Thursday Newsletter: ‘New Normal’ for Now
Hello, again! We’re back with another special edition post of the Chapelboro Thursday newsletter, and we hope it finds you well.
As measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 continue to impact our community and our world, we’ve continued our mission to provide our Chapelboro neighbors with daily local news and quality community journalism. As we’ve heard countless times in the past few weeks — from organizations, businesses and each other — we’re in this together.
We’re proud to be a source of information you can depend, we’re glad to be of help, and we hope you enjoy another Thursday Newsletter Special post complete with local news, photos of our staff’s houseplants, coloring book pages and more. Stay safe, Chapelboro.
Click here for complete COVID-19 coverage on Chapelboro.com
Did You Watch “The Last Dance” Yet?
The long-anticipated documentary “The Last Dance,” about Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls, is giving fans unprecedented access to the end of Bulls’ dynasty.
Click below to see what some folks had to say, and check out the film for yourself to see the GOAT in a whole new light.
97.9 The Hill WCHL & Chapelboro.com Staff Picks
This week, we’re back at it once again with Staff Picks: Garden & Plant Edition. Click below to check in on Victor’s Money Tree, Elle’s succulents, Kenny’s Venus Fly Trap and more.
We’ve got recommendations, opinions, tips and tricks on just about everything. Staff Picks for Movies, TV & Books, Staff Recipe Recommendations. You get the idea.
Pictured: News Director Brighton McConnell’s treasured Aloe.
The Official 97.9 The Hill & Chapelboro.com Quarantine Coloring Book
Check out our collection of 97.9 The Hill coloring book pages! We’ve put them up in a gallery on Chapelboro where you can pick a favorite design to color. Click each image for a full-size version that’s printer friendly. Feel free to share your masterpiece on social media, and be sure to tag us so we can see it!
This week, we’ve added two new images! One celebrating Earth Day, and an adorable kitten to match last week’s puppy!
On Air With Aaron Keck
Afternoon host Aaron Keck runs his show every weekday afternoon on 97.9 The Hill. While you can find all of his specialty segments here on Chapelboro’s On-Demand page, two programs are particularly good social distancing listening material: “Oh, The Humanities!” and “History Matters.” Both pack a fun & informative podcast-like punch, so give them a listen if you’re not already a fan!
Look Familiar?
You might have seen the articles below on Chapelboro, or in previous Thursday newsletters. However, just because the article looks familiar doesn’t mean it’s the same: these pages are updated almost-daily with new ways to help the community and local restaurants offering some sort of service. Check back frequently on Chapelboro for the most up-to-date information on each.
How You Can Help Our Community
Of course, in the midst of a difficult time for all of us, some of our neighbors and local institutions are in need of extra help. Click the link below to check out a list of some ways you can assist our community during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Okay, So What’s Open? Restaurants Serving Takeout and Delivery
Many restaurants in Orange County remain open for takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup. In Chapel Hill, the town has relaxed its parking enforcement to allow people to use curbside pickup options at restaurants downtown.
What’s Open Downtown? Photos, Specials, Daily Updates
The coronavirus outbreak has closed many businesses across the country, but downtown Chapel Hill is still filled with restaurants and shops eager to serve customers. This list reflects the current restaurants that are open in downtown Chapel Hill for delivery, takeout, and online orders.
Sponsored by the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership
Anna and Victor Quarantine Entertainment Corner
Anna Griffin – Creative Account Coordinator 
Music: Stephen Stills’ self-titled album from 1970, “Stephen Stills”
Craft: Delivery Worker Thank You!
“Stephen Stills” — As if this icon needs much of an introduction, this week I’ve been keeping my spirits up in quarantine with Stephen Stills’ first self-titled album, which was followed by the equally amazing “Stephen Stills 2” from 1971 (another recommendation). Highly regarded for his work in Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash, this Texas native brings that folk-country-rock mashup to the table in the most graceful of fashions. My personal favorite tune of his, and also a tune that has captured the hearts of millions, is “Love the One You’re With.” Ironically, that song bears a different weight in our current times, but has never ceased to bring a smile to the face of anyone who hears it. “If you can’t be with the one you love, honey, love the one you’re with.”
Thank You Signs — Not much of a craft per se. However, if it has paper and markers, by golly it counts! Our postal and delivery workers are working tirelessly to deliver food, packages, mail, and other necessities that many are unable to go out and fetch themselves in this stressful time. It is imperative that we show our appreciation for these persons who are sacrificing so much to help their communities. A simple thank you sign on your front door is an act of acknowledgement that needs to be shared. Write a cute thank you, a funny joke, or kind note and tape it to your door. It’s an easy and quick, small project with a big impact. Let our delivery workers know they are appreciated!
Victor Lewis – Digital Content Editor & Weekend Host 
TV: “Tales From The Loop” on Amazon
Movie: “Rango”
“Tales From The Loop” — I’ve been having a relatively good time with “Tales From The Loop.” It’s slow-burn, contemplative, small-town science fiction. I’m not the biggest fan of Phillip Glass’ scores, but the concept of a show adapted from an art book — along with the casting of Johnathan Pryce — was enough to get me interested. I’m four episodes in, and so far “Tales From The Loop” has my official quarantine recommendation. It’s a show that knows its strengths and plays to them. Check it out.
“Rango” — I would put “Rango” in the ring for the best Western made in the past decade. Easily. Similarly to how “Kung-Fu Panda” takes the concept of the martial arts movie and translates it for a younger audience while preserving everything that makes the genre great, “Rango” succeeds as both a Weird Western and an animated movie kids can watch. It’s almost strange just how much is clearly meant to adults in a Nickelodeon movie — but you won’t hear me complain. Plus, the wagon chase scene in the canyon *rules*
Stories & Columns on Chapelboro
There’s more than news on Chapelboro! Check our Town Square section for some interesting content and stories, from “Just The Bill, Please” — a new column penned by Bill Smith — to Andrea Griffith Cash’s experiences in downtown Durham to Rain Bennett’s thoughts on living your, and his, best life.
We’re still on the air, and so is Ron Stutts! 
Tune in every morning to hear the man himself, and stick around for Music & More with Nicki Morse, followed by The Aaron Keck Show every weekday afternoon!
Adopt-A-Pet: Romeo
This week’s Adopt-A-Pet is Romeo from Orange County Animal Services!
Romeo is a young cat who arrived at Animal Services as a stray at the end of March. He purrs while being petted, while eating, while looking out the window…basically, all the time!
Click below to learn more, and maybe to help this adorable lil’ dude find a forever home.
S O C I A L
D I S T A N C I N G
P H O T O
G A L L E R Y
Our gallery of images from a quiet Chapel Hill is still on Chapelboro, and our submissions box is always open if you’ve got images of your own to share.
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