WEB EXCLUSIVE Due to the coronavirus pandemic, most Holy Week celebrations will look a little bit different this year. But that doesn’t mean your family can’t share a special Easter holiday dinner. If you don’t feel up to doing the cooking and cleaning up yourself, order from one of these local restaurants for a delicious meal to take home.
WEB EXCLUSIVE:We ask locals what they’re doing to decompress during the coronavirus shutdown.
Photograph courtesy of CurEat
Andrew Ullom – Owner/Baker at Union Special Bread Spending time with our son, Gus, is just about all I need to chill out at the end of the day. We’re lucky at Union to have the bakery and cafe and we’re able to continue to keep folks on during the shelter-in-place order. All that being said, my sources of stress are making sure we can keep the kitchen and bakery stocked up and working on sending out 400-plus loaves per week from our pay-it-forward campaign.
I’ve been watching some of Gus’ favorite shows (Shaun the Sheep, Octonauts and Our Planet), and we usually have music on most of the time when we’re working around the house. Lots of Daniel Romano, Fleetwood Mac, African Funk and ELO at the moment.
Thomas Sayre—Local artist, lives and works out of his downtown studio “I find myself in the very fortunate position of being able to walk across a small loading dock from our house and working full time in my shop, by myself, isolated, and probably about as safe as you can get these days. With many of the large public projects at least slowed down, my job has become to make new work, to find something fresh. This is my way of coming to terms with life in general; but, more specifically, where I find myself in this strange time of corona. This is the job of the arts: to nourish the spirit, to find new ways of seeing the world, to push back against circumstances which clog the human imagination.”
Zalman Raffael – Choreographer In Residence at Carolina Ballet “I live alone in Mordecai with my dog in a house that I purchased in October. In an effort to stay upbeat and connected, every night around 9 p.m., I take my dog out—no one is out—and I make my rounds of calls to check in on my family in New York City, and friends. I get about three calls in. I walk for 30 minutes or so around the various blocks and try to have a laugh with each person. I like to start every conversation as of late with “shit just got so real out here in these streets.” That helps to acknowledge the severity of what we are all going through, but in a tone that indicates having a little humor will help avoid the anxiety. So, let’s keep it light before bed.
After that, I
make a chamomile tea, which I have always done, even before the days of our
newfound neighbor, the corona. Then I put on something that engages me so that
I forget until I fall asleep. In the past two weeks I have watched “Sally4ever”
on HBO, “Def Jam Comedy,” and, last night,
I started the documentary “Tiger King” on Netflix.
JoJo Polk – Owner, Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer at Core Fitness Studio 1. I, and I’m sure husbands everywhere, have been taking care of things around the house that I was supposed to do two years ago anyway, haha. So far the list is: new pantry closet storage and shelves—done. Redo and paint our daughter’s room—done. Rearrange our son’s room and add the big boy bed—done. Keep in mind, it’s only been two weeks. Next up is the garage… stay tuned!!!
2. I have been watching all the movies
and shows with my wife, Shirley, I told her I would never watch. Too many to
name, pick a Netflix movie or show. I’ve even watched—gulp—Hallmark. Say it ain’t so, JoJo. I wish I could. I wish I
could.
3. We both (meaning me and my wife)
have been introduced to TikTok. Don’t tell my daughter but I now have more
followers!!! Though I do not recommend it. It will consume your time and you
will wake up without showering or taking care of social grooming practices for
days but you will know at least 50 new dances!!!
4. Trampoline time with the kiddos
might just be my favorite pastime!!! We jump, we play, we lay and look at the
stars. God I love being a dad!!!
But of course on a more serious note
we have taken all our classes online and continue to help the community relieve
stress through health and fitness. We use our platform and social media to
promote local businesses.
We will continue to stay strong in the
face of unpredictability. We love our members. We love our community and, more
so, we love this nation.
Jessica Holmes – Wake County Board of Commissioners “My absolute favorite thing to do right now is to deliver meals to hotel families. I find joy in being helpful while practicing social distancing. Otherwise, I’ve committed to get 10,000 steps per day and I’m trying to not treat myself to ice cream every single time I accomplish this goal. My kitchen experimenting has gone so-so but has been edible for the most part. I’ll stick to takeout for the next few weeks to support local businesses and avoid kitchen catastrophes. I’ve been binge watching “All American” on Netflix and welcome suggestions on social media on other series that I should check out.”
Brandon Cordrey – Director of Raleigh’s Visual Art Exchange (VAE) “It has been nonstop work since the global pandemic hit Raleigh. VAE, along with our partners, set up a relief fund for artists in North Carolina and I have been on my computer day and night tracking down donations, reviewing applications and thinking of other ways we can bring in funds to be dispersed. We have received 471 applications from musicians, actors, artists, DJs, and more reporting over half a million dollars in losses due to the outbreak. So far, we have raised about $20,000 to help. We allocated $10,000 to 55 artists last Thursday and we are hoping to do the same again tomorrow! It is exhausting.
So when I do finally close my laptop
and put my phone down, I take my dogs for long walks (abiding by social
distancing guidelines, of course), make myself a gin martini, play cards with
my husband and read the non-COVID-19 articles in the New York Times (I
start my day by reading the COVID-19 articles). We are definitely streaming
movies and series. I am particularly excited to watch “Crip Camp” which was just released on Netflix.
It is exactly the human narrative we need at a time like this!”
Bill Young – Morning/Noon Anchor at CBS 17 “I’ll say it is tough to “decompress” in the news biz these days. We are working incredibly hard at CBS 17 to keep people informed. It can be tough to turn it off when the work day is done. I’ve been reading “Rosemary: the Forgotten Kennedy,” which isn’t exactly light reading material. But the new streaming version of “Twilight Zone” on CBSN is fantastic. I also just bought all seasons of “Mama’s Family” on Apple TV to have a simple, old fashioned laugh.”
Ashton Smith – Project Manager at Citrix, Creator of Weekly Newsletter Raleigh, Over Easy The last few days I’ve mostly been using downtime to sew face masks for UNC Healthcare – they’re now taking homemade masks. While they won’t be winning any State Fair ribbons, It’s a nice way to occupy my mind and my hands, while hopefully helping people out. I’ve also woken my sourdough starter up and been exploring all the recipes for sourdough discard, reading some, listening to podcasts and enjoying what felt like the lost art of the phone call. I’m alternating between reading “Leonardo da Vinci” by Walter Isaacson and “The Secret Lives of Color” by Kassia St. Clair. For podcasts, after I get my daily dose of covid and general news, I’m listening to a host of things: The Anthropocene Reviewed, Broken Record, The Indicator, 99% Invisible, The Equalizer Podcast, The Memory Palace, Every Little Thing, Throughline, Feakonomics Radio, Laughter Permittedwith Julie Foudy, Experts on Expert, and several others. I have a bit of a backlog to work through!
Max Trujillo – Co-Host of the North Carolina Food & Beverage Podcast “The Trujillos have been playing some epic Monopoly games as well as card games, like four-player War and Go Fish. We might also have to teach the girls how to play Asshole…
Our cooking game has been strong. We’ve
made a lot of Indian dishes because long cooking times are what we have right
now. Put some chicken thighs in stock with mirepoix and spices and throw it in
the oven on low heat for hours. In the wake of Chef Floyd Cardoz’s passing, we
are going to keep cooking Indian as a tribute to a wonderful man.
I’ve been tinkering with my guitar,
too. I finally taught myself how to play Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing” and
Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill.” Both of those tunes had always given me
trouble but now I’ve taken the time to learn them properly.
We just finished the second season of “Succession” and the final episode of “Curb Your
Enthusiasm,” both streaming on HBO. Felicia connects to “Succession” because she grew up with a
high-profile grandfather and father in Los Angeles. I connect with “Curb Your
Enthusiasm” because I’m an annoying asshole. I’ve also double-downed on cussing…
because… F*** it.”
Jonathon Melton
Jonathan Melton – Raleigh City Council, At-Large “I’m spending time with my partner who left New York City to stay here throughout the duration of the pandemic. My days are busy, working with our amazing City of Raleigh staff and my fellow council members to address the COVID-19 pandemic. But to unwind, my partner and I are spending time in the backyard with our dog, Bishop, playing games (Monopoly!) and watching movies and television (recent movies include “Midway,” and for television we are catching up on “The Outsider” and “Picard”).”
What’s not to love about polka dots? The cute, classic pattern makes any outfit fun, a lighthearted look that’s perfect for spring walks, brunches and other gatherings. White and black is a great way to work polka dots into your professional attire, without leaving you feeling like Minnie Mouse.
1. Keepsake navy polka dot dress, $185; Monkee’s 2. Kate Spade New York gradient dot silk scarf, $48; Nordstrom 3. THML pleated halter dress, $85; Copper Penny 4. Drop Earring, $295; John Hardy 5. Joy Joy blue dot cuff short, $78; Scout & Molly’s 6. Cecelia hibiscus black and white polka dot sandal, $225; Main & Taylor 7. Kate Spade New York small molly bikini dot leather tote, $198; Norstrom 8. Joseph Ribkoff dot jacket, $260; C.T. Weekends 9. Gladys Tamez Brighton scarf straw Panama hat, $360; Nordstrom 10. Moon River blue and ivory pleats dress, $128; Monkee’s 11. Karvinen polka dot cape, $288; C.T. Weekends 12. Skies Are Blue polka dot shorts, $49; Madison 13. J.Renée Envizyn Slingback Pump, $66.71; Nordstrom
Fancy Florals
Sure, florals for spring are nothing groundbreaking, but we keep finding ourselves coming back to the trend once the real flowers are in bloom all around us each season. Freshen up the look with ruffled dresses, big sleeves and textural tops.
1. Celia B Archipielago dress, $378; Monkee’s 2. BCBGeneration ruffle dress, $128; Copper Penny 3. Catagena Smocked floral top, $49; Madison 4. Farm Rio Azalea smocked top, $140; Uniquities
Red Hot
Temperatures are heating up and so is your wardrobe—or so it should be! Red will never fail at grabbing attention, so when it’s finally time to step out on the town, you can be sure these bold pieces will draw all eyes to you.
1. Lora Nikolova necklace, $364, C.T. Weekends 2. Liverpool jean jacket, $98; C.T. Weekends 3. Sugar+Lips ruffled bodycon dress, $68; Madison 4. Tory Burch Perry Bombe scrap bag, $298; Monkee’s of Raleigh 5. Embroidered Boho cuff, $22; Scout & Molly’s 6. Beaded earrings, $35; Copper Penny 7. Bailey Samantha short skirt, $178; Scout & Molly’s 8. Frederic T double handle bag, $300; Copper Penny 9. Sugar+Lips short sleeve red shift, $64; Madison
The best way to add glitz and glam to your home is with stylish gold accents. Figurines add quirky flair without being too tacky, while lamps, picture frames and candle holders fit seamlessly into any room, adding just enough pizzazz to draw attention without distracting from the rest of your interior.
1. Bulldog statue, $39.95; Inspirations 2. Glitter hex volcano candle, $36.95; Zest 3. Large clam shell, $46; For Your Convenience 4. Two’s Company leaf tray, $4.95; Zest 5. “Vintage Living” by Bob Richter, $45; Shops at 1700 6. Leather pillow, $49; Inspirations 7. Vintage lamp, $95; Shops at 1700 8. Lion salt and pepper shakers, $18; Shops at 1700 9. Bardan floral area rug 5’ x 8’, $329.99; Target 10. “Fruit of the Kings,” $450; For Your Convenience 11. Pineapple bookend, $49; Shops at 1700 12. Two’s company leaf photo frame, $48; For Your Convenience 13. Zodax apple figurine, $24; For Your Convenience
Auric is a deep, rich color that pairs well with other vibrant colors like fuchsia and tealy blues. Pop in some white elements for relief and you have a fun, playful palette. —Carole Marcotte, The Shops at 1700,formandfunctionraleigh.com
Alchemy is a rich, modern gold with green undertones. Bold accents of this color, paired with a deep navy or rich plum, would add a zesty splash to any space. — Elizabeth O’Neal, Southern Studio, southernstudio.com
Gold is a great way to integrate color in a muted, almost neutral way. — Tula Summerford, Design by Tula, designbytula.com
My gold paint color is Bryant Gold HC-7 from Benjamin Moore. Gold tones make a room look warm and elegant. I love it with bright white accents for a more modern look. — Julie Flournoy, For Your Convenience
If you’re truly going to do a ‘rich gold’ finish to any surface or piece of furniture, then the only way to go is with a gilded 14 carat gold leaf paint, that can be found at most any hobby or hardware store … I think Krylon even makes it in a spray can! — Antoine A. Pontón, Principal-AP Designs, LLC, AntoinePonton.com
Activate Good’s pop-up space models what a permanent HQ for the Raleigh nonprofit could look like.
In 2004, Amber Smith and her friend, Heather Leah, set out on a two-and-a-half month long, cross-country journey in search of ways to make a difference. The pair helped build houses, served hot food to the hungry and worked in women’s shelters in more than 20 states before returning home to North Carolina with a mission to encourage others to perform those same acts of kindness in their own neighborhoods.
“One thing we learned on our journey was that people inherently want to help others in their communities,” Smith says. “They just don’t always know how to go about getting connected.”
So, the next year, Smith and Leah founded ME3, later renamed Activate Good, a nonprofit community that recruits and connects individuals, groups and companies through its website to volunteer opportunities with community partners all around the Triangle. (Leah is no longer affiliated with the nonprofit).
Last month, after more than a decade of success mobilizing volunteers to help charitable causes in Raleigh and neighboring communities, Smith opened Activate Good’s first brick-and-mortar project, The Good Hub POP UP, in an office on Oberlin Road. The goal of the pop-up is to showcase how a permanent space will help Activate Good further its work towards closing the gap between those who need help and those who want to help.
Raleigh-based Anthony Property Group donated the pop-up location and Smith says she hopes it will give people an idea of what a Good Hub headquarters will offer the community: Space where locals can strategize to do good together and for neighbors to unite in their desire to make a difference.
“It will be a gateway to hundreds of volunteer needs in our region, and a place where those who want to do good can find a way to serve,” Smith says.
Smith, who grew up in a philanthropic home, says parents often want to be more involved in community outreach but don’t always know how to include young children. Speaking to the notion that volunteerism should be encouraged to begin at an early age, The Good Hub works to help families with children find age-appropriate ways to be involved, matching volunteers with opportunities based on skills, schedules, age and interest. Finally, there will be a physical, rather than virtual, place where those who want to do good can be matched with those in need.
The Good Hub POP UP offers the Raleigh community the chance to pilot a few core features that the future permanent location will incorporate: a learning zone, where those who’d like to volunteer can learn about local causes; a service zone, where visitors of all ages can practice service projects onsite and a volunteer connections lounge, where visitors can gather; and speak with staff members from The Good Hub to learn about ways to get involved.
A key component to the future permanent location will be a rental program, where volunteers can borrow tools they may need to complete a service mission, ensuring that cost for potentially expensive tools isn’t a barrier for those who want to help.
“Volunteerism is an important facet of civic and community life and an indicator of health of the overall community,” Smith says. “If The Good Hub excels at our ambitions for locals to build relationships based upon a common goal of showing love and goodness to those less fortunate, then our communities will only continue to flourish and thrive.”
The Good Hub POP UP is located at 702 Oberlin Road, on the 4th floor, and will be open through April. Learn more at activategood.org/thegoodhub.
