📫 Security Cameras Coming to Raleigh | Festival of Trees | Raleigh Christmas Parade | Letters to Santa 📍

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Hello friends!

Observing World Diabetes Day: Health and Wellness for All 💙

Today, November 14th, we recognize World Diabetes Day, a time to raise awareness about diabetes and promote healthy living for ourselves and our communities. Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, but education, early detection, and lifestyle choices can make a real difference in prevention and management.

On this day, let’s focus on health, wellness, and support—whether that’s checking in on a loved one, learning more about nutrition and exercise, or simply making small, positive changes in our own lives. Every step toward better health counts.

From all of us at Wake News & Events, we wish you a day of wellness, mindfulness, and care for yourself and those around 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 📍

Why did the sugar go to school?
Because it wanted to be a little smarter than the cookies! 🍪😄

📍 Trivia 📍

Global prevalence:
Over 500 million people worldwide live with diabetes, making it one of the fastest-growing health conditions globally.

A Serene Escape: Discover Elkin Creek Vineyard

Tucked away in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Elkin Creek Vineyard in Elkin, NC, is a perfect destination for a weekend escape full of charm, wine, and relaxation. Just a few hours from Raleigh, this vineyard offers visitors a chance to slow down, sip local wines, and soak in breathtaking mountain and vineyard views that feel like something out of a postcard.

Start your visit by wandering through the vineyard rows, breathing in the crisp air, and watching the sunlight dance across the rolling hills. Wine tastings here are an experience in themselves—sample small-batch wines made from locally grown grapes, from crisp whites to bold reds, each offering a unique taste of North Carolina terroir. For those looking to make the getaway truly immersive, the vineyard also offers creekside cabins, giving guests the chance to stay overnight surrounded by nature, with the gentle sound of flowing water as your soundtrack.

Elkin Creek’s ambiance is calm, rustic, and intimate. Picture yourself lounging on a porch with a glass of wine, the mountains painting a golden backdrop, and the scent of grapevines mingling with fresh mountain air. For a bit of extra fun, check their calendar for wine-pairing events, seasonal festivals, or live music afternoons, which add a lively, yet still relaxed, layer to your visit.

Whether it’s a romantic weekend, a solo retreat, or a small group getaway, Elkin Creek Vineyard invites you to slow your pace, indulge in handcrafted wines, and embrace the natural beauty of North Carolina’s wine country. This is more than a winery—it’s a serene escape where vineyard magic and mountain tranquility meet.

Visit Elkin Creek Vineyard

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New Security Cameras Coming to Downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh is getting a boost in safety with a new network of security cameras through the ConnectRaleigh program, a partnership between the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA). Local businesses and residents can register their security cameras, and those who opt in may allow RPD real-time access to footage during incidents, helping speed up investigations and deter crime.

The program focuses on cameras facing public areas like streets and sidewalks, and participation is voluntary. RPD emphasizes that feeds are accessed only when necessary, protecting privacy while enhancing community safety. These cameras are part of a larger downtown safety initiative, which also includes improved lighting and safety patrols. For downtown residents and businesses, this network offers peace of mind and a smarter, more connected approach to keeping the area secure.

Spin Into the Vintage Vinyl Market

Discover hidden gems at the Vintage Vinyl Market this Saturday, November 16, from 11 AM to 5 PM at The Green Hall, 123 Main Street. Browse crates of classic records, rare pressings, and vintage memorabilia while DJs spin nostalgic tracks.

Vendors share stories, collectors hunt for treasures, and music lovers connect. Whether you leave with one LP or ten, it’s a day of music, history, and inspiration.

Festival of Trees

Step into a sparkling winter wonderland at the Festival of Trees, happening November 19–21, 2025, at The Carolina Hotel, Pinehurst Resort. This beloved holiday tradition transforms the ballroom into a forest of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands—all created by local designers and businesses.

Stroll among dozens of dazzling trees, each with its own theme, from elegant classics to whimsical showstoppers. Many are available through a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting Sandhills Children’s Center, making your visit both festive and meaningful.

The festival opens with a lively Girls’ Night Out on November 19 from 5–8 p.m., featuring live music, holiday shopping, and plenty of photo ops. It’s the perfect place to gather décor inspiration, enjoy the season’s magic, and get into the holiday spirit early.

Admission: By donation
Dates: November 19–21, 2025 (10 a.m.–8 p.m.)
Location: The Carolina Hotel, 80 Carolina Vista Dr., Pinehurst, NC

Whether you come for the twinkling lights, the creative trees, or the charitable cause, the Festival of Trees is pure holiday joy—wrapped in ribbons, sparkle, and community spirit.

Wake Forest Turkey Drive: Feed Families This Thanksgiving!

In Wake Forest, NC, the annual Turkey Drive—led by the Area Chamber of Commerce and Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC—ensures local families enjoy a full holiday meal. Last year: 1,200+ turkeys distributed.

Goal this year: 1,500 turkeys. Drop-offs: Frozen turkeys at Wake Forest Town Hall (Nov 1–20). Donate online: Give now ($1 = 5 meals).

Join us Nov 18–20. Together, we end hunger at home. #WFTurkeyDrive

The 81st Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade Is Coming to Town!

Mark your calendars! The 81st Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade rolls into downtown on Saturday, November 22, 2025, starting at 9:30 a.m. — and it’s bringing all the holiday magic with it.

This beloved tradition is the largest Christmas parade in the Southeast, drawing crowds of families, friends, and visitors to Fayetteville Street for a morning filled with festive floats, marching bands, dancers, giant balloons, and, of course, a special appearance from Santa Claus himself.

Whether you’re bundled up on the curb or watching the live broadcast on WRAL, the parade is the perfect way to kick off the season with sparkle, song, and community cheer. So grab your cocoa, bring the family, and get ready — the Raleigh Christmas Parade is coming to town! 🎄✨

Drop Off Your Letters to Santa in Wake County!

The holiday magic is here, and kids across Wake County can now send their letters straight to the North Pole! Local post offices, libraries, and community centers are hosting Santa Mailboxes where children can drop off their letters to Santa Claus.

Most locations begin accepting letters in early November and continue through mid-December, giving plenty of time for Santa’s elves to read and respond. Many sites even include a special Santa mailbox where kids can watch their letters “magically” disappear, ensuring they reach the big man in red. Some libraries and community centers also offer stamp and return services, so letters get a reply from Santa himself!

Parents should check with their local post office, library, or community center for exact dates, hours, and any special events tied to letter drop-off. It’s a fun, festive way for kids to practice writing, share their holiday wishes, and feel the excitement of the season!

Here are three great locations in Wake County where kids can drop off letters to Santa:

Volunteers Rally After Tennessee Storms

In April 2025, McNairy County, Tennessee, faced the aftermath of severe storms that left homes and businesses in need of urgent support. Amid the damage and uncertainty, something remarkable happened: the community came together in a way that reminded everyone what it truly means to be neighbors.

Local volunteers—from business owners and municipal officials to everyday residents—gathered at the county’s ag-center, rolling up their sleeves to help those affected. They provided cleanup assistance, supplies, and emotional support, often going above and beyond their own schedules and commitments. One volunteer summed up the spirit perfectly: “Everybody’s family, and family helps family… whether you’re kin or not, you’re still family if you live in McNairy County.”

This wasn’t just about rebuilding homes—it was about rebuilding hearts and strengthening connections. The storm may have caused physical damage, but the outpouring of care restored hope and reinforced the deep sense of community in the county.

Message: True community isn’t just measured by proximity—it’s measured by shared responsibility and compassion. When we treat everyone around us as “family,” we create resilience, unity, and hope that lasts long after the storm clouds pass.

"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 are 8 things emotionally intelligent mother-in-laws do differently?

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

What’s Happening Today?

• ✨ Only two weekends left for Moonlight in the Garden at JC Raulston Arboretum, November 15–16 & 22–23—grab tickets before they vanish!

• 🍿 Matilda lights up the screen at 6 PM on November 14 at the NC Museum of Art—psychic powers, chocolate cake, and Danny DeVito included!

• 🎶 Amahl & the Night Visitors continues its holiday tradition at Meredith College, 7 PM on November 15 & 16.

• 🎵 Spin back at Vinyl Night with DJ Fat Thor, 8–11 PM on November 14 at Incendiary Brewing—free entry, endless grooves!

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]