The Chatham News + Record

Remembering, and reconciling, a pet’s passing

I don’t remember the year Stormy died, but I remember the day. It was summer, and it was hot, and I had some kind of meeting to go to that night. We had an in-ground pool in our backyard and … more

BY BILL HORNER III, Publisher | 7/24/20

Letters: For the second time in my life, I won’t vote Republican

To the Editor: The first time I voted in a presidential general election was 1996. The Republican platform that year called for a new president because, in part our “society grows more violent … more

Steven Beckstrand, Morrisville | 7/24/20

A note on Zoomers

One week into the stay-at-home order, I caved and downloaded TikTok. I witnessed my teenage sister and my father try to recreate the popular “Blinding Lights” dance. And somehow, the algorithm … more

BY RACHEL HOROWITZ, Guest Columnist | 7/24/20

Seaforth matters

Last week’s Chatham County school board meeting centered on the decision to reopen schools this fall. Yet, there was also discussion regarding the 2021 school district for Seaforth High School. … more

BY ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN, Columnist | 7/24/20

Losing the battle but winning the war

Folks everywhere have a wide range of teachers during their lives. Sometimes we even pay attention to them and the lessons being taught, but sometimes we don’t. One of the tricks to life is trying … more

BY BOB WACHS, Columnist | 7/24/20

Letters: Joblessness: the consequence of a shutdown

To the Editor: Putatively, “based on scientific data,” on March 27, NC Executive Order (EO) No. 121 mandated individuals “stay home” and distance six feet, and closed “non-essential” … more

Frank Dunphy, Pittsboro | 7/24/20

Make a difference by wearing a mask

“All must mask.” Those were the words of an intensive care medical doctor at a large hospital in Florida. I was struck by the simplicity and profoundness of his words. They just made common … more

BY DENNIS STREETS, Guest Columnist | 7/17/20

School’s out forever

In addition to a nod at the rock ’n’ roll song by Alice Cooper, my title is hyperbole. I don’t really think that schools should be permanently closed. But with the rise in COVID-19 cases, I … more

BY ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN, Columnist | 7/17/20

Why America needs a commission on truth, racial healing, and reconciliation

Coming to the U.S. in the mid-1980s, I was shocked to find how much it appeared to me to resemble the South Africa I had left in the late 70s at the height of apartheid. U.S. activists, … more

BY JENNIFER TOMKINS, Guest Columnist | 7/17/20

What’s in a word? Could be plenty ...

The good folks who listen to me from Sunday to Sunday — maybe “endure” would be a better word — know how I often speak of the importance of words and how we should strive to use the … more

BY BOB WACHS, Columnist | 7/17/20

Mental health, social media and COVID-19

I know many of you are experiencing heightened anxiety, or nightmares about social distancing, or headaches while scrolling through misinformation. I know you are feeling pressured to stay … more

BY RACHEL HOROWITZ, Guest Columnist | 7/17/20

Letters: Chatham Park’s public park story needs clarification

To the editor: Last week’s story “Town approves first public park built by Chatham Park” (July 2-8 edition) needs some clarifications. The article describes this as “the first of seven … more

Liz Cullington, Pittsboro | 7/10/20 | 2 comments

How ‘Black Lives Matter’ should really be interpreted

Once again, a prominent leader in North Carolina is coming under intense criticism for responding to a “Black Lives Matter” inquiry with the “But All Lives Matter” retort. UNC-Wilmington … more

BY BOB ORR, Guest Columnist | 7/10/20

The Segway will soon be history. I’ll miss it.

There’s some good-natured debate (or ribbing) within my immediate family (meaning my kids — I mean, my wife thinks I’m good at everything) about my various and sundry skillsets, or lack … more

BY BILL HORNER III, Publisher | 7/10/20

Letters: Christmas in July — in 2020

To the editor: Christmas in July began in 1933 in the North Carolina Mountains, Camp Keystone, a girls’ camp in Brevard. In 1935 the journal “Recreation” reported the event as a summer camp … more

“Santa” Al Capehart, Pittsboro | 7/10/20

We need SNAP more than ever, especially in Chatham

As we drove along the gravel drive-though the mobile home park, slowing to squint at the passing house numbers, we saw a woman in an arm sling sitting on her front stoop with a pit bull and small … more

BY KATE MILLER, Guest Columnist | 7/10/20

Letters: Let’s open our schools

To the editor: In a July 1, 2020, news conference, the governor of North Carolina said, “My number one opening priority is classroom doors.” However, he remained indecisive with no action … more

Frank Dunphy, Pittsboro | 7/10/20

You should smile more

Last month, after donating blood for the first time, my significant other found me slumped over in a chair. He asked what was wrong, and I replied, “I’m fine,” right before passing out into a … more

BY RACHEL HOROWITZ, Guest Columnist | 7/10/20

Inflection points and the courage to change society

An “inflection point” is the point in a curve in which a change in direction occurs. Lately, the goal has been to “flatten the curve” of the exponential increase in coronavirus cases. Yet, … more

BY ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN, Columnist | 7/10/20

Clothes are not the only thing that made the man

Not so terribly long ago, I was rummaging through my closet searching for some article of clothing; I just don’t remember exactly what it was I was looking for. It may have been a favorite tie … more

BY BOB WACHS, Columnist | 7/10/20 | 1 comment

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