There's a moment that comes after the funeral, after the casseroles stop arriving, when grief collides with an overwhelming reality: someone needs to change the locks, mow the lawn, rehome the cat, and somehow navigate mountains of paperwork while siblings can't agree on who gets mom's china.

For Chapel Hill families facing this impossible juggling act, Meri Lynch has created a lifeline.

Her new business, NC Estate Services, addresses a gap she discovered through an unexpected source—her daughter, an estate attorney in New York, who shared stories of families drowning in the logistics of closing out estates while trying to grieve. "She said, 'Mom, they really need someone to help them do this,'" Meri recalls. "And it just hit me. I said, 'I can do that.'"

SEE HOW MERI LYNCH IS CLOSING THE GAP →

Where: The Carolina Inn
When: 4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE and open to the public

Insider Tip: These speaker series events often fly under the radar but offer incredible access to top business leaders. Michelle Peluso brings decades of experience in digital transformation and consumer brands. Perfect for students, entrepreneurs, or anyone interested in business leadership—and it's free!

When: Friday, October 10, 5:00-9:00 p.m. (Fashion show at 7:00 p.m.)
Where: The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro
Cost: FREE general admission; $25 VIP seating

Where fashion meets sustainability! Witness local designers showcase their sustainable creations on the runway, with collections from over half a dozen designers working with low-impact, renewable materials. Plus a vendor market featuring sustainable, vintage, and upcycled clothing.

Insider Tip: This is the 5th year of this beloved event. General admission is free, making it perfect for curious first-timers! Learn more at theplantnc.com

When: Oct 10, 11, 17, 18 at 7:00 p.m.; Oct 12, 19 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Historic Forest Theatre, Chapel Hill
Cost: $30 general admission, $25 students with ID, Pay What You Can on Oct 12

Dream the impossible dream under autumn leaves! Stone Soup Theatre Company presents this beloved musical featuring iconic numbers including "The Impossible Dream" and "Dulcinea." The leaves are turning, the weather is gorgeous—it's the perfect time for outdoor theatre.

Insider Tip: Arrive early for a picnic on the grounds. Sunday, October 12, is "Pay What You Can" day—perfect for introducing friends to outdoor theatre. Note: matinees are by daylight without theatrical lighting. Get tickets

When: Saturday, October 11, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: Moorefields Estate, 2201 Moorefields Road, Hillsborough
Cost: $20 adults, $10 teens (13-17), FREE for kids 12 and under

This outdoor festival features Triangle North Carolina area bands, including Slippery Hill, Pickard Mountain, GrassStreet, Nixon Williams & Gag, and Vintage Blue performing on the house's front porch at an idyllic historic site on 70 beautiful acres. Bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating. Food trucks, beer, and wine available. Free parking!

Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the lawn and explore the historic grounds before the music starts. Get tickets at moorefields.org

Where: PlayMakers Repertory Company
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Ticket prices vary

Insider Tip: Opening night features a celebration in the lobby with light hors d'oeuvres and drinks, plus the chance to get playbills signed and meet the artists. PlayMakers consistently delivers world-class theatre right here in Chapel Hill—this production about a girls' indoor soccer team is both fierce and timely.

This fall, skip the rake and let nature do the work! The Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County are encouraging residents to "Leave Your Leaves" this season—a simple practice that creates nutrient-rich soil, supports beneficial insects and wildlife, reduces stormwater runoff, and helps trees thrive.

Take the pledge and you'll receive a free yard sign to showcase your commitment to climate resilience and biodiversity. It's one of the easiest ways to support the environment right in your own backyard—literally.

Insider Tip: Worried about aesthetics? Use a mulching mower to shred leaves into smaller pieces that break down faster, or rake them from your lawn into garden beds where they'll provide winter insulation for plants.

Yard signs are available to Orange County residents while supplies last.

Learn more and take the pledge.

N. Estes Drive has reopened following a brief closure due to a gas leak on Wednesday evening. The Chapel Hill Fire Department responded to the incident just after 6:00 p.m., closing the road between Halifax Road and Granville Road after confirming an active leak and notifying Enbridge Gas. The street reopened by 7:55 p.m. No injuries were reported.

Until next time,

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