📫 BIPOC Youth in Raleigh | Art and Community Shine | Wake Forest Diwali Festival | These Big Deals are a Big Deal | NC Flesh-Eating Bacteria📍

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Hello friends!

We want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to each of you—our loyal long-time readers and our wonderful new subscribers. Your support, curiosity, and engagement inspire us every day to bring you the latest news, events, and stories from our community.

If you enjoy what you read, we’d love your help spreading the word! Referrals from our readers are the highest compliment we can receive. Share our newsletter with friends, family, and neighbors so they too can stay informed and connected.

Thank you for being part of our growing community. We’re grateful for you!

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 📍

I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I?
Answer: A candle

📍 Triva 📍

Trivia of the Day – September 16:
Did you know that on September 16, 1810, the Mexican War of Independence began when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the church bell and called for freedom from Spanish rule? This event, known as the “Grito de Dolores,” is still celebrated every year in Mexico as Independence Day!

Autumn Magic in Asheville & the Surrounding Mountains 🍂

As the crisp air of fall rolls into western North Carolina, Asheville and its surrounding mountain towns transform into a kaleidoscope of fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is the perfect base for an unforgettable fall adventure, offering both natural beauty and vibrant local culture.

When to Go:
Peak foliage in Asheville typically arrives mid-October through early November, with higher elevations like the Blue Ridge Parkway and nearby Mount Pisgah changing color first. Late October is often the sweet spot for the most brilliant displays.

Why to Go:
Autumn in Asheville is about more than just leaves—it’s an experience for all the senses. Crisp mountain air carries the scent of fallen leaves, artisanal bakeries tempt with seasonal treats, and the stunning scenery provides endless photo opportunities. Hikes, drives, and small-town strolls all come alive against a backdrop of radiant colors.

What to See:

• Blue Ridge Parkway: Often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” it offers miles of scenic overlooks, including Craggy Gardens, Wagon Road Gap, and Mount Pisgah.

• Max Patch: A serene mountaintop meadow perfect for picnics and panoramic views of the fall foliage.

• Catawba Falls & Linville Gorge: Combine easy hikes with waterfall views framed by autumn colors.

• Downtown Asheville & Biltmore Village: Charming streets lined with shops and cafés, enhanced by autumn décor and leaves carpeting the sidewalks.

Whether you’re driving scenic byways, hiking hidden trails, or simply sipping hot cider in a cozy café, Asheville in the fall is a feast for the eyes, body, and soul. The combination of mountain majesty, colorful forests, and vibrant local culture makes it a must-visit destination for leaf peepers and adventure seekers alike.

Fall in Asheville isn’t just a season—it’s a celebration of nature, beauty, and the joy of slowing down to soak it all in.

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North Carolina Reports 7 Infections From Flesh-Eating Bacteria

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Building Confidence for BIPOC Youth in Raleigh

In Raleigh, North Carolina, the Firebirds Swim Team, part of the nonprofit Champion’s Coaching, is transforming lives through swimming. Founded by Zion Hall in 2024, this USA Swimming team empowers BIPOC and underserved youth, breaking down barriers in a sport where only 1.4% of athletes are Black and 3.5% are Hispanic, per USA Swimming’s 2019 data.

Zion, a former swimmer, started the program to honor her brother Judah’s journey from poolside hesitation to competitive confidence. Now 13, Judah thrives on the team, which welcomes all but prioritizes BIPOC youth. Practices at Triangle-area pools focus on strokes, teamwork, and resilience, while free clinics and school partnerships promote water safety—a critical need, as only 25% of Black parents and 28% of Latine parents feel confident swimming, compared to 56% of white parents. Read More

Pittsboro Sculpture Celebration: Art and Community Shine

On September 19-20, 2025, Pittsboro’s first Sculpture Celebration will transform The Plant (223 West Street) into a vibrant showcase of public art. Organized by Tami Schwerin, the event features 25 weather-resistant sculptures by North Carolina artists and beyond, with winning pieces joining the town’s growing art collection.

Friday’s “Dinner on the Pavers” at 5 p.m. kicks off the festivities, followed by Saturday’s main event from noon to 6 p.m. Expect live music, local food vendors like Thirsty Skull Brewing, family crafts, and artist meet-and-greets. “This celebration weaves creativity into Pittsboro’s heart,” says Mayor Kyle Shipp. Free and open to all, it’s a perfect blend of art and community spirit. Details at theplantnc.com/events.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Book Harvest

Join Book Harvest on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Book Harvest Family Space, 2501 University Drive, Durham, NC 27707, for a free celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Families can enjoy bilingual storytimes, cultural activities for children, and live performances highlighting traditional and contemporary Latino music. Attendees will also have the chance to take home free books, encouraging a love of reading. This event is part of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), honoring the contributions of Hispanic communities to culture, history, and society. For more details and registration, visit Book Harvest.

PRCR Accepting Vendors for Wake Forest Diwali Festival

The second annual Wake Forest Diwali Festival will be held on Saturday, November 1, from noon to 3 p.m. at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Celebrated as India’s biggest and most cherished festival, Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is now accepting applications from food trucks, vendors, and nonprofit organizations interested in participating. Applications are open online through Monday, September 1, at https://bit.ly/WFDiwaliFestival.

PRCR seeks participants whose offerings reflect the spirit of Diwali and Indian culture, including cuisine, services, educational experiences, or activities. This growing festival celebrates community, culture, and the indomitable human spirit, making it an exciting opportunity for vendors to share in the festivities.

🐾 Apollo's Journey: From Abandonment to Hope

In Menlo, Georgia, a mixed-breed dog named Apollo was cruelly abandoned by the side of a busy road, believed to have been hit by a car. He was found by Audray Luck of Luck’s Rescue Center, a local nonprofit rescue organization in a region lacking official animal shelters. It took Luck 48 hours to locate and gain Apollo’s trust before rescuing him. He was found with a limp, an open wound, and damaged paw pads due to running on the hot road.

Luck shared CCTV footage on social media showing the man abandoning Apollo, which attracted viral attention and public outrage. The footage shows the man exiting a vehicle with Apollo, then driving off alone. Luck criticized the act and emphasized the broader issue of pet abandonment in rural parts of the Southern U.S., calling the behavior illegal and urging accountability.

Apollo is recovering and now available for adoption through Luck’s Rescue Center. Authorities continue to investigate and locate the individual responsible.

"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

Where are the best places for seniors to retire?

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

What’s Happening Today?

📅 Events on September 16, 2025 in Wake County, NC

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

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