Weekly update, December 26

Hello! This is your last weekly update of 2025. In 2026, you can expect to see and hear from more contributors in The Carrborean as we expand coverage in different communities and neighborhoods, with more art, comedy, recreation, opinions, event coverage, and explorations of what's on your minds...let us know. Reminder--there isn't a new print edition in January. The last print issue combined December and January and is still available in locations around town. We're pulling together February's print edition now and will resume monthly publication thereafter.

Editor's note: I am appreciating the gentleness that accompanies the end of the year. Hearts open with a pervasive sense of possibility. Ring out the old, ring in the new, a sentiment that Tennyson captured well. In a year of upheaval at all levels, this beautiful interview with actor Andrew Garfield about living, loving, and letting go refreshed my perspective. As did my recent chat with local storytellers. In a separate conversation, local storyteller Julia F. Green reminded me that telling our stories is why we're here--it's work full of purpose and meaning. I cannot fail to acknowledge that 2025 created the conditions to launch a particular dream of mine: The Carrborean, which aims to amplify local voices and strengthen community connections and has been so much fun. Meeting hundreds of amazing people right here--in Carrboro--filled me with hope and a heightened appreciation of the importance and urgency of connecting IRL--sharing space and time. I can't recommend it enough. When you are feeling lost, go out--to a gallery, trivia night, library event, town meeting, happy hour, karaoke, concert, performance, restaurant, park, poetry reading. Look around. Take it in. Smile at someone. Breathe. Open your heart to the experience. Enjoy and have fun. What I'm looking forward to in 2026 is...more of that.

Online this week: a small compilation of what's open amidst the holidays and a story about glass recycling in Webbwood and Spring Valley neighborhoods, written by Terry Krauss. What's your neighborhood up to? Let us know: info@thecarrborean.com

On that note, the Town of Carrboro announced the opening of the application period for Green Neighborhoods Grants, "officially inviting residents to help lead the charge against climate change." These grants will fund community projects that show neighborhood participation and "a clear plan for environmental and social impact," up to $25,000. The application deadline is February 18 at 5pm and the Office of Sustainability is ready to help with language translation and other kinds of application support.

Congratulations to Carrboro's new poet laureate, Dr. Amanda Bennett! We're looking forward to getting to know her and her work better in 2026.

Do you know where your generic prescription drugs are made? Interesting investigative journalism from ProPublica: "The FDA won’t tell Americans where their generic drugs are made, so ProPublica did it instead. Use information on your prescription label to locate the factory and see inspection reports." That database is available here. With this note: "Keep in mind that if you turn up a troubling inspection report, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your drug is compromised. Doctors and pharmacists advise that you not stop taking your medications. Instead, you should talk to your health care provider about any concerns."

On The Carrborean Radio Hour on WCOM 103.5 last week, ctrl+alt+art hosted Toni, also known as The Birdhorse, in a conversation exploring parenting and art, which is posted on The Carrborean's YouTube channel. And this past Monday, we heard about local storytelling with expert Julia F. Green and stories from Terry Casstevens and Rachel Moon. It was our last live show of the year and it is delightful. Next week, the "Songs that got us through 2025" playlist will be on air during our usual time slot, Monday 4 - 5pm. You can find that playlist on Spotify and you can submit songs for that list to: info@thecarrborean.com.

Our next live show will be January 5 from 4 - 5pm and we'll be talking about new year resolutions with Will Dudenhausen of Dialogue in Support of Community.

The Carrborean's informal pop-up newsroom is taking a break until January. In the meantime, you can reach us at: info@thecarrborean.com or 919-869-7645 to chat.

The Community Bulletin Board has announcements and giving opportunities and is updated weekly.

There's so much going on in Carrboro! Check out The Events Calendar.

As always, please consider a paid subscription to support community journalism (local news told by the people living it) and ask your favorite businesses if they advertise in The Carrborean. Subscribers at the "Angel" tier get the first-ever Carrborean T-shirt among other benefits. Thank you!

Big thanks to The Merch for printing the shirts! Come to The Merch Christmas Party tomorrow, 12/27, at Cat's Cradle Back Room starting at 9pm, free!