Chapel Hill Magazine May/June 2026

CHAPEL HILL

MAY/JUNE 2026 CHAPELHILLMAGAZINE.COM

EDITOR Jessica Stringer

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR Amanda MacLaren

EXECUTIVE EDITOR, CHATHAM MAGAZINE & THE TRIANGLE WEEKENDER

Morgan Cartier Weston

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sharon Kinsella

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Emma Arthur, Lojine Goumaa, Ali Grau, Stephanie Hughes, Olivia Jarman, Ellie Kollme, Delphine Liu

Rebekah Mann, Katrina McLean, Jamell Mumford, Tiffany Plusnick, Lexi Tatum, Cassie Tripp, Libby Wakefield

CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Martin, Lindsay Metivier, Lauren Rouse

ART & PRODUCTION

MAGAZINE DESIGN DIRECTOR Kevin Brown

PHOTOGRAPHER

John Michael Simpson

MAGAZINE DESIGNER Alex Crotti

AD MANAGER

Khadijah Weekes-Nolan

ADVERTISING

For advertising inquiries, email advertising@chapelhillmagazine.com

Where Medical Expertise Meets Aesthetic Artistry

At the Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill, founded by Dr. Chris G. Adigun, we believe that exceptional skin care begins with compassion, expertise, and a genuine commitment to each patient’s well-being. Our team of board-certified dermatology specialists combine advanced medical knowledge with the latest in laser and skincare technology to deliver effective treatments. We take pride in offering personalized care in a welcoming, professional environment – helping our patients achieve healthier, more radiant skin through evidence-based solutions and attentive, individualized care.

Healthier, radiant skin and a level of care that only true experts can provide.

Chris G. Adigun, MD, FAAD

Karlee Wagoner, ANP-BC

Diana Walker, PA-C

Amy Rodriguez, PA-C

Melissa Cooley melissa.cooley@trianglemediapartners.com

Melissa Crane melissa.crane@trianglemediapartners.com

Sarah Davis sarah.davis@trianglemediapartners.com

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CORPORATE PRESIDENT Rory Kelly Gillis

VICE PRESIDENT, SALES Chris Elkins, chris.elkins@trianglemediapartners.com

VICE PRESIDENT, CREATIVE OPERATIONS

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VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Amy Bell

ACCOUNTING & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Cassady Orsini

MULTIMEDIA PUBLISHER & DIRECTOR OF CLIENT DIGITAL STRATEGY Jenna Parks

DEPUTY EDITOR, HEART OF NC WEDDINGS Renee Ambroso

CLIENT ONBOARDING & OPERATIONS MANAGER Brian McIndoo

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Jack Fry

CREATIVE MARKETING MANAGER Lindsay Scott

MULTIMEDIA CONTENT PRODUCER Caleb LeJeune

DISTRIBUTION Matt Bair

CO-FOUNDERS

Dan Shannon & Ellen Shannon

May/ June

chapelhillmagazine.com

Volume 21 Number 3

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

34 Paula de Pano owner, Rocks + Acid

38 Daniella Jaimes-Colina chief executive officer, Piedmont Health Services

42 Lisa Kaylie executive director, Extraordinary Ventures

46 Janice Tyler director, Orange County Department on Aging

50 Vianna L. Fornville student, Chapel Hill High School

54 The Rev. Elizabeth Marie Melchionna rector, The Chapel of the Cross

58 Amanda Bennett Carrboro poet laureate

62 Caroline Riggsbee area manager, Pinnacle Financial Partners

FEATURES

30 A Closer Look at Carrboro

Explore a few of our favorite spots around this former mill town, where walkable streets lead to a lively mix of arts, outdoor adventure, independent shops and a thriving dining scene

66 Retirement Goals How three older adults spend their post-work years

76 The 2026 Directory of Assisted Living, Continuing Care, Independent Living, 55+ Living & Cohousing Retirement Communities

84 Our Top Dentists

ONLY IN ORANGE

Community & culture, from Chapel Hill to Hillsborough

12 Here & Now

Events you won’t want to miss

16 Get Out of Town

Top Triangle events this season

18 Talk of the Town

Community perspectives from Ted Voorhees, town manager of Chapel Hill

18 You Said It

Readers share their home or garden projects for spring

19 The Write Stuff

New books by local authors

20 Let’s Dish at H&H Bagels

22 News Bites

Updates on our local food scene

24 Glow Getters

Spotlighting neighbors who shine bright

28 Local Lens

A scene that captures the spirit of our towns

LOCAL LIFE

Color, character & connections in Orange County

94 Moments That Made Us

A look back at the people, places and events that shaped Chapel Hill

98 Before & After

A neutral condo evolves into a playful retreat with subtle Carolina blue accents

106 At Home in the Pines

A mid-century modern retreat finds new life as a nonprofit Airbnb, where guests can experience the beauty of the land – and help preserve it

112 Remarkable Room

A soaring dining room anchors this Hillsborough home, where personal storytelling meets texture, color and nature-inspired design

SCENE AROUND TOWN

Snapshots of local events

120 Orange Chatham Association of Realtors’ Awards Gala

122 Chapel Hill Magazine 20th Anniversary Party

123 Extraordinary Thrift Store Galentine’s Luncheon

124 Durham Tech Orange County Campus Expansion Celebration

125 Hope Animal Rescue’s Puppy Bowl Watch Party

CELEBRATIONS

Engagements & weddings

127 Butler & Slocum

128 Guge & Smith

Stay Awhile

It had everything: a wood-beamed ceiling, exposed brick walls and a disco ball above the bed. The vibe sealed the deal when I booked my hotel in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District, an eclectic enclave in the barbecuecentric city. This issue – filled with its many stunning spaces – had me wanting a weekend away to do what I love most: explore cocktail bars, coffee shops and local boutiques in a new place.

Looking for an aesthetic staycation closer to home? Consider Villa Pinea, a secluded Airbnb on the county line that once belonged to two Duke lichenologists. They placed the property under a conservation easement with the North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation, which later enlisted Elizabeth Wilcox and Amy Eller of So Well Appointed to ensure the mid-century retreat could welcome guests while preserving its character. You can feel good about your stay, knowing it supports an environmentally focused organization celebrating 60 years and marking the occasion with a gala on May 15. (Find more spring happenings on page 12.)

Speaking of great causes, I encourage you to browse the new Extraordinary Thrift Store in Carrboro for a feelgood retail fix. I snagged a vintage Ralph Lauren blazer on opening day of the latest endeavor from Extraordinary Ventures, a nonprofit that creates employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Executive Director Lisa Kaylie captured the moment at the rainy February ribbon cutting: “It’s always a beautiful day when you’re opening something of this magnitude.” Meet her and seven other community leaders beginning on page 33.

Let this issue inspire where you go, what you bring home and how you show up for your own community this season. CHM

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Like our new look? Tell us what you think about the magazine and what you want to see next.

Get a look behind the scenes, find can’t-miss events and keep up with new spots like the revamped Chapel Hill Skate Park.

Only in Orange

BY

Events you won’t want to miss

UpClose Chamber Music

May 30, 7:30 p.m. chamberorchestraofthetriangle.org

The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle closes its chamber music season with the Durham Fellows and violist Jordan Bak in a dazzling and intimate concert at Current Studio. Kenji Bunch’s spirited “String Circle” anchors the program, joined by Benjamin Britten’s playful “Three Divertimenti” and Mendelssohn’s passionate String Quartet No. 4 in E Minor, spanning three centuries of string music. 

Family House Classic

April 30 and May 1

secufh.org/familyhouseclassic

Tee off at Finley Golf Club for a tournament benefiting the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals, a nonprofit providing a safe and affordable home away from home for patients and their loved ones who travel great distances to receive critical care at UNC Hospitals. The celebration begins with a Pre-Par-Tee for all supporters on April 30, from 5:30-7 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a silent auction. The golf tournament kicks off with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. on May 1.

Art in the Garden

May 2, 3 & 9

garden-art-gallery.com

Garden Art Gallery’s 31st annual sculpture exhibition returns to Hillsborough at 1902 Borland Rd., showcasing new works by acclaimed artists. Visitors can explore winding paths and intimate garden nooks where smaller sculptures are perfectly nestled, while larger statement pieces take center stage in the open meadows. The exhibition will be held rain or shine over the three days. Attendees can also purchase works, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the artists. 

Freight Train Blues 

May 15, 22, 29 and June 5 & 12

musicmaker.org/freight-train-blues

Carrboro’s 12th annual free concert series, organized by the Music Maker Foundation, highlights roots and blues music at Carrboro Town Commons, featuring regional artists and celebrating local legend Elizabeth Cotten. The series honors her contributions to the American roots genre by spotlighting the cultural significance of the Carolina Piedmont style and its connections to current artists.

North Carolina Botanical Garden 60th Anniversary Gala

May 15, 6-9 p.m.

ncbg.unc.edu

Celebrate six decades of conservation, education and connection to the natural world during this milestone evening benefitting the garden and its foundation at The Barn at Fearrington Village. NCBG’s impact – from protecting native plants to inspiring generations of visitors –has flourished thanks to a dedicated community of supporters. Join friends, advocates and nature lovers to reflect on its enduring mission and toast a vibrant future rooted in science and engagement.

Carrboro Bluegrass Festival

May 23, 2 p.m.

catscradle.com

Start your summer with the sweet sounds of bluegrass during the second annual event presented by Cat’s Cradle. Catch an impressive lineup including Mason Via, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, the Jon Stickley Trio, Trenton Wagler and Eric Brubaker, The Cody Sisters, The Holland Brothers and more.

Pride Promenade

June 6, noon-3 p.m.

chapelhillarts.org

Don your most colorful outfit and gather at Peace and Justice Plaza for Chapel Hill’s fifth annual Pride event. March through town and enjoy festivities including art vendors, performances, interactive experiences, food and more at 140 West Franklin Street Plaza. This event is part of June’s monthlong Small Town Pride celebration in Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Past Meets Present Tour: The Hillsborough Ramble

June 6, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

historichillsborough.org

Step back in time and explore the charm of downtown Hillsborough during this home tour presented by The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and Preservation North Carolina. Wander through beautifully preserved historic homes and meet the homeowners who steward these local treasures. Your ticket includes access to every house on the tour, plus an exclusive reception at Ayr Mount. Enjoy a day filled with architecture, hospitality and hidden stories waiting to be discovered.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Juneteenth Celebration

June 19, 4-8 p.m.

townofcarrboro.org

Join neighbors, friends and families at Hargraves Community Center for an afternoon celebrating Black culture, history and community. Enjoy performances, speakers, food and activities commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. 

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Pride Piper Walk & Orgullo Pride Celebration

June 26, 4:30-8 p.m. townofcarrboro.org

Help town officials roll Rainbow Ram down Weaver Street, beginning at El Centro Hispano and ending at Carrboro Town Commons for a vibrant Pride event celebrating the diverse cultures, identities and experiences of our local Latinx LGBTQ+ community. Explore food trucks, drag performances, music, dancing, kids crafts and tables offering resources, support and advocacy for queer residents.

Get Out of Town

Top Triangle events this season Compiled by Lojine Goumaa

Mosaic Beach Music Series

May 1, 15 & 29, and June 12 & 26

Unwind and enjoy the longer days at Chatham Park’s mixed-use community with live concerts on the lawn, featuring Carolina-born sound that blends soul, rhythm and blues, and pop into an upbeat, danceable sound perfect for warmweather nights. Grab a bite and a drink from on-site vendors or Mosaic restaurants like Greek Kouzina, Hops & Berry Taproom and Jersey Mike’s. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket for a musical evening under the stars!

PlayList Concert Series

May 1 - Oct. 2

Kick off every first Friday with live, outdoor music, dancing and local vendors at Durham Central Park. This dynamic concert series, co-curated by DCP and WNCU 90.7 FM, showcases a diverse mix of genres and talented performers from across the country. Find your spot under the open sky, grab a bite and a beverage from a variety of food trucks and stands, and take in the energy of this community-centered series bringing music lovers together all season long.

Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance

May 7-10

Head to Shakori Hills Community Arts Center for this 22nd annual celebration of music, art and community in Pittsboro. This beloved festival brings together dozens of bands across multiple stages alongside crafts, workshops, dance, yoga and interactive activities for all ages. From lively performances and a colorful parade to handson experiences and family-friendly fun, the event creates an immersive atmosphere where creativity and culture take center stage. Camp out, explore the grounds and experience the spirit of this vibrant gathering that blends music, movement and community connection.

Raleigh’s Spring Festival

May 9, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Celebrate the season during this lively community gathering in Moore Square, featuring food trucks, sweet treats, beer and wine, live performances, local vendors and interactive activities for all ages. Shop, play games, win prizes, and even compete in a spirited dance contest honoring moms.

Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival

May 16, 1-7 p.m.

Make your way to Rock Quarry Park for a celebration of African and African American history, arts and culture presented by Durham Parks and Recreation. This beloved tradition, which is free and open to all, brings the community together around live music, local artists and the flavors of African cuisine. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, soak in the festive atmosphere and experience the spirit of this 56th annual event, which was established by a group of local students and community members to honor the West African harvest celebration filled with dancing, delicious food and cultural pride.

Artsplosure

May 16 & 17

Explore this eclectic, award-winning arts festival and market in the heart of downtown Raleigh, where approximately 175 fine artists and craftspeople exhibit original works across a range of mediums – including painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodwork and more – all available for purchase. Kids enjoy free arts and craft activities at Kidsplosure, and a main stage hosts live performances.

American Dance Festival

May 27 - July 25

One of the largest and most influential modern dance festivals in the world marks its 93rd annual season, spotlighting the iconic choreography of acclaimed companies like Paul Taylor Dance Company, Mark Morris Dance Group, Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Company and the Charlotte Ballet, among others, across venues including Duke University’s Reynolds Industries Theater, Page Auditorium and von der Heyden Studio Theater as well as the Carolina Theatre, Jewish for Good and ADF’s Samuel H. Scripps Studios.

Raleigh’s International Food Festival

June 6, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Travel around the world without leaving Oak City during this vibrant celebration of global cuisine, diversity, art and culture at City Plaza. Sample authentic dishes, desserts and drinks from more than 120 local vendors representing 50-plus countries, catch high-energy music and dance performances across two stages, and take part in interactive experiences like the Chef of the World Cook-Off, World Parade of Flags and International Dance Competition.

Capital City Juneteenth Celebration

June 20, 2-6:30 p.m.

Head to Dorothea Dix Park for an afternoon of reflection and festivity honoring the abolition of slavery in the United States. This gathering brings the community together around live entertainment, children’s activities, local vendors and food, creating a space to celebrate history, culture and unity. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, settle in, and experience the spirit of this meaningful annual event rooted in remembrance and community connection.

Chatham Celebrates America 250

June 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This July Fourth marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Celebrate early at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center with live music, food trucks, vendors, displays, demonstrations and more. Remember our history, examine the present, look towards the future, and see the community in full display.

2025 Head to our Triangle-wide event calendar for even more seasonal festivities

Wally Cardona & Molly Lieber

Co-presented with Carolina Performing Arts

May 27–29 at 7 pm & May 30 at 2 pm & 7 pm

ADF’s Scripps Studios • $30

Jesse Factor

June 17 at 7:30 pm

Reynolds Industries Theater • $30–$45

for more details & to purchase tickets, visit

Footprints

june

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company

June 18 & 19 at 7:30 pm

Page Auditorium • $40–$70

Camille A. Brown & Dancers

Co-presented with Hayti Heritage Center

June 20 at 2 pm & 7:30 pm

Reynolds Industries Theater • $30–$60

Made in NC

Tracey Durbin, Jabu Graybeal, Courtney Liu, & Amanda K. Miller

Co-presented with Cary, NC

June 22 at 7:30 pm

Page Auditorium • $30

ADF-Commissioned World Premieres

Encore performance at Downtown Cary Park on September 26 at 7:30 pm

I-Ling Liu & Stacy Matthew Spence

June 23 & 24 at 7:30 pm & June 24 at 2 pm

von der Heyden Studio Theater • $30

american dance festival may

Pioneer Winter Collective

Co-presented with The Carolina Theatre

June 25 at 7:30 pm

Carolina Theatre • $30

Charlotte Ballet

Co-presented with Jewish for Good

June 26 at 5:30 pm & 8 pm

June 27 & 28 at 1 pm & 4 pm

Jewish for Good • $38

Kimberly Bartosik/daela

June 27 at 7:30 pm

Reynolds Industries Theater • $30–$45 ADF Commission

Tere O’Connor Dance

June 30 at 7:30 pm

July 1 at 2 pm & 7:30 pm von der Heyden Studio Theater • $30 ADF Commission

Ephrat Asherie, Vincent E. Thomas, & Keith A. Thompson

July 11 at 7:30 pm & July 12 at 3 pm

Reynolds Industries Theater • $30–$45

ADF-Commissioned World Premieres

Stephan Koplowitz

July 11 at 1 pm & 3 pm

July 12 at 11 am & 1 pm

A FREE site-specific work at Mutual Tower

ADF-Commissioned World Premiere, Presented in collaboration with Turnbridge Equities

Paul Taylor Dance Company

July 15 & 16 at 7:30 pm

Page Auditorium • $40–$70

ADF-Commissioned World Premiere

Shen Wei Dance Arts & Guangdong Modern Dance Company

Mark Morris Dance Group

July 2 & 3 at 7:30 pm

July 4 at 5 pm

Li Chiao-Ping Dance july

Reynolds Industries Theater • $40–$70

Monica Bill Barnes & Company

July 7–10 at 7:30 pm von der Heyden Studio Theater • $30

SPECIAL EVENTS OFF STAGE

June 17: Opening Dance Party • $25

July 17: Closing Dance Party • $50

Film Screenings to celebrate 30 years of ADF’s Screendance Festival. For more details, visit our website.

July 17 at 7:30 pm & July 18 at 5 pm

Reynolds Industries Theater • $30–$60

ADF Co-commission

July 22 at 7:30 pm

Reynolds Industries Theater • $30

Pilobolus

July 24 at 7:30 pm & July 25 at 5 pm

Page Auditorium • $40–$70

CHILDREN’S MATINEES

Saturdays at 12 pm • $18 followed by a free Kids Party

July 4: Mark Morris Dance Group

July 25: Pilobolus PACKAGE DEAL $30 for both!

Talk of the Town

Community perspectives

Ted Voorhees

Chapel Hill town manager

You stepped into the role last August – what have you learned so far about Chapel Hill? One of the best things I’ve learned is that my idea of Chapel Hill matches my reality of Chapel Hill. I lived and worked in the Piedmont Triad, Wilmington, Durham and Fayetteville, but I always felt a connection to Chapel Hill, both from being a Tar Heel fan and from my visits to UNC’s School of Government. From those experiences, my sense was that Chapel Hill is a welcoming, inclusive, engaged community full of people who deeply care about one another and their neighbors. In my months of living here with my family and leading the town team, I see all those qualities in action every single day – whether I’m talking to a community leader or interacting with a frontline town employee or a meeting with a small-business owner.

What are the most important priorities you’re focused on now, and what do you hope residents will notice as a result? Right now, our council is deeply focused on two major things - updating our Land Use Management Ordinance

and considering the town’s annual budget for Fiscal Year 2026. My role is to shepherd these processes, making sure that council receives the information they need to make good –and sometimes hard – decisions. I hope that residents will choose to engage with both of these, as both of them will shape the short- and long-term future of our community. I encourage everyone to visit our website, subscribe to our weekly newsletter and attend a council meeting. Additionally, we have some work to do around stormwater. Tropical Storm Chantal increased awareness of flood risk in our community. While we really can’t prevent such large-scale events – we can only respond and educate – we do see some opportunities for early warning systems, modeling and further strengthening our planning for such events.

What are a few of your favorite discoveries from living here now?

I started as town manager just after Chantal devastated parts of our community, including the Bolin Creek Greenway. I went out and saw the damage and then worked with staff to accelerate repairs. I’m a runner, so once the work was done, I went and ran the greenway and got to experience this crown jewel of our current – and future – greenway system. I’ve also really enjoyed experiencing downtown as a local rather than a tourist. My office is in Town Hall, so I can easily walk downtown for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I encourage all locals to come downtown, whether for a big game, on a weekend or a great meal any other day or time. I’ve had fun reconnecting with friends and family from across North Carolina right here in town. CHM

You Said It

What home or garden project is on your spring to-do list?

This spring, I’m planning to refresh my garden by planting herbs and pollinatorfriendly flowers. In addition, I intend to set up a small raised bed for vegetables.

– Dr. Stefan C. Weiss

I am growing Serrano, jalapeno, hot Hungarian wax and a long Italian red pepper called Marconi Rosso from seeds and hope to get them in the ground in early May – unless it really looks like we will get a run of warmer weather. My goal this year is to make sure they are watered more regularly and fertilized properly. Last year they got too tall due to adding undercomposted fresh chicken manure, and I want to avoid that. We still got about 9 billion peppers, but I’m always looking to fine-tune the operation.

– Stefan Klakovich

This spring I will be choosing some potted flowers for my patio in Southern Village, where I love to sit and journal on warm breezy days.

– Carolyn McIntyre

The Write Stuff

New books by local

authors

High school senior and poet Alys Traylor offers a candid portrayal of how trauma impacts the human mind and body in “Speech Therapy, Eating Disorders & Dyslexic Speculation,” a tribute to growth as she loves and lets go through her poetry collection. Alys confronts childhood hardships and strained family relationships as she releases parts of herself onto the page and names the complex emotions swirling inside.

Author Ford S. Worthy recounts his attempt to find a boy who was once in his father’s care during his 1945 flight home from WWII. When the plane landed and no one claimed young Chester, Ford Sr. knew he was boarding a plane to his final destination – but he didn’t know whether Chester would come with him. His grandmother eventually came for him, but Ford always wondered what happened to that young boy, so he enlisted the help of modern online detectives to solve this decades-long mystery. Through a series of Facebook posts that reveal the story piece by piece, offering a glimpse into a different era, readers of “In Search of a Boy Named Chester: A Gift to My Father for His 100th Birthday” are left wondering: what became of Chester Park? – by Zahra Alqudaihi CHM

Let’s Dish at ...

H&H Bagels

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Before sunrise on opening day, a line formed outside H&H Bagels, stretching along the University Place storefronts and wrapping around Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. More than 100 people bundled up in coats and scarves three hours before the iconic New York shop served its first bagel.

Local owners Michael Klein and Amanda Klein opened H&H Bagels on Jan. 15, bringing the franchise to North Carolina. The couple met in Central Park while training for an Ironman triathlon and later lived just across the street from H&H’s Upper East Side location, which became a regular stop during their

early years together. “On Sunday afternoons following a long run in the park, an everything bagel scooped and toasted with veggie cream cheese and tomato became synonymous with what we defined as home,” Michael says.

The Kleins moved to Durham in 2013 and eventually saw an opportunity to bring their favorite New York-style bagels to a region with so many Northeast transplants. “The number of former New Yorkers who have come in and have stories about their time with H&H, how much they miss it and how excited they are that we’re here has been really fulfilling,” Michael says. “We’re also excited to bring the bagels to those who haven’t had one before.”

The menu features kettle-boiled bagels, spreads and made-toorder sandwiches. A top seller is the bacon, egg and cheese – with a freshly cracked egg – while the Nova salmon, complete with tomatoes, onions and capers, draws a nostalgic response from those who grew up with the brand. An unexpected favorite – strawberry cream cheese on a blueberry bagel – quickly emerged among UNC students. “The strawberry cream cheese is made with real strawberries,” Amanda says. “There really aren’t any corners that we cut in terms of fresh ingredients.” The shop also serves a custom coffee blend developed for H&H by Wisconsinbased Ruby Coffee Roasters.

include the Southwest Turkey –oven roasted turkey, crispy bacon, fresh avocado, pepperjack cheese and spicy Southwest sauce; The Gardener – vegetable cream cheese, tomato, cucumber and avocado; and the Classic Bacon, Egg and Cheese – crispy bacon, fresh cracked and griddled eggs with American cheese.

After several family visits to the Big Apple, Michael and Amanda’s children, Sam Klein, 10, and Rylan Klein, 8, truly appreciate getting the NYC bagel experience in their home state. “Sam enjoys our scallion BT sandwich with scallion cream cheese, bacon and tomato while Rylan is a classic bacon, egg and cheese girl – with well-done bacon, of course,” Michael says. After the warm welcome they received in Chapel Hill, the Kleins eventually plan to open four more locations across the Triangle. In the meantime, they

remain hands-on in the day to day, spending much of their time in the shop and getting to know customers as they come through the door. “I’ve really been enjoying working the cash register,” Amanda says. “It’s great interacting with people and hearing all the combinations that everyone’s ordering.” For the Kleins, their work goes beyond bagels – it’s about building something personal, one regular at a time. – by Lauren Rouse 

Updates on our local food scene

Compiled by Tiffany Plusnick and Alison Grau

Paris Bánh Mì Cafe & Bakery opened its doors Feb. 12 at 407 Meadowmont Village Circle

The popular Vietnamese sandwich and coffee chain, locally operated by franchise owner Thai Doan, is known for its traditional banh mi options, fresh-baked baguettes and croissants, and an extensive lineup of handcrafted

specialty drinks, including made-to-order slush fresh milk teas. The cafe also offers French-style bakery cakes and pastries, prepared daily.

Luna Rotisserie and Taproom closed March 8 after six years in business. The 307 E. Main St. space will become the second Triangle location of Raleigh-based barbecue eatery Longleaf Swine, expected to open in early fall. The concept, owned and operated by Adam Cunningham, specializes in wood-fired, slow-smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, spare ribs and chicken.

Three Waters Cafe at Booker Creek is slated to open at 1322 Fordham Blvd. by May. Owners Chris Arnet and Liliana Pagano started the business as a mobile coffee shop in 2018 and began vending at the Carrboro Farmers Market that same year. Devoted customers and long lines prompted the brickand-mortar expansion, which will provide a dedicated space for the brand’s faithful following. Chris and Liliana will continue operating the coffee truck alongside the new location.

Géos Tavern & Oyster Bar, the newest eatery from Triangle restaurateur and Giorgios Hospitality Group founder Giorgios Bakatsias , is slated to open in Chapel Hill’s East 54 mixed-use community this spring. The neighborhood gastropub pairs European sophistication with Southern warmth, centering heartfelt hospitality and an ingredient-forward approach to cooking. The menu will feature thoughtfully executed tavern fare made from locally sourced ingredients alongside a carefully curated wine, beer and cocktail lineup. Chef, partner and Osteria Georgi executive chef Daniel Jackson will lead the new concept.

Yodith’s Cakery officially opened March 28 at 1129 Weaver Dairy Rd. Founded by cake artist Yodith Tierney, the bakery specializes in custom cakes and desserts, made with premium ingredients, from everyday treats to large-scale celebrations. Expect a rotating selection of fresh, small-batch offerings alongside bespoke creations for weddings, birthdays and more.

Carrburritos is set to move to Carr Mill Mall after nearly 30 years at its 711 W. Rosemary St. location. The restaurant, known for its burritos, tacos, quesadillas and nachos, will open in the space previously occupied by Grata Diner – and before that, Elmo’s – by the end of the summer and plans to expand operations, including catering, in the larger kitchen. CHM

Glow Getters

Spotlighting neighbors who shine bright

Marea Kavanagh

BY LAURA ZIMMERMAN WHAYNE

BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Sometimes paths cross from a physical interaction, but they also can become intertwined by someone making a connection. This was the case when I heard from “Glow Getters” reader Diana Newton about her friend, Marea Kavanagh of MK Homeopathy and Camp Joy Retreats. Diana was armed with quotes about Marea from other friends, and soon I wanted to learn what inspired her to create healing spaces in (what I view as) an ever-harsher world. Most meaningful endeavors usually begin with moments in our lives that lead to a greater purpose, so I had to uncover hers.

Marea has a lovely demeanor – she is calm, soft-spoken, welcoming and warm. Her deep green eyes just fit her restorative aura. I was so

interested in discovering why Marea became a homeopathic practitioner and what made her found Camp Joy. But, very quickly, I realized that to know Marea is to know her children. And so, here the condensed version unfolds.

Marea became interested in the system of alternative medicine known as homeopathy in 2004 while living in Wisconsin because her son, Josh, faced health challenges starting at 18 months old. He had a severe form of epilepsy and was having 20 to 40 seizures a day. Conventional medicine did not help, so after trying almost everything, Marea was led to a therapist who used homeopathy. Josh’s seizures stopped for four months after the first homeopathic remedy. They eventually returned, but the treatments made his symptoms less intense.

You might have seen the term on social media – a “yellow” is someone who brings light into your life. Laura Zimmerman Whayne makes it a point to notice the yellows around her: the people in Chapel Hill who brighten our days with a wave, a smile, a kind word. In this column, she shines a spotlight on those everyday rays of sunshine –the ones who lift us up when we need it most.

Marea, her husband, Brad, Josh and daughter Sophia moved in 2010 to the UK where she pursued homeopathy because it was more widely accepted as a profession. While earning a degree at Middlesex University London, she recalled how a retreat in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, helped her heal from past pains and stress. As she plowed through being a wife, mother of two and a full-time student, she tucked that memory in her back pocket, knowing it could be used in the future.

The family moved to Chapel Hill in 2014. She wasn’t thrilled to uproot their lives again, but made the most of it, opening MK Homeopathy. Marea says her practice has “served as another avenue for patients who want to seek a more holistic approach, either alongside conventional treatments or when other options were unavailable.”

Life as a working mother is not easy, and it was especially hard for Marea at the time because concerns over Josh’s health consumed her thoughts. He had been diagnosed with Down syndrome, autism and epilepsy. Marea believed that many people underestimated Josh and did not let this deter her. Instead she did everything possible to ensure he was set up for success –while staying present for Sophia and continuing to find purpose and pride in her work life.

Marea’s entire demeanor was so present and peaceful that I asked her what she did to have such a pleasant resolve. She said she stumbled upon a spiritual community called Unity Center of Peace, and it became her family’s spiritual and healing community. She has been on its board since 2018. Around the same time, she discovered meditation, learning how to reframe

her perspective of her own struggles to let go of limiting beliefs and grief that weighed her down.

Marea and Brad decided to get more help with Josh, and they were led to some of the best caregivers through Care.com. It almost felt like divine intervention to have extra help in place, because in April 2024, Marea and Brad were hit by a drunk driver. This left them with broken backs but also immense gratitude that they were still alive. To make matters worse, Marea’s mother died the day after the accident. Sometimes life really does get harder at times when we’re already struggling. It took four months to get on the other side of recovery, and if it had not been for their friends, caregivers and Unity Center members, Marea and Brad would not have been able to heal as quickly as they did. Usually, their list of parental responsibilities was long – including monitoring Josh overnight due to the frequency of his seizures – but their community took over so they could focus on their own healing.

Because Marea enjoys discovering healthy ways to approach life’s harder times, it will not surprise you to hear that she wanted to do more to help others do the same. She thought back on that retreat in Mexico and, motivated by her belief that “life is not a dress rehearsal,” she began conceptualizing Camp Joy. It was her dream to create a space to help women have more capacity to live with joy and to make a difference in their lives. “[This is] how we are going to change this world,” she thought. “One heart at a time.”

In 2025, Marea and her sister, Monique Kavanagh, officially founded the Camp Joy Retreat LLC with the mission to create “transformative, joy-filled retreats where women strengthen their relationship with themselves and others through meaningful shared experiences, thoughtfully curated programming and elevated surroundings.”

Marea and Monique knew the impact caregivers made in their lives, so they wanted to make their retreats accessible to those

who provide direct care as well. They have a scholarship fund and have committed to inviting one caregiver to each of their retreats so that they can experience true respite. For now, they have been taking care of this themselves, but the sisters would love to do more.

It’s clear that the retreats, with their daily meditation and yoga classes, are already having lasting effects based on those testimonials in Diana’s original email. One participant wrote, “For me personally, Camp Joy came at an important time in my life. My husband died after a long battle with heart disease last summer. I was emotionally devastated by the loss, as well as physically exhausted from months of caregiving and seemingly endless days in the hospital. I felt adrift in a world drained of meaning and color. ... From the moment of arrival, I felt like I

“

[This is] how we are going to change this world. One heart at a time.

– Marea Kavanagh

walked through a doorway into a fuller being. … Mornings spent in Marea’s Inner Joy workshops encouraged us all to look inward.”

And as participant Cheryl Stevens wrote, “Marea’s inner joy sessions are an invitation for personal reflection and inquiry … and where true healing takes place. I stepped into day one knowing none of the other participants and walked out with a circle of friends who will be in my life in some way for years.”

I am a huge fan of taking what life throws at us and picking up the pieces to form something “beauty full” that is helpful for others. As a grief practitioner, I really related to the service that Camp Joy provides for others. I was deeply touched by my time with Marea, and believe that if you feel called, Marea’s retreats will change your life for the better. CHM

Every community has people who quietly (or boldly!) make life better, brighter and more connected. Chapel Hill Magazine is always looking for meaningful subjects to cover – send your nominations for those whose stories deserve to be shared, along with a few details about why they inspire you, to jessica@chapelhillmagazine.com

Built on a legacy of celebration, The Carolina Inn is an idyllic place to set the scene for your special day. Exchange vows surrounded by the Southern breeze of our courtyard and dance the night away on the Old Well Room’s stylish checkered oors. Whatever your vision, it’s our honor to bring your happily ever after to life.

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ROOTED IN C H A THAM C OUN T Y

Local Lens

A scene that captures the spirit of our towns

Spring is my favorite time of year because color returns to gardens. As a teenager, I worked in my papa’s garden and greenhouse to care for his plants. Last fall, he passed away, and now it is the first spring without him. Recently, I had extra time between shoots, so I stopped by Coker Arboretum to look around. The growing plants and colorful flowers brought back all the wonderful memories of spending time with him in his garden. – by John Michael Simpson CHM

f / 5.0

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Spend an afternoon at The Drakeford Library Complex, a modern hub for culture and community. The Orange County Southern Branch Library offers plenty of reading material, plus creative meetups like the Carolina Cozy Journaling Club. The complex also includes a multipurpose space and a teen center managed by the Town of Carrboro. Check its calendar for events.

A CLOSER LOOK AT...

One of this former mill town’s biggest draws is its walkability. Carrboro offers its visitors a lively mix of arts, outdoor adventures, independent shopping and a bustling dining scene, with plenty of regular and annual events like a Saturday morning farmers market and its signature fall music festival.

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Snag a seat on the Breakaway Carrboro patio for breakfast, lunch or dinner made with fresh, local ingredients. Don’t skip the coffee – the cafe is known for its robust program, including fan favorites like the iced lavender espresso tonic.

3

Bring your pup to Dingo Dog Brewing Company, where ciders from blackberry to cranberry-pomegranate and pear-apple top the menu. Quirky beers like the “Kitty Kitty Bang Bang” light lager and “Puppers” pilsner complete the taps. Go ahead and grab that second pint – the brewery regularly donates to North Carolina animal nonprofits.

4

Kick off dinner at Tandem with a Boxcarr Handmade Cheese board. The Carr Mill Mall eatery, run by Emma Sabouh, has been a local favorite for a decade. Try entrees like Japanese eggplant with Kyoto miso sauce or 72-hour Angus beef short ribs accompanied by a smoked potato puree. After dinner, linger over a glass of wine and dessert, such as mascarpone cheesecake or chocolate pudding cake.

5 Fifth Season Gardening has helped locals discover their green thumbs for 26 years. Whether you need a wind chime, bird feeder or a new tool for digging or weeding, you’ll find it in this organic garden shop. Forget something? Not to worry – there’s also a location in Raleigh!

6

Grab a barstool – and an Aperol Spritz – at Napoli Pizzeria & Gelateria for a frontrow seat to the wood-fired pizza oven. Order whatever catches your eye, whether that’s the fior di latte and sweet soppressata salami pie or one with Calabria peppers and Spanish chorizo. The menu rounds out with meatballs, house-made ricotta and salads you’ll actually want to eat – and don’t forget the dark chocolate gelato.

Sofia’s Boutique is the perfect go-to when your closet needs a boost. Find chic shoes, jewelry and accessories, plus clothing from brands like IslaPayal, Charlie B and Joseph Ribkoff. While you’re there, browse gifts like candles, mugs, cozy blankets and so much more. CHM

O M E N S THE 13TH ANNUAL I S S U E

Meet eight individuals who are a force in their respective fields from banking and health care to nonprofits 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Australia, Europe, North America – Paula de Pano has traveled the world in search of good wine, although it was an interest in cooking that brought the native of Manila, Philippines, to upstate New York to attend the Culinary Institute of America in 2008. There she took a course on wine that opened her eyes to a new path.

DE PANO Paula

“Sure enough, [wine] became a full-on passion,” Paula says. “It combined the things I love most –access to [the world of] food and being able to continuously learn [about] geography, culture and history.”

Paula advanced quickly due to her ambitious drive and natural aptitude for wine, landing her first sommelier job at Fearrington Village. In 2013 she achieved the rank of advanced sommelier, the second-highest distinction behind master sommelier, joining fewer than 900 worldwide in a field dominated by men.

This disparity came into focus for Paula when she moved to New York City to work at the Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park, where she was

OWNER, ROCKS + ACID

the only woman on the team of seven sommeliers. “You feel the magnitude of it,” Paula says. “These men are not going to give you any special considerations –you’d better be as good as them.”

While Paula was confident she could measure up to her peers when it came to wine knowledge, she struggled to adjust to the fine dining restaurant. “[The stress] was so sharp I lost 30 pounds in three months,” she says. The experience tested her, but by the time she returned to Fearrington Village two years later to take on the role of beverage director, she felt more sure of her skills than ever. Her confidence remained even if she says some people didn’t respect her as a sommelier because she didn’t fit their idea of one.

“Just because I’m brown and female doesn’t mean I don’t know anything about wine,” Paula says. “It [still] grates sometimes, but I’ve now been in this industry for more than 15 years. It doesn’t bother me anymore.”

Within a handful of years she felt ready to branch out on her own. “At a certain point, you ask yourself, ‘What else can I do?,’” Paula says. “I don’t ever want to be that person who is sitting comfortably in one position.”

She was excited by the idea of opening Rocks + Acid, a wine shop, with a focus on small producers using uncommon grape varieties and sustainable practices.

Paula and her team go out of their way to give thoughtful recommendations to every person who walks in, keeping notes on their preferences and purchases.

A business plan, a design by pod architecture + design and the build-out of a storefront in Southern Village – and a few sleepless nights – followed. “Thankfully, Chapel Hill was ready for it,” she says. “People were messaging me saying we need something like this in our community – that gave me a little bit of confidence in the risk that I was taking.”

Rocks + Acid highlights female, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC wine producers and meshes affordable bottles with a high-end shopping and sipping experience. Paula strives to find the balance between sourcing wines with accessible price points and taste while also supporting vintners who produce limited quantities. “Somebody is not getting paid for that $10-$15 bottle to exist,” she says. “Either

TAKE ME…

To a Spring Picnic at the Park Chalmers, Vermentino, Heathcote, Victoria, Australia

Bright, crisp, with tree-fruit and white-floral notes that are sure to keep you refreshed.

that, or no humans were used to produce that wine, which is fine – go shop at Trader Joe’s. All the wines [we sell] are human made, from the planting to harvest to making the wine to distribution.”

RAPID FIRE

What bottle are you loving at the moment?

Right now, it’s the Heidi Schröck & Söhne Furmint. I met Heidi a couple of years ago, and she saw the name of the shop and [wanted to] put it on this bottle. I reach for this when it gets hot because it has a really nice, refreshing citrus backbone to it.

Your ideal way to spend a day off?

Starting off with hot mat pilates and ending with Champagne on the rooftop [of my building].

To a Backyard Barbecue Vino Volta, Post Modern Seriousism, Grenache, Swan Valley, Western Australia

A light Grenache with cherry and raspberry tones. Versatile pairing with grilled and smoked meats. Try it chilled!

To a Pool Hang Domaine Blanc et Fils, Willy, Apremont, Savoie, France

Citrus and mineralforward, like melted Alpine snow. Make this Jacquere a poolside staple this season.

To a Dinner Party Avinyó, Can Fontanals, Cava, Brut Nature Reserva, Spain

A delicious host gift to start the evening, it’s the best Champagne alternative without breaking the bank!

Her passion for uncovering under-the-radar producers and wines is so keen that it quickly rubs off on those around her. And much like her own awakening to the vast world of wine, Paula loves to help others learn about winemaking and their own palates. “I’m not trying to change anybody’s mind about their preferences, but [I encourage people] not to close off their ability to try different things,” she says.

What’s your hottest wine take?

I’m a glassware snob. Anytime [I see someone] on TV holding a wine glass by the bowl, I just want to throw something. But I’m also the person who will drink wine out of a Solo cup … and I drink some wines with ice – at a certain price point, I will say!

What are a few of your go-to spots in Chapel Hill?

A good friend of mine is David Peretin at Tesoro – I met him when he was a dishwasher at Fearrington, and I love going there for a quick meal. I also love the martinis at Hawthorne & Wood … and I’m very excited for Géos Tavern & Oyster Bar to open [this spring].

Can you share one piece of advice that’s been valuable to you?

It’s very simple: it’s all in your head. All of the criticisms, all the problems you think are there don’t exist until they’re in front of you. You can anticipate it, but even when you do, [what will happen is] not the same scenario you’re thinking of. And all of the voices that say you can’t do it are all in your head.

This ethos informs weekly classes and tastings hosted at the shop. Topics range from broad (such as sparkling wine from all over the globe) to exploratory blends of wine, geography and history. (A recent April class covered sips inspired by the Camino de Santiago.) Twice a year, the shop hosts what Paula calls a “walk-around” tasting event, which brings dozens of importers as well as food trucks and live music together on the Southern Village Green

Paula hopes that her own story serves as proof that there’s space for everybody in the wine community. “It’s important to me to mentor the next generation [so they learn that] despite how people look at you, keep going for it,” she says of empowering other female sommeliers. “The only thing that’s really stopping you is the mentality that you can’t do it because somebody else said that you can’t.” – by

Renee Ambroso



Chris G. Adigun, MD, FAAD

Karlee Wagoner, ANP-BC

Diana Walker, PA-C

Amy Rodriguez, PA-C

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eet Chris G. Adigun, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the owner of the Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill. Dr. Adigun and her team provide comprehensive medical and cosmetic dermatological services in a warm and welcoming environment. Using cutting-edge technology and treatment options, she and her providers help address concerns from acne to wrinkles to that extra belly fat that won’t go away.

For Dr. Adigun and the DLC team, building a trusting relationship and providing individualized care is the main focus. Treating patients respectfully, expressing genuine concern, and talking with them are hallmarks of the practice. Working together, Dr. Adigun helps patients identify and achieve their personal skincare goals because DLC believes everyone can have the skin they love.

Daniella Jaimes-Colina grew up in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, surrounded by a contrast of beautiful mountain landscapes and bustling city life. There, Daniella noticed another juxtaposition: the stark disparity in wealth and opportunity – an observation that would shape her life’s work.

Daniella’s path to becoming CEO of Piedmont Health Services was far from traditional. At 16, she became a mother to her son, Andreas Delgado, and began clinical training at the University of Carabobo, which only strengthened her ambitions.

“Andreas was part of my university life, and not only mine, he was

JAIMES -COLINA Daniella

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PIEDMONT HEALTH SERVICES

BY SARAH

part of my colleagues’ … There is a support network that grows around that child.”

A few years into her training, Daniella was diagnosed with melanoma in her right eye and traveled between Venezuela and the United States for treatment. “It was incredibly challenging,” she recalls, but her family – especially her son – became her motivation. “The trick was to make the cancer part of the journey but not the journey itself.” When doctors recommended removing her eye, it was 5-year-old Andreas who helped her face the decision. “He told me, ‘Mom, we need to move on from this,’” she recalls. She received her prosthetic eye just two days before graduation.

After becoming a physician, Daniella earned a master’s in public health and pivoted from clinical work to health administration to spend more time with Andreas. She served as municipal health director in Venezuela’s Colonia Tovar, an agricultural mountain town with limited health infrastructure and major gaps in access to care.

“Managing the health of that population was an incredible privilege,” she says. “I learned how important access to [health] services is.”

She later moved to Florida with Andreas and her mother, Marianella Rodriguez, and earned her MBA through DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. Daniella then

joined Osceola Community Health Services, where she went on to serve as COO, expanding health care access to underserved and rural populations. “That was the perfect match – combining the passion and experience I had in Venezuela,” she says.

After completing her Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology, Daniella became CEO of Piedmont Health Services, relocating to Chapel Hill in January of 2024 with her mother and husband Vladimir Colina. “This community has been incredibly welcoming – the women around me are just amazing.”

Under Daniella’s leadership, Piedmont Health continues its 56-year legacy of innovating with initiatives like mobile health units and a new electronic health record system she calls “a game changer” for efficiency and information sharing at 11 community health centers and two senior care sites. “Leading Piedmont Health Services is not just a privilege,” she says. “It is the honor of a lifetime.”

Her leadership philosophy remains simple: “Always try to be the leader that you would like to follow.” For Daniella, the mission of expanding access to care is deeply personal. “You see how access to health care transforms families,” she says. “It truly changes lives.”

– by Katrina McLean 

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Lisa

“Itell people all the time, ‘I have the best job in the world now,’ because it’s absolutely amazing, the people I get to work with here,” says Lisa Kaylie of her role as executive director of Extraordinary Ventures. For four years, she’s led the nonprofit dedicated to providing employment opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

No matter where she’s lived, Lisa has always been driven by a desire to make a difference in her community. The San Francisco native moved across the country to attend Tufts University for her undergrad studies in international relations. After graduating, she lived a nomadic lifestyle in Austria and Germany. There, she taught English, translated business articles for a magazine and worked for a consulting firm in Munich. When she returned to the states, she received her MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in 1997.

Later, Lisa moved with her husband, Dr. David Kaylie, to Portland, Oregon, for his residency, where she worked in tech. A stop in Nashville, Tennessee, for his fellowship followed, and they had their first son, Simon Kaylie, who is on the autism spectrum and now 23. The family, which grew to include Sebastian Kaylie, now 19 and a North Carolina State University student, relocated in 2008 to Chapel Hill, the best place Lisa says she’s ever lived. 

KAY LIE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EXTRAORDINARY VENTURES

ALL THE VENTURES

Extraordinary Ventures provides many different essential services to the community and inclusive employment opportunities for a neurodiverse workforce.

Extraordinary Thrift Store

The 7,500-square-foot thrift store, opened in February, offering clothing, books, home goods and decor.

Extraordinary Laundry Service

The subscription laundry service has served families, UNC students and businesses across the area for over 15 years.

Extraordinary Gifts

The gift store provides handmade premium candles, soaps and artisan gifts crafted by an inclusive workforce.

Extraordinary Office Solutions

Fulfill your office needs with mail services including direct and bulk mail, printing, labeling, shipping and secure document shredding.

Extraordinary Cleaning Crew The cleaning crew offers scheduled cleaning and maintenance services for local businesses, including lobby cleaning, trash and recycling and fleet vehicle cleaning.

Blue Hill Event Center

The center has versatile spaces for any business event, a private boardroom, midsized meeting rooms, and a great hall for up to 200 guests.

Having two school-age kids is when Lisa really put down roots, becoming active in local politics and schools. “I realized, [for] my son and others like him, public schools were really critical,” she says. “Public schools were so underfunded.” Determined to better support her sons’ education, Lisa attended Orange County government classes and town meetings. That involvement quickly grew into leadership roles, including serving as Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools PTA council president and Special Needs Advisory Council president, as well as board positions

with the local chapter of Autism Society of NC and the NC Therapeutic Riding Center. Through her work in the autism community, she was connected with Extraordinary Ventures, which invited her to serve as a parent representative. In 2022, she applied for what she calls her “dream job” as executive director. “I always tell people now, if you look at what research shows, if you want real happiness in life, that generally comes from having a purpose,” Lisa says. She helps bring that mission to life by creating a community-centered space that offers meaningful employment and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities beyond the classroom. “I love helping create purpose for others,” Lisa says. – by Emma Arthur 

For Janice Tyler, working as the director of the Orange County Department on Aging is much more than a job. It’s her life’s mission. On a hard day, she only needs to step outside her office at the Seymour Center to remember why she still carries the same passion for advocating for older adults that first drew her to the department 39 years ago. Janice says the secret to staying passionate is in the passion itself. “You should not dread getting out of bed and going to work,” she says. “If you’re in a career that doesn’t bring you joy, I would encourage you to find that thing that you love and absolutely go for it.”

Janice grew up spending a lot of time with her grandmother, who lived

T Y LER Janice

DIRECTOR, ORAN G E COUNT Y DEPARTMENT ON A G IN G

The Seymour Center’s FitLot is a stateof-the-art fitness area that allows older adults to maintain mobility and build strength while spending time outdoors.

with her family in Goldsboro, North Carolina, always tagging along to the beauty shop and on outings with older adults. When she left home to study music at UNC in 1978, Janice quickly realized she’d rather be around people than in a practice room. She changed her major to sociology and graduated in 1981, then spent the next six years working across the Triangle in longterm care. Janice landed at the Orange County Department on Aging in 1987 as the administrator over senior center operations, including centers in the Northside neighborhood and Carrboro. (In 2007, all existing locations were consolidated into the Seymour Center on Homestead Road.) Three years later, in 2010, Janice worked her way up to director of the whole department.

In her role, Janice leads the county’s one-stop resource for older adults ages 55 to 105 and their caregivers, connecting them with support for social, mental, physical, financial and daily needs. The department operates three divisions: community-based services, which oversees operations of the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill and the Passmore Center in Hillsborough; aging transitions services; and the volunteer connect 55-plus division.

Over the past nearly four decades, Janice’s work and the department have both evolved tremendously, which she says is “the beautiful part of aging.” The Seymour Center now offers a variety of programs including caregiver respite program R Place Every Wednesday, caregivers can bring their loved ones to the facility while they take the afternoon to run errands, meet a friend or take

JANICE’S FAVORITE THIN G S

• Attending music festivals like Bonnaroo, Coachella and Lollapalooza

• Fishing at Cane Creek and University Lake with her husband, Richard Tyler

• Taking her cocker spaniels, Charlie and Barkley, out on her boat on Jordan Lake

• Enjoying home-cooked meals made by her son, Trey Tyler

• Riding her Peloton in the living room of her Silver Creek home

Janice is just an amazing, caring, compassionate and dedicated colleague, friend and public servant. Her leadership and true engagement has made Orange County an amazing place to grow older, and she’s made the Department on Aging an amazing place to work. … She supports everyone, but she’s really created an environment for women to be in true leadership roles. She’s always open to something new and to improve the services and support for our community. Even after 30 years, she’s still constantly innovating and making sure we have the most engaging and helpful programs available.

– Heather Altman, host of Aging Well Together Radio Show

time for themselves. “If you came over here on a Wednesday afternoon and poked your head into our place, you really would not be able to tell who the volunteers are versus who the friend is that is here participating,” Janice says. “They’re always doing fun stuff there.”

Volunteers and the participants enjoy fitness activities, share a meal, create art projects and end the day with a karaoke singalong. R Place just won a National Association of Counties award for its innovative programming.

“I personally have been a caregiver to my mom,” Janice says. “She lived the last 10 years of her life with me here in Chapel Hill.” Janice’s mother did not have cognitive impairment and was very active, but during the last four years of her life, Janice needed in-home care help in order to continue her work at the department. “Helping the caregivers in our community, to me, is some of the most rewarding work,” she says.

This year, Janice looks forward to advancing the 2022-2027 Orange County Master Aging Plan, a five-year initiative that brings community partners and older adults together to help shape the services – from transportation to housing – the department will offer. “It’s a big undertaking, and this will be my sixth one,” Janice says. “Our founding director, Jerry Passmore, did the first two. I’ve been involved in all of them, and that’s very rewarding work, for us to come together, to say how we want to evolve and to make Orange County a place to age well.”

“People are thinking, ‘Oh, when is she going to retire?’ And I don’t really know,” Janice says. “For me, my work is very much my life. It’s all tied up into one. I

think even when I eventually retire, I will still be very involved here in the community and with our department volunteering.”

– by Ali

Grau



Poetry taught Vianna L. Fornville the power of words. Today, she uses them everywhere – at school board meetings, during presentations on Black history and through her leadership role with the NAACP. The Chapel Hill High School junior knows that speaking up can be a powerful tool for creating change. “If there’s something that I think is unjust, I have to say something about it,” she says.

Vianna began writing poetry more often during the pandemic after attending a workshop with CJ Suitt , Chapel Hill’s poet laureate at the time. The experience encouraged her to write about identity and the issues she sees around her. When Vianna isn’t writing, serving as captain of her varsity cheerleading team or experimenting with new recipes, she advocates for students and her community. She also remains an active member of First Baptist Church of Chapel Hill. Vianna joined the NAACP’s Youth and College Division the summer before her sophomore year after the president asked her to chair the Education Committee. When the division held elections last September, she ran for secretary,

winning the statewide position. In her role, which takes up much of her weekends, Vianna coordinates communication among youth and college chapters, manages membership records and works to reactivate inactive units.

“On average I’m communicating with about a thousand people every week,” she says.

In Chapel Hill, Vianna has found inspiration and leadership through the James Cates Scholars, a youth program with an emphasis on oral history led by Danita MasonHogans. “Ms. Danita sees so much of me, and her guidance helps me believe in myself,” she says. Vianna’s project focused on the impact of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments on Reconstruction-era Chapel Hill. “That summer opened my eyes to journalism and politics,” Vianna says. “It really helped me

FORNVILLE Vianna L.

If you feel ignored, then speak louder because they need to hear you.

decide this is what I want to do.” She later presented her research to a UNC graduate program and at the Color of Education Summit in Raleigh. “I learned a statistic that I like to state a lot – Chapel Hill used to be 50% Black, and now it’s less than 10%,” she says. “I’m grateful to still be here, but not everyone has that experience.”

That understanding of how the past influences the present is deeply personal. Vianna grew up in Rangewood, a historically redlined neighborhood, where five generations – including her mother, Vickie L. Feaster Fornville, and her older sister, Victoria Fornville – live within walking distance of one another. “My mom and my sister are both very big

RECENT ACCOLADES

Pauli Murray Youth Award

Received March 2025

The award honors Orange County youth who advance justice, equality and human rights in the community.

Selected for the Disney Dreamers Academy

Participated in May 2025

The multiday program brings together 100 high school students across the country to focus on career development, networking and leadership; Vianna was the first Orange County student chosen in the program’s nearly 20-year history.

Selected for the ACLU National Advocacy Institute

Participated in July 2025

She spent a week at American University advocating and lobbying, then delivered a letter to her congresswoman opposing a bill.

advocates in the community, and they’ve helped shape me,” Vianna says. “My mom has helped me with my love for politics. It starts with conversations while we’re watching the news. Having a home where I’m able to feel safe and secure, and like I matter, has been very important for me.”

As college approaches, Vianna is determined to define herself on her own terms. She does not want to be viewed as perfect or as a token. “My work has an impact far beyond a résumé or any piece of paper,” she says. “I’m not … perfect. But what I am is hardworking and dedicated.”

– by Lauren Rouse 

The Rev. Elizabeth Marie

“Ihave, for as long as I can remember, wondered about God and about people and their stories,” says the Rev. Elizabeth Marie Melchionna, 29th rector of The Chapel of the Cross Elizabeth Marie’s selfless nature took root during her childhood in Roanoke, Virginia. She says, “I grew up in a household where we were active in serving others, thinking about ‘how do you connect your faith to action?’” She attended two Roman Catholic parishes, Our Lady of Nazareth and St. Andrew’s, and her sponsoring parish for ordination was St. John’s Episcopal Church – with each of these congregations playing an important role in her formation. She knew early on that she wanted to serve people, taking this passion to Davidson College and later Yale Divinity School, where she received her master of divinity. She also earned graduate certificates in Anglican studies from Yale’s Berkeley Divinity School, in liturgy at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music and in conflict transformation at Eastern Mennonite University. Following graduate school, Elizabeth Marie became a Luce Scholar, a leadership development fellowship providing recent graduates or young

MELCHIONNA

RECTOR, THE CHAPEL OF THE CROSS

professionals with an immersive experience in Asia – leading her to spend a year teaching theology at Payap University in Thailand. Upon returning to the United States, she served as a parish priest at St. Mary’s in Arlington, Virginia; an associate rector at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church back in Davidson; an Episcopal campus

minister at Davidson College; and the canon for discipleship and parish life at St. John’s Cathedral in Denver.

Her interest in serving an Episcopal parish in an academic and multigenerational setting led her to The Chapel of the Cross in 2016. “Serving in an academic town environment, there’s always the opportunity to find folks who are willing to have a deeper conversation,” she says.

As the “CEO” of the church, Elizabeth Marie handles budgeting, financial stewardship, hiring and the cultivation of lay leaders. “It is a wonderful thing to get to work in that kind of environment,” she says of her team who genuinely cares about the parish, the people they serve and their shared mission. No two days are the same. “Each day there are things you imagine that you will do,” she says. “And then there are delightful surprises, and sometimes disastrous surprises, by which you’re called upon to accompany people through joys and sorrows of life.”

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and spending time in nature with her spouse, Will Roberts, who together parent three children. “I think the beauty of the natural world has also been something that’s always inspired my life of faith – just wonder at creation,” she says. Elizabeth Marie is also a music lover and intertwines this passion with her work at the church. “Music is one of those animating ways we connect as a community and as humans, whether it’s making music together or listening to it together – it transports, it unites,” she says. “It’s at the heart of how we in this particular parish community worship God.”

Whether it’s her church community or the adults with disabilities she volunteers with weekly through Durham nonprofit Reality Ministries, serving others is top of mind for Elizabeth Marie. “I contextualize [helping others] as fundamentally honoring the dignity of every human being you encounter,” she says. “That, for me, is an expression of God’s love.” – by Ellie Kollme 

I’ve had the distinct pleasure of serving as Elizabeth Marie’s senior warden to our vestry for the past two years. It was a volunteer job I willingly accepted, knowing I would have so much to learn from her! She is an excellent leader of our parish, staff and vestry. She is incredibly thoughtful, curious and knowledgeable, runs an excellent meeting and always keeps the mission of our church at the forefront when making decisions. – Perri Kersh, senior warden, The Chapel of the Cross

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Poet, public humanities practitioner, cultural critic and Black feminist thought scholar Amanda Bennett was named Carrboro’s ninth poet laureate in December 2025, becoming the first Black woman to hold the role. The Atlanta native earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Alabama and holds a doctorate in literature from Duke. She now resides in Carrboro and serves as a postdoctoral fellow in grant operations management and creative engagement at UNC ’s Arts & Humanities Grant Studio.

What does it mean to be selected as Carrboro’s poet laureate and to be the first Black woman to hold this role? * I view it as an incredible honor to be chosen by my community to be the voice that shapes culture and literature and helps to establish a stronger relationship between poetry and civic practice. As the first Black woman, I don’t take that lightly. I recognize that for many young women of color in our community, I become a representation of what’s possible when you lean into creativity and choose not to shrink yourself. The way

BENNETT Amanda

*Responses have been edited for length and clarity

that I engage with poetry is deeply emotional, deeply relational and soft. To be able to show that is a valid way of being in civic space and of inhabiting poetry is very important to me.

When did poetry first become a practice or passion for you, and what roles has poetry played in your life? I always had poetry as a meditative practice, even in childhood. It was a way of processing things that were happening around me … and the practice of learning to give language to things that I was feeling. That was happening in isolation, but as I grew older and got more into the poetry community, I began to use poetry as a relational practice. [I now use it to] convey the inner world inside of me such that it can intertwine with those of other people. For me, poetry has always been a way of finding community and finding mirrors of myself that are meaningful and inspiring.

Your work often centers care, healing, testimony and collective imagination. What draws you to those themes? Those themes are grounded in my training in Black feminist literature and Black women’s community history. The Sisterhood was a group including Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, June Jordan and Ntozake Shange. When they were writing their famous novels like “The Color Purple” and “Song of Solomon,” they weren’t just writing together – they were also pooling money for child care, food and housing. It taught me that literature and writing are actually ways to build a world for yourself and the people who you love. These themes are actually the scaffolding that makes that world possible. In my work with poetry as a civic practice, I think about how to create more positive feedback loops, specifically for young girls. So often in our society, a young girl is brave and speaks up, then is dismissed and told, “Don’t dream that big.” So she begins to quiet herself. But what if when a girl writes a rave poem, the poet laureate is a woman who sees her and, like I did, gets to read her poem at a town council meeting? Now the adults who make decisions are hearing her voice, and that then shapes how this woman engages in relationships and how she chooses to show up in her community and at her job. I’m trying to lay the groundwork for a more holistically accepting society built around empowered women who know how to use their voices strategically.

Stay up to date on community classes, workshops and events by subscribing to Amanda’s Substack newsletter at amandabennett.substack.com/about

You’ve spoken about uplifting young and marginalized voices. What does that look like in practice during your term? I have an initiative called Black Girl Dreaming. I’m partnering with the Center for the Study of the American South as well as other organizations in the community to hold workshops that center around both grant writing and life design from a Black feminist lens. We’re leading with our values and also teaching integration to young women and nonbinary folks –mostly of color, but all are welcome – in thinking about how to use poetry as an imaginative tool to design their lives in the way they want and then develop public humanities projects that serve their community from that same place of integration and wholeness. I also judge poetry contests for K-12 students – so once I’m able to meet these amazing young poets [through Black Girl Dreaming], I can then direct them to these contests to elevate their voices.

LAUREATE OF AWE

You, who were born for the Word destined for seeing what no one else was willing to bear and still to cherish and still to love

You, architect of desire living luxuriously in cathedrals of yearning chiseled in loneliness that cry in the dark striking bold as a match on hostile surfaces.

You are no stranger to grit.

You, laureate of wonder: clasp destiny so gently it remembers its wings. War is not your duty. Nor kings. Nor greed. Nor the blood-tipped follies of hubris.

Reclaim your sight here, in this coven of tenderness. Do not lay waste to the mundane.

The miracle of love reveals itself in quick corners moving too swift unless awe is your only eye.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited to create, share or build during your time as Carrboro’s poet laureate? I’m most interested in cultivating retreats for writers of color. I’ve been working with Danita MasonHogans, who is a brilliant historian, cultural critic and community leader in the Chapel Hill area. She introduced me to this idea of narrative justice along with historical witnesses. She’s particularly talking about the experiences of workingclass Black folks in Chapel Hill who worked at UNC and may be remembered to some as “just a maid.” But, to the Black community, [that woman] was a church mother or a leader in the community. Narrative justice is a way to restore the dignity and humanity of people who might otherwise be erased through bringing in the narratives of historical witnesses. Sometimes history and these conversations can seem very inaccessible because they’re either so far away or the jargon is too much. But to have someone who you know and love and you’re connected to, saying, “Here’s the story of our people in a way that is just and full of integrity. I want to share this with you” – I think that’s revolutionary. – as told to Sharon Kinsella 

Scan the QR code for our full conversation with Amanda.

– by Amanda Bennett

As a child, Caroline Riggsbee moved around the South –Jacksonville, Florida; Macon, Georgia; and Clemmons, North Carolina – but Chapel Hill was always her landing place. “I consider this home because my grandparents were always here,” she says. Caroline’s family returned for her junior year at Chapel Hill High School, and she’s lived here ever since.

Caroline wanted to go into teaching after graduating high school and started college at Appalachian State University. But a desire to be close to home brought her to UNC for some classes, and she pivoted to banking instead, working in 1982 as a parttime teller at what was then Central Carolina Bank and Trust. Caroline remembers watching Michael Jordan in the national championship game at a friend’s house that year and joining

the celebrations not far from her branch on Franklin Street . She later began her full-time banking career at Wachovia just down the street as a customer service representative. In 2022, Caroline graduated from the North Carolina School of Banking, offered by the North Carolina Bankers Association.

Over the years, she’s worked in many different positions including branch manager, commercial banker and even briefly spending a stint as a substitute teacher in a church preschool parents’ morning out program. “Each one’s been different,” she says, “but exciting.” These days, she’s the Durham/Chapel Hill area

RIGGSBEE Caroline

manager for commercial and small-business banking at Pinnacle Financial Partners, a role that sees her head a team of commercial banking financial advisors and small-business bankers.

One thing has remained constant throughout Caroline’s career: a sense of satisfaction knowing she is forging relationships and making a difference. “Seeing people start a business and it growing [into something they can] sell and can retire on is very fulfilling,” she says. Caroline’s even making a multigenerational impact, getting to know clients’ kids over the years and helping them launch their own businesses.

She feels that same sense of fulfillment seeing coworkers excel. “She truly fosters teamwork and collaboration between teams, teammates and peers,” says Mark Carlton, Pinnacle Financial Partners executive vice president and North Carolina eastern region president. He also praises Caroline for her passion for working directly with clients to identify financial needs and then recommending a tailored

I just love giving back. I love to see the excitement others receive from seeing the stepping stones they take to get to where they want to be – like from people straight out of dental school wanting to buy a practice.

– Caroline Riggsbee

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solution. “Caroline helps create and maintain an outstanding work environment for our associates and a unique banking experience for our clients in Durham and Chapel Hill,” he adds.

Caroline resides in the Hundred Oaks neighborhood. Her two adult children, Ryan Whitehead and Jenny DeWitt, and their families, that include four grandkids ages 4 to 8, live near their “CeCe.” “When I got married and had children, I said, ‘I’m staying in Chapel Hill. I love it,’ she says. ‘I want my kids to grow up in a town where everybody knows each other and cares for each other.’” When she eventually retires, Caroline plans to stay put and spend more time volunteering with groups like Habitat for Humanity and The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, where she is on the board of directors, and attending UNC games with her family. In the meantime, she will continue to live by what has carried her through her career: “Be humble, be gracious, be honest and have a true heart to serve.” – by Libby Wakefield CHM

Catching

with CAROL ANN ZINN

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How three older adults spend their post-work years

BY REBEKAH MANN

Childhood sibling rivalries rarely become catalysts for lifelong passions, but when Priya Chinnaswamy, and her older brother, Sampath Kumar Chinnaswamy, played “mini competitions” of DIY table tennis, their matches lit a lasting spark.

“We had concrete floors, so our tiles would be the tables,” Priya says of her childhood home in India. “We would set up lunch boxes as nets, use clipboards [as paddles] and paper balls.”

PRIYA OrangeCHINNASWAMY CountySeniorGames

participant

While Sampath was away studying in undergrad, their mother, Radha Chinnaswamy, found a local club for Priya to continue playing while she was in high school. At the time, she was the only female table tennis member, and while she attended regularly, she was consistently ignored for three months with no choice but to learn from outside the game. 

“I just thought, ‘Maybe one day they’ll give me an opportunity,’” Priya says of her persistence watching the others play. “Finally, one of them said, ‘You don’t give up. Come to the table.’” That initial exclusion motivated her even more than her duels with Sampath.

But during early adulthood, she had little time for her hobbies with her busy brokerage career. Her family relocated to the States in 2001 while she transitioned out of her firm, and a year later, she was able to reconnect with her early love for table tennis. Now well into her retirement, her long-held determination has earned her a reputation of excellence.

Priya’s been the singles champion for the past five years in both the Orange County Senior Games and the statewide competition. She won her age category – currently 55-59 – twice at the biennial National Senior Games and participated in the 2024 International Table Tennis Foundation World Master’s in Rome. “I had some competition there which was good because it got me back into the match play,” she says. In between competitions, Priya says she plays about 10 hours a week at The Seymour Center, her practice court for 14 years. “The Seymour staff is amazing and has been very encouraging,” she says. “I am lucky to have found such an amazing facility that supports many activities.”

She also shares her love for the sport as a certified coach at The Seymour Center and Galloway Ridge in Pittsboro in the hopes that more players her age will compete locally. “It has been very inspiring for me,” she says. “It’s very satisfying to see that people put their trust in me to come out and learn skills.”

Before 73-year-old Ricky Christian retired, he already knew how he wanted to spend his golden years: dancing through the chaos of carpool traffic to guarantee local children can safely navigate to school.

Originally from San Antonio, Ricky moved to Carrboro in 1981 and retired in 2014 from his work as an accounting technician for the biostatistics department at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Over the last decade, he has served at multiple Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools as a crossing guard. “It suits me,” he says. “You feel like you’re helping people.”

Ricky recalls one morning at Estes Hills Elementary School when a child looked to him for an extra dose of assistance. 

BY

Pam Herndon CLU LUTCF ChFC, Agent

104 S Estes Drive, Suite 105

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Bus: 919-240-0155

pam@pamherndon.com

When the young girl, who was not yet school-aged, arrived with her mother to drop off her older sister, she instinctively grabbed Ricky’s hand for safety. “This is why I’m a crossing guard,” he remembers telling nearby parents as he walked her across the street. “Just for this moment.”

This January, Ricky transferred to serve at Carrboro Elementary School, where he continues to manage the earlymorning balancing act of greeting passersby while also staying aware of all surroundings. “You have to anticipate what people might do or might not do, especially with the cars,” he says.

RICKY CHRISTIAN

Carrboro Elementary School crossing guard

“I’m appreciative of the people driving who are very conscious.”

In his afternoons, he directs foot traffic and answers phone calls as a receptionist for the school district at the Lincoln Center administrative building. He is also an avid social dancer, attending Triangle Swing Dance Society events at the Carrboro Century Center and dances occasionally at The Blue Note Grill in Durham.

“I think a lot of people think they need to be really good, but you don’t have to,” Ricky says. “It sort of releases you because when you’re dancing, you don’t think about all the other things going on around you.” 

BY

RETIREMENT

Pam Hemminger and her extended family – including her grandsons – spend summers at the nonprofit Chautauqua Institution.

Although former Chapel Hill

Mayor Pam Hemminger retired in December 2023, she is still an active voice in the Orange County community – so much so that her daughter Carly Hemminger jokes she’s not doing retirement right.

She keeps a full calendar with board meetings for Extraordinary Ventures, Moorefields, North Carolina Advisory Board for the Environmental Defense Fund and the Carolina North Community Advisory Committee. Pam says she was recently appointed to the board of directors for the YMCA of The Triangle, the largest of the boards she’s involved in, where she’s now able to offer her expertise on Chapel Hill during regional meetings. “I’m enjoying it thoroughly,” she says. “The conversations have been really great so far.”

Along with her continued devotion to Chapel Hill, Pam says retirement has allowed her more time with her family and to be “Nana” to her three grandsons in Charlotte, North Carolina. One tradition passed down through Pam’s side of the family multiple generations back is spending summers attending events at the nonprofit Chautauqua Institution. Members of her extended family share a cottage and spend multiple weeks in the 750-acre community in western New York, enjoying the cooler air and making memories.

board member and Chautauqua Institution attendee

“It is out in the middle of nowhere, but it has so much vibrancy –between music, the arts and physical and educational activities,” Pam says. “I learned a lot of things at the Chautauqua lectures that I was able to bring home and [use] when I was mayor.”

Pam says her curiosity for new knowledge persists, and she remains motivated to continue evolving with the times. “Change is happening and technology is [improving] so quickly, so I

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want to stay engaged with all,” she says. “I want to be able to use the things I learned as mayor to help in whatever way I can.” CHM

Pam says Chautauqua’s public art pieces crafted from recycled materials inspired Chapel Hill to follow suit.

assisted living communities

AVENDELLE ASSISTED LIVING AT SOUTHPOINT

1305 Capstone Dr., Durham

Entrance Fee Call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Monthly rate includes personalized care, dining, activities, laundry and housekeeping

Refund Options 14-day notice required

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required, but accepted

Contact Information 916-769-7956; avendelle.com

BROOKDALE CHAPEL HILL ASSISTED LIVING

2220 Farmington Dr., Chapel Hill

Entrance Fee One-time community fee, call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Month-to-month

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted Contact Information 984-710-4715; brookdale.com

BROOKDALE CHAPEL HILL ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CARE

2230 Farmington Dr., Chapel Hill

Entrance Fee One-time community fee, call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Month-to-month

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Contact Information 984-710-4715; brookdale.com

BROOKDALE DURHAM ASSISTED LIVING AND DEMENTIA CARE

4434 Ben Franklin Blvd., Durham

Entrance Fee One-time community fee, call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Month-to-month

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Contact Information 919-479-9966; brookdale.com

BROOKDALE MEADOWMONT

ASSISTED LIVING AND DEMENTIA CARE

100 Lanark Rd., Chapel Hill

Entrance Fee One-time community fee, call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Month-to-month

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Contact Information 919-918-7600; brookdale.com

CALYX LIVING OF DURHAM

4214 Guess Rd., Durham

Entrance Fee Application fee required, call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Monthly rate includes care, dining, activities, laundry and housekeeping

Refund Options 14-day notice required

Medicare Certified Not applicable

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required, but accepted

Minimum Age 60

Contact Information 919-471-0091; calyxseniorliving.com

CAMBRIDGE HILLS ASSISTED LIVING

140 Brookstone Ln., Pittsboro

This all-inclusive four-star community, which has served Chatham County and neighboring counties for more than 20 years, is a 90-bed assisted living community with a 38-bed memory care wing that offers both private and semiprivate rooms and award-winning activity programs

Community Fee Call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing; veteran discounts offered

Contract Options None; requires 14-day notice before moving out

Refund Options Prorated based on move-out date

Medicare Certified No; Medicaid accepted

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 65

Contact Information 919-545-9573 or shelby@silver-thread.com; silver-thread.com 

CHATHAM RIDGE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

114 Polks Village Ln., Chapel Hill

Entrance Fee One month’s rent

Monthly Fee Range Starting at $5,290

Contract Options Month-to-month

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information 919-883-9767; navionseniorsolutions.com

LAURELS OF CHATHAM (Skilled Nursing & Rehab Facility)

72 Chatham Business Dr., Pittsboro

Monthly Fee Range $10,260 – $12,240

Medicare Certified Yes; also accepts most Medicare Advantage plans, commercial insurance, Medicaid and private pay

Long-Term Care Insurance Not accepted

Contact Information Facility: 919-542-6677; Admissions: 919-302-7862; laurelsofchatham.com

MEBANE RIDGE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

1999 S. NC Hwy. 119, Mebane

Entrance Fee One month’s rent

Monthly Fee Range Starting at $4,500

Contract Options Month-to-month

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information 984-203-7588; navionseniorsolutions.com/communities/mebane-ridge

ROXBORO ASSISTED LIVING

5660 Durham Rd., Roxboro

Entrance Fee Call for pricing

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Refund Options Requires 14-day notice

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information 336-598-4697; admin1@roxboroassistedliving.com; roxboroassistedliving.com

TERRABELLA SENIOR LIVING

1911 Orange Grove Rd., Hillsborough

Entrance Fee

$3,500

Contract Options Month-to-month

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information 919-732-9040; terrabellahillsborough.com

WALTONWOOD CARY PARKWAY

750 SE Cary Pkwy., Cary

Entrance Fee One-time community fee, call for pricing on cottages, one- and two-bedroom options in independent living; one- and two- bedroom options in assisted living and private apartments in memory care.

Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Year lease

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted Contact Information 919-460-7330; waltonwood.com

continuing care retirement communities

CAROLINA MEADOWS

100 Carolina Meadows, Chapel Hill

The 166-acre campus includes a nine-hole golf course, pristine walking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, community gardens and more. Residents enjoy distinctive dining venues, a state-ofthe-art wellness center and an auditorium that offers fascinating lectures and performances.

Entrance Fee Range

Monthly Fee Range

$154,700 – $925,100

$3,687 – $6,064

Contract Options Fee for Service: Housing, residential services and guaranteed access to health-related services in exchange for entrance fee and monthly fee. Health-related services are provided at per diem rates, which vary. Home Care services are also available. Equity: See below.

Refund Options Predictable 75% Return of Equity refund option offered for all independent living homes on campus. The refund is based off original entrance fee.

Medicare Certified Yes, Medicare Part B

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required, but welcome

Minimum Age 62

Contact Information 919-370-7159; 800-458-6756; carolinameadows.org

CAROL WOODS

750 Weaver Dairy Rd., Chapel Hill

Entrance Fee Range

$116,000 – $636,000

Monthly Fee Range $2,680 – $6,191

Contract Options Modified: Entrance fee and monthly payments cover housing, residential services like meals and housekeeping, and some health-related services. Health-related services are provided at a discounted rate.

Refund Options Declining Refund: Pay entry fee; full refund in first 90 days; refund declines at 2% rate each additional month; after 50 months, no refund.

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required; could help pay for discounted per diems.

Minimum Age 62 (co-applicant must be at least 55)

Contact Information 919-968-4511; 800-518-9333; carolwoods.org

THE CEDARS OF CHAPEL HILL

100 Cedar Club Circle (Meadowmont), Chapel Hill

Purchase Price Range $400,000s – $2,000,000*

Monthly Fee Range $4,016 – $10,742

Contract Options *Equity: Actual real estate purchase, with transfer of ownership of the unit. Type B Modified contract. If a resident moves to a health center, 90 prepaid days except two meals per day. After 90 days, member pays discounted rate.

Refund Options Not applicable because of ownership

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required

Minimum Age 62 (co-applicant must be at least 55)

Contact Information 919-259-7927; cedarsofchapelhill.com

CROASDAILE VILLAGE

2600 Croasdaile Farm Pkwy., Durham

Set on more than 100 acres, the community offers a blend of a rural atmosphere and city conveniences within the residential neighborhood of Croasdaile Farm, located only 6 miles from downtown Durham.

Residents enjoy numerous green spaces with yards, gardening and walking trails, a dog park, lakes and the security of a full continuum of care on-site. The central campus buildings are connected, with a state-of-the-art wellness center, large heated pool, auditorium, woodworking shop, indoor pickleball court, art studio, multiple dining venues, a village shop and an interfaith chapel.

Entrance Fee Range $70,619 – $584,529

Monthly Fee Range $2,606 – $6,017 (single occupancy with second person fee of $1,647 for all residential homes)

Contract Options Fee for Service: Entrance fee and monthly payments cover housing, maintenance and groundskeeping; residential services such as meals, utilities and housekeeping; along with priority access to health-related services and health care navigation. Advanced levels of health services are provided at per-diem rates.

RETIREMENT

Refund Options Declining Refund: Option 1: Pay lower entry fee; refund declines at rate of 2% per month of occupancy; after 50 months, no refund is paid. Option 2: 50% Refund – pay higher entry fee; refund declines at a rate of 2% per month until 50% of residence fee is accrued; refund limited to 50%. Option 3: 90% Refund –pay higher entry fee; refund declines at a rate of 2% per month until 10% of fee is accrued; refund limited to 90%.

Medicare Certified Yes; rehab on-site

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required, but welcome Minimum Age 62

Contact Information 919-384-2475 or 800-9607737 for marketing and sales; 919-384-2000 for general inquiries; croasdailevillage.org

THE FOREST AT DUKE

2701 Pickett Rd., Durham

Celebrating more than 30 years of community, The Forest at Duke is a vibrant continuing care retirement community located in the heart of Durham. The Forest offers both an off-campus residency program and an on-campus residency program for independent living.

On-campus living offers five floor plans for apartment living, six floor plans for cottages and individual homes, and 10 all-new apartment floor plans debuting in its 71-residence expansion, The Terraces. Each oncampus home provides spacious, contemporary living with access to a range of amenities. Both on- and off-campus living provides residents with myriad opportunities for fitness, wellness, socialization, entertainment, self-discovery and lifelong learning.

Entrance Fee Range $99,729 – $722,585

Monthly Fee Range $4,300 – $10,096

Contract Options Modified: Entrance fee and monthly payments cover housing, residential services such as meals and housekeeping, and some health-related services. Health-related services are provided at a greatly discounted rate and are free for a specified number of days.

Refund Options The Forest retains $10,000 of each person’s entry fee as a health care reserve. The remaining balance of the entry fee, the residence fee, is refundable based on the following: 2% of the residence fee accrues to The Forest at Duke each month. The refund decreases to zero over 50 months.

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required, but welcome Minimum Age 65 (co-applicant must be at least 62) Contact Information 919-490-8000; forestduke.org

GALLOWAY RIDGE AT FEARRINGTON

3000 Galloway Ridge Rd., Pittsboro

This welcoming life plan community redefines senior living, offering a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle where the next chapter is filled with possibility, and deep connections are fostered among residents and staff, creating a place that truly feels like home.

Nestled south of Chapel Hill, Galloway Ridge offers the perfect balance of small-town charm and big-city access. Adjacent to Fearrington Village, the 67-acre campus is surrounded by miles of scenic trails and sidewalks, with Jordan Lake and the Haw River a short drive away for outdoor enthusiasts.

Residents enjoy an array of amenities, including independent living apartments and villas, multiple dining venues, an art studio, a woodworking shop, a movie theater with stadium seating, a billiards room, and a variety of social and gathering spaces. 

The WellPlex – which features the Duke Center for Living, a 20,000-square-foot fitness center, Duke Primary Care and the Center for Physical Rehabilitation – supports an active and engaged lifestyle. On-campus primary care services are available through both UNC Health and Duke Primary Care. For residents in need of additional support, Medicare-certified health care center The Arbor offers 96 private rooms for assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing, ensuring compassionate, high-quality care at every life stage.

Entrance Fee Range

Monthly Fee Range

$275,000 – $1,802,000

$4,415 – $10,277

Contract Options Life Care (Type A): For a one-time entrance fee and a monthly service fee, Galloway Ridge’s contract provides housing, dining, housekeeping, utilities, maintenance, wellness services, 24-hour security and a variety of resident amenities. If needed, unlimited assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care are available to residents. An additional meal fee applies when transitioning to higher levels of care.

Refund Options Option 1 (Traditional Entrance Fee): Entrance fee cost is lower but is only refundable on a prorated basis for four years. Refund declines at a rate of 4% in the first month; 2% each additional month; after 4 years, no refund. Option 2 (75% Refundable Entrance Fee): Entrance fee cost is higher but is 75% refundable of original entrance fee cost.

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required

Minimum Age 62

Contact Information 919-545-2647; gallowayridge.com

GLENAIRE

4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary

Entrance Fee Range

Monthly Fee Range

$87,000 – $1,025,000

$3,309 – $6,901

Contract Options Modified: Entrance fee and monthly payments cover housing, residential services such as meals and housekeeping, and some health-related services, which are provided at a subsidized rate or are free for a specified number of days. Refund Options Option 1: Declining Refund – refund declines at rate of 2% per month for 48 months. Option 2: 50% refundable. Option 3: 90% refundable.

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required

Minimum Age 62 (co-applicant must be at least 55)

Contact Information 919-460-8095; glenaire.org

PITTSBORO CHRISTIAN VILLAGE

1825 East St., Pittsboro

Entrance Fee Range

Monthly Fee Range

$3,500 or $30,000 - $155,000

$1,925 - $5,525

Contract Options The Village offers a range of living options, including 26 freestanding Independent Living Homes, 40 Independent Living Apartments and a 40-bed Assisted Living facility. Fee for Service –Cottages, Patio Homes, Heritage Homes, Legacy Homes, Apartments. Included additional services, meals, activities, housekeeping, linen service, maintenance, available assisted living services.

Refund Options Option 1: Non-Refundable, Option 2: Declining refund over 36 months.

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Yes

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information 919-542-3151; pcvnc.org

SEARSTONE

17001 Searstone Dr., Cary

Entrance Fee Range

$429,000 – $1,144,000

Monthly Fee Range $4,050 – $9,500; (second person fee is $1,910)

Contract Options Type A LifeCare contract. Residents pay a onetime LifeCare fee to cover costs of assisted living, skilled nursing and/or memory support. The LifeCare program has significant tax advantages and works well with long-term care policies.

Refund Options Entrance fee is 100% refundable

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Yes

Minimum Age 62

Contact Information 919-234-0339; info@searstone.com; searstone.com

SPRINGMOOR

1500 Sawmill Rd., Raleigh

Entrance Fee/Monthly Fee Range Call for pricing

Contract Options Modified: Housing, residential services and some health-related services in exchange for entrance fee and monthly fee, which includes 30 days of free health care (with a maximum balance of 90 days), then is available at a discounted rate.

Refund Options Option 1: Life Occupancy – Residence & Care refund declines at 4% per month for 25 months, then no refund. Option 2: 50% Life Equity – refund declines at 2% per month for 25 months. The remaining 50% is returned to the resident or estate after residency is terminated and within 30 days of re-occupancy of the residential unit. Option 3: 100% Life Equity – 100% of the Residence & Care fee is returned to the resident or estate after residency is terminated. The refund is available, once residency is terminated, six years after initial move-in date, or 30 days after reoccupancy of the residential unit, if six years has passed.

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required

Minimum Age 62

Contact Information 919-848-7080; springmoor.org

THE TEMPLETON OF CARY

215 Brightmore Dr., Cary

Cary’s only rental Life Plan community offers 10 spacious floor plans with high-end finishes. The Templeton’s 15-acre campus couldn’t be more convenient to everything and includes an abundance of activities and wellness programs complete with a saltwater pool, spa, transportation and several culinary choices.

Entrance Fee Range N/A. Community fee is equal to one month’s rent.

Monthly Fee Range

$4,995 – $10,380

Contract Options Rental community with 13-month lease, but can give 30-day notice at any time.

Medicare Certified Yes, for skilled nursing and rehab

Long-Term Care Insurance Yes

Minimum Age 62 (for couples, at least one spouse must be 62)

Contact Information 984-200-3688; thetempletonofcary.com

TWIN LAKES COMMUNITY

3701 Wade Coble Dr., Burlington

An intentional community filled with people who chose Twin Lakes for various reasons, but who all have one thing in common: the desire for a well-rounded life surrounded by others who are engaged and open to new experiences, people and ideas. More than 600 residents in independent living enjoy the 215-acre community and the amenities that make it home. In addition to the spacious campus, this is a unique CCRC: There’s no mandatory meal plan, and it offers comparably lower fees. Its neighborhoods are filled with people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

Entrance Fee Range

Monthly Fee Range

$67,000 – $599,000

$2,033 – $4,678

Contract Options Fee-for-service contract only

Refund Options 30-month declining refund and 50% refund available

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required

Minimum Age 62 (co-applicant must be at least 62)

Contact Information 336-538-1572; twinlakescomm.org

THE VILLAGE AT BROOKWOOD

1860 Brookwood Ave., Burlington

Entrance Fee Options start at $162,000

Monthly Fee Range

$3,081-plus

Contract Options Option 1: LifeCare: Garden Homes & Apartments, bundled services, campus amenities, maintenance and guaranteed future health care provided in exchange for the entrance fee and monthly fee. When moving from one level of care to another, the monthly fee reflects a significant reduction of the daily per diem skilled nursing rate. Option 2: Fee for Service: Garden Homes & Apartments, bundled services, campus amenities, maintenance and guaranteed access to future health care are provided in exchange for entrance fee and monthly fee. Health-related services are provided at the per diem rate.

Refund Options A declining refund over 47 months

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Not required; can help with costs related to assisted living, memory care, skilled care for Fee-forService or LifeCare plans.

Minimum Age 62 (co-applicant must be at least 55)

Contact Information 336-570-8440; villageatbrookwood.org

post-acute continuing care systems

HILLCREST CONVALESCENT CENTER

1417 W. Pettigrew St., Durham

The center has provided quality care – including after-hospital rehabilitation, 24/7 skilled nursing, home care or out-patient physical therapy – for more than 74 years. Contact the Raleigh or Durham location for more information about its services and signature Elegant Care.

Entrance Fee No deposit or application fee required

Monthly Fee Call for pricing

Contract Options All-inclusive monthly rate for short-term, long-term, assisted living or respite stays

Refund Options Pay only for the days spent, any unused daily rate refunded

Contact Information 919-286-7705; admissions@hillcrestnc.com; hillcrestnc.com

HILLCREST HOME HEALTH OF THE TRIANGLE

1000 Bear Cat Way, Ste. 104, Morrisville

Personal care, in-home support and companion care, and respite care. Contact Information 919-468-1204; agencydir@hillcresthh.com

HILLCREST PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS

4215 University Dr., Ste. B2, Durham

Physical therapy, specialty treatments and wellness programs.

Contact Information 919-627-6700; rehab.durham@hillcrestptw.com

HILLCREST RALEIGH AT CRABTREE

3830 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh

Entrance Fee No deposit or application fee required

Monthly Fee Call for pricing

Contract Options All-inclusive monthly rate for short-term, long-term or respite stays

Refund Options Pay only for the days spent, any unused daily rate refunded

Contact Information 919-781-4900; admissions@hillcrestraleighnc.com; hillcrestnc.com

independent senior living

BARTLETT RESERVE

300 Meredith Dr., Durham

Entrance Fee $5,000

Monthly Fee Range $4,295 – $5,195

Contract Options Month-to-month; 60-day notice to leave

Medicare Certified Yes

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted for personal care and veterans benefits

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information Karen Camara, 919-634-2197; marketing@bartlettreserve.com; bartlettreserve.com 

BRIER POINTE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

5911 McCrimmon Pkwy., Morrisville

Entrance Fee One month security deposit (partially refundable)

Monthly Fee

$4,300 – $7,100

Contract Options Month-to-month

Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance Can be utilized for additional care

Contact Information 919-378-2902; rlcommunities.com

CAMBRIDGE VILLAGE OF APEX

10000 Cambridge Village Loop, Apex

This all-inclusive independent senior living community invites its residents to live their best life among its luxurious and detailoriented amenities. The Optimal Living community focuses on improving every aspect of its residents’ lives by providing a total wellness approach and offering a variety of spacious and comfortable apartment floor plans. With its unique hybrid community model, residents have access to on-site primary care, therapy, home health care and rehabilitation, creating a true age-in-place home.

Entrance Fee Based on unit type

Monthly Fee Range

$3,200 – $6,800

Contract Options One-year or month-to-month lease options

Medicare Certified Medicare accepted through onsite physician and with WakeMed Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted by on-site home health partner

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information Sales director, 919-363-2080; apexinfo@cvsliving.com; cvsliving.com/apex

CAMBRIDGE VILLAGE AT BRIER CREEK

7901 TW Alexander Dr., Raleigh

Entrance Fee Range Equivalent to two month’s rent

Monthly Fee Range

$4,135 – $11,995

Contract Options Month-to-month or one-year leases

Medicare Certified Medicare accepted through on-site physician and with WakeMed Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Long-Term Care Insurance Accepted

Minimum Age 55

Contact Information Marketing Director, 919-737-7000; briercreekinfo@cvsliving.com; cvsliving.com/brier-creek

HOLIDAY DURHAM REGENT

3007 Pickett Rd., Durham

Entrance Fee Range First month’s rent

Monthly Fee Range

$2,379 – $4,500

Contract Options Month-to-month leases, all independent living

Medicare Certified No medical services included Long-Term Care Insurance No Minimum Age 55

Contact Information 919-490-6224; holidayseniorliving.com

TWIN RIVERS INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING

25 S. Rectory St., Pittsboro

This 31-unit complex offers a friendly, social and communal atmosphere for independent older adults. Staff is on-call seven days a week, and residents have use of a communal kitchen, game room and other shared spaces.

Entrance Fee Call for current rates

Monthly Fee Range Call for current rates

Contract Options None. Requires 60-day notice prior to moving out Medicare Certified No

Long-Term Care Insurance N/A

Minimum Age 65

Contact Information 919-545-0149; 919-637-7117; paula@silver-thread.com; silver-thread.com

55+ communities

CAROLINA OVERLOOK

19 Dover Downs Dr., Clayton

Price Range of Houses From the mid-$300s

Number of Units 620, plus possible future growth across the street

Resale Status Resales available, but mostly new homes, selling in second phase

Average Size of Houses 1,223 – 3,000 square feet (adding villas that are townhome/duplex-style middle of the year)

Amenities Included Indoor pool, indoor hot tub, outdoor pool, fitness center, aerobics studio, varsity room, clubhouse, clubs, classes, lifestyle director, pickleball courts, lake with walking trails

Contact Information 919-899-1767; delwebb.com/carolinaoverlook

CAROLINA PRESERVE

115 Allforth Pl., Cary

Price Range of Houses From the $450s

Number of Units 1,360

Resale Status Resale only

Average Size of Houses 1,200 – 3,500 square feet

Amenities Included Tennis courts, bocce ball courts, indoor pool, outdoor pool, fitness center, clubhouse, pickleball court and access to Town of Cary Greenway and Amberly Clubhouse Contact Information 919-467-7837; carolinapreserve.com

THE COURTYARDS AT ANDREWS CHAPEL

1007 Havenwood Ln., Durham

Showcases beautifully designed homes with single-level living and signature private garden courtyards. Homeowners enjoy a lowmaintenance lifestyle in a close, connected community, with easy access to the best of the Triangle. It is a place where neighbors become friends, and homeowners can truly live well every day.

Number of Units 120

Resale Status Resale only

Average Size of Houses 1,500 – 4,000 square feet

Amenities Included Large clubhouse, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, walking trails, pavilion

Sales Contact oscraleigh@epconcommunities.com; epconcommunities.com

THE COURTYARDS AT LOCHMERE

5100 Lilly Atkins Rd., Cary

Features thoughtfully designed homes that embrace single-level living and a lock-and-leave lifestyle. Open, light-filled floor plans and private outdoor living areas create the perfect setting for both everyday comfort and meaningful connection with family and friends.

Price Range of Houses From the upper $500s to the mid $600s

Number of Units 73

Resale Status Resale only

Average Size of Houses 1,519 – 2,930 square feet

Amenities Included Clubhouse, fireplace pavilion, fitness center, pool Sales Contact oscraleigh@epconcommunities.com; epconcommunities.com 

RETIREMENT

THE COURTYARDS AT OAK GROVE

1702 Doc Nichols Rd., Durham

An Epcon community offering three distinct product lines: cottage homes, townhomes and luxury ranch homes, each thoughtfully designed for single-level living with first-floor owner suites; open, light-filled spaces; and private garden courtyards that make the outdoors a central part of each home. With HOA-maintained landscaping and a lock-and-leave lifestyle, homeowners enjoy less time on chores and more time with family, friends and the freedom to live well every day.

Price Range of Houses From the $500s

Number of Units 166

Resale Status New construction

Average Size of Houses 1,500 – 4,000 square feet

Amenities Included Clubhouse, outdoor pool, fitness center, walking trails, pickleball courts, dog park Sales Contact 919-646-6612; oscraleigh@epconcommunities. com; epcondurham.com

THE COURTYARDS AT O’KELLY CHAPEL

1601 Vineyard Mist Dr., Cary

Showcases beautifully crafted home designs centered around private garden courtyards that make the outdoors a pivotal part of each home. With no more yard maintenance and more time to focus on family, travel and personal passions, homeowners enjoy a new chapter filled with freedom and flexibility.

Number of Units 149

Resale Status Resale only

Average Size of Houses 2,000 square feet

Amenities Included Clubhouse, outdoor pool, fitness center, walking trails, access to the American Tobacco Trail Sales Contact oscraleigh@epconcommunities.com; epconcommunities.com

THE COURTYARDS AT SOUTHPOINT

1203 Cherob Ln., Durham

Offers a boutique lifestyle community with abundant natural light, open floor plans and first-floor owner suites designed for living comfortably now and in the future. Ideally located near shopping, dining and health care, it provides the convenience and connection today’s active adults are seeking.

Price Range of Houses From the $500s

Number of Units 161

Resale Status Resale only

THE COURTYARDS ON FARRINGTON

5113 Farrington Rd., Durham

Brings together innovative home design and an active lifestyle community in a highly desirable location. With private garden courtyards, no steps and HOA-maintained grounds, homeowners enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle that makes it easy to travel, gather with friends and fully embrace what matters most.

Price Range of Houses From the low $500s

Number of Units 64

Resale Status Resale only

Average Size of Houses 1,520 – 2,969 square feet

Amenities Included Clubhouse, outdoor pool, fitness center Sales Contact 919-646-6612; oscraleigh@epconcommunities.com; epconcommunities.com

DEL WEBB AT CHATHAM PARK

1277 Sanford Rd., Pittsboro

Price Range of Houses From the upper $300s

Number of Units 837

Sale Status Coming soon – sales expected to start January 2027

Average Size of Houses 1,223 – 3,000 square feet

Amenities Included Pickleball courts, indoor pool, indoor hot tub, outdoor pool, fitness center, aerobics studio, food and beverage service, lifestyle director, clubs, classes and a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse.

Contact Information 919-921-8689; delwebb.com/chathampark

INSPIRE BRIAR CHAPEL

152 Market Chapel Rd., Pittsboro

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and community at this exclusive 55+ active adult community designed to elevate your healthy, active and social lifestyle – located just minutes south of Chapel Hill.

Price Range of Apartment Homes Starting at $1,830/month –

$3,265/month

Number of Units 150

Average Size of Homes 688 – 1,262 square feet

Amenities Included Heated saltwater community pool, creative art center, fitness center, yoga studio, theater room, billiards room, salon, library, bocce ball court, putting green, community garden, pet park and spa, wellness center, outdoor courtyard, grilling stations, planned daily resident events, indoor mail & package concierge, concierge services, smoke-free community

Contact Information 919-503-3034; inspirebriarchapel.com

OVERTURE CHAPEL HILL

5910 Farrington Rd., Chapel Hill

Price Range of Apartment Homes Starting at $1,670/month

Number of Units 184

Average Size of Houses 598 – 1,365 square feet

Amenities Included Heated outdoor pool, outdoor lounge and terrace, fire pit, elevator-accessible floors, happy hours and yappy hours, fitness center and yoga studio, grand club room with demonstration kitchen, coffee bar, movie theater, game room, craft room, on-site guest suite for friends and family, Lyft ridesharing scheduling through management, 24-hour emergency maintenance and carports available.

Contact Information 919-907-2200; overturechapelhill.com

cohousing community

VILLAGE HEARTH COHOUSING

4900 Buttonbush Dr., Durham

Price Range of Condos Mid-$300s to high-$400s

Number of Condos 28

Resale Status Resale only

Average Size of Condos 650 – 1,150 square feet

Amenities Included An intentional 55-plus community 15 minutes north of downtown Durham, created by and for LGBTQIA+ folks and allies. The community – which is set on 15 acres, complete with walking trails and community raised-bed gardens – is self-governed, making decisions cooperatively. Single-story accessible homes feature welcoming front porches, vaulted ceilings, large windows and skylights. The communityoriented, 2,600-square-foot common house includes a gourmet kitchen, dining/meeting room, craft room, laundry room, exercise room and guest suite.

Contact Information 984-219-6686; connect@villagehearthcohousing.com; villagehearthcohousing.com CHM

OR THE 17TH STRAIGHT YEAR, Chapel Hill Magazine commissioned a peer-to-peer survey of the local dental community – from endodontists to prosthodontists. The following listing is the result. Dentists and specialists were asked the telling question: “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?” They were also asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and, of course, physical results. The nomination pool of dentists consists of those listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as all dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists who they feel should be included in the list. Respondents were asked to put aside any personal bias and to use only their knowledge of their peer’s work when evaluating the other nominees. The Chapel Hill area is wellserved by the dental community. Hundreds of dentists, specialists and support professionals have made this area home, and the overall quality of dental care in our communities is second to none. What good dentist wouldn’t want to practice here? 

FREDERICK G. LEHMANN, DDS, PA

For more than 25 years, Dr. Frederick G. Lehmann has provided conservative, relationship-based dentistry to the Chapel Hill community. Supported by a longstanding, experienced team, the practice is known for continuity of care, thoughtful treatment planning, and a calm, patient-focused environment.

• Conveniently

Dr. Lehmann emphasizes conservative options whenever possible and collaborates closely with trusted local specialists to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care. Some of the cosmetic dentistry options available to

•

• Specializing in the latest CAD-CAM based Cerec Technology, allowing many dental restorations and individual crowns to be generated in a single visit.

• Family Dental Services

• Cosmetic Esthetic Dentistry

• Preventative Care

• Same Day Crowns

• Dental Implants

• Dentures

TOP DENTISTS

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

The Top Dentists list for Chapel Hill is the result of a rigorous evaluation process consisting of peer-to-peer surveys of area dentists and professionals. This survey was conducted and managed by the nationally recognized third-party firm topDentists LLC of Augusta, Georgia. This list is excerpted from the 2026 topDentists™ list, a database that includes listings for nearly 60 dentists and specialists in Chapel Hill. The list is based on detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com. topDentists management has more than 60 years combined experience compiling peer-review referral guides in the dental, medical and legal fields. Working from this experience, along with the input of several prominent dentists from throughout the United States, topDentists created a selection process that has earned the respect of the country’s leading dental professionals. For more information, call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, Georgia, 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com; or visit usatopdentists.com The purchase of advertising has no impact on who is included in the Top Dentists list.

Endodontics

Lisiane Ferreira-Susin

Ritter Endodontics

501 Eastowne Dr., Ste. 155, Chapel Hill 919-403-5000; ritterendo.com

Alessandra L. Ritter

Ritter Endodontics

501 Eastowne Dr., Ste. 155, Chapel Hill 919-403-5000; ritterendo.com

Andrew L. Rudd

Chapel Hill Endodontics

891 Willow Dr., Ste. 4, Chapel Hill 919-932-1616; chapelhillendo.com

Jackson Seagroves

Governors Endodontics

50201 Governors Dr., Chapel Hill 919-537-8461; governorsendo.com

Peter Z. Tawil

Governors Endodontics

50201 Governors Dr., Chapel Hill 919-537-8461; governorsendo.com 

General Dentistry

Jessica L. Bishop

6015 Farrington Rd., Ste. 102, Chapel Hill 919-489-2793; jessicabishopdds.com

Matthew D. Bostian

101 Conner Dr., Ste. 403, Chapel Hill 919-968-4701; bostiandental.com

Laura A. Collatz

Enchanting Smiles Family Dentistry

360 West St., Ste. 100, Pittsboro 919-542-2712; enchantingsmilesdentistry.com

Thomas J. Dakermanji

Studio G Aesthetic & Family Dentistry

104 N. Elliott Rd., Ste. C, Chapel Hill 919-942-7163; studiogdentist.com

Angela G. Ellis

Ellis Family Dentistry

120 Conner Dr., Ste. 201, Chapel Hill 919-960-0155; ellisdentistry.com

James P. Furgurson

Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

501 Eastowne Dr., Ste. 150, Chapel Hill 919-251-9313; chapelhilldds.com

Mandy Ghaffarpour

Studio G Aesthetic & Family Dentistry

104 N. Elliott Rd., Ste. C, Chapel Hill 919-942-7163; studiogdentist.com

Credle A. Harris

Chapel Hill Dental Group 1721 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 919-967-9291; teethpeople.com

Shaina Holman

Holman Family Dental Care 1836 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill 919-932-7811; holmanfamilydentalcare.com

Ben Lambeth

Milltown Family Dentistry

310 E. Main St., Ste. 335, Carrboro 919-590-5450; milltownfamilydentistry.com

Megumi Lambeth

Milltown Family Dentistry

310 E. Main St., Ste. 335, Carrboro 919-590-5450; milltownfamilydentistry.com

Nicole LeCann

Ellis Family Dentistry

120 Conner Dr., Ste. 120, Chapel Hill 919-960-0155; ellisdentistry.com

Frederick G. Lehmann

100 Europa Dr., Ste. 310, Chapel Hill 919-967-9999; chapelhillncdentistry.com

Si On Lim

UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3737; dentistry.unc.edu

Gustavo M. Oliveira

UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3737; dentistry.unc.edu

Bilal Saib

Chapel Hill Advanced Dentistry 400 Market St., Ste. 220, Chapel Hill 919-933-3388; chapelhilladvanceddentistry.com

Allen D. Samuelson UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3737; dentistry.unc.edu

Tamara C. Samuelson 77 Vilcom Center Dr., Ste. 180, Chapel Hill 919-968-9874; susannejacksondds.com

Adam J. Sturdevant Carrboro Family Dentistry 610 Jones Ferry Rd., Ste. 206, Carrboro 919-929-5160; carrborofamilydentistry.com

Timothy Swing Parkway Family Dentistry 79 Falling Springs Dr., Ste. 110, Chapel Hill 919-636-9717; briarchapeldentist.com

Laura D. Tawil Parkway Family Dentistry 79 Falling Springs Dr., Ste. 110, Chapel Hill 919-636-9717; briarchapeldentist.com

Karen K. Tiwana Chatham Dental Arts 587 Old Graham Rd., Pittsboro 919-542-4911; chathamdentalarts.com

Jeffrey C. West West End General Dentistry 601 W. Rosemary St., Ste. 219, Chapel Hill 919-636-9123; westend-dentistry.com

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

George H. Blakey III

UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3944; dentistry.unc.edu

David Lee Hill, Jr. Chapel Hill Implant and Oral Surgery Center 77 Vilcom Center Dr., Ste. 120, Chapel Hill 919-238-9961; chapelhilloralsurgery.com

Andrew T. Ruvo

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Associates

501 Eastowne Dr., Ste. 110, Chapel Hill 919-929-2196; omsanc.com

Debra Sacco

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Associates

501 Eastowne Dr., Ste. 110, Chapel Hill 919-929-2196; omsanc.com

Adam D. Serlo

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Associates

501 Eastowne Dr., Ste. 110, Chapel Hill 919-479-0707; omsanc.com

Brian Vandersea

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Associates

501 Eastowne Dr., Ste. 110, Chapel Hill 919-929-2196; omsanc.com

Oral Medicine

Lauren L. Patton

UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3582; dentistry.unc.edu

Oral Pathology

Valerie A. Murrah

UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3162; dentistry.unc.edu

Orthodontics

Jeff N. Berndt

Noble Orthodontics

100 Two Hills Dr., Ste. 101, Carrboro 919-338-5650; nobleorthodontic.com

T. Lenise Clifton Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry 77 Vilcom Center Dr., Ste. 310, Chapel Hill 919-933-1007; cliftonandmauney.com

Tate H. Jackson Noble Orthodontics

100 Two Hills Dr., Ste. 101, Carrboro 919-338-5650; nobleorthodontic.com

Laura Jacox UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3933; dentistry.unc.edu

Corey Jones Jones Orthodontics 1525 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 919-493-7554; jonesorthonc.com

Top Dentists

Ashley Morgenstern Morgenstern Orthodontics

26 Knox Way, Ste. 100, Chapel Hill 919-230-9700; morgensternortho.com

Tung T. Nguyen

UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3764; dentistry.unc.edu

Tammy R. Severt

Severt Smiles

101 Conner Dr., Ste. 401, Chapel Hill 919-929-2365; severtsmiles.com

Richard F. Uhlir

Southern Village Orthodontics

400 Market St., Ste. 200, Chapel Hill 919-808-1188; southernvillageorthodontics.com

Pediatric Dentistry

Alexandra Boudreau

Chatham Pediatric Dentistry

79 Falling Springs Dr., Ste. 120, Chapel Hill 919-391-3813; chathampediatricdentistry.com

Kimon Divaris

UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3556; dentistry.unc.edu

Annelise C. Hardin

Franklin Street Pediatric Dentistry

1504 E. Franklin St., Ste. 101, Chapel Hill 919-967-2773; fspediatricdentistry.com

Charles U. Mauney, Jr.

Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics

& Pediatric Dentistry

77 Vilcom Center Dr., Ste. 310, Chapel Hill 919-933-1007; cliftonandmauney.com

Rocio B. Quinonez

UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3347; dentistry.unc.edu

Avni C. Rampersaud

Chapel Hill Pediatric Dentistry

205 Sage Rd., Ste. 202, Chapel Hill 919-929-0489; bigsmiles4kids.com

Kevin Ricker

Chatham Pediatric Dentistry

79 Falling Springs Dr., Ste. 120, Chapel Hill 919-391-3813; chathampediatricdentistry.com

Periodontics

Liliana Gandini

Dorion & Associates

920 Martin Luther King Junior Blvd., Chapel Hill 919-967-5099; doriondds.com

Timothy W. Godsey

Chapel Hill Periodontics & Implants

150 Providence Rd., Ste. 200, Chapel Hill 919-968-1778; chapelhillperio.com

Hana Hobbs

202 Millstone Dr., Hillsborough 919-590-0564; drhanahobbs.com

Julie Marchesan

UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3853; dentistry.unc.edu

Antonio Moretti

UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3727; dentistry.unc.edu

Prosthodontics

Ibrahim S. Duqum

UNC Adams School of Dentistry 919-537-3964; dentistry.unc.edu

Alexandra Y. Hart

Studio G Aesthetic & Family Dentistry

104 N. Elliott Rd., Ste. C, Chapel Hill 919-942-7163; studiogdentist.com CHM

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Local

Life

Light Years Ahead

In this primary bedroom, the designer selected a bed from Four Hands and paired nightstands from Universal Furniture with grasscloth wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries, creating a soothing oasis nestled above the trees.

COLOR, CHARACTER & CONNECTIONS IN ORANGE COUNTY

BY

Moments That Made Us

Swing All Kay

Meet

the charismatic band leader who got his start a century ago

COURTESY OF THE CHAPEL HILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY

According to the March 23, 1928, edition of The Chapel Hill Weekly, a young musician named Kay Kyser performed with his band at the Chapel Hill Country Club dance the previous week. “In no time at all, his magic wand had set the crowd on fire in an ever-increasing cascade of pep,” the column reads. “It was great! The keys of the city could have been his for the asking. … The dancers would have stayed with him until the crack of doom.” It was one of the few positive reviews the band received at the time.

James Kern “Kay” Kyser was a native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, born in 1905. He enrolled at UNC in 1923, where he acted with PlayMakers Repertory Company and led the Tar Heels’ cheerleading squad. In 1926, while in his junior year, Kay began to perform with a sixman band on campus. A 1983 article from The Daily Tar Heel about them reads, “The band was horrible, but nobody cared. Kyser’s enthusiasm was contagious.” At their first engagement in Oxford, North Carolina, the band relied on “stunts, fake beards, trick hats and Kyser’s stage antics to hide its ineptitude.” After graduation in 1928, Kay began to tour the country with his band in a Ford Model T with the word “passion” written on

Test Your Local Knowledge

Which famous author lived in the house at 315 E. Rosemary St. and planted a symbolic tree in the corner of the lot?

Send your answer to jessica@chapelhillmagazine.com by May 18. We’ll recognize one savvy reader in the next issue.

Congrats to reader Jeff Essen , who correctly guessed Kay Kyser! “He used to perform a lot at the Blackhawk restaurant in Chicago where my brother worked,” Jeff told us.

both doors. The brakes didn’t work, so it also had an anchor that could be thrown out to stop the car.

After playing gigs in Pennsylvania, Cleveland and the Midwest, the band finally arrived in California in 1932 with less than $10 between them. Having improved their playing on the road, the band began to attract attention. They then moved to Chicago, where they started a local radio program called “Kay Kyser’s Kollege of Musical Knowledge.” It was broadcast nationally by NBC starting in 1938 and made Kay and his band household names. The band recorded numerous bestselling records and appeared in several motion pictures in the late 1930s and early 1940s. By 1941, Kay was earning $1 million per year. During World War II, he performed at military bases and sold war bonds, and in 1944 he married the band’s singer, Georgia Carroll.

In 1951, he and Georgia retired to a historic home in Chapel Hill, where they raised three daughters. Kay supported initiatives to improve health care in North Carolina, raising $62 million to build more hospitals, while Georgia pursued her degree and co-founded Preservation Chapel Hill with Ida Friday. Kay died in 1985, and Georgia passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of supporting the arts and their shared alma mater, UNC. CHM

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BOLD

Women Women

This issue celebrates the inspiring women whose leadership makes Orange and Chatham County better places to live, work, and grow.

BOLD COMPANIES : YOUR ORANGE AND CHATHAM

Home & Style

Showcasing the best in architecture & design

Before After

A neutral condo evolves into a playful retreat with subtle Carolina blue accents

BY LAUREN ROUSE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER ISON PHOTOGRAPHY

Atrio of blue pendant lights draws the eye to trees that fill the tall windows in a home on West Rosemary Street , shifting focus from the busy campus nearby. Elsewhere, cabinetry in the same soft hue, patterned wallpaper and upholstered accents weave a consistent palette throughout each room.

Raj De and Ariel De purchased the condo in 2024 to spend more time with

Carolina blue pendant lights hung at different heights allow the lush views from the nearly floorto-ceiling windows to be the focal point of the living area.

their daughter, Maya De, a UNC student. The couple turned again to Kristin Harrison, founder and principal designer at Georgia & Hunt, who had designed their primary residence outside Washington, D.C. That space leans traditional, so for this project, Raj and Ariel wanted something lighter and more relaxed. “They wanted the vibe to be a little more fun so they felt comfortable staying there, and Maya could bring friends over,” Kristin says. She pushed the design in that direction, introducing a youthful feel that reflects the rhythm of college life.

Since the condo serves as a part-time residence, Kristin approached the design with both flexibility

By the Numbers

and practicality in mind. She completed the project in about two months using in-stock pieces and performance fabrics designed for durability, while still creating a space that feels elevated. “Second homes can feel a little sparse, so we really tried to add a lot of layers of warmth,” she says. Raj and Ariel gave Kristin room to lead the process, allowing her to take the design beyond their typical style. She balanced that shift with restraint,

ABOVE The focus for the guest bathroom was on function and elevating key touchpoints –like the Visual Comfort & Co. sconces – rather than undertaking a full gut renovation.

LEFT AND BELOW The kitchen cabinetry was painted the color Smoke by Benjamin Moore, bringing fresh life to a wood-heavy space. The new stools by Palecek are now the proper height for the island.

BEFORE

There are always competing priorities — timing, pricing, negotiations, expectations — and most of the real work happens behind the scenes, long before anything is finalized.

My role is to bring structure to that process. To think ahead, reduce unnecessary friction, and help you make decisions with a clear understanding of what matters most.

-SHANNON KENNEDY, BROKER

s

introducing bolder elements without overwhelming the space or limiting its long-term appeal. Varied fabrics, rugs and wallpaper add depth throughout, creating continuity without relying on color alone. “The wallpaper really added a lot of texture and made everything feel more finished,” Kristin says. “It was a cool way to do the blues without it just being different paint colors.”

What began as a more standard interior now carries a distinct sense of character. “Having people enjoy all the work you put into it is the most fulfilling part of doing these projects,” Kristin says. “It’s nice to get pictures of the Des with their kids and see their daughter’s friends enjoying it.” That’s when the transformation truly feels complete. CHM

Women-Owned & Locally Experienced

As a Governor for the Property Management Division of

and a member of the Forms Committee, we help shape the policies and documents that guide property management across

Carolina—ensuring they remain fair for both property owners and tenants. TM

A mid-century modern retreat finds new life as a nonprofit Airbnb, where guests can experience the beauty of the land – and help preserve it

BY REBEKAH MANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLIE MULLIN

Pull into the driveway of Villa Pinea, a mid-century modern short-term rental on the Durham-Chapel Hill line, and you’re instantly transported to a relaxing escape from nearby metropolitan life. Situated on 12 acres of secluded woodland, the only visible neighboring inhabitants are wildlife –turtles, squirrels and even a blue heron – all easy to observe from the house’s ample windows and plentiful outdoor living space.

Villa Pinea was built in 1959 for Duke University lichenologists Bill Culberson and Chicita Culberson and designed by architect Terry Waugh, an NCSU professor and campus planner responsible for dozens of homes throughout the Triangle. The couple discovered Terry’s work while exploring

Chapel Hill’s Morgan Creek neighborhood and asking homeowners about their architect.

After decades spent cherishing Villa Pinea’s charm, Chicita procured a conservation easement for the property in 2005 with the goal of protecting and maintaining not only the house, but also the land around it. This type of legal agreement permanently limits future development while allowing the landowner to maintain ownership. Two years later, upon her move to Croasdaile Village in Durham, she donated it to the North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation fully.

Villa Pinea is just one of 11 properties and 340 acres of local preserves and conservation easements protected by the Foundation. From 2007 to 2024, Villa Pinea was occupied by a longterm tenant and groundskeeper. When the tenant

Damon Waitt, director of NCBG, saw an opportunity to share the property with a wider audience. He reached out to Amy Eller and Elizabeth Wilcox, co-owners of short-term rental consulting firm So Well Appointed, to update the house to become a nonprofit Airbnb with proceeds going back to the Foundation. Their improvements to the space were mainly cosmetic: painting walls, adding newer appliances and fully furnishing the otherwise empty two-bed, two-bath home. Original built-ins, tiles and light fixtures remain throughout, showcasing the home’s character. Amy says that in their partnership,

Tips & tricks for creating your own unforgettable Airbnb

By Erin Lenhardt

Start with impeccable cleanliness and maintenance. No amount of design or amenities can make up for a space that isn’t spotless and well cared for. The foundation of great hospitality is making guests feel comfortable the moment they walk in.

Invest in comfort – especially beds and seating. Guests may remember the decor, but they’ll never forget a bad night’s sleep. High-quality mattresses, pillows and comfortable living room seating make a huge difference.

Create a kitchen that people actually want to cook in. A well-stocked kitchen is one of the biggest things that differentiates a short-term rental from a hotel. Good cookware, sharp knives and thoughtful basics make guests feel at home.

Design for both beauty and functionality. The best spaces feel effortless – where form and function work together. Thoughtful lighting, intuitive layouts and cohesive design create an environment guests want to linger in.

Provide the essentials without guests having to ask. Coffee, tea, shampoo, extra towels and simple conveniences go a long way toward making a stay feel easy and welcoming.

Add one or two memorable touches. A cozy reading nook, outdoor gathering space, record player or great speaker system give guests something special they’ll remember – and often photograph.

Erin is the CEO & founder of The Brighthouse, a boutique property management company that offers services in North Carolina and Florida, including seven properties in Chapel Hill.

functionality is her strong suit, while Elizabeth leads design. “I wanted it to feel like a place where people come and feel comfortable,” Elizabeth says. “[It should feel] of the time [period] but not too overtly in the mid-century modern.” Many of the home’s windows overlook a scenic pond, and one of Amy’s favorite things about the home is the view from the lofted office. Elizabeth adds that one of her favorite spaces is the patio, and when they had to cut down a dying oak tree, Damon suggested using old granite curbs to create the firepit in its place. Amy and Elizabeth’s community-first mindset extends to every detail of the space, with works by Durham artist Ellen Carpenter and

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photographer Beth Bakke on the walls. Guests of Villa Pinea enjoy items from Joe Van Gogh, Chapel Hill Toffee, Fillaree and Asheville Tea Company. When Asheville Tea Company lost its facility due to damage from Hurricane Helene, Amy says they acted by putting in pre-orders for Villa Pinea and encouraging guests to support the company as well.

“Little things like that help in this world,” she says, “when it feels like there’s so much we can’t do to make [positive] change. This gives us an outlet for that.” CHM

A soaring dining room anchors this Hillsborough home, where personal storytelling meets texture, color and nature-inspired design

BY REBEKAH MANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Inside the Hillsborough home of two University of Virginia alumni, the Cat French Design team has added personal touches one room at a time.

The new build is an 8,425-squarefoot retreat northeast of Durham’s Eno River State Park. Cat’s team collaborated with Chad Collins, president of Collins Design-Build, on architectural decisions and material selections for the home starting at the end of 2018. “To be able to have somebody like Chad, a build partner who cares, is huge,” Cat, principal interior designer at her firm, says. “Especially for new construction, we like to weigh in really early if we can.”

Cat says getting involved early in the building process allows her to consider what layout will best serve her clients lifestyle –long before visuals come into play. “I think in

terms of how you are living, and how do you want to live your best life?” Cat says. “Do you need lots of bookcases? Do you need lots of entertaining spaces?”

In this house, Cat’s team started with hightraffic areas like the kitchen, living room and primary suite, then moved to the outdoor spaces to prioritize the owners’ love of connecting with nature.

The dining room was completed in March, featuring nearly 18-foot-tall ceilings and a 7’4”-by-8’ window as its focal point. Cat began with the wallpaper – the “Pluma” wallcovering by Romo in the Olivine colorway. It incorporates the owners’ love of birdwatching and soft pops of orange and blue that nod to their alma mater.

Cat likens the design process to exploring the principles of art: Shape, color, scale

OPPOSITE The Cat French Design team chose Sherwin Williams' Gale Force, a moody blue and a bold pick for the wainscoting that adds architectural depth to the dining room.

COCREATIONS

and more are all part of initial decisions. “In this room, we’re playing with a little more texture and pattern to try to draw your eye up,” she says. “[These homeowners] love more of the traditional shapes in the furnishings and the layouts, but they like to reimagine a more contemporary color palette for textiles or patterns.”

As another personal detail, Cat included original photography by the owner throughout the house. A photo taken at Zion National Park, featured in the dining room, was matted at The Frame & Print Shop

One of the ways she gets to know her clients’ taste is through an initial exercise she calls “spaghetti day,” where Cat “throws” reference photos onto a wall to see what sticks – or in this case, resonates – because

Supporting Our Community

it provides more specific ideas than general style terms like mid-century modern. “It’s really about trying to develop an understanding, from our end, of what your aesthetic happy place is,” she says.

Cat enjoys building relationships and has especially appreciated those that have grown alongside her business, which recently celebrated 10 years. “It’s really fun to see as people and their lives have grown [how] their needs have

changed over time,” she says. “It was one of the reasons I went into [this] business: I just love working with people and understanding how I can help solve their problems, then adding the artistry layer to it.” CHM

Among the top ½ of 1% of all BHHS brokers nationwide

Mark McCormick • 919.632.6542 • mark.mccormick95@gmail.com

Debbie McCormick • 919.270.2937 • debbie@themccormickteam.com Adam McCormick • 703.901.5598 • adam.mccormick@bhhsysu.com 404 Meadowmont Village Circle, Chapel Hill, NC 27517 themccormickteam.com

Thank you to all of our past, present and future clients for allowing us to be a part of your important real estate transactions! The past 20+ years have been amazing and we could never have made it to this point without your support and referrals!

Scene Around Town

Snapshots of local events

OCHAR Awards Gala

BY LIBBY WAKEFIELD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

The Orange Chatham Association of Realtors held its annual awards event on Feb. 20 at Still Life Nightclub. Guests dressed to impress in denim and mingled while enjoying small bites, desserts and libations. All proceeds from the evening’s raffle supported Hope Renovations. The recipients of the 2025 OCHAR Realtors of Distinction Awards included Debbie McCormick (Realtor of the Year), Claire Pope (Broker-in-Charge of the Year), Frank Rexford (Affiliate/Business Partner of the Year), Claire Kane (Citizenship/ Community Service Award), Tom Grasty (Organization Service Award), Adam McCormick (Rising Star Award) and Jay Walden (Realtors Choice Award). Randy Voller, Scott Kelley, Desiree Goldman and Jeff Rupkalvis all received the Milestone Award. CHM

Chapel Hill Magazine

20th Anniversary Party

BY SHARON KINSELLA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Triangle Media Partners staff gathered at Carolina Brewery March 11 to celebrate the release of Chapel Hill Magazine’s 20th anniversary issue. President Rory Gillis and co-founder Ellen Shannon shared brief remarks and led a toast to the milestone. The event also marked the company’s 20th year, which Ellen and Dan Shannon launched in 2006 with the debut of this title, the first among the company’s publications. Attendees enjoyed tacos and wings, sipped cocktails, wine and signature brews, and capped the warm, sunny afternoon with a festive confetti cake by Even Dough Bakery CHM

Thrift Store Galentine’s Luncheon

BY EMMA ARTHUR

Community members gathered at Extraordinary Ventures’ Blue Hill Event Center Feb. 13 to raise funds for the launch of the Extraordinary Thrift Store – a retail and community gathering space that supports the nonprofit’s mission of providing jobs and workforce training to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Attendees included Chapel Hill Town Council member Amy Ryan, Orange County commissioners Jamezetta Bedford and Marilyn Carter, mayoral assistant Jeanne Brown, as well as residents and supporters. Guests enjoyed festive fare and mimosas while bidding on gently used handbags and jewelry in a silent auction. They also purchased discounted thrift store gift cards. The store officially opened Feb. 27 in the former CommunityWorx Thrift Shop space in Carrboro. CHM

Durham Tech Orange County Campus Expansion Celebration

BY REGAN BUTLER | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DURHAM TECH

Durham Technical Community College celebrated the start of construction on a 14,000-square-foot expansion of its Orange County Campus in Hillsborough on Feb. 5.

President J.B. Buxton, Board of Trustees Chair Pat Ashley, Orange County Operations Executive Director Jackie Krohn and Orange County Board of Commissioners Chair Jean Hamilton delivered remarks. The project will add skilled trades and health and wellness labs, expanded EMS and public safety training spaces, and new student support areas while introducing orthopedic tech, allied health and additional trade courses to the campus for the first time. “We are excited to expand the Orange County Campus and grateful for the Orange County commissioners’ support and funding, which will enable us to offer additional, in-demand short-term training opportunities locally,” Jackie said. CHM

Puppy Bowl Watch Party

BY LIBBY WAKEFIELD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA GRIFFITH CASH

Hope Animal Rescue made history this year by sending Hillsborough rescue puppies Lewis and Charlie to compete in the 22nd annual Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet. HAR hosted a “Watch Pawty” Feb. 8 at Eno River Brewing to celebrate their debut, and supporters gathered to cheer on the brothersister duo and raise funds for the organization’s rescue efforts. The event featured a dog-friendly photo booth, raffle prizes and meet-andgreet opportunities with Lewis, whose Team Fluff claimed the victory. The fundraiser brought in $2,730 to support HAR’s mission to rescue and rehome animals, all while rallying the community around its four-legged stars. CHM

engagements and

BY

Butler & Slocum

BY LEXI TATUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW BOUNDS, BOUNDSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Ashley Slocum and Tyler Butler ’s adventurous love story began in 2020 at Hawthorne & Wood, where she worked as a hostess and he as a server. The pair’s first date was skydiving, during which Tyler proclaimed to the instructor in midair that he would marry Ashley. That bold prediction came true in May 2025 when he got down on one knee in front of UNC’s iconic Davie Poplar, a meaningful location for the two Carolina alums. They had taken Tyler’s graduation photos there the previous year, including a shot of them kissing on the bench beneath the tree. Legend says that couples who kiss on that bench are destined to marry. “Tyler wanted to recreate the proposal at this location,” Ashley says. “It was perfect, because I had no idea that it was coming.” The couple will tie the knot on Aug. 1, 2026, at Ashley’s family lake house in Vermont, where they have spent the past five summers together. CHM

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SPONSOR

Guge & Smith

BY STEPHANIE HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY FRY, EMILYFRYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Chapel Hill native Zoe Smith and William Guge met on Hinge in the summer of 2022. By their second date, William had already won her over with his thoughtfulness. On the menu that night was a ragu sauce he had prepared over the course of 24 hours and homemade gluten-free pasta – with not one but two backup batches, just in case. Two years later, Zoe said yes to William’s proposal in Portland, Maine, where the two had taken their first trip together.

Following a welcome dinner at Tandem, Zoe and William married at Fearrington Village on Oct. 12, 2025. Despite a day of wind and rain, the skies cleared just in time for them to say their “I do’s” on the garden terrace against a glowing sunset, officiated by Kehillah Synagogue’s Rabbi Jen Feldman. Bold, richly colored florals layered with varied textures and blooms captured the day’s joy and spirit of togetherness – a fitting tribute to loved ones who traveled from near and far to celebrate their union. Among them were Zoe’s parents, Jessica Smith and Christopher Smith, and William’s parents, Joel Guge and Luanne Guge.

Before their grand entrance at the reception at Fearrington Barn, the newlyweds stole a quiet moment together, sipping prosecco and enjoying hors d’oeuvres. They rehearsed their first dance, a routine to the tune of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, one last time on the patio, listening to the joyful laughter of guests inside.

The couple is building a home in Chapel Hill. Zoe is a senior project manager for Lucid Dream VR and William is a senior wealth manager for The Retirement Planning Group. CHM

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