Chatham Magazine Summer 2023

Feels Like Family

Chris G. Adigun, MD is a board certified dermatologist and a recognized leader in dermatology. She is known for her expertise in laser and aesthetic dermatology as well as her warm, compassionate and down-to-earth personality. Dr. Adigun’s team is comprised of top notch, dermatology-trained professionals, offering the latest technology and treatments.

There is a reason DLC has been voted Best of Chapel Hill and Best of Chatham every year since we opened the doors. It’s simple, DLC treats everyone like family!

PUBLISHER/VICE PRESIDENT

Chris Elkins chris.elkins@trianglemediapartners.com

EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR

Amanda MacLaren amanda.maclaren@trianglemediapartners.com

EDITOR, CHAPEL HILL MAGAZINE EXECUTIVE EDITOR, CHATHAM MAGAZINE

Jessica Stringer

MANAGING EDITORS, CHATHAM MAGAZINE

Anna-Rhesa Versola rhesa@chathammagazinenc.com

Morgan Cartier Weston morgan.weston@chathammagazinenc.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

Renee Ambroso and Brooke Spach

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Sam Annetta, Oishii Basu, Sinclair Holian, Rong Huang, Mila Mascenik, Cooper Metts, Lena Miano, Katie MacKinnon, Olivia Paul, Haley Pineles and Ginny Smith

CONTRIBUTORS

Kate Brownstein, James Dupree, Hillary Graves, Dolly R. Sickles, Greg Stewart and Lori D. Roberts Wiggins

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Kevin Brown

PHOTOGRAPHER

John Michael Simpson

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Lindsay Scott

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Khadijah Weekes Nolan

SUMMER

2023

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Redefine retirement.

The

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HURRY — PRESALES HAPPENING NOW!

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BECOME A CHARTER MEMBER TODAY!

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Shine On

Ahhh, summer – a season of outdoor fun and travel for a change of pace. This issue is packed with inspiration to have your best summer yet; you’ll find familyfriendly things to do, places to see and people to meet, starting on page 58 with Heather Cassese, a chiropractor in Pittsboro who often spends her day off atop a paddleboard at Jordan Lake. Flip the page to discover recommendations for summer reads from Circle City Books & Music’s Myles Friedman.

The athletic at heart will enjoy reading about the pickleball trend, a great way for older adults in our communities to stay active. Read about a few local players on page 96. Dancing with members of the Chatham Social Club (page 104) is another form of exercise for mind and body.

Keep reading to learn more about a select few individuals who immerse themselves in what they love, like woodworker Roy Underhill, 72, who will close the Woodwright’s School in downtown Pittsboro in August. Rather than truly “retire,” he will pursue historical research as he writes a new book. Then, there is Roger Berkowitz, 78, a retired art museum director who reenergized Galloway Ridge with an exceptional art collection.

Lastly, I want to introduce you to our new managing editor, Morgan Cartier Weston. She grew up in Wake County, but fell in love with Chatham as a child when she visited her aunt and uncle, who have lived in Pittsboro for more than 25 years. Morgan moved to Fearrington Village in 2020, and brings a wealth of experience as she adds a savvy dimension to our growing audience in print and online.

As for me, I am following my own passion and expanding my role as a writer to create content for all the magazines published by Triangle Media Partners. Thank you for your continued heartfelt support, and may the sun shine warmly upon you this season and beyond. CM

READ ALL ABOUT IT Flip through The Triangle Weekender, our newest guide to all there is to do, see, eat and explore in the Triangle.

’GRAM WORTHY

For even more curated picks (and pics!) of what to do, follow Chatham Magazine on Instagram.

IT’S A LOVE STORY, BABY, JUST SAY, “YES”

If you’d like your recent wedding featured in Chatham Magazine, share it with us!

Carleigh Cotten, 8, and her brother, Titus Cotten, 3, enjoy a milkshake and an ice-cream cone from S&T’s Soda Shoppe outside Circle City Books & Music.

Photo by John Michael Simpson

never too old to play basketball

119 Hiking for Health

Hit the trails with this 55+ group

120 The Measure of a Man

A local cultural celebrity leaves his mark on Pittsboro and beyond

128 The Art of Retirement

A former museum coordinator adds culture to his community

136 The 2023 Directory of Continuing Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living, 55+ Living and Cohousing Retirement Communities

DEPARTMENTS

6 Letter from the Managing Editor

10 Five Events

You won’t want to miss

38 Noted

What we’ve heard around our towns …

42 Who’s Who in Town & County Government

Learn about the man whose team we count on in case of an emergency

170 Here We Grow Again

Commercial development updates, plus a look at upcoming projects

PEOPLE & PLACES

14 Chamber of Commerce

Women’s Social

16 Carolina Brewery Tapping Party

18 Spring Ag Fest

20 Havoc Brewing Grand Opening

22 ClydeFEST

24 Piedmont Farm Tour

28 Spring Stroll

31 CORA’s Empty Bowls

32 Chamber of Commerce Development Briefing

WEDDINGS

172 Coleman & Mitchell

174 Little & Matthews

176 Broedell & Ciociola

Rise ’n Shine Running Festival

JUNE 9 & 10

Pack up your running shoes for a weekend of festivities at Shakori Hills Community Arts Center. Choose between the 20K race, a 5K race or cheer on the athletes from the sidelines. Both runners and spectators can enjoy barbecue, beer and live music from Into the Fog and Turquoise Trader. For an extended festival experience, opt for the VIP package, which includes dinner and live music on Friday, plus the option for tent or RV camping both nights. risenshinerunningfestival.com

PBO Pride

JUNE 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Plant will host a celebration of belonging and inclusion at its inaugural pride event. LGBTQ+ community members and allies are invited to join in a parade and dance party, as well as enjoy food and drinks from on-site vendors, live entertainment, kids’ activities and more. PBO Pride is a new community organization that strives to offer a safe and inclusive environment for all people to be their authentic selves. pbopride.com

FIVE EVENTS

Juneteenth Black Arts Festival

JUNE 17

Community Organizing for Racial Equity hosts its sixth annual Juneteenth celebration at Chatham County Fairgrounds This year’s theme is “Recognizing Our Roots, Our Family & Our Black Culture” and includes educational opportunities about Juneteenth, the history of the celebration and the resilience of Black culture through the arts. Attendees can also enjoy live entertainment, a Black business expo, food trucks, a heritage walk and kids’ activities. corenc.org/events

Puppies and Pedals Bike Parade

JULY 1, 9:15 a.m.

Grab your pup, bicycle and best patriotic outfit for an Independence Day parade around The Park at Briar Chapel Decorate your bike or your dog to compete for Best in Show! Chatham County Parks & Recreation will provide some decorating supplies, but participants are encouraged to bring their own accessories. chathamcountync.gov

Summer Fest

JULY 2, 3-8 p.m.

Head to Hanks and Hillsboro streets in downtown Pittsboro for a Fourth of July celebration with activities and entertainment for the whole family. Hosted by the Pittsboro Business Association, the festival includes craft vendors, live music by BigTime Shine and Chairmen of the Board, a kids’ zone with a waterslide, dunk tank, obstacle course and more, plus food and beverage vendors. This year’s event also features its first-ever amateur barbecue cook-off, sponsored by Cackalacky. Don’t forget to register for the Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club decorated bicycle parade and fan-favorite competitions like the beard and mustache or pie contests. shoppittsboro.com/event/ summer-fest-2023 CM

Compiled by Brooke Spach

The drumline and dance team from Ben L. Smith High School in Greensboro provided entertainment at CORE’s 2022 Juneteenth celebration.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL EQUITY

Business Sense

BY KATE BROWNSTEIN

The Chatham Chamber of Commerce held its Women’s Social March 21 at Starrlight Mead. Guests heard from women and their success in different fields. Moderated by Katie Walker, the panel included Courtney Cabe from the State Employees’ Credit Union, attorney Norma Jisselle Perdomo of Perdomo Law Firm PLLC, Gwynneth R. Harrington of Century 21 Southern Lifestyles, Stephanie Terry, executive director of WEBB Squared, and author Jean MacDonald. Guests networked with the panelists over appetizers and drinks. Photography by Melissa Crane CM

1 Panelists Courtney Cabe, Norma Jisselle Perdomo, Jean MacDonald, Stephanie Terry, Gwynneth R. Harrington, Chatham Chamber president Cindy Poindexter and moderator Katie Walker.

2 Connolly Walker and Sophia Munson.

3 Philip Harrington, Jean MacDonald, Gwynneth R. Harrington and Ashlie Campbell.

4 Becky Starr, owner of Starrlight Mead.

Brews & Blues

BY BROOKE SPACH

Carolina Brewery hosted a tapping party for its newest beer, Paddle Daze Hazy IPA, in March in Pittsboro. Attendees enjoyed brewpub eats, cold beer and live music. The Radio serenaded the crowd with original songs and covers of Elvis, Chuck Berry and more. CM

performs.

1 Kathleen Wang, Jared Allen and Kent Allen, 1.

2 Carolina Brewery’s Nate Williams and Alex Weber with Bryn Charles.

3 Carla Topp and Gregory Topp.

4 Kathy Daymude and Tawny Ramsperger.

5 Carolina Brewery’s Maddie Thomas and Sam Brykailo.

6 Taz Halloween and Marty Johnson.

7 Mike Brogren and Carrie Brogren.

8 The Radio band

Fun with Friends and Farmers

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

Overcast skies and light drizzle didn’t stop hundreds of people at the annual Spring Ag Fest on March 25. The free event at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center included livestock arena demonstrations along with vendors and educational exhibitors who shared info about sustainable agriculture, agricultural support and advocacy, agribusiness, beekeeping, conservation and more.

Local forest rangers inflated a giant Smokey Bear to draw visitors while Greensboro-based John Mark Ridge performed country and bluegrass music. Guests were able to tour an old smokehouse that was restored by the Chatham County Historical Association. The building stands only a few yards from its original location, which was part of an early Chatham homestead. CM

1 Rosalinda Balderas, 1, Olivia Balderas, Jesus Balderas, 3, and Jesus Balderas.

2 Sophia Crouch, 16, holding Cosmo, and Ryan Brinker, 16.

3 Janet Poetzinger and Kim Outing.

4 Sam Groce, Anna Dixon and Susan Dixon.

5 Jase Riggans, 8, and Brantley Riggans, 9.

6 Miles Dickens, 4, and Cole Dickens.

Hoppy Hour

BY MORGAN CARTIER WESTON

Havoc Brewing made its downtown Pittsboro debut April 27, welcoming friends and supporters to the 6,500-square-foot brewery and taproom at 39 West St. Owner Michael Pipkin conceived of the idea during the pandemic and brought on his friend Andy Smith as head brewer and neighbor Holly Benton as marketing director. The team and their guests celebrated with heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music by Josh Colton and of course, plenty of beer. The brewery plans to host food trucks, trivia nights and live music regularly.

1 Matt Rudowsky, Sherri Rudowsky, Jane Morrison, Dianne Chatterton, Scott Chatterton, marketing director Holly Benton, Molly Pipkin, owner Michael Pipkin, Laura Callahan, Chris Callahan, Bob Pipkin, head brewer Andy Smith and Kim Smith.

2 Dalton Sawyer holds a doll representing Troy Benton, Holly’s husband and an investor in Havoc Brewing, who is currently deployed in Kuwait.

3 Cristi Coleman, Larry Coleman and Jennifer Petzold.

4 Vanessa Costa, Heather Johnson, Dottie Hobbs, Grimsley Hobbs and Catherine Hobbs.

Photography by Melissa Crane CM

Folk, Families and Fun

BY KATE BROWNSTEIN

The 21st annual ClydeFEST took place at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center on April 22. Organized by the Chatham Arts Council, the free event had community members of all ages enjoying art, live music, face painting, games, food trucks and more.

1 Donovan Zimmerman on drum, Drew Yell, Simon Barefoot, Coleman Wiley and Charlie Akin with Paperhand Puppet Intervention.

2 Arlo Estill demonstrates print block art and screen printed T-shirts on demand.

3 Kids paint at The Clayworx Studios’ booth with Rachael Clemens.

Local artists including those from Clayworx Studios, Paperhand Puppet Intervention and Hempsmith showcased their work and helped participants create their own art. A record number of attendees this year, including, of course, Clyde Jones, the Bynum-based folk artist who inspired ClydeFEST.

4 Cara Lawrence, Calvin Lawrence and Todd Lawrence.

5 Stephan Meyers, Clyde Jones, Dani Johnson and her daughter, Kimberly Johnson.

Photography by Andrea Akin CM

Down to Earth

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

The 2023 Piedmont Farm Tour kicked off its 27th annual event April 22-23 with three Chatham-based farms participating among the 31 farms. The event, which is the nation’s oldest and largest of its kind, is sponsored by Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and Weaver Street Market. Participating farms included Copeland Springs Farm, where visitors walked through high tunnels of vegetables, and Granite Springs Farm, which offered tours of its “Shroom Room.”

1 Abhi Sivadas, Chrystina Passanisi and Renata McConnell.

2 James Buchanan, Lisa Buchanan, Adam Buchanan, 7, Isaac Buchanan, 4, and Canaan Buchanan, 4.

3 Cary Farrell, Elizabeth Jorgensen and Rebekah Ehlert.

4 Stephanie Durham and John Sroka, 6.

5 Kevin Bates and Monika Bates.

(CONTINUED)

A third farm, Little Way Farm in Siler City, is a new addition to our agricultural community. Tourgoers inside Little Way Farm’s shop, which was built by Heirloom Builders in Siler City, were drawn outside when a cow named Mamacakes broke loose from Philip Sroka, 7. Visitors and farm family members chased after the cow through tall grass and down a dirt road. Philip, who took the cow out of its pasture, says, “I thought it would be a good experience for everyone to see Mamacakes.” CM

6 Phil Toomey.

7 Philip Sroka, 7, Michelle Sroka, Mamacakes, William Sroka, 8, Phil Toomey and John Sroka, 6.

Stroll for Support

BY

1 Donald Kaczvinsky and Julia Kaczvinsky.

2 Ruth Kreiner, Madeline Kreiner, Barbara Gilbert and Warren Ort with dogs Samson and Fanny.

3 Barbara Cleveland, Women of Fearrington treasurer, and Ruth Ann Burk.

4 Rebecca Kirkland and dog Buddy.

5 Beth Coulombe and Wendy Snodgrass with dogs Murphy and Milo.

KATE BROWNSTEIN

Two- and four-legged friends alike gathered in Fearrington Village April 15 for the third annual Spring Stroll fundraiser walk. Formerly known as Paws for a Cause, this year the event was expanded to include walkers without dogs.

(CONTINUED)

Hosted by the Women of Fearrington and chaired by Barbara Gilbert, the event raised more than $2,300 to support women and children in Chatham County. Attendees raised funds through participation, donations and shopping a wide variety of donated collectibles, crafts and baked goods. CM

6 Verity Dunphy and Jackie Walters with dogs Bubba and Tony.

7 Mary Ann Petruska and Barbara Cleveland.

8 Adrienne Lallo, Women of Fearrington co-chair, and dog Rolo.

Raising Forks and Funds

BY KATIE MACKINNON

Community members raised more than $29,000 to help those facing hunger in Chatham County at CORA’s 11th Empty Bowls fundraiser on March 19. Attendees enjoyed soups made by local chefs, plus homemade breads and desserts. A raffle and live music from Popcorn Blue Band kept the night going at Galloway Ridge. Guests took home handcrafted bowls of their choice, which were donated by artists of all ages, as a reminder of CORA’s mission to fill the empty bowls of those in need. CM

1 Empty Bowls committee members Michelle Hodge and Bobbie Morel.

2 Volunteers Donna Broedell and Donna Fehrenbach.

3 Empty Bowls committee members Pam Barker, Pam Somers and Hilary Murray.

SEPTEMBER 14 - 16 , 2023

©Todd E. Gaul (2)

“Chip” Price.

Chamber Development Briefing

The Chatham County Agricultural & Conference Center was at full capacity on April 26 for the Chatham Chamber of Commerce’s growth update. Attendees enjoyed breakfast by 39 West Catering and heard individual town updates for Pittsboro, Siler City and Goldston from respective mayors Cindy Perry, Thomas “Chip” Price and Jonathan Hensley. 

1 Ronda Stubbs, Susan King Cope and Heidi Zangara.

2 Pittsboro Mayor Cindy Perry and Siler City Mayor Thomas

3 Tim Dalton, Aaron Nelson and Glenn Brooks.

Patt Sturdivant Funeral Director

Billy L. Griffin Funeral Director

Lyndsay McCarthy Funeral Apprentice

Judy Lewter Administrator

Laura Whitaker Funeral Assistant

Archie Hackney Funeral Assistant

James Dean Funeral Assistant

Tommy Perry Funeral Assistant

Ronnie Vaughn Funeral Assistant

Matt McDiarmid Funeral Assistant

Lyle W. Donaldson Owner & Funeral Director

Lisa Wooten Director of Operations & Funeral Director

Ken Ellis Funeral Assistant

Kenneth Farrell Funeral Assistant

Debbie Horton Funeral Assistant

(CONTINUED)

Additional speakers included Michael Smith, who spoke on county growth, County Commissioner Karen Howard, who gave an update on the county and Margaret Robertson, who shared workforce development news.

Photography by Melissa Crane CM

4 Stephanie Terry and Howard Fifer.

5 Dee Osborne and Lisa Long Jackson.

6 Cam Mills and Chatham Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Cindy Poindexter.

7 Chevon Moore, Catherine Hobbs and Kim Hutter.

NOTED .

WHAT AN HONOR

Northwood High School student Gianmarc Byers was awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties March 21 at the Chapel Hill Country Club.

JordanMatthews High School senior Jolitzy FernandezArzate was awarded the Richard and Susan Allison Assured Admit Scholarship in early March. The merit scholarship was created to motivate students of “exceptional scholastic aptitude, strength of character and demonstrated leadership potential” to attend the UNC Kenan-Flagler Undergraduate Business School program.

Awardees receive $25,000 for each year they attend.

Compiled by Haley Pineles

What we’ve heard around our towns ...

Three area students – Joseph King and Crozes Crean of Pittsboro and Sarah Barbour of Moncure – placed in the SkillsUSA High School Job Skills event March 21 in the welding sculpture category. Sarah (pictured right) captured first place with her project “Dove,” Crozes (center) received second place with “Skid Steer” and fourth place went to Joseph (left) for his “Antique Six Shooter.” The trio attended classes under Austin Smith and are members of the Central Carolina Community College Career & College Promise Program. They move on to the state competition in Greensboro.

Carmine Sacchitello and Dawn Sacchitello sold their restaurant, Gov’s Burger & Tap, in March. The new owners, Jose Torralva Fernandez and Claudia P. Martin, kept the staff and burger menu but changed the name to Gov’s Fusion Cantina. Jose and Claudia are adding handmade empanadas and tacos to the menu and planning a sports bar next door.

GIVING BACK

The Chatham Arts Council, in partnership with the Durham, Orange and Wake County arts councils, partnered with WRAL March 9 for regional fundraising event Big Night

In for the Arts. The broadcast featured performances by local artists like Chatham Rabbits, and guests including Chatham Arts Council board members Catherine Hobbs and Erica Berry attended a live

PHOTO COURTESY CENTRAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PHOTO COURTESY GOV'S FUSION CANTINA

watch party at The Mayton Inn in Cary. The event has raised more than $615,000 to date in support of arts and culture in the Triangle.

Triangle Land Conservancy purchased 108 acres of protected land in the Chicken Bridge Forest area March 16. The acquisition was made possible with the help of Pittsboro couple Alex Protzman and Alys Protzman.

Alicia Springfield, head designer at Floral Expressions & Gifts, exhibited her arrangement in this year’s Art in Bloom, a festival of art and flowers held each spring at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh.

More than 150 Mountaire Farms employees and volunteers partnered with 93 Chatham County organizations at its Easter for Thousands

event in Siler City. The 5,000 meal boxes packed during the event included a variety of nonperishable foods and were distributed to families in need by local partner organizations including Chatham Trades, Siler City Rotary Club, Chatham County Council on Aging, Hispanic Liaison, Boys and Girls Club of Central Carolina and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department. North Carolina elected officials House of Representatives Minority Leader Robert Reives II, Siler City Mayor Chip Price and Siler City Commissioner Curtis Brown also lent a helping hand.

ON THE MOVE

Following a unanimous vote by the board of commissioners, Pittsboro hired Jonathan Franklin as its new town manager. He began his tenure May 1, taking over for interim town manager Kent Jackson.

Siler City Mayor

Chip Price swore in Kimberly Pickard, a communications specialist and the new Siler City town clerk, Feb. 6 at the town’s board of commissioners meeting. Kimberly, who grew up in Chatham, worked in real estate before joining local government two years ago.

The Sycamore at Chatham Mills welcomed Shane Ingram in April as its new executive chef. The longtime Pittsboro resident closed his own restaurant, Four Square, which was touted as an awardwinning staple of fine dining in Durham for 17 years.

IN OUR SCHOOLS

John Wood began his role as the new public information officer for Chatham County Schools in May. He brings more than three decades of combined experience in journalism and public education to his new post.

Northwood High School basketball player and five-star recruit Drake Powell committed to joining UNC Men’s Basketball recruiting class of 2024.

SHARE YOUR NEWS! Submit noteworthy items from award and scholarship winners to new book and album releases.

Ride Realty in Chatham welcomed its newest real estate broker, Gloria Mock, in April. Gloria’s most recent work experience includes sponsorship coordination for the Eno River Association.

BIZ BRIEFS

Siler City Town government purchased the Carter Bank & Trust building at 101 E. Raleigh St. in downtown Siler City from Peoples National Bank for $100,000 March 22. 

On March 20, Woods Charter School students William Drake, Coen Figge, Thomas Frazelle and Maya Sheridan won the Toshiba ExploraVision STEM Science Competition regionals. The 10th grade honors chemistry students wowed judges by using artificial photosynthesis to create hydrocarbons for power generation. Each team member was awarded a Chromebook, and theirs is the first team from North Carolina to advance to the national competition in the past 11 years.

Central Carolina Community College announced March 7 that it earned the 2023-24 Military Friendly School designation after being evaluated with public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey of over 1,800 participating schools.

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

The former bank building, which was vacated last October, will be repurposed, according to town manager Hank Raper. Repairs and renovations began in March and are expected to be completed later this year.

Fidelity Bank broke ground on its Pittsboro location March 20. The new fullservice branch will officially open in 2024 at 24 Commerce Court. The opening ceremony was led by Pittsboro branch associates, members of the bank’s leadership team and local government officials and business leaders, including Pittsboro Mayor Cindy Perry, CEO of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce Cindy Poindexter, Chatham Economic Development Corporation

President Michael Smith and representatives from the project’s general contractor, Davie Construction.

Starrlight Mead purchased Chatham Cider Works at the end of January and moved cider production into the mead facility.

Raleigh and Patina South. Marigold’s inventory features local art, vintage clothing and furnishings, handmade artisan goods, vinyl records and more.

Handcrafted 919 food truck held its grand opening March 10. Based in Bennett, the truck is family owned and operated by Timothy Britt and Melanie Britt and offers classic BBQ options like smoked brisket, pulled pork, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches.

Governors Club ranked No. 12 in Club + Resort Chef’s 2023 list of Top Ranked Culinary Experiences. Similar clubs nationwide are judged on factors including innovative practices, annual revenue, membership size, weekly cover counts and more.

Oakmoss Attic officially reopened in March in its new location at 49 W. Salisbury St. in Little Boho Valley. Owner Jenny Midgette expressed excitement at being able to downsize the “botanical apothecary.”

Earth Tones Crystals celebrates its first anniversary this summer at 19 Hillsboro St. in Pittsboro. The shop features crystals and gemstone jewelry and is run by Peggy Basham and her daughter, Melissa Basham, who is a selfdescribed reiki practitioner, energy healer and tarot reader. Melissa also owns Living Light Energy based in Cameron.

where she continues to sell furniture, lighting, wallpaper and rugs.

Coldwell Banker | Howard Perry and Walston real estate held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new headquarters –32 Industrial Park Drive, Suite 120 in Pittsboro –on April 19.

Rachel’s Native Plants held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony April 21 at The Plant. North Carolina First Lady Kristin Cooper, Pittsboro Mayor Cindy Perry and Chatham County Commissioner Katie Kenlan spoke at the event to welcome owner Rachel Nelms and her nursery team to the community.

Marigold, a new shop in Pittsboro at 157 West St., opened in early April.

Owners Tracey Johnson and Mark Lovvorn said the shop is an extension of its two small businesses: Pop-Up

Steel Roots Home Decor hosted a “moving out” sale in April. Christy O’Hara, the business’s owner and lead designer, moved the main office to her home off of Big Woods Road,

Bold Construction welcomed Scott Ramsey to their Gallant Reserve development team as director of renovations April 26. Scott brings 35 years of framing, trades, construction software and project management to his work in new home construction, renovation and remodeling.

As We Grow is in the process of changing its name and transitioning from consignment to resale. Any prior consignors are permitted to tag and bring their items into the Siler City store until June 30. The shop will post updates on its Facebook page.

79° West Hub, a co-working space in Mosaic at Chatham Park, opened May 1 with more than 45 private office spaces designed for companies, freelancers and creators from all walks of life.

Sal’s NY Pizza opened at The Commons at Governors Village March 15. The restaurant took the place of a former Papa John’s franchise. CM

PHOTO BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

PHOTO BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

PHOTO COURTESY 79 WEST HUB

who’s who in town & county government

LEARN ABOUT THE MAN WHOSE TEAM WE COUNT ON IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

BY LORI D. ROBERTS WIGGINS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Meet Mike Reitz, director of the Chatham County 911 Emergency Communications Center. Originally from Maryland, Mike, 45, made North Carolina home in 1999 when he joined the Durham Fire Department to live closer to his brother, Brian Reitz, a retired Durham police officer.

For the past six years, Mike has overseen calls for Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS and Rescue for Chatham County. From 2010 to 2021, Chatham had a 38% increase in emergency dispatches, increasing from 47,990 to 66,182 calls. As the county continues to grow, so will the need for emergency resources.

Mike has 24 years of public safety experience. He’s been a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, a paramedic and a 911 operator. Mike is also certified as a public safety diver with experience in the technical world of high-angle rope rescues as well as swift water and confined space rescues. He’s been deployed across the state and country to help communities manage and respond to emergencies.

everyone. We have turnover like any other department, agency or profession, but the training required to be successful at this job takes time. Another challenge is being competitive with surrounding agencies with pay and benefits and being able to get staff the tools they need to do their job and keep them happy.

You’ve been with Chatham County Emergency Communications for six years –what keeps you there?

Chatham is our home. My wife and I met in Carrboro at the South Orange Rescue Squad, and now we have three kids. Our two sons, Owen, 9, and Landon, 7, attend Haw River Christian Academy in Silk Hope, and our daughter Blythe is 18 months. My wife and I love the area, and we are excited about the future of the county with the growth and opportunities, including all of the restaurants, shopping, parks and trails.

What has been the greatest accomplishment at Chatham County Emergency Communications under your leadership?

What qualities do you bring to the job and to Chatham County?

Experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. The 24 years of combined public safety experience. I’m also honest and understanding. Everything I do is for my staff and the community we serve. I try to surround myself with good people and give them the tools and direction to do their jobs.

What is the greatest challenge of your job?

Staffing – this profession is not for everyone. It is a very rewarding career to be able to help someone in an emergency and get help to them, but it is not for

There are two capital improvement projects I have been working on since starting here. One is the countywide radio system upgrade project. The project brings a modern radio system to the county that desperately needed an upgrade. The old system was 25-30 years old. We now have interoperability with surrounding counties and state agencies. We also improved the coverage and capacity of the system. Every public safety agency in the county also received new radios for their responders and vehicles.

The second project is the new 911 center and emergency operations center. This new building will collocate two county departments – emergency communications and emergency management. The old 911 center is outdated and no longer allows room to

Mike Reitz stands with his emergency vehicle in front of the Chatham County 911 Emergency Communications Center.

grow as a department. The new building allows for technology improvements and state-of-the-art facilities.

How has the system changed under your leadership?

Technology – major projects and smaller projects through the years. A new mindset to manage the department and empower staff to look at different ways to solve problems. Surround yourself with good people, keep them happy and engaged in their work, and that is a huge win for the county.

How has technology impacted your job? Technology in the 911 world is always changing, and we need to stay current. Livestreaming video is the latest trend for the 911 profession. We hear a lot of bad things happening on the phone, and I’m not sure if I want or need my staff to see those things happening on video. But mental health wellness is a big component of the job, and adding video could add to the trauma we experience every day.

Surround yourself with good people, keep them happy and engaged in their work, and that is a huge win for the county.

How has Chatham County Emergency Communications changed in the past few years?

[There’s been an] increase in staff as we prepare for future growth, increase in call volume, technology improvements with the new radio system and the new 911 center.

How do you expect it to change under the anticipation of growth in Chatham County? [I expect an] increase in call volume, which leads to a need for more staff. With the growth also comes more buildings, and we need to ensure our radio system can be used by emergency responders inside the buildings.

What would you like people to know about emergency communications that few seem to understand?

While on a 911 call, we ask a lot of questions in order to help the caller but also inform the responding units about what is going on. We are able to give lifesaving instructions over the phone. 

MOD.

SALADS . WOOD-FIRED PIZZA . BURGERS . SANDWICHES . 41 BEERS ON TAP . OUTDOOR PATIO . LIVE MUSIC

Early in my career I delivered twins over the phone. Units responding want to know what exactly is happening while they are on the way. We need to ask questions, but that doesn’t mean it is delaying the response to the call. It all starts with the location of the emergency; often people do not know where they are. Technology is improving, but we still ask where the emergency is and what is going on in order to determine what type of response is needed.

Aside from requirements listed in the job description, what do you look for in an emergency communications operator?

[The] ability to work in a high-stress environment,

LIGHTNING ROUND

What are your favorite local restaurants?

Phoenix Bakery, Cafe Root Cellar and Breakaway Cafe

What’s your favorite thing to do locally? Enjoying the parks, trails, rivers, lakes and restaurants.

What is your favorite book or movie?

Books by Lee Child, such as the “Jack Reacher” series.

What do emergency communicators do for fun?

Anything that doesn’t involve answering the phone or radio.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not answering the phone or radio? Woodworking, cooking, baking and spending time outside with family.

What tops your playlist?

Music by O.A.R. or Mumford & Sons.

multitask under pressure, [and the] ability to quickly work through a problem using training and resources available. Someone who is willing to learn and put forth the effort required can be successful in this profession. We can train someone from the ground up, but they need to be willing to put in the time and work hard.

What’s the No. 1 emergency in Chatham and why?

This is a hard one. Every phone call we take is someone having a bad day – sometimes the worst day of their life – but the telecommunicators are there to help them. We are the first first responders. CM

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pass it on

LIFELONG CHATHAMITES SHARE THEIR STORIES FOR POSTERITY

BY DOLLY R. SICKLES

An ongoing oral history project, “Voices of Chatham,” is still seeking longtime Chatham County residents to help document the community’s cultural heritage. Recent major economic developments are expected to impact our largely rural communities and shift local culture. “Wolfspeed and Vinfast are coming,” says linguist and project manager Brody McCurdy. “Those are the two largest projects in the entire state that are going to bring this rapid change.”

Brody explains that linguistics are important identifiers for who is living, working and moving to the area. “Language changes parallel social and demographic changes, and what’s cool about Chatham is that we’re catching that change as it’s happening in this community,” he says.

So far, 90 men and women have shared their stories, which will be housed at The Language and Life Project at N.C. State University. Brody says the project’s goal is to capture stories from at least 100 people.

Chatham County Historical Association board member Cindy Schmidt says the association helped identify multigenerational families that have grown up in Chatham. Cindy says renowned linguist Walt Wolfram at NCSU is interested in how the words [people] use and their accents can change over time, even though they’ve lived in relatively the same physical location.

Below are two examples of stories collected for “Voices of Chatham.”

THE BOONE FAMILY

Norma Boone, 65, is part of four generations born and raised in Chatham. She was named for her grandfather, Norman James Alston, who had his own brickyard and worked as mason in Siler City. Examples of his work still stand, like the town hall and post office. Norma is a decadeslong administrator with Chatham County Schools. She is also an elected Siler City commissioner, serving District 2.

Norma still lives in her childhood home. She attended Siler City Elementary School and Chatham High School from sixth through eighth grades. “The last graduating class at Chatham High School was in 1969. That’s when they started integration,” Norma says. According to historical records, Chatham High School merged with Jordan-Matthews High School in 1969, and Chatham County Schools became fully integrated by the fall of 1970. Norma attended Jordan-Matthews High School in 1971 and graduated in 1975.

Norma says education was always a big focus in her family. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and African American studies from UNC Charlotte in 1979. Norma also holds three different master’s degrees, including one in psychology from

North Carolina Central University. She worked for a few years in mental health in Clinton, North Carolina. After both her parents died, she moved back to Chatham and worked in Eagle Springs for Samarcand Manor, a correctional institution for young women. Once she landed a school counselor job closer to home, Norma went back to school. “I had a degree in psychology, but not a degree in counselor education,” she says. Her second master’s degree was also from NCCU and enabled her to work as a counselor. Her third master’s degree, in school administration from UNC Greensboro, allowed her to work as an assistant school principal.

Thirty-four years later, Norma still works for Chatham County Schools. After serving as principal at JordanMatthews from 2006-2010, she moved to the administrative offices. One highlight of her career was presenting a high school diploma to her son, Christopher James, during her first year as principal.

A strong sense of service was instilled in Norma. It was a responsibility she learned at home. “I think wanting to help people has always been one of my things,” she says. “My parents were always helping other people. Most times, people were appreciative. Just

Language changes parallel social and demographic changes, and what’s cool about Chatham is that we’re catching that change as it’s happening.

– Brody McCurdy

following what it says in the Bible – to do unto others as you would have done unto you. When it comes down to it, we are our brother’s keeper.”

Today, Norma serves as an elected politician and is an active volunteer in seven organizations. “I do know how to say ‘no’ … sometimes,” she says, laughing. “Even though people don’t think I do.”

Family and the church are the two most important things that stand out in Norma’s mind when she thinks about growing up in rural Chatham County. She still attends Corinth AME Zion Church, the same church she went to as a child. Norma remembers her grandmother minding the kids after church. “Every Sunday after church, we always stopped at her house,” she says. “My parents stopped on the way to school and on the way home. And in the evenings on Sundays, we’d sit on the front porch and the kids would be out in the yard playing. Most of my cousins were in my age bracket and we all just hung out together. We would play ‘Ain’t No Bears Out Tonight’ and tag, and catch lightning bugs.”

Norma says her son’s childhood was different. “He grew up with friends of all races. They played ball together, had classes together. To me, it was a different life,” she says. “His experiences were very different from mine, but he understands. With our people and what we do, we have to teach our children. If they’re going to be taught the real

history, they have to learn from the people who actually went through it. It shouldn’t be sugarcoated and then they think they’ve arrived. Because no, you haven’t arrived. You still need to know your history so you can make an informed decision.”

Norma works with young people in the community, at schools and at church, and she always reminds them that while it can be hard being in two different worlds, you always come back to your own cultural background. “I always like Shirley Chisolm and her statement, ‘Make sure you have a seat at the table.’”

We have to teach our children. If they’re going to be taught the real history, they have to learn from the people who actually went through it.

– Norma Boone

THE OCAMPO FAMILY

Leslie Ocampo, 28, is the second generation of her family to live in Siler City. Leslie made her way through the Chatham County School System, attending Siler City Elementary, Chatham Middle School and JordanMatthews High School, then went on to UNC Greensboro to study political science and international and global studies.

“I had the opportunity to study abroad in Lyon, France, my junior year of college, which was amazing,” she says. “It helped me realize that living abroad and traveling was not for me. I loved being in the new city, but the traveling aspect proved to be very

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stress-inducing. I also missed my parents a lot and the familiar connection I have to Siler City.”

Her family’s heritage is Mexican, and her second language is Spanish. Her parents emigrated from Guerrero, Mexico, 30 years ago, making their way to North Carolina by way of California and Florida. Her father, Telesforo Ocampo, is retired from Pilgrim’s Pride in Lee County, and her mother, Maria Ocampo, still works for Sapona Manufacturing Company in Randolph County.

This dual identity helped Leslie find her calling through Chatham Literacy, where she works as a program coordinator. “I believe in the mission,” she says. “My own life has been impacted by Chatham Literacy

when my parents used their citizenship program in 2011. Becoming a citizen is life changing. And of course, back in 2011, my parents didn’t have the resources or any of the tutors or knowledge that we have now in 2023. All they had were two tutors and a bunch of people meeting in a church somewhere. That was it. They just knew the tutor was going to be there every Saturday morning if they wanted to be a citizen. That’s why I believe in Chatham Literacy and still work there.”

Life for the Ocampo family in Siler City was idyllic by Leslie’s recollection. She grew up speaking English because her parents didn’t want their children to feel different. “I never felt openly discriminated against or unwelcome,” she says. “But I have a big family with tons of aunts and uncles, so I also never felt like I was one of a kind. I was never afraid of going to school or outside playing in my yard, thinking somebody was going to come and hurt my family. There was a sudden surge of deportation in the early 2000s and 2010s, but my parents were already legal residents. I can only imagine the fear among kids to wake up and suddenly your parents are gone. Kids today have a lot of fortitude.”

“As humans, I think we actually have to change to move ahead, in order to progress. We can’t just stay like we are. Especially here in Chatham County, for so long there weren’t any jobs or opportunities, so folks were stuck either having to commute somewhere or stay at their same low-paying job with [no] opportunity to move up. When there isn’t any positive change in terms of better employment or where you’re living, you can’t offer your family a better upbringing.”

If you are interested in being interviewed for Voices of Chatham, reach out to Brody McCurdy via the project’s Facebook page. CM

As humans, I think we actually have to change to move ahead, in order to progress. We can’t just stay like we are.

– Leslie Ocampo

state of mind

EXPLORE DOZENS OF WAYS TO HAVE THE MOST FUN IN THE SUN THIS SEASON

LEFT Heather Cassese has instilled a love of paddleboarding in her two kids, Elizabella and Joden.

RIGHT

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Get your vitamin D this summer at Jordan Lake reservoir while exploring its 180 miles of shoreline. Heather Cassese, a Pittsboro chiropractor and yoga instructor, is an avid paddleboarder and enjoys being on the water with her two kids, Elizabella Cassese, 10, and Joden Cassese, 8.

Heather goes every Monday on her day off. “I make some time to go out to the lake by myself for a couple [of] hours and do some yoga on my boards and stuff,” she says. “Then on the weekends, I’ll take the kids out just for something fun to do and get on the water.”

Heather and her kids bring their own boards, but to the right are three places that rent paddleboards near the lake.

The Cassese kids navigate Jordan Lake on their paddleboards.

CROSSWINDS BOATING CENTER at 565 Farrington Rd. in Apex has boards and life jackets for rent and accepts prepayment with reservations only. The rates are $20 for 1 hour, $40 for 2 hours and $50 for 3 hours.

LETT’S GO WATERSPORTS offers inflatable stand-up paddleboards plus “supyaks,” which are paddleboard/ kayak hybrids. Rental time is 90 minutes. Renters must be 18 years or older, and kids must be at least 5 years old to ride along. Cost of renting a paddleboard Monday to Thursday is $40 and Friday to Sunday is $50. There is an additional fee of $15 per kid, ages 5 to 10. Smaller paddleboards are available for kids who weigh less than 100 pounds and want their own board. Equipment will be brought to 605 Farrington Point Rd.

WAKERACK

has an online reservation system that makes renting equipment easy and contactless. The minimum rental time is three hours. An hour before your reserved time, an access code will be emailed so you can retrieve what you need from an assigned locker located outside the Valero gas station at 5871 Highway 64. 

curl up and read

These books have been around long enough to be found at Circle City Books & Music, a used bookshop in downtown Pittsboro. Bookshop owner Myles Friedman says if you’ve yet to read these books, summer is a good time to catch up. 

“Love and Summer” heartbreak in a small Irish village by William Trevor

“Summer of ‘49” perfect for a baseball fan by David Halberstam

“Harlem Shuffle” a caper novel set in the early 1960s by Colson Whitehead

“Summer” a classic by Edith Wharton

“A Gentleman in Moscow” a literary tour de force by Amor Towles

“The Summer Book” a family drama from Finland by Tove Jansson

“The Signature of All Things” the adventures of a female botanist in the 19th century by Elizabeth Gilbert

“News of the World” an adventure from the Old West by Paulette Jiles

“Slow Horses” a quirky spy story by Mick Herron 

“The Parable of the Sower” a dystopian fantasy, good for young adults by Octavia E. Butler

hand-picked harvest

BY BROOKE SPACH

Head out to the fields and embark on a sweet summer adventure for the whole family. These farms in and around Chatham County offer U-pick sessions throughout the season for blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and peaches. It’s the perfect way to spend some time in the sun, learn about plants and enjoy the fruits of your labor! 

*Always contact farms before you visit to confirm picking hours; conditions can change daily based on weather and berry availability.

Blueberry U-Pick 418 Old Farrington Rd., Chapel Hill

Look for signs along the road for availability

Busy Bee Farm 1092 Dewitt Smith Rd., Pittsboro 919-542-5890; chathamcounty beeman@yahoo.com

Chatham Oaks Farm 573 Dewitt Smith Rd., Pittsboro 919-444-2635; chathamoaks farm.com

Wednesday thru Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Weekends 1-6 p.m. or by appointment

Farrells Creek Farm 1970 Marthas Chapel Rd., Apex 919-592-4981; farrellscreekfarm.com

Wednesday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon

Haw River Fruit Co. 3947 Russell Rd., Graham 919-704-6105; hawriverfruit.com Hours posted on social media

Howard’s Farm & Mema’s Fruit Shack 7393 U.S. Hwy 64 W, Pittsboro 919-656-6800; howardsfarm. memasfruitshack @aol.com

Monday thru Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Millstone Creek Orchards 506 Parks Crossroads Church Rd., Ramseur 336-824-5263; millstone creekorchards.com

Wednesday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Myra Halpin and John Halpin on Spider Web Lane. Look for signs along Highway 15-501 for availability

Oakley Farm 383 Oakley Farm Rd., Chapel Hill 919-360-2924 Call ahead for hours

Pack House Farm 1896 Marthas Chapel Rd., Apex 919-210-6574; packhousefarm.com Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon; other times posted on Facebook

Phillips Farms of Chatham

6581 U.S. Hwy 64 W, Pittsboro 919-337-3374; facebook.com/ phillipsfarms ofchatham

Powell’s Blueberry Farm

175 Bonsal Crossing Rd., New Hill 919-362-4398; pbfblueberries @gmail.com

PYO Peaches

91 Clark Self Rd., Pittsboro Look for roadside signs for availability

Thrifty Produce & Plants

185 Boggs Thrift Trail, Siler City thsgoats@gmail. com

Wild Abandon Farm

185 Roundtop Hill Rd., Pittsboro 919-533-7930; facebook.com/ wildabandonfarm

ABOVE Reed Lelito proudly holds a blackberry picked at Farrells Creek Farm.

BELOW RIGHT Rebecca Reed and Shari Becker show off their blueberry bounty at Wild Abandon Farm.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FARRELLS CREEK FARM

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILD ABANDON FARM

sounds of summer on stage

Bynum Front Porch Friday Music Series

FRIDAYS, MAY THROUGH AUGUST, 7-9 P.M.

For more than two decades, crowds have gathered at Bynum General Store on Friday nights in the summer to enjoy live music, good company and celebrate the town’s history. The general store was open from 1934 until 2006, after which the Bynum Front Porch nonprofit stepped in to preserve the store’s status as a community gathering place, using the space to host family-friendly events and programs year-round.

Downtown Music Series in Siler City

THIRD FRIDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER, 6:30-8:30 P.M.

The NC Arts Incubator and The Chatham Rabbit partner to showcase a range of North Carolina musicians with this yearly concert series. From bluegrass to rock, the performers entice people of all ages to come out to the Rotary Stage and listen, eat food truck bites and enjoy the scenes of the historic downtown.

Mosaic at Chatham Park Music Series

JUNE 9, 23 & 30; AUG. 11 & 25; SEPT. 8 & 22

In June, Blackwater Band, The Holiday Band and Jim Quick & Coastline headline the beach music series – get your shag on and enjoy bites and brews from BMC Brewing, Cousins Maine Lobster, Buoy Bowls and more. The fall music series will begin in August and features Tim Hair with Indian Outlaw, Cravin’ Melon and more with special guests BigTime Shine, Jordan Pickett, Petty Thieves and School of Rock Chapel Hill.

Music in the Meadow

JUNE 17, JULY 22 & AUG. 12, 6-9 P.M. Head to Great Meadow Park at Briar Chapel for performances by Ryan Perry, The Tonez and Southside Saints. Bring your blankets and chairs and find a spot on the grass to enjoy dinner and drinks from local food trucks to the sound of live music on a warm summer night. 

THESE LOCAL VENUES OFFER OUTDOOR CONCERTS AND MOVIES ALL SEASON LONG

1 The Liquid Pleasure band plays at the Tommy Edwards stage in Mosaic at Chatham Park.

2 Linda Holloway and Charles White.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

Flower Fest Indie Music and Arts Festival

JUNE 17, 11 A.M. TO 7:30 P.M.

Shakori Hills Community Arts Center’s inaugural Flower Fest is sure to get your feet tapping with performances by North Carolina bands Relay Relay (formerly Stray Local), Tracksuit, Swansgate, JULIA., Late Notice and Wild Love. The festival also features flower installations by West Queen Studio, flower crown-making, classes and workshops, food trucks and more.

on screen

Mosaic at Chatham Park Friday Movies

FRIDAYS; MAY-JUNE & AUGUSTOCTOBER, 8:30 P.M.

Settle in under the stars and tune into “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Moana,” a drive-in showing of “Avatar: The Way

of Water” and more. The lawn opens an hour before each movie, so there's plenty of time to grab dinner and drinks from Red Moose Brewing Company, Jersey Mike’s and Maple View Mobile ice cream before showtime.

Movies in the Park

AUG. 25 & SEPT. 8 AND 22

Chatham County Parks and Recreation hosts a summer movie series at The Park at Briar Chapel. Bring your family, friends and favorite movie night snacks, and don’t miss kidfriendly screenings of “Lightyear,” “Frozen 2” and “Coco.” 

3 The Flower Fest Indie Music and Arts Festival takes place at Shakori Hills, pictured above during the GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance in May.

PHOTO BY GREG STEWART

the year of happy trails

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Barb Oslund rides her horse, Redbud, along a narrow path across a grassy meadow before entering the woods at Mason Point on game land at Jordan Lake. The 5.5mile loop is the only publicly accessible equestrian trail in Chatham County. A second loop is planned and will bring the total length to about 12 miles (all riders are required to obtain a permit through ncwildlife.org before using the trail.)

Barb, a civil engineer by training, is a lifelong equine enthusiast and lives northwest of Pittsboro. She is also a consultant to the North Carolina Horse

LEFT

ABOVE RIGHT Eloise and Pam share a kiss.

BELOW RIGHT

The lush path at Mason Point is an ideal place to celebrate North Carolina's Year of the Trail. Council and assists with local trail development, like the 23-mile American Tobacco Trail, which includes 4.6 miles along the Chatham-Wake county line. She also volunteers with the Jordan Lake Trails Conservation Association, a nonprofit organization that helps to gather funds to develop future trails.

The Mason Point trail is part of 90 miles of greenways and blueways in Chatham. Statewide, the North Carolina General Assembly declared 2023 as Year of the Trail, an initiative to inspire people

to hike, pedal, paddle or ride across the Great Trails State where recreation tourism contributes to the state’s $28 billion outdoor recreation economy.

“It’s gonna be sort of like riding in a national forest or something like that,” Barb says about Mason Point Trail, which is a model for future trails in the area. “You’ll have a place to park and build out a rough trail map, and off you go. You could spend a good bit of your day just riding the trails. It’ll really be a destination.”

Barb Oslund, on Redbud, walks the trail with Pam Freese and Eloise.

1 The Park at Briar Chapel

Length 16 miles

Elevation gain 1,211 feet

Route type Not rated

Note Near Chapel Hill. This is a popular trail for mountain biking.

2 Fearrington Village Loop

Length 1.2 miles

Elevation gain 55 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 30 minutes to complete

Note Near Pittsboro. This trail is great for birding and hiking.

3 Mason Point Horse Trail

Length 5.5 miles

Elevation gain 173 feet

Route type Loop, considered moderately challenging

Note Near Chapel Hill. Gravel lot for horse trailer parking. Game land license required to ride.

4 Northeast District Park

Length 0.4 mile

Elevation gain 19 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 10 minutes to complete

Note Near Chapel Hill. This trail is great for road biking, running and walking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

5 Panther Creek Greenway

Length 3.1 miles

Elevation gain 157 feet

Route type Out and back, easy, about an hour to complete

Note Near Cary. This is a popular trail for birding, road biking and running. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

6 Jordan Lake Audubon Wildlife

Platform Trail

Length 0.3 mile

Elevation gain 32 feet

Route type Out and back, easy, about seven minutes to complete

Note Near Apex. This trail is great for birding, hiking and walking.

7 Jordan Lake Path

Length 0.7 mile

Elevation gain 29 feet

Route type Out and back, easy, about 14 minutes to complete

Note Near Apex. This trail is great for paddle sports and walking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

8 Jordan Lake Wildlife Trail

Length 0.6 mile

Elevation gain 32 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 12 minutes to complete

Note Near Chapel Hill. This trail is great for birding, hiking and walking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

9 Low Lands and Jordan Lake Forest Demonstration Trail

Length 2.6 miles

Elevation gain 108 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 50 minutes to complete

Note Near Bynum. This trail is great for hiking, running and walking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

10 Parkers Creek

Length 3.2 miles

Elevation gain 111 feet

Route type Out and back, easy, about an hour to complete

Note Near Apex. This trail is great for camping (at Parkers Creek campground), hiking and walking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

11 Jordan Lake Track Trail and Seaforth Pond Trail

Length 2.0 miles

Elevation gain 55 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 40 minutes to complete Note Near Pittsboro. This is a popular trail for birding and fishing. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

12 Jordan Lake Poplar Trail

Length 3.2 miles

Elevation gain 216 feet

Route type Loop, moderately challenging, about an hour to complete Note Near New Hill. This is a popular trail for hiking, running and walking.

13 American Tobacco Trail from Southern Terminus

Length 22.1 miles

Elevation gain 682 feet

Route type Point to point, moderately challenging, about seven hours to complete Note Near New Hill. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking and horseback riding. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. Horses may be startled by the sudden appearance of runners or cyclists.

14 Ebenezer Church Trail

Length 1.0 mile

Elevation gain 32 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 20 minutes to complete Note Near Apex. This trail is great for birding, hiking and running. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

15 Ebenezer Church Old Oak Trail Loop

Length 1.8 miles

Elevation gain 82 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 40 minutes to complete Note Near Apex. This trail is great for hiking and walking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

16 Vista Point Red Trail

Length 2.5 miles

Elevation gain 55 feet

Route type Loop, moderately challenging, about 40 minutes to complete Note Near Pittsboro This trail is great for birding, camping (at Vista Point campground) and hiking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

17 Vista Point Blue Trail

Length 1.1 miles

Elevation gain 36 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 20 minutes to complete Note Near New Hill. This trail is great for birding, camping (at Vista Point campground) and hiking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

18 Wilderness Island Trail

Length 5.6 miles

Elevation gain 305 feet

Route type Out and back, moderately challenging, about two hours to complete Note Near Pittsboro. This trail is great for hiking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

19 New Hope Overlook Blue Route

Length 2.6 miles

Elevation gain 298 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about an hour to complete Note Near Moncure. This is a very popular area for birding, camping (at New Hope Overlook campground) and fishing. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

20 New Hope Red Route Length 5.7 miles

Elevation gain 606 feet

Route type Loop, moderately challenging, about two hours and 15 minutes to complete Note Near New Hill. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking and walking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

21 Roberson Creek Paddle Trip

Length 4.6 miles

Elevation gain 36 feet

Route type Out and back, easy Note Near Pittsboro. This trail is great for birding and paddle sports.

22 Lower Haw River Trail

Length 7.9 miles

Elevation gain 124 feet

Route type Out and back, moderately challenging route, about two hours and 20 minutes to complete Note Near Bynum. This is a popular trail for fishing, hiking and running. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

23 Poe’s Ridge Trail

Length 3.6 miles

Elevation gain 328 feet

Route type Loop, moderately challenging, about an hour and 20 minutes to complete Note Near Moncure. This is a popular trail for hiking and running.

24 Jordan Lake Dam Loop

Length 1.5 miles

Elevation gain 98 feet

Route type Loop, generall considered easy, about 30 minutes to complete

Note Enjoy this 1.5-mile loop trail near Moncure. This trail is great for birding, hiking and running. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

25 Kirks Creek Paddle Route

Length 7.0 miles

Elevation gain 42 feet

Route type Loop, easy

Note Near Moncure.

This trail is great for paddle sports.

26 Gilbert Yager, White Pines and Rocky River Trail Loop

Length 2.3 miles

Elevation gain 209 feet

Route type Loop, moderately challenging, about an hour to complete

Note Near Sanford. This trail is great for birding, fishing and hiking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

27 Rocky River Trail Loop

Length 1.6 miles

Elevation gain 164 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 40 minutes to complete

Note Near Sanford. This trail is great for birding, fishing and hiking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

28 River Trail to Schoolkids Trail

Length 1.0 mile

Elevation gain 131 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 30 minutes to complete Note Near Sanford. This trail is great for birding, fishing and hiking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

29 Schoolkids Way Trail

Length 2.0 miles

Elevation gain 272 feet

Route type Out and back, easy, about 50 minutes to complete

Note Near Sanford. This trail is great for birding, fishing and hiking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

30 Rock Ridge Park Disc Golf Course

Length 2.1 miles

Elevation gain 167 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 50 minutes to complete

Note Near Moncure. This trail is great for hiking and walking.

31 Pittsboro Lake Park Trail

Length 1.3 miles

Elevation gain 39 feet

Route type Out and back, easy, about 25 minutes to complete

Note Near Pittsboro. This trail is great for birding, hiking and walking.

32 Roland E. Horne Walking Trail

Length 1 mile

Elevation gain 42 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 20 minutes to complete

Note Near Pittsboro. This is a popular trail for birding, running and walking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

33 Mary Hayes Barber Holmes Park Loop Length 0.3 mile

Elevation gain 13 feet

Route type Loop, easy, five minutes to complete Note Near Pittsboro. This is a popular trail for road biking, running and walking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

34 Northwest District Park Loop

Length 1.3 miles

Elevation gain 104 feet

Route type Loop, easy, about 30 minutes to complete Note Near Siler City. This trail is great for running and walking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

35 Loves Creek Greenway

Length 2.9 miles

Elevation gain 42 feet

Route type Out and back, easy, just under an hour to complete Note Near Siler City. This trail is great for birding, road biking and running. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

36 Luckystone Trail

Length 0.6 miles

Elevation gain 19 feet

Route type Loop, about 10 minutes to complete 

help keep our waterways clean

BY JAMES DUPREE

Maintaining the Haw River, its tributaries and sister rivers is vital to keeping our waterways clean and sustainable. There are several ways to volunteer to help while learning about our natural environment.

The Haw River Assembly has ongoing opportunities for individuals and groups to collect plastic pollution from trash traps or join a river watch monitoring team and learn how to document physical, chemical and biological changes to local waterways. Volunteer opportunities begin in June.

Friends of Lower Haw River State Natural Area is always accepting volunteers for duties including invasive plant removal, maintaining a pollinator garden, birdhouse monitoring and trash reduction at popular access points along the Haw River.

The organization Clean Jordan Lake helps reduce litter along the Jordan Lake shoreline and nearby feeder streams. Volunteer opportunities do not require on-site assistance for groups smaller than 15.

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volunteer to feed the community

BY JAMES DUPREE

Give back to your neighbors in need by distributing meals to food-insecure families.

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church needs volunteers to help with its weekly free community lunches held every Thursday between noon and 1 p.m. at the church near Pittsboro ’s town center. “Together in 2022, we served over 21,000 meals to the community,” says program director Terry Transue . Volunteer duties include assisting with cooking, distributing food and after-lunch cleanup.

The Chatham Chuckwagon, another ecumenical food program run by St. Bartholomew’s, focuses on serving prepared frozen meals every Tuesday 4:30-6:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help prep and distribute meals. To sign up for volunteer opportunities at the church, contact Terry at 919-542-5679.

The Chatham Outreach Alliance is seeking volunteers to help pack, deliver or distribute groceries to families countywide. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Responsibilities

include food preparation and distribution, sorting and stocking food items, and picking up food from retail stores. Those with a green thumb are encouraged to help maintain and harvest produce from CORA’s garden. To sign up, visit corafoodpantry.org/ volunteer/opportunities

Volunteers serve Community Lunch every Thursday at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church.

ride a moving museum

BY SINCLAIR HOLIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

All aboard for a family-friendly summer adventure! Enjoy a day of travel and good company on the North Carolina Railway Museum’s New Hope Valley Railway. Board an open-air car for a leisurely hourlong ride, chugging along four historic miles of track through the dense pine woods from Bonsal to New Hill and back again.

The railway offers a plethora of options so passengers can enjoy their ideal trainriding experience. Hop on a standard group ride, or book passage for the Brew ’N Choo ride to bring food and drinks along. For those with a summer birthday, host a celebration in the decorated party caboose. Your fun contributes to a good cause, too – proceeds from ticket sales support restoration of the historic train depot in Goldston. 

Brinkley siblings Laura, 7, Jane, 3, Elizabeth, 13, Will, 5, Luke, 11, Henry, 4, Allison, 14, and Ben, 9, take in the sights on the train.

tee up!

BY KATIE MACKINNON

For those looking to spend the summer walking the green, Chatham County has offerings for golfers of all skill levels.Three distinct nine-hole segments – the Lakes, Foothills and Mountain – make up Governors Club’s award-winning course. The 1,600-acre property was designed by Jack Nicklaus as a championship golf course, with gentle slopes dotted by pine trees. Members have access to programs for men, women, couples and juniors, as well as a host of special events for all levels of play. When you just want to improve your game, there’s a double-sided practice tee and range, more than 5,000 square feet of practice putting greens, a pitching and short game practice green and a greenside and fairway practice bunker.

For the perfect relaxing, affordable day, test out Twin Lakes Golf Course, built in 1961. For only $13, walk the 9-holes on a nice day. – You can preview everything before your trip on the Twin Lakes website.

Near the shores of Jordan Lake, find The Preserve at Jordan Lake. This semiprivate course is open to the public and adjacent to the 600 acres of woodlands, where ancient oak and poplar trees shade the sidewalk in the Preserve at Jordan Lake neighborhood. It was even voted one of the country’s Top 40 new golf courses by Golfweek.

Activities for the whole family can be found at Siler City Country Club’s 18-hole course. Built in 1958, the venue offers a fun and challenging layout built against the natural beauty of western Chatham County, while the adjacent swimming pool and tennis courts provide many options for members to spend a summer day.

Designed by Masters Champion Fred Couples and course designer Bob Moore, The Golf Club at Chapel Ridge takes advantage of the rolling hills of Chapel Hill and models traditional courses found throughout the United States. After playing a round, members can enjoy a meal at the Chapel Ridge bar and grill.

Old Chatham Golf Club opened in 2001 to be a gathering place for friends around the game of golf. On 400 acres just south of The Streets at Southpoint, the course provides a secluded area without any residential homes nearby. Spend a morning on the same 18-hole course that has hosted several amateur championships and will host the 77th U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship in 2026. 

alpacas and camels and goats,

oh, my!

BY JAMES DUPREE

ILLUSTRATIONS BY LEAH VERSOLA KALLAM

School may be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. Here are some local farms that offer educational camps and classes, fun-filled family activities and opportunities for summer volunteer work.

My Little Farmer program founded in 2017 by Schwartz. Its summer camp for ages 4 to 6 begins June 12 and runs through August at several locations throughout the Triangle. Campers get cuddle time with goats, rabbits, sheep, chickens and more. Other activities include farm chores, arts and crafts, water play and nature adventures.

Old Mill Farm in south across the street from My Little Farmer and owned by Lindsey's husband, Moore. Old Mill Farm holds its summer camp for children ages 5 to 12 from June through August. Activities include feeding and caring for the animals (goats, sheep and alpacas), fishing in the pond, gardening, outdoor games and gem mining. Old Mill Farm is also open to reservations for birthdays, special events and weddings.

The Farm at Piper Hill is a 100acre farm in Silk Hope with a country club approach, offering educational

opportunities via My Little Farmer (owner David Schwartz is Lindsey’s dad), as well as an peaceful outdoor recreation and quality family time. Meet camels, Highland cattle and many more farm animals in the idyllic setting. The farm hosts a “pristine seven springs-fed pond loaded with trophy-sized fish” and plans to allow members to keep their own farm animals and grow their own crops.

Carolina Sunshine Alpaca

Farm in Pittsboro offers a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life with a chance to experience a beautiful outdoor environment and feed and interact with alpacas. Farm tours are selfguided, allowing visitors to freely explore the farm. Private guided tours are available for families, school and youth groups and must be booked in advance. The farm is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. sits on a 45-acre plot where abandoned and mistreated farm animals are given a sanctuary with high-quality housing, food and medical care. The farm is open to the public for feedings with the animals, which include goats, cows, sheep, chickens, turkeys and ducks. The refuge also offers volunteer opportunities and monthly animal sponsorships.

The Inn at Celebrity Dairy in Siler City invites the public to partake in its dairy farm tour and midweek lunch. Participants will get the chance to meet with 100 resident alpine goats and are treated to a delicious three-course meal. Packages for groups between 15 to 25 people are available, with reservations made in advance. 

get cooking

BY JAMES DUPREE

BY ANNA ROUTH BARZIN

Maria

The Sycamore at Chatham Mills in Pittsboro, welcomed Shane Ingram as its new executive chef in March. Shane is a longtime Pittsboro resident and renowned chef who strives to make cooking and dining a fun experience for all. “I feel a strong connection to Pittsboro and the community here,” Shane says. “Greg has been a great friend of mine for a long time, and when I saw a chance to join his team in the historic Chatham Mills, I jumped at it. I’m excited about being able to leave my mark, and I’m looking forward to a long and prosperous future here with this team.”

With that in mind, he shares this recipe for foil-wrapped Creole ribs with a mop sauce that is sure to make your next summer backyard party a memorable experience. Preparation can be done ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy your guests until it’s time to hit the grill.

Foil-Wrapped Creole Ribs with Mop Sauce

Ribs

1 rack of St. Louis-style ribs

½ cup of your favorite Creole seasoning

(Shane recommends Emeril’s Essence Creole Seasoning)

Mop Sauce

4 cups distilled white vinegar

1 lemon, thinly sliced

⅛ cup black pepper

1½ Tbsp. cayenne pepper

½ Tbsp. red pepper flakes

½ cup sugar

2 bay leaves

2 tsp. fresh thyme

Preheat the oven to 300 F. Liberally rub down the ribs with Creole seasoning, making sure to press the seasoning into every crevice. Lay down a sheet of aluminum foil that is wider than the rack of ribs. Place ribs on top, then lay down another sheet of foil the same size on top of the ribs. Crimp the edges tightly to fully seal the ribs while leaving space to collect the juices.

Place the sealed ribs into the oven for 2 hours, or until the meat can pull away from the bone easily.

While ribs are cooking, in a pot over medium low, combine all mop sauce ingredients and stir. When it comes to a simmer, it’s ready. Add salt to taste. Keep warm for basting and serving.

Remove ribs from the oven. Remove the top layer of foil and baste the top side with mop sauce. Place back in the oven for 15 minutes and then baste one more time. Keep chilled until ready to serve. It will keep for up to two days.

When you’re ready to serve, place ribs on a hot grill. Mop and turn often until heated completely through. Serve with a side of warm mop sauce for dipping. 

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ice. cold. drinks.

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Nothing beats the satisfying chill of an iced beverage on a hot summer day. Try a glass or two of these thirst-quenchers in Pittsboro.

• If you’re looking for caffeine, try an iced latte or macchiato from Aromatic Roasters. They also offer cold brew coffee, iced teas and lemonade made fresh daily.

• Grab a seat at the counter and order a sweet tea from Dillinger’s Diner.

• S&T’s Soda Shoppe has a wide range of cool options for all ages, including shakes (milk, malt and dreamsicle), floats, a cherry smash, cherry Coke or Pepsi, orangeade, lemonade and limeade, a dairy-free egg cream and root beer.

• Sample something different, like honey wine from Starrlight Mead, located at The Plant in east Pittsboro. Try their traditional meads, fruit-infused options, herbinfused wines and seasonal favorites, like a margaritastyle honeyed drink. 

• Raise your spirits at Fair Game Beverage Co. over handcrafted cocktails made with the distillery's signature apple brandy, small batch malt whiskey, Flying Pepper vodka, Balancing Act gin, amber rum or No’Lasses sorghum spirit.

• Grown-ups at Carolina Brewery can try Paddle Daze, a new hazy India pale ale with hints of citrus and tropical fruit. Give the kiddos a refillable glass of freshsqueezed lemonade.

PHOTO BY

ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

PHOTO BY BROOKE SPACH

Mahjong

This tabletop game is similar to gin rummy, but instead of cards, three or four players shuffle tiles and work quickly to create matching sets. The game originated in China in the 1800s, was introduced to the U.S. in the 1920s and has since become popular worldwide, according to Annelise Heinz, author of “Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture.” Pittsboro residents Alice Wertheimer and Alice Patlovich are local mahjong experts and help beginners navigate rules and scoring. They meet at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays

games families play

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

When summer heats up, seek refuge in the air-conditioned buildings of Chatham County libraries and play club games like mahjong and chess or click with younger kids by playing with Legos.

Deb Ross focuses on her mahjong hand.

in the Holmes Family Meeting Room at Chatham Community Library off of N.C. Highway 87. The program is free and open to the public. Players 16 years and older of all skill levels are welcome.

Chess

Versions of chess have existed for at least 1,500 years, and players of this ancient game gather weekly on Saturdays at 1 p.m. in the Lakritz Storytime Room at Chatham Community Library. Teenagers and adults of all skill levels are welcome to develop strategy in an encouraging environment. Chess sets are provided.

Lego/Duplo

Smaller kids interested in exercising their imaginations for an hour can use Lego or Duplo blocks to construct buildings or cars or greenways at a CCL Lego Club. Meetings take place at 4 p.m. Tuesdays at Wren Memorial Library, Thursdays at Goldston

Community Library and Fridays at Chatham Community Library. “At the end, participants display what they’ve built during the session, and parents often take pictures,” says Katrina “Katy” Henderson, youth services librarian. 

Creativity knows no bounds at Lego Club.

PHOTO BY HILLARY GRAVES

plant now, bloom later

BY JAMES DUPREE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

With the kids out of school, summer can be a great time to give the young ones a little handson learning in the garden while sprucing up the yard with native perennials. “My favorite fall perennial is Maryland golden-aster (Chrysopsis mariana) because of its cheery yellow flowers. They resemble chrysanthemums and seem to bloom forever,” says Rachel Nelms, landscaper and owner of Rachel’s Native Plants nursery, which opened in April at The Plant in Pittsboro

Another native plant, the aromatic aster, has puffy seeds that persist through winter, and with a height reaching 12 to 24 inches, they are short enough to make great border plants. The aromatic aster is shrub-like and will be covered in lavender daisy-like flowers from late September through October. Paired with the Maryland golden-aster, it can create a stunning visual. “Include dwarf fothergilla to make a showstopping combination with its vibrant fall color,” Rachel says.

Rachel Nelms offers a variety of perennials at her nursery at The Plant.

For the birdwatcher looking to add some native food sources for any feathered friends, introduce these smaller trees and shrubs into your yard’s ecosystem:

• Chokeberry (red and black varieties)

• American beautyberry (purple)

• Hearts-a-bustin’ (red)

• Sweetbay magnolia (white)

• Southern arrowwood (white)

The highbush blueberry makes a great addition as well, with delicious fruit in the summer and gorgeous red leaves in fall. For more information on great natives to plant this summer, visit Rachel’s extensive plant library in person or online at rachelsnativeplants.com. CM

Paul Tawney and Sandro Francioni prepare to return the whiffle ball to their opponents at Paddles Swim & Pickleball in Pittsboro.

kind

of

a big dill

PICKLEBALL ENTICES OLDER ADULTS TO STAY ACTIVE AND SOCIAL

BY BROOKE SPACH

The phrase “necessity is the mother of invention” rings true for the creation of pickleball. In the summer of 1965, two families vacationing near Seattle found themselves consumed by boredom. They set off to their summer home’s backyard badminton court and grabbed what sports gear they could find. Equipped with table tennis

PHOTOS BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

paddles and a whiffle ball, the families spent the weekend developing rules and playing the first-ever games of pickleball.

Why is it called pickleball? Well, that depends on who you ask (there are two conflicting stories of the name’s origin, one involving a crew racing term and another that references a cocker spaniel named Pickles).

Though the sport got its start nearly 60 years ago, it’s exploded in popularity among weekend warriors within the past several years. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association named pickleball as the fastestgrowing sport in the U.S. for the third consecutive year in 2023.

Our communities certainly aren’t immune to pickleball fever –thanks to an increasing number of designated courts and opportunities to play, the pickleball community in Chatham and beyond continues to grow strong, especially among older adults.

“There are a variety of reasons [people love pickleball],” says Sandro Francioni, the Chatham County Senior Games pickleball event manager. “It’s fun to play. It’s easy to learn. It’s social, and you can play at an advanced age. We have people playing in the Senior Games that are in their 80s. There aren’t many sports that you can do that.” Eighty 55+ players participated in the annual Senior Games pickleball tournament May 9 and 10.

Wendy Richardson and Kate O’Brien are two casual players who competed in the tournament together for the second time this year. “A lot of people will do a tournament here or there,” Kate explains. “I think it’s fun to look forward to something and to challenge yourself.” 

Wendy Richardson pursues the ball to continue the match.

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

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The couple lives in North Chatham, but they’re committed to the fellowship they’ve found at Ephesus Elementary School’s courts in Chapel Hill. Wendy caught the pickleball bug when her coworkers invited her to play about a year before her retirement in 2016, and Kate got involved a few years later. Admittedly, Kate says she thought Wendy’s dedication was a bit extreme –watching YouTube how-tos and taking clinics to improve her game – but once she got out there, she realized how exhilarating it is to notice yourself getting better.

Sandro and his wife, Lorraine Francioni, were drawn to the sport more than a decade ago. They initially retired from the Chicago suburbs to a golf course community in Western North Carolina with plans to play regularly in their newfound free time.

“The more I played, the more I realized how difficult the sport of golf

is,” he says. “At the end of the day, I would come home and think to myself, ‘I’ve just invested four or five hours, I’ve invested a lot of money, and I’m frustrated. There’s something wrong with this picture.’”

Around that time, another couple in the community introduced the neighborhood to an up-and-coming sport. “I’d never even heard of pickleball at the time,” Sandro says. “So, a group of us decided to try it out just for laughs and giggles.” The hobby stuck, and when they moved to Briar Chapel in 2020 to be closer to their new grandchild, Sandro and Lorraine got involved with the pickleball community here.

Sandro is now a Professional Pickleball Registry certified coach working for Tennisbloc, a company whose mission is to provide affordable access to tennis and pickleball programs throughout the Triangle. He also serves

Kate O’Brien makes a solid return across the net.

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

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as the pickleball director for Paddles Swim & Pickleball in Pittsboro, and he and Lorraine hit the courts four to five times per week.

Community is the heart of what drives players out to the courts on crisp early mornings and balmy evenings. Wendy says that to her, enjoying the company of other players is half the fun. Recreational games are typically in an open play environment; players line up their paddles to queue for the next available court, ensuring that participants can play against and learn from different players in each game. The waiting period between matches is where the magic happens, as idling players sit around picnic tables or in lawn chairs chatting and building friendships.

This spirit of connection is alive not just within community groups, but among pickleball players as a whole. Even while

out of town, Kate and Wendy’s desire to play doesn’t take a vacation. “You’ll meet a new band of pickleball players, and they might have a slightly different culture or they may do the rules a little bit differently,” Kate says. “With the locals, you already feel like you’ve got this extended family, wherever you go there’s a ready-made group that also loves the sport, and they’re ready to play newcomers.”

“That’s one of the beauties of pickleball,” Sandro says. “It is such a social sport and such a welcoming sport. … You could sit [by the courts], and you don’t even have to watch it – just listen. You hear players laughing and giggling and carrying on, and you know they’re having a great time. They’re getting some exercise, and they’re being social, and they’re having fun. And that’s what it’s all about as far as I’m concerned.” CM

It’s fun to play.

learn. It’s social, and you can play at an advanced age.”

Kate O’Brien and Wendy Richardson, partners on and off the court, love the sport and encourage others to come out and play.

It’s easy to

– Sandro Francioni

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

come dance with me

MEET TWO COUPLES WHO STEP OUT FOR FUN AND FITNESS

BY DOLLY R. SICKLES PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “exercise is not only good for your body, it’s good for your brain. Dance has the added dimensions of rhythm, balance, music, and a social setting that enhances the benefits of simple movement.” Chatham Social Club has found its own version of the fountain of youth – dancing.

building community

Lindsey Kling developed what she initially called Chatham Social Dance in 2016 as a fun way for the community to get together and move, but when COVID-19 hit, she shuttered the program. Today, the dancing is back as Chatham Social Club. “Now that dancers are coming back to the dance floor, it felt right to celebrate with a new name and new vision for my company,” Lindsey says.

Social clubs, like The Copacabana in New York City, have been around for decades. “It was a place where you could listen and dance to live music in a social setting,” Lindsey says. “It is a dream of mine to create a social club, keeping the pastime of ballroom and social dance alive while enjoying live music of all genres.” 

Inside Forest Hall at Chatham Mills, Maggie Crandall glides with her husband Richard Crandall while Tom Sweeney spins his wife Maria Sweeney. The couples are avid dancers with Chatham Social Club.

Lindsey grew up in Ormond Beach, Florida, and moved to Banner Elk, North Carolina for college. She thrived as a dancer and choreographer at LeesMcRae College and graduated with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in performing arts and dance. Nowadays, she and her husband Adam Kling, owner of FYX Gaming, live in Chatham County, where they’re raising daughters Hannah Kling, 5, and Alivia Kling, 3. Hannah will start kindergarten at the new Thales Academy in Pittsboro later this year.

Before opening Chatham Social Club, Lindsey owned a franchise business –Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Cary. She received top studio and franchisee awards during those years and discovered the perfect balance for what would become the Chatham Social Club: “Gathering a community of people who

Maggie’s favorite moves are from Latin dances, and Richard enjoys the nightclub two-step and rumba.

love learning to dance, and using those skills to celebrate the joy of dancing socially with live music.”

stepping out together

Tom Sweeney and Maria Sweeney, both 75, have been dancing for over a decade. Tom, a retired electrical engineer, and Maria, a former elementary teacher, first began dancing at a studio in Matthews, North Carolina. They moved to Pittsboro seven years ago to be closer to their children and grandchildren in the Triangle, and soon met Lindsey through her dance studio in Cary.

“We prefer to dance salsa and shag,” Maria says, “but we waltz, tango, fox trot, cha-cha, swing, hustle and more. My primary favorite is waltz. I like the flow. I like the music that goes with it, the steps. It’s a traveling dance,

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and you need a lot of space for it, so we don’t get too much practice at home on that one.”

Tom likes to tango. “American tango is our favorite, versus the Argentinian tango because I like the free flow of steps in American tango better. Argentinian is more intimate and close and bendy. If you’ve got back issues and joints … that’s not a good one for us old people,” he says, laughing.

Both are active outside the dance halls but agree that dancing keeps them young and agile. “Dancing does help with exercise,” Tom says, “and because as you learn steps, it keeps your mind engaged. You’ve got to learn the steps and how to flow and how to turn. It’s not just a singular activity you’re doing. You’re moving your body and doing the turns and twists around the dance floor.”

“More than that, it’s also the posture and good balance,” Maria adds. “There are times when I find myself at home when I think, ‘That’s not how I stand when I’m dancing, put those shoulders back.’ Plus, the social aspect of it. We’ve made friends through dancing who we never would’ve met before.”

together in step

Rev. Maggie G. Crandall and her husband, Richard Crandall, moved to Chapel Hill in 1987 to raise their two children. “North Carolina is a state rich in beauty and history, and we knew

Lindsey Kling, center, founder and instructor of Chatham Social Club, stands with her longtime students.

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long term it was perfect for retirement,” Maggie says. Once their kids were out of school, she and Richard built a farmhouse in Silk Hope, where their son, Wells Crandall, lives now.

Richard received his master’s degree in finance after leaving the U.S. Coast Guard. He worked in budgeting and financing for several companies before moving into business information systems until retirement. Maggie owned a consulting business related to the health care industry in Pittsboro before going to Duke Divinity School for her second career in prison ministry. “Now, I’m volunteering at the federal prison in Butner,” she says.

The Chatham Social Club is the first studio where the Crandalls have taken dance lessons, and they’ve been practicing with Lindsey for about five years. “Maggie saw a flier and told me, ‘There’s someone we can take lessons from,’” Richard says. “We were going to a big party in Nashville, Tennessee, and

The couples say dancing is a fun way to exercise both mind and body. An added benefit is connecting with their partner and socializing with others through Chatham Social Club.

wanted to be able to dance. There was going to be live music. We specifically started the lessons in order to go to a party that had a band and know what we were doing.”

Maggie realized from the first lesson she was benefiting from dance as a positive stress-relieving activity. And though she enjoys swimming, walking and bicycling, dancing is a hobby they enjoy together.

“My two favorite dances are nightclub two-step and rumba,” Richard says. “The nightclub two-step is the dance we have the largest repertoire of moves in.”

Maggie favors the Latin dances. “I think dancing is an example of trying new things in life,” she says. “Accepting new challenges. It’s a mental health thing. It takes your mind off any worries you may have, preoccupations. You have to be in the moment. When I come out of dancing, I find I’m mentally refreshed, and I think that’s a good thing. And we’ve met some very kind people.” CM

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grand dames of the court

THESE WOMEN PROVE YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO PLAY BASKETBALL

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Mariangela Walker smooths her T-shirt, picks up a basketball and steps onto the hardwood court at Hargraves Community Center in Chapel Hill to take a shot.

“I’m not used to shooting with people watching,” Mariangela says; she was especially nervous her first time participating in the Orange County Senior Games (formerly known as Senior Olympics) in April. A former long-distance runner, Mariangela is a basketball fan, but has not played until this year. “I can tell you it’s a really energizing sport,” she says. “When you can get a simple goal in a simple basket, the dopamine receptors go off, and your day can sometimes feel complete.”

The team roster lists 35 players for the Orange Sprots (the intended name was the Orange Sports, but a typo in the Senior Olympics roster became a fun inside joke, and the name stuck). A Durhambased rival team, Steel Cans, are so called because they “still can” play, while the Raleigh-based team the Red Foxes proved to be formidable opponents with former WNBA players on the lineup. Off the court, Mariangela finds fulfillment with her Chatham-based clothing company,

Jo Ann Shelby (no. 15) and Francine Reeves (no. 40) defend against Diane Lloyd. Suzy Lawrence and Libby Bennett move behind Francine, ready for a rebound.

FAR RIGHT

Guarantee Happiness; many other participants are retired from long careers in industries including academia, clinical, pharmaceuticals, aeronautics and banking.

Mariangela, who lives in Briar Chapel, says members of her team come from different locations in Durham, Orange, Chatham and Wake counties. Though Chatham County Council on Aging and Chatham County Senior Games offer basketball shooting competitions, they do not currently organize team play.

Women range in skill, fitness, experience and age, with the youngest in their 50s and the most mature in their 80s. “Now that I’m over 50, [it’s great] being in a group of women who show if you stay active, you’re not destined for the couch as you age,” Mariangela says.

tip off

Practices for the Orange Sprots are held year-round several times a week at Hargraves Community Park, Seymour Center and Chapel Hill Community Center, depending on the day of the week. Women show up according to their availability, and though consistent attendance is ideal, it’s not required. Practices begin by warming

RIGHT

Mariangela Walker of Chatham County is a first-time player.

BELOW The Orange Sprots played in the Hargraves Community Center for the Orange County Senior Games.

The whole team gathers before the games begin to document this year’s players.

up with shooting and team drills, like layups and passing exercises. Later, the ladies scrimmage and the real fun begins.

Games are short, with 10-12 minute halves, depending on age group. During competitions, teams are sorted by fiveyear intervals, starting with a 50-54 age group and going up to over 80. Games are refereed and played 3-on-3 with half-court rules to ensure safety.

During the annual North Carolina Senior Games, basketball players can opt to compete for both team and individual medals. Last year, the Sprots 65+ team brought home a bronze medal, and the 80+ team won the silver at the state tournament. Teams winning at the state level this year advance to play in the national playoffs in Pittsburgh in July.

One veteran of the court, Jeanette “Jan” Boxill, no longer scuffles beneath the net in games but still takes part in the shooting competition. At 84, the retired UNC ethics lecturer can still swish the ball from the foul line and has won numerous individual gold medals for shooting. A former basketball coach, Jan spent more

If you or someone you know might be interested in joining the Sprots, email seniorwomens basketball@gmail.com to learn the practice schedule. If you would like to start a team in Chatham County, email liz.lahti@ chathamcountync.com.

than two decades announcing UNC Women’s Basketball games and also served as an announcer for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

nothing to fear

Francine Reeves, 60, has been playing with the Sprots for about a year. “I recently moved to Chapel Hill, basically in the middle of a pandemic, and I was having a lot of trouble meeting people and staying active,” she says. The Sprots have given Francine an opportunity to interact with other women and have fun. “I will tell you, this was like a breath of fresh air. I enjoy the women so much,” she says. “It’s really more about friendships than it is about basketball. And I love basketball. It sure as heck beats running on a treadmill.”

“I grew up playing and watching a lot of basketball,” Francine says. Her mother was an Oklahoma All-State forward and coached multiple high school teams, and Francine played three years of basketball in high school. “I haven’t played since,” she admits. “I was scared to even contact

[the team] because I thought these women are going to be crazy good and I’m not going to be able to keep up with them.”

Happily, Francine’s fears were unfounded. “They are so welcoming and friendly,” she says. “The first time I went, I felt like I had known them for years. They helped me get started again and gave me all kinds of pointers and just made me feel comfortable.” Francine attends practice two to three times a week. “It really is a great group, very supportive,” she adds. “They want everybody to be successful. They might be playing against you, but they’re willing to stop and help you figure out how to perfect that shot or whatever you’re doing.”

Francine was a registered nurse and retired as director of clinical services at the Onslow County Public Health Department before moving to Chapel

Hill to be closer to her daughters after her husband passed away. She says the basketball team has made her feel at home in her adopted community and hopes additional recruits will help the team win gold at the State Games someday. In the bleachers, some of the women’s knees show long scars of orthopedic surgeries. Teammates cheer and shout encouragement to those scrambling for possession. And, the sound of shoes squeaking across the floor is like music.

“You know, a lot of times people think being 60 or older [means being] in a nursing home or walking with a cane or walker,” Francine says. “To see women doing layups and rebounding and making three-pointers, I mean, that’s probably the most amazing part of it, just how active and skilled the women are. And it is all in good fun.” CM

It’s really more about friendships than it is about basketball.

– Francine Reeves

BY HALEY PINELES

hiking for health A

lan Russo, nutrition services manager for the Chatham County Council on Aging, leads a seasonal hiking group designed for older adults. Up to 20 hikers hit the trails twice a month, weather permitting, in the spring, summer and fall. Anyone in Chatham 55 years or older can join. Walks vary in exertion from easy to moderate and have different themes –wildflower walks, survival hikes and wild edible and medicinal plants. Hikes take place at area parks and Triangle Land Conservancy-designated nature

preserves, including San-Lee Park, Raven Rock, Jordan Lake, Johnson Mill, Hemlock Bluffs, Hagan-Stone Park, Cedar Rock and Deep River Trail. Outdoor exercise can improve balance, mood and heart health, and hiking specifically can help build stronger muscles and bones. To learn more, email alan.russo@chathamcoa.org. CM

A group of older adults hiking along a trail.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHATHAM COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING

A LOCAL CULTURAL CELEBRITY LEAVES HIS MARK ON PITTSBORO AND BEYOND

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Inside The Woodwright’s School at 89 Hillsboro St., Roy Underhill, 72, energetically steps around sturdy workbenches to offer his woodcraft students new earplugs. A minute later, tools begin rattling across tabletops from the pounding of mallets against chisels. The noises and activities draw the attention of passersby peering through the windows.

“I can’t tell you how often people come in and say, ‘I never imagined this sort of stuff was still going on,’” Roy says. “I think it’s one of the most fun when you get the dad or mom, or grandma or grandpa, explaining to the kids what they’re seeing inside. And, you know, they’re all fascinated with it.”

Roy uses antique hand planes in his shop, many of which he has restored himself.

Roy’s sense of wonder is part of his charm, delighting anyone who will listen with stories about the connected past, present and future of man and nature. “My whole interest in [working with hand tools] stems from this point – quality of life and responsibility,” Roy says. “Working with muscle power is a good thing. It’s like riding a bicycle instead of driving a truck. The environmental impact of this. And that’s why I think this is the way of the future.”

He is a master craftsman, entrepreneur, author, historian and teacher. He is also a husband of 50plus years and father to two adult daughters. After more than 15 years teaching woodworking classes, Roy

the measure of a man

has no immediate plans to retire but he feels compelled to close the school in Pittsboro. He will empty the storefront windows, clear out the piles of wood and hand tools and sweep out the sawdust by the end of summer.

When asked why he is leaving now, Roy shakes his head and presses the heel of his hand to his face, smushing his signature mustache (he has been compared more than once to Samuel Clemens, also known as Mark Twain). “Don’t make me say this. I don’t want this to be the truth of it, but it’s just time. I’ve got another big project I want to do before I can’t do big projects anymore.”

Roy’s newest project is a book based on a collection of letters written by his great-grandmother, Rebecca P. Davis, who lived near Warrenton, North Carolina during Abraham Lincoln’s lifetime. Her words sparked Roy’s curiosity, inspiring him to research his family history during the Civil War. He says the issues back then still seem relevant today. “It’s gonna take everything I got,” Roy says. “As a writer, you know, it’s real work. It’s just hard to do well. I know what it takes to write and so I’ve got to do that.” He is the author of six woodworking books, numerous project guides, books on public speaking and even a woodworking novel complete with measured drawings.

“We’re limited in what we can pay attention to and do well,” Roy admits about his pragmatism. “I’ve done this, and I’ve shown it was a success. It’s also the first time I’ve quit something instead of being thrown out, kicked out, co-opted out or something like that. It’s very nice to end on your own terms.”

Roy says he plans to return to inperson teaching after his book is done. And, he might even step in front of the camera again. 

Each student’s workbench is equipped with antique tools and bears a unique pattern of nicks, scratches and sawdust – evidence of 15 years of projects.

an educated man

In 1972, Roy received a bachelor’s degree in theater direction from UNC, also his father’s alma mater. He wanted to pursue directing, and moved to Colorado where he directed some plays written by comedian Lewis Black, a fellow Tar Heel. But those early ambitions did not bear fruit, so Roy, along with his wife, Jane Underhill, left the theater experiment for another. They followed

BOOKS BY ROY UNDERHILL

“The Woodwright’s Guide: Working Wood with Wedge & Edge”

“The Woodwright’s Shop: A Practical Guide to Traditional Woodcraft”

“The Woodwright’s Companion: Exploring Traditional Woodcraft”

“The Woodwright’s Workbook: Further Explorations in Traditional Woodcraft”

“The Woodwright’s Apprentice: Twenty Favorite Projects from The Woodwright’s Shop”

“The Woodwright’s Eclectic Workshop”

“Calvin Cobb: Radio Woodworker!”

PROJECT GUIDES FROM ROY’S BOOKS

Appalachian Dulcimer from “The Woodwright’s Eclectic Workshop”

Cabinet Maker from “The Woodwright’s Guide: Working Wood with Wedge & Edge”

Candle Stand and the Sliding Dovetail from “The Woodwright’s Companion: Exploring Traditional Woodcraft”

Making Wooden Screws from “The Woodwright’s Guide: Working Wood with Wedge & Edge”

Man Chair from the Ivory Coast from “The Woodwright’s Apprentice: Twenty Favorite Projects from The Woodwright’s Shop”

a road less traveled, and ended up in a commune miles off the grid in the remote mountains of New Mexico.

According to an interview published in Mother Earth News in 1985, the couple lived in a tipi for a couple of years and then on a mountain ridge in a hogan, which is a dome-like structure made with logs. Roy says at that time he met someone who collected old tools, like the 1874-era foot-powered lathe inside the school. “It was incredible,” he says. “I thought, ‘This is the answer.’ I realized there was this whole world of technology that was pretty advanced. Before everything got motorized, it was healthier, slower. But trying to make a living at it is like trying to make a living fly-fishing.”

By 1975, Roy and Jane left New Mexico and returned to North Carolina. He earned a master’s degree in forestry from Duke, mixing cultural anthropology classes with environmental science courses. While he was in graduate school, Roy began rebuilding a circa 1900 blacksmith shop where he imagined he could work and teach. Negotiations did not end in his favor, but he kept the idea in the back of his mind.

a time travelin’ man

In 1979, Roy became Colonial Williamsburg’s first master housewright, preserving the 18th century processes of carpentry and building. By day, he interpreted life as a tradesman in the 1700s and 1800s. At night and on weekends, he returned to the 20th century, using modern electronics for education and entertainment.

In the same year, Roy launched one of the longest running how-to series on public television. For more than 37 years, Roy demonstrated his love of working wood by hand in front of a television camera. Each of the 481 episodes of “The Woodwright’s Shop” was filmed in a single continuous take lasting 24 minutes and 27 seconds. And, every show was unscripted. He would multitask, talking breathlessly to the camera as he showed his work. 

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Roy’s first workshop was located at West Point on the Eno in Durham. Later, he re-created his workshop inside a UNC-TV studio three different times. The first was built inside Swain Hall, which housed the old Radio, Television and Motion Picture department studio on UNC’s campus. The second instudio workshop was in Raleigh, and the third was reconstructed within the present-day PBS NC studios in Research Triangle Park.

out of the woodwork

Bill Anderson, a master craftsman and an instructor at The Woodwright’s School, says there is a resurgence of interest in woodworking. “I would be willing to bet a lot of that has to do with people watching Roy’s program and being inspired by that,” Bill says. “I’m positive the school has had a big impact on people thinking about hand tool woodworking.

“I think the main thing is the experience that we were giving,” Roy says about the school. “It’s not making things, it’s making time that’s worthwhile for people.”

Students have come to Pittsboro from across the country and overseas to attend Roy’s school. At the height of the pandemic, Roy and his instructors continued classes via Zoom. Students dialed in from Japan, Korea, Sweden, Australia, Russia and more. “It was a gas,” Roy says about remote teaching. “So it’s a kind of electronic version of the school. It was quite amusing.”

Among the myriad tools at his fingertips, Roy’s favorite one is teaching. “I think the whole thing here is putting the tools in people’s hands and letting them discover for themselves what they can do,” Roy says. “When they’re in a partnership, when that tool is part of the dialogue between them and the material, [you can] take enough of the mystery out and they can find that last little bit for themselves,” he says. “We try and have the planes sharp, the chisels sharp, and [make sure] everything’s working. And then they discover for themselves what they’ve got inside.”

PROJECT GUIDES (CONTINUED)

Revolving Windsor Chair from “The Woodwright’s Apprentice: Twenty Favorite Projects from The Woodwright’s Shop”

Rocking Horse from “The Woodwright’s Eclectic Workshop”

Rustic Chairs from “The Woodwright’s Workbook: Further Explorations in Traditional Woodcraft”

Standing Desk from “The Woodwright’s Apprentice: Twenty Favorite Projects from The Woodwright’s Shop”

Stick (Post-andRung) Chairs from “The Woodwright’s Shop: A Practical Guide to Traditional Woodcraft”

Tool Chest from “The Woodwright’s Workbook: Further Explorations in Traditional Woodcraft”

Weaving Wood from “The Woodwright’s Shop: A Practical Guide to Traditional Woodcraft”

Willow Whistle from “The Woodwright’s Companion: Exploring Traditional Woodcraft”

Workbench from “The Woodwright’s Workbook: Further Explorations in Traditional Woodcraft”

a lasting impression

Vicky Oldham, owner of S&T’s Soda Shoppe next door to The Woodwright’s School, says she’ll miss Roy, his instructors and students.

“They all love Roy,” Vicky says. “They just love him. They think he’s the bomb. And I think, you know, we used to watch him on TV, and now they get to work in a class with him. He’s been a good neighbor.”

Vicky says she adores Roy’s humor, even when it’s silly. “Some of the funny times were… Oh, my God, I shouldn’t tell this, he would kill me. Don’t tell this unless you ask his permission,” Vicky says. “He was riding his motorcycle and jumped the curb and ran into the building and landed on my planters. And it probably saved him from, you know, getting really hurt or breaking the glass or something. And so we called him ‘Daredevil’ for a long time.”

Vicky laughs and shares another story. “One time, oh, my Lord, somebody’s car battery had died, and I said, ‘I’ll use my car.’ I had a little Miata, and Roy said he’d help me. Roy evidently didn’t know much about the Japanese cars. And he was, uh, he was looking under the hood. And I said, ‘It’s not under there. It’s in the trunk.’ And he looked at me like, ‘She’s a mom, and she thinks the battery’s in the trunk.’ But honestly, it is in the trunk. I made fun of him for a long time.”

Vicky says Roy added cultural value to Pittsboro. She says people having lunch or dinner inside the Soda Shoppe would see Roy and whisper, “That man looks like Roy Underwood.” Vicky says she would confirm their hunch and politely correct them, saying, “Yes, that’s Roy Underhill. His woodworking school is right next door.”

She laughs again, remembering Roy out on the sidewalk sharpening his ax using a foot-powered grindstone, and splitting logs. “He would talk to people, and he was always friendly and fun. He’s just really kind to everybody and very welcoming. We’re gonna miss him.” CM

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Retired art museum director Roger Berkowitz, 78, with a large acrylic painting by Indigenous Australian artist Michelle Possum Nungarrayi.

the art of retirement

A FORMER MUSEUM CURATOR ADDS CULTURE TO HIS COMMUNITY

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

Roger Berkowitz sizes up an empty wall the way an artist views a blank canvas: He sees potential.

In March 2019, Galloway Ridge executive director Bob Zimmer asked Roger, curator emeritus of the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio and Galloway Ridge resident, to find original works of art for newly renovated dining and garden areas. “That turned out to be pretty successful,” Roger says. “So I asked [Bob] about establishing an art fund, which would allow us to have original works of art within Galloway and replace the reproductions that were just sort of here and there throughout the building.”

By March 2020, a handful of residents formed an art advisory to recommend pieces for Bob’s consideration and final approval. Residents established a fund for donations to support acquisitions, and a docent program became an extension of the existing art education program. Today, the growing collection includes 273 pieces by artists from around the world, each with a connection to North Carolina and the retirement community’s well-traveled residents. 

PHOTO BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

RIGHT

meant to be

The grassroots art project continues to blossom. “It’s been a little bit of an aligning of the stars really,” Roger says of the wide-ranging collection, adding that it offers something for everyone.

“People are continually seeing new things,” he says about groups of residents and visitors in docent-led tours. “By the end of [the visit], they have a different understanding of [the works], and maybe of why [they are] here. And that’s all you can ask for, really.”

Roger worked his entire professional career at the Toledo Museum of Art. Starting as a curatorial assistant, he rose through the ranks to eventually become executive director, retiring in 2004. That’s when he and his wife, Rhoda Berkowitz, bought a home in Fearrington Village. In 2017, they moved to an apartment in Galloway Ridge. Rhoda, a retired law professor, had served on the Galloway Ridge board and knew the continuing care community would be the right next step for the couple as they advanced in age.

For Roger, art is a lifelong passion; in retirement, he spent 12 years on the board of North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. But building this

art collection in Fearrington Village has been wholly unexpected. “I never thought I’d be doing this,” Roger says with a smile. “And, it’s fun.”

sparking conversation

Visitors entering the main lobby immediately see a large multicolored acrylic painting by Indigenous Australian artist Michelle Possum Nungarrayi. Guests move through the room and come to face a black aluminum panel sharply incised with a series of metallic strokes to create a pattern resembling a bird’s nest. The work by Ashevillebased artist Mitchell Lonas was among the collection’s first acquisitions. In the garden room, it’s impossible to ignore an enormous glazed ovoid vessel by local ceramicist Mark Hewitt, fittingly titled “Monumental.” There are many more botanical portraits, quiet landscapes, woven textiles, carved wood and lyrical abstractionism throughout the community’s corridors and public spaces.

Roger says any piece can spark curiosity or conversation, providing a meaningful way in which residents and their guests – friends, children and grandchildren – can engage with these unique works from around the globe. “Instead of sitting around the apartment, [residents] take [visitors] out and show them the art,” Roger says. “So it set up another dynamic within families to have that resource here.”

impactful installations

“People were very, very generous, and that’s what allowed us to proceed with this,” Roger says of the fundraising effort to acquire original pieces. “It was a real experiment, because we didn’t know how people would respond.” The first bit of money raised led to a few acquisitions. “Someone in our [advisory] group said, ‘Just put them up on the wall so people know what this is going to be like,’” Roger says. “That’s what we did, and then people really got into the spirit, because they could see the difference it made in everyday life here. During the pandemic, it took on special meaning.”

Piece by piece, the institutional-feeling reproductions once found throughout the building were replaced. “People

“Cardinal Nest Late Autumn” by Ashevillebased artist Mitchell Lonas.

CENTER

“Blue Relic” by textile artist Lissa Hunter (1984).

BELOW

“A Tent at the Fish Lake” by Canadian Inuit graphic artist Napachie Pootoogook (1981).

PHOTO BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

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could see that difference, and it warmed up the place,” Roger says. “People were talking about it, and they were talking with one another. They were asking questions, and they were doing research. It set off a whole intellectual, aesthetic journey for a lot of residents.”

cultural connection

Roger says he could not have launched the art collection without the help of many residents, volunteers and staff who transport the works of art, install the pieces, maintain records of each acquisition and print labels that describe each piece. Another staffer is putting together a book about the art collection. The list goes on.

He specifically credits Davenne Essif, who has a doctorate in art history from UNC and manages the art education program, with ensuring the idea came to fruition in an intentional way.

“At the beginning of this, a lot of residents and also staff were very sensitive to the fact that they did not want this to become an art museum,” Davenne

A trio of geometric pieces by the late Richard J. Anuszkiewicz, one of the founders of the Op Art movement during the late 1960s.

says. “This is a residence, first and foremost. It’s a working facility, so we had to be very aware of that as we worked to create this program.”

She now provides weeks of training to the docent volunteers who guide visitors on art tours.

“It’s amazing the way that I feel connected to the communities through the art and the way that I also get to see how the work I’m doing means so much on both an individual and a collective basis,” Davenne says. “That kind of community centeredness really has been wonderful, and a central part of this. But it wouldn’t matter if there wasn’t the support of the community at Galloway. It’s a unique community to give this much support to something like this and to recognize the value that it has.” CM

2023 DIRECTORY OF ASSISTED LIVING, CONTINUING CARE, INDEPENDENT LIVING, 55+ LIVING AND COHOUSING RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES

BROOKDALE CHAPEL HILL ASSISTED LIVING

2220 Farmington Dr., Chapel Hill

Entrance Fee One-time community fee, call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Month-to-month

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Contact Information 984-363-6069; brookdale.com

BROOKDALE CHAPEL HILL ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CARE

2230 Farmington Dr., Chapel Hill

Entrance Fee One-time community fee, call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Month-to-month

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Contact Information 984-363-6069; brookdale.com

BROOKDALE DURHAM ASSISTED LIVING AND DEMENTIA CARE

4434 Ben Franklin Blvd., Durham

Entrance Fee One-time community fee, call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Month-to-month

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Contact Information 984-363-6069; brookdale.com

BROOKDALE MEADOWMONT ASSISTED LIVING AND DEMENTIA CARE

100 Lanark Rd., Chapel Hill

Entrance Fee One-time community fee, call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Month-to-month

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Contact Information 984-363-6069; brookdale.com

CAMBRIDGE HILLS ASSISTED LIVING

140 Brookstone Ln., Pittsboro

This all-inclusive four-star community, which has served Chatham and neighboring counties for nearly 20 years, is a 90-bed assisted living community with a 38-bed memory care wing that offers both private and semi-private rooms and award-winning activity programs.

Entrance Fee Call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing; veteran discounts offered

Contract Options None. Requires 14-day notice before moving out

Refund Options Prorated for the first month from the move-in date

Medicare Certified No; Medicaid accepted

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 65

Contact Information Ronda Stubbs, 919-545-9573 or ronda@silver-thread.com; cambridgehillsal.com

CALYX LIVING OF DURHAM

4214 Guess Rd., Durham

Entrance Fee Application fee required, call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Monthly rate includes care, dining, activities, laundry and housekeeping

Refund Options 14-day notice required

Medicare Certified Not applicable

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required but accepted

Minimum Age 60

Contact Information 919-471-0091; calyxseniorliving.com

CAROLINA RESERVE OF DURHAM

4523 Hope Valley Rd., Durham

Entrance Fee Call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Month-to-month, two weeks’ notice required before moving out

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 62

Contact Information 919-892-6688; carolinareserveofdurham.com

CHATHAM RIDGE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

114 Polks Village Ln., Chapel Hill

Entrance Fee One month’s rent

Monthly Fee Range Starting at $4,475

Contract Options Month-to-month

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information 919-883-9767; navionseniorsolutions.com/communities/chatham-ridge 

John Cheesborough, MD

Dawn E. Kleinman, MD Mary Candace Seagle, PA-C

Atkinson, PA-C

THE LAURELS OF CHATHAM (SKILLED NURSING AND REHAB FACILITY)

72 Chatham Business Dr., Pittsboro

This 140-bed facility in a serene setting near Pittsboro caters to both short- and long-term guests who work with the care team to organize a plan that’s specific to their needs. The memory-care unit and specially trained staff provide assistance to those with Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments. The staff strive to give the highest quality of care alongside recreational programs and outings to provide enrichment.

Monthly Fee Range $8,190 – $11,640

Medicare Certified Yes; also accepts Medicare HMO, commercial insurance and Medicaid

Long-Term Care Insurance Not accepted

Contact Information Facility: 919-542-6677, Admissions: 919-302-7862; laurelsofchatham.com

MEBANE RIDGE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

1999 S. NC Hwy. 119, Mebane

Entrance Fee One month’s rent

Monthly Fee Range Starting at $3,195/month

Contract Options Month-to-month

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information 919-737-7251; navionseniorsolutions.com/communities/mebane-ridge

ROXBORO ASSISTED LIVING

5660 Durham Rd., Roxboro

Entrance Fee Call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Refund Options Requires 14-day notice

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information Tracey Maloney, admissions@roxboroassistedliving.com 336-598-4697; cambridgehills.com

TERRABELLA

1911 Orange Grove Rd., Hillsborough

Entrance Fee $2,000

Contract Options Month-to-month

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age None

Contact Information 919-732-9040; terrabellahillsborough.com

WALTONWOOD CARY PARKWAY

750 SE Cary Pkwy., Cary

Entrance Fee One-time community fee, call for pricing on cottages, oneand two-bedroom options in independent living; one- and two-bedroom options in assisted living and private apartments in memory care

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Year lease

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Contact Information 919-460-7330; waltonwood.com

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

CAROLINA MEADOWS

100 Carolina Meadows, Chapel Hill

The 166-acre campus includes a nine-hole golf course, pristine walking trails, tennis courts, community gardens and more. Residents enjoy six distinctive dining venues, a state-of-the-art wellness center and an auditorium that offers fascinating lectures and performances.

Entrance Fee Range $136,900 – $818,500

Monthly Fee Range $3,220 – $5,296

Contract Options Fee for Service: Housing, residential services and guaranteed access to health-related services in exchange for entrance fee and monthly fee. Health-related services are provided at per diem rates, which vary. Home Care services are also available. Equity: See below.

Refund Options Upon departure, resident/estate receives refund based on entry fee calculation and, if applicable, additional 50% of equity in the residence; calculation is current entry fee minus remarketing and refurbishing fees compared to original entry fee, and then sharing in appreciation of unit if new balance exceeds original payment.

Medicare Certified Yes, Medicare Part B

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required, but welcome

Minimum Age 62

Contact Information 919-942-4014; 800-458-6756; carolinameadows.org

CAROL WOODS

750 Weaver Dairy Rd., Chapel Hill

Entrance Fee Range $106,000 – $522,500

Monthly Fee Range $2,577 – $5,953

Contract Options Modified: Entrance fee and monthly payments cover housing, residential services such as meals and housekeeping and some health-related services. Health-related services are provided at a discounted rate.

Refund Options Declining Refund: Pay entry fee; full refund in first 90 days; refund declines at rate of 2% each additional month; after 50 months, no refund.

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required; could help pay for discounted per diems.

Minimum Age 65 (co-applicant must be at least 55)

Contact Information 919-968-4511; 800-518-9333; carolwoods.org

THE CEDARS OF CHAPEL HILL

100 Cedar Club Circle (Meadowmont), Chapel Hill

Purchase Price Range $300,000s – $800,000s*

Monthly Fee Range $3,553 – $7,162

Contract Options *Equity: Actual real estate purchase, with transfer of ownership of the unit. If resident moves to health center, no added amount except two meals per day. After 90 days, member pays discounted rate.

Refund Options Not applicable because of ownership

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required

Minimum Age 62 (co-applicant must be at least 50)

Contact Information 919-259-7000; 877-433-3669; cedarsofchapelhill.com

Twin Lakes Community is a neighborhood where longtime friends are as important as long-term care. Where independence is treasured. And where the transition isn’t about what you give up, but what you’ve gained. You’ll discover we’re more than a Life Plan Community. Twin Lakes is a place where you can live the way it matters most to you.

RETIREMENT

CROASDAILE VILLAGE

2600 Croasdaile Farm Pkwy., Durham

Set on 110 acres in a pastoral landscape, which provides a country feel fewer than 6 miles from downtown Durham and 3 miles from Duke University. Croasdaile is within the distinguished residential neighborhood of Croasdaile Farm. Residents enjoy numerous green spaces with yards, gardening and plenty of walking trails, a dog park, lakes and the security of a full continuum of care on-site. The central campus buildings are connected, with a state-of-the-art wellness center, large heated pool, auditorium, woodworking shop, art studio, multiple dining venues and a chapel.

Entrance Fee Range $63,541 – $415,202 (includes single and double occupancy)

Monthly Fee Range $2,303 – $5,265 (single occupancy with second person fee $1,456 for all residential homes)

Contract Options Entrance fee and monthly payments cover housing, residential services such as meals and housekeeping and some healthrelated services. Advanced levels of health services are provided at per-diem rates. Utilities bundled.

Refund Options Declining Refund: Option 1: Pay lower entry fee; refund declines at rate of 2% per month; after 50 months, no refund.

Option 2: 50% Refund – pay higher entry fee; refund declines at a rate of 2% per month until 50% of residence fee is accrued; refund limited to 50%. Option 3: 90% Refund – pay higher entry fee; refund declines at a rate of 2% per month until 10% of fee is accrued; refund limited to 90%.

Medicare Certified Yes; rehab on-site

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required, but welcome

Minimum Age 62

Contact Information 919-384-2475, 800-960-7737 or 919-238-1159 for general inquiries; croasdailevillage.org

THE FOREST AT DUKE

2701 Pickett Rd., Durham

Celebrating 30 years of community, The Forest at Duke is a vibrant continuing care retirement community located in the heart of Durham. It offers five floor plans for apartment living, six floor plans for cottages and individual homes, and, coming in 2025, 10 all-new apartment floor plans debuting in its 71-residence expansion, The Terraces. Each home provides spacious, contemporary living with access to a range of amenities, coupled with myriad opportunities for fitness, wellness, socialization, entertainment, self-discovery and lifelong learning. The Forest strives to strengthen the community and organizations that enrich the lives of Durham residents.

Entrance Fee Range Call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Modified: Entrance fee and monthly payments cover housing, residential services such as meals and housekeeping, and some health-related services. Health-related services are provided at a greatly discounted rate and are free for a specified number of days.

Refund Options The Forest retains $10,000 of each person’s entry fee as a health care reserve. The remaining balance of the entry fee, the residence fee, is refundable based on the following plan: 2% of the residence fee accrues to The Forest at Duke each month. The refund decreases to zero over 50 months.

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required, but welcome

Minimum Age 65 (co-applicant must be at least 62)

Contact Information 919-490-8000; 1-800-919-278-9729; forestduke.org

GALLOWAY

RIDGE AT FEARRINGTON

3000 Galloway Ridge Rd., Pittsboro

Crafted with heart, soul and Southern charm, Galloway Ridge is a secure, health-conscious lifestyle destination. The 50-acre campus is just south of Chapel Hill and adjacent to Fearrington Village, an 1,100-acre planned community, offering miles of trails and sidewalks. Jordan Lake and the Haw River are just a short distance away for outdoor enthusiasts. Galloway Ridge’s main building includes 248 independent living apartments, library and business center, living room, Chapin Auditorium, Weathersfield Café, Bistro Dining Room, Camellia Fine Dining Room, Belties Lounge,

billiards room, Players Lounge, a movie theater with stadium seating, art studio, woodworking shop, multiple meeting spaces and conference room. The Arbor, a Medicare-certified health care center, is connected to the main building and offers 96 private rooms for assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. The residents of the 52 independent living villas have a short walk to all of the amenities of the main building. The Galloway Ridge WellPlex allows residents to maintain their optimal level of health and wellbeing. It includes the Duke Center for Living, a 20,000-square-foot fitness center, Duke Primary Care and the Center for Physical Rehabilitation. For on-campus primary care services, residents can choose between UNC Health Care within the main building or Duke Primary Care in the WellPlex. Residents and staff volunteer thousands of hours each year to local agencies and partnerships.

Entrance Fee Range $244,000 – $1,421,000

Monthly Fee Range $3,732 – $7,181

Contract Options Extensive: Entrance fee and monthly payments cover housing, residential services such as meals and housekeeping and unlimited assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. Additional meal fee required as one moves from one level of care to another.

Refund Options Declining Refund: Option 1: Time-Sensitive – Pay lower entry fee; refund declines at rate of 4% in first month; 2% each additional month; after 4 years, no refund. Option 2: 75% Refund, Not Time-Sensitive – Pay higher entry fee; receive 75% of what you paid in.

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required

Minimum Age 62

Contact Information 919-545-2647; gallowayridge.com

GLENAIRE

4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary

Entrance Fee Range $75,000 – $861,000

Monthly Fee Range $2,872 – $5,991

Contract Options Modified: Entrance fee and monthly payments cover housing, residential services such as meals and housekeeping and some health-related services, which are provided at a subsidized rate or are free for a specified number of days.

Refund Options Option 1: Declining Refund – refund declines at rate of 2% per month for 48 months. Option 2: 50% refundable. Option 3: 90% refundable.

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required

Minimum Age 62 (co-applicant must be at least 58)

Contact Information 919-460-8095; 800-225-9573; glenaire.org

SEARSTONE

17001 Searstone Dr., Cary

Searstone opened on the site of a picturesque former horse pasture in 2013. Immerse yourself in its vibrant community that fosters meaningful connections and a zest for life. Indulge in culinary delights with friends at one of its dining venues, take a walk along its beautiful lake, get a quick workout in the gym, or relax in the comfort of one of the elegant apartments. Health care services are available directly on campus. Searstone is on track to open a brand-new, four-story expansion, The Highview, in 2024, and is embarking on exciting renovations to its Winston Clubhouse. The retirement community offers a perfect balance of luxury, independence and lifelong care –every moment is filled with opportunity and choice.

Entrance Fee Range $397,000 – $927,000

Monthly Fee Range $3,720 – $8,170; second person fee of $1,670

Contract Options Type A LifeCare contract. Residents pay a one-time LifeCare fee to cover costs of assisted living, skilled nursing and/or memory support. The LifeCare program has significant tax advantages and works well with long-term care policies.

Refund Options Entrance fee 100% refundable

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Yes

Minimum Age 62

Contact Information 919-234-0339; info@searstone.com; searstone.com

RETIREMENT

SPRINGMOOR

1500 Sawmill Rd., Raleigh

Entrance Fee/Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Modified: Housing, residential services and some health-related services in exchange for entrance fee and monthly fee, which includes 30 days of free health care (with a maximum balance of 90 days), then is available at a discounted rate.

Refund Options Option 1: Life Occupancy – Residence & Care refund declines at 4% per month for 25 months, then no refund. Option 2: 50% Life Equity – refund declines at 2% per month for 25 months. The remaining 50% is returned to the resident or estate after residency is terminated and within 30 days of re-occupancy of the residential unit. Option 3: 100% Life Equity – 100% of the Residence & Care fee is returned to the resident or estate after residency is terminated. The refund is available, once residency is terminated, six years after initial move-in date, or 30 days after reoccupancy of the residential unit, if six years has passed.

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required

Minimum Age 62

Contact Information 919-848-7080; springmoor.org

THE TEMPLETON OF CARY

215 Brightmore Dr., Cary

Entrance Fee Range N/A. Community fee is equal to one month’s rent.

Monthly Fee Range $5,082 – $8,432

Contract Options Rental community with 13-month lease, but can give 30-day notice at any time.

Medicare Certified Yes, for skilled nursing

Long-Term Care Insurance Yes

Minimum Age 62 (for couples, at least one spouse must be 62)

Contact Information 984-200-3688; thetempletonofcary.com

TWIN LAKES

3701 Wade Coble Dr., Burlington

An intentional community that draws people from all over the country who have one thing in common: They want a well-rounded life surrounded by people who are engaged and living purposefully. More than 550 people in independent living enjoy the 218-acre community and all the amenities that create a lifestyle where people of all types thrive. In addition to the spacious campus, this is a unique CCRC: there’s no mandatory meal plan; Twin Lakes offers comparably lower fees; and the neighborhoods are filled with people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

Entrance Fee Range $58,000 – $481,000

Monthly Fee Range $1,755 – $4,042

Contract Options Fee-for-service contract only

Refund Options 30-month declining refund and 50% refund available

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required

Minimum Age 62 (co-applicant must be at least 62)

Contact Information 336-538-1572; twinlakescomm.org

THE VILLAGE AT BROOKWOOD

1860 Brookwood Ave., Burlington

The Village at Brookwood’s intimate size allows the building of strong friendships. Residents can participate in a full array of physical activities that promote healthy living, feed their competitive spirit with fun games and mental challenges, de-stress with their favorite hobby or just relax. In addition to a heated saltwater pool in the wellness center, the community boasts a pickleball court, putting green, raised plant beds and a dog park for physical activities. The community prides itself on its dining, including lunches in our tavern, lunches or dinners in our Edith Street Café and a fine dining experience at Lakeside Dining. Enjoy an engaging conversation with friends over a meal prepared by the executive chef while the dining staff tends to your every need.

Entrance Fee Options start at $111,500

Monthly Fee Range $2,628

Contract Options Option 1: LifeCare: Garden Homes & Apartments, bundled services, campus amenities, maintenance and guaranteed future health care all covered by the entrance fee and monthly fee. When moving from one level of care to another, the monthly fee reflects a significant reduction of the daily per diem skilled nursing rate.

Option 2: Fee for Service – Garden Homes & Apartments, limited bundled services, campus amenities, maintenance and guaranteed access to future health care are provided in exchange for entrance fee and monthly fee. Health-related services are provided at the per diem rate.

Refund Options All contracts offer a declining refund over 47 months.

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required, but can help with costs related to assisted living, memory care or skilled care for Fee-forService or LifeCare plans

Minimum Age 62 (co-applicant must be at least 55)

Contact Information 336-570-8440; 800-282-2053; villageatbrookwood.org

POST-ACUTE CONTINUING CARE SYSTEMS

HILLCREST CONVALESCENT CENTER

1417 W. Pettigrew St., Durham

Entrance Fee No deposit or application fee required

Monthly Fee Call for pricing

Contract Options All-inclusive monthly rate for short-term, long-term, assisted living or respite stays

Refund Options Pay only for the days spent, any unused daily rate refunded

Minimum Age N/A

Contact Information 919-286-7705; admissions@hillcrestnc.com; hillcrestnc.com

HILLCREST RALEIGH AT CRABTREE VALLEY

3830 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh

Entrance Fee No deposit or application fee required

Monthly Fee Call for pricing

Contract Options All-inclusive monthly rate for short-term, long-term or respite stays

Refund Options Pay only for the days spent, any unused daily rate refunded

Minimum Age N/A

Contact Information 919-781-4900; admissions@hillcrestraleighnc.com; hillcrestnc.com

HILLCREST HOME HEALTH OF THE TRIANGLE

1000 Bear Cat Way, Ste. 104, Morrisville

Personal care, in-home support and companion care, and respite care. Contact Information 919-468-1204; agencydir@hillcresthh.com

HILLCREST THERAPY & WELLNESS

4215 University Dr., Ste. B2, Durham

Physical therapy, specialty treatments and wellness programs. Contact Information 919-627-6700; rehab.durham@hillcrestptw.com

SIGNATURE HEALTHCARE OF CHAPEL HILL

1602 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill

Entrance Fee None. No application or deposit fee.

Monthly Fee Range $8,010/month

Contract Options All-inclusive monthly rate long-term or respite stays; room and board rate and other expenses available for short-term Refund Options Refunds for any days not used

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required, but accepted

Contact Information 919-967-1418; liaison@signaturehealthcarellc.com

Meet Dr. Todd Granger Primus Internal Medicine

I greatly enjoy getting to know my patients, not only by diagnosing and treating their medical conditions and advising them in matters of health and wellness, but also getting to know them simply as persons their families, what interests them, and how and why they’ve ordered their lives as they have. Not only is that personally rewarding to me, but taking the time to get to know patients personally is an integral part of their health and wellness. Over the course of my practice of medicine, I have been humbled by the trust that patients have placed in me as their physician. I take that trust seriously, and I will do all that I am able to ensure that it has been rightly placed. ”

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INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING

BARTLETT RESERVE

300 Meredith Dr., Durham

Entrance Fee One month’s rent

Monthly Fee Range $4,200 – $4,950

Contract Options Month-to-month; 60 day notice to leave

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted for personal care and veterans benefits

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information Steve Foshay, 919-634-2197; sfoshay@bartlettreserve.com

BRIER POINTE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Entrance Fee One month security deposit (partially refundable)

Monthly Fee Call for pricing on studios, one-, two- and three-bedrooms

Contract Options Month-to-month

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Can be utilized for additional care

Contact Information 919-378-2902; rlcommunities.com

THE CAMBRIDGE AT BRIER CREEK

7901 TW Alexander Dr., Raleigh

This new luxury independent living community is perfectly situated in Raleigh and next to Durham, a location that provides the best of both worlds, from cultural events to outdoor adventures and everything in between. As an Optimal Living community, The Cambridge provides a total wellness approach that engages its residents physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and offers a variety of spacious and comfortable apartment floor plans for you to call home. With a unique hybrid community model, residents have access to on-site primary care, therapy, home health care and rehabilitation. The Cambridge partners with in-house health care providers to create a true age-in-place community.

Entrance Fee Range Equivalent to two month’s rent

Monthly Fee Range $4,575 – $8,100

Contract Options Month-to-month or one-year leases

Medicare Certified Medicare accepted through on-site physician and with WakeMed Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information Marketing Director, 919-737-7000; briercreekinfo@cvsliving.com; thecambridgebriercreek.com

CAMBRIDGE VILLAGE

OF APEX

1000 Cambridge Village Loop, Apex

Life at Cambridge Village goes beyond retirement living. The Optimal Living community focuses on improving every aspect of its residents’ lives by providing a total wellness approach that engages its residents physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and offering a variety of spacious and comfortable apartment floor plans for you to call home. With its unique hybrid community model, you have access to on-site primary care, therapy, home health care and rehabilitation. Cambridge Village partners with in-house health care providers to create true age-inplace communities.

Entrance Fee Equivalent to two month’s rent

Monthly Fee Range $2,900 – $6,400

Contract Options One-year or month-to-month lease options

Medicare Certified Medicare accepted through on-site physician and with WakeMed Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information Marketing director: 919-363-2080; kfaulkner@cvsliving.com

DURHAM REGENT

3007 Pickett Rd., Durham

Entrance Fee Range $2,750 – $4,250

Monthly Fee Range $2,200 – $4,200 single occupancy, second-person fee

Contract Options Month-to-month leases, all independent living

Medicare Certified No medical services included

Long-Term Care Insurance N/A

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information 919-490-6224; durhamregent.com

EMERALD POND

205 Emerald Pond Ln., Durham

Entrance Fee Range Community fee of $2,850 – $4,700

Monthly Fee Range $2,244 – $4,599

Contract Options Month-to-month leases. No buy-in fees.

Refund Options Community fee non-refundable

Medicare Certified No medical services included

Long-Term Care Insurance N/A

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information 919-493-4713; emeraldpond.net

TWIN RIVERS INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING

25 S. Rectory St., Pittsboro

This 31-unit complex offers a friendly, social and communal atmosphere for independent older adults. Staff is available on-call seven days a week, and residents have use of a communal kitchen, game room and other shared spaces.

Entrance Fee $1,500 per person; second-person fee $500

Monthly Fee Range Starting at $2,000/one bedroom, $3,500/two bedroom; VA/public servant discounts available

Contract Options None. Requires 60 day notice prior to moving out

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance N/A

Minimum Age 65

Contact Information 919-545-0149; 919-637-7117; michelle@silver-thread.com; silver-thread.com

55+ COMMUNITIES

CAROLINA ARBORS BY DEL WEBB

357 Carolina Arbors Dr., Durham

Price Range of Houses Call for pricing

Number of Units 1,289

Resale Status Resale only

Average Size of Houses 1,100 – 2,600 sq. ft.

Amenities Included 37,000-square-foot clubhouse, lifestyle director, fitness center, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, pickleball courts, indoor pool and outdoor pool.

Contact Information 984-219-7051; contactarbors@gmail.com; ourcarolinaarbors.com

CAROLINA PRESERVE

115 Allforth Place, Cary

Price Range of Houses From the $450s

Number of Units 1,360

Resale Status Resale only

Average Size of Houses 1,200 – 3,500 sq. ft.

Amenities Included Tennis courts, bocce ball courts, indoor pool, outdoor pool, fitness center, clubhouse, pickleball court and access to Town of Cary Greenway and Amberly Clubhouse

Contact Information 919-467-7837; carolinapreserve.com

CORBINTON AT KILDAIRE FARM

809 Churton Pl., Cary

Price Range of Houses $400s – $500s

Number of Units 60

Resale Status Resale only

Average Size of Houses 1,698 – 2,175 sq. ft.

Amenities Included Walking trail, dog park, yard and exterior home-maintenance.

Contact Information 888-523-9070; info@corbintonliving.com; corbintonliving.com/cary

OVERTURE CHAPEL HILL

5910 Farrington Rd., Chapel Hill

Imagine carefree, maintenance-free, 55+ active adult living where you can truly focus on yourself. This community offers spacious living, an engaging lifestyle and meaningful mind, body and social amenities while also being close to everything.

Price Range of Apartment Homes Starting at $1,030/month

Number of Units 184

Resale Status N/A

Average Size of Houses 598 – 1,365 sq. ft.

Amenities Included Heated outdoor pool, outdoor lounge and terrace, fire pit, elevator-accessible floors, happy hours and yappy hours, fitness center and yoga studio, grand club room with demonstration kitchen, 24-hour self-serve coffee bar, movie theater, game room, arts and crafts room, on-site guest suite for friends and family, Lyft ride-sharing scheduling through management, 24-hour maintenance and carports available.

Contact Information 919-907-2200; overturechapelhill.com

COHOUSING

ELDERBERRY

60 Elderberry Ln., Rougemont

Price Range of Houses mid-$200s

Number of Units 18

Resale Status Resale only

Average Size of Houses 700 – 1,200 sq. ft.

Amenities Included Self-developed, community-oriented cohousing, hiking trails, community garden, community-shared tools and equipment, and common house.

Contact Information Mary Bennett, 919-452-4222, richard.mangeot@ usa.net; elderberrycohousing.com

VILLAGE HEARTH COHOUSING

4900 Buttonbush Dr., Durham

Price Range of Houses mid-$300s to high-$400s

Number of Cottages 28

Resale Status Resale only

Average Size of Houses 650 – 1,150 sq. ft.

Amenities Included Self-developed and self-governed; 55+ LGBTfocused (friends and allies welcome) intentional neighborhood; large, welcoming front porches; community-oriented with large common house, gourmet kitchen, craft room, laundry room; workshop; clustered accessible cottages on 15 acres; walking trails and community garden; 15 minutes from downtown Durham.

Contact Information 561-714-8009; villagehearthcohousing.com CM

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home away from home

THREE VINTAGE HOMES TRANSFORMED INTO SOUGHT-AFTER VACATION SPOTS

BY BROOKE SPACH

Chatham County attracts thousands of tourists and out-of-town visitors during the summer months. With an abundance of wedding venues, arts festivals, retirement facilities and nearby health care hubs, there are plenty of reasons folks are flocking to Chatham for overnight stays. Check out these three

The upstairs loft sleeps three and has a dedicated workspace. Dan says it’s a kid-favorite spot because the cozy quarters and tented ceiling simulate the camping experience.

ABOVE

The newly constructed deck overlooks the 2-acre lake.

LEFT

historical homesturned-Airbnbs for an immersive, authentic getaway filled with thoughtful touches and ample amenities.

mid-century sanctuary

This trio of A-frame cabins off of Manns Chapel Road is somewhat of a local landmark, and the property is characterized by a colorful past. During the late 1960s, UNC sophomore Robert Roskind purchased 10 acres surrounding a small lake in Pittsboro for $1,000. He and his friends finished building the first, leftmost cabin in just 16 days, laying the foundation for a commune that would

by the numbers

SLEEPS

5 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS 1 SQUARE FEET 1,100

ACREAGE 2.3

RIGHT

An original 1960s globe light fixture illuminates the dining area.

Heather knew this 4-foot-wide chandelier would be a perfect fit for the open space.

become the epicenter of the local counterculture movement for the next decade. Robert chronicled his adventures in Pittsboro and beyond in his book, “Memoirs of an Ex-Hippie: Seven Years in the Counterculture.”

The cabins’ charming facades and rural location enticed Heather Smith and Dan Smith to purchase the three A-frames after they went on the market a few years ago. The couple and their young children had relocated from West Point in 2018 and settled into a Briar Chapel home while they searched for available land to build on.

“Every time that we drove down this road, I’d say, ‘Oh my gosh, Dan, look at them,’” Heather says. “‘They’re a time capsule from the 1960s, and I’ve never seen an A-frame. If I could have them I would love to restore them.’ He was like, ‘Look away,’” she jokes.

Heather had some experience renovating their former New York home for Airbnb and was eager to take on another fixerupper. After she underwent emergency brain surgery in May 2021, Dan could see that a project would help her through recovery. They closed the following February and got straight to work bringing

After learning about the A-frames’ infamy among locals, Heather set out on a mission to dig up the history of the cabins – literally. An artifact display by the front door features finds from the renovation, including a vintage Pepsi bottle, a driver’s license and a 1962 Schlitz beer can.

the middle cabin back to life (the two flanking A-frames have been home to longterm renters for several years.)

“I realized it was becoming a very therapeutic process for me to not only restore and heal this house, but at the same time it was restoring me,” Heather says. “It was helping me heal.” Encouraging relaxation and restoration was her goal for the space, which she largely furnished from local stores like Steel Roots

The cabin had not been touched since it was built more than 50 years ago, so all of the plumbing, electrical and appliances received an update. Catwalk structures along the front of the cabin and connecting to the upstairs loft were removed to allow in more natural light and take full advantage of the A-frame’s high ceiling. The floor plan was also adjusted to show off the lakeside view from the front door, which meant moving the bathroom and rotating the original spiral staircase.

“We’re a pretty good team in that I have some technical background and experience, and Heather has talent for it, love of it, vision and spunk,” Dan says. They took on most of the projects themselves and strived to preserve

the home’s character where possible. Heather opted to keep the original walls and flooring in the front of the cabin, which feature subtle relics of its past, like BB gun holes and discoloration from the wood-burning stove.

“There’s something magical about realizing the house itself is the experience,” she says. “It’s not just a place for people to stay and sleep. This house and its roots here in Chatham County, the fact that it is such an iconic location and people always want to know the story, it really is magical being here.”

Out back, Dan and Heather reconstructed a deck overlooking the water that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings. Between the cabin and lake is a grassy gully imprinted by travelers on the “Old State Road” wagon trail, serving as a further reminder of the rich history surrounding the getaway. The lake is a great spot for fishing and private lounging on warm sunny days, and the couple hopes to add a dock, paddle boats and more water activities in the future.

“You’re so close to all these main destination points to drive to, whether it be Pittsboro, Jordan Lake or Chapel Hill,” Heather says. “Then you go on the back deck, and you’re watching ducks and hearing a rooster crow, and you feel a million miles away.” Search for “Amazing A-Frame Cabin on 2-acre Pond” on Airbnb to see more about the property.

Photography

by Anna-Rhesa Versola 

ABOVE

The primary bedroom has a king-size bed and overlooks the lake.

LEFT Evidence of the old wood-burning stove is visible on the wall above the television.

haw river haven

This cozy and colorful home by the Haw River is one you just can’t pass up. That’s how owners Anna Blackshaw and Tim McKee felt ahead of their move back to California in 2013, prompting them to turn their family home into a rental property. They fell in love with the people and culture of Bynum during their seven years in North Carolina, so after a few years of renting to longterm tenants, they were eager to resume enjoying their updated gem of a house.

“It allowed us to actually take better care of this 100-year-old home, and it also meant that we could come back and stay in it,” Anna says. “Those first couple of years that we rented the house out, we never stepped foot into it, even when we would come [back] to visit. So, this really allowed us to feel like we were still part of the community.”

Steps away from the Bynum Bridge, the 1920s home was originally two mill houses that were joined together in the ‘90s. The couple created a house guide which details the history of these original mill houses. With the support of their neighbors and community, Anna and Tim tore out and upgraded the entire kitchen, repainted each room and sourced eclectic furnishings from thrift stores all over Chatham and beyond.

Works from local artists are proudly displayed throughout the house, like a painting of Bynum General Store by Virgil Johnson; illustrations by Emma Skurnick; a mosaic tile floor by Erick Davis, which depicts the iconic river and bridge; and more. They also provide each guest with a jar of Fiddlehead Farm homemade jam as a welcome gift.

“It was really important that the house got to reflect this beautiful area that we called home for so long; to this day, I think we both consider North Carolina to be like a home for us,” Anna says.

Frequent Airbnb vacationers themselves, Tim and Anna know that character and authenticity make for the best experience in a home away from home. “We want [guests] to have the feeling of the local ecosystem,” Anna says. They strived to channel that throughout the property with touches like a Clyde Jones critter in the front yard and ensuring the outside areas were well equipped for front (or back) porch sittin’, a staple of the laid-back community’s way of life. The house guide is also filled with ideas for how to spend your stay the Bynum way. 

by the numbers SLEEPS 9 BEDROOMS 3

BATHROOMS 2.5

SQUARE FEET 2,100 ACREAGE .5

ABOVE Upstairs is a private loft with a decorative fireplace.

RIGHT Anna and Tim replaced the upper kitchen cabinets with open shelving.

BELOW Guests are greeted by a bright yellow door leading into the home through the screened-in porch.

Donna thomas

Getting The Results You Deserve

“Donna is the best realtor we have ever used. She was thorough and patient in an extremely di cult market. Really listened to our concerns and was always available to jump on a new listing and write up an o er. Never pushy or unavailable. Very professional and overall lovely person.”

“Consummate professional. Insightful, knowledgeable of the market, caring and friendly. Very responsive to my every concerns. Would highly recommend her!”

“Donna has assisted us with buying 2 houses and selling two houses. She has always gone out of her way to help to make our experience as stress free as possible. She has helped to see that we got the best price for our properties and assisted when complex issues arose. She is not only a great realtor but a sincerely outstanding person.”

“Donna is a wonderful agent and knows the area well. I really enjoyed how she tailored the experience based on what she heard from me. I love agents who listen to the client, and she is great at putting your interests rst!”

“There are places where Airbnbs can be extractive within communities and not have a positive impact,” Anna says. “To that end, we try to be mindful about not only supporting our local artists, but also shepherding our guests towards local businesses, towards places in Pittsboro where they can spend their tourist dollars. We try to ensure that our presence there, providing a place for people to sleep and spend their holidays, is also benefiting the community that we got so much from.”

Anna feels that opening their home to hundreds of guests over

the years has created a positive cycle by sharing the wealth of all they love about the town, and says the most rewarding part of the hosting experience is having guests come back for multiple stays.

“It’s a peaceful, serene oasis that is also part of a vibrant community,” Tim says. “It’s located in a very accessible place for all that the Triangle has to offer. … And, increasingly, I think Chatham and Bynum are kind of on the map. North Carolina is increasingly seen as a dynamic place by the rest of the U.S., so we also have some people who just really want to check this area out.” You can check out this Haw River haven by searching “A Gem of a House by the River near Chapel Hill” on Airbnb. 

ABOVE The front porch overlooks the yard, which is home to one of Clyde Jones’ famous critters.

BELOW LEFT Anna handstenciled this colorful tile pattern on the back porch.

While owner Jane Sacco loves The Hotsy Totsy’s current state, she says it’ll always be a work in progress – their next project is tackling the landscaping.

rustic retreat

“The expression ‘Hotsy-Totsy’ is just an old-timey way to say, ‘everything is right in the world,’”

Jane Sacco writes of her Airbnb listing’s name. “That’s exactly how you’ll feel out here.”

Jane, her husband Justin Sacco and their now-14year-old son, Sam Sacco, relocated from Virginia to Durham five years ago. Upon settling in and exploring the surrounding communities, they realized their ultimate goal was to plant roots in a more rural and secluded area.

When the owner of this Civil Warera farmhouse and its seven acres was ready to sell, a realtor friend alerted Jane of this “match made in heaven,” as she puts it.

“A place like this doesn’t come along all that often, so we wanted to make a move while we could,” she says. “We bought it with the understanding that we wouldn’t be able to live in it right away, so we would do shortterm rentals until we could make that decision to move.

That’s where the idea for turning it into The Hotsy

Totsy and designing it in such a way that it would be a fun vacation place kind of came about.”

Justin and Jane bought the place in March 2022 and spent the next eight months giving it a facelift. From March to October, Jane was out on the property from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., doing what she calls “handy Jane stuff.” Maintaining the integrity of the house was top priority, so they made few major changes to the property – the biggest project was adding the home’s first indoor plumbing system and bathrooms. The couple

ABOVE Jane shares a glass of wine with her friend and fellow creative, Jess Feury.

RIGHT Each bedroom is fitted with eclectic antiques and high-quality linens.

DELIGHTFUL DIGS

Show off your home or garden in our pages or nominate your neighbors’ fantastic abode.

ABOVE Pull up a chair or barstool in the Honky Tonk Bar slash laundry room. LEFT A guestfavorite feature of the property are the outdoor hot and cold clawfoot tubs.

transformed the outdoor bath house into the “Honky Tonk Bar,” a private pub and guestfavorite spot suited for enjoying a summertime cocktail and playing a round of cards.

“Every stick of furniture in this house was purchased from either a thrift store or Facebook marketplace or something like that,” Jane says. “For me, that was the really fun part of this project. It’s much less expensive, you get to meet so many different people and everything has a story.” She says sourcing each item was like a full-time job, and she had a regular route between shops in the Triangle, which included Little Boho Valley and the Chatham Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

“I never believe in fighting with what you’re working with in terms of aesthetics,” Jane says. “I think things tend to work best when everything’s in harmony. … [The decor is] old, primitive style, like the kind of thing that might have been in this house in the 1860s. I’m not a purist in that way, but that’s what inspired me.”

In the ‘80s and ‘90s, the farmhouse was home to a group of young women who jokingly called it the “home for wayward girls,” so Jane infused the decor with a fun, feminine vibe in their honor.

“A lot of the way that I’ve tailored this [house] is toward honoring the past and just keeping this as a nice place for girls’ weekends, girls’ getaways, that sort of thing. I’ve also been trying to connect with people in the community to come and do special things to cater to our guests who are typically just groups of women trying to get away from their daily grind for a few days.” Jane is currently putting together a directory of

resources for services like private chefs, mixology classes, flower arranging workshops, on-site massages and more.

Though you could enjoy an entire stay without ever leaving the property (Jane keeps a fully stocked dry pantry), there’s plenty to do on its large acreage and beyond, like playing horseshoes, roasting s’mores over the fire pit or

The upstairs twin bedroom is complete with whimsical decor and hand-stitched robes.

going for a hike on the nearby Haw River trail system. Whether you’re planning a bachelorette weekend or looking for a family getaway, The Hotsy Totsy is the perfect place to disconnect and unwind. Book your stay at airbnb.com/h/hotsy-totsy or via Instagram, @the_hotsy_totsy

Photography by Hillary Graves CM

Helping You Build a Be er Home

here we grow again

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATES, PLUS A LOOK AT UPCOMING PROJECTS

BY COOPER METTS

RENDERING COURTESY OF YMCA OF THE TRIANGLE

YMCA of the Triangle breaks ground this fall on eight acres of Chatham Park’s North Village. The 34,000-squarefoot facility will cost about $22 million, according to Forrest Perry, regional vice president. Forrest says the new YMCA could open by late 2024. The entire facility can accommodate

OTHER UPDATES

• Granville, Fearrington Village’s newest subdivision, features new homes on 43 lots within 52 acres in the south end of the community. Homes start at $750,000.

• VinFast first planned to open its manufacturing plant in 2024, but the Vietnamese automotive company said in March it wouldn’t open until 2025 due to needing more time to complete administrative procedures.

• Coca-Cola’s new 175-square-foot bottling facility in Chatham will employ up to 200 at an Apex address near the intersection of Highways 64 and 751. Occupancy is planned for 2024.

• A new shopping center is being built along Highway 15-501 501 Landing is 50% leased and scheduled to open this summer; committed tenants include Seeds of Wonder, a Spanish immersion daycare, Mi’s Nail Spa and Ignite Wellness

Chiropractic Center.

An architectural rendering shows the look of the future Chatham Park YMCA.

• The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to rezone a 43-acre tract in Chatham Park Feb. 27. The rezoned acreage provides land for additional housing, a new school, North Village Elementary, and a park. The property is located off Russet Run near the intersection of Highways 64 and 15-501.

• The UNC Farm at Penny Lane off Andrews Store Road is building a tiny home community collaborative for the individuals it serves. The farm offers holistic recovery for people with severe mental illnesses and veterans with chronic health conditions. Rental rates are expected to be lower for individuals on low fixed incomes. The UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health has partnered with Garman Homes and XDS Inc to make this project possible.

about 6,500 members, who can access after-school programs, academic support and wellness and fitness classes. Amenities include group exercise studios, an eight-lane swimming pool, a family-style pool with a retractable dome, indoor and open-air gymnasiums and a multipurpose room. After-school and summer camp programs at Chatham Park YMCA will be available to the public in addition to healthy living events and other community engagement opportunities. It’s uncertain whether the new facility will be accessible by public transit because roads are incomplete at this time. The current Pittsboro facility located in Main Street Station remains open during construction of the new facility. CM

Coleman & Mitchell

BY HALEY PINELES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITNEY DUGGINS, FACEBOOK.COM/WHITNEYDPHOTOGRAPHY

Pittsboro native Camen Mitchell attended Chatham Central High School and later Central Carolina Community College, graduating from the fire academy in 2015. Raleigh native Hadley Coleman attended East Carolina University and was introduced to Camen by a college friend in 2019. The pair moved in together in June 2020 after buying their first house.

Camen popped the question during a family trip to Holden Beach on July 3, 2021. On April 16, 2022, they were married at Oakland Farm by officiant Josh Conrad, whose sermons they attend together every Sunday morning at Edward Hill Friends Meeting. “It was really special to have him there to marry us since he has seen us together through every stage since we were dating,” Camen says.

To ensure their big day was perfect, the couple enlisted the help of wedding planners Sherry Elmore and Marguerite Moore of Bee-utiful Events and sourced their cake from Lizzie’s Grill-N-Chill. “From the ceremony to the reception, everything was perfect,” Hadley says. “I really wanted the day to feel romantic, intimate, elegant and airy.” She says she’ll never forget when the doors first opened and she saw Camen waiting for her down the aisle.

Hadley is a nurse at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh, and Camen works full time at the Pittsboro Fire Department and part time at the Goldston Fire Department. They reside in Bonlee CM

Little & Matthews

BY LENA MIANO PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITNEY DUGGINS, FACEBOOK.COM/WHITNEYDPHOTOGRAPHY

Katherine Little met High Falls native Drake Matthews the summer before her senior year at Chatham Central High School, thanks to mutual friends and a sports rivalry with Drake’s North Moore High School. Soon after, Katherine invited Drake to a Sunday lunch with her family and friends, and the two caught a movie that evening. The couple has been dating ever since.

On May 14, 2021, Drake took Katherine by surprise when he popped the question in front of the Bell Tower just after her graduation from UNC. The couple was surrounded by Katherine’s family.

Drake and Katherine tied the knot on March 5, 2023, at Oakland Farm. Katherine said she will always remember “the look on Drake’s face”

as the curtains were pulled back for her to walk down the aisle. David King officiated the ceremony, and videographer Ryan Mashburn captured the whole day.

White, sage green and gold added a touch of color to the scene alongside dried decorative tobacco from Drake’s Moore County farm. Bee-utiful Events made sure all the details were in place.

Drake’s parents, Brent Matthews and Tammy Matthews; Katherine’s parents, Freddie Little and Beth Little; and local attendees including bridesmaids Anna Brown, Meagan Little, Rebecca Caldwell and Trista Matthews, groomsmen Chase Matthews, Thomas Matthews, Jeffrey Wilson and Wes Little, matron of honor Elizabeth Wilson and best man Brently Matthews, celebrated the newlyweds on their big day.

Katherine works as a pediatric dental hygienist in Sanford, and Drake is a tobacco farmer. The couple lives in Goldston. CM

Powerful Skincare

Meet Chris G. Adigun, MD, boardcertified dermatologist and the owner of the Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill. Dr. Adigun and her team provide comprehensive medical and cosmetic dermatological services in a warm and welcoming environment. Using cutting-edge technology and treatment options, she and her providers help address concerns from acne to wrinkles to that extra belly fat that won’t go away.

For Dr. Adigun and the DLC team, building a trusting relationship and providing individualized care is the main focus. Treating patients respectfully, expressing genuine concern, and talking with them are hallmarks of the practice. Working together, Dr. Adigun helps patients identify and achieve their personal skincare goals because DLC believes everyone can have the skin they love.

Broedell & Ciociola

BY LENA MIANO PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB TESAR, ROBTESAR.COM

When Chapel Hill native Courtney Broedell needed help with a college assignment in 2015, her best friend, Stephanie Martin, knew Steven Ciociola was just the person to call. After being introduced over the phone, the two instantly connected and kept in touch. Two months later, Steven drove from UNC Charlotte to UNC Wilmington to take Courtney out on their first date, and the long-distance relationship began.

While on a trip to Wilmington in October 2020, Steven took the opportunity to propose to Courtney in the city where their love story began. As they watched the sunrise on the beach, Steven said, “Since this is the place where we first fell in love, it’s only fitting that I ask you this.” He then got down on one knee as Stephanie, who had been there in disguise the whole time, unveiled herself to photograph the occasion.

Courtney and Steven shared their vows at NorthStone Country Club in Huntersville, North Carolina, on Oct. 7, 2022. Michelle Morency perfected Courtney’s hair for the special day. Courtney’s brother, Richie Broedell, officiated the wedding, making for a more personal ceremony with friends and family, like her parents, Donna Broedell and Richard Broedell. Courtney and Steven performed a choreographed routine to “Hunger” by Ross Copperman for their first dance and then spent hours dancing the night away.

Courtney is a senior communications manager, and Steven is a project manager for a software company. The couple lives in Huntersville with their two cats, Ava and Jack CM