by Elliott Harrell | Feb 17, 2025 | Buzz, February 2025
Raleigh aims to eliminate crash fatalities with new initiative
In 2023, Raleigh experienced over 19,000 car crashes, resulting in 41 fatalities. These staggering numbers—in combination with the city’s steadily increasing population—are inspiring plans for safer, more equitable and better-connected transportation. And thanks to a federal grant, the city is further working to build roads that are safer for all via a new program.
Aptly called “Safe Streets and Roads for All,” the initiative builds on the city’s Vision Zero program and prioritizes the elimination of roadway crashes resulting in fatalities and severe injuries—with the aim to reduce injury crashes by 25% every five years and 100% by 2045.
“Vision Zero and the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan are about taking a proactive approach,” explains Mayor Janet Cowell. To boot, the city will examine infrastructure, traffic patterns and crash data to identify and then implement necessary changes. “In a rapidly growing city like Raleigh, every safety improvement we make is essential to preventing future tragedies and protecting our community,” Cowell emphasizes.
An 18-month study with the initial grant is underway, observing what locations would most benefit from improved infrastructure—like additional protected left-hand turn lanes—and to understand what behavioral problems (like lack of seatbelt use or speeding) need to be addressed most urgently.
Once the study is wrapped up, a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan will be assembled—a requirement for eligibility to apply for up to $30 mill in additional grant money to help bring the plan to life.
Keeping Raleighites safe while driving has always been a top priority, though, emphasizes Sean Driskill, Vision Zero program manager with the City of Raleigh’s Transportation Department. “For the last two and a half years we’ve been making improvements around the city,” he says, “but this study will help us ensure the improvements we’re making are at the locations that will have the most impact.”
“There’s a small percentage of locations we can improve through infrastructure,” Driskill adds, “but if we really want to achieve Vision Zero we need many of the behaviors of drivers around Raleigh to change.” raleighnc.gov
by Heidi Reid | Dec 2, 2024 | Buzz, December 2024/January 2025
PostScript Outreach enhances the lives of the disconnected through dinner and crafts.
Loneliness has long been a public health crisis—even before the pandemic made it apparent. And clearly a stigma still surrounds addressing feelings of social isolation.
Enter PostScript Outreach. Founded by Marsha Smitley with an aim to shutter out loneliness across all ages and demographics, the local nonprofit is building community by bridging the gap with its smash-hit program The Connection—aka weekly Thursday dinners boasting good food, connection-driven conversation led by a speaker and a creative dance, game or craft—for residents living at senior affordable housing complex Sir Walter Apartments.
Kindling friendships between those residing at Sir Walter has been no easy feat, especially because of a language barrier between English-speaking and Mandarin Chinese-speaking residents. Inspired to better connect with their neighbors, many Chinese residents wanted to hurdle this obstacle. PostScript answered the call with the introduction of ongoing English language classes and translation led by two volunteers.
Continuing to inspire since its launch, The Connection has expanded to kindle friendships in other spaces where connections can be difficult to cultivate—specifically for international students at NC State. Students initially volunteered with PostScript at their summer program, Staycation, chatting and connecting with the residents at Sir Walter. Some Mandarin Chinese-speaking students were even able to speak freely with the Mandarin Chinese-speaking residents—some having the first conversation in their native language they’ve had in weeks.
Once class began and schedules began to fill up, PostScript launched The Connection on-campus at NC State to continue to engage with students and other young professionals. Now the volunteers-turned-participants craft and kindle conversation together once a month, with the aim to lessen the loneliness many young people experience during formative college years.
Designed to build relationships and assure the dignity and worth, the get-togethers are about more than food and fun, explains Smitley, also the program’s executive director. “We are here because we have experienced loneliness, and we know how it feels.”
Over meals and crafts, the once-distant neighbors and students have grown closer, meeting to share “a little piece of who they are.” Conversations engage the participants, covering everything from physical health effects of loneliness to the ways we internalize stereotypes.
Ultimately, anyone can feel lonely, and it can easily go unnoticed by others. “It comes up in your body, in your senses,” says Smitley. “Loneliness is just a feeling that says, ‘I need to be connected to somebody.’” But with efforts like this one, connections can be forged. psoutreach.org
by Elliott Harrell | Dec 2, 2024 | December 2024/January 2025, Eat
Popular salad shop opening in North Hills
Midtown is getting a little bit sweeter—and greener. LA-based fast-casual salad chain Sweetgreen made its North Carolina debut in Charlotte last month and has now officially opened a second NC sup spot in the former Pieology at The Commons at North Hills.
Tossing out everything bland about salad, the healthful joint has amassed a cult following via its focus on fast fresh fare that’s nutritious and delicious—and won’t break the bank (a win-win-win!). To boot, every Sweetgreen sources a portion of its menu from local farmers to help cut down on its carbon footprint. Locally, the brand is securing sweet potatoes from Randall Watkins of Watkins Farm, which works with local supplier Happy Dirt.
“This investment in local farms is crucial for both farmers and customers, highlighting a commitment to sourcing standards, transparency and local ingredients,” says Watkins.
With ops like the kale Caesar, harvest bowl (feat. sweet potatoes!) and guacamole greens, there are endless ways to get your daily dose of veggies. And if you’re a picky eater—or have a curated palette—you can even build your own salad with 30+ toppings. No excuse not to eat your (sweet) greens now! sweetgreen.com
by Heidi Reid | Dec 2, 2024 | December 2024/January 2025, Stuff
What does cocktail—or any dress code—even mean anymore?
Cocktail. Hip cocktail. Smart casual. Or—our favorite—an invite reads “no dress code,” only for you to get there and find everyone dressed to the nines. Decoding the ever-evolving dress code can be daunting—especially in the midst of holiday festivities—both as a guest who doesn’t want to stand out or as a host who wants their guests to look sharp.
But knowing how to navigate these “rules” can save social fluency. “There is still protocol, and you stick out when you don’t follow it,” says DressCode Style owner and professional stylist Maribeth Geraci, adding that, even though dress codes have gotten a lot more casual, four generations make up the workplace—at least two of which still care about dress codes. Clearly worth keeping in mind while selecting that OOTD.
“We’ve been so obsessed with everyone being their authentic self—which I’m all about,” says Geraci. “But being your authentic self doesn’t mean being inappropriate in a situation that has an invitation and calls for you to make a little effort.” Translation: Feeling awkward at a function with outlined attire is really on you. But rest assured you can dress the part and still feel and look authentically you.
Taboo Turns
Body modifications are becoming more common (32% of adults have a tattoo, and 22% have more than one), but does that mean piercings and tattoos are accepted at professional events? Geraci says it depends. “You have to know when and where to have them showing,” the stylist states. “Showing them is less of an issue [than before], as long as they are not offensive or distracting.”
So, when it comes to tattoos and piercings, you have to think about the arena you’re in. “Who else is in the room? Do you care about making an impact?” Geraci asks.
Black Tie/Formal
Formal means formal, with little room for interpretation. For women: a floor-length evening gown or your dressiest (and not too short) cocktail dress. For men, a suit or tux—and, yes, a tie is a must.
Semiformal
Formal but relaxed, semiformal sits between going to work and going to a gala. Think fun cocktail dresses, long skirts with dressy tops or the classic LBD for the ladies and button-downs, dark dress socks and ties for the gents.
Cocktail
Elegant lite—polished meets poised pizazz in the sweet spot between glam and
business casual. Think short party dresses, paired coordinates, suits or trousers and a dressy top.
Hip Cocktail
This isn’t your grandma’s cocktail party. “Hip” is a clear indicator that the host cares what you wear: Trendy cocktail dresses paired with heels for women and suits for men—but fun color schemes and textures are welcome.
Business
Professional
No room for interpretation—and no accessories or bright colors. For women, matching skirts or blazers, biz-style dresses with jackets or a pantsuit. For men, a suit with matching belt and shoes is non-negotiable. Pro tip: The darker the material, the more formal the look.
Business Casual
Comfy meets clean and professional. “Make the pause before you walk out,” emphasizes Geraci. Ask yourself: Is this casual look still polished? Think sweaters, dark-wash denim and polos.
Smart Casual
Comfortable but coordinated and classy—think something you would wear on a dinner date. Guys, lean into jeans without holes, polos and logo-free t-shirts under a jacket. Ladies, opt for a sundress, skirts, and lifestyle sneakers or flats. The later
the event, the dressier.
Everyday
Look put-together 24/7 by keeping yourself and your clothes clean and wrinkle-free. “Make the extra step to get things tailored, and make sure you are pressed,” maintains Geraci. Translation: You don’t want to look like you just dug your duds out of a hamper. “Having a good life means making an effort, and the results are always tenfold. … You’ll shine.”
Hostess With the Mostess
If you’re hosting, have fun with the dress codes—just be sure to give your guests ample time to prepare their ‘fits (aka not day-of).
by Heidi Reid | Nov 6, 2024 | Do, November 2024
Here are some WNC towns open to visitors after Hurricane Helene.
Although certain regions of Western North Carolina are still stranded in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a handful of towns have reopened and are welcoming visitors again.
WNC normally relies heavily on tourists during this time of year. To wit, about 16.7 million people visited the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2023. That’s millions of people who this year aren’t buying local beer, investing in local artists or tipping their servers. That said, visiting the handful of towns that are reopened to tourists will lend a crutch to the regions still severely hurting.
Although most main roadways are open, be sure to stay updated and plan your route before heading west. Consider bringing winter supplies (coats, buddy heaters, blanket and fuel) with you, as many WNC regions and residents are still in need of help—especially with winter approaching.
Here, seven mountain towns ready to welcome those looking for an escape, just in time for the end of fall—plus five reopened state parks. Ready to get back on mountain time?
Towns & Counties
Beech Mountain
Local businesses are up and running in this small Blue Ridge Mountain town. Not to mention Beech Mountain Ski Resort is kicking off its winter season Nov. 29!
Boone
Although Boone was hit particularly hard by Hurricane Helene, the town is now welcoming visitors—but all tourists are encouraged to stay on primary routes while enjoying views and brews.
Brevard
The Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and parts of DuPont State Recreational Forest are now open. After hiking, get your fill of shopping, drinking and dining in the walkable downtown area.
Bryson City
Treat yourself to some outdoor relaxation. Parts of Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are open with limited access.
Hendersonville
All of Hendersonville’s apple orchards have reopened with minimal damage and maximal views. Get picking!
Highlands
Venture higher (!) via this small mountain town’s array of biking, hiking, fly-fishing and waterfall chasing—three of which you can walk behind.
Marion
Run for the (foot)hills of McDowell County and explore Marion’s newly reopened Main Street—backdropped by Mount Ida, which is on standby for hiking, biking and catching views.
Open State Parks
