Weekly update, January 2

Happy New Year, Carrboreans!

Out with the old, in with the new. Tune in to The Carrborean Radio Hour on WCOM 103.5 on Monday from 4 - 5pm. We'll be talking about new year resolutions and renewal with Will Dudenhausen of Dialogue in Support of Community. And that conversation will be followed by The Carrborean's informal pop-up newsroom which is shifting to Dingo Dog Brewing Company on Monday from 5:10 or so until 6pm. Come by to say hello and tell us what's on your mind--stories you'd like to hear or tell in The Carrborean.

Online this week: A piece about the craft of storytelling from our conversation with local storytellers, and links to two storytelling organizations based in Carrboro; the newly created archive of crossword puzzle solutions; and, two restaurant/bar profiles added to the Carrboreatin' section. In related news, Carrboro has a new restaurant! The Himalayan Fried Chicken and Bar is scheduled to open today at 109 West Main Street.

Other news: New library hours starting Monday! The OC Library Southern Branch is the library in the Drakeford Building.

After 73 years, CommunityWorx closed the doors of its thrift shop, currently at 125 West Main Street, at the end of 2025. According to their note, "This decision follows the passing of long-time Executive Director Barbara Jessie-Black, whose visionary leadership helped strengthen local pathways to employment, economic mobility, and community connection. Her dedication to Carrboro and the greater Chapel Hill community shaped CommunityWorx into a model for mission-driven social enterprise." Carrboro High alum Iris Eyster wrote an obituary for Ms. Jessie-Black in November, citing her generous community spirit, strong leadership, and dedication to second chances. CommunityWorx stated that another local nonprofit would open a new thrift store at 125 West Main in January.

Today, OC Public Transportation launched a one-year fare-free pilot for fixed-route transit services.

Looking ahead: Monday, January 5 is Elizabeth Cotten Day in Carrboro! A talented guitarist and songwriter, she wrote "Freight Train" about her childhood in Carrboro. She won a Grammy Award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A special celebration is planned for opening night of the Freight Train Blues Concert Series May 15, 2026.

Celebrate outgoing Carrboro Poet Laureate, Liza Wolff-Francis and welcome our new Poet Laureate, Dr. Amanda Bennett at a free Poets Party.

Orange County primary elections are coming up quickly: March 3. These primary elections are important; some offices (e.g., OC Register of Deeds and OC Sheriff) have contenders from a single party so the winner of the primary effectively wins the office. We're aiming to bring you candidate profiles online and on air (WCOM 103.5) in the coming weeks.

The next Repair Café is coming up January 10 from 1 - 4pm at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill. Staffed by expert volunteers, you can bring clothes, furniture, electrical appliances, bicycles, crockery, appliances, toys, etc. to be repaired for free and the experts will work with you so you can make similar repairs for yourself in the future. You can register in advance here (not required but it helps them plan for the event).

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!