In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 85^o and Mostly Sunny

📰Education Board Votes for 4x4 Block Schedule, Starting 2025

📰Copperhead Season Peaks: Durham Residents on Alert

📰UNC's Chris Musina Releases Reflective Children's Book for Adults

📰Get Your Passport Faster at Carrboro's Passport Fair on June 15

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Education Board Votes for 4x4 Block Schedule, Starting 2025

The Chapel Hill Town Council reviewed a concept plan for 90 townhouses and apartments at East Lakeview, praising its affordability but expressing concerns about car dependency. The plan includes a mix of residential units and commercial space. A second plan for 350 units on Old Chapel Hill Road will be reviewed next week. The East Lakeview project is part of the Parkline East Village neighborhood, promoting walkable, mixed-use developments. Residents and council members emphasized the need for green spaces and coordinated development efforts.

Copperhead Season Peaks: Durham Residents on Alert

Copperhead sightings are on the rise in Durham as their active season intensifies, leading to increased encounters with these venomous snakes. Recently, a local woman was bitten by a copperhead, underscoring the potential danger, though such bites are rarely fatal. Health experts from UNC Health have treated nearly 20 copperhead bite victims with anti-venom this year, a number that aligns with previous years. Medical Director Ryan Lamb from Rex Holly Springs notes that copperhead bites are most common between June and August, with the snakes typically avoiding humans unless they feel threatened. Residents are advised to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and closed-toed shoes, when working outdoors to minimize the risk of bites. Dale Greenwell and his neighbor Kevin Castle both reported multiple copperhead sightings near their homes, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant during this peak season.

UNC's Chris Musina Releases Reflective Children's Book for Adults

UNC professor Chris Musina's new book "The Moth" explores themes of nostalgia and paradise through an illustrated story of a moth's journey to find the moon. Released in January, the book is a reflective piece inspired by Musina's experiences as an illustrator and father. Published by Carrboro-based Daniel 13, founded by Jefferson Holt, the book takes a peaceful approach to nature, contrasting with Musina's previous, more violent depictions.

The project began with a single digital image and evolved into a monochromatic, hand-drawn book designed in collaboration with book designer Dave Wofford. Together, they meticulously planned every detail, from the weight of the paper to its matte finish, to create a "beautiful little object" that encourages readers to slow down and engage with the work more deeply. "The Moth" is available for purchase at local bookstores, online retailers, and directly from Daniel 13's website. Read full story here.

Get Your Passport Faster at Carrboro's Passport Fair on June 15

A Passport Fair will be held at the Carrboro Post Office in North Carolina on June 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to assist first-time passport applicants in expediting their applications. This event is part of a series of Special Passport Acceptance Fairs taking place from New Jersey to Florida through July 6. These fairs will be located at post offices, recreation centers, and libraries, providing routine and expedited services. No appointment is necessary to attend the fair in Carrboro, but it is important to note that the facility will not issue passports on-site. Instead, applications will be mailed to the State Department for processing. Those needing passports within two weeks should schedule an appointment at a passport agency or center. Given the increased travel demand post-COVID, planning ahead and exploring less-known locations for passport services is recommended to avoid delays. For more information on the planned Passport Fairs this summer, visit the State Department’s website.