EmPOWERment fundraiser Nov. 12

CHAPEL HILL -- Lee Pavao will host EmPOWERment, Inc.'s Sixth Annual Build-A-Home Fundraiser on Nov. 12 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Carolina Inn, 211 Pittsboro St. Its theme is "You are the Missing Piece" to constructing a community puzzle comprised of home ownership, economic development and community organizing.

UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp and Regina Alston, an EmPOWERment tenant, will speak. Thorp and Terri Houston, director of recruitment and multicultural programs, also will provide music for the event. Aaron Nelson, president and CEO of the Chapel Hill Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, will serve as the emcee.

In addition to music and comedy, the event will feature live and silent auctions, raffle ticket items and hors d'oeuvres provided by the Carolina Inn. Funds raised will support EmPOWERment's mission of home ownership, economic development and community organizing. Entry "puzzle pieces" are $25 in advance or at the door. All gifts are tax deductible.

For information, contact Deanna Carson at 967-8779, dcarson@empowerment-inc.org or visit www.empowerment-inc.org.

Library book club meets Wed.

CHAPEL HILL -- Books Sandwiched In is a book discussion group open to the public which meets the first Wednesday of most months at 11:30 in the conference room of the Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Drive.

At 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, the group will meet for a discussion of "North River" by Pete Hamill. The discussion will be led by Ann Shearer.

Bring a lunch and share your thoughts on the reading selection. Sponsored by the Friends of the Chapel Hill Public Library, the group provides copies of current titles which are available for checkout at the circulation desk. The year's list of books can be found on the Friends Web site at www.friendschpl.org.

Volunteer on a local board

HILLSBOROUGH -- One major way citizens can have a positive impact on the future of Orange County is to volunteer to serve on the various county advisory boards and commissions. The Board of Orange County Commissioners appoints volunteer members to the more than 40 different boards and commissions.

The Human Services Advisory Commission is an 18-member planning and evaluative body that is responsible for making recommendations to the board concerning human service programs. It develops, reviews and evaluates programs and offers counsel to human service agencies. It reviews the annual funding applications of nonprofit groups to the county.

Currently there are 11 vacancies. The board is especially seeking individuals with background qualifications or experience to represent the fields of public health, social services, mental health, affordable housing, rural community life and general interest in human service delivery.

Additional information on HSAC can be found at http://www.co.orange.nc.us/hsa/index.asp

Information on other volunteer opportunities to serve on boards and commissions for Orange County can be found at http://www.co.orange.nc.us/boards/index.asp

Church offering gift market

CHAPEL HILL -- For a more meaningful holiday shopping experience this year consider the 20th annual Alternative Gift Market at United Church of Chapel Hill. The market will be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 21, and 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Nov. 22. The market offers a wide range of handicrafts, services, and food items that benefit local, national and global objectives, including human rights-related causes, disaster relief, development, and promotion of local arts.

A share of all 2009 market proceeds will go to Church World Service (www.churchworldservice.org), a cooperative humanitarian ministry of 35 Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican denominations providing sustainable self-help and development, disaster relief, and refugee assistance to more than 80 countries.

More information about the market and United Church of Chapel Hill is online at www.unitedchurch.org/market and the main church office at (919) 942-3540.

Bill Leslie to speak at library

CHAPEL HILL -- Bill Leslie of WRAL-TV News will serenade The Friends of the Chapel Hill Public Library and read from his book of memories of his father and North Carolina from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 10, at the library.

An Emmy Award-winning journalist and top-ranked Celtic/folk musician, Leslie reveals for the first time 60 of his father's majestic mountain watercolors and his poignant quest for a spiritual reunion with his dad, who died suddenly when Bill was 16 years old.

The book, Blue Ridge Reunion, opens a window to the soul of Western North Carolina. Through different streams of art, Blue Ridge Reunion arouses all of the senses and conveys a vivid 20th century snapshot of life in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina.

Of the music, Leslie says, "I look at the same landscape that overwhelmed my father with emotion and a melody emerges inside my head. I can't explain how or why. It just happens. Later a lyric takes shape."

Fundraiser food, wine event

CHAPEL HILL -- Chapel Hill Museum's fifth annual celebration of Nouveau Beaujolais and fundraiser will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 19, at the museum.

As Chapel Hill-Carrboro's premier annual food and wine event, select wines of all varieties, including Nouveau Beaujolais, are paired with an array of elegant offerings from the area's finest restaurants; such as; Provence, Elaine's on Franklin, Crook's Corner, Bonne Soiree, La Residence, Il Palio and more.

All proceeds support the museum's award-winning education programs.

Beaujolais Nouveau began as a local phenomenon in the French bars, cafes, and bistros of Beaujolais and Lyons. Each fall the new Beaujolais would arrive with much fanfare. It was wine made quickly to drink while the better Beaujolais was taking a more leisurely course. Eventually, the French government stepped in to regulate the sale of this quickly transported, free-flowing wine.

Advance tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple and available by phone at (919) 967-1400.

Do you have news to share with the community? Send your item to Editor Dan E. Way at chh@heraldsun.com or call 918-1035.