Seen
Heard KnB’S Marketplace JONATHAN FREDIN
won the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Christmas Storefront decorating contest. KnB’s window displays change seasonally, with the help and creativity of the many vendors inside. Owner Kim Draper, left, says, “We represent all things vintage with 40 different vendors. Our beautiful windows change with the seasons and all things are for sale. Thank everyone for our votes.” KnB’s Marketplace celebrates 15 years in business on Raleigh Street in July.
The field at Ting Stadium
will be named Dick Sears Field in honor of retired Holly Springs Mayor Dick Sears, who served the town in office for 20 years. Ting Stadium, sponsored by Ting Internet, is home to the Holly Springs Salamanders collegiate summer baseball team. It also is used for Wake Futbol Club soccer and Town leagues and other events. Sears also received the Old North State Award presented by Governor Cooper, recognizing “dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the Great State of North Carolina.”
JAMES PATRICK FLANAGAN is the new director of community experience for Tri Pointe Homes Raleigh. Flanagan oversees the recruitment, training and development of the sales, marketing, design, and closing services departments. Flanagan has over 16 years of experience in the real estate market and has called Raleigh home for the past 19 years.
Western Governors University
64 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022
JONATHAN FREDIN
The town of Holly Springs
earned a Bronze designation from the solar power organization SolSmart for its efforts to aid homes and businesses with implementing solar power. In pursuit of the designation, the town created a solar webpage and a solar permitting checklist, reviewed town ordinances and regulations, and obtained specialized training for staff. The SolSmart program is funded through the U.S. Department of Energy. It provides assistance aimed at helping towns enhance opportunities for solar energy generation. Holly Springs joins more than 400 communities nationwide in the program.
held its first in-person commencement in over a year and a half in November. Among the more than 1,000 graduates in attendance was Karen Kochies from Fuquay-Varina, who received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education. Since WGU’s last virtual commencement ceremony in August, more than 11,000 students have completed their degree programs nationwide. More than 5,600 WGU alumni live in North Carolina. Designed for working adults, WGU offers an asynchronous, competency-based model that allows students to log in and access coursework at a time convenient for them, and to accelerate at their own pace.
