Hello friends!
I want to tell you how much I appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for reading, sharing and supporting Wake News & Events. You are the reason we love bringing you the latest news, local happenings and fun things to do across Wake County!
Today is National Lazy Day, which means you officially have permission to kick back, put your feet up and postpone anything that looks suspiciously like work. The laundry will still be there tomorrow—and it already knows how to wait!
So pour yourself something refreshing, find your favorite comfortable spot and relax while we bring Wake County directly to you. After all, reading your favorite newsletter isn’t being lazy—it’s staying informed horizontally!
Happy National Lazy Day—and thank you for being such a wonderful part of our Wake News & Events community! 💙
See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane
PS Be sure to join our NEW Facebook Group.
—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
B’s Customer Designs – Handmade Wreaths That Make a Statement
Support a small business and a work-at-home mom when you choose a one-of-a-kind wreath from B’s Customer Designs.
Each piece is carefully crafted to be uniquely yours—beautiful, eye-catching, and the perfect statement for your front door.
Turn your entryway into something special. Shop B’s Customer Designs today and bring home the beauty of handmade.
Check out her latest creations and order your own: B’s Custom Creations by BR
I had a long list of things to do for National Lazy Day…but I decided to celebrate properly and do them tomorrow! 😴
Wild Things | An Adventure in Downtown Raleigh
Step out of the August heat and into the wonderfully wild world of “Staying Alive,” a special exhibition at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh.
Here, survival is more than instinct—it is an art form. Visitors can meet an armored armadillo, marvel at a leisurely two-toed sloth and discover toads with some truly remarkable defensive tricks. Live animals, larger-than-life sculptures and hands-on displays reveal the clever, surprising and sometimes downright strange ways creatures protect themselves in the wild.
This engaging experience is ideal for families, couples, grandparents and curious travelers of every age. After exploring the exhibition, continue your journey through the museum’s four floors of dinosaurs, gems, native wildlife, ocean life and scientific discoveries—all with free general admission.
But don’t wait too long: “Staying Alive” closes August 23, 2026.
Plan Your Visit
Location: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Special exhibition admission: Adults $18; seniors 65+, students and military $16; children ages 3–12 $14; children 2 and younger free
Regular museum admission: Free
It is a refreshing summer escape where entertainment meets discovery—and where even the slow-moving sloth has an incredible survival story to tell.
Water Babies of Greater Raleigh offers expert-led swim lessons for babies and toddlers from birth to age 4 in warm, welcoming Triangle pools.
You’ll be in the water together for fun, child-led classes filled with songs, play, and gentle skill-building—creating special bonding moments while your little one gains confidence.
Why parents love Water Babies:
✅ Builds early water confidence and helps prevent fear of water
✅ Introduces foundational water safety skills
✅ Supports healthy physical and emotional development
✅ Creates quality parent-child bonding time
✅ Taught by caring, highly trained local instructors
Give your child the gift of water confidence and joyful memories. Spots fill quickly—contact Water Babies of Greater Raleigh today!
➡️ Lessons
Help Fill Wake County Classrooms Through Tools4Schools
While Wake County’s traditional-calendar students prepare to return later this month, year-round students are already back in class—and local teachers still need our support.
WakeEd Partnership’s 2026 Tools4Schools Community Supply Drive continues through August 21. The program stocks a free classroom-supply store where Wake County Public School educators can receive notebooks, pencils, markers, headphones and other essential materials without spending their own money.
Since launching in 2022, Tools4Schools has distributed more than $2 million in classroom supplies. Community members can donate new supplies at any Staples store in Wake County, deliver items to Tools4Schools at 1816 Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, purchase items through the organization’s Amazon Wish List or make a tax-deductible financial contribution.
Every donation—large or small—helps a Wake County teacher spend less from their own pocket and ensures local students have the tools they need to learn.
Beware of “Neighborhood Contractor” Scams
Scammers are posing as trusted local contractors in neighborhood Facebook groups. Wake Forest’s 27587 ZIP code recorded the Triangle’s highest number of scam reports in 2025, with Apex and Fuquay-Varina also near the top.
In one case, a Wake Forest homeowner lost $1,350 to a garage repairman who performed faulty work and then disappeared.
Before hiring anyone, verify the business, check references, get a written contract and avoid paying large deposits upfront. For projects costing $40,000 or more, confirm the contractor’s license through the NC Licensing Board.
If the offer feels rushed or suspicious, trust your instincts and investigate before paying.
When the Bus Missed the Stops, Parents Hit the Brakes
A confusing ride home from Middle Creek Elementary School turned frightening when a substitute bus driver had difficulty following Route 4 and reportedly passed several assigned stops.
Worried parents followed the bus, attempted to retrieve their children and eventually used vehicles to block it while police were called. Some students reportedly became distressed, and several exited through an emergency door.
Wake County school officials said drivers who are uncertain about a route should stop safely and contact a supervisor. The district reviewed the incident and offered counseling support to students. Following an investigation, Holly Springs police announced that no criminal charges would be filed against anyone involved.
The episode ended with every child accounted for—but it left families calling for clearer communication and stronger safeguards when transportation plans go off course.
Raleigh Teen Conquers the English Channel!
Congratulations to 17-year-old Raleigh swimmer Lorelei Schmidt, who successfully crossed the English Channel and completed the prestigious “Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.” Her extraordinary strength, determination, and courage have made Raleigh—and all of Wake County—proud. Way to make waves, Lorelei!
NC State Welcomes a Star Home!
NASA astronaut and NC State alum Christina Koch is returning for a special homecoming celebration. Talk about taking Wolfpack pride to new heights!
Monday, August 10, 2026
Young Minds Make Their Move at Triangle Chess
Time: Typical sessions: 9 a.m.–noon, 1–4 p.m. or 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Triangle Chess, 10580 Ligon Mill Road, Suite 101-B, Wake Forest
Cost: Programs start at $75
Description: Children ages 6–14 can strengthen their concentration, patience and problem-solving skills through chess lessons, practice games and friendly tournaments. Some sessions combine chess with Minecraft, robotics, LEGO projects or martial arts. The linked page does not confirm a specific August 10 session, so families should check availability before visiting. Triangle Chess details
Paint the Afternoon Away at Pinot’s Palette
Time: 1–4 p.m.
Location: Pinot’s Palette–Brier Creek, 10410 Moncreiffe Road, Suite 101, Raleigh
Cost: $35 per guest
Description: Choose a painting or do-it-yourself project and create at your own pace during this flexible Open Studio. Materials are included, no artistic experience is necessary and participants may arrive after 1 p.m., but paintings must be completed by 4 p.m. Pinot’s Palette event details
Make New Connections in Wake Forest
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: Lowes Foods, Capital Boulevard, Wake Forest
Cost: Free
Description: The Wake Forest Community Builders Event offers residents a relaxed opportunity to meet neighbors, exchange ideas and strengthen local connections. Because the Facebook listing does not provide complete venue information publicly, attendees should confirm the exact Lowes Foods location before leaving home. Community Builders event
Discover Local Art at the Renaissance Centre
Time: Available during the centre’s public operating hours
Location: Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 South Brooks Street, Wake Forest
Cost: Free to view
Description: Stop by the Renaissance Centre to enjoy artwork from regional artists displayed throughout this downtown cultural venue. Display schedules can change when performances or private programs are underway, so call ahead before making a special trip. Wake Forest Renaissance Centre
Name That Tune at Music Bingo
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Sports & Social Cary, 301 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary
Cost: Free to play; food and beverages are additional
Description: Music replaces numbers in this lively spin on traditional bingo. Listen for familiar songs, mark the matching titles on your card and compete for prizes while enjoying the big-game atmosphere at Fenton. Music Bingo event
Put Your Knowledge to Work at Ponysaurus
Time: 7–9 p.m.
Location: Ponysaurus Brewing Co., 2221 Iron Works Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh
Cost: Free to play; purchases are additional
Description: Gather a team and test your knowledge of television, geography, pop culture and other delightfully random subjects. Geeks Who Drink hosts the weekly contest, with beer prizes awarded to the winners. Arrive early if you want a table. Ponysaurus Trivia Night
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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.”
