Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro MPO Seeks Comment on Transportation Needs Analysis

If you’re interested in highway, bicycle, multi-use paths, and transit projects for our region, you’re invited to give your feedback now on an assessment of future transportation needs.

The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) is seeking public feedback on the Deficiency and Needs Analysis for the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The 2050 MTP identifies future highway, transit, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, and other transportation projects for this region over the next 30 years.

The DCHC MPO is updating the 2050 MTP this fall, and will use the public input received on the Deficiency and Needs Analysis as part of their efforts to model future population and employment projections to identify where roadway, public transportation, bicycle, pedestrian, and other transportation investments will be needed in the coming decades.

Residents and other stakeholders are asked to review the Deficiency and Needs Analysis at the DCHC MPO website and provide comments by email no later than Wednesday, June 30.

For more information about the 2050 MTP, contact DCHC MPO Principal Planner Andy Henry at (919) 560-4366, ext. 36419 or by email.

Search the Orange County Public Library's catalog for children's books and materials about Juneteenth

Department on Aging seeking volunteer drivers to bring lunches, smiles to Seniors

Orange County Department on Aging is seeking volunteers for the Community-based Services team to deliver lunches to older adults throughout the county.

If you miss engaging with people and want to give back to your community, then this could be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!

We are looking for dependable, qualified drivers to deliver lunch meals on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays from Noon – 1 p.m. For only an hour of your time you can provide support and assistance to older adults and add a little joy to their day.

Contact Shenae McPherson, Volunteer Connect 55+ Administrator at 919-245-4243 or via email shmcpherson@orangecountync.gov today!

Commissioner-proposed amendments to budget, CIP available for public to view

Each May, the County Manager presents a Recommended Budget for the next fiscal year to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). In considering the Recommended Budget, the Board Of County Commissioners conducts multiple public hearings and budget work sessions. During these sessions, Commissioners and staff may propose to amend the budget as it was presented by the Manager.

Amendments to the Recommended Budget are subsequently voted on by the BOCC at the last work session (June 8) prior to anticipated budget adoption. A final budget is approved by the BOCC each June.

The list of proposed amendments to the Recommended Budget is maintained on the county website to allow the public to view them and submit comments. This list is updated as amendments are proposed or as supplemental information becomes available. Amendments which pass are subsequently incorporated into the full budget proposal to be considered for passage by the BOCC.

Orange County Arts Commission announces 2021-22 Arts Grants program

The Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) announced the opening of the 2020-21 Arts Grants Application Period on Tuesday, May 18. Approximately $60,000, funded by the North Carolina Arts Council and Orange County, will fund artist, school and nonprofit arts programs and projects taking place between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.

Two grants are available:

Artist Project Grants fund individual artist-led projects that benefit the greater community
Grassroots Arts Program Grants fund arts programs, projects, and services through area nonprofits, schools, and municipal organizations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s school grant cycle will take place later this fall.

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, June 30, 2021. All applications must be submitted through the OCAC’s online submission program. Two virtual training sessions are available:

Grassroots Arts Program Training Session: Wednesday, June 2, at 5:30 p.m. via GoToMeeting. Link will be sent following required registration here.
Grants for Artists Training Session: Thursday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m. via GoToMeeting. Link will be sent following required registration here. This session will discuss the OCAC Artist Project Grants as well as the Artist Support Grant from the NC Arts Council and Emerging Artist Grant Program.

For more information, including guidelines and criteria, please visit the arts commission’s website at www.artsorange.org, call 919-245-2335 or email arts@orangecountync.gov.

SCHEDULE CHANGE! The COVID-19 Walk-in clinic hours this Friday, Saturday, and Monday will be 9 am to 4:30 pm (instead of 5 pm) due to staffing needs. Please arrive by 4 pm for the last appointments of the day. The regular schedule of 9 am to 5 pm will resume next Tuesday.

App promotes local farms

Love your local farms? This mobile app helps connect you with farms where you can pick your own fruit and flowers, find produce stands and enjoy farms that are open to the public. Also find restaurants that source their food locally, shops that sell farm products and area farm markets.

The Visit NC Farms app is free and available for IOS and Android in your app store. Visit https://visitncfarmstoday.com/ for more information.

We invite people of all backgrounds and generations to take part in this community read and discussion. The book that has been selected is, The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee. Special Guest, Hillsborough Mayor, Jenn Weaver will lead the discussion. Program cosponsored by the Orange County Public Library and the Town of Hillsborough. Register by: Thursday, June 10, call 919-245-2015

Orange County to host presentation on home funerals

The Orange County Department on Aging and the Project EngAGE End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team invite the public to attend a virtual presentation, Home Sweet Home Funerals, on June 22.

Sara Williams, founder of Shrouding Sisters www.shroudingsisters.com, will discuss alternatives to conventional funeral ceremonies. Sara will present information regarding the care, ceremony, and honoring of a body while keeping a loved one at home. Valuable information will be provided on the legalities and other components of family-directed home funerals.

The FREE virtual event will take place on Tuesday, June 22, from 4 – 5:30 p.m. The room will accept entry beginning at 3:50 p.m. to assist with any questions or platform issues prior to the start of the program.

To register, please visit www.orangecountync.gov/HomeFunerals. If technology assistance is needed, please contact Shenae McPherson at 919-245-4243 by Monday, June 21.

Upcoming activities at the Orange County Senior Centers

BACKYARD BBQ BRUNCH: A FATHER’S DAY OUTING
We’re celebrating fathers and those who have served as father figures with a special outing. This Father’s Day recognition will display much appreciation with entertainment, brunch and wooden photo keepsake. Min: 5/ Max: 25.
Register by: Thursday, June 10, call 919-968-2070 or online
Fee: FREE
Location: Seymour Center Patio, 2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel HIll
Date: Thursday, June 17
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Activity Code: (333028-02)

JUNETEENTH: A VIRTUAL STORYTELLING EVENT
Join us to commemorate the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Talented storyteller, Tyris Jones, will take us on a journey with this virtual performance presented by True Dreams Productions. Min: 10/ Max: 25
Register by: Saturday, June 12, call 919-968-2070 or online
Fee: FREE
Location: Virtual
Phone #/Link: Provided after registration
Date: Saturday, June 19
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Activity Code: (357106-01)

RECYCLING 101
Interested in learning more about recycling in your area? In this webinar, you will learn where your recycling goes, how to 'Recycle Right,' and about the specialty recycling programs such as textile recycling, food waste collection, separate glass recycling and other programs offered at the Waste and Recycling Centers.
Instructor: Kyra Levau, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Orange County Solid Waste Management. Min: 5/ Max: 15
Register by: Wednesday, June 9, call 919-968-2070 or online
Fee: FREE
Location: Virtual
Phone #/Link: Provided after registration
Date: Wednesday, June 16
Time: 2 – 3 p.m.
Activity Code: (323120)

Juneteenth Discussion with Michelle Porchia
This holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. after the Civil War. Many people are unaware of this holiday, now recognized by Orange County Government. During this virtual program, Michelle, a dynamic, interactive, down-to-earth speaker, will lead the discussion and share information about this holiday. Min: 5/Max: 15.
Register by: Thursday, June 10, call 919-245-2015
Fee: FREE
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, Jun 17
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Activity Code: (233072-01)

www.orangecountync.gov