The honorees are:
- Clyde Ritchie Bell – founding director of the N.C. Botanical Garden
- Rita Berman – a freelance writer and lecturer who has volunteered on boards and commissions such as Transportation, Housing and Community Development; Arts; Entranceways Task Force; Police Departments in Chapel Hill and Carrboro; Girl Scouts; the Senior Center and the Hearing Office for the Safelight Program
- Donald Boulton – former UNC vice chancellor for student affairs and current president-elect of the UNC Retired Faculty Association
- Thelma Boyd – known for her volunteer work with the Junior Service League, Interfaith Council, PTA, and the University Woman’s Club (serving as president in 1965-66). She was one of the founders of Meals on Wheels and the PTA Thrift Shop.
- Eunice Brock – who worked in real estate for 35 years until she sold her business 18 years ago to her associate, Tony Hall. Hers was the first residential real estate company in the country to have its own website.
- Doris Cotton – the catalyst for the sister parish relationship between St Paul AME and the Chapel of the Cross
- Betsy Fenhagen – known for her work with the Dispute Settlement Center and for building an AIDS house in Carrboro, which is still operating 15 years later
- H. G. Jones – who made the N.C. Collection in Wilson Library more accessible to citizens of the state and established the N.C. Collection Gallery for the display of previously hidden museum treasures
- Lily Mozelle Pratt – one of the last Flower Ladies to maintain a spot downtown
- John Lassiter Sanders – former director of the Institute of Government
- Alice Welsh – a former town alderwoman who led initiatives to create and expand recreation, open space and parks facilities, as well as bicycle paths and greenways.
Opening remarks were offered by Chapel Hill Historical Society President Harry McLean and photographer and board member Catharine Carter. Presentation of the honorees was made by Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt.
Lily Mozelle Pratt was unable to be present, and Thelma Boyd passed away last month.
Inaugurated in 2008, the annual Town Treasures program recognizes individuals or couples who have guided, ministered, taught, led and enhanced the communities of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
Nominees must be age 75 or older, have lived in Chapel Hill-Carrboro for at least 20 years and have made a significant contribution to the community. To make a nomination for a future Town Treasure, please submit in 50 words or less, to chhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
Past recipients include Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, Bill and Ida Friday and Bob Nutter.
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