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đŸ“«Free Cheeseburgers? | Scam Alert | Fake “Virus Warning” 📍

Your Wake County News & Events newsletter - The digital way to stay informed on all that is Wake County! Thank you for subscribing!

Hello friends!

Hi friends, today’s newsletter will be a bit shorter than usual as I’m having surgery and taking some time to rest. Thank you for your kindness and understanding—I’ll be back to my regular updates and keeping you informed on what’s going on in the beautiful Wake County area soon!

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.”

🎉 From Fashion to Gadgets – The Deals Are Always Changing! 🎉
Every day brings new savings, and we’re here to hook you up! Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Christmas, a last-minute gift, or just treating yourself (because why not?), we’ve got your back with fresh coupons and awesome deals — all through our link!

We hustle daily so you can save big for you and your family.
✹ Click. Shop. Save. Repeat. ✹

Please note that for some deals you mayneed to be an Amazon member.

📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the doctor carry a red pen into surgery?
In case they needed to draw some blood! đŸ©ș😄

📍 Triva 📍

  • Ancient Beginnings – Surgery is one of the oldest medical practices. Evidence of surgical procedures, like trepanation (drilling holes in the skull), dates back over 7,000 years.

  • First Modern Surgery – The first successful use of anesthesia in surgery was in 1846 by William Morton, a dentist, who demonstrated the use of ether at Massachusetts General Hospital.

  • Heart Surgery Milestone – The first successful open-heart surgery using a heart-lung machine was performed in 1953 by Dr. John Gibbon in the United States.

September 18th, National Cheeseburger Day Deals

Offer may vary by location.

🍔 Burger King

  • Offer: Free Bacon Cheeseburger with any $1+ purchase for Royal Perks members.

  • Validity: September 18, 2025.

  • Details: Available at participating locations.

  • Participating Locations: Multiple locations in Raleigh and Cary.

  • More Info: WRAL.com

🍩 Dairy Queen

  • Offer: Free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with any $1+ app or online order for DQ Rewards members.

  • Validity: September 15–19, 2025.

  • Details: Available exclusively through the DQ app or website.

  • Participating Locations: Multiple locations in the area.

  • More Info: Allrecipes

🍔 Smashburger

  • Offer: Any single burger for $4.99 with promo code BURGERDAY25 for online orders.

  • Validity: September 18, 2025.

  • Details: In-store orders can mention the deal.

  • Participating Locations: Locations in Raleigh.

  • More Info: Triangle on the Cheap

🍔 Applebee’s

  • Offer: Any of their 3 Classic Burgers (Classic Burger, Classic Cheeseburger, or Classic Bacon Cheeseburger) served with classic fries for $8.99.

  • Validity: September 18, 2025.

  • Details: Available for dine-in, To Go, or online orders at participating locations.

  • Participating Locations: Multiple locations in Raleigh.

  • More Info: Applebee's

🍔 Wayback Burgers

  • Offer: $5 Classic Burger (regularly $9.19).

  • Validity: September 18, 2025.

  • Details: Limit of two per person; available in-restaurant, online, or through the Wayback Rewards program.

  • Participating Locations: Locations in Raleigh and Cary.

  • More Info: WRAL.com

Enjoy Our “Did You Know Section” About North Carolina. Need to get away? Visit Beautiful North Carolina!

This Week’s Feature-NC in the Fall

Fall Fun Awaits at Morrow Mountain State Park đŸ‚

As autumn paints North Carolina in fiery reds, golden yellows, and warm oranges, Morrow Mountain State Park shines as a hidden gem for fall adventure. Located in the scenic Uwharrie Mountains, this park offers a mix of vibrant foliage, outdoor fun, and family-friendly activities that make it perfect for a crisp autumn day.

When to Go:
Peak fall colors at Morrow Mountain usually arrive in late October through early November, making it an ideal destination for leaf peepers looking to enjoy the season in full splendor.

What to See & Do:

  • Hiking Trails: With over 20 miles of trails, from easy loops to challenging climbs, you’ll find stunning overlooks where the fall colors stretch across the rolling hills.

  • Morrow Mountain Summit: The park’s highest point rewards visitors with panoramic views of the fall foliage—perfect for photos or just taking in the crisp mountain air.

  • Picnicking & Play: Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery with family and friends, or let kids explore the playgrounds and open spaces.

  • Fishing & Boating: The nearby Yadkin River and Lake Tillery provide peaceful spots to fish, kayak, or simply relax while surrounded by autumn colors.

Why Visit:
Morrow Mountain is all about autumn adventure. Whether you’re hiking, photographing the vibrant leaves, or enjoying a riverside picnic, the park is a colorful playground for nature lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s the perfect way to embrace fall’s crisp air, golden landscapes, and joyful spirit.

For a day of color, fun, and outdoor exploration, Morrow Mountain State Park is a must-visit this fall. Don’t forget your camera—and your sense of adventure!

Call Marie at 352-585-5259

Follow me on FaceBook 

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đŸ“©đŸĄ 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! 👇

What’s Happening in Wake County?

Gabrielle Strengthens into Tropical Storm in the Atlantic

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The Atlantic hurricane season has awakened once again. Just days after a stretch of calm weather, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center confirmed Wednesday morning that Tropical Depression Seven has strengthened into Tropical Storm Gabrielle.

The system, first identified earlier this week, gained enough strength overnight to earn a name. As of the 11 a.m. advisory, Gabrielle was producing sustained winds of more than 40 mph and moving steadily through the open Atlantic.

Meteorologists say it is still too early to know if Gabrielle will pose a threat to the U.S. East Coast or Caribbean islands. For now, the storm is expected to track west-northwest while gradually strengthening in the coming days.

⚠ Scam Alert: Beware of Bogus Calls Claiming to Be from “Windows”

If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from “Windows” or “Microsoft” telling you that your computer has been hacked—hang up immediately. It’s a scam.

These fraudulent callers often use scare tactics, saying your device has been compromised, infected with viruses, or that hackers are stealing your personal information. They’ll pressure you to act quickly, usually by asking you to:

  • Give them remote access to your computer

  • Install special “security software” (which is actually malware)

  • Provide credit card or banking details to “fix the issue”

Once you give them access, scammers can steal personal data, install harmful software, or charge you for fake services.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Don’t trust unsolicited calls from anyone claiming to be “Windows” or “Microsoft.” These companies will never call you out of the blue.

  • Never share personal or financial information with unknown callers.

  • Do not give remote access to anyone unless you initiated the contact through a trusted support channel.

  • Hang up immediately if the caller seems suspicious.

What to Do if You’ve Been Targeted:

  • If you provided payment information, contact your bank or credit card company right away.

  • If you allowed access to your computer, disconnect from the internet and have your system professionally scanned for malware.

  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Stay alert, stay cautious, and spread the word—because knowledge is the best defense against scammers.

⚠ Scam Alert: Fake “Virus Warning” Pop-Ups on the Internet

If you’re browsing the internet and suddenly a screen pops up saying “Your computer has been hacked” or “Your device is infected with a virus—do not shut down”, don’t panic. This is a common internet scam designed to trick you into calling a fake support number.

These pop-ups often look official, sometimes using the logos of well-known companies like Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus brands. They usually:

  • Freeze your screen with alarming red warnings

  • Play loud sounds or flashing alerts

  • Tell you not to shut down your computer

  • Urge you to call a phone number immediately for “technical support”

The scammers on the other end will try to convince you to:

  • Pay for fake virus removal services

  • Give them remote access to your device

  • Share personal or banking information

What to Do If You See This Scam:

  • Do not call the number. Legitimate companies will never display phone numbers in warning pop-ups.

  • Do not click anything inside the message.

  • Close your browser. If it won’t close, use Task Manager (Ctrl + Alt + Delete on Windows or Force Quit on Mac) to end it.

  • Restart your computer after closing the browser.

  • Run a trusted antivirus scan to be safe.

If You Already Called or Paid:

  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately.

  • Run a full security scan and consider having your computer checked by a professional.

  • Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Bottom line: These pop-ups are designed to scare you. The best thing you can do is stay calm, close the window, and never call the number.

Because we can all use some good news.

A Promise Kept: Dutch and Pepper Find a Forever Home

In the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains, a touching story of love and loyalty unfolded in early 2025. Two small, senior dogs, Dutch and Pepper, arrived at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in February, their lives upended by the sudden passing of their beloved owner. Known for their playful spirits and love of cuddling, the pair faced an uncertain future. Their owner, in his final days, left a heartfelt note for the shelter staff: “Please keep them together. They need each other.” His words carried the weight of a bond too precious to break.

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, a no-kill shelter in Asheville dedicated to saving thousands of animals annually, embraced the challenge. Led by advocates like Brooke Fornea, the team shared Dutch and Pepper’s story on social media, emphasizing their inseparable nature. Described as “two peas in a pod,” the dogs’ joyful tail wags and cozy snuggles captured hearts across the community. Fornea later shared, “We were determined to honor their owner’s wish and find them a home together.”

On May 7, 2025, hope became reality. A compassionate woman, described by the shelter as a “loving mom,” opened her heart and home to both Dutch and Pepper. By May 9, the shelter shared a joyful update: the dogs were “thriving, snuggling on the bed, and settling into their new life with endless love.”

In Asheville’s tight-knit community, this act of kindness—fulfilling a dying wish—shows how love can bridge loss, ensuring two loyal companions remain side by side, their bond unbroken.

"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

Is your doctor becoming to reliant on AI?

What’s Happening Today?

🎯 Events on September 18, 2025

Event

Time

Location

Notes / Who It’s Good For

Live at Lunch: Peter Lamb / Mark Wells Duo

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Downtown Cary Park, 321 South Academy Street, Cary

Outdoor midday music; good for anyone looking for a relaxed lunch break or family outing. Free.

NC Senior Games Silver Arts State Finals

5:00 PM

Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Avenue, Cary

Senior-oriented arts competition & performance; free to public in the evening. Good for seniors, arts lovers, families.

Still Life Wine Tasting

7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

North Carolina Museum of Art, West Raleigh

For adults / couples. A wine tasting with art.

LaMP (Lincoln Theatre show)

8:30 PM

Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh, NC

Live performance at theatre; good if you like music / intimate shows.

German Beer 101 Class

Time not listed (Thursday evening)

Waverly Place, Cary

A class/tasting event; more adult-oriented.

Coffee Chat with Town of Cary

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Cary, (Town of Cary meeting location)

Public engagement; seniors, community members, etc.

Wake County Board of Commissioners Annual Strategic Retreat

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wake County Office Building

More of a government / civic event; might interest seniors, local citizens.

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!

👇👇👇

If your business event, or restaurant, is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected] 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11