In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

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

📰Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Probes Drowning Incident at Jordan Lake

📰Recent String of Small Plane Crashes in NC Claims Two More Lives

📰Hillsborough Adjusts Services for Juneteenth Celebration on June 19

📰Graduates of Rites of Passage Program Shine in Durham Ceremony

📰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 Sheriff’s Office Probes Drowning Incident at Jordan Lake

The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the drowning of 25-year-old Pradip Kumar Bhujel at Jordan Lake Wildlife Area late Saturday night. Emergency responders were called to the scene around 11:45 p.m. Bhujel, who was fishing with friends, waded into the water and disappeared. Authorities found his body and pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Recent String of Small Plane Crashes in NC Claims Two More Lives

Authorities have identified the victims of a fatal plane crash near the airport at 80 Aviation Drive, which occurred on Friday. Flight instructor McMillan Abernathy and student Justin Strauss lost their lives in the crash. The aircraft, a Piper PA-28-140, was found burning in the woods near the airport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident. This crash is among several recent accidents in North Carolina involving small planes, including incidents in Iredell, Franklin, and Cumberland counties, as well as at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Hillsborough Adjusts Services for Juneteenth Celebration on June 19

Leaders across North Carolina met in Chapel Hill to discuss the state's suicide prevention efforts and mental health resources. The summit focused on sharing resources to aid struggling communities, with discussions on the state's prevention plan, national resources, and progress in the field. Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people in North Carolina. Discussions at the summit covered several key areas, including updates on North Carolina’s suicide prevention plan, national suicide prevention resources, and the progress made so far in addressing this critical issue.

Graduates of Rites of Passage Program Shine in Durham Ceremony

The Rites of Passage program in Durham, North Carolina, celebrated the graduation of four young men, including Malachi Anderson, who credited the program for positively influencing his life. Managed by Durham Business & Professional Chain Inc., the program focuses on leadership development and violence prevention, crucial in a city grappling with youth gun violence. Since 1989, the program has graduated over 500 participants, teaching values from Black Wall Street to inspire young leaders. Education and future planning are key components, with upcoming events like the Triangle Leadership Institute Summer University Tour offering further support to students. Read full story.

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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