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Hello friends!

Welcome to the middle of the week—and Happy National Gummy Worm Day! Life is a little sweeter when it's shared, just like a handful of gummy worms and a great community!

Thank you for being part of the Wake News & Events family. I truly appreciate every reader, every click, every share, and every kind word. Your support helps this newsletter continue to grow and connect our community.

If you're enjoying Wake News & Events, I'd love your help! Please tell your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and favorite local businesses about us. Referrals are the sweetest treat of all and help us reach even more people across Wake County.

Now, let's dive into today's local news, events, and everything happening around town. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

When you shop through the Amazon affiliate links featured in our newsletter, a portion of the commission is donated to esophageal cancer research in loving memory of our son, Darren, whom we lost to this devastating disease there years ago.

Thank you for supporting our mission!❤️

—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

Mom to her 3-year-old: "Honey, you need to listen."

Child's response: "My listen is on the charger!"💗

in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Tucked high in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Sapphire is a cool, charming mountain escape that totally lives up to its glittering name. This unincorporated spot in Transylvania County sits at over 3,000 feet, delivering refreshing summers, epic fall colors, and four-season fun just east of Cashiers.

Families have been flocking here since the 1880s for mountain magic and reconnection. Winter sports kicked off in the 1960s, and today Sapphire Valley Resort keeps the good times rolling with events, concerts, and easy access to adventure. Think “Little Switzerland” vibes—waterfalls everywhere, crisp air, and that perfect mix of wild nature and cozy luxury.

Sapphire is playground territory:

Base yourself at Sapphire Valley Resort for cabins, pools, family activities, and shuttle trips to the best spots. Fuel up with tasty bites at Canyon Kitchen, Library Kitchen and Bar, or Mica’s—then grab local brews at Whiteside Brewing.

Real estate sparkles too, with vacation homes and luxury retreats drawing folks who never want to leave.

Sapphire packs big-mountain adventure into a friendly, sparkling package. Whether you’re waterfall hunting, golfing with views, or just chilling in the cool mountain air, this hidden gem delivers nonstop smiles. Pack your sense of adventure and come shine in Sapphire!

Ready to go? Check Discover Jackson NC for the latest events, stays, and trail maps. Your next favorite mountain memory is waiting.

📍📍➡️ Outback Steakhouse gives Senior’s 10% on their bill? ⬅️📍📍

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Wake County is seeing a significant increase in Cyclospora infections as part of a multistate outbreak under investigation. The parasite is commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce.

Symptoms can appear up to two weeks after exposure and may include severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue.

To reduce your risk, wash your hands before preparing food, rinse fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and scrub firm produce with a clean vegetable brush.

If you develop persistent symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

Following the large Fourth of July "Teen Takeover" gatherings in Brier Creek and Glenwood South, Raleigh leaders are considering a citywide curfew for youth ages 17 and under. Police estimate thousands of teens gathered in the two locations, leading to multiple fights, shootings, and arrests. City officials say the proposed curfew is one of several measures being explored to improve public safety while also expanding programs that provide positive opportunities for young people.

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Three Wake County elementary schools are undergoing emergency structural repairs before students return to class this summer and fall. Officials say the issues affect the safe occupancy of the buildings and must be addressed before students can return. The affected schools are Creech Road Elementary in Garner, Davis Drive Elementary in Cary, and Durant Road Elementary in Raleigh. District leaders are working to complete repairs as quickly as possible to minimize any disruption to the upcoming school year.

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A new federal report shows the Wake County Public School System ranked among the lowest-performing districts in North Carolina for completing special education evaluations on time, with just 42.5% meeting required timelines. The report points to ongoing staffing shortages and vacancies as major factors contributing to delays. District leaders say they are working to improve staffing, training, and support services to better meet the needs of students and families.

Read more:

Grab your lawn chair, pack a picnic, and enjoy an evening of live music at the beautiful E. Carroll Joyner Park Amphitheater! ARTS Wake Forest continues to bring the community together with its popular outdoor concert series and cultural events, featuring talented performers, family-friendly entertainment, and a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for summer evenings. It's a wonderful way to enjoy great music while connecting with friends and neighbors.

Learn more about upcoming concerts and events at ARTS Wake Forest:

Date: Wednesday, July 15
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: ZincHouse Winery & Brewery, 6225 Wake Forest Hwy, Durham
Cost: Free admission (food, beverages, and purchases available separately)

Looking for the perfect midweek escape? Head to ZincHouse Winery & Brewery for an evening of live music, delicious food, and laid-back summer vibes! Enjoy live entertainment featuring Courtney Watkins, sip your favorite wine or craft beverage, and satisfy your cravings with gourmet food truck favorites.

Gather your friends, bring your appetite, and unwind under the stars at this unique Wake-Durham area destination. Whether you're planning a date night, a night out with friends, or simply looking for something fun to do, ZincHouse is serving up the perfect blend of music, food, and fun!

Date: Wednesday, July 15
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Jack Smith Park, 9725 Penny Road, Raleigh
Cost: Free

Get ready to kick back and enjoy a perfect summer evening with the Summer Vibes Music Series! The Island Time Band will bring tropical tunes and beach-inspired sounds to Jack Smith Park for a fun-filled night of live music, community, and good vibes.

Date: Thursday, July 16
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Texas Roadhouse, 11440 Capital Blvd., Wake Forest
Cost: Free to attend — donations encouraged

Dinner is about to get a whole lot more meaningful! Join local law enforcement officers for the annual Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, where officers trade their patrol duties for serving tables and helping restaurant guests—all while raising money for Special Olympics North Carolina.

Stop by for a great meal, plenty of smiles, and a chance to support an amazing cause. Every tip collected by participating officers helps provide year-round sports training and opportunities for Special Olympics athletes.

Bring your appetite, your generosity, and your community spirit for a fun night out supporting a great mission!

Business After Hours
📅 Date: Thursday, July 16
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Carolina Brewing Company, Wendell
💲 Cost: Free to attend

Leave the office behind and swap emails for conversations at Business After Hours at Carolina Brewing Company! This casual networking mixer is the perfect opportunity for local professionals, business owners, and community members (21+) to connect, share ideas, and build relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.

Hosted with the local chamber community in mind, this after-work gathering combines great conversation, new connections, and a fun brewery setting. Grab a friend, bring your business cards, and get ready to meet the people who make our community thrive!

Cheers to networking done right!

Front Porch Fridays at Haven Farm
📅 Date: Friday, July 17
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Haven Farm Venue & Shoppe
💲 Cost: Free admission

Kick off your weekend the best way possible at Front Porch Fridays at Haven Farm! This family-friendly evening brings the community together with live music, local artisans, rotating vendors, food trucks, and plenty of farmyard fun.

Bring the whole family and enjoy the relaxed charm of the farm—kids can play on the playground, visitors can meet the resident goats, and everyone can unwind while soaking up the sounds and flavors of the evening.

Whether you're looking for a fun family outing, a chance to support local makers, or simply a peaceful place to enjoy a Friday night, Front Porch Fridays is the perfect way to slow down and savor summer.

Storybook Summer Reading Series
📅 Date: Saturday, July 18
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Location: Popovers Café, Apex
💲 Cost: Free

Grab your little bookworms and start the morning with stories, smiles, and a little café magic at the Storybook Summer Reading Series! This family-friendly event invites children to enjoy a cozy morning storytime and reading session while building a love for books and imagination.

Parents can relax, kids can dream big, and everyone can enjoy a fun community gathering at one of Apex’s favorite spots. It’s the perfect way to add a little adventure to your summer reading journey!

Come hungry for stories and leave with a heart full of memories!

"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)

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