In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 82^o and Mostly Cloudy

📰Campus Tensions Rise as UNC Protesters Face Arrest Threats Over Encampment

📰Orange County Sheriff's Office Raises Over $11,000 at Community Chicken Pickin' Event

📰Michelle Wright: A Librarian’s Tale of Global Experience and Community Engagement

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Campus Tensions Rise as UNC Protesters Face Arrest Threats Over Encampment

Pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have established an encampment on campus, demanding that the university disclose and divest its investments in Israel. The campus police have threatened arrests if the protest continues near the administration building. The protest, which has garnered significant attention and debate among students, is set to persist until the administration takes decisive action.

Orange County Sheriff's Office Raises Over $11,000 at Community Chicken Pickin' Event

Last Wednesday, the Orange County Sheriff's Office hosted its much-anticipated Chicken Pickin' event, which saw an exceptional turnout from the community. The festive gathering, characterized by mouth-watering aromas and a cheerful spirit, successfully raised over $11,000. These funds are earmarked for the Orange County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Organization (SOCO), which plays a critical role in providing life-saving equipment and community support services.

Thanks to the generosity of attendees, SOCO will be able to continue its vital work. This includes equipping deputies with essential tools such as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and Stop the Bleed kits. Moreover, the organization contributes to local children's welfare through initiatives like Shop with the Sheriff, which pairs deputies with children to buy holiday gifts, fostering stronger community ties and brightening the festive season for many families.

Another significant contribution to the event’s success was the secret ingredient in the barbeque served—a homemade sauce crafted by School Resource Officer Robert Sharpe, which attendees thoroughly enjoyed.

The event also benefitted from the support of various local businesses and community partners, including Energy Partners of Mebane, Woods Farm & Garden, Flowers Baking Company - Independent Contractor, Timeless Cruizers, and Food Lion in Carrboro. Each entity played a crucial role in ensuring the event's success through generous contributions and support.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office expressed profound gratitude to everyone who purchased tickets or made donations, underscoring the importance of community involvement in supporting local law enforcement efforts and community welfare initiatives.

Michelle Wright: A Librarian’s Tale of Global Experience and Community Engagement

At East Chapel Hill High School, in the bustling corridors filled with young learners, stands Michelle Wright, a librarian whose life story captures the essence of cultural richness and community devotion. Initially, we only intended to interview Ms. Wright as our recent Like and Share Campaign Contest Winner, impressed by her readership and support, but we ended up being impressed by much, much more.

Michelle is not just any librarian; she brings to the table a vast international experience, having lived in Dubai for 17 years, and an unwavering commitment to making Chapel Hill a better place for everyone.

Michelle's Global Experience and Return to the US

Michelle’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Having spent nearly two decades overseas, her return to the United States was driven by a desire to reconnect with her roots and make a tangible difference in a community setting. “I lived abroad for 17 years, and it’s a beautiful, enriching experience. But there comes a time when you want to come home,” Michelle explained in a recent interview. Her choice of Chapel Hill was influenced by friends and the vibrant academic atmosphere of the town. “Chapel Hill has this unique blend of small-town feel and educational excellence,” she remarked.

Michelle's Role as a Librarian and Community Connector

In her role at East Chapel Hill High School, Michelle goes beyond the traditional duties of a librarian. She is deeply involved in the creation and distribution of the school’s newsletter, a crucial tool in her strategy to keep the community informed and engaged. “Every day, I open up Chapel Hill Insider because I’m in charge of our newsletter here. It’s about keeping our community connected,” Michelle stated, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between her work and her engagement with local news.

Insights into Affordable Housing and Community Involvement

Michelle is vocal about the challenges facing educators in finding affordable housing. Her insights are a call to action for more sustainable living conditions for teachers. “It’s tough seeing brilliant teachers struggle to live comfortably where they teach,” she noted, emphasizing the need for initiatives like the Teacher Next Door program, which provides affordable housing options for educators.

Michelle’s Cultural Contributions: From Jazz to Local News

A lover of jazz, Michelle’s cultural interests seep into her professional life, enriching the school’s cultural curriculum and her community engagements. “Jazz is more than music; it’s a bridge between diverse cultures,” she shared during a discussion about her passion for the genre. Her involvement doesn’t stop at music; she actively participates in bringing local and cultural news into the school’s mainstream conversations, thereby fostering a well-rounded educational environment.

Connection and the Power of Community

Reflecting on her role and its impact, Michelle views her responsibilities as a librarian as integral to the broader educational and community experience. “We’re not just about books. It’s about creating a space where community dialogue can occur freely and meaningfully,” she mused, contemplating her future plans to deepen community ties and enhance the educational experience with her global perspective and local involvement.

Michelle Wright is more than just a librarian; she is a testament to the power of diverse experiences and the profound impact one individual can have on a community. Through her global insights, cultural contributions, and community-focused initiatives, Michelle continues to shape the minds and hearts of those around her in Chapel Hill.

Student-Directed One Act Play Festival @ ECHHS

As spring unfolds, the anticipation for the annual Student Directed One Act Play Festival at the local Black Box Theater at East Chapel Hill High School is palpable. This year, the festival is set to showcase a vibrant collection of one-act plays, each directed by a talented student director. Scheduled for this Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. and Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 7:30 pm, promising audiences an evening of compelling drama and raw talent. See our previous issue for more information. You can buy tickets through the links below:

• Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

• Friday, May 3, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

@ Flyleaf Books

Jazz Open House

Enjoy a jazz brunch buffet and yoga class while experiencing the new jazz art hanging in the B.N. Duke Annex atrium. 

This event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, April 30, from 12 to 5 p.m. in the B.N. Duke Annex.

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. (Linked has been updated) This Friday, May 3rd, listen to the Morgan Creek and enjoy Doherty's Paddy Wagon, and Gussy's Greek food trucks!

Cat’s Cradle