NOTED. WHAT AN HONOR Chatham County Board of Education
Chairman Gary L. Leonard recognized and thanked 64 retiring employees (above) on June 10 for their service to Chatham County Schools. Norma Boone, the executive director for teacher induction and Title II at Chatham County Schools, emceed the event, and Jennifer Baker, in charge of benefits and workers’ compensation for the school system, sang “At Last.” On June 28, the Chatham County announced award winners of individuals and groups who played a significant role in responding to COVID-19. The entire staff of the Chatham County Public Health Department was named 2021 Employee of the Year, recognizing more than 60 individuals. The Chatham County Board of Health
Community Emergency Response Team
was awarded the 2021 Partnership of the Year for its pivotal role in the response to the pandemic, controlling traffic and logistics at vaccination clinics. LET US KNOW WHAT YOU'VE HEARD! EMAIL NOTED@CHATHAMMAGAZINENC.COM 10
CHATHAM MAGAZINE
WHAT WE’VE HEARD AROUND OUR TOWNS ...
Former county finance director Vicki McConnell
was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor in the state, which was presented by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on June 21. Chatham County Commissioner Mike Dasher gave Vicki the plaque, which recognizes “persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments,” according to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society. Vicki retired in February 2021 after 45 years of service. The dental hygiene program at Central Carolina Community College was recognized as the best dental hygiene program in North Carolina, according
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021
Compiled by Tajahn Wilson
to nursingprocess.org, an online guide to nursing and health care education. “Not only was this year an outstanding success despite the challenges, it was heartwarming to see and feel such continuous positivism beneath our many layers of [personal protective equipment],” says Danielle Bruner, CCCC dental hygiene clinical coordinator. “It is an honor to see our students flourish in 2021 and to continue this remarkable work of the heart.” Chatham Animal Rescue & Education
held its Pet-Casso contest, a fundraiser to support the rescue and to showcase local canine and feline artistry, this summer. Smidge Myers (left) won the competition with her paw painting titled, “Beach Vacation.” Smidge was adopted from CARE two years ago. Her artwork will be displayed in Liquidambar Gallery and Gifts in Pittsboro