📫 Free School Supplies | Building Hope | Wake Student’s Expulsion | Chicken Sausage Recall | Freebie For Fido📍

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Hello friends!

If you've ever considered adopting a furry friend, now is a truly special time to do it. Wake County Animal Center is running its “Clear the Shelter” initiative this week—an urgent pet adoption drive aimed at finding loving homes for cats, dogs, and other animals in need.

The shelter is full, and these animals are just waiting for someone like you to give them a second chance. Whether you're looking for a loyal companion or just want to help spread the word, every action makes a difference.

Let’s help clear the shelter—one wagging tail and happy purr at a time. 💛

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See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

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—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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"Adopting a pet is the only time you’ll pay for unconditional love and still get a bargain!" 🐾😄😄

📍 North Carolina Triva 📍

🐾 Did you know?
Bobcats are the only wild cat species still found in North Carolina today! They roam from the mountains to the coast and are known for being elusive and shy. Though rarely seen, they play a vital role in the state’s ecosystem by helping control rodent populations.

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Hill Ridge Farms

If you're looking for a fun and educational family outing in Wake County, Hill Ridge Farms in Wendell is a perfect choice. Just a short drive, this local favorite offers seasonal activities that are ideal for children and adults alike. Families can enjoy hayrides, train rides through scenic farmland, gem mining stations where kids can sift for treasures, and interactive petting areas that give a hands-on look at farm life. Depending on the time of year, you might also experience seasonal events like pumpkin picking or sunflower fields.

Hill Ridge Farms operates primarily from spring through fall, with most of their special activities and events happening on weekends. It's a great way to unplug and reconnect with nature while teaching kids about rural traditions and animals in a fun, engaging environment. Be sure to check their website for up-to-date hours and events before you go. Arriving early is recommended to avoid the crowds, and bringing a picnic or trying their farm-fresh snacks adds to the charm of the day. Whether you're after simple outdoor fun or looking to create lasting family memories, Hill Ridge Farms is a must-visit destination in the Triangle.

703 Tarboro Road

Youngsville, NC 27596,

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Build Homes - Build Hope

Wake County faces a critical need for affordable housing, with thousands of families struggling to find safe, affordable places to live. Habitat for Humanity of Wake County is working to change that by building and restoring homes for those in need.

You don’t need construction experience to help—volunteers are welcome to assist on build sites, work in Habitat’s ReStores selling donated goods, or support advocacy efforts for affordable housing. There’s also a Summer of Service program for youth interested in hands-on experience.

Your time and effort make a real difference. As Habitat Wake’s CEO says, “Housing is at the core of everything.” When families have stable homes, their whole lives improve.

To get involved, visit habitatwake.org/volunteer and join the effort to build stronger communities in Wake County.

Kayem Recalls Chicken Sausage Over Plastic Contamination

Kayem Foods has issued a nationwide recall of over 24,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken sausage after reports of potential plastic contamination. The affected products were produced on June 28, 2025, and are marked with lot code 179 and a use/freeze-by date of October 1, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall after consumers reported finding pieces of white plastic in the sausage. So far, there have been no reports of illness or injury related to the product. Read More

Lightning Sparks House Fire Near Wake Forest

A lightning strike sparked a house fire Thursday night near Wake Forest, officials confirmed. The fire broke out around 9 p.m. on Willow Creek Drive after lightning hit the chimney of a two-story home during a severe storm.

Neighbors reported seeing flames shoot from the roof. Fire crews responded quickly, and all residents escaped safely. No injuries were reported, but the home suffered heavy roof and attic damage and is currently uninhabitable.

Officials urge residents to check smoke alarms and be prepared as storm season continues. Read More

Chapel Hill Police Investigate Armed Carjacking, Suspects at Large

Chapel Hill Police are searching for three men after an armed carjacking early Saturday on East Franklin Street near the Siena Hotel. Around 2:25 a.m., two victims were forced out of their vehicle at gunpoint. The suspects fled in the car, which was later found in Durham.

No injuries were reported. Police are investigating a possible link to a separate armed robbery earlier in the week.

Anyone with information is urged to call Chapel Hill Police or Crimestoppers at 919-942-7515. Read More

Hope House Back-to-School Book Bag Giveaway in Wake Forest

Hope House in Wake Forest is holding its annual Back-to-School Book Bag Giveaway on Saturday, August 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 334 N. Allen Road.

Students from Pre-K through 12th grade can receive free backpacks filled with school supplies while supplies last. The event also features free food, music, games, and eye screenings, provided in partnership with the Wake Forest Lions Club.

Families are encouraged to register in advance, but walk-ins are welcome. The event is open to the community and is part of Hope House’s mission to support local families as they prepare for the school year.

For more information, visit hopehousewf.org.

Community Back-to-School Resource Fair in Raleigh

2B’s Brains & Brothers is hosting a free Community Back-to-School Resource Fair on Saturday, July 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wilders Grove Youth Center, 4204 Willow Oak Road, Raleigh.

Families can pick up free backpacks and school supplies while they last. The event also features food, snacks, bounce houses, raffle prizes, live performances, and access to local resources for students and parents.

The fair is open to all ages and aims to help families prepare for the upcoming school year. No registration is needed to attend. Read More

Family Sues Wake County Over Student’s Expulsion

A Wake County family has filed a lawsuit against the school district seeking to have their son reinstated after his expulsion. The student was expelled following an October 2024 incident involving a firearm near Broughton High School. The family challenges the district’s decision and hopes the court will allow the student to return to school. Read More

Community Kindness

In July 2025, the small town of Ashland, Oregon, faced a frightening wildfire that forced many families to evacuate with little warning. Among them was the Martinez family, whose home was severely damaged. But the true story was not about the fire—it was about the incredible way the community came together to help.

Neighbors like Sarah Thompson and Mark Reynolds immediately opened their homes and hearts, offering shelter and meals. Local businesses, including Julie’s Bakery and Green Valley Grocery, donated food, clothing, and essential supplies. Volunteers, led by community organizer Lisa Nguyen, coordinated fundraisers and collected furniture for the Martinez family and others displaced.

Children from the Ashland Elementary School held a lemonade stand, donating their savings to buy toys and books for kids who lost theirs in the evacuation. Chef Carlos Ramirez cooked meals for evacuees at the community center, where Pastor Emma Collins offered both shelter and emotional support.

The kindness and generosity from people who barely knew each other created a powerful network of care and hope. This experience reminded everyone in Ashland that in times of crisis, community spirit can turn tragedy into a story of resilience and love.

"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

How to Preserve Your Family History Online for Future Generations

As we grow older, many of us reflect on the stories, memories, and experiences that have shaped our lives—and the lives of our families. Preserving these precious moments is a gift not only to ourselves but also to the generations that follow. Thanks to today’s technology, seniors can now create digital time capsules—beautiful, lasting collections of memories stored online that family members can revisit anytime, anywhere.

Traditional photo albums and handwritten journals are treasures, but they can be fragile and hard to share widely. A digital time capsule offers several advantages:

• Easy sharing: Share your stories, photos, and videos instantly with family near and far.

• Interactive and multimedia-rich: Add videos, voice recordings, music, and scanned documents to bring your history to life.

• Safe and long-lasting: Digital platforms provide backups so memories are preserved even if physical copies are lost or damaged.

• Collaborative: Family members can add their memories, photos, and stories to build a richer shared history.

How to Get Started: Apps and Websites for Seniors

Here are some user-friendly tools designed to help seniors create their own digital family time capsules:

Ancestry.com

While well-known for genealogy research, Ancestry also lets you build an interactive family tree with photos, stories, and historical documents. It’s a great way to see how your family connects across generations.

StoryWorth

This platform sends weekly questions by email (or phone calls for those who prefer) that you answer to create a beautiful memoir. Your stories are collected and can be printed in a keepsake book or saved online.

Forever

Forever is a secure digital storage service where you can upload photos, videos, and documents. You can organize these into albums or stories and invite family members to view and contribute.

MyHeritage

Similar to Ancestry, MyHeritage allows building family trees but also includes video storytelling tools. Seniors can record video interviews to capture voices and expressions alongside written stories.

LegacyBox

If you have old physical photos, VHS tapes, or film reels, LegacyBox converts them to digital format, making it easy to add these treasures to your digital time capsule.

Tips for Creating Your Digital Time Capsule

• Start small: Begin with a few favorite photos or stories and build from there.

• Include different media: Mix photos, videos, scanned documents, and voice recordings for a rich experience.

• Set privacy controls: Most platforms allow you to control who can view or add to your capsule—perfect for family-only sharing.

• Invite family participation: Encourage children and grandchildren to add their memories, questions, and responses.

• Backup your work: Although these platforms back up your data, consider keeping an extra copy on a personal device or USB drive.

Building a digital time capsule is a rewarding way to celebrate your life’s journey and keep your family’s history vibrant and accessible. It bridges generations, fosters connection, and preserves the stories that make your family unique. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just starting out, the right tools and a little time can help you create a lasting legacy for your loved ones.

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

July 21st Events

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Kids Activities

• Little Explorers Nature Program
  🕒 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  📍 Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh
  🌿 A free, hands-on nature program designed for young children to explore and learn about the natural world.

• Family Storytime
  🕘 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
  📍 North Regional Library, Raleigh
  📖 A delightful storytime session for young children, featuring engaging tales and songs.

• StoryWalk® at Wake County Parks
  📍 Various Locations
  📚 Enjoy a children's book while taking a leisurely walk through several Wake County Park locations.

👵 Senior-Friendly Activities

• Wake Forest Center for Active Aging
  📍 235 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest
  🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  🎨 Offers a variety of recreational activities for adults age 55 and older, including aerobics, line dancing, and craft making.

• Senior Day at the Mall
  🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  📍 Triangle Town Center, Raleigh
  🎉 A special event with Broadway-themed entertainment and activities tailored for seniors.

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment

• Light Asylum with Heavy Halo, The Treasury, and Solemn Shapes
  🕗 Doors at 7:00 PM; Show at 8:00 PM
  📍 City of Raleigh Cultural Calendar of Events
  🎤 Experience an evening of live music featuring Light Asylum and other artists.

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

🐾 Calling All Pet Parents! 🐾

Let’s be honest—our furry best friends are more than just pets… they’re family. And what better way to treat your tail-wagging sidekick than with a tasty surprise while you’re out grabbing your own favorite snack or coffee? Whether it’s a scoop of vanilla soft serve, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a tiny donut topped with love, these pet-friendly perks are sure to get some tails wagging and paws tapping.

We’ve rounded up a drool-worthy list of restaurants, drive-thrus, and sweet spots that roll out the red carpet for your four-legged companions. So buckle up, roll down the windows, and get ready for a treat-filled adventure—because your pup deserves a bite of the good life too! 🐶🍦🚗💨

Here’s where to score free goodies for your good boy or girl...

🐾 Free Treats for Pets 🐕‍🦺

🍨 Andy’s Frozen Custard

Offers a free Pup Cone – a mini custard-filled cone just for your pup.

🍧 Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Bring your dog and receive a free Doggie Sundae (includes dog biscuit) at participating locations.

🍗 Chick-fil-A

Some locations offer free dog treats at the drive-thru—just ask! Availability varies.

🍦 Culver’s

Select locations offer a small custard or whipped cream treat for dogs. Participation may vary by location.

🍦 Dairy Queen

Ask for a Pup Cup – a small vanilla soft serve, sometimes topped with a dog biscuit. Many locations offer it for free.

☕ Dunkin’

Some stores offer a free Pup Cup, typically a cup of whipped cream. Not all stores participate, so check ahead.

🐾 Dutch Bros Coffee

Many locations offer a Pup Cup and even a free dog bandana. Participation may vary.

🍧 Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

Dogs can enjoy a Pup Cup with Milk-Bones. Sometimes it’s free, but a small charge may apply at some stores.

🐶 Scooter’s Coffee

Order a Pup Cup – whipped cream with a dog biscuit in the center. Free at most locations.

☕ Starbucks

Ask for a Puppuccino (a cup of whipped cream) – always free and part of the Secret Menu. Availability may vary by location.

🌭 Sonic Drive-In

Many locations will include a free "Wag Cup"—a whipped cream treat for your dog upon request.

🍩 Tim Hortons

Get your pup a Timbits Pup Cup – a dollop of whipped cream topped with a Timbit (tiny donut). Offered at many locations across the U.S. and Canada.

🍪 Shake Shack

Many locations offer a Pooch-ini, which is a dog-friendly dessert with ShackBurger biscuits and vanilla custard. This one usually isn’t free, but some events or promotions include freebies.

☕ Biggby Coffee

Select locations offer a free Pup Cup with whipped cream—perfect if your pet tags along.

🍦 Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Known to offer free Pup Cups at many locations—just ask!

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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]