ABC, ACC and Let's Go & See: An Insider Weekend - March 16-17, 2024

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Run for a Cause: Monet Richardson Foundation’s 5K Celebrates Legacy and Hope

The Monet Richardson Community Foundation is excited to welcome back participants to the "Running with the Angels 5K Run & Walk" scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2024, at East Chapel Hill High School. This event, deeply ingrained with community values and a commitment to positive action, invites everyone to partake in an initiative that combines fitness with philanthropy.

At the heart of this event is Pat Richardson, the Executive Director, who finds personal inspiration in the cause, connecting it to the legacy of Krissy Richardson. Krissy started the foundation's backpack program, a critical initiative for the community, demonstrating the power of individual action to address community needs. This event serves not only to remember Krissy's contributions but also to further the cause she cared deeply about, with the community's support, including participants, donors, and sponsors.

The annual 5K has always been a magnet for a wide array of supporters from different walks of life—students, families, local businesses, and volunteers—all driven by a shared goal of aiding local youth. The event is known for its professionalism and community engagement, starting at the East Chapel Hill High School baseball field and winding through neighboring areas. It offers a certified course with chip timing, ensuring a high-quality experience for all involved. Participation fees are set at $40 for adults and $20 for those 18 and under, which includes complimentary food and beverages thanks to sponsor generosity, as well as opportunities to win prizes in various categories. The day will be further enhanced with a raffle and silent auction, featuring items from dining experiences to hotel stays, contributing to the excitement and the foundation's fundraising efforts.

The foundation expresses deep appreciation for the support from sponsors, volunteers, and the community at large, emphasizing the significant positive impact of these collective efforts on children in need. Through the Backpack Program and Academic Scholarship Program, the Monet Richardson Community Foundation continues to foster empowerment and success among the younger generation. The "Running with the Angels 5K Run & Walk" not only celebrates community collaboration and commitment but also honors a cherished legacy, offering hope and support for the future. You can learn more or sign up for the event by going through the button below and are encouraged to contact Pat Richardson to become part of this meaningful event.

The Tarheels and the Wolfpack Face Off Tonight at 8:30 p.m. for ACC Title

The climax of the 2024 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament is set to unfold in Washington, D.C., where the championship stage beckons. The final showdown will see the No. 1 seed North Carolina Tar Heels pitted against the No. 10 seed NC State Wolfpack. This pivotal game is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on ESPN.

The Tar Heels, eyeing their first ACC tournament crown since 2016, have been the team to beat throughout the ACC season and have showcased their prowess in the tournament. Their journey to the final was highlighted by a hard-fought 72-65 victory over the No. 4 seed Pittsburgh in the semifinals. With their sights set on securing a No. 1 seed in the forthcoming NCAA tournament, North Carolina's aspirations are not just to win but to dominate.

Contrastingly, the NC State Wolfpack has emerged as the dark horse of the tournament. Achieving a historic feat, they became the first team to advance to the semifinals after beginning their campaign on Tuesday. Their remarkable journey, marked by four victories in as many days, includes a significant upset over the No. 2 seed Duke Blue Devils and a thrilling overtime victory against the No. 3 seed Virginia Cavaliers, culminating in a 73-65 semifinal triumph. For NC State, the stakes couldn't be higher, as clinching the ACC Tournament title represents their sole avenue to an NCAA tournament berth.

As anticipation builds, the championship game promises a riveting clash. On one hand, North Carolina aims to reaffirm its supremacy and lock in its NCAA tournament seeding. On the other, NC State looks to extend its astonishing tournament surge and secure an unexpected spot in the field of 68. The stage is set for an electrifying encounter that will captivate basketball fans and crown the ACC champion.

Wow.

No Mow March: North Carolina's New Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Movement

If you were thinking about breaking out that lawn mower this weekend, think again. It turns out that maybe a lazy weekend or two to stop and smell the roses may be good for the environment.

North Carolina State University's turf grass expert, Professor Grady Miller, advocates for an adjustment in lawn care practices to better support local ecosystems. With nearly two decades of experience, Miller suggests shifting the popular "No Mow May" initiative to "No Mow March" in North Carolina due to the region's earlier bloom of flowering plants. This change aims to bolster pollinator populations, which have been declining due to urban development and climate change.

During the crucial early spring period, native bees emerge in search of scarce floral resources. Early bloomers like the purple-flowered henbit play a vital role in sustaining these pollinators. A changing climate has led to earlier green-ups and challenges in maintaining traditional grass species, exacerbating the struggle to manage turf grass, especially during the warmer, drier months.

Residents and experienced landscapers alike have embraced natural lawns, citing the conservation of water and lower effort as key benefits, along with enhanced outdoor enjoyment. Encouraging a diverse ecosystem, experts recommend incorporating pollinator-friendly plants like goldenrod, lavender, sunflowers, and milkweed into landscaping. These not only provide essential nourishment for bees but also attract butterflies and hummingbirds, enriching the local environment.

“Booze It and Lose It" Campaign Aims to Curb DUI Incidents with Statewide Tech Expansion

The North Carolina Department of Transportation's "Booze It and Lose It" campaign is ramping up for St. Patrick's Day, introducing modern updates to combat drinking and driving. Tragic losses in the Triangle area have highlighted the need for such an initiative. With over 9,000 alcohol-related fatalities since its 1994 launch, the campaign is now incorporating Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (CAM) ankle bracelets for repeat offenders, alongside new training for law enforcement and an emphasis on treatment options. The goal is to extend the CAM program statewide, reinforcing the severe legal consequences of impaired driving while prioritizing public safety.