City Offices Closed for Memorial Day

In observance of Memorial Day, City offices will be closed on Monday, May 25th.  Trash pickup will follow the regular schedule. Bulk pickup is canceled for Monday. City offices will resume operations on Tuesday, May 26th.  En observancia del Día de los Caídos, las oficinas de la ciudad estarán cerradas el lunes 25 de mayo.  La recolección de basura seguirá el horario regular.La recolección de artículos voluminosos está cancelada para el lunes. Las oficinas de la ciudad reanudará sus operaciones el martes 26 de mayo. The post City Offices Closed on 5/25 first appeared on City of Graham, NC.

Appearance Commission Meeting

Recreation Commission Meeting

Nancylee Ray Gavazzi, 94

Nancylee Ray Gavazzi, 94, of Burlington, NC passed away at Alamance Regional Medical Center on Sunday, May 24, 2026.A native of Chicago, IL, she was the wife of the late Aladino A. Gavazzi and the daughter of Lee H. Ray and Ann Smith Ray, both deceased. She was a retired dietitian and a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.Survivors include two daughters, Anna Gavazzi (Bob Masini) and Lisa Johnson (Ted Johnson); three sons, William “Bill” Gavazzi (Eleanor), Alan Gavazzi (Vicki Eckels), and Michael Gavazzi (Christine “Christie”); eight grandchildren, Billy, Amanda, Kathryn, Steven, Alex, Gianna, Anthony, and Nicholas; and two great grandchildren, Eloise Gavazzi and Will Gavazzi.The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.A memorial service will be conducted at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Cynthia Flynn Bell, 71, of Burlington

Cynthia Flynn Bell, 71, of Burlington, NC passed away at The Home Place of Burlington on Sunday, May 31, 2026 following a year of declining health.A native of Alamance County, she was the daughter of Bobby Steele Flynn and Minnie Lou Friddle Flynn, both deceased and the loving wife of 42 years to John Morris Bell, who survives. She retired from Lab Corp after 42 years of service as a Customer Care Manager. She was a past member of the Burlington Women’s Junior Club and along with her husband was on the board of Alamance Cares. Cynthia enjoyed planting flowers in the Spring and was an avid reader. She enjoyed the beach and visiting libraries and cemeteries. She loved to travel and was considered the family tour guide. Cynthia was a true believer of God and had a strong faith.In addition to her husband, left to cherish her memory are her son, Travis Tyler Albright of Graham; grandson, Eli Tyler Albright and his mother, Amy Albright; three sisters, Kiwainia Flynn Stogner of Graham, Rose Flynn Bostian of Mooresville and Angela Flynn Campbell; sister-in-law, Jane Bell Lee (Virgil) of Graham; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Stogner and Howard Bostian, Jr.The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.The funeral service will be conducted at the Rich & Thompson Chapel in Burlington on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.Memorials may be made to the Sparkle Cat Rescue, 633-A Chapel Hill Rd, Burlington, NC 27215 which was near to Cynthia’s heart.

Keith Sykes, 71, of Burlington

Keith Sykes, 71, of Burlington, NC passed away at Liberty Commons on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.A native of Alamance County, he was the son of Byron Homer Sykes and Pauline Frances Nash Sykes, both deceased. He was employed at Keith’s C D’s and Tapes and was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.Survivors include his cousins, Christina Westbrooks, Kenneth Westbrooks (Sherrie), Brett Nash, Betty Stevens, Deborah Westbrook, Janet Wrenn, David Westbrook (Vicky), Gary Westbrook (Rose), Diane Westbrooks and friend, Cameron Moffitt.The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.The funeral service will be conducted at the Rich & Thompson Chapel in Burlington on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. by Rev. Powell Sykes. Burial will follow at Alamance Memorial Park.The family would love for anyone to join them after the burial at Keiths CDs to gather in memory of Keith.

Velna Catherine Newlin Mangum

Velna Catherine Newlin Mangum died on May 20, 2026 in Burlington N.C. where she was born on August 13, 1932. Mrs. Mangum was the daughter of Mr. Garland Moore Newlin and Mrs. Velna Roberson Newlin, both deceased. Catherine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lonnie Wyatt Mangum, Jr., her daughter Laura Mangum, and brothers, Garland Vance Newlin and Thomas Vernon Newlin. Surviving is her sister, Anne Newlin Wrightenberry. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.Catherine graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a Life member of the General Alumni Association of UNC. After working as a social worker she enjoyed being a full-time mother and homemaker. Catherine was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and a former Sunday School teacher and member of the Women of the Church.A graveside service will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery in Burlington on June 3, 2026 at 11:00 o’clock.

Joel Brown, 72, Founder of Sidetrack Grill

Joel Ellsworth Brown, a man of deep community roots, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, in his lifelong home of Burlington, North Carolina. He was 72 years old.Born on June 5, 1953, to Claude Ellsworth Brown and Ruth Mable Brown, Joel’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, warmth, and the simple joy of bringing people together.Joel’s journey began in Alamance County, where he attended Western Alamance High School before pursuing higher education at Elon College. His education laid the foundation for a deep love for the Town of Elon. His innate ability to connect with people defined his professional life. As the visionary founder of Brown and Company and the beloved Sidetrack Grill, Joel did not just build businesses; he created spaces for community and connection. Sidetrack Grill, in particular, became a reflection of his own heart—a place where good food met genuine hospitality, and where every guest was treated like an old friend. . Along the way, Joel continually re-invested in the community through his investments in residential and commercial properties in downtown Elon and beyond, providing space for students and businesses to thrive from the 1970s to today.An avid fisherman, he was happiest with a rod in his hand, casting lines into the water where the world slowed down. He cherished his time with his family and friends at Holden Beach. His love for fishing developed at an early age. He will be remembered by many for his time spent on his boat, the Second Love, fishing for drum with his wife Beverly.Joel’s legacy of love, laughter, and integrity lives on through his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Beverly Amelia Brown, who was his partner in all of life’s great adventures. He leaves behind his legacy to his three daughters, Whitney Lauren Brown Sandor, (John E. Sandor) Mary Mackenzie Brown (Clifford Chase Almany) and Justin Brown Duszlak (Edward Joseph Duszlak III).  He is also survived by his sisters, Lynette Brown Stuart and Hope Brown Shepherd, who shared in the foundational memories of his youth. Joel’s spirit will undoubtedly live on in his six grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his later years: John Edward Sandor Jr., Mary Amelia Sandor, Oliver Gray Sandor, Louden Joel Sandor, Edward Joseph Duszlak IV, and Theodore William Duszlak. To them, he leaves a blueprint of how to live a life of purpose, generosity, and kindness.A service to honor and celebrate Joel’s rich life will be held on June 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Saint Mark's Church in Burlington, N.C.Because Joel always preferred a celebration to a somber gathering, friends and family are invited to raise a glass, share stories, and honor his memory immediately following the service at a Celebration of Life at MaGerk’s in Elon, N.C."To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Joel’s warmth will be felt for generations in the community he built and the family he adored.In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation

Velna Catherine Newlin Mangum

Velna Catherine Newlin Mangum died on May 20, 2026 in Burlington N.C. where she was born on August 13, 1932. Mrs. Mangum was the daughter of Mr. Garland Moore Newlin and Mrs. Velna Roberson Newlin, both deceased. Catherine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lonnie Wyatt Mangum, Jr., her daughter Laura Mangum, and brothers, Garland Vance Newlin and Thomas Vernon Newlin. Surviving is her sister, Anne Newlin Wrightenberry. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.Catherine graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a Life member of the General Alumni Association of UNC. After working as a social worker she enjoyed being a full-time mother and homemaker. Catherine was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and a former Sunday School teacher and member of the Women of the Church.A graveside service will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery in Burlington on June 3, 2026 at 11:00 o’clock.

Keith Sykes, 71, of Burlington

Keith Sykes, 71, of Burlington, NC passed away at Liberty Commons on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.A native of Alamance County, he was the son of Byron Homer Sykes and Pauline Frances Nash Sykes, both deceased. He was employed at Keith’s C D’s and Tapes and was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.Survivors include his cousins, Christina Westbrooks, Kenneth Westbrooks (Sherrie), Brett Nash, Betty Stevens, Deborah Westbrook, Janet Wrenn, David Westbrook (Vicky), Gary Westbrook (Rose), Diane Westbrooks and friend, Cameron Moffitt.The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.The funeral service will be conducted at the Rich & Thompson Chapel in Burlington on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. by Rev. Powell Sykes. Burial will follow at Alamance Memorial Park.The family would love for anyone to join them after the burial at Keiths CDs to gather in memory of Keith.

Joel Brown, 72, Founder of Sidetrack Grill

Joel Ellsworth Brown, a man of deep community roots, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, in his lifelong home of Burlington, North Carolina. He was 72 years old.Born on June 5, 1953, to Claude Ellsworth Brown and Ruth Mable Brown, Joel’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, warmth, and the simple joy of bringing people together.Joel’s journey began in Alamance County, where he attended Western Alamance High School before pursuing higher education at Elon College. His education laid the foundation for a deep love for the Town of Elon. His innate ability to connect with people defined his professional life. As the visionary founder of Brown and Company and the beloved Sidetrack Grill, Joel did not just build businesses; he created spaces for community and connection. Sidetrack Grill, in particular, became a reflection of his own heart—a place where good food met genuine hospitality, and where every guest was treated like an old friend. . Along the way, Joel continually re-invested in the community through his investments in residential and commercial properties in downtown Elon and beyond, providing space for students and businesses to thrive from the 1970s to today.An avid fisherman, he was happiest with a rod in his hand, casting lines into the water where the world slowed down. He cherished his time with his family and friends at Holden Beach. His love for fishing developed at an early age. He will be remembered by many for his time spent on his boat, the Second Love, fishing for drum with his wife Beverly.Joel’s legacy of love, laughter, and integrity lives on through his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Beverly Amelia Brown, who was his partner in all of life’s great adventures. He leaves behind his legacy to his three daughters, Whitney Lauren Brown Sandor, (John E. Sandor) Mary Mackenzie Brown (Clifford Chase Almany) and Justin Brown Duszlak (Edward Joseph Duszlak III).  He is also survived by his sisters, Lynette Brown Stuart and Hope Brown Shepherd, who shared in the foundational memories of his youth. Joel’s spirit will undoubtedly live on in his six grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his later years: John Edward Sandor Jr., Mary Amelia Sandor, Oliver Gray Sandor, Louden Joel Sandor, Edward Joseph Duszlak IV, and Theodore William Duszlak. To them, he leaves a blueprint of how to live a life of purpose, generosity, and kindness.A service to honor and celebrate Joel’s rich life will be held on June 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Saint Mark's Church in Burlington, N.C.Because Joel always preferred a celebration to a somber gathering, friends and family are invited to raise a glass, share stories, and honor his memory immediately following the service at a Celebration of Life at MaGerk’s in Elon, N.C."To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Joel’s warmth will be felt for generations in the community he built and the family he adored.In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation

Nancylee Ray Gavazzi, 94

Nancylee Ray Gavazzi, 94, of Burlington, NC passed away at Alamance Regional Medical Center on Sunday, May 24, 2026.A native of Chicago, IL, she was the wife of the late Aladino A. Gavazzi and the daughter of Lee H. Ray and Ann Smith Ray, both deceased. She was a retired dietitian and a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.Survivors include two daughters, Anna Gavazzi (Bob Masini) and Lisa Johnson (Ted Johnson); three sons, William “Bill” Gavazzi (Eleanor), Alan Gavazzi (Vicki Eckels), and Michael Gavazzi (Christine “Christie”); eight grandchildren, Billy, Amanda, Kathryn, Steven, Alex, Gianna, Anthony, and Nicholas; and two great grandchildren, Eloise Gavazzi and Will Gavazzi.The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.A memorial service will be conducted at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Cynthia Flynn Bell, 71, of Burlington

Cynthia Flynn Bell, 71, of Burlington, NC passed away at The Home Place of Burlington on Sunday, May 31, 2026 following a year of declining health.A native of Alamance County, she was the daughter of Bobby Steele Flynn and Minnie Lou Friddle Flynn, both deceased and the loving wife of 42 years to John Morris Bell, who survives. She retired from Lab Corp after 42 years of service as a Customer Care Manager. She was a past member of the Burlington Women’s Junior Club and along with her husband was on the board of Alamance Cares. Cynthia enjoyed planting flowers in the Spring and was an avid reader. She enjoyed the beach and visiting libraries and cemeteries. She loved to travel and was considered the family tour guide. Cynthia was a true believer of God and had a strong faith.In addition to her husband, left to cherish her memory are her son, Travis Tyler Albright of Graham; grandson, Eli Tyler Albright and his mother, Amy Albright; three sisters, Kiwainia Flynn Stogner of Graham, Rose Flynn Bostian of Mooresville and Angela Flynn Campbell; sister-in-law, Jane Bell Lee (Virgil) of Graham; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Stogner and Howard Bostian, Jr.The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.The funeral service will be conducted at the Rich & Thompson Chapel in Burlington on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.Memorials may be made to the Sparkle Cat Rescue, 633-A Chapel Hill Rd, Burlington, NC 27215 which was near to Cynthia’s heart.

City Manager's Proposed Budget for FY 2026-2027

The City Manager’s proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, was presented to the City Council at its regular meeting on May 12. A City Council budget work session is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held during the June 9 City Council meeting at 6 p.m. Click here to read the City Manager’s Proposed FY 2026-2027 Budget

Free Birding Talk Comes to Graham Civic Center July 30

Join us for an evening with featured guest speaker Dr. Lynn Moseley, retired Professor of Biology from Guilford College. This engaging presentation will highlight birding at its best, covering bird identification, tips and best practices for attracting birds to your backyard, insights into local Bluebird Trail initiatives, and opportunities to explore the outdoors while connecting with both beginner and experienced birders. Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pmFor Adults of All AgesCost: Free, online registration is requested (Register Online)Location: Graham Civic Center • 503 McGee Street, Graham, NC 27253 About the Speaker: Dr. Lynn Moseley developed a passion for ornithology while attending the College of William & Mary and later earned her Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her doctoral research focused on the behavior and communication of nesting Least Terns along the North Carolina coast. Dr. Moseley spent 33 years teaching in the Biology Department at Guilford College, where she mentored students and led birding expeditions to destinations including the Galápagos Islands and East Africa. In retirement, she continues to lead occasional birding trips, conducts annual bird surveys for state and federal organizations, and enjoys spending time with her family and two grandchildren. Guests will also have the opportunity to connect with local recreation and parks staff to discover birding hotspots, scenic trails, lakes, and outdoor programs throughout the area. Enjoy coffee, light refreshments, and lively conversation in a welcoming setting while swapping sightings, tips, and favorite locations with fellow birders. Whether you’re just getting started or experienced, this is an event you won’t want to miss. You’ll leave inspired and ready to explore new stretches of the Haw River Trail in Alamance County with binoculars in hand. The Coffee & Conversation series is presented by the Graham and Burlington Recreation & Parks Departments. Learn more and register online at https://www.cityofgraham.com/coffeeandconversation/. 

Coffee & Conversation Series Brings Experts to Graham and Burlington

Coffee & Conversation is a free quarterly speaker series hosted by Graham Recreation & Parks and Burlington Recreation & Parks. Designed for adults and lifelong learners, the program brings together engaging presenters to share knowledge, experiences, and insights related to the outdoors, parks, trails, conservation, wildlife, recreation, and community initiatives that enhance the quality of life in our region. Each session offers participants an opportunity to connect with local experts, authors, naturalists, and community leaders while learning about topics ranging from outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship to local history, wildlife habitats, and trail development. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or simply curious about the natural and recreational resources in our community, Coffee & Conversation provides a welcoming setting to learn, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussion. Past presentations have featured topics such as experiential outdoor learning, fisheries management, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, hiking and running destinations across North Carolina, and the history and future of the Haw River Trail. Upcoming programs continue to explore new subjects that inspire residents to discover, appreciate, and support the parks, trails, and natural areas that make our communities unique. Past Presenters & Topics:February 2025: Bryn Lottig, Co-Founder of the Kikori app and author of No Child Left Inside: Transforming the Next Generation through Experiential LearningMay 2025: Seth Mycko, District 5 Fisheries Biologist II, North Carolina Wildlife Resources CommissionAugust 2025: Andrew Sam, Task Force Leader, Alamance Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST)February 2026: Trails and Treats: A Hiker and Runner’s Guide to Great Trails and Good Eats in North Carolina, with authors Palmer McIntyre and Hollis OberliesApril 2026: 20 Years of the Haw River Trail: Past, Present, & Future, with Nolan Carter, Haw River Trail Coordinator Birds of Alamance County – From Backyard Feeders to Trail Finds with Dr. Lynn Moseley, retired Professor of Biology from Guilford CollegeDate: Thursday, July 30, 2026Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pmFor Adults of All AgesCost: Free, online registration is requested (Register Online)Location: Graham Civic Center • 503 McGee Street, Graham, NC 27253 Description: Join us for an evening with featured guest speaker Dr. Lynn Moseley, retired Professor of Biology from Guilford College. This engaging presentation will highlight birding at its best, covering bird identification, tips and best practices for attracting birds to your backyard, insights into local Bluebird Trail initiatives, and opportunities to explore the outdoors while connecting with both beginner and experienced birders. About the Speaker: Dr. Lynn Moseley developed a passion for ornithology while attending the College of William & Mary and later earned her Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her doctoral research focused on the behavior and communication of nesting Least Terns along the North Carolina coast. Dr. Moseley spent 33 years teaching in the Biology Department at Guilford College, where she mentored students and led birding expeditions to destinations including the Galápagos Islands and East Africa. In retirement, she continues to lead occasional birding trips, conducts annual bird surveys for state and federal organizations, and enjoys spending time with her family and two grandchildren. Guests will also have the opportunity to connect with local recreation and parks staff to discover birding hotspots, scenic trails, lakes, and outdoor programs throughout the area. Enjoy coffee, light refreshments, and lively conversation in a welcoming setting while swapping sightings, tips, and favorite locations with fellow birders. Whether you’re just getting started or experienced, this is an event you won’t want to miss. You’ll leave inspired and ready to explore new stretches of the Haw River Trail in Alamance County with binoculars in hand. The Coffee & Conversation series is presented by the Graham and Burlington Recreation & Parks Departments. The City of Graham, NC 201 South Main Street Graham, NC 27253

Graham Recreation & Parks Announces 2026 Special Events Calendar

Experience Graham through special events. Indoor & outdoor events, holiday events, adult events, family events…we have you covered! Slice of Summer, a water-based festival, brought to you by Graham Recreation & Parks!  This Halloween Festival is a joint effort put on by the Graham Recreation & Parks, Graham Police, and Graham Fire Departments. Join us for an evening of games, rides, and fun. Join Graham Recreation & Parks on the 4th Thursday of each month with an additional concert added to the September schedule (May – September) from 7-9pm for the Thursdays at Seven Concert Series! Join the community on Saturday evenings in September for Movies in the Park at Bill Cooke Park! Bring a blanket or chair and set up under the stars for a family movie night.  This series was created through the efforts of the Alamance Arts as a collaboration of community concert events taking place in Alamance County: Graham, Mebane, Burlington, & Alamance Parks. Join Graham Recreation & Parks and Alamance Arts at Downtown Graham’s Ice Skating Rink for this 3-week event held annually in November and December! This event features an outdoor synthetic ice skating rink and multiple special events. The City of Graham Recreation & Parks Department invites you to the Juneteenth Celebration in Graham. Come out for food trucks, visit with community groups, enjoy family activities and games, and experience stage performances. Children ages 4-15 are invited to participate in a FREE Youth Fishing Day! The fishing day is non-competitive.  Join the City of Graham for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting tradition at City Hall. Join us downtown for the return of Arts Around the Square, a vibrant celebration featuring artisan and craft vendors, live art demonstrations, four stages of music and performing arts, engaging activities for kids, and participation from community partners. The Graham Sports Hall of Fame recognizes and perpetuates the noteworthy athletic tradition of the Graham Community by honoring and memorializing individuals, teams, and/or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to this tradition.  The City of Graham presents an annual 9/11 Commemorative 5K Run/Walk Event. In addition to the 5K, the event will features a non-competitive run, food trucks, community organization booths, a Kid’s Zone, blood drive, and music. This is a community event and open to all to participate! Join members from the City of Graham Fire, Police, and Recreation & Parks Departments one Friday each month to connect, ask questions, and learn more about those serving you. Join the City of Graham Tree Board and Graham Recreation & Parks all month long each year in April to celebrate Graham’s trees and Arbor Day with engaging and educational activities…with a few special guests. Designed for adults and lifelong learners, this program brings together engaging presenters to share knowledge, experiences, and insights related to the outdoors, parks, trails, conservation, wildlife, recreation, and community initiatives that enhance the quality of life in our region. If you are interested in participating as a food vendor at an upcoming Graham Recreation & Parks event, please complete this Food Vendor Interest Form. We will review this list of possible food vendors for upcoming events and programs. Is your band interested in performing at an upcoming event, including the Thursdays at Seven Concert Series in Downtown Graham, Musical Chairs Concert Series at Bill Cooke Park, or Arts Around the Square in Downtown Graham? If so, please complete the Band Interest Form and our team will reach out if there is an upcoming opportunity for your band to perform.  Become associated with community events that attract people from across Alamance County each year! There are partnership opportunities ranging from athletics to fitness & health programs to large special events. Check out the many opportunities to highlight your business through logos on promotional materials, with booth displays at events, banners at the ball fields providing onsite advertising, and through social media (based on the level of sponsorship). Sponsorship Policy & Procedures For information about sponsorship opportunities, please email Brandy McCandless, Marketing Supervisor. The City of Graham, NC 201 South Main Street Graham, NC 27253

Regis Clay Breeland Coldron, 77

Regis Clay Breeland Coldron—known to everyone as Clay—passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026 at the age of 77.Knowing Clay meant understanding what it felt like to be completely enveloped in unconditional, life-changing love. Warm, welcoming and effortlessly fun, Clay’s true work in life was celebrating the people she loved. She possessed a rare, intuitive spirit; she could read a room instantly, was generous to a fault, and always knew how to make people feel seen. Her 1967 Belmont Senior High School yearbook perfectly captured her resilient, joyful approach to life: “She parks her troubles in a box, sits on the lid, and smiles.”Family was Clay’s ultimate masterpiece and her greatest pride.Clay enjoyed an extraordinary bond with her younger sister, Nona. Their relationship was built on a foundation of deep love, endless laughter, and a shared history that stretched back to their earliest days in Belmont, North Carolina. Together with a tight-knit circle of neighborhood friends, they grew up at Belmont First Baptist Church. Their childhood was a beautiful tapestry of simple, happy moments: VBS and youth group, flying down the neighborhood sledding hill on Julia Ave. during winter snows, riding bikes through town, and hosting pajama parties in the bonus room of their home.As the years went on, Clay and Nona only grew closer, remaining lifelong best friends. They were constant fixtures in each other's daily lives, frequently leaning on each other to ride out the tense, final minutes of an important Carolina Tar Heels game together. Clay was also a fiercely devoted mother to Tiffany and Neil. She was the ultimate enabler of dreams. For years, she captained a busy family shuttle in her trusted Toyota 4Runner, crisscrossing Guilford County to ensure her kids never missed a beat of their many extracurriculars. Whatever her children loved, Clay loved. She was proudly the head “Cookie Mom" for Girl Scouts. She scorekept for Neil’s baseball team. She sat front and center for Tiffany’s dance and music theater performances, and Neil’s band concerts and marching band appearances. She also found ways to support them together, coaching Tiffany’s cheerleading squad—the one that cheered for Neil’s basketball team—just so she could stand on the sidelines and cheer for both of her children at the exact same time.Clay enveloped Tiffany and Neil in a protective, unconditional love that allowed them to see and experience the world, anchoring their lives with unforgettable adventures from Myrtle Beach, to the streets of France and Spain, to high-energy trips to Las Vegas with her sister, Nona. At home, she made the everyday feel just as grand. Every single holiday was immaculate, always featuring her signature strawberry cake and her famous, highly anticipated broccoli casserole.When her beloved grandchildren came into the world, she proudly took on her favorite title, "Mimi.” No matter where the event or the occasion, she sought them out first in the room. Clay dedicated hours of her life to caring for each boy while they were infants. As they became older, she would host slumber parties for them in the den or become the “Tickle Monster” to make them laugh. She shared a unique, magical bond with each boy. Will was her honest and fierce “soul child;” Connor was her spark in the night: the “one who made her dream.” She made sure to never miss a single moment with Will and Connor, and proudly shared their stories and photos.Gifts were her unmistakable love language. She showered everyone she loved with constant reminders of her affection through texts, phone calls and gifts.Clay found magic in the everyday. She loved the holiday season with a passion, and absolutely no one decorated for Christmas like Clay, with every decoration in its chosen spot, year after year. She often shared the kitchen with Tiffany for holiday meals, where they cooked for their guests and shared laughs together over a glass of wine before the meal. She never missed a day of importance: she would call to sing “Happy Birthday,” “In My Easter Bonnet” or a made-upsong about whatever she felt made you special.She was an avid reader, a master Sudoku enthusiast and a true animal lover. Clay was especially fond of hummingbirds, equally enjoyed a Diet Coke and a glass of Pinot Grigio, and never missed a chance to have sushi with Neil. She studied the weather and the stars, rarely missing a meteor shower, eclipse or a sighting of the International Space Station. And no matter the hour, Clay would call her family to tell them about snow falling at her home.The only thing Clay loved as loudly as her family were her sports teams. She was a vocal, fiercely loyal fan of everything UNC and the Carolina Panthers, sticking by them through every single drought year. She attended two Super Bowls and an NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament, acting as their most enthusiastic fan whether in the stadium or on her own couch.In her youth, Clay honed her ability to be a true force of nature. She was incredibly smart, a natural leader, and the star captain of her varsity women's basketball team. She was a student leader and the girls' sports editor for The Clarion, earning induction into Quill & Scroll, an international honor society recognizing outstanding student achievement and high ethical standards in journalism. Clay was also selected for Girls State—a competitive honor where promising rising high school seniors spend a week in Raleigh learning about government—and was named to her senior class’s coveted Who’s Who.She went on to earn her associate’s degree from Gardner-Webb University and later served her community as a high school teaching assistant at Southern Guilford High School—where her children were in attendance—in the 2000s. There, she did what she had always done: surrounded people with love, believed in their potential, and turned coworkers and students into lifelong friends.Clay was preceded in death by her father, Wade H. Breeland; her mother, Regis Pauline Bumgardner Breeland; and her brother, Wade H. Breeland, Jr.Her immense warmth lives on in those who survive her: her daughter, Tiffany Brannan, and her husband, Shel, along with their children, Will and Connor; her son, Neil Coldron; and her sister, Nona Breeland.Clay lived to celebrate everything—and sometimes, absolutely nothing at all. Because for her, the magic of life was truly in the everyday moments with the people she loved.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any of her favorite organizations: the South Point High School Big Red Booster Club (mail to: South Point High School, Attn: Big Red Booster Club, 906 South Point Rd., Belmont, NC 28012); St. JudeChildren’s Research Hospital; or Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). 

Free Birding Talk Comes to Graham Civic Center July 30

Join us for an evening with featured guest speaker Dr. Lynn Moseley, retired Professor of Biology from Guilford College. This engaging presentation will highlight birding at its best, covering bird identification, tips and best practices for attracting birds to your backyard, insights into local Bluebird Trail initiatives, and opportunities to explore the outdoors while connecting with both beginner and experienced birders. Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pmFor Adults of All AgesCost: Free, online registration is requested (Register Online)Location: Graham Civic Center • 503 McGee Street, Graham, NC 27253 About the Speaker: Dr. Lynn Moseley developed a passion for ornithology while attending the College of William & Mary and later earned her Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her doctoral research focused on the behavior and communication of nesting Least Terns along the North Carolina coast. Dr. Moseley spent 33 years teaching in the Biology Department at Guilford College, where she mentored students and led birding expeditions to destinations including the Galápagos Islands and East Africa. In retirement, she continues to lead occasional birding trips, conducts annual bird surveys for state and federal organizations, and enjoys spending time with her family and two grandchildren. Guests will also have the opportunity to connect with local recreation and parks staff to discover birding hotspots, scenic trails, lakes, and outdoor programs throughout the area. Enjoy coffee, light refreshments, and lively conversation in a welcoming setting while swapping sightings, tips, and favorite locations with fellow birders. Whether you’re just getting started or experienced, this is an event you won’t want to miss. You’ll leave inspired and ready to explore new stretches of the Haw River Trail in Alamance County with binoculars in hand. The Coffee & Conversation series is presented by the Graham and Burlington Recreation & Parks Departments. Learn more and register online at https://www.cityofgraham.com/coffeeandconversation/. The post Coffee & Conversation: Birds of Alamance County – From Backyard Feeders to Trail Finds first appeared on City of Graham, NC.

Free Birding Talk Comes to Graham Civic Center July 30

Join us for an evening with featured guest speaker Dr. Lynn Moseley, retired Professor of Biology from Guilford College. This engaging presentation will highlight birding at its best, covering bird identification, tips and best practices for attracting birds to your backyard, insights into local Bluebird Trail initiatives, and opportunities to explore the outdoors while connecting with both beginner and experienced birders. Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pmFor Adults of All AgesCost: Free, online registration is requested (Register Online)Location: Graham Civic Center • 503 McGee Street, Graham, NC 27253 About the Speaker: Dr. Lynn Moseley developed a passion for ornithology while attending the College of William & Mary and later earned her Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her doctoral research focused on the behavior and communication of nesting Least Terns along the North Carolina coast. Dr. Moseley spent 33 years teaching in the Biology Department at Guilford College, where she mentored students and led birding expeditions to destinations including the Galápagos Islands and East Africa. In retirement, she continues to lead occasional birding trips, conducts annual bird surveys for state and federal organizations, and enjoys spending time with her family and two grandchildren. Guests will also have the opportunity to connect with local recreation and parks staff to discover birding hotspots, scenic trails, lakes, and outdoor programs throughout the area. Enjoy coffee, light refreshments, and lively conversation in a welcoming setting while swapping sightings, tips, and favorite locations with fellow birders. Whether you’re just getting started or experienced, this is an event you won’t want to miss. You’ll leave inspired and ready to explore new stretches of the Haw River Trail in Alamance County with binoculars in hand. The Coffee & Conversation series is presented by the Graham and Burlington Recreation & Parks Departments. Learn more and register online at https://www.cityofgraham.com/coffeeandconversation/. The post Coffee & Conversation: Birds of Alamance County – From Backyard Feeders to Trail Finds first appeared on City of Graham, NC.