Chris G. Adigun, MD is a board certified dermatologist and a recognized leader in dermatology. She is known for her expertise in laser and aesthetic dermatology as well as her warm, compassionate and downto-earth personality. Dr. Adigun’s team is comprised of top notch, dermatology-trained professionals, offering the latest technology and treatments.
There is a reason DLC has been voted Best of Chapel Hill and Best of Chatham every year since we opened the doors. It’s simple, DLC treats everyone like family!
Visit DLC today and experience the difference for yourself!
Chris G. Adigun, MD, FAAD
Amanda K. Suggs, MD, FAAD
Karlee Wagoner, ANP-BC
Diana Walker, PA-C
Amy Rodriguez, PA-C
EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR Amanda MacLaren
EXECUTIVE EDITOR, CHATHAM MAGAZINE
Morgan Cartier Weston morgan.weston@chathammagazinenc.com
EDITOR, CHAPEL HILL MAGAZINE Jessica Stringer
SENIOR STAFF WRITER Anna-Rhesa Versola
MANAGING EDITOR, HEART OF NC WEDDINGS Renee Ambroso
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Leah Berry
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Alexandra Borda, Laney Crawley, Hailie Davidson, Mazin Elnagheeb, Emily Gessner, Phoebe Martel, Taylor Motley, Allison Moxley, Becca Savidge, Emilia Rivadeneira, Lauren Rouse, Addie Rowells and Emma Unger
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kevin Brown
PHOTOGRAPHER
John Michael Simpson
GRAPHIC DESIGNER/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Lindsay Scott
AD MANAGER
Khadijah Weekes-Nolan
CONTRIBUTORS
Alex Boerner and Geelea Seaford Shipton
ADVERTISING
For information, contact advertising@chathammagazinenc.com
MULTIMEDIA PUBLISHER & DIRECTOR OF CLIENT DIGITAL STRATEGY Jenna Parks
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, HEART OF NC WEDDINGS Meagan Culkin
DIGITAL OPERATIONS MANAGER Brian McIndoo
DIGITAL CAMPAIGN MANAGER Jack Fry
MULTIMEDIA CONTENT DIRECTOR Morgan Cartier Weston
DIGITAL CONTENT SPECIALIST
Renee Ambroso
DISTRIBUTION
Matt Bair
Chatham Magazine is published by Triangle Media Partners, founded in 2006 by Dan and Ellen Shannon 1777 Fordham Blvd., Ste. 105, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 919–933–1551
Subscriptions are $24 for 2 years – subscribe at chathammagazinenc.com
a note from our new company president
Dear readers, clients and friends, I’m thrilled to announce that I have purchased Triangle Media Partners, the parent company of Chatham Magazine, from my business partners and company founders Ellen Shannon and the late Dan Shannon, effective as of Jan. 7, 2025.
After 15 years of invaluable mentorship from Ellen, Dan and our talented team, I’m honored to step into this leadership role. Ellen will remain by my side throughout 2025, helping to ensure a smooth transition while continuing to grow our marketing and events department.
As we approach two major milestones – the 20th anniversary of our business in 2026 and the 40th anniversary of our acquired multimedia title, Heart of NC Weddings magazine – we’re reflecting on and reinvesting into our mission: connecting the Triangle to help visitors and residents alike live their best lives. Placemaking, storytelling and celebrating community remain at the heart of everything we do, and we are here to exercise those values each and every day.
Since joining the company in 2009, I’ve been privileged to contribute to its growth in various roles, from sales and marketing to event planning and digital strategy. I’ve also spearheaded innovative multimedia products and services like Triangle Digital Partners, our digital agency, and The Triangle Weekender publication.
My commitment is to continue showcasing the people and organizations that make this vibrant community special. Together alongside my talented team, I promise to keep delivering high-quality content, marketing services and events while supporting local business and endeavors with our time, talents and resources to ensure the Triangle thrives.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team or to me directly with feedback, story ideas or marketing opportunities – I’d love to hear from you. cm
Rory Gillis President, Triangle Media Partners rory.gillis@trianglemediapartners.com
PHOTO BY RICHARD BARLOW PHOTOGRAPHY
56 Claire Coffey CEO, Intrepid Build
60 Norma Jisselle Perdomo Managing attorney, Perdomo Law Firm PLLC
74 Joan Cunningham Board chair, Chatham Animal Rescue & Education
76 Karen Tiwana Dentist and owner, Chatham Dental Arts
78 Lesley L. Landis Graphic designer
82 Jean MacDonald CEO, Business Brewing
kids
44 Future Focused Four high school students forge their paths to college and beyond
84 Spring Into the Season Take advantage of the many parks, farms and outdoor venues in our backyard
96 Life in Color
A cheery transformation makes this home more fun – and functional – for the whole family
120 Fresh Finds, Friendly Faces Discover your local farmers market features
26 Shifting Focus
by Phil Hathcock
32 Double the Charm Spend a day exploring the downtowns of nearby Cary and Apex
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
Cockman & McIntyre
CHAOS TO CREATIVITY
— Lindsay Sartorio, Senior Design Consultant
spring forward
As the days grow longer and the world around us begins to bloom, our spring issue is a celebration of the fresh starts, vibrant communities and inspiring individuals who make our county thrive. Our eighth annual Women’s Issue highlights locals who are shaping the region in business, the arts and beyond, from trailblazers in law and construction to entrepreneurs and community leaders. Their stories remind us that success comes in many forms and that our community is stronger when we uplift and support one another. Meet our 2025 Women of Achievement on page 55.
This issue also embraces the wonders of spring, with plenty of ideas for getting outside. Explore our local parks and farms, discover fresh finds at your nearest farmers market or draw inspiration from the thriving gardens and vibrant colors in this issue’s home feature.
We also take a closer look at the changing landscape of Chatham County – from new businesses and commercial developments (page 128) to the powerful symbolism behind “Windstone,” the public sculpture now standing tall in downtown Pittsboro. This new feature, Shifting Focus, is a space we will use to showcase local creativity and unique history.
And as always, we’re here to help you make the most of life in Chatham, from not-to-miss events (page 10) to our Best of Chatham 2025 poll launching May 1. Learn more about how to vote or nominate your favorite business on page 52, and be sure to sign up for our email list using the QR code, below right, to be notified when polling goes live!
We hope the people and projects in these pages leave you feeling a sense of hope for what’s to come and the many ways we can all grow together. cm
Take good care,
camp site
Check out our Triangle-wide online guide to camps and summer activities.
morgan.weston@chathammagazinenc.com
mark your calendar Best of Chatham voting opens May 1! Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when polling opens. 'gram worthy For even more curated picks (and pics!) of what’s going on, follow Chatham Magazine on Instagram!
The Cover Photo by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
CORA Empty Bowls
March 22, 5-8 p.m.
Head over to Pittsboro United Methodist Church for CORA Food Pantry’s 13th annual fundraising event that helps ensure all residents of Chatham County have access to safe and nutritious food. Attendees will enjoy a delicious meal, including soups and baked goods from local restaurants, and go home with one of the hundreds of bowls donated by local artisans – a reminder that many of our neighbors’ bowls are empty. corafoodpantry.org
out&about
Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival
May 1-4
Head to the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center to get your groove on with four days of music, dance, art and education. Enjoy live performances, interactive workshops, local vendors and vibrant cultural experiences at the 21st annual family-friendly event. shakorihillsgrassroots.org
ClydeFEST
April 13, noon - 4 p.m.
Get out and play at this family-friendly festival at Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center. Enjoy oldschool games, live performances, local vendors and art on display, plus choose from a variety of food trucks on-site. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. chathamartscouncil.org
6 events you won't want to miss
Compiled by BECCA SAVIDGE
Fearrington Village Singers Spring Concert
May 2, 7:30 p.m.; May 3, 3 p.m.
Catch the 70-member community chorus made up of residents of Fearrington Village, Galloway Ridge and surrounding areas at their spring concert, “And So We Sing.” The chorus has a history dating back to 1990 and has been under the direction of Matt Fry since 2014. The May 2 concert takes place at Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church and the May 3 show will be held at Hugh Chapin Auditorium at Galloway Ridge. fearringtonvillagesingers.org
PHOTO BY ANDREA AKIN
PHOTO BY EMILY CORBETT
PHOTO BY ABBY SHAVER
Spring Chicken Festival
May 3,
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Flock to downtown Siler City for this annual celebration of all things chicken. Three blocks of Chatham Street will come alive with music, inflatables, craft vendors and a mouthwatering array of food trucks. It’s feather-ruffling fun for the whole family! silercity.org
FREE ADMISSION
Spring for Literacy Luncheon
May 15
Join Chatham Literacy for its 14th annual spring luncheon at Governors Club and enjoy a reading by guest author Marjorie Hudson from her latest novel, “Indigo Field,” a story about the contemporary South and the weight of centuries of hidden history. The event is a key fundraiser for the nonprofit’s mission to provide adults throughout Chatham County with foundational literacy skills, empowering them to obtain employment, improve job performance, apply for U.S. citizenship and more. chathamliteracy.org cm
CHATHAM ARTS COUNCIL’S
THE CHATHAM AG CENTER SUNDAY, APRIL 13 12pm-4pm Rain or Shine Rain or Shine No furry friends, please
Photo by Dario Calmese
Photo courtesy of artist
Photo by Christopher Duggan
Photo by Lawrence Sumulong
people &places
chatham artists guild studio tour
The Chatham Artists Guild hosted its 32nd annual studio tour over two weekends in December, offering visitors an intimate look at the work of local painters, sculptors, fiber artists and more. One of North Carolina’s longest-running studio tours, the event not only highlights the region’s creative talent but also strengthens connections between nearly 70 member artists and the community where they live and create.
Photography courtesy of CHATHAM ARTISTS GUILD
1 A customer peruses Doug Dotson’s pottery.
2 Louise Hobbs.
3 Janet Place set up shop on her front porch.
4 Steevie Parks, Joy Hewett and Susan McMichaels.
5 Art by Diane Swan.
6 Colleen Black Semelka in her studio.
7 Randi Markowitz and Ashlie Campbell. cm
chatham chamber of commerce gala
Photography by LAUREN ROUSE
The Chatham Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual gala Jan. 30 at The Barn at Woodlake Meadows Chatham Chamber Interim CEO Cheryl Littleton and Chatham Chamber Chair and Triangle Media Partners Vice President Chris Elkins welcomed attendees. Award recipients included The Quiltmaker Cafe Executive Director Jennie Knowlton (Citizenship and Service Award), O’Quinn’s Butcher Shop (Small Business of the Year), Business Brewing President Jean MacDonald (Distinguished Businessperson of the Year), Bold Real Estate Broker Becca Ferris Chavez (Young Professional of the Year) and Central Carolina Community College Human Resources Development Coordinator Malinda Marsh (Ambassador of the Year). The night culminated with a comedy show featuring Greensboro-based comedian Ben Jones. cm
1
2 Rodney Graham and Sherry
both of
3 Jennie Knowlton of The Quiltmaker Café, Perla Ayala of Communities in Schools Chatham County, Jazmin Mendoza Sosa and Heather St. Clair, both of Chatham County Partnership for Children, and Sanga Poonia of State Employees’ Credit Union Pittsboro.
Katie Walker of Fidelity Bank Pittsboro, Tony Cash of Right By You Mortgage and Catherine Hobbs of Chatham Homes Realty.
Reeves,
Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home.
A WORKSPACE THAT WORKS FOR
PRIVATE OFFICES • CO-WORKING • EVENTS AND MEETING ROOMS
The 79°West Innovation Hub is a 22,000+ 8,500 square-foot workspace situated in MOSAIC, a 44-acre mixed-use community that’s part of the rapidly growing Live-WorkPlay-Learn Chatham Park community just north of historic downtown Pittsboro, NC.
At 79°West, coworking, innovation programming, and private offices converge with mentorship and community collaboration in this all-in-one hub that blends work with play, personal with professional, and passion with production.
hampton inn & suites grand opening
Photography by MELISSA CRANE
The Hampton Inn & Suites, Chatham County’s first national brand hotel, celebrated its grand opening Nov. 14, 2024, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, residents and industry professionals. The hotel’s opening aligns with continued growth and increasing demand for quality lodging in the region. Located at
1 Pittsboro Mayor Kyle
Chatham Chamber Chair-Elect
Hoyle; Madison Silvert, President of BryantCorp; Kendrick Allen, Hampton Inn & Suites general manager; BryantCorp co-founder Malcom Bryant; David Norman, director of hospitality for BryantCorp; Reesey Collier, Hampton Inn & Suites sales manager; and BryantCorp’s Sarah Clay Mardam-Bey.
2 Hubie’s Car Wash co-owner Brian Glover with author Robin Eisenbeis and her mom, Nancy Kimball.
3 Former Chatham County manager Dan LaMontagne, Lee-Moore Capital Company’s Kevin Scanlon and Jay Walden with Coldwell Banker HPW.
Shipp;
Jason
MORE WORKING
Residents collaborate with leadership to shape the community.
MORE COMMUNITY
We are committed to inclusivity and diversity so you can grow amongst residents and staff from all walks of life MORE
your fun in our healthy, active community
MORE
Quality of life is paramount, from a home designed your way to a vibrant culture.
6 Catherine Hobbs of Chatham Homes Realty and Carolina Tiger Rescue’s Heidi
7 Cheryl Littleton of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce and Bold’s Lewis Hendricks.
8 Pittsboro Commissioner James Vose and Greg Lewis of The Sycamore at Chatham Mills and 39 West Catering.
4 Chatham Park’s Debbie Andleton and Larkin Willis of Julie Roland Realty.
5 Carolina Brewery’s Samantha Brykailo and Tara Brand.
Zangara.
former chatham county manager receives old north state award
Former governor Roy Cooper’s office recognized former Chatham County manager Dan LaMontagne with one of North Carolina’s highest honors, the Old North State Award, which is reserved for individuals who have dedicated 20 or more years to the state and acknowledges exemplary leadership and commitment to North Carolina’s communities. It was presented during a Chatham County Board of Commissioners meeting Dec. 16, 2024, celebrating Dan’s 24 years of service in state and local government.
Dan worked for the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Town of Apex and Wake County prior to starting his career in Chatham County in 2010 as its solid waste director. He went on to play a pivotal role in shaping our county’s infrastructure, environmental initiatives and growth strategies in departments including waste management, environmental quality, and public works and utilities before serving as interim county manager in 2018; he was officially appointed to the top leadership role in 2019. Dan officially retired Dec. 27, 2024, and was succeeded by Bryan Thompson. cm
Commissioner Franklin Gomez Flores, Commissioner Amanda Robertson, Dan LaMontagne, Board Chair Karen Howard, Board Vice Chair Katie Kenlan and Commissioner David Delaney.
Photo courtesy of CHATHAM COUNTY GOVERNMENT
chatham county’s 2024 employees of the year
Photo courtesy of CHATHAM COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Adam Gaines and Chance Mullis earned top honors as Chatham County’s 2024 Employees of the Year. The award recognizes county employees for their dedication, leadership and impact on the community. The Chatham County Board of Commissioners presented the awards to Adam, assistant director of emergency communications, and Chance, assistant planning director, in December 2024.
Adam began his career with the county in 2009 as a 911 dispatcher and quickly became a key member of the emergency communications team. His expertise in technical systems and operations led to promotions, first to quality assurance coordinator in 2017 and then to assistant director in 2022. Chance joined Chatham County Government in 2018 as a planner and rose through the ranks to assistant planning director in 2023. He is currently project manager for two critical initiatives, the Moncure Small Area Plan and the Unified Development Ordinance, and has played a key role in shaping the county’s future growth.
County employees nominate their peers for the annual award, and the Workforce Development Committee selected Chance and Adam from a highly qualified, competitive field. “We are so fortunate to have Adam and Chance as employees,”
Courtney Jones, director of Chatham County Human Resources, said in a press release. “[They] embody the true spirit of Chatham County with their hard work, commitment and passion to serve the people of our community.” cm
Chance Mullis and Adam Gaines.
n downtown Pittsboro, the newly installed “Windstone” sculpture is a striking fusion of natural elements and modern design. Rising 21 feet and crafted from aluminum rods, natural stone and stainless steel by artist Phil Hathcock, the dynamic piece harnesses the power of wind and movement to create a subtle, resonant sound.
“Windstone” symbolizes both stability and transformation – both equally apt descriptors of the town’s ongoing evolution. Rooted in the earth yet reaching skyward, the sculpture blends tradition with progress, its ever-changing melody embodying Pittsboro’s commitment to fostering a welcoming community as it grows.
This is one of the first installations put forth by the Town of Pittsboro’s Creative Placemaking Committee, which is tasked with creating opportunities for gathering and reflection in and around town. Turn the page to learn more about the committee’s work and future plans and how to get involved.
‘windstone' I
bringing art to life in pittsboro: creative placemaking in action
ittsboro is embracing the power of public art to shape its future, foster community connections and celebrate local culture. The town’s Creative Placemaking Committee, launched in 2024, is leading efforts to enhance public spaces through murals, sculptures and other artistic installations.
One of the committee’s first major projects is the restoration of a beloved mural, pictured right, by renowned Bynum folk artist Clyde Jones. This vibrant piece of local history was originally painted in 1996 and is being carefully revitalized by Pittsboro muralist
Thomas Begley, with support from the town, the Chatham Arts Council and local businesses. This effort underscores the town’s commitment to preserving its artistic heritage while inspiring future creativity.
Looking ahead, the committee is championing an East/West Arts Corridor, a vision that reaches from downtown to The Plant and includes the installation of public sculptures to enrich Pittsboro’s streetscapes and support the local creative economy.
A key upcoming event is the Fall Sculpture Show at The Plant, which takes place Sept. 19 and 20, 2025. The juried exhibition will showcase works from local and regional sculptors, with selected pieces being permanently installed along the corridor. Community members are encouraged to get involved by attending events, supporting public art initiatives or volunteering with the Creative Placemaking Committee.
For updates on ongoing projects, visit the Murals of Pittsboro Facebook page or follow the town’s official channels.
Artists interested in submitting their work to the Fall Sculpture Show can apply by May 1 at theplantnc.com/call-for-art. cm
PHOTO BY STEPHAN MEYERS
Randolph Memories - Asheboro
Tribiute to Coach Russell Murphy - Asheboro
Asheboro
Spend a day exploring the downtowns of nearby Cary and Apex
Photography by John Michael Simpson
CHARMDouble the
The first phase of Downtown Cary Park – an acre featuring the Frantz Square fountain and performance area – was completed in 2017. An additional 6 acres opened to the public on Nov. 17, 2023. This vibrant oasis is centrally located in downtown’s social district and features The Bark Bar, an open-air, all-season bar near the Barkyard dog park that serves beer and wine as well as nonalcoholic beverages and light snacks. Market 317, located in Academy Pavilion, is a grab-and-go style cafe offering wraps, sandwiches, charcuterie boards and more. Traverse the elevated Skywalk to take in the full view of the park, and stay up to date on the nearly 500 events happening throughout the year, from fitness classes and demonstrations to concerts, yoga, book clubs, public art walks, story times, movies and so much more.
A CLOSER LOOK AT ... DOWNTOWN CARY
This walkable, charming and historic urban space boasts a rich legacy dating back to before the American Revolution. Railroads brought prosperity to the region in the mid-19th century, and the town was officially incorporated in 1871 (it measured only a square mile at the time!). Today, it remains the heart and soul of Cary, featuring iconic landmarks, historic structures, craft breweries, a farmers market, celebrated restaurants and much more, making it a must-visit destination for residents and visitors alike.
Experience authentic Laotian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere at SAAP, known for its flavorful dishes curated by chef Lon Bounsanga that include green papaya salad, Lao beef jerky, banh mi, chicken satay and chicken curry. Handcrafted cocktails and mocktails with Southeast Asian ingredients –think ube, lychee, lemongrass and hibiscus – and tropical flavors complement the experience.
Catch concerts, movies, celebrations and more on stage at the performance pavilion located in the center of Downtown Cary Park.
PHOTO BY BAXTER MILLER
The Great Lawn at Downtown Cary Park has plenty of space for spectators to enjoy events on stage at the Pavilion and also provides a lovely backdrop for Rebekah Beebe-Karim and her husband, Saad Karim, to take an afternoon stroll with drinks from The Bark Bar in hand.
The Cary Regional Library offers a wide range of books, digital resources and engaging events for all ages as a hub of knowledge and creativity.
Discover a dynamic arts scene with galleries, workshops and performances showcasing local talent in visual and performing arts at the Cary Arts Center
Cary’s Pocket Community Garden fosters a sense of camaraderie through shared gardening spaces and educational programs.
Good times flow as freely as the beer at Cotton House. Inside the circa 1900 historic Pasmore House, contemporary updates blend seamlessly with craftsmanship of the past, from exposed brick fireplaces to a Prohibition-era bar adorned with Italian marble. Step outside under string lights to enjoy a flight on its back deck overlooking a lush backyard and views of downtown.
Experience the artisanal bread, pastries and sandwiches of the beloved La Farm Bakery, which was founded by master baker Lionel Vatinet and his wife and partner, Missy Vatinet, in 1999. The bakery embodies centuries-old French baking traditions and is nationally renowned for its dedication to preserving the art and science of bread making. F
The vibrant space at Cocoon Gallery, founded by owner Cynthia Mollenkopf in 2017, features artwork by more than 70 North Carolina artists. You’ll find gifts, home decor and handwoven accessories in a colorful, welcoming space. Want to make your own art? Cocoon’s artisans offer classes that span mediums from bookbinding to hatmaking to watercolor painting.
Anna’s Pizzeria has been a North Salem Street staple for decades, and with good reason: You can taste the love in each hearty Italian dish. Anna’s is known for its pizza, which comes topped with housemade sauce and mozzarella, but the restaurant also serves delectable dishes like buttery garlic knots, grilled eggplant panini and dreamy cannoli.
A CLOSER LOOK AT ... DOWNTOWN APEX
Take a leisurely stroll down Salem Street, and many well-preserved historic buildings are sure to catch your eye – most date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and span a variety of architectural styles, including Victorian, Queen Anne and Colonial Revival. Apex was once Wake County’s busiest trade hub; today, the former train depot, town hall and market buildings are home to a growing mix of independently owned shops, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques.
Get your caffeine – and sugar – fix at Common Grounds Coffee House & Desserts, where dozens of coffee options are matched by the equally loaded pastry case, which includes gluten-free and vegan options. Exposed brick walls and industrialinspired seating make it an enjoyable place to hang out, or just stop in for your favorite pick-me-up.
Enjoy classic pub fare and North Carolina craft beer at Salem Street Pub where friendly staff and a relaxed environment invite guests to sit and stay awhile. Pro tip: Try the Brussels sprouts.
In search of the perfect, yet practical, gift? Step into Stylish Living for leveled-up self-care essentials, including lush lotions, soft pajamas, stylish totes and water bottles, and more.
Scratch Kitchen & Taproom’s menu blends comforting Southern dishes with Asian-inspired flavors, from pimento cheese wontons to loaded harvest bowls. Next door, Neat & Sweet offers a cozy cocktail and dessert lounge experience.
Photography by Morgan Weston
Real quality beach time.
who's who
in town & county government
Tylr Stinson Director, Siler City Parks and Recreation
By EMMA UNGER
ylr Stinson graduated from UNC Greensboro in 2021 and began working as a therapist in a retirement community, but the work soon began to weigh on him. Tylr wanted to continue changing lives in a meaningful way and turned to parks and recreation, the focus of his undergraduate studies, for a career change. He joined Siler City Parks and Recreation in January 2023 as a recreation coordinator and was promoted to director six months later. Tylr lives in Siler City with his wife, Kayla Stinson, and their sixmonth-old son, Oliver Stinson. A typical day at work takes Tylr across Siler City and Chatham County’s facilities, preparing for special programs and developing plans for growth and maintenance. F
Photo by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
Tylr Stinson with his wife, Kayla Stinson, and their son, Oliver Stinson. As Siler City's parks and recreation director, Tylr is dedicated to creating spaces where families – just like his own – can connect, play and make lasting memories.
What is one of the most memorable experiences or exciting moments that stand out from your time as parks and recreation director? We did a lot of work at Washington [Avenue] Park. That park probably hadn’t seen work in [more than] 30 years, and we just repaved both courts, redid the basketball court, put in four new goals and lined it for futsal. We’re trying to get multiuse out of some of our facilities. There was a court that didn’t have anything on it, and we repaved that, turned it into a pickleball court and a shuffleboard court. … We’re just trying to make a difference and keep it fun and lively. I’m pretty proud of the work that we’re getting done at Washington Park.
What’s your favorite part of your job? Getting direct feedback from the community. I love when I see kids smiling or our parks being used by families. That really warms my heart and really gives me affirmation that I made the right decision to come to Siler City and do a career change to parks and recreation. … I mean, that’s what life’s all about – having fun, enrichment [and] being with your friends and family.
Are there any new programs or events you’re especially excited about for 2025? I always look forward to our special events, and [we are] really trying to grow them every year, getting advertisements out there, not just to Siler City, but to multiple cities. You put a lot of planning into a special event, so when you see that large crowd come out, it’s just very rewarding to see all the kids and parents smiling. … Especially as a parks and rec director, seeing that direct impact with the community, that’s what changes it.
As Siler City continues to grow, how are you planning for the future of its parks and recreational spaces? I’m presenting a rebuild plan for Paul Braxton Gymnasium and the potential to build a new gym. Bray Park Sports Complex is the largest park in our
system; it’s about 67 acres, and right now only about 21 acres are developed. So, we have a lot of land that we can work with at Bray Park.
Another push we’re doing is a lot of work with [engineering consulting firm] ESP Associates. We’re looking at doing a lot of land acquisition to help with some floodplain mitigation work, and a part of that is looking at park pieces that can be added as well.
You’re currently working on a 10-year master plan for parks and recreation. What are some key goals or ideas shaping that plan?
Lightning Round
Morning or night person? Morning.
Mountains or beach? Both! But I don’t like salty air.
Favorite season?
I love my birthday time in November. I love seeing the leaves fall down.
Bucket list travel destination?
I’m a big scuba diver. I’d love to go scuba diving in the Red Sea.
Favorite sport to watch? I am a parks and rec professional, but I really don’t watch sports. … In high school I was a big wrestler and tennis player. I enjoy watching tennis, and I like watching Formula 1 a little bit.
The Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan was adopted Aug. 19, 2024. It’s definitely looking at the growth of the town, previous studies that the town has done and what our current park system has. They went through and scored all our parks, and we’re doing improvements at all our parks as well as looking at future plans for new parks. It’s comprehensive. It looks at factors like the population, travel distances, our community partners and floodplains, and compares them to the National Recreation and Park Association numbers. We’re trying to stay aligned with those national standards.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity? Spending time with family.
What’s one park or facility in Siler City that more people should know about?
Our neighborhood parks, either Landrus [Siler Park] or Washington Park. … When I take people to those pocket parks, they’re like, ‘I did not know this was here, and I live nine blocks away.’
flow and the variety of offerings you have. You want consistency, but you want to change it up, so people are still interested in coming to the event.
This year, we created a committee for the event to help plan, organize and increase the overall efforts going into this event. Committee members include downtown business owners, downtown representatives and department staff.
I want Siler City to be a tourist destination, so that’s my goal with the Spring Chicken Festival. I want to continue to build it for the future and really start getting a bigger crowd.
What makes that event special, and what can attendees look forward to this year? The biggest thing for that event is that it’s free. All the rides, all the inflatables we offer at that event are free to everyone that comes. The town and our premier sponsor, Mountaire Farms, cover them fully. It’s a great opportunity for families to be engaged in the community and partake in things they might not normally have access to.
A big piece to any plan like this is community input. All these plans are only as strong as the input we get from the community, so we’re focused on serving our community and seeing what their desires are and trying to add those to the plan.
What goes into your work overseeing the Spring Chicken Festival? It’s a collaborative effort that involves months of detailed planning and coordination. You have to look at street closures, booking attractions, traffic
What are some other can’t-miss events and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors happening in Siler City this spring and summer? We also do our Easter Eggstravaganza the weekend before Easter, and we do our Friday Night Flicks, which is a movie series with three movies. With the growth and desires of our community, we’re looking at maybe adding more in the future. cm
Group pic from back row (Left to right): Edward Oboyle, Liandro Gordiano, Antonio Carreño.
Front row (Left to eight): Elizabeth Carreño, Jesus (Chuy) Gordiano, Jennifer Gordiano and Ian Rodgers.
Photo by Lee Callicutt
Cambridge Hills Assisted Living is the area’s premier senior living community. We strive to enhance each resident’s quality of life with award winning activities programs and quality of care.
140 Brookstone Lane, Pittsboro NC 919 545 9573
Both communities are locally, veteran owned. silver-thread.com
IN SENIOR LIVING, IN CHATHAM COUNTY
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Twin Rivers Independent Senior Living is a cozy, 31 unit community that feels like home. Residents lead an independent lifestyle, in their own apartments, while enjoying the social activities offered by our caring staff.
We pride ourselves in having a hometown feel and caring staff who become like family. 25 S. Rectory Street, Pittsboro NC 919 545 0149
future focused
AFour high school students forge their paths to college and beyond
By MORGAN CARTIER WESTON
dvancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID, is a nationally recognized college readiness program designed to equip students with skills in writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, reading and critical thinking. AVID students consistently achieve higher rates of college enrollment and graduation. Nationwide, 94% meet fouryear college entrance requirements, 90% gain acceptance to four-year institutions, and 85% continue into their second year. Currently, 13 of the 17 Chatham County Schools, including four high schools, offer AVID as an elective. Students apply and commit to the rigorous curriculum that prepares them to achieve college success.
chart a path
Jacob Eubanks, a junior at Jordan-Matthews High School, knew he wanted to participate in AVID after hearing about it from his older brother, Timothy Eubanks, now a student at North Carolina A&T State University. Inspired by his brother’s success, Jacob, 16, joined the program and has found it to be an invaluable experience.
“AVID has really helped me become more organized,” Jacob says. “I’ve learned different ways to take notes, like writing questions on the side to follow up on later or to prepare for tests.” As first-generation college students, he says both he and Timothy see AVID as an important step in reaching their respective goals. Jacob hopes to follow in his brother’s footsteps while setting an example for his family.
One of his favorite aspects of the program is the opportunity to visit college campuses.
Photography by GLADYS ALVAREZ
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So far, he has toured N.C. A&T, NC State University, East Carolina University and UNC. Through his involvement in the Black Student Union, a club at Jordan-Matthews, Jacob has also visited historically Black universities like WinstonSalem State University. These experiences, along with enthusiastic encouragement from AVID program coordinator Elizabeth Deaton, have fueled Jacob’s excitement about pursuing a degree in business administration with a possible concentration in sports management at NC State or UNC.
AVID has also pushed Jacob to take higher-level courses, reinforcing his confidence in handling college-level work. “It’s a hands-on program that helps you build real skills and meet new people,” he says.
Outside the classroom, Jacob plays baseball and runs track. He balances sports, school and a job at Chick-fil-A through the strong time management skills he has developed.
Jacob credits the program not just for its academic support, but also for fostering a sense of community. “Most of my friends are in AVID – it’s like a big family,” he says. “We help one another, encourage one another and push one another to work hard.” As he looks ahead to college, he is excited about his future career and eager to make his mother proud. His advice to other high school students? “Be as organized as you can,” he says. “Don’t mess around, keep your GPA up and set the tone for the next four years.”
strive for success
Seaforth High School senior Gael Godoy Basabes, 17, joined AVID after receiving encouragement from his English teacher and Seaforth’s AVID coordinator, Sarah Harris. Gael enrolled as a junior – an opportunity that introduced him to new academic pathways, including dual enrollment at Central Carolina Community College
“AVID really focuses on helping you excel and grow as a person,” Gael says. “It opened up options I didn’t even know about.”
He and his classmates take CCCC courses together through AVID, fostering a supportive environment around shared goals. “It feels like being on a team,” Gael explains. “We’re all interacting and helping one another.” The program has also instilled crucial life skills, particularly time management. He stays organized using a provided calendar, ensuring he meets deadlines and remains accountable.
Beyond AVID, Gael is active in Orgullo Latinx Pride, a year-round club created by The Hispanic Liaison. Members engage in activities including homework assistance, college visits, career fairs and cultural events, group meetings and community service. “Many of the students in AVID are also in OLP, so it’s kind of a link between organizations and programs,” Gael says. “Being in both exposes you to more and helps diversify what opportunities you learn about.” His involvement, combined with his academics, inspired Gael to pursue a career in social work.
He credits his teachers, including Michelle Moody, Nathaniel Hoover and Franklin Gomez, for supporting and guiding him along
the way. Gael’s AP Spanish literature class last semester with Mr. Gomez, for instance, deepened his connection to his heritage. “We read [out loud] almost every day, and it really helped me practice my Spanish while learning about my culture,” Gael says.
Outside school, Gael enjoys modifying hardware and software; he recently reconfigured an old iPod to bypass iTunes and allow drag-and-drop music transfers. “It was fun to make something old new again and make it suit my needs,” he says.
Determined to be the first in his family to attend college, Gael says he strives “for a better life, a better education. I want to make [my family] proud, support them when I’m older and take advantage of opportunities they didn’t have.”
As he applies to universities, Gael remains focused on turning his ambition into reality – both for himself and for the community he hopes to serve.
The new YMCA is opening in your community, and we can’t wait for you to be a part of it!
The 36,000-square-foot Chatham Park YMCA offers activities for everyone to live well inside and out.
• State-of-the-art fitness center and group exercise studios featuring classes for every ability and interest including cardio fitness, dance, Pilates, cycle, Yoga, kickboxing and more
• Two outdoor pools providing swim lessons for children and adults, as well as fitness and recreational swimming
• Indoor and open-air gymnasiums
• Outdoor space for youth and family programming
• Multi-purpose space for community collaborations, teen programs and healthy-lifestyle wellness programs
aim high
Jasmine Wichowski first learned about AVID at George Moses Horton Middle School when older students visited to encourage applications to the program. She entered Northwood High School with clear goals: strengthen her public speaking skills, improve her organization and prepare for college.
Now a senior, Jasmine, 18, says these key areas have readied her for the next step in her education. “If I could describe AVID in one word, it would be ‘supportive,’” she says. She especially values the program’s emphasis on collaboration among students. “It is basically a built-in support system, where students across grade levels encourage and guide one another,” Jasmine says.
“Now, some of us are even applying to the same colleges. We’re really in it together.”
Jasmine plans to major in exercise science or sports medicine, aiming to combine her love of science with her passion for sports by becoming a physical trainer or sports medicine physician. She is active in Northwood’s Sports Media Club and its Health and Wellness Club,gaining handson learning experiences that prepare her for her future career.
Beyond academics, AVID has provided Jasmine with friendships, mentorship and motivation. She has applied to 18 colleges, received 10 acceptances so far, and hopes to attend UNC.
find confidence
David Morales Hernandez, a Chatham Central High School senior, found guidance and growth through AVID. His older brother, Francisco Morales Hernandez, participated in AVID as well and encouraged David to join the program as a freshman. Since then, David has developed crucial planning and time management skills.
“Planning ahead gives you stability and organization, not just in school, but in life,” David says. With the help of AVID coordinator Laurie Paige, the 17-year-old learned to track deadlines and map out assignments, a habit that benefits both his academics and his parttime job at Bojangles.
AVID also helped transform David’s confidence in applying to college. Initially unsure about his chances, he worked hard to maintain strong grades and recently gained acceptance to all the universities he applied to, including UNC and NC State. He is considering following a STEM or engineering path, but is also interested in studying law or political science at Carolina, his top choice.
“[UNC] felt inaccessible to me, so I am really excited to have been accepted.”
Support from teachers like Cassadi Walden also played a key role in David’s journey. “She provided one-on-one guidance, helping me explore scholarships and college programs,” he says. He’s now focused on securing financial aid, and already has scholarship applications underway, including one for the Dell Scholars program, a competitive scholarship that includes $20,000 in financial support and a new Dell laptop.
Balancing both school and work has instilled in David values like patience and persistence. “Sometimes schoolwork feels like busywork, and you don’t realize its importance until later,” he says.
David describes AVID as a welcoming environment for learning. As he prepares for college and adulthood, he looks forward to the independence and opportunities ahead. “I’m excited to see what else is out there and to build a life for myself.” cm
best of chatham our annual poll returns may 1
This ballot is meant to showcase the best of the best in our towns, and we can’t emphasize it enough: Winning this award means so much to local businesses, so take this contest as one more way you can ensure that your favorites –whether it’s a coffee shop, real estate agent, art gallery or gym – are wellknown and well-loved by everyone in our community. Let’s showcase the places that make our town special.
We've divided the poll into five categories: Dining, Retail, Services, Home & Garden and Arts & Entertainment.
The results will be announced in our Fall issue, complete with features about a few of our winners. Be sure to check it out!
A Quick Review of the Rules:
• One ballot per person. The email address you submit is essentially your ID - you can come back at any point to finish the survey at your leisure. We’re only counting one ballot per email address. We want to keep ballot box stuffing to a minimum.
• All questions are optional. Though we’d love for you to vote in all the categories, you are welcome to pick and choose.
• Write in your favorites if they’re not nominated. We did the best we could to be comprehensive in the categories with nominees, but the write-in box is there for a reason – use it!
• Be specific in write-in categories. Where applicable, please use the full name of a business and/or person.
Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when polling opens!
Best of Chatham 2024 honorees participated in this collaborative art project, each adding their thumbprint to the collage of people and organizations lifting our community up and onward. ILLUSTRATION BY HANNAH GRACE STUDIOS
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 160 homes across the county in the last 35 years.
Brag Lines
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.
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.
• Home Dedications: Join Habitat for Humanity as we dedicate each of our homes! A few times a year, we host home dedications to celebrate all our new homeowners. Please sign up for our mailing list on our website to receive notifications for these and other events.
Wish List
• Donations of gently used furniture, household goods, and construction materials are welcomed at the ReStores. Call 919-548-6910 to schedule a free donation pick-up.
• Financial contributions to support the construction of safe, healthy, and affordable homes in Chatham County
• Volunteers are needed to donate their time at the ReStore and on our construction site.
Get in Touch!
Mailing Address: PO Box 883 Pittsboro, NC 27312
467 West St. Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-542-0788 chathamhabitat.org
womens womens womens issue
In this special edition, we celebrate the stories of nine women in our community who who lead, create and inspire in their respective fields – from business and advocacy to craftsmanship and volunteerism – highlighting their passion, perseverance and the lasting impact they make every day.
BY
PHOTOGRAPHY
JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
coffey coffey coffey clAire
hen Claire Coffey speaks about her work, her words are imbued with underlying tenacity forged through years of personal challenges. She grew up in upstate New York, attended high school in Massachusetts and earned her bachelor’s degree at Cornell University. She met her nowhusband, Zach Coffey, in New York; the pair moved to New Jersey, and later Virginia, where Claire pursued a career in teaching, and Zach ventured into construction project management. They both also took on roles coaching youth rowing, a passion the two share, and life began to unfold around them just as they expected.
strokes’ effects would be permanent. But each time, I stood up for myself, asked the hard questions and demanded we look deeper. That ability to advocate for myself is what qualifies me to advocate for others now.”
The couple relocated to Chatham County in 2016 in search of better medical care for Claire. In 2018, she and Zach decided to launch Intrepid Build, a construction company with a mission rooted in fairness, equity and putting its workers first. At the time, Claire was seven months pregnant with their daughter, Jillian Coffey, and recovering from yet another health setback. The company became their shared “baby,” a venture infused with their combined passion for teaching, coaching and community impact, with Claire serving as CEO and Zach taking on the role of COO.
i’m determined to live AuthenticAlly And AdvocAte for others. there’s more to life thAn WhAt We get out of it – it’s About the impAct We hAve on our communities.
Then, a few years into their marriage, Claire faced her first cancer diagnosis, marking the beginning of a relentless battle. She was only 28. Over the next decade, she endured brain tumors, thyroid cancer, multiple strokes and the heartbreak of losing a son. Each new challenge tested her limits, yet Claire consistently emerged stronger, armed with a growing sense of purpose.
“I’ve faced my fears over and over again,” she says. “I’ve been told I had months to live, that I’d never swallow again or that my
“Intrepid means fearless,” Claire explains. “That’s what we’ve had to be. And that’s what our mission is about: redefining success in an industry where humanity often takes a back seat. We’re here to advocate for the skilled tradespeople who too often go unappreciated and unheard.”
Claire passionately highlights the disparity in construction between how office workers and field workers are perceived. “Skilled workers are often undervalued,” she says. She strives to bridge that gap through Intrepid Build, creating a culture where transparency, respect and fair treatment are nonnegotiable.
“I know how it feels to be constantly derided and degraded,” she says. “I have been
ceo, intrepid build
e
intrepid adjective in-’tre-p d Characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude and endurance
joy in the simple pleasures of life: all-terrain vehicle rides, bonfires and watching her daughter’s budding interest in leadership.
underestimated, and I’m now better suited to fight for others in that position. It’s important for people to hear how their teams are being treated and to hold everyone accountable.”
Intrepid Build’s proudest accomplishments are their work with nonprofits, such as the container offices they donated and built for Hope Renovations, an organization that empowers underemployed women to pursue living-wage jobs in the construction trades. Claire’s business philosophy is simple: “The more money we make, the more money I’m going to give away.”
Claire and her family – Zach, Jillian, now 6, and their dog, Reggie – live in Briar Chapel and appreciate the strong sense of community and shared values they’ve discovered since moving here nearly a decade ago. Claire finds
“Jillian is already saying, ‘Mom, what do you want me to do when I retire from being the boss of Intrepid?’” Claire laughs. “She’s so funny and so full of potential. Teaching her these values is one of my greatest joys.”
“thAt’s WhAt our mission is About: redefining success in An industry Where humAnity often tAkes A bAckseAt.”
Claire’s journey has taught her that nothing – not illness, loss or professional challenges – can overshadow the power of resilience and authenticity. She’s even tackling her fear of public speaking through Toastmasters and dreams of sharing her story on a broader scale, perhaps in a book. She also wants to become fluent in Spanish to communicate more effectively with her Spanish-speaking colleagues.
“Nothing scares me anymore,” she says.
“I’ve been laid bare. I’ve been in rooms where decisions about my life were made without me. Now, I’m determined to live authentically and to advocate for others. There’s more to life than what we get out of it – it’s about the impact we have on our communities.”
Claire is an outlier in every sense: a woman leader in construction; a fierce advocate for her employees and the communities they serve; a survivor. Her ability to lead with empathy stems directly from her most profound life experiences and, in her words, “redefining what it means to be fearless.” That fearlessness has become both a mindset and a way of life, and through that intentional work, Claire is now building a foundation for others to stand on. – by Morgan Cartier Weston
Claire’s experiences have empowered her to feel comfortable leading and working in a traditionally male-dominated field.
We understand commitment
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Laura M Clapp, CFP‰, CEPA‰,AAMS™ Financial Advisor
301 E Raleigh St Siler City, NC 27344 919-663-1051
Tamra K Ellis Financial Advisor
1530 N Gregson Street, Suite 3A Durham, NC 27701 919-479-8064
orma Jisselle Perdomo immigrated to Siler City from Honduras as a teenager and faced the daunting challenges of learning English, adjusting to a new culture and managing the ups and downs of adolescence all at once. Though she didn’t know it at the time, that experience laid the groundwork for her future as an immigration lawyer.
She was unsure of her career path when she started undergrad at UNC in 2009, but Norma was eager to explore where her passions might lead. “I knew I wanted to make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” Norma says. “At the same time, I was very shy and introverted, and I did not like to speak in public. I didn’t see myself going to court, speaking in front of a judge, having a trial or meeting people for consultations like I do now.”
Norma’s passion for law was ignited as she observed others in her community experiencing the same challenges she did as a teenager, like navigating the complexities of the citizenship process by herself without legal assistance. “I saw that many immigrants in my community – including those in my own family – didn’t know where to go when they had legal issues,” she says. “Or, when they went to an attorney, they couldn’t communicate with them
in a way that they would be well represented because of the gap in communication.”
Norma also realized there was a representation gap in terms of women attorneys.
“I didn’t see myself in the community at the time,” Norma says. “There wasn’t a female attorney, there wasn’t a Latina attorney. That’s why I decided to go to law school.”
While earning her law degree at North Carolina Central University School of Law, Norma balanced her studies with a role as an ESL instructor at Central Carolina Community College, helping others find their voice while shaping her own future. “I couldn’t afford not to work while being in school,” Norma says. “And that offered an excellent experience and culture. … I think it shaped my path to becoming an attorney.”
KNowiNg that you helped aN iNdividual, that you chaNged a little bit of their life here aNd made it better, by taKiNg them out of the shadows – that’s the most rewardiNg part of the professioN.
She is determined to give those experiencing language barriers, economic limitations and systemic obstacles the voice and advocacy they deserve. “I understand the questions that individuals have when they come for a consultation,” Norma says.
“I have a teaching background, which helps me explain it in a better way, and I also have
maNagiNg attorNey, perdomo law firm pllc
sincere empathy for the people going through the process. Having gone through everything I’ve gone through affects the way I conduct my processes and consultations.”
After a few years of practicing immigration law, Norma made her entrepreneurial mark in December 2022, launching Perdomo Law Firm PLLC, an all-female firm in Siler City – then took it a step further by purchasing her own building in early 2024.
Her mission is to empower immigrants with guidance, but she understands the uncertainty and hesitation many in the community feel today.
“Immigration law is influenced significantly by politics, so every time we have a new administration come in, we expect there will be changes,” Norma says.
“I know a lot of immigrants, both in our community and nationwide, are concerned right now because of what they see in the news and on social media,” she adds. “We know that some of those changes must comply with our constitution, and we have a system that is well established. I’m hopeful that those changes will be positive and that there will continue to be a path [to citizenship] for individuals who qualify.”
Norma is still mastering the balance between work and home, but finds true joy in unplugging at the end of the day –soaking up time with her husband, Ezequiel Hernandez Cruz, playing with her kids, 9-year-old Alina Hernandez Perdomo and 8-year-old Ezequiel Hernandez Perdomo, and cooking. By morning, she’s recharged and ready to dive back into her work with renewed passion.
She’s also especially proud to call Siler City home. “I bought my house here, got married here,” Norma says. “This city is very close to my heart.” – by Leah Berry
BY ALEX BOERNER
PHOTO
julia kopacz kopacz kopacz
he Apex that Julia Kopacz remembers from her childhood is a different town than the one she currently lives in. She recalls walking with her mother and getting lost in woods near their hog and cattle farm, on land that has long since been underwater: B. Everett Jordan Lake was filled in spring 1982, submerging roads, homes, graveyards and farms nearby Julia’s family homestead beneath its surface.
Julia graduated from Randolph Community College and spent a few years working at the North Carolina Zoo before leaving her native state for Florida, where she found a job as a horticulturist at theme parks like Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, Epcot and others. She returned to the land of the pines a handful of years later to care for her father when he became ill. After he died, Julia’s mother gifted her a beekeeping course, nudging her to carry on the practice Julia’s father and great-grandmother had enjoyed.
“I was not intrigued by the thought of keeping bees at all,” Julia laughs. But she took the class to humor her mother and quickly had a change of heart.
“I started watching the bees,” Julia says. “I would sit in front of the hive – a lot of beekeepers do this when they first get their bees – and I fell in love with it.”
Julia’s interest in apiculture – the rearing of bees to procure honey and other hive products – piqued after she connected with Chatham County Beekeepers Association and met her mentor, Lori Hawkins.
“The mentor part was essential for me,” Julia says, having since mentored many aspiring beekeepers herself. “Now, I’m very involved
if everyone gave just a portion of whatever they have – whether it be finances, experience, time or talents – to help others, we could create a very different community: a thriving one with less need and more hope.
in the community of beekeepers in Chatham, helping to provide their hands-on education.”
Julia has taken on various roles with the CCBA in the 12 years since she began beekeeping: as a Chatham County Beekeeper School team member, a board member, then vice president and president. Julia wrapped up her second year as CCBA president in 2024 and is currently volunteering with the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association as an events coordinator.
Julia’s participation in these organizations is driven by a steadfast commitment to contributing positively to her community.
“I am most passionate about two things; God and community, because they have made
me who I am today,” she says. “My dream is to share my talents, means and wisdom with others. If everyone gave just a portion of whatever they have – whether it be finances, experience, time or talents – to help others, we could create a very different community: a thriving one with less need and more hope, love, gratitude and general well-being.”
When Hurricane Helene struck the western reaches of our state last year, Julia contributed to relief efforts for the Buncombe County chapter of the NCSBA. Once CCBA volunteers reached out to gather data from affected beekeepers, Julia tabulated equipment and bee colonies that had been destroyed.
“The numbers of losses were tremendous and heartbreaking,” Julia says. The next step was helping to coordinate efforts to replace supplies, hives and more than 100 honey bee colonies. “This was a huge undertaking, far beyond the scope of anything I’d ever [done],” Julia says. “Thanks to dozens of groups throughout the state and beyond, we have acquired the donations of bees and queens to replace those lost to Helene.”
In her own backyard, Julia’s beekeeping hobby has grown into a small business: Old Apex Bee Company. She transformed a former hog facility on her family farm into her “honey house,” complete with a certified kitchen. Each year, she processes about 400 pounds of raw materials into jarred honey and cosmetics like lip balm and night cream – all while donating 10% of her profits to Pittsboro’s CORA Food Pantry.
Julia honors her roots and family legacy by living and running her business on the 30-acre farm where she grew up, preserving the way of life that shaped her adolescence. F
“My biggest aspiration is to keep the property in agriculture,” she says. “I saw the community we had when life was slower and things were done with more care and more heart.”
Julia sells honey and cosmetics at the Apex Farmers Market & Local Food Alliance a few months out of the year, and Old Apex Bee Company products are available locally through hand-delivery, much like milk was once distributed to homes.
“One of my favorite things is home delivery … [which allows me to form] connections I so enjoy making with people in our community,” Julia says.
While Apex’s landscape has changed significantly since Julia’s younger days, in supporting local beekeepers and operating Old Apex Bee Company, Julia hopes to foster the same sense of a tightly knit community that she felt growing up.
“I simply want others to have that same sense of connection, value and joy,” she says. “So, I share from the abundance God has given me.” – By
Renee Ambroso F
Find Old Apex Bee Company products at the Apex Farmers Market, or reach out to Julia through oldapex.com to see if you live in the home delivery zone.
eva green green green
ost mornings, Eva Green settles in behind her table, hands expertly weaving strands of bamboo reeds into intricate baskets – a daily ritual that grounds her. She takes a break for a refreshing walk, getting her steps in and clearing her mind, and returns to the craft that fuels her creativity and passion. Since retiring from UNC Hospitals 15 years ago, her lifelong hobby has become a way of life.
Eva humbly insists there’s “not a lot to learn” about her life and work, but the history woven into every basket she creates tells a different story. She grew up watching her mother, Nadine Degraffenreaidt, skillfully weave baskets – a craft passed down through generations; Nadine learned the skill from her great-grandmother, whose baskets once held the fresh harvest from their family farm. Eva was 5 years old when she made her first basket. “I still remember [it],” she says. “But it wasn’t very useful.”
Now, Eva carries on this rich tradition, intertwining history, artistry and heritage with every weave.
She sees her baskets as both practical and versatile, seamlessly fitting into daily life. “A lot of people are interested in getting rid of plastic bags, so they use these baskets,” she says.
The process of basket weaving is one of patience and precision. Eva begins by carefully selecting a design, envisioning each detail
The norTh Carolina BaskeTmakers’ assoCiaTion ConneCTs you wiTh people who inspire and supporT your CrafT every year. if you run inTo a proBlem, you Can say, ‘hey Can you help me wiTh This?’
before sketching her idea – a first step in bringing her creation to life.
“I never sit down and do it all at once,” Eva says. “The creative spirit comes at different times. … Sometimes I stop working on a basket and go to bed then get up and start again. It’s a process.”
She infuses her designs with vibrant color using natural materials – a technique she learned from her mother. Her ancestors turned to nature’s palette when store-bought dyes were out of reach.
“They would use flowers, berries, coffee, nuts, whatever they could find … even onion peels,” Eva says.
She especially enjoys the challenge of weaving those intricate colors, designs and shapes into
her baskets. The more complex the pattern, the more joy she finds in the process. “That’s the whole point of the experience,” she says with a smile.
For years, Eva taught basket weaving at local community colleges, passing down her skills to the next generation of eager learners. Though the classes paused due to COVID-19, she’s eager to teach again. “I’m hoping to get it started back up at a local church or school,” she says with optimism. “I am a people person. I love seeing people get excited about their own baskets and their own designs.”
During the winter months, Eva focuses on crafting and building up her inventory. When spring arrives, so does market season. Starting in April, she brings her baskets to local events and markets, including the Spring Ag Fest on March 29 in Pittsboro, where visitors can see her work firsthand.
Eva finds inspiration and support in the community of fellow artisans who share her
passion for basket weaving. As a member of the North Carolina Basketmakers’ Association, she enjoys connecting with people who not only appreciate her craft but also encourage and inspire her creativity.
“Right now, I feel like it’s a dying art. … No one wants to sit down and work with their hands,” she says. Eva is passionate about passing the craft down to younger hands and actively encourages young people to explore it, knowing they’ll discover a fulfilling experience that far exceeds their expectations.
“Basket weaving is very therapeutic,” she says. “You can just sit there and get lost. … You’re in your own little world. It’s very rewarding.” Eva’s work has earned her numerous awards and recognitions over the years, but none as memorable as her first – a prize won at a local county fair using one of her mother’s designs. “Even though I feel like my baskets are still not up to [my mother’s] par,” she laughs. But for Eva, the greatest reward is knowing that her baskets bring beauty and meaning to those who cherish them.
– by Leah Berry
arTisT, raBBiT paTCh BaskeTs
Skin Secrets!
What Cosmetic Dermatologists Do for Their Own Glow
I try to “eat the rainbow” every day to get a balanced diet. It’s a goal I set and is a very fun challenge, as well as makes you try new foods. Yesterday I ate ginkgo nuts as my “yellow” item because I ran out of bananas!
• RF Microneedling with CoolPeel (Yearly) (Yearly) (Yearly) (Yearly)
After Hours:
Exercise (yoga, pilates, spin, weight training) 5x weekly. I love Spenga!
Medical grade skincare every day
Stay hydrated
I enjoy a Mediterranean based diet
Marketing & wholesale Manager, Carolina Brewery
brykailo
Brykailo saMantha brykailo
amantha Brykailo is making waves at Carolina Brewery and beyond, bringing her passions to life in meaningful ways. In this Q&A, she shares how her work and her love for the Pittsboro community intersect to make an impact.
Tell us about your background –where you’re from, your education and what you studied?
I’m originally from upstate New York, but my family moved down [here] when I was a kid. I attended Chatham County Schools from elementary through high school. And I actually enrolled in university, then at the last minute decided not to go. At that time, my goal was to be a federal prosecutor.
What first drew you to Carolina Brewery? How has your journey with the company evolved over the years?
My mom actually worked for Carolina Brewery when I was in high school, so that’s what led me to initially apply for the host position, and I started working there when I was 17.
And obviously my path has changed quite a bit. … There’s not much within the company that I have not done, from serving, bartending, hosting, managing, helping in the brewery. … I’ve done pretty much everything.
What key lessons have you learned along the way?
I’ve definitely learned a lot, both personally and professionally. I think the biggest thing is not to limit yourself. When I started with Carolina Brewery [in
2012], there was no such thing as a marketing position or even wholesale management. I just continued to grow through management and then saw a need for marketing and ended up offering to help take over the social media accounts, which has since turned into me doing the marketing for the entire company.
What do you find most fulfilling about your role as marketing manager for Carolina Brewery?
No two days are the same, and half the time, I don’t know what they’re going to look like until I’m in them. It could be anything from distributor partner meetings all day or helping film a grilling segment for WRAL.
giving BaCk to the CoMMunity is iMportant to [Carolina Brewery]. we like to partner with different Charities and organizations and partiCipate in loCal events, whether it’s donating Beers or just Being present.
Could you share a standout campaign or event that you’ve worked on that exemplifies your passion and creativity?
This past summer, we launched our Sky Blue Kolsch, which is a brand extension of our benchmark brew, Sky Blue. Last year was the first year that I was involved, from start to finish, in the launching of a beer. … I sat in on meetings, tasted all the different versions and then obviously helped develop the marketing plan, launch
events, design cans –everything. That was super fulfilling, to see something go from a random idea over a meeting to something larger.
What has made Carolina Brewery a beloved staple in the community for years?
We have a phrase that we like to use a lot that I think consistently embodies [the brewery] – ‘Carolina Brewery is a place where friends and family gather around scratch-made food and delicious beers that celebrate the Carolina life, 60 ounces at a time.’ So I think that kind of exemplifies why Carolina Brewery is a staple in the community. … Whether people are stopping by on their way to the beach or they’ve been coming by for years to sit at the bar and enjoy a cold pint, we like to make sure that everyone’s experience is one of a kind and exemplary.
Can you share any upcoming events or initiatives at the Brewery that you’re excited about?
It’s our 30-year anniversary this year, so stay tuned for key anniversary events surrounding that. Obviously the Pittsboro location has only been here for 18 years, but the brewery has been around for 30 years. And then Sky Peach comes back this spring, which has a soft spot in my heart.
saM always Brings a sMile and a positive attitude, Constantly looking ahead to the next Big thing for the Brewery. in addition to Being inCrediBly organized, kind and easy to work with, her passion for Carolina Brewery shines through in everything she does, Making eaCh projeCt exCiting and rewarding. her dediCation CoMes froM the heart, and that passion is felt By everyone around her.
Quinn BostiC, Tabletop Media Group
How did growing up in Chatham shape who you are today? If you asked me when I was growing up in Chatham County if I was ever going to stay here, I would’ve said no. But as I grew up and made a life for myself in Pittsboro, I think everything that once would’ve been a reason to leave is the reason why I now very much enjoy my life here. Obviously the area is growing and will continue to grow over the years, but somehow I feel that it maintains that small-town feel which I really appreciate.
What advice would you give to someone who hopes to grow within their company?
I would tell them to learn everything they can. Anything that anyone is willing to teach you within the company, learn it. The more you know, the more valuable you are. You never know when an opportunity in might arise in your chosen field.
Looking back at your journey so far, what are you most proud of?
I think I’m most proud of being on my own path and not taking the conventional route. I had a lot of people tell me I was wasting my potential when I decided not to go to college (to be clear, it was not my mom – she’s always been my
biggest supporter). And now 10 years later, my own path has led me to doing anything but waste my potential.
So you said you originally planned to be a federal prosecutor – what led you down a different path?
When I was in high school, I was active in marketing. I think if you asked my high school teacher, he would tell you that he always knew I was going to end up in [it]. It was something that I always very much enjoyed, but at the time I wanted to do something bigger and help people, and I thought the way to do that was through federal prosecution. But then I realized that wasn’t the only way you can help people, and I decided to try the other things that I enjoyed in life.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself growing as Carolina Brewery grows. It’s something that’s allowed me to continue to grow and always let me work in a field that I enjoy. I could see [us] opening a new restaurant location in the next five years, maybe expanding the distribution that we have already in grocery stores. I do know for a fact that we will continue to brew great beer and make scratch-made food for people to enjoy.
What are some of your favorite spots or activities in Chatham County outside of work? What does your ideal day off look like?
First of all, sleeping in. I enjoy going to brunch with friends or trying different restaurants … and anything by the water, taking a boat out on Jordan Lake and things like that.
What’s your go-to order at Carolina Brewery?
For lunch, I love the barbecue chicken salad, but the chicken strips definitely hold a special place in my heart. … It’s a nice little guilty pleasure. My go-to beer right now is the Mexican-style lager, Costero, but when Sky Peach comes back in the spring, that’s definitely my favorite summertime beer. – as told to Leah Berry
joAn cunningham cunningham cunninghAm
etting her first pet as an adult was a pivotal moment in Joan Cunningham’s commitment to animal advocacy. “I adopted a kitty from the Atlanta Humane Society a couple of years after college, and within a week, she died of distemper,” Joan says. She went looking for answers and learned of the staggering number of stray, unwanted and abandoned animals in the United States; the statistics at the time showed that 13 million dogs and cats were euthanized in shelters annually.
“I started volunteering and have continued ever since,” Joan says. “The numbers are much smaller now, but one or two million is equally unacceptable.”
After working with nonprofits in Atlanta, the Tennessee native relocated to North Carolina in 1975. Her passion for animals led her to what is now the North Carolina Animal Federation, a coalition of animal welfare professionals, and she aspired to become an animal rights attorney.
“I finished at the UNC School of Law in 1983,” she says. “Unfortunately, there weren’t many full-time jobs for animal rights attorneys at the time.” Instead, she worked as a prosecutor for nearly two decades, handling animal cruelty cases in Durham and Chatham counties before joining the attorney general’s office.
Joan began volunteering with the Chatham Humane Society in the 1990s; the organization officially rebranded to Chatham Animal Rescue & Education in 2000. “Things have just grown,” she says, referring to the group’s outreach and programs. Over the years, Joan has served in
various leadership roles, including committee chair for cat welfare, marketing committee and, currently, board chair.
Through her work with CARE, Joan has encountered numerous assumptions about animal rescue. One of the most persistent, she says, is the belief that animals – especially cats –can fend for themselves.
“There’s a common misconception that cats can survive on their own, which is why we developed our community cat program,” Joan explained. “We offer low-cost spay and neuter services to people willing to care for abandoned or feral cats. Often, people wait too long, and the numbers become overwhelming. We’ve helped spay and neuter colonies of 15 to 20 cats with the help of landowners and volunteers.”
Another misconception is that rescue organizations can take in every animal in need.
“We have limited human and financial resources,”
Joan says. “We work hard to redirect people to resources in the community. Our goal is to keep pets in their homes whenever possible. Often, it’s a financial matter or a behavioral issue that can be addressed with the right support.”
Unlike traditional shelters, CARE operates as a fosterbased network. This model allows animals to receive individualized care before adoption, but it also means that the organization relies heavily on foster volunteers.
“The more foster homes we have, the more animals
we can help,” Joan says. “Right now, we have a severe shortage of dog foster caregivers, which has significantly limited the number of dogs we can take in. It’s heartbreaking because the number of dogs being surrendered keeps increasing.”
CARE provides comprehensive support for foster families, including medical care, food and mentorship. “We try to make the fostering experience as easy and rewarding as possible,” Joan says. “The greatest joy is placing an animal in a loving home, knowing it makes room for another in need.”
Outside of her work with CARE, Joan and her husband, Rick Cunningham, enjoy traveling, camping and sailing. Rick is a retired wildlife enforcement officer and former Chatham County magistrate. “We’ve sailed up and down the Eastern Seaboard, all the way to Maine and back,” she says.
from cAre’s 2023 AnnuAl report:
Spay/neuter surgeries facilitated
Though Joan will soon rotate off the CARE board at the end of the year, her dedication to animal welfare in Chatham remains unwavering. She loves the community and hopes the growing population will mean more people to help the animals. “Unfortunately, North Carolina has one of the highest euthanasia rates in the country, so there is so much work left to be done,” she says. “There are so many animals in this community who need help, and we all need to work together.”
– by
Morgan Cartier Weston
BoArd chAir, chAthAm AnimAl rescue & educAtion
Joan and her cat, Nina.
dentist and owner, chatham dental arts
Karen tiwana tiwana tiwana
aren Tiwana, dentist and owner of Chatham
Dental Arts in Pittsboro, is the daughter of educators who emigrated from India to Alberta, Canada. Karen graduated from the University of Alberta and attended dental school at Northwestern University in Chicago. She spent her residency training at Denver Health Medical Center and accepted a teaching position at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. She and her husband, Navi Sandhu, a Durham native, have a 1-year-old son, Jax, and a daughter, Alexandria, 19, who is a student at ECU.
What’s been the hardest challenge?
I think the hardest challenge always, especially now, is juggling all of it and not feeling guilty. I’m either feeling guilty being away from my son during this really important time, or I’m feeling guilty I’m not putting enough time here at the practice. One of my intentions for this year is to give myself some time for selfcare: time to read, reflect and quiet all the noise.
What’s next for you?
I think my third chapter will be more philanthropic. I see myself traveling to third-world countries and doing some work overseas and maybe going back and doing a little bit of part-time teaching here and there.
Is there anything about you that I haven’t asked about that you want people to know?
Why did you choose North Carolina?
My older brother was at UNC, training in oral surgery. He said, ‘You know, there’s a position that’s open; go ahead and try.’ I did. It worked out. I piled everything in a car and came out to North Carolina in 2001. I got a chance to get some great mentorship, scholarships, teaching and communication skills.
How did you decide to set up a practice in Pittsboro?
I always knew I wanted to go into practice, but I didn’t jump right into it. The first thing I did, which was my favorite thing, was work with the Smile North Carolina program. I went with our mobile unit to remote, rural parts of the state into schools to [provide] dental treatment –places that I would have probably never been
to [otherwise]. I also realized it’s rare to find an independent, small boutique practice. My husband’s roots are in Durham, so we certainly looked there, but I just fell in love with Pittsboro. It truly was a small town, and that’s what I really wanted. We met Dr. [Michael] Peele, who started this practice in 1976. We just clicked. He and his wife, Cathi James, and my husband and I are still friends.
What would you say was your proudest moment in this past year?
That’s an easy one: having my baby. I couldn’t do any of this without having good support. My husband’s family is very helpful as well. My staff here, they keep the fires burning. You can’t do anything on your own, especially when you have children.
I love to teach my patients about why we’re doing treatment. I value good oral health because it is tied to the rest of your health in so many ways; oral hygiene education is super important. Your teeth need to last. [Owning a business] has been a labor of love, and the patients are just wonderful in this area. I enjoy coming to work, and I’ve built a very close-knit staff. It’s such a positive atmosphere of women supporting women. We try to do everything we can to care for our patients; we really do care. We’re very tied to the community, and we have some instances where we have three generations of the same family come in together because [the practice] has been here for almost 50 years. It’s very much a small-town dental practice, which is becoming more and more rare. My staff always says we’re the unicorn; I like to think we are.
– As told to Anna-Rhesa Versola F
Landis Landis LesLey L.
esley L. Landis discovered the power of design in fourth grade while scanning shelves in her school’s library. She fixated on a small, seemingly insignificant symbol on a book’s spine – what she later learned was the publisher’s logo. Lesley asked the librarian if people got paid to create them. When she learned they did, her career path was set.
Decades later, Lesley’s branding work is woven into the fabric of Pittsboro. Her creative touch is widespread, having crafted logos that define local businesses and shape the identity of nonprofits like the Chatham Arts Council
Lesley works closely with each client to carefully create designs that reflect their vision and needs. “The questions I ask make the client think hard about the core purpose of their work and how they want to be represented in a design,” Lesley says.
“With logos, I show ideas in black and white first, as color can be distracting. With the client’s feedback, I start to focus on one or two ideas, make adjustments and then start to explore colors.”
Lesley doesn’t only focus on aesthetics. Each project reflects her values that design should be meaningful and engage the community.
Her intentional approach to design has been molded by two key influences: her late father, Dr. Frank H. Russell, whose technical creativity taught her the power of visual problem solving, and her husband, Randy Voller, whose bigpicture mindset challenges her to see solutions from a new perspective.
Frank, a trauma surgeon and illustrator, relied on drawing to process complex ideas. Even in his later years, he never stopped creating. Randy, a strategist and problem solver, encourages Lesley to think about the bigger picture. “He’s the most out-of-the-box thinker I’ve ever known,” Lesley says.
She and Randy collaborate on the Chatham County Line newspaper and WCHL 97.9 FM The Hill’s “On the Porch” radio show, blending creativity with big-picture thinking. Her relationships have shaped how she sees design as not only an artistic process, but as a tool for connection. Lesley carries those influences into her work, including one of her most visible projects –the Chatham Arts Council logo.
“The arts council wanted the logo to show the care the agency has for all the arts and artists in Chatham and the vital role the arts play in Chatham’s history and culture, while also being fun and forward-thinking,” Lesley says of the modern lime green logo. “With a lot of helpful feedback from the board and staff, I hit upon a symbol that is a capital ‘C’ for
BY ALEX BOERNER
graphic designer
PHOTO
Chatham that hugs the “a” for Arts and visually pulls it into its center. The negative space that’s created between the two letters could be interpreted as a head and arms outstretched on its side, representing a bit of whimsy.”
Lesley is naturally drawn to projects that align with her values, especially those that support the arts and homegrown businesses. Her work is utilized by many area farmers markets and local organizations.
Chatham Mills Farmers Market’s logo captures the essence of fresh, locally grown food with a handdrawn tomato anchoring the design and a crisp green banner framing the market’s name. Granite Springs Farm, an organic vegetable vendor, sells produce at the Fearrington Farmers Market, Pittsboro Farmers Market and Briar Chapel Farmers Market. The farm’s
emblem reflects connection to the land as a tree symbolizes growth and sustainability.
Lesley also designed the logo for Sustainable Prosperity Inc., a company that helps small businesses and communities grow by connecting them with funding and government resources.
Without a passion for the arts fueLing the process, graphic design is devoid of the Life that connects the design With the audience.
Additionally, Lesley has done pro bono graphic design and social media work for Main Street Pittsboro, served on the board of the Chatham County Agricultural & Industrial Fair Association and played a role in shaping Chatham Forest by advocating for the preservation of its natural spaces during development.
One of Lesley’s earliest experiences with volunteer work was at Internationalist Books, a Carrboro bookstore and activist hub that she frequented in the ’80s. She started designing posters and
flyers for the shop, which made her realize how much local businesses relied on donated creative work. The experience inspired her to offer her skills to places and causes she believed in.
“Without a passion for the arts fueling the process, graphic design is soulless and devoid of the life that connects the design with the audience,” Lesley says. Now, she’s channeling that same passion into the future. She and Randy established the Lily McCoy Voller Stargazer Fund, named in memory of their late daughter, to help bring nationally acclaimed artists into Chatham County schools. The fund helps support the Chatham Arts Council’s goal of placing an Arts in Education artist residency in all 22 public schools each year – an effort that’s been five years in the making and is close to becoming a reality.
“I believe that when neighbors invest in community – through time, talent or treasure – everyone is richer for it,” Lesley says. Looking ahead, she remains committed to that belief through design, arts advocacy and supporting creative spaces that bring people together. – by Lauren Rouse
jean macdonald macdonald
nown as the “Queen of Communications,” Jean MacDonald is an accomplished business strategist, public speaker and author.
Jean began her career in the commercial insurance industry, first serving as an underwriter and eventually developing her own multimillion-dollar agency from the ground up. After retiring from the insurance industry, Jean became a beauty consultant at Mary Kay, where she earned five pink Cadillacs, a prestigious reward within the company given to consultants based on outstanding sales performances. In 2008, Jean took another leap. “I decided I wanted to use all my skills and tools to help others own and grow a business,” Jean says.
As the founder and CEO of Business Brewing, Jean helps businesses throughout the world improve their business practices through developing tailored communication, growth and leadership strategies. For Jennifer Halloran, the director of operations at Everybody Needs A Nurse, Jean’s advice changed everything for her business. “I have reconceptualized my role in my business completely with Jean’s help,” Jennifer says. “I didn’t necessarily have the confidence or ability to say what my role is. She really helped me discover my role and capabilities in this business.”
Jean’s expertise stretches far beyond her success as a businesswoman. She is a Distinguished Toastmaster, the highest
achievement in Toastmasters International, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching public speaking skills. Since joining Toastmasters more than 20 years ago, Jean has given motivational speeches across the country, started several Toastmasters clubs and served as the president and vice president of membership of Pittsboro Toastmasters Jean has also authored three books discussing successful business tips and selfmotivation. Her newest book, “Be Wild, Be Crazy, Be You,” serves as a guide for women on how to be confident. She interviewed 100 women from across the country to discuss challenges they have faced and their experiences with confidence; she then narrowed down the list to 15 women to feature in the book.
The women share stories of their fathers and husbands being alcoholics, being born without a left hand and living with diabetes, among others, Jean says. “It’s just admirable where these women came from and what they’ve done,” Jean says. A portion of the book’s proceeds will go to The Quiltmaker Cafe, where Jean serves as a director; the nonprofit provides healthy meals and community to all guests regardless of financial means.
looking for an opportunity to help others. “She has the biggest heart you would ever know.”
it hasn’t come without hard work, but it is so rewarding to see the evolution of where i’ve been to where i am now.
In 2018, Jean founded the Professional Women of Chatham and Orange Counties, an organization dedicated to supporting the business potential of local women through education, mentorship and financial assistance. “I wanted to start an organization where we could celebrate other women [and] give them scholarships to help them grow their businesses,” Jean says. The organization annually awards multiple $1,000 scholarships to women in Chatham or Orange counties to assist them in advancing their professional careers. While staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jean developed a love for creating watercolor greeting cards. As people expressed interest in purchasing the greeting cards, she developed the hobby into a small business, Send A Little Sunshine, where she sells the cards and donates all proceeds to the Professional Women of Chatham and Orange Counties’ scholarship fund.
Throughout her life, Jean has been an avid philanthropist. Her ability to understand others’ needs and help people in the community also motivates her ardent support for charity organizations. Joanne Cunneen, Jean’s lifelong friend, describes Jean as always
Jean resides in Pittsboro with her husband, Greg MacDonald, and their Welsh corgi, Miss Shortie. In addition to cardmaking, she enjoys playing ukulele, writing and spending time with her grandchildren in her free time.
“It hasn’t come without hard work,” Jean says, “but it is so rewarding to see the evolution of where I’ve been to where I am now.” – by Taylor Motley
ceo, business brewing
season spring into the
By ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA
ABOVE Zachary Abbott leaps into the air to catch a Frisbee. The sport of Ultimate Frisbee is growing in Pittsboro as the Triangle Ultimateʼs Youth Rec League continues its programs with Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources. Starting in March, league coaches will teach beginners ages 7 to 12 the rules of play while experienced players ages 10 to 18 can join the Youth Rec League for games and scrimmages. Both skill levels can sign up for four- or eight-week programs that meet on Sundays at The Park at Briar Chapel.
armer weather and brighter days are here again – here’s how to take advantage of the many parks, farms and outdoor venues in our backyard, including a few new ones you might not have heard of yet.
Photography courtesy of
CHATHAM COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL RESOURCES
PHOTO BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA
• Personalized care that values each patient’s individual background and needs.
• Accepting all major insurance plans including NC Medicaid.
• Now accepting new patients, including newborns.
• Dedicated to bilingual care in both English and Spanish.
• Same day appointments available.
Fun on the Farm
A sure sign of spring is the sight of baby goats prancing across the meadows at Celebrity Dairy in Siler City, where owners Brit Pfann and Fleming Pfann welcome visitors to their bed and breakfast and working farm. Open Barn Days offer chances for two-legged kids of all ages to line up for cuddles with kids of the four-legged variety. This year’s Open Barn Days will be held March 15, March 22 and April 13. Also on April 13, the farm celebrates its inaugural Celebrity Dairy Cheese Fest. Visitors can sample a variety of cheeses made from goat milk or sniff the Cud-zu goat milk soaps.
All Open Barn Days are held rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Gate admission is $10 per person ages 3 and older; no pets allowed. celebritydairy.com
Melissa Frey and her daughter, Marinne Frey, operate Cool Creek Farm’s outdoor day camps for kids ages 6 to 9.
Now in its sixth year, the family farm at 738 Castle Rock Farm Road in Pittsboro offers three seasons of nature-focused programs that put kids in the driver’s seat, encouraging child-led play designed to inspire independence, emotional resilience and a deep connection to the outdoors. With small groups capped at 16 campers per week and a 1:8 adult-to-camper ratio, each child receives plenty of guidance and support. Adding to the experience, every week of the 13-week summer camp features a special guest – a visiting artist or musician – to spark creativity and introduce new hands-on activities. coolcreekfarmnc.com
PHOTO BY MELISSA FREY
PHOTO BY
JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
A camper pushes a friend as far as she can reach on a tree swing at Cool Creek Farm.
Get up close and personal with the goats during one of Celebrity Dairy’s Open Barn Days while also exploring soap, cheese and more goat milk products made on the farm.
"YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY THE MOST PROFESSIONAL AND COMPASSIONATE GROUP I HAVE EVER BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH." - CONNIE S.
“ YOU ALWAYS HIT IT OUT OF THE PARK! SO PROFESSIONAL AND EXACTING BUT SO CARING AND SO FRIENDLY. WE FEEL LIKE YOU ARE FAMILY AS WELL. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.”
- DAVID D.
“THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO LISTEN TO CONCERNS AND EXPLAIN INFORMATION AND FOR BEING SO KIND AND PATIENT WITH MY BABY!” -
ASHLEY A.
“ALWAYS AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE. I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT YOU WORK TIRELESSLY TO MAKE SURE MY PUP GETS THE RIGHT CARE FOR THEIR NEEDS. SPECIAL NEEDS DOGS ARE HARD, AND YOU ALWAYS FIND A PATH.”
Carolina Sunshine Alpaca Farm offers both guided and unguided tours. Reservations are accepted and encouraged, but drop-in visitors who spot the farm while driving along Hwy. 64 between Pittsboro and Siler City are also welcome.
Drinks and snacks are available inside the farm’s on-site store, which features yarn and other products made from the alpacas’ wool. Kids are welcome to play yard games or create sidewalk chalk drawings while family and friends hang out on the wide front porch or other covered gathering spaces. Advanced admission is $7 per person, same-day admissions are $9 per person, and kids younger than 3 are free. carolinasunshinealpacafarm.com
Athletic Appeal
The new Chatham YMCA officially opens its doors March 15, the same day as the annual Leprechaun Dash. The 5K and 10K courses begin and end at the 36,000-square-foot fitness facility in Chatham Park Dash through The Vineyards, the first residential neighborhood in Chatham Park, and run past the Knight Farm Community Park and
ABOVE A jubilant group celebrates their participation in the 2023 Leprechaun Dash to benefit the Chatham YMCA. This year’s race takes place March 15.
RIGHT Chatham County Parks & Rec offers fishing instruction as part of its camp programs.
BELOW Cathy Sinclair, master gardener with the Chatham County Cooperative Extension, leads a nature activity during a summer camp session.
over the Hwy. 64 Bypass. After the race, explore downtown Pittsboro, where you can easily walk to several restaurants or breweries for lunch or brunch. ymcatriangle.org/chatham-ymca
In May, Unify Athletics will open a new gymnastics facility at 85 Eubanks Road. The gym will offer recreational classes for children of all ages, on-site day care, half- and full-day summer and track-out camps, plus a competitive gymnastics team program.
“It is well known that Pittsboro is a blossoming area, attracting many new young families over the next few years,” says Vahid Moavenzadeh, the gym’s co-owner. Registration for weekly summer camps is open, and camps will begin June 16.
After picking up the kiddos from the gymnastics sessions, head to S&T’s Soda Shoppe for an old-fashioned fudge sundae, Circle City Ice Cream for peanut butter nachos or Jeremiah’s Italian Ice for layers of flavor.
If you’re looking for a new sport, check out Yarak Archery, the first full-service archery retail and pro shop in Pittsboro. Owner Josh Johnson says he had several reasons for choosing Pittsboro, but his primary purpose was to fill a gap within the hunting and fishing community.
PHOTO BY DENNIS
GEISER
“Before we opened, most of the residents in Chatham County likely had to drive over an hour to get to an archery shop,” Josh says. “I think what sets us apart from most other archery shops [in the region] is our focus on customer service. I have always felt like customer service was lacking in most of the bow shops that I visited over the years, and that makes it difficult to grow the archery community and retain those people long-term.”
Yarak Archery has a climate-controlled, eight-lane indoor range, and Josh plans to build an outdoor range in the next few months and to offer additional programs. Check it out at 1456 Hwy. 64 Business
A new flag football league is on the horizon for Chatham County under the leadership of former Cinncinati Bengals running back Cedric Peerman, who is also the varsity football coach at Northwood High School. Cedric received a license from the National
LEFT Sunset paddle trips around Jordan Lake teach kayaking basics at a beautiful time of day.
BELOW The annual Eggstreme Spring Fling egg hunt is an exciting way for kids to explore the world around them. This year’s event takes place April 12 at 10 a.m. at Central Carolina Community College.
Chatham Grove Community Center offers tap dancing classes for adults.
Football League to launch the league in Pittsboro for boys and girls ages 4 to 17.
“My mission is to grow the game of flag football for boys and girls as well as tackle football in Chatham County,” Cedric says. “This county has great potential to produce the best players in all of NC. It is my mission to develop and find that potential.” flagfootballelite.org
Creative Outlets
Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources celebrates the grand opening of its first arts center on May 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 964 East St. in Pittsboro. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony, artist demonstrations, music,
a craft table and self-guided tours of the facility. To access the studio, drive straight through the open gate toward the back of the building and look for the sign on the door.
“We are thrilled to open the doors of the Arts Center and welcome the Chatham community into a space dedicated to creativity, expression and connection,” says Tracy Burnett, director of the department. “As Chatham County’s first government-supported arts facility, this center marks the beginning of an exciting journey to cultivate artistic expression, celebrate cultural diversity, and strengthen our community by supporting local artists, enriching education and boosting economic vitality.”
BELOW Kids can try new sports like archery at outdoor nature camps. If they want to dive deeper into learning the skill, dedicated clinics are held at Northwest District Park.
ABOVE Hannah Ajayi shows off the painting she completed during a Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources arts program.
Classes and programs are available for all ages, and the center will host family workshops plus specialized and adaptive programming. Try something new with one- or two-day workshops or deepen your knowledge with sixweek class sessions. So far, classes include clay hand-building, collage, drawing with charcoal, glass fusing, stained glass, mosaic art, oil painting, open studio, pottery on the wheel, private lessons, sewing and watercolor. In addition, there will be exhibit space to display finished works.
Arts and cultural program supervisor Leigh Babcock hopes to add programs in the visual arts as well as music, theater and literary arts.
The Checkered Tulip Sewing & Craft Studio in historic downtown Pittsboro offers summer and track-out camps for kids who want to create their own clothes or decor. The studio, which is located just around the corner from Vino!! Wine Shop, also hosts Sip-nStitch classes for adults, who can enjoy a glass of wine while sewing a pair of lounge pants or a custom handbag. cm
Coming Soon
Parker’s Ridge Park will break ground off Pea Ridge Road in Moncure later this year, according to Chatham County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. The park will feature approximately 8,200 feet of planned bike and hiking trails and approximately 11,200 feet of a mountain bike-only trail. The first phase of construction will include infrastructure such as parking, sidewalks, an accessible playground, ADA-compliant facilities, restroom and shelter buildings, a pier overlook, a pump track and an accessible pathway loop. The park is expected to open in 2026.
ABOVE Summer camps with Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources offer a range of engaging activities for kids of all ages.
BELOW Learn to canoe on a paddle trip at Jordan Lake.
Enlarged windows flood the family room with natural light that also nourishes the many lush houseplants found throughout the home.
home & garden
life in color
A
cheery transformation makes this home more fun – and functional – for the whole family
By GEELEA SEAFORD SHIPTON
by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
The bright, sunny entryway of the Governors Village home that Lara Casey Isaacson and Dr. Ari Isaacson share with their children Grace, 13, Josh, 9, and Sarah, 8, and cats, Butterscotch and Birdie, looks very different than it did when they purchased it in 2013. The fourbedroom, three-bath cottage-style home on a cul-de-sac has
Photography
been transformed into a bright, blooming and peaceful oasis, perfect for raising children and entertaining family and friends.
The Isaacsons reimagined every inch of the space to create a home that is perfectly suited to their family’s needs. Their love for cooking, gardening and living a healthy lifestyle takes center stage in the kitchen – their most challenging renovation to date. What Lara describes as a “full overhaul” was completed in 2024, and included an unexpected
LEFT No matter the season, Lara fills the home with fresh flowers, citrus trees and natural woven accessories to bring the outdoors in.
BELOW Grace practices her music lessons on an antique upright piano that once belonged to her paternal grandfather.
remediation of black mold that extended their construction time by several weeks. The new kitchen design, created through Lara’s vision and Raleigh-based custom builder Texas Trim and Paint, provides more natural light, modern cookware, a 13-foot island perfect for meals and homework and everyone’s favorite space: the beautifully designed and multifunctional pantry. With its custom arched natural wood door and tile backsplash, the elevated pantry
The kitchen is the heartbeat of the Isaacson home and the 13-foot island is the perfect place to gather. The family’s love for cooking is inspired by Lara’s mother, a classically-trained French chef.
also includes a nod to Lara’s family history with artwork from her grandfather’s time in the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The home’s light and airy decor is inspired by the natural beauty of North Carolina’s mountains and coast, and includes family heirlooms like handmade quilts that have been passed down through many generations. Lara loves to include handmade fresh flower arrangements year-round in order to add color, fragrance and flair to the home.
Another of the Isaacsons’ bold renovation decisions was to transform the garage into a
Lara describes the first floor of the home as “North Carolina mountains meets the coast,” with its palette of coastal blues, soft greens and crisp yellows.
Elizabeth Lindquist, President-Owner & her father, David Lindquist
The aesthetic in Lara's office loft matches her personality – cheerful, inspiring and optimistic. The motivational speaker has helped thousands of people find joy in everyday life, invest time in things that matter and "choose purpose over perfect."
ABOVE Josh takes advantage of the family’s renovated home gym, the most used room in the house, to release some energy and have fun, too.
BELOW Sewing is one of the many ways the Isaacson children express their creativity and learn useful life skills. The garden has also become a playground for the senses, where they grow tomatoes and squash.
functional yet beautiful gym equipped with a sauna, elliptical and weights for mom and dad, and a climbing rope and Nugget play sofa for the children. To further maximize the space, the Isaacsons store their neatly organized “garage things” behind neutral Roman shades.
Upstairs, the Isaacsons turned an empty closet that once stored the hot water heater into a spacious and vibrant office and loft for
Kleinman,
919-619-3717
KaneC@HPW.com
ClaireKane.HPW.com
Lara, who is an author and entrepreneur. It also includes a homeschool classroom for the children with a library of colorfully arranged books and a desk area that inspires creativity and learning.
The exterior of the home also received some upgrades over the years, including a fresh coat of white paint with natural wood accents and 40-foot-long raised garden beds planted with heirloom bulbs handed down from Lara’s great-great-grandmother. On the side of the home, the Isaacsons turned a sliver of space into a zen-like courtyard complete with an outdoor teak shower, lounge area and olive and citrus trees. An espalier of blooming
Sarah, left, and Grace are avid readers, and a love of books runs in the family. Her children even inspired Lara to write an illustrated book called “Gracie's Garden,” which encourages children to dig in the dirt and grow food and flowers that nourish their bodies, hearts and minds.
jasmine climbs up the Mediterranean-style stucco wall, which is a favorite hangout spot for Butterscotch, the family’s red tabby cat. The family intends to extend their gardening space to include additional beds and space for the children to expand their love of growing fresh vegetables, herbs and flowering plants. F
ABOVE Lara and Ari have nutured a love of music with their kids.
BELOW Butterscotch migrates throughout the house each day in search of the sunniest spot to lounge – including the planters in the courtyard.
ABOVE The front porch daybed swing is a welcoming gathering spot for siblings Josh, Sarah and Grace, as well as friends and neighbors who often drop by for a visit.
RIGHT Bright colors continue in Grace's room, where cheerful colors and a Lego bouquet adorn her study area.
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The Isaacsons treasure their family-friendly Chatham County community and its proximity to Jordan Lake, the Parker Preserve hiking trail, the local library and the Carrboro Farmers Market. Lara says the family is currently on a “renovation pause” while they enjoy the new and improved spaces they have created for themselves. “We love our neighbors and the diversity in our community,” Lara says. “Our goal was to create a lovely peaceful home that is safe and comfortable for us and our children, and I think we succeeded.” cm
The bright entryway has welcomed many friends and family over the years, and the Isaacsons have made cherished bonds with their Governors Village neighbors, too.
fresh finds, friendly faces
Discover your local farmers market
By LAUREN ROUSE Photography by ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA
Farmers markets do more than provide fresh, local food – they foster community, support smallscale agriculture and contribute to environmental sustainability. Food reaches consumers at prime freshness, offering more flavor and nutrients than produce that travels long distances. Farmers markets also help people eat seasonally by introducing them to fruits and vegetables at their natural peak and encouraging a deeper connection to local food cycles. These markets in Chatham offer residents access to locally harvested produce, handmade goods and a direct connection to the people who grow their food. For many vendors and shoppers, these markets are more than transactions – they are spaces for connection and relationship-building that reinforce the power of food as a shared experience.
fearrington farmers market
The Fearrington Farmers Market has been a staple of the community since 1991. The market maintains a strict commitment to local sourcing – all vendors must grow or produce their goods within 50 miles. Market manager Eddie Kallam says small farmers rely on markets as a primary way to sell their products directly to customers.
“I’ve had multiple vendors tell me how much they like being here,” Eddie says.
“There’s a big social component to the market. I have customers who are worried about vendors if they miss multiple markets. There’s a lot of caring between customers and vendors.”
The market also partners with local nonprofits and community organizations, offering booth space to groups like FeedWell Fridges, a food access initiative run by chef Sera Cuni, and the N.C. State Extension Master Gardener program, which provides education on sustainable growing practices. Local bands like The Original Haw River
Crawdaddies and Gary Green and The Invisibles perform when weather permits.
Owner Meredith Leight emphasizes soil health and biodiversity, using compost and organic methods to grow more than 70 types of vegetables and microgreens. The farm grows produce in the field and in five high tunnels year around, so offerings are always changing with the seasons.
“Visiting the market weekly helps folks learn what’s in season and provides a fun and relaxed time to socialize and find out about other cool things happening in the area,” Meredith says. “It’s such a great way to connect with people. Everybody loves to talk about food!” Granite Springs Farm also sells produce at the Briar Chapel Farmers Market and Pittsboro Farmers Market
LEFT Meredith Leight started Granite Springs Farm in 2009 with her late husband, Ed Leight, as a lifeaffirming expression of hope as he faced cancer.
RIGHT Kathryn Beckerdite of Woodland Farms creates soaps from the lard of their pasture-raised pigs.
BELOW Jenny Braitsch, who earned a four-year degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, now makes yummy treats for her own Pittsboro-based Confectious Creations.
find your market
Fearrington
Farmers Market
Fearrington Village
Tuesdays 4-6 p.m., March-November;
Tuesdays 3-5 p.m., December-February
Briar Chapel
Farmers Market
Great Meadow Park, 161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill
Fridays 4-6 p.m., March-December
Pittsboro
Farmers Market
The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro
Thursdays 3-6 p.m., year-round
briar chapel farmers market
The Briar Chapel Farmers Market is the newest in Chatham. It opened in 2023 and all eight regular vendors are women-owned businesses – a unique feat considering agriculture is a historically male-dominated field. The market sits in the heart of Briar Chapel and brings fresh food and handmade goods to residents. It is a welcoming space where farmers and artisans share their work with the neighborhood and offers residents a convenient way to shop for vegetables, meats and prepared foods close to home.
Woodland Farm owner Kathryn Beckerdite oversees the market while also selling pastured lamb and pork. She describes her role as an “acting den mother” and works collaboratively with vendors to maintain a true farmers market feel. This year, the market is experimenting with a structured schedule, focusing on food vendors for most Fridays, while the fourth Friday of each month features artisans selling locally crafted goods.
“We love chatting with our customers,” Kathryn says. “Folks are so eager to know where their food comes from and how to best cook it that you can get caught up in a conversation.” Kathryn also says she doesn’t mind when folks just stop to browse. “It’s okay if somebody doesn’t buy. If you’ve educated them and explained why farmers market food is better – why farmers markets are so important – you can make a change in their buying patterns.”
The market is only 150 yards from a school bus stop. “We set up right as school is letting out and a lot of the younger kids will run by to stop and pick out things,” Kathryn says. “We’ve had middle schoolers buy sausage and
You
also find regionally produced
can
goods, like Tallyho Honey from Carrboro, at Chatham County farmers markets.
ground meat because they’re going to try cooking something. This is with their own money. We’ll have a little chat and send them on their way.”
Jerilyn Maclean, another vendor, started the Briar Chapel Native Plant Club about four years ago to restore native ecosystems and protect biodiversity – especially pollinators like bees, butterflies and birds –in the neighborhood. She sells plants weekly at the farmers market and at Woods Charter School from March to June and September to November. Each plant comes with a handwritten sign with care instructions.
“All of us are passionate about what we do,” Jerilyn says.
LEFT Look for gluten free cakes, breads, muffins and more by Irish Bakers at the Farmers Market at Briar Chapel and the Pittsboro Farmers Market.
RIGHT Cole Ray enjoys getting to know customers as he sells cheese products for Celebrity Dairy.
PHOTO BY MARY O'LOUGHLIN
pittsboro farmers market
The Pittsboro Farmers Market stipulates that vendors must grow, raise or make everything they sell within a 50-mile radius of its site at The Plant to ensure fresh, high-quality offerings. Shoppers browse seasonal produce, pastured meats, honey, flowers, granola and prepared foods like hummus and empanadas.
Market manager Mary Medvar describes the space as more than a shopping destination. “The market fosters community,” she says. “For some folks, it’s their social time each week. They see their market friends and connect.” Families bring children, who play while parents shop and learn new ways to cook their favorite foods.
The market, which started in 1997, partners with local food pantry CORA to increase food access. In 2023, the Pittsboro Farmers Market launched a Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches SNAP benefits to help customers buy fresh food. Shoppers can also donate to CORA by purchasing from vendors.
Special events at the market bring extra energy. Tomato Fest in July features a tomato pie contest judged by local chefs, while the Halloween market encourages vendors and customers to dress up for trick-or-treating.
Heartsong Farm owner Emily Fuller appreciates the strong connections
she has made through the market.
“The shoppers love their farmers,” she says. “They make a point to shop with every vendor. If we have three produce vendors, they’ll buy something different from each one.”
Emily grows flowers and peppers, along with garlic, onions and herbs. At first, she wasn’t sure if flowers would serve the community, but the overwhelmingly joyful response to her CSA boxes during the peak of the pandemic changed her mind.
Emily now firmly believes in the therapeutic value of flowers and their ability to feed your heart, mind and soul. Emily’s products can also be found at Chatham Marketplace cm
ABOVE Northwood High School graduate Samantha Thurber painted the mural on the shed at the Pittsboro Farmers Market at The Plant.
BELOW Jerilyn Maclean sells native plants at the Farmers Market at Briar Chapel to help sustain pollinator populations in the county.
PHOTO
Building a Community Without Hunger
economic development updates
Compiled by ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA
Chatham County is one of 22 counties statewide selected to participate in Our State, Our Homes, an 18-month program to support and educate community leaders on how to improve accessibility and affordability of housing options. The UNC program is part of a larger, five-year initiative called Carolina Across 100, which is funded by the Office of the Chancellor and private foundations.
ABOVE A new statewide initiative by UNC will guide community-centric teams on how to improve affordable housing options at the county level.
County teams may include local leaders from business, civic, education, nonprofit, faith-based and government organizations.
Jamie Andrews, Chatham County housing and community development officer, invites members of the community to engage in the process once events are scheduled.
“Community relationships are going to be at the core of our work as we progress,” Jamie says. “And we look forward to building community trust and sharing the tools with residents to build housing policies focused on social and racial equity and opportunity.”
Nearly one-third of households in North Carolina are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. According to Carolina Across 100, the shortage of affordable housing options poses a barrier to attracting employers and workers, limits households’ economic positions and adversely impacts health outcomes.
OTHER UPDATES
The Pittsboro Downtown Streetscape Revitalization Project will use an $850,000 grant from the state’s Rural Infrastructure Authority to reconstruct brick sidewalks along Hillsboro Street to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, add access ramps, install a retaining wall and resolve drainage issues. The funding will also cover costs to improve the sewer system for businesses along the west side of the project corridor.
A special use permit is under review by Chatham County commissioners that would allow the construction of a three-bay emergency medical station on 2.3 acres on Ballentrae Court near the Chatham Health Sciences Center. The site will utilize county water service and Briar Chapel’s wastewater system.
The Chatham County Economic Development Corporation announced that Moncure-based Capital Ready Mix Concrete and its estimated 100 employees were acquired by S.T. Wooten Corp. of Wilson, which employs about 1,000 companywide.
The N.C. Department of Commerce announced in December that MetOx International will build a major manufacturing center to produce high-temperature superconducting transmission cables in Chatham County. The facility will
generate 333 new jobs in the area, according to an announcement from the governor’s office. The company will invest $193 million and expects to boost the state’s economy by $987.8 million over the course of the grant’s 12-year term.
Jacksonville, Florida-based Innovative Construction Group will establish an off-site construction services company in Siler City to serve developers, general contractors and professional builders as the Piedmont region continues to grow. The company plans to make
This map shows some of the current and proposed mixed-use development for North Village, known as NoVi, which is only a portion of the overall master plan for Chatham Park. The much-anticipated Storybook Living by Disney community called Asteria will include over 1,600 acres near the Haw River.
Governors
Pittsboro
Photo by Shana Perry
a capital investment of nearly $39.8 million and could generate as many as 157 jobs over the next five years, according to the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
Pilates at the Core took over Suite 130 at 32 Industrial Park Drive. The business opened in January and offers group and private classes as well as special events.
The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners approved requests in January to rezone three separate tracts of land from residential to mixed-use development. In the first tract, which adjoins the Chatham Park development district, Highcroft Investors will develop 122.5 acres between U.S. Hwy. 64 Business and the bypass to include single-family homes, apartments and condos, a public park and an expansion of a riparian buffer to existing residential areas. Highcroft Investors responded to community concerns involving a second tract of 34.4 acres along U.S. Hwy. 64 Business
at Eubanks Road. The developers reduced the residential density from 515 to 140 dwelling units, decreased proposed non-residential square footage from 150,000 to 100,000 square feet, removed some proposed permitted uses, and enhanced the proposed landscape buffer along Hanks Chapel Road. In the third tract, which is located at Powell Place, developers asked that land currently designated for 150 unconstructed residential units be rezoned to be part of a 57-acre mixed-use portion. The Powell Place Development master plan shows future uses for commercial retail and office space, a future school site, a hotel and additional residential units.
Developers of Disney’s planned community, Asteria, have not yet announced when they will break ground on 1,626.596 acres along the Haw River, though they anticipate home sales to begin in 2027. DMB Development, a company based in Scottsdale, Arizona, built Cotino, Disney’s first planned community, in Rancho
Mirage, California. DMB registered with the N.C. Secretary of State Office in February 2024.
The Chatham County Planning Board granted conditional approval of the first plat for Hamlets Reserve, consisting of 39 lots on 110.28 acres located off Hamlets Chapel Road.
Toll Brothers, a Pennsylvania-based developer, will build 31 homes in a luxury neighborhood called Chapel Oaks on 76.09 acres off Old Lystra Road. Home prices start at $1 million and range in sizes up to 5,200 square feet.
The Contentnea Creek Development Company received authorization to construct a new subdivision, Summit Terrace, consisting of 26 lots on 56.15 acres located off Mt. Gilead Church Road
Zadell Development received approval from the Chatham County Planning Department to build homes on 11 lots at Anfield Estates, a 24.7-acre subdivision located off Beaver Creek Road. cm
The Chatham Park YMCA at 120 Parkland Dr. is a 36,000-square-foot fitness facility that officially opens in March to help meet growing community needs in Chatham County. According to developers, the area is expected to grow to 170,000 residents by 2050.
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stephenson & stone
By PHOEBE MARTEL
Chatham County natives
Marissa Stephenson and Tyler Stone’s love story didn’t begin until after high school, despite their shared roots. Though they graduated two years apart from Northwood High School in Pittsboro, their paths didn’t cross until 2018, when both were living in Raleigh. Marissa attended Meredith College, while Tyler is a proud NC State alumnus.
After five years of dating, the couple’s February 2024 trip to Davos, Switzerland, became even more memorable when Tyler proposed atop the Swiss Alps, a moment that Marissa said came as a complete surprise. The two commemorated the occasion back home in Pittsboro with an engagement photo session at Tyler’s grandparents’ family farm.
Marissa and Tyler will tie the knot on Nov. 1, at The Oaks at Salem in Apex. The couple plans to remain in Chatham County, where Marissa works as a pediatric nurse. Tyler operates a local heating and air conditioning company, Stone Services, Inc., alongside his mom, Pam Stone, in Chapel Hill. cm
cockman & mcintyre
By TAYLOR MOTLEY
Chatham County natives Jessica Cockman and Cade McIntyre first became friends at Chatham Central High School. Although they remained friends throughout high school, they never dated, and lost touch when they each went their separate ways to college. After graduating college in 2017, the two moved back home and reconnected at Carolina Tap House. They quickly became inseparable and began dating in May 2018.
Cade asked Jessica to marry him during their annual beach trip to Oak Island, North Carolina with close college friends, surprising her with a path of roses, candles and photos of their relationship on Nov. 11, 2023.
The pair said “I do” on Sept. 14, 2024 at the Village Pine Venue in Carthage, North Carolina. “Coming from a small business family, I really wanted to incorporate local, small businesses from Chatham County and the surrounding areas,” Jessica says. Be You-tiful Events, whose owners attend church with the couple, helped bring the wedding to life through diligent planning and gorgeous florals. Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering crafted an elegant cake adorned in edible pearls. Tribeca Tavern and Chatham Meat Co. catered the event with delicious prime rib, lemon crusted chicken and salmon. After the reception, a trolley from Sandhills Trolley Co. escorted the newlyweds back to their Airbnb.
Residing in Siler City, Jessica works for her family’s business, Cockman’s Appliance Center, and Cade is a project manager at Carolina Video Security, Inc. cm
