It's Time to Carpe That Diem.

With your calendar in limbo, there's never been a better time to make your own fun — and no, we don't mean driving down to South of the Border for something your neighbor will love even more than your one-dog band's never-ending solo performances.

Now that it's *actually* summer, make the most of it with a visit to one of our favorite beaches, by taking some day trips, treating your work wife to lunch outside, and picking up new reads perfect for your old hammock.

Put down the phone screen, load up on the sunscreen, and face the summer of 2020 head on. Juuuust don't ask what's the worst that can happen.

FORWARD TO SOMEONE YOU GET SWEATY WITH

Curt's Cucina Closes Temporarily to Start Work on New Concept

If you were on the internet this weekend, you may have noticed that Curt's Cucina announced they'd be closing up shop for a bit. You may have also noticed that people freaked out.

If you've shed a tear over the absence of the precious meatball grinders, get yourself together because the grinders aren't going anywhere. Yes, owner Curt Shelvey is giving his family a well-deserved break. But, he plans to return within the next couple of weeks with a few surprises, which he hinted at in this space last month.

From a new business model and branding, to a new menu that features nearly 25 different grinders — here's what up next.

MORE LOCAL BITES: 

• The House of Fish has asked for an opinion on a new logo, and has hinted on a new location to go with it.
• Napoli Pizzeria Restorante (formerly Fratello's) has added grinders to its menu in four types of parm — veal, chicken, eggplant and meatball.
• Lynette's Bakery and Cafe has added outdoor seating. The Roast Office has added more tables as well. 
• Johnson Family Produce is still making front-door deliveries of local, well, produce, and earning rave reviews. 

ALSO: 

We've seen a ton of debate about restaurant workers wearing a mask, with many saying they prefer to see them on workers in the back and front of the house. Hit reply and let us know what you think.

SPONSORED BY MOORE COUNTY SCHOOLS

Expand Your Homeschooler's Horizons

Are you looking to give your high school students access to the arts, organized sports, clubs or opportunities to earn free college credit? All of the above is now possible, through Moore County Schools' blend+ed program.

With enrollment in blend+ed (which is 100% free, btw), your kids will mix at-home or online instruction with in-person classes and enrichment opportunities, creating the schedule that works for them. And you thought they were spoiled already. Read more here.

A 32-Acre Sports Park is in the Works

A new park will bring six sports fields, concessions and restrooms to a 32-acre park on U.S. 15-501 in Aberdeen, a site which Town Manager Paul Sabiston is calling a "regional destination for youth sports."

The town purchased 15 acres of the site; the remainder was donated by the Ransdell family, who is also handling construction of the concession building. The entrance to the park will be near the Ransdell family's business, Burney Hardware.

The first fields could open for play by next Spring — plenty of time for you to perfect the role of team parent.
 

DMV Waives Some Road Tests

In case you needed something else to thank COVID-19 for, the next generation of NC drivers will get to skip the sweaty 10-and-2 rite of passage known as the road test to earn the second level of their provisional license. 

Those who have completed 60 hours of supervised driving, with no seat belt or cell phone violations within the last six months, can apply here to skip the terror of completing a 3-point-turn in front of a silent adult with a terrifying clipboard. 
 

Petro's Chili & Chips Plans July Opening

Petro's Chili & Chips, a chain new to North Carolina that somehow managed to capitalize on all our dorm-room recipes, is set to open on July 2 at 10725 S U.S. 15-501. The former home of Little Caesar's, the small fast-food spot will feature a few indoor seats as well as a drive-thru.

Franchisee Curtis Hale, who also operates a pizza restaurant in High Point, was introduced to Petro's — rated as a top stadium food by Sports Illustrated — at a football game at the University of Tennessee. He and his wife, Amy, decided to bring Petro's to NC, looking at several small towns before finding the "perfect" location in Southern Pines.

The simple concept centers on the chili, which is served piled on top of corn chips, baked potatoes, nachos, hotdogs or salad wedges. The chili is chicken based, but the menu offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options too. See the whole menu here, and watch IG for updates.
 

The Census Doesn't Give Out T-Shirts

But your participation tells government officials about the people living in our area, which helps them decide the amount of funding that should be allocated to their subjects in Moore County for schools, roads and other public services. So, you should like, do it. Find it online here.

Oh, and, if you're looking for pocket money and aren't scared to knock on strangers' doors, you can still sign up for a part-time Census job. We don't think the pay is bad, but then again, we work in publishing. 
 

We Asked. You Answered.

In our June 11 issue, we asked you what type of k-12 education you'd most be comfortable with this fall — and only 7.4 percent of you would request online-only classes. Here's how the rest of the results stacked up: 

• Full-time, in-person classes: 50 percent
• An A/B schedule that promotes social distancing: 22 percent
• You're asking now?? Anything can happen between now and August: 20.6 percent

Help Boost a Novel Program 

The Moore County Literacy Council is setting up staffed summer reading stations across Moore County, and is asking for donations of everything from hand sanitizer and touchless thermometers to rolls of crepe paper. Here's what's needed, and how to get it there. 
 

Brain Builders Needed 

A variety of Moore County Schools teaching positions are available across the county for the 2020-2021 school year. Applicants must be passionate about educating young minds, possess all proper certifications, and be enthusiastic about creating a fun and fulfilling learning environment.

Learn more.
 

That's the End.

Your homework: Brace yourself for the state's next awkward phase. Gov. Roy Cooper is set to make an announcement this week.