Hog Day event seeks volunteers

HILLSBOROUGH -- The Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to work at this year's 28th annual Hillsborough Hog Day. The free event, which returns to River Park off of E. Margaret Lane in downtown Hillsborough, is Friday, June 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 19, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hog Day is a family event featuring a barbecue cooking contest, musical entertainment, children's rides and games, arts and crafts, antique car display, food and merchandise vendors and more.

Volunteer areas include T-shirt sales, information booth, security, set-up, clean-up, BBQ tent sales, soft drink/water sales, recycling and more. If you have volunteered in the past or are a new volunteer, Hog Day welcomes your help. Visit www.hogdays.com to see the volunteer form or call the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce at (919) 732-8156.

Rail station task force meets Wed.

HILLSBOROUGH -- The Hillsborough Rail Station Small Area Plan Task Force will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday in the Town Barn, 101 East Orange St., to discuss public comments received at a March 31 public input meeting.

The task force also will discuss the next steps in finalizing its plan for a rail station just east of Churton Street and just south of the Eno River in the vicinity of the HYAA baseball complex.

Adjustment to hear appeal

HILLSBOROUGH -- The Hillsborough Board of Adjustment will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Town Barn, 101 East Orange St., to hear an appeal from an adverse decision of the zoning officer and request for the use of an alternate screen for the parking lot adjacent to East Margaret Lane at the Orange County Justice Facility project. The property is located at 106 East Margaret Lane.

In a separate item, review of the parking plan for the Orange County Justice Facility will be conducted. The board conditionally approved this project on Nov. 8, 2006. An approval condition required that the applicant present an acceptable plan for remote parking facilities including process documents covering their operation. The applicant intends to present an alternative plan to the board for consideration.

Mayes guest at local wine dinner

HILLSBOROUGH -- Hillsborough resident Frances Mayes, author of "Under the Tuscan Sun," will be the featured guest at a community wine dinner at 7 p.m. Thursday at Panciuto, 110 S. Churton St.

Mayes has been touring the country for her latest book, "Every Day in Tuscany, Seasons of an Italian Life."

Throughout the book, she shares her recipes, so as a tribute, the day's menu aims to emulate the cuisine of Tuscany mentioned in her book. What Panciuto does on its community nights is host one long community table where everyone is seated. Food is passed, conversation is lively, and the evening is highlighted by the special guest(s).

The restaurant doors will open at 7 p.m., dinner will begin around 7:30, and Mayes will be speaking some time in between. Be prepared to engage, as your participation is paramount to the success of these evenings.

The cost of this dinner is $110 per person/$195 per couple (price includes tax, tip and a copy of the book, valued at $25). Reserve your spot by calling Panciuto at 732-6261.

The Hillsborough Wine Company has partnered with fellow downtown Hillsborough merchants Purple Crow Books and Panciuto to make this event possible.

Environmental Fair May 11

HILLSBOROUGH -- Visitors to the Stillhouse Creek Environmental Fair at the Public Market House off East Margaret Lane in downtown Hillsborough will be able learn how to build a backyard rain garden, using rain barrels and composting.

The fair -- sponsored by Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough -- will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. May 11 at the Public Market House.

Also scheduled is a stream restoration tour. Information will be given on groundwater, well and septic systems, water-wise landscaping and how to improve water quality.

Public Market House is located between the Link Government Services Center and the Orange County Sheriff's Office, off East Margaret Lane.

The fair is coordinated by the county and town's stormwater programs as well as the Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation.

For more information, contact Stormwater Resource Officer Terry L. Hackett, with the Erosion Control Division of the Orange County Planning Department by e-mail or by phone at 245-2588. Hackett coordinates Hillsborough's stormwater management program.

Visit http://www.ci.hillsborough.nc.us/sites/default/files/Stillhouse_Fair_Flier.pdf for more information about the fair.