In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

🌧️Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 60^o and Rain starting in the Afternoon

📰Tar Heels Triumph: UNC Steamrolls Wagner in NCAA Tournament Opener

📰UNC Workers Take Stand, Call for Parking Fee Exemption for Those Earning Under $50K

📖Join the Library's Debut Book Club Session: Exploring 'Carolina Built' This Saturday

📰Scammers Target Small Business Owners Using PPP Loan Data

📰Durham Dealership Targeted in Bold Vehicle Heist and Chase

📢Nominate a Local Business for our Business Spotlight

🍵Win $25 Starbucks e-Gift Card! Share, Like & Win!

🗓️Upcoming Events

Tar Heels Triumph: UNC Steamrolls Wagner in NCAA Tournament Opener

The North Carolina Tar Heels triumphed over Wagner with a convincing 90-62 victory in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, led by Armando Bacot's 20 points and 15 rebounds. The win sets up a match against Michigan State. The Tar Heels excelled both offensively and defensively, with notable performances from Jae'Lyn Withers and RJ Davis, and demonstrated overwhelming support from their fans. The game underscored UNC's strength in the paint and their strategic advantage, propelling them into the next round with confidence.

UNC Workers Take Stand, Call for Parking Fee Exemption for Those Earning Under $50K

In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a group of UNC Housekeepers took a significant step by submitting a petition to the Advisory Committee on Transportation and Parking on Wednesday. The core of their request is a plea for the elimination of parking fees for university employees earning less than $50,000 annually.

Tracy Harter, a housekeeper at the university, voiced the collective sentiment, emphasizing the simplicity of their request: exemption from parking fees for lower-income employees. The current system requires all employees to pay for on-campus parking, with the costs fluctuating based on the parking location and the employee's salary, as stated by UNC.

For individuals like Robin Lee, another housekeeper, this policy has a tangible impact. Lee finds herself paying $26 from each paycheck for parking—a burden that recently intensified. Due to an oversight, the parking fee was omitted from one paycheck, resulting in a doubled deduction in the subsequent pay period to compensate. This action was criticized by Lee as unjust.

The backdrop to this petition is an ongoing struggle by UNC Housekeepers for better wages that began in October 2022. Despite receiving a 90-cent hourly wage increase in December, their wages still fall short of the $20 per hour they have been advocating for.

Lee argues that meeting their parking fee exemption request could significantly ease the financial strain for many of the university's commuting workers. She highlights the inherent unfairness in the requirement for employees to incur costs simply to come to work.

Join the Library's Debut Book Club Session: Exploring 'Carolina Built' This Saturday

The library is thrilled to announce the launch of a new book club, a vibrant addition to our schedule of events. In honor of Women's History Month, the inaugural session will delve into the captivating narrative of "Carolina Built" by Kianna Alexander. This gathering is set to occur on March 23rd, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, in Meeting Room A.

Attendees are encouraged to register for this enriching experience. For those interested, the library has reserved copies of "Carolina Built" available for book club participants. These can be obtained by visiting the main desk or reaching out via email.

In our commitment to inclusivity, the library strives to make all programs accessible to everyone. We invite anyone with accessibility concerns or the need for specific accommodations to get in touch. Furthermore, please note that the library often captures photos and videos during events to share our community's vibrant life.

Scammers Target Small Business Owners Using PPP Loan Data

Scammers are exploiting small business owners in Raleigh, N.C., using details from the Paycheck Protection Program loans to orchestrate a fraud involving fake arrest warrants and demands for cryptocurrency payments. Victim Victor Font shared his experience of losing $11,500 to these scammers, who used his PPP loan details to lend credibility to their claims. This incident highlights the importance of being vigilant against unsolicited calls claiming legal troubles and the need for business owners to verify such claims through official channels.

Durham Dealership Targeted in Bold Vehicle Heist and Chase

A group of teenagers engaged in a crime spree in Durham, North Carolina, targeting high-performance vehicles at Mazda Sport Durst dealership. The spree included theft, property damage, and dangerous high-speed chases that reached alarming speeds of up to 120 mph, culminating in their arrest in Graham, NC. The incident has highlighted issues with juvenile crime and prosecution, sparking discussions on how to better manage and deter such criminal behavior among youths.

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!

Food, Foodies & Fun

• 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!

Hillsborough Arts Council Spring Equinox

Not your average fundraiser. An enchanting evening awaits at the home of Jill McCorkle and Tom Rankin on March 23, 2024, from 6-9 p.m. This event will feature live jazz by Alison Wiener & Company, festive food and drink, and the second annual Equinox Auction. The auction showcases local artists, Hillsborough-centric pieces, and unique experiences. A perfect blend of art, music, and culinary delights, this event promises to be a memorable celebration of spring and creativity.

Community & Education

• East Chapel Hill Rotary Club will host Dave Bolick, Immediate Past Chair of the UNC Board of Trustees during their Weekly Meeting on Friday, March 22@12:30 p.m. Location: Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center (STCCC) 1609 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

  Preschoolers in Nature at North Carolina Botanical Garden

Creek Week is Underway!

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. There is still time for you to sign up to run or volunteer at https://runsignup.com/Race/Register?raceId=124832 or sign up in-store at Fleet Feet and receive a 10% discount for in-store purchases.

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.

Theatre & Art

Live Music & Comedy

Cat’s Cradle

New Monthly Comedy Showcase