Emily Vasquez

News

Student presence defines dilemma

By Emily Vasquez | November 18

Chapel Hill's discussion about providing for the homeless closely mirrors concerns voiced by advocates and leaders in college towns across the country. The presence of students, it seems, brings unique variables to the equation. While University students often serve as a broad and passionate volunteer base in these communities, their willingness to give also attracts panhandlers, say town leaders and college-town advocates for the homeless. Advocates for the homeless say studies reveal that less than 80 percent of panhandlers are homeless.

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Police prepare for Halloween

By Emily Vasquez | October 19

Chapel Hill's upcoming Halloween bash will fall on a Sunday night this year. And though the thought of Monday morning work or classes might make some revellers cringe, officials say there's no way the celebration would move to Saturday night. Saturday is reserved for the University's 7 p.m. Homecoming football game against Miami. In short, the weekend is a sort of double-header. Officials say the game actually might make the weekend more attractive to visitors and counteract any Sunday slump.

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Director of El Centro Latino leaves post

By Emily Vasquez | October 12

After two years dedicated to serving the area's Hispanic community at the nonprofit El Centro Latino in Carrboro, Executive Director Hector Perez will leave his position Friday. "I'll miss the children, the women, the individuals here," Perez said. "All those things - the ability to prevent fear in people's hearts, to give people the opportunity to succeed."

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Casino Night Shows Off University Mall's New Makeover

By Emily Vasquez | January 14

Driving by Chapel Hill's University Mall on Estes Drive, the large-scale construction and completely renovated facade indicate that the shopping center is in the midst of a major transition. The complex hosted Casino Night on Friday night to give Chapel Hill residents a chance to get a feel for the mall's new direction and to kick off its monthlong "January Jackpot of Savings." Visitors were invited to take $500 in fake money in hand, make bets, roll dice and check out the ongoing renovations and new additions to the mall.

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Chapel Hill Celebrates Arbor Day

By Emily Vasquez | November 25

Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy proclaimed Friday as the town's official Arbor Day at Cedar Falls Park. Foy joined second-grade students from Estes Hills Elementary School, teachers, parents and other members of the community for the Arbor Day celebration, tree dedication and planting. "It's a day to honor trees and recognize the value of trees in our community," said Emily Cameron, landscape architect for the Public Works Department, who organized the day's ceremonies. National Arbor Day is recognized the last Friday of April, according to the National Arbor Day Foundation.

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Hillsborough Celebrates Final Last Friday

By Emily Vasquez | October 28

On Friday night in downtown Hillsborough, Churton Street was alive with music and laughter as enthusiastic residents gathered for the final Last Friday festival of the year. The event has taken place the last Friday of every month from May through October for four years. It traditionally features programs provided by the Orange County Historical Museum, live entertainment and art exhibits from local artists.

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Technology in the Classroom

By Emily Vasquez | October 11

Since it opened in 1999, Mary Scroggs Elementary School in Chapel Hill has made significant steps to bring the benefits of technology to its students through support from BellSouth. But as the BellSouth grant term draws to an end, Mary Scroggs Elementary will be seeking funding to continue its Tech@Home Program and maintain a program manager position on its staff. In spring 2001, the school received a two-year, $250,000 BellSouth Power to Learn Grant and was able to begin experimenting with a serious integration of technology into the classroom.

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Latino Restaurant, Center Closes Doors

By Emily Vasquez | September 30

Earlier this month -- three years to the day it opened in 1999 -- El Chilango, a hub of Carrboro's cultural diversity, was forced to close. The closing came as a surprise to many in the community. Andrea Manson, spokeswoman for El Pueblo, a nonprofit organization that serves the area's growing Latino community, said she was shocked. "It was always packed." Manson said El Chilango was a great asset to the community. "It hasn't been just a restaurant at all." Indeed, El Chilango, which served authentic Mexican dishes, brought much more than popular food to the community.

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Alternative Therapy Of Birth Simulation Deemed Hazardous

By Emily Vasquez | September 23

More than two years ago, 10-year-old Candace Newmaker of Durham died due to injuries inflicted during an alternative medical therapy treatment known as rebirthing. U.S. Congress responded to Newmaker's death Sept. 18 in a resolution condemning the practice and asking all states to ban it. Rebirthing involves the simulation of the birthing experience through specialized breathing and even the application of physical pressure to release suppressed emotions and possibly help adopted children form bonds with their adoptive parents.