THE CHAPEL HILL INSIDER
FROM THE INSIDE…
Inside this week’s Chapel Hill Insider:
This week, we're celebrating Dr. Janier Barton of Smiles by JB—a Durham dentist who treats the whole person, not just the teeth, creating a space where healing happens beyond the clinical. Plus, Chapel Hill's police department opened its new headquarters Monday. From healthcare that asks "What's going on?" to events that bring us together, here's what's happening in our community.
LET’S STEP INSIDE →
Feature Story
Beyond the Smile: Dr. Janier Barton's Healing Practice
Where Dentistry Meets Compassion in Durham
Artwork by Shai Yossef, from the lobby of Smiles by JB, Durham, NC
Meet Dr. Barton: A Provider That Treats the Whole Smile
The first thing you notice when you walk into Smiles by JB isn't the dental chairs or the equipment. It's the art. Vibrant paintings of people smiling, laughing, living—faces full of joy adorning the walls. Then the music hits you: Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston flowing through the space. Classic soul that makes you forget, just for a moment, that you're in a dentist's office.
This is exactly what Dr. Janier Barton intended.
Community Update
New Police Headquarters Opened on Monday
After years at 828 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill's police department is moving to its brand new headquarters at 7300 Millhouse Road this Monday, September 29. The new facility will be open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Same number to reach them—919-968-2760—and of course, 911 still works for emergencies. It's the end of an era and the start of a new one for the Guardians of the Hill.
Your Voice, Your Story: Poet Laureate Wants to Hear From You
Chapel Hill's Poet Laureate Donovan Livingston is creating something special—a community mixtape that captures the intergenerational stories of our town. If you're a writer, poet, emcee, lyricist, or storyteller (any skill level welcome), he wants you to be part of "Talk of the Town: Chapel Hill Mixtape." Selected participants will work with Donovan in writing workshops and recording sessions, with the collaborative mixtape dropping in 2026. It's a chance to add your voice to Chapel Hill's story. Applications are due November 3. Check it out!
Upcoming Events
EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
TODAY • Thursday, October 2
Día De Los Muertos Ofrenda | All day at Duke Chapel | Honor departed loved ones with photos or offerings in this sacred Mexican tradition
Community Resiliency Model Workshop | 2-4:30pm at Orange County Solid Waste | Learn six wellness skills to balance mind, body, and spirit
Board of Adjustment Meeting | 6:30pm | Town business
Hanes Visiting Artist Lecture: River Claure | 5:30-7pm | Bolivian photographer shares moving portraits and landscapes
Friday, October 3
Tales and Tails | 5:30-7pm at Dingo Dog Brewing | UNC Professor Dr. Lisa Wolverton lectures on dogs in pop culture + adoptable pups from Paws4Ever!
Cameron Price is Right Trivia | 8-10pm at The Flying Pierogi, Carrboro | Pop culture, sports, history, science—bring your A-game
Saturday, October 4
Chapel Hill Farmers' Market | 8am-12pm at University Place | Fresh local produce and vendors
UNC vs. Clemson Football | Noon kickoff | Listen on 97.9 The Hill
Walk to End Alzheimer's | 10am-12pm | Triangle walk to support a great cause
Saturday Slowdown at RambleRill Farm | 10am-2pm | Meet the goats, shop local artisans, live music, pumpkin decorating for kids
Calico Makers Market | 10am-5pm (also Sunday) on Smith Level Road | 26 local vendors, live music, food, hands-on art
Hickory Grove Harvest Festival | 11am-3pm | Raffle, prizes, dancing, health fair, bingo
3rd Annual Egyptian Festival | 12-6pm (also Sunday) at Archangel Raphael Church | Free admission, Mediterranean food, kids' activities
"We Belong" Farm-to-Table Celebration | 5-8pm at Transplanting Traditions Community Farm | Multi-course meal, cultural performances, storytelling celebrating immigrant and refugee communities
Emma's Revolution Concert | 7pm at Community Church of Chapel Hill UU | Benefit for Clapping Hands Farm flood recovery
Sunday, October 5
Chapboro Book Crawl | 11am-5pm | 10% off used books at Golden Fig Books Carrboro, enter to win gift card
Oktoberfest @ The Plant | 12-6pm | Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, stein holding contest, live music
Interfaith Voices for Animals Symposium | 1-4pm at UU Congregation of Hillsborough | Six speakers explore faith perspectives on animal protection
TABLE's 13th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser | 3-6pm at Carrboro Town Commons | Soups, cookies, bread, live music—choose your own handcrafted bowl
Grab A Piece of Town History! Buy a Chapel Hill Cartoon Map!
If you've never seen Ed King's cartoon map of Chapel Hill, you're missing out on one of the most charming pieces of local art around. His whimsical, hand-drawn style captures all the personality and quirks of our town—from beloved landmarks to hidden gems—with playful illustrations and clever details that make you smile every time you look at it. It's not just a map; it's a love letter to Chapel Hill rendered in ink and humor. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift for a Chapel Hill lover, a unique piece of art for your home, or a nostalgic reminder of why you love this town, Ed's got you covered. Catch him at Sabean's (11548 US Hwy 15 501 N) every Sunday and Tuesday from 10am-2pm, where maps are just $20. Trust us, you'll want to grab one (or two!) while you can.
BUSINESS NETWORKING
CHAPEL HILL LEADS GROUP
IN CHAPEL HILL AND ONLINE
Since 1998, Chapel Hill Leads Group has been the go-to networking hub where Chapel Hill entrepreneurs and business owners build real connections with each other and their customers. Join us every Wednesday from 8:30 - 9:30 AM for networking with light refreshments in a relaxed, business casual setting. New members welcome - your first meeting is free!
Find Your Voice at After Five Toastmasters
Ever wish you felt more confident speaking up in meetings, presenting ideas, or just talking to new people? After Five Toastmasters meets every Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 pm at 1600 E Franklin Street in Chapel Hill (you can also join via Zoom). In a supportive, no-pressure environment, members practice speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give constructive feedback—all at your own pace. Whether you're prepping for a big presentation, working on leadership skills, or just want to feel more comfortable speaking, this club empowers you to grow. Learn more→
A Final Note
INsight FROM THE INSIDER
"The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said."
— Peter Drucker
Until next time,
Be in the know!