THE CHAPEL HILL INSIDER
FROM THE INSIDE…
Inside This Issue: Tonight's Aurora Borealis viewing opportunity, Eastgate Crossing's major reopenings next week, Kenneth Kelty's story of advocacy and his Monday conference, and Northside Elementary's powerful community events honoring Civil Rights history. LET’S STEP INSIDE →
Feature Story
Exceeding Expectations: Kenneth Kelty's Journey From Silence to Advocacy
By Elana Etten | Chapel Hill Insider
Kelty, mid-30s, outspoken disability advocate, podcaster, and international public speaker.
From Told He Couldn't to Proving He Could
Kenneth Kelty wasn't supposed to speak. Doctors told his parents he never would. Today, he's a paid motivational speaker, podcast host, and disability advocate who's testified before Congress.
The turning point? A fifth-grade field trip to Washington, D.C.
School officials hesitated. Kenneth's circumstances raised concerns. But his mother had spent years teaching him something crucial at every IEP meeting: how to speak up for himself. So Kenneth did exactly that. He advocated for his right to go. He went on that trip. And standing in the nation's capital as a child, something shifted.
Years later, Kenneth would return to Washington—not as a student visitor, but as an advocate addressing lawmakers about disability rights and policy.
Community Spotlight
Northside Elementary: Honoring Legacy, Building Belonging
Northside Elementary School is hosting two powerful community events this week, celebrating the neighborhood's central role in Chapel Hill's Civil Rights history.
Tonight, Thursday, November 13, at 5:30-7:00 PM: "From Then to Now: The Legacy Continues"
An evening of belonging, history, and pride featuring 5th graders performing "Poems of Belonging" with 2023-2024 Chapel Hill Poet Laureate Cortland Gilliam.
Friday, November 14, at 7:00 AM: Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
Meet at Hargraves Center (216 N. Roberson St.) to walk together to Northside Elementary (330 Caldwell St.) at 7:10 AM, honoring Ruby Bridges and the ongoing fight for educational equity.
Flyer from Northside Elementary promoting the walk. Pictured, previous year’s walk.
These events are organized in partnership with the Town of Chapel Hill, Marian Cheek Jackson Center, TABLE, Community Justice Project, and numerous other local organizations.
Bonus: Meet Author Alda P. Dobbs on Monday, November 17
Award-winning author Alda P. Dobbs visits Northside to share "The Giving Flower: The Story of the Poinsettia." Flyleaf Books is offering personalized, signed copies at 10% off through noon on November 17. You may catch Dobbs at the Chapel Hill Library event hosted by Flyleaf on Tuesday. See our events listing below for more details.
All events are free and open to the community—you don't need to have a child enrolled at Northside to attend.
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📊 Economic Recovery
Eastgate Rising: Major Reopenings Signal Recovery From Historic Flooding
Four months after Tropical Storm Chantal sent five feet of floodwater through Eastgate Crossing, the shopping center is finally coming back to life. Next week brings two significant milestones in the recovery effort.
J. Crew Factory Opens Thursday, November 20
The first new business to open at Eastgate since the July 6 flooding will cut the ribbon at 10am. J. Crew Factory is moving into Suite 18 (the former Hallmark/Pink Pearl space), which required extensive renovations after flood damage. The retailer is celebrating with opening-day prizes, discounts, coffee, and treats—and they're hiring for the new location.
This marks the 13th J. Crew Factory store in North Carolina and represents a vote of confidence in Eastgate's future.
Shake Shack Returns Wednesday, November 19
After months of restoration, Shake Shack reopens with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting at 10:30 am. During the event, $1 from every sandwich purchase goes to PORCH, the local nonprofit fighting hunger. Many of the original team members who worked there before the storm are returning to their positions.
Where Things Stand Now
Open and Operating:
Trader Joe's, Guglhupf, Chopt, Chipotle, Winestore, Olmaz Jewelers, Great Outdoor Provision Co.
Expected January-February 2026:
Aldi, Bruegger's Bagels, Jersey Mike's
Expected Spring 2026:
PETCO, Restore Hyper Wellness
Working Toward Late 2025/Early 2026:
The Loop, Kipos Greek Taverna
Permanently Closed:
Rise Chicken & Biscuits (now at their Carrboro location on E Main St), The Soap & Shine, Talbots
The Cost of Recovery
The July 6 flooding was Chapel Hill's worst on record—eight inches of rain in a single day. Eastgate sustained an estimated $11 million in damages. Business owners have spent months gutting stores, replacing equipment, and fighting with insurance companies. Some, like Olmaz Jewelers, operated from temporary locations while rebuilding with flood-resistant materials.
The shopping center was built in 1958 on top of Booker Creek, which runs underneath the parking lot, long before modern flood prevention ordinances were in place. That location makes it particularly vulnerable during heavy rain events.
Next week's reopenings represent not just restored businesses, but the resilience of owners who refused to give up on this community. Welcome back, Eastgate.
Upcoming Events
EVENTS THIS WEEK
Northern Lights Viewing | Tonight (Nov 11-13)
You may still be able to catch the results of the amazing geomagnetic storm. Peak viewing 9 PM - 2 AM
Maple View or Shakori Hills areas recommended
Rare opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis over Chapel Hill
🎭 "Every Brilliant Thing" at East Chapel Hill High | Nov 13-18
East Chapel Hill High School
This immersive theatrical experience from Playmakers blends comedy, improv, and audience interaction to tell a powerful story about growing up in the shadow of a mother's struggle with depression. Surprisingly charming and life-affirming, the show reminds us that hope comes from life's smallest miracles.
Show times:
Wednesday, Nov 13 at 6:30 PM
Thursday, Nov 14 at 7:30 PM
Friday, Nov 15 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Sunday, Nov 17 at 6:30 PM
Monday, Nov 18 at 6:30 PM
Tickets are $9. Get tickets here
Content note: Suicide and depression are central themes handled with care. Recommended for ages 12+.
📖 "From Then to Now: The Legacy Continues" | Thursday, Nov 13 at 7:00 PM
Northside Elementary School
5th graders perform "Poems of Belonging" with former Chapel Hill Poet Laureate Cortland Gilliam. An evening celebrating history, belonging, and pride. Free and open to all.
🎵 Nora Brown & Stephanie Coleman | Thursday, Nov 13 at 7:30 PM
Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill
Carolina Performing Arts presents this intimate evening of music. FREE admission.
🚶 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day | Friday, Nov 14 at 7:00 AM
Meet at Hargraves Center (216 N. Roberson St.)
Walk together to Northside Elementary in solidarity with the ongoing fight for educational equity. Honoring Ruby Bridges' courage and legacy.
🎸 Reverend Billy C. Wirtz | Saturday, Nov 15
The ArtsCenter, Carrboro
An unforgettable evening of blues, boogie-woogie, and comedy. Learn More.
🌾 Chapel Hill Farmers' Market | Saturday, Nov 16
Winter hours are now in effect. Starting at 9 AM
Shop local vendors for fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan products. Perfect way to start your weekend morning.
🎉 Shake Shack Reopening Ribbon-Cutting | Wednesday, Nov 19 at 10:30 AM
Eastgate Crossing
Celebrate Eastgate's recovery! $1 from every sandwich sold during the event will be donated to PORCH.
🛍️ J. Crew Factory Grand Opening | Thursday, Nov 20 at 10:00 AM
Eastgate Crossing, Suite 18
First new business at Eastgate since the July flooding. Opening day features prizes, discounts, coffee, and treats.
📚 Author Visit: Alda P. Dobbs | Monday & Tuesday, Nov 17-18
Northside Elementary School Monday @ Noon Chapel Hill Library, Tuesday @ 76 pm
Meet the author of "The Giving Flower: The Story of the Poinsettia." Preorder personalized signed copies through Flyleaf Books (10% off, deadline noon Nov 17).
ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS:
Trivia Night - Every Wednesday at 7:30 PM, Lumina Theater Tap Room, Southern Village
Pittsboro Farmers Market - Every Thursday, 3-6 PM at The Plant
Jazz at Yonder - Every Thursday, 8-10 PM, Yonder in Hillsborough
Chapel Hill Leads Group - Every Wednesday 8:30 =9:30 AM at Chamber of Commerce, Chapel Hill
After Five Toastmasters - Every Wednesday 5:30-6:30 PM at Coldwell Banker HPW on Franklin Street.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade | Saturday, Dec 6
10 am-12 pm
Route begins in Carrboro, ends at 140 W Franklin St in Chapel Hill
The parade application deadline has passed, but spectators should stake out spots early. The route brings together arts groups, cultural organizations, and community groups for what's become a beloved tradition.
Photo by Mark Losey, courtesy of Chapel Hill Arts
Community Update
From Around Town
UNC Basketball Star Seth Trimble Sidelined
Tar Heel fans got some rough news this week - senior guard Seth Trimble broke his arm during practice and will need surgery. The team's first game without him was Tuesday night against Radford, and they pulled out an 89-74 win at the Smith Center. The exact timeline for his return will depend on how the surgery goes, but the Heels showed they can hold things down while he heals up.
Former Council Member Eyes County Commissioner Race
Former Chapel Hill Town Council member Karen Stegman announced she's running for Orange County Commissioner in 2026. Stegman brings years of local government experience to the county level - looks like she's ready to take on bigger challenges beyond Chapel Hill's town limits.
The Trails Are Coming Back
Good news for anyone who's been mourning the loss of their favorite walking route: Chapel Hill's greenways are reopening months—even years—ahead of the original timeline. Tropical Storm Chantal tore through our trail system in July, leaving Bolin Creek Trail, Morgan Creek Trail, and the Fordham Boulevard greenway damaged and closed. The initial repair estimates were grim, with some trails expected to remain shuttered for 18 months or more. But advocacy groups like Shift Chapel Hill Carrboro reminded town officials that these aren't just recreational paths—they're essential transportation routes for people getting to work, school, and daily errands. The town listened. Quick-fix temporary repairs are bringing the trails back online while long-term reconstruction plans take shape. Bolin Creek Trail is already opening in sections, and the Fordham side path repairs are underway. Sometimes the best thing about community advocacy is watching it actually work.
Carrboro Honors Those Who Served
Our neighbor to the west took time this week to recognize something that often goes unnoticed: the transition from military service back to civilian life. Carrboro Town Council declared November 4-12 as a period to honor those moving from active duty back into their communities. It's a thoughtful gesture that acknowledges the complexity of that journey—the difficulty of leaving behind structure, mission, and the profound bonds formed in service. Not every town thinks to mark this particular passage, but Carrboro did. Sometimes the smallest recognitions carry the deepest meaning.
When Social Media Fame Meets Old-Fashioned Law
A Durham jury just handed TikTok influencer Brenay Kennard a $1.75 million bill for destroying a marriage. Akira Montague sued Kennard under North Carolina's alienation of affection law after Kennard had an affair with Akira's husband, Tim, who also happened to be Kennard's manager. The jury awarded $1.5 million for alienation of affection and $250,000 for criminal conversation (the legal term for extramarital relations, not actual criminal charges). Kennard, who has nearly three million TikTok followers, claims Akira knew the marriage was ending and gave consent. Akira's attorney says Kennard flaunted the affair across social media, amplifying the humiliation. North Carolina remains one of only a handful of states where jilted spouses can sue third parties for wrecking their marriages—a legal relic with roots in 1745 England when wives were considered property. State lawmakers have tried repeatedly to abolish the law, but it persists. This verdict marks the third-highest alienation of affection award in state history. The largest? Thirty million dollars in 2011. Apparently, social media can make you famous, but North Carolina's 280-year-old law can make you considerably less wealthy.
🤝 WHERE TO GIVE: FOOD ASSISTANCE EXPANDS AS NEED GROWS
(From Last Week’s Issue)
The statistics tell one story: nearly 20% of Orange County children live in poor or low-income households. But the organizations responding tell another—one of neighbors helping neighbors without bureaucracy or judgment.
PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro moved over 415,000 pounds of fresh food last year to 600+ families. They work through neighborhood coordinators who collect donations monthly, volunteers who sort, and a network that ensures food reaches both families and pantries. If you live in Chapel Hill or Carrboro, there's likely a PORCH neighborhood near you collecting donations.
Inter-Faith Council's Community Market operates as a member-choice pantry, meaning families shop for themselves rather than receiving preset bags. It's a dignity-preserving model. Located at 110 W Main Street in Carrboro, they're open by appointment Monday-Friday. Call 919-929-6380 to schedule pickup. They're currently accepting donations Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm at their loading dock.
TABLE Ministries takes a different approach—delivering healthy food and fresh produce directly to homes with children ages 0-20. No pickup required. They're at 311 E Main St in Carrboro (919-636-4860).
All three accept both food and financial donations. With the holiday season approaching, these organizations will see increased demand as they do every year. The difference? This year, they're starting from an already elevated baseline of need.
How to help:
Financial donations stretch furthest (food banks buy wholesale). Non-perishables always needed. Fresh produce and proteins make the biggest impact on nutrition. Or volunteer—sorting and delivery always need hands.
Know someone doing meaningful work in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or the surrounding area? Reply to this email and tell us their story. We're always looking for the next local business or nonprofit to spotlight.
Chapel Hill Insider
Bringing visibility to the small businesses and nonprofits that make our community special.
A Final Note
INsight FROM THE INSIDER
"Without the past, we have no future.”
— Marian Cheek Jackson, civil rights activist
Until next time,
Be in the know!
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