Articles by Jane Morrow
Entz put Bible stories in local tongue
Loren Entz, 78, a mission worker who helped preserve local culture and language while sharing the gospel for 30 years in Burkina Faso, died June 27 in Winnipeg, Man. He had experienced several challenging years with an undiagnosed illness. Entz and his wife, Donna, were among the first Mennonite Board of Missions personnel to work through Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission in the West African nation known until 1984 as Upper Volta, serving there from 1978 to 2008.
Global Giving Unlocked: Navigating Policy to Maximize Cross-Border Impact
The Changing Faces of Cross-Border Philanthropy DRAFT BREAKOUT SESSION REPORT Global Giving Unlocked: Navigating Policy to Maximize Cross-Border Impact by Dana R.H. Doan The 2025 edition of the Global Philanthropy Environment Index (GPEI) noted a decline in the policy environment for cross-border philanthropic flows. Around the world, philanthropy experts reported rising challenges in moving philanthropic resources across borders.
2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient takes a quiet approach to her work
Through her role as executive director of the Middletown Community Foundation—and a career marked by meaningful achievements—Sarah Nathan, Ph.D. ’13, has made an impact that earned her the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award —an honor she did not anticipate. “I have a quieter approach to my work,” Nathan said.
TD Bank promotes Johnson to retail market president of mid-South metro
TD Bank has promoted Demetrius Johnson to retail market president of its Mid-South Metro region, which includes Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, according to a news release. As retail market president, Johnson will lead a team of six retail market managers and oversee South Carolina-based TD’s local retail operations at more than 125 stores.
Wilmington ranks high in apartment search company's renters report
In RentCafe’s Best Cities for Renters 2025 Report, Wilmington earned the No. 6 spot nationwide and the top spot across the state. The report from the apartment search company analyzed 20 metrics across 150 U.S. cities, including cost of living, average apartment size, average property ratings and renter income growth. RentCafe also grouped all of its metrics into three categories: cost of living and housing, local economy and quality of life.
Renovated hotel opens in Carolina Beach
A newly renovated hotel property in Carolina Beach has opened its doors to guests, according to an announcement this week. The Oceaneer Hotel, 1621 S. Lake Park Blvd., has 26 rooms that, as part of a sustainability goal, feature "eco-friendly touches like a Rocco fridge, which is renowned for longevity and low-energy consumption, as well as complimentary Tayst coffee, an ethically sourced coffee that is packaged in biodegradable pods," according to a news release.
Poe, Faulk join Horton & Mendez
Horton & Mendez Accident & Injury Attorneys has added attorneys Telana Poe and Jessica Cornette Faulk to its team, according to a news release. "Their diverse experience in civil litigation and criminal prosecution strengthens the firm's mission to provide client-focused legal representation in serious injury and wrongful death cases," the release stated.
NC Coast Host honors Key with donation to sea turtle center
NC Coast Host presented a check for $300 to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in honor of Stephanie Key. “Stephanie, who passed away Feb. 7, served as our social media marketing chair,” said Salem Clarke, president of NC Coast Host and the Tourism Director of Onslow County, in a news release.
Tropical Smoothie on way to Carolina Beach Road; new Chipotle set to open this week
A Tropical Smoothie Cafe is coming to Carolina Beach Road, possibly later this year, while a new Chipotle location is set to open nearby on Wednesday. The new location of the Tropical Smoothie franchise is going into 1,200 square feet of leased space at 5621 Carolina Beach Road, in front of the site where a new Target is under construction.
Hallingse among economic development award winners
Josh Hallingse of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce was one of North Carolina's economic development professionals celebrated recently for their contributions to their profession and communities during the N.C. Economic Development Association (NCEDA) 2025 Annual Conference. According to a news release, the awards "highlight the exceptional efforts of members who have gone above and beyond expectations in their field." The association held its awards ceremony June 12 in Wilmington.
Islands in the stream: Independent medical practices remain
On the front lines of health care, parts of the year 2021 were “bananas.” That’s one of the ways Wilmington-based physician Umar Bowers describes the hectic nature of that time, a period when the Omicron variant of global pandemic culprit COVID-19 swept through the U.S. Umar Bowers and nurse practitioner Tiffany Bowers, Umar’s wife, opened Dawson Med, which includes an urgent care and primary care practice, in August 2021.
Meeting supply & demand
For this year’s Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year, the journey started, as many entrepreneurial journeys do, with an important question. “How do we make sure life-saving therapies get to the people who need them without delay, without compromise?” Frontier Scientific Solutions, the 2025 Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year, wanted to come up with an answer. “That one question sparked a mission that spans time zones, temperature zones and regulatory zones most of us didn’t know existed.
Returning to school: Advancing a nonprofit career with Philanthropic Leadership degree
Not everyone’s journey to the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is the same, and each path adds a unique perspective to the school. Senior Wade Arvizu’s path included 15 years of nonprofit government work focused on human trafficking and exploitation, after he completed two years of college at Missouri State. In addition to being a student, Arvizu is serving a fellowship with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime.
Small Business Spotlight: Company sinks teeth into diving
What are your company’s specialties and why? Hunt: “The company’s primary focus has shifted from salvage, recovery and inspection to recovery and sales of fossils found here in the great state of North Carolina. We still do salvage, recovery and inspections; however, the primary source of revenue is through retail sales of megalodon teeth.” Hunt: “I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a recovery diver.
Live Oak sets small loan goal
Live Oak Bank has set a lofty goal for itself in its 2025 fiscal year: to more than double the number of its small-dollar SBA loans. In the company’s first-quarter earnings call in April, officials said the Wilmington-based bank is setting a target of making more than $250 million in small-dollar business loans, defined as loans of $500,000 or less. These loans are made through the bank’s Live Oak Express, launched in 2023 to streamline small business loans and speed cash to borrowers.
Offers due this week for city-owned downtown land next to Skyline Center
Qualified developers and investors have until the close of business Thursday to submit an offer for an undeveloped, city-owned property near Live Oak Bank Pavilion and the Riverwalk. The 3.26-acre tract at 1001 and 1021 N. Front St. has drawn interest from a range of developers and investors, according to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), the real estate and investment firm marketing the property.
What I learned as a student at COP29: Advocacy, Listening, and Action
By Valerie Grau “Refugees have no escape; you flee in one direction you are met with one danger you flee in another direction you are met with another danger. The climate crisis is drastically impacting our lives. If it hasn’t yet it will soon impact yours1.” The words of Grace Dorong, a former refugee from South Sudan, have resonated deeply throughout my time at COP29.
Romondo McEachern
Business Development Officer, Treasury Management, Live Oak Bank BIO As a business development officer at Live Oak Bank, Romondo McEachern brings specialized expertise to the Wilmington market with over 12 years of financial services experience. His focus is building meaningful partnerships with lo As a business development officer at Live Oak Bank, Romondo McEachern brings specialized expertise to the Wilmington market with over 12 years of financial services experience.
Wilmington again one of the most moved-to spots, report says
Wilmington has tied with Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for the No. 1 spot in moving and storage company PODS' fifth annual Moving Trends Report. Tuesday's announcement marks the third year Wilmington has been recognized as one of the most moved-to cities in the U.S. by PODS customers. The report analyzed net long-distance moves from January 2024 to March 2025.
Wilmington-based outdoor and adventure education center earns accreditation
The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has been awarded full accreditation by Cognia, a nonprofit organization recognized globally for its commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence, according to a news release. Based in Wilmington, NCOAE launched its first courses in Pisgah National Forest in 2009.
Port's intermodal rail yard project on track for 2026 completion
Work is moving ahead on a new intermodal rail yard at the Port of Wilmington, with the project on track for completion next year. The $22.5 million intermodal rail yard project broke ground in the fall of 2024, according to a N.C. Ports spokesperson. It will add four new working tracks to the Port of Wilmington’s container terminal with a combined length of 5,000 feet.
Housing development site sold for more than $2.5M
Investors recently paid more than $2.5 million for property in Wilmington that comes with government approvals for a 61-unit residential development. Bradley Heights – a “cottage courtyard” housing project planned on a little over 7 acres off Oleander Drive and Peiffer Avenue – was at one time set to hold rental units. But the rental plan has changed.
Branch joins Capone & Associates
CPA Kevin Branch recently joined Capone & Associates. "Serving as a fractional CFO, Branch brings a wealth of experience in finance and assurance services, having worked with a diverse range of clients across multiple industries throughout his distinguished career," according to a news release. A graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Branch is a licensed CPA in both North Carolina and Virginia. He most recently served as chief financial officer for a regional insurance agency.
New Hanover County expected to buy 60-acre tract for preservation
New Hanover County is close to buying a 60-acre tract on Independence Boulevard to save it from development, according to a news release Tuesday. The land at 3990 Independence Blvd., sometimes referred to as the Flossie Bryan Tract after the previous owner, is "one of the largest remaining undeveloped properties within the city of Wilmington," the release stated. County officials say they intend to preserve it as community greenspace.
Long earns outstanding clerk award
At its annual conference, the N.C. Association of County Clerks (NCACC) recognized Melissa Long, New Hanover County deputy clerk to the board, as its recipient of the 2024 Howard Holly Outstanding Clerk of the Year Award. The annual honor is presented in recognition of a clerk’s accomplishments and distinguished contributions to local government in North Carolina, according to a news release.
Two convenience store chains submit plans for local stores
Two convenience store chains have plans to add locations in New Hanover County. A new Sheetz is in the works along a southern stretch of Carolina Beach Road, while a RaceWay-branded gas station and convenience store is planned off U.S. 421. The locations are the latest instances of convenience store and gas station chains set to grow in the Cape Fear region in recent years. Plans for both stores will be considered by New Hanover County’s technical review committee early next month.
WilmingtonBiz 100 Connections
Members of the current WilmingtonBiz 100 share some of their connections. This year’s group will be announced in September. Landon Zimmer Managing Partner, Zimmer Development Company “Giorgios Bakatsias (founder and owner of Giorgios Hospitality Group that locally owns Kipos Hellenic Cuisine and G Prime Steak & Cellar) has helped to further enrich Wilmington’s vibrant restaurant scene with his delicious food.
Lots of home work
McKay Siegel predicts that by late summer, work will start on an immense Brunswick County development, with its first phase of homes rising out of the ground in 2026. The company Siegel is a partner in, East West Partners, is working with Bald Head Island Limited to create Waterway (formerly Project Indigo) on 400 acres in and adjacent to the city of Southport. The community could hold more than 1,100 homes when it’s done.
Longtime beach hotel evolves
A key destination on Wrightsville Beach since 1964 has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation and will celebrate its grand reopening on April 10.
Costs build to build a home
Tariffs aren’t likely to make homebuilding in the U.S. or the Wilmington area grind to a halt, officials say. But they do equate to an increased building cost that will be passed to the homebuyer, said Danushka Nanayakkara, assistant vice president of forecasting and analysis for the National Association of Home Builders. That increase, the NAHB estimates, could be $7,500 to $10,000 per home, she said.
Manufacturer plans Brunswick County facility, with at least 35 jobs
A company that makes products for the construction industry plans to build a manufacturing facility in Leland Innovation Park, creating at least 35 jobs and investing $5 million. US MgO, which makes magnesium oxide cement sheathing panels for mainly larger structures, such as apartment buildings, is buying 22 acres in the innovation park from Brunswick County. The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved the $770,000 sale to US MgO after a public hearing Monday.
Lenau promoted to vp of human resources
Wilmington-based CAMS (Community Association Management Services) promoted Stacey Lenau to vice president of human resources, according to a news release. Lenau has worked in human resources for over 20 years and previously held the role of director of human resources.
Philanthropy Leadership degree leads to career as immigration attorney
Kirat Goraya, B.A. ’16, J.D. ‘20 practices corporate immigration law as an associate attorney at the firm Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. She helps clients manage the challenges of an international workforce.
MMN appoints executive for Ventures division
Mennonite Mission Network appointed Ana Alicia Hinojosa senior executive for Ventures April 21. Hinojosa joined MMN in 2022 as director of constituent engagement. She became interim senior executive for Ventures in 2023. Her efforts have been instrumental in maintaining and enhancing service programs, developing learning materials, facilitating peace workshops and connecting with conferences and congregations.
Movement of Anabaptist women doing theology from Latin America commemorates 20 years of ministry
The 32nd issue of Missio Dei, a publication of Mennonite Mission Network, describes 20 years of Movimiento de Mujeres Anabautistas Haciendo Teología desde América Latina (Movement of Anabaptist Women Doing Theology from Latin America — MTAL). Spanish and English versions of the booklet, Women, 20 years of paving the way between dreams and hopes, a collaboration between Mission Network and MTAL, and previous editions of Missio Dei, are free to download.
Couple experiences shalom and community across the United States
“We love it. We are having a great time.” That is how Carolyn Tice responded when asked how her Service Opportunities with Our Partners (SOOP) experience was going. She was describing the past six months, during which she and her husband, Enos, have served in six states, where they have grown, cooked and served food; repaired homes; driven a tractor with a front-end loader; and taken groups of 11-year-olds on nature walks. That is just a sample of all the work they are doing.
Greening the faith: Students plant avocado trees in Guatemala
Mennonite Mission Network is pushing forward on its campaign to plant 1 million trees by 2030. In early August 2023, Q’eqchi’ Bezaleel Mennonite Educational Center students and Iglesia Nacional Evangélica Menonita Guatemalteca (INEMGUA, National Evangelical Mennonite Church of Guatemala) church leaders planted 367 Hass avocado (Persea americana) trees at the education center in San Juan Chamelco, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala.
Art evokes burning bush or pillar of fire
A sculpture designed and built by a 2023 Goshen College graduate was unveiled Aug. 2 at the Mennonite Church USA office building in Elkhart, Ind. Emma Zuercher, from Apple Creek, Ohio, made the sculpture, “Forged Spirit,” under the mentorship of John Mishler, Goshen College associate professor of art. She built the 11-foot sculpture with aluminum from a distributor of scrap and secondary metals. She described the design as reminiscent of the burning bush and the pillar of fire in the Book of Exodus.
Ecuador workshops confront injustice
A series of workshops challenging victims of injustice in Ecuador to consider Jesus’ political platform has reached more than 1,400 across the country in the past year. Injustice in Ecuador, especially for Indigenous people, has ignited protests, national uprisings and strikes, which are increasing in frequency, over the past four decades. United Nations experts have found persistent gaps in the enforcement of Indigenous rights, especially regarding mineral extraction and development.
Array of sunshine: a chat with the Turner Prize winners
The UK’s Turner Prize is one of the most prestigious arts awards and is coveted by artists on both sides of the Irish Sea. Following controversy over the decision to award the 2020 prize to all the short-listed entries, the 2021 Turner Prize made the decision to only nominate artist collectives, garnering yet more debate. We’ll leave it up to others to draw their own conclusion on that, we’re just over the moon that the award went to the amazing Array Collective from Belfast.
Does the Turner Prize Deserve Better Art? No, But Array Collective Deserves Better Critics…
Array Collective photographed in December 2021. Photo © Matt Alexander/PA Wire As we sit down to write this article in Belfast on 5 December 2021, it marks exactly 100 years since the Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed and Northern Ireland came to exist as a separate entity, since which time it has been defined by almost constant political and violent unrest.
Ross Anderson-Doherty eats cake
Jane Morrow went along to a performance by Ross Anderson-Doherty of CAKE DADDY at the Crescent Arts Centre as part of the Belfast Book Festival on the 8 June and sent in this review. Ross Anderson-Doherty at the Crescent, Belfast The Northern Irish word ‘quare’ doesn’t translate well across the English-speaking globe.
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