Chatham News & Record Vol. 9, Issue 10

Housing manufacturer

eyeing Siler City plant

Housing component

manufacturer Innovative Construction Group is planning a manufacturing facility in Siler City that would see a capital investment of just under $40 million, with the possible creation of more than 150 jobs over the next ve years.

The Florida-based company is in the nal stages of evaluating a potential purchase of 46 acres at the Chatham-Siler City Advanced Manufacturing Site, also home to Wolfspeed’s future silicon carbide plant.

As part of the development, the North Carolina Railroad Company will spend $200,000 to create a new rail spur to the site, connected to the Norfolk Southern Railway, handling some 75 rail cars per year.

Chatham seeks new Board of Health members

Chatham County has four vacancies on its 11-member Board of Health, with spots reserved for a physician, nurse, optometrist and a member of the public, and they must be Chatham County residents.

Professional applicants must hold a current license to practice in North Carolina. Interested parties should submit their application by Friday, May 9, at 5 p.m. on chathamcountync.gov.

The Board will review applications and make a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. Candidates will serve a three-year term with up to two additional terms possible.

Former Congressman McMillan dead at 91

Former Congressman John B. McMillian died last month at age 91. McMillan, CEO of Harris-Teeter, ran for Congress in 1984, winning his seat by just 321 votes. He had 50 years of experience representing clients in courtrooms and at the NC General Assembly as a lobbyist. He was also a former president of the NC State Bar.

He served on a litany of statewide boards and was instrumental in the planning and construction of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences building, the Nature Research Center and the State Bar Building.

Letter recognizing Rodney Barker, lead custodian at Bennett Elementary. the BRIEF

Protesters raise Palestinian ag on UNC agpole

The provocation follows early morning arrests at the Chapel Hill ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’

By Jordan Golson and A.P. Dillon Chatham News & Record

MIDDAY ON Tuesday, a confrontation between police and protesters at UNC Chapel Hill was broadcast live on national news networks CNN and Fox News, with objects being thrown at o cers who were protecting a agpole at the center of Polk Place.

Police had rushed into the center of the protests after an enormous American ag ying on a campus ag pole was lowered and replaced with a Palestinian Flag, according to press reports and a post on X from Students for Justice in Palestine, a student group at UNC Chapel Hill.

Previously, in a pre-dawn operation on Tuesday, law enforcement agencies detained 30 individuals participating in the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” at Polk Place on the UNC Chapel Hill campus.

The encampment lasted around three days and the ar-

Chatham Schools tout music, STEM programs

“He often lls in as a father gure for those students that might not have that special someone in their lives.”

30-year vet Rodney Barker recognized for his service

By Robert Owens For Chatham News & Record

CHATHAM COUNTY was cited by the NAMM Foundation as one of America’s Best Communities for Music Education, an award revealed at the Chatham County Schools April 15 board meeting.

The award acknowledges schools and districts with a commitment to and support of music education, and this is the 6th consecutive year Chatham has received the designation.

“We are excited that we were honored with the best communities for music education once again this is our sixth year in a row and this year there were only two districts in the state of North Carolina and we were one of those,” said Amanda Moran, assistant superintendent for academic services & instructional support. Some 1,000 schools and districts are recognized every year.

Robotics and computer science programs at CCS also got a shout out during the meeting, with Superintendent Anthony Jackson telling the board about a visit to the school by a mobile STEM lab.

“We had Betabox, a gaming and technology company with a lot of arti cial intelligence and interactive robotics, bring their mobile lab down to our OneAcademy and our students were allowed to spend time with that,” said Jackson.

CCS educators and sta were also recognized by the board, with Kirsten Berger of Seaforth High School named the Excellence and Opportunity Champion for April. Berger is advisor to the Black Student Union at Seaforth, which has become more visible under her tutelage. “Coach K”

rests followed a warning issued by Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and Provost Chris Clemens at 5:37 a.m., urging the demonstrators to disperse or face consequences.

Only six of the 30 detained were arrested, according to a report from The Daily Tar Heel, the student newspaper at UNC Chapel Hill. All were later released.

The operation began around 7 a.m. and involved multiple agencies such as the UNC Chapel Hill Campus Police, the Orange County Sheri ’s O ce and North Carolina State Highway Patrol o cers. Reports

from the scene claim o cers from the N.C. State University, UNC Wilmington, and Appalachian State University were also present.

University o cials had previously informed protesters the encampment’s tents were in violation of school policies. Those arrested have allegedly been taken to the Orange County Detention Center for processing.

UNC Students for Justice in Palestine organized the protest as a means to pressure the university to sever nancial ties with companies tied to Israel.

In a statement, Roberts and Clemens emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of students, faculty, sta , and campus visitors, particularly with quickly approaching nal exams and graduation ceremonies.

“This group has now made it clear they will no longer even consider our requests to abide

proposal

By Robert Owens For Chatham News & Record

MONCURE Fire Chief

Robert Shi made a plea for a new training facility at the Chatham County Commissioners April 15 meeting.

The department, which contracts with the county to provide re, rescue and emergency medical services across 86 square miles in Moncure and surrounding areas.

“We are sort of the main community organization in Moncure there is really no other quasi-public entity excluding the school,” Shi said. “We’re kind of the very heart of the community. … most of our re ghters are from Moncure, from the community they live in.”

The district, which is funded by a special re tax, is projected to get “massive growth” Shi said, and noted that an increased need for re services will arise before the money arrives.

“We do the best we can with the amount of money that we get to work with. We feel that we punch above our weight by trying to get creative,” Shi told the commissioners, em-

phasizing the need for safety equipment and, particularly, a new training center. Shi asked commissioners to allocate $600,000 of funding from the coal ash fund towards construction of a new training facility to help prepare for “high risk, low-frequency events.”

“Some of the most challenging incidents we respond to are things that don’t happen often. We need to have that muscle memory,” he explained. “Training facility credit is worth 14 times as much as classroom training” when it comes to determining the ISO rating for the district, which is what helps determine property insurance rates.

“Maintaining or lowering our permit rating directly translates into saving money for the citizens in our district,” he said. Currently, it’s prohibitive to get it is pro -

Chatham commissioners vote to move forward on

THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

MAKIYA SEMINERA / AP PHOTO

Students work on assignments and listen to organizers as they sit inside the encampment protest in Polk Place at UNC Chapel Hill on Monday.

, from page A1

was praised for the strong relationships she builds with students and for providing a safe and understanding space while helping them succeed.

Rodney Barker, lead custodian at Bennett Elementary School and thirty-year Chatham Schools vet, was awarded April’s Power of One award — a citation the school board gives out monthly to a sta member within the district.

“He often lls in as a father gure for those students that might not have that special someone in their lives,” read a portion of his nomination letter. “He is a very special part of Bennett School.” Barker attended Bennett as a child, and students at the school invented a “Dress like Mr. Rodney Day” in his honor.

“For the students, Mr. Rodney stops to speak and interact, and for many is an adult they trust to keep them safe and always show kindness. He is patient and soft-spoken, but also quick witted and a friend to all. As a student and an employee with many years of service to CCS, he exempli es the mission of “One Chatham,” a second nomination letter read.

Chapel Hill council focuses on a ordable housing

Various housing items were approved in April council meetings

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record

THE TOWN of Chapel Hill

Council met twice for regular meetings in April, with a ordable housing being at the forefront.

A zoning application was approved for a new 48-unit, 55+ age-restricted, a ordable housing unit called Longleaf Trace on the 1700-block of Legion Road.

“This is a great project,” said council member Karen Stegman. “It’s great to have great partnerships like this just come to us and o er 100% a ordable developments. When we talk about a complete community and what meets our goals, a core tenant of a complete community is access, availability and having a place for everyone. This is a very important part of our equity and a ordability goal.”

The council also held a public forum on the use of 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant Funds.

“We are midway through

“When we talk about a complete community and what meets our goals, a core tenant of a complete community is access, availability and having a place for everyone.”

Council member Karen Stegman

the planning process for 2025 CDBG funding,” said a ordable housing manager Emily Holt. “CDBG is a program administered by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. It was set up by Congress in 1974 for the purposes of providing decent a ordable housing, creating suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunity. The Town of Chapel Hill is designated as what is called an entitlement community which means it receives an annual allocation of CDBG funds directly from HUD.”

According to Holt, all projects approved and funded as part of the CDBG annual action plan must address either bene tting

low or moderate income households, aiding in the prevention or elimination of slum or blight or meeting an urgent need.

The current 2024-25 CDBG budget is $426,563 and the funding will be distributed to six applicants: Community Home Trust Homebuyer Subsidy, Rebuilding Together of the Triangle Home Repairs, Neighborhood Revitalization, Transplanting Traditions Community Farm Microenterprise Development, Town’s Summer Youth Employment Program and Inter-Faith Council Homeless Case Management.

A vote on the nal funding plan is projected to take place in June.

The council also approved an A ordable Housing Funding Plan, allocating $1.67 million to develop 66 new a ordable units and preserve 10 units of existing a ordable housing in the community.

The organizations that will be working with the town on the plan include Community Home Trust, EmPOWERment, Habitat for Humanity, Residential Services Inc. and Taft-Mills Group.

The Chapel Hill Town Council will next meet May 1.

May 4

May 5

Pittsboro

Come

and enjoy a bit of Pittsboro’s downtown charm. This familyfriendly event is free to attend. Artisans, non-pro ts, and local businesses will be out and about as you enjoy some sweet treats, food trucks, and vendors selling art, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, soaps, pottery, and more.

May 6

Bilingual Family Story Time

10:30 – 11 a.m.

Families are invited to join us in the Lakritz Story Time Room for a bilingual story time in Spanish and English. Hear stories, sing songs, and more! Story time is geared toward children who have not yet entered kindergarten (ages 2-5), but anyone is welcome to join in on the fun! For more information, contact Youth Services via email at youth.services@ chathamlibraries.org.

May 9

Pittsboro Farmers Market

3 – 6 p.m.

Pittsboro Farmers Market is open year-round with select items from within a 50-mile radius of the market. open Thu, 3pm-6pm under the solar panels at The Plant. The product-only market features baked goods, eggs, owers, honey, jams/jellies, soaps, plants, poultry, and other meats. Vendors include Celebrity Dairy, Fiddlehead Farm, In Good Heart Farm, and Vortex Roasters.

May 10

Wren Drop-in Computer & Tech Assistance

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Do you have a computer or technology question? Need to learn how to create an email account, download an app, or use library eBooks? Visit Wren Memorial Library for one-onone assistance on the second Wednesday of each month, any time between 10:30 am and 12:00 pm. No registration required. (If you have

SCHOOLS

Spring Chicken festival returns to Siler City

A chickin’ pickin’ good time

Chatham News & Record

THE 2024 North Carolina Spring Chicken Festival will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Downtown Siler City.

Sponsored by Mountaire Farms, Inc., the festival promises a day lled with live musical performances, thrilling attractions, and delectable food options.

Headlining the main stage is Jordan Pickett, a local country music artist from Silk Hope. Pickett, a CCMA award-winning singer and songwriter, will perform from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In 2023, he won the CCMA “Michael Comer Emerging New Artist” award, and along with his band, was nominated for Entertainer of the Year. Pickett’s accolades also include the 2021 CCMA Christian Country Single of the Year for “Cowboys of Faith” and the 2020 CCMA “Country Young Artist of the Year” award. Following Pickett’s performance, Ben Suggs from Southern DJ’s will take the stage for the remainder of the event.

Festival-goers can look for-

April 21

ward to an array of attractions, including a ferris wheel, camel Slide, and jitterbug swing Ride, all located along East Second Street and free for everyone to enjoy. The annual “Chickin’ Pickin’” event, hosted by Mountaire Farms, will take place at 1:15 p.m.

In addition to the entertainment and rides, the festival will feature a variety of vendors offering arts & crafts, handmade

• Alejandro Banda Solorzano, 39, of Pittsboro, was arrested for assault on a female. He was held on a 48-hour domestic violence hold.

• Juan Carlos Garcia, 26, of Siler City, was arrested for violation of pretrial release, domestic violence protective order violation and felony stalking. He was issued a $100,000 secured bond.

April 22

• Sasha Dominque Marsh, 21, of 9 Moncure, was arrested for simple assault. She was issued a written promise to appear.

• Jennifer Parks Johnson, 48, of Goldston, was arrested for resisting a public officer, simple possession schedule-VI controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to display registration plate, and driving while license revoked/not impaired. She was issued an $8,000 secured bond.

April 24

• Jackie Ray Caudle, 52, of Goldston, was arrested for assault on firefighter or medical personnel with a firearm. He was issued a written promise to appear.

• Rancelt Refugio Angeles Viveros, 31, of Siler City, was arrested for driving while impaired. He was issued a $7,500 secured bond.

goods, informational booths, and other items for sale.

Additional information, including site maps, can be found on the town website at silercity. org or at the Facebook page for the festival.

The Town of Siler City expresses its gratitude for the support and sponsorship provided by Mountaire Farms for the 2024 Spring Chicken Festival.

• Olivia Halman, 33, of Apex, was arrested for breaking & entering, larceny after breaking & entering, and second-degree trespassing. She was issued a written promise to appear in Orange County District Court.

April 25

• Ashley Jean Brewer, 32, of Pittsboro, was arrested for obtaining property under false pretenses and financial card theft. She was issued a written promise to appear.

April 26

• Eric Lynn Pendergrass, 57, of Bear Creek, was arrested for felony conspiracy, second degree arson and burning certain buildings. He was issued a $10,000 secured bond.

• Uriah Corynn Foxx, 25, of Siler City, was arrested for failure to appear. She was issued a $1,000 secured bond.

April 28

• Dylan Bryant Fleming, 29, of Siler City, was arrested for possessing a weapon of mass destruction, child abuse, driving while impaired, DWLR not impaired revoked, reckless driving wanton disregard, expired registration, operating a vehicle with no insurance, and failing to secure a passenger under 16. He was issued a $15,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on May 13.

REVIVAL AT EMMAUS BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday,

A thank you from SonShine & Blessings

A great big THANK YOU to the Lord and to all those who helped to make SonShine & Blessings’ (SS&B) and Pittsboro United Methodist Church’s (PUMC) joint pancake breakfast fundraiser a great success! Thank you to John Wilson and PUMC for joining forces with SS&B to hold the pancake breakfast which was held on Saturday, April 13th. It has been 5 years since we were able to have our annual (and only) fundraiser due to COVID and other circumstances. We are grateful for the opportunity to have it once again!

Thank you to all the many volunteers, some of whom I know and some I don’t, for sacri cing your time, energy and sleep to make the event possible.

Thank you to all who came and supported our event nancially, enjoyed the delicious pancakes, bacon, etc., the music, slide show, and fellowship.

Thank you to my students, past and present, and a few other musicians who treated us with some live background music.

Thank you to John & Heather Wilson, Kevin Rose, Bob Johnston, Randy & Lisa Van Buren, Debbie Cosentino, Mary Hummel, Kelly Jennings, and my husband, Michael Frank, for months of meeting, planning, and hard work to get everything in place. This would not have been possible without you! And thank you, Bob Wachs, for a wonderful article in the paper, once again, sharing SS&B, PUMC, and Brightest Light with our community.

There are many people who worked at the event and others that attended the event that I didn’t get to speak to. Please know I and SS&B appreciate all of you! You helped to support SS&B so we in turn can help those in our community!

God bless you all!

Joyce B. Frank SonShine & Blessings sonshineandblessings.com

PROTESTORS, from page A1

by University policies and have ended our attempts at constructive dialogue,” Roberts and Clemens’ said in a statement. “We must consider the safety of all of our students, faculty and sta , as well as visitors to this campus. Our students are preparing for nal exams and end-of-year activities, including graduation, and we will continue to promote an educational environment where they can do so safely and without disruption.”

The statement also says those who refused to comply with the university’s directive faced potential arrest, suspension, or expulsion. Reports indicate that more than two dozen individuals were arrested, with at least one person sustaining injuries during the arrests.

Columbia University in New York City remains the most visi-

TRAINING, from page A1

hibitive to get that kind of training as much as is needed due to the distance and scheduling of other facilities. The training facility Shi proposed would be built out of shipping containers, with signi cant cost savings over a purpose-built building.

ble encampment, with university faculty going so far as to link arms to protect protesters. But the movement, which generally includes requests for universities to divest from any company doing business with Israel, has spread to schools around the country with varying amounts of permissiveness and consequences.

Police moved in quickly to disperse protesters at University of Texas at Austin, while USC cancelled its main graduation ceremony. North Carolina schools have been somewhat quieter, at least compared to the activities at Columbia, which have drawn the attention of members of Congress, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), who spoke at the school last week.

It is not yet clear what consequences or charges those arrested at UNC Chapel Hill will face.

The department would also be able to partner with CCCC to teach public safety classes at the facility, with Shi emphasizing the multi-purpose uses and overall bang-for-the-buck it would deliver. The board voted unanimously to move forward and have a contract proposal brought before the board at a future meeting.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Flowers at a time like this

Mistakes cannot be avoided but rather should be embraced as a means of learning.

In the beginning of my career in pastoral care, I received training in so-called cultural competency. This was in an urban hospital that served people with a variety of religious backgrounds. My education was supposed to keep an eager yet foolish chaplain, such as myself, from sticking his foot in his mouth while attempting to minister to a Hindu patient or a Jehovah’s Witness family.

But though well-intentioned, there is such a diversity among individuals within a religious tradition that it is truly impossible to become “competent” if, by that word, we mean to attain a level of mastery. This is not only true in multicultural settings. There is such great diversity among Christians that I cannot pretend to know what someone believes, even in my own tradition.

Chaplains now learn about cultural humility. Anna Kornbluh’s recent book “Immediacy” understands the di erence: “If we want to know what other people think, we have to ask them and misunderstand.” Notice that knowledge is gained not only by curiosity (“we have to ask them”) but also through our errors. Misunderstandings are going to happen; mistakes cannot be avoided but rather should be embraced as a means of learning. True humility is an eagerness to learn.

I’m thinking about Hanif Abdurraqib’s poem “How Can Black People Write About Flowers at a Time Like This,” which was prompted by the writer overhearing this very question from a fellow audience member at

COLUMN | JAN HUTTON

Cheap therapy in the ‘hood

This walker is being hauled along by a leashed schnauzer, the dog having already zeroed in on me as public enemy #1.

Dragging myself out for a morning walk. Trying to appease my (very) reluctant body by telling myself the walk need not be more than 15 minutes. Oh wait, isn’t that a twinge of sciatica? Should I go? (My inner hypochondriac has an intense work ethic, putting in considerable overtime.) As I continue to bicker with myself, I’m interrupted, thank heavens, by the appearance of another walker.

This walker is being hauled along by a leashed schnauzer, the dog having already zeroed in on me as public enemy #1. The nerve! To be walking on her side of the street! Frenzied barking and frantic pulling of the leash ensue. The embarrassed walker leans down, trying to have a pacifying conversation with the noisy pup. The owner’s desperate attempts at calming bounce right o , like Te on.

Suddenly, my “intervention” light went on. I raised both my arms high above my head, as in the old TV westerns, and said “I give up,” smiling while doing so. Somehow, some way, this gesture seemed to serve as a magic wand, sprinkling fairy dust on a tense situation. The walker smiled at me, and for whatever reason, the barking schnauzer decided I was chopped liver and began sni ng the nearby grass (probably a prime pee spot for other 4-leggeds.) We, three, parted as friendly neighbors.

Soon, I heard a rhythmic pounding on the pavement

another Black poet’s public reading. To Abdurraqib’s credit, the arrogant question didn’t make him angry so much as curious. The audience member assumed that certain things are inconsequential in a crisis. But what might we learn from a ower that, as Abdurraqib put it, “can arrive beautiful and then slowly die right before our eyes?” A starting place of humility can expand to ideas and insights in numerous directions, like the many petals arcing from the same bud.

Eddie Glaude Jr. recently diagnosed “the profound crisis” in America as “the sense that common purpose and public good has been thrown into the trash bin as we huddle in our silos.” It strikes me that a silo is surrounding myself with people who think just me, and that we might pat ourselves on the back for having the right answer.

Humility shares a root word with humus, the stu of soil that makes owers grow beautiful. I also wonder if, in the trash bin or, better yet, the compost pile, we might engage with di erent ideas, traditions and worldviews in order to discover an unlikely owering right in our midst, even at such a time as this. This is less about being “right” as it is a willingness to get our hands into the mix.

Andrew Taylor-Troutman is pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church as well as a writer, pizza maker, co ee drinker and student of joy.

behind me and turned around to look. It was my neighbor, Steve, and his chocolate lab. I had no idea why, but Steve hoisted a balloon (red) attached to a string in one hand, and his leash in the other. Whooshing by me, he raised his leash hand to give a wave and a slightly outof-breath, “Howdy.” For those who remember your Winnie the Pooh, “Nobody can be uncheered by a balloon” springs to mind and I’m suddenly, smiling broadly, to the point where my jaws hurt, but a good hurt.

Continuing to toddle along in this rising Southern humidity. Whew! Several neighbors, in cars, pass me with quick, but energetic waves. It’s hard not to feel perked up by something so simple as being seen and acknowledged. A sweet high.

OMG, my home is in sight! Checked my walking timer only to discover that I’d been walking for 30 minutes, not 15. No sciatic twinges (Ms. Hypochondriac, are you paying serious attention?)

What can I say? I love neighborhood cheap therapy! It doesn’t take a world-changing event to be lifted emotionally. In most cases, ordinary, everyday events, swathed in a bit of kindness, acknowledgment, or gentle humor, are a tonic for me and my inner hypochondriac. Hey, open your door and step outside…

Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.

COLUMN

Do like one-time ‘Bama coach said to do

It’s not Mother’s Day just yet but it’s close and I’m thinking about mine. And I wish I could call — or see — her.

THE LATE PAUL “Bear” Bryant was famous for a number of things.

His University of Alabama Crimson Tide football teams made a habit for years of beating up on about every school they played. He was famous for the hound’stooth hat he wore come rain or shine. And a story went around for awhile that after he died, his widow moved to Chapel Hill so she could get as far away from big-time college football as she could.

But in his later years, he was famous for something else — a television commercial for AT&T or BellSouth or Bonlee Telephone or some other communication giant, most of which are now swallowed up by some conglomerate or another in the mad belief that bigger is better and if you’re bigger you can invent and sell a telephone that also takes pictures, peels potatoes, blows your nose and plays mumbly-peg without a knife all while making a call to the wrong number but letting you leave a message, text or pint of blood all at the same time.

As I remember, the commercial ended showing the Legend in his hat and Crimson sweater staring at the camera and holding a telephone out toward it with the somewhat gru command, “Call your mama.” It was, of course, a play to use the phone to call ones mother and, again as I remember, it ran somewhere before, during and after Mother’s Day.

It’s not Mother’s Day just yet but it’s close and I’m thinking about mine. And I wish I could call — or see — her.

She’s been gone for more than 20 years. She’d be 106 if she were still around, other than in my heart and mind, although in her later years she swore (not literally) that she was born in 1917 and not in 1918. Whatever it was, she was always there … until she wasn’t.

My rst recollection of her was somewhere around my fourth or fth year. The reason I know this is because we were still living in Apex and at that time it was still a railroad town. Hearing the wail of the train whistles is as far back as my memory can go and we moved from there around 1953 so I did the math and gured I must have been four or ve.

The years after we moved to Pittsboro have now turned into a blur but I know my mama was always there. She read me Bible stories and washed my clothes in the old wringer washer in the basement and soothed my hurt hand and feelings after I stuck my ngers through the rollers one day despite her repeated daily warnings not to do that.

She made the cakes and pies I consumed in large quantities, those very same treats that helped me create the pear-shaped physique I enjoy today. She gave me dimes to go to Sam White’s store to buy Milky Ways that we shared and when there were no cakes or pies or dimes she poured Grandma’s unsulphered molasses into cold milk for our dessert.

She helped me learn about family. She had a couple of dozen brothers and sisters, or so it seemed. I remember going from house to house in Bynum, where most of them lived, on Sundays and wherever we were at suppertime is where we ate. Sometimes that meant adding a cup of water to the soup but we never went hungry and we learned who we were and who our kin was.

She stayed home with me when I had the mumps and measles and u. When that latter illness struck she’d put me into her big bed, pile up pillows, turn on her beside radio, bring in my comic books and feed — and pamper — me back to health. Truth be told, that was a time when I didn’t mind being sick.

Funny now that I think about it but she never did take in many of the school athletic events I was in. One reason was there weren’t that many and by the time I turned 16 and could drive, at least legally, I decided sports wasn’t going to be my ticket to success nearly as much as a job at Dave Roberts’s soda shop or Dan McCrimmon’s drug store. But, as I remember, she took in the band and glee club things I did and always had, shall we say, a keen interest in my report cards.

Later as we both aged, we had a few “discussions” from time to time, mainly about my life and choices. When some conversations grew louder than others, my dad would pull out his harmonica and perform a rousing rendition of “There’s No Place Like Home.” I never knew if he was suing for peace or trying to be funny.

She loved to ask me how much money I was making on the current job and I’d always ask her why she wanted to know. “I don’t want any of it,” she’d reply, “but there’s nobody who has your welfare at heart any more than I do.”

I didn’t always live close to her geographically but always did in my heart. After a few years here and there bouncing around such exotic places as Asheboro and Apex (again) and the south-central Virginia village of Meherrin, I wound up close by her. That gave me the opportunity to sort of look after her in her later years, sort of like she looked after me. Sometimes I’d watch her sleep in her nursing home bed, all small and bent as she was then, and wonder how many times she’d watched over me just like that.

She made it ve years after leaving her house and owers and cats. I’d see her about eight days a week. The last time we spoke she was bedridden. I stayed awhile on a Sunday, then had to leave. As I got close to her ear so she could hear I said, “Mama, I’ve got to go but I love you and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay,” she said, and then added some memorable words when she said, “and if you see Bob tell him to come see me.”

“I will, Mama. If I see that sorry rascal I’ll tell him to get over here and see you.”

Today, I have her purse just like she handed it to me that day years ago. I don’t know what to do with it. I can’t throw it away. It’s got her wallet, maybe $35 or $40. But it’s got more than the money. There are the pictures of my dad, her children and daughters-in-law and their children and the notes about the high temperature and what she needed at the Piggly Wiggly.

I’d much rather have her than that.

And if you still have your mama, don’t wait until Mother’s Day. Do like Bear Bryant says: Pick up the phone; call your mama.

Better yet, if she’s close by go see her. Now.

Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.

Focused on the issues impacting you

President Biden could x this crisis today the same way he created it: with a stroke of a pen.

IT WAS SO GREAT to be back home during the recent district work period and hear from folks about the issues most important to them and their families. As I traveled around, I heard story after story of how the current situation in our country has negatively impacted people’s lives. From higher living expenses to illegal criminals and drugs coming across our border, communities in our region and across our country are facing real challenges. Whether it’s food, rent, electricity, or even car insurance, just about everything has gotten more expensive since President Biden took o ce. Right now, North Carolinians are paying over $990 more a month because of skyrocketing in ation, caused by Biden and the Democrats’ out-ofcontrol spending.

Our communities are also being impacted by President Biden’s failed open border and amnesty policies. More deadly drugs, especially fentanyl, are being smuggled across our border and into our country, putting our safety and security at risk. Recently, a man in Lee County was busted tra cking enough fentanyl to kill 250,000 people, enough to kill everyone in Lee County three times over.

President Biden could x this crisis today

the same way he created it: with a stroke of a pen. But he refuses to act. Meanwhile, House Republicans passed a bill over nine months ago to secure our border and keep our communities safe.

As a member of the Health Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I often hear from seniors and those in rural communities like ours struggling with long travel times to and from doctor appointments or lack of regular access to transportation. However, we saw during the pandemic how telehealth services make it easier for folks to get the care they need in a faster and more e cient way.

The Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing last week to address ways we can support patients’ access to telehealth so they can continue to bene t from these services. While expanding access to telehealth is critically important, I’m also focused on making sure proper protections are in place to ensure the best patient outcomes and high-quality care.

As Congress prepares for another busy week ahead, rest assured I’ll continue ghting for the best interests of our region.

Richard Hudson represents the 9th Congressional District.

Justice delayed is justice denied

JUSTICE SAMUEL Alito thinks presidents are kings and must be protected against those who would disrupt their peaceful retirement.

What planet is he living on?

In his questioning on Thursday in the Trump immunity case, he made perfectly clear whose side he was on.

“If an incumbent who loses a very close, hotly contested election knows that a real possibility after leaving o ce is not that the president is going to be able to go o into a peaceful retirement, but that the president may be criminally prosecuted by a bitter political opponent, will that not lead us into a cycle that destabilizes the functioning of our country as a democracy?”

That is exactly what did NOT happen.

An incumbent lost a close, hotly contested race and he did not go o into a peaceful retirement. Instead, the embittered loser brought one failed lawsuit after another trying to overturn the election, and when that didn’t work, he resorted to fake electors, pressuring state o cials, trying to subvert the democratic process and fomenting a riot.

Oh, yes, and delaying a trial that could and should cost him the election in the hopes that he will win the election and order that the charges against him be dropped or preemptively pardon himself.

Talk about destabilizing the functioning of our country as a democracy.

Alito sounded like a man ready to recognize a king who is above the law.

Even if he can’t nd ve votes for the absolute immunity Trump came asking for, from the sound of things on Thursday, he’ll come close enough. The chances that Trump will actually stand trial before the election seemed to be slipping away as the conservative Trump majority got into the weeds of what kind of quali ed immunity would adequately protect a felonious former president from a threat that has never happened, as opposed to protecting our democracy from the conspiracy that did.

What Trump has been playing for — his best defense — has always been delay. Justice delayed is justice denied, especially if you can delay long enough to pardon yourself and make a mockery of the whole e ort to hold him accountable. In Clinton v. Jones in 1997, the Supreme Court unanimously held that a sitting president could be sued for alleged sexual harassment.

“The president is subject to judicial process in appropriate circumstances,” Justice John Paul Stevens wrote for the court, adding, “We have never suggested that the president, or any other o cial, has an immunity that extends beyond the scope of any action taken in an o cial capacity.”

But what about actions taken in an o cial capacity? And when we’re talking about felonious actions, what counts as o cial actions and what counts as the actions of a candidate? As the conservatives droned on about the lines that must be drawn, and what the jury could and could not be told about o cial actions in an “integrated conspiracy,” you could hear the chances of a speedy trial slipping away. Will the court draw these lines itself in dueling opinions that will take months to write? Or will it ultimately send the task back to the trial court to do so in the rst instance and then to be appealed again?

Remember, it was Jack Smith who initially sought to have the Supreme Court preemptively decide these issues before the rst round of appeals from the trial judge’s ruling rejecting the absolute immunity claim urged by Trump. If the court thought these issues required a ruling for the ages, it could have heard them then. Instead, they sent it back to the appellate court to rule rst, and now they seem primed to ignore that ruling in favor of a timeconsuming trip through hypothetical weeds.

The rule of law has always been tinged by politics. But increasingly, this court appears not only tinged by politics but ruled by it. The justices’ questions suggested two di erent views of what is at stake. Public con dence in the court is at an all-time low. I would like nothing more than to be wrong about what the court is going to do. But I fear that the public is right to see this court in purely political terms, and this decision — ultimately, a decision to delay — may prove it so.

COLUMN | RICHARD HUDSON

obituaries

Benjamin Byron Oldham

Nov. 16th, 1929 –Apr. 28th, 2024

Mr. Benjamin Byron Oldham died Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the age of 94. The service will be at First Baptist Church, Siler City, Monday, May 6, at 3:00 pm. Visitation will be 1 hour before the service. Reverand Allen Admire will be presiding. Graveside will be family only.

Mr. Oldham was born November 16, 1929, to the late James M. and Blanche Marley Oldham.

Mr. Oldham retired from the US Postal Service after 44 years of service. He was a veteran of the Korean Con ict serving in Germany, followed by 14 years in the North Carolina National Guard with the rank of Captain.

He served in his church, First Baptist Church, Siler City as a Deacon, Usher, Sunday School Teacher in the Youth Department, and a member of the Transportation Committee.

Mr. Oldham belonged to Masonic Order #430 for 68 years. He served 10 years on the Siler City Planning Board and 3 years on SPDC of Chatham County. He was a past member of the Hickory Mountain Ri e and Pistol Club where he served as Treasurer for many years. In addition to his parents, Mr. Oldham is preceded in death by brothers: Marshall Oldham, Russell Oldham, Larry Oldham and GreatGranddaughter, Cora Grace Tew.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Nancy Clapp Oldham; Daughter, Pamela Oldham Tew of Stokesdale; Son, Benjamin Ray Oldham and wife, Colleen of Roanoke, VA; Grandchildren: Ashley Tew Bonser of Lynchburg, VA; Austin Tew and wife, Shelby Tew of Stokesdale; and Great-Granddaughters, Bree Madison Bonser and Braylen Jade Tew. Smith and Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Oldham family. Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

Crystal Dawn Butcher

Sept.21st, 1973 – April 27th, 2024

Our Sweet Lil’ Sissy, Crystal Dawn Butcher, age 50, of Pittsboro, went home to be with the Lord, after a 3-year battle with Alzheimer’s, Saturday, April 27th, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. She left behind a Mommy & Daddy who are devastated by the loss of their precious little baby. Crystal was born in Logan County, West Virginia on September 21st, 1973, to the late Russell Butcher, Jr., & Lydiafaye Hughes Butcher. She and her family moved to Pittsboro, North Carolina in 1986, which became her forever home. She is a 1994 Northwood

IN MEMORY

graduate & attended CCCC. Crystal loved the Lord. She devoted much of her life to her Bible studies, singing in church & doing volunteer work, including Meals on Wheels & the BackPack program. She loved spending time with her Daddy, going to church, singing in church, & saying grace for family gatherings. Some of Crystals favorite things to do were going on vacation to the beach & walking to the pier at night to get ice cream & going to the mountains & Dollywood with her sisters. She loved dancing, listening to music, being a TarHeel, going shopping & bowling, getting her hair done every Friday at The Salon, with her favorite stylist, Leigh, taking walks, a lot of them to the mailbox, going on long car rides (especially to McDonalds for a hot cheeseburger, fries & a vanilla ice cream or a cherry slushy). She loved the holidays & making birthday cards for her family, listening to Dolly Parton & Joyce Meyer. Crystal Dawn never met a stranger, she made a friend out of everyone and loved carrying on conversations, she always made sure to let everyone know, “God Loves You.” She is proceeded in death by her sister, April Faye Fogt, her brother, Ricky

MARJORIE ALICE SKOWRON EAGAN JULY 18TH, 1931 – APRIL 26TH, 2024

Marjorie Alice Skowron Eagan, age 92, of Pittsboro, died Friday, April 26, 2024, at Cambridge Hills Assisted Living. Marjorie was born in Mahoning County, Ohio on July 18, 1931, to the late Joseph Skowron and Stella Bush Skowron. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband Jess Eagan two brothers, Joe Skowron, Ronnie Skowron, and four sisters, Kay Zellers, Jean Eidam, Dot Biss, and Patty Skowron.

Surviving relatives include two daughters, Carol Crecelius of Chapel Hill, Amy Eagan of Chapel Hill, one granddaughter, Erin McMullen and husband Michael of Pittsboro, two greatgrandchildren, Cameran McMullen, Ellie McMullen, four brothers, Bill Skowron of Ohio, Bob Skowron and wife Judy of Florida, Tom Skowron and wife Kathy of Florida, Donnie Skowron and wife Debbie of Ohio, one sister, Glorida Carey and husband Roland of Maryland, two sisters in laws, Vilma Skowron and Denise Skowron, and many nieces and nephews who she loved along with all her pets, her families pets, and her close friend Sally Lenhart.

There are no services planned at this time.

CHRISTOPHER WOODFIN APRIL 19TH, 2024

Christopher Wood n, 64, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 19, 2024.

Chris spent three decades in corporate o cer positions in the health insurance industry in Chapel Hill and Chattanooga

Joe Butcher, nephew, Jackie Russell Davis, her Grandma Ruth & Aunt Harlena, and her boyfriend, Craig Brown. Surviving relatives include her mommy & daddy, Connie & Harlen Adkins, Jr., & siblings, Tara (Joey) Bass, Traci (Robert) McNeill, Jimmy (Debbie) Butcher & family, Debra (Ralph) Adkins & family, Sabrina (Butch) Varney & family, Joy (Paul) Cook & family, Rusty Butcher & family, Barbara Young & family, & Melissa Butcher & family. Nieces & nephews include Harlen & Hannah Fogt, Jacee (Dexter) Jarmon, Jacob & Savanna Bass, Stevenson (Alyssa) McNeill, Logan, Zander, & Bo McNeill & a host of family & friends. The family will forever be grateful to her friend & caregiver, Mandy Boone. Crystal loved all of her family, as she would say, “ALL MY HEART!!!” The family has chosen not have any services, but there will be a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of owers the family asks for memorial contributions to be made in Crystal’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Butcher/Adkins Family.

and served most recently as the CFO of Community Care of North Carolina. This followed twelve years with Ernst & Young serving clients in Nashville and Chattanooga. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 1981 with a B.A. in Accounting and from South Pittsburg High School in 1977.

Throughout his life, he served on several community boards including the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill and most recently as treasurer at Christ United Methodist Church.

Chris was a devoted husband, father, pops, and dog lover.

Chris had many passions. No matter the outlet, it was always rendered with boundless creativity and meticulous care. He was known for his photographer’s eye and wild imagination when crafting videos for family, friends, church, and work. He had a gift for storytelling that was exceptional and will be remembered most fondly through the toasts he wrote and delivered at his children’s weddings. They were among his nest creative works.

His lasting legacy will be the communities he fostered at work, church, and home. Chris’ nal visionary project was the creation of Camp Wood n in his backyard, complete with a zipline, replace, rope swing, and kids cabin for the enjoyment of his friends and loved ones.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Barbara Wood n; and his sister Julie Dawn Wood n. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Terry Wood n; his children, Chase (Hannah) Wood n and Chelsea (Jacob) Newbauer; granddaughter Beatrice Newbauer; brother Rob (Kimberly) Wood n, and sister Kathryn (Norman) Lipton; and several nieces and nephews.

The church’s 11-day General Conference, taking place in Charlotte, is the denomination’s rst legislative gathering since a special session in 2019.

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By Peter Smith The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — United Methodist delegates are heading into the homestretch of their rst legislative gathering in ve years — one that appears on track to make historic changes in lifting their church’s longstanding bans on same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy.

After a day o on Sunday, delegates to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, being held in Charlotte, resumed their work Monday and will meet all this week before wrapping up their 11-day session on Friday. They’ve already begun making historic changes: On Thursday, delegates overwhelmingly endorsed a policy shift that would restructure the worldwide denomination into regional conferences and give the U.S. region, for the rst time, the same right as international bodies to modify church rules to t local situations.

That measure — subject to local rati cation votes — is seen as a way the U.S. churches could have LGBTQ ordination and same-sex marriage while the more conservative overseas areas, particularly the large and fast-growing churches of Africa, could maintain those bans.

But whether that measure maintains church unity remains to be seen. The General Conference comes as the American portion of the United Methodist Church, long the nation’s third-largest denomination, has shrunk considerably. One-quarter of its U.S. churches left between 2019 and 2023 amid conservative dismay over the church’s failure to enforce its LGBTQ bans amid widespread de ance.

A proposal to overturn those bans is headed to the delegates this week, and progressives are optimistic that they have the votes to realize their long-held dream.

Bishop Karen Oliveto of the Mountain Sky Episcopal Area, the rst openly lesbian bishop ordained in the church, said the tenor of the current conference is positive.

“The delegates are listening to each other, learning from each other, really providing a foundation for the work this week,” she said. “There have been hard conversations, but again this tone that we’re in this together. And we have a witness to make to the world that’s uni ed even in the midst of cultural di erences.”

The denomination has debated homosexuality for more than half a century. Its Book of Dis-

cipline bans “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from the clergy and forbids clergy from presiding at same-sex marriages. It also forbids church funding of any advocacy for the “acceptance of homosexuality.”

But legislative committees last week overwhelmingly approved several proposals liberalizing the church’s stance on sexuality. They included one committee that voted 43-9 to overturn the ban on LGBTQ clergy.

The delegates will also vote on a new set of Social Principles — a wholesale revision of an existing set of nonbinding statements — which also received overwhelming committee approval last week. The new version omits the previous version’s declaration that homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching.” And it de nes marriage as a sacred covenant between “two people of faith,” without specifying gender.

Such changes could portend a further fragmentation of the international church. Delegates last week approved the departure of a small but notable part of the body — about 30 churches in Russia and other former Soviet countries, where conservative views on LGBTQ issues are strong.

Some are proposing that African and other churches be given the same chance that U.S. churches recently had to disafliate under favorable terms, including U.S. churches that missed the earlier deadline to do so, but a committee vote recommended against such measures. Opponents say they already have mechanisms to depart, as some have recently done, but proponents say existing rules are burdensome.

Jerry Kulah of the advocacy group Africa Initiative said that while it will be up to individual conferences in Africa to decide whether to stay or leave the denomination, he believes it’s time to leave.

“We cannot remain in this marriage,” he said. “We can’t be one church preaching di erent gospels.”

A large majority of African bishops, while a rming their opposition to LGBTQ ordination or marriage, have said in a joint statement they are committed to remaining in the United Methodist Church.

The denomination had until recently been the third largest in the United States, present in almost every county. But its 5.4 million U.S. membership in 2022 is expected to drop once the 2023 departures are factored in.

The denomination also counts 4.6 million members in other countries, mainly in Africa, though earlier estimates have been higher.

The church’s General Conference is taking place in Charlotte

MARK SCHIEFELBEIN / AP PHOTO

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Thurs. May 2 - 7:00am-6:00pm Fri. May 3 - 7:00am-6:00pm Sat. May 4 - 7:00am-1:00pm

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AUCTIONS

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HELP WANTED

FOOD SERVICES STAFF, Pittsboro Christian Village is accepting applications for Server, Pantry Cook, and Cook. Apply in person 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, at 1825 East St. in Pittsboro.

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TAKE NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

24 E 88 The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Betty J. Goodwin, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned at her address, P. O. Box 56, New Hill, North Carolina, 27562, on or before the 10th day of July, 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.

This 9th day of April, 2024. Patsy Goodwin Irving PO Box 56 New Hill, North Carolina 27562 GUNN & MESSICK, PLLC

P. O. Box 880 Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312 April 11, 18, 25, May 2

NOTICE

North Carolina Chatham County

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of MARY CAMPBELL ARRINGTON, deceased, late of 1100 Ben Smith Road, Siler City, NC 27344, Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the Estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Benjamin Spence Albright, Attorney at Law, 3157 Old Coleridge Road, Siler City, NC 27344 on or before the 14th day of July, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 11th day of April, 2024.

DAVID H. HOBSON Executor of the Estate of MARY CAMPBELL ARRINGTON Benjamin Spence Albright Attorney At Law 3157 Old Coleridge Road Siler City, NC 27344 (336) 824-4802

Publish: The Chatham News: 4X (4/11/24)(4/18/24) (4/25/24)(5/2/24)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

2024-E-000021 Having quali ed as co-Executors of the Estate of MARSHA W. BEIDLER, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 24th day of July, 2024, or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment.

This the 25th day of April, 2024. c/o Elinor J. Foy, Attorney for Eliana M. Perrin and Andrew Perrin, co-Executor of the Estate of Marsha W. Beidler Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton, LLP 4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

NOTICE

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against ALEXANDER THAYER DAVISON, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before July 11th, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 11th day of April 2024.

Jeana Glenn Davison Harrison, Executor

Estate of Alexander Thayer Davison c/o Roberson Law Firm 1829 E. Franklin St., Ste. 800C Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Run Dates: 4/11, 18, 25, 5/2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CHATHAM

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against EUGENIA C. MITCHELL, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are hereby noti ed to present them to Charles I. Mitchell, as Administrator of the decedent’s estate, on or before July 11, 2024, in care of the undersigned’s attorney, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the above-named Executor.

This the 11th day of April, 2024.

Charles I. Mitchell Executor of the Estate of Eugenia C. Mitchell

Steven W. Arrington, Esq. The Arrington Firm, P.C. P. O. Box 4753 Greensboro, NC 27404

(For Publication: April, 11, 18, 25 and May 2, 2024)

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed on the 23rd day of April, 2024, as Executrix of the Estate of Clarence E. White eld, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 2nd day of August, 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 2nd day of May, 2024

Anne W. Kennedy, Executrix of the Estate of Clarence E. White eld Post O ce Box 57579 Durham, North Carolina 27717

Julia G. Henry Kennon Craver, PLLC 4011 University Drive, Suite 300 Durham, North Carolina 27707

THE CHATHAM NEWS: 5/2/2024, 5/9/2024, 5/16/2024, and 5/23/2024

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Central Piedmont Community Action, Inc (CPCA) is opening its bid for HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing contractors in Anson, Chatham, Orange, and Richmond counties.

Bids will be received May 1, 2024, through June 14, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. RFP will also be available on our website through Sept. 15, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. If you are interested in becoming a contractor for Central Piedmont Community Action in any of our counties, please contact Cesar Carmona at (919) 742-2277, ext. 105, M - TH, 7 a. m. to 4 p. m. or via email at cesarc@cpcanc.org.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of BARBARA B. ELLIOTT aka BARBARA BULLOCK ELLIOTT (24E-000174), late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 14th day of July, 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 11th day of April 2024.

Rory Meacham Executor of the Estate of Barbara B. Elliott, aka Barbara Bullock Elliott c/o Lisa M. Schreiner

Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(For publication: 04/11, 04/18, 04/25, 05/02/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICE

Willow Oak Montessori IDEA – Part B (611) Grant Public Notice

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-

Part B, Public Law 108.446) Project is presently being amended. The Project describes the special education programs that Willow Oak Montessori School proposes for Federal funding for the 2024-2025 School Year. Interested persons are encouraged to review amendments to the Project and make comments concerning the implementation of special education under this Federal Program. All comments will be considered prior to submission of the amended Project to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh, North Carolina. The IDEA-Part B Project is open to the public for review and comments during the week of May 9, 2025 in the o ce of Allyssa McNeal located at 1476 Andrews Store Road Pittsboro, NC 27312 April 25, May 2, May 9

NOTICE OF EXECUTOR

TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

John A. McLendon, Jr., having quali ed as Executor for the Estate of John A. McLendon, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, at the address indicated below, on or before July 11, 2024 or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said estate should please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 11th day of April, 2024.

John A. Mclendon, Jr. Executor of the John A. Mclendon Estate Schell Bray PLLC P.O. Box 21847

Greensboro, NC 27420

Amy H. Kincaid SCHELL BRAY PLLC 230 North Elm Street, Suite 1000 Greensboro, NC 27401

For Publication: April 11, April 18, April 25 and May 2, 2024.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Probate #______________

All persons, rm and corporations having claims against Christine M. Staub, late of Chatham County, North Carolina are hereby noti ed to present them to Robert Staub, Jr., as Executor of the decedent’s estate in care of Kendall H. Page, Attorney, 210 N Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 on or before the 18th day of August 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the above named Executor.

Kendall H. Page 210 N Columbia Street Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Bar # 14261

Please run: 4/18/2024, 4/25/2024, 5/02/2024 & 5/09/2024

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of DAVID WILLIAM STELLHORN, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before July 1st, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Elizabeth J. A. Terzian, Executor 60A Hardin Circle Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF ELIZABETH FAHRION STEELE

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Elizabeth Fahrion Steele late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit them to The Glenmede Trust Company, N.A., and Gregory HermanGiddens as Co-Executors of the decedent’s estate on or July 25th, 2024, c/o Brittany N. Porter, Attorney at Law, 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Executor.

This the 25th day of April, 2024.

The Glenmede Trust Company, N.A. and Gregory Herman-Giddens, Co-Executors c/o Brittany N. Porter, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517

NOTICE

ALL PERSONS, rms, and corporations having claims against Anne Hazel Jones, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before July 11th, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 11th of April, 2024. Sarah Patricia Jones, Executor of the Estate of Anne Hazel Jones c/o Amanda Honea, Attorney, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 104, Raleigh, NC 27605.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#24E126

The undersigned, TERESA E. PHILLIPS, having quali ed on the 1ST day of APRIL, 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR CTA of the Estate of BETTY W. EMBRY, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 17TH Day of JULY, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 18TH Day of APRIL, 2024.

TERESA E. PHILLIPS, ADMINISTRATOR CTA

1282 HANKS CHAPEL RD. PITTSBORO, NC 27312

Run dates: A18,25,M2,9p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#2023E000626

The undersigned, BETTY HAMILL WARD, having quali ed on the 11TH day of APRIL, 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of CLIFFORD D. HAMILL, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 17TH Day of JULY, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 18TH Day of APRIL, 2024.

BETTY HAMILL WARD, ADMINISTRATOR 360 REDGATE ROAD PITTSBORO, NC 27312

Run dates: A18,25,M2,9p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#2024E000204

The undersigned, LEWIS FADELY, having quali ed on the 15TH day of APRIL, 2024, as ADNINISTRATOR of the Estate of CURTIS ALLEN LEE, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 31ST Day of JULY, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 2ND Day of MAY, 2024.

LEWIS FADELY, ATTY – ADMINISTRATOR 119 NORTH FIR AVE. SILER CITY, NC 27344

Run dates: M2,9,16,23p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#2024E000188

The undersigned, MICHAEL WILLIAM BRENNAN, having quali ed on the 8TH day of APRIL, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of GAIL D. BRENNAN, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 24TH Day of JULY, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 25TH Day of APRIL, 2024.

MICHAEL WILLIAM BRENNAN, EXECUTOR 270 PYRUS PITTSBORO, NC 27312

Run dates: A25,M2,9,16p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#24E193

The undersigned, JERRY J. HOSKING, having quali ed on the 10TH day of APRIL, 2024, as EXECUTRIX of the Estate of GEORGIA R. HOSKING, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 17TH Day of JULY, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 18TH Day of APRIL, 2024.

JERRY J. HOSKING, EXECUTRIX 206 MORNINGSIDE DR. CARRBORO, NC 27510

Run dates: A18,25,M2,9p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#24E200

The undersigned, DEBORAH TURRENTINE, having quali ed on the 11TH day of APRIL, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of KENNETH TURRENTINE, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 24TH Day of JULY, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 25TH Day of APRIL, 2024.

DEBORAH TURRENTINE, EXECUTOR 1804 GADE BRYANT RD MONCURE, NC 27559

Run dates: A25,M2,9,16p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#24E169

The undersigned ELIZABETH B. CROOM, having quali ed on the 26TH day of MARCH, 2024, as EXECUTRIX of the Estate of HENRIETTA BROWN CROOM, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 10TH Day of JULY, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 11TH Day of APRIL, 2024.

ELIZABETH B. CROOM, EXECUTRIX 4477 NC HWY.902 PITTSBORO, NC 27312

Run dates: A11,18,25,M2p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#2024E000197

The undersigned, DERRICK CURRIN HALL, having quali ed on the 11TH day of APRIL, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of NANCY H. WILKIE, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 17TH Day of JULY, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 18TH Day of APRIL, 2024.

DERRICK CURRIN HALL, EXECUTOR 2128 SILK HOPE LIBERTY RD. SILER CITY, NC 27344

Run dates: A18,25,M2,9p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#2024E000114

The undersigned, WILLARD STEVEN BRYANT, having quali ed on the 5TH day of APRIL, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of LULA SEYMOUR BRYANT, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 24TH Day of JULY, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 25TH Day of APRIL, 2024. WILLARD STEVEN BRYANT, EXECUTOR 303 HEARNE RD. PITTSBORO, NC 27312

Run dates: A25,M2,9,16p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#24E187

The undersigned WANDA WILLIAMS DREWERY, having quali ed on the 8TH day of APRIL, 2024, as EXECUTRIX of the Estate of STANLEY JAMES DREWERY, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 17TH Day of JULY, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 18TH Day of APRIL, 2024. WANDA WILLIAMS DREWERY, EXECUTRIX 8931 SILER CITY SNOW CAMP RD. SNOW CAMP, NC 27349

Run dates: A18,25,M2,9p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#2024E000152

The undersigned, DIENA THOMPSON BURTON, having quali ed on the 19TH day of MARCH, 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of VIRGINIA LUCILLE THOMPSON, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 10TH Day of JULY, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 11TH Day of APRIL, 2024. DIENA THOMPSON BURTON, ADMINISTRATOR 7300 LISERIN WOODS LN FUQUAY-VARINA, NC 27526 Run dates: A11,18,25,M2p

NOTICE

Pickle Festival brings ‘dill-lightful’ time to Mount Olive

Annual celebration attracts record crowds

By Ena Sellers Chatham News & Record

It was an exciting weekend for Mount Olive, as warmer weather and the love for everything pickles brought thousands of visitors to celebrate the annual North Carolina Pickle Festival, April 26 and 27.

The festivities kicked o Friday and continued through Saturday with carnival rides, live music, vendors, and a full schedule of non-stop entertainment.

Shoulder-to-shoulder crowds ooded the streets of downtown Mount Olive to enjoy the two-day event.

“It was an awesome crowd,“ said Lynn Williams, NC Pickle

Festival public relations manager about the event, which year after year continues to attract more crowds from all over the country.

“I do think this was a record year,” said Williams, explaining that despite planning for more people they still had way more attendance than anticipated. “We had three places for shuttles to pick up on campus and then three other shopping centers in town.

... We plan for more people every year and then we have way more people than we planned for.”

For Williams the best part of the festival is to see the excitement of the crowds.

“The pickle eating contest was de nitely the highlight of the day. It was an amazing crowd to watch and to [see] cheer people on,” said Williams about the yearly tradition, where 14 con-

NOTICE OF HEARINGS TOWN OF SILER CITY

The following item will be considered by the Siler City Planning Board as a legislative hearing. The hearing will be conducted during the Planning Board’s regular meeting on May 13, 2024, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Siler City Court Room of the Siler City Town Hall at 311 N. 2nd Ave.

Legislative Hearing

Comprehensive Land Use Plan – The Planning Board will review the proposed Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the Town of Siler City. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan is a document designed to guide the future actions of a community. It presents a vision for the future, with long-range goals and objective for all activities that a ect the local government.

The proposed item is available for review by contacting Jennifer C. Baptiste at jbaptiste@silercity.org or 919726-8626. All persons interested in the outcome of the item are invited to attend the legislative hearing and present comments, testimony, and exhibits on the above referenced item. These are separate hearings: Interested parties may submit evidence and written comments. Written comments or evidence on these applications can be submitted by email to jbaptiste@silercity.org. Individuals desiring to speak must sign up by calling 919-726-8626 before 12:00 p.m. on or before the scheduled public hearing date. The Town of Siler City will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled persons are provided other accommodations, such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing taped cassettes of materials for the blind, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact Kimberly Pickard at 919-726-8620, 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, North Carolina 27344, or kpickard@ silercity.org for accommodations for this request. Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Kimberly Pickard al kpickard@silercity. org o 919-726-8625 o en 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, North Carolina 27344 de alojamiento para esta solicitud.

LEGISLATIVE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

TOWN OF PITTSBORO, NC

On Monday, May 13, 2024, at 6:00 pm, the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners will hold the following legislative public hearings in person at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center at 1192 Hwy 64 Business West, Pittsboro: PB-24-116 – A legislative request by Robert Nakia Roberson, 581 Callies Haven Way, Moncure, NC, (Pittsboro ETJ) petitioning for a map amendment rezoning parcels 74500, 7454 and 7455 from their current classi cation, M-2 (Heavy Industrial) to RA (Rural Agricultural). The combined acreage is approximately 32.17 acres; 24 acres are zoned M-2, and 8.17 acres are currently zoned RA. The project is located at 285 and 581 Callies Haven Way. The owner and his family intend to continue to utilize the site property for a combination of residential and agricultural uses.

The Town of Pittsboro’s budget for FY 2024-2025 has been submitted to the Board of Commissioners and a copy is available for public inspection in the o ce of the Town Clerk, Town of Pittsboro Town Hall, 287 East Street, Suite 221, Pittsboro, NC. The Board of Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on the budget at 6:00pm, May 13, 2024, at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center, located at US Highway 64 West Business, Pittsboro, NC.

The hearing will be held in person. The public can also watch the hearing live on the Town’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@townofpittsboronc/ streams. Members of the public must attend in person if they wish to speak at the hearing. Contact the Town Clerk, Carrie Bailey, by 4 pm on May 13, 2024, with written comments or to sign up to speak at the legislative hearing. You can contact Carrie Bailey at cbailey@pittsboronc.gov, (919) 542-4621 ext. 1104, or PO Box 759, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

“The pickle eating contest was de nitely the highlight of the day. It was an amazing crowd to watch and to cheer people on.”

Lynn Williams, NC Pickle Festival public relations manager

testants have ve minutes to devour as many pickles as they can during the pickle eating contest.

Dylan Rinker, of Fair eld, Pa., won the male division trophy and $100, eating 13 pickles, and Vivian Redd, of Fayetteville was the female division champion

PUBLIC NOTICE CHATHAM COUNTY IS ANTICIPATING BEING AWARDED FEDERAL FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)/FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) UNDER THE EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER NATIONAL BOARD PROGRAM

Chatham County is anticipating receiving $28,310.00 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America; The Salvation Army and The United Way Worldwide. The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the county.

A Local Board made up of local representatives of the organizations listed above will determine how funds will be awarded to Chatham County and to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-pro ts or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. Applications are available only by email or mail. Please do not come by o ce for an application. For applications by mail: Call 336-763-6403 and request an EFSP application and leave your organization name and mailing address; or email your request to: jane.wrenn@uss.salvationarmy. org The deadline for applications to be received back is Friday, May 17, 2024 by 5:00 pm. Applications not completed in its entirety or received after the deadline will not be considered.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEAPart B, Public Law 108.446) Project is presently being amended. The Project describes the special education programs that Chatham Charter School proposes for Federal funding for the 2024-2025 School Year. Interested persons are encouraged to review amendments to the Project and make comments concerning the implementation of special education under this Federal Program. All comments will be considered prior to submission of the amended Project to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh, North Carolina. The IDEA-Part B Project is open to the public for review and comments during the days of May 16 through May 21, 2023, in the o ce of Julie Franklin, located at 2200 Hamp Stone Rd, Siler City, NC 27344. The school phone number is (919) 742-4550.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF TAMRA ELLEN STEFFEN

FILE NO: 2024 E 000137

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against Tamra Ellen Ste en a.k.a. Tamra Stout, deceased of Chatham County, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned Eugene Albert Ste en, Executor on or before September 12, 2024, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 2nd day of May 2024. Eugene Albert Ste en, Executor C/O Jones, Branz & Whitaker LLP, 4030 Wake Forest Rd., Ste. 300, Raleigh, NC 27609.

with 10 pickles.

This year the event had over 150 volunteers and 175 vendors, the most they ever had according to July Beck, NC Pickle Festival Chair.

Among some of the new features of this year was Ollie’s Costume Contest, which had crowds ‘awww-ing’ and cheering as participants approached the stage for Ollie Q. Cumber, the festival mascot, to do the judging.

“He’s the ultimate pickle costume, so we think it’s only tting that he judges the others,” said Williams.

“People put a lot of thought into their costumes.”

Also new this year was the Poetry Fox, and the Kazoobie Kazoo show where festival goers got free kazoos, danced and played along.

AVISO DE REUNIÓN PÚBLICA AUMENTO DE LA TARIFA DE CHATHAM TRANSIT

Por la presente se noti ca que Chatham Transit Network, un sistema de transporte público no urbanizado que recibe asistencia en virtud de las secciones 5311 y 5310 del título 49 del Código de los Estados Unidos de los programas federales de asistencia de tránsito y que también recibe fondos en virtud de los programas estatales de nanciación de tránsito del Departamento de Transporte de Carolina del Norte, propone aumentos de tarifas a partir del 1 de julio de 2024. Los aumentos de tarifas propuestos para el transporte público general rural dentro del condado son los siguientes:

Habrá una reunión pública para discutir los cambios, momento en el cual se escucharán y considerarán los comentarios públicos. La reunión pública se llevará a cabo el: 28 de mayo de 2024 a las 2:30 p. m. en Chatham Transit Network, 127 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Pittsboro NC 27312.

Habrá un período de comentarios de cinco (5) días antes de las reuniones. Durante el período, cualquier comentario puede hacerse por escrito a Anna Testerman, por correo electrónico a a.testerman@ chathamtransit.org o por escrito a: Chatham Transit, P.O. Box 1032, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Se pueden obtener copias de los cambios en la o cina del sistema de tránsito mencionada anteriormente entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:30 p.m., de lunes a viernes.

Cualquier persona que asista a las reuniones públicas y que requiera adaptaciones para el habla, la audición, el lenguaje u otra forma de comunicación debe noti car a Chatham Transit al 542-5136 al menos cinco (5) días antes de la reunión pública.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Tiana Gibson Ayotte a/k/a Tiana Michelle Ayotte, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before July 26, 2024 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

This 24th day of April, 2024. Matthew Philip Ayotte, Executor Estate of Tiana Gibson Ayotte a/k/a Tiana Michelle Ayotte 10002 Adirondack Way Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Publication dates: 4/25/24; 5/2/24, 5/9/24 and 5/16/24.

“We just had a lot of really special things going on this year,” said Williams, adding that the costume contest and the pickle eating were some of her favorite things.

“Both were just a lot of fun,” she said adding that she loves how participants engage in the activities and some even wear their costumes all day.

“It’s the spirit of the crowd,” said Williams. “So many of them are pickle lovers and they’re just here because they love pickles or they’re with their wife who loves pickles, but they don’t really. It’s really a wonderful crowd. They’re good natured and fun.” From live music and dance performances to car shows and helicopter rides, the North Carolina Pickle Festival had something for everyone.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE CHATHAM TRANSIT FARE INCREASE

Notice is hereby given that Chatham Transit Network, a non-urbanized public transportation system receiving assistance under 49 U.S.C Sections 5311 and 5310 of federal transit assistance programs and also receiving funding under the North Carolina Department of Transportation state transit funding programs,

May 28th, 2024 at 2:30pm at Chatham Transit Network, 127 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Pittsboro NC 27312.

There will be a ve (5) day comment period prior to the meetings. During the period, any comments can be made in writing to Anna Testerman,

and 4:30p.m., Monday – Friday.

Any person attending the public meetings who requires accommodation for speech, hearing, language or other form of communication must notify Chatham Transit at 542-5136 at least ve (5) days before the public meeting.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#2024E000179

The undersigned, LINDA I. VILL, having quali ed on the 16TH day of APRIL, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of SONJA THEODORA WASSMANN, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 24TH Day of JULY, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 25TH Day of APRIL, 2024. LINDA I. VILL, EXECUTOR 42 ASPETUCK PINES DRIVE NEW MILFORD, CT 06776

Run dates: A25,M2,9,16p

PHOTOS BY PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

CHATHAM SPORTS

Seaforth’s softball team poses for a team photo on Senior Night. The Hawks likely need to win their conference tournament to qualify for the state playo .

Chatham County softball playo outlook

Potential seeds, fates for county teams in the state tournament

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

With the county’s heavy hitters rmly establishing themselves in the state playo picture, postseason softball will go through Chatham County this spring.

As the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A and Central Tar Heel 1A conference tournaments play out this week, Chatham Central, Jordan-Matthews and Chatham Charter will compete to improve or maintain their potentially high playo seeding, while Seaforth and Northwood will ght for a spot in the state tournament.

Although the conference tournaments won’t be completed until the end of the week, the NCHSAA’s RPI standings can help determine what teams can still make the state tournament and where the automatic qualiers can be seeded. RPI, or ratings percentage index, considers the winning percentage of a team, its opponents and its opponents’ opponents when determining a

Here’s a playo outlook for Chatham County’s softball teams based on the RPI standings updated Monday night.

team’s seeding. Before the state playo s start on May 7, here’s a playo outlook for Chatham County’s softball teams based on the RPI standings updated Monday night:

Chatham Central (1A East, automatic bid)

Conference record/ nish: 12-2, First place (Mid-Carolina 1A/2A)

RPI: 0.594458

Projected seed: 7

Chatham Central doesn’t play like a team with a bullpen of three freshmen. With the support of a talented, veteran defense behind them, the Bears have been a force this year, beating just about whoever gets in their way. Coming in at or near the seven seed in the 1A tournament, Chatham Cen-

tral may begin to see some tough competition by the third round, but going 3-1 against non-conference opponents with winning records indicates the Bears will be ready to battle anybody.

Jordan-Matthews (2A East, automatic bid)

Conference record/ nish: 122, Second place (Mid-Carolina 1A/2A)

RPI: 0.597862

Projected seed: 6

Jordan-Matthews is another team that has shown that it can beat anybody in any fashion, whether it’s by blowout or in extra innings. Looking at possibly being a six seed in the state tournament, it’s a promising sign that the Jets usually dominate inferior opponents, meaning it’s likely they’ll be playing more than just one or two extra games. Jordan-Matthews has also beaten really good teams, even on the 4A level, helping the Jets be a tougher opponent to rattle in the later rounds.

Chatham Charter (1A East, automatic bid)

Conference record/ nish: 8-1, First place (Central Tar Heel 1A)

RPI: 0.551998

Projected seed: 8

After a second straight conference title, Chatham Charter will

Seaforth shuts out Bartlett Yancey to clinch program’s rst baseball conference title

The Hawks won, 3-0, behind Anders Johansson’s one-hit shutout

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

The most important part of a championship banner is the year. Just about every day of the three years leading up to its rst senior night on Friday, Seaforth’s baseball team would walk past their conference championship banner in the basketball gym, and it wouldn’t have a single one.

But, after beating Bartlett Yancey, 3-0, Friday night, the banner will no longer be without its de ning trait.

Seaforth clinched its rst Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference title with the win, su ocating the Buccaneers behind a one-hit shutout from pitcher Anders Johansson.

“I’m so proud of our guys,” head coach Landon Jones said. “They’ve earned it. We went through lumps — three wins to 13 wins and then taking the conference championship tonight.”

Coming into the matchup with Bartlett Yancey, Seaforth had already secured the conference co-champion title. The Hawks beat Bartlett Yancey in the rst meeting on April 23, 6-1, and they needed to win the second game to take sole possession of the

Chatham County baseball playo outlook

Potential seeds, fates for county teams in the state tournament

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record Baseball

After a little over two months of competitive high school baseball in Chatham County, the postseason has nally arrived. This week, Chatham County teams are playing in the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A and Central Tar Heel 1A conference tournaments, competing for the nal spots in the state playo s. For the Mid-Carolina

1A/2A conference, a new champion and automatic state quali er in Seaforth was named Friday, while in the Central Tar Heel 1A conference, Chatham Charter defended its conference crown. Although the conference tournaments won’t be completed until the end of the week, the NCHSAA’s RPI standings can help determine what teams can still make the state tournament and where the automatic quali ers can be seeded. RPI, or ratings percentage index, considers the winning percentage of a team, its opponents and its opponents’ opponents when determining how a team will

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth sophomore Colin Dorney prepares to play under the lights. The Hawks beat Bartlett Yancey to clinch the rst conference title in the history of the program.

PHOTO COURTESY SEAFORTH ATHLETICS

Recap of last week’s spring sports scores and results

Boys’ tennis players qualify for states and regionals, Margaret Pollard wins middle school baseball title

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

Middle School Baseball

Margaret Pollard defeated Horton last week, 17-4, to win the Chatham County middle school baseball championship. The two teams entered the seventh inning tied at four runs, but the Mustangs scored 13 runs in the top of the inning to put the game out of reach.

Baseball

Here’s a rundown of scores from last week.

April 22: Northwood 22, Graham 4; April 23: Seaforth 6, Bartlett Yancey 1; North Moore 2, Chatham Central 1 (14 innings); Chatham Charter 19, Chatham Homeschool 0; April 24: South Granville 8, Seaforth 5; Apex 10, Northwood 2; The Burlington School 3, Chatham Charter 2; April 25: Chatham Charter 21, River Mill 1; April 26: Seaforth 3, Bartlett Yancey 0; Williams 7, Northwood 1; North Moore 2, Chatham Central 1; Jordan-Matthews 16, Graham 0; Jordan-Matthews 17, Graham 0; April 27: Bartlett Yancey 12, Jordan-Matthews 11

Final Baseball Power Rankings

Seaforth Chatham Charter Northwood Chatham Central Jordan-Matthews

SEAFORTH from page B1 conference title and secure priority seeding in the state tournament.

The decisive game began as a pitchers’ battle in the opening innings. To start the game, Johansson threw two strikeouts as the Buccaneers went three up and three down at the plate.

“My fastball (worked), especially my o -speed,” Johansson said. “Curveball, I can locate almost every pitch, and (for the) changeup, the down and away movement got a lot of people.”

Bartlett Yancey pitcher Joshua Smith and the defense behind him also blanked Seaforth at the plate in the rst inning, making all three outs in the eld.

But, after Johansson pitched a repeat of the rst inning in the second — two strikeouts in three batters — Seaforth broke the ice with their bats. With two outs in the bottom of the second inning, the Hawks cranked out ve straight hits and brought in their only three runs of the game.

Mid-Carolina 1A/2A nal conference standings: 1. Seaforth (17-5, 12-2); 2. Northwood (10-11, 10-4); 3. Bartlett Yancey (12-6, 10-4); 4. North Moore (13-6, 9-5); 5. Jordan-Matthews (9-11, 7-7); 6. Chatham Central (10-10, 6-8); 7. Southeast Alamance (8-15, 2-12); 8. Graham (0-15, 0-14) Central Tar Heel 1A nal conference standings: 1. Chatham Charter (17-5, 14-1); 2. Clover Garden School (13-5, 13-2); 3. River Mill (8-10, 8-7); 4. Triangle Math and Science (5-9, 5-9); 5. Southern Wake Academy (2-13, 2-12); 6. Ascend Leadership (2-13, 2-13) Softball

April 22: Southern Lee 10, Seaforth 8 (eight innings); April 23: Jordan-Matthews 9, Seaforth 0; Chatham Central 5, Northwood 4 (nine innings); Chatham Charter 10, North Moore 2; April 24: Jordan-Matthews 10, Northwood 0; Chatham Central 6, Western Harnett 1; April 25: Cedar Ridge 13, Northwood 4; Chatham Central 14, North Moore 3; Chatham Charter wins by forfeit over River Mill; April 26: Bartlett Yancey 8, Seaforth 6; Jordan-Matthews 17, Graham 0; Chatham Charter 5, Clover Garden School 3 Final Softball Power Rankings: Chatham Central Jordan-Matthews Chatham Charter Seaforth Northwood

Mid-Carolina 1A/2A nal conference standings: 1. Chatham Central (16-3, 12-2); 2.

13

number of runs Margaret Pollard scored in the seventh inning to win the Chatham County middle school baseball title

Jordan-Matthews (14-4, 12-2); 3. North Moore (10-8, 9-5); 4. Bartlett Yancey (11-7, 8-6); 5. Southeast Alamance (6-11, 6-8); 6. Seaforth (6-13, 5-9); 7. Northwood (7-13, 4-10); 8. Graham (0-16, 0-14) Central Tar Heel 1A nal conference standings: 1. Chatham Charter (13-3, 8-1); 2. Clover Garden School (9-7, 6-2); 3. River Mill (3-13, 3-6); 4. Ascend Leadership (0-11, 0-8) Girls’ Soccer

April 22: Seaforth 9, Southeast Alamance 0; Northwood 9, Bartlett Yancey 0; Jordan-Matthews 3, North Moore 2; Woods Charter 13, Chatham Charter 0; April 23: Seaforth 9, North Moore 0; April 24: Seaforth 5, Northwood 0; Triangle Math and Science 3, Chatham Charter 1; Woods Charter 2, St. Mary’s 1; April 25: Bethany 9, Chatham Charter 0; Woods Charter 9, Ascend Leadership 0; April 26: Jordan-Matthews 6, Bartlett Yancey 0 Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Seaforth (14-1-1, 10-0); 2. Southeast Alamance (7-7, 7-2); 3. Northwood (9-7, 8-3); 4. Jordan-Matthews (5-9-1, 4-5-1); 5. North Moore (2-8-2, 2-5-1);

freshman right elder Bauer Bowling sliding past the right foul line for a catch, freshman Anthony Landano diving in the dirt to stop a ground ball or sophomore Jaedyn Rader throwing a laser from third base to rst base, Seaforth did just about everything necessary to keep Bartlett Yancey scoreless.

“We knew that coming into this (Bartlett Yancey) would hit the ball,” Rader said. “But, (Johansson) shoved, and we had his back.”

“They’ve bought in, and we’re nally getting a taste of what it looks like for us to reach our goals.”

Landon Jones

Seaforth didn’t do much at the plate after that, recording just three more hits for the rest of the game. The Hawks’ fate was left to Johansson and the rest of the defense, who made sure the poor batting didn’t come back to hurt them.

“My mindset all week was, ‘I’mma be a dog,’” Johansson said. “’I’m going to come out here, and I’m going to go crazy, I’m going to be myself, and I’m going to throw as hard as I can and do what I can to win this game.’”

After the second inning, Johansson didn’t throw as many strikeouts as he did in the beginning of the game, but he made it hard for the Buccaneers to hit outside of the range of his backing defenders. Whether it was

Bartlett Yancey’s only hit of the game came in the top of the third inning, and for Johansson, a one-hit shutout in the nal regular season of his high school career was only right.

“(Johansson) set the tone for our team,” Jones said. “I’m just so proud of him. He’s a guy who’s earned it, who’s taken the lumps and had to deal with some hard things these past three years, and he gets to reap the bene ts. We did it on his back tonight.”

Finishing with a program-best 17-5 overall record and being one of the best teams in the 2A East classi cation, Seaforth has a chance to make some noise in its rst state playo berth. The Hawks will likely open the playo s with home eld advantage as they’re conference champions and a top 10 team in the NCHSAA’s 2A East RPI standings as of Sunday.

“Everyone’s known that we can be great,” Jones said. “I’ve just preached to them the motto, ‘If you can be that means you’re not yet.’ They’ve bought in, and we’re nally getting a taste of what it looks like for us to reach our goals.”

Regardless of what happens from here, 2024 will always be remembered in Seaforth’s baseball history. For anyone who forgets, they’ll just have to look at the wall in the basketball gym.

6. Bartlett Yancey (3-9-1, 2-7); 7. Graham (3-8, 3-7); 8. Cummings (0-7, 0-7) Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Woods Charter (12-4-1, 8-0); 2. River Mill (7-7, 7-2); 3. Clover Garden School (8-6, 6-3); 4. Ascend Leadership (5-8, 4-4); 5. Triangle Math and Science (3-14-1, 2-6-1); 6. Chatham Charter (3-10, 2-6); 7. Southern Wake Academy (0-10-1, 0-8-1)

Boys’ Lacrosse

April 23: Northwood 10, Williams 3; April 25: Seaforth 11, Cedar Ridge 4; April 26: Seaforth 14, Williams 6; Orange 14, Northwood 3

Girls’ Lacrosse

April 22: Seaforth 9, Carrboro 5; April 24: Seaforth 9, Jordan 8 (OT); East Chapel Hill 13, Northwood 9; April 26: Northwood 11, Seaforth 8

Boys’ Tennis

Chatham County’s state quali ers after last week’s conference tournaments:

1A Singles: Miguel Kirkman (Chatham Charter); Adam Reese (Chatham Charter); Jacob Gilliland (Chatham Central, conference champion); Seth Gilliland (Chatham Central) 1A Doubles: Colton Todd and Thomas Bjork (Chatham Charter, conference runner ups); Andrew Bednar and Zane Morgan (Chatham Charter); Jonaven Martin and River Warren (Chatham Central, conference runner ups)

2A Singles: Walker Magrinat (Seaforth, conference champion); Felton Burleigh (Seaforth, conference runner up); Yahir Joaquin (Jordan-Matthews)

2A Doubles: Matthew Bowser and Henry McFall (Seaforth, conference champions); Ijah Sinclair and Sam Rogers (Northwood, conference runner ups); Gabriel Gonzalez and Brennan Luster (Seaforth)

Term vs. Perm: Which is Right For You?

Term vs. Perm: Which is Right For You?

If you’ve been thinking about life insurance, especially if you have family, loved ones, or anyone who depends on you different kinds of policies available. Which type is right for you? Essentially, you can look at two main categories of life insurance: term and permanent. Term insurance is a pay-as-you-go time, usually 20 years or fewer. Term insufree of federal income taxes if you pass away during the coverage period, but there’s no opportunity to build cash value. Permanent insurance, such as whole life or universal life, offers coverage for as long as you pay the premiums, and in addition offers a chance to build equity, or cash value, on a tax-deferred basis. When determining which type of insurance is appropriate for your needs, you’ll want to consider these factors:

If you’ve been thinking about life insurance, especially if you have family, loved ones, or anyone who depends on you different kinds of policies available. Which type is right for you? Essentially, you can look at two main categories of life insurance: term and permanent. Term insurance is a pay-as-you-go time, usually 20 years or fewer. Term insufree of federal income taxes if you pass away during the coverage period, but there’s no opportunity to build cash value. Permanent insurance, such as whole life or universal life, offers coverage for as long as you pay the premiums, and in addition offers a chance to build equity, or cash value, on a tax-deferred basis. When determining which type of insurance is appropriate for your needs, you’ll want to consider these factors:

• Cost – Term insurance is generally affordable for most people, which is why it may be particularly suitable for parents and young adults who may be at the beginning of their careers. Permanent insurance is typically more expensive, largely because it is meant to last for one’s lifetime and some of the premiums go toward building cash value in the policy and paying for other features. Generally, the younger and healthier you are when you purchase permanent insurance, the lower your rates will be.

• Cost – Term insurance is generally affordable for most people, which is why it may be particularly suitable for parents and young adults who may be at the beginning of their careers. Permanent insurance is typically more expensive, largely because it is meant to last for one’s lifetime and some of the premiums go toward building cash value in the policy and paying for other features. Generally, the younger and healthier you are when you purchase permanent insurance, the lower your rates will be.

• Length of time insurance is needed –If you think you will only need life insurance for a certain period — perhaps until your children are grown — you might lean toward term insurance. If you feel the need for life insurance for other goals throughout your lifetime, for whatever reason — you might have a special needs child, or perhaps you want to use your policy to help pay for retirement, or you wish to include the policy as part of your legacy and estate plans — you may want to consider some type of permanent insurance.

• Length of time insurance is needed –If you think you will only need life insurance for a certain period — perhaps until your children are grown — you might lean toward term insurance. If you feel the need for life insurance for other goals throughout your lifetime, for whatever reason — you might have a special needs child, or perhaps you want to use your policy to help pay for retirement, or you wish to include the policy as part of your legacy and estate plans — you may want to consider some type of permanent insurance.

Track and Field

Chatham County’s rst place nishers in last week’s track meets: Jordan-Matthews Home Meet No. 3 (April 23)

Boys: 100 meter dash (Lucas Smith, Chatham Charter, 10.84 seconds); 200 meter dash (Gabriel Brewer, Jordan-Matthews, 23.08); 400 meter dash (Sebastian Calderon, Seaforth, 51.79); 800 meter run (Jason Antley, Seaforth, 2:16); 1600 meter run (Christian Garcia Torres, Jordan-Matthews, 4:46); 3200 meter run (Will Cuicchi, Seaforth, 10:34.59); 300 meter hurdles (Asher Aldridge, Seaforth, 42.34); 4x100 meter relay (Jordan-Matthews, 45.61); 4x800 meter relay (Jordan-Matthews, 9:19); High jump (Namir Wiley, Jordan-Matthews, 5 feet, 4 inches); Long jump (Gabriel Brewer, Jordan-Matthews, 21-00); Triple Jump (Neil Wiley, Jordan-Matthews, 41-03) Girls: 100 meter dash (Hannah Headen, Chatham Charter, 12.96); 200 meter dash (Hannah Headen, Chatham Charter, 26.62); 400 meter dash (Sasha Helmer, Seaforth, 1:04.17); 800 meter run (Samantha Scott, Chatham Charter, 2:33); 1600 meter run (Samantha Scott, Chatham Charter, 5:48); 3200 meter run (Claire Morgan, Seaforth, 12:36.61); 100 meter hurdles (tinsley Borland, Seaforth, 17.83); 300 meter hurdles (Tinsely Borland, Seaforth, 52.07); 4x100 meter relay (Jordan-Matthews, 52.76); 4x200 meter relay (Seaforth 2:14.75); High jump (Karaleigh Dodson, Chatham Central, 4-06); Long jump (Rachael Woods, Jordan-Matthews, 18-01); Triple jump (Rachael Woods, Jordan-Matthews, 36-00); Discus (Meah Brooks, Chatham Charter, 76-05); Shot put (Mattie Caviness, Chatham Central, 2900) Cary AC Elite Sprint and Distance 2024 (April 26) Boys: 1600 meter run (Will Cuicchi, Seaforth, 4:19.66);

• Investment preferences – You may have heard the phrase “buy term and invest the difference.” Essentially, this just means that an investor could purchase low-cost term insurance, and then invest the money that was saved by not getting permanent insurance. This can be a valuable strategy in some situations, but people often don’t actually invest the difference. A permanent insurance policy, through the payment of premiums, may result in a steady buildup of cash value or continued contributions to the policy’s investment components. For many people, this discipline is helpful.

• Investment preferences – You may have heard the phrase “buy term and invest the difference.” Essentially, this just means that an investor could purchase low-cost term insurance, and then invest the money that was saved by not getting permanent insurance. This can be a valuable strategy in some situations, but people often don’t actually invest the difference. A permanent insurance policy, through the payment of premiums, may result in a steady buildup of cash value or continued contributions to the policy’s investment components. For many people, this discipline is helpful.

• Future insurability – If you have to get permanent insurance after you’ve reached the end of a term insurance policy. (Some term insurance policies do offer the opportunity to convert to permanent coverage, usually without the need for a medical exam.) You could avoid this potential problem by purchasing permanent insurance when you are still young and healthy. Ultimately, you will need to weigh the various factors involved in the permanentversus-term decision. You also might benewho can evaluate which type of insurance is most appropriate for your situation. But whether it’s term or permanent, make sure you have the coverage you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.

• Future insurability – If you have to get permanent insurance after you’ve reached the end of a term insurance policy. (Some term insurance policies do offer the opportunity to convert to permanent coverage, usually without the need for a medical exam.) You could avoid this potential problem by purchasing permanent insurance when you are still young and healthy. Ultimately, you will need to weigh the various factors involved in the permanentversus-term decision. You also might benewho can evaluate which type of insurance is most appropriate for your situation. But whether it’s term or permanent, make sure you have the coverage you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. California Insurance License OC24309

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. California Insurance License OC24309

State playo s are getting underway for spring sports

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

THE NCHSAA released the nal brackets for the lacrosse and dual team boys’ tennis state playo s Monday.

Here’s a preview of where Chatham County’s teams will start in their respective brackets:

Boys’ Lacrosse

1A/2A/3A East Bracket:

No. 9 Western Alamance at No. 8 Seaforth (Friday at 5 p.m. at Seaforth High School)

Seaforth and its familiar conference foe Western Alamance were both granted a bye in the rst round and will compete for a spot in the regional quarter nals. Although the Hawks are coming into the playo s on a three game winning streak and have already beaten Western Alamance twice this season, this is looking to be a tough draw for Seaforth. The last two times these teams met, the games were close, and in the most recent game on April 12, Seaforth got the slight edge in a 7-6 victory. The third meeting will likely be just as close and low-scoring, but to the Hawks’ bene t, they’ll be playing at home where they’ve only lost twice all year.

No. 10 Northwood at No. 7 Voyager (Saturday at 7 p.m. at Voyager Academy)

Northwood and Voyager will also start in the second round as both teams received rst round byes. Although the Chargers will have to travel,

Voyager should be a favorable matchup for them considering the Vikings competed in a small and relatively weaker conference and went 5-10 overall. Voyager won just one game outside of the conference while Northwood has faced tougher competition all year. It won’t be surprising at all if Northwood pulls o the upset and advances to the regional quarter nals.

Girls’ Lacrosse

1A/2A/3A East Bracket: No. 9 South Brunswick at No. 8 Seaforth (Friday at 7 p.m. at Seaforth High School) Seaforth and South Brunswick will meet in the second round Friday night in what could be a close matchup. The Hawks struggled in the beginning of the year, but they nished strong by winning three of their last four regular season games. Momentum is de nitely on Seaforth’s side as South Brunswick lost its last four games in blowout fashion. However, those losses came at the hands of some really good teams in the Mideastern conference. South Brunswick is more productive on the o ensive end than Seaforth, aver-

Northwood’s Ella Boecke (6) battles several Seaforth players in front of the goal during a recent game. The Chargers and Hawks are both in the NCHSAA playo eld.

aging 7.1 goals per game compared to Seaforth’s 6.1, but the Hawks are better defensively, which may be the determining factor in whether the Hawks advance or not.

No. 13 Cape Fear at No. 4 Northwood (Saturday at Northwood High School)

Northwood shouldn’t have any problems with Cape Fear in its playo opener Saturday. Cape Fear has lost by double digits in six of their eight games and averages just under three goals per contest. In comparison, Northwood averages 12.5 goals per game and is a better defensive team than the Colts.

Boys’ Tennis

1A Duals Bracket: No. 13 West Columbus at No. 4 Chatham Central (Monday at Chatham Central) No. 10 North Moore at No. 7

Chatham Charter (Monday at Chatham Charter)

2A Duals Bracket: No. 17 Northwood at No. 16

NCCSM: Durham (Wednesday at NCCSM: Durham) Winner of No. 11 J.F. Webb vs. No. 22 South Columbus at. No. 6 Seaforth (Monday at Seaforth High School)

Natalie Boecke

Northwood, girls’ lacrosse

Northwood girls’ lacrosse’s Natalie Boecke earns athlete of the week honors for the week of April 22. Boecke, a freshman, scored her 100th career goal in a 13-9 loss to East Chapel Hill on April 24. In that game, she scored seven goals, and in Northwood’s 11-8 win over Seaforth two days later, Boecke put in six goals. According to MaxPreps, Boecke’s 107 regular season goals were the second-most in the NCHSAA behind Maya Ciocian at T.C. Roberson (111 goals).

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Hamlin holds o Larson late to claim NASCAR Cup race at Dover

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver picked up his third win of year

By Dan Gelston

The Associated Press

DOVER, Del.— Denny Hamlin held o a hardcharging Kyle Larson over the nal, thrilling laps and wiggled through lapped tra c to win the NASCAR Cup race by about a quarter of a second Sunday at Dover Motor Speedway.

Hamlin’s third win of the season tied William Byron for most this season in the series. Hamlin also picked up his 54th

BASEBALL from page B1

be seeded.

The state playo s will begin on May 7.

Here’s a playo outlook for Chatham County’s baseball teams based on the RPI standings updated Monday afternoon:

Seaforth (2A East, automatic bid)

Conference record/ nish: 12-2, First place (Mid-Carolina 1A/2A)

RPI: 0.585270

Projected seed: 6

After taking care of business in the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference and winning its rst conference title, Seaforth is entering the state playo s for the rst time in program history. Based on Monday’s RPI standings amongst the conference champions, the Hawks can be as high as the sixth seed. That placing can be of bene t for

SOFTBALL from page B1

look to be a higher seed in the 1A tournament with the rst place automatic bids getting seeded rst. A potential eight seed won’t hurt the Knights who played relatively light

career Cup win, all with Joe Gibbs Racing. He’s tied with Lee Petty for 12th on the career Cup list.

“It’s just fantastic,” Hamlin said. “I couldn’t hold Lee Petty’s helmet.” Larson nished second and nipped at Hamlin’s bumper for most of the nal 25 laps and seemed on the brink of passing the Toyota. Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet just couldn’t close the deal on the mile concrete track.

Hamlin took the lead o a restart with about 79 laps left and never let it go, repeatedly closing o Larson at the top of the track.

“I just couldn’t really do any-

them as Seaforth’s young roster doesn’t have any state playo experience. Seaforth has done pretty well against non-conference opponents this year, going 5-3 against them. However, against non-conference opponents that have a winning percentage of at least .500, Seaforth is 1-3. A high seed for the Hawks, combined with playing tough competition in the regular season, could help with easing them into the stakes of a playo game.

Northwood (2A East)

Conference record/ nish: 10-4, Second place (Mid-Carolina 1A/2A)

RPI: 0.512668

Projected seed: 23 Northwood didn’t have much trouble within the conference, nishing conference play with four straight wins to climb into the second place spot in the conference standings. The Chargers’ losing overall record

competition in their schedule. Chatham Charter did pick up some good wins in non-conference play, yet the heavy hitters at the top of the bracket may give the Knights a tough challenge should they go on a deep run.

thing,” Larson said. “Nothing could generate enough speed to get close enough to do anything.”

Hamlin was soundly booed as he grabbed the checkered ag — boos louder than usual at the track because of a big crowd. He led 136 of the 400 laps.

After rainouts forced Monday races each of the last two years, the sun came out Sunday — and so did the fans. The grandstands were packed and the track came close to its 54,000 capacity. While NASCAR tracks do not release attendance numbers, the crowd was easily the largest at Dover since before the pandemic.

of 10-11 has a lot to do with who they played in non-conference play, as they went 0-7 against a tough slate of unfamiliar opponents. Northwood played above its classi cation a lot this year which may prepare the team for the fate of a 23 seed on the 2A level. The Chargers will likely have to travel to a tough opponent in the rst round, and even though they haven’t won many games like that this year, anything can happen in a one-game, do or die situation.

Jordan-Matthews (2A East)

Conference record/ nish: 7-7, Fifth place (Mid-Carolina 1A/2A)

RPI: 0.483518

Projected seed: 28

Jordan-Matthews hasn’t had the season it hoped for, considering it returned the 2023 Mid-Carolina 1A/2A player of the year in Ian McMillan and some other members of last

Seaforth (2A East)

Conference record/ nish: 5-9, Sixth place (Mid-Carolina 1A/2A)

RPI: 0.440740

Projected seed: 35 (not in playo contention)

Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott completed the top ve.

The big one

There was a multi-car wreck with 71 laps left in the race that took out Christopher Bell, Bubba Wallace and William Byron.

Coming o a restart, Zane Smith appeared to get into the left rear of Wallace’s Toyota which sent him into tra c and into Byron and Bell. Wallace was running 11th at the time of the wreck. Bell was 16th and Byron 18th.

year’s team that won the conference. The Jets have to talent to be a good team, which showed in wins over Seaforth and Northwood, but they haven’t been able to consistently play at a high level. On a good night, a 28 seed might not exactly describe the Jets’ ability, yet regardless of how well they play, if they make the state tournament, upsetting one of the best teams in 2A East on the road will be a tall task.

Chatham Central (1A East)

Conference record/ nish: 6-8, Sixth place (Mid-Carolina 1A/2A)

RPI: 0.476399

Projected seed: 26

For a good part of the season, Chatham Central kept itself in the running for a higher nish in the conference standings and a possible automatic bid over 1A foe North Moore. Yet, ve straight conference losses to end the season, includ-

Northwood (2A East)

Conference record/ nish: 4-11, Seventh place (Mid-Carolina 1A/2A)

RPI: 0.436519

Projected seed: 36 (not in playo contention)

All-Star sub

Kevin Harvick, the 2014 Cup Series champion who retired at the end of last season, will drive the No. 5 Chevrolet in place of Kyle Larson in practice and qualifying for the NASCAR All-Star race. Larson will stay in Indianapolis on May 17 to practice for the Indianapolis 500 rather than travel to North Wilkesboro Speedway to practice and qualify for the NASCAR All-Star race. He will become the fth driver in history to attempt to complete “ The Double ” and run 1,100 miles in one day, starting with the Indianapolis 500 in an Indy car and then ying to Charlotte to drive in the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s longest race of the year.

Up next

The Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway where Hamlin is the defending race winner.

ing two each to North Moore and Northwood, only hurt the Bears’ fate. Chatham Central is facing a tough rst round matchup on the road in the state playo s, and it can help its situation by putting together a good run in the conference tournament.

Chatham Charter (1A East, automatic bid)

Conference record/ nish: 14-1, First place (Central Tar Heel 1A)

RPI: 0.554152

Projected seed: 5

Chatham Charter hasn’t played in the toughest conference this season, but they’ve dominated in grand fashion, lling up the stat sheets and demolishing opponents in a way that can’t be ignored. As a rst-place automatic bid, the Knights should enjoy a high seed in the state tournament, setting them up to advance well beyond the rst round.

Seaforth and Northwood sit just outside of the state playo picture, and with both losing their rst round games in the conference tournament, it’s unlikely that either of them climb into one of the last spots.

Here are 14 players to watch next season across the Atlantic Coast Conference

By Pete Iacobelli

The Associated Press

A SPRING LOOK at ACC

poised to have breakout seasons this fall:

Boston College: DB Ryan Turner came to the Eagles from Ohio State, where he played very little in two seasons. The thirdyear sophomore made an early impression with his new team. He broke up a pass and had the hit of the spring game in disrupting a screen pass.

Clemson: WR Bryant Wesco is a ve-star freshman who enrolled early and is drawing comparisons to Sammy Watkins and Tee Higgins. Wesco, at 6-2,

could be the stretch-the- eld receiver Clemson’s been seeking the past few seasons.

Duke: QB Maalik Murphy, the Texas transfer, got the start at the spring game and knows he’s got work ahead if he hopes to make a winning impression with the Blue Devils.

Florida State: RB Roydell Williams is an Alabama transfer who ran for 560 yards and ve touchdowns last season. He has looked good in the spring for a team that saw its leading rusher, Trey Benson, head to the NFL.

Georgia Tech: WR Chris Elko is a redshirt freshman who had two touchdown catches to highlight a ve-reception, 143-

Four months after being red by Atlanta, Smith hitting reset button in Pittsburgh

As Steelers’ o ensive coordinator, Smith will build around Russell Wilson and draft picks

By Will Graves The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Arthur Smith walked in and sat down, a microphone in front of him and a Pittsburgh Steelers base -

ball cap pulled tight on his head.

Four months after being red in Atlanta, Smith is returning to his play-calling roots — and hoping to hit the reboot button on his career — as the o ensive coordinator in Pittsburgh. Smith did little to articulate what exactly the Steelers will look like in the fall. Considering what Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan did in the rst two rounds of the NFL draft,

A GING S ERVICES

yard performance in the spring game. Elko, redshirted last season, has shown con dence to be a strong target for returning passer Haynes King.

Louisville: QB Tyler Shough looks like he will get a chance to take over for Jack Plummer. Slough is a grad transfer who threw for 2,922 yards and 20 touchdowns in three seasons at Texas Tech.

Miami: LB Raul Aguirre Jr. enters his second season with a chance for more playing time after a strong spring. Aguirre saw action in all 13 games as a freshman and will look to work his way into the rotation.

UNC: WR Jordan Shipp is the

maybe Smith didn’t have to. Khan selected o ensive tackle Troy Fautanu with the 20th overall pick on Thursday. On Friday, he added center Zach Frazier from West Virginia. They will join a line that includes tackle Broderick Jones, the Steelers’ rst-round selection a year ago, and veteran guards Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels. For a team with serious needs at wide receiver and cornerback, a team very much in “win now” mode with Russell Wilson taking over at quarterback, the approach couldn’t be more apparent. Or, on the surface anyway, more suited for Smith.

Five years after turning Tennessee into a top-10 o ense behind Derrick Henry’s churning legs and Ryan Tannehill’s playmaking outside the pocket, Smith is tasked with doing the same in Pittsburgh in hopes of ending a playo victory drought currently at seven years.

ere

Tar Heels’ highest-ranked recruit. He had a 16-yard TD catch in the nal spring scrimmage.

NC State: TE Justin Joly should be a big help to new quarterback Grayson McCall this season. Joly is a junior transfer from UConn, who has not yet played up to expectations.

Pittsburgh: LB Rasheem Biles tied a program record with three blocked kicks as a freshman last year. This season, Biles is hoping to get into the defensive mix. He had a spring gamebest seven tackles, two for loss including a sack and a pass breakup.

Syracuse: QB Kyle McCord is an Ohio State transfer

The similarities are startling. The Steelers have one of the best running back tandems in the league in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. They believe Wilson can still summon some of that “Let Russ Cook” magic from his prime in Seattle. And they have given Smith a line that they hope one day rivals the ones led by perennial Pro Bowlers Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro a decade ago.

Asked to describe his philosophy, a soft-spoken Smith got straight to the point.

“There’s a certain style of play and intent we want that ts this team and the history here and the Steelers and the brand of football, a shared vision,” Smith said.

It’s a vision that never fully came to fruition for Smith in Atlanta, where he coached the Falcons to three straight 7-10 seasons while overseeing an offense that never cracked the top 14 in yards or points.

who gures to have the chance to light things up in the o ense of rst-year coach Fran Brown. McCord went 11-1 as a starter with the Buckeyes.

Virginia: DE Chico Bennett Jr. enters his sixth year as healthy as he was two years ago when he led the Cavaliers with seven sacks. Bennett was slowed last season by shoulder problems but was dominant in the spring game with seven tackles and three tackles for loss, including two sacks.

Virginia Tech: DL Keyshawn Burgos is a junior who took some steps forward as he made six starts. He was a disrupter throughout spring. He forced an interception in the spring scrimmage.

Wake Forest: WR Horatio Fields could nally be ready for a breakout season as a fourth-year junior. He led the Demon Deacons with three catches including a 46-yard TD catch.

It took Smith less than a month to land on his feet in Pittsburgh.

He might not be ready to talk about his exit in Atlanta or what brought him to the Steelers. But when it comes to Fautanu and Frazier, Smith is, in a word — one Smith used 10 times in 10 minutes — “excited.”

“They’re two really physical players who play with high e ort level, high football IQ,” Smith said. “So you know they check a lot of boxes for us.”

There is a sense of urgency in an organization that for decades has been de ned by success and stability. There have been seismic changes on the roster and the coaching sta of late. The Steelers are no longer committed to business as usual, and Smith knows it.

“We’re not going to get stale,” Smith said. “There are going to be schemes you add every year, wrinkles. We’re going to have our core philosophy, but you have to stay on top of that.”

are only four kinds of people in the world. ose who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.

- Rosalynn Carter

No matter where you are on life’s journey, it is unavoidable. All of us, at some point in our lives, will either require caregiving or will be charged with providing caregiving to a loved one in their time of need. is responsibility crosses all racial and ethnic boundaries and can be rewarding. However, it is o en overwhelming.

According to a report by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, caregiver stress a ects 36% of the 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the U.S.

As Chatham County continues to grow, it is also aging. In 2023, nearly 3 in 10 Chatham residents were over 65 years of age.

The Caregiver Support Group schedule is as follows:

• 1st Monday – Pittsboro Center for Active Living (365 Highway 87 North), 3 p.m.

• 2nd Monday – Siler City Center for Active Living (112 Village Lake Road), 3 p.m.

• 3rd Monday – Pittsboro Center for Active Living, 3 p.m.

• 4th Monday – Virtual Meeting via Zoom, 6 p.m.

We also recognize that it is important for caregivers to practice needed self-care during this time. Caregivers should not feel inadequate or worried about leaving their loved one alone as they yearn for a break to focus on themselves and recharge. at’s why Chatham County Aging Services also o ers caregiver respite support so that an errand can be performed without worry.

‘Crow Talk’ is a meditative and hopeful novel on grief

By Donna Edwards The Associated Press

CROWS have long been associated with death, but Eileen Garvin’s novel “Crow Talk” o ers a fresh perspective; creepy, dark and morbid becomes beautiful, wondrous and transformative.

“Crow Talk” provides a path for healing in a meditative and hopeful novel on grief, largely set in secluded Beauty Bay on idyllic Lake June. It’s where Frankie spent the long summer days of her childhood, where she rst learned to listen to birds and began her lifelong pursuit of studying them with her handy eld book of Paci c Northwest birds — a gift from her beloved father — always at her side.

Now she’s well past the eld guide and working on her master’s thesis. But between problems at school, her mother’s icy distance, and no longer being able to con de in her father and get his advice, Frankie is adrift. She seeks refuge at the family’s little cabin in the Washington woods.

Meanwhile, Anne is dealing with her own loss. Finding herself unable to write music and on leave from her teaching job, she goes with her husband and their son for a late-season stay at their cabin on Beauty Bay. There, they nervously await the results of a study on their 5-year-old, Aiden, who has mysteriously stopped talking.

Doors begin to open when Frankie takes in an injured crow, drawing Aiden and Anne’s intrigue.

The novel begins like a meditation, bringing you to a calm place and gently exposing the roots and depths of Anne’s and Frankie’s predicaments. Unready to face their sorrow and unable to share their grief, it’s not until almost halfway in that Frankie and Anne nally reveal exactly what they’re mourning.

Flipping between the three, Aiden’s chapters are the most beautiful and intriguing. The short, often mythical interpretations of what’s going on around him draw on his beloved fairy tale book, o ering a peek

into the way he sees himself and the world, drawing comparisons between Aiden and the crows. Like Aiden, crows are incredibly smart and have a lot to say, if only we could understand them.

The author freely mixes ction and reality, like the madeup June Lake at the foot of the real Mount Adams in Washington. She also writes from experience, inspired by her own childhood lake house and forest adventures. Garvin’s sister, Margaret, was diagnosed with autism, and the secluded cabin provided her and her family some comfort. This personal experience shines in the love and care for Aiden’s character, who is written as more than his diagnosis and always fully human and capable.

“Crow Talk” is a study of grief, friendship and navigating loss; a cottagecore book that is at once cozy reading and emotionally challenging. Garvin rewards readers with an uplifting ending for a uniquely comforting novel.

Studio 54 opens in New York

Washington takes oath of o ce

The Associated Press

APRIL 25

404 B.C.: The Peloponnesian War ended as Athens surrendered to Sparta.

1507: A world map produced by German cartographer Martin Waldseemueller contained the rst recorded use of the term “America,” in honor of Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci.

1859: Ground was broken for the Suez Canal.

1990: The Hubble Space Telescope was deployed in orbit from the space shuttle Discovery.

2022: Elon Musk reached an agreement to buy Twitter for roughly $44 billion.

APRIL 26

1977: The legendary nightclub Studio 54 had its opening night in New York.

1986: An explosion and re at the Chernobyl nuclear power

plant in Ukraine caused radioactive fallout to begin spewing into the atmosphere.

APRIL 27

1521: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed by natives in the Philippines.

1810: Ludwig van Beethoven wrote one of his most famous piano compositions, the Bagatelle in A-minor.

2018: North Korean leader

Jerry Seinfeld hits Net ix with loads of talent

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney continue their grand experiment of owning a football club on season three of FX’s “Welcome to Wrexham”

The Associated Press

THE RETURN OF “HACKS” and a new Jerry Seinfeld movie are some of the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time: New episodes of “Behind the Music,” Selena Gomez taking her cooking skills to restaurants and a video game for political junkies.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Jerry Seinfeld has been very picky about his post-“Seinfeld” projects, but the comedian stars in, co-writes and directs the new Net ix comedy “Unfrosted” (streaming Friday). The lm, an origin story for the Pop-Tart, is as stocked with comic talent as it is ridiculousness. Melissa McCarthy, Jim Ga gan, Amy Schum-

er, Hugh Grant and many others co-star in Seinfeld’s satire of Kellogg’s and Post in a heated race to create a new breakfast treat. If you missed “The Holdovers,” Alexander Payne’s Oscar-winning ’70s-set boarding school comic drama, the lm arrives Monday on Prime Video. The lm was nominated for ve Oscars, including best actor for Paul Giamatti, and went home with one: best supporting actress for Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Giamatti stars as a curmudgeonly teacher tasked with watching a student (Dominic Sessa) over Christmas break.

MUSIC TO STREAM

First came “Houdini,” a clubbanger with new edge. Then the lively ambitiousness of “Training Season,” and the elastic bass of “Illusion.” The English-Albanian pop superstar Dua Lipa’s third album, “Radical Optimism,” is built of her longstanding pop sensibilities. But she’s shifted slightly away from the disco-pop of 2020’s “Future Nostalgia” and instead, has embraced pop-psychedelia in in uences like Pri-

mal Scream and Massive Attack, at least partially thanks to a new collaborator in Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker. It’s a euphoric ride straight to the club and a reminder of the necessity of danceable music in resilience. In the late ’90s and carrying into the 2010s, VH1’s documentary series “Behind the Music” o ered in-depth insight into the top performers of the past and present — highlighting their path to success and obstacles faced in the process. For music obsesses, it was an education. If you missed it, or if you’re missing it right now, long no more: Paramount+ will debut new episodes of “Behind the Music” on Wednesday, spotlighting Bell Biv DeVoe, Trace Adkins and Wolfgang Van Halen. And while you wait: There are episodes from the original series available to stream on Paramount+ right now, featuring everyone from Boy George and Busta Rhymes to Jennifer Lopez and New Kids on the Block.

SHOWS TO STREAM

The long-awaited third season of “Hacks,” starring Jean

Kim Jong Un made history by crossing over to South Korea to meet with President Moon Jaein; it was the rst time a member of the Kim dynasty had set foot on southern soil since the end of the Korean War in 1953.

APRIL 28

1788: Maryland became the seventh state to ratify the Constitution of the United States.

1945: Italian dictator Beni-

Smart and Hannah Einbinder, returns May 2 on Max. The show picks up about a year after the nale of season two, with its two stars seemingly worlds apart. Smart’s Deborah Vance is at the top of her stand-up game in Las Vegas and Einbinder’s Ava is busy working as a writer in Los Angeles. The separation doesn’t last long as the two can’t seem to quit each other. Another reason to tune in? The comedic duo Paul W. Downs and Megan Stalter (playing agent Jimmy and his not-at-all-trusty assistant, Kayla) have been bumped up to series regulars. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds continue their grand experiment of owning a football club on season three of FX’s “Welcome to Wrexham.” We begin with a rewind to last summer — with the Red Dragons on a high, touring America and enjoying the perks of upgrades to their facility. “Welcome to Wrexham” season three debuts Thursday on FX and streams the next day on Hulu.

While fans wait for the sixth and nal season of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a new Elisabeth Moss series called “The Veil” is coming to Hulu from FX. The series takes place in the highstakes world of international espionage with Moss portraying an MI6 agent. “I can change into anything, become 100 strangers,” Moss says in the show’s trailer. “The Veil” began streaming on Hulu Tuesday.

We watched Selena Gomez learn to cook over Zoom for

to Mussolini and his mistress, Clara Petacci, were executed by Italian partisans as they attempted to ee the country.

APRIL 29

1429: Joan of Arc entered the besieged city of Orleans to lead a French victory over the English.

2011: Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in an opulent ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey.

APRIL 30

1789: George Washington took the oath of o ce in New York as the rst president of the United States.

1803: The United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for 60 million francs, the equivalent of about $15 million.

1900: Engineer John Luther “Casey” Jones of the Illinois Central Railroad died in a train wreck near Vaughan, Mississippi, after staying at the controls in a successful e ort to save the passengers.

1975: The Vietnam War ended as the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon fell to Communist forces.

four seasons of “Selena + Chef,” and now she’s ready to say “Yes, Chef!” in restaurant kitchens. In her new Food Network series “Selena + Restaurant,” Gomez and her bestie Raquelle Stevens visit popular LA-area restaurants to try to create a dish that would make the menu. The show premieres Thursday on Food Network and streams on Max.

The best-selling book “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris has been adapted as a limited series for Peacock. It tells the true story of a Slovakian Jewish man named Lale Sokolov, sent to Auschwitz and given the job of tattooing fellow prisoners. He ends up falling in love with a girl named Gita. The story is told through ashbacks and Harvey Keitel plays an older Lale, recounting the experience to Morris — played by Melanie Lynskey. The series debuts Thursday on Peacock.

The comedy festival Net ix is a Joke is upping the ante by offering some events live on the streamer. Katt Williams, known for his no-holds-barred commentary, is set to go live with a stand-up set called “Woke Folk” on Saturday. And Kevin Hart will host “The Roast of Tom Brady” on May 5. “I played in the NFL, so I’m not worried about a bunch of comedians, trust me,” taunted the seven-time Super Bowl winner in a video shared with NBC’s “Today.” Brady says he does not know who will appear to roast him.

RICHARD DREW / AP PHOTO

Crowds linger outside the entrance to Studio 54 in New York on Nov. 6, 1979.

famous birthdays this week

The Associated Press

April 28: Former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno is 74. Actor Bridget Moynahan (“Blue Bloods”) is 53. Actor Penelope Cruz is 50. Actor Jessica Alba is 43.

April 29: Country singer Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys is 81. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is 70. Actor Daniel Day-Lewis is 67. Actress Michelle Pfei er is 66. Singer Carnie Wilson of Wilson Phillips is 56. Rapper Master P is 54. Actress Uma Thurman is 54.

April 30: Singer Willie Nelson is 91. Singer Akon is 51. Actor Johnny Galecki (“The Big Bang Theory,” “Roseanne”) is 49. Rapper Lloyd Banks is 42. Actress Kirsten Dunst is 42. Rapper Travis Scott is 33.

May 1: Country singer Tim McGraw is 57. Director Wes Anderson is 55.

May 2: Singer Engelbert Humperdinck is 88. Country singer Larry Gatlin is 76. Actress Christine Baranski is 72. Wrestler-actor Dwayne Johnson is 52.

May 3: Singer Frankie Valli is 90. Sports announcer Greg Gumbel is 78. Actress Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men”) is 49. Country singer Eric Church is 47.

May 4: Country singer Randy Travis is 65. Actor Will Arnett (“Arrested Development,” “Blades of Glory”) is 54. Sports reporter and TV personality Erin Andrews is 46.

An Independent Agency Representing

MARK J. TERRILL / AP PHOTO

Jerry Seinfeld, at the Oscars in 2007, turned 70 Monday.

MATT SAYLES / AP PHOTO

Christina Hendricks, pictured at the 2008 Emmy Awards, turns 49 Friday.

JIM COOPER / AP PHOTO

Actress Uma Thurman, pictured in 2006, turned 54 Monday.