Chatham Magazine April/May 2024

april/may 2024

CHATHAMMAGAZINENC.COM

PUBLISHER/VICE PRESIDENT

Chris Elkins chris.elkins@trianglemediapartners.com

EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR

Amanda MacLaren

MANAGING EDITOR, CHATHAM MAGAZINE

Morgan Cartier Weston morgan.weston@chathammagazinenc.com

EDITOR, CHAPEL HILL MAGAZINE

Jessica Stringer

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Anna-Rhesa Versola

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Leah Berry

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Holland Bodner, Ryan Christiano, Izabella Counts, Celia Funderburk, Sinclair Holian, Avery Householder, Natalie McCormick, Lena Miano, Leah Paige, Lauren Rouse, Katie Scherner, Liza Smith, Lucy Thomas and Emma Unger

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE OPERATIONS

Ashlin Acheson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Kevin Brown

PHOTOGRAPHER

John Michael Simpson

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Lindsay Scott

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Chatham Magazine is published by Triangle Media Partners 1777 Fordham Blvd., Ste. 105, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 919–933–1551

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new look, same us

When I joined the Chatham Magazine team last year, I was most excited by the challenge of evolving the publication to better represent our growing community. As spring (and my first anniversary as managing editor) approaches, we are thrilled to unveil a refreshed identity. Our bold new look, spearheaded by Creative Director Kevin Brown, reflects both the vibrant growth and deep-rooted history that shape our cherished piece of North Carolina.

It is also serendipitous, then, that our redesign coincides with our annual Women’s Issue. I can’t think of a better time to take a daring step with our brand than in alignment with these stories. We profile 10 illuminating entrepreneurs, advocates, creative thinkers, mothers, students and friends who help shape our county starting on page 33. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we did.

This is also our Home & Garden issue, a celebration of the growth synonymous with spring. Cultivate your own slice of paradise with gardening tips from area experts (page 92) and meet the women who revitalized The Parlour at Manns Chapel, turning an abandoned local landmark into a vibrant event venue that’s hosted weddings and other special occasions for the past 10 years.

Speaking of growth, we sat down with the newly elected mayors of Siler City and Pittsboro to learn more about their visions for our towns. Meet Donald Matthews and Kyle Shipp on page 24.

This is such an exciting time to be in Chatham. We’re honored to share this chapter with you. cm

Take good care,

The Cover

 morgan.weston@chathammagazinenc.com

FOLLOW US

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camp site

Peruse our Triangle-wide online guide to camps and summer activities.

’gram worthy For even more curated picks (and pics!) of what’s going on, follow Chatham Magazine on Instagram!

By KEVIN BROWN

Photo by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

mark your calendar

Best of Chatham voting opens May 1! Check out last year's winners, and get ready to cast your ballot!

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ClydeFEST

April 14

Get out and play at this family-friendly festival at Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center. Enjoy old-school games, live performances, local vendors and art on display. Plus, check out “The Locals,” an exhibit of Chatham Arts Council-commissioned works inspired by past or present Chatham County residents. chathamartscouncil.org

‘Frozen: The Broadway Musical’

April 19-21

Experience the magic of “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” as it comes to life on the Jordan-Matthews High School stage in Siler City. The school was selected in a nationwide competition to premiere Elsa and Anna's adventures in sisterhood on stage – with three performances, don't miss your chance to see this exciting event. jmarts.org

Shakori Hills GrassRoots

Festival of Music & Dance

May 2-May 5

Get your groove on! This event promises a family-friendly weekend of music, dance, art and education. Enjoy live performances, interactive workshops, local vendors and vibrant cultural experiences. shakorihills.org

out&about

Spring for Literacy Luncheon

April 25 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Chatham Literacy welcomes the community for its 13th annual spring luncheon at Governors Club. Author and violinist Brendan Slocumb is the featured speaker this year. The event is a key fundraiser for the nonprofit’s mission of providing adults throughout Chatham County with foundational literacy skills, empowering them to obtain employment, improve job performance, become U.S. citizens and more. chathamliteracy.org

Fearrington Village Singers Spring Concert

May 2 & May 4

Catch the 70-member community chorus made up of residents of Fearrington Village, Galloway Ridge and surrounding areas in full effect at their spring concert. The chorus has a history spanning back to 1990 and has been under the direction of Matt Fry since 2014. The May 2 concert takes place at Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church and the May 4 concert will be held at Hugh Chapin Auditorium at Galloway Ridge. fearringtonvillagesingers.org

6 events you won't want to miss

Spring Chicken Festival

May 4 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Flock to downtown Siler City for this annual celebration of chicken. Three blocks of Chatham Street will come alive with music, inflatables, craft vendors and a mouthwatering array of food trucks. It’s feather-ruffling fun for the whole family! silercity.org cm

PHOTO BY DAVID BICKLEY

PHOTO BY ED LALLO

PHOTO BY GREG STEWART

people &places

fearrington folk art show

Photography by MORGAN CARTIER WESTON

The annual Fearrington Folk Art Show took place Feb. 17 and 18 in The Fearrington Barn. The event showcased the creations of 35 self-taught artists deeply influenced by the spirit of folk art, raw vision, naïve art, primitivism and outsider art. More than 3,000 attendees had the opportunity to explore the diverse array of whimsical paintings, sculptures, pottery and other imaginative works on display and meet the artists in person. cm

1 Potter Crystal King holds one of her works.

2 Whimsical animal sculptures by Mike Fowle.

3 Ashley Weston and James Weston admire work by Tim Kluttz and Lisa Kluttz.

4 A painting by Susan Frye.

5 Artists Charlie Frye and Susan Frye.

6 Fearrington’s Kerstin Lindgren and Gilda McDaniel.

empty bowls

Photography by MORGAN CARTIER WESTON

Chatham Outreach Alliance, or CORA, our county's largest food bank, held its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser at Pittsboro United Methodist Church March 2. The event raised $35,000, and its 275 guests sampled soups from Breakaway Cafe, Carolina Brewery, The Fearrington House Inn, Flair Fusion Restaurant, Mi Cancun, Tarantini, The Mod, The Quiltmaker Cafe, Cafe Root Cellar, West End Kitchen & Catering and Small B&B Cafe. Guests voted chef Sera Cuni’s roasted red pepper chevre bisque as the best soup of the evening and took home handmade bowls and mugs donated by more than 40 local potters, serving as tangible reminders of the empty bowls in our community. cm

3 CORA volunteer coordinator Jessica Mashburn with development and communications director Rebecca Hankins.

4 Breakaway Cafe owners Amy Coughlin and Andy Pignatora.

5 Volunteers Mary Ellen Pasquale, Barbara Eesley, Anne Toohey and Laurie DiCorcia.

6 Wolfspeed’s Janice Manning, Mona Hanner, Maureen Rodgers and Shawnice Meador.

1 Volunteer Pam Nicholson and CORA board vice president Suzen Bria (at right) help distribute bowls made by local potters.

2 CORA pantry assistant Lance Patterson and program coordinator Mackie Hunter.

black tie & tails ball

Carolina Tiger Rescue commemorated 50 years of rescue, education and advocacy at its annual Black Tie & Tails Ball Feb. 24. Guests and staff were dressed to the nines and mingled over food, drinks and dancing at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham. Attendees also enjoyed a timeline exhibit documenting the organization’s work over the past five decades, and silent and live auctions to raise funds toward feeding animals in CTR’s care. cm

1 Carolina Tiger Rescue staff.

2 CTR education director Madison Fales, volunteer coordinator Maryssa Hill and program assistant Alyssa Schuberth.

3 Lynne Killen and Renee Sweeley.

Photography courtesy of LOVE & PERRY LLC

youth of the year gala

Photography by TILDSLEY CLIFFORD MCMANUS

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina held its annual Youth of the Year Gala at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Convention Center in Sanford on Feb. 8. The Youth of the Year program has recognized the outstanding achievements of club teens who exemplify leadership, service, academic excellence and healthy lifestyles since 1947. Davion Quinones, 14, was named the 2024 Youth of the Year, and Izaiah Gittens, 13, was recognized as Junior Youth of the Year. Candidates participated in a round-robin discussion during the gala that highlighted the importance of mental health for today’s teens. Davion will advance to the statewide competition in April. cm

1 The Dazzling Diamond Dancing Divas with Traci Newby, executive director of the Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club.

2 Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina CFO Brandon Kivette with Youth of the Year winner Davion Quinones and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina CEO Sarah Womack.

3 Junior Youth of the Year winner Izaiah Gittens and candidates Brianna Balderas and Sanai Lee.

OUR VISION

Recognized as the leading organization that connects, collaborates, advocates, and promotes a more prosperous community

OUR MISSION

Promoting visibility and advocacy of our members as the driving force in the economic vitality of Chatham County

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

NETWORKING/CONNECTIONS

• Business Before/After Hours

• Annual Meetings

• Chatham Development Briefing

• Woman-Focused Events

• Young Professional Group

MARKETING

• Ribbon cuttings and promotion of grand openings

• Opportunity to Further Market Your Business Through Sponsorship Opportunities for Various Chamber Events, To Display Brochures or Business Cards in the Chamber Office

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

• Opportunity To Serve as a Chamber Ambassador

• Chatham Leadership To Educate You on Chatham County

• Chatham Spark for Entrepreneur Leadership Development

CREDIBILITY

• There Is Strength in Numbers. The Impact of a United Business Community Is More Influential in the Economic Arena.

• Chamber Membership Demonstrates Community Involvements and Recognizes Your Business as Part of Chamber County

SAVING YOU MONEY

• Discount Programs for Payment Processing, Chamber Events, Physician Visits, Lab Work, Dental & Prescriptions (For Employees as Well), Advertising Opportunities and More

• Lunch and Learns for You and Your Employees

• Resource for Information Regarding Policy Changes That Could Impact Business in the County

• Public Policy Meetings With Key Leaders on the State and Local Level as Well as Leaders From Surrounding Counties

noted.

What an Honor

Northwood High School’s basketball standout Drake Powell was selected as a McDonald’s All-American on Jan. 23. Drake, a 6-foot-6 forward, is the first player from Chatham County to receive this honor. The UNC recruit will compete at the All-American game in Houston in April.

PHOTO BY JACKIE HARPHAM

The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office raised more than $50,000 for Special Olympics North Carolina at its annual Polar Plunge at Jordan Lake State Park in Pittsboro. One-hundred-andtwenty-eight individuals took the plunge to support Special Olympics’ mission of providing sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Chatham County and throughout North Carolina.

National Hall of Fame boxing referee Bill Clancy received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award on March 22 at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh. Bill has refereed for some of

the biggest names in boxing, including world championship fighters Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. The award was presented by Khalilah Camacho Ali, former wife of Muhammad Ali.

Central Carolina Community College received a $6.3 million award from the National Science Foundation’s Division of Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) to establish the Environmental and Natural Resources Technology (EARTh) Center. The EARTh Center, one of only nine national centers funded by NSF ATE, will serve as a national hub for supporting technical education and workforce training needs within the environmental technology sector across the United States.

A ceremony to honor the 11 graduates of the Central Carolina Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training program was held Feb. 14 at the CCCC Chatham Main Campus

what we've heard around our towns

Compiled by SINCLAIR HOLIAN

in Pittsboro. The graduates include April Renee Espinoza, Lexiah Payge Gates, James Kiro Georgevich II, Caitlynn Edith Hill, Ryan John Howard, Jaden Nicole Lowe, Benjamin Patrick McGaughnea, Brandon Montoya, Daniel Keith Palmiter, Samantha Raen Parker and Michael T. Wilson. Several officers were awarded special honors for outstanding achievements.

PHOTO BY MATT RAMEY

Cafe Root Cellar chef and owner Sera Cuni was awarded the N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Ken Conrad Award for Service to the Community in a ceremony at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham on Feb. 12. The honor acknowledges Sera’s Feed-Well Fridges, a community fridge program that works to eliminate hunger and commercial food waste in Chatham County. Fridges are placed in 24/7 accessible areas where residents lack access to fresh and affordable food options.

Chatham County Aging Services honored six individuals as part of its second annual “6 Over 60” Awards at the Siler City Center for Active Living in February. Christine DeGraffenreidt,

experience of raising a child with severe emotional difficulties with the goal of helping parents who are facing similar challenges.

News Bites

Vino!! Wine Shop officially reopened in its new space at 89 Hillsboro St., Ste. A in downtown Pittsboro The wine bar offers quality wines from around the globe, and hosts events like pairing dinners and free weekly tastings.

People’s Coffee opened in December 2023 at Mosaic at Chatham Park. The cafe serves a variety of drinks plus breakfast and lunch.

Big Mike’s BBQ opened in January at 440 East St. in Pittsboro, offering a menu of barbecue platters, sandwiches, sides and desserts as well as cocktails and beer.

Communities in Schools of Chatham County revived its culinary program, Cooking Matters for Teens. The program empowers students with culinary skills while sparking their interest in culinary careers.

Authentic Polynesian restaurant Ni Armor’s Hawaiian & Polynesian BBQ opened for takeout in Pittsboro at 517 West St. in February.

Dennis Streets, Don Lein, Paul Bauer, Elaine Chiosso and Johnny Shaw were nominated by the public and selected by committee for their notable contributions to the community.

Read All About It

Last year, author Donna Miller published her most recent book, “Mad Random: Claiming Life Out of Chaos.” In this deeply honest memoir, Donna explores her

Pittsboro-based author Julia Soplop’s new book, “Information Crisis: How a Better Understanding of Science Can Help Us Face the Greatest Problems of Our Time,” publishes on April 16. The book explores the many factors influencing how we interact with scientific information, and how those factors have prevented us from digesting and adequately

The Mod recently sold to the owners of Smoke & Barrel in Sanford. A refreshed music lineup is in the works and pizza service continues.

Hoops

Pizzeria is slated to open at 697 Hillsboro St. in April to dine-in and takeout orders.

The West End began its monthly afternoon tea service March 25 from 2:30 - 5 pm. Teas will take place the last Monday of each month and tickets are required.

Szechuan Village held its grand opening and ribbon cutting Feb. 9 to coincide with a Chinese New Year celebration. The family-run restaurant is located at 111 Knox Way, Ste. 100, in Polk’s Village and offers authentic Szechuan cuisine.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHATHAM COUNTY AGING SERVICES

confronting many of the greatest problems of our time, from climate change to pandemics. McIntyre’s Books plans to host a book launch event, including a reading, Q&A, signing and refreshments, on April 20.

Marjorie Hudson’s latest book, “Indigo Field,” received several honors since being published last year. She was awarded the Sir Walter Raleigh Award for Fiction as one of the 2023 North Carolina Book Award recipients. The book was also a finalist for the Crook’s Corner Prize for Debut Southern Novel and was selected as a Great Group Read by the Women’s National Book Association.

On the Move

ArtzHub, a Chapel Hill-based nonprofit arts organization offering summer camps, afterschool classes and painting parties, is expanding to Pittsboro.

Founder Kim McCullough plans to establish a weekly art class in the fall and expand ArtzHub’s programming.

Checkered Tulip Sewing & Craft Studio opened its doors in late 2023 in Vino!! Wine Shop’s former

home at 89 Hillsboro St., Unit D. in Pittsboro. The art studio offers sip-n-stitch classes, workshops, camps for kids and sewing and crafting supplies.

Katty Korner Downtown Market is coming soon to downtown

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARJORIE HUDSON

FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, the practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates has been trusted to provide specialized care in the Chapel Hill, Durham, and Sanford communities. Our four board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide the highest quality of patient care with the latest diagnostic and treatment tools available to assure patient safety and comfort.

Drs. Sacco, Vandersea, Ruvo and Serlo practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal.

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Pittsboro. The boutique will sell local foods, fresh juice, coffee, flowers, ice cream, art and more.

Lee Kazanas and Michele Zembow (pictured above right) are the new owners of Liquidambar Gallery and Gifts, now renamed to Show of Hands Gallery. They took over from Kitty Mecham and John Mecham, (pictured below right) who stepped down after 14 years to enjoy more time with family.

In Other News

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Electronic Benefit Transfer cards can now be used at the year-round Pittsboro Farmers Market each Thursday from 3-6 p.m. at The Plant. “Now that our market can accept EBT payments, more folks in our community will have access to fresh, local, high-quality, nutrient-dense food, and our hardworking farmers

and producers will have access to a new income stream,” says Patricia Parker with In Good Heart Farm. “This is a great step in the direction of making the Pittsboro Farmers Market accessible to all.”

Chatham County Court Programs changed its name to Chatham County Diversion & Advocacy Programs in February. The programs provide several court-related services, including support for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, pretrial release, a safe place for family visitation, school-based prevention services and more.

The Bynum Historic Designation Committee reached its $30,000 funding goal to hire a consultant to develop the nomination to add Bynum to the National Register of Historic Places. The goal was met with help from a $15,000 award from the Marion Stedman Covington Foundation and a

$10,000 allocation from Chatham County. The committee hired MdM Historical Consultants. A draft will be delivered to the State Historic Preservation Office by May 29.

Genevieve

Megginson retired as executive director of Chatham County Partnership for Children after 29 years. Heather St. Clair, who formerly worked with the Rocky Mount-based Down East Partnership for Children, was selected to lead the organization in January.

Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau director Neha Shah announced that the annual Farm to Fork Picnic celebrating Triangle food and farms will be held June 2 from 4-7 p.m. at Fearrington Village. The event has taken place

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KITTY MECHAM

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• Catering to Special Orders Tailoring Your Meat Selections to Perfection for Any Special Occasion. Plan Ahead for Mother’s Day and Graduation! VOTE FOR US BEST OF CHATHAM 2024 NEW BUSINESS!

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for more than 15 years and supports the next generation of food and agriculture leaders in the region.

Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp was appointed to the Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee. “In joining the EPA’s Advisory Committee, I am eager to not only represent Pittsboro but to collaborate with other leaders in addressing [the group of chemicals known as] PFAS,” Mayor Shipp says.

“Our town’s success in advanced water treatment showcases our commitment to public health and serves as a model for others.”

Central Carolina Community College and Campbell University signed an agreement that allows CCCC students an assuredentry pathway to Campbell upon graduation. The program prioritizes CCCC students’ ability to receive admission, financial aid and orientation communications early in their transition process. It requires completion of an associate degree from CCCC in a college transfer program or an articulated applied program for guaranteed university admission.

“We know our students will benefit from the specialized advising and access that are provided in the agreement, and we look forward to future

Submit your noteworthy items–from award and scholarship winners to new book and album releases.

ALC is an intensive leadership development program designed by the school’s Center for Public Leadership and Governance. cm share your news!

accomplishments resulting from the joint efforts of CCCC and Campbell working together,” says CCCC President Lisa Chapman Chatham County Commissioner Katie Kenlan successfully completed the Advanced Leadership Corps training. The program is offered annually to select local elected officials by the School of Government at the UNC.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF PITTSBORO

who's who

in town & county government

The new mayors of Pittsboro and Siler City

By ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA Photography by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Chatham County’s primary municipalities held swearing-in ceremonies for new mayors Kyle Shipp in Pittsboro and Donald Matthews in Siler City this past December. We sat down with them in February inside the N.C. Arts Incubator to get better acquainted.

Kyle moved to Pittsboro with his wife, Dianna M. Tarallo, about 10 years ago; they now have a son, Rory, 3 ½. Kyle works in construction management as a senior engineer for Microsoft. He also holds positions in two volunteer roles – president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Carolina and as ex officio member of the Chatham Economic Development Corporation. When he manages to find time for hobbies, Kyle enjoys woodworking, shooting and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Donald and his wife, Janice Williams Matthews, returned to Siler City about four years ago after spending 17 years away for Janice’s career. He immediately began attending local public meetings to learn about the inner workings of his hometown. Donald, who does not drive due to low vision caused by severe glaucoma, walks through town using his sight cane and relies on technological advances to connect via email, phone and social media. He remains active as a minister with Second Chance Community Outreach, a community organizer with Democracy NC and the NAACP.

What motivated you to run for mayor?

Donald Coming back to Siler City [and] seeing that nothing has changed. The town was caught up in a time warp, the neighborhoods look the same. The amenities that we have, we need to do something about.

Kyle I saw a lot of development going on and I didn’t know how it worked, so I went to a planning board meeting to see what they were doing. I got appointed as an alternate, then ran and got on the board. I really enjoyed that. We worked really well together as a board. Then, [former mayor] Cindy Perry, my neighbor two doors down, said she wasn’t going to run again after a third term. We sort of looked around at each other on the board to see who might want to step up, and I talked to all the other members of the board and said, ‘What do you think?’ And, I went for it.

Is there one particular issue that you would like to champion for your town?

Donald They’re all interconnected; it’s like water and sewer. I can’t have one without the other. Everything we do is interconnected. You have to champion all of it together to make an investment [to solve] the problem.

Kyle I would say planning and preparation for growth. We know that growth is here, and we know that there’s a lot more growth coming in; it impacts all of those roads, sewer, water, everything down to the small businesses.

What are the top three issues that you think are important for Siler City and Pittsboro, respectively?

Donald Transparency, that’s No. 1. There are going to be some changes, like we were talking about the water rate. There’s gonna be some changes as far as property taxes.

We also have a large, senior population that skips that middle generation and goes right to young adults. So you’re taking care of those two things at the same time and keeping them informed in different ways.

Kyle I’d say a unified town identity. I do think we are pretty close, but my goal has always been that people say, ‘I live in Pittsboro.’ Then, they might say, ‘Oh, I live in Potterstone Village,’ or ‘I live in Powell Place’ or ‘I live downtown’ or ‘I live in The Vineyards.’ But, we have that one identity for Pittsboro.

The expansion of the downtown is also top of mind. We have a really compact

New mayors Donald Matthews, left, and Kyle Shipp share an optimism for the future of Chatham County. “People have a lot of fears about development,” Kyle says. “We are working with developers to ensure promises and standards are lived up to, and this continues to be a place people want to live.”

downtown, especially compared to Siler City. There’s not a lot of opportunity for someone to come and purchase a building to put a coffee shop and things like that. We’re fortunate all of our storefronts are full, but if you want a new business coming into town, it’s hard to find land, it’s hard to construct something.

The third would be transportation – sidewalks, greenways, public transit. We’re working on a bike pedestrian plan that we’re trying to implement and put in more greenways.

What is your plan to accomplish your goals?

Donald We are currently working on a master plan. We have been contacted by different teams about adding different sports, collegiate baseball players have contacted me

Growth.

It can be an opportunity if it’s done right. It’s happening, so we’ve got to get it right. We’ve got to get far ahead in our thinking.

– Kyle Shipp

and [Siler City] Parks and Rec This does not require water and sewer; what it requires is upgrading of the current facilities – baseball fields, soccer fields. We already have the greenway expanding to where people will have these walking trails. So, it’s just a matter of upgrading what we have, and expanding.

Kyle We have to make sure there are social connections between all the parts of town and then the physical connections between all the parts, and getting into transportation, like with this bike and pedestrian plan. We are working on a trolley system [between] downtown and places like Mosaic, The Plant and the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center to fill the gaps on weekends. We’re

investing a lot into our current parks to keep them up, and patching together the greenways to ensure people can safely get from one side of town to the other. A great way of trying to take advantage of all this development is making sure that they’re connected back to downtown and to other things in town.

What is your biggest challenge as mayor?

Donald Misinformation. It only takes one person to start something that’s false. The plan right now is to put out a newsletter with everyone’s water bill.

Kyle It really is communication. We’ve got our meetings online. Now, we do a press release after each meeting with a short synopsis of the meeting. We’re trying to just put it out and communicate in every way.

What do you wish you had in your town that you don’t have now?

Donald A newspaper. We need coverage of the news locally. 

Kyle A makerspace. It gives people access to things [like] a 3D printer. You could take a class on some of this new technology, it can be an incubator space where individuals and small businesses are making physical products.

What excites you most about being mayor?

Donald The possibilities for Siler City residents. This is a point in time that they never have seen and more than likely will never see again.

Kyle Growth. It can be an opportunity, if it’s done right. It’s happening, so we’ve got to get it right. We’ve got to get far out ahead in our thinking.

When you’re not wearing your mayoral hat, what else do you enjoy doing?

Donald For one, ministry. Community advocacy. Problem solving. It’s like three o’clock in the morning and I’m looking for stuff because I enjoy research and searching for a solution. They have yet to invent a

THE MOD.

SALADS . WOOD-FIRED PIZZA . BURGERS . SANDWICHES

problem to which there’s not a solution, you just have to be willing to find it.

Kyle So, my day job is construction management, and I work with the Boys and Girls Club. I have a family, a 3-½-year-old son. So that’s a lot of it.

Who inspires you?

Donald My dad. He was a great man in my eyes.

Kyle People who take their time to mentor other people. I’ve been the beneficiary of that in my civilian career [and] in the Army, too.

What’s your favorite spot in town?

Donald The Chatham Rabbit and the N.C. Arts Incubator are resources that I think everybody should take advantage of. This is just the spot; I can sit here all day long and never see the same person twice.

Kyle Downtown [Pittsboro], because I live there. I can walk to a lot of different places. cm

Background

Since 1989, Chatham Habitat for Humanity has been working to achieve a vision of a Chatham County where everyone has a safe place to call home. With the help of generous donors and volunteers, Chatham Habitat builds safe, healthy homes that are then sold to Chatham County families with zero-percent interest affordable loans. Chatham Habitat has built more than 140 homes across the county in the last 31 years.

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Chatham Habitat believes that affordable housing is an essential part of a vibrant community. The chance to own an affordable home can be a turning point in a family’s life that leaves an impact for generations, and Chatham Habitat is proud to have made the dream of homeownership a reality for so many families.

Our Mission

Chatham Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people to create self-help opportunities for families to own affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their communities.

Upcoming Events

• Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities: We need all sorts of volunteers, and not everything requires a hammer! Visit our website to learn more about volunteering on the job site or in the ReStores - we would love for you to join us.

• Home Dedications: Join Habitat for Humanity as we dedicate each of our homes! Twice a year – typically in May and in October – we host home dedications to celebrate all our new homeowners. Please see our website for further information on each of these events.

Wish List

• Donations of gently used furniture, household goods, and construction materials to the ReStores (call 919-548-6910 for a free donation pick-up)

• Financial donations which will be used to support the construction of safe, healthy, affordable homes in Chatham County

• Hand sanitizer to be used in the ReStores and on the construction sites

Get in Touch!

Mailing Address:

PO Box 883 Pittsboro, NC 27312

467 West St. Pittsboro, NC 27312 919-542-0788

chathamhabitat.org

Habitat volunteer Tracy stocking shelves at the ReStore.

Habitat family Shannon and Jeffrey Ambrister in the kitchen of their new home.

Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved Sponsored Content

Our Mission

Communities In Schools of Chatham County’s (CISCC) mission is to surround students with a network of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Our integrated school and community-based programs build resiliency in youth who display high risk factors for disparate health, social and academic outcomes. Most face challenges generated by poverty and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) that can impact their learning and development. CIS programs connect youth to caring adults in school and community settings. CISCC keeps kids in school and on the path toward graduation by leveraging evidence-based strategies, sustaining relationships and community-based resources to drive positive outcomes.

Background

CISCC (formerly Chatham County Together!) was established as a community-based mentoring program in 1989 in response to the lack of prevention services for students ages 5-18 in Chatham County. Subsequently, CISCC has expanded its offerings to all youth referred by Chatham County Schools, the Department of Social Services, the Division of Juvenile Justice, mental health providers, and parents or guardians. All services are free of charge and offered in both English and Spanish through the support of nine bilingual staff members.

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In 2022-2023, CISCC served 302 Chatham County students with individualized integrated support offered through seven unique programs. Last year, 89 volunteers gave 4,328 service hours, serving as mentors, tutors, work site supervisors, parent advocates and Board members.

For the 302 students served, outcomes included:

• 78% met or made progress toward their social emotional or behavior goal

• 77% met or made progress toward their attendance goal

• 76% met or made progress toward their academic goal

• 94% of families demonstrated enhanced family functioning as a result of services

Upcoming Event

Stay tuned to our social media for a ‘Save the Date’ in May, celebrating 35 YEARS serving Chatham County youth and families!

Wish List

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity in which you can inspire and challenge young people to reach their full potential? CISCC is seeking caring adults across the community to serve as mentors, lunch buddies and tutors for youth. Contact us today to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

919.663.0116

108

Lake

Siler City, NC 27344 cischatham.org

tcowdin@cischatham.org

Donate here:

Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved

Our 7th Annual

Women’s I s sue

Women in Chatham engage with intention. Their pioneering spirit is ever-present in our businesses, arts organizations, nonprofits, schools and homes. These are just a few narratives of the remarkable leaders who propel our county forward. 

Photography by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Gloria Rodriguez

he Plant, a 17-acre ecoindustrial park founded in 2004, is also known as the Chatham Beverage District where Fair Game Beverage Company, Chatham Cider Works, Starrlight Mead, BMC Brewing and other food and beverage purveyors create and sell their goods in the company of several restaurants, food and gift shops and other delightful indoor and outdoor experiences.

Amid this vibrant atmosphere, Gloria Rodriguez unexpectedly found her groove. Her journey to Lorax Lane began at Central Carolina Community College, where she earned an associate of arts degree in 2016. Gloria set her sights on further education and enrolled at North Carolina State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. During this time, she also immersed herself in her native Pittsboro’s hospitality scene, taking on various roles to broaden her skill set and deepen her connection to her hometown.

She joined The Modern Life Deli & Drinks as a server and bartender, gaining firsthand experience in food and customer service.

Around this time, Gloria became more familiar with The Plant, spending time there and cultivating relationships. “By the time I graduated, I was very involved and committed to growing the place,” she says. Though her degree opened her up to other career paths, she was more interested in building her own alongside the growing community at The Plant.

She joined the Fair Game team in November 2017 as the tasting room manager. “When I first walked into the Fair Game tasting room, I immediately saw an opportunity to create something special,” Gloria says.

“Gloria’s energy is contagious,” says Lyle Estill, co-founder of The Plant. “She has truly helped us bring this property to life. She’s magnetic.”

Over the years, Gloria’s dedication and vision have revitalized the tasting room, turning it into a thriving center of activity and community involvement. Her role has gone beyond that of a typical manager; she has become one of the driving forces behind The Plant’s growth and evolution, going on to support the Lilly Den Meats & Eats food truck as well.

She recently took on the role of music coordinator at The Plant, and her responsibilities continue to grow, too. Her typical workdays include a wide range of activities, from learning how to weld to managing a kitchen to booking bands for special events.

Gloria’s motivation stems from her creativity and her desire to make decisions that enhance the workplace. She doesn’t just follow instructions blindly; she values the opportunity to share her opinions, and encourages her team members to share theirs, too. “It’s all about experiences, from all sides,” she says. “The customer, but also the employees and myself. If everybody feels good, then the place will be good.”

She is dedicated to creating lasting memories for visitors, too, both through major changes and small adjustments, in her goal of making The Plant a beloved destination that folks want to visit again and again. “I’ve suggested small changes that have turned The Plant into a place that people like to be,” she says. “Sometimes it’s big moves, but a lot of times it’s the small stuff.”

Her most fulfilling moments happen when she sees her neighbors gathering in the space that she has helped shape. “I enjoy knowing that my work brings people together and provides them with a fun experience,” Gloria says. “The ‘worth it’ moments [of my career at The Plant] have been seeing people enjoy the place and talk about how unique and welcoming it feels. Or when people return, bring their friends and even have some of their big moments here.”

Outside of work, Gloria finds joy in her family life, cherishing moments with her twoyear-old son, Leo, and their three tropical fish, who add a vibrant touch to their home. Her personal interests include interior design and human psychology, both of which contribute to her work.

Looking ahead, Gloria says she and her team are especially excited to add more variety to the event calendar.

“We are working hard to continue expanding our lineup,” Gloria says. “This year, we are hoping to expand the music scene and have more community events.” These will support the growing business community; last year, Kingston 99 Kitchen opened next door to Fair Game, bringing authentic Jamaican food and drinks to Pittsboro. Other additions on the horizon include a sake bar and chef Bill Hartley’s po’boy concept, JDubs

– by Ryan Christiano 

Music Coordinator

"I enjoy knowing that my work brings people together and provides them with a fun experience.

women of achievement

Realtor and arts advocate

Catherine Cole Hobbs

ithout hesitation, Catherine Cole Hobbs describes her life’s title as “director of atmosphere.”

Her eyes crinkle and shine as she grins. “That resonates with me [because] I do think our personal atmosphere, and the atmosphere we generate with others, is so important.”

Her ability to create a feeling of warmth and welcome has been key to Catherine’s success in every part of her life: at home, as a wife and mother; at work, as a real estate agent for Chatham Homes Realty; and in her volunteer roles advocating for schools, children and the arts.

“I love to serve,” Catherine says. “I love to help people. And [volunteering] is an opportunity for me to identify a need and provide a solution.”

Catherine was born and raised in Rockland County, New York, about 20 miles north of Manhattan. At age 11, she began babysitting to help

her family make ends meet. By 14, she was authorized to work at a children’s clothing store called The Little Shop Around the Corner, where she absorbed her earliest lessons in people skills.

Each role brought its own set of challenges, but she would learn the toughest lessons through personal hardship. “One of the things that really carried me through my breast cancer journey was being willing to look at it as something that was happening for me, not to me,” Catherine says. Her diagnosis came in 2011; she chose not to pursue reconstructive surgery following a double mastectomy. Later, she elected to have her fallopian tubes removed to prevent the risk of ovarian cancer, which runs in her family.

“There are so many blessings that come out of tragedies, but you have to be willing to see them,” she says. “I’ve really worked to also frame my son’s accident in that same way.” On Jan. 6, 2024, Griffin was driving to basketball practice in the rain when his vehicle hydroplaned and crashed along Old Graham Road. He suffered a spinal injury and remains in a body brace, though he was able to return to Northwood to complete his senior year.

"Our personal atmosphere, and The atmosphere we generate with others, is so important.

“I was learning at the hands of a very skilled customer service person,” Catherine says. The shop’s owner taught her how to respond to a wide variety of clients. “When you are measuring someone for a custom dress and picking out colors, it’s not [about] your preference, it’s theirs,” she says. “It’s really about looking at someone and knowing what would work for them, advocating to them, for them.”

Those experiences, combined with her natural gift for building relationships, served Catherine well in the spa and wellness industry before she became a real estate agent. She also served for six years on the Woods Charter School Foundation board, where her innate ability to connect people for a worthy cause renewed her drive to build community through philanthropy. Catherine became an active booster parent when her daughter, Emma Hobbs, now 20, and son, Griffin Hobbs, 18, started attending Northwood High School. She joined the Chatham Arts Council in 2017 to help raise funds and coordinate events.

Catherine is grateful for all the love and support her family continues to receive and is renewing her commitment to channel her positivity into her passions this year, focusing on spending time with her family, friends and the Chatham Arts Council. “How lucky am I to live in this community surrounded by all of these really inspirational and amazing people and get to be part of it?” Catherine asks. “I just don’t know that you can ask for anything more in life.”

In her experience, people who have been through hard times are also the most generous and kind. “So, the question I’m asking myself now is, how can I more effectively show up for the people in my community?”

– by Anna-Rhesa Versola 

chatham county board of education

Delcenia ‘Del’ Turner

wall inside Delcenia “Del” Turner’s home in Gulf is covered in awards and recognition for her volunteering and public service with a focus on issues that impact children and families daily.

“I believe deeply that each generation has an obligation to equip the next generation with knowledge and

Retired accountant and Board of Education vice chair

tools to have at their disposal, so that those children can make a life for themselves and make the world better,” Del says. She is serving her fourth four-year term representing District 3 on the Chatham County Board of Education and holds the vice chair position.

Del, who was born in New York, grew up splitting her time between the Empire State and North Carolina, staying with family in Chatham. She attended a mix of private and public schools, including her first grade year at the Goldston School (today known as J.S. Waters School) which only Black students attended. After graduating high school from the Laurinburg Institute in Scotland County, Del completed an associate’s degree with honors

at Central Carolina Community College She continued her education at Campbell University and, later, at UNC, while both raising her granddaughter and caring for her terminally ill mother.

Del began a career in the finance industry, and worked as an accountant, assistant comptroller and a chief fiscal officer. In 1991, she returned permanently to Chatham and dedicated herself to public service. When the Smart Start program began in Chatham County, Del volunteered with Chatham County Partnership for Children and secured a $25,000 grant to help address high-incidence rates of child neglect and abuse. The grant funded psychology resources to train parents on alternative forms of discipline. In 1996, the organization recognized Del as a champion for kids, and in 2004, named an annual award in her honor.

In 2006, Del served on the county planning board for four years where she helped raise standards for development, reducing impact on wetlands and protecting water quality. In 2008, Del volunteered for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and accepted an invitation to the White House. She was elected to the board of education in 2010, and turned her focus to advocating for students and teachers.

“When I was growing up, teachers were rock stars in the community,” Del says. “The reality is that people are not choosing education as a vocation. That’s why we have a shortage of teachers. Without education, you have nothing. To me, this is a big issue. You are shortchanging your children.”

Del says teachers have the most important job in our society. “They’re the very first people outside of your family spending time with your kids for six hours a day, eight hours really, if you’re counting transportation,” she says. “It just makes me sad that society treats teachers like they do, with seemingly low regard for them. They say they don’t, but they do.”

She hopes her long-term commitment to doing good work inspires the next generation to continue building for the future. “I don’t believe in getting involved in flash-in-the-pan projects,” she says. “I’m very happy with the trajectory of the board of education with our kids. It’s been very rewarding. I feel good when I can help.”

Jane Allen Wilson

Victims advocate and Board of Education member

hough she may not have biological kids of her own, Jane Allen Wilson is a mama bear for Chatham County’s children. The Pittsboro native and longtime resident of Siler City is an advocate for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence as well as a defender of public school education.

“I really had to deal with that imposter syndrome in myself,” Jane Allen says about the first time she campaigned for a District 4 seat on the county’s board of education in 2014. “A group of women asked me to run. I probably wouldn’t have considered it had they not asked me, and then I started thinking about how I don’t have kids in the school. But they said, ‘That’s perfect because you don’t have any particular allegiance.’ Not having had my own children, I feel this collective love for [all] kids. So now, I try to help women if they feel that imposter syndrome in themselves; they have just as much right [to run for office].” She is now serving her third four-year term.

“I got to know all kinds of people; women whose husbands were millionaires, people working at Mountaire Farms [and] a lot of women who crossed the frontera and had terrible things happen just trying to make it here,” Jane Allen says. She speaks Spanish and is a former board member of The Hispanic Liaison in Siler City. “I worked in the courts and the shelter. I just learned so much about people from all over the county, and that made me love this county in a deeper way because it’s a really complex place.”

Working with deep emotions and trauma can drain a person, but thankfully comedy has a restorative effect for Jane Allen. She was a member of the Transactors Improv Company (now known as Actors Improv) in Chapel Hill, performing on stage and in front of cameras.

Her own educational journey took her from Meredith College to UNC as a transfer student who finished a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1990. Jane Allen’s career began with constituent services in the office of then-Senator Terry Sanford. She went on to work in the N.C. House of Representatives and then as a press representative for the American Dance Festival in Durham before defining her main profession as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence.

She has worked since 2016 as director of training and special projects at the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network in Raleigh and is a proponent of Second Bloom, a Pittsboro-based nonprofit organization that supports survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence.

She says those improvisation techniques are useful tools for caregivers, especially when dealing with people who are nonverbal or have gradations of mental decline.

“Improv teaches you to say ‘yes’ to life,” Jane Allen says. “When you see the person you love slipping away, [you can] find new ways to appreciate the person, and when you see them finding happiness and connection, it helps,” she adds, recalling her own experiences with her father’s Alzheimer’s disease.

Over the past decade, Jane Allen has seen the positive impact of public education on many kids in her community. “It’s important to the survival of democracy,” she says. “It is the pursuit of happiness. I love seeing kids who were born to parents who work in blue-collar jobs getting Morehead-Cain scholarships. It thrills me.”

She and other school board members voted to approve a new grant-funded program called Teach Chatham, a partnership between Chatham County Schools, Central Carolina Community College, and UNC School of Education. “This sounds so hokey, but this is what I really believe: I really want kids to be able to live up to their potential wherever they are in the county. I just want every kid in this county to discover something that excites them while they’re at school and have some seed that makes them curious about life or be able to strive for whatever that is for them.” 

Julie Bridenstine

ulie Bridenstine was inspired by her mother and grandmothers, who were all public school teachers, and by her own journey attending public schools, to join the Chatham County Board of Education.

“I think it’s really important to have strong public schools in our country,” she says. “I want that for my daughters. They attend Chatham Grove Elementary And, I think it’s a great way to give back to the community.”

Julie lived and worked in Colorado and Nebraska before she, her husband, Diego Riveros-Iregui, a Fulbright scholar and geography professor at UNC, and their daughters, Luisa Riveros, 11,

Criminal defense attorney and Board of Education member

"We should focus on continuing to improve the education system, not just on the academic side, but for the whole child.

and Nina Riveros, 7, moved to Chatham in 2014. In October 2022, Julie was appointed to fill the District 1 seat vacated by longtime board member Melissa Hlavac. Julie says she will not run to keep the seat in 2024, but will continue to support public schools.

“When I first joined the board, we were coming out of the pandemic,” she says. “I think, around the world, there’s been a concern about learning loss and getting our kids back on track and making up for lost ground, and I think Chatham County Schools have done a really good job.” Julie says data shows students are improving, but there is still a long way to go. “One of the big issues on our plate right now is to try to increase funding for our schools, for our teachers, for salaries and for teacher retention.”

Julie says counties often struggle to fill large gaps in state funding. “I think it’s unfortunate that our state legislators aren’t focusing on doing what they can for public education,” Julie says. “It makes me sad that teachers make so little in the state. They’re not being respected in terms of how they’re compensated. It’s a very difficult job. I have so much respect for what they do for our kids.”

A staff attorney for NC Prisoner Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm in Raleigh, Julie sees firsthand the holistic value a public education can provide for young people who are struggling – and the deficiencies that arise without it. Schools offer more than academics; they provide life lessons in how to interact with people of different ages, roles, backgrounds and experiences that teach the importance of being accountable for your own behavior. “It was rare for me to have clients who had any kind of college education courses,” she said in a 2022 video interview. “That’s one of the reasons why we should focus on continuing to improve the education system, not just on the academic side, but for the whole child.”

Julie is grateful for the teachers she has known in Chatham. “It’s hard to say that they’ve made a difference in just one thing, because they’ve all been so wonderful,” she says. “We live in a day where [teachers] send emails and there are different programs where they can communicate with us. I’m just constantly amazed at how much they let us know what’s going on day to day.”

Julie says she strives daily to practice empathy and to make decisions based on evidence. “We’re trying to make sure that all children are served in Chatham County and they’re getting the best education that they can possibly get,” she says. “Everything we do as board members is really trying to ensure things are going smoothly and the people who are in charge of the schools – the principals – can do their day-to-day work and have functioning systems.”

– by Anna-Rhesa Versola 

BACK AND NECK PAIN // HEADACHES // SCIATICA // NEUROPATHY // KNEE PAIN // PLANTAR FASCIITIS  COLD LASER THERAPY // NON-SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION // SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

—Tonya

—Jim

NO MORE EXCRUCIATING KNEE PAIN!

y name is Tonya. I came to Ignite Wellness because I had excruciating knee pain! I have been seeing Dr. Avery for a couple of weeks now and my pain is really lessened! My back pain has also improved. I have seen many other doctors for my knee pain, but these are the best results I have experienced. Thank you Ignite Wellness!”

I CAN WALK AND STAND WITHOUT PAIN!

“I

was experiencing low back pain which resulted from a compressed bulging disc. I tried treatment from another facility that was not a chiropractor and received no relief, so I decided to come to Ignite to see if they could offer any help. I began decompression therapy, cold laser, and chiropractic adjustments. I started to feel relief after only five treatments. Four months later, I have 100% improvement and can walk and stand without pain.

WALKING BAREFOOT AND GOLFING WITHOUT HEEL PAIN!

—John “I

started coming to Ignite Wellness for foot pain. After 2 months, I walked into the office with ZERO pain for the first time! I am so happy! When I started care with Ignite, I literally could not put any pressure on my right heel due to a pretty bad bone spur. With the laser treatments and foot program at Ignite, I have gotten to the point that I feel normal again. I walked on the beach with my grandchildren this weekend with no shoes and played golf without heel pain.

Interior Designer

Mary Kate Bedell

ary Kate Bedell’s life philosophy is quite simple: “Life is a journey,” she says. “Carpe diem, baby. Enjoy it.”

She embodies that motto, seizing every opportunity. “You need to live in the moment,” she says. “Maybe something comes up that you didn’t expect and it ends up being a great thing.”

A North Carolina native, Mary Kate has called Pittsboro home for six years. She has always been entrepreneurial – as a child, Mary Kate enjoyed coming up with business ideas, from washing windows to selling handmade cards in her neighborhood. “I’ve always been creative – that’s always been a thread going through my life,” she says.

She’s since put that creativity to work in the residential design world for more than 24 years. “I just kind of fell in love with it,” she says. “It’s one of those moments where you’re like ‘oh, this is what I want to be when I grow up.’”

Mary Kate worked in various design roles for other firms and earned a certification with the National Kitchen & Bath Association before taking a leap of faith and starting her own business.

Her portfolio since founding Fresh Air Designs in 2018 speaks for itself. The studio

specializes in both interior and exterior design, with a focus on outdoor kitchens and spaces –hence the name.

A memorable recent project involved renovating an 80-year-old residential home in downtown Pittsboro in collaboration with the homeowners and Central Carolina Community College’s building construction technology department. The radical remodel included a new kitchen, family bathroom, laundry room and bar space.

“It sounds corny, but I love working with people and creating new spaces for them that improve the quality of their life,” Mary Kate says.

Pittsboro office] because people come and not only work with me, but they get to experience Pittsboro,” Mary Kate says. “I feel like I’m kind of an ambassador in a way.”

Her passion for her community extends beyond the office. Mary Kate is an active member of the design committee on the Pittsboro Downtown Advisory Board. “There [are] so many things that we’re trying to develop and grow,” she says. One of the group’s upcoming projects involves a downtown pop-up park with art, a kids play area, a stage and outdoor seating. Mary Kate hopes more artwork, sidewalks, lighting and historic preservation are also in downtown Pittsboro’s future. “It’s really exciting,” she says. “I just wish we started 10 years ago.”

"We have to prove ourselves more as women in the work world, but I think it’s also the way you approach things. What you throw out into the universe is what you get back.

She also volunteers at ClydeFest, contributes to the Chatham Arts Council and has recently gotten involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Triangle. Mary Kate is a member of the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties and the Professional Women in Building subcommittee – they recently hosted a fundraiser for a local nonprofit that trains women in Orange County to learn the construction trade – and has helped support the mission of the Chatham Habitat for Humanity with her own clients. “I’m a big believer in repurposing,” she says.

She prides herself on being analytical and detail-oriented, but also artistic – which helps when your work is unpredictable. “You’ve got to have both of those things to do this job well,” she says. Those traits are also what attracted Mary Kate to her craft. “It’s the kind of career that’s always new and fresh because the spaces are always different and the homeowners are always different,” she says. “You can create things that are unique to each project because those two variables always change.”

She gets a lot of inspiration from her clients, as well as her surroundings in Chatham County. “I love [my downtown

Mary Kate shares two children with husband, local musician Bob Bedell. Their son, Griffin Bedell, currently lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, and works as a structural engineer, and her daughter, Dylan Bedell, lives in Cary and works for her mom part-time, in addition to her full-time job as a marketing coordinator. “Dylan was there from the beginning and helped me blend and shape the brand,” Mary Kate says. Her daughter designed the logo, created the website and acts as Fresh Air Designs’ communications director.

“My whole family has been very supportive,” Mary Kate says. “It’s so important to have the support of your loved ones.”

– by Leah Berry 

Competitive professional archer

and archery instructor

Christine Harrelson

t all began with chickens and Craigslist.

Christine Harrelson and her husband Chad Harrelson moved from the outskirts of Chapel Hill into the town proper in 2012 so their five children could have a 3-minute walk to Estes Hills Elementary School. Town ordinances allowed the family to bring along nine hens – a mix of Rhode Island Red and Ameraucana. Raccoons soon discovered the new neighbors.

“I had no idea it was an endless population,” Christine says of the predators she calls “trash pandas.” Armed with a junior bow she bought off of Craigslist and no prior knowledge of archery, Christine did what she had to do to protect her flock. “The chickens lived on and the raccoons didn’t, and I just couldn’t put the bow down,” she says.

Archery Shooters Association, International Bowhunting Organization, National Field Archery Association, USA Archery and World Archery. Christine has numerous corporate sponsors as well, which allows her to train full time, mostly on her family’s 8-acre property near Jordan Lake and inside her custom, 20-yard indoor archery range.

"My kids got to watch me strive, and they got to watch me fail. and they have watched me come out of failure over and over Again.

At 36, she fell in love with archery and discovered within herself a natural talent for competition in the compound bow sport. While the kids were in school, Christine practiced for hours at a time. Chad contacted elite coaches to arrange personal instruction for Christine. She shot to the top ranks of professional women’s 3D tournaments, where conditions mimic bow hunting scenes using inanimate models of prey or predators placed in an outdoor range.

Since 2015, she has competed in national and international tournaments in the

Christine, now 48, credits her husband, Chad, a former MMA competitor, for being her biggest supporter. “He understood the importance of coaching and training and taking things very seriously, being very goal-oriented and methodical in order to make the most gains as quickly as possible not to waste time,” she says. “The hard part is what happens in the mind. The body can do this no problem, but your mind will prevent you from doing it, and that’s why mental training is so important. Mental is lifetime, but you have to do it, otherwise you will never get there.”

Christine holds the state record for target accuracy, an impressive feat in its own right – and even more so considering she has a lazy left eye and struggles with ADHD. Through the mental training for archery, a sport that requires supreme focus and presence of mind, she learned to shift negative self-talk to positive reinforcement. This especially helped Christine recover from several unexpected illnesses and injuries, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever in 2019, a broken ankle in 2022 and shoulder surgery in 2023.

“I think what that reminds me of is learning how to compartmentalize,” she says. “This one moment, this one treatment, this one

day, is not everything. This is not tomorrow, and every day following, it’s just not.”

Likewise, Christine says the thrill of winning is fleeting; her proudest accomplishment is that she has persevered when she felt things were stacked against her.

“I said, this is just for now,” she says. “I got middle-aged somewhere in the scheme of things.

I’m 48 competing against 20-year-olds. They don’t have the burdens and the things that I’ve got, and I’m not complaining about it, but I am competing against people who are younger than some of my children. I mean, honestly, it’s a big deal. It is a big deal.”

Christine has recovered from her injuries and returned to competition in February with a 3D

tournament along the Gulf Coast in Alabama. She often reminds herself – and her children –that success comes with struggle and tenacity.

Christine and Chad’s children – Bryce Harrelson, 26, Lilly Harrelson, 21, Addison Harrelson, 17, Jack Swingle, 16, and Alexander Swingle, 15 – take turns accompanying their parents to tournaments they like to call “tourna-cations” in Europe or Asia. The family is currently learning to speak Japanese to prepare for a trip to Japan next year. Christine’s heritage is Irish and Japanese. She was born in Massachusetts but grew up a self-described Army kid and moved around to California, North Carolina and even Korea, where she learned to speak the local language.

“My kids got to watch me strive, and they got to watch me fail, and they have watched me come out of failure over and over and over again,” she says. “That is probably the best side effect of my trying, dreaming, competing, failing and getting up succeeding. I just want them to incorporate that into their own lives – resilience. Don’t get stuck in the dumps. This is not forever, this is only right now. It will be better tomorrow, maybe, or the next day, but we’ve got to start somewhere.”

– by Anna-Rhesa Versola 

Pittsboro

Our leadership stems from an unwavering commitment to image quality, patient safety, advanced technology, compassionate care, and trust with area healthcare professionals. That's why we've earned and consistently maintain the highest accreditations from the American College of Radiology.

hen Karen Barbee graduated from North Carolina A&T University in 2009, she wasn’t sure yet what she wanted to do – just that she wanted to help people. Karen reflected on her love of connection and curiosity about people’s lives, and it led her to mental health counseling. Karen decided to return to NC A&T to pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health. “It feels like home,” she says. “It feels like this is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.”

Karen spent several years working for other companies before she opened Renaissance Wellness Services in Holly Springs in 2015. 

Clinical Director

Karen Barbee

The Bear Creek native set a goal to return to Chatham, and in 2016, she did just that, settling in Siler City and moving her business to Pittsboro

Karen started Renaissance to provide therapeutic services through both private practices and in local school systems, where students are often underrepresented when it comes to mental health. “I knew that I wanted to do more than just private practice work,” she says. “I knew that the children, adolescents and teens definitely needed mental health assistance, and in my communications with the schools, that need [seemed] pretty dire.”

Collaborating with schools was a defining moment for Karen’s career. “That’s really what launched everything, when I think back on it,” Karen says. “At that moment, the doors opened, and I was like, ‘Okay, thank you, wow. Now I can move forward.’ And we have kept moving ever since.”

Karen says Renaissance first partnered with Orange County Schools and Chatham County Schools to establish a model for school-based mental health services. Now, Karen says she doesn’t have to chase school systems down to get involved – they come to her. “It makes

me feel proud,” she says. “And not just of myself, but my team. It takes all of us to do what we do, to have built the reputation that we have.”

Renaissance Wellness Services has grown to three locations in Pittsboro, Siler City and Chapel Hill, and has a presence in Orange and Chatham County Schools, Durham Public Schools, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and some charter schools in the area. Karen’s fiance, Cliff Davis, says despite all the progress she’s made, Karen’s work isn’t done yet. “She’s not finished,” he says. “She’s always looking to challenge herself, and it’s awesome.”

"Mental health is a field of love. It’s not about you; it’s about the true heart connections that you are going to make with the person sitting across from you.

In addition to her role as owner and clinical director of Renaissance, Karen serves as chair of the Chatham County Board of Health. She is also an associate professor at Walden University, a decision she made based on her love of education.

“Connecting with people, watching people learn new information, seeing it click –I love that,” Karen says.

Mental health counseling work isn’t easy, with long, irregular hours and many demands, and Karen’s sons, Dylan, 7, and Dario, 4, keep her busy at home, too. “They definitely keep me on my toes outside of work,” she says. When she finds free time, Karen loves to enjoy a good book or get outside, walking or jogging in the parks around Siler City.

Still, for Karen, it’s all worth it. “I absolutely love the impact that we’ve made, especially in Chatham County,” she says. “This is my hometown, where I grew up. To know I have touched it in a positive way, honestly, that’s what keeps me going.”

– by Emma Unger 

Student and athlete

Kendall Anderson

endall Anderson’s mornings begin with a gentle rhythm to prepare her for busy days. She rises at 5:30 a.m., getting to Seaforth High School early to sit in her car and listen to music. Kendall navigates a junior year schedule brimming with AP classes, club engagements, volleyball

practice and homework assignments. “It can be mentally taxing,” she says. But, amidst this whirlwind of activities, she maintains unwavering focus.

At 17, Kendall is no stranger to the pressures of academic rigors, but tries to approach each challenge with determination and grace. Even when burnout may lurk on the horizon, Kendall remains resolute in her pursuit of excellence.

“If I could talk to my younger self, I guess [I’d] try and push myself a little more,” she says.

Kendall has already achieved major milestones. She was one of only 48 students worldwide to receive a perfect score on her AP United States Government and Politics exam in 2023, putting her in the top 0.01% of students taking that test. She is also a force on the volleyball court,

earning all-conference honors the past two of her three years on the team.

Despite her perfect test score, Kendall said she felt much more prepared for her other AP exams. “I walked out [of the psychology exam] and was like, yeah, I know I got a five [out of five] on that,” she says. “I know I missed a couple of things, but I was confident.”

Kendall was in Spanish class when she received an email from the College Board about her score. “My jaw dropped for a second,” she says. “I was like, this isn’t real.”

After taking the time to authenticate the email, Kendall immediately sent a screenshot to her biggest competition: her older brother, Brandt Anderson.

Brandt was the one who influenced Kendall to take AP U.S. Government and Politics, launching a bit of a family rivalry between the siblings – and their teachers. Throughout the year, Kendall’s teacher, Sarah Thibault, and Brandt’s teacher, Skip Thibault, who happen to be father and daughter, had an ongoing friendly competition to see which sibling would score better on the AP exam. 

Kendall and Brandt didn’t study for the exam together, though. “I wasn’t gonna help him,” Kendall says. “He’s my competition!”

Friendly sibling rivalry aside, Kendall says her family is one of her biggest sources of support. “They know I get really stressed,” she says. Kendall is especially grateful to her parents, Shannon Anderson and Robert Anderson, who

give her grace when they notice that her social battery is depleted or her energy is low.

When she needs a boost, Kendall spends time with her friends. “They’re just fun to be around,” she said. “They’re there to talk about stuff other than school, and that’s nice.”

She credits her productivity to her busy lifestyle. Kendall has to focus on what she is

doing in a given moment, and utilizes breaks during the school day to chip away at her homework for the night so she can fully “lock in” during long volleyball practices.

“I mostly just make sure to take breaks so that I’m not running from thing to thing,” Kendall says. And, she is learning the importance of setting boundaries to protect her time and energy – something she thinks all students should try to do.

“Recently, a teacher asked me for some extra help with the improv club,” she says. As Kendall listed off all the other things she had to do that day, he stopped her in her tracks and said something that she said stuck with her. “He said I could tell him no,” she says. “He told me, ‘You don’t have to do everything people ask you to do.’”

Kendall’s success clearly results from her hard work and desire to push herself, a trait that will serve her well as she prepares for the next chapter of her academic career. While Kendall does not have college plans set in stone, she is interested in a career in STEM and hopes to play collegiate volleyball.

– by Lucy Thomas 

Community

College president

lisa chapman

isa Chapman began working in education to stay close to her family. Three decades, numerous positions and an incredible track record later, she’s never looked back.

Lisa has lived in Sanford with her high school sweetheart and husband Jeff Chapman for 41 years. She began her career as a biologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. When her son Brandon was born, she began to rethink her daily commute to Research Triangle Park. A biology instructor position became available at Central Carolina Community College (which serves Chatham, Harnett and Lee counties), and Lisa applied. She didn’t get the job at first but was persistent – she applied again and was hired. “I did not realize how much I would love teaching, but I absolutely fell in love with working with our community and our students,” Lisa says.

She continued teaching for several years, and as the college grew, her role shifted. Lisa moved into administration, first as a department head, then as an academic dean; she was next promoted to vice president of academic affairs, then executive

women of achievement

vice president of instruction. Through these transitions, she continued to teach classes on anatomy, physiology, life science and more.

Lisa left CCCC in 2014 to serve as the senior vice president and chief academic officer of the North Carolina Community College System, a position she held for five years. “I thought I would retire from there,” Lisa says. When Bud Marchant, then-president of CCCC, announced his retirement in 2018, Lisa realized she could make a bigger impact at the school she loved so much. “I had an opportunity to come back home,” she says.

Lisa believes the North Carolina Community College System is the best in the country. “And there’s a reason for that,” she says. Lisa paraphrases Dallas Herring, the philosophical father of the North Carolina Community College System: “The system takes students and community members from wherever they are to as far as they can go because the state of North Carolina needs them.”

“We do that like nobody else,” Lisa says. “We are the workforce engine that says to our community members, you can be a part of the economic development [of our region], if economic mobility is necessary for you, you can do that by coming through us.”

Lisa regards CCCC as the community’s college, with impacts that reach many families – including

her own. “Graduates every single day are taking care of my friends, family and the people I care about so much,” she says. “How many other careers do you get to have where you get to be a part of that?” She lists examples, including a past student of hers who cared for her first grandchild when she was born prematurely at UNC Medical Center’s NICU. Another former student became the nurse that cared for Lisa’s mom before she passed away.

Lisa credits much of her success to the influence of her mother as well as the female mentors that she has encountered during her time at CCCC. “They were amazing because they cared so much about what they did,” she says. “Their integrity and their willingness to give everything they had to always do their very best – the right thing for everyone involved – that shaped my leadership. I continue to try and grow and learn from them and model [their example].”

Lisa also believes in the value of persistence. Her current role as president at

CCCC was the first job she applied for at the college that she earned on the first try. “If you choose not to apply, or not to apply again, that’s one surefire way that you’ll never get it,” Lisa says. “Be persistent, learn from your role models and be true to yourself.”

"Be persistent, learn from your role models and be true to yourself.

Her personal speed bumps have helped inform how she allocates her energy at work. “For community college students, education is a priority, but a lot of them also have other pretty important responsibilities, like children, a family, jobs, things they need to take care of,” Lisa says.

In 2022, CCCC joined NC Reconnect, a growing state program that helps students who did not finish school re-enroll or develop plans for another career. Lisa recalls one student that CCCC reconnected with. The

program helped the student transition from working two full-time jobs to making more money in one full-time job.

“That’s what excites me every day, when we get to be a part of an experience where not just an individual’s life is changed, their family members’ lives are changed. How can you not get excited about that?”

She is also committed to making a difference for her staff. “I’ve already spent 32 years at this college, and I wouldn’t have done that if I did not feel valued,” Lisa says. “You want to do something that you believe in, that you have a passion for, that matters. I want every single employee that’s a member of the CCCC family to know that what they do matters.”

– by Leah Berry cm

architect's abode

A design professional applies decades of experience to his own home

By MORGAN CARTIER WESTON Photography by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

rchitects are sought out for tasks big and small, from full house designs to permit drawings for small additions. They also possess the flexibility and knowledge to make decisions throughout a remodel that will improve their clients’ enjoyment of their homes, save them time and money, and improve a home’s functionality.

But what happens when they turn a creative lens to their own space?

The angular kitchen is the main artery of the home, connecting the living, dining and lounge spaces.

The refined gray-and-white palette enhances the open, airy feel.

Steve Clipp has amassed a repertoire of accolades during his more than 40 years as a custom-home architect, including the “North Carolina Home Book” award for the best design of a home less than 5,000 square feet. He and his wife, Duke University researcher and educator Jody Clipp, raised their three children in a prairie-style abode in The Oaks neighborhood in Chapel Hill, which Steve says was in a perpetual state of renovation and expansion. These ongoing transformations culminated in the creation of a serene owner’s suite – a much-needed sanctuary from the chaos of dual careers and adolescent tumult. “That was a

ABOVE The pared-down back deck and lawn enable the home and surrounding trees to shine.

LEFT Steve has assembled a collection of old and new furnishings and artwork, and enjoys mixing pieces from different styles and eras against his home’s clean, modern backdrop.

fun time,” Steve says. Now adults, Steve’s son, Stephen Clipp, is an architect in Los Angeles, and daughter Celeste Clipp Lofqvist lives in Mill Valley, California. Daughter Liz Clipp Martin lives in Apex with her husband, Jon Martin, and their children, twins Camille Martin and Benjamin Martin, 5, and Caroline Martin, 3.

A few years after Jody’s untimely passing in 2007, Steve began to seek solace in a fresh start. Enlisted by clients to assess prospective properties for remodel, he stumbled upon a diamond in the rough: one of the first homes ever built in Governors Club. The 1991 contemporary cottage was modest in size but boasted a prime location and solid infrastructure. While his clients passed on the house, Steve still saw plenty of potential in its good bones and beautiful wooded lot. “I had worked on many house transformations in this neighborhood, but I never considered living here,” Steve says.

He closed on the home in February 2015 and set to work. The metamorphosis took about a year from initial designs to material selections and build-out. In a neighborhood known for sprawling floor plans, Steve challenged himself to create the feeling of a spacious haven in a smaller home. Retaining only the foundation, roof and garage from the original 2,300-squarefoot footprint, Steve infused the space with his vision: a minimalist modern retreat tempered with warmth and authenticity. 

ABOVE A mix of textures fits right in with Steve’s personal style; modern seating rests on an ornate Oriental rug, and a rustic folk art statue stands in conversation with two classic Steinway pianos.

RIGHT The solid soapstone fireplace is the centerpiece of the living area.

The imposing 8-foot glass double front doors, adorned with half-inch sculpted steel plates, make a bold statement that sets the tone for what lies beyond. Inside, guests are treated to 60 feet of uninterrupted sightlines from the foyer to the solid soapstone fireplace at the back wall. The towering monolith anchors the expansive great room and is flanked by large windows that Steve says allow the eye to “release.” Seamless transitions define the space, punctuated by pockets of coziness in a deliberate contrast of openness and intimacy. Subtle angles introduced in the entry lead to the main living area, where the hallways, ceiling and even the

kitchen countertops amplify the viewer’s perception of space and connectivity among rooms. “This is all intentional,” Steve says. “It is designed to draw the eye and propel the body through the house.” Around the corner, a snug informal living space encourages lounging in the company of a favorite book or TV show.

“There are several key tenets of architecture,” Steve says. “I normally work with the principles of rhythm and movement at the forefront, but in this house, I felt more drawn to creating a feeling of symmetry.” The kitchen is a perfect example, with pristine white cabinets set against stainless steel

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Photo: Marilyn Peryer

Photo: Marilyn Peryer

Photo: Marilyn Peryer

Photo: Shelby Brown, Lighthouse Visuals

Steve’s granddaughter, Camille Martin, lounges next to her favorite part of her grandpa’s house: the yard with all its tall trees!

ABOVE Natural light abounds in the primary bath thanks to extra-tall windows and a calming neutral color scheme.

LEFT A pair of Victorian armchairs frame the picture window in the primary suite.

BELOW Steve and his Labradoodle, Angus, welcome guests at the home’s stately front doors. 

People think architects only need to come in for big expensive projects, but I

–

"YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY THE MOST PROFESSIONAL AND COMPASSIONATE GROUP I HAVE EVER BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH."

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“ YOU ALWAYS HIT IT OUT OF THE PARK! SO PROFESSIONAL AND EXACTING BUT SO CARING AND SO FRIENDLY. WE FEEL LIKE YOU ARE FAMILY AS WELL. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.”

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“THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO LISTEN TO CONCERNS AND EXPLAIN INFORMATION AND FOR BEING SO KIND AND PATIENT WITH MY BABY!”

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“ALWAYS AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE. I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT YOU WORK TIRELESSLY TO MAKE SURE MY PUP GETS THE RIGHT CARE FOR THEIR NEEDS. SPECIAL NEEDS DOGS ARE HARD, AND YOU ALWAYS FIND A PATH.

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appliances and a dramatic dark tile backsplash bisecting the room.

Steve’s penchant for juxtaposition extends to his furnishing selections in the great room: A folk art-inspired metal sculpture stands sentry over a pair of Steinway pianos; Oriental rugs adorn quarter-sawn oak floors; a cast limestone coffee table is flanked by postmodern Italian sofas. “They are from the 1980s, and it took me a while to find them,” Steve says. The result is a harmonious clashing of eras and textures.

That thoughtful balance extends to the outdoor areas, which are minimally furnished to allow the natural beauty of the landscape to shine. The trees themselves are an

The primary bath boasts more long-range views and clean lines.

LEFT Steve kept the outdoor furnishings intentionally minimal to avoid disrupting views of the outdoors.

RIGHT Steve and his son-in-law, Jon Martin, chat over a coffee in the open kitchen.

BELOW Angus relaxes in the owner’s suite, where ornate antique furniture rests against clean white walls and expansive ceilings. 

outstanding feature of the owner’s suite, where a cathedral ceiling and calm white walls treat the picture window as a work of art. Ornate furnishings, including a pair of Victorian wood armchairs and a circa-1800s brass bed, warm up the space. “I threw all the tricks I know at this house,” Steve says. “Every space in a home, I’m going to make it the best it can be; keeping that front of mind made it easy to follow the vision here.”

When he isn’t busy crafting his clients’ dream homes or refining his own visionary designs, you’ll find Steve traversing rugged trails as an avid hiker or journeying across the globe in search of inspiration. cm

Steve’s grandkids – Caroline, Camille and Benjamin – enjoy playing on the many natural boulders found on the property.

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going to the chapel

Crafting a celebration of community, past and present

By MORGAN CARTIER WESTON

Photography by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

esigners Yvette Navarro and Aimee Flynn’s partnership was written in the stars. Yvette, who hails from Florida, and Aimee, originally from Long Island, New York, met as colleagues at the Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham in 2008. They shared a passion for design in all its forms, including branding, interiors and preservation. The pair hit it off immediately, becoming fast friends,

The Parlour at Manns Chapel exudes history, from its salvaged doorframe decor to its original wide-plank floors. The versatile space lends itself to weddings, parties, dinners and classes.

and soon began talking about a shared business venture.

Joe Berton, Aimee’s husband, was driving down Manns Chapel Road one day in 2014 and noticed an old church on a hill that looked in need of some love. Originally built in 1887 as a Methodist chapel, the building had fallen into disrepair due to changing demographics and lack of attendance. Despite efforts to preserve it, the chapel closed its doors in the 1980s, leaving behind a legacy of memories for locals.

Joe got home and showed Aimee the listing on his phone. “It had been vacant for so long,” Aimee says. “It was really in a state of disrepair at that point, but I just knew we could do something with it.” She called the listing agent that night and invited Yvette and her husband, Ernesto Navarro, to see it the next day.

“Here was this beautiful piece of architecture in such a state of neglect,” Yvette says. She and Aimee, who live in Pittsboro and Chapel Hill, respectively, saw the potential to restore not just a building but also its role as a gathering place. “We felt like the community deserved to feel inspired every time they drove by, and we got really excited about that.” She and Aimee embarked on a journey to breathe new life into the vacant space and reinvigorate a landmark, transforming it into The Parlour at Manns Chapel

The duo’s keen eye for detail enabled them to preserve the chapel’s architectural integrity while infusing it with modern amenities and design elements. The renovation process was not without its challenges, but held many positive surprises: the foundation, walls and windows were all in great shape, and they uncovered the

Interior doors, including the pastor’s office door, were cut in half to make upcycled cabinets. The polished wooden countertops are made of the original church pews.

original existing wide-plank heart pine floors. “We got lucky,” Aimee says. “Of course, the essentials, like plumbing, electrical and quite a few other things needed to be brought up to code, but we were surprised how solid the foundation was.”

The space seamlessly blends the charm of yesteryear with the comforts of a present-day venue. Soft paint choices embrace the textured walls, which were typical of the period, and enable the swirls of the blue-green stainedglass windows to shine. The original steeple had to be carefully replaced but is now on display in the foyer as a testament to the building’s past. The original pews were upcycled into glossy

The Chef House is a stand-alone kitchen that caterers and bartenders can use as a home base for food and drink prep.

countertops; interior doors were transformed into cabinet doors and wood found under the foundation became shelving. Boulders that were uncovered during excavation for the garden were repurposed into a decorative wall, and plaques bearing the names of patrons from the past century remain secured to the windowsills.

The team also decided to leave the dual entry – a relic of the Methodist practice of separate doors and seating for men and women – intact. “It’s part of the story,” Aimee says.

The first year of renovations unfolded, and with it came early signs Aimee and Yvette

ABOVE Plantings around the chapel are heavy with fragrant blooms during the spring and summer months. The inset image shows the state of the facility prior to the renovations.

LEFT Aimee and Yvette are constantly inspired by the possibilities in the space, and use it as their office during the day.

PHOTO BY KRYSTAL KAST

Not all retirement communities are the same.

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Residents collaborate with leadership to shape the community.

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We are committed to inclusivity and diversity so you can grow amongst residents and staff from all walks of life

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Art classes, lectures, golf and tennis – find your fun in our healthy, active community

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Quality of life is paramount, from a home designed your way to a vibrant culture.

were on the right track. “We noticed people started to drive by a little slower,” Yvette says. “Soon, they would come in and point to their family’s plaque on the windowsill, or say, ‘I learned to walk on these floors.’ We get goose bumps every time.”

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The vision for The Parlour initially was to create an events venue. “Think chef dinners, arts events, floral design workshops,” Aimee says. These took place for a while, but soon the same couples attending these events began to inquire about holding their wedding there. “Things really took off for us as a wedding venue in 2016.”

“We were not from the wedding industry, but I think that is what makes us unique,” Yvette says. “We have a fresh perspective on

The Parlour’s unique entrance was typical for Methodist churches in the 1880s, a time when men and women would have entered the building – and participated in worship – separately.

what a wedding can be. Tradition is nice, but it’s also good to be authentic to the couple.” The space continues to evolve, offering several locations throughout the grounds ideal for intimate ceremonies, elopements and receptions; there is even a thoughtfully restored Argosy Airstream. “We love that people are writing chapters of their stories here.”

As Aimee and Yvette celebrate 10 years with their passion project, they also reflect on how integral their families have been to realizingthis dream. Ernesto has provided unwavering support, and Joe, who owns Farmhouse Lawn + Landscape, was responsible for the installation of everything on the chapel grounds, including the stone patios and gardens, and continues to maintain them. Joe and Aimee’s daughter, Maeve, who also turns 10 this year, literally grew up in the chapel. “I remember carrying chairs with one arm

JUNE 1-2 AND 8-9

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Come celebrate Firing ‘111’ and explore 1500+ pottery pieces by master potter Mark Hewitt, at his Open Studio event – fun for the entire family.

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[People] come in and say, ‘I learned to walk on these floors.’ We get goose bumps every time.

– Yvette Navarro

and her on my other hip,” Aimee says. “It is so special to me that my daughter gets to see us running a women-owned business and that is normal for her. She thinks I’m cool, and she thinks she can do it, too.”

The team has also doubled in size with the addition of two more powerful women: venue director Kristen Roberts and venue assistant Kit Kirk, who have enabled Yvette and Aimee to continue dreaming of what’s next. “They care deeply for their clients and truly make this place special,” Aimee says.

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Kristen and Kit are also just as committed to the building’s preservation as The Parlour’s founders. “I keep thinking, ‘if these walls could talk,’ you know?” Kit says. “Thinking about all the things that have happened here, and to just keep that going, is wonderful. We’re not just having parties; we are making stories that people will remember.”

Looking ahead, The Parlour team plans to get back to their community event roots. “We are working on expanding our offerings to further integrate into the fabric of Chatham County,” Aimee says. They envision a space that continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of the community, from in-house planning services to curated events and partnerships. “There have been so many challenges for so many people over the past few years,” Aimee adds. “We feel it is more important than ever to celebrate those small moments and foster connections with one another.” cm

ABOVE The front of the chapel makes a beautiful backdrop for an intimate outdoor ceremony.

RIGHT The original Manns Chapel Methodist Church sign hangs in the main hall in homage to the bulding’s former life.

PHOTO BY HOSANNA WILMOT

nurturing nature

Create your perfect spring garden with advice from area experts

By AVERY HOUSEHOLDER Photography by RACHEL NELMS

Full sun or low light? Organic or inorganic? Trees or shrubs? We asked local garden pros to answer their most frequently asked questions.

what to plant (and when to plant it)

s the cold weather warms and the lively colors of spring begin to emerge, the question arises: what should I plant, and when? B&L Supply owner Lonnie Parcell suggests starting with shrubs and perennial plants in the spring.

“I’ve always liked to plant shrubs early in the year, sometime in March and April,” says Lonnie, who recommends planting foliage and flowers up until May. While you can plant later, Lonnie warns that shrubs especially become harder to maintain when planted in the summer, so it is best to start early. “A lot of shrubs are dormant

Rachel Nelms shares what she’s planting in her garden:

For sunny areas: Moss phlox (phlox sublata); Blue Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium); and mouse-eared coreopsis (coreopsis auriculata). “These are my staple border plants,” Rachel says. “They tend to stay green throughout the winter and are among the first to bloom.”

For shady areas: Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis); green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum); wild geranium (Geranium maculatum); foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia); and Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans, pictured below).

For year-round greenery: “Golden ragwort (Packera aurea) is a real workhorse,” Rachel says. “It stays green all year, likes sun or shade, wet or dry conditions, and is typically the first to bloom, giving pollinators an early source of food.” The leaves stay low to the ground, but the flower stalk rises 8 to 12 inches.

right now, but they’re starting to come back with the warm weather, so get them in the ground soon.”

Lonnie tells his customers to wait until fall to start planting trees for easier maintenance. “In the fall, you have to maintain them for a little while, and then they go dormant,” he says. “[If you plant them] in the spring, you have to water them all year long.”

Rachel’s Native Plants owner Rachel Nelms says that if you want to commit to watering your plants in the summer, there are a few tips you should know to keep your plants healthy and thriving. “Water the plants before you put them in the soil,” she says. “Then, use compost or worm castings in the holes to retain moisture and water before and after planting and mulching.”

Rachel also recommends planting in the evening or during a shady time of day. “If I can’t plant in the evening or when it is shady, then I still do the other steps, but don’t ruffle up the roots as much,” she explains.

common gardening misconceptions

Kyle Sandorse, sales manager and resident beekeeper for Country Farm & Home, often hears customers questioning whether they should buy organic or non-GMO plants compared to inorganic. “I would always say, and personally prefer, to do non-GMO or organic,” Kyle says. “And the less plastic you use [while planting], the better. If you do use plastic, try to reuse it.”

Lonnie urges customers to think beyond aesthetics and keep light level requirements top of mind when choosing location for plantings.

“People often ask ‘where does this plant need to be planted?’ and they want it [in a particular spot] when it shouldn’t be put there,” says Lonnie. He says it is important to pay close attention to each plant’s light needs.

“There are plants that don’t like the sun, there are plants that love the sun,” he says. “A lot of people want a particular plant in the sun all day, when it needs to be around the back of the house in the shade.” 

Foamflower is a wildflower native to the eastern United States. It enjoys shady areas and its fluffy white star-shaped flowers attract and feed pollinators.

protecting native species and pollinators

Consider choosing native species that support pollinator habitats for your spring garden, like a wildflower mix from Mellow Marsh Farm “Supporting pollinators in spring is actually an act of supporting them all year long,” Rachel says. “Not only do I have something blooming from February and March through November, I’ll also set them up for success in the colder months by providing overwintering habitat and food,” Rachel says.

She recommends using fallen leaves as mulch, as some butterflies and moths overwinter, or make cocoons, in the leaves, which then leave seed heads for birds to

eat. Rachel also suggests planting shrubs with berries and waiting to cut back grasses and other species with stalks, as native bees overwinter in stalks and ladybugs overwinter in grasses. If she does cut them back, she leaves the stalks or grass trimmings next to the plant until the weather warms, so the pollinators have a chance to “tidy up” on their own.

If you haven’t started your pollinator garden yet, no need to worry. “It’s kind of like that saying, ‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is now,’” Rachel says. “If you don’t already have something available in spring, that’s okay. Get it planted now and you’ll be ready next year!” cm

ABOVE Moss phlox is a popular ground cover plant. It requires lots of sun, but its low height means it works well as the front border of a garden bed. Bonus: it is deer tolerant.

LEFT Green-and-Gold is easy to care for and semi-evergreen, making it attractive even when it isn't flowering. Try this pretty perennial in areas with heavy shade.

orth Carolina Attorney General

Josh Stein and House Minority Leader

Rep. Robert Reives joined Mayor Kyle Shipp Feb. 15 for a press conference at the Pittsboro Water Treatment Plant. Their message reinforced the importance of regulation on water quality and the Town of Pittsboro’s ongoing efforts.

Progress has been made on the Phase II enhancements to the plant following a grant award of $17,904,000 from the North Carolina Division of Water Infrastructure in 2023. Plans for improvements include expanding Granular Activated Carbon filtration

development updates

here we grow again

Updates on developments, real estate and future projects

Compiled by LIZA SMITH

capacity and adding Ultra-Violet Advanced Oxidation Process systems. Also in February, a budget amendment was approved for a pilot study exploring a potential new treatment solution for 1,4 Dioxane and other contaminants. The technology employs ultraviolet light proven effective in laboratory and realworld settings for removing PFAStype substances and initial lab tests suggest its efficacy against 1,4 dioxane. Additionally, this advanced treatment method boasts sustainability benefits, requiring less energy and eliminating the need for filter replacement or concentrated waste stream management.

Quantum USA, an international gas giant with ties to Canada’s Quantum Technology Corp., has invested nearly $1 million into a building in Siler City The property, formerly occupied by Shaw Auction & Restaurant Equipment, spans 7,500 square feet and was built in 2006.

Quantum Technology specializes in industrial gas applications, notably

Attorney General Josh Stein speaks during a press conference about water quality with Rep. Robert Reives and Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp on Feb. 15, 2024.

helium and hydrogen, and has a presence in Chapel Hill; the company’s plans for the building remain undisclosed.

Garden Street Communities Southeast resubmitted plans for Savannah Ridge, a residential subdivision nestled within the scenic landscape of Chatham County near Jordan Lake. The revised proposal, featuring 78 lots spread across 152 acres, aims to harmonize with evolving county regulations while meeting the burgeoning demand for housing in the area. Construction is slated to commence in late fall or early winter, this project underscores the dynamic growth trajectory of Chatham County, particularly around the planned VinFast site.

The Focus Properties – a Raleigh-based development group – is poised to sell two parcels totaling more than 145 acres near Chatham Park in Pittsboro. Known as Bellemont Place, the land is

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undergoing

holt & lujan

By LEAH PAIGE

Photography by WHITNEY DUGGINS PHOTOGRAPHY

Northwood High School graduate Ciara Holt and Jordan-Matthews High School alum Erik Lujan’s story began six years ago at Pittsboro hibachi restaurant New Japan, where Ciara worked at the time. Small talk and a flirty one-liner intrigued Ciara, and eventually landed Erik the love of his life. The pair have created many irreplaceable memories since that moment, including high school proms, birthdays, tailgates, N.C. State Fair adventures and the addition of their dog, Chaney.

Erik surprised Ciara with a proposal at her NC State University graduation on Dec. 17,

2022, surrounded by the love and support of their family and friends. The couple solidified their union Sept. 23, 2023, under the chandeliers of Emmaus Baptist Church in Pittsboro. Erik’s dad, Manuel Lujan, served as his best man, while his mom, Alicia Lujan, watched from the pews. Ciara’s father, Van Holt, walked her down the aisle before joining her mother, Lisa Holt, in the audience.

The newlywed Lujans and their 230 beloved guests celebrated with a Mexican-American reception at Hessenthaler Farms in Liberty, North Carolina. Guests danced to a set by bilingual DJ Alex Fernandez from DJ Ones and enjoyed a catered meal from Hayley Bales Steakhouse. Ciara says she will forever remember their first touch while exchanging private vows, after which Erik prayed over the couple before the ceremony. Erik says he will always cherish the intimate moments of their final dance together, just the two of them in an empty room, moments before he and Ciara departed with a sparkler sendoff.

The couple lives in Pittsboro, where Ciara works in software sales and Erik is a project engineer at Donley’s Concrete in Apex. cm

geraci & rodriguez

By RYAN CHRISTIANO Photography by ANNA KAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Stephanie Geraci and Michael Rodriguez met on match.com and quickly realized they were soulmates. The couple invested time in understanding each other’s values and goals while navigating life as working single parents. Their blended family, consisting of Nicholas,12; Grayson,10; Gabriel, 9; Mila, 6; Isabella, 6; and Ian, 4, embraced one another, too, which further affirmed the couple’s commitment to building a beautiful life together.

Michael proposed to Stephanie on June 29, 2023, after a grueling day at work reminded him how much he valued being with her. Michael purchased an $8 ring from Walmart and popped the question at Stephanie’s house before the two went out to dinner. The couple has since upgraded the ring, but Stephanie keeps the Walmart memento as a reminder of the special moment.

The couple celebrated their love story with a picturesque, intimate wedding on Jan. 1, 2024, in Pittsboro. The celebratory weekend included various events and activities for 40 close friends and family members, including a game of flag football on Friday, a round of golf at the Chapel Ridge Golf Course followed by dinner at Carolina Brewery and drinks

at The Beagle on Saturday. Stephanie and Michael hosted a New Year’s Eve party the day before the wedding, where they relaxed and played games with their loved ones. The wedding culminated in a fairy-tale day, with a ceremony at Forest Hall at Chatham Mills and a reception at The Sycamore. Michael says that symbolically uniting their two families with a sand ceremony was one of his favorite

moments of the day. The wedding colors –burgundy, blush and green – complemented the romantic atmosphere, and Stephanie praised Blossom Floral Artistry for bringing the space to life with vibrant florals.

Today, the couple calls Chapel Ridge their home. Stephanie is a senior director at Novo Nordisk, and Michael owns 25 Subway locations throughout North Carolina. cm