SHE ROCKS, TAKE 2: ‘She Rocks the Vote’ will launch as a virtual event

Last March I remember standing in Dr. Jennifer Le Zotte’s office at UNCW staring in wonder, awe and confoundment at her collection of contraception of yesteryear, peddled to women in the last 100 years. It was all a part of an exhibit of birth control in North Carolina as part of the “She Rocks the Vote” at UNCW’s Randall Library, which was postponed due to … Continue reading SHE ROCKS, TAKE 2: ‘She Rocks the Vote’ will launch as a virtual event

RIDE THE WAHINE WAVE: The Wahine Classic returns August 15-16, moves to Carolina Beach

  While the COVID wave has crashed and thrashed a lot of summer events, North Carolina’s Wahine Classic will resurface this weekend, August 15-16, with female surfers of all ages competing as amateurs, professionals and teenie-wahines. Event organizer Jo Pickett had to change the location of the competition this year because of pandemic. Normally hosted at Wrightsville Beach, town management couldn’t give the go-ahead for … Continue reading RIDE THE WAHINE WAVE: The Wahine Classic returns August 15-16, moves to Carolina Beach

HAPPY FOURTH: Celebrating America’s independence in new ways during a pandemic

Each year when encore culls a comprehensive list of Fourth of July activities and celebrations, we struggle to find room for them all. This year, however, the fireworks have fizzled, so to speak. Still, celebrating our country’s independence is about more than hot dogs and fireworks, flag cakes and sparklers; it’s about celebrating the idea that we are all free. That’s never been more important … Continue reading HAPPY FOURTH: Celebrating America’s independence in new ways during a pandemic

#healthyILM: Mayor Saffo and NHRMC exec create campaign for healthy and safe reopening

Originally published in encore magazine, June 3, 2020 At national and state levels, politics and science have continuously been at odds throughout this global pandemic. It’s a disconcerting fact as North Carolina enters phase two of reopening businesses, and Wilmingtonians look to leaders to lead them out of this mess in a safe and informed way. “[City of Wilmington] decisions are always based on facts … Continue reading #healthyILM: Mayor Saffo and NHRMC exec create campaign for healthy and safe reopening

SIMPLE BEAUTY: River Organics takes chemicals and plastics out of makeup

Originally published in encore magazine, April 7, 2020 We have a multi-layered, toxic relationship with the cosmetic industry. At its foundation, so to speak, is the deluge of products we inundate our skin with, as well as the waste of purchased items that are hardly used. A 2017 survey of 3,000 women (commissioned by SkinStore) found an average use of 16 products in the morning, … Continue reading SIMPLE BEAUTY: River Organics takes chemicals and plastics out of makeup

LOG ON: NHCS teachers talk new strategy as they navigate online learning

  Due to the governor’s current stay-at-home order, New Hanover County Schools announced on March 29 they will remain closed to the public through May 15. The closure includes all schools and facilities, except by appointment or at the discretion of a school’s principal. Learning continuity planning and training for teachers has been underway since March 24, and teachers are expected to launch their online … Continue reading LOG ON: NHCS teachers talk new strategy as they navigate online learning

WTF IN HISTORY: ‘She Rocks the Vote’ exhibit postponed, carries multiple themes relevant to today

Originally published in encore magazine, March 17, 2020 Like nearly everything else in March, next Thursday’s “She Rocks the Vote” exhibit at UNCW’s Randall Library has been postponed. Spearheaded by Randall’s humanities librarian Lisa Coats and Jennifer Le Zotte, assistant professor of U.S. history and material culture, the curated event to help celebrate Women’s History Month will have a new date as soon as possible. … Continue reading WTF IN HISTORY: ‘She Rocks the Vote’ exhibit postponed, carries multiple themes relevant to today

FINDING A SOLUTION: Environmental advocate launches Plaine Products to cleanse ourselves of plastic

Originally published in encore magazine, March 3, 2020 In February Wilmingtonian Lindsey McCoy documented her journey with Exxpedition, an ongoing two-year plastic exploration by sailboat across the world’s oceans. Led by ocean advocate Emily Penn, who founded Exxpedition in 2014, the 2019-2021 venture is broken up into 30 voyages starting and ending in the United Kingdom. McCoy is among 300 women (selected from 10,000 applicants) … Continue reading FINDING A SOLUTION: Environmental advocate launches Plaine Products to cleanse ourselves of plastic

V-DAY ROMPS: Fun, off-beat and romantic events offered up for Valetine’s Day weekend

  2020 marks 10 years with my significant other … and about seven years since we actually did anything remotely romantic or celebratory on Valentine’s Day. That’s not a complaint, just a fact. Like many long-term loves, we’re seemingly skeptical of the February 14 Hallmark holiday; we just “high-five” each other on another year together and have a beer. Nevertheless, couples, singles, gal pals and … Continue reading V-DAY ROMPS: Fun, off-beat and romantic events offered up for Valetine’s Day weekend

DITCHING PLASTIC: Saying ‘no’ to plastic rings, one six-pack at a time

  In 2018 National Geographic reported almost 700 species have been harmed by ocean plastic, and about 18 billion pounds of plastic ends up in the sea annually. These are not just large pieces of identifiable materials, like plastic cups, straws, water bottles and cutlery—though, those are all there. It’s what they can become: 15-50 trillion pieces of microplastics, measuring less than 5 mm long … Continue reading DITCHING PLASTIC: Saying ‘no’ to plastic rings, one six-pack at a time