In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

🌧️Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 59^o and Light Rain

📰Chapel Hill Leads in Police Wellness with New Coordinator Position

📰Frustrations Boil Over for Backyard Leisure Customers Awaiting Spas

📖Visitor Policy Eased at UNC Health: Children 11 and Under Now Allowed

📰Kate, Princess of Wales, Shares Cancer Diagnosis in Emotional Video Message

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

🗓️Upcoming Events

🍃Just For Fun: NC Has 12 Seasons

Chapel Hill Leads in Police Wellness with New Coordinator Position

In Chapel Hill, a groundbreaking initiative is underway to enhance the mental well-being of local police officers, addressing the significant mental health challenges they face due to the nature of their work. Recognizing the high rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD among officers, the Chapel Hill Police Department is proactively introducing a Police Wellness Coordinator. This role, supported by a federal grant, is dedicated to developing mental health awareness, stress management programs, and fostering an environment where officers can discuss their mental health without stigma. Police Chief Celisa Lehew, who has personal experience with the toll the job can take, emphasizes the importance of this position in maintaining a healthy, effective police force. The grant ensures the program's operation for two years, with plans to sustain it beyond this period.

Frustrations Boil Over for Backyard Leisure Customers Awaiting Spas

In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a growing number of disgruntled customers are voicing their dissatisfaction with Backyard Leisure, a Raleigh-based company accused of failing to deliver purchased spas. The issue has escalated as additional clients come forward, sharing that they too have invested thousands of dollars without receiving their products.

Rachel Lewis Marlow, a Chapel Hill resident, expressed her aggravation after spending $12,500 in August for a spa that was promised by October. Despite repeated assurances and changing delivery dates, her spa remains undelivered. This story echoes the experiences of other Triangle area homeowners who have been left wondering about the whereabouts of their hot tubs months after payment.

The complaints have attracted the attention of the North Carolina Attorney General's Office, which is now reviewing the case following 18 filed complaints. Get the full story from ABC11’s Troubleshooter here.

Visitor Policy Eased at UNC Health: Children 11 and Under Now Allowed

UNC Health has announced a relaxation of the temporary visitor restrictions at its hospitals throughout the Triangle area. Starting March 25, 2024, the hospitals will welcome visitors under the age of 12 in patient areas and waiting rooms, marking a shift from the previous rules that barred their entry. The standard visitation policies will continue to apply in other areas of the hospital.

This change is attributed to a noticeable decline in cases of respiratory illnesses, signaling an improvement in public health conditions. The move aligns with a similar decision by Duke Health, which also recently eased its visitor restrictions. Previously, both health systems had implemented strict visitor policies, limiting the presence of visitors in the daytime to no more than two individuals aged 12 and above for surgery patients. These measures were initially put in place as a proactive step to safeguard patients and curb the transmission of illnesses such as the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

Kate, Princess of Wales, Shares Cancer Diagnosis in Emotional Video Message

Kate, the Princess of Wales, has announced that she is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, discovered after surgery in January. In a personal video message, she requested privacy during her treatment and expressed a positive outlook on her recovery. The news follows recent health disclosures within the royal family and has led to widespread support from the public and leaders worldwide.

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

Preschoolers in Nature at North Carolina Botanical Garden

Creek Week is Underway!

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

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

Imbibe: Jazz Brunch with Trio Factual

March 23 @ 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Cat’s Cradle

New Monthly Comedy Showcase