Weekly update, November 7
Stories and information about art and events in town | Engagement opportunities: Downtown Area Plan, "Share Your Holiday Program," Food Distribution and Donation | Veterans Day
Are we at peak color? Carrboro's vibrance is reflected in the leaves around town these days. Enjoy these fleeting moments.
Online this week: a feature about the Friends of the Orange County Department of Social Services "Share Your Holiday" program and an interview with artists Kaidy and Madeline Lewis about their current exhibition at Muse Gallery.
In related news, a study from King's College London found that "Enjoying original works of art in a gallery can relieve stress, reduce the risk of heart disease and boost your immune system, according to the first study of its kind." reported in The Guardian. That's great news, and just in time for 2nd Friday Art Walk next week. This weekend (tomorrow and Sunday) marks the second and final weekend of the Orange County Artists Guild open studios tours.
Congratulations to newly elected Council Member Fred Joiner, re-elected Council Members Danny Nowell and Cristóbal Palmer, and re-elected Mayor Barbara Foushee!
As we get ready for the holiday season, we want you to be aware of opportunities to buy local! The Carrborean is assembling a local gift buying guide to be included in the December free print edition and online, available the first week of December. If you are selling holiday gifts in Carrboro, please fill out this google form so we can include you in the guide.
Carrboro Downtown Area Plan: another opportunity to engage on Saturday from 12 to 2 at Dr. MLK Jr. Park at 1120 Hillsborough Road. From Town's weekly newsletter: "This plan seeks to advance racial equity and address climate action and is a key implementation step of the Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan. Community members can also stop by Town Hall and speak with a planning staff member on any business day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., can call 919-918-7335, or email pzi@carrboronc.gov. The Town is also reaching out to Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) across Carrboro with information about the plan so that residents are familiar with the plan, can ask questions, and know about the continued public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Town Hall."
SNAP: there have been legal challenges to the federal government's decision to withhold benefits but funding is not yet flowing. The Carrborean posted places in Carrboro and Orange County to get food and how to donate.
In addition, from PORCH: We are holding an EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION this Saturday!
What: A drive-thru distribution where you can receive milk, eggs, produce, and pantry staples
Where: McDougle Middle School (use the Fayetteville Road entrance!)
When: Saturday, November 8, 12-4PM or until food runs out
Who: ANYONE in the community who has need!
Operation Green Light for Veterans: From Town– "The Carrboro Town Council has passed a resolution for Nov. 4-12 to be a time to honor the service and sacrifice of individuals in uniform transitioning from active service. In observance of Operation Green Light, the Town of Carrboro, will display green lights on Carrboro Town Hall. The Town Council encourages residents to participate by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residence from Nov. 4-12." In addition, a Veterans Day ceremony will be held at the Orange County Veterans Memorial on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at 2501 Homestead Drive, Chapel Hill, NC.
The Carrborean will post a reflection by Jim Porto, USMC Reserve Retired on Monday, in honor of both the 250th anniversary of the Marines (Monday) and Veterans Day (Tuesday). You can also find his Reflection in the free November print issue available around town.
The Carrborean Radio Hour premiers in its regular time slot on Monday, November 10 from 4-5pm on WCOM 103.5. Carrboro-based author, Al Julian, will be discussing his new book, Shadow Men. Tune in for this first "Carrboreadin'" segment! Last Tuesday, TCRH took over State of the Station from 1-2pm and interviewed Jacques Menache, founder of The Arts Center and WCOM, in our first "Town Treasures" segment. An article summarizing that interview will appear online soon.
Looking for something to do in Carrboro this weekend? Check out The Events Calendar!
Please consider a paid subscription to help keep us going and ask your favorite businesses if they advertise in The Carrborean. Thank you!
Noting a correction from the Big Story on Housing in Carrboro in the free November print edition, p.3: 148 people (not percent) experienced homelessness in 2024 in Orange County. Source: Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness.
*Updated 11/8 to include information about The Carrborean Radio Hour on WCOM 103.5.