Once again Project Graduation will provide graduating seniors in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools with an alcohol- and drug-free celebration. On Saturday from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. at the UNC Student Union, a substance-free party will provide a safe environment with food, music, games, and prizes, including college scholarships.

Parent co-chairs for this year's event are Wendell and Paula Gilland, Paula and Steve Hoge, Genese and Paul Newman. This year's theme is "Neon Lights."

This will be the 16th annual Project Graduation celebration, and we could not do it without tremendous community support. We need business and individual support through donations and prizes. And it is not too late to contribute. In addition, many volunteers are needed to make the event a success. For more information on how to help, please visit www.projectgraduationchcss.org

Sharon Palsha, Rose O'Mahony and Mary Workman

Publicity chairs

Project Graduation 2009

Story overstated traffic generation

The May 11 News & Observer article "Traffic report jammed with future MLK ills" vastly overstates the impact of Carolina North on area transportation when it reports "the future Carolina North campus will nearly double traffic on the roads that feed it."

The total traffic impact projected for 2025 by the Transportation Impact Analysis consultant is from the combination of projected ambient growth in traffic, growth from anticipated developments unrelated to Carolina North, and growth associated with Carolina North. It is incorrect to imply that the projected doubling of traffic by 2025 is solely due to Carolina North.

In future presentations to the public, we intend to make clearer the distinction between traffic impact directly related to Carolina North and the traffic generated by other, unrelated growth in the area. This straightforward comparison between baseline growth and Carolina North-related growth will enable citizens to draw their own conclusions more accurately about the impact of the new campus.

Jack Evans

Executive director, Carolina North

Friends enjoying writer's success

Thank you for writing that great story about Perry Deane Young (CHN June 3). He is a friend since college, and has always been "on the front lines" in our book. He was working as a newspaperman even while in college, among us whose only job was studying and partying and protesting. I am rereading his book now, and really appreciate more than ever what he went through. Perry lives his life fully and we are really pleased about all that is happening for him.

Virginia and Henry Woodhead

Alexandria, Va.

Greenbridge in the eye of the beholder

There is a huge difference between having a 55-year old family business in Chapel Hill that will benefit directly from Greenbridge and being a 69-year old resident who was born on Sunset Drive and continues to live in Northside (Potter's Field) for 68 years.

Of course, Mr. Pons, you welcome them -- more money for your business (Letters CHN Jun 7). But, at the end of the day, you retreat to your home that is not overshowed by this ugly monstrosity.

Esphur Foster

Chapel Hill

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The Chapel Hill News welcomes letters and columns from readers. Letters are limited to 300 words, columns to 550. Writers are limited to one letter a month and one column every three months. All submissions become property of The Chapel Hill News and McClatchy Newspapers.

Mail: Letters should be or e-mailrf to editor@nando.com or typed and sent to Editor, The Chapel Hill News, 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 . Letters may be edited for space and clarity.