📫4 Die In FLooding | Four New Schools Opening | Raleigh Water Rates Increase | Habitat for Humanity Making A Difference In Wake📍

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Hello friends!

Did you know July 10 is National Kitten Day? It’s the perfect day to celebrate those tiny, playful bundles of fur who steal our hearts with their purrs, cuddles, and endless energy. Whether you already have a furry friend or are thinking about adding one, this day is all about appreciating kittens and raising awareness about their care and adoption.

If you’ve been considering adopting, now is an amazing time! Local shelters in Wake County have plenty of kittens (and cats!) looking for their forever homes. Adopting not only saves lives but fills your home with love and laughter. Plus, many shelters offer adoption specials this month — a win-win!

Not ready to adopt? You can still celebrate by sharing adorable kitten photos, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply spreading the word about the joys of kitten companionship.

So, grab some catnip, snap a cute photo, or head to your nearest shelter — let’s make this National Kitten Day one to remember!

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

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

🧨Check Out Our New 55 Plus Section!🧨

—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. ✨

Let’s make shopping more fun and more affordable — together!

🕒 Deals change daily,

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

📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why was the kitten so good at video games?
Because it had nine lives! 😸😄

📍 North Carolina Triva 📍

Cat Population: North Carolina has millions of pet cats, with estimates suggesting nearly 1 in 3 households owns at least one cat.

🌭 Celebrate National Hot Dog Day on July 16 with Sizzling Deals

Get ready to fire up your appetite—National Hot Dog Day is just around the corner on Wednesday, July 16, 2025! It’s the perfect time to treat yourself to one of summer’s most iconic eats, and a few favorite spots in the Triangle are rolling out tasty deals to mark the occasion.

🌭Dog Haus (Wake Forest) Free gourmet “Haus Dog” for rewards‑app members, no purchase necessary thekrazycouponlady.com

🌭Sonic Drive-In is serving up the savings all month long with a trio of weekly hot dog specials. You can grab a $1 Corn Dog, a $2 All-American Dog, or a $3 Footlong Quarter Pound Coney—each deal available once per week and refreshing every Monday. Just remember, these offers are exclusively available through the Sonic app, so make sure to order there to cash in on the savings.

Whether you're a hot dog traditionalist or love to try something new, it's a great time to celebrate this fun food holiday with a bite (or two)!

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Celebrate National Kitten/Cat Day in Wake County

July 10 is National Kitten Day, and what better way to celebrate than by showering our feline friends with love and support? Wake County is buzzing with kitten-themed activities and adoption opportunities that you won't want to miss!

🐾 K-5th Adventures: International Cat Day at Joyner Park

Bring your little ones to the Joyner Park Community Center in Wake Forest for a fun-filled afternoon celebrating our feline companions. On July 10 from 4:30–5:15 PM, the K-5th Adventures: International Cat Day program offers engaging activities and crafts centered around cats. It's a purr-fect way to introduce kids to the joys of kitten companionship.

🐱 Adoption Specials at Local Shelters

Looking to add a furry friend to your family? Several local shelters are offering special adoption deals:

• Wake County Animal Center: Throughout July, adopt any adult cat for just $5. It's a fantastic opportunity to bring home a loving companion.

• SAFE Haven for Cats: "A Purr-fect Summer" to stop by visit and meet their adorable cats and kittens. Remember, starting July 12, weekend adoptions will be by appointment only, so plan your visit accordingly.

🐾 Volunteer Opportunities

Not ready to adopt? You can still make a difference! Consider volunteering at local shelters like SAFE Haven for Cats or the Wake County Animal Center. Your time and care can help socialize kittens and prepare them for their forever homes.

Or, celebrate National Kitten Day at home by pampering your own feline friend. Treat them to a new toy, a cozy bed, or simply spend quality time together. Don't forget to share your kitten photos on social media using the hashtag #NationalKittenDay to spread the love!

Happy National Kitten Day! 🐾

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Staging for a Quick Sale

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything—and that starts with curb appeal. The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, and it sets the tone for their entire experience. A clean, well-maintained front yard and entryway signals that the home has been cared for and can make it stand out in a competitive market. Fortunately, boosting curb appeal doesn’t require a major investment. Start by tidying up the yard: mow the lawn, trim bushes, pull weeds, and edge walkways. Pressure-washing the siding, driveway, and sidewalks can instantly refresh the look of the home.

Adding a splash of color can also go a long way. A fresh coat of paint on the front door or shutters creates a welcoming atmosphere, and potted plants or hanging baskets with seasonal flowers add charm and vibrancy. Don’t overlook the details—replacing outdated house numbers and upgrading exterior lighting can give your home a modern, polished feel. Pay close attention to the front entry. A new doormat, updated hardware, and a clean or newly painted door can make a great impression. If space allows, consider placing a small bench or chair near the entryway to create a cozy, inviting look.

Finally, take time to repair the small stuff—fix cracked walkways, replace broken fence posts, and touch up any chipped paint. These little fixes show buyers that the home has been well cared for and can help ease concerns about larger hidden problems. In the end, improving curb appeal is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to attract buyers, generate interest, and sell your home faster. A little effort outside can lead to big results inside the closing room.

4 Dead After Chantal Brings Historic Flooding to North Carolina

Tropical Storm Chantal left a trail of devastation across North Carolina, causing what officials are calling "500- to 1,000-year" flooding. At least four people died, and over 200 water rescues were performed as heavy rains overwhelmed rivers and streams, submerging homes, vehicles, and roads.

Emergency crews responded to nearly 130 rescues in Chapel Hill and 80 in Durham, with flooding shutting down more than 65 roads statewide. The storm dropped over a foot of rain in some areas, severely damaging shopping centers and neighborhoods.

Governor Josh Stein praised first responders and pledged state support for recovery. As floodwaters recede, cleanup and repair efforts are underway across the hardest-hit communities. Read More

Wake County Schools Limit Cell Phone Use Starting This Month

Beginning in July 2025, Wake County Public Schools will implement a new cell phone policy aimed at reducing distractions and promoting student well-being. Under the updated rules, elementary and middle school students will be required to keep their phones stored away during instructional hours. High school students will only be allowed to use their devices between classes, during lunch, or with a teacher’s permission. The district says the goal is to create a more focused learning environment across all grade levels.

Raleigh Water Rates Increase

As of July 1, Raleigh Water has implemented a 4% rate increase on water and sewer bills for customers in Raleigh and surrounding towns, including Garner and Knightdale. For most residential customers, this means an average monthly increase of about $1.91. The rate adjustment is intended to help fund critical upgrades to the area's aging water and sewer infrastructure.

Knightdale Partners with Habitat for Humanity

The Town of Knightdale has joined forces with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County to launch a new affordable housing initiative. This collaboration involves town officials and community volunteers working together to help meet the growing local need for affordable homes. Read More

Four New Schools Opening

As Wake County Public Schools prepares for the 2025–26 school year, it plans to open four new schools, including Rex Road Elementary and Felton Grove High in Holly Springs, and Bowling Road Elementary in Fuquay‑Varina. The district is seeking a $40.3 million increase in county funding while proposing $17.3 million in budget cuts elsewhere to balance its finances. Read More

NC Drivers Get 2-Year Grace Period for License Renewals

North Carolina drivers now have up to two extra years to renew their standard Class C licenses, thanks to a new law addressing DMV backlogs.

Signed by Governor Josh Stein, the law extends the validity of licenses expiring July 1, 2025, or later through December 31, 2027—but only for in-state driving. The extension does not apply to commercial, suspended, or revoked licenses.

Due to staffing shortages and increased demand for REAL IDs, the DMV is overwhelmed. In response, weekend hours have been added at 20 offices, and online services have been expanded to help clear the backlog.

⚠️ Reminder: The extension doesn't work for flying, travel out of state, voter ID, or other official uses. Drivers are encouraged to renew as soon as possible. Read More

🌟 From Survivor to Hero: Teen Gives Back to Haiti

In 2010, a devastating earthquake in Haiti left two-year-old Jamesly Jesse trapped under rubble and orphaned. After five days, he was rescued and later adopted by Mary and Nathan Jesse from Illinois.

Now 16, Jamesly has transformed his life and is giving back in a big way. Motivated by gratitude, he raised $35,000 and helped send 100,000 meals to a hospital in Haiti. His incredible efforts earned him the 2025 National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award.

Though political unrest has kept him from returning home, Jamesly dreams of making an even bigger impact. He plans to study food planning in college and continues to inspire with his kindness, faith, and determination..

"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

Best Cruises for the 55+ Adventurer

If you’re 55 or better and ready to explore the world in style, these top cruise lines are made just for you—combining culture, comfort, and unforgettable experiences.

Viking Ocean Cruises
Dubbed “A Thinking Person’s Cruise,” Viking is perfect for curious travelers aged 50+. Dive into rich cultural journeys with onboard lectures, cooking classes, and immersive destination programs. Plus, their all-inclusive fares cover meals, drinks during lunch and dinner, and exciting shore excursions—so you can relax and soak it all in.

Azamara
For those 55 and up who crave deeper adventures, Azamara offers boutique cruises with longer port stays. Explore hidden gems and lesser-known ports on smaller ships that deliver an intimate experience. Their all-inclusive pricing means meals, beverages, gratuities, and cultural events are all taken care of—allowing you to fully embrace each destination.

Windstar Cruises
Looking for a blend of luxury and intimacy? Windstar’s small ships (carrying 148–342 guests) provide personalized service and access to unique spots bigger ships can’t reach. Foodies will love their culinary shore excursions and onboard cooking classes, making each voyage a feast for the senses.

Seabourn Cruise Line
If exceptional luxury and top-tier service are what you seek, Seabourn delivers with spacious suites, gourmet dining, and a truly pampering experience. Their ships are thoughtfully equipped with accessible amenities, ensuring every guest travels in comfort and style.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
For seniors who want the ultimate all-inclusive luxury, Regent offers lavish all-suite ships with elegant décor and impeccable service. Everything’s included—from dining and drinks to gratuities and most shore excursions—so you can focus on making memories without any worries.

Whether you want intellectually stimulating voyages, boutique exploration, culinary delights, or pure luxury, these cruise lines have crafted unforgettable journeys just for you. Ready to set sail on your next adventure?

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🎭 Arts & Culture

• Raleigh Fringe Festival
  Celebrate creativity with unique theater performances and street acts at the Raleigh Fringe Festival. Catch shows and artistic displays from 6:00 PM to 9:45 PM at local venues downtown. A perfect evening for art lovers of all ages!

👶 Family & Kids Activities

• StoryWalk® at Wake County Parks
  Take a walk and enjoy a children’s story posted along a nature trail at various Wake County parks. It’s a fun, educational way for families and kids to explore the outdoors while reading together all day long.

• Game On! at Moore Square
  Join in giant lawn games and board games at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A lively spot for families and kids to have some active fun in the fresh air!

• Little Fentonians: Book Bonanza
  Bring your little readers to Fenton Square in Cary for storytelling and crafts from 10:00 AM to noon. It’s a delightful event for young kids and families to enjoy together.

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment

• Russell Peters Comedy Show
  Laugh the night away with comedian Russell Peters at Raleigh Improv starting at 7:00 PM. Adults will love this night of top-notch humor and entertainment.

• Local Live Music
  Experience great live music around Wake County with acts like Story Charlemagne at Blackbird Brewery in Wake Forest (6–9 PM), Kyle Mullins at Bearded Bee Brewing in Wendell (starting at 6 PM), and Janis and The Crew at Oaklyn Springs Brewery in Fuquay-Varina (7 PM).

🧓 Senior-Friendly Events

• Silent Book Club at Oberlin Regional Library
  Enjoy a peaceful evening reading and sharing at the Silent Book Club from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. A wonderful way for seniors to connect over books.

• Novel Writing Workshop at North Regional Library
  Aspiring senior writers can join this creative workshop from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, perfect for developing writing skills and sharing ideas.

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!

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