ABOUT
Since 1990, Laurel and Val have lived in beautiful Wilmington, North Carolina. Laurel hails originally from Northern Kentucky and, later in life, lived in Bangkok and New Orleans. Val was raised on a variety of Air Force bases in Alaska, Michigan and New Mexico. They met while both were living in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands where Laurel, a residential architect, was designing hurricane proof homes and Val worked as a chef on private charter yachts and, later, as a submersible co-pilot for local submarine tours. While they enjoyed their respective roles on St. Thomas, Hurricane Hugo’s devastating blow to the island encouraged them to move back to the mainland. Once there, Laurel began her real estate and teaching careers while completing her MBA. Valerie completed her degree from Johnson & Wales in Culinary Arts began teaching as well. In their “spare time”, they renovated 1950 circa ranch homes converting them to rental properties. Valerie and Laurel have recently retired from their respective positions as Program Directors and Instructors at Cape Fear Community College which they each held for 20+ years.
HOBBIES
A truly social pair, they delight in spending time with friends and traveling. Their time on the North Carolina shoreline inclusive of hurricane season, has created the need to master home/landscape maintenance and repair…which luckily Laurel truly has embraced. Whether it is building fencing, painting or felling trees, Laurel revels in the physical activity required! She also enjoys swimming, hiking and board/card games! Val’s passions are related to all things food and culture, drawing, cross-word puzzles…and just about anything that encourages a lust for learning.
SURPRISED TO KNOW
Laurel was a member of the US Virgin Islands National Volleyball Team and competed in the NORCECA games. Valerie earned her 100 Tom Captain’s License and Radio Operator’s Permit.
WHY LEGACY?
With Val presently pursuing a degree in Chemical Technology and graduating in May 2023…the timing of Legacy opening to its residents is perfect for the pair. That being said, the main lure to Legacy was the CCRC equity model and the numerous benefits offered as a result. They look forward to continuing their active lifestyle and enjoying all the various activities that Legacy will present, particularly swimming in the salt water pool, hiking the many trails through the community and beyond, and enjoying the 5 restaurants! They also hope to explore artistic endeavors, wood working and perhaps even fishing!
FUTURE AT LEGACY
After 30 years in Wilmington, Laurel and Val look forward to the mountain environment and being closer to their family in Ohio and Kentucky. They both also look forward to making a wonderful new circle of friends!
FUTURE HOMEOWNERS OF
Manor Home 309, Floor Plan Ironwood
