About now the days and weeks start to fly by. As the air cools down from the languid Indian Summer, the activity level picks up, rarely pausing all the way through December.
This issue bristles with pace. We present our annual Social Calendar, listing charitable fundraisers, this year featuring a look by Louis St. Lewis at the 12 area artists (Louis included) applying their creative talents to mannequins to be auctioned off at the first Mannequin Ball set for November 11 at the NC Museum of History, sponsored by Metro, the Museum, Saks Fifth Avenue and 12 area fashion retailers and jewelers. Vogue magazine Editor-at-large Andr Leon Talley is guest of honor and the theme is Paris After Dark, featuring cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and New York City’s DJ Angola pounding out the beat as party-goers view the Art Mannequins, retail mannequins and “live” fashion models from Saks. Go to www.themannequinball.com or www.metronc.com or call the Mannequin Ball hotline to assure your invitation: 919-807-7846.
Courses designed by Donald Ross are shrines to the birth of golf in America. The Scotsman started in 1895 with the fabled Pinehurst #2 and ended in 1948 with Raleigh Country Club where owner John McConnell has dedicated himself to returning the course to the master’s original design. Jim Hughes brings us the story and Dave Droschak tries out the new golf fitness program at Pinehurst Resort and speaks with Cary’s Dan Hartnett, who shares his passion for golf in Ireland by organizing tailor-made trips to the Emerald Isle.
Our region is now a world center for the study and cure of neurological diseases. Senior editor Rick Smith and senior writer Anthony Vecchione explore the latest research from area universities, including startling new discoveries from studies with monkeys that open up new doors to the mystery of the human brain. And writer Johnny Kerr investigates the magical muscadine grape seed that reduces oxidants and free radicals. According to Jerry Smith, president of Le Bleu Water and maker of Nature’s Pearl muscadine grape seed capsules (www.nature’spearlproducts.com), the muscadine seed relieves inflammation and joint pains, works to prevent cancer, promotes cardiovascular health and helps slow the aging process.
It’s definitely party time, with Carroll Leggett donning his tux for Down East revelries and Fred Benton hurrying to keep up with the latest in restaurant openings, chef activities and a new Inn in Williamston.
And now Denmark is part of the Tar Heel social whirl as new ambassador Jim Cain, Raleigh lawyer and former Carolina Hurricanes CEO, is preparing a reception in Copenhagen featuring recipes by North Carolina chefs selected by Metro Gourmet Editor Moreton Neal. Then up pops Wine Editor Barbara Ensrud with the fascinating tale of the famous Paris wine tasting that catapulted California wines to the top level, with North Carolina growers hot on their heels.
Lest we forget what makes us a top place to live, Diane Lea discovers the quiet progress of Apex, NC, as it changes from a sleepy train stop into one of the dynamic centers of growth in the Triangle region. Art Taylor presents another thorough piece on the book scene, featuring new titles, special events and author appearances in the region. Philip Van Vleck brings us a story from Hurricane Katrina with a happy ending for zydeco musician Mel Melton; Frances Smith begs for more space to accommodate the burgeoning Preview section of area events; and Molly Fulghum-Heintz and Tricia Horatio stay on top of the fall fashion scene as the season progresses.
Jim Leutze reports from the recent symposium on coastal issues, including an update on the ports of Morehead City and Wilmington and the hint that offshore drilling off the NC coast is back on the agenda. We present a wrap-up on the third annual Raleigh International Spy Conference and news of the long-awaited second installment of the Mitrokhin Archive by intelligence scholar Chris Andrew exposing Soviet activities in the Third World.
November features Metro’s annual Education Special Report and the first of our holiday gift guides. Yes, Virginia, Christmas is almost here.
—Bernie Reeves, Editor & Publisher