In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 80^o and Partly Cloudy

📰Financial Woes at Popular Wedding Venue Force Couples to Seek Alternatives

📰Discover Resources for End-of-Life Care at Chapel Hill Event

📰Man in Chatham County Faces 100 Additional Child Pornography Charges

🗓️Mental Health Month: Events and Resources in Chapel Hill and Carrboro

💌Reminder: Chapel Hill Insider Staff Break Announcement

Dear Insiders,

We wanted to inform you that our team will be taking a well-deserved break from publishing the Chapel Hill Insider from Thursday, May 16th to Thursday, May 23rd. We will return refreshed and ready to bring you our special Weekender edition on Thursday, May 24th, which will feature comprehensive coverage of the upcoming Memorial Day events.

Regular publication will resume on Tuesday, May 28th. We are grateful for your continual participation, invaluable feedback, and dedicated readership, which enrich our community and make our work so rewarding. Thank you for being such an integral part of the Chapel Hill Insider family.

Warm regards,

The Chapel Hill Insider Team

🗓️Upcoming Events 

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Financial Woes at Popular Wedding Venue Force Couples to Seek Alternatives

Couples who booked The Farm's Champion Estate at the Triangle in Chapel Hill, N.C., for their weddings are facing turmoil after the property manager, The Farm, LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Couples who had found the estate on VRBO and paid in full, only to receive an email revealing the company's financial troubles and the risk of their reservations not being honored. This led to a frantic search for alternative venues and disputes over charges. With help from their wedding planner, some couples found a new location and won their dispute, while others are still awaiting a resolution. The CEO of The Farm, LLC, assured that new reservations would be refunded if canceled and urged affected customers to contact the company for assistance. Read the full story on Abc11.

Discover Resources for End-of-Life Care at Chapel Hill Event

The Orange County Department on Aging and Project EngAGE are hosting a free End of Life Choices Expo on May 18, from 12 to 3 pm at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill. This event offers attendees a comprehensive opportunity to explore various aspects of end-of-life planning and care. Over 30 organizations and providers will be present to share valuable resources and insights. Guests can enjoy refreshments throughout the event and participate in a raffle at the end.

A highlight of the Expo will be a talk by Orit Ramler, author of "The Box of Life," who will discuss how living a positive life can contribute to a positive end-of-life experience. The Expo aims to foster meaningful conversations and provide practical tools to help individuals navigate end-of-life decisions with confidence and compassion. While registration is encouraged, it is not required. For more information, please call the Seymour Center front desk at 919-968-2070.

Man in Chatham County Faces 100 Additional Child Pornography Charges

In Chatham County, Siler City resident Andrew Phillip Gerbing is facing an additional 100 charges following a child pornography investigation. Initially arrested in March after deputies found numerous pornographic images and videos of minors in his home, Gerbing's charges have increased significantly after further analysis of his seized electronics. Originally charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors, he now faces 100 more counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Gerbing is being held on a $500,000 secured bond and is set to appear in court on June 10. Local district attorneys report a significant rise in child sex abuse cases involving the internet, noting thousands of new cases.

Mental Health Month: Events and Resources in Chapel Hill and Carrboro

May is Mental Health Month, and Chapel Hill and Carrboro are celebrating with various initiatives to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote mental well-being. Local events include workshops, therapy dog sessions, support groups, book displays, yoga classes, and fairs. Community stories and local resources are highlighted to support individuals and families affected by mental health issues. Residents are encouraged to participate in events, volunteer, and educate themselves and others about mental health. Read our blog online to see a summary of upcoming events and resources.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

Center Theater Company in Carrboro

Hello Music Lovers!

Get ready for a night filled with vibrant tunes and lively energy! We're excited to announce that the Nomads Band will be performing live at Capt John's, located in the Cole Park Shopping Center in Chapel Hill, NC. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on May 17, 2024.

From 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, you'll have the perfect opportunity to enjoy a dinner out while grooving to the beats of the Nomads Band. Known for their electric performances and engaging music, the band promises an evening of fun and frolic, and the best part? There's no cover charge to attend!

Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking for a fun night out in Chapel Hill, this event is the perfect way to kick off your weekend. Don't miss out on this special evening where music and merriment meet. We can't wait to see you there!

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, May 17, 2024

• Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

• Location: Capt John's, Cole Park Shopping Center, 11550 N 15-501, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

• Admission: Free

Make sure to bring your friends and family to share in the experience. Let's make it a night to remember!

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