Former state Rep. Linda Coleman was sworn in as a member of the Wake Tech board of trustees. Coleman is director of the Office of State Personnel and is a member of the Wake Tech Foundation board of directors.

Dr. Lois L. Woodall was named director of the N.C. Wesleyan College Adult Degree Program in the Triangle. She also heads the Adult Degree Program on the college’s main campus in Rocky Mount.

University of Phoenix – North Carolina, which has a location in Raleigh, is offering a breast cancer awareness scholarship for the second consecutive year. The college will cover full tuition for two North Carolinians affected by the disease.

Jill McCorkle’s novel “Ferris Beach”, originally published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill in 1990, was reissued by Algonquin in paperback. McCorkle is the author of nine books, five of which have been selected as New York Times Notable Books. A professor of writing at N.C. State University in Raleigh, she lives in Hillsborough.

“The Southern Women: Selected Fiction,” a collection of stories by Chapel Hill’s Elizabeth Spencer, was published by the Modern Library. Spencer, the author of several novels and short-story collections, is a five-time recipient of the O. Henry Award for short fiction. This book includes “The Light in the Piazza,” the novella that was adapted for both the screen and Broadway.

Two pieces by Raleigh artist Suzy Andron were accepted to “Falling Water,” an exhibit hosted by the Fairhope Committee on Public Art and Eastern Shore Art Center in Alabama.

Jan B. Parker of Fuquay-Varina earned first prize for her novella “Hard Times and Happenstance” in the second annual Press 53 Open Awards Writing Contest.

Raleigh-based YourNovel.com, originator of personalized romance novels, added writer Katie Brown of Durham and her book “Buried Love.”

Vinita Jain, a local artist specializing in acrylic and pastel painting, announced that her painting “Festival of Colors” is on display at Bosphorus Restaurant in Cary; she launched her Web site, www.vinitajain.com; and her artwork was chosen as a reference piece for the N.C. State Florists Association’s Treadaway Cup Competition.

Pittsboro artist Tamera Mulanix created a major work of metal art that was installed this summer on the commons outside Carrboro’s Town Hall.

Raleigh’s Joan Holub, author of more than 120 children’s books, celebrated the publication of her new title, “Shampoodle,” by Random House.

The Collectors Gallery in Raleigh is scheduled to relocate this month from City Market to the Pavilions at City Plaza, said co-owner Megg Rader.

Bearta Powell, author of “Orphans of War,” and owner of Triangle Zumba in Raleigh, announced:
• She was recognized as an honorary ambassador by the U.N. Children’s Fund.
• She was featured in a full-hour interview on Deidre Hughey’s “Author Buzz” talk show for BlogTalkRadio.
• She hosted an “International Dance & Cultural Exchange Party.” A portion of the proceeds went to UNICEF.

Durham-based SOLAY Counseling and Research Center, formerly Triangle Counseling and Research Center, celebrated the expansion of its services, a new Web site and the addition of two consultants to the company, said president Kamala Uzzell, Ph.D.

Terry M. Purdie, of J. Milan Skin Therapy Centre in Knightdale, expanded her own skin line, “theBody System,” by adding a facial line for women, “theNatural,” and a men’s line called “MNZ”.

Ursula C. Mannix, president and CEO of Mannix & Associates, a training and organizational development firm, joined with Training Media Review to evaluate the ASTD Handbook of Workplace Learning Professionals.

Owners Brook Brown, Denise Stewart and Sherry Mitchell opened the gift gallery Honeybeez & Co. in Garner.

Leigh Brady, senior vice president of education services for the State Employees’ Credit Union, announced:
• The credit union partnered with the Center for Responsible Lending, the N.C. Commissioner of Banks and Capital Broadcasting to launch a media effort “Fight N.C. Foreclosure.” It’s designed to educate the public on the foreclosure crisis and give guidance on where to turn for help.
• The credit union is continuing its support of SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals and celebrated the ongoing partnership with a tour of the house by managers and volunteers.

Cary’s Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique, owned by Alison Kim Perry, hosted a “First Birthday Customer Appreciation Party” in September.

Lesa Melvin joined The Special Event Co., an event and meeting management firm based in Research Triangle Park, as business development director of the North Carolina office, said Sally Webb, managing director. Webb also announced that the company received two Esprit International Awards from the International Special Events Society in San Francisco.  

Mary Jane Taylor is the new corporate sales manager at The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill.

Kc Coolbaugh, of Cary-based Minding Your Matters Organizing, presented an international tele-class for organizers and related professionals on techniques, tools and strategies for working with individuals with chronic disorganization.

Denise S. Bennett, president and founder of DS Bennett Business Strategies in Raleigh and a member of the National Speakers Association, was chosen for the speaker line-up for WFX Charlotte, a national conference that guides church decision-makers in planning and managing building projects.

Sharon Hill, certified etiquette trainer and president of Sharon Hill International, addressed entrepreneurs on the power of networking during her guest speech at the Get Connected Networking Seminar and Social.

Alice Osborn, of Write From the Inside Out, will present “Social Media for Writers” at the N.C. Writers’ Network fall conference in Wrightsville Beach.

Lou Jurkowski, CEO at BJAC, an architectural firm based in Raleigh, announced:
• BJAC received a Special Recognition Certificate and a proclamation from the mayor’s office at the Construction Expo Recognition Award Ceremony. The honor goes to firms that have played a vital role in the Triangle’s economic development, providing thousands of jobs and shaping the physical landscape of the community.
• Partner Jennifer Amster spoke at a free lecture, entitled “From Design to Reality,” to update the public on the N.C. History Education Center.  

August Cohen, of Raleigh-based Get Hired Stay Hired, was nominated for three Toast of the Resume Industry awards for Best Executive Resume, Best Cover Letter and Best New Grad Resume.

Kim Crenshaw, of Kim Crenshaw Photography in Apex, launched the second phase of her fundraising initiative for Sequoia Helping Hands, a foundation focused on the orphans and children who have lost families and means of support or education to HIV/AIDS. Crenshaw leverages social media tools, such as Facebook and FirstGiving.com, to help her reach her goal of $10,000.

Heather Smith Linton, CPA, CFP, was named one of the “Top 40 Tax Advisors to Know During a Recession” by CPA Magazine. She is the founding partner of accounting and consulting firm Linton & Associates in Durham.

Durham-based advertising agency McKinney announced the promotion of Elanah Sykes to manager of office services and Jean Cormier to recruiter in human resources.

Ashley Huffstetler Campbell, attorney at Ragsdale Liggett, presented “So You’ve Been Sued: Practical Advice for Lawyers and Accountants” to the Triangle chapter of the CPA Law Forum.

Janine Jannicelli, owner of Discoveries Talent Agency, opened her North Raleigh studio, which conducts monthly acting workshops for those ages 6 to adults.

Angela Byrd, IIDA, LEED AP, senior interior designer and associate at FreemanWhite in Raleigh, was featured in Health Facilities Management magazine on the topic of interior finishes for healthcare facilities. 

Elaine Buxton, president of Confero in Cary, announced that the customer experience measurement firm was recognized by Inc. magazine as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies. 

Lorana Price, CEO of Holy Cow Branding, a marketing communications firm in Cary, partnered with Peter Metzner, founder of Dynamic Change, a team and leadership company, to help businesses gain insight into their competitors by conducting benchmark studies that reveal the strengths and weaknesses of their organizational communication.

Hughes Pittman & Gupton, a CPA firm headquartered in Research Triangle Park, announced:
• Heather Dean, partner, was appointed to a second term as treasurer of the Leadership Raleigh Alumni Association.
• Susan Martin, audit manager, was named an at-large member of the United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County’s board of directors and will serve a three-year term.

Maria Winslow, owner of Chapel Hill-based Zosephine, a trendy diaper bag company, announced a partnership with the National Domestic Violence Hotline to donate 10 percent of sales to the organization.

Howard, Merrell & Partners, an advertising agency in Raleigh, announced:
• The company was named public relations agent of record for Naughty Bits Software.
• The firm formed a Hispanic Marketing Group, which will be led by a bilingual team that includes Elizabeth Romero, account supervisor, public relations and Hispanic marketing; Sarah Findle, account coordinator, social media and Hispanic marketing; and Becca Liberman, media planner/buyer, interactive specialist.
• Julia Anglin was promoted to account executive on the Georgia-Pacific Professional and enMotion accounts.

Lisa Pineiro, president of Technical Services, an employment service and recruiting firm in Durham, taught a seminar titled “Non-Traditional Approaches to Your Business From a Woman’s Perspective” for the Women’s Business Center at the Northern Wake Campus of Wake Technical Community College.

Crescent State Bank, which is headquartered in Cary, announced that new customer Ann Buddenhagen won a $1,000 drawing.

Darline H. Johnson, processing assistant at the N.C. Department of Labor, was elected president of the Raleigh chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction for 2009-2010. Additional members elected to the executive committee were Debbie Morris from Morris Plumbing Co., vice president; Teresa Doman from Ready Mixed Concrete Co., secretary; and Jennifer Mooney from LandArc, treasurer. Members of the board of directors include Dina Longo-Armfield of Ply Gem Industries, Susan Barbee of Ralph Whitehurst Insurance, Donna Busick of Cardinal Blue Enterprises, Terri Piasecki of Charm & Hammer and Elizabeth Pulis of The Staff Zone.

Durham’s Department of Human Relations and the mayor’s Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Rape Task Force hosted the “Sex, Love and Violence” Summit. Yvonne Peña, director of the city’s Department of Human Relations, said this event was in recognition of the one-year anniversary of the mayor’s Task Force and was part of the “2009 I Care Campaign,” a program designed to help Durham residents make a personal commitment to help domestic violence victims.
Student Action With Farmworkers of Durham received one of three 2009 Nonprofit Sector Stewardship Awards from the N.C. Center for Nonprofits, said Sarah Weissberg, center membership director.

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle held a ribbon cutting for its new Durham Service Center, announced Jill Staton Bullard, co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit group.

The board of directors of the R. L. Mace Universal Design Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the concept and practice of accessible and universal design, elected Theresa Joan Rosenberg, Raleigh architect and attorney, to board membership. 

Volunteer coordinator Erin Hill of Meals on Wheels of Durham announced:
• The organization held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest location at 2522 Ross Rd.
• The U.S. Commerce Association gave the group the 2009 Best of Durham Award in Residential Care for Children.

The N.C. State Highway Patrol presented Mendy Grenier with the Citizen Life Saving Award at a ceremony at the headquarters in Raleigh for her willingness to assist patrol members in a time of need.

Fearrington Village in Pittsboro hosted the celebration of Chapel Hill Public Library’s 50th anniversary. The event, entitled Long Story Short, featured a lineup of Chapel Hill’s most famous writers, including Sarah Dessen and Jill McCorkle.

Elizabeth Shugg of Apex announced that Triangle TRACKS, a social network for parents, hosted its first blog carnival.

Bertha Johnson, director of the city of Durham’s Department of Budget & Management Services, was elected president of the N.C. Local Government Budget Association.

The Raleigh-Durham chapter of the American Advertising Federation announced its 2009-2010 executive board members, including Lisa Rondina of Fairway Outdoor Advertising, president; Paige Zinn of Jennings, second vice president/membership chair; and Melissa Ilardi of Capstrat, secretary.

The newly elected board of directors of Leadership Triangle, a nonprofit organization established to promote regionalism here, includes Gracie Johnson Lopez of N.C. Mutual Insurance, Delores Bailey of Empowerment, Jamie Nunnelly of National Institute of Statistical Sciences, Minora Shape of Durham County government, Michelle Wingate of MMI Public Relations and Cyndy Yu of Robinson.

The Triangle J Council of Governments was awarded $12.9 million in federal grants to support clean vehicles, fuels and infrastructure development, said Kathy Boyer, sustainable energy and environment coordinator of the Triangle-wide organization.

Julie Nowicki, president of the Grey Muzzle Organization, a national nonprofit group dedicated to helping at-risk senior dogs, said it gave $3,000 to the SPCA for its AniMeals and Pet Food Pantry programs.

Carla Sevilla joined Pulte Homes, a home-building company, as the vice president of sales and marketing for its Raleigh division.

Linda Dickert, director of public relations for The Stone Agency, announced that Ammons Development Group, developer of Heritage Wake Forest, re-launched its community Web site: HeritageWakeForest.com.

July sales leaders for ERA Pacesetters Realty in Cary were Terri McCall, Courtney Mills, Debbie Bell, Lisa Ligouri, Nancy Guenther, Gwen Hager and Pat McElroy.

Helen Croghan, with Coldwell Banker, Howard Perry and Walston in Raleigh, was awarded the National Association of Realtors Green Designation.

Jodie Bolewitz, from The Allen Tate Co., announced:
• The company posted a clock on its Web site that counts down the time remaining to take advantage of the $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time buyers.
• It is affiliated with Neighborhood Marketing Services, a real estate firm specializing in new home sales throughout the Triangle.

Dr. Cynthia Diehl, who trained in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery at UNC-Chapel Hill, opened her own practice, Diehl Plastic Surgery, in Raleigh.  

Rx Urgent Care, a division of Wake Internal Medicine Consultants, welcomed Jessica Hedrick, PA-C, MPAS to the practice. She will see patients at both the West Raleigh and North Raleigh offices.

Amaris Balkus, Markie Hayes, Lia Watson and Maribeth Hedeman, staff members of Michael Law MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, helped donate more than $10,000 in spa and laser services to the annual Walk for Hope, benefiting research and treatment of mental illness.

Mary Beth Johnston, a partner at Research Triangle Park’s K&L Gates, was on this year’s list of outstanding hospital lawyers in Nightingale’s Healthcare News.

Darcy Ward and Jennifer Greenfield, doctors of chiropractic at North Raleigh’s Center for Chiropractic & Wellness, announced that the practice opened a satellite office in Cary, located in Impact Athletics.

Active Healthcare, a medical equipment company with corporate offices in North Raleigh and satellite offices around the Triangle, welcomed Kathleen Plyler as the controller. 

Dr. Martha Peck joined the practice of Daniels and Peck Family Medicine in North Raleigh. 

Marie Mantle, Samara Bauer and Anna Wolford, staff members of Blue Water Spa, helped donate more than $7,500 in spa services to this year’s Susan G. Komen PinkFest.

WakeMed Health & Hospitals, based in Raleigh, received Certificate of Need approval from the N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation to develop a women’s hospital with 41 acute care beds at North Healthplex and to construct the Brier Creek and South Healthplexes.