📫 It’s The First Friday | ❄️ Lace Up for the Season | BBQ, Blues & Brews | Cirque Holiday Pops | Oyster Fest 📍

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—Philippians 4:6
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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did Friday go to the gym?
Because it wanted to flex before the weekend! 😄

📍 Trivia 📍

On November 7, 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to a fourth term as President of the United States—an unprecedented event. (You read that right!)

Get ready to jingle all the way at the 2025 Mistletoe Market, happening Wednesday, November 12, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Wakefield High School, located at 2200 Wakefield Pines Drive, Raleigh, NC. This festive holiday market is your one-stop destination for handmade jewelry, stylish clothing, original arts and crafts, seasonal décor, candles, baked goods, and exciting basket raffles—perfect for finding unique gifts or treating yourself to something special.

Admission is $5 per person, and children 12 and under get in free, making it a fun and budget-friendly outing for families, friends, or anyone looking to kick off the holiday season early. With dozens of local artisans and vendors showcasing one-of-a-kind creations, shoppers can wander the bustling hallways, sip a coffee, sample baked goods, and browse for treasures that capture the spirit of the season.

Why go? The Mistletoe Market is more than shopping—it’s a festive experience full of holiday cheer. From sparkling décor to handmade gifts that can’t be found in stores, every booth offers a chance to discover something special. Don’t forget to check out the basket raffles for a little extra excitement! Whether you’re crossing names off your holiday list or just soaking in the seasonal vibes, this Raleigh favorite promises a day of fun, festivity, and fantastic finds.

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It’s The First Friday

On the first Friday of every month, Downtown Raleigh comes alive with color, music, and creative energy. As the sun sets and the city lights flicker on, the streets transform into a gallery without walls—welcoming art lovers, wanderers, and the simply curious to experience First Friday Raleigh, a monthly celebration of the city’s vibrant art scene.

Galleries and studios across downtown open their doors late into the evening, unveiling rotating exhibits, live demonstrations, and artist talks that invite visitors to see art as it’s made—and meet the makers behind it. Venues like Artspace NC on East Davie Street become bustling hubs of inspiration, with open studios, hands-on activities, and the hum of conversation spilling into the sidewalks. Nearby, boutiques and cafés join in, offering special menus, pop-ups, and late-night bites that keep the evening flowing.

Each month feels new—a blend of discovery and community that’s as much about connection as it is about creativity. You might step into a gallery to hear a painter describe their latest work, stumble upon a live band in a courtyard, or find yourself chatting with a stranger about a sculpture that caught your eye.

More than just an art crawl, First Friday is a love letter to Raleigh’s creative spirit—a reminder that art thrives where people gather. It’s free, it’s open to all, and it’s the perfect way to see the city through a more colorful lens. When the next first Friday rolls around, follow the glow of downtown lights and let curiosity be your guide—you’ll find the heart of Raleigh waiting there.

❄️ Lace Up for the Season: Ice Skating at Fenton and Red Hat Amphitheater

The Triangle is ready to glide into the holidays with not one, but two dazzling outdoor ice rinks this winter — and whether you’re a graceful figure-eight skater or more of a “cling-to-the-rail” type, both promise plenty of festive fun.

In Cary, Skate the Square at Fenton officially opens for the season on November 7, 2025, transforming the stylish open-air plaza into a twinkling winter wonderland. Located at 21 Fenton Main Street, the rink offers 75-minute skating sessions for about $18, including skate rental. You can even grab a season pass (around $90) if you plan to make it your go-to hangout all winter long — and with the rink open through February 8, 2026, there’s plenty of time to perfect your spins. Mondays are for bargain hunters, with “Cheapskate Mondays” offering discounted admission, while Tuesdays salute service members and first responders with “Blades & Badges” specials. Expect music, lights, and the joyful chaos of opening night crowds, plus plenty of nearby spots to warm up afterward with cocoa or cocktails.

If you’re up for a little urban sparkle, take the short drive to downtown Raleigh for The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater, where the city’s skyline sets the scene for a picture-perfect skating session. Tickets run around $15 for two hours — skates included — and you’ll find cozy fire pits, festive décor, a snack bar, and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops. This rink feels like a mini winter festival, complete with a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for date nights, family outings, or a spontaneous after-work skate.

Whether you choose the chic vibe of Fenton or the city sparkle of Red Hat, one thing’s certain: it’s time to trade sneakers for skates and embrace the season. Grab your mittens, round up your friends, and hit the ice — because nothing says “holiday spirit” quite like a night under the lights with music, laughter, and a little winter magic.

BBQ Blues & Brews

Get ready for the 10th Annual BBQ, Blues & Brews Festival in downtown Fuquay-Varina on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 12–4 PM at 801 Durham Street. This lively community event serves up delicious BBQ tastings, live blues music, craft beer, and local vendors—all in the heart of downtown.

Admission is free, but to sample BBQ from the competing teams and cast your vote for “People’s Choice,” you’ll need a Tasting Ticket—$23 in advance or $25 on the day of the event. Each ticket includes BBQ samples, a voting ballot, and a raffle entry.

All proceeds support the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening and promoting the downtown community. With over 5,000 attendees expected, it’s not just a day of great food and music—it’s a fundraiser that helps keep Fuquay-Varina’s downtown vibrant and growing. Rain or shine, this is one event you won’t want to miss!

For details or to purchase tickets, visit the official site: fuquay-varinadowntown.com/bbq-blues-and-brews

🎪 Don’t Miss the Magic: Cirque Holiday Pops!

Thanksgiving weekend just got spectacular! Get ready to kick off the holiday season with the perfect mix of high-flying wonder and festive cheer as Cirque Holiday Pops takes the stage. Imagine contortionists, acrobats, and aerial artists twirling 40 feet above the North Carolina Symphony—yes, above it!—while classic holiday tunes fill the air.

It’s a dazzling fusion of music and magic that’ll have you gasping, clapping, and grinning like a kid at their first snowfall. And don’t forget to arrive early—Santa himself will be in the lobby for photos and merry greetings before the show!

🎟️ Tickets are going fast—really fast! Don’t wait until they’re gone.
👉 Get your tickets here!

Raleigh’s First Oyster Fest Makes a Splash!

Get ready to shuck, slurp, and celebrate at the inaugural Rawleigh Oyster Fest, happening Saturday, November 8, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m. at Smoky Hollow (421 N. Harrington St., Raleigh). This first-of-its-kind event brings together six top Raleigh-area chefs and six North Carolina oyster farms for a delicious culinary showdown featuring raw and grilled oysters—and even a surprise like oyster ice cream! Add live music, craft drinks, and a lively coastal vibe, and you’ve got one unforgettable afternoon in the heart of downtown.

But the fun comes with purpose. A portion of the proceeds supports the North Carolina Coastal Federation, dedicated to protecting and restoring the state’s coast, as well as the Frankie Lemmon School, which serves children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. So every oyster you enjoy helps make a positive impact close to home.

Tickets range from general admission to VIP experiences, and they’re already going fast. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Raleigh’s newest tradition—get your tickets here!

A Home, a Future, and Hope

In Ventura County, California, the United Way’s “United to End Homelessness” initiative is quietly transforming lives—one family, one individual, one home at a time. The program provides not just temporary housing, but personalized support and guidance to help people rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Take Thomas Ray’s story. At 33, Thomas had faced months without a stable home. Credit issues, a lack of resources, and personal setbacks left him uncertain about his future. When he connected with United Way’s program in early 2025, his life began to change. He was provided with temporary housing, helped to navigate paperwork and credit challenges, and guided through the process of securing permanent housing. With a stable home, Thomas regained his confidence, returned to college, and is now pursuing a degree in environmental science—dreams that once seemed out of reach.

Thomas is just one of many. In 2025 alone, the program assisted over 240 households, reaching nearly 580 individuals. Case managers work closely with each participant, offering help with budgeting, job connections, and landlord negotiations to ensure that housing is not just a temporary fix, but a long-term solution.

What makes the program truly remarkable is its emphasis on humanity and dignity. Every client is treated as more than a statistic; they are neighbors, community members, and people with hopes and aspirations. As one case manager explains, “It’s not just about providing a roof. It’s about helping someone believe in themselves again.”

Beyond housing, the initiative builds connections with local landlords, churches, and nonprofits to create a support network that sustains participants long after they move in. The program has achieved impressive results, with high rates of housing retention and improved quality of life for countless residents.

The story of Ventura County’s “United to End Homelessness” initiative is a powerful reminder that with compassion, resources, and a community willing to stand beside its most vulnerable members, people can not only survive, but thrive. It’s proof that hope, when nurtured, can become a lasting foundation for a brighter future.

"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

Why do I want to sleep during the day?

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