Up Front

We as a staff always enjoy judging our annual photo competition. Once again, we are amazed by the amateur and professional photographers in our community. In our fifth year, I believe this is the best ever. Join us in celebrating the winners in each category.

Growing up with National Geographic issues as a treasured source of monthly reading, I’ve always gravitated toward wildlife photos. And while it surprises me that I seem to favor birds — cardinals, shorebirds and raptors — it shouldn’t, because I grew up in a house on top of an Atlantic Ocean sand dune backed by dense and foreboding marsh. The wildlife drew me like a magnet.

An article we’ve had in the hopper for a few months is the story of the accomplished women pilots stationed in nearby Onslow County at Holly Ridge’s Camp Davis, the anti-aircraft artillery training facility during the four years of World War II. Come along and learn about these fascinating patriotic women aviators known as WASPs.

Our Home of Distinction is a jaw-dropping complete renovation of a beach cottage on Wrightsville Beach’s Harbor Island, with 6,000 square foot of interior design elements inspired by the homeowners’ love of the Rolling Stones. It’s one of a kind and I think you’re going to love it.

Building off the music theme, we have three up-and-coming young artists who are releasing new music. From music to visual arts, we have a peek into three collective working studios for area artists.

For those who enjoyed last month’s Savor feature on collards, we have a primer on farm-fresh red and green okra.

Make sure you read the tribute to Wilmington native Margaret “Peg” Lippitt Rorison. During this chaotic season in which we find ourselves, this pioneering woman is a stellar example of someone I wish to emulate: “Peg not only saw the good in everyone, but also brought out their best selves through her unfailing kindness, generosity, cheeriness and optimism.”

— Pat Bradford, Senior Editor/Publisher