📫 Wake County Schools Reintroduce Remote Learning Days | First Time Home Buyer Assistance | More Ways For Senior's To Save 📍

🌞 Good morning, friends!

Happy May Day! 🌷

As we step into the beauty of May, today is a joyful reminder to celebrate renewal, growth, and the small delights that come with the season. Whether you're dancing around a maypole (literally or in spirit) or simply soaking in some sunshine, I hope your day is filled with warmth, hope, and happiness.

Here’s to fresh starts and blooming possibilities!

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

📧 [email protected] 

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill

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🤣-Chuckle & Trivia - Laughter & Knowledge - good for the soul.

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🥾-Getting to know beautiful North Carolina

🏠 - Current real estate Listings

📰-News - Stay in the know with local news.

🏃 - Healthy Home - Healthy Family

📃 - Listings

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Special Update Editions!

♦️Wednesday - Events Calendar Update♦️

♦️Thursday - Real Estate Edition♦️

♦️Friday - Garage & Estate Sales♦️

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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the flower bring a ladder to May Day?
Because it wanted to spring to the next level! 🌸😄

📍 Today’s North Carolina Trivia📍

Did you know? North Carolina's mountain towns once celebrated May Day with traditional maypole dances—proving Tar Heels have always known how to twirl into spring! 🌸

📍On This Day in History📍

1886 – The Haymarket Affair begins: Workers across the U.S. began a strike demanding an 8-hour workday, marking the origins of International Workers’ Day (May Day).

Apex, NC: A Welcoming Community

Tucked just southwest of Raleigh, Apex, North Carolina, lives up to its nickname as “The Peak of Good Living.” With a rich railroad history and a beautifully restored downtown, Apex offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern attractions. Founded in the 1860s and officially incorporated in 1873, Apex earned its name due to its location at the highest point on the old Chatham Railroad line. The town grew around its rail depot and survived several early fires, including the devastating fire of 1911 that reshaped much of the downtown area. Today, the heart of Apex is its historic Salem Street, lined with century-old buildings that now house local boutiques, cafés, galleries, and restaurants.

Visitors can explore the Apex Union Depot, now a charming community center, or take in a show or art exhibit at the Halle Cultural Arts Center. Events like PeakFest in May and the Peak City Pig Fest barbecue competition bring the community together and attract thousands from across the region. For outdoor lovers, Apex has plenty of parks and greenways, such as Kelly Road Park and Beaver Creek Greenway, which are perfect for walking, cycling, or simply enjoying nature. Add in the cozy coffee shops and family-owned restaurants, and it’s easy to see why Apex is a beloved destination. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, Apex invites you to slow down, enjoy its stories, and soak up its Southern hospitality.

➡️ For more travel inspiration in NC, follow our spotlight on another hidden gem in North Carolina!

Wake County Schools to Reintroduce Remote Learning Days

Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, Wake County Public Schools will reintroduce remote learning days, providing students and teachers with more flexible learning options. This initiative aims to offer virtual learning opportunities during scheduled days, allowing for teacher professional development and addressing potential weather-related disruptions.

The district's decision to bring back remote learning days follows positive outcomes from previous years, where online learning helped maintain academic progress and kept the community connected. These remote days will be strategically placed throughout the academic calendar, giving both students and staff the chance to engage in learning without needing to be physically present at school.

Parents will be notified well in advance about these days, and the district plans to provide clear guidelines on how virtual instruction will be conducted across different grade levels. More information, including the finalized school calendar, will be available on the Wake County Public Schools website as the new school year approaches.

New Bill in North Carolina Offers Death Row Inmates Choice of Execution Method

A bill progressing through the North Carolina legislature could allow individuals on death row to select their preferred method of execution. The proposed law, introduced on Tuesday, would offer three options: lethal injection, electrocution, or a firing squad.

The move comes as a response to challenges in obtaining the necessary drugs for lethal injection, due to national shortages and legal disputes. Supporters of the bill argue that offering a choice would ensure fairness and address logistical issues, while critics raise concerns over the ethics of such a policy.

If passed, North Carolina would join other states that provide multiple execution options to death row inmates. The bill is still being reviewed and will face additional discussions before a final decision is made.

Wake County Real Estate:

New Trends and Developments in 2025

The Wake County real estate market is undergoing a noticeable shift in 2025. While home prices continue to rise, the pace of sales has slowed, creating a more balanced market that benefits both buyers and sellers. With increased inventory and exciting new developments underway, Wake County remains an attractive area for homebuyers, renters, and investors alike.

As of March 2025, the median home price in Wake County has reached $452,000, reflecting a modest increase from the previous month. However, a slowdown in sales is evident, with homes now staying on the market longer. For instance, homes in Raleigh spent an average of 45 days on the market in February 2025, compared to just 23 days during the same period in 2024. This trend indicates a shift toward a more balanced real estate environment, where buyers have more time to make decisions and sellers may need to adjust their expectations.

In response to the growing demand for affordable housing, Wake County is taking significant steps to ensure that housing remains accessible to all residents. The county has allocated $18 million for the development and preservation of affordable housing across various towns in the region, including Raleigh, Cary, and Apex. These efforts will add 644 affordable units, benefiting seniors, low-income families, and individuals with fixed incomes. These developments are designed to remain affordable for the next 50 years, helping to address the housing shortage and provide long-term stability for the community.

Wake County is also seeing an influx of new developments that will shape the region’s future. In Raleigh, the Rockway and The Weld projects are bringing over 900 new apartments to areas near Dix Park, one of the city’s most popular parks. Additionally, the North Hills Innovation District is introducing a mix of residential, office, and retail spaces, contributing to the area's growing appeal as a business and living hub. These developments are expected to bring new jobs and amenities, attracting more residents and businesses to the area.

Despite the challenges posed by rising mortgage rates, the overall outlook for Wake County's real estate market is positive. With more homes becoming available, buyers have greater options and flexibility, while sellers may need to adapt to a less competitive market. The continued focus on affordable housing, combined with new developments, ensures that Wake County will remain a desirable destination for both current and future residents.

As 2025 progresses, Wake County's real estate market is expected to maintain its growth, driven by strategic development, increased inventory, and ongoing efforts to keep housing affordable for everyone.

Mortgage Programs for First-Time Buyers in North Carolina

First-time homebuyers in North Carolina now have access to several mortgage programs designed to help them secure their dream homes with less financial burden. These initiatives offer financial assistance for down payments, closing costs, and favorable loan terms, making homeownership more accessible for many in the state. Here's a look at the top programs available to first-time buyers in North Carolina:

The NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ program offers fixed-rate, 30-year mortgages for various loan types, including FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. This program provides up to 3% in down payment assistance, which is forgiven after 15 years as long as the homeowner remains in the property. This benefit is available to first-time buyers, as well as military veterans, with additional assistance through the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program. More details can be found on the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) website.

The NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program is designed to help first-time buyers and military veterans by offering up to $15,000 in down payment assistance. This assistance is provided as a second mortgage with a 0% interest rate, forgiven over 15 years—20% per year. Applicants need to meet income limits, have a minimum credit score of 640, and plan to use the home as their primary residence. The program aims to make homeownership more attainable for low- to moderate-income buyers across the state.

The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program allows first-time homebuyers and military veterans to claim a federal tax credit for a portion of the mortgage interest paid each year. The credit can be up to $2,000 annually, providing valuable savings and improving purchasing power. The MCC program can be used in conjunction with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ to maximize benefits for eligible buyers.

Several cities in North Carolina, such as Raleigh and Durham, also offer local programs to assist homebuyers:

• Raleigh: Raleigh provides zero-interest, deferred loans for down payment and closing cost assistance, with amounts varying based on income and location. Additional assistance is available for buyers in targeted areas, making it easier for residents to secure a home in one of the state’s most sought-after cities.

To qualify for these mortgage programs, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Be a first-time homebuyer or a military veteran.

• Meet specific income and sales price limits, which vary by county.

• Have a credit score of 640 or higher.

• Plan to occupy the home as their primary residence within 60 days of closing.

North Carolina offers a variety of mortgage programs to help first-time buyers with down payments, closing costs, and access to more affordable homes. Whether you’re looking for assistance with upfront costs or tax savings through mortgage credits, there are several options available across the state. To learn more about eligibility and apply for these programs, visit the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency website or your local government’s housing services page.

Wake County Deputy Under Investigation for Alleged Child Abuse

A Wake County sheriff’s deputy is currently under investigation after allegations surfaced involving the suspected abuse of his girlfriend’s child. Authorities have obtained a search warrant as part of the case, which remains active and under review. No further details have been released at this time.

This Weekend in Wake!

🎉 FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025

🧓 Wake County Senior Games: Track & Field
📍 Peter Hines Williams Stadium, Raleigh
🕘 9 AM – 3 PM | 💰 Free to Watch
Come cheer on athletes 50+ as they compete in classic track and field events. A day full of inspiration and community spirit! 🏃‍♀️🏅
[More Info: wcseniorgames.com]

🎷 Brass Transit: The Music of Chicago
📍 North Carolina Symphony, Raleigh
🕖 Evening | 💰 Ticketed
Get swept away by the powerful horns and harmonies of Chicago hits like "25 or 6 to 4" and "Beginnings" — performed live by Brass Transit. 🎶🎺

🚤 Bands, Bites & Boats
📍 Venue TBA, Raleigh
🕖 Evening | 💰 Varies
Kick back with live tunes, mouthwatering bites from food trucks, and relaxing boat rides. Perfect for a casual Friday date or family night. 🍔🎸🌊

🌍 Holly Springs International Food Festival
📍 Downtown Holly Springs
🕔 Evening | 💰 Free
Taste the world without leaving town! Enjoy dishes from across the globe, cultural performances, and vibrant community celebration. 🥟🌮🌎

🎶 Music in the Park – Autumn Nicholas
📍 Indian Creek Park, Morrisville
🕡 6:30 PM–8:30 PM | 💰 Free
Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy a soulful evening with the talented Autumn Nicholas and local food trucks. 🎤🧺

🎊 SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025

🎨 Meet in the Street Festival – Wake Forest
📍 Downtown Wake Forest
🕙 10 AM – 4 PM | 💰 Free
Stroll through 100+ artisan booths, devour food truck treats, enjoy live music on two stages, and let the kids explore the Children’s Village. 🎪🛍️🎵

🍖 BBQ Fest on the Neuse – Kinston (Just a short drive!)
📍 Downtown Kinston
🕘 9 AM – 7 PM | 💰 Free
Smoky barbecue, art, music, and heritage all in one place. Come hungry! 🍗🎶

🐔 Spring Chicken Festival – Siler City
📍 Downtown Siler City
🕙 10 AM – 4 PM | 💰 Free
Peck around at live music, vendors, inflatables, and more! Great family outing. 🐣🎡

🎶 Fontaines D.C. Live in Concert
📍 The Ritz, Raleigh
🕖 Evening | 💰 Ticketed
Rock out with the Irish post-punk band as they hit Raleigh with their electric energy. 🎤⚡

🎸 Raleigh DIY Punk Rock Flea Market (Also on Sunday)
📍 Rebus Works, Raleigh
🕘 All Day | 💰 Free Entry
Shop handmade punk goods, listen to live music, and soak up some alt-vibes. 🧷🎶🖤

🍹 Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl – Raleigh
📍 Downtown Raleigh Venues
🕔 Evening | 💰 Varies
Sip, salsa, and celebrate Cinco de Mayo a little early with drink specials and festive surprises. 🌮🍹🎉

🚴 Early Bird Bike Tribe Ride
📍 House Creek Greenway, Raleigh
🕗 Morning | 💰 Free
Join fellow cyclists for a scenic, social ride to start your Saturday right. 🚴‍♂️🌳

🏃‍♀️ Relay for Ribbons 5K – Cary
📍 Location TBA
🕗 Morning | 💰 Varies
Support cancer awareness while getting your steps in. Run, walk, or cheer! 🎗️👟

🧗 YMCA Families On Challenge – Raleigh
📍 Location TBA
🕗 Morning | 💰 Registration Required
A 2-mile obstacle run for the whole family to conquer together. Mud, laughs, and teamwork guaranteed! 💪👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🎶 SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025

🎵 Six Sundays in Spring: The Tams
📍 Carroll Joyner Park, Wake Forest
🕔 5 PM | 💰 Free
Beach music legends The Tams take the stage for a lively outdoor concert. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the tunes. 🌅🎤

🎸 13th Annual Raleigh Blues Festival
📍 Martin Marietta Center, Raleigh
🕕 6 PM | 💰 Ticketed
Top-tier blues artists bring the soul to downtown Raleigh in this can't-miss show. 🎶🎷

🍀 A Magical Evening of Irish Music & Storytelling
📍 Wake Forest Christian Church
🕖 Evening | 💰 Donation Suggested
Let enchanting Irish music and tales whisk you away in this cozy cultural experience. ☘️🎻📚

👶 Marbles Kids Food Festival
📍 Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh
🕙 10 AM – 4 PM | 💰 Museum Admission
Little chefs get hands-on with cooking demos, global bites, and nutrition fun! 🥕👩‍🍳🍓

✨ Star Wars Day Celebration
📍 Wake County Library (Branch TBA)
🕑 2 PM | 💰 Free
Celebrate “May the 4th” with crafts, games, and intergalactic fun for kids and teens. 💫🛸📖

🌿 HerbFest – Wake Forest (Final Day)
📍 The Cotton Company, Wake Forest
🕙 10 AM – 4 PM | 💰 Free
Your last chance to browse herbs, butterfly plants, and garden goodies! 🪴🛒

🧶 Teach Me to Crochet! – Wake Forest
📍 MK Creative Arts Studio
🕑 Afternoon | 💰 Materials Provided
Beginner-friendly crochet class where creativity meets calm. 🧵🧶

📈 Triangle Small Business Week Kickoff
📍 Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
🕛 12 PM | 💰 Free
Support local innovation and entrepreneurs as Small Business Week begins! 💼🎉

🎯 Ready to Plan Your Weekend?

With live music, outdoor adventures, cultural fests, and family fun all packed into one weekend — Wake County is where it's happening! 🌟

Which event is calling your name?

The Wonders of Rosemary Essential Oil: Nature's Herbal Powerhouse

Rosemary essential oil has long been treasured for its invigorating aroma, powerful health benefits, and wide range of uses in both home and wellness routines. Derived from the aromatic herb Rosmarinus officinalis, this essential oil carries a crisp, herbaceous scent and a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.

Rosemary was once considered sacred and symbolic of remembrance and protection. Scholars in ancient Greece wore rosemary garlands while studying, believing it enhanced memory. In the Middle Ages, it was used to ward off illness and even evil spirits. Today, rosemary oil continues to be embraced in aromatherapy and holistic health practices around the world.

🌟 Health & Wellness Benefits

1. Boosts Mental Clarity & Focus
Inhaling rosemary essential oil has been shown to improve concentration, memory, and alertness. It’s a favorite among students and professionals needing a natural brain boost.

2. Supports Hair Growth
Rosemary oil stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, helping to prevent hair thinning and encourage healthy growth. It’s often used as a natural remedy for dandruff and itchy scalp as well.

3. Relieves Aches & Pains
With its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, rosemary oil can help soothe sore muscles, arthritis pain, and joint stiffness when diluted and applied topically.

4. Aids Digestion
When used in massage or inhaled, rosemary oil can help ease indigestion, bloating, and cramping due to its antispasmodic properties.

5. Natural Decongestant
Its crisp scent helps clear nasal passages and supports respiratory health, especially during cold and allergy seasons.

🌼 Everyday Uses

• Aromatherapy: Add a few drops to a diffuser for a mental pick-me-up or respiratory relief.

• Hair Care: Mix a few drops into your shampoo or create a scalp massage oil with a carrier like coconut oil.

• Massage Oil: Blend with a carrier oil and apply to sore muscles for natural pain relief.

• DIY Cleaners: Rosemary’s antibacterial properties make it a great addition to homemade surface sprays and air fresheners.

• Bath Soaks: Add to a warm bath with Epsom salts to relax muscles and clear your mind.

⚠️ Safety Notes

While rosemary essential oil is generally safe, it should always be diluted before applying to the skin. Pregnant women, individuals with high blood pressure, and people with epilepsy should consult a healthcare provider before use.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Rosemary essential oil is more than just a fragrant herb—it's a multi-purpose botanical tool for enhancing your physical and mental wellness. Whether you're looking to sharpen your focus, grow healthier hair, or simply uplift your space, rosemary oil is a timeless favorite worth exploring.

Would you like a simple DIY rosemary hair or diffuser blend recipe next?

Help our local food banks support those who are in need!

Local Drop-Off Locations For Non-Parishables.

Zinc Winery: Where Grit Meets Grace

Zinc Winery began not with rolling vineyards or gleaming tasting rooms, but with a spark of inspiration in an unexpected place: a decommissioned industrial warehouse at the edge of wine country. The founders, a group of lifelong friends with roots in engineering, design, and viticulture, saw potential where others saw rust and concrete. They envisioned a winery that would honor both the strength of industry and the elegance of fine wine—and so, Zinc Winery was born.

The name “Zinc” was chosen deliberately. Zinc, a humble yet essential element, symbolizes strength, resilience, and versatility—traits the founders felt defined their journey and philosophy. They wanted to create a space where wine could be made and enjoyed with intention, where old-world techniques would meet new-world daring. From the beginning, they set out to break the mold—not to shock, but to surprise with refinement, integrity, and purpose.

With its roots in reclaimed space and its sights set on innovation, Zinc Winery quickly distinguished itself. The founders worked with local growers and sourced fruit from sustainable vineyards, carefully selecting grapes that reflected the richness of the region. Their winemaking approach married classic methods—like barrel aging and hand-picking—with clean, modern aesthetics and a dedication to precision. The result: wines that were layered, expressive, and unapologetically unique.

As the winery grew, so did its vision. What started as a passion project evolved into a destination. Zinc Winery expanded to include a sleek tasting room, a chef-driven bistro, and eventually, boutique guest suites overlooking the vines. Yet, despite its growth, the heart of Zinc remains unchanged: a place where bold ideas and beautiful wines coexist.

The origin of Zinc Winery is a story of transformation—of turning raw materials into refined experiences. It’s about honoring hard work, celebrating creativity, and inviting others to be part of something meaningful. Today, every glass poured at Zinc is a tribute to that original dream: gritty, graceful, and completely unforgettable.

…………………………….👇👇👇………………..……….

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Upcoming Yard, Garage, & Estate Sales to be posted on Fridays.

📍Knightdale, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon 📍

📍 Fuquay-Varina,Garner, & Holly Springs📍

📍 Raleigh, Apex, Cary, & Morrisville Area 📍

We love helping you save time and money! Check out today’s local "Store Ads" section from your phone to find the best deals before you head out to the store!

We've worked diligently to curate this list of exceptional savings for you. Please note that offers may vary by location and are subject to change. We recommend contacting your local store to confirm the specific deals available.

If you find a GREAT Senior discount that is not listed, please let us know!

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