21 minute read
SOLE MATES
BY NINA BAYS COURNOYER SNEAK PEEK Sneakers, trainers, runners, joggers, kicks. Whatever you call them, they’re having a special moment right now. To some, sports and sneakers are synonymous, but you don’t have to be dribbling a basketball or swinging a racquet to get into this season’s styles. Designs run the gamut from old faithfuls like your hi-top Chucks to extreme overload, making any ’90s club kid swoon. Here are a few of the trends sure to get your feet fab for fall.
Reebok Freestyle Hi
THROWBACKS: NOT JUST FOR THURSDAY Vans, Converse, Reeboks, Adidas, Nike. No matter what your vibe, let’s face it – these kicks never really go out of style. This season’s sneaks are bringing back some of the old-school detailing you’ve been pining for like rounded toes, cloudlike insoles, and even Velcro Converse Seasonal closures. The palette also appeals Color Chuck Taylor to a retro sensibility with hues All Star in saffron trending towards burgundy, rust, and ochre. If you’re hardcore about the original dad sneaker, you can’t go wrong with the all-white classic.
MAXED
OUT
Puma RS-X Unexpected Mixes
Take all of the above, shake briskly, and you’ve got the maximalism-inspired sneaker. While in runner speak, “maximalist” refers to certain high-performance features, we’re talking art-speak: specifically, an aesthetic of excess. With mixed prints and materials, loud colors, and even louder styling, these trainers are definitely not for the timid.
KICKS FOR A CAUSE If you’re looking to make more than just a fashion statement, there are plenty of brands that support the causes that resonate with you most. TOMS was one of the first shoe brands to promote ethical practices and give-back incentives and has inspired many more. From Cariuma’s eco-friendly shoes made from bamboo and recycled plastic; to vegan, cruelty-free footwear brand Keep; to Sseko Designs that helps Ugandan women get their college degrees, there’s a movement out there worthy of getting behind. There are also plenty of cool collabs to look out for: Adidas has been a front-runner, celebrating a five-year partnership with Parley for the Oceans and transforming plastic ocean waste into sustainable, high-performance footwear. In April, Adidas also teamed up with Girls Are Awesome – a brand platform that aims to create more visibility for women in the arts, sports, and music arenas – creating a capsule collection to promote female role models and featuring the popular Superstar shoe.
Adidas Superstar Girls Are Awesome shell-toe Hogan Maxi H222
LÄST Sprint Leather Snake Pink Chunky
THE HEIGHT OF FASHION
Louis Vuitton Archlight
’90s sneakers ain’t got nothing on these babies. The chunky sole revival started a few years back thanks to Balenciaga’s Triple S shoe and has been growing (both in popularity and height) ever since. These tricky outsoles play with funky shapes and contrast colors and are guaranteed to elevate your sneaker game, literally. Need even more lift? The platform sneaker trend takes things One. Step. Beyond.
Whatever your footwear preference, always remember the words of Marilyn Monroe: “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” W
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DIGNITY MEMORIAL
GUIDANCE FOR A SURVIVING SPOUSE
Navigating the process of executing an estate can be complex. If this task falls on you, it’s likely that you are still grieving from your recent loss and the task of administration seems overwhelming. Managing what needs to be done before, during, and after a death has occurred requires many details to be considered, but it’s a process that can be made easier if you know where to turn for help. One of the most significant sources of help will be a funeral planner. And while funeral planners can help you with an immediate need, pre-planning a funeral makes the process easier and is a better value than paying for services on an immediateneed basis. The professionals at Dignity Memorial are always available to help guide you through pre-planning options and explain the details. Your funeral director will take a burden off you by overseeing the logistics of the funeral service and memorialization. The team at Dignity is also available to help you with any questions or concerns you might have in the days, weeks, and years following the service.
Aside from the immediate needs associated with a funeral, ongoing legal support can be obtained from an estate attorney. While it’s not essential to have a family estate attorney on hand, doing so will make distributing assets simpler for you and will avoid complications associated with navigating unknown legal territory alone. Similarly, a comprehensive support team would also include a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Your CPA will help file the final tax return for the decedent and, along with the estate attorney, provide guidance on handling any trusts, stocks, or bonds.
A task that both the estate attorney and CPA may need your help with is managing recurring bills or subscriptions maintained by you or your loved one. Make a list of expenses like a mortgage, utilities, insurance, and credit card payments, and be sure that the name of the decedent is removed from the accounts and that they remain current or are canceled. Think about any subscriptions that were in use, but that may not be needed anymore – smartphone applications, online streaming services, printed publications, and gym memberships, for example. These will all need to be considered for cancelation or transfer to a new name.
Deleting or memorializing social media accounts should be completed by contacting the specific company directly. Finalizing these accounts, as well as any electronic mail accounts, will likely need to be performed by the Executor or Administrator of the estate, and may require documents such as a death certificate. Ensuring these details are not overlooked will help you avoid any hassle associated with identify theft in the future.
Dignity Memorial offers resources to help prepare and support families with end of life plans. To receive a free planning guide, call 910-791-4444. Even after attending a funeral service at Dignity Memorial, the care continues with The Compassion Helpline® which offers over the phone counseling services 24 hours a day.
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 Funeral and Cremation Services at Greenlawn Memorial Park, (910) 799-1686.
910.799.1686 | DIGNITYMEMORIAL.COM
GIERIE ORTHODONTICS
AT-HOME ALIGNERS: SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT
Clear aligners have been available for over 20 years and the technique has gotten progressively more sophisticated over time. Athome clear aligners like Smile Direct Club allow orthodontic patients more convenience than ever to perfect their smile. Dr. Gierie and his team use both Invisalign and GOCLEAR in-house aligners to customize these products for the specific need of each patient. This offers the best of both worlds: Orthodontist supervised with minimal visits to the office like at-home aligners provide.
So, what are at-home clear aligners? Clear aligners have replaced traditional braces in many instances but haven’t taken over completely. Traditional metal braces can be the better option for some cases, but when a patient is a good match for a clear aligner, they are often preferred by patients. The aligners make small adjustments to a patient’s teeth over time to create the desired results. People find them to be easier and less invasive than metal braces and while they need to be worn
GIERIE ORTHODONTICS
over the teeth for most of the day, they are virtually invisible.
The process begins with a scan taken at the orthodontist’s office. There are companies that will mail an impression kit to the patient and then mail back aligners but making an appointment with an orthodontist ensures proper evaluation of dental health and the best results. Digital scanners help ensure that the aligners will have the most accuracy and offer the best fit and results.
One of the limitations of at-home aligners is that they are used only for minor tooth movement. Patients with complex orthodontic problems will need a customized plan which could include a mix of traditional or clear braces and then a transition to aligners. At-home aligner systems typically don’t offer an inperson doctor examination with x-rays to determine if the patient's gums are healthy. It is critical to know if a patient has enough bone around their teeth before beginning aligner wear for the aligners to work properly without causing harm. Orthodontists screen for issues like periodontal disease or gum problems which would need to be treated before the patient starts with aligner treatment. If these things aren’t evaluated, patients can suffer bone and tooth loss in some instances.
How are the patients then monitored while their aligners? That’s where virtual consultation and virtual monitoring come in. Dr. Gierie uses a special application that allows him to have a remote appointment with his patients. This allows the orthodontist to visually assess the progress a patient is making through the course of their treatment plan. Teledentistry allows orthodontists and patients to work remotely, but still communicate about issues and next steps. The applications used are HIPPA compliant, making sure that privacy is still maintained even though the visit is a remote one. Patients who travel often or move but still want to maintain a relationship with their current orthodontist, go to school across the country, or just don’t have the time to travel to the orthodontist
910.256.8590 | GOBRACES.NET
office are all great candidates for teledentistry. This trend minimizes the number of inperson visits while still allowing for monitoring of a patient’s progress.
No matter the type of treatment plan, the team at Gierie Orthdontics is here to give you the smile of your dreams in the most convenient way possible. Give them a call today to set up a remote appointment and discuss how to get started!
Dr. William V. Gierie received his dental and orthodontic specialty training from UNC, Chapel Hill, where he is an associate adjunct faculty member and Invisalign instructor in the orthodontic department. Dr. Gierie is Southeastern NC’s first Invisalign Diamond provider and lectures extensively on Invisalign. He maintains a private orthodontic practice in Wilmington, N.C., at 700 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 100. For more information, visit gobraces.net or call 910.256.8590.
JAMES E. MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
HURRICANE THOUGHTS: FROM A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
As a Wilmington native, longtime resident of Wrightsville Beach - and an insurance agent - I have experienced and helped countless others contend with hurricanes. Now that the 2020 hurricane season is underway, here are some thoughts I hope you’ll take to heart.
The next hurricane will never be exactly like any other. I’ve always said that, but now I also say the next storm will not only be different, but it could be worse than anything we have imagined.
The possibility of our next hurricane being a Category 5 is higher than ever. Hurricanes reaching North Carolina lose most of their energy due to cooler waters at this latitude. With global warming, this cushion is disappearing. Experts believe there is enough energy in our ocean to easily support a Category 5 storm.
Life before property. In the past, almost all our focus in preparing for hurricane season has been on protection of property. I’m now suggesting we spend as much or more time preparing for our physical safety.
Plan to evacuate. Think about how far you might travel and where you will stay. If you have elderly family members or close friends who might need help, consider them too. Remember to plan for your pets, which may necessitate different hotels or friends with whom you’ll shelter. You might also pre-pack and take photos and valuable keepsakes.
Arrange with someone in Wilmington to help with your property in your absence. It could be weeks before your return and it would be wise to leave your property key with someone to protect your property. At the least, they’ll be able to let you know the condition of things.
Update your insurance immediately. There could be as much as a 30-day wait before changes to your insurance become effective. Call your insurance agent today to ensure everything is in order.
Create a checklist. Sit down now and make a list of everything you think you need to do in advance of a hurricane.
Inspect your house. If some things could be patched up or repaired now, doing so could save you a lot of time and money.
Create a video inventory. Walk around inside your home with a video camera and create a record of everything you have. Be sure to make audio notes as you’re taking the video.
Remember that conditions can change rapidly. Have your plan in place and as you listen to the hurricane warnings keep in mind that conditions can change very rapidly.
We all hope there won’t be any major storms this year. But in reality, the only thing we can ever control is our own ability to respond in an emergency. Preparedness is truly the key - to keeping our loved ones and our property safe and being able to help others in the process.
Jim Moore is the president of James E. Moore Insurance Agency. Established in 1954, it has become one of the most trusted independent insurance agencies in North Carolina. The James E. Moore Insurance Agency is a familyowned business and offers homeowners, automobile, life and health, employee benefits, and commercial insurance products.
910.256.5333 | JAMESEMOORE.COM
MARKRAFT CABINETS
SPOTLIGHT ON TOP-SELLING BRANDS AND PRODUCTS
RWhether you’re planning on staying in your current home for the long-term, just passing through, or are motivated to make improvements to sell, renovating a portion of your living space is inevitable. While dark wood wall paneling, floral wallpaper, shiny gold filigree fixtures, and shades of green and pink carpet might have been stylish in years past, there comes a time when we do away with the old and make room for the new and improved. The team at Markraft has made it their priority to master the process of remodeling and they are always on the cutting edge of new brands and products to introduce to their clients.
Homecrest Cabinetry® is known for their stylish, durable, and well-priced products.
Prized for their quality cabinets, Homecrest also places great importance on sustainability by using environmentally responsible materials during their production process. The company offers several appealing cabinet door styles and has recently added two additional styles to meet today’s trends – the Wexford and the Bishop 5-Piece, which include narrow minimalistic lines and precise edges. The transitional style of their new millwork comes in a variety of finishes to compliment any architectural design.
Ultracraft® custom cabinets is a full access cabinetry line that carries over 75 door styles, with wood not being the only material option – metal, melamine, and veneer materials are just a few alternatives that can be combined with any of their door styles. In total, the company offers more than 10,000 different door style and finish combinations, which include custom-color painted cabinets. While most companies offer framed cabinets, Ultracraft® cabinets are full access meaning their designs offer greater stability and storage space. Ultracraft® outperforms the competition by providing 13 inches of depth instead of the standard 12 inches – resulting in 15 percent more storage space. If your design plan consists of easy ways to keep kitchen appliances and items organized, Ultracraft’s accessories are what you are looking for. Pull out spice racks, drawer inserts, and hidden waste basket cabinets are just a few solutions the company offers.
Cabinets aren’t the only thing to think about when planning your design. Countertops bear the brunt of being the most heavily used part of the kitchen – and they’re expected to look good while doing it! As if their countertop selection wasn’t already vast, Cambria® has incorporated 14 new natural quartz designs into their repertoire. The designs range from crisp contrasting flecks on neutral backdrops to the subtle rich details of crisscrossed veins found in natural stone. From Sanibel Shoreline™ to Kentucky Coal™, each quartz countertop design is named after special places found in our beautiful country. Cambria® countertops balance form and fashion within any design all while providing style and functionality to your space.
These are only a few of Markraft’s top selling brands and recent product developments. The selection is endless when exploring style and color swatches with one of Markraft’s designers and they’re excited about the opportunity to help you create your own unique design plan.
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 | MARKAFT.COM
Stephanie Bolton is the owner of Patriot Roofing Company, a female-owned and locally operated roofing company serving the Cape Fear area. With over 20 years of experience serving homeowners, Patriot Roofing Company specializes in residential roofing, siding, gutters, and windows. Visit them online at, PatriotRoofer.com or call 910-218-0600.
Each day, the roof over our home protects us from the elements and allows us to live in a comfortable climate-controlled environment. Our roof is a major component of our home and helps to keep our family safe– but thinking about roof maintenance, replacement, or repair isn’t something homeowners think about each day. The team at Patriot
Roofing makes staying informed about roofing materials and advancements part of their daily routine. Because they are constantly keeping up with leading practices and products within the roofing industry, they are equipped to bring their knowledge directly to the clients they serve.
While types of roofing materials vary, asphalt is most commonly used when constructing a residential home. Asphalt roofs are versatile, come in a variety of color and designs, and are easy to repair. However, understanding the proper components of an asphalt roof are important to understand before making your next roof selection.
Patriot Roofing is an Owens Corning
Preferred Contractor which means they offer the, Total Protection Roofing System® and that they follow strict standards and guidelines of reliability and professionalism. The Total
Protection Roofing System® offers the gold standard of roofing material quality and construction.
The first step in the system is to SEAL your roof. Sealing the roof means to create a water-proof barrier that will prevent any water from making its way through your roof. Wind driven rain and collection points where normal amounts of water can accumulate, like vents, chimneys, and skylights, are considered when creating a customized seal for your roof. Not only does a proper seal on your roof effectively block active water leaks, it prevents against rot and mold from accumulating.
The second step in the system is to DEFEND your roof. Asphalt shingles make up this next step and are your roof’s first line of defense when keeping nature and weather outside of your home. Your roof’s shingles repel water and the strong adhesion that Owens Corning products offer help to avoid shingle loss during high winds. This sturdy layer of resilient shingles works hard to protect your home but can also be customized to coordinate with your existing home design – which means the durability can also look beautiful!
The last step in the system is to BREATHE. Yes, you read that right – our homes also need to breathe in order to function properly. Heat and moisture buildup can lead to roof deterioration and mold. When air is allowed to flow through your home’s attic, these issues are greatly reduced. Installing things like, intake and exhaust ventilation let air move through the attic which naturally manages the temperature and moisture of the materials.
When planning for a roof repair or replacement, contact the professionals at Patriot Roofing first. They’ll be happy to provide you with a free estimate and their experienced staff can help answer any questions you might have.
910.218.0600 | PATRIOTROOFER.COM
YMCA SOUTHEAST NC
YOUTH SPORTS, EXTENDED LEARNING PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE FOR FAMILIES
The school year will be different this year and the YMCA wants to ensure that children and teens have access to opportunities they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether it’s a safe, enriching environment to go outside of school, or staying active through youth sports, the Y is committed to enhancing your child's school year.
All programs have been adapted with safety at the forefront. We are taking precautions outlined by the CDC and consistently revising and updating our safety guidelines to this evolving situation, so please bear with us if anything should change. Explore and learn more about our programs below:
Extended Learning – The YMCA’s Extended Learning Day Camp operates on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., for students participating in virtual learning. We have created a fun, socially distanced environment, where students can complete their virtual learning requirements, participate in sports, arts and crafts, exercise and socialize. Some other possible activities include swimming and visiting YMCA Camp Kirkwood. There are programs available for teacher workdays/holidays, and program sites include First Baptist Church of Leland, Midtown YMCA, Nir Family YMCA, and Ogden YMCA Activity Center. We anticipate these programs will fill up fast, so early registration is recommended.
Youth Sports – There are a few modified youth sports options to ensure the safety of children. Our outdoor recreational soccer and flag football programs include a standard league or training session. Standard league includes one weekly practice and eight games against another team in our league. The fall training session will consist of one weekly session in a small group and no games. The idea is that games present a higher risk than training only. There are a complex set of guidelines pertaining to limiting the spread of the Coronavirus posted on our website; one is that coaches, players, and staff will have their temperature checked at the start of each practice session, at all fields. Additionally, Halo Hoops is anticipating holding a modified winter league. To make all this happen, we are adapting our programs to current safety guidelines. This includes updating training procedures for coaches. One of the first deadlines is September 15, and the final one is November 17.
Swim Lessons – Small group and private swim lessons are available this fall. Swim lessons are available for children and adults 6 months and older. We have modified our swim lesson programs to adhere to state and local policies and guidelines to ensure the safety of our community. We require a parent in the water for all lessons for any child that cannot swim completely independently.
The Y has been listening and responding to the needs of our community for 133 years. Though COVID-19 has proven to be a challenge for all of us, the Y remains committed to serving children and families in a safe and socially responsible manner. For information on back to school programs, safety guidelines and commonly asked questions, visit our website www.ymcasenc.org or call 910-251-9622.
336.409.7938 | YMCASENC.ORG
