HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-16-2018 4-c - Proclamation Recognizing Katherine Cheek 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 16, 2018
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-c
SUBJECT: Proclamation Recognizing Katherine Cheek
DEPARTMENT: BOCC
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Donna Baker, Clerk to the Orange
County Board of Commissioners, 919-
245-2130
PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation recognizing and expressing gratitude to Katherine "Kat"
Thompson Wilkerson-Cheek for her devotion and service to the people of Orange County.
BACKGROUND: The Chapel Hill Historical Society has expanded its "Town Treasures"
recognition event to include all of Orange County and renamed it "Community Treasures." On
Sunday, October 21, 2018, the Chapel Hill Historical Society will recognize the "treasures" for
this year, including Katherine Cheek. The attached proclamation is proposed for presentation at
the event.
Katherine "Kat" Thompson Wilkerson-Cheek has been a leader in the Orange County
agricultural community for much of her life. Under her leadership, the Schley Grange went from
only six active members in 1983 to become the largest Grange in the State of North Carolina.
The Schley Grange has promoted rural agriculture as a strong supporter of the FFA/4-H Junior
Livestock Show, as well as hosting numerous sessions of the 20-year-old Orange County
Agricultural Summit. Under Kat's leadership, the Schley Grange has also distributed over
10,000 dictionaries to third graders in Orange County Schools.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with consideration of the proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the attached proclamation recognizing and expressing appreciation to Katherine
Cheek for her service to the people of Orange County.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING
KATHERINE CHEEK
WHEREAS, Katherine "Kat" Thompson Wilkerson-Cheek was born in Orange County;
and
WHEREAS, she has been a driving force within the community and especially the
Schley Grange organization; and
WHEREAS, Katherine assumed the role as president of the Schley Grange in 1983
when it had only six active members; and
WHEREAS, under her leadership, the Schley Grange is now the largest Grange in the
State of North Carolina with more than 150 members; and
WHEREAS, the Schley Grange was built in 1948 using funds that the Grange won in a
contest to receive a $50,000 prize from Sears & Roebuck; and
WHEREAS, the Grange being in disarray at her start as president, Katherine led
fundraising to return the hall to its former glory serving as a meeting place for many
community events; and
WHEREAS, under her leadership, the Grange added its dictionary program that has
delivered over 10,000 dictionaries to third graders in Orange County Schools; and
WHEREAS, the Grange has promoted rural agriculture as a strong supporter of the
FFA/4-H Junior Livestock Show, now in the 73rd consecutive year; as well as hosting
numerous sessions of the 20-year-old Orange County Agricultural Summit, and
WHEREAS, Katherine is one of the few women in the nation who serve as president of
a Grange Chapter.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Orange County Board of Commissioners
recognizes and expresses its deep appreciation and respect for the services rendered
by Katherine Thompson Wilkerson-Cheeks. She is truly a community treasure.
This the 16th day of October 2018.
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners