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Hello, friends!

Happy Hump Day, Wake Friends! 🐪✨

It’s Wednesday, and I hope your week is unfolding with purpose, joy, and maybe even a little caffeine-fueled magic.

I wanted to take a quick moment to say thank you for being part of our growing newsletter family—and for sharing such awesome ideas with us! You may have noticed we’ve rolled out a brand-new “Game Feature” this week. Yep, that was YOUR idea—and we’re loving the extra brain boost it brings to our midweek scroll.

Also new: our shiny “Heart & Humanity” section—because the world could always use more good news. We’re highlighting acts of kindness, heartwarming moments, and the everyday heroes among us. Another great suggestion from you, our incredible readers. Keep them coming!

Know someone doing good in Wake County? A story that made you smile? We’d love to feature it—because feel-good news is just as important as everything else.

Make it a great day, Wake—and remember, Friday’s just around the corner!

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

PS: Check out our “NEW” online game feature!

📍Just a quick reminder. We need your referrals. It means the world to us!📍

Here is the referral button so you can refer all your friends!

📧 [email protected]

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill

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Why did Wednesday get promoted?

Because it knows how to get over the hump like a pro! 🐪😄

Blackbeard (Edward Teach) – In 1718, the notorious pirate met his end near Ocracoke Island after a fierce battle with British naval forces. His legend still haunts the shores of the Outer Banks to this day!

1932 – Amelia Earhart Becomes First Woman to Fly Solo Across the Atlantic
Five years after Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart made history by completing the solo transatlantic flight, landing in Northern Ireland after leaving Newfoundland.

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In the misty waters off Ocracoke Island, one of the most infamous figures in pirate lore met his dramatic end—Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach (or Thatch). On November 22, 1718, he was killed in a fierce battle with British naval forces sent from Virginia. His death marked the beginning of the end for the so-called "Golden Age of Piracy"—but his legend still lingers, especially along the coastlines of North Carolina.

Blackbeard wasn’t just your average swashbuckler. Known for weaving slow-burning fuses into his beard and lighting them during battle, he was a master of psychological warfare. With a fleet of ships and a fearsome reputation, he struck terror into the hearts of merchants and sailors up and down the East Coast.

But Blackbeard had a soft spot for North Carolina. He frequently anchored in the shallow inlets of the Outer Banks, especially near Beaufort and Ocracoke, where he found protection from the law—and perhaps made a few friends among local officials willing to look the other way.

In 1718, Governor Alexander Spotswood of Virginia had had enough. He dispatched a small fleet led by Lieutenant Robert Maynard to track down and eliminate Blackbeard. The final showdown took place off Ocracoke Island, where Blackbeard and his men fought ferociously. It took five musket balls and more than twenty sword wounds to bring the pirate down. Legend has it that his head was hung from the bow of Maynard’s ship as a warning to others.

No confirmed treasure has ever been found, but tales of Blackbeard’s buried gold still circulate to this day. Some believe his plunder lies hidden somewhere in North Carolina's coastal marshes. Others think it's long gone—or never existed at all. Either way, it adds to the mystique that continues to draw adventurers and ghost hunters alike.

Blackbeard’s ties to North Carolina are more than just folklore. His presence here helped shape the state’s early reputation as a wild, untamed land of opportunity—and danger. He also left behind a legacy that fuels local tourism, literature, and cultural pride. Today, you’ll find pirate festivals, historical reenactments, and museum exhibits all celebrating his life (and death).

North Carolina owns its pirate past proudly—and Blackbeard remains our most infamous “bad boy” of the high seas.

➡️ For more travel inspiration in NC, follow our spotlight on another hidden gem in North Carolina!

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Two cities in Wake County have been ranked among the top ten best places to live in the United States. Learn More

A hit-and-run crash on New Hope Road in Raleigh sent five people to the hospital Sunday evening, including a child. Police say a car struck another vehicle, flipping it into a yard where it hit three people. The driver fled the scene. All victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities are investigating and asking for tips. Read More

North Carolina state employees and teachers could see pay increases under the new budget proposal released by the NC House. The plan outlines salary bumps aimed at addressing inflation and workforce shortages. Lawmakers say the raises are part of a broader effort to support public workers and strengthen education and government services. The proposal is now under review as budget negotiations continue. Read More

A North Carolina man wasted no time sharing life-changing news with his wife after winning big in the lottery. Rushing home with excitement, he told her about the prize, and the couple is now looking forward to enjoying their unexpected windfall. “We are going to enjoy this,” he said, already dreaming of what’s next. Read More

A North Carolina man fought off and strangled a coyote after it attacked him during a walk. He said he sensed something was watching him just before the animal lunged. Acting quickly to protect himself, he managed to subdue the coyote. Wildlife officials are investigating the incident and urge caution in the area. Read More

June is here, and with it comes sunshine, warm weather, and a full calendar of exciting things to do in our area! Whether you're looking for family-friendly festivals, outdoor concerts, farmers markets, or refreshing ways to cool off, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Local parks are buzzing with activity, trails are perfect for evening strolls, and splash pads and pools offer the perfect escape from the heat. Keep an eye out for special summer events, including movie nights, food truck rodeos, and community celebrations.

It's the perfect time to explore, unwind, and make some great memories close to home. Summer fun has officially begun! Read More and Let the Fun Begin!

For Karen Mitchell of Greenville, North Carolina, this Mother’s Day brought a miracle she never thought possible—reuniting with the son she placed for adoption over 30 years ago, thanks to what she calls a Godwink.

At just 18, Karen made the painful decision to give her newborn son up for adoption, believing it was the best chance for him to have a stable and loving future. Though life moved on, not a day passed without her wondering where he was or what kind of man he had become. Every Mother's Day, she quietly lit a candle in his honor, hoping one day they might meet again.

That long-awaited moment came earlier this year when a mutual friend introduced her to Daniel Reed, a teacher from Charlotte, during a volunteer event. Their easy conversation took an emotional turn as bits and pieces of their stories aligned—birthdates, adoption details, and a shared curiosity. A DNA test confirmed what their hearts already knew: Karen was Daniel’s birth mother.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Karen said through tears. “It was like God tapped us on the shoulder and said, ‘It’s time.’”

Now, the two talk every day, sharing memories, laughs, and building the kind of bond that neither time nor distance could erase. This Sunday, they’ll spend their very first Mother’s Day together in Greenville—grateful, joyful, and overwhelmed by the power of love, timing, and faith.

“Some people call it fate or chance,” Daniel said. “But I know it was a Godwink. A sign that nothing is impossible.”

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Honor and remember our heroes by attending one of these local Memorial Day events:

Be sure to click below to review our “Events Calendar” with over 100 events featured.

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 you love the crisp, clean scent of the forest, Douglas Fir essential oil might just become your new favorite. Extracted from the needles and twigs of the Douglas Fir tree, this essential oil carries a bright, invigorating aroma that instantly transports you to peaceful woodland surroundings.

What Makes Douglas Fir Oil Special?
Douglas Fir essential oil is prized for its refreshing, uplifting scent that blends woody, balsamic, and slightly citrusy notes. It’s often used in aromatherapy to clear the mind, reduce stress, and promote feelings of calm and focus.

Benefits and Uses:

Whether you’re looking to bring a little bit of the great outdoors inside or want a natural way to unwind, Douglas Fir essential oil offers a versatile, refreshing option that’s as comforting as a walk in the woods.

If you’re looking for a local spot that feels like a home away from home, Village Deli & Grill in Wake Forest is the place to be. Since 1996, this charming eatery has been serving up a delicious mix of classic comfort foods and fresh, flavorful dishes — all in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

What makes Village Deli so special? It’s their commitment to quality, community, and great taste. From hearty sandwiches like the famous Turkey & Bacon Club to lighter options like their crisp Mediterranean Salad, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Don’t miss their fan-favorite Avocado Turkey Brie Panini — a perfect blend of creamy brie, ripe avocado, and tender turkey, pressed to perfection.

Village Deli & Grill also takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, supporting area farmers and sustainable practices. This means your meal isn’t just tasty — it’s a nod to our community and environment.

Open from 11 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and Saturdays (with shorter hours on Sunday), it’s easy to stop by for lunch, dinner, or a relaxed weekend bite. Whether you dine in, carry out, or order online, Village Deli offers a welcoming spot for Wake Forest residents and visitors alike.

Next time you’re craving good food and great vibes, make your way to Village Deli & Grill — where every meal feels like a neighborhood gathering.

Comment by Julie M.

“My husband and I eat there once a week and love it!”

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If you have a restaurant you would like us to review and possibly feature, send us a suggestion. We would love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] If we choose to review the restaurant, they will be featured for a week FREE of charge in our newsletter.

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

We love helping you save time and money! Check out today’s local "Store Ads" section from your phone to find the best deals before you head out to the store!

We've worked diligently to curate this list of exceptional savings for you. Please note that offers may vary by location and are subject to change. We recommend contacting your local store to confirm the specific deals available.

If you find a GREAT Senior discount that is not listed, please let us know!