Lillington Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 2024 Rock the River Awards, which celebrate and recognize some of Lillington’s finest community leaders and businesses.
This year’s awardees were:

Man of the Year: Matt Brown, Fulton Farm

Woman of the Year: Melanie Stewart, The Underground Railroad
Business of the Year: Butterfly Counseling
Bill and Mildred Johnson Beautification Award: First Bank & Trust Co. of Virginia
The awards ceremony took place at Carolina Barn in Angier, where guests enjoyed delicious food and drinks as they gathered to celebrate the contributions of locals to the betterment of the community.


Cindy Akers-Gilford creates stained glass, fused glass, mosaics, handmade glass jewelry, pendants, suncatchers and other original glass artwork in her studio in Dunn, N.C. Photos provided by Cimply Broken.Self-made Artist and Founder of Cimply Broken
FirstHealth’s art therapy for cancer patients and caregivers helps attendees reduce stress through creative expression. Photo provided by Deborah Yarborough.Group therapy can provide much-needed support and comfort during difficult times, and t
Van Goat Studios, which has been operating since 2019, has allowed Johnson to express herself and reflect the spirit of local communities through murals. Photo provided by Elyse Johnson.Elyse Johnson of Van Goat Studios in Dunn wants to spread her ar