In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 80^o and

📰CORA's Innovative Food Aid Program Brings Meals to Students' Doorsteps

📰Traffic Snarl on I-40 as Multiple Vehicles Collide Near Sunrise Road Overpass

📰Cicadas Stir Alarm in Durham with Deafening Mating Calls

📰Orange County Election Reform: New Bill Proposes Plurality Vote for School Board

❎ POLL: Did you See the Aurora Borealis this Weekend? Send Us Your Pics!

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CORA's Innovative Food Aid Program Brings Meals to Students' Doorsteps

CORA (Chatham OutReach Alliance), in collaboration with DoorDash, has implemented an effective strategy to combat child hunger in Chatham County through its CORApacks program. This initiative ensures that no child goes hungry when school is out by providing monthly food boxes directly to each child's home. Each box contains sufficient food for three meals and two snacks per day, specifically designed to cover weekends and school breaks from September through June.

This partnership also tackles challenges such as transportation and social stigma that often accompany food aid. DoorDash diversifies its delivery services by dispatching drivers to transport these specially prepared food boxes, which are crafted to be nutritious, allergy-conscious, and appealing to children. This method not only provides essential nutritional support but also preserves the dignity of students by removing the visible stigma of receiving aid, previously exacerbated by programs that require children to carry food home in backpacks.

The program's discreet delivery approach is praised by educators like Braiden Robinson, principal of George Moses Horton Middle School, who notes its alignment with the sensitivities of middle school social dynamics and its respect for student dignity. The initiative is also personally fulfilling for volunteers and drivers, fostering a strong sense of community involvement and empathy, exemplified by individuals like Thomas Speaker, who share personal connections to the cause.

This holistic approach by CORA, supported by DoorDash, not only ensures students receive necessary meals but also integrates respect and sensitivity into the aid process, reinforcing community ties and addressing child hunger effectively.

Traffic Snarl on I-40 as Multiple Vehicles Collide Near Sunrise Road Overpass

A major accident involving around twelve vehicles occurred on eastbound Interstate 40 in Orange County, causing a brief closure of both lanes. The crash took place near the Sunrise Road overpass within a construction zone. Although the vehicles were pulled over to the shoulder, it's unclear if there were any injuries. Traffic was heavily affected, backing up for about a mile. The NCDOT managed traffic flow, closing and reopening lanes as necessary.

Cicadas Stir Alarm in Durham with Deafening Mating Calls

In Durham, North Carolina, residents have been mistaking the intense noises of cicadas for possible criminal activities, leading to multiple calls to local law enforcement. The phenomenon, reported by The News & Observer, has seen people kept awake by sounds described as "alien spaceships." The local police, upon investigation, attributed the disturbances to cicadas, specifically identifying them as the likely source during an incident on May 3. The Durham County Sheriff's Office has been addressing the public’s concerns, clarifying through a Facebook video that the noise is actually male cicadas calling to attract females.

This year, the region is experiencing a significant emergence of Brood XIX cicadas, visible across 16 states. These cicadas, which were first observed this season in Chapel Hill in April, are now audible throughout Raleigh, Charlotte, Cary, Apex, and several other localities. They are expected to be active for about a month post-emergence. While the noise is primarily a mating call, it has led to unintended consequences like increased copperhead snake sightings, as the snakes feed on cicadas. Additionally, the female cicadas may cause damage to trees as they lay their eggs.

Orange County Election Reform: New Bill Proposes Plurality Vote for School Board

In a pivotal development in Orange County's election landscape, a legislative proposal introduced by State Senator Graig Meyer could fundamentally alter the future of school board elections. The bill, filed on Tuesday, seeks to replace the current runoff election method with a plurality voting system beginning in 2026. Under the existing rules, established in 1977, a candidate must secure half the votes divided by the number of seats available to win outright, otherwise, a runoff is triggered if a competitor opts for it. This method came under scrutiny after the recent school board election saw incumbent Jennifer Moore finish just short of the required threshold, enabling fourth-place finisher Bonnie Hauser to contest a runoff. This incident has ignited a broader debate about the efficacy and fairness of the runoff system, particularly in light of its historical implications and its impact on minority representation. The proposed change aims to streamline the electoral process and enhance voter representation by simply awarding the seat to the candidate with the most votes.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

Center Theater Company in Carrboro

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 10th, listen to the Lee Gildersleeve & The Bad Dogs and enjoy How Bout Burger and Poblanos Tacos food trucks!

Cat’s Cradle