young Scientist Academy (page 32).

So, flip through for your summer reading. Find a new restaurant, meet a new workout group, and browse a new gallery.

It’s a new season to get out and explore. W

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Publisher Rob Kaiser rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com

JENNY CALLISON is a former Greater

Wilmington Business Journal reporter who continues as a freelancer with the Business Journal and WILMA. Before moving to Wilmington in 2011, she was a university communications director and a freelance reporter covering a variety of beats. This month, she features the Young Scientist Academy program (page 33).

President Robert Preville rpreville@wilmingtonbiz.com Editor Vicky Janowski vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com Vice President of Sales Maggi Apel mapel@wilmingtonbiz.com Senior Account Executive Craig Snow csnow@wilmingtonbiz.com

MELISSA HEBERT is a Wilmington-

based photographer who has had her work featured in national campaigns and magazines, including WILMA. Hebert studied photography at the Cleveland Institute of Art and specializes in editorial, portrait, and wedding photography. Hebert photographed this month’s cover and style feature on page 14. melissahebertphoto.com

MICHELLE SAXTON is a freelance writer,

runner, and mom to three kids and a dog. She was a journalist for years with various magazines and newspapers and The Associated Press, and she recently helped run a soccer business for children.

Her favorite way to spend free time is playing the piano or walking outdoors. Saxton talks with Glenda Tate, founder of The Kairos Center (page 23).

Account Executives Courtney Barden cbarden@wilmingtonbiz.com Sydney Pope spope@wilmingtonbiz.com

Marian Welsh mwelsh@wilmingtonbiz.com Office & Audience Development Manager Sandy Johnson sjohnson@wilmingtonbiz.com Events Director Elizabeth Stelzenmuller events@wilmingtonbiz.com Design/Media Coordinator Molly Jacques production@wilmingtonbiz.com Content Marketing Coordinator Morgan Mattox mmattox@wilmingtonbiz.com Contributing Designer Suzi Drake art@wilmingtonbiz.com

DREWE SMITH is an editorial stylist and

creative director who specializes in photo direction and styling. Drewe is a Wilmington native and co-owns Drewe and Kate Branding Co., where she translates her love of design into branding photoshoots, logo design, and website building for a diverse collection of businesses. Smith styled this month’s cover and on-the-town looks on page 14.

TERAH WILSON is a Wilmington-based

freelance photojournalist with over sixteen years’ experience in photography and art. She is a mom of three, an artist, and an avid coffee drinker. This month, Wilson photographed FiA Cape Fear for the health feature (page 12), portraits of local plant and flower operation owners (page 26), fashion stylist Kelly Hillegass (page 38), and Take 5 with WDI President and CEO Holly Childs (page 47). terahwilson.com

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Digital Editor Johanna Cano jcano@wilmingtonbiz.com Fashion Stylists Ashley Duch Grocki & Drewe Smith Contributors Tim Bass, Jenny Callison, Meghan Corbett, Nina Bays Cournoyer, Beth A. Klahre, Laura Moore, Michelle Saxton, Lynda Van Kuren Contributing Photographers Megan Deitz, Aris Harding, Madeline Gray, Melissa Hebert, Stephanie Savas Photography, Terah Wilson Founder Joy Allen Subscribe For a one-year subscription, please send $26.00 (check or money order) to: WILMA, 219 Station Rd., Ste. 202, Wilmington, NC 28405, or call 343-8600 x201 www.WILMAmag.com

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“What a year it has been for us all, as we have learned how to be

Desirae Hrynko Marketing Manager Wilmington Health

WILMAmag.com

agile throughout the year’s challenges. The women of our community continue to be heroes to so many; including their families and their fellow neighbors. Our fearless female leaders have inspired us all through continued endeavors and accomplishments. At Wilmington Health, we value our area’s heroines. We have established the WH Women’s Center of Excellence to provide care that is comprehensive and convenient with access to our area’s leading experts in women’s healthcare. Wilmington Health is honored to support WILMA’s Women to Watch and our area’s TRUE gamechangers.”

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photo c/o CREW

W2W UPDATES WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative has updates to share as we continue to work on the effort’s core mission of helping develop more women leaders in our area. Here’s what we’ve been up to with various W2W Leadership Initiative programs and what’s coming up next: CREW AWARDS: WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative recently earned nods for its work. Maggi Apel and Vicky Janowski, co-directors of the magazine’s leadership program, won CREW’s Career Advancement for Women award during the organization’s 2021 Awards of Excellence. The award was part of Cape Fear Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW)’s annual event (winners shown above) that also recognizes local commercial real estate projects and teams. Winners also included Julie Andrews, of Logan Homes, receiving the Beth Quinn Excellence Award; Cindee Wolfe, of Design Solutions, for the Impact Award; and CREW past-president Elise Rocks, who earned The Realtors Commercial Alliance of Southeastern North Carolina’s Commercial Lifetime Achievement Award.

LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR: Our annual women’s conference took place May 24. Through the online conference platform, the Accelerator event centered on refocusing goals. Speakers presented on topics ranging from leading through disruption and change to navigating family and work demands to looking ahead.

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: June’s session for the class, a cohort of thirty-two women who meet monthly throughout the year, is on motivating teams and managing conflict. May’s session dealt with building resilience. For photos from this year’s orientation, turn to page 38. Info: WILMAmag.com/women-to-watch GETTING SOCIAL: WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative social media pages, where you can find the latest info about leadership program announcements, applications, and updates on women who have been involved with W2W. Follow us at facebook.com/WILMAsWomenToWatch and on Instagram @WILMAsWomentoWatch.

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

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The Women to Watch logo: When you see this throughout WILMA’s pages, it means this is a woman on the rise to know, an experienced leader to learn from, or a local program worth checking out. W

10 DYNAMIC DUO: Coquina's mother-and-daughter team 22 SEIZE THE MOMENT: The Kairos Center offers up economic empowerment 26 FROM THE GROUND UP: Learn from these green entrepreneurs

JUNE

women’s professional groups Besides WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative, there are a number of local groups to help women grow professionally. Here is just a sampling of some of them.

Cape Fear CREW Year Founded: 2010 Description: “Cape Fear CREW is the leading organization for commercial real estate in the Cape Fear region in North Carolina …

Members represent every aspect of the commercial real estate industry, including, but not limited to, law, leasing, brokerage, property management, finance, acquisitions, and engineering.”

Info: capefearcrew.org or info@capefearcrew.org

Cape Fear Women in Tech Year Founded: 2014 Description: “Our vision is to make the Cape Fear Region the No. 1 employer of women in technology careers per capita in the country.

We do this by championing opportunities for women in technology, empowering women to strive for these competitive positions, and inspiring women to lead in those roles.”

Info: cfwit.com or capefearwomenintech@ gmail.com

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Coastal Women Attorneys

The Junior League of Wilmington

(N.C. Association of Women Attorneys) Year Founded: 2013 Description: “CWA was formed to serve women attorneys in Southeastern North Carolina in the Fourth, Fifth and 13th judicial districts, which includes New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, Columbus, Bladen, Duplin, Onslow, Sampson, and Jones counties. CWA is committed to increasing the participation of women attorneys in the legal profession, protecting the rights of women under the law and promoting, and improving the administration of justice.”

Info: ncawa.org/cwa or cwa@ncawa.org

Year Founded: 1952 Description: “The Junior League of Wilmington is a women’s organization designed to empower women and to improve the community through the leadership of women as trained volunteers.”

Info: jlwnc.org or info@jlwnc.org

The Inspiration Lab Year Founded: 2015 Description: “The Inspiration Lab was built for working women passionate about personal and professional development. We offer teachings and tools to improve your skills, productivity, creativity, emotional intelligence, and well-being. We also provide opportunities for networking and connection. We represent a variety of backgrounds and careers, but we’re all like-minded in being serious about success, maintaining a manageable work-life balance, and supporting one another’s growth.”

Info: theinspirationlab.co

Women’s Impact Network of New Hanover County Year Founded: 2011 Description: “WIN is a collective philanthropy nonprofit that makes yearly grants to nonprofits within the county. The focus of these grants rotates annually among four areas: education, health and wellness, the environment, and arts and culture.”

Info: winofnhc.org

YWCA Lower Cape Fear Founded: 1914 Description: “The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.” Economic advancement programs focus on educational assistance, job training, and short-term and long-term planning skills.

Info: ywca-lowercapefear.org

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photo by TERAH WILSON

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THIS YEAR’S CEA WINNERS

The 2021 Coastal Entrepreneur Awards winners include several companies with women at the helm.

There are eleven category winners in the awards, a joint program with WILMA’s sister publication the Greater Wilmington Business Journal and UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

A panel of judges picked SeaTox Research Inc., founded by JENNIFER and SAM MCALL, for the Biotechnology category. PAMELA HEYWARD’s SOS Life Sciences Corporation won the Manufacturing & Distribution category.

Burgaw restaurant MeMa’s Chick’n & Ribs, owned by MYRA AND JAMES MCDUFFIE, earned the inaugural MinorityOwned Business category.

Pender County Christian Services, with SANDY HARRIS as executive director, received the Nonprofit award.

Topsail Steamer founder and CEO DANIELLE MAHON (shown above) took the Retail & Hospitality award. And Genesis Block, started by TRACEY and GIRARD NEWKIRK, was the winner in the Professional Services category.

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GLOW NC ADDS SEVERAL NEW BOARD MEMBERS

New members recently joined the GLOW NC Board of Directors. GLOW is a nonprofit foundation behind the Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington, or GLOW Academy.

New to its board of directors are: • AMANDA MIARS, a corporate and estate planning attorney with Murchison, Taylor & Gibson; • ALIGHIERY “ALI” MENDOZA (above), senior study startup and regulatory specialist with Syneos Health–Genentech Roche; • KATRINA REDMON, CEO of the Wilmington Housing Authority; • and MARK MOROZ, executive vice president, head of product, at Live Oak Bank.

The Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington is the state’s only single-gender public charter school.

Other members of the GLOW NC Board of Directors are Chair SANDY SPIERS, Vice Chair TERESA HUFFMON, Secretary DELORIS RHODES, Treasurer JOANNE ROCKNESS, Founder JUDY GIRARD, and members LOUISE COGGINS, MARGEE HERRING, FELICIA JONES, KIM NELSON, KELLY TINSLEY, GREGORY UHL, and ROSE ZIMMER.

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KINNEY NAMED PRESIDENT OF FIRM

The Wilmington area’s largest residential real estate firm has a new president.

DENISE KINNEY, formerly senior vice president and general manager, was promoted to president of Wilmington-based residential real estate firm Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, the company announced last month.

Previous president, Tim Milam, is transitioning to the role of CEO. An agent for twenty years, Kinney served as broker in charge for two other companies before joining Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage in 2008. Kinney’s rise through the ranks began with serving in several management positions until she became senior vice president and general manager.

Kinney has earned the Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager designation and is also a graduate of the Ascend Executive Leadership Experience.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to continue supporting our agents in their efforts to serve their clients, and our community,” Kinney says.

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

OWEN JOINS BOARD FOR MEDNORTH HEALTH

MedNorth Health Center, a federally qualified health care center in Wilmington, appointed NEHEMIE OWEN to its board of directors.

Owen is a health care executive with more than fifteen years of experience in acute care operations, best practice implementation and talent management strategies.

“She has a unique ability to build new programs and systems from the ground up. Nehemie led the cultural transformation of an acute care hospital to achieve top decile patient experience scores and top quartile employee engagement scores,” officials say.

Owen is leading parts of the human resources transition for New Hanover Regional Medical Center, which was recently acquired by Novant Health.

“Nehemie exhibits strong business acumen, serves as a trusted advisor, and understands the value of building relationships with senior leaders, physicians, and multi-disciplinary teams. Her Lean thinking and strategic leadership delivers inventive solutions while influencing others to successful goal achievement,” MedNorth officials say.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a Master of Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. Owen, a board-certified health care executive, has earned the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives credential and the Senior Professional in Human Resources certification.

Have a suggestion for a local woman or group to spotlight?

Email us: wilma@WILMAmag.com WILMAmag.com

JUNE 2021

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E DUO

DYNAMIC

COQUINA’S MOTHERAND-DAUGHTER TEAM

by BETH A. KLAHRE photo by STEPHANIE SAVAS

PHOTOGRAPHY

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MME CLEMONS was eighteen years old when she first started working in the restaurant industry for her parents, SCOTT and SHARI CLEMONS, at their Hibachi To Go drive-thru restaurant in Hampstead.

When the family opened two additional Hibachi restaurants, one in Ogden and one on South Kerr Avenue, Emme stepped up to run the Hampstead location on her own.

“I learned everything from my parents over the past ten years,” she says.

“That experience,” Shari adds, “gave Emme the credentials for us to trust her work ethic and to support her idea to open a brand-new restaurant that she would manage.”

In January, Emme and her co-owner parents opened Coquina Fishbar in Mayfaire Town Center. “We wanted something more full service to provide for Emme and her future,” Shari says.

Choosing the Mayfaire location was easy. “We love the area. Mayfaire is the new town center and will always be a premier shopping district,” Shari says. “Population growth is shifting here. But, there was something missing – a place to eat with a bar at the right price point.”

Just about everything in Coquina Fishbar from food to décor to ambience was influenced in some way by Emme and Shari.

Inspiration came from as far south as their home-state Florida and as far north as New York City. And, favorite places in between.

“We love walking down a New York City street with no real intention of going into a restaurant. But one peek inside, seeing people smiling and laughing.

That’s the energy we wanted in Coquina Fishbar,” Shari says.

Restaurants in Hilton Head, South Carolina, a family favorite vacation destination, provided multigenerational inspiration.

“Here you see kids, parents, and grand-

parents sitting around one big table. We wanted our restaurant to be like that,” Shari says.

The décor in Coquina Fishbar is simple, a collaboration between Emme and Shari.

“It’s clean, crisp, and bright. We call it vibrant coastal. The coral artwork above the bar is understated elegance, and there’s not a lot of chotchke on the walls.

There’s lots of wood.”

The menu bursts with Florida flavors.

“We mainly serve seafood, fresh simple fishes, with a Tampa flare. Everything is super fresh and super simple,” Emme says.

The menu highlights salads, all personally engineered by Emme who adds, “We wanted to be a little different … We took our time, tasted every wine from Spain and South Africa and every fresh juice cocktail on the menu.”

Even the restaurant name has Florida flair.

“We liked the name fishbar. We have a teak bar top that will eventually become an oyster raw bar. Add coquina, a seashell prevalent in Florida, and we had our name. A Google search easily finds us!” Shari says.

While the redesign was a major project slowed by COVID-19, staying on budget was not a problem.

“We were good at substituting, like using shiplap instead of more expensive tile. And, not everything needed to be new,” Shari says.

The pair relied on Scott to procure equipment. “Scott is very good at researching to find the best restaurant equipment for the price,” Shari adds.

The mother-daughter team divides the restaurant management responsibilities between the two of them. Emme takes charge of the front of the house including working with the restaurant’s hostesses, servers, and bar attendants.

Sometimes, she ventures into the kitchen, working between the servers and cooks making sure food goes out from the kitchen correctly.

“But mostly, I just do whatever I have to do that day,” she says.

Shari is the final decision maker and mentor to Emme.

“She’s doing a great job!” boasts Shari. “Customer service comes naturalWILMAmag.com

ly to Emme.”

The real magic in Coquina Fishbar is beyond the food, drinks, and atmosphere. It’s the relationship between mother and daughter.

“We are honest with each other. As her mom, I respect Emme’s opinion. I don’t have to be the one who comes up with ideas,” Shari says. “Our relationship is much deeper now that she’s older.

And, I get to see my daughter every day.

I don’t take that for granted.”

“We are both willing to do whatever it takes,” Emme adds. “When someone is having a hard day, the other picks up the slack.”

“We cleaned, painted, and did hard labor,” Shari says. “We improvised. We put our own personalities into it. We’re making our dreams come true.”

Info: Coquina Fishbar, 890 Town Center Drive (coquinafishbar.com)W

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FIT

TOGETHER

FIA CAPE FEAR UNITES WOMEN FOR WORKOUTS

by LYNDA VAN KUREN photo by TERAH WILSON

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t’s 5:30 a.m. So early that the sun hasn’t yet streaked the sky with shades of pink and gray.

Yet, the women of Females in Action Cape Fear are running, doing pushups, and engaging in other fitness activities in the great outdoors. It’s a way to start their day off right – with exercise and the support of other women.

“I wake up at 5 o’clock almost every day to go work out,” says EMILY SOBUL, regional leader for FiA Cape Fear.

“It’s so empowering to start the day with women who all want to help you succeed.”

And therein lies the magic of FiA. While FiA helps women get physically fit, the organization is also committed to helping them grow in mind and heart.

Women meet at the exercise classes, become friends at social outings, and help others through community service.

FiA’s exercise classes, which are free and open to all, encourage physical and mental growth. At the workouts, which are held several times a week at various outdoor Wilmington locations, new members are welcomed.

Then, the 45-minute, boot-camp-like class begins.

The weekly morning schedule rotates among start times and sites. Groups might meet as early as 5:15 a.m. at Ogden Park or later at 9 a.m. at Long Leaf Park. (For schedule and more info, go to the group’s page at facebook.com/fiacapefear.)

Though no class is ever the same, participants can be assured of a good workout that leads to increased strength and improved aerobic capacity, Sobul says.

Those who aren’t in the best shape or

new to exercise will find that FiA is particularly supportive.

One of FiA’s mottos is “No woman will be left behind,” and more experienced members keep an eye out for those who have difficulty with an exercise and offer encouragement, help them modify exercises, and stay with them.

In addition to improving women’s physical fitness, the classes also help women build their mental muscles.

For example, all the classes are composed and led by FiA volunteers, which helps women develop their leadership skills, according to Sobul.

Then there’s the fact that the workouts are held outside, rain or shine, hot or cold.

“We get stronger together when we work out in 20-degree weather,” Sobul says. “It brings you to a different headspace. When you go through something difficult together, you bond more and become one with nature.”

Being there for each other is an FiA covenant that happens off the exercise field as well as on. For example, when a member’s daughter fell ill, FiA women decorated her house for the holidays, cooked meals for an entire month, and donated money for groceries.

FiA Cape Fear also held some workouts at the Wilmington Treatment Center, so those women could join if they wanted to and experience FiA’s support.

“When someone is going through something, we all go through it,” Sobul says. “We lift women up if they need it. The sisterhood is pretty big.”

Community service is also an integral part of the group, and the Cape Fear chapter has collected female products for nurses to distribute at New Hanover County schools, helped beautify area parks, and participated in other service projects.

Sobul, like other FiA women, has reaped numerous benefits from the group.

She has more confidence in herself and has done things she never thought she could do, like run a 5K. “Within a few short months of joining FiA, I had completely changed,” Sobul says.

“I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t found FiA.” W This story ran in a recent WILMA Wellness email. To sign up for the daily WILMA emails, go to WILMAmag.com.

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Minerva DRESS, pink Shirley BAG, Ester SUNGLASSES in pink and orange, and Pippa MULES, all available from Oliver Clothing

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it’s a

date

o

nce upon a time,

before days blended together like a fruit smoothie, the last day of the workweek held some meaning. It was a commencement of sorts, signaling a successful slaying of the 9-5 and a triumphant emergence into a new, free world that was yours and yours alone. Or, maybe not so alone …

Slowly, “Friday” is regaining some of its shine, and lovers everywhere are resuming “date night.” If the thought of getting dressed in something other than day pajamas is making you sweat, don’t fret. We’ve got you covered with three easy-to-wear trends that show you weren’t

WILMAmag.com

ST YLED BY DREWE SMITH PHOTOS BY MELISSA HEBERT I N T R O B Y N I N A B AY S C O U R N O Y E R

hiding under a rock for the past year (even if you were).

• (Color) Block party: Color blocking is hotter than Wilmington in August and a simple way for anyone to wear color, even the gun-shy.

• Puff Daddy: Exaggerated sleeves – like this puff-sleeve – add elegance to a basic silhouette.

• Good jeans: A fail-safe option when you don’t know if your evening entails romance or rock climbing.

So, cue that Spotify playlist and go rule this weekend with your SO or meet-cute by your side. Like The Cure once said, “It’s Friday, I’m in love.” W

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SPEND SUMMER IN

Safe Places: Robert Johnson On view through August 1, 2021

Elizabeth Bradford: A House of One Room On view through October 17, 2021

Youth and Adult Classes and Workshops Virtual and In-Person

CAM Café Lunch, Brunch, and Dinner with live music Thursdays and Saturdays

CameronArtMuseum.org 3201 S 17th St Wilmington, NC 28412 (910) 395-5999

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Belle CAMISOLE, Mother Tomcat JEANS, oval BELT with chain, Chloe shoulder BAG, Krewe SUNGLASSES, and Varuna NECKLACE by Merewif, all available from Oliver Clothing

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MODEL: Camry Dale (UC Models)

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HAIR & MAKEUP: Meraki Beauty

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WARDROBE: Oliver Clothing

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SEIZE the

by Michelle Saxton photo by Megan Deitz

MOMENT The Kairos Center offers up economic empowerment

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hen GLENDA TATE moved back to Wilmington in 2004 after her mother had a stroke, she noticed it over and over again – health care workers helping her mother were struggling to make ends meet.

“You get to know these people, you get to hear about their children and their families,” Tate says.

“Sometimes their car would break down, and they wouldn’t have enough money to pay their rent.

“I calculated in my head one night and I thought, ‘They just don’t make enough money.’”

Tate, who grew up in Wilmington and later worked as a senior executive with the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C., wanted to address a systemic lack of sufficiency in communities, particularly among African Americans.

She founded The Kairos Center (kairosempowermentcenter.com) philanthropic organization in 2013 to help individuals climb to higher economic levels by discovering their skills, talents, and dreams.

“I believe everybody has this distinct purpose that they were created for,” says Tate, president and CEO. “My goal was to connect them with it and to have them get an aha moment.”

Tate spent twelve years caring for her mother before she died, and Tate considers that time

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together a gift.

“Now, I get the opportunity to give back to a place where I was born,” Tate says. “I did get that wonderful time with her, and out of it was born Kairos.”

The Kairos Center is among eighteen nonprofit partners at The Jo Ann Carter Harrelson Center, a downtown campus of nonprofits. The Harrelson Center recognized Tate and Kairos as Partner of the Year in 2019.

“A lot of her clients, they do feel like she is family,” says MEADE VAN PELT, The Harrelson Center’s executive director. “She has their best intentions at heart, she treats everyone with dignity and respect. And, no matter where life may have taken them or what obstacles they have faced, she recognizes they can grow.

“There’s a real opportunity here for The Kairos Center while the light is shining on the need to encourage and develop minority entrepreneurship,” Van Pelt adds.

The Kairos Center is Biblically based and named after the Greek word “kairos”, meaning an opportune moment in time. The center offers a free basic course called “Living Your Best Life Now,” which encourages clients to dream about what they want to do and helps them along that path.

“We don’t give people fish; we teach people how to fish,” Tate says.

Clients also may get help furthering their education, finding a good job, or starting a new business.

Kairos has helped entrepreneurs start up a mobile barbecue business, a shuttle transportation service, an auto detailing service, a handcrafted wooden pen store, and other endeavors.

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Creativity.

Strategy.

Planning.

How will you achieve financial independence?

We are here to guide you forward.

4018 Oleander Drive, Suite 102, Wilmington, NC 28403 | www.pwcpath.com | 910-793-0616 Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Advisor.

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“It really is about spending time and encouraging people and not just training them and letting them go,” Tate says.

Tate recalls working with a certified nursing assistant who commuted daily nearly an hour away to earn a degree as a registered nurse and move up in her field.

Another client is a former prison inmate and self-taught jailhouse lawyer who helped fellow inmates and himself get early releases. He then went to school and is on track to graduate this summer with a paralegal degree.

“It’s staying the course and recognizing that that’s a skill that he has,” Tate says.

The Kairos Center, which is privately funded through personal and corporate donations, also helps clients buy cars and find housing by matching some costs with money clients save, and it offers a financial literacy program called “Money Matters.”

“If I get you making more money, but I don’t teach you what to do with that money … use it, manage it, and then help it to grow, then we haven’t succeeded,” Tate says.

Tate works with contractors, administrative support, and volunteers, and the center is seeking help with social media and business coaching. Plans include a program with experienced tradesmen offering vocational education opportunities.

Clients include men and women, but Tate says marketing focuses more on men because there are fewer programs out there for them.

“There’s not a lot of help, to me, for men who need it in the way that it is for women,” Tate says, “What we wanted to do is make sure they were included.”

In a given year, Kairos serves about thirty to fifty long-term clients and even more who take the basic or financial courses, Tate says.

“Our numbers matter, but we measure ourselves by the real successes that we have, and sometimes that might take a year or two,” Tate says.

Economic empowerment is key, she says.

“We’re after a legacy,” Tate says. “We want the adults that we’re helping now, we want to change their lives because we want their children to see that their lives got changed. If we can do that, then ten years from now, whatever it is, I’m going to say Kairos was a big success because we passed something on economically.” W

keep it local WILMA’S

SPONSORS’ CONTENT

COOKIE CRUMBLES ELEVATE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Spruce up your patio this summer with the comforts of home crafted to weather the elements. Rich in color, lavish in detail, and of course, impervious to the elements, these all-weather pillows will elevate your outdoor space for a luxury outdoor experience. Find these and other outdoor entertaining ware at Big Sky Shop + Studio or online at www.bigskyshoponline.com

UNIQUE VINTAGE Give personality to your wardrobe with vintage clothing and accessories from Madie’s Finds. True quality antiques, art and more can be found at Madie’s Finds, located at 2825 Castle Hayne Road, Unit 6 in Wilmington or visit their Facebook @ madiesfinds.

WILMAmag.com SPONSORS’ CONTENT

For office parties, birthday parties or even parties of one, Crumbl Cookies offers fast, fresh and warm gourmet cookies for takeout, curbside pickup or delivery. With new flavors on the menu every week, you’ll want to be sure to stop by their new location at 311 S. College Road in Wilmington and pick up a pink box full of oversized delicious cookies. Download the Crumbl app or visit www.crumblcookies.com to schedule delivery or curbside pickup! Open Mon-Thu 8am10pm and Fri-Sat 8am-midnight.

ART & DECOR

Find one of a kind art and decor at Port City Peddler like the Oyster magnolia sculptures featured below.Their multivendor store is located at 6213 Market Street, and open 7 days a week. They have a large selection of new arrivals, from candles to vintage furniture, decor and more. Visit their website at www.PortCityPeddler.com.

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from the

ground

by Lynda

Van Kuren

up

A

s COVID’s restrictions curtailed activities last year, people looked to new and familiar hobbies to enrich their lives.

One hobby that many turned to was gardening. New and experienced gardeners found that digging into the soil and nursing plants into bloom engendered a sense of calm, made their home and temporary workspace more inviting, and gave them a way to let loved ones and friends they couldn’t see in person know they were thinking of them.

“The pandemic has increased the interest of current gardeners and plant hobbyists and jumpstarted a newfound appreciation for gardening in those that are doing it for the first time,” says EMILY KRUEGER, owner of Reggie’s Veggies and Plants. “The pandemic allowed people who normally didn’t have time to garden to finally start that garden they dreamed of.”

Though it looks like things are returning to a more normal state, gardening is still flourishing. And, the trend appears to be crossing generational lines. It’s not just the middle-aged or elderly who are tenderly tending their

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photo by

TERAH WILSON

TIPS FROM THE GROWER

PLAYING IN THE

“

DIRT

My advice for those wanting to grow plants would be to prepare your garden soil areas first and observe your lighting throughout the day, even in different seasons. Growing takes lots of patience, time, and care, but it’s so worth the time invested. Seeing growth, change, and a happy plant is worth the effort. … When growing plants in shady areas, it’s important to get your soil right and to choose the correct plant for the space.

Some plants require full shade, while some may like part shade and need just a couple hours of morning sun. Good draining soil is key as without sun, the soil dries out not as quickly. Hostas, hydrangeas, heuchera, and fatsia, elephant ears (Colocasia and Alocasia) are all great shade/part-shade perennials. … Plants that require little maintenance are ornamental grasses, shrubs, and flowering perennials such as salvia.

Portulaca are great flowering annuals that don’t require constant watering in our hot summers.”

-Emily Krueger, Reggie’s Veggies and Plants owner

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plants. Millennials and zoomers are just as likely to be planting and checking plants for new growth as their elders.

While plenty of these gardeners are planting vegetable and flower gardens, Krueger says indoor gardening is the most popular.

All types of plants are in demand, but indoor plants such as cacti, monsteras, and rare philodendrons are the most sought after, adds SARAH MERTZ, owner of Plant Outpost. Requests for cut flowers are also up, says ASHLEY JOHNSON, owner of Foxhound Flower Farm.

To get their plants, gardeners buy online as well as frequent retail stores and nurseries. Johnson, for example, has seen a significant increase in those using her flower subscription service. Mertz adds that gardeners often shop online to find flowers they can’t get locally.

“I have tons of friends who are into more rare plants, and they are getting them shipped from overseas, from Indonesia and places like that,” she says.

The high interest in gardening is accompanied by a high need for information. While some gardeners choose to learn from experience, many have a lot of questions and want to make the most informed choices for their plant investments, says Krueger. Those gardeners are flocking to in-person and online workshops as well as checking out websites such as the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and Facebook gardening groups.

“People are constantly reaching out and asking questions or advice,” Mertz says. “With the web, people have access to gardening information at all times.”

Another trend, which affects those who are growing outside gardens, is sustainable gardening, according to Krueger.

These gardeners are looking for organic composts and flowers that bring pollinators; organic options to prevent disease; and bug sprays that won’t hurt the bees, butterflies, or environment.

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TIPS FROM THE GROWER

KNOW

“

YOUR

LIGHT

Indoor plants that can tolerate low light: sansevieria (snake plants), Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant), Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen), or calatheas.

Better for bright-light areas of the house: cacti, aloe, jade, and palms.”

- Sarah Mertz, Plant Outpost owner

photo by

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JUNE 2021

TERAH WILSON

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photo by

Outside gardeners are also buying actual predatory bugs such as ladybugs and praying mantises to release into the garden to ward off the bad bugs such as aphids, Krueger adds.

The downside to the high interest in gardening is that plants and flowers are more difficult to come by these days.

Demand is one reason for the shortage.

Johnson says she could have grown five more greenhouses to meet the current need for flowers.

The call for plants and flowers is also at a peak level because people are holding events they canceled last year.

As an example, florists are supplying flowers for two or three weddings a weekend. Adding to the problem is the fact that some plant farms have shut down.

Transportation, or its lack, also contributes to the flower and plant deficit. Some suppliers have the plants, but trucks are booked for two weeks, so it’s difficult to get their plants to customers, Mertz says.

However, if you want to give gardening a try, don’t let the plant shortage stop you. There are thousands of plants, and experts can guide you to plants you will like.

Mertz recommends that new gardeners start small, with one or two plants they have researched, and make sure they have the right lighting in their home for the plants.

Also, while beginning gardeners will want to look for easy-to-care-for but beautiful plants, experienced gardeners will want to add some unique and hard-to-find plants to their current collections, advises Krueger. Advanced gardeners can also experiment with landscaping, adding stones to their gardens and expanding their garden in other unique ways.

Finally, Johnson says no one should be afraid of gardening.

“Flowers and plants only need a little tender loving care to thrive,” she says. “They are hardy.” W

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ARIS HARDING

TIPS FROM THE GROWER

CUTTING

“

GARDEN

“If you want to create your own flower garden that blooms throughout the seasons and provides you with a variety of plants that you can snip from to bring in your home and enjoy, the first thing I would recommend is to have a good mix of perennials and annuals.

Blooming perennials like viburnum and columbine are a good backbone to any flowering garden and fill in the gaps between the productive annuals like snapdragons and zinnias. One trick to having a beautiful spring flower garden in our climate is to plant cold hardy annuals in the fall rather than spring.

Spring staples on our farm like snapdragons, nigella, larkspur, and orlaya are cold tolerant and actually like the cooler weather to get established. In late spring as these annuals start to fade in your garden, you can easily replace them with heat lovers like zinnias, cosmos, and nicotania – a favorite of mine and the pollinators. Johnny’s Seeds is a great source for high-quality seeds and unique flower varieties. They also provide all the growing info you need on the back of each seed packet – this is important to read!”

-Ashley Johnson, Foxhound Flower Farm owner

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just say yes & we’ll do the rest

The Luxury

You Deserve

8 Venue Spaces - 60,000 Square Foot Clubhouse Two Top 40 Golf Courses - Luxury Suites, Cottages, & Hotel Riverfront Amenities - Top 20 Chef in the State

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making

science o n n e c t i o n s

The Young Scientist Academy seeks to empower youth in their communities

A

by

Jenny Callison |

chart on Young Scientist Academy’s website shows a significant disparity in test scores between New Hanover County students in suburban public schools and public schools in Wilmington’s downtown. It also shows that most Black and Latino students are concentrated in

WILMAmag.com

photos by

Madeline G ray

those downtown schools.

Young Scientist Academy was founded to address that problem. Its mission is to empower “youth of all backgrounds to be community ambassadors of science and technology as future leaders in our community.” The nonprofit offers a variety of hands-on programs to children from five to thirteen, serving fiftyfive to sixty per week.

“These kids are really becoming ambassadors for science in their communities,” says JUSTINE MARGUERAT, vice chairwoman

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of the YSA board. “What they’re learning is directly related to the environment they live in. For instance, climate change and water quality directly affect their communities. Our programs give them access to really robust opportunities.”

There is a disconnect between academic science and many people’s daily life and children’s discovery of how science affects their communities, says ROB CONDON, a marine scientist and environmental educator who founded YSA here in 2017.

“Science does not do a great job of connecting with issues in the community,” he says. “Science is a way of life; it’s a great problem-solving tool, a way to address and solve issues in the community.”

But it’s a problem-solving tool only when people in all sorts of neighborhoods, and with all sorts of backgrounds, are involved, he adds. In YSA’s early days, 95% of the program’s participants were white. Today, about 78% are Black and Latino; 75% are female.

“We as an organization have made a concerted effort to really make science accessible without financial and racial barriers,” Condon continues. “I’ve done some pretty cool things in my career, but nothing compares with what we’re doing with YSA. “We’ve got kids who are launching weather balloons into space and looking at high atmosphere information. We have girls who can build a computer and do programming. We have an outdoor program in Creekwood doing water quality monitoring. These (activities) are quite powerful.”

YSA’s staff members and volunteers – who are overwhelmingly female – are committed to science education and share a vision of what the organization is trying to achieve, according to Condon.

YSA’s space is divided into three sections: the lab area, the tech area, and the “relax and collaborate” space.

All equipment and supplies are furnished, and all programs are free of charge, thanks to the financial support of some individuals and a variety of companies. nCino is a major business sponsor; YSA has also received grants

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from The Landfall Foundation and the NHRMC Foundation.

YSA’s neighbor on the fourth floor of The Harrelson Center is Voyage – formerly the Blue Ribbon Commission – which works with youngsters and teens in the Northside community to increase self-sufficiency, social cohesion, access to mentors, and real employment experience fostered through summer internships.

Voyage and YSA collaborate in ways that benefit both programs, according to Marguerat, who became involved with the Young Scientist Academy last year.

“I was working as an intern for Voyage, where I am now the executive assistant,” she says. “With Voyage, I worked at the Hemenway Center, which is where YSA did the Afterschool Science Ambassadors program. I got to witness firsthand the after-school program and Sidewalk Science (a program for younger students).”

What drew her to the science programs, Marguerat says, was the level of participants’ excitement and engagement.

“I wanted to see how I could be part of the organization. I eventually joined the board,” she says. “Voyage is closely tied to YSA; we’re working together to provide STEM leadership opportunities.”

In addition to its after-school and introductory Sidewalk Science programs, YSA also offers Code Niñas, a computer science program; Homeschool Science, and Latinx Science Nights. A six-week Science Summit program debuts this summer.

“This is the big thing we’re focusing on next,” says PAIGE COPENHAVER, a YSA senior program assistant. “It will involve maybe fifteen YSA kids, with about ten high school kids as mentors.”

Those mentors are selected from Voyage participants, adds MAKAYLA MOLINA. The recent University of North

Carolina Wilmington graduate, who will help with the summit, describes the format as a mock science conference along the lines of a Model UN. “There will be a combination of discussions and hands-on activities,” she says. “We’re hoping to get some speakers to familiarize (participants) with people who are leaders in these fields, like conservation.”

While one of YSA’s long-term goals is to expand to other cities, it’s focused only on Wilmington at present, Copenhaver says.

“We have a big waiting list; we can’t have too many kids per program,” she says. “We’d like to expand our programs and add more staff, but we need better access to funds because we want to keep it free for the kids.”

But YSA is not just about the science, Copenhaver adds.

“We want the kids to know we believe in them,” she says. “So, we need to be not only good science educators but good mentors and help them believe in themselves.” W WILMAmag.com

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FINDING YOUR

STYLE

by Beth A. Klahre photo by Terah Wilson

D

o you have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? Are you going on a trip and want to plan your outfits? Or, are you an amazing mom who has put herself on hold and now ready for a style refresh?

KELLY HILLEGASS, owner of Kelly Hillegass Styling in Wilmington, opened her dream-come-true business in 2018, helping clients who are stuck with personal, commercial, and editorial styling.

“I always wanted to be a stylist.

And now, I’m working with a local up-and-coming lifestyle brand and with personal clients while living close to family in a town that I love,” Hillegass says.

Hillegass credits her mom, grandmother, and older sister for her passion for fashion.

“My mom was stylish and beautiful. She was always thrifting, which engrained a strong sense of taking something old and giving it a refresh,” she recalls.

Growing up, Hillegass spent lots of time with her grandmother.

“This was honestly one of the best gifts of my life. My grandmother always had creative projects to work on together. She loved to shop and took me with her,” she says.

WILMAmag.com

Kelly Hillegass helps clients achieve confidence

Even going to school was a fashion occasion. Borrowing from her sister’s closet came with fashion and hairstyling advice.

During and after earning a communications degree from Cape Fear Community College, Hillegass worked for Wilmington lifestyle photographer Eric Von Bargen pulling clothes for photoshoots and assisted local stylist Jess James + Co. with events. After graduation, she fell in love with offering tailored shopping experiences at Hot Wax Surf Shop where she also handled merchandising, managed fashion shows, and styled photoshoots.

In 2015, Hillegass moved to New York City to work for PR Consulting Inc., a public relations firm with clients the likes of Dior, Dries Van Noten, and J Brand. There, she coordinated clothing samples for national and international publications, worked at New York Fashion Week, and managed digital and print press clippings.

“I loved New York. It felt like I was the star of my own The Devil Wears Prada moment,” Hillegass says.

But, Hillegass found herself missing her “little beach town” and one year later returned to Wilmington to work for Simply Noelle.

“I learned a ton while working at Noelle,” she says. Hillegass managed catalog photoshoots and created lookbooks, hired and managed talent, and did product development.

She even spent time in China for production.

Today, local brand Beach & Barn is one of Hillegass’ commercial clients. She manages entire photography sessions from the selection of

location to scene setup with props to the styling of the models with a focus on the store or a particular brand. Hillegass also offers fashion-forward editorial styling for magazines.

But, it’s personal styling she loves the most. Her clients range from brides looking to put together outfits for photos to working moms.

“I especially love helping these clients put focus back on themselves,” she says.

While COVID-19 caused pause to Hillegass’ new business, there was a silver lining.

“It was a scary time that became the beautiful gift of being a stay-athome mom with my newborn son,” she says. “I slowed down, which I hadn’t ever done and focused on my next goals.”

During this time, Hillegass vacationed in Puerto Rico and photographed a collection of vintage clothing preparing to open her online shop, Heaven and Sea Market.

“COVID has caused an overall slowdown including the fashion industry,” she says. “So, I am focusing on items that can be worn multiple ways, like lounging or doing computer work, but can be dressed up for an outside dining event. House dresses have been huge. These loose comfy numbers will continue to take us into the summer.”

Her number one style tip? Take time for your closet. Keep it tidy and display items in an easy-to-shop way.

“What I love more than working with clothes is the people,” Hillegass says. “I love helping someone have the confidence to shop with purpose or create a new look for a fresh start.” W JUNE 2021

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WILMA’S

photos by MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER

We kicked off the 2021 WILMA’s Leadership Institute a little different this year. For the group’s orientation day in April, we took advantage of the state’s gathering guidelines at the time and met under the wide-open skies at Double Run Farm in Brunswick County. TeachingHorse shared its unique leadership development training with the class of thirty-two women. The Forte Institute examined members’ communication styles.

Institute alum visited to share advice. And, our mentoring adviser Kim Nelson talked to the group about the different ways to approach mentorship.

This year’s class meets monthly through December.

MORE INFO ABOUT WILMA’S LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE • WILMAMAG.COM/WOMEN-TO-WATCH

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DIGNITY MEMORIAL AN UNDERSEA TRIBUTE TO LIFE

W

ith more and more families choosing cremation than ever before, we are seeing the development of exciting and new options in permanent places of remembrance. This is an impor tant par t of planning for a celebration of life, to ensure that loved ones will always have a meaningful place to visit, remember and reflect.

At Dignity Memorial, we are honored to be able to provide access to one of the most unique resting places ever conceived — the Neptune Memorial Reef, the largest man-made reef ever created. This is the first and only environmentally friendly sanctuary for those choosing cremation with memorialization.

The Neptune Memorial Reef is located three miles off the coast of Key Biscayne, Florida in 40 feet of crystal clear water with a plethora of active marine life that continues to grow exponentially. Ocean enthusiasts, scuba divers, environmentalists, marine biologists, fishermen, and boaters from around the world are flocking to this impressive marine habitat (GPS coordinates N 25° 42.036’, W 80° 05.409’) which will ultimately provide sanctuary for more than 250,000 individuals across its 16 acres of the ocean floor.

Memorialization at the Neptune Memorial Reef

begins with pre-planning final arrangements to help relieve families of emotional as well as financial burdens.

Our compassionate Dignity Memorial experts get all the details set ahead of time, so when a loved one passes his or her cremated remains are carefully blended with natural materials, then molded and secured in this awe-inspiring undersea tribute to life with an engraved copper plaque.

For those loved ones who have already been cremated, they can still be memorialized in this impressive underwater setting.

Planning ahead for memorialization is a great way to ensure that you and your loved ones will be able to establish a truly memorable place to celebrate a remarkable life. Please contact us to speak with a Cer tified Neptune Reef Specialist at (910) 799-1686.

Michael Higgins is Sales Manager for Dignity Memorial®, which cares for more than 300,000 families each year through its network of more than 2,000 providers throughout North America. Learn more at www.dignitymemorial.com or call Greenlawn Memorial Park, Oleander Memorial Gardens and Coble-Ward Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, (910) 7991686.

910.799.1686 | DIGNITYMEMORIAL.COM

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HOTWOR X

INITIATE THE BURN AT HOTWORX

F

or those of us with an interest and passion for sci-fi, initiating the burn conjures images of firing rocket boosters and reaching distant, far-off worlds. In the car sometimes, I like to think about initiating the burn when traffic lets up and I am in a hurry.

But what we do here is not science fiction. Considering that many of our members report they can burn up to 450-500 calories in just a 45-minute workout, it’s easy to see why the idea of initiating the burn has an entirely different connotation here at Hotworx.

Numbers like these would have been unheard of in prior years, and it is interesting to note how technology has made the dreams of yesteryear turn into reality. This has practically become the norm here at Hotworx, however.

“I love the infrared energy and the sauna workouts,” notes

Shannon Murphy, who has been training with us since we opened. “They have nine saunas so finding a workout that fits your schedule is easy!”

Murphy joined Hotworx to reach her weight loss and training goals. “Since joining Hotworx, I’ve never felt better,” she says. “Hotworx is truly helping me live my best life.” Being able to schedule workouts directly from the app on her phone is something that Murphy has also appreciated.

Until she decided to join Hotworx, practicing yoga had never been an interest for Murphy. After trying it out here, however, she developed an appreciation for it. “I was member of the month in January, and they gave me the option for a free month or to book my entire workout program for the next month,” she said. “I picked book your

schedule for the month! That really kept me accountable, and I tried all the workouts at a time that worked for me.”

The accountability aspect of training with other people has also been a strong motivator. “I work out consistently with two other members, this keeps us accountable and we have time to have fun too,” she said.

Of course, any mention of training in a group environment feels inappropriate without addressing the Coronavirus.

“The staff here at Hotworx always ensures there’s a clean and safe environment for you to get your workout in,” added Murphy. “They are so friendly and helpful.”

We are taking every conceivable safety precaution to protect the health of our members and ensure that they can work out in a clean environment. As an aspect

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of our focus on protecting the long-term health of our members, we developed a 90 day work out challenge on the app.

With summer in full swing, there is no better time to initiate calorie burn provided by a training session at Hotworx.

Aside from helping you reach some personal goals, training here can produce a variety of mental and emotional benefits, remove toxins and metals from the body, and create a shorter path to recovery from a variety of injuries. To find out more about HOTWORX, visit www. hotworx.net or call 910-8329679.

Craig Cadogan is the owner of HOTWORX in Wilmington, and Danny Richani is co-owner. They look forward to helping you maximize your time in the gym and chart a path to achieving your individual fitness goals.

MARKRAFT CABINETS

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DESIGNING OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

ould you like to add some additional space to your existing floor plan, but aren’t quite ready for the commitment of a home addition? Consider bringing the indoors out by focusing on your outdoor area. More and more homeowners are using and designing their outdoor space for living, gathering, cooking, and just plain enjoying.

With our mild climate here in southeastern North Carolina, adding a design plan to your outdoor space is an investment you can use all year long. Here are a few outdoor design ideas that would make the most of all your living space.

Outdoor living rooms are becoming a popular way to take advantage of minimally used outdoor space. Adding comfortable furniture that stands up to the elements with

ample places for food, drinks, and books is the perfect way to spread out and relax. These outdoor living rooms can include an outdoor fireplace with a mantle that looks to be perfectly suited inside or out.

Many homeowners also decide to add an outdoor television, light fixtures, and ceiling fans to their outdoor living rooms for an extra level of comfort.

What would provide an excellent complement to your outdoor living room? Adding an outdoor kitchen adds to the convenience and flexibility of your outdoor space, whether for relaxing or entertaining.

Weatherproof cabinets can be installed to store everything you’d need for a built-in gas grill and food prep area.

Countertops made of granite and quartz stand up to outdoor weather all while making your space look inviting and fresh.

But your imagination is the limit - outdoor kitchens can be outfitted with refrigerators, gas stoves, sinks, wine refrigerators, and more! Think about the things that you use most frequently in your indoor kitchen and take them to your outdoor kitchen design plan.

If a whole outdoor kitchen isn’t something that you would make use of in your design plan, consider the addition of an outdoor wet bar. This might be just the thing to add next to your pool or existing fireplace area. A wet bar includes a sink, open countertop areas, and ample space for seating.

Outdoor cabinets also often prove a useful addition to a wet bar, but the main thing to consider here is providing ample seating for you, your family, and guests. Enjoying food and drinks fireside doesn’t just have to be when you go on a

fancy vacation – you can have it all in your own backyard.

Take advantage of our region’s year-round beautiful weather and invest in your outdoor area. A member of Markraft’s talented design team is ready to help you get started with your design plan today. Give them a call at 910-793-0202 or schedule an appointment to visit their showroom to start the process.

President and General Manager Cee Edwards and his team of talented designers invites you to visit Markraft’s Design Studio, 2705 Castle Creek Lane, just off Castle Hayne Road.

Markraft’s professional kitchen and bath designers consult by appointment.

910.793.0202 | MARKRAFT.COM

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PATHFINDER WEALTH CONSULTING

A

ALIGNING YOUR INVESTMENTS AND YOUR HEART

t Pathfinder, we counsel our clients that money is not an end in itself but is a means to achieve goals and do good work. We are continuously humbled by the contributions of our clients to nonprofits and charitable organizations that are making a significant impact in our backyard and beyond. We also know that the desire to give back is not insolated within our client community but is a common theme throughout the Greater Cape Fear region We know it feels good to align purchases with causes that are meaningful. Supporting farm to table restaurants, local artists, and “small” businesses are all ways we can make an impact.

But what if you could do the same with your investments?

As the world continues to evolve, so does investor motivation; this has become apparent through the popularity of sustainable investing. Did you know sustainable investing accounts

for one-third of professionally managed assets in the United States?

Environmental, Social, & Corporate Governance (ESG), Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), Sustainable Investing, and Impact Investing are often used interchangeably to talk about a similar concept. These terms are about aligning your investments with your social values.

Impact investing is an investment strategy with the key principle of using investment capital for positive social results, in addition to financial gains. A basic goal of impact investing is to help reduce the negative effects of business activity on the social environment.

The practice of screening specific assets out of an investment strategy (called exclusionary or negative screening) was the pioneering strategy in the sustainable investing universe. Originally, socially responsible investing

was primarily focused on eliminating investments in products that conflicted with personal belief systems and values. However, it has evolved into an investing strategy that proactively makes investments in companies that are creating a positive impact (called positive or affirmative screening).

But for those who think they need to keep philanthropy separate from investing, it is important to remember the element of generating returns.

Unlike traditional charitable giving, where you are simply giving money away (potentially with the benefit of tax credit), impact investing is still focused on generating returns – growth for your long-term future.

There was a time when the only way to “take a stand” with your investments was to sell out of the stock of a company you didn’t believe in, or to steer clear of industries that didn’t align with your values. But today, the universe of impact investing has opened doors

to a plethora of opportunities to align your investments with your social values.

At Pathfinder, we are passionate about helping people reach financial independence. It is equally important to us that this goal is accomplished in a way that aligns with the heart of each of our clients. If you are curious about the world of investing with impact, please give us a call at 910.793.0616 or visit our website. We are here to guide you forward.

Katie Henderson is Marketing Director for Pathfinder Wealth Consulting, an independent financial planning and investment management firm in Wilmington. Pathfinder’s comprehensive financial planning process is driven by a step-bystep process that will direct each individual down the path of developing their financial goals and putting them into action.

910.793.0616 | PWCPATH.COM 4018 OLEANDER DRIVE, SUITE 102, WILMINGTON, NC 28403 Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Advisor.

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PLANTATION VILLAGE AT PLANTATION VILLAGE WE ARE #ALLABOUTYOU

#AllAboutElizabeth Dr. Elizabeth Stalvey brought a wealth of experience and knowledge when she made the decision to call Plantation Village home after 40 years in Pawley’s Island, S.C. Having attended college at age 14, Dr. Stalvey holds numerous degrees and certifications and continues to teach students in everything from anatomy and physiology to advanced math and chemistry. She is both a psychologist by trade and a mathematician. Dr. Stalvey downsized to a life where home maintenance and the responsibilities associated with multiple properties were no longer on her shoulders. She said she visited Plantation Village and “it just felt right.” Dr. Stalvey wishes she’d downsized even earlier in life. She now has more time for hobbies and activities she enjoys biking, swimming, painting & sewing – while still actively teaching!

#AllAboutDorothy Mrs. Dorothy Holt is a North Carolina native and career educator having served in the civil service teaching at

Camp Lejeune for almost 30 years. She’s now the volunteer librarian at Plantation Village, a hobby and responsibility that came naturally after decades of book collecting with her husband, Bill. They found their move to Plantation Village to be the right place and time in their lives to find new forms of self-expression following successful careers and then a decade of volunteerism. The Holts served with UNCW’s OLLI program where Mrs. Holt founded the “Women on Wednesdays” program. At Plantation Village, they enjoy the safety and security of their new, no-maintenance home.

Mrs. Holt took up painting and discovered an incredible talent! You’ll find her work in the library, which is one of the most beautiful rooms on campus. While Plantation Village provides excellence in hospitality across the board, Mrs. Holt feels the community particularly shines during times of extenuating circumstances including hurricane evacuations and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

#AllAboutJessica Dr. Jessica Thomason OB/GYN is Plantation Village’s COVID-19 and health expert. Dr. Thomason

spent her career focusing on women’s infectious diseases.

A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Medicine, she eventually became the Chief of Gynecology and Director of Infectious Diseases at the University of Wisconsin and founded WomenNow Health Care in South Carolina. She continues work with the National Institutes of Health and Human Services, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, UNC-Wilmington and many other medical and academic organizations. Dr. Thomason also serves on the “Aging Well at PV” Committee and has worked with the Health & Safety Committee on numerous initiatives. Since the onset of the pandemic, she’s given talks and presentations to share the latest information on COVID-19 diagnosis, prevention, treatment and vaccination. Dr. Thomason says it was the location of Plantation Village and the friendliness of everyone on campus that drew her here, where she found a community of academically driven and highly intellectual people.

Anna Cook is the Marketing Coordinator at Plantation Village, a non-profit continuing care retirement community on a beautiful 58-acre campus in Porters Neck, NC. www. plantationvillagerc.com

1.866.825.3806 | PLANTATIONVILLAGERC.COM

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THEARTWORKS™

THE ART WORKS FOR THE ARTIST, THE ART LOVER, THE COMMUNITY, “ART WORKS!” theArtWorks™ is in 37,000 square feet of repurposed historical industrial space on 200 Willard Street, providing venue rental, an art village with working art studios, art maker spaces, classrooms, a gift shop, and art gallery. theArtWorks™ provides comprehensive, multifaceted, and inclusive opportunities all located under one roof and strives to enhance the Wilmington community through arts.

Owners, Jim and Betsy Knowles, purchased the current theArtWorks™ building in 1998. The building was a part of the original Block Manufacturing in what is now Wilmington’s South Front District. theArtWorks™ began in 2013, with the mission of enhancing the community, assisting artists,

and contributing to the revitalization of Downtown Wilmington. The art village emulates a New Orleans circa 1900s vibe. Jim and Betsy feel strongly about preserving Wilmington’s historical commercial landmarks and providing a place for artists to create, display, and sell all types of art. The Knowles wish to nurture and promote making Wilmington, North Carolina an international art destination. theArtWorks™ is part of the Downtown Wilmington 4th Friday Gallery Nights − free monthly events where downtown area galleries, studios, and art spaces open their doors to the public in an after-hours celebration of art and culture sponsored by the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County.

4th Friday Gallery Nights are a self-guided tour through more than 20 downtown Wilmington galleries, studios,

and businesses − featuring exhibitions of various artistic genres including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, metals, woods, ceramics, mixed media, and more. Showcasing art and art-related events, 4th Friday Gallery Nights also include opening receptions, artist discussions, demonstrations, live music, wine, food, and other art-related activities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 4th Friday Gallery Nights have been suspended until later in 2021. theArtWorks™ also hosts specialty art events promoting performing and literary arts. One such event is: Speak Ya Peace, an opportunity for Poets and Musicians to showcase their thoughts and talents. theArtWorks™ open hours are Thursday thru Friday 11am - 5pm, and by appointment.

While theArtWorks™ consumes much of their

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time, Jim and Betsy still make sure to have fun wherever they go. They are especially committed to their family. They love boating, traveling, and time spent visiting their four adult children living across the United States in four different states. For 15 years, they have hosted Cousins Camp to get their bicoastal grandchildren together for two weeks each summer. Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has suspended their travel and visiting during this time.

Visit theArtWorks™ today by stopping in at, 200 Willard Street in downtown Wilmington, visit their website at, www.theArtWorks.co, or give them a call to find out more about their offerings at, 910352-7077. You want a great nation? Then, it demands a great education − “it all starts with the arts.”

YMCA HOW THE YMCA IS CREATING A SAFE RETURN TO INDOOR FITNESS

F

or those who value training in a group environment, the past year or so has been tougher than an hour-long spin class, Bodypump or Vinyasa Flow Yoga session. All of us have been working to get everything back to normal and the YMCA is seeing more adults, seniors and families return to their branches each day.

Yes, indoor fitness is back. As an adaptation to the constraints imposed by the Coronavirus, the Y has implemented sweeping changes to its programs and schedules.

“Even while gyms were closed, we were offering child care for essential workers,” explains Shannon Berg, Branch Director for the Nir Family YMCA. “We’ve been successful in safely operating childcare and outdoor recreational programs throughout the pandemic, so when we reopened the indoor facilities we knew exactly what to do.”

The YMCA has been diligent in following all guidelines provided by the CDC, state and local officials.

Those who have already returned have enjoyed getting back into a routine. “I love the Y! The classes and instructors have been fantastic. I take the spin class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings,” said Stephanie Meyers.

“When you enter the Y, they take your temperature at the front desk. You have to wear a mask at all times. The bikes are distanced from each other.”

Molly Baruc, a participant in our Senior Combo Class, explained that, “The staff is constantly coming in and cleaning everything. Everyone is so friendly and the facility looks like it’s

brand new. I investigated every fitness center imaginable, and I am so happy I found the Y. I used to teach aerobics, and the class I am in now is absolutely my favorite low-impact aerobics class.”

Donna Ray is another member who enjoyed the return to the YMCA: “I was so relieved when they reopened the pool and had confidence the Y would follow the CDC protocols. The lane reservation system was a little tricky at first but now I am glad for it. Everyone is very cooperative with the mask wearing; I was one of those who didn’t want to touch public door handles, but now with more information, the Y’s compliance and my vaccination, I am feeling safe and happy to be feeling fit again.”

Berg also referenced the popularity of the pool: “So many people missed out on their pool time last year because of the virus. But this can actually be a safety issue. That is why we provide free water safety programs. It’s also why we offer financial aid for memberships, since our broader mission involves providing an avenue to health and wellness.”

Speaking to the logistics of social distancing, Berg commented that, “When this started, we brainstormed about how to avoid bottlenecks at entrances and exits. Requiring online reservations wasn’t enough, so we applied a great deal of effort to stagger the schedules of our programs and ensure the safety of everyone.”

Memberships start at just $28 a month. Learn more about the YMCA at www.ymcasenc.org or call 910-2519622.

The YMCA is an inclusive nonprofit organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living and foster a sense of social responsibility. The YMCA is a great place to improve health, try new activities and spend time with family and friends. The YMCA community brings together people of all abilities, ages, ethnicities, financial circumstances, genders, races and religions.

910.251.9622 | YMCASENC.ORG

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A ART

FULL OF NEW GALLERY SHARES PURPOSE AND PASSION

by LAURA MOORE photo by MADELINE GRAY

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LICIA MERCER’s art is not about her. It is about a purpose greater than herself or her art. That’s why it’s important to Mercer that proceeds from MERCERful Art in the Cargo District go to local nonprofits.

Mercer says the name she chose for her gallery resonated with her faith that God is merciful, so she played with her name to share what she was doing with others.

“I am blessed to be a blessing, and I want to be able to bless someone by giving back,” Mercer says.

The MERCERful Art is open in the Cargo District in what is known as the DesignWorx space, 707 South 16th Street, so it is not among other retail shops, yet. But, Mer-

cer hopes that does not keep customers from visiting and sharing in her mission. Ultimately, the plan is to move among the shops.

She shares the values of the other Cargo District businesses, with similar ideals of sustainability and eco-friendliness and a desire to support local artisans. Mercer takes it a step further with her support of area nonprofits who support those in the community.

“We work with any potential nonprofit but especially those that help the hungry, the homeless, or the addicted,” Mercer explains. “In the past, I’ve done Vigilant Hope; in April it was The Open Gate that helps with domestic violence, and we plan to support organizations like the Carousel Center and NourishNC.” An occupational therapy assistant for thirty-three years, Mercer always had art modalities around the house but did not decide to make use of them until home during Hurricane Florence.

“We hunkered down in our old house downtown, we lost power and had the generator going, and I needed calm and peace, so I started to pour paint out onto acrylic,” Mercer says. “One day, it just clicked. I didn’t force it; it just came to me.”

Mercer says giving a purpose to her art helps to inspire her creativity and supports her gallery motto of “Purpose meets Passion.”

“The focus wasn’t on me. There was a whisper in my ear that said, ‘It’s not about you.’ There’s a purpose behind this,” Mercer says. “I’m not doing this for a paycheck. We have to pay bills, and the rest is going to others.”

Mercer’s alcohol ink pieces feature “happy, vibrant colors” that echo the spirit of nature she hopes will draw people into her gallery the same way the natural world draws people into it.

Besides Mercer’s pieces, the gallery also features works from a variety of artists.

“For me, growing up, my mother was an artist and nature was always a focus, so that is the essence of the store. The smell of the flowers, the earrings, the upcycled scarves, all represent that essence and I want people to feel that from the moment they walk in,” Mercer says. W Info: The gallery is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wednesday-Saturday (mercerfulart.com and on Instagram @mercerful_art)

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TAKE

by MEGHAN CORBETT photo by TERAH WILSON

HOLLY CHILDS started as president and CEO of Wilmington Downtown Inc. in January. Childs says she is dedicated to carrying out the goal of the organization “… to see downtown Wilmington become the culturally vibrant and economically prosperous center of the southeast region and to be recognized nationally for its outstanding quality of life.”

WHAT IS WILMINGTON DOWNTOWN INC. (WDI)? “We are the lead economic development organization for downtown Wilmington. If there is something that affects our growth and development downtown, you can bet that WDI is somehow involved in it.” WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AS PRESIDENT, AND WHAT LED YOU TO THAT POSITION? “As president, I am charged with carrying out the mission of the organization, which is ‘to promote the economic growth and development of downtown Wilmington, North Carolina.’ I have a long career of working in public, private, and nonprofit leadership roles that are centered around real estate development, capital investment, and job creation – these are my passions. The board leadership for WDI is phenomenal and made it very clear to me that these are key areas that they wanted WDI to focus on in the future. So, I’m all in with them.” ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONS, CHANGES, OR PROPOSALS YOU PLAN TO MAKE AS PRESIDENT? “While WDI has a rich history, we are ready to make changes to reflect what Wilmington is now and where we are headed. We aren’t going to produce concerts anymore to bring people downtown for fifteen nights a year. We are going to instead focus on two areas to transform our downtown every day, catalyzing large projects – like Project Grace – and supporting small businesses through initiatives like our new Microloan Program.” HOW DO YOU FEEL WDI IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE? “We are creating the future of our downtown, whether in daily interactions with our downtown businesses through our Municipal Services District (MSD) Ambassador program or advocating for the expansion of public transit – we are hyperfocused on only undertaking initiatives if they make a difference.” WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF THIS ORGANIZATION? “I want WDI to come into its own as an organization that pushes the boundaries – both literally and figuratively – of downtown. Our downtown is so much more than the Central Business District. We need to create more opportunities within both our core and our emerging districts and be known as a downtown that offers economic prosperity to all of our citizens. I want WDI to be radically inclusive and progressive – the heartbeat of a diverse and dynamic downtown.” W HOLLY CHILDS’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Roundup email. To sign up for daily WILMA emails, go to WILMAmag.com.

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ACCESS DENIED

by TIM BASS illustration by MARK WEBER

E

Tim Bass is coordinator of UNCW’s bachelor of fine arts program in creative writing.

Early this year, I got my hands on some “voice-recognition software.” That’s a tech-y term meaning I could just talk into a microphone, and the program would put my words on the screen.

Hallelujah – no more typing! Finally, I could work while holding my grape Slurpee and Honey Bun. There was, however, the matter of getting this new software set up. I tried. I tried again. Tried again. Tried again. Tried again. Tried again. Read the directions and tried again. No go. My computer kept telling me I didn’t have access to some folder.

I called the company. The guy told me to try again. Again, nothing happened. I tried five more times but came up empty.

“Access is to the folder is denied,” the guy said.

“But it’s my computer,” I said. “I own the folder. I own the access.”

“You should call Microsoft,” he said.

“And say what?” I asked.

“Say there’s a problem with your computer.”

“That’s it? I’m supposed to call Bill Gates and tell him I’m having computer problems?”

“Mr. Gates is no longer involved with the day-to-day operations at Microsoft,” the guy said. “You should call the switchboard.”

“Microsoft has a switchboard?” I asked.

“Sir,” he said, “the problem isn’t with our software. The problem is with your computer.”

I called a repair shop.

“Folder access denied?” this guy asked. “That’s never a good sign.”

I called tech services at work. After 45 minutes of sharing my screen with this guy, we agreed on a strategy: give up.

“This software is junk,” I complained.

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“Wellllllllll,” he said, and when he dragged it out like that, I knew bad news was coming, “I see that your computer is kind of – when did you buy it?”

“Uh, a while back,” I said.

What I didn’t say was that “a while back” meant 2013, when I bought the computer used off Craigslist from an amateur filmmaker who had loaded the thing with vast video files and hadn’t updated the software since the day of purchase. In computer time, mine was prehistoric.

“I’m not telling you to buy a new one,” the tech services guy said, “but that might be what it takes to get the voice software to work.”

Indeed, that’s what it took: a thousand-dollar investment to make a $250 program work.

Now my desk sags beneath the weight of two computers: one old and slow but bargain priced and outfitted with a display so sharp I can look at pictures of my late dog and practically smell his fishy breath, and the other new and rocket fast but expensive and thrown together with a down-market screen that makes everything look like it’s covered in cheesecloth.

As for the voice-recognition program, it does what it’s supposed to do – and does it so well that when I give feedback to my grammar students, it cuts through the nonsense. I’ll say, “Add a semicolon instead of a comma, and make the ending a question mark rather than a period,” and the computer responds with, Add ; i n s t ea d of , , a nd m a ke t he end i n g ? rat her t h a n ..

So, the software works great. It’s also useless.

I typed all these words myself. And, I’m sad to say, I had to put down my bun and Slurpee to do it.

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