Summer 2021

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Anna-Rhesa Versola

I don’t know about you, but I feel as if we are on the verge of another Roaring ’20s with our collective pent-up energies as more people are vaccinated, and we are venturing out of our quarantine comfort zones as we transition into a post-pandemic “normal.” 

Of course, like time itself, normal is relative and I think the late Tommy Edwards would have agreed. The community and the bluegrass universe is not normal without Tommy in it. We miss you, Tommy. You blessed us all. 

Starting on page 48, our Ultimate Summer Guide lists more than 20 fun and educational things to do in and around Chatham to reengage with favorite activities or to try something new. 

For a dash of inspiration, turn to page 66 to read about 91-year-old Lilian Pruett, who took a 65-year hiatus from playing table tennis yet competed in her third Chatham County Senior Games this year. Regardless of outcome, Lilian already feels like a winner: Getting back to in-person practices gave her the human connection she needs after spending more than a year alone in her Carolina Meadows villa. 

In Bear Creek, I was moved by Mark Stinson’s resilience – not for surviving four lightning strikes – but for raising his three kids as a single father who wants to be seen as a whole person, not as a human lightning rod. His story begins on page 44

So, this summer, before the world revs up to full speed again, take a moment to reflect on what means most to you right now. For me, that’s spending time, unmasked, at home with my family. That reminds me – I think I’ll donate some of the masks I made last year to the Chatham 250 time capsule (see page 34). It will be interesting to find out how we see ourselves 50 years from now. – Anna-Rhesa Versola

FEATURES

34 Chatham 250: For Another Time
Make your own contribution to the time capsule

38 Why I Foster
A CARE volunteer opens her home to pups in need, plus three adoptable pets

42 Chef’s Table
How four chefs celebrate summer

44 In a Flash
Meet the man who survived four lightning strikes

48 20+ Ways to Have a Fantastic Summer
See how many you can check off before Labor Day

64 Going for Gold
Meet five older adults who competed in a variety of sports during the Chatham County Senior Games this spring

78 10 Reasons to Retire Here
Why retirees choose to spend their golden years in Chatham

82 The 2021 Directory of Continuing Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living, 55+ Living and Cohousing Retirement Communities

HOME & GARDEN

96 Built to Last
The Smiths’ custom home in Governors Club features a speakeasy and stunning views

114 Here We Grow Again
Updates on commercial real estate developments

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS

6 Letter from the Managing Editor

8 Six Events
Our top events for June, July and August

12 Noted

119 Engagement
Sidrak & Walters

120 Wedding
Holt & Spivey

PEOPLE & PLACES

19 Inaugural Chatham Rabbit Festival
20 Piper Hill Farm’s Easter Hunt
22 ClydeFEST in the Wild
24 Carolina Brewery’s New Brew
26 Paws for a Cause
28 Day of the Books / El Día de los Libros
32 Chatham 250’s Founding Day

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Anna-Rhesa Versola

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