In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 85^o and Scattered Thunderstorms

📰NC Botanical Garden Hosts a Once-in-a-Lifetime Bloom of American Columbo

📰UNC-Chapel Hill Updates Graduation Security, Balances Free Speech Concerns

📰 North Carolina Delays New PFAS Water Safety Standards Amid Financial Concerns

📊Poll Results: Where Do You Brunch?

🗓️Upcoming Events 

📢Have an Event You’d Like to Share? Let us know! Click Here to Give Us the Deets!

📢 We Want to Spotlight Local Businesses! Want Your Business to Be in Focus? Apply Here! Want to nominate a business? Email us at [email protected]

NC Botanical Garden Hosts a Once-in-a-Lifetime Bloom of American Columbo

The North Carolina Botanic Garden in Chapel Hill is currently the site of a botanical rarity, as an American columbo plant is undergoing its first and only bloom at the age of 19. This monocarpic geranium, native to a broad region stretching from Georgia through to Canada, blooms just once in its lifetime, usually after many years, and then perishes. The plant has produced a flowering stalk that could soar up to 8 feet tall, featuring a blend of green to purple hues and blossoms of light green and white speckled with purple. With the garden open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days, and extended hours on Thursdays for Twilight Thursdays, the public has a unique opportunity to witness this spectacular botanical event. Admission is free, making this once-in-a-lifetime bloom accessible to all interested visitors. Check out the video in their X (formerly Twitter) social media post for a visual guide to the bloom!

UNC-Chapel Hill Updates Graduation Security, Balances Free Speech Concerns

UNC-Chapel Hill has revised its graduation protocols following the protests on its campus, which were part of a larger series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations across various universities. As part of the security measures for the Spring 2024 Commencement, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 11th at 7 p.m. at Kenan Stadium and other venues, the university is implementing a clear bag policy and will require graduates to show their UNC One Card to access the seating areas. You can review the Kenan Stadium Clear Bag policy here. The changes aim to enhance security without infringing on free speech, aligning with state law and university policies.

With the influx of visitors expected in Chapel Hill and its surrounding areas, local authorities are advising community members to exercise caution while traveling downtown. Increased pedestrian activity is anticipated, especially near crosswalks, so drivers are urged to slow down and remain vigilant to ensure safety of all attendees and residents.

NC Delays New PFAS Water Safety Standards Amid Financial Concerns

North Carolina's push to establish new environmental regulations for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or "forever chemicals," has hit a snag. The state's Environmental Management Commission has postponed setting new standards for these chemicals in ground and surface water. This delay comes despite ongoing concerns over the adverse health effects linked to PFAS, as reported by The News & Observer.

These regulations aim to control PFAS discharges at their source, such as industrial facilities located along rivers, reducing the burden on local water utilities to treat contaminated water. Utilities across North Carolina are facing hefty expenses to upgrade filtration systems to handle PFAS.

The decision to delay the vote was influenced by two commission members, Tim Baumgartner and Joseph Reardon, who argued that the Department of Environmental Quality had not provided sufficient information to proceed with a decision.

Elizabeth Biser, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality, expressed her disappointment over the commission's reluctance to adopt the new standards. She highlighted that over 300 public water systems in the state report PFAS levels exceeding federal guidelines. This issue is particularly pressing as North Carolina ranks third nationally in PFAS contamination, with significant pollution events affecting the Cape Fear and Haw rivers.

Despite this delay, some local communities like Pittsboro have modeled responsiveness to this issue as reported in a recent issue in the Chapel Hill Insider by implementing advanced water treatment, setting a high bar for community action for safer drinking water.

Where Do You Brunch?

Hello Insiders! You guys rock! Thank you for your feedback and your recommendations! Here are the results of the poll:

It looks like Breakaway Cafe is a poll favorite, followed by First Watch and Bluebird.

One Insider shared this about First Watch: “It's quick to serve coffee with fresh, simple food.”

We hope this helps you consider trying someplace new this month! Bon Appetit!

Have suggestions for our poll or want to get a good recommendation? Email us all about it at [email protected]

Center Theater Company in Carrboro

Fridays on the Front Porch

Experience the charm of Chapel Hill each Friday at the Carolina Inn’s “Fridays on the Front Porch” event. Located at 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, the event is sure to be a great way to enjoy the season. Running every Friday from April 19 through October 25, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this local favorite is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Although the first event on April 19th has been canceled due to anticipated bad weather, the series promises plenty of excitement with live music, handcrafted cocktails, North Carolina beers, and a diverse selection of food from local food trucks. The event caters to all age groups, making it an ideal outing for everyone looking to unwind in a festive atmosphere. Click here to see the lineup. (Linked has been updated) This Friday, May 10th, listen to the Lee Gildersleeve & The Bad Dogs and enjoy How Bout Burger and Poblanos Tacos food trucks!

Cat’s Cradle

One of our Insiders asked: “A great variety in this newsletter. Anyway that you can share a bit about the bands at Cats Cradle? Never sure whether it would be music someone like me would enjoy. Thanks”

Our Response: We hear you and thanks for the kind words! Actually we were just thinking about that the other day. (Great minds!) And while we can’t promise this for every band or even every day since that would be covering A LOT of bands that may be new to us as well, we will drop a link occasionally so that you can check out a band here or there. Tonight, Cat’s is featuring Jive Talk. See their music video below:

You can also check out all of the bands’ social media on Cat’s Cradle website when you click on More Info.