Chatham Magazine February/March 2023

Feels Like Family

Chris G. Adigun, MD is a board certified dermatologist and a recognized leader in dermatology. She is known for her expertise in laser and aesthetic dermatology as well as her warm, compassionate and down-to-earth personality. Dr. Adigun’s team is comprised of top notch, dermatology-trained professionals, offering the latest technology and treatments.

There is a reason DLC has been voted Best of Chapel Hill and Best of Chatham every year since we opened the doors. It’s simple, DLC treats everyone like family!

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2023 CHATHAMMAGAZINENC.COM

PUBLISHER/VICE PRESIDENT

Chris Elkins chris.elkins@trianglemediapartners.com

EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR

Amanda MacLaren editorial@chathammagazinenc.com

EDITOR, CHAPEL HILL MAGAZINE

EXECUTIVE EDITOR, CHATHAM MAGAZINE

Jessica Stringer

MANAGING EDITOR, CHATHAM MAGAZINE

Anna-Rhesa Versola rhesa@chathammagazinenc.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

Renee Ambroso and Brooke Spach

DIGITAL EDITOR

Kevin Delgado

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Sam Annetta, Ellison Beaver, Cailey Cetani, Emily Davis, Anna Wesley Dubach, Sinclair Holian, Lena Miano, Katie MacKinnon and Haley Pineles

CONTRIBUTORS

Morgan Cartier Weston

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Kevin Brown

PHOTOGRAPHER

John Michael Simpson

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Lindsay Scott

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Khadijah Weekes Nolan

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Kids These Days

Isold cookies to my family and neighbors when I was in Girl Scouts, although to be honest, I helped eat most of my profit. Kids today seem to have more initiative and resources at their fingertips to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. Starting on page 50, you can read about four budding businesses created by children like Sophia Chutz, who learned to sew from her mom and taught herself to crochet. The George Moses Horton middle schooler hopes to soon open an online shop for her Stitchin’ Mama enterprise to sell her skillfully crafted tote bags, baby blankets and stuffed animals.

Beginning on page 40, you’ll find familyfriendly recipes that are as easy to make as they are to enjoy. I’m a big fan of veggie pot stickers, so I’ll follow 9-year-old Anna Jane Germain’s example and craft my own from scratch. I was lucky that I had a Filipino grandmother who taught me how to make my own tasty, after-school snacks. Some young folks in our towns find their role models at the Pittsboro Boys and Girls Club, where Executive Director Traci Newby helps them develop a sense of community and friendship that is food for the soul.

As an immigrant kid raised in North Carolina, I remember struggling to develop a true sense of belonging that I believe is crucial for kids to grow into confident young adults. Brenda Clegg – who was named the Chatham County Public Health Department’s first diversity, equity and inclusion officer last July – shares how her childhood experiences shaped her views on page 26.

Our area offers so much for kids, including plenty of summer camp options (check out our camp guide on page 62). Our children grow up fast. We hope this issue gives you ideas for ways to enjoy every moment of this special time while it lasts. CM

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Sign up for our food & drink, home & garden and other newsletters.

DELIGHTFUL DIGS

Show off your home or garden in our pages or nominate your neighbors’ fantastic abode.

EVEN MORE SUMMER FUN

See our complete camp guide on our website.

Photo by John Michael Simpson

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THE KIDS ISSUE

36 Welcome to the Club Executive Director Traci Newby reflects on the Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club’s impact in its first year

40 Kids in the Kitchen

For these young cooks, the secret ingredient is practice

50 An Eye for Color and Entrepreneurship

Meet a high school freshman learning the business of art

52 Bone Appétit

These siblings were inspired to bake healthy snacks for dogs

56 Hooked on Her Hobby

A Pittsboro middle schooler learns the ropes of business ownership, stitch by stitch

58 Clay All Day

Two miniature makers got inspired to sell their sculpted creations

62 Summer Camp Guide

There’s a camp in the Triangle for every kid’s interest from sports and science to art and engineering

FEATURES

22 Wanna Getaway

Plan your spring and summer travel in North Carolina with advice from our staff

30 Good Bones

Orthopedic doctors aim to bring awareness to the importance of bone health

72 Let There Be Light

One couple finds the rhythm of retirement in an award-winning home

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

4 Letter from the Managing Editor

8 Six Events

You won’t want to miss

18 Noted

What we’ve heard around our towns …

26 Who’s Who in Town & County Government Chatham County Public Health Department welcomed its first diversity, equity and inclusion officer

88 Deal Estate

What you get for $179,900 to $3.4m in Chatham

92 Here We Grow Again

Commercial development updates, plus a look at upcoming projects

PEOPLE & PLACES

10 Chatham County Literacy Council Luncheon

12 Chatham Arts Council Roving Performance

14 Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours

16 Reindeer Run 5K

ENGAGEMENTS

& WEDDINGS

95 Schwarz & Thomas

96 Marro & Riggsbee

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

The State of Black Entrepreneurship in Rural North Carolina Report

FEB. 3, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WEBB Squared, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the racial wealth gap, has collected a unique data set which highlights the impact of policies that have kept people of color from getting ahead. Join community members at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center for the presentation of this report, with the purpose of sparking conversation about how local policies can build the economic position of rural Black entrepreneurs. webbsquared.org

Fearrington Folk Art Show

FEB. 18-19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fearrington Village’s 20th annual show features the work of self-taught artists who are influenced by the spirit of folk art. Come meet an eclectic group of creatives who make some of the most interesting work in the folk art world and see whimsical paintings, sculptures and pottery that will get your imagination flowing. fearrington.com

SIX EVENTS

You won’t want to miss

‘The Tempest’

FEB. 23, 6:30-8 p.m.

Music, puppets, fabric and only six actors bring to life PlayMakers

Mobile’s production of “The Tempest.” This Shakespearean story of love, will, reunion and mercy will be hosted at the Chatham Community Library and is free to the public. playmakersrep.org

Leprechaun Dash

MARCH 11, 8:30 a.m.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a 5K or 10K race to raise money for children in Chatham. Beginning at the Chatham YMCA and continuing through Chatham Park, this race is fun for runners of all levels. No matter what, don’t forget to wear green! ymcatriangle.org

Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon

MARCH 18

Take action to protect the Haw River’s natural beauty at this 33rd annual community cleanup. This event, hosted by the Haw River Assembly, brings people together at the river and local creeks to raise awareness about the ecological impact of consumption and waste. Sign up with a team, choose a cleanup location and help keep the waters clean. hawriver.org/river-cleanup

CORA’s Empty Bowls

MARCH 19, 5 and 6:30 p.m. Support CORA’s mission of providing nutritious food to community members facing food insecurity at this 11th annual event. Guests will choose a handmade bowl and enjoy soups from local restaurants, plus homemade breads and desserts. Bowls are donated by artists of all ages and skill levels and serve as a take-home reminder that someone’s bowl is always empty. There will be two seatings that evening at Galloway Ridge corafoodpantry.org/events/ coras-empty-bowls CM

Volunteers, including Chatham County Commissioner Katie Kenlan (front row, middle), show off their Clean-Up-A-Thon efforts at the Bynum Bridge.

EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE; CHECK WITH ORGANIZERS PRIOR TO ATTENDING.

PHOTO COURTESY HAW RIVER ASSEMBLY

Compiled by Katie MacKinnon

Literary Luncheon

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

North Carolina native and bestselling author Jason Mott spoke to about 150 attendees at the Chatham County Literacy Council’s fall luncheon on Nov. 5 at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center. Jason is the author of “Hell of a Book,” which was the winner of the 2021 National Book Award for Fiction and was on the longlist in 2022 for both the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and the Joyce Carol Oates Prize.

Other speakers included volunteer tutor Lily Brabble and financial literacy adult learner Yeraldyn “Yera” Martinez, co-owner of Carolina Cravings Co. In the last fiscal year, volunteers donated 7,200 hours to Chatham Literacy, which was valued by the organization at $218,000. Chatham Literacy helps adults living or working in the county to gain literacy and educational skills they need to function successfully in society. CM

1 Jo Maeder, Jason Mott, Kate Barber, Ja’dah Spradley, Kumar Sathy and Elliot Bossen.

2 Michael Terry and Krista Millard.

3 Yera Martinez and Leslie Ocampo, Chatham Literacy program coordinator.

4 Loyda Estrada, Chatham Literacy program coordinator.

5 Janine Brignola, Chatham Literacy communication and marketing coordinator.

6 Blue Newell, Julie Cummins and Vicki Newell, Chatham Literacy executive director.

Art and Music in Motion

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

The Chatham Arts Council held its second Truck-and-Trailer Roving Performance in November with artists and musicians bringing the arts to the Love’s Creek neighborhood outside Siler City. Several volunteers hoisted handmade papiermâché puppets while artistic director Cheryl Chamblee put on an oversized insect head as part of her costume. Gretchen Adracie of Paperhand Puppet Intervention wore butterfly wings and a head. Geoffrey Neal, known as the bubble guy, secured himself standing on the back of a pickup truck to create enormous bubbles for neighborhood kids to chase and pop. The slow-motion parade wound through the quiet streets, and families peeked through their curtains and blinds to see the source of music performed by Larry Bellorín and Joe Troop. CM

1 Geoffrey Neal.

2 Larry Bellorín.

3 Gretchen Adracie.

4 Barbara Ford.

5 Gilda McDaniel.

6 Cheryl Chamblee.

Business After Hours

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA CRANE

Members of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce gathered at a free networking event hosted by Mosaic at Chatham Park on Nov. 8. Attendees celebrated the opening of The Guild apartments and the Tessera at Mosaic condo units. CM

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Pictured: Katie Walker, Tony Cash, Teresa Farrell, Sondra Cooper, and Cindy Cochie.

Kelly

1 Dianne Gray, Maria Parker-Lewis, Shana O’Leary, Ashlie Campbell and Saundra Nettles.

2 Todd Chatterton.

3 Caroline Lee Skelton (center).

4 Tonya Maness, Cindy Poindexter and Malinda Marsh.

5 Caroline Mundy, Adriane Karlinski and Amy Burtch.

Oh, What Fun It Is to Run

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

The 18th annual Reindeer Run 5K had 576 runners finish the race on Dec. 10 at the Central Carolina Community College campus in Pittsboro. Registration fees benefited the Chatham County Partnership for Children, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children. The USA Track & Field-certified course saw the fastest runners, while some of the youngest joggers were accompanied by the red-nosed reindeer himself during Rudolph’s Fun Run, a ¾-mile trail. CM

1 Colin Barbaro, Sofia Barbaro, 6, and Etta Barbaro, 8.

2 Maliyah Milliken, 6, Amaya Milliken, 9, and Tula Milliken.

3 Colleen Stewart, Luke Stewart, 13, Bill Stewart, Josh Stewart, 11, and Mary Stewart, 9.

4 Jackie Millken and Abigail Cheek.

5 Julie Thurman and Will Thurman, 8. 6 Reindeer games.

NOTED .

BIZ BRIEFS

The Creative Goat transitioned from its retail storefront on Thompson Street in Pittsboro to a booth in Finders and Seekers Emporium on Rectory Street in October. The booth stocks products by Dixie Belle Paint and Iron Orchid Designs, as well as North Carolinamade soaps, and candles. Additionally, The Creative Goat is expanding its custom work with T-shirts, banners and embroidery.

What we’ve heard around our towns

...

service. Now, the funeral homes are operated by owner and trustee Elizabeth Walker (daughterin-law of Allen Sr.), pictured with Robert Chambers at the groundbreaking.

Kayla McCline, administrative assistant for Chatham Literacy, left the organization in November after more than three years.

Walker’s Funeral Home celebrated its 100-year anniversary by breaking ground on a fourth facility in November. The mortuary will be located near the intersection of 15-501 and Old Lystra Road near Cole Park Plaza and is its first location in Chatham County. Walker’s Funeral Home was founded in 1922 by Houston J. Walker and his son, Allen H. Walker Sr., on the principles of providing neighborly care and compassionate

In December, Dave Rosenbaum, pictured below, opened Sylvan Learning of Chapel Hill in Governors Village to provide tutoring services. Dave, owner of the Durham location, saw the need and launched a virtual learning program in February 2022 to make tutoring available during the pandemic. The new brickand-mortar location came as a result of the virtual program’s success.

Carolina Athletics partnered with Cackalacky to create a Carolina Tar Heels BBQ Sauce. The product is available at all Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Publix and Lowes Foods locations in North Carolina as well as select local retailers like Johnny T-shirt in Chapel

Copeland Springs Farm & Kitchen closed its kitchen at The Plant at the end of 2022. The farm will continue to operate and offer their weekly CSA boxes, as well as host events throughout the year. “I’ve been aiming to find a better balance,” owner and chef Kristin Bulpitt, (who appeared on our September/ October 2021 cover) wrote in her newsletter announcement. “One that supports this dream of the farm and kitchen but that also doesn’t make me sacrifice everything that makes a life worth living. It turns out that part of creating that balance means letting go of a part of the dream.”

Hill. Cackalacky CEO and cofounder Caroline Skelton said in a press release. “It’s an absolute thrill for us to partner with Carolina Athletics and Tar Heel Sports Properties, and to bring the fun and uniqueness of Cackalacky to Carolina fans near and far.”

Compiled by Anna Wesley Dubach and Brooke Spach

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

The Briar Chapel Community Association elected two new board members at its annual meeting on Nov. 16.

Cathy Washburn, pictured above, will serve as vice president, and Rusty Field, pictured right, was elected as treasurer for the 2022-23 board.

GOOD DEEDS

Chatham County Public Libraries partnered with the American Heart Association to provide blood pressure kits at its branches in Pittsboro, Siler City and Goldston. Kits can be checked out for up to six weeks and include information in English and Spanish about obtaining a reliable reading and strategies for leading a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Nonprofit XDS, Inc.

teamed up with Cary homebuilder Garman Homes to build an affordable housing community for people with mental illnesses and other health conditions, set to be finished in summer 2023. The development, known as the Tiny Homes Village, will consist of 15 400-square-foot homes, located on the 40-acre grounds of The UNC Farm at Penny Lane

The Duke Energy Foundation has given Chatham Emergency Management a $25,000 Emergency

Preparedness and Storm Resiliency Grant. This grant has been used to purchase a utility terrain vehicle for transporting patients, first responders and equipment.

In October, Chatham County created an initiative called Operation Green Light as a way to demonstrate support for military veterans, spread awareness about challenges faced by veterans and their

SHARE YOUR NEWS! Submit noteworthy items from award and scholarship winners to new book and album releases.

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IN OUR SCHOOLS

Bradford Walston of Northwood High School was named Chatham County Schools’ Principal of the Year. Bradford, pictured left, has been principal since the 201819 school year and is a strong advocate for providing opportunities for students to be successful in various disciplines, from arts to academics.

Students from all over Chatham County competed in the 2022 District Science Fair on Dec. 1 at JordanMatthews High School. The fair’s overall winner was Rebecca Hoopes of Margaret B. Pollard Middle School, pictured below, for her project, “Trunks and Tops: Estimating Relationships Between Tree Height and Circumference in Pinus taeda.”

families and emphasize veteran resources. Chatham County residents can participate year-round by swapping out a regular light bulb with a green bulb in or outside of their homes.

In November, The Galloway Ridge Chatham County Charitable Fund awarded $100,000 in grants to 17 Chatham-serving nonprofits including the West Chatham Food Pantry, the Boys & Girls Club of Central Carolina and Chatham Cares Community Pharmacy, which received $10,000+ each.

Financial Management Support

Detachment of the 113th Sustainment Brigade who will deploy this year for Operation Inherent Resolve, an international military initiative promoting regional stability in Iraq and Syria. Shown below is Col. Zaire McRae handing a flag to Capt. Corey Richardson.

Michael Daniels and Lucian

Northwood High School’s class of 1972 celebrated its 50th reunion at Siler City Country Club in fall 2022. The attendees wore Charger green and gold and reminisced on their four years together, particularly the school’s state conference football championship win in 1971.

Carolina Meadows raised $567,645 for its 2022 Employee Success Fund through a capital campaign with its residents. At the staff holiday party in December, more than 500 Carolina Meadows employees –including Dining Services manager Deborah Glenn and line cook Morgan Blackwell, pictured above – received a check as a thank-you for their hard work.

WHAT AN HONOR

On Dec. 4, the North Carolina National Guard held a deployment ceremony at the armory in Siler City to honor soldiers of the 112th

Three volleyball players received all-state honors. Karaleigh Dodson, a sophomore at Chatham Central High School, made the 1A team while Maris Huneycutt, a Seaforth High School sophomore, and Reagan Smith, a junior at JordanMatthews High School, both made the 2A team.

On Dec. 14, Central Carolina Community College celebrated 175 graduates of its Division of Workforce Development Continuing Education Health and Professional Services programs. As a student speaker, Danni Xu, a nurse aide I and phlebotomy technician graduate who immigrated from China three years ago, had words of wisdom to share with her peers. “Do not give up,” she says. “... Thank you, CCCC – you make me strong.”

Stewart were named Chatham County’s 2022 Employees of the Year at the Board of Commissioners’ December meeting. Michael is the county’s veteran services officer and notably led the office’s transition to digital record keeping. Lucian is a county employee with Management Information Services and was honored because of his commitment to others and positive attitude, as well as for increasing the efficiency of departments.

In November, the Chatham Chamber of Commerce announced its 2022 annual awards.

Ronda Stubbs of Cambridge Hills Assisted Living, pictured above, was named Ambassador of the Year, and Distinguished Businessperson of the Year went to Amanda Newton of NC Farm Bureau in Pittsboro. Marie Hopper, partner at Hopper Cummings, PLLC received the Citizenship and Service Award while Van2 Auto Sales was awarded Small Business of the Year. Harris & Company Insurance’s sales and marketing agent Connolly Walker earned Young Professional of the Year. CM

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHATHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PHOTO BY ROBERT JORDAN

wanna getaway

doing a round trip from Blowing Rock to Linville Falls and back, taking in the views and overlooks, or finding any of the amazing hiking trails.

– Lauren Phillips, account executive

In state, I am heading anywhere there is a spa whether that’s Pinehurst (The Spa at Pinehurst), Blowing Rock (Westglow) or Cary (The Umstead Hotel & Spa). For some beach time, Sunset Beach is my favorite destination to relax and unwind.

– Lucinda Poole, account executive

Surf Cafe, learn all about Wilmington’s ghosts on a tour, take a tour of the Historic Thalian Hall, and, most of all, enjoy the sights and sounds of the sun, sand and surf.

– Lindsay Scott, graphic designer/ production coordinator

My family’s happy place is Ocracoke, a tiny barrier island off the coast of North Carolina. From Pittsboro, it’s about a fourhour drive to Cedar Island where you roll onto a ferry. Two hours later, you follow Highway 12 to the only village on the island. We usually rent a home at the edge of Springer’s Point, a nature preserve along the sound. We ride bikes to small shops, like Mermaid’s Folly, and restaurants like Dajio. Our favorite eatery is Thai Moon, which has the best Thai food in the state. During the day, we hang out at one of the many

beaches. I enjoy hunting for pretty shells while my husband is fishing and our daughters are jumping the waves.

– Anna-Rhesa Versola, managing editor, Chatham Magazine

Ilove getting out to the mountains, specifically Blue Ridge Parkway around Blowing Rock in the spring and summer. I love to camp out at Julian Price Campground, coming up to town to get breakfast at Blowing Rock Market and then coffee at Camp Coffee Roasters. I will spend the day out on the parkway, whether on bike

Ilove spending my summer weekends in Wilmington, North Carolina. After a sunny day at Carolina Beach’s Freeman Park, I like to eat at The Kitchen Sink for dinner. Afterward, I head over to Boombalatti’s for the best nondairy coffee ice cream or walk next door to Edward Teach Brewery for their signature B.A.D. Lager. Visit Airlie Gardens, eat an acai bowl at Zeke’s Beans and Bowls, relax with a drink at High Tide Lounge & Tiki Bar, have some coffee from Bespoke, eat the tastiest brunch at Blue

Each summer, my family heads east and rents a house on south Topsail Island. By day, we swim in warm water, look for dolphins and walk. For casual eats, we grab a burger or mahi sandwich at SurfDog Bites & Brews. Another favorite is Beach Shop & Grill on Topsail Beach where we can shop while we wait for our seafood meal. With my kiddo in tow, the retro putt-putt, arcade and icecream shop Patio Playground is always on our list.

– Jenna Parks, publisher, Heart of NC Weddings

Ilove a quick getaway with girlfriends to Wrightsville Beach. It’s less than a twohour drive from here. We stay at the newly renovated and modern Holiday Inn to save a buck, eat at cute, casual beach bars for great

COMPILED BY JESSICA STRINGER

PHOTO BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

margaritas and fish tacos like Shark Bar and Kitchen or dine late on the waterway at Bluewater Waterfront Grill. It’s the perfect short getaway.

– Ashlin Acheson, director of creative operations

Spend time outside in Graham and Burlington, two charming towns just a hop, skip and a jump away from Chatham. Start with brunch at the Smokehouse at Steve’s in Graham and order the hefty chicken biscuit and grits. Enjoy a walk through Burlington’s Springwood Park or stroll downtown. Forgotten Road Ales in Graham has amazing sour ales and an expansive patio with a disc golf course in back. And, perhaps best of all, Forgotten Road is dogfriendly!

– Jessica Stringer, editor, Chapel Hill Magazine

Our family has been heading to Bald Head Island for more than 30 years. Tip: Plan your trip around a full moon so you can enjoy bagpipes, a bonfire and a stunning moonrise at the

going in May or October when the weather is warm, but it’s not overcrowded. We always stop by The Veggie Wagon on the way into town for a seasonal beer on tap and to pick up some ready-made dinners and local vegetables. Spend a long weekend surfing and building sandcastles on the beach, or take a ride to Southport on the ferry. Hike through Fort Fisher and spend an afternoon at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

– Rory Kelly Gillis, president, Triangle Digital Partners CM

who’s who in town & county government

CHATHAM COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT WELCOMED ITS FIRST DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION OFFICER

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Brenda Clegg was born in Sanford and was 5 years old when her family moved to Queens, New York. She earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Rutgers University in New Jersey and a second bachelor’s degree from New York Institute of Technology in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on life sciences. She began her human resources career as the New York Metropolitan Amateur Athletic Union’s district sport director, spending more than 10 years in the position. Afterward, Brenda took on roles in Pennsylvania to improve internal business functions, including cultural sensitivity training for staff and enhancing external community engagement. Brenda, the youngest of five siblings, returned to Sanford in 2015 to care for her late father, Alfred Frank Clegg, for two years. On July 5, Brenda became Chatham County Public Health Department’s first diversity, equity and inclusion officer. Her adult son, Justin Brown, and grandson, 7, live in Sanford, while her adult daughter, Tahvia Brown, is in New York.

What do you think prepared you for this job?

I believe my life experiences prepared me for this job. … I remember my [maternal] grandmother, a very proud woman, here in North Carolina, and how she would talk to me and tell me she had great expectations for me. … And so in the back of my mind, everything I did, I always wanted to make my grandmother proud of me. But then going to New York, the neighborhood we moved into was a middle-class, predominantly African American neighborhood. As a matter of fact, the family next door to me was from Haiti. We were African American from North Carolina. The family on the other side was from Jamaica. My mom

didn’t want me to go to school in that neighborhood. … She wanted [me] to have education with children [who] did not necessarily look like [me]. … My mom put me in school in Douglaston-Little Neck, [a different neighborhood in Queens]. I can go back and look at my elementary school pictures, and there were only a handful of Black kids in the class and everyone else was Caucasian. Why did my mom do that? Why was that so important to her to do that? Well, now I understand that we should be interacting with people who don’t look like [us]. They need to understand you, and you need to understand them. So that is what I grew up around. And you know, New York is a melting pot. Queens is a melting pot. And I think all of that gave me a different perspective.

What work did you do before your current position?

Before I came here, I was doing DEI training, but I also was in staffing, business development and sales. [I was] going into companies from Lumberton to Smithville, talking to them about employment, job culture,

Being the first one means there’s a lot for me to do and figure out because no one else has done the job before.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite local shop

French Connections

“They have so many African fabrics, artwork and jewelry!”

Favorite color

Blue

Favorite local eateries

Mi Cancun and the Chatham Marketplace co-op (“They have the best sushi and carrotginger soup!”)

Favorite sports teams

Carolina Panthers and New York Giants

Favorite activities

Travel and art appreciation

Favorite place to visit Nassau, Bahamas

Favorite book

“The Wake of the Wind” by J. California Cooper. The book is about generational challenges

African Americans have had to endure. “I felt every emotion while reading the book: anger, fear, sadness, suspense, joy, pride, courage and a peace of mind.”

Favorite quote

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived; it is what difference we have made in the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead,” by Nelson Mandela.

company culture and how that affects their turnover rates. Also, I still am the [volunteer] DEI director for the Society for Human Resource Management, the North Carolina council. So I’m going out talking, doing training and providing resources to HR professionals across the state of North Carolina on DEI and how best to navigate making their company more equitable, more inclusive.

What do you see as the priorities for Chatham County from your perspective? Being the first one means there’s a lot for me to do and figure out because no one else has done the job before. I have to try to build a road map. And I have to understand there have been conversations that have gone on in the past, and [that] people have different perspectives and ideas of what diversity, equity [and] inclusion means. So it’s my job to make this as plain yet nonthreatening [as possible] and allow people to understand that we don’t want anyone to necessarily change – we want them to have a shift in their perspective and [in the] way they engage other people and how they perceive other people and build upon the fact that we all have biases. But understand that it’s not about having a bias; it’s about how you manage the bias and how you allow it to affect not only how you interact in the workplace, but also within the community as well.

What are some of the expectations from the health department?

It’s a leadership role with the strategic direction, expertise and guidance to advance the initiatives within the health department. Internally, the position is focused on integrating DEI principles into policies, practices, services and culture. … And then externally, I am responsible for building relationships with the members in the community and community partners, with the focus on marginalized communities and looking at health equity and how we play a role in making sure everyone

has equal and equitable access to health [care services]. It’s public health, so it should be open to anyone.

How are you able to measure progress? One way is by looking at your retention [of employees]. Are we keeping people? Also, [we want to do] additional surveys to see how, culturally, things are changing. Are you having better conversations?

What about the clients or patients outside of the department itself?

On an airplane, they tell you when the oxygen mask falls out that before you try to help the person next to you or the child with you, put the mask on for yourself [first]. That’s what we’re doing now. We first have to make sure we’re healthy, and we can take care of ourselves. We want to make sure we’re being sympathetic, empathetic, we’re being mindful, respectful. I believe the training and everything we’ll do will build upon one another, and it will take effect so our interactions and our daily work, our interactions with the public is going to be better. … I don’t expect things to shift immediately. … Yes, there is history and history within the United States, the systemic things that have gone on are a tragedy. Let’s acknowledge them. And then let’s say, “How do we do better?”

Will you eventually reach out to the community to find out what’s working and what’s not working? What comes after all that?

I think it’s just about ongoing education, continuing education, not just for the department, but also for our community partners. You know, are they open and interested in DEI training? Are they interested in having conversations around that? Do they understand what DEI is? Because diversity is not all just about race. So many times people think it’s Black versus white, and it’s not – it’s not that at all. And so, being able to have those conversations and understanding so we can build community, a stronger community. CM

END YOUR PAIN WITHOUT DRUGS OR SURGERY

—Tracy

RAN A 5K WITHOUT LEG PAIN!

“When I first came to Ignite, I could hardly walk. I had back pain, knee pain and ankle pain. I also had sciatic nerve pain down the back of my leg. Since coming to Ignite Wellness, I no longer have any back pain, leg pain or knee pain. And the most important thing is—I used to run. Since coming here, I’ve been able to run. This past week, I ran my first 5k in over 2 years! It’s all because of the wonderful treatment that I’ve gotten here at Ignite Wellness. I also feel better emotionally, mentally and I’m much more alert!”

KNEE PAIN RESOLVED WITHOUT SURGERY!

WALKING BAREFOOT AND GOLFING WITHOUT HEEL PAIN!

“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 essure 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.

LEG WEAKNESS AND DEBILITATING BACK PAIN GONE

“Iam so lucky and thankful I found Ignite Wellness! I was having severe lower back pain and my right leg had been collapsing at times due to pain and weakness. Ignite took x-rays and found out that I had a severe scoliosis (spine curvature) causing my pain and leg weakness. I started adjustments and decompression therapy. I am back to walking for exercise without my leg giving way and my back is much more flexible!

—Kathy D.

—John S.

good bones

ORTHOPEDIC DOCTORS

AIM TO BRING AWARENESS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF BONE HEALTH

BY BROOKE SPACH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Dr. Andrew Bush is big on bones. At his practice, Central Carolina Orthopaedic Associates, he sees around 15 to 20 patients per month who have sustained a bone fracture. With hopes to reduce that number, he’s integrated a preventive approach to bone health into his Pittsboro and Sanford offices that allows

him to identify any issues with patients before surgery becomes necessary –providing an especially crucial service in these areas, considering a quarter of Chatham County’s population is over the age of 65.

“You don’t solve the problem with just titanium, but you actually try to prevent the problem from happening in the first place,” the orthopedic surgeon says. Many folks’ knowledge about how to build and maintain healthy bones only goes as far as drinking dairy milk and soaking up the sun. While getting sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D are essential for taking care of your skeleton, that advice doesn’t capture the full picture, which includes factors like age, nutrition, exercise, alcohol intake and more. 

Andrew Bush reviews the results of the ultrasound scan with patient Debra Harris.

This prevention program, which Andrew and his team have termed “The Bone Matrix,” is unique from the typical care offered by orthopedic specialists. Patients most often visit these specialists to receive secondary care after suffering a break, and treatment is localized to that area of the body. With preventive care, doctors will consider the patient’s full bill of health and their daily habits.

“When someone comes in to talk about bone health, I become more of a medical doctor,” he says. “It’s really a full, very thorough medical evaluation. Aspects related to bone health are generally related to health – there’s not a whole lot of difference between heart health and bone health and gut health.”

Dr. Jill Sylvester is another orthopedic expert who says she sees at least two or three patients per day with issues related to osteoporosis. As part of

UNC’s Department of Orthopaedics’ nonoperative sports and musculoskeletal medicine team, she approaches the topic of bone health from a standpoint of making sure her patients are able to do the activities they enjoy, like running, playing catch with grandchildren or walking around their neighborhood. In addition to the other copious benefits of regular physical activity, the force signals to the skeletal system that it should build or maintain bone so that the body can withstand those challenges.

“Motion is lotion,” Jill says. “The body likes to move, and people who stay active and who continue to be able to exercise and do strength training tend to have better outcomes than people who stay more sedentary.”

The most important component of these preventive care visits is the ultrasound screening, a quick scan of the

Carolina Spine Specialists, our experienced team of doctors and certified chiropractic assistants provide non-surgical treatment for spine and joint conditions to alleviate pain and improve health.

RIGHT Andrew is one of four medical providers in the U.S. who offer the Echolight REMS ultrasound scan.

body to determine bone density and quality. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women 65 and older get screened, while the Endocrine Society recommends screening for men 70 and older. However, for those who smoke or have a family history of frequent fractures or osteoporosis, Jill says it’s worth a conversation with a primary care doctor about screening earlier. Women have an increased risk as bone density begins to decrease with the onset of menopause.

“Early 50s is when we’re at biggest risk for [density] losses, and that’s a place where we can really make some strides by making lifestyle changes,” Jill says.

The consequences of poor bone health can be life altering. Many

people who sustain fragility fractures will lose their independence, or worse –studies show that the one-year mortality rate after a hip fracture is 21%.

After her X-rays showed a serious lack in bone density, Debra Harris, a 71-year-old Cary resident, visited Central Carolina Orthopaedic Associates for an ultrasound screening. She says she felt frightened by the results after having seen negative health outcomes in her family due to osteoporosis.

“That’s my fear – not being able to take care of myself and ending up in a facility,” Debra says. “And I just want to be as healthy as I can. I want to be able to play with my grandkids.”

Andrew’s main goal is to spread awareness so that this form of preventive care can become more

accessible and routine. In his own words: “If you ignore your bones, they will go away.”

As Debra says, making the drive from Cary to Sanford was a no-brainer. “I didn’t even think twice about it,” she says. “This is an important procedure to have done. It’s just so easy and so simple.” CM

John Cheesborough, MD

Dawn E. Kleinman, MD

Mary Candace Seagle, PA-C Brittany Atkinson, PA-C

Candace L. Marin, APRN

Clinical Services and Operations Manager James Hooker preforms the REMS scan.

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We pride ourselves in having a hometown feel and caring staff who become like family. Both communities are locally, veteran owned. silver-thread.com

welcome to the club

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRACI NEWBY REFLECTS ON THE PITTSBORO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB’S IMPACT IN ITS FIRST YEAR

BY BROOKE SPACH PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Before the Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club, there were many Chatham County elementary and middle school students going home alone or relying on extended family members for child care before their parents got off work. The club opened its doors in October 2021 with a mission to provide the equitable afterschool support these families needed.

The club has since grown from 65 to 95 members and proportionally increased staff under the guidance of Executive Director Traci Newby, who’s been with the Pittsboro club from the start. He took on this role after working within Siler City’s Wren Family Center club chapter since 2018.

When students arrive at George Moses Horton Middle School each afternoon, they’re greeted with big

smiles, hugs and high-fives from the mentor staff. The students enjoy snack time, play icebreaker games and complete a homework “power hour” before diving into planned activities, covering a different topic each month. These programs range from leadership development to discussions about dealing with bullying. One evergreen focus, though, is the club’s Triple Play program, a nationwide initiative which promotes well-being in the mind, body and soul.

“Our healthy habits program is designed to implement healthy living by emphasizing the good nutrition and regular physical activity that our members need,” Traci says. “We have great relationships with CORA and Porch Briar Chapel, and each month our members are delivered fresh fruit and vegetable boxes with different recipes that they go home and try.” 

Ay’Leigha Lucas, 7, Ava Taylor, 10, Paris Seymore, 7, London Seymore, 7, and Jada Watson, 9, with Traci Newby.

The Pittsboro chapter currently serves kindergarten through eighth grade students, but Traci says they hope to open the program to high schoolers in 2023. More than offering after-school care and informative programs, the Boys & Girls Club provides a support system for its members. Traci, a Siler City native, was a member himself throughout middle school and later returned as a teen volunteer while attending Jordan-Matthews High School To this day, he says he still talks to one of his mentors.

“Every child needs someone who they feel is going to be there for them and they can come to,” Traci says. “That was one of the biggest things for me growing up in a Boys & Girls Club, and that’s a big thing with the mental health of our youth today. They know they have somebody that they can express themselves to. We’re all a family, and my members know that.” CM

Ava Taylor, 10, rides a scooter down a hill while playing outside with friends.

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

- CONNIE S.

“ 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.”

- DAVID D.

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

- ASHLEY A.

“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. - AMY P.

kids in the kitchen

FOR THESE YOUNG COOKS, THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS PRACTICE

BY MORGAN CARTIER WESTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

a family affair

Sisters Winnie Maller, 13, and Ruby Maller, 16, have a built-in chef at home in mom Gwen Maller, a graduate of the French Culinary Institute (now known as the International Culinary Center) in New York City. Gwen currently works as a personal chef with The Food Fairy, a meal and event service based in Chapel Hill that also offers cooking classes. With that background, she does all she can to nurture a love of food with her own daughters.

Ruby associates food with special travel and learning experiences with her family. The Chapel Hill High School

Ruby Maller, 16, and her sister, Winnie Maller, 13, prepare to make crêpes in their home kitchen.

junior especially loved participating in a “Harry Potter”-themed cooking class at Southern Season before they closed their store in Chapel Hill. Ruby has fond memories with her mom enjoying arroz con pollo on a trip to Costa Rica. Her favorite foods to make are noodlebased, like ramen and penne pasta with meat sauce.

As a child, Winnie, now an eighth grader at McDougle Middle School, says she would pretend to cook with food scraps while her parents prepared meals. “I mixed it all up with water in a bowl and called it soup,” she says. Though she participates in her mom’s cooking classes, she doesn’t necessarily consider herself a budding chef. Winnie’s favorite things to prepare at home are microwaveable meals, though she says she would like to learn how to make lemon bars.

On the right side of this page is a basic crêpes recipe adapted from Sara Moulton.

Basic Crêpes

Makes 8 to 10

5 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1 cup whole milk

¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

¼ tsp. table salt

2 Tbsp. sugar

Melt the butter and set aside 2 tablespoons. In a blender, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter with the milk, flour, eggs, salt and sugar. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover and set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes. Lightly brush a 10-inch crêpe pan with some of the reserved melted butter and heat over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir the batter and ladle a scant ¼ cup into the pan, tilting and rotating the pan until the batter coats the bottom. Cook for 30 to 45 seconds, or until the surface of the crêpe looks set and the bottom is barely golden. Turn the crêpe and cook for 30 seconds more on the second side. Transfer the crêpes to a cooling rack as they are cooked. Once they are cool, stack them until you are ready to use them. Wrap and freeze any extra crêpes for later use. 

sticking together

Siblings John Germain, 11, and Anna Jane Germain, 9, relish preparing – and eating – Chinese, Japanese and Thai foods. “Sushi is the most fun because you can add whatever you want into it, and it’s more creative,” John says. Anna Jane especially loves making pot stickers. “Because you roll them, and they are easy to make,” she explains. The cooking duo attends Woods Charter School and also enjoy taking cooking classes with chef Clare Reding of Circle City Supper Club in Pittsboro. “In these classes, we have learned knife skills, different ways to cut and prepare ingredients, different ways to cook food and the importance of salt and acid,” John says. “We have also learned baking skills, including the importance of properly

Pot Stickers (adapted from allrecipes.com)

Serves 6

Filling to pre-cook: 1 lb. ground pork

4 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup green onions, finely chopped

3 Tbsp. fresh ginger, finely minced

2 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 ½ cups green cabbage, finely chopped

Dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, or more as needed

¾ teaspoon kosher salt

Dipping sauce: ¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar

¼ cup soy sauce

For frying: 6 Tbsp. vegetable oil as needed, divided

measuring ingredients and why and how things rise.”

John’s kitchen skills developed in a relatively short time. “John has been with us since the start of Circle City in fall of 2021, and Anna Jane joined us in the fall 2022 semester,” Clare says. In addition to regular classes, the pair have spent time at Circle City’s summer camps, learning about local ingredients and gardening. “I am happy that I started to learn cooking skills so early because I will be able to use them in the future,” John says. His next culinary goal is to learn to make great Vietnamese food. “There are very few things I don’t like,” John says, “But one of my favorite foods is pho.” Anna Jane’s ambition is – perhaps unsurprisingly – to make what she calls “the perfect dumpling.” 

LEFT Anna Jane Germain, 9, places the filling inside the wrappers. RIGHT Big brother John Germain, 11, helps chop more ingredients for their recipe.

Place all ingredients for the filling in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly. Cover bowl with plastic and place in refrigerator to chill for about an hour.

Place flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Slowly pour in 1 cup hot water. Stir until the mixture forms a shaggy dough. Transfer dough to a clean work surface. Flour your hands before kneading the dough. Work the dough for about 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If dough seems too sticky, add a small amount of flour (up to an additional ½ cup) and continue to knead. Wrap the dough ball

Afterward, divide the dough ball into four equal pieces. Cover three pieces with a dish cloth while you work the first piece. Roll the dough into a small log about the thickness of a thumb (about ¾ inch). Divide the log into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin 3 ½-inch circle on a lightly floured surface to form the pot sticker wrappers. Repeat steps with the remaining dough pieces. Lightly moisten the edges of a wrapper with your wet finger. Place a small scoop of the precooked mixture onto the center of a wrapper. Fold up the two sides and pinch together in the center. Pinch together the remaining edges, forming “pleats” along one side. Tap the pot

sticker on the work surface to slightly flatten the bottom; form a slight curve in it (so it stands upright in the pan). Transfer to a floured plate. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place about six or seven pot stickers in the hot oil, flat side down. Cook until bottoms are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drizzle in water and quickly cover the pan; steam for 3 minutes. Uncover; reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking until water evaporates and bottoms are browned and crunchy, 1 or 2 minutes. Transfer to a warm serving dish. Repeat with remaining pot stickers. Serve with dipping sauce.

kitchen lessons

Sixth grader Gianna Longo, 11, comes from a family of athletes, but her passion is not on a football field or on a basketball court – it’s in the kitchen. Homeschooled by her mom, Tanya Longo, Gianna has absorbed many recipes and tips in her seven years of cooking at home and alongside accomplished local chefs. “I have done an internship working with Josh Coburn,” Gianna says of her time spent with the head chef at Venable Bistro in Carrboro.

Gianna currently studies under chef Bruce Pressey at The

COOKING COUSINS

Nate Derrick, 11, and Eli Hopper, 12, are cousins who attend classes together at The Travelling Cafe. “The classes are different all the time,” Nate says. “For example, I’ve made Christmas cookies in one, and pasta in another.”

Italian Sausage and Seafood Cacciucco

Serves 4 to 6

2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

5 Italian sausages

1 lb. fresh shrimp

1 fresh lobster tail

1 lb. fresh scallops

2 zucchini, diced

2 yellow squash, diced

2 bell peppers, any color, diced

2 cups marinara sauce

4 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté Italian sausages. In a separate medium skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté shrimp, lobster tail and scallops until cooked. When the sausage is about half-cooked, add zucchini, yellow squash and peppers to the large skillet.

Sauté vegetables until sausage is fully cooked. Remove sausage from skillet, cut into 1-inch slices then return to skillet. Add 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce and the minced garlic. Season to taste. Let simmer on low for 30-60 minutes. Add seafood just prior to serving.

Travelling Cafe in Pittsboro, where her proudest pastry achievement so far has been perfecting macarons. “Boy, are they difficult!” she says.

“At first, when I attempted to make them, they looked like Grinch cookies. They were scraggly and chewy,” she says. “They still tasted good, but they were not macarons.” Gianna says more elevated desserts, like the perfect puff pastry and a glassy mousse, are next on her list to tackle. “And I’m always open to learning other recipes I don’t even know about.”

Gianna already has mastered some complex entrées, too, like gnocchi in a bacon sage brown butter sauce and a rack of lamb with a red wine reduction. She says learning to cook has helped her stay open-minded. “Even when you already know how to make an item, you may find that some techniques are better than others, and it also helps you progress as a chef,” Gianna says. “Even if you

don’t necessarily want to be a chef, it is an amazing skill to know how to cook and prepare meals in life.”

She loves cooking so much that she even had her birthday party at The Travelling Cafe. “We learned how to make calzones, salads and whoopie pies,” she says. The celebratory menu is right in line with her personal tastes. When it comes to eating, Gianna’s go-to comfort food includes classics like pizza (her all-time favorite is Three Brothers from Italy Pizza in Seaside Heights, New Jersey) and her mom’s pumpkin pie. On the left side of this page is a Longo family recipe for an Italian dish that is made with a mix of lobster, scallops, shrimp, sausage and vegetables. CM

Eli, who is a sixth grader at Margaret B. Pollard Middle School, also enjoys the variety that comes from learning to cook in a structured environment, having taken classes with Bruce Pressey –and sometimes chef and owner Leslie Chartier – including pies, Halloween treats, global dishes and even carnival foods.

“I would like other kids to know that these classes are enjoyable and a great way to explore new foods,” Eli says. “Cooking is not easy, but it is fun. I’m proud of learning how to cook so many different things and to master so many recipes.” His skills have already translated to day-to-day life, making dinners for his family like chicken with roasted broccoli and potatoes. He loves a good hamburger, too, and is working on his recipe. His favorite toppings are classic lettuce, onion, pickle and American cheese.

While Eli loves making entrées, Nate is a dessert expert; one of his earliest food memories is eating gelato in Italy when he was just 2 years old. “My favorite meal to make would consist of tiramisu, pumpkin pie, chocolate cake and cheesecake,” Nate adds. The Willow Oak Montessori fifth grader next hopes to level up his skills at decorating fancy desserts.

Eli’s Double Cookie Milkshake Serves 2

4 scoops cookies and cream ice cream

4 Oreo cookies

3 ½ chocolate chip cookies

½ cup whole milk

1 Tbsp. caramel

Whipped cream

Sprinkles

Blend ice cream, cookies, milk and caramel together until smooth. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and sprinkles. Don’t forget the straw!

an eye for color and entrepreneurship

MEET A HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN LEARNING THE BUSINESS OF ART

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Amber Ross, 14, cannot remember a time without art. “I was really, honestly, just bored one day,” Amber says, recalling a moment three years ago when inspiration first struck. “I had the supplies so I put something together that I found on the internet, like an inspiration photo, and then I put my own spin on it. And that was my first acrylic painting.”

A family friend saw the abstract work – with glitter on a gradient background of pink blending into blue – and bought the piece on the spot. Since then, Amber and her mom (and biggest fan), Shvaughn Ross, sought support from WEBB Squared, a Pittsboro-based organization that helps Black and brown entrepreneurs. Amber is learning how to put together a business plan for Pink Ladybug Creations, inspired by her childhood nickname, Ladybug, and exploring how best to market her work. For the time being, she has set up a booth at local pop-up markets and posts her work in an online marketplace called ArtPal and also on Facebook and Instagram. Recently, Amber joined the Chatham Arts Council’s artist directory to gain more exposure. She has sold a few acrylic abstract paintings – mostly 8-by-8 -or 11-by-14-inch pieces – and about a dozen prints and also accepts commissions.

This academic year, Amber entered Northwood High School as a freshman and took a break from painting. “I was getting adjusted to everything. It’s pretty hectic,” she says. “But the other day, I made another piece. And that was very relaxing. I forgot how good it makes me feel. I just really enjoy it. It’s very calming.”

At Northwood, Amber is exploring other forms of art, like sketching, in classes taught by Leslie Burwell. “I was encouraged to keep trying and practicing and actually got decent at it,” Amber says. “And yeah, I enjoy that now.”

Leslie says Amber is organized and has a business sensibility when it comes to asking questions in art class. “She is very direct,” she says. “Her painting style is all about color! She had been a mentor to students at her table. All attributes of a leader.”

Amber is looking forward to developing her skills and plans to offer more merchandise, like puzzles, T-shirts and mugs, that features her artwork. She hopes to inspire other young people of color to pursue their dreams. “Honestly, I didn’t think we’d get as far as we did. But I’m really glad that we did,” Amber says. “I just want to work harder. I want to invest more time into the things that I enjoy doing. And [spend time with] my mother because I really appreciate her and I wouldn’t be where I am now without her.” 

My art demonstrates the idea [that] you can accomplish many great things if you are determined.

– Amber Ross

appétit

THESE SIBLINGS WERE INSPIRED TO BAKE HEALTHY SNACKS FOR DOGS

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Meet Buddy, a yellow Labrador retriever who was the catalyst for a Chatham-born business.

When Sophia Grimes, 12, and Daniel Grimes, 9, lost their grandfather – John Franklin Grimes, a local businessman and a former mayor of Siler City – in October 2020, they immediately asked their parents for a puppy to help them cope. “We started

Sophia Grimes, 12, with Buddy and her brother, Daniel Grimes, 9.

calling [Buddy] our grieving dog because the kids were feeling so lost and it was so heavy on them to lose their grandfather,” says their mom, Marcia Grimes.

Soon, the family noticed a problem with Buddy. He was having a difficult time running and jumping like a normal 6-month-old pup. They tried everything the veterinarian advised, but nothing was working. So, Sophia started to do her

Here to help you retire.

own research. “I’ve found that grain is actually very inflammatory in the joints,” she says. “So I was like, ‘Let’s remove all grains [from his diet],’ and [Buddy] started getting much better.”

The Chatham Middle School student then decided to channel her late grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit and began to experiment at home with different ingredients to develop a better, more nutritious recipe for dog treats.

“I did the research myself of what dogs can eat and what they can’t eat,” Sophia says. One recipe would spoil too soon after making it. After some time, she found a good combination of ingredients including peanut butter and banana that lasts longer, can be stored in the freezer and tastes better. “They’re a good summer treat when they’re cold, something soft,” Sophia says. “In the refrigerator, they can last I think about a week and a half.” She says the bars, made without preservatives, dairy, sugar or soy, can stay up to six months in the freezer.

Daniel, whose enthusiasm to help his sister depends on the day, accepts assignments like mashing vegetables or mixing ingredients. “I’m going to be completely honest in this,” Sophia says, glancing at her brother. “I do most of the work.”

In 2021, Sophia learned about a children’s business fair sponsored by the Chatham County Chamber of Commerce held at Mosaic at Chatham Park in Pittsboro. With their parents’ help, Sophia and Daniel set up a table and tent for “Buddy’s Treats” and sold the homebaked dog treats for $2 each. They won first place. “And then [in 2022], we won second place,” Sophia says.

In the near future, the siblings are keeping an eye out for the next pop-up market in the area. Sophia has set up a Facebook page for online orders and plans to continue tweaking her recipe. She will also keep asking her brother to help with the endeavor. And, of course, Buddy is a willing taste-tester for any new treats. “I just wanted to raise awareness that dogs deserve the same nutrients that we do,” Sophia says. 

I just wanted to raise awareness that dogs deserve the same nutrients that we do.

– Sophia Grimes

BY BROOKE SPACH

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

It’s not the average 12-year-old that can masterfully wield a crochet hook or operate a sewing machine. But for Sophia Chutz, a seventh grader at George Moses Horton Middle School, it’s how she spends much of her free time.

She started a business, Stitchin’ Mama, selling her creations in fall 2022, but she’s long had an entrepreneurial spirit. Her first venture was at the 2021 Chatham Chamber of Commerce’s Children’s Business Fair, where she set up a hair braiding booth called Sophia’s Strands.

“I did OK, but it’s not something that you can do everywhere,” she says. “I’m a pretty efficient sewer, and I knew that I could do something with that.”

Sophia learned the basics of sewing from her mom, Jennifer Chutz, and continued to expand her abilities with the help of the internet. She’s also selftaught in crocheting, citing the YouTube channel Hooked by Robin as a favorite resource for detailed tutorials. When Sophia decided to capitalize on these skills, she looked through her collection of pattern books to see what she’d most enjoy making. She also did market research by browsing the web to see what kinds of handmade products were selling well at the time.

“But even if I make something and just give it to someone, I like seeing people’s happy reactions to what I’ve made,” Sophia says.

In these early stages of Stitchin’ Mama, Sophia has focused on crocheted stuffed animals, keychains and finger puppets, as well as sewn tote bags and baby blankets – her current bestsellers.

I know that if I really get into it, I could be really successful.

– Sophia Chutz

The young entrepreneur says she learned a lot about the ups and downs of owning a business from participating again in the Chamber of Commerce’s business fair in November. She was able to see which items were most popular with certain demographics: While her baby blankets and tote bags did well with adults, younger kids were more likely to buy her stuffed unicorns and rabbits.

“When I make sales, I really feel like I’ve done something,” Sophia says. “I’ve put a lot of time into it. When you go somewhere and don’t make a lot of sales, it’s not the best thing ever. But you always have the next thing coming, and you have to get ready for it.”

The next big step for Sophia and her business is to create a website so she can start selling her products online. Another big goal is to build up her inventory so she can have a regular presence at the Pittsboro First Sunday Artisan Fair & Market when it returns in March. During this building phase, she plans to expand her product line to include pencil pouches and miniature crocheted items like pickles and ducks to attract more customers her age.

Sophia says Stitchin’ Mama has opened her eyes to what’s possible as an individual craft seller.

“I know that if I really get into it, I could be really successful,” she says. “It’s definitely a thing you see out there – you can look anything up and people have websites and Etsy stores. So I think to expand and one day be able to do that would be really cool.”

Visit tinyurl.com/StitchinMama to sign up and be among the first to know when her virtual store launches. 

all day

TWO MINIATURE MAKERS GOT INSPIRED TO SELL THEIR SCULPTED CREATIONS

BY BROOKE SPACH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Don’t let the kitchen tools fool you – this dynamic duo specializes in a different kind of creation. The medium of choice for sisters Marion Jacobs, 11, and Iris Jacobs, 7, isn’t pasta dough; it’s polymer clay.

After a few long, idle months upon starting online schooling in March 2020, Marion was eager for summer break so she could use the free time working with her hands.

“[Clay] was something for me to use as a kind of, ‘Hey, COVID is here, let’s relieve some stress and squeeze

something as hard as I want to,’” she says. Eventually, the clay began to take shape.

Marion has always had an affinity for dragons, so when she stumbled across Dragons and Beasties, an online shop known for its cartoonish handmade dragon sculptures, Marion was inspired to emulate the style. By the end of 2021, the family playroom in Pittsboro had become home to more than 100 clay dragons. Iris got in on the action, too, making animal figures for fun because she liked the feeling of clay in her hands.

“My dragons did not turn out very well when I first started,” Marion says. “I would just work on them every here and there, and it took me a while, but once I got pretty darn good at it, I started to sell them a bit. And now I’m like, really good.”

Around that same time, the Perry Harrison Elementary School students attended the Chatham Chamber of Commerce’s Children’s Business Fair with their moms, Laura Jacobs and Michele Cosgrove, and saw a need for

more kids selling handmade products. The family decided the 2022 fair would be a great way for the girls to capitalize on their creativity and clear out inventory. Thus, Sapphire & Missy’s Clay Studio was born. The business’s name was inspired by their favorite Pokemon trainers – Marion being Sapphire and Iris being Missy.

Iris wanted to make her own items for the fair in November, and knowing Christmas was on many folks’ minds, she decided to sell clay ornaments. “[The business fair] made me feel pretty cool because I knew somebody was going to go hang that ornament I made on their tree,” she says.

After that positive experience, she and Marion participated in the Pittsboro First Sunday Artisan Fair & Market in December and plan to commit to more of those monthly events in 2023. They hope to launch a website in the coming months and start accepting custom orders as a way to grow their business. The animal-loving sisters plan to donate some profits to the Chatham County Animal Shelter, a cause they’ve supported for years through lemonade stands and gifts in kind.

Marion and Iris hope to inspire other kids their age to create art and to start their own businesses. Sapphire & Missy’s Clay Studio has already taught the sisters lifelong financial skills, and, though they sometimes argue, they always end up finding a way to work together. CM

[The business fair] made me feel pretty cool because I knew somebody was going to go hang that ornament I made on their tree.

– Iris Jacobs

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summer camp guide

THERE’S A CAMP IN THE TRIANGLE FOR EVERY KID’S INTEREST FROM SPORTS AND SCIENCE TO ART AND ENGINEERING

1870 FARM CAMP

1224 Old Lystra Rd., Chapel Hill 919-590-4120; 1870farm.com

The summer day camp at 1870 Farm is set on 17 acres. Outdoor activities include animal care, fishing, capture the flag and nature exploration. Indoor activities include crafts, an apothecary workshop, games and an entrepreneur club. 2023 camps offer more animal time, climate-controlled play areas and a newly expanded egg production barn. Campers may also sign up for the kids vet club each week.

Ages 3-13; CIT program available ages 14+

Dates June 12-Aug. 11

Price $270-$475/week

ALL IN DANCE ACADEMY

5832 Fayetteville Rd., #110, Durham 984-219-7381; allindance.com

Each week comes with its own theme that is featured in crafts and dancing throughout the week. Camps end on Friday with a special performance for friends and family. Themes this year include villains, pop stars and much more. Kids will be introduced to a variety of dance styles including tap, jazz, ballet, hiphop, lyrical, musical theater, acro and more. Ages 4-17, ages vary by week.

Dates June 12-Aug. 4; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price Varies by camp. See website for details.

AMERICAN DANCE FESTIVAL

721 Broad St., Durham 919-797-2871; americandancefestival.org

American Dance Festival’s Samuel H. Scripps Studios hosts a variety of camps taught by expert faculty to expand students’ knowledge and understanding of dance.

Ages 6-17

Dates Weekly in June and July. Visit website for details.

Price Varies by camp. Visit website for details.

ART ADVENTURES AT THE ACKLAND ART MUSEUM

101 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill 919-966-5736; ackland.org

The sessions provide kids with a guided view of art in the Ackland’s galleries, followed by the opportunity to create take-home treasures in an adjacent art studio using newly learned art-making techniques. Materials are provided. Registration required, sign up online.

Ages 6-9

Dates May 20, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12; two sessions at 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1-2:30 p.m. Price Free for museum members; $5 per session for nonmembers. Register at ackland.org

ARTSCAMP AT THE ARTSCENTER

300-G E. Main St., Carrboro 919-929-2787; artscenterlive.org

Mix and match the half-day camps in the visual and performing arts to fit your schedule or create a full-day camp experience based on your camper’s interests. ArtsCamp features small classes taught by professional artists that focus on skill development and encourage the discovery of a creative voice. The ArtsCenter favors process over product and self-expression over perfection. Registration for patrons opens Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. The general public can register beginning Jan. 30 at 9 a.m.

Grades Rising K-9

Dates June 19-Aug. 25

Price Patron $169; public $197

BALLET SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL 1603 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 919-942-1339; balletschoolofchapelhill.com

Offers a variety of classes, dance camps and workshops in creative arts, ballet, modern, contemporary jazz, rhythm tap, hip-hop, musical theater and DanceAbilities, a workshop for children with special needs.

Ages 3-17

Dates June 12-Aug. 12; frequency and times vary. Price Varies. Call or visit website.

BARRISKILL DANCE THEATRE SCHOOL

3642 Shannon Rd., Durham 919-489-5100; barriskilldance.com; contact@barriskilldance.com

Classes and dance camps/intensives in creative movement, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, conditioning, musical theater and more.

Ages 3-18

Dates June 12-Aug. 11; half-day and full-day camps available, as well as weekly classes. Price Email or visit website for details.

BOUNCING BULLDOGS JUMP ROPE CAMP

101 S. White Oak Dr., Durham 919-493-7992; bouncingbulldogs.org

Jump rope skills designed for beginners to advanced participants, some of whom are seven-time national champions and 12-time world champions.

Ages 5-18

Dates Visit website. Price Visit website.

CAMP CURIOSITY

4512 Pope Rd., Chapel Hill 919-220-4529, ext. 405; summercamp.lifeandscience.org

Camp Curiosity at the Montessori Community School in Chapel Hill provides learning experiences with opportunities for outdoor play, connection between camp groups and elective activities.

Ages Pre-K-5

Dates June 19-Aug. 4

Price Check website for details.

CAMP RIVERLEA

8302 S. Lowell Rd., Bahama 210-908-7629 (winter); 919-477-8739 (summer); campriverlea.com

Provides high-quality outdoor and art programs that emphasize personal growth, learning new skills, positive interpersonal relationships and appreciation for the natural world.

Grades Rising K-7

Dates Session 1: June 12-June 30; Session 2: July 3-July 14; Session 3: July 17-Aug. 4. Open house June 10, 1-4:30 p.m. Price Visit website for pricing. 

CAMP GUIDE

CAROLINA TIGER RESCUE

1940 Hanks Chapel Rd., Pittsboro 919-542-4684, ext. 3006; carolinatigerrescue.org

Learn in-depth information regarding the animals while getting to observe them and play games to learn about specific adaptations of the cats, complete art projects and make enriching toys for the animals. Campers watch the keepers feed and learn about vet procedures and what it takes to care for about 50 carnivores every day.

Grades 3-12

Dates June 20-24 and June 27-July 1 (rising third-fifth grade); July 11-15 and July 18-22 (rising middle schoolers); July 25-27 (rising ninth-12th grade). Registration will open on Feb. 21.

Price Elementary and middle school camps $350; high school camp $200. Before and aftercare available for additional cost.

CARRBORO RECREATION, PARKS AND CULTURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

100 N. Greensboro St., Carrboro 919-918-7364; carrbororec.org

Carrboro Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Department offers a variety of sports and day camps. For camp information, visit website. Registration is required.

Ages 3 and up, varies by camp

Dates June 12-Aug. 4

Price Varies by camp, visit website.

CODE WIZ CODING & ROBOTICS CAMPS

7001 Fayetteville Rd., Ste. 133, Durham 984-234-5603; thecodewiz/com/durham-nc

Children ages 7-17 can unleash their inner genius by building video games, designing websites, programming robots, learning the latest technology and gaining STEM competency and confidence.

Ages 7-17

Dates Weekly camps, June through August

Price Call or check website for details.

DPAC – NEXT STOP BROADWAY

123 Vivian St., Durham 919-680-2787; dpacnc.com

A weeklong performing arts program of classes, workshops and rehearsals focused on classic Broadway shows. Participants learn songs and choreography and create their own presentations based on shows in the upcoming DPAC season and other hit musicals.

Ages 10-17

Dates July 17-21

Price Call or visit website.

DRAWING FOR TWEENS AT THE ACKLAND ART MUSEUM

101 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill 919-966-5736; ackland.org

Tweens look at selected works in the Ackland’s galleries and identify techniques that the artists used to make them. Gallery teachers demonstrate and teach participants technical skills, which they can then apply to their own artistic creations. A mix of drawing from works on display and creating one’s own original work is offered in each session. Materials are provided. Registration required, sign up online.

Ages 10-13

Dates May 20, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12; one session at 10:30 a.m. to noon

Price Free for museum members; $5 per session for nonmembers. Register at ackland.org

DUKE PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM

Campus Box 90700, Durham 919-684-6259; learnmore.duke.edu/precollege/all-programs

The Duke Pre-College Program provides advanced academic opportunities and an introduction to the college experience to students currently in grades 6-11. Courses give students access to cutting-edge curriculum and technology beyond the average classroom while connecting them with transcendent peers from around the world and influential professionals in their future field. Subject areas include engineering, humanities, mathematics, science, social sciences and technology. Summer 2023 will feature residential, commuter and online programs.

Grades 6-11

Dates Vary by selected program. Price Call or visit website.

DUKE SCHOOL

3716 Erwin Rd., Durham 919-493-2642; dukeschool.org

More than 70 camps available, including outdoor adventures, sports, arts and crafts, music, technology, coding, makers, community service, day camps for preschool and more.

Ages 4-15

Dates June 19-Aug. 4, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; aftercare available until 6 p.m. Price $350-$425/week

DURHAM ACADEMY

3501 Ridge Rd., Durham 919-489-3400 ext. 6114; da.org/summer

Durham Academy has provided premier summer camp experiences for area families since 1982. The school utilizes 84 acres of campus and state-of-the-art facilities with the goal of providing a summer experience for all ages that grows minds and fosters character. Join for a new program this summer – a transformative all-day camp experience that keeps campers closer to home but feeling far away as they gain independence and confidence. At the core of the program is the goal to equip campers with the tools to lead moral, happy and productive lives.

Ages 4-18

Dates June 12-Aug. 4 Price Starting at $375 per session.

DURHAM ARTS COUNCIL

120 Morris St., Downtown Durham 919-560-2726; durhamarts.org/dac-camps

One- and two-week cultural camps based on country themes and art-themed mini-camps for rising K through age 13. Campers have the opportunity to participate in clay, drawing, painting, mixed media, dance, theater and music classes. Teen intensives for ages 13-17 are available.

Ages Rising K-17

Dates June 12-Aug. 25

Price Call for inquiry. Scholarships available.

DURHAM PARKS AND RECREATION

400 Cleveland St., Durham 919-560-4355; dprplaymore.org; dprcareprograms.org

Offers a safe and inclusive environment where children and teens are encouraged to participate in a variety of traditional, specialty and teen camps. DPR is committed to the development of life skills through exposure to diverse activities and recreational experiences.

Ages 5-12 for traditional and specialty youth camps (must have completed kindergarten); 13-17 for traditional teen camp; 13-18 for teen MyDurham drop-in program

Dates June 20-Aug. 18; youth camps, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; teen camp, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; teen MyDurham program, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Price Call or visit website.

Registration opens March 13. 

Tammy R. Severt, DDS, MS (L) Laura Jacox, DMD, PhD (R)

DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS –CAMP 4 RISING K

Camp location TBA; check website for updates 919-560-9488; dpsnc.net/afterschool

This rising kindergartener camp offers a well-rounded summer experience. Campers explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Students participate in weekly STEAM-related activities, including sports, games and swimming and also explore their learning through weekly field trips at no extra cost. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided. Students receive a free T-shirt.

Grades Rising K students (must be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2022)

Dates June 19-July 28; closed July 3 and 4

Price $140/week for first child; $130/week for additional children in the same family. $35 registration fee per child. Limited space.

DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

– CAMP FUNTASTIC

Camp locations TBA; check website for updates 919-560-9488; dpsnc.net/afterschool

Four- or five-star licensed summer camps by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education that offer a well-rounded summer experience, including academic enrichment, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Campers are placed in age-appropriate groups as they participate in weekly academic and STEAMrelated activities and play sports, games, swim and explore their learning through weekly educational and recreational field trips at no extra cost. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided. Accepts DSS vouchers. Students receive a free T-shirt.

Grades Rising first through sixth graders

Dates June 19-July 28; closed July 3 and 4

Price $140/week for first child; $130/week for additional children in the same family. $35 registration fee per child. Limited space.

EMERSON WALDORF SCHOOL

6211 New Jericho Rd., Chapel Hill 919-967-1858; emersonwaldorf.org

Activities include art, cooking, world languages and cultures, outdoor exploration, farming, fiber arts, basketball, practical living skills and more. CIT program also available.

Ages 4 through high school age

Dates June 19-July 28; 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; extended care available

Price $225-$350/week

GIRL SCOUT SLEEP AWAY CAMP

Camp Graham, Vance County, and Camp Mary Atkinson, Johnston County

800-284-4475; nccoastalpines.org

Calling all outdoor adventurers! Join Girl Scouts - North Carolina Coastal Pines at one of its two summer resident camps. Campers will explore the outdoors each week through camp favorites such as boating, archery, arts and crafts, etc. while being part of a supportive camp community. Camp sessions run weeklong (Sunday-Friday) and half week (Sunday-Tuesday or Wednesday-Friday). Specialty programs include horseback riding, leadership programs, adventure trips and day camps.

Grades Rising 2-12

Dates June 14-16, June 18-23, June 25-30, July 2-7, July 9-14*, July 16-21*, July 23-28* and July 30-Aug. 4* (* indicates day camp sessions)

Price Half-week sessions begin at $275 for Girl Scouts members and $375 for nonmembers; weeklong sessions begin at $450 for members and $550 for nonmembers.

HILL LEARNING CENTER

3200 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-489-7464; hillcenter.org/summer

Provides individualized instruction with a 4:1 student-teacher ratio in reading, writing and math for children with learning differences.

Grades Rising 1-8

Dates June 26-July 28 (closed July 3-4); Two session options (8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m. daily)

Price $3,175

HOLLY HOUSE PRESCHOOL AND SUMMER CAMP

75 Cedar Run, Pittsboro 201-638-0913; hollyhousepreschool.com; hollyhouseconsulting@gmail.com

A series of weeklong themed camps featuring relaxed, developmentally appropriate activities and mid-morning snack and all supplies included in fees. Sign up for one week or all of them with themes like construction, crafts, fairy tales, gardening and cooking.

Ages 3 ½-7

Dates TBD; check website or Facebook page for details. Price Fees vary depending on camp. Contact hollyhouseconsulting@ gmail.com for more information and to be notified when registration opens.

INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL

3001 Academy Rd., Bldg. 300, Durham 919-401-4343; imsnc.org

Camps provided in a safe, nurturing environment, tucked away among the trees. Enthusiastic summer camp counselors delight in engaging your young child’s creativity and imagination through music, movement, stories and exciting, hands-on activities with others in a multiage setting.

Ages 3-5

Dates June 19-July 28 with halfand full-day options

Price Half- and full-day camps (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.); early drop-off and late pickup available for an additional fee. Camp details and prices will be available on the website in early 2023.

JUNIOR VET ACADEMY AT 1870 FARM

1224 Old Lystra Rd., Chapel Hill 919-819-5258; juniorvetacademy.com

Weekly camps for animal lovers and aspiring vets.

Ages 8-14

Dates Visit website.

Price $545-$1,895

KIDZU CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill 919-933-1455; kidzuchildrensmuseum.org

Camp favorites include weekly themes of Pirates and Princesses, Around the World, Robots and Rockets and more. See website for weekly themes and descriptions. Enrollment available Feb. 1 and is on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Ages 4-8

Dates Weekly camps starting June 12; 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., drop-off starts at 9 a.m. Price $375; Kidzu members receive 20% off!

LEARN TO FENCE! @ FORGE FENCING

610 N. Duke St., Durham 919-800-7886; forgefencing.com

En garde! Olympic fencing is a safe, fun and dynamic sport. Learn the basics of foil, epee or saber. These full-day camps are run by professional coaches who have developed beginners to world champions and NCAA athletes.

Ages 7-13

Dates June 26-30, July 17-21, Aug. 7-11

Price $375 

YMCA LEPRECHAUN DASH 5K 10K

March 11, 2023 | Pittsboro, NC

Bene tting YMCA program scholarships for Chatham County kids.

RACE TO SUPPORT OUR CHATHAM COUNTY KIDS!

The Chatham YMCA Leprechaun Dash 5K/10K is a fabulous, fun opportunity to support our community with friends, family and neighbors. Walk, stroll or walk the 5K or 10K courses through Chatham Park and back to the heart of downtown Pittsboro!

REGISTER TODAY! YMCATriangle.org

MONTESSORI DAY SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL SUMMER CAMP

1702 Legion Rd., Chapel Hill 919-929-3339; mdsch.org; admin@mdsch.org

Montessori Day School welcomes campers for a fun-filled summer where they will have a chance to enjoy a variety of hands-on crafts and explore different activities in each session.

Ages 3-8

Dates June 12-16, 19-23, 26-30; July 10-14, 17-21, 24-28;

July 31-Aug. 4, Aug. 7-11; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Price $195/week

MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF DURHAM

2800 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-489-9045; msdurham.org

Weekly themed camps include athletics, music, visual and performing arts, cooking, nature exploration, gardening and science.

Ages 3 through rising eighth graders

Dates June 12-Aug. 18 (closed week of July 3-7); half- and full-day camps

Price Visit website. Registration open as of Jan. 25.

MOREHEAD PLANETARIUM SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS

250 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 919-962-1236; moreheadplanetarium.org/camps

Encourage your child’s natural curiosity and intellectual growth by signing up for a camp at the newly renovated Morehead Planetarium & Science Center.

Grades K-8

Dates Weekly from June 12-Aug. 11 (no camp the week of July 3)

Price K-5 half-day camps, $187-$231; full-day camps for grades 6-8, $495. Morehead Family Plus members are offered a 10% discount and early registration.

THE MOVEMENT FARM SUMMER CAMP

300 Southwind Rd., Siler City 305-213-9025; themovementfarm.com

Founded by Dr. Brent Anderson, a pioneer in the art of movement and rehabilitation, this weekly camp teaches principles of movement, mindfulness and balanced lifestyle through a combination of movement, art, nature exploration and deconstructed play led by certified Pilates instructors and subject matter experts.

Ages 5-12

Dates June 12-Aug. 18

Price $325/week

MUSEUM CAMP

433 W. Murray Ave., Durham 919-220-5429, ext. 405; summercamp.lifeandscience.org

The Museum of Life and Science offers fun, memorable and meaningful experiences for kids of all ages. Museum Camp in Durham offers fun, discovery and learning at the museum’s main campus. Kids will enjoy indoor and outdoor learning environments and exciting activities, plus the best of the museum.

Ages Pre-K-8

Dates June 5-Aug. 18

Price Check website for details.

NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES SUMMER CAMPS

11 West Jones St., Raleigh 919-707-9889; naturalsciences.org/summer-camps; summercamps@naturalsciences.org

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences looks forward to meeting your child at day camp this summer, where they will experience a range of creative, fun and interactive activities and adventures. The museum welcomes all campers and strives to provide an equal experience to any child registered. We are committed to open and honest communications with guardians to ensure the best experience for all of our campers.

Grades Rising K-12

Dates Visit website for details. Price Visit website for details. Scholarships available.

NORTH CAROLINA THEATRE CONSERVATORY

3043 Barrow Dr., Raleigh 919-855-0015; nctheatre.com/ conservatory; classes@nctheatre.com

Dream of seeing your name in lights? Offering year-round musical theatre classes for ages three and up and Summer camps for ages seven and up. Participants will learn dance, voice and acting techniques with beginner to pre-professional courses. Summer programs include offerings in the conservatory space and the youth-staged production.

Ages 3-18

Dates See website for details. Price Varies. See website for details.

ORANGE COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION/ ENO ARTS MILL

437 Dimmocks Mill Rd., Ste. 17, Hillsborough 919-245-2129; artsorange.org

Diverse camps that focus on the visual, performing and literary arts.

Ages 5-18

Dates Weeklong camps June 12 through Aug. 18 Price Check website.

OUR PLAYHOUSE PRESCHOOL

2400 University Dr., Durham 919-967-2700; ourplayhousepreschool.com

Offers unique camp topics and an exciting summer curriculum based on sensory, art, building and movement activities! Each twoweek session of camp will focus on students’ interests within the topics of gardening, outdoor explorations, tinkering and art.

Ages 2-5

Dates June 12-Aug. 4

Price Visit website for details.

PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL AT BRIAR CHAPEL

81 Falling Springs Dr., Chapel Hill 919-441-0441; primrosechapelhill.com

Imaginations take flight this summer through different weekly themes that engage students in creative critical thinking while doing fun, STEAM-based projects and weekly field trips for experiential learning.

Grades K-5

Dates Weekly, June through August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price Call to inquire.

SCHOOL OF ROCK CHAPEL HILL

1500 N. Fordham Blvd., Chapel Hill 919-338-1011; chapelhill.schoolofrock.com

Offers one-week camps with a variety of themes, all of which end with a concert performance!

Grades Rising 4-12 (see camp descriptions on website for specifics)

Dates Weeks of June 19, June 26, July 17, July 24 and July 31; MondayFriday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Price Varies. Call or visit website.

THE STUDIO SCHOOL OF DURHAM

1201 W. Woodcroft Pkwy., Durham 919-967-2700; studioschooldurham.org

Offers the opportunity to discover, explore and engage in hands-on learning all summer long, with a variety of themes for children that are guaranteed to spark their creativity in a safe and naturally inspiring environment.

Ages 5-8 and 9-12

Dates June 12-16, June 19-23, June 26-30, July 10-14, July 17-21, July 24-28 and July 30-Aug. 4

Price $325

SUMMER @ SAINT MARY’S

900 Hillsborough St., Raleigh

919-424-4028; sms.edu

Girls have the opportunity to explore new interests, build fundamental skills, pursue artistic dreams and expand academic horizons. Whether creating a charcoal drawing, learning to be a leader, strengthening their writing skills or participating in healthy competition on the playing field, participants will enjoy a summer full of new friends and experiences in an all-girl setting as they master skills and grow in confidence.

Registration opened on Dec. 17.

Grades Rising K-10

Dates June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 11-15, July 18-22 and July 25-29.

Residential, full-day, half-day and extended care options are available.

Price $350 per session; $1,200 for residential Ms. Nancy’s Manners Camp

SUMMERSCAPE AT THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF RALEIGH

7005 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh

919-848-1545; msr.org

Seven weeks of full- and half-day camp sessions for students ages 15 months to grade eight. With a range of offerings including arts, athletics, the sciences, strategy games, robotics, outdoor adventure and more, there is something for everyone. Expert instructors and access to excellent facilities on the school’s beautiful Lead Mine Campus makes for an ideal summer experience. Registration is open to MSR students and nonstudents. Early-bird care available for an additional fee.

Registration opens to the Raleigh-Durham community in March.

Ages 15 months-eighth grade

Dates Weekly, June 12-Aug. 4; no camp offered the week of July 4

Price Varies by camp. Visit website for details. 

SUMMER SAILING CAMPS AT JORDAN LAKE!

Have fun on the water this summer learning to sail with US Sailing Certified Instructors.

• Children ages 9 to 16

• Week Long, Full-day Sessions 9–4 M-F

Registration, schedule, and more at carolinasailingfoundation.org

A 501(c)3 Non-profit corporation

CAMP GUIDE SUMMER SAILING CAMPS AT JORDAN LAKE

Crosswinds Boating Center, 565 Farrington Rd., Apex info@carolinasailingfoundation.org; carolinasailingfoundation.org

Beginner and intermediate classes taught by US Sailing Certified instructors. Weeklong, full-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Only 12-14 students per class, so register early. Have fun on the water this summer learning to sail!

Ages 9-16

Dates See website for schedules and online registration.

Price $385 per student per week

SUNRISE COMMUNITY FARM CENTER

6407 Millhouse Rd., Chapel Hill 919-968-8581; sunrisecommunityfarmcenter.com/summer-camp

Campers at Sunrise play and get experiential education with chickens, bunnies, goats and pigs, learn about creatively expressing themselves, growing garden vegetables, cooking and hiking around the property. Every camper has the opportunity to ride a horse and learn the crafts of partnership, make strong friendships and play in nature’s playground!

Grades Rising K-7

Dates Weekly, June 12-Aug. 25

Price $350/week for farm camp, $450/week for horse camp. Scholarships available – visit website for more information.

THEATRE QUEST AT PLAYMAKERS REPERTORY COMPANY

120 Country Club Rd., Chapel Hill 919-962-7529; playmakersrep.org

Come train with theater professionals! PlayMakers offers an exciting array of disciplines for middle and high school students to explore. Join for one week or all five.

Ages Middle and high school students

Dates June 12-July 14

Price $350 for weeklong classes; $650 for two-week classes

TRIANGLE DAY SCHOOL

4911 Neal Rd., Durham 919-383-8800; triangledayschool.org; summer@triangledayschool.org

Students will have the opportunity to learn a new craft or hobby, enhance and develop existing skills, travel to local places and make new friends. Staff consists of experts, artists and educators from TDS and other local schools and programs. A variety of programs focus on art, STEAM, nature, adventure, early childhood and more. CIT program for 13- to 15-year-olds.

Ages 4-15

Dates June 12-Aug. 4; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., extended care available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price Before March 1, $300/session; after March 1, $315/session

TRIANGLE ROCK CLUB

1010 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Chapel Hill 919-981-7441; trianglerockclub.com/durham

Offers a variety of half-day and full-day summer camps for ages 6 and up. Each camp day is filled with rock climbing, learning, adventure, goal setting, games and tons of adventure-filled memories!

Ages 6-13

Dates Weeks of June 12, June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug. 7, Aug. 14

Price Full-day $340; half-day $205

TRINITY SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP

4011 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-402-8262; trinityschoolnc.org

Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill offers weeklong full-day camps all summer for rising first through sixth grade students. Participants will enjoy a variety of activities that keep their bodies and their brains active. Each week features a field trip and "splash days" for some fun in the sun!

Grades Rising first through sixth

Dates June 12-Aug. 7; no camp offered the week of July 4. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with an extended care option available for $75/week.

Price $325; $25 sibling discount, 25% off early bird discount if registered and paid before Jan. 25

YMCA CAMP CHEERIO

1430 Camp Cheerio Rd., Glade Valley 336–869-0195 (fall, winter, spring); 336-363-2604 (summer); campcheerio.org

YMCA residential camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Activities offered include horseback riding, climbing, ropes course, aquatics, sports, field games, creative arts and nature study.

Ages 7-15

Dates June 4-Aug. 18

Price $1,390-$2,960

YMCA CAMP KANATA

3524 Camp Kanata Rd., Wake Forest 919-556-2661; campkanata.org

Located on 150 acres, this camp nurtures the potential of every child to develop into confident, competent leaders. It is traditional, coed and overnight with activities such as archery, hiking, swimming and creative arts, and water activities like canoeing, kayaking and a 75-foot double waterslide on the camp’s 15acre lake. Offers an overnight camp in one-week sessions, a traditional summer day camp in one-week sessions, and several overnight weekend camps throughout the fall and spring.

Ages 6-16

Dates June-August for day camp and overnight camps; April-May for family camps

Price Ranges by length of session. Check website for details.

YMCA CAMP SEAFARER AND CAMP SEA GULL

218 Sea Gull Landing and 2744 Seafarer Rd., Arapahoe; 252-249-1111 (Sea Gull); 252-249-1212 (Seafarer); seagull-seafarer.org

Overnight camps – Sea Gull for boys and Seafarer for girls – located on the North Carolina coast. Signature four-week program gives campers time to develop their character, build strong relationships, independence and confidence in a safe, resilient and supportive environment. It also offers a Starter Camp (one week), a Mariners camp (two weeks), a Family camp and specialty weekend camping programs throughout the year.

Ages 7-16, and family camps

Dates June-August for summer camp; dates in May, August and September for family camps

Price Ranges by length of session. Check website for details.

YMCA CHEERIO ON THE NEW RIVER

754 Fox Knob Rd., Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 336–869-0195 (fall, winter, spring); 276-579-6731 (summer); campcheerio.org

This YMCA residential camp on the New River offers kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, fly-fishing, tree climbing, target sports, creative arts, paddle boarding and hiking/ backpacking on 150 acres.

Ages 10-15

Dates June 11-Aug. 11

Price $1,480 CM

let there be light

ONE COUPLE FINDS THE RHYTHM OF RETIREMENT IN AN AWARD-WINNING HOME

PHOTOGRAPHY AND WORDS BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

The quiet, private lives of Debbie Domeck and Brian Domeck were briefly interrupted when NCModernist awarded their home’s architect, Jason Hart, with the George Matsumoto Prize, the state’s highest accolade for modernist residential architecture. So, the Domecks opened

Scott Swank relaxes in a chair while chatting with his brotherin-law, Brian Domeck, and his mother, Judy Hackley, while his wife, Karyn Usher, visits with his sister, Debbie Domeck, on the couch.

ABOVE The pool has a heated jacuzzi and a shallow fountain by the rail. One of Debbie’s favorite spots is in the suspended chair.

LEFT This hallway features childhood photos of the couple’s children – Andrew Domeck and Jane Domeck – and leads to the main suite and to the front courtyard, a midnight convenience for Millie, the dog.

their 4,625-square-foot home for private tours on a single day in September to celebrate Jason’s winning design and to exhibit the fine work by Chatham-based builder Bold Construction

Located off Lystra Road, the singlestory home was designed with the choreography of light in mind. “You get these really cool shadows that are inside and outside throughout the day,” Jason says. A founding partner of Durhambased ThoughtCraft Architects, Jason says the movement of natural light enhances the quality of living in that space.

“You’re really aware of what kind of day it is and what time of day it is just on a more natural cadence, you know, more in tune with the body and our senses,” he says.

Jason, who has a master’s in architecture from MIT, says one of the design challenges for the Domeck residence was bringing together Debbie’s love for sleek lines and Brian’s preference for classic symmetry. “One challenge was how can you put these

Donna has helped hundreds of people buy and sell homes and land in Chatham and the surrounding areas. In 2022 alone, she was involved in over $6 million in sales. Donna is dedicated and hardworking and is thrilled to serve her clients, our neighbors and the community every day. She was born and raised on a farm in Chatham, then graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and moved to Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Winston-Salem and Augusta Georgia. Now being “back home” she is eager to help you with your real estate needs.

“Let

two incongruous things together,”

Jason says, “and out of that came the traditional gable roof form and symmetry within formal aspects of the house.”

function and flow

Jason’s design solution manifested in a series of four pavilions separated by function and connected by corridors lined with glass and charred cypress wood, which is also part of the home’s exterior. The main pavilion features a soaring interior with a wall of glass welcoming light into the living room, kitchen and dining areas. The home’s south-facing orientation maximizes natural light for the pool and recreation pavilion. Slatted overhangs mitigate glare and heat gains while skylights and windows allow light into shaded spaces like bathrooms and guest suites.

“They say the simpler the design, the harder it is,” Debbie says. She and Brian met numerous times with the

ABOVE Brian and Debbie rarely turn on their artificial lights when reading their screens in the main space.

BELOW The guest pavilion has two separate bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom.

architect for months in 2019 to fully explore what matters most to them in their home’s design. “The main thing we wanted in this house was light.” The couple broke ground later that year on 12.76 acres in their own neighborhood; construction was completed in 2021 despite the disruptions caused by the global pandemic.

Unobstructed pathways are another distinctive feature of their dream home.

“We wanted the house to sort of flow,” Brian says, “so it was structured so that you can flow from wing to wing via the internal corridors. There are separate spaces, but they flow together.”

Debbie agrees, “I wanted to be able to walk a lot in the house and just not go from the bedroom to the sofa and sit.”

Brian, who tends to pace, says he uses the layout of the home as an indoor track. When asked about the

They say the simpler the design, the harder it is.

– Debbie Domeck

MORE ABOUT THE GEORGE MATSUMOTO PRIZE

The NCModernist prize was created in 2012 in honor of George Matsumoto, who was in his final semester at the University of California, Berkeley for architecture in 1945 when he and his family were among 120,000 Japanese Americans detained during World War II. George was allowed to finish his degree at Washington University in St. Louis. Later, he became a founding faculty member of North Carolina State University’s College of Design in Raleigh and one of the most influential modernist architects in the 20th century.

The award recognizes architects (and their clients) who support the modernist movement. North Carolina has well more than 4,000 modernist homes, one of the largest concentrations of this type of residential architecture in the nation, according to George Smart, nonprofit executive director and founder of NCModernist and USModernist. Chatham alone has more than 40 modernist homes. 

Pictured: Shaw Carpet Speak

Brian’s home office overlooks a custom putting course. He especially enjoys playing rounds of golf with his son, Andrew, who lives in Durham.

distance from his office to the homeowner’s suite, the Duke University alum quickly responds, “about 100 steps.”

modern evolution

Debbie says her home decor was not always about clean lines and subdued palettes. “It’s evolved, she says. “Our first house was a 1920 center hall colonial in Ohio. And then we moved to Florida for a job transfer – that was a new house.” Just before moving to North Carolina, the couple lived in a French country house. “That’s where it started to ease up and not be so formal, “ Debbie says. By the time the couple moved to Chatham County in 2015 after Brian’s retirement, Debbie knew exactly what she wanted in

an eventual custom home. She challenged the architect: “I said, ‘You have to blow me away.’”

Every detail was thoughtfully designed and executed. The architect and builder took advantage of all available opportunities to create additional storage spaces. One example is when the HVAC unit bumped out a wall into the living room, the residual space was used to create a shallow cabinet to extend the clean lines of the room. Along the hallways, the homeowner can push on a panel revealing a hidden door for more

ABOVE The front courtyard stays green with artificial turf.

LEFT Bold wallpaper on the ceiling adds color and a focal point in Brian’s office.

RIGHT Skylights brighten the walk-through shower and the walk-in closet.

by

DELIGHTFUL DIGS

storage. Inside the walk-through pantry, the vertical slats hold large platters and trays while the open shelves allow for easy identification and access to goods and smaller appliances.

The enclosed front courtyard has maintenance-free turf for Millie, the dog. Scuppers direct rainwater from the roof to niche gardens between each pavilion. The pool has an outdoor kitchen and grill area that leads to an open putting green just outside of Brian’s office. The details go on and on.

“We just like the ease of it,” Debbie says. “It’s just simple and just relaxing.” With the tours long over, Brian and Debbie can return to their low-key lifestyle – out of the limelight and enjoying the comforts of home. CM

Show off your home or garden in our pages or nominate your neighbors’ fantastic abode.

ABOVE Millie peeks around the corner in the entrance foyer.

RIGHT Brian talks about his ancestor’s portrait overlooking the pool table.

OUTPATIENT THERAPY AT CHATHAM

The Laurels of Chatham offers short-term care and outpatient rehabilitation services that include physical, occupational and speech therapy provided in our newly renovated state-of-the-art therapy gym. Our licensed staff therapist will work with your physician to increase your overall wellness and quickly advance your recovery for a new condition or the progression of an existing disease. Our Outpatient Program is customized for each guest to improve their function, confidence and quality of life while maintaining their normal routine at home.

The Laurels of Chatham employs our own in-house therapy team that provides the following services: Orthopedic Pre/Post-Surgical Programs

Bone, Joint and Muscle Disorders

Pulmonary Program

Dementia or Cognitive Deficits

• Return to Work/Return to Sports Programs

• Neurological Conditions

• Low Vision Program

• Debilitation

• Pain Management

• Arthritis Management

• Cognitive Testing and Intervention

7 Day a Week Therapy for Short-Term Care Inpatient Guests

deal estate

WHAT YOU GET FOR $179,900 TO $3.4M IN CHATHAM

Chatham County’s housing market is expected to expand as major mixed-use developments, like Chatham Park, and big companies, like VinFast and Wolfspeed, begin to establish themselves in the community. Last year, the median price for a home in the area was $600,000. If ever there is a good time to invest in real estate property, sooner may be better than later. CM

$3,450,000

3 bed; 3 bath

3,025 sq. ft. 94 acres

Hardwood and tile floors

Includes barn, workshop, greenhouse, guest house and sheds

Horses allowed Built in 1920

Briar Chapel, Chapel Hill

$590,000

3 bed; 2 bath

2,032 sq. ft.

0.25 acre

Carpet, hardwood and tile floors

Two-car garage

Built in 2015

Chatham Park, Pittsboro

$1,095,000

4 bed; 3.5 bath

3,373 sq. ft.

0.25 acre

Carpet, engineered hardwoods and tile floors

Three-car garage

Built in 2022

Homewood Acres, Siler City

$179,900

2 bed; 1.5 bath

950 sq. ft.

0.4 acre

Hardwood and vinyl floors

Fig tree, azaleas, rose bushes and daylilies

Built in 1955

Jessie Bridges Road, Silk Hope

we grow again

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATES, PLUS A LOOK AT UPCOMING PROJECTS

COMPILED BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA RENDERINGS COURTESY OF KNOLL AT BRIAR CHAPEL

The first residents of Knoll at Briar Chapel luxury apartments moved into their units in January. The residential complex is located on Ballentrae Court overlooking Highway 15501 and has 200 units in three separate buildings plus a standalone clubhouse. Community amenities include an outdoor pool and sun deck, a fitness

OTHER UPDATES

• Cook Out plans to open its first Chathambased restaurant in July in Siler City. The location is expected to be on the 1500 block of East 11th Street. The fast-food chain was established in 1989 in Greensboro and has over 250 locations across 10 states.

• Refuel opened the aforementioned location in Pittsboro along Highway 15-501 in December. Another station, located along Highway 64 at the Wilsonville Store on Beaver Creek Road, is expected to open in the first quarter of 2023. The Refuel Operating Company acquired Eagles Enterprise assets in 2022, including 13 locations in the Raleigh-Durham area. The company bought other convenience store chains, including Chapel Hill-based Holmes Oil Inc., the parent company of Cruizers convenience stores. Refuel operates more than 200 locations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas. 

Residents begin filling the luxury apartments known as the Knoll at Briar Chapel.

center and yoga studio, a clubroom and library, a coworking lounge with Wi-Fi, a multipurpose room with a large kitchen, an outdoor dog wash station, bicycle storage, package lockers and more. Studio apartments and one- to three-bedroom layouts range in space from 615 to 1,447 square feet with monthly base rents starting at $1,485 and going all the way up to $3,100.

The apartments are part of Briar Chapel’s second phase of commercial growth called The District, a mixed-use site between Taylor Road and Ballentrae Court. The western property already includes a Food Lion grocery store and a Refuel convenience store and gas station. The eastern section will have a mix of retail and medical offices and a 300-unit active adult living and senior care facility. CM

OTHER UPDATES

Here’s a roundup of proposals the Chatham County Planning Board heard for upcoming residential and commercial developments. Progress is ongoing and further action may be expected this year.

• The Parks at Meadowview is slated to have a mix of 1,241 single-family and townhome residences on 948 acres off of Old Graham Road

• Flatiron Forest, a 42acre subdivision off of Hamlets Chapel Road, is planned to have 29 lots built by Windjam Development Group.

• Summit Terrace off of Mount Gilead Church Road will have singlefamily homes built on 56 acres by Contentnea Creek Development Co.

• Gateway Park is an 18-acre residential development at the intersection of Highway 1 and Pea Ridge Road near Moncure

• Pea Ridge Developers, a company that formed in July, are building Firefly Overlook, a 75-acre subdivision at Seaforth Road and North Pea Ridge Road.

• The MAD Pea Ridge company asked the planning board to rezone 199.92 acres off of Pea Ridge Road at Highway 1 from residential to light industrial in the Cape Fear township near the Triangle Innovation Point in Moncure. An additional 43.58 acres known as Midpoint Logistics is already zoned for light industry.

A rendering of the clubroom at Knoll at Briar Chapel’s residential complex.

Schwarz & Thomas

BY HALEY PINELES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY WINFORD MARYWINFORDWEDDINGS.COM

Pittsboro native Holly Thomas and Christopher Schwarz met in 2021, almost immediately forming a bond due to their shared faith, values and sense of humor. Not long after they met, Chris asked Holly to be his girlfriend following a trivia night at Ruckus Pizza in Apex, where she introduced him to her brother, sister-in-law and cousin. The couple started attending church together each weekend and went on dates together, setting aside

a special moment at Kerr Lake to say their first “I love you” to each other.

After careful planning, Chris proposed to Holly on June 25, 2022, on a weekend trip with Chris’s parents to Wrightsville Beach. “[I] was over the moon with joy,” Holly says, “[We] got back up to the condo, and out popped [my] mom, dad and dad’s fiance.”

The couple had their engagement photo shoot at Fearrington Village, where they plan to also hold their wedding reception on May 5, 2023. CM

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Marro & Riggsbee

BY HALEY PINELES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN SIERRA PHOTOGRAPHY, FACEBOOK.COM/ MORGANSIERRAPHOTOGRAPHY

Paige Marro and Jordan Riggsbee met as students at Northwood High School in 2013. They dated for three years while Paige finished up high school and Jordan attended Wake Tech and Central Carolina Community College. The couple parted ways when Paige went to Appalachian State, then reconnected after she graduated, meeting up for dinner. “[We] ended up falling in love all over again,” Paige says.

On the night of Sept. 10, 2021, Jordan took Paige out to eat at The Sycamore at Chatham Mills. “After we ate dinner, we headed back on a trail to our neighborhood [where] Jordan kneeled to propose!” Paige recalls. “We both cried tears of joy.”

Paige and Jordan celebrated their big day on Oct. 29, 2022, at the Chapel Hill Carriage House, an outdoor, rustic venue, made festive with minimalistic touches of greenery as accents. Being outdoor enthusiasts – and having chosen a green-and-white color theme – the pair fell in love with the venue at first sight.

“The moment I will remember forever is Jordan and I embracing and hugging each other with tears of joy after the ceremony ended,” Paige says.

Jordan works as a builder with David Weekley Homes at Chatham Park, and Paige is a marketing coordinator. In their free time, the couple hikes around North Carolina state parks accompanied by Theo, their goldendoodle. The couple lives in Chatham Forest CM

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