📫 Cameras in School Zones | Oktoberfest | Chase Ends in Reservoir Crash | Rising Suicide Rates 📍

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Hello friends!

Today is National Just Because Day—a perfect excuse to toss routine out the window and sprinkle a little spontaneity into your day!

Do something unexpected—send a sweet note, treat yourself to dessert first, dance in your living room, or surprise someone with a small act of kindness—simply because. No reason needed.

Life feels brighter when we embrace the whimsical. So wear the fun socks, take the scenic route, or call a friend you haven’t spoken to in ages. Today isn’t about why—it’s about why not!

What will you do just because? Share your fun ideas with us—we’d love to hear how you’re celebrating!

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 📍

Why did the calendar take the day off on National Just Because Day?
Because… well, just because!

📍 North Carolina Triva 📍

• Trivia: National Just Because Day was created as a whimsical, feel-good observance with no formal origin or official founder—its whole point is to give people a reason to do something kind, fun, or spontaneous “just because”, without needing a holiday or occasion. 🎉

• Bonus: Unlike most national days, it encourages creativity—people celebrate it by doing literally anything unexpected or cheerful, from leaving a surprise note for a friend to indulging in an extra scoop of ice cream. 🍦

Mayberry Days Festival – September 22–28, Mount Airy, NC

Step back in time for one of North Carolina’s most charming fall traditions—the Mayberry Days Festival in Mount Airy, running September 22–28. This nostalgic celebration transforms the hometown of Andy Griffith into a living tribute to the classic TV series, complete with small-town charm and family-friendly fun.

Festival Highlights

• Classic Games & Contests – Checker tournaments, pie-eating contests, and even pickle-tasting competitions bring out the Mayberry spirit.

• Character Encounters – Meet look-alike actors portraying Barney Fife, Aunt Bee, and other favorites for great photo ops.

• Live Entertainment – Enjoy bluegrass concerts, comedy acts, and storytelling sessions that capture the humor and heart of the show.

• Parades & Classic Cars – Vintage vehicles roll down Main Street in true Mayberry style.

• Local Shopping & Food – Browse crafts, memorabilia, and enjoy Southern comfort foods like BBQ, kettle corn, and homemade desserts.

With its nostalgic charm, lively atmosphere, and plenty of small-town hospitality, Mayberry Days is the perfect way to celebrate fall in the mountains—where good memories never go out of style.

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Enjoy a Day Outdoors at Fred G. Bond Metro Park

Looking for a perfect day of adventure, relaxation, and family fun? Fred G. Bond Metro Park in Cary, North Carolina, has it all. At the heart of the park is Bond Lake, a serene 42-acre body of water ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and pedal boating. The Bond Park Boathouse offers rentals and concessions, making it easy for visitors to spend a leisurely day on the water. Fishing enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy, with peaceful surroundings and a variety of fish species suitable for anglers of all skill levels.

Beyond the lake, the park features over four miles of scenic trails, including the popular Bond Lake Trail, perfect for hiking, jogging, or a leisurely stroll while taking in beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature. Families can pack a picnic and enjoy one of the many shelters or open grassy areas, while children can explore the playground, and sports enthusiasts can make use of the athletic fields.

Fred G. Bond Metro Park also hosts seasonal events such as the Bands, Bites & Boats series, where visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, and after-hours boat rentals, creating a lively and fun atmosphere for families and friends alike. Whether you’re looking to paddle, hike, fish, or simply relax in a beautiful outdoor setting, Bond Park offers something for everyone to enjoy.

🍺 Oktoberfest Is Here! 🎉

Break out the lederhosen and get ready to raise a stein—the First Annual Oktoberfest at Durham Co-op Market kicks off Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 12 PM – 4 PM at 1111 W. Chapel Hill St.

What’s Brewing?

• FREE admission & family-friendly fun

• Free pretzel just for RSVPing 🥨

• Live music to set the mood

• German-style beers & tasty bites 🍺🍽️

• Costume contest – dress in Bavarian style to win!

Perfect for craft beer lovers, families, and anyone ready to celebrate fall in true Oktoberfest fashion.

👉 RSVP now and grab your free pretzel! durham.coop

Three Juveniles Arrested After Cary Police Chase

Cary police have taken three juveniles into custody following a series of vehicle break-ins that led to a police chase. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incidents and whether the group may be connected to additional cases in the area.

Read the full story here.

Wake County Chase Ends in Reservoir Crash

A Wake County pursuit came to a dramatic conclusion when the fleeing driver crashed into the Wake Forest Reservoir, deputies report. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after the incident. Authorities confirmed no serious injuries were reported.

Read the full story here.

New Law Allows Speed Cameras in NC School Zones

A new North Carolina law (Senate Bill 391) will allow speed cameras to be installed in school zones statewide beginning October 1, 2025. Drivers caught speeding could face a $250 fine, though no license points will be issued.

Key details:

• Cameras must be clearly marked with warning signs within 1,000 feet of the zone.

• Tickets will include a photo, date, time, speed, and officer verification.

• Drivers have 30 days to pay or appeal, with a $50 late fee for missed deadlines.

Wake County has not announced any plans to install cameras yet, but updates are expected closer to the law’s start date. Read the full article

Rising Suicide Rates Among Black Youth in NC

Suicide rates among Black youth in North Carolina are rising at alarming levels. Nearly 1 in 4 Black middle school students report suicidal thoughts, and emergency department visits for suicide-related issues are climbing.

To address this crisis, the NC Department of Health and Human Services has launched a Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan, focusing on community-based support, culturally competent care, and increased awareness of mental health resources. Read More

Rescue, Recovery, and the Power of Kindness

On an ordinary day in Ontario, 28-year-old Fiona Begg witnessed something that could have ended in heartbreak—a stray gray cat struck by a passing truck. Instead of looking away, Fiona rushed to help, stopping traffic, scooping up the injured feline, and racing him to a nearby veterinary clinic.

Against the odds, the cat survived. With no owner to claim him, the clinic asked Fiona if she would adopt him. She didn’t hesitate. She brought him home, named him Lucky Chance, and began giving him the life he almost lost.

Though still healing from his injuries, Lucky Chance is already showing signs of joy—snuggling with Fiona’s dog, exploring his new home, and learning what it feels like to be loved. The story touched millions, quickly going viral on TikTok, where viewers celebrated a simple act of kindness that saved a life.

Because sometimes, the smallest decisions—made in seconds—can bring the biggest changes. Lucky Chance found a home. Fiona found a friend. And the world was reminded that compassion can turn moments of tragedy into miracles of hope.

"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

What isn’t what it used to be?

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

What’s Happening August 27th

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment

• Live Music with Grace Lucia Lee
  Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  Location: Blackbird Brewery, 3608 Rogers Branch Rd #101, Wake Forest, NC
  Description: Enjoy an evening of live music in a cozy brewery setting.

• North Wake Senior Center Acoustic Music Jam
  Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  Location: North Wake Senior Center, 235 E Holding Ave, Wake Forest, NC
  Description: Join fellow music enthusiasts for an acoustic jam session.

🍷 Wine Tasting & Culinary Experiences

• Wine Tasting at The Wine Feed
  Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  Location: The Wine Feed, 2020 Fairview Rd, Suite 104, Raleigh, NC
  Description: Sample a selection of wines in a relaxed atmosphere.

🎭 Comedy & Performing Arts

• Comedy Night at Goodnights Comedy Club
  Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  Location: Goodnights Comedy Club, 861 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC
  Description: Enjoy a night of laughs with local and national comedians.

🎨 Cultural & Educational Activities

• Historic Oak View County Park
  Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Location: 4028 Carya Dr, Raleigh, NC
  Description: Explore a 19th-century farmstead with exhibits on Wake County's history.

• Historic Yates Mill County Park
  Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Location: 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC
  Description: Visit a restored 18th-century gristmill and learn about milling history.

• Family Storytime at Wake County Libraries
  Time: Various times throughout the day
  Location: Multiple library branches across Wake County
  Description: An interactive program with books, music, rhymes, and movement to nurture pre-reading skills.

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]