In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 90^o and Partly Cloudy

📰Community Rallies to Celebrate UNC Hospital School Teachers During Appreciation Week

📰Orange County Faces Supreme Court Over Alleged Misuse of Impact Fees

📰 Investigation Underway After Man Found Dead in Chatham County Park

📰A Day of Delight: Brunch, Botanical Gardens, and Boutiques in Chapel Hill for Mother’s Day

❎Opinion Poll: Where Do You Brunch?

🗓️Upcoming Events 

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Community Rallies to Celebrate UNC Hospital School Teachers During Appreciation Week

In a touching display of community support, the UNC Hospital School, which is a part of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and provides education to K-12 students undergoing medical treatment, celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week in a unique way this year. The school, catering to pediatric patients from various parts of the state, lacks a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) due to its distinctive setup. To bridge this gap, the PTA Council stepped in to honor the dedication of the school's 18 educators.

Instead of traditional celebrations, the educators received gift cards as a token of gratitude from the community, complemented by handmade cards crafted by kindergartners from Seawell Elementary. Additionally, McDougle Elementary PTA played a significant role by contributing additional funds to support this gesture. This collective effort underscored the community’s appreciation for the teachers and staff at UNC Children’s Hospital, who are committed to educating and supporting young patients facing serious health challenges.

Orange County Faces Supreme Court Over Alleged Misuse of Impact Fees

The legal saga concerning Orange County's imposition of school impact fees has advanced to the state's highest court. Since 2017, plaintiffs have contended that the county unlawfully collected these fees from homebuilders and residents between 2009 and 2016, purportedly for enhancing local school infrastructure. However, they argue that there is no transparency on how these funds were utilized, and the county did not adhere to its commitments to refund certain amounts under specific conditions, thus violating both state law and its ordinances. The North Carolina Supreme Court had previously permitted the case to proceed as a class-action lawsuit in 2020. Following an appellate court ruling in 2023, which found some fees were improperly calculated, including costs for school buses and consultancy fees, the exact amount to be refunded remains undecided, pending further court deliberations. This ongoing dispute not only questions the legality of the fees but also probes the county's compliance with legislative requirements and internal protocols.

Investigation Underway After Man Found Dead in Chatham County Park

Investigators in Chatham County are looking into the death of Steve Aaron Ammons, whose body was found at Goldston Recreational Park on May 2. The discovery followed a report of a suspicious vehicle at the park. Ammons, 42, hailed from Green Mountain, over 200 miles from the park. The cause of death is currently being determined by the N.C. Medical Examiner’s Office, and there is believed to be no risk to the public. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking for any information from the public. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation and urges anyone with information to come forward by contacting them at 919-542-2811.

A Day of Delight: Brunch, Botanical Gardens, and Boutiques in Chapel Hill for Mother’s Day

Mother's Day in Downtown Chapel Hill offers a delightful array of activities tailored to make this special day truly unforgettable. Begin the celebration with a sumptuous brunch at local favorites like The Carolina Inn or Crook’s Corner, where you can indulge in everything from custom omelets to Southern-style shrimp and grits. Afterward, enjoy a serene stroll through the North Carolina Botanical Garden, a tranquil escape with its native plants and artful sculptures.

Shopping in downtown Chapel Hill and neighboring Carrboro provides an excellent opportunity to pick out a unique gift for Mom, with various shops along Franklin Street and nearby offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to artisan chocolates. For a touch of culture, visit the Ackland Art Museum on the UNC campus, which showcases a diverse array of global art, enhancing the day’s experience.

Conclude the day with a dinner at Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery, where you can enjoy exquisite local cuisine and panoramic views of the area. This day is not just about the activities, but also about cherishing the time spent together, sharing stories, and creating new memories, making Mother’s Day in downtown Chapel Hill a perfect blend of relaxation, enjoyment, and familial love. Check out a full list of downtown activities for Mom.

Where Do You Brunch?

Insiders! We need your help for all our mothers, graduates, and those who just take brunch very seriously! Sound off and let us know where to get our pancakes, eggs benedicts, and our Bloody Marys!

Don’t see your favorite place to hang out between breakfast and lunch? 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