In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 88^o and Partly Cloudy

📰Chatham County Approves 15% Water Rate Increase Effective July 1

📰Free Seed Packets Available for National Pollinator Week in Hillsborough

📰New Budget Brings Pay Hikes to Durham's Fire and Police Departments

📰Juneteenth in Chapel Hill and Carrboro: A Tribute to Resilience and Progress

📰EVENT HIGHLIGHT: Make a Difference: Dual Opportunities to Help Students in Need with the Monet Richardson Community Foundation

🗓️Upcoming Events 

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Chatham County Approves 15% Water Rate Increase Effective July 1

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved the 2024-25 budget, which includes a 15% water rate increase effective July 1, 2024, impacting 11,200 customers. The rate adjustment, the first since 2007, aims to cover rising operational costs and capital improvements. Customers will see the change on their September bills. Financial assistance and water conservation information are available through county resources.

Free Seed Packets Available for National Pollinator Week in Hillsborough

The Town of Hillsborough is celebrating National Pollinator Week from June 17-23, emphasizing the vital role trees play in supporting pollinators. Residents are encouraged to plant native trees such as American Holly and Black Cherry. Free wildflower seed packets are available at Orange County Public Library, Gro-Smart, Carlisle & Linney Vintage Jewelry, and Margaret Lane Gallery.

New Budget Brings Pay Hikes to Durham's Fire and Police Departments

Durham City Council approved a $668 million budget, resulting in significant pay increases for city employees, particularly firefighters and police officers. Firefighters will receive a 17.65% raise, while police officers will see increases up to 22.5%. The pay hike aims to address staffing shortages in the police department, where 137 positions are vacant. The starting salary for police officers will rise from $43,000 to $51,000, improving the department's competitive standing. The Durham Police Department is also boosting recruitment efforts through social media and a virtual hiring event.

Juneteenth in Chapel Hill and Carrboro: A Tribute to Resilience and Progress

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the liberation of the last enslaved African Americans in 1865. In Chapel Hill and Carrboro, North Carolina, the day is a cherished reminder of African American resilience and activism. Celebrations honor past struggles and achievements while fostering unity and progress. Both towns have rich histories of cultural and social change, with significant contributions from local leaders. Today, Juneteenth is a vibrant festival of African American culture, promoting reflection on the ongoing pursuit of racial justice and equity.

This week’s event highlight is a volunteer event with the Monet Richardson Community Foundation.

Make a Difference: Dual Opportunities to Help Students in Need

On Saturday, July 20th, 2024, volunteers are invited to participate in a special event aimed at supporting local students through two engaging activities:

Backpack Shopping (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

From noon to 3:00 PM, volunteers will gather at Target Southpoint Mall to shop for 300 backpacks and the necessary school supplies to fill them. This shopping spree not only provides essential items for students but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants as they work together towards a common goal.

School Supply Assembly (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Following the shopping event, volunteers will move to the YMCA Chapel Hill - Carrboro from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Here, they will pack the purchased supplies into the backpacks in an assembly line filled with laughter and teamwork. This part of the event emphasizes community spirit and collective effort, turning the day's endeavors into tangible support for students in need.

Impact the Community

The MRCF Backpack Shopping and School Supply Assembly event is a powerful demonstration of community unity. By coming together, participants help ensure that every child starts the school year with the supplies they need to succeed. This initiative supports educational equality and helps ease some of the financial burdens faced by many families in the community.

How You Can Get Involved

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join either or both parts of the day. Whether you enjoy the lively atmosphere of shopping or the collaborative energy of the assembly line, your participation will make a significant difference.

Join Us!

Mark your calendars and be part of something special. Together, we can make a difference, one backpack at a time. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Pat Richardson at [email protected]. Let's unite in service, spread joy, and support our community's youth.

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