Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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A person would be amazed by looking at the long list of accomplishments she achieved as chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission while coping with health problems.
In less than two months, Sears will temporarily have to step away from the commission because N.C. General Statutes and city ordinance limits the amount of time a member can serve to two consecutive terms. Serving on the commission since its inception in 1999, she became the commission’s second chairman in 2001.
“I am a firm believer that if one’s name is on the roster of an organization, you are there to be involved and not merely to pad your resume,” she said. “The volunteer activity should be something that you enjoy doing.”
After suffering a cerebral hemorrhage in 2002, Sears was left with life-altering changes and challenges in her daily life. Nevertheless, she has been able to continue her work with the commission.
“It’s amazing how she has overcome it,” said Bill Colonna, a part-time city employee in the planning and inspection department who has worked with Sears. “That’s exemplary to me.”
Colonna isn’t the only one to see Sears’ efforts firsthand. So has Councilman David Yemm — a former member of the commission.
“I think she has done a wonderful job,” Yemm said. “She has always been thorough in anything she writes or presents on behalf of the commission. I don’t know if they can find anyone as thorough as she. We’re losing a really great person. Hopefully, she can come around in the next round of appointments.”
One of the successes Sears is most proud of accomplishing during her tunure on the commission is First Lady Laura Bush’s naming of Thomasville as North Carolina’s first Preserve America Community. Many of the commission’s achievements she credits to a collaborative effort.
Sears notes the work that her commission and other commissions have been able to carry out, such as the development of the John Nelson Hauss Memorial Park by Thomasville Beautification Committee and the establishment of facade grants by P.A.C.E. (People Achieving Community Enhancement). While it is an early success of the commission, she is happy that they achieved the Certified Local Government status for the City of Thomasville. The status has enabled the commission to receive federal grant funds.
“Many years ago I was saddened to see one of the best examples of Victorian architecture in the city become victim of the wrecking ball,” Sears said. “Not knowing what to do to make a difference, I wish I knew then what I know now. I have enjoyed taking an active part to preserve historic assets of this community.”
Her desire to help preserve the many landmarks of this community was fueled by an intrigue with the City’s history.
“One of the many things about Thomasville’s history that I find interesting — especially in this period of economic change and loss of its major identifying industry — is that in the era of the Civil War, Thomasville’s primary industry was the manufacture of shoes and leather goods to the Confederate Army,” Sears said.
“In the mid-19th century, Thomasville was known as the ‘Lynn of the South.’ At the time, Lynn, Mass., was the nation’s shoe capital. By the turn of the 20th century, furniture was taking the place of shoes as the town’s primary industry.”
Aside from her studies of historic preservation, she also has taken interest in other fields, such as accounting, piano and organ, real estate, journalism and theater.
After college she had several secretarial positions that led to her work in restaurant administration — a position she held before taking on what she calls her most important career as a stay-at-home mother.
A Spencer native and UNC-Greensboro graduate, Sears has one son, who recently returned from his service in the U.S. Coast Guard.
As Sears’ time winds down as chairman of the commission, her peers know her leadership and knowledge will be hard to replace. She will, however, have the opportunity for re-appointment in a year.
“She will be extensively missed, but I don’t think we will see the end of her,” Colonna said. “I’m sure she will stay involved because of her interest in the commission.”
Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 231, or ignasiak@tvilletimes.com