Prior to COVID-19, I absolutely loved hosting parties, especially if there was a theme involved (Barbenheimer, anyone?). However, I often set unrealistic expectations for myself and found I was stretched too thin leading up to the event, trying out new recipes on top of cleaning up and decorating. I would end up exhausted and unable to enjoy myself during the party.
Thankfully, there are some folks in Chatham who know a thing or two about hospitality and grace under pressure. Some of them kindly shared their effortless entertaining tips and make-ahead recipes that will ensure you spend this holiday season making memories with loved ones, not in the kitchen. I can’t wait to pair Jason Rhoden’s jerk shrimp reggae pasta with Brendan Cox’s raspberry Champagne cocktail. They’ve got some great ideas for infusing your celebration with local flair, too – check them out starting on page 50.
This season also marks the midpoint of the school year. In this issue, we highlight a handful of the dedicated educators, faculty and bright young minds who are making a difference in our schools. We hope they all enjoy some much-deserved rest and relaxation over the holidays.
From the kitchens of our talented local chefs to the classrooms where knowledge and inspiration flourish, our community comes alive at this time of year – enjoy it. I know I will! I plan to soak up the sights during Pittsboro’s Christmas Parade and to shop local at the Fearrington Farmers Market for some of those delicious recipes.
Wishing you and yours a season filled with warmth, laughter and cherished memories. – Morgan Cartier Weston, managing editor
HOLIDAY
50 Savor the Season
Accomplished chefs share reliable recipes, time-saving techniques and insights for effortlessly hosting memorable gatherings, both at home and out on the town
58 Making Spirits Bright
Impress your guests with holiday hosting tips and mixology tricks
66 Wonderful Woodland Retreat
Expert craftsmanship and a grand vision combine to create a timber frame marvel
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
96 Five Questions …
… with Kristen Breedlove, Perry Harrison Elementary’s new principal
100 Class Acts
Meet an exceptional student and two A-plus instructors
106 A Recipe for Academic Excellence
Success in our schools starts with nutrition
108 Directory of Independent, Regional Boarding, Charter and Application Program Schools
FEATURE
87 Local Luminaries
We shine a light on individuals and organizations making positive impacts in our community
DEPARTMENTS
4 Letter from the Managing Editor
8 Six Events
You won’t want to miss
32 Noted
What we’ve heard around our towns …
38 Who’s Who in Town & County Government
Get to know our county’s director of social services
84 Here We Grow Again
Commercial development updates, plus a look at upcoming projects
PEOPLE & PLACES
10 The Hispanic Liaison’s Hispanic Heritage Fiesta
12 Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance
14 Chatham Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Forest Hall
18 Bold Real Estate Block Party
20 Chatham Chamber of Commerce Women’s Social at Heaven’s Gate Farm
ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING
119 Andrews & Horowitz
120 Schwarz & Thomas
SPONSORED CONTENT
22 Faces of Chatham
Celebrating the people behind our local businesses
43 The Big Give
Our area nonprofits, how they support the community and how you can get involved
116 Health Care
Meet dentists and doctors in our community
