Have you seen 'The Help'? If you have, and especially if you know people who worked as maids during the civil rights era, the movie may have raised issues for you.

We asked several people before the movie came out last week if they would consider sharing their thoughts with our readers. We called the Durham County Library, which has done programming around the wildly successful book the movie is based on. They agreed to contribute essays for The Chapel Hill News and The Durham News.

Now we'd like to invite you to consider joining the conversation. If you've seen the movie or plan to see it this weekend, we invite you to send us up to 500 words on what you thought about it and any issues it raised for you. We'll print submissions or excerpts from submissions in upcoming issues of the two local papers.

Please send your essay, along with a jpeg photo of yourself, to editor@nando.com by Monday, Aug. 22. Thank you,

Mark Schultz

Editor

Here's a look at today's local headlines:

ANTI-LOITERING CHALLENGE: As blog readers know, we reported this week how a Durham group has challenged Carrboro's limits on how long people may wait for work at the Jones Ferry and Dave roads intersection. I attended the meeting with town leaders, community advocates and several day laborers yesterday at El Centro Hispano. Look for a report on that this week.

NO COUNTY TAX INCREASE: For 20-plus years, in a row, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has passed annual county budgets with tax increases. Today it's a different story as not-so-new Manager Frank Clifton and the board worked out a spending plan that holds the tax rate steady for the third consecutive year.

FOURTH SUSPECT SOUGHT: We really do bring you the news on the blog first. For everyone else, we have more on the Greenbridge case, with the release this week of a surveillance photo of a fourth suspect police are looking for. Still no word from any of the anarchists involved in the protest, despite our best efforts to reach them.

We wrap up all of the week's news, with the big vote on Aydan Court (closer than you'd think), the Northside moratorium, more details of the Edge development proposed for Eurbanks Road, photos of the new American flag being installed at University Mall (nice one, Harry) and more letters than we've had in weeks. If your letter did not get in today, look for it this coming week as we try to get them all in.

Dave Hart shares opinion on the UNC athletics scandal (tell us if you agree or disagree), sports editor Elliott Warnock bring you the week in local sports and recreation, and lots more. Thanks to everyone who wrote in about the elephant off Erwin Road (most of you think it's the handiwork of sculptor Damian Hoffman), and a happy birthday to Preservation Society Ernie Dollar.

Remember you can follow us on twitter @chapelhillnews1 (don't forget the 1) and on our new Facebook page by searching The Chapel Hill News. Or friend me for newsroom news throughout the week. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and thanks for reading.         

Here's a look at today's local headlines:

REDUCING CLASS SIZE: DPS already ties class size to a school's percentage of kids on free and reduced meals. Now the school district is fine-tuning the plan to give poorer community schools even more attention. Read Virginia Bridges story for the details.

BOARD KEEPS START TIMES: Experts say high school kids need more sleep, so it made sense  to start the school day for them later. But one bus fleet does not fit all. Virginia also reports today how DPS has tabled, for now, a plan to change start times.

CITY WEIGHS NEGLECT CASE:  The city is building its case against Greenfire Development, which increasingly looks like it may have taken on more properties than it could manage. Read Jim Wise's report on a hearing next week to determine if the real estate firm is negligent in the recent roof collapse at Liberty Warehouse.

We have a rundown on local high school graduations, Frank Hyman says vote for higher taxes in today's My View (not sure everyone will agree with that; tell us what you think at editor@nando.com) and modern dance masters Pilobolus (that's them at right, of course) is coming to the 78th annual American Dance Festival, opening tomorrow at DPAC.   

Thanks for reading,

Mark

Our story about bullying at Phillips Middle School has already drawn one reader's letter, which will appear in Sunday's print edition. Here is an excerpt:

The concerns being raised have caused some parents to suggest that such issues should not be discussed outside of the school for fear of tarnishing the reputation of the school or district.
It is important to note that it is the actions, or lack thereof, that have occurred that have tarnished the reputation of Phillips, not the process of shedding light on the problems and seeking their solutions.
We, in Chapel Hill, need to bring our great resources to bear on problems, not suppress or conceal them behind a façade for the sake of reputation.

Here is a look at some other local headlines in today's Chapel Hill News edition:

ROAD PROJECT HURTING BUSINESS: The Spotted Dog owner says the restaurant may close because of a 50 percent drop in business during the East Weaver Street Road project. Maple View Ine Cream owner Bob Nutter is meeting with his landlord and suppliers to see if he can stay open. Read Tammy Grubb's story for more on the project.

HILLSBOROUGH SCULPTURE TOUR:  In this month's Brush Strokes column on the visual arts, correspondent Deborah Meyer reports on the Hillsborough Arts Council's first ever sculpture tour. Read Debbie's story and check out the 2nd Friday Art Walk this week in downtown Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Summer is a great time to stoll through our local galleries.

We have a rundown on this week's local high school graduations, seven letters on the editorial page and two pages of local sports in today's edition. Check it out.

Thanks for reading,

Mark     
 

MARK SCHULTZ - mschultz@newsobserver.com

Photos are an important part of The Chapel Hill News. This Sunday we rerun several of our favorite local photos from the past year, and this one new one of Djahna Garvey and Johnny at Spence's Farm just north of Chapel Hill. For an online gallery of readers' photos of last weekend's snow (there are more than a dozen!) please go here.  

Today's issue is dedicated to S.K. List, my co-editor a lifetime ago on The Ithaca Times. It was my second newspaper job out of college, and the one where my heart glommed on to my work ... which might have been a mistake, but too late now.

Each winter, with the central New York snow piled high and the winds so chilling you cursed as you walked the dogs (I did anyway), we asked readers to share their stories. We called it Readers' Writes, and we were humbled by the outpouring of talented, personal stories we received.

For papers to work, readers need to feel a connection, that the paper they hold in their hands or read online is their paper. So today, in the spirit of The Ithaca Times, we bring you our second annual Readers' Writes issue.

Once again, you astounded me. I was moved as I read about the "little red-haired boy" who arrived after Joan Miner (left) thought everything was fine with two yellow cats and scuffy terrier. I felt Blaine Paxton Hall's pride (and wanted to know more) at owning, at age 58, his first home. I smiled at Jane Schroeder's photo of Scout patiently waitingfor his walk, and felt a catch in my throat reading Mary Jane Young's essay on growing up during another Depression. (That's her at age 5, left.)

Thank you, everyone, who made this issue of Readers' Writes even bigger than our first.

And thank you, S.K. List, who taught me by example, to never take what we do for granted.      

Happy New Year,
Mark

Here's a look at today's local headlines:

But first, in today's N&O we report a story we finished too late to make today's CHN. (The Wednesday paper goes to press Monday night). Staff writer Jesse James DeConto talks with mayoral candidate Matt Czajkowski about a lawsuit that accused him of insider training when he worked for drugmaker Pozen. The lawsuit, filed after top executives sold company stock a month before the value of the stock plummeted, was dismissed by a judge because the plaintiffs did not seek remedy from the company first. 

And in the CHN:

MISSIVES FLY: The fighting between the town of Carrboro, Marilyn Kille and unnamed others in the county's rural planning area continues. Kille, a farm owner who pleaded guilty to forging a town document then held a press conference to say she had proof she didn't, and others in a new Southern Orange County Farm and landowners Committee have sent a letter to farmers saying the town intends to put them out of business. The mayor has sent a counter letter, calling the claims wild and exaggerated. Correspondent Julian March has the story.   

THE VARSITY: As reported earlier this week, there's life in the old theater yet. Staff writerSadia latifi speaks with the new owners about their plans to revive the Chapel Hill landmark as a $3 theater.

We also have stories today about a collaboration between the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce and Piedmont Health Services that is providing affordable healthcare to small business employees, and we report on yet another mayor's race, this one in the town of Pittsboro where newcomer Bill Crawford is challenging incumbent Randy Voller's bid for a third term.

Lots more, of course, including more letters than we know what to do with (We will print as many endorsement letters that arrived past our Oct. 16 deadline as we can, but most will not get in; we were deluged.)

As always, thanks for reading,

Mark 

Here's a look at tomorrow's headlines:

THE STROM SEAT: Some people say we don't know the reasons behind the timing of Bill Strom's resignation and should allow him his privacy. I say as a councilman Strom traded his privacy for public life. Given his silence, speculation is all we have. Now the town has compounded the problem for candidates in this fall's election. Put your name in to replace him and look like you don't think you can win. Don't put your name in and risk not being appointed, even if you finish fifth. Read Jesse DeConto's story.

MUSIC FOR ART'S SAKE: Have you met Emily Weinstein? I spoke to the Chapel Hill artist as she stood on a ladder outside Jade Palace restaurant this summer. (And she did a a fine job on that mural, don't you think?) So she called me on her latest project: painted violins. What's that go to do with shaving cream and the Durham Symphony Orchestra? Read our story.

URBAN FARM TOUR: Sustainable agriculture is the rage. But how many of you could kill your own chicken? Or watch someone do it. That's just part of the Urban Farm Tour this weekend in Carrboro. Organizer Sammy Slade says chickens will be killed for a community pot luck at one of 15 tour stops because that's part of what it takes to grow your own food. Rebekah Cowell has the gristle-y details. (Come on, I thought that was prety good) 

Jonathan Tugman is back with the second column from UNC's student government, Flo Johnston brings you the latest news from our local congregations and Katey's Pretzels' biggest fan tells you why the store at Carr Mill was more than a carb fix for her. It's the most touching story in the paper.

Remember, the Town Council candidates is tomorrow in Town Hall. Last week's in Carrboro was informative, but the Sierra Club should let all the candidates answer all the questions. By the way, send us your questions, so we can consider them in our own upcoming questionnaires.

Thanks for reading,

Mark       

Only a close look suggests Ashley Osment might be dying.

I use that language because she does. She doesn’t spend all her time thinking about it. Only the bruises on her arms from required biopsies for her experimental cancer treatment give it away.

But don’t misunderstand, like I did when I asked Ashley how she became OK with having ovarian cancer.

“I’m not OK with it,” she shot back.

Here's a look at tomorrow's headlines:

A LOVING COUPLE: We have a story in today's N&O. Tomorrow we talk to even more people grieving  over the loss of Chapel Hill postal worker Julie Hatch (pictured) and her partner Jonel Hoogterp. The couple were hit by a driver who crossed the center line in Michigan last weekend, where the women had gone for a family reunion. Hatch died in the crash. Hoogterp was to be taken off life support yesterday, so that her organs could be donated.

A POLITICAL MESS: The Chapel Hill Town Council will be hard pressed not to appoint the fifth-highest vote getter in this fall's elections to Bill Strom's seat. That could open the door to anyone from gadfly Will Raymond to one of the more business-friendly challengers in the eight-person field. Is that what the departing council member wanted? Impossible to say. He's still not talking.

B-A-A-NISHING THE WEEDS: And you knew we couldn't resist this week's story about the goats brought over from Durham to eat poison ivy at Anderson Community Park. What? We didn't have any  home-grown ruminants to do the job? Are goats even ruminants? But seriously find out why the Goat Patrol was the way to go.

Blair Polllock talks with local herbal healers in the My View column (you never know what you're gonna get with Blair; it's one of the reasons he's one of our longest-running writers). We have  your letters on Bill Strom's resignation, the closing of the Piedmont Wildlife Center, on the bomb threat at Greenbridge. And Chase Foster weighs in on voter-owned elections -- not Chapel Hill's.

Going to see "The Hurt Locker" this afternoon. Have a good weekend, and thanks for reading.

Mark