• ⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 66^o Warmer and Mostly Sunny.

• Local News

  • East Chapel Hill High's Journey to Theatrical Excellence

  • Carrboro and Chapel Hill Lead by Example in Medication Take-Back Event

  • Nominate a Local Business for our Business Spotlight

  • Win $25 e-Gift Card with our Share Like & Win Campaign

• 🗓️Chapel Hill Local Event Listings (new events added)

• 💫Just for Fun: Hump Day Humor: Math Problems for Mothers

From Classroom to Spotlight: East Chapel Hill High's Journey to Theatrical Excellence

In the heart of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a high school theater program rivals the quality and passion of community theater, captivating audiences and transforming students into artists. Under the guidance of Hope Love, the theater teacher at East Chapel Hill High School, students are not merely participants in a high school activity but are recognized as young artists of exceptional talent. This acknowledgment forms the cornerstone of a program that goes beyond traditional education to immerse students in the real-world intricacies of theatrical production.

Love, with over two decades of experience at East Chapel Hill High School, has redefined theater education through her philosophy of empowering students whom she calls “artists of high school age”. By setting professional expectations and fostering ownership of their creative journey, she prepares students for the challenges of both theater and life. Her approach has not only elevated the school's theater program but also instilled in her students a blend of confidence, resilience, and teamwork, readying them for the world beyond the stage.

The recent performance of Mark Twain’s Is He Dead? showcased not just the acting prowess of the students but also the live music and technical sophistication typically reserved for professional stages. This level of quality can be attributed to the collaborative work between Love, Jeff Elguire, the technical manager, and a unique partnership between the high school and Playmakers Repertory Theatre, the prestigious theater program at the nearby University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This collaboration allows students access to professional-grade resources, costumes, and props, significantly elevating the standard of their performances.

Jeff Alguire, in his 11th year as the school's technical manager, plays a pivotal role in mentoring these young artisans, teaching them the crafts of set design, lighting, and sound engineering. Love and Alguire’s philosophy of "benevolent neglect" encourages students to take charge, make decisions, and learn from their successes and failures, fostering an environment of growth and resilience.

This program not only prepares students for potential careers in the arts but also equips them with invaluable life skills. The process of staging a production from the ground up teaches responsibility, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. Moreover, the emphasis on equity and accessibility ensures that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to participate and shine.

The power of the theater program at East Chapel Hill High School lies not just in its ability to produce outstanding performances but in its commitment to education and equity. It stands as a testament to the impact of a holistic educational approach that values the arts as a fundamental component of learning and personal development.

Read the full story and view the full picture gallery on the Chapel Hill Insider website.

Carrboro and Chapel Hill Lead by Example in Medication Take-Back Event

Covenant Place and Carolina Spring communities demonstrated remarkable civic responsibility by participating in the recent Operation Medicine Drop event. Thanks to their efforts, the Carrboro Police Department successfully gathered over 21 pounds of expired medications for secure disposal. This initiative is a cornerstone of the free drug take-back program aimed at providing a safe avenue for disposing of unwanted over-the-counter and prescription medications. Since its inception in North Carolina in 2010, the program has impressively collected more than 232 million pills, preventing potential misuse and environmental contamination. Last year alone, Operation Medicine Drop was able to remove 32 million pills from circulation across the state, significantly contributing to public safety and environmental protection.

Improper disposal of medications poses serious risks, including the potential for misuse and the contamination of water supplies. Residents are encouraged to participate in future Operation Medicine Drop events to ensure their unwanted medications are disposed of correctly.

Upcoming events include:

• March 25 at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill, in collaboration with the Orange County Department of Aging and Chapel Hill Police Department.

• March 27 at Harris Teeter in Carrboro, hosted by the Carrboro Police Department.

• Two events on March 27 at Bray Park for Siler City’s Easter Egg Roll-Thru and at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center during the Easter Egg Drive-Thru, both organized by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

• April 22 at various locations including Efland-Cheeks Community Center, the Passmore Center, and Cedar Grove Community Center.

Community members are urged to bring any unused or expired medications to these events for proper disposal. This simple act can prevent the dangers of addiction and unintentional poisonings, safeguarding our communities.

Spotlight on Success: Help Us Feature Chapel Hill's Best Businesses

In the vibrant community of Chapel Hill, there are a lot of local businesses that stand out for their unique offerings, dedication to quality, and commitment to the local economy. Whether it's a cozy café that's been the town's meeting point for years, a family-owned bookstore that stocks rare finds and promotes local authors, or an innovative tech startup that's making waves globally while staying grounded in local values, each deserves a spotlight for enriching our community.

Nominate a Business for Our Newsletter Spotlight!

We're on the lookout for local businesses that truly make Chapel Hill a better place. From quaint shops and bustling eateries to cutting-edge service providers, we want to hear about those who are making a significant impact. If you know a local business that deserves to be featured in our newsletter, it's time to let us know!

How to Nominate:

Send us an email at [email protected] with the following information:

• Business Name

• A brief description of the business and why it stands out

• Your personal experience with the business (if applicable)

• Any additional details that you think we should know

Please write your nominations in English to ensure we can accurately share these inspiring stories with all our readers. Your input is invaluable in helping us shine a light on the gems of Chapel Hill, showcasing the diversity and strength of our local business landscape.

Let's Celebrate Our Local Heroes

By nominating a business, you're not just giving them a chance to be featured in our newsletter; you're also acknowledging their hard work, innovation, and the positive impact they have on our community. Let's come together to celebrate the spirit of Chapel Hill by highlighting the businesses that make our town unique.

Remember, whether it's the coffee shop that knows your order by heart, the boutique that always has the perfect gift or the service provider that went above and beyond, we want to hear about them. Email us today and help us spotlight the local businesses that deserve recognition!

Chapel Hill Insider's Social Buzz Campaign: Share, Like & Win a Coffee on Us!

Join our exciting Share, Like & Win Campaign and stand a chance to win a $25 Starbucks e-gift card! Here's how you can be a part of it:

1. SHARE our newsletter with your friends, colleagues, and family in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and nearby areas. For every new subscriber who joins the Chapel Hill Insider via your referral link, you'll earn points.

2. LIKE our Facebook page, tag your friends, and invite them to like our page and explore our newsletter.

The campaign wraps up on April 1st, at which point we'll count up all the points to determine the winner. Rest assured, we'll make the big announcement on April 2nd, ensuring it's all in good spirits and no April Fool's jest. For those who've been actively participating, your efforts haven't gone unnoticed—all your points are securely accounted for. Remember, it's still anyone's game! The victor, along with our most active sharers, might just find themselves highlighted in our newsletter and on our Facebook page. Let's work together to get the word out!

Food & Foodies

Dine Out Night at Tandem

Tonight, March 20th is MES Dine Out Night at Tandem, and a portion of all sales attributed to McDougle will be donated to McDougle Elementary School PTA! Takeout orders can be placed online (say the order is for McDougle in the notes); if dining in, reservations are recommended but not required.

Remember, all month long, $5 from every order of Tandem's "Afternoon Calls" specialty cocktail will also go right back to MES. Thank you for the support, Tandem!

Community & Education

• Computer Workshop Series: Multi-Factor Authentication & Strong Passwords, March 21 @1:30 pm, Chapel Hill Library. Registration Required.

• Board of Education Meeting, March 21 @ 7 p.m. (Closed session@6 p.m.)

• East Chapel Hill Rotary Club will host Dave Bolick, Immediate Past Chair of the UNC Board of Trustees during their Weekly Meeting on Friday, March 22@12:30 p.m. Location: Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center (STCCC) 1609 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Creek Week is Underway!

Run, Remember & Raise: Monet Richardson 5K Race for Equity in Education

There is still time to sign up for an amazing event! Monet Richardson was a Chapel Hill resident, volunteer, and bright light gone too soon. Her legacy and love for children in our most disadvantaged communities live on through the foundation that her devoted mother, Pat, started in her name to continue her work. Join us on Saturday, March 23rd to raise money for scholarships and to give new backpacks and school supplies to the children most in need of them. You can sign up to run or volunteer at https://runsignup.com/Race/Register?raceId=124832

Swing Dance into a Good Cause

Get your tickets NOW for a night of LIVE music by The Chapel Hill High Jazz Orchestra, swing dancing, & light refreshments. Includes a free Swing Dance lesson at 6:30 pm. Open to everyone in our community! This is a fundraiser for Band Boosters. Tickets are now available: tinyurl.com/SwingDanceTix Visit www.ChapelHillBand.org for more info.

Theatre & Art

Live Music & Comedy

Cat’s Cradle

New Monthly Comedy Showcase

Hump Day Humor: A Few Math Problems for Mothers

These are hilarious! And a bit tricky. Credit: by Kate Tellers first published in the New Yorker.