Karen Pike likens the annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to a "great big community block party."

And while the fundraising event — which will be held May 4 and 5 at the track at Jordan-Matthews High School and, May 18 and 19 at Northwood High School — is a lot of fun, it’s also serious business.

"It’s about the survivors," said Pike, who is in charge of West Chatham Relay for Life’s publicity. "It’s to give them hope. And it’s to honor the memories of those who lost the battle. It’s about the fund we raise for research to develop that new drug."

The overnight Relay walk is aimed at bringing together people who share having been affected by cancer. The event celebrates survivors while raising money to aid the American Cancer Society in its ongoing effort to fight the disease.

During the event, teams will convene at the school track and take turns walking or running laps. Each team will try to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

While Relay’s fundraising efforts continue year-round, the upcoming walk is Relay’s most visible event.

This year, more than 40 teams have signed up to walk.

The master of ceremonies will be Brad Jones, a news anchor for Fox-8 in High Point.

Relay kicks off Friday, May 4 at 5 p.m. with a survivor reception and registration, followed by a torch run through Siler City ending at Jordan-Matthews.

At 6 p.m., opening ceremonies get underway with the entry of the flag detail, a performance of "The National Anthem" by Thaddeus Patterson, and the entry of the torch by survivors.

A lighting of a cauldron is the official start of Relay, Pike said.

Among the fun activities scheduled are specialty laps around the J-M track, including Pride Lap with walkers sporting red, white and blue; a Crazy Hat Lap, Team Lap and Survivor Victory Lap in which a lap is walked as survivors’ names are called.

Live musical performances are slated.

With several construction and renovation projects in discussion for Chatham County Schools – a new middle school, improving high school tracks and an expansion at Northwood – prioritizing and budgeting could be considered paramount.

During a work session meeting Monday night, the Chatham County Board of Education reviewed its long range facility plan.

After discussing changes in the district’s construction plans last month, budgeting for the continued design of a new middle school was discussed.

"In order for us to have the middle school opening 2009, we have to reengage the design process," said Chatham County Schools’ superintendent, Dr. Ann Hart.

A study conducted by North Carolina State University’s Operations Research and Education Lab (OR/Ed. Labs) – presented to the board in March – suggested the county build a new middle school before a new high school to accommodate growth in the area.

Architectural firm, SFL+a, was hired by the school system in July, 2005. The firm was one of three interviewed by the former board of education.

"They were contracted out to design the middle school and Virginia Cross Elementary," said Paul Joyce, Chatham County Schools’ Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary Services.

more- See Thursday, April 26 paper: Vol 87, No.21

By Joseph Pardington

The Pittsboro Town Board on Monday voted 3-2 against a zone text amendment that would have made it easier for developers to bring affordable housing to Pittsboro.

Town board members said they were in favor of affordable housing, but they were opposed to some of the proposed changes in zoning, such as allowing greater density for certain types of developments.

Town board members also spoke against the proposed Millview Commons on North Masonic Street. The development was proposed by DHIC Inc, a Raleigh non-profit that hoped to build 50 home apartment units in phase one, followed by 32 town homes in phase two.

Before the vote, Greg Warren, president and executive director of DHIC Inc. discussed DHIC’s Cardinal Chase, a 48-unit affordable housing development in Siler City. Cardinal Chase was but one successful development by DHIC, Warren said.

"Our goal as an organization is to graduate as many people as possible into home ownership," Warren said. "I think perhaps the most important benefit is providing a safe environment for children to grow up in and a good environment."

Warren added that the tax value of the property could become as much as $3 million once the development was completed, which would provide $13,000 in tax revenues per year to the town and $20,000 per year for Chatham County.

"We think those revenues will double after the second phase of development."

Warren also said DHIC had a study independently commissioned that indicated the need for affordable housing in the area. The study showed that 585 families were in need of affordable housing. He said Millview Commons would offer housing to 10 percent of those in need.

But Pittsboro Town Board members had a number of problems with the proposed development.

Habitat for Humanity’s RV Care-A-Vanners have once again come to Chatham County to provide help to local families who needed a home.

Approximately 10 Care-A-Vanners will assist Chatham Habitat for two weeks in Siler City and Pittsboro.

Raelene King of Durham said although she has not traveled a long distance to assist the Chatham Habitat, she plans to return next year.

"We came to Chatham last year to work with these guys and had a blast," she said. "We’ll be back next year, too."

King said she and her husband have been with the Care-A-Vanners for two years.

"He has worked locally with Habitat and I got into it when we got married two years ago," she said.

King said she and her husband go to Habitat sites and "do whatever we need to do."

"We love every minute of it," she said.

Brennan Less and Jack Heuar stood upon ladders in an unfinished house in Siler City. The two men were busily wiring the home which is being built for a family of five.

more- See Thursday, April 26 paper: Vol 87, No.21