By Justin Smith
Staff Writer

Robert “Bubba” Dickson (left) and Kirk Ross saw a need for a newspaper dedicated to Carrboro.
Commons Photo by Justin Smith

Carrboro will have its own traditional weekly newspaper starting next month.

The first edition of The Carrboro Citizen will roll off the press March 21, and subsequent issues of the free traditional-sized newspaper will be distributed each Wednesday.

Third-generation newspaper publisher Robert “Bubba” Dickson will publish the paper, and long-time local journalist Kirk Ross will serve as the editor.

Both men believed that Carrboro needed its own community newspaper and decided the time was right to launch the publication.
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Nick Sotolongo
Staff Writer

For the past decade, Club Nova in Carrboro has provided individuals living with mental illness the opportunity to better their lives. Not only does the club address the needs of the mentally ill citizens of Orange County, they also manage to carry out their service in a thrifty way.
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By Sara Gregory
Staff Writer

Cassidy Cooper, left, and Ryan Pater listen to critiques on their performances after the final rehearsal for The February 48 on Sunday. “It’s like a lukewarm hell, as
opposed to a burning hell,” Pater said, describing the pressure of learning his lines.
Commons Photos by Sara Gregory

Students lounge in the house seats of the Rhoda and Earl Wynn Theater at Carrboro’s ArtsCenter. The stage lights flicker and the music comes on over the sound system.
Project Director Kaity Neagle jumps up from the edge of the stage.
“Alright, we’re starting,” she says loudly.
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By Kristen Pope
Staff Writer

Nancy Tivnan cuts client Al Durham’s hair Saturday afternoon. The rich history of Friendly Barber Shop decorates the walls, detailing the shop’s service to Carrboro for 46 years.
Commons Photos by Justin Smith

Bob White walked into Friendly Barber Shop, donning a pair of overalls over a green plaid shirt, his mouth purple from the lollipop dangling in his hand, and announced that he was celebrating.

“Celebrating what?” asked Russ Sturdivant, the owner of the barber shop that occupies a small building on Main Street in Carrboro.

“Celebrating being in Chapel Hill,” announced Bob. Then he got his hair cut.
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By Jock Lauterer
Carrboro Commons Advisor

Dear Carrboro…

Like many projects, The Carrboro Commons is the result of collaboration and teamwork. And I would add, The Commons is its own community — a community of scholars.
For the Community Journalism class that produces the content for the Carrboro Commons is only one part of the equation. Where would we be without assistant professor Andy Bechtel’s Advanced Editing class?
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By Jordan Lawrence
Staff Writer

For Tess Mangum Ocaña, concert and facilities director of the ArtsCenter, one day a year is not enough to celebrate Celtic and Irish culture.

Because of this she has expanded the usual St. Patrick’s Day show into the center’s first Celtic concert series.
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Latino Beat Editor Christina Lopez takes a personal look at growing up Hispanic in North Carolina.

by Christina Lopez
Latino Beat Editor

I never looked at my family as interracial. I was brought up like many families, in a warm house with two brothers, a mom and a dad. I went to Catholic elementary school and perceived my life to be what many would deem as normal.
We would take family vacations, and growing up I never thought about the logistics of things. My dad’s family was from Puerto Rico and resided in the heart of New York, while my mom’s family grew up in good old small- town North Carolina.
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By Meghan Cooke
Staff writer

James Stallings, a Korean War veteran with a PhD in economics, has traveled to 24 African countries.
Commons Photo by Meghan Cooke

He was an Army commander during the Korean War. He had breakfast with Milton Friedman, a famous economist. He has traveled to 24 African countries. And now, James L. Stallings is taking it easy in Carrboro.

In the span of his lifetime, Stallings, 76, has traveled across the world and has accomplished much, but he had humble beginnings.
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Carrie Crespo
Staff Writer

There is too much trash in Carrboro and no place to put it. One option to option to lesson the amount of trash, called “Pay-As-You-Throw,” was not met with positive reviews. The Carrboro Board of Alderman and citizens sounded hesitant to this idea.

Fees already are charged for picking up large items, extra yard waste and for commercial items. Property taxes are the only funding for door-to-door pickup.

Through PAYT, residents either would pay by a specific volume using varying sized carts- 30-gallon, 60-gallon or 95-gallon - or pay by the bag using a sticker method.
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