In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

☀️Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 65^o and Sunny and Clear

📢Town Holiday Closings: No Interruption in Trash Collection During Town's Easter Holiday Observance

📰Zayka Indian Cuisine to Spice Up Chapel Hill's Franklin Street with New Opening

📰UNC and N.C. State Take Action in Wake of Rising Student Suicides

📰Emergency Teams Swiftly Address Electrical Issue at The Graduate Hotel

📰Legal Proceedings Await Chapel Hill Man Accused of Multiple Sexual Assaults

🏀Tar Heels' Tournament Run Concludes in Tightly Contested Match

📢 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! The winner will be announced on Tuesday, April 2nd

🗓️Upcoming Events (Updates)

Dear Reader.

I want to thank you for your participation and engagement in reading, sharing events to promote, and giving feedback. You are helping the Chapel Hill Insider take shape! We are on an exciting ride together as this community newsletter shares news, and highlights businesses, nonprofits and events in our amazing and diverse community!

We need your help!

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We wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday this weekend! See you bright and early Monday morning. No foolin’!

With warm regard,

Elana Etten

Editor-in-Chief

No Interruption in Trash Collection During Town's Easter Holiday Observance

The Town has announced service adjustments in observance of the Easter holiday on Friday, March 29. While most Town offices will be closed, residential trash collection will continue as usual. Yard trimmings will not be collected, and curbside recycling will be postponed to Saturday. The Orange County Landfill, Waste & Recycling Centers, and commercial trash collection will observe the holiday. The Chapel Hill Public Library and certain Parks and Recreation facilities will also have modified schedules. Public housing emergency maintenance services remain available. Get all the details.

Zayka Indian Cuisine to Spice Up Chapel Hill's Franklin Street with New Opening

In a vibrant addition to Chapel Hill's culinary scene, Zayka Indian Cuisine is slated to open its doors in early May at 105 E. Franklin St., the previous location of Basecamp bar and restaurant. Spearheaded by Keshav Kalia, the restaurateur behind Raleigh's Zayka Indian Cuisine and Chaat Mandi in Morrisville, this venture marks an expansion of his gastronomic footprint alongside his brother, Giteshwar Kalia. Their journey, rooted in the hospitality sector in India, has flourished into a family business that spans continents.

Keshav Kalia's educational background in hotel management and catering from India laid the foundation for his successful transition to the U.S. restaurant industry in 2003. The decision to launch a second Zayka outpost in Chapel Hill was driven by the overwhelming demand from catering orders and the weekend patronage of students and faculty from nearby UNC and Duke University. The Kalias are keen on integrating into the campus life, not only by tailoring their menu to accommodate student budgets but also by fostering a work environment conducive to student employment.

Currently, the restaurant is undergoing significant renovations, with a focus on revamping the kitchen and dining spaces. Awaiting permits from the Town of Chapel Hill, the progress is contingent on the approval of dimensions and final inspections. A unique feature of the new Zayka will be a "live kitchen," allowing patrons to witness the culinary process behind glass, alongside an efficient takeout delivery system.

Emphasizing the importance of quality food and distinct presentation, Keshav Kalia aims to set Zayka apart from other Indian eateries in the Triangle area. The selection of the Franklin Street location was strategic, following a favorable meeting with Ramesh Dahal, the former owner of Basecamp and current proprietor of MOMO’s Master. Dahal shared insights into the demanding nature of the restaurant business and the importance of community engagement along Franklin Street.

Echoing the competitive landscape, Sam Edge, a manager at Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews, highlighted the challenges faced by businesses on Franklin Street, including the impact of the pandemic and the dilemma of adjusting menu prices amidst rising rent costs. Despite these hurdles, there is a sense of anticipation for the diversity and vibrancy Zayka promises to bring to the area.

UNC and N.C. State Take Action in Wake of Rising Student Suicides

North Carolina's premier universities, UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State University, have been confronted with a heart-wrenching spike in student deaths, including a significant number of suicides. This disturbing trend has cast a spotlight on the mental health crisis pervading college campuses, prompting a robust response from these institutions.

The past years have been particularly tough for N.C. State University, which mourned the loss of 14 students in the 2022-23 academic year, with half of these losses attributed to suicide. This marked a distressing increase from the annual average of eight student deaths in the preceding five years. Similarly, UNC-Chapel Hill experienced its own crisis in 2021, with multiple student suicides in a single semester, highlighting a broader issue of young adult mental health and suicide risk on college campuses nationwide.

Both universities, recognizing the gravity of these incidents, have taken significant steps to address mental health and prevent further tragedies. They've partnered with The Jed Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health support and suicide prevention in higher education, as part of the JED Campus initiative. This collaboration aims to enhance the universities' mental health programs and implement effective suicide prevention strategies.

Following the deaths, UNC and N.C. State have developed postvention protocols, which are sets of procedures designed to support the community in the aftermath of a student's death. These protocols ensure that the families and friends of the deceased are promptly and sensitively informed while providing care and resources to those deeply affected by the loss. The measures include avoiding mass notifications to prevent suicide contagion and focusing on individual support and counseling.

In the wake of these tragedies, both institutions have launched comprehensive mental health resource websites: the Heels Care Network at UNC and the Wolfpack Wellness website at N.C. State. These platforms aim to offer accessible support, information, and resources to students grappling with mental health challenges.

Moreover, both universities are actively working to implement strategic plans and recommendations from The Jed Foundation and their own mental health task forces. These initiatives include regular wellness days, embedding counselors in various colleges across the campuses, and revising postvention protocols to align with best practices.

The universities' concerted efforts to confront the mental health crisis underscore the critical importance of accessible support and resources for students. As the community continues to heal and adapt, the message is clear: it's okay to seek help, and doing so is a sign of strength.

Emergency Teams Swiftly Address Electrical Issue at The Graduate Hotel

On Thursday, West Franklin Street was reopened for traffic after a temporary closure due to a smoke smell investigation at The Graduate Hotel. Emergency teams from Chapel Hill and Carrboro, along with three firetrucks, arrived on the scene. The issue, identified as an electrical problem without any smoke presence, was quickly managed, ensuring the safety of the area. Traffic resumed around 5:10 p.m., with no injuries reported.

Legal Proceedings Await Chapel Hill Man Accused of Multiple Sexual Assaults

Usiel Cabrera Gamboa, a 21-year-old from Chapel Hill, has been arrested and faces charges related to several incidents of inappropriate behavior towards women. Charged with four counts of sexual battery and assault on a female, his court appearance is set for April 15. The police have linked Gamboa to three specific incidents: one on March 11 on West Barbee Chapel Road, and two others on Meadowmont Trail near Sprunt Street, on March 13 and March 18.

Tar Heels' Tournament Run Concludes in Tightly Contested Match

In a closely contested Sweet 16 game in Los Angeles, the University of North Carolina's Tar Heels faced a tough defeat against Alabama, ending their season with a score of 89-87. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for both the players and fans, with high hopes pinned on the No. 1 seed Tar Heels.

Alabama's Grant Nelson, a transfer from North Dakota State, became a pivotal figure in the game, especially in the second half. His performance, including a significant and-1 basket towards the game's conclusion, played a key role in shifting the lead to Alabama. The Tar Heels, despite leading comfortably in the first half and showing moments of brilliance, struggled to maintain their momentum against Alabama's comeback.

Notable efforts from Carolina included Armando Bacot and Cormac Ryan, who both put forth commendable performances. Bacot’s contributions of 18 points and 12 rebounds, along with Ryan's scoring, particularly from beyond the arc, highlighted the team's talent and determination. However, missed opportunities and a challenging night for R.J. Davis, particularly from the three-point line, underscored the difficulties faced by Carolina in this match.

The game not only marked the end of Carolina's tournament aspirations but also signified the college careers' conclusion for players like Bacot and Ryan, adding a layer of emotional significance to the outcome. Despite the setback, the match was a testament to the team's spirit and the close-knit community's support back in Chapel Hill. The loss, while disappointing, does not diminish the hard work and moments of excellence demonstrated throughout the season.

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!

Easter Brunch This Weekend

Acme, a popular eatery in Carrboro, invites patrons to an indoor Easter brunch extravaganza on March 31, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The menu is a feast for the senses, featuring southern classics such as sausage gravy, fried green tomatoes, and pimento cheese, along with brunch favorites like mimosas, biscuits, donuts, bloody Marys, fried chicken, quiche, and bacon. Click here to make a reservation.

For those preferring to celebrate at home, it’s a little too late to order a take-home Easter brunch from the Root Cellar Cafe in Chapel Hill. (Yikes!) However, their location in Pittsboro is open for Easter Brunch on March 31st from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Adding to the celebratory spirit, Market and Moss in Chapel Hill is also hosting a special Easter brunch on March 31, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The event boasts a specially curated brunch menu, a dedicated kids menu, and an extensive list of cocktails and wines, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all ages.

Celebrating Easter brunch at The Carolina Club, Event Cello will host an event from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on March 31st. Enjoy this delicious buffet, complete with a visit from the Easter Bunny. Seatings will be available at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 2:00 PM, We can't wait to see you there!

Easter Egg Hunts This Weekend

Spring Haven Farm introduces an enchanting Easter Egg Hunt with Goats, blending traditional egg hunting with the joy of interacting with friendly farm animals. Available from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., the event allows visitors to schedule their arrival within this timeframe and enjoy the farm's offerings at their leisure. The farm is a haven for children to explore and hunt for Easter eggs. To ensure a fair and enjoyable experience, there's an eight-egg limit per child. For those less inclined towards sweets, a trade-in option for prizes is available. Beyond the hunt, the farm invites guests to engage with baby goats and a variety of other animals, including horses, highland cows, pigs, and more.

In a twist on traditional Easter activities, Carrboro's Wilson Park is hosting a Flashlight Egg Hunt on March 30th for youth ages 11 to 14. This unique event, set to begin at 8:20 PM, invites participants to bring their flashlights and baskets for a nighttime egg hunt, with special golden eggs hidden for exciting prizes. The event is free, with registration starting at 7:45 PM and rules and information provided at 8:10 PM.

March 30th Oakwood Park's "Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt" is a thoughtfully organized event tailored for children with special needs and their siblings, offering a safe and enjoyable egg-hunting experience. With a cap of 10 children per session, pre-event activities, and a requirement for pre-registration, it's designed for comfort and fun. The event takes place on March 30, with two time slots available. In case of bad weather, a phone call will confirm the event's status at 919 968-2813

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