In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 72^o and Mostly Cloudy

📰Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools Honor Top Educators in Annual Awards Ceremony

📰 UNC Air Operations Plane Crash at RDU Injures Physician, Pilot; FAA Investigates

📰 Run-Off Election Unaffected by Recent Resignation of Orange County Board Member

🗓️Event Highlight: Fridays on the Front Porch

🗓️Upcoming Events (UPDATED)

📢Have an Event You’d Like to Share? Let us know! Click Here to Give Us the Deets!

📢 We Want to Spotlight Local Businesses! Want Your Business to Be in Focus? Apply Here! Want to nominate a business? Email us at [email protected]

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools Honor Top Educators in Annual Awards Ceremony

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district honored Tiffany Cheshire and Shelba Levins as Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year, respectively, during its annual Prize Patrol event. Ashley Lang received the Jeanette Blackwell Mentor Teacher of the Year award, and Lauren Oliver was named Promising New Teacher of the Year. The event celebrated the educators' contributions to student growth and school leadership, setting the stage for the Teacher of the Year announcement on May 9.

UNC Air Operations Plane Crash at RDU Injures Physician, Pilot; FAA Investigates

Dr. Paul Chelminski, a UNC Health physician, and an unidentified pilot were injured in a crash involving a UNC Air Operations medical plane at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The incident occurred as Dr. Chelminski was returning from a lecture in Wilmington. He is currently in good condition at UNC Hospitals. The pilot was taken to Duke University Hospital, but their condition has not been disclosed. The crash, which happened around 10:10 a.m., prompted a temporary closure of the airport's airfield. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash, which resulted in significant damage to the aircraft, identified as a Socata TBM-850.

Run-Off Election Unaffected by Recent Resignation of Orange County Board Member

Jennifer Moore has announced her resignation from the Orange County Board of Education, effective immediately, despite being a candidate in the upcoming run-off election. Moore, who has served since 2022, cited escalating health concerns as the primary reason for her departure. This resignation comes at a critical time, just as she faces Bonnie Hauser in a closely contested run-off scheduled for May 14.

The decision follows revelations of a controversy regarding her academic credentials, specifically involving a doctoral degree she previously claimed to have earned from Bellevue University. Investigations by media outlets, including the News & Observer, found no evidence of Moore's attendance or degree conferral from the mentioned institutions, raising questions about the validity of her educational claims.

In a heartfelt statement, Moore expressed her deep gratitude towards the community for their support during her tenure and especially through her recent health and professional challenges. She acknowledged the confusion surrounding her academic qualifications, admitting she does not possess a Ph.D. and accepting responsibility for any misunderstanding. Moore's resignation marks a significant turn in the ongoing election process, emphasizing her commitment to transparency and accountability as she concludes her service on the board. Despite her early exit, election officials confirmed that the run-off election will proceed as planned, with all previously cast votes being duly counted.

Fridays on the Front Porch

Experience the charm of Chapel Hill each Friday at the Carolina Inn’s “Fridays on the Front Porch” event. Located at 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, the event is sure to be a great way to enjoy the season. Running every Friday from April 19 through October 25, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this local favorite is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Although the first event on April 19th has been canceled due to anticipated bad weather, the series promises plenty of excitement with live music, handcrafted cocktails, North Carolina beers, and a diverse selection of food from local food trucks. The event caters to all age groups, making it an ideal outing for everyone looking to unwind in a festive atmosphere. Click here to see the lineup. This Friday, April 26th, listen to the Jimmy Hayes Band and enjoy Don Taco y Su Pandilla and How Bout Burger food trucks!

Come out to the Tiki Bar for an evening of FUN & Frolic with the Nomads Band!  No cover!

Location of the Event Capt. John’s Dockside Tiki Bar in Cole Park Plaza

Street Address: 11550 US 15 501 Hwy N, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516 (click to navigate in Google Maps on mobile)

Orange County residents will have multiple opportunities to safely dispose of unused or expired medications at several drive-thru events scheduled for this April. On April 18th, from 1 to 4 pm, the Passmore Center in Hillsborough will host one such event, providing a convenient way for locals to rid their homes of unnecessary medications. Following this, on April 27th, there will be two additional opportunities: Wegman’s Grocery Store in Chapel Hill will offer this service from 10 am to 2 pm, and the Walmart in Hillsborough will host a morning session from 9 am to 12 pm.

For those unable to attend these events, Orange County provides a year-round solution through several permanent drop boxes located throughout the area. Residents can find the nearest drop box location by visiting the Orange County website at www.orangecountync.gov/dropboxes. These initiatives are part of the county's commitment to public health and safety by ensuring medications are disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

Chapel Hill Community Park 120 South Estes Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Date: April 27, 2024 Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Chapel Hill Community Center Park will transform into an enchanted wonderland for "A Magical Day of Art, Adventure, & Nature." This family-friendly event will offer free activities such as fairy hair styling, face painting, fortune-telling, and more. Food trucks and various art and adventure activities will also be available. If you have ever wanted to walk around dressed as a fairy or an elf and feel perfectly natural, now’s your chance.

Saving 20th-Century Music

The Prime Time Players are set to honor 20th-century music this spring, featuring everything from barbershop harmonies to Vaudeville classics. Participate in singing, playing instruments, and dancing along to Tin Pan Alley ballads. The lineup will also encompass beloved country music hits, folk revival selections, and cinema's most cherished songs. Get ready to groove to rock-and-roll and reggae rhythms at this free event!

Cat’s Cradle

@ The Cave