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Final thoughts from the founder as Raleigh Convergence ceases publication
I started Raleigh Convergence three years ago because I was tired of waiting for the future I envisioned. Here’s what I mean: I got a lot of “no”s when I pitched what I then called “my crazy idea” for a modern local media company. So, I stopped asking. I used savings for platform costs, insurance…
Raleigh Convergence in review: Timeline, top stories of our 3 years
As we wrap up the publication of Raleigh Convergence, here are some highlights of the last three years told through a timeline of launches and top read stories. Catch up: Why Raleigh Convergence is stopping publication, next steps and a final note from the founder/editor.About Raleigh Convergence: Raleigh Convergence was an independent local journalism organization…
Storytelling about Tradition closes out Converging Stories season (listen here)
At Converging Stories: Tradition, four neighbors shared their true, first-person stories on the night’s theme. ABOUT THE STORIES: Each of the four interpretations of the theme of ‘Tradition’ is different, showing the diversity of lived experiences in our Raleigh area community while exploring universal truths of family and identity. ABOUT THE EVENTS: Converging Stories is a true,…
Little Blue Bakehouse will combine retail, coffee and incubator for bakers
Little Blue Bakehouse is coming in early summer to Southeast Raleigh. The idea: A coffee cafe and bakery retail experience will be open to the community. A membership-based commercial kitchen tailored to bakers will take up the other portion of the 3,000-square-foot space. Behind the idea: Raleigh natives and married couple Allison and Carl Vick.…
An important update on Raleigh Convergence’s future
Three years ago, I set out to create a new kind of local journalism. I envisioned a community news organization that told relevant stories in relevant ways. At its best, it was beyond what I hoped for. The content connected people with the local ideas and actionable information during unanticipated times. Through live community storytelling, people connected with…
Behind the scenes at NCMA’s Art in Bloom 2022
North Carolina Museum of Art’s annual event of floral designs began Wednesday — here’s a behind the scenes look as some of the creations took shape. 🌼 What it is: Floral designers interpret works of art in the museum’s collection. Some designs are inspired by places. 🌼 How to go: General admission tickets are now sold…
Blush Cowork creates coworking space for women with childcare
A women-focused coworking space with childcare on site opened this week in Cary. Blush Cowork co-founder and managing partner Alison Rogers said the coworking concept fills a need for women and mothers. Why it matters: Women are disproportionately effected by the pandemic. Many women dropped out of the workforce because of caregiving needs. “We lived…
Craften is a new kind of food hall, now open in Knightdale
Craften is a new concept: the variety of a food hall with the hospitality of a full-service restaurant. Opened by co-founders Max Trujillo and Kip Downer, it’s the first of two announced locations. The second will be in Clayton, a growing town in nearby Johnston County. About the people: Max is a hospitality industry veteran…
Last chance! Take the 2022 Raleigh Convergence Community Survey
What type of media company does Raleigh need in the future? It’s time for the annual Raleigh Convergence Community Survey, and I need your help in charting the course for what’s next. This year’s survey asks you about who you are and what you want Raleigh Convergence to be going forward. I don’t know about…
New gelato shop, Geluna Gelato, opening soon in Downtown Cary
Downtown Cary’s new gelato shop will offer a taste of its locally-made gelato 12-4 p.m. Saturday during its first pop-up. Geluna Gelato is a locally-owned gelato shop creating house-made recipes from fresh Homestead Creamery and NC State dairy milk. The owners studied at Carpigiana Gelato University in Italy before studying with a master gelato maker.…
Raleigh in 2022: Future proof Raleigh with these two concepts
How could Raleigh be better for more communities in 2022? We asked local community leaders and doers to share their ideas for the future. Next up, Chuan Tsay shares his perspective. Chuan is a native North Carolinian and the co-owner of Heirloom in Downtown Raleigh. He is particularly focused on social economics and the Asian…
Raleigh in 2022: Rest for ourselves and others
In December we launched our series on 2022 ideas for Raleigh: How could Raleigh be better for more communities in 2022?So far these local community leaders and doers to shared their ideas for the future. This week, I’m weighing in on a topic that touches many people, from small business owners to caregivers to community members who have…
Listen to stories of ‘The Fall’
At our Raleigh live storytelling events for Converging Stories: The Fall, three Raleigh area neighbors shared their true, first-person stories. Each interpretation of the theme of ‘The Fall’ is different, showing the diversity of lived experiences in our community. The outdoors, in-person event was held at Pine State Coffee on Sept. 20 and the virtual event was…
Raleigh in 2022: We’re still here, now make our future better for all
How could Raleigh be better for more communities in 2022? We asked local community leaders and doers to share their ideas for the future. The next essay is from Nick Neptune, a civic entrepreneur and community advocate. Nick is the associate director of advocacy and education with WakeUP Wake County, and currently serves as the…
Raleigh NYE: Ideas to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2021
Hi everyone! It’s Susan from @experience_raleigh here, with a roundup of some Raleigh New Year’s Eve celebrations! There’s so much more happening this year than last – and we are ready for it! But there are still concerns about the rising number of Covid cases and some pivoting of plans. FIRST NIGHT RALEIGH Once again,…
Raleigh in 2022: An artist’s place to call home
How could Raleigh be better for more communities in 2022? We asked local community leaders and doers to share their ideas for the future. Next up: Carly P. Jones is an arts executive and performing artist recently named the President + CEO of Artspace in Downtown Raleigh. Prior to her work at Artspace, Jones served…
Raleigh in 2022: How church properties could be a solution
How could Raleigh be better for more communities in 2022? We asked local community leaders and doers to share their ideas for the future. Next up: Clark Rinehart, a civic & social entrepreneur who is working to make the world a more equitable place and founder of The Steeple Collective. He is particularly interested in…
Raleigh in 2022: Start the Civic Renaissance
How could Raleigh be better for more communities in 2022? We asked local community leaders and doers to share their ideas for the future. First up: Amber Smith, the Executive Director of Activate Good, a nonprofit that mobilizes locals to improve our community by facilitating volunteer projects around the Triangle. By Amber Smith When COVID-19…
Slingshot Coffee founder launches sparkling superfruit tea brand with women-led production
Raleigh-based Slingshot Coffee entrepreneur Jenny Bonchak has launched a new line of sparkling, plant-based superfruit teas, Needs & Wants.The context: Slingshot Coffee is a Raleigh success story, having grown its cold brew-centric business to a national level. Now you can find Slingshot Coffee in Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, at national grocery retailers, as well as online. Needs & Wants, a…
Illuminate Art Walk, lighted art installations in Downtown Raleigh, begins Friday
Illuminate Art Walk will return to Downtown Raleigh beginning Friday.💡What to see: Chimes, pictured below, is a highlight of this year’s series of large-scale light-based art pieces. Chimes will span half of City Plaza on Fayetteville Street. 💡Find it: Other installations in Downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South districts are at storefronts and public spaces. 💡When to…
Thanksgiving travel guide: Busiest times for air travel from RDU, driving from Raleigh
Thanksgiving travel is back, the AAA’s 2021 report says, so expect the roads and airports to be close to 2019 levels. Here’s our quick guide to traveling from Raleigh for the long weekend: Traveling by car from Raleigh 🚗 The best time to drive, in general, is after 9 p.m. Wednesday, before 11 a.m. Thursday…
Raleigh’s holiday season starts this weekend. Here’s our guide
In Raleigh, it’s a tradition that holiday events begin the weekend before Thanksgiving. From the Raleigh Christmas Parade to local tree lightings and other festive events around town, the holidays arrive earlier. To help you plan your Raleigh holiday kickoff, we’re sharing some of the best events starting this weekend: Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting ⏰…
Personal news from the editor + changes
Here’s the thing about being a solopreneur: Raleigh Convergence’s publishing and my time are one and the same. So my personal news is also Raleigh Convergence news: I’m expecting my second child! If you’ve attended an in-person storytelling event, this was likely obvious, but for the casual reader, this is definitely news. Taking time to…
Downtown South, Park City South project designs announced by Kane Realty
Plans for three transformational projects for Downtown Raleigh’s southern gateway were released this week from Kane Realty. Two of the projects are at Downtown South and one is at Park City South near Dorothea Dix Park. If the projects move forward with the city’s approval, expect more vertical density, retail and residential living spaces. Here’s…
Tonight is Converging Stories: Tradition, virtually live!
Tonight is our virtual night of storytelling for Converging Stories: Tradition! Tickets are still available. What to expect at our virtual event: Stories begin at 7 p.m. tonight (Wednesday) over Zoom. How to “show up”: This event uses Zoom webinar — feel free to join us from your couch in your sweats, you won’t be on camera! There will be…