Heads up
An unfortunate reminder came my way via a friend’s Facebook note detailing a near-death experience involving her and her bicycle and a large truck. In short, the truck’s driver failed to yield, and though there were no serious injuries, this community came all too close to another awful reminder that our awareness of bicyclists and pedestrians is not what it should be.
With the lure of wonderful weather, we will see a surge in the number of people taking to the streets by foot or bike. Even though it happens every year, it seems it takes everyone – especially those addicted to driving while distracted – to remember that the roads are growing more crowded and the sidewalks packed with people itching to cross the street. This time of year and the first weeks of the fall semester when the town is full of new residents are when most accidents involving cars and bikes or cars and pedestrians happen.
Please remember this when taking to the streets no matter which mode of transport you choose. And, as always, when you’re wheeling through downtown, hang up the phone and drive like someone’s life depends on it.
A note from next door
Well, Carrboro, the Town of Chapel Hill sends along its hearty congratulations on turning 100 in the form of a nicely put resolution passed Monday by the town council. It reads in part:
“WHERAS, The Town of Carrboro, first known as “West End,†and then “Venable†prior to being named Carrboro after Julian Shakespeare Carr, was incorporated March 3, 1911; and
WHERAS, first established as a mill town, Carrboro’s history began as a small industrial community with Alberta Cotton Mill and State University Railroad; and
WHERAS, Carrboro because known famously as the cross tie capital of the U.S.; and
WHERAS, Carrboro has always been an accepting and diverse community, and was the first municipality in North Carolina to elect an openly gay Mayor; and
WHERAS, over the years Carrboro has become a town defined by a progressive and forward thinking population of students, professors, and professionals enhancing the fun and lively character of its close knit neighboring communities of UNC and Chapel Hill; and
WHERAS, Chapel Hill is grateful for your cooperative spirit, nightlife, restaurants, laid back attitude, fresh produce, locally grown businesses, and for allowing us to dance on your lawn; and
WHERAS, Chapel Hill looks forward to another 100 years of shared community experiences, kinship, UNC sports, excellent food, and late night conversations on the porch; and
WHERAS, we will always think of you as the fun and quirky younger sibling; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council honors and commemorates Carrboro’s 100th Birthday and wishes it another happy and memorable centennial, Happy Birthday!â€
Step up
We are separated less and less these days from our fellow inhabitants of the planet and are joined in heart-wrenching sadness when disasters an ocean away reach our eyes and ears.
Many, many people in our community have family, friends and personal connection to the spots ravaged by earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster.
Notes to this newspaper and postings online underline the heartbreak of seeing the damage to the coastal villages of northern Japan from those who walked among once-thriving places now wrecked and full of grief, hunger, cold and despair.
You can visit google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html for information or to make a donation to the Japanese Red Cross Society. The American Red Cross (redcross.org), Mercy Corps (mercycorps.org/) and many other organizations are also seeking funds for immediate and long-term needs. Please step up and help your neighbors.