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šŸ“« Ben’s Original Recall | Fires Along I-540 | What in the World is Snack Exercing? šŸ“

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Hello friends!

🄳 National Chicken and Waffles Day Is Coming! šŸ§‡šŸ”

October 20th is the day we honor the most unlikely yet delicious duo: chicken and waffles. It's the culinary equivalent of a power ballad—crispy, savory, sweet, and just a little dramatic.

So whether you're team syrup-on-everything or you believe hot sauce belongs in every bite, this is your moment. Celebrate boldly. Eat weirdly. And remember: calories consumed in honor of a national holiday don’t count (probably).

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

—Philippians 4:6
ā€œDo not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.ā€

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šŸ“ Today’s Chuckle šŸ“

Whyy did the chicken sit on the waffle?

Because it wanted to hatch a brunch plan!

šŸ“ Trivia šŸ“

.Metro Diner serves over 1,300 orders of chicken and waffles daily. That’s a lot of crispy goodness

  • The dish has roots in both soul food and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. The soul food version—fried chicken with waffles and syrup—gained popularity in Harlem in the 1930s, while the Pennsylvania Dutch version featured stewed chicken over plain waffles.

  • Martha Washington had a chicken and waffle recipe. Yes, the First Lady herself was an early adopter of this savory-sweet combo

Monday’s are $3.00 Margaritas & Tuesday’s are $2.00 tacosšŸ“ Visit the site.

This Week’s Feature-North Carolina Fall Pumpkin Patches and Festivals

A Fall Must!

If your idea of a perfect fall day involves sipping wine under golden leaves, swaying to live music, and indulging in local flavors, then the North Carolina Wine Festival on October 25, 2025, is calling your name. Held at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, this annual celebration brings together dozens of wineries from across the state, each pouring their best reds, whites, and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just curious to explore, there's something for every palate.

But the festival isn’t just about wine—it’s a full sensory experience. Picture yourself strolling through rows of artisan booths, sampling gourmet bites from food trucks, and dancing to live bands that keep the energy high all day long. You can even join wine education sessions to learn the secrets behind your favorite varietals. The atmosphere is festive, relaxed, and perfect for couples, friends, or solo adventurers looking to soak up the season.

Fall in North Carolina is a showstopper, and the fairgrounds offer a stunning backdrop for this flavorful event. Bring a blanket, dress in layers, and plan to stay awhile—because once you’re there, you won’t want to leave. Just don’t forget to designate a driver or book a ride home. After all, the only thing better than discovering a new favorite wine is doing it safely. Cheers to fall, flavor, and fantastic memories!

Call Marie at 352-585-5259

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šŸ“©šŸ” 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! šŸ‘‡

ā€œFall in love with your new favorite bag! šŸ‚ Check out our gorgeous fall collection of handbags and purses at amazing prices. Every purchase helps support Esophageal Cancer research. Grab yours today!ā€ Shop Now!

Ben’s Original Recall Due to Stone Contamination

Ben’s Original is recalling select Ready Rice products after finding they may contain small stones, posing a risk of oral or digestive injury. No injuries have been reported.

The recall affects specific batches with best-by dates in August 2026. Consumers are urged to check their packaging and not eat the affected products.

For a refund and full details, visit the official recall notice.

Meteor Showers

Get ready, North Carolina skywatchers! The Orionid meteor shower—born from Halley’s Comet—will peak the night of October 20 through the early morning of October 21, offering a dazzling celestial display.

With a new moon this year, skies will be dark and perfect for viewing. Expect to see 10–20 meteors per hour streaking across the night sky, most visible after 1 a.m. when Orion rises higher.

How to watch:

  • Find a dark, open spot away from city lights.

  • Bring a blanket or lawn chair and give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adjust.

  • Look toward the east-southeast, but meteors can appear anywhere overhead.

These ā€œshooting starsā€ are tiny bits of Halley’s Comet burning up in Earth’s atmosphere—a free, awe-inspiring show from space.

If skies stay clear, this could be one of the best meteor-watching nights of 2025!

5K Run-The Day of the Dead

Lace up your running shoes for one of Raleigh’s most unique and lively traditions! The 13th Annual Day of the Dead 5K kicks off at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, with a scenic run through historic Oakwood Cemetery—a peaceful and fittingly beautiful route to start your morning.

After the run, the celebration continues on Wilmington Street with a street festival featuring local food vendors, kids’ activities, live music, and a costume contest.

Every participant who crosses the finish line will be greeted with a fresh-baked cookie from Tiff’s Treats, and runners 21 and older can enjoy a complimentary beer from Trophy Brewing.

Whether you’re running, cheering, or just soaking in the festivities, the Day of the Dead 5K offers a wonderful way to celebrate culture, community, and the joy of being outdoors in downtown Raleigh.

Exercise Snacks!-What?

If long workouts aren’t your thing, good news — science says short bursts of movement really do count. A new study published Tuesday in BMJ Sports Medicine found that bite-sized bouts of exercise, like a quick walk around the block, a flight of stairs, or a few minutes with hand weights, can significantly improve both heart health and muscle fitness.

Researchers discovered that these ā€œexercise snacksā€ may be one of the best ways to build lasting fitness habits — no gym membership or marathon mindset required.

So next time you’re waiting for your coffee to brew or on a quick break from work, sneak in a few squats or a brisk walk. Those small moves could add up to a stronger, healthier you — one mini workout at a time. Read More

Brush Fires Along I-540

Raleigh deputies report that crews responded to a brush fire along I-540 on Sunday, following a series of ā€œintentionally setā€ fires the day before, according to local authorities.

The fire prompted a quick response from Raleigh and Wake County fire teams, who worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby wooded areas and roadways. No injuries have been reported so far.

Authorities are investigating the incidents and are asking anyone with information about the fires to come forward. Drivers are urged to exercise caution along I-540 while crews continue their cleanup and safety efforts.

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of wildfire and brush fires, especially in dry conditions, and the importance of reporting suspicious activity promptly.

A Hero's Quick Hands in Bridgeport

On a crisp morning of March 15, 2025, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Aaron Tucker, a 32-year-old father fresh out of jail and staying at a halfway house, boarded a city bus en route to a crucial job interview. Dressed in his only clean shirt, he was determined to turn his life around. But when the bus halted near a mangled car that had flipped into a tree, flames licking at the undercarriage, Aaron didn't hesitate—he leaped off and sprinted to the wreckage. Kneeling amid shattered glass, he unbuckled the dazed driver, 45-year-old mechanic Luis Ramirez, and dragged him to safety just as the vehicle erupted in fire. Aaron tore off his shirt to staunch Luis's head wound, whispering, "You're gonna be okay, man," until paramedics arrived. Though he missed his interview and returned home shirtless and soot-streaked, Aaron's selflessness saved Luis's life, allowing him to reunite with his wife and two young sons that evening. The community rallied, raising over $60,000 via GoFundMe for Aaron, who landed multiple job offers and now works as a community outreach coordinator. How it made a difference: Aaron's instinctive bravery not only spared Luis from a fiery end but also restored his family's sense of security, while giving Aaron a second chance at stability and purpose he might never have found otherwise.

In the rush of our own struggles, pausing to help another can ignite a chain of hope, proving that true strength lies in lifting someone when the world feels too heavy.

"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)

Prime Time Living

55 Plus - The New Silver Standard

How to find a sense of purpose in later life.

Check out our online calendar for more events and local activities!šŸ“Œ
Fun Activities and Events in Wake County on October 20, 2025

Event Name

Date & Time

Location

Cost

Schools Out Day Camp - Skill & Chill

Oct 20, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Various locations in Raleigh

$50–$100

Chick-fil-A Lake Boone's Breakfast Bingo

Oct 20, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

Chick-fil-A, 3770 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh

Free (pay for food)

Craft Habit Raleigh's Teacher Workday Camp

Oct 20, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Craft Habit, Raleigh

$60–$80

Total Tot Time

Oct 20, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

W.D. Hill Recreation Center, Raleigh

Free

Game On! at Moore Square

Oct 20, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh

Free

Books and Bricks

Oct 20, Morning/Afternoon (library hours)

Wake County Library branches, Raleigh

Free

Sensory Stay and Play

Oct 20, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Northeast Regional Library, 14401 Green Elm Lane, Raleigh

Free

FRoG Fall Scavenger Hunt

Oct 20, All day (self-paced)

Raleigh Greenways (various parks/trails)

Free

October StoryWalksĀ® of Wake County Parks

Oct 20, All day (park hours)

Multiple Wake County parks

Free

Be sure to click below to review our ā€œEvents Calendarā€ with over 100 events happening today and this week!

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šŸ‘‡šŸ‘‡šŸ‘‡

ā€œFor I know the plans I have for you,ā€ declares the Lord, ā€œplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.ā€

Jeremiah 29:11