Chatham Magazine Winter 2021-22

48 Delightful Dishes for Your Holiday Table

61 Gift Guide

104 Farmhouse Fairy Tale in Pittsboro Winter 2021-2022 vol. 5, no. 3

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS The Aguiar family combines Italian and Portuguese customs in their Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.

Spirit of the

Season 3 families share beloved Hanukkah, Christmas and Chinese New Year traditions Page 38

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LETTER FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

FLOOR-TO-CEILING

y p p a H idays Season’s Blessings l o H INTERIOR DESIGN

I

am thankful for many blessings. This month marks the fifth year since my last chemo infusion, which was part of a two-year treatment plan to combat an aggressive form of breast cancer. Recovery can be tough, but the process yields resilience and gratitude.

Local writer and author Dolly R. Sickles knows this, too, and shares her own perspective of strength, patience and grace following an accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury. You can read her story on page 56.

There is no doubt that even in challenging times we dare to hold hope for young families like the Kennedys. Beth Kennedy and Taylor Kennedy share their dream of giving son Carson Kennedy and daughter Charlotte Kennedy an idyllic childhood in a nearly 100-year-old home on page 104. I’m sure their fairy-tale farmhouse will be beautiful for the holidays. ’Tis the season for modified family gatherings. I was happy to learn some of the tips on page 62 that local professionals gave about how to look good – and feel good – for every occasion.

However, my favorite stories in this winter issue are about the three families who share some of their holiday traditions with us starting on page 38. Lois Sobel and Richard Sobel enjoy passing on the stories and customs of their Jewish faith to their grandchildren. Davide Aguiar and Michelle California-Aguiar and their sons observe their family's Catholic traditions like abstaining from meat on certain holy days, choosing instead to celebrate Christmas with a seafood feast.

Every year, Davide and sons Nuno Aguiar and Rui Aguiar create a nativity scene of sorts with found items around their home. For Zi Yun “John” Sit and Ming Jung “Vicki” Cheng, their family’s biggest gathering happens at Chinese New Year, when they sweep out the old and welcome in the new.

Elsewhere in the issue, you will find recipes to incorporate into your own holiday meals, because food has a way of bringing people together to celebrate and enjoy one another’s company, in comfort and joy. CM

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THE COVER Photo by Cornell Watson

WINTER 2021-2022

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WINTER

CONTENTS

HOLIDAY 48 Season’s Eatings Set yourself up for success this Thanksgiving with Governors Club’s perfectly savory turkey recipe and two easy-to-prepare sides from Small Cafe B and B 54 Wine in a Million Vino!! Wine Shop’s owner Anna Lange recommends the downtown Pittsboro store’s best wines for the holiday season 56 The Power of Gratitude Local author Dolly R. Sickles shares her perspective 58 ’Tis the Season to be Crafty Try your hand at handcrafted holiday projects at The Creative Goat 62 Winter Reset Five professionals share their tips for self-care during the busiest time of the year

FEATURES 76 Student Spotlight: Seaforth Sophomore Skips to Success Sophia Berry learns the ropes in a new space 80 Schools Guide Directory of independent, regional boarding and charter schools

104 90 ‘Concierge’ Doctors Take Their Time Accessible (and longer) appointments and doctors who prescribe patient wellness 100 Rooted in the Community A 95-year-old traces her family’s long history in Chatham and Orange counties 104 Farmhouse Fairy Tale A Pittsboro family lives happily ever after in a 100-year-old home in the woods

WEDDINGS 118 Venues Directory 119 Something Old, Something Novel Local shop offers creative options to upcycle wedding dresses

120 Wedding Lawler & Whitaker

DEPARTMENTS 4 Letter from the Managing Editor 8 Six Events Events in November and December you won’t want to miss 18 Noted 22 Who’s Who in Town & County Government Meet Chris Kennedy, Pittsboro Town Manager 26 Chatham 250: An Ode to Chatham Reflections from three local leaders on the county’s 250th anniversary

116 Here We Grow Again Updates on commercial and residential real estate developments

SPONSORED CONTENT 29 Chatham Works 61 Holiday Gift Guide 71 The Big Give 96 Get to Know Your Local Health Care Providers

PEOPLE & PLACES 12 PepperFest 14 Sidewalk Chalk Festival 16 Hoppin’ John Fiddlers’ Convention 17 Chatham County Sheriff’s Department Golf Tournament

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

38 How We Celebrate Three families share their seasonal plans and annual traditions

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The yearlong celebration of the county’s 250th anniversary comes to a close with a fireworks show in Siler City. Pyrotechnics company Hale Artificier will launch its sparkly show along 311 N. Chatham Ave. across from the Siler City Fire Department. Seating will be available along West Third and Second streets and on North Chatham Avenue at the top of the parking lot.

A Village Christmas Around the Loop in Haywood

PHOTO BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

Chatham 250 Grand Finale Fireworks Display

Kelly Muir and her daughter Emily Muir cross the finish line together during the 2018 Reindeer Run organized by the Chatham County Partnership for Children in Pittsboro.

DEC. 4, noon-4 p.m.

See Santa Claus greet kids and their families as they enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, vendors, music, a farmers market and food trucks. Don’t forget to place a bid during the gingerbread house auction.

Enter the loop across from Liberty Chapel Church in Moncure.

SIX EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS Compiled by Makayla Williams

Chatham Artists Guild Studio Tour

Pittsboro Holiday Parade

DEC. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,

DEC. 12, 3-4 p.m.

The Town of Pittsboro presents the annual parade, which features marching bands, horse-drawn carriages, floats and Santa Claus. The parade moves through downtown from east to west, starting at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and ending at Farrell Street.

and Dec. 5, noon-5 p.m.

DEC. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Dec. 12, noon-5 p.m.

The Chatham Artists Guild hosts its 29th annual tour of 41 art studios around the county. This self-guided tour allows patrons to interact with more than 50 artists who specialize in painting, mixed media, pottery and more as you drive through the countryside.

Reindeer Run 5K DEC. 11, TBD Join the Chatham County Partnership for Children for its 17th annual race that begins at Central Carolina Community College before heading toward downtown Pittsboro and then circling back to CCCC. Runners can race individually or in teams, and the kiddos can also participate in Rudolph’s Fun Run.

Miracle on Hillsboro Street DEC. 19, 2-3 p.m.

The Pittsboro Business Association sponsors this event – a part of its annual monthlong Holly Days celebrations – in which local actors and legal consultants come together in the Historic Chatham County Courthouse to put Kriss Kringle on trial. Children are encouraged to write letters to Santa about what they love about him, and some letters will even be read during the trial. CM

EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE; CHECK WITH ORGANIZERS PRIOR TO ATTENDING 8

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

WINTER 2021-2022

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PEOPLE & PLACES

1 Local artist Rebekah Evans designed this year’s PepperFest poster.

Pick a Peck PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

On a picture-perfect Sunday, close to 1,000 people enjoyed samples of pepper-themed dishes, desserts and drinks at the 14th annual PepperFest.

The celebration of sustainable agriculture, local farmers and the creativity of regional chefs was held on Sept. 19 at The Plant, a 16-acre former biodiesel manufacturing site on Lorax Lane in Pittsboro.

Festival-goers enjoyed live music from Colin Cutler and Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba in addition to the many varieties of locally grown sweet, hot and smoky peppers. Performers from Imagine Circus entertained the crowd, who were assembled in safely distanced circles painted on the grassy meadow. CM

2 Ches Stewart of Haw River Mushrooms pushes his 5-year-old daughter, Ella Stewart, on the swing.

3 A table display of bowls filled with different pepper varieties grown at Heart Song Farm.

4 Catherine Hobbs and Tami Schwerin.

5 Tree climbers Winter Donny-Clark, 9, and Aki Donny-Clark, 14, enjoy their perch as Thorfinn Donny-Clark, 7, looks up at his sisters.

6 Local musician Diali Cissokho.

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7 Elijah Downs, Anisah Suraleigh, Aliyya Suraleigh, Kenny Downs and Liala Suraleigh.

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8 Sarah Zelasky and Dylan Bruney.

9 Jyotsna Garg with her nephews, Arin Shah, 9, and Roshan Shah, 4.

10 Rodney Medley of Beehive Yourself gives a pepper-infused honey sample to a PepperFest attendee.

11 Susan Fowler, Kathleen Hunter and Jane Stolper.

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Where Chalk Meets Sidewalk PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

About 100 people participated in the Chatham 250 Sidewalk Chalk Festival on Sept. 11 at The Park at Briar Chapel. Passersby and judges viewed original artworks drawn on the walking paths. The event, sponsored by Carolina Meadows, was part of the county’s yearlong celebration of its 250th anniversary.

Judges included Chatham 250 co-chair Renee Paschal, local artist Kathy Flood, Susan Gaca of Carolina Meadows and Adriane Karlinski of MOSAIC at Chatham Park. Winners in each category were as follows: • Family: Claudia Low with her son, Florian Machius, 9, and daughter, Alana Machius, 5, for their portrait of a heron. They won a gift certificate for a Paint Your Pot in Cary.

• Teen: Northwood High School junior Catie Harrigan and senior Cal Martine for their portrait of jellyfish and they won an art supplies kit.

• Adult: Buffy Taylor for her drawing of a Chatham 250 tiger. Her prize was two mugs by Mays Pottery near Bynum.

• Senior: Maja Kricker for her drawing of a tree along the Haw River. Her prize was a basket of breakfast scones, coffee and jam.

• Crowd-pleaser: Teresa “Teri” Mikan for her Chatham 250 storybook drawing.

She received a bouquet of flowers from Turtle Rock Gardens in Siler City. CM 14

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

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1 Megan Dydynski shows off her drawing.

2 Florian Machius, 9, puts the finishing touches on the portrait of a heron that he drew with his mom, Claudia Low, and his sister, Alana Machius, 5.

3 Rikki Eskelund Amedick, Kristi Eskelund, Lydia Eskelund, Yessenia Eskelund holding Eli Eskelund, 20 months, AJ Eskelund, Noah Amedick, Wilda Heard and Jesse Eskelund, 14.

4 Festival co-coordinator Hilary Pollan holds a handmade bookmark she created with the help of Chatham Artists Guild volunteers.

5 Members of Girl Scout Troop 4166 Birdie Pedraza, 7, and Emery Elliott, 7.

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CHATHAM MAGAZINE

Feeling Fit as a Fiddle

WINTER 2021-2022

Tents and stages at Shakori Hills in Pittsboro were filled with music and dancing with the return of the Hoppin’ John Fiddlers’ Convention on Sept. 1718. Attendees and participants enjoyed the outdoor event’s contests, workshops and performances. CM

1 Holden Ruch, Alex Meredith and Ella Thomas.

2 Tucker Withington, Mackenzie Withington, Rye Withington, 6, Meadow Withington, 7, and their friend Carolina Lyric Cheney, 2.

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The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office hosted its fourth annual golf tournament benefiting Special Olympics North Carolina – the official charity of the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police – on Aug. 30. Thirty-five teams of four gathered to play at the Governors Club golf course and raised more than $40,000.

The event is part of SONC’s Law Enforcement Torch Run, which helps support the organization’s fall, winter and summer games. The Chapel Hill Police Department hosted the annual event for nearly 20 years before it transitioned to Chatham. The next tournament is slated for October 2022. CM 1 Golfers arrive to participate in the Mark Jacobson Memorial Putting Contest.

2 Sheriff Mike Roberson with Dani Kinert and other SONC athletes.

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NOTED. ARTS & CULTURE Emmy winner and Pittsboro resident Shawna Brakefield-Haase’s new documentary, “A La Calle,” premiered on HBO Max on Sept. 15.

The film focuses on the fight for democracy in Venezuela and was filmed by a network of camera crews who smuggled the footage out of the country, one hard drive at a time.

A new PBS North Carolina documentary series will highlight the lives of folk musicians Austin McCombie and Sarah McCombie, the duo behind the Chatham Rabbits. The show, scheduled to premiere

this spring, will follow the band behind the scenes on their farm and on the road of

PHOTO BY BETH MANN

their fall tour.

GIVING BACK CORA will host its second annual Turkey

Tuesday, which helps families in need enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, on Nov. 16 from LET US KNOW WHAT YOU'VE HEARD! EMAIL NOTED@CHATHAMMAGAZINENC.COM 18

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

WHAT WE’VE HEARD AROUND OUR TOWNS ...

Compiled by Anne Tate

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The food pantry is accepting donations of small turkeys and turkey breasts, mini hams, boxed stuffing and cornbread mix, instant mashed potatoes, gravy packets, and canned fruits and vegetables throughout November. Help CORA reach its goal of helping 5,000 families by bringing donations to the nonprofit at 40 Camp Dr. in Pittsboro.

HVAC, plumbing and construction company Bud Matthews Services donated $10,000 to the Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club in September. “We’re really filled with gratitude for what the community has done for us and our families over the years and proud to have this opportunity to give back,” says owner Noah Matthews.

The funds benefited the nonprofit’s new location, which opened at 79 Horton St. on Oct. 18. The club offers after-school services and programming – including tutors, academic support and mentorship – to help students reach their full potential.

WHAT AN HONOR The UNC General Alumni Association announced MoreheadCain scholar Antonio L. McBroom as the recipient of the Harvey E. Beech Outstanding Young Alumni Award on Oct. 15. The award recognizes the leadership of outstanding Black UNC alumni and honors Antonio for his work as a Ben & Jerry’s franchise developer, researcher and former

WINTER 2021-2022

Teach for America instructor in Durham and Chatham counties.

Central Carolina Community College announced its

2020-21 employee awards in August. Recipients included (at right, in order of appearance): Lisa Smelser, the lead biotechnology programs instructor, for Excellence in Advising; Brian Estes, who teaches the basic law enforcement training program, was named Adjunct of the Year; David Myers, lead instructor of the air conditioning, heating and refrigeration program, was named Instructor of the Year; and Director of Admissions Adam Wade was named Staff Person of the Year.

NOTED

The Chatham 250 committee hosted an agriculture photo contest as part of its yearlong celebration of the county’s semiquincentennial. Community members submitted photos highlighting agricultural life in Chatham County, plus a written reflection explaining the significance of their photo. On Oct. 7, the committee announced the winners (in order of appearance below): Macy Beavers (age 1117 category); Kristi Eskelund and Barbara Hegstenberg (18-64 age category); and Zen Shoemaker and Gary Simpson (65 and older age category).

IN OUR SCHOOLS In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Chatham 250 presented a mobile version of the N.C. Museum of History’s 2016 exhibit “Los Jets: Playing for the American Dream” to students in eight Chatham County schools in October. The presentation honors the Jordan-Matthews High School soccer team, Los Jets, and highlights its 2004 journey to becoming the first predominantly Latino sports team

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NOTED

BIZ BRIEFS Restaurant owner David Sadeghi announced a second location of O’YA Cantina, a popular eatery serving Latin American-inspired cuisine, will open in MOSAIC at Chatham Park across from Northwood High School.

Family- and pet-friendly brewpub Red Moose Brewing Company expects to open at 90 East St. the first week of November.

Red Moose is owned and operated by Danny Jenkins and his multigenerational Chatham County family – his daughter, Brandi Jenkins Morris, is the head brewer.

Chapel Hill pet resort Green Beagle Lodge announced in August plans to open a second location in Pittsboro at 120 Lodge Lane. Shaw Design Associates and Carolina Commercial Contractors are working on the project, which is slated to open in May or June 2022.

IN MEMORIAM Wasim Qudoos Chaudhry,

the vice president of his family meat processing business, Chaudhry Halal Meats in Siler City, died from COVID-19 complications on Aug. 20, 2021, at age 33. Wasim enjoyed riding motorcycles and driving fast cars.

He is survived by his wife, Rabia Ibrahim, daughter Alaya Chaudhry, parents Abdul Chaudhry and Shamim Chaudhry, brother Atiq Chaudhry and sister Amina Abdallah.

Karen Heilman,

a high school English teacher, died from cancer on Sept. 9, 2021, at age 55. She taught in Chatham 20

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

County for more than 20 years and was named Chatham Central High School’s Teacher of the Year in 2018. Karen was a lifelong athlete who coached and played various sports including basketball. She was an avid cyclist and taught fitness classes. She is survived by her husband, Newt Heilman, her daughters, Becca Heilman and Sara Heilman, her mother, Rebecca Schwartz Sbrollini, and her beloved dog, Trevor.

On Sept. 18, the Community

– including its president, Mary Nettles, pictured above (center) – and members from two Chatham NAACP branches hosted an all-day Black history celebration and remembrance for Eugene Daniel, a Black man who was lynched a week after his 16th birthday on Sept.

18, 1921, in Chatham County. The commemoration began at the cemetary outside of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Apex. Attendees filled jars with soil from the ground where Eugene was lynched by a white mob a century ago after being unlawfully taken from the Chatham County jail in Pittsboro.

A jar, labeled with Eugene’s name, was transported to Montgomery, Alabama, to be placed in the Equal Justice Initiative’s collection in remembrance of lynching victims nationwide. The day included Remembrance Coalition Chatham

WINTER 2021-2022

music, presentations and a screening of journalist Mark Barroso’s documentary, “A Mass of Murders: The Lynching of Eugene Daniel.”

Nearly 100 years to the day after Eugene was lynched, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution on Sept. 20, 2021, formally apologizing for any participation by a Chatham County elected or appointed official in the lynching. “The lynching of Eugene Daniel is a painful part of Chatham County’s history, and while our apology can’t change what happened, we feel it is an important step in helping his family and our entire community heal,” said Commissioner Karen Howard.

IN OTHER NEWS Chatham County emergency responders supported a jump exercise at Jordan Lake with U.S. Army Special Operations Command 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (Airborne) of Fort Bragg on Aug. 20.

During the training exercise, 71 soldiers parachuted out of a CASA C-212 aircraft and into the lake, where they floated until they were “rescued” by local partner agencies. “Training experiences like this jump exercise are invaluable to maintaining our preparedness,” Chatham County Emergency Management Director Steve Newton said. “Besides contributing to our military’s readiness, we were able to demonstrate our region’s ability to manage a dynamic, multidisciplin[ary], multiagency response on the water.” CM

PHOTO COURTESY OF CPL. BRITTNEY VERBERKMOES, 95TH CIVIL AFFAIRS BRIGADE

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DONALDSONFUNERALS.COM 919.542.3057 | 396 WEST STREET PITTSBORO, NC 27312 WINTER 2021-2022

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What is your background?

What was your job before you came to Pittsboro?

Urban planning is my background, so most of my career has been focused on land development. … [After] 3 ½ years [working for the Town of Southern Pines], I was promoted to assistant town manager and community development director. I served in that capacity for about four years before coming here.

WHO’S WHO

IN TOWN & COUNTY GOVERNMENT WE ASKED PITTSBORO TOWN MANAGER CHRIS KENNEDY ABOUT HIS FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB AND WHAT HE SEES IN THE TOWN’S FUTURE

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BY RENEE AMBROSO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

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and his wife, moved from Southern Pines to Pittsboro last summer when he began working as town manager. They live with their 4-month-old daughter, Annie, dachshund-German shepherd mix, Mollie, and black lab, Maddux. hris Kennedy

Emily Kennedy,

What were your first experiences in Pittsboro?

I was a delegate from Southern Pines [on the board of Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization] and served as vice chairman. We would split meetings between Sanford and Pittsboro. I would come up to Pittsboro and go to the old [agriculture] center right here at the traffic circle. … I would power through the meeting and go to S&T’s [Soda Shoppe], and that became my habit. …

That was my introduction [to Pittsboro].

The night I got sworn in as manager, my parents came and my wife was here. We went and celebrated at S&T’s. It seemed appropriate.

How has your family adjusted to the move?

It’s hard to pick up and leave friends, but you know [town] managers can’t really work remotely. Emily grew to love [Southern Pines] and made good friends there, so we’re looking forward to doing the same thing here. It has been hard with the pandemic because there [are] fewer events to get out and about – and then [having] a small child as well. … I do feel like I’m part of the community, and I try to do what I can – I try to eat lunch every day at a different downtown

establishment. I’m on the board of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, the Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club Advisory Council and Main Street Pittsboro that serves our downtown, so beyond my professional capacity, I try to involve myself in the community.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

I talk to a lot of people. Town managers serve at the pleasure of the elected board, so that’s my job – I try to implement their wishes. I’m also in charge of running the organization, so my job is to support my staff. So, it varies on a dayto-day basis, but it’s centered on those two things. … I serve to support my staff and anything that I can do to make their job easier or prepare them. … It doesn’t get boring. A lot of my days are spent strategizing, talking to my staff, talking to outside partners or stakeholders or agencies. On Monday, I started my day off with a staff meeting and then a meeting with Sen. Thom Tillis.

As major changes take place in or around Pittsboro, how is the town considering the future?

We’re looking forward to seeing [Chatham Park] come to fruition. …

I think it’s a really exciting thing for Pittsboro. It’s certainly a very large project. … I think that it brings some fear and anxiety about it. But as we see the fruits of the labor both on the town’s part and Chatham Park’s part … it will [bring us] all the things that we need.

We don’t need to go to Wake County for basic needs and services. We have jobs here, we’ve got a diversity of housing stock and the town’s working on affordable housing (some in Chatham WINTER 2021-2022

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Park), so our goal is to have folks work, play and learn [here]. … It’s a really great opportunity to shape our future. … We’re not going to abandon the legacy of Pittsboro by any means, but I think it allows us to have the amenities that we seek closer to home while also being able to enhance them. We see the investments in downtown now – because people see the momentum, they see the population growth.

What hurdles does the town face now and in the future?

Utilities is probably No. 1. All these dreams and desires and plans cannot come to fruition if we don’t figure out utilities.

We are out of sewer capacity – we’re working on projects to add to that, but even those will be whittled down quickly.

We’ve got projects that we’re working with the City of Sanford on, particularly a sewer line project that sends sewer down

Our goal is to have folks work, play and learn [here]. … It’s a really great opportunity to shape our future.

– Chris Kennedy

to them. Water quality has been a wellpublicized and discussed concern. There’s probably nothing more important than that. We’re working on several projects right now trying to increase the amount of water we have – besides the quality of it, we need more of it.

What are you excited to see happen?

The exciting thing is to look at the recreation side of things. That’s one of the really exciting sectors of our existence as a town operation. [In terms of] parks, we’ve got some good land – we can certainly do a better job of maintaining those and need to make some investments in those areas. There’s a lot of real tangible things in between … recreational opportunities [such as] a sports complex, opportunities for expanding greenway trails and more sidewalks. CM

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ODE TO

CHATHAM REFLECTIONS FROM THREE LOCAL LEADERS ON THE COUNTY’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY How did Chatham County come together through Chatham 250 events?

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ne of the most beautiful experiences of Chatham 250 was watching different people and communities engage in different ways, with each person bringing a piece of themselves and their story to the celebrations. The breadth of the events and activities were designed with the intention of having a little something for everyone, allowing each resident to connect to the semiquincentennial in a way that felt meaningful to them.

Some people attended our Chatham County History of Communities of Color lectures in the spring from the comforts of their own home, while others chose to brave the late-June

humidity at the Great Chatham County Camp Out. Some people purchased Aunt Rachel apple trees to cultivate the county’s agricultural history, while others preserved our history by working with their congregations to write their church histories.

At the Sidewalk Chalk Festival this fall, someone asked me if I recognized anyone at the event from the other events I’ve attended. I was delighted to say that, in fact, I recognized hardly anyone. Why was I delighted? Because it meant each singular Chatham 250 event gathered a new community of people to celebrate. Throughout the year, with all the varied activities, everyone shared one thing – their love for Chatham County.

– Hilary Pollan, Chatham County community partners analyst and co-coordinator for the Chatham 250 committee

What would you want your great-greatgrandchildren to know about Chatham?

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iven the current age of my grandchildren, my great-greatgrandchildren would probably grace

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this world in about 50 to 75 years.

Chatham will be such a different place at that time, given its residential and economic development trajectory. While it may look different, I hope my great-greatgrandchildren will experience some of the same values that make Chatham a wonderful place to live.

These values include striving for the ideals of inclusion, unity in our cultural diversity, giving, caring and respect for other people’s realities. Suppose these values still exist during their time. In that case, I hope they would look back to this time and generations before us and understand that their forefathers very thoughtfully crafted this unique cultural gift. They should treasure this gift and pass it on to the next generation.

I hope my great-great-grandchildren will want to know and understand the history of Chatham County – the good, the bad and the ugly. I trust they will recognize how the generation of their great-great-grandfather and -grandmother strove to help right the wrongs of the past. They should know that a cadre of multicultural, exceptional leaders worked diligently to preserve Chatham’s best, thus creating the environment and culture they will call home.

Lastly, while I am sure there will be considerable urban growth, I hope their generation will love, appreciate and conserve our county’s rustic, rural, picturesque beauty for generations to come.

– Carl E. Thompson Sr., a senior pastor at Word of Life Christian Outreach Center and co-chair for the Chatham 250 committee 

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GIRL SCOUT GOES FOR THE GOLD Teen promotes digital storytelling of Chatham’s history

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lla Sullivan grew up hearing stories about Chatham County from her grandfathers, motivating her to make local history a focal point of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, “A Look Into Chatham’s Past.”

The Pittsboro native graduated from Northwood High School and is a freshman at UNC this year. Her interactive digital project was an opportunity to tie together her love of history and journalism. The project consists of 11 points on a map of Chatham County, and each point highlights a notable figure with a story about how that person contributed to the community alongside line drawings of the individual that Ella designed. Ella chose to feature the likes of Mildred “Mama Dip” Council, Charlie Daniels and Mary Myrtle Siler (all pictured at right), among others, for her project based on their diverse backgrounds, fields, race and upbringing. She hopes her project will preserve community identity as the county continues to grow.

“Part of the project was to inspire people that you can come from a small county and still do bigger things,” says Ella, who joined Troop 697 in kindergarten. The Gold Award is the highest honor a Scout can receive and recognizes a Scout’s merit and ability to improve herself and her community. As of press time, recipients of the GSGA had not yet been notified.

Ella promoted her project by sharing it with Chatham County Schools and hopes they include her work in the fourth grade curriculum for local history. Ella also shared her work with Chatham County Historical Association and Museum, Chatham County Community Libraries, Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pittsboro Presbyterian Church and Pittsboro Kiwanis Club through in-person presentations, Zoom meetings and phone calls. – by Megan Tillotson

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CHATHAM 250

When you look ahead, what do you hope Chatham will look like?

children often have to relocate to advance their careers. If, in the future, more of us are able to work here, we will have more time for civic responsibilities and greater chances to support local businesses.

I hope our grandchildren will enjoy clean waterways, protected woodlands and productive farms. We live in a beautiful county with abundant natural resources and agriculture that feed our bodies and spirits, and I hope we are able to sustain these things to nourish future generations.

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hatham County will grow tremendously in 50 years. If Chatham Park developers have predicted accurately, that development alone will double our population.

My hope for residents in 2071 is that we have preserved what makes this such a special place as we embrace the new opportunities growth brings.

I look forward to our children and grandchildren having economic prospects within the county. Today, many of us must leave our county boundaries to find good jobs, and our

As important as our natural environment is, we are more than the verdant county in which we live. I have found Chatham to be more tolerant of differences than other places I have worked or lived. I hope we can maintain a welcoming spirit that appreciates our differences even as more folks join us in calling Chatham County home. We have to be intentional about protecting these things. The growth ahead of us offers an incredible opportunity if we don’t let it overtake our essence.

– Renee Paschal, retired Chatham County manager, local government budgeting consultant, board member of the Chatham County Council on Aging and co-chair for the Chatham 250 committee CM

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he Farm at Piper Hill is a collaboration of several people with unique talents. Gary Nardilla, who has been Martha Stewart’s field director for the last 25 years, teamed up with 1870 Farm in Chapel Hill to take a magnificent 100-acre property in Silk Hope and create a one-of-a-kind farm venue. The Farm offers a large petting area, trophy fishing on a 10-acre pond, and overnight accommodations. For summer 2022, The Farm will host an overnight camp run by the award-winning 1870 Farm and a “Kids Vet Club” overnight camp run by the Junior Vet Academy of Chapel Hill.

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alloway Ridge is a continuing care retirement community that stretches across 65 acres next to Fearrington Village. Since 2005, Galloway Ridge has provided exceptional life care to its residents and purposeful employment to its employees.

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HILL CREEK VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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ill Creek Veterinary Hospital has served Chatham County and the surrounding communities for more than 20 years. Since opening in 1998, the focus of the practice has always been excellent medical care with a personal and compassionate touch. Their team is composed of three doctors (Dr. Bonnie Ammerman pictured here), a technical and customer service team of 11, which includes five Registered Veterinary Technicians, and a groomer. They offer both Western and Eastern modalities of care, such as acupuncture and Chinese herb therapy, as well as ancillary therapeutics, such as cold laser therapy. Hill Creek is thrilled to have moved into a larger space earlier in 2021, which has allowed their team to continue providing a high level of care in a more spacious environment

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75 OLD GRAHAM ROAD, PITTSBORO, NC 27312

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PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL AT BRIAR CHAPEL

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pen since 2016, Primrose School at Briar Chapel has provided high quality educational childcare as an alternative to traditional daycare for Chatham families. The staff partners with parents to create a trusting, nurturing, and engaging early learning experience for their children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Primrose School at Briar Chapel has remained open, employing 40+ staff and regularly investing in new safety measures to help keep students healthy and safe. Primrose School at Briar Chapel is an advocate for all children to reach their highest potential, supporting Chatham charities with annual donations and staff service projects to meet community needs.

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locally-owned hardware store, Hardware General True Value is proud to serve the Pittsboro community. From DIY home improvement to professional projects, Hardware General provides expert advice, tools, equipment and products to accomplish any job. What sets the local hardware store apart is its commitment to meeting the needs of its community members and those from surrounding areas. Each staff member is eager to assist and answer the questions of every customer who walks through Hardware General’s doors. Their team invites first-time DIYers to professionals with years of experience to stop by the home improvement store today.

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ambridge Hills Assisted Living and Twin Rivers Independent Senior Living have proudly served the Chatham community for 16 years. These Veteran-and-female owned small businesses are nestled in the heart of Pittsboro. The two communities are home to more than 100 seniors with a broad range of care needs. More than 60 percent of the residents and 50 percent of the staff are from Chatham County. The very tenured staff reflect the diversity of the region and deliver an atmosphere of family and inclusion. Cambridge Hills is a 4-Star Rated Assisted Living Community – the highest rating that can be achieved!

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here’s a reason Bud Matthews has become a household name. Family-owned and operated since 1981, Bud Matthews Services offers customers the ease of working with a single, reliable team of experts who can handle all your HVAC, plumbing, appliance repair, and design/build needs. Today, the team is led by Bud’s son, Noah. Like Bud, Noah understands the value of having one company that can handle all your home improvement needs. After all, the different systems of your home are interconnected. Under Noah’s guidance, the Bud Matthews team can take on any home project and handle any issues along the way.

Bud Matthews Services can make your Chatham County home work for you. Just call Bud!

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H O L I D A Y

HOW WE

CELEBRATE THREE FAMILIES SHARE THEIR SEASONAL PLANS AND ANNUAL TRADITIONS

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA

THE SOBELS PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

L

ois Sobel and Richard Sobel

don’t miss the bone-chilling winters of Worcester, Massachusetts, as they enjoy the sunny warmth of their screened-in patio in Briar Chapel. The couple moved to Chapel Hill in 2018 to live closer to their daughter, son-inlaw and three grandchildren.

Lois and Richard also have a son, daughter-in-law and grandson in northern New Jersey who travel down for holidays and special occasions.

The pair say the big move was mostly effortless. “The only difference, I think, between here and up north is that we keep kosher … and

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Richard Sobel and Lois Sobel (center) with their daughter, Rachel Bearman, her husband, Nathan Bearman (left), and three of their four grandchildren, Noa Bearman, 21, Dov Bearman, 19, and Lev Bearman, 15 (right).

finding kosher foods is a little difficult,” Lois says, referring to their Jewish dietary practices.

When she needs kosher baking supplies, her son sends her what she needs.

At the conclusion of the High Holiday season, which includes the most important observances in the Jewish calendar, the community looks forward to festive Hanukkah celebrations. The festival of lights begins this year at sundown on Nov. 28 and lasts until sundown on Dec. 6.

Small gifts are exchanged while fried foods like potato latkes – Lois’ neighbors look forward to enjoying hers every year –

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or sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are prepared as a reference to the miracle of the oil in the origin story of Hanukkah, a Hebrew word for “dedication.”

Richard explains that in 200 B.C. Syrians tried to enforce their Hellenistic religion upon the Jewish people living in the area known today as Jerusalem. The oppressors were unsuccessful, and after the battle, the desecrated holy temple was cleaned and rededicated to Judaism.

Inside the temple, a menorah (lamp) had only enough oil to last a day. However, the lamp burned for eight days. This miracle is the inspiration for Hanukkah and the lighting of eight candles in a modern menorah. Richard and Lois don’t have a large window facing the street to place their menorah, so it will sit on their counter, visible to all who enter.

For the most part, Hanukkah is celebrated in a simple way in the Sobels’ home and focuses most on remembering important values. “A really important part of the Jewish religion is maintaining your faith in the Ten Commandments and abiding by them,” Richard says.

“And that teaches your children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren the value of your religion.”

“I think it’s every parent’s wish,” Lois adds, “that [the values] you’ve taught them will be important to them.”

And that also means keeping to the golden rule: “Be kind to one another,” Lois says. “Nobody is the same; ... you have to have respect for everybody else.

It doesn’t make any difference what religion they have, what skin color they have, everybody’s a human.”

Richard and Lois show their appreciation for their neighbors, friends and family through Lois’ baked gifts.

“Isn’t it amazing though, that when you talk to people of different faiths, holidays revolve around food and family,” Lois says.

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THE SITS PHOTO BY CORNELL WATSON

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hinese New Year is the biggest “[We’d only get] one jacket [to wear] holiday of the year for Zi Yun for the year.” Receiving a red envelope “John” Sit and his family, who own containing a bit of money was another and operate Moon Asian Bistro in common gift, particularly for the Chapel Hill. young or unmarried.

The upcoming holiday, also known John was 14 when he accompanied as Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 1, his mother and sister to reunite 2022 – the year of the tiger – and ends with his father, who already lived in Feb. 15. John is enthusiastic about Brooklyn’s Chinatown. John and Vicki the holiday, which triggers the world’s have a daughter, Cecilia Sit, 23, and largest human migration of hundreds a son, Jeremy Sit, 22 – both born in of millions of people in China alone, New York. John refers to their kids as reuniting families who celebrate with A-B-C – “American-born Chinese.” home-cooked meals.

John and his family left New York for “This is the richest food we have Raleigh about 10 years ago and then in the whole year, and everybody can moved to Chapel Hill in 2015. Many drink whatever they want,” John of his customers tell him a similar says. “Wherever you are, you have to story about moving to North Carolina come home.” John and his wife, Ming for a better quality of life.

Jung “Vicki” Cheng, met in Brooklyn, “I found out that here is much better New York, but are both originally for the kids, for their future,” John from the Fujian province along the says. The decision was the right one coast of southeastern China, where – his daughter graduated from UNC seafood and rice are mainstays unlike last year and is a brand designer for the noodles and dumplings that are Wunderkind in New York City. She more common in northern regions helps care for her grandparents there. of the country. The Fujian province John’s eyes light up as he has a reputation for its reflects on his family’s delicious, fresh foods that accomplishments, including Zi Yun “John” Sit, Ming Jung can be more unfamiliar to Moon Asian Bistro – the “Vicki” Cheng the American palate, which third restaurant their family and their son, leans toward sweet, sour has opened in the area.

Jeremy Sit. Vicki is wearing and spicy flavors.

The new year prompts a necklace John’s childhood people to vigorously clean made of Chinese jade, memories of the holiday their homes and put things a symbol of were different from the in order. “The past has good fortune, modern Western customs of passed. Bad things are and Jeremy is sporting a multiple gifts. “I remember gone now. Good news necklace gifted when I was a little kid is coming,” John says, to him from his grandmother. being really poor,” he says. smiling. 

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HOLIDAY

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THE AGUIARS PHOTO BY CORNELL WATSON

Davide Aguiar, Rui Aguiar, Nuno Aguiar and Michelle CaliforniaAguiar enjoy a batch of homemade pizzelle cookies (turn to page 46 for the recipe).

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THANKSGIVING TURKEY AND MORE

M

ichelle California-Aguiar,

the youngest of four siblings, took on her father’s role as holiday cook and coordinator after he died of cancer in 1999. Each Thanksgiving Day, with rare exception, Michelle and her husband, Davide Aguiar, drive with sons Nuno Aguiar, 20, and Rui Aguiar, 16, to Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. They join Michelle’s mother, two brothers, sister and their respective families for a long weekend. That’s 16 people at her mom’s modest home in a steel mill town 45 minutes outside of Pittsburgh.

The first task upon arrival is to shop for salted codfish in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, a former industrial neighborhood turned international grocery community. “The boys love going there,” Michelle says about buying specific ingredients for bacalhau com todos, a Portuguese dish served on Christmas Eve in the Aguiar household.

“I never liked it until I met Davide,” Michelle says. Davide is from Portugal, and Michelle’s heritage is Italian. “I like good pasta, good olive oil and good cheese.”

A “traditional” Thanksgiving meal of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy is followed by Michelle’s handmade gnocchi and red sauce the next day. “We’ve now divided [the food] into two days because none of us can handle that much in one day,” she laughs. “It’s kind of fun, but kind of a lot of work. My mom’s 88, so she

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doesn’t do much of the work anymore.

I’ve kind of kept that tradition going.

Everyone comes, but I do the cooking. … It’s my family. I love having my kids say they can’t wait for Thanksgiving. It’s a tradition for them that they love. And as long as they’re loving it, and everyone can still get together, then hopefully we’ll keep doing it.”

CHRISTMAS FEAST OF SEVEN FISHES

A

fter Thanksgiving, the Aguiars abstain from eating meat on certain holy days per their family’s tradition, “so Christmas Eve is all about the fish,” Michelle says. “Davide’s bacalhau is a huge Portuguese thing where I probably wouldn’t even cook it if it wasn’t for him.” Davide’s favorite recipe requires the salted cod they bought over their Thanksgiving break to soak for three days with frequent changes of water to desalinate and soften the fish meat before boiling it with potatoes and a couple of hardboiled eggs and topping it off with oil and vinegar. “Not my favorite,” Michelle says, preferring a different recipe called bacalhau com natas: “You cook the salted cod, break it all up into little pieces, and you make some french fries – cute ones, like fried potatoes. Add onions and cream, and you make a big casserole out of it. That’s my favorite.”

Another favorite family recipe is cioppino, a seafood stew with squid, mussels, clams, shrimp “or whatever fish I want to put in,” Michelle laughs. “I

HOLIDAY

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Bringing Healthy Smiles to Chapel Hill

used to do seven different things, and I was like, ‘Oh, my God, none of us will eat [all] of this,’ so I started putting more fish into one thing.”

Bacalhau, cioppino and – wait for it – fried smelts.

“These are teeny-tiny little fish,” Michelle says. “They look like guppies, basically, and you can eat the bones and everything.”

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JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH AND SHREK

W

hile Michelle is busy in the kitchen, Davide and their sons tackle a tradition popular in both Italian and Portuguese cultures. The presépio is a Christmas nativity scene of sorts. Nuno and Rui hunt for interesting rocks and moss mounds that Davide sculpts into a small-scale landscape where he places figurines of different animals, plus baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Davide regularly mists the presépio before he places it beneath the Christmas tree, where gifts appear only on Christmas morning.

One year, Michelle was arranging the gifts under the tree when she noticed a new figurine in the presépio. “Shrek was sitting on top,” Michelle says. “Now he has to be there every year. It’s our fun little tradition, one of those little things that just makes us laugh. … Shrek is always protecting Jesus and Mary. I think the boys will end up doing that with their kids someday.”

COOKIE MOMSTERS

M

ichelle says a favorite holiday party among her suburban mom friends began as a friendly cookie exchange about 20 years ago.

“When the kids were really young, all our husbands would get together and take the kids to do something,” Michelle says. The moms would then take turns hosting, jumping at the chance “to hang out, drink and bake cookies all day. It’s seven women making tons of cookies in one oven. We start with bloody marys and work our way up through the day, drinking and baking. … The cookies never turn out well.”

Each person brings their own mixer, bowls and enough ingredients to make a few dozen cookies. Depending on the number of moms, they can end up with 400 cookies or more. 

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NORTH CAROLINA

HOLIDAY

“And then the kids come back with the dads, and they all just eat the [heck] out of the cookies,” Michelle says, adding that they give one another joke awards to celebrate their mistakes and triumphs. “Everybody brings their own tins,” Michelle says. “You pack up your cookies and put them in the freezer till Christmas.”

Last year amid the pandemic, the moms made and boxed their own cookies. They set up tables outside and took turns swapping their boxes.

“Honestly, last year was the first year we had the most cookies we’ve ever had because nobody was eating them while baking them,” Michelle says, grinning.

“And we sat outside around some fires and did our cookie day a little differently, but we still had a cookie.” CM

THE MOD.

Pizzelle Cookies (makes about 3 dozen) 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar ¾ cup butter, melted and cooled 4 eggs 1 Tbsp. anise or vanilla extract 2 tsp. baking powder Powdered sugar, optional Preheat a pizzelle iron and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, eggs, extract and baking powder. Drop slightly rounded tablespoons of batter onto pizzelle iron and close. Bake until golden brown, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Using a nonstick spatula, remove each pizzelle and put on a cooling rack; repeat with remaining batter. Cool completely; dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Cookies (makes about 3 dozen) 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup sugar 1 Tbsp. lemon zest 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 egg 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup white whole wheat flour 1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, minced ¾ tsp. salt Sanding sugar for rolling, optional

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add lemon zest, vanilla and egg and beat until incorporated. In a medium bowl, whisk together both kinds of flour, rosemary and salt. With the mixer on low, gently add dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Mix until ingredients are well combined and a stiff dough is formed.

Cut two 12-by-16-inch pieces of plastic wrap. Divide dough in half, placing onehalf of the dough on each piece of plastic wrap. Use your hands to form two 1½-inch diameter logs. Open the plastic wrap and sprinkle logs with sanding sugar (if using) and roll a bit more to coat the logs well in the sugar. Wrap logs tightly in the plastic wrap, place on a baking sheet and freeze logs for 1 hour or until firm.

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Remove dough logs from the freezer and remove the plastic wrap. Slice dough into ¼-inch-thick slices and place on prepared baking sheets 1 inch apart. Bake until cookies are just golden at the edges, about 16-18 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on wire racks. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to four days. CM

SALADS . WOOD-FIRED PIZZA . BURGERS . SANDWICHES

2021

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H O L I D A Y

SEASON’S

E ATINGS SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS THIS THANKSGIVING WITH GOVERNORS CLUB’S PERFECTLY SAVORY TURKEY RECIPE AND TWO EASY-TO-PREPARE SIDES FROM SMALL CAFE B AND B. (BE SURE TO LEAVE ROOM FOR SECONDS!)

HERB-ROASTED TURKEY

BY CHEF BEN GUAMAN OF GOVERNORS CLUB

Serves 8 to 10 1 turkey, 12-14 lb.

1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 stalks celery, diced Salt and pepper to taste 1 Tbsp. cooking oil 3 cups bread for stuffing (your favorite brand is fine) 2 sprigs of fresh sage (or 1 Tbsp. dried sage) 4 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 2 Tbsp. dried thyme) 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary (or 1 Tbsp. dried rosemary) 4 oz. butter, softened

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Preheat the oven to 325 F. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey. Sauté the onion, garlic and celery with the cooking oil. Add salt and pepper to taste, along with half of the chopped herbs. Be sure not to brown the herbs.

Combine the bread and sautéed vegetables, and then add the stuffing mixture to the body cavity of the turkey.

Mix the remaining chopped herbs, plus salt and pepper, with the softened butter.

Starting at the bottom of the breast, gently work your fingers under the skin, separating it from the breast and thighs.

Distribute the herb-butter mixture as evenly as possible under the skin.

Roast the turkey for roughly 15 minutes per pound. The turkey is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast or thigh reads 165 F. When the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. 

WINTER 2021-2022

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

WINTER 2021-2022

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SAUSAGE CROISSANT STUFFING

BY CHEF R.L. BOYD OF SMALL CAFE B AND B

Serves 10 8 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1½ lb. spicy Italian sausage, casings removed 2 large Vidalia onions, diced 6 stalks celery, diced 4 cloves garlic, chopped 2 Tbsp. parsley, chopped 2 Tbsp. fresh sage, chopped 2 Tbsp. fresh oregano, chopped 12 day-old croissants (torn into 1-inch pieces) 3 large eggs 3 cups chicken stock 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. black pepper LOCAL FRESH FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

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Preheat oven to 425 F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add sausage and cook until nicely browned. Stir in the onions, celery and garlic and cook until golden brown and fragrant.

Remove from heat and stir in the parsley, sage and oregano.

In a large bowl, combine the croissants and sausage mixture until evenly mixed. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the eggs, chicken stock, salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the croissant-sausage mixture then give it a stir to coat evenly. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish then cover with foil.

Bake for 30 minutes then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until golden brown. 

WINTER 2021-2022

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HOLIDAY

MISO-MAPLE ROASTED SWEET POTATOES

BY CHEF R.L. BOYD OF SMALL CAFE B AND B

Serves 8 2 lb. sweet potatoes, cut into bite-sized cubes 2 tsp. olive oil 1 tsp. sesame oil 4 Tbsp. white miso paste 2 Tbsp. maple syrup 4 tsp. soy sauce 2 tsp. rice vinegar 2 tsp. sesame seeds 1 tsp. red chili flakes

PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Scallions, thinly sliced

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WINTER 2021-2022

Preheat oven to 400 F. Place sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl and set aside. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the oils, miso paste, maple syrup, soy sauce and rice vinegar.

Pour mixture over the sweet potatoes, sprinkle with sesame seeds and toss until completely coated. Spread the sweet potatoes evenly over a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until fork tender.

Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and red chili flakes and serve. CM

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WINE IN A

MILLION VINO!! WINE SHOP OWNER ANNA LANGE RECOMMENDS THE DOWNTOWN PITTSBORO STORE’S BEST WINES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON COMPILED BY CLAIRE DELANO PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Round Pond Kith & Kin Cabernet Sauvignon (2019) from Napa Valley, California This amazing cabernet sauvignon is made by rock star winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. [It is] composed of Napa cabernet from all corners of [that region], with a healthy dose of fruit from Napa’s Rutherford wine region. It boasts dark fruit flavors, cocoa powder and bright red fruit and finishes with a long, dusty and balanced end. A killer-made wine for an amazing price, blowing out similarly priced wines from Napa. Pair with beef tenderloin or a juicy steak. $39.99 Gilles Noblet Mâcon-Fuissé (2019) from Mâconnais, Burgundy, France This 100% sustainably farmed chardonnay is aged on its lees in neutral oak for eight to 12 months. [It] has intense aromas of pear and nectarine, enhanced by a dash of spice, as well a good freshness and perfect balance with a fine mineral finish. Pair with buttery dishes like fish in butter sauce, crabcakes or chalky cheeses. $24.99 Brunn Grüner Veltliner 1L (2020) from Kamptal, Austria This is an eminently enjoyable estatemade gruner veltliner – medium-bodied and satin-textured with gravelly white fruit, apples, citrus, stone and mineral flavors and a traditional peppery hint.

[It’s] a crisp and refreshing wine [that] pairs with spicy Asian or Indian cuisine, pork chops or traditional Austrian fare like Wiener schnitzel. $17.99

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CHATHAM MAGAZINE

WINTER 2021-2022

Paula Kornell Blanc de Noir (2018) from Napa Valley, California This might be Vino’s favorite sparkling wine. This delicious bubbly is made from 98% pinot noir and 2% chardonnay, and is elegant and sophisticated, with aromas of crisp green apples, lemon zest, succulent pears, tender peaches, strawberries, freshly baked pastry and brioche. [It has] a balanced palate with zesty acidity that lingers on a fresh, dry and persistent finish. Pair with figgy desserts, swordfish with olives and fresh tomatoes, or cheese plates. $49.99 Domaine de la Denante Bourgogne Rouge (2019) from Burgundy, France This 100% small-production, organically grown pinot noir is a steal. Aged for 12 months in oak barrels, it has aromas of small red and black fruits blended with underbrush and fruit pit. Rich, juicy and fleshy, it has good structure and texture. It pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving dinner, salmon and other fatty fishes, duck, or stews like beef bourguignon. $21.99 CM

WINTER 2021-2022

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I changed my perspective and found the good in the bad. I chose to look for the positive and was thankful for all the things I was able to accomplish.

I am thankful for the time I had to recover, for my family’s ability to fill in the blanks for me, and for my mother’s happiness in hanging out with me when my husband, Matthew Sickles, had to travel. I am thankful for my memory, for the words that have found their way back into my imagination and in my ability to get them on the page.

My favorite forms of gratitude are simple and sweet. They’re meaningful moments when you need them most, like when a colleague realizes you’re having a stressful day and picks up an extra cookie at lunch, or when the kid across the street brings SICKLES up your garbage and recycling cans in the rain. I like to show my gratitude (and love) through things like cookies or homemade chicken potpie. I say thank you, but I also make something tasty that’s going to fill your belly as much as my gratitude fills your heart – I hope.

Willie Nelson said, “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” I guarantee you, there’s something in your life to be thankful for.

I’m pretty certain you’ve got a bunch of blessings, even if you need to shift your perspective to find them. The world is coming off an unprecedented time of stress and anxiety, of quarantining and pivoting. Life has been interrupted.

Hopes and dreams and goals have been interrupted. But you’re reading this, and I’m thankful that you’re here.

My mother always says, “You’ll be as happy as you let yourself be.” I choose happiness. Every time. It just might be my superpower. CM

THE POWER OF

GRATITUDE Dolly R. Sickles is a Pittsboro-based freelance writer and teaches writing classes at Central Carolina Community College and Wake Technical Community College. Dolly also writes romance novels under the pseudonym Becky Moore.

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B Y D O L LY R .

ratitude, if you let it, can be your superpower. It’s a state of mind in how you navigate the world, how you react to situations, how you treat the people around you. You can be passionate, or dispassionate. Closed off and negative, or friendly and inviting. But me? I choose grace and kindness, and I am rewarded every time for my optimism.

I had to learn patience when an accident sidelined me a few years ago with a traumatic brain injury. I couldn’t drive for a couple of months, and so our son, Peyton Sickles, got to rack up the hours on his learner’s permit. I couldn’t handle the starkness of a racquetball court or the flashing lights of the movie theater, but my family and I perfected our outdoor tennis game and kept Netflix in business.

WINTER 2021-2022

MODERN CONSCIENTIOUS

DENTISTRY

PITTSBORO FAMILY DENTISTRY

Our team at PFD strives to treat all of our patients with sincerity and respect when choosing a dental practice for their oral health-everything from routine maintenance and simple restorative treatment or complicated cases involving multiphases and top local specialists.

We are very thankful for the support and friendship over the years from the local community and look forward to maintaining those relationships and forming new ones as Chatham County continues its growth and evolution.

Please call or email us today to schedule your next appointment.

Dr. Samir Naik 987 East Street | Suite H | Pittsboro, NC 27312 M - Th: 9:00-4:30 | Fri: by appointment 919.545.9500 | pittsborofamilydentistry@gmail.com

smilepittsboro.com

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021

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H O L I D A Y

T

owner Beth Rhew didn’t need to look any farther than her own backyard when choosing the name for her craft supply store. “When I was trying to come up with a name, people were saying, ‘What makes you happy?’” Beth says. “And I was like, ‘My goats.’ They’re my pets.

And they can be pretty creative, too.”

Beth opened the shop in January 2020 at 630 East St., Ste. 9, in Pittsboro. She had discovered a local need for higherquality crafting materials during her own artistic pursuits, which motivated her to take matters into her own hands and become a supplier.

“I was a small crafter myself, making shirts out of my home, but realized it was hard to find good, quality materials,” Beth says. “So I decided it would be better to switch gears and start supplying those things for other people.”

The shop was open two months before the pandemic shut down business, but it allowed Beth to pivot.

She started carrying fabrics and other materials to design homemade face masks and filled custom orders for local schools. “That’s why the name fits,” she says. “I can change it around; it doesn’t mean just one type of store.”

The shop, in addition to stocking art supplies, offers adult workshops in subjects like watercolor, hand embroidery and crafts that include working with resin. The children’s classes use recycled materials to create artwork. “We’re trying to teach kids he Creative Goat

’TIS THE SEASON

TO BE CRAFTY B Y I S A B E L L A R E I L LY

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WINTER 2021-2022

INTERIOR & OUTDOOR CUSTOM KITCHENS

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WINTER 2021-2022

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HOLIDAY

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State Farm Bloomington, IL

WINTER 2021-2022

The Creative Goat hosts many crafty classes.

Visit its website to sign up for workshops where you can create your own Thanksgiving centerpiece, holiday hoop art and more.

to use what you have,” Beth says, and encourages families to work on projects together. “It makes it more special because you’ve done it yourself, and you do it together as a family.”

The Creative Goat also hosts classes for seasonal projects such as holiday hoop earrings, no-sew and resin ornaments, Christmas door signs, fabric mosaics and custom, self-designed Christmas shirts.

Above all, Beth says she believes in the importance of artistic expression.

“People need to have a creative outlet,” she says. CM

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KERASTASE HOLIDAY SETS, $105 Citrine citrinesalonnc.com Celebrate the beauty of giving with Kerastase Holiday Sets. Each set targets a specific hair challenge and includes a nutrient-rich shampoo, a fortifying conditioner and a luxurious styling product.

WINTER 2021-2022

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Salon Breeze owner Brie Boyd styles Kristis Cartozian’s hair.

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H O L I D A Y

WINTER

RESET FIVE PROFESSIONALS SHARE THEIR TIPS FOR SELF-CARE DURING THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR

W

BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

inter is coming, and festivities are upon us as we return to more traveling and reconnecting with family and friends over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. We spoke with five businesses in Chatham to find out how they stay healthy – physically and mentally – plus how to look and feel good throughout the season.  WINTER 2021-2022

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

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HOLIDAY

• Get a blowout using salon-quality styling products and tools for shiny, frizz-free, cameraready hair. YouTube tutorials are a great resource for easy tips and tricks to achieve different looks at home.

LOOK GOOD Feeling confident can start with a fresh cut and style. Check out these five tips from Brie Boyd, owner of Salon Breeze – one of our readers’ favorite places to care for hair – about looking fabulous this winter: •

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Kristis Cartozian.

Add color but make sure you plan ahead by pre-booking at least two appointments out to guarantee the times that work best with your schedule. Keep in mind that many salons are experiencing staffing shortages due to COVID-19 so do your best to keep your appointment.

Also, consult your stylist about hair color options that are realistic for the maintenance you are willing to do.

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

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• Nourish your hair with the right mask once or twice a month. Also, using a quality clarifying shampoo or treatment to remove any buildup. Many store-bought products sit on top of the hair but don’t actually penetrate the cuticle layer to help the integrity of the hair. A professional product line will work into the hair shaft to nourish from the inside out.

Express yourself using temporary options like hair chalks and clip-in extensions or try semipermanent colors and longer lasting extensions.

Also, there are ways to make hair appear shorter, or allowing shorter hair to look like an updo.

WINTER 2021-2022

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAREN BARBEE

• A new cut may be in your future. A good stylist will review the best options for your hair type and your lifestyle. Bring photos as examples of the style you are thinking about. Or, use an app to upload your selfie and see how a style might look on you.

Be Mindful

Karen Barbee, owner of Renaissance Wellness Services, says it’s easy to lose ourselves in the rush of finding the perfect gift, decorating for the season, cooking for family gatherings or booking (and rebooking) travel plans. Here are some tips to maintain a happy disposition throughout the holidays.

Be wise about a holiday budget.

This provides a visual of how much money you will spend on gifts this year, which can give you more control of your finances and reduce anxiety.

Be patient and kind to yourself. If you are starting to feel overwhelmed, ask yourself, “What am I feeling right now, and why?” Then, do something different to put yourself in a better mental space, like taking a short break to decompress and rebound.

Be intentional. Visiting with family and friends can be great but it can also become mentally and emotionally draining. Living in pandemic times and its strict travel guidelines can add to the burden.

Know that it’s OK to connect virtually.

Be proactive. You may still be feeling the impacts of adjusting to a new normal these days. Talk with someone who can help you put things in a better perspective and assist you in developing a self-care plan. 

Become a Member TODAY! 919.545.2133

Allow our medically-based approach and our caring, professional staff help you achieve positive and lasting lifestyle changes.

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100 Clynelish Close Pittsboro, NC 27312 919.545.2133 www.DukeFitnessFearrington.com

2021 Follow us on Facebook!

Photos taken prior to Covid-19 pandemic. Additional safety measures may be in place and subject to change based on guidance from Duke Health System and Galloway Ridge.

HOLIDAY

SAY CHEESE of Chatham Dental Arts says after two years of socially distanced holidays, this season likely will be filled with more face-to-face contact. Here are five quick tips to keep you smiling through the winter: Dr. Karen Tiwana

•

No matter how tired you are after that fun holiday party, stick to your regular oral hygiene routine – brush and floss twice daily.

Enjoy the seasonal goodies, but avoid hard, sticky foods like candy canes and toffee that can break teeth and pull out fillings. Instead, go for healthier choices on the veggie or cheese trays. Alkaline in cheese neutralizes acids in your mouth and increases salivary flow.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAREN TIWANA

•

•

Toast wisely. Opt for drier, lowersugar alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can lead to dehydration and reduce salivary flow that can increase risk of tooth decay, and teeth can stain from tannin-heavy alcohol like wine.

•

Holiday stress? A night guard can prevent headaches and breakage of teeth or fillings due to grinding or clenching of teeth while sleeping.

•

Consider dental products as gifts or stocking stuffers to help keep teeth healthy all year long, like an electric toothbrush, water flosser or whitening system. Most dentists offer these at reduced prices. 

2021

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WINTER 2021-2022

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We take in as many cats as we can, but we rely on your support.

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HOLIDAY

GET PHYSICAL to make excuses to avoid regular exercise.

She runs her own business while keeping up with her 21-year-old triplet daughters, two teenage sons, two big dogs and a husband who hates workouts. As a former psychologist, she uses her background to help motivate her current clients as a personal trainer and proprietor of Ladies’ Fitness Center of Pittsboro. She took over the center in 2007 where every member gets her own key for 24/7 access.

•

“The challenge is getting started,” Audrey says. “I try to make it fun and make personal connections. Women do a lot as caregivers, and exercise doesn’t have to take a lot of time.”

Audrey shares her tips for developing new habits and sticking with them.

PHOTO BY BRIANA BROUGH

Audrey Burleson knows it could be easy

•

Decide every day to move more.

Walk in place while folding laundry.

Do some squats while watching television. Walk the dog another block more than the day before.

•

The next day – just keep moving.

•

Food is fuel for your body so eat what you want but in moderation.

•

Be kind to yourself. Give yourself a little bit of grace. Every day is different. Tomorrow is another day and another chance to keep moving.

•

Find a form of movement that you enjoy, like dancing or pickleball. You are more likely to keep exercising if you’re having fun. 

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HOLIDAY

DRESS TO IMPRESS

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DOVECOTE

Emma Zunker,

a stylist and social media marketer at Dovecote Style in Fearrington Village, says treating yourself can be as worthwhile as buying gifts for others.

With that in mind, Emma recommends winter accessories like a scarf, gloves or a hat with a whimsical pompom on top.

Wrap the scarf around your shoulders or bundle close to the neck for more warmth. Consider a colorful cashmere wrap for the friend who has everything – these can be draped, tied and knotted.

Another winter gift option is gloves that allow you to text with style. CM

2021

2021

Voted Favorite Landscaper by Chatham Magazine & Chapel Hill Magazine Readers We offer full landscape design and installation. In addition, we provide flexible maintenance services from basic lawn care to full service grounds care allowing you to customize your program to fit your needs.

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Special Advertising Section Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved

Mission Statement Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Upcoming Events

November Open Registration for Elementary & Middle School Members Giving Tuesday 11/30 February 3rd BGCCC Youth of the Year and Dinner of Champions

Background The Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club, the newest Club site of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina, opened its doors on Oct. 18, 2021 on the campus of George Moses Horton Middle School. Thanks to the dedication of the steering committee members and their fundraising efforts, the Pittsboro Club Site is off to a great start.

Brag Lines Among teen Club members, 99 percent expect to graduate from high school and 90 percent expect to complete some kind of postsecondary education. One in every four teen Club members volunteers in their community at least once per month and another one in four volunteers at least once per year. Additionally, 85 percent of Club members ages nine years and older report at least one hour of physical activity at least five days per week.

Wish List

• College- and wide-ruled notebook paper • Children’s scissors • Pencils and pens (black, red, and blue) • Glue sticks • Art supplies: small canvases, paint, brushes • Small toys and prizes for member rewards • Sharpie markers • Crayons (classroom packs or individual packs) • Children’s or basic calculators • Dry erase markers and personal-sized white boards • Amazon gift cards • guest speakers & mentors

Sponsored By:

Get in Touch!

888-785-CLUB (2582) 79 Horton Road Pittsboro, NC 27312 centralcarolinaclubs.org

hobbsarchitects.com

Special Advertising Section Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved

Habitat family Shannon and Jeffrey Ambrister in the kitchen of their new home.

Our Mission Chatham Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people to create self-help opportunities for families to own affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their communities.

Upcoming Events • Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities: We need all sorts of volunteers, and not everything requires a hammer! Visit our website to learn more about volunteering on the job site or in the ReStores - we would love for you to join us.

• Women Build: Every year, Chatham Habitat hosts a series of events through the spring and summer as part of Women Build. We set aside special build days and social events for women to work together to build confidence and fluency in the world of construction. Visit our website for details on this year’s events!

Habitat volunteer Tracy stocking shelves at the ReStore.

Background Since 1989, Chatham Habitat for Humanity has been working to achieve a vision of a Chatham County where everyone has a safe place to call home.

With the help of generous donors and volunteers, Chatham Habitat builds safe, healthy homes that are then sold to Chatham County families with zero-percent interest affordable loans. Chatham Habitat has built more than 140 homes across the county in the last 31 years.

Wish List • Donations of gently used furniture, household goods, and construction materials to the ReStores (call 919-548-6910 for a free donation pick-up) • Financial donations which will be used to support the construction of safe, healthy, affordable homes in Chatham County • Hand sanitizer to be used in the ReStores and on the construction sites

Get in Touch!

Brag Lines

Mailing Address: PO Box 883 Pittsboro, NC 27312

Chatham Habitat believes that affordable housing is an essential part of a vibrant community. The chance to own an affordable home can be a turning point in a family’s life that leaves an impact for generations, and Chatham Habitat is proud to have made the dream of homeownership a reality for so many families.

467 West St. Pittsboro, NC 27312 919-542-0788 chathamhabitat.org

Special Advertising Section Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved

Our Mission The Communities In Schools Chatham County (CISCC) mission is to surround students with a network of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

More explicitly, Communities in Schools Chatham County (CISCC) aims to provide assistance in five critical areas; a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult, a safe place to learn and grow, a marketable skill to use upon graduation, a chance to give back, and a healthy start for a healthy future.

Our programs target and provide support to referred students with the highest risks for underachievement due to poverty and instability by attending to the holistic needs of the individual youth which are required to overcome adversity and find success through sustained resiliency.

Upcoming Event Help us reach our End of Year Fundraising Campaign goal of raising $40,000 to expand services in Chatham County!

Make your donation before December 31, 2021 to have your contribution matched up to $10,000!

Wish List

Background Since 1989, CISCC has made a positive impact on the lives of 1000’s of Chatham County youth and families through our 7 unique school and community based programs. We fuel personal potential, so every student can take charge of their story and define their success for life. We sustain our mission by supporting all referred youth in reaching their full potential by: 1. Unlocking Potential: we help every student see their potential so they can fearlessly unlock it in ways big and small.

2. Building Relationships: we amplify the power of each student’s potential by fostering transformative relationships in their lives.

3. Breaking Down Barriers: we empower students to break through any personal challenges in their lives so they can define the future they want.

Brag Lines CISCC continues coordination of whole child and family supports in the form of basic needs (food, toiletries, clothing), academic enrichment and tutor, bi-lingual programs and services for parents and schools, mentoring, safe spaces to learn and grow, mental and physical health, and restorative justice programs to build sustained resiliency and social emotional connectedness. Our data driven programs use evidence based curricula to achieve consistent outcomes for program participants based on their individual needs and goals.

Menors, Lunch/Reading Buddies, Tutors, Sustaining donors, Resource Providers and Partners, Increased funding to expand services to more students and schools in need of support across Chatham County.

Get in Touch!

919.663.0116 208 N. Chatham Ave., Siler City, NC 27344 cischatham.org tcowdin@cischatham.org 

Special Advertising Section Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved

Our Mission Saving and protecting wild cats in captivity and in the wild.

Background Carolina Tiger Rescue believes the ideal home for wildlife is in the wild.

Unfortunately, thousands of wild cats across the U.S. are bred and sold into private homes, the entertainment industry, and to roadside zoos for the sole purpose of exploitation. In addition to advocating against their exploitation, Carolina Tiger Rescue gives wild cats that have survived these circumstances a second chance at life, providing safe and comfortable homes where they can live in peace.

Roman

Upcoming Events November 30, 2021 Giving Tuesday February 26, 2022 Black Tie & Tails Ball

Brag Lines Carolina Tiger Rescue has been a part of the Pittsboro community for more than 45 years and is a vital source of tourism revenue for Chatham County. Additionally, the sanctuary gives visitors the ability to learn about and make a difference in the lives of animals in need through rescue, education, and advocacy. With more than 200 volunteers and countless monthly sustainers, opportunities to get involved are endless and always encouraged.

Tasha

Wish List • Cleaning supplies (Lysol spray, laundry detergent, bleach, paper towels)

• Food Lion gift cards (to purchase specialty meat & fruit for omnivorous animals)

• Lowe’s gift cards (to purchase building supplies for enclosures)

• Husqvarna 128LD 28-cc 2-Cycle 17-in (weed eater for our site team)

• Gift cards to restaurants, movies, coffee shops, etc. (donations for our Black Tie & Tails Ball)

• Medium/large disposable gloves

Get in Touch!

1940 Hanks Chapel Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312 919-542-4684 CarolinaTigerRescue.org

Special Advertising Section Our local nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved

Chatham Outreach Alliance

Our Mission CORA is dedicated to acquiring and distributing food to Chatham County residents who have a need for community support to keep themselves and their families fed, creating a community without hunger.

Upcoming Events Turkey Tuesday – November 16, 2021 Help make Thanksgiving a festive occasion for our neighbors in need. Your donation will help us reach our goal of serving 1,000 families this holiday season.

We will be collecting turkey breasts, as well as these holiday trimmings.

Mini Hams Boxed Stuffing/Cornbread Mix Instant Mashed Potatoes Packets of Gravy Canned Fruit/Veggies (yams, green beans, peas)

Background CORA is an organization that serves residents facing food insecurity within Chatham County. Their goal is to build a community without hunger by collecting and purchasing healthy food for distribution through the food pantry, programs, and network of local partners. CORA is creating a community space where our neighbors in need will receive the resources and encouragement that they need to move beyond the challenges they have placed that have caused them to be food insecure.

Wish List • Maseca • Canned Meat • Canned Fruit • Canned Vegetables • Cereal • Soup • Oil and Spices

You can drop off donations at CORA between 9 am – 3pm.

Empty Bowls – Spring 2022 CORA hopes to have either an in-person or socially distanced version of Empty Bowls in 2022. The concept is simple: guests choose a handmade bowl, enjoy delicious restaurant tastings, and go home with their bowl that serves as a reminder that someone’s bowl is always empty and that we need to continue our efforts to end hunger in Chatham County. Find out more at wwww.corafoodpantry.org.

Brag Lines In FY2021, CORA had a tremendous impact on food insecurity in our community.

Thanks to the generous support of the entire community, CORA distributed 1.2 million meals to 3,504 families and fulfilled 100% of requests for assistance.

At CORA, 87 cents of every donated dollar goes directly to programs. CORA is dedicated to building a community without hunger and committed to working together to take care of the most vulnerable in our community.

Get in Touch!

919-542-5020 40 Camp Dr., PO Box 1326 Pittsboro, NC 27312 corafoodpantry.org

S T U D E N T

S P O T L I G H T

SEAFORTH SOPHOMORE

SKIPS TO SUCCESS SOPHIA BERRY LEARNS THE ROPES IN A NEW SPACE

S

BY JAMES DUPREE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

tudents bustle through the hallways of Seaforth High, the first public high school built in Chatham County since the early 1970s, and sophomore Sophia Berry, 15, is among its inaugural class.

“There is a lot of new equipment and a lot of new spaces that people are

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Sophia Berry shows off her skipping skills at Seaforth High School.

OPPOSITE PAGE Bouncing Bulldogs Addie Gilner, 15, Sophia, Ava Ryann Winslow, 15, and Elena Oh, 15.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

getting used to, even the teachers,” she says. “So many kids [came] from different schools. … A lot of people didn’t know [one another] on the first day.”

Sophia says adjusting to the school, located off of Highway 64 near Jordan Lake, is becoming easier with time. “People compliment [one another] on something they’re wearing or their personality or something they’ve made in a class. Everyone is very positive here,” she says.

One of her favorite aspects of the new building is each classroom’s technology – think large interactive screens that students can write on using a stylus – allowing teachers to more easily explain certain concepts. “When we’re going over grammar in English, my teacher has these cutouts of sentences that she uses to help us understand the order of [words] and punctuation that we’re going to be using.”

Sophia’s fascination with tech extends into her plans for college, where she hopes to study computer technology.

“Anything with coding is really what I’m looking to learn about,” says Sophia, who attended Girls Who Code, a virtual, two-week summer immersion program, in July. Her father, John Berry, a former software engineer and consultant, played a big part in Sophia’s attraction to technology as well. “[My dad] used to travel all around the world [helping] people with technical problems with their computers,” she says. “He did a lot of computer science work, and so it kind of inspired me to do the same.”

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Outside of school, she enjoys staying active with the Bouncing Bulldogs, a jump rope-focused organization she joined when she was 4 years old. “[The] experience [has been] positive and rewarding,” Sophia says. “I get to work with a lot of children [and] people from other teams [and] compete with my friends.” Since 2016, Sophia has won multiple awards at both national and world jump rope championships, including three first-place awards.

“Sophia Berry is an outstanding jumper,” says Bouncing Bulldogs coach and founder Ray Fredrick. “But more important[ly], she’s a better person.

When the youngest boys and girls walk into the gym, the first teacher they look for is Sophia. She has a special way of relating to younger children, which is [the] quality I admire most about her.”

As Sophia looks to the future, she hopes to see more clubs and school events at Seaforth. She wants to continue teaching the younger Bulldogs and compete in more championships with her team. And, she adds, “And if the college I go to has a jump rope club, I might join that, [too].” CM

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Sophia, a sophomore at Seaforth High, says she’s enjoying her new school.

“Everyone is very positive here,” she says.

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DIRECTORY OF INDEPENDENT, REGIONAL BOARDING AND CHARTER SCHOOLS INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS BETHESDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1914 S. Miami Blvd., Durham 919-598-0190; bcacrusaders.org Focus Partners with Christian families to help equip students academically, socially, physically and spiritually.

Grades K-9 Total Enrollment 170 Student/Faculty Ratio 8:1 Yearly Tuition Elem., $7,238; Middle, $7,981 Special Requirements Student testing and parent interview.

BRIGHT HORIZONS CHILDREN’S CENTER 2352 So-Hi Dr., Durham; 4205 Capitol St., Durham; 4 UNC-TV Dr., Research Triangle Park; 2500 Highstone Rd., Cary; 800 Weston Pkwy., Cary; 800 Corporate Center Dr., Raleigh; 8516 Old Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh; 2051 Shepherd’s Vineyard Dr., Apex; brighthorizons.com Focus Empowering children from infancy to become confident, successful learners and secure, caring people. Growing young readers, scientists, artists and explorers who are engaged and curious. Programs invite children to approach academics with skills, confidence and a drive for excellence.

Grades Infants-Pre-K Total Enrollment Varies by location.

Student/Faculty Ratio Varies by location.

Yearly Tuition Varies per location.

CAMELOT ACADEMY 809 Proctor St., Durham 919-688-3040; camelotacademy.org Focus Features individualized instruction, mastery-based learning and parental involvement.

Grades K-12 Total Enrollment 145 Student/Faculty Ratio 11:1 Yearly Tuition K, $10,900; Grades 1-4, $13,950; Grades 5-7, $15,850; Grades 8-12, $16,850. Award and merit scholarships available.

Special Requirements Reading and math assessments and two-day student visit; $50 application fee.

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CARDINAL GIBBONS HIGH SCHOOL 1401 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh 919-834-1625; cghsnc.org Focus A college preparatory school of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh that aims to form men and women of faith, service and leadership in church and community.

Grades 9-12 Total Enrollment Approximately 1,588 Student/Faculty Ratio 14:1 Yearly Tuition $11,815 - $16,060 Special Requirements Previous school records, testing, application, recommendation and an essay.

CAROLINA FRIENDS SCHOOL 4809 Friends School Rd., Durham 919-383-6602; cfsnc.org Focus The school believes the best education amplifies a child’s curiosity, courage and creative thinking. Every day, its teachers empower students to question the world around them, discover their passions, think deeply and use their voices in service of the greater good.

Grades Pre-K-12 Total Enrollment 500 Student/Faculty Ratio 6:1 in Early School; 9:1 in Lower, Middle and Upper Yearly Tuition See website for tuition ranges by unit; adjusted tuition available.

Special Requirements Updates on whether visitors are allowed on campus can be found on the website. Virtual tours and information sessions will be available. Contact admission@ cfsnc.org for more info.

CARY ACADEMY 1500 N. Harrison Ave., Cary 919-677-3873; caryacademy.org Focus A learning community dedicated to discovery, innovation, collaboration and excellence.

Grades 6-12 Total Enrollment 785 Student/Faculty Ratio 15:1 Yearly Tuition $26,995; $2,625 new student fee Special Requirements Entrance exam, student visit/interview, transcripts, teacher recommendations.

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CHAPEL HILL COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL 108 Mt. Carmel Church Rd., Chapel Hill 919-942-3955; chapelhillcoop.com Focus Partners with families of children from diverse backgrounds to respect and honor childhood, celebrate independence, and support kids as they learn and grow through play. NAEYC Accredited with a Five Star licensure.

Grades Pre-K Total Enrollment 100 Student/Faculty Ratio Infant, 4:1; Toddler, 5:1; Age 2, 8:1; Age 3-5, 10:1 Yearly Tuition Varies by age and enrollment status; Half-day, three-quarter or full-day options. Part-time options also available Mon., Wed., Fri./Tues., Thurs.

CRESSET CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 3707 Garrett Rd., Durham 919-354-8000; cressetchristian.org Focus Cultivates the heart of each student to educate, nurture and help shape their character in a Christ-centered environment.

Grades Infant-Grade 12 Total Enrollment 210 Student/Faculty Ratio Preschool, 5:1; Lower School, 9:1; Upper School, 10:1 Yearly Tuition $8,285 - $10,900 Special Requirements Student and parent interview, previous records, visit and application.

CRISTO REY RESEARCH TRIANGLE HIGH SCHOOL 334 Blackwell St., Ste. 100, Durham 919-897-5680; cristoreyrt.org Focus College preparatory, career-focused, transformational Catholic high school.

Grades 9-10 Total Enrollment 200 Student/Faculty Ratio 10:1 Yearly Tuition Average $70 per month per family (for single or multiple children) Special Requirements Not required to be Catholic to attend.

DUKE SCHOOL 3716 Erwin Rd., Durham 919-416-9420; dukeschool.org Focus Project-based independent school that inspires learners to boldly and creatively shape their future.

Grades Age 3-Grade 8 Total Enrollment 490 Student/Faculty Ratio 7:1 Yearly Tuition For 2021-22: Preschool, $4,037 - $20,184; K-4, $4,379 - $21,894; Grades 5-8, $4,778 - $23,890 Special Requirements Admissions application, student assessment, candidate profile.

DURHAM ACADEMY Preschool and Lower School, 3501 Ridge Rd., Durham; Middle School, 3116 Academy Rd., Durham; Upper School, 3601 Ridge Rd., Durham; 919-493-5787; da.org Focus Strives to provide an education that will enable students to live moral, happy and productive lives.

Grades Pre-K-12 Total Enrollment 1,232 Student/Faculty Ratio 10:1 Yearly Tuition $16,780 - $29,635 (including activity fees) Special Requirements Assessment or entrance exam, which varies by grade level.

Interview required for grades 9-12.

DURHAM NATIVITY SCHOOL 1004 N. Mangum St., Durham 919-680-3790; durhamnativity.org Focus Provides a learning environment for young men with high financial need, supporting them in their personal, social, moral and intellectual development, and positioning them to be successful at an independent college prep high school.

Grades 5-8 Total Enrollment 60 Student/Faculty Ratio 15:1 Yearly Tuition $20,620 with scholarshipdriven tuition awarded to low-income students Special Requirements Open house attendance.

EMERSON WALDORF SCHOOL 6211 New Jericho Rd., Chapel Hill 919-967-1858; emersonwaldorf.org Focus Encourages and promotes independent thinking, social responsibility, and academic and artistic excellence.

Grades Pre-K-12 Total Enrollment 250 Student/Faculty Ratio Kindergarten, 7:1; Grades 1-12, 10:1 Yearly Tuition $6,915 - $19,956 Special Requirements Virtual tour, parent-teacher consultation, new student assessment.

EMPOWERED MINDS ACADEMY 311 Oakwood Ave., Durham 919-925-3083; empoweredmindsacademy.com Focus A learner-driven community where children cherish freedom and take responsibility for their experiences. They discover their gifts, passions and purpose, and are active in the design and execution of their education, finding joy in hard work, earning apprenticeships and diving deep into subjects through hands-on and collaborative challenges. A Black-centered community, the academy believes “that by uncovering, reclaiming and reconnecting with our truth, we will better understand who we were, who we are and who we must be.” Provides a worldclass, high-quality educational experience with a committed focus on character development, socio-emotional and lifelong learning.

Grades K-8 Total Enrollment 25 Student/Teacher Ratio 10:1 Yearly Tuition $7,425, $250 annual registration fee.

Special Requirements School visit, trial day and interview.

GORMAN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 3311 E. Geer St., Durham 919-688-2567; gormanchristian.org Focus Partners with parents to provide an education with a biblical worldview and develop strong Christian character and values.

Grades K-8 Total Enrollment 86 Student/Faculty Ratio 12:1 Yearly Tuition $6,700 Special Requirements Administrator meets parents and child.

HAW RIVER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 2428 Silk Hope Gum Springs Rd., Pittsboro 919-533-4139; hawriverchristian.org Focus A nonprofit, interdenominational private school providing an excellent Christian and classical education.

Grades Junior K-11 (adding 12th grade in 2022-23) Total Enrollment 140+ Student/Faculty Ratio 12:1 Yearly Tuition Junior Kindergarten threeday/five-day, $3,675/$5,250; K half/full-day, $5,250/$6,300; Grammar (grades 1-6), $6,300; Logic School (grades 7-9), $6,825; Rhetoric (grades 10-12), $6,825 Special Requirements Four-part admissions process includes tour.

HILL LEARNING CENTER 3200 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-489-7464; hillcenter.org Focus Transforms students with learning differences into confident, independent learners through a half-day school, tutoring and summer programs.

Grades 1-12; Summer (1-8); Tutoring (K-12) Total Enrollment 175 Student/Faculty Ratio 4:1

Yearly Tuition $21,060 (1-2 hour options also available for grades 9-12) Special Requirements Application and interview.

HOLLY HOUSE PRESCHOOL 75 Cedar Run, Pittsboro 201-638-0915; hollyhousepreschool.com Focus Half-day preschool program that focuses on the whole child; social, emotional and academic growth are all supported.

Ages 3.5-5 Student/Faculty Ratio Limited to 12 students per class, no more than 6:1 Special Requirements In-person tours by appointment only. Visit website for a virtual tour.

HOPE CREEK ACADEMY 4723 Erwin Rd., Durham 919-932-0360; hopecreekacademy.org Focus Provides structure without rigidity for special needs students who struggle in a traditional environment.

Grades K-12 Total Enrollment 60 Student/Faculty Ratio 3:1 Yearly Tuition $22,800 and $500 materials fee. Limited financial aid available.

Special Requirements School visit.

IMMACULATA CATHOLIC SCHOOL 721 Burch Ave., Durham 919-682-5847; immaculataschool.org Focus For more than a century, Immaculata has educated a diverse student body with a focus on character development, faith formation and academic excellence.

Grades Pre-K-8 Total Enrollment 535 Student/Faculty Ratio 12:1 Yearly Tuition $7,400 - $8,270 for parishioners, otherwise $8,670 - $9,825, plus $200 annual enrollment fee Special Requirements Entry test, copy of student’s school records and current teacher recommendations. Application fee is $100.

INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL 3001 Academy Rd., Bldg. 300, Durham; 5510 Barbee Chapel Rd., Chapel Hill 919-401-4343 (office); imsnc.org Focus Combines an authentic Montessori education with language immersion in Mandarin, French and Spanish to provide a truly global education for children.

Grades Age 18 months-Grade 6 Total Enrollment 140 Student/Faculty Ratio 9:1 Yearly Tuition $10,645 - $14,895; Extended day options available for an additional fee.

Need-based financial aid available.

Special Requirements No Chinese, French or Spanish experience required for new students entering as toddlers through first graders.

New students joining at second through fourth grade from dual-language or immersion programs are also welcome to apply. 

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SCHOOLS GUIDE

JORDAN LAKE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 1434 Farrington Rd., Ste. 100, Apex 919-387-9440; jordanlakesa.com Focus High school/college preparatory, inclusive special education.

Grades K-12+ Total Enrollment 40 Student/Faculty Ratio 7:1 Yearly Tuition K-8, $16,450; Grades 9-12, $19,450 Special Requirements Application, interview and two-day tryout.

LAKEWOOD AVENUE CHILDREN’S SCHOOL 1701 Lakewood Ave., Durham 919-493-5882; lakewoodavenue.com Focus Provides a high-quality early childhood program with a stable, well-educated teaching staff ensuring consistent care and education.

Ages 1-5 Total Enrollment 33 Student/Faculty Ratio Ages 1-3, 4:1; Ages 3-5, 8:1 Tuition Toddlers, $1,750/month; Preschool, $1,650/month Special Requirements The director offers virtual tours and admissions conversations for families weekday mornings.

LEGACY ACADEMY 515 E. Winmore Ave., Chapel Hill 919-929-7060; lachapelhill.com Focus Students are actively involved in multisensory activities, including art, music, language, math, science and physical activities.

Classrooms, gardens, a water park and playgrounds are designed to be both fun and nurturing. Kindergarten, after-school program and summer camp for children up to 12 years old are also offered. Five Star licensure, NAEYC accredited and NC Pre-K Program site.

Ages 6 weeks-Age 10 Total Enrollment 115, reduced in pandemic Student/Faculty Ratio (Maximums when at full capacity.) Infants, 5:1; Ages 13-24 months, 6:1; Ages 25-36 months, 9:1; Ages 37-48 months, 10:1; Ages 4-5, 13:1; Pre-K, 9:1; Ages 6-12, 14:1 Yearly Tuition Varies by age and program.

Partnerships: Duke, UNC, UNCHC. Special Requirements Registration fee of $150. Need-based scholarships available.

LERNER JEWISH COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL 1935 W. Cornwallis Rd., Durham 919-286-5517; lernerschool.org Focus Educating mensches, one child at a time.

Exceptional academics. Jewish culture, values and traditions. Diverse and caring community.

Grades Age 2-Grade 5 Total Enrollment 150 Student/Faculty Ratio 9:1 Yearly Tuition $5,000 – $19,600. See website for tuition ranges by unit, flexible tuition availability and new student fees.

Special Requirements Admissions application, parent virtual visit, student assessment and teacher recommendations.

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CHATHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS 369 West St., Pittsboro 919-542-3626 chatham.k12.nc.us FAST FACTS • Graduation rate: 87.3% •

•

Dual-language available at Siler City Elementary School, North Chatham Elementary School, Chatham Middle School, Margaret B. Pollard Middle School, Seaforth High School and Jordan-Matthews High School.

Chatham School of Science & Engineering is a high school (9-12) partially housed at Central Carolina Community College that offers early associate degrees and advanced STEM academics.

TOTAL STUDENTS

8,588

AVERAGE SCHOOL ENROLLMENT Elementary

623

Middle

High

720 581

SUPERINTENDENT Anthony Jackson became Chatham County Schools superintendent on July 6, 2021. Anthony previously served as superintendent in three different public school districts in North Carolina and Virginia since 2007 and has more than 30 years of experience in public education in North Carolina, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Anthony holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from East Carolina University, and master’s and doctorate degrees in educational leadership from N.C. Central University and Walden University, respectively.

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LIBERTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 3864 Guess Rd., Durham 919-471-5522; lcsdurham.org Focus Students will acquire knowledge and wisdom with a biblical worldview as demonstrated through service and leadership in worship, missions, care and growth. The core values of truth, intellectual development, potential in Christ, Christian personnel and operational integrity are woven with worship, missions, care and Christian growth.

Grades Pre-K-12 Total Enrollment 290 Student/Faculty Ratio 20:1 Yearly Tuition $4,200 per student Special Requirements Entry test and interview.

MONTESSORI COMMUNITY SCHOOL 4512 Pope Rd., Durham 919-493-8541; mcsdurham.org Focus Students learn in a vibrant Montessori community where they are guided toward self-discovery and the realization of their unique contributions to the world.

Grades 18 months-Grade 8 Total Enrollment 220 Student/Faculty Ratio 18 months-age 3, 6:1; Ages 3-6, 12:1; Ages 1-3, 12:1; Grades 4-6, 12:1; Grades 7-8, 8:1 Yearly Tuition 18 months-age 3: half day, $12,717, full day, $17,449; Ages 3-4: half day, $11,948, full day, $16,123; Kindergarten, $16,681; Grades 1-3, $16,852; Grades 4-6, $17,488; Grades 7-8, $20,464 Special Requirements Application, family meeting and student visit.

MONTESSORI DAY SCHOOL 1702 Legion Rd., Chapel Hill 919-929-3339; mdsch.org Focus A faculty-operated school, a wellequipped learning environment and an enriched Montessori curriculum to meet the needs of children with a wide range of abilities. On-site aftercare available.

Grades Toddler-Grade 6 Total Enrollment 70 Student/Faculty Ratio 10:1 Yearly Tuition $9,875-$11,550 Special Requirements Interview process includes general evaluation and meeting with parents. Three-day visit for elementary.

MONTESSORI FARM SCHOOL 2400 Broad St., Durham 919-732-5026; montessorifarmschool.com Focus Montessori education with special emphasis on nature study and activities including gardening and animal care.

Grades Pre-K-K Total Enrollment Up to 24 Student/Faculty Ratio 8:1 Yearly Tuition Pre-K, $9,250; K, $12,000 Special Requirements Contact the school and set up an appointment to visit. 

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bouncingbulldogs.org | 919.493.7992 WINTER 2021-2022

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MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF DURHAM 2800 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-489-9045; msdurham.org Focus Curriculum based on Montessori approach to education.

Grades Age 18 months-Grade 6 Total Enrollment 145 Student/Faculty Ratio Varies by child’s level.

Yearly Tuition Toddlers, $4,220 - $22,490; Early childhood-Grade 6, $6,340 - $19,570 (Varies by child’s schedule and financial aid award.)

Special Requirements Parent meeting.

THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF RALEIGH Middle and Upper School, 408 Andrews Chapel Rd., Durham; Early Learning and Elementary, 7005 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh 919-848-1545; msr.org Focus Independent Montessori school offering hands-on, real-life learning experiences through a mindful academic curriculum designed to build key competencies, confidence and independence. IB Diploma Programme offered for grades 11-12. Dually accredited by the American Montessori Society and International Baccalaureate.

Grades Age 15 months-Grade 12 Total Enrollment 340 Student/Faculty Ratio Toddler, 6:1; Pre-K-Grade 12, 12:1 Yearly Tuition $12,500 – $23,430 Special Requirements Assessment or entrance exam by grade level; interview.

PINEWOODS MONTESSORI SCHOOL 109 Millstone Dr., Hillsborough 919-644-2090; pinewoodsmontessori.com Focus Authentic Montessori education in which children develop a love of learning within a safe, peaceful setting. The school believes in the dignity and ability of children and in their inherent right to respect, assist and guide in fulfilling their potential. It is committed to the Montessori philosophy and a child-focused approach to education. It strives to partner with families in their efforts to raise capable, joyful, confident children in a relationship-based, affordable environment.

It is dedicated to the well-being, integrity and development of the larger Montessori community and of the local communities.

Ages 18 months-12 years Enrollment 145 Student/Faculty Ratio Toddler, 12:2; Preschool, 11:1; Elementary, 12:1 Yearly Tuition $5,500 – $9,250, depending on program Special Requirements Contact info@pinewoodsmontessori.com for more information on admissions.

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PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL AT BRIAR CHAPEL 81 Falling Springs Dr., Chapel Hill 919-441-0441; primrosechapelhill.com Focus An accredited private preschool delivering an exclusive learning approach that balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion.

Grades Infant-private kindergarten Total Enrollment 175 Student/Faculty Ratio Infant, 4:1; Toddler, 6:1; Early Preschool, 8:1; Preschool, 10:1; PreKindergarten, 12:1; Private Kindergarten 12:1; after-school program (ages 6-12), 15:1 Tuition Varies by age level. $1,270 – $1,595 per month, full-time enrollment; $760 – $1,130 per month, part-time enrollment Special Requirements $150 pre-registration fee.

QUALITY EDUCATION INSTITUTE 800 Elmira Ave., Bldg. B, Durham 919-680-6544; qeidurhamnc.org Focus A student-centered learning community with a rigorous curriculum and clearly defined standards of performance and high expectations.

Grades Pre-K-5 Total Enrollment 40 Student/Faculty Ratio 10:1 Yearly Tuition $8,500 SOUTHPOINT ACADEMY 7415 Fayetteville Rd., Durham 919-544-5652; southpointacademy.org Focus Prepares students to become ethical, well-rounded and self-sufficient citizens by providing a world-class education in a nurturing Christian environment.

Grades K-6 Total Enrollment About 60 Student/Faculty Ratio 10:1 Yearly Tuition $6,000 Special Requirements Tour, application, meeting with administrator and student testing.

ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 920 Carmichael St., Chapel Hill 919-942-6242; stmcsnc.org Focus Provides an education for each child in a God-centered environment.

Grades Age 3-Grade 8 Total Enrollment 410 Student/Faculty Ratio Age 3, 7:2; Age 4, 10:2; Grades K-3, 24:2 (teacher and assistant); Grades 4-8, 24:2 (teacher and shared assistant) Yearly Tuition Pre-K, call to inquire; K-8, $8,990 - $11,690 Special Requirements Application, $230 application fee, test scores, report cards, feedback from previous teachers, birth certificate, baptismal certificate, letter from Catholic parish (if parish tuition rate), health form and immunization record.

WINTER 2021-2022

THE STUDIO SCHOOL OF DURHAM 1201 Woodcroft Pkwy., Durham 919-967-2700, ext. 2; studioschooldurham.org Focus A research-based, project-focused independent school for children. Believes in a 21st century education, and equips children with a spirit of discovery, mastery and adventure that will empower them to fulfill their greatest potential across their school years and beyond.

Grades K-8, middle school launching 2021 Total Enrollment 40 Student/Faculty Ratio 16:2 for lower elementary (ages 5-7), and 18:1 for upper elementary (ages 7-10) Yearly Tuition $10,300 THALES ACADEMY PITTSBORO 200 Vine Parkway, Pittsboro 919-525-1142; thalesacademy.org Focus An excellent, affordable education through the use of direct instruction and a classical curriculum that embodies traditional American values.

Grades K-5 Total Enrollment 75+ Student/Faculty Ratio K-2, 24:1 (teacher assistant in K) and grades 3-5, 26:1 Yearly Tuition $5,300 Special Requirements Admissions are made on a rolling basis, and decisions are made after a full review of the application, checklist items and a student interview.

TRIANGLE DAY SCHOOL 4911 Neal Rd., Durham 919-383-8800; triangledayschool.org Focus A welcoming community devoted to academic excellence that ignites intellectual curiosity, fosters compassion and integrity, and nurtures creativity, inspiring confidence in students to lead a life of purpose.

Grades Transitional K-8 Total Enrollment 310 Student/Faculty Ratio 9:1 Yearly Tuition $14,090 - $17,465 Special Requirements Application and interview required. 

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TRINITY SCHOOL OF DURHAM AND CHAPEL HILL 4011 Pickett Rd., Durham 919-402-8262; trinityschoolnc.org Focus Its mission is to educate students within the framework of Christian faith and conviction, teaching the classical tools of learning; providing a rich, yet unhurried, curriculum; and communicating truth, goodness and beauty. It is a place where staff and teachers partner with parents in educating bright minds with open hearts. The school was founded in 1995, and its campus is nestled in the forest between Durham and Chapel Hill.

Grades Transitional K-12 Total Enrollment 545 Student/Faculty Ratio Lower School, 7:1; Middle School, 8:1; Upper School, 8:1 Yearly Tuition $5,925 - $23,790 Special Requirements Check website for complete details, application information, and tour and information dates.

WILLOW OAK MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S HOUSE 1476 Andrews Store Rd., Pittsboro 919-240-7787; willowoakmontessori.org Focus Multi-age classrooms with self-directed learning in a stimulating, authentic Montessori environment. Newly built school with a variety of outdoor spaces for learning and play.

Ages 3-5 Total Enrollment 45 Student/Faculty Ratio 13:1 Yearly Tuition Full day, $10,200; Half-day, $7,140 Special Requirements $75 application fee, toilet-trained. Limited financial aid available.

REGIONAL BOARDING SCHOOLS ASHEVILLE SCHOOL 360 Asheville School Rd., Asheville 828-254-6345; ashevilleschool.org Focus Students live in a nurturing community where faculty and students genuinely know one another. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory program for students who represent 25 states and 24 countries.

Grades 9-12 Total Enrollment 295 Student/Faculty Ratio 5:1 Yearly Tuition $66,250 for boarding; $39,150 for day students.

Special Requirements Separate interviews for parents and child, full application, math and English recommendations and transcript required. For more information, email admission@ashevilleschool.org.

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NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS 1219 Broad St., Durham; Burkemont Ave., Morganton 919-416-2600; ncssm.edu Focus To educate academically talented students to become state, national and global leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; advance public education in North Carolina; and inspire innovation for the betterment of humankind through challenging residential, online, summer and virtual learning driven by instructional excellence and the excitement of discovery.

As of press time, recruitment for the 2021-22 school year is closed, and recruitment for the 2022-23 school year is underway. For the 2022-23 school year, NCSSM will also welcome 150 juniors to a new campus in Morganton.

Grades 11-12 Total Enrollment 680 at the Durham location and 150 at Morganton Student/Faculty Ratio 8.5:1 Yearly Tuition NCSSM is a North Carolina public school. There are no fees associated with applying or attending.

Special Requirements See ncssm.edu/apply.

SALEM ACADEMY 601 S. Church St., Winston-Salem 336-721-2600; salemacademy.com Focus Fosters the intellectual, spiritual, social and physical growth of young women.

Offers 10 AP courses, competition in 11 sports, a comprehensive fine arts program and technology, advising and co-curricular programs. Offers dual-enrollment college courses at Salem College to supplement AP curriculum.

Grades 9-12 Total Enrollment 75 Student/Faculty Ratio 6:1 Yearly Tuition $50,500; $26,000 for day students Special Requirements Application process includes an interview, essay and transcripts, as well as optional teacher recommendations and optional testing.

SAINT MARY’S SCHOOL 900 Hillsborough St., Raleigh 919-424-4000; sms.edu Focus An independent, college-preparatory, boarding and day school where girls are challenged academically to be bold, inspired and prepared to be extraordinary. Girls are accepted and empowered in their learning to grow spiritually and socially. They are recognized for their unique talents, passions and interests – and those yet to be discovered through the development of critical thinking, collaboration, cross-cultural intelligence and new media literacy. AP courses, innovative electives, junior internships, a unique seminar program, college counseling, rich arts program, 11 sports and a safe campus in a thriving urban location. Saint Mary’s welcomes students from across the region, the state, the country and the world.

Grades 9-12 Total Enrollment 300 Student/Faculty Ratio 8:1 Yearly Tuition $60,700; $30,400 for day students. Need- and merit-based financial aid available.

Special Requirements Application, three written recommendations, a transcript from the applicant’s current school, SSAT scores and an on-campus interview. Contact admission@sms.edu for more information.

ENO RIVER ACADEMY 1212 NC Hwy. 57 N., Hillsborough 919-644-6272; enoriveracademy.org Focus Utilizes a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) curriculum to build upon a 20-year tradition of academic and artistic excellence.

Grades K-12 Total Enrollment 750 Student/Faculty Ratio 20:1 Special Requirements Initial enrollment based on lottery in February; students waitlisted once slots are filled.

WINTER 2021-2022

ORANGE/CHATHAM CHARTER SCHOOLS (Admission by lottery.)

THE EXPEDITION SCHOOL 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd., Ste. 33, Hillsborough 919-245-8432; theexpeditionschool.com Focus Embraces the natural curiosity of children and empowers them to become innovative problem solvers and community builders, and to provide excellent education through an experiential, project-based, STEM-focused curriculum.

Grades K-8 Total Enrollment 360 Student/Faculty Ratio Grades K-4, 20:1; Grades 5-8, 22:1. Resource/other nonclassroom staff not included in ratio.

Special Requirements Cut-off for lottery application in February. 

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WILLOW OAK MONTESSORI CHARTER SCHOOL 1476 Andrews Store Rd., Pittsboro; 919-240-7787; willowoakmontessori.org Focus Multi-age classrooms with self-directed learning in a stimulating, authentic Montessori environment. Newly built school with a variety of outdoor spaces for learning and play. Strives to assist children in achieving their unique potential as responsible global citizens by nurturing self-confidence and independent decision making.

Grades K-8 Total Enrollment 285 Student/Faculty Ratio 15:1 WOODS CHARTER SCHOOL 160 Woodland Grove Ln., Chapel Hill; 919-960-8353; woodscharter.org Focus Emphasizes academic excellence and parent and family involvement in the academic environment.

Grades K-12 Total Enrollment 512 Student/Faculty Ratio Elementary, 16:1; Middle school and high school, 20:1 Special Requirements Application deadline in January, February lottery.

DURHAM CHARTER SCHOOLS (Admission by lottery. Check with school for key dates.)

COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF DIGITAL AND VISUAL ARTS 1955 W. Cornwallis Rd.; 919-797-2340; communitydva.org Focus Growing students academically, socially and emotionally every day.

Grades K-8 Total Enrollment 230 Student/Faculty Ratio 15:1 Special Requirements None.

DISCOVERY CHARTER SCHOOL 501 Orange Factory Rd., Bahama 984-888-5504; discoverycharterdurham.org Focus Science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) Grades 6-8 Total Enrollment 300 Student/Faculty Ratio 20:1 Special Requirements Students must reside in N.C. EXCELSIOR CLASSICAL ACADEMY 4100 N. Roxboro St.; 919-213-8585; excelsior.teamcfa.school Focus To provide excellence and equity in education by developing a foundation of knowledge, a practice of reason, a quality of eloquence and a habit of virtue to prepare each student for a lifetime of learning and citizenship.

Grades K-10 in 2021-22. Will continue to add a grade each year.

Total Enrollment 975 Student/Faculty Ratio 15:1 Special Requirements Open application and enrollment. If more applications are received than the allotted number of spots for each grade, random lottery for vacant spots.

900 Hillsborough Street | Raleigh, N.C. 27603 919.424.4100 | www.sms.edu/exploresms 88

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HEALTHY START ACADEMY 807 W. Chapel Hill St.; 919-956-5599; healthystartacademy.org Focus Strives to help its students grow, especially in math and reading.

Encourages parent involvement. Promotes a child-centered curriculum with a safe structured environment.

Grades K-8 Total Enrollment 450+ Student/Faculty Ratio 16:1 Special Requirements Application and lottery for admission.

SCHOOLS GUIDE

KESTREL HEIGHTS SCHOOL Elementary: 4900 Prospectus Dr.; Middle: 4700 S. Alston Ave.; 919-484-1300; kestrelheights.org Focus A blended learning school utilizing Mind Brain Education techniques to teach scholars in small groups to sharpen academics, demonstrate creative expression and expand leadership skills.

Grades K-8 Total Enrollment 505 Student/Faculty Ratio 19:1 KIPP DURHAM COLLEGE PREPARATORY 1107 Holloway St. 919-973-0285; kippenc.org Focus The school prepares students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose – college, career and beyond – so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. The school culture supports students in leveraging their autonomy and individual success in the community to improve our collective condition. The school supports students in self-awareness, interpersonal relationships and cultivating their passions through access to resources and experiences that enhance their lives.

Grades 5-8 Total Enrollment 350 Student/Faculty Ratio Varies by grade level.

MAUREEN JOY CHARTER SCHOOL 107 S. Driver St. 919-493-6056; joycharter.org Focus To develop the whole child through high-quality instruction, school-community partnerships and the promotion of a positive self-identity.

Grades K-8 Total Enrollment 640 Student/Faculty Ratio Kindergarten, 16:1; Grades 1-3, 22:1; Grades 4-8, 24:1 Special Requirements Application released in December; lottery in March.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE CHARTER ACADEMY 2418 Ellis Rd. 919-957-7108; researchtrianglecharteracademy.org Focus Curriculum is built around a strong emphasis on math, reading, science and social studies. Its Moral Focus program helps students learn the importance of making good decisions and doing the right thing in life.

Grades K-8 Total Enrollment 735 Student/Faculty Ratio Kindergarten, 22:1; Grades 1-8, 27:1 Special Requirements Lottery.

VOYAGER ACADEMY Elementary: 4210 Ben Franklin Blvd.; Middle: 101 Hock Parc Ln.; High: 4302 Ben Franklin Blvd.

919-433-3301; voyageracademy.net Focus Project-based learning.

Grades K-12 Total Enrollment 1,368 Student/Faculty Ratio 18:1 Special Requirements Applications accepted online Jan. 1 - Feb. 28.

Lottery held in March. CM

YMCA CAMP CHEERIO Residential camping for boys and girls rising 2nd to 10th grade Sessions from June 5th to August 19th Located on 150 acres in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Stone Mountain State Park Campers can enjoy over 35 activities including Archery, Canoeing, Climbing, Horseback Riding, Guitar, and more!

Call (336)869-0195 or visit campcheerio.org for more information!

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‘CONCIERGE’ DOCTORS

TAKE THEIR TIME ACCESSIBLE (AND LONGER) APPOINTMENTS AND DOCTORS WHO PRESCRIBE PATIENT WELLNESS

I

BY CONNIE GENTRY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

magine calling your doctor and that offer accessible appointments, plenty getting a same-day appointment. of doctor-patient time and doctors who Imagine that doctor recognizing advocate for patient wellness. you and knowing your medical “Time is such a precious commodity,” history because you are one of only said Dr. Deborah Ann Ballard, a primary a few hundred patients they see as care physician at Duke Integrative opposed to one among thousands.

Medicine, “and the more time we get to And imagine the doctor spends all the spend with patients, particularly those time needed in your appointment, as with chronic, complex or multiple medical opposed to the 10- to 15-minute visits challenges, the better the outcomes. And that have become the trademark of the better we get to know our patients, overloaded traditional medical practices. the better we can recommend integrative The idea of more time treatments that include with patients, coupled lifestyle factors that can with comprehensive prevent medical problems Dr. Todd medical care and referrals, and promote longevity and Granger opened are the underpinnings of well-being.”

Primus Internal Medicine, a the increasingly popular The concierge model direct primary “concierge doctor” model. includes a monthly or care practice off Those goals undergird the annual fee – ranging from Hwy. 15-501, in October 2016. spread in Chapel Hill and $1,800-and-above per year surrounding communities of (usually not covered by concierge medical practices insurance) – and the promise customized for the individual that the practice will limit

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enrollment in order to deliver on their commitment. In fact, the cap on patient membership is critical to these goals – a typical primary care practice may have 2,000-plus patients per physician, according to The Physicians Foundation.

A concierge practice rarely, if ever, exceeds 600 patients per doctor, so access is readily available in face-to-face, email and telehealth options.

But access is not the only, or even main, patient benefit. “The fact that we are

available to our patients is really not what the patient is paying for,” noted Dr. Jessica Burgert of MDVIP/Chapel Hill Family Medicine. “The annual fee goes toward that testing/labs/time spent in prevention and wellness at the annual visit. The increased access is just an added bonus as we have more time to spend with our patients. The benefits are time, attention, collaboration and coordination of care, wellness care, personalized medicine, cutting-edge care, family atmosphere, the entire staff knows the patients, [the] intimately, comfortable and welcoming environment and so on.”

The annual fee at CHFM covers a wellness and prevention program that entails an extensive evaluation including comprehensive lab work, cardiovascular and peripheral vascular evaluation, agility testing and an assessment of body mass composition. The results of the tests are reviewed during an in-depth, 90-minute appointment with the doctor, which initiates the proactive physicianpatient relationship that the doctors hope to establish.

“We review in detail the patient’s health history, the testing results, and health and wellness goals,” Dr. Jill Lambert of MDVIP/CHFM explained. “We also have access to a toolkit of resources aimed at cancer early detection, [a] foodsensitivity evaluation and brain health.

Instead of simply making a diagnosis and prescribing a medication, we also consider dietary and exercise measures that would benefit our patients, and we make recommendations on reputable acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists and physical therapists.”

The customized-health care model is in sync with the paradigm shift in how we think about health care. For decades, medical advice was sought almost exclusively as a solution to sickness –

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you called the doctor because you were sick. But we’ve become increasingly more proactive about our health and seek health care that can provide a pathway to wellness and better living.

Similarly, many doctors have become frustrated and disillusioned with the demands of practicing medicine in an environment that requires as much attention be given to administrative details as patient care. These new health care models are gaining traction as a result. In exchange for a smaller practice, the doctor builds stronger relationships with each individual.

In October 2016, Dr. Todd Granger opened Primus Internal Medicine, a direct primary care practice off Hwy. 15-501 in the part of Chapel Hill that lies in Chatham County. He’d been in traditional primary care practices since 1993, first in Siler City and then back in Chapel Hill, having completed his residency at UNC and served on the faculty at the UNC School of Medicine.

“I was in two fantastic practices, both in terms of colleagues and patients, but I [prefer to] spend a lot of time with patients, which means I was always running behind,” Dr. Granger said.

“Good medicine takes time.”

While he is quick to assert that good health care was being delivered in his former practices, typical 15-minute time slots do not “reflect the reality of what is needed in internal medicine, where appointments should be 30 minutes or more,” he said. “I wanted to be able to practice in a way that allowed me to do that, so I looked at other practices and reimbursement models. The direct primary care model was attractive to me because it was more affordable for patients.” As an example, the monthly membership 92

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at his practice is $75, half the cost of the $150 monthly fee at Duke Integrative Medicine, which more closely follows a concierge model and resides in a healthful and tranquil setting where members have access to a range of holistic services, from nutrition to yoga to acupuncture. The fee at CHFM is also $1,800 annually, but dependent children younger than 25 are seen as well at this practice without paying an additional fee if their parent is an enrolled member.

CHFM was started in 1975, operating as a traditional insurance-reimbursement

WINTER 2021-2022

Dr. Jessica Burgert and Dr. Jill Lambert of MDVIP/ Chapel Hill Family Medicine at the North Carolina Botanical Garden.

WELLNESS

– Dr. Jessica Burgert

come back in for any number of reasons.

We also do a lot of correspondence with our patients via email and text, or [on the] phone.”

CHFM and Duke Integrative Medicine participate in select insurance plans, and the annual fee can be paid

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model; in 2008, the practice transitioned to the “concierge-like” MDVIP model.

Dr. Burgert and Dr. Lambert assumed ownership of the practice in July 2020, eager to embrace the “value in prevention” mantra that the acronym denotes.

“We have prospective patients fill out extensive intake questionnaires that cover everything from their sleep history to their medical history to their beliefs and value systems,” Dr. Ballard said, “and we go over it [with the patient] in our first meeting, typically lasting one hour.”

Though practices vary in their health approaches, one thing remains constant: a smaller patient load allows for more face time. At the family practice where Drs. Lambert and Burgert worked for 10 years prior to joining CHFM, they each had a panel of more than 1,000 patients.

At MDVIP practices, patient panels top out at a maximum of 600 per doctor, and the CHFM practice still has room for new patients, with initial appointments typically scheduled within a week. In the two practices where he spent the first half of his career, Dr. Granger’s patient panels totaled 1,800 to 2,500 individuals.

His current direct primary care model is designed to handle 400 to 440 patients, and he has a few open spots, giving his patients easy access to same-day appointments and enabling him to keep the door open for additional members.

The smaller practices allow time for customized wellness plans for each patient which is a lot of work, but it’s “joyful work,” said Dr. Burgert.

“We also do a lot of educating, compiling articles and informational handouts they can use as a road map for the year,” she added. “Some patients get their annual wellness assessment, and we don’t see them again for a year; others

We also do a lot of educating, compiling articles and informational handouts they can use as a road map for the year.”

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using the patient’s health savings account or flexible spending account. As a direct primary care provider, Primus doesn’t participate in insurance plans or Medicare, but Dr. Granger’s patients can use their Medicare coverage or insurance for prescriptions and health care services performed outside of his office.

“At least half my patients are older than 65, which is the nature of internal medicine,” he said. “The main reasons they give for doing this [fee-based] model are the access and the amount of time I can spend with them, which is gratifying to me. The things I find attractive about direct primary care, they find attractive as well.”

Many direct primary care family practices allow unlimited visits, but internal medicine patients tend to

be more complicated and have more chronic conditions, so the annual fee at Primus includes a yearly physical, similar to the wellness and prevention assessment at CHFM, as well as three office visits. If a patient exceeds that number of visits, they pay a flat $40 fee, much like an insurance co-pay.

“When we emerge from the pandemic and social isolation,” Dr. Lambert added, “we want to begin offering quarterly seminars on fitness, nutrition and community resources [as well as highlight] some of the talents of our members.” CHFM is planning an upcoming event with a local historian to take their members on a hike across UNC’s campus and discuss the roots of the community. CM

The more time we get to spend with patients, particularly those with chronic, complex or multiple medical challenges, the better the outcomes.”

– Dr. Deborah Ann Ballard

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120 Lowes Drive, Ste. 105 | Pittsboro, NC 27312 919-292-6110 • www.pinehurstmedical.com/gastroenterology-at-pmc

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767 West St., Pittsboro, NC 27312 919-767-5970 • chathamdentalnc.com

rs. Colin and Lauren Barbaro met on their first day at UNC dental school as they were paired together in anatomy lab. They married shortly after school and share three beautiful children together: Sofia, Etta, and Ellis. Plus, they now have twins on the way!

Not only is their family continuing to grow, but so is Chatham Family & Implant Dentistry’s. Recently voted Best of Chatham County, the practice has welcomed Dr. John Kizer to join in serving our community. Dr. Kizer shares the Barbaros’ passion for providing exceptional care in a friendly, welcoming environment.

Although the doctors at Chatham Family & Implant Dentistry have different interests within dentistry, their treatment philosophy is the same, “we don’t just treat teeth, we treat people.” They gain

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s a patient-focused healthcare organization, Pinehurst Medical Clinic (PMC) makes access to physicians easy and convenient.

PMC’s Gastroenterology office in Pittsboro is staffed by Dr. Ravikant Varanasi; a boardcertified gastroenterologist committed to providing high-quality care and developing trusting patient-doctor relationships.

PMC Gastroenterology has office locations in Moore, Lee, and Chatham counties and two nationally recognized ambulatory endoscopy centers available to serve you.

The PMC Gastroenterology team consists of 18 providers who specialize in digestive health.

Dr. Varanasi has been part of the PMC Gastroenterology team for over 18 years and finds helping patients when they are most vulnerable an important privilege and responsibility.

Dr. Varanasi is now accepting new patients at PMC’s Gastroenterology office in Pittsboro.

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great satisfaction in developing relationships with patients while caring for their specific needs and helping to improve their lives.

The doctors at Chatham Family & Implant Dentistry have advanced training to care for patients through implant dentistry, IV sedation, same-day CEREC crowns, endodontics (root canal therapy), TMJ therapy, sleep apnea treatment, and Invisalign. Dr. Colin has received the highest levels of training in implant dentistry both surgically and restoratively. Dr. Lauren and Dr. Kizer both have a sharp skill set for cosmetic and family dentistry.

Carrying on the legacy of treatment established by Dr. Rouse Wilson, their team continues to serve our community with compassionate care in a welcoming office.

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ROOTED IN THE

COMMUNITY A 95-YEAR-OLD TRACES HER FAMILY’S LONG HISTORY IN CHATHAM AND ORANGE COUNTIES

BY KIM SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

have lived a long life, and I have enjoyed the people, especially the children.” With clarity and fondness, Mrs. Annie Mae Gattis Burnett recalls nine decades of people, history and reminiscences throughout Chatham and Orange counties. Born in 1926 in a house on Mitchell Lane in Northside, young Annie Mae was taught to love all people, a lesson at which she excelled. Her love and care of children began with her younger siblings whom she afforded safe passage through forest and field, unsullied petticoats as proof. The self-described tomboy was an unwitting pioneer of the 100

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modern-day Tanyard Branch Trail where she frequently wielded a hoe to cut away weeds along a nearby branch of Bolin Creek. Her days of formal education at the Rosenwald-funded Orange County Training School (now Northside Elementary School) coincided with the Great Depression, when her parents – Martha Williams and Sidney Monroe Gattis – separated and later divorced.

As a single mother, Martha moved her daughters to Sunset Drive where the teenaged Annie Mae was a welcome help during difficult times. When recounting her life story, Annie Mae often frames the hardship with hope and humor. She recalls an open field at the end of Sunset, near the modern-day Midway Barber Shop on Rosemary Street, where an annual fair pitched tents and a Ferris wheel. When Annie Mae and her sisters became stuck atop the carnival ride, they directed a chorus of sibling giggles and shrieks toward their mother sweeping the back porch.

Martha soon arrived, broom in hand, and the laughter resonates eight decades later. Annie Mae’s positive outlook was fostered by her forebears, generations of “everyday people, who were rich in love, respect and resourcefulness.” Legal segregation under Jim Crow laws often prohibited Black people from obtaining nonmenial employment. Her forebears were industrious farmers but also laborers, janitors, maids and laundresses at UNC, where low wages and long hours resulted in home responsibilities for children, including Annie Mae. By age 10, Annie Mae was an expert cook and an astute observer, skills taught

by Lonnie Williams and Mary Kay Kirby, her maternal grandparents who were raised on Chatham County farms. The 100-acre Kirby farm was inherited by

Annie Mae’s great-grandmother, Annette Smith Kirby, via the Mary Ruffin Smith estate. Annette, Mary Kay, Lonnie and myriad family members are buried at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church on Lystra Road, where all worshipped and some preached. Until teenagerhood, Annie Mae attended Mount Zion services, which often required an OrangeChatham round trip in the rumble seat of her grandfather’s car. Back in Orange, she honed her culinary and farming skills in Carrboro where her grandparents cultivated a self-sufficient, 2-acre farm in the early 1940s. There, Annie Mae kept house and fetched water from the nearby spring and wood for the stove. Together, the family “raised tobacco, cotton and sugar cane for molasses as well as lettuce, peas, beans, squash and corn to feed the family. In times of need, neighbors helped one another bring in the harvests.” They weathered the bleak World War II years thanks to their garden and livestock, which included cows and pigs.

During WWII, Annie Mae attended services at Chapel Hill’s First Baptist Church on North Roberson Street, where the Rev. Dr. John R. Manley officiated. She transferred to Hamlet Chapel CME Church when she married U.S. Army veteran John Abe Burnett (“John A.”) in 1947. His 12 siblings and 140-acre Burnett farm are integral to Chatham’s neighborhood history. The Williams, Kirby and Riggsbee families of Chatham County were schoolmates at Buck Mountain School and attended Haw River Baptist Church and Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, yet Annie Mae knew nothing about the Chatham County families until she married John A. and attended Hamlet Chapel. She served on Hamlet’s usher board, was WINTER 2021-2022

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ROOTED

Annie Mae holds a photo of her and her late husband, John Abe Burnett.

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president of the Missionary Society and a member of the Eastern Star.

She is the last surviving member of the Joy Bells, Hamlet’s touring choir. She treasures the 45 records and photographs they made together.

Unable to have the children they desperately wanted, Annie Mae and John A. seized an opportunity that contented their desire to raise a family of their own and simultaneously aided Annie Mae’s working single mother.

Martha faced double child care fees for her twins, who were 20 years younger than Annie Mae. The couple raised the twins, relieved some of Martha’s strain and later extended their generosity to three nephews whom they raised as their own. Strangers may address Annie Mae as Mrs. Burnett, but she is called Aunt Mae, Mae Mae or Mama by the many children she raised and nurtured.

In her 20s and 30s, she was employed

by Fitzgerald “Jerry” Hudson of Collier Cobb & Associates, hired because her family remedy for colicky babies cured one of the young Hudson boys. Annie Mae opened her heart and home to the Hudson boys who remained in close touch and attended her 90th birthday celebration in 2016. Annie Mae’s altruism prevailed during a time when she could not legally drink from the same water fountain as the children in her care. She was instrumental in teaching Black and white children to rise above inequity, to love unconditionally. She fondly recalls flights in the Hudson plane and the joy WINTER 2021-2022

she experienced caring for the Hudson boys. After John A. passed suddenly in 1977, Annie Mae opened her home again to a grandniece, and she still possesses the gift to disarm the surliest modern teen.

From her front porch, which seems breezy even during the stickiest summers, Annie Mae uses her cane she calls “Charlie” to point out the additions to her Chatham home of more than 60 years. John A. salvaged the lumber board by board from a Collier Cobb property at the corner of Franklin Street and Estes Drive. Clyde Crabtree, once proprietor of Frosty Trading Post on Jones Ferry Road, wired the home. Up the road, the old homeplace property is still owned by Burnett family members, and the pack house – decorated with farming tools – stands sentinel over the neighborhood.

Annie Mae pauses her storytelling to smile and rock with the breeze. She did not learn about painful, personal histories from her parents. Her elders “tried to insulate children from the cruelty and pain associated with past racism because so much lingered in their present.” They instilled in Annie Mae positive experiences that shaped her selflessness. “Their tears were silent,” says Annie Mae, who celebrates her 95th birthday on Nov. 18.

The words of her younger brother, William Gattis, best sum up the sister who raised him: “Mae cared for the people in her life with immeasurable grace, love and respect. There is a hidden dignity in her generation, and they never lost sight of who they were or what they meant to one another.” CM

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H O M E

&

G A R D E N

FARMHOUSE

FAIRY TALE A PITTSBORO FAMILY LIVES HAPPILY EVER AFTER IN A NEARLY 100-YEAR-OLD HOME IN THE WOODS

BY MORGAN CARTIER WESTON

B

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

eth Kennedy and Taylor Kennedy

fell for each other while working together at Virginia Cross Elementary School. Taylor, a physical education teacher originally from Siler City, and Beth, a licensed clinical mental health counselor who grew up in Cary, bonded over their North Carolina roots. When it came time to put down roots and start their family,

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Charlotte and Carson race down the home’s footpath toward their parents, Beth and Taylor.

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HOME & GARDEN

ABOVE Ben Powell, Laura Powell, Beth and Taylor watch as the kids play Jenga on the “bullet table,” which was passed on by the home’s previous owners.

LEFT Taylor and Charlotte prep s’mores by the fire pit.

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Chatham County’s rich history and quieter pace of life was the easy choice.

They bought their first home in Powell Place and enjoyed the walkable neighborhood and convenient location on Highway 15-501. “It was great – it just didn’t feel like us,” Beth explains. When son Carson Kennedy, 8, and daughter Charlotte Kennedy, 6, began to walk, talk and play, the couple knew it was time to start looking for a new place to settle down. “We knew we wanted to give our kids a different life, one that involves exploring nature and getting to know the world around them,” Beth says.

They found the idyllic location just 10 miles northwest of Pittsboro, in a traditional farmhouse off Highway 87. 

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HOME & GARDEN

ABOVE The walled courtyard is the Kennedy family’s go-to gathering spot for cocktails with friends and cuddles with pup River.

LEFT Vibrant accents, an original fireplace and a built-in bar cabinet provide fun focal points around the dining room.

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HOME & GARDEN

The whole family fell in love with the charming home on their first visit, but another buyer beat them to it. “We thought it just wasn’t meant to be,” Beth says. But then a twist of fate placed the home back on the market, so Taylor and Beth listed their house and turned their dream into a reality in February 2018.

Historic barns and hardy trees that have stood for generations line the driveway leading up to the home, which was built in 1923. A walled courtyard and screened porch invite visitors into the kitchen, where natural textures of concrete, wood and copper all nod to the home’s rustic past. The Kennedys’ additions include a modern subway tile backsplash, fresh paint and sculptural light fixtures that all bring a whimsical touch to the space.

The original cabinet knobs even got a gold leaf facelift from Deep River Mercantile’s Hannah Brown.

“Deep River is one of my favorite places to find unique things to mix in with our antiques,” Beth says.

Several family heirlooms blend seamlessly with newer, more colorful pieces throughout the home – Beth’s grandparents’ china cabinet, for example, makes a warm statement against the dining room’s bright color palette, and in the family room, an antique writing desk rests on a vivid patterned rug from Deep River.

The hardwood floors that run throughout the house were cut from trees on the property, and plenty of built-in shelves on the first floor offer space to display books, seasonal decor and even a bar. “We love being the spot where everyone gathers, and decorating for fall and the holidays,” Beth says.  WINTER 2021-2022

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HOME & GARDEN

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Built-in shelves in the hallway serve as a colorful library for Carson and Charlotte.

Several details date to the home’s construction period, like the scrollwork front door knob, the large bay window and its three fireplaces. Some of the Kennedys’ favorite features are the built-in storage options throughout the first floor – one was repurposed as a wet bar in the dining room and another showcases a colorful library in the hall. In the guest bathroom, a jeweltoned stained glass window and ornate pendant lamp cast a magical glow over a classic clawfoot tub.

HOME & GARDEN

One piece of furniture that came with the house also holds a relic from the past – a bullet lodged in the surface of a reclaimed wooden coffee table. “The story is there was a milk barn across the way, and one day some men playing cards got into a disagreement,” Beth says. “One of the previous homeowners made the table [with the wood from the barn], and it has stayed with the house ever since.”

Outside, a wraparound porch is home to rocking chairs and a swing that once belonged to Taylor’s grandmother. “We used to swing on it together when I was little, and now our kids get to use it,” he says. The home is larger than their last one, too, but it’s the outdoor space that was the biggest draw – and the kids agree. “We like to play and climb the

The concrete countertops and rustic light fixture give the farmhouse’s kitchen a cozy and natural look and feel.

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HOME & GARDEN

ABOVE The home is located close to a road, but the fenced yard provides a safe place to play.

LEFT The family uses the side door as their primary entrance, so Beth created this drop zone in the kitchen for school and work supplies.

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big magnolia tree,” Carson says. “I like to jump on the trampoline and do front flips,” Charlotte adds.

“Sometimes they will come in covered in mud, or with a jar full of bugs they’ve collected,” Taylor says. Dog River, cat Stella and a handful of chickens also enjoy the shady porch and yard. “It’s amazing the difference it makes to be in a wooded area; even when it’s warm out, the trees keep us cool,” Taylor says.

The Kennedys plan to turn their attention to the home’s exterior when it comes to future projects. Taylor would like to create a hangout space in the garage, and while Beth always has her eyes open for the perfect rug, paint color or chandelier, she hopes some changes to the landscape may be on the horizon.

“This home has taught us so much, and given us so many ideas,” she says. “We love it here.” CM

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UPDATES

HERE WE

GROW AGAIN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE UPDATES, PLUS A LOOK AT UPCOMING PROJECTS COMPILED BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA AND RENEE AMBROSO RENDERING COURTESY OF CHATHAM COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

S

teve Newton,

director of the county’s emergency management department, says site preparations are complete for a new emergency operations center at 112 Innovation Way, west of Pittsboro. The center will house 911 communications, emergency management and the Emergency Operations Center.

The project is estimated to cost $22,173,651, and the center is expected to be operational by November 2022.

“The functions housed in the EOC serve every Chatham County resident, business and visitor, often in their

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worst moments,” Steve says. “Even with modern, compact furniture, the current 911 communications center has already been outgrown. A seventh console is needed now, but installation would significantly reduce the usable space in the EOC. The current facility also has insufficient redundancies in its mechanical, electrical, plumbing and safety systems, and several systems have well exceeded their useful life expectancy.” Steve said that the building systems must be reliable with redundant backup services to fully maintain critical functions because of just how important the services are. CM

WINTER 2021-2022

The Vickers Bennett Group plans to develop Vickers Village, a 103-acre mixed-use community with a combination of residential housing, a commercial area, community gathering space and pathways for pedestrians and bicycles. Approximately 67 acres will be permanently preserved natural space. The village is planned for the area between Jack Bennett Road and Vickers Road and a parcel east of Henley Road. A stand-alone wastewater treatment plant is planned for the development, which will include approximately 111 town houses, 70 singlefamily dwellings and 15 condo units above the retail spaces.

Herndon Farms is a 98-acre proposed compact community for adults age 55 and older. The property straddles Highway 15-501, and its western tract borders Briar Chapel. The planned mixed-use community will include 161 residential units, a 140,000-square-foot congregate care facility, a one-story office/day care, community gardens and a barn for events. Developer Saprolite Development LLC plans to provide its own on-site wastewater system.

Pittsboro-based Congruus LLC plans to develop 370 acres for a mixed-use compact community called Fearrington Preserve, located on Morris Road across 15-501 from Fearrington Village and directly adjacent to Briar Chapel. Isabel Mattox, a land use attorney representing the developers, requested expansion of the compact community map to include 184 acres.

Tim Sweeney, founder and CEO of Cary-based video game company Epic Games, and one of the largest private landowners in the state, purchased 268 acres of mostly wooded land near the intersection of Sam Fields and Alston Bridge roads outside Siler City for just over $1.6 million in September. The purchase was made through Sweeney’s company – 130 of Chatham LLC – and is part of a conservation project to prevent development.

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WE KNOW CHATHAM COUNTY! Locally, we are known as The Specialists on our community’s houses, neighborhoods, schools and cultural activities.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A HOME,

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call or drop by our office for the most varied newcomer packet and an interesting introduction to the Chatham County Area.

Residential Real Estate • 901 Willow Drive, Suite 3, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 919.933.8500 • 800.382.0673 • tha@tonyhallassociates.com • www.tonyhallassociates.com WINTER 2021-2022

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WEDDINGS

WEDDING & RECEPTION VENUE GUIDE AN OVERVIEW OF WHERE TO CELEBRATE YOUR BIG DAY IN CHATHAM

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No

Lawn

The Parlour at Manns Chapel Chapel Hill

No

100

100

Yes

No

Garden Patio

Rivers & Bridges Estate Silk Hope 919-260-2964

Yes

120

120

Yes

No

Lawn, Deck

Shady Wagon Farm New Hill 919-542-7172

No

200

200

Yes

No

Pond, Pavillion

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CHATHAM MAGAZINE

WINTER 2021-2022

WEDDINGS

SOMETHING OLD,SOMETHING NOVEL LOCAL SHOP OFFERS CREATIVE OPTIONS TO UPCYCLE WEDDING DRESSES B Y R Y L E E P A R S O N S

V

intage wedding gowns are coming back in style. “It’s a form of recycling, and most of these pieces are truly unique,” says Mary Lovell Piraino, co-owner of Screaming for Vintage in Pittsboro. “You’re not buying something new that’s taking up space or using new resources.”

The distinctive qualities of these dresses can make a perfect fit for whimsical, thematic weddings, winter weddings or an outdoor wedding. “We’ve really got something for everyone,” Mary says, adding that a vintage gown offers a bride room for creativity and fun in her style.

Mary and her husband, Chad Piraino, buy, sell and trade furniture, houseware, art and clothing. They receive donations

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from people who want to ensure their old items fall into the right hands, such as those of a bride-to-be who values a distinctive gown.

“People will be getting alterations or making touch-ups here and there, and it’s really nice to see them when they find their perfect one,” Mary says. “It’s difficult to find two of the same one.”

Fewer than a dozen vintage dresses hang deep inside the shop. The current collection includes silk gowns from the 1930s to the 1990s. Mary describes one velvet dress from the ’50s with a high waist, three-quarter length sleeve and beading around the neckline. Another from the ’70s has a high collar, long sleeves and a low-cut top with flower embellishments. A gown from the ’30s features bird cutouts on the skirt, and though it needs some work, it would be Bookkeeapgreat ing project is for someone to alter or repair, Mary says. CM

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WINTER 2021-2022

CHATHAM MAGAZINE

119

WEDDINGS

Lawler & Whitaker

BY GRACE MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDALYNN HOOFT LEMONS PHOTOGRAPHY, BHLPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

F

or Jesse Lawler and Shelbee Whitaker, their love blossomed in Chatham County. The couple first met at Pittsboro Elementary School and started dating in 2016 during their senior year at Northwood High School. They have been together ever since.

On May 31, 2020, the couple enjoyed ice cream and ocean views from a pier at Topsail Beach.

“I was distracted by something moving in the water, and as I turned around to ask him what it was, he got down on one knee,” Shelbee recalls. They shared their news over dinner with Shelbee’s parents that evening.

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CHATHAM MAGAZINE

WINTER 2021-2022

Jesse and Shelbee were married at the Dorsett House in Siler City on March 20, 2021, in a ceremony officiated by Jon Pister, Jesse’s former youth leader. Guests in attendance included the couple’s parents, Bob Lawler and Barbara Lawler of Moncure, and Jamie Whitaker and Tracee Whitaker of Pittsboro. With a dusty rose and gray color palette in mind, they chose an array of local vendors including 39 West Catering, Cakes

by Crick and Blushed Beauty. “My favorite moment was walking down the aisle and seeing [Jesse’s] face as he was trying to hold back the tears,” Shelbee says.

The couple lives in Sanford and hopes to build a place of their own in Silk Hope. Shelbee is a dental assistant, and Jesse attends UNC Charlotte and is a soon-to-be mechanical engineer. CM

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