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  • 📫A Creative Evening In Raleigh | Top Cheif Right In The Triangle | School Lunch Prices Going Up | Chocolate Pudding? | More High Paying Jobs Coming To The Triangle📍

📫A Creative Evening In Raleigh | Top Cheif Right In The Triangle | School Lunch Prices Going Up | Chocolate Pudding? | More High Paying Jobs Coming To The Triangle📍

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Hello friends!

Did you know today, June 26, is National Chocolate Pudding Day? That’s right — it’s the perfect excuse (as if we needed one!) to indulge in something rich, creamy, and oh-so-chocolatey.

Whether you whip it up from scratch, grab a cup from the fridge, or sneak a spoonful straight from the bowl, today is all about embracing the simple joy of chocolate pudding. Share it with someone you love, or savor it all to yourself — no judgment here!

Let today be a little reminder that life is better with a spoon in hand and a smile on your face. 🍫💕

Stay sweet and treat yourself — you deserve it!

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

📍 Be sure to check the “Amazon Coupons” daily. It changes every day!! 📍

Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

🎉 From Fashion to Gadgets – The Deals Are Always Changing! 🎉
Every day brings new savings, and we’re here to hook you up! Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Christmas, a last-minute gift, or just treating yourself (because why not?), we’ve got your back with fresh coupons and awesome deals — all through our link!

We hustle daily so you can save big for you and your family.
Click. Shop. Save. Repeat.

Please note that for some deals you mayneed to be an Amazon member.

📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the chocolate pudding apply for a job?
Because it wanted to move up the dessert chain! 🍫😄😄

📍 North Carolina Triva 📍

North Carolina is home to one of America’s premier bean-to-bar chocolate makers — Videri Chocolate Factory — located right in Raleigh! Founded in 2011, Videri creates small-batch, ethically sourced chocolate from scratch, right down to roasting the cacao beans on-site. It’s a favorite stop for locals and chocolate lovers alike!

Bonus fun fact:
While chocolate pudding might not be native to North Carolina, Southern cooks have long added a local twist to chocolate desserts by using buttermilk and fresh cream — staples in many NC kitchens!

So whether it’s pudding or pralines, North Carolina knows how to keep things sweet. 🍫💛

Enjoy Our “Did You Know Section” About North Carolina. Need to get away? Visit Beautiful North Carolina!

🍫 North Carolina’s Sweetest Secret: Videri Chocolate Factory in Raleigh 🍫

Here’s a treat for chocolate lovers — did you know Raleigh is home to one of the country’s top bean-to-bar chocolate makers? Videri Chocolate Factory, founded in 2011, has been delighting locals and visitors alike with handcrafted, small-batch chocolate made right on-site.

Located in the historic Depot building in downtown Raleigh, Videri takes chocolate seriously — starting with ethically sourced beans and finishing with perfectly rich bars, truffles, and even sipping chocolate. You can tour the factory, watch the process unfold, and enjoy sweet creations in their cozy café.

More than just delicious, Videri stands out for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. It’s chocolate you can feel good about — and it just happens to taste amazing, too!

Next time you’re in Raleigh, follow the aroma of roasting cocoa. Videri Chocolate Factory is North Carolina’s little slice of chocolate heaven! Tell them Wake News and Events newsletter sent you!🍫💛

Call Marie at 352-585-5259

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📩🏡 If you want to chat about making a move, fill out this FORM and I can contact you with information!

I’m Marie! As a former teacher turned realtor, I help families relocate to Wake County with expert guidance on school zoning and the market. I’m all about making the process stress-free and enjoyable. When I’m not working, I’m probably fostering dogs, reading, or supporting local businesses!  Follow me on social media for real estate tips, local updates, and cute pups!

Check Out Our New Downloadable Home Buyer’s Guide! 👇

What’s Happening in Wake County?

Shooting in Wendell

A man is recovering after a shooting late Tuesday night near Wendell in Wake County, deputies say. The victim was found with gunshot wounds and taken to the hospital. During the incident, a nearby home was also struck by gunfire. No arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office at (919) 856-6911.

Top Cheif Right Here in the Triangle!

Chef Savannah Miller, known from Top Chef Season 21, is making a splash in Durham’s food scene as Chef de Cuisine at M Tempura, a popular 30-seat tasting-menu restaurant. Combining Japanese and Korean techniques with local ingredients, she’s helped earn the restaurant national praise.

Originally from Southern Pines, NC, Savannah trained at the New England Culinary Institute and worked in Boston before returning home in 2018. Alongside her fiancé, farmer Justin Nye, she co-founded Savvy Hospitality, offering private dining experiences and plans to open a full-service, locally focused restaurant.

Savannah’s passion for innovative cooking and community shines through in everything she does, making her a rising star in the Triangle’s culinary world.

Prices Going Up

Wake County Public Schools are raising meal prices by 25 cents for the 2024–25 school year to help cover rising costs.

New prices:

  • Elementary breakfast: $2.00

  • Elementary lunch: $3.75

  • Middle/high breakfast: $2.25

  • Middle/high lunch: $4.00

About 36% of students get free or reduced meals, and the district offers an "Angel Fund" to help those with negative meal balances.

291 High Paying Jobs Coming

BuildOps Inc., a construction software company based in California, plans to open a new East Coast hub in downtown Raleigh, creating 291 high-paying jobs by 2029. The average salary for these positions will be about $111,000—45% above the Wake County private-sector average.

The company will invest $711,000 to develop the Raleigh office, which will house roles in engineering, customer service, sales, and implementation. Supported by a state incentive package worth up to $2.8 million, the expansion is expected to boost North Carolina’s economy by $702 million over 12 years.

BuildOps chose Raleigh for its strong talent pool and affordable living costs, contributing to the city’s growing reputation as a tech hub alongside companies like Apple and Google. This move also helps downtown Raleigh recover office space demand post-pandemic.

🎨 Sunset Social at The Bend: A Creative Evening in Raleigh 🎨

Looking for a fun, laid-back way to spend your evening? Head to The Bend in Raleigh for Sunset Social, a monthly art and vintage market showcasing the best local artists and vendors. From unique handmade crafts to vintage treasures, there’s something special for everyone.

The event runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and best of all — admission is free! Whether you’re hunting for one-of-a-kind finds or just want to soak up the creative vibe, Sunset Social is the perfect way to kick off your night.

Don’t miss out on this vibrant community gathering celebrating art, culture, and local talent right here in Wake County!

Because we can all use some good news

🌟 A Summer Surprise: Stranger’s Kindness Sends NC Girl to Camp 🌟

In North Carolina, just this June 2025, a simple act of kindness turned one young girl’s summer around.

Single mom Alyss was heartbroken when she realized she couldn’t afford to send her 12-year-old daughter, Aaliyah, to the summer camp she had dreamed of. Despite her disappointment, Aaliyah stayed positive, showing maturity well beyond her years.

That’s when a coworker named Emily stepped in. After overhearing their conversation, Emily quietly took action — reaching out to friends and strangers to raise money. Not only was Aaliyah’s full camp tuition covered, but generous donors also pitched in for supplies and even treated her to a spa day.

Their story quickly spread online, touching thousands. What started with one caring person sparked a wave of kindness across the community.

This feel-good moment is a beautiful reminder: sometimes, the smallest gestures make the biggest difference — and the spirit of giving is alive and well in North Carolina. 💛

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

For a complete list of events in Wake County, visit our “Events Page” below.

June 26th

🍦 All Day $1.99 Ice Cream Scoops – Baskin-Robbins
📍 Various Triangle Locations
Cool down any time today with a sweet scoop for just $1.99! Perfect for a spontaneous treat for you or the whole family.

🕯️ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Historic Oakwood Cemetery Tour
📍 701 Oakwood Ave, Raleigh
Take a peaceful guided walk through one of Raleigh’s most historic and beautiful spots — great for couples who love history and quiet strolls.

📚🌳 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Garden Storytime – JC Raulston Arboretum
📍 4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh
Enjoy nature and stories with the kids! A lovely way for families with little ones to connect with the outdoors.

🎬 10:00 AM

Free Movie: How to Train Your Dragon 2
📍 Triangle Cinemas, Six Forks Station, Raleigh
A family-friendly animated adventure to beat the heat and have some fun together.

🛼 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Skate Moore Square – Downtown Skate Jam
📍 Moore Square, Raleigh
Roll into summer fun! Bring your skates or just watch the excitement in this free, all-ages skate jam.

🏓 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Drop-In Pickleball – NC State Carmichael Gym
📍 2611 Cates Ave, Raleigh
Try this fast-paced, fun sport with your partner or friends — paddles available on-site!

🧠 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

Lunchbox Lecture – City of Raleigh Museum
📍 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh
Bring your lunch and enjoy a quick local history talk — perfect for a midday mental boost.

📸 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Photography Exhibit: “On Contentious Ground”
📍 Frank Thompson Hall, NC State Campus
Explore a thought-provoking exhibit that’s ideal for an artsy date or quiet solo visit.

Be sure to click below to review our “Events Calendar” with over 100 events happening today and this week!

Sometimes, email servers can cut off parts of the newsletter, making it tricky to enjoy the full experience. For the best reading experience and to catch all the details, click here to view the entire newsletter!

👇👇👇

🎬 Free Outdoor Family Movie Nights! 🍿🌟  Click Here ❗👈

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

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11