Chatham Magazine February/March 2024

ulars ic r r u c a r t x e , s t s e t n Clubs, co n to enjoy e r d il h c r o f e r o m d an

plus, e our annual camp gupidage 58 February/March 2024 • Vol. 7, No. 4 chathammagazinenc.com

ALL HANDS ON DECK

Julian Girardeau, 11, Caleb Hodges, 10, Henry Bonitz, 13, and Gunner Vermunt, 11, prepare to cast off with Carolina Sailing Club on Jordan Lake.

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 CHATHAMMAGAZINENC.COM P U B LIS H E R/ V IC E P R E S I D E N T Chris Elkins chris.elkins@trianglemediapartners.com E XE C U T IV E MA NAGI N G E D I TOR Amanda MacLaren MA NA G ING E D IT O R, C H AT H AM M AG AZI N E Morgan Cartier Weston morgan.weston@chathammagazinenc.com E D IT O R, C H A P EL HI LL M AG AZI N E Jessica Stringer SENIOR STAFF WRITER Anna-Rhesa Versola EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Leah Berry E D IT O RIA L I N TE R N S Lauren Baddour, Alana Bleimann, Holland Bodner, Ryan Christiano, Izabella Counts, Celia Funderburk, Sinclair Holian, Avery Householder, Natalie McCormick, Lena Miano, Haley Pineles, Lauren Rouse, Katie Scherner, Liza Smith and Emma Unger D IRE C T O R O F CRE A T I V E OP E R A TI ON S Ashlin Acheson C RE A T IV E DI R E C TOR Kevin Brown PHOTOGRAPHER John Michael Simpson GRAPHIC DESIGNER/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Lindsay Scott G RA P H IC DE S I GN E R Khadijah Weekes-Nolan A D V E RT I S I N G For information, contact advertising@chathammagazinenc.com Melissa Crane melissa.crane@trianglemediapartners.com Sarah Davis sarah.davis@trianglemediapartners.com Lucinda Poole lucinda.poole@trianglemediapartners.com

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D IG IT A L G RO W T H S TR A TE GI S T Morgan Cartier Weston D IS T RIB U TI ON Matt Bair Chatham Magazine is published by Triangle Media Partners 1777 Fordham Blvd., Ste. 105, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 919–933–1551 Subscriptions are $24 for 2 years – subscribe at chathammagazinenc.com

LETTER FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

Ready for Adventure

I

live in Fearrington Village and recently reflected on just how much has changed – and how quickly – in my neck of the woods since I moved into my home in 2020.

I can’t remember a time before the Food Lion on Hwy. 15-501, for example, though it’s only been open about a year and a half.

Transformation is happening all around us, and it can be hard to envision where and when these shifts are taking place, so we created a map (page 80) to contextualize some of the residential, commercial and mixed-use developments that are planned or currently underway throughout the county.

We also spoke with Pamela Baldwin, a Pittsboro native and longtime member of the town board of commissioners, about the evolutions she has witnessed and how Pittsboro is preparing for what is coming next.

Get her perspective on page 36.

Speaking of change, this issue also focuses on some of the incredible kids in our community as well as the arts programs, camps and clubs that nurture them and their families as they grow. We are so lucky to have resources like Chatham County Public Libraries, which hosts programs and contests that encourage kids to think creatively, and Camp Royall, a place where children and adults with autism can forge friendships, hone skills and create lifelong memories. Dive into these stories and more beginning on page 40.

This time of year often seems to pass slowly at first, then all at once. Though it’s only February, spring and summer plans are starting to take shape. If, like me, you’re already feeling behind, our North Carolina road trip inspirations (page 32) and annual camp guide (page 58) are great places to start getting organized! We hope they help you find new ways to enjoy the warm months ahead. CM Take good care,

 morgan.weston@chathammagazinenc.com

THE COVER

By Kevin Brown Photo by John Michael Simpson 4

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

CONTENTS

THE KIDS ISSUE

40 The Write Stuff Three teens win prizes for their stories and student judges reveal what they learned 46 Come Sail Away Navigating wind, water and life lessons 50 Clap Your Hands A beloved arts program creates memorable experiences for all ages 54 All You Need Is Love Discover a sanctuary designed for people with autism spectrum disorder 58 Summer Camp Guide There’s a camp in the Triangle for every kid’s interest, from sports and science to art and engineering

FEATURES

32 Road Trip!

In need of a quick getaway this spring and summer? Our staff shares a few of their fave nearby destinations perfect for day or weekend trips

36

66 Design Rewind Find inspiration for your own home improvement projects this year with these impactful interiors and outdoor spaces that left a lasting impression on us in 2023

PEOPLE & PLACES

10 Chatham Literacy’s Fall for Literacy Luncheon

DEPARTMENTS

12 Abundance NC’s Eighth Annual Death Faire at The Plant

4 Letter from the Managing Editor

14 Chatham County Schools’ ‘State of Our Schools’ Address

8 Five Events You won’t want to miss

16 Chatham Artists Guild Studio Tour

22 Noted What we’ve heard around our towns …

18 The Chatham Chamber of Commerce’s State of Chatham Event

36 Who’s Who in Town & County Government Meet Pittsboro’s mayor pro tem and town commissioner 80 Here We Grow Again A commercial and residential development map, plus a closer look at upcoming projects

20 Pittsboro Business Assocation’s Holiday Party at Forest Hall at Chatham Mills

54 WEDDINGS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

87 Kang & Kustka 88 Dilworth & Hight

2023

2022

2021

" YO U A R E A B S O L U T E LY T H E M O S T P R O F E S S I O N A L A N D C O M PA S S I O N AT E G R O U P I H AV E E V E R B E E N A S S O C I AT E D W I T H . "

- CONNIE S.

“ YO U A LWAYS H I T I T O U T O F T H E PA R K ! S O P R O F E S S I O N A L A N D E X AC T I N G B U T S O C A R I N G A N D S O F R I E N D LY. W E F E E L L I K E YO U A R E FA M I LY A S W E L L . T H A N K YO U S O V E RY M U C H . ” - D AV I D D .

“ T H A N K YO U F O R TA K I N G T I M E T O L I S T E N T O C O N C E R N S A N D E X P L A I N I N F O R M AT I O N A N D F O R B E I N G S O K I N D A N D PAT I E N T W I T H M Y B A BY ! ”

- ASHLEY A.

“A LWAYS A N E X T R AO R D I N A RY E X P E R I E N C E . I A M S O G R AT E F U L T H AT YO U W O R K T I R E L E S S LY TO M A K E S U R E M Y P U P G E TS T H E R I G H T C A R E F O R T H E I R N E E D S . S P E C I A L N E E D S D O G S A R E H A R D , A N D YO U A LWAYS F I N D A PAT H .

- A M Y P.

Q U A L I T Y C O M PA S S I O N AT E C A R E PREV ENTATI VE C AR E

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Fearrington Folk Art Show

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FEB 17-18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fearrington Village welcomes self-taught

artists back for its annual showcase.

Many of the works on display encapsulate raw vision, naïve art, primitivism and outsider art influences in various forms including painting, sculpture, metalwork and pottery. A collector’s preview, which features a sneak peek at the vendor booths, will be held the Friday before the show begins. fearrington.com

CORA’s Empty Bowls MARCH 2, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Head over to Pittsboro United Methodist Church to help ensure all residents of Chatham County have access to safe and nutritious food. CORA Food Pantry’s annual fundraiser dinner features appetizers, soups and baked goods from local restaurants; attendees will go home with one of hundreds of bowls donated by local artisans – a reminder that someone else’s bowl is always empty. corafoodpantry.org

FIVE EVENTS You won’t want to miss

PHOTO BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon MARCH 16

This annual conservation event aims to protect and preserve the Haw River while raising awareness about the impacts of human consumption.

Volunteers are asked to get involved by creating or sponsoring a cleanup team or by signing up for a trash trap clean out. hawriver.org

Leprechaun Dash Compiled by Lauren Baddour

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CHATHAM MAGAZINE

MARCH 16, 8:30 a.m.

Don your green attire and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while also raising funds for Chatham County

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

Sara Gress admires pottery at the Fearrington Folk Art Show.

children at this annual race hosted by the Chatham YMCA. Participants can choose to run or walk a 5K or 10K route through Chatham Park. Prizes will be awarded for racers by age group as well as for the best leprechaun-inspired outfit. ymcatriangle.org

Spring Ag Fest MARCH 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Get ready for a barn-load of fun at the Chatham County Agricultural & Conference Center during its annual

agricultural showcase.

This event is designed to educate the public about the industry while offering fun events and attractions for kids and adults alike, including livestock, pony rides, food trucks, engaging demonstrations, local vendors and more. visitpittsboro.com CM

PEOPLE & PLACES

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1 Marion Olson, Jeff Olson, Jane Ann Mallon and Rausie Hobson.

2 Author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle and Chatham Literacy Executive Director Vicki Newell.

3 Shawn Poe and B. Demers participate in a game before the presentation.

4 Natasha Elliott of Central Piedmont Community Action and Shvaughn Ross of the Chatham County Public Health Department.

5 Kumar Sathy and Emily Myers.

Literary Luncheon

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN CARTIER WESTON

Acclaimed author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle enthralled a captivated audience with insights into her award-winning debut novel, “Even As We Breathe,” at Chatham Literacy’s annual Fall for Literacy Luncheon Nov. 2.

Annette is the first enrolled citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to publish a novel, and spoke about the inspiration behind her historical fiction work, which is set in Asheville during World War II. The event, held at the Chatham County Agricultural & Conference Center, brought together 145 attendees and raised more than $22,000 for Chatham Literacy’s mission to provide adults living or working in Chatham County with the literacy and educational skills they need to be successful. CM 4

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PEOPLE & PLACES

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6 Dottie Hobbs, Shawn Poe and Bonita Smith.

7 Tami Schwerin and Catherine Hobbs.

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PEOPLE & PLACES

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2

Harmony in Healing

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN ROUSE

Abundance NC hosted its eighth annual Death Faire at The Plant in Pittsboro Nov. 3-5, transforming the shops and venues along Lorax Lane into a modern-day grief ritual.

Activities included calming mantras, sound healing, grief chronicles, a vendor fair, yoga, a mock green burial, an interactive ancestral altar and an exhibition of more than 30 artists coordinated by Leslie Palmer. Paperhand Puppet Intervention danced during a celebration parade to upbeat and soulful music by Zambamboogee. CM 4

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1 Paperhand Puppet Intervention.

2 Suzy Hasanin, owner of Show, Don’t Tell.

3 Artist Millie Gomez.

4 Rings by Venus & Vitriol.

5 Jo Cuevas.

6 Trevor Thompson and Elizabeth Thompson.

7 Altar of Remembrance.

8 Artist Steevie Parks.

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PEOPLE & PLACES

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9 Artist Selden Lamoureux.

10 Musician John Makowski.

11 Artist Leslie Palmer.

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Pittsboro Chad Virgil, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® 630 East St, Suite 2 919-545-5669

Pittsboro Kevin Maley, AAMS® 984 Thompson St Suite E2 919-444-2961

Siler City Laura Clapp, AAMS®, CFP® 310 East Raleigh St 919-663-1051

Pittsboro Shari Becker 984 Thompson St Suite E2 919-444-2961

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Pittsboro Blake Stewart 114 Russet Run Suite 120 919-542-3020

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

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PEOPLE & PLACES

1

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1 John Wood, Dr. Amanda Moran, Emily Emrick and Gladys Alvarez.

2 Chatham Education Foundation’s Jaime Detzi and Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard.

3 Seaforth High School Jazz Band members Andrew Kosturi, Michael Harrigan, Ezennia Adibe and Jackson Vaughn.

4 Superintendent Dr. Anthony D. Jackson and former superintendent Robert Logan.

5 Perry Harrison Elementary Principal Kristen Breedlove and Chatham County Teacher of the Year Emily Pruckno.

State of Our Schools

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN CARTIER WESTON

On Nov. 9, 2023, Chatham County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony D. Jackson and fellow school officials presented the “State of Our Schools” address at the new Central Services Building at 468 Renaissance Drive. The event was attended by teachers, administrators, parents, nonprofit professionals and elected officials, and featured presentations breaking down accountability data for all district schools. Student performances showcased musical talent from Seaforth High School’s jazz band and George Moses Horton Middle School’s chorus. CM

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PEOPLE & PLACES 1

2

Beyond the Brush

1, 2 & 3 Pete Sloane, Jenn Young, Gael Rudolf and Matt Rudolf at Diane Swan’s studio.

4 Donna Stubbs in her studio.

5 JoAnn Overton peruses Vidabeth Bensen’s screenprints.

6 Artist William Moore and Alice Irby at Rock Rest Studios.

7 Jane Xu, Colleen Black Semelka and Charles Semelka.

8 Bridgette Comellas with one of her pastel works.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CHATHAM ARTISTS GUILD

The 31st annual Chatham Artists Guild studio tour, held the first two weekends in December, invited visitors to get up close and personal with 56 local painters, sculptors, fiber artists and more at 41 studios across the area. Chatham Artists Guild’s signature event – one of the oldest studio tours in the state – consistently showcases the talents of local artists year after year, providing a valuable opportunity for patrons to engage with and appreciate the vibrant world of visual arts. The event also fosters connections among artists and raises awareness of the visual arts’ significance in our community. CM 4

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CHATHAM MAGAZINE

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PEOPLE & PLACES

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2

State of Chatham

1 Brandon Wolfenbarger, Larry Durgin, Nathan Honeycutt, Jeff McMillian, Scott Green and Amanda Reed, all of Arauco.

2 Dustin Miller with Mosaic at Chatham Park and Chris Ehrenfeld of Bold Construction.

3 Nicholas Dakas of VP Holdings, Kevin O’Dell with Summit Design and Engineering Services and Taylor Hobbs of Hobbs Architects.

4 Stephanie Terry of WEBB Squared and Aaron Nelson.

5 Chatham Education Foundation’s Jaime Detzi, Chatham Chamber of Commerce’s Cindy Poindexter and Coldwell Banker HPW’s Randy Cox.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN CARTIER WESTON

On Oct. 25, 2023, The Chatham Chamber of Commerce hosted the State of Chatham event at the Chatham County Agricultural & Conference Center in Pittsboro, drawing the participation of local businesses, developers and elected officials. The focus of the gathering was a comprehensive presentation delivered

by Aaron Nelson, president of The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, offering insights into the social, economic and environmental facets of Chatham’s well-being.

The event provided a platform for attendees to gain a nuanced understanding of the county’s current status and future prospects. Breakfast was provided by 39 West Catering. CM

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CHATHAM MAGAZINE

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PEOPLE & PLACES 1 2

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA CRANE

The Pittsboro Business Association hosted its holiday party Dec. 5 at Forest Hall at Chatham Mills. Local business owners celebrated the holidays and welcomed Jason Rhoden of Kingston 99 Kitchen to the board.

PBA also congratulated its newly elected board members: president Tiana Thurber of Reclamation Home Furnishings, vice president Pam Fulk, secretary Ann Fitts of the Chatham County Economic Development Corporation and treasurer Faith Nager of To The Point Bookkeeping. CM 4 1 David Knowlton and Jennie Knowlton of The Quiltmaker Café, Kathryn Bertok of Carolina Tiger Rescue and Pam Fulk.

2 An Acquired Style’s Shana O’Leary with Randi Markowitz of Belle Fleur Graphic Design.

3 Tyler Harris of Chatham Outfitters and Karen Tiede of Red Tuxedo.

4 Catherine McLeod of New Horizons, Carol Hewitt and Mark Hewitt of Mark Hewitt Pottery.

5 Tiana Thurber of Reclamation Home Furnishings and John Crowell with New York Life Insurance.

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CHATHAM MAGAZINE

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NOTED. Stephen Coakley,

founder of The Welcome Company, purchased the TapSnap of the Triangle photo

booth franchise in September 2023. TapSnap focuses on elevating corporate and social events with professional-grade photo booths.

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved the Plan Moncure Small Area Plan on Oct. 16, 2023, with a four to one vote. The plan, which was initiated in response to the VinFast plant announcement in March 2022, has been a priority project for the board and was initially outlined for the first major tenant at the Triangle Innovation Point site in Plan Chatham, the

What we’ve heard around our towns ...

county’s 2017 Comprehensive Plan. The project team, composed of experts from the Chatham

Stephanie Aleman won Jordan-Matthews High School’s fifth annual holiday art contest with her colored pencil work titled “Love in Winter.” Her artwork was featured on holiday cards sold by JMArts to raise funds for the school’s art program.

County Planning Department and

consultant firms, collaborated with the community through various engagement strategies to acquire input in order to create a future that’s reflective of residents’ vision for the future of Moncure.

Hubie’s Express Car Wash, a new

business owned and operated by a local father-son duo, opened at Northwood Landing across from Mosaic. The car wash offers a 126-foot wash tunnel with 24 vacuum spots.

PHOTO BY ROSE PATE

Chatham YMCA welcomed Caitlin Herrion as its new

executive director. Caitlin, a seasoned leader who’s worked for YMCA of the Triangle since 2012, officially joined the Chatham YMCA team in mid-September

Compiled by Liza Smith 22

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

2023, bringing extensive experience from her prior roles as a senior youth director and associate branch director, along with a background in education and previous involvement with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA’s Camp Clearwater team.

Chatham Civil Contracting,

a contracting company founded by Stephen James in 2017, has relocated from 811 Archie Johnson Rd. in Siler City to 120 Lowes Dr. in Pittsboro.

The Town of Pittsboro has relocated its town hall from 635 East St. to a new facility at Main Street Station, 277 East St., Ste. 221. 

NEARLY 20 YEARS O F E X C E L L E N CE

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NOTED

Chatham resident Marsha White Warren

Town of Cary Council, District D Rachel Jordan Town of Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp Town of Pittsboro Commissioners John Bonitz, J.A. Farrell, John Foley Town of Siler City Mayor Donald Matthews Town of Siler City Commissioner at-Large Travis Patterson Town of Siler City Commissioner, District 2 Norma E. Boone Town of Siler City Commissioner, District 3 Curtis Brown Town of Siler City Commissioner, District 4 Alec Hauser Goldston Gulf Sanitary District Board Ricky Beal, Danny Scott, Henry B. Kitchings

Chatham County government

launched an innovative online job application tracking system that allows users to create accounts, apply for multiple positions with a single application and receive automated notices and alerts on application status through the new NEOGOV Insight platform.

The Chatham Winter Weather Survival Drive collected 4,050 winter outerwear items, including 850 coats, from Oct. 1 through early December, providing winter clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, hygiene kits and 350 servings of food from The Quiltmaker Café

Town of Goldston Mayor Jonathan W. Hensley Town of Goldston Commissioner, Ward 2 Lisa A. Burke

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

to more than 600 people in need at two distribution events – the first on Nov. 11 at Mosaic at Chatham Park, where Quiltmaker Café’s David Knowlton, volunteer Jan Sherwin, Chatham WWSD’s Melanie York and Jeffrey York, volunteer Lynn Bailey, Quiltmaker Café’s Jennie Knowlton and Chatham County Sheriff’s deputies Luisa Rojas and Conner Bussey (pictured below) were among the 37 volunteers who assisted in the setup – and the second on Dec. 11 at Siler City Center for Active Living.

Carolyn Minnich, Lea Ciceraro, Madeline Mason, Marion Goldston and

Alexander Percy

(pictured above) are the recipients of Chatham Arts Council’s Arts + Equity initiative – a groundbreaking artist opportunity that the organization launched in August 2023 to distribute $10,000 in funds for projects

by Black and Brown, super rural and disabled artist.

The Siler City Fire Department commemorated its 100th anniversary with a celebration on Nov. 18, 2023, that highlighted its historical journey, innovations and enduring community support during a parade that featured several local dignitaries, fire trucks from neighboring counties and a procession with the restored original hose cart from 1923. 

Town of Goldston Commissioner, Ward 4 Charlie A. Fields III

24

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE N.C. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

2023 CHATHAM COUNTY GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS

(pictured right with Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson and Gov. Roy Cooper) was one of six recipients presented with the North Carolina Award – the state’s highest honor – at the North Carolina Museum of Art on Nov. 9, 2023, in recognition of her significant contributions to literature as a skilled poet and storyteller.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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CHATHAM MAGAZINE

25

NOTED

The Fearrington House Inn

was ranked the No. 13 top hotel in the South by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers in October 2023. The Inn earned a score of 96.23 for excellent service and hospitality.

Central Carolina Community College earned a spot among

325 schools in Military Times’ 2023 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, recognizing its dedication to serving military service members and veterans. The college

PHOTO BY KRYSTAL KAST

offers various programs and support services, including the TRiO Veterans Upward Bound Program – helmed by Karmisha Hernandez and Jennifer Dillon, pictured left – which aims to facilitate veterans’ success in post-secondary education.

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners adopted the Haw River Trail Feasibility study on Nov. 20, 2023. The study was conducted by the Chatham County Parks and Recreation Department in

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

collaboration with Central Pines Regional Council and Alta Planning + Design, and involved input from community stakeholders and local residents. The study report, accessible on the Chatham County website, outlines current conditions, recommendations, key partnerships and strategies for the Haw River land and paddle trail, with plans underway for implementing the study’s recommendations.

Pittsboro-based nonprofit Abundance NC announced its dissolution in January 2024. For the past 16 years, Abundance NC orchestrated diverse cultural events, educational workshops, community projects and gatherings to facilitate connections with the natural rhythms of the universe, aiming to empower individuals and address climate and community challenges.

East Coast Firewood plans

Sarah Shook & the Disarmers are set to release “Revelations,” the band’s fourth studio album, on March 29 through Abeyance Records and Thirty Tigers. The album, which was self-produced by bandleader and Chatham native River Shook, is composed of 10 songs delving into themes of navigating mental health in a capitalist society; celebrating LGBTQ+ love; and working through the struggles of substance abuse and unhealthy relationships.

Chatham County celebrated 24 graduates of its Leadership Academy in December 2023.

The one-year program, which has produced 405 graduates since its inception in 2002, focuses on helping county employees develop essential skills in the professional realm while also preparing participants to take on increased responsibilities.

SHARE YOUR NEWS!

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

PHOTO BY JILLIAN CLARK

2023

Investments

Financial Planning

to intensify its rebranding efforts in 2024 as it solidifies its position as one of the Southeast’s leading firewood producers. The company, a division of Hunt Forest Resources, is expanding its offerings through strategically located woodyards, a 60,000-squarefoot warehousing facility and the acquisition of a Pezzolato vertical processing machine at its central North Carolina manufacturing center. 

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CHATHAM MAGAZINE

27

NOTED

Karen VonCannon

was recognized as Chatham County’s 2023 PHOTO COURTESY OF Employee CHATHAM COUNTY of the Year during the December 2023 Board of Commissioners meeting. Karen has dedicated more than 15 years to serving county residents while at the Department of Social Services, where she currently serves as the program integrity supervisor and food and nutrition supervisor.

“Late Bloomer,” highlighted the floral notes of Monkey 47 – Schwarzwald Dry Gin, delivering a perfectly balanced, summer-inspired sip.

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners recognized the county’s Finance Department on Nov. 6, 2023, for receiving the Certificate of

IN OUR SCHOOLS

Emmanuel Hernandez is the first Jordan-Matthews High School student to

Cassidy Bright, head bartender at The Fearrington House Restaurant, was awarded

the 2024 Relais & Châteaux Cocktail Trophy. Cassidy’s winning concoction, the

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CHATHAM MAGAZINE

Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

This marks the county’s 33rd consecutive year of earning this national recognition, which is considered the highest form of acknowledgment in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

PHOTO BY KRYSTAL KAST

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

receive a full scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania through the prestigious QuestBridge College Match program. Emmanuel is an active participant in The Hispanic Liaison’s Orgullo Latinx Pride youth program and plans to major in biology or neuroscience on the pre-med track.

The Chatham Soil & Water Conservation District hosts its 2023-24 conservation contests with themes centered on “The Living Soil.” Open to students from third to 12th grade in public, private, charter and home-schooled settings, the contests include poster, essay and public speaking

NOTED

Dr. William Tyler Brady, a

veterinary medical technology instructor at Central Carolina Community College, earned the Adjunct of the Year Award for the 20232024 school year.

CCCC staff regard Dr. Brady as kind, knowledgeable and encouraging, and applaud the impact he has on student learning.

PHOTO BY BRANDY OLDHAM

categories. Pictured is Christian Hartlaub, a 2022-23 winner in the third grade poster category.

Submissions for the poster and essay contests are due

by Feb. 23, 2024.

NEWS BITES

The Feed Well Fridges program, which works to eliminate food insecurity and commercial food waste by stocking community fridges, added two new fridge locations this

winter. The new fridges are located at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church at 2791 Jones Ferry Rd. in Pittsboro and Freedom Family Church at 421 N. Holly Ave.

in Siler City. The program, helmed by Cafe Root Cellar chef Sera Cuni, now manages four community fridges.

Chef Bill Hartley, co-owner of Postal Fish Company and former chef at The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, announced that he’s bringing a new restaurant – JDub’s Po Boys – to the Chatham Beverage District in 2024.

Cackalacky introduced its

Cackalacky Strawberry Milkshake IPA, a minimally filtered, North Carolinabrewed craft beer. The 8% ABV beverage features fresh strawberries, two-row barley,

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NOTED

READ ALL ABOUT IT

is the latest book from Pittsboro author Linda Sittig. Delve into the remarkable tale of a young African American woman whose bravery catalyzed the desegregation of a Virginia public library in 1957, ultimately influencing the integration of libraries nationwide.

“The Killer’s Stepsister”

by Pittsboro author Caroline Taylor

is set against the captivating scenery of New Orleans and follows the tumultuous events that unfold in a woman’s life as her stepsister faces imprisonment for murder and her 10-year-old niece goes missing.

IN MEMORIAM UNC professor emeritus, Tar Heel basketball fan and Carolina Meadows resident

“Opening Closed Doors: The Story of Josie C. Murray”

Ralph Wileman

drew inspiration from the annual

bracket-making tradition. His abstract needlepoint creations, now in multiple museums around the world, can be viewed at needlepointsofview.com.

Michael Perry of Perrywinkle Farm

NCAA March Madness tournament to create a colorful abstract painting inspired by the competition’s iconic bracket used by fans everywhere to mark their “educated guesses.”A selftaught artist who worked in paint, needlepoint and wooden sculpture, Ralph sadly passed away Jan. 7, 2024. He hoped the work would inspire folks’ love of and engagement with the friendly rivalry inherent in the

– who was a founding member of the

Fearrington Farmers Market along with his wife of 38 years, Cathy Jones – passed away Nov.

10, 2023 after a 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Remembered for his compassionate and caring demeanor, empathetic spirit, and genuine love for family and friends, Michael leaves behind a legacy of warmth and connection within the community. CM

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ur family lives in a neighborhood across the highway from Fearrington Village. We love day trips, and one of the places we recently revisited was the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher near Wilmington. We went to see the new otter pups on exhibit and watched them slip down the slide and swim up to inspect visitors pressed against the glass. The alligators exhibit always delivers drama because they appear deceptively docile and sleepy just before they slip into the dark waters.

I was surprised to learn that you can book a sleepover for a group of 15-30 people in front of the 235,000-gallon Cape Fear Shoals habitat with sharks, eels and turtles to watch over you. Personally, I would watch the jellyfish tank, because it’s like a giant lava lamp. Snacks, craft supplies and breakfast are provided. Contact the aquarium for more details.

The aquarium is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, which provides year-round opportunities to come see all the fantastic exhibits, animals and fish!

– Anna-Rhesa Versola, senior staff writer

I’m from Graham, North Carolina, in Alamance County, and I love to go back and visit the Graham Cinema. It is still the same as it was when I was a child – stadium seating with just one movie screen and cost is $5 per person and $3 per kid.

You have to call 336-226-1488 to hear the 32

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

voicemail – there is always a joke. Promise, it’s so worth it!

The Burlington City Park is the best for kids, with a train and boat rides, plus the carousel is fabulous. Head over to Zack’s Hot Dogs after the park for its nearly century-old, famous grill menu.

Graham, much like Pittsboro, is also the county seat. If you enjoy visiting Carolina Tiger Rescue, you’ll definitely want to check out the Burlington’s Animal Park at the Conservators Center. And did you know that Press Coffee, Crepes & Cocktails, which has a location now in Durham and is soon to open in Raleigh, got its start in Alamance County?

– Chris Elkins, Chatham Magazine publisher & Triangle Media Partners vice president

I recently did a day trip to Winston-Salem with my pup, Olive. I started with a visit to the best little bakery, Bobby Boy Bakeshop, where I picked up a whole box of goodies to make it worth the drive. The highlights were the croissants and the morning bun. Wine lovers should know it’s attached to a wine shop, so pick up a bottle or two to bring home with you. We then strolled through Hanes Park (there’s a beautiful section along a creek) and down the Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail for some views. Next up was a pint at Incendiary Brewing Co. (which is right next to pizza spot Cugino Forno, which also

has a Durham location) where we sat outside and people-watched in the shade. Finally, we picked up brisket and some sides at East of Texas, a barbecue spot with a cool bar, to bring back to my partner who raved about the macaroni and cheese.

– Jessica Stringer, Chapel Hill Magazine editor

Our family enjoys the New Hope Valley Railway – it’s a fun train ride for the kids.

Plan to arrive early to enjoy the model railroad and the outdoor museum. We love the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, too – it’s perfect for curious kiddos to see all kinds of animals, big and small. Stop by The Table for breakfast or lunch before your visit – it’s got great gluten-free options!

– John Michael Simpson, staff photographer

I love the Outer Banks, and one of my favorite islands to visit is on Cape Lookout.

From Harkers Island, you can take a ferry or boat over to the cape, with the option to stop at Shackleford Banks, where you can explore and catch a glimpse of the wild horse herds that inhabit the island. Once you arrive at the cape you can climb the lighthouse (it’s scheduled to reopen in 2025 after renovations) and enjoy swimming and relaxing on the beach. After a day in the sun, stop by nearby Beaufort for a meal or shopping.

– Renee Ambroso, digital content specialist & Heart of NC Weddings managing editor

I can’t even count all the times my friends and I have made day trips to Jordan Lake. The best thing about it is that these can be more like half-day trips – the public beaches have all the benefits of the North Carolina coast without having to drive three hours! The water is chilly, but a quick dip is the perfect way to cool down after a full day in the sun. I’ve also gone to see the sunrise during the winter, and found a dock to have a sunset picnic during the spring! Next thing on my bucket list is spending a night on the campground. The possibilities are endless; it’s an adventure in our own backyard.

– Leah Berry, editorial assistant

My husband, James, and I love to visit Asheville any chance we get. It has a great small city vibe, amazing restaurants, art galleries and, of course, hiking in the nearby Pisgah National Forest.

A perfect day for me would be to book an early spot at Sauna House (it’s opening a Durham location soon, and I can’t wait!).

Then I’d grab my dogs, Chico and Casper, and head to Burial Beer Co. (which also has a Raleigh taproom!) for lunch and whatever new IPA they’re pouring. Next, I’d take a stroll through Screendoor, a huge antique and vintage warehouse, or the charming used bookshop Bagatelle Books. I’d then FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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TRAVEL

want to watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains at The Montford rooftop bar – I love that they use North Carolina spirits, like Sutler’s Gin out of Winston-Salem and Durham’s Krupnikas honey liqueur, in their signature cocktails – and grab dinner at Plant, an awardwinning vegan restaurant that has somehow perfected a cashew cheese that tastes exactly like brie.

In the morning, if I don’t head the eight minutes up the street into Carolina Beach for a dozen freshly made-and-glazed doughnuts paired with a cup of ice-cold milk from Britts Donut Shop (if you know, you know), then I’ll stop in for a coffee from Happy Hippies Java Hut before making my way back to the beach, where we’ll spend most all of the day lounging surfside. We’ll order takeout from Freddie’s or hit up Jack Mackerel’s (hoping that clam chowder is on for the soup of the day) for dinner before playing as many games as we can at the arcade – basketball and skee-ball are our favorite.

Once we’ve had our fill of friendly competition, we’ll pass our tickets off to some of the kids checking out the prizes behind the counter, and then head across the way to Bud & Joe’s SandBar for a beer or two before turning in for the night. The best part?

We get to do it all again the next day!

– Morgan Cartier Weston, managing editor & digital growth strategist

The one destination I look forward to visiting every late spring or early summer is, hands down, Kure Beach. The little town is just south of Carolina Beach, a short drive from Wilmington, and only about three hours from the Triangle. It’s a quiet spot with a few local establishments near its fishing pier – first built more than a century ago, it’s the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic coastline.

– Amanda MacLaren, executive managing editor CM

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who’s who

in town & county government MEET PITTSBORO’S MAYOR PRO TEM AND TOWN COMMISSIONER

BY TOM CROSBY | PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

P

amela Baldwin keeps busy. When she’s not working in administration at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery center at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry, you’ll find her in Pittsboro, where her family has lived for four generations.

Pamela has been a member of the town’s Board of Commissioners since 2005, and also serves as mayor pro tem of Pittsboro, a position her fellow board members have voted her into multiple times over her tenure.

Pamela graduated from NC State University with a degree in political science and a minor in English. When Pamela ran for Pittsboro commissioner in 2005, she was the first African American to do so since 1975 (Isaiah Taylor was elected that year and served on the board until 1979). Over the course of her five terms as commissioner, she has been a member of the Pittsboro Affordable Housing Task Force, Chatham County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, was an officer of the Chatham County Fair Association and the Pittsboro YMCA, and served as a member of the TJCOG Legislative Committee on mobility and transit.

Reflecting on your government service and your life, which accomplishments are you most proud of? That’s a big, big question.

We all have different points of view, and it’s important to listen,” Pamela says. “People can give you a different insight that you’ve never thought of.

My main [personal] accomplishment is my family. In terms of accomplishments with the town, there are things that I still want to happen, such as with affordable housing. I can’t really say one specific accomplishment, other than I serve the town, and I will continue to serve the town as best I can.

Can you tell us a little bit about the role of mayor pro tem? I’ve been in that role for

at least eight years – more than that. If the elected mayor is not here, then the mayor pro tem performs the mayoral duties. If the mayor is on vacation, for example, then I would be the acting mayor.  FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

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COUNTY GOVERNMENT

How did growing up in Pittsboro prepare you for the governance that you’ve performed over the past 18 years?

What best prepared me for my role is my experience with the community. I knew a lot of people within Pittsboro and Chatham County because I attended elementary school and high school here.

Pittsboro, to me, has always been friendly and I want it to continue to be that way. When we see people, even if we don’t know them, we always wave.

That’s what a small town is supposed to be. People are supposed to live and work and learn together, and develop a sense of community and love for each other.

When I first ran for commissioner in 2005, I ran as the people’s candidate.

I wanted to look out for everyone, not just one group or type of person.

I was everybody’s candidate and everybody’s commissioner.

When I consider a vote, I try to make sure that it will help the whole community, not just one group. We all have different points of view, and it’s important to listen. You don’t know everything about everything, and people can give you a different insight that you’ve never thought of.

How are you helping Pittsboro maintain its character while balancing the growth of the town and the surrounding area?

Now that I’m trying to do. It may be a little difficult, but a lot of times the key is to interact with developers to let them know what we’re looking for. We want developers to be aware that this is a nice place, and we want it to continue to be a nice place.

What are the greatest challenges for the Board of Commissioners? I don’t

see anything as really a challenge. I see that there are things which we need to accomplish, and how [we do that is to] work as a group.

We must make sure that this is a good town – look out for our citizens and look out for our staff. These are things we have to take care of to keep positive momentum.

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What can people who live in Pittsboro do to help town Commissioners and local government? Give us your opinion! You

LIGHTNING ROUND What’s a place you love? Bermuda Coffee or tea?

Neither. I like tea, but I don’t really drink it.

Any favorite beverage then?

Water and pineapple juice – but not together.

Dog or cat?

Dog Favorite food?

Lobster Mountains or sea?

I like both. Mountains are a special thing to see. But the beach is special, too, because you hear all that water. The ocean is incredible.

Place you want to visit? I want to travel to Africa.

Favorite book or movie? That’s hard.

One of my favorite movies is “Coming to America.” I like comedy. But I also like the Marvel Universe, because that’s what my little grandsons love.

would be surprised at the things which can occur if we all work together with the help of citizen input.

Individuals don’t necessarily have to come to a meeting to talk to us. Every one of our e-mail addresses are on the [county government website]. People can call us, too, our phone numbers are there. If they see us in the in the grocery store – which sometimes they do, and they ask us questions there, that’s fine – we just want to know how you feel and what you’re thinking.

What currently excites you about Pittsboro? We’re looking at a bright

future for Pittsboro. We want to be a town where there are opportunities for people who’ve graduated from college to come back here to work and live and raise families. So that’s the vision that I want for Pittsboro and Chatham County.

Even if the jobs are not in Pittsboro, I want them to be in Chatham County, so people don’t have to drive so far.

We should [also] focus on some type of multimodal transportation so that there’s not so much congestion. We need to look at some type of bus or train system. With a lot of growth, we’ll need to have some means of transportation so people can get from one place to the other, whether that be a trolley system, which would probably be good, or a bus system. We have to consider the future with transit in mind. Not that we’re there now, but if things continue to grow as they are, we’ll be there.

What else would you like to add?

As a public servant I am committed to the town, to the community, to Chatham County, and not only that, but I serve the state and the United States. In this role, I always try to make sure that things are as good for people as they can be, because I want people to have a prosperous life.

We want to say it is possible for people to have prosperous lives and to enjoy their life [in Chatham County]. It’s important because you only have one. CM

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39

the

kids issue

write stuff w the

THREE TEENS WIN PRIZES FOR THEIR STORIES AND STUDENT JUDGES REVEAL WHAT THEY LEARNED

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

riting is hard – anyone who says otherwise is mistaken – and submitting your work to be judged in a contest is an act of courage.

Just ask any of the dozen kids, ages 12-18, who submitted 23 stories for Chatham Community Library’s second annual teen writing contest in December.

“I feel like I’ve just started getting the confidence to put myself out there,” says Abigail Zwahlen, 15. The Seaforth High School sophomore submitted her composition, “Under the Weather,” and won first place for the second year in a row. Abigail credits her English teacher, Riley Shaner, for encouraging her to enter the contest.

Abigail is also a member of her school’s writing team. Last year, Seaforth won first place in The Quill, a statewide scholastic

Abigail Zwahlen won first place for the second year in a row in Chatham Community Library’s writing competition.

The 15-yearold Seaforth High School sophomore also won first place in an individual creative writing category at a statewide scholastic contest.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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kids issue

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Aubin Elise Rosenfelder, 18, captured second place in the contest.

The published author is working on her next book projects.

competition, and Abigail took home first place in the individual category for creative writing. She’s mustering bravura to enter more contests. “I just submitted to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for the first time,” she says. “I think it starts out as a regional contest, and then it goes on to nationals, so I should be hearing about that sometime in the next few months.”

Student competitions encourage original work and prohibit plagiarism, particularly important in an age of bots and rising artificial intelligence. “I feel like right now, the quality will never be what you get from a human,” Abigail says. “You can maybe get a good story, but you’re not going to get the same emotion and heart that you could get from a person. It’s just a reason that we should write more, because we need to preserve our own heart in our writing.”

Members of the Chatham Community Library teen advisory board created a list of writing prompts for original works of fiction, nonfiction or poetry. Submissions were accepted throughout the month of November and winners announced in early December. Friends of the Chatham Community Library sponsored the prizes, which were gift cards to McIntyre’s Books in Fearrington Village.

Aubin Elise Rosenfelder, 18, won second place with her short story, “Music Sparks A Memory.” She was home-schooled and graduated last May. An avid writer, Aubin Elise has published a book, “The Second Nature of Indigo,” a coming-ofage mystery set in the Victorian era. The novel was published by Knight King Press, a company established by her parents, Michael Rosenfelder and Eileen Chevalier Rosenfelder.

“Writing is one of my greatest joys in life,” Aubin Elise says. Last year, she was part of the teen advisory board that launched the writing contest. “I judged the competition last year, because I didn’t put anything in,” she says. This year, she decided to enter the contest.

It took Aubin Elise six hours to write her short story. She woke up, took her brother to school, started writing, picked up her brother, wrote some more, visited with a friend and edited her story.

“Three hours before the deadline, I sent it in on a hope and a prayer,” she says. She is currently working on the next two books in The Second Nature of Indigo series.  FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

First place “Under The Weather”

by Abigail Zwahlen Second place “Music Sparks A Memory”

by Aubin Elise Rosenfelder Third place “Maledictus”

by Elliott Hingtgen Contest Prompts 1 It was all a dream.

2 A character misses a train, for better or worse.

3 Retell a myth (from any culture) in a different era (the Civil War, present day, etc.)

4 The protagonist finds someone who looks EXACTLY like them.

5 Music ignites a forgotten memory.

6 The first word of the story is also the last word.

7 Write about a pair of unlikely friends.

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For Elliott Hingtgen, 13, winning third place was a big surprise because it was her first time entering a writing competition.

Her eighth grade Woods Charter School English teacher, Brittany Wilson, encouraged Elliott to submit a story. She entered three stories, and“Maledictus,” a fantasy story about a boy’s adventures in a magical mansion, was selected.

Elliott is her own harshest critic. “But something about this story was fun to write,” she says. “I’m definitely thinking about being in a place where I can do writing and reading, whether it’s science, writing and being creative, writing and reading. I’m not quite sure yet, but I do see a future with writing.”

The judges share the winners’ enthusiasm for good writing.

“I wanted to see [with] my own eyes as a judge what could help writers create a more captivating story,” says Ayla RojasLupoli, 12, a seventh grade student at Willow Oak Montessori.

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Ayla says she selected powerful stories that pulled her in and could make her laugh or cry. “Good writing also makes me want to keep reading,” she says.

Woods Charter School sophomore Kai Hinkle, 15, was curious to see how contestants would respond to the different writing prompts and was surprised by the variety of submissions.

“In my humble opinion, a great story provides the audience with some form of setup and payoff, whether that be through the solving of a mystery, a character undergoing some kind of growth that the audience can witness as the plot progresses or the consequences of a war shaping the history of a fantasy world, just to name a few examples,” Kai says. “I think most people who appreciate fiction can agree that good writing is essential to telling a gripping narrative, since it’s such a broad term that encompasses many aspects of storytelling.” CM

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

Elliott Hingtgen, 13, was happily surprised to win third place in this year’s Teen Writing Contest at Chatham Community Library.

If you want to help children, invest in adult literacy.

The single greatest indicator of children’s success is the literacy level of their parents.

43% of adults with low literacy skills live in poverty.

36 million adults in the U.S. have low literacy skills.

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT DONATE

919-742-0578  chathamliteracy.org 

 chathamliteracy

Reach a child in need – Teach an adult to read.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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e m co l i a s y a aw 46

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C

W IN D , N AV IG AT IN G ABOVE LEFT Caleb Hodges, 10, skippers his Optimist boat.

ABOVE Caleb, Gunner Vermunt, 11, and Henry Bonitz, 13, each helm their own vessels.

LEFT Julian Girardeau, 11, and Henry set out from the marina at Jordan Lake.

FE WAT ER A N D LI

LE SS O N S

ERSOLA

BY ANNA-RHESA V PSON OHN MICHAEL SIM J Y PHOTOGRAPHY B u says aroline Girardea

for her finding activities eau, rd ra Gi n son, Julia e off m ho eir th ar ne 11,

urch Mount Gilead Ch lenging al ch Road can be

king for a full-time wor g in iv dr le hi W . mom on ke across Jordan La s n’ lia Ju their way to in ex Ap in school 2022, the sight of gliding sailboats to inspired Caroline ng ili sa l ca lo to look in er, m m su at Th . ps cam 9 as when Julian w

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Let’s launch these babies!

– Julian Girardeau, 11

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years old, he attended the Carolina Sailing Foundation’s beginner camp for 9- to 11-year-olds.

“It’s really calming and soothing, even when there’s no wind, and it’s really fun when there is wind,” says Julian, a fifth grader at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School. He says he plans to continue sailing as he gets older.

“I think [Carolina Sailing Foundation] is one of the best-kept secrets in Chatham County,” Caroline says. “They teach all the skills the child needs from the ground up, and it’s a very safe environment.

[The camp staff] are sensitive to each child’s needs. [Sailing] teaches them independence and self-confidence.”

Charlie Buckner founded the Carolina Sailing Foundation as a nonprofit organization in 2002. He says the summer camp had 172 participants aged 9-16 in 2022, and in 2023, that number went up to 192. The RTP High School Sailing Team is composed of 20-25 kids from 18 different schools in the area.

They hold about 60 practices during spring and fall seasons at Lake Crabtree and on Jordan Lake. The foundation also offers a junior sailing program and adult lessons as well. Classes and camps use Optimist and Club 420 sailboats. Safety FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

is a key component of all camps and lessons. All junior sailing head instructors are certified by U.S. Sailing, and coaches closely monitor the sailors from their powerboats.

Alyssa Wheeler, 20, started sailing in eighth grade and then joined CSF’s high school sailing team. Now a student at Wake Technical Community College, she began coaching at CSF’s summer camps in 2021. “I absolutely fell in love with sailing,” Alyssa says. “It’s hard to describe. For me, sailing is almost freeing.

It’s a place I can go to or something I can do to just take my mind off everything.

It’s about being able to learn how the wind powers your boat and controls everything.”

Alyssa enjoys sharing that passion with kids. “It’s a blast for me, just getting to learn about each kid and teach and share something that is so special to me,” she says. She also enjoys coaching kids of different ages and skill levels – especially those that have never seen or been around sailing before. “They come and try it, and then, by the end of the week, it’s something they love and don’t want to ever stop doing,” Alyssa says. “To me, that’s great.”

Henry Bonitz, 13, is an eighth grader at Willow Oak Montessori Charter. He was inspired to try sailing by his grandfather, Skipper Hummel, a former U.S. Marine who grew up near Wrightsville Beach and now lives in Fearrington Village.

Henry began sailing two years ago and prefers to sail in the fall and spring to avoid the intense summer heat on the water at Jordan Lake. “I just think it is fun because you get to meet a lot of people and go to cool places around the lake,” Henry says. His favorite part of sailing is picking up speed with the wind coming across the water. “And it’s just the freedom of being able to go around.

The only thing that I was nervous about was the capsize drill, which was really nothing. You get to fall off the boat so you don’t drown [or] panic when it really does capsize. You’ve got to know how to get the boat back up.”

Henry says he looks forward to sailing with his grandfather this summer on Majority of One, a 35-foot twin-keel boat that Skipper’s brother built in 1961. CM

We are proud to offer farm-based fun and education right here in Chapel Hill.

1870Farm.com

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kids

clap your issue

hands A BELOVED ARTS PROGRAM CREATES MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES FOR ALL AGES

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

S

toryteller Louise Omoto Kessel didn’t just find a property in Pittsboro 25 years ago; she uncovered the canvas for what would become Clapping Hands Farm. After working

at various camps and helping to start another, Louise’s artistic instinct led her to establish her own program.

“I didn’t go to camp as a kid,” Louise says. “My parents, I think, didn’t know about camp.

I went to camp for the first time as a counselor when I was about 12, and I’ve loved camp ever since.”

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LEFT “Being outside,” Louise says, listing out a few benefits of programs at Clapping Hands.

“Friends. Fun. [It’s] everything good about school without sitting still for hours, tests, grades, etc.”

RIGHT Andrew DeWolf and Tobias Hanson use glue guns and popsicle sticks to assemble art projects.

Clapping Hands commenced its summer programs in 2000, evolving seven years later to include year-round workshops and classes. The farm now hosts seven camps each summer, a spring break camp and multiple day programs during the school year. “What keeps me going is the community – that’s really the heart of Clapping Hands Farm,” Louise says. “All the amazing activities are just a great excuse for connection.”

You might learn to play the ukulele one week and delve into quilting the next; each session offers a diverse array of experiences, from learning to tap dance to mastering shed construction. Most programs cater to children ages 2 to 18, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

but others are available for entire families and adults from different cultural, religious, racial and economic backgrounds. The camp embraces inclusivity, and scholarships are available for those who need them, ensuring that no one is turned away.

Louise proudly notes that several past program participants play an integral role in running the camp today.

Anna Butler, for instance, was invited by a friend to spend a week at camp in 2015. The young teen had so much fun that she went back for another week and became a counselor in training by the next summer.

“We were outside all day, that was one thing I just absolutely loved about it,” Anna says.  CHATHAM MAGAZINE

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“I had never been a part of a culture that was so kind, welcoming and encouraging, and really fostered connection and creativity in a way that I never saw before.”

Today, Anna is a research assistant at UNC Institute for the Environment. She graduated from the university in May 2023 with a bachelor’s in English and global studies. Throughout her college summers, Anna returned to counsel campers at Clapping Hands Farm.

“There’s something we call ‘camp magic,’ which is just the experience of being at camp and seeing young people come alive – and not just young people, but adults and teenagers, too,” Anna says. She most enjoys the feeling of being outdoors, working in the open air. “It’s exhausting, but in a really fulfilling way,” Anna says. “I truly can’t imagine who I would be without the way

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LEFT Arden Joy Lankford perfects her popsicle stick sculpture.

BELOW Youth counselor Aubrey Bollinger runs through the field with campers Orin Fann, Anakin Barfield and Blaize McComas.

Clapping Hands has shaped me. It’s made me more compassionate and empathetic.”

Counselor Khallori Cosmey says the camp changed her perspective on what it means to be part of a community. “It’s the first place I’ve ever worked where you can say ‘Honestly, I don’t think I’m the right person to lead running games [because] I’m really tired today’ and instead of just being told to suck it up, the camp director will say ‘Okay, what would you love doing instead?’ and try to make it happen.”

Khallori, who graduated in December from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, says being a counselor at CHF has also taught her a lot about leadership.

“I’ve learned that it’s less about being in charge and more about making everyone in the group feel like they have something to contribute, to feel like they’re equally a part of whatever outcome you’re working towards, and making sure everyone feels heard and valued,” she says. “I try to carry some of that with me everywhere I go.”

ART PARTY

In 2016, Pittsboro Farmers Market manager Mary Blais won a silent auction prize – a day pass to an art party at Clapping Hands Farm – and thought it would be fun to take her toddler, George. “It was the most amazing experience,” Mary says. “It was the first time I experienced what community could feel like. It was the kind of support that I had heard about, but never felt.”

Originally from New Jersey, Mary homeschools her three kids – George Blais, now 10, Garrett Blais, 7, and Grant Blais, 5 – and takes them to CHF’s art camps. “It feels like a very safe space,” she says. “To me, it feels very welcoming. My 10-year-old [son] called it a sanctuary. It was just one of those big words that I didn’t expect him to bust out with.”

Mary says her kids have grown in confidence and they want to try new things since attending programs at Clapping Hands. “They really kind of come out of their shells a little bit,” she says, adding that Clapping Hands has improved the whole family’s quality of life. “Our family is going through some major transitions, so it feels even more important to me for them to have this safe space, and for them to feel supported and cared for. I don’t know where else we would be able to experience this kind of community.” CM

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all you need is

love DISCOVER A SANCTUARY DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

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N

estled within 133 acres of forest and field in Moncure, Camp Royall is a treasure for participants like

Gabriella “Gabby” Harper, 20. Gabby

found friendship, acceptance and a community that embraces both people with autism and those who support them.

“To our family, it’s not about respite; it’s about belonging and inclusion,” says Jennifer Harper, Gabby’s mom. “In terms of a neurotypical experience, you would expect [your child] to have friends and go to social events and extracurriculars all through school. But in our experience, Gabby hasn’t had any stereotypical friendships.”

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

Gabby, who identifies as an adult with autism, expresses a profound sense of belonging at Camp Royall. “I feel less lonely,” she says. “It’s a good feeling. I love it.”

Gabby’s closest relationships are with her family, but attending Camp Royall opened a new world of friendships.

“I didn’t know she felt lonely because she never expressed it,” Jennifer says. “Seeing how relieved she felt to be with other people, where she didn’t have to explain herself or mask anything, we see she’s finding that sense of inclusion.”

In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a report highlighting the

healing effects of social connection and community, and the challenges of social isolation that can lead to marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, becoming further disconnected.

A HISTORY OF CARING

Organizations like the Autism Society of North Carolina recognize the value of physical spaces for face-to-face engagement, as well as virtual platforms to connect caregivers with vital resources.

In 1971, a group of determined families worked with the Autism Society of North Carolina to form Camp Royall. Today, it is the nation’s oldest and largest program

Campers like Lucas Strong have access to Camp Royall's many indoor and outdoor amenities, including a gymnasium, game room and ball pit.

serving kids and adults with autism spectrum disorder. The camp started out small, relying on different spaces before renting Camp New Hope in Chapel Hill during the 80s and 90s. In 1997, Camp Royall established a permanent home in its current location in Moncure.

Program director Sara Gage points to two additional factors that set Camp Royall apart from other camps: All new staff receive 19 days of hands-on training with professional support, and the 1-to1 staff-to-camper ratio allows a fully customized experience.

“We want our campers to feel safe, supported and celebrated when they are FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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RIGHT Staffer Louis Davidson challenges camper Eric Jackson to a game of chess.­

with us,” Sara says.

The camp is open BELOW Richard Broome only to residents and Jonathan of North Carolina Small play and has a maximum a round of Scrabble. of 320 campers each summer; its additional programs benefit an estimated 1,000 individuals and their family members throughout the year.

Sara’s journey at Camp Royall began during her time as a student at Campbell University, initially joining as a counselor while navigating her psychology major. “I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do, and the summer before my senior year, I found Camp Royall,” Sara says. “I fell in love immediately – the way [the camp] celebrates differences, makes space for everyone and honors the uniqueness of each individual. As the director now, creating this space brings me great joy and pride.”

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Campers enjoy typical activities like swimming, arts and crafts, hiking, hayrides and boating. During the summer, Camp Royall offers both overnight and day camps. Year-round programs include family fun days, family camping, mini camps, adult retreats and “Teen Tuesday,” a monthly social group for teenagers.

The camp provides cabins with traditional bunks as well as private rooms for campers who need the accommodation. All cabins are airconditioned and equipped with full baths, a washer and a dryer. On-site facilities include a dining hall, gym, activity center, pool, boating pond, soccer field, campfire circle, zipline, playground, climbing wall, hiking trails and a sensory room.

Kris Sykes, a hair designer at Eric Michaels Salon in Pittsboro, recalls her initial skepticism when a teacher recommended Camp Royall for her son, Asher Sykes, when he was 5 or 6 years old.

“I was like, ‘yeah, I don’t think so,’” Kris says. Despite Asher being nonverbal and never far from her side, she decided to give the camp a try. “He had a great time!

It was hard, because when I was leaving, he started crying, and of course, I started crying.” By the time she picked Asher up at the end of the day, Kris was surprised to find how much he had enjoyed it. “I 56

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was just blown away at how everyone was just so loving and kind and accepting. He loves it. Now, we arrive and he is out of the car in 30 seconds – just gone.”

Kris says it was challenging when Asher, now 15, was first diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. “I didn’t even let him stay with my family because his behaviors were very hard to deal with, especially when he was young. I was just nervous,” Kris admits. “His behaviors are much better now. For him to be somewhere where he can just be himself, I cannot even put it into words how comforting that is as a mother – knowing he’s accepted and loved without judgment at camp.”

Kris, Asher and their family live near Camp Royall and appreciate having its many resources practically in their backyard. “In a world that can be really mean, this camp is like a hidden secret.

We live in one of the best autism resource areas in the United States.” CM

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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summer

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

camp guide 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, pickle-making, games, an entrepreneur club and even an “escape room.” 2024 camps offer more animal time, climatecontrolled play areas and a newly expanded egg production barn. Campers may also sign up for the kids vet club each week.

Ages 3-13; Counselor-in-training program available for ages 14 and older Dates June 17-Aug. 23 Price $270-$495 per week 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 joy 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 Visit website for details.

Price Visit website for details.

ARTSCAMP AT THE ARTSCENTER 400 Roberson St., Carrboro 919-929-2787, ext. 3; 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.

Grades Rising K-9 Dates June 17-Aug. 16 Price Visit website for details.

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 10-Aug. 10. Frequency and times vary.

Price Varies. Call or visit website for details.

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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 10-Aug. 16; 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; taught by members of the seven-time national champion and 12-time world champion team.

Ages 5-18 Dates Visit website.

Prices Visit website.

CAMP CURIOSITY 4512 Pope Rd., Chapel Hill 919-220-4529, ext. 405; summercamp.lifeandscience.org This camp at the Montessori Community School provides learning experiences with opportunities for outdoor play, connection between camp groups and elective activities.

Ages Pre-K – 5 Dates June 17-Aug. 2 Price Visit website for details.

CAMP EXPLORE/CAMP SHELANU 1937 W. Cornwallis Rd., Durham jewishforgood.org Express yourself through visual and performing arts, foster teamwork and leadership skills through sports, promote wildlife and nature conservation, and delve into the fascinating world of STEM at Camp Shelanu. Rooted in Jewish values such as giving, kindness and repairing the world, Camp Shelanu offers a nurturing environment where campers can learn about Jewish culture and traditions without religious instruction.

Ages K-8 Dates June 10-Aug. 23 Price $275-$335 for members; $305-$370 for nonmembers CAMP PHOENIX AT UNIFY GYMNASTICS 2309 Sparger Rd., Durham 919-797-2004; hello@unify-athletics.com; unify-athletics.com Offers one-week camp with varying weekly themes, virtue studies, nature time, arts and plenty of gymnastics! The camp strives for inclusivity and tries its best to accommodate individuals with social/behavioral, cognitive or physical conditions that may require some extra attention.

Grades Pre-K – rising 7 Dates Weeks of June 10, June 17, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, Aug. 5, Aug. 12, Aug. 19; Camps run 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday with full-day and half-day options available. Individuals may add on early care (8-9 a.m.) and/or aftercare (4.-5 p.m.)

Price Varies. Call or visit website for details. 

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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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 June 10-June 28; July 1-July 12; July 15-Aug. 2. Open house June 8, 1-4:30 p.m.

Price Visit website for details.

CAMPERS IN LEADERSHIP TRAINING 1720 Clearwater Lake Rd., Chapel Hill, and 980 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill 919-442-9622; ymcatriangle.org This camp is a leadership development program for teens held at both Camp Clearwater and Chapel Hill Y Day Camp. Your teen can gain leadership experience and serve as a role model for younger campers while assisting counselors and staff with summer camp activities.

Ages 13-15 Dates June 17-Aug. 9 Price Visit website for details.

CAROLINA FRIENDS SCHOOL 4809 Friends School Rd., Durham 984-316-0123; cfsnc.org/summer Weekly courses in subject areas such as leadership, theater, outdoor adventures, cooking, weaving, sports, Legos, comic design, Minecraft, fashion design, “Harry Potter” and more.

Ages 4-18 Dates June 17-Aug. 9; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; extended care available from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Price $365-$400/week

BEAT THE H JOIN CTC FOR ANY OF

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 17-July 31 Price Elementary and middle school camps $350; high school camp $200. Before and aftercare available for additional cost.

CENTER THEATER COMPANY 300-G E. Main St., Carrboro centertheatercompany.com Beat the heat by joining CTC for any of its imaginative summer theater programs!

Take center stage and explore the wonderful world of live theater in a safe and inspiring environment.

Ages 6-16 Dates Varies, visit website for details.

Price Varies, visit website for details.

CHAPEL HILL TENNIS CLUB 403 Westbrook Dr., Carrboro 919-929-5248; chapelhilltennisclub.com Weekly tennis camps provide kids with a mix of tennis and non-tennis activities that are structured for different ages and abilities.

Ages 5-14 Dates Visit website for details.

Price Visit website for details.

EAT! AMS!

MER THEATER PROGR

OUR IMAGINATIVE SUM

Youth Clay Exploration Classes Take Center Stage & Explore The Wonderful World Of Live Theater In A Safe & Inspiring Environment!

centertheatercompany.com 300 G-East Main St. Carrboro, NC Visit Our Website For More Information On How To Get Involved!

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(For Ages 9 - 16)

This 4 week class will introduce youths to the workings of clay. Students will begin with hand building techniques and move on to wheel throwing and finishing.

See Our Website For More Information:

clayworxstudios.com

CHAPEL HILL Y DAY CAMP 980 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill 919-452-4191; ymcatriangle.org Kids will connect with new friends, discover new passions and make memories that will last a lifetime. Through sports, swimming, crafts and fun games, the counselors teach lessons like caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Campers looking for a fun summer filled with adventure will find it at Chapel Hill Y Day Camp.

Ages 5-14 (rising grades K-8) Dates June 17-Aug. 9, Aug. 19-23 Price Visit website for details.

CODE WIZ CODING & ROBOTICS CAMPS 7001 Fayetteville Rd., Ste. 133, Durham 984-234-5603; thecodewiz/com/durham-nc Children 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-August Price Call or visit website for details.

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.

Ages 10-13 Dates Visit website for details. Registration required, sign up online.

Price Visit website for details.

DUKE PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM Campus Box 90700, Durham 919-684-6259; learnmore.duke.edu/precollege/all-programs Duke Pre-College provides advanced academic opportunities and an introduction to the college experience through cutting-edge curriculum, technology beyond the average classroom and connections with transcendent peers from around the world and influential professionals in their future field. Summer 2024 features residential, commuter and online options as well as programs at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, North Carolina.

Grades 6-11 Dates June and July options Price Call or visit website for details.

DUKE SCHOOL 3716 Erwin Rd., Durham 919-287-2194; dukeschool.org More than 70 camps available, including theater, Lego, cooking, outdoor adventures, sports, arts and crafts, music, technology, coding, makers, community service, preschool camps and more!

Ages 4-15 Dates June 17-Aug. 2, 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 Since 1982, the school has utilized 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 DA 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. 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 10-Aug. 9 Price Starting at $405 per week 

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• Highly trained staff and the most up-to-date technology • Offering Damon Braces and Invisalign • Invisalign Platinum Provider for children, teens, and adults

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DURHAM ARTS COUNCIL 120 Morris St., 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 kindergarteners through age 13. Campers have the opportunity to participate in clay, drawing, painting, dance, theater and music classes, plus teen intensives for ages 13-17.

Ages Rising K-17 Dates June 10-Aug. 23 Price Call for inquiry. Scholarships available.

DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS – CAMP 4 RISING K Camp location TBA 919-560-9488; dpsnc.net/afterschool This rising kindergarten 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.

Grades Rising K students (must be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2023) Dates June 17-Aug. 2; closed July 4 and 5 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; 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 STEAM activities. Campers are placed in age-appropriate groups as they participate in weekly academic and STEAM-related 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 1-6 Dates June 17-Aug. 2; closed July 4 and 5 Price Visit website for details.

EMERSON WALDORF SCHOOL 6211 New Jericho Rd., Chapel Hill 919-967-1858; emersonwaldorf.org Activities include art, cooking, skateboarding, outdoor exploration, dance, sports, farming, fiber arts, basketball, practical living skills and more.

Counselor-in-training program also available.

Ages 4-15 Dates June 17-July 26; 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; extended care available Price $240-$400/week GOLDEN BELT ARTS Courtney Potter Studio at Golden Belt Arts, 800 S. Taylor St., Durham 314-803-5842; courtney-potter.com All art camps are held indoors in the classroom space at Golden Belt Arts with a maximum of 12 students per camp. Each week’s theme varies, including, but not limited to, abstract painting, photography, drawing, mixed media art and collaborative art. Campers enjoy a vibrant, urban environment with access to Golden Belt’s outdoor campus and restaurants like Cugino Forno, Yaya Tea and 19FiftyOne. Grades K-8 Dates June 17-21, June 24-28, July 1-5, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-Aug. 2, Aug. 5-9, Aug. 12-16, Aug. 19-23. Each week is half-day from 9 a.m.-noon. Aftercare until 2 p.m. is available by request.

Price $195/week. Financial aid available!

GREGG MUSEUM OF ART & DESIGN SUMMER ART PROGRAM 1903 Hillsborough St., Raleigh 919-515-3503; gregg.arts.ncsu.edu The museum is launching its first-ever summer program series for elementary school children in the Triangle. Programs and activities will be offered that focus on learning about artwork through the exhibitions. Sessions will be tailored to specific age groups, and children can participate in hands-on art projects while learning about different artists and types of art. Registration is required before attending each program, and parent/guardian supervision is required for the duration of the session.

Grades K-5 Dates June 4-July 30 Price Free, but space is limited per session.

HILL LEARNING CENTER 3200 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-489-7464; hillcenter.org/summer Academic summer program providing individualized instruction in reading, writing and math for children with learning differences.

Grades Rising 1-8 Dates June 24-July 26 (closed July 4-5); Two session options (8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m. daily) Price $3,225

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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 multi-age setting.

Ages 3-5 Dates June 17-July 26 with half- and full-day options. Half- and full-day camps (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.)

Price Camp details and prices will be available on the website in February 2024.

Early drop-off and late pickup available for an additional fee.

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 for details.

Price $545-$1,895 KIDS COOKING CAMP WITH CHEF ARLENA AND THE CHILDREN’S CULINARY INSTITUTE Briar Chapel Community Center, 1600 Briar Chapel Pkwy., Chapel Hill ccichefarlena.com Each weeklong session will have a fun theme with cooking, crafts and games.

Ages 5-18 Dates Visit website for details.

Price Visit website for details.

KIDSPLEX SUMMER CAMP AT THE ORANGE COUNTY SPORTSPLEX 101 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough 919-644-0339 ext. 228; oc-sportsplex.com/summer-camp KidsPlex camps are all about being engaged in a safe, fun and nurturing environment in addition to making new friends along the way.

Camps include ice skating, swimming, indoor/outdoor play, sports activities, arts & crafts and so much more!

Ages Varies depending on the camp.

Dates Daily and weekly options from June to August Price Varies depending on the camp.

KIDZU CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill 919-933-1455; kidzuchildrensmuseum.org Join Kidzu for a summer filled with creative exploration, tinkering and making!

There's an exciting lineup of 11 camp weeks, including the popular Robots & Rockets and Around the World camps.

Ages 4-8 Dates Weekly camps starting June 10; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Drop-off begins at 9 a.m. while pickup ends at 3:30 p.m.

Price $385 for nonmember. Members get 20% off.

LEARN TO FENCE! 610 N. Duke St., Durham 919-800-7886; forgefencing.com En garde! Fun and engaging camps with professional coaching staff.

Ages 7 and older Dates June 24-Aug. 16 Price $375-$425/week LUMINA THEATER 620 Market St., Chapel Hill 919-969-8049; carolinacinemas.com The theater runs a series of movies geared toward young children at a reasonable rate once a week for 10 weeks during the summer.

Ages All ages welcome Dates Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. from June 18-Aug. 20 Price Tickets are $2/person MONTESSORI DAY SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL SUMMER CAMP 1702 Legion Rd., Chapel Hill 919-929-3339; mdsch.org; admin@mdsch.org Campers will have a fun-filled summer with a chance to enjoy a variety of handson crafts and explore different activities.

Ages 3-8 Dates June 10-14, 17-21, 24-28; July 8-12, 15-19, 22-26; July 29-Aug. 2, Aug. 5-9; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Price $245/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 – rising grade 7 Dates June 10-Aug. 16 (closed July 1-5); half- and full-day camps Price Visit website for details.

Children’s Culinary Institute

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 Morehead Planetarium & Science Center.

Grades K-8 Dates June 10-Aug. 9 Price $187-$495. Morehead Family Plus members are offered a 10% discount and early registration.

Pittsboro

Weekly Classes

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, and its camp provides opportunities for 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 3-Aug. 16 Price Check website for details.

NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES SUMMER CAMPS 11 W. 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 this summer, where they will experience a range of creative, fun, interactive activities and adventures. Work alongside researchers and join staff for behind-the-scenes adventures in discovering what dinosaurs eat, coding your own video game, becoming a citizen scientist and more! Become a member to receive priority registration and discount.

Grades Rising K-12 Dates June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-Aug. 1, Aug. 5-9.

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 theater classes for ages 3 and older and summer camps for ages 7 and older.

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 Visit website for details.

Price Varies. Visit 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 through August 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.

SCHOOLHOUSE OF WONDER TRACK OUT AND SUMMER CAMPS 3520 Kangaroo Dr. #61777, Durham 919-477-2116; schoolhouseofwonder.org For 35 years, Schoolhouse of Wonder has created kind, curious and confident kids through nature-based, outdoor adventures. Every camp provides a unique environment of kindness, respect and learning. The outdoor day camps have different themes each season but are all inspired by the mission and underlying values. The award-winning camps offer a low camper-to-staff ratio that allows a sense of freedom while providing a nurturing environment.

Schoolhouse is a safe place where children from all walks of life are challenged and nurtured to become their best self.

Ages 4-17 Dates Full week and one-day camps are offered winter, spring and fall.

Summer season is May 28-Aug. 23. Summer registration opens Jan. 16 for Wake County; Jan. 17 for Orange and Durham counties Price $84-$469, varies by camp. See website for details.

SUMMER DANCE @ TRIANGLE YOUTH BALLET 1708 A/B E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 919-932-3676; triangleyouthballet.org Camps, classes and intensives for boys and girls.

Ages 3 through adult Dates June 10-Aug. 18 Price Varies by program; visit website for details. 

Clinics and Camps Off Track Options

Fun & Learning perfectly blended Empowering kids in the kitchen since 2010, Chef Arlena's main goal is a more knowledgable food future for us all.

Her curriculum incorporates math, science, history, self-reliance, reading, and so much more. She believes kitchen learning touches every aspect of life.

childrensculinaryinstitute.com

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

Registration, schedule, and more at

carolinasailingfoundation.org

A 501(c)3 Non-profit corporation

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the

kids issue

SUMMERSCAPE AT THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF RALEIGH 7005 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh 919-848-1545; msr.org 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. Registration opens in early March.

Ages 15 months – grade 8 Dates Weekly, June 11-Aug. 2; no camp offered the week of July 4. Early-bird care available for an additional fee.

Price Varies by camp. Visit website for details.

SUMMER SAILING CAMPS AT JORDAN LAKE Crosswinds Boating Center, 565 Farrington Rd., Apex info@carolinasailingfoundation.org; carolinasailingfoundation.org Beginner and intermediate classes taught by U.S. Sailing Certified instructors.

Classes fill fast, so register early. Have fun on the water this summer learning to sail!

Ages 9-16 Dates See website for schedules and online registration. Weeklong, full-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Price $385/week SUNRISE COMMUNITY FARM CENTER 6407 Millhouse Rd., Chapel Hill 919-968-8581; sunrisecommunityfarmcenter.com/summer-camp Campers learn partnership and teamwork by nurturing animals and feel rewarded with chances to partner with the horses, hop with the bunnies and learn the true meaning of “chicken.” Campers will experience creative ways of expressing themselves, such as acting, drawing, storytelling, music-making and more. Attendees can take full advantage of hiking, building forts and exploring nature’s playground!

Grades Rising K-8 Dates June 17-Aug. 23 Price $350/week for farm camp, $450/week for horse camp.

Scholarships available.

TEMPLE THEATRE 120 Carthage St., Sanford templeshows.org Temple Theatre is among the most respected youth drama programs in North Carolina. The Temple’s staff and professional guest artists provide instruction that promotes creativity, teamwork, discipline and self-confidence.

Ages 8-18 Dates June 3-Aug. 3 Price $450 for two-week conservatories; $250 for the one-week conservatory.

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 summer!

Grades Middle and high school students Dates June-July 2024 Price $375 for weeklong classes; $675 for two-week classes TIMBERNOOK AT BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER ANIMAL SANCTUARY 161 Sanctuary Ln., Chapel Hill 919-502-0070; beautifultogethersanctuary.com/timbernook Timbernook programs are authentic and research-based outdoor play experiences designed to inspire child-directed learning, encouraging children to think and play in new and creative ways.

Ages 7-12 Dates June 17-Aug. 2 Price $300 per camper, plus late/early drop-off fees 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. Counselor-in-training program for 13- to 15-year-olds.

Ages 4-15 Dates June 10-Aug. 2 Price Before March 1, $300/session; after March 1, $315/session TRINITY SCHOOL KIDS SUMMER CAMP 4011 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-402-8262; trinityschoolnc.org 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 1-6 Dates Weeklong full-day camps June 10-July 22 Price $75-$345

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THE WONDER LAB’S STEM SUMMER CAMP Family Preschool, 4907 Garrett Rd., Durham wonderlabdurham.com Jump into engaging, fun and age-appropriate STEM explorations including makerspace and art experiences, screen-free coding and robots, science experiments, building challenges and more!

Ages 3-7 Dates June 10-Aug. 5., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Price $240/week YMCA AT MEADOWMONT DAY CAMP 301 Old Barn Lane, Chapel Hill 984-260-7595; ymcatriangle.org YMCA traditional summer day camps are packed with activities, games and fun. Campers spend the day swimming, creating crafts and art, playing sports like kickball, pickup basketball and soccer, and playing games like gaga ball and capture the flag. Campers spend time inside and outside during the day depending on the weather and activity. Campers take two fun field trips each week and have swim time at the outdoor pool every day!

Ages 5-11 Dates June 17-Aug. 9 Price Visit website for details.

YMCA AT MEADOWMONT KINDERCAMP 301 Old Barn Lane, Chapel Hill 984-260-7595; ymcatriangle.org Kindercamp is a half-day summer day camp for the littlest campers. These halfday programs are a great introduction to the structure and rhythm of day camp.

Days are filled with songs, games, water play, circle time and crafts. The ratios are intentionally low so each camper can have plenty of one-on-one attention and care. All campers need to be fully potty-trained prior to the start of camp.

Ages 3-5 Dates June 17-Aug. 9; Five-day and three-day options are available.

Price Visit website for details.

YMCA CAMP CHEERIO 1430 Camp Cheerio Rd., Glade Valley 336-363-2604; 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 2-Aug. 16 Price $1,495-$3,190 YMCA CAMP CLEARWATER 1720 Clearwater Lake Rd., Chapel Hill 919-987-8845; campclearwater.com Camp Clearwater is camp just like you remember as a kid. Set on the backdrop of beautiful Clearwater Lake, campers get to experience outdoor activities and discover new hobbies surrounded by nature and new friends. From canoeing to archery, crafts to games, campers at Camp Clearwater will leave with full hearts and friends that last well past the last day of summer.

Ages 6-14 (rising grades 1-8) Dates June 17-Aug. 16 Price Visit website for details.

YMCA CAMP SEA GULL AND CAMP SEAFARER 218 Sea Gull Landing and 2744 Seafarer Rd., Arapahoe 252-249-1111 (Sea Gull), 252-249-1212 (Seafarer); seagull-seafarer.org YMCA Camp Sea Gull for boys and YMCA Camp Seafarer for girls are kindred, overnight camps located on the coast of North Carolina where campers spend one, two or four weeks learning new skills and growing in independence while having the time of their lives. Campers spend their summers earning ranks through learning how to sail, powerboat, water ski and swim, just to name a few of the many activities while building friendships that are sure to last a lifetime.

Spots are limited – sign up today!

Ages 6-16 Dates June-August Price Visit website for details.

YMCA CHEERIO ON THE NEW RIVER 754 Fox Knob Rd., Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 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 9-Aug. 10 Price $1,595 CM

Jump in on the Fun

BOUNCING BULLDOGS FUN + FOCUS + FRIENDS

Jump rope classes & camps for all ages For more information and to register, go to:

bouncingbulldogs.org | 919.493.7992

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H O M E

&

G A R D E N

design

rewind

FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR OWN HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS THIS YEAR WITH THESE IMPACTFUL INTERIORS AND OUTDOOR SPACES THAT LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON US IN 2023 PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Creative storage solutions, like the lidded banquette seating in this breakfast nook, are popular design choices for families.

This custom Pittsboro

home was designed by The Tuscan Group for a

busy family of six.

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HOME & GARDEN

French blue cabinets and a collection of vintage baskets add a charming touch at Lucky Bar Farm in Moncure,

proof that a little color and texture can go a long way to make a space feel more welcoming. 

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HOME & GARDEN

Wood tones, mix-andmatch appliances and fresh florals warm up the gray and stainless steel palette in this Legacy at Jordan Lake

open kitchen.

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HOME & GARDEN

Donna Thomas

Layered tones of gray, blue and white help visually define the open kitchen and dining area in the custom timber-frame home we featured in our holiday issue. 

Award-winning experience in Real Estate since 2007 Donna has helped hundreds of people buy and sell homes and land in Chatham and the surrounding areas for the past 10+ years. She’s also experienced in getting the right parcel or lot for their specific purposes and in new commercial investments in the area.

Donna is dedicated and hardworking and is thrilled to serve her clients, our neighbors, and the community every day. She is eager to help you with your real estate needs.

“Let me help you find your perfect spot in Chatham!”

ThomasD@hpw.com

919.428.8935 • DonnaThomas.HPW.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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HOME & GARDEN

Fresh Air Designs President Mary Kate Bedell shares her predictions for home design trends that will take center stage in 2024: Wellness “We will see more kitchen design focused on the wellness of the homeowners and the food they prepare,” Mary Kate says. New appliances can aid in a more healthful lifestyle, too; Mary Kate notes combi-steam ovens and refrigeration columns are popular choices.

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Sustainability “This is still a big client request, to design and install long-lasting materials so they will have a long life span, which includes less replacement,” Mary Kate says. When it comes to intentional waste solutions, she says her customers often want more options for recycling and composting in designs.

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

Quiet Luxury Making active spaces quieter continues to be on trend, including soft-close features for cabinet doors and drawers. “More appliance manufacturers are reducing their sones,” Mary Kate adds.

Sones are a measure of loudness that can be applied to household units like range hood fans, air conditioners and dishwashers.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

Kitchen Islands They’re here to stay.

“Islands are still on the top of most homeowners’ wish lists, if the space allows,” Mary Kate says. Islands are the center of the home, and with the advent of many built-in and underthe-counter appliances (think microwave and refrigerator drawers, steam ovens and trash compactors), there are endless possibilities for customizing an island.

Earthy hues provide a calming palette in this airy living space, helping to ground the high ceilings and providing a cohesive backdrop for a cozy collection of books, pillows and blankets. 

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HOME & GARDEN

There’s something about a wood-burning fireplace. This one feels extra inviting decked out for the holidays, but the impressive height makes it the focal point in any season. The

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custom concrete surround is the perfect blend of modern and rustic and includes a guillotine-style glass panel that can be lowered when not in use for a cleaner look.

every donation every purchase helps build homes

Donate. Shop. Volunteer.

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“They say the simpler the design, the harder it is,” says Debbie Domeck, owner of this modern one-story home off Lystra Road.

On the pool deck, a variety of seating in an all-white palette keeps the focus on the home’s striking linear architecture. 

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Not all retirement communities are the same.

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MORE COMMUNITY We are committed to inclusivity and diversity so you can grow amongst residents and staff from all walks of life M O R E P L AY I N G Art classes, lectures, golf and tennis – find your fun in our healthy, active community MORE LIVING Quality of life is paramount, from a home designed your way to a vibrant culture.

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HOME & GARDEN

Bright accessories, like towels and floats, are a quick and colorful way to cheer up a poolside deck like the one at Lucky Bar Farm. CM

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FLOORING YOU CAN TRUST Your Brand Headquarters and Total Flooring Resource

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brucescarpets.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

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R E A L E STATE & H OM E SE RV I C E S G A L L E RY

COMMERCIAL • HOMES • CONDOS • APARTMENTS

Award-winning experience in Real Estate since 2007

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Silk Hope

here we grow

401

again

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Siler City A COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT MAP, PLUS A CLOSER LOOK AT UPCOMING PROJECTS

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BY LEAH BERRY MAP BY LINDSAY SCOTT

Commercial and Residential Development Map WOLFSPEED’S JOHN PALMOUR MANUFACTURING CENTER FOR SILICON CARBIDE Location Siler City Size 445 acres Projected New Jobs 1,800 by 2030 Expected Completion Date Late 2024

Bear Creek

2 REEVES FARM Location West of Pittsboro between U.S. Highway 64 Business and Alston Chapel Road Size 360 acres Developer Edward Holmes Jr. Homes Planned Up to 1,500 single-family; townhomes; duplexes Home Sizes 500 to 4,500 square feet

VINEYARDS AT CHATHAM PARK Location 500 Vine Pkwy., Pittsboro Size 550+ lots Developer Preston Development Company Type Residential Homes Planned Cottages (sold-out); single-family; townhomes; paired villas ENCORE AT CHATHAM PARK Location 175 Prospect Pl., Pittsboro Developer David Weekley Homes Type Residential Homes Planned Boutique resort-style amenities exclusive to 55 and older Home Sizes 1,599 to 2,443 square feet 

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

CHATHAM PARK – NORTH VILLAGE Location East of Pittsboro, north of U.S. Highway 64 Size Approximately 3,000 acres Developer Preston Development Company Homes Planned Single family; townhomes; apartments; condos, 55 and older Home Sizes 828 to 3,500+ square feet Existing Amenities Paddles Swim & Pickleball Club, Knight Farm Community Park, Thales Academy, 79 West Coworking & Innovation Hub, Mosaic retail and restaurants Planned Amenities Village center, parks and trails, Chatham YMCA, UNC medical campus, elementary school, hotel ASTERIA BY DISNEY Location Along the Haw River between U.S. Highways 64 and 15-501 in Chatham Park Size 1,500 acres; 4,000+ units Developer Walt Disney Imagineering and DMB Development Homes Planned Single-family and multi-family homes; some sites designated for 55 and older CHATHAM PARK – SOUTH VILLAGE Location East of Pittsboro, South of U.S. Hwy. 64 Size Approximately 5,000 acres Developer Preston Development Company Homes Planned To be announced Planned Amenities Residential, parks, office, R&D space THE SUMMIT Location 60 Citori Ct., Pittsboro Size About 85 acres Developer Windjam Development Group LLC; builder is Sage Built; sales and marketing is Windjam Properties Home Sizes Average heated square footage is 6,100 square feet GRANVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD Location 2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro Size 52 acres Developer Fitch Creations Inc., based in Fearrington Village Homes Planned 42 single-family custom homes Home Sizes Individual homesites vary in size but will average about .8 acres Existing Amenities Granville’s amenities will include a walking path, wooded open space and will be part of an established community of more 2,000 residents; at its core is the village center with shops, restaurants, a spa, an inn, gardens and farm animals; plus access to the Gathering Place, the Swim & Croquet Club, Fearrington Cares and the dozens of clubs residents manage.

FLATIRON FOREST Location Northeast side of Hamlets Chapel Road, Pittsboro Size 42 acres Developer Windjam Development Group LLC Homes Planned 28 single-family homes on large lots NOBLE RESERVE Location Andrews Store Road Developer Bold Development Group Homes Planned Four 5- to 6-acre custom home lots

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KEY COMMERCIAL caption

RESIDENTIAL OPEN SANS BOLD MIXED-USE7/8

GALLANT RESERVE ON POYTHRESS DRIVE Location 586 Poythress Dr., Chapel Hill Developer Bold Development Group Homes Planned Five 2- to 3-acre custom home lots CHESTNUT CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD Location Off Jones Ferry Road; 7 miles to Franklin Street Developer The Tuscan Group Inc. Homes Planned 14 custom homes on large wooded and quiet lots (1.5 to 10 acres); eclectic mix of contemporary/transitional/modern farmhouse Home Sizes 2,200 to 5,000 square feet 501 LANDING Location 10329 U.S. Highway 15-501 N. Size 14,400 square feet Developer Bold Development Group Type Commercial Tenants Current tenants include Seeds of Wonder daycare and Mi’s Nail Spa WOMBLE FARM Location 11785 U.S. Highway 15-501 N. Size 59 acres Developer Catalyst Capital Partners Homes Planned 250 housing units Planned Amenties 15,000 square feet of commercial space 16 JORDAN RETREAT Location 1092 Jordan Dam Rd., Moncure Size 54 acres Developer Oak Crest Commercial LLC Homes Planned 32 homes Homes Sizes 4,000+ square feet Planned Amenities Land is across the road from 14 miles of walking and biking trails 17 VALIANT RESERVE Location Off Lystra Road, north of Fearrington Size A little more than 23 acres Developer Bold Development Group Homes Planned 19 one-acre custom lots 18 THE COMMONS AT GOVERNORS VILLAGE Location 50200 Governors Dr., Chapel Hill Size Two 1-story buildings and two 2-story buildings Developer Bold Development Group Planned Amenities Ample free parking for medical, office and retail.

19 ANFIELD ESTATES Location 4980 Beaver Creek Rd. Size 24 acres Developer Zadell Development, LLC Homes Planned 11 lots Home Sizes Minimum of 2,800 square feet for single-story homes and 3,200 square feet for twostory homes; lots average 2+ acres Planned Amenities Parcel is adjacent to the Jordan Lake Army Corp land and is only a couple of minutes away from the closest boat launch 20 VINFAST NORTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING PLANT Location Moncure Size 2.8M square feet across 1,977 acres Projected New Jobs 7,500 Expected Completion Date 2025 

WHY JOIN THE CHATHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE? MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS NETWORKING/CONNECTIONS • Business Before/After Hours • Annual Meetings • Chatham Development Briefing • Woman-Focused Events • Young Professional Group

MARKETING

• Ribbon cuttings and promotion of grand openings • Opportunity to Further Market Your Business Through Sponsorship Opportunities for Various Chamber Events, To Display Brochures or Business Cards in the Chamber Office

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT • Opportunity To Serve as a Chamber Ambassador

• Chatham Leadership To Educate You on Chatham County • Chatham Spark for Entrepreneur Leadership Development

CREDIBILITY

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

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

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

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

SAVING YOU MONEY

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

INCREASING YOUR KNOWLEDGE

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE! OFFICES IN PITTSBORO AND SILER CITY

919-742-3333 | 984-265-9172 | info@ccucc.net | ccucc.net 

• Lunch and Learns for You and Your Employees

• Resource for Information Regarding Policy Changes That Could Impact Business in the County • Public Policy Meetings With Key Leaders on the State and Local Level as Well as Leaders From Surrounding Counties

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Commercial Real Estate Update Real estate firm Catalyst Capital Partners of Charlotte has submitted an application with Chatham County to rezone roughly 59 acres at 11785 U.S. 15-501 North, from residential use to a mixed-use development, specifically apartments and 15,000 square feet of commercial space.

The project, known as “Womble Farm,” calls for 250 housing units, and Catalyst Capital Partners plans to invest $60 million in the project. Colleen Olszewski, Catalyst Capital Partners director of marketing and investor relations, says the group has plans to start construction as soon as permits are obtained. She also says that although plans are not finalized for the commercial section of the project, the company has expressed interest in a medical office use among others.

This is the latest mixed-use community potentially coming to Chatham County, the largest currently being Chatham Park.

Once a family dairy farm, the 500-acre Reeves Farm is slated to become a large, mixed-use community in Chatham County. The farm was recently rezoned to allow up to 1,500 housing units on the west side of Pittsboro between U.S. 64 Business and Alston Chapel Road. Smallscale developers plan to bring a mix of townhouses, duplexes and single-family homes, ranging from 500 square feet to 4,500 square feet, to the site. Around 7.5% of the units will be reserved for affordable housing. Developer Edward Holmes Jr., along with father-son business partners Buddy Keller and Carter Keller – both managing members of Sanfordbased Carolina Commercial Contractors – bought the farm for $19.6 million in December 2022. Edward believes the development will be an addition that balances the growth around town, acting as a “gateway into Pittsboro from the west side,” he says.

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$I.6B of new development was proposed in chatham county in 2023

The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to build a residential community in Chatham County. The 1,500-acre Asteria community is part of the company’s Storyliving by Disney brand and will include 4,000 single-family and multifamily residential units, with some home sites designated for adults ages 55 and older. Asteria, located in Chatham Park, a master-planned community built by Preston Development Company, will include acres of neighborhood parks, a clubhouse, wellness and recreation center, restaurant, community garden and trail system, and will have a focus on outdoor living and lifelong learning.

Disney Imagineers chose the community’s name to honor North Carolina’s natural beauty, as Asteria pays homage to the native North Carolina aster flower and is the namesake of the goddess Asteria. The community plans also include swimming pools and outdoor spaces for play, fire pits and events such as “family fun days” featuring Disney-themed activities and games. Home sales are anticipated to start in 2027, as the project is still in the initial phases of development.

Carolina Murugan Temple plans to begin

construction of their Moncure temple in 2024. According to the Temple, most approvals for Phase 1 have been secured, and the final approval is imminent. The Phase 1 construction plans include a 2,500-square-foot temporary temple, multi-acre eco-garden, walking trail to the riverfront and a 6-foot Murugan statue, an investment of $7 million. The temple is set to be located on the banks of the Deep River on the Chatham side of the Chatham County-Lee County line, at 272 First Road, Moncure. While the first phase of construction will include a 6-foot Murugan statue, the group still plans to eventually add the 155-foot monument, advertised on its website in 2019 as “the tallest statue of Lord Murugan in the world.” CM

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EXPERIENCE THE IN WAKE, DURHAM, ORANGE AND CHATHAM COUNTIES. t h e t r i a n g lew e e k e n d e r . co m

WEDDINGS

Kang & Kustka

BY LAUREN BADDOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA BROOKE, SAMBROOKE.COM

K

evin Kang and Emily Kustka both

attended Panther Creek High School in Cary, where mutual friends introduced them at a soccer game in 2017. Kevin attended NC State University after graduating, and Emily went to East Carolina University, but they reconnected over winter break in 2019 and went on their first date to Mellow Mushroom. The pair became inseparable throughout the next six months, as their COVID-19 lockdown “bubbles” consisted of only each other and their immediate families.

When travel restrictions finally lifted in 2022, the couple decided they were ready for a big trip to Iceland. On July 15, 2022, Kevin popped the question on a 3-mile hike through Stuðlagil Canyon.

The couple said their vows at The Bradford in New Hill on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, in hopes that the auspicious date will bring their marriage good luck.

Emily walked down the aisle to a custom piano adaptation of “I See the Light” from the movie “Tangled.” After the ceremony, the reception began with an outdoor cocktail hour catered by Rocky Top Catering and ended with a late-night snack of Bojangles biscuits, all effortlessly coordinated by Sweet SaraBelle Weddings.

“The day was everything we ever dreamed of,” Emily says.

The ceremony florals by Once Gathered were donated to the flower arranging club at Fearrington Village’s Galloway Ridge, where Emily works.

The newlyweds currently live in Durham. CM FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

87

WEDDINGS

Dilworth & Hight

BY KATIE SCHERNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE LANGSTON

M

atthew Dilworth met Holly Hight

while they were working at The Sanford Herald, and he immediately knew there was something special.

“She lit up the room,” he says. While the pair says it wasn’t exactly love at first sight, they know now it’s a forever love.

When the time came to propose, Matthew says he wanted to incorporate Holly’s love of ghost hunting in a “spooktacular” surprise. Matthew, Holly and some friends were set to explore a local haunted house where Matthew would pop the question, but Holly, unaware of his true intentions, kept putting off the exploration.

Matthew eventually couldn’t wait any longer, instead proposing on her birthday with her parents, R.V. Hight and Bunnie Hight, there to witness the happy moment.

Holly and Matthew, who have a mutually held appreciation of Scotland, tied the knot with a Scottish Christmas wedding theme at Forest Hall at Chatham Mills on Dec. 3, 2023. Florist and wedding planner Blossom Artistry Weddings helped bring the couple’s vision to life. The venue was decorated in festive fashion with greenery, bows and family tartan patterns, and Christmas cheer and carols filled the hall.

Matthew says the day was special because the pair could “celebrate our love with friends and family.” Holly says she was anxious at the end of the night, unsure if everyone had enjoyed themselves, when her 4-year-old niece and flower girl shouted out, “Aunt Holly!

I had a great time!” as she walked out the door. “Melted my heart,” Holly says.

Holly and Matthew live in Sanford, North Carolina. CM

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Trust your heart to the experts

February is heart month, and at UNC Health Chatham, we’re passionate about your heart health.

Join us in celebrating this month by taking care of your heart. Our trusted team of cardiologists are here to provide comprehensive care, from screenings to advanced treatments. Let us help you make this heart month the start of a lifetime of hearthealthy habits. Schedule your appointment today and show your heart some love.

Learn more: chathamhospital.org/cardiac-services