• ⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 52^o and Sunny.

• Local News

  • Chapel Hill Police Ramp Up Patrols Amid Trail Harassment Reports

  • Orange County's Creek Week Sparks Community Engagement

  • Devil Comet's Return During the Coming Solar Eclipse

  • Nominate a Local Business for our Business Spotlight

  • Win $25 e-Gift Card with our Share Like & Win Campaign

• 🗓️Chapel Hill Local Event Listings (new events added)

• 💫Just for Fun: Tuesday Trivia!

Safety Measures Intensified on Meadowmont Trail After Two Assault Incidents

In response to recent unsettling events, the Chapel Hill Police Department has announced an uptick in patrol activities around Meadowmont Lane and Sprunt Street. This move comes as authorities delve into a pair of incidents involving a man accused of inappropriately touching women along the Meadowmont Trail near Sprunt Street. The first of these incidents occurred on a Wednesday morning at 9:45 am, with a subsequent report coming in the following day at 8:13 am. Fortunately, neither of these incidents resulted in physical injuries.

The individual linked to these incidents is described as a man standing about 5 feet 9 inches tall with a slim physique. He was last seen wearing dark sweatpants, a dark hoodie, and his face was partially concealed behind a blue surgical-style mask. The Chapel Hill Police Department urges anyone with information related to these incidents to come forward. Members of the public can contact the police directly by dialing 911 or by calling the department's non-emergency number at 919-968-2760 during business hours from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For those who prefer to provide information anonymously, there's the option to reach out to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro-UNC Crimestoppers at 919-942-7515 or through their website.

From Streams to Dreams: Orange County's Creek Week Sparks Community Engagement

The third annual celebration of Orange County Creek Week kicks off on March 16, inviting residents to deepen their connection with the area's waterways under this year's theme, "Water Connects Us." Running through March 23, the event aims to foster community involvement in preserving and enjoying local streams, lakes, and rivers. A rich schedule of activities offers something for everyone, blending education, conservation, and recreation.

Orange County's Creek Week is packed with innovative and engaging events. Highlights include the county's first-ever scavenger hunt, community science projects, explorations of green infrastructure, and numerous self-guided activities. Whether you're a bird watcher, a board game aficionado, an artist, or an outdoor adventure seeker, there's an array of events tailored to your interests.

Bird lovers and board game fans can join the Chapel Hill Stormwater staff for a special game night at the Chapel Hill Public Library, while creative spirits can indulge in Japanese fish printing, sun printing workshops at the Chapel Hill Community Center, crochet in Umstead Park, or children's bookmark crafting sessions. For those drawn to the outdoors, a paddling excursion on the Eno River and a collaborative trash clean-up along the Roberson Bike Path await, alongside a BioBlitz and a countywide scavenger hunt for treasure seekers.

Support for this enriching week comes from a coalition of local and regional partners, including the Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture & Parks & Recreation; the Orange Water and Sewer Authority; the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough; and several UNC departments and environmental groups.

For additional information on Orange County Creek Week and to get involved, visit the official website, check out this flyer, or reach out to Sammy Bauer for further inquiries.

Devil Comet's Dramatic Return: A Spectacular Celestial Show During the Solar Eclipse

The "devil comet," officially named 12P/Pons-Brooks, returns after 71 years, aligning with the April 8 solar eclipse. Known for its distinctive "horns" and explosive behavior, this cryovolcanic comet offers a unique viewing opportunity during the eclipse's darkness. Approaching perihelion on April 21, it will be brightest and visible alongside stars and planets during the eclipse. Although less visible by its June 2 Earth approach, its notable size and frequent outbursts make it an exciting sight. This event connects us to the ancient tradition of skywatching, reminding us of the universe's vast beauty.

The Chapel Hill area is not in the path of totality to be able to see the total solar eclipse but will see a partial eclipse on April 8th, about 80% of totality.

Spotlight on Success: Help Us Feature Chapel Hill's Best Businesses

In the vibrant community of Chapel Hill, there are a lot of local businesses that stand out for their unique offerings, dedication to quality, and commitment to the local economy. Whether it's a cozy café that's been the town's meeting point for years, a family-owned bookstore that stocks rare finds and promotes local authors, or an innovative tech startup that's making waves globally while staying grounded in local values, each deserves a spotlight for enriching our community.

Nominate a Business for Our Newsletter Spotlight!

We're on the lookout for local businesses that truly make Chapel Hill a better place. From quaint shops and bustling eateries to cutting-edge service providers, we want to hear about those who are making a significant impact. If you know a local business that deserves to be featured in our newsletter, it's time to let us know!

How to Nominate:

Send us an email at [email protected] with the following information:

• Business Name

• A brief description of the business and why it stands out

• Your personal experience with the business (if applicable)

• Any additional details that you think we should know

Please write your nominations in English to ensure we can accurately share these inspiring stories with all our readers. Your input is invaluable in helping us shine a light on the gems of Chapel Hill, showcasing the diversity and strength of our local business landscape.

Let's Celebrate Our Local Heroes

By nominating a business, you're not just giving them a chance to be featured in our newsletter; you're also acknowledging their hard work, innovation, and the positive impact they have on our community. Let's come together to celebrate the spirit of Chapel Hill by highlighting the businesses that make our town unique.

Remember, whether it's the coffee shop that knows your order by heart, the boutique that always has the perfect gift or the service provider that went above and beyond, we want to hear about them. Email us today and help us spotlight the local businesses that deserve recognition!

Chapel Hill Insider's Social Buzz Campaign: Share, Like & Win a Coffee on Us!

Join our exciting Share, Like & Win Campaign and stand a chance to win a $25 Starbucks e-gift card! Here's how you can be a part of it:

1. SHARE our newsletter with your friends, colleagues, and family in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and nearby areas. For every new subscriber who joins the Chapel Hill Insider via your referral link, you'll earn points.

2. LIKE our Facebook page, tag your friends, and invite them to like our page and explore our newsletter.

The campaign wraps up on April 1st, at which point we'll count up all the points to determine the winner. Rest assured, we'll make the big announcement on April 2nd, ensuring it's all in good spirits and no April Fool's jest. For those who've been actively participating, your efforts haven't gone unnoticed—all your points are securely accounted for. Remember, it's still anyone's game! The victor, along with our most active sharers, might just find themselves highlighted in our newsletter and on our Facebook page. Let's work together to get the word out!

Game Night at the Gathering Place

Trivia Night at Imbibe, 8-10 p.m.

Dine Out Night at Tandem

March 20th is MES Dine Out Night at Tandem, and a portion of all sales attributed to McDougle will be donated to McDougle Elementary School PTA! Takeout orders can be placed online (say the order is for McDougle in the notes); if dining in, reservations are recommended but not required.

Remember, all month long, $5 from every order of Tandem's "Afternoon Calls" specialty cocktail will also go right back to MES. Thank you for the support, Tandem!

Creek Week is Underway!

Last Week to Watch Murder on the Orient Express

Run, Remember & Raise: Monet Richardson 5K Race for Equity in Education

There is still time to sign up for an amazing event! Monet Richardson was a Chapel Hill resident, volunteer, and bright light gone too soon. Her legacy and love for children in our most disadvantaged communities live on through the foundation that her devoted mother, Pat, started in her name to continue her work. Join us on Saturday, March 23rd to raise money for scholarships and to give new backpacks and school supplies to the children most in need of them. You can sign up to run or volunteer at https://runsignup.com/Race/Register?raceId=124832

Swing Dance into a Good Cause

Get your tickets NOW for a night of LIVE music by The Chapel Hill High Jazz Orchestra, swing dancing, & light refreshments. Includes a free Swing Dance lesson at 6:30 pm. Open to everyone in our community! This is a fundraiser for Band Boosters. Tickets are now available: tinyurl.com/SwingDanceTix Visit www.ChapelHillBand.org for more info.

Tuesday Trivia: Comets

In honor of the coming celestial events, we test your knowledge of some of the more famous comets!