📫State of Emergency Declared in NC |Mother of All Senses | Renaissance Festival | Three People Shot📍

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Hello friends!

Today, we honor Gold Star Moms and their families—those whose courage, sacrifice, and love for our nation inspire us all. On this special day, we thank you for your strength, your stories, and your enduring spirit. Your bravery and love are remembered and celebrated today and every day.

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

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

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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

“Monday is the day that my coffee needs coffee.”

📍 Trivia 📍

The tradition of honoring Gold Star Mothers began after World War I. Families who lost a loved one in military service would hang a service flag in their window: a blue star for each family member serving, and a gold star if the service member died. This practice led to the formation of the American Gold Star Mothers organization in 1928, the first formal group dedicated to supporting mothers who had lost a child in service. Since then, Gold Star Family recognition has expanded to honor all immediate family members of fallen service members, and Gold Star Mother’s Day was officially established in 1936.

Monday’s are $3.00 Margaritas & Tuesday’s are $2.00 tacos📍 Visit the site.

Carolina Renaissance Festival

The Carolina Renaissance Festival, held each fall in Huntersville, North Carolina, is one of the largest Renaissance fairs in the country and a beloved autumn tradition. From October 4 through November 23, 2025, the festival transforms 325 wooded acres into the whimsical 16th-century village of Fairhaven, complete with castles, pubs, artisan shops, and lively street performers. Visitors step into a world where history and fantasy meet, with more than 200 costumed characters roaming the grounds, inviting guests into interactive skits, storytelling, and playful encounters. A hallmark of the festival is its three daily jousting tournaments, where armored knights on horseback charge with lances before finishing with dramatic, staged combat. Falconry shows and birds of prey demonstrations offer a glimpse into medieval sport, while the crowd-favorite mermaid lagoon features costumed mermaids swimming in a massive tank, creating a magical experience especially popular with families.

Entertainment fills every corner of Fairhaven with 16 outdoor stages showcasing live music, comedy, acrobatics, juggling, fire dancing, and Shakespeare-inspired theater. Street performers pop up along pathways, keeping the atmosphere lively and unpredictable. Visitors can test their own skills with archery, axe throwing, star throws, or whimsical carnival-style games like the frog catapult, while children enjoy face painting, costume rentals, and treasure hunts. Shopping is another highlight, with over 100 artisans selling unique, handcrafted wares such as blown glass, leather goods, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, and authentic Renaissance attire. Many artists also demonstrate their craft, giving festivalgoers the chance to see traditional skills in action.

No Renaissance experience would be complete without a feast, and the festival’s food is legendary. Guests line up for giant roasted turkey legs, hearty stews in bread bowls, Scotch eggs, fish and chips, and the iconic “Steak on a Stake.” Sweet treats like apple dumplings, cinnamon-roasted nuts, and funnel cakes round out the menu, while pubs and beer gardens pour mead, ales, and cider to keep spirits high. Adding to the fun are themed weekends, such as Oktoberfest, Time Travelers, Pirate’s Christmas, and the Spooky Halloween celebration, each offering unique costumes, contests, and special performances.

What makes the Carolina Renaissance Festival truly special is its scale, variety, and ability to transport guests into a living storybook. Whether you come for the jousting knights, the laughter of street performers, the beauty of handcrafted art, or the chance to sip mead while watching mermaids, the experience is unlike anything else in North Carolina. It’s an event where families, history buffs, fantasy lovers, and day-trippers alike can all find something magical to enjoy during the crisp and colorful fall season.

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State of Emergency Declared in North Carolina Ahead of Tropical Depression 9 / Future Imelda

Governor Josh Stein has declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina as Tropical Depression Nine strengthens and is expected to become Tropical Storm Imelda in the coming days. While current forecasts suggest the storm may stay offshore, the state faces risks of heavy rain, flooding, strong surf, rip currents, and possible storm surge, especially along the coast. Some areas could see up to six inches of rainfall, with higher amounts possible if the system lingers near shore. The declaration allows the state to mobilize resources quickly, coordinate with local governments, and pre-position rescue teams, law enforcement, and the National Guard. Residents are urged to prepare emergency kits, secure property, and stay informed through local alerts and official updates. Even if North Carolina avoids a direct landfall, the storm could bring hazardous conditions, making early preparedness critical.

Physical Touch: The “Mother of All Senses” and How It Can Benefit Your Life

Physical touch is more than a comforting hug or a gentle pat on the back—it’s a powerful sense that deeply impacts our emotional and physical well-being. Often called the “mother of all senses,” touch plays a crucial role in human development, communication, and connection. According to experts, regular, positive physical contact can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost immunity, and even improve sleep. Beyond the physiological benefits, touch fosters emotional bonds, helping us feel safe, supported, and connected to others.

Therapists and neuroscientists emphasize that touch doesn’t always have to be romantic—it can be as simple as holding hands, hugging friends and family, or even petting animals. These small gestures stimulate the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” creating feelings of happiness and calm. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, intentional touch can serve as a reminder of our shared humanity, enhancing both mental and physical health.

Incorporating healthy touch into daily life—whether through hugs, handshakes, massages, or mindful physical connection—can be transformative, reinforcing the idea that human contact is not just comforting, but essential to living a balanced, fulfilled life. Read More

Several People Shot Outside Raleigh Hookah Lounge

Raleigh police are investigating after multiple people were shot outside a hookah lounge on Millbrook Road late Saturday night.

Authorities confirmed that several victims were injured in the shooting, which took place in the parking lot of the business. The exact number of people struck and the extent of their injuries have not yet been released.

Officers say they are actively searching for a suspect and working to determine what led to the gunfire. Investigators remained on scene through the night gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Read More

Conductor Brings Fresh Energy as Orchestra Launches New Season

The orchestra is opening its season with a renewed vision, guided by a conductor who’s striking a balance between tradition and innovation. By weaving classic works together with contemporary influences, the performances are drawing in longtime patrons while also attracting new audiences.

This season’s lineup is designed to feel both familiar and refreshing, showcasing timeless symphonies alongside creative new presentations. With this approach, the orchestra is redefining what a modern concert experience can be — ensuring the music resonates with today’s listeners while honoring its classical roots. Read More

After Hurricane Helene: Small Acts, Big Impact in the Mountains

In the days following Hurricane Helene, mountain communities leaned on one another in ways both simple and profound. Neighbors picked up hammers, planted gardens, and offered helping hands — not through sweeping displays, but through everyday actions that slowly stitched life back together.

These are not stories of headlines or heroes, but of quiet resilience. They are the stories of people who chose to build, repair, and create amid the wreckage, turning small steps into the foundation of recovery.

Take Omi Salavea, for example. An artist in a mountain town, Salavea began gathering debris left behind after the storm. It started with just three nails, but soon grew into a collection that reflected both the destruction and the determination of her community. What might have looked like trash to some became, in her hands, a symbol of renewal.

Across the region, similar acts unfolded — each one adding strength to the scaffolding of hope. Together, they remind us that recovery isn’t only about rebuilding structures, but about restoring spirit. Read More

A Perfect Fall Experience on the NC Coast

Autumn on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast offers a unique combination of natural beauty and seasonal activities that make it an ideal destination for fall travelers. Cooler temperatures and fewer summer crowds create the perfect environment for exploring the region’s beaches, waterways, and historic towns. Visitors can enjoy serene walks along the sandy shores of Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach, where fall sunsets paint the sky in vibrant shades of gold and pink. Kayaking through the salt marshes of Bogue Sound or the Rachel Carson Reserve provides an up-close view of coastal wildlife, including migratory birds that gather during the season. Historic Beaufort offers a glimpse into the area’s rich past, with waterfront streets, museums, and local shops that are particularly enjoyable in the mild autumn weather. Fall is also oyster season, giving visitors the chance to sample fresh seafood at local markets and waterfront restaurants. Cape Lookout Lighthouse remains a popular destination for panoramic views of the barrier islands and the Atlantic Ocean, while fishing along the shore or via charter boats remains productive, with species such as red drum, speckled trout, and flounder commonly caught during this time. The Shackleford Banks provide opportunities to observe the region’s famous wild horses against a backdrop of golden dunes, and evenings along the sound invite relaxation, stargazing, or fireside gatherings as the days grow shorter. Together, these experiences showcase the Crystal Coast as a destination where natural beauty, wildlife, and coastal culture can be enjoyed in the tranquil setting of fall.

💖 A Father's Gift of Life

In a profound act of love and sacrifice, 25-year-old Delayne Ivanowski, a nurse from Kirkwood, Missouri, secretly donated her kidney to her father, John Ivanowski, 60, who had been battling kidney failure due to IgA nephropathy. Despite his initial refusal, Delayne persisted, undergoing months of medical evaluations in secret. On the day following the transplant surgery, she surprised her father by entering his hospital room wearing a gown and IV, revealing that she was his anonymous donor. Overcome with emotion, John exclaimed, "I knew right away," as he realized the depth of her selflessness. The heartwarming moment was shared widely on social media, touching the hearts of many. Today, both father and daughter are recovering well, with John no longer requiring dialysis and Delayne's health remaining strong. Their story continues to inspire others about the power of love and the impact of organ donation.

"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)

55 Plus - The New Silver Standard

What is the best and worst places to age in the US?

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Check out our online calendar for more events and local activities!📌

What’s Happening Today?

Monday, Sept. 29th

🎶 Music & Entertainment

• WWE Monday Night RAW
  🕕 Time: 6:15 PM
  📍 Location: PNC Arena, Raleigh
  🎟️ Details: Experience the excitement of live professional wrestling with WWE's Monday Night RAW. Visit Raleigh

• Ciba Punch Performance
  🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  📍 Location: The Chapel, Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh
  🎭 Details: An interactive public art performance exploring cultural themes. Dorothea Dix Park

🎭 Theater & Performing Arts

• Yoga in the Park
  🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
  📍 Location: Harvey Hill, Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh
  🧘 Details: Join a relaxing yoga session amidst nature. Dorothea Dix Park

🍷 Wine & Social Gatherings

• Business After Hours – September 2025
  🕛 Time: 12:00 PM
  📍 Location: Raleigh, NC
  🤝 Details: Network with local professionals in a relaxed setting. Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce📚 Library & Educational Activities

• Take a Child Outside Week: Lake Wheeler Forest Adventures
  🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  📍 Location: Lake Wheeler Park, Raleigh
  👧 Details: Children ages 6–12 can explore forest ecology through hands-on activities. Pre-registration required. Triangle on the Cheap

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Kids Activities

• Back in Time Theater Camp
  📅 Dates: September 29 – October 3, 2025
  📍 Location: Holly Springs, NC
  🎭 Details: A week-long theater camp for kids to explore acting and performance. Facebook

👵 Senior-Friendly Events

• Public Library Pop-up
  🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  📍 Location: Harvey Hill, Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh
  📚 Details: Enjoy a selection of books and resources in a relaxed outdoor setting. Dorothea Dix Park

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

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