In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

🌤️Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 61^o and Partly Cloudy

📰 Recycled Raccoon Sculpture Highlights Sustainability at Franklin Plaza

📰Amplify Your Impact: Join #GiveUNC Day to Support the North Carolina Botanical Garden

📰Join the Conversation: Chapel Hill’s Strategic Plan for Zero Traffic Fatalities

📢 Business Spotlight: Ta Contento Mex Fresh Food: A Taste of Authenticity and Community Spirit

📢 We Want to Spotlight Local Businesses! Want Your Business to Be in Focus? Apply Here!

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

🗓️Upcoming Events

🍃Just For Fun: Tuesday Trivia - Tacos

Recycled Raccoon Sculpture Highlights Sustainability at Franklin Plaza

A new and unique piece of art has taken up residence at 140 W. Franklin St. Plaza. Unveiled on March 15, 2024, "Rubbish the Raccoon" stands seven feet tall, sending a powerful message in honor of Earth Day. This striking sculpture, the brainchild of artist Nyssa Collins, was commissioned by the Town of Chapel Hill to foster awareness about environmental conservation.

Collins, recognized for her remarkable entry of a bamboo and twine woolly mammoth at the Uproar Festival of Public Art, was approached by the town officials to create a monumental Earth Day-inspired piece. The result is a raccoon sculpture crafted entirely from trash and recyclable materials, tipping the scales at nearly 200 pounds. The project not only highlights Collins' creativity but also her commitment to environmental issues, as the sculpture was painstakingly assembled from refuse collected around the University of North Carolina and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campuses, as well as the Haw River.

The Haw River Assembly, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the local river and Jordan Lake, played a pivotal role in gathering materials for "Rubbish." The collaboration saw the community come together, with countless bottles and trash collected from the river, embodying a collective effort towards a cleaner environment.

The sculpture not only showcases Collins' innovative use of discarded materials but also serves as a stark reminder of the environmental impact of disposable plastics. With a significant percentage of plastics ending up in landfills or polluting natural habitats, "Rubbish the Raccoon" is a call to action for proper recycling practices and a reduction in single-use plastics usage.

Steve Wright, Chapel Hill's public art coordinator, emphasized the artwork's dual purpose: cleaning up local waterways and encouraging community members to reflect on their environmental footprint. The piece will grace Franklin Street for two months before being dismantled, with plans to recycle its components. Discussions are underway about the possibility of relocating the sculpture to continue its public display and environmental advocacy.

Amplify Your Impact: Join #GiveUNC Day to Support the North Carolina Botanical Garden

Today marks a significant opportunity for supporters of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specifically on its annual #GiveUNC day. This day is dedicated to amplifying the impact of donations, providing an unmatched chance for contributions to make a profound difference. Notably, the North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG) is gearing up for a special fundraising initiative. Two challenge gifts set to unlock on Tuesday, March 26, are poised to boost the NCBG's efforts: Damon Waitt, the NCBG director, has pledged to donate $1,000 for every 50 gifts received, with the potential to contribute up to $5,000. Additionally, alumni Mal Watlington (BS '68, MPA '69) and Amanda Watlington (PHD '72) have committed to a $1,000 donation once the NCBG surpasses the $25,000 mark in fundraising.

Supporters are encouraged to direct their generosity towards the general fund or specific programs such as the Carolina Community Garden, Edible Campus, Coker Arboretum, and Battle Park. These contributions are vital for the NCBG to achieve its goals and continue its mission. For more information and to plan your donation, visit the GiveUNC website.

Join the Conversation: Chapel Hill’s Strategic Plan for Zero Traffic Fatalities

In a proactive move to enhance roadway safety, Chapel Hill is inviting its residents to partake in a pivotal community conversation. This gathering, which is a collaboration between the town's Vision Zero initiative and the Safe Routes to School program, aims to foster a culture where the safety of every road user is a shared responsibility. Scheduled for March 28 at 6 p.m., the event will take place in Room B of the Chapel Hill Public Library, located at 100 Library Drive.

The discussion will be enriched by the insights of Leah Shahum, the founder of the Vision Zero Network, a national effort dedicated to eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. This community meeting offers a unique opportunity for residents to engage directly with roadway safety strategies, share their perspectives, and contribute to shaping a safer future for Chapel Hill's streets.

Spotlight on Ta Contento Mex Fresh Food: A Taste of Authenticity and Community Spirit

Just a stone's throw away from the vibrant streets of Chapel Hill lies a culinary gem that captures the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine and the heart of community spirit—Ta Contento Mex Fresh Food. Founded by a duo whose love story is as flavorful as their dishes, Nora Anaya and Hans Vargas have transformed their dream into a thriving eatery that locals and visitors alike can't seem to get enough of.

A Fusion of Cultures and Cuisines

Ta Contento's story began with a serendipitous meeting between Nora, hailing from Bolivia, and Hans, from Mexico, at a food truck. The sparks flew not just between the two but also in the kitchen, where their combined passion for food led to the creation of dishes that are both authentic and innovative. Their journey from running a successful food truck to opening a permanent location for Ta Contento in 2022 near Chatham Crossing, just south of downtown Chapel Hill, is a testament to their dedication and culinary prowess.

More Than Just a Meal

At Ta Contento, every dish served is a celebration of Hispanic heritage, crafted with love, quality ingredients, and a keen attention to detail that sets this eatery apart. Whether you're opting for take-out, dining in, or driving through, the experience is imbued with a sense of warmth and welcome, thanks to the friendly staff and the vibrant, colorful setting. It's not just about feeding the body but nourishing the soul, making each visit a memorable one.

The menu at Ta Contento is a delightful journey through the flavors of Mexico, with bold spices, fresh ingredients, and innovative twists that keep patrons coming back for more. Moreover, the restaurant boasts all ABC permits, offering a refreshing selection of beers and mixed drinks that perfectly complement the zest of Mexican cuisine.

A Pillar of the Community

Beyond the kitchen, Ta Contento stands as a pillar of the Chapel Hill community, embodying the spirit of giving through various initiatives. From "Pay What You Can" events to donations to local schools and charities, Nora and Hans have made it their mission to give back to the community that has embraced them and their dream. This commitment to community welfare is a core part of what makes Ta Contento a special place, not just for a meal, but for experiencing the joy of shared values and mutual support.

Looking Ahead

While Ta Contento has already made a significant mark on the local culinary scene, the future looks even brighter. Plans for the restaurant remain a tantalizing mystery, but if the past is anything to go by, Ta Contento is sure to continue innovating, delighting, and giving back in new and exciting ways.

Visit Ta Contento Today

For those eager to experience the magic of Ta Contento Mex Fresh Food, a visit is highly recommended. Located at 11620 US HWY. 15-501 N, Chapel Hill, NC, 27517, this eatery is a testament to the power of love, heritage, and community. To learn more, explore their offerings, or get in touch, visit Ta Contento's website and prepare to be contento—happy, that is, with a meal that's sure to touch your heart and tantalize your taste buds.

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.. Let's work together to get the word out!

Sip and Support at Tandem

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

Meet the Candidate Event @ The Gathering Place

The Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools PTA Council is spearheading an event at The Gathering Place to foster a dialogue between the community and Mo Green, a hopeful for the North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction. By providing a neutral platform for interaction ahead of the November 2024 election, the PTA Council underscores its commitment to informed community engagement and education advocacy. The event is planned for Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 4 p.m.

Preschoolers in Nature at North Carolina Botanical Garden

Meet Local Authors At FlyLeaf Books

Flyleaf Books is hosting an event today, March 26, 2024, featuring Margot Livesey, where she will discuss her new novel, "The Road from Belhaven." The book, set in late-nineteenth-century Scotland, tells the story of Lizzie Craig, a young woman with the ability to see into the future. The narrative explores Lizzie's coming-of-age, marked by love, loss, and the quest for redemption, showcasing Livesey's skill in blending the tangible world with the ethereal mysteries of the human experience. Click here to buy tickets online at Flyleaf Books.

Epilogue Books and Chocolate Brew

Chapel Hill Library

Cat’s Cradle

New Monthly Comedy Showcase

Here's a tasty serving of trivia about tacos and Mexican cuisine that you might find interesting:

1. Origin of Tacos: Tacos got their start with Mexican silver miners in the 18th century. They were a simple snack for miners to eat on the go, which eventually laid the foundation for the taco's rise to a beloved part of Mexican cuisine​​.

2. Celebration Days: In the U.S., National Taco Day is celebrated on October 4th, and in Mexico, there's Dia del Taco on March 31st. These days are dedicated to celebrating and enjoying tacos​​.

3. Popularity in the U.S.: Tacos became popular in the United States in the early 1900s with Mexican migrants bringing the dish. Initially considered a lower-class street food, tacos have now become a fast food favorite across the country, with Americans consuming more than 4.5 billion tacos a year​​.