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The View: 2002

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About This Project

"The View" showcases the unique character of the people and places that form our community. The column explores the lives and relationships of the diverse groups that populate the Triangle. Anyone, regardless of age, race, cultural background or ethnicity, is a potential subject. We include the thoughts of those featured as they express how they view their own situation, allowing us a window into their lives.

Chris Seward

Our approach to finding stories for the column varies. Often, we look for subjects to illustrate themes we want to explore. Other times, we may stumble across interesting subjects while on assignment or in our daily lives. We hope readers can use "The View" to enhance their understanding of their own community.

Corey Lowenstein

More photos: 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006

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September 4, 2002	Robert Willett	[/assets/story/image_buynow.comp]
Seventy-six year old Catherine Matthews is framed by the window of one of the storage buildings she sells at Southern Utility Buildings on US 70 in Garner. When most people her age are retired from the workplace, Catherine Matthews is still going strong. The middle child of eight, she began working at an early age. "We were poor, I was the middle of eight kids, and I started working at a neighbor's house cleaning when I was nine." she said. Except for a few years staying at home to raise a family, Catherine has been a fixture in the local work force. For a quarter of a century, she worked as a waitress at Raleigh's historic Plantation Inn restaurant. From there she spent six years at Big Ed's restaurant in City Market before coming to Southern Utility Buildings, owned by her son. When asked how long she plans to stay on this job, Matthews replies: "Until I fall out. I love waiting on people, pleasing people, and doing for others."