SEEN & HEARD

KnB’S Marketplace

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.

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.

The town of Holly Springs earned a Bronze des-

ignation 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.

JONATHAN FREDIN

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.”

Western Governors University

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.

Dawn Russell,

Downtown Development Manager, received certification as a Historic Real Estate Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council. This training provides professionals working in the field of historic preservation and economic, housing and community development with essential skills and knowledge in historic real estate development finance, including problem solving and deal structuring.

Fuquay Spice & Tea, owned

by Fuquay-area native Rachel Sauls (middle), is open on Broad Street in the downtown Varina district, selling spices, loose leaf teas, oils, vinegars and local goods.

THE HOLLY SPRINGS POLICE–COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP

held its first meeting in January. The group will serve as liaisons between the Police Department and residents of Holly Springs, encouraging discourse regarding neighborhood concerns, local and regional crime trends, and police training and standards.

Seen Heard

The Yield

life science campus, developed by Crescent Communities, has entered phase one of construction in Holly Springs. The plans include a 200acre campus with 13 buildings, developed in two phases with more than 1 million square feet of lab, office and manufacturing space.

“We are experiencing a high volume of requests from more life science companies who would like to locate within Holly Springs,” says Irena Krstanovic, Holly Springs Economic Development Director. “Crescent Communities understands the specific manufacturing needs that these life science companies are looking for, and the Yield campus will create the perfect environment to grow this industry in Holly Springs.”

A day of service

was held in Holly Springs in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. in January. Volunteers assembled care packages and thank-you cards for healthcare workers and assisted with installation of three horseshoe pits and a Gaga ball pit at Womble Park, hosted by Holly springs Parks & Recreation.

Pura Vida Studio

celebrated its three-year anniversary with an aerial dance show at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center in January. Founded by Alicia Jurado, Pura Vida is located in Cary and offers aerial yoga, yoga and physical and mental wellness programs.

The Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association

presented its annual awards in December at the town board meeting. Congratulations to the honorees —

Downtown Property Improvement

Award: McGahey Design and Red Line Engineering

Downtown Business of the Year:

Vicious Fishes Taproom and Kitchen

Community Impact Award:

Scott Quilty

Volunteer of the Year Award:

Jebb Graff

New Century Award:

Ann Marie Amico

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