📫Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week | Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies💰 | Holly Springs To Unveil Historical Marker | Searching For Bank Rober📍

🌞 Good morning, friends!

This week, we shine a spotlight on the backbone of our communities — our small businesses. From cozy cafes and local boutiques to family-run services and hometown heroes, small businesses bring heart, innovation, and connection to every corner of our lives.

When you support a small business, you're not just making a purchase — you're helping a dream thrive, a family succeed, and a neighborhood grow stronger.

Let’s celebrate the passion, resilience, and dedication of small business owners this week and every week. Shop local, share your favorites, and show your love. 💛

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

PS; Be sure to check out our newly updated “Seniors Early Bird Specials” section. We just updated this section with over 200 locations!

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"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.

☁️-Weather - Whether we like it or not!

🥾-Getting to know beautiful North Carolina

🏠 - Current real estate Listings

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

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🤹 - Local Business & Restaurant Spotlight

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Special Update Editions!

♦️Wednesday - Events Calendar Update♦️

♦️Thursday - Real Estate Edition♦️

♦️Friday - Garage & Estate Sales♦️

Here is a list of Businesses offering teacher discounts this week!

🍽️ Local Wake County Restaurant Offers

Toyar’s BBQ & Hotpot – Morrisville

Teachers can enjoy 10% off their dine-in meals all week long.

Bengong’s Tea – Morrisville

Get 10% off any drink when you show your school badge.

SoHot Hotpot – Raleigh & Cary

Receive 10% off your total bill in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.

MeetFresh – Raleigh

All teachers get 10% off desserts and beverages with valid ID.

Kobe Japanese Steak House & Yige Asian Cuisine – Clayton

Educators receive a 10% discount on all meals during the week.

🍔 Fast Food & Quick Service Deals for Teachers

Sonic Drive-In

Teachers who sign up for the free Teachers' Circle rewards program by May 6 can unlock exclusive perks, including:

• Free cheeseburgers

• BOGO drinks and sides

• BOGO SONIC Blasts

Whataburger

From May 5–9, educators can claim a free breakfast entrée (like a taquito, Breakfast on a Bun, or honey butter chicken biscuit) from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. with ID.

Chick-fil-A (Triangle Locations)

On Tuesday, May 6, receive:

• Free Chick-n-Minis in the morning

• Free original chicken sandwich after 10:30 a.m.

McDonald’s (Participation Varies)

Some locations offer free breakfast sandwiches or drinks to teachers with valid ID—check with your local franchise.

🥪 Fast-Casual Restaurant Perks

MOD Pizza

Buy one MOD-sized pizza or salad, get another one free from May 5–8. ID required.

McAlister’s Deli

Enjoy a free Big Tea (any flavor) from May 5–12—no purchase necessary, just show your school ID.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

From May 5–11, teachers get a free cookie or fountain drink with any entrée purchase.

Insomnia Cookies

Show your school ID and receive one free classic cookie from May 5–11. No purchase required.

🐔 Sit-Down Restaurant Specials

Buffalo Wild Wings

Get 20% off your dine-in or takeout meal from May 6–12. Just show your school badge when you order.

Applebee’s

Receive a free appetizer with the purchase of an entrée when dining in (offer good through May 13).

Shake Shack

Enjoy a free milkshake with any purchase from May 6–12—just flash your educator ID.

🛍️ Retail & Tech Discounts

Staples

From May 4–10, teachers receive:

• 20% off in-store purchases

• A free 12-pack of pens with ID

Samsung

Save up to 30% on phones, laptops, and other tech when enrolled in Samsung’s Education Program.

Apple

Special education pricing on Macs, iPads, and accessories for verified educators.

Lenovo

Discounted pricing sitewide for teachers shopping through the Lenovo Education Store.

Eyemart Express

Educators receive an extra 20% off their purchase of eyeglasses or frames.

Costco

New members receive a bonus gift card:

• $20 with Gold Star membership

• $40 with Executive membership

🎉 Special Giveaways & Bonuses

Chipotle

Teachers can enter to win a free meal via Chipotle’s online sweepstakes at teacherthanks.chipotle.com through May 12.

Box Tops for Education

Earn an additional $5 for your school by scanning your first receipt using the Box Tops app with code TEACHER before May 31.

If you love fashion and style, join us at “Get Boujee.” If you love great deals and savings but love looking your best and want to dress in the latest trends with a lot of class thrown in, join us on Facebook at the “Get Boujee Boutique.” Need decorating ideas but don’t want to have to run all over to find those perfect items? Join us on FB at the “Get Boujee Boutique.” Join us at “Get Boujee” where fashion and Great Value Come Together!

📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the teacher wear sunglasses in class?
Because her students were so bright! 😎📚

📍 Today’s North Carolina Trivia📍

🕊️ 1865 – Final Confederate Troops Surrender in North Carolina

📍On This Day in History📍

1945 – Nazi Germany Surrenders Unconditionally

On May 7, 1945, Nazi Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Allied headquarters in Reims, France, effectively ending World War II in Europe. This historic event is commemorated as Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) on May 8, marking a pivotal moment in global history.

🌊 Discover the Magic of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast
Where History, Beauty, and Adventure Meet

Nestled along the southern Outer Banks, North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is a stunning 85-mile stretch of shoreline that feels like a hidden gem—sun-kissed, steeped in history, and sparkling with charm. From family-friendly beaches to wild ponies and historic forts, there’s something truly magical about this coastal escape.

🌟 A Coast Rich in History

Known also as the “Southern Outer Banks,” the Crystal Coast is home to Beaufort, North Carolina’s third-oldest town, founded in 1709. Walk along the historic waterfront, where pirate Blackbeard once roamed. Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which houses artifacts from the infamous Queen Anne’s Revenge—Blackbeard’s sunken ship. You can even step back in time at Fort Macon State Park, a restored Civil War-era fort perched on the edge of the Atlantic.

🏖️ Natural Beauty That Lives Up to the Name

The name “Crystal Coast” isn’t just a clever nickname. The water here really does sparkle with a rare clarity. Pristine, uncrowded beaches like Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, and Pine Knoll Shores are perfect for swimming, shelling, or just soaking up the sun. Nature lovers will want to explore Cape Lookout National Seashore, accessible only by boat, where you’ll find the iconic Cape Lookout Lighthouse and wild Shackleford Banks ponies, descendants of Spanish mustangs from centuries ago.

🐠 What to See & Do

• Go snorkeling or scuba diving at one of the many shipwreck sites along the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”

• Take a ferry to Cape Lookout or Ocracoke Island for a day trip into wild, undeveloped coastal beauty.

• Visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, where you can meet sea turtles and river otters.

• Go deep-sea fishing or paddle through the estuaries on a guided kayak tour.

• Dine waterfront-style on fresh-caught shrimp, oysters, and locally made hush puppies at coastal favorites like Amos Mosquito’s and the Sanitary Fish Market.

❤️ Why Visit the Crystal Coast?

If you’re looking for a destination that blends relaxation with adventure, history with modern fun, and small-town charm with breathtaking scenery, the Crystal Coast delivers. It’s ideal for couples, families, history buffs, and solo travelers alike. You won’t find towering resorts or boardwalk crowds here—just authentic, laid-back coastal living at its finest.

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

Suspect Sought in Raleigh Wells Fargo Bank Robbery

Raleigh police are searching for a suspect involved in a robbery at the Wells Fargo branch on New Bern Avenue. The incident occurred around 10:13 a.m. Monday when the suspect passed a note to a teller demanding money and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. No weapon was shown, but one was implied. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

This marks the seventh bank robbery in Raleigh this year. Anyone with information is urged to contact Raleigh CrimeStoppers at (919) 996-1193 or visit raleighcrimestoppers.org. Tips can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

Meteor Showers This Week

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is expected to reach its peak early this week, offering an incredible display for stargazers. While Monday night provided some visibility, the best viewing is anticipated in the coming nights. To catch the most meteors, it's recommended to find a dark, clear spot away from city lights.

Groundbreaking Signals Growth

Wake Forest Exchange Project Underway

Wake Forest has taken a major step forward in its economic development journey with the official groundbreaking of the Wake Forest Exchange. The ambitious project, led by Maryland-based St. John Properties, marks the developer’s first venture into North Carolina and brings with it big expectations for job creation and commercial expansion.

Spanning approximately 165,000 square feet, the mixed-use complex will feature a blend of flex/research & development space, medical office facilities, and retail storefronts. Two flex buildings are slated for early construction, along with retail and healthcare components that will serve both businesses and the broader community.

This groundbreaking represents more than just the start of construction—it’s a vote of confidence in Wake Forest’s future. As the town continues to grow, projects like the Wake Forest Exchange are key to attracting new companies, supporting local entrepreneurs, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

With shovels in the ground and plans in motion, the Wake Forest Exchange is set to become a cornerstone of the town’s evolving economic landscape.

Wake County Prosecutor Under Fire After Mistrial

A Wake County prosecutor is once again drawing criticism after a judge declared a mistrial in a high-profile drug trafficking case, citing the failure to disclose critical exculpatory evidence. The incident, which unfolded in a Raleigh courtroom, is the latest in a troubling pattern—marking the third time the same prosecutor has been accused of withholding evidence.

The repeated allegations are fueling growing concerns about the integrity of the legal process in Wake County. Legal experts and community advocates are calling for greater oversight and accountability, warning that such missteps can erode public trust and jeopardize the rights of the accused.

As the case garners increased attention, questions continue to swirl around the handling of past prosecutions and the potential consequences for ongoing cases.

Wake County Eyes Major Boost for Public Schools

Wake County’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes a significant $35 million increase in funding for its public school system—a move aimed at strengthening support for students, teachers, and classroom resources across the county.

Local educators and parents have voiced strong support for the funding proposal, pointing to persistent challenges such as teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated learning materials. School officials say the additional funding could help recruit and retain qualified staff, enhance student services, and close resource gaps that have widened in recent years.

“This investment is not just about dollars—it’s about our future,” said one Wake County teacher. “Our students deserve safe, well-equipped schools and the support they need to thrive.”

The budget is currently under review by county commissioners, with public hearings expected to draw community input in the coming weeks.

1st Store to Open in Wallbrook Development

The first store to open in the highly anticipated Wallbrook development in Rolesville, NC, is Publix Super Market, which is set to welcome customers on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 7:00 AM. The new store will be located at 821 S. Main St..

As the anchor tenant, Publix will play a central role in this 78-acre, mixed-use development, which will gradually expand to include additional retail, restaurants, residential areas, and medical facilities.

The 50,000-square-foot Publix will be the eighth location in the Raleigh-Durham area, bringing quality grocery options to the growing community. Future phases of the project will further enhance the area, offering a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and living.

Historical Fiction Event at Cary Regional Library

Today, the Cary Regional Library invites readers to dive into the world of historical fiction with a special event featuring the book A Study in Crimson by Robert J. Harris. This event is part of the library's May programming, offering attendees the chance to explore a captivating story that blends history with intrigue. Don't miss out on this exciting literary gathering!

Help Shape the Future of Apex, West Street Park

The town is inviting residents to share their thoughts and ideas for the reimagination of West Street Park. This exciting project aims to transform the park into a vibrant community space. Residents are encouraged to get involved in the planning process by submitting their feedback through the town's official website.

Share Your Safety Concerns with Morrisville's Public Safety Advisory Committee

The Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) is calling on Morrisville residents to share any concerns they may have about safety in the community. This is a valuable opportunity for residents to have their voices heard and contribute to improving safety in the town. Concerns can be submitted through the town's official communication channels.

Holly Springs to Unveil Historical Marker for First Baptist Church

The town is gearing up for a special event on May 8, 2025, as a historical marker is unveiled to honor the First Baptist Church of Holly Springs. This marker will recognize the church's important role and lasting impact on the community throughout the years.

What To Do On Mother’s Day Weekend

🌸 Mother's Day Brunches in Wake County

Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant – Apex, NC

• Event: Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet

• Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Details: Enjoy a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including Doherty's favorites and specialty items created by the team.

• Location: 1103 W Williams St, Apex, NC 27502

• Reservations: Required; available online starting April 27

• More Info: Dohertys Irish PubDohertys Irish Pub+1Dohertys Irish Pub+1Dohertys Irish Pub+1Instagram+1

The Mayton – Cary, NC

• Event: Mother’s Day Brunch

• Time: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

• Details: Full brunch menu featuring a variety of dishes to celebrate moms.

• Location: 301 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511

• Reservations: Recommended

• More Info: Triangle on the Cheap

The Goat Brier Creek – Raleigh, NC

• Event: Mother’s Day Brunch

• Time: 10:00 AM

• Details: Celebrate Mother's Day with a special brunch menu in a vibrant atmosphere.

• Location: 8320 Brier Creek Pkwy, Raleigh, NC 27617

• Reservations: Available online

• More Info: Eventbrite

🍷 Vineyard Events in Wake County

ZincHouse Winery & Brewery – Durham, NC

• Event: Mother’s Day Flower Arrangement Workshop

• Date & Time: Sunday, May 11, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• Details: Create a beautiful floral arrangement while enjoying a glass of wine.

• Location: 6225 Wake Forest Hwy, Durham, NC 27703

• Reservations: Required

• More Info: Triangle on the Cheap

Cloer Family Vineyards – Apex, NC

• Event: Sip, Learn & Bloom: A Mother’s Day Wine & Floral Affair

• Date & Time: Saturday, May 10, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Details: Enjoy a wine tasting and floral design class in a picturesque vineyard setting.

• Location: 8624 Castleberry Rd, Apex, NC 27523

• Reservations: Required

• More Info: Triangle on the Cheap

🌟 Friday, May 9

🔭 Stargazing with Sagan

• Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Location: West Point on the Eno, Durham

• Details: Enjoy a night under the stars with telescope viewing, hands-on activities, and an outdoor screening of Carl Sagan’s classic series, Cosmos.

• Admission: Free

🛍️ Vintage Market Days® NC Triangle Mother's Day Event

• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Location: Jim Graham Building, NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh

• Details: An upscale, vintage-inspired indoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, and more.

• Admission: From $20 (children 12 and under free)

🌸 Saturday, May 10

🎉 Raleigh Spring Festival – Mother's Day Celebration

• Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Location: Moore Square, Downtown Raleigh

• Details: Live music, food trucks, vendors, games with prizes, face painting, and a special "Best Mom Dance" celebration.

• Admission: Free

🎨 Cheers N Paint's Parent and Me Class: Mama and Baby Birds

• Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

• Location: 2773 NC Hwy 55, Cary

• Details: A painting class for parents and children to create a "Mama and Baby Birds" artwork together.

• Cost: $27 – $50

🛍️ Mother's Day Market

• Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Location: Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Downtown Raleigh

• Details: Shop from local artisans and vendors for unique gifts.

• Admission: Free

🎶 Ritmo Latino Festival

• Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary

• Details: A celebration of Latino culture with music, art, dance, and food.

• Admission: Free

🖼️ Wine and Design Apex: Mini and Me Pastel Elephants

• Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

• Location: 5456 Apex Peakway, Apex

• Details: A painting session suitable for all ages to create pastel elephant artwork.

• Cost: $29 per ticket

💐 Sunday, May 11 (Mother’s Day)

🖼️ Mother's Day Tea at NC Museum of Art

• Time: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

• Location: NC Museum of Art, Raleigh

• Details: Enjoy a personalized tea experience including sweet and savory spring-inspired canapés.

🧘 Mother’s Day Yoga at Fortnight Brewing

• Time: Morning (Exact time TBA)

• Location: Fortnight Brewing Company, Cary

• Details: Outdoor vinyasa flow yoga session suitable for all levels.

🍽️ Mother’s Day Brunch Options

• Peck & Plume at The Mayton Inn, Cary

  • Time: 8:00 AM – 2:15 PM

  • Cost: $79 per adult, $29 per child under 10

  • Details: Southern-inspired brunch with favorites like Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict and Pancakes.

• The Willard Rooftop Lounge, Raleigh

  • Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Cost: $30 per person, $15 for kids 6-12, 5 and under are free

  • Details: Brunch favorites with a rooftop view.

• Herons at The Umstead Hotel, Cary

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

  • Cost: $115 per adult, $35 per child (ages 2 to 10)

  • Details: An elevated Mother’s Day brunch celebration with a four-course choice menu.

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Bergamot Essential Oil

A Citrus Scent with Powerful Benefits

Bergamot essential oil, derived from the rind of the Citrus bergamia fruit, is a fragrant and versatile oil widely used in aromatherapy, skincare, and even the food and beverage industry. Best known as the distinct flavor in Earl Grey tea, this essential oil offers a wide array of benefits for the body and mind.

Bergamot is primarily grown in southern Italy, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal. The essential oil is cold-pressed from the peel of the fruit, producing a light greenish-yellow oil with a fresh, sweet, and slightly spicy citrus aroma.

One of the most well-known uses of bergamot oil is for its uplifting and calming effects. Inhaling its scent can:

• Help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression

• Promote a sense of relaxation and well-being

• Support better sleep quality when diffused before bedtime

It is often used in blends for mood enhancement or in meditation practices for its grounding-yet-light aroma.

Bergamot oil is prized in natural skincare, but with a note of caution (see safety tips below). It offers:

• Antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help with acne and oily skin

• Support in treating eczema and psoriasis

• A brightening effect when diluted and applied to skin (in the absence of sun exposure)

It is also added to shampoos for its refreshing scent and potential to help control oily scalp conditions.

Other Uses

• Digestive aid: When used in massage (properly diluted), bergamot oil can relieve indigestion and bloating.

• Natural deodorizer: Its clean scent makes it ideal for DIY perfumes, room sprays, and cleaning products.

• Immune booster: Some studies suggest bergamot oil may help stimulate immune response due to its antimicrobial properties.

Bergamot essential oil contains compounds known as furocoumarins, which can cause photosensitivity—a reaction that can lead to burns or skin discoloration when exposed to sunlight after topical use. To use safely:

• Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying to the skin

• Avoid direct sun or UV exposure for at least 12 hours after application

• Choose furocoumarin-free (FCF) versions if available for topical use

Bergamot essential oil is a powerful and pleasant tool in the world of natural wellness. Whether you're looking to lift your mood, clear your skin, or simply enjoy its crisp citrus aroma, this oil is a beautiful addition to your essential oil collection—used safely and wisely.

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

Local Drop-Off Locations For Non-Parishables.

Big Ed’s in Garner: A Taste of Southern Tradition

Tucked along Timber Drive in Garner, North Carolina, Big Ed’s Restaurant is more than just a place to grab a bite—it’s a continuation of a local legacy that began more than six decades ago. Known for its warm hospitality and timeless comfort food, Big Ed’s in Garner brings the charm of old-school Southern cooking to a growing community that values tradition as much as taste.

The original Big Ed’s was founded in 1958 by Ed Watkins, a Wake County native who crafted his recipes from childhood meals on his family’s farm. After decades of success in Raleigh, the restaurant’s spirit expanded to Garner in 2019, where the same dedication to homestyle cooking and community values now thrives.

Stepping into Big Ed’s in Garner is like stepping into a cozy country kitchen. Breakfast is served all day, featuring oversized pancakes, flaky biscuits smothered in sausage gravy, and thick slices of country ham. Weekday lunch and dinner menus offer comfort classics like fried catfish, chicken salad sandwiches, and down-home vegetable sides that taste like they came straight from a Southern garden.

Big Ed’s has quickly become a favorite among Garner residents, appreciated for its hearty portions, reasonable prices, and inviting staff. Locals often rave about the "larger-than-life" pancakes and the feeling of being treated like family. The décor is simple but nostalgic, evoking the feel of a farmhouse kitchen, with checkered tablecloths and walls lined with vintage memorabilia.

What sets Big Ed’s apart, aside from the food, is its commitment to consistency and heart. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you can count on a plate that’s been prepared with care and a greeting that feels like home.

Now operated by Sam and Lynn Hobgood, who took over the original restaurant in 2006, the Garner location holds true to Big Ed Watkins’ founding principles: good food, made right, served with genuine Southern hospitality. The Hobgoods have been careful stewards of this legacy, ensuring that every dish—from grits to gravy—honors the original recipes while still fitting into the rhythm of modern life.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, Big Ed’s in Garner offers a dining experience that feels like Sunday supper at grandma’s house—no reservation required.

5009 Falls of Neuse Road

Raleigh, NC 27609

919-747-9533

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If you have a restaurant you would like us to review and possibly feature, send us a suggestion. We would love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] If we choose to review the restaurant, they will be featured for a week FREE of charge in our newsletter.
 

If your businessevent, or restaurant, is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected] 

Yard, Garage, & Estate Sales Posted On Fridays.

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

📍 Fuquay-Varina,Garner, & Holly Springs📍

📍 Raleigh, Apex, Cary, & Morrisville📍

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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