Neighbors Of Raleigh

Tami is on a microgreen mission to change the world. She unexpectedly stumbled into this calling just a few years ago after a chance weekend class. She quit her long time career managing a patent attorney's office and became an agro-entrepreneur and founder of Sweet Peas Urban Gardens. Using a new urban growing system developed here in Raleigh, called the CROPBOX, Tami now supplies nutrient rich greens to nearly 50 restaurants across the Triangle, five farmers markets, two CSAs and even a preschool. 

Music is the constant theme that weaves through Marty's life. Her work includes The Conservatory, Community Music School, SproutSongs Music, 17 years as the pianist for Bill Leslie's (of WRAL) band, co-hosting Raleigh's Listen to Your Mother, and most recently teaching at The Raleigh School. In addition to composing, teaching and recording at home, she collects chickens and English Setters. She simultaneously loves and wrangles two young boys and a college age daughter. She lives to tell about it with honesty and a great sense of humor. 

"I swore I'd never come back [to Raleigh] and yet I always yearned for it... I love the ocean and I knew I would but on my own terms." Mary Margaret was born and raised in Raleigh and recently returned to her family's property and has even inherited her childhood phone number. She speaks about the old Raleigh accent, the grand Lumina ballroom on Wrightsville beach, how William Boroughs sparked her love of literature and how John Coltrane speaks to the great existential question. Poet, philosopher, yoga instructor, music lover, caregiver, doula, office guru... Mary Margaret is a special lady and a wonderful example of living peace into every day life. 

The Roast Grill is a one of a kind place in downtown Raleigh and Hot Dog George is no exception. George is a jack of all trades and full of stories. His family's immigrant story includes cargo ships and Ellis Island and helps explains why this little hot dog joint serves chili dogs AND baklava. Little has changed over the 70 years of the Roast Grill and that is what makes it so special. 

Links: 

Man vs. Food: https://youtu.be/wM5DnbIyHBc

The Roast Grill http://roastgrill.com/

You may have seen Staci walking her adorable dog around the neighborhood, or greeting you at Active Chiropractic. Perhaps you have taken an art class from her at Sertoma Arts Center or bought a ring from her business, Juniper Bay Metals, at one of the Triangle's maker markets. In case you haven't met Staci yet, you are in for a treat. She is a thoughtful, brave, musical gal who is all about the process. Our conversation covers: 

• "Artist" as a type of person
• Growing up in rural Hyde Co.- Pungo River - Pamlico River
• The Community in coastal Eastern NC
• Introduction to playing music 
• Importance of Voice
• Job progressions- Jewelry Store, Waitressing, Teaching, Parks & Rec
• Stay-at-home sabatical
• Steps to setting up her own studio
• Putting her own heart into creations
• Joys in life
• Advice to younger self
• Who I watch 
• Progress & Process. 

Links: 

Check out her work & shop: http://www.juniperbaymetals.com/

Check out the videos on her FB page to see her making jewlery! https://www.facebook.com/stacisawyerjewelry/

Hometown: http://www.topozone.com/north-carolina/hyde-nc/stream/slade-creek-3/

Sylvester is an admired elder in my neighborhood. He happens to be my next door neighbor. He is active, happy, and full of stories. Born on Christmas Eve, 1930's to share croppers in Louisburg, NC, Sylvester shares some of what he has seen and experienced over his lifetime.

Links: 

The old Rex Hospital- pictures etc: http://goodnightraleigh.com/2014/12/rex-hospital-raleigh-n-c/

Westinghouse Electric Meters: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Westinghouse-OB-Electric-Meter-5-Amp-115-230-Volts-Excellent-Condition/322594705882

Cliftons- Sylvester & I discussed how many African American's took their last name from their slave owners. Clif believes that he heard his grandmother say that she remembered slavery as a little girl. We have spoken too about both the white Cliftons in Lousiburg as well as the black Cliftons. I found this document in my search too- I love genealogy research and think it would be interesting to look at primary sources to determine if there is a connection here.  http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ajac/ncfranklin.htm

Credits:

Music by Lauris Vidal

From Shinjuku to Raleigh, this is an immigrant story. Hide and I spoke at his home for hours. I regret that we didn't discuss his new business Pine State Coffee, or his road to citizenship. You will have to ask him yourself. Enjoy getting to know more about this neighbor.

• Coffee- of course we start with coffee!
• Childhood in Tokyo: family, culture, life around the park
• First Impressions of America
• Exchange Program Modesto/ DeLano CA
• Trapped in a con in Cary 
• Riding the short bus to Sanderson High School
• Flashback: Mr Kaneko the photographer & Miles Davis
• THE car accident & turning point 
• The Technician & learning the trade
• Love, Bruggers & the road trip to Ventura CA
• Ventura Co. Star & LA Times
• "The Curse" of the mental camera
• From dishwasher to sushi chef in training 
• Coffee as community/ Barista as jounalist
• "Never Give Up" - strength & sway of the skyscraper 

Links:  

Pine State Coffee: http://www.pinestatecoffee.com/

More about Shinjuku http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3011.html

 Waraji Japanese Restaurant - I wasn't kidding that my evening at Waraji back in 2008 was one of my most memorable dining experiences ever. http://www.warajijapaneserestaurant.com/

Thanks to:

Thread Audio, Lauren Smedly (logo), Lauris Vidal (music), Lew & Cheryl Hylton (babysitting), & Luke Wallenbeck (sanity)