When I joined the Chatham Magazine team last year, I was most excited by the challenge of evolving the publication to better represent our growing community. As spring (and my first anniversary as managing editor) approaches, we are thrilled to unveil a refreshed identity. Our bold new look, spearheaded by Creative Director Kevin Brown, reflects both the vibrant growth and deep-rooted history that shape our cherished piece of North Carolina.
It is also serendipitous, then, that our redesign coincides with our annual Women’s Issue. I can’t think of a better time to take a daring step with our brand than in alignment with these stories. We profile 10 illuminating entrepreneurs, advocates, creative thinkers, mothers, students and friends who help shape our county starting on page 33. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we did.
This is also our Home & Garden issue, a celebration of the growth synonymous with spring. Cultivate your own slice of paradise with gardening tips from area experts (page 92) and meet the women who revitalized The Parlour at Manns Chapel, turning an abandoned local landmark into a vibrant event venue that’s hosted weddings and other special occasions for the past 10 years.
Speaking of growth, we sat down with the newly elected mayors of Siler City and Pittsboro to learn more about their visions for our towns. Meet Donald Matthews and Kyle Shipp on page 24.
This is such an exciting time to be in Chatham. We’re honored to share this chapter with you. – Morgan Cartier Weston, managing editor
34 Gloria Rodriguez
Music coordinator, The Plant
36 Catherine Hobbs
Realtor, Chatham Homes Realty
38 Del Turner, Jane Allen Wilson and Julie Bridenstine
Chatham County Board of Education members
44 Mary Kate Bedell
Owner and head designer, Fresh Air Designs
46 Christine Harrelson
Competitive professional archer and archery instructor
50 Karen Barbee
Owner and clinical director, Renaissance Wellness Services
54 Kendall Anderson
Student and athlete, Seaforth High School
58 Lisa Chapman
President, Central Carolina Community College
HOME & GARDEN
62 Architect’s Abode
A design professional applies decades of experience to his own home
80 Going to the Chapel
The Parlour at Manns Chapel is a celebration of community past and present
92 Nurturing Nature
Create your perfect spring garden with these tips from area experts
DEPARTMENTS
4 Letter from the Managing Editor
8 Out & About
6 events you won’t want to miss
16 Noted
What we’ve heard around our towns …
24 Who’s Who in Town & County Government
The new mayors of Pittsboro and Siler City
100 Here We Grow Again
Updates on developments, real estate and future projects
PEOPLE & PLACES
10 Fearrington Folk Art Show
12 CORA’s Empty Bowls Fundraiser
13 Carolina Tiger Rescue’s Black Tie & Tails Ball
14 Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina’s Youth of the Year Gala
