Greetings Mitch Virchick Has Been Stringing Lights on His 1965 Ford Pickup, Which Is Parked on Maple Avenue in the Heart of Carrboro

This Weekend friday 80% chance of rain 50/41

saturday Partly Cloudy Jim Watson 52/29 celebrates sunday at The Cave Partly Cloudy 47/25 See page 2 carrborocitizen.com December 24, 2009 u locally owned and operated u Volume III No. xLi Free

f you haven’t checked your list at least twice by now, you may want to get cracking. Season’s We all have little ritu- Ials for the season, many of them involve electricity. For the past dozen or so years, Greetings Mitch Virchick has been stringing lights on his 1965 Ford pickup, which is parked on Maple Avenue in the heart of Carrboro. At right is the Ford through the years, starting clockwise from the top with this year, followed by 2003, 2006 and 2008. This is the last year for the old beast, Mitch says, and he’s penned a rather lengthy truck- for-sale ad as one way of let- ting go. We’ve published his essay online at our MILL blog at carrborocitizen.com/mill If you have similar holiday Photo by Byrd Green Cornwell The fragrant flower of southern magnolia defines or end-of-the-year missives summer in the South. and/or photos you’d like us to consider for publication, please send them on to editor@carrborocitizen.com and over the flora By Ken Moore next several days we’ll try to toss them online like digital yule logs. A Southern tree In the meantime, have a happy and safe holiday – vir- for all seasons tual and otherwise. beautiful and popular shade tree throughout the [Cape Fear] Valley Advanced ‘first-graders’ Local retailers “and Athe south. It has become a sort of cognomen for the offer mixed culture, the beauty and the report old-timeyness of the region.” This observation from Paul By Beth Mechum Green’s Plant Book makes Staff Writer me reflect on Christmastime Local merchants worry about how visits to my aunt’s farm near lingering concerns over the economy, Norlina in Warren County. including continued high unemploy- ment, will play out in this holiday The seasonal visit included shopping season. cutting the traditional red ce- After a down year last year, the mer- dar tree to take back home. chants were upbeat about a rebound. The cedar smelled great, So far, a surge of shoppers hasn’t but was prickly to decorate. materialized and results are likely to be mixed. Still, many shopkeepers are One vivid memory of those encouraged by an apparent uptick in visits is my aunt’s Christmas interest and energy even if that hasn’t tree. It was a 6-to-8-foot translated into sales. tall loblolly pine with lights At Nested, a home-and-gift gallery located in downtown Carrboro, Owner and decorations. Way back Jenny McMillan, who helped lead the then, I thought that was a charge for the town’s recent Buy Local weird tree for the holidays. week, said she didn’t see a dramatic in- But, hey, my aunt had lots of crease in sales from the effort, but adds photo by Valarie Schwartz them on the farm, and they that a big jump wasn’t the point. The First-Graders have kept in touch since starting at Chapel Hill Elementary School in 1929, graduating in 1940. From “In my store, all week long, I were definitely not prickly left to right, (seated) Edith Crockford Welch, Johnsie Bason Wilkins, Frances Bason Boyd, Jewell Hogan Altemueller and featured different vendors that I buy Margaret Pickard Sirvis. like the cedars. from in the area, so people knew which Another vivid memory is products I had that were locally made,” recently . . . “It was a very small place,” said for lunch, where most mothers she said. “I hope that is something we tailing my long-striding aunt Edith Crockford Welch, who grew could be found with meals waiting. down to the mailbox, where By Valarie Schwartz do every year, and that we get all stores up on Park Place. “[The school] Some, like Jewell Hogan Altemuel- onboard, and that it becomes a real there was a huge evergreen Last week brought a visit with was divided by the kids who lived ler, had to walk really fast to make celebration in the future.” magnolia with limbs reach- five women who have spent long in Chapel Hill, in Carrboro and in it home and back in time. As for the season in general, Mc- lives knowing each other. Their the county.” Altemueller grew up in a house Millan said she was pleased. ing down to the ground all relationship started in 1929 as It wasn’t that any group itself that no longer exists at 124 N. Co- around. I helped her carry “It’s always going to be busy in De- they entered first grade at Chapel themselves superior; but as is al- lumbia, approximately across the cember, and this year is no different.” magnolia branches back to Hill Elementary School (where ways the case, students congre- street from today’s police station Kara LeFleur, a manager at Roulette, the house, where she would University Square is today), where gated based on experience – and at on Martin Luther King Jr. Boule- said she’s noticed a little drop-off in shop- lay them about, mixed with they continued their schooling that age, the experience that mostly vard, requiring her to walk up and ping this year compared to years past, separated them was lunch. down the big hill twice a day. She pine boughs. until graduation in 1940 (there but she attributes some of it to how late were only 11 grades at that time), With no cafeteria in the school, has heard all her life about how fast Thanksgiving and Black Friday were. Now that was appealing to as part of the last class to graduate the county and Carrboro kids, who she walks. me, and still is now. Magnolia from the school before it burned rode buses, brought their lunches. branches provide a special to the ground. The Chapel Hill kids walked home SEE RECENTLY PAGE 4 SEE RETAIL PAGE 2 warm feeling for me during the holiday season and I always especially remember Shelter’s future in limbo my aunt. By Charlie Tyson Addressing concerns SEE FLORA PAGE 8 Staff Writer The proposed spot for a new 10for 10 men’s shelter is a 1.6-acre site on For many, the approach of win- the corner of Martin Luther King ter holidays invokes images of warm Ten Local Challenges Jr. Boulevard and Homestead Road inside fireplaces, brightly colored wrapping owned by the university. UNC has paper and steaming mugs of hot co- for 2010 offered to lease the land for the shel- The editor and publisher coa savored with friends and family. ter for 99 years at $1 per year. The hundreds of homeless in Cha- a local service organization started in ber Ed Harrison noted additional mo- The proposal has been looked at offer a few holiday thoughts pel Hill face a completely different hol- 1963, runs the only homeless shelter in tivations for the shelter’s move. favorably by town officials but has See page 6 iday season. For Chapel Hill’s home- Orange County: one for men, another “Downtown business operators drawn fire from nearby neighbors. less population, mid-December brings for women and children. and property owners (seldom the Preliminary hearings on the proposal Index cold, wet streets and harsh weather. The men’s shelter is next to the same people) have been asking the have seen dozens of people from the This December, the town’s IFC’s community kitchen at the cor- IFC to move both these uses out of neighborhoods expressing concern Music ...... 2 homeless and their advocates are ner of Rosemary and Columbia streets downtown for some 15 years,” Harri- about crime and loitering, especially News ...... 3 battling more than just climate as in a building the Town of Chapel Hill son said in an email. “The IFC itself concerning Homestead Park, which is Community ...... 4 the relocation of the men’s shelter offered as a temporary site in 1985. has said for years that the OMB (Old near the proposed site. Obits ...... 5 for the homeless from Rosemary While the shelter has started to out- Municipal Building) is a poor loca- Opinion ...... 6 Street to Martin Luther King Jr. grow the venue, the town, also short tion for the functions they wanted to Classifieds ...... 7 Boulevard hangs in doubt. on space, wants the building back. be carrying out in a homeless shelter, SEE SHELTER PAGE 3 Almanac ...... 8 The Inter-Faith Council (IFC), Chapel Hill Town Council mem- especially rehabilitation.” 2 thursday, December 24, 2009 The Carrboro Citizen

music calendar

Not every show begins with the performer handing out lyric sheets so the audience can sing along. Then again, Jim Watson’s annual Christmas show is no ordinary musical event. Watson, violet vector and who has been bringing people together for an old-fashioned the lovely lovelies holiday singalong for decades, was at it again Tuesday night at Local 506 The Cave. There, Watson and a packed house of enthusiastic Thursday, December 31 co-carolers — including his nephew and three nieces, pictured above — once again ushered in the home stretch of the holiday season in grand style. All photos by Stan Lewis saturday dec 26 wednesday dec 30 Cats Cradle: Dub Addis, Crucial Local 506: Mecanikill, Headstone Fiya, Arif. 9:30pm. $8/10 Hollow. 9pm. Free The Cave: EARLY: Jodie Manross. Nightlight: Chuck Johnson, Ner- $5 LATE: Regina Hexaphone, Diane vous Creep, Soup Kletter and Friends d RETAIL “People are just happy with thursday dec 31 us this year, and we’re happy General Store Cafe: Marie Van- from page 1 Blue Bayou: Michael Burks. Holiday with them,” she said. “We just derbeck Quartet. 8-10pm 9:30pm want people to know how much Open Eye Cafe: Shacktown. 8pm Cats Cradle: The Billy Price Band. “Christmas kind of snuck up a difference it makes to shop sunday dec 27 9:30pm. $20/25 on people this year, and I think local.” The Cave: The Brand New Life. Closings people are a lot more careful One shop benefitting from Local 506: Whiskey Kills The But- terflies. 9:30pm. Free $5 Most municipal offices will be closed Fri- with their money,” she said. the recent burst of winter LeFleur said she saw a lot of weather is the Great Outdoor Local 506: The Love Language, day, Jan. 1. monday dec 28 browsers, many of whom didn’t Provision Company at Eastgate, Violet Vector and The Lovely Love- There will be no residential service or yard Local 506: West Trinity. 9:30pm. turn into buyers. Roulette had where warm socks and gloves lies, Dirty Little Heaters. 9:30pm. $8 waste collection. Free increased hours and was open have seen rising demand. “It’s Orange Regional Landfill will close at 2 tuesday dec 29 saturday jan 2 more days than usual to facilitate going great here, considering The Cave: EARLY: Bad Dog Blues p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, and will be closed Nightlight: Franz Fjodor, Wouter as much holiday shopping time hard economic times, as we Band. $5 LATE: The T.U.R.D.S., Lud Friday, Jan. 1. Jaspers, Jubel Jenkins. 9:30pm as possible. keep hearing,” store manager General Store Cafe: The New There will be no curbside recycling. Friday At Kitchenworks in Uni- Ann Stuntz said. This year’s hot Band. 8-10:30. $5 routes will be collected Saturday, Jan. 2. versity Mall, manager Martha selling item, she said, is Vibram Orange County Solid Waste Convenience Jenkins said she’s been pleased FiveFingers, a shoe that fits like Centers will be closed Dec. 30- Jan. 1. with the season, especially given a glove. There will be no Chapel Hill Transit ser- the times. Stuntz said it’s probably been vice Jan. 1. “We’re rocking and rolling,” the second-best year in terms of The Office and Maintenance Division will she said. “This year people have holiday sales in the five years the Imagination and experience be closed. For emergency maintenance ser- been really good. They are not store has been open, though you combined for your benefit! vices, call 968-2855. holding back like you would couldn’t tell it from foot traffic Experienced, easy-going freelance designer of logos, The Chapel Hill Public Library will be think in the recession. I think alone. ads, brochures, flyers, newsletters, and publications. closed. people feel better about spending “The amount of traffic has In downtown Chapel Hill, on-street park- money.” been reduced … so it hasn’t felt Cyndi Harris, Designer ing meters, town parking lots and the Wal- Jenkins also expressed the quite as harried. But people are [email protected] lace deck will be free on New Year’s Day. importance of buying local. spending money.”

tu 2/9/2010 jonathan richman**($10/$12) th 2/11/2010**($25) brandi carlile w/amy ray's rock show fr 2/12/2010**($15) john brown’s body after Sa 12/26 fr 1/15/2010**($10) Mo 2/15/2010**($15) winter reggae jam the old tortoise dub addis ceremony w/disappears christmas & crucial w/dex wE 2/24/2010 fiya**($8/$10) romweber duo clientele Su 12/27 l in Sa 1/16/2010 w/vetiver**($13/$15) sale japanese who's bad?** th 2/25/2010 state dance party**($12) Su 1/17/2010**($15) radio**($15) irresistible deals on th 12/31**($20/$25) dirty dozen Su 2/28/2010 north new<($56 years eve brass band seasonal & holiday items 1(: show (9( mississippi fr 1/22/2010 the all-stars**($16/$18) last waltz Sale Starts Saturday, December 26 Sa 3/6/2010 rogue 3OUTH%STES$RIVEs#HAPEL(ILLs ensemble**($10/$12) wave**($14/$16) (OURS-ON 4HURS s&RI s3AT s3UN fr 1/29/2010 #LOSED#HRISTMAS$AY.EW9EARS$AY th 3/25/2010 cosmic charlie Available in our Chapel Hill Store only. Not available by phone or online. Not valid on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other promotional offers. While supplies last. the xx**($14/$16) (grateful dead fr 4/2/2010 th 12/31 **($20/$25) covers)**($6/$8) the big pink billy price Sa 1/30/2010 priceband band urban w/a place to bury strangers**($13/$15) MILL Sa 1/9/2010**($10/$12) sophisticates, abbey road live! the beast, Su 4/4/2010 yeasayer**($14/$16) Su 1/10/2010 rjd2 inflowential, w/the kaze**($10/$12) th 4/22/2010 constellations tu 2/2 and wE 2/3/2010** needtobreathe and happy citizen cope w/will hoge**($15/$18) chichester**($15/$17) two shows! on sale january 8 Issue Date: DEC 31 catscradle.com H 919.967.9053 H 300 E. Main StrEEt Advertising Deadline: DEC 28 **asterisks denote advance tickets @ schoolkids records in raleigh, cd alley in chapel hill Contact: Marty Cassady 942.2100 order tix online at etix.com H we serve carolina brewery beer on tap!H we are a non-smoking club [email protected] The Carrboro Citizen News THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 3 Shelter of paychecks that don’t come in, News Briefs from page 1 suddenly things start to snowball. 10 10 You can’t make the mortgage, you Two die in train collision for can’t make the car payments, you An Amtrak train heading from Charlotte to New York collided IFC associate director John Ten Local Challenges lose the car, and then suddenly you with a car Tuesday morning at a railroad crossing in Efland, kill- Dorward said the location was can’t go to work anymore.” ing two people. excellent, noting the proximity of for 2010 Dorward distinguished be- Erin Brett Lindsay-Calkins was driving the car, and she and her bus lines and the Southern Hu- tween two kinds of homelessness: 5-year-old son, Nicholas Lindsay, who was thrown from the back man Services Center nearby. The town has yet to indicate a there was no direct correlation chronic homelessness and tempo- seat, were killed. “It isn’t very close to neighbor- position on the issue. According between the two. rary homelessness. Chronically Four-month-old Avan Brooke Lindsay, found in the back seat hoods, as far as Chapel Hill is to Harrison, a timetable for mov- “Those who are homeless and homeless people find them- of the car by an Efland resident who heard the crash, was taken to concerned,” he said in response ing seems unrealistic due to cur- those who panhandle are not al- selves without a home on and UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. She was treated for a contusion on to claims that the shelter was too rent objections. ways the same people,” he said. “I off throughout their lives, while her forehead and on Wednesday was listed in fair condition. close to residential areas. “There Chapel Hill-Carrboro Cham- think there is a default assump- temporarily homeless people are None of the 215 passengers on the train were hurt. are a lot of the perceptions that ber of Commerce vice president tion that if you’re panhandling, typically people who are facing the men are dangerous and going Adam Klein said the move could then you’re homeless; but that’s difficult circumstances. Blood drive record to bring crime and drugs Dorward said that, es- into the neighborhood. We pecially for the latter type UNC faculty, staff, retirees, students and local residents set a “A lot of people are about two paychecks away from new record for the winter edition of the Carolina Blood Drive on think that this is not true. of homeless, organizations Tuesday, Dec. 15, with 405 productive units of blood collected. Our program has existed for being homeless. If you’ve got a couple of paychecks that such as IFC make a crucial UNC sponsored the drive in Fetzer Gym with the American quite a while, and we believe difference. Red Cross, with a goal of 400 units. The next large Carolina Blood that we can do this safely in don’t come in, suddenly things start to snowball.” “Things happen to folks Drive will be on June 8 in the Dean E. Smith Center. the new site.” from time to time, and they Dorward noted that the find themselves suddenly on UNC faculty named fellows current downtown location was have a positive effect on the often not the case. Our down- a path where they’re homeless,” he Three UNC faculty members have been named fellows of the actually closer to residential areas downtown’s economic climate. town business members and their said. “They get themselves togeth- American Association for the Advancement of Science. The as- than the proposed site. “I think it would be a posi- customers are most affected by er with the help of a place like an sociation elects fellows to recognize their scientifically or socially “We seem to get along fairly tive impact on downtown and, aggressive panhandlers who are IFC, and then they go right back distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications. The well with most of our neighbors,” equally important, a positive for insistent in asking for money and into society.” three new fellows are pharmacologist Klaus Hahn and biologists he said of residents living near the the homeless members of our sometimes even harass people.” Dorward hopes for a new downtown shelter. community,” he said. men’s shelter and a relocated com- Joseph Kieber and Mark A. Peifer. ‘A crucial difference’ Hahn, the Ronald Thurman Distinguished Professor of Dorward emphasized that the Reports of homelessness ad- munity kitchen within five years. Pharmacology in the School of Medicine, a professor of medici- IFC was working to address the versely affecting downtown busi- In uncertain economic However, he acknowledges that nal chemistry and natural products in the Eshelman School of concerns of those living near the ness have dogged the Rosemary times, Dorward said, home- homelessness is an issue that will Pharmacy and a member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Homestead Road location. Street shelter. lessness can be more imminent not be solved anytime soon. Center, was recognized for his contributions in cell biology. Dorward said that it would be Klein emphasized that nega- than many realize. “It would be great if we worked Kieber, a professor of biology in the College of Arts and Scienc- 18 to 24 months before the town tive economic consequences “A lot of people are about two ourselves out of a job, but I don’t es, was recognized for his contributions to plant hormone biology. council would make a final deci- stemmed more from panhandling paychecks away from being home- see that necessarily happening,” Peifer, the Hooker Distinguished Professor of Biology in the sion about relocating the shelter. than from homelessness, and that less,” he said. “If you’ve got a couple he said. College of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Lineberger Center, was recognized for his contributions to the understanding of interactions between cells and of cell signaling. The three are among 531 scientists who received the honor this Police to receive mental health training year. New fellows will be honored in February at the association’s Crisis intervention team The Mental Health Asso- Five Carrboro officers will Chapel Hill psychologist, will 2010 annual meeting in San Diego. training will be offered in Jan- ciation in Orange County con- take the course, which will be conduct another on trauma. uary to 27 local law-enforce- tracted with Durham Technical held at Durham Tech’s Hills- Other areas covered include Cornucopia House names board ment officers. The purpose of Community College to provide borough campus. legal issues and mental health The Cornucopia House Cancer the training is to better prepare the 40-hour course. Officer Charlie Pardo of law; special concerns with ge- Support Center board of direc- officers for encounters with “We’re pleased to have the the Chapel Hill department riatrics, children, and adoles- tors elected new officers for 2010. people with mental illness and opportunity to learn more about will serve as the primary cents; community resources; John Grubenhoff was elected to increase the chances that helping people with special trainer; Jody Flick of the cultural competency; and sub- chair; Moyer Smith as vice chair; those with serious mental ill- needs and de-escalating people UNC School of Social Work stance abuse and co-occurring Charlotte Leidy, board secretary; ness will receive treatment in crisis,” said Carrboro Police will teach a class on suicide disorders. and Pegi Brady, treasurer. rather than incarceration. Chief Carolyn Hutchison. prevention; and Peter Smith, a —Staff Reports Cornucopia House provides nonclinical cancer support services at no charge to anyone affected by any type of cancer, including patients, survivors, their families, Fire marshall reminds you to be careful friends and caregivers. For infor- By Charlie Tyson “Anytime we’re talking about have proven to be a big potential To avoid these issues, Maddry mation about group and peer sup- Staff Writer Christmas season and Christmas hazard around the holidays. recommended buying fireworks port, services and expert resources, trees, people need to be par- “This time of year, it seems in state. call 401-9333 or visit cornucopiahouse.org. While the film Home Alone ticularly careful,” Maddry said. like a lot of people are frying tur- “Firework providers in state has cemented the idea of Christ- “Make sure to buy a fresh tree to keys. Those turkey fryers need to are inspected, and those products Strowd Roses Foundation awards grants mas crime into popular culture, begin with, and cut off a couple be used outside only,” he said. are safe,” he said. The Strowd Roses Foundation is now accepting applications for Carrboro’s holiday season offers inches from the bottom and soak As for fireworks, a popu- To protect homes from break- grants to be distributed in the first quarter of 2010. The deadline less break-ins and slightly less it in water. Keep it watered until lar New Year’s Eve tradition, ins over the holidays, residents for submitting requests is Jan. 31. Guidelines and application slapstick, with the town’s fire- it’s out of the house.” Maddry warned that unapproved should take a number of precau- forms are available at strowdroses.org. rescue department reporting a Holiday lights present a dif- devices could bring explosive tions, especially if they are traveling. The foundation awarded grants to 14 local organizations for quiet season so far. ferent set of obstacles. Maddry consequences for the unsuspect- Residents who are leaving their the last quarter of 2009, bringing more than $470,000 the total However, along with colorful- emphasized the importance of ing consumer. homes over the holidays should distributed for the year. Recipients of the latest grants were the ly wrapped gifts and time spent using products that comply with “North Carolina has fairly ask a trusted neighbor to look in choral group Cantari, Carolina Campus Community Garden, catching up with friends and safety standards set by Under- strict consumer firework regula- on their houses and bring in any Chapel Hill Garden Club, Child Care Service Association, Christ- family, the holidays also bring writers Laboratories (UL) and tions,” he said. packages or mail. In addition, mas House, Franklin Street Arts Collective, Hill Center, Orange unique safety concerns in the similar product-safety certifica- As a result of these laws, residents should put their lights County Department of Human Rights & Relations (for its com- form of Christmas trees, holiday tion organizations. fireworks purchased from out- on a timer so it appears someone munity dinner), Orange County Cooperative Extension, Saluda- lights and kitchen appliances. To avoid problems with heat- of-state venues should be exam- is home. mos, Schoolhouse of Wonder, UNC Department of Psychiatry, Carrboro Fire Marshal Rob ers and kitchen appliances, ined to ensure they don’t violate For more information or holi- Voices Together and Volunteers for Youth. Maddry recommended that resi- Maddry urged residents to follow North Carolina statutes. Illegal day fire-safety tips, visit the Car- dents take precautions to address manufacturer’s instructions “to fireworks can be confiscated or rboro Fire-Rescue Department these holiday-specific issues. the letter.” Turkey fryers, he said, result in a fine or citation. website, carrborofire.org

how to reach us The Carrboro Citizen 942-2100 P.O. Box 248 942-2195 (FAX) 309 Weaver St., Suite 300 Carrboro, NC 27510 v Investments EDITORIAL [email protected] v Retirement Planning Services ADVERTISING [email protected] 942-2100 ext. 2 v Education Savings Classified & Real Estate Dan Ryon v Financial Assessments Financial Advisor carrborocitizen.com/classifieds 919-942-2100, 8:30-3 M-F v Free Portfolio Reviews Classifieds deadline is midnight Tuesday. 205 West Main Street, Suite 101 SuBSCRIPTIONS Carrboro, NC 27510 Member SIPC The Carrboro Citizen is free to pick up at our many locations Bus. 919-933-3191 throughout Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Pittsboro and Hillsborough. Subscriptions are also available via first class mail and are $78 per year. Send a check to The Citizen, Post Office Box 248, Carrboro, N.C. 27510. Visa/Mastercard are also accepted. Please contact For more information or to order tickets call Anne Billings at 919-942-2100 for credit card orders. 929-2787 x201 or go to artscenterlive.org ArtSchool registration now open! ONLINE carrborocitizen.com/main Updated every Thursday. Upcoming Concerts: Cliff’s Meat Market Peck and 7th Annual American Roots Series Artisans tickets now on sale. Featuring: sizzlin’ savings 933 8485 Big Mama E & The Cool and Will McFarlane Band All nAturAl CertiFieD OrGAniC Fresh MADe DAily Country featuring Armand Lenchek • SAT 1/9 Ground Chuck Chicken Robin & Linda Williams • SUN 1/10 $2.99/lb Sausage $2.29/lb $1.99/lb Catie Curtis with Lindsay Mac • SAT 1/16 Cut to Order Lucy Kaplansky • FRI 1/22 Cut to Order Justin Townes Earle & Dawn Landes • ribeye happy Whole Fresh SAT 1/30 Chickens Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm • FRI 2/5 $6.99/lb holidays! $1.29/lb Karla Bonoff • SAT 2/13 We have by the pint Chorizo John Mayall • WED 2/17 support Boar’s head Fresh Oysters Sausage Deli Meats display a ArtsSchool Winter/Spring Catalogue now available! $9.99/bottle $ 99 and Cheeses! 2. /lb “Transition Leaf” After School Arts Immersion. Spaces still available. locaL Give an ArtsCenter Gift Certificate. Good for any program in any amount. Prices good thru 12/31/09 corona extra, negra modelo, pacifico, budweiser! in your home or business. Request a 100 West Main st., Carrboro Debit leaf / make a donation BIZ 919-942-2196 ( Mon-sat 9am-6pm & EBT www.transitioncch.org TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 4 THURSDAY, December 24, 2009 Community The Carrboro Citizen Community Briefs Community Calendar Monday, DEC 28 University Mall location. The event is body gradually. Classes will be held Leche repersenative will be there to Community heroes recognized free and open to the public. on Fridays from 10am-11:30am. provide information and answer ques- Twelve community members were recognized Friday at the Chatham County Christmas Tree Disposal — Chatham County Ongoing Carolina Pointe II, 6013 Farrington tions, 201 Weaver St. Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce’s Salute to Com- residents can dispose of non-arti- Road, Suite 101 in Chapel Hill. For Cancer Support — Support Tutoring — Hillsborough Police munity Heroes and Year-End Awards Gala. ficialC hristmas trees at the Waste more information, 966-3494. groups for cancer patients and their Department and UNC Habitat for James F. Ellis is the UNC Public Safety officer of the year; Management Office west of Pittsboro families. cornucopiahouse.org Family to Family — A series of Humanifty offer tutoring sessions for Greg Sherman is the Town of Carrboro firefighter of the year; from 7am-3:30pm on Dec. 28-31, Jan. 12 weekly classes structured to help students in Orange County School’s Patrick Spencer is the Town of Chapel Hill firefighter of the 4-8, and Jan. 11-15. The trees are not Compassionate Friends — Free family members understand and sup- self-help support for all adults grieving K-5 classes at the Community Policing year; E. Paul Reinas is the Carrboro police officer of the year; accepted at the collection centers, port a family member suffering with Station, 501 Rainey Ave. Tutors are Jean-Luc S.C. Kirk is the Chapel Hill police officer of the only at the main waste management the loss of a child or sibling. Third mental illness. The class is free and Mondays, 7-8:30pm, Evergreen students from UNC. Call 732-2441, year; M.A. LaLumiere is the Orange County deputy sheriff of facility located at 720 County Landfill sponsored by NAMIOrange. Contact ext. 26 to register. Road (six miles west of Pittsboro off United Methodist Church. 967-3221, Gove Elder at 967-5403 or gbelder@ the year; Rodney Michael Cates is the Orange County EMS chapelhilltcf.org employee of the year; Barbara Jessie-Black, executive director US 64). Please remove all decora- bellsouth.net. Kids tions, pots, etc. before disposal. Toddler Time — Carrboro Branch of the PTA Thrift Shop, received the Jim Gibson Volunteer Introduction to Buddhism — Garden Tour — Free tour of Classes offered Wednesday nights, Library. Thursdays, 4pm. 969-3006 of the Year Award; Laurie Paolicelli, executive director of Wednesday, Dec 30 the N.C. Botanical Garden display 7:30-9pm in November at Piedmont gardens. Saturdays, 10am, in front of Preschool Story Time — the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, and Rick Computer Class — Starting KTC Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Steinbacher, associate athletic director for UNC-Chapel Dec. 31, the Carrboro Cybrary will the Totten Center at the Garden. Saturdays, 10:30am, Carrboro Branch Center at 109 Jones Creek Place, 962-0522, ncbg.unc.edu Library. 969-3006 Hill, received the Town and Gown Award; Jonathan Howes, offer free computer classes every Carrboro. All are welcome. The class special assistant to the chancellor and adjunct professor of city Wednesday at 7pm, 100 N. Greens- is informal and designed for discus- Jazz at the Mall — University Mall Express Yourself! — Art program and regional planning at UNC, received the Irene Briggaman boro St. Registration is required, sion. A brief sitting meditation will be presents free jazz concerts every for ages 3-8 and their caregivers. Lifetime Achievement Award; and former Chapel Hill Mayor more information at 918-7387. included. Suggested donation for each Sunday, 2-4pm Saturdays, 10:45-11:15am, 11:30am- noon, Kidzu Children’s Museum, 105 Kevin Foy received the Citizen of the Year Award. class: $5. 968-9426, piedmontktc.org. Job Search Meeting — A net- Thursday, DEC 31 E. Franklin St. $2. 933-1455, kidzuchil- Yoga for Everyone — UNC Com- working and support group for job Volunteer baseball coaches sought Kelsey’s New Year’s Bash — New drensmuseum.org Year’s Eve Bash with jazz band Equinox prehensive Cancer Support Program hunters. Wednesdays, 9:30-11am, The Carrboro Recreation and Parks Department is currently presents Yoga for Everyone. Each class Binkley Baptist Church, 1712 Willow Volunteers accepting volunteer coaches’ applications for the 2009 Youth at Kelsey’s @ Occoneechee Steak- house, 9pm-2am. 378 S. Churton St., will include a full yoga practice as well Drive. 942-4964 RSVP 55+ Volunteer Program Baseball Program. Coaches must exhibit the ability to organize as exploration of physical movement, Hillsborough. $25 admission. Free hors Open-Mic Poetry — Tuesdays — Seeks volunteers at least 55 years meditation, breathing techniques, and practices and communicate effectively with players (ages 6-14 d’oeuvres, party favors, and midnight except first Tuesday, 7-9pm, Looking of age and older who would like relaxation. All levels are welcome. years old), parents and recreation department staff. They must also champagne toast. Full menu until 10pm. Glass Cafe & Boutique, 601 W. Main assistance in finding an opportunity Classes will be held on Mondays from exhibit the ability to teach proper playing skills and fundamen- For more information 732-6939. St. 636-5809 that matches their interests. 968-2056, 11am-12:30pm. Carolina Pointe II, tals and sportsmanship, and provide an enjoyable atmosphere at sunday, Jan 3 co.orange.nc.us/aging/RSVPindex.asp practices and games. To receive a volunteer coaches’ application 6013 Farrington Road, Suite 101 in Walking Tour — The Preservation ArtsCenter Sampler — Meet Chapel Hill. 966-3494. Society of Chapel Hill offers “Walk Meals on Wheels — Seeks vol- or additional information, contact the recreation department at unteers to deliver meals and/or bake instructors from various arts – from DivorceCare — Support group This Way,” walking tours of Franklin 918-7364. painting and drawing to dancing and Street every Sunday at 2 pm. $5. 942- simple desserts for recipients in the for those separated or divorced. community. 942-2948 Triangle Transit holiday hours sewing – at the Carrboro ArtsCenter Mondays, 7pm, Orange United 7818 or chpreservation@mindspring. Triangle Transit bus, shuttle and express routes will University Mall satellite space across Methodist Church. 942-2825, con- com for more information. Reserva- Orange County Literacy — from Deep Dish Theater. Participate tions recommended for groups of five not operate on Dec. 24 and 25. nect2orange.org Seeks volunteers to help with adult lit- in mini-classes and see what The or more people. eracy, basic math and English language Service will resume on Saturday, Dec. 26. ArtsCenter has to offer. Sign up for Meditative Yoga — UNC Breastfeeding Café — An infor- tutoring, creative writing workshops Triangle Transit also will not operate on Jan. 1. Ser- classes at the sampler event and Comprehensive Cancer Support mal drop-in gathering of breastfeeding at local homeless shelters and family vice will resume on Jan. 2. receive 10 percent off your total class Program presents Meditative Yoga: moms will be held every Monday literacy workshops. New tutor train- Riders with questions can contact the GoTriangle Re- registration. This offer is good only on A calming, stress-relieving yoga class to stretch and strengthen the from 1-2pm at the Red Hen. A La ing workshops every month. Carr Mill gional Transit Information Center at 485-7433 or visit the the day of the event and only at the Mall, second floor, 636-4457 website at triangletransit.org and click on “Rider Alerts” on the homepage. RECENTLY she read from was A Tree Grows up in the house their mother re- later moved down the hill, where in Brooklyn Chapel Hill High at the top of the from page 1 , which would be the searched and named the Widow both Boyd and Wilkins later Wachovia Cup standings first of several bestsellers Smith Puckett House at 501 E. Frank- worked. Wilkins is also the one The Wachovia Cup award, sponsored by Wachovia and the would pen in Chapel Hill. lin St. who performed on Broadway. She N.C High School Athletic Association, recognizes the high “People tell me, ‘You walk Lunch continues to keep the “When we moved to Chapel was named after her aunt, John- schools that achieve the best overall interscholastic athletic so fast,’ and I say, ‘I didn’t have First-Graders close, as they share Hill [in 1927], the house was a sie Burnham, who was one of the performance within each of the state’s four competitive clas- a school cafeteria,’” Altemueller that meal regularly at Breadmen’s. piece of property belonging to the first female violinists with the sifications. said, laughing. She now lives at But we met at the Carol Woods university, used for faculty mem- Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in Chapel Hill’s sweep of the 3-A cross country crowns and The Cedars, where she enjoys a apartment of Margaret Pickard bers,” said Wilkins, whose father New York City. Burnham moved second-place finish in men’s soccer were the top performances fine dining room. Sirvis, who moved back to Cha- was recruited from Cornell when to Chapel Hill in 1930 after her for Tiger teams, which tallied playoff points in five sports for a Though they grew up in a pel Hill in 2006. Like most of she was six. “I can remember young husband died, where she 247.5 total to finish in first place, just five points ahead of Ra- village, one of them would later her classmates, she married and Mother walking into the house took her talented namesake un- leigh Cardinal Gibbons. Gibbons won the 3-A volleyball state perform on Broadway and all of left town, soon after graduating while we sat in the car. Mother der her wing, helping launch title and was second to Chapel Hill in both men’s and women’s them grew up knowing class- from UNC in 1944, ahead of the came out with tears just stream- Wilkins into a singing career. cross country. mate Anne Carmichael Jeff- population explosion brought by ing down her face. She and Dad- The women grew up here, some ArtsCenter sampler event reys, who arrived in town at an the end of the war, when veter- dy had just gotten through doing graduated from UNC and, ex- early age with her mother – who ans arrived for their free educa- a complete makeover of a lovely cept for Altemueller, left here. The ArtsCenter will hold its Sample Event on Sunday, Jan. raised her alone to become a tion. Sirvis grew up at 211 Vance Victorian house in Ithaca. She But they have returned to their 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. at University Mall. The event is intended famous actress (with a star on St. She’s the granddaughter of said everything was falling apart, roots. The village has grown into to help people find art classes they’ll enjoy by meeting the in- the Hollywood Walk of Fame) George Pickard, who ran the liv- it needed a complete restoration.” a town they wish was small again. structors and participating in a few mini classes. The event is – and Nancy Smith, daughter ery stable and later became head Not only did she restore the But for them, the memories and free and open to the public, and those who sign up for classes of author Betty Smith. groundskeeper at the university, a house, built in the 1810s, but, be- good living continue in their at the sample event you can receive 10 percent off total class “We would go to Nancy’s job his only son (with seven sis- cause so many visitors were inter- hometown. registration. house and Betty would read us ters), George Jr., inherited. ested in the antiques with which chapters from her book as she Sisters Frances Bason Boyd she decorated it, she started Contact Valarie Schwartz at 923- wrote it,” Welch said. The book and Johnsie Bason Wilkins grew Whitehall Antiques there, which 3746 or [email protected]

super crossworD big cheeses CitizenCryptoquote By Martin Brody pets of the week For example, YAPHCYAPLM is WORDSWORTH. One letter stands for another. In this sample, A is used for the two O’s, Y for the two W’s, etc.. Apostrophes, punctuation, the length and formation of the words are all hints. Paws4Ever — Meet “Slip of the Tongue?” Skittles ! She is a beautiful 13-month-old RO BOOE PZ IOWFVCO PSWP SO Border Collie mix. Skittles took no time to get right VM WB OBOTG ZY SKTWBVPG. into the routine here. She quickly made numerous - XZA IOA. PIOBP YIWBJM, friends, boys and girls, and loves running, dancing and ZB PSO AIOMVEOBP, WP scooting around with them in the play yards. She has W “PWJO LWQJ WTOIVQW” slowly been putting on some weight, as she was QZBYOIOBQO. SO FWPOI thin when she first arrived. She has stunning blue eyes and very pretty markings. MWVE SO TOWBP PZ QWFF She’s got the looks, the moves and the personality Z L W T W W B O B O T G Z Y all wrapped up. She loves being with her people “KBLZIB SKTWBVPG”. friends as much as her Find the answer in the puzzle answer section. doggie friends — we just can’t run as fast. She loves riding in the car and prefers to be shotgun if it is allowed. She loves to watch all the going-ons in the world and to stick her nose out the window and smell all there is to smell. She always seems to have a smile on her face and a twinkle in her amazing blue eyes. Come on in and meet this lady and take her for a stroll. You never know, she just may be your new best friend. Please come by the shelter and take a look, at Paws4Ever, 6311 Nicks Road, Mebane, or call 304-2300. You can also go online at paws4ever.org ORANGE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES — Meet Lilly, Trudy, Sierra and Jasper! These adorable tabby and calitabby littermates are around 2 months old and ready to find new places to call home this holiday season! These babies are a bit shy at first, but warm up quickly to a gentle touch. They may do best in pairs or in homes with another kitty to show them the ropes and help them settle in. Come visits these cuties today at Orange County’s Animal Services Center, 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill or call 942-PETS (7387). You can also see her online at co.orange.nc.us/animalservices/adoption The Carrboro Citizen thursday, december 24, 2009 5 Obituaries Elizabeth Mauer Meadowlands in Hillsborough. Brown and Millie Finch. conditions. The women’s The family wishes to thank Dodson Elizabeth is survived by her Rudy served in the Mer- rights and civil rights move- friends and neighbors for their sister, Carolyn Southerland chant Marine from 1943 ments inspired her to vol- prayers and much-appreci- Elizabeth Mauer Dodson, (Harold) of Chapel Hill; her through 1950, traveling unteer at The Fletcher Place ated support during this time 79, of Hillsborough, N.C. died brothers Kenneth Mauer (Joyce) throughout the world, and United Methodist Church in and to express our undying at home on Thursday, Dec. 17, of West Jefferson, N.C. and then worked for 37 years for Indianapolis, where she was gratitude for the thoughtful 2009. Billy Mauer (Linda) of Mebane, the Automatic Electric Com- later employed. Following and gentle care she received Elizabeth was born Nov. N.C.; her daughters, Pamela pany as a telephone equipment that, for several years, she from the staff at Methodist 24, 1930 in Durham, N.C. to Dodson Andrews and Phyl- installer. Rudy and his family was a social services worker at Hospital. Ernest and Rosa Mauer. She lis Dodson (Marty Cassady), lived in Durham for 21 years, the Southeast Multi-Service Memorial contributions grew up on a dairy farm in the and her son, Ernie Dodson Waynesville for 17 years and Center in Indianapolis. are suggested for the Humane Orange Grove community of (Gwen), all of Hillsborough; then for the last five years in Sally was a former mem- Society of Johnson County, Orange County and lived most three grandsons, Chris Andrews Chapel Hill. ber of Greenwood Tri Kappa 3827 North Graham Road, of her life nearby. She married (April) of Durham, N.C. and sorority and Johnson County Franklin, Ind. 46131. Glenn Dodson in 1948, and Zach and Isaac Dodson of James Wallace King Democratic Women’s Club. they both worked for many Hillsborough; two great-grand- Mr. James Wallace King, She looked forward to a 55th James McCoy Smith years at Erwin Mills. Later she daughters, Mollie and Grace 72, died Tuesday, Dec. 15, wedding anniversary on Mr. James “Randall” Mc- was employed by the UNC Andrews; and three step-great- 2009 at UNC Hospitals. March 11, 2010. She enjoyed Coy Smith Sr., 69, of Hills- School of Dentistry, where she grandchildren. She was prede- Mr. King was born in cooking, flower arranging, borough, N.C. died Saturday, worked until retirement. She ceased by her husband, Glenn, Chatham County, N.C. and Sally Anne (Henry) watching birds and her squir- Dec. 19, 2009 at Duke Medi- was a member of Union Grove and her brothers Herman and attended Orange County Heiney rels, and doting on a long line cal Center. United Methodist Church. Eugene Mauer. Schools. He worked at Cone Sally Anne (Henry) of cat and dog pets. Mr. Smith was a native of Elizabeth loved her fam- Mills and White’s Furni- Heiney passed away peace- She was often recognized Tennessee and was the son ily, friends and neighbors. Her Rudolph Arthur ture Company. His interests fully November 18, 2009 at in local stores as the whistler, of the late Jess Walker Smith home was the center for gather- Stock included baseball, fishing and Methodist Hospital in India- and was loved by those who and Sally Kirkpatrick Smith. ings and many good times. Rudolph Arthur Stock, 87, spending time with his family. napolis while surrounded by knew her for her wit and Randall attended school in She was an avid birdwatcher, died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009 af- Surviving are his wife, family. humor. She will be greatly Mebane, N.C. and was of the and her bluebird houses always ter a period of declining health. Laurel M. King; one daugh- Sally was born to Ralph missed by the many people Baptist faith. He was also a had the most baby birds in the He was born in Davenport, ter, Annette K. Riley, and her F. and Florence Helen (Peek) whose lives she has touched. veteran of the U.S. Navy. He neighborhood. She crocheted Iowa to William and Augusta husband, Marvin, of Hillsbor- Henry on June 23, 1934 in Sally is survived by her worked for Western Electric many warm afghans and made Stock. He is survived by his ough, N.C.; one son, James Greenwood, Ind. She gradu- husband, Richard E. Heiney, and was retired from the sock monkeys for all the kids. wife, Norma Stock; his daugh- Wallace King Jr., of Minn.; ated from Greenwood High and her daughters, Sally Ann Duke Surplus Store. She was a strong and loving ter, Cynthia Waszak Geary, and one sister, Mary Ann Simpson, School and attended Frank- Heiney (Kirk Ross) of Chapel Surviving are his wife, Ma- person and touched many lives son-in-law, Ronald Geary, and and her husband, Carl, of Gra- lin College, where she was a Hill, N.C. and Emily J. rie Whitaker Smith, of Hills- with her experience, knowledge her children, Emily Waszak and ham; one brother, Clyde T. King, member of Pi Beta Phi. She Young (Bradley) of Indianap- borough; a son, Jamie Smith and common sense. She was a Maxwell Waszak; and his son, and his wife, Lidia, of Hills- worked at Eli Lilly Co. and olis; her sister Linda Boeldt Jr., of Hillsborough; two wonderful caregiver and gave Gregory Stock, and daughter- borough; two granddaughters, then with the G.D. Searle (Michael); her sister-in-law, sisters, Marjorie S. Horner of of herself generously, and was in-law, Jennifer Stock. Rudy Brandy R. Underwood, and her pharmaceutical company Charlene Heiney; and many Tennessee and Jean S. Perry thankful for all the caregivers was preceded in death by his husband, J.C., of Mebane, N.C., while residing in Evanston, nieces and nephews. She was of Virginia; a granddaughter, she had, both family and profes- parents; his brothers, William and Taylor King of Minn.; and Ill. for five years. Throughout preceded in death by her Briana Smith, of Hillsbor- sional. She was especially fond Stock, Henry Stock and Paul one great-granddaughter, Riley her life, Sally was passionate parents and her sister Susan ough; and several nieces and of her hospice “family” at the Stock; and his sisters, Delores Underwood, of Mebane. about her politics and social Kirkman. nephews.

Quality, detailed cleaning with your preferences in mind. Trustworthy, reliable, own equipment, great rates. Long-term original clients since 1992 $23 Service above and beyond “the basics” *@GN@

cryptoquote answer: Slip of the Tongue? ep. Trent Franks, on the the on Franks, Trent ep. R P O G - humanity. of enemy an is he that realize to need We bama bama O call to meant he said later e H conference. merica” A ack B “Take a at president, an enemy of “unborn humanity”. “unborn of enemy an 6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 Opinion The Carrboro Citizen for the record letters Letter from the editor Thanks for Two thousand ten, thankfully, is just on local coverage the horizon. It’s a year that for me will mark Thank you for your cov- a quarter-century since I traveled east across erage of the local economy the mountains with nary a nickel to my efforts under way in Carr- name (it was $137 as I recall) to make a new boro (“Making Local Work life in this place I now with great fondness for You,” 12/17/09). Margot call home. Lester’s vision of “concen- If you are new here and staying through tric circles emanating from the holidays, one piece of advice I can offer the Paris of the Piedmont” is to get out and about. Wander the down- brought to mind author Mi- towns, stroll through campus, the museums chael Shuman’s “purchasing and galleries. Then grab a seat and take in ladder.” (Shuman has served the pub life. as an economic development It’s in the lulls, particularly around the consultant to the town and holidays, that the little towns of this corner his book, Small Mart Revolu- of the Piedmont reveal their hearts and souls tion, was used to kick-off dis- and hidden histories. cussions on the town’s Local This is when some of those bright young Living Economy Taskforce.) minds we’ve set loose upon the world find For Shuman, the first op- their way back home, and all over the place tion is to buy less, “a self-reli- little reunions dot the sidewalks and night- ant community ultimately life with the kind of sparks that happen be- must be grounded in more tween people after long separations of time self-reliant individuals, fami- and space. Listen in to those homecomings lies, and institutions.” When as the locals share their memories and catch you shop, he advises, try to up and you’ll learn more about this place buy local, seeking the best than all the guides you’ll ever buy. combination of “a locally Local light owned store, selling locally made goods, and using lo- robert Dickson down that way their kayak was stolen one shower, but in this case it’s oh- off a beach while they were camped so-worth-it. Uncle Mark doesn’t smell cally found inputs.” During our recent Buy Carrboro “It’s in the lulls, I’m not sure when I became ad- near Cedar Key. Probably some redneck THAT bad... Week, locally owned Nested dicted to light. Maybe it was during named Bubba in his pickup truck... This season can be stressful for sure; had a week-long promotion particularly around the three years in the ’60s I spent im- but if you can keep your wits about you, of locally made products. prisoned in an all-boys school in Mas- the traditional gatherings of family and As Lester points out, the holidays, that the sachusetts. Or maybe it was that year I hope everyone was paying atten- friends put that stress in perspective. there’s a whole lot you in the ‘70s that Vicky and I spent in tion to what Margot Lester had to say And one tradition that really lowers my won’t find in that category Chicago. The temperature on the sign about shopping local in last week’s stress is the Hug. little towns of this of strictly local. Shuman near the Sweetheart Cup plant where I Citizen. Margot not only cranks out As a kid, the thought of a big ol’ next recommends buying masqueraded as engineer read 12 below our monthly ode to commercialism, bear hug from a highly perfumed rela- corner of the Piedmont regional. Like local, the more than once that winter. she’s also an observer extraordinaire. tive was just about at the bottom of my regional is “a vague term. My favorite bumper sticker back This Shop Local thing is for real, folks, list. Yuck. reveal their hearts It usually refers to an area then was the one that declared “The and it’s all about the quality of life we I still don’t much care for the smelly defined more by ecology, University of Chicago: proof that Hell treasure. part, but hugs have become way more geography, and culture than and souls and hidden DOES freeze over.” I cringe a bit when I hear about com- than tolerable. Greeting that too-long- by legal and jurisdictional I’m pondering all this on the Win- panies and individuals foregoing holiday absent relative or friend with a good boundaries. The [economic] histories.” ter Solstice, and I’ve just watched the parties in order to save money. Someone’s hug just seems, well, good – and over multiplier from buying countdown to 12:47 p.m. Eastern Stan- not going to get paid when that happens, the holidays they’re in plentiful supply. regionally will be lower than dard Time, or 17:47 Greenwich Mean and then someone else isn’t either. The ef- So why not hug that sister or brother if you had bought locally, Time, if you prefer. That’s the time lo- fect just continues to spread. you still resent for some ridiculous rea- As for the Mrs. and me, for the first time but it will not be irrelevant.” cally that the sun reached the Tropic of While lots of us don’t have as much son? Aw, go on. You can do it.. . . in quite awhile we are heading west across The N.C. Crafts Gallery Capricorn. to spend as we did a few years ago, I the mountains in late December and back combines local ownership Some folks (well, actually a lot) get suspect there are plenty in our govern- to the other place we call home. Normally, with regional/state products, all jacked up about the countdown to ment-insulated community who have On the back page of this newspaper right about now, we are on the coast, a carrying the work of more the new year. That’s a laugher to me. nearly as much. If we’ve got money to you’ll find our holiday greeting to you, ritual we have relished and one blessed and than 500 North Carolinians. Heck, I can’t even stay awake for that spend, I’d say now’s the time. Many our readers. coveted by our landlocked Midwestern When buying from non-event. The passing of the solstice? small businesses are teetering on the Please take a moment to look at the relatives. We prefer our holidays calm and outside the region, Shuman That’s in a class by itself. The days are edge, trying to hold on until things get cast of characters who come together vacations near motionless, and there is advocates buying Fair Trade. now getting longer, feeding my crav- better. They need our help. Just try to every week to bring you this labor of something about the beach in winter, as the The Fair Trade movement ing. It’s the light, man. imagine life without your favorite shop love, aka The Carrboro Citizen. As is year comes to an end, that is soothing. prioritizes environmental This year, though, we’ve had a loss – her or restaurant. Shop local, indeed; but the case at many community news- do it soon. papers, these folks are underpaid and and social standards while mom – and we need to be there. I know helping workers and small- many others are missing someone right Speaking of light, our neighbors overworked, but do their jobs with a Ginger and Giles loaded up the Honda, smile and with fire in their bellies. scale producers move toward about now, too. self-sufficiency. Many Fair When you lose someone who led a big strapped the kayaks on top and headed The in-laws from Maine are in tran- If you get a chance, please tell them for the panhandle of Florida last Friday. sit to Carrboro even as I write this. that you appreciate their efforts and Trade products are available life, someone with strong beliefs and convic- at Weaver Street Market tions, the void is pronounced and profound. You may remember last Friday as the Looks like they’ll spend an extra day their enthusiasm in bringing quality day that we had that delightful weather, in Philadelphia due to the big snow journalism to our community, ’cause including an extensive selec- Big Sal was such a person. She would tell tion from Equal Exchange, you what she thought. She didn’t spend with the perfect troika of snow, ice and they just had up that way. That City of it’s pretty obvious that you do. rain. What a nice day to escape south, Brotherly Love stuff is real, I hope, for And I’ll just say thank you to all of the oldest and largest Fair her life on the sidelines either. When you’re Trade company in the coun- close to someone like that, you forget how even if they were heading into the teeth their sakes. you, for your readership and support. of the front. Warmth lay ahead. Vicky doesn’t often get to spend Have a great holiday and don’t forget to try. Scott Conary of Open extraordinary that is. Eye Cafe is very active in Her independence was legendary. I They’re off for a couple of weeks of a holiday with her family, so I’m very hug someone. camping and kayaking, and that green pleased for her that they’re coming supporting Fair Trade coffee witnessed some of it in the way that, despite Robert Dickson is the publisher of The growers in Central America. excruciating arthritis, she refused to give up glow coming off me isn’t Christmas down. It’s not easy having several oth- lights. Of course, last time they headed ers in our not giant house with only Carrboro Citizen. And that leaves every- trying to walk and stand and get around on thing else. But before you her own. rush off to Durham for And yet, though possessed of such a cheap goods, refer back strong will, she made her way through this to Margot Lester’s article world with a gentleness few can match. Varsity proves films better on big screen “Underwear Uncovered Everyone she encountered, especially the Beth Mechum ity of the transaction compared to high on those kernels sure beats a night in. in Carrboro” (Citizen, people working in the restaurants and stores 12/19/2008). There’s more she frequented, was important. At the fu- school students emboldened with power When I first walked into the new A couple of months after walk- – apparently, due to their headsets – at Varsity, the first thing I said was, “Wow, available in Carrboro than neral home in the little town where she lived you might suspect. And, the pretty much her whole life, her visitation ing down Franklin Street and noticing the major movie chains. this looks like an old-time theater.” OK; activity in the abandoned Varsity The- Of course, the primary change in the so I’m 22 and have never been to an old- big box chains might not was populated not just by the many family be such a bargain after all. and close friends she had but by waitresses atre, I finally got a taste of the new Var- ticketing process is the $3 fee for a re- time theater. So let me just say that it’s sity, catching movies on two consecutive cently released movie or a classic released what I think an old-time theater should As well as Shuman’s book, and shop clerks who saw her obituary in the check out Stacy Mitchell’s paper and needed to come by to say so long Mondays. decades ago. This brings two benefits. look like. It’s homey, and the simple ma- Many people waxed poetic about I saw The Invention of Lying my first roon-and-yellow color scheme is a heck of Big Box Swindle and Greg to the lady they’d talked to all these years. Spotts’ Wal-Mart: The High Some didn’t even know her last name. They the demise of the old theater, complain- trip to the new Varsity. This was a movie an improvement over that headache-in- ing about the loss of an icon. Though I I thought looked good when I caught a ducing confetti floor at Southpoint. Cost of Low Price (or Robert just knew she cared. Greenwald’s film version). Most people have friends, a family mem- felt similarly, my first thought was, “If preview, but maybe not $10 good. Drop Poinsettias lined the concession coun- ber or two or at least some old dog that will this place was in fact so iconic, perhaps $7 from the average price of big-name ter making, the lobby even more red- Dan Coleman miss ’em a bunch. It takes a special person to people should have done tinted, and movie posters Carrboro make complete strangers feel that way. more to keep it around.” lined the wall. I’m glad And the only way that massive Eternal Sun- to do that was to buy “I’m glad that massive Eternal Sunshine shine of the Spotless Mind tickets. movie poster of the old A combined 10 of the Spotless Mind movie poster of the Varsity is gone. Jim Carrey letters people were at the two that huge always gave me policy editorial showings I saw, both old Varsity is gone. Jim Carrey that huge the hebejebes. I do miss the comfy Robert Dickson, Publisher around 7 p.m., not very Letters should be no encouraging – but all in plush couch upstairs that I always gave me the hebejebes.” more than 425 words in Kirk Ross, Editor attendance seemed to always felt lucky to grab if Taylor Sisk, Contributing Editor length and must be ac- be enjoying themselves. I arrived early to a movie. companied by the author’s Liz Holm, Art Director After one show, as I was For now, it’s just empty name, address and contact Beth Mechum, Staff Writer leaving the theater, I overheard folks say- movie theaters, and I’ll watch the ram- space, and I assume it’s where private par- information. Margot Lester, Lucy Butcher, ing they’d be back, and how it was nice blings of Ricky Gervais with a smile on ties will take place. We will publish one letter Rich Fowler, Mike Li, Contributors to have the Varsity again. my face. Snack prices are more than reason- per author per month. Charlie Tyson, Intern My movie going-partners had similar As for classic movies, I’ve never be- able. But some simple amenities like nap- Lengthy letters written in Ava Barlow, Photographer thoughts. One appreciated the old school fore had a chance to see them in theaters. kin holders are missing. longhand will mysteriously movie on a new school screen, and the Now I can pay about the same as I would Watching the movie itself was pleas- become lost. Emailed letters advertising other loving the central location. to rent a classic movie and see it on the ant enough, and there really is something are preferred. That said, Marty Cassady, Ad Director Does this mean these people won’t fall big screen. cool about watching a black-and-white send your letters to: [email protected] into the same habits of talking and not I think I can safely say that general film knowing that years ago these were Letters to the editor operations doing? Only time will tell. But I think consensus is that movies are better on the the big stars of the day. Box 248 Carrboro, new owners Paul and Susan Shareshian big screen. But not worrying about park- I’ve already proven to be a repeat cus- North Carolina 27510 Anne Billings, Office Coordinator [email protected] are going about things the right way. ing sure is nice too. The pros and cons tomer, and I can only hope that the same Email: Buying the ticket was about the same are neck and neck, until you factor an people who bemoaned the loss of the old editor@carrborocitizen. Distribution as before when I used to go as an un- overwhelming pro in the Varsity’s favor: Varsity will do the same. com that buttery, just-enough-salt popcorn. Chuck Morton, Julian Davis dergrad. I still felt a little sorry for that Fax: 919-942-2195 person who seems trapped in the plastic No popped bag comes close. Watching Beth Mechum is a movie fan and a Published Thursdays by Carrboro Citizen, LLC. booth, and I still appreciated the simplic- A Miracle on 34th Street while munching reporter for The Carrboro Citizen The Carrboro Citizen thursday, December 24, 2009 7 REAL ESTATE & CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIED RATES $5.00/issue for up to 15 words. Words over 15: $0.35/word/issue. Place your classified ad online until MIDNIGHT Tuesday before publication! Sat: 7am-Noon • Wed: 3:30-6:30pm Thurs/So. Village: 3:30-6:30pm Mobile Home Trucks and Vans For Rent What’s at Market? WHY PAY MORE? Quiet park, Check out what’s at the Carrboro 2BR/2BA. Minutes from town/campus. Call 929-2864. Year-Round Farmers’ Market . . .

Apartments RUTABAGA! . . . creasy greens, totsoi, dill, cilantro, turnips, beets, for Rent carrboro farmhouse MA- beet greens, carrots, cauliflower, celery, sweet potatoes, broccoli, lettuce, chard, radishes, JOR, environmentally conscious mustard greens, turnip greens, shiitake mushrooms, green tomatoes, sorrel, acorn squash, renovation makes this 1922 farm- Two story townhouse TRUCK FOR SALE 1995 Ford muscadine grapes, butternut squash, greenhouse tomatoes, beans, bell peppers, new 209 Cedarwood Lane, Carrboro. house like none other. Enclosed porch. 5 acre lot in Morgan Glen Ranger. 4 cylinder, 5 speed, $1000. potatoes, arugula, onions, wheat flour, garlic, salad mixes (spicy and non), collards, fresh 2BR/1BA. $850 - Available January, Call 919-636-2705. fully furnished or vacant. Wood burn- neighborhood. Carrboro Elem dis- herbs, kale, pecans, dried flowers, meats like goat, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, buffalo, and ing fireplace, private deck, washer & trict. Fascinating history. $537,777. various specialty meats like liverwurst, bologna, hotdogs, etc, cow’s and goat’s milk chees- dryer. 919.699.1167. Weaver Street Realty 929-5658 Help Wanted es, eggs, breads, doughnuts, tortes, pies, cakes, jams, and relishes. ELVES NEEDED for last-minute Homes for Sale holiday work. Temporary, season- Whole Wheat Banana Bread with Variations al. Apply in person at North Pole - ask for “the big guy.” We are an from Kelly Clark, Market Volunteer equal opportunity employer (ex- With the holidays here, your kitchen in full swing and the refrigerator overflowing –I cept for 4’ height limit.) bet you might have some bananas on your counter that you just … didn’t … get … to. Excellent! You have the makings of a great Services banana bread, made more so by the fact Cobblestone Traditional that you can get 100% whole wheat flour at home with 4 bedrooms, eat-in kitch- Wholistic facials Cori Roth, Licensed Esthetician(#E3914) & Arcadia Co-Housing custom en, formal & casual spaces. Wood the Carrboro Farmers’ Market. This bread is Certified Dr. Hauschka Esthetician. home For Sale by original owner. floors, bay window in family room. good when you add 2 or 3 extra ingredients Offering facials featuring lymph 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 1804 Fenced yard, mature landscap- stimulation, aromatherapeutic to the batter. Luckily, some of these variations sf, $399K. See www.arcadiacohous- ing. Steps to Bolin Creek trailhead. compresses, decollete massage ing.org for photos and details. (919) $313,500 Weaver Street Realty 929- have come to you as gifts this holiday season, and treatments designed for spe- 932-5910 5658 nuts … dried fruit … others may be hiding in cific skin conditions. Holiday Spe- cial: 20% off on Gift Certificates. your crisper drawer. Contact: 919-933-4748 or www. divinerose.com Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, well mashed REINDEER TEAM FOR HIRE 2 eggs*, well beaten Towing, plowing, shipping/ trans- portation needs. Available Dec 26. 2 cups 100% whole wheat flour* Would prefer not to work in wooded ¾ cup natural cane sugar areas during deer season. If you Carr Street Q-T Move in ready Fearrington Home Natural 1 teaspoon salt need us, place carrots on roof and 50’s bungalow complete with well yard, sunny garden spaces, work- we’ll find you. 1 teaspoon baking soda water for gardening. Within 2 blocks shop in the garage and birds off the of town center, walk everywhere, deck and sunroom. Light wood floors, one to three of these variations: nuts OR grow your own, enjoy a small foot- newly painted interior, skylights and nuts & a dried fruit OR nuts & a dried fruit print with a full basement for bikes, vaulted ceilings make the home feel and a fresh fruit or vegetable: kayaks, or scooters. Live simply, larger than its square footage. Grand simply move in. 929-5658 light. 929-5658 ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans*, almonds – so what if their salted!) ½ cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apples, prunes, apricots, dates - chop the larger fruit into small pieces) ¾ cup grated carrot* or apple Support Procedure: FREE Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a loaf pan. Mix the bananas and eggs together your in a large bowl. Stir in the flour, sugar, salt and baking soda. A dd your choice of variations WEB and blend. Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for 1 hour. Remove the bread LISTING! from the pan and cool on a rack. local Your classified ad will be Try a piece warm out of the oven. Toast a piece the next morning. Eat a chunk with published on our high-traffic website just as it appears your afternoon tea. *Available at Market advertisers! in our printed version.

Happpy Holidays from Community Realty

Call now for earlybird specials on Veridia, Carrboro’s newest solar community. As of January 2, 2010, all indoor areas Happy Holidays! of NC restaurants and bars are smoke-free. ok, so they’re not always happy, especially when Dad shows Community Realty up with his new wife, Misti (that’s Misty with an “i” giggle) Real Estate with a Real Purpose www.smokefree.nc.gov 205 W. Weaver St. WeaverStreetRealty.com 919-932-1990 G.S. 130A-497 929.5658 CommunityRealtyNC.com in downtown Carrboro for 27 years

support Your local advertisers support Your local newspaper

8 Thursday, December 24, 2009 Almanac The Carrboro Citizen

Photo by Betsy Green Moyer Scarlet-seeded magnolia cones adorn southern magnolia in the fall. FLORA doors adorned with mag- Paul Green shared a from page 1 nolia-leaf arrangements. story about a magnolia Like my aunt, those old leaf. As related to him by This irresistibly fra- colonials used what they Galley Farrington, there Bah! Humbug! 1984 grant, white-flowered had growing aplenty all was a “knockout of a tree of the South, some- about them! woman” traveling through times called Bull Bay, Unlike so much of the the region “to bring joy to Magnolia grandifolia, is other traditional ever- mankind.” Her trick, which common in the maritime green foliage we bring the men were embar- efore the Grinch, there was Scrooge. And if ever a man could play and low-country forests all indoors to cheer us up rassed to describe, was Charles Dickens’ Christmas curmudgeon to the hilt, it was the the way around the coastal and protect us from to take a dollar bill from Southeastern United evil spirits and provide each, fold it in a large mag- late great Earl Wynn, a distinguished professor of radio, televi- States. It has been planted shelter for good elves, nolia leaf for them to keep sion and motion pictures at UNC. A holiday tradition for decades, and cherished in gardens magnolia remains attrac- in a pocket, for at least an Wynn’s dramatic reading of the Christmas-time classic delighted and landscapes for so long tive even in its drying hour, to bring them good localB audiences with an animated performance. In this 1984 photograph, Wynn that you sometimes see condition. luck. Their luck was not so as Scrooge lambastes his good nephew Fred with the classic lines: “If I could seedlings here and there, Native Americans of good when that woman work my will, every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips where birds and perhaps the coastal regions com- was long gone and they should be boiled in his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through squirrels and other critters bined bark of magnolia, each discovered that nary his heart.... Bah! Humbug!” have dropped those bright dogwood and poplar for a one of those folded red-covered seeds. The a tea to treat malaria, si- leaves still held a dollar bill. dried cone-like fruit are nus infections and stom- Southern magnolia often added to wreaths for achaches. And some- brings up all kinds of A thousand words holiday decorations. times, magnolia branches memories, the best of by Jock Lauterer You can’t think Christ- were substituted for red which is bringing some Do you have an important old photo that you value? Send your 300 dpi scan mas in Colonial Williams- bay branches for stirring indoors for this special to [email protected] and include the story behind the picture. Because burg without all those flavor into lard. season. every picture tells a story. And its worth? A thousand words. Happy Holidays from all of us at The Carrboro Citizen! Bubba, Vicky, Kirk, Taylor, Liz, Anne, Beth, Marty, Michelle, Ken, Phil, Steve, Frank, Val, Margot, Lucy, Rich, Mike, Charlie, Ava, Chuck, Julian, Cyndi and Ouija. Hau’oli Lanui! Felices Fiestas! Trevlig Helg! Boas Festas! Mutlu Bayramlar! Sarbatori Fericite! Jie Ri Yu Kuai Bones Festes! Tanoshii kurisumasu wo! Buone Feste! Ii holide eximnandi! Forhe Feiertage! Prettige feestdagen! Joyeuses Fêtes! Beannachtaí na Féile! Vesele Praznike! Selamat Hari Raya! Sretni praznici!